bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of GPM Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) Rainfall Products over Italy
Authors: Petracca M. , D’Adderio L. P. , Porcù F. , Vulpiani G. , Sebastianelli S. , Puca S. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The Ka–Ku Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and the Microwave Imager on board the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission core satellite have been collecting data for more than 3 years, providing precipitation products over the globe, including oceans and remote areas where ground-based precipitation measurements are not available. The main objective of this work is to validate the GPM-DPR products over a key climatic region with complex orography such as the Italian territory. The performances of the DPR precipitation rate products are evaluated over an 18-month period (July 2015–December 2016) using both radar and rain gauge data. The ground reference network is composed of 22 weather radars and more than 3000 rain gauges. DPR dual-frequency products generally show better performance with respect to the single-frequency (i.e., Ka- or Ku-band only) products, especially when ground radar data are taken as reference. A sensitivity analysis with respect to season and rainfall intensity is also carried out. It was found that the normal scan (NS) product outperforms the high-sensitivity scan (HS) and matched scan (MS) during the summer season. A deeper analysis is carried out to investigate the larger discrepancies between the DPR-NS product and ground reference data. The most relevant improvement of the DPR products’ performance was found by limiting the comparison to the upscaled radar data with a higher quality index. The resulting scores in comparison with ground radars are mean error (ME) = −0.44 mm h−1, RMSE = 3.57 mm h−1, and fractional standard error (FSE) = 142%, with the POD = 65% and FAR = 1% for rainfall above 0.5 mm h−1.
The Merit‐based Incentive Payment System (MIPS): A Primer for Otolaryngologists
Authors: Rathi Vinay K. , Naunheim Matthew R. , Varvares Mark A. , Holmes Kenneth , Gagliano Nancy , Hartnick Christopher J. 
Published: May 2018

Following passage of the 2015 Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, most clinicians caring for Medicare Part B patients were required to participate in a new value‐based reimbursement system known as the Merit‐based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) beginning in 2017. The MIPS adjusts payment rates to providers based on a composite score of performance across 4 categories: quality, advancing care information, clinical practice improvement activities, and resource use. However, factors such as practice size, setting, informational capabilities, and patient population may pose challenges as otolaryngologists endeavor to adapt to this broad‐reaching payment reform. Given potential barriers to adoption, otolaryngologists should be aware of several important initiatives to help optimize their performance, including advocacy efforts by the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, the development of otolaryngology‐specific MIPS quality measures, and the launch of a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services–qualified otolaryngology clinical data registry to facilitate reporting.
Patient autonomy in home care: Nurses’ relational practices of responsibility
Authors: Jacobs Gaby 
Published: May 2018

Background: Over the last decade, new healthcare policies are transforming healthcare practices towards independent living and self-care of older people and people with a chronic disease or disability within the community. For professional caregivers in home care, such as nurses, this requires a shift from a caring attitude towards the promotion of patient autonomy. Aim: To explore how nurses in home care deal with the transformation towards fostering patient autonomy and self-care. Research design and context: A case study was conducted in a professional development course (‘learning circle’) for home care nurses, including participant observations and focus groups. The theoretical notion of ‘relational agency’ and the moral concept of ‘practices of responsibility’ were used to conduct a narrative analysis on the nurses’ stories about autonomy. Participants: Eight nurses, two coaches and two university lecturers who participated in the learning circle. Ethical considerations: Informed consent was sought at the start of the course and again, at specific moments during the course of the learning circle. Findings: Three main themes were found that expressed the moral demands experienced and negotiated by the nurses: adapting to the person, activating patients’ strengths and collaboration with patients and informal caregivers. Discussion: On a policy and organisational level, the moral discourse on patient autonomy gets intertwined with the instrumental discourse on healthcare budget savings. This is manifested in the ambiguities the nurses face in fostering patient autonomy in their daily home care practice. To support nurses, critical thinking, moral sensitivity and trans-professional working should be part of their professional development. Conclusion: The turn towards autonomy in healthcare raises moral questions about responsibilities for care. Promoting patient autonomy should be a collaborative endeavour and deliberation of patients, professional and informal caregivers together.
Improving the Delivery of Specialized Foster Care Services
Authors: Russell Thomas H. , Silberman Jayne M. 
Published: May 2018

Children in specialized foster care need broadly based, empathetic, and competent help. Yet, service delivery agents assigned to these children are often inexperienced, easily frustrated, and transient. A comprehensive attempt to deal with the workers' problems could yield better care for those whose needs these workers try to meet.
Illuminating the Carolingian era: new discoveries as a result of scientific analyses
Authors: Denoël Charlotte , Roger Puyo Patricia , Brunet Anne-Marie , Siloe Nathalie Poulain 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Comparing information from the ancient texts about the illumination of the manuscripts to the analysis of the components used to create colour in illuminations sheds interesting light. Our research team studied several manuscripts from the Carolingian era issued from different sources including: the Gospels of St Riquier kept in the library of Abbeville (ms. 4), two Theodulphe’s Bibles, (Orléans-Fleury, BnF lat.11937 and BnF lat.9380), the Godescalc Evangelistary (BnF NAL 1203), the Gospels of St Denis (BnF lat.9387) and the Gospels of St Médard de Soissons (BnF lat.8850), the last three from the court of Charlemagne, and all preserved at the French National Library. These most luxurious manuscripts were written and illuminated between the late eighth century and the first quarter of the ninth century. Through non-destructive portable visual and spectrometric analysis, our research team was able to identify the palette of materials used in scripts and illuminations and especially highlighted the amazing use of Egyptian blue in a very specific part of the illumination in the Godescalc Evangelistary. Our team also found that some substitutes including folium had been used instead of Tyrian purple for the decoration and to dye the parchment. These manuscripts, produced at the initiative of various patrons during Charlemagne’s reign, reveal in the light of the material analysis and the reconstitutions’ experiments by professional illuminators their differences and, beyond, the artistic diversity of this very particular period called the Carolingian Renaissance.
Return of fertility after discontinuation of contraception: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Girum Tadele , Wasie Abebaw 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Introduction
Along with increasing availability and utilization of contraception, it is also important to confirm the effects of contraception use on resumption of fertility after discontinuation. However, current evidence on resumption of fertility after contraception use is inconclusive and practical fertility after termination of contraception remains a big concern for women who are using contraception. This fear poses a negative impact on the utilization and continuation of contraception. Therefore, estimating the rate of pregnancy resumption after contraceptive use from the available reports and identifying the associating factors are important for designing a strategy to overcome the problem.

Methods
The review was conducted through a systematic literature search of articles published between 1985 and 2017. Five bibliographic databases and libraries: PubMed/Medline, Global Health Database, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and African Index Medicus were used. After cleaning and sorting, analysis was performed using STATA version 11. The pooled rate of conception was estimated with a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by the I2 and publication bias through funnel plot.

Results
Twenty two studies that enrolled a total of 14,884 women who discontinued contraception were retained for final analysis. The pooled rate of pregnancy was 83.1% (95% CI = 78.2-88%) within the first 12 months of contraceptive discontinuation. It was not significantly different for hormonal methods and IUD users. Similarly the type of progesterone in specific contraception option and duration of oral-contraceptive use do not significantly influence the return of fertility following cessation of contraception. However the effect of parity in the resumption of pregnancy following cessation of contraception was inconclusive.

Conclusion and recommendation
Contraceptive use regardless of its duration and type does not have a negative effect on the ability of women to conceive following termination of use and it doesn’t significantly delay fertility. Therefore, appropriate counseling is important to assure the women to use the methods as to their interest.
Aldolase A promotes proliferation and G1/S transition via the EGFR/MAPK pathway in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Fu Hailu , Gao Huijun , Qi Xiaoyu , Zhao Lei , Wu Donghua , Bai Yuxin , Li Huimin , Liu Xuan , Hu Jun , Shao Shujuan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundOur previous study demonstrated that aldolase A (ALDOA) is overexpressed in clinical human lung squamous cell carcinoma and that ALDOA promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition and tumorigenesis. The present study aimed to explore the function of ALDOA in the modulation of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) proliferation and cell cycle progression and the potential mechanism.MethodsALDOA was knocked down by short hairpin RNA in H520 and H1299 cells. ALDOA was overexpressed with vectors carrying the full‐length ALDOA sequence in H1299 and H157 cells. The proliferation capacities were assessed with immunohistochemical staining, Cell Counting Kit‐8 and colony formation assays. The cell cycle distribution was examined by flow cytometry, and molecular alterations were determined by western blotting. Cell synchronization was induced with nocodazole. The stability of cyclin D1 mRNA was tested. The pyruvate kinase M2 and ALDOA protein distributions were examined. Aerobic glycolysis was evaluated with Cell Titer‐Glo assay, glucose colorimetric assay and lactate colorimetric assay.ResultsALDOA knockdown inhibited the proliferation and G1/S transition in H520 cells. Conversely, ALDOA overexpression promoted the proliferation and G1/S transition in H157 cells. The cell cycle synchronization assay showed that ALDOA expression increased in the G1 phase and G1/S transition. Furthermore, ALDOA knockdown reduced cyclin D1 expression by regulating epidermal growth factor receptor/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (EGFR/MAPK) pathway. Similar results were found in H1299 and H157 cells. The inhibition of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 prompted the nuclear distribution of ALDOA. Additionally, ALDOA knockdown reduced nuclear distribution of PKM2, the extracellular lactate and intracellular adenosine triphosphate concentrations and elevated the extracellular glucose concentration.ConclusionsALDOA contributed to activation of the EGFR/MAPK pathway, thus promoting cyclin D1 expression and enhancing proliferation and G1/S transition in NSCLC. Additionally, ALDOA facilitated NSCLC aerobic glycolysis.
Dynamic nuclear envelope phenotype in rats overexpressing mutated human torsinA protein
Authors: Yu-Taeger Libo , Gaiser Viktoria , Lotzer Larissa , Roenisch Tina , Fabry Benedikt Timo , Stricker-Shaver Janice , Casadei Nicolas , Walter Michael , Schaller Martin , Riess Olaf , Nguyen Huu Phuc , Ott Thomas , Grundmann-Hauser Kathrin 
Published: May 2018

A three-base-pair deletion in the human TOR1A gene is causative for the most common form of primary dystonia, the early-onset dystonia type 1 (DYT1 dystonia). The pathophysiological consequences of this mutation are still unknown.
To study the pathology of the mutant torsinA (TOR1A) protein, we have generated a transgenic rat line that overexpresses the human mutant protein under the control of the human TOR1A promoter. This new animal model was phenotyped with several approaches, including behavioral tests and neuropathological analyses. A motor phenotype and cellular and ultrastructural key features of torsinA pathology were found in this new transgenic rat line supporting that it can be used as a model system for investigating the disease development. Analyses of mutant TOR1A protein expression in various brain regions also showed a dynamic expression pattern and a reversible nuclear envelope pathology. These findings suggest the differential vulnerabilities of distinct neuronal subpopulations. Furthermore the reversibility of the nuclear envelope pathology might be a therapeutic target to treat the disease.
Molecular biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease: progress and prospects
Authors: Lashley Tammaryn , Schott Jonathan M. , Weston Philip , Murray Christina E. , Wellington Henny , Keshavan Ashvini , Foti Sandrine C. , Foiani Martha , Toombs Jamie , Rohrer Jonathan D. , Heslegrave Amanda , Zetterberg Henrik 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT
The neurodegenerative disorder Alzheimer's disease is characterised by the formation of β-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain parenchyma, which cause synapse and neuronal loss. This leads to clinical symptoms, such as progressive memory deficits. Clinically, these pathological changes can be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid and with brain imaging, although reliable blood tests for plaque and tangle pathologies remain to be developed. Plaques and tangles often co-exist with other brain pathologies, including aggregates of transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 and Lewy bodies, but the extent to which these contribute to the severity of Alzheimer's disease is currently unknown. In this ‘At a glance’ article and poster, we summarise the molecular biomarkers that are being developed to detect Alzheimer's disease and its related pathologies. We also highlight the biomarkers that are currently in clinical use and include a critical appraisal of the challenges associated with applying these biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic purposes of Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders, also in their prodromal clinical phases.
Ultrasound-assisted debridement of neuroischaemic diabetic foot ulcers, clinical and microbiological effects: a case series
Authors: Lázaro-Martínez José Luis , Álvaro-Afonso Francisco Javier , García-Álvarez Yolanda , Molines-Barroso Raúl Juan , García-Morales Esther , Sevillano-Fernández David 
Published: May 2018

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of sequential wound debridement in a case series of neuroischaemic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) using an ultrasound-assisted wound debridement (UAW) device. Method: A prospective, single-centre study, involving a case series of 24 neuroischaemic DFUs, was conducted to evaluate sequential wound debridement with UAW during a six-week treatment period. Soft tissue punch biopsies were taken every second week of treatment, both before and after wound debridement sessions. Qualitative and quantitative microbiological analysis was performed and wounds were assessed at patient admission, and before and after each debridement procedure. Results: Wound tissue quality scores improved significantly from a mean score of 2.1±1.3 points at patient inclusion, to 5.3±1.7 points (p=0.001). Mean wound sizes were 4.45cm2 (range: 2–12.25cm2) at week zero, and 2.75cm2 (range: 1.67–10.70cm2) at week six (p=0.04). The mean number of bacterial species per culture determined at week zero and at week six was 2.53±1.55 and 1.90±1.16, respectively (p=0.023). Wound debridement resulted in significant decreases in bacterial counts (1.17, 1.31 and 0.77 log units in colony forming units (CFU) for week zero, three and six, respectively). The average bacterial load in tissue samples before and after wound debridement after the six-week treatment was Log 5.55±0.91CFU/g and Log 4.59±0.89CFU/g, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusions: The study results showed a significant bacterial load reduction in DFU tissue samples as a result of UAW debridement, independent of bacterial species, some of which exhibited antibiotic-resistance. Significant bacterial load reduction was correlated with improved wound conditions and significant reductions of wound size.
Comparison of antimicrobial activity of selected, commercially available wound dressing materials
Authors: Szweda Piotr , Gorczyca Grzegorz , Tylingo Robert 
Published: May 2018

Objective: The aim of our study was to examine the antimicrobial potential of eight selected, commercially available wound dressings containing different antimicrobial agents: silver, chlorhexidine acetate, povidone-iodine, and manuka honey. Method: The materials were tested against four reference strains of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (PCM 2051), Staphylococcus epidermidis (PCM 2118), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and Escherichia coli (K12), using the disc diffusion-like method and a time-killing assay. Results: For both experiments, the highest activity against all four tested strains of bacteria was observed in the case of Mepilex Ag, which contains silver as an antibacterial agent. Incubation for four hours of a 10x10mm2 piece of this material in 10ml cells suspension (concentration: 109–1010CFU/ml) resulted in complete elimination of bacteria of all four strains tested. The same results were obtained for a povidone-iodine containing dressing, Inadine, though its activity was lower in the disc diffusion assay. Silvercel, Aquacel Ag and Melgisorb Ag, which also contain silver, also exhibited a satisfactory level of activity. In the case of Aquacel Ag, 24 hours' incubation resulted in complete elimination of the cells of both Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.The Escherichia coli cells were killed after only four hours' treatment. High effectiveness against Escherichia coli was also demonstrated for Silvercel. However, 24 hours' includation was required for complete elimination of the cells of this bacteria strain. High activity against all tested bacteria, but only in the disc diffusion assay, was observed for Algivon, which contains manuka honey. The Medisorb Silver Pad, containing silver, and Bactigras, which contains chlorhexidine acetate, revealed much lower antimicrobial activity, particularly noticeable in the time-killing assay. In addition, we also tested the anti-staphylococcal activity of a biopolymer material impregnated with lysostaphin. Results revealed that its activity against Staphylococcus aureus was comparable to the most active wound dressings impregnated with silver or inadine. Conclusion: Some important differences in the antimicrobial potential of investigated materials have been found. The presented results could be of interest to clinicians managing wounds.
High dose oral vitamin C and mesenchymal stem cells aid wound healing in a diabetic mouse model
Authors: Chokesuwattanaskul Susama , Sukpat Supakanda , Duangpatra Jatuporn , Buppajarntham Saranya , Decharatanachart Pakanat , Mutirangura Apiwat , Patumraj Suthiluk 
Published: May 2018

Objective: This study sought to determine the effects of oral vitamin C (VitC) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on wound healing in diabetic nude mice. Method: Bilateral, full-skin thickness wounds were created as an in vivo wound model in BALB/C diabetic nude mice. The mice were separated into five groups: control (CON); diabetes mellitus (DM, from a streptozotocin injection); DM treated with MSCs (DM+MSCs); DM treated with VitC (DM+VitC), and DM treated with MSCs and VitC (DM+MSCs+VitC). After wounding, daily oral-feeding of high dose VitC (1.5g/l) was administered, and a single dose of MSCs (1x106 cells) was given topically using matrix gel application to the wounded area. Results: At day seven, the lowest rate of wound healing, in terms of percentage of wound closure, appeared in the DM group, as compared with the CON and all other treatment groups (mean percentage of wound closure and standard deviation), CON=75.94±7.09%; DM=55.65±9.59%; DM+MSCs=78.57±6.46%; DM+VitC=77.52±3.31%; and DM+MSCs+VitC=84.61±2.87%, p≤0.05. At day 14 post-wounding, the combination of oral high dose VitC and MSCs accelerated wound healing (91.44±3.19%, p≤0.05). In addition, the highest capillary density in DM+MSCs+VitC was obtained at 14 days post-wounding (29.49±7.30%, p≤0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the possibility of using oral high dose VitC in adjunct to MSCs to increase angiogenesis and accelerate diabetic wound healing in an animal model. This novel therapeutic approach should be studied further to test if it could be a useful adjunct of existing therapies to prevent infection and amputation in patients with diabetes.
Danza contemporánea y sincronía musicovisual en el videoclip musical actual
Authors: Guarinos-Galán Virginia , Sedeño-Valdellós Ana 
Published: May 2018

El video musical se ha convertido en un catalizador en la escena audiovisual actual, lo que permite localizar tendencias como centro de hibridación entre medios y lenguajes como la música y la danza. Ello le permite generar mensajes emocionalmente significativos para los espectadores. La danza contemporánea ofrece un tipo de performance o puesta en escena especialmente empleada en el videoclip en los últimos años. En el texto se realiza un análisis exploratorio de una muestra de videoclips donde la danza contemporánea es la protagonista y se relacionan con formas de sincronía musicovisual. Se establecen una serie de criterios de análisis aplicables a una muestra intencional y se propone una clasificación en relación al tipo de sincronía que forma. Las resultados permiten diferenciar tres tipos de videoclip según el uso de la danza. Las conclusiones apuntan que este tipo de videoclip prefiere la sincronía kinética y una tipología performance o performance/conceptual, entre otras soluciones visuales.
Modelo IS–LM: Simulación matemática y aplicación en México
Authors: Sánchez–Juárez Isaac 
Published: May 2018

El artículo presenta el procedimiento y resultado de la simulación matemática de políticas fiscales y monetarias a partir del modelo IS-LM, con un enfoque clásico y keynesiano. La intención es demostrar que las actuales políticas macroeconómicas en México se basan en el principio de austeridad presupuestaria y astringencia monetaria, lo que ha favorecido el bajo crecimiento económico, una pobre generación de empleo formal y estabilidad en precios. Las simulaciones se realizaron en Excel para Windows a través de la aplicación de un módulo integrado al programa, conocido como Solver, que permite encontrar soluciones a un sistema de ecuaciones. El resultado obtenido de mayor relevancia es la constatación de que las políticas expansivas en el mundo keynesiano favorecen la producción y el empleo. Esto se contrastó con datos de la economía mexicana, lo que permite proponer un cambio de prioridades en los objetivos y uso de los instrumentos económicos por parte de las autoridades para superar la etapa actual de estabilización ralentizadora y transitar hacia un modelo de dinamismo productivo sostenible.