bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Global Gridded Dataset of the Characteristics of the Rainy And Dry Seasons
Authors: Bombardi Rodrigo J. , Kinter James L. , Frauenfeld Oliver W. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe Rainy and Dry Seasons (RADS) dataset, a new compilation of precipitation statistics available to the public, is described. The dataset contains the dates of onset and demise of the rainy season (one date per year), the duration of the rainy and dry seasons, and the accumulated precipitation during the rainy and dry seasons. The methodology for detecting the characteristics of the rainy season is based solely on precipitation data. RADS was developed from multiple global gridded daily precipitation datasets [Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), 1998–2015; Climate Prediction Center Unified Gauge-Based Analysis of Global Daily Precipitation (CPC_UNI), 1979–present; and Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2), 1980–present] and therefore shares the spatial resolution, temporal range, and limitations of the original precipitation datasets. This is the first free public dataset of the characteristics of the rainy and dry seasons created using a consistent methodology across the globe, including all major monsoonal regions. We expect that the RADS dataset will contribute to our understanding of the sources of variability of the timing of rainy seasons (on local to regional scales) and monsoons (on large scales) and their impacts on water resource management and other aspects of geosciences and human activities.
Representation of Vertical Atmospheric Structures by Radio Occultation Observations in the Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere: Comparison to High-Resolution Radiosonde Profiles
Authors: Zeng Zhen , Sokolovskiy Sergey , Schreiner William S. , Hunt Doug 
Published: February 2019

AbstractGlobal positioning system (GPS) radio occultation (RO) is capable of retrieving vertical profiles of atmospheric parameters with high resolution (<100 m), which can be achieved in spherically symmetric atmosphere. Horizontal inhomogeneity of real atmosphere results in representativeness errors of retrieved profiles. In most cases these errors increase with a decrease of vertical scales of atmospheric structures and may not allow one to fully utilize the physical resolution of RO. Also, GPS RO–retrieved profiles are affected by observational noise of different types, which, in turn, affect the representation of small-scale atmospheric structures. This study investigates the effective resolution and optimal smoothing of GPS RO–retrieved temperature profiles using high-pass filtering and cross correlation with collocated high-resolution radiosondes. The effective resolution is a trade-off between representation of real atmospheric structures and suppression of observational noise, which varies for different latitudes (15°S–75°N) and altitudes (10–27 km). Our results indicate that at low latitudes the effective vertical resolution is about 0.2 km near the tropical tropopause layer and about 0.5 km in the lower stratosphere. The best resolution of 0.1 km is at the cold-point tropical tropopause. The effective resolutions at the midlatitudes are slightly worse than at low latitudes, varying from ~0.2 to 0.6 km. At high latitudes, the effective resolutions change notably with altitude from ~0.2 km at 10–15 km to ~1.4 km at 22–27 km. Our results suggest that the atmospheric inhomogeneity plays an important role in the representation of the vertical atmospheric structures by RO measurements.
Parameter Optimization for Real-World ENSO Forecast in an Intermediate Coupled Model
Authors: Zhao Yuchu , Liu Zhengyu , Zheng Fei , Jin Yishuai 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
We performed parameter estimation in the Zebiak–Cane model for the real-world scenario using the approach of ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) data assimilation and the observational data of sea surface temperature and wind stress analyses. With real-world data assimilation in the coupled model, our study shows that model parameters converge toward stable values. Furthermore, the new parameters improve the real-world ENSO prediction skill, with the skill improved most by the parameter of the highest climate sensitivity (gam2), which controls the strength of anomalous upwelling advection term in the SST equation. The improved prediction skill is found to be contributed mainly by the improvement in the model dynamics, and second by the improvement in the initial field. Finally, geographic-dependent parameter optimization further improves the prediction skill across all the regions. Our study suggests that parameter optimization using ensemble data assimilation may provide an effective strategy to improve climate models and their real-world climate predictions in the future.
Impact of transcranial magnetic stimulation on the symptom profile of major depressive episode
Authors: May Tamara , Pridmore Saxby 
Published: February 2019

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the effects of a four-week course of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on the following symptoms of major depressive episode (MDE): mood, work activities, health concerns, guilt, anxiety and retardation. Method: Patients underwent 20 daily sessions of 10 Hz TMS (two sets of 10 daily treatments separated by two days of rest). The six-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-6) was administered before and after treatment. Remission was operationalised as a HAMD-6 score of <4. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were used to compare pre/post scores on HAMD-6 subscales, and logistic regression was used to understand symptoms that predicted remission/non-remission. Results: There were 104 participants (79 female; 76%), with a mean age of 44.6 years ( SD=15.7 years). There was a significant improvement in the whole sample and in remitters ( n=70) on all subscales. However, those who failed to remit did not achieve significant reductions in ‘health concerns’ and ‘retardation’. There were no difference in age and sex between remitters and non-remitters. Also, there were no significant differences between the remitters and non-remitters on the pretreatment depression symptom profiles. No predictors of response were identified, as expected. Conclusions: TMS has the ability to reduce all listed MDE symptoms. No pretreatment MDE symptom profile was identified which might carry prognostic value.
Te Ara Waiora a Tāne: a kaupapa Māori mental-health assessment and intervention planning approach
Authors: Bush Allister , Campbell Whetu , Ransfield Maire 
Published: February 2019

Objective: The aims of this paper are to describe a Māori approach to assessment and intervention planning using the Māori creation narrative Te Ara a Tāne (The Journey of Tāne) and to outline an evaluation one year after the model was implemented. Conclusions: Te Ara Waiora a Tāne is a kaupapa Māori (Māori-centred) mental-health engagement, assessment, goal setting and planning approach designed to enhance the mana (spiritual and personal authority) of whānau (individuals and family/families) at the point they enter a Māori service and during ongoing mental-health work. Preliminary evaluation indicated that staff considered the model user-friendly and helpful for whānau. Further evaluation is needed to assess the impact of this approach on Māori whānau engagement with services.
PAK1 Expression in Pancreatic Cancer: Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognostic Significance
Authors: Symeonidis Nikolaos , Lambropoulou Maria , Pavlidis Efstathios , Anagnostopoulos Constantinos , Tsaroucha Alexandra , Kotini Athanasia , Nikolaidou Christina , Kiziridou Anastasia , Simopoulos Constantinos 
Published: February 2019

Background: Improvement of the management of pancreatic cancer requires a better understanding of the genetic and molecular changes responsible for the development of the disease. The family of p21-activated kinases (PAKs) and especially PAK1 appears to mediate many cellular processes that contribute to the development and progression of pancreatic cancer, but the clinical relevance of PAK1 expression with the disease still remains unclear. Aim of the study was to assess the clinical value and the potential prognostic significance of PAK1 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Methods: We investigated the relationship between the PAK1 expression and the clinical and histopathologic characteristics of pancreatic cancer patients and the potential significance of PAK1 on survival. We examined tissue samples from 51 patients operated for pancreatic cancer. PAK1 expression was investigated with immunohistochemistry and correlated to clinicopathological parameters. Results: PAK1 was detected in all tumor samples and high expression was found in most patients. High PAK1 expression was also associated with younger age and well-differentiated tumors, but no association was found between PAK1 expression and Tumor-Node-Metastasis stage as well as deceased or alive status on follow-up. Moderate to high PAK1 expression favored higher 6-month and 1-year survival and low PAK1 expression 2-year survival but without statistical significance. Conclusions Our results indicate that PAK1 could potentially be used as a prognostic marker in pancreatic cancer. Further studies could clarify whether utilization of PAK1 in therapeutic protocols for the treatment of pancreatic cancer will render them more effective.
Surgery for Supratentorial Spontaneous Intracerebral Haemorrhage: A Retrospective Analysis from a Hospital-based Stroke Register
Authors: Menon Girish , Hegde Ajay , IK Lakshman , Nair Rajesh 
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) constitutes about 5% to 20% of all strokes. Surgery for ICH has always been controversial with conflicting opinions. While multiple trials have doubted the positive effect of surgery in supratentorial ICH, it is now increasingly practiced across the world. The present study attempts to study outcome predictors following surgical evacuation for supratentorial ICH. Methodology: This is a retrospective analysis from a prospective ICH register on all patients who underwent surgical evacuation for supratentorial ICH between January 2015 and December 2017. Preoperative variables and postoperative complications were analyzed. The outcome was measured by the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge and 3 months. Results: Our study group of 94 patients included 78 capsuloganglionic, 13 lobar, and 3 thalamic hematomas. The mean age of the study cohort was 52.72 ± 12.2 years with an overall male preponderance. Major comorbidities included hypertension in 55 (58.5%) and diabetes mellitus in 17 (18.1%). The median preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was 9 and the mean hematoma volume was 49.32 ± 19.01 ml. Standard craniotomy and clot evacuation were done in 61 patients, whereas 33 patients underwent decompressive craniectomy with hematoma evacuation and expansile duroplasty. Majority of the patients (60/94) underwent surgical evacuation within 6 to 24 hours. Residual bleed was seen in 25 patients (34.4%) and rebleed occurred in 9 patients. Major complications included ventilator-assisted pneumonia (35.1%), meningitis (18.1%), and septicaemia (12.8%). Our overall surgical mortality was 31/94 (32.9%) and the median GCS at discharge was 11.5. Median mRS was 5 and 4 at discharge and 90 days, respectively. Age, GCS < 8, and rebleed were independent predictors of mortality in surgically operated patients ( P < .05). Nondominant hemispheric clots and lobar hematoma carry better long-term outcomes ( P < .05). The type, timing of surgery, and sex did not have a significant influence on the outcome. Conclusion: Surgical evacuation of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage helps in significantly reducing mortality for younger patients with a preoperative GCS > 8 and clot volumes between 20 and 40 ml. Lobar hematoma carries better long-term outcomes and rebleeding affects outcomes adversely. More studies in future are required to redefine surgical indications.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: CircPSMC3 suppresses the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer by acting as a competitive endogenous RNA through sponging miR-296-5p
Authors: Rong Dawei , Lu Chen , Zhang Betty , Fu Kai , Zhao Shuli , Tang Weiwei , Cao Hongyong 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs with a loop structure, but its functions remain largely unknown. Growing evidence has revealed that circRNAs play a striking role as functional RNAs in the progression of malignant disease. However, the precise role of circRNAs in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear.

Methods
CircRNAs were determined by human circRNA array analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase reaction. Luciferase reporter, RNA pull down, and fluorescence in situ hybridization assays were employed to test the interaction between circPSMC3 and miR-296-5p. Ectopic over-expression and siRNA-mediated knockdown of circPSMC3, proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro, and in vivo experiment of metastasis were used to evaluate the function of circPSMC3.

Results
CircPSMC3 rather than liner PSMC3 mRNA was down-regulated in GC tissues, corresponding plasmas from GC patients as well as GC cell lines compared to normal controls. Lower circPSMC3 expression in GC patients was correlated with higher TNM stage and shorter overall survival. Over-expression of circPSMC3 and miR-296-5p inhibitor could inhibit the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer cells in vivo and vitro whereas co-transfection of circPSMC3 and miRNA-296-5p could counteract this effect. Importantly, we demonstrated that circPSMC3 could act as a sponge of miR-296-5p to regulate the expression of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN), and further suppress the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer cells.

Conclusion
Our study reveals that circPSMC3 can serve as a novel potential circulating biomarker for detection of GC. CircPSMC3 participates in progression of gastric cancer by sponging miRNA-296-5p with PTEN, providing a new insight into the treatment of gastric cancer.
Spatially averaged coherencies (krSPAC) and Rayleigh effective-mode modeling of microtremor data from asymmetric arrays
Authors: Asten Michael W. , Stephenson William J. , Hartzell Stephen 
Published: February 2019

The spatial autocorrelation and spatially averaged coherency (SPAC) methods of processing Rayleigh-wave microtremor noise observations for estimation of S-wave velocity profiles traditionally require a circular or triangular array symmetry to allow spatial (azimuthal) averaging of interstation coherencies over a constant station separation. Common processing methods allow for station separations to vary by typically [Formula: see text] in the azimuthal averaging before degradation of the SPAC spectrum is excessive. Transformation of a set of frequency-coherency spectra to wavenumber-coherency spectra (kr spectra) allows spatial averaging of spectra from multiple pairs of sensors irrespective of differences in spatial separation of the pairs. The method is called krSPAC and is implemented by iterative direct fitting of observed and model kr spectra to determine an optimal layered-earth S-wave velocity model. The observed kr spectra are updated with each iteration of the velocity model because the wavenumber is a function of model phase velocity that varies with each iteration of the modeling process. The method proves applicable when modeling either with the assumption of fundamental mode Rayleigh-wave propagation or with a summation of fundamental and higher modes. The method proves robust when compared with alternative methodologies using symmetric and asymmetric arrays on a sample of synthetic data and on field data in which station spacings vary from 70 to 800 m side lengths.
Neural stem cells: origin, heterogeneity and regulation in the adult mammalian brain
Authors: Obernier Kirsten , Alvarez-Buylla Arturo 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACT
In the adult rodent brain, neural stem cells (NSCs) persist in the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) and the subgranular zone (SGZ), which are specialized niches in which young neurons for the olfactory bulb (OB) and hippocampus, respectively, are generated. Recent studies have significantly modified earlier views on the mechanisms of NSC self-renewal and neurogenesis in the adult brain. Here, we discuss the molecular control, heterogeneity, regional specification and cell division modes of V-SVZ NSCs, and draw comparisons with NSCs in the SGZ. We highlight how V-SVZ NSCs are regulated by local signals from their immediate neighbors, as well as by neurotransmitters and factors that are secreted by distant neurons, the choroid plexus and vasculature. We also review recent advances in single cell RNA analyses that reveal the complexity of adult neurogenesis. These findings set the stage for a better understanding of adult neurogenesis, a process that one day may inspire new approaches to brain repair.
A primary inferior lumbar hernia misdiagnosed as a lipoma
Authors: Kadler B , Shetye A , Patten DK , Al-Nowfal A 
Published: February 2019

Lumbar hernias can be superior (Grynfelt) and inferior (Petit). Inferior lumbar hernias are extremely rare and, therefore, are associated with diagnostic difficulty. We present a case of a primary spontaneous inferior lumbar hernia in a 79-year-old woman that was initially diagnosed as a large lipoma on ultrasound. The first operation was abandoned and an open mesh repair was conducted. Lumbar hernias can be primary acquired (55%), secondary acquired (25%) or congenital (20%). Cross-sectional imaging by CT or MRI appears to be the gold standard in diagnosis as ultrasound may lead to misdiagnosis. Strangulation, incarceration and obstruction are recognised complications, requiring prompt surgical intervention. There are currently no guidelines for surgical managements, although laparoscopic surgery may give the best results. In view of the scarcity of published cases, we aim to add to the literature to raise the index of suspicion and to promote prompt surgical management of lumbar hernias.
Shallow water sponges that associated to mangrove ecosystem at Labuhan conservation area in Sepulu, Bangkalan, Madura, East Java Province
Authors: Setiawan Edwin , Muzaki Farid Kamal , Ashuri Nova Maulidina 
Published: February 2019

Sponges (Porifera) are benthic sessile animals that have an important role in coastal ecosystems. Mangrove habitat is an example of a coastal ecosystem that can be inhabited by sponges. Research diversity on shallow water sponges in mangrove areas in Indonesia or even large scale such as the Indo-Pacific area are still relatively underestimated because of an extreme difference tidal factors. For this reason, we aimed to research a diversity of shallow water sponges in mangrove Indonesia, especially in East Java Province to enrich and inform additional data on its biodiversity. Research on shallow water sponges in mangrove was conducted from June 2017 to January 2018 at two stations located on the coast of Labuhan Village, Sepulu District, Bangkalan Regency, Madura - East Java. Mangrove areas are consisted of Sonneratiaarea in the west (B) and Rhizophoramangroves in the east (R). There were six sponge genera identified, namely Spongia, Dysisdea, Lendelfedia, Dactylospongia, Cynachyrellaand one unidentified genus. Sonneratiamangrove was inhabited by of five genera sponges, whereas Rhizoporamangrove was inhabited only by one genus
Statin use and histopathological change in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rattanachaisit Pakkapon , Susantitaphong Paweena , Thanapirom Kessarin , Chaiteerakij Roongruedee , Komolmit Piyawat , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Treeprasertsuk Sombat 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the major causes of chronic liver disease. The primary treatment of NAFLD by statins has not been clearly elucidated.

Objectives
To evaluate the effectiveness of statin use in patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis on the change in liver histology.

Methods
We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for clinical trials and observational studies investigating the effects of statins on histological change regardless of type or dosage from inception to December 2015. Random-effect model meta-analyses were used to compute changes in outcomes of interest. The study protocol was registered in advance with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO 2016 CRD42016033132).

Results
We identified 6 studies (111 patients), representing 5 cohort studies and 1 randomized controlled clinical trial. There was significant decrease in steatosis grading with a standardized mean difference of –2.580 (95% confidence interval [CI] –4.623 to –0.536; P = 0.013) and NAFLD activity score standardized mean difference of –1.488 (95% CI –2.506 to –0.471; P = 0.004). However, there was no significant change in fibrosis stage (0.156; 95% CI –0.553 to 0.865; P = 0.667).

Conclusions
Statin use can possibly reduce the extent of steatohepatitis but not the stage of fibrosis. Further randomized controlled studies to assess histological evidence with adequate sample size and duration are required in order to establish the role of statin as a primary treatment of NAFLD.
Ki-67 status in patients with primary breast cancer and its relationship with other prognostic factors
Authors: Kermani Touraj Asvadi , Kermani Iraj Asvadi , Faham Zhaleh , Dolatkhah Roya 
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women and is the second most common cause of fatality in patients with cancer in the world. Cell proliferation plays an important role in the clinical behavior of invasive BC. We aimed to assess the status of Ki-67 in patients with primary breast cancer and evaluate the association of this tumor marker with other clinico-pathologic and prognostic factors.
Methods: The current study recruited 220 patients with primary BC admitted to the oncology clinic of the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. We evaluated Ki-67 IHC slides and reported the Ki-67 status and its relationship with other prognostic factors in breast cancer patients. Among 220 patients, 63.3% developed grade 2 tumors, and 63.8% were younger than 50-year-olds. 117 cases (53%) were Ki-67 positive with more than 1% tumor nuclei stained, and 53 cases (24%) had tumors with more than 15% of Ki-67 expression.
Results: There was no correlation between Ki-67 and patient's age (Spearman rho = 0.375, tau Kendall = 0.374), tumor size (Spearman rho = 0.558, tau Kendall = 0.548) and grade (Spearman rho = 0.570, tau Kendall = 0.568), however, there was a marginally significant relationship between lymph node status and Ki-67 expression (Spearman rho = 0.077, tau Kendall = 0.079). Based on the Mann -Whitney test, there was a significant correlation between the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) with Ki-67.
Conclusion: A reliable estimation of different prognostic factors in BC patients is required for the selection of an optimal therapeutic strategy. The attention has been focused on the markers of tumor biology.