bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constrained Quantile Regression Splines for Ensemble Postprocessing
Authors: Bremnes John Bjørnar 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Statistical postprocessing of ensemble forecasts is widely applied to make reliable probabilistic weather forecasts. Motivated by the fact that nature imposes few restrictions on the shape of forecast distributions, a flexible quantile regression method based on constrained spline functions (CQRS) is proposed and tested on ECMWF Ensemble Prediction System (ENS) wind speed forecasting data at 125 stations in Norway. First, it is demonstrated that constraining quantile functions to be monotone and bounded is preferable. Second, combining an ensemble quantile with the ensemble mean proved to be a good covariate for the respective quantile. Third, CQRS only needs to be applied to about 10 equidistant quantiles, while those between can be obtained by interpolation. A comparison of CQRS versus a mixture model of truncated and lognormal distributions showed slight overall improvements in quantile score (less than 1%), reliability, and to some extent also sharpness. For strong wind speed forecasts the quantile score was improved by up to 4.5% depending on lead time.
Estimating Tropical Cyclone Intensity by Satellite Imagery Utilizing Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Chen Buo-Fu , Chen Boyo , Lin Hsuan-Tien , Elsberry Russell L. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Accurately estimating tropical cyclone (TC) intensity is one of the most critical steps in TC forecasting and disaster warning/management. For over 40 years, the Dvorak technique (and several improved versions) has been applied for estimating TC intensity by forecasters worldwide. However, the operational Dvorak techniques primarily used in various agencies have several deficiencies, such as inherent subjectivity leading to inconsistent intensity estimates within various basins. This collaborative study between meteorologists and data scientists has developed a deep-learning model using satellite imagery to estimate TC intensity. The conventional convolutional neural network (CNN), which is a mature technology for object classification, requires several modifications when being used for directly estimating TC intensity (a regression task). Compared to the Dvorak technique, the CNN model proposed here is objective and consistent among various basins; it has been trained with satellite infrared brightness temperature and microwave rain-rate data from 1097 global TCs during 2003–14 and optimized with data from 188 TCs during 2015–16. This paper also introduces an upgraded version that further improves the accuracy by using additional TC information (i.e., basin, day of year, local time, longitude, and latitude) and applying a postsmoothing procedure. An independent testing dataset of 94 global TCs during 2017 has been used to evaluate the model performance. A root-mean-square intensity difference of 8.39 kt (1 kt ≈ 0.51 m s−1) is achieved relative to the best track intensities. For a subset of 482 samples analyzed with reconnaissance observations, a root-mean-square intensity difference of 8.79 kt is achieved.
Mental practice combined with repetitive task practice to rehabilitate handwriting in children
Authors: Saleem Ghazala T. , Gillen Glen 
Published: March 2019

Background. Handwriting dysfunction contributes to 40% of all school-based referrals to occupational therapy. Empirically based handwriting interventions are needed to remediate the negative effects of handwriting dysfunction on a child’s occupational performance. Purpose. This study examined the effectiveness of mental practice (MP) combined with repetitive task practice (RTP) to rehabilitate handwriting in children. Method. Twenty typically developing first and second graders with impaired handwriting received RTP twice a week for 4 weeks, then engaged in MP combined with RTP for the same duration. Using the Minnesota Handwriting Assessment (MHA), they were assessed across four time points: baseline (1), after RTP (2), after MP combined with RTP (3), and follow-up (4). Findings. Children significantly improved and retained this increase on all variables of MHA ( p < .001) after MP combined with RTP. After RTP, the only significant improvement occurred in handwriting form ( p < .001). Implications. MP may be a potential therapeutic addition to RTP in rehabilitating global handwriting dysfunction.
Thromboprophylaxis for inpatients with advanced cancer in palliative care settings: A systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Cai Runting , Zimmermann Camilla , Krzyzanowska Monika , Granton John , Hannon Breffni 
Published: March 2019

Background: Patients with advanced cancer have an elevated risk of venous thromboembolism. Increasingly, patients are admitted to palliative care settings for brief admissions, with greater numbers of discharges (vs deaths) reported internationally. There is limited guidance around the use of thromboprophylaxis or incidence of venous thromboembolism for these patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to review the use of thromboprophylaxis as well as incidence of venous thromboembolism and bleeding in palliative care units or residential hospices for patients with advanced cancer. Design: A systematic review using Cochrane methods. Data sources: Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched up to 28 September 2018 along with a grey literature search; the reference lists of selected papers were hand-searched. Inclusion criteria were original papers assessing thromboprophylaxis use in palliative care units or residential hospices for adult inpatients with cancer. Two reviewers independently selected and appraised papers using a tool designed for disparate data. Heterogeneity in study design made a meta-analysis not possible. Results: A total of 11 full-text papers (9 quantitative and 2 qualitative) and 11 abstracts were included. Thromboprophylaxis use ranged between 4% and 53%; venous thromboembolism rates between 0.5% and 20%; and bleeding incidence was between 0.01% and 9.8%. Risk assessment tools were used infrequently and adherence to international thromboprophylaxis guidelines ranged between 5% and 71%. Physician opinions differed around the use of thromboprophylaxis; patients were largely accepting of thromboprophylaxis if it was offered. Conclusion: There is limited evidence around the optimal use of thromboprophylaxis for patients with advanced cancer admitted to palliative care settings. Although some patients may derive benefit, further research in this area is warranted.
Clinicians’ perceptions of opioid error–contributing factors in inpatient palliative care services: A qualitative study
Authors: Heneka Nicole , Bhattarai Priyanka , Shaw Tim , Rowett Debra , Lapkin Samuel , Phillips Jane L 
Published: March 2019

Background: Opioid errors are a leading cause of patient harm and adversely impact palliative care inpatients’ pain and symptom management. Yet, the factors contributing to opioid errors in palliative care are poorly understood. Identifying and better understanding the individual and system factors contributing to these errors is required to inform targeted strategies. Objectives: To explore palliative care clinicians’ perceptions of the factors contributing to opioid errors in Australian inpatient palliative care services. Design: A qualitative study using focus groups or semi-structured interviews. Settings: Three specialist palliative care inpatient services in New South Wales, Australia. Participants: Inpatient palliative care clinicians who are involved with, and/or have oversight of, the services’ opioid delivery or quality and safety processes. Methods: Deductive thematic content analysis of the qualitative data. The Yorkshire Contributory Factors Framework was applied to identify error-contributing factors. Findings: A total of 58 clinicians participated in eight focus groups and 20 semi-structured interviews. Nine key error contributory factor domains were identified, including: active failures; task characteristics of opioid preparation; clinician inexperience; sub-optimal skill mix; gaps in support from central functions; the drug preparation environment; and sub-optimal clinical communication. Conclusion: This study identified multiple system-level factors contributing to opioid errors in inpatient palliative care services. Any quality and safety initiatives targeting safe opioid delivery in specialist palliative care services needs to consider the full range of contributing factors, from individual to systems/latent factors, which promote error-causing conditions.
Paris polyphylla 26 triggers G2/M phase arrest and induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells via inhibition of the Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Li Qiang , He Zifan , Liu Jiming , Wu Jianlong , Tan Guixiang , Jiang Jianwei , Su Zexuan , Cao Mingrong 
Published: March 2019

Objectives Paris polyphylla 26 (PP-26) is a monomer purified from Paris polyphylla, which has traditionally been used as an antimicrobial, hemostatic, and anticancer agent in China. The anti-proliferation effect and underlying molecular mechanism of PP-26 were investigated in vitro. Methods The effects of PP-26 on various tumor cells were detected by MTT assay. PP-26-affected cell cycle and cell cycle-related proteins in HepG2 cells were detected by flow cytometry and western blotting, respectively. Apoptosis in response to PP-26 was assessed by Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry. PP-26-affected apoptosis-related proteins and Akt signaling were detected by western blotting. The inhibitory effect of PP-26 on HepG2 cells, when combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), was also assessed. Results PP-26 inhibited proliferation of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner by triggering G2/M-phase arrest. Moreover, PP-26 induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells. Expression levels of apoptosis proteins caspase 9, caspase 3, PARP, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1 were downregulated, while the expression level of apoptosis protein Bax was upregulated. Expression levels of p-Akt, p-GSK-3β, and p-Foxo3 were downregulated. Combination with PP-26 enhanced 5-FU inhibition of HepG2 cell proliferation. Conclusions PP-26 triggers G2/M-phase arrest and induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells via inhibition of the Akt signaling pathway.
Introduction de la méthodologie d’analyse du storytelling en marketing : principes, apports et mise en œuvre
Authors: Chautard Tiphaine , Collin-Lachaud Isabelle 
Published: March 2019

Résumé Cet article a pour objectif de présenter la méthodologie d’analyse du storytelling et de témoigner de sa pertinence pour les recherches en marketing dans une perspective organisationnelle. Si le marketing mobilise différentes approches théoriques du storytelling, sa variante méthodologique reste quant à elle l’usage quasi exclusif des disciplines des sciences de gestion dites organisationnelles, et notamment de la théorie des organisations, dont elle est issue. La variété des objets d’étude et la nature des données disponibles en font pourtant une méthodologie féconde pour l’analyse des données qualitatives en marketing. Elle constitue une voie d’accès aux réalités profondes par l’exploration du symbolisme véhiculé au travers des récits. Son opérationnalisation étape par étape ainsi que ses apports sont illustrés au travers d’une investigation des discours qui prolifèrent dans les organisations. Des recommandations, outils pratiques et un agenda de recherche sont formulés en vue de sa mise en œuvre pour la recherche en marketing dans sa dimension organisationnelle.
Orthodontic burden of care for patients with a cleft lip and/or palate
Authors: Hameed Othman , Amin Nima , Haria Priya , Patel Brijesh , Hay Norman 
Published: March 2019

Background: Patients with a cleft lip and/or palate may require multiple episodes of orthodontic treatment, e.g. before alveolar bone grafting, upper arch alignment, orthodontic camouflage and in combination with orthognathic surgery. There is little published regarding the overall orthodontic burden of care for these patients. Aim: To assess the orthodontic burden of care for patients with a cleft lip and/or palate. Method: Data were collected retrospectively from all consecutive cleft patients who had completed orthodontic treatment between January 2014 and December 2015 at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom. Results: Forty-two patients were included in the study: Twenty-three patients with a cleft lip and palate; nine with an isolated cleft palate; eight with cleft lip and alveolus; and two with cleft lip. The mean age of orthodontic treatment commencement was 13.4 years (range = 8.9–18.2 years) with a mean duration of 3.4 years (range = 1.3–8.3 years). An average of 44 appointments were required with an orthodontist (range = 18–98 appointments). Conclusion: The orthodontic burden of care for patients with cleft lip and/or palate must not be underestimated. The duration of treatment varies depending on the type of cleft diagnosis and whether orthognathic surgery will be required. From this study, a patient with cleft lip and/or palate required an average of 44 orthodontic appointments and a mean duration of treatment of 3.4 years in order to complete their treatment. This is a considerable burden to patients and their guardians, which they must be informed of before commencement of orthodontic treatment.
The quality of Internet information on lingual orthodontics in the English language, with DISCERN and JAMA
Authors: Olkun Hatice Kübra , Demirkaya Arzu Arı , Aras Banu 
Published: March 2019

Objectives: This study investigated the quality of Internet information in the English language about lingual orthodontics. Design: A cross-sectional study Materials and Methods: An Internet search using the keywords ‘lingual orthodontics’, ‘lingual braces’, ‘lingual treatment’ and ‘lingual brackets’ was conducted on the four most popular search engines (Google, Yahoo, Bing and AOL) on 4 February 2017. The first 10 websites for each keyword and search engine were screened. After excluding duplicates and irrelevant websites, the remaining were assessed using the DISCERN tool and JAMA benchmarks. Results: Of the original 160 websites found, 132 were excluded (102 duplicates, 30 unrelated). The authors of the remaining 28 websites were orthodontists (39.2%), professional organisations (21%), unspecified (17.8%), dentists (7.1%), dental hygienists (7.1%) and patients (7.1%). The mean overall DISCERN score for the 28 websites was poor (36.3). Only 1/28 websites met all four principles of JAMA, four websites met three criteria, 10 websites met two criteria and 13 websites met one criterion. Conclusion: Online information on lingual orthodontics was of poor quality; moreover, unbiased and balanced information was rare. Orthodontists should be aware that the average quality of information on the Internet about lingual orthodontics might be inadequate and should direct patients to higher-quality websites.
Comparison of surgical and non-surgical treatments for 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fractures: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Orman Sebastian , Mohamadi Amin , Serino Joseph , Murphy Jordan , Hanna Philip , Weaver Michael J , Dyer George , Nazarian Ara , Keudell Arvind von 
Published: March 2019

Introduction Common treatment strategies for proximal humerus fractures include non-surgical treatment, open reduction internal fixation, hemiarthroplasty, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. There is currently no consensus regarding the superiority of any one surgical strategy. We used network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to determine the most successful treatment for proximal humerus fractures. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fracture treatments. Data extraction included the mean and standard deviation of clinical outcomes (Constant, DASH), adverse events, and additional surgery rates. Standard Mean Difference was used to compare clinical outcome scores, and pooled risk ratios were used to compare adverse events and additional surgeries. Results Eight randomized controlled trials were included for network meta-analysis. Non-surgical treatment was associated with a lower rate of additional surgery and adverse events compared to open reduction internal fixation. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty resulted in fewer adverse events and a better clinical outcome score than hemiarthroplasty. Non-surgical treatment produced similar clinical scores, adverse event rates, and additional surgery rates to hemiarthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Conclusion Non-surgical treatment results in fewer complications and additional surgeries compared to open reduction internal fixation. Preliminary data supports reverse total shoulder arthroplasty over hemiarthroplasty, but more evidence is needed to strengthen this conclusion.
Effects of Polymethylmethacrylate Cement Viscosity and Bone Porosity on Cement Leakage and New Vertebral Fractures After Percutaneous Vertebroplasty: A Prospective Study
Authors: Alhashash Mohamed , Shousha Mootaz , Barakat Ahmed Samir , Boehm Heinrich 
Published: March 2019

Study Design: A prospective randomized study. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of bone cement viscosity as well as of bone porosity on cement leakage during vertebroplasty and to analyze the occurrence of new vertebral fractures after the procedure. Methods: Between April 2012 and December 2013, 60 patients suffering from osteoporotic vertebral fractures underwent vertebroplasty. The patients were randomly assigned into 2 equal groups. High-viscosity cement was used in group A, while low-viscosity cement was used in group B. Patients were followed-up for a minimum of 2 years. Results: Cement leakage occurred in 16 patients in group B (20 vertebral bodies) and in 6 patients in group A (9 vertebral bodies). The difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 2.3, P = .01). Lower T-scores were associated with significantly more cement leakage ( t = 3.338, P = .002 in group A, and t = 4.329, P = .000 in group B). Patients with a T-score worse than −1.8 had a significantly higher risk of cement leakage if low-viscosity cement was used (χ2 = 3.25, P = .05). New vertebral fractures occurred in 14 (23%) patients, after a mean of 6.5 ± 5.5 months, 10 patients in group A and 4 in group B. The difference did not reach the statistical significance level (χ2 = 3.354, P = .067). Patients presenting with multiple fractures had a significantly more number of new vertebral fractures (χ2 = 7.464, P = .006). Conclusions: The clinical outcome of vertebroplasty was not influenced by cement viscosity. However, lower cement viscosity and higher degree of osteoporosis were found to be significant risk factors for cement leakage. Furthermore, the number of vertebral body fractures on presentation was a predictor for the occurrence of new fractures postoperatively.
Single-Level In Vitro Kinematic Comparison of Novel Inline Cervical Interbody Devices With Intervertebral Screw, Anchor, or Blade
Authors: Arnold Paul M. , Cheng Ivan , Harris Jonathan A. , Hussain Mir M. , Zhang Chengmin , Karamian Brian , Bucklen Brandon S. 
Published: March 2019

Study Design: In vitro cadaveric biomechanical study. Objective: To compare the biomechanics of integrated anchor and blade versus traditional screw fixation techniques for interbody fusion. Methods: Fifteen cadaveric cervical spines were divided into 3 equal groups (n = 5). Each spine was tested: intact, after discectomy (simulating an injury model), interbody spacer alone (S), integrated interbody spacer (iSA), and integrated spacer with lateral mass screw and rod fixation (LMS+iS). Each treatment group included integrated spacers with either screw, anchor, or blade integrated spacers. Constructs were tested in flexion-extension (FE), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR) under pure moments (±1.5 N m). Results: Across all 3 planes, the following range of motion trend was observed: Injured > Intact > S > iSA > LMS+iS. In FE and LB, integrated anchor and blade significantly decreased motion compared with intact and injured conditions, before and after supplemental posterior fixation ( P < .05). Comparing tested devices revealed biomechanical equivalence between screw, anchor, and blade fixation methods in all loading modes ( P > .05). Conclusion: All integrated interbody devices reduced intact and injured motion; lateral mass screws and rods further stabilized the single motion segment. Comparing screw, anchor, or bladed integrated anterior cervical discectomy and fusion spacers revealed no significant differences.
Modulable properties of PVA/cellulose fiber composites
Authors: Santi Romina , Cigada Alberto , Del Curto Barbara , Farè Silvia 
Published: March 2019

Purpose: Development of PVA/cellulose fiber composite material with modulable properties, obtained through the increase of reinforcement and heat treatments in order to optimize the composite in terms of mechanical, thermal, and degradation properties. Methods: The composite was designed selecting as matrix an experimental formulation based on water-soluble, biodegradable, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), as reinforcement. Six different formulations, with increasing ratio of MCC content (from 0% to 55% w/w) in PVA, were developed and extruded by a co-rotating twin-screw extruder (TSA FSCM 21/40). Then, samples have been treated through two different thermal conditions (T1, T2) and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, tensile mechanical tests, thermogravimetric analysis, and water degradation tests to investigate, respectively, the influence of MCC ratios and heat treatment on morphological, mechanical, degradation, and thermal properties. Results: The PVA/MCC composite exhibited a good stress–strain behavior as well as a close correlation between MCC content on tensile, thermal, and degradation properties. The second part of the results includes the analysis of the effects that the thermal treatments (T1, T2) had on the composite. In fact, thermal treatments have allowed improving the thermal and water stability as well as a significant improvement in the considered mechanical parameters due to a possible crosslinking of the PVA matrix. Conclusion: The present work shows how the properties of the PVA/MCC composite can become modular with the aim of extending its range of application as a new sustainable solution in the field of consumer products.