bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the GPCP 1DD Precipitation Product and NEXRAD Q2 Precipitation Estimates over the Continental United States
Authors: Cui Wenjun , Dong Xiquan , Xi Baike , Stenz Ronald 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
This study compares the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) 1 Degree Daily (1DD) precipitation estimates over the continental United States (CONUS) with National Mosaic and Multi-Sensor Quantitative Precipitation Estimation (NMQ) Next Generation (Q2) estimates. Spatial averages of monthly and yearly accumulated precipitation were computed based on daily estimates from six selected regions during the period 2010–12. Both Q2 and GPCP daily precipitation estimates show that precipitation amounts over southern regions (&lt;40°N) are generally larger than northern regions (≥40°N). Correlation coefficients for daily estimates over selected regions range from 0.355 to 0.516 with mean differences (GPCP − Q2) varying from −0.86 to 0.99 mm. Better agreements are found in monthly estimates with the correlations varying from 0.635 to 0.787. For spatially averaged precipitation values averaged from grid boxes within selected regions, GPCP and Q2 estimates are well correlated, especially for monthly accumulated precipitation, with strong correlations ranging from 0.903 to 0.954. The comparisons between two datasets are also conducted for warm (April–September) and cold (October–March) seasons. During the warm season, GPCP estimates are 9.7% less than Q2 estimates, while during the cold season GPCP estimates exceed Q2 estimates by 6.9%. For precipitation over the CONUS, although annual means are close (978.54 for Q2 vs 941.79 mm for GPCP), Q2 estimates are much larger than GPCP over the central and southern United States and less than GPCP estimates in the northeastern United States. These results suggest that Q2 may have difficulties accurately estimating heavy rain and snow events, while GPCP may have an inability to capture some intense precipitation events, which warrants further investigation.
Detection of Melanoma Cancer Biomarker Dimethyl Disulfide Using Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy at 266 nm
Authors: Wang Zhennan , Sun Meixiu , Wang Chuji 
Published: April 2016

Skin cells emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and some of them can be used as biomarkers for screening specific diseases. Dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) has been recently reported as a biomarker of melanoma skin cancer (Kwak et al. “Volatile Biomarkers from Human Melanoma Cells”. J. Chromatogr. B. 2013. 931: 90–96.). With the motivation of diagnosing melanoma using DMDS as its biomarker, we explore the potential of measuring DMDS using an advanced laser spectroscopic technique as an alternative method. We report on the first DMDS measurements using an experimental system based on cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS). The test samples were mixtures of DMDS vapor and nitrogen in different concentrations. Two sampling methods were investigated to dilute the DMDS sample to low concentrations for ringdown measurements. The results showed that the ringdown system responded to various DMDS concentrations linearly and a theoretical detection limit of sub-ppb (parts per billion) could be achieved at the absorption wavelength of 266 nm. This ringdown system exhibited a high dynamic range for DMDS measurements, from ppm (parts per million) to ppt (parts per trillion) levels, given different laser wavelengths used. The feasibility of developing a portable melanoma screening sensor using the CRDS technique was also demonstrated in this study.
Perception of family emotional climate by family members of persons with schizophrenia
Authors: Gandhi Sailaxmi , Pavalur Rajitha , Thirthalli Jagadisha , Phillip Mariamma 
Published: April 2016

Background: There is a dearth of instruments to assess schizophrenia persons’ Family Emotional Climate (FEC). Aim: This study aims to explore the relation between family members’ personality traits and FEC. Methods: We invited a convenience sample of 50 both gender family members who were accompanying the person with schizophrenia for out-patient department (OPD) consultation to provide data on a socio-demographic proforma and the researcher prepared ‘ Emotional climate assessment questionnaire – caregivers’ version’ (ECAQ-C) as well as the Eysenck personality questionnaire. Results: Caregivers’ extroversion traits ( r = .427, p = .002) were positively correlated and neuroticism traits were negatively correlated ( r = −.330, p = .019) with their positive perception of FEC. There was a higher perception of positive FEC (mean scores = 65.5 ± 10.5) while caregivers seemed to perceive less negative FEC (mean scores = 36.5 ± 10.2). Caregivers with education above 11th std perceived less (χ2 = 8.6, p = .013) of negative FEC. Conclusion: The findings highlight that caregivers’ personality traits seem to influence the FEC. While caregivers’ perception of FEC is positive in this study, those in the higher education group seem to have a better perception of FEC indicating that education also may influence FEC.
Development and Validation of the Family Feedback on Child Welfare Services (FF-CWS)
Authors: Ayala-Nunes Lara , Jiménez Lucía , Hidalgo Victoria , Deković Maja , Jesus Saul 
Published: April 2016

Objective: The measurement of Family Feedback on Child Welfare Services (FF-CWS) is gaining prominence as an efficacy indicator and is coherent with concerns about family-centered practice and empowerment. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an instrument that would overcome the scarcity of psychometrically sound measures in this field. Methods: Following item construction and selection, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses with a sample of 263 Spanish (52%) and Portuguese (48%) caregivers of children involved with CWS were conducted. Results: Three subscales were identified: Intervention Efficacy, Perception of Workers, and Satisfaction with the Intervention Process. In general, all dimensions showed good reliability, convergent, and criterion-related validity results. Multigroup analyses confirmed measurement invariance for both countries. Conclusions: The FF-CWS Questionnaire is a brief self-report measure that can be a useful assessment tool to frontline practitioners, agency managers, and policy makers for program evaluation and planning.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for the Treatment of Primary and Metastatic Spinal Sarcomas
Authors: Miller Jacob A. , Balagamwala Ehsan H. , Angelov Lilyana , Suh John H. , Djemil Toufik , Magnelli Anthony , Qi Peng , Zhuang Tingliang , Godley Andrew , Chao Samuel T. 
Published: April 2016

Purpose: Despite advancements in local and systemic therapy, metastasis remains common in the natural history of sarcomas. Unfortunately, such metastases are the most significant source of morbidity and mortality in this heterogeneous disease. As a classically radioresistant histology, stereotactic radiosurgery has emerged to control spinal sarcomas and provide palliation. However, there is a lack of data regarding pain relief and relapse following stereotactic radiosurgery. Methods: We queried a retrospective institutional database of patients who underwent spine stereotactic radiosurgery for primary and metastatic sarcomas. The primary outcome was pain relief following stereotactic radiosurgery. Secondary outcomes included progression of pain, radiographic failure, and development of toxicities following treatment. Results: Forty treatment sites were eligible for inclusion; the median prescription dose was 16 Gy in a single fraction. Median time to radiographic failure was 14 months. At 6 and 12 months, radiographic control was 63% and 51%, respectively. Among patients presenting with pain, median time to pain relief was 1 month. Actuarial pain relief at 6 months was 82%. Median time to pain progression was 10 months; at 12 months, actuarial pain progression was 51%. Following multivariate analysis, presence of neurologic deficit at consult (hazard ratio: 2.48, P < .01) and presence of extraspinal bone metastases (hazard ratio: 2.83, P < .01) were associated with pain relief. Greater pain at consult (hazard ratio: 1.92, P < .01), prior radiotherapy (hazard ratio: 4.65, P = .02), and greater number of irradiated vertebral levels were associated with pain progression. Conclusions: Local treatment of spinal sarcomas has remained a challenge for decades, with poor rates of local control and limited pain relief following conventional radiotherapy. In this series, pain relief was achieved in 82% of treatments at 6 months, with half of patients experiencing pain progression by 12 months. Given minimal toxicity and suboptimal pain control at 12 months, dose escalation beyond 16 Gy is warranted.
Capturing extracellular matrix properties in vitro: Microengineering materials to decipher cell and tissue level processes
Authors: Abdeen Amr A , Lee Junmin , Kilian Kristopher A 
Published: April 2016

Rapid advances in biology have led to the establishment of new fields with tremendous translational potential including regenerative medicine and immunoengineering. One commonality to these fields is the need to extract cells for manipulation in vitro; however, results obtained in laboratory cell culture will often differ widely from observations made in vivo. To more closely emulate native cell biology in the laboratory, designer engineered environments have proved a successful methodology to decipher the properties of the extracellular matrix that govern cellular decision making. Here, we present an overview of matrix properties that affect cell behavior, strategies for recapitulating important parameters in vitro, and examples of how these properties can affect cell and tissue level processes, with emphasis on leveraging these tools for immunoengineering.
Repeated Episodes of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning for the Prevention of Myocardial Injury in Vascular Surgery
Authors: Thomas Kate N. , Cotter James D. , Williams Michael J. A. , van Rij André M. 
Published: April 2016

Objectives: Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) involves the phenomenon whereby transient episodes of limb ischemia induced by cuff inflation provide cardioprotection. The effectiveness of RIPC in vascular surgery is uncertain. This randomized, controlled trial was designed to investigate the potential of two episodes of RIPC to provide myocardial protection in patients undergoing vascular surgery. Design and Methods: Patients undergoing an elective major vascular procedure (open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, endovascular aneurysm repair, and lower-limb bypass grafting) were randomized into RIPC group (n = 42) or control group (n = 43). Remote ischemic preconditioning consisted of three 5-minute cycles of upper limb cuff occlusion with 5-minutes of reperfusion between cycles, both 24 hours and immediately before surgery. Control patients received a similarly timed sham treatment. Cardiac high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) concentration was measured in plasma at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post-surgery, and at 72, 96, and 120 hours in patients still in hospital. Perioperative clinical adverse events and readmissions within ∼12 months were recorded. Results: Myocardial injury was demonstrated perioperatively in 43% of RIPC patients and 49% of controls, as defined by a significant hsTnT elevation. These incidences were statistically equivalent (odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.33-1.85, P = .58). The 48-hour area under the curve for hsTnT change from baseline also revealed no difference (RIPC vs control median: 5.3 vs 7.5 ng/L.h, P = .22). Each group had one type I and one type II myocardial infarction and no difference in complications or readmissions. Conclusions: This trial could not confirm that two episodes of RIPC reduce myocardial injury following vascular surgery. Along with other equivocal studies, it appears that RIPC does not induce a clear benefit in vascular surgery.
Repair Potential of Matrix-Induced Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate and Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation for Talar Osteochondral Repair
Authors: Desando Giovanna , Bartolotti Isabella , Vannini Francesca , Cavallo Carola , Castagnini Francesco , Buda Roberto , Giannini Sandro , Mosca Massimiliano , Mariani Erminia , Grigolo Brunella 
Published: April 2016

Objective The low regenerative potential of cartilage contributed to the development of different cell therapies aimed to improve the clinical outcome in young patients with Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus (OLT). This study is designed to assess the regenerative potential of autologous matrix-induced Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (mBMAC) and matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (mACI) evaluating, on a small number of osteochondral biopsies, the expression of some catabolic, inflammatory, and pain mediators. Design Twenty-two patients with OLT were analyzed in this study; 7 were treated with mACI and 15 with mBMAC. Informed consent was obtained from all the patients. Clinical assessments were performed pre-operatively and at 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). Histology and immunohistochemistry were used to assess cartilage repair at 24 months. Data were analyzed using non-parametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and Spearman tests. Results A remarkable improvement in AOFAS score was noticed for both treatments up to 36 months; however, patients treated with mACI reported the best AOFAS score. Various degrees of tissue remodeling were observed by histological analysis for both cell strategies. However, mBMAC treatment showed a higher expression of some fibrous and hypertrophic markers compared to mACI group. A mild positivity for nerve growth factor, as pain mediator, was noticed for both treatments.M Conclusions Our findings demonstrated the best histological and clinical results following mACI treatment since different fibrotic and hypertrophic features were evident in the mBMAC group at 24-month follow-up.
The two-wavelength laser cleaning methodology; theoretical background and examples from its application on CH objects and monuments with emphasis to the Athens Acropolis sculptures
Authors: Pouli Paraskevi , Papakonstantinou Evi , Frantzikinaki Katerina , Panou Anastasia , Frantzi Giasemi , Vasiliadis Costantinos , Fotakis Costas 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The two-wavelength laser cleaning methodology has been introduced and developed in order to meet demanding cleaning challenges in CH. The innovation lies on the combined use of two laser beams, allowing thus control of the laser ablation effective regimes towards an efficient and safe cleaning result. A series of studies on technical samples and real fragments aimed at defining and refining this methodology in order to ensure that the original surface, including its details and historic traces, will be safeguarded. In this paper related research and applications will be presented in an attempt to enlighten the associated laser ablation processes, as well as the potential cleaning applications in CH field. Laser-assisted removal of pollution accumulations from the Athens Acropolis monuments and sculptures is a unique highlight on the use of this methodology in practice. IESL-FORTH in collaboration with the Acropolis Restoration Service and the Acropolis Museum has developed an innovative cleaning methodology and a prototype laser cleaning system, which since 2002 have been introduced to the everyday conservation practice and will be presented in this paper.
Childhood Cancer Mortality in India: Direct Estimates From a Nationally Representative Survey of Childhood Deaths
Authors: Gupta Sumit , Morris Shaun K. , Suraweera Wilson , Aleksandrowicz Lukasz , Dikshit Rajesh , Jha Prabhat 
Published: April 2016

Purpose Although most children with cancer live in low- and middle-income countries, measurements of childhood cancer burden in such countries have been restricted to incidence rates from a few subnational cancer registries and mortality rates from vital statistics. We aimed to provide alternative burden estimates by using nationally representative longitudinal survey–derived mortality rates. Methods We examined cancer deaths in childhood (1 month to 14 years of age) in the Million Death Study, a cohort of > 27,000 pediatric deaths in India on the basis of enhanced verbal autopsies. All deaths potentially due to childhood cancer were identified. Two pediatric specialists independently categorized deaths as definite, probable, possible, or unlikely cancer related. From definite and probable deaths, we estimated national and regional mortality rates attributable to childhood malignancies. Data on symptoms and health care–seeking behavior were abstracted from closed-ended questions and caregiver narratives. Results Of 700 included deaths, 189 were classified as definite or possibly cancer related. The κ-statistic between reviewers was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.71 to 0.78). From these deaths, we estimated that in 2010, 13,700 were a result of childhood cancer in India, which led to a mortality rate of 37 (95% CI, 31 to 42) per million population per year, which exceeds many prior estimates of mortality and even some estimates of incidence. Disparities between mortality estimates were widest in northeast India and for brain tumors. A preponderance of male deaths was seen (male:female ratio, 1.6:1). Conclusion The burden of childhood cancer in India is substantially higher than previously suggested. This information will aid advocacy for national strategies aimed at improving outcomes for Indian children with cancer.
Το κοινωνικό περιεχόμενο των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων στη θεωρία της ηθικής και της οικονομίας του Amartya Sen
Authors: Κουτσογιάννης Αλέκος 
Published: April 2016

<p>For the economist Amartya Sen the existence of an essential, qualitative difference between the politically “neutral” character of economic activity and the strong ethical-political dimention of social action, should not obstruct the practical complementarity between ethics and economics. The present essay investigates this proposition, focusing especially on the social content (employment, poverty) of the rights of equality and freedom. It is argued that economic development (prosperity, goods) depends and at the same time re-produces on the basic social (as opposed to a normative or obligatory) framework of human rights.</p>
Infant feeding intentions of pregnant women in Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Emmanuel Andy , Clow Sheila 
Published: April 2016

Background: Nigeria has a low rate of exclusive breastfeeding, at 13–17%. Antenatal intention to breastfeed is an important modifiable factor that influences breastfeeding. Aims: This study describes infant feeding intentions of women in Plateau State, Nigeria, and identifies the determinants of infant feeding intentions. Methods: Adopting a cross-sectional design, the study involved 763 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the three senatorial zones of Plateau State, Nigeria, who completed a validated questionnaire. Findings: Of the 749 pregnant women who responded, 596 (79.6%) intended to breastfeed, 22 (2.9%) intended to formula-feed while 131 (17.5%) intended to practise mixed feeding. Respondents intended to breastfeed exclusively for 5.9 months (SD ± 2.4) and to continue breastfeeding up to 16 months (SD ± 4). Marital status, antenatal attendance in the previous pregnancy, knowledge about how the woman herself was fed as a baby, and previous breastfeeding experience were significant determinants of breastfeeding intention in this setting. Conclusions: Promoting antenatal attendance, recognising women who are less likely to continue breastfeeding, and providing lactation support by health-care workers, especially for breastfeeding problems, could contribute to higher rates of breastfeeding.
Morphological, molecular and developmental characterization of the thelastomatid nematode Thelastoma bulhoesi (de Magalhães, 1900) (Oxyuridomorpha: Thelastomatidae) parasite of Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus, 1758) (Blattodea: Blattidae) in Japan
Authors: Ozawa Sota , Morffe Jans , Vicente Cláudia S.L. , Ikeda Kenji , Shinya Ryoji , Hasegawa Koichi 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe American cockroach
Wild boar (Sus scrofa) – reservoir host of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Slovakia
Authors: Reiterová Katarína , Špilovská Silvia , Blaňarová Lucia , Derdáková Markéta , Čobádiová Andrea , Hisira Vladimír 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn Central Europe the wild boar population is permanently growing and consequently Cf foodborne infections. In this study serological and molecular detection of
Molecular detection and prevalence of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in horses of central Balkan
Authors: Davitkov Darko , Vucicevic Milos , Stevanovic Jevrosima , Krstic Vanja , Slijepcevic Dajana , Glavinic Uros , Stanimirovic Zoran 
Published: April 2016

AbstractEquine piroplasmosis is significant tick-borne disease with wide distribution. The prevalence of equine piroplasmosis in Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina is unknown. In aim to obtain a first insight into the prevalence we performed molecular epidemiological study which included 142 horses, on seven locations in these three countries. We first performed PCR for the detection of a 450bp long section of the 18S rRNA of piroplasma-specific region. For all positive samples we have done multiplex PCR for the species detection. Species determination was further confirmed by sequencing PCR products of 10 randomly selected
Genetic association of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1*2) polymorphism with NQO1 levels and risk of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Sharma Mohini , Mehndiratta Mohit , Gupta Stuti , Kalra Om P. , Shukla Rimi , Gambhir Jasvinder K. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) catalyzes reactions having a cyto-protective effect against redox cycling and oxidative stress. A single base polymorphism (C/T) at nucleotide 609 of the NQO1 gene impairs the stability and function of its protein. Its role in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) has not been deciphered. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association of NQO1*2 (rs1800566) polymorphism with plasma NQO1 levels and DN. This study screened 600 participants including healthy controls (HC), type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications (T2DM) and diabetic nephropathy (DN): 200 each for studying NQO1*2 gene polymorphism using the PCR-RFLP. Plasma NQO1 levels were measured by ELISA. Analysis of variance and logistic regression were used to evaluate the association of NQO1 polymorphism with plasma NQO1 levels and DN. The allelic frequencies of NQO1*1/NQO1*2 were 0.88/0.12 in HC, 0.765/0.235 in T2DM and 0.65/0.35 in DN. Carriers of the NQO1*2 allele had significantly lower plasma NQO1 levels (p<0.05) and revealed higher risk towards the development of DN (OR=1.717, p=0.010). NQO1*2 SNP is a functional polymorphism having a significant effect on NQO1 levels. Our results indicate that NQO1*2 genotype may increase susceptibility to DN in north Indian subjects with T2DM.
Refrigeration affects the postharvest behavior of 1-methylcyclopropene-treated cape gooseberry (<i>Physalis peruviana</i> L.) fruits with the calyx
Authors: Balaguera-López Helber Enrique , Martínez Claudia Andrea , Herrera A. Aníbal 
Published: April 2016

Cape gooseberry fruits are highly perishable with a limited shelf-life. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of refrigeration on the postharvest behavior of 1-methylcyclopropene-treated cape gooseberry fruits with the calyx. A completely randomized design with six treatments was used. The treatments were three storage temperatures (2, 6 and 16°C [ambient temperature]) and the application or absence of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP; 1 mL L-1). The fruits were stored for 35 days. The fruits without refrigeration lasted 21 days. During the 35 days of refrigerated storage, the fruits at 2°C with 1-MCP showed a significantly lower respiration rate, color index and total soluble solids content and a higher firmness value and total acidity. Storage at 6°C also generated a favorable effect on the postharvest preservation of cape gooseberry fruits.