bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraseasonal predictability of the duration of flooding above National Weather Service flood warning levels across the U.S. Midwest
Authors: Neri Andrea , Villarini Gabriele , Napolitano Francesco 
Published: September 2020

AbstractUnpreparedness is often the main cause of the economic and social damages caused by floods. To mitigate these impacts, short‐term forecasting has been the focus of several studies during the past decades; however, less effort has been paid to flood predictions at longer lead times. Here, we use forecasts by six models from the North American Multi‐Model Ensemble project with a lead time from 0.5 to 9.5 months to predict the seasonal duration of floods above four National Weather Service flood categories (“action,” “flood,” “moderate” and “major”). We focus on 202 U.S. Geological Survey gage stations across the U.S. Midwest and use a statistical framework which considers precipitation, temperature, and antecedent wetness conditions as predictors. We find that the prediction skill of the duration of floods for the “action” and “flood” categories is overall low, largely because of the low accuracy of the climate forecasts rather than of the errors introduced by the statistical models. The prediction skill slightly improves when considering the shortest lead times (i.e., from 0.5 to 2.5 months) during spring in the Northern Great Plains, where antecedent wetness conditions play an important role in influencing the generation of floods. It is very difficult to draw strong conclusions with respect to the “moderate” and “major” flood categories because of the limited number of available events.
Mutations in ATM, NBN and BRCA2 predispose to aggressive prostate cancer in Poland
Authors: Wokołorczyk Dominika , Kluźniak Wojciech , Huzarski Tomasz , Gronwald Jacek , Szymiczek Agata , Rusak Bogna , Stempa Klaudia , Gliniewicz Katarzyna , Kashyap Aniruddh , Morawska Sylwia , Dębniak Tadeusz , Jakubowska Anna , Szwiec Marek , Domagała Paweł , Lubiński Jan , Narod Steven A. , Akbari Mohammad R. , Cybulski Cezary ,   The Polish Hereditary Prostate Cancer Consortium
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn designing national strategies for genetic testing, it is important to define the full spectrum of pathogenic mutations in prostate cancer (PCa) susceptibility genes. To investigate the frequency of mutations in PCa susceptibility genes in Polish familial PCa cases and to estimate gene‐related PCa risks and probability of aggressive disease, we analyzed the coding regions of 14 genes by exome sequencing in 390 men with familial prostate cancer and 308 cancer‐free controls. We compared the mutation frequencies between PCa cases and controls. We also compared clinical characteristics of prostate cancers between mutation carriers and noncarriers. Of the 390 PCa cases, 76 men (19.5%) carried a mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2, NBN, ATM, CHEK2, HOXB13, MSH2 or MSH6 genes. No mutations were found in BRIP1, PTEN, TP53, MLH1, PMS2 and SPOP. Significant associations with familial PCa risk were observed for CHEK2, NBN, ATM, and HOXB13. High‐grade (Gleason 8‐10) tumors were seen in 56% of BRCA2, NBN or ATM carriers, compared to 21% of patients who tested negative for mutations in these genes (OR = 4.7, 95% CI 2.0‐10.7, P = .0003). In summary, approximately 20% of familial prostate cancer cases in Poland can be attributed to mutations in eight susceptibility genes. Carriers of mutations in BRCA2, NBN and ATM develop aggressive disease and may benefit from intensified screening and/or chemotherapy.
Age‐dependent performance of BRAF mutation testing in Lynch syndrome diagnostics
Authors: Bläker Hendrik , Haupt Saskia , Morak Monika , Holinski‐Feder Elke , Arnold Alexander , Horst David , Sieber‐Frank Julia , Seidler Florian , von Winterfeld Moritz , Alwers Elizabeth , Chang‐Claude Jenny , Brenner Hermann , Roth Wilfried , Engel Christoph , Löffler Markus , Möslein Gabriela , Schackert Hans‐Konrad , Weitz Jürgen , Perne Claudia , Aretz Stefan , Hüneburg Robert , Schmiegel Wolff , Vangala Deepak , Rahner Nils , Steinke‐Lange Verena , Heuveline Vincent , von Knebel Doeberitz Magnus , Ahadova Aysel , Hoffmeister Michael , Kloor Matthias ,   The German Consortium for Familial Intestinal Cancer
Published: September 2020

AbstractBRAF V600E mutations have been reported as a marker of sporadic microsatellite instability (MSI) colorectal cancer (CRC). Current international diagnostic guidelines recommend BRAF mutation testing in MSI CRC patients to predict low risk of Lynch syndrome (LS). We evaluated the age‐specific performance of BRAF testing in LS diagnostics. We systematically compared the prevalence of BRAF mutations in LS‐associated CRCs and unselected MSI CRCs in different age groups as available from published studies, databases and population‐based patient cohorts. Sensitivity/specificity analysis of BRAF testing for exclusion of LS and cost calculations were performed. Among 969 MSI CRCs from LS carriers in the literature and German HNPCC Consortium, 15 (1.6%) harbored BRAF mutations. Six of seven LS patients with BRAF‐mutant CRC and reported age were <50 years. Among 339 of 756 (44.8%) of BRAF mutations detected in unselected MSI CRC, only 2 of 339 (0.6%) BRAF mutations were detected in patients <50 years. The inclusion of BRAF testing led to high risk of missing LS patients and increased costs at age <50 years. BRAF testing in patients <50 years carries a high risk of missing a hereditary cancer predisposition and is cost‐inefficient. We suggest direct referral of MSI CRC patients <50 years to genetic counseling without BRAF testing.
Financial development and economic growth: Empirical evidence from Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Yusheng Kong , Bawuah Jonas , Nkwantabisa Agyeiwaa O. , Atuahene Samuel O. O. , Djan George O. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper evaluates the impact of financial development on economic growth in a sample of 32 Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) countries. The countries were grouped into four sub‐regions, and data were collected for the period 1990–2016 on finance and growth indicators on an annual basis. In the estimation procedure, panel estimation and dynamic panel techniques were used. When the disaggregated components of financial development variables were used, findings, among others, reveal the role of credit to the private sector by banks (CPB) even though mixed, to have more impact on growth followed by broad money (BM) and liquidity liability (LL). However, an aggregated index of the financial development indicators via principal component analysis and their simultaneous interaction with human capital improvement brought about a greater positive impact on growth throughout the sub‐regions and the entire SSA.
The DuPont financial indicators and the short‐term market performance of Chinese cross‐border M&As: The moderating role of payment method
Authors: Feng Zhengqiang , Xie Siman 
Published: September 2020

AbstractUsing the data of Chinese cross‐border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) from 2003 to 2017, we investigate the influence of the internal financial conditions of enterprises on the short‐term market performance of Chinese cross‐border M&As by applying improved DuPont financial analysis, an event study and regression analysis and further explore the moderating effect of payment method in Chinese cross‐border M&A. The findings are threefold. First, we observe significant positive cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) of Chinese cross‐border M&As, along with the underperformance of cross‐border M&As financed with pure cash payments compared to those financed with other payment methods. Second, the profitability and financial leverage of Chinese enterprises engaged in cross‐border M&As are significantly positively and significantly negatively correlated with CARs, respectively, while the impact of the operating capacity on CARs is limited. Finally, we note that the negative influence of financial leverage on CARs is enhanced in pure cash bids, which indicates that the payment method plays a prominent moderating role in the impact of financial leverage on the short‐term market performance of Chinese cross‐border M&As. Our result suggests that one reason for the underperformance of cross‐border M&As financed with pure cash payment compared to M&As financed with other payment methods is the negative effect of financial leverage, which is augmented in cross‐border M&As financed with pure cash payment.
Financial crises and institutional quality
Authors: Sever Can 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAre financial crises particularly bad for economies, if the institutional quality deteriorates at the onset of crises? Policy responses can mitigate adverse consequences of financial crises. However, implementation and effectiveness of prudent policy actions are in turn dependent on the institutional environment. Using panel data for a large set of countries, I show that a weakening in the institutional quality within the period of a banking crisis is associated with additional output losses, above and beyond the effects of the individual banking crisis and weakening in the institutional quality, which are long lasting. This is not the case for a deterioration in the institutional quality within the periods of debt and currency crises. Finally, I document that additional losses from a deterioration in the institutional quality at the onset of a banking crisis are more pronounced in financially less open economies in which domestic policy actions are potentially more crucial in recovery. These suggest that policymakers should take steps to strengthen the institutional environment to facilitate recovery, especially during the periods of banking distress.
The impact of government assistance on banks' efficiency
Authors: Palas Md. Jahir Uddin , Moreira Fernando 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of the Capital Purchase Program (CPP) on recipient banks' efficiency. While the related literature typically relies on the Difference‐in‐Differences (DiD) approach, which has considerable limitations in this context, we conduct Instrumental Variable analyses by adopting three innovative instruments based on the influence of donations to political campaigns on receiving government support. Using data from 2000 to 2017, we find that CPP assistance has a significant negative causal relationship with recipient banks' efficiency. Our results are robust to alternative sample specifications and estimation methods.
Lysyl oxidase‐variant 2 (LOX‐v2) colocalizes with promyelocytic leukemia‐nuclear bodies in the nucleus
Authors: Li Chunying , Sharma‐Bhandari Anjali , Seo Jae Ho , Kim Youngho 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLysyl oxidase‐variant 2 (LOX‐v2) is a novel variant of LOX that functions as an amine oxidase for the formation of collagen and elastin fibrils in the extracellular matrix (ECM). LOX‐v2 lacks the N‐terminal prepropeptide region of LOX but contains the C‐terminal domains required for amine oxidase activity. To study the cellular localization of LOX‐v2, we generated a recombinant construct of LOX‐v2 with an epitope tag at the C‐terminus and then transfected the recombinant construct into HEK293 cells. Upon ectopic expression, LOX‐v2 showed much higher expression in the nucleus than in the cytoplasm. In coimmunofluorescence staining with subnuclear structures, LOX‐v2 colocalized with the promyelocytic leukemia‐nuclear bodies (PML‐NBs). Further, the ectopic expression of LOX‐v2 increased global SUMOylation in the nucleus. PML‐NBs have been implicated in various cellular activities, including transcriptional regulation, DNA repair, cell cycle control, anti‐viral response, and apoptosis. Our findings strongly indicate that LOX‐v2 may be subject to different cellular processing from what LOX undergoes, playing a distinct functional role in the PML‐NBs, beyond the cross‐linking of the structural proteins.
Macrophages Switch to an Osteo‐Modulatory Profile Upon RANKL Induction in a Medaka (Oryzias latipes) Osteoporosis Model
Authors: Phan Quang Tien , Liu Ranran , Tan Wen Hui , Imangali Nurgul , Cheong Benedict , Schartl Manfred , Winkler Christoph 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTIn mammals, osteoclasts differentiate from macrophages in the monocyte lineage. Although many factors driving osteoclast formation are known, the detailed processes underlying precursor recruitment, differentiation, and interaction of macrophages with other cell types involved in bone remodeling are poorly understood. Using live imaging in a transgenic medaka osteoporosis model, where ectopic osteoclasts are induced by RANKL expression, we show that a subset of macrophages is recruited to bone matrix to physically interact with bone‐forming osteoblast progenitors. These macrophages subsequently differentiate into cathepsin K‐ (ctsk‐) positive osteoclasts. One day later, other macrophages are recruited to clear dying osteoclasts from resorbed bone by phagocytosis. To better understand the molecular changes underlying these dynamic processes, we performed transcriptome profiling of activated macrophages upon RANKL induction. This revealed an upregulation of several bone‐related transcripts. Besides osteoclast markers, we unexpectedly also found expression of osteoblast‐promoting signals in activated macrophages, suggesting a possible non‐cell autonomous role in osteogenesis. Finally, we show that macrophage differentiation into osteoclasts is dependent on inflammatory signals. Medaka deficient for TNFα or treated with the TNFα‐inhibitor pentoxifylline exhibited impaired macrophage recruitment and osteoclast differentiation. These results show the involvement of inflammatory signals and the dynamics of a distinct subset of macrophages during osteoclast formation. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Therapeutic plasma exchange in a critically ill Covid‐19 patient
Authors: Altmayer Victor , Saheb Samir , Rohaut Benjamin , Marois Clémence , Cao Albert , Gallo Antonio , Le Guennec Loïc , Weiss Nicolas , Demeret Sophie 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHere we describe the effect of therapeutic plasma exchange with 5% albumin as sole replacement solution for the management of Covid‐19. A 74‐year‐old man was admitted for severe Covid‐19 acute respiratory distress syndrome. Based on the growing body of evidence that cytokine release syndrome, and especially interleukin‐6, plays a key role in critically ill Covid‐19 patients, we decided to implement therapeutic plasma exchange as a rescue therapy. The patient's clinical status rapidly improved, and biological records showed convincing results of decrease in interleukin‐6 and inflammatory parameters under treatment. This case presents a proof‐of‐concept for the use of therapeutic plasma exchange with 5% albumin as sole replacement solution in a critically ill Covid‐19 patient with cytokine release syndrome. This could constitute a major benefit in terms of security compared to long‐lasting immunosuppressive monoclonal antibodies, or to therapeutic plasma exchange with plasma as replacement fluid. Hence, we think that a further evaluation of risk‐benefit balance of this therapy in severe cases of Covid‐19 should rapidly be undertaken.
Pollen diversity and its implications to the systematics of mimosaceous species by LM and SEM
Authors: Khan Shahzeb Ullah , Zafar Muhammad , Ullah Riaz , Shahat Abdelaaty A. , Ahmad Mushtaq , Sultana Shazia , Malik Khafsa 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this study we have discussed pollen morphology of 14 mimosaceous species belonging to five genera by using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The palynological features of species were determined by both qualitative and quantitative characters. The qualitative characters include pollen shape, colpi arrangement, and exine sculpturing. Oblate spheroidal shaped pollens were noted in Albizia procera, Albizia lebbeck, Acacia tortilis, Acacia ampliceps, and Acacia modesta, subprolate shaped pollen in Leucaena leucocephala, Prosopis julifera, and Acacia nilotica, prolate pollen in Acacia farnesiana and Prosopis glandulosa while spheroidal, sub spheroidal and sub oblate pollen grains were observed in Acacia catechu, Mimosa himalayana, Prosopis cineraria, respectively. Sparsely foveolate, reticulate, scabrate, and scrobiclate exine sculpturing were observed. Colpi with sunken ornamentation were seen in P. cineraria, P. glandulosa, P. juliflora, and L. leucocephala while colpi were absent in rest of the studied species. The quantitative characters were statistically studied using SPSS software. The current study gives important morpho‐palynological characters for identifying and validation of close related and similar taxa which will aid to the phylogenetic analysis of Mimosaceae family.
Does laser etching have an effect on application mode of a universal adhesive?—A microleakage and scanning electron microscopy evaluation
Authors: Atalay Cansu , Uslu Aybuke , Yazici Ayşe Ruya 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the microleakage of a universal adhesive's different application modes incorporated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser on Class V resin composite restorations. Sound human molar teeth (n = 30) were used for microleakage evaluations. Specimens with 60 standardized Class V cavities were divided into five groups according to the adhesive modes of universal adhesive, Adhese Universal (n = 12). Group 1‐etch‐and‐rinse mode with phosphoric acid; Group 2‐etch‐and‐rinse mode with Er,Cr:YSGG laser; Group 3‐selective‐etch mode with phosphoric acid; Group 4‐selective‐etch mode with Er,Cr:YSGG laser; Group 5‐self‐etch. After restorations were performed with a resin composite, Tetric N‐Ceram, the specimens were polished and subjected to thermocycling (10,000X). Following immersion in 0.5% basic fuschin for a day, the teeth were sectioned and the degree of microleakage was determined along the tooth‐resin composite interface using a light microscopy(40X). Five specimens from each group were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The Kruskal–Wallis, Siegel Castello, and Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical analyses (α = .05). At the enamel margins, significant differences were obtained among the groups (p < .05). Significantly higher microleakage scores were detected in Group 5 in comparison with Groups 1, 2, and 3. There were no significant differences between different adhesive strategies at the dentin margins (p > .05). While analyzing enamel and dentin microleakage scores, no statistically significant differences were observed in Groups 4 and 5 (p > .05). The laser application time and the adhesive modes of universal adhesives could affect the microleakage at the enamel margins. Different adhesive modes of universal adhesives combined with laser etching had no influence on the microleakage scores of dentin margins.
Informing models of cancer genetics care in the era of multigene panel testing with patient‐led recommendations
Authors: Underhill‐Blazey Meghan , Blonquist Traci , Chittenden Anu , Pozzar Rachel , Nayak Manan , Lansang Kristina , Hong Fangxin , Garber Judy , Stopfer Jill E. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe study describes patient‐reported experiences and recommendations to improve the genetic counseling and multigene panel testing (MGPT) process. A descriptive mixed‐method study with concurrently collected and integrated qualitative and quantitative data was conducted. Eligible participants were English‐speaking adults with a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis who had received genetic counseling and testing with a MGPT from one Comprehensive Cancer Center. Satisfaction with the genetic counseling, genetic knowledge using a recently validated scale (KnowGene), the multidimensional impact of cancer risk assessment (MICRA), family communication, and the association with demographic factors were evaluated. To supplement the large quantitative data set, qualitative focus group responses and open‐ended text items were collected. Univariate and multivariable associations between each outcome of interest and personal characteristics were assessed. Qualitative data were content‐analyzed. 603 participants completed the survey (48% response rate) and 10 individuals participated in the focus groups. Participants were mostly Caucasian, educated with a college degree or more, and female with median age 58 (24–91), and 78% of participants had a breast cancer diagnosis. Of all individuals undergoing genetic testing using a MGPT, 13% had a pathogenic variant identified, and 30% had a variant of uncertain significance (VUS). Overall, participants reported satisfaction with the genetic counseling and testing process (mean 36.9 [SD 4.7]). On average, participants had 7 incorrect answers out of 19 on the genetic knowledge scale (mean 12.3 [SD 3.4]). MICRA scores showed overall low levels of distress and uncertainty, as well as positive experiences, with wide variability (median 17 [0–84]). Age, marital status, education level, type of cancer diagnosis, and genetic testing results were significantly associated with outcomes. Most participants communicated genetic testing results to mainly female first‐degree relatives. A wide range of individual preferences affecting overall satisfaction, or suggestions for improvement were shared. As new models of streamlined cancer genetic services are being clinically implemented, approaches should continue to assess and tailor the process based on patients’ informational and emotional needs.
Translating the Principle of Beneficence into Ethical Participatory Development Research Practice
Authors: Brear Michelle R. , Gordon Rebecca 
Published: September 2020

AbstractConceptualising and operationalising ethical principles like beneficence (maximise benefits, minimise risks) is complex. We contribute to understanding beneficence by critically analysing data documenting participatory international development research processes in Eswatini and India, informed by capabilities theory. Our results problematise (i) conceptualising beneficence solely in relation to either local or academic norms and (ii) offsetting economic, social and cognitive, or individual, group and societal benefits and/or harms, as either practice risks perpetuating unjust economic and/or epistemological hierarchies. Our results suggest that beneficence will be optimally achieved if it is conceptualised and operationalised considering diverse stakeholder perspectives and social justice theory. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.