bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrologic State Influence on Riverine Flood Discharge for a Small Temperate Watershed (Fall Creek, United States): Negative Feedbacks on the Effects of Climate Change
Authors: Knighton James O. , DeGaetano Arthur , Walter M. Todd 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Watershed flooding is a function of meteorological and hydrologic catchment conditions. Climate change is anticipated to affect air temperature and precipitation patterns such as altered total precipitation, increased intensity, and shorter event durations in the northeastern United States. While significant work has been done to estimate future meteorological conditions, much is currently unknown about future changes to distributions of hydrologic state variables. High-resolution hydrologic simulations of Fall Creek (Tompkins County, New York), a small temperate watershed (324 km2) with seasonal snowmelt, are performed to evaluate future climate change impacts on flood hydrology. The effects of hydrologic state and environmental variables on river flood stage are isolated and the importance of groundwater elevation, unsaturated soil moisture, snowpack, and air temperature is demonstrated. It is shown that the temporal persistence of these hydrologic state variables allows for an influence on watershed flood hydrology for up to 20 days. Finally, six hypothetical climate change forcing scenarios are simulated to estimate the influence of catchment conditions on the watershed runoff response. The possibility of drier summers and wetter springs with a reduced winter snowpack in the Northeast is also simulated. These hydrologic changes influence flood discharge in the opposite direction as climate effects because of a reduced snowpack accumulation and melt time. Strong hydrologic state influence on flood discharge may be most attributable to increased air temperature and decreased precipitation. Hydrologic state variables may change both the location and shape of seasonal flood discharge distributions despite expected consistency in the shape of precipitation statistic distributions.
Comparing Impacts of Satellite Data Assimilation and Lateral Boundary Conditions on Regional Model Forecasting: A Case Study of Hurricane Sandy (2012)
Authors: Zhu Tong , Boukabara Sid Ahmed , Garrett Kevin 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The impacts of both satellite data assimilation (DA) and lateral boundary conditions (LBCs) on the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) Model forecasts of Hurricane Sandy 2012 were assessed. To investigate the impact of satellite DA, experiments were run with and without satellite data assimilated, as well as with all satellite data but excluding Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Sounder data. To gauge the LBC impact, these experiments were also run with a variety of outer domain (D-1) sizes. The inclusion of satellite DA resulted in analysis fields that better characterized the tropical storm structures including the warm core anomaly and wavenumber-1 asymmetry near the eyewall, and also served to reduce the forecast track errors for Hurricane Sandy. The specific impact of assimilating the GOES Sounder data showed positive impacts on forecasts of the storm minimum sea level pressure. Increasing the D-1 size resulted in increases in the day 4/5 forecast track errors when verified against the best track and the Global Forecast System (GFS) forecast, which dominated any benefits from assimilating an increased volume of satellite observations due to the larger domain. It was found that the LBCs with realistic environmental flow information could provide better constraints on smaller domain forecasts. This study demonstrated that satellite DA can improve the analysis of a hurricane asymmetry, especially in a shear environment, and then lead to a better track forecast, and also emphasized the importance of the LBCs and the challenges associated with the evaluation of satellite data impacts on regional model prediction.
Adding flexibility to Markov Switching models
Authors: Otranto Edoardo 
Published: November 2016

Abstract: Very often time series are subject to abrupt changes in the level, which are generally represented by Markov Switching (MS) models, assuming that the level is constant within a certain state (regime). This is not a realistic framework because in the same regime the level could change with minor jumps with respect to a change of state; this is a typical situation in many economic time series such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or the volatility of financial markets. We propose to make the state flexible, introducing a very general model which provides oscillations of the level of the time series within each state of the MS model; these movements are driven by a forcing variable. The new model allows for consideration of extreme jumps in a parsimonious way, without the adoption of a large number of regimes (in our examples the two-state MS models are used). Moreover, this model increases the interpretability and in particular the out-of-sample performance with respect to the most used alternative models. This approach can be applied in several fields, also using unobservable data. We show its advantages in three distinct applications, extending particular MS models, which involve macroeconomic variables, volatilities of financial markets and conditional correlations.
Calprotectin in rheumatic diseases
Authors: Ometto Francesca , Friso Lara , Astorri Davide , Botsios Costantino , Raffeiner Bernd , Punzi Leonardo , Doria Andrea 
Published: November 2016

Calprotectin is a heterodimer formed by two proteins, S100A8 and S100A9, which are mainly produced by activated monocytes and neutrophils in the circulation and in inflamed tissues. The implication of calprotectin in the inflammatory process has already been demonstrated, but its role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and monitoring of rheumatic diseases has gained great attention in recent years. Calprotectin, being stable at room temperature, is a candidate biomarker for the follow-up of disease activity in many autoimmune disorders, where it can predict response to treatment or disease relapse. There is evidence that a number of immunomodulators, including TNF-α inhibitors, may reduce calprotectin expression. S100A8 and S100A9 have a potential role as a target of treatment in murine models of autoimmune disorders, since the direct or indirect blockade of these proteins results in amelioration of the disease process. In this review, we will go over the biologic functions of calprotectin which might be involved in the etiology of rheumatic disorders. We will also report evidence of its potential use as a disease biomarker.Impact statementCalprotectin is an acute-phase protein produced by monocytes and neutrophils in the circulation and inflamed tissues. Calprotectin seems to be more sensitive than CRP, being able to detect minimal residual inflammation and is a candidate biomarker in inflammatory diseases. High serum levels are associated with some severe manifestations of rheumatic diseases, such as glomerulonephritis and lung fibrosis. Calprotectin levels in other fluids, such as saliva and synovial fluid, might be helpful in the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases. Of interest is also the potential role of calprotectin as a target of treatment.
How community pharmacists perceive generic substitution impact on community pharmacies profits in absence of medicines price control policy: A Malaysian pilot nationwide study
Authors: Ahmad Nor Amalina , Abd-Jabar Nur-Hamizah , Awaluddin Noor Hamizah binti , Kamaruddin Nursyahirah , Mohd-Rasid Nursyazwani , Elsayed Tarek Mohamed , Elkalmi Ramadan Mohamad , Hammad Mohamed Anwar 
Published: November 2016

Background Generic medicines are introduced to the market after the expiry of the patented innovator medicine. Being usually sold at lower prices compared to branded medicines, they may provide a low-cost alternative for consumers. In Malaysia, where there is no Medicines Price Control Policy, it is not known if pharmacy profits differ between generic and branded medicines. It is also not known if this difference may affect pharmacists practice of generic substitution. Objective To develop and validate questionnaire to evaluate the perception of Malaysian community pharmacists toward the impact of generic substitution on community pharmacies’ profits. Setting Community pharmacies in 9 out of the 12 Malaysian states including Pahang, Kelantan, Melaka, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Pulau Pinang, Selangor, Terengganu, and Sarawak. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a newly developed questionnaire. A convenient sample of 99 community pharmacists was surveyed using this questionnaire. Result The Cronbach’s alpha value for all of the statements in theme 2 of the questionnaire is 0.706, which lies in an acceptable range. It is found that generic medicines constituted 41–60% of merchandise in 41 of the surveyed pharmacies. Of the respondents, 72.9% stated recommending generic more than branded medicines and 89.9% of them reported that customers accepted their recommendations. Community pharmacists agreed that generic substitution results in financial benefits to community pharmacies. This can be found as most of the pharmacists agree that generic medicines lower whole sale price results in merchandise cost reduction, increase in pharmacy profit, higher profit margin, increase in pharmacy sales, and rate of return and reduction in community pharmacies capital. The maximum profit margin obtained with generic medicine is >100%, whereas for branded medicine, it is 81–100%. Conclusion Generic medicines are actively dispensed by community pharmacists and result in higher profit margin than innovator medicines.
Demographics, Mechanisms of Injury, and Concurrent Injuries Associated With Calcaneus Fractures: A Study of 14 516 Patients in the American College of Surgeons National Trauma Data Bank
Authors: Bohl Daniel D. , Ondeck Nathaniel T. , Samuel Andre M. , Diaz-Collado Pablo J. , Nelson Stephen J. , Basques Bryce A. , Leslie Michael P. , Grauer Jonathan N. 
Published: November 2016

Background. This study uses the American College of Surgeons National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) to update the field on the demographics, injury mechanisms, and concurrent injuries among a national sample of patients admitted to the hospital department with calcaneus fractures. Methods. Patients with calcaneus fractures in the NTDB during 2011-2012 were identified and assessed. Results. A total of 14 516 patients with calcaneus fractures were included. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (18%), and more than 90% of fractures occurred via traffic accident (49%) or fall (43%). A total of 11 137 patients had concurrent injuries. Associated lower extremity fractures had the highest incidence and occurred in 61% of patients (of which the most common were other foot and ankle fractures). Concurrent spine fractures occurred in 23% of patients (of which the most common were lumbar spine fractures). Concurrent nonorthopaedic injuries included head injuries in 18% of patients and thoracic organ injuries in 15% of patients. Conclusion. This national sample indicates that associated injuries occur in more than three quarters calcaneus fracture patients. The most common associated fractures are in close proximity to the calcaneus. Although the well-defined association of calcaneus fractures with lumbar spine fractures was identified, the data presented highlight additional strong associations of calcaneus fractures with other orthopaedic and nonorthopaedic injuries. Levels of Evidence: Prognostic, Level III: Retrospective review of a prospectively collected cohort
Radiostereometric Evaluation of Tendon Elongation After Distal Biceps Repair
Authors: Marshall Nathan E. , Keller Robert A. , Okoroha Kelechi , Guest John Michael , Yu Charles , Muh Stephanie , Moutzouros Vasilios 
Published: November 2016

Background: Operative repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures has shown successful outcomes. However, little is known about the amount of tendon or repair site lengthening after repair. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to evaluate distal biceps tendon repair via intratendinous radiostereometric analysis to analyze tendon lengthening at different time intervals of healing. The hypothesis was that there is significant lengthening after repair. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Eleven patients with distal biceps ruptures requiring operative repair were recruited. During repair, two 2-mm tantalum beads with laser-etched holes were sutured to the distal biceps tendon. Beads were evaluated via computed tomography scans immediately postoperatively and at 16 weeks. Radiographs were obtained at time 0 and then at 4, 8, and 16 weeks postoperatively. Measurements were made using the button-to-bead and bead-to-bead distances to assess repair site elongation as well as tendon elongation over time. After final follow-up, patients filled out the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and underwent ultrasound to confirm the integrity of the tendon. Results: Ten patients had complete ruptures, with 1 having a partial rupture that underwent completion of the tear and subsequent repair. All patients showed statistically significant lengthening after surgery. The mean amount of tendon lengthening after surgery was 22.8 mm (range, 11.2-30.9 mm; P < .05), and the repair site lengthened a mean 17.0 mm (range, 9.6-30.6 mm; P < .05) from surgery to final follow-up. The greatest change in lengthening was noted between time 0 and week 4 (mean, 11.3 mm; P < .05), with the least amount of lengthening between weeks 8 and 16 (mean, 2.6 mm; P < .05). The mean DASH score was 11.2. Final ultrasound evaluations found all tendons to be in continuity. Conclusion: All patients undergoing distal biceps tendon repair have significant elongation after surgery, with the greatest amount of lengthening seen in the early postoperative period.
Human fetal and adult epicardial-derived cells: a novel model to study their activation
Authors: Moerkamp Asja T. , Lodder Kirsten , van Herwaarden Tessa , Dronkers Esther , Dingenouts Calinda K. E. , Tengström Fredrik C. , van Brakel Thomas J. , Goumans Marie-José , Smits Anke M. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Background
The epicardium, a cell layer covering the heart, plays an important role during cardiogenesis providing cardiovascular cell types and instructive signals, but becomes quiescent during adulthood. Upon cardiac injury the epicardium is activated, which includes induction of a developmental gene program, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migration. However, the response of the adult epicardium is suboptimal compared to the active contribution of the fetal epicardium to heart development. To understand the therapeutic value of epicardial-derived cells (EPDCs), a direct comparison of fetal and adult sources is paramount. Such analysis has been hampered by the lack of appropriate culture systems.

Methods
Human fetal and adult EPDCs were isolated from cardiac specimens obtained after informed consent. EPDCs were cultured in the presence of an inhibitor of the TGFβ receptor ALK5. EMT was induced by stimulation with 1 ng/ml TGFβ. PCR, immunofluorescent staining, scratch assay, tube formation assay and RT2-PCR for human EMT genes were performed to functionally characterize and compare fetal and adult EPDCs.

Results
In this study, a novel protocol is presented that allows efficient isolation of human EPDCs from fetal and adult heart tissue. In vitro, EPDCs maintain epithelial characteristics and undergo EMT upon TGFβ stimulation. Although similar in several aspects, we observed important differences between fetal and adult EPDCs. Fetal and adult cells display equal migration abilities in their epithelial state. However, while TGFβ stimulation enhanced adult EPDC migration, it resulted in a reduced migration in fetal EPDCs. Matrigel assays revealed the ability of adult EPDCs to form tube-like structures, which was absent in fetal cells. Furthermore, we observed that fetal cells progress through EMT faster and undergo spontaneous EMT when TGFβ signaling is not suppressed, indicating that fetal EPDCs more rapidly respond to environmental changes.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that fetal and adult EPDCs are in a different state of activation and that their phenotypic plasticity is determined by this activation state. This culture system allows us to establish the cues that determine epicardial activation, behavior, and plasticity and thereby optimize the adult response post-injury.
Complete genome anatomy of the emerging potato pathogen Dickeya solani type strain IPO 2222T
Authors: Khayi Slimane , Blin Pauline , Chong Teik Min , Chan Kok-Gan , Faure Denis 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSeveral species of the genus Dickeya provoke soft rot and blackleg diseases on a wide range of plants and crops. Dickeya solani has been identified as the causative agent of diseases outbreaks on potato culture in Europe for the last decade. Here, we report the complete genome of the D. solani IPO 2222T. Using PacBio and Illumina technologies, a unique circular chromosome of 4,919,833 bp was assembled. The G + C content reaches 56% and the genomic sequence contains 4,059 predicted proteins. The ANI values calculated for D. solani IPO 2222T vs. other available D. solani genomes was over 99.9% indicating a high genetic homogeneity within D. solani species.
FinTech in Taiwan: a case study of a Bank’s strategic planning for an investment in a FinTech company
Authors: Hung Jui-Long , Luo Binjie 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Introduction
Since 2015 is the year of FinTech in Taiwan, it is worth investigating the challenges that emerged when banks were encouraged to invest in FinTech companies for collaboration. This study aims to identify the strategic considerations in the process of searching for FinTech investment targets.

Case description
This study used a case study investigation of a top-5 bank in Taiwan. The major data sources include the meeting notes of the FinTech investment task force and interviews with the team members. Co-opetition theory was adopted as the theoretical framework and interview questions were derived from the PARTS strategies in co-petition theory. The results relate to: (1) the strategic goals of FinTech investment, (2) the added value from FinTech companies, (3) criteria in selecting candidates in the same FinTech area, (4) choosing to work as either a cooperator or a competitor, and (5) barriers from policies and regulations.

Discussion and evaluation
This study has several findings: (1) regulations and policies shape FinTech’s development; (2) banks, technology companies, and customers are not “FinTech ready;” (3) Compare top-down with bottom up strategies; (4) banks and FinTech companies have complex relationships; (5) it is unlikely that Taiwan will produce FinTech disruptors in the near future.

Conclusion
The findings and discussion can benefit researchers and administrators in finance-related industries. More studies are desired to observe long-term development in terms of how companies collaborate or compete in specific FinTech areas.
Potential for adaptive dose escalation in radiotherapy for patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer in a low mid income setting
Authors: Agrawal Sushma , Kumar Sunil , Maurya Anil K 
Published: November 2016

Objective:
To evaluate the effect of tumour volume regression on adaptive treatment planning, reduction in doses to organs at risk (OARs) and dose escalation.

Methods:
20 patients undergoing radical chemoradiotherapy were imaged in the fifth week of radiotherapy (CT_45) to evaluate differences in tumour volume regression between concurrent and sequential chemoradiotherapy. Replanning was carried out in the CT_45 in those with &gt;20% regression (n = 10) and evaluated for change in target coverage indices (the coverage index and external volume index) and doses to the OAR [mean lung dose, V 20 and V 5 of whole and ipsilateral lung (MLDWL, V 20WL, V 5WL, MLDIL, V 20IL, V 5IL); mean oesophagus dose, V 50oesophagus; and maximum spinal cord doses]. The feasibility of maximum dose escalation was explored keeping the limit of the OAR below their tolerance limits.

Results:
Tumour regression was higher with concurrent chemoradiotherapy as compared with sequential chemoradiotherapy (p = 0.02). With the adaptive plan, the mean coverage index improved from 0.96 (±0.14) to 1.29 (±0.36), the mean external volume index changed from 1.39(±0.60) to 1.41(±0.56) and the reduction in doses to the OARs were MLDWL 10.6%, V 20WL 1.3%, V 5WL 1.2%, MLDIL 6.6%, V 20IL 1.5%, V 5IL 2.3%, mean oesophagus dose 7%, V 50oesophagus 31% and maximum cord dose 0.35%. Dose escalation was possible in four patients in CT_45.

Conclusion:
There is 35% reduction in tumour volume with chemoradiotherapy at 45 Gy which allows improvement in conformality, reduction in doses to the OARs and dose escalation in 40% of patients.

Advances in knowledge:
This article emphasizes that adaptive planning with a single diagnostic scan at 45 Gy has the potential for improvement of radiotherapy planning indices, dose escalation while respecting the dose to the OAR. This simple strategy can be helpful in radiotherapy planning upto 60 Gy in 40% of the patients of locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer in countries with limited resources.
In vitro comparison of three earwax removal formulations for the disintegration of earwax
Authors: Knebl Janice , Harty Barbara , Anderson C. Eric , Dean W. Dennis , Griffin Joseph 
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Impacted cerumen is a widespread reason that patients visit their health care providers. It effects approximately 2-6% of the general population and disproportionately impacts up to 65% of patients over 65. This study compared a new cerumen (earwax) removal product (Solution 1; EOS-002; a glycolic acid/bicarbonate formulation) versus two commercially available products (Solution 2 and Solution 3; both containing carbamide peroxide 6.5%) for their cerumenolytic activity in vitro. Methods: Samples of human cerumen were placed in 10 x 75 mm polypropylene test tubes. Approximately 1 mL of each test solution was added and incubated at room temperature for 30 minutes. The vials were shaken at the 15- and 30-minute time points to simulate rinsing in a clinical setting. Breakdown of the cerumen was graded at 5-, 10-, 15-, and 30-minute time points in a masked manner on a 5-point scale (Grade 0 = no change; Grade 4 = complete disintegration). Results: Significantly greater disintegration of the cerumen was observed in the samples exposed to EOS-002 at every time point (P < 0.0001). At 5 minutes, disintegration was observed in 39 out of 43 samples exposed to EOS-002, 0 out of 24 samples exposed to Solution 2, and 1 out of 19 samples exposed to Solution 3. Mean disintegration scores at 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes were 1.65, 2.38, 2.95, and 3.24 for EOS-002; 0, 0, 0, and 0.2 for Solution 2; and 0.05, 0.13, 0.16, and 0.21 for Solution 3, respectively. Discussion: EOS-002 exhibited a significantly greater ability to breakdown cerumen than the two other products. Disintegration of cerumen occurred with EOS-002 within 5 minutes in 91% (39/43) of the samples. Therefore, EOS-002 provides rapid disintegration of human cerumen in vitro.