bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Two Irrigation Scheduling Methods and Nitrogen Rates on Corn Production in Alabama
Authors: Da Cunha Leme Filho Jose Franco , Ortiz Brenda V. , Balkcom Kipling S. , Damianidis Damianos , Knappenberger Thorsten J. , Dougherty Mark
Published: September 2020

Regulations on nutrient application amounts and environmental impacts of fertilizers are promoting advances in agricultural management strategies to optimize irrigation application and N fertilization in corn. Previous studies have found a relationship between irrigation application, available water in the soil, and N fertilizer uptake. The objective of this study was to evaluate interactions between two irrigation scheduling methods and four N rate applications (0-control, 202, 269, and 336 kg ha−1) on grain yield, aboveground biomass, plant N concentration, N uptake, and nitrogen use efficiency in corn. The study was conducted at the Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center (TVREC) during two growing seasons (2014 and 2015). The irrigation scheduling methods consisted of (i) the pan evaporation method, which is based on managing the crop’s estimated evapotranspiration (ET) using pan evaporation values and the crop’s consumptive water use and (ii) the sensor-based irrigation scheduling method based on soil matric potential values recorded by soil moisture tension sensors installed in the field. Irrigation amounts from both irrigation scheduling methods indicated that less water was applied with the sensor-based method. The different amounts of irrigation applied associated with the two irrigation scheduling methods did not impact grain yield, aboveground biomass, and NUE. In general, NUEs values decreased with increased N rates, which means that additional N fertilizer added to the soil was not converted into grain yield or/and adsorbed by plants; therefore, more N remained in the soil, increasing the risk for environmental problems.
Preliminary Study on High-Energy and Low-Energy Microfracture Event Evolution Characteristics in the Development Process of Rock Failure
Authors: Yu Guofeng , Cheng Guanwen , Li Lianchong , Tang Chunan , Ren Bo , Han Yunchun
Published: September 2020

The evolution characteristics of high-energy and low-energy microfracture events play an important role in the brittle failure mechanism of rock and reasonable microseismic (MS) monitoring and acoustic emission (AE) monitoring. The bimodal distribution (BMD) model is commonly used to observe the evolution characteristics of high-energy and low-energy MS events; however, its precise mechanism remains unclear. The evolution characteristics of high-energy and low-energy microfracture events are assessed in this study based on a BMD model. MS monitoring results from the No. 22517 working face of the Dongjiahe Coal Mine are studied, and AE monitoring results of a biaxial compression experiment of a granite specimen are analyzed. High-energy MS events in the No. 22517 working face are found to be generated by an increase in the failure scale of the overlying rock mass upon exiting the insufficient mining stage and entering the sufficient mining stage. The change characteristics of the high-energy AE hits are positively correlated with crack evolution characteristics in the granite specimen and negatively correlated with changes in the Gutenberg-Richter b value. A precise high-energy and low-energy AE hit evolution mechanism is analyzed based on the microscopic structure of the granite specimen. Similarities and differences between high-energy MS events and low-energy AE hits are determined based on these results. Both are found to have bimodal characteristics; an increase in the failure scale is identified as the root cause of the high-energy component. The bimodal distribution of AE hits is far less obvious than that of MS events.
An Efficient Radio Access Resource Management Scheme Based on Priority Strategy in Dense mmWave Cellular Networks
Authors: Gui Jinsong , Liu Jianglin
Published: September 2020

In millimeter wave (mmWave) communication systems, beamforming-enabled directional transmission and network densification are usually used to overcome severe signal path loss problem and improve signal coverage quality. The combination of directional transmission and network densification poses a challenge to radio access resource management. The existing work presented an effective solution for dense mmWave wireless local area networks (WLANs). However, this scheme cannot adapt to network expansion when it is applied directly to dense mmWave cellular networks. In addition, there is still room for improvement in terms of energy efficiency and throughput. Therefore, we firstly propose an efficient hierarchical beamforming training (BFT) mechanism to establish directional links, which allows all the small cell base stations (SBSs) to participate in the merging of training frames to adapt to network expansion. Then, we design a BFT information-aided radio access resource allocation algorithm to improve the downlink energy efficiency of the entire mmWave cellular network by reasonably selecting beam directions and optimizing transmission powers and beam widths. Simulation results show that the proposed hierarchical BFT mechanism has the smaller overhead of BFT than the existing BFT mechanism, and the proposed BFT information-aided radio access resource allocation algorithm outperforms the existing corresponding algorithm in terms of average energy efficiency and throughput per link.
Sex Differences in the Heterogeneous Dynamic Incidence of Oral Cancer: A Comparison between Taiwan and Thailand
Authors: Siewchaisakul Pallop , Sarakarn Pongdech , Vatanasapt Patravoot , Chen Sam Li-Sheng , Yen Amy Ming-Fang
Published: September 2020

Background. This study aims at investigating differences in oral cancer (OC) incidence trends between two populations in Taiwan and Thailand. Methods. We used the population‐based cancer registry data from Taiwan (1979‐2016) and Khon Kaen (KK), Thailand (1985‐2016). We performed joinpoint analyses to detect the trend change points for the OC incidence and to quantify the time trends in both sexes and regions. Age‐period‐cohort curves were plotted to explain the incidence trends. Results. In Taiwan, the estimated annual increases in OC were approximately 6.0% in males, although the increase slowed after 2009, and 2.6% in females. In KK, the OC incidence steadily decreased by ‐2.5% per year in females, but there was no obvious change in males. A strong period effect observed in those aged 45‐69 years in Taiwanese males resulted in a peak incidence in the middle age group. Decreased period and cohort effects were observed in females in KK. Conclusions. Taiwanese males are the predominant sex affected by OC in Taiwan, and the trend has decelerated since 2009. Age, period, and cohort effects were different between males and females in the two regions.
Undesirable Postoperative Anesthesia Outcomes at Two National Referral Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study in Eritrea
Authors: Andemeskel Yonatan Mehari , Elsholz Traudl , Gebreyohannes Ghidey , Tesfamariam Eyasu H.
Published: September 2020

Background. Postoperative undesirable anesthesia outcomes are common among patients undergoing surgery. They may affect body systems and lead into more serious postoperative problems. This research is conducted in the Eritrean National Referral Hospitals with the aim of assessing the prevalence of undesirable anesthesia outcomes during the postoperative period. Method. A cross-sectional study design was applied on 470 patients who underwent different types of surgeries within a three-month period. Patients were interviewed 24 hours after operation (POD 1) using the Leiden Perioperative care Patient Satisfaction questionnaire (LPPSq). This study reports one component of a large study conducted. The dimension “Discomfort and needs” of the LPPSq was considered, and the measurements of that dimension are presented in this report. Items of the dimension were standardized and measured using a five-point Likert scale from “Not at all” to “Extremely.” Multivariable logistic regression was used to look for the association of the outcomes with the types of surgery and types of anesthesia using SPSS (Version 22). Results. The prevalence were computed in two manners, prevalence of those with ‘at least a little bit’ outcomes, which was computed to see the total occurrence of these outcomes, and prevalence of those having ‘more than moderate’ outcomes to see the severe experience of these outcomes. Prevalence of the predominant undesirable outcome, postoperative pain, for ‘at least a little bit’ and ‘more than moderate’ were 82.6% and 43.6%, respectively. The rest of the postoperative undesirable outcomes were less frequently reported. Conclusion. Postoperative pain was found to be the most prevalent undesirable outcome. Enhancement of proper assessment and management of postoperative pain through the development and implementation of specific pain management modalities is needed.
Genome-wide Association Analysis of Proinflammatory Cytokines and Gene–lifestyle Interaction for Invasive Breast Cancer Risk: The WHI dbGaP Study
Authors: Jung Su Yon , Scott Peter A. , Papp Jeanette C. , Sobel Eric M. , Pellegrini Matteo , Yu Herbert , Han Sihao , Zhang Zuo-Feng
Published: September 2020

Immune-related etiologic pathways to influence invasive breast cancer risk may interact with lifestyle factors, but the interrelated molecular genetic pathways are incompletely characterized. We used data from the Women's Health Initiative Database for Genotypes and Phenotypes Study including 16,088 postmenopausal women, a population highly susceptible to inflammation, obesity, and increased risk for breast cancer. With 21,784,812 common autosomal single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), we conducted a genome-wide association (GWA) gene–environment interaction (G × E) analysis in six independent GWA Studies for proinflammatory cytokines [IL6 and C-reactive protein (CRP)] and their gene–lifestyle interactions. Subsequently, we tested for the association of the GWA SNPs with breast cancer risk. In women overall and stratified by obesity status (body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio) and obesity-related lifestyle factors (exercise and high-fat diet), 88 GWA SNPs in 10 loci were associated with proinflammatory cytokines: 3 associated with IL6 (1 index SNP in MAPK1 and 1 independent SNP in DEC1); 85 with CRP (3 index SNPs in CRPP1, CRP, RP11–419N10.5, HNF1A-AS1, HNF1A, and C1q2orf43; and two independent SNPs in APOE and APOC1). Of those, 27 in HNF1A-AS1, HNF1A, and C1q2orf43 displayed significantly increased risk for breast cancer. We found a number of novel top markers for CRP and IL6, which interacted with obesity factors. A substantial proportion of those SNPs' susceptibility influenced breast cancer risk. Our findings may contribute to better understanding of genetic associations between pro-inflammation and cancer and suggest intervention strategies for women who carry the risk genotypes, reducing breast cancer risk.

Prevention Relevance:

The top GWA-SNPs associated with pro-inflammatory biomarkers have implications for breast carcinogenesis by interacting with obesity factors. Our findings may suggest interventions for women who carry the inflammatory-risk genotypes to reduce breast cancer risk.
Radiation Esophagitis in a Patient with Oral Carcinoma and Bone Metastasis
Authors: Chiba Toshimi , Ohashi Yu , Tsunoda Naoko , Onodera Kei , Kawai Tadashi , Miyamoto Ikuya , Yamada Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

Radiation esophagitis requiring endoscopic evaluation occurs quite rarely, affecting <1% of patients undergoing radiation treatment. Acute radiation esophagitis develops within 3 weeks of radiation therapy. We describe herein a case of radiation esophagitis in a patient with oral carcinoma with multiple general bone metastases. Cisplatin, fluorouracil, and cetuximab were given for 3 cycles. Radiation therapy (30 Gy) to the thoracic vertebrae and lumbar vertebrae was prescribed to prevent worsening of bone metastases and relieve pain. Neutropenia was also observed due to chemotherapy. After the end of radiation therapy, the patient experienced chest pain, heartburn, and dysphagia. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed severe radiation esophagitis of endoscopic Fukui Acute Radiation Esophagitis grade 4. Oral food was discontinued and an intravenous proton-pump inhibitor was administered. After 3 weeks, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed improvement of radiation esophagitis, with scars. The symptoms of chest pain, heartburn, and dysphagia had also disappeared. This is the first case to be reported of acute radiation esophagitis in a patient with oral carcinoma with bone metastasis who experienced dramatic improvement of endoscopic findings. Neutropenia appears to be associated with more severe acute radiation esophagitis.
Sex and Age Influence the Associated Risk of Depression in Patients with Psoriasis: A Retrospective Population Study Based on Diagnosis and Drug-Use
Authors: Duvetorp Albert , Mrowietz Ulrich , Nilsson Mats , Seifert Oliver
Published: September 2020

Background: The reported prevalence of depression among individuals with psoriasis varies substantially, and the effect of gender on depression distribution has revealed conflicting results. In addition, using medication to identify cases is uncommon. Objective: To study the prevalence of pharmacologically treated depression among individuals with and without psoriasis in a Swedish population using ICD-10 codes and data from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Methods: A retrospective case-control population-based study was performed including all living individuals (age ≥18 years) in Region Jönköping, southern Sweden (n = 273,536). ICD-10 codes for the diagnosis of psoriasis (L40.*) and depression (F32.* and F33.*), and data on pharmacological treatment from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register, were extracted from electronic medical records between April 9, 2008 and January 1, 2016. The extraction date was January 1, 2016. Results: The risk of pharmacologically treated depression was increased in individuals with psoriasis (age- and sex-adjusted OR 1.55; CI 1.43–1.68); 21.1% of women with psoriasis received pharmacological treatment for depression during the study period compared to 14.2% in the control population. Prevalence figures for depression were significantly higher in women with psoriasis compared to men. The risk of suffering from depression was highest among male and female patients with psoriasis under the age of 31 years. Conclusions: Depression is common among patients with psoriasis. The results of the current study underline the need for dermatologists to adopt a holistic approach, looking beyond the skin, when handling patients with psoriasis in every-day clinical practice.
Predictive Factors for Short-Term Survival after Non-Curative Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Shimada Tomohiro , Yamagata Taku , Kanno Yoshihide , Ohira Tetsuya , Harada Yoshihiro , Koike Yoshiki , Tanaka Megumi , Komabayashi Daichi , Shimizu Takeshi , Okano Haruka , Suzuki Shohei , Ito Kei
Published: September 2020

Background/Aims: For early gastric cancer (EGC) treated using endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with poor curability defined by the Japanese Guidelines (non-curative EGC, N-EGC), additional gastrectomy has been recommended. However, N-EGC patients without additional gastrectomy often die of other diseases within a relatively short interval after ESD. It has been unclear whether additional gastrectomy is beneficial or not for such patients. The aim of this study was to clarify predictors for short-term survival of N-EGC patients without additional gastrectomy after ESD. Methods: One hundred six N-EGC patients without additional gastrectomy were included in this study. Factors related to short-term survival, defined as death within 3 years after ESD, were evaluated using uni- and multivariate analyses by comparing patients with and without short-term survival (Groups S and C, respectively). Results: During the mean follow-up period of 89 months, 39 patients died (14 patients died within 3 years, being Group S). The cause of death was gastric cancer for only 1 patient in the Group C. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 86.8 and 81.8%, respectively, and the 3- and 5-years disease-specific survival rates were 100 and 98.9%, respectively. Univariate analyses showed that short-term survival was statistically associated with elevated morphology, high-risk status for lymph node metastases as defined by the eCura system, severe comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI] ≥3), low level of activity in daily living (being unable to go out by oneself), habitation (a nursing home), and several poor nutritional prognostic indices (neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio ≥2.5, geriatric nutritional risk index <92, C-reactive protein ≥1.0). In the multivariate analysis, a high CCI (≥3) was the independent predictor for short-term survival after ESD (odds ratio, 8.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.53–43.0; p = 0.014). Conclusions: Severe comorbidity indicated by a high CCI score (≥3) was the independent predictor for short-term survival for EGC patients without additional gastrectomy after non-curative ESD. Since the cause of death for most patients was not gastric cancer, observational follow-ups without additional gastrectomy might be a reasonable option for patients with a poor general status indicated by a CCI ≥3.
The Role of Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cell and Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Schizophrenia
Authors: Pong Sovannarath , Karmacharya Rakesh , Sofman Marianna , Bishop Jeffrey R. , Lizano Paulo
Published: September 2020

Background: Despite decades of research, little clarity exists regarding pathogenic mechanisms related to schizophrenia. Investigations on the disease biology of schizophrenia have primarily focused on neuronal alterations. However, there is substantial evidence pointing to a significant role for the brain’s microvasculature in mediating neuroinflammation in schizophrenia. Summary: Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC) are a central element of the microvasculature that forms the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and shields the brain against toxins and immune cells via paracellular, transcellular, transporter, and extracellular matrix proteins. While evidence for BBB dysfunction exists in brain disorders, including schizophrenia, it is not known if BMEC themselves are functionally compromised and lead to BBB dysfunction. Key Messages: Genome-wide association studies, postmortem investigations, and gene expression analyses have provided some insights into the role of the BBB in schizophrenia pathophysiology. However, there is a significant gap in our understanding of the role that BMEC play in BBB dysfunction. Recent advances differentiating human BMEC from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) provide new avenues to examine the role of BMEC in BBB dysfunction in schizophrenia.
Sox17 Controls Emergence and Remodeling of Nestin-Expressing Coronary Vessels
Authors: González-Hernández Sara , Gómez Manuel J. , Sánchez-Cabo Fátima , Méndez-Ferrer Simón , Muñoz-Cánoves Pura , Isern Joan
Published: September 2020

Rationale:

The molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of coronary arteries during development and during cardiac neovascularization after injury are poorly understood. However, a detailed description of the relevant signaling pathways and functional TFs (transcription factors) regulating these processes is still incomplete.

Objective:

The goal of this study is to identify novel cardiac transcriptional mechanisms of coronary angiogenesis and vessel remodeling by defining the molecular signatures of coronary vascular endothelial cells during these complex processes.

Methods and Results:

We demonstrate that
Nes-gfp
and
Nes-CreER

T2

transgenic mouse lines are novel tools for studying the emergence of coronary endothelium and targeting sprouting coronary vessels (but not ventricular endocardium) during development. Furthermore, we identify Sox17 as a critical TF upregulated during the sprouting and remodeling of coronary vessels, visualized by a specific neural enhancer from the
Nestin
gene that is strongly induced in developing arterioles. Functionally, genetic-inducible endothelial deletion of
Sox17
causes deficient cardiac remodeling of coronary vessels, resulting in improper coronary artery formation.

Conclusions:

We demonstrated that Sox17 TF regulates the transcriptional activation of
Nestin
’s enhancer in developing coronary vessels while its genetic deletion leads to inadequate coronary artery formation. These findings identify Sox17 as a critical regulator for the remodeling of coronary vessels in the developing heart.
Growth Differentiation Factor 15 and NT‐proBNP as Blood‐Based Markers of Vascular Brain Injury and Dementia
Authors: McGrath Emer R. , Himali Jayandra J. , Levy Daniel , Conner Sarah C. , DeCarli Charles , Pase Matthew P. , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Ohara Tomoyuki , Courchesne Paul , Satizabal Claudia L. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Beiser Alexa S. , Seshadri Sudha
Published: September 2020

Background

GDF15 (growth differentiation factor 15) and NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide) may offer promise as biomarkers for cognitive outcomes, including dementia. We determined the association of these biomarkers with cognitive outcomes in a community‐based cohort.

Methods and Results

Plasma GDF15 (n=1603) and NT‐proBNP levels (n=1590) (53% women; mean age, 68.7 years) were measured in dementia‐free Framingham Offspring cohort participants at examination 7 (1998–2001). Participants were followed up for incident dementia. Secondary outcomes included Alzheimer disease dementia, magnetic resonance imaging structural brain measures, and neurocognitive performance. During a median 11.8‐year follow‐up, 131 participants developed dementia. On multivariable Cox proportional‐hazards analysis, higher circulating GDF15 was associated with an increased risk of incident all‐cause and Alzheimer disease dementia (hazard ratio [HR] per SD increment in natural log‐transformed biomarker value, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.22–1.95] and 1.37 [95% CI, 1.03–1.81], respectively), whereas higher plasma NT‐proBNP was also associated with an increased risk of all‐cause dementia (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.05–1.65). Elevated GDF15 was associated with lower total brain and hippocampal volumes, greater white matter hyperintensity volume, and poorer cognitive performance. Elevated NT‐proBNP was associated with greater white matter hyperintensity volume and poorer cognitive performance. Addition of both biomarkers to a conventional risk factor model improved dementia risk classification (net reclassification improvement index, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.05–0.45).

Conclusions

Elevated plasma GDF15 and NT‐proBNP were associated with vascular brain injury on magnetic resonance imaging, poorer neurocognitive performance, and increased risk of incident dementia in individuals aged >60 years. Both biomarkers improved dementia risk classification beyond that of traditional clinical risk factors, indicating their potential value in predicting incident dementia.
Sounding Time: Explorations in Audio Time-Lapse and Temporal Layering in Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Authors: Ficarra Evelyn
Published: September 2020

In this article, Evelyn Ficarra considers her compositional practice, giving particular emphasis to the techniques and aesthetics of using time-lapse media and other temporal manipulations in interdisciplinary contexts. Foregrounding her collaboration with media artist Ian Winters on the large-scale interdisciplinary installation/performance Summer, Winter, Spring, Ficarra describes her attempt to model audio-temporal methods on techniques borrowed from the visual realm. She considers temporal compression, extension and layering as compositional tools, highlighting issues of scale, structure and experience, and suggests that radical temporal manipulations of material can serve to bridge referential and abstract sound worlds. Ficarra concludes with reflections on the meanings and poetic resonances of time-lapse media.
Stowaway City: An Immersive Audio Experience for Multiple Tracked Listeners in a Hybrid Listening Environment
Authors: McKnight Michael
Published: September 2020

Stowaway City is an immersive audio experience that combines electroacoustic composition and storytelling with extended reality. The piece was designed to accommodate multiple listeners in a shared auditory virtual environment. Each listener, based on their tracked position and rotation in space, wirelessly receives an individual binaurally decoded sonic perspective via open-back headphones. The sounds and unfolding narrative are mapped to physical locations in the performance area, which are only revealed through exploration and physical movement. Spatial audio is simultaneously presented to all listeners via a spherical loudspeaker array that supplements the headphone audio, thus forming a hybrid listening environment. The work is presented as a conceptual and technical design paradigm for creative sonic application of the technology in this medium. The author outlines a set of strategies that were used to realize the composition and technical affordances of the system.
Taxonomic study of Moenkhausia cotinho Eigenmann, 1908 and Hemigrammus newboldi (Fernández-Yépez, 1949) with the description of two new species of Moenkhausia (Teleostei: Characiformes: Characidae)
Authors: MATHUBARA KLEBER , TOLEDO-PIZA MÔNICA
Published: September 2020

Moenkhausia cotinho is redescribed based on the examination of meristic and morphometric data and external morphological characters of specimens from the Amazon and Orinoco basins and from rivers in the Guyana. The species is distinguished from congeners based on the combination of a reticulate color pattern, the presence of dark spots on the posterior edge of scales of the longitudinal rows dorsal to the lateral line, the presence of a dark blotch on the caudal-fin base failing to reach the posterior tip of the middle caudal-fin rays; the dorsal region of the eyes red to orange in life; 5/3 longitudinal series of scales, above and below the lateral line, respectively; and the tips of the pectoral-fin rays not extending beyond the base of the pelvic fin. All specimens of M. cotinho have a completely pored literal line except for a few specimens from drainages in the Guyana. The redefinition of the taxonomic limits and geographic distribution of M. cotinho allowed us to reevaluate the taxonomic limits and geographic distribution of Hemigrammus newboldi, the identity of which has been previously questioned, but which is clearly diagnosed from M. cotinho based on the relatively longer pectoral fin, the presence of conical teeth in the posterior portion of the dentary, the absence of a reticulate color pattern of body and in the shorter longitudinal dark stripe on body. In addition, two new species of Moenkhausia are described: Moenkhausia rondoni sp n. from the rio Madeira basin, Brazil and Moenkhausia pirahan sp n. from the lower rio Madeira and rio Trombetas and rio Tapajós basins, Brazil.
Differing Trends in United States and European Severe Thunderstorm Environments in a Warming Climate
Authors: Taszarek Mateusz , Allen John T. , Brooks Harold E. , Pilguj Natalia , Czernecki Bartosz
Published: September 2020

Long-term trends in the historical frequency of environments supportive of atmospheric convection are unclear, and only partially follow the expectations of a warming climate. This uncertainty is driven by the lack of unequivocal changes in the ingredients for severe thunderstorms (i.e., conditional instability, sufficient low-level moisture, initiation mechanism, and vertical wind shear). ERA5 hybrid-sigma data allow for superior characterization of thermodynamic parameters including convective inhibition, which is very sensitive to the number of levels in the lower troposphere. Using hourly data we demonstrate that long-term decreases in instability and stronger convective inhibition cause a decline in the frequency of thunderstorm environments over the southern United States, particularly during summer. Conversely, increasingly favorable conditions for tornadoes are observed during winter across the Southeast. Over Europe, a pronounced multidecadal increase in low-level moisture has provided positive trends in thunderstorm environments over the south, central, and north, with decreases over the east due to strengthening convective inhibition. Modest increases in vertical wind shear and storm-relative helicity have been observed over northwestern Europe and the Great Plains. Both continents exhibit negative trends in the fraction of environments with likely convective initiation. This suggests that despite increasing instability, thunderstorms in a warming climate may be less likely to develop due to stronger convective inhibition and lower relative humidity. Decreases in convective initiation and resulting precipitation may have long-term implications for agriculture, water availability, and the frequency of severe weather such as large hail and tornadoes. Our results also indicate that trends observed over the United States cannot be assumed to be representative of other continents.
Environmental Controls on Tropical Mesoscale Convective System Precipitation Intensity
Authors: Schiro Kathleen A. , Sullivan Sylvia C. , Kuo Yi-Hung , Su Hui , Gentine Pierre , Elsaesser Gregory S. , Jiang Jonathan H. , Neelin J. David
Published: September 2020

Using multiple independent satellite and reanalysis datasets, we compare relationships between mesoscale convective system (MCS) precipitation intensity Pmax, environmental moisture, large-scale vertical velocity, and system radius among tropical continental and oceanic regions. A sharp, nonlinear relationship between column water vapor and Pmax emerges, consistent with nonlinear increases in estimated plume buoyancy. MCS Pmax increases sharply with increasing boundary layer and lower free tropospheric (LFT) moisture, with the highest Pmax values originating from MCSs in environments exhibiting a peak in LFT moisture near 750 hPa. MCS Pmax exhibits strikingly similar behavior as a function of water vapor among tropical land and ocean regions. Yet, while the moisture–Pmax relationship depends strongly on mean tropospheric temperature, it does not depend on sea surface temperature over ocean or surface air temperature over land. Other Pmax-dependent factors include system radius, the number of convective cores, and the large-scale vertical velocity. Larger systems typically contain wider convective cores and higher Pmax, consistent with increased protection from dilution due to dry air entrainment and reduced reevaporation of precipitation. In addition, stronger large-scale ascent generally supports greater precipitation production. Last, temporal lead–lag analysis suggests that anomalous moisture in the lower–middle troposphere favors convective organization over most regions. Overall, these statistics provide a physical basis for understanding environmental factors controlling heavy precipitation events in the tropics, providing metrics for model diagnosis and guiding physical intuition regarding expected changes to precipitation extremes with anthropogenic warming.
Synergies Between Technology, Participation, and Citizen Science in a Community-Based Dengue Prevention Program
Authors: Parra Cristhian , Cernuzzi Luca , Rojas Rodrigo , Denis Delsy , Rivas Sofia , Paciello Julio , Coloma Josefina , Holston James
Published: September 2020

As mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Zika continue to develop, traditional approaches have not curbed the epidemics, and evidence suggests that community-based programs are an effective alternative. In Paraguay, more than 8,300 cases of dengue were reported in 2019. Recent entomological surveys found that the percentage of houses with Aedes aegypti larvae is as high as 20% in the capital. In this context and based on the experiences of Camino Verde and DengueChat in Nicaragua, we started the TopaDengue project, a community-based intervention, supported by ICTs (information and communication technologies), in one of the most vulnerable territories of the Paraguayan capital, the Bañado Sur of Asunción. To inform our design of the socio-technical ICT platform, our fieldwork in this community explored the dynamic of interaction among researchers, facilitators, volunteers, the extended community, and technologies. Combining both paper and digital technologies with a continuous feedback loop among research, design, and community action, within a citizen science initiative, were key to strengthening the socialization and management processes of a community-based entomological surveillance program.
Nonjudicial Influence on Family Violence Court Cases
Authors: Walker Lenore E. A.
Published: September 2020

Family courts have rarely considered how their decisions are perpetuating domestic violence and child abuse in the many cases where custody disputes are before them. Rather than judges playing King Solomon themselves, they frequently leave the decision making to mental health professionals and lawyers whose credentials rarely include an understanding of what is needed to recognize, stop current abuse and prevent future violence. This article employs a literature review to examine the consequences of this decision making. Research shows that both male and female judges are skeptical of mothers’ claims of abuse and that their opinions contain negative stereotypes of women on which theories of parental alienation are based. More frighteningly, when guardians-ad-Litem or Custody Evaluators were entrusted with these decisions, research shows an intensification of the courts’ skepticism toward mothers’—but not fathers’—claims of abuse. Traditional family court procedures continue the serious risk of harm to women and children by minimizing domestic violence and child abuse, often using unproven and unscientific alienation theories as an excuse not to protect them. The article concludes with a discussion of the role specialty courts that employ therapeutic jurisprudence can play in improving this process for children.
Racial Disparities at Mixed-Race and Minority Hospitals
Authors: Tignanelli Christopher J. , Watarai Bradly , Fan Yunhua , Petersen Ashley , Hemmila Mark , Napolitano Lena , Jarosek Stephanie , Charles Anthony
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Racial and socioeconomic disparities in health access and outcomes for many conditions is well known. However, for time-sensitive high-acuity diseases such as traumatic injuries, disparities in access and outcomes should be significantly diminished. Our primary objective was to characterize racial disparities across majority, mixed-race, and minority hospitals for African American ([AA] vs White) males with high-grade splenic injuries.

Methods

Data from the National Trauma Data Bank were utilized from 2007 to 2015; 24 855 AA or White males with high-grade splenic injuries were included. Multilevel mixed-effects regression analysis was used to evaluate disparities in outcomes and resource allocation.

Results

Mortality was significantly higher for AA males at mixed-race (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.3-2.1; P < .001) and minority (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.5-3.0; P < .001) hospitals, but not at majority hospitals. At minority hospitals, AA males were significantly less likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (OR 0.7; 95% CI, 0.49-0.97; P = .04) and experienced a significantly longer time to surgery (IRR 1.5; P = .02). Minority hospitals were significantly more likely to have failures from angiographic embolization requiring operative intervention (OR 2.2, P = .009). At both types of nonmajority hospitals, AA males with penetrating injuries were more likely to be managed with angiography (mixed-race hospitals: OR 1.7; P = .046 vs minority hospitals: OR 1.6; P = .08).

Discussion

While multiple studies have shown that minority hospitals have increased mortality compared to majority hospitals, this study found this disparity only existed for AAs.
Predictors of Inappropriate Helicopter Transport
Authors: Brown Christopher , Irfan Wajeeh , Schoen Jonathan E. , Marr Alan B. , Stuke Lance E. , Cavalea Alexander C. , Mosier Willard W. , Rogers Camille L. , Greiffenstein Patrick P. , Moore Margaret M. , Hunt John P.
Published: September 2020

Background

Helicopter transport (HT) is an efficient, but costly, means for injured patients to receive life-saving, definitive trauma care. Identifying the characteristics of inappropriate HT presents an opportunity to improve the utilization of this finite medical resource.

Methods

Trauma registry records of all HT for a 3-year period (2016-2018) to an urban Level I trauma center were reviewed. HT was defined as inappropriate for patients who were discharged home from the emergency department or had a hospital length of stay <1 day, and who were discharged alive. Chi-square analysis and Student’s t-test were used for univariate analysis. Predictors with a P value of less than .15 were subject to binary logistic regression analysis. A P value ≤.05 was considered significant.

Results

There were 713 patients who received HT during the study period. One-hundred and forty-eight (20.8%) patients met the criteria as an inappropriate HT. In univariate analysis, Glasgow Coma Scale >8, Shock Index <0.9, and fall mechanism were found to be significantly associated with inappropriate HT. Age >55 was found to be associated with an appropriate HT. The average Injury Severity Score of the inappropriate HT group was 3.86 (±3.85) compared with 16.80 (±11.23) ( P = .0001, Student’s t-test).

Discussion

Our findings suggest that there are evidence-based predictors of patients receiving inappropriate HT. Triage of HT using these predictors has the potential to decrease unnecessary deployments and reduce health care costs.
Does Class-Based Campaigning Work? How Working Class Appeals Attract and Polarize Voters
Authors: Robison Joshua , Stubager Rune , Thau Mads , Tilley James
Published: September 2020

Recent elections have featured various politicians directly appealing to the working class, yet we know little about how citizens react to class appeals from candidates. We investigate this question using survey experiments conducted in the United States and Denmark. We show that symbolic class rhetoric substantially influences candidate evaluations and ultimately polarizes these evaluations across class lines. We also unpack how class appeals work and find that while they increase perceptions of representation among working class voters, they have a more limited effect on perceptions of candidates’ ideological position. Our results help explain how class affects voter decision-making and contribute to broader discussions about the role of political elites in activating social cleavages.
Banking in India: Evolution, Performance, Growth and Future
Authors: Dhameja Nand L , Arora Shilpa
Published: September 2020

Banks, a significant part of financial system of a country, are essential for its economic development. They have developed over the years and are faced with the challenges for the bright future. The article discusses development and future of banking sector in India in the light of the reforms over the years and is divided into four parts. The paper traces evolution and significance of banking, discusses reforms during pre-liberalisation and post-liberalisation as recommended by various Committees, namely, Narasimham Committees (1991 & 1998), Verma Committee (1996) and Khan Committee (1997) along with the structural and operational reforms. The performance challenges in terms of fee-based income, profitability, credit deposit ratio, business and profitability per employee are highlighted, comparing the public sector banks and private banks.
Which feminism(s)? For whom? Intersectionality in Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy
Authors: Morton Sam E. , Muchiri Judyannet , Swiss Liam
Published: September 2020

The Government of Canada introduced its new Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) to guide its foreign aid programming in June 2017. This feminist turn mirrors earlier adoptions of feminist aid and foreign policy by Sweden and echoes the current Canadian government’s feminist rhetoric. This paper examines the FIAP and its Action Areas Policies to ask what kind(s) of feminism are reflected in the policy and what groups of people it prioritizes. The paper examines the values, goals, and gaps of the policy in order to understand what feminist values and goals are being operationalized and pursued and what gaps and contradictions exist. By examining the FIAP’s Action Area Policies using a discourse network analysis of the groups represented in the policies, we demonstrate the failings of the FIAP to incorporate an intersectional approach. Our results show that the FIAP adopts a mainstream liberal feminism that excludes many peoples and groups from the core of Canada’s aid efforts.
US Military Deployment and Its Effects on South Korea’s Politics and Economy
Authors: Heo Uk , Yun Seongyi
Published: September 2020

Due to the lack of studies on the effects of US troops on an individual host state, we studied the effects of US troops on South Korea’s politics and economy. Based on security enhancement benefits, we hypothesized that USFK would have positive effects on South Korea’s investment, trade, economic growth, and political development. Employing Heo and Ye’s empirical models, we conducted statistical analyses and found that the effects of USFK on South Korea’s trade, democracy level, and economic growth are statistically insignificant and the effect of USFK on investment is negative and statistically significant. These findings need to be cross-validated with a different measure of estimating USFK’s effects because our measure, size of USFK, may not capture its effects completely although there is no other measure.
African Discourses on the Africanization and Decolonization of Social and Human Sciences
Authors: Minga Katunga J.
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this paper is to bring together some discourses from the authors of the books that made their marks in their days and from which we can learn more about the ongoing debate on decolonization and Africanization. Taking the historical perspective, first the paper builds its argument by showing how the current social science is still run according to the vestiges of orthodoxy. This is followed by a brief history of decolonial thoughts in Africa while the third point describes the challenges found in the recent debate on decolonization and leads to the conclusion that while the impact of this debate has been well documented, its discourses need to be retouched and supplemented before we could see its much bigger impact in Africa.
Increasing cell density/decreasing cell size to produce microcellular and nanocellular thermoplastic foams: A review
Authors: Azdast Taher , Hasanzadeh Rezgar
Published: September 2020

Nowadays, polymeric foams have attracted particular attention in scientific and industrial societies due to their unique properties, such as high strength to weight ratio, excellent thermal and sound insulation, and low cost. Researchers have shown that the extraordinary properties of polymeric foams such as superior thermal insulation, can be achieved by increasing the cell density/decreasing the cell size. In this regard, firstly, the most important foaming processes, i.e. batch, extrusion, and injection molding are studied in the present research. Then, cell nucleation stage as the most crucial phenomenon for achieving high cell density/small cell size is investigated in detail. In the next step, the most important researches in the field of polymeric foams are introduced in which the largest cell densities/smallest cell sizes have been achieved. The investigations show that the most remarkable results (highest cell densities/smallest cell sizes) belong to the batch process. Also, the use of nucleating agents, increasing the solubility of blowing agent into the polymer, and the use of nanoparticles are the most efficient solutions to achieve microcellular and nanocellular structures.
Hybrid composites with glass fiber and natural fibers of sisal, coir, and luffa sponge
Authors: da Silva Rosana Vilarim , Voltz Hiury , Filho André Itman , Xavier Milagre Mariana , Carvalho Machado Caruline de Souza
Published: September 2020

Hybrid composites with synthetic and natural fibers are a good choice in the field of composites, as they combine the good mechanical performance of synthetic fibers with the advantages of natural fibers. In this work, polymeric hybrid composites associating glass fiber and natural fibers were developed. Three hybrid composites were developed: sisal/glass, coir/glass and Luffa/glass. The composites are five-layer laminate, three layers of E-glass interspersed with two layers of natural fibers that can be sisal, coir, or Luffa sponge (Luffa Cylindrica). In addition to hybrid composites, a five-layer fiberglass composite was also manufactured. The composites were manufactured by compression molding technique using orthophthalic polyester resin as matrix. Tensile and flexural tests were performed to characterize the composites. Considering the three hybrid composites, the best behavior was observed for the sisal/glass composite, being a potential replacement for fiberglass. The order of performance was the same in the tensile and flexural tests, sisal/glass, coir/glass, and luffa/glass, in this order. In the specimen’s fracture analysis, for both tests, it was observed that the fracture was quite located with no damage in regions far from the fracture. This behavior indicates good adhesion between the layers of natural and synthetic fibers, despite the discrepancy of their properties.
Competitive Governance and Displacement Decisions Under Rebel Rule: Evidence from the Islamic State in Iraq
Authors: Revkin Mara Redlich
Published: September 2020

When rebel groups with state-building ambitions capture territory, who stays and why? Through semi-structured interviews and an original household survey in the Iraqi city of Mosul, which was controlled by the Islamic State for more than three years, I conduct a multi-method descriptive comparison of the characteristics of “stayers” against “leavers.” I test and find some quantitative and qualitative support for a theory of competitive governance: Civilians who perceived improvements in the quality of governance under IS rule—relative to the Iraqi state—were more likely to stay under IS rule than those who perceived no change or a deterioration, but displacement decisions are multi-causal, influenced by many factors including economic resources, social networks and family structures, information, threat perceptions, and ideology. These findings suggest that historical experiences with weak rule of law and bad governance by states may affect the attitudes and actions of civilians living under rebel governance.
Pretty Healthy Food: How and When Aesthetics Enhance Perceived Healthiness
Authors: Hagen Linda
Published: September 2020

Marketers frequently style food to look pretty (e.g., in advertising). This article investigates how pretty aesthetics (defined by classical aesthetic principles, such as order, symmetry, and balance) influence healthiness judgments. The author proposes that prettier food is perceived as healthier, specifically because classical aesthetic features make it appear more natural. In a pilot, six main studies and four supplemental studies (total N = 4,301) across unhealthy and healthy, processed and unprocessed, and photographed and real foods alike, people judged prettier versions of the same food as healthier (e.g., more nutrients, less fat), despite equal perceived price. Even given financial stakes, people were misled by prettiness. In line with the proposed naturalness process, perceived naturalness mediated the effect; belief in a “natural = healthy” connection moderated it; expressive aesthetics, which do not evoke naturalness, did not produce the effect (despite being pretty); and reminders of artificial modification, which suppress perceived naturalness, mitigated it. Given that pretty food styling can harm consumers by misleading healthiness judgments for unhealthy foods, managers and policy makers should consider modification disclaimers as a tool to mitigate the “pretty = healthy” bias.