bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID‐19): A PRISMA Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Clinical and Paraclinical Characteristics
Authors: Hasani Hamidreza , Mardi Shayan , Shakerian Sareh , Taherzadeh-Ghahfarokhi Nooshin , Mardi Parham
Published: August 2020

An outbreak of pneumonia, caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2), was identified in China in December 2019. This virus expanded worldwide, causing global concern. Although clinical, laboratory, and imaging features of COVID‐19 are characterized in some observational studies, we undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the frequency of these features. We did a systematic review and meta‐analysis using three databases to identify clinical, laboratory, and computerized tomography (CT) scanning features of rRT‐PCR confirmed cases of COVID‐19. Data for 3420 patients from 30 observational studies were included. Overall, the results showed that fever (84.2%, 95% CI 82.6‐85.7), cough (62%, 95% CI 60‐64), and fatigue (39.4%, 95% CI 37.2‐41.6%) are the most prevalent symptoms in COVID‐19 patients. Increased CRP level, decreased lymphocyte count, and increased D‐dimer level were the most common laboratory findings. Among COVID‐19 patients, 92% had a positive CT finding, most prevalently ground‐glass opacification (GGO) (60%, 95% CI 58‐62) and peripheral distribution opacification (64%, 95% CI 60‐69). These results demonstrate the clinical, paraclinical, and imaging features of COVID‐19.
Experimental Study on the Influence of Specimen Shape on Rockburst Proneness of Red Sandstone
Authors: Yang Jiajun , Gong Fengqiang , Liu Dongqiao , Liu Zhixiang
Published: August 2020

To investigate the specimen shape effect on rockburst proneness of rock materials, a string of conventional and single-cycle loading-unloading uniaxial compression tests was performed with cylindrical and cuboid red sandstone specimens. Despite similar development paths on stress-strain curves for the specimens with two shapes, the cuboid specimens generally show a higher uniaxial compressive strength than the cylindrical specimens. The energy evolution laws inside the two shaped specimens were explored. The results show that the input energy density (IED), elastic energy density (EED), and dissipated energy density (DED) of the two shaped specimens increased in a quadratic relationship with the increment of unloading level. Moreover, the linear relationships between the EED, DED, and IED were further confirmed for two shaped specimens, which were defined as the linear energy storage and dissipation laws, respectively. The energy storage coefficients and energy dissipation coefficients (the slopes of the linear relationships between the EED, DED, and IED, respectively) are almost independent of the specimen shape. According to the linear energy storage and dissipation laws, the peak EED and peak DED of every specimen can be calculated accurately. Finally, combining the failure process of rock specimens recorded by a high-speed camera, the elastic energy index (WET), the residual elastic energy index (AEF), and the far-field ejection mass ratio (MF) of each specimen were adopted to assess the rockburst proneness of the red sandstone sampled in cylindrical and cuboid. The results show that cuboid specimens exhibited stronger rockburst proneness than cylindrical ones, which favorably agreed with the actual failure phenomena.
Effects of Stellate Ganglion Block on Healing of Fractures Induced in Rats
Authors: Kizilay Hasan , Cakici Husamettin , Kilinc Erkan , Firat Tulin , Kuru Tolgahan , Sahin A. Alper
Published: August 2020

Objective. Sympathetic blocks are used as an adjunct for pain management in the treatment of orthopedic and traumatic conditions. Stellate ganglion (ganglion stellatum) provides sympathetic innervation of the head, neck and cervicothoracic regions, and upper extremities. No study was found in the literature investigating the effects of stellate ganglion block performed in the upper extremity, on blood supply to bone, density, vascularization, and bone metabolism. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of stellate ganglion block on healing of closed forearm fractures that were induced in rats. Material and Methods. A total of 42 Wistar albino rats weighing between 398 and 510 g were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into 2 groups with one group treated with stellate ganglion and the other included as the control group. In each 2 groups, a closed forearm fracture was created, confirmed with X‐ray, and then stabilized by splint application. The forearm bones were examined with X‐ray views on the same day and were then decalcified. Results. When histological findings of the fracture region were examined, predominantly cartilage and less woven bone were found in 7 rats, equally distributed cartilage and immature bone in 14 rats, and predominantly imitation bone and less cartilage formation in 21 rats. In the control group, the agreement between the 1st and 2nd orthopedists for the radiological evaluation of bone formation was moderate. Conclusion. The group administered stellate ganglion block showed a more significant fracture healing.
Functional Modular Network Identifies the Key Genes of Preoperative Inhalation Anesthesia and Intravenous Anesthesia in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Zhao Hongfei , Wang Weitian , Liu Liping , Wang Junlong , Yan Quanzhang
Published: August 2020

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) is an effective strategy for revascularization. Preoperative anesthesia appears critical due to surgical instability and the risk of organ damage. This study, based on a functional module network, analysed the effects of preoperative inhalation anesthesia and intravenous anesthesia on OPCABG and performed a pivot analysis of its potential drug regulators. We obtained microarray data of sevoflurane anesthesia and propofol anesthesia from the GEO database and analysed the difference between the two groups of data, resulting in 5701 and 3210 differential genes to construct the expression matrix. WGCNA analysis showed that sevoflurane anesthesia clustered into 7 functional disorder modules, including PDCD6IP, WDR3, and other core genes; propofol anesthesia clustered to form two functional disorder modules, including KCNB2 and LHX2, two core genes Enrichment analysis of the functions and pathways of interest suggests that both anesthesia-related module genes tend to function as pathways associated with ion and transmembrane transport. The underlying mechanism may be that targeted regulation of transmembrane-associated biological processes and ion pathways in the core genes of each module affect the surgical process. Pivot analysis of potential drug regulators revealed 229 potential drugs for sevoflurane anesthesia surgery, among which zinc regulates three functional disorder modules via AHSG, F12, etc., and 67 potential drugs for propofol anesthesia surgery, among which are propofol, methadone, and buprenorphine, regulate two functional disorder modules through four genes, CYP2C8, OPRM1, CYP2C18, and CYP2C19. This study provides guidance on clinical use or treatment by comparing the effects of two anesthesias on surgery and its potential drugs.
Protective Effect of Simplicillium sp. Ethyl Acetate Extract against High Glucose‐Induced Oxidative Stress in HUVECs
Authors: Tian Ting-Ting , Li Qi-Rui , Gan Shi-Quan , Chang Chu-Rui , Shen Xiang-Chun
Published: August 2020

This study aimed at investigating the cytoprotective effect of an ethyl acetate extract of insect fungi against high glucose‐ (HG‐) induced oxidative damage in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). An insect fungus strain termed CH180672 (CH) was found for protecting HUVECs from HG‐induced damage. In this study, CH was identified as Simplicillium sp. based on a phylogenetic analysis of ITS‐rDNA sequences. Ethyl acetate extract (EtOAc) of this strain (CH) was subjected to the following experiments. Cell viability was examined with the MTT method. To evaluate the protection of CH, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured and the expression of oxidation‐associated proteins was assessed. In the current study, it has been found that CH can increase the survival rate of HUVECs induced by HG. Additionally, we found that HG‐induced nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) signal decreased and increased the intracellular ROS and MDA generation in HUVECs. However, CH treatment strongly promoted the translocation of Nrf2 and its transregulation on HO‐1 and ultimately inhibited the high level of ROS and MDA induced by HG. The regulatory ability of CH was similar to Nrf2 agonist bardoxolone, while the effect was abolished by ML385, suggesting that Nrf2 mediated the inhibition of CH on HG‐induced oxidative stress in HUVECs. Taken together, CH can improve HG‐induced oxidative damage of HUVECs, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway.
Protective Effect of Compound Formula Rehmannia against Neurotoxicity and Apoptosis Induced by α‐Syn in In Vivo and In Vitro Models of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Teng Long , Yang Minchun , Jin Xiaoqing , Qian Lu , Yang Weijia , Ren Xuanxuan , Qu Qing
Published: August 2020

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of compound formula Rehmannia (CFR) against the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD). After the in vivo and in vitro models of PD were established with overexpression α‐syn induced, CFR was administrated into the PD model rats for 6 weeks or SK‐N‐SH cells with coincubation for 48 h. Apomorphine‐induced rotation test, CCK8 assay, TUNEL assay, immunofluorescence staining, and western blot assay were performed to evaluate the behavioral changes, cell viability, cell apoptosis, α‐syn, GSK‐3β, P‐GSK‐3β (Ser9), P‐GSK‐3β (Tyr216), and β‐catenin expression in PD rats or SK‐N‐SH cells. PD rat behavior results showed that the rotation numbers were significantly decreased in the CFR treatment group comparing with the AAV‐α‐syn PD model group. The cell viability suppressed by H2O2 and α‐syn in SK‐N‐SH model cells was also significantly improved with CFR administration. Cell apoptosis and α‐syn overexpression observed in PD rats and SK‐N‐SH cells were also inhibited by CFR treatment. Furthermore, the protein expression of α‐syn, GSK‐3β, P‐GSK‐3β (Ser9), P‐GSK‐3β (Tyr216), and β‐catenin in in vivo and in vitro was also significantly regulated by CFR. The present study suggested that CFR may be considered as a potential neuroprotective agent against PD, and this application will require further investigation.
Effect of Slope Aspect and Land Use Types on Selected Soil Physicochemical Properties in North Western Ethiopian Highlands
Authors: Tamene Gebretsadik Melak , Adiss Hailu Kindie , Alemu Melese Yigzaw
Published: August 2020

Recent research findings imply that the slope aspect has a great impact on soil genesis and soil microclimate. The microclimate has a significant effect on the soil geobiochemical processes taking place in the soil. However, the slope aspect impact on soil properties has not been yet studied well in Ethiopia, particularly in the northern highlands. This research was initiated to link selected soil physicochemical properties with slope aspects under different land use practices. The research was conducted in Gumara-Maksegnit watershed located at the upper Lake Tana basin, Ethiopia. Four slope aspects, eastward (Ew), northward (Nw), southward (Sw), and westward (Ww), and three land use types at each slope aspect, cropland (Cl), forest land (Fl), and grazing land (Gl), were considered. In total, 36 undisturbed soil samples for bulk density and 36 disturbed soil samples for selected soil properties were collected. Soil particle size (texture), bulk density, electrical conductivity (EC), soil pH, available phosphorus (av. P), available potassium (av. K), total nitrogen (TN), and soil organic carbon (SOC) were analyzed. The resulting analyses showed no significant variation (p<0.05) across both slope aspects and/or land use types for soil pH and EC, whereas the slope aspect showed a significant effect (p<0.05) on SOC, TN, av. K, and av. P. The highest significant (p<0.05) mean value of SOC was observed in the Ww (3.04%) followed by Nw (2.52%) but SOC was not significant (p<0.05) between Sw and Ew. While the highest av. K (1233.2 centimole/kilogram) and av. phosphorus (35.76 ppm) were observed in Nw slope aspect, the highest TN was in the Ww slope aspect (0.24%). The significant effect (p<0.05) of land uses can be summarized as Fl > Gl > Cl for SOC and TN. A strong positive correlation was observed between SOC and TN (R2 = 0.997) and av. K and av. P (R2 = 0.58) at p<0.05. Generally, the slope aspect, land use types, and their interaction had a significant effect on soil physicochemical properties.
Biomarkers of Osimertinib Response in Patients with Refractory, EGFR-T790M–positive Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer and Central Nervous System Metastases: The APOLLO Study
Authors: Xing Ligang , Pan Yueyin , Shi Yuankai , Shu Yongqian , Feng Jifeng , Li Wei , Cao Lejie , Wang Lifeng , Gu Wei , Song Yong , Xing Puyuan , Liu Yutao , Gao Wen , Cui Jiuwei , Hu Nana , Li Rutian , Bao Hua , Shao Yang , Yu Jinming
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

Dynamic biomarker monitoring may inform pathways for treating EGFR-T790M–positive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and central nervous system (CNS) metastases with osimertinib. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of osimertinib for real-world patients with EGFR-T790M NSCLC and CNS metastases and to explore potential circulating biomarkers of therapeutic response.

Patients and Methods:

APOLLO (ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT02972333) was a prospective, single-arm, open-label trial which ran from January 2017 to April 2019. Eligible patients had confirmed EGFR-T790M–positive NSCLC, prior treatment with an EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and CNS metastases. All enrolled patients received oral osimertinib 80 mg once daily until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. Primary outcome was overall progression-free survival (PFSo) and secondary outcomes included objective response rate (ORR) and adverse events (AE). Exploratory biomarker analysis involved collection of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples for next-generation sequencing and drug penetration analysis.

Results:

From January to September 2017, 38 patients were enrolled. After a median follow-up of 8.2 months (range, 0.07–15.6), 23 (60.5%) of 38 patients had disease progression or death. Median PFSo was 8.4 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.8–10.9]. Overall ORR was 39.4%. Twelve (31.6%) of 38 patients had ≥1 grade 3–4 AE. Median osimertinib CSF penetration rate was 31.7%. Patients with undetectable plasma EGFR mutations at week 6 had improved PFSo compared with those with detectable mutations (not reached vs. 4.5 months; 95% CI, 0.0–1.1; P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Osimertinib had potent activity against EGFR-T790M–positive NSCLC with CNS metastases. Dynamic monitoring of plasma EGFR may suffice for predicting clinical responses, mitigating the need for repeat CSF biopsy.

See related commentary by Marmarelis and Bauml, p. 6077
TIGIT Blockade and IL15 in Tumor Immunotherapy: Together is Better
Authors: Pietra Gabriella , Mingari Maria Cristina , Moretta Lorenzo
Published: August 2020

IL15 and TIGIT blockade enhances the natural killer (NK) cell–mediated activity against MHC-I–deficient melanoma both in vitro and in preclinical models. IL15-induced harnessing of NK cells, associated with their unleashing by TIGIT blockade, may represent a therapeutic approach for tumors, which lack HLA-I molecules thus escaping the CD8+ T cell–mediated control.

See related article by Chauvin et al., p. 5520
Lua vermelha em Lisboa
Authors: Martins José Batista (Zebba) Dal Farra
Published: August 2020

O artigo ensaia um itinerário do autor com Augusto Boal, nos anos de 1977 e 1978, quando participou como músico e diretor musical da montagem lusitana de Zumbi. No percurso, narra os pontos centrais deste caminho, seus impulsos criativos, éticos e políticos, além dos movimentos decorrentes da ação pedagógica de um dos principais artistas teatrais contemporâneos, cuja estatura está por ser reconhecida e traçada, especialmente no âmbito acadêmico brasileiro. Trata-se, em seu núcleo, de cotejar a montagem original do Arena conta Zumbi (São Paulo, 1965) com sua encenação em Portugal (Lisboa, 1978).
A performatividade na dança
Authors: Almeida Karina , Pereira Sayonara
Published: August 2020

Este artigo discute como as noções de coreografia, corporeidade e performatividade vem sendo exploradas de um modo experimental desde os anos 1960. Discute-se a noção de performativo na dança através de uma breve análise da peça What the body does not remember (1987), do coreógrafo belga Wim Vandekeybus. Do ponto de vista teórico, Féral, Schechner, Preston-Dunlop e Hantelmann são as principais referências propostas para esta discussão.
Competências administrativas ordenadoras estaduais, autonomia municipal e direitos fundamentais individuais
Authors: França Vladimir Da Rocha
Published: August 2020

O presente ensaio tem por objetivo examinar a validade do Decreto Executivo Estadual nº 29.583, de 1 de abril de 2020, que consolida as medidas de saúde para o enfrentamento do novo coronavírus (COVID-19) no âmbito do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte e dá outras providências, tendo-se em vista os princípios do Direito Administrativo, as liberdades econômica, religiosa e de reunião, o princípio federativo e a autonomia municipal, no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro em vigor.
Angiotensin-Neprilysin Inhibition and Renal Outcomes in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Mc Causland Finnian R. , Lefkowitz Martin P. , Claggett Brian , Anavekar Nagesh S. , Senni Michele , Gori Mauro , Jhund Pardeep S. , McGrath Martina M. , Packer Milton , Shi Victor , Van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Zannad Faiez , Comin-Colet Josep , Pfeffer Marc A. , McMurray John J.V. , Solomon Scott D.
Published: August 2020

Background:

In patients with heart failure, chronic kidney disease is common and associated with a higher risk of renal events than in patients without chronic kidney disease. We assessed the renal effects of angiotensin/neprilysin inhibition in patients who have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction enrolled in the PARAGON-HF trial (Prospective Comparison of ARNI With ARB Global Outcomes in HF With Preserved Ejection Fraction).

Methods:

In this randomized, double-blind, event-driven trial, we assigned 4822 patients who had heart failure with preserved ejection fraction to receive sacubitril/valsartan (n=2419) or valsartan (n=2403). Herein, we present the results of the prespecified renal composite outcome (time to first occurrence of either: ≥50% reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), end-stage renal disease, or death from renal causes), the individual components of this composite, and the influence of therapy on eGFR slope.

Results:

At randomization, eGFR was 63±19 mL·min
–1
·1.73 m
–
2. At study closure, the composite renal outcome occurred in 33 patients (1.4%) assigned to sacubitril/valsartan and 64 patients (2.7%) assigned to valsartan (hazard ratio, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.33–0.77];
P
=0.001). The treatment effect on the composite renal end point did not differ according to the baseline eGFR (<60 versus ≥60 mL·min
–1
·1.73 m
–2
(
P
-interaction=0.92). The decline in eGFR was less for sacubitril/valsartan than for valsartan (–2.0 [95% CI, –2.2 to –1.9] versus –2.7 [95% CI, –2.8 to –2.5] mL·min
–1
·1.73 m
–2
per year).

Conclusions:

In patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, sacubitril/valsartan reduced the risk of renal events, and slowed decline in eGFR, in comparison with valsartan.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01920711.
Coronavirus research before 2020 is more relevant than ever, especially when interpreted for COVID-19
Authors: Thelwall Mike
Published: August 2020

The speed with which biomedical specialists were able to identify and characterize COVID-19 was partly due to prior research with other coronaviruses. Early epidemiological comparisons with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), also made it easier to predict COVID-19’s likely spread and lethality. This article assesses whether academic interest in prior coronavirus research has translated into interest in the primary source material, using Mendeley reader counts for early academic impact evidence. The results confirm that SARS and MERS research in 2008–2017 experienced anomalously high increases in Mendeley readers in April–May 2020. Nevertheless, studies learning COVID-19 lessons from SARS and MERS or using them as a benchmark for COVID-19 have generated much more academic interest than primary studies of SARS or MERS. Thus, research that interprets prior relevant research for new diseases when they are discovered seems to be particularly important to help researchers to understand its implications in the new context.
Evaluation of non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging as an imaging surveillance tool for hepatocellular carcinoma in at-risk patients
Authors: Liu JKJ , Lee CH , Tan CH
Published: August 2020

INTRODUCTION This study aimed to evaluate the potential of non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as an imaging surveillance tool for detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in at-risk patients and to compare the performance of non-contrast MR imaging with ultrasonography (US) as a screening modality for the same. METHODS In this retrospective study, patients diagnosed with HCC between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015 were selected from our institution’s cancer registry. Patients who underwent MR imaging and had US performed within three months of the MR imaging were included. For each MR imaging, two non-contrast MR imaging sequences – T2-weighted fat-saturated (T2-W FS) sequence and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) – were reviewed for the presence of suspicious lesions. A non-contrast MR image was considered positive if the lesion was seen on both sequences. The performance of non-contrast MR imaging was compared to that of hepatobiliary US for the detection of HCC. RESULTS A total of 73 patients with 108 HCCs were evaluated. Sensitivity of non-contrast MR imaging for the detection of HCC using T2-W FS and DWI was 93.2%, which was significantly higher than that of US, which was 79.5% (p = 0.02). In a subgroup of 55 patients with imaging features of liver cirrhosis, the sensitivity of non-contrast MR imaging was 90.9%, which was also significantly higher than that of US, which was 74.5% (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION Our pilot study showed that non-contrast MR imaging, using a combination of T2-W FS and DWI, is a potential alternative to US as a screening tool for surveillance of patients at risk for HCC.
Beyond diabetes mellitus: role of metformin in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Wang Z , Ong WYF , Shen T , Sng JH , Lata RM , Mahendran R , Kesavan E , Chiong E
Published: August 2020

INTRODUCTION Usage of metformin is associated with improved survival in lung, breast and prostate cancer, and metformin has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth and proliferation in in vitro studies. Given the lack of clinical data on metformin use in patients with bladder cancer, we aimed to evaluate the role of metformin in their oncological outcomes. METHODS Medication use data from a prospectively maintained database of 122 patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer treated with intravesical Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), who were recruited under a randomised, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial, was collected and analysed. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). RESULTS At a median follow-up duration of 102 (range 3–357) months, 53 (43.4%) patients experienced disease recurrence and 21 (17.2%) experienced disease progression. There was no significant difference in mortality between patients with and without diabetes mellitus. There was significant difference in OS between patients without diabetes mellitus, patients with diabetes mellitus on metformin and patients with diabetes mellitus but not on metformin (p = 0.033); patients with diabetes mellitus on metformin had the best prognosis. Metformin use was associated with significantly lower DSS (p = 0.042). Other oral hypoglycaemic agents, insulin or statins were not associated with disease recurrence or progression. CONCLUSION Metformin use was associated with improved oncological outcomes in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer treated with intravesical BCG. Prospective studies with larger patient populations are needed to validate the role of metformin as potential therapy for bladder cancer.
Surgical repair of the supraspinatus: pre- and postoperative architectural changes in the muscle
Authors: Sachdeva R , Beavis C , Obaid H , Farthing JP , Kim SY
Published: August 2020

INTRODUCTION Shortening of the tendon and muscle is recognised as a strong predictor of surgical failure of supraspinatus tendon tears. Changes in muscle architecture following repair have not been thoroughly investigated. Hence, we aimed to compare the pre- and postoperative architecture of the supraspinatus. METHODS We recruited eight participants with full-thickness supraspinatus tears. Images of the supraspinatus were captured preoperatively (pre-op) and postoperatively at one month (post-op1), three months (post-op2) and six months (post-op3) in relaxed and contracted states (0º and 60º glenohumeral abduction). Fibre bundle length (FBL), pennation angle (PA) and muscle thickness were quantified. Self-reported function, and maximal isometric abduction and external rotation strengths were assessed. RESULTS The mean FBL increased from pre-op to post-op1 (p = 0.001) in the relaxed state and from pre-op to post-op2 (p = 0.002) in the contracted state. Decrease in FBL was observed from post-op2 to post-op3 in the relaxed state. The mean PA decreased from pre-op to post-op1 (p < 0.001) in the relaxed state, but increased from post-op2 to post-op3 in both relaxed (p = 0.006) and contracted (p = 0.004) states. At post-op3, external rotation (p = 0.009) and abduction (p = 0.005) strengths were greater than at post-op2. Overall function increased by 47.67% from pre-op to post-op3. CONCLUSION Lengthening of the supraspinatus occurs with surgery, altering the length-tension relationship of the muscle, which can compromise muscle function and lead to inferior surgical outcomes. These findings may guide clinicians to optimise loads, velocities and shoulder ranges for effective postoperative rehabilitation.
Thismia: the rarest of the rare? Ranges of some Bornean species are much larger than previously believed

Authors: DANČÁK MARTIN , HRONEŠ MICHAL , SOCHOR MICHAL
Published: August 2020

Fairy lanterns (Thismia; Thismiaceae, Dioscoreales) are believed to be extremely rare and narrowly endemic plants. Despite that, many new Thismia populations have been recently discovered in Borneo. These are summarized and discussed here and all twelve Bornean Thismia species with multiple localities are reviewed. New localities of T. brunneomitra, T. hexagona, T. neptunis, T. pallida and T. viridistriata are reported which considerably enlarge ranges of these species. New conservational statuses are proposed for T. brunneomitra, T. goodii, T. hexagona and T. neptunis. New or unpublished localities are also reported for T. cornuta and T. goodii. Although the known within-species morphological variability is extended only little or not at all by these finds, geographically distant populations often exhibit relatively large genetic differences, in some cases similar to those among distinct species (namely T. brunneomitra and T. minutissima). The new data show that, at least in some tropical species of Thismia, we can expect quite normal type of distribution with multiple localities over relatively large geographical areas.
Fern nothogenera and ×Lepinema, a new hybrid genus between Ellipinema and Lepisorus (Polypodiaceae)

Authors: ZHANG LIANG , ZHANG LI-BING
Published: August 2020

The biological species concept is not exclusively applicable in many groups of organisms including ferns. Interspecific fern hybrids are not rare: there are 16 intergeneric hybrid genera in ferns confirmed with molecular data. Here we add one more hybrid genus in the tribe Lepisoreae of Polypodiaceae, ×Lepinema, formed via hybridization between parents in two genera: Ellipinema and Lepisorus.
Lepiota cholistanensis a new species of Lepiota (Agaricaceae: Basidiomycota) from Cholistan desert, Pakistan

Authors: BASHIR HIRA , USMAN MUHAMMAD , KHALID ABDUL NASIR
Published: August 2020

Lepiota cholistanensis was collected from an unusual locality of Cholistan desert, an unexplored area of Pakistan. This species is characterized by having small basidiomata provided with slightly uplifted brown squamules on pileus surface. Stipe color changes to brown on handling or bruising. Compact hymeniderm pileus covering containing variable shaped pileus elements varies from sub-globose to broadly clavate, long and narrowly clavate, and sphaeropedunculate having cylindrical ante-terminal elements and cheilocystidia are cylindrical to narrowly clavate. Basidiospores are sub-globose, broadly ellipsoid to vaguely oval shaped, olivaceous green, binucleate and non-dextrinoid. The phylogenetic analyses were performed using ITS and LSU datasets. Our newly described taxon grouped well in section Cristatae during the phylogenetic analyses.
New genera, species and combinations in the Pseudomicrocara Armstrong group (Coleoptera: Scirtidae) based on morphology supported by mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequence data
Authors: WATTS C.H.S. , COOPER S.J.B. , LIBONATTI M.L.
Published: August 2020

The Australian Scirtidae genus Pseudomicrocara Armstrong, previously shown to be polyphyletic, is revised using both morphology and sequence data from the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 and two nuclear genes, elongation factor 1-alpha and topoisomerase. Twenty-three genera, 16 of which are new, are recognised based on morphology, primarily of the mandibles and maxillary palpi, and male and female genitalia. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses were used to examine relationships among species from 21 of the 23 recognised genera. Fifteen of the genera were recovered as distinct lineages. A further six, Accolabass Watts, Anocyphon gen. nov., Copiacyphon gen. nov., Nasutuscyphon gen. nov., Pseudomicrocara and Saprocyphon gen. nov. were considered to be genera based on both morphology and phylogenetic analysis but their species composition is uncertain and will require more work to confirm. The 17 new genera are fully described, keys are provided to all the genera in the Pseudomicrocara group, and to all the species in the genera Copiacyphon gen. nov., Spilotocyphon gen. nov., Accolabass Watts, Saltuscyphon gen. nov. and Vadumcyphon gen. nov. The male aedeagi of all new genera and species are illustrated, as are the female prehensors of some species.                The following genera are described as new: Alpestriscyphon gen. nov., Anthocara gen. nov., Anocyphon gen. nov., Copiacyphon gen. nov., Furcacyphon gen. nov., Latuscara gen. nov., Pictacara gen. nov., Nasutuscyphon gen. nov., Nektriscyphon gen. nov., Pumiliocara gen. nov., Ruborcara gen. nov., Saltuscyphon gen. nov., Saprocyphon gen. nov., Sisyracyphon gen. nov., Spilotocyphon gen. nov., Tenebriocyphon gen. nov. and Vadumcyphon gen. nov. A total of 45 new combinations are proposed. The following species are described as new: Accolabass monteithi sp. nov.; Alpestriscyphon bartlefrere sp. nov., Al. spurgeon sp. nov.; Anocyphon lepus sp. nov.; Copiacyphon brindaleensis sp. nov., C. cardinalis sp. nov., C. dytikos sp. nov.; Pumiliocara peneparva sp. nov.; Ruborcara saintae sp. nov.; Saltuscyphon montanus sp. nov., Sal. teraniaensis sp. nov.; Saprocyphon bithongensis sp. nov.; Sisyracyphon brisbanensis sp. nov., S. bulburinensis sp. nov.; Spilotocyphon occidentalis sp. nov., Sp. orientalis sp. nov., Sp. zwicki sp. nov.; Vadumcyphon centralis sp. nov., V. rugosus sp. nov. A checklist of all Australian taxa in the redefined Pseudomicrocara group is included.                Sequence data of the Argentinian species Pseudomicrocara antarctica (Fairmaire) is included. Phylogenetic analyses place this species as a distinct lineage within the Pseudomicrocara group.
Addition of Multilayer Urban Canopy Models to a Nonlocal Planetary Boundary Layer Parameterization and Evaluation Using Ideal and Real Cases
Authors: Hendricks Eric A. , Knievel Jason C. , Wang Yi
Published: August 2020

The multilayer urban canopy models (UCMs) building effect parameterization (BEP) and BEP + building energy model (BEM; a building energy model integrated in BEP) are added to the Yonsei University (YSU) planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterization in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. The additions allow for the first analysis of the detailed effects of buildings on the urban boundary layer in a nonlocal closure scheme. The modified YSU PBL parameterization is compared with the other 1.5-order local PBL parameterizations that predict turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), Mellor–Yamada–Janjić and Bougeault–Lacarerre, using both ideal and real cases. The ideal-case evaluation confirms that BEP and BEP+BEM produce the expected results in the YSU PBL parameterization because the simulations are qualitatively similar to the TKE-based PBL parameterizations in which the multilayer UCMs have long existed. The modified YSU PBL parameterization is further evaluated for a real case. Similar to the ideal case, there are larger differences among the different UCMs (simple bulk scheme, BEP, and BEP+BEM) than across the PBL parameterizations when the UCM is held fixed. Based on evaluation against urban near-surface wind and temperature observations for this case, the BEP and BEP+BEM simulations are superior to the simple bulk scheme for each PBL parameterization.
Hydrometeor Shape Variability in Snowfall as Retrieved from Polarimetric Radar Measurements
Authors: Matrosov Sergey Y. , Ryzhkov Alexander V. , Maahn Maximilian , de Boer Gijs
Published: August 2020

A polarimetric radar–based method for retrieving atmospheric ice particle shapes is applied to snowfall measurements by a scanning Ka-band radar deployed at Oliktok Point, Alaska (70.495°N, 149.883°W). The mean aspect ratio, which is defined by the hydrometeor minor-to-major dimension ratio for a spheroidal particle model, is retrieved as a particle shape parameter. The radar variables used for aspect ratio profile retrievals include reflectivity, differential reflectivity, and the copolar correlation coefficient. The retrievals indicate that hydrometeors with mean aspect ratios below 0.2–0.3 are usually present in regions with air temperatures warmer than approximately from −17° to −15°C, corresponding to a regime that has been shown to be favorable for growth of pristine ice crystals of planar habits. Radar reflectivities corresponding to the lowest mean aspect ratios are generally between −10 and 10 dBZ. For colder temperatures, mean aspect ratios are typically in a range between 0.3 and 0.8. There is a tendency for hydrometeor aspect ratios to increase as particles transition from altitudes in the temperature range from −17° to −15°C toward the ground. This increase is believed to result from aggregation and riming processes that cause particles to become more spherical and is associated with areas demonstrating differential reflectivity decreases with increasing reflectivity. Aspect ratio retrievals at the lowest altitudes are consistent with in situ measurements obtained using a surface-based multiangle snowflake camera. Pronounced gradients in particle aspect ratio profiles are observed at altitudes at which there is a change in the dominant hydrometeor species, as inferred by spectral measurements from a vertically pointing Doppler radar.
Inertia–Gravity Waves Breaking in the Middle Atmosphere at High Latitudes: Energy Transfer and Dissipation Tensor Anisotropy
Authors: Pestana Tiago , Thalhammer Matthias , Hickel Stefan
Published: August 2020

We present direct numerical simulations of inertia–gravity waves breaking in the middle–upper mesosphere. We consider two different altitudes, which correspond to the Reynolds number of 28 647 and 114 591 based on wavelength and buoyancy period. While the former was studied by Remmler et al., it is here repeated at a higher resolution and serves as a baseline for comparison with the high-Reynolds-number case. The simulations are designed based on the study of Fruman et al., and are initialized by superimposing primary and secondary perturbations to the convectively unstable base wave. Transient growth leads to an almost instantaneous wave breaking and secondary bursts of turbulence. We show that this process is characterized by the formation of fine flow structures that are predominantly located in the vicinity of the wave’s least stable point. During the wave breakdown, the energy dissipation rate tends to be an isotropic tensor, whereas it is strongly anisotropic in between the breaking events. We find that the vertical kinetic energy spectra exhibit a clear 5/3 scaling law at instants of intense energy dissipation rate and a cubic power law at calmer periods. The term-by-term energy budget reveals that the pressure term is the most important contributor to the global energy budget, as it couples the vertical and the horizontal kinetic energy. During the breaking events, the local energy transfer is predominantly from the mean to the fluctuating field and the kinetic energy production is in balance with the pseudo kinetic energy dissipation rate.
Toward Transient Subgrid-Scale Gravity Wave Representation in Atmospheric Models. Part II: Wave Intermittency Simulated with Convective Sources
Authors: Kim Young-Ha , Bölöni Gergely , Borchert Sebastian , Chun Hye-Yeong , Achatz Ulrich
Published: August 2020

In a companion paper, the Multiscale Gravity Wave Model (MS-GWaM) has been introduced and its application to a global model as a transient subgrid-scale parameterization has been described. This paper focuses on the examination of intermittency of gravity waves (GWs) modeled by MS-GWaM. To introduce the variability and intermittency in wave sources, convective GW sources are formulated, using diabatic heating diagnosed by the convection parameterization, and they are coupled to MS-GWaM in addition to a flow-independent source in the extratropics accounting for GWs due neither to convection nor to orography. The probability density function (PDF) and Gini index for GW pseudomomentum fluxes are assessed to investigate the intermittency. Both are similar to those from observations in the lower stratosphere. The intermittency of GWs over tropical convection is quite high and is found not to change much in the vertical direction. In the extratropics, where nonconvective GWs dominate, the intermittency is lower than that in the tropics in the stratosphere and comparable to that in the mesosphere, exhibiting a gradual increase with altitude. The PDFs in these latitudes seem to be close to the lognormal distributions. Effects of transient GW–mean-flow interactions on the simulated GW intermittency are assessed by performing additional simulations using the steady-state assumption in the GW parameterization. The intermittency of parameterized GWs over tropical convection is found to be overestimated by the assumption, whereas in the extratropics it is largely underrepresented. Explanation and discussion of these effects are included.
ENSO Precipitation Anomalies along the Equatorial Pacific: Moist Static Energy Framework Diagnostics
Authors: Annamalai H.
Published: August 2020

With the recognition that equatorial Pacific precipitation anomalies are fundamental to global teleconnections during ENSO winters, the present research applies vertically integrated moist static energy (MSE) budget analysis to historical simulations of CMIP5 models. Process-based assessment is carried out to understand if the models capture the differing processes that account for regional precipitation anomalies along the equatorial Pacific and to isolate a few leading processes that account for the diversified precipitation response to similar SST forcing and vice versa. To assess SST biases in CMIP5, analysis is also carried out in AMIP5 solutions. Diagnostics reveal that models have limitations in representing the “sign” of MSE sources and sinks and, even if they do, compensating errors dominate the budget. The diverse response in precipitation depends on model parameterizations that determine anomalous net radiative flux divergence in the column, free troposphere moisture, and MSE export out of the column, although these processes are not independent. Diagnostics derived from AMIP5 solutions support the findings from CMIP5. The implication is that biases in representing any one of these processes are expected to imprint on others, acknowledging the tight connections among moisture, convection, and radiation. CMIP5 models have limitations in representing the basic states in SST and precipitation over the Niño-3.4 region, and the different convective regimes over the equatorial central and eastern Pacific regions with implications for ENSO. Study limitations are that MSE sources/sinks depend on parameterizations and their interactions, making it difficult to isolate one particular process for attribution. Budgets estimated from monthly anomalies do not capture contributions from high-frequency variability that are vital in closing the budgets.
How Do Volcanic Eruptions Influence Decadal Megadroughts over Eastern China?
Authors: Ning Liang , Chen Kefan , Liu Jian , Liu Zhengyu , Yan Mi , Sun Weiyi , Jin Chunhan , Shi Zhengguo
Published: August 2020

The influence and mechanism of volcanic eruptions on decadal megadroughts over eastern China during the last millennium were investigated using a control (CTRL) and five volcanic eruption sensitivity experiments (VOLC) from the Community Earth System Model (CESM) Last Millennium Ensemble (LME) archive. The decadal megadroughts associated with the failures of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) are associated with a meridional tripole of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in the western Pacific from the equator to high latitudes, suggestive of a decadal-scale internal mode of variability that emerges from empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis. Composite analyses further showed that, on interannual time scales, within a decade after an eruption the megadrought was first enhanced but then weakened, due to the change from an El Niño state to a La Niña state. The impacts of volcanic eruptions on the magnitudes of megadroughts are superposed on internal variability. Therefore, the evolution of decadal megadroughts coinciding with strong volcanic eruptions demonstrate that the impacts of internal variability and external forcing can combine to influence hydroclimate.
Characterizing the Seasonal Cycle of the Northern Australian Rainy Season
Authors: Uehling John , Misra Vasubandhu
Published: August 2020

In this paper we introduce an objective definition for the onset and the retreat of the northern Australian rainy season that overlaps significantly with the Australian monsoon season. We define onset and retreat dates of the northern Australian rainy season as being the first and the last day of the year when the daily rain rate exceeds and falls below the climatological annual mean rain rate, respectively. However, our definition of onset/demise is not as restrictive as the traditional monsoon season that seeks the arrival of the westerlies and the equatorward retreat of the trough at its onset and demise, respectively. As defined in this paper, the length of the rainy season is longer than the monsoon season and includes the pre- and post-monsoon rainfall. It is noted that an early or later onset date of the northern Australian rainy season is associated with a longer or shorter, wetter or drier, and colder or warmer season, respectively. Similar relationship is also observed with demise date variations, which are, however, weaker than the onset date variations. Furthermore, we find that the relationship of the northern Australian seasonal rainfall variations with ENSO variability becomes stronger when we account for variations in the length of the rainy season compared to the fixed (December–February) monsoon season length. We also find a significant linear trend over the time period of the analysis from 1901 to 2015 toward an increasing length of the northern Australian rainy season that influences the corresponding rising trend of seasonal rainfall anomalies.
Coupled Climate Model Simulation of Tropical–Extratropical Cloud Bands over Southern Africa
Authors: James Rachel , Hart Neil C. G. , Munday Callum , Reason Chris J. C. , Washington Richard
Published: August 2020

There are increasing efforts to use climate model output for adaptation planning, but meanwhile there is often limited understanding of how models represent regional climate. Here we analyze the simulation in global coupled climate models of a key rainfall-generating mechanism over southern Africa: tropical temperate troughs (TTTs). An image-processing algorithm is applied to outgoing longwave radiation data from satellites and models to create TTT event sets. All models investigated produce TTTs with similar circulation features to observed. However, there are large differences among models in the number, intensity, and preferred longitude of events. Five groups of models are identified. The first group generates too few TTTs, and relatively dry conditions over southern Africa compared to other models. A second group generates more TTTs and wet biases. The contrast between these two groups suggests that the number of TTTs could explain intermodel variations in climatological rainfall. However, there is a third group of models that simulate up to 92% more TTTs than observed, but do not have large rainfall biases, as each TTT event is relatively weak. Finally, there are a further two groups that concentrate TTTs over the subcontinent or the ocean, respectively. These distinctions between models are associated with the amount of convective activity in the Congo Basin, the magnitude of moisture fluxes into southern Africa, and the degree of zonal asymmetry in upper-level westerly flow. Model development focused on tropical convection and the representation of orography is needed for improved simulation of TTTs, and therefore southern African rainfall.