bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between ELABELA Serum Concentrations in First Trimester and Pregnancy‐Induced Hypertension
Authors: Ma Shujuan , Guo Chuhao , Zhang Jiayue , Long Sisi , Tan Hongzhuan , You Yiping
Published: September 2020

ELABELA (ELA) is considered to be implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE), since ELA‐deficient mice exhibited PE‐like symptoms and infusion of exogenous ELA normalized the gestational hypertension (GH) and proteinuria. However, no evidence show that circulating ELA is deficient in early placental development among women who destined to develop GH/PE. This nested case‐control study was conducted to investigate the association between serum ELA concentration in early pregnancy and the risk of later GH/PE. Participants were recruited and sampled in 10‐14+6 weeks of gestation. Definite GH/PE cases were matched 1 : 3 to controls with respect to age and gestational age. Serum concentration of ELA was measured using enzyme immunoassay. Women with later GH (N = 28) had a slightly lower median concentration of ELA (46.72 ng/mL versus 53.54 ng/mL), while those with later PE (N = 16) had a slightly higher median concentration of ELA (74.8 ng/mL versus 66.30 ng/mL) compared to the controls. Yet, both the increments did not reach statistically significant difference (GH: P = 0.380, PE: P = 0.799). ELA serum concentrations were unchanged in first trimester in women with GH/PE. Further studies are still needed to identify the dynamic changes in serum ELA concentrations during the whole pregnancy, especially in those with pregnancy‐induced hypertensive disorders.
Anticolitic Effect of Berberine in Rat Experimental Model: Impact of PGE2/p38 MAPK Pathways
Authors: Jia Li , Xue Kuijin , Liu Junheng , Habotta Ola A. , Hu Lianhai , Abdel Moneim Ahmed E. , Caccamo Daniela
Published: September 2020

Berberine (BER), a natural isoquinoline alkaloid, has been demonstrated to have appreciable anticolitis effects. Nevertheless, the protective mechanism of BER in ulcerative colitis (UC) is barely understood. The present study was aimed at exploring the therapeutic efficacy of BER on UC in experimental colitis rat model. Rats were orally administered with BER for seven days at low and high doses (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) before AcOH intracolonic instillation. BER significantly retrieved colon inflammation and mucosal damage indicated by inhibition of macroscopic score and lessened the levels of inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MPO, and PGE2). Notable downregulation of mRNA expression of p38 MAPK and increased protein expression of TGF-β were achieved by BER treatment. The anti-inflammatory potential of BER was supported by the histopathological screening of colon mucosa. In addition, BER restored colonic antioxidant capacity through elevation of GSH level and antioxidant enzymatic activities (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR) together with reductions of both MDA and NO levels. Marked downregulation of Nos2 mRNA expression is accompanied by increased Nrf2 and Hmox-1 expressions in colon specimens treated by BER. Furthermore, BER exhibited noticeable antiapoptotic activities through decreasing proapoptotic proteins (Bax and caspase-3) and lessening antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein in the colon mucosa. Based on these findings, BER may improve colitis markedly which may be mediated by its striking antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties.
Effect of Combining Fiber and Textile Reinforcement on the Flexural Behavior of UHPC Plates
Authors: Mészöly Tamás , Ofner Sandra , Randl Norbert
Published: September 2020

A series of flexural tests were performed in order to investigate the effect of steel fiber reinforcement (SFR) in textile‐reinforced concrete (TRC) plates. Some of the specimens were reinforced only with textile, some of them only with fibers, and some of them were provided with both textile and fiber reinforcement. The concrete matrix was a self‐developed ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC) mixture with a compression strength over 160 MPa. The tensile strength of the used textiles was around 1500 MPa for glass fiber textile and over 3000 MPa for carbon fiber textile. In case of fiber reinforcement, the concrete was reinforced with 2 vol% of 15 mm long and 0.2 mm diameter plain high strength steel fibers. The dimensions of the rectangular plate test specimens were 700 × 150 × 30 mm. The plate specimens were tested in a symmetric four‐point bending setup with a universal testing machine. The tests were monitored using a photogrammetric measurement system with digital image correlation (DIC). The paper presents and evaluates the test results, analyses the crack patterns and crack development, and compares the failure modes. The results showed a general advantageous mechanical behavior of specimens reinforced with the combination of fibers and textiles in comparison to the specimens reinforced with only fiber or textile reinforcement.
The Effect of Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation in the Rehabilitation of Patients with Vestibular Disorders
Authors: Ceylan Didem Şahin , Ataş Ahmet , Kaya Melda
Published: September 2020

Introduction: The aim of the study was to increase the participants’ satisfaction with the unilateral peripheral vestibular pathology, in addition to the exercise program, with galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS). Methods: Participants were divided into 2 groups: study group (41 subjects) and control group (32 subjects). Participants who underwent videonystagmography and sensory organization testing, which were objective test methods at the beginning, were invited to check in every week for 6 weeks to perform GVS and/or exercise in the exercise program. Objective tests were repeated at the end of the sixth week. A visual analog scale (VAS) was administered every week. Results: Unilateral weakness, balance scores 4, 5, 6; visual, vestibular, preference and strategy scores 5, 6; center of gravity 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; composite scores were different between the groups after rehabilitation (p < 0.05). In terms of VAS, the study group began to feel better at the end of the first week than the control group (p < 0.01). Discussion/Conclusion: It was found that the study group benefited both from an objective and a subjective point of view more than participants in the control group.
Effectiveness of Chemoradiotherapy for Metachronous Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Suzuki Yugo , Kikuchi Daisuke , Hoteya Shu , Okamura Takayuki , Ochiai Yorinari , Hayasaka Junnosuke , Dan Nobuhiro , Mitsunaga Yutaka , Tanaka Masami , Odagiri Hiroyuki , Nomura Kosuke , Yamashita Satoshi , Matsui Akira , Iizuka Toshiro
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Multiple Lugol-voiding lesions (LVLs) in the esophagus increase the risk of synchronous and metachronous development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) following endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) may reduce the incidence of metachronous ESCC, but few studies have investigated this. Therefore, we retrospectively examined the effect of CRT on metachronous ESCC and multiple esophageal dysplasias visible as multiple LVLs. Methods: This study reviewed 146 patients who underwent esophageal ESD and were determined pathologically to have noncurative resection. They were divided into 2 groups: those who received additional CRT (CRT group; n = 64) and those without additional treatment (control group; n = 82). Incidence of metachronous ESCC was analyzed using propensity scores to adjust for patient characteristics. The number of multiple LVLs was also examined. Results: The CRT group was significantly younger than the control group (mean 66.6 vs. 70.6 years, p = 0.011), had significantly deeper tumor invasion (p = 0.013), and had a significantly higher rate of lymphovascular invasion (47.8 vs. 12.2%, p < 0.001). The CRT group also had a significantly higher improvement rate of multiple LVLs (58.1 vs. 2.0%, p < 0.001). The LVLs after CRT had a distinctive irregular crack-shaped appearance. Metachronous ESCC was found in 7 patients (10.9%) in the CRT group and in 17 patients (20.7%) in the control group (p = 0.113). In propensity score-adjusted logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio for metachronous ESCC in the CRT group was 0.316 (p = 0.023). The occurrence rate was significantly lower in the CRT group than in the control group. Discussion/Conclusion: CRT may be effective in preventing metachronous ESCC.
Long-term outcome of patients with pars plana vitrectomy following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Treder Maximilian
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To determine the long-term outcome of patients operated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and to identify potential predictors for poor visual outcome. Methods: Prospective, observational 30-month study of patients operated for primary RRD with PPV. Examinations were performed preoperatively and after months 2, 6, and 30. Results: Eighty-four patients (84 eyes) were included and 73 (86.9%) participated at month 30. The macula was attached in 30 (35.7%) patients at primary operation. The majority of patients (n = 59, 80.8%) achieved a good final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA ≤ 0.3 logMAR, ≥ 0.5 Snellen) with a better outcome in patients with the macula attached than detached (0.02 vs. 0.17 log-MAR, p = 0.007). Variables associated with poor visual outcome were baseline BCVA >0.3 logMAR (p = 0.03), female gender (p = 0.02), silicone oil (p = 0.03), and larger areas of retinal detachment (p = 0.01). In multivariable regression analysis, female gender (OR = 8.5 [95% CI 1.8–39.8]) was the strongest risk factor for poor visual outcome. Conclusion: The majority of patients operated for primary RRD achieved a reasonable long-term visual outcome. Notably, female gender was associated with poor visual outcome, indicating a need for closer follow-up.
Fundus image analysis through a self-learning machine: Computer determines risk factors in hypertension
Authors: Strauß Olaf
Published: September 2020

Traditionally, medical discoveries are made by observing associations, making hypotheses from them and then designing and running experiments to test the hypotheses. However, with medical images, observing and quantifying associations can often be difficult because of the wide variety of features, patterns, colours, values and shapes that are present in real data. Here, we show that deep learning can extract new knowledge from retinal fundus images. Using deep-learning models trained on data from 284,335 patients and validated on two independent datasets of 12,026 and 999 patients, we predicted cardiovascular risk factors not previously thought to be present or quantifiable in retinal images, such as age (mean absolute error within 3.26 years), gender (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.97), smoking status (AUC = 0.71), systolic blood pressure (mean absolute error within 11.23 mmHg) and major adverse cardiac events (AUC = 0.70). We also show that the trained deep-learning models used anatomical features, such as the optic disc or blood vessels, to generate each prediction.
Claims‐Based Algorithms for Identifying Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension: A Comparison of Decision Rules and Machine‐Learning Approaches
Authors: Ong Mei‐Sing , Klann Jeffrey G. , Lin Kueiyu Joshua , Maron Bradley A. , Murphy Shawn N. , Natter Marc D. , Mandl Kenneth D.
Published: September 2020

Background

Real‐world healthcare data are an important resource for epidemiologic research. However, accurate identification of patient cohorts—a crucial first step underpinning the validity of research results—remains a challenge. We developed and evaluated claims‐based case ascertainment algorithms for pulmonary hypertension (PH), comparing conventional decision rules with state‐of‐the‐art machine‐learning approaches.

Methods and Results

We analyzed an electronic health record‐Medicare linked database from two large academic tertiary care hospitals (years 2007–2013). Electronic health record charts were reviewed to form a gold standard cohort of patients with (n=386) and without PH (n=164). Using health encounter data captured in Medicare claims (including patients’ demographics, diagnoses, medications, and procedures), we developed and compared 2 approaches for identifying patients with PH: decision rules and machine‐learning algorithms using penalized lasso regression, random forest, and gradient boosting machine. The most optimal rule‐based algorithm—having ≥3 PH‐related healthcare encounters and having undergone right heart catheterization—attained an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.64 (sensitivity, 0.75; specificity, 0.48). All 3 machine‐learning algorithms outperformed the most optimal rule‐based algorithm (
P
<0.001). A model derived from the random forest algorithm achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88 (sensitivity, 0.87; specificity, 0.70), and gradient boosting machine achieved comparable results (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.85; sensitivity, 0.87; specificity, 0.70). Penalized lasso regression achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.73 (sensitivity, 0.70; specificity, 0.68).

Conclusions

Research‐grade case identification algorithms for PH can be derived and rigorously validated using machine‐learning algorithms. Simple decision rules commonly applied in published literature performed poorly; more complex rule‐based algorithms may potentially address the limitation of this approach. PH research using claims data would be considerably strengthened through the use of validated algorithms for cohort ascertainment.
Femoral Versus Nonfemoral Subclavian/Carotid Arterial Access Route for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Faroux Laurent , Junquera Lucia , Mohammadi Siamak , Del Val David , Muntané‐Carol Guillem , Alperi Alberto , Kalavrouziotis Dimitri , Dumont Eric , Paradis Jean‐Michel , Delarochellière Robert , Rodés‐Cabau Josep
Published: September 2020

Background

Some concerns remain regarding the safety of transcarotid and transsubclavian approaches for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. We aimed to compare the risk of 30‐day complications and death in transcarotid/transsubclavian versus transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement recipients.

Methods and Results

Data from 20 studies, including 79 426 patients (16 studies) and 3992 patients (4 studies) for the evaluation of the unadjusted and adjusted impact of the arterial approach were sourced, respectively. The use of a transcarotid/transsubclavian approach was associated with an increased risk of stroke when using unadjusted data (risk ratio [RR], 2.28; 95% CI, 1.90–2.72) as well as adjusted data (odds ratio [OR], 1.53; 95% CI, 1.05–2.22). The pooled results deriving from unadjusted data showed an increased risk of 30‐day death (RR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.22–1.74) and bleeding (RR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.18–1.97) in patients receiving transcatheter aortic valve replacement through a transcarotid/transsubclavian access (compared with the transfemoral group), but the associations between the arterial access and death (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.89–1.69), bleeding (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.68–1.61) were no longer significant when using adjusted data. No significant effect of the arterial access on vascular complication was observed in unadjusted (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.66–1.06) and adjusted (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.53–1.17) analyses.

Conclusions

Transcarotid and transsubclavian approaches for transcatheter aortic valve replacement were associated with an increased risk of stroke compared with the transfemoral approach. However, these nonfemoral arterial alternative accesses were not associated with an increased risk of 30‐day death, bleeding, or vascular complication when taking into account the confounding factors.
Lepidagathis ananthapuramensis (Acanthaceae): a new species from the lateritic plateaus of Kerala, India

Authors: VS ANILKUMAR , ARYA SINDHU , BIJU PUNNAKOT , JOSEKUTTY ELAYANITHOTTATHIL JOSEPH , AUGUSTINE JOMY
Published: September 2020

A new species of Lepidagathis from the lateritic plateau  of Kasaragod district of Kerala, India, is described and illustrated as Lepidagathis ananthapuramensis sp. nov. The new species resembles L.keralensis but differs in having erect habit, hairy stem, roots borne only on the basal root stock , hairy veins of leaves, early blooming period, one-sided purplish brown long inflorescence,14–30 flowers per spike, four ovules in the ovary and 1–4 seeded capsule.
Pleurotus sirindhorniae (Pleurotaceae, Agaricales), a new species from northern Thailand

Authors: SUWANNARACH NAKARIN , KUMLA JATURONG , SATIENPERAKUL KANITTA , SUNGPALEE WITCHAPHART , SRI-NGERNYUANG KRIANGSAK , LUMYONG SAISAMORN
Published: September 2020

A new saprophytic fungus, Pleurotus sirindhorniae, is described based on collections from northern Thailand. This species is characterized by greyish yellow to olive brown pileus, ellipsoid to elongate basidiospores and clavate to mucronate cheilocystidia. It is distinguished from the previously described Pleuotus species by its distinct morphological characteristics. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of the large subunit (LSU) and internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA), the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) and the RNA polymerase II largest subunit (rpb1) genes also support P. sirindhorniae as a distinct new species within the genus Pleurotus. A full description, color photographs, illustrations and a phylogenetic tree to show the position of P. sirindhorniae are provided.
Revalidation of Vareuptychia Forster, 1964, description of Vanima gen. nov., and notes on Euptychia cleophes Godman & Salvin, 1889 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae)
Authors: ZACCA THAMARA , CASAGRANDE MIRNA M. , MIELKE OLAF H. H. , HUERTAS BLANCA , ESPELAND MARIANNE , FREITAS ANDRÉ V. L. , WILLMOTT KEITH R. , NAKAHARA SHINICHI , LAMAS GERARDO
Published: September 2020

Vareuptychia Forster, 1964 stat. rest. is revalidated and comprises two species, V. similis (Butler, 1867) comb. rest. and V. themis (Butler, 1867) comb. nov. Vanima Zacca, Casagrande & Mielke gen. nov. is described to contain Euptychia labe Butler, 1870 (the type species), E. palladia Butler, 1867 and E. lesbia Staudinger, [1886]. The taxonomy of these two genera was initially revised based on morphological and distributional data, and subsequently tested and supported with a Maximum Likelihood analysis using four genes (COI, GAPDH, RpS5 and EF1-a). Lectotypes are designated for Euptychia similis Butler, 1867, E. themis Butler, 1867, E. undina Butler, 1870 and E. lesbia Staudinger, [1886]. No DNA sequences were obtained for Euptychia cleophes Godman & Salvin, 1889 but its transfer to Megisto Hübner, [1819] is supported by morphological evidence. For all taxa treated in this study, a taxonomic catalog, diagnosis, (re)description and illustrations of adults, venation and genitalia are provided, as well as comments on intraspecific variation, sexual dichromatism, ecology and distribution maps.
Re-elevation to species level and redescription of Serranochromis jallae and Serranochromis robustus (Teleostei: Cichlidae)
Authors: STAUFFER JAY R. JR. , BILLS ROGER , SKELTON PAUL H. , WEYL OLAF L.F.
Published: September 2020

Serranochromis robustus robustus from Lake Malaŵi and Serranochromis robustus jallae from Zambia were compared using morphological data. We re-elevated S. robustus jallae to species based on the following. Serranochromis robustus generally has a longer lower jaw (50.7–59.6% HL) than S. jallae (49.2–52.7% HL). Serranochromis robustus is not as deep-bodied as S. jallae as evidenced by the distance between the posterior insertion of the dorsal fin and the posterior insertion of the anal fin (13.4–15.1% SL in S. robustus vs. 14.9–18.4% SL in S. jallae). Additionally, S. robustus has a narrower least caudal peduncle depth (10.9–12.8% SL) than S. jallae (11.3–14.2% SL); the least caudal peduncle depth of all S. robustus was less than 12.8% SL while, except for the smallest specimen of S. jallae (88.1 mm SL), the least caudal peduncle depth was greater than 13.2% SL. Adults in breeding color of Serranochromis robustus are blue/green laterally, while adults in breeding color of S. jallae are yellow/green laterally. The marginal bands on the dorsal and caudal fins of S. jallae are bright orange in specimens from the Okavango River system and creamy yellow in Upper Zambezi specimens. In S. robustus, there is a yellow marginal band on the dorsal fin.
Convective Coupling in Tropical-Depression-Type Waves. Part I: Rainfall Characteristics and Moisture Structure
Authors: Feng Tao , Yang Xiu-Qun , Yu Jia-Yuh , Huang Ronghui
Published: September 2020

Tropical-depression (TD)-type waves are synoptic-scale disturbances embedded with deep convection over the western North Pacific. Studies of these disturbances began over six decades ago; however, some properties of these disturbances remain vague, e.g., the coupling mechanism between the deep convection and the waves. This two-part study aims to examine the rainfall progression in TD-type disturbances and associated tropospheric moisture controlling convective rainfall. Part I investigates the rainfall and moisture characteristics of TD-type waves using TRMM-derived rainfall products and the ERA-Interim data during the period of June–October 1998–2013. The rainfall features a north–south asymmetrical pattern with respect to a TD-type disturbance, with enhanced convective and stratiform rainfall occurring in the southern portion. Along with the northwestward propagation, deep convective and stratiform rainfall occur in phase with the TD-type disturbance without significant preceding shallow convective rainfall. Following the deepest convection, shallow convective rainfall increases in the anomalous southerlies. Such a rainfall progression differs from the paradigm from shallow to deep convection, then to stratiform rainfall, which is suggested in other convectively coupled equatorial waves. The rainfall progression and the atmospheric moisture anomaly are phase locked to the TD-type disturbances such that the relative displacements change little when the disturbances propagate northwestward. The latent heat release in deep convection, which is obtained from the TRMM 3G25 dataset, superposes with a broad warm anomaly in the mid- to upper troposphere, suggesting wave growth through the generation of available potential energy from diabatic heating.
The Relative Importance of Updraft and Cold Pool Characteristics in Supercell Tornadogenesis Using Highly Idealized Simulations
Authors: Fischer Jannick , Dahl Johannes M. L.
Published: September 2020

In the recent literature, the conception has emerged that supercell tornado potential may mostly depend on the strength of the low-level updraft, with more than sufficient subtornadic vertical vorticity being assumed to be present in the outflow. In this study, we use highly idealized simulations with heat sinks and sources to conduct controlled experiments, changing the cold pool or low-level updraft character independently. Multiple, time-dependent heat sinks are employed to produce a realistic near-ground cold pool structure. It is shown that both the cold pool and updraft strength actively contribute to the tornado potential. Furthermore, there is a sharp transition between tornadic and nontornadic cases, indicating a bifurcation between these two regimes triggered by small changes in the heat source or sink magnitude. Moreover, larger updraft strength, updraft width, and cold pool deficit do not necessarily result in a stronger maximum near-ground vertical vorticity. However, a stronger updraft or cold pool can both drastically reduce the time it takes for the first vortex to form.
Bootstrap Methods for Statistical Inference. Part II: Extreme-Value Analysis
Authors: Gilleland Eric
Published: September 2020

This paper is the sequel to a companion paper on bootstrap resampling that reviews bootstrap methodology for making statistical inferences for atmospheric science applications where the necessary assumptions are often not met for the most commonly used resampling procedures. In particular, this sequel addresses extreme-value analysis applications with discussion on the challenges for finding accurate bootstrap methods in this context. New bootstrap code from the R packages “distillery” and “extRemes” is introduced. It is further found that one approach for accurate confidence intervals in this setting is not well suited to the case when the random sample’s distribution is not stationary.
Impacts of Stochastic Mixing in Idealized Convection-Permitting Simulations of Squall Lines
Authors: Stanford McKenna W. , Morrison Hugh , Varble Adam
Published: September 2020

This study investigates impacts of altering subgrid-scale mixing in “convection-permitting” kilometer-scale horizontal-grid-spacing (Δh) simulations by applying either constant or stochastic multiplicative factors to the horizontal mixing coefficients within the Weather Research and Forecasting Model. In quasi-idealized 1-km Δh simulations of two observationally based squall-line cases, constant enhanced mixing produces larger updraft cores that are more dilute at upper levels, weakens the cold pool, rear-inflow jet, and front-to-rear flow of the squall line, and degrades the model’s effective resolution. Reducing mixing by a constant multiplicative factor has the opposite effect on all metrics. Completely turning off parameterized horizontal mixing produces bulk updraft statistics and squall-line mesoscale structure closest to an LES “benchmark” among all 1-km simulations, although the updraft cores are too undilute. The stochastic mixing scheme, which applies a multiplicative factor to the mixing coefficients that varies stochastically in time and space, is employed at 0.5-, 1-, and 2-km Δh. It generally reduces midlevel vertical velocities and enhances upper-level vertical velocities compared to simulations using the standard mixing scheme, with more substantial impacts at 1- and 2-km Δh compared to 0.5-km Δh. The stochastic scheme also increases updraft dilution to better agree with the LES for one case, but has less impact on the other case. Stochastic mixing acts to weaken the cold pool but without a significant impact on squall-line propagation. It also does not affect the model’s overall effective resolution unlike applying constant multiplicative factors to the mixing coefficients.
Updraft-Based Adaptive Assimilation of Radial Velocity Observations in a Warn-on-Forecast System
Authors: Kerr Christopher A. , Wicker Louis J. , Skinner Patrick S.
Published: September 2020

The Warn-on-Forecast system (WoFS) provides short-term, probabilistic forecasts of severe convective hazards including tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds. WoFS initial conditions are created through frequent assimilation of radar (reflectivity and radial velocity), satellite, and in situ observations. From 2016 to 2018, 5-km radial velocity Cressman superob analyses were created to reduce the observation counts and subsequent assimilation computational costs. The superobbing procedure smooths the radial velocity and subsequently fails to accurately depict important storm-scale features such as mesocyclones. This study retrospectively assimilates denser, 3-km radial velocity analyses in lieu of the 5-km analyses for eight case studies during the spring of 2018. Although there are forecast improvements during and shortly after convection initiation, 3-km analyses negatively impact forecasts initialized when convection is ongoing, as evidenced by model failure and initiation of spurious convection. Therefore, two additional experiments are performed using adaptive assimilation of 3-km radial velocity observations. Initially, an updraft variance mask is applied that limits radial velocity assimilation to areas where the observations are more likely to be beneficial. This experiment reduces spurious convection as well as the number of observations assimilated, in some cases even below that of the 5-km analysis experiments. The masking, however, eliminates an advantage of 3-km radial velocity assimilation for convection initiation timing. This problem is mitigated by additionally assimilating 3-km radial velocity observations in locations where large differences exist between the observed and ensemble-mean reflectivity fields, which retains the benefits of the denser radial velocity analyses while reducing the number of observations assimilated.
Socioeconomic Characteristics of Patients Undergoing Ambulatory Parathyroidectomy and a Comparison of Institutional Charges
Authors: Moeller Ellie A. , Walker Tamar , F. Khan Zahra , P. Parreco Joshua , L. Buicko Jessica
Published: September 2020

Background

Parathyroidectomy is frequently performed as ambulatory surgery. This study seeks to characterize the socioeconomic factors that may impact the patient selection for outpatient parathyroidectomy.

Methods

The 2016 Florida State Inpatient Database (SID) and the 2016 Florida State Ambulatory Surgery Database (SASD) were queried for all patients undergoing parathyroidectomy using the International Classification of Diseases 10 (ICD-10) procedure codes. Univariable comparison and multivariate logistic regression were performed for outpatient versus inpatient parathyroidectomy using all relevant patient and hospital characteristics from the database.

Results

Seven hundred and sixteen patients underwent parathyroidectomy in Florida in 2016; 322 parathyroidectomies were performed in the ambulatory setting (45.0%). After multivariate logistic regression, patients over age 65 and parathyroidectomies performed at high-volume centers were more likely to be performed at an outpatient center. Those patients who were black, Hispanic, had a Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥3, Medicare, Medicaid, and Self-pay were associated with a decreased likelihood of having an outpatient procedure.

Discussion

Access to ambulatory parathyroidectomy is more common in patients with private insurance, white ethnicity, and fewer comorbidities.
Coercion and Provocation
Authors: Dafoe Allan , Hatz Sophia , Zhang Baobao
Published: September 2020

Threats and force, by increasing expected costs, should reduce the target’s resolve. However, they often seem to increase resolve. We label this phenomenon provocation. We review instances of apparent provocation in interstate relations and offer a theory based on the logic of reputation and honor. We also consider alternative explanations: confounding or mis-imputation of resolve; revelation of information, character, or capabilities; or generalized sunk cost reasoning. Using survey experiments, we systematically evaluate whether provocation exists and what may account for it. We employ design-based causal inference techniques—a hypothetical natural experiment, a placebo treatment, and ruling out mediators—to evaluate our key hypotheses. We find strong evidence of provocation and suggestive evidence that it arises from considerations of honor, vengeance, and reputation. Our experimental design minimizes the risk that this result arises from our alternative explanations.
Frozen conflicts in world politics: A new dataset
Authors: Klosek Kamil Christoph , Bahenský Vojtěch , Smetana Michal , Ludvík Jan
Published: September 2020

This article introduces the first comprehensive dataset of frozen conflicts in world politics. It draws on a new, broader conceptualization of frozen conflicts that revolves around an unresolved core issue between the warring parties and transcends the common understanding of frozen conflicts as a recent, post-Soviet phenomenon. The authors identify 42 cases of such conflicts between 1946 and 2011 that include conflict dyads involving both regular states and ‘de facto states’. The article describes the process of dataset construction, presents summary statistics, and identifies key patterns concerning conflict onset, escalation, and resolution. In addition, it provides a comparison of the dataset with enduring rivalries and strategic rivalries to situate it within existing research on conflict escalation and conflict resolution. The dataset is presented in a cross-sectional format compatible with the Correlates of War and the Uppsala Conflict Data Program that can be used by other researchers in peace and conflict studies to provide new insights into the dynamics of frozen conflicts.
Vehicle fatalities involving collisions with kangaroos
Authors: Byard Roger W
Published: September 2020

A search was undertaken of the Forensic Science South Australia (FSSA), Australia, autopsy database over a 20-year period from 2000 to 2019 for all cases where vehicle crashes had involved kangaroos. There were six cases with an age range of 18–62 years ( M=42 years) and a male-to-female ratio of 5:1. There were three crashes involving motor vehicles and three involving motorcycles. The three motor-vehicle crashes were initiated by impact with a kangaroo followed by a head-on crash with a truck ( n=1) and a tree ( n=2). In two of the motorcycle crashes, the cycle hit a kangaroo, resulting in the rider being unseated. In the third case, following impact with the animal, the cyclist hit a tree. In one of the latter cases, the only evidence of impact with a kangaroo was fur found by investigating officers adherent to the front-right indicator. Lethal injuries were located in the chest in six cases, the cranio-cervical region in five cases and the abdomen in three cases. Thus, in the majority of cases ( n=5), death was due to multiple injuries. In the remaining case, death was caused by blunt chest trauma. This study shows that kangaroo–vehicle impacts may result in very significant blunt-force trauma. Motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable. It may be only by careful examination of the vehicle/motorcycle for animal residues that the nature of the incident will be clarified.
I’ll Read That!: What Title Elements Attract Readers to an Article?
Authors: Hallock Robert M. , Bennett Tara N.
Published: September 2020

The title of an article is the first chance at catching a reader’s attention. We set to develop a list of title attributes that lead to attractive titles in psychology papers, which could then be used to help instruct undergraduate students on how to write good titles for their papers and projects. Currently, research into successful elements that comprise an effective title is generally limited to publication metrics (the number of hits and citations an article has). Here, we created and administered a survey to 99 undergraduate students to rate the effectiveness of titles of psychology papers that varied in length, use of colons, acronyms, clichés, being results-oriented, and phrased the title as a question. We then reworded these titles as the opposite choice (e.g., we made a longer title shorter or took the colon out of a title without changing the meaning or length). We found that participants significantly preferred long over short titles, titles containing colons over the absence of a colon, and titles phrased as questions. We hope our results aid in the instruction of writing in the discipline, and that undergraduate psychology students and authors alike can develop more effective and attractive titles to attract attention from scholars and invite broader audiences to read their work.
Chemical structure changes of marine shale caused by supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Tang Bowen , Tang Jiren , Lu Yiyu , Shen Huajian , Lu Zhaohui , Chen Xiayu , Tian Rongrong , Zhu Zhidan
Published: September 2020

The interaction between shale and CO2 is of great significance to CO2 storage and shale gas production; however, there are few reports on chemical changes after CO2 injection into shale reservoirs. We used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to study the chemical structure changes of shale samples before and after CO2 injection. In this paper, self-developed high-temperature and high-pressure vessels were used to examine CO2 treatment of shale to simulate the stratigraphic environment and infrared was used to study the influence of changes in pressure and temperature on the chemical interaction between shale and CO2. These results showed that: (1) after shale CO2 treatment, the number of functional groups remained unchanged, though the content and structure of the shale did change; (2) pressure increases reduced hydroxyl and aliphatic group levels in the shale; the branched-chain and aromaticity indexes of the shale were reduced by 81.5% and 53.8%, respectively, relative to untreated samples; (3) below 60°C, free water in the shale increased with temperature increases and dissolution of the shale increased; however, above 60°C, dissolution was inhibited which resulted in precipitation; (4) the dissolution degree of shale carbonate minerals positively correlated with CO2 pressure and temperature, while silicate minerals were unchanged CO2 pressure and temperature. Finally, the change of CO2 pressure had a more significant influence on the chemical structure of shale. These results provide a basis for the continuing study of the influence of chemical structure change of shale caused by CO2 on shale wettability and enhance the theoretical level of CO2 shale mining.
Analysis of hydraulic fracture behavior and well pattern optimization in anisotropic coal reservoirs
Authors: Liu Yulong , Tang Dazhen , Xu Hao , Hou Wei , Yan Xia
Published: September 2020

Macrolithotypes control the pore-fracture distribution heterogeneity in coal, which impacts stimulation via hydrofracturing and coalbed methane (CBM) production in the reservoir. Here, the hydraulic fracture was evaluated using the microseismic signal behavior for each macrolithotype with microfracture imaging technology, and the impact of the macrolithotype on hydraulic fracture initiation and propagation was investigated systematically. The result showed that the propagation types of hydraulic fractures are controlled by the macrolithotype. Due to the well-developed natural fracture network, the fracture in the bright coal is more likely to form the “complex fracture network”, and the “simple” case often happens in the dull coal. The hydraulic fracture differences are likely to impact the permeability pathways and the well productivity appears to vary when developing different coal macrolithtypes. Thus, considering the difference of hydraulic fracture and permeability, the CBM productivity characteristics controlled by coal petrology were simulated by numerical simulation software, and the rationality of well pattern optimization factors for each coal macrolithotype was demonstrated. The results showed the square well pattern is more suitable for dull coal and semi-dull coal with undeveloped natural fractures, while diamond and rectangular well pattern is more suitable for semi-bright coal and bright coal with more developed natural fractures and more complex fracturing fracture network; the optimum wells spacing of bright coal and semi-bright coal is 300 m and 250 m, while that of semi-dull coal and dull coal is just 200 m.
Using Least-To-Most Prompting to Increase the Frequency and Diversity of Pretend Play in Children with Autism
Authors: Saral Dincer , Ulke-Kurkcuoglu Burcu
Published: September 2020

We examined the effects of the least-to-most prompting (LTM) procedure with contingent imitation (CI) on increasing the frequency and diversity of pretend play in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using a multiple probe across toy sets single-case research design. Three children with ASD ages 5 to 6 years took part in the study. LTM was functionally related to increases in the frequency and diversity of children’s pretend play. Novel pretend play behaviors, sequences, and vocalizations also increased for all children. Importantly, all children maintained the target skills 1, 2, and 4 weeks after the intervention and generalized them across their homes, mothers, and different toys.
Development of chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells for the treatment of esophageal cancer
Authors: Yu Feng , Wang Xiaoyan , Shi Hui , Jiang Maorong , Xu Jun , Sun Min , Xu Qinggang , Addai Frank Peprah , Shi Haifeng , Gu Jie , Zhou Yang , Liu Liqiong
Published: September 2020

Background:

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is an overexpressed antigen in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) but with limited expression levels in normal esophageal tissues. Therefore, employing the adoptive transfer of T cells genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting HER2 could be a promising therapeutic strategy against ESCC.

Methods:

Two different second-generation CAR-T cells expressing antibodies for HER2 and CD19 antigens were developed using retroviral vector transduction. The expression of HER2 antigen in ESCC tissue and cell lines was examined by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, respectively. The tumor killing efficacy of the CAR-T cells in mice model and ESCC cell lines and its potential for the treatment of ESCC was evaluated by determining tumor size in mice xenograft, and by crystal violet staining, MTS assay, and cytokine release.

Results:

In vitro, HER2.CAR-T cells efficiently recognized and killed HER2-positive tumor cells as evidenced by the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, interferon-γ, and interleukin 2 and by cytotoxicity assays. In vivo, intratumor injection of HER2.CAR-T cells resulted in a significant suppression of established ESCCs in a subcutaneous xenograft BALB/c nude mouse model. In contrast, the injection of CD19.CAR-T cells did not affect the tumor growth pattern.

Conclusions:

An effective HER2 CAR targeting ESCC was developed successfully. The HER2.CAR-T cell showed promising immunotherapeutic potential for the treatment of HER2-positive esophageal cancer.
Qujing (取经) as policy mobility with Chinese characteristics: A case study of ultralow-energy building policy in China
Authors: Zhou Yu
Published: September 2020

This article introduces the concept and practice of qujing as a Chinese state-organized form of policy mobility. The term qujing originates in the journey of a Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang who brought Buddhism’s sutras from India to China in the 7th century; qujing has been appropriated by modern Chinese leaders to promote learning from the experiences of other regions. In post-reform China, qujing has become routinized within the Chinese bureaucracy as an integral step in its distinctive experimentalist governance. By bringing insights from the literature of China’s policy experimentation to situate trans-local learning, I challenge the disproportionate attention the policy mobility literature has paid to local and transnational actors in mobilizing policies under neoliberalism. Instead, I locate the origins, agency, and knowledge mutation of Chinese qujing within the multi-scalar policy experimentation protocols of China’s authoritarian regime. This article contrasts qujing with generalized patterns of policy mobility in the existing literature, thereby decentering political mobility research from more familiar western political contexts and actors. Using multi-year interviews and official documents, I trace China’s introduction of ultralow-energy passive building from Germany as a case-study to show the relationships between foreign learning ( qujing), local experimentation, and policy making in greening China’s built environment.
Reluctant financialisaton: Financialisaton without financialised subjectivities in Hungary and the United States
Authors: Pellandini-Simányi Léna , Banai Adam
Published: September 2020

The Foucauldian literature on the ‘financialisation of everyday life’ has documented the way neoliberal discourses and practices call forth willing entrepreneurial-investorial and debtor financialised subjects. However, recent qualitative studies on the lived experiences of financialisation suggested that financialised households are often unwilling to adopt the subjectivities of neoliberal discourse (which we call ‘reluctant financialisation’) and only selectively draw on their elements (referred to as ‘variegated subjectivities’). This paper uses quantitative data to examine whether willing or reluctant financialisation is more widespread and if there are geographical, cross-country differences; and to assess the ‘variegated subjectivities’ argument. We conduct two studies: in the first, we compare the extent to which financialised households embrace key aspects of the financialised subjectivities called forth by neoliberal discourse in the mature financialised economy of the United States vs newly financialising Hungary. In the second, we examine the ‘variegated subjectivities’ hypothesis in Hungary. Our results show, first, that the majority of financialised households do not hold the financialised subject position fostered by neoliberal discourse. Second, they lend support to the ‘variegated subjectivities’ hypothesis. This means that reluctance, rather than whole-hearted embracement of neoliberal subjectivities is the main experience of financialisation. Household financialisation is neither driven nor legitimised by households ‘buying into’ neoliberal discourses. Although this may indicate a larger resistance potential in everyday life than previously assumed, we suggest a more negative interpretation: that of ‘domesticated neoliberalism’, which does not require neoliberal subjects but co-opts households’ existing moral economies.
Capital, the State, and Economic Policy
Authors: O’Kane Chris
Published: September 2020

This intervention brings the Open Marxist critical political economy perspective from the Conference for Socialist Economists into contemporary heterodox economics by critically contrasting what I term the predominant contemporary heterodox economics discourse with Simon Clarke’s conceptions of the state and economic policy. I conclude by comparing these perspectives and drawing out points that I hope ignite a debate in heterodox economics.
Creating and Testing the Reliability of a Family Maltreatment Severity Classification System
Authors: Erlanger Ann C. Eckardt , Heyman Richard E. , Slep Amy M. Smith
Published: September 2020

Child maltreatment and intimate partner abuse determinations often include judgments (e.g., severity) that go beyond whether or not the allegations are founded. Severity ratings inform multiple stakeholders (e.g., researchers, policymakers, clinicians, supervisors) and response pathways (e.g., “differential response” to child maltreatment). However, because severity guidelines typically only provide global direction for raters, these gradations are often of questionable reliability (and thus validity). Extending earlier work developing and implementing reliable and valid family maltreatment substantiation criteria (e.g., Heyman & Slep, 2006 , 2009 ), a classification system for maltreatment severity was created, refined, and field-tested with a sample of clinicians from the largest maltreatment protection agency in the United States The goal was to develop operationalized criteria delineating mild, moderate, and severe maltreatment that could be consistently applied across types of maltreatment, raters, and clinics. To facilitate proper use, a computerized clinical decision support tool for the criteria was created. First, the severity classification system was piloted and refined at four sites throughout the United States. Then, clinicians at these sites ( N = 28) and a master reviewer independently rated de-identified cases as part of the clinicians’ routine assessments. Agreement between clinicians and the master reviewer was excellent for all types of maltreatment. Implications for practical dissemination are discussed.