bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic Behavior Analysis for a Three-Species Food Chain Stochastic Model with Regime Switching
Authors: Liu Junmei , Ma Yonggang
Published: August 2020

This paper discusses the asymptotic behavior of a class of three-species stochastic model with regime switching. Using the Lyapunov function, we first obtain sufficient conditions for extinction and average time persistence. Then, we prove sufficient conditions for the existence of stationary distributions of populations, and they are ergodic. Numerical simulations are carried out to support our theoretical results.
Generalized Weibull–Lindley (GWL) Distribution in Modeling Lifetime Data
Authors: Marthin Pius , Rao Gadde Srinivasa
Published: August 2020

In this manuscript, we have derived a new lifetime distribution named generalized Weibull–Lindley (GWL) distribution based on the T-X family of distribution specifically the generalized Weibull-X family of distribution. We derived and investigated the shapes of its probability density function (pdf), hazard rate function, and survival function. Some statistical properties such as quantile function, mode, median, order statistics, Shannon entropy, Galton skewness, and Moors kurtosis have been derived. Parameter estimation was done through maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method. Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to check the performance of the parameter estimates. For the inference purpose, two real-life datasets were applied and generalized Weibull–Lindley (GWL) distribution appeared to be superior over its competitors including Lindley distribution, Akash distribution, new Weibull-F distribution, Weibull–Lindley (WL) distribution, and two-parameter Lindley (TPL) distribution.
Deep Metric Learning-Assisted 3D Audio-Visual Speaker Tracking via Two-Layer Particle Filter
Authors: Li Yidi , Liu Hong , Yang Bing , Ding Runwei , Chen Yang
Published: August 2020

For speaker tracking, integrating multimodal information from audio and video provides an effective and promising solution. The current challenges are focused on the construction of a stable observation model. To this end, we propose a 3D audio-visual speaker tracker assisted by deep metric learning on the two-layer particle filter framework. Firstly, the audio-guided motion model is applied to generate candidate samples in the hierarchical structure consisting of an audio layer and a visual layer. Then, a stable observation model is proposed with a designed Siamese network, which provides the similarity-based likelihood to calculate particle weights. The speaker position is estimated using an optimal particle set, which integrates the decisions from audio particles and visual particles. Finally, the long short-term mechanism-based template update strategy is adopted to prevent drift during tracking. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the single-modal trackers and comparison methods. Efficient and robust tracking is achieved both in 3D space and on image plane.
A Novel RNA‐Seq‐Based Model for Preoperative Prediction of Lymph Node Metastasis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Qiao Bo , Zhao Min , Wu Jing , Wu Huan , Zhao Yiming , Meng Fanhao , Tian Yu , Wang Situo , Shi Jinlong , Zhang Haizhong
Published: August 2020

Objective. To develop and validate a novel RNA‐seq‐based nomogram for preoperative prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods. RNA‐seq data for 276 OSCC patients (including 157 samples with LNM and 119 without LNM) were downloaded from TCGA database. Differential expression analysis was performed between LNM and non‐LNM of OSCC. These samples were divided into a training set and a test set by a ratio of 9 : 1 while the relative proportion of the non‐LNM and LNM groups was kept balanced within each dataset. Based on clinical features and seven candidate RNAs, we established a prediction model of LNM for OSCC using logistic regression analysis. Tenfold crossvalidation was utilized to examine the accuracy of the nomogram. Decision curve analysis was performed to evaluate the clinical utility of the nomogram. Results. A total of 139 differentially expressed RNAs were identified between LNM and non‐LNM of OSCC. Seven candidate RNAs were screened based on FPKM values, including NEURL1, AL162581.1 (miscRNA), AP002336.2 (lncRNA), CCBE1, CORO6, RDH12, and AC129492.6 (pseudogene). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the clinical N stage (p < 0.001) was an important factor to predict LNM. Moreover, three RNAs including RDH12 (p value < 0.05), CCBE1 (p value < 0.01), and AL162581.1 (p value < 0.05) could be predictive biomarkers for LNM in OSCC patients. The average accuracy rate of the model was 0.7661, indicating a good performance of the model. Conclusion. Our findings constructed an RNA‐seq‐based nomogram combined with clinicopathology, which could potentially provide clinicians with a useful tool for preoperative prediction of LNM and be tailored for individualized therapy in patients with OSCC.
Enhanced Forest Microexpression Recognition Based on Optical Flow Direction Histogram and Deep Multiview Network
Authors: Wang Huanmin
Published: August 2020

In order to recognize the instantaneous changes of facial microexpressions in natural environment, a method based on optical flow direction histogram and depth multiview network to enhance forest microexpression recognition was proposed. In the preprocessing stage, the histogram equalization of the acquired face image is performed, and then the dense key points of the face are detected. According to the coordinates of the key points and the face action coding system (FACS), the face region is divided into 15 regions of interest (ROI). In the feature extraction stage, the optical flow direction histogram feature between adjacent frames in ROI is extracted to detect the peak frame of microexpression sequence. Finally, the average optical flow direction histogram feature of the image sequence from the initial frame to the peak frame is extracted. In the classification stage, firstly, the head pose parameters under horizontal degrees of freedom are estimated to eliminate the influence of head pose motion, and a forest multiview conditional probability model based on deep multiview network is established. Conditional probability and neural connection function are introduced into the node splitting learning of random tree to improve the learning ability and distinguishing ability of the model on the limited training set. Finally, multiview-weighted voting is used to determine the categories of facial microexpressions. Experiments on CASME II microexpression dataset show that the proposed method can effectively describe the changes of microexpressions and improve the recognition accuracy compared with other new methods.
Irisin Pretreatment Protects Kidneys against Acute Kidney Injury Induced by Ischemia/Reperfusion via Upregulating the Expression of Uncoupling Protein 2
Authors: Zhang Rui , Ji Jing , Zhou Xiaoshuang , Li Rongshan
Published: August 2020

As a common disorder, acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by high mortality and morbidity, and current therapeutic options for AKI remain limited. Irisin, a muscle factor, plays an important role in metabolic disorders. However, the role of irisin in AKI is still unclear. To assess the effect of irisin on the course of AKI, we used an ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) C57BL/6 mouse model. Supplementation with irisin attenuated kidney injury induced by I/R, as shown by decreases in the levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Animal model studies also showed that irisin pretreatment upregulates the expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) and protects against the renal cell apoptosis and oxidative stress caused by I/R. In vitro, hypoxia/recovery (H/R) treatment was applied to induce tubular cell apoptosis. Irisin pretreatment ameliorated the cell apoptosis induced by H/R, while transfection of UCP2 siRNA significantly reduced the protective effect of irisin in cells after H/R. In addition, AMPK signaling may be involved in irisin‐mediated upregulation of UCP2 in a renal proximal tubular epithelial cell (PTEC) model. Thus, the renoprotective effect of irisin on AKI may be mediated through increasing the expression of UCP2 in kidneys after I/R.
Association between Neutrophil Percentage‐to‐Albumin Ratio and All‐Cause Mortality in Critically Ill Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Sun Tienan , Shen Hua , Guo Qianyun , Yang Jiaqi , Zhai Guangyao , Zhang Jingrui , Zhang Biyang , Ding Yaodong , Cai Chenghui , Zhou Yujie
Published: August 2020

Background. Neutrophil percentage‐to‐albumin ratio (NPAR) has been proved to be associated with clinical outcome of many diseases. This study was aimed at exploring the independent effect of NPAR on all‐cause mortality of critically ill patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Method. NPAR was calculated as neutrophil percentage numerator divided by serum albumin concentration. Clinical endpoints were 30‐day, 90‐day, and 365‐day all‐cause mortality. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were performed to confirm the association between NPAR and all‐cause mortality. Result. 3106 patients with CAD were enrolled. All‐cause mortality rates of 30 days (P < 0.001), 90 days (P < 0.001), and 365 days (P < 0.001) increased as NPAR tertiles increased. And after adjusting for possible confounding variables, NPAR was still independently associated with 30‐day (third tertile group versus first tertile group: HR, 95% CI: 1.924, 1.471‐2.516; P for trend < 0.001), 90‐day (third tertile group versus first tertile group: HR, 95% CI: 2.053, 1.646‐2.560; P for trend < 0.001), and 365‐day (third tertile group versus first tertile group: HR, 95% CI: 2.063, 1.717‐2.480; P for trend < 0.001) all‐cause mortality in patients with CAD. Subgroup analysis did not find obvious interaction in most subgroups. Conclusion. NPAR was independently correlated with 30‐day, 60‐day, and 365‐day all‐cause mortality in critically ill patients with CAD.
Under-Five Mortality and Associated Risk Factors in Rural Settings of Ethiopia: Evidences from 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Gebremichael Shewayiref Geremew , Fenta Setegn Muche
Published: August 2020

Background. Evidence shows that in Ethiopia, a gradual decrease of under-five mortality is observed, but it is still high in the rural settings of the country. We are motivated to investigate the socioeconomic, demographic, maternal and paternal, and child-related associated risk factors of under-five mortality given birth from rural resident mothers. Methods. Demographic and Health Survey data from Ethiopia (2016) were used for analysis. The chi-square test of association and logistic regression were used to determine the associated risk factors of under-five children mortality. Study Settings. Rural Ethiopia. Results. Secondary school and above completed fathers (AOR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.63–0.94) and primary school completed mothers (AOR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.72–0.93); multiple twin child (AOR = 4.50; 95% CI: 3.38–5.98); public sector delivery (AOR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.55–0.76); had working of mother (AOR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.16–1.42) and of father (AOR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.25–1.69); mothers aged above 16 at first birth (AOR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.37–0.45); breastfeeding (AOR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.55–0.66); birth order of 2-3 (AOR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.02–1.37); religious belief of Muslim (AOR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.02–1.41); users of contraceptive method (AOR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.71–0.90); vaccinated child (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.46–0.60); family size of 4–6 (AOR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.63–0.86) and of seven and above (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.36–0.52); mother’s age group: aged 20–29 (AOR = 3.88; 95% CI: 3.08–4.90), aged 30–39 (AOR = 16.29; 95% CI: 12.66–20.96), and aged 40 and above (AOR = 55.97; 95% CI: 42.27–74.13); number of antenatal visits: 1–3 visits (AOR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.43–0.58), and four and above visits (AOR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.39–0.54); and preceding birth interval of 25–36 months (AOR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.48–0.62) and above 36 months (AOR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.26–0.34) are significant determinant factors of under-five mortality in rural settings. Conclusions. Differences in regions, educated parents, born in singleton, public sector delivery, nonavailability of occupation of parents, mothers older than 16 at first birth, breastfeeding, use of a contraceptive method, child vaccination, higher number of family size, repeated antenatal visits, and preceding birth interval play a significant role regarding the survival of under-five children. These, among other differences, should be addressed decisively as part of any upcoming strategic interventions to improve the survival of children in line with the target of 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Failure Behaviour of Sandstone with a Preexisting Joint under Stepped Excavation
Authors: Liu Yinzhu , Cao Ping , He Liwen , Lin Qibin
Published: August 2020

Much geotechnical construction needs to be carried out under the condition of stepped excavation. However, there is still a lack of research on crack coalescence and failure modes of jointed rock mass under stepped excavation conditions. In order to simulate the stepped excavation test of the real project, the polylactic acid (PLA) material is selected as the filler for the excavation area. The stepped excavation tests are performed on sandstone specimens containing a preexisting joint under different normal load conditions. The dynamic stepped excavation of simulating excavate rock engineering is realised. The constant normal loads during the excavation process are determined to be 80 kN and 100 kN. The influence of the joint inclination on the failure characteristics of the excavation process is analysed. Four typical failure modes are summarised: (a) Mode I: crack coalescence of tensile failure; (b) Mode II: crack coalescence of mixed failure; (c) Mode III: without crack coalescence of mixed failure; (d) Mode IV: without crack coalescence of shear failure. Furthermore, the failure characteristics of the area above the excavation hole and the preexisting joint are analysed. The results show that there are three failure modes: (a) Type I: spalling failure; (b) Type II: shear slip failure; (c) Type III: shear slip and spalling mixed failure.
KDM5B Is Essential for the Hyperactivation of PI3K/AKT Signaling in Prostate Tumorigenesis
Authors: Li Guoliang , Kanagasabai Thanigaivelan , Lu Wenfu , Zou Mike R. , Zhang Shang-Min , Celada Sherly I. , Izban Michael G. , Liu Qi , Lu Tao , Ballard Billy R. , Zhou Xinchun , Adunyah Samuel E. , Matusik Robert J. , Yan Qin , Chen Zhenbang
Published: August 2020

KDM5B (lysine[K]-specific demethylase 5B) is frequently upregulated in various human cancers including prostate cancer. KDM5B controls H3K4me3/2 levels and regulates gene transcription and cell differentiation, yet the contributions of KDM5B to prostate cancer tumorigenesis remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the functional role of KDM5B in epigenetic dysregulation and prostate cancer progression in cultured cells and in mouse models of prostate epithelium–specific mutant Pten/Kdm5b. Kdm5b deficiency resulted in a significant delay in the onset of prostate cancer in Pten-null mice, whereas Kdm5b loss alone caused no morphologic abnormalities in mouse prostates. At 6 months of age, the prostate weight of Pten/Kdm5b mice was reduced by up to 70% compared with that of Pten mice. Pathologic analysis revealed Pten/Kdm5b mice displayed mild morphologic changes with hyperplasia in prostates, whereas age-matched Pten littermates developed high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and prostate cancer. Mechanistically, KDM5B governed PI3K/AKT signaling in prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo. KDM5B directly bound the PIK3CA promoter, and KDM5B knockout resulted in a significant reduction of P110α and PIP3 levels and subsequent decrease in proliferation of human prostate cancer cells. Conversely, KDM5B overexpression resulted in increased PI3K/AKT signaling. Loss of Kdm5b abrogated the hyperactivation of AKT signaling by decreasing P110α/P85 levels in Pten/Kdm5b mice. Taken together, our findings reveal that KDM5B acts as a key regulator of PI3K/AKT signaling; they also support the concept that targeting KDM5B is a novel and effective therapeutic strategy against prostate cancer.

Significance:

This study demonstrates that levels of histone modification enzyme KDM5B determine hyperactivation of PI3K/AKT signaling in prostate cancer and that targeting KDM5B could be a novel strategy against prostate cancer.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitors in Patients with Renal Anemia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Wen Tong , Zhang Xinzhou , Wang Zhen , Zhou Ru
Published: August 2020

Background: Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) are a new class of treatment for renal anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This meta-analysis was designed to evaluate their efficacy and safety. Method: Eight databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Information about efficacy and safety was extracted and combined using random-effects or fixed-effects models, depending on heterogeneity. Risk of bias was assessed using the method recommended by the Cochrane Centre. Results: Nineteen articles on RCTs were selected, involving 3,289 participants. We found that HIF-PHIs improved the level of hemoglobin (Hb) (weighted mean difference [WMD] 1.40; 95% CI: 0.96–1.84; p < 0.001), response rate of Hb (risk ratio [RR] 5.95; 95% CI: 3.95–8.96; p < 0.001), and total iron-binding capacity (WMD 42.94; 95% CI: 31.39–54.49; p < 0.001), while reducing the level of hepcidin (WMD −40.42; 95% CI: −50.44 to −30.39; p < 0.001), ferritin (WMD −64.60; 95% CI: −78.56 to −50.64; p < 0.001), and transferrin saturation (WMD −5.57; 95% CI: −8.53 to −2.61; p < 0.001). Meanwhile, there was no evidence of effect on serum iron (WMD 1.60; 95% CI: −3.72 to 6.93; p = 0.55), nor on the incidence of adverse events (AEs) (RR 1.06; 95% CI: 0.99–1.15; p = 0.51) or of serious adverse events (SAEs) (RR 1.14; 95% CI: 0.88–1.46; p = 0.32). Conclusion: HIF-PHIs ameliorate renal anemia and rectify iron metabolism in the short term without increasing the incidence of AEs and SAEs.
Association of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia with Facial Papules and Lichen Planus Pigmentosus in a Caucasian Woman
Authors: Verzì Anna Elisa , Lacarrubba Francesco , Dall’Oglio Federica , Micali Giuseppe
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a lymphocytic primary cicatricial alopecia typically involving the frontotemporal hairline. It may be associated with the presence of facial papules (FP) that clinically appear as noninflammatory, monomorphic, white-yellowish papules. Lichen planus pigmentosus (LPPigm) is characterized by the presence of asymptomatic grayish pigmented macules, predominantly in sun-exposed and flexural areas. Case Report: A 58-year-old, Caucasian, phototype III woman presented with a symmetrical, band-like, frontotemporal alopecia with regression of the hairline; bilateral eyebrow loss; diffuse, symmetrical hyperpigmentation of the face; and some asymptomatic, flesh-colored, monomorphic papules on the chin. Based on clinical, dermoscopic, and histological findings, the diagnosis of FFA associated with FP and LPPigm was established. Discussion/Conclusion: The peculiarity of our report is represented by the triple association of FFA, FP, and LPPigm in a Caucasian skin type III woman, as it has been rarely reported. Clinicians should be aware of this association also in subjects with phototype ≤III, as its recognition may be useful for diagnostic and prognostic purposes: the observation of LPPigm of the face may suggest to check for early FFA, and in case of FFA associated with FP, a poorer FFA prognosis may likely be expected.
Association of Hypertension and Arterial Blood Pressure on Limb and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Fudim Marat , Hopley Charles W. , Huang Zhen , Kavanagh Sarah , Rockhold Frank W. , Baumgartner Iris , Berger Jeffrey S. , Blomster Juuso I. , Fowkes F. Gerry R. , Katona Brian G. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Norgren Lars , Ostrom Cara , Patel Manesh R. , Jones W. Schuyler , Hiatt William R.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Current guidelines recommend aggressive management of hypertension. Recent evidence suggested potential harm with low blood pressure targets in patients with peripheral artery disease. We investigated the association of a history of hypertension and office systolic blood pressure (SBP) with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and major adverse limb events (MALEs).

Methods and Results:

The EUCLID trial (Examining the Use of Ticagrelor in Peripheral Artery Disease) included 13 885 participants with symptomatic peripheral artery disease; median follow-up was 30 months. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for any MACE, MALE, and MALE including lower extremity revascularization. A clinical history of arterial hypertension was present in 10 857 (78%) participants, and these participants were older and more likely to be female when compared with the 3026 (22%) patients without hypertension. In patients with a history of hypertension, the adjusted hazard ratio for MACE was 0.94, 95% CI, 0.82–1.08;
P
=0.39, and the adjusted hazard ratio for MALE was 1.08, 95% CI, 0.96–1.23;
P
=0.21. During follow-up, average SBP was 135 mm Hg (125–145). Every 10 mmHg increase in SBP>125 mmHg was associated with an increased risk of MACE (HR, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.06–1.14];
P
<0.001), a marginally increased risk of MALE (HR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.00–1.15];
P
=0.062), and an increased risk of MALE/lower extremity revascularization (HR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.04–1.11];
P
<0.001). Every decrease in 10 mmHg SBP ≤125 mmHg was associated with an increased risk of MACE (HR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.09–1.31];
P
<0.001) but not MALE or MALE/lower extremity revascularization (HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.84–1.23],
P
=0.824; HR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.95–1.13],
P
=0.392, respectively).

Conclusions:

History of hypertension was not associated with higher hazard for MACE or MALE in patients with peripheral artery disease. In contrast, there was a higher hazard of MACE in patients with out-of-target low and high SBP. High but not low SBP was associated with an increased risk of ischemic limb events.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01732822.
Cardiovascular Events and Costs With Home Blood Pressure Telemonitoring and Pharmacist Management for Uncontrolled Hypertension
Authors: Margolis Karen L. , Dehmer Steven P. , Sperl-Hillen JoAnn , O’Connor Patrick J. , Asche Stephen E. , Bergdall Anna R. , Green Beverly B. , Nyboer Rachel A. , Pawloski Pamala A. , Trower Nicole K. , Maciosek Michael V.
Published: August 2020

Uncontrolled hypertension is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease. A cluster-randomized trial in 16 primary care clinics showed that 12 months of home blood pressure telemonitoring and pharmacist management lowered blood pressure more than usual care (UC) for 24 months. We report cardiovascular events (nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, hospitalized heart failure, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular death) and costs over 5 years of follow-up. In the telemonitoring intervention (TI group, n=228), there were 15 cardiovascular events (5 myocardial infarction, 4 stroke, 5 heart failure, 1 cardiovascular death) among 10 patients. In UC group (n=222), there were 26 events (11 myocardial infarction, 12 stroke, 3 heart failure) among 19 patients. The cardiovascular composite end point incidence was 4.4% in the TI group versus 8.6% in the UC group (odds ratio, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.21–1.13],
P
=0.09). Including 2 coronary revascularizations in the TI group and 10 in the UC group, the secondary cardiovascular composite end point incidence was 5.3% in the TI group versus 10.4% in the UC group (odds ratio, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.22–1.08],
P
=0.08). Microsimulation modeling showed the difference in events far exceeded predictions based on observed blood pressure. Intervention costs (in 2017 US dollars) were $1511 per patient. Over 5 years, estimated event costs were $758 000 in the TI group and $1 538 000 in the UC group for a return on investment of 126% and a net cost savings of about $1900 per patient. Telemonitoring with pharmacist management lowered blood pressure and may have reduced costs by avoiding cardiovascular events over 5 years.

Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT00781365.
Cancer Mortality in Trials of Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Tini Giacomo , Bertero Edoardo , Signori Alessio , Sormani Maria Pia , Maack Christoph , De Boer Rudolf A. , Canepa Marco , Ameri Pietro
Published: August 2020

Background

The burden of cancer in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is apparently growing. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) may help understanding this observation, since they span decades of heart failure treatment.

Methods and Results

We assessed cancer, cardiovascular, and total mortality in phase 3 heart failure RCTs involving ≥90% individuals with left ventricular ejection fraction <45%, who were not acutely decompensated and did not represent specific patient subsets. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) of each type of death for the control and treatment arms were calculated using a random‐effects model. Temporal trends and the impact of patient and RCT characteristics on mortality outcomes were evaluated by meta‐regression analysis. Cancer mortality was reported for 15 (25%) of 61 RCTs, including 33 709 subjects, and accounted for 6% to 14% of all deaths and 17% to 67% of noncardiovascular deaths. Cancer mortality rate was 0.58 (95% CI, 0.46–0.71) per 100 patient‐years without temporal trend (
P
=0.35). Cardiovascular (
P
=0.001) and total (
P
=0.001) mortality rates instead decreased over time. Moreover, cancer mortality was not influenced by treatment (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.92–1.28), unlike cardiovascular (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79–0.98) and all‐cause (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84–0.99) mortality. Meta‐regression did not reveal significant sources of heterogeneity. Possible reasons for excluding patients with malignancy overlapped among RCTs with and without published cancer mortality, and malignancy was an exclusion criterion only for 4 (8.7%) of the RCTs not reporting cancer mortality.

Conclusions

Cancer is a major, yet overlooked cause of noncardiovascular death in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, which has become more prominent with cardiovascular mortality decline.
Association of Atrial Fibrillation With Incidence of Extracranial Systemic Embolic Events: The ARIC Study
Authors: Shi Mengyuan , Chen Lin Y. , Bekwelem Wobo , Norby Faye L. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Alam Aniqa B. , Alonso Alvaro
Published: August 2020

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of stroke and extracranial systemic embolic events (SEEs), but little is known about the magnitude of the association of AF with SEE.

Methods and Results

This analysis included 14 941 participants of the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study (mean age, 54.2±5.8, 55% women, 74% White) without AF at baseline (1987–1989) followed through 2017. AF was identified from study ECGs, hospital discharges, and death certificates, while SEEs were ascertained from hospital discharges. CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc was calculated at the time of AF diagnosis. Cox regression was used to estimate associations of incident AF with SEE risk in the entire cohort, and between CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc score and SEE risk in those with AF. Among eligible participants, 3114 participants developed AF and 270 had an SEE (59 events in AF). Incident AF was associated with increased risk of SEE (hazard ratio [HR], 3.58; 95% CI, 2.57–5.00), after adjusting for covariates. The association of incident AF with SEE was stronger in women (HR, 5.26; 95% CI, 3.28–8.44) than in men (HR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.66–4.32). In those with AF, higher CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc score was associated with increased SEE risk (HR per 1‐point increase, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.05–1.47).

Conclusions

AF is associated with more than a tripling of the risk of SEE, with a stronger association in women than in men. CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc is associated with SEE risk in AF patients, highlighting the value of the score to predict adverse outcomes and guide treatment decisions in people with AF.
Precision Technologies for Agriculture: Digital Farming, Gene-Edited Crops, and the Politics of Sustainability
Authors: Clapp Jennifer , Ruder Sarah-Louise
Published: August 2020

This article analyzes the rise of precision technologies for agriculture—specifically digital farming and plant genome editing—and their implications for the politics of environmental sustainability in the agrifood sector. We map out opposing views in the emerging debate over the environmental aspects of these technologies: while proponents see them as vital tools for environmental sustainability, critics view them as antithetical to their own agroecological vision of sustainable agriculture. We argue that key insights from the broader literature on the social effects of technological change—in particular, technological lock-in, the double-edged nature of technology, and uneven power relations—help to explain the political dynamics of this debate. Our analysis highlights the divergent perspectives regarding how these technologies interact with environmental problems, as well as the risks and opportunities they present. Yet, as we argue in the article, developments so far suggest that these dynamics are not always straightforward in practice.
Destroying Churches by Performing Knowledge: Ibn al-Rifʿa’s Kitāb al-nafā’is fī adillat hadm al-kanā’is (700/1301) and the Social Negotiation of Legal Authority
Authors: Van Den Bossche Gowaart
Published: August 2020

In 700/1301 the Cairene scholar Najm al-Dīn Ibn al-Rifʿa wrote a short juridical treatise entitled Kitāb al-nafāʾis fī adillat hadm al-kanāʾis in which he argued for the destruction of all churches and synagogues in Cairo. Some chroniclers report that this text was used to legitimise popular attacks on, and the destruction of, churches, but shortly thereafter, Ibn al-Rifʿa’s opinion was declared invalid by a council of prominent jurists. In addition to its juridical arguments for church destruction, Ibn al-Rifʿa suggests that the treatise was meant to function as a challenge to the author’s peers. I argue that al-Nafāʾis reflects ideas about the normative application of Shāfiʿī fiqh and that it can serve as a lens through which we can reconstruct a complex picture of the performance and negotiation of legal authority in the Mamluk period.
Muonabuntor gen. nov., a new genus of false click beetles from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber (Coleoptera: Elateroidea: Eucnemidae)

Authors: LI YAN-DA , TIHELKA ERIK , LIU ZHEN-HUA , HUANG DIYING , CAI CHEN-YANG
Published: August 2020

Eucnemidae is a relatively large beetle family belonging to the polyphagan superfamily Elateroidea. Numerous fossil eucnemids have been reported from Cenozoic deposits, but the Mesozoic record of Eucnemidae is much sparser. Here we describe and figure a new eucnemid beetle, Muonabuntor grandinotalis gen. et sp. nov., discovered from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber (ca. 99 Ma). The new genus resembles extant Jenibuntor and Euryptychus in having simple hypomera and tubular antennomeres 9–11, but differs from the latter genera by its comparatively longer pronotum, weakly striate elytra, and large metacoxal plates. The fossil record and classification system of Eucnemidae are also reviewed.
Sinomorphoptila incompleta gen. et sp. nov., a new dysmorphoptilid from the Middle Permian of China (Hemiptera, Cicadomorpha, Prosbolomorpha)

Authors: FU YANZHE , HUANG DIYING
Published: August 2020

With 18 genera and 29 species described, the extinct family Dysmorphoptilidae Handlirsch, 1906 is one of the most diverse members of the early cicadomorphan insects, widespread from the Middle Permian to the Upper Jurassic of Europe, Siberia, Central Asia, South China, South Africa, South America, and Australia (Shcherbakov, 1984, 2000; Martins-Neto et al., 2003; Lambkin, 2015, 2016; Lara & Wang, 2016; Szwedo & Huang, 2019).
SEM morphological study of the Late Permian clam shrimp Polygrapta chatangensis (Spinicaudata, Crustacea)

Authors: LI GANG
Published: August 2020

A re-examination of the metatype of the type species Polygrapta chatangensis has revealed new characters that were overlooked in the original description and it is determined here that Polygrapta should be maintained as a genus separate from Pseudestheria.
The Northern Tornadoes Project: Uncovering Canada’s True Tornado Climatology
Authors: Sills David M. L. , Kopp Gregory A. , Elliott Lesley , Jaffe Aaron L. , Sutherland Liz , Miller Connell S. , Kunkel Joanne M. , Hong Emilio , Stevenson Sarah A. , Wang William
Published: August 2020

Canada is a vast country with most of its population located along its southern border. Large areas are sparsely populated and/or heavily forested, and severe weather reports are rare when thunderstorms occur there. Thus, it has been difficult to accurately assess the true tornado climatology and risk. It is also important to establish a reliable baseline for tornado-related climate change studies. The Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP), led by Western University, is an ambitious multidisciplinary initiative aimed at detecting and documenting every tornado that occurs across Canada. A team of meteorologists and wind engineers collects research-quality data during each damage investigation via thorough ground surveys and high-resolution satellite, aircraft, and drone imaging. Crowdsourcing through social media is also key to tracking down events. In addition, NTP conducts research to improve our ability to detect and accurately assess tornadoes that affect forests, cropland, and grassland. An open data website allows sharing of resulting datasets and analyses. Pilot investigations were carried out during the warm seasons of 2017 and 2018, with the scope expanding from the detection of any tornadoes in heavily forested regions of central Canada in 2017 to the detection of all EF1+ tornadoes in Ontario plus all significant events outside of Ontario in 2018. The 2019 season was the first full campaign, systematically collecting research-quality tornado data across the entire country. To date, the project has found 89 tornadoes that otherwise would not have been identified, and increased the national tornado count in 2019 by 78%.
Thermal Chains and Entrainment in Cumulus Updrafts. Part II: Analysis of Idealized Simulations
Authors: Peters John M. , Morrison Hugh , Varble Adam C. , Hannah Walter M. , Giangrande Scott E.
Published: August 2020

Research has suggested that the structure of deep convection often consists of a series of rising thermals, or “thermal chain,” which contrasts with existing conceptual models that are used to construct cumulus parameterizations. Simplified theoretical expressions for updraft properties obtained in Part I of this study are used to develop a hypothesis explaining why this structure occurs. In this hypothesis, cumulus updraft structure is strongly influenced by organized entrainment below the updraft’s vertical velocity maximum. In a dry environment, this enhanced entrainment can locally reduce condensation rates and increase evaporation, thus eroding buoyancy. For moderate-to-large initial cloud radius R, this breaks up the updraft into a succession of discrete pulses of rising motion (i.e., a thermal chain). For small R, this leads to the structure of a single, isolated rising thermal. In contrast, moist environments are hypothesized to favor plume-like updrafts for moderate-to-large R. In a series of axisymmetric numerical cloud simulations, R and environmental relative humidity (RH) are systematically varied to test this hypothesis. Vertical profiles of fractional entrainment rate, passive tracer concentration, buoyancy, and vertical velocity from these runs agree well with vertical profiles calculated from the theoretical expressions in Part I. Analysis of the simulations supports the hypothesized dependency of updraft structure on R and RH, that is, whether it consists of an isolated thermal, a thermal chain, or a plume, and the role of organized entrainment in driving this dependency. Additional three-dimensional (3D) turbulent cloud simulations are analyzed, and the behavior of these 3D runs is qualitatively consistent with the theoretical expressions and axisymmetric simulations.
Lilly’s Model for Steady-State Tropical Cyclone Intensity and Structure
Authors: Tao Dandan , Rotunno Richard , Bell Michael
Published: August 2020

This study revisits the axisymmetric tropical cyclone (TC) theory from D. K. Lilly’s unpublished manuscript (Lilly model) and compares it to axisymmetric TC simulations from a nonhydrostatic cloud model. Analytic solutions of the Lilly model are presented through simplifying assumptions. Sensitivity experiments varying the sea surface, boundary layer and tropopause temperatures, and the absolute angular momentum (M) at some outer radius in the Lilly model show that these variations influence the radial structure of the tangential wind profile V(r) at the boundary layer top. However, these parameter variations have little effect on the inner-core normalized tangential wind, V(r/rm)/Vm, where Vm is the maximum tangential wind at radius rm. The outflow temperature T∞ as a function of M (or saturation entropy s*) is found to be the only input that changes the normalized tangential wind radial structure in the Lilly model. In contrast with the original assumption of the Lilly model that T∞(s*) is determined by the environment, it is argued here that T∞(s*) is determined by the TC interior flow under the environmental constraint of the tropopause height. The present study shows that the inner-core tangential wind radial structure from the Lilly model generally agrees well with nonhydrostatic cloud model simulations except in the eyewall region where the Lilly model tends to underestimate the tangential winds due to its balanced-dynamics assumptions. The wind structure in temperature–radius coordinates from the Lilly model can largely reproduce the numerical simulation results. Though the Lilly model is based on a number of simplifying assumptions, this paper shows its utility in understanding steady-state TC intensity and structure.
Hawaiian Regional Climate Variability during Two Types of El Niño
Authors: Lu Bo-Yi , Chu Pao-Shin , Kim Sung-Hun , Karamperidou Christina
Published: August 2020

The large-scale atmospheric circulation of the North Pacific associated with two types of El Niño—the eastern Pacific (EP) and central Pacific (CP)—is studied in relation to Hawaiian winter (December–February) rainfall and temperature. The eastern and central equatorial Pacific undergo active convective heating during EP El Niño winters. The local Hadley circulation is enhanced and an upper-level westerly jet stream of the North Pacific is elongated eastward. Due to the impact of both phenomena, stronger anomalous descending motion, moisture flux divergence anomalies near Hawaii, and reduction of easterly trade winds, which are characteristic of EP winters, are unfavorable for winter rainfall in Hawaii. As a result of this robust signal, dry conditions prevail in Hawaii and the standard deviation of rainfall during EP winters is smaller than the climatology. For CP winters, the maximum equatorial ocean warming is weaker and shifted westward to near the date line. The subtropical jet stream retreats westward relative to EP winters and the anomalously sinking motion near Hawaii is variable and generally weaker. Although the anomalous moisture flux divergence still exists over the subtropical North Pacific, its magnitude is weaker relative to EP winters. Without strong external forcing, rainfall in the Hawaiian Islands during CP winters is close to the long-term mean. The spread of rainfall from one CP event to another is also larger. The near-surface minimum temperature from three stations in Hawaii reveals cooling during EP winters and slight warming during CP winters.
Key Role of Diabatic Processes in Regulating Warm Water Volume Variability over ENSO Events
Authors: Huguenin Maurice F. , Holmes Ryan M. , England Matthew H.
Published: August 2020

The equatorial Pacific warm water volume (WWV), defined as the volume of water warmer than 20°C near the equator, is a key predictor for El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and yet much about the individual processes that influence it remains unknown. In this study, we conduct idealized ENSO simulations forced with symmetric El Niño– and La Niña–associated atmospheric anomalies as well as a historical 1979–2016 hindcast simulation. We use the water mass transformation framework to examine the individual contributions of diabatic and adiabatic processes to changes in WWV. We find that in both sets of simulations, El Niño’s discharge and La Niña’s recharge periods are initiated by diabatic fluxes of volume across the 20°C isotherm associated with changes in surface forcing and vertical mixing. Changes in adiabatic horizontal volume transport above 20°C between the equator and subtropical latitudes dominate at a later stage. While surface forcing and vertical mixing deplete WWV during El Niño, surface forcing during La Niña drives a large increase partially compensated for by a decrease driven by vertical mixing. On average, the ratio of diabatic to adiabatic contributions to changes in WWV during El Niño is about 40% to 60%; during La Niña this ratio changes to 75% to 25%. The increased importance of the diabatic processes during La Niña, especially the surface heat fluxes, is linked to the shoaling of the 20°C isotherm in the eastern equatorial Pacific and is a major source of asymmetry between the two ENSO phases, even in the idealized simulations where the wind forcing and adiabatic fluxes are symmetric.
Exploring the Factors Influencing the Strength and Variability of Convectively Coupled Mixed Rossby–Gravity Waves
Authors: Suhas E. , Neena J. M. , Jiang Xianan
Published: August 2020

The three-dimensional structure, horizontal and vertical propagation characteristics, and convection–circulation coupling of the convectively coupled westward-propagating mixed Rossby–gravity (MRG) waves are examined by classifying the waves based on their amplitude. Convective signals of the MRG waves were identified and isolated using empirical orthogonal function analysis of wavenumber–frequency-filtered outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) data. It was found that about 50% of the MRG waves occur during the August–November months, and this strong seasonality was considered while characterizing the MRG waves. Five strong and five weak MRG wave seasons were identified during 1979–2019, based on seasonal wave amplitude, and through this classification, significant differences in the strength of convection–circulation coupling, zonal scale of circulation, vertical structure, and propagation characteristics of MRG waves were brought out. It was also found that the seasonal mean background state is significantly different during strong and weak MRG wave seasons. While a La Niña–like background state was found to favor enhanced MRG wave activity, the MRG wave activity is mostly suppressed during an El Niño–like background state. The presence of extratropical wave intrusions is another factor that distinguishes the strong MRG wave seasons from the weak ones. Eastward- and northeastward-propagating extratropical wave trains from the South Atlantic to the east Indian Ocean were observed during strong MRG wave seasons.
On the Wave State Dependence of the Sea Surface Roughness at Moderate Wind Speeds under Mixed Wave Conditions
Authors: Li Shuiqing , Zou Zhongshui , Zhao Dongliang , Hou Yijun
Published: August 2020

Wind stress depends on the sea surface roughness, which can be significantly changed by surface wind waves. Based on observations from a fixed platform, we examined the dependences of the sea surface roughness length on dominant wave characteristic parameters (wave age, wave steepness) at moderate wind speeds and under mixed-wave conditions. No obvious trend was found in the wave steepness dependence of sea surface roughness, but a wave steepness threshold behavior was readily identified in the wave age dependence of sea surface roughness. The influence of dominant wind waves on the surface roughness was illustrated using a wind–wave coupling model. The wave steepness threshold behavior is assumed to be related to the onset of dominant wave breaking. The important role of the interaction between swell and wind wave was highlighted, as swell can absorb energy from locally generated wind wave, which subsequently reduces the wave steepness and the probability of dominant wave breaking.
Pseudo-Information, Media, Publics, and the Failing Marketplace of Ideas: Theory
Authors: Kim Jeong-Nam , Gil de Zúñiga Homero
Published: August 2020

The explosive usage in recent years of the terms “fake news” and “posttruth” reflects worldwide frustration and concern about rampant social problems created by pseudo-information. Our digital networked society and newly emerging media platforms foster public misunderstanding of social affairs, which affects almost all aspects of individual life. The cost of lay citizens’ misunderstandings or crippled lay informatics can be high. Pseudo-information is responsible for deficient social systems and institutional malfunction. We thus ask questions and collect knowledge about the life of pseudo-information and the cognitive and communicative modus operandi of lay publics, as well as how to solve the problem of pseudo-information through understanding the changing media environment in this “truth-be-damned” era of information crisis.
The Effect of Substance Abuse Programs on Positive Drug Screening Tests in Trauma Patients
Authors: Hale Jessica V. , Feyh Andrew S. , Weaver Andrew , Murray Jenny , Denning David A. , Amiri Farzad
Published: August 2020

Background

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, West Virginia has the highest age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths involving opioids. To combat this crisis, comprehensive drug counseling support services were established within the Cabell Huntington Hospital (CHH) system in October 2018 in Huntington, WV, USA. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether these services significantly reduced the number of trauma patients with a positive urine drug screen (UDS) seen at CHH.

Methods

The trauma registry at CHH was used to obtain data on trauma patients with positive UDS from January 2017 to October 2019, which was divided into groups before and after October 2018. Exclusion criteria were any patients who were prescribed the drug. The percentages of the total number of positive drug screens within each group were calculated, and a t-test analysis was performed to determine the P values.

Results

345 trauma patients with positive UDS were selected. Results showed that there was an overall decrease in the rate of nonprescribed use after October 2018 of benzodiazepines (18.1%-11.5%), cocaine (19.5%-15.3%), opioids (19.1%-12.3%), and oxycodone (10.2%-4.6%). However, none of these changes were statistically significant. There was an increase in the rate of nonprescribed use of amphetamine (20.0%-23.8%) and methamphetamine (14.4%-33.8%).

Discussion

Our hypothesis is that the support systems are relatively new, and may need more time to identify and intervene on patients before a statistically significant effect on drug abuse rates in our region can be seen.