bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Plasma C1q/TNF-Related Protein 3 (CTRP3) in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Chen Liwen , Liu Shuwang , Xu Wei , Zhang Yuan , Bai Jin , Li Lei , Cui Ming , Sun Lijie
Published: December 2020

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a highly prevalent cardiac arrhythmia characterized by atrial remodeling. Complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein 3 (CTRP3) is one of the adipokines associated with obesity, diabetes, and coronary heart disease. The association between plasma CTRP3 levels and AF is uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate whether plasma CTRP3 concentrations were correlated with AF. Our study included 75 AF patients who underwent catheter ablation at our hospital and 47 sinus rhythm patients to determine the difference in plasma CTRP3 concentrations. Blood samples before the ablation were collected, and ELISA was used to measure the concentrations of CTRP3. Plasma CTRP3 concentrations were significantly lower in AF patients compared with control group (

366.9
±
105.2
 
ng
/
ml

vs.

429.1
±
100.1
 
ng
/
ml

,

p
=
0.002

). In subgroup studies, patients with persistent AF had lower plasma CTRP3 concentrations than those with paroxysmal AF (

328.3
±
83.3
 
ng
/
ml

vs.

380.0
±
109.2
 
ng
/
ml

,

p
=
0.037

). The concentrations of plasma CTRP3 in the recurrence group after radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF were lower than those in the nonrecurrence group (

337.9
±
77.3
 
ng
/
ml

vs.

386.6
±
108.1
 
ng
/
ml

,

p
=
0.045

). Multivariate regression analysis revealed the independent correlation between plasma CTRP3 level and AF. Plasma CTRP3 concentrations were correlated with the presence of AF and AF recurrence.
Emotional Dialogue Generation Based on Conditional Variational Autoencoder and Dual Emotion Framework
Authors: Deng Zhenrong , Lin Hongquan , Huang Wenming , Lan Rushi , Luo Xiaonan
Published: December 2020

An excellent dialogue system needs to not only generate rich and diverse logical responses but also meet the needs of users for emotional communication. However, despite much work, these two problems have not been solved. In this paper, we propose a model based on conditional variational autoencoder and dual emotion framework (CVAE-DE) to generate emotional responses. In our model, latent variables of the conditional variational autoencoder are adopted to promote the diversity of conversation. A dual emotion framework is adopted to control the explicit emotion of the response and prevent the conversation from generating emotion drift indicating that the emotion of the response is not related to the input sentence. A multiclass emotion classifier based on the Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) model is employed to obtain emotion labels, which promotes the accuracy of emotion recognition and emotion expression. A large number of experiments show that our model not only generates rich and diverse responses but also is emotionally coherent and controllable.
Determining the Image Base of Smart Device Firmware for Security Analysis
Authors: Zhu Ruijin , Zhang Baofeng , Tan Yu-an , Wang Jinmiao , Wan Yueliang
Published: December 2020

The authorization mechanism of smart devices is mainly implemented by firmware, yet many smart devices have security issues about their firmware. Limited research has focused on securing the firmware of smart devices, although increasingly more smart devices are used to deal with the very sensitive applications, activities, and data of users. Thus, research on smart device firmware security is of growing importance. Disassembly is a common method for evaluating the security of authorization mechanisms. When disassembling firmware, the processor type of the running environment and the image base of the firmware should first be determined. In general, the processor type can be obtained by tearing down the device or consulting the product manual. However, it is not easy to determine the image base of firmware. Since the processors of many smart devices are ARM architectures, in this paper, we focus on firmware under the ARM architecture and propose an automated method for determining the image base. By studying the storage law of the jump table in the firmware of ARM-based smart devices, we propose an algorithm, named determining the image base by searching jump tables (DBJT), to determine the image base. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method can successfully determine the image base of firmware, which stores the absolute address in the jump table.
A Modified Femtosecond Laser Technique for Anterior Capsule Contraction Syndrome
Authors: Marenco Marco , Mangiantini Pietro , Scuderi Luca , Lambiase Alessandro , Sacchetti Marta
Published: December 2020

Anterior capsule contraction syndrome (ACCS) is a rare, late complication of cataract surgery, associated with impairment of visual function. In this paper, we describe a new surgical technique to treat ACCS by femtosecond laser procedure. The femtosecond laser was used to perform an anterior capsulotomy with a customized size, in order to avoid IOL damage. After ophthalmic viscosurgical device injection in the anterior chamber, the anterior capsule flap was separated from the IOL surface by gentle hydrodissection. This manoeuvre enabled an easy and safe removal of the fibrotic material by vitreal microscissors. Our technique allowed a complete removal of the fibrotic material and opening of the capsule, with immediate complete visual acuity recovery without IOL damage. In conclusion, femtosecond laser appears to be safe and effective for treatment of ACCS with long-lasting efficacy.
The Challenging Clinical Management of Patients with Cranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistula and Secondary Parkinson’s Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Treatment Options
Authors: Velz Julia , Kulcsar Zsolt , Büchele Fabian , Richter Heiko , Regli Luca
Published: December 2020

Cranial dural arteriovenous fistula (cDAVF) may rarely lead to parkinsonism and rapid cognitive decline. Dysfunction of the extrapyramidal system and the thalamus, due to venous congestion of the Galenic system with subsequent parenchymal edema, is likely to represent an important pathophysiological mechanism. Here, we report a case of a 57-year-old man with a cDAVF of the straight sinus (Borden type III; DES-Zurich bridging vein shunt [BVS] type with direct, exclusive, and strained leptomeningeal venous drainage [LVD]) and subsequent edema of both thalami, the internal capsule, the hippocampi, the pallidum, and the mesencephalon. Several attempts at venous embolization were unsuccessful, and the neurological condition of the patient further deteriorated with progressive parkinsonism and intermittent episodes of loss of consciousness (KPS 30). A suboccipital mini-craniotomy was performed and the culminal vein was disconnected from the medial tentorial sinus, achieving an immediate fistula occlusion. Three-month follow-up MRI revealed complete regression of the edema. Clinically, parkinsonism remitted completely, allowing for tapering of dopaminergic medication. His cognition markedly improved in further course. The purpose of this report is to highlight the importance of rapid and complete cDAVF occlusion to reverse venous hypertension and prevent progressive clinical impairment. The review of the literature underlines the high morbidity and mortality of these patients. Microsurgical disconnection of the fistula plays an important role in the management of these patients and, surprisingly, has not been reported so far.
Fourth Ventricle Outlet Obstruction and Diverticular Enlargement of Luschka Foramina in a Child with Down Syndrome
Authors: Orlando Valentina , Spennato Pietro , De Liso Maria , Trischitta Vincenzo , Imperato Alessia , Cinalli Giuseppe
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Hydrocephalus is not usually part of Down syndrome (DS). Fourth ventricle outlet obstruction is a rare cause of obstructive hydrocephalus, difficult to diagnose, because tetraventricular dilatation may suggest a communicant/nonobstructive hydrocephalus. Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 6-year-old boy with obstructive tetraventricular hydrocephalus, caused by Luschka and Magen­die foramina obstruction and diverticular enlargement of Luschka foramina (the so-called fourth ventricle outlet obstruction) associated with DS. He was treated with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) without complications, and a follow-up MRI revealed reduction of the ventricles, disappearance of the diverticula, and patency of the ventriculostomy. Conclusion: Diverticular enlargement of Luschka foramina is an important radiological finding for obstructive tetraventricular hydrocephalus. ETV is a viable option in tetraventricular obstructive hydrocephalus in DS.
Meta-Analysis of Prognostic Factors for Recurrence of Resected Well-Differentiated Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Li Yuanliang , Fan Guohui , Yu Fuhuan , Tian Chao , Tan Huangying
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (WDPNETs) are a group of rare and heterogeneous tumors. However, the prognostic factors for recurrence after curative resection still remain controversial. We aim to illustrate the prognostic factors for recurrence of resected WDPNETs. Methods: All relevant articles published through June 2020 were identified via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Articles that examined the prognostic factors of WDPNETs were enrolled. Results: Ten articles were finally included in this study. From 1993 to 2018, 2,863 patients underwent curative resection and 358 patients had recurrence, and the combined recurrence rate was 13%. Furthermore, the pooled data indicated that patients with G2, positive lymph node and surgical resection margin, vascular invasion, and perineural invasion had a decreased disease-free survival for WDPNETs. However, gender, function, and tumor size had no significant relationship with WDPNETs recurrence. Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that G2, positive lymph node and surgical resection margin, vascular invasion, and perineural invasion could be prognostic factors for recurrence of resected WDPNETs, indicating that patients with these high-risk factors need closer postoperative follow-up and may benefit from adjuvant therapy.
Distribution of Syzygium travancoricum Gamble (Myrtaceae), a Critically Endangered tree species from Kerala part of Western Ghats, India
Authors: Sreekumar V.B. , Sreejith K.A. , Sanil M.S. , Harinarayanan M.K. , Prejith M.P. , Varma R.V.
Published: December 2020

Syzygium travancoricum Gamble is an endemic, Critically Endangered tree species found in marshy swamps of the Western Ghats. An assessment was conducted on existing distribution pattern and population structure of this species in Kerala. Most of the existing populations are mainly located in sacred groves and this tree is an ideal example on role of sacred groves in conserving biodiversity especially IUCN red listed species. A total of 465 individuals were recorded in which maximum number of sapling density was recorded in Kalasamala Sacred grove followed by patches of Myristica swamps in Kulathupuzha. Fragmentation of populations, habitat modification, over exploitation, pollution and invasion of exotics are major threats to S. travancoricum. Hence urgent intervention is required for restoration programmes, management of habitat and subsequently delisting this species from IUCN red list of threatened species.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Improves Impaired Fatty Acid Oxidation Via the Activation of Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase-ɑ – Proliferator-Activated Receptor-r Coactivator-1ɑ Signaling in Skeletal Muscle of Mice With Heart Failure
Authors: Matsumoto Junichi , Takada Shingo , Furihata Takaaki , Nambu Hideo , Kakutani Naoya , Maekawa Satoshi , Mizushima Wataru , Nakano Ippei , Fukushima Arata , Yokota Takashi , Tanaka Shinya , Handa Haruka , Sabe Hisataka , Kinugawa Shintaro
Published: December 2020

Background:

We recently reported that treatment with rhBDNF (recombinant human brain-derived neurotrophic factor) improved the reduced exercise capacity of mice with heart failure (HF) after myocardial infarction (MI). Since BDNF is reported to enhance fatty acid oxidation, we herein conducted an in vivo investigation to determine whether the improvement in exercise capacity is due to the enhancement of the fatty acid oxidation of skeletal muscle via the AMPKα-PGC1α (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase-ɑ–proliferator-activated receptor-r coactivator-1ɑ) axis.

Methods:

MI and sham operations were conducted in C57BL/6J mice. Two weeks postsurgery, we randomly divided the MI mice into groups treated with rhBDNF or vehicle for 2 weeks. AMPKα-PGC1α signaling and mitochondrial content in the skeletal muscle of the mice were evaluated by Western blotting and transmission electron microscopy. Fatty acid β-oxidation was examined by high-resolution respirometry using permeabilized muscle fiber. BDNF-knockout mice were treated with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-d-riboruranoside, an activator of AMPK.

Results:

The rhBDNF treatment significantly increased the expressions of phosphorylated AMPKα and PGC1α protein and the intermyofibrillar mitochondrial density in the MI mice. The lowered skeletal muscle mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation was significantly improved in the rhBDNF-treated MI mice. The reduced exercise capacity and mitochondrial dysfunction of the BDNF-knockout mice were improved by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-d-riboruranoside.

Conclusions:

Beneficial effects of BDNF on the exercise capacity of mice with HF are mediated through an enhancement of fatty acid oxidation via the activation of AMPKα-PGC1α in skeletal muscle. BDNF may become a therapeutic option to improve exercise capacity as an alternative or adjunct to exercise training.
Magnesium Supplementation Attenuates Pulmonary Hypertension via Regulation of Magnesium Transporters
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhu Zhuang-Li , Lin Da-Cen , Zheng Si-Yi , Chuang Kun-Han , Gui Long-Xin , Yao Ru-Hui , Zhu Wei-Jie , Sham James S.K. , Lin Mo-Jun
Published: December 2020

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by profound vascular remodeling and altered Ca
2+
homeostasis in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Magnesium ion (Mg
2+
), a natural Ca
2+
antagonist and a cofactor for numerous enzymes, is crucial for regulating diverse cellular functions, but its roles in PH remains unclear. Here, we examined the roles of Mg
2+
and its transporters in PH development. Chronic hypoxia and monocrotaline induced significant PH in adult male rats. It was associated with a reduction of [Mg
2+
]
i
in PASMCs, a significant increase in gene expressions of
Cnnm2
,
Hip14
,
Hip14l
,
Magt1
,
Mmgt1
,
Mrs2
,
Nipa1
,
Nipa2
,
Slc41a1
,
Slc41a2
and
Trpm7
; upregulation of SLC41A1, SLC41A2, CNNM2, and TRPM7 proteins; and downregulation of SLC41A3 mRNA and protein. Mg
2+
supplement attenuated pulmonary arterial pressure, right heart hypertrophy, and medial wall thickening of pulmonary arteries, and reversed the changes in the expression of Mg
2+
transporters. Incubation of PASMCs with a high concentration of Mg
2+
markedly inhibited PASMC proliferation and migration, and increased apoptosis, whereas a low level of Mg
2+
produced the opposite effects. siRNA targeting
Slc41a1/2, Cnnm2, and Trpm7
attenuated PASMC proliferation and migration, but promoted apoptosis; and
Slc41a3
overexpression also caused similar effects. Moreover, siRNA targeting
Slc41a1
or high [Mg
2+
] incubation inhibited hypoxia-induced upregulation and nuclear translocation of NFATc3 in PASMCs. The results, for the first time, provide the supportive evidence that Mg
2+
transporters participate in the development of PH by modulating PASMC proliferation, migration, and apoptosis; and Mg
2+
supplementation attenuates PH through regulation of Mg
2+
transporters involving the NFATc3 signaling pathway.
Urate, Blood Pressure, and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Gill Dipender , Cameron Alan C. , Burgess Stephen , Li Xue , Doherty Daniel J. , Karhunen Ville , Abdul-Rahim Azmil H. , Taylor-Rowan Martin , Zuber Verena , Tsao Philip S. , Klarin Derek ,   VA Million Veteran Program, Evangelou Evangelos , Elliott Paul , Damrauer Scott M. , Quinn Terence J. , Dehghan Abbas , Theodoratou Evropi , Dawson Jesse , Tzoulaki Ioanna
Published: December 2020

Serum urate has been implicated in hypertension and cardiovascular disease, but it is not known whether it is exerting a causal effect. To investigate this, we performed Mendelian randomization analysis using data from UK Biobank, Million Veterans Program and genome-wide association study consortia, and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The main Mendelian randomization analyses showed that every 1-SD increase in genetically predicted serum urate was associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (odds ratio, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.10–1.30];
P
=4×10
−5
), peripheral artery disease (1.12 [95% CI, 1.03–1.21];
P
=9×10
−3
), and stroke (1.11 [95% CI, 1.05–1.18];
P
=2×10
−4
). In Mendelian randomization mediation analyses, elevated blood pressure was estimated to mediate approximately one-third of the effect of urate on cardiovascular disease risk. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed a favorable effect of urate-lowering treatment on systolic blood pressure (mean difference, −2.55 mm Hg [95% CI, −4.06 to −1.05];
P
=1×10
−3
) and major adverse cardiovascular events in those with previous cardiovascular disease (odds ratio, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.22–0.73];
P
=3×10
−3
) but no significant effect on major adverse cardiovascular events in all individuals (odds ratio, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.44–1.03];
P
=0.07). In summary, these Mendelian randomization and clinical trial data support an effect of higher serum urate on increasing blood pressure, which may mediate a consequent effect on cardiovascular disease risk. High-quality trials are necessary to provide definitive evidence on the specific clinical contexts where urate lowering may be of cardiovascular benefit.
Exit from Joint-decision Problems?
Authors: Schramm Lucas
Published: December 2020

Over the last decade, the European Union (EU) has faced a multitude of crises. Importantly, the various crises have led to different outcomes: Whereas the Eurozone crisis, for example, led to more European integration, the Schengen crisis arguably resulted in a partial European disintegration. Applying models of joint-decision problems in the EU, this paper analyses why and how these two crises led to divergent outcomes. It finds that higher levels of functional pressures, higher capacities of supranational agency, and more room for package deals enabled the EU to exit from joint-decision problems in the Eurozone crisis, whereas these and other potential exit mechanisms were widely unavailable in the Schengen crisis. Looking explicitly at the (missing) availability of exit mechanisms from joint-decision problems, this paper goes beyond the application of the usual European integration theories, which struggle to explain the variation in crisis outcomes. Furthermore, the paper makes a contribution to the more recent academic discussions on European integration/ disintegration, on the one hand, and the legitimacy-effectiveness gap, on the other hand.
Die Einsamkeit des Arztes und der «lebendige Drang nach Geschichte». Zum historischen Selbstverständnis der Medizin bei Richard Koch
Authors: Wiesing Urban
Published: December 2020

This article tries to identify the theory of medical history in the work of Richard Koch (1882-1949). Rejecting the wide-spread notion of medicine as a science he vigorously argued for a self-image of medicine as an art. From that point of view he built up his theory of medical history and historiography. He wanted medical historiography to be part of practical medicine.
Functional redundancy in polychaete assemblages from a tropical Large Marine Ecosystem (LME)

Authors: GIMENEZ BARBARA C.G. , LANA PAULO
Published: December 2020

Functional redundancy assumes a critical relevance nowadays due to the serious threats that affect marine life worldwide. We assessed and compared levels of functional redundancy in polychaete assemblages from the continental shelf and from estuarine environments along the South Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem (SBSLME). To quantify functional redundancy, we used functional originality (FOri) and functional uniqueness (FUni). We found 57 and 47 polychaete taxa distributed in 48 and 41 functional entities (i.e., a unique combination of trait values) in continental shelf and estuarine environments, respectively. Results suggest a low level of functional redundancy in both environments. However, FOri was higher in the estuarine environment, whereas FUni was higher in the continental shelf. As expected, estuarine polychaetes have fewer unique combinations of trait values, but these combinations are more original and adequate to the varying conditions imposed by estuarine environmental drivers.
I know who you are, but do others know? Why correct scientific names are so important for the biological sciences

Authors: HUTCHINGS PAT , LAVESQUE NICOLAS
Published: December 2020

Researchers are continuing to identify polychaetes using inappropriate references and failing to appreciate that many if not most species have restricted distributions. Using Marphysa sanguinea (Montagu, 1813) as a case example, we discuss the loss of valuable data by misidentifying a species. We suggest ways in which this problem can be addressed by both taxonomists, ecologists and other researchers. Furthermore, this situation is not unique to polychaetes but applies to many other groups of marine invertebrates.
Cross-Basin Interactions between the Tropical Atlantic and Pacific in the ECMWF Hindcasts
Authors: Ma Jing , Xie Shang-Ping , Xu Haiming , Zhao Jiuwei , Zhang Leying
Published: December 2020

Using the ensemble hindcasts of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) coupled model for the period of 1980–2005, spatiotemporal evolution in the covariability of sea surface temperature (SST) and low-level winds in the ensemble mean and spread over the tropical Atlantic is investigated with the month-reliant singular value decomposition (SVD) method, which treats the variables in a given monthly sequence as one time step. The leading mode of the ensemble mean represents a coevolution of SST and winds over the tropical Atlantic associated with a phase transition of El Niño from the peak to decay phase, while the second mode is related to a phase transition from El Niño to La Niña, indicating a precursory role of the north tropical Atlantic (NTA) SST warming in La Niña development. The leading mode of ensemble spread in SST and winds further illustrates that an NTA SST anomaly acts as a precursor for El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). A north-tropical pathway for the delayed effect of the NTA SST anomaly on the subsequent ENSO event is identified; the NTA SST warming induces the subtropical northeast Pacific SST cooling through the modulation of a zonal–vertical circulation, setting off a North Pacific meridional mode (NPMM). The coupled SST–wind anomalies migrate southwestward to the central equatorial Pacific and eventually amplify into a La Niña event in the following months due to the equatorial Bjerknes feedback. Ensemble spread greatly increases the sample size and affords insights into the interbasin interactions between the tropical Atlantic and Pacific, as demonstrated here in the NTA SST impact on ENSO.
Regionalization of Seasonal Precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau and Associated Large-Scale Atmospheric Systems
Authors: Lai Hui-Wen , Chen Hans W. , Kukulies Julia , Ou Tinghai , Chen Deliang
Published: December 2020

Precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) has major societal impacts in South and East Asia, but its spatiotemporal variations are not well understood, mainly because of the sparsely distributed in situ observation sites. With the help of the Global Precipitation Measurement satellite product IMERG and the ERA5 dataset, distinct precipitation seasonality features over the TP were objectively classified using a self-organizing map algorithm fed with 10-day averaged precipitation from 2000 to 2019. The classification reveals three main precipitation regimes with distinct seasonality of precipitation: the winter peak, centered at the western plateau; the early summer peak, found on the eastern plateau; and the late summer peak, mainly located on the southwestern plateau. On a year-to-year basis, the winter peak regime is relatively robust, whereas the early summer and late summer peak regimes tend to shift mainly between the central and northern TP but are robust in the eastern and southwestern TP. A composite analysis shows that the winter peak regime experiences larger amounts of precipitation in winter and early spring when the westerly jet is anomalously strong to the north of the TP. Precipitation variations in the late summer peak regime are associated with intensity changes in the South Asian high and Indian summer monsoon. The precipitation in the early summer peak regime is correlated with the Indian summer monsoon together with anticyclonic circulation over the western North Pacific. The results provide a basic understanding of precipitation seasonality variations over the TP and associated large-scale conditions.
Urban Signatures in the Spatial Clustering of Precipitation Extremes over Mainland China
Authors: Wang Dashan , Wang Xianwei , Liu Lin , Wang Dagang , Zeng Zhenzhong
Published: December 2020

Urban areas demonstrate great influence on precipitation, yet the spatial clustering features of precipitation are still unclear over urban areas. This study quantitatively examines the spatial clustering of precipitation intensity in 130 urban-affected regions over mainland China during 2008–15 using a high-resolution merged precipitation product. Results show that the spatial heterogeneity patterns display diverse distribution and vary with precipitation intensity and urban sizes. Extreme and heavy precipitation has higher spatial heterogeneity than light precipitation over the urban-affected regions of grade 1 cities, and their mean Moran’s I are 0.49, 0.47, and 0.37 for the intensity percentiles of ≥95%, 75%–95%, and <75%, respectively. The urban signatures in the spatial clustering of precipitation extremes are observed in 37 cities (28%), mainly occurring in the Haihe River basin, the Yangtze River basin, and the Pearl River basin. The spatial clustering patterns of precipitation extremes are affected by the local dominant synoptic conditions, such as the heavy storms of convective precipitation in Beijing (Moran’s I = 0.47) and the cold frontal system in the Pearl River delta (Moran’s I = 0.78), resulting in large regional variability. The role of urban environments for the spatial clustering is more evident in wetter conditions [e.g., relative humidity (RH) > 75% over Beijing and RH > 85% over the Pearl River delta] and warmer conditions (T > 25°C over Beijing and T > 28°C over the Pearl River delta). This study highlights the urban modification on the spatial clustering of some precipitation extremes, and calls for precautions and adaptation strategies to mitigate the adverse effect of the highly clustered extreme rainfall events.
The Sloshing and Diapycnal Meridional Overturning Circulations in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Han Lei
Published: December 2020

The meridional overturning circulation (MOC) seasonality in the Indian Ocean is investigated with the ocean state estimate product ECCO v4r3. The vertical movements of water parcels are predominantly due to the heaving of the isopycnals all over the basin except off the western coast. Aided by the linear propagation equation of long baroclinic Rossby waves, the driving factor determining the strength of the seasonal MOC in the Indian Ocean is identified as the zonally integrated Ekman pumping anomaly, rather than the Ekman transport concluded in earlier studies. A new concept of sloshing MOC is proposed, and its difference with the classic Eulerian MOC leads to the so-called diapycnal MOC. The striking resemblance of the Eulerian and sloshing MOCs implies the seasonal variation of the Eulerian MOC in the Indian Ocean is a sloshing mode. The shallow overturning cells manifest themselves in the diapycnal MOC as the most remarkable structure. New perspectives on the upwelling branch of the shallow overturn in the Indian Ocean are offered based on diapycnal vertical velocity. The discrepancy among the observation-based estimates on the bottom inflow across 32°S of the basin is interpreted with the seasonal sloshing mode. Consequently, the “missing mixing” in the deep Indian Ocean is attributed to the overestimated diapycnal volume fluxes. Decomposition of meridional heat transport (MHT) into sloshing and diapycnal components clearly shows the dominant mechanism of MHT in the Indian Ocean in various seasons.
Detection of SST Fronts from a High-Resolution Model and Its Preliminary Results in the South China Sea
Authors: Ren Shihe , Zhu Xueming , Drevillon Marie , Wang Hui , Zhang Yunfei , Zu Ziqing , Li Ang
Published: December 2020

A frontal detection algorithm is developed with the capability of detecting significant frontal segments of sea surface temperature (SST) in the high-resolution South China Sea Operational Forecasting System (SCSOFS). To effectively obtain frontal information, a gradient-based Canny edge detection algorithm is improved with postprocessing designed for high-resolution numerical models, aiming at extracting primary ocean fronts while ensuring the balance of frontal continuity and positioning accuracy. Metrics of frontal probability and strength are used to measure the robustness of the results in terms of mean state and seasonal variability of frontal activities in the South China Sea (SCS). Most fronts are found in the nearshore and form a strip shape extending from the Taiwan Strait to the coast of Vietnam. The SCSOFS is found to reproduce strong seasonal signals dominating the variability of the frontal strength and occurrence probability in the SCS. We implement the algorithm on the daily averaged SST derived from two other SST analyses for intercomparison in the SCS.
Multiscale Shear Impacts during the Genesis of Hagupit (2008)
Authors: Nam Chaehyeon C. , Bell Michael M.
Published: December 2020

The impact of vertical wind shear (VWS) on tropical cyclogenesis is examined from the synoptic to mesoscales using airborne Doppler radar observations of predepression Hagupit during the Tropical Cyclone Structure 2008 (TCS08)/THORPEX Pacific Area Regional Campaign (T-PARC) field campaigns. The high temporal and spatial resolution observations reveal complex localized convective and vortical characteristics of a predepression in a sheared environment. Predepression Hagupit interacted with an upper-tropospheric trough during the observation period. The strong deep-layer VWS (>20 m s−1) had a negative impact on the development through misalignment of the low- and midlevel circulations and dry air intrusion. However, the low-level circulation persisted, and the system ultimately formed into a tropical cyclone after it left the high-shear zone. Here we propose that a key process that enabled the predepression to survive through the upper-tropospheric trough interaction was persistent vorticity amplification on the meso-γ scale that was aggregated on the meso-α scale within the wave pouch. Multi-Doppler wind analysis indicates that cumulus congestus tilted the low-level horizontal vorticity into the vertical in the early stage of convective life cycle, followed by stretching from maturing deep convection. Variations in low-level VWS on the meso-β scale affect convective organization and horizontal vorticity generation. The results provide new insights into multiscale processes during TC genesis and the interactions of a predepression with VWS at various spatial scales.
Near-Ground Effects of Wind Turbines: Observations and Physical Mechanisms
Authors: Wu Sicheng , Archer Cristina L.
Published: December 2020

Wind turbines generate wakes, which can potentially influence the local microclimate near the ground. To verify and quantify such effects, the Vertical Enhanced Mixing (VERTEX) field campaign was conducted in late summer 2016 to measure near-surface turbulent fluxes, wind speed, temperature, and moisture under and outside of the wake of an operational wind turbine in Lewes, Delaware. We found that, in the presence of turbine wakes from a single wind turbine, friction velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, and wind speed were reduced near the ground under the wake, while turbulent heat flux was not significantly affected by the wake. The observed near-ground temperature changes were <0.4°C in magnitude. Near-ground temperature changes due to the wake correlated well with the temperature lapse rate between hub height and the ground, with warming observed during stable and neutral conditions and cooling during unstable conditions. Of the two properties that define a wake (i.e., wind speed deficit and turbulence), the wind speed deficit dominates the surface response, while the wake turbulence remains aloft and hardly ever reaches the ground. We propose that the mechanism that drives changes in near-ground temperature in the presence of turbine wakes is the vertical convergence of turbulent heat flux below hub height. Above hub height, turbulence and turbulent heat flux are enhanced; near the ground, turbulence is reduced and turbulent heat flux is unchanged. These conditions cause an increase (during stable/neutral stability) or decrease (during unstable stability) in heat flux convergence, ultimately resulting in warming or cooling near the ground, respectively.
Beyond internal conflict: The emergent practice of climate security
Authors: Busby Joshua W
Published: December 2020

The field of climate and security has matured over the past 15 years, moving from the margins of academic research and policy discussion to become a more prominent concern for the international community. The practice of climate and security has a broad set of concerns extending beyond climate change and armed conflict. Different national governments, international organizations, and forums have sought to mainstream climate security concerns emphasizing a variety of challenges, including the risks to military bases, existential risks to low-lying island countries, resource competition, humanitarian emergencies, shocks to food security, migration, transboundary water management, and the risks of unintended consequences from climate policies. Despite greater awareness of these risks, the field still lacks good insights about what to do with these concerns, particularly in ‘fragile’ states with low capacity and exclusive political institutions.
Air Pollution and Tourism: Evidence from G20 Countries
Authors: Churchill Sefa Awaworyi , Pan Lei , Paramati Sudharshan Reddy
Published: December 2020

Theoretically, it is well argued that environmental factors affect the growth of the tourism industry; however, from an empirical perspective, some gaps still exist in the literature. We empirically examine the effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions on tourist arrivals in a panel of G20 countries. Using annual data from 1995 to 2014 and a series of panel data models, our results suggest that the growth of both CO2 and PM2.5 emissions adversely affects international tourist arrivals. The results also show that the observed effect of CO2 emissions is more pronounced in developed economies, while the effect of PM2.5 emissions is stronger for developing economies. Given these findings, our study provides and discusses a number of policy and practical implications.
Tourism Affinity and Its Effects on Tourist and Resident Behavior
Authors: Josiassen Alexander , Kock Florian , Nørfelt Astrid
Published: December 2020

Anecdotal evidence suggests that tourists do not only choose tourism destinations based on objective quality criteria. Rather, tourists may be drawn to certain destinations for reasons such as feelings of connection or affinity. This article provides a first examination of tourism affinity (TAFF) and its effects on tourism behavior. Tourists who are high on TAFF feel sympathy, admiration, or attachment toward a given country. In addition to examining TAFF, we also test the impact of tourism animosity (TANI) on a variety of resident and tourism behaviors. The results show that TAFF is a positive driver of several tourism-related outcomes, such as word of mouth and resident hospitality, while TANI drives general intention to visit and provide word of mouth but is a barrier to closer interactions. In addition, goal compatibility, relative power, and moral obligation drive TAFF while relative power drives TANI.
External validation of Leipzig-Halifax scores for aortic dissection in Armenia
Authors: Poghosyan Kristine , Sahakyan Yeva , Thompson Michael E , Hovaguimian Hagop , Minasyan Hasmik , Abrahamyan Lusine
Published: December 2020

Background

Few prognostic tools are currently available to predict hospital mortality in patients with acute type A aortic dissection. The aim of this study was to validate the performance of two existing risk-assessment tools, the original and the adjusted Leipzig-Halifax scorecards, to predict hospital mortality among Armenian patients with acute type A aortic dissection.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all consecutive patients with acute type A aortic dissection who were admitted to two tertiary cardiac centers in Armenia and underwent surgery from January 2008 to April 2018. We evaluated the predictive power of the original and adjusted Leipzig-Halifax scorecards using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Overall, 211 patients (76% males, mean age 57 ± 9 years) were included in the study, of whom 37 (17.5%) died during hospitalization. The adjusted Leipzig-Halifax score, but not the original Leipzig-Halifax score, was a significant predictor of hospital mortality. Patients with medium and high adjusted Leipzig-Halifax scores had a significantly higher odds of death compared to patients with low scores (odds ratio = 3.0 vs. 3.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–6.9 vs. 1.0–14.9, respectively). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.58 and 0.63, respectively, p > 0.05.

Conclusion

The adjusted Leipzig-Halifax score performed slightly better than the original Leipzig-Halifax score in the Armenian acute type A aortic dissection population. The adjusted Leipzig-Halifax score should now be applied prospectively to generate more data for further validation and potential improvement.
Suspensory Ligament Desmitis Caused by Onchocerca sp. in Three Donkeys
Authors: Paraschou Georgios , Adako Getachew M. , Priestnall Simon L. , Burden Faith A.
Published: December 2020

Three donkeys were presented with progressive lameness and distal suspensory ligament breakdown in multiple limbs. Treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was only partially effective and eventually the donkeys were euthanized due to further progression of the lameness and concerns for their welfare. At necropsy, the distal part of the suspensory ligaments in multiple limbs, including the suspensory ligament branches, was markedly thickened, enlarged, and mottled white and brown on cut section. In one case, adult Onchocerca sp. nematodes were grossly identified embedded within the suspensory ligaments. Histopathologic examination revealed chronic, multifocal to coalescing, moderate to severe, lymphoplasmacytic, eosinophilic, and fibrosing desmitis and tendinitis with intralesional, coiled adult nematodes of Onchocerca sp., accompanied by osseous and cartilaginous metaplasia. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first histopathologic description of suspensory ligament desmitis and tendinitis associated with Onchocerca sp. in donkeys.
Building empathic bridges: Cross-cultural ‘maternal’ attunement in group psychotherapy for immigrants and refugees
Authors: Schermer Victor L.
Published: December 2020

Today, the immigrant population is significantly increasing in many countries, and some therapists are convening groups specifically devoted to them. Therapy with immigrants requires maintaining the emotional connection between persons of different cultures. Since culture is initially transmitted in pre-verbal interactions between mothers and infants, the field of mother-infant research can be utilized to provide models for mutual attunement in group psychotherapy. A revised understanding of the ‘mother group’ is proposed in terms of actual observed interactions as complementary to the inferred group dynamics in theories of ‘the group as mother’. Consideration is given to how healthy attachment and collaboration can be facilitated in the group. Since many refugees and asylum seekers suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, special attention is given to the maternal function of containment with respect to traumatic enactments in groups.
Handgrip Strength Asymmetry Is Associated With Limitations in Individual Basic Self-Care Tasks
Authors: Mahoney Sean J. , Hackney Kyle J. , Jurivich Donald A. , Dahl Lindsey J. , Johnson Carol , McGrath Ryan
Published: December 2020

This investigation sought to determine the associations between handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetries and limitations in individual activities of daily living (ADL). The analytic sample included 18,468 participants from the 2006 to 2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Those with HGS >10% stronger on either hand had any HGS asymmetry. Individuals with HGS >10% stronger on their dominant or non-dominant hand had dominant or non-dominant HGS asymmetry, respectively. ADL abilities were self-reported. Those with any HGS asymmetry had 1.21 (95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.01–1.46]) greater odds for a toileting limitation and 1.25 (CI = [1.03–1.52]) greater odds for a transferring limitation. Individuals with dominant HGS asymmetry had 1.24 (CI = [1.01–1.53]) greater odds for a transferring limitation. Those with non-dominant HGS asymmetry had 1.39 (CI = [1.01–1.93]) and 1.44 (CI = [1.05–1.96]) greater odds for a bathing and toileting limitation, respectively. HGS asymmetries could help to identify future limitations in specific ADLs.
Consumer Comprehension of the Nutrition Facts Label: A Comparison of the Original and Updated Labels
Authors: Kim Elizabeth Jiyoon , Ellison Brenna , Prescott Melissa Pflugh , Nayga Rodolfo M.
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

Compare consumers’ overall label comprehension of the original Nutrition Facts (NF) label with the updated label.

Design:

Online survey conducted in 2019. Participants randomly assigned to original label, updated-single column, or updated-dual column labeling condition and asked to complete a series of label comprehension questions.

Setting:

Online survey; participants recruited through Prolific.

Sample:

N = 992 U.S. adults. Sample similar to U.S. population in terms of sex (49.2% female), race (73.3% White/Caucasian), and household size (mean = 2.7 members). However, sample was younger (median age: 29.0), more educated (98.8% high school graduate or higher), and exhibited a lower rate of obesity (22.6% obese) than the U.S. population.

Measures:

Dependent variables: objective (% correct) NF label comprehension. Independent variables: label condition, nutrition knowledge, and socio-demographic variables.

Analysis:

Regression analysis assessed relationships between label condition and label comprehension. Significance level of 5% used for analyses.

Results:

Average score for objective comprehension was 81.4%. The updates did not significantly improve label comprehension. Participants in the updated NF label conditions had trouble answering questions related to total and added sugars.

Conclusions:

Results suggest consumers may struggle to correctly utilize information on the updated NF label, specifically total and added sugars. Consumers may benefit from educational opportunities on using the new label.
Cultivating Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence in Digital Government
Authors: Harrison Teresa M. , Luna-Reyes Luis Felipe
Published: December 2020

While there is growing consensus that the analytical and cognitive tools of artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to transform government in positive ways, it is also clear that AI challenges traditional government decision-making processes and threatens the democratic values within which they are framed. These conditions argue for conservative approaches to AI that focus on cultivating and sustaining public trust. We use the extended Brunswik lens model as a framework to illustrate the distinctions between policy analysis and decision making as we have traditionally understood and practiced them and how they are evolving in the current AI context along with the challenges this poses for the use of trustworthy AI. We offer a set of recommendations for practices, processes, and governance structures in government to provide for trust in AI and suggest lines of research that support them.
Theorizing the behavioral state: Resolving the theory-practice paradox of policy sciences
Authors: Leong Ching , Howlett Michael
Published: December 2020

Traditionally, the policy sciences exhibited a paradoxical relationship to public behavior: arguing in theory that it was rational in a utilitarian sense and could be modelled as such while at the same time recognizing its irrational nature in practice without attempting to reconcile this contradiction. A recent behavioral turn among policy scholars has broken the discursive hegemony of traditional hedonic compliance-deterrence models, however, placing informal institutions such as norms, irrationalities and collective action at the center of the policy research agenda. To date there has been little theorizing of the implications of this turn for the policy-making nature of the state, as well as its extent and nature. Addressing these gaps we conduct a bibliometric review, which finds that the number of behaviorally-oriented articles on policy instruments have been increasing in number and relevance. This provides evidence of a behavioral turn in policy studies as well as documenting the emergence of a behavioral state, that is one which is more inclined to reconcile policy-making theory and practice by embracing the irrationalities of policy actors, through the creation of nudge and behavioral units across a wide range of domains, a shift in emphasis from the supply of policy to the demands of policy targets. However, the study shows the impact of this turn is geographically and sectorally uneven and will become more generalized in the future only if more states embrace this ‘turn’.
The past of predicting the future: A review of the multidisciplinary history of affective forecasting
Authors: Pilin Maya A.
Published: December 2020

Affective forecasting refers to the ability to predict future emotions, a skill that is essential to making decisions on a daily basis. Studies of the concept have determined that individuals are often inaccurate in making such affective forecasts. However, the mechanisms of these errors are not yet clear. In order to better understand why affective forecasting errors occur, this article seeks to trace the theoretical roots of this theory with a focus on its multidisciplinary history. The roots of affective forecasting lie mainly in economics, with early claims positing that utility (i.e. satisfaction) played a role in decision-making. Furthermore, the philosopher Jeremy Bentham’s descriptions of utilitarianism played a major role in our understanding of whether to define utility as a hedonic quality. The birth of behavioural economics resulted in a paradigm shift, introducing the concept of cognitive biases as influences on the accuracy of predicted utility. Daniel Gilbert and Timothy Wilson, the earliest researchers of affective forecasting errors, have proceeded with the concept of the accuracy of predicted affective utility to conduct experiments that seek to determine why our predictions of future affect are inaccurate and how such errors play a role in our decision-making.