bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ein Fall von Skew Deviation und Downbeat-Nystagmus infolge von Lithium-Toxizität
Authors: Hong Hyunkyu , Lyu In Jeong
Published: October 2020

Hintergrund: Lithium-Salze finden häufige Anwendung als Prophylaxe oder Behandlung bei bipolaren Störungen und haben zahlreiche Nebenwirkungen. Allerdings gibt es keine Berichte über Skew Deviation und Downbeat-Nystagmus im Zusammenhang mit Lithium. Wir beschreiben hier den ersten Fall von Lithium-induzierter Skew Deviation und Downbeat-Nystagmus. Vorstellung des Falls: Eine 39 Jahre alte Frau stellte sich mit seit 1–2 Monaten bestehender intermittierender vertikaler Diplopie und Schwindelgefühl vor. Die ophthalmologische Untersuchung ergab einen Downbeat-Nystagmus und eine Hypertropie von 6 Prismen-Dioptrien rechts. Die Fundoskopie zeigte eine leichte Inzyklotorsion des rechten Auges. Allerdings waren Duktionen und Versionen im Normbereich. Die übrigen neurologischen Untersuchungen waren ebenfalls ohne Befund. Die Frau hatte eine bipolare Störung, die seit 6 Jahren mit 600–900 mg Lithium pro Tag behandelt wurde. Zwei Monate bevor sie sich zum ersten Mal bei uns vorstellte, war die Lithium-Tagesdosis auf 1200 mg erhöht worden. Wir überwiesen die Patientin an einen Psychiater. Trotz eines Lithium-Serumspiegels im normalen therapeutischen Bereich wurde die Lithium-Tagesdosis der Patientin zunächst auf 600 mg reduziert und Lithium danach abgesetzt. Sechs Tage nach Absetzen von Lithium waren der Downbeat-Nystagmus und die rechtsseitige Hypertropie der Patientin vollständig abgeklungen und die Symptome traten über den Zeitraum von 1 Jahr nicht wieder auf. Schlussfolgerung: Auch wenn die Serumspiegel im normalen therapeutischen Bereich liegen, können als Nebenwirkung von Lithium Downbeat-Nystagmus und Skew Deviation auftreten. Eine Dehydratation kann zur Neurotoxizität von Lithium beitragen.
Butterfly species richness and diversity in rural and urban areas of Sirajganj, Bangladesh
Authors: Shaburul Imam Sheikh Muhammad , Neogi Amit Kumer , Rahman M. Ziaur , Hasan M. Sabbir
Published: October 2020

An appraisal of butterfly species diversity study was conducted in four selected parts of Sirajganj District, Bangladesh, as a part of an ecological research.  The study was conducted from March 2015 to April 2016.  A total of 19,343 butterflies belonging to five families and 12 subfamilies was recorded.  A random sampling of forest, riverside rural, and urban areas in Sirajganj District revealed the presence of 65 butterfly species, dominated by Lycaenidae (37%) over Nymphalidae (33%) followed by Pieridae (19%), Hesperiidae (7%), and Papilionidae (4%).  Butterfly fauna in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Jamuna Ecopark (BJEP), compared with the percentage of other study sites, was very high (Hs= 4.03) and the percentage of hedge species was relatively higher (45%) than that of improved grassland and forest interior species.  The relative abundance of the butterflies varied with the site, month, and family significantly. Considering the landscape of Sirajganj, steps to enhance riverside natural gardening should be adopted to maintain butterfly diversity and sustain the ecosystem services derived from them.
New distribution record of two endemic plant species, Euphorbia kadapensis Sarojin. & R.R.V. Raju (Euphorbiaceae) and Lepidagathis keralensis Madhus. & N.P. Singh (Acanthaceae), for Karnataka, India
Authors: Raja P. , Dhatchanamoorthy N. , Soosairaj S. , Jansirani P.
Published: October 2020

Euphorbia kadapensis Sarojin. & R.R.V. Raju (Euphorbiaceae) and Lepidagathis keralensis Madhus. & N.P. Singh (Acanthaceae) an endemic species are first time reported for Karnataka in southern India. A detailed description, photographs and herbarium sheets of the taxon are provided for easy identification.
Elevational pattern and seasonality of avian diversity in Kaligandaki River Basin, central Himalaya
Authors: Neupane Juna , Khanal Laxman , Gyawali Basant , Chalise Mukesh Kumar
Published: October 2020

This study explored bird diversity, seasonal variation, and associated factors along an elevational gradient in an important biodiversity area (IBA) of central Nepal: the Kaligandaki River basin of Annapurna Conservation Area.  The field survey was carried out in 2019 over two seasons, winter (January and February) and summer (May and June) using the point count method.  A total of 90 sampling plots were set up from elevations of 800m (Beni) to 3,800m (Muktinath).  Data for variables including the number of fruiting trees (indicator of resource availability) and distance to the road (indicator of disturbance) were collected, and their influence on avian diversity were assessed.  The results revealed a diverse assemblage of avian fauna in the study area with consistent species richness over the two seasons.  A decline in species richness and diversity with increasing elevation was observed.  Of the different habitat types within the study area, forest and shrubland habitats showed the strongest association with bird species distribution and richness.  We emphasize the need for long-term monitoring programs with standardized sampling approaches to better understand the avifauna in the central Himalaya.
A frog that eats foam: predation on the nest of Polypedates sp. (Rhacophoridae) by Euphlyctis sp. (Dicroglossidae)
Authors: Pranoy Kishore Borah  , Ghosh Avrajjal , Sahoo Bikash , Aniruddha Datta-Roy
Published: October 2020

Amphibians in terms of their predatory behaviour depend mainly upon the ambush technique.  Other than predation, amphibians have also been recorded to scavenge to acquire food resources.  This is an opportunistic observation of predatory behaviour of an amphibian species (Euphlyctis sp.) on the foam nest of another species (Polypedates sp.).  The behaviour was recorded during a routine field sampling, which is broadly written in the body of this write up.  Such an observation to our knowledge has not been reported earlier.  This observation will have implications in terms of amphibian ecology, behavioural studies, and also diversity studies in the range of foraging behaviour.
A rare camera trap record of the Hispid Hare Caprolagus hispidus from Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Terai Arc Landscape, India
Authors: Rastogi Sankarshan , Raj Ram Kumar , Chauhan Bridesh Kumar
Published: October 2020

Hispid Hare Caprolagus hispidus, member of family Leporidae, is a highly elusive species.  Now restricted to grasslands of north India, southern Nepal and parts of Bhutan, this lagomorph was historically known to be found upto south Bangladesh in Dhaka.  There are currently a very few photographic evidences of this rare and threatened lagomorph as it inhabits dense tall grasslands.  Here, we present a photographic evidence of the Hispid Hare from the grasslands of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh, India.  The hare was camera-trapped in January 2020 as part of an ongoing study on ungulates in floodplain Terai grasslands of the park.  Although we found signs of Hispid Hare in multiple grasslands, we only photo documented it in one of our sampling sites.  Intensive sampling efforts are needed to get an estimate of the hare in the park, and to assess the immediate threats to this lagomorph and its habitats to plan better conservation measures.
A first distribution record of the Indian Peacock Softshell Turtle Nilssonia hurum (Gray, 1830) (Reptilia: Testudines: Trionychidae) from Mizoram, India
Authors: Gospel Zothanmawia Hmar  , Lalbiakzuala  , Lalmuansanga  , Dadina Zote  , Vanlalhruaia  , Hmar Betlu Ramengmawii  , Kulendra Chandra Das  , Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga
Published: October 2020

This paper presents details of the snake collection in the museum of the Zoology Department, St Joseph’s College, Devagiri, Kozhikode and provides data to assess the diversity and abundance of snake fauna in the Kozhikode area of Kerala. Twenty-four species of snakes in five families are vouchered for Kozhikode region. The number of individuals catalogued in St. Josephs College collection serves as an approximate indicator of the species composition of snake fauna of the area and offers a proxy to the measure of snake abundance at Kozhikode. The most abundant well collected species in the collection was the Common Cobra, Naja naja.
Erratum and addenda to the article ‘A history of primatology in India’
Authors: Singh Mewa , Mridula Singh  , Honnavalli N. Kumara  , Dilip Chetry  , Santanu Mahato
Published: October 2020

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Cardiovascular Health Profile at Age 25 Years in Adults Born Extremely Preterm or Extremely Low Birthweight
Authors: Cheong Jeanie L.Y. , Haikerwal Anjali , Wark John D. , Irving Louis , Garland Suzanne M. , Patton George C. , Cheung Michael M. , Doyle Lex W. ,   for the Victorian Infant Collaborative Study Group
Published: October 2020

Being born extremely preterm (EP; <28 weeks’ gestation) or extremely low birthweight (ELBW; <1000 g birthweight) may predict increased cardiometabolic risk in adulthood, but other early life predictors are less well described. We aimed to (1) compare cardiovascular health profiles between 165 adults born EP/ELBW and 127 controls at age 25 years, drawn from a prospective longitudinal cohort study, recruited at birth in 1991 to 1992; and (2) in the EP/ELBW group, determine early life associations of cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular health profiles were calculated individually for measures of anthropometry, abdominal visceral fat, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, lipids, C-reactive protein, vascular indices, exercise tolerance and smoking status, and summed for an overall score. Cardiovascular health profiles were compared between groups; using logistic regression (individual scores) and the Mann-Whitney
U
test (cumulative score). Compared with controls, adults born EP/ELBW had less favorable cardiovascular health profiles; individually for abdominal visceral fat (odds ratio, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.33–0.96],
P
=0.03), blood pressure (odds ratio 0.38 [95% CI, 0.23–0.63],
P
<0.001), exercise capacity (odds ratio 0.37 [95% CI, 0.22–0.63],
P
<0.001), and fasting glucose (odds ratio 0.51 [95% CI, 0.31–0.84],
P
=0.01) and overall (median [interquartile range] 10 [7–11] versus 11 [9–12],
P
=0.007). Male sex predicted unfavorable abdominal visceral fat, blood pressure and fasting glucose, and favorable exercise capacity. Greater increases in weight
Z
scores between 2 and 8, and 8 and 18 years predicted less favorable profiles of exercise capacity and visceral fat. Longer-term follow-up is critical to determine the cardiovascular sequelae of adults born EP/ELBW.
Preeclamptic Women Have Decreased Circulating IL-10 (Interleukin-10) Values at the Time of Preeclampsia Diagnosis
Authors: Nath Meryl C. , Cubro Hajrunisa , McCormick Daniel J. , Milic Natasa M. , Garovic Vesna D.
Published: October 2020

A key immunomodulatory cytokine, IL-10 (interleukin-10), has been shown to be dysregulated in preeclampsia, a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder, further characterized by multi-system involvement. However, studies have reported inconsistent findings about circulating IL-10 levels in preeclamptic versus normotensive pregnancies. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess circulating IL-10 levels in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies at 2 time points: before, and at the time of preeclampsia diagnosis. PubMED, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched to include all published studies examining circulating IL-10 levels in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies. Differences in IL-10 levels were evaluated by standardized mean differences. Of 876 abstracts screened, 56 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Circulating IL-10 levels were not different before the time of active disease (standardized mean differences, −0.01 [95% CI, −0.11 to 0.08];
P
=0.76). At the time of active disease, women with preeclampsia (n=1599) had significantly lower IL-10 levels compared with normotensive controls (n=1998; standardized mean differences, −0.79 [95% CI, −1.22 to −0.35];
P
=0.0004). IL-10 levels were lower in both early/severe and late/mild forms of preeclampsia. Subgroup analysis revealed that IL-10 measurement methodology (ELISA or multiplex bead array) and the sample type (plasma or serum) significantly influenced the observed differences, with the use of sera paired with ELISA technology providing the best distinction in IL-10 levels between preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies. These findings support the role of decreased IL-10 levels in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Future studies should address the therapeutic potential of IL-10 in preeclampsia.
Recurrent Admissions for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Among Patients With and Without Peripheral Artery Disease: The ARIC Study
Authors: Chunawala Zainali , Chang Patricia P. , DeFilippis Andrew P. , Hall Michael E. , Matsushita Kunihiro , Caughey Melissa C.
Published: October 2020

Background

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is both a common comorbidity and a contributing factor to heart failure. Whether PAD is associated with hospitalization for recurrent decompensation among patients with established heart failure is uncertain.

Methods and Results

Since 2005, the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study has conducted active surveillance of hospitalized acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), with events verified by physician review. From 2005 to 2016, 1481 patients were hospitalized with ADHF and discharged alive (mean age, 78 years; 69% White). Of these, 207 (14%) had diagnosis of PAD. Those with PAD were more often men (55% versus 44%) and smokers (17% versus 8%), with a greater prevalence of coronary artery disease (72% versus 52%). Patients with PAD had an increased risk of at least 1 ADHF readmission, both within 30 days (11% versus 7%) and 1 year (39% versus 28%) of discharge from the index hospitalization. After adjustments, PAD was associated with twice the hazard of ADHF readmission within 30 days (HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.14–3.60) and a 60% higher hazard of ADHF readmission within 1 year (HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.25–2.05). The 1‐year hazard of ADHF readmission associated with PAD was stronger with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.29–3.13) than preserved ejection fraction (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.69–1.56);
P
for interaction=0.05.

Conclusions

Patients with ADHF and concomitant PAD have a higher likelihood of ADHF readmission. Strategies to prevent ADHF readmissions in this high‐risk group are warranted.
Synchronous and Metachronous Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms in Patients With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Gouveia e Melo Ryan , Silva Duarte Gonçalo , Lopes Alice , Alves Mariana , Caldeira Daniel , Fernandes e Fernandes Ruy , Mendes Pedro Luís
Published: October 2020

Background

The prevalence of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) in patients with known abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is not well known and understudied. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the overall prevalence of synchronous and metachronous TAA (SM‐TAA) in patients with a known AAA and to understand the characteristics of this sub‐population.

Methods and Results

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception to November 2019 for all population‐based studies reporting on the prevalence of SM‐TAAs in a cohort of patients with AAA. Article screening and data extraction were performed by 2 authors and data were pooled using a random‐effects model of proportions using Freeman‐Tukey double arcsine transformation. The main outcome was the prevalence of SM‐TAAs in patients with AAAs. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of synchronous TAAs, metachronous TAAs, prevalence of TAAs in patients with AAA according to the anatomic location (ascending, arch, and descending) and the differences in prevalence of these aneurysms according to sex and risk factors. Six studies were included. The pooled‐prevalence of SM‐TAA in AAA patients was 19.2% (95% CI, 12.3–27.3). Results revealed that 15.2% (95% CI, 7.1–25.6) of men and 30.7% (95% CI, 25.2–36.5) of women with AAA had an SM‐TAA. Women with AAA had a 2‐fold increased risk of having an SM‐TAA than men (relative risk [RRs], 2.16; 95% CI, 1.32–3.55). Diabetes mellitus was associated with a 43% decreased risk of having SM‐TAA (RRs, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.41–0.80).

Conclusions

Since a fifth of AAA patients will have an SM‐TAA, routine screening of SM‐TAA and their clinical impact should be more thoroughly studied in patients with known AAA.
Inaugural Health Equity and Actionable Disparities in Stroke: Understanding and Problem-Solving Symposium
Authors: Towfighi Amytis , Benson Richard T. , Tagge Raelle , Moy Claudia S. , Wright Clinton B. , Ovbiagele Bruce
Published: October 2020

Race/ethnic minorities face significant inequities in stroke incidence, prevalence, care, and outcomes. The Health Equity and Actionable Disparities in Stroke: Understanding and Problem-solving symposium, a collaborative initiative of the American Heart Association and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, was the first-ever annual multidisciplinary scientific forum focused on race/ethnic inequities in cerebrovascular disease, with the overarching goal of reducing inequities in stroke and accelerating the translation of research findings to improve outcomes for race/ethnic minorities. The symposium featured esteemed invited plenary speakers, lecturing on determinants of race/ethnic inequities in stroke and interventions aimed at redressing the inequities. The Edgar J. Kenton III Award recognized Ralph Sacco, MD, MS, for his lifetime contributions to investigation, management, mentorship, and community service in the field of stroke inequities. Early career investigators were provided with travel awards to attend the symposium; presented their research at moderated poster and Think Tank sessions; received career development advice at the Building Momentum session; and networked with experienced stroke inequities researchers. Future conferences—The Health Equity and Actionable Disparities in Stroke: Understanding and Problem-solving 2021 to 2024—will broaden the focus to include 5 major persistent inequities (race/ethnic, sex, geographic, socioeconomic, and global). Each year will focus on a different theme (community and stakeholder engagement; clinical trials; implementation science; and policy and dissemination). By fostering a community of stroke inequities researchers, we hope to highlight promising work, illuminate research gaps, facilitate networking, inform policy makers, recognize achievement, inspire greater interest among junior investigators to pursue careers in this field, and provide networking opportunities for underrepresented minority scientists.
Identifying Genetic and Biological Determinants of Race-Ethnic Disparities in Stroke in the United States
Authors: Kamin Mukaz Debora , Zakai Neil A. , Cruz-Flores Salvador , McCullough Louise D. , Cushman Mary
Published: October 2020

In the United States, causes of racial differences in stroke and its risk factors remain only partly understood, and there is a long-standing disparity in stroke incidence and mortality impacting Black Americans. Only half of the excess risk of stroke in the United States Black population is explained by traditional risk factors, suggesting potential effects of other factors including genetic and biological characteristics. Here, we nonsystematically reviewed candidate laboratory biomarkers for stroke and their relationships to racial disparities in stroke. Current evidence indicates that IL-6 (interleukin-6), a proinflammatory cytokine, mediates racial disparities in stroke through its association with traditional risk factors. Only one reviewed biomarker, Lp(a) (lipoprotein[a]), is a race-specific risk factor for stroke. Lp(a) is highly genetically determined and levels are substantially higher in Black than White people; clinical and pharmaceutical ramifications for stroke prevention remain uncertain. Other studied stroke risk biomarkers did not explain racial differences in stroke. More research on Lp(a) and other biological and genetic risk factors is needed to understand and mitigate racial disparities in stroke.
HEADS-UP: Understanding and Problem-Solving
Authors: Ovbiagele Bruce
Published: October 2020

There are substantial and longstanding inequities in stroke incidence, prevalence, care, and outcomes. The Health Equity and Actionable Disparities in Stroke: Understanding and Problem-Solving (HEADS-UP) symposium is an annual multidisciplinary scientific and educational forum targeting major inequities in cerebrovascular disease, with the ultimate objective of helping to bridge major inequities in stroke, and promptly translating scientific results into routine clinical practice, for the benefit of vulnerable and underserved populations. HEADS-UP is a collaborative undertaking by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the American Stroke Association and is held the day before the annual International Stroke Conference. In 2020, the HEADS-UP focused on the topic of racial/ethnic disparities in stroke and comprised invited lectures on determinants of racial/ethnic inequities in stroke as well as emerging interventions or promising strategies designed to overcome these inequities. Competitively selected travel award scholarships were given to 19 early stage investigators who presented posters at professor moderated sessions; engaged in several career development activities aimed imparting grant writing skills, knowledge about climbing the academic ladder, and striving for work-life balance; and participated in networking events. This Health Equity edition of Focused Updates will feature an overview of the HEADS-UP 2020 symposium proceedings and articles covering the key scientific content of the major lectures delivered during the symposium including the presentation by the award-winning plenary speaker. Starting in 2021, HEADS-UP will expand to include 5 major inequities in stroke (racial/ethnic, sex, geographic, socioeconomic, and global) and seeks to be a viable avenue to meet the health equity goals of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and World Stroke Organization.
A New Method for Ice–Ice Aggregation in the Adaptive Habit Model
Authors: Sulia Kara J. , Lebo Zachary J. , Przybylo Vanessa M. , Schmitt Carl G.
Published: October 2020

A novel methodology for modeling ice–ice aggregation is presented. This methodology combines a modified hydrodynamic collection algorithm with bulk aggregate characteristic information from an offline simulator that collects ice particles, namely, the Ice Particle and Aggregate Simulator, and has been implemented into the Adaptive Habit Microphysics scheme in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model. Aggregates, or snow, are formed via collection of cloud ice particles, where initial ice characteristics and the resulting geometry determine aggregate characteristics. Upon implementation, idealized squall-line simulations are performed to examine the new methodology in comparison with commonly used bulk microphysics schemes. It is found that the adaptive habit aggregation parameterization develops snow and reduces ice mass and number concentrations compared to other schemes. The development of aggregates through the new methodology cascades into other interesting effects, including enhancements in ice and snow growth, as well as homogeneous freezing. Further microphysical analyses reveal varying sensitivities, where snow processes are most sensitive to the new parameterization, followed by ice, then cloud, rain, and graupel processes. Further, the new scheme results in enhancements in surface precipitation due to the persistence of snow at lower altitudes. This persistence is a result of shape-dependent melting and sublimation, increasing the residence time. Moreover, these low-level enhancements are reflected in increases in radar reflectivity at the surface and its spatial distribution. Finally, the ability to predict snow shape and density allows for the simulation of polarimetric radar quantities, resulting in signature enhancements compared to schemes that do not consider spatial and temporal variations in snow shape and density.
Changes in Observed Daily Precipitation over Global Land Areas since 1950
Authors: Contractor Steefan , Donat Markus G. , Alexander Lisa V.
Published: October 2020

Estimates of observed long-term changes in daily precipitation globally have been limited due to availability of high-quality observations. In this study, a new gridded dataset of daily precipitation, called Rainfall Estimates on a Gridded Network (REGEN) V1–2019, was used to perform an assessment of the climatic changes in precipitation at each global land location (except Antarctica). This study investigates changes in the number of wet days (≥1 mm) and the entire distribution of daily wet- and all-day records, in addition to trends in annual and seasonal totals from daily records, between 1950 and 2016. The main finding of this study is that precipitation has intensified across a majority of land areas globally throughout the wet-day distribution. This means that when it rains, light, moderate, or heavy wet-day precipitation has become more intense across most of the globe. Widespread increases in the frequency of wet days are observed across Asia and the United States, and widespread increases in the precipitation intensity are observed across Europe and Australia. Based on a comparison of spatial pattern of changes in frequency, intensity, and the distribution of daily totals, we propose that changes in light and moderate precipitation are characterized by changes in precipitation frequency, whereas changes in extreme precipitation are primarily characterized by intensity changes. Based on the uncertainty estimates from REGEN, this study highlights all results in the context of grids with high-quality observations.
Adaptation of the Predicted Particles Properties (P3) Microphysics Scheme for Large-Scale Numerical Weather Prediction
Authors: Jouan Caroline , Milbrandt Jason A. , Vaillancourt Paul A. , Chosson Frédérick , Morrison Hugh
Published: October 2020

A parameterization for the subgrid-scale cloud and precipitation fractions has been incorporated into the Predicted Particle Properties (P3) microphysics scheme for use in atmospheric models with relatively coarse horizontal resolution. The modified scheme was tested in a simple 1D kinematic model and in the Canadian Global Environmental Multiscale (GEM) model using an operational global NWP configuration with a 25-km grid spacing. A series of 5-day forecast simulations was run using P3 and the much simpler operational Sundqvist condensation scheme as a benchmark for comparison. The effects of using P3 in a global GEM configuration, with and without the modifications, were explored through statistical metrics of common forecast fields against upper-air and surface observations. Diagnostics of state variable tendencies from various physics parameterizations were examined to identify possible sources of errors resulting from the use of the modified scheme. Sensitivity tests were performed on the coupling between the deep convection parameterization scheme and the microphysics, specifically regarding assumptions in the physical properties of detrained ice. It was found that even without recalibration of the suite of moist physical parameterizations, substituting the Sundqvist condensation scheme with the modified P3 microphysics resulted in some significant improvements to the temperature and geopotential height bias throughout the troposphere and out to day 5, but with degradation to error standard deviation toward the end of the integrations, as well as an increase in the positive bias of precipitation quantities. The modified P3 scheme was thus shown to hold promise for potential use in coarse-resolution NWP systems.
Acquisition and Analysis of Hyperspectral Thermal Images for Sample Segregation
Authors: Jørgensen Anders Løchte , Kjelstrup-Hansen Jakob , Jensen Bjarke , Petrunin Victor , Fink Sune Fuglsang , Jørgensen Bjarke
Published: October 2020

This study presents the first results of a new type of hyperspectral imager in the long-wave thermal radiation range from 8.0 to 14.0 µm which is simpler than readily available Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-based imagers. Conventional thermography images the thermal radiation from hot objects, but an accurate determination of temperature is hampered by the often unknown emissivities of different materials present in the same image. This paper describes the setup and development of a hyperspectral thermal camera based on a low-order scanning Fabry–Pérot interferometer acting as a bandpass filter. A three-dimensional hyperspectral data cube (two spatial and one spectral dimension) was measured by imaging a high-emissivity carbon nanotube-coated surface (Vantablack), black painted aluminum, borosilicate glass, Kapton tape, and bare aluminum. A principal component analysis (PCA) of the hyperspectral thermal image clearly segregates the individual samples. The most distinguishable sample from the PCA is the borosilicate Petri dish of which the Si–O–Si bond in borosilicate glass was the most noticeable. Additionally, it was found that the relatively large 1024 × 768 × 70 data cube can be reduced to a much smaller cube of size 1024 × 768 × 5 containing 92% of the variance in the original dataset. The possibility of discriminating between the samples by their spectroscopic signature was tested using a logistic regression classifier. The model was fitted to a chosen set of principal components obtained from a PCA of the original hyperspectral data cube. The model was used to predict all pixels in the original data cube resulting in estimates with very high true positive rate (TPR). The highest TPR was obtained for borosilicate glass with a value of 99% correctly predicted pixels. The remaining TPRs were 94% for black painted aluminum, 81% for bare aluminum, 79% for Kapton tape, and 70% for Vantablack. A standard thermographic image was acquired of the same objects where it was found that the samples were mutually indistinguishable in this image. This shows that the hyperspectral thermal image contains sample characteristics which are material related and therefore outperforms standard thermography in the amount of information contained in an image.
The effect of the 2019 coronavirus disease outbreak on social relationships: A cross-sectional study in Jordan
Authors: Naser Abdallah Y , Al-Hadithi Hadeel T , Dahmash Eman Zmaily , Alwafi Hassan , Alwan Salwan Salah , Abdullah Zainab Ali
Published: October 2020

Background:

Social relationships refer to the existing associations between family members, friends, neighbours, co-workers, and other associates. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing has been imposed by the curfew program in Jordan.

Aim:

To evaluate the effects of social distancing on the social relationships of the Jordanian population.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted in Jordan between the 6th and the 30th of May, 2020. Our questionnaire was constructed to explore the population’s perception of the quarantine period, how it is affecting their relationship with others, and the characteristics of their social relationships and communication with various population categories, including family members and work colleagues. Multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors of better social relationships and communication.

Results:

A total of 4,301 participants were involved in this study. The average score of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on social relationships among the whole study population was 5.68 (SD: 2.33) out of 10 (equal to 56.8%), which indicates the marginal strength of the social relationships. Around 31.6% of the participants reported that their social relationships were affected to a high degree by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants who were aged 36–45 were positively affected in terms of their social relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion:

The COVID-19 pandemic is negatively affecting social relationships, which could ultimately lead to negative health implications. Decision-makers are advised to provide educational campaigns that improve the sociological health of the general population.
Work Engagement and Job Crafting as Conditions of Ambivalent Employees’ Adaptation to Organizational Change
Authors: Vakola Maria , Petrou Paraskevas , Katsaros Kleanthis
Published: October 2020

This work focuses on how mixed feelings serve adaptive functions in organizational change. Failing to recognize that attitudes to change may involve both positive and negative evaluations of the change at the same time may affect change implementation. This article explored the relationship between ambivalence to change and adaptive performance in the context of an acquisition using a diary study. We also examined work engagement and job crafting as specific conditions under which ambivalence can lead to adaptive or nonadaptive courses of action. Our results showed that the relationship between ambivalence to change and adaptive performance is positive but not robust. We uncovered two conditions that increase ambivalent employees’ chances to adapt to organizational change: (1) either employees display high work engagement or (2) they display high reducing demands and low seeking resources. Analyses of change recipients’ reactions beyond dichotomous ones and their mechanisms will better inform practitioners and researchers.
Measurement of in-plane and out-of-plane elastic properties of woven fabric composites using digital image correlation
Authors: López-Santos F , May-Pat A , Ledesma-Orozco ER , Hernández-Pérez A , Avilés F
Published: October 2020

The digital image correlation (DIC) technique is employed to measure the strain fields and the five independent elastic material constants of a glass/vinyl ester plain weave laminated composite. Transverse (through-thickness) tensile and Iosipescu shear properties were measured using thick (∼19 mm) laminates, and the strain fields were compared against those predicted by a homogenized linear elastic finite element analysis. DIC reveals that the strain fields of the laminates may present heterogeneous zones, which are attributed to the heterogeneous nature of the woven fabric architecture. Homogenization of the DIC strain fields to produce two-dimensional stress-strain plots yields average strains and elastic properties of the woven composite which can be similar to those measured by conventional (localized) strain gages. Important differences were found for the transverse tensile and Iosipescu shear tests, where differences of 26.4%, 28.6% and 11.9% were obtained for the measured transverse elastic modulus ( Ez), in-plane shear modulus ( Gxy) and transverse shear modulus ( Gxz), respectively.
Individual Differences in the Adoption of Sound Change
Authors: Voeten Cesko C.
Published: October 2020

It is still unclear whether an individual’s adoption of on-going sound change starts in production or in perception, and what the time course of the adoption of sound change is in adult speakers. These issues are investigated by means of a large-scale (106 participants) laboratory study of an on-going vowel shift in Dutch. The shift involves the tense mid vowels /eː,øː,oː/, which are changing into phonologically conditioned upgliding diphthongs, and the original diphthongs /εi,œy,ɔu/, whose nuclei are lowering. These changes are regionally stratified: they have all but completed in the Netherlands, but have not affected the variety of Dutch spoken in neighboring Belgium. The study compares production (word-list reading) and perception (rhyme decision) data from control groups from each country to those of 18 “sociolinguistic migrants”: Belgian individuals who moved to the Netherlands years ago. Data are analyzed using mixed-effects models, considering not just the group level, but also individual differences. Production results show that at the group level, the migrant group is in between the two control groups, but at the individual level it becomes apparent that some migrants have adopted the Netherlandic norms, but others have not. Perception results are similar to the production results at the group level. Individual-level results do not provide a clear picture for the perception data, but the individual differences in perception correlate with those in production. The results agree with and extend previous findings on the role of individual differences in the individual adoption and eventual community propagation of on-going sound change.
Depressive Symptoms and Suicidality of Those Raised in Kincare: A Peer Comparison Study
Authors: Nadorff Danielle K. , Scott Rachel K. , Fitchie Theresa M.
Published: October 2020

The rate at which children are raised in kincare has steadily been on the rise. Prior research indicates that this group of individuals are at an increased risk of mental health problems. The current study examined the suicidality and depressive symptoms of adults who were raised in kincare compared to those raised by their parents. There were a total of 1,486 participants, 171 of whom were adults raised in kincare, and 1,315 who were raised by one or both of their parents. Participants completed a measure of suicide risk and reported symptoms of depression and anhedonia.Those raised in kincare scored significantly higher on the measures of anhedonia and suicide risk. However, there were no differences in general depressive symptoms. Further analyses found that more frequent attendance of religious activities and higher levels of household income acted as protective factors. These findings suggest kincare is associated with adverse mental health outcomes.
Would You Sacrifice Yourself to Save Five Lives? Processing a Foreign Language Increases the Odds of Self-Sacrifice in Moral Dilemmas
Authors: Romero-Rivas Carlos , López-Benítez Raúl , Rodríguez-Cuadrado Sara
Published: October 2020

Foreign languages blunt emotional reactions to moral dilemmas. In this study, we aimed at clarifying whether this reduced emotional response applies to the emotions related to the self, empathy, or both. Participants were presented with moral dilemmas, written in their native or foreign language, in which they could sacrifice one man or themselves in order to save five lives (or do nothing and therefore leave five people to die). They were more willing to sacrifice themselves when processing the dilemmas in their foreign language. Also, empathy scores were reduced when responding in the foreign language, but were no reliable predictors of participants’ responses to the dilemmas. These results suggest that processing a foreign language reduces emotional reactivity due to psychological and emotional self-distance.
Contactless interactive control technology based on switching filtering algorithm
Authors: Fang Yifan , Yu Lei , Fei Shumin
Published: October 2020

In the large-screen interactive system with lidar sensor, due to the low accuracy of the lidar and the instability of the users’ gestures, the system’s recognition and tracking of gesture coordinates cannot be well obtained. Aiming at solving the problems of swaying and drifting gestures of the traditional filtering algorithm with a lidar sensor, this paper proposes a contactless interaction control technology based on switching filtering algorithm, which can realize non-contact high-precision multi-point interaction. The proposed algorithm first recognizes and extracts users’ gestures, and then the gestures are mapped to the screen position. Also, the mouse operation is simulated to realize operations such as selecting, sliding, and zooming in and out. Besides, the algorithm can effectively solve jitter and drift problems caused by scanning defects of radar and instability of the user gesture operations. Experimental results show that by applying the switching filtering algorithm to the contactless human-computer interaction system, the interactive trajectory becomes smoother and more stable compared with the traditional filtering algorithms. The proposed algorithm exhibits excellent accuracy and real-time performance, supporting efficient interaction with multiple people.
An investigation into the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM III)
Authors: Xing Huayi , Liu Nan , Biering-Sørensen Fin
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To investigate the validity and reliability of a Chinese version of Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM III) in individuals with spinal cord injury.

Design:

Study on psychometric properties.

Setting:

An inpatient rehabilitation facility in China.

Subjects:

102 participants with spinal cord injury. Mean (SD) age was 48.8 (15.6) years; tetraplegia/paraplegia ratio was 50/52; median time post injury was 2 months.

Intervention:

SCIM III was translated into Chinese. Chinese versions of Barthel Index and SCIM III were filled out for each participant by Rater 1. SCIM III was then administered by Rater 2 after 24 hours ( n = 67) and 7 days ( n = 65).

Main Measures:

Validity, inter-rater/test-retest reliability, and internal consistency of the Chinese version of SCIM III.

Results:

The total scores between the two raters were similar (mean ± SD: 33.8 ± 25.8 vs 33.8 ± 25.5, P = 0.95). Total agreement between the raters in each item was >80%, with both Pearson and intraclass correlation coefficients >0.97 ( P < 0.01) for each subscale and total score. The Pearson correlation coefficients of the two independent assessments performed by Rater 2 were also >0.97 ( P < 0.01) for each subscale and the total score. Cronbach α was >0.7 for each subscale and the total score for both raters. High consistency was found between Barthel Index and SCIM III total scores (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.88, P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

The Chinese version of SCIM III is valid and reliable for the functional assessment of patients with SCI.
Cholinergic upregulation by optogenetic stimulation of nucleus basalis after photothrombotic stroke in forelimb somatosensory cortex improves endpoint and motor but not sensory control of skilled reaching in mice
Authors: Mirza Agha Behroo , Akbary Roya , Ghasroddashti Arashk , Nazari-Ahangarkolaee Mojtaba , Whishaw Ian Q , Mohajerani Majid H
Published: October 2020

A network of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain innerve the forebrain and are proposed to contribute to a variety of functions including cortical plasticity, attention, and sensorimotor behavior. This study examined the contribution of the nucleus basalis cholinergic projection to the sensorimotor cortex on recovery on a skilled reach-to-eat task following photothrombotic stroke in the forelimb region of the somatosensory cortex. Mice were trained to perform a single pellet skilled reaching task and their pre and poststroke performance, from Day 4 to Day 28 poststroke, was assessed frame-by-frame by video analysis with endpoint, movement and sensorimotor integration measures. Somatosensory forelimb lesions produced impairments in endpoint and movement component measures of reaching and increased the incidence of fictive eating, a sensory impairment in mistaking a missed reach for a successful reach. Upregulated acetylcholine (ACh) release, as measured by local field potential recording, elicited via optogenetic stimulation of the nucleus basalis improved recovery of reaching and improved movement scores but did not affect sensorimotor integration impairment poststroke. The results show that the mouse cortical forelimb somatosensory region contributes to forelimb motor behavior and suggest that ACh upregulation could serve as an adjunct to behavioral therapy for acute treatment of stroke.
High-intensity focused ultrasound for treatment of recurrent uterine leiomyosarcoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Li Junyan , Chen Xuejun , Hu Xiaoye
Published: October 2020

Uterine leiomyosarcoma has the characteristics of high malignancy, a poor prognosis, and a high recurrence rate. Surgery is the main treatment option, supplemented by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We report on a patient with recurrent uterine leiomyosarcoma who was treated with high-intensity focused ultrasound combined with chemotherapy. Tumor growth was controlled and the patient’s survival time was prolonged. High-intensity focused ultrasound combined with chemotherapy may thus provide a new treatment strategy for patients with recurrent and surgically difficult uterine leiomyosarcoma.
Effect of augmented renal clearance on the therapeutic drug monitoring of vancomycin in patients after neurosurgery
Authors: Chen Yue , Liu Lei , Zhu Man
Published: October 2020

Objective

To study the effect of augmented renal clearance (ARC) on vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring in patients undergoing neurosurgery.

Methods

A retrospective observational analysis was conducted in a neurosurgery department from January 2019 to June 2019. Patients undergoing vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring were assigned to the normal renal function or ARC group. The baseline characteristics, vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring data, and prognosis were compared and analyzed.

Results

In total, 104 patients were enrolled, including 78 and 26 patients in the normal renal function and ARC groups, respectively. There were significant differences in age, weight, creatinine clearance, the vancomycin treatment duration, the total dose, the trough concentration, and the trough concentration achievement rate between the two groups. Prognosis did not differ between the two groups. The trough concentration achievement rate in the ARC group was only 19.23%.

Conclusion

For young, obese, or otherwise healthy patients undergoing neurosurgery, attention should be paid to the possibility of ARC and the need for individualized dose adjustment based on the results of therapeutic drug monitoring.
Novel coronavirus infection and acute kidney injury in two renal transplant recipients: a case report
Authors: Li Qiuyu , Cheng Qin , Zhao Zhiling , Dai Nini , Zeng Lin , Zhu Lan , Guo Wei , Li Chao , Wang Junhong , Li Shu , Shen Ning , Ge Qinggang
Published: October 2020

Background

The causative virus of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may cause severe fatal pneumonia. The clinical presentation includes asymptomatic infection, severe pneumonia, and acute respiratory failure. Data pertaining to acute renal injury due to COVID-19 in patients who have undergone renal transplantation are scarce. We herein report two cases of COVID-19 along with acute kidney injury following kidney transplantation. Case presentation: Two patients with COVID-19 underwent renal transplantation and were subsequently diagnosed with acute kidney injury. The first patient presented with progressive respiratory symptoms and acute renal injury. He was treated with diuretics and suspension of immunosuppressive therapy; however, the patient died. The second patient presented with respiratory tract symptoms, hypoxemia, and progressive deterioration of renal function followed by improvement. Her mycophenolate mofetil was stopped after admission, and tacrolimus was discontinued 10 days later. Moxifloxacin and methylprednisolone were continued in combination with albumin and gamma globulin infusion. A diuretic was administered, and prednisone was gradually reduced along with tacrolimus. The patient exhibited a satisfactory clinical recovery.

Conclusion

Patients who develop COVID-19 after kidney transplantation are at risk of acute kidney injury, and their prednisone, immunosuppressant, and gamma globulin treatment must be adjusted according to their condition.