bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bamboo/Wood Composites and Structures Shear and Normal Strain Distributions in Multilayer Composite Laminated Panels under Out‐of‐Plane Bending
Authors: Niederwestberg Jan , Zhou Jianhui , Chui Ying Hei , Huang Dongsheng
Published: February 2021

Innovative mass timber panels, known as composite laminated panels (CLP), have been developed using lumber and laminated strand lumber (LSL) laminates. In this study, strain distributions of various 5‐layer CLP and cross‐laminated timber (CLT) were investigated by experimental and two modelling methods. Seven (7) different panel types were tested in third‐point bending and short‐span shear tests. During the tests, the digital imaging correlation (DIC) technique was used to measure the normal and shear strain in areas of interest. Evaluated component properties were used to determine strain distributions based on the shear analogy method and finite element (FE) modelling. The calculated theoretical strain distributions were compared with the DIC test results to evaluate the validity of strain distributions predicted by the analytical model (shear analogy) and numerical model (FE analysis). In addition, the influence of the test setup on the shear strain distribution was investigated. Results showed that the DIC strain distributions agreed well with the ones calculated by the shear analogy method and FE analysis. Both theoretical methods agree well with the test results in terms of strain distribution shape and magnitude. While the shear analogy method shows limitations when it comes to local strain close to the supports or gaps, the FE analysis reflects these strain shifts well. The findings support that the shear analogy is generally applicable for the stress and strain determination of CLP and CLT for structural design, while an FE analysis can be beneficial when it comes to the evaluation of localized stresses and strains. Due to the influence of compression at a support, the shear strain distribution near the support location is not symmetric. This is confirmed by the FE method.
Rapamycin Treatment of Tendon Stem/Progenitor Cells Reduces Cellular Senescence by Upregulating Autophagy
Authors: Nie Daibang , Zhang Jianying , Zhou Yiqin , Sun Jiuyi , Wang Wang , Wang James H.-C.
Published: February 2021

The elderly population is prone to tendinopathy due to aging-related tendon changes such as cellular senescence and a decreased ability to modulate inflammation. Aging can render tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSCs) into premature senescence. We investigated the effects of rapamycin, a specific mTOR inhibitor, on the senescence of TSCs. We first showed that after treatment with bleomycin in vitro, rat patellar TSCs (PTSCs) underwent senescence, characterized by morphological alterations, induction of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, and an increase in p53, p21, and p62 protein expression. Senescence of PTSCs was also characterized by the elevated expression of MMP-13 and TNF-α genes, both of which are molecular hallmarks of chronic tendinopathy. We then showed that rapamycin treatment was able to reverse the above senescent phenotypes and increase autophagy in the senescent PTSCs. The activation of autophagy and senescence rescue was, at least partly, due to the translocation of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the cytosol that functions as an autophagy promoter. By reducing TSC senescence, rapamycin may be used as a therapeutic to inhibit tendinopathy development in the aging population by promoting autophagy.
The Use of 3D Convolutional Autoencoder in Fault and Fracture Network Characterization
Authors: Xu Feng , Li Zhiyong , Wen Bo , Huang Youhui , Wang Yaojun
Published: February 2021

Conventional pattern recognition methods directly use 1D poststack data or 2D prestack data for the statistical pattern recognition of fault and fracture network, thereby ignoring the spatial structure information in 3D seismic data. As a result, the generated fault and fracture network is not distinguishable and has poor continuity. In this paper, a fault and fracture network characterization method based on 3D convolutional autoencoder is proposed. First, in the autoencoder training frame, 3D prestack data are used as input, and the 3D convolution operation is used to mine the spatial structure information to the maximum and gradually reduce the spatial dimension of the input. Then, the residual network is used to recover the input’s details and the corresponding spatial dimension. Lastly, the hidden features extracted by the encoders are recognized via

k

-means, SOM, and two-step clustering analysis. The validity of the method is verified by testing the seismic simulation data and applying real seismic data. The 3D convolution can directly process the seismic data and maximize the prestack texture attributes and spatial structure information provided by 3D seismic data without dimensionality reduction and other preprocessing operations. The interleaving convolution layer and residual block overcome low learning and accuracy rates due to the deepening of networks.
Long-Term Effect of Silicone Oil Tamponade for Postoperative and Posttraumatic Bacterial Endophthalmitis
Authors: Kang Yong Koo , Shin Jae Pil , Park Han Sang
Published: February 2021

Purpose. To compare clinical features and microbial profiles, treatment outcomes, and prognostic factors of the eyes between postoperative and posttraumatic bacterial endophthalmitis after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with silicone oil (SO) tamponade. Methods. Overall, 57 eyes of 57 patients who diagnosed exogenous bacterial endophthalmitis and underwent PPV with SO tamponade between 2000 and 2019 were reviewed. Causative microorganisms, culture positivity, change of mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and course of treatment were investigated between postoperative and posttraumatic groups, and relevant factors were analyzed according to the final BCVA. Results. The mean BCVA change was not significantly different between groups. The positive rate of microorganisms was significantly higher in the postoperative group. The mean time to surgery over 48 hours, initial BCVA worse than hand motion, and additional surgery after initial vitrectomy were correlated with poor final BCVA worse than 20/200. There was significantly achieved final BCVA 20/200 or better in the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus group than the Enterococcus and Pseudomonas group. Conclusion. PPV with SO tamponade may be an effective surgical treatment strategy for exogenous bacterial endophthalmitis. Final visual outcomes were not significantly different between postoperative and posttraumatic groups, and the mean time to surgery, initial visual acuity, additional surgery, and type of microorganism are significantly related to visual prognosis.
Centrifuge Model Test on the Settlement of Valley‐Type Loess Filled after Construction and Subjected to Rainfall Infiltration
Authors: Zhang Jiwen , Cao Jie , Li Bo , Zhou Kunye , Lü Xilin
Published: February 2021

With the rapid development of infrastructure construction in western China where hilly and gully areas are distributed, there are lots of large‐scale filling engineering in recent years. In the area where collapsible loess is widely distributed, it is inevitable to use loess as filling material. Considering the collapsibility of loess, centrifuge model tests were conducted to study the settlement of loess fill in a valley after construction and subjected to rainfall infiltration. To provide a comparison, a centrifuge model test of loess filling body on a flat ground was conducted, and results showed that the settlement of loess fill during the construction stage is larger than the one at the postconstruction stage, and the unloading rebound deformation caused by decreasing gravity is about 15% of the deformation induced by increasing gravity. Two centrifuge model tests were conducted to study the settlement of the loess filling body in a valley; the varying characteristics of settlement and earth pressure with time at the postconstruction stage and subjected to rainfall infiltration were investigated. Differential settlement in the ground surface was observed at the postconstruction stage, and it was found to become very small under the rainfall infiltration condition. Comparison of the test results showed that insufficient compaction in the lower part of the filling body significantly increases the ground settlement at the postconstruction stage.
Development of Liquid-Based Tea and Its Antidiabetic Effect
Authors: Culas Sheba , Marapana R. A. U. J , Palangasinghe I. R. , Liyanage A. C.
Published: February 2021

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease resulting from insulin resistance which is now a growing concern. Tea from Camellia sinensis is a beverage consisting of many health benefits, one of which is its antidiabetic properties due to the presence of polyphenols. In this study, tea products made from bark extracts of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) and leaves of Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jak) were evaluated for their antidiabetic effects by testing for the polyphenol content, antioxidant content, and alpha-amylase inhibition activity. The product made from tea and Jak yielded the highest polyphenol content of 53.58 ± 0.12 gallic acid equivalent (GAE) mg/100 g of the raw material, while cinnamon tea yielded a polyphenol content of 22.69 ± 0.45 GAE mg/100 g. The half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 5.3915 mg/L was obtained for the Jak brew and 5.4935 mg/L for cinnamon ice tea demonstrating that cinnamon has better antioxidant capacity. The percentage inhibition of alpha-amylase showed 31.03 ± 0.29% at a concentration of 4 µg/mL of Jak tea and 13.27 ± 0.32% at a concentration of 17.5 µg/mL of cinnamon brew. The maximum yield of cinnamon polyphenols of 35.30 ± 1.10 GAE mg/100 g of the raw material was obtained under an extraction temperature of 75°C, extraction time of 30 minutes, and extraction ratio of 1 : 8 (cinnamon : water). This study suggests that cinnamon bark extracts and Jak leaves’ brew can be potentially useful for the control of diabetes mellitus, and the optimal conditions can be used as an indicator for scaled-up industrial production.
Exogenous and Endogenous Sources of Serine Contribute to Colon Cancer Metabolism, Growth, and Resistance to 5-Fluorouracil
Authors: Montrose David C. , Saha Suchandrima , Foronda Miguel , McNally Erin M. , Chen Justin , Zhou Xi Kathy , Ha Taehoon , Krumsiek Jan , Buyukozkan Mustafa , Verma Akanksha , Elemento Olivier , Yantiss Rhonda K. , Chen Qiuying , Gross Steven S. , Galluzzi Lorenzo , Dow Lukas E. , Dannenberg Andrew J.
Published: February 2021

Serine is a nonessential amino acid generated by the sequential actions of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT1), and phosphoserine phosphatase (PSPH). Increased serine biosynthesis occurs in several cancers and supports tumor growth. In addition, cancer cells can harness exogenous serine to enhance their metabolism and proliferation. Here we tested the relative contributions of exogenous and endogenous sources of serine on the biology of colorectal cancer. In murine tumors, Apc status was identified as a determinant of the expression of genes controlling serine synthesis. In patient samples, PSAT1 was overexpressed in both colorectal adenomas and adenocarcinomas. Combining genetic deletion of PSAT1 with exogenous serine deprivation maximally suppressed the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells and induced profound metabolic defects including diminished nucleotide production. Inhibition of serine synthesis enhanced the transcriptional changes following exogenous serine removal as well as alterations associated with DNA damage. Both loss of PSAT1 and removal of serine from the diet were necessary to suppress colorectal cancer xenograft growth and enhance the antitumor activity of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Restricting endogenous and exogenous serine in vitro augmented 5-FU–induced cell death, DNA damage, and metabolic perturbations, likely accounting for the observed antitumor effect. Collectively, our results suggest that both endogenous and exogenous sources of serine contribute to colorectal cancer growth and resistance to 5-FU.

Significance:

These findings provide insights into the metabolic requirements of colorectal cancer and reveal a novel approach for its treatment.
Unbiased Detection of Driver Mutations in Extramammary Paget Disease
Authors: Ishida Yoshihiro , Kakiuchi Nobuyuki , Yoshida Kenichi , Inoue Yoshikage , Irie Hiroyuki , Kataoka Tatsuki R. , Hirata Masahiro , Funakoshi Takeru , Matsushita Shigeto , Hata Hiroo , Uchi Hiroshi , Yamamoto Yuki , Fujisawa Yasuhiro , Fujimura Taku , Saiki Ryunosuke , Takeuchi Kengo , Shiraishi Yuichi , Chiba Kenichi , Tanaka Hiroko , Otsuka Atsushi , Miyano Satoru , Kabashima Kenji , Ogawa Seishi
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is an uncommon skin malignancy whose genetic alterations are poorly characterized. Previous reports identified mutations in chromatin remodeling genes and PIK3CA. In order to unambiguously determine driver mutations in EMPD, we analyzed 87 EMPD samples using exome sequencing in combination with targeted sequencing.

Experimental Design:

First, we analyzed 37 EMPD samples that were surgically resected using whole-exome sequencing. Based on several in silico analysis, we built a custom capture panel of putative driver genes and analyzed 50 additional formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples using target sequencing. ERBB2 expression was evaluated by HER2 immunohisotochemistry. Select samples were further analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Results:

A median of 92 mutations/sample was identified in exome analysis. A union of driver detection algorithms identified ERBB2, ERBB3, KMT2C, TP53, PIK3CA, NUP93, AFDN, and CUX1 as likely driver mutations. Copy-number alteration analysis showed regions spanning CDKN2A as recurrently deleted, and ERBB2 as recurrently amplified. ERBB2, ERBB3, and FGFR1 amplification/mutation showed tendency toward mutual exclusivity. Copy-number alteration load was associated with likelihood to recur. Mutational signatures were dominated by aging and APOBEC activation and lacked evidence of ultraviolet radiation. HER2 IHC/fluorescence in situ analysis validated ERBB2 amplification but was underpowered to detect mutations. Tumor heterogeneity in terms of ERBB2 amplification status was observed in some cases.

Conclusions:

Our comprehensive, unbiased analysis shows EMPD is characterized by alterations involving the PI3K–AKT pathway. EMPD is distinct from other skin cancers in both molecular pathways altered and etiology behind mutagenesis.
Improved Detection of Postoperative Residual Meningioma with [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET Imaging Using a High-resolution Research Tomograph PET Scanner
Authors: Bashir Asma , Larsen Vibeke A. , Ziebell Morten , Fugleholm Kåre , Law Ian
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

PET with somatostatin receptor ligand [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-D-Phe1-Tyr3-octreotide ([68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC) is an established method in radiotherapy planning because of the improved detection and delineation of meningioma tissue. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of supplementary [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET in patients with a 3-month postoperative MRI reporting gross-total resection (GTR).

Experimental Design:

Thirty-seven patients with a histologically proven meningioma and GTR on postoperative MRI were prospectively referred to [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET. Detection and volume measurements of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC-avid lesions in relation to the primary tumor site were recorded. Residual tumor in suspicious lesions suggested by [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET was verified by (i) tumor recurrence/progression on subsequent MRI scans according to the Response Assessment of Neuro-Oncology criteria, (ii) subsequent histology, and (iii) follow-up [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET scan.

Results:

Twenty-three PET scans demonstrated [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC-avid lesions suspicious of residual meningioma, where 18 could be verified by (i) tumor progression on subsequent MRI scans (n = 6), (ii) histologic confirmation (n = 3), and (iii) follow-up [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET scans confirming the initial PET findings (n = 9) after an overall median follow-up time of 17 months (range, 9–35 months). In contrast, disease recurrence was seen in only 2 of 14 patients without [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC-avid lesions (P < 0.0001). The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET in detecting meningioma residue was 90% [95% confidence interval (CI), 67–99], 92% (95% CI, 62–100), and 90% (95% CI, 74–98; P < 0.0001), respectively.

Conclusions:

The majority of patients with GTR on 3-month postoperative MRI may have small unrecognized meningioma residues that can be detected using [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET.
Maternal Undernutrition before and during Pregnancy and Offspring Health and Development
Authors: Young Melissa F. , Ramakrishnan Usha
Published: February 2021

Maternal undernutrition remains a critical public health problem. There are large regional and within-country disparities in the burden of underweight, anemia, and micronutrient deficiencies across the globe. Driving these disparities are complex and multifactorial causes, including access to health services, water and sanitation, women’s status, and food insecurity as well as the underlying social, economic, and political context. Women’s health, nutrition, and wellbeing across the continuum of preconception to pregnancy are critical for ensuring positive pregnancy and long-term outcomes for both the mother and child. In this review, we summarize the evidence base for nutrition interventions before and during pregnancy that will help guide programs targeted towards women’s nutrition. Growing evidence from preconception nutrition trials demonstrates an impact on offspring size at birth. Preconception anemia and low preconception weight are associated with an increased risk of low birth weight and small for gestational age births. During pregnancy, several evidence-based strategies exist, including balanced-energy protein supplements, multiple micronutrient supplements, and small-quantity lipid nutrient supplements for improving birth outcomes. There, however, remain several important priority areas and research gaps for improving women’s nutrition before and during pregnancy. Further progress is needed to prioritize preconception nutrition and access to health and family planning resources. Additional research is required to understand the long-term effects of preconception and pregnancy interventions particularly on offspring development. Furthermore, while there is a strong evidence base for maternal nutrition interventions, the next frontier requires a greater focus on implementation science and equity to decrease global maternal undernutrition disparities.
Coronary Artery Healing Process after Bioresorbable Scaffold in Patients with Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Rationale, Design, and Methodology of the HONEST Study
Authors: Fallesen Christian Oliver , Maehara Akiko , Antonsen Lisbeth , Nørregaard Hansen Kirstine , Noori Manijeh , Flensted Lassen Jens , Junker Anders , Hansen Henrik Steen , Okkels Jensen Lisette
Published: February 2021

Background: Bioresorbable scaffolds (BRSs) is a relatively new approach in treating coronary artery stenosis. The initial results of the first commercially available scaffolds consisting of a backbone of poly-L-lactide raised safety concerns related to delayed resorption and healing. The magnesium alloy-based scaffold degrades via bio-corrosion within months, whereas it often takes several years for polymer scaffolds to degrade. The aim of the study was to assess the healing stage by optical coherence tomography (OCT) after 6 months in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarct (NSTEMI) randomized to OCT or angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention with implantation of a magnesium sirolimus-eluting Magmaris scaffold (Magmaris; Biotronik, Bülach, Switzerland). Methods: We analyzed the healing process by comparing OCT at baseline and after 6 months. Five stages of healing were defined with stage 1 being the least healed and stage 5 demonstrating complete resorption and healing with no visible scaffold/remnant. The primary end point is a calculated healing score that is based on 5 subtypes of healing stage: (1) malapposed, (2) uncovered with no detection of smooth surface tissue on top of struts or remnants, (3) covered protruding, (4) covered embedded, and (5) complete healing with a smooth neointimal surface and no sign of struts or visible remnants assessed by OCT 6 months after the index procedure. Results: The impact of OCT-guided compared to angiography-guided scaffold implantation will be illuminated. Conclusion: The present study will provide new information on midterm healing properties of the magnesium BRS in patients with NSTEMI.
Camptodactyly-Arthropathy-Coxa Vara-Pericarditis Syndrome Resembling Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Single-Center Experience from Southern Turkey
Authors: Kisla Ekinci Rabia Miray , Balci Sibel , Dogan Haldun , Ceylaner Serdar , Varan Celal , Erdem Sevcan , Coban Fatma , Bisgin Atil
Published: February 2021

Camptodactyly-arthropathy-coxa vara-pericarditis (CACP) syndrome, caused by biallelic pathogenic mutations in the PRG4 gene, is characterized by early-onset camptodactyly, noninflammatory arthropathy, coxa vara deformity, and rarely, pericardial effusion. Herein, we report 3 patients with CACP syndrome from 2 unrelated families. All patients are female, born to consanguineous parents, and had camptodactyly since the first years of their lives. Two patients had a prior diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Hip changes were present in 2 patients, and 2 of 3 patients had undergone surgery for camptodactyly. Routine echocardiographic evaluations were normal during the 2-year follow-up. This paper represents the third study including CACP patients from Turkey. Clinically, all 3 patients resembled juvenile idiopathic arthritis cases and received unnecessary medication. There is also an ongoing need for improving awareness of CACP and an effective treatment focusing on the lubrication of the joint space in CACP patients.
Pituitary Tumors: Genetic and Molecular Factors Underlying Pathogenesis and Clinical Behavior
Authors: Spada Anna , Mantovani Giovanna , Lania Andrea G. , Treppiedi Donatella , Mangili Federica , Catalano Rosa , Carosi Giulia , Sala Elisa , Peverelli Erika
Published: February 2021

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are the most common intracranial neoplasms. Although generally benign, they can show a clinically aggressive course, with local invasion, recurrences, and resistance to medical treatment. No universally accepted biomarkers of aggressiveness are available yet, and predicting clinical behavior of PitNETs remains a challenge. In rare cases, the presence of germline mutations in specific genes predisposes to PitNET formation, as part of syndromic diseases or familial isolated pituitary adenomas, and associates to more aggressive, invasive, and drug-resistant tumors. The vast majority of cases is represented by sporadic PitNETs. Somatic mutations in the α subunit of the stimulatory G protein gene (gsp) and in the ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) gene have been recognized as pathogenetic factors in sporadic GH- and ACTH-secreting PitNETs, respectively, without an association with a worse clinical phenotype. Other molecular factors have been found to significantly affect PitNET drug responsiveness and invasive behavior. These molecules are cytoskeleton and/or scaffold proteins whose alterations prevent proper functioning of the somatostatin and dopamine receptors, targets of medical therapy, or promote the ability of tumor cells to invade surrounding tissues. The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of the genetic and molecular alterations that can contribute to determine PitNET clinical behavior. Understanding subcellular mechanisms underlying pituitary tumorigenesis and PitNET clinical phenotype will hopefully lead to identification of new potential therapeutic targets and new markers predicting the behavior and the response to therapeutic treatments of PitNETs.
The Cosmic Visionariness of Kazimir Malevich
Authors: Shatskikh Aleksandra
Published: February 2021

As energetic conceptions of the structure of the universe initiated by physicists have transformed the previously existing mechanistic world landscape, Suprematism, invented by Malevich, announced the supremacy of color energy in painting. Malevich also wrote prophetically on humankind's cosmic future in Suprematism: 34 Drawings (1920), declaring that humankind's spiritual mission was the achievement of “unweightness.” While Malevich did not formally belong to the Russian Cosmist cohort, he metaphorically seemed to continue the development of Cosmist ideas: humankind, resurrected, scattered around the universe, was meant to acquire constellations of “planits” as dwellings.
The “Frozen, Darkened Soul” Rises into Space: Travels in Siberia and the Plight of Life on Earth
Authors: Elkins-Tanton Linda T.
Published: February 2021

Starting in 2006, the author joined and then led field expeditions to central Siberia in search of answers to the greatest murder mystery in the history of Earth: the end-Permian extinction. The rocks that yielded answers were the same kinds of volcanic lavas that can be seen at night on the Moon, or in photos of Mars or Venus. The unyielding Russian engineering that owns the longevity record on the surface of Venus is now used to launch cosmonauts and astronauts from the other end of those same Siberian steppes. Not the data—not the years nor the numbers nor the temperature—but art, as Solzhenitsyn explained, is the only way to reach the heart and soften our pace as we move into another age of space exploration, this time as humans, the author hopes, and not as nations.
Development of a Random-Forest Cloud-Regime Classification Model Based on Surface Radiation and Cloud Products
Authors: Sedlar Joseph , Riihimaki Laura D. , Lantz Kathleen , Turner David D.
Published: February 2021

Various methods have been developed to characterize cloud type, otherwise referred to as cloud regime. These include manual sky observations, combining radiative and cloud vertical properties observed from satellite, surface-based remote sensing, and digital processing of sky imagers. While each method has inherent advantages and disadvantages, none of these cloud-typing methods actually includes measurements of surface shortwave or longwave radiative fluxes. Here, a method that relies upon detailed, surface-based radiation and cloud measurements and derived data products to train a random-forest machine-learning cloud classification model is introduced. Measurements from five years of data from the ARM Southern Great Plains site were compiled to train and independently evaluate the model classification performance. A cloud-type accuracy of approximately 80% using the random-forest classifier reveals that the model is well suited to predict climatological cloud properties. Furthermore, an analysis of the cloud-type misclassifications is performed. While physical cloud types may be misreported, the shortwave radiative signatures are similar between misclassified cloud types. From this, we assert that the cloud-regime model has the capacity to successfully differentiate clouds with comparable cloud–radiative interactions. Therefore, we conclude that the model can provide useful cloud-property information for fundamental cloud studies, inform renewable energy studies, and be a tool for numerical model evaluation and parameterization improvement, among many other applications.
Australian Northwest Cloudbands and Their Relationship to Atmospheric Rivers and Precipitation
Authors: Black Amanda S. , Risbey James S. , Chapman Christopher C. , Monselesan Didier P. , Moore II Thomas S. , Pook Michael J. , Richardson Doug , Sloyan Bernadette M. , Squire Dougal T. , Tozer Carly R.
Published: February 2021

Large-scale cloud features referred to as cloudbands are known to be related to widespread and heavy rain via the transport of tropical heat and moisture to higher latitudes. The Australian northwest cloudband is such a feature that has been identified in simple searches of satellite imagery but with limited investigation of its atmospheric dynamical support. An accurate, long-term climatology of northwest cloudbands is key to robustly assessing these events. A dynamically based search algorithm has been developed that is guided by the presence and orientation of the subtropical jet stream. This jet stream is the large-scale atmospheric feature that determines the development and alignment of a cloudband. Using a new 40-yr dataset of cloudband events compiled by this search algorithm, composite atmospheric and ocean surface conditions over the period 1979–2018 have been assessed. Composite cloudband upper-level flow revealed a tilted low pressure trough embedded in a Rossby wave train. Composites of vertically integrated water vapor transport centered around the jet maximum during northwest cloudband events reveal a distinct atmospheric river supplying tropical moisture for cloudband rainfall. Parcel backtracking indicated multiple regions of moisture support for cloudbands. A thermal wind anomaly orientated with respect to an enhanced sea surface temperature gradient over the Indian Ocean was also a key composite cloudband feature. A total of 300 years of a freely coupled control simulation of the ACCESS-D system was assessed for its ability to simulate northwest cloudbands. Composite analysis of model cloudbands compared reasonably well to reanalysis despite some differences in seasonality and frequency of occurrence.
Augmented Reality in Retail and Its Impact on Sales
Authors: Tan Yong-Chin , Chandukala Sandeep R. , Reddy Srinivas K.
Published: February 2021

The rise of augmented reality (AR) technology presents marketers with promising opportunities to engage customers and transform their brand experience. Although firms are keen to invest in AR, research documenting its tangible impact in real-world contexts is sparse. In this article, the authors outline four broad uses of the technology in retail settings. They then focus specifically on the use of AR to facilitate product evaluation prior to purchase and empirically investigate its impact on sales in online retail. Using data obtained from an international cosmetics retailer, they find that AR usage on the retailer’s mobile app is associated with higher sales for brands that are less popular, products with narrower appeal, and products that are more expensive. In addition, the effect of AR is stronger for customers who are new to the online channel or product category, suggesting that the sales increase is coming from online channel adoption and category expansion. These findings provide converging evidence that AR is most effective when product-related uncertainty is high, demonstrating the technology’s potential to increase sales by reducing uncertainty and instilling purchase confidence. To encourage more impactful research in this area, the authors conclude with a research agenda for AR in marketing.
Fundamental Movement Skill Proficiency Among British Primary School Children: Analysis at a Behavioral Component Level
Authors: Lawson Chelsey , Eyre Emma L. J. , Tallis Jason , Duncan Michael J.
Published: February 2021

Fundamental Movement Skill (FMS) proficiency is an important antecedent of physical activity for children and adolescents. Many studies report children’s overall FMS proficiency to be low. However, in order to develop effective intervention strategies, it is critical to understand FMS proficiency at a behavioral component level. This study investigated British primary school children’s FMS proficiency across all three FMS domains, reporting proficiency at both an individual skill level and at a behavioral component level. Participants were 219 primary school children, aged 7–10 years (Boys 111, girls 108) from central England. We assessed (a) eight FMS (run, jump, hop, skip, catch, overarm throw, underarm throw, stability) using the second and third revisions of the Test of Gross Motor Development, and (b) stability, using the rock skill from the Rudd stability assessment tool. We calculated descriptive statistics and frequencies for each FMS and their behavioral components. We explored gender differences using the Mann- Whitney U-test, and differences between school years using the Kruskal- Wallis test. There was a similar pattern in the prevalence of failure for behavioral components across skills, with children failing on components requiring (a) the simultaneous use of both upper and lower limbs and (b) contralateral actions. Detailed descriptive analysis of low proficiency levels highlighted co ordination and the process for power/force production. These data can be used to guide development and plan targeted interventions for the weakest skills and behavioral components of 7-10 year old British primary school children to increase their FMS levels.
A Water Evaluation and Planning-based framework for the long-term prediction of urban water demand and supply
Authors: Saleem Arfa , Mahmood Imran , Sarjoughian Hessam , Nasir Hasan Arshad , Malik Asad Waqar
Published: February 2021

Increased usage and non-efficient management of limited resources has created the risk of water resource scarcity. Due to climate change, urbanization, and lack of effective water resource management, countries like Pakistan are facing difficulties coping with the increasing water demand. Rapid urbanization and non-resilient infrastructures are the key barriers in sustainable urban water resource management. Therefore, there is an urgent need to address the challenges of urban water management through effective means. We propose a workflow for the modeling and simulation of sustainable urban water resource management and develop an integrated framework for the evaluation and planning of water resources in a typical urban setting. The proposed framework uses the Water Evaluation and Planning system to evaluate current and future water demand and the supply gap. Our simulation scenarios demonstrate that the demand–supply gap can effectively be dealt with by dynamic resource allocation, in the presence of assumptions, for example, those related to population and demand variation with the change of weather, and thus work as a tool for informed decisions for supply management. In the first scenario, 23% yearly water demand is reduced, while in the second scenario, no unmet demand is observed due to the 21% increase in supply delivered. Similarly, the overall demand is fulfilled through 23% decrease in water demand using water conservation. Demand-side management not only reduces the water usage in demand sites but also helps to save money, and preserve the environment. Our framework coupled with a visualization dashboard deployed in the water resource management department of a metropolitan area can assist in water planning and effective governance.
Cumulative Disadvantage Dynamics for Palestinian Israeli Arabs in Israel’s Economy
Authors: Yaish Meir , Gabay-Egozi Limor
Published: February 2021

Recruiting the cumulative advantage mechanism, this study explores how earnings inequality between dominant and minority groups in the same society unfolds over the life course. Jews and Palestinian Israeli Arabs in Israel’s economy provide the context for this study. We find that the earnings gap between the groups has widened over time, particularly among men. This trend is hardly mediated by education, since returns to education have increased at similar rates for both. This finding leaves discrimination a plausible explanation, as the net group membership effect is positive and growing in strength with time. Among women, by contrast, the entire earnings gap is explained by self-selection out of employment, particularly among the less-educated. The consequences of these findings for changes in earnings inequality between dominant and minority groups in divided societies are discussed.
A Partial Simulation Study of Phantom Effects in Multilevel Analysis of School Effects: The Case of School Socioeconomic Composition
Authors: Zhou Hao , Ma Xin
Published: February 2021

Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) is often used to estimate the effects of socioeconomic status (SES) on academic achievement at different levels of an educational system. However, if a prior academic achievement measure is missing in a HLM model, biased estimates may occur on the effects of student SES and school SES. Phantom effects describe the phenomenon in which the effects of student SES and school SES disappear once prior academic achievement is added to the model. In the present analysis, partial simulation (i.e., simulated data are used together with real-world data) was employed to examine the phantom effects of student SES and school SES on science achievement, using the national sample of the United States from the 2015 Programme for International Student Assessment. The results showed that the phantom effects of student SES and school SES are rather real. The stronger the correlation between prior science achievement and (present) science achievement, the greater the chance that the phantom effects occur.
Impaired Face-to-Face Interaction among Cochlear Implant Users: Toward a Micro-sociological Framework
Authors: Jepsen Kim Sune Karrasch , Liebst Lasse Suonperä
Published: February 2021

The technological advance of cochlear implants (CIs) has provided deaf and hearing-impaired persons with new opportunities to acquire hearing and thus partake in social life on more equal terms. However, recent studies have also documented communicative and emotional difficulties for some CI users, in particular concerning how crowded and noisy situations may lead to high mental energy use and communicative constraints on social participation. Despite this accumulating evidence, few attempts have been made to provide sociological explanations of such aversive outcomes. Here, the authors develop and outline a micro-sociological framework suggesting impaired verbal interactions as a source of emotional energy drain and subsequent dis-integrations and estrangement in the social bond. The authors demonstrate the relevance of this theoretical explanation through a qualitative analysis of eight interviews with adults who had CIs placed as children. The authors discuss the implications of this framework and findings for CI research and users.
How much economic inequality is fair in liberal democracies? The approach of proportional justice
Authors: Alì Nunzio , Caranti Luigi
Published: February 2021

The article argues that the possibility of an unlimited gap in income and wealth between the top and bottom segments of society is incompatible with a democratic commitment to political equality. The first section outlines why current distributive and relational approaches are unable to adequately address this problem. The second and third sections introduce the notion of material domination and argue that the only remedy against it is the containment of economic inequality within a certain proportion, expressed in terms of ratios between the material resources of the best-off and the worst-off. The fourth section spells out the constraints that any definition of these ratios should satisfy and shows, through a case study based on the contemporary United States, that an approximate, yet non-arbitrary definition is within reach. The fifth and final section rebuts some predictable objections to this approach.
Postcolonial Global Health, Post-Colony Microbes and Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Hinchliffe Steve
Published: February 2021

Rather than ‘superbugs’ signifying recalcitrant forms of life that withstand biomedical treatment, drug resistant infections emerge within and are intricate with the exercise of social and medical power. The distinction is important, as it provides a means to understand and critique current methods employed to confront the threat of widespread antimicrobial resistance. A global health regime that seeks to extend social and medical power, through technical and market integration, risks reproducing a form of triumphalism and exceptionalism that resistance itself should have us pause to question. An alternative approach, based on a postcolonial as well as a ‘post-colony’ approach to health and microbes, provides impetus to challenge the assumptions and norms of global health. It highlights the potential contribution that vernacular approaches to human and animal health can play in altering the milieu of resistance.
The kiss of death. Public service media under right-wing populist attack
Authors: Holtz-Bacha Christina
Published: February 2021

With the surge of populism in Europe, public service broadcasting has come under increased pressure. The established media are considered part of the corrupt elite not serving the interests of the people. The public service media, for which pluralism is at the core of their remit, are a particular thorn in the side of the populists. Therefore, they attack the financial basis of public service, which is supposed to guarantee their independence. The populist attacks on the traditional broadcasting corporations meet with the interests of neoliberal politics and of those political actors who want to evade public scrutiny and democratic control and do no longer feel committed to democratic accountability. The assaults on the public service media are thus an assault on freedom of the media and further increase the pressure on the democratic system.
Roles of collocation in L2 oral proficiency revisited: Different tasks, L1 vs. L2 raters, and cross-sectional vs. longitudinal analyses
Authors: Saito Kazuya , Liu Yuwei
Published: February 2021

There is emerging evidence that collocation use plays a primary role in determining various dimensions of L2 oral proficiency assessment and development. The current study presents the results of three experiments which examined the relationship between the degree of association in collocation use (operationalized as t scores and mutual information scores) and the intuitive judgements of L2 comprehensibility (i.e. ease of understanding). The topic was approached from the angles of different task conditions (Study 1), rater background (first language or L1 vs. second language or L2) (Study 2) and cross-sectional vs. longitudinal analyses (Study 3). The findings showed that: (1) collocation emerged as a medium-to-strong determinant of L2 comprehensibility in structured (picture description) compared to free (oral interview) oral production tasks; (2) with sufficient immersion experience, L2 raters can demonstrate as much sensitivity to collocation as L1 raters; and (3) conversational experience is associated with more coherent and mutually-exclusive combinations of words in L2 speech, resulting in greater L2 comprehensibility development.
Effects of music-based movement therapy on motor function, balance, gait, mental health, and quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Zonglei , Zhou Ruzhen , Wei Wen , Luan Rongsheng , Li Kunpeng
Published: February 2021

Objective:

To conduct a systematic review evaluating the effects of music-based movement therapy on motor function, balance, gait, mental health, and quality of life among individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

Data sources:

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database was carried out to identify eligible papers published up to December 10, 2020.

Review methods:

Literature selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment were independently performed by two investigators. Publication bias was determined by funnel plot and Egger’s regression test. “Trim and fill” analysis was performed to adjust any potential publication bias.

Results:

Seventeen studies involving 598 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Music-based movement therapy significantly improved motor function (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor subscale, MD = −5.44, P = 0.002; Timed Up and Go Test, MD = −1.02, P = 0.001), balance (Berg Balance Scale, MD = 2.02, P < 0.001; Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, MD = 2.95, P = 0.001), freezing of gait (MD = −2.35, P = 0.039), walking velocity (MD = 0.18, P < 0.001), and mental health (SMD = −0.38, P = 0.003). However, no significant effects were observed on gait cadence, stride length, and quality of life.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study show that music-based movement therapy is an effective treatment approach for improving motor function, balance, freezing of gait, walking velocity, and mental health for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Liuzijue qigong versus traditional breathing training for patients with post-stroke dysarthria complicated by abnormal respiratory control: Results of a single-center randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Gaiyan , Ding Shanshan , Yu Long , Wang Yan , Qiao Lei , Wu Qilin , Ni Weidong , Fan Hang , Zheng Qianyun , Zhang Ying , Li Hongli
Published: February 2021

Objective:

The aim of the study was to investigate whether liuzijue qigong could improve the ability of respiratory control and comprehensive speech in patients with stroke dysarthria.

Design:

A randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

The research was carried out in the department of rehabilitation.

Participants:

Altogether, a total of 98 stroke patients with dysarthria participated in the study.

Interventions:

Patients were randomly divided into two groups (the experimental group: basic articulation + liuzijue qigong, 48 patients or the control group: basic articulation + traditional breathing training, 50 patients). All therapies were conducted once a day, five times a week for three weeks.

Main measures:

Primary outcome measure: Speech breathing level of the modified Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment. Secondary outcome measures: the modified Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment, maximum phonation time, maximal counting ability, /s/, /z/, s/z ratio, and the loudness level. All outcome measures were assessed twice (at baseline and after three weeks).

Results:

At three weeks, There were significant difference between the two groups in the change of speech breathing level (81% vs 66%, P = 0.011), the modified Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment (5.54 (4.68–6.40) vs 3.66 (2.92–4.40), P = 0.001), maximum phonation time (5.55 (4.92–6.18) vs 3.01(2.31–3.71), P < 0.01), maximal counting ability (3.08(2.45–3.71) vs 2.10 (1.53–2.67), P = 0.018), and /s/ (3.08 (2.39–3.78) vs 1.87 (1.23–2.51), P = 0.004), while no significant differences were found in the change of /z/ (3.08 (2.31–3.86) vs 2.10 (1.5–2.64), P = 0.08), s/ z ratio (1.26 (0.96–1.55) vs 1.03 (0.97–1.09), P = 0.714), and the change of loudness level (69% vs 60%, P = 0.562).

Conclusions:

Liuzijue qigong, combined with basic articulation training, could improve the respiratory control ability, as well as the comprehensive speech ability of stroke patients with dysarthria.

Trial registration:

ChiCTR-INR-16010215.