bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More- Versus Less-Intensive Lipid-Lowering Therapy
Authors: Toyota Toshiaki , Morimoto Takeshi , Yamashita Yugo , Shiomi Hiroki , Kato Takao , Makiyama Takeru , Nakagawa Yasuaki , Saito Naritatsu , Shizuta Satoshi , Ono Koh , Kimura Takeshi
Published: August 2019

Background:

It has not been yet adequately addressed whether the addition of the nonstatin LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol)-lowering agents on top of statins has the same magnitude of risk reduction in the cardiovascular events as compared with more-intensive statin therapy.

Methods and Results:

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs (randomized controlled trials) comparing more- versus less-intensive lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) on clinical outcomes in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk. We included 23 studies involving 133 037 patients (more-intensive LLT: 67 691 patients and less-intensive LLT: 65 346 patients). We evaluated 3 types of more- versus less-intensive LLT including more versus less statins (57 672 patients), combination therapy of ezetimibe versus statins alone (20 688 patients), or a PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9) inhibitor with statins versus statins alone (54 677 patients). The odds for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; equivalent to the composite of coronary heart death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, or coronary revascularization) were significantly lower in the more-intensive LLT group compared with the less-intensive LLT group in the entire study population (odds ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.79–0.88;
P
<0.001), and in all the 3 categories of more-intensive LLT strategies (more-intensive statin therapy: odds ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76–0.90;
P
<0.001, ezetimibe: odds ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.85–0.96;
P
<0.001, and PCSK9 inhibitors: odds ratio, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.73–0.90;
P
<0.001) with numerically greater relative odds reduction by more-intensive statin therapy and PCSK9 inhibitors than by ezetimibe. Odds reduction for MACE per 20 mg/dL LDL-C reduction was also different across the 3 types of more-intensive LLT (more-intensive statin therapy: 17.4%, ezetimibe: 11.0%, and PCSK9 inhibitors: 6.6%).

Conclusions:

In this meta-analysis, more-intensive LLT as compared with less-intensive LLT was associated with significant odds reduction for MACE in the entire study population and in all the 3 categories of more-intensive LLT such as more-intensive statin therapy, ezetimibe, and PCSK9 inhibitors. However, overall odds reduction for MACE and odds reduction for MACE per 20 mg/dL LDL-C reduction were different across the 3 types of more-intensive LLT.

Registration:

URLs:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/
and
http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr
. Unique identifiers: PROSPERO: CRD42018081196, and UMIN-CTR: R000036229.
Fine-Tuning of PGC1α Expression Regulates Cardiac Function and Longevity
Authors: Zhu Xudong , Shen Weiyan , Yao Ke , Wang Hu , Liu Bo , Li Tangliang , Song Lijuan , Diao Daojun , Mao Genxiang , Huang Ping , Li Chengtao , Zhang Hongbo , Zou Yejun , Qiu Yugang , Zhao Yuzheng , Wang Wengong , Yang Yi , Hu Zeping , Auwerx Johan , Loscalzo Joseph , Zhou Yong , Ju Zhenyu
Published: August 2019

Rationale:

PGC1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α) represents an attractive target interfering bioenergetics and mitochondrial homeostasis, yet multiple attempts have failed to upregulate PGC1α expression as a therapy, for instance, causing cardiomyopathy.

Objective:

To determine whether a fine-tuning of PGC1α expression is essential for cardiac homeostasis in a context-dependent manner.

Methods and Results:

Moderate cardiac-specific PGC1α overexpression through a ROSA26 locus knock-in strategy was utilized in WT (wild type) mice and in G3Terc
−/−
(third generation of telomerase deficient; hereafter as G3) mouse model, respectively. Ultrastructure, mitochondrial stress, echocardiographic, and a variety of biological approaches were applied to assess mitochondrial physiology and cardiac function. While WT mice showed a relatively consistent PGC1α expression from 3 to 12 months old, age-matched G3 mice exhibited declined PGC1α expression and compromised mitochondrial function. Cardiac-specific overexpression of PGC1α (PGC1α
OE
) promoted mitochondrial and cardiac function in 3-month-old WT mice but accelerated cardiac aging and significantly shortened life span in 12-month-old WT mice because of increased mitochondrial damage and reactive oxygen species insult. In contrast, cardiac-specific PGC1α knock in in G3 (G3 PGC1α
OE
) mice restored mitochondrial homeostasis and attenuated senescence-associated secretory phenotypes, thereby preserving cardiac performance with age and extending health span. Mechanistically, age-dependent defect in mitophagy is associated with accumulation of damaged mitochondria that leads to cardiac impairment and premature death in 12-month-old WT PGC1α
OE
mice. In the context of telomere dysfunction, PGC1α induction replenished energy supply through restoring the compromised mitochondrial biogenesis and thus is beneficial to old G3 heart.

Conclusions:

Fine-tuning the expression of PGC1α is crucial for the cardiac homeostasis because the balance between mitochondrial biogenesis and clearance is vital for regulating mitochondrial function and homeostasis. These results reinforce the importance of carefully evaluating the PGC1α-boosting strategies in a context-dependent manner to facilitate clinical translation of novel cardioprotective therapies.
Relationship Between Brachial‐Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity and Incident Hypertension According to 2017 ACC/AHA High Blood Pressure Guidelines
Authors: Lee Seung Jae , Avolio Alberto , Seo Dae Chul , Kim Bum Soo , Kang Jin Ho , Lee Mi Yeon , Sung Ki‐Chul
Published: August 2019

Background

Arterial stiffness predicts both cardiovascular events and incident hypertension. However, whether brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (ba
PWV
) is predictive of incident hypertension based on the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) High Blood Pressure Guidelines has not been established
.
We performed a large cohort study to investigate whether incident hypertension could be predicted from ba
PWV
measurements as a measure of arterial stiffness, even when applying updated hypertension criteria.

Methods and Results

A total of 10 360 Korean adults who underwent ba
PWV
examination during a health‐screening program between 2010 and 2016 were enrolled. Hypertension was defined according to the 2017
ACC
/
AHA
Guidelines as 130/80 mm Hg. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to assess the risk of incident hypertension according to ba
PWV
quartiles. The mean age of the study subjects was 40.2 years and 75.6% were men. During the follow‐up period (median 2.17 years), 2000 subjects (19.3%) developed hypertension. The subjects in the highest ba
PWV
quartile group showed an increased risk of hypertension compared with the lowest ba
PWV
quartile group as confirmed by multivariate adjusted hazard ratios of 1.64 (95%
CI
1.41–1.89;
P
<0.001) in men and 12.36 (95%
CI
4.41–34.62;
P
=0.005) in women. The increased risk of developing hypertension was consistent after adjusting for several confounding factors.

Conclusions

Arterial stiffness measured by ba
PWV
is associated with incident hypertension according to the updated 2017
ACC
/
AHA
Guidelines and is a useful independent predictor of incident hypertension among relatively healthy people.
Associated Factors and Long-Term Prognosis of 24-Hour Worsening of Arterial Patency After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Marto João Pedro , Lambrou Dimitris , Eskandari Ashraf , Nannoni Stefania , Strambo Davide , Saliou Guillaume , Maeder Philippe , Sirimarco Gaia , Michel Patrik
Published: August 2019

Background and Purpose—

Early arterial recanalization in acute ischemic stroke is strongly associated with better outcomes. However, early worsening of arterial patency was seldom studied. We investigated potential predictors and long-term prognosis of worsening of arterial patency at 24 hours after stroke onset.

Methods—

Patients from the Acute Stroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne registry including admission and 24-hour vascular imaging (computed tomography or magnetic resonance angiography) were included. Worsening of arterial patency was defined as a new occlusion and significant stenosis in any extracranial or intracranial artery, comparing 24 hours with admission imaging. Variables associated with worsening of arterial patency were assessed by stepwise multiple logistic regression. The impact of arterial worsening on 3-month outcome was investigated with an adjusted modified Rankin Scale shift analysis.

Results—

Among 2152 included patients, 1387 (64.5%) received intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular treatment, and 65 (3.0%) experienced 24-hour worsening of arterial patency. In multivariable analysis, history of hypertension seemed protective (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.45; 95% CI, 0.27–0.75) while higher admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (aOR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02–1.10), intracranial (aOR, 4.78; 95% CI, 2.03–11.25) and extracranial stenosis (aOR, 3.67; 95% CI, 1.95–6.93), and good collaterals (aOR, 3.71; 95% CI, 1.54–8.95) were independent predictors of worsening of arterial patency. Its occurrence was associated with a major unfavorable shift in the distribution of the modified Rankin Scale at 3 months (aOR, 5.97; 95% CI, 3.64–9.79).

Conclusions—

Stroke severity and admission vascular imaging findings may help to identify patients at a higher risk of developing worsening of arterial patency at 24 hours. The impact of worsening of arterial patency on long-term outcome warrants better methods to detect and prevent this early complication.
Validity and Reliability of Neurological Scores in Mice Exposed to Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Bieber Michael , Gronewold Janine , Scharf Anne-Carina , Schuhmann Michael K. , Langhauser Friederike , Hopp Sarah , Mencl Stine , Geuss Eva , Leinweber Jonas , Guthmann Josua , Doeppner Thorsten R. , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Stoll Guido , Kraft Peter , Hermann Dirk M.
Published: August 2019

Background and Purpose—

The selection of appropriate neurological scores and tests is crucial for the evaluation of stroke consequences. The validity and reliability of neurological deficit scores and tests has repeatedly been questioned in ischemic stroke models in the past.

Methods—

In 198 male mice exposed to transient intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion, we examined the validity and reliability of 11 neurological scores (Bederson score 0–3, Bederson score 0–4, Bederson score 0–5, modified neurological severity [0–14], subjective overall impression [0–10], or simple neurological tests: grip test, latency to move body length test, pole test, wire hanging test, negative geotaxis test, and elevated body swing test) in the acute stroke phase, that is, after 24 hours. Combinations of neurological scores or tests for predicting infarct volume were statistically analyzed.

Results—

Infarct volume was left skewed (median [Q1–Q3], 78.4 [54.8–101.3] mm
3
). Among all tests, the Bederson (0–5; r=0.63,
P
<0.001), modified neurological severity (r=0.80,
P
<0.001), and subjective overall impression (r=−0.63,
P
<0.001) scores had the highest test validities, using infarct volume as external reference. Subjective overall impression had the best agreement between 5 raters (Kendall W=0.11,
P
<0.001). The Bederson (0–5) score discriminated infarct volume in mice with small (≤50 mm
3
; r=0.33,
P
=0.027) and large (>50 mm
3
; r=0.48,
P
<0.001) brain infarcts, all other tests only in mice with large infarcts. Combining subjective overall impression with Bederson (0–5) score explained 47.6% of the variance of infarct volume.

Conclusions—

Despite their simplicity, the Bederson (0–5) score, modified neurological severity score, and subjective overall impression have reasonable validity and reliability in the acute stroke phase. The Bederson (0–5) score equally distinguishes infarct volume in small and large infarcts.

Visual Overview—

An online
visual overview
is available for this article.
On the Reconstruction of Landscape
Authors: Wallen Lawrence
Published: August 2019

This statement provides the theoretical and artistic context for the author’s installation on the reconstruction of landscape, shown at the Palace of Arts within the framework of Cairotronica 2016. It does so by examining four of the author’s previous works that are related to the Cairo work in that they employ historic or past gardens that are argued here to be heterotopias.
In Your Best Interest
Authors: Strømland Monica , Andersen Anders J W. , Johansen Venke F. , Bahus Marianne K.
Published: August 2019

We introduce the opportunity for Capability Approach, developed by Martha C. Nussbaum (1997, 2006, 2011), to be used as a guideline to balance the principle of the child’s best interests as formulated in the crc, art. 3 and respect for family life, echr, art. 8, in cases where these principles are drawn in different directions. To contextualize a dilemma, we refer to two stories from the Norwegian courts which illustrate how complex this can be. The stories are similar in the way that they both are related to an evaluation of children`s best interests. We argue conclusively that the list of capabilities could strengthen and supplement the content of the principle of child’s best interests. The list constitutes a basis for participation and insight into the child’s situation, which is valuable when in a position of making decisions critical to the child’s current and future abilities, opportunities and potentialities.
A Swarm of ‘Locusts’
Authors: Yasuhira Genji
Published: August 2019

In the Protestant Dutch Republic, Catholic priests were represented as one of the deadliest “enemies” in view of both their confessional doctrines and political inclination. Under pressure from the Reformed Church, numerous anti-Catholic edicts were issued for the prosecution of priests streaming like a swarm of “locusts” to the Utrecht city, the stronghold for Reformed and Catholic Churches alike in the Northern Netherlands. In theory, the policy of the political authorities barred priests from their pastoral duties to Catholics living in the city. In practice, however, the Utrecht magistracy publicly recognised, and non-publicly connived at, the presence of priests. Political practices of pro/persecution and toleration served to manage and regulate the precarious environment of confessional coexistence. In defying persecution and seeking toleration, Catholic priests tactically and discursively mobilised their civic status based on their and/or their families’ close relationship with, and contribution to, the civic community of Utrecht.
Games with names
Authors: Storch Anne
Published: August 2019

This paper discusses deliberate changes surrounding the practice of naming (people and objects). I first present a discussion of naming and healing, and then turn to the act of naming as an active agent for language change in the context of praise names and names that are used as comments on social change. There are particularly rich areas where the deliberate, creative change of language is strikingly visible, namely in tourism. The analysis of both the deliberate linguistic manipulations and the rationalization of these is informed by African philosophy and local metalinguistic discourse, as part of a project often referred to as the ‘Southern Theory’. I consider the philosophical and theoretical concepts of language and language change that stem from Kenyan and Tanzanian intellectuals and experts who are interested in emic approaches and local epistemologies, emphasizing cultural and social contexts of doing things with words. Intentional language change is seen in this contribution as complex and performative, and is analyzed as the result of individual agency as well as a community’s agreement over what might be done with words.
Taxonomic notes on Goodyera (Goodyerinae, Cranichideae, Orchidoideae, Orchidaceae) in China and an addition to orchid flora of Vietnam

Authors: LIU YAN WEN , ZHOU XIAO XU , SCHUITEMAN ANDRÉ , KUMAR PANKAJ , HERMANS JOHAN , CHUNG SHIH WEN , TIAN HUAI ZHEN
Published: August 2019

Based on fieldwork and examination of fresh as well as preserved specimens, Goodyera bomiensis and G. wolongensis are reduced under the synonymy of G. brachystegia and G. serpens respectively. Goodyera serpens and G. marginata are re-instated as accepted species, and G. afzelii, previously thought to be restricted to Madagascar and Mozambique, is added to the orchid flora of Vietnam.
Molecular taxonomic report of Nitella megacephala sp. nov. (Characeae, Charophyceae) from Korea

Authors: LEE EUN-YOUNG , BAE EUN HEE , CHOI KWANG CHUL , KIM JEE-HWAN , LEE SANG-RAE
Published: August 2019

We report a new taxonomic entity of Nitella megacephala sp. nov. (Charales, Charophyceae) from Korea. The characean algae collected from two sites (Haenam-gun and Kangjin-gun) had distinctive morphological characteristics representing a new Nitella species. Those samples showed a light-green color in gross morphology and a plant body length up to 13 cm. Moreover, the two-celled dactyls and head formation differed clearly from closely related Nitella species (N. moriokae, N. spiciformis, and N. translucens). From a molecular phylogenetic analysis of rbcL DNA sequences, Nitella megacephala sp. nov formed a single clade with N. translucens, N. moriokae and N. spiciformis, and was distantly related to those three species as a sister taxon. In the terms of interspecific sequence variation, Nitella megacephala showed 3.2–5.5% pairwise distance values with sister groups in phylogenetic tree (N. translucens, N. moriokae and N. spiciformis) and 3.2–9.1% with other of Nitella species. In contrast, its sister group species differed 0.3–1.7% at the interspecific level. These unique morphological and molecular taxonomic characteristics clearly support the establishment of this taxonomic entity as a new species in the genus Nitella (Nitella megacephala sp. nov.)
Discovery of the westernmost population of the genus Ansonia Stoliczka (Anura, Bufonidae) with the description of a new species from the Shan Plateau of eastern Myanmar
Authors: QUAH EVAN S. H. , GRISMER L. LEE , WOOD PERRY L. JR. , THURA MYINT KYAW , OAKS JAMIE R. , LIN AUNG
Published: August 2019

A new species of Ansonia is described from the Shan Plateau of Myanmar based on an integrative taxonomic analysis that differentiates it from all other congeners. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial genes 12S and 16S rRNA and tRNA-val recover A. kyaiktiyoensis sp. nov. as the sister species to A. inthanon from Thailand but differs from it and other congeners by at least a 5.0% sequence divergence. It is further differentiated by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) maximum SVL 24 mm in males and females; (2) first finger shorter than second; (3) absence of interorbital and tarsal ridges; (4) presence of light-coloured interscapular spot; (5) presence of yellow rictal tubercle; (6) absence of wide, light-coloured patch below eye; (7) presence of large, discrete, bright-yellow submandibular spots along the underside of lower jaw; (8) iris yellow-gold; (9) presence of markings on the snout consisting of streaks below the eye to the lip, and on the canthus rostralis to the nostril; (10) dorsum grey-brown with orange-beige spots, a dark-brown X-shaped marking on the back surrounding the interscapular spot, and dark-coloured markings on rump; (11) fore- and hind limbs with orange-beige cross-bars; and (12) venter light-gray with yellow spotting, especially near flanks and underside of hind limbs. Ansonia kyaiktiyoensis sp. nov. is the westernmost known record for the genus and the only species west of the Salween Basin. Its discovery echoes the increasing number of herpetological discoveries being made in upland regions fringing the Ayeyarwady and Salween Basins.
Checklist of Poduromorpha (Collembola: Hexapoda) from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: DA SILVEIRA TATIANA CRISTINA , DE MENDONÇA MARIA CLEIDE
Published: August 2019

Poduromorpha order currently includes 11 families, 330 genera, and approximately 3.400 species, which are widely distributed. In Brazil, there are seven families, 48 genera, and 141 species, 74 of which occur in Rio de Janeiro State. Poduromorpha fauna has been investigated over the last years, especially those from the Brazilian southeastern region. The objective of the present work was to gather and expand information on Poduromorpha in Rio de Janeiro State from literature, data from Scientific Collections, dissertations, theses, and congress communications. As a result, 40 genera and 81 species have been recorded, five of which having been registered for the first time in Rio de Janeiro State.
Taxonomic review of two fossil crocodylians from the Cenozoic of South America and its implications for the crocodylian fauna of the continent
Authors: CIDADE GIOVANNE M. , FORTIER DANIEL , RINCÓN ASCANIO DANIEL , HSIOU ANNIE SCHMALTZ
Published: August 2019

The crocodylomorph fauna of the Cenozoic of South America is one of the richest and most diverse in the world. The most diverse group within that fauna is Alligatoroidea, with nearly all of its species belonging to the Caimaninae clade. Many of the fossil alligatoroid species from the Cenozoic of South America were proposed based on very incomplete remains, and as a result their validity requires revision. Two such species are Balanerodus logimus Langston, 1965, from the middle Miocene of Colombia and Peru, and Caiman venezuelensis Fortier & Rincón, 2012, from the Pliocene-Pleistocene of Venezuela. This study has performed a thorough review of the taxonomic status of these two alligatoroid species, concluding that B. logimus is a nomen dubium and that Ca. venezuelensis is a junior synonym of the extant species Ca. crocodilus. This review offers a significantly more accurate scenario for alligatoroid diversity in the Cenozoic of South America in different epochs such as the Miocene and Pleistocene. Additionally, the record of Ca. crocodilus from the Pleistocene of Venezuela is the first fossil record that can be assigned to this species.
New species of Myrmosinae (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) from Southeastern Asia
Authors: WILLIAMS KEVIN A. , LELEJ ARKADY S. , THAOCHAN NARIT
Published: August 2019

The subfamily Myrmosinae is generally Holarctic in distribution with five species known from the Oriental Region. Three species, Kudakrumia malaenglek sp. nov., Kudakrumia loaibonho sp. nov., and Krombeinella brothersi sp. nov., were recently discovered from Thailand and Vietnam, representing the new Southeasternmost distribution records for this subfamily. Keys to Old World genera of Myrmosinae and to males of Kudakrumia and Krombeinella are also provided. The genus Krombeinella Pate is newly recorded from the Oriental region.
Biogeochemical Coupling between Ocean and Atmosphere—A Tribute to the Lifetime Contribution of Robert A. Duce
Authors: Brooks Sarah D. , Jickells Tim D. , Liss Peter S. , Thornton Daniel C. O. , Zhang Renyi
Published: August 2019

To mark the publication of the special collection in honor of Robert (Bob) A. Duce in the Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, we have summarized his most important contributions to the subject of biogeochemical coupling between the atmosphere and ocean. Here we have divided these contributions into four themes—deposition from the atmosphere and its effects on the oceans, volatile elements emitted from the oceans, sea surface biology and aerosol formation, and marine aerosols and clouds. It is our intent that this summary along with the papers in this special collection provide an overview of the enormous contributions that Bob Duce has made to the subject during his distinguished scientific career.
An Observational Overview of Dusty Deep Convection in Martian Dust Storms
Authors: Heavens Nicholas G. , Kass David M. , Shirley James H. , Piqueux Sylvain , Cantor Bruce A.
Published: August 2019

Deep convection, as used in meteorology, refers to the rapid ascent of air parcels in Earth’s troposphere driven by the buoyancy generated by phase change in water. Deep convection undergirds some of Earth’s most important and violent weather phenomena and is responsible for many aspects of the observed distribution of energy, momentum, and constituents (particularly water) in Earth’s atmosphere. Deep convection driven by buoyancy generated by the radiative heating of atmospheric dust may be similarly important in the atmosphere of Mars but lacks a systematic description. Here we propose a comprehensive framework for this phenomenon of dusty deep convection (DDC) that is supported by energetic calculations and observations of the vertical dust distribution and exemplary dusty deep convective structures within local, regional, and global dust storm activity. In this framework, DDC is distinct from a spectrum of weaker dusty convective activity because DDC originates from preexisting or concurrently forming mesoscale circulations that generate high surface dust fluxes, oppose large-scale horizontal advective–diffusive processes, and are thus able to maintain higher dust concentrations than typically simulated. DDC takes two distinctive forms. Mesoscale circulations that form near Mars’s highest volcanoes in dust storms of all scales can transport dust to the base of the upper atmosphere in as little as 2 h. In the second distinctive form, mesoscale circulations at low elevations within regional and global dust storm activity generate freely convecting streamers of dust that are sheared into the middle atmosphere over the diurnal cycle.
Signals of Spring Thermal Contrast Related to the Interannual Variations in the Onset of the South China Sea Summer Monsoon
Authors: Li Yana , Yang Song , Deng Yi , Zheng Bin
Published: August 2019

Land–sea thermal contrast is one of the key factors modulating the onset and strength of summer monsoons. This study investigates the precursory thermal-contrast signal of the onset of the South China Sea summer monsoon (SCSSM) and reveals that the land–sea thermal contrastDT(ToceanminusTlandat the surface) in March tracks the date of the monsoon onset very well. In an energy-balance framework, the monthly anomalies in this thermal contrast are decomposed into different components associated with the anomalies of various radiative and nonradiative dynamical processes over the South China Sea in early spring. It is found that the interannual variations ofDT, and thus the onset date of monsoon, are mainly tied to the anomalies in surface heat fluxes, ocean–land heat storage rate, and oceanic dynamical processes. The variation of ocean–land heat storage rate and ocean dynamics is the largest positive contributor to the change inDT. Specifically, an early SCSSM onset tends to be associated with an amplified “cold-land, warm-ocean” pattern that can be further attributed to increased soil moisture content in March, which enhances land surface cooling and weakens oceanic heat storage rate that benefits ocean surface warming. Furthermore, the variations ofDTand soil moisture content in March are positively related with the late-February precipitation over the Indochina Peninsula, which could therefore be regarded as a precursory signal for both the land–sea thermal contrast in March and the onset of the SCSSM.
Assessing External and Internal Sources of Atlantic Multidecadal Variability Using Models, Proxy Data, and Early Instrumental Indices
Authors: O’Reilly Christopher H. , Zanna Laure , Woollings Tim
Published: August 2019

Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV) of sea surface temperature exhibits an important influence on the climate of surrounding continents. It remains unclear, however, the extent to which AMV is due to internal climate variability (e.g., ocean circulation variability) or changes in external forcing (e.g., volcanic/anthropogenic aerosols or greenhouse gases). Here, the sources of AMV are examined over a 340-yr period using proxy indices, instrumental data, and output from the Last Millennium Ensemble (LME) simulation. The proxy AMV closely follows the accumulated atmospheric forcing from the instrumental North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) reconstruction (r = 0.65)—an “internal” source of AMV. This result provides strong observational evidence that much of the AMV is generated through the oceanic response to atmospheric circulation forcing, as previously demonstrated in targeted modeling studies. In the LME there is a substantial externally forced AMV component, which exhibits a modest but significant correlation with the proxy AMV (i.e., r = 0.37), implying that at least 13% of the AMV is externally forced. In the LME simulations, however, the AMV response to accumulated NAO forcing is weaker than in the proxy/observational datasets. This weak response is possibly related to the decadal NAO variability, which is substantially weaker in the LME than in observations. The externally forced component in the proxy AMV is also related to the accumulated NAO forcing, unlike in the LME. This indicates that the external forcing is likely influencing the AMV through different mechanistic pathways: via changes in radiative forcing in the LME and via changes in atmospheric circulation in the observational/proxy record.
Variational Assimilation of Radar Data and GLM Lightning-Derived Water Vapor for the Short-Term Forecasts of High-Impact Convective Events
Authors: Fierro Alexandre O. , Wang Yunheng , Gao Jidong , Mansell Edward R.
Published: August 2019

The assimilation of water vapor mass mixing ratio derived from total lightning data from the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) within a three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) system is evaluated for the analysis and short-term forecast (≤6 h) of a high-impact convective event over the northern Great Plains in the United States. Building on recent work, the lightning data assimilation (LDA) method adjusts water vapor mass mixing ratio within a fixed layer depth above the lifted condensation level by assuming nearly water-saturated conditions at observed lightning locations. In this algorithm, the total water vapor mass added by the LDA is balanced by an equal removal outside observed lightning locations. Additional refinements were also devised to partially alleviate the seasonal and geographical dependence of the original scheme. To gauge the added value of lightning, radar data (radial velocity and reflectivity) were also assimilated with or without lightning. Although the method was evaluated in quasi–real time for several high-impact weather events throughout 2018, this work will focus on one specific, illustrative severe weather case wherein the control simulation—which did not assimilate any data—was eventually able to initiate and forecast the majority of the observed storms. Given a relatively reasonable forecast in the control experiment, the GLM and radar assimilation experiments were still able to improve the short-term forecast of accumulated rainfall and composite radar reflectivity further, as measured by neighborhood-based metrics. These results held whether the simulations made use of one single 3DVAR analysis or high-frequency (10 min) successive cycling over a 1-h period.
A Lagrangian Perspective on Parameterizing Deep Convection
Authors: McTaggart-Cowan Ron , Vaillancourt Paul A. , Zadra Ayrton , Separovic Leo , Corvec Shawn , Kirshbaum Daniel
Published: August 2019

The parameterization of deep moist convection as a subgrid-scale process in numerical models of the atmosphere is required at resolutions that extend well into the convective “gray zone,” the range of grid spacings over which such convection is partially resolved. However, as model resolution approaches the gray zone, the assumptions upon which most existing convective parameterizations are based begin to break down. We focus here on one aspect of this problem that emerges as the temporal and spatial scales of the model become similar to those of deep convection itself. The common practice of static tendency application over a prescribed adjustment period leads to logical inconsistencies at resolutions approaching the gray zone, while more frequent refreshment of the convective calculations can lead to undesirable intermittent behavior. A proposed parcel-based treatment of convective initiation introduces memory into the system in a manner that is consistent with the underlying physical principles of convective triggering, thus reducing the prevalence of unrealistic gradients in convective activity in an operational model running with a 10 km grid spacing. The subsequent introduction of a framework that considers convective clouds as persistent objects, each possessing unique attributes that describe physically relevant cloud properties, appears to improve convective precipitation patterns by depicting realistic cloud memory, movement, and decay. Combined, this Lagrangian view of convection addresses one aspect of the convective gray zone problem and lays a foundation for more realistic treatments of the convective life cycle in parameterization schemes.
Eucharistic Sacrifice as Anti-Violent Pedagogy
Authors: Schlesinger Eugene R.
Published: August 2019

The Council of Trent teaches that the sacrifice of the Mass is identical to the sacrifice of Calvary, but with the crucial difference that the Mass is unbloody (nonviolent). By considering the Last Supper traditions and the theologies of Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and Bernard Lonergan, this article constructs an understanding of sacrifice as a transformative pedagogy. The sacrifice of the Mass allows us to reconfigure even terrible acts of violence within a nonviolent framework without denying their reality. This provides a crucial theological resource for responding to the scandal of clergy abuse.
The Catholic Sexual Abuse Crisis as a Theological Crisis: Emerging Issues
Authors: Faggioli Massimo
Published: August 2019

The sexual abuse crisis has long-term consequences: not only on the victims and survivors of abuse, but also on the theological standing and balance of the Catholic Church throughout the world. Theological rethinking in light of the abuse crisis is necessary: not only from the lens of those who have suffered, but also from the lens of the changes caused by this global crisis in the history of the whole Catholic community. The article examines the consequences of the abuse crisis on different theological disciplines, with particular attention to the history of the Catholic Church, liturgy, ecclesiology of reform, and church–state relationships.
The Child at the Center: What Can Theology Say in the Face of the Scandals of Abuse?
Authors: Zollner Hans
Published: August 2019

Approaching the subjects of child safeguarding and children through a theological lens, the author shows the devastating scale, impact, and ramifications of the Catholic Church’s failures in safeguarding children, which become apparent in the current child abuse scandals, and how this crisis creates an opportunity to bring the child (back) into the church’s focus. This leads to a focus on core reasons or factors for the scandals and how these are linked to a lack of attention given to children in the scientific thought of the church. There exists a lacuna in systematic theology when it comes to children, but one can find promising theological grounds for exploring and promoting a more child-centric theology and church culture.
Anger, Forgiveness, and Restorative Justice in Light of Clerical Sexual Abuse and Its Cover-up
Authors: Pope Stephen J. , Geske Janine P.
Published: August 2019

Catholic tradition provides resources for understanding morally legitimate anger as ordered to the good of survivors and their wider communities, a way of conceiving of forgiveness as a caritas-inspired decision to willing what is authentically good for an offender, including just retributive measures, and support for employing practices of restorative justice as a means of addressing clerical sexual abuse and its cover-up.
Feminist Theology and the Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis
Authors: Ross Susan A.
Published: August 2019

The clergy sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church is complex. While first and foremost a terrible violation of victims, it is not only about sex or abuse. It concerns unchecked, divinely sanctioned patriarchal power and its devastating consequences. The author reviews the theological issues at stake, including patriarchy, sexuality and sexual ethics, and sin. She argues that addressing the roots of the crisis calls for taking seriously the contributions of feminist theologians to the thinking of the church, especially about establishing relationships of mutuality and equality between clergy and laity.
Video Grading: Enhancing Clarity and Connection
Authors: Kruger Jessica S. , Sage Todd
Published: August 2019

Providing feedback to students is an integral part of students learning. The purpose of this research is to identify whether students prefer video grading compared to the traditional method of written feedback. A total of 67 students responded to a Likert-type satisfaction survey related to receiving video feedback and reported that compared to traditional feedback video feedback. Overall, the students felt that the quality, ability to understand information, helpfulness, accessibility, and ease of making changes of video grading were better than written feedback provided in the course, and video grading created trust between the student and the instructor.
Palaeographic Analysis of Codices from the Early Christian Period: A Point of Method
Authors: Nongbri Brent
Published: August 2019

It is often said that palaeographic analysis of Greek literary manuscripts from the Roman era has progressed from an aesthetic judgment to more of a science, thanks largely to increased data (in the form of newly discovered papyri and parchments from Egypt) and to more sophisticated ways of describing similarity and difference in handwriting. This progress is frequently taken to mean that we may now use the analysis of handwriting to assign dates to undated manuscripts with much greater precision and accuracy than was possible a century ago. This article questions this conclusion by focusing on neglected methodological points that speciﬁcally relate to the problem of palaeographic dating of codices, namely the size and character of the corpus of securely datable samples to which the handwriting of undated codices is compared. This problem is especially relevant for early Christian books, the surviving examples of which tend to be copied in the codex format.
Differentiated content of verbal aggression: Effect of gender on insults in secondary schools in Poland
Authors: Winiewski Mikołaj , Budziszewska Magdalena , Świder Magdalena
Published: August 2019

A large body of literature shows that boys and girls experience different kinds of peer aggression. This difference is usually explained by the function of bullying depending on gender and age. In the present study, we used a mixed method called concept mapping to analyze the content structure of verbal aggression. We compared this structure between two levels of Polish schools—middle school and high school. Using experimental manipulation we tested whether the content of verbal invectives depends on the gender of the victim. Results showed six different types of verbal invectives. Middle school students listed substantially more in four out of the six categories. There were significant effects of the experimental manipulation of the victim's gender. When the male victim was primed there were significantly more sexual insults and when the female victim was primed there was substantially more ability-related verbal bullying. We interpret these results in the context of the development and norms of masculinity and femininity.
A systematic approach for modeling multi-physics systems
Authors: de Silva Clarence W
Published: August 2019

An engineering system may consist of several different types of components, belonging to such physical “domains” as mechanical, electrical, fluid, and thermal. It is termed a multi-domain (or multi-physics) system. In developing an analytical model of a multi-physics system, it is advantageous to use “unified” and “integrated” procedures for formulating different physical domains while including inter-domain dynamic interactions, in a systematic manner that will lead to a “unique” (single) model having physically meaningful variables. Such a model formulation is the focus of the present paper. In this context, a generalized method to incorporate impedance (e.g., the analogous use of mobility in the mechanical domain), exporting the modeling procedures from one domain into a different domain, conversion of a system in one domain into another domain, and realization of an equivalent single-domain model for a multi-domain system are addressed. This knowledge is useful in education, research, and application of multi-physics models of engineering dynamic systems. Illustrative examples are provided to clarify the presented approaches. This paper assumes a knowledge in linear graphs and some background material, as presented in the prior work of the author. The relevant nomenclature is listed at the end of the paper.
University Students’ Self-Rated Health and Use of Health Services: A Secondary Analysis
Authors: MacLeod Emily , Steenbeek Audrey , Latimer Margot , Bombay Amy
Published: August 2019

Background

University students belonging to various ethnic groups have specific health needs that influence their self-rated health and health service use.

Purpose

To examine which determinants of health serve as key predictors of self-rated health and health service use in a sample of ethnically diverse undergraduate students.

Methods

Data were abstracted from the 2012 Maritime Undergraduate Student Sexual Health Services Survey (N = 10,512). Logistic regression was used to explore the predictors of self-rated health and use of university-based health services according to ethnicity.

Results

Social support (Caucasian: odds ratio (OR) = 1.018; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.008, 1.028]; African: OR = 1.890; 95% CI [1.022, 1.160]; Other: OR = 1.096; 95% CI [1.023, 1.175]), and depression risk (Caucasian: OR = .899; 95% CI [.844, .914]; Indigenous: OR = .904; 95% CI [.844, .969]; Asian: OR = .894; 95% CI [.839, .953]; Multiracial: OR = .892; 95% CI [.812, .980]) were the most frequent predictors of self-rated health across the different ethnic groups; while year of study (Caucasian: OR = 1.855; 95% CI [1.764, 1.952]; African: OR = 2.979; 95% CI [2.068, 4.291]; Indigenous OR = 1.828; 95% CI [1.371, 2.436]; Asian: OR = 1.457; 95% CI [1.818, 1.797]; Middle Eastern: OR = 1.602; 95% CI [1.088, 2.359]; Other: OR = 1.485; 95% CI [1.093, 2.018]; Multiracial: OR = 2.064; 95% CI [1.533, 2.778]) was found to be the most significant predictor of health service use.

Conclusion

Findings from this research shed light on the various factors that impact university students belonging to different ethnic groups, their health, and their access to healthcare that addresses their distinct health needs. Nurses can advocate for the development of health promotion and illness prevention strategies that target the needs of the diverse student population.
Analysis of static and dynamic characteristics of spiral-grooved gas journal bearings in high speed
Authors: Song Laiyun , Cheng Kai , Ding Hui , Chen Shijin , Gao Qiang
Published: August 2019

The spiral grooves structures could promote load capacity and improve stability of the gas journal bearings working in high-speed condition. In this study, the unsteady Reynolds equation is solved by linear perturbation method and finite difference method in which the mesh of the groove region is specially treated. The static and dynamic characteristics of spiral grooves journal gas bearings are investigated in different working conditions and the pumping effect caused by spiral-groove structure is revealed and analyzed. Further, the influences of groove structural parameters on the dynamic stiffness and damping coefficients are studied and discussed, which provides guidelines for the design of the journal gas bearings with spiral grooves.
Newborn haemoglobinopathy screening using tandem mass spectrometry: Lessons from investigation of an unusual case
Authors: Daniel Yvonne , Henthorn Joan
Published: August 2019

Objective

England has universal screening for sickle cell disease in newborns, with a policy of reporting beta thalassaemia major where it is detected. We report a case with a high gamma/beta ratio (20.167), but all other tandem mass spectrometry results within expected normal limits. The second test did not support the presumed diagnosis of beta thalassaemia major. As the two results were discrepant, further investigations were carried out.

Methods and results

Sanger sequencing identified a novel mutation HBB:c.40 G > A (Hb Tower Hamlets) with concomitant beta plus (severe) thalassaemia due to the HBB:c.92 + 5 G > C mutation.

Conclusions

This case highlights considerations for policy makers and implementers of new methods in screening programmes. For the English screening programme, the importance of adherence to the two-part testing strategy for newborn haemoglobinopathy screening is demonstrated. When discrepancies occur in results between the two tests, a thorough investigation is indicated. Communication, training, incident review and oversight are vital aspects of any screening programme. Protocols, risk assessments and guidance require constant monitoring and review to ensure that they remain fit for purpose. When new methods are introduced, stringent application of these principles is recommended.
Synthesis, biological efficiency evaluation and application of sodium alginate-based polyurethane dispersions using cycloaliphatic isocyanate, as antibacterial textile coating
Authors: Misbah  , Bhatti Ijaz Ahmad , Zia Khalid Mahmood , Bhatti Haq Nawaz , Shahid Muhammad
Published: August 2019

In the present project sodium alginate-based polyurethane dispersions were synthesized by two shot processes, using isophorone diisocyanate, polyethylene glycol (Mn-300), dimethylol propionic acid as internal emulsifier along with other reagents including triethylamine and dibutyltindilaurate catalyst. Molecular characterization was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Physical properties were observed and samples were found to be translucent yellow with a stability of more than one year. Biological properties such as blood hemolytic and antibacterial action were also noted in order to check if the samples can be used inside human body for bandage coatings. Synthesized dispersions were found to have considerable blood hemolytic activity and good antibacterial activity. After the complete characterization, dispersions were applied on polycotton blend fabric (50/50). After the treatment, fabric was analyzed for its tear strength, tensile strength pilling resistance and morphological properties by scanning electron microscopy. Fabric treated with polyurethane dispersions has decreased tear strength, enhanced tensile strength, improved pilling resistance and more intact appearance as compared to the untreated fabric.