Variations in Climatic Regimes of Texas: An Assessment of Wet Seasons, Climatic Cycles, and Extreme Precipitation Events

Quantification of changing climatic regimes is essential for managing regional water resources systems. Climatic variations have resulted in intensified wet periods and frequent extreme precipitation events in the state of Texas. Our first research objective is to evaluate the total number of different degrees of wet periods and extreme precipitation events during four seasons in the last four decades: (i) Winter Season: December to February, (ii) Spring Season: March to May, (iii) Summer Season: June to August, and (iv) Autumn Season: September to November. A 3–month time–scale Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) is employed to obtain the hydrometeorological trends for regional wet periods. One–day extreme precipitation events of the order of respective SPI threshold recurrence intervals are extracted using an appropriately fitted probability distribution. Further, much of the literature evaluates the impact of the varying state of global–scale climatic cycles on the intensified regional hydrometeorologic cycle of Texas. Therefore, in our second research objective we aim to quantify the impact of five major Atlantic and Pacific Ocean based Climatic Cycles: (i) Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), (ii) North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), (iii) Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), (iv) Pacific North American Pattern (PNA), and (v) Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), on annual precipitation extremes in Texas, using a unique weighted correlation approach incorporating Leave–One–Out–Test (LOOT). The Cold and Warm Desert/Semi–Arid climate regions are found to be influenced by the NAO, whereas extreme precipitation regimes in the Humid Sub–Tropical climate region are affected by the variations in the AMO. Our third research objective is to determine the sensitivity of annual precipitation extremes with changing states of both warm and cold phases of the most correlated climatic cycles. Sensitivity analyses showcase that extreme precipitation events in both Cold and Warm Desert/Semi–Arid climate regions are not sensitive to the NAO, however, in the case of Humid Sub–Tropical climate region, the AMO drives the temporal variability of annual precipitation extremes. Results of this study coupled with reliable long–term forecasts of climatic cycles will help prepare regional water boards for scenarios of excess precipitation and extreme hydrometeorologic events in a changing climate

An Infrastructure for the Analysis of Communication Patterns in Virtual Topologies

The virtual topology of a parallel application is the neighborhood relationship between communicating processes developed due to specific communication patterns resulting from domain decomposition. We present an infrastructure that allows the usage of topological information for the performance analysis of a parallel application. For this purpose we have implemented an easy to use extension of the KOJAK performance analysis toolkit. The KOJAK toolkit defines communication patterns for parallel applications which describe inefficient behavior. The performance analysis is carried out by calculating the effect of these inefficiency patterns on the application\u27s performance. The distribution of these inefficiency patterns is studied across a three-dimensional performance space. The knowledge of virtual topology can be exploited to explain the occurrence of these inefficiency patterns in terms of higher-level events related to the parallel algorithm implemented in the application. Also, it can be used to visualize the relationships between pattern occurrences and the topological characteristics of the affected processes, To prove these principles, we have used our extensions to KOJAK to analyze two realistic MPI applications

Modified version of open TASEP with dynamic defects

We propose a modification to the study of site-wise dynamically disordered totally asymmetric simple exclusion process (TASEP). Motivated by the process of gene transcription, a study in ref. \cite{waclaw2019totally} introduced an extension of TASEP, where the defects (or obstacles) bind/un-bind dynamically to the sites of the lattice and the hopping of the particles on lattice faces a hindrance if the arrival site is occupied by an obstacle. In addition, the particle is only allowed to enter the lattice provided the first site is defect-free. In our study, we propose that the particle movement at the entry of the lattice must face an equal hindrance that is provided by the obstacles to the rest of the particles on the lattice. For open boundaries, the continuum mean-field equations are derived and solved numerically to obtain steady-state phase diagrams and density profiles. The presence of obstacles produces a shift in the phase boundaries obtained but the same three phases as obtained for the standard TASEP. Contrary to the model introduced in ref. \cite{waclaw2019totally}, the idea to introduce the modification at the entrance shows that the limiting case $p_d \rightarrow 1$ converges to the standard TASEP, where $p_d$ refers to the affected hopping rate due to presence of obstacle. The mean-field solutions are validated using extensive Monte Carlo simulations

Assessment of the effect of organic amendments on soil properties and yield of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The study assessed the effects of organic amendments on the yield of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) cv. Pusa Purple Cluster and soil properties. The study was carried out during two consecutive kharif seasons - 2018 and 2019. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design, with three replications and eight treatments (T1: Absolute control, T2: FYM (Farm yard manure) @10 t/ha, T3: Vermicompost (VC) @5 t/ha, T4: FYM @5 t/ha + VC @2.5 t/ha, T5: Beejamrit + Jeevamrit, T6: FYM @10 t/ha + Beejamrit + Jeevamrit, T7: VC @5 t/ha + Beejamrit + Jeevamrit, T8: FYM @5t/ha + VC @2.5 t/ha + Beejamrit + Jeevamrit). Treatment T7 (application of vermicompost at 5 t/ha in conjunction with Beejamrit and Jeevamrit) showed the most significant impact on the growth of Solanum. The plants attained the highest yield and biomass in this treatment, where the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content was highest. The plants of the treatment T7 also showed high uptake of nutrients such as N, P and K. Results of the benefit-cost analysis indicated that plants of treatment of T7 gave maximum net return and gross income. The addition of organic supplements improved soil health and increased plant resistance to biotic stressors along with increasing crop productivity. The findings of the study highlighted the significance of organic nutrient management in sustainable agriculture. Restoration of the organic content of soil can prove as an effective approach for getting high productivity. Therefore, this strategy can be recommended for brinjal farming systems as it preserves soil fertility and ensures high crop growth and productivity

Necrotizing Fasciitis Secondary to Aeromonas

This report describes a case of necrotizing fasciitis presenting with septic shock due to an Aeromonas infection. The patient cut his foot while mowing the lawn and then spent time in a pool with black mold. He began feeling ill and developed swelling and a quarter-sized black area on his right lower extremity. Despite being hemodynamically unstable with systolic blood pressure in the low 70s, the patient was transferred to our facility from outside hospital 100 miles away. Upon arriving to facility, the patient appeared to be septic and the infected area of skin had grown. Irrigation and debridement were performed and appropriate antibiotic therapy was given; however, the patient subsequently died on hospital day 8. On review of the literature, cases of necrotizing fasciitis due to Aeromonas infection have been treated successfully with the aforementioned therapy; however, there is high mortality associated with these infections, many times related to a delayed diagnosis. Our patient also had multiple poor prognostic factors including hepatic dysfunction and immunosuppression

Prevalence and clinical significance of electrocardiographic complete right bundle branch block in young individuals

Aims There is limited information on the clinical significance of complete right bundle branch block (CRBBB) in young individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and significance of CRBBB in a large cohort of young individuals aged 14–35 years old. Methods and results From 2008 to 2018, 104,369 consecutive individuals underwent cardiovascular assessment with a health questionnaire, electrocardiogram, clinical consultation, and selective echocardiography. Follow-up was obtained via direct telephone consultations. Mean follow-up was 7.3 ± 2.7 years. CRBBB was identified in 154 (0.1%) individuals and was more prevalent in males compared with females (0.20 vs. 0.06%; P < 0.05) and in athletes compared with non-athletes (0.25 vs. 0.14%; P < 0.05). CRBBB-related cardiac conditions were identified in seven (5%) individuals (four with atrial septal defect, one with Brugada syndrome, one with progressive cardiac conduction disease, and one with atrial fibrillation). Pathology was more frequently identified in individuals with non-isolated CRBBB compared with individuals with isolated CRBBB (14 vs. 1%; P < 0.05) and in individuals with a QRS duration of ≥130 ms compared with individuals with a QRS of <130 ms (10 vs. 1%; P < 0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of CRBBB in young individuals was 0.1% and was more prevalent in males and in athletes. CRBBB-related conditions were identified in 5% of individuals and were more common in individuals with non-isolated CRBBB and more pronounced intraventricular conduction delay (QRS duration of ≥130 ms). Secondary evaluation should be considered for young individuals with CRBBB with symptoms, concerning family history, additional electrocardiographic anomalies, or significant QRS prolongation (≥130 ms)

Global, regional, and national age-sex-specific mortality and life expectancy, 1950–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Background: Assessments of age-specific mortality and life expectancy have been done by the UN Population Division, Department of Economics and Social Affairs (UNPOP), the United States Census Bureau, WHO, and as part of previous iterations of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD). Previous iterations of the GBD used population estimates from UNPOP, which were not derived in a way that was internally consistent with the estimates of the numbers of deaths in the GBD. The present iteration of the GBD, GBD 2017, improves on previous assessments and provides timely estimates of the mortality experience of populations globally. Methods: The GBD uses all available data to produce estimates of mortality rates between 1950 and 2017 for 23 age groups, both sexes, and 918 locations, including 195 countries and territories and subnational locations for 16 countries. Data used include vital registration systems, sample registration systems, household surveys (complete birth histories, summary birth histories, sibling histories), censuses (summary birth histories, household deaths), and Demographic Surveillance Sites. In total, this analysis used 8259 data sources. Estimates of the probability of death between birth and the age of 5 years and between ages 15 and 60 years are generated and then input into a model life table system to produce complete life tables for all locations and years. Fatal discontinuities and mortality due to HIV/AIDS are analysed separately and then incorporated into the estimation. We analyse the relationship between age-specific mortality and development status using the Socio-demographic Index, a composite measure based on fertility under the age of 25 years, education, and income. There are four main methodological improvements in GBD 2017 compared with GBD 2016: 622 additional data sources have been incorporated; new estimates of population, generated by the GBD study, are used; statistical methods used in different components of the analysis have been further standardised and improved; and the analysis has been extended backwards in time by two decades to start in 1950. Findings: Globally, 18·7% (95% uncertainty interval 18·4–19·0) of deaths were registered in 1950 and that proportion has been steadily increasing since, with 58·8% (58·2–59·3) of all deaths being registered in 2015. At the global level, between 1950 and 2017, life expectancy increased from 48·1 years (46·5–49·6) to 70·5 years (70·1–70·8) for men and from 52·9 years (51·7–54·0) to 75·6 years (75·3–75·9) for women. Despite this overall progress, there remains substantial variation in life expectancy at birth in 2017, which ranges from 49·1 years (46·5–51·7) for men in the Central African Republic to 87·6 years (86·9–88·1) among women in Singapore. The greatest progress across age groups was for children younger than 5 years; under-5 mortality dropped from 216·0 deaths (196·3–238·1) per 1000 livebirths in 1950 to 38·9 deaths (35·6–42·83) per 1000 livebirths in 2017, with huge reductions across countries. Nevertheless, there were still 5·4 million (5·2–5·6) deaths among children younger than 5 years in the world in 2017. Progress has been less pronounced and more variable for adults, especially for adult males, who had stagnant or increasing mortality rates in several countries. The gap between male and female life expectancy between 1950 and 2017, while relatively stable at the global level, shows distinctive patterns across super-regions and has consistently been the largest in central Europe, eastern Europe, and central Asia, and smallest in south Asia. Performance was also variable across countries and time in observed mortality rates compared with those expected on the basis of development. Interpretation: This analysis of age-sex-specific mortality shows that there are remarkably complex patterns in population mortality across countries. The findings of this study highlight global successes, such as the large decline in under-5 mortality, which reflects significant local, national, and global commitment and investment over several decades. However, they also bring attention to mortality patterns that are a cause for concern, particularly among adult men and, to a lesser extent, women, whose mortality rates have stagnated in many countries over the time period of this study, and in some cases are increasing

Impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular testing in the United States versus the rest of the world

Objectives: This study sought to quantify and compare the decline in volumes of cardiovascular procedures between the United States and non-US institutions during the early phase of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the care of many non-COVID-19 illnesses. Reductions in diagnostic cardiovascular testing around the world have led to concerns over the implications of reduced testing for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Methods: Data were submitted to the INCAPS-COVID (International Atomic Energy Agency Non-Invasive Cardiology Protocols Study of COVID-19), a multinational registry comprising 909 institutions in 108 countries (including 155 facilities in 40 U.S. states), assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on volumes of diagnostic cardiovascular procedures. Data were obtained for April 2020 and compared with volumes of baseline procedures from March 2019. We compared laboratory characteristics, practices, and procedure volumes between U.S. and non-U.S. facilities and between U.S. geographic regions and identified factors associated with volume reduction in the United States. Results: Reductions in the volumes of procedures in the United States were similar to those in non-U.S. facilities (68% vs. 63%, respectively; p = 0.237), although U.S. facilities reported greater reductions in invasive coronary angiography (69% vs. 53%, respectively; p < 0.001). Significantly more U.S. facilities reported increased use of telehealth and patient screening measures than non-U.S. facilities, such as temperature checks, symptom screenings, and COVID-19 testing. Reductions in volumes of procedures differed between U.S. regions, with larger declines observed in the Northeast (76%) and Midwest (74%) than in the South (62%) and West (44%). Prevalence of COVID-19, staff redeployments, outpatient centers, and urban centers were associated with greater reductions in volume in U.S. facilities in a multivariable analysis. Conclusions: We observed marked reductions in U.S. cardiovascular testing in the early phase of the pandemic and significant variability between U.S. regions. The association between reductions of volumes and COVID-19 prevalence in the United States highlighted the need for proactive efforts to maintain access to cardiovascular testing in areas most affected by outbreaks of COVID-19 infection

Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 354 diseases and injuries for 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Background: The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017 (GBD 2017) includes a comprehensive assessment of incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) for 354 causes in 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2017. Previous GBD studies have shown how the decline of mortality rates from 1990 to 2016 has led to an increase in life expectancy, an ageing global population, and an expansion of the non-fatal burden of disease and injury. These studies have also shown how a substantial portion of the world's population experiences non-fatal health loss with considerable heterogeneity among different causes, locations, ages, and sexes. Ongoing objectives of the GBD study include increasing the level of estimation detail, improving analytical strategies, and increasing the amount of high-quality data. Methods: We estimated incidence and prevalence for 354 diseases and injuries and 3484 sequelae. We used an updated and extensive body of literature studies, survey data, surveillance data, inpatient admission records, outpatient visit records, and health insurance claims, and additionally used results from cause of death models to inform estimates using a total of 68 781 data sources. Newly available clinical data from India, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Nepal, China, Brazil, Norway, and Italy were incorporated, as well as updated claims data from the USA and new claims data from Taiwan (province of China) and Singapore. We used DisMod-MR 2.1, a Bayesian meta-regression tool, as the main method of estimation, ensuring consistency between rates of incidence, prevalence, remission, and cause of death for each condition. YLDs were estimated as the product of a prevalence estimate and a disability weight for health states of each mutually exclusive sequela, adjusted for comorbidity. We updated the Socio-demographic Index (SDI), a summary development indicator of income per capita, years of schooling, and total fertility rate. Additionally, we calculated differences between male and female YLDs to identify divergent trends across sexes. GBD 2017 complies with the Guidelines for Accurate and Transparent Health Estimates Reporting. Findings: Globally, for females, the causes with the greatest age-standardised prevalence were oral disorders, headache disorders, and haemoglobinopathies and haemolytic anaemias in both 1990 and 2017. For males, the causes with the greatest age-standardised prevalence were oral disorders, headache disorders, and tuberculosis including latent tuberculosis infection in both 1990 and 2017. In terms of YLDs, low back pain, headache disorders, and dietary iron deficiency were the leading Level 3 causes of YLD counts in 1990, whereas low back pain, headache disorders, and depressive disorders were the leading causes in 2017 for both sexes combined. All-cause age-standardised YLD rates decreased by 3·9% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 3·1-4·6) from 1990 to 2017; however, the all-age YLD rate increased by 7·2% (6·0-8·4) while the total sum of global YLDs increased from 562 million (421-723) to 853 million (642-1100). The increases for males and females were similar, with increases in all-age YLD rates of 7·9% (6·6-9·2) for males and 6·5% (5·4-7·7) for females. We found significant differences between males and females in terms of age-standardised prevalence estimates for multiple causes. The causes with the greatest relative differences between sexes in 2017 included substance use disorders (3018 cases [95% UI 2782-3252] per 100 000 in males vs 1400 [1279-1524] per 100 000 in females), transport injuries (3322 [3082-3583] vs 2336 [2154-2535]), and self-harm and interpersonal violence (3265 [2943-3630] vs 5643 [5057-6302]). Interpretation: Global all-cause age-standardised YLD rates have improved only slightly over a period spanning nearly three decades. However, the magnitude of the non-fatal disease burden has expanded globally, with increasing numbers of people who have a wide spectrum of conditions. A subset of conditions has remained globally pervasive since 1990, whereas other conditions have displayed more dynamic trends, with different ages, sexes, and geographies across the globe experiencing varying burdens and trends of health loss. This study emphasises how global improvements in premature mortality for select conditions have led to older populations with complex and potentially expensive diseases, yet also highlights global achievements in certain domains of disease and injury