Assessment of Wet Season Precipitation in the Central United States by the Regional Climate Simulation of the WRFG Member in NARCCAP and Its Relationship with Large-Scale Circulation Biases

Assessment of past-climate simulations of regional climate models(RCMs)is important for understanding the reliability of RCMs when used to project future regional climate.Here,we assess the performance and discuss possible causes of biases in a WRF-based RCM with a grid spacing of 50 km,named WRFG,from the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program(NARCCAP)in simulating wet season precipitation over the Central United States for a period when observational data are available.The RCM reproduces key features of the precipitation distribution characteristics during late spring to early summer,although it tends to underestimate the magnitude of precipitation.This dry bias is partially due to the model’s lack of skill in simulating nocturnal precipitation related to the lack of eastward propagating convective systems in the simulation.Inaccuracy in reproducing large-scale circulation and environmental conditions is another contributing factor.The too weak simulated pressure gradient between the Rocky Mountains and the Gulf of Mexico results in weaker southerly winds in between,leading to a reduction of warm moist air transport from the Gulf to the Central Great Plains.The simulated low-level horizontal convergence fields are less favorable for upward motion than in the NARR and hence,for the development of moist convection as well.Therefore,a careful examination of an RCM’s deficiencies and the identification of the source of errors are important when using the RCM to project precipitation changes in future climate scenarios.

Temporal Variability of Tropospheric NO_(2)over Cities in the United States,Western Europe and China from 2005 to 2022

Anthropogenic Nitrogen oxides(NO_(x)=NO_(2)+NO)emissions are highly concentrated in urban area,and the weekly cycles,seasonal patterns and long-term trends of tropospheric NO_(2)columns over cities differ from region to region due to different emission sectoral compositions and human activities.In this study,we used satellite observed tropospheric NO_(2)column data to compare the longand short-term NO_(2)column density time series over cities in the United Sates(the U.S.),western Europe and China.The results showed that in all the targeted cities,the outbreak of the Corona Virus Disease in 2019(COVID-19)moved the December peak of the city-level NO_(2)columns forward to November and October or even earlier in 2020 and 2021.On weekly level,cities in the U.S.show the lowest NO_(2)columns ratio on weekend/work day,then come the western European cities,and a weak weekly pattern is seen in Chinese cities.For all the cites,we find a higher weekend/work day NO_(2)ratio in cold seasons than in warm seasons,indicating a higher contribution from NOx emission sectors of residential,industry and power plants in the warm seasons.In the long-term,NO_(2)columns over the U.S.and western European cities declined by a fraction twice that of the regional mean level from 2004 to 2021.In China,NO_(2)columns started to decrease since 2012,at a similar rate between the city and regional level.This work confirms the importance to quantify and control NOx emissions from cities.

Geologic characteristics,exploration and production progress of shale oil and gas in the United States:An overview

We present a systematic summary of the geological characteristics,exploration and development history and current state of shale oil and gas in the United States.The hydrocarbon-rich shales in the major shale basins of the United States are mainly developed in six geological periods:Middle Ordovician,Middle-Late Devonian,Early Carboniferous(Middle-Late Mississippi),Early Permian,Late Jurassic,and Late Cretaceous(Cenomanian-Turonian).Depositional environments for these shales include intra-cratonic basins,foreland basins,and passive continental margins.Paleozoic hydrocarbon-rich shales are mainly developed in six basins,including the Appalachian Basin(Utica and Marcellus shales),Anadarko Basin(Woodford Shale),Williston Basin(Bakken Shale),Arkoma Basin(Fayetteville Shale),Fort Worth Basin(Barnett Shale),and the Wolfcamp and Leonardian Spraberry/Bone Springs shale plays of the Permian Basin.The Mesozoic hydrocarbon-rich shales are mainly developed on the margins of the Gulf of Mexico Basin(Haynesville and Eagle Ford)or in various Rocky Mountain basins(Niobrara Formation,mainly in the Denver and Powder River basins).The detailed analysis of shale plays reveals that the shales are different in facies and mineral components,and"shale reservoirs"are often not shale at all.The United States is abundant in shale oil and gas,with the in-place resources exceeding 0.246×10^(12)t and 290×10^(12)m^(3),respectively.Before the emergence of horizontal well hydraulic fracturing technology to kick off the"shale revolution",the United States had experienced two decades of exploration and production practices,as well as theory and technology development.In 2007-2023,shale oil and gas production in the United States increased from approximately 11.2×10^(4)tons of oil equivalent per day(toe/d)to over 300.0×10^(4)toe/d.In 2017,the shale oil and gas production exceeded the conventional oil and gas production in the country.In 2023,the contribution from shale plays to the total U.S.oil and gas production remained above 60%.The development of shale oil and gas has largely been driven by improvements in drilling and completion technologies,with much of the recent effort focused on“cube development”or“co-development”.Other efforts to improve productivity and efficiency include refracturing,enhanced oil recovery,and drilling of“U-shaped”wells.Given the significant resources base and continued technological improvements,shale oil and gas production will continue to contribute significant volumes to total U.S.hydrocarbon production.

Characteristics of patients with Wilson disease in the United States: An insurance claims database study

BACKGROUND Wilson disease(WD)is a progressive,potentially fatal degenerative disease affecting the liver and central nervous system.Given its low prevalence,collecting data on large cohorts of patients with WD is challenging.Comprehensive insur-ance claims databases provide powerful tools to collect retrospective data on large numbers of patients with rare diseases.AIM To describe patients with WD in the United States,their treatment and clinical outcome,using a large insurance claims database.METHODS This retrospective,longitudinal study was performed in the Clarivate Real-World Data Product database.All patients with≥2 claims associated with an Interna-tional Classification of Diseases 10(ICD-10)diagnostic code for WD(E83.01)between 2016 and 2021 were included and followed until death or study end.Patients were divided into two groups by whether or not they were documented to have received a specific treatment for WD.Clinical manifestations,hospital-isations,liver transplantation and death were documented.RESULTS Overall,5376 patients with an ICD-10 diagnostic code for WD were identified.The mean age at inclusion was 41.2 years and 52.0%were men.A specific WD treatment was documented for 885 patients(15.1%),although the number of patients taking zinc salts may be underestimated due to over the counter purchase.At inclusion,the mean age of patients with a documented treatment was 36.6±17.8 years vs 42.2±19.6 years in those without a documented treatment.During follow-up,273 patients(5.1%)died.Compared with the American general population,the standardised mortality ratio was 2.19.The proportion of patients with a documented WD-specific treatment who died during follow-up was 4.0%and the mean age at death 52.7 years.CONCLUSION Patients treated for WD in the United States had an excess early mortality compared with the American population.These findings indicate that there is a significant unmet need for effective treatment for WD in the United States.

Travel-Limiting Disabilities in the United States: Why Accessibility Matters?

This study evaluates the distribution of travel-limiting disabilities across genders and geographic locations in the United States. This study aims to describe and compare the socioeconomic and demographic variables of the people with and without travel-limiting disabilities across geographic locations and gender. The study further evaluates the trip purpose and impact of Covid-19 fourth wave pandemic on the use of public transit and travel to physical workplace for the people with and without travel-limiting disabilities across gender and geographic locations. The study uses the 2022 weighted National Household Travel Survey dataset and employs descriptive statistics. Results reaffirm the findings from previous literature that there are more people with travel-limiting disabilities in urban areas and among women. Over 50 percent of people aged 65 and above have a form of travel-limiting disabilities. The most trip for people with travel-limiting disabilities is made for shopping and medical purposes. Across all categories, rural areas, urban areas, male and female for the people without travel-limiting disabilities, COVID-19 fourth wave did not change the pattern of trips made to physical workplace as pre-COVID-19 era. This pattern is also observable for the people with travel-limiting disabilities in rural and urban areas. Females with travel-limiting disabilities reported making less trips to physical workplaces while male reported doing the same as before COVID-19 era. The study concludes that the quantification of travel-limiting disabilities across geographic location and gender is vital in disability study and could drive policy implementation for improved accessibility for the vulnerable population.

Maternal Mortality Rates among Im/Migrant Populations in the United States

Introduction: Maternal mortality rates have more than doubled in the U.S over the last two decades, making it one of the few places in the world where maternal mortality is increasing. Differences in maternal mortality among certain races and ethnicities are known but few studies examine maternal mortality among immigrants. Since immigrants represent 13.7% of the U.S. population, it is essential to examine immigrant subsets to understand maternal mortality among this vulnerable population. Methods: A literature search identified 318 articles on maternal mortality and immigrants, with 12 articles from the U.S. The keywords included maternal mortality, United States, migrants, asylum seekers, immigrants, and disparities. Maternal mortality statistics were obtained from the World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control. Results: Studies analyzed in this review found an overall lower maternal mortality rate among immigrant women compared to U.S.-born women, except for Hispanic immigrant women. Black women had the highest maternal mortality rate, regardless of immigration status. Conclusion: Although the literature points to lower maternal mortality among immigrants, the data is still somewhat mixed, making it challenging to draw comprehensive conclusions. Additional research examining maternal mortality among Im/migrants in the U.S. is needed to guide future training among healthcare professionals and policymakers.

Coping with the Impact of Climate Change: A Dive into Precision Agriculture in the United States

With the continued increase in the number of people that are food insecure globally, which could be increasing because of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, leading to reduction in international agribusinesses, coupled with drastic climate change exacerbating the problem of food insecurity, there is a constant need to come up with innovative approaches to solve this global issue. In this article, we articulated how precision agriculture can be a tool for ensuring food security in the United States. This study aims to reiterate the significance of precision agriculture in solving global food insecurity.

Nevada: the first state that fully legalized acupuncture and Chinese medicine in the Unites States——In memory of Arthur Steinberg, Yee Kung Lok and Jim Joyce who made it happen

1 Introduction In the United States, the largest groups of acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） practitioners settled and still remain in California and New York, as these two states historically have the largest, most concentrated Asian populations. The TCM practitioners originally worked in a legal gray-zone, sometimes even being treated as illegal practitioners by the local governments, since TCM licensing laws did not exist until late 1973[1]. The first legal acupuncture clinic was established in Washington, D.C. in 1972[2], but Nevada was the first state that passed a full practicing law for acupuncture and TCM[3]. Under- standing the legal history of acupuncture in the U.S. will help us to see the road ahead more clearly.

Evolution and impacts of the United States’Arctic strategy and China’s responses

On 7 October,2022,the Biden administration released an updated version of the National Strategy for the Arctic Region based on new developments in the Arctic region and global affairs.This strategy emphasizes traditional security issues in the Arctic,attaches great importance to climate governance in the region,and advocates for restoring American leadership through international cooperation.In view of the strong influence of the United States(U.S.)in the Arctic region,the changes of the U.S.Arctic strategy will inevitably have an impact on China’s scientific researchrights,economic interests,and governance rights in the Arctic region.To respond to the new situation brought about by the changes in the U.S.Arctic strategy,China should take the initiative to maintain positive relationships with all Arctic countries,and continue its active participation in Arctic affairs.

Epidemiology of shoulder dislocations presenting to United States emergency departments:An updated ten-year study

BACKGROUND Glenohumeral dislocation is a common injury that may predispose patients to chronic pain and instability.However,there is a paucity of current data available regarding the epidemiological trends of this injury.AIM To provide an updated,comparative assessment of the epidemiology of shoulder dislocations presenting to emergency departments in the United States.We also sought to analyze patient demographic risk factors and consumer products associated with dislocation events.METHODS Data were obtained from the national electronic injury surveillance system database for glenohumeral dislocations between 2012 and 2021.Incidence,age,sex,and injury characteristics were analyzed using weighted population statistics as well as incidence rates and 95%confidence intervals(CI).RESULTS In total,an estimated 773039 shoulder dislocations(CI:640598-905481)presented to emergency rooms across the United States during the study period.The annual incidence rate was 23.96 per 100000 persons and the average patient age at the time of injury was 37.1 years.Significantly more male patients sustained dislocations than female patients(537189,69.5%,vs 235834,30.5%,P<0.001).With regard to associated consumer products,sports and recreation equipment were involved in the highest proportion of incidents(44.31%),followed by home structures and construction materials(21.22%),and home furnishings,fixtures,and accessories(21.21%).Regarding product sub-groups,stairs,ramps,landings,floors was cited in the greatest number of cases(131745).CONCLUSION The national annual incidence rate of glenohumeral dislocations throughout the study period was approximately 23.92 per 100000 persons.Male adolescents sustained the highest proportion of dislocations,with a peak incidence in age group 15-20 years,predominantly secondary to participation in sporting and recreational activities.Conversely,women experienced a relatively consistent incidence of dislocation throughout their lifespan.After age 63,the incidence rate of dislocations in females was found to surpass that observed in males.

Unveiling transplantation research productivity of United States: A bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND The United States has witnessed significant advancements in the field of organ transplantation over the course of the last five decades,as demonstrated by a notable increase in the quantity of academic research.The presence of a highly dynamic research environment necessitates continuous evaluations to maintain the integrity and progress of the field.AIM To evaluate the total output and thematic emphasis of transplant research conducted in the United States.METHODS On January 10,2023,we conducted a bibliometric search of United States research output in transplantation journals from the Web of Science database's Science Citation Index Expanded.We excluded editorials,meeting abstracts,and other non-article types.We analyzed annual trends,authors,institutions,articles,keywords,and countries collaborating with the United States,using VOSviewer 1.6.18 to create figures and tables.RESULTS The United States published 25956 papers(3078 reviews and 22878 articles)representing 37.7%of the world's scientific output.Canada emerged as the top collaborator with the United States,co-authoring 1263 articles.Leading institutions in United States transplantation research were the University of Pittsburgh(1749 articles),Mayo Clinic(1605 articles),Harvard Medical School(1549 articles),and Johns Hopkins University(1280 articles).The top three keywords with over 2000 occurrences were"recipients,""survival,"and"outcomes,"indicating a focus on graft and recipient outcome markers by United States researchers.CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the United States leadership in organ transplantation research,contributing significantly to the global scientific output in this field.However,opportunities exist for fostering expansive partnerships,particularly with developing countries.This study provides valuable insights into the transplantation research landscape in the United States,emphasizing the importance of ongoing evaluations to maintain and propel advancements in this critical medical discipline.The results may facilitate future collaborations,knowledge exchange,and the pursuit of innovative solutions in the realm of organ transplantation.

Strategic Planning for Drug Regulatory Science in the United States and Its Enlightenments to China

Objective To study the strategic planning of drug regulatory science,the effectiveness and role of policy implementation in the United States so as to gain insights and make suggestions for further improving the strategic planning of drug regulatory science in China.Methods Literature research method and comparative research method were used to compare and analyze the strategic planning of regulatory science in China and the United States.Results and Conclusion Drawing on the US experience,China should set goals based on mission and vision and identify problems,knowledge gaps,and key areas,then concrete measures can be taken to advance regulatory science.

Comparison of the Evolution of Genetically Modified Food Safety Policies between the United States and the European Union

With the research on and development of Genetically Modified Food （GMF）, people＇s attitude toward GMF may fall into two divergent categories, typical- ly represented by the United States（US） and the European Union（EU）, respectively. The former follows a ＂sound science principle＂ and firmly objects to the precautionary principle, namely a permissive policy of positive support of and voluntary labelling on GMF; while the latter adopts a cautiously precautionary principle, requiring mandatory labelling and traceability. From the standpoint of regulatory principles, together with corresponding supervisory measures and relevant provisions, this paper compared the execution of directives and provisions on GMF from the initial policies enacted by the US and EU to current situation combined with the track and analysis of latest polic ies issued.

Indonesia's China Policy in the Context of Major-Country Rivalry

In recent years, with the intensification of major-country rivalry and the profound changes in the global geopolitical landscape, Southeast Asia has become a focal point for the world's major countries vying for influence. Since the inauguration of the Biden administration, which inherited its predecessor's “Indo–Pacific” strategy, the United States has spared no effort to woo Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia, pressuring them to take sides. Against such a backdrop, Indonesia has strengthened cooperation with the United States while enhancing relations with China. Based on its traditional “free and active” foreign policy, Indonesia insists on deepening ties with China in spite of pressure from the United States. Given the victory of Prabowo Subianto, currently Indonesian Defense Minister, in the 2024 presidential election, China and Indonesia are expected to maintain the momentum of their friendly cooperation, which will however face strong headwinds such as American interference, tensions in the South China Sea, and changes in Indonesian politics.

美国两党对台政策的差异及影响

In the context of the whole-of-government strategic approach the United States(US)currently applies toward China,the Democratic and Republican parties have reached a consensus on“using Taiwan to contain China,”compromising the integrity of the one-China policy and seriously eroding the political foundations of China–US relations.However,considerable differences persist between the two parties regarding Taiwan policy.The Republicans,as represented by Donald Trump,have appeared more radical and more straightforward,whereas the incumbent Biden administration of the Democratic Party has shown significant duplicity.Democrats in the US Congress have introduced relatively fewer Taiwan-related bills than their Republican counterparts;by comparison,some Republican lawmakers have even introduced resolutions calling for resuming“diplomatic ties”with Taiwan.The Taiwan policy gap between the Democratic and Republican parties mirrors their differences on China policy:liberal think tanks advocate for“strategic ambiguity”on Taiwan,but conservatives back“strategic clarity.”And the gap also ref lects the shifting lobbying priorities of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party.Looking ahead to the upcoming decade,the Democratic and Republican par ties will continue to compete to“support Taiwan,”thus rendering the Taiwan question even more dangerous.After 2024,if Democrats remain in power,they may hasten the“internationalization”of the Taiwan question;otherwise,if Republicans return to the White House and both chambers of Congress,China and the US may find their relationship even more confrontational.Although the political situation in Taiwan will very unlikely have any fundamental impact on the Taiwan Strait,it will,to a certain extent,influence the intensity of China–US rivalry.

Mistreatment during Childbirth: Impact on Maternal Outcomes and Importance of Provider Perspectives

Background: Dying in childbirth is one of the most common causes of death for women. While maternal mortality rates, defined as deaths per 100,000 live births, have been steadily dropping in most countries worldwide, maternal mortality rates have doubled in the United States in the last twenty years. This commentary examines the various contributing factors to this trend. Methods: A literature review was performed using the keywords: maternal mortality, United States, disrespectful maternity care, obstetric violence, provider perspectives, and disparities. Maternal mortality statistics were obtained from the World Health Organization website. Results: Medical factors associated with maternal mortality include increased maternal age and cardiovascular conditions. Social factors include barriers to healthcare access, delays in receiving medical care, reduction in reproductive health services in some states, and non-obstetrical deaths such as accidents, domestic violence, and suicide. Racial inequities and disparities of care are reflected in higher maternal mortality rates for minorities and people of color. Disrespectful maternity care or obstetric violence has been reported worldwide as a factor in delay of lifesaving obstetrical care and reluctance by a pregnant person to access the healthcare system. About one in five US women has reported experiencing mistreatment, varying from verbal abuse to lack of privacy, from coerced procedures to neglect during childbirth. Conclusion: This commentary highlights the importance of inclusion of providers in research on respectful maternity care. Provider burnout, moral distress, limited time, and burden of clinical responsibilities are known challenges to respectful and comprehensive medical care. The association of disrespectful care with poor maternal outcomes needs to be studied. Exploring root causes of disrespectful childbirth care can empower nurses, midwives, and physicians to improve their environment and find solutions to reduce a potential cause of maternal mortality.

A Comparative Study of the Value Orientations of Foreign Language Education Policies in China and the United States in the 21st Century

Since the 21 st century, both Chinese Mainland and the United States have formulated foreign language education policiesbased on their national needs. This paper makes a comparative study of the value orientations of foreign language education poli-cies in Chinese Mainland and the United States in the 21 st century and finds that both China and the United States have regardedtheir national interests as the essential value orientation of their foreign language education policies. To be specific,the core valueorientation of foreign language education policies in China is to enhance its cultural soft power.In contrast,the core value orienta-tion of foreign language education policies in the United States is to safeguard its national security. Through the comparison of thedifferent value orientations of foreign language education policies of the two countries, the paper provides some reference for the for-eign language education policy-making in Chinese Mainland.

Dr. Ralph Coan: a hero in establishing acupuncture as a profession in the United States

1 Introduction Dr. Ralph Coan is not well known to the general public. Originally, we had wanted to interview him as he was the medical director of the first acupuncture center in the United States that opened in the early 1970s. We wanted to know more about that center＇s history. Prior to visiting Dr. Coan, we found an article written by Dr. Sherman Cohn that mentioned Dr. Coan. The article noted that Dr. Coan was the founder of the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, which is the national association of acupuncturists and Chinese medicine practitioners in the United States.

Factors associated with nursing students' willingness to care for older adults in Korea and the United States

Objective: Elderly health care needs increase and nurses' role for elderlies is vital.It is significant to identify nursing students' intention to care for elderlies.Thus,this study investigated nursing students' willingness to care for elderlies in Korea and the United States.Methods: The study was conducted with 437 undergraduate nursing students from Korea and the United States from May 25 to 31,2018.Participants completed a survey including frequency and quality of contact,anxiety about aging,empathy,attitude toward elderly,and willingness to care.Results: Study findings from the entire group showed that nursing students' willingness to care for the elderly was positively associated with contact quality (β =0.22,P<0.001) and empathy (β =0.12,P 0.009) but negatively associated with anxiety about aging (β =0.23,P < 0.001) and attitude toward the elderly (β =0.14,P =0.004).Contact quality (β=0.30,P < 0.001) was positively associated with the willingness to care in Korean students,whereas extended family living type (β =-0.15,P=0.012) and attitude toward the elderly (β =-0.18,P=0.005) negatively associated in US students.Conclusion: This study suggested that nursing educators reinforce contact quality and empathy but reduce anxiety about aging and attitude toward elderly to enhance future nurses' care quality.

Comparison of RN licensure examination: China and the United States

Having the two largest nursing workforces across the globe,both China and the United States have implemented licensure examinations to standardize the qualifications of registered nurse.China established the National Nursing Licensure Examination(NNLE)in 1995.Like the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses(NCLEX-RN)in the United States,the NNLE has become an important link in the nurse registration process and contributed a lot in quality assurance and development of nursing profession.It may be necessary for the NNLE to learn from NCLEX-RN in several aspects,including increasing the frequency of exam,providing examinees with individualized services,and continuing reforming exam content and format.By better aligning the content and format of the examination with the current nursing paradigm and clinical requirements,nurses may enter the healthcare field better prepared to care for patients.Considering the magnitude of their nursing workforce,both China and the United States have great potential to serve as a role model for other developing countries as they look towards establishing national nursing education programs.As new policies around standardized nurse education in China take form,we urge that the NNLE be included alongside curricular reforms.As these reforms are implemented,continued research will be needed to evaluate the effectiveness of curriculum and licensure exam regulations upon nurse preparedness and quality of nursing care in China.