bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When does the Central Bank intervene the foreign exchange market? Estimating a time‐varying threshold intervention function
Authors: Hansen Erwin , Morales Marco
Published: November 2019

Foreign exchange interventions as an (implicit) policy instrument to stabilize prices in emerging economies with inflation targeting (IT) have gain attention among scholars and policy makers recently. Yet, it is not fully clear when and under which circumstances these interventions occur. In this article, we shed light on this topic by proposing an empirical methodology to identify the (unobservable) threshold function that defines the timing of interventions by Central Banks. We apply this methodology to Chile, a market‐oriented economy that despite combining an IT scheme and a free‐floating forex regime officially, has experienced occasional interventions.
Plants are more likely to be spiny at mid‐elevations in the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau, south‐western China
Authors: Song Bo , Sun Lu , Lev‐Yadun Simcha , Moles Angela T. , Zhang Shuang , Jiang Xuelong , Gao Yongqian , Xu Qi , Sun Hang
Published: November 2019

Aim

We tested the elevational herbivory defence hypothesis, which predicts that plants from low elevations are better defended than plants from higher elevations.

Location

The Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau in south‐western China—the world's highest plateau.

Taxon

Angiosperms.

Methods

We collated binary spinescence data for 10,622 angiosperm species ranging from 600 to 6,000 m a.s.l. Logistic regression was used to quantify the elevational pattern in spinescence. Because spinescence is thought to be especially effective against mammalian herbivores, we also quantified the association between spinescence and mammalian herbivore richness.

Results

We found a unimodal relationship between elevation and spinescence, with the highest proportion of spinescent species occurring at mid‐elevations. This unimodal relationship was present in perennial herbs, shrubs and trees, but not in annual herbs. Herbivorous mammal richness also showed a unimodal elevational pattern. A positive association between herbivorous mammal richness and the incidence of spinescent species suggests that elevational variation in herbivore pressure from mammals might drive elevational variation in spinescence.

Main Conclusions

Our findings further call into question the elevational herbivory defence hypothesis and shed new light on the potential causes of elevational gradients in plant diversity.
LncRNA HOXA11‐AS regulates calcium oxalate crystal–induced renal inflammation via miR‐124‐3p/MCP‐1
Authors: Li Yinhui , Yan Guiling , Zhang Jie , Chen Wei , Ding Tao , Yin Yupeng , Li Minghan , Zhu Yiqing , Sun Shuhan , Yuan Ji Hang , Guo Zhiyong
Published: November 2019

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been suggested to play an important role in a variety of diseases over the past decade. In a previous study, we identified a novel lncRNA, termed HOXA11‐AS, which was significantly up‐regulated in calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis. However, the biological function of HOXA11‐AS in CaOx nephrolithiasis remains poorly defined. Here, we demonstrated that HOXA11‐AS was significantly up‐regulated in CaOx nephrolithiasis both in vivo and in vitro. Gain‐/loss‐of‐function studies revealed that HOXA11‐AS inhibited proliferation, promoted apoptosis and aggravated cellular damage in HK‐2 cells exposed to calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM). Further investigations showed that HOXA11‐AS regulated monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1) expression in HK‐2 cell model of CaOx nephrolithiasis. In addition, online bioinformatics analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter assay results showed that miR‐124‐3p directly bound to HOXA11‐AS and the 3'UTR of MCP‐1. Furthermore, rescue experiment results revealed that HOXA11‐AS functioned as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate MCP‐1 expression through sponging miR‐124‐3p and that overexpression of miR‐124‐3p restored the inhibitory effect of proliferation, promotion effects of apoptosis and cell damage induced by HOXA11‐AS overexpression. Taken together, HOXA11‐AS mediated CaOx crystal–induced renal inflammation via the miR‐124‐3p/MCP‐1 axis, and this outcome may provide a good potential therapeutic target for nephrolithiasis.
MicroRNA‐29b‐3p suppresses oral squamous cell carcinoma cell migration and invasion via IL32/AKT signalling pathway
Authors: He Jianya , Ye Wen , Kou Ni , Chen Kang , Cui Bai , Zhang Xiaohong , Hu Shuhai , Liu Tingjiao , Kang Lan , Li Xiaojie
Published: November 2019

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is aggressive accompanied with poor prognosis. We previously isolated the most invasive cells resembling the invasive tumour front by microfluidic technology and explored their differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in our previous work. Here, we verified the miR‐29b‐3p as a guarder that suppressed migration and invasion of OSCC cells and was down‐regulated in the most invasive cells. Besides that, the invasion suppression role of miR‐29b‐3p was achieved through the IL32/AKT pathway. Thus, miR‐29b‐3p and IL32 might serve as therapeutic targets for blocking the progression and improving the outcome of OSCC.
EU Narratives of Regionalism Promotion to ASEAN: A Modest Turn?
Authors: Allison‐Reumann Laura
Published: November 2019

The promotion of regionalism is a long‐standing aim of EU foreign policy. This article argues that this aim also constitutes a strategic narrative of the EU, although it has not been framed as such thus far. The article assesses the EU's Asia policy using a strategic narrative framework, and relates this to the EU's relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It finds that the EU's promotion of regionalism narrative has changed over time, and that this change has primarily been triggered by the EU's reactions to ASEAN and the context of southeast Asian regionalism, and events closer to home, such as internal crises. However, it also finds that while the EU's narrative may have changed in response to the its own experiences, Brexit and other crises associated with the EU have not had a significant impact on how the EU's narrative is received, or on perceptions of the EU in ASEAN. This is primarily because ASEAN's perceptions of the EU have not always been aligned with the EU's promotion of regionalism narrative.
Ability of S100 proteins and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 to identify periodontitis in a ligature‐induced periodontitis dog model
Authors: Liu Mengmeng , Won Lee Jae , Jung Soyoung , Ji Suk , Choi Youngnim
Published: November 2019

Aims

The present study aimed to monitor the levels of selected salivary biomarkers during the development and treatment of periodontitis and to evaluate their ability to identify periodontitis in dogs.

Materials and methods

A total of 15 beagle dogs were divided into a control group (no ligature), group 1 (ligature on six teeth), and group 2 (ligature on 12 teeth). The experimental periods consisted of 8 weeks of periodontitis induction and 4 weeks of treatment. Clinical measurements and the sampling of saliva were performed every 4 weeks. The levels of S100A8, S100A9, S100A8/A9, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

All experimental animals and two control animals developed periodontitis, which was successfully treated. All salivary biomarkers were significantly increased in periodontitis with high diagnostic power (c‐index ≥ 0.944) and were able to identify animals with periodontitis on a single tooth. Whereas the levels of salivary S100A8/A9 recovered to levels in health, those of S100A8, S100A9, and MMP‐9 in periodontitis stability remained significantly higher than in health.

Conclusion

Salivary S100A8, S100A9, S100A8/A9, and MMP‐9 may be used for the screening of periodontitis in dogs, but with caution of other conditions that can affect their levels in saliva.
The Relationship Between Chronic Kidney Disease, Symptoms and Health‐Related Quality of Life: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yapa Harith Eranga , Purtell Louise , Chambers Shirley , Bonner Ann
Published: November 2019

Background

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience a wide range of symptoms due to reduced kidney function. As the disease progresses these symptoms become more burdensome and often negatively affect a person's health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Objective

To examine the evidence of symptoms and HRQoL in CKD stages 1–5 and the relationships between these.

Methods

Studies published in English from January 2008 to July 2018 using six databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and JBI Library) were searched.

Results

Thirteen studies were included in this review although only three had interventional designs. By considering symptom experience and HRQoL together, four studies found that HRQoL decreased when symptoms increased. Feeling washed out, fatigue and drowsiness were found to be the most common symptoms reported. Only two studies reported follow‐up measurements although six studied how symptoms change over time. None of the studies examined the change of symptoms over time across the different CKD stages. The majority of studies showed a decline in physical HRQoL and improvement in mental HRQoL over time. Nutritional and exercise interventions showed some improvements in symptom experience and HRQoL.

Conclusions

Only four studies were found that reported the relationship between symptoms and HRQoL of those with CKD. Of these, in view of symptom experience and HRQoL together, HRQoL decreased when symptoms increased. However, more research is warranted to establish a clear understanding of the relationship between symptoms and HRQoL in CKD to enable the design of appropriate interventions.
Effect of background color and shelters on female pigmentation in the ornamental red cherry shrimp Neocaridina davidi (Caridea, Atyidae)
Authors: Tomas Ana Laura , Sganga Daniela Eliana , López Greco Laura Susana
Published: November 2019

Neocaridina davidi, the “red cherry” shrimp, is becoming popular in trade markets because of the reddish coloration of females. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of background substrate color, and the presence of shelters on N. davidi female pigmentation and astaxanthin content. In the first experiment juveniles were assigned to one of three treatments: white, red, or black background substrate. After 90 days, females exposed to the black background showed higher astaxanthin content and relative carapace colored area than those exposed to white and red backgrounds. The second experiment evaluated the presence of shelters with white or black backgrounds. Juveniles were assigned to one of four treatments: white background with shelters (WS), white background without shelters (WWS), black background with shelters (BS), and black background without shelters (BWS). After 90 days the presence of shelters did not influence either the color nor total astaxanthin content. Females exposed to BWS and BS had higher astaxanthin content and relative carapace colored area than those exposed to WWS and WS. Growing N. davidi with black substrates could be a low cost and easy method to improve its economic value. Furthermore, this species could be cultivated as a pigment‐enriched food source for other aquatic species.
A statistical analysis of the H/L ratio of ordinary chondrite finds and falls: A comparison of Oman finds with other populations
Authors: Kouvatsis Ioannis , Hofmann Beda A.
Published: November 2019

Hot and cold deserts have been thoroughly searched for meteorites in the past decades, which has led to a large inventory of classified meteorites. H‐ and L‐chondrites are the most abundant meteorites in all collections, and many authors used the H/L ratio as a characteristic parameter in comparing meteorite populations. H/L ratios (after pairing) vary from 0.90 in observed falls up to 1.74 in El Médano (Atacama Desert). In this study, we investigate the H/L ratio of 965 unpaired H‐ and L‐chondrites collected in Oman and compare this population with observed falls and other hot desert collections. We find a mass dependence of the H/L ratio among hot desert finds and identify mechanisms such as fragmentation during weathering and fall that have an impact on the H/L ratio. We employ the Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Mann–Whitney U statistical tests to compare the mass distributions of H‐ and L‐chondrites and to test the relationship between the similarity of mass distributions and the H/L ratio. We conclude that the variations of the H/L ratios observed in various populations are a sampling artifact resulting from secondary effects and observational bias, expressed in differences of the H and L mass distributions which are not observed in falls, and not due to variations in H/L of the meteorite flux. The H/L ratio of 0.90 observed among recent falls is considered as most representative for the overall meteorite flux, at least since the Late Pleistocene.
Maternal folic acid supplementation and infant birthweight in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Jonker Hannah , Capelle Noa , Lanes Andrea , Wen Shi Wu , Walker Mark , Corsi Daniel J.
Published: November 2019

The relationship between maternal folic acid supplementation in pregnancy and infant birthweight has not been well described in low‐ and middle‐income countries. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the current evidence of the association between folic acid supplementation in pregnancy on three primary outcomes: the incidence of low birthweight, small for gestational age, and mean birthweight. Seventeen studies were identified, which satisfied the inclusion criteria, covering a total of 275,421 women from 13 cohort studies and four randomized controlled trials. For the primary outcome of mean birthweight (n = 9), the pooled mean difference between folic acid and control groups was 0.37 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24 to 0.50), and this effect was larger in the randomized controlled trials (0.56, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.97, n = 3). The pooled odds ratio was 0.59 for low birthweight (95% CI: 0.47 to 0.74, n = 10) among folic acid supplementation versus control. The pooled odds ratio for the association with small for gestational age was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.39 to 1.01, n = 5). Maternal folic acid supplementation in low‐ and middle‐income countries was associated with an increased mean birthweight of infants and decreases in the incidence of low birthweight and small for gestational age.
LGI1 antibody‐associated limbic encephalitis started from unilateral basal ganglia to medial temporal lobe and insula
Authors: Liu Xia , Omote Yoshio , Osakada Yosuke , Tadokoro Koh , Takemoto Mami , Hishikawa Nozomi , Yamashita Toru , Ohta Yasuyuki , Abe Koji
Published: November 2019

Leucine‐rich glioma‐inactivated 1 (LGI1) antibody‐associated limbic encephalitis is a rare autoimmune encephalitis. Here, we report a 39‐year‐old woman presented with generalized tonic‐clonic seizures, night delirium, bilateral upper limb tremor, and hyponatremia. Her symptoms did not improve with initial steroid therapy, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a progression of abnormalities from right basal ganglia to medial temporal lobe and insula. The presence of LGI1 antibodies in the patient's serum confirmed the clinical diagnosis. After the combined treatments of methylprednisolone, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin, her clinical symptoms resolved completely.
Genome‐wide association study for frost tolerance in rapeseed/canola (Brassica napus) under simulating freezing conditions
Authors: Wrucke Danielle F. , Talukder Zahirul I. , Rahman Mukhlesur
Published: November 2019

Rapeseed/canola seedlings can be easily damaged by spring frost, which can rupture the cells and kill the plant. Genetic variations for frost tolerance have known to exist within rapeseed/canola gene pool. A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using 231 diverged rapeseed/canola germplasm to find the significant markers of the freezing tolerance traits. The genotypes were obtained from 21 countries and comprised of spring, winter and semi‐winter growth types. The genotypes were evaluated in plant growth chamber under simulated freezing conditions. Highly significant genotypic variation was observed for the freezing tolerance. The best three freezing tolerant germplasms (Rubin, KSU‐10, and AR91004) were winter type, while the four most freezing susceptible germplasms (Polo Canada, Prota, Drakkar, and BO‐63) were all spring type. No geographical or growth habit type clusters were identified by structure analysis in this mixed population. One QTL was identified that was located on chromosome A02. Six freezing/abiotic stress tolerance genes have been identified in this study.
Introgression of resistance toAlternarialeaf spot from wild species into susceptible cultivated safflower
Authors: Kammili Anjani , Mandalapu Pallavi , Ponukumatla Bhavana , Ruvulapalli Durga Prasad , Sarada Chunduri
Published: November 2019

Alternarialeaf spot (ALS) caused byAlternaria carthamiChowdhury can cause yield loss up to 90% in safflower (Carthamus tinctoriusL.) under severe conditions. Even though a definite source of ALS resistance is not available in cultivated species, a few of the wild species,viz. C. palaestinusandC. lantaus,are known to be tolerant to ALS. Therefore, an attempt was made to introgressAlternariaresistance from these species into cultivated species. F1‐F8generations of crosses (PI537632 × C. palaestinus), (C. palaestinus × PI537632), (“Nira” × C. palaestinus) and ([MS 6(O) × C. lanatus] × C. palaestinus) were screened against ALS. ALS infection (%) was recorded in field and quantified using Windias Leaf Image Analysis system. Detached leaf technique was used in laboratory to confirm resistance in interspecific selections. Six resistant and 29 moderately resistant interspecific lines resembling mostly cultivated species were developed. Inheritance of ALS resistance indicated involvement of multiple minor alleles having small effects on resistance. The identified resistant lines could provide potential source of resistance to ALS for safflower breeding programmes.
Control of graft‐versus‐host disease with rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin, rituximab, and bortezomib in TCRαβ/CD19‐depleted graft transplantation for leukemia in children: a single‐center retrospective analysis of two GVHD‐prophylaxis regimens
Authors: Shekhovtsova Zhanna , Shelikhova Larisa , Balashov Dmitry , Zakharova Viktoria , Ilushina Maria , Voronin Kirill , Kurnikova Elena , Muzalevskii Yakov , Kazachenok Alexey , Pershin Dmitry , Novichkova Galina , Maschan Alexey , Maschan Michael
Published: November 2019

Both acute GVHD and chronic GVHD remain the leading cause of morbidity and death after allogeneic HSCT. We conducted a retrospective analysis comparing two GVHD‐prophylaxis regimens: 35 patients received “Regimen 1” (horse ATG, tacrolimus, and methotrexate) and 46 “Regimen 2” (rabbit ATG, rituximab, and peritransplant bortezomib). All 81 patients with a median age of 9 (0.6‐23) years with ALL (n = 31) or AML (n = 50) in complete remission received TCRαβ/CD19‐depleted transplants between May 2012 and October 2016, from 40 HLA‐matched unrelated and 41 haploidentical donors. After a median follow‐up of 3.9 years, the CI of acute GVHD II‐IV was 15% (95% CI: 7‐30) in the “Regimen 2” group and 34% (95% CI: −54) in the “Regimen 1” group, P = .05. “Regimen 2” was also more effective in the prevention of chronic GVHD; the CI at 1 year after HSCT was 7% (95% CI: 2‐19) vs 31% (95% CI: 19‐51), P = .005. The CI of relapse at 3 years adjusted for the GVHD‐prophylaxis regimen groups 31% (95% CI: 19‐51) for the “Regimen 1” vs 21% (95% CI: 11‐37) for the “Regimen 2”, P = .3. The retrospective observation suggests that the use of the rATG, rituximab, and bortezomib was associated with significantly lower rate of GVHD without the loss of anti‐leukemic activity.
Association between frailty and life satisfaction among older people in Shandong, China: the differences in age and general self‐efficacy
Authors: Qin Wenzhe , Xu Lingzhong , Sun Long , Li Jiajia , Ding Gan , Wang Qian , Zhang Jiao , Shao Hui
Published: November 2019

Background

Frailty and other functional declines may be related to life satisfaction (LS) in the general elderly population. This study aims to investigate the association between frailty and LS among older individuals (age ≥60) and the impacts of age and general self‐efficacy on the relationships.

Methods

Using data from the 2017 Survey of the Shandong elderly Family Health Service, a cross‐sectional study was conducted and 7070 older people aged 60+ were analysed. LS was measured using the Satisfaction with Life Scale. A Frailty Index (ranged 0~1) was determined as a proportion of accumulated deficits over 51 categories. General self‐efficacy was measured using the Chinese version of the General Self‐Efficacy Scale. Multiple weighted linear regression was used to examine possible relationships between the research variables.

Results

There was a negative association between frailty and LS. A dose–response‐type relationship between net income and LS was observed. The interaction between frailty and age was found to be significantly associated with LS. Frailty has a stronger negative impact on LS among the young‐old (60–69 years) than among the middle‐old (70–79 years) and old‐old (80+ years), which suggests a protective effect of ageing on LS reduction due to frailty. However, this protective effect was observed among individuals with low and medium level self‐efficacy.

Conclusions

The relationship between frailty and LS generally weaken with age. The higher level of general self‐efficacy may provide a partial buffer against the negative impact of frailty on LS. Interventions that target to prevent and manage frailty should consider being prioritised among the young‐old population. Development of self‐efficacy could serve as an important strategy to buffer the negative effect of frailty on LS among older people.
Autonomy and relatedness in early adolescent friendships as predictors of short‐ and long‐term academic success
Authors: Loeb Emily L. , Davis Alida A. , Costello Meghan A. , Allen Joseph P.
Published: November 2019

This study examined early adolescent autonomy and relatedness during disagreements with friends as key social competencies likely to predict academic achievement during the transition to high school and academic attainment into early adulthood. A sample of 184 adolescents was followed through age 29 to assess predictions to academic success from observed autonomy and relatedness during a disagreement task with a close friend. Observed autonomy and relatedness at age 13 predicted relative increases in grade point average (GPA) from 13 to 15, and greater academic attainment by age 29, after accounting for baseline GPA. Findings remained after accounting for peer acceptance, social competence, scholastic competence, externalizing and depressive symptoms, suggesting a key role for autonomy, and relatedness during disagreements in helping adolescents navigate challenges in the transition to high school and beyond.
Hyperspectral imaging combined with machine learning as a tool to obtain high‐throughput plant salt‐stress phenotyping
Authors: Feng Xuping , Zhan Yihua , Wang Qi , Yang Xufeng , Yu Chenliang , Wang Haoyu , Tang ZhiYu , Jiang Dean , Peng Cheng , He Yong
Published: November 2019

The rapid selection of salinity‐tolerant crops to increase food production in salinized lands is important for sustainable agriculture. Recently, high‐throughput plant phenotyping technologies have been adopted that use plant morphological and physiological measurements in a non‐destructive manner to accelerate plant breeding processes. Here, a hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technique was implemented to monitor the plant phenotypes of 13 okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) genotypes after 2 and 7 days of salt treatment. Physiological and biochemical traits, such as fresh weight, SPAD, elemental contents and photosynthesis‐related parameters, which require laborious, time‐consuming measurements, were also investigated. Traditional laboratory‐based methods indicated the diverse performance levels of different okra genotypes in response to salinity stress. We introduced improved plant and leaf segmentation approaches to RGB images extracted from HSI imaging based on deep learning. The state‐of‐the‐art performance of the deep‐learning approach for segmentation resulted in an intersection over union score of 0.94 for plant segmentation and a symmetric best dice score of 85.4 for leaf segmentation. Moreover, deleterious effects of salinity affected the physiological and biochemical processes of okra, which resulted in substantial changes in the spectral information. Four sample predictions were constructed based on the spectral data, with correlation coefficients of 0.835, 0.704, 0.609 and 0.588 for SPAD, sodium concentration, photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate, respectively. The results confirmed the usefulness of high‐throughput phenotyping for studying plant salinity stress using a combination of HSI and deep‐learning approaches.
Prospective evaluation of flow cytometric characteristics, histopathologic diagnosis and clinical outcome in dogs with naïve B‐cell lymphoma treated with a 19‐week CHOP protocol
Authors: Wolf‐Ringwall Amber , Lopez Lynelle , Elmslie Robyn , Fowler Brooke , Lori Janet , Sfiligoi Gabriella , Skope Anne , Arnold Erin , Hughes Kelly L. , Thamm Douglas H. , Ehrhart E. J. , Avery Anne C. , Lana Susan E.
Published: November 2019

Canine B‐cell lymphoma is a clinically heterogenous disease; however, it is generally treated as a single disease entity. The purpose of this clinical trial was to prospectively evaluate naïve canine B‐cell lymphoma patients using histopathology, flow cytometry (FC) and a standardized chemotherapy protocol to better define subsets of this disease that may respond differently to treatment. Sixty‐four dogs with naïve multicentric B‐cell lymphoma were treated with a standardized 19‐week CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) chemotherapy protocol. Most of the dogs (84.3%) were diagnosed with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), followed by nodal marginal zone (7.8%), small B‐cell (4.7%), Burkitt‐like (1.6%) and follicular lymphoma (1.6%). FC confirmed the diagnosis of B‐cell lymphoma in all cases. There were no clear phenotyping differences between the subtypes of B‐cell lymphoma detectable by our FC panel. The histologic subtypes in this study exhibited a range of forward scatter values on flow cytometry, but all of the DLBCL cases were higher than a value of 469, while the only cases with a lower forward scatter value were follicular lymphoma and diffuse small B‐cell lymphoma. Dogs with DLBCL had a significantly better objective response rate to the CHOP protocol (96.3%) than the non‐DLBCL subtypes (70%, P = .024). The median progression‐free survival time for patients with DLBCL (233 days) was significantly longer than that of all other histopathologic subgroups combined (163 days, P = .0005).
Molecular phylogeny and host‐plant use (Lamiaceae) of theThymogethespollen beetles (Coleoptera)
Authors: Sabatelli Simone , Liu Meike , Badano Davide , Mancini Emiliano , Trizzino Marco , Richard Cline Andrew , Endrestøl Anders , Huang Min , Audisio Paolo
Published: November 2019

The 24 members of the Euro‐Asiatic genusThymogethesare highly specialized pollen beetles associated as larvae with flowers of Lamiaceae Nepetoideae. All members of the genus were analysed in within the framework of an integrative taxonomy approach, which was aimed to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships, as well as the possible pattern of evolution of their larval‐host‐plant association. Evidence from multiple molecular markers [COI; 16S; H3], combined with an estimation of divergence times using an average rate of 0.0177 substitutions/site/My among branches, placed the origin of the genus at a minimum of 9–10 Mya. This date of origin approximates the known evolution of the host plants in Euro‐Mediterranean areas. Evidence from combined molecular and cladistic morphological analyses resulted in suitable agreement with the previously established morphology‐based systematics of the genus, although members of theexilisspecies‐group were split into three clades. The only disagreement between results of this new combined phylogeny and previous classification is in the exclusion of “Thymogethes”grenieri. This species is herein positioned outside the genus, based on molecular evidence. Our analysis depicts severalThymogethesspecies differentiating in the last few Mys, specifically those included in theT. lugubrisspecies‐group. Combined evidence from DNA, morphology and ancestral state parsimony reconstruction of larval‐host‐plant associations suggests that subtribe Menthinae likely represents the ancestral host plants, with a series of independent host shifts during the radiation of the clade, in association first with Menthinae and subsequently with Lavandulinae and Nepetinae. Steno‐oligophagy is the most frequent (86%) condition, while strictly monophagous species are less numerous (14%).
Fatwa & Sains Perubatan Moden Menurut Perspektif Maqasid Syariah (Fatwa & Modern Medical Sciences From The Perspective of Maqasid Syariah)
Authors: Rosman Arieff Salleh , Ahmad Fadzillah Nurrulhidayah , Haron Zulkiflee , Ripin Mohd Nasir , Hehsan Aminuddin , Jandra Mifedwil , Jamli Nor Azwa Omar
Published: November 2019

Modern medical science and technology innovates various treatment methods that require legal clarification in accordance with Islamic law. Fatwa institutions play a role in producing explanations and solutions that coincide with the objective of Islamic law (maqasid Syariah). Life preservation as one of the objective of Islamic law has a close relationship with medical science. The objective of this article is to analyze the relation of medical science with the the objective of Islamic law and to analyze the application of the objective of Islamic law in the modern fatwa related to medical sciences. This is a qualitative study using content analysis method. The findings show that medical science has a significant relationship with the achievement of the objective of Islamic law. Medical science based on Islamic law can fulfill the five basic needs that are the core of the objective of Islamic law. Medical science that cares for the health of individuals and societies help individuals and communities perform the perfect worship as well as the commitment of religious life with which it can safeguard muslim belief system. Medical science also safeguarding the safety of human life. Human intellect can only be maintained by practicing a healthy living culture. A healthy individual can build a healthy family and society to ensure the survival of human beings with which it can preserve the human descendants. Healthy community members can live productively to preserve their wealth.
Teknik Cerapan Anak Bulan: Satu Penelitian Literatur (Observation Techniques of Crescent: A Literature Review)
Authors: Wahid Khairussaadah , Mohd Nawawi Mohd Saiful Anwar , Man Saadan , Ahmad Nazhatulshima
Published: November 2019

Along with the development of technology, various observation techniques have been introduced to assist observers for crescent visibility. Hence, this study was conducted to review the literatures which are related with the techniques that have been used during the observation of crescent starting from Babylon era until now. The qualitative method has been used in this study to collect data based on library research. Then, the inductive method is used to analyse the data. The results from these literature reviews showed that many writings, ideas and discussions that are related with the techniques used during observations have been analyzed by scholars and academicians. Nevertheless, there is no specific study and discussion about these observation techniques for determining the crescent from Shariah perspective.
Three-Dimensional Modeling of Wave-Induced Seabed Response Around a Semi-Buried Pipeline: A Small-Scale Case
Authors: Zhu Jianfeng , Zhao Hongyi
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a three-dimensional integrated numerical model for a small-scale case of wave-induced oscillatory soil response around a semi-buried pipeline (PORO-WSSI-PIPE 3D) is proposed. In this model, we combine the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations for the 3D wave motions and the Biot’s consolidation equations for a porous elastic seabed foundation through pressure continuity at common boundaries, with pipeline being an elastic and impermeable medium. The computational results are validated through comparison with previous analytical solutions and laboratory wave flume tests, obtaining good agreement. Following validation, the numerical model is applied to simulate wave-seabed-pipeline interaction with different obliquities between pipeline and incident wave, varying from 30 deg to 90 deg. Snapshots of wave-seabed-pipeline interaction, as well as dynamic pore pressure distributions at typical locations in the vicinity of a semi-buried pipeline, are obtained and analyzed. The three-dimensional consolidation process of seabed under gravitational forces including the body forces of a pipeline is also discussed.
Design of Mooring Solutions and Array Systems for Point Absorbing Wave Energy Devices—Methodology and Application
Authors: Ringsberg Jonas W. , Jansson Hanna , Örgård Martin , Yang Shun-Han , Johnson Erland
Published: November 2019

Most of the ocean energy technologies are considered to be in a pre-commercial phase and need technical development. This study focuses on the design of mooring solutions and compares array systems of a specific floating point-absorbing wave energy converter (WEC) developed by the company Waves4Power. A full-scale prototype of the WEC is installed in Runde (Norway) where it is moored with three polyester mooring lines, each having one floater and one gravity anchor. Based on this reference installation, the method of systems engineering was used to propose 22 conceptual mooring solutions for different array systems. They were compared and reduced to four top concepts in a systematic elimination procedure using Pugh and Kesselring matrices. The top concepts were assessed in detail by means of levelized cost of energy (LCOE), life cycle analysis (LCA), and risk analyses. The fatigue life of the mooring lines and the energy capture were calculated using results obtained from coupled hydrodynamic and structure response analyses in the dnv-gl deepc software. Two final concepts were proposed for the water depths 75 and 200 m.
Integrity Management of Offshore Structures With Emphasis on Design for Structural Damage Tolerance
Authors: Moan Torgeir
Published: November 2019

Based on relevant accident experiences with oil and gas platforms, structural integrity management of offshore structures is briefly outlined, including adequate design criteria, fabrication and operational procedures, as well as life cycle quality assurance and control. The focus is on developing an operational design standard for accidental collapse limit states to ensure robustness or damage tolerance. The focus is to ensure an acceptable safety level against progressive failure leading to total loss in view of initial damage caused by accidental actions due to operational errors and abnormal structural damage due to fabrication errors and abnormal deterioration during operation as well as the actions on the damaged structure and inherent uncertainties. Moreover, the damage tolerance required for achieving safety by inspection, monitoring and repair strategies, is briefly addressed. While the basic damage tolerance requirement refers to the survival of the structure in certain damage conditions, wider aspects of robustness in terms of the structure’s sensitivity to the deviation of action effects and resistances from normal conditions are also briefly addressed. In particular, it is suggested to provide robustness in cases where the structural performance is sensitive to uncertain parameters, by choosing conservative values of these parameters.
Structural Reliability of Oil Tanker in the Adriatic Sea Damaged in Collision and Exposed to Combined Bending Moments
Authors: Ćorak Maro , Parunov Joško
Published: November 2019

The aim of the paper is the assessment of structural reliability of oil tanker, damaged in collision accident in the Adriatic Sea and exposed to combined, horizontal, and vertical bending moments. Damage size is assumed based on the direct numerical simulation of the ship–ship collision. This is justified for some specific sea environments, as the Adriatic Sea, where ship sailing routes and representative ship types involved in accidents are known, so possible collision scenarios may be reasonably predicted. Residual bending moment capacity under combined bending moments (CBM) is calculated using regression equations developed based on non-linear finite element analysis. Still-water vertical bending moments are obtained by damage stability analysis for different collision scenarios that are generated by Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Vertical and horizontal wave bending moments are determined by short-term response analysis of damaged ship in the Adriatic Sea, using transfer functions obtained by 3D panel hydrodynamic method. Monte Carlo time simulations are performed in order to study probabilistic load combination (LC) considering randomness of the wave process due to different phase angles. Limit state function is defined using interaction equation for damaged ship exposed to combined bending moments. Safety indices are calculated by FORM for each damage scenario by using Turkstra's rule for load combination of vertical and horizontal wave bending moments. Such an approach enables to determine the safety indices for the most frequent damages and also to reveal the most critical situations resulting in the lowest safety indices.
Thermal-Fluid-Solid Coupling in Thermal Characteristics Analysis of Rolling Bearing System Under Oil Lubrication
Authors: Hao Xu , Yun Xianghe , Han Qingkai
Published: November 2019

It is necessary to use the thermal network method for thermal analysis of the bearing, but there are still some shortcomings. In this paper, a novel thermal network model of the bearing transient temperature is developed considering the thermal-fluid-solid coupling effects. First, the quasi-static analysis of the bearing is carried out considering the thermal expansion effect, and the heat generation, heat transfer, and heat dissipation are studied. Then, the coupling effects between the oil characteristics, heat generation, structure parameters, and temperature (thermal-fluid-solid) during the operation of the bearing are discussed, and the transient thermal network model of the bearing-shaft-bearing housing system is established. Test results indicate that the existing models (without thermal-fluid-solid coupling) have large temperature deviation, while the proposed model in this paper considering the thermal-fluid-solid coupling effects is much more accurate. Finally, the effects of rotational speed, load, oil temperature, and oil flowrate on the temperature rise are all achieved and discussed.
Experimental Investigation on Two-Body Abrasion of Cast Aluminum–Alumina Composites: Influence of Abrasive Size and Reinforcement Content
Authors: Sardar Santanu , Karmakar Santanu Kumar , Das Debdulal
Published: November 2019

The occurrence of abrasion is inevitable in most engineering systems. Abrasive wear specifically two-body causes higher material and dimensional loss than other modes of wear. Two-body abrasion is yet to be fully comprehended as it is governed by several intrinsic and extrinsic variables. In this article, tribo-performances of Al-composites were experimentally studied with specific emphasis on the role of abrasive size and amount of reinforcement. AA7075 alloy matrix composites with different amounts of alumina particles were fabricated by the advanced stir-casting method. Besides measurements of density, porosity, and Vickers hardness, in-depth characterizations of microstructures were performed. Specific wear-rate (SWR), coefficient of friction (COF), and abraded surface roughness (SR) of developed materials were measured under two-body abrasion over a vast range of distance, load, velocity, and abrasive size. Under all abrasion conditions, composites exhibited higher SR but lower SWR and COF over alloy; the differences increased with reinforcement quantity. SWR, COF, and SR rose with an increase in abrasive size; however, only SR varied with sliding distance for any material. The effects of different variables on the recorded tribo-performances were explained through identification of various micro-mechanisms of abrasion via extensive post wear characterizations and microstructural features. Finally, the criteria for the occurrence of three-body abrasion even in two-body test configuration were highlighted. The wear coefficient value of 10 × 10−3 was identified as the demarcation between two-body and two-body plus three-body abrasion for Al-matrix composites.
Conceptual Design of Oblong Ring Vibrators
Authors: Thomas G. P. L. , Kiyono C. Y. , Gay Neto A. , Silva E. C. N.
Published: November 2019

An oblong ring-type structure is composed by two straight segments (length L) and two semicircular segments (radius R). It can be used to generate traveling waves, being applied to build linear piezoelectric motors and linear conveyor systems. The traveling waves to such applications occur at specific frequencies, generated by simultaneous symmetric and antisymmetric flexural vibration modes which, in general, have distinct natural frequencies. However, for specific designs, they may coincide or be very close. This may be achieved by finding the appropriate L/R ratio. For preliminary design, an analytical model is very desirable, due to its computational efficiency and the absence of a computational automatic identification of symmetric and antisymmetric flexural vibration modes among numerical solutions. Therefore, the objective of this work is to propose an analytical and practical model to determine classes of vibration modes of interest for producing traveling waves in oblong ring-type structures, being employed for conceptual design such that the L/R ratio is determined in an efficient way. The oblong ring is considered as a beam-like structure composed by straight and curved segments, employing Timoshenko and Euler–Bernoulli kinematic assumptions. A design method is proposed by solving sequentially and systematically distinct geometric proposals of oblong ring-type designs and, for each one, evaluating the candidates to produce the flexural traveling waves. Later, the strong-candidates are analyzed by finite element models to test the quality of the design with less assumptions. We show that the methodology provides convenient results as a design method for oblong ring-type structures.
Bulk and localized plasmonic heating in nanogold doped polymers
Authors: Andriolo Jessica M. , Joseph McKenzie L. , Griep Mark H. , Skinner Jack L.
Published: November 2019

Colloidal gold (Auc) nanoparticles (GNPs) and nanorods (GNRs) were incorporated into polymer blend films and electrospun fibers to utilize the nanoparticle plasmonic response for localized heating of the polymer. In this work, mathematical modeling was used to describe the GNP distribution and heat/melt profile surrounding each GNP in the polymer blend, demonstrating that a bulk temperature change of only 0.2 °C results in a 20-nm-diameter melted polymer sphere around the GNP. In addition, it was shown that by reducing the radius of polymer material around the GNP through the use of electrospinning fibers in place of thin film deposition, heating of the bulk material increased by 72%. Bulk heating of polymer blend films containing either GNPs or GNRs was mapped using an infrared camera system with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at 530 and 810 nm. The change in temperature observed in the thin films was used to calculate the photothermal energy conversion efficiency of the respective nanogold doped polymer thin films. Significantly, GNR-doped film efficiencies recorded were up to 6.6 times (558.6% increase) that of the polymer blend-only film when interrogated at 810 nm, while the GNP-doped film efficiency increased by 1.8 times (75.7% increase) under the 530 nm LED.
Experimental comparative analysis on series and parallel antenna in an inductively coupled plasma
Authors: Kim Tae-Woo , Kim Kyung-Hyun , Lee Moo-Young , Chung Chin-Wook
Published: November 2019

An experimental comparative analysis of series and parallel antennas was performed in an inductively coupled plasma. For the quantitative comparison of series and parallel antennas on the plasma generation, both antennas were made of copper tubes of the same length and thickness. The power transfer efficiency and the electron energy distribution function were measured. The experimental results show that the series antenna generates higher density plasma due to high coupling at the same applied powers (RF powers), while the parallel antenna generates higher density plasma due to low plasma potential (low ion energy losses) at the same absorbed powers. This provides practical information on plasma generation efficiency according to the antenna configuration of the ICP.
Rapid Sequence-Based Characterization of African Swine Fever Virus by Use of the Oxford Nanopore MinION Sequence Sensing Device and a Companion Analysis Software Tool
Authors: O’Donnell Vivian K. , Grau Frederic R. , Mayr Gregory A. , Sturgill Samayoa Tracy L. , Dodd Kimberly A. , Barrette Roger W.
Published: November 2019

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is the causative agent of a severe and highly contagious viral disease of pigs that poses serious economic consequences to the swine industry due to the high mortality rate and impact on international trade. There is no effective vaccine to control African swine fever (ASF), and therefore, efficient disease control is dependent on early detection and diagnosis of ASFV.
Trends of Microdiversity Reveal Depth-Dependent Evolutionary Strategies of Viruses in the Mediterranean
Authors: Coutinho Felipe Hernandes , Rosselli Riccardo , Rodríguez-Valera Francisco
Published: November 2019

Viruses are extremely abundant and diverse biological entities that contribute to the functioning of marine ecosystems. Despite their recognized importance, few studies have addressed trends of mutation accumulation in marine viral communities across depth gradients. By investigating these trends, we show that mutation frequencies differ among viral genes according to their molecular functions, with the highest microdiversity occurring among proteins related to host metabolism, followed by structural proteins and, lastly, genome replication proteins. This is in agreement with evolutionary theory that postulates that housekeeping genes are under strong purifying selection. We also observed a positive association between depth and microdiversity. One exception to this trend was the host recognition proteins from the deep chlorophyll maximum, which displayed strikingly high microdiversity, which we hypothesize to be associated with intraspecies competition for hosts. Finally, our data allowed us to propose a theoretical model for viral microdiversity across the depth gradient. These discoveries are of special relevance because many of the viral genomic sequences discovered here were predicted to infect some of the most abundant bacteria in marine ecosystems, such as “
Candidatus
Pelagibacter,”
Puniceispirillum
, and
Prochlorococcus
.