bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of penalty parameters for interior penalty Galerkin methods
Authors: Straßer Sebastian , Herzog Hans-Georg
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of penalty parameters for an interior penalty Galerkin method, namely, the symmetric interior penalty Galerkin method.

Design/methodology/approach

First of all, the solution of a simple model problem is computed and compared to the exact solution, which is a periodic function. Afterwards, a two-dimensional magnetostatic field problem described by the magnetic vector potential A is considered. In particular, penalty parameters depending on the polynomial degree, the properties of the elements and the material are considered. The analysis is performed by varying the polynomial degree and the mesh sizes on a structured and an unstructured mesh. Additionally, the penalty parameter is varied in a specific range.

Findings

Choosing the penalty parameter correctly plays an important role as the stability and the convergence of the numerical scheme can be affected. For a structured mesh, a limiting value for the penalty parameter can be calculated beforehand, whereas for an unstructured mesh, the choice of the penalty parameter can be cumbersome.

Originality/value

This paper shows that there exist different penalty parameters which can be taken into account to solve the considered problems. One can choose a global penalty parameter to obtain a stable solution, which is a sharp estimation. There has always to be the consideration to guarantee the coercivity of the bilinear form while minimising the number of iterations.
Simulating metallic contamination in permanent magnets used in magnetic sensors
Authors: Santos da Silva Safire Torres , Jerance Nikola , Rakotoarison Harijaona Lalao
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a model for simulating contamination by ferromagnetic particles in sensors that use permanent magnets. This topic is especially important for automotive applications, where magnetic sensors are extensively used and where metallic particles are present, particularly because of friction between mechanical parts. The aim of the model is to predict the particle accumulation and its effect on the sensor performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Magnetostatic moment method is used to calculate particles' magnetization and magnetic field. Magnetic saturation is included and Newton–Raphson method is used to solve the non-linear system. Magnetic force on particles is calculated as a gradient of energy. Dynamic simulation provides the positions of agglomerated particles.

Findings

A simulation of magnetic park lock sensor shows a significant impact of ferromagnetic particles on sensor's accuracy. Moreover, gains on computational time because of model optimizations are reported.

Research limitations/implications

Only magnetic force and gravity are taken into account for particle dynamics. Mechanical forces such as friction and particle interactions might be considered in future works.

Practical implications

This paper provides the possibility to evaluate and improve magnetic sensor design with respect to particles contamination.

Originality/value

The paper presents a novel simulation tool developed to answer the growing need for reliable and fast prediction of magnetic position sensors’ degradation in the presence of metallic particles.
Challenges to providing culturally sensitive drug interventions for black and Asian minority ethnic (BAME) groups within UK youth justice systems
Authors: Gleeson Helen , Duke Karen , Thom Betsy
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how substance use practitioners intervene with ethnically and culturally diverse groups of young people in contact with the youth justice system.

Design/methodology/approach

Telephone, face-to-face interviews and a focus group were conducted. Data were analysed thematically using a frame-reflective theoretical approach.

Findings

Practitioners tended to offer individualised interventions to young people in place of culturally specific approaches partly due to a lack of knowledge, training or understanding of diverse cultural needs, and for practical and resource reasons.

Research limitations/implications

Practitioners reject the official narrative of BAME youth in the justice system as dangerous and in need of control, viewing them instead as vulnerable and in need of support, but report they lack experience, and sufficient resources, in delivering interventions to diverse groups.

Originality/value

There is little information regarding how practitioners respond to diversity in their daily practice. This paper is an exploration of how diversity is framed and responded to in the context of youth substance use and criminal justice.
Galerkin proper orthogonal decomposition-reduced order method (POD-ROM) for solving generalized Swift-Hohenberg equation
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi , Abbaszadeh Mostafa , Khodadadian Amirreza , Heitzinger Clemens
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The current paper aims to develop a reduced order discontinuous Galerkin method for solving the generalized Swift–Hohenberg equation with application in biological science and mechanical engineering. The generalized Swift–Hohenberg equation is a fourth-order PDE; thus, this paper uses the local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) method for it.

Design/methodology/approach

At first, the spatial direction has been discretized by the LDG technique, as this process results in a nonlinear system of equations based on the time variable. Thus, to achieve more accurate outcomes, this paper uses an exponential time differencing scheme for solving the obtained system of ordinary differential equations. Finally, to decrease the used CPU time, this study combines the proper orthogonal decomposition approach with the LDG method and obtains a reduced order LDG method. The circular and rectangular computational domains have been selected to solve the generalized Swift–Hohenberg equation. Furthermore, the energy stability for the semi-discrete LDG scheme has been discussed.

Findings

The results show that the new numerical procedure has not only suitable and acceptable accuracy but also less computational cost compared to the local DG without the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) approach.

Originality/value

The local DG technique is an efficient numerical procedure for solving models in the fluid flow. The current paper combines the POD approach and the local LDG technique to solve the generalized Swift–Hohenberg equation with application in the fluid mechanics. In the new technique, the computational cost and the used CPU time of the local DG have been reduced.
Cooling of an isothermal surface having a cavity component by using CuO-water nano-jet
Authors: Selimefendigil Fatih , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to numerically analyze the convective heat transfer features for cooling of an isothermal surface with a cavity-like portion by using CuO-water nano jet. Jet impingement cooling of curved surfaces plays an important role in practical applications. As compared to flat surfaces, fluid flow and convective heat transfer features with jet impingement cooling of a curved surface becomes more complex with additional formation of the vortices and their interaction in the jet wall region. As flow separation and reattachment may appear in a wide range of thermal engineering applications such as electronic cooling, combustors and solar power, jet impingement cooling of a surface which has a geometry with potential separation regions is important from the practical point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical simulations were performed with a finite volume-based solver. The study was performed for various values of the Reynolds number (between 100 and 400), length of the cavity (between 5 w and 40 w), height of the cavity (between w and 5w) and solid nano-particle volume fraction (between 0 and 4 per cent). Artificial neural network modeling was used to obtain a correlation for the average Nusselt number, which can be used to obtain fast and accurate predictions.

Findings

It was observed that cavity geometrical parameters of the cooling surface can be adjusted to change the flow field and convective heat transfer features. When the cavity length is low, significant contribution of the inclined wall of the cavity on the average Nusselt number is achieved. As the cavity length and height increase, the average Nusselt number, respectively, reduce and slightly enhance. At the highest value of cavity height, significant changes in the convective flow features are obtained. By using nanofluids instead of water, enhancement of average heat transfer in the range of 35-46 per cent is obtained at the highest particle volume fraction.

Originality/value

In this study, jet impingement cooling of an isothermal surface which has a cavity-like portion was considered with nanofluids. Addition of this portion to the impingement surface has the potential to produce additional vortices which affects the fluid flow and convective features in the jet impingement heat transfer. This geometry has the forward-facing step for the wall jet region with flow separation reattachment in the region. Based on the above literature survey and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, jet impingement cooling for such a geometry has never been reported in the literature despite its importance in practical thermal engineering applications. The results of this study may be useful for design and optimization of such systems and to obtain best performance in terms of fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics.
Sustainable supply chain performance, its practice and impact on barriers to collaboration
Authors: Kumar Gopal , Goswami Mohit
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Sustainable supply chain (SSC) provides one opportunity to achieve competitive advantage. To achieve SSC through triple bottom line (TBL) – economic, environment and social – is extensively discussed. Most literature in dealing with environmental issues undermine social dimension even though its potential to bring outstanding results by earning customers loyalty and commitment is immense. Local orientation and different context motivate firms to prioritize sustainability dimensions differently. The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize SSC performance as three dimensional second-order formative construct which is caused by three first-order reflective constructs. Further, the authors examined effect of sustainable performance on barriers to sustainability through collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is validated by data collected from industries in India using both partial least squares and covariance based structural equation modeling. The authors find the model is valid for both manufacturing and service sectors.

Findings

In Indian context, social dimension is most and environmental dimension is least important differentiating it from developed economy. The authors find sustainable performance subsequently mitigates barriers and risks to sustainability, thereby reducing its impact over time.

Originality/value

This study conceptualizes SSC performance as three dimensional second-order formative construct which is caused by three first-order reflective constructs. Given criticisms to TBL for being western-centric, this study unearths insightful phenomena having implications for both developing and developed world. Further, the authors find sustainable performance reduces effects of barriers to collaboration necessary to achieve SSC. This study contributes to both theory and practice by modeling sustainability performance.
International honey laundering and consumer willingness to pay a premium for local honey: an experimental study
Authors: Jones Ritten Chian , Thunström Linda , Ehmke Mariah , Beiermann Jenny , McLeod Donald
Published: August 2019

Fraudulent activities in the international honey market affect 10% of food, and cost the global food market $50 billion per annum. Although many developed countries have created regulations to combat food fraud, illegally imported honey, especially originating from China, still enters through transshipments and relabelling to mask its true origin. This honey laundering poses a health risk to consumers, as Chinese honey potentially contains illegal and unsafe antibiotics and high levels of herbicides and pesticides. We analyse whether information about the negative health impacts of laundered honey increases the proportion of consumers willing to pay a premium for local fraud‐free honey. Using a laboratory experiment, we find when consumers are given honey laundering information, their willingness to pay a premium for local fraud‐free honey increases by as much as 27 percentage points. Our findings suggest that by conveying honey laundering information and guaranteeing their honey is fraud‐free, producers can potentially increase revenues and reduce the prevalence of food fraud. Our results further show that consumers' preference for various honey characteristics and age also influence the probability of paying a premium for local honey.
Rethinking Human Rights in York as a Human Rights City
Authors: Gready Paul , Lockey Liz
Published: August 2019

Human rights is in crisis in the UK. It lacks significant political backing and public support. This ‘insider account’ of York becoming a human rights city suggests that there is a need to rethink approaches to human rights. The article looks at the strategies adopted in the city; the annual city‐based indicator report which provides the key reference point for all local activities; and the declaration of York as a ‘human rights city’ in 2017 alongside its subsequent impact. The discussion is linked to two debates within human rights: how to define and build a culture of human rights, and what it means for human rights to be truly relevant at a local level. The new approach advocated can be summarised as participatory, locally informed, and related to everyday concerns.
‘Keeping It Real’: women's Enactments of Lay Health Knowledges and Expertise on Facebook
Authors: Maslen Sarah , Lupton Deborah
Published: August 2019

This article presents findings from a qualitative study concerning Australian women's use of Facebook for health and medical information and support and the implications for understanding modes of lay knowledge and expertise. Thinking with feminist new materialism theory, we identify the relational connections, affective forces and agential capacities described by participants as technological affordances came together with human bodily affordances. Affective forces were a dominant feature in users’ accounts. Women were able to make relational connections with peers based on how valid or relevant they found other group members’ expertise and experiences, how supportive other members were, how strong they wanted their personal connection to be and how much privacy they wanted to preserve. We identified three modes of engagement: 1) expertise claims based on appropriation and distribution of biomedical knowledge and experience; 2) sharing experiential knowledge without claiming expertise and 3) evaluation and use of knowledge presented by others principally through observing. We conclude that an ‘expert patient’ is someone who is familiar with the rules of engagement on sites such as Facebook and is able to negotiate and understand the affects and levels of disclosure and intimacy that such engagement demands.
Technology for Triple Fortification of Salt with Folic Acid, Iron, and Iodine
Authors: Modupe Oluwasegun , Krishnaswamy Kiruba , Diosady Levente L.
Published: August 2019

As many of the maternal and child health complications result from folic acid, iron, and iodine deficiencies; it makes sense to combat these simultaneously. We have developed cost‐effective technology to deliver these three micronutrients simultaneously through salt. Our goal was to retain at least 70% of the micronutrients during 6 months of storage. The fortified salt was formulated by spraying a solution that contained 2% iodine and 0.5% or 1% folic acid onto salt and adding encapsulated ferrous fumarate. The formulated triple fortified salt contained 1,000 ppm iron, 50 ppm iodine, and 12.5 or 25 ppm folic acid. The spray solution and the salt were stored for 2 and 6 months respectively at 25, 35, and 45 °C 60 to 70% relative humidity. Even at 45 °C, over 70% of both iodine and folic acid were retained in the salt. The best formulation based on the color of the salt and stability of iodine and folic acid contained 12.5 ppm folic acid, 50 ppm iodine, and 1,000 ppm iron. These results indicate that iron, iodine, and folic acid can be simultaneously delivered to a vulnerable population through salt using the technology described. Also, the quality control of the process can be developed around pteroic acid that was detected as a primary degradation product of folic acid.

Practical Application

The technology developed is already transferred to India for industrial scale up. When fully operational, the technology will simultaneously solve iron, iodine, and folic acid deficiencies in vulnerable populations at a very low cost.
Ultrasound‐mediated therapies for the treatment of biofilms in chronic wounds: a review of present knowledge
Authors: LuTheryn Gareth , Glynne‐Jones Peter , Webb Jeremy S , Carugo Dario
Published: August 2019

Bacterial biofilms are an ever‐growing concern for public health, featuring both inherited genetic resistance and a conferred innate tolerance to traditional antibiotic therapies. Consequently, there is a growing interest in novel methods of drug delivery, in order to increase the efficacy of antimicrobial agents. One such method is the use of acoustically activated microbubbles, which undergo volumetric oscillations and collapse upon exposure to an ultrasound field. This facilitates physical perturbation of the biofilm and provides the means to control drug delivery both temporally and spatially. In line with current literature in this area, this review offers a rounded argument for why ultrasound‐responsive agents could be an integral part of advancing wound care. To achieve this, we will outline the development and clinical significance of biofilms in the context of chronic infections. We will then discuss current practices used in combating biofilms in chronic wounds and then critically evaluate the use of acoustically activated gas microbubbles as an emerging treatment modality. Moreover, we will introduce the novel concept of microbubbles carrying biologically active gases that may facilitate biofilm dispersal.
Altitude and fungal diversity influence the structure of Antarctic cryptoendolithic Bacteria communities
Authors: Coleine Claudia , Stajich Jason E. , Pombubpa Nuttapon , Zucconi Laura , Onofri Silvano , Canini Fabiana , Selbmann Laura
Published: August 2019

Endolithic growth within rocks is a critical adaptation of microbes living in harsh environments where exposure to extreme temperature, radiation, and desiccation limits the predominant life forms, such as in the ice‐free regions of Continental Antarctica. The microbial diversity of the endolithic communities in these areas has been sparsely examined. In this work, diversity and composition of bacterial assemblages in the cryptoendolithic lichen‐dominated communities of Victoria Land (Continental Antarctica) were explored using a high‐throughput metabarcoding approach, targeting the V4 region of 16S rDNA. Rocks were collected in 12 different localities (from 14 different sites), along a gradient ranging from 1000 to 3300 m a.s.l. and at a sea distance ranging from 29 to 96 km. The results indicate Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria are the dominant taxa in all samples and defined a ‘core’ group of bacterial taxa across all sites. The structure of bacteria communities is correlated with the fungal counterpart and among the environmental parameters considered, altitude was found to influence bacterial biodiversity, while distance from sea had no evident influence.
Low genome‐wide homozygosity in 11 Spanish ovine breeds
Authors: Luigi-Sierra M.G. , Cardoso T. F. , Martínez A. , Pons A. , Bermejo L.A. , Jordana J. , Delgado J.V. , Adán S. , Ugarte E. , Arranz J. J. , Casellas J. , Amills M.
Published: August 2019

The population of Spanish sheep has decreased from 24 to 15 million heads in the last 75 years due to multiple social and economic factors. Such a demographic reduction might have caused an increase in homozygosity and inbreeding, thus limiting the viability of local breeds with excellent adaptations to harsh ecosystems. The main goal of our study was to investigate the homozygosity patterns of 11 Spanish ovine breeds and to elucidate the relationship of these Spanish breeds with reference populations from Europe, Africa and the Near East. By using Ovine SNP50 BeadChip data retrieved from previous publications, we have found that the majority of studied Spanish ovine breeds have close genetic relatedness with other European populations; the one exception is the Canaria de Pelo breed, which is similar to North African breeds. Our analysis has also demonstrated that, with few exceptions, the genomes of Spanish sheep harbor fewer than 50 runs of homozygosity (ROH) with a total length of less than 350 Mb. Moreover, the frequencies of very long ROH (>30 Mb) are very low, and the inbreeding coefficients (FROH) are generally small (FROH < 0.10), ranging from 0.008 (Rasa Aragonesa) to 0.086 (Canaria de Pelo). The low levels of homozygosity observed in the 11 Spanish sheep under analysis might be due to their extensive management and the high number of small to medium farms.
Infestation of Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) on three Eucalyptus species in selected ecological zones in Malawi
Authors: Jere Vitumbiko , Mhango Jarret , Njera Dalo , Jenya Herbert
Published: August 2019

The study determined variations in incidence, severity and damage of Glycaspis brimblecombei among Eucalyptus species and ecological zones, and the interaction between Eucalyptus species and ecological zones. Additionally, the study determined variation in pest abundance between the upper, middle and lower parts of the tree crown. The study was conducted in six districts located in four ecological zones in Malawi. Eucalyptus stands established in 2014–2016 or coppices from trees cut in that period were sampled for G. brimblecombei infestation. A significant interaction was found between Eucalyptus species and ecological zones on G. brimblecombei infestation. Significant differences were observed between ecological zones in G. brimblecombei infestation with lowest incidence, severity and damage being found in the cooler ecological zone M. Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus tereticornis showed high susceptibility to G. brimblecombei compared to Eucalyptus grandis. There were no significant differences in abundance between the upper, middle and lower tree crown parts of each Eucalyptus species. Control efforts for this psyllid should focus on breeding and planting of resistant Eucalyptus varieties in specifically recommended sites. The uniform distribution of the pest on different tree crown parts implies that use of contact insecticides on a large scale would be tedious and expensive.
PROSPECT guideline for rotator cuff repair surgery: systematic review and procedure‐specific postoperative pain management recommendations
Authors: Toma O. , Persoons B. , Pogatzki‐Zahn E. , Van de Velde M. , Joshi G. P. ,   the PROSPECT Working Group collaborators
Published: August 2019

Rotator cuff repair can be associated with significant and difficult to treat postoperative pain. We aimed to evaluate the available literature and develop recommendations for optimal pain management after rotator cuff repair. A systematic review using procedure‐specific postoperative pain management (PROSPECT) methodology was undertaken. Randomised controlled trials published in English from 1 January 2006 to 15 April 2019 assessing postoperative pain after rotator cuff repair using analgesic, anaesthetic or surgical interventions were identified from MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Databases. Out of 322 eligible studies identified, 59 randomised controlled trials and one systematic review met the inclusion criteria. Pre‐operative and intra‐operative interventions that improved postoperative pain were paracetamol, cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors, intravenous dexamethasone, regional analgesia techniques including interscalene block or suprascapular nerve block (with or without axillary nerve block) and arthroscopic surgical technique. Limited evidence was found for pre‐operative gabapentin, perineural adjuncts (opioids, glucocorticoids, or α‐2‐adrenoceptor agonists added to the local anaesthetic solution) or postoperative transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Inconsistent evidence was found for subacromial/intra‐articular injection, and for surgical technique‐linked interventions, such as platelet‐rich plasma. No evidence was found for stellate ganglion block, cervical epidural block, specific postoperative rehabilitation protocols or postoperative compressive cryotherapy. The analgesic regimen for rotator cuff repair should include an arthroscopic approach, paracetamol, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, dexamethasone and a regional analgesic technique (either interscalene block or suprascapular nerve block with or without axillary nerve block), with opioids as rescue analgesics. Further randomised controlled trials are required to confirm the influence of the recommended analgesic regimen on postoperative pain relief.
Investigating the level of DNA double‐strand break in human spermatozoa and its relation to semen characteristics and IVF outcome using phospho‐histone H2AX antibody as a biomarker
Authors: Coban O. , Serdarogullari M. , Yarkiner Z. , Serakinci N.
Published: August 2019

Background

Sperm DNA fragmentation and its relation to conventional semen parameters are well studied. However, there is limited information regarding the rate of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) and its correlation to basic semen parameters and IVF outcome.

Objectives

The present study aimed to investigate the rate of DNA DSBs in human spermatozoa and its correlation to basic semen parameters and IVF outcome.

Materials and methods

The prospective study includes 60 assisted reproductive treatment cycles (52 autologous and eight donors) in which the semen profiles and sperm DNA DSBs have been assessed. The level of sperm DNA DSBs in each sample has been evaluated by using a method to detect histone H2AX phosphorylation. The results were compared with basic semen values and IVF outcomes.

Results

No significant correlation was observed between phospho‐histone H2AX (γH2AX) levels and basic semen parameters such as semen volume (p = 0.129), sperm count (p = 0.454), total motility (p = 0.934), progressive motility (p = 0.314) and normal sperm morphology (p = 0.720). Similarly, the mean values of γH2AX did not differ with regard to the age of male participants (p = 0.300). However, cycles that resulted in live birth exhibited lower levels of γH2AX (p = 0.007). Accordingly, the level of γH2AX (p < 0.004) and rate of normal sperm morphology (p = 0.015) were found to be variables that affect the live birth outcomes.

Discussion and Conclusion

The low levels of γH2AX in sperm cells may be an indicator to IVF outcome independently from the conventional semen parameters and male age.
Three‐dimensional laparoscopic vision improves forceps motion more in the depth direction than in the horizontal direction: An analysis of data from prospective randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yamazaki Yuta , Kanaji Shingo , Harada Hitoshi , Nishi Masayasu , Takiguchi Gosuke , Urakawa Naoki , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Yamamoto Masashi , Matsuda Yoshiko , Yamashita Kimihiro , Oshikiri Taro , Matsuda Takeru , Nakamura Tetsu , Suzuki Satoshi , Kakeji Yoshihiro
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Three‐dimensional (3D) laparoscopic vision can improve depth perception. However, it is a question whether 3D vision can improve motion in the depth direction. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of 3D vision on forceps motion in the depth and horizontal directions.

Methods

All data were obtained from our previous two studies, where, in total, 40 novices and 20 moderately experienced surgeons participated. A simple phantom task was performed in a training box. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Specifically, one group performed the task five times initially under a two‐dimensional (2D) system, and the other group started under a 3D system. Both groups then performed the same task five times under the alternative system. Performances were recorded by an optical position tracker. We separately evaluated forceps motion in the x‐, y‐, and z‐axis directions.

Results

Compared with the findings for 2D vision, the forceps path lengths were significantly decreased among novices and moderately experienced surgeons in almost all tasks under 3D vision. In a comparison of the path length ratio (3D/2D) in each direction, larger reduction was observed for the depth direction among novices, whereas no significant directional difference was noted among moderately experienced surgeons.

Conclusions

For novices, 3D laparoscopic vision improves depth perception and may give shorter forceps movement in the depth direction even for simple tasks.
Impact of the East African Rift System on the routing of the deep‐water drainage network offshore Tanzania, western Indian Ocean
Authors: Maselli Vittorio , Kroon Dick , Iacopini David , Wade Bridget S. , Pearson Paul N. , de Haas Henk
Published: August 2019

The East African Rift System (EARS) exerted a major influence on river drainage basins and regional climate of east Africa during the Cenozoic. Recent studies have highlighted an offshore branch of the EARS in the western Indian Ocean, where the Kerimbas Graben and the Davie Ridge represent its sea floor expression. To date, a clear picture of the impact and timing of this EARS offshore branch on the continental margin of the western Indian Ocean, and associated sediment dispersal pathways, is still missing. This study presents new evidence for four giant canyons along the northern portion of the Davie Ridge offshore Tanzania. Seismic and multibeam bathymetric data highlight that the southernmost three canyons are now inactive, supra‐elevated relative to the adjacent sea floor of the Kerimbas Graben and disconnected from the modern slope systems offshore the Rovuma and Rufiji River deltas. Regional correlation of dated seismic horizons, integrated with well data and sediment samples, proves that the tectonic activity driving the uplift of the Davie Ridge in this area has started during the middle‐upper Miocene and is still ongoing, as suggested by the presence of fault escarpments at the sea floor and by the location and magnitude of recent earthquakes. Our findings contribute to placing the Kerimbas Graben and the Davie Ridge offshore Tanzania in the regional geodynamic context of the western Indian Ocean and show how the tectonics of the offshore branch of the EARS modified the physiography of the margin, re‐routing the deep‐water drainage network since the middle Miocene. Future studies are needed to understand the influence of changing sea floor topography on the western Indian Ocean circulation and to evaluate the potential of the EARS offshore tectonics in generating tsunamigenic events.
Modelling the Shimokita deep coalbed biosphere over deep geological time: Starvation, stimulation, material balance and population models
Authors: Bowden Stephen A. , Mohamed Abdalla Y. , Edilbi Ayad N. F. , Lin Yu‐Shih , Morono Yuki , Hinrichs Kai‐Uwe , Inagaki Fumio
Published: August 2019

Basin models can simulate geological, geochemical and geophysical processes and potentially also the deep biosphere, starting from a burial curve, assuming a thermal history and utilizing other experimentally obtained data. Here, we apply basin modelling techniques to model cell abundances within the deep coalbed biosphere off Shimokita Peninsula, Japan, drilled during Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 337. Two approaches were used to simulate the deep coalbed biosphere: (a) In the first approach, the deep biosphere was modelled using a material balance approach that treats the deep biosphere as a carbon reservoir, in which fluxes are governed by temperature‐controlled metabolic processes that retain carbon via cell‐growth and cell‐repair and pass it back via cell‐damaging reactions. (b) In the second approach, the deep biosphere was modelled as a microbial community with a temperature‐controlled growth ratio and carrying capacity (a limit on the size of the deep biosphere) modulated by diagenetic‐processes. In all cases, the biosphere in the coalbeds and adjacent habitat are best modelled as a carbon‐limited community undergoing starvation because labile sedimentary organic matter is no longer present and petroleum generation is yet to occur. This state of starvation was represented by the conversion of organic carbon to authigenic carbonate and the formation of kerogen. The potential for the biosphere to be stimulated by the generation of carbon‐dioxide from the coal during its transition from brown to sub‐bituminous coal was evaluated and a net thickness of 20 m of lignite was found sufficient to support an order of magnitude greater number of cells within a low‐total organic carbon (TOC) horizon. By comparison, the stimulation of microbial populations in a coalbed or high‐TOC horizon would be harder to detect because the increase in population size would be proportionally very small.
RETRACTED: STUB1 suppresseses tumorigenesis and chemoresistance through antagonizing YAP1 signaling
Authors: Tang Dong‐E , Dai Yong , Lin Lie‐Wen , Xu Yong , Liu Dong‐Zhou , Hong Xiao‐Ping , Jiang Hao‐Wu , Xu Song‐Hui
Published: August 2019

Yes‐associated protein (YAP) is a component of the canonical Hippo signaling pathway that is known to play essential roles in modulating organ size, development, and tumorigenesis. Activation or upregulation of YAP1, which contributes to cancer cell survival and chemoresistance, has been verified in different types of human cancers. However, the molecular mechanism of YAP1 upregulation in cancer is still unclear. Here we report that the E3 ubiquitin ligase STUB1 ubiquitinates and destabilizes YAP1, thereby inhibiting cancer cell survival. Low levels of STUB1 expression were correlated with increased protein levels of YAP1 in human gastric cancer cell lines and patient samples. Moreover, we revealed that STUB1 ubiquitinates YAP1 at the K280 site by K48‐linked polyubiquitination, which in turn increases YAP1 turnover and promotes cellular chemosensitivity. Overall, our study establishes YAP1 ubiquitination and degradation mediated by the E3 ligase STUB1 as an important regulatory mechanism in gastric cancer, and provides a rationale for potential therapeutic interventions.
Epithelial alarmin levels in exhaled breath condensate in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A pilot study
Authors: Majewski Sebastian , Tworek Damian , Szewczyk Karolina , Kurmanowska Zofia , Antczak Adam , Górski Paweł , Piotrowski Wojciech Jerzy
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Interleukin (IL)‐25, IL‐33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) are epithelial alarmins involved in innate immune responses and have been shown to play an important role in chronic lung diseases. No data are available regarding their levels in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Objectives

To examine IL‐25, IL‐33 and TSLP levels in the EBC obtained from patients with IPF and compare them to those in healthy controls, patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

Twenty‐three patients with asthma, 25 patients with COPD, 15 patients with IPF and 16 healthy controls were studied. Concentrations of alarmins in the EBC were evaluated by means of ELISA.

Results

IL‐25 EBC levels were numerically lowest in IPF (25.33 ± 8.84 pg/ml). However, they did not differ significantly from healthy subjects (43.18 ± 5.53 pg/ml), but were significantly lower compared to asthma (72.07 ± 6.03 pg/ml; P < .001). IL‐33 EBC levels were significantly increased in IPF (3.41 ± 0.55 pg/ml) compared to healthy controls (1.20 ± 0.60 pg/ml; P < .01) but did not differ from asthma (3.68 pg/ml) and COPD levels (2.47 ± 0.34 pg/ml). There were significant correlations between IL‐33 EBC levels and lung diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLco) absolute (r = .63; P < .05) and % of predicted values (r = .67; P < .01) as well as with time since diagnosis (r = −.59; P < .05) in IPF subjects. TSLP was undetectable in examined samples.

Conclusion

IL‐25 and IL‐33 are detectable in the EBC obtained from IPF subjects. Increased levels of IL‐33 compared to healthy controls indicate its possible role in the pathobiology of IPF.
Different management strategies are optimal for combating disease in East Texas cave versus culvert hibernating bat populations
Authors: Bernard Riley F. , Evans Jonah , Fuller Nathan W. , Reichard Jonathan D. , Coleman Jeremy T. H. , Kocer Christina J. , Campbell Grant Evan H.
Published: August 2019

Management decisions for species impacted by emerging infectious diseases are challenging when there are uncertainties in the effectiveness of management actions. Wildlife managers must balance trade‐offs between mitigating the effects of the disease and the associated consequences on other aspects of the managed system. An example of this challenge is exemplified in the response to white‐nose syndrome (WNS), a disease of hibernating bats. The fungal pathogen that causes WNS, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, continues to spread throughout North America. Texas, recently confirmed positive for the fungus, has documented 33 bat species in the state, with nearly half of those species naïve to the pathogen. We explicitly incorporated multiple management objectives, uncertainty, and risk in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department decision to manage East Texas populations of the tri‐colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), a species highly susceptible to WNS. Alternatives included individual actions that act against P. destructans or benefit bats, a no active management option, and combinations of actions. Although our main objective was to identify WNS mitigation measures for tri‐colored bats in culverts, we also considered the transferability of the decision for natural caves. In this scenario, the optimal decision differed for culverts and caves, with a “portfolio” combination of actions ranking as the best alternative for culverts and a single vaccine alternative for caves. Because the top management alternatives differed markedly between these two systems, finding treatments that have broad application is likely infeasible, given that each management decision is characterized by different mixtures of competing objectives.
Splenic space occupying lesions in a young adult
Authors: Zaidi Ariba , Gupta Parikshaa , Rajwanshi Arvind
Published: August 2019

Primary splenic involvement by lymphomas is rare although secondary involvement is more commonly seen as a part of a systemic lymphoma. Splenic Hodgkin's lymphoma is particularly rare ‐ a case is presented in a young adult with multiple, tiny splenic lesions without any other organ involvement.
Brain structure in children with congenital visual disorders and visual impairment
Authors: Bathelt Joe , Dale Naomi J , de Haan Michelle , Clark Chris A
Published: August 2019

Aim

To examine if congenital visual impairment is associated with differences in brain anatomy in children.

Method

Ten children (8–12y) with congenital disorders of the peripheral visual system with severe visual impairment (SVI; >0.8 logMAR) or mild‐to‐moderate visual impairment (MVI; 0.6–0.8 logMAR) were compared to 21 typically sighted comparison (TSC) children. Thalamus volume, grey matter density, white matter microstructure, and integrity of visual tracts were investigated in SVI, MVI, and TSC groups with anatomical and diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Compared to the TSC group, the SVI group had lower white matter integrity in tracts of the visual system (optic radiations: SVI 0.35±0.015, TSC 0.39±0.007 [p=0.022]; posterior corpus callosum: SVI 0.37±0.019; TSC 0.42±0.009 [p=0.033]) and lower left thalamus volume (SVI 4.37±0.087; TSC 4.99±0.339 [p=0.015]). Neuroanatomical differences were greater in the SVI group, while no consistent differences between the MVI and TSC group were observed.

Interpretation

Posterior tracts of the visual system are compromised in children with congenital visual impairment versus those who are typically sighted. The severity of visual input appears to have affected neuroanatomical development as significant reductions were only found in the SVI group.

What this paper adds

Severe visual impairment in mid‐childhood is associated with reduced integrity of visual pathways and reduced thalamus volume.
Distinct trajectories of HbA1c in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes from the DPV registry using a longitudinal group‐based modelling approach
Authors: Rathmann W. , Schwandt A. , Hermann J. M. , Kuss O. , Roden M. , Laubner K. , Best F. , Ebner S. , Plaumann M. , Holl R. W. ,   for the DPV Initiative
Published: August 2019

Aim

To identify groups of heterogeneous HbA1c trajectories over time in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

The study comprised 6355 adults with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes (55% men, median age 62 years, baseline BMI 31 kg/m2) from the Diabetes Patienten Verlaufsdokumentation (DPV) prospective multicentre diabetes registry (Germany, Austria). Individuals were assessed during the first 5 years after diabetes diagnosis if they had ≥ 3 aggregated HbA1c measurements during follow‐up. Latent class growth modelling was used to determine distinct subgroups that followed similar longitudinal HbA1c patterns (SAS: Proc Traj). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to investigate which variables were associated with the respective HbA1c trajectory groups.

Results

Four distinct longitudinal HbA1c trajectory (glycaemic control) groups were found. The largest group (56% of participants) maintained stable good glycaemic control (HbA1c 42–45 mmol/mol). Twenty‐six percent maintained stable moderate glycaemic control (HbA1c 57–62 mmol/mol). A third group (12%) initially showed severe hyperglycaemia (HbA1c 97 mmol/mol) but reached good glycaemic control within 1 year. The smallest group (6%) showed stable poor glycaemic control (HbA1c 79–88 mmol/mol). Younger age at diabetes diagnosis, male sex, and higher BMI were associated with the stable moderate or poor glycaemic control groups. Insulin therapy was strongly associated with the highly improved glycaemic control group.

Conclusions

Four subgroups with distinct HbA1c trajectories were determined in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes using a group‐based modelling approach. Approximately one‐third of people with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes need either better medication adherence or earlier intensification of glucose‐lowering therapy.
Usefulness of right ventricular strain assessment in submassive pulmonary thromboembolism undergoing ultrasound‐facilitated thrombolysis
Authors: Dod Harvinder S. , Nanda Amit , Nanda Navin C. , Klas Berthold , Singh Satinder , Salama Ahmed Y. , Akdogan Raziye E. , Fadala Hanan , Abdelsalam Mahmoud G. A. , Ahmed Mohamed , Bedi Rohil , Dod Sachin , Bhardwaj Ravindra
Published: August 2019

Massive and submassive pulmonary thromboembolism carry significant morbidity and mortality. We present an elderly female who was diagnosed with a submassive pulmonary embolism by computed tomographic angiography and treated with ultrasound‐facilitated thrombolysis (UFT). This case demonstrates the usefulness of right ventricular longitudinal strain measurements by two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in the evaluation of right ventricular function before and after UFT. Evaluation of right ventricle longitudinal strain by speckle tracking echocardiography may supplement other parameters in the assessment of right ventricular function in these patients.
Convergence in growth responses of tropical trees to climate driven by water stress
Authors: López Lidio , Rodríguez‐Catón Milagros , Villalba Ricardo
Published: August 2019

Widely documented for temperate and cold forests in both hemispheres, variations in tree growth responses to climate along environmental gradients have rarely been investigated in the tropics. Seven tree‐ring chronologies ofCentrolobium microchaete(Fabaceae) in the Cerrado tropical forests of Bolivia are used to determine the growth responses to climate along a precipitation gradient. Chronologies are distributed from the humid Guarayos forests (annual precipitation > 1600 mm) in the transition to the Amazonia to the dry‐mesic Chiquitos forests (annual precipitation < 1200 mm) in the proximity to the dry Chaco. On a large spatial scale, radial growth is positively influenced by rainfall and negatively by temperature at the end of the dry season. However, this regional pattern in climate‐tree growth relationship shows differences along the precipitation gradient. Relationships with climate are highly significant and extend over longer periods of the year in sites with low rainfall and extremely severe dry seasons. At wet sites, larger water soil capacity and endogenous forest dynamics partially mask the direct influence of climate on tree growth. Stronger similarities in tree‐growth responses to climate occur between sites in the dry Central Chiquitos and in the transition to the Guarayos forests. In contrast, the relationships show fewer similarities between sites in the humid Guarayos. We conclude that growth responses to climate in the tropics are more similar between sites with limited rainfall and severe and prolonged dry seasons. Our study points to a convergence in the patterns of growth responses of tropical trees to climate, modulated by scarce rainfall and marked seasonality. The negative impact of water deficits on tree physiological processes induces not only the documented reduction in forest species richness, but also a convergence in tree‐growth responses to climate in dry tropical forests.
Wild observation of infanticide and cannibalism by Azara’s Agouti (Dasyptocta azarae) (Mammalia: Dasyproctidae) in Paraguay
Authors: Smith Rebecca L. , Smith Paul
Published: August 2019

Infanticide is the killing of infants by conspecifics, and may be direct or indirect; and parental or non‐parental. Explanations for such behaviours range from forcing females with young back into heat, resource recycling in times of shortage and elimination of competitors. Though moderately well understood in some mammal groups, reports of infanticide in hystricomorph rodents are often contradictory and invariably based on captive observations, raising questions about the naturality of the behaviour and the conclusions derived from them. Here, we report the first wild observation of direct infanticide and cannibalism of two juvenile Azara's Agoutis Dasyptocta azarae by a group of adults in Paraguay, confirming that such behaviours also occur under natural conditions.