bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis on the film cooling mechanisms of elliptical and cylindrical holes with 90° compound angle
Authors: Zhang Guohua , Xie Gongnan , Sunden Bengt Ake
Published: June 2020

Purpose

In this study, numerical simulations are performed to compare the adiabatic film cooling effectiveness and reveal the difference of film cooling mechanisms of two models with the same geometries and cross-section areas of film holes’ exits at three typical blowing ratios (M = 0.5, 1 and 1.5). The two models are an elliptical model and a cylindrical model with 90° compound angle, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

Three different cases are considered in this work and the baseline is the model with a cylindrical film hole. The same boundary conditions and a validated turbulence model (realizable k-ε) are adopted for all cases.

Findings

The results show that both the elliptical and cylindrical models with 90° compound angle can enhance the film cooling effectiveness compared with the baseline. However, the elliptical model performs well at lower blowing ratios and in the near region at each blowing ratio because of the wider width of the film hole’s exit. The cylindrical model with 90° compound angle provides better film cooling effectiveness in the further downstream area of the film hole at higher blowing ratio because of the less lift-off and better coolant coverage in the larger x/D region along the mainstream direction.

Originality/value

Overall, it can be concluded that although the elliptical and cylindrical models with 90° compound angle have identical hole exits, the different inlet direction and cross-sectional geometry affect the flow structures when the coolant enters, moves through and exits the hole and finally different film cooling results appear.
Correlation of tribo-mechanical properties of internal geometry structures of fused filament fabrication 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
Authors: Norani Mohamad Nordin Mohamad , Abdollah Mohd Fadzli Bin , Abdullah Muhammad Ilman Hakimi Chua , Amiruddin Hilmi , Ramli Faiz Redza , Tamaldin Noreffendy
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims is to investigate the correlation between tribological and mechanical properties of the fused filament fabrication 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pin with different internal geometries.

Design/methodology/approach

The tribological properties were determined by a dry sliding test with constant test parameters, while the hardness and modulus of elasticity were determined by microhardness and compression tests.

Findings

Although the internal geometry of the pin sample slightly affects the coefficient of friction (COF) and the wear rate of the 3D-printed ABS, it was important to design a lightweight tribo-component by reducing the material used to save energy without compromising the strength of the component. The COF and wear rate values are relatively dependent on the elastic modulus. A 3D-printed ABS pin with an internal triangular flip structure was found to have the shortest run-in period and the lowest COF with high wear resistance. Abrasive wear and delamination are the predominant wear mechanisms involved.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are the subject of future research under various sliding conditions by investigating the synergistic effect of sliding speeds and applied loads to validate the results of this study.

Originality/value

The internal structure affects the mechanical properties and release stress concentration at the contact point, resulting in hypothetically low friction and wear. This approach may also reduce the weight of the parts without scarifying or at least preserving their preceding tribological performance. Therefore, based on our knowledge, limited studies have been conducted for the application of 3D printing in tribology, and most studies focused on improving their mechanical properties rather than correlating them with tribological properties that would benefit longer product lifespans.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2020-0143/
Islamic bank contribution to Indonesian economic growth
Authors: M. Anwar Suhardi , Junaidi Junaidi , Salju Salju , Wicaksono Ready , Mispiyanti Mispiyanti
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the short run and long run of Indonesia Islamic bank (IIB) contribution to economic growth over the periods 2009: Q1 – 2019: Q4. IIB is considered which supported by the largest Muslim population in the world. Deposits, financing and offices are proxy to highlight the relationship between Islamic banks and Indonesia's economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Through cointegration analysis, autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), vector error correction model (VECM), variance decompositions (VDCs) and impulse response functions (IRFs), this study investigates the Islamic bank and economic growth nexus.

Findings

A significant relationship in the short-run and long-run between IIB deposits and offices and economic growth. There is evidence of a bidirectional relationship between the Islamic bank and economic growth.

Social implications

In spite of their market share less than a conventional bank. The result proved than IB a prosperous sector and has a contribution to economic growth. This address regulator must have a dedicated unit to handle IIB legal cases should it go to the court for adjudication.

Originality/value

The study role of Islamic banking contribution to economic growth in the context of Indonesia is limited. This paper is the first study that examines empirically the effect of Indonesian Islamic banks on economic growth measured by the amount of gross domestic product (GDP), financing, offices and deposits.
Describing the design thinking and extreme programming activities during a technology innovation academic workshop
Authors: Freitas da Silva Ivonei
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the students’ experience in adopting design thinking (DT) and extreme programming (XP) throughout a course of technology innovation workshop in a master of business administration (MBA) degree program.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes data (performed process and achieved results) from the students’ reports and the instructor’s observations about three courses held in 2016, 2017 and 2018. In each course, there were students conducting activities to understand, develop, and validate the market, customer, user and prototype.

Findings

This paper identifies that the processes of DT and XP promote active and collaborative learning relationships. The adopted activities along with a mix of different backgrounds from the students can promote good insights to understand the user problem and build a technological solution with incremental innovation.

Research limitations/implications

This paper describes only a unique view from the instructor’s knowledge; therefore, others might present different scenarios and results.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the characterization of DT and XP activities when teaching technological innovation in a MBA.
Why future friends matter: impact of expectancy of relational growth on online gamer loyalty
Authors: Liao Gen-Yih , Huang Tzu-Ling , Cheng T.C.E. , Teng Ching-I
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Relational cohesion theory posits that relational cohesion helps build relationships among communication partners, implying that users would expect a growth in relations or making more friends in the future. However, little is known about expectancy of a better future state of relations, i.e. expectancy of relational growth, and its impact on users' continued engagement in online communication. Our study extends relational cohesion theory to explain how expectancy of relational growth impacts online gamer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

We test the framework using structural equation modeling to analyze a large sample of 1,429 responses from online gamers.

Findings

We find that expectancy of relational growth is positively related to norm compliance and relational cohesion, which are further related to network convergence and interdependence, fostering online gamer loyalty.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to relational cohesion theory by identifying novel sources of relational cohesion, i.e. expectancy of relational growth and norm compliance. Hence, game providers should create gamers' expectancy of growth in online relationships. Such expectancy could motivate continued gaming communication, even when gamers are not satisfied with the current state of online relationships. Moreover, we propose the new concept of expectancy of relational growth, which should have a strong impact on online communication in various areas.
The impact of business strategy on corporate cash policy
Authors: Magerakis Efstathios , Tzelepis Dimitris
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the association between cash holdings and business strategy for nonfinancial and nonutility US firms over the period from 1970 to 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have used Miles and Snow's (1978, 2003) theoretical background and followed Bentley et al. (2013) to construct a strategy index. Thus, the authors have distinguished two extreme corporate strategies, prospectors and defenders, based on a firm's resource allocation and investment behavior patterns. Following the methodology of Bates et al. (2009), the authors have used the multiple regression analysis to explore the relationship between business strategy and corporate cash holdings.

Findings

The empirical results show that business strategy is positively related to cash holdings. Prospectors are more likely to hold higher cash levels than defenders. Furthermore, the authors have found that cash holding's speed of adjustment (SOA) is slower for prospectors than for defenders, suggesting that business strategy influences cash holding's trend. Interestingly, the results show that the market value of cash increases significantly only for the firms that pursue a defender strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this work have valuable implications for researchers, by unveiling the relationship between corporate strategy and firm's cash holdings. This study, however, is limited to a sample of US firms; empirical evidence based on international samples of firms would add value to the current literature.

Practical implications

The findings could be useful to financial managers and investment strategists, who seek to maximize firm value through the adoption of an effective liquidity policy. What is more, this study provides support for the view that strategic choice and optimal cash management are of great importance for firms' market value.

Originality/value

This study enriches the knowledge of business strategy's impact on financing policy of firms and contributes to the empirical literature of cash holdings' determinants. In addition, it complements previous studies on US firms by documenting the effect of business strategy on the SOA in cash holdings and firm value.
Consumers' adoption of AR-based virtual fitting rooms: from the perspective of theory of interactive media effects
Authors: Lee Hanna , Xu Yingjiao , Porterfield Anne
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between consumers' perceived media characteristics, telepresence, attitudes and adoption intention towards augmented reality (AR)-based virtual fitting rooms (VFRs). Additionally, the mediating effect of telepresence was examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 352 university students and analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

Empirical results suggest significant positive influences of media characteristics, including perceived interactivity and augmentation, on telepresence, which, in turn, influenced attitudes and adoption intention towards AR-based VFRs. Also, telepresence mediated the relationship between media characteristics and consumers' attitudes.

Research limitations/implications

Data for this study were collected based on the subjects' one-time experience with a particular AR-based VFR. Therefore, the generalisation of the findings may be limited.

Practical implications

An important implication is that the enhancement of rendering interactive and augmented features is crucial for adoption of AR-based VFRs considering the key role of interactivity and augmentation in inducing telepresence, attitudes and adoption intention.

Originality/value

The paper empirically tested the importance of unique media characteristics, telepresence and attitudes in consumers' adoption of AR-based VFRs through the lens of the theory of interactive media effects.
Motivating factors for consumers to participate in takāful: a survey by Indian insurance policyholders
Authors: Salman Syed Ahmed , Hassan Rusni
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the perception and acceptability of insurance policyholders to introduce takāful in India. The primary focus of this research is insurance policyholders because they currently have insurance policies and it is believed that they are familiar with the concept of insurance, compared to the people who do not have any insurance policy.

Design/methodology/approach

New product diffusion theory is used in developing the hypothesis and a questionnaire. In this research, the population is unknown, and hence, the non-probability sample is used. Quota sampling and snowball sampling methods are used in this survey, with a sample size of 909 respondents, including Muslim and non-Muslim policyholders. The external factors that motivate potential policyholders to participate in takāful are the independent variable here; while the respondents’ actual willingness to participate in takāful is the dependent variable. Regression analysis is performed to analyse the data.

Findings

Based on 909 respondents, it is found that the factors such as cost vs benefits, marketing and promotion and social and religion play a significant role in a consumers’ decision-making at 1% significant level overall. The attribute of agents can influence the consumers at a 10% significant level overall. However, other factors, namely, accessibility, availability and service quality, product features and reputation of the company cannot pursue the consumers in India.

Research limitations/implications

The questionnaires are distributed in 10 cities from nine states out of 28 states in India. Thus, it covers only one-third of the states. Future research can expand the respondents from other states that have not been researched.

Practical implications

India is opening to foreign investments in the Indian insurance industry, and thus, the findings are useful for industrial players, investors, policymakers for the development of takāful in India.

Originality/value

Limited research has been done in previous studies and this research is the pinnacle within-depth survey regarding takāful in India.
The effectiveness of Human Givens Rewind treatment for trauma
Authors: Adams Shona , Allan Steven
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Rewind is a trauma-focussed exposure technique that is part of Human Givens (HG) therapy. However, there have been no controlled studies examining the effectiveness or acceptability of Rewind, and a previous study comparing HG therapy outcomes with cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) benchmarks has yet to be replicated. The paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This preliminary investigation used an observational, quasi-experimental design. Using both between-subject and within-subject designs, the outcome measures of those who had Rewind in the second session and participants who had treatment-as-usual (TAU) in the second session followed by Rewind in the third session were compared. Pre–post treatment scores were used to evaluate the overall HG therapy and to compare with benchmarks.

Findings

Rewind was more effective than control treatment sessions, with 40 per cent recovered and 57 per cent having reliably improved or recovered after the Rewind treatment session. Rewind sessions were rated as acceptable as other treatment sessions. The effect size of HG therapy was above the CBT Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Outcome-10 (CORE-10) benchmark of 1.22. The recovery rate for treatment completers was 63 per cent, with 91 per cent recovered or reliably improved and was equivalent to the top quartile of services.

Practical implications

Rewind is a promising alternative trauma treatment, as people need not discuss details of the trauma, multiple traumas can be treated in one session and fewer treatment sessions may be needed.

Originality/value

There are few HG studies reported in the peer-reviewed literature. This preliminary study is the first controlled study of Rewind. The findings are also in line with previous research on HG therapy.
Phytosterols and their derivatives: Potential health‐promoting uses against lipid metabolism and associated diseases, mechanism, and safety issues
Authors: Feng Simin , Belwal Tarun , Li Li , Limwachiranon Jarukitt , Liu Xingquan , Luo Zisheng
Published: June 2020

Consumption of phytosterols (PSs), the plant‐based analogs of cholesterol, can reduce serum cholesterol levels. This review discusses the current state of the art into the research of the structural features and dietary sources of PSs and their derivatives. The effect of PSs on individual lipid metabolites is summarized in the present review. PS‐related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity, and the alleviation of inflammatory bowel diseases are discussed. PSs reduce the risk of having NAFLD by improving the blood biochemical parameters related to lipid transport and metabolism. However, current research on the circulating PSs indicates its safety concern regarding fatty liver disease induction. In addition, PS oxidation products exhibit pro‐atherogenic properties, cytotoxicity oxidative stress, apoptosis, and pro‐inflammatory properties. Further research is needed to investigate the bioavailability and safety issues of PSs and their derivatives in animal models and clinical trials.
Enhancement of gel properties of Scomberomorus niphonius myofibrillar protein using phlorotannin extracts under UVA irradiation
Authors: Jiang Di , Shen Ping , Pu Yuan , Jin Meiran , Yu Chenxu , Qi Hang
Published: June 2020

The effect of phlorotannin extracts (PTE) (from sporophyll of Undaria pinnatifida) added at different levels (0, 25, 125, 625 µmol/g protein) on the gel properties of mackerel (Scomberomorus niphonius) myofibrillar protein (MP) was studied with and without ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation. The results showed that the gel strength and cooking yield increased in a PTE dose‐dependent manner, and at the level of 625 µmol/g protein PTE, the highest gel strength of 308.43 ± 8.12 (mN·cm) and cooking yield of 76.16 ± 1.40% were obtained in the samples treated with UVA irradiation. The same samples also showed increased carbonyl content, decreased total sulfhydryl, unwinding of α‐helix, and quenching of fluorescence intensity of endogenous tryptophan, all of which indicated that elevated protein oxidation in these samples led to enhanced protein cross‐linking. Results of sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) indicated aggregation of myosin heavy chains (MHCs) in the UVA‐treated gels with PTE, also evidenced by the dense three‐dimensional network structure in these samples visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electron spin resonance (ESR) and spin trapping results indicated that free radicals were produced during the gelation process, possibly originated from UVA‐treated PTE, which played a critical role of oxidizing fish MPs, and eventually led to the improvement of the textural properties of the mackerel MP gel.

Practical Application

Brown algae are a family of high‐yield marine algae. Phlorotannin extracts are highly active natural substances extracted from brown algae that can have many applications. Ultraviolet A (UVA) as a green and environmentally friendly physical processing method has been widely used in food processing in recent years. The method proposed in this study could be utilized to improve properties of fish protein gel made from poorly performing low‐priced fishes, and provide workable guidance for industry to expand the application of brown algae in food processing to better meet consumer's demand for high‐quality marine foods.
Water and power in South Arabia: the excavation of “Monumental Building 1” (MB1) at Sumhuram (Sultanate of Oman)
Authors: Degli Esposti Michele , Pavan Alexia
Published: June 2020

The ancient port city of Sumhuram (Dhofar Governorate, Sultanate of Oman) has been the focus of over 20 years of research by the Italian Mission to Oman (IMTO), University of Pisa, in collaboration with the Office of the Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan for Cultural Affairs (Muscat‐Salalah, Sultanate of Oman). Excavation has revealed most of the town layout, leading to the identification of several buildings, alleyways, squares and workshops, among which two massive buildings stand out, significantly named by the excavators as “Monumental Building” 1 and 2 (MB1 and MB2). This paper presents the results of the excavation inside MB1, characterised by the presence of the only well discovered within the city walls, which was previously interpreted alternatively as a palace or as a temple. The architectural development of the building, its distinctive features, the archaeological material discovered inside it, and its chronology will be discussed. These results highlight the absence of fitting parallels from other ancient South Arabian towns. Overall, it is clear that access to, management of, and control over the water supply of the town represented a key asset which justified the huge investment in workforce and building materials that is reflected in the monumental architecture of this edifice.
The NSD2/WHSC1/MMSET methyltransferase prevents cellular senescence‐associated epigenomic remodeling
Authors: Tanaka Hiroshi , Igata Tomoka , Etoh Kan , Koga Tomoaki , Takebayashi Shin‐ichiro , Nakao Mitsuyoshi
Published: June 2020

Senescent cells may possess the intrinsic programs of metabolic and epigenomic remodeling, but the molecular mechanism remains to be clarified. Using an RNAi‐based screen of chromatin regulators, we found that knockdown of the NSD2/WHSC1/MMSET methyltransferase induced cellular senescence that augmented mitochondrial mass and oxidative phosphorylation in primary human fibroblasts. Transcriptome analysis showed that loss of NSD2 downregulated the expression of cell cycle‐related genes in a retinoblastoma protein (RB)‐mediated manner. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses further revealed that NSD2 was enriched at the gene bodies of actively transcribed genes, including cell cycle‐related genes, and that loss of NSD2 decreased the levels of histone H3 lysine 36 trimethylation (H3K36me3) at these gene loci. Consistent with these findings, oncogene‐induced or replicative senescent cells showed reduced NSD2 expression together with lower H3K36me3 levels at NSD2‐enriched genes. In addition, we found that NSD2 gene was upregulated by serum stimulation and required for the induction of cell cycle‐related genes. Indeed, in both mouse and human tissues and human cancer cell lines, the expression levels of NSD2 were positively correlated with those of cell cycle‐related genes. These data reveal that NSD2 plays a pivotal role in epigenomic maintenance and cell cycle control to prevent cellular senescence.
Normal Ethanol Sensitivity and Rapid Tolerance Require the G Protein Receptor Kinase 2 in Ellipsoid Body Neurons in Drosophila
Authors: Kang Yuan Yuan , Wachi Yusuke , Engdorf Elizabeth , Fumagalli Emiliano , Wang Youyou , Myers Jennifer , Massey Shebna , Greiss Antony , Xu Shiyu , Roman Gregg
Published: June 2020

Background

G protein signaling pathways are key neuromodulatory mechanisms for behaviors and neurological functions that affect the impact of ethanol (EtOH) on locomotion, arousal, and synaptic plasticity. Here, we report a novel role for the Drosophila G protein–coupled receptor kinase 2 (GPRK2) as a member of the GRK4/5/6 subfamily in modulating EtOH‐induced behaviors.

Methods

We studied the requirement of Drosophila Gprk2 for naïve sensitivity to EtOH sedation and ability of the fly to develop rapid tolerance after a single exposure to EtOH, using the loss of righting reflex (LORR) and fly group activity monitor (FlyGrAM) assays.

Results

Loss‐of‐function Gprk2 mutants demonstrate an increase in alcohol‐induced hyperactivity, reduced sensitivity to the sedative effects of EtOH, and diminished rapid tolerance after a single intoxicating exposure. The requirement for Gprk2 in EtOH sedation and rapid tolerance maps to ellipsoid body neurons within the Drosophila brain, suggesting that wild‐type Gprk2 is required for modulation of locomotion and alertness. However, even though Gprk2 loss of function leads to decreased and fragmented sleep, this change in the sleep state does not depend on Gprk2 expression in the ellipsoid body.

Conclusion

Our work on GPRK2 has established a role for this GRK4/5/6 subfamily member in EtOH sensitivity and rapid tolerance.
Cerebellar thickness changes associated with heavy cannabis use: A 3‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Wang Yanpei , Zuo Chenyi , Xu Qinfang , Hao Lei
Published: June 2020

Cannabis is the most frequently used illicit drug in the world. Cross‐sectional neuroimaging studies have revealed that chronic cannabis exposure and the development of cannabis use disorders may affect cerebllar morphology. However, cross‐sectional studies cannot make a conclusive distinction between causes and consequences, and there is a lack of longitudinal neuroimaging studies. In the current study, we used longitudinal neuroimaging data to explore whether persistent cannabis use and higher levels of cannabis exposure in young adults are related to cerebellar thickness alterations. Twenty heavy cannabis users (CBs) and 22 non‐cannabis‐using controls (HCs) completed a comprehensive psychological assessment and a T1‐structural MRI scan at baseline and a 3‐year follow‐up. Except for lobuleVIIB, all cerebellar subregions showed significant effects of age in both the CB and HC groups. Both VI and CrusI had higher rates of increase in CBs than in HCs. In addition, we examined the relationship between changes in cerebellar thickness and cannabis use characteristics. We found that alterations in lobule VI and CrusI were related to the age at onset first cannabis use but not the age at onset frequent cannabis use. The changes in lobule VI and CrusI were associated with the CUDIT score, even when controlling for the AUDIT score. The results indicated that an increased rate of cerebellar thickness is a risk factor for heavy cannabis use in early adulthood. Cannabis use affects the cerebellar structure, and monitoring cerebellar structural alterations that could be used as biomarkers may help guide the development of clinical tools.
Prices, alcohol use initiation and heavy episodic drinking among Chilean youth
Authors: Paraje Guillermo R. , Guindon G. Emmanuel , Chaloupka Frank J.
Published: June 2020

Aims

To examine the association between alcohol prices and age of initiation of alcohol use and the association between age of alcohol use initiation and heavy episodic drinking (HED) among adolescents in Chile.

Design

We estimated discrete‐time hazard models using retrospective data and generalized ordered probit models with repeated cross‐sectional data.

Setting

Chile.

Participants

A total of 248 336 urban youth who attended secondary school between 2003 and 2015 and self‐reported ever having tried alcohol.

Measurements

We created drinking histories from self‐reported responses of age, age of alcohol use initiation and year/month of survey. From two self‐reported responses, we created a four‐category ordinal variable of heavy episodic drinking: none, one to two, three to nine and more than 10 HED episodes in the past 30 days. We constructed a monthly measure of real alcohol prices using the all‐items and alcohol component of the Consumer Price Index compiled by Chile's statistical agency, the Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas.

Findings

First, we found negative, statistically significant and policy‐meaningful associations between alcohol prices and the age of alcohol use initiation. The estimated price elasticity of delay was −0.99 [95% confidence interval (CI) = –1.30, −0.69]. A 10% increase in real alcohol prices was associated with delayed alcohol use initiation of approximately 6.6 months. Secondly, we found that youth who had started drinking alcohol at a later age had statistically significant and substantially lower probabilities of having reported HED during the previous month. For example, youth who started drinking at 16 were 4.9 (95% CI = 4.2–5.6) percentage points more likely to have reported no HED in the previous month relative to youth who started drinking alcohol when aged 12 years or younger.

Conclusions

Increasing the price of alcohol products may delay alcohol initiation among young people in Chile. Chilean youth who start drinking alcohol later may engage in less harmful drinking practices.
Memory duration is positively correlated with host fruit preference and offspring performance in a polyphagous frugivore
Authors: Silva Rehan , Merkel Katharina , Clarke Anthony R
Published: June 2020

Understanding how polyphagous herbivores optimise foraging for multiple hosts remains unclear: prior experiences with hosts and the modification of subsequent behaviours (referred to in the broad sense as learning) have been proposed as one potential mechanism. A critical feature of learning is the effect of reward value, with learning and memory positively linked with reward quality. However, the links between host plant quality for offspring, prior experience and memory have not been researched in herbivorous insects. No‐choice and dual‐choice olfactometer assays were conducted to determine how prior oviposition experience on nine different fruits affected host preference, response times and the duration of altered response times (over subsequent days) in the polyphagous frugivore, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt). In no‐choice tests, the average time naïve B. tryoni took to respond to the different fruit odours differed and was directly correlated to larval host quality; for example, naïve females responded fastest to guava, a high‐quality larval host, and slowest to blueberry, a poor host. However, B. tryoni experienced on fruits for 24 h responded significantly faster to all fruits equally, regardless of fruit type. The duration of the experience‐based responses was directly correlated with fruit quality, with females displaying the longest response retention when experienced on high‐quality fruits and the shortest on low‐quality fruits. For B. tryoni, we demonstrate that the host responses following prior experience are influenced by the quality of a host plant for offspring survival.
Do histopathological features of breast cancer in Australian Indigenous women explain the survival disparity? A two decade long study in the Northern Territory
Authors: Read David J. , Frentzas Sophia , Ward Linda , De Ieso Paolo , Chen Samantha , Devi Vanitha
Published: June 2020

Aims

In the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia, Indigenous women have a lower incidence of breast cancer, but a higher mortality than Non‐indigenous women. The aim of this study was to describe and compare breast cancer pathological features related to stage and biological aggression between the two groups.

Methods

Subjects were identified by extract from the NT Cancer Registry in two separate cohorts, cohort 1 (1991–2000) and cohort 2 (2001–2010). Data from cohort 1 included age, stage, tumor grade and estrogen receptor status (ER) and treatment completion. Additional pathological variables including tumor size, HER2 status, lymphovascular invasion and derived tumor phenotype were available for cohort 2. Bivariate P values for categoric variables were calculated using Fisher's exact tests.  The Wilcoxon rank‐sum test was used to compare cohort 2. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios.

Results

There were 359 (44 indigenous) eligible women in cohort 1 and 526 (100 indigenous) for cohort 2. In cohort 1, in both cohorts, indigenous women were more likely to present at an advanced stage, but there was no difference in ER status or tumor grade. When derived phenotypes were compared, indigenous women were less likely to have better prognosis luminal A tumors, and more likely to have HER2‐enriched tumors.

Conclusion

This two decade long comparison of the pathological features of breast cancer between indigenous and nonindigenous women of the NT has confirmed that Indigenous women not only present at a later stage than NI women but are also afflicted by poorer prognosis tumors, particularly HER2 enriched.
A comparison of choroidal thicknesses between pachychoroid and normochoroid eyes acquired from wide‐field swept‐source OCT
Authors: Lim Hyung Bin , Kim Kyeungmin , Won Yeo Kyoung , Lee Woo Hyuk , Lee Min Woo , Kim Jung Yeul
Published: June 2020

Purpose

We investigated the wide‐field choroidal thickness (CT) using swept‐source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT) and compared the characteristics of the choroidal layer between pachychoroid and normochoroid groups.

Methods

A total of 120 eyes from 120 normal subjects were included. All subjects were divided into two groups according to the subfoveal CT (≥300 μm, pachychoroid group; <300μm, normochoroid group). All subjects underwent an HD spotlight 16 mm scan using SS‐OCT. The CT was measured at the following 12 points: subfoveal, 3 points in the nasal peripapillary area, 6 points in the macular area and 2 peripheral points at 5400 and 8100 µm from the fovea. The CT measurements were compared between the two groups, and statistical analyses were performed to determine clinical factors associated with each point of the CT.

Results

The CT in the pachychoroid group was thicker than that in the normochoroid group at all points (p < 0.01). The CTs of the two groups in the macular area were highly associated with the subfoveal CT. However, the CTs of the nasal peripapillary and peripheral areas showed lower associations with the subfoveal CT and lower diagnostic abilities for the pachychoroid group. The existence of pachyvessels was found to be a significant factor causing the regional variations.

Conclusions

The CTs in the peripapillary and peripheral areas showed different patterns than the subfoveal CT. Regional variations by pachyvessels were more frequent in the peripapillary and peripheral areas than in the macular area, and the subfoveal CT did not represent the whole choroidal area.
MELD remains the best predictor of mortality in outpatients with cirrhosis and severe ascites
Authors: Jepsen Peter , Watson Hugh , Macdonald Stewart , Vilstrup Hendrik , Jalan Rajiv
Published: June 2020

Background

The Model for Endstage Liver Disease (MELD) score may put patients with severe ascites at a disadvantage because they often have a poor quality of life and high mortality despite a favourable MELD score.

Aim

To develop a model that is better than the MELD score at predicting 1‐year mortality among patients with cirrhosis, severe ascites and MELD ≤18.

Methods

We used data from a randomised trial (SPARe‐1) of patients with cirrhosis and severe ascites to develop a model to predict 1‐year mortality. We used stepwise backward elimination and Cox regression to identify the strongest predictors. Performance was assessed with the C index and the Brier score. We examined performance in an external cohort of trial participants with cirrhosis and severe ascites (SPARe‐2 participants).

Results

We included 308 patients with a 1‐year mortality of 20.4%. The final prediction model (Severe Ascites Mortality score, “SAM score”) included four variables: serum bilirubin, serum sodium, history of SBP (yes or no) and diabetes (yes or no). No indicators of quality of life were included. After correction for optimism bias, the SAM and MELD scores had nearly identical predictive ability. The external validation cohort included 149 patients whose 1‐year mortality was 22.4%. The MELD score performed marginally better in this cohort, partly because the effects of SBP and diabetes on mortality were much smaller in this cohort.

Conclusion

We did not succeed in developing a prediction model that was superior to the MELD score among patients with cirrhosis and severe ascites.
Spatial poverty traps in rural China: Aggregation, persistence, and reinforcement
Authors: Luo Xiang , Zhang Zuo , Wan Qing , Jin Gui
Published: June 2020

Poverty is a challenge faced by all countries across the world. How to effectively reduce poverty has always been an issue of scholars and governments, and understanding poverty traps and the causes is the basis for understanding poverty governance. Current research has no longer only attributed poverty to “lack of capital formation,” but put more emphasis on the significance of spatial factors. By using China's county‐level large sample panel data, this paper identifies poverty traps in rural China from three dimensions: aggregation, persistence and reinforcement. Research in this paper shows that from 2006 to 2015, there was nearly no change in spatial pattern of poverty in rural China, and the spatial distribution of poverty is not synchronised with economic growth. Distribution of poverty‐stricken counties is mainly related to topographic factors (slope and elevation). In addition, rural poverty in China is persistent, and there is not only a low‐level equilibrium of income in poverty‐stricken counties, but also a “club convergence” of income between poverty‐stricken and non‐poverty counties. Further research has also found that income in poverty‐stricken counties has a “spatial spillover” effect, so poverty also manifests itself as spatial self‐reinforcement. Research in this paper reveals the relationship between spatial externalities and rural poverty. It not only provides empirical evidence for correctly assessing the relationship between development and poverty, it also offers support for reasonably formulating a regional anti‐poverty targeting mechanism.
A constrained single‐index regression for estimating interactions between a treatment and covariates
Authors: Park Hyung , Petkova Eva , Tarpey Thaddeus , Ogden R. Todd
Published: June 2020

We consider a single‐index regression model, uniquely constrained to estimate interactions between a set of pretreatment covariates and a treatment variable on their effects on a response variable, in the context of analyzing data from randomized clinical trials. We represent interaction effect terms of the model through a set of treatment‐specific flexible link functions on a linear combination of the covariates (a single index), subject to the constraint that the expected value given the covariates equals 0, while leaving the main effects of the covariates unspecified. We show that the proposed semiparametric estimator is consistent for the interaction term of the model, and that the efficiency of the estimator can be improved with an augmentation procedure. The proposed single‐index regression provides a flexible and interpretable modeling approach to optimizing individualized treatment rules based on patients' data measured at baseline, as illustrated by simulation examples and an application to data from a depression clinical trial.
HS2ST1‐dependent signaling pathways determine breast cancer cell viability, matrix interactions, and invasive behavior
Authors: Vijaya Kumar Archana , Brézillon Stéphane , Untereiner Valérie , Sockalingum Ganesh Dhruvananda , Kumar Katakam Sampath , Mohamed Hossam Taha , Kemper Björn , Greve Burkhard , Mohr Benedikt , Ibrahim Sherif Abdelaziz , Goycoolea Francisco M. , Kiesel Ludwig , Pavão Mauro S.G. , Motta Juliana M. , Götte Martin
Published: June 2020

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) act as signaling co‐receptors by interaction of their sulfated glycosaminoglycan chains with numerous signaling molecules. In breast cancer, the function of heparan sulfate 2‐O‐sulfotransferase (HS2ST1), the enzyme mediating 2‐O‐sulfation of HS, is largely unknown. Hence, a comparative study on the functional consequences of HS2ST1 overexpression and siRNA knockdown was performed in the breast cancer cell lines MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231. HS2ST1 overexpression inhibited Matrigel invasion, while its knockdown reversed the phenotype. Likewise, cell motility and adhesion to fibronectin and laminin were affected by altered HS2ST1 expression. Phosphokinase array screening revealed a general decrease in signaling via multiple pathways. Fluorescent ligand binding studies revealed altered binding of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2) to HS2ST1‐expressing cells compared with control cells. HS2ST1‐overexpressing cells showed reduced MAPK signaling responses to FGF‐2, and altered expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), E‐cadherin, Wnt‐7a, and Tcf4. The increased viability of HS2ST1‐depleted cells was reduced to control levels by pharmacological MAPK pathway inhibition. Moreover, MAPK inhibitors generated a phenocopy of the HS2ST1‐dependent delay in scratch wound repair. In conclusion, HS2ST1 modulation of breast cancer cell invasiveness is a compound effect of altered E‐cadherin and EGFR expression, leading to altered signaling via MAPK and additional pathways.
Students' teaching career expectations by gender and ability levels in science and math: The role of salary and numeracy skills
Authors: Han Seong Won , Borgonovi Francesca
Published: June 2020

Understanding what factors foster young people's aspirations to work as teachers is critical for designing effective recruitment policies, and for ensuring that enough youngsters enter the teaching profession. We examine what factors explain between‐country differences in the percentage of 15‐year‐old students who expect to work as teachers as adults. We focus on two factors: (1) the salaries teachers can expect to earn compared to professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); and (2) the skill levels teachers have compared to STEM professionals. Relative salaries indicate if (and to what extent) the financial returns associated with teaching careers are higher or lower than professional STEM careers dominated by men. Relative skills highlight the investment in human capital that teachers are expected to make to be able to enter the profession, as well as the social and cultural status that is associated with teaching. We used data from 29 countries that participated in the Programme for International Student Assessment and the Programme for International Assessment of Adult Competencies. In countries where teacher salaries and numeracy skills were high compared to those commanded by STEM professionals, gender gaps in teaching career expectations were smaller. High‐ability students in science and mathematics were more likely to expect to work as teachers in countries where teachers have comparatively higher numeracy skills. Our findings show that when teacher salaries are competitive in relationship to the salaries of STEM professionals, more students overall expect to work as teachers. However, whilst low‐ and middle‐performing students in science and mathematics were attracted by economic incentives, high‐performing students in science and mathematics were not.
COVID‐19 complicated by parainfluenza co‐infection in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Langerbeins Petra , Fürstenau Moritz , Gruell Henning , Klein Florian , Persigehl Thorsten , Rybniker Jan , Seeger‐Nukpezah Tamina , Kochanek Matthias , Hallek Michael , Eichhorst Barbara , Koehler Philipp , Böll Boris
Published: June 2020

The number of people suffering from the new coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 continues to rise. In SARS‐CoV‐2, superinfection with bacteria or fungi seems to be associated with increased mortality. The role of co‐infections with respiratory viral pathogens has not yet been clarified. Here, we report the course of COVID‐19 in a CLL patient with secondary immunodeficiency and viral co‐infection with parainfluenza.
The effect of age and gender on anti‐saccade performance: Results from a large cohort of healthy aging individuals
Authors: Mack David J. , Heinzel Sebastian , Pilotto Andrea , Stetz Lena , Lachenmaier Sandra , Gugolz Leonie , Srulijes Karin , Eschweiler Gerhard W. , Sünkel Ulrike , Berg Daniela , Ilg Uwe J.
Published: June 2020

By 2050, the global population of people aged 65 years or older will triple. While this is accompanied with an increasing burden of age‐associated diseases, it also emphasizes the need to understand the effects of healthy aging on cognitive processes. One such effect is a general slowing of processing speed, which is well documented in many domains. The execution of anti‐saccades depends on a well‐established brain‐wide network ranging from various cortical areas and basal ganglia through the superior colliculus down to the brainstem saccade generators. To clarify the consequences of healthy aging as well as gender on the execution of reflexive and voluntary saccades, we measured a large sample of healthy, non‐demented individuals (n = 731, aged 51–84 years) in the anti‐saccade task. Age affected various aspects of saccade performance: The number of valid trials decreased with age. Error rate, saccadic reaction times (SRTs), and variability in saccade accuracy increased with age, whereas anti‐saccade costs, accuracy, and peak velocity of anti‐saccades and direction errors were not affected by age. Gender affected SRTs independent of age and saccade type with male participants having overall shorter SRTs. Our rigid and solid statistical testing using linear mixed‐effect models provide evidence for a uniform slowing of processing speed independent of the actually performed eye movement. Our data do not support the assumption of a specific deterioration of frontal lobe functions with aging.
Migration dynamics of an important rice pest: The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) across Asia—Insights from population genomics
Authors: Hereward James P. , Cai Xuhong , Matias Ambrocio Melvin A. , Walter Gimme H. , Xu Chenxi , Wang Yongmo
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Brown planthoppers (Nilaparvata lugens) are the most serious insect pests of rice, one of the world's most important staple crops. They reproduce year‐round in the tropical parts of their distribution, but cannot overwinter in the temperate areas where they occur, and invade seasonally from elsewhere. Decades of research have not revealed their source unambiguously.

Methods and Results

We sequenced the genomes of brown planthopper populations from across temperate and tropical parts of their distribution and show that the Indochinese peninsula is the major source of migration into temperate China. The Philippines, once considered a key source, is not significant, with little evidence for their migration into China. We find support for immigration from the west of China contributing to these regional dynamics.

Discussion

The lack of connectivity between the Philippine population and the mainland Chinese populations explains the different evolution of Imidacloprid resistance in these populations. This study highlights the promise of whole‐genome sequence data to understand migration when gene flow is high—a situation that has been difficult to resolve using traditional genetic markers.