bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shelf life estimation of red dragon fruit jam using accelerated shelf life testing (ASLT) method
Authors: Zaidiyah  , Anwar S H , Ayun S Q , Nasution I S
Published: November 2019

Red dragon fruit contains high antioxidants and it supposed to react as anti-free radicals and cancer. The aimed of this study was to determine the shelf life of red dragon fruit jam using the Arrhenius model based on Accelerated Shelf Life Test (ASLT). The fruit jam was prepared using pectin as stabilizer and 10 minutes of cooking times. Two parameters, that were the Total Plate Count (TPC) values and the antioxidant activity, were utilized to estimate the shelf life of red dragon fruit jam using the Arrhenius equation. The zero-order kinetic model has been proved to be the most appropriate model to represent the change of TPC values whereas the first order model is best fitted for the change of antioxidant activity. According to the chosen models, the shelf life of red dragon fruit jam during storage at 28°C is estimated to be 99 days.
Influence scope of local loss for pipe flow in plane sudden expansions
Authors: Yao L , Huang X , Fitri A
Published: November 2019

A pipe with sudden expansions are used in a wide variety of engineering applications such as hydraulic, civil, and nuclear industries. Flow through a pipe with sudden expansion about its head loss becomes local head loss as the boundary changes. The dynamic water pressure for the rapidly varied flow corresponding to the local head loss has remained inconclusive and inaccurate. It is partly due to the complexity of the vortex involved and partly because of limitations of the traditional experiments. Therefore, in this study, the methods based on theoretical analysis and numerical simulation were employed for the prediction of the influence scope of a plane pipe with sudden expansions. A parametric study is performed for the expansion ratios are 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5 and in a Reynolds number range of 10 - 100000. On the basis of numerical results, an existing correlation of the influence scope is also extended to take into account the effect of the scale effect additionally. The simulation results show that the influence scope of local head loss is affected greatly by expansion ratio and Reynolds number of the plane pipe, and expansion ratios occurring from the sudden expansions are less sensitive to the Reynolds number. The obtained research results have shown that for the cases when Reynolds number is relatively small (Re < 2000), the recirculation degree (L/D, where L is the length of recirculation zone, D is the diameter of the latter pipe) increases significantly with the increase of the Reynolds number; and for the cases when the Reynolds number is larger (Re > 10000), the recirculation degree changes slowly with the Reynolds number. In general, the length of the influence scope is logarithmically related to the Reynolds number.
Organizational Commitment of Members of The Dairy Farmer Group in Banyumas Regency
Authors: Muatip K , Purwaningsih H , Setianto N A , Sugiarto M , Widiyanti R , Safitri L , Istiqomah W
Published: November 2019

Most dairy farmers in Banyumas Regency are work in groups because their milk product should be sold in the group to the cooperative. The top-down formation made the members of the dairy farmer group less involved in the motivation to the group. This study aims to analyze the relationship among the long-standing leadership and the motivating ability to the organizational commitment of members of the dairy farmers group in Banyumas Regency. This study used survey methods. The sampling area has been done by purposive sampling method by selecting Pekuncen and Cilongok districts, where a lot of dairy farmers are there. The sample of the group has been determined by the census method as many as 11 groups, 124 farmers. The respondents have been selected by random sampling method, as many as 50% of the total group members or 62 farmers. The data has been analyzed using Spearman’s Rank correlation then performed descriptively. The results showed that the leader of the dairy farmers group had long-standing leadership and they had a good motivating ability. The member had a high organizational commitment to the groups. Eventually, the length of leadership and the motivating ability had a fairly strong relationship with the organizational commitment of group members with correlation coefficients of 0.574 and 0.544.
Treatment of Rabbit Coccidiosis with Combination of Herbal Extract II toward Oocysts Excretion and Hematology Parameters
Authors: Indrasanti D , Indradji M , Yuwono E , Samsi M , Sundari P V , Ichwan M N , Anengseh E S , Hatmadifia M N , Hidayat T N
Published: November 2019

This study aims to determine oocysts excretion and hematological profile in coccidiosis rabbits given a combination of herbal extract II. Hematological profiles observed were red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), granulocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC). This study used 40 rabbit coccidiosis material with ± 3 months age of ± 650 g weight, a combination of herbal extracts consisting of banana stem extract (BSE), papaya seeds (PSE) and garlic (GE), a set of tools and materials for rabbit maintenance and a set of hematological examination tools. The research method was carried out experimentally using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The analysis used variance analysis followed by Honest Real Difference (HRD). The combination of herbal extract II consists of BSE: 40 mg; PSE: 20 mg; GE: 40 mg. Rabbits were divided into 8 treatments with 5 replications, namely giving a combination of herbal extracts 0 mg (D0), 10 mg (D1), 20 mg (D2), 40 mg (D3), 80 (D4) mg, 100 mg (D5) and the comparison are used herbal extract I (consist of BSE: 33 mg; PSE: 2 mg; GE: 65 mg) as much as 100 mg (D6) and Aquaprime® (D7). Blood collection is carried out through the heart on the 14th day after treatment. The combination of herbal extract II had a very significant effect on oocysts excretion, but did not have a significant effect on all hematology parameters. Hence, a combination of herbal extracts can be used as an alternative to reduce the number of oocysts in rabbits coccidiosis.
Effect of Supplementation of Combination of Curcuma and BSF Maggot Meal in Rations on Accumulative Weight of Native Chickens
Authors: Toar W L , Rumokoy L J M , Pudjihastuti E , Manangkot H , Bagau B , Untu I M
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the combination of curcuma meal with maggot of insect larvae of Hermetia illucens on accumulative weight gain in native chicken. Methods: This study used 60 starter chickens, which were divided into two groups of 30 chickens as control group (P1) and the other one (P2) that received a supplement of combination of curcuma meals of 350gr/100 kg ration and maggot BSF of 150gr/100 kg ration which was maintained for fourth weeks. The ration was distributed ad libitum. Final weight gain was measured at the end of the study at the fourth week. The data obtained were analyzed by using t-test. The results indicated that the average body weight of experimental chicken P2 was 214 gr significantly higher (P <0.01) than in group P1 was 243 gr. This results show that maggot meal of H. illucens has an important nutrient content and has a positive effect when combining with curcuma meal which is able to increase consumption palatability which has a direct effect on local chicken weight gain. Conclusion: The combination between BSF maggot and curcuma meals supplementation could be applied to local chickens in supporting organic livestock production.
Population Performance of Saburai Goat at Saburai Goat Breeding Area, Tanggamus regency, Lampung Province
Authors: Sulastri  , Adhianto K , Dakhlan A , Hamdani M D I , Siswanto
Published: November 2019

The survey method was conducted to investigate the population performance of the Saburai goat breeding area in Tanggamus Regency, Lampung Province. The population performance was evaluated based on natural increase (NI) and the ability of the region to supply Saburai breeds and based on net replacement rate (NRR). Direct observations were made since the Saburai goat was designated as the Lampung Province’s local genetic resource based on the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia Number 359 / Kpts / PK.040 / 6/2015 until 2018. The result showed that the population of Saburai goat in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 were 1,469, 2,369, 2,860, and 3,293 tails, respectively. The average length of use of male and female goats was 4.44 ± 0.20 and 5,033 ± 0.21 years, respectively. The highest needs of replacement stock was in 2018 (5.40% for males and 5.47% for females). The average percentage of births of male kid was 9.72 ± 6.57% and female kid was 19.72, ± 5.18%. The NI value for male goat was 9.25% ± 6.23% and for female goat was 19.13 ± 4.22%. The highest NRR value for male goat occurred in 2015 (1028.21%) and for female goat in 2016 (528.34%). It could be concluded that the population performance of the Saburai goat from 2015 to 2018 was in a good category and was able to provide replacement stock from its own territory.
The Use of Saponification of Animal and Vegetable Oils in The Rations on The Physical Quality of Sheep Meat on Bicepsfemoris Muscles
Authors: Riyanto J , Widyawati S D , Suprayogi W P S , Wati A K
Published: November 2019

Acceptance and level of preference for sheep meat is influenced by the physical quality of the meat. This study aimed to know the effect of the use of animal oil saponification (lemuru fish oil: LFO) and vegetable oil (palm oil: PO) which was added to the ration on the physical quality of sheep meat. Twelve male local sheep were randomly divided into 3 ration treatments; P0: control ration (40% king grass : 60% concentrate), P1: 40% king grass + 57% concentrated + 3% saponified LFO and P2: 40% grass king + 57% concentrate + 3% saponified PO. Each treatment consisted of 3 replications. The observed variables were physical quality of meat (pH, cooking losses, tenderness, collagen). The data obtained were analyzed by variance analysis and real difference test between treatments. The results showed that the use of LFO and PO was not significant effect (P>0.05) on the physical quality of meat (pH, cooking losses, tenderness, collagen). It can be concluded that the use of animal and vegetable oil saponification cannot improve the physical quality of sheep meat.
The Contribution of Social Capital to the Income and Development of Beef Cattle Farmers
Authors: Solikin N , Hartono B , Fanani Z , Ihsan M N
Published: November 2019

Developing the livestock sector in Kediri, East Java Province requires an investigation on the social capital of beef cattle farmers to observe the actual condition and the strategies. The research is aimed to describe the social capital that includes the kinship, behaviours, norms and interactions and to analyze the correlation between social capital and economic income of beef cattle farming in Kediri Regency. The study was conducted from January to June 2018, collecting data from a survey and questionnaire. A multistage sampling method was applied to collect 150 farmers in eight sub-districts in Kediri. Data were subject to descriptive analysis. The result showed that the social capital of beef cattle farmers in Kediri is at the medium level as observed from the farmers’ ability to collaborate in achieving group objectives. The average annual income of beef cattle farmers in Kediri was IDR 2.700.000. The result showed a significant correlation (0,426) between the social capital and the income of beef cattle farmers in Kediri. It indicated that the higher the social capital, the higher the income. Some efforts to increase social capitals included a social gathering and farmers upskill through intensive training on technology mastery.
Mineral-Vitamin Combining Versus Herbal Supplementationto Enhance Performance Ongole Crossbred Bull
Authors: Pamungkas D , Firdaus F , Affandhy L , Luthfi M
Published: November 2019

Excellent performance of bull as sperm producer was needed to maintain and increase the high pregnancy cows rate.The study aimed to determine the effect of mineral-vitamin combining [MVC] and herbs supplementing [HS]on feed intake, feed efficiency, average daily gain[ADG], linear body, semen quality and B/C ratio of OngoleCrossbred bull. Eight animals [aged 3 to 5 years] within initial weight 505.2 ± 70.5 kg were examined. They were grouped in two feed regimes, firstly, the basal diet was given with the inclusion of Vitamin A, E and Zinc-minerals [P1] and secondly, were basal diet plus herbs supplementation [P2]. The basal diet consisted of elephant grass, gliricidia, and commercial concentrates. Feeding was assigned to dry matter[DM] of 3% of body weight [BW] to meet the balance nutrient intake. The experimental which conducted as long as three months, was designed in two treatments and four replicates. Data analysed by using the T-test. There was no significant different between P1 and P2 in the results on feed intake, efficiency, ADG, and linear body. However, the sperm concentration of P1 [1,366.7 ± 768.9 million/ml] was higher[P<0.05] than those of P2 [873,3 ± 488.7 million/ml]. Meanwhile, the sperm viability of P1[90.4 ± 8.5%] was also higher than that of P2 [78.7 ± 16.2%]. Both P1 and P2 were recommended for being usedcommercially [due to requirement of Indonesia National Standard/SNI 4869-1:2017], but the P1 was the efficient one in regards of the B/C ratios.
Characteristics, Digestibility and Rumen Fermentation Products of Rice Bran from Various Varieties of Rice
Authors: Widiyastuti T , Prayitno C H , Munasik  , Rahayu S , Muatip K
Published: November 2019

Rice has much kind of varieties with varied organic ingredients. The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of varied organic matter content on digestibility and fermentation products in the rumen. This study used in vitro method, using completely randomized design with 6 varieties of rice bran as treatments (Pandan Wangi, Ketan Putih, IR 64, Aek Sibundong, Ketan Hitam and Umbul). Each treatment was repeated 3 times, continued by Honestly Significant Difference (HSD). The objective of the study is to evaluate VFA level, N-NH3, dry matterdigestibility (DMD) and organic matter digestibility (OMD). The results of analysis of variance showed that the rice bran varieties have a High significant effect on the levels of VFA (P < 0.01), but there is no significant effects on N-NH3 level, DMD and OMD. A Highly significant difference is shown by rice Bran of Pandan Wangi varieties with Ketan Putih and Ketan Hitam. Based on the results of the study can be concluded that the rice varieties effect the level of VFA but do not effect the level N-NH3, DMD and OMD. Pandan Wangi has the highest VFA rate.
Choline transporter-like 1 deficiency causes a new type of childhood-onset neurodegeneration
Authors: Fagerberg Christina R , Taylor Adrian , Distelmaier Felix , Schrøder Henrik D , Kibæk Maria , Wieczorek Dagmar , Tarnopolsky Mark , Brady Lauren , Larsen Martin J , Jamra Rami A , Seibt Annette , Hejbøl Eva Kildall , Gade Else , Markovic Ljubo , Klee Dirk , Nagy Peter , Rouse Nicholas , Agarwal Prasoon , Dolinsky Vernon W , Bakovic Marica
Published: November 2019

Cerebral choline metabolism is crucial for normal brain function, and its homoeostasis depends on carrier-mediated transport. Here, we report on four individuals from three families with neurodegenerative disease and homozygous frameshift mutations (Asp517Metfs*19, Ser126Metfs*8, and Lys90Metfs*18) in the SLC44A1 gene encoding choline transporter-like protein 1. Clinical features included progressive ataxia, tremor, cognitive decline, dysphagia, optic atrophy, dysarthria, as well as urinary and bowel incontinence. Brain MRI demonstrated cerebellar atrophy and leukoencephalopathy. Moreover, low signal intensity in globus pallidus with hyperintensive streaking and low signal intensity in substantia nigra were seen in two individuals. The Asp517Metfs*19 and Ser126Metfs*8 fibroblasts were structurally and functionally indistinguishable. The most prominent ultrastructural changes of the mutant fibroblasts were reduced presence of free ribosomes, the appearance of elongated endoplasmic reticulum and strikingly increased number of mitochondria and small vesicles. When chronically treated with choline, those characteristics disappeared and mutant ultrastructure resembled healthy control cells. Functional analysis revealed diminished choline transport yet the membrane phosphatidylcholine content remained unchanged. As part of the mechanism to preserve choline and phosphatidylcholine, choline transporter deficiency was implicated in impaired membrane homeostasis of other phospholipids. Choline treatments could restore the membrane lipids, repair cellular organelles and protect mutant cells from acute iron overload. In conclusion, we describe a novel childhood-onset neurometabolic disease caused by choline transporter deficiency with autosomal recessive inheritance.
A case study of digital-twin-modelling analysis on power-plant-performance optimizations
Authors: Xu Bin , Wang June , Wang Xinping , Liang Zhihong , Cui Liming , Liu Xiao , Ku Anthony Y
Published: November 2019

China Energy’s National Institute of Clean-and-Low-Carbon Energy (NICE) is developing a Power Plant Smart Management (PPSM) platform that employs digital-twin technology to undertake techno-economic modelling analysis on China Energy’s existing coal-fired power-plant units and explore cost-effective solutions to improve those plant units’ thermal efficiencies and operating performance. This paper presents a case study of PPSM on a 320-MWe coal-fired thermal power-plant unit, demonstrating how the digital-twin technology was employed to explore and analyse optimization solutions. Various optimization solutions and their cost-effectiveness were assessed using the digital-twin-modelling analysis; the results indicated the optimization solutions are expected to improve the plant unit’s operating efficiency and reduce its current electricity-generation coal consumption by up to 3.5 g/kWh standard coal equivalent (sce), worth annual fuel-cost savings of approximately 4 million RMB for a single unit or 8 million RMB for the two identical 320-MWe units that the power plant currently operates. The digital twin was also employed to assess the power-plant unit’s operating economics during both summer and winter. In summer, when the unit operates in electricity-generation-only mode, the unit’s operating thermal efficiency could drop by up to 6% points following the grid demand of load changes from 100% maximum continuous rating (MCR) down to 30%MCR, resulting in an ~ 45 RMB/MWh increase of electricity-generation cost. In winter, when the unit operates in combined heat and power (CHP) cogeneration mode, for the same boiler load, the CHP operation increases the plant unit’s operating profit with increasing district-heating duty, although the relative profit gain from the CHP cogeneration could start to decrease when the district-heating steam-extraction flow increases to a certain point that varies depending on the market prices of heat and electricity, while the fuel cost was found to be equivalent to ~50% of the unit’s total CHP income cogenerated from its electricity and district heat outputs.
On the United States’ Decision to Withdraw from and Cease Implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change
Authors: Gervasi Mario
Published: November 2019

This article attempts to investigate the significance and implications of the United States’ decision to withdraw from and cease implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change, as announced in the statement released by President Trump on 1 June 2017. It is argued that that decision risks giving rise to a serious setback for the international protection of climate. Yet, the Parties to the Paris Agreement have so far been reluctant to react to the United States’ conduct. In particular, since the United States withdrawal could not have effect before 4 November 2020, the cessation of implementation of the Paris Agreement has already resulted in a wrongful act, at least as regards the obligation to pursue domestic mitigation measures with the aim of achieving the objectives of the nationally determined contributions. Should the Parties to the Paris Agreement invoke the responsibility of the United States, they would eventually face the need to solve certain difficulties emerging from the application of the general rules concerning State responsibility to a case relevant to climate change, because the implementation mechanism of the Paris Agreement would prove to be inadequate owing to its facilitative nature.
Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Drug-resistant Tuberculosis Receiving Bedaquiline- or Delamanid-Containing Regimens
Authors: Kempker R R , Mikiashvili L , Zhao Y , Benkeser D , Barbakadze K , Bablishvili N , Avaliani Z , Peloquin C A , Blumberg H M , Kipiani M
Published: November 2019

Background

Bedaquiline and delamanid are newly available drugs for treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB); however, there are limited data guiding their use and no comparison studies.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, observational study among patients with MDR-TB in Georgia who were receiving a bedaquiline- or delamanid-based treatment regimen. Monthly sputum cultures, minimal inhibitory concentration testing, and adverse event monitoring were performed. Primary outcomes were culture conversion rates and clinical outcomes. Targeted maximum likelihood estimation and super learning were utilized to produce a covariate-adjusted proportion of outcomes for each regimen.

Results

Among 156 patients with MDR-TB, 100 were enrolled and 95 were receiving a bedaquiline-based (n = 64) or delamanid-based (n = 31) regimen. Most were male (82%) and the median age was 38 years. Rates of previous treatment (56%) and cavitary disease (61%) were high. The most common companion drugs included linezolid, clofazimine, cycloserine, and a fluoroquinolone. The median numbers of effective drugs received among patients on bedaquiline-based (4; interquartile range [IQR], 4–4) and delamanid-based (4; IQR, 3.5–5) regimens were similar. Rates of acquired drug resistance were significantly higher among patients receiving delamanid versus bedaquiline (36% vs 10%, respectively; P < .01). Adjusted rates of sputum culture conversion at 2 months (67% vs 47%, respectively; P = .10) and 6 months (95% vs 74%, respectively; P < .01), as well as more favorable clinical outcomes (96% vs 72%, respectively; P < .01), were higher among patients receiving bedaquiline versus delamanid.

Conclusions

Among patients with MDR-TB, bedaquiline-based regimens were associated with higher rates of sputum culture conversion, more favorable outcomes, and a lower rate of acquired drug resistance versus delamanid-based regimens.
Niacin protects against abdominal aortic aneurysm formation via GPR109A independent mechanisms: role of NAD+/nicotinamide
Authors: Horimatsu Tetsuo , Blomkalns Andra L , Ogbi Mourad , Moses Mary , Kim David , Patel Sagar , Gilreath Nicole , Reid Lauren , Benson Tyler W , Pye Jonathan , Ahmadieh Samah , Thompson Allie , Robbins Nathan , Mann Adrien , Edgell Ashlee , Benjamin Stephanie , Stansfield Brian K , Huo Yuqing , Fulton David J , Agarwal Gautam , Singh Nagendra , Offermanns Stefan , Weintraub Neal L , Kim Ha Won
Published: November 2019

Aims

Chronic adventitial and medial infiltration of immune cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Nicotinic acid (niacin) was shown to inhibit atherosclerosis by activating the anti-inflammatory G protein-coupled receptor GPR109A [also known as hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA2)] expressed on immune cells, blunting immune activation and adventitial inflammatory cell infiltration. Here, we investigated the role of niacin and GPR109A in regulating AAA formation.

Methods and results

Mice were supplemented with niacin or nicotinamide, and AAA was induced by angiotensin II (AngII) infusion or calcium chloride (CaCl2) application. Niacin markedly reduced AAA formation in both AngII and CaCl2 models, diminishing adventitial immune cell infiltration, concomitant inflammatory responses, and matrix degradation. Unexpectedly, GPR109A gene deletion did not abrogate the protective effects of niacin against AAA formation, suggesting GPR109A-independent mechanisms. Interestingly, nicotinamide, which does not activate GPR109A, also inhibited AAA formation and phenocopied the effects of niacin. Mechanistically, both niacin and nicotinamide supplementation increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels and NAD+-dependent Sirt1 activity, which were reduced in AAA tissues. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of Sirt1 abrogated the protective effect of nicotinamide against AAA formation.

Conclusion

Niacin protects against AAA formation independent of GPR109A, most likely by serving as an NAD+ precursor. Supplementation of NAD+ using nicotinamide-related biomolecules may represent an effective and well-tolerated approach to preventing or treating AAA.
Twiddler’s syndrome with a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator presenting with an inappropriate shock: a case report
Authors: Camm C Fielder , Rajappan Kim , Curson Mark , Tilling Lindsey
Published: November 2019

Background

Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (S-ICDs) are increasingly used in patients at risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Twiddler’s syndrome is a condition in which a device is manipulated by the patient after implantation leading to lead twisting and retraction. Device manipulation has been reported multiple times in transvenous pacing systems and occasionally leads to inappropriate discharges from implanted defibrillators. However, little has been reported about device manipulation in S-ICD devices.

Case summary

We present the case of a 16-year-old who underwent insertion of an S-ICD for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. He represented for a pacing check following a discharge from the device. This showed a significant change in the sensed vectors. Chest radiographs confirmed lead retraction and suggested device manipulation. The device was turned off to prevent further inappropriate shocks. The patient underwent successful reimplantation of a S-ICD device.

Discussion

This case highlights that twiddler’s syndrome can occur in those with an S-ICD and lead to an inappropriate device discharge. The patient in this case had a number of risk factors that have been previously associated with twiddler’s syndrome.
Reprogramming of retrotransposon activity during speciation of the genus Citrus
Authors: Borredá Carles , Pérez-Román Estela , Ibanez Victoria , Terol Javier , Talon Manuel
Published: November 2019

Speciation of the genus Citrus from a common ancestor has recently been established to begin approximately 8 Mya during the late Miocene, a period of major climatic alterations. Here, we report the changes in activity of Citrus LTR retrotransposons during the process of diversification that gave rise to the current Citrus species. To reach this goal, we analyzed four pure species that diverged early during Citrus speciation, three recent admixtures derived from those species and an outgroup of the Citrus clade. More than thirty thousand retrotransposons were grouped in 10 linages. Estimations of LTR insertion times revealed that retrotransposon activity followed a species-specific pattern of change that could be ascribed to one of three different models. In some genomes, the expected pattern of gradual transposon accumulation was suddenly arrested during the radiation of the ancestor that gave birth to the current Citrus species. The individualized analyses of retrotransposon lineages showed that in each and every species studied, not all lineages follow the general pattern of the species itself. For instance, in most of the genomes, the retrotransposon activity of elements from the SIRE lineage reached its highest level just before Citrus speciation while for Retrofit elements it has been steadily growing. Based on these observations we propose that Citrus retrotransposons may respond to stressful conditions driving speciation as a part of the genetic response involved in adaptation. This proposal implies that the evolving conditions of each species interacts with the internal regulatory mechanisms of the genome controlling the proliferation of mobile elements.
High-resolution reconstructions and GPS estimates of India–Eurasia and India–Somalia plate motions: 20 Ma to the present
Authors: DeMets C , Merkouriev S , Jade S
Published: November 2019

We reconstruct the movement of the India Plate relative to Eurasia at ≈1-Myr intervals from 20 Ma to the present from GPS site velocities and high-resolution sequences of rotations from the India–Somalia–Antarctic–Nubia–North America–Eurasia Plate circuit. The plate circuit rotations, which are all estimated using the same data fitting functions, magnetic reversal sampling points, calibrations for magnetic reversal outward displacement, and noise mitigation methods, include new India–Somalia rotations estimated from numerous Carlsberg and northern Central Indian ridge plate kinematic data and high-resolution rotations from the Southwest Indian Ridge that account for slow motion between the Nubia and Somalia plates. Our new rotations indicate that India–Somalia plate motion slowed down by 25–30 per cent from 19.7 to 12.5–11.1 Ma, but remained steady since at least 9.8 Ma and possibly 12.5 Ma. Our new India–Eurasia rotations predict a relatively simple plate motion history, consisting of NNE-directed interplate convergence since 19 Ma, a ≈50 per cent convergence rate decrease from 19.7 to 12.5–11.1 Ma, and steady or nearly steady plate motion since 12.5–11.1 Ma. Instantaneous convergence rates estimated with our new India–Eurasia GPS angular velocity are 16 per cent slower than our reconstructed plate kinematic convergence rates for times since 2.6 Ma, implying either a rapid, recent slowdown in the convergence rate or larger than expected errors in our geodetic and/or plate kinematic estimates. During an acceleration of seafloor faulting within the wide India–Capricorn oceanic boundary at 8–7.5 Ma, our new rotations indicate that the motions of the India Plate relative to Somalia and Eurasia remained steady. We infer that forces acting on the Capricorn rather than the India Plate were responsible for the accelerated seafloor deformation, in accord with a previous study. India–Eurasia displacements that are predicted with our new, well-constrained rotations are fit poorly by a recently proposed model that attributes the post-60-Ma slowdown in India–Eurasia convergence rates to the steady resistance of a strong lithospheric mantle below Tibet.
Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Liposomal Amphotericin B and Miltefosine in Combination for Treatment of Post Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis
Authors: Ramesh V , Dixit Keerti Kaumudee , Sharma Neha , Singh Ruchi , Salotra Poonam
Published: November 2019

Background

No satisfactory canonical treatment is available for post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), clinical sequela of visceral leishmaniasis. Confined treatment options and substantial increase in relapse rate after miltefosine (MIL) treatment warrant the need to adapt resilient combination therapies. In this study, we assessed the safety and efficacy of combination therapy using liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) and MIL for treating PKDL.

Methods

Thirty-two PKDL patients, confirmed by microscopy or quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), were included in the study. An equal number of cases (n = 16) were put on MIL monotherapy (100 mg/day for 90 days) or MIL and LAmB combination for 45 days (3 injections of LAmB, 5 mg/kg body weight, and 100 mg/day MIL). Parasite load in slit aspirate was monitored using qPCR.

Results

Patients treated with combination therapy demonstrated a rapid decline in parasite load and achieved 100% cure, with no reports of relapse. Those treated with MIL monotherapy attained clinical cure with a gradual decrease in parasite load; however, 25% relapsed within 18 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

Liposomal amphotericin B and MIL combination for treating PKDL is efficacious and safe, with high tolerability. Furthermore, this study established the utility of minimally invasive slit aspirate method for monitoring of parasite load and assessment of cure in PKDL.
Pretreatment HIV drug resistance spread within transmission clusters in Mexico City
Authors: Matías-Florentino Margarita , Chaillon Antoine , Ávila-Ríos Santiago , Mehta Sanjay R , Paz-Juárez Héctor E , Becerril-Rodríguez Manuel A , del Arenal-Sánchez Silvia J , Piñeirúa-Menéndez Alicia , Ruiz Verónica , Iracheta-Hernández Patricia , Macías-González Israel , Tena-Sánchez Jehovani , Badial-Hernández Florentino , González-Rodríguez Andrea , Reyes-Terán Gustavo
Published: November 2019

Background

Pretreatment HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) to NNRTIs has consistently increased in Mexico City during the last decade.

Objectives

To infer the HIV genetic transmission network in Mexico City to describe the dynamics of the local HIV epidemic and spread of HIVDR.

Patients and methods

HIV pol sequences were obtained by next-generation sequencing from 2447 individuals before initiation of ART at the largest HIV clinic in Mexico City (April 2016 to June 2018). Pretreatment HIVDR was estimated using the Stanford algorithm at a Sanger-like threshold (≥20%). Genetic networks were inferred with HIV-TRACE, establishing putative transmission links with genetic distances <1.5%. We examined demographic associations among linked individuals with shared drug resistance mutations (DRMs) using a ≥ 2% threshold to include low-frequency variants.

Results

Pretreatment HIVDR reached 14.8% (95% CI 13.4%–16.2%) in the cohort overall and 9.6% (8.5%–10.8%) to NNRTIs. Putative links with at least one other sequence were found for 963/2447 (39%) sequences, forming 326 clusters (2–20 individuals). The inferred network was assortative by age and municipality (P < 0.001). Clustering individuals were younger [adjusted OR (aOR) per year = 0.96, 95% CI 0.95–0.97, P < 0.001] and less likely to include women (aOR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.28–0.75, P = 0.002). Among clustering individuals, 175/963 (18%) shared DRMs (involving 66 clusters), of which 66/175 (38%) shared K103N/S (24 clusters). Eight municipalities (out of 75) harboured 65% of persons sharing DRMs. Among all persons sharing DRMs, those sharing K103N were younger (aOR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.88–0.98, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Our analyses suggest age- and geographically associated transmission of DRMs within the HIV genetic network in Mexico City, warranting continuous monitoring and focused interventions.
Evaluation of the DynaTrap Flylight (DT-3009) Against House Flies and Stable Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) Under Indoor Conditions
Authors: Hogsette Jerome A , Cilek James E
Published: November 2019

Ultraviolet light traps are commonly used to manage house flies in indoor situations. Many indoor traps are longer than their 46-cm fluorescent tubes and have glue boards to capture attracted flies. Smaller traps have been sold to use in homes and small rooms, but few if any trap evaluations can be found in the literature. One trap, the DynaTrap Flylight DT-3009 (DTFL) has become quite common and a performance evaluation between it and an open-front commercial trap seemed warranted. Evaluations were conducted at the USDA-ARS-CMAVE laboratory in Gainesville, FL. The DTFL and the Gardner GT-200 open-front trap were evaluated individually and then in pairs. Traps were placed approximately 90 cm above the floor at the edge of a 2.4- × 0.76-m wide counter. Traps tested individually were centered on the long axis of the counter. For paired tests, traps were placed approximately 2.1 m apart. Fifty mixed-sex, 3- to 5-d-old house or stable flies were released and counts of captured flies were made after 1, 4, and 24 h. In individual tests, the DTFL and the GT-200 captured 38 and 76% of the house flies, respectively, and 3 and 18% of the stable flies, respectively, after 4 h. At 4 h in paired tests, the DTFL and the GT-200 captured 3 and 66% of the house flies, respectively, and 2 and 16% of the stable flies, respectively. Depending on the intended use, either trap was considered efficacious in capturing house flies when used alone. Differences in trap performance are discussed.
Outcomes in Clinically Relevant Patient Subgroups From the EMBRACA Study: Talazoparib vs Physician’s Choice Standard-of-Care Chemotherapy
Authors: Rugo Hope S , Ettl Johannes , Hurvitz Sara A , Gonçalves Anthony , Lee Kyung-Hun , Fehrenbacher Louis , Mina Lida A , Diab Sami , Woodward Natasha E , Yerushalmi Rinat , Goodwin Annabel , Blum Joanne L , Martin Miguel , Quek Ruben G W , Tudor Iulia Cristina , Bhattacharyya Helen , Gauthier Eric , Litton Jennifer K , Eiermann Wolfgang
Published: November 2019

Background

Talazoparib is a poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibitor that causes death in cells with breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 or 2 (BRCA1/2) mutations.

Methods

EMBRACA (NCT01945775) was a randomized phase III study comparing efficacy, safety, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of talazoparib (1 mg) with physician’s choice of chemotherapy (PCT: capecitabine, eribulin, gemcitabine, vinorelbine) in locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with a germline BRCA1/2 (gBRCA1/2) mutation. Prespecified patient subgroups were analyzed for progression-free survival, objective response, clinical benefit, duration of response, and safety. PROs were evaluated in hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2−) or triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subgroups.

Results

Of 431 patients, 287 were randomly assigned to talazoparib and 144 to PCT. Prespecified subgroup analyses showed prolonged progression-free survival with talazoparib (HR+/HER2−: hazard ratio = 0.47, 95% confidence interval = 0.32 to 0.71; TNBC: hazard ratio = 0.60, 95% confidence interval = 0.41 to 0.87) and greater objective response rate (odds ratio = 1.97 to 11.89), clinical benefit rate (odds ratio = 2.05 to 7.77), and duration of response with talazoparib in all subgroups. PROs in HR+/HER2− and TNBC subgroups showed consistent overall improvement and delay in time to definitive clinically meaningful deterioration with talazoparib vs PCT. Across subgroups, common adverse events included anemia, fatigue, and nausea with talazoparib and neutropenia, fatigue, and nausea with PCT. Seven patients (2.4%) receiving talazoparib had grade II alopecia and 22.7% had grade I alopecia.

Conclusions

Across all patient subgroups with gBRCA-mutated advanced breast cancer, talazoparib demonstrated clinically significant superiority in outcomes compared with PCT.
In vitro algaecid effect of itraconazole and ravuconazole on Prototheca species
Authors: Miura Ayumi , Kano Rui , Ito Takaaki , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Kamata Hiroshi
Published: November 2019

Protothecosis is a rare infection in humans, dogs, and cats, and its causative agent is Prototheca species, which consists of achlorophyllic algae that are ubiquitous in natural environments and hosts intestinal flora. Ravuconazole (RVZ) is a new available human azole drug in Japan since 2018 and broad-spectrum antifungal agent. In the present study, the in vitro susceptibility of clinical and environmental isolates of P. wickerhamii, P. zopfii, and P. blaschkeae to itraconazole (ITZ) voriconazole (VRZ), posaconazole (PCZ), and RVZ. RVZ was more potent than the other azoles against Protheca species and has considerable potential for use as a therapeutic agent for human and animal protothecosis.
Study of long-term flux and photon index distributions of blazars using RXTE observations
Authors: Khatoon Rukaiya , Shah Zahir , Misra Ranjeev , Gogoi Rupjyoti
Published: November 2019

We present a detailed study of flux and index distributions of three blazars [one flat-spectrum radio quasar (FSRQ) and two BL Lacertae objects (BL Lacs)] by using 16 yr of Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) archival data. The three blazars were chosen such that their flux and index distributions have sufficient number of data points (≥90) with relatively less uncertainty $\left(\overline{\sigma _{\rm err}^{2}}/\sigma ^{2} < 0.2\right)$ in light curves. Anderson–Darling (AD) test and histogram fitting show that flux distribution of FSRQ 3C 273 is lognormal, while its photon index distribution is Gaussian. This result is consistent with linear Gaussian perturbation in the particle acceleration time-scale, which produces lognormal distribution in flux. However, for two BL Lacs, viz. Mrk 501 and Mrk 421, AD test shows that their flux distributions are neither Gaussian nor lognormal, and their index distributions are non-normal. The histogram fitting of Mrk 501 and Mrk 421 suggests that their flux distributions are more likely to be a bimodal, and their index distributions are double Gaussian. Since, Sinha et al. had shown that Gaussian distribution of index produces a lognormal distribution in flux, double Gaussian distribution of index in Mrk 501 and Mrk 421 indicates that their flux distributions are probably double lognormal. Observation of double lognormal flux distribution with double Gaussian distribution in index reaffirms two flux states hypothesis. Further, the difference observed in the flux distribution of FSRQ (3C 273) and BL Lacs (Mrk 501 and Mrk 421) at X-rays suggests that the low-energy emitting electrons have a single lognormal flux distribution, while the high-energy ones have a double lognormal flux distribution.
Milky Way analogues in MaNGA: multiparameter homogeneity and comparison to the Milky Way
Authors: Boardman N , Zasowski G , Seth A , Newman J , Andrews B , Bershady M , Bird J , Chiappini C , Fielder C , Fraser-McKelvie A , Jones A , Licquia T , Masters K L , Minchev I , Schiavon R P , Brownstein J R , Drory N , Lane R R
Published: November 2019

The Milky Way provides an ideal laboratory to test our understanding of galaxy evolution, owing to our ability to observe our Galaxy over fine scales. However, connecting the Galaxy to the wider galaxy population remains difficult, due to the challenges posed by our internal perspective and to the different observational techniques employed. Here, we present a sample of galaxies identified as Milky Way analogues on the basis of their stellar masses and bulge-to-total ratios, observed as part of the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory survey. We analyse the galaxies in terms of their stellar kinematics and populations as well as their ionized gas contents. We find our sample to contain generally young stellar populations in their outskirts. However, we find a wide range of stellar ages in their central regions, and we detect central active galactic nucleus-like or composite-like activity in roughly half of the sample galaxies, with the other half consisting of galaxies with central star-forming emission or emission consistent with old stars. We measure gradients in gas metallicity and stellar metallicity that are generally flatter in physical units than those measured for the Milky Way; however, we find far better agreement with the Milky Way when scaling gradients by galaxies’ disc scale lengths. From this, we argue much of the discrepancy in metallicity gradients to be due to the relative compactness of the Milky Way, with differences in observing perspective also likely to be a factor.
Reionisation & Cosmic Dawn Astrophysics from the Square Kilometre Array: Impact of Observing Strategies
Authors: Greig Bradley , Mesinger Andrei , Koopmans Léon V E
Published: November 2019

Interferometry of the cosmic 21-cm signal is set to revolutionise our understanding of the Epoch of Reionisation (EoR) and the Cosmic Dawn (CD). The culmination of ongoing efforts will be the upcoming Square Kilometre Array (SKA), which will provide tomography of the 21-cm signal from the first billion years of our Universe. Using a galaxy formation model informed by high-z luminosity functions, here we forecast the accuracy with which the first phase of SKA-low (SKA1-low) can constrain the properties of the unseen galaxies driving the astrophysics of the EoR and CD. We consider three observing strategies: (i) deep (1000h on a single field); (ii) medium-deep (100hr on 10 independent fields); and (iii) shallow (10hr on 100 independent fields). Using the 21-cm power spectrum as a summary statistic, and conservatively only using the 21-cm signal above the foreground wedge, we predict that all three observing strategies should recover astrophysical parameters to a fractional precision of ∼0.1 – 10 per cent. The reionisation history is recovered to an uncertainty of $\Delta z \mathrel {\lesssim}0.1$ (1σ) for the bulk of its duration. The medium-deep strategy, balancing thermal noise against cosmic variance, results in the tightest constraints, slightly outperforming the deep strategy. The shallow observational strategy performs the worst, with up to a ∼10 – 60 per cent increase in the recovered uncertainty. We note, however, that non-Gaussian summary statistics, tomography, as well as unbiased foreground removal would likely favour the deep strategy.
Clinopyroxene/Melt Trace Element Partitioning in Sodic Alkaline Magmas
Authors: Beard Charles D , van Hinsberg Vincent J , Stix John , Wilke Max
Published: November 2019

Clinopyroxene is a key fractionating phase in alkaline magmatic systems, but its impact on metal enrichment processes, and the formation of REE + HFSE mineralisation in particular, is not well understood. To constrain the control of clinopyroxene on REE + HFSE behaviour in sodic (per)alkaline magmas, a series of internally heated pressure vessel experiments was performed to determine clinopyroxene–melt element partitioning systematics. Synthetic tephriphonolite to phonolite compositions were run H2O-saturated at 200 MPa, 650–825°C with oxygen fugacity buffered to log f O2 ≈ ΔFMQ + 1 or log f O2 ≈ ΔFMQ +5. Clinopyroxene–glass pairs from basanitic to phonolitic fall deposits from Tenerife, Canary Islands, were also measured to complement our experimentally-derived data set. The REE partition coefficients are 0·3–53, typically 2–6, with minima for high-aegirine clinopyroxene. Diopside-rich clinopyroxene (Aeg5–25) prefer the MREE and have high REE partition coefficients (DEu up to 53, DSm up to 47). As clinopyroxene becomes more Na- and less Ca-rich (Aeg25–50), REE incorporation becomes less favourable, and both the VIM1 and VIIIM2 sites expand (to 0·79 Å and 1·12 Å), increasing DLREE/DMREE. Above Aeg50 both M sites shrink slightly and HREE (VIri ≤ 0·9 Å ≈ Y) partition strongly onto the VIM1 site, consistent with a reduced charge penalty for REE3+ ↔ Fe3+ substitution. Our data, complemented with an extensive literature database, constrain an empirical model that predicts trace element partition coefficients between clinopyroxene and silicate melt using only mineral major element compositions, temperature and pressure as input. The model is calibrated for use over a wide compositional range and can be used to interrogate clinopyroxene from a variety of natural systems to determine the trace element concentrations in their source melts, or to forward model the trace element evolution of tholeiitic mafic to evolved peralkaline magmatic systems.