bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The method of NAIMA 3E plus simulation for selection of material insulation in removable thermal insulation cover
Authors: Purwanto R E , Fuadi F
Published: January 2020

Heat loss occurs due to the temperature difference between the fluid flowing in the pipe and the temperature outside the pipe, it can also occur due to inappropriate material selection and insulation thickness. Insulation is a method for reducing the rate of heat transfer from inside a pipe to the outside of the pipe. Valve is an object that is often encountered in un-insulated conditions so that there is a lot of heat loss in this section. Therefore, an insulation method and the right insulation material are needed to prevent heat loss. The study was conducted to see the effect of two glass wool and rock wool insulation materials on heat loss. The study used a simulation method using NAIMA 3E Plus software. The output of the simulation is the value of heat loss on glass wool and rock wool material. Data analysis using two-way ANOVA method assisted by Minitab software. The results show that the higher the temperature, the greater the heat loss value and the thicker the insulation layer, the smaller the heat loss value. Insulation material is better to use rock wool.
Conducted emission mitigation in LED driver by chaotic modulation
Authors: Hariyawan M Y , Posma S N
Published: January 2020

Light-emitting diode (LED) lamps are becoming popular in a wide range of applications, due to low power, high efficiency, and low maintenance. To achieve high efficiency in energy, transfer in the LED driver, a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) topology is applied. SMPS operates at a constant frequency; it generates significant emission in some of the frequencies through conducted and radiated mechanisms. Several solutions are proposed to mitigate the EMI (electromagnetic interference), such as converter design, component selection, EMI filtering, and spread spectrum techniques. Spread-spectrum is a cheap and efficient solution in the conducted emission mitigation. This research performs conducted emission mitigation by modifying the switching on the LED driver using chaotic signals. The Lorenz equation was selected to produce chaotic signals. The effect of EMI caused by the chaotic signal has been analyzed toward the performance of the system, compared with performance when periodic signals modulated it. Lorenz’s injection signals have reduced distribution over broader bandwidth compared to other injection signals. The average EMI reduction produced by Lorenz signal was the highest compared with other modulated signals of 10.63 dB.
Autonomous pilot drones for detecting objects in a space
Authors: Sarosa M , Zakaria M N , Wirayoga S , Muna N
Published: January 2020

The rapid development of technology in the field of air transportation technology has made Drone a widely developed flying vehicle. Drones have many uses for example for hobbyists, navigation tools, and transportation equipment. Drones have also been developed to monitor environments that are difficult for humans to reach. The ability to control manually with limited distance becomes an obstacle. This study describes the Mission Definition System (MDS) which is designed to help in defining the Drone mission easily and efficiently and to support the application of autonomous flight. Under the direct supervision of the pilot line, the selection of Drone control will be possible if in an unsafe situation. After the user defines the mission, it is then forwarded to the Mission Calculation Machine, which is tasked with carrying out the exact calculations to get a compatible and predictable flight plan. A Flight Plan is a list of orders that must be completed by a Drone to completing the designed mission. Test results and measurement of the degree of accuracy of the autonomous system have been tested 5 times for each object and have failed the command once because of natural factors when tested. In terms of the image mapping, drones succeed in detecting objects with only one failure on Saturday by mapping several locations that are targets. For sensors that are used only have one failure to detect obstacles.
Adaptive learning system in open educational resource digital sharing community as a media for learning autonomous students
Authors: Elmunsyah H , Hidayat W N , Patmanthara S , Dwiyanto F A , Utomo W M , Kusumadyahdewi K
Published: January 2020

In the disruptive era, online learning models began to be widely developed. Malang State University as one of the state universities in Indonesia is developing and implementing a new curriculum with the theme of Life-Based Learning (LBL) as a form of adaptation in facing the Industrial 4.0 era. Through LBL, college graduates are expected to not only master competencies, but be able to develop their abilities to be able to face the needs and developments of the industrial revolution era 4.0. This study aims to develop an LMS-based transdisciplinary learning portal supported by internet and mobile technology. The product developed is reinforced with additional features in the form of Adaptive Learning System (ALS) in the digital sharing community (DSC) learning portal which is expected to be able to improve student capabilities. The development procedure model used in this study is to use the 4D model suggested by Thiagarajan and its requirements such as design analysis, validation and determination of research subjects. The steps in this model are the four stages of development, namely define, design, develop, and disseminate. Based on the overall analysis of the results of data collection it can be concluded that the results of the product feasibility trial, obtain very decent results. The details of the feasibility results were obtained from media experts 97.91%, material experts 96.33 %, small groups with 30 user users obtained 90.85% and large groups with 134 users obtained 94.25%. Based on these results it can be concluded that the ALS products on DSC for learning can be categorized as very appropriate to be used for the learning process, because the results obtained are above 85%.
Development of virtual learning community through my buddy school system
Authors: Hidayat W N , Ulfatin N , Mukhadis A , Wakhidah R
Published: January 2020

As a country with high biodiversity and social community, Indonesian students face differences in learning quality. Students’ competencies in rural and urban areas also become a separate problem. With the nature and social conditions of each, students in rural and urban areas have different abilities, hence need peer learning to share knowledge between rural and urban school. Indonesia needs various innovations to solve learning and education problems. One of the solutions to bridge this problem is by developing information systems that can be used by students in villages and cities. Through peer learning, it is expected to improve students’ knowledge and skills because the learning design is more natural. In this paper, My Buddy School system is designed and developed to support self-regulated learning and peer learning course. The development method used the ADDIE model (Analyze, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation). We applied explicit evaluation using some questionnaires and interview to 22 junior high school students that have already used the developed system. The result shows that user experience score and student’s respond from the interview session indicate that the system is good; therefore, an improvement is needed. For the future works, we proposed a user-centered design method to gain a greater score of user experience.
Drag reduction of stable biomimetic superhydrophobic steel surface by acid etching under an oxygen-sufficient environment
Authors: Rong Wanting , Zhang Haifeng , Mao Zhigang , Liu Xiaowei , Song Keguan
Published: January 2020

Superhydrophobic surfaces have shown utility applications in drag reduction field. A novel method based on simulation analysis and test experiments is proposed to fabricate a superhydrophobic surface with 3D flower-like micro and nano-structures on a steel ball under an O2 rich environment. The superhydrophobic steel surface has water CA of 166 ± 1.5°. The sliding angle is less than 2°. The experiment and the simulation of the superhydrophobic and the untreated steel ball fall under water are built to prove the validity of the method of reducing water resistance. The drag reduction ratio of the superhydrophobic steel ball is beyond 53% opposed to the untreated surface under water. A model simulation is built to simulate and analyze the solid-liquid interface drag reduction mechanism of superhydrophobic surface based on theoretical analysis. The result testifies the rationality of the drag reduction experiment.
Influence of 2,4-Diamino-6-Phenyl-1-3-5-triazine on bio synthesized TiO2dye-sensitized solar cell fabricated using poly (ethylene glycol) polymer electrolyte
Authors: Abisharani J M , DineshKumar R , Devikala S , Arthanareeswari M , Ganesan S
Published: January 2020

An ecofriendly TiO2from a plant extract ofAverrhoa bilimbiwith cost effective and non-toxic with cis dithiocynato-N, N-bis(2,2- bipyridyl-4,4-dicarboxylic acid)ruthenium(II) (N3 dye) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) reports better efficiency of 5.2%. The green synthesized TiO2nanoparticles along with 2,4-Diamino-6-Phenyl-1-3-5-Triazine (DPT) doped Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/KI/I2/Pt shows better efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells. The green TiO2was characterized with XRD, UV, FTIR, SEM, TEM and EDX techniques confirm the band gap of 3.2 eV and 15 nm size for TiO2. The mechanical and electrical properties of DPT doped PEG/KI/I2polymer electrolyte were characterized with XRD, FTIR, EIS, DSC and TGA and it was confirmed that the DPT well miscible with PEG polymer electrolyte and improvesthe electrical conductivity and enhancesthe efficiency of DSSC.
Effect of particle contact on the electrical performance of NTC-epoxy composite thermistors
Authors: Deutz D B , Zwaag S van der , Groen P
Published: January 2020

As demand rises for flexible electronics, traditionally prepared sintered ceramic sensors must be transformed into fully new sensor materials that can bend and flex in use and integration. Negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTC) ceramic thermistors are preferred temperature sensors for their high accuracy and excellent stability, yet their high stiffness and high temperature fabrication process limits their use in flexible electronics. Here, a low stiffness thermistor based on NTC ceramic particles of micron size embedded in an epoxy polymer matrix is reported. The effect of particle-to-particle contact on electrical performance is studied by arranging the NTC particles in the composite films in one of three ways: (1) Low particle contact, (2) Improved particle contact perpendicular to the electrodes and (3) dispersing high particle contact agglomerated clumps throughout the polymer. At 50 vol.% of agglomerated NTC particles, the composite films exhibit a β-value of 2069 K and a resistivity, ρ, of

3.3
·

10

5

Ωm, 4 orders of magnitude lower than a randomly dispersed composite at identical volume. A quantitative analysis shows that attaining a predominantly parallel connectivity of the NTC particles and polymer is a key parameter in determining the electrical performance of the composite film.
Alcohol Consumption by Beverage Type and Risk of Breast Cancer: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Sun Qiuyu , Xie Weihong , Wang Yanli , Chong Feifei , Song Mengmeng , Li Tiandong , Xu Linping , Song Chunhua
Published: January 2020

Aims

Alcohol intake has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer. However, the dose-response analysis of different alcoholic beverages (spirits, wine and beer) is not clear. Our meta-analysis aims to provide a dose-response estimation between different alcohols and breast cancer risk.

Methods

Search of PubMed and Web of Science and manual searches were conducted up to 1 December 2018, and summary relative risks (RRs) and attributable risk percentage (ARP) for alcohol intake on the development of breast cancer were calculated. Dose-response meta-analysis modeled relationships between drinking type and breast cancer risk. Sources of heterogeneity were explored, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of findings.

Results

In total, 22 cohort studies and 45,350 breast cancer cases were included. Current drinkers for ER+ had an increased risk compared with never drinkers. In dose-response analysis, there was a statistically significant linear trend with breast cancer risk increasing gradually by total alcohol and wine dose: when adding 10 g per day, the risk increased by 10.5% (RR = 1.10, 95%CI = 1.08–1.13) in total alcohol and 8.9% (RR = 1.08, 95%CI = 1.04–1.14) in wine. For postmenopausal women, the risk increases by 11.1% (RR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.09–1.13) with every 10 g of total alcohol increase. Furthermore, the breast cancer alcohol-attributed percentage is higher in Europe than in North America and Asia.

Conclusions

The effect of drinking on the incidence of breast cancer is mainly manifested in ER+ breast cancer. Quantitative analysis showed total drinking had a significant risk for breast cancer, especially for postmenopausal women. However, for different alcohols, just wine intake has the similar results.
Strict propriety is weak
Authors: Campbell-Moore Catrin , Levinstein Benjamin A
Published: January 2020

Considerations of accuracy – the epistemic good of having credences close to truth-values – have led to the justification of a host of epistemic norms. These arguments rely on specific ways of measuring accuracy. In particular, the accuracy measure should be strictly proper. However, the main argument for strict propriety supports only weak propriety. But strict propriety follows from weak propriety given strict truth directedness (which is non-negotiable) and additivity (which is both very common and plausible). So no further argument is necessary.
Identifying cell types to interpret scRNA-seq data: how, why and more possibilities
Authors: Wang Ziwei , Ding Hui , Zou Quan
Published: January 2020

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has generated numerous data and renewed our understanding of biological phenomena at the cellular scale. Identification of cell types has been one of the most prevalent means for interpreting scRNA-seq data, based upon which connections are made between the transcriptome and phenotype. Herein, we attempt to review the methods and tools that dedicate to the task regarding their feature and usage and look at the possibilities for scRNA-seq development in the near future.
Coolpup.py: versatile pile-up analysis of Hi-C data
Authors: Flyamer Ilya M , Illingworth Robert S , Bickmore Wendy A
Published: January 2020

Motivation

Hi-C is currently the method of choice to investigate the global 3D organization of the genome. A major limitation of Hi-C is the sequencing depth required to robustly detect loops in the data. A popular approach used to mitigate this issue, even in single-cell Hi-C data, is genome-wide averaging (piling-up) of peaks, or other features, annotated in high-resolution datasets, to measure their prominence in less deeply sequenced data. However, current tools do not provide a computationally efficient and versatile implementation of this approach.

Results

Here, we describe coolpup.py—a versatile tool to perform pile-up analysis on Hi-C data. We demonstrate its utility by replicating previously published findings regarding the role of cohesin and CTCF in 3D genome organization, as well as discovering novel details of Polycomb-driven interactions. We also present a novel variation of the pile-up approach that can aid the statistical analysis of looping interactions. We anticipate that coolpup.py will aid in Hi-C data analysis by allowing easy to use, versatile and efficient generation of pile-ups.

Availability and implementation

Coolpup.py is cross-platform, open-source and free (MIT licensed) software. Source code is available from https://github.com/Phlya/coolpuppy and it can be installed from the Python Packaging Index.
Ultraviolet screening increases with elevation in translucent bracts of Rheum nobile (Polygonaceae), an alpine ‘glasshouse’ plant from the high Himalayas
Authors: Song Bo , Gao Yongqian , Stöcklin Jürg , Song Minshu , Sun Lu , Sun Hang
Published: January 2020

Specialized bracts of Himalayan ‘glasshouse’ plants are well known for adapting to diverse stresses in alpine environments, thus ensuring normal sexual reproduction. However, little information is available on how such specialized plants cope with the elevational increase in stress. In this study, we determine the elevational pattern of ultraviolet (UV) protection provided by the translucent bracts of Rheum nobile, a giant ‘glasshouse’ plant species, endemic to the high Himalayas, and examine its effect on pollen germination and pollen tube growth. Both UV-A and UV-B radiation in the open air increased with elevation, but their intensity beneath bracts remained constant with elevation, suggesting that the bracts of R. nobile growing at higher elevations have an increased ability to screen UV radiation. Enhanced UV-B radiation, equivalent to that experienced at higher elevations (4800 m a.s.l.) compared to that at lower elevations (4200 m a.s.l.), significantly reduced pollen germination and pollen tube growth. Pollen grains from plants at higher elevations were not more tolerant to UV-B radiation. UV absorbance and the content of flavonoids in bracts increased with elevation, but a similar trend was not found in either UV reflectance or adaxial trichome density, suggesting that bract UV absorbance may play a more active role than bract UV reflectance in helping plants cope with the increasing UV radiation. Our results indicate that the bracts of R. nobile have the ability to cope with enhanced UV radiation with increasing elevation through increased UV absorbance, thus protecting pollen grains from injury caused by higher levels of UV radiation, and consequently ensuring normal sexual reproduction in stressful high-alpine conditions.
Strategies to prevent hypertrophic scar formation: a review of therapeutic interventions based on molecular evidence
Authors: Shirakami Eri , Yamakawa Sho , Hayashida Kenji
Published: January 2020

Once scar tissues mature, it is impossible for the surrounding tissue to regenerate normal dermal tissue. Therefore, it is essential to understand the fundamental mechanisms and establish effective strategies to inhibit aberrant scar formation. Hypertrophic scar formation is considered a result of the imbalance between extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation during wound healing. However, the underlying mechanisms of hypertrophic scar development are poorly understood. The purpose of this review was to outline the management in the early stage after wound healing to prevent hypertrophic scar formation, focusing on strategies excluding therapeutic agents of internal use. Treatment aimed at molecular targets, including cytokines, will be future options to prevent and treat hypertrophic scars. More basic studies and clinical trials, including combination therapy, are required to investigate the mechanisms and prevent hypertrophic scar formation.
Dopamine Differentially Regulates Response Dynamics of Prefrontal Cortical Principal Neurons and Interneurons to Optogenetic Stimulation of Inputs from Ventral Tegmental Area
Authors: Zhong Ping , Qin Luye , Yan Zhen
Published: January 2020

Prefrontal cortex (PFC) is highly influenced by the inputs from ventral tegmental area (VTA); however, how the projection from VTA impacts PFC neurons and how the synaptically released dopamine affects PFC activity are largely unclear. Using optogenetics and electrophysiological approaches, we examined the impact of VTA stimulation on PFC principal neurons and parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons and the modulatory role of dopamine. We found that the brief activation of the VTA–PFC circuit immediately induced action potential firing, which was mediated by glutamatergic transmission. However, strong stimulation of VTA gradually induced a marked and prolonged enhancement of the excitability of PFC PV+ interneurons and a modest and short-lived enhancement of the excitability of PFC principal neurons. Blocking dopamine receptors (DARs) shortened the VTA excitation of PFC PV+ interneurons and prolonged the VTA excitation of PFC principal neurons. Blocking GABAA receptors induced a similar effect as DAR antagonists in PFC principal neurons, suggesting that the dopaminergic effect is through influencing the inhibitory transmission system. These results have revealed a role of dopamine in regulating the temporal dynamics of excitation/inhibition balance in VTA–PFC circuit, which provides insights into the functional consequence of activating dopamine system in the mesocortical system.
Diphtheria in Metro Manila, the Philippines 2006–2017: A Clinical, Molecular, and Spatial Characterization
Authors: Saito Nobuo , Dimapilis Virginia O , Fujii Hiroshi , Suzuki Motoi , Telan Elizabeth Freda O , Umipig Dorcas Valencia , Solante Rontgene M , Dimapilis Alexis Q , De Guzman Ferdinand , Salva Eumelia P , Nakayama Fumihito , Toda Kohei , Smith Chris , Ariyoshi Koya , Parry Christopher M
Published: January 2020

Background

Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease that persists as a global health problem. An understanding of the pattern of disease is lacking in low- and middle-income countries such as the Philippines.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of the clinical, microbiological, and epidemiological features of patients admitted with a clinical diagnosis of diphtheria to an infectious disease referral hospital in Metro Manila, the Philippines, between 2006 and 2017. Cases were mapped and the distribution was compared with population density. Corynebacterium diphtheriae isolates from between 2015 and 2017 were examined by multilocus sequence typing (MLST).

Results

We studied 267 patients (range:12−54 cases/year) admitted between 2006 and 2017. The case fatality rate (CFR) was 43.8% (95% confidence interval, 37.8−50.0%). A higher number of cases and CFR was observed among children <10 years. Mortality was associated with a delayed admission to hospital and a lack of diphtheria antitoxin. Between 2015 and 2017 there were 42 laboratory-confirmed cases. We identified 6 multilocus sequence types (STs). ST-302 was the most common (17/34, 48.6%), followed by ST67 (7/34, 20%) and ST458 (5/34, 14%). Case mapping showed a wide distribution of diphtheria patients in Metro Manila. Higher case numbers were found in densely populated areas but with no apparent clustering of ST types.

Conclusions

Our analysis indicates that diphtheria remains endemic in Metro Manila and that the infection is frequently fatal in young children. Improved vaccine coverage and a sustainable supply of diphtheria antitoxin should be prioritized.
Impact of Difficult-to-Treat Resistance in Gram-negative Bacteremia on Mortality: Retrospective Analysis of Nationwide Surveillance Data
Authors: Huh Kyungmin , Chung Doo Ryeon , Ha Young Eun , Ko Jae-Hoon , Kim Si-Ho , Kim Min-Ji , Huh Hee Jae , Lee Nam Yong , Cho Sun Young , Kang Cheol-In , Peck Kyong Ran , Song Jae-Hoon ,   Korean Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARS-Net) Investigators
Published: January 2020

Background

Clinically relevant categorization of antimicrobial resistance is critical to mitigating the threat it poses. Difficult-to-treat resistance (DTR) is a recently proposed category defined as nonsusceptibility to all first-line antibiotic agents.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted with nonduplicate cases of gram-negative bloodstream infection (GNBSI) caused by 4 major taxa (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter species) identified from a nationwide surveillance database. DTR was defined as nonsusceptibility to all the β-lactams and fluoroquinolones tested. Patient characteristics and mortality were compared between DTR GNBSI and GNBSI caused by carbapenem-resistant but not DTR and extended-spectrum cephalosporin–resistant but not DTR isolates using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for 30-day in-hospital mortality were examined for DTR in overall and in propensity score–matched cohorts.

Results

A total of 1167 episodes of monomicrobial GNBSI were identified, and 147 (12.6%) of the isolates were DTR. The majority of DTR isolates were Acinetobacter species (79.6%) and P. aeruginosa (17.7%). DTR infections were associated with previous antibiotic use, healthcare contact, ventilator use, and lower respiratory tract infection. Crude mortality for GNBSI caused by DTR was 50.3%. A multivariable model showed that only DTR, but not other categories, was significantly associated with mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.58 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.27–10.19]). DTR was also a significant predictor for mortality in the analysis of propensity score–matched cohorts (aOR, 3.48 [95% CI, 1.82–6.79]).

Conclusions

In patients with GNBSI, DTR was associated with higher mortality than those in other resistance categories. Our findings suggest that DTR could be useful for surveillance and prognostication.
Human-dominated land cover corresponds to spatial variation in Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) reproductive output across the United States
Authors: Muñoz David , Miller David
Published: January 2020

Studies examining impacts of land cover typically focus on abundance, distribution, and/or community richness, overlooking underlying demographic processes such as survival or reproduction. Here, we present findings from a unique dataset that allowed us to measure the relationship between land cover and reproductive output across the distribution of the Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura). We used hunter-derived, Mourning Dove wing data across 1,271 counties in the United States from 2008 to 2014 to estimate spatially explicit age ratios (juveniles: adults), an index of local reproductive output. We also used raster imagery data to estimate relationships between reproductive output and land cover and crop cover. We found that low reproductive output occurs in regions where Mourning Dove declines have been steepest. Our findings reveal that impacts of land cover vary geographically, but even at a coarse resolution, small changes in the relative proportion of human-dominated landscapes can have a significant impact on the reproductive output of this generalist species. Maize and soybean systems correlate with up to a 57% reduction in Mourning Dove reproductive output in the eastern United States. In the western United States, developed areas correlate with a 41% increase in reproductive output. Across the United States, native habitats had neutral or negative relationships with age ratios. Our study contributes continental-scale evidence that Mourning Dove reproductive output is largely driven by human-dominated land cover including agricultural and residential areas. With Mourning Doves declining across the range, discerning more fine-scale land cover factors is critical for ensuring Mourning Dove populations persist into the future.
Non-incisional pleurectomy/decortication
Authors: Hasegawa Seiki , Hashimoto Masaki , Kondo Nobuyuki , Miyamoto Yoshihiro
Published: January 2020

One of the potential disadvantages of conventional pleurectomy/decortication for malignant pleural mesothelioma is the need for opening the pleural sac, which might worsen survival. In this study, we have introduced non-incisional pleurectomy/decortication as an alternative technique that does not require the opening of the pleural sac.
Prognostic factors following complete resection of non-superior sulcus lung cancer invading the chest wall
Authors: Jones Gregory D , Caso Raul , No Jae Seong , Tan Kay See , Dycoco Joseph , Bains Manjit S , Rusch Valerie W , Huang James , Isbell James M , Molena Daniela , Park Bernard J , Jones David R , Rocco Gaetano
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVES

Locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with chest wall invasion carries a high risk of recurrence and portends poor survival (30–40% and 20–50%, respectively). No studies have identified prognostic factors in patients who underwent R0 resection for non-superior sulcus NSCLC.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted for all chest wall resections for NSCLC from 2004 to 2018. Patients with superior sulcus tumours, partial (<1 rib) or incomplete (R1/R2) resection or distant metastasis were excluded. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to determine factors associated with DFS and OS.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients met inclusion criteria. Seventy-three (73%) patients underwent induction therapy, and all but 12 (16%) patients experienced a partial radiological response. A median of 3 ribs was resected (range 1–7), and 67 (67%) patients underwent chest wall reconstruction. The 5-year DFS and OS were 36% and 45%, respectively. Pathological N2 status [hazard ratio (HR) 3.12, confidence interval (CI) 1.56–6.25; P = 0.001], intraoperative blood transfusion (HR 2.24, CI 1.28–3.92; P = 0.005) and preoperative forced vital capacity (per % forced vital capacity, HR 0.97, CI 0.96–0.99; P = 0.013) were associated with DFS. Increasing pathological stage, lack of radiological response to induction therapy (HR 7.35, CI 2.35–22.99; P = 0.001) and cardiovascular comorbidity (HR 2.43, CI 1.36–4.36; P = 0.003) were associated with OS.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that blood transfusion and forced vital capacity are associated with DFS after R0 resection for non-superior sulcus NSCLC, while radiological response to induction therapy greatly influences OS. We confirm that pathological nodal status and pathological stage are reproducible determinants of DFS and OS, respectively.
Discovery of a New TLR Gene and Gene Expansion Event through Improved Desert Tortoise Genome Assembly with Chromosome-Scale Scaffolds
Authors: Dolby Greer A , Morales Matheo , Webster Timothy H , DeNardo Dale F , Wilson Melissa A , Kusumi Kenro
Published: January 2020

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a complex family of innate immune genes that are well characterized in mammals and birds but less well understood in nonavian sauropsids (reptiles). The advent of highly contiguous draft genomes of nonmodel organisms enables study of such gene families through analysis of synteny and sequence identity. Here, we analyze TLR genes from the genomes of 22 tetrapod species. Findings reveal a TLR8 gene expansion in crocodilians and turtles (TLR8B), and a second duplication (TLR8C) specifically within turtles, followed by pseudogenization of that gene in the nonfreshwater species (desert tortoise and green sea turtle). Additionally, the Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) has a stop codon in TLR8B (TLR8-1) that is polymorphic among conspecifics. Revised orthology further reveals a new TLR homolog, TLR21-like, which is exclusive to lizards, snakes, turtles, and crocodilians. These analyses were made possible by a new draft genome assembly of the desert tortoise (gopAga2.0), which used chromatin-based assembly to yield draft chromosomal scaffolds (L50 = 26 scaffolds, N50 = 28.36 Mb, longest scaffold = 107 Mb) and an enhanced de novo genome annotation with 25,469 genes. Our three-step approach to orthology curation and comparative analysis of TLR genes shows what new insights are possible using genome assemblies with chromosome-scale scaffolds that permit integration of synteny conservation data.
Neonatal BCG Vaccination Reduces Interferon-γ Responsiveness to Heterologous Pathogens in Infants From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Freyne Bridget , Messina Nicole L , Donath Susan , Germano Susie , Bonnici Rhian , Gardiner Kaya , Casalaz Dan , Robins-Browne Roy M , Netea Mihai G , Flanagan Katie L , Kollmann Toby , Curtis Nigel ,   Melbourne Infant Study: BCG for Allergy and Infection Reduction (MIS BAIR) Group, Abruzzo Veronica , Allen Katie , Morrison Clare , Ponsonby Anne-Louise , Vuillermin Peter
Published: January 2020

Background

BCG vaccination has beneficial nonspecific (heterologous) effects that protect against nonmycobacterial infections. We have previously reported that BCG vaccination at birth alters in vitro cytokine responses to heterologous stimulants in the neonatal period. This study investigated heterologous responses in 167 infants in the same trial 7 months after randomization.

Methods

A whole-blood assay was used to interrogate in vitro cytokine responses to heterologous stimulants (killed pathogens) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands.

Results

Compared to BCG-naive infants, BCG-vaccinated infants had increased production of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG) (CXCL9) in response to mycobacterial stimulation and decreased production of IFN-γ in response to heterologous stimulation and TLR ligands. Reduced IFN-γ responses were attributable to a decrease in the proportion of infants who mounted a detectable IFN-γ response. BCG-vaccinated infants also had increased production of MIG (CXCL9) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), and decreased production of IL-10, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), and MIP-1β, the pattern of which varied by stimulant. IL-1Ra responses following TLR1/2 (Pam3CYSK4) stimulation were increased in BCG-vaccinated infants. Both sex and maternal BCG vaccination status influenced the effect of neonatal BCG vaccination.

Conclusions

BCG vaccination leads to changes in IFN-γ responsiveness to heterologous stimulation. BCG-induced changes in other cytokine responses to heterologous stimulation vary by pathogen.
Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Adults With Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Pneumonia in China: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zou Pengfei , Wang Chen , Zheng Shufa , Guo Feifei , Yang Li , Zhang Yan , Liu Peng , Shen Yinzhong , Wang Yiming , Zhang Xuan , Tang Lingling , Gao Hainv , Li Lanjuan
Published: January 2020

Cases of severe influenza with Aspergillus infection are commonly reported in patients with severe influenza. However, the epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in patients with avian influenza A (H7N9) infection remain unclear. We performed a retrospective multicenter cohort study. Data were collected from patients with avian influenza A (H7N9) infection admitted to 17 hospitals across China from February 2013 through February 2018. We found that IPA was diagnosed in 18 (5.4%) of 335 patients; 61.1% of patients with IPA (11 of 18) were identified before or within 2 days after an H7N9 virus–negative result. The median hospital stays in patients with or without IPA were 23.5 and 18 days, respectively (P < .01), and the median intensive care unit stays, respectively, were 22 and 12 days (P < .01). Smoking in the past year and antibiotic use for >7 days before admission were independently associated with IPA (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 6.2 [1.7–26] for smoking and 4.89 [1.0–89] for antibiotic use). These findings provided important insights into the epidemiology and outcomes of IPA in patients with H7N9 infection in China.
Mechanisms of new blood-vessel formation and proliferative heterogeneity of endothelial cells
Authors: Naito Hisamichi , Iba Tomohiro , Takakura Nobuyuki
Published: January 2020

The vast blood-vessel network of the circulatory system is crucial for maintaining bodily homeostasis, delivering essential molecules and blood cells, and removing waste products. Blood-vessel dysfunction and dysregulation of new blood-vessel formation are related to the onset and progression of many diseases including cancer, ischemic disease, inflammation and immune disorders. Endothelial cells (ECs) are fundamental components of blood vessels and their proliferation is essential for new vessel formation, making them good therapeutic targets for regulating the latter. New blood-vessel formation occurs by vasculogenesis and angiogenesis during development. Induction of ECs termed tip, stalk and phalanx cells by interactions between vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and its receptors (VEGFR1–3) and between Notch and Delta-like Notch ligands (DLLs) is crucial for regulation of angiogenesis. Although the importance of angiogenesis is unequivocal in the adult, vasculogenesis effected by endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may also contribute to post-natal vessel formation. However, the definition of these cells is ambiguous and they include several distinct cell types under the simple classification of ‘EPC’. Furthermore, recent evidence indicates that ECs within the intima show clonal expansion in some situations and that they may harbor vascular-resident endothelial stem cells. In this article, we summarize recent knowledge on vascular development and new blood-vessel formation in the adult. We also introduce concepts of EC heterogeneity and EC clonal expansion, referring to our own recent findings.
Pharmacovirological analyses of blood and male genital compartment in patients receiving dolutegravir + lamivudine dual therapy as a switch strategy (ANRS 167 LAMIDOL trial)
Authors: Charpentier Charlotte , Peytavin Gilles , Raffi François , Burdet Charles , Landman Roland , Lê Minh P , Katlama Christine , Collin Gilles , Benalycherif Aida , Cabie André , Mentré France , Yazdanpanah Yazdan , Descamps Diane , Joly Véronique
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To describe plasma residual HIV viraemia, cellular HIV reservoir size, blood plasma drug concentrations and their male genital tract penetration during the maintenance dual therapy dolutegravir + lamivudine.

Patients and methods

ANRS167 LAMIDOL enrolled 104 virologically suppressed patients to switch to dolutegravir + lamivudine. In this pharmacovirological substudy, ultrasensitive plasma viral load (USpVL) and plasma drug concentrations were measured at Day 0 (D0), Week 24 (W24) and W48 of dolutegravir + lamivudine, and HIV-DNA was measured at W−8 and W48. Semen samples were collected at D0 and W24 from 18 participants. Total and unbound blood and seminal plasma drug concentrations were measured using UPLC–MS/MS.

Results

Median HIV-DNA was 2.5 log10 copies/106 PBMC (IQR = 2.2–3.0, n = 100) at W−8 and 2.4 log10 copies/106 PBMC (IQR = 2.1–2.9, n = 100) at W48 (P = 0.17). The proportion of patients with undetected USpVL was 38% (n = 98), 43% (n = 98) and 49% (n = 97) at D0, W24 and W48, respectively (P = 0.08). Total and unbound plasma dolutegravir concentrations were stable between timepoints (P = 0.13) and all total plasma dolutegravir concentrations except one were adequate. Median free fraction of dolutegravir in plasma was 0.21%. Median blood plasma and seminal plasma concentrations of total dolutegravir at 24 h were 1812 ng/mL and 206 ng/mL, respectively. Median seminal plasma/blood plasma total concentration ratios were 11.6% and 2478% for dolutegravir and lamivudine, respectively. HIV-RNA (365 to 475 copies/mL) was detected in seminal plasma of one patient at D0 (5.9%) and of two patients at W24 (11.8%).

Conclusions

These findings add further important information regarding the effectiveness of dolutegravir + lamivudine maintenance dual therapy in terms of plasma residual viraemia, cellular reservoir size and drug penetration in the male genital tract.
Whole-genome analysis of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium causing nosocomial outbreaks suggests the occurrence of few endemic clonal lineages in Bavaria, Germany
Authors: Eisenberger David , Tuschak Christian , Werner Markus , Bogdan Christian , Bollinger Thomas , Hossain Hamid , Friedrich Petra , Hussein Ziyad , Pöhlmann Christoph , Würstl Benjamin , Nickel Silke , Lehner-Reindl Verena , Höller Christiane , Liebl Bernhard , Valenza Giuseppe
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Infections caused by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) represent a major public health concern due to limited treatment options. Among invasive isolates of VREfm, ST117, ST80 and ST78 represent the most frequently detected STs by MLST in Germany. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity of isolates of VREfm recovered from different nosocomial outbreaks in Bavaria, Germany, by WGS.

Methods

Between January 2018 and April 2019, 99 non-replicate isolates of VREfm originating from nosocomial outbreaks at eight different hospitals in Bavaria were investigated for genetic diversity by WGS. In detail, complex types (CTs) were identified by core-genome MLST. Furthermore, an SNP analysis was performed for all VREfm strains.

Results

Most of the isolates of this study (76%) belonged to three major clonal groups, which occurred in at least three hospitals: ST80/CT1065 vanB (n = 45; six hospitals), ST117/CT71 vanB (n = 11; four hospitals) and ST78/CT894like vanA (n = 19; three hospitals). Moreover, isolates of the predominant lineage ST80/CT1065 vanB showed a maximum difference of 36 SNPs as revealed by SNP analysis.

Conclusions

Whole-genome analysis of VREfm causing nosocomial outbreaks suggests the occurrence of few endemic clonal lineages in Bavarian hospital settings, namely ST80/CT1065 vanB, ST117/CT71 vanB and ST78/CT894like vanA. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of the factors affecting the successful spread of the above-mentioned lineages.
Evaluation of Resistance Management for the Oriental Fruit Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) to Insecticides in Brazilian Apple Orchards
Authors: Monteiro Lino Bittencourt , Witt Luis Gustavo , Guiloski Izonete Cristina , dos Santos Regis Silvori Silva , Silva de Assis Helena C
Published: January 2020

The oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busk, 1916), is one of the most important pests in apple orchards in southern Brazil. Chemical control is still the most commonly used strategy for pest control. The aim of this study was to determine the resistance evolution of seven South Brazilian populations to four insecticides (chlorantraniliprole, lufenuron, chlorpyrifos, and fenitrothion). Bioassays were paired with metabolic analyses of glutathione-S-transferase (GST), carboxylesterases (α-NA and β-NA), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) to understand the possible role with phytosanitary strategies in the insects’ susceptibility. Insect populations were collected in the municipalities of Campo do Tenente, Lapa and Porto Amazonas, Fraiburgo, São Joaquim, and Vacaria and multiplied in the laboratory. Two susceptible and two resistant populations were used as references. The bioassays showed that five populations were considered more resistant to organophosphates, six to lufenuron and two to chlorantraniliprole when compared with the sensitive population. None of the field populations had greater resistance than the resistant laboratory population. The enzymatic activity of AChE and GST was elevated in most of the populations that were less susceptible to organophosphates and lufenuron. The populations originating from orchards that used sexual confusion techniques had the greatest susceptibility based on toxicological and biochemical bioassays. Populations under pressure from various compounds had high GST, α and β-NA activity. There is evidence that a diversity of control strategies can provide better resistance management.
A benign, low-grade myofibroblastic lesion mimicking a sarcoma
Authors: Patel Veena Abigale , Naqvi Ambareen , Koshal Sonita
Published: January 2020

Benign myofibroblastic lesions can clinically and histologically be mistaken for sarcoma. Excessive and potentially disfiguring surgical treatment can be avoided by ruling out malignancy. We present the case of a low-grade, myofibroblastic lesion of the lip, which shows how detailed clinical examination rather than reliance on histopathological information alone helped to achieve this. Differential diagnoses of myofibroblastic lesions are also discussed.
Traveller exposures to animals: a GeoSentinel analysis
Authors: Muehlenbein Michael P , Angelo Kristina M , Schlagenhauf Patricia , Chen Lin , Grobusch Martin P , Gautret Philippe , Duvignaud Alexandre , Chappuis François , Kain Kevin C , Bottieau Emmanuel , Epelboin Loïc , Shaw Marc , Hynes Noreen , Hamer Davidson H ,   GeoSentinel Surveillance Network
Published: January 2020

Background

Human coexistence with other animals can result in both intentional and unintentional contact with a variety of mammalian and non-mammalian species. International travellers are at risk for such encounters; travellers risk injury, infection and possibly death from domestic and wild animal bites, scratches, licks and other exposures. The aim of the present analysis was to understand the diversity and distribution of animal-related exposures among international travellers.

Methods

Data from January 2007 through December 2018 from the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network were reviewed. Records were included if the exposure was non-migration travel with a diagnosis of an animal (dog, cat, monkey, snake or other) bite or other exposure (non-bite); records were excluded if the region of exposure was not ascertainable or if another, unrelated acute diagnosis was reported.

Results

A total of 6470 animal exposures (bite or non-bite) were included. The majority (71%) occurred in Asia. Travellers to 167 countries had at least one report of an animal bite or non-bite exposure. The majority (76%) involved dogs, monkeys and cats, although a wide range of wild and domestic species were involved. Almost two-thirds (62.6%) of 4395 travellers with information available did not report a pretravel consultation with a healthcare provider.

Conclusions

Minimizing bites and other animal exposures requires education (particularly during pretravel consultations) and behavioral modification. These should be supplemented by the use of pre-exposure rabies vaccination for travellers to high-risk countries (especially to those with limited access to rabies immunoglobulin), as well as encouragement of timely (in-country) post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies and Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1 (herpesvirus B) when warranted.
The contribution of cis- and trans-acting variants to gene regulation in wild and domesticated barley under cold stress and control conditions
Authors: Haas Matthew , Himmelbach Axel , Mascher Martin
Published: January 2020

Barley, like other crops, has experienced a series of genetic changes that have impacted its architecture and growth habit to suit the needs of humans, termed the domestication syndrome. Domestication also resulted in a concomitant bottleneck that reduced sequence diversity in genes and regulatory regions. Little is known about regulatory changes resulting from domestication in barley. We used RNA sequencing to examine allele-specific expression in hybrids between wild and domesticated barley. Our results show that most genes have conserved regulation. In contrast to studies of allele-specific expression in interspecific hybrids, we find almost a complete absence of trans effects. We also find that cis regulation is largely stable in response to short-term cold stress. Our study has practical implications for crop improvement using wild relatives. Genes regulated in cis are more likely to be expressed in a new genetic background at the same level as in their native background.
Jean Toomer’s Cane and the Borderlands of Encounter and Contradiction
Authors: Robles Francisco E
Published: January 2020

This article looks at Jean Toomer’s Cane (1923) through the theoretical framework of Anzaldúa’s Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza (1987) and Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick’s Touching Feeling: Affect, Pedagogy, Performativity (2003), arguing that Cane might best be understood as a text focused on borders. In doing so, the article puts forth the claim that the ideas of “contradiction” and “beside” offer important insights into understanding the formal innovations and thematic qualities of Cane. Specifically, by focusing on the text’s use of migration as a meaningful aesthetic category, the essay unsettles recent literary historical questions about Toomer’s personal identifications, instead looking at how contradiction and paradox generate a text whose flows, moves, and shifts insist on multiplicity and movement.