bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Central processing unit based on cascade straight heat pipe
Authors: Septiadi W N , D Wulandari I G A A , Ula W A W , Tnunay I A , Wirawan I K G , Murti M R , Putra N
Published: June 2019

Smart technologies are the scientific knowledge application that develops into computer technology. Central Processing Unit (CPU) is a computer hardware that carries out the computer program instructions. The CPU technology development is very fast with the impression of smaller dimensions yet maintain its performance and efficiency, this results in a heat flux or overheating that should be reduced and even removed from the CPU system to maintain the CPU performance and life because the overheating could potentially damage and slow down the computer work. To solve the CPU heat flux problem, we use heat pipes as the cooling system, because of its ability to transfer heat and contribute to the high outlet temperature in the condenser. The cascade heat pipe design is made by combining two heat pipes into one. The design is expected to be able to reduce the processor temperature by 2.74°C at the idle condition, 1.48°C at maximum conditions, and condenser section by 14.94°C at the idle condition, and 21.12°C at maximum condition. Cascade heat pipe with double condenser reduce processor temperature by 3.89°C at the idle condition, 4.24°C at the maximum condition, condenser section by 17.12°C at the idle condition and 24.16°C at maximum condition lower than the non-cascade cooling system.
Experimental investigation on the effect of resonator shapes on the temperature characteristic of thermoacoustic cooling device
Authors: Agustina D , Sabri  , Purnama S
Published: June 2019

Thermoacoustic refrigerator has emerged as one of new alternative ways of cooling. The use of this technology which converts sound energy to heat energy has not been popular despite its environmentally friendly and simple construction. A laboratory scale thermoacoustic cooling device has been constructed to conduct experiments on three different shapes of resonators that results in temperature difference occurring at its stack ends. Geometry of the device parts is one of the parameter that holds importance to its characteristic. The device applied a different shape of resonator for each experiment and record temperature data at stacks ends. The experiments were conducted with variations in resonator which are square tube, cylinder tube and tapered tube. The material of resonator is acrylic and its inner volume remains unchanged.
THE EFFECT OF COMPOSITION OF PLASTIC WASTE LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (LDPE) WITH SAND TO PRESSURE STRENGTH AND DENSITY OF SAND/LDPE COMPOSITES
Authors: Susila I M , Suardana N P G , Kencanawati C I P K , Thanaya I N A , Adnyana I W B
Published: June 2019

Plastic waste especially plastic bags have not been widely reused or recycled so that the amount increases polluting the environment every day. One way to overcome this problem is by utilizing plastic waste into paving blocks as a substitute for cement. The problem is how the composition of plastic and sand. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of using LDPE waste into a mixture of sand with ratios of 1:3, 1:5, and 1:7 with heating temperature of 200°C to the compressive strength and density of sand/LDPE composites. Based on the results of the study, the highest average compressive strength was resulted by the sample which has a ratio of 1:3 plastic and sand with 3mm sand grain and a heating temperature of 200°C which is equal to 32.7MPa. While the lowest average compressive strength was obtained by the sample which has a ratio of 1:7 plastic and sand, 3mm granules and temperature 200°C with a compressive strength of 12.0 (MPa). Increasing the mixture of plastic and sand 1:3, 1:5, 1:7 in which of the followed by increasing of density of the sample.
Nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon/poly-o-phenylenediamine composites for high-performance hybrid supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Xu Hao , Yan Xiang-Hui , Meng Ziwei , Xue Tong , Li Dong , Fang Guoli , Shen Hongfang
Published: June 2019

Nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon/poly-o-phenylenediamine composites (denoted as N-MC/PoPD) were successfully synthesized by sacrificial hard template method followed by in situ oxidation polymerization initiated by FeCl3. It is revealed that the resultant N-MC/PoPD composites still remained original graphitization structure and narrow pore size distributions (centered at ∼3.8 nm) but suffered visibly monotonical decrease in specific surface area after oPD was increasingly polymerized onto N-MC with an increase of the mass ratio of PoPD to N-MC from 1:1 to 5:1. As supercapacitor electrode measured by galvanostatic charge-discharge in 6 mol L−1 KOH, a volcano curve was found when plotting specific capacitance of the N-MC/PoPD versus the mass ratio of N-MC to oPD; the N-MC/PoPD(2:1) with moderate surface area and the highest electrochemical conductivity delivered the highest specific capacitance of 229 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, which is twice of that obtained on the single N-MC with the maximum surface area. The remarkable enhancement in specific capacitance could be ascribed to the synergistic effect between two components of N-MC and PoPD.
Flood Insurance and Claims: The Impact of the Community Rating System
Authors: Frimpong Eugene , Petrolia Daniel R , Harri Ardian , Cartwright John H.
Published: June 2019

The Community Rating System (CRS) was introduced to encourage community‐level flood mitigation and increase household‐level flood insurance uptake through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Using historical data of policies‐in‐force and flood damage claims from 1998–2014 for all NFIP communities in Alabama and Mississippi, we estimate the relationship between community participation in the CRS and the number of policies‐in‐force, as well on flood damage claims. We find a significant, positive, and generally increasing effect of CRS participation on insurance uptake. Reduced flood damage claims are found to be limited to communities with a very high level of CRS participation (Class 5) only.
Fits, faints, falls and funny turns: cost and capacity savings in Queensland from the accelerated transient attack pathway initiative (ATAP)
Authors: Blythe Robin , Kularatna Sanjeewa , White Nicole , Graves Nicholas , Clark Kevin , Middleton Hayley , Grimley Rohan
Published: June 2019

Background

falls, seizures, syncope and transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) are common presentations to emergency departments sharing overlapping clinical features and diagnostic uncertainties. These transient attacks can be markers of serious adverse outcomes and are associated with high admission rates. We evaluated the effects of an integrated suite of pathways for transient attacks designed to improve adherence to best practices and reduce costs through fewer admissions.

Methods

a suite of clinician-designed pathways based on initial presenting diagnosis was developed to support ambulant care in a large hospital in Queensland, Australia. We performed a set of regression analyses to identify the differences in total cost and length of stay (LOS) before and after implementation. We conducted a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the cost savings of the freed capacity in the patient cohort.

Results

pathway implementation was associated with reduced admitted LOS and costs. Falls patients admitted LOS declined by 32.5%, and admission costs by 19.5%. Syncope, seizure, and TIA patients admitted LOS declined by 22% with no change in admitted costs. Despite a small increase in 90-day representations, total emergency department LOS was unchanged. Emergency department costs were similar between falls and non-falls patients. The Monte Carlo analysis showed that the most likely outcome was a cost savings in freed capacity of $71 per patient episode.

Conclusion

the ATAP suite of pathways was associated with reduction in LOS, release of capacity and reduction in costs. Further study is needed to evaluate mechanisms and clinical outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Metformin Treatment and Cancer Risk: Cox Regression Analysis, With Time-Dependent Covariates, of 320,000 Persons With Incident Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dankner Rachel , Agay Nirit , Olmer Liraz , Murad Havi , Keinan Boker Lital , Balicer Ran D , Freedman Laurence S
Published: June 2019

There is conflicting evidence regarding the association between metformin use and cancer risk in diabetic patients. During 2002–2012, we followed a cohort of 315,890 persons aged 21–87 years with incident diabetes who were insured by the largest health maintenance organization in Israel. We used a discrete form of weighted cumulative metformin exposure to evaluate the association of metformin with cancer incidence. This was implemented in a time-dependent covariate Cox model, adjusting for treatment with other glucose-lowering medications, as well as age, sex, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, smoking (for bladder and lung cancer), and parity (for breast cancer). We excluded from the analysis metformin exposure during the year before cancer diagnosis in order to minimize reverse causation of cancer on changes in medication use. Estimated hazard ratios associated with exposure to 1 defined daily dose of metformin over the previous 2–7 years were 0.98 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82, 1.18) for all-sites cancer (excluding prostate and pancreas), 1.05 (95% CI: 0.67, 1.63) for colon cancer, 0.98 (95% CI: 0.49, 1.97) for bladder cancer, 1.02 (95% CI: 0.59, 1.78) for lung cancer, and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.56, 1.39) for female breast cancer. Our results do not support an association between metformin treatment and the incidence of major cancers (excluding prostate and pancreas).
Origin and evolution of sound production in Serrasalmidae
Authors: Mélotte Geoffrey , Raick Xavier , Vigouroux Régis , Parmentier Eric
Published: June 2019

Among piranhas, sound production is known in carnivorous species, whereas herbivorous species were thought to be mute. Given that these carnivorous sonic species have a complex sonic apparatus, we hypothesize that intermediate forms could be found in other serrasalmid species. The results highlight the evolutionary transition from a simple sound-producing mechanism without specialized sonic structures to a sonic mechanism involving large, fast-contracting sonic muscles. Hypaxial muscles in basal herbivores primarily serve locomotion, but some fibres cause sound production during swimming accelerations, meaning that these muscles have gained a dual function. Sound production therefore seems to have been acquired through exaptation, i.e. the development of a new function (sound production) in existing structures initially shaped for a different purpose (locomotion). In more derived species (Catoprion and Pygopristis), some fibres are distinguishable from typical hypaxial muscles and insert directly on the swimbladder. At this stage, the primary function (locomotion) is lost in favour of the secondary function (sound production). In the last stage, the muscles and insertion sites are larger and the innervation involves more spinal nerves, improving calling abilities. In serrasalmids, the evolution of acoustic communication is characterized initially by exaptation followed by adaptive evolution.
Ebony and the Mascarenes: the evolutionary relationships and biogeography of Diospyros (Ebenaceae) in the western Indian Ocean
Authors: Linan Alexander G , Schatz George E , Lowry Porter P , Miller Allison , Edwards Christine E
Published: June 2019

Using analyses that exhaustively sampled Mascarene Diospyros and included representative taxa from Madagascar and other regions, we explored: (1) evolutionary relationships among Diospyros spp. across the WIO and (2) biogeographic connections of Malagasy taxa with those in surrounding regions, particularly focusing on connections with taxa in the Mascarene Islands. We obtained plastid sequence data for 146 Diospyros taxa, including 40 species not previously included in molecular analyses, and conducted Bayesian and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses, divergence-time estimation and ancestral area reconstructions. Diospyros sampled from Madagascar fell into two clades, one of which contains all but two Malagasy species. Biogeographic analyses revealed that many clades probably originated in Madagascar and dispersed to locations in Africa and the Mascarenes, indicating that Madagascar may have acted as an important source of diversity for the region.
High dose vitamin D exacerbates central nervous system autoimmunity by raising T-cell excitatory calcium
Authors: Häusler Darius , Torke Sebastian , Peelen Evelyn , Bertsch Thomas , Djukic Marija , Nau Roland , Larochelle Catherine , Zamvil Scott S , Brück Wolfgang , Weber Martin S
Published: June 2019

Patients with multiple sclerosis are often given vitamin D supplements. However, Häusler, Torke et al. show an unexpected exacerbation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice given high but not moderate doses of supplementary vitamin D. Continuous high-dose vitamin D caused secondary hypercalcaemia, which promoted pro-inflammatory T-cell responses.
Classification of Unmedicated Bipolar Disorder Using Whole-Brain Functional Activity and Connectivity: A Radiomics Analysis
Authors: Wang Ying , Sun Kai , Liu Zhenyu , Chen Guanmao , Jia Yanbin , Zhong Shuming , Pan Jiyang , Huang Li , Tian Jie
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method of disease classification for bipolar disorder (BD) by functional activity and connectivity using radiomics analysis. Ninety patients with unmedicated BD II as well as 117 healthy controls underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). A total of 4 types of 7018 features were extracted after preprocessing, including mean regional homogeneity (mReHo), mean amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (mALFF), resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC), and voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC). Then, predictive features were selected by Mann–Whitney U test and removing variables with a high correlation. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was further used to select features. At last, support vector machine (SVM) model was used to estimate the state of each subject based on the selected features after LASSO. Sixty-five features including 54 RSFCs, 7 mALFFs, 1 mReHo, and 3 VMHCs were selected. The accuracy and area under curve (AUC) of the SVM model built based on the 65 features is 87.3% and 0.919 in the training dataset, respectively, and the accuracy and AUC of this model validated in the validation dataset is 80.5% and 0.838, respectively. These findings demonstrate a valid radiomics approach by rs-fMRI can identify BD individuals from healthy controls with a high classification accuracy, providing the potential adjunctive approach to clinical diagnostic systems.
Expression of Bitter Taste Receptors and Solitary Chemosensory Cell Markers in the Human Sinonasal Cavity
Authors: Chen Jingguo , Larson Eric D , Anderson Catherine B , Agarwal Pratima , Frank Daniel N , Kinnamon Sue C , Ramakrishnan Vijay R
Published: June 2019

Some bitter taste receptors (TAS2R gene products) are expressed in the human sinonasal cavity and may function to detect airborne irritants. The expression of all 25 human bitter taste receptors and their location within the upper airway is not yet clear. The aim of this study is to characterize the presence and distribution of TAS2R transcripts and solitary chemosensory cells (SCCs) in different locations of the human sinonasal cavity. Biopsies were obtained from human subjects at up to 4 different sinonasal anatomic sites. PCR, microarray, and qRT-PCR were used to examine gene transcript expression. The 25 human bitter taste receptors as well as the sweet/umami receptor subunit, TAS1R3, and canonical taste signaling effectors are expressed in sinonasal tissue. All 25 human bitter taste receptors are expressed in the human upper airway, and expression of these gene products was higher in the ethmoid sinus than nasal cavity locations. Fluorescent in situ hybridization demonstrates that epithelial TRPM5 and TAS2R38 are expressed in a rare cell population compared with multiciliated cells, and at times, consistent with SCC morphology. Secondary analysis of published human sinus single-cell RNAseq data did not uncover TAS2R or canonical taste transduction transcripts in multiciliated cells. These findings indicate that the sinus has higher expression of SCC markers than the nasal cavity in chronic rhinosinusitis patients, comprising a rare cell type. Biopsies obtained from the ethmoid sinus may serve as the best location for study of human upper airway taste receptors and SCCs.
Trends in Prevalence of Protective Levels of Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Among Adults Aged 18–49 Years With Risk Factors for Hepatitis B Virus Infection—United States, 2003–2014
Authors: King Hope , Xing Jian , Dean Hazel D , Holtzman Deborah
Published: June 2019

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can be prevented through vaccination. However, previous data show that only about 24%–45% of US adults at high risk of HBV infection are protected. Our aims were to assess prevalence and trends in protective levels of hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) from 2003 to 2014 and explore factors associated with protection among adults at high risk.

Methods

Data were taken from the 2003–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination surveys. Our sample included adults aged 18-49 years who were tested for HBV and reported at least 1 of the following infection risks: history of sexually transmitted disease, sex with men (for men), infection with human immunodeficiency virus, and injection drug use. We calculated the prevalence of anti-HBs (≥10 mIU/mL), indicative of immunity from vaccination, among respondents for three 4-year time intervals (2003–2006, 2007–2010, and 2011–2014) and applied the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test to assess trends. Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined factors associated with positive anti-HBs serology.

Results

The prevalence of positive anti-HBs serology was 23.4%. Prevalence increased from 2003–2006 (16.3%) to 2007–2010 (27.3%), but no change occurred from 2007–2010 (27.3%) to 2011–2014 (28.1%). Among factors predicting positive anti-HBs serology were young age and higher education.

Conclusions

By 2014, less than one-third of adults aged 18-49 years at risk of infection exhibited protective antibodies ≥10 mIU/mL. Because these adults account for a majority of unprotected adults, targeted intervention strategies are essential to achieve the hepatitis B elimination goal.
Concentration of a widespread breeding population in a few critically important nonbreeding areas: Migratory connectivity in the Prothonotary Warbler
Authors: Tonra Christopher M , Hallworth Michael T , Boves Than J , Reese Jessie , Bulluck Lesley P , Johnson Matthew , Viverette Cathy , Percy Katie , Ames Elizabeth M , Matthews Alix , Slevin Morgan C , Wilson R Randy , Johnson Erik I
Published: June 2019

One of the greatest challenges to informed conservation of migratory animals is elucidating spatiotemporal variation in distributions. Without such information, it is impossible to understand full-annual-cycle ecology and effectively implement conservation actions that address where and when populations are most limited. We deployed and recovered light-level geolocators (n = 34) at 6 breeding sites in North America across the breeding range of a declining long-distance migratory bird, the Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea). We sought to determine migratory routes, stopover location and duration, and the location of overwintering grounds. We found that the species exhibits a large-scale, east‒west split in migratory routes and weak migratory connectivity across its range. Specifically, almost all individuals, regardless of breeding origin, overlapped in their estimated wintering location in northern Colombia, in an area 20% the size of the breeding range. Additionally, most of the individuals across all breeding locations concentrated in well-defined stopover locations in Central America while en route to Colombia. Although error inherent in light-level geolocation cannot be fully ruled out, surprisingly much of the estimated wintering area included inland areas even though the Prothonotary Warbler is considered a specialist on coastal mangroves in winter. Based on these results, conservation efforts directed at very specific nonbreeding geographical areas will potentially have benefits across most of the breeding population. Our findings highlight the importance of using modern technologies to validate assumptions about little-studied portions of a species’ annual cycle, and the need to distribute sampling across its range.
Multiscale effects of wetland availability and matrix composition on wetland breeding birds in Minnesota, USA
Authors: Saunders Sarah P , Hall Kristin A L , Hill Nina , Michel Nicole L
Published: June 2019

The increasing intensity of wetland stressors in the Upper Midwestern United States hastens the need to understand how matrix composition influences wetland bird occurrence and abundance. The optimal spatial scale for assessing species–habitat relationships is not always apparent, but may affect inference about wetland use and suitability. We developed occupancy and abundance models, accounting for imperfect detection, for 9 wetland bird species breeding in Minnesota. We evaluated land cover associations at 3 spatial scales (12.6 ha, 50.3 ha, and 4,000 ha), quantified species-specific sensitivity to wetland availability and matrix habitat composition (agricultural and developed land covers), and assessed ecoregional variation in occupancy and abundance. Amount of wetland cover was positively associated with occupancy of 89% of species and with abundance of 67% of species, but the spatial scale of support differed among species. American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus), Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), and Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata) in particular were negatively impacted by anthropogenic land uses within the surrounding matrix, indicating a need to shift wetland conservation planning from the site scale to the landscape scale to capture pertinent drivers of wetland bird habitat use. Mean expected occupancy across all species was greatest in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR), suggesting that restoration efforts within this ecoregion are likely to maintain wetland bird diversity. However, given the minimal total wetland availability and predominantly agricultural matrix in the PPR, protecting wetlands and upland buffers in the Aspen Parklands or Boreal ecoregions may represent a better investment for agricultural-sensitive species such as American Bittern, Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis), and Wilson’s Snipe. Our modeling approach provides a multi-species framework for identifying habitat management priorities; future applications at broader spatial extents can continue to improve wetland bird conservation in a region with high rates of wetland loss and degradation.
Relationship between epicardial adipose tissue and coronary vascular function in patients with suspected coronary artery disease and normal myocardial perfusion imaging
Authors: Nappi Carmela , Ponsiglione Andrea , Acampa Wanda , Gaudieri Valeria , Zampella Emilia , Assante Roberta , Cuocolo Renato , Mannarino Teresa , Dell’Aversana Serena , Petretta Mario , Imbriaco Massimo , Cuocolo Alberto
Published: June 2019

Aims

We evaluated the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and coronary vascular function assessed by rubidium-82 (82Rb) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods and results

The study population included 270 patients with suspected CAD and normal myocardial perfusion at stress–rest 82Rb PET/CT. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and EAT volume were measured. Absolute myocardial blood flow (MBF) was computed in mL/min/ from the dynamic rest and stress imaging. Myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) was defined as the ratio of hyperaemic to baseline MBF and it was considered reduced when <2. MPR was normal in 177 (65%) patients and reduced in 93 (35%). Patients with impaired MPR were older (P < 0.001) and had higher CAC score values (P = 0.033), EAT thickness (P = 0.009), and EAT volume (P < 0.001). At univariable logistic regression analysis, age, heart rate reserve (HRR), CAC score, EAT thickness, and EAT volume resulted significant predictors of reduced MPR, but only age (P = 0.002), HRR (P = 0.021), and EAT volume (P = 0.043) were independently associated with reduced MPR, at multivariable analysis. In patients with CAC score 0 (n = 114), a significant relation between EAT volume and MPR (P = 0.014) was observed, while the relationship was not significant (P = 0.21) in patients with CAC score >0 (n = 156).

Conclusion

In patients with suspected CAD and normal myocardial perfusion, EAT volume predicts hyperaemic MBF and reduced MPR, confirming that visceral pericardium fat may influence coronary vascular function. Thus, EAT evaluation has a potential role in the early identification of coronary vascular dysfunction.
The entirely subcutaneous ICDTM system in patients with congenital heart disease: experience from a large single-centre analysis
Authors: Willy Kevin , Reinke Florian , Bögeholz Nils , Köbe Julia , Eckardt Lars , Frommeyer Gerrit
Published: June 2019

Aims

The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICDTM) is an important advance in device therapy for the prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Although current guidelines recommend S-ICDTM use, long-term data are still limited, especially in subgroups such as adult patients with congenital heart diseases. This cohort is of high interest because of the difficult anatomic conditions in these patients.

Methods and results

All S-ICDTM patients with an underlying congenital heart disease (CHD) resulting in an indication for ICD implantation (n = 20 patients) in our large-scaled single-centre S-ICDTM registry (n = 249 patients) were included in this study. Baseline characteristics, appropriate and inappropriate shocks, and complications were documented in a mean follow-up of 36 months. Primary prevention of SCD was the indication for implantation of an S-ICDTM in six patients (30%). Of all 20 patients with an overall mean age of 40.5 ± 11.5 years, 12 were male (60%). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 46.5 ± 11.3%. Nine episodes of ventricular tachycardia (two monomorphic and seven polymorphic) were adequately terminated in three patients (15%). In two patients, T-Wave-Oversensing resulting in an inappropriate shock was observed, which could be managed by changing the sensing vector or activation of the SMART PASSTM filter. There were no S-ICDTM system-related infections. In one patient, surgical revision was necessary due to a persistent haematoma.

Conclusion

The S-ICDTM seems to be a valuable option for the prevention of SCD in patients with various CHDs and complex anatomical anomalies. The S-ICDTM is safe and works effectively, also in these complex patients. Inadequate shock delivery was rare and could be managed by reprogramming.
Changes over time in attitudes towards the management of older patients with heart failure by general practitioners: a qualitative study
Authors: Moscova Laura , Leblanc Fabien , Cittee Jacques , Le Breton Julien , Vallot Sophie , Fabre Julie , Phan Tan-Trung , Renard Vincent , Ferrat Emilie
Published: June 2019

Background

Underdiagnosis and undertreatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) are common in older patients, who are usually treated by general practitioners (GPs). In 2007, the French ICAGE study explored GPs’ attitudes to the management of this condition in older patients.

Objectives

To explore changes over time in GPs’ attitudes towards the management of CHF in patients aged ≥75 and to identify barriers to optimal management.

Methods

In 2015, we performed a qualitative study of 20 French GPs via semi-structured interviews and a thematic content analysis. The results were compared with the findings of a 2007 study.

Results

In 2015, the perceived barriers to diagnosis were the same as in 2007. Echocardiography was still the preferred diagnostic method but the GPs relied on the cardiologist to confirm the diagnosis. Many GPs were still unaware of the different types of CHF. In contrast, they reported greater knowledge of decompensation factors and the ultrasound criteria for CHF. They also prescribed a brain natriuretic peptide assay more frequently. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers were more strongly perceived to be core treatments. Few GPs initiated drug treatments and optimized dosages. Although patient education was never mentioned, the importance of multidisciplinary care was emphasized.

Conclusion

Our results evidenced a small recent improvement in the management of older patients with CHF. Appropriate guidelines and training for GPs, patient education and multidisciplinary collaboration might further improve the care given to this population.
Influential cited references in FEMS Microbiology Letters: lessons from Reference Publication Year Spectroscopy (RPYS)
Authors: Haunschild Robin , Bauer Johann , Bornmann Lutz
Published: June 2019

The journal FEMS Microbiology Letters covers all aspects of microbiology including virology. On which scientific shoulders do the papers published in this journal stand? Which are the classic papers used by the authors? We aim to answer these questions in this study by applying the Reference Publication Year Spectroscopy (RPYS) analysis to all papers published in this journal between 1977 and 2017. In total, 16 837 publications with 410 586 cited references are analyzed. Mainly, the studies published in the journal FEMS Microbiology Letters draw knowledge from methods developed to quantify or characterize biochemical substances such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, or carbohydrates and from improvements of techniques suitable for studies of bacterial genetics. The techniques frequently used for studying the genetic of microorganisms in FEMS Microbiology Letters’ studies were developed using samples prepared from microorganisms. Methods required for the investigation of proteins, carbohydrates, or lipids were mostly transferred from other fields of life science to microbiology.
#EUROmicroMOOC: using Twitter to share trends in Microbiology worldwide
Authors: López-Goñi I , Giner-Lamia J , Álvarez-Ordoñez A , Benitez-Páez Alfonso , Claessen D , Cortesao M , de Toro M , García-Ruano D , Granato E T , Kovács Á T , Romalde J L , Sana T G , Sánchez-Angulo M , Sangari F J , Smits W K , Sturm T , Thomassin J L , Valdehuesa K N G , Zapotoczna M
Published: June 2019

Twitter is one of the most popular social media networks that, in recent years, has been increasingly used by researchers as a platform to share science and discuss ongoing work. Despite its popularity, Twitter is not commonly used as a medium to teach science. Here, we summarize the results of #EUROmicroMOOC: the first worldwide Microbiology Massive Open Online Course taught in English using Twitter. Content analytics indicated that more than 3 million users saw posts with the hashtag #EUROmicroMOOC, which resulted in over 42 million Twitter impressions worldwide. These analyses demonstrate that free Microbiology MOOCs shared on Twitter are valuable educational tools that reach broad audiences throughout the world. We also describe our experience teaching an entire Microbiology course using Twitter and provide recommendations when using social media to communicate science to a broad audience.
TuBA: Tunable biclustering algorithm reveals clinically relevant tumor transcriptional profiles in breast cancer
Authors: Singh Amartya , Bhanot Gyan , Khiabanian Hossein
Published: June 2019

Background

Traditional clustering approaches for gene expression data are not well adapted to address the complexity and heterogeneity of tumors, where small sets of genes may be aberrantly co-expressed in specific subsets of tumors. Biclustering algorithms that perform local clustering on subsets of genes and conditions help address this problem. We propose a graph-based Tunable Biclustering Algorithm (TuBA) based on a novel pairwise proximity measure, examining the relationship of samples at the extremes of genes' expression profiles to identify similarly altered signatures.

Results

TuBA's predictions are consistent in 3,940 breast invasive carcinoma samples from 3 independent sources, using different technologies for measuring gene expression (RNA sequencing and Microarray). More than 60% of biclusters identified independently in each dataset had significant agreement in their gene sets, as well as similar clinical implications. Approximately 50% of biclusters were enriched in the estrogen receptor−negative/HER2-negative (or basal-like) subtype, while >50% were associated with transcriptionally active copy number changes. Biclusters representing gene co-expression patterns in stromal tissue were also identified in tumor specimens.

Conclusions

TuBA offers a simple biclustering method that can identify biologically relevant gene co-expression signatures not captured by traditional unsupervised clustering approaches. It complements biclustering approaches that are designed to identify constant or coherent submatrices in gene expression datasets, and outperforms them in identifying a multitude of altered transcriptional profiles that are associated with observed genomic heterogeneity of diseased states in breast cancer, both within and across tumor subtypes, a promising step in understanding disease heterogeneity, and a necessary first step in individualized therapy.
A chromosome-scale genome assembly of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Li Qing , Li Hongbo , Huang Wu , Xu Yuanchao , Zhou Qian , Wang Shenhao , Ruan Jue , Huang Sanwen , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: June 2019

Background

Accurate and complete reference genome assemblies are fundamental for biological research. Cucumber is an important vegetable crop and model system for sex determination and vascular biology. Low-coverage Sanger sequences and high-coverage short Illumina sequences have been used to assemble draft cucumber genomes, but the incompleteness and low quality of these genomes limit their use in comparative genomics and genetic research. A high-quality and complete cucumber genome assembly is therefore essential.

Findings

We assembled single-molecule real-time (SMRT) long reads to generate an improved cucumber reference genome. This version contains 174 contigs with a total length of 226.2 Mb and an N50 of 8.9 Mb, and provides 29.0 Mb more sequence data than previous versions. Using 10X Genomics and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) data, 89 contigs (~211.0 Mb) were directly linked into 7 pseudo-chromosome sequences. The newly assembled regions show much higher guanine-cytosine or adenine-thymine content than found previously, which is likely to have been inaccessible to Illumina sequencing. The new assembly contains 1,374 full-length long terminal retrotransposons and 1,078 novel genes including 239 tandemly duplicated genes. For example, we found 4 tandemly duplicated tyrosylprotein sulfotransferases, in contrast to the single copy of the gene found previously and in most other plants.

Conclusion

This high-quality genome presents novel features of the cucumber genome and will serve as a valuable resource for genetic research in cucumber and plant comparative genomics.
Onset of Daily Activity in a Female Songbird Is Related to Peak-Induced Estradiol Levels
Authors: Graham Jessica L , Needham Katie B , Bertucci Emily M , Pearson Alexis A , Bauer Carolyn M , Greives Timothy J
Published: June 2019

Research in captive birds and mammals has demonstrated that circadian (i.e., daily) behavioral rhythms are altered in response to increases in sex-steroid hormones. Recently, we and others have demonstrated a high degree of individual repeatability in peak (gonadotropin-releasing hormone [GnRH]-induced sex) steroid levels, and we have found that these GnRH-induced levels are highly correlated with their daily (night-time) endogenous peak. Whether or not individual variation in organization and activity of the reproductive endocrine axis is related to daily timing in wild animals is not well known. To begin to explore these possible links, we tested the hypothesis that maximal levels of the sex steroid hormone estradiol (E2) and onset of daily activity are related in a female songbird, the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis). We found that females with higher levels of GnRH-induced E2 departed from their nest in the morning significantly earlier than females with lower stimulated levels. We did not observe a relationship between testosterone and this measure of onset of activity. Our findings suggest an interaction between an individual’s reproductive endocrine axis and the circadian system and variation observed in an individuals’ daily activity onset. We suggest future studies examine the relationship between maximal sex-steroid hormones and timing of daily activity onset.
Spatially resolved past and projected changes of the suitable thermal habitat of North Sea cod (Gadus morhua) under climate change
Authors: Núñez-Riboni Ismael , Taylor Marc H , Kempf Alexander , Püts Miriam , Mathis Moritz
Published: June 2019

Previous studies have identified changes in habitat temperature as a major factor leading to the geographical displacement of North Sea cod in the last decades. However, the degree to which thermal suitability is presently changing in different regions of the North Sea is still unclear, or if temperature alone (or together with fishery) is responsible for this displacement. In this study, the spatial distribution of different life stages of cod was modelled from 1967 to 2015. The model is fit point-to-point, spatially resolved at scales of 20 km. The results show that suitability has decreased south of 56°N (>12% in the Southern Bight) and increased north of it (with maximum of roughly 10% in southern Skagerrak). Future changes to suitability were estimated throughout the century using temperature projections from a regional climate model under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scenario RCP8.5. The results show that southern Skagerrak, the central and northern North Sea and the edge of the Norwegian trench will remain thermally suitable for North Sea cod throughout the century. This detailed geographical representation of thermally suitable key zones for North Sea cod under climate change is revealed for the first time through the improved resolution of this analysis.
Powerful three-sample genome-wide design and robust statistical inference in summary-data Mendelian randomization
Authors: Zhao Qingyuan , Chen Yang , Wang Jingshu , Small Dylan S
Published: June 2019

Background

Summary-data Mendelian randomization (MR) has become a popular research design to estimate the causal effect of risk exposures. With the sample size of GWAS continuing to increase, it is now possible to use genetic instruments that are only weakly associated with the exposure.

Development

We propose a three-sample genome-wide design where typically 1000 independent genetic instruments across the whole genome are used. We develop an empirical partially Bayes statistical analysis approach where instruments are weighted according to their strength; thus weak instruments bring less variation to the estimator. The estimator is highly efficient with many weak genetic instruments and is robust to balanced and/or sparse pleiotropy.

Application

We apply our method to estimate the causal effect of body mass index (BMI) and major blood lipids on cardiovascular disease outcomes, and obtain substantially shorter confidence intervals (CIs). In particular, the estimated causal odds ratio of BMI on ischaemic stroke is 1.19 (95% CI: 1.07–1.32, P-value <0.001); the estimated causal odds ratio of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) on coronary artery disease (CAD) is 0.78 (95% CI: 0.73–0.84, P-value <0.001). However, the estimated effect of HDL-C attenuates and become statistically non-significant when we only use strong instruments.

Conclusions

A genome-wide design can greatly improve the statistical power of MR studies. Robust statistical methods may alleviate but not solve the problem of horizontal pleiotropy. Our empirical results suggest that the relationship between HDL-C and CAD is heterogeneous, and it may be too soon to completely dismiss the HDL hypothesis.
Gone but Not Forgotten? Retrieving the Migrant in Late Antiquity
Authors: Doerfler Maria E
Published: June 2019

In recent decades, migration has come into increasing scholarly focus as both a historical and a transhistorical phenomenon, with particular periods emerging as foci for migration activity. The latter go hand in hand with high incidences of migrant deaths, responses to which remain swathed in the politics of remembrance and recovery. Both the grave vulnerabilities of migrants and the efforts surrounding their recollection find their echoes not only in the contemporary United States but in earlier historical eras and other regions as well. This article examines one such period: that of the fifth and sixth centuries CE, when wars, natural disasters, and shifts in imperial allegiances both shaped another “age of exile” and precipitated religious responses thereto. By investigating Eastern Christian narratives around the care for the bodies and souls of migrants, this article considers the challenges that afflict efforts to remember the migrant in both late ancient and contemporary practice.
In vitro antifungal activity of a novel topical triazole PC945 against emerging yeast Candida auris
Authors: Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M , Colley Thomas , Abdolrasouli Alireza , Ashman Jed , Dhaliwal Manpreet , Kaur Harsimran , Armstrong-James Darius , Strong Pete , Rapeport Garth , Schelenz Silke , Ito Kazuhiro , Chakrabarti Arunaloke
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Management of Candida auris infection is difficult as this yeast exhibits resistance to different classes of antifungals, necessitating the development of new antifungals. The aim of this study was to investigate the susceptibility of C. auris to a novel antifungal triazole, PC945, optimized for topical delivery.

Methods

A collection of 50 clinical isolates was obtained from a tertiary care hospital in North India. Nine isolates from the UK, 10 from a CDC panel (USA) and 3 from the CBS-KNAW culture collection (Japanese and South Korean isolates) were also obtained. MICs (azole endpoint) of PC945 and other triazoles were determined in accordance with CLSI M27 (third edition). Quality control strains were included [Candida parapsilosis (ATCC 22019) and Candida krusei (ATCC 6258)].

Results

Seventy-four percent of isolates tested showed reduced susceptibility to fluconazole (≥64 mg/L). PC945 (geometric mean MIC = 0.058 mg/L) was 7.4-fold and 1.5-fold more potent than voriconazole and posaconazole, respectively (both P < 0.01). PC945 MIC values correlated with those of voriconazole or posaconazole, and only three isolates were found to be cross-resistant between PC945 and other azoles. ERG11 sequence analysis revealed several mutations, but no correlation could be established with the MIC of PC945. Tentative epidemiological cut-off values (ECOFFs) evaluated by CLSI’s ECOFF Finder (at 99%) with 24 h reading of MICs were 1, 4 and 1 mg/L for PC945, voriconazole and posaconazole, respectively. MIC values for quality control strains of all triazoles were in the normal ranges.

Conclusions

PC945 was found to be a more potent inhibitor than posaconazole, voriconazole and fluconazole of C. auris isolates collected globally, warranting further laboratory and clinical evaluations.
Real world evidence in cardiovascular medicine: ensuring data validity in electronic health record-based studies
Authors: Hernandez-Boussard Tina , Monda Keri L , Crespo Blai Coll , Riskin Dan
Published: June 2019

Objective

With growing availability of digital health data and technology, health-related studies are increasingly augmented or implemented using real world data (RWD). Recent federal initiatives promote the use of RWD to make clinical assertions that influence regulatory decision-making. Our objective was to determine whether traditional real world evidence (RWE) techniques in cardiovascular medicine achieve accuracy sufficient for credible clinical assertions, also known as “regulatory-grade” RWE.

Design

Retrospective observational study using electronic health records (EHR), 2010–2016.

Methods

A predefined set of clinical concepts was extracted from EHR structured (EHR-S) and unstructured (EHR-U) data using traditional query techniques and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, respectively. Performance was evaluated against manually annotated cohorts using standard metrics. Accuracy was compared to pre-defined criteria for regulatory-grade. Differences in accuracy were compared using Chi-square test.

Results

The dataset included 10 840 clinical notes. Individual concept occurrence ranged from 194 for coronary artery bypass graft to 4502 for diabetes mellitus. In EHR-S, average recall and precision were 51.7% and 98.3%, respectively and 95.5% and 95.3% in EHR-U, respectively. For each clinical concept, EHR-S accuracy was below regulatory-grade, while EHR-U met or exceeded criteria, with the exception of medications.

Conclusions

Identifying an appropriate RWE approach is dependent on cohorts studied and accuracy required. In this study, recall varied greatly between EHR-S and EHR-U. Overall, EHR-S did not meet regulatory grade criteria, while EHR-U did. These results suggest that recall should be routinely measured in EHR-based studes intended for regulatory use. Furthermore, advanced data and technologies may be required to achieve regulatory grade results.
Flagging Facebook Falsehoods: Self-Identified Humor Warnings Outperform Fact Checker and Peer Warnings
Authors: Garrett R Kelly , Poulsen Shannon
Published: June 2019

We present two studies evaluating the effectiveness of flagging inaccurate political posts on social media. In Study 1, we tested fact-checker flags, peer-generated flags, and a flag indicating that the publisher self-identified as a source of humor. We predicted that all would be effective, that their effectiveness would depend on prior beliefs, and that the self-identified humor flag would work best. Conducting a 2-wave online experiment (N = 218), we found that self-identified humor flags were most effective, reducing beliefs and sharing intentions, especially among those predisposed to believe the post. We found no evidence that warnings from fact checkers or peers were beneficial. Compared to the alternatives, participants exposed to self-identified humor flags exhibited less reactance to and had more positive appraisals of the flagging system. The second study (N = 610) replicated the findings of the first and provides a preliminary test of what makes this flag work.
Dual role of FGF in proliferation and endoreplication of Drosophila tracheal adult progenitor cells
Authors: de Miguel Cristina , Cruz Josefa , Martín David , Franch-Marro Xavier
Published: June 2019

Adult progenitor cells activation is a key event in the formation of adult organs. In Drosophila, formation of abdominal adult trachea depends on the specific activation of tracheal adult progenitors (tracheoblasts) at the Tr4 and Tr5 spiracular branches. Proliferation of these tracheoblasts generates a pool of tracheal cells that migrate toward the posterior part of the trachea by the activation of the branchless/fibroblast growth factor (Bnl/FGF) signaling to form the abdominal adult trachea. Here, we show that, in addition to migration, Bnl/FGF signaling, mediated by the transcription factor Pointed, is also required for tracheoblast proliferation. This tracheoblast activation relies on the expression of the FGF ligand bnl in their nearby branches. Finally, we show that, in the absence of the transcription factor Cut (Ct), Bnl/FGF signaling induces endoreplication of tracheoblasts partially by promoting fizzy-related expression. Altogether, our results suggest a dual role of Bnl/FGF signaling in tracheoblasts, inducing both proliferation and endoreplication, depending on the presence or absence of the transcription factor Ct, respectively.