bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seed characteristics of local rice accessions from East Barito regency
Authors: Susilawati  , Liana T
Published: May 2020

Central Kalimantan has an abundance of local rice genetic resources scattered in every district. One of the districts with important local rice genetic resources is East Barito. This study aimed to seek unique characters ol local rice varieties in East Barito Regency which could be useful for further genetic improvement. Local rice exploration was conducted during January to February 2018 to obtain local species in the East Barito District. The method of activity is purposive sampling by selecting 4–5 villages within the district based on information of diverse local genetic resources. The data collected consisted of the passport data and the present status of local paddy rice, as well as the character of the seeds to ensure that there was a difference of accession for local paddy genetic resources with the same name. Based on the exploration activity, a total of 27 local rice accessions have been explored from the region, and there were two cultivar local rice accessions that have the same name, i.e. Cantik Manis and Siam Cantik. However, they have different grain shape and other morphological characters.
Diversity of pod weight of Indonesian local groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties at different harvesting time
Authors: Zulchi T , Hidayatun N , Dewi N
Published: May 2020

Groundnut, a self-pollinated legume, is an important cash crop which has high oil seed content and provides nutritious fodder to livestock. Harvesting time is very critical to the groundnut production, because their maturity determines the pod weight. This study aimed to observe the pod weight of local groundnut varieties of Indonesia at different harvesting time. A total of 50 local varieties groundnut were grown at ICABIOGRAD Experimental Station from May–September 2015. The pods were harvested at 75, 85 and 95 days after planting (DAP) and weighed. The results showed that the accessions reached its physiological maturity at 85 DAP, where the plants reached the highest maturity index (2.28). The average maturity index at 75 and 95 DAP was 1.64 and 1.84, respectively. The pod weightat 75, 85 and 95 DAP ranged from 1.0 to 31.4 g, 4.2 to 35.2 g and 2.0 to 31.6 g, respectively, whereas the seed weight ranged from 1.0 to 20.8 g, 2.2 to 26.4 g and 1.4 to 24 g, respectively. A relatively high seed and hull weight ratio at 85 DAP was found in MLG 1629 Jombang, MLG 7552 Gresik, Hoi Ambon, Lanbau and AH 842Si varieties. The harvesting time should be done at physiological maturity to identify the maturity type among local varieties. It is recommended that the Indonesian local varieties of groundnuts should be harvested at 85 DAP.
Animal genetic resources (AnGR) in Mozambique
Authors: Cumbula D , Taela M
Published: May 2020

Mozambique is a country on the eastern coast of Southern Africa, where livestock plays an important role in the agriculture sector, due to its contribution to socio-economic development and poverty reduction. Given the variations in climate, soil fertility, rainfall pattern and altitude among the different areas, the country is divided into ten agroecological regions, each one with its own characteristic production systems and livestock breeds. In the family sector, livestock is mostly composed of indigenous breeds: Landim cattle, goats, pigs and chicken, Angoni and Bovino de Tete cattle breeds and Pafuri goat. In order to restore the quantity and quality of the genetic resources of indigenous breeds and promote their conservation and sustainable use, the country is carrying out several actions and activities, including public awareness campaigns about the importance of indigenous breeds and the need for their conservation, inclusion of AnGR issues in the curriculum of universities and agricultural colleges, characterization of AnGR collection and conservation of semen from native bulls.
Screening genetic resources of local accessions of Capsicum originated from East Java
Authors: Purnomo S , Handoko
Published: May 2020

Inventory and collection of local chili varieties in production centers in East Java had been carried out in the period 2013–2015 by East Java Assessment Institute for Agricultural Technology (AIAT). A total of 143 accessions of five chili species (Capsicum annuum L., C. frutescens L., C. chinense Jacq., C. baccatum L. and C. pubescens L) was collected from eight chili production centers in East Java and has been maintained by East Java AIAT. A set of 85 local chili accessions was selected and evaluated for agronomic performance and biochemical compounds. Among the five species, C. annuum L. and C. frutescens L. dominated the distribution of chili species in East Java. The other three species were still found in some spots of farm households and highlands. C. pubescens, locally known as “Bodong” or “Wudel” chili, was found on the high slopes of Mount Semeru, whereas C. chinense, known as “Cotoh” chili by the locals, was also found in the highlands of Batu City. Based on agronomic performance there were several accessions with high-yielding potential (≥12 t/ha). Five accessions of C. frutescens collected from planting areas in the dryland with dry climate of Blitar not only had high yield potential, but also had high capsaicinoid content, low-fat content, low quercetin and high flavonoids and polyphenols. Phenotypic diversity and geographic origin may be useful as the criteria for selecting a good set of chili accessions.
Mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete incorporated with high volume fly ash
Authors: Solikin M , Mulyanto T
Published: May 2020

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is beneficial in concrete casting process as it does not need any tools for consolidation process. In addition, the utilization of High content fly ash in has proven in improving mechanical properties of concrete although the slow strength development is an issue to coop with. This paper presented an experimental program on the mechanical properties test of high strength self-compacting concrete incorporated with high content fly ash. The mix proportion for the concrete was prepared based on ACI high strength concrete with the design strength of 45 MPa. The mechanical properties test consists of slump flow test, compressive strength test development, flexural strength test and water absorption test of concrete. The slump flow test was tested for fresh concrete and the strength development test was tested at the age of 14, 28 and 56 days. In addition, test for flexural strength specimen and absorption specimens were tested at the curing age of 56 days. Moreover, the high strength normal concrete specimen was prepared as control mix design. The result shows, less water was need to reach design flowability for Self-Compacting Concrete High content fly ash concrete and it gives impact to lower water absorption for the type of concrete. In addition, at the curing age of 56 days the compressive strength of high strength high content fly ash-self compacting concrete was comparable to the normal concrete.
Identification parameter system for mathematical modeling BLDC motor using transfer function models
Authors: Anshory I , Robandi I , Wirawan
Published: May 2020

The parameter system identification of Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) motorbike on electric bicycles is one of the important factors that support success in improving a stable and reliable control system. The purpose of this paper is to explain the mathematical modeling of BLDC motors by system identification parameters. The method of system identification parameters used in this study is experimentation, namely the pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generation process and the collection of input data in the form of current, voltage, and output data such as speed is carried out using sensors connected to the microcontroller. The input and output data are then simulated using the transfer function model found in the system identification toolbox in the MATLAB program. From the results of testing and simulations carried out on the BLDC motor system, a mathematical model was obtained in the form of a transfer function with third-order transfer function is the best fit value than the others. The sequential values of the transfer function 1, 2 and 3 are 69.81, -1945, and 83.34.
Simulation of air flow loss in triangle pipe construction
Authors: Lubis S , Siregar C A , Abdilah F
Published: May 2020

The purposes of this research are to find out how the simulation of flow velocity, mass flow rate and pressure that occur in each variation of Reynold numbers on the triangle pipe arrangement of solid work software. By using test and simulation analysis methods, using a number of tools and materials so that they can be simulated and simultaneously analyze the resulting design. The tools and materials used in the simulation and analysis process in this design are (1) computers with specifications of the Intel (R) Xeon (R) CPU E3-1246 v3 @ 3.50Ghz 3.50 GHz (2) a solid work keel device for analyzing pressure. This fluid mass flow rate is influenced by the velocity of fluid flow and the temperature at this fluid can influence fluid density and specific gravity. This fluid speed can affect the pressure that hits the pipe. In the simulation results, there is a significant pressure change due to the speed that changes over the sidelines of the same pipeline. This change raises the loss of friction in the arrangement of the pipe pipeline due to the pressure factor that hit the pipe. The pressure that occurs is influenced by the velocity of fluid flow, fluid mass flow rate and cross-sectional area on the triangle pipe arrangement.
Engineering of motorcycle exhaust gases to reduce air pollution
Authors: Siregar A M , Siregar C A , Yani M
Published: May 2020

Air pollution from motor vehicle exhaust emissions is increasing, so it is necessary to attempt to control its exhaust emissions. Given the dangers of exhaust emissions, efforts need to be made to control and reduce air pollution so that negative impacts on people and the environment can be reduced. One engineering technology as a manifestation of vehicle emission control is engineering and modification of the exhaust gas channel. Engineering and modification are expected to be able to make a tool that will be able and function to reduce the danger of exhaust gases. The researcher will conduct experiments and manufacture of tools and initial testing on one motorized vehicle to see and observe the composition of the exhaust gas produced from the exhaust. The elements to be observed are CO values, HC values, and CO2 values as comparative data. The tool that will be used to observe and see these elements is the Gas Analyzer tool. This tool is one instrument that is useful for measuring the portion and composition of a combined gas. From the results of testing and analysis obtained data on the exhaust emission test with an average engine speed of 500 rpm, and with the temperature of the exhaust tube 40 °C to 45 °C. After testing the standard exhaust model, then testing the engineering exhaust model which added 50 gr, 70 gr, and 90 gr scrap of stainless steel obtained the best conclusion to reduce and reduce the danger of exhaust emissions is engineered exhaust which added 70 g scrap of stainless steel and when compared to a standard exhaust, CO elements dropped to 71.09% and HC elements dropped to 48.26% and CO2 elements dropped to 66.35%.
Multiscale Modelling and Analysis on the Heavy-duty Hydrostatic Journal Bearing for a Precision Press Machine
Authors: Shang Youyun , Cheng Kai , Ding Hui , Chen Shijin
Published: May 2020

The present study aims to predict the performance of hydrostatic journal bearings during steady-state operation through multiscale modelling and analysis. An innovative multiscale modelling approach is presented for numerical modelling and analysis of the hydrostatic journal bearing as configured and designed, particularly for the precision press machine. With the challenging environment for journal bearings under hydrostatic pressures and surface features, elastic modulus of oil and viscosity-temperature characteristics are often neglected while against heavy-loading and precision engineering requirement. This research takes into account of oil elastic modulus and viscosity-temperature characteristics to investigate the intrinsic relationship between the pressures within the hydrostatic bearing and its surface texture, feature size and locations being considered. This paper concludes with a further discussion on the potential and application of the approach in precision engineering.
Park Accessibility Analysis Based on Location Information and GIS: Take Shanghai Hongkou District As An Example
Authors: Zhang Ziran , Fan Shengxi , Zhang Huayan
Published: May 2020

Spatial accessibility is one of the methods to study the rationality of park design. This paper is taking Hongkou District Park in Shanghai as an example, by using the ARCGis application as analysis tool to analyze that the relation between the location of Park entrance and location of the community, and to calculate the different time cost of people who is under the walking and cycling mode to put forward the distribution of park entrance location which is based on the accessibility of riding and walking.
Temperature Variation of Wet Clutches in the DSG Vehicle during a 10km Driving Cycle
Authors: Liu Jikai , Chen Jie
Published: May 2020

The temperature of wet clutches has a vital influence on the vehicle in terms of dynamic performance, service life, wear characteristics, etc. To investigate the temperature variations during the operation process, a detailed dynamic powertrain model of the DSG vehicle is established firstly to calculate the dynamic load of different clutches. Then, a thermal resistance model for the gearbox cooling system is built to predict the temperature of wet clutches. Integrating the dynamic model and the heat transfer model, a co-simulation model is finally obtained. The simulation results illustrate that the temperature of the clutch used for the launching process has a sharp increase from 100 °C to 123 °C; however, within a 10km driving cycle, the temperature of five clutches are all lower than 125 C, which meet the requirements of the vehicle.
Mechanical Properties Improvement of Clays Using Silica Sand Waste and Dust Sand Foundry Waste
Authors: Gunarti Anita Setyowati Srie , Raharja Irwan
Published: May 2020

The increase of industrial waste and many road damages due to unstable subgrade invite the research on soil additives made from waste treatment as stabilizers to improve the mechanical value of clay. This study used California Bearing Ratio Test based on the ASTM standard for mechanical properties testing of clay. The soil stabilization method was carried out by mixing the clay with Silica Sand waste and Dust Sand Foundry waste in a predetermined composition. California Bearing Ratio value of 2.5 mm penetration showed a significant increase of 47.9% from the original clay in the composition of the waste 5% Silica Sand and 5% Dust Sand Foundry.
Micro/nanostructured MTMOs as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Flores Charles Lois , Balela Mary Donnabelle
Published: May 2020

Different nanostructured mixed transition-metal oxides were synthesized using a facile and controllable hydrothermal method. Incorporation of Cu2+ and Ni2+ in Co3O4 structure led to an interesting morphological transformation, from quasi-spherical nanoparticles to microspherical urchin-like aggregates of radially assembled nanoneedles. These oxides have notable low crystallite size, narrow size distribution, and high degree of crystallinity. In general, partial cobalt substitution resulted in an improved electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), with NiCo2O4 demonstrating superior performance among the catalysts prepared. It recorded a low overpotential of 374 mV and achieved high stability, making it competitive with state-of-the-art RuO2 and IrO2 (387 mV). This material is of great potential for sustainable energy applications.
The Effect of Micro-Eggshells and Aluminium Hydroxide on Tracking Resistance of Silicone Rubber Composite
Authors: Khaigunha Pattarabordee , Wongwuttanasatian Tanakorn , Suksri Amnart
Published: May 2020

Break down due to surface tracking is one of the critical insulation failures, especially in the polymeric insulation. It has made worse the reliability of the power transmission system. This present work attempts to solve the problem by observing the effect on tracking resistance of adding micro-eggshells and aluminum hydroxide into the silicone rubber. In order to fabricate the composite specimen, red eggshells (63 to 74 μm), aluminum hydroxide, and RTV silicone rubber were procured. The constant voltage test method, according to the IEC-60587 standard, was used to evaluate the tracking resistance; each specimen was applied by 4.5 kV for 1 hour, and the tracking length was declared as the inverse of tracking resistance. Besides, the rule of mixtures was employed to estimate the thermal conductivity. The results show that the tracking resistance of the composite specimens was overall higher as compare to the pure rubber. Moreover, It was found that tracking resistance and thermal conductivity decreased when the eggshells increased. It was described that the rise of thermal accumulation on the insulator surface in the hybrid composite caused by lower thermal conductivity. Therefore, it could be concluded that the mixing of micro-eggshells and aluminum hydroxide should not be used as fillers for suppressing the tracking failures.
Automatic Digital Fringe Projection for Advanced Micro-Scale Connector Manufacturing System
Authors: Lu Ching-Hua , Liu Cheng-Yang
Published: May 2020

The digital fringe projection microscope has been investigated and used to estimate three-dimensional shape of micro-scale connector for advanced manufacturing system. This measurement system consists of digital projector, optical lenses, stereo microscope, and digital camera. In the software, the imaging program based on including black and white structure light, seven-step phase-shifting calculation, and path-independent phase unwrapping is well developed. The imaging results indicate that the three-dimensional shape of micro-scale connector is acquired by using this measurement system. The optical resolution of this measurement system is 3 μm and the measurement speed is 0.6 s. This measurement system has excellent performance including easy operation, fast measurement speed and high resolution. This measurement system can be applied to real-time three-dimensional shape detection in product processing of micro-scale connector.
Application Phases for Productivity Improvement through Lean Methods Assessments in an Aeronautical Company – Case Study
Authors: Silvério Leandro , Trabasso Luís Gonzaga , Pessôa Marcus Vinicius Pereira
Published: May 2020

A well defined manufacturing company focuses on lean practices along the whole product development process, not exclusively during the manufacturing and production phases. This study focuses on the application steps to be adopted for productivity improvement trough lean methods assessments in a product development company for the aeronautical industry. It also aims to provide insights for decision makers along the whole lean transformation patch, and to reduce the waste generation by eliminating the non–value–added activities resulted by a bad execution of the lean implementation tools and methods. By deploying the proposed study, the assessed enterprise increased its overall lean engagement level and production outputs.
On the optical nonlinearity in the GeSbSe chalcogenide glasses
Authors: Nedelcu Nicoleta , Chiroiu Veturia , Munteanu Ligia , Girip Iulian
Published: May 2020

Chalcogenide glasses GexSb40−xSe60 with composition 12, 25 and 30 at.%, synthesized from elements with 5N purity (Ge, Sb, Se) by the conventional melt-quenching method were studied. The spectrophotometer’s measurements were recorded to determine the optical properties. Models based on the absorbance and absorption coefficient are used to determine the optical band-gap energy. The Urbach energy is deduced in the

Ge

x

Sb

40
−
x

Se

60

thin film alloys with composition x = 12, 25 and 30 at.%. The electronic and structural properties are studied, and the influence of the Urbach energy in estimating of the nonlinearity in the optical properties of these glasses is discussed. The analysis is performed with respect to the Urbach parameter that quantifies the degree of crystallinity of the structure which can be used to understand the behavior of different diffractive, wave-transmission and fiber structures.
Trends of epitaxial perovskite oxide films catalyzing the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media
Authors: Antipin Denis , Risch Marcel
Published: May 2020

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is considered a key reaction for electrochemical energy conversion but slow kinetics hamper application in electrolyzers, metal-air batteries and other applications that rely on sustainable protons from water oxidation. In this review, the prospect of epitaxial perovskite oxides for the OER at room temperature in alkaline media is reviewed with respect to fundamental insight into systematic trends of the activity. First, we thoroughly define the perovskite structure and its parameter space. Then, the synthesis methods used to make electrocatalytic epitaxial perovskite oxide are surveyed, and we classify the different kinds of electrodes that can be assembled for electrocatalytic investigations. We discuss the semiconductor physics of epitaxial perovskite electrodes and their consequences for the interpretation of catalytic results. Prototypical mechanisms of the OER are introduced and comparatively discussed. OER investigations on epitaxial perovskite oxides are comprehensively surveyed and selected trends are graphically highlighted. The review concludes with a short perspective on opportunities for future electrocatalytic research on epitaxial perovskite oxide systems.
No-boarding buses: agents allowed to cooperate or defect
Authors: Saw Vee-Liem , Yue Chew Lock
Published: May 2020

We study a bus system with a no-boarding policy, where a ‘slow’ bus may disallow passengers from boarding if it meets some criteria. When the no-boarding policy is activated, people waiting to board at the bus stop are given the choices of cooperating or defecting. The people’s heterogeneous behaviours are modelled by inductive reasoning and bounded rationality, inspired by the El Farol problem and the minority game. In defecting the no-boarding policy, instead of the minority group being the winning group, we investigate several scenarios where defectors win if the number of defectors does not exceed the maximum number of allowed defectors but lose otherwise. Contrary to the classical minority game which has N agents repeatedly playing amongst themselves, many real-world situations like boarding a bus involves only a subset of agents who ‘play each round’, with different subsets playing at different rounds. We find for such realistic situations, there is no phase transition with no herding behaviour when the usual control paramater 2
m
/N is small. The absence of the herding behaviour assures feasible and sustainable implementation of the no-boarding policy with allowance for defections, without leading to bus bunching.
Dynamical aspects of nanoparticle formation by wire explosion process
Authors: Ranjan P , Nguyen D H , Chen L , Cotton I , Suematsu H , Chakravarthy S R , Jayaganthan R , Sarathi R
Published: May 2020

Copper nanoparticles (NPs) were produced by wire explosion process (WEP) and it was noted that the amount of energy (E) deposited on the wire and the ambient pressure play a major role on the size of particles formed. Dynamic diffusion and condensation processes of NPs formation by WEP were modelled. Calculations of critical size of embryo, activation energy and nucleation rate of the formation of NPs in WEP were made considering classical homogeneous nucleation theory. Decrease in critical size of nuclei and activation energy, increase in nucleation rate with high E (540 J) and low operating pressure (10 kPa) confirm the formation of small size NPs (26 nm). Different cooling rates due to unsymmetrical shape of the vapour cloud has been identified as the cause for generating mixed particle sizes. The qualitative analysis conducted in this work validates the obtained experimental results and can be used as a design tool for industrial apparatus to produce NPs in bulk.
Numerical simulation on the effect of sample geometry size on the metal flow behaviour during the forging process
Authors: Obiko J , Mwema F
Published: May 2020

This paper reports on the effect of sample geometry size on the metal flow behaviour using DeformTM 3D finite element simulation software. The simulation process was done at forging temperature of 1100 °C and upper die speed of 50 mm/second. The friction coefficient between the die and the sample interface was taken to be constant during the simulation process. The results of the effective stress and strain distribution in the deformed sample were reported. The results show that the effective stress and strain distribution in the deformed sample was non-uniformly distributed. The maximum effective strain occurred at the centre of the deformed sample for all the samples tested. The maximum effective stress occurred at the die-sample contact surface. At the contact surfaces, the effective stress decreased with a decrease in the sample size. The effective stress at the centre of the deformed sample increased with a decrease in the sample geometry size.
Unveiling the mystery: assessing the evolutionary trajectory of the Apaporis caiman population (Caiman crocodilus apaporiensis, Medem 1955) via mitochondrial molecular makers
Authors: Balaguera-Reina Sergio A , Vargas-Ramírez Mario , Ordóñez-Garza Nicté , Hernández-González Felipe , Densmore Llewellyn D
Published: May 2020

The Apaporis caiman (Caiman crocodilus apaporiensis) has been of particular interest due to its highly differentiated morphology. However, no molecular research has been done to clarify its taxonomy. We characterized the genetic variation within C. crocodilus by assessing the evolutionary trajectory of Apaporis caiman populations using mitochondrial molecular markers. We collected ten Apaporis caiman samples from the middle basin of the Apaporis River, Colombia, sequenced two mitochondrial genes [cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and cytochrome B (CytB)], and analysed them together with all available sequences from homologous gene fragments at GenBank for the species. Phylogenetic reconstructions revealed three main clades clearly differentiated across the C. crocodilus complex. These clades matched genetically and geographically with three of the four subspecies currently recognized (C. c. chiapasius, C. c. fuscus and C. c. crocodilus). However, we found low to almost non-existent genetic differentiation between C. c. crocodilus and the until-now morphologically recognized C. c. apaporiensis, suggesting that the latter is part of the genetic spectrum present within C. c. crocodilus. We reject the hypothesis of an expected elevated level of genetic variation due to isolation (supported by morphological differentiation) and support the idea of Apaporis caiman populations as a C. crocodilus ecomorph.
Development of multipurpose technologies products for pregnancy and STI prevention: update on polyphenylene carboxymethylene MPT gel development†
Authors: Weitzel Mary , North Barbara Best , Waller Donald
Published: May 2020

Current modern contraceptives rely heavily on the use of hormones. These birth control drug products, including pills, patches, injections, and IUDS, have been extremely beneficial to millions of women and their families over the past 50 years. But a surprisingly high number of women abandon such modern methods, many because they cannot tolerate the side effects and others because they have medical issues for which hormonal methods are contraindicated. In addition, modern hormonal methods are simply not available to many women. The extent of this problem is steadily becoming more apparent.

We present the case for developing simple nonhormonal vaginal products that women can use when needed, ideal products that are multipurpose and offer both contraception and sexually transmitted disease protection. Gel-based vaginal products are particularly well suited for this purpose. Gels are easy to use, highly acceptable to many women, and can be safely formulated to enhance natural vaginal defenses against infection. However, the development of a new chemical entity for this application faces significant technical and regulatory hurdles. These challenges and our solutions are described for polyphenylene carboxymethylene (PPCM), a novel topical drug in a vaginal gel nearing human clinical trials. We have advanced PPCM from benchtop to IND-enabling studies and provide a brief description of the complex development process. We also describe a simple lab assay which can be used as a biomarker for contraceptive activity to enable pharmacodynamic studies in vaginal contraceptive development, both preclinically and in early human clinical trials.
The challenges presented by haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with primary immunodeficiency
Authors: Gennery A R
Published: May 2020

Introduction or background

For many primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs), haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers treatment to cure disease. However, patients with PID present a unique set of challenges when considering HSCT.

Sources of data

Review of recent literature.

Areas of agreement

The most significant recent impact on successful outcome is introduction of newborn screening programmes for diagnosis of severe combined immunodeficiency—wider adoption of screening in an increasing number of countries will see further improvements. Other PIDs have better outcomes when treated earlier, before development of co-morbidities—early referral for consideration of HSCT is important. Evolution of conditioning regimens is improving short- and long-term toxicities—targeted busulfan and low-toxicity myeloablative treosulfan regimens deliver good survival with reduced short-term toxicities.

Areas of controversy

The most radical development, still in clinical trials, is the use of mono-antibody-based conditioning, which eliminates the requirement for chemotherapy and is likely to become much more important in HSCT for non-malignant disease in the future.

Growing points

Multidisciplinary working for optimum care is essential.

Areas timely for developing research

International collaborations are important to learn about rare presentations and complications, and to formulate the most effective and safe treatment strategies.
Clinical Features and Genetic Risk of Demyelination Following Anti-TNF Treatment
Authors: Lin Simeng , Green Harry D , Hendy Peter , Heerasing Neel M , Chanchlani Neil , Hamilton Benjamin , Walker Gareth J , Heap Graham A , Hobart Jeremy , Martin Roswell J , Coles Alasdair J , Silverberg Mark S , Irving Peter M , Chung-Faye Guy , Silber Eli , Cummings J R Fraser , Lytvyak Ellina , Andersen Vibeke , Wood Andrew R , Tyrrell Jessica , Beaumont Robin N , Weedon Michael N , Kennedy Nicholas A , Spiers Alexander , Harrower Timothy , Goodhand James R , Ahmad Tariq
Published: May 2020

Background

Anti-TNF exposure has been linked to demyelination events. We sought to describe the clinical features of demyelination events following anti-TNF treatment and to test whether affected patients were genetically predisposed to multiple sclerosis [MS].

Methods

We conducted a case-control study to describe the clinical features of demyelination events following anti-TNF exposure. We compared genetic risk scores [GRS], calculated using carriage of 43 susceptibility loci for MS, in 48 cases with 1219 patients exposed to anti-TNF who did not develop demyelination.

Results

Overall, 39 [74%] cases were female. The median age [range] of patients at time of demyelination was 41.5 years [20.7–63.2]. The median duration of anti-TNF treatment was 21.3 months [0.5-99.4] and 19 [36%] patients were receiving concomitant immunomodulators. Most patients had central demyelination affecting the brain, spinal cord, or both. Complete recovery was reported in 12 [23%] patients after a median time of 6.8 months [0.1–28.7]. After 33.0 months of follow-up, partial recovery was observed in 29 [55%] patients, relapsing and remitting episodes in nine [17%], progressive symptoms in three [6%]: two [4%] patients were diagnosed with MS. There was no significant difference between MS GRS scores in cases (mean -3.5 × 10–4, standard deviation [SD] 0.0039) and controls [mean -1.1 × 10–3, SD 0.0042] [p = 0.23].

Conclusions

Patients who experienced demyelination events following anti-TNF exposure were more likely female, less frequently treated with an immunomodulator, and had a similar genetic risk to anti-TNF exposed controls who did not experience demyelination events. Large prospective studies with pre-treatment neuroimaging are required to identify genetic susceptibility loci.
Simplified determination of commissural orientation in bicuspid aortic valves
Authors: Froede Lennart , Schäfers Sebastian , Wagenpfeil Gudrun , Raddatz Alexander , Hoffmann Klaus , Schäfers Hans-Joachim
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVES

In bicuspid aortic valves (BAV), commissural orientation (CO) varies between 180° and close to 120°. Postoperative CO has a strong effect on repair durability, and different repair approaches have been proposed according to CO; it is thus important for aortic repair. A precise, simple and reproducible determination by preoperative echocardiography would facilitate intraoperative decision-making. We compared 4 different methods of determination of CO in BAV.

METHODS

Preoperative transoesophageal echocardiograms of 62 patients with BAV were analysed. CO was measured using either the coaptation centre or the geometric centre of the root. The geometric centre of the root was determined through approximation using a circle or an ellipse, or the midpoint of a line between the centre of the non-fused and the fused sinuses.

RESULTS

The 3 different geometric methods led to almost identical results (interclass coefficient 0.98–0.99), with the line segment being the easiest to use. The use of the coaptation centre was associated with the underestimation of commissural angle of up to 30° compared to the geometric centre; the discrepancy was significant and most pronounced for asymmetric BAV (140–160°; P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

CO can reproducibly be determined using a line segment between the centre of the non-fused and fused sinuses. The use of the coaptation centre can lead to misleading results, in particular in asymmetric BAVs.
Deploying Big Data to Crack the Genotype to Phenotype Code
Authors: Westerman Erica L , Bowman Sarah E J , Davidson Bradley , Davis Marcus C , Larson Eric R , Sanford Christopher P J
Published: May 2020

Synopsis

Mechanistically connecting genotypes to phenotypes is a longstanding and central mission of biology. Deciphering these connections will unite questions and datasets across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Although high-throughput sequencing has provided a rich platform on which to launch this effort, tools for deciphering mechanisms further along the genome to phenome pipeline remain limited. Machine learning approaches and other emerging computational tools hold the promise of augmenting human efforts to overcome these obstacles. This vision paper is the result of a Reintegrating Biology Workshop, bringing together the perspectives of integrative and comparative biologists to survey challenges and opportunities in cracking the genotype to phenotype code and thereby generating predictive frameworks across biological scales. Key recommendations include promoting the development of minimum “best practices” for the experimental design and collection of data; fostering sustained and long-term data repositories; promoting programs that recruit, train, and retain a diversity of talent; and providing funding to effectively support these highly cross-disciplinary efforts. We follow this discussion by highlighting a few specific transformative research opportunities that will be advanced by these efforts.
Clinical Validation of a SARS-CoV-2 Real-Time Reverse Transcription PCR Assay Targeting the Nucleocapsid Gene
Authors: SoRelle Jeffrey A , Frame Ithiel , Falcon Alejandra , Jacob Jerin , Wagenfuehr Jennifer , Mitui Midori , Park Jason Y , Filkins Laura
Published: May 2020

Background

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA is important for the diagnosis and management of COVID-19.

Methods

We present a clinical validation of a reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) assay for the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N1) gene. Off-board lysis on an automated nucleic acid extraction system was optimized with endemic coronaviruses (OC43 and NL63). Genomic RNA and SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a recombinant viral protein coat were used as control materials and compared for recovery from nucleic acid extraction.

Results

Nucleic acid extraction showed decreased recovery of endemic Coronavirus in vitro transcribed RNA (NL63) compared with attenuated virus (OC43). SARS-CoV-2 RNA had more reliable recovery from extraction through amplification than genomic RNA. Recovery of genomic RNA was improved by combining lysis buffer with clinical matrix before adding RNA. The RT-PCR assay demonstrated 100% in silico sensitivity and specificity. The accuracy across samples was 100% (75 of 75). Precision studies showed 100% intra-run, inter-run, and inter-technologist concordance. The limit of detection was 264 copies per milliliter (estimated 5 copies per reaction; 35.56 mean threshold cycle value).

Conclusions

This SARS-CoV-2 assay demonstrates appropriate characteristics for use under an Emergency Use Authorization. Endemic coronavirus controls were useful in optimizing the extraction procedure. In the absence of live or attenuated virus, recombinant virus in a protein coat is an appropriate control specimen type for assay validation during a pandemic.
Seasonal Occurrence and Abundance of Billbugs (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Georgia Sod Farms
Authors: Gireesh Midhula , Joseph Shimat V
Published: May 2020

The billbug, Sphenophorus spp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is an important pest complex in sod farms in Georgia. Larval feeding within stolons and on roots affects spring recovery of slow-growing zoysiagrass and poses a serious challenge to machine harvesting, as the damaged turfgrass rarely holds together. Little is known about major billbug species and their seasonal occurrence and abundance in Georgia sod farms, as most previous research was conducted in golf courses in the region. In 2018 and 2019, adult billbugs were sampled from five zoysiagrass sod field sites in central Georgia. Four linear pitfall traps were used per site from February to December each year, and the traps were checked at weekly intervals. The data show that >98% of the sampled billbugs were the hunting billbug, Sphenophorus venatus vestitus Chittenden, whereas the nutgrass billbug, Sphenophorus cariosus Olivier; uneven billbug, Sphenophorus inaequalis Say; and vegetable weevil, Listroderes difficilis Germain were the minor species. Seasonal billbug capture was influenced by turfgrass phenology (e.g., early-growth-stage, late-growth-stage or fully grown turfgrass). The numbers of Sphenophorus spp. collected were significantly greater in the fully grown turfgrass than in the early- or late-growth-stage turfgrasses. Significantly greater densities of billbug were found in Zoysia matrella (L.) Merrill (‘Zeon’) and the Z. matrella × Zoysia pacifica (Goudswaard) M. Hotta & S. Kuroki hybrid (‘Emerald’) than in the Zoysia japonica (Steudel) cultivars ‘El Toro’ and ‘Zenith’. Similar numbers of male and female billbugs were collected from the sod field sites.
Characteristics of Hospitalized Pediatric Coronavirus Disease 2019 Cases in Chicago, Illinois, March–April 2020
Authors: Mannheim Jonathan , Gretsch Stephanie , Layden Jennifer E , Fricchione Marielle J
Published: May 2020

Background

To date, no report on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pediatric patients in a large urban center with data on underlying comorbidities and coinfection for hospitalized cases has been published.

Methods

This was a case series of Chicago COVID-19 patients aged 0–17 years reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) from March 5 to April 8, 2020. Enhanced case investigation was performed. χ 2 and Wilcoxon 2-sample tests were used to compare characteristics among hospitalized and nonhospitalized cases.

Results

During March 5–April 8, 2020, 6369 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported to CDPH; 64 (1.0%) were among children aged 0–17 years. Ten patients (16%) were hospitalized, and 7 (70%) required intensive care (median length of hospitalization, 4 days [range, 1–14 days]). Reported fever and dyspnea were significantly higher in hospitalized patients than in nonhospitalized patients (9/10 vs 28/54, P = .04 and 7/10 vs 10/54, P = .002, respectively). Hospitalized patients were significantly younger than nonhospitalized patients (median, 3.5 years vs 12 years; P = .03) and all either had an underlying comorbidity or coinfection. Among the 34 unique households with multiple laboratory-confirmed infections, the median number of laboratory-confirmed infections was 2 (range, 2–5), and 31 (91%) households had at least 1 COVID-19–infected adult. For 15 households with available data to assess transmission, 11 (73%) were adult-to-child, 2 (13%) child-to-child, and 2 (13%) child-to-adult.

Conclusions

Enhanced case investigation of hospitalized patients revealed that underlying comorbidities and coinfection might have contributed to severe disease. Given frequency of household transmission, healthcare providers should consider alternative dispositional planning for affected families of children living with comorbidities.
BEL1-LIKE HOMEODOMAIN4 regulates chlorophyll accumulation, chloroplast development, and cell wall metabolism in tomato fruit
Authors: Yan Fang , Gao Yushuo , Pang Xiaoqin , Xu Xin , Zhu Ning , Chan Helen , Hu Guojian , Wu Mengbo , Yuan Yujin , Li Honghai , Zhong Silin , Hada Wuriyanghan , Deng Wei , Li Zhengguo
Published: May 2020

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a model plant for studying fruit development and ripening. In this study, we found that down-regulation of a tomato bell-like homeodomain 4 (SlBL4) resulted in a slightly darker-green fruit phenotype and increased accumulation of starch, fructose, and glucose. Analysis of chlorophyll content and TEM observations was consistent with these phenotypes, indicating that SlBL4 was involved in chlorophyll accumulation and chloroplast formation. Ripened fruit of SlBL4-RNAi plants had noticeably decreased firmness, larger intercellular spaces, and thinner cell walls than the wild-type. RNA-seq identified differentially expressed genes involved in chlorophyll metabolism, chloroplast development, cell wall metabolism, and carotenoid metabolism. ChIP-seq identified (G/A) GCCCA (A/T/C) and (C/A/T) (C/A/T) AAAAA (G/A/T) (G/A) motifs. SlBL4 directly inhibited the expression of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (SlPPO), magnesium chelatase H subunit (SlCHLD), pectinesterase (SlPE), protochlorophyllide reductase (SlPOR), chlorophyll a/b binding protein 3B (SlCAB-3B), and homeobox protein knotted 2 (TKN2). In contrast, it positively regulated the expression of squamosa promoter binding protein-like colorless non-ripening (LeSPL-CNR). Our results indicate that SlBL4 is involved in chlorophyll accumulation, chloroplast development, cell wall metabolism, and the accumulation of carotenoids during tomato fruit ripening, and provide new insights for the transcriptional regulation mechanism of BELL-mediated fruit growth and ripening.
TRIM24 promotes stemness and invasiveness of glioblastoma cells via activating Sox2 expression
Authors: Zhang Lu-hua , Yin Yi-heng , Chen Hong-zun , Feng Shi-yu , Liu Jia-lin , Chen Ling , Fu Wen-liang , Sun Guo-chen , Yu Xin-guang , Xu Dong-gang
Published: May 2020

Background

Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) are a subpopulation of glioblastoma (GBM) cells that are critical for tumor invasion and treatment resistance. However, little is known about the function and mechanism of tripartite motif-containing 24 (TRIM24) in GSCs.

Methods

Immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and western blot analyses were used to evaluate TRIM24 and cluster of differentiation (CD)133 expression profiles in GBM surgical specimens and GSC tumorspheres. Different TRIM24 expression levels in patients’ tumors, as measured by both immunohistochemistry and western blot, were related to their corresponding MRI data. Wound healing, Matrigel invasion, and xenograft immunohistochemistry were conducted to determine GBM cell invasion.

Results

We identified that TRIM24 was coexpressed with CD133 and Nestin in GBM tissues and tumorsphere cells. Limiting dilution assays and xenotransplantation experiments illustrated that knockdown of TRIM24 expression reduced GSC self-renewal capacity and invasive growth. TRIM24 expression levels were positively associated with the volumes of peritumoral T2 weighted image abnormality. Rescue experiments indicated TRIM24 participation in GBM infiltrative dissemination. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, reporter gene assay, PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that TRIM24 activated the expression of the pluripotency transcription factor sex determining region Y–box 2 (Sox2) to regulate GBM stemness and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Finally, the close relationship between TRIM24 and Sox2 was validated by testing samples enrolled in our study and exploring external databases.

Conclusions

Our findings uncover essential roles of the TRIM24–Sox2 axis in GBM stemness and invasiveness, suggesting TRIM24 as a potential target for effective GBM management.
Trends in Posterior Cervical Fusion for Deformity in the United States from 2000 to 2017
Authors: Safaee Michael M , Dalle Ore Cecilia L , Corso Katherine A , Ruppenkamp Jill W , Lau Darryl , Ames Christopher P
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCF) is a common treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Treatment paradigms are shifting from simple decompression and fusion to correcting cervical deformities.

OBJECTIVE

To identify trends in PCF with an emphasis on cervical deformity and surgical complexity.

METHODS

Adults who underwent PCF from 2000 to 2017 were retrospectively identified in the Premier Healthcare Database (PHD) using International Classification of Disease Codes (ICD) 9 and 10. Patients were dichotomized into those with or without deformity diagnosis. PCF complexity was defined by adjunct surgical codes, including anterior cervical fusion, extension to thoracic levels, and osteotomy. Patient characteristics, including demographics, functional comorbidity index (FCI), and hospital characteristics, were extracted and annual procedures were projected to the US population.

RESULTS

A total of 68 415 discharges for PCF were identified. Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of PCF from 2000 to 2017 for nondeformity cases was 9.7% and 16.5% for deformity. The demographics with the greatest growth were deformity patients aged 65 to 74 yr (15.1%). The CAGR of anterior cervical fusion and extension to thoracic levels was higher for deformity patients compared to nondeformity patients, 13.6% versus 3.9% and 20.4% versus 16.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Rates of PCF for deformity are increasing at a greater rate than nondeformity PCF. The most growth was seen among deformity patients aged 65 to 74 yr. Surgical complexity is also changing with increasing use of anterior cervical fusion and extension of PCF to include thoracic levels.