bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A case study of digital-twin-modelling analysis on power-plant-performance optimizations
Authors: Xu Bin , Wang June , Wang Xinping , Liang Zhihong , Cui Liming , Liu Xiao , Ku Anthony Y 
Published: November 2019

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

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

Abstract

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

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

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

AbstractBackgroundNo satisfactory canonical treatment is available for post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), clinical sequela of visceral leishmaniasis. Confined treatment options and substantial increase in relapse rate after miltefosine (MIL) treatment warrant the need to adapt resilient combination therapies. In this study, we assessed the safety and efficacy of combination therapy using liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) and MIL for treating PKDL.MethodsThirty-two PKDL patients, confirmed by microscopy or quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), were included in the study. An equal number of cases (n = 16) were put on MIL monotherapy (100 mg/day for 90 days) or MIL and LAmB combination for 45 days (3 injections of LAmB, 5 mg/kg body weight, and 100 mg/day MIL). Parasite load in slit aspirate was monitored using qPCR.ResultsPatients treated with combination therapy demonstrated a rapid decline in parasite load and achieved 100% cure, with no reports of relapse. Those treated with MIL monotherapy attained clinical cure with a gradual decrease in parasite load; however, 25% relapsed within 18 months of follow-up.ConclusionsLiposomal amphotericin B and MIL combination for treating PKDL is efficacious and safe, with high tolerability. Furthermore, this study established the utility of minimally invasive slit aspirate method for monitoring of parasite load and assessment of cure in PKDL.
Pretreatment HIV drug resistance spread within transmission clusters in Mexico City
Authors: Matías-Florentino Margarita , Chaillon Antoine , Ávila-Ríos Santiago , Mehta Sanjay R , Paz-Juárez Héctor E , Becerril-Rodríguez Manuel A , del Arenal-Sánchez Silvia J , Piñeirúa-Menéndez Alicia , Ruiz Verónica , Iracheta-Hernández Patricia , Macías-González Israel , Tena-Sánchez Jehovani , Badial-Hernández Florentino , González-Rodríguez Andrea , Reyes-Terán Gustavo 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

Abstract
Protothecosis is a rare infection in humans, dogs, and cats, and its causative agent is Prototheca species, which consists of achlorophyllic algae that are ubiquitous in natural environments and hosts intestinal flora. Ravuconazole (RVZ) is a new available human azole drug in Japan since 2018 and broad-spectrum antifungal agent. In the present study, the in vitro susceptibility of clinical and environmental isolates of P. wickerhamii, P. zopfii, and P. blaschkeae to itraconazole (ITZ) voriconazole (VRZ), posaconazole (PCZ), and RVZ. RVZ was more potent than the other azoles against Protheca species and has considerable potential for use as a therapeutic agent for human and animal protothecosis.