bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Our looming lead problem
What the Eyes Don't See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City
Mona Hanna-Attisha
One World, 2018. 378 pp.
The Poisoned City: Flint's Water and the American Urban Tragedy
Anna Clark
Metropolitan Books, 2018. 318 pp.
Authors: Davis Frederick Rowe
Published: August 2018

Neglect, poor planning, and bad decisions led to Flint's water crisis. It could easily happen again.
Plant nutrient acquisition entices herbivore
Authors: Kliebenstein Daniel J.
Published: August 2018

Maize defense metabolites enable iron uptake and attract herbivore attention
Comparison of the Vitek MS and Bruker Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Systems for Identification of Chryseobacterium Isolates from Clinical Specimens and Report of Uncommon Chryseobacterium Infections in Humans
Authors: Lin Jiun-Nong , Teng Shih-Hua , Lai Chung-Hsu , Yang Chih-Hui , Huang Yi-Han , Lin Hsiu-Fang , Lin Hsi-Hsun
Published: August 2018

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry is becoming more popular and is replacing traditional identification methods in the clinical microbiology laboratory. We aimed to compare the Vitek mass spectrometry (MS) and Bruker Biotyper systems for the identification of
Chryseobacterium
isolated from clinical specimens and to report uncommon
Chryseobacterium
infections in humans.
Usefulness of Automated Latex Turbidimetric Rapid Plasma Reagin Test for Diagnosis and Evaluation of Treatment Response in Syphilis in Comparison with Manual Card Test: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tsuboi Motoyuki , Nishijima Takeshi , Aoki Takahiro , Teruya Katsuji , Kikuchi Yoshimi , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Oka Shinichi
Published: August 2018

The usefulness of an automated latex turbidimetric rapid plasma reagin (RPR) assay, compared to the conventional manual card test (serial 2-fold dilution method), for the diagnosis of syphilis and evaluation of treatment response remains unknown. We conducted (i) a cross-sectional study and (ii) a prospective cohort study to elucidate the correlation between automated and manual tests and whether a 4-fold decrement is a feasible criterion for successful treatment with the automated test, respectively, in HIV-infected patients, from October 2015 to November 2017.
Transcriptome Analysis of Infected and Bystander Type 2 Alveolar Epithelial Cells during Influenza A Virus Infection Reveals
In Vivo
Wnt Pathway Downregulation
Authors: Hancock Aidan S. , Stairiker Christopher J. , Boesteanu Alina C. , Monzón-Casanova Elisa , Lukasiak Sebastian , Mueller Yvonne M. , Stubbs Andrew P. , García-Sastre Adolfo , Turner Martin , Katsikis Peter D.
Published: August 2018

Influenza virus infection remains a major public health problem. Utilizing a recombinant green fluorescent protein-expressing influenza virus, we compared the
in vivo
transcriptomes of directly infected and uninfected bystander cells from infected mouse lungs and discovered many pathways uniquely regulated in each population. The Wnt signaling pathway was downregulated in directly infected cells and was shown to affect virus but not interferon production. Our study is the first to discern the
in vivo
transcriptome changes induced by direct viral infection compared to mere exposure to the lung inflammatory milieu and highlight the downregulation of Wnt signaling. This downregulation has important implications for understanding influenza virus pathogenesis, as Wnt signaling is critical for lung epithelial stem cells and lung epithelial cell differentiation. Our findings reveal a mechanism by which influenza virus may affect host lung repair and suggest interventions that prevent damage or accelerate recovery of the lung.
Increased Osmolarity in Biofilm Triggers RcsB-Dependent Lipid A Palmitoylation in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Szczesny Magdalena , Beloin Christophe , Ghigo Jean-Marc
Published: August 2018

Biofilms are often described as protective shelters that preserve bacteria from hostile surroundings. However, biofilm bacteria are also exposed to various stresses and need to adjust to the heterogeneous physicochemical conditions prevailing within biofilms. In Gram-negative bacteria, such adaptations can result in modifications of the lipopolysaccharide, a major component of the outer membrane characterized by a highly dynamic structure responding to environmental changes. We previously showed that Gram-negative biofilm bacteria undergo an increase in lipid A palmitoylation mediated by the PagP enzyme, contributing to increased resistance to host defenses. Here we describe a regulatory pathway leading to transcriptional induction of
pagP
in response to specific conditions created in the biofilm environment. We show that
pagP
expression is induced via the Rcs envelope stress system independently of the Rcs phosphorelay cascade and that it requires the GadE auxiliary regulator. Moreover, we identify an increase in osmolarity (i.e., ionic stress) as a signal able to induce
pagP
expression in an RcsB-dependent manner. Consistently, we show that the biofilm is a hyperosmolar environment and that RcsB-dependent
pagP
induction can be dampened in the presence of an osmoprotectant. These results provide new insights into the adaptive mechanisms of bacterial differentiation in biofilm.

IMPORTANCE
The development of the dense bacterial communities called biofilms creates a highly heterogeneous environment in which bacteria are subjected to a variety of physicochemical stresses. We investigated the mechanisms of a widespread and biofilm-associated chemical modification of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major component of all Gram-negative bacterial outer membranes. This modification corresponds to the incorporation, mediated by the enzyme PagP, of a palmitate chain into lipid A (palmitoylation) that reduces bacterial recognition by host immune responses. Using biochemical and genetic approaches, we demonstrate that a significant part of biofilm-associated lipid A palmitoylation is triggered upon induction of
pagP
transcription by the hyperosmolar biofilm environment.
pagP
induction is regulated by RcsB, the response regulator of the Rcs stress response pathway, and is not observed under planktonic conditions. Our report provides new insights into how physiological adaptations to local biofilm microenvironments can contribute to decreases in susceptibility to antimicrobial agents and host immune defenses.
High-Throughput Screening Identifies Genes Required for
Candida albicans
Induction of Macrophage Pyroptosis
Authors: O’Meara Teresa R. , Duah Kwamaa , Guo Cynthia X. , Maxson Michelle E. , Gaudet Ryan G. , Koselny Kristy , Wellington Melanie , Powers Michael E. , MacAlpine Jessie , O’Meara Matthew J. , Veri Amanda O. , Grinstein Sergio , Noble Suzanne M. , Krysan Damian , Gray-Owen Scott D. , Cowen Leah E.
Published: August 2018

The innate immune system is the first line of defense against invasive fungal infections. As a consequence, many successful fungal pathogens have evolved elegant strategies to interact with host immune cells. For example,
Candida albicans
undergoes a morphogenetic switch coupled to cell wall remodeling upon phagocytosis by macrophages and then induces macrophage pyroptosis, an inflammatory cell death program. To elucidate the genetic circuitry through which
C. albicans
orchestrates this host response, we performed the first large-scale analysis of
C. albicans
interactions with mammalian immune cells. We identified 98
C. albicans
genes that enable macrophage pyroptosis without influencing fungal cell morphology in the macrophage, including specific determinants of cell wall biogenesis and the Hog1 signaling cascade. Using these mutated genes, we discovered that defects in the activation of pyroptosis affect immune cell recruitment during infection. Examining host circuitry required for pyroptosis in response to
C. albicans
infection, we discovered that inflammasome priming and activation can be decoupled. Finally, we observed that
a
poptosis-associated
s
peck-like protein containing a
C
ARD (ASC) oligomerization can occur prior to phagolysosomal rupture by
C. albicans
hyphae, demonstrating that phagolysosomal rupture is not the inflammasome activating signal. Taking the data together, this work defines genes that enable fungal cell wall remodeling and activation of macrophage pyroptosis independently of effects on morphogenesis and identifies macrophage signaling components that are required for pyroptosis in response to
C. albicans
infection.

IMPORTANCE
Candida albicans
is a natural member of the human mucosal microbiota that can also cause superficial infections and life-threatening systemic infections, both of which are characterized by inflammation. Host defense relies mainly on the ingestion and destruction of
C. albicans
by innate immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils. Although some
C. albicans
cells are killed by macrophages, most undergo a morphological change and escape by inducing macrophage pyroptosis. Here, we investigated the
C. albicans
genes and host factors that promote macrophage pyroptosis in response to intracellular fungi. This work provides a foundation for understanding how host immune cells interact with
C. albicans
and may lead to effective strategies to modulate inflammation induced by fungal infections.
Protocol of economic evaluation and equity impact analysis of mHealth and community groups for prevention and control of diabetes in rural Bangladesh in a three-arm cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Haghparast-Bidgoli Hassan , Shaha Sanjit Kumar , Kuddus Abdul , Chowdhury Md Alimul Reza , Jennings Hannah , Ahmed Naveed , Morrison Joanna , Akter Kohenour , Nahar Badrun , Nahar Tasmin , King Carina , Skordis-Worrall Jolene , Batura Neha , Khan Jahangir A , Mansaray Anthony , Hunter Rachael , Khan A K Azad , Costello Anthony , Azad Kishwar , Fottrell Edward
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, generating substantial economic burden for people with diabetes and their families, and to health systems and national economies. Bangladesh has one of the largest numbers of adults with diabetes in the South Asian region. This paper describes the planned economic evaluation of a three-arm cluster randomised control trial of mHealth and community mobilisation interventions to prevent and control T2DM and non-communicable diseases’ risk factors in rural Bangladesh (D-Magic trial).

Methods and analysis

The economic evaluation will be conducted as a within-trial analysis to evaluate the incremental costs and health outcomes of mHealth and community mobilisation interventions compared with the status quo. The analyses will be conducted from a societal perspective, assessing the economic impact for all parties affected by the interventions, including implementing agencies (programme costs), healthcare providers, and participants and their households. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) will be calculated in terms of cost per case of intermediate hyperglycaemia and T2DM prevented and cost per case of diabetes prevented among individuals with intermediate hyperglycaemia at baseline and cost per mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure. In addition to ICERs, the economic evaluation will be presented as a cost–consequence analysis where the incremental costs and all statistically significant outcomes will be listed separately. Robustness of the results will be assessed through sensitivity analyses. In addition, an analysis of equity impact of the interventions will be conducted.

Ethics and dissemination

The approval to conduct the study was obtained by the University College London Research Ethics Committee (4766/002) and by the Ethical Review Committee of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (BADAS-ERC/EC/t5100246). The findings of this study will be disseminated through different means within academia and the wider policy sphere.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN41083256; Pre-results.
14 Enabling tailored and coordinated support for family carers of people with motor neurone disease through adaptation of a carer support needs assessment tool (CSNAT) intervention
Authors: Ewing Gail , Croke Sarah , Rowland Christine , Grande Gunn
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Family carers provide vital support for people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) but caregiving can be very physically and mentally demanding. It is therefore crucial to ensure healthcare practitioners (HCPs) can provide timely support to carers fitting their individual needs. Currently there are no UK interventions for this.

Aim

To adapt an existing carer support needs assessment tool (CSNAT) intervention to support the needs and situation of family carers of people with MND.

Methods

Stages:

Focus groups and interviews with 33 carers (14 bereaved 19 current carers) to capture support needs key points of change during patient’s illness and main support services.

Workshops with HCPs (N=17 recruited to date) and carer advisors (N=19) to inform materials and procedures for MND carer assessment and support.

Results

Stage 1: Carers’ experience was one of dealing with a devastating diagnosis a constantly changing situation with heavy dependence on them as carers and with little consideration of their separate support needs. Carers’ support needs mainly mapped onto CSNAT domains but MND carers may experience relationship issues warranting further consideration. Stage 2 will integrate HCP and carers’ views on when where how and by whom MND carer assessment and support should best be provided.

Conclusions

Findings to be presented from Stages 1 and 2 will provide insights into how MND carers want to be assessed and supported. This will form the basis for an intervention to be tested in a future Stage 3 feasibility study.

Funder

Marie Curie Research Fund/Motor Neurone Disease Association
2 Learning from a new model of end of life care for older people with frailty/multi-morbidities – the challenges and opportunities for specialist palliative care services
Authors: Noble Jan , Nicholson Caroline , Harris Laura , Richardson Heather
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Bromley Care Coordination (BCC) at St Christopher’s Hospice is an innovative nurse-led community based service to enable patients with advanced illness or frailty thought to be in the last year of life to receive timely and well- coordinated care at home. Commissioned in 2014 by Bromley CCG reaches people who would not traditionally be seen by hospice community care teams.

The Bromley Care Coordination Centre offers 24/7 telephone support and home visits to patients providing symptom control pain control and psychological support.

Aim

To understand patient characteristics end of life needs and BCC service response in order to refine service delivery.

Methods

Service evaluation using routine collected service data notes and case reviews.

Results

Results since Jan 2014:

2200 people have been referred (55% from GP 26% from Hospital 19% other)

Of those who have died 70% have died in their own home/care home

Average age of patients referred 86

The ratio of non-cancer to cancer diagnoses is 85%: 15%

86% of patients have no other current health care intervention apart from the GP and occasionally a social care agency/provider (16/17 data)

39% of patients live alone many more patients live with a spouse who is also frail and elderly.

Conclusions

Learning has led to working with a different skill mix developing a ‘stratification’ tool introducing the role of care navigators and volunteers.

BCC has extended the hospice’s reach by 50% in one CCG. The next stages are embedding sustainability and implementation in other areas.
25 Evidence based training for hostel staff around supporting homeless people with deteriorating health
Authors: Hudson Briony F , Shulman Caroline , Kennedy Peter , Brophy Niamh , Stone Patrick
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Many people experiencing homelessness remain in homeless hostels as their health deteriorates due to lack of alternative places of care (Shulmanet al.2017). Palliative care services are rarely involved and hostel staff face significant emotional and practical difficulties (Hudsonet al.2017). We developed evidence-based training for hostel staff around supporting residents with deteriorating health.

Aims

To pilot and evaluate the impact of training.

Methods

Mixed methods pre-and-post training evaluation. Knowledge of palliative care confidence in and openness to supporting residents with deteriorating health and work-related stress were assessed at baseline and immediately post-training using a novel questionnaire. Following training group discussions were facilitated and participants identified team goals for implementation. Additional focus groups were held after three months.

Results

All staff from two hostels attended 87% completed the course (n=21). Modest improvements in knowledge confidence openness and work-related stress were observed. Participants particularly valued the inclusion of strategies for identifying and addressing their emotional needs. At three months team goals were partially met. Identification and recognition of palliative care needs had improved. However the recovery focused ethos of hostels and significant staff turnover limited change. Systems designed to monitor ‘recovery’ did not accommodate or encourage a person-centred approach for people with deteriorating health.

Conclusions

Training in isolation is not enough for system change. Recommendations include embedding ongoing training into routine practice identifying champions to promote multidisciplinary working and incorporating flexibility in outcome measures to reflect complexity in person-centred care including where recovery may not be realistic.

References

. Hudson BF, Shulman C, Low J, Hewett N, Daley J, Davis S, Brophy N, Howard D, Vivat B, Kennedy P, Stone P. Challenges to discussing palliative care with people who are homeless: A qualitative study. BMJ Open2017;7:e017502. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017502

. Shulman C, Hudson BF, Low J, Hewett N, Daley J, Kennedy P, et al. Homelessness at the end of life: A qualitative analysis of the barriers in providing palliative care for people who are homeless. Palliative Medicine2017. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269216317717101
39 Improving coordination of care – marie curie nursing service london and cmc
Authors: Ripley Debbie
Published: August 2018

Background

Marie Curie community nurses and health care assistants provide care to terminally ill patients and their families in people’s homes. Due to different computer systems used by NHS trusts it is a challenge to access up to date patient information.

In 2016 Marie Curie as a national provider of end of life care applied for a grant and was awarded £1 million from NHS digital to improve nursing care and productivity within the community. This money was used to purchase a tablet for all community staff.

Coordinate My Care (CMC) is an NHS database set up in 2012 for urgent care plans to be created for patients to record and share wishes that healthcare professionals can share and access 24/7. CMC is the only London wide data base London Ambulance Service use.

Of the 19 000 care plans created to date in London 75% of people have died where they wanted to.

Marie Curie Nursing Service provides care across all 32 London Boroughs.

Care is currently commissioned 1:1 in patient’s homes 10 pm–7 am.

Marie Curie also has two x overnight rapid response services based at Greenwich Hospice and Meadow House Hospice in Ealing. Rapid response provides multiple visits overnight to patients and their families who need symptom control and support.

All Marie Curie nurses are being trained to have access to CMC via their Marie Curie tablets.

A pilot in nursing homes in South London is being discussed where Marie Curie nurses will be helping staff and patients write their own high-quality care plans.

Reference

. http://endoflifecareambitions.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Ambitions-for-Palliative-and-End-of-Life-Care.pdf
Primary school achievement and socioeconomic attainment in individuals affected by parental cancer in childhood or adolescence: a Danish nationwide register-based study
Authors: Joergensen Anne Cathrine , Kjaer Urhoj Stine , Nybo Andersen Anne-Marie
Published: August 2018

Background

Children who experience parental cancer are at increased risk of developing emotional, social, cognitive and behavioural problems. Our aim was to investigate how experience of parental cancer in childhood or adolescence is associated with primary school achievement, educational attainment and income in early adult life.

Methods

This is a register-linkage, prospective study of children born in Denmark from 1978 through 1999 and their parents. Parental cancer experience before the ages of 15 and 18 was identified in the Danish National Patient Registry. Final grade point average (GPA) in ninth grade, educational attainment and disposable personal income at the age of 30 were identified in Statistics Denmark registers. General linear models and multinomial logistic regression were used to estimate beta estimates of GPA, and relative risk ratios (RRR) for lower educational and income levels compared with children without parental cancer, taking parental educational status into account.

Results

Children who had experienced parental cancer achieved a slightly lower final GPA in ninth grade and had a higher risk of low educational attainment (RRR: 1.20; 95% CI 1.14 to 1.25) and attenuated income at the age of 30 (RRR: 1.11; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.16). For all outcomes, analyses suggested substantial deterioration in achievements in subgroups of children whose parent had a severe cancer type (RRRLow education: 1.52; 95% CI 1.39 to 1.66) or if the parent died of cancer (RRRLow education: 1.61; 95% CI 1.49 to 1.75).

Conclusion

Educational and socioeconomic attainments in early adulthood were affected negatively in individuals who had experienced parental cancer as children or adolescents. The associations appeared stronger the more severe the cancer was.
Field evaluation of a smartphone-based electronic reader of rapid dual HIV and syphilis point-of-care immunoassays
Authors: Allan-Blitz Lao-Tzu , Vargas Silver K , Konda Kelika A , Herbst de Cortina Sasha , Cáceres Carlos F , Klausner Jeffrey D
Published: August 2018

Objective

Electronic (E) devices read and quantify lateral flow-based rapid tests, providing a novel approach to assay interpretation. We evaluated the performance of one E-reader for two dual HIV and syphilis immunoassays.

Methods

We enrolled men who have sex with men and transgender women >18 years of age seeking medical services at an STD clinic in Lima, Peru, between October 2016 and April 2017. Venous blood was tested using two dual HIV and syphilis antibody immunoassays (SD BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo, Republic of Korea, and First Response HIV 1+2/Syphilis Combo, India). Reference testing included a fourth-generation ELISA for HIV antibodies and use of the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay for syphilis antibodies. Trained clinic staff visually inspected the immunoassay results, after which the immunoassays were read by the HRDR-200 E-reader (Cellmic, USA), an optomechanical smartphone attachment. We calculated the concordance of the E-reader with visual inspection, as well as the sensitivity of both rapid immunoassays, in detecting HIV and T. pallidum antibodies.

Results

On reference testing of 283 participant specimens, 34% had HIV antibodies and 46% had T. pallidum antibodies. Using First Response, the concordance of the E-reader with visual inspection was 97% (95% CI 94% to 99%) for T. pallidum and 97% (95% CI 95% to 99%) for HIV antibodies. Using SD BIOLINE, the concordance of the E-reader with visual inspection was 97% (95% CI 94% to 99%) for T. pallidum and 99% (95% CI 98% to 99%) for HIV antibodies. For both immunoassays, the sensitivity for HIV antibodies was 98% (95% CI 93% to 100%) and the sensitivity for T. pallidum antibodies was 81% (95% CI 73% to 87%).

Conclusions

E-reader results correlated well with visual inspection. The sensitivities of both rapid assays were comparable with past reports. Further evaluation of the E-reader is warranted to investigate its utility in data collection, monitoring and documentation of immunoassay results.
Multi-modal Analgesic Strategies for Trauma (MAST): protocol for a pragmatic randomized trial
Authors: Harvin John A , Green Charles E , Vincent Laura E , Motley Kandice L , Podbielski Jeanette , Miller Charles C , Tyson Jon E , Holcomb John B , Wade Charles E , Kao Lillian S
Published: August 2018

Background

Pain management after injury is critically important for functional recovery. Although opioids have been a mainstay for treatment of pain, they are associated with adverse events and may contribute to long-term use or abuse. Opioid-minimizing multimodal pain regimens have the potential to reduce exposure to opioids without compromising pain control. This article details an ongoing clinical trial comparing two pill-based, opioid-minimizing, multimodal pain strategies.

Methods

This is a single-center, parallel-group, randomized, controlled comparative effectiveness trial comparing two multimodal pain regimens in adult trauma patients. All patients 16 years and older admitted to the Red Duke Trauma Institute are eligible unless they are pregnant, a prisoner, under observation status, or a non-acute trauma patient. At admission to the trauma service, patients are enrolled and randomized to one of two multimodal pain regimens. The primary outcome is opioid use, measured by morphine milligram equivalents per patient per day. The secondary outcomes include pain scores, ventilator days, hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay, occurrence of opioid-related complications, hospital and pharmacy costs, and incidence of hospital discharge with opioid prescription. Outcomes will be compared using Bayesian methods.

Discussion

This trial will determine the effectiveness of two multimodal pain treatment strategies on reducing in-hospital opioid exposure in adult trauma patients. Furthermore, it will compare the two strategies on pain control and patient safety. Knowledge gained in this study can improve quality of care at this hospital and other trauma centers regardless of which medication regimen proves superior.
Productivity of riverine habitats may be changing for American eel
Authors: Bowlby Heather Dawn
Published: August 2018

The panmictic population of American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is at risk, making any region that supports enhanced production important from a recovery perspective. Strong glass eel runs to a small number of rivers along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia are thought to indicate high productivity, partially buffering declines occurring in other regions. However, contrary to glass eel indices of recruitment, an index representing older juveniles has strongly declined in riverine habitats throughout Nova Scotia from 1995 to 2005, with evidence of substantial differences in relative abundance among watersheds. This suggests that glass eel indices may not reflect trends of older juveniles and consequently that the contribution of Atlantic coast rivers to population persistence may be overstated. More recent monitoring from two rivers shows divergent trends in juvenile eel abundance, underscoring the importance of widespread surveys to assess changes in regional productivity. Further evaluation of the watershed characteristics associated with higher juvenile abundance would aid in understanding differences in productivity among watersheds and possibly in facilitating increased spawning escapement for American eel.
The effect of slip on electro-osmotic flow of a second-grade fluid between two plates with Caputo–Fabrizio time fractional derivatives
Authors: Awan Aziz Ullah , Hisham Muhammad Danial , Raza Nauman
Published: August 2018

This work aims to probe the slip flow of second-grade fluid. The impetus of the flow is taken to be the electro-osmosis and the pressure gradient. The flow is considered to be in a thin channel-like passage formed by two parallel plates. The potential difference existing between the surface of the solid and fluid is taken to be non-symmetric. The governing equations are formed for the second-grade fluid with the Caputo–Fabrizio fractional derivative. The Laplace transform is used for transforming the problem into space parameters after introducing the dimensionless variables. Instead of developing an analytical expression for inverse Laplacian, the numerical Stehfest algorithm is used. A tabular comparison of the obtained results by two different methods (Stehfest and Tzou) is given and the conformity of the two ensures the validity of our obtained results. The results are also pictured in terms of graphs and carry the information of the slip flow effect. Furthermore, the effect of the fractional parameter on velocity has also been tabulated using different values of fractional parameter.
Disinfection processes and mechanisms in wastewater stabilization ponds: a review
Authors: Liu Lei , Hall Geof , Champagne Pascale
Published: August 2018

Wastewater stabilization ponds (WSPs) have been proven to be economical alternatives to conventional wastewater treatment technologies due to their unique advantages including ease of operation, minimal energy input, and minimal maintenance requirements. Their reported high pathogen removal efficiencies have made WSPs a popular choice for wastewater treatment, especially as tertiary lagoons. This paper provides a critical overview of the various disinfection processes and mechanisms that occur in WSPs. A thorough review of the removal or attenuation mechanisms for bacterial, viral, protozoan, and helminthic pathogens is presented. Factors that impact the removal efficiency of pathogenic organisms may include sunlight, pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, sedimentation, attachment, hydraulic retention time, pond depth, predation and nutrient availability; the relationship between these factors is also discussed. The purpose of this review paper is to utilize the current understanding of pathogen removal mechanisms in pond systems to improve the operation and design of WSPs, and more importantly, to provide guidance for the definition of regulations with respect to pathogen removal in eco-engineered wastewater treatment systems such as WSPs.
A Boundary Parallel-Like Index for High-Resolution Remotely Sensed Imagery Classification
Authors: Jiang Weiwei , Xiao Henglin , Zhao Zhan , Zhou Jianguo
Published: August 2018

This paper proposes boundary parallel-like index (BPI) to describe shape features for high-resolution remote sensing image classification. Parallel-like boundary is found to be a discriminating clue which can reveal the shape regularity of segmented objects. Therefore, multi-orientation distance projections were constructed to measure and quantify parallel-like information. The discriminating ability was tested using original and segmented ground objects, respectively. The proposed BPI showed better discrimination for both original and segmented data than for other shape features, especially for buildings. This was also confirmed by the considerably higher accuracy of BPI in building classification experiments of high-resolution remote sensing imagery. It suggests the proposed BPI is useful for building related applications.
Implementation of Face Recognition Algorithm on Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)
Authors: Šušteršič Tijana , Peulić Aleksandar
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study is to implement an algorithm for face recognition, based on fast fourier transform (FFT), on the field programmable gate array (FPGA) chip. Implemented program included the initialization process of two single-IP-core ROM blocks, each with an image of a human face, which are sent to the real components of two-channel IP CoreFFT block. The result of classification could be displayed in the form of either a word “yes” or “no” on the seven-segment display or the information about the reference to the folder with the found match face. Due to the lack of memory on the chip, the results are discussed based on the results obtained by the simulation, whilst the implemented part of the system included displaying images on VGA monitor and result of the algorithm shown on seven-segment display or realized as a software solution in Matlab. The results show 79% accuracy and the advantage of presented system lies in the possibility of working with images in real time. The results obtained in this study can be a good starting point in the implementation of complex algorithms for face recognition using all the benefits that FPGAs offer.
Design and Implementation of Stereoscopic Image Generation
Authors: Kao Chi-Chou
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we proposed the design and implementation of a new stereoscopic image generation system. In the conventional system, the smoothness of depth map can reduce the incidence of image holes, but cause geometric distortions of the image depth. To solve the problems, the depth map is first refined to increase the accuracy of image depth and the quality of images. Next, we derive a hardware-oriented method for 3D warping and improve hole-filling procedures to enhance the performance of image. Finally, the circuit design is presented according to the proposed stereoscopic image generation system to achieve real-time applications. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system can improve by 10–27% when compared to existing methods.
Optimal actuator design based on shape calculus
Authors: Kalise Dante , Kunisch Karl , Sturm Kevin
Published: August 2018

An approach to optimal actuator design based on shape and topology optimization techniques is presented. For linear diffusion equations, two scenarios are considered. For the first one, best actuators are determined depending on a given initial condition. In the second scenario, optimal actuators are determined based on all initial conditions not exceeding a chosen norm. Shape and topological sensitivities of these cost functionals are determined. A numerical algorithm for optimal actuator design based on the sensitivities and a level-set method is presented. Numerical results support the proposed methodology.
Rigid-Mass Vehicle Model for Identification of Bridge Frequencies Concerning Pitching Effect
Authors: Yang Judy P. , Chen Bo-Lin
Published: August 2018

The concept of vehicle-bridge interaction (VBI) was originally developed to investigate the dynamic behavior of bridges subjected to moving loads such as high-speed trains. In recent years, the VBI system was introduced to further explore the possibility of identifying bridge frequencies in order to monitor the health of bridges via the use of passing vehicles. Among the models of test vehicles, the sprung mass vehicle model with a single-degree-of-freedom vehicle body is the most common adopted one due to its simplicity. Nevertheless, for a test vehicle moving over the uneven pavement, the pitching effect arising from the vertical and rotational movements of the vehicle actually influences the identification of bridge frequencies. As such, a rigid-mass vehicle model is proposed in this work to improve the sprung mass vehicle model by including both vertical and rotational deflections. The analytical solutions to the rigid-mass VBI system are derived to verify the proposed model, and the numerical examples are provided to investigate the dynamic behavior of the VBI system subjected to road irregularity.
The Erdős–Burgess constant of the multiplicative semigroup of a factor ring of 𝔽q[x]
Authors: Wang Haoli , Hao Jun , Zhang Lizhen
Published: August 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a commutative semigroup endowed with a binary associative operation [Formula: see text]. An element [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is said to be idempotent if [Formula: see text]. The Erdős–Burgess constant of [Formula: see text] is defined as the smallest [Formula: see text] such that any sequence [Formula: see text] of terms from [Formula: see text] and of length [Formula: see text] contains a nonempty subsequence, the sum of whose terms is idempotent. Let [Formula: see text] be a prime power, and let [Formula: see text] be the polynomial ring over the finite field [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be a quotient ring of [Formula: see text] modulo any ideal [Formula: see text]. We gave a sharp lower bound of the Erdős–Burgess constant of the multiplicative semigroup of the ring [Formula: see text], in particular, we determined the Erdős–Burgess constant in the case when [Formula: see text] is the power of a prime ideal or a product of pairwise distinct prime ideals in [Formula: see text].
Non-Intrusive In-Situ Requirements Monitoring of Embedded System
Authors: Seo Minjun , Lysecky Roman
Published: August 2018

Accounting for all operating conditions of a system at the design stage is typically infeasible for complex systems. Monitoring and verifying system requirements at runtime enable a system to continuously and introspectively ensure the system is operating correctly in the presence of dynamic execution scenarios. In this article, we present a requirements-driven methodology enabling efficient runtime monitoring of embedded systems. The proposed approach extracts a runtime monitoring graph from system requirements specified using UML sequence diagrams. Non-intrusive, on-chip hardware dynamically monitors the system execution, verifies the execution adheres to the requirements model, and in the event of a failure provides detailed information that can be analyzed to determine the root cause. Using case studies of an autonomous vehicle and pacemaker prototypes, we analyze the relationship between event coverage, detection rate, and hardware requirements
Routing algorithms for IEEE802.1Qbv networks
Authors: Nayak Naresh Ganesh , Dürr Frank , Rothermel Kurt
Published: August 2018

The recently published
IEEE 802.1Qbv
standard specifies enhancements for providing real-time communication guarantees for time-triggered flows while also handling best-effort traffic in a converged Ethernet network. The enhancements include a programmable time-based gating mechanism for stipulating which of the queues of an egress port are available for transmission at any given point of time. By appropriately programming (opening and closing) these gates, the traversal of packets through the network can be controlled to precisely follow a precomputed schedule that satisfies the timing constraints of the time-triggered flows. Computing such transmission schedules requires routing of the flows in the first step, followed by the computation of gate schedules for the flows along their respective routes. So far off-the-shelf algorithms like shortest path routing, which optimize the number of hops over which flows are routed, have been used for computing routes for the time-triggered traffic. In this paper, we explore how the routing of time-triggered flows affects their schedulability. Moreover, we identify additional parameters that must be considered while routing time-triggered traffic and propose ILP-based algorithms for the purpose. Our evaluations show that the proposed routing algorithms could improve the slack in the computed schedules by upto 60 % and 30 % compared to shortest path routing and equal cost multi-pathing (ECMP), respectively, and, thus, increase the capacity of the network to accommodate more time-triggered traffic.
Epstein–Barr Virus and Cancer
Authors: Farrell Paul J.
Published: August 2018

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) contributes to about 1.5% of all cases of human cancer worldwide, and viral genes are expressed in the malignant cells. EBV also very efficiently causes the proliferation of infected human B lymphocytes. The functions of the viral proteins and small RNAs that may contribute to EBV-associated cancers are becoming increasingly clear, and a broader understanding of the sequence variation of the virus genome has helped to interpret their roles. The improved understanding of the mechanisms of these cancers means that there are great opportunities for the early diagnosis of treatable stages of EBV-associated cancers and the use of immunotherapy to target EBV-infected cells or overcome immune evasion. There is also scope for preventing disease by immunization and for developing therapeutic agents that target the EBV gene products expressed in the cancers.
The Neurocognitive Bases of Human Volition
Authors: Haggard Patrick
Published: August 2018

Volition refers to a capacity for endogenous action, particularly goal-directed endogenous action, shared by humans and some other animals. It has long been controversial whether a specific set of cognitive processes for volition exist in the human brain, and much scientific thinking on the topic continues to revolve around traditional metaphysical debates about free will. At its origins, scientific psychology had a strong engagement with volition. This was followed by a period of disenchantment, or even outright hostility, during the second half of the twentieth century. In this review, I aim to reinvigorate the scientific approach to volition by, first, proposing a range of different features that constitute a new, neurocognitively realistic working definition of volition. I then focus on three core features of human volition: its generativity (the capacity to trigger actions), its subjectivity (the conscious experiences associated with initiating voluntary actions), and its teleology (the goal-directed quality of some voluntary actions). I conclude that volition is a neurocognitive process of enormous societal importance and susceptible to scientific investigation.
Measurement of nitrate and nitrite in biopsy-sized muscle samples using HPLC
Authors: Troutman Ashley D. , Gallardo Edgar J. , Brown Mary Beth , Coggan Andrew R.
Published: August 2018

Studies of rats have indicated that skeletal muscle plays a central role in whole-body nitrate ([Formula: see text])/nitrite ([Formula: see text])/nitric oxide (NO) metabolism. Extending these results to humans, however, is challenging due to the small size of needle biopsy samples. We therefore developed a method to precisely and accurately quantify [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in biopsy-sized muscle samples. [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were extracted from rat soleus samples using methanol combined with mechanical homogenization + ultrasound, bead beating, pulverization at liquid N2temperature or pulverization + 0.5% Triton X-100. After centrifugation to remove proteins, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were measured using HPLC. Mechanical homogenization + ultrasound resulted in the lowest [Formula: see text] content (62 ± 20 pmol/mg), with high variability [coefficient of variation (CV) >50%] across samples from the same muscle. The [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] ratio (0.019 ± 0.006) was also elevated, suggestive of [Formula: see text] reduction during tissue processing. Bead beating or pulverization yielded lower [Formula: see text] and slightly higher [Formula: see text] levels, but reproducibility was still poor. Pulverization + 0.5% Triton X-100 provided the highest [Formula: see text] content (124 ± 12 pmol/mg) and lowest [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] ratio (0.008 ± 0.001), with the least variability between duplicate samples (CV ~15%). These values are consistent with literature data from larger rat muscle samples analyzed using chemiluminescence. Samples were stable for at least 5 wk at −80°C, provided residual xanthine oxidoreductase activity was blocked using 0.1 mmol/l oxypurinol. We have developed a method capable of measuring [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in <1 mg of muscle. This method should prove highly useful in investigating the role of skeletal muscle in [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]/NO metabolism in human health and disease.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Measurement of nitrate and especially nitrite in small, i.e., biopsy-sized, muscle samples is analytically challenging. We have developed a precise, accurate, and convenient method for doing so using an affordable commercial HPLC system.
Unknown Inputs Nonlinear Observer for an Activated Sludge Process
Authors: Smida Feten , Ladhari Taoufik , Hadj Saïd Salim , M’sahli Faouzi
Published: August 2018

This paper deals with the jointly estimation problem of unknown inputs and nonmeasured states of one altering aerated activated sludge process (ASP). In order to provide accurate and economic concentration measures during aerobic and anoxic phases, a cascade high gain observer (HGO) approach is developed. Only two concentrations are available; the other process’s states are assumed unavailable. The observer converges asymptotically and it leads to a good estimation of the unavailable states which are the ammonia and substrate concentration, as well as a quite reconstruction of the unknown inputs, which are the influent ammonia and the influent substrate concentrations. To highlight the efficiency of the proposed HGO with this MIMO system’s dynamics, simulation results are validated with experimental data.
Effects of Initial Porosity and Water Pressure on Seepage-Erosion Properties of Water Inrush in Completely Weathered Granite
Authors: Liu Jinquan , Chen Weizhong , Liu Taogen , Yu Jianxin , Dong Jingliang , Nie Wen
Published: August 2018

In order to investigate the water inrush mechanism in completely weathered granite, a large-scale triaxial testing system is designed and manufactured, which can induce the mass transfer and monitor the flow properties. Using this system, the effects of water pressure and initial porosity on the mass transfer and flow properties were determined, and the relative critical conditions for water inrush were proposed. The results indicate that (1) the particle transfer could cause an increase in porosity, permeability, and water inflow, which is the essential reason for water inrush in completely weathered granite. (2) Due to the effect of particle transfer, the flow properties may change from a Darcy to a non-Darcy flow, which is a key signal for water inrush. (3) With the increase of water pressure, the mass transfer, permeability, and water inflow increased gradually, and a critical value (p=0.6 MPa) that caused the water inrush was obtained. Furthermore, with the decrease of initial porosity, the mass transfer and flow properties were suppressed rapidly, and a critical porosity (0.23) to anti-inrush was observed. The results obtained can provide an important reference for understanding the mechanism, forecasting the risk, and taking the effective control measures for water inrush.
A Method for Designing Physical User Interfaces for Intelligent Production Environments
Authors: Kirisci Pierre Taner , Thoben Klaus-Dieter
Published: August 2018

Physical user interfaces with enhanced interaction capabilities are emerging along with intelligent production environments. In this manner, we pose the question if contemporary design methods and tools are sufficient for the design of this new breed of user interfaces, or if there is rather a need for more efficient design methods and tools. The paper is initiated with a discussion about the need for more sophisticated physical user interfaces with enhanced capabilities for interacting in intelligent production environments. Based on this idea, we derive several functional and nonfunctional requirements for a suitable design method, supporting the conceptualisation of physical user interfaces in the early phases of product development. Hence, we suggest a model-based design method, which incorporates a comprehensive context model and modelling tool, applicable to intelligent production environments. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of the design method, we further conduct a validation and evaluation of the functional modelling tool, based on an industrial use case, in cooperation with design experts. In the final section of the paper, we critically discuss the key characteristics of the design method and thus identify potential issues for future improvement.