bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal switching in reconfigurable microgrids considering electric vehicles and renewable energy sources
Authors: Khorram-Nia Reza , Bahmani-Firouzi Bahman , Simab Mohsen
Published: July 2018

In this article, a smart stochastic framework is developed to use optimal switching to support increasing the role of renewable energy sources and electric vehicles in microgrid operation. The proposed method uses the point estimate method to model the uncertainties of electric vehicle charge and discharge demand, wind turbine, photovoltaics, load demand, and market price. The problem formulation is constructed in the form of a constrained single-objective optimization problem minimizing the total microgrid cost when meeting the practical operation constraints. Due to the high nonlinearity and the multi-modal characteristics of the proposed problem, a new optimization method based on the cuckoo search algorithm is proposed to solve the problem optimally. Also, a new three-stage modification approach is developed to increase the algorithm population and avoid the premature convergence. The feasibility and appropriate performance of the proposed method are examined on an IEEE test system. It is shown in the simulation results that using electric vehicle and optimal switching will result in better power dispatch amongst the distributed generations in the microgrid with lower power losses and costs.
Discrimination of benign-versus-malignant skin lesions by thermographic images using support vector machine classifier
Authors: Stringasci Mirian Denise , Salvio Ana Gabriela , Sbrissa Neto David , Vollet-Filho José Dirceu , Bagnato Vanderlei Salvador , Kurachi Cristina
Published: July 2018

Skin cancer is the cancer type with the highest incidence in the world. Its diagnosis requires a specialist physician, with expertise in skin diagnostics. Thermography is a noninvasive technique based on the detection of infrared emission that is completely safe to humans. In this study, thermal images of clinically similar lesions were registered and analyzed aiming to provide a noninvasive diagnostic information for discrimination of: basal cell carcinoma versus intradermal nevus, squamous cell carcinoma versus actinic keratosis, and melanoma versus pigmented seborrheic keratosis. Thermal images were analyzed using a MATLAB® routine to evaluate statistical, histogram, and filtering metrics of each image, and a support vector machine classifier was used to discriminate the lesions based on those metrics values. Actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma showed distinct average temperatures, whereas the other pairs of lesions presented similar temperatures. Nevertheless, the benign lesions showed higher definition of borders detection than malignant lesions, as a general rule. The results showed that support vector machine classifier has great ability for discrimination of clinically similar lesions based on their thermal images, suggesting that the thermography can be used as an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of skin malignant lesions.
The thermal stability of epitaxial GeSn layers
Authors: Zaumseil P. , Hou Y. , Schubert M. A. , von den Driesch N. , Stange D. , Rainko D. , Virgilio M. , Buca D. , Capellini G.
Published: July 2018

We report on the direct observation of lattice relaxation and Sn segregation of GeSn/Ge/Si heterostructures under annealing. We investigated strained and partially relaxed epi-layers with Sn content in the 5 at. %-12 at. % range. In relaxed samples, we observe a further strain relaxation followed by a sudden Sn segregation, resulting in the separation of a β-Sn phase. In pseudomorphic samples, a slower segregation process progressively leads to the accumulation of Sn at the surface only. The different behaviors are explained by the role of dislocations in the Sn diffusion process. The positive impact of annealing on optical emission is also discussed.
High-charge energetic electron bunch generated by multiple intersecting lasers
Authors: Yang Lei , Deng Zhigang , Jiang Chi , Yang Fan , Ma Ruirui
Published: July 2018

The mergence of plasma bubbles and energetic electron bunches generated by four small-angle intersecting short-pulsed petawatt lasers is investigated using three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. The energy spread and the emittance of merged electron bunches are analyzed, and it is shown that the total charge of energetic electrons is almost four times that generated by a single laser. Furthermore, the analysis of the electron source of merged bunches shows that two additional regimes of electron injection can be identified apart from self-injection: bow wave electrons and edge outside electrons. Trajectories and the injecting process for these two kinds of electrons are investigated, and the results imply that they are induced only by multi-laser effects.
Field-frequency lock approach for 21.3-MHz high-performance NMR relaxation analyzer
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Xu Luoyuan , Wang Hongzhi , Dai Shuguang
Published: July 2018

Low-field NMR (LF-NMR) relaxation analyzers have been more and more widely used in food science, biomedicine, and petroleum exploration in recent years. An LF-NMR device analyzes various interactions between sample molecules through spin relaxation, diffusion, flow, and imaging experiments. However, temporal field fluctuations in the magnet limit the scope of application. A stable magnetic field is the basic guarantee for detecting weak signals with shorter relaxation time. This paper presents an approach involving a field-frequency lock for a 21.3-MHz high-performance NMR bipolar permanent magnet. The diameter spherical volume (DSV) of the magnet is only 60 mm. The field-frequency lock system uses 19F in a micro coil integrated into the main probe as a lock detector. The required magnetic field compensation can be calculated from the lock free induction decay (FID) signal frequency, which is measured by lock spectroscopy. The compensation coils used to produce the magnetic field were designed based on Helmholtz coils. The system determines the signal frequency by detecting the lock FID signal and calculates the required compensation-coil current to stabilize the main magnetic field of the analyzer. The results of practical locking experiments in a 21.3-MHz high-performance NMR relaxation analyzer showed that this new approach helps to reduce magnetic field fluctuations from 11 ppm/3h (11 × 10–6) to 0.4 ppm/3h (0.4 × 10–6), which meets the application requirements. This approach is especially viable and effective for a permanent magnet with large field fluctuations. This paper also provides observations of the effect of these fluctuations on NMR measurements before and after installation of the field-frequency lock system.
Characterization of pseudo-boiling in a transcritical nitrogen jet
Authors: Lapenna Pasquale Eduardo
Published: July 2018

This study is devoted to the investigation, by means of direct numerical simulation, of the interaction between turbulent motions and the pseudo-boiling process. To this end, fully resolved data of a transcritical nitrogen jet are used, obtained via high order methods and using detailed thermodynamic and transport properties. A laminar pseudo-boiling process is simulated in a quiescent setting and used as a consistent reference to shed light on the mutual effects of the jet evolution and thermodynamic non-linearities. In the turbulent scenario, pseudo-boiling is shown to be faster, in an average sense, to the laminar reference case. A consistent definition of the pseudo-boiling rate, based on the concept of the displacement speed, commonly used in premixed flame propagation, is introduced and, for a better physical interpretation, split into a normal diffusion component and a curvature component. The pseudo-boiling rate is statistically analyzed to evaluate the rate of mass transfer from the liquid-like state to the gas-like state during the jet evolution. Normal diffusion is found to be the dominant component of the pseudo-boiling rate, while the curvature component is shown to have a role only when warm fluid pockets are deeply entrained in the jet cold core.
Improved design for Heliotron J soft X-ray diagnostic for tomographic reconstruction studies
Authors: Purohit S. , Suzuki Y. , Ohdachi S. , Yamamoto S.
Published: July 2018

Identifications of the plasma boundary shape and mode structure are important problems for the studies of the magnetohydrodynamics equilibrium and stability studies. Imaging diagnostics have the possibility to measure the plasma boundary shape and mode structure directly. The soft X-ray (SX) tomography is an imaging diagnostic for offering these direct measurements. However, SX tomography is by nature a limited angle tomography and provides a challenge as an ill-condition inverse problem. The reconstructed profiles depend heavily on the quality of measurements along with the employed inversion algorithm. This paper provides a detailed description of tomographic reconstruction of simulated SX measurements from the current SX diagnostic design of Heliotron J (H-J), which is a medium size heliotron device. Heliotron J has a unique magnetic geometry, and the quantitative identification of the plasma boundary and mode structure is a critical problem. The Phillip-Tikhonov regularization is employed to address the inversion problem. Finally, a new design for Heliotron J soft X-ray diagnostic is discussed which holds enhanced capabilities for tomographic reconstructions especially for the high poloidal number perturbations.
Mechanism for the formation of nitrogen-filled voids after annealing of GaN on a sapphire substrate
Authors: Matsubara Tohoru , Okada Narihito , Tadatomo Kazuyuki
Published: July 2018

This study investigated the formation of nitrogen-filled voids at the interface between a GaN layer grown on a sapphire substrate by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. These voids were formed in the sapphire substrate at the interface after annealing and previous research shows that they can induce an inversion domain in AlN, which affects the film quality and the device performance. We investigated the void formation using scanning electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and electron energy loss spectroscopy. The voids are known to originate from the decomposition of sapphire in the presence of ammonia and hydrogen. Our analysis confirmed that the outgassing reaction between the decomposing sapphire and the low temperature GaN buffer layer resulted in the diffusion of aluminum and oxygen into the GaN buffer layer. During the annealing process, oxygen ions replaced nitrogen ions and created nitrogen-filled voids at the interface between the GaN buffer layer and the sapphire substrate. The presence of molecular nitrogen in the voids was confirmed by scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy.
Complementary effect of thermotolerant yeast and cold active cellulase on simultaneous saccharification and fermentation for bioethanol production from rice straw
Authors: Choudhary Jairam , Singh Surender , Sharma Anamika , Tiwari Rameshwar , Nain Lata
Published: July 2018

The present investigation aimed towards the optimization of bioethanol production from alkali pretreated rice straw using thermotolerant Saccharomyces cerevisiae JRC6 strain which was capable of fermenting glucose at 40 °C with a fermentation efficiency of 91.14%. Four process variables, namely, substrate loading (4.0%–7.0% w/v), enzyme loading (10–30 FPU/g dry rice straw), pH (4.0–6.0), and inoculum rate (7.0%–15.0% v/v), were evaluated by response surface methodology using Box Behnken Design to develop a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process for bioethanol production using thermotolerant yeast and cold active cellulase cocktail produced by Aspergillus niger SH3. Among these variables, pH was the most significant factor followed by substrate loading. The optimum outcomes of the design were as follows: substrate loading (6.71% w/v), enzyme loading (25.71 FPU/g dry rice straw), pH (4.15), and inoculum rate (13.2% v/v). The validation experiment with the optimized parameters resulted in a better ethanol concentration of 12.95±0.39 g/L within 24 h at 40 °C. The results obtained indicated that the process may further be scaled up as a single pot process with substantial energy saving because the saccharification temperature was 10 °C lower as compared to commercial cellulases, and one step has been reduced due to the combined action of the enzyme and yeast.
Spurs, sexual dimorphism and reproductive maturity in Tasmanian echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus setosus)
Authors: Nicol Stewart C. , Andersen Niels A. , Morrow Gemma E. , Harris Rachel L.
Published: July 2018

We present data from an 18-year study of a wild population of Tasmanian echidnas, which show that the presence of spurs in an adult are a reliable indicator of sex, and that there is a slight but significant sexual dimorphism in size, with a male to female mass ratio of 1.1. Minimum age at first breeding in the wild for Tasmanian echidnas was 5 years, as has been found on Kangaroo Island, compared with 3 years in captive echidnas. It is often assumed that although the echidna is distributed throughout Australia, New Guinea and off-shore islands that all aspects of its basic biology are the same in all populations, but comparisons of our results with data from other populations suggest that there may be differences in size and sexual dimorphism.
Variable soil phosphorus effects on nitrogen nutrition, abundance and associated carbon costs of a savanna legume, Vachellia sieberiana grown in soils from varying altitudes
Authors: Makhaye N. , Valentine A. J. , Tsvuura Z. , Aremu A. O. , Magadlela A.
Published: July 2018

Vachellia sieberiana (DC.) Kyal. is a leguminous indigenous tree that occurs in savannas of southern and tropical Africa. The tree is known to tolerate frost, which possibly accounts for its presence in in high-altitude areas. However, there is less abundance of this tree in high-altitude areas of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate if variation in soil phosphorus affected the tree growth and nitrogen nutrition, consequently reducing its abundance in high-altitude areas. Seeds of V. sieberiana were germinated and grown in the greenhouse in soils collected from three sites in the Van Reenen Pass area of KwaZulu-Natal Province (i.e. Zandspruit, altitude 1165 m; Wyford, altitude 1326 m; and Waterfall, altitude 1697 m). These sites had different V. sieberiana tree abundance, soil phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) nutrient concentrations. Although the nodulating rhizobia (Mesorhizobium sp.) in V. sieberiana root nodules were similar regardless of the differences in altitude as well as P and N concentrations, the total plant biomass and N source nutrition was altered. In this regard, V. sieberiana saplings grown in glasshouse conditions and in soils collected from Zandspruit accumulated more biomass, and relied on both atmospheric derived N and soil derived N. In addition, these V. sieberiana saplings had a higher total P and N concentration. The saplings grown in the Waterfall soil which had the lowest P and N concentration, relied equally on both atmospheric- and soil- derived N, and had an increased specific N utilisation rates and carbon construction costs compared with saplings grown in soils from the other two sites. The variation in soil P and N nutrient with increasing altitude affected growth and N source preference.
Possible drivers of a Chrysosporum ovalisporum bloom in the Murray River, Australia, in 2016
Authors: Bowling Lee , Baldwin Darren , Merrick Chester , Brayan John , Panther Jared
Published: July 2018

A major bloom of Chrysosporum ovalisporum occurred in ~2360km of the Murray–Edward–Wakool River System, Australia, during the 2016 austral summer and autumn. Several potential causes were investigated. Although summer air temperatures were among the hottest on record, no significant relationships were found between meteorological factors and bloom abundance. Instead, a weak but significant relationship was found between surface water temperature and bloom abundance downstream of Lake Hume, because the hot weather is likely to have led to higher water temperatures promoting bloom development. Releases of cold water inflows into Lake Hume from its Murray River arm may have stimulated upwelling of nutrient-rich deeper water, promoting the establishment of the bloom in that lake. Total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations were within the mesoeutrophic range and significantly related to bloom abundance, although some nutrient would be contained within cyanobacterial cells. During peak bloom abundance, pH was above 8.5 at one site. One unusual feature was that the bloom occurred in very dilute water, at electrical conductivities of 40–50 µScm–1. However, this does not appear to have affected carbon uptake and photosynthesis at high pH. Further blooms may occur if similar hot summers occur in future.
Tearing of Indian mantle lithosphere from high-resolution seismic images and its implications for lithosphere coupling in southern Tibet
Authors: Li Jiangtao , Song Xiaodong
Published: July 2018

Significance

We show high-resolution P and S images of the subducted Indian mantle lithosphere, which has been torn into four main pieces. The tearing provides a unified mechanism for (i) Late Miocene and Quaternary rifting, (ii) mantle earthquakes in southern and central Tibet, and (iii) patterns of current crustal deformation (seismicity and GPS strain rate). It suggests (iv) that the deformations of the crust and the mantle lithosphere in southern Tibet are strongly coupled and thus we need to take a “deeper view” to understand the Himalayan–Tibetan continental deformation and evolution. The geometry of the Indian mantle lithosphere and the above issues are of fundamental importance and have been debated for decades. The proposed model has implications across geoscience disciplines.
Sustaining cooperation through self-sorting: The good, the bad, and the conditional
Authors: Hauge Karen Evelyn , Brekke Kjell Arne , Nyborg Karine , Lind Jo Thori
Published: July 2018

In four public-good game experiments, we study self-sorting as a means to facilitate cooperation in groups. When individuals can choose to join groups precommitted to charity, such groups sustain cooperation toward the group’s local public good. By eliciting subjects’ conditional contribution profiles, we find that subjects who prefer the charity groups have higher average conditional contribution levels but do not differ with respect to the slope of their profiles. The majority of subjects in both group types are conditional cooperators whose willingness to contribute is stimulated by generous group members but undermined by free-riders. Charity groups thus seem better able to sustain cooperation because they attract a greater number of more generous individuals, triggering generous responses by conditional cooperators.
In vivo replacement of damaged bladder urothelium by Wolffian duct epithelial cells
Authors: Joseph Diya B. , Chandrashekar Anoop S. , Abler Lisa L. , Chu Li-Fang , Thomson James A. , Mendelsohn Cathy , Vezina Chad M.
Published: July 2018

Significance

When the bladder’s specialized epithelial lining is damaged by infection or injury, its own basal and intermediate cell progenitors are called upon to restore a functional barrier. Here we show that when these progenitor cells are depleted in conditionalDnmt1mutant mice, Wolffian duct epithelial cells migrate into the bladder, acquire bladder epithelial cell characteristics, and restore expression of uroplakin, a critical component of barrier function. This is a demonstration of in vivo replacement of damaged bladder epithelium by nonbladder epithelial cells. The capacity of Wolffian duct epithelial cells to replace damaged urothelium can potentially be leveraged for bladder replacement therapies which are often necessitated in patients with carcinoma or neurogenic bladder.
Active sites for tandem reactions of CO
2
reduction and ethane dehydrogenation
Authors: Yan Binhang , Yao Siyu , Kattel Shyam , Wu Qiyuan , Xie Zhenhua , Gomez Elaine , Liu Ping , Su Dong , Chen Jingguang G.
Published: July 2018

Significance

Catalytic activity or selectivity of a supported metal catalyst is predominantly determined by its active site structure. Rational optimization of supported metal catalysts requires fundamental insights into active sites and structure–function relationships. Here, we convincingly identify two types of metal–oxide active sites and successfully correlate them with the corresponding catalytic performance for CO
2
-assisted dehydrogenation of ethane. Controlled synthesis of the two distinct active sites enables rational manipulation of the activity and selectivity, offering an opportunity to efficiently convert the underutilized ethane from shale gas to value-added products while mitigating anthropogenic CO
2
emissions.
Early metal use and crematory practices in the American Southeast
Authors: Sanger Matthew C. , Hill Mark A. , Lattanzi Gregory D. , Padgett Brian D. , Larsen Clark Spencer , Culleton Brendan J. , Kennett Douglas J. , Dussubieux Laure , Napolitano Matthew F. , Lacombe Sébastien , Thomas David Hurst
Published: July 2018

Significance

Chemical sourcing of a Late Archaic (ca. 4100–3980 cal B.P.) copper artifact reveals extensive trade networks linking the coastal southeastern United States with the Great Lakes. Found alongside the cremated remains of at least seven individuals and in the direct center of a plaza defined by a circular shell midden, the copper artifact demonstrates the existence of long-distance networks that transmitted both objects and mortuary practices. In contrast with models that assume coastal hunter-gatherer-fishers typically lived in small, simple societies, we propose that trading for and utilizing copper is evidence of emergent hierarchical social organization during the Archaic and the likelihood that power was gained and displayed during large-scale gatherings and ceremonial events.
Construction of the speaker’s persuasive image in public discourse
Authors: Žmavc Janja
Published: July 2018

This chapter presents Greco-Roman conceptualizations of rhetorical ethos in order to show that classical rhetoric, when properly reconstructed in the framework of its (relevant) sociocultural context, can fruitfully contribute to the research and analysis of persuasive strategies in contemporary public discourse. A reconstruction of a model for analysis of rhetorical ethos is proposed and applied to selected contemporary data. The analysis presents a case study of persuasion through character in formal addresses of Slovenian Prime Minister-designates. Two issues are explored in particular: (1) the relevance of rhetorical ethos as a persuasive strategy and (2) the characteristics of rhetorical ethos in these speeches.
Saving face online
Authors: Hopkinson Christopher
Published: July 2018

Working within an interactional-pragmatic framework, this chapter reports on a study of hoteliers’ responses to negative customer reviews on the TripAdvisor website, exploring the significance of facework and rapport management strategies as means of persuasion. Negative reviews represent face-threatening acts which endanger the business’s institutional face, while responses offer an opportunity for face-saving and rapport-building; to maximize persuasive effect, respondents must strike a balance between their own face needs and those of the complainant. The study also explores the extent to which respondents’ persuasive strategies reflect the presence of third parties (readers of the website), as the complaint-response sequence – formerly a private genre – is now increasingly enacted in the public domain.
Persuasion in academic discourse
Authors: Dontcheva-Navrátilová Olga
Published: July 2018

This chapter studies persuasion in academic book reviews from a cross-cultural perspective. After discussing the rhetorical structure of book reviews, the study explores the strategic means used by the authors of reviews to represent themselves as expert members of the disciplinary community, show authorial involvement, and open a dialogic space for the negotiation of their opinions and views. The analysis of citation practices, personal structures, and evaluation acts is carried out on a corpus of book reviews published in the linguistics journals Journal of English for Academic Purposes and Slovo a Slovesnost. The findings indicate that while both Anglophone and Czech linguists exploit these linguistic means for persuasive purposes, there is cross-cultural variation in their rate of occurrence and rhetorical functions.
Without fear or favour?
Authors: Delgado Luchner Carmen , Kherbiche Leïla
Published: July 2018

Interpreting in complex transnational contexts has emerged as a recent area of interest for translation and interpreting scholars. These contexts provide a fertile ground for a sociological conceptualization of interpreting, as an emergent practice situated at the interface of individual agency and a socio-professional context. Drawing on our experiences in training interpreters for the ICRC and the UNHCR we develop a positionality-based understanding of ‘humanitarian interpreting’ and define this new analytical category. Based on two paradigmatic profiles of humanitarian interpreters, we present a comparative analysis of the intrinsic and relational factors shaping the positionality of ICRC and UNHCR interpreters in the humanitarian field and describe some of the ethical dilemmas these interpreters face. We furthermore discuss potential similarities and differences between interpreting in humanitarian and other contexts, such as military operations and asylum settings.
Investigating interpreters’ empathy
Authors: Korpal Paweł , Jasielska Aleksandra
Published: July 2018

An experimental study was conducted to examine whether simultaneous interpreters
are affected by the speaker’s emotions. To this end, two measures of emotion
were used: galvanic skin response (GSR) as a marker of emotional arousal, and
SUPIN – the Polish adaptation of PANAS (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule).
A group of interpreters with Polish as their A language and English as their B
language (N = 20) took part in the experiment. They were asked
to simultaneously interpret two speeches (recordings accompanied by video) from
Polish into English: a neutral speech and an emotional speech. The results show
that the interpreters are indeed affected by the speaker’s emotions, which is
reflected in both a greater galvanic skin response and higher SUPIN scores for
the emotional speech, when compared to the neutral speech and baseline values.
The results may shed new light on the importance of emotion processing in
simultaneous interpreting.
Free convection of nanoliquids in an enclosure with sinusoidal heating
Authors: Sivasankaran S. , Aasaithambi T. , Bhuvaneswari M. , Rajan S.
Published: July 2018

The goal of the current numerical research is to explore the convection of different nanoliquids in a square cavity. The temperature at left wall varies sinusoidally whereas the temperature at right wall is kept as constant. The horizontal walls are taken as adiabatic. The finite volume method is utilized to discretize the governing equations and the solutions are found iteratively for diverse combinations of relevant parameters involved in the study. It is established that the energy transfer enhances with raising the nanoliquid volume fraction. The growth in the averaged energy transport strongly depends on the nanoparticle chosen.
Study of a peptide with a drug using ultrasonic velocity and molecular modelling techniques
Authors: Padmavathy R , Dhanalakshmi K , Radha N
Published: July 2018

Peptides are amazing diverse and multi-faceted class of compounds constructed from relatively simple building blocks, the amino acids. The ultrasonic velocity (U), density (ρ) and viscosity (
η
) measurements have been carried out for peptide with fixed concentration of the sulfadrug in non - aqueous solution of ternary mixture at 308.15 K. Internal pressure and free volume are thermodynamic parameters computed in the present study. Experimental data have been used to estimate the internal pressure (
π

i and free volume (Vf).The results are discussed in terms of structure making/breaking effects of drug in non-aqueous solution. The Insilco studies indicate the binding positions of the peptide and sulfa drug to active sites on three different types of proteins.
A Bayesian mixture modeling approach for public health surveillance
Authors: Boulieri Areti , Bennett James E , Blangiardo Marta
Published: July 2018

Spatial monitoring of trends in health data plays an important part of public health surveillance. Most commonly, it is used to understand the etiology of a public health issue, to assess the impact of an intervention, or to provide detection of unusual behavior. In this article, we present a Bayesian mixture model for public health surveillance, which is able to provide estimates of the disease risk in space and time, and also to detect areas with unusual behavior. The model is designed to deal with a range of spatial and temporal patterns in the data, and with time series of different lengths. We carry out a simulation study to assess the performance of the model under different scenarios, and we compare it against a recently proposed Bayesian model for short time series. Finally, the proposed model is used for surveillance of road traffic accidents data in England over the years 2005–2015.
C/EBPβ Deletion Promotes Expansion of Poorly Functional Intestinal Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Collins Colm B , Puthoor Pamela R , Nguyen Tom T , Strassheim Derek , Jedlicka Paul , Friedman Jacob E , de Zoeten Edwin F
Published: July 2018

Background and Aims

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases [IBDs] are chronic intestinal inflammatory conditions in part mediated by CD4+ T cells. Anti-inflammatory Foxp3+ regulatory T cells [Tregs] maintain immune homeostasis and protect against IBD development via multiple mechanisms, including cytokine secretion and cell–cell interaction. CCAAT enhancer binding protein-beta [C/EBPβ] is a stress-responsive transcription factor linked with IBD susceptibility. Whole-body C/EBPβ deficiency induces CD4+ T cell–predominant hyperproliferation, and we hypothesize that this may be due to impaired Treg function.

Methods

We used the C/EBPβ–/– mice in the CD45RBHigh adoptive transfer model, to assess C/EBPβ–/– CD4+ T cells for their colitiogenic potential, and C/EBPβ–/– CD4+ Foxp3+ Tregs for their ability to inhibit colitis. We assessed Tregs from the C/EBPβ–/– mice for expression of Treg functional genes and proteins.

Results

Naïve C/EBPβ–/– CD4+ T cells are more colitogenic in vivo. The exacerbated colitis does not appear to reflect impaired Treg development, however, as C/EBPβ–/– mice displayed more, rather than fewer intestinal CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs in vivo. Instead, this reflects impaired Treg function as seen by the reduced capacity to suppress T cell proliferation in vitro, along with decreased secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These findings were corroborated in vivo by additional adoptive co-transfer studies in which wildtype Tregs prevented colitis but C/EBPβ–/– Tregs did not.

Conclusion

C/EBPβ deficiency impairs Treg function and potentiates T cell–mediated colitis. A clearer understanding of the function of this transcription factor may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for IBD.
A web application to involve patients in the medication reconciliation process: a user-centered usability and usefulness study
Authors: Marien Sophie , Legrand Delphine , Ramdoyal Ravi , Nsenga Jimmy , Ospina Gustavo , Ramon Valéry , Boland Benoit , Spinewine Anne
Published: July 2018

Objective

Medication reconciliation (MedRec) can improve patient safety by resolving medication discrepancies. Because information technology (IT) and patient engagement are promising approaches to optimizing MedRec, the SEAMPAT project aims to develop a MedRec IT platform based on two applications: the “patient app” and the “MedRec app.” This study evaluates three dimensions of the usability (efficiency, satisfaction, and effectiveness) and usefulness of the patient app.

Methods

We performed a four-month user-centered observational study. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Participants completed the system usability scale (SUS) questionnaire and a second questionnaire on usefulness. Effectiveness was assessed by measuring the completeness of the medication list generated by the patient application and its correctness (ie medication discrepancies between the patient list and the best possible medication history). Qualitative data were collected from semi-structured interviews, observations and comments, and questions raised by patients.

Results

Forty-two patients completed the study. Sixty-nine percent of patients considered the patient app to be acceptable (SUS Score ≥ 70) and usefulness was high. The medication list was complete for a quarter of the patients (7/28) and there was a discrepancy for 21.7% of medications (21/97). The qualitative data enabled the identification of several barriers (related to functional and non-functional aspects) to the optimization of usability and usefulness.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance and value of user-centered usability testing of a patient application implemented in “real-world” conditions. To achieve adoption and sustained use by patients, the app should meet patients’ needs while also efficiently improving the quality of MedRec.
Next generation pathways into biomedical informatics: lessons from 10 years of the Vanderbilt Biomedical Informatics Summer Internship Program
Authors: Unertl Kim M , Yang Braden Y , Jenkins Rischelle , McCarn Claudia , Rabb Courtney , Johnson Kevin B , Gadd Cynthia S
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To examine roles for summer internship programs in expanding pathways into biomedical informatics, based on 10 years of the Vanderbilt Department of Biomedical Informatics (DBMI) Summer Research Internship Program.

Materials and Methods

Vanderbilt DBMI’s internship program is a research-intensive paid 8–10 week program for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. The program is grounded in a “Windows, Mirrors, and Open Doors” educational framework, and is guided by an evolving set of design principles, including providing meaningful research experiences, applying a multi-factor approach to diversity, and helping interns build peer connections.

Results

Over 10 years, 90 individuals have participated in the internship program, with nine students participating for more than one summer. Of 90 participants, 38 were women and 52 were men. Participants represented a range of racial/ethnic groups. A total of 39 faculty members have served as primary mentor for one or more interns. Five key lessons emerged from our program experience: Festina Lente (“Make haste slowly”), The Power of Community, Learning by Doing, Thoughtful Partnerships Lead to Innovation, and The Whole is More Than the Sum of Its Parts.

Discussion

Based on our experience, we suggest that internship programs should become a core element of the biomedical informatics educational ecosystem. Continued development and growth of this important educational outreach approach requires stable funding sources and building connections between programs to share best practices.

Conclusion

Internship programs can play a substantial role in the biomedical informatics educational ecosystem, helping introduce individuals to the field earlier in their educational trajectories.
Vascular access placement and mortality in elderly incident hemodialysis patients
Authors: Ko Gang Jee , Rhee Connie M , Obi Yoshitsugu , Chang Tae Ik , Soohoo Melissa , Kim Tae Woo , Kovesdy Csaba P , Streja Elani , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar
Published: July 2018

Background

Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the preferred vascular access type in most hemodialysis patients. However, the optimal vascular access type in octogenarians and older (≥80 years) hemodialysis patients remains widely debated given their limited life expectancy and lower AVF maturation rates.

Methods

Among incident hemodialysis patients receiving care in a large national dialysis organization during 2007–2011, we examined patterns of vascular access type conversion in 1 year following dialysis initiation in patients <80 versus ≥80 years of age. Among a subcohort of patients ≥80 years of age, we examined the association between vascular access type conversion and mortality using multivariable survival models.

Results

In the overall cohort of 100 804 patients, the prevalence of AVF/arteriovenous graft (AVG) as the primary vascular access type increased during the first year of hemodialysis, but plateaued thereafter. Among 8356 patients ≥80 years of age and treated for >1 year, those with initial AVF/AVG use and placement of AVF from a central venous catheter (CVC) had lower mortality compared with patients with persistent CVC use. When the reference group was changed to patients who had AVF placement from a CVC in the first year of dialysis, those with initial AVF use had similar mortality. A longer duration of CVC use was associated with incrementally worse survival.

Conclusions

Among incident hemodialysis patients ≥80 years of age, placement of an AVF from a CVC within the first year of dialysis had similar mortality compared with initial AVF use. Our data suggest that initial CVC use with later placement of an AVF may be an acceptable option among elderly hemodialysis patients.
Sex and ethnicity modify the associations between individual and contextual socioeconomic indicators and ideal cardiovascular health: MESA study
Authors: De Moraes Augusto César Ferreira , Carvalho Heráclito Barbosa , McClelland Robyn L , Diez-Roux Ana V , Szklo Moyses
Published: July 2018

Background

Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but its association with different markers of SES may be heterogeneous by sex and race/ethnicity.

Methods

We have examined the relationships of four SES markers (education, family income, occupation and neighborhood SES) to ideal cardiovascular health (ICH), an index formed by seven variables. A total of 6792 cohort participants from six regions in the USA: Baltimore City and Baltimore County, MD; Chicago, IL; Forsyth County, NC; Los Angeles County, CA; New York, NY; and St. Paul, MN of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) (52.8% women) were recruited at baseline (2000–2) and included in the present analysis.

Results

ICH was classified as poor, intermediate or ideal. Level of education was significantly and inversely associated with ICH in non-Hispanic White men and women, in Chinese-American and Hispanic American men and African-American women. Family income was inversely and significantly associated with poor ICH in African-American men only.

Conclusions

We conclude that the strength of the associations between some SES markers and ICH differ between sexes and race/ethnic groups.
Robustly Optimal Auctions with Unknown Resale Opportunities
Authors: Carroll Gabriel , Segal Ilya
Published: July 2018

The standard revenue-maximizing auction discriminates against a priori stronger bidders so as to reduce their information rents. We show that such discrimination is no longer optimal when the auction’s winner may resell to another bidder, and the auctioneer has non-Bayesian uncertainty about such resale opportunities. We identify a “worst-case” resale scenario, in which bidders’ values become publicly known after the auction and losing bidders compete Bertrand-style to buy the object from the winner. With this form of resale, misallocation no longer reduces the information rents of the high-value bidder, as he could still secure the same rents by buying the object in resale. Under regularity assumptions, we show that revenue is maximized by a version of the Vickrey auction with bidder-specific reserve prices, first proposed by Ausubel and Cramton (2004). The proof of optimality involves constructing Lagrange multipliers on a double continuum of binding non-local incentive constraints.
Utilizing RE-AIM to examine the translational potential of Project MOVE, a novel intervention for increasing physical activity levels in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Pullen Tanya , Bottorff Joan L , Sabiston Catherine M , Campbell Kristin L , Eves Neil D , Ellard Susan L , Gotay Carolyn , Fitzpatrick Kayla , Sharp Paul , Caperchione Cristina M
Published: July 2018

Translating effective research into community practice is critical for improving breast cancer (BC) survivor health. The purpose of this study is to utilize the RE-AIM framework to evaluate the translational potential of Project MOVE, an innovative intervention focused on increasing physical activity (PA) in BC survivors. A mixed-methods design, including a self-report questionnaire, accelerometry, focus groups, and interviews, was used to inform each RE-AIM dimension. Reach was evaluated by the representativeness of participants. Effectiveness was reflected by change in PA levels and perceptions of satisfaction and acceptability. Adoption was examined using participants’ perceived barriers/facilitators to program uptake. Implementation was examined by participants’ perceived barriers/facilitators to implementing the program. Maintenance was assessed by participant retention. Assessments occurred at baseline and 6-months. Mixed analysis of variance and content analysis were used to analyze the data. A total of 87 participants participated in Project MOVE and were demographically comparable to similar studies (Reach). Participants indicated high levels of program satisfaction (88%) and previously inactive survivors’ significantly increased PA levels from baseline to 6-month follow-up (Effectiveness). Participants reported that a program focused on PA rather than disease helped them overcome barriers to PA (Adoption) and having leaders with BC and exercise expertise was essential to accommodate population specific barriers (Implementation). At 6-months, participant retention was 83% (Maintenance). Project MOVE is an acceptable, practical, and effective program for engaging BC survivors in PA and has the potential to be highly transferable to other populations and regions.
The Doctor of Plant Medicine Program at the University of Florida: Growers, Agricultural Agencies, and Industries Need Plant Doctors
Authors: Agrios George N.
Published: July 2018

The Doctor of Plant Medicine program is a new graduate doctorate program that ushers in a new discipline, Plant Medicine, and a new profession, the Plant Doctor. Like anything else that is new, it has its share of skeptics. Plant medicine does not compete with or supplant any of the existing disciplines. It fills a central void left by the specialization of each discipline. Plant medicine does not do either basic or applied research but it depends for it and it borrows from the research done by PhDs of all the related disciplines including soils, agronomy, horticulture, entomology, nematology, plant pathology, etc. Plant medicine is an applied, problem-solving discipline and plant doctors learn to solve health problems of plants by learning to identify the biotic or abiotic cause of any such problem and by providing recommendations for its management or control.

Accepted for publication 18 July 2001. Published 24 July 2001.
Induced Disease Resistance in Crop Health Management
Authors: Staub Theodor
Published: July 2018

With the introduction of the first reliable chemical activator of broad disease resistance for several crops, an additional tool is available for the design of more sustainable disease control strategies (6). The goal remains to integrate all available genetic, cultural, biological, and chemical methods for disease control in a way to optimize their benefits and minimize their risks for producers, consumers, and the environment.

Accepted for publication 6 September 2001. Published 13 September 2001.
Use of Neonicotinoid Insecticides Applied to Soil and Seed for Green Peach Aphid Management on Spinach
Authors: McLeod Paul , Eaton Steven , Martin Larry
Published: July 2018

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer, a common pest of spinach produced in the Arkansas River Valley of western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, is currently managed with foliar applications of neonicotinoid insecticides. Data reported herein indicate that the neonicotinoid insecticdes, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, can also be applied to spinach seed and into the soil for effective aphid management. In greenhouse studies both imidacloprid (Gaucho) and thiamethoxam (Cruiser) seed treatments were effective against adults and prevented the establishment of juvenile aphids for a period of 12 weeks after planting. Similar results were obtained in field studies. Regardless of rate, each of the neonicotinoid seed treatments significantly reduced the number of aphids when compared to aphid population levels on non-treated spinach. In addition to the seed treatments, in-furrow applications also resulted in significantly lower aphid numbers than on plants in plots not receiving the applications. Tests also demonstrated that imidacloprid (Admire) effectively managed aphid populations after being injected into the soil. Of the seed and soil applications evaluated, the only application method currently available is use of imidacloprid applied into the soil. This method currently offers the spinach producer an alternative management tool for green peach aphid control on spinach. As the labels of imidacloprid and other neonicotinoid insecticides are expanded to include additional use patterns such as seed treatments, effective alternatives to foliar sprays should prove effective for aphid management on spinach.

Accepted for publication 10 November 2007. Published 8 February 2008.
First Report of Phytophthora ramorum Infecting Grand fir in California
Authors: Riley Kathleen L. , Chastagner Gary A. , Blomquist Cheryl
Published: July 2018

Phytophthora ramorum was detected on grand fir in 2003 and 2005 in a Christmas tree plantation near Los Gatos, CA, in association with infected California bay laurel. Isolates derived from stem lesions were used to inoculate grand fir seedlings in two tests. Isolations from lesions on inoculated plants were positive for P. ramorum in both tests. This work provides the completion of Koch's postulates to establish grand fir as a host of P. ramorum. The potential for grand fir to be infected within its native range is unknown.

Accepted for publication 1 February 2011. Published 1 April 2011.
Leaf Spotting of Turkish Filbert in Colorado Caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae
Authors: Ibarra Jorge , Snelling Jacob , Alexander Kathleen , Tisserat Ned
Published: July 2018

Turkish filbert is a medium-sized tree native to southwest Asia and southeast Europe. It is well-adapted to urban settings, although its use as an ornamental in the United States has been limited. In 2010 and 2011, Turkish filberts at a site in Boulder, CO, exhibited leaf spotting, partial defoliation, and shoot dieback. Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae were consistently isolated from leaf spots whereas X. arboricola pv. corylina was the only bacterium isolated from blight shoots. This is the first report of X. arboricola pv. corylina on Turkish Filbert in Colorado.

Accepted for publication 7 March 2012. Published 17 May 2012.