bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intestinal epithelial cells and T cells differentially recognize and respond to Candida albicans yeast and hypha
Authors: Schirbel Anja , Shouval Dror S. , Hebecker Betty , Hube Bernhard , Sturm Andreas , Werner Lael 
Published: August 2018

AbstractInflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a multifactorial disorder. Our understanding of the role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of IBD has increased substantially; however, only scarce data exist regarding the role of commensal fungi in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and triggering IBD. Candida albicans (C. albicans) is a member of the intestinal mycobiome and proposed to contribute to IBD pathogenesis. We aimed to investigate the influence of the two morphologies of C. albicans, yeast and hypha, on epithelial cells and T cells from IBD patients versus healthy controls. We found that C. albicans was recognized by both epithelial cells lines and T cells. In the intestinal epithelial cell line, Caco‐2, response to hypha was different than to yeast cells, and this was mimicked by synthetic β‐glucans and Pam3CSK4. Unstimulated T cells exhibited increased activation and pro‐inflammatory cytokine secretion upon exposure, while there was no effect on apoptosis or proliferation. In contrast, C. albicans‐challenged CD3‐stimulated T‐cells exhibited decreased activation, cytokine secretion, apoptosis, and proliferation, suggesting reciprocal responsiveness to C. albicans. Glycans alone did not mimic abovementioned influences on T cells, suggesting alternative modes of recognition. In conclusion, we provide evidence for glycan dependent and independent recognition of C. albicans by epithelial cells and T cells.
Remote effects spatial process models for modeling teleconnections
Authors: Hewitt Joshua , Hoeting Jennifer A. , Done James M. , Towler Erin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWhile most spatial data can be modeled with the assumption that distant points are uncorrelated, some problems require dependence at both far and short distances. We introduce a model to directly incorporate dependence in phenomena that influence a distant response. Spatial climate problems often have such modeling needs as data are influenced by local factors in addition to remote phenomena, known as teleconnections. Teleconnections arise from complex interactions between the atmosphere and ocean, of which the El Niño–Southern Oscillation teleconnection is a well‐known example. Our model extends the standard geostatistical modeling framework to account for effects of covariates observed on a spatially remote domain. We frame our model as an extension of spatially varying coefficient models. Connections to existing methods are highlighted, and further modeling needs are addressed by additionally drawing on spatial basis functions and predictive processes. Notably, our approach allows users to model teleconnected data without prespecifying teleconnection indices, which other methods often require. We adopt a hierarchical Bayesian framework to conduct inference and make predictions. The method is demonstrated by predicting precipitation in Colorado while accounting for local factors and teleconnection effects with Pacific Ocean sea surface temperatures. We show how the proposed model improves upon standard methods for estimating teleconnection effects and discuss its utility for climate applications.
Decomposition algorithms for system reliability estimation with applications to interdependent lifeline networks
Authors: Paredes Roger , Dueñas‐Osorio Leonardo , Hernandez‐Fajardo Isaac 
Published: August 2018

SummaryReliability and risk assessment of lifeline systems call for efficient methods that integrate hazard and interdependencies. Such methods are computationally challenged when the probabilistic response of systems is tied to multiple events, as performance quantification requires a large catalog of ground motions. Available methods to address this issue use catalog reductions and importance sampling. However, besides comparisons against baseline Monte Carlo trials in select cases, there is no guarantee that such methods will perform or scale well in practice. This paper proposes a new efficient method for reliability assessment of interdependent lifeline systems, termed RAILS, that considers systemic performance and is particularly effective when dealing with large catalogs of events. RAILS uses the state‐space partition method to estimate systemic reliability with theoretical bounds and, for the first time, supports cyclic interdependencies among lifeline systems. Recycling computations across an entire seismic catalog with RAILS considerably reduces the number of system performance evaluations in seismic performance studies. Also, when performance estimate bounds are not tight, we adopt an importance and stratified sampling method that in our computational experiments is various orders of magnitude more efficient than crude Monte Carlo. We assess the efficiency of RAILS using synthetic networks and illustrate its application to quantify the seismic risk of realistic yet streamlined systems hypothetically located in the San Francisco Bay Region.
An assessment of applicability of existing approaches to predicting the bioaccumulation of conventional substances in nanomaterials
Authors: Utembe Wells , Wepener Victor , Yu Il Je , Gulumian Mary 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

The experimental determination of bioaccumulation is challenging, and a number of approaches have been developed for its prediction. It is important to assess the applicability of these predictive approaches to nanomaterials (NMs), which have been shown to bioaccumulate. The octanol/water partition coefficient (KOW) may not be applicable to some NMs that are not found in either the octanol or water phases but rather are found at the interface. Thus the KOW values obtained for certain NMs are shown not to correlate well with the experimentally determined bioaccumulation. Implementation of quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSARs) for NMs is also challenging because the bioaccumulation of NMs depends on nano-specific properties such as shape, size, and surface area. Thus there is a need to develop new QSAR models based on these new nanodescriptors; current efforts appear to focus on digital processing of NM images as well as the conversion of surface chemistry parameters into adsorption indices. Water solubility can be used as a screening tool for the exclusion of NMs with short half-lives. Adaptation of fugacity/aquivalence models, which include physicochemical properties, may give some insights into the bioaccumulation potential of NMs, especially with the addition of a biota component. The use of kinetic models, including physiologically based pharmacokinetic models, appears to be the most suitable approach for predicting bioaccumulation of NMs. Furthermore, because bioaccumulation of NMs depends on a number of biotic and abiotic factors, it is important to take these factors into account when one is modeling bioaccumulation and interpreting bioaccumulation results. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2972–2988. © 2018 SETAC
Workforce forecasting models: A systematic review
Authors: Safarishahrbijari Anahita 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWorkforce analytics involves using models that integrate internal and external data to predict future workforce and help organizations in any industry examine factors that have a prognostic effect. This paper assesses workforce modeling and prediction methods by examining their rationale, strengths, and constraints. It aims to identify enhancements for further development of workforce forecasting models and compares the capacity and reliability of different forecasting methods. Past and present modeling trends are described and critiqued based on their relevance to current requirements. Several approaches are reviewed, such as time series modeling and system dynamics simulation. Sensitivity analysis in models is assessed. The models are decomposed into three modes: supply‐based, demand‐based, and need‐based, which in some cases provide substantially different estimates of future workforce need. The chronological progression of models' development is analyzed. The articles are also classified based on the countries and the sectors that have paid great attention to workforce prediction research. Consideration of the use of workforce models and the inputs into such models is not within the scope of this paper.
Conversion of Solar Energy into Electrical Energy Storage: Supercapacitor as an Ultrafast Energy‐Storage Device Made from Biodegradable Agar‐Agar as a Novel and Low‐Cost Carbon Precursor
Authors: Vijayakumar Manavalan , Adduru Jyothirmayi , Rao Tata Narasinga , Karthik Mani 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSolar cells hold promise as energy conversion devices but intermittent sunlight limits their continuous applications. The self‐powering integrated solar cells and electrical energy storage devices can be an alternative to resolve this problem. This study demonstrates the integration of solar cell with supercapacitor (SC) device and evaluates its performance for energy conversion and storage for practical validity. SC carbon is derived from agar‐agar as low‐cost carbon precursor and a high‐performance SC electrode is utilized for the first time. The fabricated SC shows an excellent specific capacitance of 170 F g−1 and retains 85% of its original value up to 15 000 charge/discharge cycles at 1 A g−1, and it holds a maximum energy density of 17.7 Wh kg−1. The integration of SCs (three cells in series with 5.4 V) with a commercial solar lantern for a self‐sustaining power pack is demonstrated. The SC is charged by solar cells in a few seconds and powers a solar lantern with 40 light‐emitting diodes without sunlight, demonstrates its potential for efficient conversion of solar energy into electrical energy storage. This result highlights that solar SC can be considered as an ultrafast next‐generation energy‐storage device that can mitigate the energy demand in the near future.
Bioengineering of Functional Nanosilver Nanogels for Smart Healthcare Systems
Authors: Anjum Sadiya , Gupta Bhuvanesh 
Published: August 2018

AbstractFunctional designing of nanogels has become an attractive domain of biomedical engineering to develop bioactive materials with innovative features for the human healthcare system. Nanosilver has attracted enormous attention due to its wide antimicrobial spectrum and ability to kill almost all types of bacteria in its vicinity. However, the most crucial challenge for bioscientists is the lack of binding ability of nanosilver with the material surfaces that allow nanosilver to leach out to the surrounding tissue and exert toxicity while the biomaterial is in contact with the living system. Designing nanosilver within a nanogel confinement offers enormous possibilities to develop functional bioactive nanoparticles that may be bonded to any biomaterial surface via the nanogel functionality. This approach requires the proper combination of material science with nanotechnology and biotechnology to innovate interesting domain of functional nanogels with unique features. This work aims at providing a critical review on the current progress, approaches, and vision in designing nanosilver‐entrapped nanogel particles with diverse functionality, and their bioactivity against microorganisms for human healthcare devices.
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance in Chinese population: A prospective epidemiological study
Authors: Ma Ling , Xu Shuang , Qu Jianhua , Hou Jian , Wang Yang , Wen Lei , Liu Yang , Kang Ying , Jiang Ming , Fu Weijun , Du Juan , Zhou Lin , Huang Xiaojun , Zhang Zhaoxia , Lu Jin ,   on behalf of Chinese medical doctor association multiple myeloma professional committee, Academic working group on multiple myeloma of Chinese geriatric medical association
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in different groups of age and the clinical features in China. This multicenter prospective study enrolled 1797 health subjects. The overall prevalence of MGUS was 2.73%. The prevalence of different age groups was 1.19% (41‐50 y), 1.16% (51‐60 y), 2.19% (61‐70 y), 3.66% (71‐80 y), and 7.76% (≥81 y). The prevalence of MGUS in male (n = 843) was 2.97%, while the prevalence of MGUS in female (n = 952) was 2.52%, but this difference of the two groups was not statistically significant. As for subtype of MGUS, IgG subtype was 55.1% (27 cases), IgA subtype was 14.3%, and IgM subtype was 12.2%. The M protein of one case became negative after 3 months, and the others remained positive without obvious disease transformation (follow‐up duration: 3‐7 mo). Thus, the prevalence of MGUS in China was similar to that in Mexican Americans, but lower than that in the other Asian country, American Whites, American Blacks, and Africans, and had a trend of increase with age. Male had higher prevalence of MGUS in China. The most common subtype was IgG.
Outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with adult T‐cell leukemia
Authors: Kamiunten Ayako , Sekine Masaaki , Kameda Takuro , Akizuki Keiichi , Tahira Yuki , Shide Kotaro , Shimoda Haruko , Kato Koji , Hidaka Tomonori , Kubuki Yoko , Shimoda Kazuya 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAdult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is an aggressive peripheral T‐cell neoplasm, and the outcome of patients with ATL after chemotherapy is poor. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) is a curative treatment modality for ATL, and four factors, namely, age > 50 years, male recipient, lack of complete remission at transplantation, and transplantation of cord blood, were previously shown to be associated with poor survival. We retrospectively analyzed the outcome of 21 patients with ATL who had undergone allo‐HSCT at our hospital during a 3‐year period. Of 21 patients, all had at least one of the above risk factors, and 18 had two or more. With a median follow‐up of 19.7 months for living patients, the 1‐ and 2‐year overall survival (OS) rates after transplantation were 34% and 27%, respectively. All relapse/progression events occurred within 1 year after allo‐HSCT, and the cumulative incidence of relapse/progression at 1 year after allo‐HSCT was 46.9%. The 100‐day and 1‐year nonrelapse mortality (NRM) rates were 19% and 42%, respectively. No significant difference in OS was observed between myeloablative and reduced‐intensity conditioning regimens. The 3‐year OS (27%) of ATL patients who received allo‐HSCT and who had at least one adverse factor was somewhat poorer than the 3‐year OS of 33% identified in a nationwide study of allo‐HSCT in ATL patients in Japan. The high relapse/progression and NRM rates are major problems to be solved to achieve better outcome.
Ecosystem Resilience on Human Terms
Authors: von Stackelberg Katherine 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Linked socioecological systems consist of economies in societies in nature and make explicit the relationship between the natural environment and human well-being using the language of ecosystem services. A growth-based economy within a constrained biophysical planet (e.g., human activities) has led to a need for ecosystem resilience. Valuation of ecosystem services using the language of economics appears insufficient in the face of human activity. All ecosystems are resilient but will demonstrate that resilience in unexpected and potentially unwanted ways, particularly as human pressures and influences lead to tipping points of extinction (e.g., complete die-off of coral reefs) in these linked socioecological systems. Structured approaches for evaluating the risks, benefits, and impacts of human activities exist but are not effectively applied and when applied, focus on downstream outcomes rather than on upstream actions (e.g., responding to climate change impacts rather than addressing causes of climate change). Ecosystem resilience in the face of unprecedented environmental challenges may not result in the hoped-for set of ecosystem services. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:598–600. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points
Linked socioecological systems consist of economies in societies in nature and make explicit the relationship between the natural environment and human well-being through the language of ecosystem services. All ecosystems are resilient but will demonstrate that resilience in unexpected and potentially unwanted ways, particularly as human pressures and influences lead to tipping points of extinction (e.g., complete die-off of coral reefs) in these linked socioecological systems. Structured approaches for evaluating the risks, benefits, and impacts of human activities exist but are not effectively applied and when applied, focus on downstream outcomes rather than upstream actions (e.g., responding to pollution impacts rather than addressing causes of pollution). Ecosystem resilience in the face of unprecedented environmental challenges may not result in the hoped-for set of ecosystem services.
Short-term to long-term extrapolation of lethal effects of an herbicide on the marine mysid shrimp Americamysis Bahia by use of the General Unified Threshold Model of Survival (GUTS)
Authors: Gabsi Faten , Solga Andreas , Bruns Eric , Leake Christopher , Preuss Thomas G 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Risk assessments for plant protection products and their active ingredients that are based on standard laboratory tests performed under constant exposure conditions may result in an overestimation of risks because exposure in the environment is often characterized by a few short peaks. Here, the General Unified Threshold Model of Survival (GUTS) was used to conduct a refined risk assessment for the herbicide tembotrione and its effects on the marine invertebrate Americamysis bahia, for which the standard chronic effect assessment failed. The GUTS model was first calibrated with time-to-effect and concentration–response data from 2 independent acute experiments with A. bahia. Model parameters for both toxicodynamic assumptions of stochastic death (SD) and individual tolerance (IT) were estimated with the reduced GUTS model (GUTS-RED) using the scaled internal concentration as a dose metric. Both the calibrated GUTS-RED-SD and GUTS-RED-IT models described survival dynamics well. Model validation using datasets of 2 independent chronic tests yielded robust predictions of long-term toxicity of tembotrione on A. bahia, with GUTS-RED-IT being more reliable than GUTS-RED-SD. The validated model was subsequently used to predict survival from time-variable exposure profiles, as derived from the FOrum for Co-ordination of pesticide fate models and their USe (FOCUS). Because ecotoxicological independence of peaks had not been empirically verified, the link between exposure and effects was assessed with complete exposure profiles. Effect thresholds resulting from different peak exposure concentrations and durations were determined with GUTS and directly compared with the exposure concentrations from the FOCUS surface water scenarios. The derived values were higher than the predicted FOCUS critical concentrations. Additionally, comparing the areas under the curve (AUCs) derived with GUTS for multiple peak exposure profiles to those from FOCUS revealed significant additional safety margins, demonstrating that only unrealistically high exposure concentrations would produce significant effects. In conclusion, no unacceptable effects of tembotrione on aquatic invertebrates under realistic environmental exposure conditions are expected. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:29–39. © 2018 SETAC
The Oil and Gas Digital Engineering Journey
Authors: Hause Matthew , Ashfield Steve 
Published: August 2018

AbstractModel‐based systems engineering (MBSE) is the formalized application of modeling to support system requirements, design, analysis, verification and validation activities beginning in the conceptual design phase and continuing throughout development and later life cycle phases. The INCOSE Integrated Systems Engineering Vision 2025 [INCOSE, 2014] describes how future systems engineering tools will facilitate systems engineering practices as part of a fully integrated engineering environment. A shift towards an integrated, digital engineering environment enables rapid transformation of concepts and designs to digitalized virtual prototypes and then to physical prototypes through the application of additive manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printers and the digital twin in operations. This capability enables engineers to rapidly and continually assess and update their designs prior to committing costs to production hardware.Implementing this vision will require an integrated suite of tools, technologies, and standards to support the full systems engineering and product lifecycles from requirements to design to implementation and maintenance. MBSE models are digital and executable, and using an MBSE simulation engine, they can shift risk towards early stages of project development as the asset can be tested before it is built. In operations, IoT technologies enable companies to capture and leverage information about a product's performance during operation – with the potential to dramatically improve existing and future products. Service Lifecycle Management (SLM) solutions combine IoT platform technology with service solutions. This integrated closed loop systems engineering toolset applied to the Oil and Gas Industry will ensure success of the Digital Engineering Journey. This paper will describe this Digital Engineering Journey using a Coal Seam Gas example.
Framework for Mission Engineering Competencies
Authors: Hutchison Nicole , Tao Hoong Yan See , Miller William , Verma Dinesh , Vesonder Gregg 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMission engineering is the application of systems of systems (SoS) engineering in an operational context. The focus is on execution of the mission and this can often require interoperability across an array of heterogeneous systems. This paper presents research resulting in the identification of the critical skills required to successfully accomplish and shepherd mission engineering. The competency model presented herein uses the grounded theory methodology and leverages the Helix methodology. It is based on a combination of interviews with mission engineers together with research in the open and seminal literature. Subject interviews and open source literature cover 1) mission engineering definition and organizational support, 2) identification of competencies and gaps, and 3) future vision. There is an overlap in mission engineering and systems engineering competencies with important differentiation in 1) governance, 2) foundational math/science/general engineering skills, 3) operational concepts, 4) interpersonal skills, 5) and leadership skills.