bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Total Synthesis of the Bioactive Natural Product Plantazolicin A and Its Biosynthetic Precursor Plantazolicin B
Authors: Fenner Sabine , Wilson Zoe E. , Ley Steven V.
Published: September 2016

Herein, we describe our full investigations into the synthesis of the peptide‐derived natural product plantazolicin A, a compound that demonstrates promising selective activity against the causative agent of anthrax toxicity, and its biosynthetic precursor plantazolicin B. This report particularly focuses on the challenging preparation of the arginine containing thiazole fragment, including the development of a robust, high yielding procedure that avoids the use of sulfurating agents. Extensive studies on the design of a coherent protecting group strategy and the establishment of a step‐efficient dicyclization/oxidation approach allowed high levels of convergence for the construction of the oxazole fragments. This has led to a unified, highly convergent synthesis for both plantazolicin A and B.
Cyclobutenones and Benzocyclobutenones: Versatile Synthons in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Chen Peng‐hao , Dong Guangbin
Published: September 2016

Cyclobutenones, four‐membered ketones bearing an unsaturated carbon–carbon double bond, and their structural sibling benzocyclobutenones, possess unique reactivity. Owing to their inherent high ring strain, such structures readily undergo ring opening under a variety of conditions, including thermolysis, photolysis, and transition metal catalysis, to afford reactive intermediates that can be trapped with nucleophiles, dienophiles, and unsaturated bonds. Their electron‐deficient enone moieties are good electrophiles for facile nucleophilic addition. Such properties render cyclobutenones versatile synthons, serving as excellent coupling partners in a vast array of synthetically valuable transformations.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Dynamic Kinetic Asymmetric Allylation of Phenols and 2‐Hydroxypyridines
Authors: Li Changkun , Breit Bernhard
Published: September 2016

Inspired by the mechanistic studies of rhodium‐catalyzed atom‐economic addition of carboxylate acids to allenes, a rhodium‐catalyzed dynamic kinetic asymmetric allylation of different nucleophiles with racemic allylic carbonates has been developed. High regio‐ and enantioselectivities can be obtained under neutral conditions and, furthermore, the chemoselectivities can be controlled by different diphosphine ligands. (R,R)‐QuinoxP* leads to selective O‐allylation of phenols, whereas when embedding (S,S)‐DIOP as the ligand, 2‐naphthol is ortho‐C‐allylated for the first time in high enantioselectivity. To this end, hydroxypyridines can be N‐allylated by RhI/(S)‐DTBM‐Segphos via the same intermediate as in the previously reported atom‐economic addition to allenes.
Comparison of the Flow of Permanent and Condensable Gases through an Asymmetric Porous Membrane
Authors: Uchytil Petr , Reznickova Jirina , Setnickova Katerina , Loimer Thomas
Published: September 2016

Porous inorganic membranes are usually composed of several layers, which are asymmetric with respect to the flow direction. For permanent gases, investigations about the influence of the flow direction on the mass flux through an asymmetric ceramic membrane were previously performed and can be found in literature. Mass flow differences between the two flow directions were calculated. Here the flow of condensable gases, i.e., of vapors, through the same membrane is analyzed and it is shown that the mass flow might be up to 40 % larger in one direction than in the other direction.
Discovery of α‐Substituted Imidazole‐4‐acetic Acid Analogues as a Novel Class of ρ1 γ‐Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor Antagonists with Effect on Retinal Vascular Tone
Authors: Krall Jacob , Brygger Benjamin M. , Sigurðardóttir Sara B. , Ng Clarissa K. L. , Bundgaard Christoffer , Kehler Jan , Nielsen Birgitte , Bek Toke , Jensen Anders A. , Frølund Bente
Published: September 2016

The ρ‐containing γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) play an important role in controlling visual signaling. Therefore, ligands that selectively target these GABAARs are of interest. In this study, we demonstrate that the partial GABAAR agonist imidazole‐4‐acetic acid (IAA) is able to penetrate the blood–brain barrier in vivo; we prepared a series of α‐ and N‐alkylated, as well as bicyclic analogues of IAA to explore the structure–activity relationship of this scaffold focusing on the acetic acid side chain of IAA. The compounds were prepared via IAA from l‐histidine by an efficient minimal‐step synthesis, and their pharmacological properties were characterized at native rat GABAARs in a [3H]muscimol binding assay and at recombinant human α1β2γ2S and ρ1 GABAARs using the FLIPR™ membrane potential assay. The (+)‐α‐methyl‐ and α‐cyclopropyl‐substituted IAA analogues ((+)‐6 a and 6 c, respectively) were identified as fairly potent antagonists of the ρ1 GABAAR that also displayed significant selectivity for this receptor over the α1β2γ2S GABAAR. Both 6 a and 6 c were shown to inhibit GABA‐induced relaxation of retinal arterioles from porcine eyes.
“Pseudo solid” nuclear spin echo study of poly(ethylene oxide) grafted on silica. Comparison with magic‐angle spinning technique results
Authors: Tajouri Tahar , Ben Mariem Mohamed Aymen , Hommel Hubert
Published: September 2016

The polymer/solid interface of Poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) grafted on silica is studied by 1H NMR. For grafted polymers, the dipolar interaction is an important factor in the spin–spin relaxation process. For this purpose, the part of the dipolar interaction that is not averaged to zero by the motion is used. The “pseudo solid” spin echo can indeed give an estimation of the nonzero average dipolar interactions. The appropriate pulse sequence permits a standard measurement of the average dipolar spin coupling involved in the transverse magnetization relaxation. The influence of some major parameters such as molecular weights of the chains, grafting ratios, and temperatures on the relaxation and ultimately on the concentration is followed by “pseudo solid” spin echo. The magic‐angle spinning technique is also used. The sample rotation confirms by the narrowing of the central line and the appearance of side bands, the existence of a residual dipolar interaction which reveals the concentration of high monomer units at the surface. The study of the side bands permits to calculate the second moment as a function of temperature. A fair agreement is obtained by these two independent techniques: pseudo solid echo and magic‐angle spinning.
Adoption of pediatric‐inspired acute lymphoblastic leukemia regimens by adult oncologists treating adolescents and young adults: A population‐based study
Authors: Muffly Lori , Lichtensztajn Daphne , Shiraz Parveen , Abrahão Renata , McNeer Jennifer , Stock Wendy , Keegan Theresa , Gomez Scarlett Lin
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Studies have demonstrated superior outcomes for adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who are treated using pediatric versus adult therapeutic regimens. To the best of our knowledge, whether adult oncologists in the United States have adopted this approach to ALL in AYA patients is currently unknown. The objective of the current study was to provide a population‐based description of ALL treatment patterns in AYA individuals over the past decade.

METHODS

Data regarding AYA patients aged 15 to 39 years and diagnosed with ALL between 2004 and 2014 while living in the Greater Bay Area were obtained from the Greater Bay Area Cancer Registry (GBACR). Treating facilities were designated as pediatric or adult centers; induction treatment regimens were abstracted from registry text data fields.

RESULTS

Of 304 patients diagnosed in the GBACR catchment region, complete treatment data were available for 229 (75%). The location of care was identified for 296 patients (97%) treated at 31 unique centers. Approximately 70% of AYA patients received induction therapy at an adult treatment center. All AYA patients who were treated at pediatric centers received pediatric ALL regimens. Among AYA patients treated by adult oncologists with complete treatment data, none received a pediatric regimen before 2008. Between 2008 and 2012, while the US Adult Intergroup C10403 pediatric‐inspired ALL protocol was open to accrual, 31% of AYA patients treated by adult oncologists received pediatric regimens. This rate fell to 21% from 2013 through 2014. Adult facilities treating ≥ 2 AYA patients with ALL per year captured in the GBACR were more likely to administer pediatric regimens than lower volume centers (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

As of 2014, only a minority of AYA patients with ALL received pediatric ALL regimens at adult cancer centers. Cancer 2017;122–130. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Reverse Phase Protein Arrays for Compound Profiling
Authors: Moerke Nathan , Fallahi‐Sichani Mohammad
Published: September 2016

Reverse phase protein arrays (RPPAs), also called reverse phase lysate arrays (RPLAs), involve immobilizing cell or tissue lysates, in small spots, onto solid supports which are then probed with primary antibodies specific for proteins or post‐translational modifications of interest. RPPA assays are well suited for large‐scale, high‐throughput measurement of protein and PTM levels in cells and tissues. RPPAs are affordable and highly multiplexable, as a large number of arrays can readily be produced in parallel and then probed separately with distinct primary antibodies. This article describes a procedure for treating cells and preparing cell lysates, as well as a procedure for generating RPPAs using these lysates. A method for probing, imaging, and analyzing RPPAs is also described. These procedures are readily adaptable to a wide range of studies of cell signaling in response to drugs and other perturbations. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dental calculus detection using the VistaCam
Authors: Shakibaie Fardad , Walsh Laurence J.
Published: September 2016

The VistaCam® intra‐oral camera system (Dürr Dental, Bietigheim‐Bissingen, Germany) is a fluorescence system using light emitting diodes that produce a 405‐nm violet light. This wavelength has potential application for detection of dental calculus based on red emissions from porphyrin molecules. This study assessed the digital scores obtained for both supragingival and subgingival calculus on 60 extracted teeth and compared these with lesions of dental caries. It has also examined the effect of saliva and blood on the fluorescence readings for dental calculus. VistaCam fluorescence scores for both supragingival (1.7–3.3) and subgingival calculus (1.3–2.4) were higher than those for sound root surfaces (0.9–1.1) and dental caries (0.9–2.2) (p < .05). The readings for calculus samples were not affected by the presence of saliva or blood. These results suggest that the use of violet light fluorescence could be a possible adjunct to clinical examination for deposits of dental calculus.
The changing biodiversity of Alabama Drosophila: important impacts of seasonal variation, urbanization, and invasive species
Authors: Bombin Andrei , Reed Laura K.
Published: September 2016

Global warming and anthropogenic disturbances significantly influence the biosphere, tremendously increasing species extinction rates. In Central Alabama, we analyzed Drosophilidae species composition change nearly 100 years after the previous survey. We found ten Drosophilid species that were not reported during the last major biodiversity studies, two of which are invasive pests. In addition, we analyzed the influence of seasonal environmental variables characteristic of the subtropical climate zone on Drosophila abundance and biodiversity. We found a significant correlation between temperature and abundance of total Drosophila as well as for six of the seven most represented species individually, with a maximum abundance at intermediate temperatures (18–26°C). In addition, temperature was positively correlated with biodiversity of Drosophila. Precipitation produced a significant effect on the abundance of five species of Drosophila, with different optima for each species, but did not affect overall biodiversity. We concluded that in the subtropical climate zone of Central Alabama, seasonal temperature and precipitation changes produce a significant effect on Drosophila abundance and biodiversity, while local land use also impacts fly abundance, contributing to an apparent shift in species composition over the last century. We expect global climate change and other anthropogenic factors to further impact Drosophila species composition in the subtropical climate zone into the future.
Attitude Control of Quadrotor in Consideration of the Effects of a Pole Based on Limited Pole Placement
Authors: SUGAWARA YASUNORI , SHIMADA AKIRA
Published: September 2016

This paper introduces an attitude control technique for a quadrotor aircraft. Considering that the nonlinear characteristics of the aircraft makes it difficult to stabilize, a quadrotor controlled with an adaptive algorithm. Accordingly, we proposed a quadrotor application with backstepping based on the Lyapunov function. Furthermore, we designed a separate actuator control to be mounted on the aircraft for the control of the quadrotor. This approach is often used in industrial equipment. In particular, the limited pole placement (LPP) method is applied to design the controller considering the characteristics of the actuator. The representative simulation results are presented and discussed.
Trajectory Design of Galvano Scanner Considering Voltage Constraint of Current Amplifier
Authors: UEDA SHINJI , KUROKI YUKIE , HIRATA MITSUO
Published: September 2016

This paper proposes a new method for designing feedforward inputs for Galvano scanners in laser drilling machines. The heat generated by current amplifiers becomes a problem as the positioning speed of the Galvano scanner is increased. The proposed method involves the use of a final‐state control that considers the voltage constraint of a current amplifier. By constraining the applied voltage to the motor, the power supply voltage of the current amplifier is reduced. Therefore, the electricity consumed and the heat generated by the current amplifier can be reduced. The effectiveness of the proposed method is shown through simulation and experimental results.
Granulocyte‐augmented chemokine production induced by type II collagen containing immune complexes is mediated via TLR4 in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Manivel Vivek Anand , Sohrabian Azita , Rönnelid Johan
Published: September 2016

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with early elevations of antibodies against collagen type II (CII) have a distinct acute onset phenotype, associated with cytokine induction by surface‐bound anti‐CII‐containing immune complexes (ICs) and high C‐reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are abundant in the vicinity of CII in RA joints, and both PMN and PBMC reactivity against anti‐CII IC individually relate to early joint destruction and early elevation of CRP and ESR in RA. We searched for CII‐dependent mechanisms that might attract PMNs and PBMCs to RA joints. Human PBMCs and PMNs were stimulated with anti‐CII ICs and control ICs, either individually or in cocultures. Cocultured PMNs and PBMCs stimulated with anti‐CII ICs synergistically augmented production of the chemokines CXCL8, RANTES and MCP‐1, whereas downregulation was seen with control IC. This upregulation was unique to chemokines, as TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and GM‐CSF were downregulated in anti‐CII IC‐stimulated cocultures. The coculture‐associated chemokine upregulation depended on endogenous TLR4 ligand(s) and functionally active PMN enzymes, and was partially mediated by GM‐CSF. As anti‐CII levels peak around the time of RA diagnosis, this mechanism can attract inflammatory cells to joints in early RA and intensify the anti‐CII‐associated acute onset RA phenotype.
Macrophages and cardiac fibroblasts are the main producers of eotaxins and regulate eosinophil trafficking to the heart
Authors: Diny Nicola L. , Hou Xuezhou , Barin Jobert G. , Chen Guobao , Talor Monica V. , Schaub Julie , Russell Stuart D. , Klingel Karin , Rose Noel R. , Čiháková Daniela
Published: September 2016

Cardiac manifestations are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with eosinophil‐associated diseases. Eosinophils are thought to play a pathogenic role in myocarditis. We investigated the pathways that recruit eosinophils to the heart using a model of eosinophilic myocarditis, in which experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) is induced in IFNγ−/−IL‐17A−/− mice. Two conditions are necessary for efficient eosinophil trafficking to the heart: high eotaxin (CCL11, CCL24) expression in the heart and expression of the eotaxin receptor CCR3 by eosinophils. We identified cardiac fibroblasts as the source of CCL11 in the heart interstitium. CCL24 is produced by F4/80+ macrophages localized at inflammatory foci in the heart. Expression of CCL11 and CCL24 is controlled by Th2 cytokines, IL‐4 and IL‐13. To determine the relevance of this pathway in humans, we analyzed endomyocardial biopsy samples from myocarditis patients. Expression of CCL11 and CCL26 was significantly increased in eosinophilic myocarditis compared to chronic lymphocytic myocarditis and positively correlated with the number of eosinophils. Thus, eosinophil trafficking to the heart is dependent on the eotaxin‐CCR3 pathway in a mouse model of EAM and associated with cardiac eotaxin expression in patients with eosinophilic myocarditis. Blocking this pathway may prevent eosinophil‐mediated cardiac damage.
Unprecedented Increase in Affinity for EuIII over AmIII through Silica Grafting of a Carbamoylmethylphosphine Oxide‐Calix[4]arene Site
Authors: May Erin M. , Solovyov Andrew , Guo Yijun , Drapailo Andriy , Matveev Yury , Kalchenko Vitaly , Nitsche Heino , Katz Alexander
Published: September 2016

Grafting of a carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO) calix[4]arene ligand to the silica surface yields an anchored host site that displays an unusual 22.4‐fold higher affinity (kD value) for EuIII relative to AmIII. This selective cation recognition is in stark contrast to a more flexible propoxy‐tethered CMPO‐calix[4]arene site on silica.
General and Scalable Approach to A2B‐ and A2BC‐Type Porphyrin Phosphonate Diesters
Authors: Enakieva Yulia Yu. , Michalak Julien , Abdulaeva Inna A. , Volostnykh Marina V. , Stern Christine , Guilard Roger , Bessmertnykh‐Lemeune Alla G. , Gorbunova Yulia G. , Tsivadze Aslan Yu. , Kadish Karl M.
Published: September 2016

A two‐step reaction sequence for accessing meso‐(dialkoxyphosphoryl)porphyrins from readily available trans‐A2‐type porphyrins was developed. This approach involves bromination and subsequent palladium‐catalyzed phosphonylation. Optimal conditions for both steps were identified after exploration of various reaction parameters such as solvent, temperature and catalyst. A series of dialkoxyphosphoryl‐substituted A2B‐porphyrins Zn3(a–g) bearing electron‐donating, electron‐withdrawing or sterically bulky substituents at the meso‐aryl groups were prepared in overall yields close to 40 %. These compounds, being air‐stable and soluble in most organic solvents, are valuable synthetic intermediates because they can be readily transformed into functionalized trans‐A2BC‐type porphyrins through regioselective functionalization at the unsubstituted meso position of the macrocycle. Therefore, this approach offers considerable promise for application to the synthesis of trans‐A2BC‐type porphyrins, including water‐soluble derivatives, push‐pull chromophores and bis(porphyrin)s.
A novel, integrated forensic microdevice on a rotation‐driven platform: Buccal swab to STR product in less than 2 h
Authors: Cox Jordan O. , DeCarmen Teresa Sikes , Ouyang Yiwen , Strachan Briony , Sloane Hillary , Connon Cathey , Gibson Kemper , Jackson Kimberly , Landers James P. , Cruz Tracey Dawson
Published: September 2016

This work describes the development of a novel microdevice for forensic DNA processing of reference swabs. This microdevice incorporates an enzyme‐based assay for DNA preparation, which allows for faster processing times and reduced sample handling. Infrared‐mediated PCR (IR‐PCR) is used for STR amplification using a custom reaction mixture, allowing for amplification of STR loci in 45 min while circumventing the limitations of traditional block thermocyclers. Uniquely positioned valves coupled with a simple rotational platform are used to exert fluidic control, eliminating the need for bulky external equipment. All microdevices were fabricated using laser ablation and thermal bonding of PMMA layers. Using this microdevice, the enzyme‐mediated DNA liberation module produced DNA yields similar to or higher than those produced using the traditional (tube‐based) protocol. Initial microdevice IR‐PCR experiments to test the amplification module and reaction (using Phusion Flash/SpeedSTAR) generated near‐full profiles that suffered from interlocus peak imbalance and poor adenylation (significant −A). However, subsequent attempts using KAPA 2G and Pfu Ultra polymerases generated full STR profiles with improved interlocus balance and the expected adenylated product. A fully integrated run designed to test microfluidic control successfully generated CE‐ready STR amplicons in less than 2 h (<1 h of hands‐on time). Using this approach, high‐quality STR profiles were developed that were consistent with those produced using conventional DNA purification and STR amplification methods. This method is a smaller, more elegant solution than current microdevice methods and offers a cheaper, hands‐free, closed‐system alternative to traditional forensic methods.
Earthquake risk assessment of buildings accounting for human evacuation
Authors: Poulos Alan , de la Llera Juan Carlos , Mitrani‐Reiser Judith
Published: September 2016

A primary goal of earthquake engineering is to protect society from the possible negative consequences of future earthquakes. Conventionally, this goal has been achieved indirectly by reducing seismic damage of the built environment through better building codes, or more comprehensibly, by minimizing seismic risk. However, the effect that building damage has on occupants is not explicitly taken into account while designing infrastructure. Consequently, this paper introduces a conceptual framework and numerical algorithm to assess earthquake risk on building occupants during seismic events, considering the evacuation process of the structure. The framework combines probabilistic seismic hazard analysis, inelastic structural response analysis and damage assessment, and couples these results with the response of evacuating agents. The results are cast as probability distributions of variables that measure the overall performance of the system (e.g., evacuation times, number of injured people, and repair costs) for specific time windows. As a testbed, the framework was applied to the response of a reinforced concrete frame building that exemplifies the use of all steps of the methodology. The results suggest that this seismic risk evaluation framework of structural systems that combine the response of a physical model with human agents can be extended to a wide variety of other situations, including the assessment of mitigation actions in communities and people to improve their earthquake resilience. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicant mixtures in sediment alter gene expression in the cysteine metabolism of Chironomus tepperi
Authors: Jeppe Katherine J. , Carew Melissa E. , Pettigrove Vincent , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: September 2016

Sediment contamination can pose risks to the environment, and sediment toxicity tests have been developed to isolate the impact of sediment from other factors. Mixtures of contaminants often occur in sediments, and traditional endpoints used in toxicity testing, such as growth, reproduction, and survival, cannot discern the cause of toxicity from chemical mixtures because of complex interactions. In urban waterways, the synthetic pyrethroid bifenthrin and the metal copper are commonly found in mixtures, so the present study was designed to investigate how these contaminants cause toxicity in mixtures. To investigate this, Chironomus tepperi was exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of copper and bifenthrin-spiked sediments in a 2-way factorial mixture for 5 d. Growth and expression profiles of cysteine metabolism genes were measured after exposure. Growth increased at low copper concentrations, decreased at high copper concentrations, and was unaffected by bifenthrin exposures. Copper exposures induced possible cellular repair by upregulating S-adenosylmethionine synthetase expression and downregulating expression of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase and cystathionine-β-synthase. Metallothionein upregulation was also observed. Bifenthrin exposure altered cysteine metabolism to a lesser extent, downregulating cystathionine-β-synthase and γ-glutamylcysteine synthase. Synergistic, antagonistic, and dose-dependent interactions were observed, and there was evidence of conflicting modes of action and limited substrate production. These findings demonstrate how contextual gene expression changes can be sensitive and specific identifiers of toxicant exposure in mixtures. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:691–698. © 2016 SETAC
Stochastic geometry based asymptotic analysis for two‐tier HetNets with massive MIMO relay employing MRC/MRT and ZF processing
Authors: Jia Xiangdong , Zhou Meng , Yang Longxiang , Zhu Hongbo
Published: September 2016

This paper focuses on the multi‐pair amplify‐and‐forward massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) relay enabled two‐tier heterogeneous cellular networks in terms of aggregate spectral efficiency (SE), where the macro cells are overlaid with dense small cells. Specially, the maximum ratio combining/maximal ratio transmission and zero‐forcing processing schemes are employed at massive MIMO relay, respectively. The macro base stations located in the center of the cells are equipped with massive MIMO antenna array, while the randomly distributed macro users (MUs), small cell base stations, and small cell users are equipped with single antenna. The positions of MUs, small cell users and small cell base stations are modelled as independent Poisson point processes. For such two‐tier heterogeneous cellular networks, to obtain the aggregate SE in target cell, we first formulate the end‐to‐end signal‐to‐interference noise ratios for a communication pair as well as the expression of power amplification factor at target macro base stations so that the total spectrum efficiency per cell is formulated. Then, by employing stochastic geometry, the closed‐form expressions of the power amplification factor and the expectation of the reciprocal of the equivalent end‐to‐end signal‐to‐interference noise ratios are achieved. With these results, we derive the lower bounds of SEs for maximum ratio combining/maximal ratio transmission and zero‐forcing schemes. The derivations display a clear perspective about the impact of network parameters on the system‐level performance, which includes macro cell radius, small cell radius, macro cell guard radius, the mean number of MUs per cell and so on. To achieve optimal (or suboptimal) system performance, we find that the radius of small cell should be less than the guard radius. For the guard radius, there exists an upper bound, only under which the increase of the guard radius would contribute to the improvement of SE. At the same time, our results show that with given network parameters, especially the guard radius and the small cell radius, there exists a unique greatest lower bound in terms of macro cell radius. When the macro cell radius is less than the greatest lower bound, the aggregate SE is increasing with the macro cell radius. On the contrary, the achievable aggregate SE saturates to the corresponding constant, approximately. In addition, the greatest lower bound of the macro cell radius is the function of the guard radius and the small cell radius. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of end‐to‐end multi‐domain management and orchestration frameworks for software defined infrastructures: an architectural survey
Authors: Guerzoni Riccardo , Vaishnavi Ishan , Perez Caparros David , Galis Alex , Tusa Francesco , Monti Paolo , Sganbelluri Andrea , Biczók Gergely , Sonkoly Balasz , Toka Laszlo , Ramos Aurora , Melián Javier , Dugeon Olivier , Cugini Filippo , Martini Barbara , Iovanna Paola , Giuliani Giovanni , Figueiredo Ricardo , Contreras‐Murillo Luis Miguel , Bernardos Carlos J. , Santana Cristina , Szabo Robert
Published: September 2016

Over the last couple of years, industry operators' associations issued requirements towards an end‐to‐end management and orchestration plane for 5G networks. Consequently, standard organisations started their activities in this domain. This article provides an analysis and an architectural survey of these initiatives and of the main requirements, proposes descriptions for the key concepts of domain, resource and service slicing, end‐to‐end orchestration and a reference architecture for the end‐to‐end orchestration plane. Then, a set of currently available or under development domain orchestration frameworks are mapped to this reference architecture. These frameworks, meant to provide coordination and automated management of cloud and networking resources, network functions and services, fulfil multi‐domain (i.e. multi‐technology and multi‐operator) orchestration requirements, thus enabling the realisation of an end‐to‐end orchestration plane. Finally, based on the analysis of existing single‐domain and multi‐domain orchestration components and requirements, this paper presents a functional architecture for the end‐to‐end management and orchestration plane, paving the way to its full realisation. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Transactions on Emerging Telecommunications Technologies Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Altered cortical beta‐band oscillations reflect motor system degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Proudfoot Malcolm , Rohenkohl Gustavo , Quinn Andrew , Colclough Giles L. , Wuu Joanne , Talbot Kevin , Woolrich Mark W. , Benatar Michael , Nobre Anna C. , Turner Martin R.
Published: September 2016

Continuous rhythmic neuronal oscillations underpin local and regional cortical communication. The impact of the motor system neurodegenerative syndrome amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on the neuronal oscillations subserving movement might therefore serve as a sensitive marker of disease activity. Movement preparation and execution are consistently associated with modulations to neuronal oscillation beta (15–30 Hz) power. Cortical beta‐band oscillations were measured using magnetoencephalography (MEG) during preparation for, execution, and completion of a visually cued, lateralized motor task that included movement inhibition trials. Eleven “classical” ALS patients, 9 with the primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) phenotype, and 12 asymptomatic carriers of ALS‐associated gene mutations were compared with age‐similar healthy control groups. Augmented beta desynchronization was observed in both contra‐ and ipsilateral motor cortices of ALS patients during motor preparation. Movement execution coincided with excess beta desynchronization in asymptomatic mutation carriers. Movement completion was followed by a slowed rebound of beta power in all symptomatic patients, further reflected in delayed hemispheric lateralization for beta rebound in the PLS group. This may correspond to the particular involvement of interhemispheric fibers of the corpus callosum previously demonstrated in diffusion tensor imaging studies. We conclude that the ALS spectrum is characterized by intensified cortical beta desynchronization followed by delayed rebound, concordant with a broader concept of cortical hyperexcitability, possibly through loss of inhibitory interneuronal influences. MEG may potentially detect cortical dysfunction prior to the development of overt symptoms, and thus be able to contribute to the assessment of future neuroprotective strategies. Hum Brain Mapp 38:237–254, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Time related effects on functional brain connectivity after serotonergic and cholinergic neuromodulation
Authors: Klaassens Bernadet L. , Rombouts Serge A.R.B. , Winkler Anderson M. , van Gorsel Helene C. , van der Grond Jeroen , van Gerven Joop M.A.
Published: September 2016

Psychopharmacological research, if properly designed, may offer insight into both timing and area of effect, increasing our understanding of the brain's neurotransmitter systems. For that purpose, the acute influence of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram (30 mg) and the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor galantamine (8 mg) was repeatedly measured in 12 healthy young volunteers with resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS‐fMRI). Eighteen RS‐fMRI scans were acquired per subject during this randomized, double blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover study. Within‐group comparisons of voxelwise functional connectivity with 10 functional networks were examined (P < 0.05, FWE‐corrected) using a non‐parametric multivariate approach with cerebrospinal fluid, white matter, heart rate, and baseline measurements as covariates. Although both compounds did not change cognitive performance on several tests, significant effects were found on connectivity with multiple resting state networks. Serotonergic stimulation primarily reduced connectivity with the sensorimotor network and structures that are related to self‐referential mechanisms, whereas galantamine affected networks and regions that are more involved in learning, memory, and visual perception and processing. These results are consistent with the serotonergic and cholinergic trajectories and their functional relevance. In addition, this study demonstrates the power of using repeated measures after drug administration, which offers the chance to explore both combined and time specific effects. Hum Brain Mapp 38:308–325, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diffusion tensor imaging of white matter and correlates to eye movement control and psychometric testing in children with prenatal alcohol exposure
Authors: Paolozza Angelina , Treit Sarah , Beaulieu Christian , Reynolds James N.
Published: September 2016

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can cause central nervous system dysfunction and widespread structural anomalies as detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study focused on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of white matter in a large sample of PAE participants that allowed us to examine correlations with behavioral outcomes. Participants were confirmed PAE (n = 69, mean age = 12.5 ± 3.2 years) or typically developing control children (n = 67, mean age = 12.1 ± 3.2 years) who underwent brain MRI, eye movement tasks, and psychometric tests. A semi‐automated tractography method extracted fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values from 15 white matter tracts. The PAE group displayed decreased FA compared with controls in multiple tracts including 3 corpus callosum regions, right corticospinal tract, and 3 left hemisphere tracts connecting to the frontal lobe (cingulum, uncinate fasciculus, and superior longitudinal fasciculus). Significant group by sex interactions were found for the genu, left superior longitudinal fasciculus, and the left uncinate, with females in the PAE group exhibiting lower FA compared with control females. Correlations were found between DTI and eye movement measures in the control group, but these same relationships were absent in the PAE group. In contrast, no correlations were found between DTI and any of the psychometric tests used in this study. These findings support the hypothesis that measures of eye movement control may be valuable functional biomarkers of the brain injury induced by PAE as these tasks reveal group differences that appear to be linked to deficits in white matter integrity in the brain. Hum Brain Mapp 38:444–456, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Moderating Role of Transformational Leadership on Work Engagement: The Influences of Professionalism and Openness to Change
Authors: Jeong Shinhee , Hsiao Yu‐Yu , Song Ji Hoon , Kim Junhee , Bae Sang Hoon
Published: September 2016

This study examined the relationships of teachers’ work engagement with their professionalism and openness to change and investigated the moderating role of the transformational leadership of principals in explaining these relationships. Multilevel data were collected from 1,886 teachers from 59 schools in South Korea, and multilevel path analysis was performed to analyze the data. The study results found that teachers’ work engagement was positively influenced by their professionalism and openness to change in the Korean educational setting. However, no significant relationship was found between teachers’ work engagement and the transformational leadership of principals. It also showed that the transformational leadership of principals positively moderated the relationship between work engagement and openness to change of teachers. Finally, we identified the negative moderating effect of the transformational leadership of principals on the relationship between work engagement and professionalism of teachers. The theoretical implications of these findings are provided along with practical suggestions for policy makers, superintendents, and teacher education institutes.
Analysis of Heat Dissipation Performance between a Horizontal and Longitudinal Battery Pack Based on Forced Air Cooling
Authors: Jiang Fuping , Xu Xiaoming , Hu Donghai
Published: September 2016

A battery pack is the main energy storage element, and directly affects the performance of an electric vehicle. Battery thermal management system research and its development for a modern electric vehicle is required. This paper selects the forced air cooling of battery pack as the research object, and uses simulation methods to research the heat dissipation performance with different structures of battery packs. The results indicate that according to the four types of transient state conditions, the rising temperature of both battery packs are significantly higher than the temperature difference, the maximum temperature rise and temperature difference of a horizontal battery pack are lower than a longitudinal battery pack. When an electric vehicle begins to decrease speed, the curves of temperature rising and temperature difference increase. This shows the internal heat is continuously rising, so even in a electric vehicle beginning to decrease speed, the fan must work. The reference basis for choosing battery pack type and an analysis of heat flow field characteristics, including fan run‐time control, are offered.
Experimental Study on Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer from a Rectangular Prism Approaching the Wall of a Wind Tunnel
Authors: Chakrabarty Dipes , Patil Pravin , Sharma Kapil
Published: September 2016

Experimental investigations in fluid flow and heat transfer have been carried out to study the effect of wall proximity due to flow separation around rectangular prisms. Experiments have been carried out for the Reynolds number 2.6 × 104, blockage ratios are 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4, aspect ratios (d/c) are 1.5, 1.33, 0.667, and 0.333, with different height‐ratios and various angles of attack. The static pressure distribution has been measured on all faces of the rectangular prisms. The results have been presented in the form of pressure coefficient, drag coefficient for various height‐ratios and blockage ratios. The pressure distribution shows positive values on the front face whereas on the rear face negative values of the pressure coefficient have been observed. The drag coefficient decreases with the increase in angle of attack as the height‐ratio decreases. The heat transfer experiments have been carried out under constant heat flux conditions. Heat transfer coefficients are determined from the measured wall temperature and ambient temperature and presented in the form of a Nusselt number. Both local and average Nusselt numbers have been presented for various height‐ratios. The variation of the local Nusselt number has been shown with nondimensional distance for different angles of attack and blockage ratios. The variation of the average Nusselt number has also been shown with different angles of attack for blockage ratios. The local as well as average Nusselt number decreases as the height‐ratio decreases for all nondimensional distances and angles of attack, respectively, for rectangular prisms. Empirical correlations for the average Nusselt number have been presented for a rectangular prism as a function of the Reynolds number, Prandtl number and relevant nondimensional parameters.
Delta Rhapsody
Authors: Berreteaga Oskar , Sagardui Goiuria , Etxeberria Leire , Markiegi Urtzi , Perez Xabier
Published: September 2016

Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) has become the pre‐eminent paradigm used to improve the development of complex systems. Additionally, Delta Modelling provides an incremental approach to the design and maintenance of models when there is variability in the system. In this context, the market leading IBM Rhapsody® provides a professional and wide range of functionalities. Nevertheless, there is not support for Delta Modelling in IBM Rhapsody®. To meet this need, the Delta Rhapsody solution has been developed. With the tool a new variant model can be automatically generated applying deltas to a core model. The application of the solution in an industrial case study has been undertaken. From this, it was concluded that the Delta Rhapsody solution notably reduces the required time to develop a variant model. To further improve the Delta Rhapsody solution, some future works have also been identified.
Bringing Operational Perspectives into the Analysis of Engineered Resilient Systems
Authors: Sitterle Valerie B. , Brimhall Erika L. , Freeman Dane F. , Balestrini‐Robinson Santiago , Ender Tommer R. , Goerger Simon R.
Published: September 2016

Engineered Resilient Systems (ERS) is a Department of Defense (DoD) program focusing on the effective and efficient design and development of complex engineered systems across their lifecycle. An important area of focus is the evaluation of early‐stage design alternatives in terms of their modeled operational performance and characteristics. The work in this paper ties together differentiated operational needs with requirements specification and maturation of previous analytical constructs toward a more operationally relevant viewpoint. The concept of Broad Utility as a high‐level aggregated measure of robustness of fielded system capabilities with respect to operational requirements is expanded upon. The relation to requirements is more explicit and systems failing to achieve threshold requirements are penalized. The impact of this approach and how it offers a foundation from which to more fully explore sensitivity to Pre‐Milestone A requirements is discussed.
Comprehensive Approach to Systems Engineering Capability Development in GE Healthcare
Authors: Unger Chris
Published: September 2016

GE Healthcare has implemented a comprehensive approach to the SE Development process described in the new INCOSE SE Handbook (Figure 2.9, Walden, et al. 2015). The goal is a unified approach to individual professional development, process improvement and overall SE effectiveness. Since this is conceived as a ‘system’ (a closed loop), we have applied a breadth first approach: implementing at least a stub for each element of the loop, and building out depth at each element. We have found a simplified implementation of each step can be quite effective, even as a starting point.
Maintenance Scheduling Using Systems Engineering Integration
Authors: Langford Gary O.
Published: September 2016

Maintenance scheduling for the United States Air Force F‐15D Fighting Falcon aircraft is mapped through a general loss function and weighted by the operational and maintenance costs incurred by maintenance organizations. Scheduling of maintenance work is found to correlate with simple functions that are then mapped to an adaptive loss function. A new technique is proposed for scheduling maintenance personnel based on the minimum economic losses to program and functional managers in a matrix organization.
Integrated Community Resilience, A Model Based Systems Engineering Approach
Authors: McDermott Tom , Nadolski Molly
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a model‐based systems engineering framework used to integrate physical, socio‐ecological, and psychological factors of community resilience in urban areas. The research results represent the first year of a multi‐year project. However, both the modeling methodology and our approach to model social factors of community resilience are novel. We first applied a sociotechnical‐modeling framework to capture social factors of community sustainability and resilience in the context of urban infrastructure renewal. Two system constructs, standard of living and subjective well‐being, were linked to environmental, infrastructure, economic, and institutional factors to represent the human capital aspects of community resilience at multiple scales. The framework produced a system metamodel that was used to identify causal relationships between individual micro‐scale indicators of both infrastructure and social program development and the aggregate effects of human capital development. The system metamodel was then used to define an initial data model that will be used to structure an executable metamodel in later phases of research. The executable metamodel will support cross‐disciplinary modeling of the socio‐ecological (objective) and psychological (subjective) factors of community resilience. The long‐term goal is to define a full set of evaluation factors and computer based decision analysis tools that support macro‐scale decision criteria for social, behavioral, and economic decision‐making in complex urban infrastructures.
Selling Systems Engineering by Searching for the Sweet Spot
Authors: Beasley Richard , O'Neil Anne
Published: September 2016

Systems Engineering has the potential to be a ubiquitous discipline, adding value in a multitude of domains and organizations. However, there are problems in application and take‐up in any area where it is not already explicit. Part of the reason for this is the way INCOSE and others present Systems Engineering. From the outside it appears a rigid, process‐heavy approach with a strange terminology and a significant investment burden – rather than a liberating, thoughtful (applied Systems Thinking) approach to yield clearer problem understanding that leads to more successful outcomes.

In this paper, based on case study evidence of the application of Systems Engineering in a number of domains, it is suggested a more flexible approach to Systems Engineering is needed to introduce it. The introduction occurs largely within organizations. The approach requires a balance between the type / variant of Systems Engineering required by the problem situation, and the level / potential of Systems Engineering capability in the organization – targeting the “sweet spot” is seeking to optimize these two elements. The implementation of Systems Engineering should be seen and planned as a journey rather than a “big bang” implementation.

A flexible approach to implementing Systems Engineering will produce a far greater probability of successful take‐up and application. INCOSE must recognize this and generate guidance to organizations (beyond what it has produced for individuals) to establish capability in (an appropriate style of) Systems Engineering. If this is done, INCOSE can have the impact it desires, with the appropriate application of Systems Engineering leading to more successful projects, and the generation of solutions to the increasing difficult problems and challenges facing the world.