bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards an Automated UAF‐based Trade Study Process for System of Systems Architecture
Authors: Bankauskaite Jovita , Morkevicius Aurelijus
Published: September 2020

The major driver for the Model‐based systems engineering adoption in industry is the ability for an engineer to develop systems with traceability to requirements, using one integrated architecture model that enables all types of automated analysis, e.g. impact analysis, gap analysis, trade studies, and simulations. Today, complex real‐life problems require the application of MBSE practices, where evolving systems communicate independently, both operationally and managerially, to achieve a common goal. This is the level of system of systems. At this level the major concern is an architecture assessment and trade study analysis, which can lead to different criteria and techniques for identification and comparison of alternatives to keep architecture in line with budgets and timelines. Although there are multiple process that provide step‐by‐step descriptions of trade study analyses, there are none that detail how trade study analyses could be automated in the model‐based environment in combination with existing architecture frameworks, languages, and tools. The goal of this research is to propose an automated trade study analysis process for the System of systems architecture developed in the Unified Architecture Framework models. It is a part of the larger research of trade study analysis automation, including modeling guidance, model quality checks, and automation scripts.
Patterns for Success in the Adoption and Execution of Feature‐based Product Line Engineering: A Report from Practitioners
Authors: Gregg Susan P. , Hartley David , McAfee Morgan , Pitz Randy , Teaff James , Clements Paul
Published: September 2020

Systems and Software Product Line Engineering (PLE) is a general approach to engineer a portfolio of related products in an efficient manner, taking advantage of the products’ similarities while respecting and managing their differences. The approach manages a product portfolio as a single entity, as opposed to a multitude of separate products. Numerous resources describe the organizational benefits associated with incorporating PLE techniques and tools. Feature‐based System and Software Product Line Engineering is a specific form of PLE that is powered by commercial off‐the‐shelf automation, fully defined processes, and a formal language of variation based on features. Many case studies show the efficacy of Feature‐based PLE and the improvements in cost, schedule, and quality that can come with it. In this paper, practitioners from four of world's six largest defense companies highlight their experience with the practices that enable and inhibit success with this powerful engineering discipline.
Pervasive Simulation in a PLM Platform – The key to effective management of ever‐increasing product complexity
Authors: Chądzyński Paweł Z. , Panthaki Malcolm , Nicolich Matteo , Asuri Rama
Published: September 2020

Companies invest in new approaches to manage the ever‐increasing complexities of products and systems being designed today, and more importantly, those that will be designed tomorrow. These involve methodologies, tools, and the underlying platforms that support enterprise‐wide integration of these methodologies, tools, data models, and design flows.

Simulation is a critical part of this investment. Unfortunately, simulation remains stubbornly stand‐alone and isolated. For the most part, simulation solution users and tool vendors have focused on automating the simulation process for the individual design phases but not for the entirety of the product's lifecycle that starts with gathering of requirements and ends with deployment of the assets in the field.

This paper demonstrates how an appropriate vision for providing simulation as a pervasive tool, available on‐demand within a comprehensive PLM platform (Product Lifecycle Management), allows users to resolve these limitations. This is particularly critical today as PLM platforms are beginning to shift to the cloud.

The goal of this paper is not to lay out a scientific theory, but to provide a practical example of a challenge solved through a best practice. The authors have worked and communicated with many OEMs that are all facing a similar set of challenges. These challenges are quite well‐known and hence the authors do not think it is necessary to take up room documenting them in this paper – we think it is more important to document/present a vision for a real‐world, working solution.
Evaluation of Lean Business Process Improvement Methodology
Authors: Måren Niclas , Muller Gerrit , Syverud Elisabet
Published: September 2020

Industry trends such as lean manufacturing have proven to work effectively in removing waste and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of production processes in manufacturing companies. The business processes within some manufacturing companies tend to lack the same attention as the production processes, however. This research explored the value of using the GKN lean business process improvement (BPI) methodology for improving business processes at GKN Aerospace Norway (GAN), an aerospace manufacturing company located in Norway. The method aims to identify and reduce waste by mapping the current state of a selected process, suggest a future state with less waste, generate an action list for changes, and a plan for implementation of the proposals made. During this study, the method showed to be successful at improving the efficiency in 7 out of 8 of the processes adopted. The research also found that employees at GAN respond favorably to BPI initiatives but that better preparation prior to each BPI workshop could further improve the effectiveness of the method.
Addressing the Sustainable Development Goals with a System‐of‐Systems for Monitoring Arctic Coastal Regions
Authors: Honoré‐Livermore Evelyn , Birkeland Roger , Haskins Cecilia
Published: September 2020

Norway has a large coastal industry and a strong motivation for developing systems to enable sustainable management of ocean resources. Recent advances in collaborating autonomous systems, Internet‐of‐Things, microsatellites, data fusion, and sensor development have led to initiatives for a more concerted and coordinated effort through the establishment of an ocean studies research project. Applying a System‐of‐Systems perspective on the project highlights the challenges in terms of interoperability and communication interfaces, as well as revealing the use‐cases stakeholders rely on to enable informed decision‐making.
Systems Engineering as a Data‐Driven and Evidence‐Based Discipline
Authors: Kenett Ron S. , Zonnenshain Avigdor , Swarz Robert S.
Published: September 2020

Data and information are considered today as the “new oil” or the “new gold” in almost all aspects of life and economic domains, such as industry, healthcare, education, entertainment and more. The so‐called 4th Industrial Revolution1 is based on the digital transformation derived from the Big Data revolution, through the capability of storing huge amounts of data and performing very sophisticated analytics.

In this paper, we present opportunities for Systems Engineering (SE) to evolve towards a data ‐driven and evidence ‐based discipline, thereby making better systems and engineering decisions. We discuss how systems engineers can apply data‐driven characteristics through systems engineering processes and programs. The classical Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approaches are presented here as powerful tools to collect, generate, and analyze data on systems under development. In addition, the “Digital Twin” concept is presented here in the context of system design. We highlight the challenges for systems engineering to become an evidence‐based discipline. Moreover, we empha‐size research and development in systems engineering processes using statistical techniques in the design and analysis of systems testing, and Model‐Based Systems Engineering (SE) as a source for evidence‐based engineering decisions. The success of data driven SE in organizations depends on the information and data analytics infrastructure in these organizations. An information quality frame‐work is proposed for evaluating organizational information infrastructure. In addition, it is proposed to assess the data analytics maturity level in organizations. The level of data analytics is the basis for planning implementation programs of data‐driven and evidence‐based systems engineering. The paper concludes with a case study based on a real‐life complex project, and lessons learned for ef‐fective data analytics implementation.
Top‐down functional composition
Authors: Bredin Johan
Published: September 2020

The functional decomposition methodology forms the basis for how to design system behavior in the systems engineering literature. Unfortunately, this design approach has inherent weaknesses that do not allow for requirement sets to be both complete and design agnostic, both of which are considered necessary characteristics for good requirement sets. In practice, it is also difficult to design the behavior of complicated systems using functional decomposition since a large portion of the design challenge must be handled up‐front.

This paper introduces a top‐down functional composition methodology approach to behavioral design. The paper argues that the presented methodology does not have the shortcomings associated with functional decomposition and that it also enables early and continuous‐, integration of design, test of design and validation of design. Therefore, this approach is more beneficial for engineering design of complicated systems, especially when model based systems engineering (MBSE) is applied.
Systems Engineering the Conditions of the Possibility (Towards Systems Engineering v2.0)
Authors: Willett Keith D.
Published: September 2020

Traditional systems engineering focus is on cause and effect. When we turn a wheel, pull a lever, or flip a switch we expect a certain outcome. This is a rules‐based approach where stimulus‐response is deterministic in a well‐defined, well‐bounded, finite, and predominantly static system. If there is any deviation from expected, there are simple systemic structures (logic gates) or simple rules (if‐then‐else) to provide optional courses of preplanned action. Human intervention provides the intelligence and action necessary for dynamic adjustment to a negative event (adversity, avoid loss); or, to detect and dynamically adjust to a positive event (opportunity, seek gain). The now and future discipline of systems engineering (SE v2.0) has the tools to transcend cause‐effect and effectively embrace the nondeterministic, flexibly defined, blurred‐boundaries, highly combinatorial if not infinite, and adaptability. Systems engineers can design solutions to adapt to predictable and unpredictable change in order for the system to remain viable in the face of adversity (loss‐driven) and relevant in the face of obsolescence (opportunity‐driven). In addition to cause and effect, SE v2.0 is systems engineering the conditions of the possibility.

The intent of this paper is not provide answers, but to provide a framework from which to discern better questions and elicit research in the many technical areas that provide for continual dynamic adaptation of complex socio‐technical systems of systems. Realizing SE v2.0 will come from the hard work of many over years. We are already on the way with this being one more step toward formalizing a new discipline.
Toward a Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) Method for Assessing Mishaps in Legacy Systems Using Mishap Reports
Authors: Dean Joseph , O'Halloran Bryan M. , Van Bossuyt Douglas L. , Mourning Rachel
Published: September 2020

There is a significant delta between the acknowledged probability of potential mishaps under the current safety assessment approach derived from Military Standard 882E (MIL‐STD‐882E), Department of Defense Standard Practice of System Safety, and what is observed from actualized mishaps being reported. When assessing systems safety during the design process, the approaches used that comply with MIL‐STD‐882E simplify the mishap scenario by assuming a single initiating mechanism. By decomposing mishap reports from legacy systems, fault and event trees are used to identify common failure modes that were not adequately assessed under the current process. Each of the mishap reports assessed has identified more than one initiating mechanism. As such, this work suggests a greater mishap probability than was originally acknowledged. To address the current limitation, this work develops (1) an approach for decomposing mishap scenarios for legacy systems to identify mishaps resulting from multiple failure modes, (2) a method for systematically implementing the mishap decomposition on the assessed system or newly designed systems, and (3) a list of characteristics for an improved systems safety method.
Investigation of Humanmade Climate Change; A Study Utilizing The Systems Thinking Approach
Authors: Ekholdt Nicolas , Mansouri Mo
Published: September 2020

The emission due to the way human lifestyle have evolved over the centuries have led to one of the most complex and difficult issue the human species have ever met: Manmade climate change. The issue of global warming can ultimately lead to consequences which will significantly damage the world as we know it. The goal of this paper is to study the problem of global warming by utilizing tools from systems thinking, by applying analysis on the stakeholders connection to the issue and the relations existing inside the complex system, to enable the development of solutions which are applicable to negate the problem at hand.
Early Validation of Stakeholder Needs by Applying Co‐creation Sessions
Authors: Guntveit Malin , Kj⊘rstad Marianne , Sevaldson Birger
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates the application of co‐creation sessions as a method in the early phases of development projects. The target is to do an early validation of stakeholder needs prior to project start. Co‐creation sessions engage key stakeholders to share knowledge in collaborative exercises to gain a mutual understanding of the problem and build a solution landscape. We study three co‐creation sessions in early phase development projects by using interviews and feedback surveys in an industry‐as‐laboratory approach. The co‐creation method is based on design thinking techniques, system oriented design and other visual tools. The sessions are facilitated to provide active participation of key stakeholders, achieved by using hands‐on activities. The results imply that co‐creation sessions contribute to anchor, align, and validate stakeholder needs, but do not necessarily elicit stakeholder needs. The study indicates that co‐creation sessions increase customer engagement and can potentially lead to new development projects.
Towards a semantic approach of MBSE frameworks specification
Authors: Duprez Jean , Ernadote Dominique
Published: September 2020

For decades, the use of models has been progressively extended to nearly all Systems Engineering activities and for a large variety of concerns and disciplines. It has resulted in the development of large modeling frameworks that involve many different tools and types of models. The goal of this paper is to propose an approach to specify such modeling frameworks in a way to ensure and manage the overall semantic consistency of modeled Systems Engineering assets. The proposed approach relies on the ISO/IEC/IEEE‐42010 principles, on the elicitation of an ontology of the system architecture, and on the definition of how the architecture description elements represent the elements of the ontology. By identifying resulting semantic correspondences and correspondence rules, it allows eliciting consistency rules and then, to define and specify advanced modeling services ensuring the semantic consistency of models.
Orchestrating Human Systems Integration Looking for the Right Mix for Human‐Machine Teaming
Authors: Boy Guy André
Published: September 2020

Human systems integration (HSI) is commonly thought as the association of human‐centered design (HCD) and systems engineering (SE). HCD relies on human‐in‐the‐loop simulation (HITLS) and artificial intelligence (AI). In addition, AI and SE terminologies, methods, and tools should be harmonized in the context of human‐machine teaming (HMT). Evolutions from singleagent to multi‐agent approaches in AI, and from isolated‐system to system‐of‐systems in SE are comparable. System and agent representations commonly apply to humans and machines. They are defined by their structures and functions. Based on research currently developed on HCD of increasingly‐autonomous complex systems, this paper uses the Orchestra metaphor model that supports HMT organization design and management, based on: domain ontology (music theory); tasks and designers (scores and composers); activity and performance coordination (conductors); human/machine operators (musicians); end‐users and consumers (audience). This approach requires elicitation, understanding and mastery of new interdependences, co‐adaptation, and integration of agents’ emerging functions using HITLS.
Applying Model‐Based Systems Architecture Processes (MBSAP) Methodology for Diversified MBSE Projects with Efficient Systems of Systems Accomplishments
Authors: Tsui Roy K. , Borky John M. , Bradley Thomas H.
Published: September 2020

This is a paper I will like to share with my Systems Engineering Development Life Cycles (SDLC) tactics by adapting to the MBSAP methodology from the text applicable to the real‐world MBSE tasks. These involved diversified MBSE developments and research according to my working projects scope aspects. The text introduces MBSE as the state of the practice in the dynamic Systems Engineering discipline that manages complexity and integrates technologies and design approaches to achieve effective, affordable, and balanced system solutions to the needs of all stakeholders within the systems development resources. All my successful accomplishments will be demonstrated that MBSAP is an effective MBSE and Systems Architectures research methodology for any future digital systems engineering development life cycles.
A Bibliometric Method for Analysis of Systems Engineering Research
Authors: Oosthuizen Rudolph , Pretorius Leon
Published: September 2020

Since systems engineering is still a relatively young and growing discipline, it requires a periodic analysis, taking into account past research to derive the requirements for future growth. Published research provides a good indication on the progress and maturity of a scientific discipline. Bibliometric analysis is a valuable tool to assess published research. This paper establishes a method to determine the main research topics published in the Systems Engineering Journal (INCOSE) since its inception. The research and associated analysis method applies Natural Language Processing with Topic Modelling to extract the main topics from the abstracts of all the papers published in the journal. The analyzed data provides the trends in topic coverage over time.
Strategy for Implementing an Enterprise Systems Engineering Capability
Authors: Martin James N. , Minnichelli Robert J.
Published: September 2020

Systems are becoming increasingly interdependent and interconnected and the enterprise charged with developing such systems faces a challenge in ensuring that these dependencies are known and well understand such that the enterprise's portfolio of programs, projects and systems is balanced and robust. Enterprise Systems Engineering (ESE) is an emerging discipline that is designed to handle the challenges of helping to manage this portfolio and ensuring that the various mission and business systems are developed in a coherent, efficient and effective manner. This paper describes the desired features of an ESE capability that can help the enterprise manage its portfolio as well as addressing the various non‐system solutions that must be brought to bear. The strategy for realizing this ESE capability is described in terms of the goals and objectives that the enterprise should be expected to achieve.
Exploring Inherent Structural Knowledge in Mental Models through a Qualitative System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Plooy Corné du
Published: September 2020

The purpose of the paper is to explore the inherent structural knowledge contained inside a mental model. Systems engineering and system dynamics share a common relative in the field of Cybernetics and systems thinking but have evolved into different areas of specialization. System dynamics has the ability to integrate more qualitative variables that are not conventionally used by systems engineering due to characteristically high levels of uncertainty or an unquantifiable nature. These qualitative variables are however part of the human mind's mental models of the world and strongly influence decision making. In this paper, qualitative structural understanding is explored through a system dynamics methodology to reveal the inherent knowledge captured in a structure. The structure that is explored is the limits‐to‐growth system archetype specifically developed into a population Causal Loop Diagram (CLD). The CLD is used as an initial mental model of structure and further expanded into a system dynamics model. The results show that population dynamics is driven by structure in the case of unique population groups such as China, Japan and Africa; but also provided insight into the global population boom in the 1900's. It also exposes that the structure of population has the ability to survive extremely harsh conditions which human tribal ancestors experienced. Results of this study confirm the value of gaining structural understanding and knowledge to support and influence decision making.
Towards a Unified Approach to System‐of‐Systems Risk Analysis Based on Systems Theory
Authors: Axelsson Jakob
Published: September 2020

In systems‐of‐systems (SoS), trustworthiness is a key concern, which includes operational risks such as safety, security, and privacy. These are particularly challenging to achieve in an SoS, due to the shared responsibility among independent constituent systems. This paper investigates a unified approach based on systems thinking for analyzing risks in SoS. Having a common framework is important, since many risk areas are related and affect each other. The paper also discusses how traditional static risk analysis can be complemented by dynamic techniques that collect data over time to fuel SoS evolution with respect to risk reduction.
Understanding the complicated relationship between antioxidants and carcinogenesis
Authors: Majumder Debabrata , Nath Priyatosh , Debnath Rahul , Maiti Debasish
Published: September 2020

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated as by‐product of cellular respiration and also due to the exposure of various xenobiotics, whereas mitochondrial electron transport chain is considered as the main source of ROS generation. The sequential addition to molecular oxygen gives rise to various forms of ROS like superoxide anion, peroxide, hydroxyl radical, hydroxyl ion, and so forth. However, the uncontrolled level of ROS generation and accumulation alters the body homeostasis. Excessive generation of ROS leads to oxidative stress and various kinds of diseases including cancer. To counteract ROS, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants' armory is available in our body. Apart from endogenous antioxidants, we are also consuming various exogenous antioxidants. Antioxidants protect us from ROS‐mediated damages and inhibit ROS‐induced carcinogenesis. Recent studies have revealed that antioxidants could also act as tumor‐promoting agents. Various anticancer drugs are used to kill the cancer cells through the generation of oxidative stress in them, but the cancer cells can counteract the effect with the help of various endogenous as well as exogenous antioxidants. Our review will summarize the multifaceted relationship between antioxidants and carcinogenesis, and it will help to create new directions in antioxidant‐based chemotherapy.
Risk factors for mortality in critically ill patients with COVID‐19 in Huanggang, China: A single‐center multivariate pattern analysis
Authors: Chen Yinyin , Linli Zeqiang , Lei Yuting , Yang Yiya , Liu Zhipeng , Xia Youchun , Liang Yumei , Zhu Huabo , Guo Shuixia
Published: September 2020

To date, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has a worldwide distribution. Risk factors for mortality in critically ill patients, especially detailed self‐evaluation indicators and laboratory‐examination indicators, have not been well described. In this paper, a total of 192 critically ill patients (142 were discharged and 50 died in the hospital) with COVID‐19 were included. Self‐evaluation indicators including demographics, baseline characteristics, and symptoms and detailed lab‐examination indicators were extracted. Data were first compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. Multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) was performed to identify possible risk factors for mortality of COVID‐19 patients. MVPA achieved a relatively high classification accuracy of 93% when using both self‐evaluation indicators and laboratory‐examination indicators. Several self‐evaluation factors related to COVID‐19 were highly associated with mortality, including age, duration (time from illness onset to admission), and the Barthel index (BI) score. When the duration, age increased by 1 day, 1 year, BI decreased by 1 point, the mortality increased by 3.6%, 2.4%, and 0.9% respectively. Laboratory‐examination indicators including C‐reactive protein, white blood cell count, platelet count, fibrin degradation products, oxygenation index, lymphocyte count, and d‐dimer were also risk factors. Among them, duration was the strongest predictor of all‐cause mortality. Several self‐evaluation indicators that can simply be obtained by questionnaires and without clinical examination were the risk factors of all‐cause mortality in critically ill COVID‐19 patients. The prediction model can be used by individuals to improve health awareness, and by clinicians to identify high‐risk individuals.
Association of periodontitis with leukocyte telomere length in US adults: A cross‐sectional analysis of NHANES 1999 to 2002
Authors: Song Weihong , Yang Jianzhen , Niu Zhongzheng
Published: September 2020

Background

This study examines the association of periodontitis with telomere length (TL) and effect modification by population characteristics.

Methods

We analyzed data from 3,478 participants from the 1999 to 2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Probing depth, attachment loss, and bleed on probing (BOP, available for 1,973 participants only) were examined on the distal, mesial, or mid‐facial site of each tooth in two randomly selected quadrants. We defined periodontitis severity according to the Centers for Disease Control/American Academy of Periodontology guideline. TL from leukocytes was measured with qPCR. We used linear and logistic regression to examine the adjusted association of different severity of periodontitis and BOP with continuous TL (bp) and dichotomized short TL (<median), respectively. To assess effect modification, we stratified the analyses by a priori selected population characteristics including sex, age, body weight status, smoking, and cardiometabolic comorbidity.

Results

Moderate BOP (<10% bleeding sites) was significantly associated with a shorter continuous TL (β = ‐89.0, SE = 37.8). Moderate to severe periodontitis was significantly associated with 47% (95% confidence interval [IL], 1.04 to 2.09) higher odds of shorter TL, compared with those with mild or no periodontitis. The association was stronger in those who were female (adjusted OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.10 to 2.83), overweight or obese (adjusted OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.12 to 2.41), or had cardiometabolic comorbidities (adjusted OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.38 to 3.29).

Conclusions

Periodontitis was associated with TL, a biomarker of cellular aging. The association was stronger in females, overweight or obese, or those with cardiometabolic diseases. Treatment on periodontitis could potentially protect individuals from aging‐related diseases.
Salting‐out assisted liquid–liquid extraction method optimized by design of experiments for the simultaneous high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis of perampanel and stiripentol in mouse matrices
Authors: Meirinho Sara , Campos Gonçalo , Rodrigues Márcio , Fortuna Ana , Falcão Amílcar , Alves Gilberto
Published: September 2020

We report a high‐performance liquid chromatography method development able to simultaneously determine perampanel and stiripentol, two third‐generation antiepileptics whose therapeutic spectrum can potentially be extended, in several mouse matrices. A salting‐out assisted liquid–liquid extraction optimized by a design of experiments approach was adopted for sample preparations. Isopropanol and magnesium sulfate were the extraction solvent and salting‐out agent, respectively. Both drugs and internal standard (terbinafine) were separated using a LiChroCART® Purospher Star column (C18, 55 × 4 mm; 3 μm) isocratically pumped with mobile phase [1% triethylamine in water (pH 2.5) and acetonitrile (53:47, v/v)] at 1 mL/min. Stiripentol and terbinafine were detected by fluorescence at 254/372 nm and perampanel at 275/430 nm. Good linearity was demonstrated for perampanel at 1–500 ng/mL range in brain, 2–2000 ng/mL in liver and 1–2000 ng/mL in plasma and kidney (r2 ≥ 0.9922), and for stiripentol between 10 and 2000 ng/mL in brain and 10 and 20 000 ng/mL in the remaining matrices (r2 ≥ 0.9917). Precision (CV ≤ 15%) and accuracy (bias ±15%) were also verified, with obtained recovery values consistent with those predicted by the experimental design. This method was applied in preliminary pharmacokinetic studies to quantify perampanel or stiripentol after oral administration to mice, showing to be a promising bioanalytical tool to support future nonclinical in vivo pharmacokinetic studies.
Intraductal Lithotripsy in Sialolithiasis Using the Calculase III™ Ho:YAG Laser: First Experiences
Authors: Koch Michael , Schapher Mirco , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Iro Heinrich
Published: September 2020

Background and Objectives

To report the first experiences with a newly available Ho:YAG laser system for the treatment of salivary stones.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A retrospective study in a tertiary referral center was conducted. Patients diagnosed with sialolithiasis were treated in Erlangen using the Calculase III™ Ho:YAG laser (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany). Preset parameters had a frequency of 4 Hz and energy of 0.8–1.2 J, resulting in 3.2–4.8 W. Following total fragmentation, one to two serial sialendoscopies were performed to achieve complete fragment clearance.

Results

A total of 55 stones in 49 patients were treated; 17 stones in 15 submandibular glands and 38 in 34 parotids. In total, 61 laser lithotripsies (range 1–3 per stone) were performed using various modes (long, short, and burst) and with preset parameters of 4 Hz and energy of 0.8–1.2 J, resulting in effective power of 3.2–4.8 W. Complete fragmentation was achieved in all the accessible stones. Sialendoscopes, fibers, or the mode used had no significant influence on success rates. A multimodal therapy concept was employed to treat stones in 12.24% of the cases; 95.92% of the patients were ultimately stone‐free, and all became symptom‐free. All glands were preserved.

Conclusions

The new Calculase III™ Ho:YAG laser was effective in the treatment of sialolithiasis with no increased risk of complications in the patients or damage to the sialendoscopes. Clinical factors such as the type of gland involved, or the location and size of stones had a greater impact on success rates than the technical or preset parameters. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Correlations between available primary amines, endospore coat thickness, and alkaline glutaraldehyde sensitivity for spores of select Bacillus species
Authors: Player Jacob Kent , Despain Justen Thalmus , Robison Richard A.
Published: September 2020

Alkaline glutaraldehyde (GTA) is a high‐level chemical disinfectant/sterilant and has a broad microbial kill spectrum. The precise antimicrobial mechanism of GTA remains debated. GTA kill times are extremely variable across different organisms, illustrating the need for a better understanding of GTA kill mechanisms related to different organisms. A commonly proposed GTA kill mechanism suggests that it works by cross‐linking accessible primary amines on important surface proteins. If true, the antimicrobial activity of GTA may directly correlate to the number of these available functional groups. Bacillus species form highly resistant bacterial endospores that are commonly used as one of the most stringent test organisms for disinfection and sterilization. In this study, we compared the log reduction times of alkaline GTA on spores from 4 Bacillus species to fluorescent profiles generated using Alexa Fluor™ amine‐reactive dyes. GTA kill times were also compared to mean spore coat thicknesses as measured with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fluorescence values generated from bound amine‐reactive dye showed a strong, positive correlation to GTA susceptibility, as measured by GTA 6‐log10 reduction times. Spore coat thickness also showed a strong, positive correlation to reduction time values. Results support the hypothesis that GTA kill times are directly related to the number of available primary amines on bacterial endospores. Results also indicated that the killing efficacy of GTA may be influenced by its ability to penetrate the spore coat to reach additional targets, suggesting that damaging important biomolecules beyond surface proteins may be involved in GTA killing mechanisms.
Aceruloplasminemia Presenting with Asymmetric Chorea Due to a Novel Frameshift Mutation
Authors: Aydemir Sabiha T. , Bulut Onur , Ceylaner Serdar , Akbostancı Muhittin C.
Published: September 2020

View Supplementary Video 1
Assessment of drought impacts on crop yields across Nepal during 1987–2017
Authors: Hamal Kalpana , Sharma Shankar , Khadka Nitesh , Haile Gebremedhin Gebremeskel , Joshi Bharat Badayar , Xu Tianli , Dawadi Binod
Published: September 2020

Drought influences agriculture, hydrology, ecology and socio‐economic systems globally. As agriculture is the primary source for livelihoods and contributes to ~27% of Nepalʼs total gross domestic product, it is essential to understand the impact of drought on maize and wheat crop yields to minimize the drought‐related risks. This study presents insights about agricultural drought across Nepal during 1987–2017 using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). The temporal evolution of SPEI time series has revealed frequent occurrences of drought episodes during the cropping cycle of summer maize and winter wheat crops. Moreover, the turning point of the drought was detected in 2000 (1987–2000, 2001–2017) in different regions. The averaged frequency for the SPEIs (1, 3, 6 and 12) of drought years for summer maize (winter wheat) in the western, central and eastern regions increased by 13% (12.5%), 6% (7.5%) and 7% (8%), respectively, from 1987–2000 to 2001–2017. The relationship between Standardized Yield Residual Series, the detrended SPEI at 1–12 lags and soil moisture was observed for both crops. The most correlated crop growth period for summer maize and winter wheat was the sowing and growing period, respectively, indicating the sensitive period of water deficit. Besides, the correlation performed in the two sub‐periods (1987–2000 and 2001–2017) shows that drought impacts increased in the western and central regions, whereas they substantially decreased in the eastern region during the cropping period of summer maize. However, the drought sensitivity for winter wheat was decreased in the western region but significantly increased in the central and eastern regions of Nepal. The results of this study provide important information useful for policymakers in monitoring and mitigating the drought‐related risks on maize and wheat crops in Nepal.
Approximate solutions for stochastic time‐fractional reaction–diffusion equations with multiplicative noise
Authors: Mohammed Wael W.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we consider the approximate solutions of time‐fractional reaction–diffusion equations forced by multiplicative noise on a bounded domain. When the diffusion is large, one can approximate the solutions of the stochastic time‐fractional reaction–diffusion equations with polynomial term by the solutions of a stochastic time‐fractional ordinary equations. We illustrate our results by applying to time‐fractional logistic and time‐fractional Ginzburg–Landau equations.
Hyperlipidemia Downregulate Brain Antioxidant Defense Enzymes and Neurotrophins in Rats: Assessment of the Modulatory Potential of EPA+DHA and Zerumbone
Authors: Uppin Vinayak , Acharya Pooja , Bettadaiah Bheemanakere Kempaiah , Talahalli Ramaprasad Ravichandra
Published: September 2020

Background

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of cognitive disorders. In this study, brain antioxidant defense dysregulation as a consequence of hyperlipidemia, and the efficacy of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and zerumbone (Z) in their modulation are assessed.

Methods and results

Male Wistar rats are fed control, high‐fat (HF), HF + fish oil (HF+F), HF + zerumbone (HF+Z), and HF + fish oil + zerumbone (HF+F+Z) diet for 60 days. Markers of OS, antioxidant enzymes, monoamine oxidase, nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (NRF‐2), nitric oxide‐2 (NOS‐2), inter cellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), and neurotrophins are measured. Hyperlipidemia increases OS, decreases antioxidant enzyme activity, increases monoamine oxidase activity, increases NOS‐2 and ICAM‐1 expression, decreases NRF‐2 activation, decreases nerve growth factor (NGF), and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the brain compared to control. While EPA+DHA and zerumbone significantly (p < 0.05) restores the perturbations induced by hyperlipidemia.

Conclusion

It is concluded that hyperlipidemia cause OS by decreasing the activity of brain antioxidant enzymes via the downregulation of NRF‐2. The reduced brain neurotrophins in hyperlipidemia indicate its potential risk on cognitive attributes. EPA+DHA, together with zerumbone, positively modulates hyperlipidemia induced brain dysfunction thereby offering promising therapeutic strategy.
Characterization of the Nutritional Composition of a Biotechnologically Produced Oyster Mushroom and its Physiological Effects in Obese Zucker Rats
Authors: Maheshwari Garima , Gessner Denise K. , Meyer Sandra , Ahlborn Jenny , Wen Gaiping , Ringseis Robert , Zorn Holger , Eder Klaus
Published: September 2020

Scope

Sustainable protein sources are needed to meet the increasing protein demands of a continuously growing world population. This study is focused on the biotechnological production of a protein rich oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sajor‐caju; PSC) by valorization of an agricultural side stream and the evaluation of the physiological effects of PSC in a rat model of metabolic syndrome.

Methods and results

PSC is produced via submerged cultivation in a 150 L bioreactor that utilizes isomaltulose molasses as its sole carbon source, and is further analyzed for its nutritional composition. A feeding trial is performed using Zucker rats which are fed a 5% PSC supplemented diet, for 4 weeks. Biochemical analyses reveal a significant reduction of the liver lipid concentrations and liver inflammation in the PSC fed obese rats in comparison to the obese rats from the control group. Hepatic qPCR analyses, differential transcript profiling, and enzyme activity measurements reveal a number of altered pathways that may be responsible for these anti‐steatotic and anti‐inflammatory effects of the mushroom.

Conclusion

Bioconversion of a low quality agricultural side stream to an improved protein source is performed by submerged cultured PSC, and the obtained mycelium shows strong anti‐steatotic and anti‐inflammatory effects.
A 3‐D artificial anisotropy one‐step leapfrog weakly conditionally stable finite‐difference time‐domain algorithm with improved accuracy
Authors: Zhang Pingjuan
Published: September 2020

In this letter, a 3‐D optimized one‐step leapfrog weakly conditional stability finite‐difference time‐domain (WCS‐FDTD) scheme, which introduces the artificial anisotropy parameters into the one‐step leapfrog WCS‐FDTD scheme, is proposed to suppress the numerical dispersion error and boost the accuracy without the enhancement of the simulation complexity. The proposed scheme maintains the property of WCS and stays almost unchanged Courant‐Friedrich‐Levy stability condition as compared to the conventional WCS‐FDTD scheme. The theoretical derivation of the iterative formulation and the analysis of the numerical dispersion are given in detail. The numerical example is presented to demonstrate that the developed scheme has significantly improved the accuracy of the one‐step leapfrog WCS‐FDTD scheme without sacrificing efficiency.
Divide‐by‐2 injection‐locked frequency divider exploiting an 8‐shaped inductor
Authors: Lee Ho‐Chang , Jang Sheng‐Lyang , Liu Hao‐Wei , Chen Li Ying
Published: September 2020

This letter presents a wide‐band 2:1 injection‐locked frequency divider (ILFD) in the 0.18 μm BiCMOS process with circuit model of class‐AB. The ILFD uses an 8‐shaped inductor in shunt with parasitic capacitors as the resonator, and it also employs two capacitive cross‐coupled pairs to generate negative resistance for oscillation. The gate biases of capacitive cross‐coupled pairs are fully utilized to tune the free‐running ILFD oscillation frequency. At the power consumption of 2.064 mW and the input power of 0 dBm, the locking range frequency is 71.3% (from 3.7 to 7.8 GHz) and the figure of merit (FOM) is 34.54. As compared to other ILFDs using octagonal inductors, this ILFD has low EM radiation level and less sensitivity to received EM noise.
Identification of patterns of foot and ankle pain in the community: Cross‐sectional findings from the clinical assessment study of the foot
Authors: Chean Chung Shen , Lingham Aranghan , Rathod‐Mistry Trishna , Thomas Martin J. , Marshall Michelle , Menz Hylton B. , Roddy Edward
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To investigate patterns of foot and ankle pain locations and symptoms, socio‐demographic and comorbid characteristics to examine whether there are distinct foot and ankle pain phenotypes.

Methods

Adults aged ≥50 years registered with four general practices in North Staffordshire were mailed a Health Survey questionnaire. Participants reporting foot pain in the last month indicated foot pain location on a foot manikin. Foot and ankle pain patterns were investigated by latent class analysis. Associations between the classes with foot pain symptoms, socio‐demographic and comorbid characteristics were assessed.

Results

Four thousand four hundred fifty‐five participants with complete foot pain and manikin data were included in this analysis (mean age 65 years [SD 9.8], 49% male). Of those with foot and ankle pain (n = 1356), 90% had pain in more than one region. Six distinct classes of foot and ankle pain were identified: no pain (71%), bilateral forefoot/midfoot pain (4%), bilateral hindfoot pain (5%), left forefoot/midfoot pain (8%), right forefoot/midfoot pain (5%) and bilateral widespread foot and ankle pain (6%). People with bilateral widespread foot and ankle pain were more likely to be female, obese, depressed, anxious, have/had a manual occupation, have comorbidities, lower SF‐12 scores and greater foot‐specific disability. Age did not differ between classes.

Conclusions

Six distinct classes of foot and ankle pain locations were identified, and those with bilateral widespread foot and ankle pain had distinct characteristics. Further investigation of these individuals is required to determine if they have poorer outcomes over time and whether they would benefit from earlier identification and treatment.
Error estimation for proper generalized decomposition solutions: Dual analysis and adaptivity for quantities of interest
Authors: Reis Jonatha , Moitinho de Almeida J. P. , Díez Pedro , Zlotnik Sergio
Published: September 2020

When designing a structure or engineering a component, it is crucial to use methods that provide fast and reliable solutions, so that a large number of design options can be assessed. In this context, the proper generalized decomposition (PGD) can be a powerful tool, as it provides solutions to parametric problems, without being affected by the “curse of dimensionality.” Assessing the accuracy of the solutions obtained with the PGD is still a relevant challenge, particularly when seeking quantities of interest with guaranteed bounds. In this work, we compute compatible and equilibrated PGD solutions and use them in a dual analysis to obtain quantities of interest and their bounds, which are guaranteed. We also use these complementary solutions to compute an error indicator, which is used to drive a mesh adaptivity process, oriented for a quantity of interest. The corresponding solutions have errors that are much lower than those obtained using a uniform refinement or an indicator based on the global error, as the proposed approach focuses on minimizing the error in the quantity of interest.
The Allylic Alkylation of Ketone Enolates
Authors: Junk Lukas , Kazmaier Uli
Published: September 2020

The palladium‐catalyzed allylic alkylation of non‐stabilized ketone enolates was thought for a long time to be not as efficient as the analogous reactions of stabilized enolates, e. g. of malonates and β‐ketoesters. The field has experienced a rapid development during the last two decades, with a range of new, highly efficient protocols evolved. In this review, the early developments as well as current methods and applications of palladium‐catalyzed ketone enolate allylations will be discussed.
Melt synthesis of sulfonated EPDM ionomers in batch and continuous processes
Authors: Zhao Zhiyang , Zhang Linkun , Weiss R. A.
Published: September 2020

Zinc‐neutralized sulfonated EPDM ionomers (Zn‐SEPDM) were prepared by batch and continuous melt sulfonation processes, and the ionomer products were compared with ionomers synthesized by sulfonation of EPDM in homogeneous solution. The efficiency of a batch melt sulfonation using an intensive mixer as a reactor was comparable to that of the solution sulfonation process, but the efficiency of the melt sulfonation in a twin‐screw extruder was considerably lower, which was thought to be a consequence of a relatively short reaction residence time due to limitations of the equipment. Melt neutralization was not complete, which produced a dark colored product. However, the incomplete neutralization and the color of the product did not affect the mechanical properties of the melt sulfonated ionomers, which were comparable to those of ionomers made by conventional solution sulfonation. The metal sulfonate concentration alone determined the mechanical properties of the ionomer. Melt sulfonation of Zn‐SEPDM ionomers by batch or continuous melt processes appears to be a practical alternative to solution sulfonation, but further optimization of the melt sulfonation processes is needed to ensure uniform sulfonation and complete neutralization.