bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of HepatitisC
Authors: Mecci Ali Jibran , Cheung Michelle
Published: July 2017

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a prime example of the speed at which modern medical science has evolved. Within 30 years of its discovery, this virus now has highly effective treatments with response rates up to 100%. HCV infection affects 3% of the world's population and can lead to severe sequelae. Chronic infection may progress to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and death. Successful clearance of HCV prevents and may reverse such complications.

The discovery of specific drug targets for HCV has revolutionised treatment using direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). DAAs are potent and safe, allowing individuals who were unable to tolerate interferon treatment, to be cured.

The WHO has targeted elimination of HCV by 2030. HCV treatment is triumphant with remarkable new drug developments, but at the same time, still a work in progress.

Key Concepts

Hepatitis C treatment has evolved in many areas from imaging to treatment.

DAAs have improved treatment for patients by increasing SVR and tolerability.

Eradication of HCV is now feasible, though barriers remain.

HCV is a blood borne virus.

Breakthroughs in basic science have been translated into real advances in patient care.
Role of Intermediate Filaments in Cell Locomotion
Authors: Fujiwara Sachiko , Mizuno Kensaku
Published: July 2017

Cell locomotion is essential for diverse pathophysiological processes, including embryogenesis, immune responses, wound healing and cancer metastasis. Intermediate filaments (IFs) are resilient cytoskeleton components that provide structural support and mechanical protection. Accumulating evidence suggests that IFs are dynamic structures that function as a scaffold for signalling networks, which regulate cell locomotion, shape change and mechanical responses. The dynamics of IFs are regulated by posttranslational modifications, crosstalk with other cytoskeletons and association with cell adhesion complexes. IFs differentially regulate cell locomotion, depending on the particular IF protein, the cell type, the cellular context and the mode of cell migration. In general, vimentin filaments promote and keratin filaments inhibit cell locomotion. These cytoplasmic IFs regulate cell locomotion by modulating the localisation and activity of signalling molecules and influencing the stability of cell–cell and cell–substrate adhesion complexes. Nuclear lamin‐A represses cell locomotion by stiffening the nucleus.

Key Concepts

Intermediate filaments (IFs) constitute the resilient cytoskeleton that provides structural support and protects cells from external forces.

IFs function as a dynamic scaffold for signalling networks that regulate locomotion, shape change and mechanical responses.

Cytoplasmic IFs are linked to desmosomes and hemidesmosomes at cell adhesion sites and linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complexes on the nuclear membrane.

The reorganisation and dynamics of IFs are regulated by posttranslational modifications, crosstalk with other cytoskeletons and association with cell adhesion complexes.

IFs differentially regulate cell locomotion, depending on the particular IF protein, the cell type, the cellular context and the mode of cell migration.

Vimentin IFs generally promote cell locomotion by destabilising desmosomes, promoting focal adhesion maturation and affecting the activity of signalling molecules.

Keratin IFs generally repress cell locomotion by stabilising desmosomes and hemidesmosomes and affecting the localisation and activity of signalling molecules.

Nuclear lamin‐A represses cell locomotion by stiffening the nucleus.

Keratin IFs and Rho signalling are mutually regulated, providing a feedback mechanism during mechanical responses.
Marine Fungi
Authors: Walker Allison K , Vélez Patricia , González María C
Published: July 2017

Marine fungi are an ecological, not a taxonomic, grouping, known primarily as saprotrophs from intertidal zones where they represent an important food source for invertebrates. These osmotrophs also play important roles as mutualists and pathogens in marine systems, and provide a wealth of antimicrobial and bioactive compounds. Currently, our knowledge of marine fungal diversity, biology and ecology comes mainly from intertidal zones such as sand beaches, saltmarshes and mangroves. However, fungi are also present in the water column and at depth, where many discoveries await. With modern molecular techniques and many marine habitats unexplored for fungi, this growing field is poised to make important contributions to our knowledge of the ecological and biogeochemical functions of the oceans. Critical to this is identifying keystone fungal players, their ecological significance, and distribution patterns.

Key Concepts

Marine fungi are an ecological, not a taxonomic assemblage.

Although intertidal saprotrophs are the most studied, fungi exist and are understudied in many marine habitats, including the water column and deep sea.

Many novel compounds have been isolated from marine fungi.

Mycologists must participate in conservation planning to protect the future of marine fungal biodiversity.

Marine fungi are understudied and it is estimated many new species await discovery.
Evolutionary Biology and Mitochondrial Genomics: 50 000 Mitochondrial
DNA
Genomes and Counting
Authors: DeSalle Rob , Hadrys Heike
Published: July 2017

Mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA) is a small circular piece of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that resides inside of mitochondria in the cytoplasm of most eukaryotic cells. It has been used by evolutionary biologists for nearly four decades as an analytical tool for everything from tracing human lineages and how people moved across the planet to studies about natural selection. More recently, mtDNA has become even more useful in evolutionary biology as a result of the ease with which the entire molecule can be sequenced. Large numbers of fully sequenced mitochondrial genomes have been generated as a result of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and powerful bioinformatic approaches.

Key Concepts

Mitochondrial DNA has been used to study evolutionary biology for nearly four decades.

The capacity to sequence whole mitochondrial genomes has become an important part of the expansion of the role of this molecule in evolutionary biology.

MtDNA genome information has contributed to the study of human mtDNA haplogroup studies, animal phylogeography and phylogenetic studies, ancient DNA studies, studies of natural selection and studies of nuclear mitochondrial interactions.

As of 2017, over 500 ancient human mtDNA genomes have been sequenced.

As of 2017, over 100 ancient animal mtDNA genomes have been sequenced.

An important new area where mtDNA genomics will contribute in the future is in using DNA sequence analysis of natural history collection specimens.
Melt Electrospinning Writing of Poly‐Hydroxymethylglycolide‐co‐ε‐Caprolactone‐Based Scaffolds for Cardiac Tissue Engineering
Authors: Castilho Miguel , Feyen Dries , Flandes‐Iparraguirre María , Hochleitner Gernot , Groll Jürgen , Doevendans Pieter A. F. , Vermonden Tina , Ito Keita , Sluijter Joost P. G. , Malda Jos
Published: July 2017

Current limitations in cardiac tissue engineering revolve around the inability to fully recapitulate the structural organization and mechanical environment of native cardiac tissue. This study aims at developing organized ultrafine fiber scaffolds with improved biocompatibility and architecture in comparison to the traditional fiber scaffolds obtained by solution electrospinning. This is achieved by combining the additive manufacturing of a hydroxyl‐functionalized polyester, (poly(hydroxymethylglycolide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) (pHMGCL), with melt electrospinning writing (MEW). The use of pHMGCL with MEW vastly improves the cellular response to the mechanical anisotropy. Cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) are able to align more efficiently along the preferential direction of the melt electrospun pHMGCL fiber scaffolds in comparison to electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐based scaffolds. Overall, this study describes for the first time that highly ordered microfiber (4.0–7.0 µm) scaffolds based on pHMGCL can be reproducibly generated with MEW and that these scaffolds can support and guide the growth of CPCs and thereby potentially enhance their therapeutic potential.
Combining Sanford Arylations on Benzodiazepines with the Nuisance Effect
Authors: Khan Raysa , Boonseng Sarote , Kemmitt Paul D. , Felix Robert , Coles Simon J. , Tizzard Graham J. , Williams Gareth , Simmonds Olivia , Harvey Jessica‐Lily , Atack John , Cox Hazel , Spencer John
Published: July 2017

5‐Phenyl‐1,3‐dihydro‐2H‐1,4‐benzodiazepin‐2‐ones react under palladium‐ and visible light photoredox catalysis, in refluxing methanol, with aryldiazonium salts to afford the respective 5‐(2‐arylphenyl) analogues. With 2‐ or 4‐fluorobenzenediazonium derivatives, both fluoroaryl‐ and methoxyaryl‐ products were obtained, the latter resulting from a SNAr on the fluorobenzenediazonium salt (“nuisance effect”). A computational DFT analysis of the palladium‐catalysed and the palladium/ruthenium‐photocalysed mechanism for the functionalization of benzodiazepines indicated that, in the presence of the photocatalyst, the reaction proceeds via a low‐energy SET pathway avoiding the high‐energy oxidative addition step in the palladium‐only catalysed reaction pathway.

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Phase Segregation Enhanced Ion Movement in Efficient Inorganic CsPbIBr2 Solar Cells
Authors: Li Wei , Rothmann Mathias Uller , Liu Amelia , Wang Ziyu , Zhang Yupeng , Pascoe Alexander R. , Lu Jianfeng , Jiang Liangcong , Chen Yu , Huang Fuzhi , Peng Yong , Bao Qiaoliang , Etheridge Joanne , Bach Udo , Cheng Yi‐Bing
Published: July 2017

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells with mixed cations and mixed halides have achieved impressive power conversion efficiency of up to 22.1%. Phase segregation due to the mixed compositions has attracted wide concerns, and their nature and origin are still unclear. Some very useful analytical techniques are controversial in microstructural and chemical analyses due to electron beam‐induced damage to the “soft” hybrid perovskite materials. In this study photoluminescence, cathodoluminescence, and transmission electron microscopy are used to study charge carrier recombination and retrieve crystallographic and compositional information for all‐inorganic CsPbIBr2 films on the nanoscale. It is found that under light and electron beam illumination, “iodide‐rich” CsPbI(1+x)Br(2−x) phases form at grain boundaries as well as segregate as clusters inside the film. Phase segregation generates a high density of mobile ions moving along grain boundaries as ion migration “highways.” Finally, these mobile ions can pile up at the perovskite/TiO2 interface resulting in formation of larger injection barriers, hampering electron extraction and leading to strong current density–voltage hysteresis in the polycrystalline perovskite solar cells. This explains why the planar CsPbIBr2 solar cells exhibit significant hysteresis in efficiency measurements, showing an efficiency of up to 8.02% in the reverse scan and a reduced efficiency of 4.02% in the forward scan, and giving a stabilized efficiency of 6.07%.
The epigenomics of schizophrenia, in the mouse
Authors: Javidfar Behnam , Park Royce , Kassim Bibi S. , Bicks Lucy K. , Akbarian Schahram
Published: July 2017

Large‐scale consortia including the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, the Common Minds Consortium, BrainSeq and PsychENCODE, and many other studies taken together provide increasingly detailed insights into the genetic and epigenetic risk architectures of schizophrenia (SCZ) and offer vast amounts of molecular information, but with largely unexplored therapeutic potential. Here we discuss how epigenomic studies in human brain could guide animal work to test the impact of disease‐associated alterations in chromatin structure and function on cognition and behavior. For example, transcription factors such as MYOCYTE‐SPECIFIC ENHANCER FACTOR 2C (MEF2C), or multiple regulators of the open chromatin mark, methyl‐histone H3‐lysine 4, are associated with the genetic risk architectures of common psychiatric disease and alterations in chromatin structure and function in diseased brain tissue. Importantly, these molecules also affect cognition and behavior in genetically engineered mice, including virus‐mediated expression changes in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and other key nodes in the circuitry underlying psychosis. Therefore, preclinical and small laboratory animal work could target genomic sequences affected by chromatin alterations in SCZ. To this end, in vivo editing of enhancer and other regulatory non‐coding DNA by RNA‐guided nucleases including CRISPR‐Cas, and designer transcription factors, could be expected to deliver pipelines for novel therapeutic approaches aimed at improving cognitive dysfunction and other core symptoms of SCZ.
Dynamic Equilibrium of the Aurora A Kinase Activation Loop Revealed by Single‐Molecule Spectroscopy
Authors: Gilburt James A. H. , Sarkar Hajrah , Sheldrake Peter , Blagg Julian , Ying Liming , Dodson Charlotte A.
Published: July 2017

The conformation of the activation loop (T‐loop) of protein kinases underlies enzymatic activity and influences the binding of small‐molecule inhibitors. By using single‐molecule fluorescence spectroscopy, we have determined that phosphorylated Aurora A kinase is in dynamic equilibrium between a DFG‐in‐like active T‐loop conformation and a DFG‐out‐like inactive conformation, and have measured the rate constants of interconversion. Addition of the Aurora A activating protein TPX2 shifts the equilibrium towards an active T‐loop conformation whereas addition of the inhibitors MLN8054 and CD532 favors an inactive T‐loop. We show that Aurora A binds TPX2 and MLN8054 simultaneously and provide a new model for kinase conformational behavior. Our approach will enable conformation‐specific effects to be integrated into inhibitor discovery across the kinome, and we outline some immediate consequences for structure‐based drug discovery.
Gold‐Triggered Uncaging Chemistry in Living Systems
Authors: Pérez‐López Ana M. , Rubio‐Ruiz Belén , Sebastián Víctor , Hamilton Lloyd , Adam Catherine , Bray Thomas L. , Irusta Silvia , Brennan Paul M. , Lloyd‐Jones Guy C. , Sieger Dirk , Santamaría Jesús , Unciti‐Broceta Asier
Published: July 2017

Recent advances in bioorthogonal catalysis are increasing the capacity of researchers to manipulate the fate of molecules in complex biological systems. A bioorthogonal uncaging strategy is presented, which is triggered by heterogeneous gold catalysis and facilitates the activation of a structurally diverse range of therapeutics in cancer cell culture. Furthermore, this solid‐supported catalytic system enabled locally controlled release of a fluorescent dye into the brain of a zebrafish for the first time, offering a novel way to modulate the activity of bioorthogonal reagents in the most fragile and complex organs.
Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Synthesis of β‐Aminoboronate Esters by Copper(I)‐Catalyzed 1,2‐Addition of 1,1‐Bis[(pinacolato)boryl]alkanes to Imines
Authors: Kim Jeongho , Ko Kwangwook , Cho Seung Hwan
Published: July 2017

Reported herein is an efficient copper(I)‐catalytic system for the diastereo‐ and enantioselective 1,2‐addition of 1,1‐bis[(pinacolato)boryl]alkanes to protected imines to afford synthetically valuable enantioenriched β‐aminoboron compounds bearing contiguous stereogenic centers. The reaction exhibits a broad scope with respect to protected imines and 1,1‐bis[(pinacolato)boryl]alkanes, thus providing β‐aminoboronate esters with excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity. The synthetic utility of the obtained β‐aminoboronate ester was also demonstrated.
Organic Dye Adsorption by Amphiphilic Tris‐Urea Supramolecular Hydrogel
Authors: Takeshita Juri , Hasegawa Yuki , Yanai Kazushige , Yamamoto Ayumu , Ishii Ayumi , Hasegawa Miki , Yamanaka Masamichi
Published: July 2017

The development of an effective adsorbent for cleansing polluted water is required for environmental purification. In this respect, a supramolecular hydrogel constructed by the self‐assembly of small molecules could be a strong candidate. Adsorption experiments of organic dyes were performed using supramolecular hydrogels of amphiphilic tris‐urea 1. Cationic organic dyes were adsorbed efficiently; indeed, the adsorption of methylene blue was as high as 4.19 mol equivalents relative to 1. Two luminescence peaks were observed in the rhodamine 6G‐adsorbed supramolecular hydrogels, and their ratios varied with the amount of dye adsorbed. Fluorescence microscopy images of the supramolecular hydrogel at lower dye levels exhibited fibrous fluorescence consistent with the fibrous aggregates of 1. According to these results, adsorption may proceed gradually, that is, occurring initially on the fibers and later in the aqueous spaces of the supramolecular hydrogel.
Zero and second‐derivative synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy for the quantification of two non‐classical β‐lactams in pharmaceutical vials: Application to stability studies
Authors: Elzanfaly Eman S. , Youssif Rania M. , Salama Nahla N. , Fayed Ahmed S. , Hendawy Hassan A.M. , Salem Maissa Y.
Published: July 2017

The formation of metal chelates with various ligands may lead to the production of fluorescent chelates or enhance the fluorescence of the chelating agent. This paper describes two sensitive, selective and computer‐solved methods, namely, zero order (SF) and second‐derivative synchronous spectrofluorimetry (SDSFS) for nano‐quantitation of two carbapenems; meropenem (MP) and ertapenem (EP). The methods are based on the chelation of MP with Tb3+ and EP with Zr4+ in buffered organic medium at pH 4.0 to produce fluorescent chelates. In the zero order method, the relative synchronous fluorescence intensity is measured at 327.0 nm at Δλ = 70.0 and 100.0 nm for MP and EP, respectively. The second method utilizes a second‐derivative technique to enhance the method selectivity and emphasize a stability‐indicating approach. The peak amplitudes (2D) of the second‐derivative synchronous spectra were estimated to be 333.06 and 330.06 nm for MP and EP, respectively. The proposed synchronous spectrofluorimetric methods were validated according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines and applied successfully for the analysis of MP and EP in pure forms, pharmaceutical vials and in synthetic mixtures with different degradants of both drugs. Under optimum conditions, the mole‐ratio method was applied and the co‐ordination ratios of MP–Tb3+ and EP–Zr4+chelates were found to be 1:1 and 1:3. The formation constants for the chelation complexes were evaluated using the Benesi–Hildebrand's equation; the free energy change (ΔG) was also calculated. The results indicated that EP–Zr4+ was more stable than the MP–Tb3+ chelate. Moreover, the developed methods were found to be selective and inexpensive for quantitative determination of both drugs in quality control laboratories at nano‐levels.
Runx3 inhibits melanoma cell migration through regulation of cell shape change
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Linghui , Zeng Xianlu , Fujita Takashi , Liu Wenguang
Published: July 2017

The transcription factor Runx3 is a known tumor suppressor gene, and its expression is frequently lost in melanoma. However, the potential contribution of the loss of Runx3 expression to melanoma development and progression remains unclear. In this in vitro study, we demonstrated that ectopic Runx3 re‐expression in B16‐F10 melanoma cells changed the cell shape from elongated and branched to spread and unbranched, which enhanced stress fiber formation, increased the number of mature and fibrillar focal adhesions, and up‐regulated fibronectin expression. In association with the cell shape change, the Runx3 re‐expression in B16‐F10 melanoma cells inhibited cell migration. Moreover, the phenotype of the Runx3 induced cell shape change was partially resembled when the melanoma cells were cultured on a fibronectin‐coated coverslip, suggesting that fibronectin may mediate the Runx3 induced cell shape change of the melanoma cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that Runx3 may regulate cell shape to inhibit melanoma cell migration partly through enhancing stress fiber formation and ECM protein production. Our present study provides further evidence for the idea that cell shape change is potentially correlated with melanoma development and progression.
Crucible‐Free Preparation of Transition‐Metal Borides: HfB2
Authors: Henschel Anne , Binnewies Michael , Schmidt Marcus , Borrmann Horst , Grin Yuri
Published: July 2017

This study gives an account of an innovative, crucible‐free technique for the synthesis of single‐phase borides at relatively moderate temperatures. A metal wire heated by an electrical current reacts with a chosen gaseous boron halide in a gas/solid reaction yielding a single‐phase, oxygen‐ and carbon‐free product, as evidenced by X‐ray powder diffraction and chemical analysis. This method is demonstrated using the example of hafnium reacting with boron tribromide. Preliminary thermodynamic considerations show that this kind of crucible‐free synthesis specifically enables the preparation of borides of transition metals and similar elements.
Copper‐Catalysed Decarboxylative Trifluoromethylation of β‐Ketoacids
Authors: Xu Xiaolan , Chen Huanhuan , He Jianbo , Xu Huajian
Published: July 2017

An efficient method for Cu‐catalyzed decarboxylative trifluoromethylation of β‐ketoacids to achieve α‐trifluoromethyl ketones was developed. A wide variety of synthetically useful α‐trifluoromethyl ketones were obtained in modest to good yields under mild reaction conditions. The present method also exhibits good functional‐group compatibility.
Selective Insertion in Copolymerization of Ethylene and Styrene Catalyzed by Half‐Titanocene System Bearing Ketimide Ligand: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Xu Xiaowei , He Gaohong , Wei Ning‐Ning , Hao Ce , Pan Yu
Published: July 2017

The copolymerization of ethylene and styrene can be efficiently carried out by using Cp*TiCl2(N = CtBu2)/MAO (Cp*=η5‐C5Me5) system, yielding the poly(ethylene‐co‐styrene)s with isolated styrene units. In order to investigate the reasons for formation of the structure, the mechanism of copolymerization, especially the selective insertion of ethylene and styrene, is studied in detail by density functional theory (DFT) method. At the initiation stage, insertion of ethylene is kinetically more favorable than insertion of styrene, and insertion of styrene kinetically and thermodynamically prefers 2,1‐insertion. That is different from the conventional half‐titanocene system, in which the 1,2‐insertion is favorable. At chain propagation stage, the computational results suggest that the continuous insertion of styrene is hard to occur at room temperature due to the high free energy barriers (28.90 and 35.04 kcal/mol for 1,2‐insertion, and 29.15 and 34.00 kcal/mol for 2,1‐insertion) and thermodynamically unfavorable factors in two different conditions. That is mainly attributed to the steric hindrance between the coming styrene and chain‐end styrene or ketimide ligand. The computational results are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Comparative “nocebo effects” in older patients enrolled in cancer therapeutic trials: Observations from a 446‐patient cohort
Authors: Foster Jared C. , Le‐Rademacher Jennifer G. , Feliciano Josephine L. , Gajra Ajeet , Seisler Drew K. , DeMatteo Ronald , Lafky Jacqueline M. , Hurria Arti , Muss Hyman B. , Cohen Harvey J. , Jatoi Aminah
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

A nocebo is an inert substance associated with adverse events. Although previous studies have examined the positive (placebo) effects of such inert substances, few have examined negative (nocebo) adverse event profiles, particularly in older patients who have higher morbidity and can experience frequent and severe adverse events from cancer therapy.

METHODS

This study focused on placebo/nocebo‐exposed patients who participated in 2 double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cancer therapeutic studies, namely, North Central Cancer Therapy Group trial NCCTG 97‐24‐51 and American College of Surgeons Oncology Group trial Z9001, with the goal of reporting the comparative, age‐based adverse event rates, as reported during the conduct of these trials.

RESULTS

Among the 446 patients who received only placebo/nocebo and who were the focus of the current report, 161 were aged ≥65 years at the time of respective trial entry, and 5234 adverse events occurred. Unadjusted adverse event rates did not differ significantly between patients aged ≥65 years and younger patients (rate ratio, 1.01; 99% confidence interval, 0.47‐2.02), and the findings were similar findings for grade 2 or worse adverse events and for all symptom‐driven adverse events (for example, pain, loss of appetite, anxiety). Adjustment for sex, ethnicity, baseline performance score, and individual trial resulted in no significant age‐based differences in adverse event rates. Similar findings were observed with an age threshold of 70 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse events are equally common in older and younger cancer patients who are exposed to nocebo and thus require the same degree of clinical consideration regardless of age. Cancer 2017;123:4193–4198. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Alcohol‐Based Sensitizer–Semiconductor Linkages Towards Improved Interfacial Electron Transfer Kinetics
Authors: Beauvilliers Evan E. , Malewschik Talita , Meyer Gerald J.
Published: July 2017

A series of four ruthenium complexes with alcohol binding groups of the general form [Ru(dtb)2(LL)](PF6)2 (where dtb is 4,4′‐(tert‐butyl)2‐2,2′‐bipyridine and LL is an alcohol‐containing ligand) were anchored to mesoporous TiO2 thin films. The complexes were found to sensitize light‐driven electron‐transfer reactivity of TiO2 to the visible region and the complexes were hence termed sensitizers. The kinetics and yields of interfacial electron transfer were quantified on the nanosecond and longer timescales. The stability under oxidizing and light excitation conditions was assessed by spectroscopic methods. Comparative analysis with the more commonly utilized dicarboxylic acid containing ligand revealed that the sensitizer bearing two terminal CH2OH groups was found to have more efficient electron injection and slower back electron transfer.
Puppy or service dog in training? Why it matters
Authors: Masinter Michael R.
Published: July 2017

Several schools have reported the appearance on campus of students with puppies who claim the puppies are service dogs in training. This column discusses how to respond.
Meet accessibility needs with effective fundraising
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2017

Michael Hudson was diagnosed as legally blind as a child, and that diagnosis strongly influenced his decision to work in the disability services field. He's been at the Michigan State University Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities for 25 years, and has been the director there since 1999.
Access in surgery: CART as a method of inclusion for deaf and hard‐of‐hearing learners
Authors: Hori Joshua , Meeks Lisa M.
Published: July 2017

Providing full access to deaf and hard‐of‐hearing learners in sterile environments such as surgical suites has posed a challenge to disability services providers in health science programs. Complications for DHOH learners include.
Faculty don't disclose mental health issues to institution
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2017

Faculty members with mental health concerns or conditions won't reach out to their institution for help, such as counseling, but they might confide in a colleague. That's according to a study by Margaret Price, associate professor of English and disability studies at Ohio State University. “Disclosure of Mental Disability by College and University Faculty: The Negotiation of Accommodations, Supports, and Barriers” was published in Disability Studies Quarterly.
Development of Hybrid Small Sensor Module for Measuring Both Electroencephalogram and Cortical Hemoglobin Concentration
Authors: SAITO ATSUSHI , SANKAI YOSHIYUKI
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study is to develop a small hybrid sensor module that is integrated an active electrode and an optical device, and to confirm the basic performances of the sensor module and the capability to measure brain activities. The active electrode is composed of an electrode plate and a preamplifier. The optical device is composed of a laser diode, photo‐diodes, and preamplifiers. In order to confirm the basic performances, we measured the frequency response and the noise density of the electrode, the frequency response of the optical detector, the stability of the light source, and the response to hemoglobin concentration change. All of the basic performances were enough to measure brain activities. In order to confirm the capability to measure brain activity, an electroencephalogram (EEG) measurement experiment and a cortical hemoglobin concentration measurement experiment were carried out. EEG signals of alpha wave region were significantly weak during light stimuli (p<0.05). Cortical hemoglobin concentration signals were significantly strong during Stroop test (p<0.05). In conclusion, we developed the small hybrid sensor module and confirmed the basic performance and the capability to measure brain activities.
A Stability Analysis Method for Biochemical Reaction System with Inhibitory Feedback Loop
Authors: NAKAKUKU TAKASHI
Published: July 2017

In this study, we propose an application methodology of the Nyquist criterion for biochemical reaction systems with the biological negative feedback loops. The molecular robot or a real biochemical reaction system such as an intracellular signal transduction system utilizes negative feedback regulation to enhance the stability and robustness. However, since such a system tends to be a high dimensional, nonlinear, and complex system with multiple feedback loops, it is troublesome to quantitatively evaluate the stability margin of the whole system in terms of a particular feedback loop. We show that by modifying the system gain the Nyquist criterion can be appreciable for this problem, and as a result the stability margin can be calculated.
Development of a Compact Synchrotron for Proton Beam Therapy
Authors: EBINA FUTARO , UMEZAWA MASUMI , NISHIUCHI HIDEAKI , AOKI TAKAMICHI , HIRAMOTO KAZUO , MATSUDA KOUJI , UMEGAKI KIKUO , FURUSAKA MICHIHIRO
Published: July 2017

This research aims to develop a compact synchrotron dedicated for proton beam therapy using a scanning irradiation method. The effective length and magnetic uniformity of the bending magnets in the synchrotron were analyzed by 3D static magnetic field calculations. The calculation results indicate that the shape of the bending magnet satisfies the specification for beam stability. A push–pull multifeed‐driven technique allows shortening the length of the FINEMET RF acceleration cavity for the synchrotron from 600 mm to 450 mm. The circumference of the synchrotron is 18 m, which is the world's most compact size for proton beam therapy.
Size and variation in individual growth rates among food web modules
Authors: Granados Monica , Altshuler Ianina , Plourde Stéphane , Fussmann Gregor F.
Published: July 2017

The complexity of food webs can be reduced to fundamental modules of trophic interactions that repeat to form reticulate webs. Omnivory, defined as feeding on more than one trophic level, is a module that is found in food webs more often than predicted by chance, likely because it confers stability. Yet, little is known about how omnivore and other food web modules affect individuals in the food web. Here, we constructed four different experimental food web modules using a blue mussel predator, zooplankton consumer, and phytoplankton resource. By manipulating the predator's access to the consumer and providing resource subsidies, we produced exploitative competition, food chain and omnivory food web modules, and a consumer‐resource interaction. We used RNA:DNA ratios to measure the growth rate of the consumer in each food web. In 24‐h experiments, growth rates of the consumer in the omnivory food web were significantly higher and more variable than in the other modules. Our results suggest that higher growth rates and variation at the individual scale may weaken the strength of predator–consumer interactions and help explain the ubiquity of omnivory in real food webs.
Fabrication of One‐Dimensional Mesoporous CoP Nanorods as Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Bei , Ru Qiang , Guo Qing , Chen Xiaoqiu , Wang Zhen , Hou Xianhua , Hu Shejun
Published: July 2017

One‐dimensional mesoporous CoP nanorods have been successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method and subsequent low‐temperature thermal phosphorization treatment. At a current density of 500 mA g–1, CoP nanorods as anode materials for lithium ion batteries deliver a high discharge capacity of 894 mAh g–1 after 300 cycles, with a coulombic efficiency of over 99 %. Even at a high current rate of 4000 mA g–1, the discharge capacity of the CoP electrode can still retain 467 mAh g–1. The results suggest that the introduction of cobalt and the special mesoporous nanorods play important roles in enhancing the electrochemical properties. Therefore, this rodlike CoP electrode is competent as a promising anode material for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries.
Ruthenium Catechol Phosphane Complexes as Metalloligands for the Controlled Assembly of Heterobimetallics
Authors: Schlindwein Simon Hugo , Hänisch Susann , Nieger Martin , Gudat Dietrich
Published: July 2017

Highly specific reactions of a catechol phosphane (2, H2L) with suitable ruthenium precursors afforded complexes [Ru(LH2)2Cl2], [Ru(LH)2(L′)x] (L′ = NO, PPh3, Cl, py, CNtBu) or [Ru(LH)3]Y (Y = H, K), in which 2 acts as P,O‐bound chelating ligand. The formation of bis‐ or tris‐chelate structures depends on the metal‐to‐ligand ratio employed. All products were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic data and single‐crystal XRD studies. The orientation of the neutral and mono‐deprotonated catechol groups is strongly influenced by hydrogen bonding, and the free hydroxyl groups in some complexes are pre‐organized for coordination of a second metal centre, and this suggests that these species can be used as metalloligands. This hypothesis was verified by the synthesis of heterobimetallic Ru,Ti complexes through reactions of selected metalloligands with suitable TiIV precursors. Characterization of the products by single‐crystal XRD studies revealed that the bimetallic complexes contain cores of two face‐sharing metal‐centred octahedra, which are linked by two and three ditopic ligands, respectively.
Cyclometalated Rhodium(III) Complexes Based on Substituted 2‐Phenylpyridine Ligands: Synthesis, Structures, Photophysics, Electrochemistry, and DNA‐Binding Properties
Authors: Liang Haoran , Hao Taotao , Yin Changzhen , Yang Xi , Fu Haiyan , Zheng Xueli , Li Ruixiang , Xiao Dan , Chen Hua
Published: July 2017

A new series of octahedral rhodium(III) complexes 1–8 of the type [(Ln)2Rh(dppz)]Cl (n = 1–6) and [(Ln)2Rh(dppz)](PF6) {n = 1, 7, 8; L = 2‐phenylpyridine, with different modifications, as the C,N‐chelating ligand; and dppz = dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine} have been synthesized and fully characterized. The photophysical properties of the complexes have been investigated. The single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction structures of five complexes – [(L1)2Rh(dppz)](PF6), [(L2)2Rh(dppz)]Cl, [(L3)2Rh(dppz)](PF6), [(L4)2Rh(dppz)](PF6), and [(L8)2Rh(dppz)](PF6) – have confirmed the anticipated structure and have revealed the effect of substitution on the structure of the complex, which has been reasonably explained through experimental electrochemical characterization. The interaction of complexes 1–8 with calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) has been verified by the fluorescent detection of ethidium bromide (EB) displacement studies. The result clearly suggests that the DNA‐binding abilities of these Rh complexes are not only influenced by the DNA‐intercalator dppz, but are also highly influenced by the electronic and steric properties of the C,N‐chelating ligands.
A 1,2‐trans‐Selective Glycosyl Donor Bearing Cyclic Protection at the C‐2 and C‐3 Hydroxy Groups
Authors: Yagami Nahoko , Tamai Hideki , Udagawa Taro , Ueki Akiharu , Konishi Miku , Imamura Akihiro , Ishida Hideharu , Kiso Makoto , Ando Hiromune
Published: July 2017

A new 1,2‐trans‐selective glycosylation reaction is described. Glucosyl donors protected cyclically at the C‐2 and C‐3 hydroxy groups as six‐ (butane diacetal), seven‐ (tetraisopropyldisiloxanylidene), or eight‐ (2,3‐o‐xylylene) membered fused rings were synthesized in a straightforward manner. The glycosylation reactions of the glucosyl donors with various acceptors mainly generated β‐glycosides under conventional reaction conditions. The results show that the o‐xylylene group is a suitable 1,2‐trans‐directing group from the points of view of stereoselectivity and chemical stability. A conformational study of the oxocarbenium ion of an o‐xylylene‐protected glucose derivative by NMR spectroscopy and computational simulation was carried out. The results imply that the oxocarbenium ion mainly adopts a 4H3 conformation owing to the rigid trans‐fused ring at C‐2 and C‐3, while a noncyclically protected derivative might fluctuate between conformations. These results suggest that an eclipsing interaction between the pseudoequatorial xyloxy group at C‐2 and the incoming nucleophile hampers 1,2‐cis attack.
Twisted Diarylnitroxides: An Efficient Route for Radical Stabilization
Authors: Levitskiy Oleg A. , Eremin Dmitry B. , Bogdanov Alexey V. , Magdesieva Tatiana V.
Published: July 2017

New strategy for the molecular design of stable diarylnitroxides was elaborated based on the insertion of a bulky substituent into the ortho‐position of the phenyl ring thus disturbing its conjugation with the radical center. A series of new twisted diaryl nitroxides with tert‐butyl and trifluoromethyl substituents in different positions and combinations was obtained and fully characterized. Electron spin resonance (ESR) and density functional theory (DFT) studies confirmed that the ortho‐substituted phenyl ring is removed from the conjugation; the O–N–C–C torsion angle was shown to be dependent not only on the bulkiness of the ortho‐substituent, but it is also influenced by the electron‐donating or electron‐withdrawing ability of the substituents in both phenyl rings. These nitroxides constitute the first examples of stable diarylnitroxides with a vacant para‐position on the phenyl ring. The new approach will broaden the scope of available stable diarylnitroxyl radicals, which are practically important.
Multivariate distribution correction of climate model outputs: A generalization of quantile mapping approaches
Authors: Dekens Léonard , Parey Sylvie , Grandjacques Mathilde , Dacunha‐Castelle Didier
Published: July 2017

Climate change impact studies necessitate the estimation of climate variable evolution in the future. These are given by climate model simulations made under different greenhouse gas and aerosol emission scenarios agreed at the international level. However, climate model outputs have biases, especially at the local scale, and need to be corrected against observations. Common bias correction methods are distribution based and form the well‐known quantile mapping approaches. This paper presents a generalization of such techniques to the consideration of multivariate distributions. This approach uses the basic lemma of Lévy and Rosenblatt, which allows the transport of a distribution on another one, in every dimension. It needs convenient nonparametric estimations of conditional repartitions. The approach is first tested in a controlled framework, by use of statistical simulations, then in the real setting of climate simulation, in the bivariate case. An important issue of these types of distribution corrections is the different kinds of hypotheses of stationarity over a long enough period: stationarity of the link between model and observations whatever the period or stationarity of the change between the present and future for model and observations. This choice differentiates approaches like quantile mapping and cumulative distribution function transform, for example, in the univariate framework, and makes them more efficient, in the univariate as well as in the multivariate context, when the data to be corrected best verify the assumed hypothesis.
DISCOVERING THE STRATEGY FOR WHOLE SYSTEM MODELING
Authors: Ring Jack
Published: July 2017

This paper presents an interim report of an inquiry into the strategy for evolving to a whole system modeling capability. The ability to accurately anticipate the behaviour of a whole system is key to system engineering of all kinds. Currently, it is the larger unknown. A strategy specifies the allocation and scheduling of capabilities that will moderate impediments sufficiently to enable achievement of objectives. Pending refinement, the objective for the year 2015 envisions approximately 100,000 practitioners performing whole system modelling, worldwide, at ten‐fold better productivity and innovation than exists today. The inquiry to date has identified impediments, selected key impediments, and discovered their relative influence pattern. Also identified is a key subset of foreseeable capabilities that could moderate the impediments. The gap between these two profiles indicates our profession's readiness to meet the challenge. This paper presents the results to date and describes work remaining.
CAN SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SUPPORT AN OWNER OPERATOR ORGANISATION WHEN FACED WITH THE CHALLENGE OF BEING A DESIGN AUTHORITY?
Authors: Cowper Doug , Krolikowski Andrew , Gallagher Ian , McGrogan Nick
Published: July 2017

Over the years, acquisition methodologies, such as best value procurement (BVP), have resulted in a shift in engineering procurement where large organisations increasingly ask their supply chain to take on the responsibility for part of, or overall, system design. However, just handing over a set of requirements to a supplier and then waiting for them to deliver is a high‐risk strategy especially with novel/complex programmes. To reduce the risk of problems and to comply with some regulatory environments, the intelligent customer needs to take design responsibility, focusing on technically assuring that the system will be fit for purpose. This paper explores the issues facing an owner operator who needs to be the design authority, identifies aspects of systems engineering that require further work to support an owner design authority, and shows how systems engineering can support a design authority on a complex systems programme, in such a shared design management arrangement and regulated environment.
PRINCIPLES OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT: REFLECTIONS FROM 45 YEARS OF SPACECRAFT TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT THE MULLARD SPACE SCIENCE LABORATORY
Authors: Emes Michael R. , Smith Alan , James Adrian M. , Whyndham Matthew W. , Leal Raúl , Jackson Simon C.
Published: July 2017

Based on 45 years of experience conducting research and development into spacecraft instrumentation and 13 years experience teaching systems engineering in a range of industries, the Mullard Space Science Laboratory at UCL has identified a set of guiding principles that have been invaluable in delivering successful projects in the most demanding of environments. The five principles are: ‘principles govern process,’ ‘seek alternative systems perspectives,’ ‘understand the enterprise context,’ ‘integrate systems engineering and project management,’ and ‘invest in the early stages of projects.’ A common thread behind the principles is a desire to foster the ability to anticipate and respond to a changing environment with a constant focus on achieving long‐term value for the enterprise. These principles applied in space projects have been spun‐out to non‐space projects (primarily through UCL's Centre for Systems Engineering). They are in UCL's extensive teaching and professional training programme.
AN MBSE APPROACH TO SUPPORT ORGANISATIONAL REFORM OF THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY
Authors: Do Quoc , Gahan CMDR Malcolm , Davidson CMDR Colin
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a unique MBSE approach to enterprise modelling using a combination of IDEF0 functional modelling method. We applied this approach to the modelling of the engineering and administrative processes of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). We developed the model named Materiel Seaworthiness Functional Master Set (MS FMS). Importantly, the MS FMS initiative drive comes from the top‐down by the Head of Navy Engineering, Rear Admiral Mick Uzzell AM. He wants assurance that all organisational entities in the large and complex environment of Navy, Defence Groups, and Industry are performing the right functions in a coordinated way to continuously deliver seaworthy materiel (ships, submarines and support items). We are piloting an analytical capability using the well‐established Multi‐attribute Value Analysis (MVA) method named the FMS Traffic Light System that aims to facilitate “what if ” analysis, ascertain functional health status, and inform high‐level organisational resource allocation and strategic planning to further the quest to balance efficient delivery with efficient resource allocation.
SUBSEA OIL PRODUCTION: THE DESIGN BASIS
Authors: Piciaccia Luca A.
Published: July 2017

The origination of the design basis document for subsea production systems (SPS) in the oil industry is a challenging task. The completeness and correctness of the design basis is crucial for the successful execution of the project in safety, technical, and commercial terms.

This work aims to establish, through systems engineering and through information models (model‐based systems engineering (MBSE)), how the SPS design basis should be optimally developed. The MBSE is integrated into this work by the theory of transactional processing, which is implicit in the universal thought process when using behavioral models but seldom explicitly referred to.

The current industry practice for developing an SPS design basis is compared to the suggested optimal process. The work constitutes the foundation for the revised design basis issuing procedure and the design review practice for the Aker Solutions worldwide subsea business.

This work is part of a PhD at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
OVERCOMING ENGINEERING CHALLENGES OF PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE USER INTERFACE TO A LARGE SCALE DISTRIBUTED SYNTHETIC ENVIRONMENT ON THE US TERAGRID: A SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SUCCESS STORY
Authors: Kalawsky Roy S.
Published: July 2017

Over recent years’ large‐scale distributed synthetic environment enterprises have been evolving in a diverse range of scientific and engineering fields. These computer modelling and simulation systems are increasing in scale and dimension in order to allow scientists and engineers to explore the attributes and emergent properties of a given system design. Within the field of computational science, the grid facilitates very large‐scale collaborative simulation enterprises. The grid is similar to distributed interactive simulation/high level architecture (DIS/HLA) in that it supports interconnectivity but differs in the sense that it supports intercommunication of large super computing resources. An important factor in the rapid adoption of the grid has been its role in enabling access to significant supercomputing resources not usually available at a single institution. However, the major challenge for the grid has been the lack of an effective and ubiquitous interface to the huge computational resource (which can comprise over 6000 CPUs distributed across the globe) at any time and from any location. This paper describes a unique user interface built on systems engineering principles and practices to solve the problem of delivering real‐time interaction (from lightweight computing devices such as personal digital assistants, commonly known as tablet devices, to high end computing platforms) with simulations delivering high resolution 3D images. The application of our work has far reaching benefits for many sectors including: aerospace, medical informatics, engineering design, distributed simulation, and modelling.