bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 22.5 kb deletion in CUL4B causing Cabezas syndrome identified using CNV approach from WES data
Authors: López Maria , Pérez‐Grijalba Virginia , García‐Cobaleda Inmaculada , Domínguez‐Garrido Elena
Published: September 2020

Detecting clinical grade CNV based on WES is being improved in the NGS era.
Seventh time lucky—A case report of multiple radiofrequency ablations for right ventricular outflow tract tachycardia
Authors: Mattsson Gustav , Magnusson Peter , Raatikainen Pekka
Published: September 2020

Right ventricular outflow tachycardia initially refractory to radiofrequency ablation may be successfully treated after radiofrequency ablation at multiple sites. Repeated radiofrequency ablations as well as cooperation across borders with referral to an international center of excellence may be required in complicated cases
Mechanistic Aspects on the Electrografting of Carbon Surfaces by Oxidation of Carboxylates Bearing Unsaturated Groups
Authors: Morales‐Martínez Daniel , Lartundo‐Rojas Luis , González Felipe J.
Published: September 2020

The anodic oxidation of tetrabutylammonium carboxylates bearing aromatic or unsaturated terminal groups is a reaction that allows the covalent grafting of organic moieties on carbon electrodes in acetonitrile as solvent. The electron transfer step is followed by a fast decarboxylation reaction, which releases the respective unsaturated free radicals, whose transient formation at the interface explain the surface grafting phenomenon, however; the lack of grafting during the oxidation of saturated aliphatic carboxylates is unexpected. Therefore, this work shows that the covalent grafting by oxidation of unsaturated carboxylates is favored for a parallel orientation of the radicals on the electrode surface, which is originated by the positive polarization of the electrode and the partially negative electronic density on the terminal unsaturated groups in the radical structure. This orientation is furthermore the result of a previous similar orientation of the unsaturated carboxylates, which is transitorily retained because of the very high rate of the decarboxylation step. Cyclic voltammetry experiments performed using different saturated and unsaturated alkyl‐carboxylates, their respective carboxylic acids, as well as the use of ferrocene derivatives as redox probes were used to indirectly support the main conclusions given here.
Induced Production, Synthesis, and Immunomodulatory Action of Clostrisulfone, a Diarylsulfone from Clostridium acetobutylicum
Authors: Neuwirth Toni , Letzel Anne‐Catrin , Tank Cedric , Ishida Keishi , Cyrulies Michael , Schmölz Lisa , Lorkowski Stefan , Hertweck Christian
Published: September 2020

The anaerobe Clostridium acetobutylicum belongs to the most important industrially used bacteria. Whereas genome mining points to a high potential for secondary metabolism in C. acetobutylicum, the functions of most biosynthetic gene clusters are cryptic. We report that the addition of supra‐physiological concentrations of cysteine triggered the formation of a novel natural product, clostrisulfone (1). Its structure was fully elucidated by NMR, MS and the chemical synthesis of a reference compound. Clostrisulfone is the first reported natural product with a diphenylsulfone scaffold. A biomimetic synthesis suggests that pentamethylchromanol‐derived radicals capture sulfur dioxide to form 1. In a cell‐based assay using murine macrophages a biphasic and dose‐dependent regulation of the LPS‐induced release of nitric oxide was observed in the presence of 1.
Spotlight on Photoinduced Aryl Migration Reactions
Authors: Huynh Marie , De Abreu Maxime , Belmont Philippe , Brachet Etienne
Published: September 2020

Rearrangement reactions are certainly one of the most useful approaches towards complex structures in organic chemistry. With efficient conditions, it is indeed possible to convert simple substrates into highly functionalized products. Moreover, combining this approach with an attractive initiation process, such as visible‐light catalysis, makes these reactions particularly powerful. Recently, tremendous improvements have been made, owing to a better understanding of photoredox mechanisms. In this review, recent progress on visible‐light aryl migration reactions is discussed, focusing especially on Smiles rearrangement and related reactions.
Saccharide Recognition by a Three‐Arm‐Shaped Host Having Preorganized Three‐Dimensional Hydrogen‐Bonding Sites
Authors: Ohishi Yuki , Masuda Kentaro , Kudo Kazuki , Abe Hajime , Inouye Masahiko
Published: September 2020

Generally, cage‐shaped hosts for saccharides can bind strongly to guest molecules because of the three‐dimensional preorganized hydrogen‐bonding sites. However, the preparation of cage molecules is often difficult because of the low yield of the macrocyclization step. Here, we report a three‐arm‐shaped molecule possessing pyridine‐acetylene‐phenol units as a new kind of host having a preorganized three‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonding site. This three‐arm‐shaped host was readily prepared compared to a cage‐shaped analogue. This host associated with lipophilic glycosides to form chiral complexes, and the association constants were sufficiently high as to be comparable to those of the cage‐shaped analogue. Furthermore, this host extracted native monosaccharides into a lipophilic solvent.
Chiral Imidazoline Ligands and Their Applications in Metal‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis†
Authors: Li Jiajing , Yu Bing , Lu Zhan
Published: September 2020

As a structural analog of oxazoline, imidazoline (4,5‐dihydroimidazole) has received much attention in the rational design of chiral ligands. The additional N‐substituent provides broader space for fine‐tuning of electronic and steric effects, and it offers a good handle for immobilizing onto solid supports. In the past decades, imidazoline ring has emerged as a powerful candidate for the design of chiral nitrogen‐containing ligands, as well as a significant alternative for oxazoline ring. Various chiral imidazoline ligands have been designed and utilized in asymmetric organic reactions. These new catalysts can not only be applied in classical reactions, but also be employed to develop new organic reactions with high enantioselectivities. This review provides an overview of chiral imidazoline ligands. Their applications in asymmetric synthesis are also summarized.
Classification of Generalized Kähler‐Ricci Solitons on Complex Surfaces
Authors: Streets Jeffrey , Ustinovskiy Yury
Published: September 2020

Using toric geometry we give an explicit construction of the compact steady solitons for pluriclosed flow first constructed in by the first author in 2019. This construction also reveals that these solitons are generalized Kähler in two distinct ways, with vanishing and nonvanishing Poisson structure. This gives the first examples of generalized Kähler structures with nonvanishing Poisson structure on nonstandard Hopf surfaces, completing the existence question for such structures. Moreover, this gives a complete answer to the existence question for generalized Kähler‐Ricci solitons on compact complex surfaces. In the setting of generalized Kähler geometry with vanishing Poisson structure, we show that these solitons are unique. We show that these solitons are global attractors for the generalized Kähler‐Ricci flow among metrics with maximal symmetry. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
A Model Averaging/Selection Approach Improves the Predictive Performance of Model‐Informed Precision Dosing: Vancomycin as a Case Study
Authors: Uster David W. , Stocker Sophie L. , Carland Jane E. , Brett Jonathan , Marriott Deborah J.E. , Day Richard O. , Wicha Sebastian G.
Published: September 2020

Many important drugs exhibit substantial variability in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics leading to a loss of the desired clinical outcomes or significant adverse effects. Forecasting drug exposures using pharmacometric models can improve individual target attainment when compared with conventional therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). However, selecting the “correct” model for this model‐informed precision dosing (MIPD) is challenging. We derived and evaluated a model selection algorithm (MSA) and a model averaging algorithm (MAA), which automates model selection and finds the best model or combination of models for each patient using vancomycin as a case study, and implemented both algorithms in the MIPD software “TDMx.” The predictive performance (based on accuracy and precision) of the two algorithms was assessed in (i) a simulation study of six distinct populations and (ii) a clinical dataset of 180 patients undergoing TDM during vancomycin treatment and compared with the performance obtained using a single model. Throughout the six virtual populations the MSA and MAA (imprecision: 9.9–24.2%, inaccuracy: less than ± 8.2%) displayed more accurate predictions than the single models (imprecision: 8.9–51.1%; inaccuracy: up to 28.9%). In the clinical dataset, the predictive performance of the single models applying at least one plasma concentration varied substantially (imprecision: 28–62%, inaccuracy: −16 to 25%), whereas the MSA or MAA utilizing these models simultaneously resulted in unbiased and precise predictions (imprecision: 29% and 30%, inaccuracy: −5% and 0%, respectively). MSA and MAA approaches implemented in TDMx might thereby lower the burden of fit‐for‐purpose validation of individual models and streamline MIPD.
Hydrostatic‐Pressure‐Controlled Molecular Recognition: A Steroid Sensing Case Using Modified Cyclodextrin
Authors: Miyagawa Akihisa , Yoneda Hiroshi , Mizuno Hiroaki , Numata Munenori , Okada Tetsuo , Fukuhara Gaku
Published: September 2020

Dansyl‐modified cyclodextrin (CD) demonstrates molecular recognition behavior under high pressure as revealed by means of hydrostatic‐pressure UV/Vis, circular dichroism, and fluorescence spectroscopies, as well as fluorescence lifetime measurements. The dansyl branch, originally included into the CD cavity, was gradually excluded with increasing pressure, and then reached to lie on the primary rim. The CD sector rule can be used to explain the pressure‐dependent pre‐equilibration of ‘naphthyl‐in’ and ‘naphthyl‐out’ complexes. These in‐out conformers play pivotal roles in guest binding under high pressure. The supramolecular complexation of cholic acid, i. e., ursodeoxycholic or chenodeoxycholic acid, with the modified CD was also suppressed upon hydrostatic pressurization due to both positive reaction volumes (ΔV>0). The present work provides a useful strategy for designing a pressure‐responsive chemical sensor based on modified CD.
Disposable Pencil Graphite Electrode for Ciprofloxacin Determination in Pharmaceutical Formulations by Square Wave Voltammetry
Authors: Alves Guilherme Figueira , Lisboa Thalles Pedrosa , de Faria Lucas Vinícius , de Farias Davi Marques , Matos Maria Auxiliadora Costa , Matos Renato Camargo
Published: September 2020

In this work, a new electrochemical sensor based on pencil graphite with interesting features, such as low cost (US$ 0.01 per electrode), ease manufacture, and portability was developed. The sensor showed an adequate manufacturing reproducibility with RSD <5.3 %. Under this electrochemical platform, ciprofloxacin underwent an irreversible oxidation process at 1.03 V, characterized by the diffusion of electroactive species. A simple method by square wave voltammetry (SWV) has been optimized for the determination of ciprofloxacin in pharmaceutical formulations using a pencil graphite electrode (PGE). The method showed satisfactory analytical performance, with a wide linear range (12 to 55 μmol L−1), low detection limit (5.6 μmol L−1), adequate precision (RSD <3.2 %), and accuracy with an average recovery of (102±15)%. Samples of pharmaceutical formulations were evaluated, obtaining levels of ciprofloxacin close to those established by the manufacturers. In addition, the samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography and there was no significant difference between the methods at the 95 % confidence level. In this sense, the method developed proved to be reliable and promising for the quality control of pharmaceutical formulations.
Nutritional, Texture, and Sensory Properties of composite biscuits produced from breadfruit and wheat flours enriched with edible fish meal
Authors: Bakare Adegoke H. , Adeola Abiodun A. , Otesile Ibijoke , Obadina Adewale O. , Afolabi Wasiu A. , Adegunwa Mojisola O. , Akerele Rachael A. , Bamgbose Olaoluwa O. , Alamu Emmanuel O.
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to develop biscuits with improved nutritional contents using edible fish meal from catfish as the source of macro‐ and micronutrient enrichment while trying to reduce the input of wheat flour in biscuit‐making process. The biscuit was produced using edible fish meal (EFM: 0%–40%) from catfish, improved quality breadfruit (IQBF: 0%–60%), and wheat flours (WF: 0%–40%). Macro (crude protein, fat, fiber, ash, and carbohydrate)‐ and micro (calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and iron)‐nutrient contents of the biscuit were determined. The color (lightness—L*, redness—a*, and yellowness—b*), texture (hardness, springiness, and adhesiveness), and sensory (taste, texture, and overall acceptability) attributes of the biscuits were assessed using standard methods. Model characteristics of the responses were profiled, and numerical optimization technique was used to predict combination/blends that produce biscuits with desired nutritional contents. Moisture, crude protein, fat, fiber, and ash values were in the range of 3.50%–5.57%, 3.06%–15.52%, 13.62%–26.00%, 0.31%–1.40%, and 1.98%–5.32%, respectively. The iron, calcium, and phosphorus contents of the biscuit ranged from 103.85 to 201.30 mg/100 g, 100 to 754 mg/100 g, and 8 mg/100 g to 304 mg/100 g, respectively. Interaction between the models for WF and EFM was significant and this significantly affected the L* (36.37–51.90) and adhesiveness (0.01–0.29) values for color and texture, respectively. Similar observations were also noticed for most of the nutrients. The quadratic models selected for the nutrients were all significant (p < .05) and the adjusted R2 ranged from 0.61 to 0.84 and 0.59 to 0.97 for the macro‐ and micronutrients, respectively. In conclusion, a biscuit from IQBF, WF, and EFM of 61.33, 0.07, and 38.60 with protein, fat, ash, iron, and calcium contents of 10.41%, 17.59%, 2.05%, 120.52 mg/100 g, and 500.00 mg/100 g, respectively, was produced.
Innovative approach to identify multigenomic and environmental interactions associated with birth defects in family‐based hybrid designs
Authors: Lou Xiang‐Yang , Hou Ting‐Ting , Liu Shou‐Ye , Xu Hai‐Ming , Lin Feng , Tang Xinyu , MacLeod Stewart L. , Cleves Mario A. , Hobbs Charlotte A.
Published: September 2020

Genes, including those with transgenerational effects, work in concert with behavioral, environmental, and social factors via complex biological networks to determine human health. Understanding complex relationships between causal factors underlying human health is an essential step towards deciphering biological mechanisms. We propose a new analytical framework to investigate the interactions between maternal and offspring genetic variants or their surrogate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and environmental factors using family‐based hybrid study design. The proposed approach can analyze diverse genetic and environmental factors and accommodate samples from a variety of family units, including case/control–parental triads, and case/control–parental dyads, while minimizing potential bias introduced by population admixture. Comprehensive simulations demonstrated that our innovative approach outperformed the log‐linear approach, the best available method for case–control family data. The proposed approach had greater statistical power and was capable to unbiasedly estimate the maternal and child genetic effects and the effects of environmental factors, while controlling the Type I error rate against population stratification. Using our newly developed approach, we analyzed the associations between maternal and fetal SNPs and obstructive and conotruncal heart defects, with adjustment for demographic and lifestyle factors and dietary supplements. Fourteen and 11 fetal SNPs were associated with obstructive and conotruncal heart defects, respectively. Twenty‐seven and 17 maternal SNPs were associated with obstructive and conotruncal heart defects, respectively. In addition, maternal body mass index was a significant risk factor for obstructive defects. The proposed approach is a powerful tool for interrogating the etiological mechanism underlying complex traits.
Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I-Related Chain A Alleles and Histology of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Karrar Azza , Rajput Bijal , Hariharan Siddharth , Abdelatif Dinan , Houry Mohamad , Moosvi Ali , Ali Irfan , Tan Daisong , Noor Sohailla , Esmaeili Donna , Felix Sean , Alaparthi Lakshmi , Otgonsuren Munkhzul , Lam Brian , Goodman Zachary D. , Younossi Zobair M.
Published: September 2020

Major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A (MICA) is a highly polymorphic gene that modulates immune surveillance by binding to its receptor on natural killer cells, and its genetic polymorphisms have been associated with chronic immune-mediated diseases. The progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is characterized by accumulation of fat and inflammatory cells in the hepatic parenchyma, potentially leading to liver cell injury and fibrosis. To date, there are no data describing the potential role of MICA in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Therefore, our aim was to assess the association between MICA polymorphism and NASH and its histologic features. A total of 134 subjects were included. DNA from patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction–sequence-specific oligonucleotide for MICA alleles. Liver biopsies were assessed for histologic diagnosis of NASH and specific pathologic features, including stage of fibrosis and grade of inflammation. Multivariate analysis was performed to draw associations between MICA alleles and the different variables; P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Univariate analysis showed that MICA*011 (odds ratio [OR], 7.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-41.0; P = 0.04) was associated with a higher risk for histologic NASH. Multivariate analysis showed that MICA*002 was independently associated with a lower risk for focal hepatocyte necrosis (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.08-0.74; P = 0.013) and advanced fibrosis (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02-0.70; P = 0.019). MICA*017 was independently associated with a higher risk for lymphocyte-mediated inflammation (OR, 5.12; 95% CI, 1.12-23.5; P = 0.035). Conclusion: MICA alleles may be associated with NASH and its histologic features of inflammation and fibrosis. Additional research is required to investigate the potential role of MICA in increased risk or protection against NAFLD.
The ‘Health Transformation Plan’ in Iran: A policy to achieve universal health coverage in slums and informal settlement areas
Authors: Behzadifar Masoud , Saran Maryam , Behzadifar Meysam , Martini Mariano , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi
Published: September 2020

Universal health coverage (UHC) is one of the strategies that health decision‐ and policy‐makers worldwide are implementing to guarantee a good health status to everyone. Living in slums is characterized by several issues, including homelessness and malnutrition, environmental challenges, lack of sanitation and access to safe, healthy drinking water, waste disposal problems, widespread social disruptions, job insecurity, feelings of dissatisfaction and inadequacy. In Iran, the ‘Health Transformation Plan’ (HTP), despite its weaknesses, has had good effects on the health level of people living in slums, ensuring insurance coverage and reducing many economic, social and cultural problems, with a dramatic decline in out‐of‐pocket expenditures. Good governmental financial support and an adequate revision of the initial packages of health services and provisions have resulted in a higher access rate to healthcare. The HTP has been, indeed, a major step towards reaching UHC in Iran. If policy‐ and decision‐makers can further improve the present situation and provide more and better‐quality services to these people, it can be expected that health indicators in suburbs will be significantly improved. Researchers should monitor the impact of HTP and examine its effects on health indicators, specifically among particularly vulnerable groups such as children, women and the elderly.
Post‐traumatic stress symptoms and post‐traumatic growth in children and adolescents 12 months and 24 months after the earthquake and tsunamis in Chile in 2010: A longitudinal study
Authors: Andrades Mariela , García Felipe E. , Kilmer Ryan P.
Published: September 2020

On 27 February 2010, Chile experienced one of the strongest earthquakes in recorded history. The study aimed to evaluate post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and post‐traumatic growth (PTG) in children and adolescents 12 months (T1) and 24 months (T2) after the earthquake and tsunamis in Chile in 2010. Three hundred twenty‐five children and adolescents (47.4% girls; 52.6% boys) between the ages of 10 and 16 years participated in the study. The instruments included the Revised Post‐traumatic Growth Inventory for Children by Kilmer et al., the Childhood PTSD Scale by Foa et al. and the Rumination Scale for Children by Cryder et al., as well as a scale to assess the severity of the event and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The PTSS and PTG scores decreased at T2. In addition, the main predictors of PTSS and PTG were disruptive experiences, losses after the event and intrusive and deliberate rumination during the previous year. These results enhance understanding of factors related to PTG, improve the ability to predict PTSS and PTG in children and adolescents following natural disasters, and inform the design of intervention strategies to promote better mental health in those affected.
Performance analysis of smart grid dynamic HAN over Rician fading channel
Authors: Padhan Ashish Kumar , Sahu P. R. , Samantaray S. R.
Published: September 2020

In smart grid (SG) communications, the home area network (HAN) plays a vital role in managing data transmission among communicating devices through a smart meter (SM). Rician fading distribution closely replicates an indoor communication channel in SG HAN system. Thus, channel link is modeled as a Rician fading channel in this paper and Multi‐user selection scheme is employed in SM. Further, a closed‐form expression for average bit error probability (ABEP) performance of indoor dynamic HANs with communicating devices using phase‐shift keying (PSK) modulation is derived and analyzed the effect of traffic intensity, the total number of devices and Rician factor for the considered system. The expression for average channel capacity (ACC) of the SG HAN system is also derived and analyzed by varying the parameters of interest.
In‐network caching based live broadcasting for short track speed skating
Authors: Wu Di , Ji Jingsheng
Published: September 2020

High‐Definition 360 panoramic network live broadcasting is more and more popular with its rich expressiveness. However, for the short track speed skating which has ultra‐high bit rate requirements, High‐Definition 360 panoramic network live broadcasting needs a lot of computation and network bandwidth resources. In this paper, we propose a Software‐Defined Networking (SDN)‐based Information Centric Networking (ICN)‐assisted edge network live broadcast architecture to realize the allocation of transcoding tasks and transmission of massive streaming data. The experimental results show that by combining scheduling and transcoding resource allocation, the users' Quality of Experience (QoE) can be optimized and the delay requirements can be met.
Towards Systemic Handling of Requirements in the Oil and Gas Industry – a Case Study
Authors: Helle Kirsten , Engen Siv , Falk Kristin
Published: September 2020

This paper presents valuable insights on implementation of requirement management system in the oil and gas industry. The focus on cost reduction in this industry has led to an urgent need for a more systematic requirement handling.

The paper presents a survey asking international oil and gas actors for status and needs with respect to requirement management. Furthermore, the paper presents experiences from implementing a Requirement Management System at a major supplier in the industry.

The international survey confirms that the oil and gas industry is lagging behind other industries when it comes to implementation of systematic requirement handling. A second result is that the paper shows a clear positive effect when implementing a requirement management system at a single supplier. In conclusion, by implementing such a system, the industry will limit the number of requirement, save cost, and reduce the need for testing and validation. To achieve this, companies will need management support and collaboration across the supply chain. A cross‐industry implementation would result in a significant effect, both in terms of reduced cost and increased flexibility.
Towards Defining the Systems Habits of a ‘Primed’ Student Engineer
Authors: Browne Chris A.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the philosophical underpinnings of a systems approach to engineering are described. These “habits of thought” capture fundamental ways of thinking that—when used together—distinguish systems engineers from traditional, discipline‐based engineers, with particular attention to a ‘pre‐awareness’ level of the Systems Thinking competency within the INCOSE competency framework. By discussing the philosophy for a systems‐level approach to engineering, the foundational aspects from systems engineering and the broader systems sciences important in an undergraduate program can be discussed. Through this paper, systems principles—or habits—are proposed, essential for creating modern engineers who can shape the engineering profession into the future.
General Modeling Language to Support Model‐based Systems Engineering Formalisms (Part 1)
Authors: Lu Jinzhi , Wang Guoxin , Ma Junda , Kiritsis Dimitris , Zhang Hang , Törngren Martin
Published: September 2020

Model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) has been proposed for systems engineering (SE) whereby modeling approaches have been developed to support formalisms of system artifacts. By using traditional MBSE approaches, these formalisms are described by different languages; however, the use of different tools for such languages leads to gaps which result in integration difficulties for various system engineering product views, such as the requirements, architecture, and others. In this study, a textual modeling language is developed based on a graph, object, point, property, role, and relationship approach, known as “Karma,” to formalize models and meta‐models. Its main goal is to construct different MBSE languages and their models, and to formalize the model‐transformation and code‐generation processes during the entire lifecycle. Based on the Karma language, an MBSE tool is developed to formalize the entire SE approach of products with the use of models, and to support automated model transformation for architecture‐driven and code‐generation schemes (introduced in Part 2 of this paper series). Finally, we evaluate the feasibility of the Karma language with our developed tool MetaGraph with an example which is based on the use of an auto‐braking case in an autonomously driven system.
Experiments in Leading through Influence: Reflections from a Group of Emerging Technical Leaders
Authors: Browne Chris A. , Brown Jeffrey , Cadigan John , Davidz Heidi , Fadeley David , Feli Heather , Geist Karl C. , Gross Myra Parsons , Kusunoki Maz , Lee Clement , Meyer Al , Romana Louis‐Emmanuel , Spencer Brad , Stolzar Lauren , Stringhetti Luca , Tham Ming Wah
Published: September 2020

Technical leadership is a skill defined in the INCOSE professional competencies. This paper presents reflections on a shared learning journey about technical leadership from the perspective of a group of emerging technical leaders. These reflections provide insights around building awareness, navigating power and influence, benchmarking personal performance, developing capacity for change and establishing critical friends. The final section provides lessons for working as a global team in technical leadership. This paper is of relevance to any technical leader looking to develop this capacity across technical sectors.
Systems Engineering Issues in Microgrids for Military Installations
Authors: Giachetti Ronald E. , Peterson Christopher J. , Van Bossuyt Douglas L. , Parker Gary W.
Published: September 2020

This article investigates the systems engineering issues involved in the design of microgrid systems for military installations. A review of how microgrids function including major system elements is provided from a systems engineering perspective for non‐microgrid experts. Specific issues that systems engineers are beginning to address and that remain to be addressed are highlighted. The activities of the INCOSE Critical Infrastructure Protection and Recovery (CIPR) Working Group demonstrate the growing importance of systems engineers to addressing microgrid issues. The increasing interest within the US Department of Defense in improving microgrids on installations shows the need to address issues that are specific to military microgrids.
Interface Management – the Neglected Orphan of Systems Engineering
Authors: Davies Paul
Published: September 2020

Every Interface is an opportunity to lose information, time, control and / or money through contention between stakeholders at either end. There are many issues surrounding Interface management, which are relatively unexplored in the engineering literature. Interface management is perceived as a critical skill in the engineering of successful systems (INCOSE TP‐2018‐002‐01.0), but finding useful material on the subject proves elusive. It is not that there is a gap in the collective Body of Knowledge (BoK) – but there is definitely a gap in the documented BoK. This paper explores some of the characteristics of this gap, and outlines some of the key concepts in best practice. Along the way, the differences between best practice for interfaces and best perceived practice for architecting systems are noted, and recommendations for changes in approach are given.
An Interactive Tool for Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing of Customer Needs in the Conceptual Phase
Authors: Vanebo Roselie Beate , Kj⊘rstad Marianne
Published: September 2020

This paper aims to research how the use of an interactive tool can facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing and enhance the understanding of customer needs in conceptual phase at a global shipbuilding company. An effective conceptual phase depends on collaboration and mutual understanding of customer needs to capture customer requirements and transform them into a base of design‐document. Lack of early common understanding can result in increased project cost or in worst‐case loss of contract. We used action research as an approach for our study and developed and implemented an interactive tool in a case at the company. In‐depth interviews and root‐cause analysis were used to determine the pain‐points of the as‐is situation. A feedback survey was used to evaluate the performance and result of the interactive tool. The results indicate that the interactive tool contributes to a better overview of ongoing projects, increased knowledge sharing, and enhanced common understanding.
Systems Theory: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Practice for Systems Engineering
Authors: Keating Charles B. , Katina Polinpapilinho F. , Hodge Richard , Bradley Joseph M.
Published: September 2020

This paper explores Systems Theory (ST) contributions to improve the Systems Engineering (SE) discipline and practice. Recently, INCOSE has recognized that ST can provide a valuable theoretical and conceptual foundation to better ground the evolving SE discipline. At a fundamental level ST can be described as a set of axioms (taken for granted truths about systems) and propositions (principles, concepts, and laws that explain system behavior, structure, and performance) with a basis in the underlying science of systems. Our purpose is to bridge the gap between Systems Science and SE by exploring the practical implications for ST to improve both the SE discipline and practice. Following a short introduction to ST in the context of the SE discipline challenges, two primary objectives are pursued: (1) overview and positioning of ST for contribution to SE development, and (2) examination of articulation of ST axioms and associated propositions and their implications for enhancing SE practice. The paper closes with suggestion of the reciprocal contributions for SE and ST as well as the enhancement of SE to deal more effectively with increasingly complex systems and their problems.
Synergetics as a Systems Theoretical and Methodological Lens in Structuring Energy Poverty
Authors: Inda Patman , Lalk Jörg
Published: September 2020

Energy poverty, as part of the energy trilemma, remains a global challenge in the 21st century. More than 1.7 billion people remain without access to modern energy sources while more than 3 billion people rely only on fossil fuel resulting in negative health and environmental impacts. While admittedly modern biomass fueled energy systems benefit from newer technologies their use is still blamed for detrimental effects on social, economic and environmental aspects of human existence. No wonder then that in many parts of the world distributed renewable energy systems show promise in addressing some of the more important issues of energy access challenges, particularly energy poverty and fuel poverty; this is specifically evident in the global south through improved efficiency, effectiveness, access and quality of energy services. Nevertheless, understanding the complexities and subsequent structuring of energy poverty becomes a complex systems issue since energy technology plays a dual role in enhancing and inhibiting energy access. This paper, borrowing from systems thinking theory, applies a synergetic elements framework where the authors attempt to enhance the comprehension and structure of the wicked problem of energy poverty; this is done by developing a conceptual model. The paper continues by showing the critical role played by interactions between socio‐technical system elements, notably those between soft and hard systems. This includes energy poverty depicted in multiple and complex synergetic subsystems, micro and macro elements, exogenous and internal barriers, control parameters and the environment.
Model‐Based Systems Engineering for complex rail transport systems – A case study
Authors: Roodt Donovan , Nadeem Malaeka , Vu Lam‐Thien
Published: September 2020

The replacement of the signalling and control systems on Sydney's critical heavy‐rail network infrastructure is envisaged to take years and affect many systems across the operational railway. Systems Engineering has been adopted early in the system lifecycle to manage the complexity and risks in a rigorous and consistent manner. This paper aims to document the real‐life application of a Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodology in the conceptual design stage on Transport for New South Wales’ Digital Systems Program. It illustrates how this methodology was applied to capture the operational and maintenance concepts, derive the architecture and interfaces and guide resulting requirements. It provides valuable lessons‐learnt for the acquiring organisation on the deployment of MBSE, its benefits and lessons learnt.
Innovation Mechanisms in Electronics Industry
Authors: Ivansen Lars , Johnsson Kasper , Olsson Martin , Bergsjö Dag
Published: September 2020

This study investigates innovation at Mycronic AB, a company which has seen a decrease in their innovation capacity over the last several years, compared to past development efforts. It studies past projects from a knowledge management perspective to understand if potential barriers towards reusing innovation mechanisms could explain the decrease in innovation capacity seen today. A literature study was performed to deepen the understanding of the field of knowledge management, and technology management, and especially what is important for organization to be innovative. This knowledge was the foundation for a case study, which investigated innovation mechanisms and barriers from past projects. The identified barriers could, in part, explain why the company has been unable to reuse the knowledge from these past projects. The identified barriers could serve as a starting point for continued work with KM. Overcoming these barriers could over time improve innovation.
Development and validation of a CpG island methylator phenotype‐related prognostic signature for cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Liang Junnan , Liu Tongtong , Liao Jingyu , Zhang Lu , Zhou Mi , Xu Weiqi , He Yi , Cai Guangzhen , Jin Guannan , Song Jia , Li Ganxun , Liang Huifang , Ding Zeyang , Zhang Bixiang
Published: September 2020

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) still has a very unfavorable prognosis with a very high mortality, which is complicated by a lack of prognostic biomarkers. In this study, CCA patients in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohort were categorized into two subtypes. Differentially expressed and methylated genes were identified, and the impact of DNA methylation in the trans‐regulation of gene expression was investigated. Finally, a CIMP‐related methylation signature specific for CCA (CMSC) was trained in GEO and validated in the Tongji cohort. A subset of patients with CIMP‐H was identified, which was correlated with an unfavorable prognosis. Gene enrichment analysis implied the potential mechanism of CIMP as a promoter of carcinogenesis by regulating proliferation. The trans‐regulation among differentially methylated CpG sites and genes with the same change trends was positively correlated, while the converse situation showed a negative correlation. Notably, CMSC based on four genes could significantly classify CCA patients into low‐ and high‐risk groups in the GEO cohort, and the robustness of CMSC was validated in the Tongji cohort. The results of receiver operating characteristic analysis further indicated that CMSC was capable of highly sensitive and specific prediction of the patient outcomes in CCA. In conclusion, our work highlights the clinical significance of CMSC in the prognosis of CCA.
The effect of microglial ablation and mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on a cuprizone‐induced demyelination model
Authors: Tahmasebi Fatemeh , Pasbakhsh Parichehr , Barati Shirin , Madadi Soheila , Kashani Iraj R.
Published: September 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system with symptoms such as neuroinflammation, astrocytosis, microgliosis, and axonal degeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with their immunomodulation, differentiation, and neuroprotection abilities can influence the remyelination process. The goal of this study is to investigate the impact of microglial ablation and MSCs transplantation on remyelination processes in the corpus callosum (CC) of the cuprizone demyelination model. For the induction of a chronic demyelination model, C57BL6 mice were fed with chow containing 0.2% cuprizone (wt/wt) for 12 weeks. For the depletion of microglia, PLX3397 was used as a colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor for 21 days. MSCs were injected to the right lateral ventricle and after 2 weeks, the mice were killed. We assessed glial cells using specific markers such as APC, Iba‐1, and GFAP using the immunohistochemistry method. Remyelination was evaluated by Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The specific genes of microglia and MSCs were evaluated by a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. According to the results of the study, 21 days of PLX3397 treatment significantly reduced microglial cells, and MSCs transplantation decreased the number of astrocytes, whereas the oligodendrocytes population increased significantly in PLX + MSC group in comparison with the cuprizone mice. Furthermore, PLX and MSC treatment elevated levels of remyelination compared with the cuprizone group, as confirmed by LFB staining and TEM analysis. The molecular results showed that MSC transplantation significantly decreased the number of microglia through the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis. These results revealed that PLX3397 treatment and MSCs injection reduced microgliosis and astrocytosis. It also increased the oligodendrocytes population by enhancing remyelination in the CC of the cuprizone model of MS.
A characterization of the subcubic graphs achieving equality in the Haxell‐Scott lower bound for the matching number
Authors: Henning Michael A. , Shozi Zekhaya B.
Published: September 2020

In 2004, Biedl et al proved that if is a connected cubic graph of order , then , where is the matching number of . The graphs achieving equality in this bound were characterized in 2010 by O and West. In 2017, Haxell and Scott proved that if is a connected subcubic graph, then , where denotes the number of vertices of degree in . In this paper, we characterize the graphs achieving equality in the lower bound on the matching number given by Haxell and Scott.
Clinical, epidemiological, and molecular aspects of picornaviruses (entero, parecho) in acute gastroenteritis: A study from Pune (Maharashtra), Western India
Authors: Gopalkrishna Varanasi , Ganorkar Nital , Patil Pooja , Hedda Gokul , Ranshing Sujata , Kulkarni Ruta
Published: September 2020

Among enteric viruses, rotavirus A (RVA), norovirus (NoV), adenovirus, and astrovirus (AstV) are the major etiological agents associated in acute gastroenteritis. The present study highlights, clinical, epidemiological, and molecular aspects with respect to RVA, NoV, enterovirus (EV), and human parechovirus (HPeVs) in sporadic cases (n = 305) of acute gastroenteritis, Pune (Maharashtra), Western India. Detection of RVA was carried out by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, NoV, EV, and HPeVs by reverse transcription PCR. Prevalence of 36.06%, 20.32%, 14.09%, 3.93%, respectively was observed for RVA, EV, HPeVs, and NoV along with coinfections. Infections occurred in children less than 2 years old, with peak infections within 12 months age. The disease severity in RV infections was found high (70.90%) with severe disease, followed by EV (62.9%), NoV (58.33%), and HPeV (44.58%). Predominant strains of RV G1P[8], G2P[4] types with unusual G9P[4], NoV Genogroup II of genotype 4 strains and multiple EV types with EV‐B species, E14 and E17 and two novel EV‐75, EV‐107 types were detected. Circulation of heterogeneous HPeV genotypes (HPeV1–5, 7, 8, 13, 14, 16) with predominance of HPeV‐1 was noticed. Changing trends in circulation of a rare HPeV‐2 genotype, with emerging and reemerging strains was noted. The study highlights association of RVA, NoV, EV, and HPeV and their mono‐infections, genotype distribution, and changing trends in acute gastroenteritis, and added more knowledge on rota and nonrota enteric viruses in acute gastroenteritis. More such studies in rota vaccinated era are required across the country, as Indian rotavirus vaccine has been implemented under the National Immunization program.
Analysis of monthly and annual rainfall variability using linear models in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Midwest of Brazil
Authors: Abreu Marcel Carvalho , de Souza Amaury , Lyra Gustavo Bastos , Pobocikova Ivana , Cecílio Roberto Avelino
Published: September 2020

This study aims at fitting polynomial models based on latitude, longitude and altitude coordinates to estimate the monthly and annual mean rainfall in Mato Grosso do Sul state, Midwest region of Brazil. Furthermore, its target is to verify whether hydrologically similar regions provide statistical improvement in the regression fit for rainfall estimation. To create the monthly and annual rainfall for 32 rain gauge stations, there were used at least 15 years long data records for analysis with a percentage of gaps at most 10%. Generally, the monthly and annual rainfall models present suitable statistical validation coefficients. The number of predictor variables enhances the performance of the regression method when estimating monthly and annual rainfall. Fitting regressions in hydrologically similar groups through cluster analysis tends to increase regression performance; however, the limited number of rain gauge stations in Brazil makes this technique difficult to apply because the number of parameters of the regression models may be greater than the number of rain gauge stations in the cluster. The first degree polynomial regression proved to be the most adequate to represent the mean monthly and annual rainfall because of the equivalence between observed and predicted values of rainfall and because of the statistical analysis. Fitting polynomial models presents suitable method for practical applications, forming an important tool for environmental management in the Mato Grasso do Sul State.
CSR orientation incongruence and supply chain relationship performance—A network perspective
Authors: Liu Yi , Jia Xingping , Jia Xingzhi , Koufteros Xenophon
Published: September 2020

Firms’ commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be a crucial factor in supply chain partnerships. This study examines the effect of CSR orientation incongruence on relationship performance. Drawing on the congruence theory literature, we posit that a firm's relationship performance may suffer when there is incongruence between the levels of CSR orientations of supply chain partners. Furthermore, we adopt a network perspective and argue that certain characteristics of a firm's egocentric social network (i.e., network centrality and network diversity) may moderate the linkage between CSR orientation incongruence and relationship performance. Our empirical study, which is based on dyadic data, indeed reveals that a firm's relationship performance is adversely affected when the firm and its major supply partner have incongruent levels of CSR orientations. Such a negative effect is moderated by the firm's egocentric social network. Specifically, the negative impact of incongruent CSR orientation is heightened if the firm occupies a central position in the egocentric network. Network diversity, however, plays a contrasting role as a firm's relationship performance may be less susceptible to incongruent CSR orientations when there is access to a diverse social network.