bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Security Level Identification and Secure Software Design of Safety Critical Embedded Systems: Methodologies and Process
Authors: Mitra Raka
Published: August 2017

This paper is concerned with the process and technological aspects of Instrumentation & Control System, I&C System security and provides an overview of the recommended design practices and assessment methods for security aspects of control and instrumentation system used in Safety Critical Environments. This paper describes out how Security Levels of I&C systems and components of Safety Critical Facilities can be assigned by system designers. This is akin to Safety Integrity Level, SIL levels assigned for safety issues. It presents ideas about the three different security aspects viz Target Security Level, Achieved Security Level and Capability Security Level. The paper explains how it can be incorporated in the Life Cycle of an I&C System. It also factors the Physical Security issues, use of Wiring Harnesses. It then discusses the Security Level Vectors, the associated Foundational Requirements and the Security Lifecycle Program of an I&C System
Keeping women in systems engineering: gender dynamics in the field
Authors: Palmer Erika
Published: August 2017

The representation of women in systems engineering is very low, which indicates that the field is not utilizing the best possible talent. There have been many K‐12 initiatives encouraging young women to enter engineering fields, however, women tend to remain in the field for only a short number of years. The dynamics of this push‐pull relationship have yet to be investigated operationally. This study addresses this research gap with a system dynamics model illustrating how women are attracted to and repelled from engineering careers. Because system engineers are found in all engineering disciplines, the model focuses on engineering in general. The results indicate that the success of K‐12 initiatives does not continue into university education. This is compounded by a high attrition rate strongly affected by an unwelcome work environment for women. The output of this model gives insight into where the INCOSE working group, EWLSE, can most effectively direct its efforts.
Engineered Resilient Systems with Value Focused Thinking
Authors: Small Colin , Parnell Gregory , Pohl Edward , Goerger Simon R. , Cottam Bobby , Specking Eric , Wade Zephan
Published: August 2017

Complex DoD systems need to be resilient due to evolving adversarial and environmental threats. The DoD created a program called Engineered Resilient Systems (ERS) to increase resilience in future systems. In our ERS research, resilience has been separated into two parts, mission and platform resilience. Mission resilience is the ability of a system to repel, resist, absorb, and recover from environments and threats that occur on planned missions. Platform resilience is the ability of a system to adapt to new missions and new threats. Using capabilities based planning one can map platform and mission resilience. This paper addresses how a value‐focused thinking (VFT) multiple objective decision analysis (MODA) model is a useful tool for capabilities based assessments. If all performance objectives can be categorized as mission or platform resilience, this extra value above the threshold of the minimum performance can provide mission and platform resilience. Displaying this information in a value component chart and a floating value chart allows decision makers to consider resilience early in the acquisition decision making process.
NASA's Robotic Mining Competition Provides Undergraduates Full Life Cycle Systems Engineering Experience
Authors: Stecklein Jonette
Published: August 2017

NASA has held an annual robotic mining competition for teams of university/college students since 2010. This competition is yearlong, suitable for a senior university engineering capstone project. It encompasses the full project life cycle from ideation of a robot design, through tele‐operation of the robot collecting regolith in simulated Mars conditions, to disposal of the robot systems after the competition. A major required element for this competition is a Systems Engineering Paper in which each team describes the systems engineering approaches used on their project. The score for the Systems Engineering Paper contributes 25% towards the team's score for the competition's grand prize. The required use of systems engineering on the project by this competition introduces the students to an intense practical application of systems engineering throughout a full project life cycle.
VSE 101 – Who, What, When, Where, Why, How
Authors: Ptack Ken
Published: August 2017

International standards capture proven engineering practices for systems engineering and software engineering development. The perception by very small entities (VSEs) is that these standards are developed and targeted for use by large enterprises. However, governments and industry alike recognizes that VSEs, consisting of 25 staff members or less, constitute a majority of the systems and software developers throughout the world.

During a world‐wide survey of many different domain VSEs, it was verified that existing ISO standards were “too complicated” for use by VSEs. In 2005, the first meeting of ISO/IEC JTC1 SC7 Working Group (WG) 24 was held. This ISO WG is mandated to develop standards and guides for VSE use, thus the work on the ISO/IEC 29110 series began.

The paper will address how the ISO/IEC 29110 series and the INCOSE VSE WG deployment packages (DPs) work collaboratively to help VSEs incorporate systems engineering concepts within their entities. The use of these systems engineering concepts can provide VSEs the opportunity to successfully participate and grow in the global market environment.
A Service‐based Approach to Force Design, Integration and Analysis
Authors: Lowe Donald
Published: August 2017

Service‐based approaches, as in provider‐consumer relationships, are a relatively new design and engineering philosophy to address problems in business and systems design, development and operations. While the concept has existed for centuries in economics, it has gained prominence more recently with the rise of the service economy and in such areas as systems engineering, information technology and marketing, with IBM only establishing Service science, management and engineering as a field of scientific enquiry within the past decade. The SCMILE Services Framework is a service‐based approach developed to capture and model military capability dependencies. It has a number of attractive properties including simplicity, generality and universality, and is designed to apply at different scales, structured to be modular and supports encapsulation. After the concept and definition of services are introduced, this framework is presented and some of the benefits are explained. This approach is currently being trialed on parts of the Integrated Investment Program of the Australian Department of Defence to capture and monitor capability dependencies and undertake analysis of integration and interoperability within and across Programs.
A prototype simulation model for army logistics training
Authors: Hudson Kristy , Elsawah Sondoss , Ryan Michael
Published: August 2017

Army logistics is a complex and multi‐dimensional system which involves multi‐year timeframes, multi‐continent, multi‐function (i.e. supply, distribution, maintenance and health) sub‐systems, and their interactions. The logistics system constantly evolves and adapts to the dynamic operational environment where the logistics operations take place. This dynamic complexity and uncertainty present challenges for logisticians who are continuously trying to improve their abilities to devise logistics plans that can meet mission constraints and requirements. These challenges include inability to observe consequences of planning decisions and time delays between decisions and outcomes. This paper presents an ongoing project which produces a simulation model that facilitates learning about the complexities of army logistics systems. The project serves as a prototype to aid stakeholders see the potential of simulation model in meeting training needs. This paper presents the modelling process, the hybrid‐model design, and a use case of how the model can support training.
Modeling and Analyzing the Emergency Management Mission as an Executable Model
Authors: Flanigan David
Published: August 2017

The Emergency Management (EM) mission requires that responders are able to successfully complete their mission, as well as rely on multiple Critical Infrastructure (CI) sectors to facilitate the execution of their missions. However, decision makers may not be able to visualize the interdependencies between these CI sectors and the EM mission, only seeing the end result of the mission. This near‐sightedness of the CI interdependencies may incorrectly lead decision makers to allocate resources on single CI sectors without realizing that attention to multiple CI sectors are needed. Without a means of analysis to quantify this contribution, decision makers may not have the full picture of what CI sectors contribute to the EM mission and may not understand where the EM mission chain fails due to this lack of resources. We offer a methodology for the EM mission to be modeled along with their respective CI sector contributions, in order to visualize where parts of the mission may be failing due to a deficiency in the CI sector contribution. This methodology converts the mission space into an executable model that may view where the mission succeeds and where the mission may be deficient. An illustrative example is used to describe the methodology.
Get With The Programme – Achieving Coherence Through Capability Systems Engineering
Authors: Gibson Ian , Riley Thomas
Published: August 2017

Programme Definition is too important to be left up to programme managers. It is too easy to come up with a solution that lacks coherence with other programmes and wider initiatives, or consists of a set of projects which don't naturally fit together, or is just incorrectly treated as a single monolithic project. Within the UK Ministry of Defence, the new Acquisition System Operating Model has brought an additional complication by enforcing organisational boundaries based upon Defence Lines of Development (DLODs). This paper summarises the current UK MOD situation, and presents an approach for ensuring DLOD coherence during the Programme Definition phase.
Enabling Repeatable SE Cost Estimation with COSYSMO and MBSE
Authors: Papke Barry. , Pavalkis Saulius , Wang Gan
Published: August 2017

In their paper on “A Generalized Systems Engineering Reuse Framework and Its Cost Estimating Relationships,” (Wang, Roedler, et al. 2014) present an approach for estimation of systems engineering effort that extends the COSYSMO equation to account for the effort associated with Design With Reuse and Design For Reuse classification categories in the Generalized Reuse Framework. Implementation of this approach for cost estimation clearly depends on two critical items: (1) the ability to accurately and consistently count the size drivers; and (2) the ability to calibrate the model equation. As part of future work, they also describe the potential to use this approach as a management tool in architecture development – “a cataloging mechanism in organizing components of reference architecture.” This paper presents a practical implementation of the COSYSMO cost estimating relationship through extension of a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) modeling environment with SysML for estimating end‐to‐end systems engineering effort in developing a system. The approach provides a new way of rapidly creating cost estimates, conducting cost‐based analysis and trade studies with full traceability from the cost estimation parameters back to the architecture of referenced system of interest.
“Not in My Backyard” is Not Sustainable
Authors: Carson Ronald S.
Published: August 2017

“Not in my backyard” (NIMBY) is a euphemism for desiring a particular positive outcome from a system that is remotely located such that it has no local negative effect, or a person who exhibits this characteristic. Everyone wants great mobile phone service, for example, but no one wants to look at a mobile phone tower in their backyard. In this paper “exergy destroyed” is applied as a measure of system sustainability to compare NIMBY vs. more “local” system architectures. We analyze transportation of people, goods, and services and show that such transportation is inherently unsustainable because of the exergy destroyed. We use this to show why NIMBY is less sustainable than more localized architectures. We examine dynamic coupling effects on utility generation for NIMBY vs. more local solar electric power architectures and propose an architecture and power distribution method to reduce system costs. We also show that reducing exergy destruction is an inherently lean practice because it reduces waste. Finally, we propose a measure for aligning costs and benefits among different stakeholders as a means to identify more “just” systems.
Availability as a design criterion: Simulation of SKA1_MID Dish Power Infrastructure
Authors: Dennehy Steve , Meyer Isabel
Published: August 2017

The first phase of the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) telescope will consist of two separate telescopes, SKA1_MID and SKA1_LOW. The former will be located in the Northern Cape in South Africa, with the latter being located in Australia. It is desirable to have high availability of the telescopes in order to maximise observation time. At the same time, availability needs to be achieved within budget. This paper describes a simulation model that was used to evaluate the inherent availability of different architectures for the SKA1_MID dish power network. We used availability as a design criterion, and showed that the required availability could be achieved at reduced cost.
Teaching Digital Literary Literacies in Secondary English Language Arts
Authors: Rainey Emily C. , Storm Scott
Published: August 2017

This department column explores digital and disciplinary literacies across learning contexts and disciplines within and outside of school. Digital enhancements will encourage readers to post questions, comments, and connections.
Partnership Literacies: Who's Got the Camera?
Authors: Boggs George L. , Fendler Rachel , Shields Sara Scott , Tripp Lisa M. , Pengelley Ivanna Rebecca
Published: August 2017

Often coauthored by university‐ and school‐based educators, preservice teachers, and youths, this department column considers how literacies are best developed through context‐crossing partnerships among university, school, and community constituents.
Magnetic Co‐doped NiFe2O4 Nanocomposite: A Heterogeneous and Recyclable Catalyst for the One‐Pot Synthesis of Benzimidazoles, Benzoxazoles and Benzothiazoles under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Karimian Azam , Mohammadzadeh Kakhki Roya , Kargar Beidokhti Hamideh
Published: August 2017

A simple and efficient procedure for the synthesis of benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, and benzothiazoles via the condensation of o‐phenylenediamine, o‐aminophenol, and o‐aminothiophenol with various benzaldehydes by using magnetic Co‐doped NiFe2O4 nanoparticles has been developed. This nanocatalyst has advantages such as excellent product yields, solvent‐free conditions, and very short reaction times. After any experiment, the magnetic nanocatalyst could be easily separated with the aid of an external magnet and reused at least four times without any loss of its catalytic performance.
Latin squares with disjoint subsquares of two orders
Authors: Kuhl Jaromy , Schroeder Michael William
Published: August 2017

Let and . The integer partition of n is said to be realized if there is a latin square of order n with pairwise disjoint subsquares of order for each . In this paper, we construct latin squares realizing partitions of the form ; that is, partitions with s parts of size a and t parts of size b, where . Heinrich (1982) showed that (1) if and , then there is a latin square realizing , (2) is realized if and only if , and (3) is realized if and only if . In this paper, we resolve the open cases. We show that is realized if and only if and is realized if and only if .
Open access database of raw ultrasonic signals acquired from malignant and benign breast lesions
Authors: Piotrzkowska‐Wróblewska Hanna , Dobruch‐Sobczak Katarzyna , Byra Michał , Nowicki Andrzej
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide access to a database consisting of the raw radio‐frequency ultrasonic echoes acquired from malignant and benign breast lesions. The database is freely available for study and signal analysis.

Acquisition and validation methods

The ultrasonic radio‐frequency echoes were recorded from breast focal lesions of patients of the Institute of Oncology in Warsaw. The data were collected between 11/2013 and 10/2015. Patients were examined by a radiologist with 18 yr' experience in the ultrasonic examination of breast lesions. The set of data includes scans from 52 malignant and 48 benign breast lesions recorded in a group of 78 women. For each lesion, two individual orthogonal scans from the pathological region were acquired with the Ultrasonix SonixTouch Research ultrasound scanner using the L14‐5/38 linear array transducer. All malignant lesions were histologically assessed by core needle biopsy. In the case of benign lesions, part of them was histologically assessed and another part was observed over a 2‐year period.

Data format and usage notes

The radio‐frequency echoes were stored in Matlab file format. For each scan, the region of interest was provided to correctly indicate the lesion area. Moreover, for each lesion, the BI‐RADS category and the lesion class were included. Two code examples of data manipulation are presented. The data can be downloaded via the Zenodo repository (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.545928) or the website http://bluebox.ippt.gov.pl/~hpiotrzk.

Potential applications

The database can be used to test quantitative ultrasound techniques and ultrasound image processing algorithms, or to develop computer‐aided diagnosis systems.
Susceptibility tensor imaging and tractography of collagen fibrils in the articular cartilage
Authors: Wei Hongjiang , Gibbs Eric , Zhao Peida , Wang Nian , Cofer Gary P. , Zhang Yuyao , Johnson G. Allan , Liu Chunlei
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To investigate the B0 orientation‐dependent magnetic susceptibility of collagen fibrils within the articular cartilage and to determine whether susceptibility tensor imaging (STI) can detect the 3D collagen network within cartilage.

Methods

Multiecho gradient echo datasets (100‐μm isotropic resolution) were acquired from fixed porcine articular cartilage specimens at 9.4 T. The susceptibility tensor was calculated using phase images acquired at 12 or 15 different orientations relative to B0. The susceptibility anisotropy of the collagen fibril was quantified and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was compared against STI. 3D tractography was performed to visualize and track the collagen fibrils with DTI and STI.

Results

STI experiments showed the distinct and significant anisotropic magnetic susceptibility of collagen fibrils within the articular cartilage. STI can be used to measure and quantify susceptibility anisotropy maps. Furthermore, STI provides orientation information of the underlying collagen network via 3D tractography.

Conclusion

The findings of this study demonstrate that STI can characterize the orientation variation of collagen fibrils where diffusion anisotropy fails. We believe that STI could serve as a sensitive and noninvasive marker to study the collagen fibrils microstructure. Magn Reson Med 78:1683–1690, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Self‐healing polyurethane based on disulfide bond and hydrogen bond
Authors: Jian Xiaoxia , Hu Yiwen , Zhou Weiliang , Xiao Leqin
Published: August 2017

Tough and transparent polyurethane networks with self‐healing capability at mild temperature conditions were successfully prepared in a 1‐pot procedure. The self‐healing ability of synthesized polyurethane comes from the covalent disulfide metathesis and non‐covalent H‐bonding. The mechanical testing indicates that disulfide metathesis reforms the covalent bonds on a longer time scale, while H‐bonding gives rise to a healing efficiency of around 46% in the early healing processing. The compromise between mechanical performance and healing capability is reached by tailoring the concentration of disulfide. The tensile strength of the sample with 100% self‐heal efficiency can get to 5.01 MPa, which can be explained by higher mobility of polymer chain under ambient temperature from creep testing.
Effect of treated coir fiber/coconut shell powder and aramid fiber on mechanical properties of vinyl ester
Authors: Udaya Kumar P.A. , Ramalingaiah  , Suresha B. , Rajini N. , Satyanarayana K.G.
Published: August 2017

The surfaces of coir fiber (CF) and coconut shell powder (CSP) were modified by alkali and silane treatment respectively to investigate the consequent effects on reinforcement of vinyl ester (VE) composites. Mono‐composites of VE with surface treated CFs and CSP as well as their hybrid composites with as‐received aramid fibers (AFs) have been prepared by hand layup followed by compression molding methods. The effectiveness of surface treated reinforcements in improving the mechanical properties of the composites was demonstrated. Significant differences between VE mono‐composites and their hybrid reinforcements on hardness and tensile properties of VE were observed, while no improvement in the above‐mentioned properties except for Young's modulus was observed for hybrid composite with AFs. It was also observed that surface treated CFs and CSP reinforced VE composites exhibited better hardness and tensile properties. SEM imaging confirmed decreased fiber pull‐out for VE reinforced with alkali treated CFs because of the enhanced adhesion between the CFs and the VE matrix. Flexural properties of all the composites decreased. This study has proved that the mechanical properties of hybrid VE composites can be enhanced by modifying the reinforcements by alkali and silane into their formulations. These results have been explained on the basis of structure and morphology in terms of fractography of VE composites. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that alkali treatment is a promising technique for improving the mechanical properties such as hardness and tensile properties of CF reinforced hybrid polymer matrix composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4542–4550, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Brexit means Brexit, but what of pharmacovigilance?
Authors: Titmarsh Steve
Published: August 2017

While uncertainty remains over exactly how the UK's exit from the European Union will pan out, there is little doubt that there will be disruption, at least in the short term, for the pharmaceutical industry. Issues surrounding the potential implications of Brexit for the medicines regulatory system, and for pharmacovigilance in particular, were discussed at a recent meeting in London, organised by the Drug Safety Research Unit. Steve Titmarsh reports.
Design, Synthesis and Anti‐Cancer Activities of Benzyl Analogues of Garlic‐Derived Diallyl Disulfide (DADS) and the Corresponding Diselenides
Authors: Bhattacherjee Debojit , Basu Chitra , Bhardwaj Queen , Mal Sourav , Sahu Subhajit , Sur Runa , Bhabak Krishna P.
Published: August 2017

The anti‐cancer activity of garlic mainly arises due to the presence of various organosulfur compounds including diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS) and diallyl trisulfide (DATS). Herewith, we report a number of 4‐substituted benzyl analogs of DADS and their selenium counterparts for a detailed structure‐activity relationship towards their anti‐proliferative activities in human breast cancer cell lines. Disulfide having 4‐cyano group exhibited highest activity among all disulfides. In contrast, all diselenides exhibited very good anti‐proliferative activities than DADS. Furthermore, unlike disulfides, diselenides were more selective towards cancer cells over normal cells. Some active compounds were further tested for their activities in some organ specific cell lines such as HepG2, PC‐3 and HCT‐116 to understand their efficacy. Elevated level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by most of the benzyl diselenides reveals a possible mode of their action. Therefore, this study indicates that the anti‐proliferative activity of DADS can be significantly enhanced upon suitable structural modifications.
Accelerated Strain‐Promoted and Oxidation‐Controlled Cyclooctyne‐Quinone Cycloaddition for Cell Labeling
Authors: George Augustine , Krishna Priya Gnanasekar , Ilamaran Meganathan , Kamini Numbi Ramudu , Ganesh Shanmugam , Easwaramoorthi Shanmugam , Ayyadurai Niraikulam
Published: August 2017

We developed an accelerated strain‐promoted oxidation‐controlled cyclooctyne‐1,2‐quinone cycloaddition (SPOCQ) for protein modification. Here, dopaquinone was generated using potassium nitrosodisulfonate (PTN) in a reaction that is six orders of magnitude faster than the enzymatic one. The dopaquinone generated then reacts with bicyclononyne (BCN) derivatives in the bioconjugation. The PTN yields a single product with defined stereochemistry and temporally controlled conjugation with BCN. The feasibility of this bioconjugation was demonstrated with different proteins. Cell labeling was explored by conjugating annexin‐dibenzocyclooctyne‐PEG4‐fluor545 through the SPOCQ approach for the detection of apoptosis in HeLa cells.
Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazolo‐fused‐tetrahydro‐β‐carboline Derivatives via 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Reaction: Cytotoxicity Evaluation and DNA‐Binding studies
Authors: Nekkanti Shalini , Pooladanda Venkatesh , Veldandi Mamatha , Tokala Ramya , Godugu Chandraiah , Shankaraiah Nagula
Published: August 2017

A diverse array of polyheterocyclic annulated 1,2,3‐triazolo‐fused‐tetrahydro‐β‐carboline derivatives have been synthesized via an intramolecular azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (1,3‐dipolar) reaction. Among the hexaheterocyclic series 5 a–r, the compound 5 b (14,15‐dimethoxy‐6,7,12,12b‐tetrahydro‐4H‐benzo[5′,6′][1,2,3]triazolo[5′′,1′′:3′,4′][1,4]diazepino[1′,7′:1,2]pyrido[3,4‐b]indole) displayed significant cytotoxicity against the MCF‐7 cell line with an IC50 value of 6.45 ± 0.37 μM; whereas, among the pentaheterocyclic series 14 a–l, the derivative 14 b ((6R,12aS)‐6‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐7,12,12a,13‐tetrahydro‐4H,6H‐[1,2,3]triazolo[1′′,5′′:4′,5′]pyrazino[1′,2′:1,6]pyrido[3,4‐b]indole) has shown potent cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 4.01 ± 0.39 μM on the B16F10 cell line. Treatment of MCF‐7 and B16F10 cells with 5 b and 14 b respectively resulted in cell cycle arrest, inhibition of cell migration and colony formation as well as induction of apoptosis. DNA binding affinity estimation by viscometry experiment and molecular modeling revealed their efficient minor groove binding.
Development of a Simple Isatin‐Based Electrochemical Immunosensor on a Screen‐Printed Gold Electrode for Highly Sensitive Detection of Carcinoembryonic Antigen
Authors: Pavithra Masilamani , Muruganand Shanmugam , Parthiban Chokkalingam
Published: August 2017

In this study, an electrochemical immunosensor was designed to exploit for the detection of Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) based on simple mercapto‐amine functionalised Isatin compound (R1) on the screen‐printed gold (Au) electrode. Isatin is an endogenous inhibitor with monoamine oxidase B and it has been modified with mercapto‐amine for the functionalization. The self‐assembled monolayer principle (SAM) was utilized to fabricate the sensitive and selective immunosensor electrodes. In electrode fabrication, SAM layer was achieved using covalent linkage of mercapto unit in the Isatin compound on the screen‐printed Au electrode surface. Immobilised amine served as a layer for further binding of biological components. CEA levels were investigated quantitatively using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and limit of detection (LoD) was calculated as 0.29 ng mL−1 in a linear concentration range of 50.0 pg mL−1‐100.0 ng mL−1. The performance of this immunosensor were carried out using different proteins and human serum and the selectivity was compared with commercial cystamine.
From Study of Catalytic Hydrogenation to Novel Ratiometric pH Indicators with Quinoline Scaffold
Authors: Petráček Marek , Brulíková Lucie , Motyka Kamil , Hlaváč Jan
Published: August 2017

Catalytic hydrogenation of 2‐phenyl‐3‐hydroxyquinolin‐4(1H)‐ones afforded their 5,6,7,8‐tetrahydroquinolin‐4(1H)‐one analogues, which gained stability under acidic as well as alkaline conditions. For some 2‐(4‐aminophenyl) derivatives, unusual N‐isopropyl group assembling was observed in various solvents and therefore was studied in more details. The prepared derivatives were studied in context of their fluorescence properties. Some of them retained the dual character of fluorescent spectra as well as quantum yields similar to their non‐reduced parent compounds and thus were studied as potential ratiometric pH indicators.
Preparation of Chemical Manganese Dioxide by Dilute Sulphuric Acid Pickling of Mn3O4 and Its Application to the Synthesis of LiMn2O4
Authors: Wang Shuangcai , Hu Huiping , Wang Lianbang , Wu Hao , Guo Ting , Cai Xinhui , Yu Peifeng , Liu Yanjun
Published: August 2017

Chemical manganese dioxide (CMD) was obtained by pickling Mn3O4 with dilute sulfuric acid. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) showed that S, Na, Ca and Mg impurities in CMD were less than in electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD). Spinel lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4) samples were synthesized using CMD or EMD precursor mixed with Li2CO3 via high temperature solid‐phase reactions. The oxides were applied as the cathode material for lithium ion batteries. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the crystallinity was high and the size‐distribution was uniform for CMD. The crystallinity of the spinel‐type LiMn2O4 synthesized by the CMD was high as well. Electrochemical tests showed that LiMn2O4 synthesized by the CMD precursor exhibited greater discharge capacity and better rate capability than the sample synthesized by the EMD precursor. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicated that LiMn2O4 synthesized by CMD or EMD precursor both showed good kinetics for Li+ ion transport, but LiMn2O4 synthesized by the CMD precursor showed a lower electrochemical impedance. Meanwhile, the synthesis process was simple, cheap, and easy for large‐scale production.
Synthesis of New Thieno[3, 2‐b]pyridines and Thieno[2, 3‐b]pyrazines by Palladium Cross‐Coupling.
Authors: Campos Joana F. , Queiroz Maria João R. P. , Berteina‐Raboin Sabine
Published: August 2017

Several new 3‐(hetero)aryl‐2‐phenylthieno[3, 2‐b]pyridines and 7‐(hetero)aryl‐6‐phenyl thieno[2, 3‐b]pyrazines were prepared by Suzuki cross‐coupling of 3‐bromo‐2‐phenylthieno[3, 2‐b]pyridine and 7‐bromo‐6‐phenylthieno[2, 3‐b]pyrazine and (hetero)arylboronic acids after optimization of the reaction conditions, in moderate to excellent yields. The 3‐ and 7‐brominated compounds were prepared by bromination using Br2 in CH2Cl2 at 0 °C of the 2‐phenylthieno[3, 2‐b]pyridine and 6‐phenylthieno[2, 3‐b]pyrazine, respectively. The latter were synthesized in a two‐step one‐pot procedure by Pd/Cu catalyzed Sonogashira coupling of 2‐bromo‐3‐chloropyridine or 2,3‐dichloropyrazine with phenylacetylene, followed by treatment with Na2S. We show the wide scope of the synthesis of Suzuki cross‐coupling products, after optimization of the reaction conditions, from both brominated biheterocyclic systems and different (hetero)arylboronic acids. The final compounds may show interesting biological activity.
Synthesis, Structure and Spectroscopic Characterization of Halfsandwich RuII Complexes containing 1,8‐Naphthalimide Ligands
Authors: Bacchi Alessia , Capucci Davide , Gatti Anna , Loffi Cecilia , Pioli Marianna , Rogolino Dominga , Terenziani Francesca , Pelagatti Paolo
Published: August 2017

A series of half‐sandwich RuII complexes containing two pairs of isomeric pyridine‐functionalized 1,8‐naphthalimides were synthesized and fully characterized. The solid state structures of three out of the eight complexes synthesized were also determined. The ligands were obtained reacting 1,8‐naphtalenic anhydride with 4‐aminopyridine (ligand L1), 3‐aminopyridine (ligand L2), 4‐aminomethylpyridine (ligand L3) and 3‐aminomethylpyridine (ligand L4). Each ligand was used to synthesize a pair of complexes: a neutral one, of formula [(p‐cymene)RuLCl2], and an ionic one, of formula [(p‐cymene)RuL2Cl](TfO). L3 and L4 resulted stronger ligands than L1 and L2, as demonstrated by ligand competition experiments. Analysis of the solution behavior of the complexes indicated that they undergo a fast ligand solvolysis in pure dmso‐d6 or in CDCl3/(CD3)2SO mixtures. The solution stability of the complexes containing ligands L1 and L2 was lower than the stability of the complexes containing ligands L3 and L4. These findings can be rationalized considering the reduced coordinating ability of pyridine when directly attached to the electron withdrawing naphthalimide platform.
Secondary Deuterium Kinetic Isotope Effects in Phospha‐Michael Addition of Tertiary Phosphines to Electron‐Deficient Alkenes
Authors: Salin Alexey V.
Published: August 2017

For the reaction of PPh3 with isotopomeric acrylonitriles in acetic acid solvent, replacement of H by D on the position α to the CN group unexpectedly produced normal secondary kinetic isotope effects (KIEs). These effects were interpreted on the basis of the known vibrational‐rotational coupling between two lowest vibrational modes of acrylonitrile, the in‐plane and out‐of‐plane C–C≡N bendings. For isotopomeric acrylonitriles this coupling leads to the difference in zero‐point energies (ZPEs) for the in‐plane C–C≡N bending, which defines the reaction coordinate during rate‐determining protonation of zwitterionic intermediate at heteroatom by acetic acid. Observation of these effects became possible due to dynamic behavior of the zwitterion, whose lifetime appears to be comparable with the time of the in‐plane bending. The untypical origin of secondary KIEs observed for acrylonitrile was evidenced by the absence of such effect for 2‐d‐acrylamide. Steric isotope effects for the reaction of d15‐PPh3 with a range of electron‐deficient alkenes revealed a significant increase in steric strain in transition state for nucleophilic attack step, when a substituent is introduced to the β‐position of the alkene.
Facile Fabrication of ZnFe2O4‐MWCNTs Composite as an Anode Material for Rechargeable Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Lin‐Lin , Jin Bo , Dou Shi‐Xue , Jiang Qing
Published: August 2017

In recent years, binary transition metal oxides have been more and more widely applied as anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) because they can enhance the electrochemical performance beyond that of single transition metal oxides. In this work, we prepare ZnFe2O4‐MWCNTs composite by synthesizing ZnFe2O4 via a hydrothermal method with further heat‐treatment and a final mixing of ZnFe2O4 with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The ZnFe2O4‐MWCNTs composite as an anode material for LIBs demonstrates high specific capacity (908 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles) and good rate performance (566 mAh g−1 even at current density of 750 mA g−1 after 70 cycles). This superior electrochemical performance shows the promise of ZnFe2O4‐MWCNTs composite as an alternative anode material for LIBs.
Construction of Spiropyrido[2, 1‐a]isoquinoline via Tandem Reactions of Huisgen's 1,4‐Dipoles with Various Alkene Dipolarophiles
Authors: Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Han Ying , Sun Jing , Yan Chao‐Guo
Published: August 2017

The three‐component reaction of isoquinoline, dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate and arylidene pivaloylacetonitrile in acetonitrile at room temperature afforded pyrido[2, 1‐a]isoquinolines 1 a‐1 j in good yields and with high diastereoselectivity. When arylidene‐substituted 1,3‐indanediones, Meldrum acids, and N,N’‐dimethylbarbituric acids were employed in the reaction, the novel functionalized spiro[indene‐2, 1′‐pyrido[2, 1‐a]isoquinolines] 2 a‐2 j, spiro[pyrido[2, 1‐a]isoquinoline‐1,5′‐[1, 3]dioxanes] 3 a‐3 h and spiro[pyrido[2, 1‐a]isoquinoline‐1,5′‐pyrimidines] 4 a‐4 e were also efficiently synthesized in satisfactory yields. The reaction mechanism included domino formation of Huisgen's 1,4‐dipole, Michael addition and cyclization processes.
Short Naphthalene Organophosphonate Linkers to Microporous Frameworks
Authors: Bulut Aysun , Zorlu Yunus , Wörle Michael , Çetinkaya Ahmet , Kurt Hüseyin , Tam Benjamin , Yazaydın A. Özgür , Beckmann Jens , Yücesan Gündoğ
Published: August 2017

We report two novel 3D porous metal‐organophosphonate metal organic frameworks (MOFs) [{Cu(4, 4’‐bpy)0.5(1,4‐NDPA‐H2)] (1), [{Cu2(4,4’‐bpy)0.5}(1,4‐NDPA)] (2) and a non‐porous [{Cu(4, 4’‐bpy)}(2,6‐NDPA‐H2)] (3) constructed using the structurally rigid 1,4‐naphthalenediphosphonic acid (1,4‐NDPA‐H4) and 2,6‐naphthalenediphosphonic acid (2,6‐NDPA‐H4). 1 and 2 exhibit high surface areas obtained using the structurally rigid and short aromatic organophosphonate linkers with copper. The compound 1 has been further analyzed by TGA and Quantum Design PPMS vibrating sample magnetometer.
Synthesis and Characterization of Mixed Fluorinated Phenylthio‐ Subphthalocyanines
Authors: Sejdarasi Leart , McAuliffe Katherine J. , Corbin Brooke A. , Trivedi Evan R.
Published: August 2017

Subphthalocyanines (SPcs), a platform of tripyrrolic macrocycles, offer a combination of optical and physical properties that make them highly applicable in a variety of fields. Incorporation of low‐symmetry elements allows for fine tuning of these properties by synthetic design. Herein, we report the synthesis of mixed fluorinated phenylthio‐ SPcs of the forms SPc(AnB3‐n) and SPc(AnC3‐n) where ‘A’ is tetrafluorobenzo‐, ‘B’ is 1,4‐bis(phenylthio)benzo‐, and ‘C’ is 1,4‐bis(phenylthio)naphtho‐, and n is an integer 1–2. Appended thioethers have a deshielding effect on 19F NMR spectra and prompt a bathochromic shift of electronic absorption and emission. Combined with increased aromaticity in the ‘AC’ series, phenylthio‐ groups shift SPc emission to the edge of the near infrared region (λf=680 nm), highlighting the potential of these molecules for optical imaging.
Controlled Synthesis of Different Morphologies of Cu–MgO and Their Application as Catalysts in Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazoles Following Different Pathways
Authors: Roy Biplab , Panda Asit B. , Chattopadhyay Asoke P.
Published: August 2017

Different morphologies of self‐assembled Cu–MgO nanocrystalline materials are prepared following single step hydrothermal route as well as wet impregnation method from pre‐synthesized MgO. These methodologies are simple and robust. Catalytic performance of MgO based materials is highly controlled by their morphology, crystallinity and particle size etc. The synthesized materials are well characterized by conventional instrumental techniques. Usually flakes formed which self‐assembled into different structures like marigold flower, house‐of‐cards, snowflakes and random flakes in several micron sizes. Porosity is observed for such arrangement. Flakes are porous, formed by large number of nanoparticles as building blocks with numerous edges, corners, step edges and step corners. The efficacy of these catalysts is studied in synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives (‘click’ reaction) following various methodologies in environmentally benign, economically cheap solvent, water. The methodologies of convention ‘click’ reaction, which may be superior over our catalysts, were also examined in detail. The catalysts are easily separable and show recyclability with no significant loss in catalytic activity in subsequent cycles.
Effect of Thiolated Ligands in Au Nanowire Synthesis
Authors: Wang Yawen , He Jiating , Yu Suzhu , Chen Hongyu
Published: August 2017

Thiolated ligands are seldom used as morphology‐directing reagent in the synthesis of Au nanostructures due to their low selectivity toward the different facets. Recently, we developed a thiolated ligands‐induced synthesis of nanowires where the selective Au deposition only occurs at the ligand‐deficient Au–substrate interface. Herein, the structural effect of thiolated ligands in this active surface growth is systematically investigated. It is revealed that their ability of rendering surface is closely related to the molecular structure. Ligands with aromatic backbones are capable of inducing nanowire formation, whereas those with aliphatic backbones cannot, likely because the former can pack better at short time scale of the rapid growth. The substituents of the ligands are critical for the colloidal stability of the final structure. It is further demonstrated that aromatic and aliphatic ligands could be mixed to turn on the continual lateral growth, leading to nanowires with tapered ends. The ligand generality in this growth mode also allows the creation of superhydrophobic surface, with the nanowire forest providing the nanoscale surface roughness and the hydrophobic ligand offering the surface property. These applications of the thiolated ligands in the nanosynthesis open a new approach for controlled synthesis of Au‐based nanostructures with various morphologies and properties.
The Effect of Size and Distribution of MnS Inclusions on the Austenite Grain Growth in a Low Cost Hot Forged Steel
Authors: Wu Meng , Zhao Fan , Yang Yong , Jiang Bo , Zhang Chao‐Lei , Liu Ya‐Zheng
Published: August 2017

The size and thermal stability of Manganese Sulfide (MnS) inclusions in two low cost hot forged steels with no microalloying elements are carefully investigated. Based on the results, the austenite grain growth behavior of the two steels are studied and the effect of MnS inclusions on the austenite grain growth are discussed using an optical microscope, a scanning electron microscopy, and a confocal scanning laser microscopy. Results show that the MnS inclusions hold a favorable thermal stability and do not dissolve in the steel heated at 1250 °C for 30 min. Austenite grains of the steel with larger quantities of smaller size of MnS inclusions are significantly finer than that of the steel with less and larger size of MnS inclusions heated at a temperature above 1000 °C. The differences in grain size become greater, as the heating temperature increases. The pinning effect of MnS inclusions plays an important role during austenite grain growth, when the austenite grain size exceeds the average spacing of MnS inclusions. The results indicate that large quantities of small MnS inclusions can be used to inhibit austenite grain growth during heating process in a low cost hot forged steel, where expensive microalloying elements are removed.
Readers Theatre Plus Comprehension and Word Study
Authors: Young Chase , Stokes Faida , Rasinski Timothy
Published: August 2017

Readers Theatre has been used to introduce critical issues, promote fluency among English learners and non–English learners, teach vocabulary, and integrate content in the classroom. Previous studies of Readers Theatre application have demonstrated an increase in student reading fluency, motivation, and confidence. The focus of this systemic approach to the use of Readers Theatre is to promote comprehension and word study through a gradual release of responsibility model. The authors describe how and why this framework was developed and provide recommendations for implementation.
Functional hemodynamic testing in pregnancy: recommendations of the International Working Group on Maternal Hemodynamics
Authors: Meah V. L. , Backx K. , Davenport M. H. ,   the International Working Group on Maternal Hemodynamics
Published: August 2017

In the general population, functional hemodynamic testing, such as that during submaximal aerobic exercise and isometric handgrip, and the cold pressor test, has long been utilized to unmask abnormalities in cardiovascular function. During pregnancy, functional hemodynamic testing places additional demands on an already stressed maternal cardiovascular system. Dysfunctional responses to such tests in early pregnancy may predict the development of hypertensive disorders that develop later in gestation. For each of the above functional hemodynamic tests, these recommendations provide a description of the test, test protocol and equipment required, and an overview of the current understanding of clinical application during pregnancy. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The association between metacognitive abilities and outcome measures among people with schizophrenia: A meta-analysis
Authors: Arnon-Ribenfeld N. , Hasson-Ohayon I. , Lavidor M. , Atzil-Slonim D. , Lysaker P.H.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Deficits in metacognition are one of the major causes of the difficulties experienced by individuals with schizophrenia. Studies have linked these deficits to symptom exacerbation and deterioration in psychosocial functioning. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to examine the extensive existing literature regarding metacognitive deficits among persons with schizophrenia; a further aim was to assess the extent to which metacognitive abilities are linked to outcome measures of symptoms and psychosocial functioning.

Method:

We conducted a systematic literature search of studies examining the relationship between metacognitive abilities and outcome measures among people with schizophrenia. We then analyzed the data using a random-effects meta-analytic model with Cohen's d standardized mean effect size.

Results:

Heterogeneity analyses (k = 32, Cohen's d = −.12, 95% CI.−1.92 to 1.7) produced a significant Q-statistic (Q = 456.89) and a high amount of heterogeneity, as indicated by the I2 statistic (93.04%), suggesting that moderator analyses were appropriate. As hypothesized, measure type moderated the metacognitive deficit with homogenous effect for psychosocial functioning measures (Q = 9.81, I2 = 19.47%, d = .94. 95% CI .58 to 1.2) and symptoms (Q = 19.87, I2 = 0%, d = −1.07, 95% CI −1.18 to −.75). Further analysis found homogenous effects for MAS-A subscales as well as PANSS factors of symptoms.

Conclusion:

Our meta-analysis results illustrated a significant association between metacognitive deficits and both symptomatic and psychosocial functioning measures. These links suggest that the associations between metacognitive abilities and symptomatic outcomes are different from those between metacognitive abilities and psychosocial functioning measures. Intriguing hypotheses are raised regarding the role that metacognitive abilities play in both symptoms and psychosocial functioning measures of people diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.