bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brief Report: Excitatory and Inhibitory Brain Metabolites as Targets of Motor Cortex Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Therapy and Predictors of Its Efficacy in Fibromyalgia
Authors: Foerster Bradley R. , Nascimento Thiago D. , DeBoer Misty , Bender Marycatherine A. , Rice Indie C. , Truong Dennis Q. , Bikson Marom , Clauw Daniel J. , Zubieta Jon‐Kar , Harris Richard E. , DaSilva Alexandre F. 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to improve pain symptoms in fibromyalgia (FM), a central pain syndrome whose underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This study was undertaken to explore the neurochemical action of tDCS in the brain of patients with FM, using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS).MethodsTwelve patients with FM underwent sham tDCS over the left motor cortex (anode placement) and contralateral supraorbital cortex (cathode placement) for 5 consecutive days, followed by a 7‐day washout period and then active tDCS for 5 consecutive days. Clinical pain assessment and 1H‐MRS testing were performed at baseline, the week following the sham tDCS trial, and the week following the active tDCS trial.ResultsClinical pain scores decreased significantly between the baseline and active tDCS time points (P = 0.04). Levels of glutamate + glutamine (Glx) in the anterior cingulate were significantly lower at the post–active tDCS assessment compared with the post–sham tDCS assessment (P = 0.013), and the decrease in Glx levels in the thalami between these time points approached significance (P = 0.056). From baseline to the post–sham tDCS assessment, levels of N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) in the posterior insula increased significantly (P = 0.015). There was a trend toward increased levels of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the anterior insula after active tDCS, compared with baseline (P = 0.064). Baseline anterior cingulate Glx levels correlated significantly with changes in pain score, both for the time period from baseline to sham tDCS (β1 = 1.31, P < 0.001) and for the time period from baseline to active tDCS (β1= 1.87, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe present findings suggest that GABA, Glx, and NAA play an important role in the pathophysiology of FM and its modulation by tDCS.
Modular Analysis of Peripheral Blood Gene Expression in Rheumatoid Arthritis Captures Reproducible Gene Expression Changes in Tumor Necrosis Factor Responders
Authors: Oswald Michaela , Curran Mark E. , Lamberth Sarah L. , Townsend Robert M. , Hamilton Jennifer D. , Chernoff David N. , Carulli John , Townsend Michael J. , Weinblatt Michael E. , Kern Marlena , Pond Cassandra M. , Lee Annette , Gregersen Peter K. 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveTo establish whether the analysis of whole‐blood gene expression is useful in predicting or monitoring response to anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsWhole‐blood RNA (using a PAXgene system to stabilize whole‐blood RNA in the collection tube) was obtained at baseline and at 14 weeks from 3 independent cohorts, consisting of a combined total of 240 RA patients who were beginning therapy with anti‐TNF. We used an approach to gene expression analysis that is based on modular patterns of gene expression, or modules.ResultsGood and moderate responders according to the European League Against Rheumatism criteria exhibited highly significant and consistent changes in multiple gene expression modules after 14 weeks of therapy, as demonstrated by hypergeometric analysis. Strikingly, nonresponders exhibited very little change in any modules, despite exposure to TNF blockade. These patterns of change were highly consistent across all 3 cohorts, indicating that immunologic changes after TNF treatment are specific to the combination of both drug exposure and responder status. In contrast, modular patterns of gene expression did not exhibit consistent differences between responders and nonresponders at baseline in the 3 study cohorts.ConclusionThese data provide evidence that using gene expression modules related to inflammatory disease may provide a valuable method for objective monitoring of the response of RA patients who are treated with TNF inhibitors.
Sensitivity of tropical deep convection in global models: effects of horizontal resolution, surface constraints, and 3D atmospheric nudging
Authors: Chemel Charles , Russo Maria R. , Hosking J. Scott , Telford Paul J. , Pyle John A. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWe investigate the ability of global models to capture the spatial patterns of tropical deep convection. Their sensitivity is assessed through changing horizontal resolution, surface flux constraints, and constraining background atmospheric conditions. We assess two models at typical climate and weather forecast resolutions. Comparison with observations indicates that increasing resolution generally improves the pattern of tropical convection. When the models are constrained with realistic surface fluxes and atmospheric structure, the location of convection improves dramatically and is very similar irrespective of resolution and parameterizations used in the models.
A simple and sensitive assay for eflornithine quantification in rat brain using pre‐column derivatization and UPLC‐MS/MS detection
Authors: Yang Sihyung , Peng Kuan‐Wei , Wang Michael Zhuo 
Published: November 2014

AbstractEflornithine (α‐difluoromethylornithine) has been used to treat second‐stage (or meningoencephalitic‐stage) human African trypanosomiasis and currently is under clinical development for cancer prevention. In this study, a new ultraperformance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS)‐based assay was developed and validated for the quantification of eflornithine in rat brain. To improve chromatographic retention and MS detection, eflornithine was derivatized with 6‐aminoquinolyl‐N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate for 5 min at room temperature prior to injection. Derivatized eflornithine was separated on a reverse‐phase C18 UPLC column with a 6‐min gradient; elution occurred at approximately 1.5 min. Prior to derivatization, eflornithine was reproducibly extracted from rat brain homogenate by methanol protein precipitation (~70% recovery). Derivatized eflornithine was stable in the autosampler (6 °C) for at least 24 h. This new assay had acceptable intra‐ and interday accuracy and precision over a wide dynamic range (5000‐fold) and excellent sensitivity with a lower limit of quantification of 0.1 µm (18 ng/mL) using only 10 μL of rat brain homogenate. The validated eflornithine assay was applied successfully to determine eflornithine distribution in different regions of rat brain in an in situ rat brain perfusion study. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Next‐Generation Sequencing Studies Guide the Design of Pyrrole‐Imidazole Polyamides with Improved Binding Specificity by the Addition of β‐Alanine
Authors: Anandhakumar Chandran , Li Yue , Kizaki Seiichiro , Pandian Ganesh N. , Hashiya Kaori , Bando Toshikazu , Sugiyama Hiroshi 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe identification of binding sites for small molecules in genomic DNA is important in various applications. Previously, we demonstrated rapid transcriptional activation by our small molecule SAHA‐PIP. However, it was not clear whether the strong biological effects exerted by SAHA‐PIP were attributable to its binding specificity. Here, we used high‐throughput sequencing (Bind‐n‐seq) to determine the binding specificity of SAHA‐PIPs. Sequence specificity bias was determined for SAHA‐PIPs (3 and 4), and this showed enhanced 6 bp sequence‐specific binding compared with hairpin PIPs (1 and 2). This finding allowed us to investigate the role of the β‐alanine that links SAHA to PIP, and led in turn to the design of ββ‐PIPs (5 and 6), which showed enhanced binding specificity. Overall, we demonstrated the importance of β‐moieties for the binding specificity of PIPs and the use of cost‐effective high‐throughput screening of these small molecules for binding to the DNA minor groove.
Surfactant‐Assisted Sol–Gel Synthesis of Nanostructured Ruthenium‐Doped Lithium Iron Phosphate as a Cathode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Gao Yuan , Li Li , Peng Hui , Wei Zidong 
Published: November 2014

AbstractUniform submicro‐sized LiFePO4/C and LiFe0.99Ru0.01PO4/C cathode materials are synthesized by using a surfactant‐assisted sol–gel method. The surfactant plays a key role in the synthesis, which acts as a blocking agent preventing and minimizing the agglomeration of the lithium iron phosphates particles. The structure, morphology and electrochemical performance of the samples are characterized by X‐ray spectroscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, charge/discharge tests, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results indicate that Ru doping promotes Li+ diffusion velocity and electrochemical conductivity of LiFe0.99Ru0.01PO4/C, thus displaying outstanding electrochemical performance. In comparison with the undoped LiFePO4/C, LiFe0.99Ru0.01PO4/C exhibits excellent specific capacity and high rate capability with discharge capacity of 162 mAh g−1, 117 mAh g−1and 107 mAh g−1at 0.1 C, 5 C and 10 C, respectively.
Self‐Assembled Alluaudite Na2Fe3−xMnx(PO4)3 Micro/Nanocompounds for Sodium‐Ion Battery Electrodes: A New Insight into Their Electronic and Geometric Structure
Authors: Huang Weifeng , Li Biao , Saleem Muhammad Farooq , Wu Xiang , Li Jianjian , Lin Jun , Xia Dingguo , Chu Wangsheng , Wu Ziyu 
Published: November 2014

AbstractA series of alluaudite Na2Fe3−xMnx(PO4)3 microcompounds, which self‐assembled from primary nanorods, were prepared successfully through a solvothermal method. As a promising candidate cathode for sodium‐ion batteries, it is necessary to obtain a deeper understanding of the relationship between the structure and physicochemical properties of these materials. The local electronic and geometric environments were systematically investigated, for the first time, by using a combination of soft/hard X‐ray absorption, IR, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The results show that the electrochemical performance is not only associated with morphology, but also with the electronic and crystalline structure. With the introduction of manganese into the lattice, the long‐range order maintains the isostructural framework and the lattice parameters expand as expected. However, for short‐range order, PO4 tetrahedra and MO6 octahedra (M=Fe and Mn) become more severely distorted as a function of Mn concentration. Meanwhile, larger MnO6 octahedra will compress the space of FeO6 octahedra, which will result in stronger core/electron–electron interactions for Fe, as characterized by hard/soft X‐ray absorption spectra. These slight changes in the electronic and local structures lead to different electrochemical performances with changes to the manganese content. Moreover, other physicochemical properties, such as magnetic behavior, are also confirmed to be correlated with these different electron interactions and local geometric environments.
Synthesis of a Pentasaccharide and Neoglycoconjugates Related to Fungal α‐(1→3)‐Glucan and Their Use in the Generation of Antibodies to Trace Aspergillus fumigatus Cell Wall
Authors: Komarova Bozhena S. , Orekhova Maria V. , Tsvetkov Yury E. , Beau Remi , Aimanianda Vishukumar , Latgé Jean‐Paul , Nifantiev Nikolay E. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is the group of researchers from N.D. Zelinsky Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Pasteur Institute, Paris. The coverpicture illustrates our research: the production of antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus cell wall α‐(1→3)‐glucan using chemically prepared pentasaccharide fragment of α‐(1→3)‐glucan conjugated with a carrier protein. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201404770.
Synthesis and in vitro Anticancer Activity of Zinc(II) Phthalocyanines Conjugated with Coumarin Derivatives for Dual Photodynamic and Chemotherapy
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐Qin , Meng Lu‐Bo , Huang Qi , Li Jun , Zheng Ke , Zhang Feng‐Ling , Liu Jian‐Yong , Xue Jin‐Ping 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe combination of photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy is a promising strategy to overcome growing problems in contemporary medicine, such as low therapeutic efficacy and drug resistance. Four zinc(II) phthalocyanine–coumarin conjugates were synthesized and characterized. In these complexes, zinc(II) phthalocyanine was used as the photosensitizing unit, and a coumarin derivative was selected as the cytostatic moiety; the two components were linked via a tri(ethylene glycol) chain. These conjugates exhibit high photocytotoxicity against HepG2 human hepatocarcinoma cells, with low IC50 values in the range of 0.014–0.044 μM. The high photodynamic activities of these conjugates are in accordance with their low aggregation tendency and high cellular uptake. One of these conjugates exhibits high photocytotoxicity and significantly higher chemocytotoxicity. The results clearly show that the two antitumor components in these conjugates work in a cooperative fashion. As shown by confocal microscopy, the conjugates can localize in the mitochondria and lysosomes, and one of the conjugates can also localize in the cell nuclei.
Electropolymerisation of Catalytically Active PEDOT from an Ionic Liquid on a Flexible Carbon Cloth Using a Sandwich Cell Configuration
Authors: Abdelhamid Muhammad E. , Snook Graeme A. , O'Mullane Anthony P. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe electropolymerisation of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiopene) (PEDOT) from an ionic liquid, butyl‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (C4mpyrTFSI), onto flexible carbon cloth electrodes is reported. A continuous, homogeneous and well‐adhered coating of the individual cloth fibres is achieved by employing a sandwich cell arrangement in which the carbon cloth, which is soaked with electrolyte, is placed between two indium tin oxide electrodes isolated from each other by a battery separator. The resultant PEDOT‐modified carbon cloth electrode demonstrates excellent activity for the oxygen reduction reaction, which results from the doping level, conductivity and morphology of the PEDOT layer, and is also tolerant to the presence of methanol in the electrolyte. This simple approach therefore offers a route to fabricate flexible polymer electrodes that could be used in various electronic applications.
Quantitative assessment of computational models for retinotopic map formation
Authors: Hjorth J J Johannes , Sterratt David C , Cutts Catherine S , Willshaw David J , Eglen Stephen J 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTMolecular and activity‐based cues acting together are thought to guide retinal axons to their terminal sites in vertebrate optic tectum or superior colliculus (SC) to form an ordered map of connections. The details of mechanisms involved, and the degree to which they might interact, are still not well understood. We have developed a framework within which existing computational models can be assessed in an unbiased and quantitative manner against a set of experimental data curated from the mouse retinocollicular system. Our framework facilitates comparison between models, testing new models against known phenotypes and simulating new phenotypes in existing models. We have used this framework to assess four representative models that combine Eph/ephrin gradients and/or activity‐based mechanisms and competition. Two of the models were updated from their original form to fit into our framework. The models were tested against five different phenotypes: wild type, Isl2‐EphA3ki/ki, Isl2‐EphA3ki/+, ephrin‐A2,A3,A5 triple knock‐out (TKO), and Math5−/− (Atoh7). Two models successfully reproduced the extent of the Math5−/− anteromedial projection, but only one of those could account for the collapse point in Isl2‐EphA3ki/+. The models needed a weak anteroposterior gradient in the SC to reproduce the residual order in the ephrin‐A2,A3,A5 TKO phenotype, suggesting either an incomplete knock‐out or the presence of another guidance molecule. Our article demonstrates the importance of testing retinotopic models against as full a range of phenotypes as possible, and we have made available MATLAB software, we wrote to facilitate this process. © 2014 The Authors Developmental Neurobiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 641–666, 2015
STRENGTHENING THE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING PROCESS
Authors: Alford Mack 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTThis paper suggests that many system development problems are due to the inadequacies of the mandated notations being used to support systems analysis and design An executable “behavior diagram” notation is proposed for describing system functionality which eliminates the deficiencies of the existing system analysis notations, yet can be displayed in those notations to strengthen the Systems Engineering process. The way in which this notation supports a separation of concerns for attacking large problems is also described. Finally, the role of automation is discussed to achieve increased system development productivity and reliability.
PWMP, A TAILORED SYSTEMS ENGINEERING APPROACH FOR REQUIREMENTS MANAGEMENT
Authors: DeLozier R.C. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBecause of the urgent schedule imposed on environmental issues, the Pond Waste Management Project (PWMP) implemented a tailored systems engineering (SE) approach for managing, integrating, and documenting its activities and for ensuring that both state and federal requirements for treating and storing low‐level radioactive mixed‐waste sludge would be met. This tailored approach focused on seven essential activities: system requirements, project plan, SE plan, configuration management plan, risk assessment, best management practices plan, and operational readiness review.
IMPROVING THE PRACTICE IN COMPUTER‐BASED SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Authors:   State of Practice Working Group,   IEEE Computer Society Task Force in CBSE, White Stephanie , Alford Mack , McCay Brian , Oliver David , Tully Colin , Holtzman Julian , Kuehl C. Stephen , Owens David , Willey Allan 
Published: November 2014

AbstractProblems in the development of large computer‐based systems indicate that a new discipline is needed at the systems engineering level. Designing systems with distributed processing and databases requires analysis of critical end‐to‐end processing flows to determine feasibility and proper allocation. An expanded skills base would be required to enable either software or systems engineers to perform the necessary tradeoff studies concerning software, hardware, and communication components.This paper informs managers, engineers, educators, and researchers about the need for computer‐based systems engineering and the strategic opportunities this discipline provides for systems engineering improvement.
SAVING THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT WITH SYSTEM ENGINEERING
Authors: Martin Frederick 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper describes how we can use the methodology of System Engineering (SE) to quantify the environmental impacts of local, urban projects. The concepts for using multi‐attribute analysis are presented and applied to two examples of local government planning ‐ highway routing and forest logging. This article illustrates how multi‐attribute analysis can quantify the relative benefits of alternative approaches to these problems. For highway routing, the least expensive approach is also the most environmentally sound approach.
SYSTEM ENGINEERING PROCESS IMPROVEMENT TEAM, ONE SMALL STEP FOR … SYSTEM ENGINEERING
Authors: Callaway R. , Petri D. , Fleming R. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractNASA recognizes that it must fundamentally change the way it does business, especially during the early phases of a project life cycle, to be successful. A structured system engineering culture is one of the essential ingredients without which NASA may not be effective past the end of the century. Compatibility and improvement of System Engineering processes is the charter of the System Engineering Process Improvement Team (SEPIT) which will be discussed in this paper.
EDUCATING SYSTEMS ENGINEERS AT CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
Authors: Hobbs Benjamin F. , Chankong Vira 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper describes the authors' perceptions of the functions, requirements, architecture, and performance of the program in systems engineering at Case Western Reserve University. This program is the first systems engineering department in the U.S. The program emphasizes the development of control theory and systems analysis methods, and their application to engineering problems. Because of changes in 1) the field of systems analysis, 2) our student body, and 3) the needs of research sponsors, we believe that it would be desirable to incorporate concepts of functional and requirement analysis in our curriculum.
1.5.2 EXPERIENCE WITH AUTOMATED REQUIREMENTS MANAGEMENT
Authors: Jones David A. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractTheory is one thing; practicality is another. Selling a requirements tool is one thing; using it is another. Here actual experiences in requirement management using three automated toolsets–the Simple Tested Available Requirement Tracer (START), Teamwork and the Cowen Utilities, and R‐Trace and Utilities‐are described in some detail. These toolsets range from table‐document referencing systems to a full centralized database requirement text system. All were used through one or more revisions to top level requirements and all were successful to a degree.Topics include training; requirement identification/marking, allocation, and flowdown verification; responsibility segmentation; and spec and analysis document generation and control.Brief comments are also given on experience with eight other toolsets.
3.1.2 SYSTEMS ENGINEERING TRAINING AT ROCKWELL SPACE SYSTEMS DIVISION
Authors: Benedict J. , Connolly A. , Hines J. , Smolskis R. , Stone A. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe Systems Engineering (SE) department at Space Systems Division of Rockwell is responsible for providing qualified Systems Engineers to all of the division's programs. Our training program addresses both immediate and long term skill needs. Immediate skill needs are developed with just‐in‐time in‐house training and on‐the‐job training. Our long term SE training program is integrated with SE career planning so individuals can identify specific types of training they need to achieve their long term career objectives. In addition, we monitor the effectiveness of the SE training to continuously improve it. Our training program consists of four basic elements: (1) an internal SE How‐To course to teach basic principles, (2) SE tools training, (3) on‐the‐job‐training (experience), and (4) formal degree SE programs from local universities.
5.4.2 Mousetrap: A Concurrent Engineering Simulation That Keeps Going…and going…and going
Authors: Zittel Randy C. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe Department of Defense Systems Management College uses the Stored Energy Ground Vehicle Simulation (“Mousetrap”) to train future program managers in the application and power of concurrent engineering and the systems engineering process. The simulation has evolved over the past seven years into what we believe to be a world class concurrent engineering simulation, which additionally provides the military officers and DoD civilians a critically important industry perspective.Each student integrated product team performs the role of a defense contractor competing against other student “companies” in their quest for the single follow‐on production contract to be awarded after completion of the acquisition development cycle and a government supervised competitive “run‐off”. They respond to a government request for proposal, negotiate a contract and spend time over 14 weeks developing a life cycle balanced system, expending and accounting for labor and actual government funds for materials. They must conduct three acquisition phase based technical design reviews presented to an integrated government program office, and subsequently build and field a competitive prototype.