bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1 Agency‐level Systems Engineering for “Systems of Systems”
Authors: Carlock Paul G. , Scardina John A. , Decker Steven C. , Fenton Robert E. , Pate Charles W.
Published: November 2014

“Systems of systems” differ from single systems in the way in which they are implemented and in how their implementation must be controlled. For this reason, the systems engineering processes necessary to ensure successful implementation of systems of systems differ in several important ways from the systems engineering processes typically applied to individual systems. A successful approach to implementing systems of systems requires a multi‐tiered set of systems engineering processes that builds upon the traditional single‐system approach.
3 Towards a Unified Systems Methodology for Australian Defence Systems‐of‐Systems
Authors: Cook S C , Lawson E , Allison J S
Published: November 2014

This paper endeavours to identify a systems methodology that could prove useful in the creation and operation of military systems‐of‐systems. The paper opens with a review of basic systems thinking and proposes a military systems hierarchy that is useful in characterising military systems on the basis of their behaviour and the relevant disciplines with which each can be tackled. We then examine the systems methodology framework called Total Systems Intervention described by Flood and Jackson (1991) and discuss how this can help select a systems methodology for the range of defence systems identified in the hierarchy. The paper concludes by suggesting how TSI might be tailored to defence needs, in particular, high‐level systems.
1 Industrial Ecology and Systems Engineering – a Perfect Match?
Authors: Asbjornsen Odd A.
Published: November 2014

The greatest threat to the acceptance of industrial ecology is the imprecise nature of the handling the topic in the mass media. Popular slogans pass for scientific proclamations without any foundation in physics or thermodynamics. This paper presents a clear and beneficial role that systems engineering can play in educating the public and politicians to make informed decisions. The marriage of the two disciplines offers an alternative to media manipulation and political agendas in decisions that have long‐term consequences affecting future generations. The same message has relevance to practising Systems Engineers by focusing attention on the long‐term effects of decisions made today under contract or other pressures that lead to sub‐optimal choices.
3 What's the Balanced Scorecard got to do with Systems Engineering?
Authors: Haskins Cecilia
Published: November 2014

Good ideas are everywhere and increasingly SE project managers are looking to business practices for techniques to improve the management and delivery of complex systems. One emerging technique should appeal to systems engineers for its holistic approach to evaluating the performance of organisations, namely the Balanced Scorecard. In keeping with the conference theme, “Sharing the Future,” this paper builds on the processes and definitions provided in the INCOSE Systems Engineering Measurement Primer to describe the technique and propose how it may be applied to the management of programs.
3 Standards: A Perspective and Some Future Directions for the Systems Engineering Community
Authors: Velman J. R. , Widmann E. R. , Hudak G. J.
Published: November 2014

This paper gives an overview and introduction to the area of standards and standardization with the intent of providing a basic understanding useful to people involved in systems engineering. Some examples of the use of standards are provided from both the past and present. The paper concentrates specifically on those aspects of standards of importance to systems engineering. The definition, content, style and other characteristics of formally developed consensus standards are examined in some detail. Product standards, technical process standards, and management process standards are defined and contrasted. Some fundamental issues relating to management process standards in general, and to systems engineering process standards in particular, are discussed; potential remedies are suggested. Directions proposed for INCOSE by the INCOSE Standards Task Force are reviewed. This paper expands upon some of the material in a previous paper by Velman and Widmann published in the Proceedings of the 1998 INCOSE Symposium.
4 Addressing the People Issues when Developing and Implementing Engineering Processes
Authors: Laporte Claude Y. , Trudel Sylvie
Published: November 2014

This paper describes the approach used by a defense contractor to address the people issues raised when developing and implementing engineering processes. First, a brief description of the context is presented, then organizational mechanisms to better manage changes are described finally, sixteen lessons learned are presented.
1 Developing an Over‐Arching Systems Engineering Process
Authors: Davies John K
Published: November 2014

Engineering on projects is a complex activity in which traditional systems engineering plays a pivotal role. However, systems engineering is not separate but part of the overall engineering process that includes all disciplines.

Producing an over‐arching systems engineering process, in which traditional systems engineering activities, such as ‘Capture User Needs’ and ‘System Design’, and development engineering, such as ‘Software’ and ‘Hardware Development’, form sub‐processes, allows optimisation of the overall process and reveals overlaps, gaps and conflicts between the constituent sub‐processes. Producing such a process is not easy. Different views of engineering need to be captured, defined and related. Issues, such as what to include and exclude, level of detail, and representation, have to be agreed. Compromises are needed to achieve the greatest overall benefit.

When such a process has been defined, it forms the repository of engineering process knowledge, the source of best practice to be applied to all projects, and forms a major asset of the company.
3 Airbus System Engineering Policy
Authors: Jeffroy Alain , Nogué Jean‐Michel , Cambet M , Ashpole Ron , Gonzalez Jesus , Heller P , Nevelling T
Published: November 2014

In the field of aeronautics, among all types of requirements, safety requirements are those which have the greater impact on defining approaches to manage orderly the development of any element composing the aircraft. The increased complexity of aircraft systems led the aeronautic community to define suitable requirements for safety and certification. This resulted in the production of ARP 4754 “Certification Considerations for Highly‐Integrated or Complex Aircraft Systems” developed by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) and EUROCAE (The European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment). These recommended practices have then been analysed by Airbus Industries in order to revise the current domestic directives used for System development. A new set of directives have been developed, this paper presents the main characteristics of these new Airbus Standards.
1 Systems Engineering Training Architecture for the U.S. Department of Energy
Authors: Plowman Catherine
Published: November 2014

This paper describes an architecture for developing and maintaining a Systems Engineering capability for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This architecture is being implemented at DOE's Idaho National Engineering & Environmental (INEEL) and reflects significant lessons learned in bringing Systems Engineering to an environment in which it had not existed before as a recognized and disciplined practice. A similar approach may be beneficial to other organizations seeking to add or enhance their Systems Engineering capabilities.
3 SYSTEMS ENGINEERING EDUCATION ‐ ACADEMIC OR VOCATIONAL?
Authors: Grange Gordon W. , Dynamics Matra BAe
Published: November 2014

Systems Engineering is developing rapidly as a discipline and there is a growing number of academic courses aiming to provide education in Systems Engineering. In the past, Systems Engineers have tended to learn, on the job and this experienced based education is still essential. The challenge facing organisations which apply Systems Engineering in conducting their business is to be clear what they want from Systems Engineering and what Systems Engineering means in their application. The organisation's educational needs for Systems Engineering can then be derived and the sources identified. In effect, taking a Systems Engineering approach to delivering Systems Engineering Education. The paper outlines a framework of Systems Engineering roles in which Systems Engineers are developed and points to suitable type and sources of education.
1 Models, Proofs and the Engineering of Computer‐Based Systems: A Reality Check
Authors: Lann Gérard Le
Published: November 2014

The need for drastic reductions in budgeting and durations of projects that involve computer‐based systems, as well as the increasing pressure to field systems that function satisfactorily, have fostered the need for more rigorous system engineering methods. Via case studies, we report on why models and proofs, which are at the core of emerging methods, are indeed instrumental in slashing costs, by avoiding project setbacks, operational mishaps or failures, and by permitting correct diagnoses when necessary. The perspectives offered by such methods help to understand better what is missing with existing COTS products, as well as what is the borderline between software engineering and system engineering.
3 Simultaneously Considering Life‐Cycle Cost And Effectiveness For System Design Evaluation
Authors: Fabrycky Wolter J. , Blanchard Benjamin S. , Verma Dinesh
Published: November 2014

Systems seek to satisfy identified needs and/or defined objectives. Effectiveness is the degree to which these needs or objectives are met. But need satisfaction incurs an aggregate cost to the user over the life cycle of the system. Therefore, both cost and effectiveness should be considered simultaneously during system design and development.

In this paper, emphasis is placed on life‐cycle cost analysis within the context of system effectiveness, both driven by Design Dependent Parameters. Our aim is to provide insight into the essential concepts and the process for considering both cost and effectiveness simultaneously, with a unique Design Evaluation Display as the centrepiece. development.

There are many technical and managerial decisions and actions taken throughout the system life cycle. Most actions, particularly those in the early life‐cycle phases, have significant implications and greatly affect life‐cycle cost and system effectiveness. Accordingly, Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis should be employed in the evaluation of alternative system design concepts and configurations, alternative production schemes, alternative logistic support policies, alternative disposal plans, etc. This analysis process is iterative in nature and can be applied to any phase of the system life cycle.

The basic concepts inherent in Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis are being applied to a broad range of problems in both the defence and the civilian sectors of public activities. More recently, CEA is finding a place in the design and development of systems for commercial and business applications worldwide. In all applications, the simultaneous consideration of life‐cycle cost and effectiveness is an essential element in system design evaluation.
3 Construction Engineering within a Prime Contract Engineering Organisation
Authors: Ward P J
Published: November 2014

This paper discusses in broad terms the role and relevance of construction engineering within integrated project teams delivering operational systems. Appendix 1 to this paper defines the main issues to be considered when developing the construction requirements specification, and Appendix 2 discusses issues to be considered when selecting the construction team.
1 Systems Engineering Across Commercial and Public Interest Domains
Authors: Jackson Scott
Published: November 2014

A study of the practice of systems engineering across commercial and public interest domains shows that the basic principles of systems engineering are present in all domains, but that each domain brings with it unique aspects. Domains studied include commercial aircraft, facilities, telecommunications, highway transportation, resource management, plutonium disposal, facilities, high‐technology transit buses, motor vehicles, design for environment, and the legal system. Aspects examined are the system life cycle, the system functions, the system architecture, and the requirements drivers. This analysis finds that commercial and public interest domains are dominated by one or more of the following considerations: competitive market price pressures, diverse governmental and public input, existing and developing certification and regulatory standards, the introduction of new technology, and the requirement to serve multiple users.
3 Application of System Engineering Principles in the Development of the Advanced Photo System
Authors: Mason Gregory A. , McGrath William E. , Rutter Christine K. , Sherwood W. Brian , Silva Fernando G. , Spence John P. , Tsao How J.
Published: November 2014

The work leading to the introduction of the Advanced Photo System was extremely complex and required Eastman Kodak Company to manage this work through the application of systems engineering principles. This paper will discuss the complexity of the situation, the principles that were applied and specific methodologies that Eastman Kodak used during system development.

The definition of a system provided in MIL‐STD‐499B, “Systems Engineering”, May, 1991 Draft“: A system is a composite of people, products, and processes that provide a capability to satisfy stated needs. A complete system includes the facilities, equipment (hardware and software), material, service, data, skilled personnel, and techniques required to achieve, provide and sustain system effectiveness.” The Advanced Photo System, including all of these attributes, as well as the additional interactions involved in joint development, required Kodak to actively implement system engineering principles.

These principles can be defined as the application of scientific and engineering effort to transform an operational need into a defined system configuration using a top‐down, iterative process of requirements definition, functional analysis and allocation, synthesis, optimization, design, test, and evaluation as defined by Blanchard and Fabrycky.

This paper will describe the four major accomplishments of this effort:

Providing an overall process for development and verification of system requirements, using a top‐down approach that views the system as a whole and provides an orientation towards the life‐cycle of the system

Integrating existing development management processes by emphasizing the system environment that these processes exist within

Integrating widely scattered technology, design, manufacturing and management efforts using “front‐end” analysis of contributions to system performance

Providing a framework for managing system level negotiations with our joint development partners and internal organizations
3 Systems engineering and Statoil natural gas transport operations
Authors: Dahl Hans Jørgen
Published: November 2014

This paper reviews the conceptual theory of systems engineering (SE). It concludes that SE offers an appropriate approach to considering existing and future needs and challenges related to Statoil's natural gas transport operations. It suggests that SE, including related methods and tools, be introduced into future strategic management planning and decision making processes.

The strength of the conceptual approach lies in its ability to handle large numbers of different parameters. This is quite useful, since decision‐making in this industry often involves many multidisciplinary characteristics. These parameters derive typically from technical, commercial, political, organisational and legislative needs and challenges. A particularly important challenge involves industry compliance with the forthcoming process of market liberalisation introduced by the new European Union (EU) directive on natural gas.

The paper identifies and applies major conceptual SE building blocks, such as defining hardware, bioware and software, pinpointing needs and system requirements and trade‐off analyses. It concludes that SE is an appropriate approach in decision‐making processes related to topics such as gas and oil field resource management, development of transport tariff regimes and sales contracts, gas blending, storage and line packing procedures as well as organisational development. The paper is an extract from and synthesis of the author's working reports on SE and related subjects.
1 Ensuring Medical Device Industry Quality System Standards Compliance
Authors: McCay Brian M.
Published: November 2014

Success in the highly competitive medical device industry demands developing the right device first, on time and within budget. International and country‐specific quality standards must be met to sell Class II (e.g. an external monitoring device) and III devices (e.g., a long‐term implantable device), devices containing software, as well as selected Class I devices (e.g., surgeon's gloves). This paper discusses how proven requirements management practices such as traceability, change management, user definable views into project data, simultaneous access to information and the use of electronic records can save time and money, while ensuring compliance as a side benefit. Focus is on quality standards having the greatest impact on the medical device commercial marketplace: FDA's Quality System Regulation, ISO 13485 Quality System Standard and the CE Mark for the European Economic Community.
4 Modeling of Integrated Product Development Processes
Authors: Negele Herbert , Fricke Ernst , Schrepfer Lutz , Härtlein Nicole
Published: November 2014

The development process has to be modeled and documented for its reengineering and continuous improvement. A development process model is the basis for how a system will be designed. Due to the special nature of integrated product development processes, a method for process modeling has to be able to support and easily map the high interconnectivity between processes of different engineering disciplines over all hierarchies. The dominant elements in a model of integrated product development processes are the informational relations and flows.

The analysis of models and textual documentation of the engineering processes in an automotive company revealed the special need for modeling concurrent engineering processes. Existing methods didn't support these needs sufficiently. Therefore, a single method for mapping and interconnecting the processes of all different engineering disciplines was agreed upon, which describes inputs and outputs (e.g. informational objects) for every process.

The paper describes the reasons for an engineering process driven modeling method, the method itself and its application. Also, lessons learned from this approach are described.
4 The Impact of Systems Engineering Capability Maturity on Innovation
Authors: Walden David D.
Published: November 2014

This paper analyzes the impact that increased Systems Engineering process maturity has on innovation. The 19 Functional Areas (FAs) of the EIA/IS‐731.1 Systems Engineering Capability Model (SECM) standard were each individually assessed for their quantitative impact against six key characteristics associated with innovation.

The results of this analysis suggest that, on balance, increasing one's Systems Engineering maturity has a positive effect on one's ability to innovate. Most FAs are either neutral to or have a positive influence on innovation. A few FAs have a negative influence on innovation. The paper also includes recommendations for standard setting bodies to consider for both process definition and capability assessment.
2 Infrastructure Operations Technical Baseline Development at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory Using Systems Engineering
Authors: Caliva Robert M.
Published: November 2014

The Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) is a Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory that has been performing environmental cleanup and stabilization, which was accelerated upon the end of the cold war. In fact, the INEEL currently receives two‐thirds of its scope to perform these functions. These activities can only be successful, however, if infrastructure operations are adequate and appropriately tailored. Several of the systems engineers supporting a group called Environmental Management Integration (EMI) were given the charter to develop the technical baseline for all INEEL infrastructure operations. This paper will discuss the systems engineering process developed in order to capture the driving requirements and identify the necessary functions that must exist in order to successfully support environmental cleanup and stabilization.
3 WORKPRODUCT SYNCRONIZATION USING THE SYNCHRO‐X™ LIFECYCLE MODEL AND OBJECT TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Beshore David G.
Published: November 2014

Systems Engineering (SE) requires computer‐based information capture, synthesis, and rework to complete on‐time, quality SE documents – also known as SE workproducts. Product development lifecycle application is often challenged early, in the formative stages, when customer commitment and client resourcefulness are undefined. Goal‐directed effort can only be performed if the SE work products and product development lifecycle model are coordinated ‐ an example is shown in this paper by the new Synchro‐X™ lifecycle model along with implemention of object oriented techniques and workflow practices.

This new lifecycle model requires an understanding of Object Technology (OT) (Ambler 1998, Cantor 1998, Goldberg 1995, IBM 1997, Jacobson 1992, Meyer 1995, Taylor 1998) for the development, co‐ordination and completion of work products during a program's process execution and product development. Current systems engineering standards and capability maturity models (SE‐CMM 1995) are used as the foundation for these lifecycle models and practices.

This paper examines:

the application of object technology to systems engineering,

the use of Synchro‐X™ lifecycle model which integrates process and product development,

how work can be synchronized at the practice, process and product class levels,

the need to focus on Process to minimize rework, and

how workflow technology can reduce the risk of product development.
4 Design and Implementation of a System Engineering Standard Process for Satellite Development
Authors: Rudolph M. , Hartmann R. , Fricke E. , Negele H.
Published: November 2014

This paper describes a european approach to standardize the satellite development process. The results of the standardization efforts of the “European Cooperation for Space Standardisation” (ECSS) have been used as a basis. As a generic model to structure the current processes the four‐dimensional model (ZOPH) is applied. The subsequent implementation of the proposed model into the engineering data management system METAPHASE™ is presented.
2 Systems Engineering, Systems Thinking, System Dynamics: Complementary Viewpoints
Authors: Brezinski Lawrence J.
Published: November 2014

Systems Engineering is one of several disciplines that deal with the development and operation of complex systems. Systems Thinking and System Dynamics have different origins than Systems Engineering, and have been successful in providing methods for understanding complex systems. Comparing the definitions of these disciplines indicates there is common ground in the problems‐solving approaches used by each. Systems Thinking and System Dynamics are examined to identify practices and methods that could be useful to Systems Engineers in understanding complex technical systems and evaluating changes to improve system performance.
A Systems Engineering Process for Systems of Systems
Authors: Roe Charles L.
Published: November 2014

This paper discusses a systems engineering process to develop complex military systems of systems. The steps—from the mission need through requirements definition, functional identification and decomposition, subsystem development, integration, test, and deployment—are described. The difficulties associated with incorporating legacy equipment and providing seamless and synergistic integration of new elements are discussed. The integration and test of these systems of systems also requires new dimensions and measurement systems to assess performance. Finally, the need for new doctrine, rules, and procedures that link these systems of systems to expert control systems when deployed is discussed.
Improving Systems Engineering Processes Step by Step
Authors: Cattan Denise , Lerchundi Ramón
Published: November 2014

The SW‐CMM, which has been used to assess software engineering development processes within Thomson‐CSF, has demonstrated the suitability of staged models for assisting in the development of improvement action plans following an appraisal.

Existing system engineering models are based upon a continuous architecture, which has been found to be less adept at focusing improvement activities following appraisals. For this reason, a Thomson‐CSF project has developed a system engineering model based upon the SE‐CMM but incorporating a set of improvement stages aligned to the levels in the SW‐CMM.

The paper presents this ‘staged model’, which is a contribution to the European System and Software Initiative (ESSI) for Process Improvement Experiment (PIE Project 23983).

The Process Oriented System Engineering (POSE) project has been developed with partial European Commission funding and with the help of the European Software Institute.
Tool Support for Implementation and Analysis of Traceability Structures
Authors: Riddle Steve , Saeed Amer
Published: November 2014

Traceability has become established as a key subject of requirements engineering research. Our research has resulted in the proposal of information structures to record information in support of the early stages of the software development process, and the establishment of a traceability procedure for the development and assessment of safety critical systems. For this procedure to be feasible for large‐scale systems, there is a need to represent, structure and analyse the consistency and completeness of large amounts of disparate information. It is thus essential to provide adequate tool support. In this paper we address automation of the basic activities of the procedure, and investigate some candidate tools which can provide some or all of the features required by automation.
Avoiding CMM® Appraisal Test Anxiety
Authors: Armstrong James R.
Published: November 2014

Extreme pressure to get a rating has caused problems in many process improvement efforts. The reaction of employees that have gone through strongly audit oriented appraisals is quite similar to what educators call “test anxiety”. The impact on process improvement can be as negative as in the classroom. There is an alternative. This paper looks at a new method of achieving the process improvement objectives of an appraisal in a different manner.
Dynamic piezoelectric stimulation enhances osteogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells
Authors: Ribeiro Clarisse , Pärssinen Jenita , Sencadas Vítor , Correia Vítor , Miettinen S. , Hytönen Vesa P. , Lanceros‐Méndez Senentxu
Published: November 2014

This work reports on the influence of the substrate polarization of electroactive β‐poly(vinylidene fluoride) (β‐PVDF) on human adipose stem cells (hASCs) differentiation under static and dynamic conditions. hASCs were cultured on different β‐PVDF surfaces (non‐poled and “poled −”) adsorbed with fibronectin and osteogenic differentiation was determined using a quantitative alkaline phosphatase assay. “Poled −” β‐PVDF samples promote higher osteogenic differentiation, which is even higher under dynamic conditions. It is thus demonstrated that electroactive membranes can provide the necessary electromechanical stimuli for the differentiation of specific cells and therefore will support the design of suitable tissue engineering strategies, such as bone tissue engineering. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2172–2175, 2015.
A Tissue Specific Magnetic Resonance Contrast Agent, Gd‐AMH, for Diagnosis of Stromal Endometriosis Lesions: A Phase I Study
Authors: Signorile Pietro G. , Baldi Alfonso
Published: November 2014

The anti‐mullerian hormone (AMH) is a homodimeric glycoprotein member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) superfamily, is secreted by Sertoli cells in the embryonic testes and is responsible of the regression of the mullerian duct. The physiological functions of this protein remain largely unknown, and its expression in human tissues has yet to be completely determined. Firstly, we analyzed AMH expression in human tissues by immunohistochemistry. AMH was distributed in many organs, although with different tissue and cell localization and various expression levels; we also demonstrated strong AMH expression in endometriosis tissues. Secondly, we demonstrated the ability of an anti‐AMH antibody, labeled with gadiolinium, to be directly detected by magnetic resonance in small endometriosis lesions (5 mm in diameter) in vivo in a mouse model. In conclusion, our data suggest that based on its expression pattern, AMH may serve to maintain physiological cellular homeostasis in different human tissues and organs. Moreover, it is strongly expressed in endometriosis lesions as a selective tissue specific contrast agent for in vivo detection of stromal endometriosis lesions. The potential significance of these findings could be further validated in a clinical setting. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1270–1275, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
The Synergistic Effect of SAHA and Parthenolide in MDA‐MB231 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Carlisi Daniela , Lauricella Marianna , D'Anneo Antonella , Buttitta Giuseppina , Emanuele Sonia , di Fiore Riccardo , Martinez Roberta , Rolfo Christian , Vento Renza , Tesoriere Giovanni
Published: November 2014

The sesquiterpene lactone Parthenolide (PN) exerted a cytotoxic effect on MDA‐MB231 cells, a triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line, but its effectiveness was scarce when employed at low doses. This represents an obstacle for a therapeutic utilization of PN. In order to overcome this difficulty we associated to PN the suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), an histone deacetylase inhibitor. Our results show that SAHA synergistically sensitized MDA‐MB231 cells to the cytotoxic effect of PN. It is noteworthy that treatment with PN alone stimulated the survival pathway Akt/mTOR and the consequent nuclear translocation of Nrf2, while treatment with SAHA alone induced autophagic activity. However, when the cells were treated with SAHA/PN combination, SAHA suppressed PN effect on Akt/mTOR/Nrf2 pathway, while PN reduced the prosurvival autophagic activity of SAHA. In addition SAHA/PN combination induced GSH depletion, fall in Δψm, release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase 3 and apoptosis. Finally we demonstrated that combined treatment maintained both hyperacetylation of histones H3 and H4 induced by SAHA and down‐regulation of DNMT1 expression induced by PN. Inhibition of the DNA‐binding activity of NF‐kB, which is determined by PN, was also observed after combined treatment. In conclusion, combination of PN to SAHA inhibits the cytoprotective responses induced by the single compounds, but does not alter the mechanisms leading to the cytotoxic effects. Taken together our results suggest that this combination could be a candidate for TNBC therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1276–1289, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
Mechanical properties of the hyomandibula in four shark species
Authors: Balaban Jordan P. , Summers Adam P. , Wilga Cheryl A.
Published: November 2014

Sharks have cartilaginous elements that support the jaws and are subjected to variable loads. The aim of this study was to understand how these elements, the hyomandibulae, respond to compressive loads, and to describe the structural level mechanical properties of mineralized cartilage. Mechanical stiffness and effective Poisson's ratio of the hyomandibular cartilage were measured in four species of sharks (white‐spotted bamboo, Chiloscyllium plagiosum; spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias; sandbar, Carcharhinus plumbeus; and dusky smoothhound, Mustelus canis). The former two are suction feeders, while the latter two are bite feeders. The hyomandibulae of suction feeders were expected to be stiffer because of the increased loads on their hyomandibulae. Bamboo sharks, as the strongest suction feeders, have the stiffest hyomandibula with a stiffness of 106.12 MPa. The stiffness of spiny dogfish, sandbar sharks, and dusky smoothhounds were 41.58, 58.00, and 49.62 MPa, respectively. The proportion of the minerals found in the cross‐section of the hyomandibula determines the elements stiffness. Effective Poisson's ratio was measured at low axial strains and was highly variable ranging from 2.3 × 10−5 to 4.3 × 10−1. This implies that the behavior of the hyomandibulae under load will be very different in different species. Furthermore, this wide range of values for the ratio has potential implications for modeling techniques, such as finite element modeling, which use Poisson's ratio as a fundamental input. J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 1–9, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conformational Analysis of the 1,3‐Oxaphosphorinanes Formed from α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes and the (Hydroxymethyl)phosphines RP(CH2OH)2 (R = Ph or CH2OH)
Authors: Moiseev Dmitry V. , James Brian R.
Published: November 2014

Equimolar reactions of cinnamaldehyde or its 3,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐hydroxy derivative (sinapaldehyde) with RP(CH2OH)2 (R = Ph or CH2OH) were studied in MeOH or CD3OD at room temperature by NMR spectroscopy. In MeOH, nucleophilic attack of the phosphine at the CC bond, with concomitant loss of CH2O, affords the tertiary phosphine HOCH2P(R)CH(Ar)CH2CHO (3) that rapidly converts mainly into a 1,3‐oxaphosphorinane derivative (5) formed as a mixture of four diastereomers. Conformational analysis reveals that the Ar group in these is exclusively in an equatorial position while the OH and R groups can be equatorial‐oriented or axial‐oriented. In CD3OD, 1,3‐oxaphosphorinanes monodeuterated in the C5 position are obtained as a mixture of eight diastereomers where the dominate diastereomers have an axial D‐atom. Diastereomeric ratios depend on the nature of the Ar and R groups.
SECURITY FOR ALL, DEVELOPMENT FOR SOME? THE INCORPORATION OF SECURITY IN UK'S DEVELOPMENT POLICY
Authors: McConnon Eamonn
Published: November 2014

This paper builds on existing research on the merging of development and security following 9/11. Whilst much of the current literature focuses on the development policy of the US, this paper examines the UK. Investigating arguments that the UK's coordination of security and development policy is concerned with security at home rather than in the developing world, the policy discourse of UK's Department for International Development (DfID), Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Ministry of Defence is examined through its major policy documents for the period from the late 1990s to 2011. Two levels of analysis are used: a content analysis and a discourse analysis. In addition, this research draws on interviews with key informants within the DfID. This paper argues that since 9/11 and the War on Terror, the UK has increasingly coordinated its foreign policy, development and security actors. As a result, the DfID has given progressively greater attention to issues of national security in its policy. This action is justified through a series of claims of common interest between actors across government and between the interests of developing countries and the UK. This merging of interests opens up space for development to be focused on ensuring UK's national security. Whilst drawing on a paradigm of broader security, this instead reverses the principal of human security where national security is now a development problem. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WHO WANTS TO GIVE FOREVER? GIVING MEANING TO SUSTAINABILITY IN DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Taylor Ben
Published: November 2014

This paper argues strongly in favour of a re‐examination of the term ‘sustainability’ in international development research, policy and practice. It demonstrates that the term is understood pluralistically, being both environmental and economic. Within economic interpretations, this paper identifies three clear understandings of ‘sustainability’, which effect programme design and, ultimately, their impact on poverty significantly. The paper argues that the ramifications of this definition go far beyond semantics and have a significant impact on the development outcomes realised by programmes that incorporate the term. Having evaluated these conceptions, the paper argues for sustainability in development as being interventions that alter the causes of poverty so that the process through which change occurs is improved in an adaptive and permanent way,a permanent increase in adaptability. Evidence is drawn from a review of the literature and policy documentation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cloud responses in the AMIP simulations of CMIP5 models in the southeastern Pacific marine subsidence region
Authors: Rapp Anita D.
Published: November 2014

The sensitivity of regimes dominated by low clouds has been identified as the largest contributor to uncertainties in tropical cloud feedback estimates in climate models. The Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project simulations of the low cloud response to sea surface temperature (SST) are compared with satellite observations in the southeastern Pacific subsidence region. The model ensemble annual average cloud fraction is only about 10% lower than Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer observations; however, many models compensate by overestimating the cloud liquid water path (LWP), especially in areas typically associated with shallow cumulus. Analysis of the monthly distribution also shows that models have considerable difficulty in simulating the annual cycle in the cloud radiative effect (CRE), cloud fraction, and LWP likely due in part to underestimation of the strength of lower tropospheric stability and the depth of the boundary layer. The interannual sensitivity of CRE to SST agrees with observations in about half of the models, with the other half generally underestimating the cloud radiative forcing sensitivity. Model‐observational differences are driven by the varying interannual responses in cloud fraction and LWP. Most models, including those that capture the mean interannual sensitivity of CRE to SST, have lower sensitivity in cloud fraction that is compensated by oversensitivity in the cloud LWP, especially in areas of more frequent shallow cumulus. Results presented here also highlight the possibility of using the vertical gradient of moist static energy (MSE) to test the fidelity of a model's representation of clouds and cloud sensitivity. Models that reproduce the observed distribution of cloud fraction with the lower tropospheric MSE gradient not only show better regional distribution and annual cycle in clouds and radiative forcing, but also demonstrate cloud and radiative sensitivities to SST that are more well correlated with the observed cloud sensitivities.
Influence of cadmium and mycorrhizal fungi on the fatty acid profile of flax (Linum usitatissimum) seeds
Authors: Kaplan Matthew E , Simmons Ellen R , Hawkins Jack C , Ruane Lauren G , Carney Jeffrey M
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

The soil environment can affect not only the quantity of crops produced but also their nutritional quality. We examined the combined effects of below‐ground cadmium (0, 5, and 15 ppm) and mycorrhizal fungi (presence and absence) on the concentration of five major fatty acids within flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum).

RESULTS

Plants grown with mycorrhizal fungi produced seeds that contained higher concentrations of unsaturated (18:1, 18:2 and 18:3), but not saturated (16:0 and 18:0) fatty acids. The effects of mycorrhizal fungi on the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids in seeds were most pronounced when plant roots were exposed to 15 ppm Cd (i.e. the concentrations of 18:1, 18:2 and 18:3 increased by 169%, 370% and 150%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The pronounced effects of mycorrhizal fungi on the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids at 15 ppm Cd may have been due to the presence of elevated levels of Cd within seeds. Our results suggest that, once the concentration of cadmium within seeds reaches a certain threshold, this heavy metal may improve the efficiency of enzymes that convert saturated fatty acids to unsaturated fatty acids. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Contemporary assessment of the prevalence of smell and taste problems in adults
Authors: Bhattacharyya Neil , Kepnes Lynn J.
Published: November 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Determine the prevalence of smell disturbance and taste disturbance and associated factors in adults.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of nationwide household health survey.

Methods

Data from the taste and smell disorders component of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011 to 2012 were examined. The prevalence of self‐reported problems with taste and/or smell among adults and the associated symptom frequency, related healthcare provider interactions, and symptoms/etiologies (e.g., persistent cold/flu, dry mouth, or head injury, etc.) were determined. Associations between sex and age with smell and taste disturbances as well as the relationship between smell and taste disturbances were determined.

Results

Among 142.5 ± 12.6 million adult Americans (raw N = 3,594), there were an estimated 15.1 ± 2.1 million individuals (10.6% ± 1.0%) with self‐reported smell disturbance in the prior 12 months. Sex was not associated with the prevalence of self‐reported smell disturbance (P = 0.146), but increasing age was associated with an increasing prevalence of smell disturbance (odds ratio [OR] 1.147; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.003–1.312). An estimated 7.5 ± 0.6 million individuals (5.3% ± 0.3%) reporting a problem with taste in the prior 12 months. Sex was not associated with the prevalence of taste disturbance (P = 0.947) but increasing age was (OR 1.202; 1.037–1.395). Among 19.4 ± 2.2 million reporting smell and/or taste abnormality, 20.2% ± 2.3% discussed this with a healthcare provider and 5.8% ± 1.4% felt it interfered with their daily life.

Conclusion

A significant number of adult Americans report problems with smell disturbance and taste disturbance. Further work to identify patients whose smell or taste disturbance can be helped is warranted.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 125:1102–1106, 2015
Stakeholder Perceptions of Landscape Changes in the Mediterranean Mountains of the North‐Eastern Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Vila Subirós Josep , Rodríguez‐Carreras Roser , Varga Diego , Ribas Anna , Úbeda Xavier , Asperó Francesc , Llausàs Albert , Outeiro Luís
Published: November 2014

To preserve agroforest landscapes, it is essential to understand the complex factors that have shaped them. Biophysical and socio‐economic factors need to be considered, and we must leverage the ever‐increasing human capacity to model landscapes and predict their responses to agricultural intensification and land abandonment. This paper presents the main conclusions of a study on stakeholder perceptions of landscape changes in two protected Mediterranean mountain areas in the Iberian Peninsula: Alta Garrotxa and Gavarres. First, we present the changes in land use and land covers that have occurred over the past half‐century. Then, we used in‐depth interviews to determine the social perceptions and assessments of the landscape changes. We identified two coexisting but opposing viewpoints based on anthropocentric and ecocentric interpretations. The results reveal the complexity and diversity of stakeholder assessments of current management models and illustrated the lack of consensus on land management priorities. Therefore, it is necessary to promote participative methods and incorporate environmental service assessment as key elements in the decision‐making processes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monolithic silicon‐micromachined free‐space optical interferometers onchip
Authors: Sabry Yasser M. , Khalil Diaa , Bourouina Tarik
Published: November 2014

The integration of microactuators within a silicon photonic chip gave rise to the field of optical micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS) that was originally driven by the telecommunication market. Following the latter's bubble collapse in the beginning of the third millennium, new directions of research with considerable momentum appeared focusing on the realization and applications of miniaturized instrumentation in biology, chemistry, physics and materials science. At the heart of these applications light interferometry is a key optical phenomenon, in which miniaturized scanning interferometers are the manipulating optical devices. Monolithic free‐space optical interferometers realized on a silicon chip take advantage of the recent progress in the microfabrication technology that is enabling accurate control of the etching depth, the aspect ratio, the verticality and the curvature of the etched surfaces. The fabrication technology, the library of micro‐optical and mechanical components, the realized architectures and their characterization are described in detail in this review, followed by a discussion of the foreseen challenges.

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The Unusual Mechanical Evolution of Biodegradable Double Hydrogen Bonding Strengthened Hydrogels in Response to pH Change
Authors: Wang Pengyan , Zhang Yinyu , Cheng Lu , Liu Wenguang
Published: November 2014

Conventionally, biodegradable hydrogels end up with quick disintegration and consequently fail to bear external loading after degradation. Here, a biocleavable high‐strength hydrogel prepared by copolymerization of 2‐vinyl‐4,6‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine (alkali active H‐bonding monomer), 3‐acrylamidophenylboronic acid (acid active H‐bonding monomer), oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate, and crosslinker N,N′‐bis(acryloyl)cystamine is reported. The hydrogel is shown to be degraded after the disulfide bonds in the chemical crosslinkers are broken down in a reducible medium. Remarkably, the degraded hydrogel evolves into supramolecular network, which is strengthened by diaminotriazine–diaminotriazine and phenylboronic acid–phenylboronic acid dual H‐bonded physical crosslinks despite the loss of chemical crosslinking. It is demonstrated that over a broad pH range, the degraded hydrogels are able to retain macroscopic integrity and withstand high external loading due to the existence of at least one kind of hydrogen bonding crosslinking. This biodegradable double hydrogen bonding strengthened hydrogel may push forward the research on a new type of high‐strength hydrogels.

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