bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoporous Organic Field‐Effect Transistors Employing a Calixarene Dielectric for Sub‐ppb Gas Sensing
Authors: Tisserant Jean‐Nicolas , Beck Sebastian , Barf Marc‐Michael , Kowalsky Wolfgang , Lovrincic Robert
Published: August 2018

The increase of exposure to volatile organic compounds in general, and endocrine disruptors in particular, through daily healthcare consumer goods urgently calls for the development and commercialization of cheap and easy‐to‐use sensors to detect these molecules in air. Organic semiconductors (OSCs) promise the mass fabrication of cheap and flexible sensors, under the condition that the fabrication of functional thin films having the right morphology can be fully harnessed. Nanoporous morphologies are interesting in the field of gas sensing because they facilitate the diffusion of gas molecules to the active volume of organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs), at the vicinity of the gate dielectric. Nanoporous films of OSCs are, however, challenging to produce and to transfer into working sensors. Usage of nanoporous OSC films deposited on a sensitive 4‐tert‐butylcalix[6]arene gate dielectric as the active layer of an OFET‐based gas sensor is proposed here. The semiconducting molecules are self‐assembled into nanoporous films at the interface between air and water, allowing their transfer to practically any gas‐sensitive dielectric substrate. The OFET built on this film stack is used here to sense the presence of methyl 4‐hydroxybenzoate (methylparaben) in air at concentrations below 1 ppb.
A clinical update on tuberous sclerosis complex‐associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND)
Authors: de Vries Petrus J. , Wilde Lucy , de Vries Magdalena C. , Moavero Romina , Pearson Deborah A. , Curatolo Paolo
Published: August 2018

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is associated with a wide range of behavioral, psychiatric, intellectual, academic, neuropsychological, and psychosocial difficulties, which are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Here, we present a clinical update on TSC‐associated neuropsychiatric disorders, abbreviated as “TAND,” to guide screening, diagnosis, and treatment in practice. The review is aimed at clinical geneticists, genetic counselors, pediatricians, and all generalists involved in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents and adults with TSC, and related disorders. The review starts with a summary of the construct and levels of TAND, before presenting up‐to‐date information about each level of investigation. The review concludes with a synopsis of current and future TAND research.
Effects of sulfur additive on the transformation behaviors of γ‐Fe2O3 and coal liquefaction performances under mild conditions
Authors: Zhao Runze , Yang Lan , Song Xue , Zhang Weishan , Wang Baiyang , Huang Sheng , Wu Shiyong , Wu Youqing
Published: August 2018

In this paper, the effects of sulfur on liquefaction performances of coal and the transformation behaviors of γ‐Fe2O3 at the S/Fe atomic ratio of 0–1.3 under mild conditions were investigated. Compared with traditional liquefaction processes, the oil yield and coal conversion were insensitive to the addition of sulfur under mild conditions (temperature of 430°C, reaction pressure of 8.5–13.8 MPa). The optimum S/Fe atomic ratios at the initial H2 pressures of 4.0 and 8.0 MPa were 0.6 and 1.0, which were lower than those of traditional liquefaction processes. As the S/Fe atomic ratio increased from 0 to 0.6 (at the initial H2 pressure of 4.0 MPa), the oil yield and coal conversion increased by 4.0% and 3.8%, and this could be attributed to the synergistic effects between the relatively sulfur‐rich structure of pyrrhotite (Fe0.8917S) and the relatively high partial pressure of H2S. In addition, over 85% of sulfur was retained in the solid products, and the effect of S/Fe atomic ratio on the sulfur distribution was tiny. However, increasing H2 pressure was conducive to the transfer of sulfur to the gaseous products.
Adaptive Composite Fuzzy Dynamic Surface Control for Electro‐Hydraulic‐System, with Variable‐Supply‐Pressure
Authors: Guo Qinyang , Shi Guanglin , Wang Dongmei
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a novel adaptive composite fuzzy dynamic surface controller for a variable‐supply‐pressure electro‐hydraulic‐system in the presence of unknown nonlinear friction effects. To avoid analytic calculation, command filters are utilized to produce certain virtual controllers and their derivatives. A fuzzy logic system is designed to approximate and compensate the unknown nonlinear friction influences of the electro‐hydraulic‐system. To achieve a precise approximation, the prediction error of a designed serial‐parallel estimation model and the compensated tracking error are both used to develop the composite adaptive law. Comparative simulation and experimental results are obtained to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Mean‐variance hedging with basis risk
Authors: Xue Xiaole , Zhang Jingong , Weng Chengguo
Published: August 2018

Basis risk arises in a number of financial and insurance risk management problems when the hedging assets do not perfectly match the underlying asset in a hedging program. Notable examples in insurance include the hedging for longevity risks, weather index–based insurance products, variable annuities, etc. In the presence of basis risk, a perfect hedging is impossible, and in this paper, we adopt a mean‐variance criterion to strike a balance between the expected hedging error and its variability. Under a time‐dependent diffusion model setup, explicit optimal solutions are derived for the hedging target being either a European option or a forward contract. The solutions are obtained by a delicate application of the linear quadratic control theory, the method of backward stochastic differential equation, and Malliavin calculus. A numerical example is presented to illustrate our theoretical results and their interesting implications.
Self–other differences in multiattribute decision making: Compensatory versus noncompensatory decision strategies
Authors: Von Gunten Curtis D. , Scherer Laura D.
Published: August 2018

When making decisions where options involve multiple attributes, a person can choose to use a compensatory, utility maximizing strategy, which involves consideration and integration of all available attributes. Alternatively, a person can choose a noncompensatory strategy that extracts only the most important and reliable attributes. The present research examined whether other‐oriented decisions would involve greater reliance on a noncompensatory, lexicographic decision strategy than self‐oriented decisions. In three studies (Mturk workers and college students), the difference in other‐oriented versus self‐oriented decisions in a medical decision context was explained by a subsample of participants that chose the death minimizing operation on all 10 decisions (Study 1) and a subsample of participants who self‐reported that they used a strategy that minimized the chance of death on every decision (i.e., a lexicographic mortality heuristic; Study 2). In Study 2, tests of mediation found that self‐reported use of the mortality heuristic completely accounted for the self–other effect on decisions. In Study 3, participants were more likely to report prospectively that they would adopt the mortality heuristic when making decisions for others than for themselves, suggesting that participants were not mistakenly inferring a lexicographic decision strategy from their past behavior. The results suggest that self–other effects in multiattribute choice involve differential use of compensatory versus noncompensatory decision strategies and that beyond this group difference, individual differences in the use of these strategies also exist within self‐oriented and other‐oriented decisions.
Retracing the observations and footsteps of Beauchêne fils: A blueprint for scientific research
Authors: Spinner Robert J. , Wolanskyj‐Spinner Alexandra P.
Published: August 2018

Throughout the years, scientific and personal research has led us on a historical journey to learn about the life of Beauchêne fils (Edme François Chauvot de Beauchêne), a French clinical anatomist, prosector, and surgeon responsible for introducing the disarticulated skull technique and the first citation of an intraneural cyst. This letter describes our research, travels, and conversations intended to uncover the fascinating history of Beauchêne fils and his family and our journey full of unexpected twists and turns. During a trip to Paris, we learned of a possible inspiration for the disarticulated skull technique from skulls afflicted with la teigne (Tinea corporis, ring worm) at the Musée Dupuytren. We toured the estate of his family's summer home in Paron, France, where we discovered a portrait of Beauchêne fils’ father that had been misidentified in our recent publication. We also discovered the date of death and elusive burial site of Beauchêne fils in Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris. We hope to bring to light the life and contributions of a nearly unknown figure who influenced not only research on intraneural ganglion cysts and the articular theory, but also the future of the field of anatomy. Clin. Anat. 31:1194–1198, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three‐dimensional femoral head coverage in the standing position represents that measured in vivo during gait
Authors: Uemura Keisuke , Atkins Penny R. , Maas Steve A. , Peters Christopher L. , Anderson Andrew E.
Published: August 2018

Individuals with over‐ or under‐covered hips may develop hip osteoarthritis. Femoral head coverage is typically evaluated using radiographs, and/or computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance images obtained supine. Yet, these static assessments of coverage may not provide accurate information regarding the dynamic, three‐dimensional (3‐D) relationship between the femoral head and acetabulum. The objectives of this study were to: (1) quantify total and regional 3‐D femoral head coverage in a standing position and during gait, and (2) quantify the relationship between 3‐D femoral head coverage in standing to that measured during gait. The kinematic position of the hip during standing and gait was measured in vivo for 11 asymptomatic morphologically normal subjects using dual fluoroscopy and model‐based tracking of 3‐D CT models. Percent coverage in the standing position and during gait was measured overall and on a regional basis (anterior, superior, posterior, inferior). Coverage in standing was correlated with that measured during gait. For total coverage, very little change in coverage occurred during gait (range: 35.0–36.7%; mean: 36.2%). Coverage at each time point of gait strongly correlated with coverage during standing (r = 0.929–0.989). The regions thought to play an important role in weight bearing (i.e. anterior, superior, posterior) were significantly correlated with coverage in standing during the stance phase. Our results suggest that coverage measured in a standing position is a good surrogate for coverage measured during gait. Clin. Anat. 31:1177–1183, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beware growing intersection of criminal law, college sports
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2018

The rate at which the world of college athletics has had to deal with recent scandals and allegations, ranging from cheating incidents to sexual assaults, only serves to highlight the increasing frequency of the intersection of criminal law and college sports.
Understand your institution's responsibilities under the General Data Protection Regulations
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: August 2018

If international students from the European Union interact with any part of your website, your institution is subject to the E.U.'s comprehensive privacy rules, the General Data Protection Regulations, which went into effect May 25, 2018.
Were campus police covered by public records law?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: August 2018

ESPN reporter Paula Lavigne sought incident reports in 2014 from the University of Notre Dame campus police involving 275 student‐athletes.
Novel 1.3 Mb germline duplication in chromosome 8q21.11 by microarray comparative genomic hybridization plus single nucleotide polymorphism analysis in an adult patient with pancytopenia and urinary bladder complications
Authors: Reyes Barron Cynthia , Evans Andrew G. , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Zhang Bin , Iqbal M. Anwar
Published: August 2018

Key Clinical Message

We present the case of a 30‐year‐old woman with a history of perinatal complications as well as bladder and urinary disease through her childhood and adult life. Microarray comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis revealed a 1.3 megabase duplication at chromosome 8q21.11 encompassing the CASC9 and HNF4G genes.
Aqueous Phase Synthesis of Hydrocarbons from Reactions of Guaiacol and Low Molecular Weight Oxygenates
Authors: Agblevor Foster A. , Jahromi Hossein
Published: August 2018

Catalytic pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass generates water‐soluble low molecular weight oxygenates such as acetic acid, acetone, furfural, butanone, guaiacol, phenol and others in significant quantities that will affect the profitability of the biorefinery process. A new heterogeneous catalyst has been developed that catalyzes the reaction of carbonyl compounds with unsaturated ethers in aqueous medium to produce C6 to C15 hydrocarbons in a one‐pot synthesis. These reactions are called “carbonyl alkylations” because the carbonyl carbon chain was added to the aromatic ring and the oxygen was eliminated without loss of carbon. The C1 to C4 ketones and aldehydes produce alkylated benzenes while the C5 and higher carbonyl compounds alkylated the benzene ring and also opened the benzene ring to produce long chain internal alkene compounds. All the reactions occurred in the aqueous media at 300–350 °C on a supported nickel catalyst. The gaseous products included low molecular weight hydrocarbons such as methane, propane, butane, and pentane. Thus, it has been demonstrated for the first time that it is possible to produce a wide array of hydrocarbons from low molecular weight biomass derived oxygenates.
Electrochemical Polishing of Lithium Metal Surface for Highly Demanding Solid‐Electrolyte Interphase
Authors: Gu Yu , Wang Wei‐Wei , He Jun‐Wu , Tang Shuai , Xu Hong‐Yu , Yan Jia‐Wei , Wu Qi‐Hui , Lian Xiao‐Bing , Zheng Ming‐Sen , Dong Quan‐Feng , Mao Bing‐Wei
Published: August 2018

Lithium metal has shown great promise as an anode material for high‐energy rechargeable batteries. However, interfacial instability caused by an unstable solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) and dendrite growth has impeded the realization of Li anodes for practical applications. Recently, we reported a potentiostatic stripping−galvanostatic plating electrochemical polishing method to simultaneously create atomically flat Li and a molecularly smooth SEI, leading to a near‐perfect Li anodes that exhibit much enhanced electrochemical performance. In this paper, key factors including anodic stripping potentials, cathodic plating current densities, and types of salt and solvent systems are further investigated in detail based on the understanding of electrode reactions taking place during polishing. In particular, the importance of considerations on the mutual constrains between electropolishing and SEI formation and, thus, the necessity of fine control of potential and/or current is elucidated, which serves as a general rule for the successful application of electrochemical polishing of Li as well as other metals that involve the formation of SEIs.
III‐Nitride Polymorphs: XN (X=Al, Ga, In) in the Pnma Phase
Authors: Fan Qingyang , Zhang Wenzhu , Yun Sining , Xu Jie , Song Yanxing
Published: August 2018

The structural, mechanical, elastic anisotropy, and electronic properties, together with the stability, effective mass of holes and electrons for XN (X=Al, Ga, In) in the Pnma phase are investigated by using density functional theory calculations. The elastic constants and the phonon spectra all manifest III‐nitride polymorphs: XN (X=Al, Ga, In) in the Pnma phase in this work are mechanically and dynamically stable at ambient pressure. Al atoms, Ga atoms, and In atoms lead to new electrical and band‐gap properties: XN (X=Al, Ga, In) in the Pnma phase are all semiconductor materials with direct band gaps of 4.76 eV, 2.80 eV, and 0.66 eV, respectively, which present great application potentials in the new generation electronic devices such as ultraviolet detectors, visible light detectors, infrared detectors, violet‐light diodes, and light‐emitting diodes.
Brown coal char CO2‐gasification kinetics with respect to the char structure part II: Kinetics and correlations
Authors: Komarova Evgeniia , Abosteif Ziad , Guhl Stefan , Meyer Bernd
Published: August 2018

Coal's physical structure is known to affect high‐temperature coal conversion processes such as gasification or combustion. This paper is Part II of the study of brown coal char structural changes during gasification. Firstly, German Lusatian brown coal was gasified in a laboratory‐scale fluidized bed reactor in CO2 within a temperature range of 800–950 °C at atmospheric pressure. Then, physical structure properties were extensively evaluated by means of various techniques. Char specific surface area and its changes during gasification reaction were evaluated using N2 and CO2 physical adsorption techniques. Adsorption isotherms were also interpreted employing unconventional methods in order to obtain the specific surface areas of pores of different sizes. Gasification kinetics were evaluated employing three widely applied kinetic models: the random pore model (RPM), the volume reaction model (VM), and the shrinking core model (SCM). Finally, the instantaneous gasification reaction rate was correlated with the char structural properties at the corresponding conversion degrees. The closest linear correlation appeared between the gasification reaction rate and the specific surface area of mesopores (as determined by N2 adsorption). Furthermore, correlations of the other structural properties with char conversion are provided. Observed structural changes were compared with the assumptions of the kinetic models.
Right atrial function by speckle tracking echocardiography in atrial septal defect: Prediction of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Vitarelli Antonio , Mangieri Enrico , Gaudio Carlo , Tanzilli Gaetano , Miraldi Fabio , Capotosto Lidia
Published: August 2018

Background

Most antiarrhythmic interventional therapies for atrial fibrillation (AF) have been provided with special focus on the treatment of left‐sided valvular disease and enlarged left atrium but few studies have assessed AF associated with congenital heart disease and dilated right atrium.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that right atrial (RA) function assessed by two‐dimensional (2DSTE) and three‐dimensional (3DSTE) speckle‐tracking echocardiography in patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) before and after percutaneous trancatheter closure could predict paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) development.

Methods

Seventy‐three patients with hemodynamically significant secundum ASD were prospectively studied and followed up for 6 months after occluder insertion and compared with a normal age‐matched group (n = 73). A subgroup of 17 patients who developed PAF after device implantation was also studied. RA peak global longitudinal strain (PS) was determined using 2DSTE. Standard deviations (SDs) of times to peak strain (TPS) were calculated as indices of dyssynchrony. RA volumes, emptying fraction (EF), and expansion index (EI) were determined using 3DSTE.

Results

RA‐PS, EF, and EI (pre‐closure values) were reduced in patients with atrial devices compared with controls, and further reductions were observed in patients with PAF. Pre‐closure 3D‐RA‐EI (P = 0.009) and RA‐TPS (P = 0.023) were independent predictors of PAF by multivariate analysis after adjustment for age and left atrial dysfunction. The areas under the ROC‐curve (AUC) for 3D‐RA‐EI, RA‐PS, RA‐TPS (pre‐closure values) showed high discriminative values(from 0.76 to 0.85) in predicting PAF. By combining 3D‐RA‐EI and RA‐TPS, the AUC increased to 0.90.

Conclusions

Two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography was clinically helpful in ASD patients in revealing right atrial dilatation and dysfunction pre‐existent to device closure and associated with PAF development. RA parameters had a higher association with PAF compared to both the size of the implanted device and left atrial indices.
Synthesis and Characterization of Zirconium Disulfide Single Crystals and Thin‐Film Transistors Based on Multilayer Zirconium Disulfide Flakes
Authors: Shimazu Yoshihiro , Fujisawa Yutaro , Arai Kensuke , Iwabuchi Tatsuya , Suzuki Kazuya
Published: August 2018

Single crystals of ZrS2 of the Group IVB transition metal dichalcogenide are synthesized by a chemical vapor transport method. The crystals are characterized by Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Field‐effect transistors are fabricated on Si substrates using exfoliated multilayer ZrS2 flakes as a channel material. N‐channel characteristics with an on/off ratio of approximately 200 are observed, and the field‐effect mobility is estimated. The large hysteresis in the transfer curves and the time‐dependent drain‐to‐source current can be attributed to the charge‐trapping centers at the ZrS2/SiO2 interface. These results imply the significance of the interface and the potential applicability of ZrS2 as a novel 2D material for nanoelectronic devices.
Fluorescence‐based assay for accurate measurement of transcriptional activity in trypanosomatid parasites
Authors: Hiraiwa Priscila M. , de Aguiar Alessandra M. , Ávila Andréa R.
Published: August 2018

Trypanosomatid parasites are causative agents of neglected human diseases. Their lineage diverged early from the common eukaryotic ancestor, and they evolved singular mechanisms of gene expression that are crucial for their survival. Studies on unusual and essential molecular pathways lead to new drug targets. In this respect, assays to analyze transcriptional activity will provide useful information to identify essential and specific factors. However, the current methods are laborious and do not provide global and accurate measures. For this purpose, a previously reported radiolabeling in vitro nascent mRNA methodology was used to establish an alternative fluorescent‐based assay that is able to precisely quantify nascent mRNA using both flow cytometry and a high‐content image system. The method allowed accurate and global measurements in Trypanosoma brucei, a representative species of trypanosomatid parasites. We obtained data demonstrating that approximately 70% of parasites from a population under normal growth conditions displayed mRNA transcriptional activity, whilst the treatment with α‐amanitin (75 µg/ml) inhibited the polymerase II activity. The adaptation of the method also allowed the analyses of the transcriptional activity during the cell cycle. Therefore, the methodology described herein contributes to obtaining precise measurements of transcriptional rates using multiparametric analysis. This alternative method can facilitate investigations of genetic and biochemical processes in trypanosome parasites and consequently provide additional information related to new treatment or prophylaxis strategies involving these important human parasites.
Certificateless short signature scheme from pairing in the standard model
Authors: Deng Lunzhi , Yang Yixian , Gao Ronghai , Chen Yuling
Published: August 2018

In a short signature scheme, the length of signature is much smaller than that of the general signature. Short signatures are widely used in low‐computation, low‐storage, and low‐bandwidth communication environments. The proof of security of all certificateless short signature schemes currently known is given in the random oracle model. In this paper, a new certificateless short signature scheme is constructed, and it is proved to be unforgeable in the standard model. Taken into account the computation costs, the scheme performs only one pairing operation, so it is more efficient than previous ones.
Synthetic isoflavones and doping: A novel class of aromatase inhibitors?
Authors: Iannone Michele , Botrè Francesco , Cardillo Nicoletta , de la Torre Xavier
Published: August 2018

Anectodical information suggests that flavonoids may be widely used among athletes for their multiple biochemical and pharmacological effects. We have evaluated in vitro the effects of two synthetic isoflavones, methoxyisoflavone and ipriflavone, on the catalytic activity of human aromatase (CYP19), the enzyme catalyzing the conversion of androgens (ie, testosterone or androstenedione) to estrogens (ie, estradiol and estrone). The potential inhibitory effect was evaluated by measuring the rate of aromatization of testosterone, monitored by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), both in the presence and in the absence of methoxyisoflavone or ipriflavone, comparing their effects with those of synthetic aromatase inhibitors (formestane, anastrozole, and aminoglutethimide) presently included in the list of prohibited substances and methods, and of natural flavonoids (chrysin, quercetin, and daidzein), that are known inhibitors of CYP19. The preliminary results of our in vitro study show that methoxyisoflavone and ipriflavone act as competitive inhibitors of aromatase, the degree of inhibition measured in vitro being of the same order of magnitude of that of the aromatase inhibitors commonly used in anti‐estrogenic therapies. Our preliminary in vitro results indicate that, in principle, a sufficiently large intake of isoflavones could alter the kinetics of the dynamic equilibria between androgens and estrogens, suggesting their monitoring in doping control routine analysis.
Application of microwave heating with iron oxide nanoparticles in the in‐situ exploitation of oil shale
Authors: Zhu Jingyi , Yang Zhaozhong , Li Xiaogang , Qi Shuangyu , Jia Min
Published: August 2018

On the basis of the microwave heating method combining with hydraulic fracturing for the in‐situ exploitation of oil shale, this article investigates the effects of iron oxide nanoparticles on the performance improvement of foamed pad fluid, heating efficiency enhancement under microwave irradiation and potential reservoir damage after microwave treatment. Different products were also analyzed under multiple heating parameters by using gas chromatograph‐mass spectrometer (GC‐MS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Heating experiments showed that foamed pad fluid was better than water based pad fluid in terms of energy conservation. Results have demonstrated that iron oxide nanoparticles can not only increase nearly 75 seconds of half‐life of the foamed pad fluid, but also slightly enhance the viscosity of foamed pad fluid. Fast heating rate and energy saving were also accomplished by iron oxide nanoparticles. In the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles, it took less than 10 minutes for oil shale to reach 750°C at 1000 W, showing extremely low energy consumption. SEM experiment showed that microwave induced the creation of pores and micro fractures, and the retention of iron oxide nanoparticles inside the oil shale would not cause reservoir damage. By analyzing the products, it is recognized that reaction temperature and heating method had a great influence on the distribution of the noncondensable gases. The production of spent shale was controlled by heating method, reaction temperature, heating time, and output power. The results from this study are important to the in‐situ exploitation of oil shale and environmental protection.
Integrating Resilience Assessment in Environmental Impact Assessment
Authors: Mahmoudi Hossein , Sayahnia Romina , Esmaeilzadeh Hassan , Azadi Hossein
Published: August 2018

It has become important in the fields of environmental impact assessment (EIA) and resilience assessment that both disciplines begin to be considered together as complementary approaches aimed at achieving the same goals. There is a great advantage to combining the EIA methodology with a synergetic concept such as resilience, and thereby contributing to a more insightful and effective EIA process. A comprehensive approach is vital for effective assessment and management of environmental impacts and to support better decision making with regard to different planned interventions and socioecological systems. In this paper, we advocate for a hybrid environmental assessment model that combines EIA and resilience assessment. This proposed assessment approach expands the capacity of EIA to evaluate and manage the uncertainties and unexpected outcomes associated with human and natural environmental impacts. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:567–570. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points

The inclusion of resiliency concepts in an environmental impact assessment (EIA) framework is needed to ensure the long-term survival of communities and the ecosystems in which they reside. The application of resilience analysis in EIA can be a good tool for understanding systemic risks and then managing or monitoring those risks in the future. EIA practitioners should identify how much recovery would be acceptable for a certain intervention. Embedding resilience assessment into the EIA will lead to the introduction of a more comprehensive approach to improve the effectiveness of the decision-making process.
Can Resilience Thinking Be Integrated into the Strategic Environmental Assessment Process?
Authors: Jones Mike
Published: August 2018

This commentary discusses strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in the context of global environmental change and presents a brief overview of the science of social-ecological systems and the resilience thinking and practices that result from it. Resilience thinking and assessment have the potential to make a significant contribution to SEA, if SEA is applied (as intended) as a proactive tool for assessing development sustainability during the process of making plans, policies, and programs. So far, there is little indication that social–ecological system (SES) resilience ideas are being applied to SEA, and from a complex systems perspective, it seems that cognitive and social biases may be the primary barriers to both the improvement of SEA practice and the application of SES resilience science to SEA practice. Resilience thinking can be integrated into SEA, provided that leadership in the SEA community can create a social movement for change in practice and the policies that affect SEA procedures. Principles of complexity, uncertainty, self-organization, and cooperative problem solving may be the most important cognitive barriers to change and can be overcome through education and a learning-by-doing approach to the application of resilience assessment when appropriate in a SEA process. A deliberate change process can be undertaken in an action research approach that monitors and adapts the process according to the lessons learned in practice. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:571–577. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points

Resilience thinking and assessment has potential to improve strategic environmental assessment (SEA). Strategic environmental assessment institutions need to be changed in order to improve SEA as a sustainability assessment tool for planning, policy, and programs. Resilience thinking and assessment can be applied as part of the institutional change process. A combination of psychosociological research and action by SEA practitioners can be applied to achieve the change.
Ecological Recovery and Resilience in Environmental Risk Assessments at the European Food Safety Authority
Authors: Brock Theo , Bigler Franz , Frampton Geoff , Hogstrand Christer , Luttik Robert , Martin-Laurent Fabrice , Topping Christopher John , van der Werf Wopke , Rortais Agnes
Published: August 2018

A conceptual framework was developed by a working group of the Scientific Committee of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to guide risk assessors and risk managers on when and how to integrate ecological recovery and resilience assessments into environmental risk assessments (ERA). In this commentary we advocate that a systems approach is required to integrate the diversity of ecosystem services (ES) providing units, environmental factors, scales, and stressor-related responses necessary to address the context dependency of recovery and resilience in agricultural landscapes. A future challenge in the resilience assessment remains to identify the relevant bundles of ecosystem services provided by different types of agroecosystem that need to be assessed in concert. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:586–591. © 2018 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)

Key Points

We define ecological resilience as the capacity of an ecosystem to return, after a stress event, to its original or an alternative operating range of ecosystem services (ES) delivery; this is intrinsically linked to structural and functional recovery of populations that support ES. Variation in species traits, landscape properties, and exposure characteristics determine the potential for ES providing units to escape stress events in space and time. Environmental risk assessment (ERA) requires a systems approach to address effects on, and recovery of, ES delivery as an assessment endpoint for resilience. Challenges in ERA are to identify the bundles of ES provided by different types of (agro-) ecosystem, to collect information on the normal operating range of relevant ES providing units, and to define ecological production functions that enable a quantitative linkage of measurement endpoints to the delivery of key ES valued by society.
The Concept of Resilience in Ecological Risk Assessment: Scientific and Regulatory Issues
Authors: Vighi Marco , Rico Andreu
Published: August 2018

Resilience represents one of the key components of the vulnerability of ecological systems and may refer to different levels of biological organization, from populations to the biosphere. A short description is given on the concept of resilience applied to the levels that are directly involved in ecological risk assessment (ERA): populations, communities, and ecosystems. The opportunities and challenges for measuring and quantifying resilience are discussed. Finally, some suggestions for introducing the resilience concept in regulatory ERA are proposed. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:581–585. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points

Ecological resilience must be defined at different hierarchical levels, from populations to ecosystems. At each level, indicators of resilience and possibilities for quantification may be very different. Biological traits and ecological modeling may be helpful for predicting and assessing resilience. Resilience is frequently overlooked in regulatory ecological risk assessment (ERA).
Body mass index, calcium supplementation and risk of colorectal adenomas
Authors: Barry Elizabeth L. , Lund Jennifer L. , Westreich Daniel , Mott Leila A. , Ahnen Dennis J. , Beck Gerald J. , Bostick Roberd M. , Bresalier Robert S. , Burke Carol A. , Church Timothy R. , Rees Judy R , Robertson Douglas J. , Baron John A.
Published: August 2018

Calcium supplementation (1,200 mg/day) did not significantly reduce colorectal adenomas in our recent randomized, controlled trial (Vitamin D/Calcium Polyp Prevention Study, VCPPS, 2004–2013) in contrast to our previous trial (Calcium Polyp Prevention Study, CPPS, 1988–1996). To reconcile these findings, we identified participant characteristics that differed between the study populations and modified the effect of calcium supplementation on adenomas or high‐risk findings (advanced or multiple adenomas). Compared to the CPPS, more participants in the VCPPS were obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2; 37.5% vs. 24.4%) and fewer had normal BMI (BMI <25 kg/m2; 18.5% vs. 31%). BMI appeared to modify the effect of calcium supplementation on adenomas and especially on high risk‐findings: in the VCPPS, there was a 44% reduction in high‐risk findings among individuals whose BMI was normal (RR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.26–1.23), but not among overweight (RR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.62–1.91) or obese (RR = 1.54, 95% CI = 0.92–2.57) individuals (pinteraction = 0.03). Similarly, in the CPPS, there was a 56% reduction in high‐risk findings among individuals whose BMI was normal (RR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.26–0.74), but not among overweight (RR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.55–1.39) or obese (RR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.57–1.82) individuals (pinteraction = 0.02). Standardization of each trial's findings to the BMI distribution in the other attenuated calcium's protective effect on adenomas in the CPPS but enhanced it in the VCPPS. In conclusion, 1,200 mg/day calcium supplementation may reduce risk of colorectal adenomas among those with normal BMI but not in overweight or obese individuals; and differences in BMI distribution partially account for the apparent difference in calcium efficacy between the two trials.
Blood levels of cadmium and lead in relation to breast cancer risk in three prospective cohorts
Authors: Gaudet Mia M. , Deubler Emily L. , Kelly Rachel S. , Ryan Diver W. , Teras Lauren R. , Hodge James M. , Levine Keith E. , Haines Laura G. , Lundh Thomas , Lenner Per , Palli Domenico , Vineis Paolo , Bergdahl Ingvar A. , Gapstur Susan M. , Kyrtopoulos Soterios A.
Published: August 2018

Cadmium and lead have been classified as carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. However, their associations with breast cancer risk are unknown despite their persistence in the environment and ubiquitous human exposure. We examined associations of circulating levels of cadmium and lead with breast cancer risk in three case–control studies nested within the Cancer Prevention Study‐II (CPS‐II) LifeLink Cohort, European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition – Italy (EPIC‐Italy) and the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study (NSHDS) cohorts. Metal levels were measured in stored erythrocytes from 1,435 cases and 1,433 controls using inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry. Summary relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random‐effects models with each study result weighted by the within‐ and between‐study variances. I2 values were calculated to estimate proportion of between study variation. Using common cut‐points, cadmium levels were not associated with breast cancer risk in the CPS‐II cohort (continuous RR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.76–1.34), but were inversely associated with risk in the EPIC‐ Italy (continuous RR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.61–1.03) and NSHDS cohorts (continuous RR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.54–0.97). The inverse association was also evident in the meta‐analysis (continuous RR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.69–1.01) with low between‐study heterogeneity. Large differences in lead level distributions precluded a meta‐analysis of their association with breast cancer risk; no associations were found in the three studies. Adult cadmium and lead levels were not associated with higher risk of breast cancer in our large meta‐analysis.
Recent Development and Application of Conductive MOFs
Authors: Li Pengfei , Wang Bo
Published: August 2018

The electrical conductivity of crystalline MOFs is a highly demanding property. The realization of conductivity in MOFs will result in many important applications. The main challenge lies in the balance of porosity and conductivity, which needs a judicious choice of metal clusters and ligands. As a result, there are only a handful of intrinsic conductive MOFs reported with two different conductivity pathways existed independently or simultaneously. These two conductive channels are through bond or through space. A comparable strategy to develop extrinsic conductive MOFs is emerging. With several strategies to access conductive MOFs, many important applications associated with conductivity have been found, such as chemiresistive sensoring, field effective transistors, supercapacitors and so on. Overall, only a small portion of the advantages and potentials of conductive MOFs have been achieved, further development will constantly offer new opportunities.
RecGwed: A probable novel regulator in the resolution of branched DNA structures in mycobacteria
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Vijayan M. , Nagaraju Ganesh
Published: August 2018

Structure‐specific helicases, such as RecG, play an important role in the resolution of recombination intermediates. A bioinformatic analysis of mycobacterial genomes led to the identification of a protein (RecGwed) with a C‐terminal “edge” domain, similar to the wedge domain of RecG. RecGwed is predominately found in the phylum Actinobacteria and in few human pathogens. Mycobacterium smegmatis RecGwed was able to bind branched DNA structures in vitro but failed to interact with single‐ or double‐stranded DNA. The expression of recGwed in M. smegmatis cells was up‐regulated during stationary phase/UV damage and down‐regulated during MMS/H2O2 treatment. These observations indicate the possible involvement of RecGwed in transactions during recombination events, that proceed though branched DNA intermediates. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(8):786–794, 2018
Decomposing Complex Problems Using Influential Attribute Network Graphs
Authors: Fitzpatrick Garret , Monk Ian
Published: August 2018

The deployment of new technologies and processes within established value chains requires a thorough understanding of the complex interactions between the existing system's behavior, structure, and the economic driving factors behind them. Recognizing these interactions and their effects within the system is a critical first step in defining the right problem to solve. Influential Attributes Network (IAN) graphs can be used as pictorial depictions of system relationships and have proven to be a valuable tool for communicating to stakeholders the critical factors that are driving often ambiguous problems. For large, complex projects these graphs help to break problems into smaller, more manageable pieces and focus technology development teams on the highest impact areas. IAN graphs also help to examine how potential solutions can address original requirements and communicate traceability from system architecture decisions back to underlying economic conditions. Ultimately, this tool helps the architect reduce ambiguity, employ creativity, and manage complexity.
Enhancing the Academic Portfolio – Systems Engineering Research & Teaching for Universities
Authors: Kossmann Mario
Published: August 2018

Many universities across the globe have well established Systems Engineering (SE) courses and academic degrees, covering continuous professional studies for both the industry and the public sectors, undergraduate and postgraduate programs including research degrees at master and doctorate levels. Some universities even have world‐class reputation for the excellence they demonstrate in SE research & teaching. However, there are still many universities worldwide that offer courses in traditional fields of Engineering but not yet in SE, let alone specific SE degrees or qualifications. Given that SE is essential for the development and in‐life support of systems, even more so with the increasing levels of complexity of today's and tomorrow's systems and Systems of Systems (SoS), it seems urgent and important for such universities to consider an extension of their academic portfolio.

This paper briefly discusses the justifications for explicitly including SE in the curriculum of Engineering focused universities, and provides insight into one possible way of enhancing the successful establishment of SE as part of the academic portfolio – via developing and maintaining an SE domain ontology. The generic ontology ‘SERaT4Ac’ (SE Research and Teaching for Academia) that is specified in the ‘ontology web language’ (OWL) is presented and specific aspects of the ontology are explained using typical examples. This proposed domain ontology represents an integrated model of what a university should consider and manage over time regarding their SE related activities. It could (and would have to) be instantiated for the context of a given university to directly help them extend their academic portfolio; but it may also be useful for universities with a well‐established SE curriculum.
“Changing the Acquisition Game” Alleviating Unreasonable PM‐SE Constraint Risks
Authors: Wasson Charles , Hahn Heidi , Neill Colin J. , Weigel Allison , Lindeman Tony
Published: August 2018

Poor project performance is often attributed erroneously to PMs and SEs that must perform in an environment characterized by:

Inadequate proposal preparation and analytical due diligence in understanding the user's problem space and operational needs.

Unrealistic proposal assumptions and contract constraints – such as overly aggressive schedules and inadequate funding.

A Source Selection Evaluation Process that is overshadowed by a highly competitive “Acquisition Game” of perceptions, influence, persuasion, and potential conflicts of interest.

Project Management and Engineering “stovepipes” that limit understanding of each other's roles, accountabilities, and their respective contributions.

Contract “requirements creep” by the Acquirer with an expectation or Developer accommodation without appropriate contract cost modification.

Deficiencies in Engineering and Systems Engineering due to outdated educational and competency paradigms.

As a result of unreasonable and unrealistic constraints by the “game” conditions, no one really wins ‐ the User, the Acquirer, the Developer, or supporting subcontractors and vendors. Indeed, upon contract award, the project conundrum becomes: “Good news! We won the contract … Bad news. We won the contract!” Project Managers and Systems Engineers are then burdened with the impossible task of achieving contract financial, technical, and schedule “stretch” objectives in which they may have had little opportunity for input.

This paper explores each of these conditions, through illustrative examples from a range of business domains and industries perspectives, along with potential opportunities for improvement so that, fundamentally, the game itself is changed – changed to one that can be won.
The Importance of Project Management in the System Integration, Verification and Validation Process
Authors: Røsegg Christoffer Jimmy , Falk Kristin
Published: August 2018

Suppliers to the oil and gas industry are experiencing an increased pressure from customers to deliver products at a lower cost and shorter schedule. One of the most costly single activity in packaging a Complex System is the process of system integration testing, verification and validation (test phase). In the researched Company this process has also proven to be a bottleneck. Symptoms are accumulated units ready for test, projects that are not put through, and delayed completion of projects.

This paper analyzes the testing process. The initial objective was to identify what impacts the testing schedule. We analyzed the testing process using root cause analysis methods. Our research identified that several issues occurred, both prior to and in the test phase. However, only a few of the issues have a significant impact on the test schedule. This project shows how crucial project management is for complex systems. It also gives an insight to how the company can successfully manage the system integration, verification and validation phase.