bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nerve sparing technique in robotic‐assisted radical hysterectomy: results
Authors: Gil‐Ibáñez Blanca , Díaz‐Feijoo Berta , Pérez‐Benavente Asunción , Puig‐Puig Oriol , Franco‐Camps Silvia , Centeno Cristina , Xercavins Jordi , Gil‐Moreno Antonio 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundThis work assessed the role of robotic‐assisted lapararoscopic radical hysterectomy in the treatment of early invasive cervical cancer with special regard to nerve sparing technique.MethodsBetween October 2009 and June 2011, a total of 14 non‐consecutive patients underwent early cervical cancer surgery at the authors' institution. Patients with FIGO stage IA2 or IB1 with a tumor size less than or equal to 2 cm underwent radical hysterectomy type B1 and patients with FIGO stage IB1 with a tumor mass bigger than 2 cm underwent a radical hysterectomy using a C1 type technique.ResultsThree type B1 and 11 type C1 radical hysterectomies with robotic‐assisted laparoscopy were performed using Da Vinci®. The median operation time was 260 min (range 150–300 min). The median follow‐up after surgery was 13.7 months (range 1–23 months). During this time, three patients reported anorectal dysfunction while none reported sexual or bladder dysfunction. All patients remain without evidence of disease except one with high risk factors for recurrence. They all are alive.ConclusionsLaparoscopic robotic‐assisted radical hysterectomy with nerve sparing technique is an attractive surgical approach for early invasive cervical cancer. Robotic technology allows a stereoscopic visualization of blood vessels and autonomic nerve supplies (sympathetic and parasympathetic branches) to the bladder and rectum making nerve sparing a safe and feasible procedure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An OPM conceptual model‐based executable simulation environment: Implementation and evaluation
Authors: Yaroker Yevgeny , Perelman Valeriya , Dori Dov 
Published: January 2013

AbstractConceptual design is a crucial system lifecycle stage; but systematic methods for conceptual design evaluation are not well developed, and existing approaches are not satisfactory. In this work we describe implementation and assessment of an advanced simulation environment that can serve conceptual design evaluation purposes using Object‐Process Methodology (OPM). The simulation exploits two major advantages of the OPM modeling language: its integration of the structural and behavioral aspects of the system in a single type of diagram and the hierarchical organization of the model diagrams. Simulation of the system model is instrumental in understanding and exploring the behavioral aspects of the system under study and uncovering logical and conceptual problems, such as incorrect control flow, logical errors, and missing structural relations among objects. Understanding the model and correcting it are achieved via an intuitive user interface and a host of debugging capabilities, including “lifespan” and “Debug Info” components. Using these components, one can explore the state of any OPM entity and be aware of a variety of potential problems that are manifested during the simulation process. © 20133 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16
The integration of diversely redundant designs, dynamic system models, and state estimation technology to the cyber security of physical systems
Authors: Horowitz Barry M. , Pierce Katherine M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAs exemplified in the 2010 Stuxnet attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, cyber attackers have capabilities to embed disruptive infections into equipment that is employed within physical systems. This paper presents a cyber security design approach that addresses cyber attacks that include modification of operator displays used for support in managing software controlled automated systems. This class of problems is especially important because our nation's critical infrastructures include such systems. In addition, many other systems, such as surveillance systems, navigation systems, and communications systems, are candidates for such solutions as they continue to become more and more automated. The suggested design approach builds upon fault–tolerant and automatic control system techniques that, with important and necessary modifications, are the basis for providing improved cyber security. In particular, the appropriate combination of diversely redundant security designs coupled with system dynamics models and state estimation techniques provide a potential means for detecting purposeful adjustments to operator displays. This paper provides a theoretical approach for designing such solutions and a corresponding set of examples with simulation–based results. In addition, the paper includes a discussion of important implementation requirements for greater assurance of such physical system security solutions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16
Improving Project–Product Lifecycle Management with Model–Based Design Structure Matrix: A joint project management and systems engineering approach
Authors: Sharon Amira , de Weck Olivier L. , Dori Dov 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe investigate potential benefits of employing the Design Structure Matrix (DSM) in the context of Model–Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) for the purposes of analyzing and improving the design of a product–project ensemble. Focusing on process DSM, we present an algorithm for a bidirectional transformation framework between a product–project system model and its corresponding Model–Based DSM (MDSM). Using Object–Process Methodology (OPM) as the underlying modeling language, we examine and characterize useful and insightful relationships between the system model and its MDSM. An unmanned aerial vehicle case study demonstrates the semantics of and analogy between various types of relationships as they are reflected in both the OPM system model and the MDSM derived from it. We conclude with further research direction on showing how clustering of DSM processes can be reflected back as an improvement of the OPM model. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16
The role of transition contracts in performance‐based logistics initiatives
Authors: Sols Alberto , Johannesen Line Holm 
Published: January 2013

AbstractLogistics support activities have long been part of any industrial enterprise. The increasing complexity of many systems dictated the need for outsourcing logistics support activities to specialized firms. The perceived deficiencies in many programs in the effectiveness and efficiency of that support approach motivated, a decade and a half ago, the transition to a new paradigm: instead of contracting logistics support resources as a means to achieving the desired system performance goals, customers started contracting directly the delivery of performance results. The initiative was called Performance‐Based Logistics (PBL). Experience shows also that customers and contractors face a serious challenge when trying to define all the terms and conditions of a PBL contract, such as its scope, the definition of responsibilities, the metrics to be measured, the way of measuring them, the translation of measurements to rewards, and the like. This paper illustrates, based on the experience gathered by the authors, how transition contracts can play a determinant role in effectively paving the way for a migration from conventional logistics support outsourcing to performance‐based logistics, reducing risks to both parties and enhancing the likelihood of their mutual satisfaction and reward. The paper captures the lessons learned in several programs and reflects them in the form of a list of issues to be validated in a transition contract, before a PBL one is entered into. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16
Ecosystem requirements for composability and reuse: An investigation into ecosystem factors that support adoption of composable practices for engineering design
Authors: Oster Christopher , Wade Jon 
Published: January 2013

AbstractComposability is a systems architecture and design concept focusing on composing new systems from known components, designs, product lines, and reference architectures as opposed to focusing on “blank sheet” designs based on requirements decomposition alone. The concept of composability has been a goal of the US Department of Defense (DoD) for many years, most recently taking the form of Platform‐based Engineering. Despite this focus, the goal of effective modularity and design reuse has been somewhat elusive in the aerospace and defense sectors. This paper describes an ecosystem construct which incorporates market factors, business practices, and trends that occur in industries where composability and reuse have taken hold in order to identify a path forward for effective adoption of composability in the aerospace and defense marketplace. A number of examples of composable design are described, followed by proposals for necessary changes within the DoD ecosystem to facilitate its support. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16
An efficient class association rule‐pruning method for unified intrusion detection system using genetic algorithm
Authors: Lu Nannan , Mabu Shingo , Wang Tuo , Hirasawa Kotaro 
Published: January 2013

AbstractGenetic network programming (GNP)‐based class association rule mining has been demonstrated to be efficient for misuse and anomaly detection. However, misuse detection is weak in detecting brand new attacks, while anomaly detection has a defect of high positive false rate. In this paper, a unified detection method is proposed to integrate misuse detection and anomaly detection to overcome their disadvantages. In addition, GNP‐based class association rule mining method extracts an overwhelming number of rules which contain much redundant and irrelevant information. Therefore, in this paper, an efficient class association rule‐pruning method is proposed based on matching degree and genetic algorithm (GA). In the first stage, a matching degree‐based method is applied to preprune the rules in order to improve the efficiency of the GA. In the second stage, the GA is implemented to pick up the effective rules among the rules remaining in the first stage. Simulations on KDDCup99 show the high performance of the proposed method. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
PVDF actuator for high‐frequency fatigue test of thin‐film metals
Authors: Tamjidi Nastaran , Sato Kohei , Sakurai Junpei , Hata Seiichi 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis paper suggests a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) piezoelectric diaphragm actuator used in a novel fatigue test method for thin metal films. A thin‐film metal specimen is stamped on top of the actuator using a stamping epoxy. As the actuator vibrates, the stress in the specimen increases until it fails under fatigue. A finite element model of the actuator is built, and its vibration amplitude is confirmed to be in a good agreement with experiment. Then, a model of the specimen is added to this model to simulate the vibration of the specimen for fatigue test. Stress analysis of the specimen at a driving voltage of 200 V0−p confirms that this actuator can increase the stress in the specimen to near 1 GPa, which is high enough for the fatigue test of metals such as titanium. In the experiment, a thin‐film titanium specimen is stamped on top of the actuator which is then vibrated. The stress in the fatigue gauge on thin‐film specimen increased until the specimen failed under fatigue. This shows that the proposed PVDF actuator is suitable for the fatigue test of thin‐film metals such as titanium. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Bayesian belief network models for species assessments: An example with the Pacific walrus
Authors: MacCracken James G. , Garlich‐Miller Joel , Snyder Jonathan , Meehan Rosa 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIn 2008, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was petitioned to list the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Research into stressors that may be negatively affecting walruses is incomplete. We developed a Bayesian belief network model structured around the ESA 5‐factor analysis during a workshop attended by walrus and ESA experts to 1) elicit expert opinion on important stressors and their effects, 2) develop the model, and 3) develop and analyze plausible future scenarios. The listing factors and associated stressors were organized as sub‐models, capturing the cumulative effects of the factors through model output, which was the probability of negative, neutral, or positive effects. We found that in a time‐constrained workshop, the graphical display of Bayesian belief networks allowed for rapid development, assessment, and revision of model structure and parameters. We modeled up to 3 scenarios (most likely‐, worst‐, and best‐case) for each of 4 time periods (recent past, contemporary, mid‐century, and late‐century). Model output for the recent past (reference condition) was consistent with observations and provided a baseline for comparison of the outcomes of other periods and scenarios; stressor effects became increasingly negative with time. However, scenario analyses indicated that mitigation of relatively few stressors could reduce the cumulative effects of the listing factors. Uncertainty in model output was lowest for the past but differed by only 7% among the other time periods. We used 4 types of sensitivity analyses to identify explanatory variables that had the greatest influence on model outcomes. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
A technique to discriminate Canis mitochondrial DNA of New World and Old World origins using specific primers
Authors: Tessier Nathalie , Stronen Astrid V. , Lapointe François‐Joseph 
Published: January 2013

AbstractGenetic markers play an important role in elucidating taxonomic uncertainties for a wide range of organisms. We present a set of specific primers to distinguish between Canis mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of New World (North American) and Old World (Eurasian) origin using the ATP‐8 region and gel electrophoresis. We amplified mtDNA from Old World (gray wolves [Canis lupus L., 1758]) and New World canids (coyotes [C. latrans Say, 1823] and eastern wolves [C. lycaon Schreber, 1775 or C. lupus lycaon]) collected during 2003–2009 in Québec, Canada, using a multiplexed primer triplet. The results showed a standard band of 150 base pairs (bp) for New World and Old World mtDNA. In addition, Old World mtDNA displayed a second band of 100 bp. The range extent of wolves with New World mtDNA has important implications for canid conservation. The new method can assist conservation managers with rapid and cost‐effective screening to monitor 1) the distribution and abundance of wolves with New World and Old World mtDNA, and 2) wolf–coyote hybridization, when used in combination with morphological information and other nuclear markers. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Comparison of indirect and direct methods of distance sampling for estimating density of white‐tailed deer
Authors: Anderson Charles W. , Nielsen Clayton K. , Hester Cyrus M. , Hubbard Ryan D. , Stroud Janice K. , Schauber Eric M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAlthough wildlife biologists need reliable estimates of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) density to facilitate management, few studies have examined distance sampling as a density estimation technique for this species. We compared direct (i.e., spotlighting from road transects) and indirect (i.e., counting pellets on randomly placed transects) distance‐sampling techniques for estimating deer densities in east‐central Illinois, southern Illinois, and northern Michigan (USA) during 2007–2008. Density estimates (95% CI) from indirect distance sampling for northern Michigan, east‐central Illinois, and southern Illinois were 6.1–12.7 deer/km2, 11.2–15.8 deer/km2, and 15.4 deer/km2, respectively. Density estimates from direct distance sampling for northern Michigan, east‐central Illinois, and southern Illinois were 18.3–25.2 deer/km2, 14.4–18.1 deer/km2, and 19.0 deer/km2, respectively. Although density estimates did not differ between techniques in east‐central Illinois and southern Illinois, density estimates derived by direct sampling were slightly higher than those derived by indirect sampling. Estimates of density from direct distance sampling were higher than indirect distance sampling in northern Michigan. The difference in estimates among study areas may be due to landscape‐specific differences in the behavioral response of deer to roads and the representativeness of road transects. In landscapes containing more agriculture, roads tend to be systematically distributed and forest edges are independent of road placement, which may explain why both distance‐sampling methods provided similar results in Illinois. However, in more forested landscapes such as Michigan, roads tend to follow streams and may provide forest edges that are relatively scarce on the landscape. Deer in forested landscapes may be attracted to roadsides, resulting in higher density estimates not indicative of surrounding forested areas. Therefore, use of road transects for direct distance sampling may be more applicable in non‐forested landscapes. © The Wildlife Society, 2012
An electronic system to collect distance‐sampling data during helicopter surveys of northern bobwhite
Authors: Schnupp Matthew J. , Hernández Fidel , Redeker Eric J. , Bryant Fred C. , Rusk Joshua P. , Demaso Stephen J. , Sands Joseph P. , Teinert Trent W. , Brennan Leonard A. , Rollins Dale , Perez Robert M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractDistance sampling during aerial surveys has been used extensively to estimate the density of many wildlife species. However, practical issues arise when using distance sampling during aerial surveys, such as obtaining accurate perpendicular distances. We assembled a computerized, electronic system to collect distance‐sampling data (e.g., transect length, detection location, and perpendicular distance) during aerial surveys. We tested the accuracy of the system in a controlled trial and a mock survey. We also evaluated the electronic system during field surveys of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) conducted in the Rio Grande Plains and Rolling Plains ecoregions of Texas, USA, during December 2007–2008. For comparison, we evaluated the accuracy of visual estimation of distance during a mock survey. A strong linear relationship existed between estimated and actual distances for the controlled trial (r2 = 0.99) and mock survey (r2 = 0.98) using the electronic system. Perpendicular‐distance error (i.e., absolute difference between estimated distance and actual distance) for the electronic system was low during the controlled trial (1.4 ± 0.4 m;  ± SE) and mock survey (3.0 ± 0.5 m) but not during the visual estimation of distance (10 ± 1.5 m). Estimates of bobwhite density obtained using the electronic system exhibited reasonable precision for each ecoregion during both years (CV < 20%). Perpendicular‐distance error slightly increased with target distance (0.7‐m increase in error for every 10‐m increase in target distance). Overall, the electronic system appears to be a promising technique to estimate density of northern bobwhite and possibly other terrestrial species for which aerial‐based distance sampling is appropriate. © The Wildlife Society, 2012
Body condition and dosage effects on ketamine–xylazine immobilization of female white‐tailed deer
Authors: Duquette Jared F. , Belant Jerrold L. , Beyer Dean E. , Svoboda Nathan J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractKetamine and xylazine are an effective chemical combination for white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) immobilization, but the effects of body condition on ketamine–xylazine efficacy have not been examined. We assessed the influence of ketamine dosage, xylazine dosage, body condition, age class, and injection site on successful adult female deer chemical immobilization. From January to March 2009–2011, we captured 87 deer (age ≥1.5 yr) in Clover traps and immobilized them using ketamine–xylazine ratios of 400 mg (n = 58) or 300 mg (n = 29) of ketamine to 100 mg of xylazine. Mean deer body mass was 67.8 kg (SD = 12.3, range = 43.0–93.0). We considered immobilization successful if deer induction was achieved ≤15 minutes from first ketamine–xylazine injection. Seventy‐five percent of injected deer (81% with 400:100 mg ketamine:xylazine; 62% with 300:100 mg ketamine:xylazine) achieved successful induction. We recorded deer heart rate, respiration rate and rectal temperature at 0 minutes, 10 minutes, and 20 minutes post‐induction. Comparison of 7 generalized linear models indicated that the probability of successful induction increased by about 6.7% with every 1.0 mg/kg increase in ketamine dosage and by about 0.7% with every 1‐unit decrease in body‐condition index. The remaining parameters did not influence the success of deer induction. Deer heart rate, respiration rate, and rectal temperature decreased over time post‐induction, with >95% within reported ranges for ketamine–xylazine immobilization. We suggest that deer weighing ≤93.0 kg be injected with 5.8 mg/kg ketamine and 1.6 mg/kg xylazine to produce satisfactory induction when using similar capture methods during winter. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Factors shaping private landowner engagement in wildlife management
Authors: Golden Katherine E. , Peterson M. Nils , DePerno Christopher S. , Bardon Robert E. , Moorman Christopher E. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe changing demographics of rural landowners have the potential to affect wildlife management on private land and therefore, there is a need to determine what factors influence landowner participation in wildlife management. We surveyed 1,368 North Carolina, USA, private landowners to determine socio‐demographic factors predicting participation in a variety of wildlife management practices. Wildlife management practices most commonly implemented by landowners were providing supplemental feed (21.8%), mowing to improve habitat (16.2%), erecting nesting boxes (14.7%), and planting food plots (14.6%). Ecologically valuable management activities such as prescribed burning (2.3%) were among the least practiced. Hunting or having a family member that hunted was the most consistent predictor of participation in wildlife management practices. Landowners who hunted, resided on their property, were younger and were male were more likely to implement wildlife management practices than their counterparts. Resident landowners, especially those who hunt, may be the most receptive to outreach efforts promoting wildlife habitat management on private lands. Our results indicate outreach efforts should target habitat management practices with longer term wildlife benefits (e.g., prescribed fire, controlling invasive plants), because practices with immediate short‐term benefits (e.g., food plots, supplemental feeding, mowing) are currently 3–4 times more prevalent. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.