bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Preliminary Study on the Occurrence of Pharmaceutically Active Compounds in the River Basins and Their Removal in Two Conventional Drinking Water Treatment Plants in Chongqing, China
Authors: Yan Qing , Zhang Yi‐Xin , Kang Jia , Gan Xiu‐Mei , Xu‐Y Peng , Guo Jin‐Song , Gao Xu
Published: November 2014

The occurrence of 21 selected pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in river water was examined; meanwhile the presence and removal of these PhACs at different water treatment steps in two conventional drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) were evaluated. Monitoring results showed that of all 21 target PhACs, twelve PhACs were ubiquitously detected in water samples from the Yangtze river and its two tributaries (Jialing River and Huaxi stream), whereas alodipine was not found in any river water sample. The concentrations of PhACs detected in Huaxi stream were statistically significantly higher than those found in the Jialing River and the Yangzi River because of the direct discharges of uncontrolled domestic sewage and poultry wastewater and the abuse of PhACs in the rural areas served by the Huaxi stream. An environmental risk assessment of PhACs based on the risk quotient value approach indicated that sulfamethoxazole, ofloxacin and dehydrated erythromycin and clofibric acid had a medium risk, and the mixture of the studied PhACs showed high risk for the aquatic ecosystems. Fourteen out of 21 target PhACs were found in the raw water of the two studied DWTPs with azithromycin having the highest concentration (about 20 ng/L). Following the conventional water treatment processes, the studied PhACs were found to be removed by an average of 54 and 48% in DWTP A and DWTP B, respectively. Among the target PhACs, six and three PhACs were detected in finished water of DWTP B and DWTP A, respectively. This is the first study in southwestern China reporting the presence of PhACs in surface water and drinking water.
Anticancer Profile of a Series of Gold(III) (2‐phenyl)pyridine Complexes
Authors: Rubbiani Riccardo , Zehnder Thomas N. , Mari Cristina , Blacque Olivier , Venkatesan Koushik , Gasser Gilles
Published: November 2014

Six phosphorescent (2‐phenyl)pyridine (ppy) gold(III) 2,4,6‐tris(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (FMes) complexes were synthesized and investigated for their anticancer potential. The compounds demonstrated strong antiproliferative activity, with EC50 values in the low micromolar range, along with significant accumulation in HeLa cancer cells after treatment for only 6 h (up to 119 ng gold per milligram of protein as measured by high‐resolution continuum source atomic spectroscopy). Enzyme inhibition studies showed interaction of the gold(III) complexes with thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), a key homeostasis‐regulation flavoprotein. TrxR was inhibited with IC50 values in the micromolar range. Furthermore, five of the complexes displayed selectivity toward TrxR against glutathione reductase (GR, a disulfide reductase structurally related to TrxR) by up to >49‐fold. Because no major differences in bioactivity were observed across the series, [(ppy)Au(FMes)(PPh3)OTf] (complex 4) was chosen for further in‐depth biological characterization. Complex 4 was also found to interact with guanosine monophosphate in 1H NMR studies under long incubation times. Interestingly, 4 induced a significant increase in intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species, which led to late apoptotic events and cytocidal effects.
Inherited predisposition to endometrial cancer: Moving beyond Lynch syndrome
Authors: Stadler Zsofia K. , Robson Mark E.
Published: November 2014

A number of predisposition syndromes include endometrial cancer as a component tumor. These can generally be identified on the basis of the family history and the individual phenotype.
Combining region‐based and imprecise boundary‐based cues for interactive medical image segmentation
Authors: Jones Jonathan‐Lee , Xie Xianghua , Essa Ehab
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we present an approach combining both region selection and user point selection for user‐assisted segmentation as either an enclosed object or an open curve, investigate the method of image segmentation in specific medical applications (user‐assisted segmentation of the media–adventitia border in intravascular ultrasound images, and lumen border in optical coherence tomography images), and then demonstrate the method with generic images to show how it could be utilized in other types of medical image and is not limited to the applications described. The proposed method combines point‐based soft constraint on object boundary and stroke‐based regional constraint. The user points act as attraction points and are treated as soft constraints rather than hard constraints that the segmented boundary has to pass through. The user can also use strokes to specify region of interest. The probabilities of region of interest for each pixel are then calculated, and their discontinuity is used to indicate object boundary. The combinations of different types of user constraints and image features allow flexible and robust segmentation, which is formulated as an energy minimization problem on a multilayered graph and is solved using a shortest path search algorithm. We show that this combinatorial approach allows efficient and effective interactive segmentation, which can be used with both open and closed curves to segment a variety of images in different ways. The proposed method is demonstrated in the two medical applications, that is, intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography images, where image artefacts such as acoustic shadow and calcification are commonplace and thus user guidance is desirable. We carried out both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the results for the medical data; comparing the proposed method against a number of interactive segmentation techniques. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applicability of the polynomial chaos expansion method for personalization of a cardiovascular pulse wave propagation model
Authors: Huberts W. , Donders W. P. , Delhaas T. , van de Vosse F. N.
Published: November 2014

Patient‐specific modeling requires model personalization, which can be achieved in an efficient manner by parameter fixing and parameter prioritization. An efficient variance‐based method is using generalized polynomial chaos expansion (gPCE), but it has not been applied in the context of model personalization, nor has it ever been compared with standard variance‐based methods for models with many parameters. In this work, we apply the gPCE method to a previously reported pulse wave propagation model and compare the conclusions for model personalization with that of a reference analysis performed with Saltelli's efficient Monte Carlo method. We furthermore differentiate two approaches for obtaining the expansion coefficients: one based on spectral projection (gPCE‐P) and one based on least squares regression (gPCE‐R). It was found that in general the gPCE yields similar conclusions as the reference analysis but at much lower cost, as long as the polynomial metamodel does not contain unnecessary high order terms. Furthermore, the gPCE‐R approach generally yielded better results than gPCE‐P. The weak performance of the gPCE‐P can be attributed to the assessment of the expansion coefficients using the Smolyak algorithm, which might be hampered by the high number of model parameters and/or by possible non‐smoothness in the output space. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single oral doses of tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, in healthy volunteers
Authors: Krishnaswami Sriram , Boy Mary , Chow Vincent , Chan Gary
Published: November 2014

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor. This randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled study was the first evaluation of tofacitinib in humans. The objectives were to characterize the safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics of escalating single tofacitinib doses in healthy subjects. Tofacitinib (0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30, 60, and 100 mg) or placebo was administered as oral powder for constitution. For each dose, 7–9 subjects were randomized to tofacitinib and 3–5 subjects to placebo. Ninety‐five males and females (age range 19–45) completed the study. Forty‐nine treatment‐emergent all‐causality adverse events (AEs) were observed; nausea and headache were the most frequently reported. Tofacitinib PK was characterized by rapid absorption (time to peak serum concentration [Tmax] 0.5–1 hour), rapid elimination (mean terminal half‐lives 2.3–3.1 hours), and dose‐proportional systemic exposures (peak serum concentration [Cmax] and area under the serum concentration‐time curve from time zero to infinity [AUC0–∞]). No appreciable correlation was observed between tofacitinib dose and lymphocyte subset counts. Single‐dose tofacitinib up to 100 mg in healthy subjects had a safety profile of mostly mild AEs, and no deaths, serious AEs, severe AEs or discontinuations due to AEs.
Development and validation of an LC‐MS/MS method after chiral derivatization for the simultaneous stereoselective determination of methylenedioxy‐methamphetamine (MDMA) and its phase I and II metabolites in human blood plasma
Authors: Steuer Andrea E. , Schmidhauser Corina , Liechti Matthias E. , Kraemer Thomas
Published: November 2014

3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is a racemic drug of abuse and its two enantiomers are known to differ in their dose‐response curves. The S‐enantiomer was shown to be eliminated at a higher rate than the R‐enantiomer. The most likely explanation for this is a stereoselective metabolism also claimed in in vitro studies. Urinary excretion studies showed that the main metabolites in humans are 4‐hydroxy 3‐methoxymethamphetamine (HMMA) 4‐sulfate, HMMA 4‐glucuronide and 3,4‐dihydroxymethamphetamine (DHMA) 3‐sulfate. For stereoselective pharmacokinetic analysis of phase I and phase II metabolites in human blood plasma useful analytical methods are needed. Therefore the aim of the presented study was the development and validation of a stereoselective liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method for the simultaneous quantification of MDMA, 3,4‐methylenedioxyamphetamine, DHMA, DHMA 3‐sulfate, HMMA, HMMA 4‐glucuronide, HMMA 4‐sulfate, and 4‐hydroxy 3‐methoxyamphetamine in blood plasma for evaluation of the stereoselective pharmacokinetics in humans. Blood plasma samples were prepared by simple protein precipitation and afterwards all analytes were derivatized using N‐(2,4‐dinitro‐5‐fluorophenyl) L‐valinamide resulting in the formation of diastereomers which were easily separable on standard reverse phase stationary phases. This simple and fast method was validated according to international guidelines including specificity, recovery, matrix effects, accuracy and precision, stabilities, and limits of quantification. The method proved to be selective, sensitive, accurate and precise for all tested analytes except for DHMA. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Palatogenesis and cutaneous repair: A two‐headed coin
Authors: Biggs Leah C. , Goudy Steven L. , Dunnwald Martine
Published: November 2014

Background:The reparative mechanism that operates following post‐natal cutaneous injury is a fundamental survival function that requires a well‐orchestrated series of molecular and cellular events. At the end, the body will have closed the hole using processes like cellular proliferation, migration, differentiation and fusion.Results:These processes are similar to those occurring during embryogenesis and tissue morphogenesis. Palatogenesis, the formation of the palate from two independent palatal shelves growing towards each other and fusing, intuitively, shares many similarities with the closure of a cutaneous wound from the two migrating epithelial fronts.Conclusions:In this review, we summarize the current information on cutaneous development, wound healing, palatogenesis and orofacial clefting and propose that orofacial clefting and wound healing are conserved processes that share common pathways and gene regulatory networks.Developmental Dynamics 244:289–310, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Worsening heart failure, a critical event during hospital admission for acute heart failure: results from the VERITAS study
Authors: Cotter Gad , Metra Marco , Davison Beth A. , Senger Stefanie , Bourge Robert C. , Cleland John G.F. , Jondeau Guillaume , Krum Henry , O'Connor Christopher M. , Parker John D. , Torre‐Amione Guillermo , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Milo Olga , Kobrin Isaac , Rainisio Maurizio , McMurray John J.V. , Teerlink John R. ,   for the VERITAS Investigators
Published: November 2014

Aims

Worsening heart failure (WHF) in the first 7 days after an admission for acute HF (AHF) has been proposed as a therapeutic target in several recent AHF studies and was a co‐primary endpoint of the VERITAS studies.

Methods and results

Patients were randomized within 24 h of admission for AHF. WHF was defined as worsening or persistent signs and symptoms of HF requiring additional intravenous or mechanical therapy for HF or death within 7 days of randomization. Multivariable models were developed to predict the time to WHF through day 7. Unadjusted and multivariable‐adjusted associations of WHF with the length of stay (LOS) of the index hospitalization, and 30‐ and 90‐day outcomes were estimated. WHF occurred by day 7 in 27% of the 1347 patients enrolled. Age, co‐morbidities, and markers of HF severity were moderately predictive of WHF; the C‐index for a multivariable model for WHF was 0.66. After multivariable adjustment for baseline characteristics, WHF was associated with an increase in LOS of 4.33 days [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.54–5.13 days], a hazard ratio (HR) for 30‐day HF readmission or death of 2.43 (95% CI 1.75–3.40), and a HR for 90‐day mortality of 2.57 (95% CI 1.81–3.65), all with P < 0.0001.The associations of WHF with these outcomes remained largely unchanged after adjustment for both baseline characteristics and changes in markers of renal and hepatic dysfunction during the first day of admission.

Conclusions

In patients admitted for AHF, WHF is a significant clinical event that is associated with delays in discharge and higher rates for readmission and death.
Monothiolato‐Bridged Dinuclear Arene Ruthenium Complexes: The Missing Link in the Reaction of Arene Ruthenium Dichloride Dimers with Thiols
Authors: Stíbal David , Therrien Bruno , Giannini Federico , Paul Lydia E. H. , Furrer Julien , Süss‐Fink Georg
Published: November 2014

The monothiolato complexes [(η6‐p‐MeC6H4iPr)2Ru2Cl2(μ‐Cl)(μ‐SR)] with R = CH2C6H5 (1), p‐CH2C6H4NO2 (2), C10H15 (3), m‐9‐B10C2H11 (4) were synthesized by treating [(η6‐p‐MeC6H4iPr)2Ru2Cl2(μ‐Cl)2] with the corresponding thiols RSH. The reaction of p‐cymene ruthenium dichloride dimer with thiols is well known to give the cationic trithiolato complexes [(η6‐p‐MeC6H4iPr)2Ru2(μ‐SR)3]+, but recently the intermediary dithiolato complexes [(η6‐p‐MeC6H4iPr)2Ru2Cl2(μ‐SR)2] could also be isolated and characterized in some cases. The monothiolato complexes 1–4 now observed represent the missing link in the stepwise formation of the trithiolato complexes. The single‐crystal X‐ray structure analyses of complexes 1 and 2 show the two ruthenium atoms to be bridged by a chlorido ligand and by the thiolato ligand without a metal–metal bond, which is in accordance with the eighteen‐electron rule.
A Synthetic Route to Sulfobetaine Methacrylates with Varying Charge Distance
Authors: Kratzer Domenic , Barner Leonie , Friedmann Christian , Bräse Stefan , Lahann Joerg
Published: November 2014

A general synthetic strategy is described that enables access to a library of new sulfobetaine methacrylates starting from commercially available precursors. The three‐step procedure allows the distance between the quaternary amine and the sulfonate group (inner charge distance) to be varied by selecting the corresponding dibromoalkane in the first step. A key step is the final esterification, in which methacrylic acid acts as solvent as well as reagent for the zwitterionic hydroxy intermediates. Thus, it is possible to synthesize monomeric precursors with up to twelve methylene groups between the positive and the negative charge. A selection of these monomers has been successfully tested for their ability to polymerize using free‐radical polymerization.
Alberta Breakthrough Pain Assessment Tool: A validation multicentre study in cancer patients with breakthrough pain
Authors: Sperlinga R. , Campagna S. , Berruti A. , Laciura P. , Ginosa I. , Paoletti S. , Giuliano P.L. , Tucci M. , Rosato R. , Scagliotti G.V. , Saini A.
Published: November 2014

Background

Cancer‐related breakthrough pain (BTP) is a common and quite challenging pain syndrome, with significant impact on quality of life. To date, no widely recognized and validated tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of BTP exists. The Alberta Breakthrough Pain Assessment Tool (ABPAT) underwent a validation process during its development, but no experience of its implementation in clinical practice has been reported.

Methods

ABPAT was tested in a cohort of cancer patients suffering from chronic severe cancer‐related pain in order to assess its acceptability and efficacy as a tool for the characterization of BTP.

Results

A total of consecutive 249 patients from seven different centres were included in a 2‐month study period and all completed the questionnaire; 231 out of the 249 (92.8%) stated that questions were easily understandable and 217 out of the 249 (87.1%) stated that the tool allowed to explain extensively the BTP problem. Physician–patient correlation tests about baseline BTP intensity and BTP relief by medication showed statistical significance at the level of p = 0.001 and p = 0.0001, respectively. Evaluation of the efficacy of BPT medication revealed a 78.2% of patients declaring a good relief from BTP, with a significant reduction of mean BTP numeric rating scale score (p = 0.0001), but only 55.9% of patients responded to be satisfied about time for onset of the relief.

Conclusions

In this study, ABPAT resulted to be a well‐accepted tool for BTP assessment and characterization in a relatively large cohort of cancer patients. It is effective in discovering the unmet needs of cancer patients and in exploring the outcomes of BTP treatment.
A Polyionic, Large‐Format Energy Storage Device Using an Aqueous Electrolyte and Thick‐Format Composite NaTi2(PO4)3/Activated Carbon Negative Electrodes
Authors: Whitacre J. F. , Shanbhag S. , Mohamed A. , Polonsky A. , Carlisle K. , Gulakowski J. , Wu W. , Smith C. , Cooney L. , Blackwood D. , Dandrea J. C. , Truchot C.
Published: November 2014

A composite anode comprising blended NASICON‐structured NaTi2(PO4)3 and activated carbon has been implemented in an aqueous electrolyte electrochemical energy storage device. A simple solid‐state synthetic route based on low‐cost precursors was used to produce the NaTi2(PO4)3, and thick (>1 mm) freestanding electrodes were fabricated with a range of activated carbon mass fractions. Electrochemical analyses showed the efficacy and stability of this composite anode combination in a functional paradigm where both Na+ and Li+ cations can participate in the charge storage reactions. Use of this composite anode in concert with a λ‐MnO2‐based cathode results in an energy storage device that is low cost, robust, and of sufficient energy density to be implemented in stationary applications. Data from large‐format units that contain many cells in series indicate that string‐level self‐balancing occurs, an effect that can be relied on for making cycle‐stable high‐voltage strings of cells.
Models and experiments for energy consumption and quality of green tea drying
Authors: Langat Nickson , Thoruwa Thomas , Wanyoko John , Kiplagat Jeremiah , Plourde Brian , Abraham John
Published: November 2014

An experimental apparatus has been developed to evaluate the drying process of green tea leaves. Tea drying is an energy‐intensive process which results in the removal of leaf moisture; it is essential to the quality of the final product. In order to more efficiently use process energy, a prototype drying system has been built and tested. The prototype incorporates a rotating perforated drum which helps speed the drying process. Experiments were carried out with multiple temperatures, airflow rates, and drum rotation rates; a subset of those results is shown here. In particular, the impact of airflow rate on the process was studied. It was found that as the airflow increased, the drying rate increased, as expected. However, the efficiency of energy use, which was quantified by the Specific Energy Consumption rate, varied considerably with flow. While higher flows led to faster drying, it resulted in a lower energy efficiency. Also, a two parameter predictive model was developed that was able to accurately match the moisture removal rates for a very wide range of flows. This predictive model, which is based on thermal‐fluid fundamentals, can be used to extrapolate the presented results to cases which were not considered.
Earth Surface Exchanges (ESEX) Commentary on ‘Plants as river system engineers’ by A. Gurnell. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 39: 4–25, 2014. DOI 10.1002/esp.3397
Authors: Greenwood Philip , Kuhn Nikolaus J.
Published: November 2014

In a review of the role of plants in river systems, Gurnell (2014) explains how living riparian vegetation can moderate and manipulate river environments by trapping sediment and promoting longer‐term stability. Although the review concentrates on perennial plants in the humid temperate zone, this commentary acts as a reminder that some plants in other kinds of fluvial environment do not act in this way. This is done by describing how Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan Balsam), a highly invasive annual plant that is now found in many countries on three separate continents, may significantly increase soil erosion along riverbanks and the riparian zone of inland watercourses. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hg-contaminated terrestrial spiders pose a potential risk to songbirds at Caddo Lake (Texas/Louisiana, USA)
Authors: Gann Gretchen L. , Powell Cleveland H. , Chumchal Matthew M. , Drenner Ray W.
Published: November 2014

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental contaminant that can have adverse effects on wildlife. Because MeHg is produced by bacteria in aquatic ecosystems, studies of MeHg contamination of food webs historically have focused on aquatic organisms. However, recent studies have shown that terrestrial organisms such as songbirds can be contaminated with MeHg by feeding on MeHg-contaminated spiders. In the present study, the authors examined the risk that MeHg-contaminated terrestrial long-jawed orb weaver spiders (Tetragnatha sp.) pose to songbirds at Caddo Lake (Texas/Louisiana, USA). Methylmercury concentrations in spiders were significantly different in river, wetland, and open-water habitats. The authors calculated spider-based wildlife values (the minimum spider MeHg concentrations causing physiologically significant doses in consumers) to assess exposure risks for arachnivorous birds. Methylmercury concentrations in spiders exceeded wildlife values for Carolina chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) nestlings, with the highest risk in the river habitat. The present study indicates that MeHg concentrations in terrestrial spiders vary with habitat and can pose a threat to small-bodied nestling birds that consume large amounts of spiders at Caddo Lake. This MeHg threat to songbirds may not be unique to Caddo Lake and may extend throughout the southeastern United States. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;9999:1–4. © 2014 SETAC
Sources of endocrine-disrupting compounds in North Carolina waterways: A geographic information systems approach
Authors: Sackett Dana K. , Pow Crystal Lee , Rubino Matthew J. , Aday D. Derek , Cope W. Gregory , Kullman Seth , Rice James A. , Kwak Thomas J. , Law Mac
Published: November 2014

The presence of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), particularly estrogenic compounds, in the environment has drawn public attention across the globe, yet a clear understanding of the extent and distribution of estrogenic EDCs in surface waters and their relationship to potential sources is lacking. The objective of the present study was to identify and examine the potential input of estrogenic EDC sources in North Carolina water bodies using a geographic information system (GIS) mapping and analysis approach. Existing data from state and federal agencies were used to create point and nonpoint source maps depicting the cumulative contribution of potential sources of estrogenic EDCs to North Carolina surface waters. Water was collected from 33 sites (12 associated with potential point sources, 12 associated with potential nonpoint sources, and 9 reference), to validate the predictive results of the GIS analysis. Estrogenicity (measured as 17β-estradiol equivalence) ranged from 0.06 ng/L to 56.9 ng/L. However, the majority of sites (88%) had water 17β-estradiol concentrations below 1 ng/L. Sites associated with point and nonpoint sources had significantly higher 17β-estradiol levels than reference sites. The results suggested that water 17β-estradiol was reflective of GIS predictions, confirming the relevance of landscape-level influences on water quality and validating the GIS approach to characterize such relationships. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;9999:1–9. © 2014 SETAC
Relationship between tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) and vascular endothelial growth factor in human multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Bolkun Lukasz , Lemancewicz Dorota , Piszcz Jaroslaw , Moniuszko Marcin , Bolkun‐Skornicka Urszula , Szkiladz Malgorzata , Jablonska Ewa , Kloczko Janusz , Dzieciol Janusz
Published: November 2014

Tumour necrosis factor‐alfa (TNF‐α) is an inflammatory cytokine with a wide spectrum of biological activity, including angiogenesis. Tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL), which belongs to the TNF family of proteins, plays a role in the regulation of vascular responses, but its effect on the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) is unclear. We analysed TRAIL concentrations in parallel with pro‐angiogenic cytokines in serum and their expression in trephine biopsy (TB) in 56 patients with newly diagnosed IgG MM and 24 healthy volunteers. The study showed statistically higher concentrations of TRAIL and TNF‐α, as well as of VEGF and its receptor, in MM patients compared to healthy volunteers and patients in advanced stages of the disease. Furthermore, we observed a significant decrease in all studied pro‐angiogenic cytokines and significant increase of TRAIL concentration after anti‐angiogenic therapy, with meaningful differences between responders (at least partial remission) and patients with progression during the induction treatment. It was also established that TRAIL correlated statistically and negatively with pro‐angiogenic cytokines such as VEGF with its receptor and expression of VEGF and syndecan‐1 in TB.

In summary, our data indicate that in MM patients, both clinical course and treatment responsiveness are associated with dynamic yet corresponding changes of levels of TRAIL parallel pro‐angiogenic mediators such as VEGF with its receptor and expression of VEGF and syndecan‐1 in TB. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RISK MANAGEMENT BY COST IMPACT
Authors: Honour Eric C.
Published: November 2014

This paper documents an effective, formal risk management process that is based on cost impact. The process is used in current programs. Key to the process is the objective ranking of risks based on more detailed subjective identification of cost impact. Higher‐ranking risks have mitigation action plans, receive emphasis at monthly reviews, and are tracked in a planned manner. Lower‐ranking risks stay on the overall list for later evaluation without expending inordinate time and effort. The paper provides the process, methods to identify risks, methods to assess the risks, and methods to review and track the risks.
Capturing and Taming Derived Requirements
Authors: Scheurer Robert P. , Volz Michael E.
Published: November 2014

Systems engineers are concerned with identifying, allocating, and managing their customer requirements to appropriate design teams. However, as anyone involved with the design process can testify, contractual requirements are only one piece of the requirements management puzzle. Designs as well as requirements evolve and are iterated to very low levels of detail, with each succeeding level offering more complexity and additional requirements. Unless these added requirements are well‐understood and documented, costly mistakes or omissions can be introduced into the completed product. As the reader will see, system requirement definitions can and do go far beyond the initial mandates imposed by the customer.
A METHOD FOR BASELINING AND IMPROVING AN ORGANIZATIONS SYSTEMS ENGINEERING CAPABILITY
Authors: Stone Arthur G.
Published: November 2014

A fundamental premises of this paper is that the system engineering capability of an organization can only be as good as the collective skills of the individuals that make up the organization. This paper describes two distinct career paths for systems engineers, system integration and system analyst. Thirty‐five skill areas are identified for the system integration path, and twenty for the system analyst path. In addition, basic system engineering skills required for both career paths are described. Four levels of expertise are described for the two different career paths. Skill level ratings are determined for individuals in each skill area that applies. Collectively, these individual ratings are used as an indicator of the system engineering capability of an organization. Individual career development is based on achieving higher skill levels in the skill areas. The system engineering capability of an organization is improved as individuals achieve higher skill levels.
The PMTE Paradigm: Exploring the Relationship Between Systems Engineering Process and Tools
Authors: Martin James N.
Published: November 2014

This paper explores the relationship between process and tools for systems engineering. There is much interest now in process maturity, yet there are many cases of processes being developed and deployed with little effect on the bottom line. In fact, there are times when the overall health of the engineering organization is not improved with the use of standardized processes and tools.

It is important to have a proper balance among process, methods, tools, and environment (PMTE) when performing systems engineering (SE) tasks. An improper balance leads to increased costs and lower quality, in addition to frustration for engineers and for management. The particular PMTE elements appropriate for a project should be defined and documented in an SE Development Environment (SEDE) Plan which can cover the gaps in a project SE Management Plan (SEMP). This paper proposes a paradigm for understanding the PMTE elements for systems engineering.
DEVELOPMENT OF A SYSTEMS PERSPECTIVE FOR LONG DURATION SPACE FLIGHT MISSIONS USING A CREW SYSTEMS INTERACTIONS MODEL (CSIM)
Authors: Upshaw Kathy
Published: November 2014

The confinement and isolation of the crew of a long duration manned space flight mission such as the planned International Space Station or proposed expeditions to the Moon or Mars cause the social environment and the crew capabilities and limitations to be extremely influential to mission success. The systems engineering process must be executed within the constraints imposed by the system environment (including the social, technical, economic, and political (STEP) factors) as well as those constraints imposed by the personnel who must design, operate, and maintain the system. This process could be facilitated if the diverse sociological and psychological models were integrated to define a set of requirements for spacecraft design and criteria for crew selection and training. A Crew/System Interactions Model (CSIM) is presented as a tool for synthesizing and linking psychological and sociological theories. The CSIM would serve as a reference for improving and refining the causal relationships describing effects of crew actions and behaviors on the system, allowing the development of design criteria that are better tailored to the mission needs and operational requirements.
THE BASICS OF BENCHMARKING
Authors: Fisher Gerard H. , Fisher Jack
Published: November 2014

The current economic environment is causing research, development and capital investments budgets to be reduced. Nevertheless, customers are demanding more value in the form of reduced cost, faster cycle time and higher quality products and processes. For a company to remain competitive and grow, it must find innovative means to improve performance. Benchmarking can provide the opportunity for improvements to those organizations that know how to use the information.

Although benchmarking has been in use for 15 years, there has not been any application to the systems engineering process that has been reported in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to consider such an application and discuss how to it can be achieved. This paper provides: 1) a benchmarking tutorial, 2) some advantages and disadvantages of benchmarking, 3) some thoughts on the application of benchmarking to systems engineering, and 4) the role of NCOSE in the benchmarking process. It may be difficult to apply benchmarking to systems engineering, but the rewards can be significant. Systems engineering, a difficult, widely varying and sometimes closely guarded process, can only benefit from the exchange of data between organizations involved in the development of complex systems.
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO SYSTEMS ENGINEERING TRAINING
Authors: Hyer Scott A.
Published: November 2014

The issue of how systems engineers can be trained and prepared for positions in their fields is one which has received much attention. Some advocate university level classwork toward a degree in systems engineering, while others maintain that experience in real world problems is the only way a systems engineer can be developed. This paper questions some of the assumptions made regarding this issue and advocates an approach which integrates the best features of both classroom education and work experience. The approach is summarized by three main ideas: (1) The practice of systems engineering requires a maturity which is more effectively developed upon a specific technical base; (2) Training is dependent on the situation in which it is to be applied; and (3) Training is a continuous growth process which should be planned, monitored, and adjusted when necessary.
THE PROBLEM WITH SYSTEMS ENGINEERS…
Authors: Downward Bernadette Gagnon
Published: November 2014

This paper uses a lighthearted approach to address the communications barrier that sometimes exists between systems and software engineers. Anecdotes were obtained through a series of interviews and questionnaires. Typical but fictional scenarios examine the attitudes held by both systems and software engineers. Practical solutions are suggested to overcome the communications barrier so they can become better team players.
Meta‐Modeling for Project Engineering
Authors: Scruggs John V.
Published: November 2014

Systems Engineering and Project Management are converging. Systems Engineers are assuming greater responsibilities for the complete project and Project Managers are requiring greater insight into the details of the project product and process. A technique, supported by a computer aided tool, is needed to assist the project Systems Engineer in meeting new responsibilities and to give the Project Manager the insight required. The technique proposed ismeta‐modeling.A practical working tool for project management and systems engineering meta‐modeling is presented using an extension of the tool RDD‐100. A new engineering discipline to provide the skill mix and modeling expertise required for project meta‐modeling is described. This discipline, calledproject engineering, is a natural outgrowth of the convergence of systems engineering and project management.
RDD‐100 IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES
Authors: Sheard Sarah A.
Published: November 2014

Loral Federal Systems has begun to use the RDD‐100 (TM, Ascent Logic Corporation) systems engineering tool on a variety of programs, including one large and very complex program. Lessons learned in implementing RDD are collected here, so that managers and others who are thinking of using RDD can set up the introduction wisely. As the tool was introduced to the largest program part way through the development cycle, some of the lessons apply to mid‐phase implementation. Some other lessons would be appropriate for any program using RDD for the first time, and some to any program using tools.
HEURISTIC EXTRAPOLATION IN SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
Authors: Maier Mark W.
Published: November 2014

In this paper we consider heuristic methods for system architecture. System architecture problems are particularly open‐ended and ill‐structured and resistant to “rational” or “derivational” methods. The heuristic method, employing catalogs of heuristics, is one possible way to address the particular problems of system architecture. The heuristic catalog attempts to capture important and consistent structural elements of complex systems that strongly correlate with success or failure. Unfortunately, most heuristics gathered to date are primarily descriptive rather than prescriptive. This paper describes a method for developing context sensitive prescriptive heuristics as part of a design process that iteratively removes abstraction in the design representation. We call this process heuristic extrapolation. We illustrate the method by application to hardware/software partitioning and the Intelligent Vehicles and Highways System, a large scale sociotechnical system.
SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE WORKING GROUP
Authors: Smith Timothy B. , Johnson Kent A. , Olson Robert , Ramchandani Chander B. , Pohlmann Lawrence D.
Published: November 2014

This paper is a progress report to the NCOSE membership at large from the NCOSE Systems Architecture Working Group. The paper is intended to serve as the primary mechanism for informing the NCOSE membership of the activities completed and underway by the working group. The paper: 1) discusses motivations for establishing the group, 2) presents the group's charter, 3) provides the current definitions being used for systems architecture and some of the terms relating to systems architecture, 3) presents the working group's current view of what a systems architecture is, and the relationship of a systems architecture to the overall system and the system elements that comprise the system, 4) discusses the future plans of the working group, and 6) presents a bibliography of works that provide significant contributions to the subject of systems architecting and systems architectures.
SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE FOR EVOLUTIONARY SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Percivall George S.
Published: November 2014

Evolutionary system development is an alternative to the waterfall development model. An ongoing system architecture activity is a consistent feature of evolutionary development models. Using principles from Complexity Science, key features of system architecture for an evolutionary system development are defined. These principles may provide the adaptive flexibility observed in naturally occurring systems.
Reuse of Simple Models Over Many Scales of System Architecture
Authors: Matyskiela Frank
Published: November 2014

As one examines dynamic models of natural or human‐created mechanisms, it is apparent that they can be applied by analogy or reused over a broad range of architectural scales. For purposes of rapid analysis and decision support in a continually changing world, models must be simple and parametric. The dynamic characteristics of three simple models (the Control Hierarchy, Percent of Job Completed, and the Logistics Equation) constructed in a computer‐based simulation tool, are presented. A complete baseline for assessing model reuse, includes the life cycle domains of product and process, identified in current theories and standards on systems engineering improvement, plus the enterprise. Enterprise here is the high level entity that capitalizes, develops and changes corporate and social processes. Parametric context changes, necessary for applying the models across domains are discussed, the most critical being increasing uncertainty of resources and environment, as scale and complexity increase.
Gaining the Competitive Edge through Effective Systems Engineering
Authors: Kasser Joe , Schermerhorn Robin
Published: November 2014

Gaining the competitive edge through effective Systems Engineering means reducing costs by eliminating ineffective Systems Engineering. This paper first defines Systems Engineering and then identifies the role of the Systems Engineer. The consequences of ineffective Systems Engineering are then discussed at a high level in terms of the cost of, and delays to, both the process and the product. The paper concludes with a strategy for proactive Systems Engineering which can produce the desired system without incurring the cost escalations and schedule delays associated with ineffective Systems Engineering.
A THREE TECHNIQUE APPROACH TO SUCCESSFUL SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Altman Eric J. , Kenrick Karen M.
Published: November 2014

Our experience shows that Systems Engineering and other engineering disciplines often work on the same phase throughout the program development life cycle. The combination of a heavy System's task load at the beginning of a program coupled with concurrent tasks with other engineering disciplines for the duration of the program causes System's Engineering to fall behind early on and have to play “catch up” for the duration of the development. In addition, current System Engineering methodology provides few standardized techniques that directly relate or trace System Engineering designs to Software designs.

In this paper, we share with our readers the techniques that we used on a predominately software program to solve these problems that we encountered, by using a marriage of three techniques: staggered design phases, graphical threads, and cross reference matrices. The examples in this paper illustrate our implementation of this three‐pronged approach in selected stages of the program life‐cycle, and briefly suggest their possible application to other program phases.
Systems Engineering and the Object‐Oriented Paradigm
Authors: Masnick Burt
Published: November 2014

The Systems Engineering process inherently involves creating some model of the system under development. This model is the basis for the analysis, allocation and subsystem specification used by hardware, software and test engineers as well as other specialists. The paradigm for the model determines the specific information provided to all those who subsequently deal with the development of the system. Object‐oriented representations of software have rapidly become the norm. This creates problems for organizations where systems engineering groups exclusively use functional models and representations of a system. This paper explores the merits of adopting an object‐oriented paradigm in formulating the base models for describing the behavior, interfaces and structure of a system under development.
SYSTEM ENGINEERING PLANNING AND ENTERPRISE IDENTITY
Authors: Grady Jeffrey O.
Published: November 2014

There are so many models to follow in framing an effective systems engineering process that one should hesitate to introduce another. But we are currently failing to make a powerful connection between our enterprise's identity and our customer's needs that will slow our approach to excellence. In this paper we will explore a way to connect a definition of our enterprise in the form of our practices and generic planning to customer needs in a seamless planning process that flows from the proposal period through contract award. This paper was motivated by the U.S. Air Force management initiative called the integrated management system and research accomplished by the author in writing a book by the same title as this paper.
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE ENHANCED SYSTEMS ENGINEERING PROCESS
Authors: Averill Robert D.
Published: November 2014

Efforts to implement an effective systems approach to NASA space flight programs are underway agency wide. The Langley Research Center is committed to institutionalizing an enhanced systems engineering process for in‐house space flight projects. A Systems Analysis and Design Procedure has been incorporated into the Langley Project Life Cycle to develop a comprehensive systems engineering process for the critical early formulation phases of a project. A Systems Engineering Handbook has been developed which defines the systems approach and the specific activities and products for each phase of the project life cycle. Systems engineering software tools and training to support the institutionalization process are described.
Determining Metrics for Systems Engineering
Authors: Kasser Joe , Schermerhorn Robin
Published: November 2014

Systems Engineering Metrics are not easy to establish, perhaps that is why ineffective Systems Engineering is so prevalent. This paper discusses suggested metrics to measure the degree of effectiveness of both the Systems Engineering product and process. Metrics are suggested for reviews and documentation as examples of measuring the quality of the products, and for the effectiveness of Systems Engineers as examples of measuring the quality of the process.
APPLIED SYSTEMS ENGINEERING METRICS
Authors: Baerlocher Shawn P. , Pyper Walter R.
Published: November 2014

This paper demonstrates a step‐wise approach to the application of metrics to the requirements development portion of the systems engineering process as illustrated in Figure 1. The application to each phase of the product life cycle is also described, and the System Maturity Matrix (SMM) approach to product development is presented. The SMM use of metrics is part of an evolving approach to use in‐process assessment of the status of product development, as opposed to more traditional post‐process approaches which rely heavily upon developer reviews at the end of each development phase.
Application of Systems Engineering Methodology to the Design of an Agricultural Research Program
Authors: Schneider S. M. , Karlen D. L. , Shannon M. C. , Amerman C. R.
Published: November 2014

In 1991, USDA and EPA agreed to a joint program in Integrated Farm Management Systems (IFMS). In 1992, the Agricultural Research Service of USDA assigned four Systems Engineers to develop concepts for a research program in IFMS. Customer groups representing farmers, researchers, environmentalists, agribusiness, and administrators were interviewed to determine the necessary inputs, outputs, and performance requirements of the system. The inputs were identified as resources and demands for service. The outputs included plans for farm management, research publications, and software. Performance criteria were grouped into three categories; SYSTEM OPERATION, QUALITY of FARM PLANS, and RESEARCH PRODUCTIVITY. Four concepts were developed which met the I/O and performance requirements. The strengths and weaknesses of each concept were identified. The concepts were evaluated under three different hypothetical input scenarios. The CONTRACTS concept had the highest overall performance score across the three scenarios, but the PANELS concept had the highest performance per unit cost value. Sensitivity analyses identified the performance requirements contributing to the QUALITY of FARM PLANS as having the greatest overall impact on the system performance score.