bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Androgen Regulation of the Human Ornithine Decarboxylase Promoter in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: BAI GE , KASPER SUSAN , MATUSIK ROBERT J. , RENNIE PAUL S. , MOSHIER JEFFREY A. , KRONGRAD ARNON
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT: We studied the response of the human ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) promoter to androgen in human prostate cancer cell lines. In the well‐differentiated, androgen‐sensitive human prostate cancer line LNCaP, a genomic ODC promoter fragment that includes putative androgen response elements was suppressed by androgen. In contrast, the androgen‐regulated probasin promoter was induced by androgens. The ODC promoter was also induced by cotransfected androgen recepter in the poorly differentiated, androgen‐insensitive human prostate cancer cell line PPC‐1. We examined the effects of cotransfected mutant androgen receptors containing the LNCaP mutation or DNA‐binding mutations. All cotransfected androgen receptors switched the ODC androgen response from suppression to induction in LNCaP cells. Gel‐shift and DNA footprint assays demonstrated androgen receptor binding to an ODC sequence that does not contain a consensus androgen response element. Deletion of the sequence abolished androgen suppression of the ODC promoter. We propose a model of pleiotropic gene regulation by androgen that requires a regulatory balance between androgen receptor and a transcription factor binding to the nonconsensus androgen response element.
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING ‐ BEYOND MIL‐STD‐499B OR THE BRILL PARADIGM OF SYSTEM ENGINEERING
Authors: Brill James H.
Published: September 2023

This paper goes beyond the systems engineering construct of MIL‐STD‐499B and suggests private and public enterprises would benefit from viewing systems engineering as a “system.” The suggested paradigm (model) synthesizes the author's original concepts, portions of MIL‐STD‐499B (Draft, May 1992) and proceedings of the 23–25 October 1992 NCOSE sponsored committee meeting on a systems engineering capability maturity model. The model's concentric design incorporates the system elements and system primary functions of MIL‐STD‐499B, but moves the “customer” bulls‐eye to an outer‐ring labeled “Business Environment,” and identifies people, process, and technology as the three key components of systems engineering. Each of the key components is decomposed to lower levels of detail.

The paradigm presented is intended to have universal application and not be limited to defining, evaluating, and improving systems engineering efforts in defense system acquisition and technology programs. Lastly, it is hoped that the paper's content will stimulate others to take a more “systems” view of “systems engineering.”
THE NEED FOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERING EDUCATION
Authors: Samson Charles H. , Lowery Lee L.
Published: September 2023

As engineering specialization has increased, engineering education has also become more specialized in order to keep up with advances in technology. Likewise, engineering faculty have tended to become more specialized to keep pace with such advances, and to conduct research and publish at the leading edge of their fields. These circumstances have exacerbated the problems of melding specialized skills into a form for achieving the best designs of complex systems.

The writers believe that it is essential:

To require adequate preparation in systems engineering for every engineering graduate.

To provide opportunities for generalization in systems engineering for those who wish to become “general practitioners” capable of integrating the various specialized skills needed.

The writers suggest an approach to satisfying these needs that would complement rather than compete with existing engineering disciplines.
AUTOMATED SUPPORT FOR MANAGING SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Authors: Kovarik Vincent J. , McGhan James N. , Myjak Annette R.
Published: September 2023

The development of requirements for large systems is a complex and iterative process. Adequately maintaining a requirements set for large systems with multiple configuration items quickly becomes an intractable problem. This paper presents an approach which applies object‐oriented modeling techniques to represent the interrelationships between requirements and provide traceability to subsequent, related development products. The ability to automatically compute transitive closures over user‐defined relationships provides a powerful yet simple mechanism for tracing the impact of a requirement change to potentially affected components. This model of requirements relationships is complemented by the ability to model the content and structure of specification documents. By applying the representation of the document structure, coupled with a database query capability, the system can generate a System Segment Specification, Software Requirement Specification, and a Software Design Document based on the contents of the model.
DECISION ANALYSIS TOOLS AND THEIR APPLICATION TO THE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING PROCESS
Authors: Layton Robert L.
Published: September 2023

This paper describes how the use of decision analysis tools can enhance the systems engineering process. Two case studies are presented showing how the tool Criterium™ was used to select a supercomputer and to select a more accurate and less expensive inspection system for 20 foot aluminum I‐beams that attach wings to airplanes.
A SYSTEMS ENGINEERING APPROACH TO IMPROVING THE PEANUT GRADING SYSTEM
Authors: Dowell Floyd E. , Konstance Richard P. , Meyer Charles R.
Published: September 2023

Systems engineering was used to identify peanut grading system needs, establish requirements, and compare proposed solutions that meet consensus specifications established by all industry segments. Previous attempts to change the grading system were hindered by difficulty in getting all segments to agree on proposed changes. The systems engineering approach overcame this obstacle. Four conceptual designs that improve the current system are at various stages of development and implementation. These improvements are: high moisture foreign material identification; measuring moisture during sampling; measuring single kernel moisture; and grading larger samples with an automated sample cleaning, shelling, sizing, and data collection system. Each of these improvements help ensure consumer demands for quality are met while not unfairly burdening any one segment of the peanut industry.
Implementation of a Bait Adulticide Technology for Corn Rootworm in Integrated Farm Management Systems: a Systems Engineering Approach
Authors: Westbrook John K. , Steiner W.W.M. , Alessi R. Samuel
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a consistent approach to the development of interdisciplinary research plans and transfer of technology from Agricultural Research Service laboratories. Specifically, this case study discusses the implementation of a bait adulticide for an agronomic pest insect (corn rootworm) within an integrated farm system. Prospects for the use of systems engineering within the Agricultural Research Service for research planning, conduct and evaluation are discussed.
Mil‐Std‐499B and the Practice of Technical Reviews
Authors: Fisher Jack , Lake Jerry
Published: September 2023

Although technical reviews are an important part of the systems engineering process, they have not received a great deal of attention in systems engineering literature. In this paper, technical reviews are discussed for a DoD acquisition program from both the government and contractor's perspective. Requirements for technical reviews that will be included in the about to be released Mil‐Std‐499B are summarized, including descriptions of types of reviews, review sequence, and review content. Opportunities for tailoring review requirements are discussed for several types of programs. Both government and contractor review responsibilities are discussed in light of the new incremental review and integrated product team approach in Mil‐Std‐ 499B. The various steps in the contractor's process for conducting a review are described, including the content of a contractor's technical review plan and the roles of each participant in a “typical” review. Techniques for obtaining approval of a technical review by closing out action items are discussed.
IMPLEMENTATION OF A REQUIREMENTS VERIFICATION DATABASE
Authors: Brown Dean D.
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a case study on the implementation of a requirements verification database by the Systems Test Department on a large Westinghouse program. By selecting the appropriate requirements traceability tool, verification reports were created that provided visibility into the verification of approximately 3,000 requirements, improved the test procedure generation process, and enhanced communication. Making the database easily accessible to the test engineers ensured that all verification decisions were documented and all requirements accounted for.
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING CAPABILITY MODEL FOR STRATEGIC IMPROVEMENT
Authors: O'Neill Don
Published: September 2023

The Systems Engineering Process Capability Maturity Model is organized around the key concepts in the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Examination criteria. It introduces a model for systems engineering success and the Total Quality Management infrastructure prescription which places a premium on experience with the customer and his problems, the company's products and its solutions, and the processes for engineering and management needed to deliver operational solutions.

Systems engineering capability is organized into a set of models to guide an organization towards success in several essential dimensions. Using these models, a series of assessment instruments are derived to assess systems engineering process maturity, evaluate systems engineering capability, examine systems engineering capacity, identify system risks, review systems project performance, inspect systems engineering products, and survey customer satisfaction. “Quick look” instruments identify risks to systems engineering success, and “probe” instruments pinpoint the specific weaknesses in each element. A well defined improvement process details the risk identification, confrontation, and resolution activities.
CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT OF NONCOMMERCIAL‐USE SOFTWARE
Authors: Nisargand Arun
Published: September 2023

A review of the Software Configuration Management (SCM) standards, both military and non‐military, shows that these satisfy the needs of large software systems developed for government agencies and other outside customers.

Not all the software developed by large organizations, however, is for outside customers. Much of the PC based software developed in large organizations is never marketed to outside customers. Though used in‐house, it is subjected to the same rigorous configuration management standards that are used for large software systems. This is expensive and may not be necessary.

The following paper describes essential elements of Software Configuration Management and how they can be simplified and applied selectively to increasingly smaller software development projects without sacrificing credible configuration management.
DUAL DOORS TO THE SYSTEMS SUITE
Authors: Reilly Norman B.
Published: September 2023

There are at least two doors into the chambers of systems engineering. One is the more traditional gateway of aerospace, big government systems and high‐tech. The other is the more recent industrial portal of concurrent engineering and the quality movement. As we mix in the ‘big room’ there is often confusion among us. Has concurrent engineering replaced the older paradigms, such as the staircase (waterfall) model? Should conventional system design teams now become quality teams? What are the organizational implications? As we learn to do business differently, is there a generic structure to guide us? If so, what should we change and what should we keep? This paper examines the traditions of the past and the promise of the future and proposes a wedding that can guide our perspectives in the midst of dramatic change.
MCDONNELL DOUGLAS AEROSPACE AVIONICS ENGINEERING PROCESS HANDBOOK
Authors: Hlavaty Charles W. , Welch J. Douglas , Wolf Renard C.
Published: September 2023

This paper describes the McDonnell Douglas Aerospace (MDA) Avionics Engineering Process Handbook. The handbook describes MDA's processes for avionics engineering, which are based upon DoD's requirements as delineated in DoDI 5000.2, MIL‐STD‐499B, MIL‐STD‐973, MIL‐STD‐490A, and other Government documents. DoD's acquisition phase requirements, configuration baselines, and program reviews are used as a basis for the documented processes. MDA's baselines, which form the informational basis for the DoD baselines, are described. DoD's reviews are supplemented with MDA‐defined reviews to produce event‐driven program models, which are described. Key types of process documentation used in the handbook to detail the engineering process are also described.
Systems Engineering Case Study: A Software‐Driven Whole‐Farm Management Information System
Authors: Alessi R. Samuel , Vang Leng , Hjelmfelt Eric , Mayhew Michael E. , Voorhees Ward B.
Published: September 2023

Farming involves complex interaction among natural and manmade resources. This results in high‐risk decision‐making for farm managers. A farm‐based management information system would aid the manager by providing records of past farm operations and production, in addition to forecasting possible outcomes of future management decisions. This paper presents an attempt to use systems engineering principles for the design and construction of a farm management information system. Improved understanding of farm problems and system requirements have resulted from intimate involvement with users and a prototyping process to capture requirements. Design, prior to software coding, is being implemented and has enabled clearer and more complex communications between the designer and programmer. These systems engineering principles are directly responsible for the increased functionality and usability of the software‐driven system.
6.1.1 Effective Control in Peopled Systems
Authors: Ring Jack
Published: September 2023

This paper suggests approaches to and guidelines for installing, instilling and inspiring control in peopled systems. These guidelines apply to mission systems, to the projects that produce mission systems and to organizations which determine the competencies and culture of the project teams. With the right control peopled systems can be highly efficient and highly innovative, simultaneously.
6.1.2 Assessment of Systems Engineering Compliance in a Facilities Environment1
Authors: Matty R. R.
Published: September 2023

The test facilities at Arnold Engineering Development Center are unique and complex, involving many different engineering disciplines. Recently, formal systems engineering methodologies have been applied to projects to upgrade, maintain, and repair these facilities. This paper describes a method to evaluate how well project teams are adhering to systems engineering techniques.
6.1.4 The Telecommunication Domain ‐ a Challenge for INCOSE
Authors: Kaffenberger Ruediger
Published: September 2023

The telecommunication sector harbours the true giants among the artificial systems. Telecommunication systems have the largest physical size of man made systems, they have the most users and the largest commercial value. Telecommunication systems have even outpaced the automobile in respect to its impact onto society. However, despite these facts and despite humankind relies on the availability and effectiveness of telecommunication systems, one finds only few contributions from individuals or organisations of the telecommunication industries to the science of systems engineering. In this paper, the outline of an alternative systems engineering profile of the telecommunication domain will be presented. This profile will be used to illustrate why systems engineering in the telecommunication domain is different and why INCOSE should be interested in it.
8.1.2 Systems Engineering in a Public Interest Project: Providing a Web Based Communications Capability
Authors: Roberson Janet Villa , Bauknight Gerald C.
Published: September 2023

This paper describes an application of the systems engineering process in a public interest project. The purpose of the project was to support the Salinan Native American Nation in an unobtrusive way that was important to the nation. This goal was identified through action research discussions with a Salinan Nation leader and the tribal council. The chosen project was to develop a web based communications system for this virtual nation. The authors selected the INCOSE “How To” Guide as a process to develop this project. The project is outlined through its planned completion and lessons learned from this project are considered for similar future projects.
3.2.1 Progress towards Systems Modelling for the Extended Enterprise
Authors: Sims P.F. , Epifanie A. , Fitzgerald G. , Lott J. , Miles D. , Plastow I. , Slack C.
Published: September 2023

The paper will describe the Airbus Integrated Modelling Environment (AIME) developed at BAE SYSTEMS. The AIME provides the ability to produce a single integrated system simulation using a number of different specialist modelling tools. In an AIME based model for the A340–600 Aircraft, Flowmaster® is used to accurately predict the fluid mechanical behaviour of the fuel system, Simulink® to filter and process fuel probe signals and accurately gauge tank quantities, and Statemate® to simulate the control functionality. The user can interact with all of these tools at any point in time while running a dynamic simulation of overall system behaviour.

The open nature of the AIME is allowing the Airbus extended enterprise to integrate a Parker Aerospace developed model of fluid mechanical behaviour with the British Aerospace developed Control and Indication models. Integration of the models allows the companies to reach a common understanding of the target system's required functionality.
4.2.2 The Perception‐Reaction Simulation Model for Enterprise Control Systems
Authors: Gibson Ralph D.
Published: September 2023

Throughout the history of warfare, battle decisions have been made based on the perceptions of both friendly and enemy forces. Perceptions in early history were based on visual sightings and relayed back to the commander through a slow communication system of runners. Technology has changed the methods of information collection and transmission, but the concept of battle has not changed the fact that commanders make decisions based on their perception of the battlefield. What technology has done is to place so much information in front of the commander at an ever increasing pace that misunderstanding or completely missing vital information could drastically affect the outcome of the battle. The purpose of the Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC) Project is to revolutionize military command and control, specifically in Joint Aerospace Operations. The Joint Air Operations Enterprise will consist of three major components: a control system, a feedback system, and a plant. This paper discusses the use of a perception‐reaction simulation model to perform the physical actions of the plant. The definition and relationship of the three components are described in terms of their contribution to the Joint Air Operation Enterprise. A description of the perception‐reaction model and its relationship to the physical actions of the battlespace are given. Examples of current perception‐reaction methodology are provided. Finally, the perception‐reaction model is integrated into the Joint Air Operations Enterprise, and it is shown how the perception‐reaction model can fully support the enterprise.
6.3.4 Approaches to Certification of Reconfigurable IMA Systems
Authors: Hollow Paul , McDermid John , Nicholson Mark
Published: September 2023

The aerospace industry has been investigating integrated modular avionics (IMA) for some years. IMA offers greater flexibility in the use of computing resources by reconfiguring the software to employ different processors and communications, in order to recover from failure and to redistribute workload. Such reconfiguration offers benefits, but poses difficulties for certification since current certification practice requires assessment of each configuration.

The approach we have adopted is to seek means of clearing a configuration of a system and to identify a number of “equivalent” configurations. This requires us to establish “safe” reconfigurations for the IMA system. Technically, we have formulated the search for a set of “equivalent” configurations as a multi‐objective optimisation problem. Pragmatically, the search produces configuration tables which could be used by the IMA operating system to make a “safe” change to an “equivalent” configuration, when necessary.
8.3.2 Risk Reduction Through Changing Success Criteria
Authors: McKinney Dorothy
Published: September 2023

In the 1990's the big challenge was how to streamline processes to produce systems better, faster and cheaper. In this new decade, the big challenge looming before us is how to dynamically adjust the success criteria for a project to increase its chances for success. Dynamic adjustment of success criteria is one of the most cost‐effective ways to minimize project risk in the dimensions which are most critical to our customers and our companies, such as: cost, time‐to‐market, product features, system stability and evolvability. Precisely targeting system development processes for the level of acceptable risk, while using metrics effectively to ensure that results match intentions, is a challenge best met jointly by program managers and systems engineers. This paper describes this challenge, and offers some approaches for collaboration which might make both program management and system engineering jobs more doable, while improving chances of successful program completion.
1.4.1 A Development Guide of Robust System Architecture
Authors: Yoo Il Sang , Kim Jae Chul , Park Young Won
Published: September 2023

The term Systems Architecting (SA) is widely used in systems engineering area, but the explicit meaning of the term varies considerably from person to person, depending on his expertise and viewpoints. In this paper, we surveyed the range of variations in definitions and presented the summary. Additionally, the definition of robust systems architecting is suggested along with the associated systems architecture guides that can be followed during architecture development. These guides are written from the viewpoints of art side, requirement specification, system view, principle, tool and environment.
4.4.3 Using A System Object Methodology in Software Intensive Systems
Authors: Wray Richard B.
Published: September 2023

Systems Engineering typically relies upon functionally oriented system definition. However, for software intensive systems that rely upon object‐oriented development, functionally oriented system definition provides insufficient input to software development. Development of object‐oriented software can be improved by providing input to the software process using an object‐oriented system methodology that merges precepts from the Fusion Methodology and the Unified Modeling Language. A hybrid system object methodology must establish at least the user/system context and the models of the key elements of a system design (including the system object model, life cycle model and operations model). Relationships between these models in the methodology include definition of the system boundary, classes and attributes of objects, events and system operations. This paper summarizes underlying object modeling precepts important to systems engineering and describes this hybrid system object methodology.
5.5.2 The Effectiveness of Multiple Software Requirements Elicitation Methods — A Case Study
Authors: White Sara , Gonzales Regina M. , Johnson Eric
Published: September 2023

Requirements engineering methods have been developed to assist in requirements specification. Teaching these methods to college engineering students should prepare students to develop a more complete, consistent, and testable requirements specification than they would have developed if they had not used these methods. The “Software Metrics Toolset Software Requirements Specification” was developed using several requirements engineering methods and was completed in Fall 1997 EE590 Software Systems Engineering II class. This report will compare the final set of requirements from the Software Metrics Toolset (SMT) Software Requirements Specification to the developed SMT for completeness and cost impact. The software requirements elicitation methods used in the development of the Software Metric Toolset effectively limited the cost of requirement changes in the actual development and customer delivery stage to less than 3% of the budgeted cost. The results underscore the value of using multiple methodologies that look at different aspects of the requirements.
5.5.3 Supportability Assessment and Evaluation During System Architecture Development
Authors: Johannesen Line H. , Verma Dinesh
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this technical paper is to present a framework for the evaluation of system architectures from a supportability and logistics perspective. A two‐pronged approach was implemented. The initial focus was on investigating the extent to which this issue had been addressed in the literature. Accordingly, this paper also presents a literature survey focused on the assessment and evaluation of system architectures in general, and their assessment and evaluation from a supportability perspective in particular. As part of the second thrust, leading system engineering practitioners and architects from the aerospace industry were interviewed. In this case, the objective was to synthesize the heuristic and experiential aspect of system architecture assessment and evaluation.

The above two thrusts, theoretical and heuristic, led to the development of a domain independent evaluation framework represented in the form of an attribute hierarchy. The input information synthesized by this research, which lead to the evaluation framework development is presented in this technical paper. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology is suggested as the preferred approach for the relative evaluation of alternative architectural approaches. Finally, extensions to this framework for increased applicability within specific domains are addressed.
5.5.4 Legacy System Evolution to an Enterprise‐Wide Architecture Framework
Authors: Lacerte Yves
Published: September 2023

A consequence of the maturation of a domain is that more and more systems within the domain are being built by different organizations. These existing systems influence the development of any future system within that domain. As this maturation proceeds, pressure grows for a common enterprise‐wide framework. Manufacturers of complex software‐intensive systems are responding to that challenge. These manufacturers strive toward a set of reusable assets forming a common framework that will be the basis of future domain specific software‐intensive systems. This long‐term corporate strategic goal needs to consider ongoing maintenance of legacy systems, as well as near‐term system development efforts.

Ultimately, evolutionary paths of legacy systems, of systems currently under development, and future systems, need to be made compatible.

This paper is organized as follows. The first section describes an enterprise‐wide framework and associated benefits. The second section presents notions related to system evolution. The last section discusses a strategy to evolve domain‐specific legacy systems.
7.5.1 The House of IPD – Integrating the WHY's, WHAT's, and HOW's for Successful Systems Development
Authors: Wenzel Stefan , Negele Herbert , Fricke Ernst
Published: September 2023

To be successful in a highly dynamic environment, with increased global competition, shorter life cycles, more demanding customers/users, and more complex products, different industries should take advantage of learning from each other's problems and solutions. For example, practices like QFD, Taguchi, CAX, Robust Design, or DFX that are applied (successfully?) in daily practice within automotive industries, could be used more efficiently in the space domain. On the other hand, commercial companies can learn from aerospace industries' traditional strengths, in the areas of requirements engineering, modeling and simulation, or systems engineering. A variety of potential synergies exists that should be exploited to the greatest possible extent. But what method or tool should we use, and when?

For an effective application of methods and tools in product development, a comprehensive framework is needed, which supports the selection, coordination, and assessment according to domain‐ and company‐specific needs and constraints. Unfortunately, tools and methods often are used because it is popular to use them, but not because they ideally support the solution of specific problems. Therefore, in this paper a systematic approach is proposed on how methods and tools can be selected for a successful product development system, independent of the industrial sector of a company, but dependent on its problems, market constraints, and declared goals.

A structured model, the House of IPD, was derived from the analysis of different product development processes at commercial companies in Germany, England, and the US (Wenzel & Bauch 1996). In the House of IPD, the interdependencies and relations between goals and problems, essentials/processes, and practices can be structured. It is possible to visualize in a matrix, how and to what extent the practices (HOWs) contribute to the realization of certain essentials (WHATs), and which essentials support which goals or solve which problems (WHYs).
5.6.4 An International Standard for the Description of Systems – The Telecommunication World has one
Authors: Kaffenberger Ruediger
Published: September 2023

The development of large system requires the participation of many people. People, that speak different languages and that adhere to different cultures, have to work together. Sometimes it is even on the small scale difficult to communicate ideas about the architecture or design principles of a system among all team members, but in a true international setting this task can become a nightmare.

Telecommunication systems from all around the world have to work together to form the global communication network we enjoy today. The international standards body has to communicate the rules for the design of communication systems to all its international members. Consequently a modelling language has been developed, that is able to describe a telecommunication system without implying a certain implementation. In this paper, an impression of this modelling language will be given and some ideas for a possible use in other application domains will be presented.
8.6.3 The Application of Systems Engineering to the Synthesis of Enabling Products: An Aircraft Support System
Authors: Geisert Madrona , Jackson Scott
Published: September 2023

A system consists of its operational element, that is, the product, and one or more enabling elements. Traditional systems engineering (SE) is devoted to the formulation of requirements for and the synthesis of the operational elements with little attention to the enabling elements. A typical enabling element is the support system for an aircraft. The heart of the support system is a support data system which manages the flow of data and equipment among the various elements of the support system. This data system is the focus of this paper. However, the structure and functionality of the entire support system and relationship to the aircraft are described. The traditional SE processes are used to synthesize the data system. These include the development of a mission statement, the performance of a functional analysis, the assignment of requirements, identification of interfaces, the creation of a functional architecture, the allocation of requirements to system elements, and the selection of a final system construct. During these steps it is necessary to focus on the needs of the operational product itself, the aircraft.
9.3 Teaming for Teaching: Producing Effective Systems Engineers for the 21st Century
Authors: Kasser Joseph
Published: September 2023

As we enter the 21st century, the demands on our technological personnel are greater than ever. Universities wishing to meet this growing demand for education in systems engineering are facing a scarcity of qualified seasoned systems engineers who can teach the topic. This gap between the need and the capability to train personnel is not an easy one to fill. This paper applies an industrial solution to the problem faced by individual universities, namely synergistic teaming to provide educational opportunities greater than those can could be provided by the individual institutions.
Lessons learned from the development of a national registry on dementia care and support based on linked national health and administrative data
Authors: van der Heide Iris , Francke Anneke L. , Döpp Carola , Heins Marianne , van Hout Hein P. J. , Verheij Robert A. , Joling Karlijn J.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

This paper provides insight into the development of the Dutch Dementia Care and Support Registry and the lessons that can be learned from it. The aim of this Registry was to contribute to quality improvement in dementia care and support.

Methods

This paper describes how the Registry was set up in four stages, reflecting the four FAIR principles: the selection of data sources (Findability); obtaining access to the selected data sources (Accessibility); data linkage (Interoperability); and the reuse of data (Reusability).

Results

The linkage of 16 different data sources, including national routine health and administrative data appeared to be technically and legally feasible. The linked data in the Registry offers rich information about (the use of) care for persons with dementia across various healthcare settings, including but not limited to primary care, secondary care, long‐term care and medication use, that cannot be obtained from single data sources.

Conclusions

A key lesson learned is that in order to reuse the data for quality improvement in practice, it is essential to involve healthcare professionals in setting up the Registry and to guide them in the interpretation of the data.
Electrospray mass spectrometry method to prevent the reduction of hexavalent to pentavalent chromium
Authors: Muto Miu , Osuka Yuri , Ii Kyota , Ueda Richi , Shintani Ayumi , Takanashi Midori , Terada Itsumi , Oda Kyohei , Tsuchiya Kotaro , Sahoo Yu Vin , Takahashi Kazuya , Tanaka Miho
Published: September 2023

Rationale

Electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) is one of the most effective methods for assessing the state of metals in solution. For ions with a redox potential close to ~0.55 V, such as Cr6+, reduction of the metal in solution occurs in the ESI‐MS system. In our studies, it was observed that [HCrO4]− undergoes reduction, resulting in the formation of [CrO3]−. The precise mechanism remains ambiguous. The reduction of hexavalent chromium to pentavalent chromium is supported by Frost diagrams, reinforcing our confidence in the validity of the ESI‐MS measurement method. The reduction mechanism in ESI‐MS was clarified, and a system was devised to eliminate electron donation during the reduction of Cr6+ in solution.

Methods

To determine the state of Cr6+ by ESI‐MS, CrO3 in solid form was dissolved in ultrapure water to prepare a solution of 500 × 10−6 mol/L (μM) concentration. The pH was adjusted to 4.0, 5.3, 6.3, 8.2 and 9.1 and subsequently measured. CrO3 solutions with various concentrations of 10, 100 and 500 μM were prepared and adjusted to a pH of ~7 using tetramethylammonium hydroxide to measure Cr6+ under different conditions.

Results

Cr6+ in solution was soluble and existed as an oxoacid with a negative charge independent of pH. Cr6+ was stable over a wide pH range at various concentrations. The ESI‐MS method determined the negative ion [HCrO4]− as the stable ion, but [CrO3]− was also present as a byproduct. Therefore, we were interested in the presence of other species, such as [CrO3]−, which could have formed owing to the reduction of Cr6+.

Conclusions

In ESI‐MS system, it undergoes reduction to form [CrO3]−. The high flow rate of ultrapure water in pump insulated the acceptance of electrons by Cr6+ preventing its reduction. Further in‐depth ESI‐MS studies could explain the complex formation and behavior of Cr6+ in aqueous solution.
A rare mimic of adult‐onset asthma: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Afriyie‐Mensah Jane Sandra , Gbadamosi Hafisatu , Darkwah Abrahams Afua Owusua
Published: September 2023

Adult‐onset asthma is extremely variable in its phenotypic presentation and has gained notoriety for the overall poorer treatment outcomes even on standard asthma therapy. Tracheal tumours are rare but when present, exhibit asthma‐like phenomenon in adult patients posing great diagnostic challenges. We report two adult patients with tracheal adenoid cystic tumours who were initially treated for adult‐onset asthma. Patient 1, a 45‐year‐old man was diagnosed and managed for adult‐onset asthma over a 12 months period without satisfactory control of his symptoms. Following a late episode of hemoptysis, a chest Computed Tomography (CT) scan done revealed an occluding tracheal tumour. Patient 2 is a 28‐year‐old female who was diagnosed with adult‐onset asthma for over 2 years with poor symptom control despite optimal asthma therapy. She developed cough‐induced subcutaneous emphysema for which a chest CT scan revealed a tracheal mass. The patient had surgery with incomplete resection of tumour and adjuvant radiotherapy.
Sequential Doping of Carbon Nanotube Wrapped by Conjugated Polymer for Highly Conductive Platform and Thermoelectric Application
Authors: Choi Da Eun , Im Jaemin , Ahn Yejin , Hwang Kyoungtae , Kim Jungwon , Kwon Ji Eon , Park Sang Kyu , Choi Hyun Ho , Kim Bong-Gi
Published: September 2023

Doping of conjugated polymers (CPs) is a promising strategy to obtain solution‐processable and highly conductive films; however, the improvement in electrical conductivity is limited owing to the relatively poor carrier mobility of CPs. Herein, a CP with excellent molecular doping ability, i.e., poly[2‐([2,2'‐bithiophen]‐5‐yl)‐3,8‐difluoro‐5,10‐bis(5‐octylpentadecyl)‐5,10‐dihydroindolo[3,2‐b]indole] (PIDF‐BT) is wrapped onto the surface of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The resulting PIDF‐BT@SWCNT simultaneously achieves excellent solution dispersibility and a high electrical conductivity of over 5000 S cm−1 through AuCl3 doping. The doping mechanism is systematically studied using spectroscopic analysis, and the four‐probe field‐effect transistor based on the doped PIDF‐BT@SWCNT confirms a carrier mobility up to 138 cm2 V−1 s−1. The carrier‐transfer barrier energy is related to the Schottky barrier between the SWCNT and PIDF‐BT, which can be controlled by doping. Finally, when the doped PIDF‐BT@SWCNT is applied to a thermoelectric device, a power factor exceeding 210 μW m−1 K−2 is achieved because of its high electrical conductivity, even if the increased carrier density reduces the Seebeck coefficient.
Is CO2 laser microsurgery better than radiotherapy in early glottic cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Yong , Wang Yong-li , Wei Li-zhi , Wang Ju-xin , Huang Fang-ting , Huang Guang-wu
Published: September 2023

The choice between radiotherapy (RT) and CO2 laser surgery (CO2-LS) for early glottic cancer remains controversial. We systematically examined electronic databases in order to identify prospective trials comparing patients who had undergone CO2-LS or RT to treat early glottic cancer. Eleven studies involving 1053 patients were included. In the selected literature, the parameter setting of CO2 laser equipment can be summarized as wavelength 10.6 µm, superpulsed mode, continuous setting, power tailored on target structures (1–3 W for subtle resections and 4–15 W for cutting a larger tumor), and approximately 2080–3900 W/cm2 of laser energy. Using RevMan 5.3, we estimated pooled odds ratios (ORs) for dichotomous variables and pooled mean differences (MDs) for continuous variables, along with associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The heterogeneity in the treatment variables was measured using Higgins’ inconsistency test and expressed as I2 values. The continuous variables were then depicted as histograms developed using PlotDigitizer 2.6.8. Compared to patients treated with CO2-LS, those treated with RT had better jitter (MD 1.27%, 95% CI 1.21 ~ 1.32, P < 0.001), and high scores on the “Grade (MD 6.54, 95% CI 5.31 ~ 7.76, P < 0.001), Breathiness (MD 9.08, 95% CI 4.02 ~ 14.13, P < 0.001), Asthenia (MD 2.13, 95% CI 0.29 ~ 3.98, P = 0.02), and Strain (MD 3.32, 95% CI 0.57 ~ 6.07, P = 0.02)” scale. Patients treated with CO2-LS had worse local control rates (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.52 ~ 6.48, P = 0.002) while lower incidence of second primary tumor (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.15 ~ 0.61, P < 0.001). It is hoped that retrospective analysis can provide suggestions for early glottis patients to choose personalized treatment.
Effects of agricultural landscape structure and canola coverage on biochemical and physiological traits of the ground beetle Poecilus cupreus
Authors: Sowa Grzegorz , Bednarska Agnieszka J. , Laskowski Ryszard
Published: September 2023

The intensifications in the agricultural landscape and the application of pesticides can cause adverse effects on the fitness of organisms in that landscape. Here, we investigated whether habitats with different agricultural pressures influenced acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity – a biomarker for exposure to pesticides, respiration rate, and resistance to starvation in the ground beetle Poecilus cupreus. Two differently structured landscapes were selected for the study, one dominated by small (S) and another by large (L) fields. Within each landscape three habitat types were selected: in the S landscape, these were habitats with medium (M), small (S) and no canola (meadow, 0) coverage (i.e., SM, SS, S0), and in the L landscape habitats with large (L), medium (M) and no canola (meadow, 0) coverage (i.e., LL, LM, L0), representing different levels of agricultural pressure. The activity of AChE was the highest in beetles from canola-free habitats (S0 and L0), being significantly higher than in beetles from the SM and SS habitats. The mean respiration rate corrected for body mass was also the highest in S0 and L0 beetles, with significant differences between populations from L0 vs. SS and from S0 vs. SS. Only beetles from S0, SS, L0, and LM were numerous enough to assess the resistance to starvation. Individuals from the LM habitat showed better survival compared to the canola-free habitat in the same landscape (L0), whereas in S landscape the SS beetles survived worse than those from S0, suggesting that characteristics of L landscape may lead to developing mechanisms of starvation resistance of P. cupreus in response to agricultural pressure.
Converging on human-centred industry, resilient processes, and sustainable outcomes in asset management frameworks
Authors: Chabane Bilal , Komljenovic Dragan , Abdul-Nour Georges
Published: September 2023

The objective of increasing productivity while optimizing operational and organizational processes has focused Industry 4.0 (I4.0) on technological development without considering the impact of technology on people and the impact of mass production on the environment. These impacts have led to growing concerns about climate change and complex global risks. A new vision of the industry, called Industry 5.0 (I5.0), has emerged within the scientific community. This human-centred industry appears to be a bold turn from individual technologies to a systematic approach that enables industry to achieve societal and environmental goals beyond economic growth. Under this approach, the question is no longer whether asset management should change, but what that transformation should look like. This paper identifies areas for improvement of the asset management process and presents a framework that incorporates the core values of I5.0 within the overall asset management framework, in which the core principles remain, and the new technologies are the enabling functions. Though the primary focus of this paper on manufacturing and industrial systems, many of its concept and ideas are also relevant to asset management in the public sector infrastructure systems.
Application of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Malignant Solid Tumors
Authors: He Rong , Weng Zhijie , Liu Yunkun , Li Bingzhi , Wang Wenxuan , Meng Wanrong , Li Bo , Li Longjiang
Published: September 2023

In the past decade, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) technology has significantly progressed in studying malignant solid tumors. This technically feasible reprogramming techniques can reawaken sequestered dormant regions that regulate the fate of differentiated cells. Despite the evolving therapeutic modalities for malignant solid tumors, treatment outcomes have not been satisfactory. Recently, scientists attempted to apply induced pluripotent stem cell technology to cancer research, from modeling to treatment. Induced pluripotent stem cells derived from somatic cells, cancer cell lines, primary tumors, and individuals with an inherited propensity to develop cancer have shown great potential in cancer modeling, cell therapy, immunotherapy, and understanding tumor progression. This review summarizes the evolution of induced pluripotent stem cells technology and its applications in malignant solid tumor. Additionally, we discuss potential obstacles to induced pluripotent stem cell technology.

Graphical Abstract
Quassinoide – wie invasive Pflanzen Abwehrstoffe bilden
Authors: Franke Jakob
Published: September 2023

The tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a widespread invasive plant. It secretes specialized metabolites, so called quassinoids, into the soil to inhibit competing plants. Quassinoids therefore bear biotechnological potential for plant protection as well as medicinal applications. Here, I describe how reconstitution of biochemical pathways in the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana enables the discovery of genes for quassinoid biosynthesis as a prerequisite for biotechnological applications.
Mikrobielle Navigation in natürlichen Umgebungen ermitteln
Authors: Taute Katja M.
Published: September 2023

How bacteria navigate the complex environments they inhabit in nature impacts a wide range of processes from climate change to agriculture, health, and disease. High-throughput 3D-tracking is increasingly taken on the challenge to reveal the underlying behavioral mechanisms. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers the perspective of not only massive increases in tracking efficiency, but also of unbiased categorization of behavioral strategies.