bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of brain cell nuclei with decondensed chromatin
Authors: Yu Ping , McKinney Elizabeth C. , Kandasamy Muthugapatti M. , Albert Alexandria L. , Meagher Richard B.
Published: November 2014

Although multipotent cell types have enlarged nuclei with decondensed chromatin, this property has not been exploited to enhance the characterization of neural progenitor cell (NPC) populations in the brain. We found that mouse brain cell nuclei that expressed exceptionally high levels of the pan neuronal marker NeuN/FOX3 (NeuN‐High) had decondensed chromatin relative to most NeuN‐Low or NeuN‐Neg (negative) nuclei. Purified NeuN‐High nuclei expressed significantly higher levels of transcripts encoding markers of neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, and learning and memory (ARC, BDNF, ERG1, HOMER1, NFL/NEF1, SYT1), subunits of chromatin modifying machinery (SIRT1, HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC11, KAT2B, KAT3A, KAT3B, KAT5, DMNT1, DNMT3A, Gadd45a, Gadd45b) and markers of NPC and cell cycle activity (BRN2, FOXG1, KLF4, c‐MYC, OCT4, PCNA, SHH, SOX2) relative to neuronal NeuN‐Low or to mostly non‐neuronal NeuN‐Neg nuclei. NeuN‐High nuclei expressed higher levels of HDAC1, 2, 4, and 5 proteins. The cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, thalamus, and nucleus accumbens contained high percentages of large decondensed NeuN‐High nuclei, while the cerebellum, and pons contained very few. NeuN‐High nuclei have the properties consistent with their being derived from extremely active neurons with elevated rates of chromatin modification and/or NPC‐like cells with multilineage developmental potential. The further analysis of decondensed neural cell nuclei should provide novel insights into neurobiology and neurodegenerative disease. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 738–756, 2015
Development of Broadband Telecommunications System for Railways Using Laser Technology
Authors: Nakamura Kazuki , Nakagawa Shingo , Matsubara Hiroshi , Tatsui Daisuke , Seki Kiyotaka , Haruyama Shinichiro , Teraoka Fumio
Published: November 2014

We developed a high‐speed telecommunication system for use on railways to improve customer service and the efficiency of operator's telecommunications between ground facilities and trains under operation. We built a mobile telecommunication system, capable of achieving a transfer rate of 1 Gbps in theory, by utilizing laser beam communications technology. We carried out a field test using trains in active service, and obtained results in which a transfer rate of approximately 700 Mbps in the TCP layer was achieved between the ground and a train running at a speed of approximately 130 km/h .
Fundamental Evaluation of Power Supply and Rectifiers for Wireless Power Transfer Using Magnetic Resonant Coupling
Authors: Kusaka Keisuke , Itoh Jun‐ichi
Published: November 2014

This paper provides a fundamental analysis of a power supply and rectifiers for wireless power transfer using magnetic resonant coupling (MRC). MRC enables efficient wireless power transfer over middle‐range transfer distances. MRC for wireless power transfer should operate at a high frequency in the industry science medical band, such as 13.56 MHz, because the size of the transfer device decreases at higher transfer frequencies. Therefore, the output frequency of the power supply on the transmitting side should be 13.56 MHz. In addition, the rectifier on the receiving side is operated at a high frequency. This paper focuses on the reflected power in the power supply and rectifiers. Thus, the parametric design method is clarified for the power supply, including a low‐pass filter to match the output, the impedance of the power supply with the characteristic impedance of the transmission line. In addition, the effects on the rectifiers of silicon carbide and gallium nitride diodes are confirmed by performing an experiment and a loss analysis.
Effect of Moving Speed of Charged Metallic Spherical Electrode on Electrostatic Discharge
Authors: Tomita Hajime
Published: November 2014

In this investigation, the nature of the electrostatic discharge (ESD) that occurs when a charged object moves toward a stationary grounded object is experimentally clarified. The spark lengths, discharge currents, and induced voltages in a magnetic probe were measured when a charged metallic spherical electrode connected to a 422 pF capacitor approached a stationary grounded object, which was the current target, for different moving speeds of the charged metallic spherical electrode in a range of 1 mm/s to 100 mm/s. The charge voltages of the capacitor were +6.5 kV and +10 kV. Based on the results, the average gap length shortened with the speed of the spherical electrode. The average peak values of the discharge current and the induced voltage were likely to increase with the speed of the spherical electrode. The average rise times of the discharge current and the induced voltage were likely to drop with the speed of the spherical electrode. The relation between the spark length and the discharge current due to the ESD can be explained qualitatively by using an equation derived from the spark resistance formula proposed by Rompe and Weizel.
Sex‐dependent regulation of fibrosis and inflammation in human left ventricular remodelling under pressure overload
Authors: Kararigas Georgios , Dworatzek Elke , Petrov George , Summer Holger , Schulze Tabea Marie , Baczko Istvan , Knosalla Christoph , Golz Stefan , Hetzer Roland , Regitz‐Zagrosek Vera
Published: November 2014

Aims

Women with aortic stenosis develop a more concentric form of LV hypertrophy than men. However, the molecular factors underlying sex differences in LV remodelling are incompletely understood. We took an unbiased approach to identify sex‐specific patterns in gene expression and pathway regulation, and confirmed the most prominent findings in human hearts.

Methods and results

Echocardiography was performed in 104 patients (53.8% women) with aortic stenosis before aortic valve replacement. LV mass, LV end‐diastolic diameter, and relative wall thickness were included in a factor analysis to generate an index classifying LV remodelling as adaptive or maladaptive. Maladaptive remodelling was present in 64.6% of male and in 32.7% of female patients (P < 0.01). Genome‐wide expression profiling of LV samples was performed in a representative subgroup of 19 patients (52.6% women) compared with samples from healthy controls (n = 18). Transcriptome characterization revealed that fibrosis‐related genes/pathways were induced in male overloaded ventricles, while extracellular matrix‐related and inflammatory genes/pathways were repressed in female overloaded ventricles (adjusted P < 0.05). We confirmed gene regulation by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting analysis, and we further demonstrate the relevance of our findings by histological documentation of higher fibrosis in men than in women.

Conclusion

We conclude that in pressure overload distinct molecular processes are regulated between men and women. Maladaptive LV remodelling occurs more frequently in men and is associated with greater activation of profibrotic and inflammatory markers. Collectively, sex‐specific regulation of these processes may contribute to sex differences in the progression to heart failure.
Impact of lowering pulmonary vascular resistance on right and left ventricular deformation in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Querejeta Roca Gabriela , Campbell Patricia , Claggett Brian , Vazir Ali , Quinn Debbie , Solomon Scott D. , Shah Amil M.
Published: November 2014

Aims

As pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among patients with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, we aimed to determine the impact of therapy to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) on RV and LV deformation in PAH.

Methods and results

Right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (FWLS) and LV global circumferential strain (CS) were measured at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks in 68 patients with advanced PAH randomized to imatinib or placebo in the Imatinib in Pulmonary arterial hypertension, a Randomized Efficacy Study (IMPRES) trial, and compared with 30 healthy controls. Compared with controls, PAH was associated with impaired RV FWLS (–15.9 ± 5.4 vs. –30.8 ± 4.3, respectively; P < 0.0001) and LV septal CS (–24.2 ± 8.2 vs. –31.4 ± 5.3, respectively, P < 0.0001), but not LV global CS. Improvement in PVR and mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) over a 24‐week period was significantly associated with improvement in RV FWLS (r = 0.39, P = 0.02; 0.33, P = 0.04 respectively), LV global CS (r = 0.61, P = 0.0001; r = 0.60, P = 0.0001, respectively), and LV septal CS (r = 0.50, P = 0.005; r = 0.56, P = 0.002, respectively). These associations were most robust with LV global and septal CS. Imatinib therapy was associated with improvement in RV FWLS compared with placebo.

Conclusions

PAH is associated with impaired biventricular deformation. Reduction in PVR is associated with improvements in both RV and LV deformation, coupled to improvements in MPAP and stroke volume index, with LV global and septal CS the strongest correlates of these changes. RV FWLS is sensitive to treatment effect, demonstrating greater improvement with imatinib compared with placebo.

Trial registration: NCT00902174
Requirement for interleukin‐1 to drive brain inflammation reveals tissue‐specific mechanisms of innate immunity
Authors: Giles James A. , Greenhalgh Andrew D. , Davies Claire L. , Denes Adam , Shaw Tovah , Coutts Graham , Rothwell Nancy J. , McColl Barry W. , Allan Stuart M.
Published: November 2014

The immune system is implicated in a wide range of disorders affecting the brain and is, therefore, an attractive target for therapy. Interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) is a potent regulator of the innate immune system important for host defense but is also associated with injury and disease in the brain. Here, we show that IL‐1 is a key mediator driving an innate immune response to inflammatory challenge in the mouse brain but is dispensable in extracerebral tissues including the lung and peritoneum. We also demonstrate that IL‐1α is an important ligand contributing to the CNS dependence on IL‐1 and that IL‐1 derived from the CNS compartment (most likely microglia) is the major source driving this effect. These data reveal previously unknown tissue‐specific requirements for IL‐1 in driving innate immunity and suggest that IL‐1‐mediated inflammation in the brain could be selectively targeted without compromising systemic innate immune responses that are important for resistance to infection. This property could be exploited to mitigate injury‐ and disease‐associated inflammation in the brain without increasing susceptibility to systemic infection, an important complication in several neurological disorders.
Steel slit shear walls with double‐tapered links capable of condition assessment
Authors: Kurata Masahiro , He Liusheng , Nakashima Masayoshi
Published: November 2014

The concept of using a hysteretic damper as a condition assessment device that functions immediately after a damaging earthquake is realized by making use of the residual out‐of‐plane deformation of links that are arranged in slit shear walls. According to the proposed inspection procedure, the maximum drift ratio experienced by the slit wall is estimated based on the number of torsionally deformed links whose dimensions are determined so that the links would exhibit notable torsional deformation at the target deformations. The adoption of a double‐tapered shape for the links enables us to significantly increase the amount of out‐of‐plane deformation. The relationship between the dimensions and the torsional deformation of the links is established using numerical simulations. The effectiveness of the proposed condition assessment scenario is verified by using a series of cyclic loading tests for individual links and groups of links. As a hysteretic damper, the strength and stiffness of the links predicted by design equations matched well with test results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Close‐range blast exposure is associated with altered functional connectivity in Veterans independent of concussion symptoms at time of exposure
Authors: Robinson Meghan E. , Lindemer Emily R. , Fonda Jennifer R. , Milberg William P. , McGlinchey Regina E. , Salat David H.
Published: November 2014

Although there is emerging data on the effects of blast‐related concussion (or mTBI) on cognition, the effects of blast exposure itself on the brain have only recently been explored. Toward this end, we examine functional connectivity to the posterior cingulate cortex, a primary region within the default mode network (DMN), in a cohort of 134 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans characterized for a range of common military‐associated comorbidities. Exposure to a blast at close range (<10 meters) was associated with decreased connectivity of bilateral primary somatosensory and motor cortices, and these changes were not different from those seen in participants with blast‐related mTBI. These results remained significant when clinical factors such as sleep quality, chronic pain, or post traumatic stress disorder were included in the statistical model. In contrast, differences in functional connectivity based on concussion history and blast exposures at greater distances were not apparent. Despite the limitations of a study of this nature (e.g., assessments long removed from injury, self‐reported blast history), these data demonstrate that blast exposure per se, which is prevalent among those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, may be an important consideration in Veterans' health. It further offers a clinical guideline for determining which blasts (namely, those within 10 meters) are likely to lead to long‐term health concerns and may be more accurate than using concussion symptoms alone. Hum Brain Mapp 36:911–922, 2015. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
fMRI identifies the right inferior frontal cortex as the brain region where time interval processing is altered by negative emotional arousal
Authors: Pfeuty Micha , Dilharreguy Bixente , Gerlier Loïc , Allard Michèle
Published: November 2014

The reason why human beings are inclined to overestimate the duration of highly arousing negative events remains enigmatic. The issue about what neurocognitive mechanisms and neural structures support the connection between time perception and emotion was addressed here by an event‐related neuroimaging study involving a localizer task, followed by the main experiment. The localizer task, in which participants had to categorize either the duration or the average color of visual stimuli aimed at identifying the neural structures constitutive of a duration‐specific network. The aim of the main experiment, in which participants had to categorize the presentation time of either neutral or emotionally negative visual stimuli, was to unmask which parts of the previously identified duration‐specific network are sensitive to emotionally negative arousal. The duration‐specific network that we uncovered from the localizer task comprised the cerebellum bilaterally as well as the orbitofrontal, the anterior cingulate, the anterior insular, and the inferior frontal cortices in the right hemisphere. Strikingly, the imaging data from the main experiment underscored that the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) was the only region within the duration‐specific network whose activity was increased in the face of emotionally negative pictures compared to neutral ones. Remarkably too, the extent of neural activation induced by emotionally negative pictures (compared to neutral ones) in this region correlated with a behavioral index reflecting the extent to which emotionally negative pictures were overestimated compared to neutral ones. The results are discussed in relation to recent models and studies suggesting that the right anterior insular cortex/IFC is of central importance in time perception. Hum Brain Mapp 36:981–995, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Altered integrity of the right arcuate fasciculus as a trait marker of schizophrenia: A sibling study using tractography‐based analysis of the whole brain
Authors: Wu Chen‐Hao , Hwang Tzung‐Jeng , Chen Yu‐Jen , Hsu Yun‐Chin , Lo Yu‐Chun , Liu Chih‐Min , Hwu Hai‐Gwo , Liu Chen‐Chung , Hsieh Ming H. , Chien Yi Ling , Chen Chung‐Ming , Isaac Tseng Wen‐Yih
Published: November 2014

Trait markers of schizophrenia aid the dissection of the heterogeneous phenotypes into distinct subtypes and facilitate the genetic underpinning of the disease. The microstructural integrity of the white matter tracts could serve as a trait marker of schizophrenia, and tractography‐based analysis (TBA) is the current method of choice. Manual tractography is time‐consuming and limits the analysis to preselected fiber tracts. Here, we sought to identify a trait marker of schizophrenia from among 74 fiber tracts across the whole brain using a novel automatic TBA method. Thirty‐one patients with schizophrenia, 31 unaffected siblings and 31 healthy controls were recruited to undergo diffusion spectrum magnetic resonance imaging at 3T. Generalized fractional anisotropy (GFA), an index reflecting tract integrity, was computed for each tract and compared among the three groups. Ten tracts were found to exhibit significant differences between the groups with a linear, stepwise order from controls to siblings to patients; they included the right arcuate fasciculus, bilateral fornices, bilateral auditory tracts, left optic radiation, the genu of the corpus callosum, and the corpus callosum to the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortices, bilateral temporal poles, and bilateral hippocampi. Posthoc between‐group analyses revealed that the GFA of the right arcuate fasciculus was significantly decreased in both the patients and unaffected siblings compared to the controls. Furthermore, the GFA of the right arcuate fasciculus exhibited a trend toward positive symptom scores. In conclusion, the right arcuate fasciculus may be a candidate trait marker and deserves further study to verify any genetic association.Hum Brain Mapp 36:1065–1076, 2015.© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimation of hepatitis C virus infections resulting from vertical transmission in Egypt
Authors: Benova Lenka , Awad Susanne F. , Miller F. DeWolfe , Abu‐Raddad Laith J.
Published: November 2014

Despite having the highest hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence in the world, the ongoing level of HCV incidence in Egypt and its drivers are poorly understood. Whereas HCV mother‐to‐child infection is a well‐established transmission route, there are no estimates of HCV infections resulting from vertical transmission for any country, including Egypt. The aim of this study was to estimate the absolute number of new HCV infections resulting from vertical transmission in Egypt. We developed a conceptual framework of HCV vertical transmission, expressed in terms of a mathematical model and based on maternal HCV antibody and viremia. The mathematical model estimated the number of HCV vertical infections nationally and for six subnational areas. Applying two vertical transmission risk estimates to the 2008 Egyptian birth cohort, we estimated that between 3,080 and 5,167 HCV infections resulted from vertical transmission among children born in 2008. HCV vertical transmission may account for half of incident cases in the <5‐year age group. Disproportionately higher proportions of vertical infections were estimated in Lower Rural and Upper Rural subnational areas. This geographical clustering was a result of higher‐area‐level HCV prevalence among women and higher fertility rates. Conclusion: Vertical transmission is one of the primary HCV infection routes among children <5 years in Egypt. The absolute number of vertical transmissions and the young age at infection highlight a public health concern. These findings also emphasize the need to quantify the relative contributions of other transmission routes to HCV incidence in Egypt. (Hepatology 2015;61:834–842)
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING RE‐ENERGIZED: Impacts of the Revised DoD Acquisition Process
Authors: Lake Jerry
Published: November 2014

The Department of Defense acquisition process has gone through a decade of change intended to improve war fighting capabilities, to field products with a shorter cycle time, and to lower system life cycle costs. The intensity of change has increased during 1991 in response to the short comings of prior changes to correct acquisition problems and to deal with declining budgets, changing threats, and reduced manpower. The focus of this paper is on the major changes taken to re‐energize systems engineering. In addition, issues are highlighted that have resulted from several technical documents under revision at the same time without a formal integration or lead effort. This paper calls for someone in authority to take the lead to ensure that conflicting signals are not given to industry by the several different standards under revision. Harmonization is imperative if the rising expectations of defense and public leaders are to be realized in an environment of shrinking manpower and fiscal resources.
LOCAL SYSTEM ENGINEERING EDUCATION PROGRAM IGNITION AND SUSTENANCE
Authors: Grady Jeffrey O.
Published: November 2014

Academic institutions, industry, and other components of our society are continuing a long standing trend toward fragmenting and specializing the arts and sciences related to the development of complex systems. The absence of an effective countervailing force encouraging generalism poses serious problems for American industry. Several examples exist illustrating how this trend can be turned around.
RESPONSIBLE SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Hemsley David L.
Published: November 2014

Developing systems which meet all the requirements of system specifications is a difficult task. Hardware and software design engineers take responsibility for only a portion of the system specification when developing hardware or software components. Often, no one is responsible for making sure that all of the system requirements are accounted for during the development of a system. The result of mismatches between system requirements and system components is a prolonged system integration and delivery schedule as errors are often not detected until a system is being integrated or tested against the system specification. Every requirement in a system specification should be accounted for during the development of a system. System development methodology and software tools have been developed to ensure that system components accurately reflect the system specification.
Extending RDD‐100 to Meet Project Demands
Authors: Osaki Herb , Pampe >Mark
Published: November 2014

RDD‐100 is a commercial off the shelf (COTS) automation tool used for systems engineering applications. It is based on a rigorous approach using an Element, Relationship, Attribute (ERA) database, graphical input and output formats, and built‐in engineering data consistency checks. It also includes the capability to expand the definition (schema) of the ERA database and to create reports to manipulate, format, and print the database contents. The following describes the process which establishes a new ERA schema and data extraction reports that are used with the inherent capabilities of RDD‐100 to produce deliverable, military compliant specifications from a systems engineering database.
Improved System Understanding by Similarities and Analogies
Authors: Asbiomsen O. Andreas
Published: November 2014

A set of definitions of system engineering concepts is the point of departure of this paper. Those definitions are generic and cover system and its life cycle, the system engineering discipline and the system engineering process.

A system engineer must be able to analyze and understand systems, first on a conceptual level that is independent of technology, i.e., a technology free functional analysis. More detailed knowledge and deeper insight into a concrete technology are required later. The system engineer must be able to move from one system project to another, sometimes with entirely different technologies and requirements.

The paper points to a need for greater flexibility and easier adaptability on the part of the system engineer. This means that the knowledge base and professional tool box of the system engineer must meet this requirement also. A way this requirement can be met is by system similarity and the principle of analogy between functional principles.
Systems Engineering for Commercial Space Programs
Authors: Fisher Jack
Published: November 2014

A systems engineering approach has been developed at the Space and Communications Group (SCG) of Hughes Aircraft Company which has proven highly successful for commercial space programs. Success is defined by the profit‐making delivery and operation of advanced communications satellites. The key elements of the approach include:

Assignment of a team of highly motivated individuals with knowledge in each of the key technical areas of the program.

Co‐location of the team with the satellite program office.

Use of the same team from the beginning of the program through system test and onorbit check‐out.

Assignment to the team of the lead role as the program technical conscience and problem solvers.

A well understood systems engineering process.

The process includes maintenance of estimates of system performance throughout the development and test phases, careful management of design resources and interfaces, and a strong linkage between system requirements and verification planning and implementation. MIL‐STD‐499A requirements were not considered in the development of the process. Nevertheless, comparison with MIL‐STD‐499A reveals a number of similarities which are noted.
Systems Engineering with the Right Requirements: An Approach for Assessing User Needs
Authors: Borden Chester S. , Smith Jeffrey H. , Griesel Ann
Published: November 2014

This paper presents a methodology for assessing diverse user requirements in a rapidly changing technological environment. The purpose is to provide a more accurate assessment of user needs at the first point of entry for the customer into the systems engineering process. Applying a customer/provider orientation to the traditional user/developer environment, a product oriented approach is adopted to link the process to a Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy. The approach is designed to elicit user needs directly from interested parties and using the analysis process described, map the user needs to a set of prioritized common functional requirements. The methodology has been applied within a publicly funded research and development institution in an information technology context and has received broad organizational support and positive feedback. The approach is illustrated with a case study from the information technology arena.
NEEDS, RATIONALE AND CONCEPTUAL ALTERNATIVES FOR COMBATTING AIRCRAFT POLLUTIONS
Authors: Asbjornsen O. Andreas , Paragiri Neil R.
Published: November 2014

Depletion of the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere has the potential to change its chemistry and the Earth's environment. Various pollutants affect this depletion, which started as early as in the 1930's. High altitude aircraft bring pollution to a fairly quiet range of the atmosphere, closer to the ozone layer than ground pollution. The aircraft pollution problem represents a large scale integrated system engineering problem where many requirements conflict and must be traded off. The system engineering principles have been applied to a conceptual study of the aircraft transportation system, its interface with the global environment and the social structures in the society and to the analysis and conceptual design of plans to combat the pollution effects from civil jet aircraft.
REQUIREMENTS MANAGEMENT/TRACEABILITY: A CASE STUDY ‐ NASA'S NATIONAL LAUNCH SYSTEM
Authors: Pinkerton Mary Beth , Fogle Frank R.
Published: November 2014

Poorly defined and poorly managed system requirements result in increased programmatic costs. To stay within the bounds of cost and schedule and to ensure a quality end product, concise, well managed and traceable systems requirements are a necessity. This paper will discuss the implementation of the requirements management tool, Document Director, at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) as related to the definition and management of the launch vehicle system level requirements for the National Launch System (NLS). In addition, the set‐up process, immediate and projected benefits to systems engineers, and lessons learned from implementing a systems engineering based requirements management tool on a major aerospace program will be described.
REQUIREMENTS MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY ‐ NASA'S ASSURED CREW RETURN VEHICLE
Authors: Hooks Ivy , Stone Dennis
Published: November 2014

This paper describes how the system requirements were developed for the Assured Crew Return Vehicle (ACRV) and analyzes the changes to those requirements over the past three years. The project manager took decisive steps to ensure good initial system requirements. The “goodness” of the requirements can be assessed by the character and amount of changes that have occurred.
SPECIALTY ENGINEERING INNOVATIONS ON THE U.S. ARMY JOINT STARS GSM BLOCK I UPGRADE CONTRACT
Authors: Iliff Randall C. , Rewinkel Cindy J.
Published: November 2014

The Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) proved highly successful during Operation Desert Storm. Although unique circumstances in Operation Desert Storm permitted onequipment contractor support of the system, the U.S. Army is committed to operation and maintenance by the soldier.

The new Joint STARS Block I Ground Station Module (GSM) is produced by Motorola Government Electronics Group, and must satisfy a formidable mix of requirements. The system must substantially exceed the complexity and performance levels of the Interim Ground Station Module (IGSM) sent to the Gulf, yet be operable and maintainable by soldiers rather than contractor engineers and technicians. This paper documents the unique interactions and degree of integration associated with the specialty engineering functions on the Joint STARS Block I GSM program, and illustrates the success that can be achieved.
SYSTEM ENGINEERING IN THE REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Romine D. Ted
Published: November 2014

In October 1987, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) established the Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses (the Center) at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, to provide sustained high‐quality research and technical assistance in support of NRC regulatory responsibilities under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act (the Act), as amended. A key role of the Center is to assist the NRC in the development and implementation of the Systematic Regulatory Analysis (SRA) process – a systems approach to defining and implementing the regulatory program for a deep geologic repository for the permanent disposal of high‐level radioactive waste.

This paper identifies the major regulatory challenges that led to the NRC recognition of the need for a systems approach. It then describes the adaptations of classic system design techniques to the definition of the “streamlined” regulatory process “system.” This is followed by a summary description of the resulting SRA process. In addition, there is a brief discussion of potential adaptations of the process that would produce significant additional efficiencies if applied at the start of a regulatory program.
FLOWING REQUIREMENTS TO SUBCONTRACTS
Authors: Knaggs Howard J
Published: November 2014

During the past 40 years, the defense industry has experienced phenomenal growth in the amount of work subcontracted by prime defense contractors. Industry wide, subcontracted work has risen from 9 percent in the 1950s to over 53 percent today. Along with the rise in subcontracted work, has come an increase in problems associated with purchased products. More products are being received which do not perform as expected, or are delivered late because the design or testing took much longer than anticipated. The source of these problems, however, can quite often be traced back to poor requirements descriptions initially given to the subcontractors. This paper describes a preferred process for flowing technical requirements from prime contract sources to a subcontract, to create an adequate definition of the products being procured. This process has been developed by a multi‐discipline team from the Boeing Defense & Space Group, sponsored by the Subcontracts Management organization, and is applicable to all subcontract procurements involving requirements which have been flowed from a prime contract.
The Supertool: QFD, Structured Analysis & Concurrent Engineering Combined
Authors: Dick Michael J.
Published: November 2014

To be competitive, companies must efficiently develop products that meet their customers' needs. Three established methodologies, Quality Function Deployment, Structured Analysis, and Concurrent Engineering combine to form a superpowerful technique to help companies be competitive.

Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is a universally‐used, powerful tool for relating the customer requirements to detailed engineering requirements. It is frequently referred to as “the voice of the customer”. Structured Analysis is a technique of systematically decomposing a system into progressively more detailed parts. A “picture oriented” method, this technique has a history of providing visibility into large systems. It is useful on small systems as well. Concurrent Engineering simultaneously deals with marketing, design and production concerns; traditional approaches treat each of these concerns separately. Concurrent Engineering emphasizes design for cost, design for manufacturing and assembly, design for serviceability, design for reliability, design for maintainability… in short, design for “X”. This emphasis on design for “X” begins at the very conception of the product.

This paper describes how these three methods, QFD, Structured Analysis, and QFD interrelate and then describes a unique way to combine them into a supertool for assuring product competitiveness.
UTILIZATION OF QUALITY FUNCTION DEPLOYMENT AS A TOOL FOR THE SYSTEMS ENGINEER
Authors: Adams Tamara J. , Amos Richard W. , Wyskida Alan R. , Maddux Gary A.
Published: November 2014

This paper presents an overview of the utilization of QFD as a tool for the systems engineer. QFD can be used in the systems engineering process for both requirements definition/allocation and resource allocation management. Relevant examples of the application of QFD in the development of U.S. Army missile systems and in a program management role will be used to illustrate the benefit of this tool in the systems engineering process.
INDIRECT EXPERIMENTATION FOR SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION: A PARADIGM BASED ON DESIGN DEPENDENT PARAMETERS
Authors: Fabrycky Wolter J.
Published: November 2014

A large gap exists between the commitment to technology, system configuration, life‐cycle cost and available knowledge about the impact of these commitments during system operation. This gap is particularly acute during conceptual and preliminary system design. More powerful approaches are needed to narrow the gap. This paper presents a paradigm for indirect experimentation based on normative models form the field of operations research. The paradigm proceeds from the identification of design dependent parameters which link design characteristics and operational outcomes. When applied during conceptual and preliminary design, this linkage helps to reduce the gap between knowledge and commitment. The normative models provide a basis for system optimization early in the life cycle.
Distributed Communication Network Systems Performance Modeling
Authors: Basta Robert A. , Kraemer Bruce P. , Bond Walter P. , Billhartz Thomas J.
Published: November 2014

This paper will describe the use of system performance modeling and simulation in designing large, complex distributed communication network systems. These systems include both local and wide area configurations, utilizing a variety of protocols, hardware, communication media, etc. This paper will show how Harris was able to apply the information obtained from the modeling activity to understand the behavior of the systems being architected and to verify that specific system performance requirements are met.
SYSTEM ENGINEERING CONCEPT DEMONSTRATION ‐ AN OVERVIEW
Authors: LaMonica Frank S.
Published: November 2014

This technical paper provides an overview of Rome Laboratory's Research & Development Program in the area of System Engineering. In particular, it describes the objectives of an exploratory development effort entitled “System Engineering Concept Demonstration” (SECD), the activities that were pursued under the effort, and its results. It serves as an introduction to other papers [Comer 1992], [Ortiz 1992], and [Pariseau & Stuebing 1992], which provide further detail on the technology and demonstrations that resulted. Rome Laboratory's future plans to develop Systems Engineering technology are also identified.
RAPID PROTOTYPING VIA AUTOMATIC SOFTWARE CODE GENERATION FROM FORMAL SPECIFICATIONS: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Rahmani S. , Stone A.G. , Luk W.S. , Sweet S.M.
Published: November 2014

This paper describes an approach for defining system and software requirements and validating them through rapid prototyping. It provides the results of a case study for generating prototype software (representing the total system hardware and software) directly and automatically from the requirements. The paper addresses system/software definitions, which include the requirements and design (architecture). The approach consists of modeling and prototyping. The case study described here applied this approach to selected systems of Boeing 747‐400 aircraft. A formal model of system specification was generated. The rapid prototyping task automatically generated thousands of Ada source lines of code from the specification model. The tool used on the project was Statemate. The software was executed successfully the first time. The functions and behavior of the system were demonstrated and validated by its users. This study indicated that early execution and validation of system requirements, through the use of formal modeling and rapid prototyping with direct user involvement, can be accomplished.
System Modeling for V&V
Authors: Clark B. E. , Frank G. A.
Published: November 2014

Simulation and formal models are becoming an accepted part of the early stages of system design. This paper discusses the use of executable system models during system design and implementation.

RTI recently developed an abstract executable model of the operating system developed for an avionics test bed based on the PAVE PILLAR architecture.

The target hardware consisted of two processing clusters, each with five VHSIC 1750A modules connected by a parallel bus and a system mass memory. The three components are connected by two optical high‐speed data busses. The modeling was done while both the hardware and software were under development. The process of developing and validating the models produced a significant V&V payoff for the design teams. Formal modeling forced early consideration of hardware/software, inter‐module, and inter‐application interfaces that were overlooked during the system design process. This led to forecasting system problems that normally would not have been discovered until system integration. This paper will review the modeling effort and show, in a systems engineering context, how abstract modeling can serve as a powerful method for early discovery of interface errors normally not found until integration.
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Authors: Percivall George S.
Published: November 2014

Due to recent changes, automobile engineering has reached a critical point requiring more formal methods. This situation is familiar to the aerospace industry where increasing complexity resulted in the formalization of systems engineering. The principles of aerospace systems engineering are the basis for automotive systems engineering. Several aspects must be changed to meet the automotive environment. Change agents must be identified and placed in strategic positions to implement systems engineering. A key ingredient to automotive systems engineering is the development of the automotive engineers with systems engineering capabilities.
MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS ENGINEERING PROGRAMS IN THE UNIVERSITY
Authors: Mizdail Barbara E.
Published: November 2014

The systems engineer is the integrator in the process of design and manufacturing of products and services. The wealth generated by the manufacturing systems operating within a society is directly related to the quality of life. It is essential that the infrastructure underlying the wealth generating systems be capable of meeting the demands of our entire society. We are in an era of accelerating change. The education and training of future work forces, as well as the retraining of the present workers, must include interdisciplinary programs producing engineers capable of imparting knowledge integrated from a holistic view, and applying a systems approach to practical solutions. Students of such programs should be a mix of young graduate engineers in classes with seasoned industry experienced engineers sent by their companies for reeducation. Teamwork projects for this diverse group can prepare engineers to think in terms of the principle of concurrent engineering, and for work on project teams which gain strength through the combined talents of the group. Industrial leaders are actively changing traditional hierarchical management styles, and supporting retraining efforts. Meantime, academia must embrace interdisciplinary programs that teach engineering, manufacturing and business concurrently. This approach differs from traditional departmental programs which often focus on specific research. By industry and academia working together the ability to adapt to change will be taught; for change is inevitable and necessary for the future quality of life for our global society.
COMPUTER‐BASED COURSEWARE FOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Authors: Verma Dinesh , Sols Alberto , Fabrycky Wolter J. , Blanchard Benjamin S.
Published: November 2014

Systems engineering is an integration activity which is difficult to teach by conventional means alone. Education and training efforts should be supported with computer‐based courseware to augment textbooks, technical articles, case studies, and other written materials. The purpose of this paper is twofold: to describe the approach adopted at Virginia Tech in the instruction of systems engineering courses and to describe the development and utilization of computer‐based courseware in these courses. While this courseware is applicable in teaching systems engineering generally, three academic courses and their continuing education counterparts will be featured as examples. These courses are: The Systems Engineering Process, Logistics Engineering, and Economic Evaluation of Projects.
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING EDUCATION AT DEFENSE SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT COLLEGE
Authors: Lightsey Robert H.
Published: November 2014

This paper discusses the role of Defense Systems Management College (DSMC) as one of the primary sources of engineering management education for future DoD program managers. The focus is on that portion of the curriculum at DSMC which is related to systems engineering. Specifically, the systems engineering curriculum content is examined in the context of other technically related courses offered at DSMC. Two courses in which system engineering instruction is at the heart of the material offered, the Program Management Course and the System Engineering Management Course, are described. A description of a hands‐on project modeled after similar engineering projects at MIT and other top engineering schools is also provided. The focus is on the systems engineering process as well as on system performance as the model evolves from concept to final production model. Finally, summary conclusions are drawn regarding the role of DSMC as a source of system engineering management education in DoD and the need for vision and team work with industry in the environment immediately confronting the defense industry.
BUILDING SYSTEMS ENGINEERING TRAINING IN INDUSTRY
Authors: Mengot Roy
Published: November 2014

This paper reviews the steps, trials, and pitfalls in designing and delivering a Systems Engineering training course in a company the size (about 5,000 engineers) of Texas Instruments' Defense Systems and Electronics Group (DSEG). The paper is a case study of our efforts in TI DSEG to field and deliver a Systems Engineering Workshop, over a four year period, that is now considered successful. The training initiation, development, reviews, and delivery aspects are highlighted.
DEFINITION OF AND TRAINING IN THE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING PROCESS – A NASA PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Fogle Frank R. , Woodruff L. Don
Published: November 2014

The need to capture the systems engineering knowledge base at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and make it available to the next generation of systems engineers gave rise to the development of a systems engineering handbook to help foster the systems engineering philosophy in MSFC's numerous young engineers. This paper will detail the development of the MSFC handbook, its history, and of special interest, will be a detailed discussion of the lessons‐learned while developing the handbook. In addition, MSFC has included this handbook as a training tool in conjunction with organized, formal, on‐site systems engineering training. The methodology and approach to this training effort will be delivered. The paper will also describe the updating and eventual integration of the MSFC systems engineering process into the NASA‐wide standard for systems engineering.