bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Methodology for Trading-Off Performance and Robustness Under Uncertainty
Authors: Mourelatos Zissimos P. , Liang Jinghong 
Published: June 2006

AbstractMathematical optimization plays an important role in engineering design, leading to greatly improved performance. Deterministic optimization, however, may result in undesired choices because it neglects uncertainty. Reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) and robust design can improve optimization by considering uncertainty. This paper proposes an efficient design optimization method under uncertainty, which simultaneously considers reliability and robustness. A mean performance is traded-off against robustness for a given reliability level of all performance targets. This results in a probabilistic multiobjective optimization problem. Variation is expressed in terms of a percentile difference, which is efficiently computed using the advanced mean value method. A preference aggregation method converts the multiobjective problem to a single-objective problem, which is then solved using an RBDO approach. Indifference points are used to select the best solution without calculating the entire Pareto frontier. Examples illustrate the concepts and demonstrate their applicability.
Characterization of a humanized IgG4 anti-HLA-DR monoclonal antibody that lacks effector cell functions but retains direct antilymphoma activity and increases the potency of rituximab
Authors: Stein Rhona , Qu Zhengxing , Chen Susan , Solis David , Hansen Hans J. , Goldenberg David M. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractHLA-DR is under investigation as a target for monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy of malignancies. Here we describe a humanized IgG4 form of the anti-HLA-DR mAb L243, hL243γ4P (IMMU-114), generated to provide an agent with selectivity toward neoplastic cells that can kill without complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) or antibody-dependent cellular-cytotoxicity (ADCC), so as to reduce reliance on intact immunologic systems in the patient and effector mechanism-related toxicity. In vitro studies show that replacing the Fc region of hL243γ1, a humanized IgG1 anti-HLA-DR mAb, with the IgG4 isotype abrogates the effector cell functions of the antibody (ADCC and CDC) while retaining its antigen-binding properties, antiproliferative capacity (in vitro and in vivo), and the ability to induce apoptosis concurrent with activation of the AKT survival pathway. Growth inhibition was evaluated compared with and in combination with the anti-CD20 mAb rituximab, with the combination being more effective than rituximab alone in inhibiting proliferation. Thus, hL243γ4P is indistinguishable from hL243γ1 and the parental murine mAb in assays dependent on antigen recognition. The abrogation of ADCC and CDC, which are believed to play a major role in side effects of mAb therapy, may make this antibody an attractive clinical agent. In addition, combination of hL243γ4P with rituximab offers the prospect for improved patient outcome.
An annotated cDNA library of juvenile Euprymna scolopes with and without colonization by the symbiont Vibrio fischeri
Authors: Chun Carlene K , Scheetz Todd E , Bonaldo Maria de Fatima , Brown Bartley , Clemens Anik , Crookes-Goodson Wendy J , Crouch Keith , DeMartini Tad , Eyestone Mari , Goodson Michael S , Janssens Bernadette , Kimbell Jennifer L , Koropatnick Tanya A , Kucaba Tamara , Smith Christina , Stewart Jennifer J , Tong Deyan , Troll Joshua V , Webster Sarahrose , Winhall-Rice Jane , Yap Cory , Casavant Thomas L , McFall-Ngai Margaret J , Soares M Bento 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
Biologists are becoming increasingly aware that the interaction of animals, including humans, with their coevolved bacterial partners is essential for health. This growing awareness has been a driving force for the development of models for the study of beneficial animal-bacterial interactions. In the squid-vibrio model, symbiotic Vibrio fischeri induce dramatic developmental changes in the light organ of host Euprymna scolopes over the first hours to days of their partnership. We report here the creation of a juvenile light-organ specific EST database.

Results
We generated eleven cDNA libraries from the light organ of E. scolopes at developmentally significant time points with and without colonization by V. fischeri. Single pass 3' sequencing efforts generated 42,564 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of which 35,421 passed our quality criteria and were then clustered via the UIcluster program into 13,962 nonredundant sequences. The cDNA clones representing these nonredundant sequences were sequenced from the 5' end of the vector and 58% of these resulting sequences overlapped significantly with the associated 3' sequence to generate 8,067 contigs with an average sequence length of 1,065 bp. All sequences were annotated with BLASTX (E-value < -03) and Gene Ontology (GO).

Conclusion
Both the number of ESTs generated from each library and GO categorizations are reflective of the activity state of the light organ during these early stages of symbiosis. Future analyses of the sequences identified in these libraries promise to provide valuable information not only about pathways involved in colonization and early development of the squid light organ, but also about pathways conserved in response to bacterial colonization across the animal kingdom.
Classification of human breathing sounds by the common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus
Authors: Gröger Udo , Wiegrebe Lutz 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background

The common vampire bat Desmodus rotundus is one of three bat species that feed exclusively on the blood of mammals often more than 1000 times its size. Vampire bats even feed on human blood. Moreover, they tend to feed on the same individual over consecutive nights.

Results

Using psychoacoustical methods, we show that vampire bats can recognize individual humans by their breathing sounds. Accompanying psychoacoustical experiments using the same stimuli and procedure but with human listeners show that even these trained and instructed listeners were unable to achieve the vampire bats' performance under the most difficult conditions, where the breathing sounds had been recorded under physical strain.

Conclusion

It is suggested that vampire bats can make use of an individual acoustic signature imposed on breathing sounds in a way similar to that in which we identify humans by their vocalizations.
Prospective Multi-Institutional Study of Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction for Molecular Staging of Melanoma
Authors: Scoggins Charles R. , Ross Merrick I. , Reintgen Douglas S. , Noyes R. Dirk , Goydos James S. , Beitsch Peter D. , Urist Marshall M. , Ariyan Stephan , Davidson B. Scott , Sussman Jeffrey J. , Edwards Michael J. , Martin Robert C.G. , Lewis Angela M. , Stromberg Arnold J. , Conrad Andrew J. , Hagendoorn Lee , Albrecht Jeffrey , McMasters Kelly M. 
Published: June 2006

PurposeTo evaluate the prognostic significance of molecular staging using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in detecting occult melanoma cells in sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) and circulating bloodstream.Patients and MethodsIn this multicenter study, eligibility criteria included patient age 18 to 71 years, invasive melanoma ≥ 1.0 mm Breslow thickness, and no clinical evidence of metastasis. SLN biopsy and wide excision of the primary tumor were performed. SLNs were examined by serial-section histopathology and S-100 immunohistochemistry. A portion of each SLN was frozen for RT-PCR. In addition, RT-PCR was performed on peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). RT-PCR analysis was performed using four markers: tyrosinase, MART1, MAGE3, and GP-100. Disease-free survival (DFS), distant–DFS (DDFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed.ResultsA total of 1,446 patients with histologically negative SLNs underwent RT-PCR analysis. At a median follow-up of 30 months, there was no difference in DFS, DDFS, or OS between the RT-PCR–positive (n = 620) and RT-PCR–negative (n = 826) patients. Analysis of PBMC from 820 patients revealed significant differences in DFS and DDFS, but not OS, for patients with detection of more than one RT-PCR marker in peripheral blood.ConclusionIn this large, prospective, multi-institutional study, RT-PCR analysis on SLNs and PBMCs provides no additional prognostic information beyond standard histopathologic analysis of SLNs. Detection of more than one marker in PBMC is associated with a worse prognosis. RT-PCR remains investigational and should not be used to direct adjuvant therapy at this time.
Prospective Changes in Quality of Life After Ductal Carcinoma-in-Situ: Results From the Nurses' Health Study
Authors: Nekhlyudov Larissa , Kroenke Candyce H. , Jung Inkyung , Holmes Michelle D. , Colditz Graham A. 
Published: June 2006

Purpose The incidence of ductal carcinoma-in-situ (DCIS) of the breast has been increasing. However, uncertainties exist about its prognosis, optimal treatment, and effect on women's health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL). Our study assessed the prospective changes in HRQoL in women diagnosed with DCIS. Patients and Methods Between 1992 and 2000, HRQoL was assessed at three 4-year intervals among women enrolled in two Nurses' Health Study cohorts using the Medical Outcomes Survey Short-Form 36 health survey. Using mixed effects and logistic regression modeling, we compared the prospective changes in HRQoL scores among women with and without DCIS. Results The study included 114,728 women; 510 were diagnosed with DCIS during the study period. During 4 years, women with DCIS had small, but statistically significantly greater declines in the domains of role limitations due to physical problems (−6.74; SE, 1.69), vitality (−2.06; SE, 0.78), and social functioning (−2.40; SE, 0.93) than women without DCIS. Among those with DCIS, clinically significant declines were more often observed within 6 months of the diagnosis in the domains of social functioning (odds ratio, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.03 to 3.07) and mental health (odds ratio, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.09 to 3.79) than after 6 months after diagnosis. Conclusion Women with DCIS experienced small long-term declines in HRQoL, although these declines did not seem to be clinically important. Short-term clinically significant declines in the psychosocial domains were noted. In counseling women with DCIS, clinicians should provide reassurance but prepare them to deal with the short-term sequelae.
Effect of Testosterone Administration on Serum and Urine Kallikrein Concentrations in Female-to-Male Transsexuals
Authors: Slagter Margrita H , Scorilas Andreas , Gooren Louis JG , de Ronde Willem , Soosaipillai Antoninus , Giltay Erik J , Paliouras Miltiadis , Diamandis Eleftherios P 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground: Concentrations of human tissue kallikreins (hKs), a group of 15 secreted serine proteases found in many tissues, are modulated by steroid hormones in cancer cell lines. To gain insight into in vivo kallikrein regulation we measured kallikrein concentrations in serum and urinary tissue in female-to-male transsexuals before and after testosterone administration.Methods: We collected blood and urine samples before treatment and after 4 and 12 months from 28 female-to-male transsexuals who received 250 mg of testosterone esters intramuscularly every 2 weeks. We used ELISA assays to measure multiple kallikreins in serum and urine.Results: After testosterone administration, serum testosterone concentrations increased by ∼15-fold. Serum kallikrein concentrations increased dramatically for hK3 (prostate-specific antigen) and increased moderately for hK2, hK5, hK6, hK7, hK8, hK10, and hK11. In urine, we noted major increases for hK3 and hK2 only. For all other kallikrein concentrations, we observed no considerable changes.Conclusions: We conclude that, in serum and urine of female-to-male transsexuals after testosterone administration, hK3 (prostate-specific antigen) and to a lesser extent hK2 concentrations increase dramatically, but concentration of other kallikreins increase either moderately in serum (hK5, hK6, hK7, hK8, hK10, and hK11) or not at all in either serum (hK4, hK13, hK14) or urine (hK4, hK5, hK6, hK7, hK8, hK10, hK11, hK13, hK14).
Autoantibody profiling of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease using a new multiplexed immunoassay method
Authors: Tozzoli Renato , Villalta Danilo , Kodermaz Graziano , Bagnasco Marcello , Tonutti Elio , Bizzaro Nicola 
Published: June 2006

AbstractClin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:837–42.
The 17‐Propionate Function of (Bacterio)chlorophylls: Biological Implication of Their Long Esterifying Chains in Photosynthetic Systems†
Authors: Tamiaki Hitoshi , Shibata Reiko , Mizoguchi Tadashi 
Published: June 2006

AbstractMolecular structures of (bacterio)chlorophylls [=(B)Chls] in photosynthetic apparatus are surveyed, and a diversity of the ester groups of the 17‐propionate substituent is particularly focused on in this review. In oxygenic photosynthetic species including green plants and algae, the ester of Chl molecules is limited to a phytyl group. Geranylgeranyl and farnesyl groups in addition to phytyl are observed in (B)Chl molecules inside photosynthetic proteins of anoxygenic bacteria. In main light‐harvesting antennas of green bacteria (chlorosomes), a greater variety of ester groups including long straight chains are used in the composite BChl molecules. This diversity is ascribable to the fact that chlorosomal BChls self‐aggregate to form a core part of chlorosomes without any specific interaction of oligopeptides. Biological significance of the long chains is discussed in photosynthetic apparatus, especially in chlorosomes.
The Evolution of World Grain Trade
Authors: Mercier Stephanie 
Published: June 2006

AbstractOver the course of history, world grain trade has developed from the stage where grain was only shipped as incidental cargo to its status today, an industry in which thousands of tons of grain move daily. As a share of total consumption, traded grain has risen from less than 0.03% in the eighteenth century to more than 10% today. This explosion in trade volume has relied on communication and measurement technology, which has made information about grain available to buyers and sellers. As we enter the twenty‐first century, the information component of demand for grain will continue to expand, thereby threatening to overwhelm the current infrastructure.
The Oklahoma City Stockyards: Planning for the Future
Authors: Lyford Conrad , Hall George 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe Oklahoma City stockyards are the largest stocker‐feeder public market in the world. Trends in how cattle are marketed indicate long‐term declining prospects. This case presents a history and strategic prospects for the Stockyards. It also illustrates the changing nature of cattle marketing, competition, and vertical coordination. An opportunity to apply strategic decision making is provided.
Doing Good by Choosing Well: Priorities for Agricultural Economics
Authors: Ahearn Mary C. , Bahn Henry M. , Barry Peter J. , Cordes Sam M. , Hewitt Tracy Irwin , Norton George W. , Smith Katherine R. , Thurow Amy Purvis 
Published: June 2006

AbstractPublic decision makers, administrators, and supporters of agricultural economics research, teaching, and outreach activities have communicated a need for a more coherent expression of priorities. In addition, they have recognized that priorities should be focused on addressing and solving problems of importance to the public good. The agricultural economics profession has responded to this call for a well‐defined set of priorities. A systematic set of priority‐setting activities has included soliciting the views of stakeholders (i.e., users and potential users of the goods and services provided by agricultural economists) and of agricultural economists about priorities for the profession. The Council on Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (C‐FARE) led a process to integrate this information into a set of professional priorities. This paper describes the key considerations in establishing priorities, describes the C‐FARE process, and reports the results of the priority‐setting process for agricultural economics.
The Proposition of Fresh Prepared Foods: Retail Practices and Systemwide Implications
Authors: Park John L. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractRecent years have been witness to changes in food consumption trends. Time‐hungry consumers are shifting food preparation activities from the home to food‐service providers. Meanwhile, supermarket operators face an intensely competitive business environment. In this report, I discuss the retail and consumer trends that have resulted in an increased demand for fresh prepared food. These trends have resulted in an increasing number of supermarket companies offering prepared items in their retail stores. Furthermore, through a survey of senior‐level executives in the supermarket industry, the way that supermarket operators implement their fresh prepared food strategies is examined. Results show that supermarket operators find fresh prepared food an attractive response to competition from restaurants and mass merchandisers. In addition, they increasingly source prepared food items from outside the retail store. Implications for the manufacturing, retail, and consumer sectors of the food industry are drawn.
Lanzones: An Agribusiness Marketing Simulation
Authors: Salvacruz Joseph C. , Bobst Barry W. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract“Lanzones” is a dynamic simulation of marketing by a fruit grower in a Southeast Asian country. It requires agribusiness management students or trainees to undertake a series of profit‐seeking marketing decisions. The lanzones farmer must determine the appropriate marketing strategy for his crop, considering the interplay between environmental and competitive variables in the marketing environment. The game allows participants to apply their knowledge and skills in forecasting, demand analysis, statistical analysis, market assessment, marketing strategy formulation, pricing, distribution, and financial accounting.
Degradation and beyond: Control of androgen receptor activity by the proteasome system
Authors: Jaworski Tomasz 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe androgen receptor (AR) is a transcription factor belonging to the family of nuclear receptors which mediates the action of androgens in the development of urogenital structures. AR expression is regulated post-translationally by the ubiquitin/proteasome system. This regulation involves more complex mechanisms than typical degradation. The ubiquitin/proteasome system may regulate AR via mechanisms that do not engage in receptor turnover. Given the critical role of AR in sexual development, this complex regulation is especially important. Deregulation of AR signalling may be a causal factor in prostate cancer development. AR is the main target in prostate cancer therapies. Due to the critical role of the ubiquitin/proteasome system in AR regulation, current research suggests that targeting AR degradation is a promising approach.
A vibration technique for promoting liquid mixing and reaction in a microchannel
Authors: Ito Yasumasa , Komori Satoru 
Published: June 2006

AbstractA vibration technique for promoting fluid mixing and chemical reaction in a microchannel was proposed, and the effects of the mechanical vibration on mixing and reaction were experimentally examined. The fluids before flowing into a microchannel were oscillated by a small vibrating motor through two tubes connected to the channel. Instantaneous velocity and concentration were measured using micro PIV and LIF techniques, respectively. The results show that fluid mixing and chemical reaction is remarkably promoted by the proposed vibration technique. The mixing rate is well correlated with the maximum rms value of normalized fluid velocity fluctuation in a microchannel. When the basic frequency of the mechanical vibration is low, the fluid motion hardly changes and the mixing and reaction is little enhanced. However, with increasing the frequency, almost complete mixing and reaction can be accomplished at the high frequency more than 90Hz by the proposed technique. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
On adaptive optimal input design: A bioreactor case study
Authors: Stigter J. D. , Vries D. , Keesman K. J. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe problem of optimal input design (OID) for a fed‐batch bioreactor case study is solved recursively. Here an adaptive receding horizon optimal control problem, involving the so‐called E‐criterion, is solved “on‐line,” using the current estimate of the parameter vector θ at each sample instant {tk, k = 0, …, N − h}, where N marks the end of the experiment and h is the control horizon for which the input design problem is solved. The optimal feed rate F(tk) thus obtained is applied and the observation y(tk+1) that becomes available is subsequently used in a recursive prediction error algorithm to find an improved estimate of the actual parameter estimate θˆ(tk). The case study involves an identification experiment with a Rapid Oxygen Demand TOXicity device (RODTOX) for estimation of the biokinetic parameters μmax and KS in a Monod type of growth model. It is assumed that the dissolved oxygen probe is the only instrument available, which is an important limitation. Satisfactory results are presented and compared to a “naïve” input design in which the system is driven by an independent binary random sequence. This comparison shows that the OID approach yields improved confidence intervals on the parameter estimates. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Mjåland O , Reder J , Aasboe V , Trondsen E , Buanes T 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Introduction
The results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed as an outpatient procedure were evaluated in a prospective study.

Methods
Initially, only well motivated and healthy patients were offered outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy. After 50 procedures, all patients referred to the hospital, except those with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade IV and those living alone, were included. Some 200 procedures were studied.

Results
Twelve patients (6 per cent) were admitted, and 188 (94 per cent) were discharged 4–8 h after operation. Fifteen patients (8 per cent) who had early discharge were readmitted, nine with complications; in six no complications were documented. The frequency of minor complications was 2 per cent and of major complications 5 per cent. Some 173 patients who had successful outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy completed a questionnaire: 164 (95 per cent) characterized their experience as excellent, five (3 per cent) as good, two (1 per cent) as intermediate and two (1 per cent) as unacceptable.

Discussion
This high achievement of day-case treatment, even in patients with ASA grade 111, is explained by a new anaesthetic regimen together with good surgical technique and close follow-up.