cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enzyme-Assisted Aqueous Extraction of Oil and Protein from Soybeans and Cream De-emulsification

The effects of two commercial endoproteases (Protex 6L and Protex 7L, Genencor Division of Danisco, Rochester, NY, USA) on the oil and protein extraction yields from extruded soybean flakes during enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction processing (EAEP) were evaluated. Oil and protein were distributed in three fractions generated by the EAEP: cream + free oil, skim and insolubles. Protex 6L was more effective for extracting free oil, protein and total solids than Protex 7L. Oil and protein extraction yields of 96 and 85%, respectively, were obtained using 0.5% Protex 6L. Enzymatic and pH treatments were evaluated to de-emulsify the oil-rich cream. Cream de-emulsification generated three fractions: free oil, an intermediate residual cream layer and an oil-lean second skim. Total cream de-emulsification was obtained when using 2.5% Protex 6L and pH 4.5. The extrusion treatment was particularly important for reducing trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) in the protein-rich skim fraction. TIA reductions of 69 and 45% were obtained for EAEP skim (the predominant protein fraction) from extruded flakes and ground flakes, respectively. Protex 6L gave higher degrees of protein hydrolysis (most of the polypeptides being between 1,000 and 10,000 Da) than Protex 7L. Raffinose was not detected in the skim, while stachyose was eliminated by α-galactosidase treatment.
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times

A brief history of the origins of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy (AABT) is followed by a discussion of the best and worst in contemporary behavior therapy as filtered through the admittedly biased perceptions of the present writer. Next comes a presentation of several issues whose resolutions are unpredictable at this time, with possible solutions being good or bad, depending on one's point of view. The paper concludes with a discussion of the present status of behavior therapy and some speculations about future trends and long-term prognoses.
The Effect of Approval Balloting on Strategic Voting under Alternative Decision Rules

Voting systems combine balloting methods with decision rules or procedures. Most analyses of approval voting (a balloting method) assume it will be combined with plurality rule but advocates often urge its use with more complex procedures. Because much of the case for approval balloting hinges on its encouragement of sincere voting, we ask whether it retains this advantage when combined with multistage procedures. After distinguishing five forms of sincere and insincere approval voting, we find that certain elements of multistage procedures promote departures from purely sincere strategies, including, in some instances, strictly insincere voting. However, most strategic approval voting involves truncating the approved list, including bullet-voting, which is especially likely under certain threshold rules. Coalitions also increase members' incentive to truncate. We conclude that approval balloting with plurality rule remains preferable to conventional single-vote plurality, but we urge caution and further research regarding combining approval balloting with multistage rules.
Moderating Effects of Health Literacy on Change in Physical Activity Among Latinas in a Randomized Trial

Latinas report low rates of physical activity (PA) and are at risk for poor health outcomes. Language and literacy barriers impede access and utilization of PA-related resources. This study examined health literacy as a moderator on changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in 196 Latinas enrolled in Seamos Saludables, a randomized-controlled trial of a 6-month culturally and linguistically adapted PA print intervention Secondary analyses were conducted on demographics, acculturation and generation status, and health literacy (Newest Vital Sign). MVPA was determined by 7 day physical activity recall, assessed at baseline and 6 months. General linear models examined interaction effects between health literacy (HL), experimental condition (treatment vs. control), and generation status. Health literacy moderated change in MVPA from baseline to 6 months. The intervention effect was greater among first-generation Latinas with limited health literacy. Differences in health literacy level appear to influence MVPA outcomes. Formative research is recommended to ensure that materials are appropriate when developing print-based PA interventions, particularly among first-generation Latinas who are more likely to have limited health literacy.
Improving Information on Agriculture and Rural Life

What follows evolved out of the experience of having chaired this Association's Committee on Economic Statistics, which was organized in 1970 and was charged to examine the growing claims that various agricultural data were deteriorating.
Dextromethorphan-induced serotonin syndrome

Introduction. The ability of dextromethorphan to potentiate serotonin levels and lead to serotonin syndrome is well known but few case reports are published. The lack of published cases suggests th...
Abnormalities encountered in infrared examinations of ball pen writing over correction fluid

Abstract A handprinted signature partially written on top of some dried typewriter correction fluid was examined with infrared irradiation on the VSC-1. The ink on top of the correction fluid appeared to continue to be absorbed while the portion of the ink written on the paper became transparent. This apparent differentiation was initially misinterpreted as a phenomenon similar to the Sensi/Cantu observation that under certain conditions the infrared luminosity of the ink line can be different. A complete examination of the entire document lead to the correct interpretation and resolution of this apparent contradiction.
Toddlers with Williams Syndrome Process Upright but not Inverted Faces Holistically

Holistic processing of upright, but not inverted, faces is a marker of perceptual expertise for faces. This pattern is shown by typically developing individuals beginning at age 7 months. Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare neurogenetic developmental disorder characterized by extreme interest in faces from a very young age. Research on the effects of inversion on holistic processing of faces by older children and adults with WS has produced mixed results. Younger children with WS were not included in these previous studies. Using the habituation switch paradigm, we demonstrated that 15–35-month-olds with WS process upright, but not inverted, faces holistically. This study provides evidence of perceptual expertise for faces in individuals with WS early in life.
Prenatal programming of nephron number and blood pressure

A low nephron number has been advocated to explain the association between intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and hypertension in later life. IUGR not only leads to a low birth weight but is also hypothesized to reprogram nephrogenesis, which results in a low nephron endowment. Several methods are used to estimate the total glomerular number, but only stereological techniques result in accurate (unbiased) and precise (reproducible) data. Several studies, both in humans and animal models that have used these methods indeed revealed that IUGR leads to a low nephron number. According to the hyperfiltration hypothesis, this reduction in renal mass is supposed to lead to glomerular hyperfiltration and hypertension in remnant nephrons with subsequent glomerular injury with proteinuria, systemic hypertension and glomerulosclerosis. Even though IUGR is associated with both a low nephron endowment and an increased risk of hypertension, only circumstantial evidence is available to support the hyperfiltration hypothesis after prenatal programming. A prerequisite for establishment of this association in long-term, prospective follow-up studies is the ability to estimate glomerular numbers in living human beings, for which a further advancement in radiological techniques is necessary. Only then can the association between nephron endowment and blood pressure in humans be studied more conclusively.
Spatial Investigation of the Non-frozen Water Distribution in Frozen Foods using NMR SPRITE

ABSTRACT: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to investigate the spatial distribution of the non-frozen water in foods during freezing and frozen storage. For samples such as beef, orange juice, and dough, their NMR responses were characterized and studied over temperature and during storage at subzero temperatures. The content of liquid-like components, such as unfrozen water, was measured in the temperature range between 20 and -40 °C. Ice formation led to a significant decrease of the amount of liquid-like components. This also was gradually diminished during storage, due to slow crystallization. Moreover, 1- and 2-dimensional images of the proton distributions in the frozen samples were obtained by single point ramped imaging with T1 enhancement (SPRITE). The use of SPRITE to examine frozen foods allowed a spatial evaluation of liquid-like spins during freezing and storage.
Why Is ``R'' Used To Symbolize Hydrocarbon Substituents?

In response to a reader query, the column traces the origins of the letter R to symbolize hydrocarbon substituents.
Techniques to assess the proliferative potential of brain tumors

Assessment of brain tumor proliferative potential provides important prognostic information that supplements standard histopathologic grading. Many laboratories rely on mitotic figures to quantify the proliferative potential of brain tumors, but this conventional cellular proliferative index is subject to inter-observer variability and not consistently predictive for low-and high-grade tumors. Recent advancements in technology have made it possible to use proliferative indices as a standard supplement in pathology laboratories. Non-invasive tumor tissue measurements of cell proliferation can be performed using– bromodeoxyuridine labeling index (BrdU LI), flow cytometry (FCM), MIB-1 antibody to the Ki-67 antigen (MIB-1), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions (AgNOR). Each of these assays has been described in the literature with respect to its ability to predict tumor grade or outcome. At the present time MIB-1 and AgNOR are the simplest and most reliable of these techniques. In addition, advances in our understanding of the genetic alterations associated with proliferation promise to provide more specific markers of proliferative potential. Beyond the pathology laboratory, radiographic studies such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and most recently magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) have been used as follow-up measures, assessing response to treatment and tumor recurrence, rather than as predictors of response to treatment. These radiographic tools, however, have the potential to provide an assessment of tumor proliferation without the need for invasive measures. In this article, we present a review of the current techniques utilized to understand the proliferative potential of brain tumors.
Recontextualization of Science from Lab to School: Implications for Science Literacy

Scientists’ science differs remarkably from school science. In order to be taught to students, science is recontextualized from scientific research communities to science classrooms. This paper examines scientific discourse in scientific research communities, and discusses its transformation from an internally-persuasive and authoritative discourse to a purely authoritative discourse under recontextualization. It presents the challenges that recontextualization of science poses for achievement of science literacy goals, and discusses remedial steps that science education community can take to meet them.
Prospective comparison of methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant community-associated Staphylococcus aureus infections in hospitalized patients

Summary Background We sought to determine the proportion of community-associated Staphylococcus aureus infections due to methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) at a large county hospital. In addition, we sought to identify the demographic and clinical risk factors associated with CA-MRSA infection. Methods Patients were prospectively enrolled if they were admitted to Parkland Hospital and had a positive culture for S. aureus isolated within 72h of admission. The patients were interviewed using a standardized data questionnaire. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical history, as well as health care and non-health care associated MRSA risk factors. Bacterial susceptibilities were verified through review of microbiology laboratory and pharmacy records. Isolates were tested for Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene, SCC mec type, and for inducible clindamycin resistance. Results One hundred and ninety-eight patients were interviewed prospectively, of which eight had colonization without active infection. One hundred and nineteen patients were infected with MRSA and 71 patients were infected with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). Patients with MRSA were more likely to be African-American and unemployed. Patients with MRSA most commonly presented with a skin or soft tissue infection (SSTI): 69% versus 45%, p =0.0012, while patients with MSSA were more likely to have infection of the respiratory tract: 11% versus 3%, p =0.02. Patients with MRSA were more likely to have used antibiotics in the past six months, been homeless, have a history of incarceration, have abused alcohol and have a history of infection with MRSA. In multivariate analysis, African-American race, antibiotics in the past six months, and a history of being homeless were associated with MRSA infection. Only 11 of 119 (9%) MRSA patients did not have at least one of these risk factors. PVL gene was present in 72 of 74 (97%) MRSA isolates and SCC mec type IV was present in 63 of 75 (84%) MRSA isolates. Conclusions The majority of patients hospitalized with community-associated S. aureus infections were due to MRSA, most of which involved an SSTI. African-American race, recent antibiotics and past homeless status predicted infection with MRSA; however, no clinical profile could reliably exclude MRSA. Clinicians should be aware of the increasing prevalence of CA-MRSA.
A phantom study to characterize the imaging quality of a phase-contrast tomosynthesis prototype

This research is aimed at studying the advantages of an x-ray phase-contrast tomosynthesis prototype by using phantoms. A prototype system is assembled with a micro-focus x-ray source, a rotating stage and a computed radiography detector mounted on an optical rail. A custom designed bubble wrap phantom is used in experiments. Angular projection images are acquired from -20° to +20° with 2° interval. The in-plane slices are reconstructed. The feature area on the phantom is observed. The prototype system provides an intrinsic way to investigate the potential and imaging quality of a phase-contrast tomosynthesis imaging method. As the result, phase-contrast tomosynthesis imaging method is demonstrated for its advantages in avoiding structure noise and overlapping issues by comparing the results acquired by computed radiography and phase-contrast radiography.
An Educator's Guide to Teaching Emergency Medicine to Medical Students

There is a need for every medical school graduate to handle emergencies as they arise in the daily practice of medicine. Emergency medicine (EM) educators are in a unique position to provide students with basic life support skills, guidance in assessing the undifferentiated patient, and exposure to the specialty of EM during all years of medical school. Emergency physicians can become involved in a variety of education experiences that can supplement the preclinical curriculum and provide access to our specialty at an early stage. A well-designed course in the senior year allows students to develop critical thinking and patient management skills that are necessary for any medical career path. It can ensure that all medical students are exposed to the skills essential for evaluating and stabilizing the acutely ill patient. To implement this type of course, learning objectives and evaluation methods must be set when the curriculum is developed. An effective course combines didactic and clinical components that draw on the strengths of the teaching institution and faculty of the department. A structured clerkship orientation session and system for feedback to students are essential in nurturing the development of student learners. This article provides an approach to assist the medical student clerkship director in planning and implementing EM education experiences for students at all levels of training, with an emphasis on the senior-year rotation.
Dynamical Effects of Stellar Winds and Shocked Gas on Interstellar Clouds

Stellar winds are a ubiquitous feature of nearly all stars. Their energy input may affect the dynamics of interstellar gas on scales from 1015 to 1021 cm. New observations suggest that powerful winds are also present during the pre-main sequence phase of massive stars. This review summarizes recent observations and theories of winds and high velocity gas, with special emphasis on inhomogeneities in O-star winds, shocked molecular clouds, H2O masers, and Herbig-Haro objects. The difficulties of current models for these phenomena are discussed, and several consequences of protostellar ejection of planet-sized condensations are explored.
IMPACTS OF FISH PREDATION ON MARSH INVERTEBRATES: DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS

We excluded predatory fish from a marsh weedbed to evaluate experimentally their impact on invertebrate prey. Gut analyses of wetland fish, including pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus), brown bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus), black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), and common carp (Cyprinus carpio), revealed that large numbers of midge larvae (Diptera: Chironomidae) were consumed. However, our exclusion of these predatory fish from study habitats did not result in midge population increases. On the contrary fewer epiphytic midges occurred where predatory fish had been excluded (P=0.0043). Populations of midge competitors (especially Planorbidae and Physidae) and invertebrate midge predators (especially Corixidae and Glossiphoniidae) were suppressed directly by fish, and midges that co-existed with fish apparently benefitted indirectly from those interactions. For epiphytic midge larvae, the negative direct influence of fish predation was strong, but positive indirect effects apparently were even more powerful.
A note on a poincaré type inequality for solutions to subelliptic equations

We prove Poincare type inequalities for solutions to certain classes of quasilinear subelliptic equations, including the well-known p-Sublaplacian. A notable feature in these inequalities is to rep...
Bias from conditioning on live birth in pregnancy cohorts: an illustration based on neurodevelopment in children after prenatal exposure to organic pollutants

Only 60–70% of fertilized eggs may result in a live birth, and very early fetal loss mainly goes unnoticed. Outcomes that can only be ascertained in live-born children will be missing for those who do not survive till birth. In this article, we illustrate a common bias structure (leading to ‘live-birth bias’) that arises from studying the effects of prenatal exposure to environmental factors on long-term health outcomes among live births only in pregnancy cohorts. To illustrate this we used prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in school-aged children as an example. PFAS are persistent organic pollutants that may impact human fecundity and be toxic for neurodevelopment. We simulated several hypothetical scenarios based on characteristics from the Danish National Birth Cohort and found that a weak inverse association may appear even if PFAS do not cause ADHD but have a considerable effect on fetal survival. The magnitude of the negative bias was generally small, and adjusting for common causes of the outcome and fetal loss can reduce the bias. Our example highlights the need to identify the determinants of pregnancy loss and the importance of quantifying bias arising from conditioning on live birth in observational studies.
Fibrocytes in lung disease

Fibrocytes were first described over a decade ago as a population of cells in circulation with fibroblast-like properties, which were involved in tissue repair. Since that time, we have learned a significant amount about these bone marrow-derived cells, which contribute to wound healing and fibrosis. Fibrocytes express leukocyte markers such as CD34, CD45, and CD13 and also express mesenchymal markers such as pro-collagens I and III, vimentin, and fibronectin. In addition, they have been shown to express the chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR7, which appear to be important in cellular trafficking from the vascular to the extravascular compartment. Fibrocytes have been shown to contribute to a number of fibrotic disorders, and here, we review their involvement in lung diseases including pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and vascular remodeling.
Foraging Ecology of the Philippine Flying Lemur (Cynocephalus volans)

Between August 1986 and September 1987, six Philippine flying lemurs ( Cynocephalus volons ) were observed foraging on 35 of 76 available species of trees, representing ≥12 families of ≤26 available families. Eight species were foraged on in amounts significantly greater than expected, given the tree's abundance on the study area, and four were foraged on significantly less than expected. The foraging strategy of C. volons involved foraging many times during the night, for short duration, in several different species of tree each night. This strategy differed from that of other arboreal folivores.
ASSESSING RESPONSE RATES AND NONRESPONSE BIAS IN WEB AND PAPER SURVEYS

Using data collected as part of the second pilot administration of Your First College Year (YFCY), a national survey of first-year college students, this study was designed to examine both response rates and nonresponse bias across four survey administration groups: paper-only, paper with web option, web-only with response incentive, and web-only without response incentive. Findings indicate that response rates vary by mode of administration. Moreover, predictors of response differed by administration group. Results are discussed in light of the recent surge of interest in online survey research.
A Simulation Model Of The Dynamics Of HIV/AIDS

In thls paper, based on sexual behavior of homosexuals, prevalence of AIDS, latent perlod of HIV, and Its Infectlvlty, a model is dlscussed that measures the spread of the HIV vlrus In that hlgh risk population under dlfferent screenlng scenarlos. Flndlngs of a computer program that was developed for t he analysls, prediction, and optlmlzatlon of screenlng for early detection of HIV positive lndlvlduals WIII also be presented. The computer uses Monte-Carlo slmulatlon, and can be used to study the effects of slmulated screenlng programs on prevalence of AIDS in that populatlon.
WETICE 2005 Tenth Securities Technologies (ST) Workshop Report (Formerly Enterprise Security (ES))

The Securities Technologies (ST) Workshop was formerly called the Enterprise Security (ES) Workshop. The name was changed to reflect better a more comprehensive name to the topics being discussed which ranged beyond just security in and for the enterprise. The Workshop deals with topics that span multiple enterprises, including Peer to Peer (P2P), Grid Computing, security of large-scale backbones, software security, et al. Consequently, it was suggested that the Workshop consider a name change to more accurately reflect the topics of the papers it was receiving and delivering. Several names were considered and Security Technologies was selected. However, the name Enterprise Security has not been dropped as it was the name under which it was organized originally.
Framework for Efficient Indexing and Searching of Scientific Metadata

A seamless and intuitive data reduction capability for the vast amount of scientific metadata generated by experiments is critical to ensure effective use of the data by domain specific scientists. The portal environments and scientific gateways currently used by scientists provide search capability that is limited to the pre-defined pull-down menus and conditions set in the portal interface. Currently, data reduction can only be effectively achieved by scientists who have developed expertise in dealing with complex and disparate query languages. A common theme in our discussions with scientists is that data reduction capability, similar to web search in terms of ease-of-use, scalability, and freshness/accuracy of results, is a critical need that can greatly enhance the productivity and quality of scientific research. Most existing search tools are designed for exact string matching, but such matches are highly unlikely given the nature of metadata produced by instruments and a user’s inability to recall exact numbers to search in very large datasets. This paper presents research to locate metadata of interest within a range of values. To meet this goal, we leverage the use of XML in metadata description for scientific datasets, specifically the NeXus datasets generated by the SNS scientists. We have designed a scalable indexing structure for processing data reduction queries. Web semantics and ontology based methodologies are also employed to provide an elegant, intuitive, and powerful free-form query based data reduction interface to end users.
Accounting for density reduction and structural loss in standing dead trees: Implications for forest biomass and carbon stock estimates in the United States.

Background: Standing dead trees are one component of forest ecosystem dead wood carbon (C) pools, whose national stock is estimated by the U.S. as required by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Historically, standing dead tree C has been estimated as a function of live tree growing stock volume in the U.S.’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory. Initiated in 1998, the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis program (responsible for compiling the Nation’s forest C estimates) began consistent nationwide sampling of standing dead trees, which may now supplant previous purely model-based approaches to standing dead biomass and C stock estimation. A substantial hurdle to estimating standing dead tree biomass and C attributes is that traditional estimation procedures are based on merchantability paradigms that may not reflect density reductions or structural loss due to decomposition common in standing dead trees. The goal of this study was to incorporate standing dead tree adjustments into the current estimation procedures and assess how biomass and C stocks change at multiple spatial scales. Results: Accounting for decay and structural loss in standing dead trees significantly decreased tree- and plot-level C stock estimates (and subsequent C stocks) by decay class and tree component. At a regional scale, incorporating adjustment factors decreased standing dead quaking aspen biomass estimates by almost 50 percent in the Lake States and Douglas-fir estimates by more than 36 percent in the Pacific Northwest. Conclusions: Substantial overestimates of standing dead tree biomass and C stocks occur when one does not account for density reductions or structural loss. Forest inventory estimation procedures that are descended from merchantability standards may need to be revised toward a more holistic approach to determining standing dead tree biomass and C attributes (i.e., attributes of tree biomass outside of sawlog portions). Incorporating density reductions and structural loss adjustments reduces uncertainty associated with standing dead tree biomass and C while improving consistency with field methods and documentation.
Effect of spontaneously generated coherence on the dynamics of multi-level atomic systems

The effect of spontaneously generated coherence on dynamical evolution of a multi-level atomic system consisting of three upper levels and a lower level is studied. For degenerate upper levels the population trapping in these levels increases in the steady state.
Use of infant donor tissue in endothelial keratoplasty.

Dear editor We have read with great interest the recent article by Kobayashi et al describing endothelial keratoplasty using infant donor tissue.1 This is a fine case report describing the use of infant donor tissue as a viable source when performing non-Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (nDSAEK). Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and nDSAEK seem to be the only currently accepted forms of keratoplasty for which donor tissue under the age of 2 years is acceptable. When used to perform penetrating keratoplasty, it is known that infantile grafts behave in an ectatic fashion.2,3 This is likely due to their more elastic properties. Tissue preparation in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) proves to be too difficult given the strength of adhesion of Descemet membrane to the overlying stroma.1 We would also like to bring to your attention the article entitled “Use of infant donor tissue for endokeratoplasty”, published in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery in December of 2001.2 Shiuey and Moshirfar4 describe the use of infant tissue (20 months) in the successful performance of this procedure. While this variation of endokeratoplasty is seldom performed in 2014, substitution of diseased host endothelium with that of an infant was performed. Endothelial cell counts similar to those described in the current article were documented. Given that the article by Shiuey and Moshirfar was the first to describe replacement of posterior tissue with that of an infant while leaving the anterior corneal stroma and epithelium intact, we thought it would be a valuable reference to be mentioned for readers interested in this topic. Once again, we would like to congratulate and commend the authors of the current article on the success of the procedure and the value that it provides for future generations of corneal surgeons performing DSAEK and nDSAEK.
Preventing retinal detachment-associated photoreceptor cell loss in Bax-deficient mice.

RESULTS. TUNEL-positive cells were found within the outer nuclear layer (ONL) of the detached portions of the retina. They were detected in the detached retina on day 1, peaked on day 3, and dropped precipitously after day 7 after RD. Photoreceptor cell loss of both rods and cones followed a similar time course after RD. Moreover, deletion of the proapoptotic gene Bax in a knockout mouse model abolished the RD-associated photoreceptor cell degeneration. CONCLUSIONS. Apoptosis is a major mechanism leading to photoreceptor cell death after RD. Blockage of the activity of the proapoptotic molecule Bax in a knockout mouse model prevents photoreceptor cell apoptosis and cell loss. These data suggest that the Bax-mediated apoptotic signaling pathway plays a critical role in RD-associated photoreceptor cell death. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2004;45:648 ‐ 654) DOI:10.1167/ iovs.03-0827
Programmatic change: lung disease research in the era of induced pluripotency

Human lung research has made remarkable progress over the last century largely through the use of animal models of disease. The challenge for the future is to translate these findings into human disease and bring about meaningful disease modification or even cure. The ability to generate transformative therapies in the future will require human tissue, currently scarce under the best of circumstances. Unfortunately, patient-derived somatic cells are often poorly characterized and have a limited life span in culture. Moreover, these cells are frequently obtained from patients with end-stage disease exposed to multiple drug therapies, leaving researchers with questions about whether their findings recapitulate disease-initiating processes or are simply the result of pharmacological intervention or subsequent host responses. The goal of studying early disease in multiple cell and tissue types has driven interest in the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to model lung disease. These cells provide an alternative model for relevant lung research and hold promise in particular for studying the initiation of disease processes in genetic conditions such as heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension as well as other lung diseases. In this Perspective, we focus on potential iPSC use in pulmonary vascular disease research as a model for iPSC use in many types of advanced lung disease.
Expected Economic Responses to Selection for Direct and Fetal Genetic Effects

Abstract Expected responses in direct and fetal genetic values due to selection of heifers or bulls were computed for various combinations of heritabilities of direct and fetal effects, genetic correlations, economic weights, and kinds of relatives' records. If the economic weights are 1:3 for direct and fetal effects, then records of mates of the sire should be used for selection of both heifers and bulls for the heritabilities .16 to .32. If the economic weights are 1:1, use of records of the mates does not appear important for selection of bulls or heifers. Reliable estimates of genetic covariance and variances of direct and fetal genetic effects are required to decide whether fetal effects need to be considered in selection programs.
Application of the DEVS framework in construction simulation

The Discrete Event Systems Specification (DEVS) frame-work is based on systems engineering principles and is used for modeling and simulation in many application domains. This framework supports a number of important features such as component based hierarchical simulation model development, scalability, reusability and distributed simulation. This paper demonstrates the application of the DEVS framework for construction simulation through a simple, but representative real world application. The application focuses on analyzing the work flow between various trade contractors in production home building. The software tool `DEVSJAVA' is used for modeling and simulation of the construction application. DEVSJAVA is object oriented; it implements the DEVS framework using Java programming language. This paper consists of three main components: an overview of the state-of-the-art in construction simulation methods and tools, an introduction to the DEVS framework, and a detailed construction example to highlight the application of DEVS framework.
A Comparison of the Incidence and Location of Positive Surgical Margins in Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy and Open Retropubic Radical Prostatectomy

Purpose: Surgical technique, patient characteristics and method of pathological review may influence surgical margin status. We evaluated the incidence and location of positive surgical margins in 200 sequential robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and 200 sequential open radical retropubic prostatectomy cases.Materials and Methods: From July 2002 until December 2006 a total of 1,747 patients underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution (robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in 1,238, radical retropubic prostatectomy in 509). From these we selected the last 200 consecutive radical retropubic prostatectomies and 200 robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomies performed before August 2006. Preoperative clinical characteristics including age, clinical stage, prostate specific antigen and Gleason score were evaluated. Postoperatively pathological specimens were assessed for specimen weight, Gleason score, tumor volume, pathological stage and margin status. The inci...
Subacute Effects of Cry1Ab Bt Corn Litter on the Earthworm Eisenia fetida and the Springtail Folsomia candida

Laboratory toxicity studies were conducted to determine the subacute effects of Bt Cry1Ab corn leaf material on nontarget soil organisms. Survival and growth were measured for an earthworm, Eisenia fetida Savigny, and survival and reproduction were measured for a springtail, Folsomia candida Willem. The organisms were provided leaf material of two Bt11 corn varieties, two Mon810 corn varieties, and the isolines of each, in a soil system and monitored for 28 d. An assay control treatment of an optimal food and a reference control treatment, using the herbicide pendimethalin, were used to provide a context for the observed results. Basic nutritional data of protein, fat, and sugar content were analyzed for each food type. Greater growth was observed forE.fetida in twoBt varieties, Bt11 90-d and Mon810 108-d, compared with their isolines. F. candida receiving Bt11 90-d isoline material had more offspring compared with those in the corresponding Bt line, but no other pairs were different. Time to reproduction of F. candida was only affected by the reference control treatment. Both protein and sugar content were found to correlate signiÞcantly with growth for E. fetida, but the nutritional parameters were not found to correlate with the effects observed for F. candida. These results indicate that there is little direct hazard from Bt corn leaf material to E. fetida and F. candida but that differences in nutritional parameters of the Bt lines and the isolines may lead to differences in the effects on nontarget organisms.
Environmentally Related Variability in Risk of Exposure to Lyme Disease Spirochetes in Northern California: Effect of Climatic Conditions and Habitat Type

Risk of exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) spirochetes, which include the causative agents of Lyme disease, is, in part, determined by the density of questing infected vector ticks. We sought to clarify the temporal patterns of nymphal activity, and the extent of variation in peak and cumulative densities of B. burgdorferi s.l.-infected Ixodes pacificus Cooley & Kohls nymphs, at 12 sites within the ecologically diverse Mendocino County in northwestern California. Also, we assessed the impact of various environmental characteristics (e.g., climatologic variables, habitat type, deer usage) on the aforementioned tick-related traits. The average durations of total and peak (nymphal density > 75% of absolute peak) questing activity were 31% and 82% longer, respectively, in areas with conifers present than in oak woodlands, which represented the warmest and driest habitat type examined. Peak and cumulative densities of infected nymphs varied > 400-fold between sites. Both traits were positively associated with the presence of Quercus spp. oaks or deer, and lower in redwood/tanoak versus oak and oak/Douglas fir habitats. However, a prolonged duration of nymphal activity in redwood habitats, relative to oak woodlands, resulted in a shift from peak nymphal densities occurring in oak woodlands in spring to redwood/tanoak habitats in summer. In conclusion, our data clearly show significant variability in seasonal as well as spatial risk of exposure to Lyme disease spirochetes within a small but ecologically, diverse geographic area. Hence, temporally dynamic and spatially explicit models are needed to assess the risk of exposure to tick-borne pathogens at spatial scales encompassing diverse climatologic or ecological conditions.
Measuring and Monitoring Forest Biodiversity: The SI/MAB Model

Over the past decade, the Smithsonian Institution/Man and the Biosphere Biological Diversity Program (SI/MAB) has developed a biodiversity monitoring protocol and refined it through testing at a number of sites. The protocol has been adopted by SI/MAB colleagues and partners around the world, forming the basis for consistent measuring and monitoring at hundreds of biodiversity monitoring plots, facilitating the transfer of comparable data, and providing the framework for data analysis and dissemination to users. Program staff have trained more than 700 participants in the SI/MAB protocol and in use of BioMon (SI/MAB’s computerized data management system) at annual six-week international courses and through on-site two-week courses in more than two dozen countries. Staff have also been instrumental in setting up and maintaining international biodiversity information exchange networks. The primary goals of the program — to gather, analyse, and disseminate information about biodiversity at selected forested sites throughout the world and to foster co-operation among researchers and decision-makers — are being met. The outlook for strengthening established networks and expanding the program into new areas is bright.
The Need for AIS Research on Information Security

在會計資訊系統研究領域來說，資訊安全是一個重要的議題，因為它影響著會計資訊的可靠性。然而，現今有許多關於技術方面的研究是在探討新的安全工具、技術等，但卻很少有研究是在探討企業導向的資訊安全議題，因此會計資訊的研究者可以增補其對電腦科學技術之資訊安全方面的知識，且藉由探討及研究資訊安全的議題而能對企業的資訊安全管理有所影響並具管理意涵。由此可知，資訊安全的議題不只是在資訊技術的探討上，而是在於人們如何來決定組織整體的資訊安全水準？所以本文乃提出二個特別重要的主題，亦即須增進高階管理者對資訊安全投資的支持及促進員工固守最佳資訊安全政策的實行。此外，會計資訊系統的研究者亦可以使用不同的研究方法而檢視安全議題。因此，會計資訊系統在資訊安全的研究上不但提出一個重要的會計資訊系統議題，而且也提供一個會計資訊系統研究聯結其他學科的機會。
Healthy Tension: The Role of Operations in the Orion Spacecraft Design

As long term operators of the Space Shuttle and ISS, United Space Alliance operations personnel fully understand that cutting costs up front for near term savings can have negative ramifications to operations in the long term. Supporting the task of the Operations Integrated Product Team (IPT) during the development phase of the Orion Program requires translating the knowledge and experience of the operations subject matter experts from the Shuttle and International Space Station Programs into operational strategies, procedures, and engineering requirements specifications. The Operations IPT has worked hand in hand with the design team since the beginning of the Orion Program. Involvement started with the Crew Exploration Vehicle Concept of Operations, moved through the Requirements Analysis Cycles, and into the Design Analysis Cycles. Over time, the Operations IPT has used various tools and methods to influence the Orion vehicle design. This paper provides insight into use of these tools and the role of the Operations IPT in the Orion design process. Along with an overview of the process, this paper provides examples of how operational considerations drove changes to the Environment Control and Life Support System.
The Karyotype of the Beet Armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The chromosome number of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), was determined as n =31 from larvae and adults from northern Florida reared on an artificial medium. All chromosomes are essentially spherical and similar in size.
MODELING UNSTEADY MONOPROPELLANT COMBUSTION WITH FULL CHEMICAL KINETICS

A numerical model has been developed to calculate the unsteady combustion of single ingredient monopropellants with imposed pressure and radiant heat flux oscillations. A complex multi-species gas phase chemical kinetics mechanism has been implemented. Competing condensed phase decomposition and surface evaporation reactions were included, as well as in-depth radiation absorption. The model has been applied to RDX combustion at one atmosphere mean pressure with an imposed sinusoidal pressure perturbation. The pressure coupled response function and acoustic admittance function were calculated. Comparison was made with traditional quasi-steady pressure coupled response (ZN approach). A high frequency peak was observed and attributed to unsteady gas phase effects.
Modulation of intracellular calcium transients and dopamine release by neuropeptide Y in PC-12 cells

In PC-12 cells differentiated with nerve growth factor, neuropeptide Y (NPY) potentiated the K(+)-evoked increase in intracellular calcium, but this potentiation was not mediated by classical Y1 or Y2 NPY receptors. The potentiation by NPY appeared to occur through the mobilization of calcium from intracellular stores because thapsigargin successfully blocked the potentiation. In contrast, the Y2 agonist, NPY-(13-36), attenuated the K(+)-evoked increase in intracellular calcium by decreasing the influx of extracellular calcium. The effect of NPY-(13-36) on dopamine release from PC-12 cells was next studied. NPY-(13-36) significantly attenuated the K(+)-evoked dopamine release in a concentration-dependent manner. Nifedipine and omega-conotoxin also attenuated the evoked dopamine release. In the presence of nifedipine or omega-conotoxin, NPY-(13-36) produced further inhibition of the evoked dopamine release. Furthermore, NPY-(13-36)-induced inhibition of dopamine release was abolished by pertussis toxin pretreatment. We conclude that the regulatory effects of NPY and analogues on intracellular calcium are mediated by multiple NPY receptor subtypes. Y2 receptor-mediated pertussis toxin-sensitive inhibition of the evoked dopamine release does not seem to be due to interactions with L- or N-type Ca2+ channels.
Pilot Application of Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Biosensor for Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

Background: Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a major source of neonatal morbidity and mortality. There is an ongoing need for a sensitive diagnostic instrument to discriminate NEC from neonatal sepsis. We hypothesized that magnetic nanopartile-based biosensor analysis of gut injury-associated biomarkers would provide such an instrument. Study design: We designed a magnetic multiplexed biosensor platform, allowing the parallel plasma analysis of C-reactive protein (CRP), matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMp7), and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). Neonatal subjects with sepsis (n=5) or NEC (n=10) were compared to control (n=5) subjects to perform a proof of concept pilot study for the diagnosis of NEC using our ultra-sensitive biosensor platform. Results: Our multiplexed NEC magnetic nanoparticle-based biosensor platform was robust, ultrasensitive (Limit of detection LOD: CRP 0.6 pg/ml; MMp7 20 pg/ml; and EpCAM 20 pg/ml), and displayed no cross-reactivity among analyte reporting regents. To gauge the diagnostic performance, bootstrapping procedure (500 runs) was applied: MMp7 and EpCAM collectively differentiated infants with NEC from control infants with ROC AUC of 0.96, and infants with NEC from those with sepsis with ROC AUC of 1.00. The 3-marker panel comprising of EpCAM, MMp7 and CRP had a corresponding ROC AUC of 0.956 and 0.975, respectively. Conclusion: The exploration of the multiplexed nano-biosensor platform shows promise to deliver an ultrasensitive instrument for the diagnosis of NEC in the clinical setting.
Optimization of the native glucagon sequence for medicinal purposes.

Background Glucagon is a life-saving medication used in the treatment of hypoglycemia. It possesses poor solubility in aqueous buffers at or near physiological pH values. At low and high pH, at which the peptide can be formulated to concentrations of a milligram or more per milliliter, the chemical integrity of the hormone is limited, as evidenced by the formation of multiple degradation-related peptides. Consequently, the commercial preparation is provided as a lyophilized solid with an acidic diluent and directions for rendering it soluble at the time of use. Any unused material is recommended for disposal immediately after initial use.
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection, Immigration Status, and Diagnostic Discordance: A Comparison of Tuberculin Skin Test and QuantiFERON®-TB Gold in-Tube Test among Immigrants to the U.S.

Objective.We used a recent source of nationally representative population data on tuberculosis (TB) infection to characterize concordance between the tuberculin skin test (TST) and the QuantiFERON®...