cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implementing prehabilitation as part of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) efforts at a comprehensive cancer center: A team-based approach.

137Background: ERAS efforts across surgical specialties have been evolving since 2012. At MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), surgical and anesthesia services have been participating in this movemen...
Role of Liquid Biopsy in Clinical Decision-Making for Breast Cancer

Liquid biopsies are easily obtainable, non-invasive, longitudinal snapshots that can be used to measure micrometastatic disease burden, monitor disease progression, and provide genomic assessments of primary tumor/metastatic lesions. To date, most published studies have focused on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA); however, the liquid biopsy field is expanding exponentially and new blood components are currently under investigation. CTCs and ctDNA remain the most extensively studied liquid biopsy components to date. Several additional blood-based components are the basis of active, ongoing investigations. Some on the horizon include serum/plasma exosomes, platelet-mRNA, miRNA characterization, and global proteomic studies. In the era of individualized medicine, liquid biopsy has potential to improve upon current breast cancer management by offering dynamic monitoring possibilities as well as novel targets for therapy.
Cost-Effectiveness of Active Surveillance, Radical Prostatectomy and External Beam Radiotherapy for Localized Prostate Cancer: An Analysis of the ProtecT Trial.

Purpose:Despite increasing emphasis on value based care, to our knowledge the cost-effectiveness of prostate cancer management options has not been compared using prospective clinical trial data. T...
Determination of diffusivity and solubility of oxygen in phosphoric acid using a transit time on a rotating ring-disc electrode

A transit time method on a rotating ring-disc electrode was used to simultaneously determine the diffusivity and solubility of oxygen in phosphoric acid. The method consisted of measuring the limiting current for the diffusion of dissolved oxygen on the central disc electrode, and a transit time for the diffusion of oxygen from the disc to the ring electrode. The diffusivity of oxygen was calculated from the measured transit time, electrode rotational speed and kinematic viscosity of the electrolyte without the need of its bulk concentration and the number of electrons transferred in the electrode reaction. Once the diffusivity was known, the solubility of oxygen in the bulk electrolyte was determined from the limiting current on the disc using the Levich equation. This work has demonstrated that the transit method is a swift and reproducible technique for the diffusivity measurement. The diffusivity and solubility of oxygen in phosphoric acid of a concentration range of 0.79–14.7m were determined at 23° C and an oxygen partial pressure of 1 atm. A set of empirical equations are presented to correlate the Stokes-Einstein constant,Dµ/T, and solubility of oxygen to the phosphoric acid concentration.
WEIBULL DISTRIBUTION UNDER DIFFERENT GAUGE LENGTH OF CVD-SiC FILAMENT WITH A TUNGSTEN CORE

Tensile strength distribution of CVD-SiC filament prepared by a cold wall reactor was studied.The strength of filament cemented in a paper holder card with epoxy resin was measured.Gauge length of filament is 10mm,25mm and 50 mm respectwely.The results show that tensile strength obeys Weibull statistical distribution.Weibull moduli of filament with 10mm,25mm and 50 mm gauge length are 6.03,5.23 and 4.36,respectively.The average value of filament strength varies at different gauge length,reaches maximum at 25mm,follows by 50mm,and is smallest at 10mm.
Segmental Arterial Mediolysis: A Vasculitis Mimic

Background Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is a rare noninflammatory vasculopathy. The purpose of this report is to describe the clinical data of six patients diagnosed with SAM, discuss key elements for diagnosis, and highlight the differences between SAM and vasculitis. We also propose a modification to the criteria developed by Kalva et al for the diagnosis of SAM. Methods This is a retrospective study approved by the Institutional Review Board and included patients diagnosed with SAM between January 2008 and December 2016. Eleven patients were identified, of whom six (four males with a median age of 59.5 years) had complete data per the guidelines proposed by Kalva et al and were thus included. Data on patient’s clinical presentation, laboratory and imaging findings, and outcomes were collected. Results Presenting symptoms included abdominal pain, flank pain, and bloody stools. Five patients had negative antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) and one had positive ANAs with negative subserologies. C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were normal except for an elevated CRP in two patients with organ infarction. The superior mesenteric and renal arteries were most commonly involved. The most common vascular abnormalities were dissection, pseudoaneurysm, thrombosis, and wall thickening. Two patients received endovascular repair for hepatic artery aneurysms. During the follow-up (range: 3–36 months), two patients developed a new aneurysm or dissection. Conclusion The long-term prognosis of SAM appears to be favorable. Vascular intervention is only needed for patients with impending vascular compromise. We propose that the criteria developed by Kalva et al could be modified to include patients with elevated ANA but negative subserologies and elevated CRP and ESR in the presence of organ infarction.
Increased vascular α1-adrenergic receptor sensitivity in older adults with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an independent risk factor for the development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Patients with PTSD have heightened blood pressure and sympathetic ...
The Antarctic Coastal Current in the Bellingshausen Sea

Abstract. The ice shelves of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet experience basal melting induced by underlying warm, salty Circumpolar Deep Water. Basal meltwater, along with runoff from ice sheets, supplies fresh buoyant water to a circulation feature near the coast, the Antarctic Coastal Current (AACC). The formation, structure, and coherence of the AACC has been well documented along the West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP). Observations from instrumented seals collected in the Bellingshausen Sea offer extensive hydrographic coverage throughout the year, providing evidence of the continuation of the westward flowing AACC from the WAP towards the Amundsen Sea. The observations reported here demonstrate that the coastal boundary current enters the eastern Bellingshausen Sea from the WAP and flows westward along the face of multiple ice shelves, including the westernmost Abbot Ice Shelf. The presence of the AACC in the western Bellingshausen Sea has implications for the export of water properties into the eastern Amundsen Sea, which we suggest may occur through multiple pathways, either along the coast or along the continental shelf break. The temperature, salinity, and density structure of the current indicates an increase in baroclinic transport as the AACC flows from the east to the west, and as it entrains meltwater from the ice shelves in the Bellingshausen Sea. The AACC acts as a mechanism to transport meltwater out of the Bellingshausen Sea and into the Amundsen and Ross seas, with the potential to impact, respectively, basal melt rates and bottom water formation in these regions.
Evaluating the Durability of Lime-Stabilized Soil Mixtures using Soil Mineralogy and Computational Geochemistry:

Lime stabilization is a common technique used to improve the engineering properties of clayey soils. The process of lime stabilization can be split into two parts. First, the mobilization and crowd...
Emergency Alcohol Septal Ablation for Shock After TAVR: One More Option in the Toolbox.

Abstract We hereby report a case of severe shock from left ventricular outflow tract obstruction following transcatheter aortic valve replacement that did not respond to medical therapy and had to ...
Effect of cannabis use on PTSD treatment outcomes in veterans.

Introduction Researchers have found anandamide (an endocannabinoid) and cannabinoid type 1 receptor activation encourages extinction of aversive memories. Some theorize cannabinoids such as those in cannabis may provide a new treatment approach for PTSD, while others suggest it may worsen symptomology. The objective of the current study was to determine if cannabis use impacts the success of evidence-based intensive outpatient PTSD treatment in a veteran population. Methods A list of veterans enrolled in the Battle Creek Veterans' Affairs Medical Center outpatient PTSD Clinical Team Clinic between October 1st, 2008 and October 1st, 2016 was obtained, and a random sample was identified. Study participants were veterans aged 18 to 85 years, with at least 2 PTSD Checklist scores, and a diagnosis of PTSD. Data collected included mental health medications, type and number of evidence-based psychotherapy used, and presence of co-occurring behavioral health diagnoses. The cannabis use group was compared to the no-cannabis-use group, and differences in variables pertaining to the relative number of treatment successes and failures was evaluated for statistical and clinical significance. Results The majority of patients were white (87.1%) and male (95%). The success rate was similar between the cannabis and no-cannabis-use groups (51.9% and 51.4%, respectively). Discussion The current study did not show that a predominantly white male veteran sample diagnosed with PTSD differed in intensive PTSD treatment success or failure based on cannabis use.
Characterization of two ABC transporters from biocontrol and phytopathogenic Fusarium oxysporum

Sequence comparisons of ABC transporter genes from two strains of Fusarium oxysporum (one biocontrol and one phytopathogenic (f. sp. lycopersici Race 1) isolates) to 16 sequences from other fungi among those deposited in GenBank indicated that these genes are well conserved. However, sequences of promoter and 5 0 UTR regions of a previously characterized ABC transporter gene FoABC1 differed between 8 phytopathogenic and 11 biocontrol strains of F. oxysporum. A phylogenetic analysis of promoter sequences indicated that pathogenic strains were grouped in a single clade, clearly distinct from clades with biocontrol agents. Although sequencing of promoter regions was done on only 20 strains, results suggest that FoABC1 may be regulated differently between phytopathogenic and biocontrol strains of the fungus. In studies on the activity (RNA) of FoABC1 in the presence of the fungicide thiram, one pathogen was down regulated to undetectable levels by a brief exposure to thiram, the other pathogenic strain was not affected, while the one of the two biocontrol strains was up regulated and expression of FoABC1 in the other biocontrol strain was not changed. After a 1 h exposure to thiram, the level of expression of one pathogen remained down regulated to undetectable levels, while the other pathogen and both biocontrol agents were up regulated compared to the time zero control. Additional research is needed to further understand the significance of the genetic difference in promoter regions between phytopathogenic and biocontrol strains for FoABC1. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Emotional Development in Adolescence

Summary This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Emotional Life Prior to Adolescence Emotional Competencies in Early Childhood Influences on Adolescent Emotional Life Adolescent Emotional Experience Emotion Skills and Abilities Developed or Enhanced in Adolescence Emotional Competence in Adolescence and Beyond
The Life-giving Force of “Ren” and Dai Zhen’s Conception of Desire

This article examines the vitalistic meaning of “ren” (仁) with its focus of discussion on the 18th century Confucian thinker Dai Zhen’s (戴震 1724–1777) reading of the concept. I argue that Dai Zhen, in both continuation with and departure from the Neo-Confucian thought on the vitalism of ren provides a unique interpretation of this key Confucian notion in terms of the creative creativity of shengsheng (生生) and thereby throws a fresh light on the age-old subject of human desire.
Mass Center Estimation of a Drag-Free Satellite

The mass center location of a spinning drag-free satellite can be estimated because there is control required to accelerate the mass center along the axis of spin as long as there is some nutation in the spinning motion. Linear and nonlinear models are compared and observability discussed. Online estimation fails when nutation is damped so an offline mechanization is proposed. A new sensor has been designed to permit greater relative motion than was possible on the drag-free satellite flown in 1972 (JH-1). Experimental laboratory results using a spinning vehicle with the new sensor mounted 30 cm from a spherical air bearing support are presented which confirm earlier simulation results.
Why Global Warming Is Controversial

Changing the Atmosphere Expert Knowledge and Environmental Governance. Clark A. Miller and Paul N. Edwards, Eds. MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 2001. 397 pp. $67, £47.95. ISBN 0-262-13387-3. Paper, $26.95, £18.95. ISBN 0-262-63219-5. The contributors, drawn largely from the field of science and technology studies, discuss the creation of knowledge about climate change and the use of such research in shaping governmental policies.
Effects of simulated weightlessness on rat osteocalcin and bone calcium

Some of the musculoskeletal changes that occur in growing rats during spaceflight are simulated by a model that selectively unloads the hindlimbs while maintaining normal weight bearing on the forelimbs. Using this model we studied the response of mineral and the mineral-binding protein osteocalcin (OC) in the third lumbar vertebra (L3) and the femoral midshaft to periods of unweighting from 2 to 28 days. Serum OC decreased by 25%, consistent with a decreased rate of bone growth, during the first week of suspension and returned toward control values after 15 days. The L3 and femur weighed 20% less than control bones after 10-28 days. OC content of L3 and femur diaphysis were lower after 7 days of suspension and returned to normal levels at 28 days, whereas Ca content rose slightly at 5 days then decreased sharply. OC:Ca ratio was also affected. The data suggest that unweighting affects formation and deposition of OC and Ca differently depending on bone location and duration of unweighting. Both serum and bone OC are highly sensitive indicators of disruption of osteoblast activity by altered skeletal loading.
Estimating absolute current velocities by merging shipboard doppler current profiler data with LORAN-C data

The output of a shipboard-mounted Doppler Current Profiler (DCP) is a profile of water velocity, in various depth bins, relative to the ship. To obtain absolute water velocities, some independent measure of the absolute ship's velocity must be used. The most common measure of ship's velocity is derived from LORAN-C navigation. Unfortunately, LORAN-C derived velocities are not as accurate as Doppler estimates. A process involving a reference layer concept and numerical filtration to obtain estimates of absolute water velocities is described. The cost of using this process is the loss of information concerning the variation of absolute water velocities at periods less than \sim 1/2 hours. Once the problem of inaccurate navigation is solved, there are still two problems that can affect the quality of absolute water velocity estimates. These problems arise from small errors in the heading ascribed to the ship and to the speed calibration of the Doppler system.
Olfaction and Taste

The ability to detect and interpret the chemicals in our environment affects nearly every aspect of our survival. The flavor of our food, i.e., the combination of its taste and smell, is used both to prompt ingestion of nutrients and to protect us from ingesting or inhaling toxins. In the study of taste and olfaction, there are certain as yet unresolved questions that date from the very earliest research into these areas. For example, there is continued debate on the nature of primary stimuli, on the mechanisms of transduction, and on the ways in which stimuli are encoded and interpreted by the nervous system. In this review, the current thinking about these questions, as well as some recent data that may help to resolve them, are outlined. Data from both animal and human models are used to show how technological advances, particularly in the realm of molecular neurobiology, are providing the tools for a new and more complete understanding of how we taste and smell the chemicals in our environment. Keywords: chemical senses; gustation; gustatory; neural coding; olfaction; receptor; sensory systems; smell; taste; transduction
The effects of rape on marital and sexual adjustment

Abstract The long-term impact of rape on the marital relationship of the victim and her partner was assessed by means of clinicians' ratings and observations and the couples' self-reports. Eighteen couples were seen in conjoint marital therapy, and 25 couples were interviewed in their homes. The couple response pattern included problems in understanding and commitment, communication disturbances, and sexual concerns and dysfunction. Serious relationship dysfunctions may continue for years after the rape, although there is some evidence that chronic relationship disturbances tend to occur when the victim's prerape coping capacity had been impaired by serious individual psychopathology.
A rapid and quantitative assay for measuring neighboring gene activation by vector proviruses.

A simple, quantitative assay for measuring the oncogenic potential of integrating vectors is needed in order to improve vector design and safety. In this study, we have developed a transient plasmid‐based assay to measure the activation of a reporter gene by an adjacent vector provirus. Plasmid pACT contains a luciferase cassette driven by a minimal, enhancerless promoter, into which vector proviruses are inserted upstream for evaluation by luciferase assays and northern blots. In a comparison of analogous vectors based on murine leukemia virus (MLV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and foamy virus (FV), we observed significant enhancer activity and read‐through transcription from MLV proviruses, and significant read‐through transcription from HIV proviruses. HIV and FV proviruses containing an internal MLV long‐terminal repeat (LTR) promoter also had significant enhancer activity, which was not observed with an internal promoter from the murine phosphoglycerate kinase‐1 gene, PGK. These results demonstrate that neighboring gene activation can be limited by using internal promoter(s) lacking enhancer activity, especially when present in an FV vector backbone that prevents read‐through transcription. Although the pACT assay does not measure oncogenesis directly, it should be useful for screening vectors before more time‐consuming and costly animal studies are undertaken.
Cellular responses of cultured cerebellar astrocytes to ethacrynic acid-induced perturbation of subcellular glutathione homeostasis.

Abstract Glutathione (GSH) and glutathione-related enzyme systems in astrocytes play an important role in cellular defense against oxidative stress in the nervous system. The present study was designed to characterize the cellular responses of cultured astrocytes to chemically-induced perturbations of mitochondrial and cytosolic GSH homeostasis. Treatment of astrocytes in culture with ethacrynic acid (EA), a mitochondrion-penetrating thiol reagent, induced rapid and extensive depletion of both cytosolic and mitochondrial pools of GSH. Concomitant with the effects of EA on cellular GSH were significant and concentration-dependent increases in intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as indicated by the oxidation of preloaded 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Significant elevation of intracellular ROS occurred by 15 min following exposure to 100 μM EA and reached peak levels by 30 min which were approximately 7-fold higher than corresponding control levels. Ethacrynic acid-induced GSH depletion and intracellular ROS elevation was followed by marked decreases in glutathione reductase (GR) activity in mitochondria, and to a lesser extent, in cytosolic fractions of cultured astrocytes. This inhibitory effect was time- and concentration-dependent, and other GSH-related enzymes, glutathione peroxidase and glutathioneS transferase, were not or only slightly affected. Kinetic studies showed that EA markedly diminishedVmax values of both mitochondrial and cytosolic GR without affectingKm, suggesting noncompetitive inhibition of this thiol-dependent enzyme. Another thiol-dependent enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was also markedly inhibited by EA in a time-dependent fashion. Subsequent decline of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (rhodamine 123 uptake) and cellular ATP production following EA treatment occurred prior to the onset of loss of cell viability as indicated by lactate dehydrogenase leakage. These results suggest that the loss of mitochondrial GSH may render the astrocytes unable to combat the pathological sequelae of endogenous oxidative stress, leading to perturbations of thiol-dependent enzyme activities, mitochondrial function and energy metabolism.
Mapping Ecological Attributes Using an Integrated Vegetation Classification System Approach

Summary Land managers need vegetation maps to inventory, monitor, and manage ecological resources across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Current vegetation maps usually only describe one vegetation characteristic, such as cover types, across the landscape. Although these maps provide important information for land management, they often fall short of addressing key issues like forest health and ecosystem management. In this paper we present an integrated approach where three different vegetation classifications are used in concert to spatially characterize many ecological attributes such as snag densities, insect susceptibility, and fire behavior across the landscape. Two examples from the Pacific Northwest are used to illustrate how this approach can be used to describe fuel characteristics and resource hazard across multiple scales.
Analysis of fatigue data with runouts based on a model with nonconstant standard deviation and a fatigue limit parameter

The fatigue-limit model studied here contains an unknown fatigue limit parameter. Under this model, specimens tested below this fatigue-limit level of stress will never fail. The model also allows the standard deviation of fatigue life to be a function of stress. Researchers can use this model to describe the standard deviation and stress dependence in fatigue data. To illustrate its application, we use maximum likelihood methods to fit the model to fatigue data on a nickel base superalloy. Modern statistical methods based on likelihood ratio provide confidence intervals for the fatigue limit parameter. We also study the effect that test length has on estimation by analyzing simulated data sets based on this model. Through this simulation study, we gain insight into practical test lengths for future fatigue experiments.
Effects of ozone on soybean resistance to the Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis Mulsant)

Abstract Two soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars, Forrest and Essex, were exposed to incremental levels of O3 in open-top field chambers during the 1986 growing season. Treatments consisted of chambers receiving carbon-filtered air or non-filtered air to which either 0.00, 0.03 or 0.06 ppm (μl/l)O3 was added continuously for 7 hr/day. After 3 weeks of exposure, the feeding preference of Mexican bean beetle (MBB) adults (Epilachna varivestis Mulsant) was determined by placing plants in a carbon-filtered chamber enclosed by an aluminum screen. Defoliation was visually determined after the MBB had fed for 6–8 days. Leaves from the remainder of the plants were brought to the laboratory and fed to MBB larvae. The larvae were reared in plastic boxes until pupation, and developmental time, pupal weight and mortality were determined. Visible O3 injury increased significantly with increasing O3 concentration and Forrest was significantly more sensitive than Essex. No cultivar differences were found in MBB adult feeding preference, but defoliation increased significantly with increasing O3 concentration. Results, although not as definitive as in the feeding preference study, indicated that MBB larvae tended to weigh more and develop faster on ozonated foliage. Implications of this pollutant × pest interaction are discussed relative to its potential impact on crop production.
A monkey and a stick figure: stories of remixing and social creativity

In this video, we illustrate the process and possibilities of social creativity in a large online community of young creators. We present two real stories of how a social computing system facilitated the remixing of a video game and an animation. We position these stories in the context of the online community where they occurred and explore how these case studies help us better understand social phenomena such as meme-spreads on the Internet, and the design of social computing systems.
Use of an animal model system for assessing antimicrobial activity

Summary Animal model systems are clearly an important part of our continued study of a variety of infectious processes. The model described here has been used extensively to document the role of various microbiologic components in the disease process associated with intraabdominal sepsis, as well as the effectiveness of various antimicrobial agents in treating infections in which both facultative and obligately anaerobic bacteria are present. This model system has proven to be a reliable indicator of potential therapeutic efficacy and, in certain cases, has helped to explain apparent discrepancies between in vitro and in vivo data. Obviously, such model systems cannot replace our traditional suceptibility-test systems on a patient-by-patient basis. However, information gained from models such as the one described here is an important addition to the data available regarding potential clinical efficacy. In addition to the studies of antimicrobial efficacy, a major contribution of this animal model system has been the identification of the role of various microbial species in mixed infections and host response to the infectious process. It is hoped that continued use of animal model systems for the study of infectious processes will lead to a better understanding of the basic factors in the development of infections, and identification of ways in which such infections can be treated.
Pancreatic Cystic Lesions of Nonmucinous Type

Cystic lesions of nonmucinous type can arise within the pancreas or can develop from adjacent structures and appear to involve the pancreas. In addition, some typically solid masses can become cystic or can present as cystic lesions. Nonmucinous cysts can be neoplastic, inflammatory, reactive, or congenital. The vast majority of neoplastic nonmucinous cysts are benign. Because of the difficulty in determining the neoplastic potential of a pancreatic cyst preoperatively, many non-neoplastic cysts are resected. This article reviews the surgical pathology of nonmucinous cysts.
The micro Fourier Transform Interferometer (μFTIR) : A new field spectrometer for acquisition of infrared data of natural surfaces

A lightweight, rugged, high-spectral-resolution interferometer has been built by Designs and Prototypes based on a set of specifications provided by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Dr. J. W. Salisbury (Johns Hopkins University). The instrument, the micro Fourier Transform Interferometer (mFTIR), permits the acquisition of infrared spectra of natural surfaces. Such data can be used to validate low and high spectral resolution data acquired remotely from aircraft and spacecraft in the 3-5 mm and 8-14 mm atmospheric window. The instrument has a spectral resolutions of ~6 wavenumbers, weighs 16 kg including batteries and computer, and can be operated easily by two people in the field. Laboratory analysis indicates the instrument is spectrally calibrated to better than 1 wavenumber and the radiometric accuracy is <0.5 K if the radiances from the blackbodies used for calibration bracket the radiance from the sample.
The reproductive and cell-transforming capacities of avian sarcoma virus B77: inactivation with UV light.

Abstract Avian sarcoma virus strain Bratislava 77 (B77) was irradiated with ultraviolet light, and virus survivors were studied for their ability to transform cells and to reproduce. Two classes of radiation-damaged particles were found. One can still transform but fails to reproduce; the other reproduces but cannot transform. The first class of particles also fails to induce the synthesis of noninfectious virus. It cannot be rescued by superinfection of the transformed cells with an avian leukosis virus, and it is unable to maintain the transformed state during prolonged culture. The second class of particles is antigenically indistinguishable from B77, interferes with avian sarcoma viruses of subgroup C and produces pseudotypes with RSV(0).
Crossed immunoelectrophoresis: Normal variation among serum proteins

Introduction Studying pathologic serum changes with crossed immunoelectrophoresis (X-IEP) and related techniques is improving our understanding of human physiology and resulting in better diagnosis and treatment of diseases. These advances come from more certain identification and measurement of the ' 'abnormal" as compared to the "normal" values for serum antigens. But gleaned from large populations of healthy people, these assessments have taken insufficient account of variability within the individuals of a "normal" population. That is, the serum of each person has its own unique X-IEP pattern. Antigens in some X-IEP patterns can be outside a "normal" range without being pathologically significant. This normal diversity must be distinguished from pathologic deviations. Because of its multivariate analytic capabilities, X-IEP can do this for clinically important serum proteins on an individual basis, thus greatly enhancing chances for detecting those pathologic changes as no earlier technique could. Some illustrations of this are presented here.
AUTECOLOGY AND THE FILLING OF ECOSPACE: KEY METAZOAN RADIATIONS

Abstract: All possible combinations of six tiering positions in relation to the substratum/water interface, six motility levels and six feeding strategies define a complete theoretical ecospace of 216 potential modes of life for marine animals. The number of modes of life actually utilized specifies realized ecospace. Owing to constraints of effectiveness and efficiency the modern marine fauna utilizes only about half the potential number of modes of life, two-thirds of which (62 of 92) are utilized by animals with readily preserved, mineralized hard parts. Realized ecospace has increased markedly since the early evolution of animal ecosystems. The Ediacaran fauna utilized at most 12 modes of life, with just two practised by skeletal organisms. A total of 30 modes of life are recorded in the Early and Middle Cambrian, 19 of which were utilized by skeletal organisms. The other 11 are documented from soft-bodied animals preserved in the Chengjiang and Burgess Shale Konservat-Lagerstatten. The number of modes of life utilized by skeletal organisms increased by more than 50 per cent during the Ordovician radiation to a Late Ordovician total of 30. Between the Late Ordovician and the Recent the number of utilized modes of life has doubled again. The autecological and taxonomic diversity histories of the marine metazoa appear to be broadly parallel, and future studies of theoretical ecospace utilization should provide more detailed tests of pattern and process in the ecological history of the metazoa.
Evaluation of Multivariate Visualization on a Multivariate Task

Multivariate visualization techniques have attracted great interest as the dimensionality of data sets grows. One premise of such techniques is that simultaneous visual representation of multiple variables will enable the data analyst to detect patterns amongst multiple variables. Such insights could lead to development of new techniques for rigorous (numerical) analysis of complex relationships hidden within the data. Two natural questions arise from this premise: Which multivariate visualization techniques are the most effective for high-dimensional data sets? How does the analysis task change this utility ranking? We present a user study with a new task to answer the first question. We provide some insights to the second question based on the results of our study and results available in the literature. Our task led to significant differences in error, response time, and subjective workload ratings amongst four visualization techniques. We implemented three integrated techniques (Data-driven Spots, Oriented Slivers, and Attribute Blocks), as well as a baseline case of separate grayscale images. The baseline case fared poorly on all three measures, whereas Datadriven Spots yielded the best accuracy and was among the best in response time. These results differ from comparisons of similar techniques with other tasks, and we review all the techniques, tasks, and results (from our work and previous work) to understand the reasons for this discrepancy.
Microstructural and Microchemical Characterization of Silicon Carbide and Silicon Carbonitride Ceramic Fibers Produced from Polymer Precursors

Several continuous SiC and SiC/N-based ceramic fibers prepared from different polymer precursors have been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM). Methods to prepare longitudinal as well as cross-sectional thin specimens from brittle ceramic fibers were developed to facilitate HREM and EELS studies. Lattice images clearly showed nanometer-sized crystallites, as well as amorphous regions. Microchemical analysis using EELS permitted study of the form and distribution of the various chemical species within the fibers.
Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Hemodynamics at Rest and During Exercise. I. Normal Subjects

Cardiovascular responses to submaximal graded upright exercise were investigated by pulmonary and subclavian arterial catheterization in nine healthy young men before and after smoking a single cigarette. At rest, after smoking, the mean cardiac index (CI) and mean heart rate (HR) increased, while arteriovenous oxygen difference (AVDO 2 ), stroke index (SI) and mean PA pressure remained unchanged. During successively increasing levels of exercise, the HR was greater and the SI lower than values for comparable work before smoking; the AVCO 2 , VO 2 , PA presure, systemic vascular resistance, lactate production, V E and arterial Po 2 did not change significantly. By decreasing the stroke volume response to exercise, smoking a single cigarette significantly alters the hemodynamic response to exercise in a direction opposite to physical training.
Acute hemodynamic effects of caffeine administration in premature infants

Administration of caffeine citrate (caffeine) has been a central component of the treatment of apnea of prematurity. However, given its multiple pharmacologic effects, caffeine might be expected to produce hemodynamic changes in heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output and vascular resistance. In this prospective observational study, we report the hemodynamic effects of intravenous caffeine administration in a population of premature infants who received caffeine to correct or prevent apnea of prematurity. Hemodynamic effects of caffeine were determined in 31 infants. Stroke volume was measured via echocardiogram, using velocity time integral at the aortic root diameter. Statistically univariate analyses were performed parametrically using paired t-test and nonparametrically (sign test). Multivariate linear regression models were used to identify subgroup covariate effects. After intravenous caffeine, cardiac index increased in 31 of 31 trials, by an average of 14.6±16.3% (s.d.); stroke volume increased in 24 of 31 trials, by 7.8±12.2%; heart rate increased in 28 of 31 trials by 7.7±7.2 beats per min; and blood pressure increased in 25 of 31 trials, by 4.1±5.8 mm Hg (all P<0.001). Multivariate linear regression revealed no significant effect of dose, birth weight, gestational age or postnatal age. Intravenous caffeine consistently increases cardiac output and blood pressure in relatively stable premature infants, when given to treat or prevent apnea of prematurity. We speculate that there may be a role for caffeine in the hemodynamic treatment of hypotensive/hypoperfused infants.
Bleaching characteristics of rhodopsin from normal and dystrophic rats.

Abstract Rhodopsin from the retinas of dystrophic (RCS) and normal rats was extracted in 2% digitonin. With the bleaching of visual pigment samples by short exposures to orange light it is shown that no difference exists for the bleaching rates of the two rhodopsins at 22 days of age. This finding is contrary to the suggestion that dystrophic rat retinas contain a form of rhodopsin which is unusually labile to the action of light. The thermal stability of the rhodopsin from 22 day old dystrophic rats was compared to that of adult normal rats at a temperature of 52°C. Again, no difference was observed indicating that the rate limiting step for thermal denaturation is normal in dystrophic rat rhodopsin. The rate of formation of metarhodopsin II was studied for rhodopsin from 25-day-old dystrophic and normal rats. At the three temperatures in which it was tested, 17, 25 and 37°C, the formation of this photoproduct appears to be normal for the dystrophic rat rhodopsin.
PURIFICATION AND ANALYSIS OF AN 80-KDA CARCINOEMBRYONIC ANTIGEN-BINDING PROTEIN FROM KUPFFER CELLS

Abstract The receptor-mediated interaction of Kupffer cells with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has led to the identification of an 80-kDa CEA-binding Kupffer cell protein. This study is aimed at the isolation and analyses of this protein from rat Kupffer cells. The binding protein was purified using a combination of gel filtration, preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PPAGE), and affinity chromatography using a CEA–Sepharose column. Fractions obtained from the gel filtration produced two major and few minor peaks with CEA-binding activity. Maximum reactivity was detected in the first major peak. The first major peak protein was partially precipitated following fractionation with 30% loss of activity in the precipitate. Fractions with CEA-binding activity were pooled and separated on the basis of molecular weight (MW) in PPAGE. The fractions between MW 70 and 90 kDa were pooled and affinity purified using CEA–Sepharose affinity chromatography. The purity of the 80-kDa protein was demonstrated by a single protein band on SDS–polyacrylamide gel. The protein was further identified by an anti-80-kDa binding protein antibody in Western blot analysis. The p I of the 80-kDa protein is 4.95. Amino acid analysis demonstrated no histidine; higher percentages of glutamine (13.3%), leucine (11.2%), asparagine and alanine (10.4%), and lysine (9.2%) were observed. Protein microsequencing revealed two unique sequences, one with 16 amino acids and the other with 11 amino acids. The 16-amino-acid sequence has less than 50% homology with a large sample of unrelated proteins, whereas the sequence containing 11 amino acids has 60–70% homology with the α chain of collagen from a variety of species but no significant homology with other known proteins, suggesting the presence of collagen-like domains in the 80-kDa receptor.
Endoscopic intrapyloric injection of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of children with gastroparesis: a retrospective, open-label study

Background Botulinum toxin A has been used in children to treat spastic disorders and recently for GI conditions. Open-label studies in adults with gastroparesis have reported an improvement in symptoms and gastric emptying after endoscopic intrapyloric botulinum injections (IPBIs), although placebo-controlled trials have shown conflicting results. Only a single case report of IPBI is available in children. Objective To determine the long-term clinical outcomes and predictive factors for IPBI response in children with gastroparesis refractory to medical therapy. Design Retrospective review. Setting Single tertiary care center. Patients Children with refractory gastroparesis symptoms undergoing IPBIs. Interventions IPBIs. Main Outcome Measurements Clinical improvement and predictive factors for response. Results A total of 70 injections were given to 47 patients (mean age 9.98 ± 6.5 years; 23 female patients) with follow-up in 45 patients. IPBI failed in 15 patients and was successful in 30 patients. The median duration of response to the first IPBI was 3.0 months (95% CI, 1.2-4.8). A total of 29 patients received a single IPBI, and 18 received multiple IPBIs. Older age and vomiting predicted response to initial IPBI, and male sex predicted response to repeat IPBI. Only 1 patient reported exacerbation of vomiting after IPBI resolving within a week. Limitations The open-label and retrospective nature of the study. Conclusion IPBI is safe and may be effective in the management of children with symptoms of gastroparesis. Subgroups identifying who responded to the first IPBI include older patients and those presenting with vomiting, whereas male patients responded better to repeat IPBIs.
1421 CORTICOSTEROID RESPONSIVENESS IN CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE OF PREMATURITY

Corticosteroids (CS) have been anecdotally reported to improve chronic lung disease (CLD) in premature infants. Concern over equivocal results and long-term CNS effects prompted us to review our clinical experience. Between 01/78 and 11/80 we cared for 16 premature infants with clinical and X-ray diagnosis of CLD, O2 requirement >30 days and AaDO2 >100 who received CS for >48 hrs (mean dose 4.04 ± 1.66 mg/kg/day prednisone equivalent). A positive response to CS was defined as a >30% drop in AaDO2 by days 4-6 post introduction of CS which was sustained for >7 days. Eight positive responses in 8 infants and 10 failures to respond in another 8 infants were found. Responders had lower birth-weights (p <0.01), gestational ages (p <0.05) and gained more weight/day prior to CS (p <0.01) as compared to nonresponders and decreased PCO2 (p <0.05) pre- and post CS. There was no difference between the two groups in mean AaDO2, weight at time of treatment, or the dose given, X-ray appearance, postnatal age, mortality and duration of O2 therapy. Nine infants with CLD who did not receive CS were selected as a control group. Only one had a dramatic but transient decrease in O2 requirement similar to the defined positive response. In conclusion, 50% of infants receiving CS had a dramatic improvement in their lung function. However, it is unclear whether this treatment altered their long-term outcome. CS responsiveness may be a function of some unrecognized etiologic difference or complication of CLD.
Early Development of IVM/IVF Bovine Embryos Cultured with or without Somatic Cells in a Simple Serum-free Medium with Different Concentrations of CO2 and O2

The effect of various O2 and CO2 mixtures on development of bovine embryos produced by in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilization (IVM/IVF) was examined in a newly formulated simple KSOM medium versus a complex Menezo B2 serum-free medium and in co-culture. Numbers of cells comprising blastocysts were also counted using Hoechst 33342 stain. Following routine IVM/IVF procedures oocytes and zygotes were cultured for 40 to 44 h in various media. Then 2-to 8-cell embryos had cumulus cells removed and were alotted randomly for continued culture to the same experimental culture media, but with various gas conditions. In Experiment 1, the percentage of embryos developing to and beyond morula stages in 5, 10 and 20% O2 with 5% CO2 in humidified air was 22, 15 and 12%, respectively, with the 22 versus 12% being different (P 0.05). In Experiment 2, the proportions of embryos developing into blastocysts in 5 and 10% CO2 were 15 and 6% (P<0.05), respectively, and in 5 and 10% O2 were 15 and 7%, respectively (P<0.05). Mean blastocyst cell number (82) was highest with 5% CO2 and 10% O2 even though more blastocysts were obtained with 5% CO2 and 5% O2 (P<0.05). In Experiment 3, embryos were co-cultured on monolayers of bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOEC) or buffalo rat liver cells with KSOM medium in 5 and 10% O2 and 5% CO2. Treatment effects did not differ except 10% O2 was superior to 5% O2 when considering both morulae and blastocysts (41 vs 33%; P<0.05). These experiments indicate that the O2-CO2 concentrations can affect the development of bovine embryos produced by IVM/IVF when cultured in a simple serum-free medium with and without co-culture and that the simple KSOM medium can serve as a defined medium to study required supplementation for culturing IVM/IVF bovine oocytes.
Biphenyls labeled with technetium 99m for imaging β-amyloid plaques in the brain

Abstract Formation and accumulation of excess aggregates of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques in the brain are critical factors contributing to the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). There is an urgent need for in vivo imaging agents that can specifically demonstrate the location and density of Aβ plaques in the brain. The aim of this study was to develop potential technetium 99m ( 99m Tc)-labeled diagnostic imaging agents specific for the detection of Aβ plaques. Based on previously obtained Aβ plaque-specific biphenyls containing a p - N , N -dimethylaminophenyl group, a series of 99m Tc and Re–N 2 S 2 –biphenyl derivatives was prepared. The stable neutral and lipophilic 99m Tc complexes, [ 99m Tc] 19 and [ 99m Tc] 23 , A+B , were successfully obtained. As surrogates for the 99m Tc complexes, the corresponding surrogates, Re complexes of 23 , were also prepared. Surprisingly, it was found that the Re complexes showed distinctively different retention profiles as compared with the corresponding 99m Tc complexes. Biodistribution studies indicated that [ 99m Tc] 23A readily passed through the blood–brain barrier (1.18% dose/brain at 2 min) in contrast to the low brain penetration of [ 99m Tc] 19 (0.29% dose/brain at 2 min). Initial results suggested that [ 99m Tc] 23A showed selective binding to the Aβ plaque-like structures in the brain sections from transgenic mice but not in the postmortem human brain tissue of patients with confirmed AD. The results provide encouraging evidence that development of a 99m Tc-labeled agent for imaging Aβ plaques in the brain may be feasible. Caution should be taken when comparing these 99m Tc complexes with the corresponding surrogates — the Re complexes.
Cooling the road: the role of music within the southern Ewe funeral ceremony

Abstract This article examines the role that music plays within the complete funeral ceremony in southern Eweland. Beginning with the procession of the body from the morgue to the home, to the wake-keeping, to the burial, to the final grand funeral, music not only provides a timeline of the various funeral activities, it also signifies something about the identity of the deceased and the kinds of associations they had in life. Within the various funeral events, there are also different genres of music that evoke contrasting emotions ranging from sadness, cultural pride, spiritual power, bravery, and humour. Music also serves to bring the community together in the public sphere of the funeral grounds, to fulfil the shared responsibility of properly sending off the deceased, so they do not remain to trouble theliving. In Ewe culture, death brings about a state of hotness which must be cooled off through the collective actions of the community.