cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel ligands for the opioid receptors: synthesis and structure–activity relationships among 5′-aryl and 5′-heteroaryl 17-cyclopropylmethyl-4,5α-epoxypyrido[2′,3′:6,7]morphinans

Abstract A series of pyridomorphinans possessing an aryl (10a–s) or heteroaryl (11a–h) substituent at the 5′-position of the pyridine ring of 17-cyclopropylmethyl-4,5α-epoxypyrido[2′,3′:6,7]morphinan was synthesized and evaluated for binding and functional activity at the opioid δ, μ, and κ receptors. All of these pyridomorphinans bound with higher affinity at the δ site than at μ or κ sites. The binding data on isomeric compounds revealed that there exists greater bulk tolerance for substituents placed at the o-position of the phenyl ring than at m- or p-positions. Among the ligands examined, the 2-chlorophenyl (10l), 2-nitrophenyl (10n), 2-pyridyl (11a), and 4-quinolinyl (11g) compounds bound to the δ receptor with subnanomolar affinity. Compound 10c with the p-tolyl substituent displayed the highest μ δ selectivity (ratio=42) whereas compound 10l with the 2-chlorophenyl substituent displayed the highest κ δ selectivity (ratio=23). At 10 μM concentration, the in vitro functional activity determined using [35S]GTP-γ-S binding assays showed that all of the compounds were antagonists devoid of any significant agonist activity at the δ, μ, and κ receptors. Antagonist potency determinations of three selected ligands revealed that the p-tolyl compound 10c is a potent δ selective antagonist. In the [35S]GTP-γ-S assays this compound had a functional antagonist Ki value of 0.2, 4.52, and 7.62 nM at the δ, μ, and κ receptors, respectively. In the smooth muscle assays 10c displayed δ antagonist potency with a Ke value of 0.88 nM. As an antagonist, it was 70-fold more potent at the δ receptors in the MVD than at the μ receptors in the GPI. The in vitro δ antagonist profile of this pyridomorphinan 10c resembles that of the widely used δ selective antagonist ligand naltrindole.
Translation of Pharmacogenetics into Clinically Relevant Testing Modalities

Pharmacogenetics (PGx) relies on the genetic makeup of an individual to predict drug response and efficacy, as well as potential adverse drug events. Significant advances in PGx research have been made since inherited differences in response to such drugs as isoniazid and succinylcholine were explored in the 1950s,1, 2 and the clinical utility and application of PGx are especially apparent in some subspecialty areas of chemotherapeutic, psychotropic drug, and anticoagulant therapies. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2007) 82, 373–376. doi:10.1038/sj.clpt.6100350
Cognitive and projective measures of differentiation and their relationship to empathy

Abstract The present investigation compared cognitive and projective methods of assessing “differentiation,” Witkin's Embedded Figures Test (EFT) and Blatt's Concept of the Object Scale (COS), and reexamined expectations concerning the relationship between level of differentiation and capacity for empathy. Whether lesser or greater differentiation would promote empathy was of specific interest. Two forms of empathy were investigated, an “affective” form assessed by the Mehrabian Empathy Scale and a “cognitive” form assessed by the Hogan Empathy Scale. Expected sex differences in differentiation and empathy were also investigated. Results demonstrated consonance between COS and EFT measures of differentiation within the male sample only (p
A program to form a multidisciplinary data base and analysis for dynamic systems

Diverse sets of experimental data and analysis programs have been assembled for the purpose of facilitating research in systems identification, parameter estimation and state estimation techniques. The data base analysis programs are organized to make it easy to compare alternative approaches. Additional data and alternative forms of analysis will be included as they become available.
CD8+ T lymphocytes of patients with AIDS maintain normal broad cytolytic function despite the loss of human immunodeficiency virus-specific cytotoxicity.

Abstract In this study, we have investigated the potential mechanisms responsible for the loss of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-specific cytolytic activity in the advanced stages of HIV-1 infection. We have demonstrated that HIV-1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes are predominantly contained within the CD8+DR+ subset. Furthermore, we have shown by a redirected killing assay that there is a dichotomy between HIV-1-specific cytolytic activity and broad cytolytic potential since the cytolytic machinery of CD8+DR+ cells is still functioning even in patients with AIDS who have lost their HIV-1-specific cytolytic activity. In addition, by comparative analysis of these two types of cytolytic activity over time we have demonstrated a progressive loss of HIV-1-specific cytolytic activity in the advanced stages of the disease, whereas the cytolytic potential remained unchanged regardless of the clinical stage. As previously shown in patients with AIDS, even in asymptomatic HIV-1-seropositive patients, CD8+DR+ cells from the same patient, compared to CD8+DR- lymphocytes, showed a substantial reduction in their ability to proliferate in vitro in response to different stimuli, such as mitogens (phytohemagglutinin and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) and monoclonal antibodies directed against CD3, CD2, and CD28 molecules, and displayed a defective clonogenic potential. Thus, on the basis of these results we propose that the loss of HIV-1-specific cytolytic activity in HIV-1-infected individuals may result at least in part from a progressive decrease in the pool of HIV-1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes belonging to the CD8+DR+ subset whose ability to expand has been impaired.
Characterization of a glass-bonded ceramic waste form loaded with U and Pu

This paper presents microscopic characterization of four samples of a ceramic waste form (CWF) developed for disposal of actinide-containing electrorefiner salts. The four samples were prepared to investigate the influence of water content and the Pu:U ratio on CWF microstructure and performance. While the overall phase content is not strongly influenced by either variable, the presence of water in the initial zeolite has a detectable effect on CWF microstructure. It is found to influence the distribution of the major actinide host phase, a (U,Pu)O{sub 2} mixed oxide.
Responsibility Attributions for Drunken Behavior: The Role of Expectancy Violation1

Research on attributions about drunken aggression has suggested that intoxication serves to excuse the aggressor while increasing blame to the victim. In this study, we examined subjects' responses to a scenario depicting a violent interaction in which intoxication of aggressor and victim, victim's behavior, and aggressor's previous violent background were varied. We predicted that to the extent that the violent act violated the expectations of the observer, alcohol intoxication would serve to decrease dispositional and responsibility attributions to the aggressor. Instead, the findings showed that alcohol use led to increased attributions of causality, blame, and responsibility for both aggressor and victim. The results are discussed in terms of both attribution theory and societal factors influencing the acceptability of excuses involving alcohol.
Oral cholestyramine and paregoric therapy for intractable diarrhea following surgical correction of catastrophic disease of the GI tract in neonates

Ten surgical neonates with postoperative intractable diarrhea and secondary weight loss were treated with combination cholestyramine and paregoric therapy. Within 3-5 days all infants except two showed significant clinical improvement with a decreasing number of stools, an increase in the consistency of the stool, and gradual weight gain. The exact mechanism of action of cholestyramine is not clear. It may act by binding with bile salts and/or endotoxins in the bowel lumen or decreasing the motility of the bowel. Used in combination with paregoric, a known bowel motility depressant, the doses of each medication can be kept quite low thus avoiding undesirable side effects. Medium chain triglyceride formula is helpful in some of these infants to improve fat absorption further. Medication in all of these infants has been discontinued without any adverse effects.
Heat and mass transfer phenomena for viscous flow in curved circular tubes

Abstract Heat transfer to steady viscous flow in curved tubes of circular cross section was studied theoretically for fully developed velocity and temperature fields under the thermal boundary condition of axially uniform wall heat flux with peripherally uniform wall temperature. The fully developed velocity profiles utilized were calculated by means of a rigorous numerical method [1]. The thermal-energy equation was solved numerically by use of a point successive-overrelaxation method. Results are not limited to slightly curved tubes and low Dean numbers, as in previous analyses. Solutions are presented for a Dean-number range from 1 to 1200. Prandtl-number and curvature-ratio parameters varied from 0.005 to 1600 and from 10 to 100, respectively. The peripherally averaged Nusselt number could be correlated as a function of Dean and Prandtl numbers only; but, when peripheral variation of the Nusselt number is considered, the curvature ratio enters as an additional parameter.
Analysis of the inhibition and remodeling of islet amyloid polypeptide amyloid fibers by flavanols.

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP, amylin) is responsible for amyloid formation in type 2 diabetes and in transplanted islets. The flavanol (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate [EGCG; (2R,3R)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-3-yl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate] is an effective inhibitor of amyloid formation by IAPP; however, the interactions required for the inhibition of IAPP amyloid formation and for the remodeling of amyloid fibers are not known. A range of features have been proposed to be critical for EGCG protein interactions, including interactions with aromatic residues, interactions with amino groups, or sulfhydryls. Using a set of IAPP analogues, we show that none of these are required. Studies in which EGCG is added to the lag phase of amyloid formation shows that it interacts with intermediates as well as with monomers and amyloid. The features of EGCG required for effective inhibition were examined. The stereoisomer of EGCG, (−)-gallocatechin gallate (GCG), is an effecti...
Management Subcultures: Research and Change

The purpose of this paper is to suggest the existence and nature of management culture. In particular, attention needs to be given to management subcultures. The norms, beliefs and values of these subcultures have consequences for management behaviour, individuals, for the organisation as a whole, and for the ways in which managers become socialised. A simulation approach to researching management subcultures and management behaviour is proposed. The use of the simulation approach for changing management behaviour and subcultures is discussed.
Quantification of the Biomechanical Differences in Wild-Type and Heterozygous TGF Beta2 Knockout Mice

The use of transgenic mice is an incredibly powerful tool in understanding the underlying etiology of disease. To understand the usefulness of specific transgenic mice, the systems of interest should be characterized. We have created TGFβ2-deficient mouse fetuses that develop widespread aortic and coronary artery aneurysms [1]. Several studies have pointed to a strong connection between elevated TGFβ signaling and aortic aneurysm [2]. In situ hybridization has shown that Tgfb2 and Tgfb3 are major ligands expressed in the aortic medial wall. Further reduction of TGFβ signaling by combining TGFβ2- and TGFβ3-deficient mice exacerbated cardiovascular aneurysms in TGFβ2/TGFβ3-doubly deficient embryos. In vitro cell culture experiments demonstrated an impaired ability of TGFβ2-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts to reorganize collagen. Previous data indicate reduced levels of TGFβ2 leading to a higher susceptibility to aortic aneurysm. We present here the macroscopic biomechanical characterization of the aorta of a transgenic mouse line showing this susceptibility and compare it to wild-type mice. We also present results comparing the microstructure between mouse lines.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
An audit tool for determining flexibility requirements in a manufacturing facility

Two key questions in flexible manufacturing systems design are “Why and where is flexibility needed?” and “What type of flexibility is needed?” We present an auditing tool to support managers in their efforts to answer these questions. The objective of this audit is to estimate the needed flexibility by linking it to the uncertainty experienced in the company’s manufacturing operations. The premise of this approach is that the need for flexibility is triggered by some recurring operational change in the company’s environment. Introduces two distinct classes of flexibility‐related changes on the basis of their source: external and internal. The flexibility audit consists of a structured questionnaire that is designed to identify and prioritize the changes being experienced by the facility. Subsequently prioritizes and links the changes to different flexibility types. Reports the results of the audit in three easy to read tables. Expects the audit to be the first step in any flexible manufacturing design (FMD) effort. Presents a case study.
Manipulating nanoparticles and macromolecules with light patterned microfluidic flow

We present a novel light-actuated ac electroosmosis (LACE) mechanism allowing concentrating and transporting micro-, nano-scale particles including macromolecules using light-patterned, dynamically reconfigurable microfluidic vortices on a photoconductive surface. LACE is realized by sandwiching an aqueous liquid medium between a featureless photoconductive surface and a transparent ITO electrode. Under the application of an ac bias with a frequency close to the electric double layer relaxation frequency, a light beam can create a microfluidic vortex flow around the illuminated area through ac electroosmosis. By integrating with a spatial light modulator such as a DMD microdisplay, LACE allows the creation of 31,000 microfluidic vortices on a 1.3 times 1 mm2 area for massively parallel trapping of 2-mum, 1 mum, 500 nm, 200 nm, and 50 nm polystyrene beads. We have also demonstrated LACE concentration and transportation of lambda-phage DNA molecules, and quantum dots.
Early Bell system/independents relationships

Through years of teaching the history of the information and communication industry I have been confounded by what appears to be a specific reversal of attitude of AT and T in dealings with Independent Telephone Companies (Independents). I am referring to corporate policy between the years 1907 and 1913. Before Theodore Vail returned to AT and T in 1907, the corporation was regarded as a most predatory monopoly. Policy seemed to be buy or force the independents out of business and don't let them connect to AT and T interstate circuits. That policy was closely followed until the 1913 Kingsbury Commitment reversed it completely. Something happened to the company, or Vail, during this time period to cause a profound change in business focus. Did Vail have a non-predatory philosophy all along but lack authority to enforce it. Did religion impact his mindset or did some other profound experience help change his mind? Was it the pressure of the "trust busters" in Washington that forced the change? Or were the changes just a result of good business sense? I think J.P. Morgan really was the robber baron, and Vail was the white knight that set AT and T on the right path for the next 70 years.
Effects of Androgens on Serum Concentrations of Gonadotropins and Ovarian Steroids in Gilts

To examine how androgens affect endocrine events associated with increased ovulation rate, gilts were injected with androgen receptor agonists, an antagonist, or a combination of both. Blood samples were collected hourly from Day 13 to estrus (Day 0 = onset of estrus) coincident with gilts (n = 6 per treatment) receiving daily treatments of vehicle (corn oil), 10 mg of testosterone, 10 mg of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (dihydrotestosterone), 1.5 g of flutamide (an androgen receptor antagonist), testosterone plus flutamide, or dihydrotestosterone plus flutamide. Treatment of gilts with testosterone or dihydrotestosterone alone increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of FSH in serum, and these effects were blocked by cotreatment with flutamide. Estradiol-17beta and androstenedione concentrations in serum were increased (P < 0.05) at 2 h after injection of testosterone or testosterone plus flutamide but not after dihydrotestosterone treatment, probably because of the role of testosterone as a substrate for estradiol-17beta and androstenedione synthesis. There were no effects of the six treatments on serum concentrations of progesterone during luteolysis, but treating gilts with testosterone shortened (P < 0.05) the proestrous period. Total embryonic loss by Day 11 in gilts treated with dihydrotestosterone was reversed when gilts were cotreated with dihydrotestosterone plus flutamide. Results of this experiment indicated that androgen actions both increased FSH secretion and reduced embryonic survival by a mechanism(s) dependent on the androgen receptor.
The Infant Aphakia Treatment Study: Further on intra- and postoperative complications in the intraocular lens group

The Infant Aphakia Treatment Study (IATS) did not find a significant difference in visual acuity for infants with a unilateral congenital cataract <7 months of age who were corrected with a contact lens compared to an intraocular lens (IOL) after cataract surgery.1,2 However, there were significantly more intraoperative and postoperative adverse events and additional intraocular surgeries in the IOL group compared to the contact lens group. This outcome prompted the recommendation that IOL implantation be limited to infants at risk of experiencing “significant periods of uncorrected aphakia” if an IOL was not implanted.1 Some pediatric cataract surgeons have speculated that if the IATS protocol had been designed differently or if more experienced surgeons had performed the cataract surgeries that the high rate of adverse events in the IOL group would have been averted. Some of these critiques have been published as letters-to-the editor and others have been raised in forums, both public and private.3,4 In this report, we address these issues and, in some areas, we provide additional outcome data from the IATS to help clarify areas where there may have been misunderstandings.
Do carotenoids buffer testosterone-induced immunosuppression? An experimental test in a colourful songbird

Testosterone (T) is hypothesized to be an important honesty reinforcer of animal sexual signals. Owing to its immunosuppressive effects, only those individuals that can immunologically withstand high T levels can develop the most exaggerated traits. To date, few studies have isolated phenotypic or genotypic buffers that provide ‘high-quality’ animals with such an advantage. Dietary carotenoid pigments may in fact confer such a benefit because when in high supply carotenoids boost immunocompetence and coloration in animals like birds and fishes. We examined the experimental effect of T elevation on carotenoid and immune status in male and female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and found that T was immunostimulatory in a generalized cell-mediated challenge. We also detected a significant interaction between T treatment and the change in plasma carotenoids that occurred during the immune challenge; the relationship between blood carotenoid change and immunity was positive in controls and negative in T-implanted birds. This suggests that, while correlationally birds with high carotenoid stores were inherently better at mounting strong immune responses, experimentally administered T induced birds to deplete carotenoids for maximizing their health. Our findings highlight a nutrient-specific mechanism by which animals escape high immune costs of T elevation and thus can still elevate ornamentation.
Medical reasoning by causal simulation

A rule-based causal simulation system named CAUSIM is described. It offers two kinds of simulation: backward simulation and forward simulation. Backward simulation is used to infer the behavior of specific attributes, whereas forward simulation is taken to arrive at possible overall scenarios. In addition, CAUSIM invokes constraint rules that describe incompatible behavior and values among related variable before applying simulation rules in order to obviate the inconsistencies between the simulation result and existing facts. The advantage of CAUSIM over other approaches lies in the capability of performing both qualitative and quantitative causal simulation in an integrated framework that handles the temporal issue. >
Evolution of scientific and technical information distribution

World Wide Web (WWW) and related information technologies are transforming the distribution of scientific and technical information (STI). We examine 11 recent, functioning digital libraries focusing on the distribution of STI publications, including journal articles, conference papers, and technical reports. We introduce 4 main categories of digital library projects: based on the architecture (distributed vs. centralized) and the contributor (traditional publisher vs. authoring individual/organization. Many digital library prototypes merely automate existing publishing practices or focus solely on the digitization of the publishing cycle output, not sampling and capturing elements of the input. Still others do not consider for distribution the large body of "gray literature." We address these deficiencies in the current model of STI exchange by suggesting methods for expanding the scope and target of digital libraries by focusing on a greater source of technical publications and using "buckets," an object-oriented construct for grouping logically related information objects, to include holdings other than technical publications.
Use of a digital brain atlas to compare the distribution of NGF- and bFGF-protected cholinergic neurons.

The effectiveness of basic fibroblast growth factor and nerve growth factor in preventing the lesion-induced disappearance of septal cholinergic neurons was compared by using a computerized data-acquisition system and a digital brain atlas that yielded quantitative and distributional information. Adult rats were given unilateral partial transections of the fimbria and then received daily intraventricular injection of one of the growth factors for 15 days. Given the high degree of co-localization of nerve growth factor receptors with choline acetyltransferase in these areas, cholinergic neurons were identified by nerve growth factor receptor immunoreactivity. Their locations were plotted in the context of a three-dimensional brain atlas permitting the analysis of relative distributions of cholinergic neurons in control brains and those of animals treated with each growth factor. The cholinergic cell disappearance induced by the partial fimbrial transection was restricted to the medial septal nucleus and the vertical limb of the diagonal band of Broca. Within the affected areas cholinergic cell disappearance increased gradually in severity from anterior to posterior levels of the septal nucleus. Both growth factors prevented the disappearance of cholinergic cell bodies in medial septal nucleus and vertical limb of the diagonal band. In lesioned control animals the unilateral cell disappearance amounted to 53.5% of the number of cholinergic neurons of the unlesioned side. Nerve growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor reduced this disappearance to 13% and 28%, respectively. The distribution of cholinergic cells was the same in animals treated with each growth factor, suggesting that the two growth factors protect the same population of cholinergic neurons.
The Origins of U.S. Support for an Autocratic Iran

At a time when the history of relations between the United States and the former Iranian regime (as well as other autocratic states) is being reconsidered, it is important to recognize that U.S. support for one-man rule in Iran did not commence in 1953 subsequent to the fall of the government of Dr. Mossadegh. A study of the diplomatic records of the U.S. State Department and the British Foreign Office indicates an earlier beginning.
AKAP150 Is Required for Stuttering Persistent Ca2+ Sparklets and Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension

Hypertension is a perplexing multiorgan disease involving renal primary pathology and enhanced angiotensin II vascular reactivity. Here, we report that a novel form of a local Ca 2+ signaling in arterial smooth muscle is linked to the development of angiotensin II–induced hypertension. Long openings and reopenings of L-type Ca 2+ channels in arterial myocytes produce stuttering persistent Ca 2+ sparklets that increase Ca 2+ influx and vascular tone. These stuttering persistent Ca 2+ sparklets arise from the molecular interactions between the L-type Ca 2+ channel and protein kinase Cα at only a few subsarcolemmal regions in resistance arteries. We have identified AKAP150 as the key protein, which targets protein kinase Cα to the L-type Ca 2+ channels and thereby enables its regulatory function. Accordingly, AKAP150 knockout mice (AKAP150 −/− ) were found to lack persistent Ca 2+ sparklets and have lower arterial wall intracellular calcium ([Ca 2+ ] i ) and decreased myogenic tone. Furthermore, AKAP150 −/− mice were hypotensive and did not develop angiotensin II–induced hypertension. We conclude that local control of L-type Ca 2+ channel function is regulated by AKAP150-targeted protein kinase Cα signaling, which controls stuttering persistent Ca 2+ influx, vascular tone, and blood pressure under physiological conditions and underlies angiotensin II–dependent hypertension.
The expression of aquaporin-1 in the medulla of the kidney is dependent on the transcription factor associated with hypertonicity, TonEBP

Expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and -2 (AQP2) channels in the kidney are critical for the maintenance of water homeostasis and the operation of the urinary concentrating mechanism. Hypertonic stress induced in inner medullary (IMCD3) cells by addition of NaCl to the medium substantially up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of AQP1, suggesting that its activation occurs at a transcriptional and a translational levels. In contrast, no up-regulation of AQP1 was observed when these cells were exposed to the same tonicity by addition of urea. To explore the transcriptional activation of aqp1 under hypertonic stress, we examined the role of the transcription factor associated with hypertonicity, TonEBP. Treatment of IMCD3 cells with the TonEBP inhibitor rottlerin or silencing its expression with specific shRNA technology led to a substantial reduction in AQP1 expression under hypertonic conditions. Moreover, we defined a conserved TonEBP binding site located 811 bp upstream of the aqp1 exon that is essential for its expression. Single site-directed mutation of this TonE site led to a 54 ± 5% (p < 0.01) decrease in AQP1 luciferase-driven activity under hypertonic stress. TonEBP mutant mice display marked decrement in the expression of AQP1 in the inner medulla. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that TonEBP is necessary for the regulation of AQP1 expression in the inner medulla of the kidney under hypertonic conditions.
Discrete switching vibration suppression for flexible systems with redundant actuation

If the modal response for a single degree of freedom flexible system is known, a command generation architecture can be determined which schedules on/off actuator effort such that the resulting motion will have zero vibration. If the system possesses redundant on/off actuation, the number of possible zero vibration commands increases. Of particular interest is the command that has the minimum number of actuator changes in state. This paper presents how to determine this command and applies it in simulation to a flexible actuator inspired by human muscle.
Noninvasive perfusion MRI in Alzheimer's disease A preliminary report

We performed functional MRI using the echo-planar imaging and signal targeting with alternating radio frequency (EPISTAR) technique in 11 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 8 age-matched control subjects. Seven of the AD patients had qualitatively apparent focal areas of hypoperfusion in the posterior temporoparietal-occipital regions. At the earliest inversion time producing cortical enhancement, the ratios of parieto-occipital and temporo-occipital to whole slice signal intensity were significantly lower in the AD patients than in the controls. Parieto-occipital hypoperfusion correlated with dementia severity as measured by the Blessed Dementia Scale. EPISTAR may prove to be a rapid, noninvasive alternative to other functional neuroimaging modalities in the evaluation of patients with dementia.
Real-time MRI-guided right heart catheterization in adults using passive catheters

We performed X-ray and MRI-guided transfemoral right heart catheterization in consecutive patients undergoing clinical cardiac catheterization. We sampled both cavae and both pulmonary arteries. We compared success rate, time to perform key steps, and catheter visibility among X-ray and MRI procedures using air-filled or gadolinium- filled balloon-tipped catheters. Sixteen subjects (four with shunt, nine with coronary artery disease, three with other) underwent paired X-ray and MRI catheterization. Complete guidewire-free catheterization was possible in 15 of 16 under both. MRI using gadolinium-filled balloons was at least as successful as X-ray in all procedure steps, more successful than MRI using air-filled balloons, and better than both in entering the left pulmonary artery. Total catheterization time and individual procedure steps required approximately the same amount of time irrespective of image guidance modality. Catheter conspicuity was best under X-ray and next-best using gadolin- ium-filled MRI balloons. Conclusion In this early experience, comprehensive transfemoral right heart catheterization appears feasible using only MRI for imaging guidance. Gadolinium-filled balloon catheters were more conspicuous than air-filled ones. Further workflow and device enhancement are necessary for clinical adoption.
Geographic, terrestrial and aquatic factors: which most influence the structure of stream fish assemblages in the midwestern United States?

– Effects of environmental or landscape factors on species composition, species richness and complexity of fish assemblages were examined using our collections of fish from 65 sites on streams in 13 drainages across the midwestern United States. Effects of environmental factors were examined at three scales: broad geographic factors included drainage, latitude, and longitude; local terrestrial factors included features of the riparian zone adjacent to the collecting site as well as local climate and land use; within-stream aquatic factors related to structure and hydrology of the stream reach sampled. Each assemblage property was examined for its relationship to factors at each scale separately, and then for relative importance of all factors found to be significant in the separate analyses. Assemblage composition (summarized as sample scores on two axes of a detrended correspondence analysis) varied significantly as a function of factors at all three scales when each scale was considered separately. With simultaneous consideration of all scales, however, only broad geographic factors (particularly latitude) and local terrestrial factors explained significant variation in assemblage composition. Species richness (the number of species we captured) was explained by longitude and within-stream aquatic factors both when considered separately and together. Assemblage complexity (quantified as slope of relative abundance versus rank abundance) was only related to within-stream aquatic factors. Assemblage composition and emergent assemblage properties (richness and complexity), therefore, were explained by factors acting at different scales. The total variation explained for assemblage composition was much greater than that explained for emergent assemblage properties, suggesting that assemblage composition may vary more as a function of environmental and landscape factors than do species richness and complexity.NOTE
Responses of Primate Visual Cortical V4 Neurons to Simultaneously Presented Stimuli

We report here results from 45 primate V4 visual cortical neurons to the preattentive presentations of seven different patterns located in two separate areas of the same receptive field and to combinations of the patterns in the two locations. For many neurons, we could not determine any clear relationship for the responses to two simultaneous stimuli. However, for a substantial fraction of the neurons we found that the firing rate was well modeled as the maximum firing rate of each stimulus presented separately. It has previously been proposed that taking the maximum of the inputs (“MAX” operator) could be a useful operation for neurons in visual cortex, although there has until now been little direct physiological evidence for this hypothesis. Our results here provide direct support for the hypothesis that the MAX operator plays a significant (although certainly not exclusive) role in generating the receptive field properties of visual cortical neurons.
From Silos to Synergy: A Fifty-year Review of Cross-media Research Shows Synergy Has Yet to Achieve its Full Potential

ABSTRACT Before the advent of the Internet, media planning focused on individual media and used exposure—opportunity to see—as the criterion of effectiveness. Since then, the focus has shifted to the interaction between media (particularly on- and offline media) with a shift in emphasis to opportunity to act and to sales and ROI measures of effectiveness. This article traces the move from silos to synergy over a 50-year period, much of it reported in the Journal of Advertising Research. After 1994, the concept of synergy came to be increasingly identified with interactive media effects. Most notably, a few researchers saw the importance of tying cross-media effects to sales and ROI because, as one study found, media allocation criteria differ under conditions of synergy compared to the traditional silo framework for budgetary decisions. Although much has been accomplished as described herein, the promise of cross-media research has yet to be achieved. Interactive media studies have tended to focus on limited paired media comparisons. Key areas of synergistic effects such as the distinction between sequential and simultaneous media exposure have yet to be explored. And only two studies could be cited that sought to utilize cross-media effects to establish media allocation criteria based on the association of media interactions to ROI. Of most importance is the lack of reliable measures of cross-media effects. Ideally, single-source systems would measure multi-media exposure and purchase behavior for the same respondent. The data burden placed on respondents, however, makes such systems difficult to implement. The technology resulting in the proliferation of media has outstripped the means to measure cross-media effectiveness. Until adequate measures of interactive media effects are developed, cross-media research will not reach its full potential.
Insulin receptor and aging

The potential link between aging and insulin signaling has attracted substantial attention since several decades ago, on the basis of evidence including age-related increase in incidence of insulin resistance, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in accelerated aging syndromes and lifespan extension by caloric restriction in rodents. In addition, the intensive investigations in C. elegans in the 1990's, which have identified insulin signaling components including daf-2, age-1 and daf-16 as the genes whose mutations lead to lifespan extension, shed new light on molecular mechanisms underlying aging. As suggested by the genetic studies in C. elegans, it was recently demonstrated that FKHR, FKHRL1 and AFX, which are mammalian homologues of daf-16 forkhead transcription factor, function downstream of insulin signaling and Akt/PKB under cellular conditions. However, it is an open question whether insulin signaling components, including forkhead transcription factors, play a critical role in aging and longevity in mammals as well as in C. elegans. Increasing evidence concerning C. elegans indicates that augmented resistance to stress, in particular, that to oxidative stress is involved in lifespan extension by genetic mutations of insulin signaling components. The intriguing finding that signals from the reproductive system regulate lifespan by modulating the activities of insulin signal transduction pathway in C. elegans suggests a possibility of co-evolution of reproduction and aging. The significance of studies on C. elegans with regard to human aging is discussed.
Oxidative Stability of Amino Polymer–Alumina Hybrid Adsorbents for Carbon Dioxide Capture

Amine/oxide hybrid carbon dioxide adsorbents prepared via impregnation of low molecular weight polymeric amines into porous oxide supports are among the most promising solid adsorbents developed for postcombustion CO2 capture or CO2 extraction from ambient air. The oxidative stability of adsorbents prepared by impregnation of poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) or poly(allylamine) (PAA) into mesoporous γ-alumina under humid oxidation conditions is evaluated in this work. The PEI-based adsorbents, which contain primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, are shown to degrade drastically at elevated temperatures (110 °C) and in high oxygen concentrations (21%, akin to air), with these effects reduced by both reductions in temperature (70 °C) and oxygen concentration (5%, akin to flue gas). The oxidation behavior of PEI-based adsorbents supported on alumina is qualitatively similar to past work on silica-supported PEI adsorbents. In contrast, the alumina-supported PAA adsorbents that contain only primary amines show signi...
Miracles and Common Understanding

In this paper I want to defend an argument which, I believe, demonstrates that any belief in the occurrence of miracles is unreasonable, and should therefore be rejected. I believe the argument can best be introduced in the context of a discussion of Hume's well-known views on this topic.' As a matter of fact, I think the argument can be presented, with barely a stretch of the imagination, as a not implausible interpretation of those views. And I shall present it as such. It will not worry me if my readers think at the end that the interpretation was not a "good fit". For what I really wish to show is that this interpretation succeeds where others have failed in demonstrating the absurdity of a belief in miracles. The paper is divided into two parts: in the first, I review some recent discussion of Hume's views. In the second, I present and defend my way of understanding these views. I
Evolution of Surface-Assisted Oxidation of GaAs (100) by Gas-Phase N2O, NO, and O2 under Near-Ambient Pressure Conditions

An in situ near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP XPS) study of the interfacial chemistry between GaAs (100) and three oxidants, N2O, NO, and O2, was conducted at a wide range of pressures and temperatures. The enhancement of surface oxidation was achieved mainly by the formation of Ga2O and Ga2O3, both under elevated pressure and/or temperature conditions. Based on changes in the photoelectron spectra, the extent of surface oxidation due to the dissociative adsorption of oxidants was greatest when NO was introduced, followed by O2 and then N2O, that is, NO > O2 > N2O, at elevated pressures and room temperature. A similar order in the extent of oxidation also was observed at higher temperatures; however, when the temperature was above 673 K, O2 produced the most efficient surface oxidation, followed by NO and then N2O, that is, O2 ≥ NO > N2O. The distinctive chemical behaviors of the three oxidants depend on surface interaction energetics and bond dissociation kinetics, involving prim...
Composition of Ventilation and Exhaustion System of Subway Tunnel and System Operation Models of Fire Conditions

This paper introduces the system of the ventilation and exhaustion of subway tunnel,and includes different operation conditions.It provides the basis for numerical simulation and prevention of subway fire,and makes more people know how the exhaustion system and safe evacuation cooperate when the subway breaks out of fire,and also offers the basis for the subway safety management personnel who take corrective action when they face the emergency.
Effects of nozzle contour in convergent section and throat on mass flow rate

Nozzle flow field of SRM was numerically simulated with Fluent software.The effects of nozzle convergent half angle,radius of curvature on upstream of throat section and length of throat cylinder on flow field are investigated.The results show that the influence of length of throat cylinder on flow rate is very small;flow rate decreases along with the increase of nozzle convergent half angle,and increases along with the increase of curvature radius of the throat upstream.The conclusion can be referred by nozzle designers.
Optimization of improvers for production of gluten-free noodle using response surface methodology

The effect of gluten-free noodle improvers composed of gellan gum,curdlan,and xanthan gum on the chewiness of gluten-free noodle were investigated with response surface methodolog.The purpose is to increase the gluten-free food types and provides a guiding for the gluten-free noodles' processing.The optimum ratio of noodle improver is:gellan gum 0.1(g/100g),curdlan 0.1(g/100g)and xanthan gum 0.21(g/100g).Under this condition,chewiness is 134.21mJ.
Outcomes of Major Lung Resection After Induction Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Elderly Patients

Background This study analyzes the impact of age on perioperative outcomes and long-term survival of patients undergoing surgery after induction chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer. Methods Short- and long-term outcomes of patients with non-small cell lung cancer who were at least 70 years and received induction chemotherapy followed by major lung resection (lobectomy or pneumonectomy) from 1996 to 2012 were assessed using multivariable logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox proportional hazard analysis. The outcomes of these elderly patients were compared with those of patients younger than 70 years who underwent the same treatment from 1996 to 2012. Results Of the 317 patients who met the study criteria, 53 patients were at least 70 years. The median age was 74 years (range, 70 to 82 years) in the elderly group, and induction chemoradiation was used in 24 (45%) patients. Thirty-day mortality was similar between the younger (n = 12) and elderly (n = 3) patients (5% versus 6%; p = 0.52). There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative complications between younger and elderly patients (49% versus 57%; p = 0.30). Patients younger than 70 years had a median overall survival (30 months; 95% confidence interval [CI], 24 to 43) and a 5-year survival (39%; 95% CI, 33 to 45) that was not significantly different from patients at least 70 years (median overall survival, 30 months; 95% CI, 18 to 68; and 5-year overall survival, 36%; 95% CI, 21 to 51). However, there was a trend toward worse survival in the elderly group after multivariable adjustment (hazard ratio, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.97 to 2.12; p = 0.071). Conclusions Major lung resection after induction chemotherapy can be performed with acceptable short- and long-term results in appropriately selected patients at least 70 years, with outcomes that are comparable to those of younger patients.
Uterine septum: a guideline

The purpose of this guideline is to review the literature regarding septate uterus and determine optimal indications and methods of treatment for it. Septate uterus has been associated with an increase in the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, and malpresentation; however, there is insufficient evidence that a uterine septum is associated with infertility. Several studies indicate that treating a uterine septum is associated with an improvement in live-birth rates in women with a history of prior pregnancy loss, recurrent pregnancy loss, or infertility. In a patient without infertility or prior pregnancy loss, it may be reasonable to consider septum incision following counseling regarding potential risks and benefits of the procedure. Many techniques are available to surgically treat a uterine septum, but there is insufficient evidence to recommend one specific method over another.
Casemix reimbursement: a Singapore Children's Hospital perspective.

Introduction: Casemix reimbursement was introduced to Singapore in October 1999 using the Australian National Diagnosis Related Groups Version 3.1 (AN-DRGs 3.1). The possible impact of this classification system on a Singapore Children's Hospital is discussed, Materials and Methods: Data on paediatric patients in KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) were drawn from the inhouse Datamart warehouse system, and reviewed with regards to volume of patients, length of stay and charges. Several high cost categories were selected for a more in-depth review and discussed. Results: The classification system and reimbursement method did not take into account the higher cost of treating children, thus penalising the Children's Hospital. The wide variety of cases treated also gave rise to difficulty in obtaining appropriate reimbursement. The lack of severity of illness measures was a drawback in the Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) for ventilated patients. The lack of outcome measures gave rise to potentially inequitable reimbursement in some high cost neonatal DRGs. Conclusion: While Casemix is an improvement over previous methods of providing Government funding in Singapore, particular aspects need to be reviewed, and reimbursement criteria refined to ensure equitable funding to Chidren's Hospitals.
Surgical Management of Parathyroid and Adrenal Glands in Inherited Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma

Hereditary medullary thyroid cancer is a component of the type 2 multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes (MEN). This chapter focuses on the management of the adrenal glands and parathyroid glands in classical MEN2A and MEN2B. Classical MEN2A is associated with pheochromocytoma and primary hyperparathyroidism, which both have varied frequency/penetrance depending on the specific RET mutation. In MEN2B pheochromocytoma will develop in approximately 50% of patients and tends to be diagnosed at a younger age. Pheochromocytomas in MEN2 are usually benign, multicentric, bilateral, and confined to the adrenal gland. Surgical approach to pheochromocytoma in MEN2 should be aimed at removing the secreting lesion while trying to preserve adrenal function to avoid corticosteroid dependence with associated risks of acute adrenal insufficiency, which may be fatal. Cortical-sparing adrenalectomy is a safe surgical option discussed in depth in this chapter. Primary hyperparathyroidism is reported to develop in 20–30 % of patients with MEN2 and is generally mild. It may be diagnosed synchronously with medullary thyroid cancer or more likely, after thyroidectomy, but it is rarely the presenting diagnosis for a patient with MEN2A. Careful management of the parathyroid glands and the central neck contents as described in detail in this chapter help avoid hypoparathyroidism.
Arteriovenous Malformations of the Brain

Twenty-three children with A-V malformations have been treated by neurosurgeons at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario.