cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stimuli-responsive antioxidant nanoprodrugs of NSAIDs.

Abstract A novel group of α-lipoic acid-containing hydrophobic prodrugs of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was synthesized and transformed into nanometer-sized prodrugs (nanoprodrugs). Three NSAIDs, indomethacin, ibuprofen and naproxen were linked to α-lipoic acid via tetraethylene glycol through hydrolytically degradable ester bonds. The three bifunctional derivatives were dissolved in organic solvents and capable of forming stable nanoprodrugs upon addition of the organic solutions into aqueous phase through the spontaneous emulsification mechanism. Antioxidant property and stimuli-responsiveness of the nanoprodrugs were demonstrated by hypochlorous acid (HOCl) scavenging followed by oxidative destabilization of the nanoprodrugs. The effect of varying NSAIDs on the in vitro hydrolytic prodrug activation catalyzed by porcine liver esterase was investigated by monitoring the rates of NSAIDs hydrolysis from the nanoprodrugs. The remarkable feature of these nanoprodrugs is that despite the highly hydrophobic nature of the derivatives NSAIDs were readily hydrolyzed enzymatically from the nanoprodrugs. Furthermore, the rate of hydrolysis was higher when the nanoprodrugs were oxidized and destabilized upon HOCl scavenging suggesting an enhanced activation of the nanoprodrugs in the oxidative environment.
Simulating the transverse non-patterning problem

Abstract The hippocampus is needed to store memories that are reconfigurable. We have previously shown that a hippocampal-like computational model solves the transverse patterning (TP) problem and transitive inference problems. Here, we show that the same model with the same parameters which solve the TP problem and transitive inference problems reproduces another interesting problem—transverse non-patterning (TNP) problem investigated by Alvarado and Rudy (J. Exp. Psychol.: Anim. Behav. Process 18 (1992) 145). By turning TNP into a problem of sequence learning (stimuli–decision–outcome), a sequence learning, hippocampal-like neural network finds that the TNP problem is unlearnable with the progressive learning paradigm. This unlearnability is what Alvarado and Rudy observed. Thus, both rats and the model learn TP, but fail to learn TNP.
Supervisory traction control for a slipping UGV

Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) face many mobility challenges as they operate in unstructured environments. In addition to insurmountable obstacles, UGVs can lose traction and slip, reducing maneuverability and potentially causing collisions with obstacles. This paper develops a dynamic model of a differentially-driven ground robot with lateral and longitudinal slip, using a ground friction model from the literature. A novel switching control system, with velocity input commands, is also presented. The controller switches from PID control to a trajectory planning mode when the robot begins to slip or when the normal command would exceed the ground friction forces. The trajectory is planned and executed based on commanded velocities. Stability and robustness of the trajectory planning controller are discussed. This control law is compared in simulation to a PID controller, using the UGV model, on different surfaces. The traction controller drives the UGV closer to the desired path derived from the reference trajectories.
Methods And New Approaches To The Calculation Of Physiological Parameters By Videodensitometry

A complex system featuring a video-camera connected to a video disk, cine (medical motion picture) camera and PDP-9 computer with various input/output facilities has been developed. This system enables the performance of quantitative analysis of various functions recorded in clinical studies. Several studies are described, such as heart chamber volume calculations, left ventricle ejection fraction, blood flow through the lungs and also the possibility of obtaining information about blood flow and constrictions in small cross-section vessels
Modulation of water exchange in Eu(III) DOTA-tetraamide complexes: considerations for in vivo imaging of PARACEST agents.

Modulation of water exchange in lanthanide(III)-DOTA type complexes has drawn considerable attention over the past two decades particularly because of their application as contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). LnDOTA-tetraamide complexes display unusually slow water exchange kinetics and this chemical property offers an opportunity to use these complexes as a new type of contrast agent based upon the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) mechanism. Six new DOTA-tetraamide ligands having side-chain amide arms with varying hydrophobicity and polarity were prepared and the water exchange characteristic of complexes formed with europium(III) complexes were investigated. The results show that introduction of steric bulk into the amide side-chain arms of the europium(III) complexes not only favors formation of the mono-capped twisted square antiprism (TSAP) coordination isomers, the isomer that is generally less favourable for CEST, but also accelerates water exchange in the mono-capped square antiprism (SAP) isomers. However, converting single methyl groups on these bulky arms to carboxyl or carboxyl ethyl esters results in a rather dramatic decrease in water exchange rates, about 50-fold. Thus, steric bulk, polarity, hydrophobicity of the amide side-chains, each contribute to organization of water molecules in the second hydration sphere of the europium(III) ion and this in turn controls water exchange in these complexes.
1,2,4‐Triazoles. XX. Pyrolytic decomposition of ketone hydrazones derived from pyrid‐2‐ylhydrazine and related bases. Some further examples of the s‐triazolo[4, 3‐α]pyrazine and s‐triazolo[4, 3‐a]quinoxaline series

Pyrolytic decomposition of ketone 2-heterylhydrazones has been shown to be unsatisfactory for the preparation of fused s-triazole derivatives. The introduction of more diversified substituents into the s-triazolo[4, 3-a]pyrazine and s-triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline systems has been accomplished and some reactions and spectral characteristics of these ring systems are reported. Isomerization of the s-triazolo[4, 3-a]pyrazine system to the s-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrazine system is described.
MIB-1 labeling indices in benign, aggressive, and malignant meningiomas: a study of 90 tumors.

Predicting tumor behavior in meningiomas based on histology alone has been problematic. This study retrospectively compares histology and MIB-1 (cell proliferation marker) labeling indices (LI) in benign, aggressive, and malignant meningiomas. Six histological features, including mitoses, necrosis, loss of pattern, hypervascularity/hemosiderin deposition, prominent nucleoli, and nuclear pleomorphism, were compared in 90 meningiomas (Fisher's exact test). Tumors with two or more of the above features were designated as aggressive meningiomas. Malignant meningiomas were characterized by brain invasion or metastasis. The MIB-1 LIs (% positive tumor cell nuclei) were compared between the three groups (Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon two-sample test). Of the benign meningiomas (n=37; mean age, 54 years), 41% had one of the six histological features, with nuclear pleomorphism (n=10) being the most frequent. The aggressive tumors (n=29; mean age, 61 years) were characterized by nuclear pleomorphism (n=28), mitoses (n=20), necrosis (n=16), loss of pattern (n=16), prominent nucleoli (n=6), and hypervascularity/hemosiderin deposition (n=5). Malignant tumors (n=24; mean age, 59 years) were characterized by nuclear pleomorphism (n=22), mitoses (n=21), loss of pattern (n=21), necrosis (n=21), nucleoli (n=17), and hypervascularity/hemosiderin deposition (n=3). Significant differences were found between the aggressive and malignant groups with regard to loss of pattern, necrosis, and nucleoli (P=.0043, .011, and .00029, respectively). Mean MIB-1 LIs for the benign, aggressive, and malignant groups were 1.0% (range, 0 to 5.5%),5.5% (range, 0.1 to 32.5%), and 12.0% (range, 0.3 to 32.5%), respectively. Differences in the mean MIB-1 LI between groups were statistically significant, with P values of <.0001 (benign v aggressive) and .0012 (aggressive v malignant). Mean MIB-1 LIs for recurrent versus nonrecurrent tumors were 7.1% (range, 0 to 32.5%) versus 3.8% (range, 0 to 20.9%) (P=.32). The mean MIB-1 LI for patients who were alive with or without tumor was 6.2% (range, 0 to 32.5%) versus a mean MIB-1 LI of 14.2% (range, 2.8% to 32.5%) for patients who died of or with tumor (P=.0013). In conclusion, (1) There is a statistically significant difference in the increasing MIB-1 LI means between benign, aggressive, and malignant meningiomas and between patients who were alive versus those who died; (2) there is some overlap in MIB-1 LI ranges between groups, which warrants caution in interpreting an individual MIB-1 LI in a given tumor.
Some model-theoretic correspondences between dimension groups and AF algebras

If A⊆B are structures for a first-order language S, A is said to be algebraically (existentially) closed in B just in case every positive existential (existential) SA-sentence true in BA is true in AA. In 1976 Elliott showed that unital AF (‘approximately finite-dimensional’) algebras are classified up to isomorphism by corresponding dimension groups with order unit. This paper shows that one dimension group with order unit is algebraically (existentially) closed in another just in case the corresponding AF algebras, viewed as metric structures, fall in the same relation.
Photosystem II heterogeneity: the acceptor side.

It is well known that two photosystems, I and II, are needed to transfer electrons from H2O to NADP+ in oxygenic photosynthesis. Each photosystem consists of several components: (a) the light-harvesting antenna (L-HA) system, (b) the reaction center (RC) complex, and (c) the polypeptides and other co-factors involved in electron and proton transport. First, we present a mini review on the heterogeneity which has been identified with the electron acceptor side of Photosystem II (PS II) including (a) L-HA system: the PS IIα and PS IIβ units, (b) RC complex containing electron acceptor Q1 or Q2; and (c) electron acceptor complex: QA (having two different redox potentials QL and QH) and QB (QB-type; Q'B type; and non-QB type); additional components such as iron (Q-400), U (Em,7=−450 mV) and Q-318 (or Aq) are also mentioned. Furthermore, we summarize the current ideas on the so-called inactive (those that transfer electrons to the plastoquinone pool rather slowly) and active reaction centers. Second, we discuss the bearing of the first section on the ratio of the PS II reaction center (RC-II) and the PS I reaction center (RC-I). Third, we review recent results that relate the inactive and active RC-II, obtained by the use of quinones DMQ and DCBQ, with the fluorescence transient at room temperature and in heated spinach and soybean thylakoids. These data show that inactive RC-II can be easily monitored by the OID phase of fluorescence transient and that heating converts active into inactive centers.
Association between Perchlorate and Indirect Indicators of Thyroid Dysfunction in Nhanes 2001–2002, a Cross-Sectional, Hypothesis-Generating Study

Background: A previous study based on NHANES 2001–2002 observed that increased levels of urinary perchlorate were associated with increased levels of thyroid stimulating hormone among all women, and with decreased levels of thyroxine among women with low urinary iodine. No associations were observed for men. Methods: Using the same NHANES 2001–2002 data, associations of urinary perchlorate with indirect biomarkers of thyroid hormone disruption were investigated. Decreased levels of hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) have been observed among subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism. To investigate the suitability of these indicators for use in observational studies, subjects were divided into six groups: boys, age 6–19; men, age 20–85; girls, age 6–14; non-pregnant women, age 15–49; women, age 50–85; and pregnant women. Use of perchlorate quintiles (Q1-Q5) and continuous log-transformed perchlorate in the regression models allowed investigation of both non-linear and linear associations. Adjustments were made for age, urinary creatinine, race/ethnicity, body mass index, cotinine, poverty index, hours of fasting, thiocyanate, nitrate, daily kcal intake, C-reactive protein. Adjustment for alcohol consumption depended on availability. Adjustment for prescription drugs (beta-blockers, sex hormones, antihyperlipidemic and antidiabetic drugs) was made if it changed the perchlorate estimate by 10%. Results: Statistically significant decreases were observed for HGB and HCT among boys, men, women age 15–49, and pregnant women, and for HDL among men. Conclusions: Although the mean response biomarkers were within normal range, their association with urinary perchlorate is of interest. HGB and HCT among pregnant women showed a stronger association with urinary perchlorate than non-pregnant women age 15–49. Statistically significant associations were observed for individual perchlorate quintiles. Assumption of linearity of log-transformed perchlorate may result in underestimation of some associations.
TGF-β stimulates collagen (I) in vascular smooth muscle cells via a short element in the proximal collagen promoter

Abstract Background . Accumulation of extracellular matrix contributes to the development of intimal hyperplasia. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) stimulates the production of several matrix proteins in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) including type I collagen, but the underlying mechanisms of TGF-β’s effects are not well understood. Material and methods . The effect of TGF-β on type I collagen biosynthesis was determined by a [ 3 H]proline incorporation assay and Northern blotting. The promoter of human α2(I) procollagen (COL1A2) gene was analyzed by transient transfection analysis and gel mobility shift assay. Results . Treatment of human vascular SMC with TGF-β stimulated collagen synthesis and increased the level of α2(I) collagen mRNA. A collagen-luciferase reporter gene, constructed by linking the human COL1A2 promoter with the firefly luciferase gene, was transiently expressed in human SMC. Treatment with TGF-β significantly stimulated the activity of this collagen-luciferase reporter. Using deletion analysis, we identified a 150 bp DNA fragment (−334 to −184) in the human COL1A2 promoter as the site through which TGF-β mediates collagen gene expression in human SMC. Gel mobility shift assays demonstrated that this 150 bp DNA fragment formed conjugates with multiple nuclear factors derived from SMC, a process that was further enhanced by TGF-β. Conclusion . TGF-β stimulates the human type I collagen gene via a DNA element located in the proximal region of its promoter. Interventions that disrupt interaction between this DNA element and nuclear factors may block the production of collagen in response to TGF-β and consequently may have a significant effect on the development of intimal hyperplasia.
Effect of Unsteady Wake on Detailed Heat Transfer Coefficient and Film Effectiveness Distributions for a Gas Turbine Blade

Unsteady wake effects on detailed heat transfer coefficient and film cooling effectiveness distributions from a gas turbine blade with film cooling are obtained using a transient liquid crystal technique. Tests were performed on a five-blade linear cascade at a axial chord Reynolds number of 5.3 × 10 5 at cascade exit. Upstream unsteady wakes are simulated using a spoke-wheel type wake generator. The test blade has three rows of film holes on the leading edge and two rows each on the pressure and suction surfaces. Air and CO 2 were used as coolants to simulate different coolant-to-mainstream density ratio effect. Coolant blowing ratio for air injection is varied from 0.8 to 1.2 and is varied from 0.4 to 1.2 for CO 2 . Results show that Nusselt numbers for a film-cooled blade are much higher compared to a blade without film injection. Particularly, film injection causes earlier boundary layer transition on the suction surface. Unsteady wakes slightly enhance Nusselt numbers but significantly reduce film cooling effectiveness on a film-cooled blade compared with a film-cooled blade without wakes. Nusselt numbers increase slightly but film cooling effectiveness increases significantly with an increase in blowing ratio for CO 2 injection. Higher density coolant (CO 2 ) provides higher effectiveness at higher blowing ratios (M = 1.2) whereas lower density coolant (Air) provides higher effectiveness at lower blowing ratios (M = 0.8).
Biosynthesis of marine natural products: isolation and characterization of a myrcene synthase from cultured tissues of the marine red alga Ochtodes secundiramea

The acyclic monoterpene myrcene is the likely progenitor of the unusual cytotoxic halogenated monoterpenes that are found in marine algae and that function as feeding deterrents to herbivores. Myrcene synthase was isolated from suspension cultures of the marine red alga Ochtodes secundiramea, representing the first enzyme of this type from a marine organism. The algal myrcene synthase produces exclusively myrcene from the natural substrate geranyl diphosphate (GDP), utilizes Mg(+2) as the required divalent metal ion cofactor, has a molecular mass of about 69 kDa, and exhibits a pH optimum near 7.2. These features are similar to those of monoterpene synthases from terrestrial organisms. When incubated with neryl diphosphate (the cis-isomer of GDP), the O. secundiramea myrcene synthase produces the cyclic monoterpene limonene, whereas incubation with (+/-)linalyl diphosphate (the tertiary allylic isomer of geranyl diphosphate) yields both acyclic and cyclic monoterpenes. These results suggest that the enzyme is incapable of isomerizing geranyl diphosphate to linalyl diphosphate, a feature common to all monoterpene cyclases from terrestrial sources. The limited catalytic capability of the myrcene synthase may reflect the ancient evolutionary origin of the producing organism. The ability to assay this enzyme in cultured algae, grown under strictly defined conditions, provides an unparalleled opportunity to delineate factors eliciting the biosynthesis of this class of secondary metabolites, to investigate the metabolic pathway leading to the halogenated monoterpenes, and to determine their role in the chemical ecology of marine algae.
Hypothermia reduces 72-kDa heat-shock protein induction in rat brain after transient forebrain ischemia.

We examined the influence of concurrent moderate hypothermia (30 degrees C) and transient forebrain ischemia on the induction of 72-kDa heat-shock protein and neuronal damage in male Wistar rats.Experimental groups included: normothermic with 8 minutes of transient forebrain ischemia (group 1, n = 7), hypothermic without ischemia (group 2, n = 9), and hypothermic (30 degrees C) with 8 minutes of transient forebrain ischemia (group 3, n = 5). Intense 72-kDa heat-shock protein immunoreactivity was demonstrated in rat forebrain 48 hours after induction of normothermic forebrain ischemia (group 1); it was not detected in the brain of animals subjected to hypothermia without ischemia (group 2), and hypothermia during ischemia (group 3) significantly inhibited its expression compared with that in normothermic ischemia animals (group 1).These observations suggest that 72-kDa heat-shock protein induction is not the mechanism by which moderate hypothermia protects against ischemic cell damage.
The millennial consumer enters the age of exhibitionism— a book‐review essay: Part 1

Parts 1 and 2 of this book‐review essay explore the symbiotic connection between exhibitionism and voyeurism in the lives of consumers. The two‐part essay (to be continued in the next issue of CM&C) places this exhibitionistic‐voyeuristic symbiosis (EVS) within the context of an emerging recognition of the “Four E's"‐experience, entertainment, exhibitionism, and evangelizing‐as crucial aspects of the culture of consumption. Focusing primarily on the third “E,” the essay examines several recent works that elucidate the role of the EVS phenomenon in the Age of Exhibitionism that confronts the Millennial Consumer.
Mothers as gatekeepers: A model of maternal mediators of father involvement.

Abstract A model of maternal characteristics posited to mediate frequency of father involvement with children in intact families was evaluated. A structured, standardized questionnaire that assessed several exogenous variables (satisfaction with marriage, employment status, and social support; personal attributes of mothers and children) as well as two maternal mediators (importance of and satisfaction with father involvement) was administered to 144 mothers. Multiple regression analyses indicate that 79% of the variation in the mothers' reports of frequency of father involvement was explained directly by the maternal mediators, marital satisfaction, and age of child. Maternal ratings of the importance of father involvement and satisfaction with father involvement reliably mediated the effects of age of child, satisfaction with social support, satisfaction with employment status, and satisfaction with marriage. The results support the value of an ecological perspective for understanding the myriad factors...
Marital discord, past depression, and metabolic responses to high-fat meals: Interpersonal pathways to obesity

Background: Longitudinal studies have implicated both marital distress and depression in the development of the metabolic syndrome, a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This study addressed the impact of hostile marital interactions and a mood disorder history on obesity-related metabolic responses to high-fat meals. Methods: This double-blind, randomized crossover study included serial assessments of resting energy expenditure (REE), fat and carbohydrate oxidation, triglycerides, insulin, glucose, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-) before and after two high-fat meals. During two separate 9.5 h visits, 43 healthy married couples, ages 24—61 (mean = 38.22), received either a high saturated fat meal or a high oleic sunflower oil meal, both 930 kcal and 60 g fat. The Structured Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV assessed mood disorder history. Couples discussed a marital disagreement during both visits; behavioral coding of these interactions provided data on hostile marital behaviors.
Modeling and Performance Investigation of the Double-Gate Carbon Nanotube Transistor

In this letter, we propose a semiclassical model for the performance investigation and optimization of the double-gate carbon nanotube field-effect transistor (DG-CNTFET). The DG-CNTFET is effective in controlling the ambipolar conduction that is inherent to Schottky barrier (SB) CNTFETs using two independent gates, namely, the primary gate and the polarity gate. Whereas the primary gate serves to turn the device on and off, the polarity gate can be used to configure the device in either the p-type or the n-type mode of operation. The DG-CNTFET exhibits unipolar conduction and can achieve a large ratio of over six orders of magnitude. Since the proposed model is physics based and does not rely on fitting parameters, it can be used to study the effect of parameters such as CNT chirality, SB height, and gate dielectric thickness on the DG-CNTFET performance.
Children's games in the new media age: childlore, media and the playground

This study of children's play and games in relation to the new media makes an important contribution to scholarship on children's folklore and childhood. Dedicated to Iona Opie, the book takes a re...
Model independent eigenaxis maneuvers using quaternion feedback

The main contribution of the paper is the derivation of a model independent feedback control law that causes a rigid body to execute a near eigenaxis maneuver. The degree of approximation is a function of the control gains and the initial attitude error. Using passivity techniques, the dependence of the control strategy on velocity information is eliminated. The technique used to derive the control strategy is a novel orthogonal decomposition of the unit quaternion into a component along the direction of the eigenaxis and a component that is orthogonal to that direction.
Review of Underwater Welding Technology

This paper reviews the present state-of-the-art of welding technology which is rapidly expanding. After a brief introduction, a discussion is made on how underwater welding technologies and their applications have developed. The paper then discusses the status of underwater welding techniques currently in use. A short discussion is also given on technical problems associated with underwater welding.
Cryopreservation of spermatozoa from freeze-tolerant and -intolerant anurans.

Spermatozoa of the freeze-tolerant wood frog (Rana sylvatica) were used to develop a general protocol for the frozen storage of amphibian spermatozoa. Tolerance of spermatozoa to cryoprotective agents and freezing in suspension (-80 degrees C) was determined from rates of sperm lysis and dual-fluorochrome vital dye assays. We tested the efficacy of four cryoprotectants (Me2SO, methanol, glycerol, and ethylene glycol), two supplements (fetal bovine serum or glutathione), and combinations of these cryoprotectants and supplements. Me2SO and fetal bovine serum were the most effective cryoprotectant and supplement, respectively, in reducing sperm lysis. Vital dye assays showed that viability was greatest for spermatozoa treated with both Me2SO and fetal bovine serum. Thus, this combination was used to cryopreserve spermatozoa from the freeze-intolerant anurans, Rana pipiens and Bufo americanus. Recovery of viable spermatozoa was significantly greater for R. sylvatica (mean +/- SE = 81.2 +/- 9.6%) than for R. pipiens (59.0 +/- 2.8%) and B. americanus (47.8 +/- 4.1%), perhaps owing to inherent factors promoting its freeze tolerance. Nonetheless, our results support the feasibility of using gamete cryopreservation techniques in programs aimed at the captive propagation of amphibians.
Wildlife Disease Bioeconomics

We review the disease ecology and bioeconomic literature on managing wildlife disease problems, and we also describe how wildlife disease problems relate to other health and resource problems. The disease ecology literature advocates managing populations relative to fixed ecological thresholds to produce disease eradication. We show that thresholds are generally endogenous functions of management choices, so that management involves manipulating both populations and thresholds. We also explore the conditions for optimal disease eradication and illustrate how harvest values and stock-related values may influence the optimality of eradication. When eradication is not optimal, we describe how the characteristic features of wildlife disease problems (i.e., multiple, interacting state variables and imperfect controls) make it unlikely that an optimal management plan will involve a monotonic path to a steady-state outcome.
Techniques of amplitude analysis for two-pseudoscalar systems

The analytical tools needed for an amplitude analysis of two-pseudoscalar systems are described in some detail. Analyses involving two identical spinless particles require a new type of polynomial; the general form of such a polynomial is given for the first time.
The Evolution of Morality: Which Aspects of Human Moral Concerns Are Shared With Nonhuman Primates?

Morality is a critical part of human society. This chapter explores the origins of human morality by examining whether nonhuman primate species share aspects of fi ve domains thought to be important in human moral behavior—concerns involving harm, fairness, hierarchy, ingroup allegiance, and purity. Behaviors in the harm domain have received the most attention from researchers, and converging lines of evidence suggest that some primates express harm concerns. The domain of fairness has become a recent focus of primate research, with active debate about whether closely related primates share human-like concerns. Moral behaviors regarding ingroup allegiance, authority, and purity have received the least attention in nonhuman species, though recent work suggests that research with primates might productively pursue the ingroup allegiance and authority domains. Future primate research will continue to elucidate the nature of human morality, and should include an increased focus on the previously neglected domains of ingroup and hierarchy.
Effects of Fluconazole, Amphotericin B, and Caspofungin on Candida albicans Biofilms under Conditions of Flow and on Biofilm Dispersion

We have examined the effect of continuous perfusion with antifungals on Candida albicans biofilms under conditions of flow, closely mimicking physiological conditions encountered within patients. Biofilms displayed high levels of resistance to fluconazole, and this antifungal exerted minor effects on dispersion levels. Amphotericin B proved effective in reducing viability of cells within the biofilms and dispersion, but only at high concentrations. Under flow conditions, caspofungin exhibited potent activity against biofilms and drastically reduced biofilm dispersion.
Creatively Intelligent: Post‐Industrial Organizations and Intellectually Impaired Bureaucracies

Today's successful organizations function much like creatively intelligent, individual brain-mind systems. Unfortunately, many of the bureaucratic organizations we inherited from the industrial era function like individual minds of lesser intelligence. A metaphorical comparison of our organizations with the human brain-mind system illuminates organizational configurations and behaviors that promote success in today's turbulent economic and sociopolitical conditions. Both the creatively intelligent post-industrial organization and the highly developed human brain-mind are integrated clusters of dynamically evolving subsystems. Their functional dynamism enables them to perceive patterns in chaos, and to create effective long-term plans derived from those patterns. Imagine the organization in which you work as a giant brain. The human brain-mind system consists of a number of subsystems that work together to produce our thoughts, feelings, and actions. In a similar way, most of our institutions and businesses consist of departments that work together to create and distribute products or services. A wide variety of thought processes and behaviors are common to both the human brain-mind and the typical organization. Some of these include planning, analysis, abstract thought, emotional responses, ritualistic behaviors, and creative idea generation. A creatively intelligent person produces and integrates a blend of these thought processes and actions that is best suited to success in his or her environment. In a similar manner, today's successful organizations generate optimal blends of thought processes and actions that enable them to flourish in the midst of uncertain conditions. We can identify opportunities for greater organizational creativity and efficiency by using a brain metaphor to analyze the nature of today's most effective organizations. This paper compares the human brain-mind system to the organizations that are surviving and thriving in today's turbulent socioeconomic climate. There are some remarkable parallels. In many ways, today's most effective organizations closely mirror the functioning of the optimally developed human brain-mind. Similarly, our least effective organizations operate much like individual minds of lesser creative intelligence. The brain metaphor suggests that, in today's post-industrial organizational climate, some institutions and businesses are suffering from brain damage while others are on their way to becoming creatively intelligent geniuses.
Microstructural changes in neutron-irradiated commercial alloys: a sequel

The effect of reactor irradiation on the microstructural stabilities of several high-nickel-content superalloys was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. The alloys include Nimonic PE16 and the Inconel alloys 706 and 718. Specimens were irradiated in sealed, unstressed, sodium-filled capsules in the EBR-2. Irradiation temperatures ranged from 399 to 649/sup 0/C (750 to 1200/sup 0/F); specimens accumulated a peak fluence of 6 x 10/sup 22/ n/cm/sup 2/, E > 0.1 MeV. While little or no microstructural changes were observed in Nimonic PE16, the Inconels exhibited overaging precipitation effects - in particular, the formation of the stable overaging precipitate, eta - which increased with temperature in the range studied. Inconel 706 exhibited the more pronounced overaging effects, i.e., larger and coarser eta plates, consistent with its higher Ti/Al ratio. In general, the precipitation features noted in all three alloys were similar to those observed in identical material after ion bombardment with high energy nickel. The ion bombardment work has thus correctly predicted the microstructural response of these alloys to fast neutron irradiation.
Super diapers and premature infants.

To the Editor.— Lavin (Pediatrics 1986;78:1173-1174) recently reported that superabsorbent Pampers brand diapers felt dry, even after urination. This could lead to the false impression of inadequate urine output in newborn infants. We have observed the opposite phenomena with the use of superabsorbent diapers—evidence of urine production in the presence of no urine output. Four superabsorbent Pampers were weighed and then placed in an incubator (model C-86, Air Shields, Hatboro, PA) set for maximum heat and humidity outputs.
First Measurements of Composition and Dynamics of the Martian Ionosphere by MAVEN's Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer

We report the results of the observations of the ionosphere of Mars by the Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer. These observations were conducted during the first 8 months of the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN mission (MAVEN). These observations revealed the spatial and temporal structures in the density distributions of 22 ions: H2+, H3+, He+, O2+, C+, CH+, N+, NH+, O+, OH+, H2O+, H3O+, N2+/CO+, HCO+/HOC+/N2H+, NO+, HNO+, O2+, HO2+, Ar+, ArH+, CO2+, and OCOH+. Dusk/dawn and day/night asymmetries in the density distributions were observed for nearly all ion species. Additionally, high-density fluctuations were detected on the nightside and may reflect the effect of the partial screening of the atmosphere of Mars by the weak intrinsic magnetic field of the planet. The two first MAVEN “deep dip” campaigns were used to investigate the location of the primary ion peak. This peak was detected at 190 km near the terminator but was below the spacecraft altitude of 130 km near the subsolar point.
RTOG 0522: Huge Investment in Patients and Resources and No Benefit With Addition of Cetuximab to Radiotherapy—Why Did This Occur?

TO THEEDITOR: Angetal 1 recentlypresentedRadiationTherapy Oncology Group 0522 (RTOG 0522; Radiation Therapy and Cisplatin With or Without Cetuximab in Treating Patients With Stage III or Stage IV Head and Neck Cancer), a large randomized phase III trial of 940 patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) that tested whether the addition of cetuximab to cisplatin and accelerated radiation therapy (RT) improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared with cisplatin and radiation (CRT) alone. 1 It did not. Survival, locoregional failure, and distant metastases end points were not significantly different between the two groups. However, cetuximab plus CRT versus CRT resulted in more interruptions in RT, more treatment-relatedgrade5adverseevents(death),andmoregrade3 to 4 radiation mucositis, rash, fatigue, anorexia, and hypokalemia. These results are extremely disappointing. Should we be surprised? Let us look at prior data that led to the development of RTOG 0522. The rationale for performing RTOG 0522includedphaseIIItrialsshowingimprovedoverallsurvival(OS) with the addition of cetuximab to RT in patients with curable HNSCC 2 andimprovedOSwiththeadditionofcetuximabtochemotherapy in patients with incurable HNSCC. 3 Importantly, one small
Effects of randomizing second eyes in a trial to evaluate preoperative medical testing for cataract surgery

The statistical and practical implications of including second eye surgeries were examined in a clinical trial designed to evaluate the impact of routine preoperative testing prior to cataract surgery on major medical events occurring within seven days following surgery. In order to detect a 0.8% difference in the rates of rare major medical events between the tested and untested groups, 20,000 surgeries must be randomized. About 30% of cataract operations were estimated to be done on second eyes of patients already included in the cohort. Different options for dealing with second eye surgeries were: (1) exclusion of all second eye surgeries, (2) inclusion of second eye surgeries only if the first eye is not enrolled, (3) inclusion of first and second eyes but randomization of patients rather than eyes, and (4) inclusion of first and second eyes but randomization of surgeries rather than patients. The final decision was to exclude second eye surgeries done within 28 days of first eye surgeries, but to rer...
The Potential Contribution of Sociological Theory and Research to Economics

HOWEVER ECONOMICS IS DEFINED, it is considered to be a special social science that examines the interrelations of only a limited set of factors. At the same time, economists are interested in predicting concrete economic conditions and in making suggestions about economic policy. It can be demonstrated-and this paper attempts to contribute to this demonstration-that, to a significant extent, concrete economic conditions are affected by factors that the economist ha4 traditionally considered to be outside his purview, and that policies designed to achieve strictly economic goals must take into consideration non-economic influiences. Among the non-economic factors and influences that enter into predictions about economic conditions and into policies to achieve economic goals are those that have traditionally been studied by sociologists. Thus sociologists should be able to make a contribution to economics. Before sociology emerged as an independent discipline confined to the systematic study of a specific subject matter, some of those who were speculating about sociological phenomena were professional economists. Americans like William Graham Sumner and Thomas Nixon Carver retained chairs in economics departments when they shifted most of their academic duties to teaching courses in sociology. Europeans like Max Weber, Vilfredo Pareto and Franz Oppenheimer were equally at home in both fields. Sociology was formerly a branch of economics at several universities, and still is so considered at Princeton. But the two fields began to separate sharply when students who had majored exclusively in sociology became the teachers of the emerging discipline, and when a body of research problems that did not interest the economists became the object of the sociologists' attention. Along with some of the personnel, one sub-field of economics made the switch to sociology, in the United States but not in Europe; this was demography. As in the case of many developments of new disciplines from older ones-and sociology had roots in anthropology, history, and political science as well as economics-the
Computation vs. memory systems: pinning down accelerator bottlenecks

The world needs special-purpose accelerators to meet future constraints on computation and power consumption. Choosing appropriate accelerator architectures is a key challenge. In this work, we present a pintool designed to help evaluate the potential benefit of accelerating a particular function. Our tool gathers cross-procedural data usage patterns, including implicit dependencies not captured by arguments and return values. We then use this data to characterize the limits of hardware procedural acceleration imposed by on-chip communication and storage systems. Through an understanding the bottlenecks in future accelerator-based systems we will focus future research on the most performance-critical regions of the design. Accelerator designers will also find our tool useful for selecting which regions of their application to accelerate.
Status of Reliability of GaN-Based Heterojunction Field Effect Transistors

GaN-based heterojunction field effect transistors (HFETs) will play major roles in the high-power, high-frequency military and commercial arenas for microwave and millimeter wave transmitters and receivers used in communications and radar devices. In fact, devices operative in the X-band (7-12.5 GHz) and beyond are already at market and boast quite impressive performances. Having improved the crystal quality now to levels where the reliability [expressed as mean time to failure (MTTF)] is claimed to exceed ten million hours, the work now needs to focus on which of the physical mechanisms responsible for degradation are the most important, and how the existing degradation accelerates subsequent degradation, ultimately resulting in device failure. Available data show that not all devices from the same wafer show similar longevity and the wide spread of activation energies reported for three-temperature extrapolation-based predictions of the lifetime are troubling. If we hope to make consistent, reliable predictions of device lifetimes, particularly when the devices are being pushed in radio-frequency (RF) operation to near their limits, more work will need to be done in characterizing the long term stability of the devices, and new physical models for the failure mechanisms will have to be developed.
Active brain targeting of a fluorescent P-gp substrate using polymeric magnetic nanocarrier system.

Magnetic nanoparticles (NP) were developed for the active brain targeting of water-soluble P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate rhodamine 123 (Rh123). The NP matrix of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and methoxy poly(ethyleneglycol)-poly(lactic acid) (M-PEG-PLA) was prepared by single emulsion solvent evaporation of polymers with oleic acid-coated magnetic nanoparticles (OAMNP) and Rh123. All formulations were characterized in terms of morphology, particle size, magnetic content and Rh123 encapsulation efficiency. The maximum encapsulation efficiency of Rh123 was 45 3% and of OAMNP was 42 4%. The brain targeting and biodistribution study was performed on Sprague Dawley rats (3 groups, nD 6). Rh123 (0:4 mg kg 1 ) was administered in saline form, NP containing Rh123, and NP containing Rh123 in the presence of a magnetic field (0.8 T). The fluorimetric analysis of brain homogenates revealed a significant uptake (p< 0:05) of Rh123 in the magnetically targeted group relative to controls. These results were supported by fluorescence microscopy. This study reveals the ability of magnetically targeted nanoparticles to deliver substances to the brain, the permeation of which would otherwise be inhibited by the P-gp system. (Some figures may appear in colour only in the online journal)
Mucosal apposition in endoscopic suturing.

Abstract Background The proliferation of minimally invasive surgery has led to the development of numerous entirely intracorporeal endoscopic suturing techniques. These techniques allow for simple apposition of the GI mucosa. It is yet to be determined whether this results in long-term mucosal apposition. This study was designed to determine whether the current techniques of endoscopic suturing necessitate preliminary mucosal manipulation. Methods Seven dogs underwent laparotomy and gastrotomy to expose the proximal gastric mucosa. Three different suturing techniques were used to appose adjacent tissue folds: simple mucosal apposition, electrosurgical mucosal ablation before closure, and mucosal resection before closure. Apposition sites were scored histologically, based on tissue healing after 2 weeks. Results Mucosal ablation before tissue apposition resulted in significantly greater healing compared with simple apposition and resulted in histologic scoring similar to that for mucosal resection. The mean histologic score after ablation was 1.5, vs. 1.25 after mucosal resection, and 0.9 for sites closed simply ( p =0.02). Conclusions Endoscopic suturing techniques may one day offer an alternative to surgical treatment in the management of numerous GI conditions. As this modality evolves, the incorporation of target tissue ablation or mucosal resection before tissue apposition requires consideration. Human studies evaluating the safety and long-term efficacy of these modifications are necessary.
Assessing the impacts of droughts and heat waves at thermoelectric power plants in the United States using integrated regression, thermodynamic, and climate models

Abstract Recent droughts and heat waves have revealed the vulnerability of some power plants to effects from higher temperature intake water for cooling. In this evaluation, we develop a methodology for predicting whether power plants are at risk of violating thermal pollution limits. We begin by developing a regression model of average monthly intake temperatures for open loop and recirculating cooling pond systems. We then integrate that information into a thermodynamic model of energy flows within each power plant to determine the change in cooling water temperature that occurs at each plant and the relationship of that water temperature to other plants in the river system. We use these models together with climate change models to estimate the monthly effluent temperature at twenty-six power plants in the Upper Mississippi River Basin and Texas between 2015 and 2035 to predict which ones are at risk of reaching thermal pollution limits. The intake model shows that two plants could face elevated intake temperatures between 2015 and 2035 compared to the 2010–2013 baseline. In general, a rise in ambient cooling water temperature of 1 °C could cause a drop in power output of 0.15%–0.5%. The energy balance shows that twelve plants might exceed state summer effluent limits.
Analysis of Closed Conduit Irrigation System and Its Subdivision

An analysis of closed conduit irrigation systems towards minimal system cost is presented, using a nonlinear mixed integer optimization procedure. Emphasis is on the subdivision of the system into subunits and the relationship between the subunits, design parameters and system cost. The variables defined in the objective function and constraints are the number of manifold and lateral outlets, sizes of mains, submains, supplies, manifolds and laterals. An application example is given.
Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Intercultural Communication Competence

AbstractThis study examined the process of developing intercultural communication competence (ICC) with particular attention to cross-cultural differences in communication patterns. A qualitative approach involving 40 interviews with Americans living in Sweden and Swedes living in the US was employed in order to gain a nuanced, in-depth, and contextual understanding of how immigrants and expatriates experience the process. Several differences in verbal and nonverbal communication patterns between the two cultures emerged. The findings provide insights into how ICC is developed differently across cultures, as well as how the cognitive, affective, and behavioral components of ICC are interrelated and influenced by culture-specific aspects.
State-Space Models

In recent years state-space representations and the associated Kalman recursions have had a profound impact on time series analysis and many related areas.