cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide on Dental Pulp Stem Cell Viability, Proliferation, and Differentiation

Abstract Introduction Pulpitis is an inflammation of dental pulp caused by bacterial proliferation near or within pulpal tissues. In advanced stages, when the inflammation is associated with pulp necrosis, pulp preservation is dependent on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) that can differentiate into odontoblastlike cells and produce reparative dentin. In this study, we evaluated the influence of sensory neurons through calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on DPSC viability and proliferation and the ability of DPSCs to differentiate into mineralizing cells. Methods Commercially available DPSCs were treated with varying doses of CGRP, and metabolic activity, viability, proliferation, and cell death were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assays, trypan blue staining, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine cell proliferation assay, and caspase-3 staining, respectively. DPSC differentiation was assessed with alizarin red staining and by quantifying messenger RNA expression of odontoblast makers. Results CGRP induced a dose-dependent decrease of DPSC metabolic activity that was prevented by the CGRP receptor antagonist CGRP 8-37. The decrease in the proportion of live cells induced by CGRP is associated with a decrease of cell proliferation but not with caspase-3–dependent apoptosis. Interestingly, dexamethasone-induced DPSC differentiation into mineralizing cells was neither inhibited nor enhanced by CGRP treatment. Conclusions The neuropeptide CGRP has an inhibitory effect on DPSC proliferation but does not enhance or inhibit the differentiation of DPSCs into mineralizing cells. This suggests that CGRP might negatively influence the ability of DPSCs to contribute to regenerative or tissue repair processes.
Innovation policy and the market for vaccines

Vaccines play a crucial role in improving global public health, with the ability to stem the spread of infectious diseases and the potential to eradicate them completely. Compared with pharmaceuticals that treat disease, however, preventative vaccines have received less attention from both biomedical researchers and innovation scholars. This neglect has substantial human and financial costs, as vividly illustrated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we argue that the large number of ``missing'' vaccines is likely due to more than lack of scientific opportunities. Two key aspects of vaccines help account for their anemic development pipeline: (1) they are preventatives rather than treatments; and (2) they are generally durable goods with long-term effects rather than products purchased repeatedly. We explain how both aspects make vaccines less profitable than repeat-purchase treatments, even given comparable IP protection. We conclude by arguing that innovation policy should address these market distortions by experimenting with larger government-set rewards for vaccine production and use. Most modestly, policymakers should increase direct funding-including no grants and public-private partnerships-and insurance-based market subsidies for vaccine development. We also make the case for a large cash prize for any new vaccine made available at low or zero cost.
Assessment of Radiation Doses Delivered to Organs at Risk Among Patients With Early-Stage Favorable Hodgkin Lymphoma Treated With Contemporary Radiation Therapy.

Importance Response-adapted randomized trials have used positron emission tomography-computed tomography to attempt to identify patients with early-stage favorable Hodgkin lymphoma (ESFHL) who could be treated with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) without radiation therapy (RT). While maximal efficacy is demonstrated with combined modality therapy, RT is often omitted in fear of late adverse effects; however, the application of modern RT could limit these toxic effects. Objective To determine the radiation doses delivered to organs at risk with modern involved-site RT among patients with ESFHL treated with 20 Gy after 2 cycles of ABVD. Design, setting, and participants This case series included 42 adult patients with ESFHL (according to the German Hodgkin Study Group criteria) who were treated between 2010 and 2019, achieved complete response by positron emission tomography-computed tomography (1-3 on 5-point scale) following 2 cycles of ABVD, and then received consolidative RT. The study was conducted at a single comprehensive cancer center. Exposures 2 cycles of chemotherapy followed by 20-Gy involved-site RT. Main outcomes and measures The medical records of patients with ESFHL were examined. Organs at risk were contoured, and doses were calculated. Progression-free survival, defined from date of diagnosis to disease progression, relapse, or death, and overall survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results The cohort comprised 42 patients with ESFHL (median [range] age at diagnosis, 35 [18-74] years; 18 [43%] women; 24 [57%] with stage II disease). At a median follow-up of 44.6 (95% CI, 27.6-61.6) months, the 3-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 91.2% (95% CI, 74.9%-97.1%) and 97.0% (95% CI, 80.4%-99.6%), respectively. The mean heart dose was less than 5 Gy (mean, 0.8 Gy; SD, 1.5 Gy; range, 0-4.8 Gy) in all patients. The mean (SD) breast dose for both breasts was 0.1 (0.2) Gy (left breast range, 0-1.0 Gy; right breast range, 0-0.9 Gy). Conclusions and relevance In this study, combined modality therapy with 2 cycles of ABVD and 20 Gy for ESFHL was highly effective and avoided excess doses to organs at risk, which may limit long-term toxic effects.
Modeling stochastic effects of exposure/diffusion and dissolution on missing contacts

An algebraic model and simulation with the Multivariate Poisson Propagation Model (MPPM) are used to investigate the formation and extrapolation with dose of missing contact defects due to inherent inhomogeneity in on-average uniform resist component densities. A Poisson model of both local roadblocks as well global initial clearing of contacts is derived. When fit to the 2019 experimental data from Maslow et al. this model becomes nearly Gaussian and with 400 equivalent effective dissolution aiding events NEff. A dose 9% higher than the central Bossong process window dose reduces the error rate to 10-13. Fitting revealed that the asymptotic scaling behavior is present at error rates of 10-1 and thus measuring less than a million contacts at doses of 80% to 95% of normal is likely adequate. An algebraic expression to interpret NEff is derived in terms of the averages and variances of exposure, acid generation, base, and deprotection in the Post-Exposure Bake (PEB) process. The model assumes concentration independent Poisson generation rates and greatly simplifies when averages are substituted for Poisson variances. The variance in EUV exposure dominates as it is inherited by acid and deprotection neither of which is Poisson. The large NEff is attributed to regional sharing due to acid movement. MPPM simulations of the PEB time-evolution include the behavior of averages and variations of species with saturation or their disappearance with depletion, the volumetric reduction of variance by acid motion, and the mitigation of a local programmed doubling of the quencher base.
Community pharmacists' perceptions of acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of a value-based care model for comprehensive medication management.

BACKGROUND: HealthPartners is an integrated health plan offering comprehensive medication management (CMM) under a value-based care model called Partners in Excellence (PIE). In PIE, participating ...
Abortion in Islam: The Roles of Cultures and Virtues in Medical Ethics

This paper examines the roles of culture and virtues in medical ethics. It argues that principlism, which is the general approach to medical ethics in Western societies, is not comprehensive enough to fully understand how medical moral dilemmas are resolved in Western and non-Western societies. This is because principlism overlooks the importance of culture and virtues in the medical profession. To fully understand the nature of medico-ethical decision-making, we need to shift focus from principles to the virtues of the medical profession itself and the cultures of the societies within which medicine is practiced. I illustrate these claims with the example of abortion in Islamic ethics.
A New Approach to School Development

In this chapter, we further explore and contextualize school development amidst the tensions between contemporary policies and the educational needs of students. We conceptualize school development as a process that mediates among tensions that result in a Zone of Uncertainty. We then describe our application of school development in the Arizona Initiative for Leadership Development and Research (AZiLDR). Content was initially drawn from findings from the International Successful School Principalship Project (ISSPP) exploring leadership in high-needs, culturally diverse schools and related leadership studies. Our approach differs from other school development models in at least four ways. First, the approach is grounded in education theory as explicated by John Dewey and others. Closely related, our approach attempts to balance evidence-based values with humanistic values. Third, our approach is grounded in our empirical research and related studies of leadership in culturally diverse schools and communities. Fourth, our approach is process oriented and contextually sensitive for schools as they are situated in the larger community and serving culturally diverse populations. Finally, we develop leadership through a collaborative approach in that we work with school teams as a unit.
Origin of complex behaviour of spatially discordant alternans in a transgenic rabbit model of type 2 long QT syndrome

Enhanced dispersion of repolarization has been proposed as an important mechanism in long QT related arrhythmias. Dispersion can be dynamic and can be augmented with the occurrence of spatially out-of-phase action potential duration (APD) alternans (discordant alternans; DA). We investigated the role of tissue heterogeneity in generating DA using a novel transgenic rabbit model of type 2 long QT syndrome (LQT2). Littermate control (LMC) and LQT2 rabbit hearts (n= 5 for each) were retrogradely perfused and action potentials were mapped from the epicardial surface using di-4-ANEPPS and a high speed CMOS camera. Spatial dispersion (ΔAPD and Δslope of APD restitution) were both increased in LQT2 compared to LMC (ΔAPD: 34 ± 7 ms vs. 23 ± 6 ms; Δslope:1.14 ± 0.23 vs. 0.59 ± 0.19). Onset of DA under a ramp stimulation protocol was seen at longer pacing cycle length (CL) in LQT2 compared to LMC hearts (206 ± 24 ms vs. 156 ± 5 ms). Nodal lines between regions with APD alternans out of phase from each other were correlated with conduction velocity (CV) alternation in LMC but not in LQT2 hearts. In LQT2 hearts, larger APD dispersion was associated with onset of DA at longer pacing CL. At shorter CLs, closer to ventricular fibrillation induction (VF), nodal lines in LQT2 (n= 2 out of 5) showed persistent complex beat-to-beat changes in nodal line formation of DA associated with competing contribution from CV restitution and tissue spatial heterogeneity, increasing vulnerability to conduction block. In conclusion, tissue heterogeneity plays a significant role in providing substrate for ventricular arrhythmia in LQT2 rabbits by facilitating DA onset and contributing to unstable nodal lines prone to reentry formation.
Propagation of Environmental Noise.

Although the basic processes associated with the propagation of environmental noise, such as reflection, scattering, and spreading are well known, numerous theoretical problems remain. The propagation processes that are significant in different situations have yet to be identified, and criteria for evaluating their relative importance in each situation must be developed. In evaluating the noise of aircraft, for example, attenuation caused by the spreading of energy may exceed 60 dB, with atmospheric attenuation accounting for another 10 dB or so. In the propagation of highway noise, on the other hand, spreading may account for only 10 dB of attenuation, air absorption for 1 dB, and absorption by ground may account for 10 to 15 dB of attenuation. If those problems are approached systematically, we should be able to predict accurately the effects of noise sources and barriers and thus control the distribution of noise levels in cities and suburban areas.
Global Internet Law

Global Internet Law Hornbook provides law students, practitioners, judges, and policymakers with a comprehensive examination of the most important concepts and methods of this rapidly evolving field of law. Each chapter is a detailed examination of cases, statutes, industry standards, norms, as well as, academic commentaries from around the world. >While the emphasis is on U.S. developments, each chapter compares U.S. to EU regulations, directives, and conventions, as well as, other cross-border Internet law developments from diverse legal systems around the world. This timely and up-to-date Hornbook comprehensively examines Internet technologies, Internet governance, private international law (jurisdiction, choice of law, forum selection and enforcement of judgment), online contacts (mass market, cloud computing service level agreements, software licensing, and e-commerce terms of service), consumer protection in cyberspace (FTC, state and foreign developments), cybertorts (including CDA Section 230 developments, Internet security, information torts, and negligent enablement), Internet-related privacy (including the EU Data Directive) cybercrimes (including state, federal and international developments), content regulations (U.S. vs. foreign), copyrights in cyberspace, trademarks and domain names, Internet-related trade secrets and patent law developments. Global Internet law is increasingly important for all lawyers, whether they are policymakers, transactional lawyers, or litigators. This Hornbook is organized around the major issues in each substantive and procedural area of law in the most accessible, contemporary, and effective manner. To help readers come to grips with the necessity of approaching the subject from a transnational perspective, this book surveys the best available U.S. and foreign cases, statutes, and commentaries covering global Internet Law developments.
PRODUCTION OF RECOMBINANT FACTOR VIII FROM PERFUSION CULTURES: II. LARGE-SCALE PURIFICATION

Keywords : Factor VIII, fermentation, continuous perfusion, high cell density, production, validation
Structure of the human liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase gene.

In man, there are multiple forms of alkaline phosphatase encoded by at least three homologous genes: placental, intestinal, and liver/bone/kidney. This report describes the characterization of the human liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase locus. The gene appears to exist as a single copy in the haploid genome and is comprised of 12 exons distributed over more than 50 kilobases. In liver, kidney, SAOS-2 human osteosarcoma cells, and cultured fibroblasts, there is a single major start for transcription situated about 25 nucleotides downstream of an A/T-rich motif. The promoter region is extremely G/C-rich, is relatively abundant in the dinucleotide CpG, and contains four copies of the consensus sequence for SP1 binding (GGGCGG). The liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase gene is at least five times larger than the intestinal and placental alkaline phosphatase genes, mainly due to intron size differences. Intron-exon junctions occur at analogous positions in all three genes, but there is an extra non-coding exon at the 5′ end of the liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase gene. The relevance of our findings with respect to the evolution of the human alkaline phosphatase multigene family is discussed.
An Evaluation of the General vs. Specialist Nature of Top Accounting Journals

Academic research has a role in advancing and enlightening society in broad areas of study. Many forces interact to influence the directions, topics, and methodologies used in research. In this paper, we explore and discuss the relationships between the top general-interest and specialist accounting journals. We test whether top journals (e.g., “Top 3” or “Top 6”), relative to a set of high-quality but specialist journals, (1) are perceived to be general in what they will consider publishing, (2) have historically published diverse sets of articles, (3) have editorial board members with diverse sets of interests and skills, and (4) publish the most highly cited articles by topic area and methodology. The results suggest that some of the top journals are not as general as their mission statements suggest and that they do not publish the most highly cited articles in some topic areas and methodologies. These results may help institutions consider whether “counting” only the top journals is an appropriate measure for judging faculty scholarship. The results suggest that counting articles in the traditional top journals alone will be problematic if institutions want to promote research in a broad range of accounting topics and issues in the profession.
Feline inflammatory hepatic and biliary diseases

Inflammatory hepatic and biliary diseases (IHBDs) are a common problem in feline practice. Several different disorders are included in this grouping, but most present with similar clinical findings and invasive diagnostics are generally necessary to establish a definitive diagnosis. This article reviews the classification of IHBDs in cats and describes clinical findings, diagnostic options and current therapeutic strategies.
Insights into the Mechanism of Organ-Specific Cancer Metastasis

Summary: Lucas and colleagues nominate transmembrane serine protease type II (TMPRSS2) as an important player in the initiation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in prostate cancer. Cancer cells maintain androgen receptor–regulated cytoplasmic TMPRSS2 expression, which facilitates EMT invasion and metastasis in model systems through hepatocyte growth factor and c-MET signaling. In addition to providing a rationale for potentially targeting this organ-specific enabler of metastatic disease progression, this study also highlights the importance of understanding how organ/tissue–specific genes are co-opted in the context of cancer. Cancer Discov; 4(11); 1262–4. ©2014 AACR. See related article by Lucas et al., [p. 1310][1] [1]: /lookup/volpage/4/1310?iss=11
Supersymmetry and zero-momentum modes.

Massless super quantum electrodynamics (SQED) and massless U(N) SQCD are examined in the somewhat improved Born-Oppenheimer approximation. The leading asymptotic behaviors of the wave functionals are fully respected. Supersymmetry is shown to be unbroken in both cases. CP or R symmetry is spontaneously broken. The Witten index in these theories is well defined despite the abnormal degeneracy, and the values agree with their massive counterparts. Clarification in connection with other approaches is made.
Influence of posture and abdominal pressure on the hemodynamic effects of Mueller's Maneuver

Abstract Respiratory distress due to airway obstruction is usually associated with decreased mean intrathoracic pressure, which increases the afterload of the left ventricle. In normal subjects, Mueller's maneuver has been used to study left ventricular volume responses to controlled decreases in intrathoracic pressure. However, reported left ventricular responses have not been uniform. Using first-pass radionuclide ventriculography (RVG), we explored sources of variability, including experimental technique, posture, abdominal pressure, and heart rate in the cardiocirculatory response to Mueller's maneuver (pleural pressure change, −40 to −55 cm H 2 O) in normal male volunteers. Individual responses to Mueller's maneuver were highly variable. In seven subjects, compared with the supine posture, the upright posture was associated with increased baseline heart rate and decreased baseline left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV). During Mueller's maneuver in both postures there was a significant increase in heart rate but no significant change in LVEDV, left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), or left ventricular ejection fraction. In a separate group of seven subjects, Mueller's maneuver was performed in two different ways. The change in mouth pressure was the same, but in one maneuver, abdominal pressure was kept constant and in the other, it was increased. Left ventricular afterload, expressed as arterial minus pleural pressure increased by 36 torr when abdominal pressure increased and increased by 24 torr when abdominal pressure did not change ( P r = .44; P
Search for nuclear excitation by laser-driven electron motion

It has been proposed that a nucleus may be excited by first exciting the atom's electrons with UV photons. The incident photons couple to the electrons, which would then couple via a virtual photon to the nucleus. As a test case, experiments with $^{235}\mathrm{U}$ have been performed. A pulsed infrared laser produces an atomic vapor of $^{235}\mathrm{U}$ which is then bombarded by a high-brightness UV laser beam. The resulting ions are collected. The first excited nuclear state of $^{235}\mathrm{U}$ has a 26-min half-life and decays by internal conversion, resulting in emission of an atomic electron. These conversion electrons are detected by a channel electron multiplier. An upper limit of 4.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$ has been obtained for the probability of exciting the nucleus of a $^{235}\mathrm{U}$ atom that is in the 248-nm UV beam for 700 fs at an irradiance in the range of 1.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{15}$ to 2.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{15}$ W/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$.
Mental Health Professionals' Experiences of Vicarious Traumatization in Post–Hurricane Katrina New Orleans

Mental health professionals in a variety of work settings regularly encounter clients who are trauma victims. This secondary exposure to trauma often results in the professionals experiencing the effects of trauma themselves, known as vicarious traumatization (VT). The present descriptive, sequential mixed-method study explored VT experienced by mental health professionals in the post–Hurricane Katrina New Orleans region using the Vicarious Traumatization Questionnaire (VTQ). The study also examined the impact of VT on the professional and personal functioning of mental health professionals through interviews with agency directors. Results indicated notable VT impact. Prevention and treatment implications are discussed.
Na+-dependent biotin transport into brush-border membrane vesicles from human kidney cortex

Renal reabsorption of biotin was investigated in human kidney by means of the isolated brush-border membrane vesicle technique. Biotin uptake into the vesicles was sodium-dependent producing a typical overshoot when incubated under sodium-gradient conditions (external concentration greater than internal). This effect was not observed in the presence of gradients of KCl, LiCl or choline-chloride, nor in the absence of any salt. Using the K+/valinomycin voltage-clamp method biotin uptake remained uninfluenced, i.e. was electroneutral, whereas glucose uptake (which is known to be electrogenic in kidney of other species) was greatly increased. When biotin transport was investigated as a function of external sodium concentration a stoichiometic coupling factor of 1 for the Na+-biotin− cotransport was determined. Increasing the biotin concentration in the incubation medium up to 200 μmol/l led to saturation with the kinetic parameters of 31 μmol/l for the apparent Michaelis constant and 82 nmol g protein−1 30 s−1 for the maximal transport rate. Uptake was not saturable in the concentration range of 0.001–1 μmol/l. Inhibition of the biotin uptake (25 μmol/l) was observed in the presence of 250 μmol/l dethiobiotin, bisnorbiotin, thioctic acid, and probenecid, whereas biocytin, propionic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, primidone and carbamazepine had no effect. We conclude that renal biotin reabsorption in human kidney is specifically sodium-dependent, saturable and electroneutral. It therefore fulfills the requirements for a secondary active carrier-mediated transport system. The results suggest that biocytin is not an inhibitor of renal biotin reabsorption.
Structural Phylogenomics Retrodicts the Origin of the Genetic Code and Uncovers the Evolutionary Impact of Protein Flexibility

The genetic code shapes the genetic repository. Its origin has puzzled molecular scientists for over half a century and remains a long-standing mystery. Here we show that the origin of the genetic code is tightly coupled to the history of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase enzymes and their interactions with tRNA. A timeline of evolutionary appearance of protein domain families derived from a structural census in hundreds of genomes reveals the early emergence of the ‘operational’ RNA code and the late implementation of the standard genetic code. The emergence of codon specificities and amino acid charging involved tight coevolution of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and tRNA structures as well as episodes of structural recruitment. Remarkably, amino acid and dipeptide compositions of single-domain proteins appearing before the standard code suggest archaic synthetases with structures homologous to catalytic domains of tyrosyl-tRNA and seryl-tRNA synthetases were capable of peptide bond formation and aminoacylation. Results reveal that genetics arose through coevolutionary interactions between polypeptides and nucleic acid cofactors as an exacting mechanism that favored flexibility and folding of the emergent proteins. These enhancements of phenotypic robustness were likely internalized into the emerging genetic system with the early rise of modern protein structure.
The effects of animated characters on anxiety, task performance, and evaluations of user interfaces

Animated characters are common in user interfaces, but important questions remain about whether characters work in all situations and for all users. This experiment tested the effects of different character presentations on user anxiety, task performance, and subjective evaluations of two commerce websites. There were three character conditions (no character, a character that ignored the user, and a character that closely monitored work on the website). Users were separated into two groups that had different attitudes about accepting help from others: people with control orientations that were external (users thought that other people controlled their success) and those with internal orientations (users thought they were in control). Results showed that the effects of monitoring and individual differences in thoughts about control worked as they do in real life. Users felt more anxious when characters monitored their website work and this effect was strongest for users with an external control orientation. Monitoring characters also decreased task performance, but increased trust in website content. Results are discussed in terms of design considerations that maximize the positive influence of animated agents.
Synthesis and group 4 complexes of tris(pyrrolyl-α-methyl)amine

The tetradentate, trianionic ligand tris(pyrrolyl-alpha-methyl)amine (H(3)tpa) is available in 84% yield in a single step by a triple Mannich reaction involving 3 equiv of pyrrole, 3 equiv of formaldehyde, and ammonium chloride. The new ligand is readily placed on titanium by transamination on Ti(NMe(2))(4), which generates Ti(NMe(2))(tpa) (1) in 73% yield. Treating 1 with 1 equiv of 1,3-dimethyl-2-iminoimidazolidine (H-imd) in toluene provided a rare example of a titanium 2-iminoimidazolidinide, which displays some interesting structural features. Of note is the Ti-N(imd) distance of 1.768(2) A, a typical Ti-N double to triple bond distance. Reaction of Zr(NMe(2))(4) with H(3)tpa gave a complex of variable composition, probably varying in the amount of labile dimethylamine retained. However, stable discreet compounds were available by addition of THF, pyridine, or 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine (Bu(t)bpy) to in situ generated Zr(NMe(2))(NHMe(2))(x)(tpa). Three chloro zirconium complexes were generated using three different strategies. Treating Zr(tpa)(NMe(2))(Bu(t)bpy) (5) with ClSiMe(3) afforded Zr(tpa)(Cl)(Bu(t)bpy) (6) in 92% yield. Reaction of Li(3)tpa with ZrCl(4)(THF)(2) in THF gave a 72% yield of ZrCl(tpa)(THF)(2) (7). In addition, treatment of ZrCl(NMe(2))(3) with H(3)tpa cleanly generated ZrCl(NHMe(2))(2)(tpa) (8) in 95% yield. An organometallic zirconium complex was generated on treatment of 6 with LiCtbd1;CPh; alkynyl Zr(Ctbd1;CPh)(tpa)(Bu(t)bpy) (9) was isolated in 62% yield. 1, Ti(imd)(tpa) (2), 6, and 9 were characterized by X-ray diffraction.
Analysis of Metabolism in Dormant Spores of Bacillus Species by 31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Analysis of Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds

ABSTRACT This work was undertaken to obtain information on levels of metabolism in dormant spores of Bacillus species incubated for weeks at physiological temperatures. Spores of Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus subtilis strains were harvested shortly after release from sporangia and incubated under various conditions, and dormant spore metabolism was monitored by 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of molecules including 3-phosphoglyceric acid (3PGA) and ribonucleotides. Incubation for up to 30 days at 4, 37, or 50°C in water, at 37 or 50°C in buffer to raise the spore core pH from ∼ 6.3 to 7.8, or at 4°C in spent sporulation medium caused no significant changes in ribonucleotide or 3PGA levels. Stage I germinated spores of Bacillus megaterium that had slightly increased core water content and a core pH of 7.8 also did not degrade 3PGA and accumulated no ribonucleotides, including ATP, during incubation for 8 days at 37°C in buffered saline. In contrast, spores incubated for up to 30 days at 37 or 50°C in spent sporulation medium degraded significant amounts of 3PGA and accumulated ribonucleotides, indicative of RNA degradation, and these processes were increased in B. megaterium spores with a core pH of ∼7.8. However, no ATP was accumulated in these spores. These data indicate that spores of Bacillus species stored in water or buffer at low or high temperatures exhibited minimal, if any, metabolism of endogenous compounds, even when the spore core pH was 7.8 and core water content was increased somewhat. However, there was some metabolism in spores stored in spent sporulation medium.
Image compression for airborne reconnaissance

The volume of digital imagery generated by existing and planned airborne reconnaissance systems requires the use of lossy compression techniques in order to store the real-time imagery on-board or transmit it to a ground station. The government is migrating compression used for reconnaissance applications from proprietary techniques to a national and international standards in order to provide a more seamless image dissemination path. This paper describes the requirements for image compression in advanced tactical reconnaissance system and compares the performance of national and international lossy compression techniques.
Apparent Solubility Parameters from Photophysical Investigation of Copolymers with Pendent Naphthyl Chromophores

The effect of solvent on the formation of excimer from copolymers of 2-(1-naphthylacetyl)ethylacrylate (NAEA) with both acrylamide (AM) and N-vinyl pyrollidone (VP) in dilute solution was investigated. A minimum in excimer intensity was observed for each of the copolymers at approximately 2.20 × 104 (J/m3)0.5. It is suggested that the relatively high content of NAEA in the copolymers (between 30 and 60%) governs the overall solubility parameter of the polymer.
Developmental profile of the heat shock response in early embryos of Drosophila

Drosophila melanogaster embryos reared at 22 degrees C were subjected to a mild heat shock (40 min at 37 degrees C) at various ages in order to determine whether there are changes in the heat shock response during embryogenesis. The effects of the heat shock were measured by assaying (1), subsequent developmental abnormalities (2), developmental time (3), hatchability, and (4), the ability to synthesize the heat shock proteins as assayed by 35S-methionine pulse labeling followed by protein separations using both one-and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Our data show that, first, proteins with molecular weights similar to those of six of the seven major heat shock proteins are normally found in the embryo at control temperatures (22 degrees C); second, that the pregastrula embryo (stages 2-6) is not capable of displaying any aspect of the heat shock response upon treatment, although it may possess all of the so-called heat shock proteins; third, that the complete heat shock response is acquired very rapidly by early gastrula embryos; and fourth, that the heat shock treatment brings about developmental delays and/or abnormalities, depending on the developmental stage of the embryo at the time of the treatment. These developmental abnormalities appear to stem from the failure of early embryos to completely inhibit their synthesis of non-heat-shock proteins. In the light of these findings, it becomes important not to base conclusions about the putative presence of a heat shock response in a particular tissue or developmental stage solely on the presence or absence of the heat shock proteins.
Enhancing R&D in science-based industry: An optimal stopping model for drug discovery

Abstract Drug discovery is a process of science work full of exploration and complexity. Drug researchers face the dilemma of either working ‘forever’ to create a perfect drug or delivering a workable drug within an acceptable deadline to both save lives and make a profit. Specifically, in the compound screening and optimization stage, drug researchers must decide whether or not to stop the research and deliver the result for clinical testing. This paper proposes a model of optimal stopping time to help drug researchers make such decisions. It examines the decision strategies drug researchers should take through maximizing their objective function. The numerical examples given here show that this model is widely applicable. The model offers potential merits in terms of its ability to clarify drug researchers’ decision-making practices and helping managers maneuver through the jungle of science work.
Hot explosive consolidation of W-Ti alloys

High-density (98 pct TD) 95W-5Ti (wt pct) alloys have been fabricated by a combustion-synthesis-assisted hot explosive consolidation (CSA-HEC) technique. In the current procedure, a W + Ti powder compact is preheated by the heat released by a Ti + C exothermic combustion synthesis reaction and subsequently consolidated by pressure waves generated by the detonation of an explosive. The amounts of explosive charge, sample configuration, and molar ratio of exothermic material to sample were found to affect the degree of consolidation. Auxiliary temperature measurements were performed to determine the precompaction thermal history of the sample to obtain the optimum delay time for consolidation. As observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the CSA-HEC microcomposites consist of W particles surrounded by a partially discontinuous Ti-rich matrix. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was also used to further characterize the W/Ti interfacial region. The pertinent features of the technique as well as those of the product microstructures are discussed.
Algorithms for distributed decision-making for multi-agent microgrid power management

A key component to future smart grids may be microgrid systems capable of integrating generation, load, and storage assets into an autonomous power system entity. As a potential building block for expanding power networks, microgrids can enable the broad integration of distributed energy resources (DER), as well as providing customers a means to optimize local assets based on multiple objectives. Pivotal to the implementation of microgrids are the power management and control architectures that will operate the microgrid systems. In this paper, a multi-agent based control architecture for microgrids, capable of coordinating and cooperatively achieving user-defined objectives is presented. Herein, unique agents that comprise a distributed multi-agent system (MAS) are developed according to Foundation for Intelligent Physical Agents (FIPA) guidelines. The authors present a method for facilitating the fundamental self-organizing and cooperative behavior amongst the microgrid agents. The MAS formulation developed is intended to lay the groundwork for a power management architecture that incorporates the integrated and robust operation of microgrid assets.
Historical development of endoscopy.

Endoscopic surgery, or minimally invasive surgery, has found wide acceptance in many surgical specialties and, in many cases, has become the standard of care. This edition of the Atlas of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America discusses many endoscopic techniques relevant to the maxillofacial surgeon. This first article reviews the history of endoscopy, summarizes the science of endoscopy, gives a brief review of endoscopic instrumentation, and gives an overview of the applications of this science to maxillofacial surgery.
J-compensated composite pulse excitation sequences for polarization transfer in heteronuclear spin systems

New composite pulse sequences for the production of two-spin order that are broadband with respect to the internal heteronuclear J coupling interaction are presented. These NMR pulse sequences were developed from existing RF-compensated sequences or obtained from numerical optimization. Incorporation of these composite sequences into the preparation period of the standard INEPT experiment results in excellent polarization transfer over a wide range of heteronuclear coupling magnitudes and are more effective than existing broadband experiments.
Resistance in family logotherapy

The author describes a logotherapy view of family resistance and its occurrence in a variety of family situations. In family logotherapy resistance is understood as a manifestation of the human fear of meaning, which is a reaction to the family's discomfort with the two side effects of meaning awareness: vulnerability and responsibility.
Intermolecular Forces between the n-Alkanes Methane to Butane Adsorbed at the Water/Vapor Interface

Experimental data on the dependence of the surface tension of water on the adsorption of n-alkanes (methane to butane) from the vapor phase over a range of temperatures are re-interpreted to obtain improved estimates of the two-dimensional second virial coefficients for comparison with calculations based on the Lennard−Jones (L−J) formalism in two dimensions. The analysis includes the fugacity corrections for the alkane gases and takes the L−J parameters as known for the three-dimensional gases. The new L−J calculations use a closed-form analytical solution of the basic equation for the two-dimensional second virial coefficient. These older published computations are correct and, as expected, are in complete agreement with the results by numerical integration with modern computer software. Together with estimates of the standard entropies of adsorption, the results indicate that no significant structuring of the surface water molecules occurs upon adsorption of the alkanes. The two-dimensional second viri...
Relative susceptibility of endothelium and myocardial cells to ischaemia‐reperfusion injury

We have investigated the timescale, extent and sequence of endothelial, myocardial and smooth muscle cell dysfunction following ischaemia-reperfusion in the isolated rat heart. Myocardial function in the form of aortic flow was evaluated in the working heart preparation. Vasodilatation induced by endothelium-dependent agent 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and endothelium-independent substance glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) was used to assess endothelial and smooth muscle function, respectively. The percentage recovery of 5-HT response and aortic flow (endothelial vs. myocardial function) plus 5-HT response and GTN effect (endothelial function vs. smooth muscle response) after a period of ischaemia was statistically analysed by Wilcoxon's signed rank test. A possible correlation between structural and functional changes in coronary vascular endothelium after ischaemia was also explored by comparing endothelial dysfunction with morphological assessment of endothelial damage seen after ischaemia. The experiments were performed at two clinically relevant temperatures of 20 degrees C and 4 degrees C. There was no significant difference in the percentage recovery of aortic flow and 5-HT response or in 5-HT response and GTN effect after 30 min of unprotected ischaemia at 4 degrees C. The same duration of ischaemia at 20 degrees C led to significantly better recovery of GTN effect as compared with 5-HT response, but there was no difference in the recovery of aortic flow and 5-HT response. Sixty minutes of unprotected ischaemia at both temperatures caused significantly better recovery of aortic flow and GTN effect as compared with 5-HT response; 60 min of ischaemia protected by an infusion of a cardioplegic solution (protected ischaemia) at 4 degrees C had no significant effect on the recovery of the three parameters. Periods of 90, 120, 180 and 240 min of protected ischaemia at 4 degrees C, and 60, 90 and 120 min of protected ischaemia at 20 degrees C resulted in significantly better recovery of aortic flow compared with 5-HT response and of GTN effect as compared to 5-HT response. This demonstrates varying susceptibility of different cell types to ischaemic injury and highlights the strong vulnerability of endothelium to ischaemic damage as compared with myocytes and smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, there was lack of correlation between post-ischaemic endothelial dysfunction and microscopically assessed structural damage.
Surface orientation in ionic liquids

New surface tension data supports models of surface orientations previously derived from direct recoil spectrometry (DRS) data for the cations of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium ionic liquids. For shorter-chain hexafluorophosphate compounds the favored average orientation appears to be one where the cation is oriented vertically with the N atoms uppermost, but the alkyl substituents do not protrude out of the surface. For longer chains or for compounds containing the smaller tetrafluoroborate anion the surface tension and DRS data are consistent with a shift to an average orientation embodying a rotation that moves the methyl group towards the surface.
Counselor Turnover in Substance Abuse Treatment Centers: An Organizational‐Level Analysis

This article draws on institutional and ecological perspectives on work and organizations to develop a workplace level model of variation in voluntary counselor turnover rates across privately funded substance abuse treatment centers in the United States. Results show that participatory management structures reduce turnover rates principally by promoting organizational commitment. The analysis also tests hypotheses regarding the effects on turnover rates of other relevant theoretic domains of treatment center structure and organization. We discuss theoretical implications of the findings and suggest directions for future research.
Variation in cancer risk among tissues can be explained by the number of stem cell divisions

Some tissue types give rise to human cancers millions of times more often than other tissue types. Although this has been recognized for more than a century, it has never been explained. Here, we show that the lifetime risk of cancers of many different types is strongly correlated (0.81) with the total number of divisions of the normal self-renewing cells maintaining that tissue’s homeostasis. These results suggest that only a third of the variation in cancer risk among tissues is attributable to environmental factors or inherited predispositions. The majority is due to “bad luck,” that is, random mutations arising during DNA replication in normal, noncancerous stem cells. This is important not only for understanding the disease but also for designing strategies to limit the mortality it causes.
NAMIBIA'S REAL EXCHANGE RATE PERFORMANCE1

To assess Namibia's external competitiveness, this study estimates the country's equilibrium real exchange rate using the autoregressive distributed lag modelling approach that has superior small-sample properties. The nominal depreciation of the Namibia dollar in 2002 created historically one of the largest deviations in the real exchange rate from its equilibrium level, but deviations are small at present. The half-life of deviations from equilibrium is found to be about 1 year.
Controlling the wave focal structure of metallic nanoslit lenses with liquid crystals

The focusing properties of gold nanoslit lenses are controlled by changing the refractive index of liquid crystal fillings inside the nanoslits. When the liquid crystals are in the isotropic state, the nanoslit lenses have higher transmission than in the case when the liquid crystals are in the nematic state. Additionally, the lens that focuses TM-polarized light shows a sharper focus in propagation direction when liquid crystal is in isotropic state. Our numerical simulations show good agreement with our experimental results. Having external control over the focusing properties of nanoslit lenses could be beneficial for practical applications.
Employment and Cancer: Findings from a Longitudinal Study of Breast and Prostate Cancer Survivors

We discuss how cancer affected the employment of almost 800 employed patients who participated in a longitudinal study. The greatest reduction in patients' labor supply (defined as employment and weekly hours worked) was observed 6 months following diagnosis. At 12 and 18 months following diagnosis, many patients returned to work. Based on these and other findings related to patients' employment situations, we suggest 4 areas for future research: 1) collection of employment information in cancer studies; 2) research into racial and ethnic minority patients and employment outcomes; 3) interventions to reduce the effects of cancer and its treatment on employment; and 4) investigations into the influence of employment-contingent health insurance on cancer treatment and recovery.
A Power Analysis of Racial Discrimination

Power is assumed to be a multiplicative function of total resources and the degree to which resources are mobilized. A mathematical model is used to predict the relationship between mobilization of resources and percentage Negro under power equilibrium, and the implications of the resulting "threat curve" are discussed. T HERE can be Ino doubting the fact that racial discrimination is ultimately based on power relationships between a dominant and subordinate group. A number of scholars have explicitly emphasized the need for analysing race relations in terms of a power frame of reference.' Ideally, such a framework should be sufficiently broad to include a consideration of the