cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Ethics: An Irresistible Temptation: Some Reflections on Paul Farber's The Temptation of Evolutionary Ethics

In his recent The Temptation of Evolutionary Ethics, Paul Farber has given a negative assessment of the last one hundred years of attempts in Anglo-American philosophy, beginning with Darwin, to develop an evolutionary ethics. Farber identifies some version of the naturalistic fallacy as one of the central sources for the failures of evolutionary ethics. For this reason, and others, Farber urges that though it has its attraction, evolutionary ethics is a temptation to be resisted. In this discussion I identify three major, historically relevant forms of the naturalistic fallacy, the (1) the deductive, (2) genetic, and (3) open question forms and argue that none of them pose an intrinsic problem for evolutionary ethics. I conclude that on this score at least there is no reason to resist temptation.
Analyzing stratified spaces using persistent versions of intersection and local homology

This dissertation places intersection homology and local homology within the framework of persistence, which was originally developed for ordinary homology by Edelsbrunner, Letscher, and Zomorodian. The eventual goal, begun but not completed here, is to provide analytical tools for the study of embedded stratified spaces, as well as for high-dimensional and possibly noisy datasets for which the number of degrees of freedom may vary across the parameter space. Specifically, we create a theory of persistent intersection homology for a filtered stratified space and prove several structural theorems about the pair groups associated to such a filtration. We prove the correctness of a cubic algorithm which computes these pair groups in a simplicial setting. We also define a series of intersection homology elevation functions for an embedded stratified space and characterize their local maxima in dimension one. In addition, we develop a theory of persistence for a multi-scale analogue of the local homology groups of a stratified space at a point. This takes the form of a series of local homology vineyards which allow one to assess the homological structure within a one-parameter family of neighborhoods of the point. Under the assumption of dense sampling, we prove the correctness of this assessment at a variety of radius scales.
2.06 – Repetition and Spacing Effects

Repetition typically leads to steady improvement in performance and memory, though this does not mean that all aspects of learning take place gradually. As a result of repeated practice, memories are formed that contain the details of each occurrence and that can be accessed individually. However, the effects of repetition cannot be reduced merely to retention of separate episodes, as generic memories may capture what individual presentations have in common. The effects of repeated study are enhanced if the learning episodes are spaced apart in time. These spacing effects are most likely due to a combination of factors, such as deficient processing of massed repetitions and superior retrieval for spaced repetitions. Repetitions may not always enhance memory, particularly when little attention is paid to a stimulus or when accurate remembering requires access to a particular occurrence of an event.
Where Are All of the Women? Untangling the Effects of Representation, Participation, and Preferences on Gender Differences in Political Press Coverage:

The author examines why female politicians continue to be underrepresented in the press by measuring how structural inequalities, engagement in traditional and disruptive dialogue, and gender prefe...
The Unintended Consequences of Reframing Denial, Unrealistic Optimism, and Self-Deception.

Blumenthal-Barby and Ubel’s target article (2018) provides a valuable contribution to the work of clinical ethics through their analysis of patients’ belief states and how clinicians and ethicists ...
Corporate and Family Business Executives: Matching Transactions to Interorganizational Relationships

This paper explores how commonly-held beliefs about family structures, communication styles, relationship maintenance and the strength of bonds are used by nonfamily corporate business executives t...
Developing a Target Value Design Protocol for Commercial Energy Retrofits—Part 1

Current practices of financial institutions in the US lack capability to differentiate—and accordingly underwrite—commercial energy efficiency investments from ‘normal’ real estate investments. This deficiency in underwriting on projects and features of their building systems appears to lead to increasing perceived risks of commercial lenders. Consequently, loans that arguably should be funded on their own merits are not funded or delayed, or suffer higher cost of borrowing. In order to improve current commercial underwriting practices, the objective of this study is to develop a protocol to accommodate financial decisions in favor of energy efficiency. Through a series of interviews with industry practitioners, this paper examines the process of commercial loan underwriting in light of suggesting changes using Target Value Design (TVD) that, in the end, will lead to establishing a TVD protocol for underwriters and their customers to use. This study argues that the TVD protocol can align work processes of various stakeholders better than is done in current practice. For validation, feedback from small, medium, and large banks was obtained. Future case studies will further test the applicability of the protocol. This is part 1 of a 2-part paper.
A Tale of Two Expeditionary Forces: Religion and Race in the Dardanelles and France

Race and religion animated social, cultural, and political structures during the First World War and these were reflected in both the French Corps expeditionnaire d’Orient (CEO) and the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) that served in France between 1917 and 1920. The appearance in France of thousands of men of color from the colonies and the United States raised issues of race, religion, and gender since these men could not be prevented from mingling with the local populations in factories, on farms, or in rest areas behind the lines. The integration of black American combat units into the French Army highlighted the differences between the claims of French egalitarianism and American segregation, with lasting consequences for French society during and after the war.
Epigenetic studies and pediatric research

The 2020 Annual Review Issue, "Preventing Disease in the 21st Century" was selected by the Editors-in-Chief of Pediatric Research to include a variety of disease entities that confront health-care practitioners entrusted to the care of infants and children. In keeping with this mandate, this article reviews the subject of epigenetics, which impacts pediatric research from bench to bedside. Epigenetic mechanisms exert their effects through the interaction of environment, various susceptibility genes, and immunologic development and include: (1) DNA methylation; (2) posttranslational modifications of histone proteins through acetylation and methylation, and (3) RNA-mediated gene silencing by microRNA (miRNA) regulation. The effects of epigenetics during fetal life and early periods of development are first reviewed together with clinical applications of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in later life. The relationships of epigenetics to the allergic and autoimmune diseases and cancer are next reviewed. A specific focus of the article is directed to the recent recognition that many of these disorders are driven by aberrant immune responses in which immunoregulatory events are often poorly functioning and where through interventive epigenetic measures prevention may be possible by alterations in programming of DNA during fetal and early periods as well as in later life.
Chapter 2 – Drug Affinity and Efficacy

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the concept of a molecule having an “affinity” for a protein, and what the uniquely pharmacologic concept of “efficacy” means and its mechanism. Drugs can have many efficacies and this chapter describes the two drug related parameters of affinity and efficacy. The affinity and efficacy of a given molecule can be determined in one system (referred as “test” system), then these parameters may be used to assess drug activity in any other system, including the therapeutic one. This is of great value since drugs are very rarely discovered and studied directly in the therapeutic system. New terminologies such as rate of association and dissociation of molecules, equilibrium, lead, and lead optimization are also explained. Agonist response can be characterized in a system-independent manner by measurement of the affinity and efficacy of the agonist. Although both the parameters of affinity and efficacy are required to describe agonists, only affinity is required to characterize the activity of target antagonists. Flow charts and schematic diagrams help the reader to understand the process involved in drug effect.
Using Community Conversations to Inform Transition Education in Rural Communities

Nearly one quarter of all youth with disabilities attend rural schools. Supporting the successful postschool transitions of these youth can be a complex and challenging endeavor. In this study, we ...
Biocompatibility, mechanical, and bonding properties of a dental adhesive modified with antibacterial monomer and cross-linker.

This study investigated the antibacterial, cytotoxicity, and mechanical properties of a dental adhesive modified with quaternary ammonium monomer ((2-acryloyloxyethyl)dimethyldodecylammonium bromide) and cross-linker (bis(2-acryloyloxyethyl)methyldodecylammonium bromide). Monomer (M), cross-linker (C), or a combination of these (M + C) were incorporated into adhesive Adper Single Bond Plus (SB) in 5, 10, or 25% (as wt%). A colony-forming unit and MTT assays were used to evaluate antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans and cell viability. Resin-dentin beams (0.9 ± 0.1 mm2) were evaluated for micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) after 24 h, 6 months, and 3 years. Hourglass specimens were evaluated for ultimate tensile strength (UTS) after 24 h, 1 week, and 6 months. Micro-hardness measurements after softening in ethanol were taken as an indirect assessment of the polymer cross-linking density. Kruskal-Wallis, one-way ANOVA, two-way ANOVA, and Student’s t test were used for analysis of the antibacterial, cytotoxicity, μTBS, UTS, and hardness data, all with a significance level of p < 0.05. 10%M and 25%M demonstrated a significant reduction in S. mutans relative to SB (p < 0.001). No differences in cytotoxicity were detected for any of the groups. After 6 months, no changes in μTBS were shown for any of the groups. After 3 years, all groups evidenced a significant decrease in μTBS (p < 0.05) except 5%M, 5%C, and 5%M + 5%C. All groups demonstrated either stable or significantly increased UTS after 6 months. Except for the cross-linker groups, a significant decrease in micro-hardness was shown for all groups after softening in ethanol (p < 0.05). A 5–10% of monomer may render the resin antibacterial without a compromise to its mechanical and bonding properties. Biomodification of a resin adhesive with an antibacterial monomer and cross-linker may help improve the life span of adhesive restorations.
A Limited Government Model of the First Amendment

It is the goal of A Limited Government Model of the First Amendment to propose a new approach to the Bill of Rights in general and the First Amendment Speech Clause in particular. Instead of focusing on the particular freedoms specified in each amendment and precisely defining the scope of each freedom, this Article seeks to arrive at a simpler and more comprehensive approach. It argues that each amendment within the Bill of Rights can be understood within the context of a larger goal—namely, limiting the power of government. The idealistic hope behind the Bill of Rights may have been to achieve a protection of individual liberty, but because the Framers did not know how to specifically go about doing that, they crafted a Bill that focused not on the substance of each right but on limiting the power of government in certain areas. Limited government became the means by which liberty would be preserved. This Article strives to understand the Bill of Rights through an understanding and application of this limited government model. It is hoped that a more simple, consistent and comprehensive jurisprudential model can be developed, one that is more in tune with the original intent of the framers and ratifiers of the Bill of Rights. A limited government model of the Free Speech Clause, for instance, may provide a better understanding and application of that clause than would a judicial approach aimed at protecting the kind of speech activities that might preserve and enhance individual autonomy.
Predictors and Outcomes of Digital Weighing and Activity Tracking Lapses Among Young Adults During Weight Gain Prevention.

Objectives Self-monitoring is critical for weight management, but little is known about lapses in the use of digital self-monitoring. The objectives of this study were to examine whether lapses in self-weighing and wearing activity trackers are associated with weight and activity outcomes and to identify objective predictors of lapses. Methods Participants (N = 160, BMI = 25.5 ± 3.3 kg/m2 , 33.1 ± 4.6 years old) were drawn from a sample of young adults in the Study of Novel Approaches to Prevention-Extension (SNAP-E) weight gain prevention trial. Analyses evaluated associations between weighing and tracker lapses and changes in weight and steps/day during the first 90 days after receiving a smart scale and activity tracker. Results On average, participants self-weighed 49.6% of days and wore activity trackers 75.2% of days. Every 1-day increase in a weighing lapse was associated with a 0.06-lb gain. Lapses in tracker wear were not associated with changes in steps/day or weight between wear days. Weight gain predicted a higher likelihood of starting a lapse in weighing and tracker wear, whereas lower steps predicted a higher likelihood of a tracker lapse. Conclusions Weight gain may discourage adherence to self-monitoring. Future research could examine just-in-time supports to anticipate and reduce the frequency or length of self-monitoring lapses.
Por Los Niños: Latine Caregivers’ Reflections on Parenting in the Context of Immigration

Immigrant families face unique challenges, most notably the active negotiation of two cultures not only at the individual level, but also in the context of family relationships. There is limited re...
Standing out in a small crowd: The role of display size in attracting attention.

Strong evidence supporting the top-down modulation of attention has come from studies in which participants learned to suppress a singleton in a heterogeneous four-item display. These studies have ...
A Cryptography Primer: Secrets and Promises

1. Introduction 2. Modular arithmetic 3. The addition cypher, an insecure block cypher 4. Functions 5. Probability theory 6. Perfect secrecy and perfectly secure cryptosystems 7. Number theory 8. Euclid's algorithm 9. Some uses of perfect secrecy 10. Computational problems, easy and hard 11. Modular exponentiation, modular logarithm, and one-way functions 12. Diffie and Hellman's exponential-key-agreement protocol 13. Computationally secure single-key cryptosystems 14. Public-key cryptosystems and digital signatures.
Impact of altered gravity on aspects of cell biology

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes the progress that has been made in determining and understanding the effect of gravity on cell function. It describes the results from three general areas of spaceflight research, and within each area, focuses on specific cell systems for which sufficient data have been accumulated. Included are (1) cell physiology, with a focus on immune cell activation; (2) cell development, with a focus on plant cell differentiation; and (3) the physiology of unicellular organisms. In addition, the chapter describes the underlying principles that govern spaceflight research on the cell, and examines experimental approaches used to investigate the effects of altered gravity on cell function. One environmental factor that has remained constant throughout evolution is the force of earth's gravitational field. The cardiovascular system counteracts gravity when it pumps blood to the upper body, but also uses the pull of gravity when it distributes fluid to the lower extremities. These well-known adaptations to gravity become clearly evident during manned orbital spaceflight, where the inertial acceleration caused by gravitational force is virtually canceled and the gravity vector is no longer detectable. In this microgravity environment, where mass is nearly weightless, astronauts experience space motion sickness, muscle atrophy and bone demineralization, as well as cardiovascular deconditioning and the redistribution and pooling of body fluids in the upper body.
Analytical characterization of selective benthic flux components in estuarine and coastal waters

Benthic flux is the rate of flow across the bed of a water body, per unit area of bed. It is forced by component mechanisms, which interact. For example, pressure gradients across the bed, forced by tide, surface gravity waves, density gradients, bed–current interaction, turbulence, and terrestrial hydraulic gradients, drive an advective benthic flux of water and constituents between estuarine and coastal waters, and surficial aquifers. Other mechanisms also force benthic flux, such as chemical gradients, bioturbation, and dispersion. A suite of component mechanisms force a total benthic flux at any given location, where each member of the suite contributes a component benthic flux. Currently, the types and characteristics of component interactions are not fully understood. For example, components may interact linearly or nonlinearly, and the interaction may be constructive or destructive. Benthic flux is a surface water–groundwater interaction process. Its discharge component to a marine water body is referred to, in some literature, as submarine groundwater discharge. Benthic flux is important in characterizing water and constituent budgets of estuarine and coastal systems. Analytical models to characterize selective benthic flux components are reviewed. Specifically, these mechanisms are for the component associated with the groundwater tidal prism, and forced by surface gravity wave setup, surface gravity waves on a plane bed, and the terrestrial hydraulic gradient. Analytical models are applied to the Indian River Lagoon, Florida; Great South Bay, New York; and the South Atlantic Bight in South Carolina and portions of North Carolina.
Factors Associated With Positive D-dimer Results in Patients Evaluated for Pulmonary Embolism

Plasma D-dimer measurement is commonly used as the first test in patients suspected of having acute pulmonary embolism (PE). D-dimer testing is noninvasive and rapid, so it is not surprising that the availability of these tests can increase the number of patients evaluated for possible PE.1 However, low specificity limits the usefulness of D-dimer testing. Specificity is typically between 40% and 60%, leading to a high rate of false-positive results.2 Several factors, other than PE or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), are associated with positive D-dimer results. Some, such as advanced age, malignancy, and pregnancy, have been described in the medical literature.3–9 However, most prior studies have evaluated D-dimer testing in a select population of patients with a particular risk factor, rather than in an undifferentiated population of patients evaluated for PE.10–12 As a result, the ability to adjust results for the large variety of conditions that may elevate the D-dimer has been limited. In addition, risk factors have generally been studied as broad categories (e.g., recent surgery, history of cancer), but whether the described effects are consistent across more detailed subcategories (e.g., type of surgery, active vs. inactive malignancy) is not well known. We used data obtained from a large multicenter study of emergency department (ED) patients evaluated for PE to identify factors associated with a positive D-dimer result and quantify the effect of each factor in a multivariable analysis.
Multiplicities of Monomial Space Curves with Non-Noetherian Symbolic Blowups

We study the multiplicities of space monomial curves with non-Noetherian symbolic blowups. We extend the celebrated examples of Goto, Nishida, and Watanabe, as well as introduce a new family of examples. In particular, there are such curves with multiplicity 11, and curves having any given multiplicity over 25 (with 12 possible exceptions).
Linking Human Resource Management Practices and Organizational Strategy

Abstract The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine country differences in human resource management (HRM) policies and practices and to attempt to determine whether, at a country level of analysis, there is a relationship between HRM practices and strategy. This study is based on survey data from over 4,000 firms in 57 nations. Two dimensions of HRM practices were found. The first dimension, “flexibility,” is related to companies' discretion in setting wages, working hours, hiring and firing practices, as well as levels of collective bargaining power. The second dimension, HR “investment,” includes issues related to the importance of skilled personnel at all levels; efforts to ensure such skill levels; a cooperative, participative approach to employee relations; and compensation based on merit. These two HRM dimensions were significantly related to different competitive Strategies.
BIOADHESION IN CAULERPA MEXICANA (CHLOROPHYTA): RHIZOID-SUBSTRATE ADHESION(1).

The attachment of the psammophytic alga Caulerpa mexicana Sond. ex Kutz., a coenocytic green alga, to crushed CaCO3 particles was examined utilizing the scanning electron microscope and fluorescently tagged antivitronectin antibodies. Plants attached to the substrate through morphologically variable tubular rhizoidal extensions that grew from the stolon. In this study, we describe two means of attachment: (i) the rhizoid attachment to limestone gravel by thigmoconstriction, where tubular extensions of the rhizoid wrapped tightly around the substrate and changed morphology to fit tightly into crevices in the limestone, and (ii) through adhesion pads that formed in contact with the limestone granules. Flattened rhizoidal pads were observed to secrete a fibrillar material that contained vitronectin-like proteins identified through immunolocialization and that facilitated binding of the rhizoid to the substrate.
Persistent upregulation of μ-opioid, but not adenosine, receptors in brains of long-term withdrawn escalating dose “binge” cocaine-treated rats

There is evidence showing that the opioid and adenosine systems play an important role in cocaine addiction; fewer studies have examined their roles in cocaine withdrawal. To determine whether cocaine and/or chronic withdrawal from cocaine alters the specific components of the opioid and adenosine systems, we carried out quantitative autoradiographic mapping of μ-opioid, A1 and A2A adenosine receptors in the brains of rats treated with an escalating dose “binge” cocaine administration paradigm and of rats chronically withdrawn from cocaine. Male Fischer rats were injected with saline or cocaine (15 × 3 mg/kg/day for 4 days, 20 × 3 mg/kg/day for 4 days, 25 × 3 mg/kg/day for 4 days and 30 × 3 mg/kg/day for 2 days) at 1-h intervals for 14 days. Similarly treated rats were withdrawn from that paradigm for 14 days. A significant increase in [3H]DAMGO binding to μ-receptors was detected in the frontal and cingulate cortex, as well as in the caudate putamen, of long-term withdrawn rats after an escalating dose “binge” cocaine administration paradigm and in chronic cocaine-treated rats. No significant cocaine-induced change was found in A1 or A2A receptor binding in any region analyzed. These results reconfirm that μ-opioid (MOP) receptors undergo upregulation in response to chronic escalating dose “binge” cocaine administration. This upregulation was shown for the first time to persist at least 14 days into withdrawal after escalating “binge” cocaine. Synapse 57:160–166, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hormonal manipulation of pulmonary metastases from carcinoma of the prostate

Chest roentgenograms and medical records were reviewed on 91 consecutive patients having orchiectomy for advanced carcinoma of the prostate during a 4-year period. Our purpose was to investigate the potential of antiandrogen therapy for inducing regression of prostatic pulmonary metastases and respiratory difficulty accompanying lymphangitic spread. Patients encountered during the study period who had lung metastases but refused orchiectomy and were treated with oral estrogens were also included. Antiandrogen therapy was found to be effective in inducing regression of prostatic pulmonary metastases and respiratory distress accompanying lymphangitic spread in those patients who had no prior hormonal manipulation.
Depression Among Long-term Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer Treated With Radiation Therapy

Importance The diagnosis and subsequent treatment of head and neck cancer can have a potentially devastating impact on psychosocial functioning. Although the long-term physical adverse effects of radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer have been well described, relatively few studies have evaluated psychosocial functioning after treatment. Objective To determine the prevalence of self-reported depression among survivors of head and neck cancer returning for follow-up after being treated with RT. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional analysis among 211 comprehensive cancer center patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, who had been previously treated with RT and were disease-free with at least 1 year of follow-up. Patients with a history of mood disorder, use of mental health services in the past, or previous or current use of antidepressants or anxiolytics, excluding sleep medications, were specifically excluded. Interventions The University of Washington Quality of Life instrument (UW-QOL), a brief, previously validated, self-administered questionnaire, was used to analyze rates of depression. Main Outcomes and Measures The UW-QOL assigned scores of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 subjective responses of mood being “extremely depressed,” “somewhat depressed,” “neither in a good mood or depressed,” “generally good,” and “excellent,” respectively. Results The mean mood score did not differ at 1, 3, and 5 years after treatment, with scores of 52.0, 55.7, and 62.1, respectively. The proportion of patients who reported their mood as “somewhat depressed” or “extremely depressed” was 17%, 15%, and 13% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Variables that were significantly associated with post-RT depression included the presence of tracheostomy tube or laryngeal stoma ( P = .01), gastrostomy tube dependence ( P = .01), and continued smoking at the time of follow-up ( P Conclusions and Relevance Despite a relatively high rate of depression among patients with head and neck cancer in the post-RT setting, mental health services are severely underutilized.
Scholarly Support for Social Security: A Political History of Prevailing Beliefs, and of the Growing Number of Works Demonstrating that the “Conventional” Often Is Not “Wisdom”

Max J. Skidmore examines the current “conventional wisdom” regarding Social Security, and discusses a dozen of the growing number of books countering prevailing beliefs. He demonstrates that the “conventional” often is not “wisdom,” but rather received dogma inspired by well-financed special interests.
A direct role for GRASP65 as a mitotically regulated Golgi stacking factor

Cell-free assays that mimic the disassembly and reassembly cycle of the Golgi apparatus during mitosis implicated GRASP65 as a mitotically regulated stacking factor. We now present evidence that GRASP65 is directly involved in stacking Golgi cisternae. GRASP65 is the major phosphorylation target in rat liver Golgi membranes of two mitotic kinases, cdc2-cyclin B and polo-like kinases, which alone will unstack Golgi membranes, generating single cisternae. Mitotic cells microinjected with antibodies to GRASP65 fail to form proper Golgi stacks after cell division. Beads coated with GRASP65 homodimers form extensive aggregates consistent with the formation of trans oligomers. These can be disaggregated using purified cdc2-cyclin B1 and polo-like kinases, and re-aggregated after dephosphorylation of GRASP65. Together, these data demonstrate that GRASP65 has the properties required to bind surfaces together in a mitotically regulated manner.
Effect of electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups on peptide/single-walled carbon nanotube interactions.

Nano-1, a designed peptide, has been demonstrated to efficiently disperse individual single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by folding into an amphiphilic α-helix wherein the phenylalanine (Phe) residues on the hydrophobic face of the helix interact via π-stacking with the aromatic surface of the SWNT. In this study, the ability of electron-donating (hydroxyl) and electron-withdrawing (nitro) groups on the phenyl ring of Phe to affect the interactions between the peptide and SWNTs is examined by substituting the Phe residues in the nano-1 sequence with tyrosine and p-nitro-phenylalanine, respectively. Atomic force microscopy measurements and optical absorption spectroscopy revealed that the ability to disperse individual SWNTs increases with increasing electron density of the aromatic residue on the hydrophobic face of the amphiphilic helical peptides. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) and Raman analyses were used to examine the effect of noncovalent protein functionalization on the electronic propert...
miR-786 Regulation of a Fatty-Acid Elongase Contributes to Rhythmic Calcium-Wave Initiation in C. elegans

Summary Background Rhythmic behaviors are ubiquitous phenomena in animals. In C. elegans, defecation is an ultradian rhythmic behavior: every ∼50 s a calcium wave initiating in the posterior intestinal cells triggers the defecation motor program that comprises three sequential muscle contractions. Oscillatory calcium signaling is central to the periodicity of defecation. The posteriormost intestinal cells function as the pacemaker for this rhythmic behavior, although it is unclear how the supremacy of these cells for calcium-wave initiation is controlled. Results We describe how the loss of the mir-240/786 microRNA cluster, which results in arrhythmic defecation, causes ectopic intestinal calcium-wave initiation. mir-240/786 expression in the intestine is restricted to the posterior cells that function as the defecation pacemaker. Genetic data indicate that mir-240/786 functions upstream of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP 3 ) receptor. Through rescue analysis, it was determined that miR-786 functions to regulate defecation. Furthermore, we identified elo-2 , a fatty-acid elongase with a known role in defecation cycling, as a direct target for miR-786. We propose that the regulation of palmitate levels through repression of elo-2 activity is the likely mechanistic link to defecation. Conclusions Together, these data indicate that miR-786 confers pacemaker status on posterior intestinal cells for the control of calcium-wave initiation through the regulation of elo-2 and, subsequently, palmitate levels. We propose that a difference in fatty-acid composition in the posterior intestinal cells may alter the activities of membrane proteins, such as IP 3 -receptor or TRPM channels, that control pacemaker activity in the C. elegans intestine.
Reprofessionalization in pharmacy.

Abstract Developments in technology, social organization, the division of labor and financing have substantially threatened the traditional role of the pharmacist. This paper examines responses to these structural transformations through efforts to reprofessionalize the field, including creating professional organizations, setting high standards of training and performance, and the acquisition of clinical responsibility. Several predictions are made, based on theories of organizations, professions, and social movements in order to determine the future composition and direction of pharmacy.
Spontaneous Reversion from Blast to Chronic Phase after Withdrawal of Imatinib Mesylate in a Patient with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Imatinib mesylate, a specific inhibitor of the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, has been very effective in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase with high rates of hematological and cytogenetic remissions. Resistance to therapy can develop and transformation to blast crisis may occur, particularly in patients without a cytogenetic response. We report a case of a patient with CML treated in chronic phase who developed blast crisis; withdrawal of imatinib mesylate resulted in spontaneous reversion to chronic phase.
Fluoro Complexes of Permethyltantalocene, Cp*2TaF3 and [Cp*2TaF2][BF4]: Facile Formation of a Tetrafluoroborate Complex via Corrosion of Borosilicate Glass

The trihydride complex Cp*2TaH3 is a convenient precursor to a series of halide derivatives, which include unusual examples of organometallic fluoride complexes. Most interestingly, reaction of Cp*2TaH3 with (C5H5N)(HF)x affords the trifluoride complex Cp*2TaF3 when carried out in a plastic vessel, but the tetrafluoroborate complex [Cp*2TaF2][BF4] when performed in a borosilicate glass vessel. In contrast, reaction of Cp*2TaH3 with [Et3N(HF)3] results in cleavage of one of the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ligands to yield the half-sandwich complex [Et3NH][Cp*TaF5]. Cp*2TaF3 and [Cp*2TaF2][BF4] may be readily interconverted. Thus, treatment of Cp*2TaF3 with either Et2O·BF3 or LiBF4 yields [Cp*2TaF2][BF4], while reaction of the latter complex with excess NaF regenerates Cp*2TaF3. Furthermore, Cp*2TaF3 is converted to the cyano fluoride complex Cp*2Ta(CN)2F upon reaction with excess Me3SiCN. Sequential replacement of the hydride ligands of Cp*2TaH3 is observed in the reaction with MeI to give Cp*2TaH2I and Cp...
Recursion analysis for compiler optimization

A relatively simple method for the detection of recursive use of procedures is presented for use in compiler optimization. Implementation considerations are discussed, and a modification of the algorithm is given to further improve optimization. This analysis can also be used to determine what possible subset of values could be assumed by variables which can only take on a relatively small discrete set of values. The most common are parameters of variables assuming values of label, procedure, or Pascal's enumerated type.
Effect of Carrier and Administration on Luteinizing Hormone Release By Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone

Ovariectomized ewes in groups of four were administered either saline (I) or 50 micrograms of gonadotropin releasing hormone (II to VII). Methods of administration and carriers were : II, intramuscular saline; III, intravenous saline; IV, subcutaneous saline; V, subcutaneous gelatin; VI, subcutaneous carboxymethylcellulose; and VII, subcutaneous gelatin capsule. Only subcutaneous administration of gonadotropin releasing hormone in the gelatin capsule (VII) prolonged the interval from treatment to luteinizing hormone peak; however, there were fewer ewes with peak luteinizing hormone concentrations equal to or greater than 100 ng/ml in VII than II, IV, V, and VI. Ewes in V, VI, and VII had luteinizing hormone surges of longer duration than II and III. Ewes in VII had the longest luteinizing hormone surge, which was 7.5 h, even though luteinizing hormone concentrations did not return to pretreatment concentrations by 8 h posttreatment in three of the four ewes.
New geometrical perspective of fuzzy ART and fuzzy ARTMAP learning

In this paper we introduce new useful, geometric concepts regarding categories in Fuzzy ART and Fuzzy ARTMAP, which shed more light into the process of category competition eligibility upon the presentation of input patterns. First, we reformulate the competition of committed nodes with uncommitted nodes in an F2 layer as a commitment test very similar to the vigilance test. Next, we introduce a category's match and choice regions, which are the geometric interpretation of the vigilance and commitment test respectively. After examining properties of these regions we reach three results applicable to both Fuzzy ART and Fuzzy ARTMAP. More specifically, we show that only one out of these two tests is required; which test needs to be performed depends on the values of the vigilance parameter (rho) and the choice parameter (alpha) . Also, we show that for a specific relation of (rho) and (alpha) , the vigilance (rho) does not influence the training or performance phase of Fuzzy ART and Fuzzy ARTMAP. Finally, we refine a previously published upper bound on the size of the categories created during training in Fuzzy ART and Fuzzy ARTMAP.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Unitarity in gauge theories with nonlinear gauge conditions

We consider the Abelian gauge theories in which the transverse and the longitudinal photons are coupled. The unitarity relation holds because the unwanted absorptive part of the amplitude due to this coupling is canceled by the fictitious particle. It is pointed out that, by introducing the Lagrange multiplier, one can see the cancellations for all orders in perturbation expansions by looking at the equation of motion for the Lagrange multiplier. The possible implication of this on the massless Yang-Mills fields is indicated.
Nanotechnology: Molecular robots on the move.

Robots have to store lots of information in order to coordinate their actions, but how can this be done for nanometre-scale robots? One answer is to program data into the robots' environment instead. Many new functional materials and devices could be made if it were possible to rationally combine different nanometre-scale particles into larger structures. An assembly line operating on the nanometre-scale would be an ideal means for constructing a wide range of complex target structures, and has now been demonstrated in proof-of-principle experiments. It combines three known DNA-based modules — a DNA origami tile as framework and track for the assembly process, a cassette providing cargo delivery from three programmable DNA machines, and a three-'handed', four-'footed' DNA walker that generates the target product by moving along the track and collecting cargo as directed by the program. The assembly line can be programmed to join three different types of gold nanoparticle to form eight possible target products.
Powered toothbrushes with a rotation oscillation action remove plaque and reduce gingivitis more effectively than manual toothbrushes

Summary Exposure Participants brushed their teeth for a minimum of 28 0689 days with either a manual toothbrush or 1 of the following 6 categories of powered toothbrush: side to side; counter oscillation; rotation oscillation, circular; ultrasonic; and unknown. Main outcome measure The primary outcome measures were changes in plaque and gingivitis levels after at least 28 days of toothbrush use. Because of variations in the indexes employed to measure plaque and gingivitis across studies, results were reported as standardized mean differences (SMD). Comparisons were limited to those between powered brushes and manual brushing. Main results Brushes that worked with a rotation oscillation actionremoved more plaque and reduced gingivitis more effectively than manual toothbrushes in both the short (less than 3 months) and long (3 months or longer) term. 1. Short-term plaque reduction was estimated to be 11% on the Quigley Hein plaque index. 2. Short-term gingivitis reduction was estimated to be 6% on the Loe and Silness index. 3. Long-term studies indicated a 7% reduction in plaque scores and a 17% reduction on the Ainamo Bay bleeding-on-probing index (Figure 3).
Tumor Angiogenesis: Insights and Innovations

Angiogenesis is a vital process resulting in the formation of new blood vessels. It is normally a highly regulated process that occurs during human development, reproduction, and wound repair. However, angiogenesis can also become a fundamental pathogenic process found in cancer and several other diseases. To date, the inhibition of angiogenesis has been researched at both the bench and the bedside. While several studies have found moderate improvements when treating with angiogenesis inhibitors, greater success is being seen when the inhibition of angiogenesis is combined with other traditional forms of available therapy. This review summarizes several important angiogenic factors, examines new research and ongoing clinical trials for such factors, and attempts to explain how this new knowledge may be applied in the fight against cancer and other angiogenic-related diseases.
Immunosuppressive effects of methylglyoxal-bis(guanylhydrazone) on mouse bone marrow and spleen cells and their antagonism by spermidine.

Abstract Changes in immunological function and in the activity of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase were studied in bone marrow and spleen cells from mice immunized with sheep red blood cells and given multiple doses of methylglyoxal-bis(guanylhydrazone) (CH3-G) or CH3-G in combination with spermidine. Inhibition by CH3-G was found in the complement-dependent and complement-independent immune responses of cells from both tissue sources; however, this inhibition was greater and more persistent in bone marrow than in spleen cells. Co-administration of spermidine with CH3-G completely prevented this inhibition in the spleen at all the time points studied, whereas in the bone marrow prevention appeared later and was lower in magnitude. The increase in the activity of S-adenosylmethione decarboxylase, a key enzyme in spermidine biosynthesis, was greater in bone marrow than in spleen after the administration of CH3-G. Co-administration of spermidine with CH3-G consistently reduced this increase in enzyme activity in spleen but not in bone marrow. In addition to prevention, appropriate scheduling of spermidine subsequent to CH3-G resulted in reversal of both the immunosuppression and the increase in S-adenosylmethionine decarbooxylase activity produced by CH3-G in spleen cells.
The national estuary program and public involvement

Abstract The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is using collaborative problem solving and consensus building to address environmental problems in the nation's estuaries. The National Estuary Program establishes management conferences to develop and implement a comprehensive conservation and management plan for estuaries of national significance. Representatives of federal, state, and local governments, the academic and scientific communities, and the public and private sectors are tasked to agree on the most important problems and the corrective actions needed. The comprehensive plan recommends priority corrective actions and compliance schedules addressing point and nonpoint sources of pollution to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the estuary. An important component of public involvement in the National Estuary Program is citizens volunteer monitoring. Volunteer monitoring data is collected and used to meet a number of different water quality management objectives. Enforcement and compliance monitoring programs require quality assured and quality controlled data. Citizen monitoring can provide data to meet these objectives, but it also plays a key role in building public support for action, and ultimately the will to accomplish water quality and other environmental goals. Citizen volunteers can augment monitoring programs already in existence at federal, state, and local levels. And, mobilization of citizen volunteers permits the collection of data that would not be available through conventional methods.
Binomial index of model fit: An elaboration

This article is an elaboration on the use of the binomial test of model fit value, which in this article will be referred to as the binomial index of model fit value, to gauge the degree that the d...
The methylator meets the terminator.

In the preproteomic age, one of the best approaches for deciphering the physiological role of an unknown gene product was to examine the phenotype of mutant strains and take educated guesses for its function that would guide biochemical experimentation. Such a process could take months to years to accomplish. In the proteomic age, the best initial approach is to use a computer to compare the deduced amino acid sequence of the gene product with those of proteins of known function, and with luck, one might get to the same place in seconds to minutes! But what happens when the results of these two approaches don't appear to make any sense with each other?
INFLUENCE OF STRESS ON PLASMA AND ADRENAL CORTICOSTERONE LEVELS IN RATS WITH INTACT AND REGENERATING ADRENALS

A study was made of the ability of the regenerating adrenal to secrete corticosterone in response to stress as part of our investigation of the possible role of regenerating adrcnocortical tissue in the genesis of adrenal-regeneration hypertension. Response to stress was measured in rats bearing intact adrenals, two regenerating adrenals, and one regenerating adrenal. Groups of 20 such animals were given water or 1% saline to drink, or unincphrectomized and given 1% saline. Twenty-one days after enucleation, the rats were decapitated under “resting” and “stressed” conditions. Corticosterone in plasma and adrenal pools was measured by an isotopic dilution technique using corticosterone-4-C14 and a fluorometric procedure. Plasma level of all groups of unstressed rats were essentially the same, ranging from 3 to 7 ¼g corticosteronc/100 ml. In rats with intact adrenals, plasma corticosterone levels were directly related to the amount of steroid in the glands under resting and stressed conditions. Regenerating...
ACUTE GRAFT-VERSUS-HOST DISEASE IN RECIPIENTS OF BONE-MARROW TRANSPLANTS FROM IDENTICAL TWIN DONORS

Three patients with acute leukaemia received bone-marrow from identical twin donors after pre-transplant preparation with cyclophosphamide, cytosine arabinoside, and total body irradiation. Later clinical and microscopic changes in all three patients suggested cutaneous acute graft-versus host disease. In two of the recipients thrombolytic thrombocytopenia developed during the seventh week after transplantation, and platelet half-life was reduced to 9 h in one recipient (normal 3--4 days). It is suggested that acute graft-versus-host disease in bone-marrow recipients sometimes may result from an imbalance between autoreactive lymphocytes and lymphocytes which suppress their effect and not always from genetically determined histocompatibility differences between donor and recipient.