cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proportioning and regeneration in fissioned and unfissioned individuals of the planarian Dugesia tigrina

Regeneration was examined in fissioned and unfissioned planarians (Dugesia tigrina) in terms of regenerative success and body proportioning. Regenerative success was determined in terms of percent of abnormal regenerates and number of abnormalities per abnormal regenerate. Sections from unfissioned animals were less successful at regeneration than were those from fissioned animals, and body regions located immediately behind the pharynx represented those segments which formed fewer abnormal regenerates as a result of fissioning. Body proportioning was measured as a function of size of head and prepharygeal region to overall body length. A direct correlation was seen in the proportional size of these two parameters, which varied significantly among regenerates. Results suggest that body proportioning is not constant from one excised piece to another but is predictable and dependent on several variables including interval between fission and sectioning, region from which the segment was obtained, and/or original length of the segment.
Neural stem cell-preserving external-beam radiotherapy of central nervous system malignancies.

Purpose: Recent discoveries have implicated neural stem cells (NSC) as the source of plasticity and repair in the mature mammalian brain. Treatment-induced NSC dysfunction may lead to observed toxicity. This study evaluates the feasibility of NSC-preserving external beam radiotherapy. Methods and Materials: A single computed tomography (CT) dataset depicting a right periventricular lesion was used in this study as this location reflects the most problematic geometric arrangement with respect to NSC preservation. Conventional and NSC preserving radiotherapy (RT) plans were generated for the same lesion using two clinical scenarios: cerebral metastatic disease and primary high-grade glioma. Disease-specific target volumes were used. Metastatic disease was conventionally treated with whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) to 3,750 cGy (15 fractions) followed by a single stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) boost of 1,800 cGy to gross disease only. High-grade glioma was treated with conventional opposed lateral and anterior superior oblique beams to 4,600 cGy (23 fractions) followed by a 1,400 cGy (7 fractions) boost. NSC preservation was achieved in both scenarios with inverse-planned intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Results: Cumulative dose reductions of 65% (metastatic disease) and 25% (high-grade glioma) to the total volume of the intracranial NSC compartments were achieved with NSC-preserving IMRT plans. The reduction of entry and exit dose to NSC niches located contralateral to the target contributed most to NSC preservation. Conclusions: Neural stem cells preservation with current external beam radiotherapy techniques is achievable in context of both metastatic brain disease and high-grade glioma, even when the target is located adjacent to a stem cell compartment. Further investigation with clinical trials is warranted to evaluate whether NSC preservation will result in reduced toxicity.
Production scheduling in a price competition

Abstract In this paper, we study the production scheduling problem in a price competition. Two firms produce the same product and compete with each other. The production capacity of each firm is random, due to random breakdowns. The demand process and its allocation are random and affected by the pricing strategies of both firms. We consider a finite planning horizon. The scheduling problem is formulated as a finite dynamic game. Algorithms are developed to determine the control policies of interest. Numerical cases are studied to observe the system behavior under those policies. We also construct a single-firm optimization model and demonstrate that the policy from the single-firm model may not perform well in a competitive environment.
Nuclear collective motion with full nonlinearity

The periodic solutions previously considered for nuclear time-dependent Hartree-Fock problems are recalculated by a new method which is more accurate and reliable. It starts from a first guess of the entire periodic trajectory, instead of a first guess of the initial state. An exact solution of the discretized nonlinear equations is then obtained in three to five iterations involving, once again, the entire trajectory. The resulting families of solutions, and in particular the relationship between the period and the energy, are much more complicated than previously thought. The meaning of this outcome is discussed.
Acute tolerance to alcohol in at-risk binge drinkers.

Studies of the impairing effects of alcohol on behavior often show greater tolerance in heavy drinkers compared with light drinkers, suggesting a causal link between heavy consumption and tolerance. Tolerance also develops during the time course of a single drinking episode, and this "acute tolerance" might play an important role in the escalation to heavy drinking. The present study examined the development of acute tolerance to the impairing effects of alcohol on motor coordination and inhibitory control in a group of at-risk binge drinkers (n = 20) and a group of nonrisk moderate drinkers (n = 20). Participants performed the testing battery in response to placebo and a moderate dose of alcohol (0.65 g/kg) twice at comparable blood alcohol concentrations (BACs): once on the ascending limb and once on the descending limb of the blood alcohol curve. Results showed marked acute tolerance to the impairing effects of alcohol on motor coordination in the at-risk drinkers. By contrast, no recovery of motor skill was observed in the nonrisk drinkers. Regarding inhibitory control, both groups remained impaired on both the ascending and descending limbs, indicating no acute tolerance in either group. The findings suggest that at-risk binge drinkers display a faster recovery in their ability to execute versus inhibit action under alcohol. Such an "activational bias" of behavior could account for their continued alcohol consumption and impulsive behaviors while intoxicated, especially as BAC begins to decline. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Pre-Cretaceous crystalline rocks of the western Chugach Mountains, Alaska: Nature of the basement of the Jurassic Peninsular terrane

A narrow belt of Mesozoic and(or) Paleozoic crystalline rocks exposed immediately north of the Border Ranges fault of southern Alaska is the southern (trailing) edge of the Peninsular terrane, an exotic micro-continental block that collided with North America during the Cretaceous. The tectonic significance of this crystalline belt has been debated because previous K-Ar geochronology suggested that the belt contains both Early Jurassic high P/T metamorphic rocks—an apparent subduction complex—and Early Jurassic intermediate plutonic rocks—an apparent magmatic arc. Three major observations from detailed mapping in the western Chugach Mountains pertain directly to this apparent problem of mixed rocks association. First, despite major postmetamorphic faulting along the Border Ranges fault, all of the metamorphic rocks have been subjected to a regional, apparently low P/T metamorphism at the greenschist-amphibolite facies transition. The metamorphism is imprinted on rocks ranging from nearly undeformed ultramafic rocks to highly deformed amphibolites, yet regardless of structural histories of fault-bounded slices, the culmination of metamorphism appears to postdate deformation. Second, the metamorphic rocks are locally an argillite matrix melange in which main-phase structural fabrics appear to have formed at relatively low grade but are overprinted by growth of postkinematic, transitional greenschist-amphibolite facies minerals. Third, despite ambiguities in correlation across faults and equivocal absolute age relationships—presumably due to Cretaceous resetting of K-Ar ages—the transitional greenschist-amphibolite facies rocks are intruded by plutons that yield Early Jurassic K-Ar ages. Thus, the metamorphic protolith is presumably pre-Jurassic. In addition, the close association of low P/T metamorphic rocks with a large plutonic complex implies that the regional metamorphism is probably Early Jurassic in age and is associated with extensive plutonism. New age data from the western Chugach Mountains imply that a belt of Early Jurassic plutonism (and associated low P/T metamorphism) probably extends throughout the southern edge of the Peninsular terrane. The entire terrane probably represents a long-lived magmatic arc, because this Early Jurassic magmatic arc is separated from a parallel belt of Early to Middle Jurassic plutons by an Early Jurassic andesitic-volcanic pile. In the western Chugach Mountains, emplacement of alpine ultramafic bodies and development of chaotic rock bodies is premetamorphic, presumably pre-Jurassic in age. These observations of structural style, together with lithologic associations and regional occurrences of blueschist-facies rocks, suggest that a pre-Jurassic subduction complex may have formed parts of the basement for the Peninsular terrane arc. As a corollary of this conclusion, the blueschists of the southern Peninsular terrane are probably pre-Jurassic in age and represent scraps of the pre-Jurassic basement, not parts of an Early Jurassic high-pressure metamorphic belt.
Where does it hurt? Pain localization in osteoarthritis of the knee

Abstract Objective: To identify the most common sites of pain in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to investigate clinical, radiographic and psychosocial associations of pain occurring in different locations. Design: Sixty-eight outpatients with knee OA were interviewed in detail about their knee pain. Location of pain was recorded on a standard drawing of the knee. Validated instruments were used to measure pain severity, function, depression, anxiety, quality of life, fatigue, helplessness, self efficacy. Pain threshold was measured by dolorimetry and a knee examination performed. Radiographs (anterioposterior and lateral) were viewed if available. Results: Most (85.3%) patients reported either ‘generalized' ( N =35, 51.5%) or ‘medial' ( N =23, 33.8%) knee pain. There were no differences between groups in pain severity, demographic or psychosocial variables, pain threshold or radiographic location or severity. However, function was significantly worse in the ‘generalized' group (WOMAC function score 48.9±20.8 vs 34.2±22.3; P =0.01): this remained significant after adjustment for potential confounding factors. The difference in function was most marked for activities involving knee bending. Early morning stiffness was also greater in the generalized group. Conclusions: Knee pain is not the same in all individuals with knee OA, confirming the heterogeneity of the condition. Location of pain is usually either generalized or medial. Patients with these patterns do not differ in demographic, radiographic or psychosocial variables but important differences in functional ability can be detected, suggesting differences in the underlying causes of pain and disability between the two groups.
Regulation of prostate-specific antigen gene expression in LNCaP human prostatic carcinoma cells by growth, dihydrotestosterone, and extracellular matrix

We have examined the role of extracellular matrix (ECM), cell growth, and dihydrotestosterone on the expression of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) by human prostatic carcinoma cells LNCaP. ECM induced a transient decrease in PSA mRNA even in the presence of growth factors. PSA mRNA, but not actin mRNA, was down-regulated on ECM in a biphasic manner and was not detected up to 48 hr after culture, but was re-expressed after 3 days. Cycloheximide and actinomycin D pretreatment did not prevent ECM-induced down-regulation of PSA mRNA, while actinomycin D-treated cells on plastic maintained stable PSA mRNA levels. DNA synthesis and PSA glycoprotein secretion were also transiently suppressed on ECM. LNCaP growth inhibition correlated with decreased glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA levels. However, the transient growth suppression induced by ECM was not observed with primary endothelial cells on Matrigel. Down-regulation of PSA mRNA by culture on Matrigel was reversible upon transfer to a different matrix substrate. Re-expression was highest on heparan sulfate proteoglycan (4-fold) and fibronectin or collagen I (2-fold) compared to plastic or laminin. Our results indicate that the morphology and proliferation of LNCaP cells may be regulated by the ability of ECM to control cellular differentiation and proliferation. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Ethics of the US Business Executive: A Study of Perceptions

Gallup Polls have reported on the perceived ethics of various professions in the US since 1976. Clergymen and pharmacists were consistently identified as two of the most ethical professionals in the 1980's and 1990's. Business executives have not fared well in these polls and have not been rated among the top ten most ethical professions in any of the years the poll was taken. Ethical codes have not done much to belay the perception that the US business executive is not very ethical. Whether the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will impact the ethical behavior of business executives remains to be seen.
Chemoreflexes: an experimental study.

Hypothesis Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) will not denervate the heart, because it does not destroy all of the afferents. This study was designed to determine if stimulation of cardiac sympathetic and vagal afferents from an area of the left ventricle treated with TMLR could evoke reflex effects, and thus whether TMLR would denervate the heart. Methods The effect of TMLR on reflexes evoked by chemically stimulating cardiac afferents was examined in 9 dogs. Bradykinin and capsaicin were applied topically or injected into the left anterior descending coronary artery before and after TMLR and after bilateral vagotomy and sympathectomy. Aortic (AoP) and left ventricular pressures (LVP) and electrocardiography were monitored. The first derivatives of LVP (dP/dt) were calculated. Results Topical bradykinin elicited variable hemodynamic responses. Topical capsaicin evoked pressor responses, increasing mean (± SEM) AoP (105±9 to 115±9 mm Hg; P P P P P Conclusion Since activation of cardiac afferent nerves and reflex responses remained intact after TMLR, but changed after vagotomy or sympathectomy, TMLR does not denervate the heart sufficiently to be the cause of improved angina after TMLR.
Photodecarbonylation of α-Diketones: A Mechanistic Study of Reactions Leading to Acenes

Poly(acene)s are significant compounds for various electronic applications. A clean, one-step synthesis involves α-diketones (2−4), which undergo facile Strating−Zwanenburg photodecarbonylation producing the corresponding poly(acene)s (i.e., anthracene, hexacene, and heptacene, respectively). Compounds 2−4 show weak fluorescence (λF = ∼525−530 nm and ΦF = ∼0.1−0.4%) and phosphorescence (λPh = ∼565−570 nm) and have a small singlet−triplet energy gap (S1 − T1 gap, ∼4 kcal/mol) that facilitates rapid intersystem crossing from the singlet to the triplet state. Both the singlet states (τS = ∼20−218 ps) and the triplet states (τT = ∼370 ps to <7 ns) of 2−4 are short-lived, while the decarbonylation of 2−4 is a rapid process occurring within 7 ns from both the singlet and the triplet manifolds. The nanosecond laser flash photolysis of 4 also reveals the T−T absorption of heptacene (580 nm, τ = ∼11 μs).
The Role of Serum Response Factor in Early Coronary Vasculogenesis

Defects in vascular development are a major cause of fetal demise and congenital cardiovascular disease. Knowledge is scarce concerning both embryonic vascular cell progenitors and the underlying regulatory mechanisms that determine their commitment to various vessel cell lineages. During early cardiovascular development, the proepicardium (PE) is the major source of vascular progenitors. The PE is a transient embryonic structure found at stages 16 and 17 in the chick, at 9.5 days postcoitum (dpc) in the mouse, and at approximately 5 weeks in the human that consists of mesothelial and mesenchymal cells overlying the septum transversum (ST). Cells within the PE undergo a complex process of development and differentiation that involves at least two directed waves of migration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMT). The PE cells make contact with the inferior surface of the developing myocardium, migrate over the surface of the heart forming the epicardium, and penetrate into the myocardium and give rise to subepicardial mesenchymal cells (SEMCs). The SEMCs subsequently migrate throughout the developing heart giving rise to the entire coronary vasculature consisting of fibroblasts as well as endothelial and smooth muscle cells [32]. Serum response factor (SRF) is essential for mesoderm formation during embryonic development [2]. A necessary role for SRF in the development of vascular smooth muscle from yet to be characterized PE-derived coronary vascular precursor cells has been demonstrated in avian explant models [15]. The role of SRF in vivo during some of the earliest steps in mammalian PE-mediated vascular development, however, is less well studied, and our recent observations suggest that it likely is more complex. This brief review aims to discuss the role of SRF during early coronary vasculogenesis as it relates to development of the PE.
Some remarks on the stability of the homogeneous deformation for an elastic bar

The stability of the homogeneous deformation for an elastic bar subject to uniaxial tension is studied. It is shown that the critical extension at which the homogeneous deformation becomes unstable is a decreasing function of the aspect ratio. Furthermore, it is shown that for small aspect ratios, the homogeneous deformation need not be the global minimizer of the total energy, even though it may be a local minimizer.
Safekeeping the public trust: librarians and fundraisers in partnership

Defines the term “public trust” and comments upon its history and current application in various contexts. Examines the shared values and ethical principles of librarians and fundraisers, and considers distinctions in the way each profession is practiced.
GATA-1 caught in the AKT

Comment on Zhao et al, page [907][1] Stimulation of the PI3-kinase/AKT pathway by the ligand-bound erythropoietin receptor leads to phosphorylation and activation of the transcription factor GATA-1. Normal erythroid differentiation requires the cytokine erythropoietin (Epo) and its membrane-bound
Design and implementation of a fiber-optic gamma-measurement system

The planning of scientific field experiments that use delicate optical instrumentation poses a challenge to the designer. At the U.S. atomic test site in Nevada, many experiments are conducted under the most adverse conditions for instrumentation, including extremes of temperature and dust, while the instruments are being installed, aligned, and tested above ground. They are subjected to mechanical shock while being lowered into place deep underground and during the back-filling process. Before being destroyed by the blast, they then must operate in intense radiation fields long enough to transmit their data to a recording station. In this paper we present the design and implementation of the "downhole" portion of a measuring system for gamma rays. Included are three alternative designs for radiation-resistant collimating and condensing lenses, sample cells, turning mirrors, and fiber-optic termination techniques. Also discussed are mechan-ical mounts and positioners, shielding, alignment, test methods, and field installation. Some general design suggestions for optical systems in adverse environments are also presented.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC RADIOAUTOGRAPHIC STUDIES OF THE CAROTID BODY FOLLOWING INJECTIONS OF LABELED BIOGENIC AMINE PRECURSORS

Adult Syrian hamsters were given a subcutaneous injection of reserpine 3 days before an intraperitoneal injection of (3)H-3,4 dihydroxyphenylalanine or (3)H-5, hydroxytryptophan and the carotid bodies were subsequently prepared for electron microscopic radioautography. Other Syrian hamsters were given a subcutaneous injection of reserpine and the carotid bodies were subjected to a sensitive cytochemical test for the detection of unsubstituted amines. These studies were made to determine whether the labeled amine precursors were incorporated into the cells and to see whether the parenchymal cells were affected by reserpine treatment. Material from hamsters treated first with reserpine and subsequently injected with (3)H-3,4 dihydroxyphenylalanine or (3)H-5, hydroxytryptophan exhibited reduced grains of silver over the cells which were associated mainly with the dense cores of the cytoplasmic granules. These studies offer evidence that the granules of the carotid body incorporate catecholamine and indolamine precursors. Material from hamsters incubated for the presence of unsubstituted amines gave a positive reaction (opaque cytoplasmic granules) for catecholamines but not for indolamines. The latter substances may not be present in quantities sufficient to register a positive reaction in the cytochemical test. The opaque granules, indicative of the presence of catecholamines, decreased in density after reserpine treatment. 5 days after one reserpine injection the granules had regained opacity and were comparable to those seen in the control cells.
Methods, potential, and limitations for tracing abrupt climate change in clastic environments

Abstract Results from the Greenland ice cores (GISP2 and GRIP) suggest that the Earths climate has experienced periods of rapid climate change, however the link between climate change and the resulting sediment record is poorly known. Studies from a wide variety of depositional settings indicate links can be found and that short cycles (1,000–3,000 yrs) may be associated with ocean-atmospheric coupling. Environments with continuous and high sedimentation rates combined with low bio-turbation rates are optimum. As the sediment record varies with environment it is important to understand the temporal and spatial limitations of the record. Lag responses and feed back mechanisms may create weak links between cause and effect. These problems may be averted by using a global approach, such as, comparing high and low latitude data sets, as well as arid and tropical environments for equivalent time intervals. Accurate correlation techniques are critical for distinguishing local from regional signatures. The meani...
Cholesterol esters selectively taken up from high-density lipoproteins are hydrolyzed extralysosomally

Abstract High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol esters (CE) are taken up by many cells without parallel uptake of HDL apoproteins. This selective uptake is mediated by reversible incorporation of HDL CE into a plasma membrane pool, from which the CE are internalized. We now show that selectively taken up CE are directed to an extralysosomal destination where they are hydrolyzed and available to the steroidogenic pathway. Cultured human fibroblasts take up HDL CE predominantly by selective uptake. Wolman's disease fibroblasts, which are deficient in lysosomal cholesterol esterase, effectively hydrolyzed CE from HDL, but not CE taken up in low density lipoproteins (LDL); normal fibroblasts hydrolyzed both effectively. Analogously, the lysosomotropic agent chloroquine effectively blocked hydrolysis of LDL CE but not HDL CE. A similar effect of chloroquine was seen in primary cultures of rat adrenal cells, which are very active in selective uptake. More than 50% of HDL CE taken up by adrenal cells appeared in the medium as corticosterone. To examine the subcellular destination of selectively taken up CE, non-hydrolyzable tracers of HDL and LDL CE were simultaneously injected into rats. On fractionation of adrenal glands 24 h after injection, 83% of the HDL CE tracer and 48% of the LDL CE tracer were recovered in cytoplasmic lipid droplets; that LDL tracer in the lipid droplets was accounted for by selective uptake of CE from LDL. Thus, selectively taken up cholesterol esters are processed by a mechanism distinct from the classical endosomal lysosomal pathway, and are delivered to a cytoplasmic compartment.
Correlation of heterogeneous electron transfer rate with structural change and environmental factors in the two-electron oxidation of W2(CO)8(μ-SBz)22−

Abstract Oxidation of the thiolate-bridged tungsten(0) dimer, W2(CO)8(μ-SBz)22−, occurs by transfer of two electrons at the same potential. The process appears paradoxical because the reaction exhibits facile heterogeneous kinetics despite large changes in structure and formation of a metal-metal bond within the W2S2 core. However, the electrode reaction actually consists of overlapping one-electron transfers of which the second is slightly more favorable than the first; e.g., W2(CO)8(μ-SBz)22− ⇌ W2(CO)8(μ-SBz)2−2+e2− (at E1o') and W2(CO)8(μ-SBz)22− ⇌ W2(CO)8(μ-SBz)2 + e2− (at Eo'2) [E1o' = −0.859 and E2o' = −0.881 V vs. Ag/Ag+ (0.01 M)]. This conclusion is supported by a qualitative Marcus theory analysis of the heterogeneous electron transfer kinetics, which indicates that acceptable values of ks,h are obtained if the structural and solvational changes required for two-electron transfer are partitioned equally between the one-electron steps, and by digital simulations, which give a good fit to experimental curves if it is assumed that the one-electron transfer kinetics are facile and ΔEo' = −0.022 V. Electron transfer takes place to and from a metal-metal antibonding orbital whose energy varies significantly with the angle of the W-S-W bridge. Thus, the structural changes that accompany the first electron transfer reduce the thennodynamic requirements of the second and lead to transfer of two electrons at the same potential. The heterogeneous electron transfer kinetics are less sensitive to solvent properties than predicted by the dielectric continuum model of the Marcus theory, but ks,h decreases from 2 × 10−2 to 6 × 10−4 cm s−1 as electrode material is changed in the following order: Hg/Au ⪢ glassy C ⪢ Au ⪢ Pt. A similar sequence of electrode material dependence is exhibited by other electrochemical reactions accompanied by large structural change; possible reasons for this behavior are discussed.
Enzymes of heme biosynthesis

Heme is a necessary component in a variety of oxygen-binding proteins and electron-transfer proteins, and as such it occupies a central role in cellular and organismal metabolism. With only rare exceptions, organisms that utilize heme possess the entire biosynthetic pathway to produce this tetrapyrrole compound. The enzymes involved catalyze a variety of interesting reactions and utilize both common and unique cofactors and metals. Aminolevulinate dehydratase from all organisms and ferrochelatase from higher animals are both metalloenzymes, while 5-aminolevulinate synthase contains pyridoxal phosphate, and porphobilinogen deaminase possesses a unique dipyrrole cofactor. Two pathway enzymes catalyze multiple decarboxylations and yet have no cofactors, and one enzyme catalyzes a six-electron oxidation with a single FAD. To add additional scientific interest there exist biochemically and clinically distinct human genetic diseases for every step in this pathway.
Queering high school biology textbooks

As teachers committed to educating all students, we need to learn more about how instructional materials shape representations of sexuality and gender. Through its insistent deconstruction of the norms that structure practice and belief, queer theory offers perspectives from which science educators can question assumptions embedded in textbooks. This article applies queer theory to analyze eight biology textbooks used in the United States. Specifically, we ask how biology textbooks address sexuality outside the heterosexual norm and if they propagate heteronormative attitudes. The textbooks examined offer deafening silences, antiseptic factoids, socially sanitized concepts, and politically correct binary-gendered illustrations. In these textbooks, the term homosexuality was used only in the context of AIDS where, along with iv drug users, they were identified as an affected group. The pervasive acceptance of heteronormative behavior privileges students that fit the heterosexual norm, and oppresses through omission and silence those who do not. We offer implications for practice to help science educators broaden their perspectives on the constructs of sexuality and gender to construct new ways of knowing and understanding differences in science classrooms and the natural world. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 41: 617–636, 2004
A Newtonian Framework for Community Detection in Undirected Biological Networks

Community detection is a key problem of interest in network analysis, with applications in a variety of domains such as biological networks, social network modeling, and communication pattern analysis. In this paper, we present a novel framework for community detection that is motivated by a physical system analogy. We model a network as a system of point masses, and drive the process of community detection, by leveraging the Newtonian interactions between the point masses. Our framework is designed to be generic and extensible relative to the model parameters that are most suited for the problem domain. We illustrate the applicability of our approach by applying the Newtonian Community Detection algorithm on protein-protein interaction networks of E. coli , C. elegans, and S. cerevisiae. We obtain results that are comparable in quality to those obtained from the Newman-Girvan algorithm, a widely employed divisive algorithm for community detection. We also present a detailed analysis of the structural properties of the communities produced by our proposed algorithm, together with a biological interpretation using E. coli protein network as a case study. A functional enrichment heat map is constructed with the Gene Ontology functional mapping, in addition to a pathway analysis for each community. The analysis illustrates that the proposed algorithm elicits communities that are not only meaningful from a topological standpoint, but also possess biological relevance. We believe that our algorithm has the potential to serve as a key computational tool for driving therapeutic applications involving targeted drug development for personalized care delivery.
Fifty Years of Shock-Wave/Boundary-Layer Interaction Research: What Next?

Because of their ubiquitous presence in high-speed flight and their impact on vehicle and component performance, shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions have been studied for about 50 years. Despite truly remarkable progress in computational and measurement capabilities, there are still important quantities that cannot be predicted very accurately, that is, peak heating in strong interactions, or cannot be predicted at all, that is, unsteady pressure loads. There remain observations that cannot be satisfactorily explained and physical processes that are not well understood. Much work remains to be done. Based on the author's own views and those of colleagues, some suggestions are made as to where future efforts might be focused. Just as the first workers in the field could not have foreseen the capabilities generated by the computer/instrumentation revolution of the past 20 years, it is probably fair to assume that the extent of our vision and imagination in the year 2000 is equally limited. New simulation and measurement techniques will doubtlessly become available in the next 10 or 20 years, the results from which will render many of the current concerns moot
Consumer Choice as the Best Way to Describe the Goals of Competition Law

This article is both a short introduction to the Consumer Choice explanation for Competition Law or Antitrust Law, and also a short advocacy piece suggesting that Consumer Choice is the best way to articulate the goals of European Competition Law and United States Antitrust Law. This article briefly: 1. defines the consumer choice approach to antitrust or competition law and shows how it differs from other approaches; 2. shows that the antitrust statutes and theories of violation embody a concern for optimal levels of consumer choice; 3. shows that the United States antitrust case law embodies a concern for optimal levels of consumer choice; 4. presents evidence of the new paradigm: United States v. Microsoft; 5. argues that non-price competition should become a higher priority for he enforcers; 6. Discusses Consumer Choice and the media. The article shows that the choice framework has many advantages. It takes full account of all the things that are actually important to consumers - price, of course, but also variety, innovation, quality, and other forms of non-price competition. It is also far more transparent, which is an important administrative virtue even where, as in the great majority of cases, it will reach the same result. And in some important real-world situations it will lead to better substantive outcomes. There are a number of variety-valuing industries and circumstances that can be assessed correctly only by including an effective analysis of nonprice factors. We identify these in the article.
Racial and ethnic differences in preferences for health states and the implications for cost-utility analysis.

Aims: Cost–utility analysis is an economic evaluation technique that takes into consideration individual preferences for health outcomes. It is crucial to determine whether racial and ethnic groups differ in preferences for health states because then we need to determine which group’s utility score should be used to conduct a cost–utility analysis that yields equitable results to all members of society. Methods: A PubMed search was conducted to identify the relevant studies. Results: There exists a potential to either undervalue or overvalue health states along racial and ethnic lines when population-based utility scores are used for clinical or policy decision-making. Some argue that if systematic racial and ethnic differences exist, then race/ethnicity-specific measures should be incorporated in the economic evaluations, at least for interventions targeted at the prevention and treatment of diseases which disproportionately affect minorities. Yet, others believe that there are troubling social and ethic...
Application of extended Hückel theory to x-ray photoelectron spectra of transition metal complexes. Correlations between electron binding energy and calculated atomic charge in iron and sulphur compounds

Abstract Comparisons of iron and sulphur atomic charges, derived from extended Huckel calculations, with core electron binding energies determined from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy yield good correlations for neutral molecules. The assumptions and limitations of such correlations are discussed briefly.
Insights into the Nanobiology of Growth Hormone Secretion.

The fact that partially empty vesicles are generated following cell secretion suggested that secretory vesicles do not collapse at the cell plasma membrane but, rather, transiently dock and fuse at the plasma membrane to expel a portion of their contents before retracting or undergoing endocytosis into the cell. Such a process has also been referred to in the literature as a “kiss-and-run” mechanism. This mechanism of cell secretion was conclusively demonstrated following the discovery of permanent cup-shaped lipoprotein structures at the cell plasma membrane, called “porosomes ”, where secretory vesicles transiently dock and fuse to expel intravesicular contents from the cell. Porosomes are present in all secretory cells, from the digestive enzyme-secreting pancreatic acinar cells, to the hormone-releasing growth hormone cells, mast cells, chromaffin cells, hair cells of the inner ear, to neurons secreting neurotransmitters. Hence, it can be asserted that porosomes are the universal secretory machinery in the plasma membrane of secretory cells. Therefore, the discovery of the porosome has resulted in a paradigm shift in our understanding of cell secretion. Rapid transport of secretory vesicles containing hormones to the plasma membrane is powered by high-energy molecules such as ATP, GTP or NADH. Immunogold labeled transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to determine the total number of secretory vesicles in resting and in GH-stimulated porcine pituitary cells. We identified three categories of vesicles: filled, empty, and partly empty. Resting GH cells contained more than twice as many filled vesicles than did the stimulated ones. However, stimulated cells contained nearly twice as many empty vesicles and 2.5 times more partly empty vesicles than did resting cells. Secretory vesicles in GH cells further revealed the localization of GH only in electron dense vesicles in both resting and stimulated cells. No change in the total number of secretory vesicles following secretion was observed. These results are consistent with a mechanism that, after stimulation of secretion, vesicles transiently dock and fuse at the porosome to establish a fusion pore, through which intravesicular contents are released.
Demographic and clinical characteristics of people with intellectual disabilities with and without substance abuse disorders in a Medicaid population.

Abstract Little is known about the demographic and clinical characteristics of people with intellectual disabilities and substance abuse problems. Drawing on health care billing claims for people with Medicaid coverage aged 12–99 years, the characteristics of people with intellectual disability and a history of substance abuse (N = 9,484) were explored and compared with people with intellectual disability but without substance abuse. Age- and/or gender-adjusted odds ratios were derived from logistic regression analyses to consider differences in demographic and clinical diagnoses. People with intellectual disability and substance abuse constituted 2.6% of all people with intellectual disability, most of whom had a diagnosis of mild or moderate intellectual disability. People with intellectual disability and substance abuse problems were, on average, 2 years older than the comparison group and less likely to be White. The sample was more likely than the comparison group to have serious mental illness or ...
Golf related head injuries in children.

Objectives: To assess the incidence and severity of head injuries to children sustained by a blow from a golf club or ball and to highlight the potential for significant injury. An increase in public awareness of these risks might result in a reduction in morbidity. Methods: Over a period of seven months, all children aged 3–13 years, attending the accident and emergency department with a head injury sustained from a golf club or ball had their case notes reviewed by the author. Results: Thirty seven children, 78% of whom were boys, were identified as having sustained such a head injury, commonly during the school holiday months. Thirty three of the injuries were caused by golf clubs, the other four by a golf ball. Half of the injuries were to the frontal area. Twenty five children (68%) had skull radiographs but only one was positive—one child sustaining a compound depressed fracture of the frontal area. One child required cleaning and suturing of a wound under a general anaesthetic. A known epileptic child had a fit immediately after being hit on the head by a golf ball. Twenty two (60%) sustained lacerations that were repaired with steristrips or glue. Twelve had haematomas, seven complained of dizziness/drowsiness, and two had nausea/vomiting. Conclusions: Other authors have reported fatal head injuries, and it would seem that parents are unaware of the risks of serious and permanent head injury, with the potential for death, attributable to blows to the head from golf clubs and balls. The need for early tuition in the safety aspects of the game cannot be underestimated and parent and player education strategies are suggested as the main means of reducing injuries in this popular sport.
Efficient non-unique probes selection algorithms for DNA microarray

Background Temperature and salt concentration are very helpful experimental conditions for a probe to hybridize uniquely to its intended target. In large families of closely related target sequences, the high degree of similarity makes it impossible to find a unique probe for every target. We studied how to select a minimum set of non-unique probes to identify the presence of at most d targets in a sample where each non-unique probe can hybridize to a set of targets.
Constraining movement alters the recruitment of motor processes in mental rotation

Does mental rotation depend on the readiness to act? Recent evidence indicates that the involvement of motor processes in mental rotation is experience-dependent, suggesting that different levels of expertise in sensorimotor interactions lead to different strategies to solve mental rotation problems. Specifically, experts in motor activities perceive spatial material as objects that can be acted upon, triggering covert simulation of rotations. Because action simulation depends on the readiness to act, movement restriction should therefore disrupt mental rotation performance in individuals favoring motor processes. In this experiment, wrestlers and non-athletes judged whether pairs of three-dimensional stimuli were identical or different, with their hands either constrained or unconstrained. Wrestlers showed higher performance than controls in the rotation of geometric stimuli, but this difference disappeared when their hands were constrained. However, movement restriction had similar consequences for both groups in the rotation of hands. These findings suggest that expert’s advantage in mental rotation of abstract objects is based on the readiness to act, even when physical manipulation is impossible.
Harmony: collection and analysis of parallel block vectors

Efficient execution of well-parallelized applications is central to performance in the multicore era. Program analysis tools support the hardware and software sides of this effort by exposing relevant features of multithreaded applications. This paper describes parallel block vectors, which uncover previously unseen characteristics of parallel programs. Parallel block vectors provide block execution profiles per concurrency phase (e.g., the block execution profile of all serial regions of a program). This information provides a direct and fine-grained mapping between an application's runtime parallel phases and the static code that makes up those phases. This paper also demonstrates how to collect parallel block vectors with minimal application perturbation using Harmony. Harmony is an instrumentation pass for the LLVM compiler that introduces just 16-21% overhead on average across eight Parsec benchmarks. We apply parallel block vectors to uncover several novel insights about parallel applications with direct consequences for architectural design. First, that the serial and parallel phases of execution used in Amdahl's Law are often composed of many of the same basic blocks. Second, that program features, such as instruction mix, vary based on the degree of parallelism, with serial phases in particular displaying different instruction mixes from the program as a whole. Third, that dynamic execution frequencies do not necessarily correlate with a block's parallelism.
Evaluation of the fibromyalgia diagnostic screen in clinical practice.

Rationale, aims and objectives Fibromyalgia (FM) is challenging to diagnose, especially in primary care settings. The Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Screen was developed to facilitate the diagnosis of FM in clinical practice. The objectives of this study were to assess the performance of the Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Screen in primary care and specialty clinics, using the 1990 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria as the gold standard, and comparing the Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Screen with the London Fibromyalgia Epidemiology Study Screening Questionnaire (LFESSQ) and the modified 2010 ACR Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria (ACR-FDC). Methods This multicenter, cross-sectional study included 150 adult chronic pain patients who underwent a physician-administered structured history and physical exam and completed the Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Screen, the LFESSQ and the modified ACR-FDC. The analyses determined the predictive ability of the Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Screen for FM. Results Item-level analyses provided support for the response categories and predictive ability of most of the Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Screen items. Additionally, the evaluation of the Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Screen scoring models demonstrated the greatest accuracy in predicting an FM diagnosis with a combination of patient items and clinician items that included an abbreviated tender point exam (sensitivity 0.68, specificity, 0.82). Sensitivity of the modified ACR-FDC and the LFESSQ was 0.87 and 0.86, respectively, with specificity 0.62 and 0.49, respectively. Conclusions The Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Screen is a useful new clinical tool to aid in the evaluation of FM in clinical practice.
Soft-IP core design of LVDS receivers for multichannel ultrasound imaging applications

In this paper, a soft IP core of LVDS (low-voltage differential signaling) receivers is proposed for multichannel ultrasound imaging systems or other applications. By careful cellbased design, a high-speed de-serializer is developed with control-able bit-shift and delay-adjustment operations. Moreover, using the proposed hybrid coarse-tune and two-level fine-tune schemes, a synchronization controller can perform efficient and robust multichannel LVDS signal synchronizing processes in cooperation with the de-serializer. The proposed LVDS IP core is synthesiz-able cell-based design, which is soft/portable to different circuit technology and system applications. Based on the proposed LVDS structure, four sets of 8-channel LVDS receivers were designed and implemented on a 32-channel FPGA-based ultrasound imag-ing platform. Integrated with the ultrasound AFE/HVFE (analog and high-voltage front-end) module, a throughput of 480 Mb/s per channel can be achieved for test patterns, 32-channel ultrasound image and color-Doppler display.
Defining the professional responsibilities of academic nurse educators: The results of a national practice analysis.

Abstract In February 2005, the National League for Nursing's Academic Nurse Educator Certification Program and its testing service partner, Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc. (AMP), conducted a study designed to determine the professional practice responsibilities of academic nurse educators. The results of this national practice analysis, reported here, provided the initial information required to ensure the development of a practice-related, content-valid certification examination for academic nurse educators.