Tuning the average path length of complex networks and its influence to the emergent dynamics of the majority-rule model

We show how appropriate rewiring with the aid of Metropolis Monte Carlo computational experiments can be exploited to create network topologies possessing prescribed values of the average path length (APL) while keeping the same connectivity degree and clustering coefficient distributions. Using the proposed rewiring rules we illustrate how the emergent dynamics of the celebrated majority-rule model are shaped by the distinct impact of the APL attesting the need for developing efficient algorithms for tuning such network characteristics.Comment: 10 figure

Malignant pheochromocytoma in a pig

Abstract. Endocrine tumors are rarely observed in pigs, and pheochromocytomas have been only punctually described. The current report describes a white and firm, 15-cm in diameter, neoplastic mass located in the adrenal gland with metastasis to regional lymph nodes in a 2.5-year-old sow. The masses had marked desmoplasia that supported a population of polygonal-tospindle– shaped neoplastic cells arranged into cords and packets within a delicate fibrovascular stroma. Immunohistochemical staining of the tumor was positive for chromogranin and negative for neurofilament protein in adrenal and lymph node masses, which was characteristic of a malignant pheochromocytoma

Modeling Fisheries Agreements with Side Payments: The Case of Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Though the management of internationally shared fisheries with side payments is often considered politically difficult, quota transferring is now a policy alternative in specific fisheries treaties. Nevertheless, a theoretical framework capturing the details of the side-payments solution is, to a large extend, missing. My thesis tries to fill this gap in the literature, by proposing a static and a dynamic model in the context of a stochastic sequentially harvested stock. The conditions characterizing the solution of the dynamic model are the analogue of the Martingale Property from finance literature. The Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna fishery is used as an example to calibrate the theory. The objective is to estimate the amount of compensation Canada should provide to the US, such that the latter restricts fishing activities. The compensation scheme could supplement/reform the existing management strategies

Primary visual cortex activity along the apparent-motion trace reflects illusory perception

The illusion of apparent motion can be induced when visual stimuli are successively presented at different locations. It has been shown in previous studies that motion-sensitive regions in extrastriate cortex are relevant for the processing of apparent motion, but it is unclear whether primary visual cortex (V1) is also involved in the representation of the illusory motion path. We investigated, in human subjects, apparent-motion-related activity in patches of V1 representing locations along the path of illusory stimulus motion using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Here we show that apparent motion caused a blood-oxygenation-level-dependent response along the V1 representations of the apparent-motion path, including regions that were not directly activated by the apparent-motion-inducing stimuli. This response was unaltered when participants had to perform an attention-demanding task that diverted their attention away from the stimulus. With a bistable motion quartet, we confirmed that the activity was related to the conscious perception of movement. Our data suggest that V1 is part of the network that represents the illusory path of apparent motion. The activation in V1 can be explained either by lateral interactions within V1 or by feedback mechanisms from higher visual areas, especially the motion-sensitive human MT/V5 complex

Biowaiver monographs for immediate release solid oral dosage forms: acetaminophen (paracetamol).

Literature data are reviewed on the properties of acetaminophen (paracetamol) related to the biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS). According to the current BCS criteria, acetaminophen is BCS Class III compound. Differences in composition seldom, if ever, have an effect on the extent of absorption. However, some studies show differences in rate of absorption between brands and formulations. In particular, sodium bicarbonate, present in some drug products, was reported to give an increase in the rate of absorption, probably caused by an effect on gastric emptying. In view of Marketing Authorizations (MAs) given in a number of countries to acetaminophen drug products with rapid onset of action, it is concluded that differences in rate of absorption were considered therapeutically not relevant by the Health Authorities. Moreover, in view of its therapeutic use, its wide therapeutic index and its uncomplicated pharmacokinetic properties, in vitro dissolution data collected according to the relevant Guidances can be safely used for declaring bioequivalence (BE) of two acetaminophen formulations. Therefore, accepting a biowaiver for immediate release (IR) acetaminophen solid oral drug products is considered scientifically justified, if the test product contains only those excipients reported in this paper in their usual amounts and the test product is rapidly dissolving, as well as the test product fulfils the criterion of similarity of dissolution profiles to the reference product

Equation-Free Multiscale Computational Analysis of Individual-Based Epidemic Dynamics on Networks

The surveillance, analysis and ultimately the efficient long-term prediction and control of epidemic dynamics appear to be one of the major challenges nowadays. Detailed atomistic mathematical models play an important role towards this aim. In this work it is shown how one can exploit the Equation Free approach and optimization methods such as Simulated Annealing to bridge detailed individual-based epidemic simulation with coarse-grained, systems-level, analysis. The methodology provides a systematic approach for analyzing the parametric behavior of complex/ multi-scale epidemic simulators much more efficiently than simply simulating forward in time. It is shown how steady state and (if required) time-dependent computations, stability computations, as well as continuation and numerical bifurcation analysis can be performed in a straightforward manner. The approach is illustrated through a simple individual-based epidemic model deploying on a random regular connected graph. Using the individual-based microscopic simulator as a black box coarse-grained timestepper and with the aid of Simulated Annealing I compute the coarse-grained equilibrium bifurcation diagram and analyze the stability of the stationary states sidestepping the necessity of obtaining explicit closures at the macroscopic level under a pairwise representation perspective

Increasing the biorelevance of simulated intestinal fluids for better predictions of drug equilibrium solubility in the fasted upper small intestine

To date the importance of luminal species other than bile salts and phosphatidylcholine on drug equilibrium solubility in the fasted upper small intestine has been evaluated to a very limited extent. In this communication the importance of fatty acids, cholesterol, and proteins on solubility of four model lipophilic compounds was evaluated by including these components into previously proposed simulated intestinal fluids. Data were compared with ex vivo solubility data in aspirates reflecting the mean and the median luminal composition in the upper small intestine. It is concluded that estimation of solubility in aspirates reflecting the median luminal composition is better estimated when the presence of cholesterol and fatty acids is also simulated. In contrast, estimation of solubility in aspirates reflecting the mean luminal composition requires consideration of additional factors (e.g. buffer species identity, non-micellar colloidal structures, and lyso-phosphatidylcholine content)