cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An introduction to spectral graph techniques for the analysis of hyperspectral image data

Two of the biggest challenges in analyzing HyperSpectral Image (HSI) data are that, first, the data is very high-dimensional, and secondly, by its very nature, HSI contains both spatial and spectral information. In order to make full use of this information, models and algorithms should incorporate both aspects of the data; unfortunately, this is a decidedly non-trivial problem. In recent years, spectral graph theory (including manifold learning) has proven to be a very successful technique for analyzing high-dimensional data sets. Given the highly abstract nature of graphs, many of these techniques are easily applied to HSI data; moreover, by carefully choosing how the graph is constructed, both the spatial and spectral nature of the data can be included in the model. In this note, we present a general background overview of spectral graph theory, with an emphasis on how it can be used to analyze HSI data (in particular, to perform nonlinear dimensionality reduction as well as segmentation and classification). We include examples from real-world data, and also point out some of the issues (such as computational complexity and storage requirements) that need to be addressed.
Anti-Zionism, Jus Cogens, and International Law: The case of the Banjul Charter and Arab Charter

This article examines the legal and political implications of the anti-Zionism provisions in the 1981 African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Banjul Charter) and 2004 Arab Charter on Human Ri...
Three Mile Island, Stress Effects of

The accident at Three Mile Island on March 28, 1979 released radioactivity into the environment and was an unprecedented nuclear emergency in the United States. Worry and fear about possible exposure to radiation was prevalent throughout the clean-up and restart of the reactors and persisted for over a decade thereafter.
2012 Curt Stern Award address.

I would like to start by thanking my nominators and the Society for this recognition of our work. I would also like to thank Evan for the very kind introduction. Since I started my lab at the University of Washington in 2007, Evan has been a close collaborator, a good friend, and, moreover, my faculty mentor, so it’s a particular pleasure to be introduced by him today.
Plethystic Formulas and Positivity for q,t -Kostka Coefficients

Our results concern the Macdonald q, t-Kostka coefficients K λµ(q, t). More precisely we work here with the expressions \(\tilde K_{\lambda \mu } (q,t) = t^{n(\mu )} K_{\lambda \mu } (q,1/t)\) where n(µ) denotes the sum of the legs of the cells of µ. The K λµ (q, t) have been conjectured by Macdonald to be polynomials in q, t with positive integer coefficients. We prove here the Macdonald conjecture for arbitrary µ when λ is an augmented hook. Our proof is based on explicit formulas yielding \(\tilde K_{\lambda \mu } (q,t)\) as a symmetric polynomial plethystically evaluated at \(\tilde K_{(n - 1,1),\mu } (q,t)\).More precisely, it can be shown that for each γ ⊢ k there is a unique symmetric polynomial kγ (x; q, t), of degree ≤ k in x, such that for any λ of the form λ = (n − k, γ), we have \(\tilde K_{(n - 1,1),\mu } (q,t) = k_\lambda \left[ {\tilde K_{(n - 1,1),\mu } (q,t);q,t} \right]\). The proof of existence of the polynomials kγ (x; q, t) is algorithmic. There are now two separate algorithms yielding kγ (x; q, t). We present here the chronologically first one. The second one is presented in a paper by Garsia-Tesler [12] where it yields that kγ (x;q, t) is a polynomial with integer coefficients in x, q, t, 1/q, 1/t. Although the first algorithm is not as good with denominators, we present it here since, combined with some recent work of Lapointe-Vinet, it yields what may be the simplest proof that the K λµ (q, t) are polynomials with integer coefficients.
A convex discrete-continuous approach for Markov random fields

We propose an extension of the well-known LP relaxation for Markov random fields to explicitly allow continuous label spaces. Unlike conventional continuous formulations of labelling problems which assume that the unary and pairwise potentials are convex, our formulation allows them to be general piecewise convex functions with continuous domains. Furthermore, we present the extension of the widely used efficient scheme for handling L1 smoothness priors over discrete ordered label sets to continuous label spaces. We provide a theoretical analysis of the proposed model, and empirically demonstrate that labelling problems with huge or continuous label spaces can benefit from our discrete-continuous representation.
Context-Adaptive Privacy Mechanisms

Sensing and context awareness are integral features of mobile computing and emerging Internet of Things systems. While context-aware systems enable smarter and more adaptive applications, they also cause privacy concerns due to the extensive collection of detailed information about individuals and their behavior, as well as the difficulties for individuals to understand and manage information flows. However, context awareness also holds significant potential for supporting users in managing their privacy more effectively. Context-adaptive privacy mechanisms can inform users about how changes in context may impact their privacy, recommend privacy-preserving actions tailored to the respective situation, as well as automate certain privacy configuration changes for the user. This chapter provides an overview of research on context-adaptive privacy mechanisms, including an introduction to context-aware computing and the context dependency of personal privacy; a discussion and model for operationalizing context awareness for privacy management, including privacy-relevant context features; as well as an overview of existing context-adaptive privacy mechanisms with various applications. The chapter concludes with a discussion of research challenges for context-adaptive privacy mechanisms.
A Blueprint for Planning and Implementing a Transgender Health Program

Transgender and gender-diverse people face multiple barriers to accessing appropriate health care, including denial of service, harassment, and lack of clinician knowledge. This article presents a blueprint for planning and implementing a transgender health program within a primary care practice in order to enhance the capacity of the health care system to meet the medical and mental health needs of this underserved population. The steps described, with emphasis on elements specific to transgender care, include conducting a community needs assessment, gaining commitment from leadership and staff, choosing a service model and treatment protocols, defining staff roles, and creating a welcoming environment.
Decarboxylative C(sp3)–S Coupling via Cu–Photoredox Catalysis

In this issue of Chem, Liu, Li, and co-workers report the synergistic use of copper and photoredox catalysis to reveal a general platform to form C(sp3)–S bonds via redox-active esters of abundantly available aliphatic carboxylic acids with organosulfinates under mild conditions.
Observations of Aerosol Spatial Distribution and Emissions in New York City Using a Scanning Micro Pulse Lidar

In order to better understand the behavior of particulate pollution and atmospheric dynamics in New York City, it is of great importance to analyze the spatial distribution of aerosols. A scanning lidar system allows for horizontal range-resolved observations of aerosol backscatter with high space and time resolution. A challenge to analyzing the lidar returns is to disentangle extinction over the range of the observations to retrieve the backscatter coefficient with distance. This work presents horizontal measurements taken with a scanning eye-safe Micro Pulse Lidar in New York City. The measurements are analyzed using the Slope Method to get an estimate of the range-resolved aerosol backscatter coefficient. The results are presented as backscatter coefficient maps that display the aerosol spatial distribution within the field of view of the scanning pattern deployed. These observations clearly resolve aerosol dynamics and emission sources within the urban areas.
Development and external validation of a prediction risk model for short-term mortality among hospitalized U.S. COVID-19 patients: A proposal for the COVID-AID risk tool.

Background The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has created unprecedented medical challenges. There remains a need for validated risk prediction models to assess short-term mortality risk among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a 7-day and 14-day mortality risk prediction model for patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study with a separate multicenter cohort for external validation using two hospitals in New York, NY, and 9 hospitals in Massachusetts, respectively. A total of 664 patients in NY and 265 patients with COVID-19 in Massachusetts, hospitalized from March to April 2020. Results We developed a risk model consisting of patient age, hypoxia severity, mean arterial pressure and presence of kidney dysfunction at hospital presentation. Multivariable regression model was based on risk factors selected from univariable and Chi-squared automatic interaction detection analyses. Validation was by receiver operating characteristic curve (discrimination) and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit (GOF) test (calibration). In internal cross-validation, prediction of 7-day mortality had an AUC of 0.86 (95%CI 0.74–0.98; GOF p = 0.744); while 14-day had an AUC of 0.83 (95%CI 0.69–0.97; GOF p = 0.588). External validation was achieved using 265 patients from an outside cohort and confirmed 7- and 14-day mortality prediction performance with an AUC of 0.85 (95%CI 0.78–0.92; GOF p = 0.340) and 0.83 (95%CI 0.76–0.89; GOF p = 0.471) respectively, along with excellent calibration. Retrospective data collection, short follow-up time, and development in COVID-19 epicenter may limit model generalizability. Conclusions The COVID-AID risk tool is a well-calibrated model that demonstrates accuracy in the prediction of both 7-day and 14-day mortality risk among patients hospitalized with COVID-19. This prediction score could assist with resource utilization, patient and caregiver education, and provide a risk stratification instrument for future research trials.
Incidence and survival of inflammatory breast cancer between 1973 and 2015 in the SEER database

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive variant characterized by erythema, edema, and “peau d’orange” of the skin progressing within 6 months. We assessed the incidence and survival of IBC in the US over four decades. Using SEER*Stat, a case list of IBC patients diagnosed between 1973 and 2015 (n = 29,718) was extracted from SEER 18 registries by using a combination of morphology, stage, and extent of disease criteria. M1 and M0 patients were included. Age-adjusted incidence rates, relative survival rates, and mean survival time were calculated. Significance was determined as non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals. The overall incidence of IBC from 1973 to 2015 is 2.76 (2.73, 2.79) cases per 100,000 people, with white patients having an incidence rate of 2.63 (2.60, 2.67), black patients 4.52 (4.39, 4.65), and patients of other race 1.84 (1.76, 1.93). The overall IBC relative 5-year survival rate is 40.5% (39.0%, 42.0%), 42.5% (40.7%, 44.3%), and 29.9% (26.6%, 33.3%) for white patients and black patients, respectively. Patients diagnosed in 1978–1982 have a mean survival time of 62.3 (52.0, 72.6) months, while those diagnosed in 2008–2012 have mean survival time of 99.4 (96.4, 102.4) months. There is no significant difference in survival time between T4D patients and patients with other T staging and extent of disease coding consistent with clinical IBC presentation. IBC survival has increased over four decades. Despite the improvement in survival for all racial groups, a persistent survival disparity that has not narrowed over two decades remains between white and black patients.
Measuring Liquidity Provision by Customers in Corporate Bond Markets: Evidence from 54 Million Transactions

This paper measures the time-varying provision of liquidity by buy-side customers (e.g., mutual funds and pension funds), relative to bond dealers, in corporate bond markets using a structural vector autoregression (SVAR) model. As indicated by my simple theory model, shocks to the relative willingness of customers and bond dealers to provide liquidity affect, in opposite directions, the choice of bond dealers between market-making (principal) and matchmaking (riskless principal) transactions. Motivated by this model, my SVAR empirically disentangles these shocks to customers versus bond dealers. My SVAR-derived patterns of these structural shocks provide fundamental insights into the mechanics in corporate bond markets following recent events, such as exposing the increased role of buy-side customers for liquidity provision after the many regulatory changes following the 2008 financial crisis. Furthermore, my empirical approach generates “factors” that provide an improved time-series asset-pricing model for yield spreads of corporate bonds of different credit ratings.
Reported Marijuana and Tobacco Smoke Incursions Among Families Living in Multiunit Housing in New York City.

Abstract Background While public knowledge on the prevalence and adverse health effects of secondhand tobacco smoke exposure is well established, information on the prevalence of secondhand marijuana smoke (SHMS) exposure is limited. Methods A convenience sample of parents of children attending 1 of 4 pediatric practices in the Mount Sinai Health System completed an anonymous questionnaire assessing demographics, housing characteristics, and the child's health status, as well as smoke incursions and household smoking behaviors. Results About 450 parents completed the survey between 2018 and 2019; those with incomplete data were excluded, and 382 surveys were included in the analysis. Approximately 40% of the children were white; the median age was 15 months (interquartile range: 5–40 months). About 30.9% (n = 118) of participants reported marijuana incursions in their home while with their child, while 33.5% (n = 122) reported tobacco smoke incursions. SHMS exposure differed by race (P = .0043); and by housing types (P Conclusions About one third of the families enrolled in the study reported smelling SHMS while at home with their child. Reported marijuana smoke exposure was associated with living in NYCHA housing. Policies that limit all smoke in multiunit housing should be supported.
Coefficient-Gradient-Based Individualized Stepsize Adaptation Mechanism for Robust System Identification

To efficiently reduce the impact of the trading-off between the convergence rate and the quality of identifying a system, and also to improve the robustness of the algorithm against unknown sparsity levels, a Modified Absolute Weighted Input using Log function (MAWILOG) for NLMS algorithm is proposed. The essence of the proposed algorithm is to assign, individually, each coefficient of the adaptive filter a variable stepsize that adapts according to a Log-term that takes advantage of the input power and the input signal underlying each filter coefficient, and adapts to the gradient value of each coefficient magnitude. Due to these attributes, the proposed approach outperforms the proportionate NLMS (PNLMS)-family regardless of sparsity level that is achieved by using the gradient of each coefficient individually to allocate large stepsize values for high gradient coefficients without directly inserting a sparse-aware constraint. Additionally, this technique is capable of overcoming the high computational complexity and high steady-state mean-square-deviation of the (PNLMS)-family. Simulation results of the proposed algorithm versus the comparable algorithms such as the NLMS, PNLMS, improved PNLMS, block-sparse PNLMS, and block-sparse IPNLMS are presented. Results have demonstrated that the proposed algorithm outperforms others in maintaining the lowest steady-state mean-square-deviation while attaining a fast convergence rate under various types of systems.
The Charitable Feeding System helps Food Insecure Participants maintain Fruit and Vegetable intake during COVID-19

Charitable food services, including food banks and pantries, support individual and households food access, potentially maintaining food security and diet quality during emergencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of food banks and pantries has increased in the US. Here we examine perceptions of the charitable food system and its relationship to food security and dietary quality, specifically fruit and vegetable (FV) intake during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, using a statewide representative survey (n=600) of residents of Vermont. We find that demand for charitable food services increased by 68%. The utilization of food pantries was more common among food insecure households and households with children. Among food insecure respondents, those who used the charitable food system were less likely to reduce their FV intake during the pandemic than those who did not use the charitable food system. Further, we find significant interactions between food pantry use and food insecure households, suggesting that, for food, insecure households, utilizing a food pantry since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with higher fruit consumption. These results indicate that these services may support food access and diet quality for at-risk populations during emergencies.
Traffic Prediction by Augmenting Cellular Data with Non-Cellular Attributes

Prediction of user traffic in cellular networks is one of the promising ways to improve resource utilization among base stations. In this study, we employ deep learning techniques, specifically a long-short-term memory module to forecast cellular traffic. We consider traffic from neighboring cells and other non-cellular traffic-related attributes such as weather, busy period data from open-source API as features to augment the cellular traffic data and improve prediction. Specifically, we augment cellular traffic data from the City of Milan and its surroundings and we perform two types of analyses: (i) a one-step prediction or a point-by-point forecast of traffic and (ii) a trend analysis which is the forecast of traffic over an extended period. We compare the results with existing statistical methods such as auto-regression integrated moving averages (ARIMA) and exponential smoothing and observe gains in the trend analysis by providing the augmented data, whereas the one-step prediction is not much impacted.
Poly-victimization and opioid use during late adolescence and young adulthood: Health behavior disparities and protective factors.

OBJECTIVE Recent work has attempted to uncover heterogeneity in experiences of victimization. However, few studies have included important trauma-related characteristics such as known perpetrator, fear of life or injury, and negative reactions to disclosure. Little focus on potentially important subgroup differences including sexual/gender identity, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status as well as protective factors have been assessed. METHOD Participants (N = 2,880) completed four annual surveys during late adolescence and the transition to young adulthood as part of an ongoing longitudinal study. Latent class analysis was used to extract classes of victimization and trauma-related characteristics. Latent class regression was used to understand how demographic covariates were related to class membership. Finally, discrete-time survival mixture analysis was used to assess latency to opioid use from ages 17 to 24 years, and how demographic and protective factors influenced opioid use across emergent classes. RESULTS The four-class solution fit the data best: sexual abuse and indirect violence + high trauma characteristics (n = 79, 3.6%); high all + high traumacharacteristics (n = 177; 8.1%); chronic emotional abuse + trusted perpetrator (n = 263; 12.1%); and low all (n = 1,656; 76.1%). Latent class regression results indicated differential risk of class membership by sexual/gender minority status, sex assigned at birth, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Survival analysis noted shorter latency to opioid use across all classes compared to the low all class. Self-efficacy and neighborhood cohesion emerged as important protective factors. CONCLUSION Furthermore, results highlight key individual- and community-level protective factors that decrease the risk of opioid use. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Protein profiles of body cavity fluid generated by surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (SELDI) is helpful in distinguishing between reactive and neoplastic processes.

3550 Background: SELDI, (Ciphergen, Palo Alto, CA), is a new protein chip technology that profiles mixtures of proteins. Body fluid samples can be applied directly and selected proteins in the mixture bind specifically to a solid phase chromatographic surface and when ionized by a laser pulse are analyzed by time of flight mass spectrometry; the resulting spectra consist of a molecular weight profile of peptides with shared common physiochemical binding characteristics. The objective of this study is to determine if there exist specific proteomic signatures that can differentiate between benign and malignant samples of pleural fluid or ascites. Designs and Results: Body-cavity fluid samples were obtained from 22 patients; 8 had a malignant cytologic diagnosis and 14 a benign diagnosis. Each sample was run in triplicate on WCX2 chips. Spectral analyses were performed using Ciphergen software. The protein content of the cancer group was significantly higher than that of the benign group (Wilcoxon Rank Sum test, p=0.004). Peaks were identified based on the resolution of the instrument, ± 0.2%, and a total of 1074 spectral peaks were resolved per specimen in the molecular weight range up to 10,300 Daltons. The heights of the spectral peaks of each triplicate were normalized to the protein concentration of the specific sample. Selected spectral peaks in the two groups was compared using two different metrics. The first method used the local maximums which were defined as the maximum intensity value within each set of m-z values represented by the m-z variable. A stepwise discriminant analysis was used to identify candidate m-z values, which could help classify the two groups correctly. The 5 most frequently occurring m-z values were then used in the analysis. Cross validation (leaving an individual specimen out, recalibrating the classifier and testing to see if the left over samples are classified correctly) was used to estimate the error rate of the classifier. Principal Components Analysis was used to visualize the separation of the two groups. The second method was similar to the first one except that the area covered by a set of m_z values was calculated using a trapezoidal rule. The sensitivity and specificity of separating benign and malignant fluid specimens were 63% and 100%, respectively by the first method and were both 100% by the second method. Conclusion: SELDI analysis of body cavity fluid samples is capable of generating reproducible protein profiles. The protein signatures appear to differentiate malignant from benign fluid samples.
PHOENIX rises: Genomic-based therapies for diffuse large B cell lymphoma

The molecular classification of diffuse large B cell lymphoma has paved the way for precision medicine that targets oncogenic driver pathways and actionable mutations. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Wilson et al. execute a massive genomic analysis in order to identify putative molecular signatures linked to a differential response to ibrutinib plus R-CHOP.
Urinary Tract Infections in the Reconstructed Bladder: Evaluation and Treatment Options

The optimal approach to treating urinary tract infections patients with reconstructed and neurogenic bladders is a complex and evolving topic. This chapter aims to provide an outline of considerations which can be utilized by medical practitioners to diagnose a UTI and select an appropriate workup for determination of an underlying etiology. Also delineated is an overview of available evidence regarding the efficacy of various strategies for management and prevention of UTIs in this challenging population.
Scale Effects and the Molecular Origins of Tribological Behavior

There has been a great deal of progress in probing the molecular origins of friction in recent years. New experimental tools such as the surface force apparatus,1, 2, 3 quartz microbalance,4 scanning probe microscopy,5, 6 and other methods,7, 8, 9 allow measurements with controlled chemistry and, in some cases, geometry. At the same time, tremendous increases in computer power have allowed increasingly sophisticated models of these ideal systems.10, 11
Summary and prospects

The evolution of these urban simulation models and their various successes and failures may be viewed from different perspectives. For the planner in an agency where one of the many unsuccessful attempts was made, such models may well be held in rather low esteem. In fairness, this is not an unreasonable position for such a person to take. Some economists have claimed that there was never any reason to expect that such models should work, as they (the models) were lacking a proper economic foundation. Although somewhat gratuitous, neither is this assertion wholly false. Other professionals, both planners and model builders, will claim many virtues of models and modelling as an approach to complex urban problems. They will assert, and will be correct in so doing, that much was learned about urban structure and dynamics from these models’ efforts. To say the least, there are many and diverse opinions.
A Global Theorem for Nonlinear Eigenvalue Problems and Applications

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a global theorem for nonlinear eigenvalue problems and applications. Equations of the form (0.1) occur in many parts of mathematical physics, particularly in fluid dynamics and in elasticity theory. Thus, the nature of the structure of the set of their solution is an important question. A nonlinear extension of a linear Strum-Liouville theorem for second order ordinary differential equations is presented in the chapter where nodal properties play an important role. Existence results for positive solutions of quasi-linear elliptic partial differential equations are also obtained. The homotopy methods, which go into the proof of main result, can be used to treat (0. 1) under other conditions on G and in particular in situations where bifurcation is not involved. Such a case is provided by requiring that G (0, u) = 0. The solution set of (0. 1) contains a component containing (0,0), which is unbounded both in IR + X E and IR - X E. The chapter provides a simple proof and some applications to elliptic and hyperbolic partial differential equations and extensions of many of the results.
Prioritizing Information for the Discovery of Phenomena

We consider the problem of prioritizing a collection of discrete pieces of information, or transactions. The goal is to rank the transactions in such a way that the user can best pursue a subset of the transactions in hopes of discovering those which were generated by an interesting source. The problem is shown to differ from traditional classification in several fundamental ways. Ranking algorithms are divided into classes, depending on the amount of information they may utilize. We demonstrate that while ranking by the least constrained algorithm class is consistent with classification, such is not the case for a more constrained class of algorithms. We demonstrate also that while optimal ranking by the former class is “easy”, optimal ranking by the latter class is NP-hard. Finally, we present detectors which solve optimally restricted versions of the ranking problem, including symmetric anomaly detection.
Indifference, alientation and rational decisions - The effects of candidate evaluations on turnout and the vote

In studying evaluations of Presidential candidates, one major task is to account for these attitudes with such causally prior variables as party identification, issue orientation, social characteristics, and the like.1 But it is equally important to consider the effects of candidate evaluations, that is, to consider their relationships to political behavior.2 In this paper we briefly consider the effects of candidate evaluations on turnout and on voting choice. Let us deal with the question of turnout first.
S-Adenosyl-l-methionine and alcoholic liver disease in animal models: implications for early intervention in human beings

In patients with severe alcoholic liver disease (i.e., cirrhosis), a deficiency of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) develops as a result of decreased SAMe synthetase activity. Whether a sizeable SAMe depletion occurs already at earlier stages of alcoholic liver disease has been the subject of debate. To address this issue, rats were fed alcohol (or isocaloric carbohydrate) in Lieber-DeCarli liquid diets containing adequate amounts of protein, vitamins, and lipotropic factors, including methionine. Alcohol feeding resulted in hepatic steatosis (without fibrosis) and unchanged SAMe synthetase activity, yet SAMe concentration was already greatly decreased. This most likely resulted from oxidative stress associated with the metabolism of alcohol and the induction of cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1), which generates free radicals. Indeed, the decrease in hepatic SAMe correlated with parameters of oxidative stress, such as increased 4-hydroxynonenal (measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) and diminished glutathione (GSH). Decreased GSH, occurring as a result of excessive GSH consumption caused by the oxidative stress, probably generated by enhanced utilization of SAMe, a precursor of GSH, thereby explaining the depletion of SAMe. In view of the known differences between rodents and primates in the metabolism of lipotropes, my colleagues and I have also studied the interaction between alcohol and SAMe in baboons and found again that, at early stages preceding the development of cirrhosis, there was already a significant lowering of hepatic SAMe concentration, associated with a striking oxidative stress documented by decreased levels and accelerated turnover of GSH. This was associated with increased lipid peroxidation and damage to cellular membranes, including those of the mitochondria, assessed by electron microscopy. Oral administration of SAMe resulted in its hepatic repletion with a corresponding attenuation of the ethanol-induced oxidative stress and liver injury, with significantly less GSH depletion, less increases in plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, less leakage of mitochondrial glutamic dehydrogenase into the plasma, and fewer megamitochondria. In conclusion, (1) both in rodents and in non-human primates, significant SAMe depletion occurs already at early stages of alcoholic liver disease, despite the consumption of adequate diets; (2) the decreased hepatic SAMe concentration and the associated liver lesions, including mitochondrial injury, can be corrected with SAMe supplementation; and (3) accordingly, therapeutic administration of SAMe should be the subject of a comprehensive clinical trial to assess its capacity to attenuate early stages of alcoholic liver injury in human beings.
Water-soluble vitamins: bases for suggested upper limits for infant formulas.

En considerant que la marge de securite pour les doses recommandees en vitamines hydrosolubles dans l'alimentation est large, on donne une limite superieure des teneurs en vitamine dans les laits en boite destines a l'alimentation des nourrissons
Commitment to nutritional endoderm in Eleutherodactylus coqui involves altered nodal signaling and global transcriptional repression

The vegetal cells of a Xenopus laevis embryo commit to mesendoderm via the Nodal-signaling pathway. In the direct developing frog Eleutherodactylus coqui, mesendoderm is specified at the marginal zone of the early gastrula, and vegetal core cells transform into nutritional endoderm. Nutritional endoderm, a novel tissue, consists of transient, yolky cells that provide nutrition but remain undifferentiated. We report a dual regulation for the generation of nutritional endoderm. First, differential expressions of the Nodal-signal transducers Smad2 and Smad4 were observed during early gastrulation between the marginal zone and the vegetal core cells. Although EcSmad2 RNA as well as total and activated Smad2 protein were detected in the vegetal core, Smad4 protein was expressed less in vegetal core during early gastrulation. Only 12% and 50% of vegetal core cells were positive for nuclear Smad2 and Smad4 signals respectively compared to 100% of marginal zone cells. These results suggest a signaling disruption in the vegetal core. Second, vegetal core cells were transcriptionally repressed. At the blastula stage, both marginal zone and vegetal core cells were transcriptionally silent, but during early gastrulation, only marginal zone cells became transcriptionally active. This indicates the occurrence of a mid-blastula transition in the marginal zone by early gastrulation, but global transcriptional repression persisted in the vegetal core and its derivative, nutritional endoderm, throughout development. We have described a novel mechanism, which prevents differentiation of the vegetal core through differential Nodal-signaling and global transcriptional repression. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 322B: 27–44, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic Compressive Sensing of Time-Varying Signals Via Approximate Message Passing

In this work the dynamic compressive sensing (CS) problem of recovering sparse, correlated, time-varying signals from sub-Nyquist, non-adaptive, linear measurements is explored from a Bayesian perspective. While there has been a handful of previously proposed Bayesian dynamic CS algorithms in the literature, the ability to perform inference on high-dimensional problems in a computationally efficient manner remains elusive. In response, we propose a probabilistic dynamic CS signal model that captures both amplitude and support correlation structure, and describe an approximate message passing algorithm that performs soft signal estimation and support detection with a computational complexity that is linear in all problem dimensions. The algorithm, DCS-AMP, can perform either causal filtering or non-causal smoothing, and is capable of learning model parameters adaptively from the data through an expectation-maximization learning procedure. We provide numerical evidence that DCS-AMP performs within 3 dB of oracle bounds on synthetic data under a variety of operating conditions. We further describe the result of applying DCS-AMP to two real dynamic CS datasets, as well as a frequency estimation task, to bolster our claim that DCS-AMP is capable of offering state-of-the-art performance and speed on real-world high-dimensional problems.
Complete Replication of Plasmid DNA Containing a Single UV-induced Lesion in Human Cell Extracts

To investigate the effect of the major UV-induced lesions on SV40 origin-dependent DNA replication and mutagenesis in a mammalian cell extract, double-stranded plasmids containing a single cis,syn-cyclobutane dimer or a pyrimidine-pyrimidone(6-4) photoproduct at a unique TT sequence have been constructed. These plasmids have been used as templates in DNA replication-competent extracts from human HeLa cells. Plasmids containing a single pyrimidine cyclobutane dimer on the potential lagging strand for DNA replication are replicated with an efficiency approximately equal to that of an unmodified plasmid. A small decrease in replication efficiency of ~20% was observed when the lesion was located on the potential leading strand for DNA replication. In both orientations, DpnI-resistant, replicated closed circular plasmid DNA was sensitive to nicking by the pyrimidine dimer-specific enzyme, T4 endonuclease V, indicating that complete replication of the damaged plasmid occurs in vitro. In contrast, a(6-4) photoproduct, within the same site and sequence context on the lagging strand for DNA synthesis, inhibits replication in vitro by an average of ~50%, indicating that the mammalian replication complex responds differently to the two major UV-induced lesions during DNA replication in vitro. Analysis of the DpnI-resistant, replicated DNA for mutations targeted to the lesion site indicates that neither of these lesions resulted in significant mutagenesis. UV-induced lesions at TT sites may therefore be poorly mutagenic under these conditions for DNA replication in human cell extracts in vitro.
Variations in methadone treatment practices. Results from a national study.

Objective. —To examine the extent to which outpatient methadone maintenance treatment units are engaging in treatment practices that previous research indicates are ineffective (eg, inadequate dose levels); to examine factors that may be related to variation in methadone treatment practices. Design. —Survey of unit directors and clinical supervisors. Setting. —The study includes units that vary in terms of ownership (public, private for-profit, or private not-for-profit) and setting (eg, hospital-based, mental health center—based, or free-standing facility). Participants. —A national random sample of 172 units participated, for an 82% response rate; the data were weighted to ensure that they were nationally representative. Main Outcome Measures. —Clients' awareness of and influence on doses; units' use of take-home dosages; upper limits on doses; average dose levels; unit emphasis on decreasing dosages; time when clients are encouraged to detoxify; average length of treatment. Results. —The data indicate that many units have treatment practices such as low average dose levels that are not effective according to the majority of previous studies. Units with higher average dose levels have longer average lengths of time in treatment. Conclusions. —Steps should be taken to monitor and, if necessary, change the treatment practices of methadone units that are providing inadequate dose levels with little client input. (JAMA. 1992;267:253-258)
The use of lamellar body counts to predict fetal lung maturity in pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was (1) to correlate amniotic fluid lamellar body counts with the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio and the presence of phosphatidylglycerol in pregnancies that were complicated by maternal diabetes mellitus and (2) to determine a lamellar body count value that maximizes sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of fetal lung maturity. Study Design: We reviewed our prospectively collected perinatal database from November 1992 through October 1999 to identify pregnancies that were complicated by diabetes mellitus for which fetal lung maturity studies had been performed within 72 hours of delivery. Lamellar body counts were correlated with lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio and phosphatidylglycerol values. The sensitivities and specificities of various lamellar body count cutoff values were calculated with the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio and phosphatidylglycerol values as indicators of fetal lung maturity. Receiver operating curves were used to determine the lamellar body count that indicated fetal lung maturity. Our neonatal database was reviewed for this same time period to obtain all cases of respiratory distress syndrome. The maternal data were compared with the neonatal data to determine whether distress syndrome had developed in an infant who had undergone fetal lung maturity testing respiratory. Results: Lamellar body counts were correlated with lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio ( r = 0.51, P r = 0.57, P Conclusion: The lamellar body count is a valid, rapid screening test for the determination of biochemical fetal lung maturity in pregnancies that are complicated by diabetes mellitus. A lamellar body count of ≥37,000/μL correlated with the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio and phosphatidylglycerol values in the pregnancies of diabetic patients. Use of lamellar body counts in pregnancies that are complicated by diabetes mellitus could decrease the need for time-consuming and more costly phospholipid profiles. A full phospholipid profile is recommended for amniotic fluid specimens with lamellar body count values of
Feasibility and Acceptance of Acupuncture and Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Chronic Pain in Children

Feasibility and Acceptance of Acupuncture and Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Chronic Pain in Children
An Extended Book Review: History Is Not Optional: A Response to THE REAL JESUS by Luke Timothy Johnson:

THE REAL JESUS: THE MISGUIDED QUEST FOR THE HISTORICAL JESUS AND THE TRUTH OF THE TRADITIONAL GOSPELS, by Luke Timothy Johnson (San Francisco, CA: HarperCollins, 1996; vi + 182 pp.; paper, $12.00) presents itself as a reasoned refutation of recent historical Jesus research. In reality it is a deeply flawed and extremist defense of Christian orthodoxy. This essay analyzes four aspects of Johnson's argument. The harshness of Johnson's polemics creates the impression of a powerful critique, but serves mainly to distract the reader from the lack of substance in his arguments. Johnson's specific criticisms of recent historical Jesus books are very weak and appeal primarily to readers' emotions. Johnson believes that the search for the historical Jesus is misguided because, in his view, the Gospels are virtually worthless historically. This is an extremist position rejected by the vast majority of biblical scholars. Johnson's position that early Christianity can be explained only by a miracle (the resurrection)...
Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-1 Can Function through a Gαq/11-β-Arrestin-1 Signaling Complex

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) is a proinflammatory cytokine secreted from macrophages and adipocytes. It is well known that chronic TNFalpha exposure can lead to insulin resistance both in vitro and in vivo and that elevated blood levels of TNFalpha are observed in obese and/or diabetic individuals. TNFalpha has many acute biologic effects, mediated by a complex intracellular signaling pathway. In these studies we have identified new G-protein signaling components to this pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We found that beta-arrestin-1 is associated with TRAF2 (TNF receptor-associated factor 2), an adaptor protein of TNF receptors, and that TNFalpha acutely stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of G alpha(q/11) with an increase in G alpha(q/11) activity. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of beta-arrestin-1 inhibits TNFalpha-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of G alpha(q/11) by interruption of Src kinase activation. TNFalpha stimulates lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and beta-arrestin-1 knockdown blocks the effects of TNFalpha to stimulate ERK activation and glycerol release. TNFalpha also led to activation of JNK with increased expression of the proinflammatory gene, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and matrix metalloproteinase 3, and beta-arrestin-1 knockdown inhibited both of these effects. Taken together these results reveal novel elements of TNFalpha action; 1) the trimeric G-protein component G alpha(q/11) and the adapter protein beta-arrestin-1 can function as signaling molecules in the TNFalpha action cascade; 2) beta-arrestin-1 can couple TNFalpha stimulation to ERK activation and lipolysis; 3) beta-arrestin-1 and G alpha(q/11) can mediate TNFalpha-induced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation and inflammatory gene expression.
The relative contribution of ankle moment and trailing limb angle to propulsive force during gait

A major factor for increasing walking speed is the ability to increase propulsive force. Although propulsive force has been shown to be related to ankle moment and trailing limb angle, the relative contribution of each factor to propulsive force has never been determined. The primary purpose of this study was to quantify the relative contribution of ankle moment and trailing limb angle to propulsive force for able-bodied individuals walking at different speeds. Twenty able-bodied individuals walked at their self-selected and 120% of self-selected walking speed on the treadmill. Kinematic data were collected using an 8-camera motion-capture system. A model describing the relationship between ankle moment, trailing limb angle and propulsive force was obtained through quasi-static analysis. Our main findings were that ankle moment and trailing limb angle each contributes linearly to propulsive force, and that the change in trailing limb angle contributes almost as twice as much as the change in ankle moment to the increase in propulsive force during speed modulation for able-bodied individuals. Able-bodied individuals preferentially modulate trailing limb angle more than ankle moment to increase propulsive force. Future work will determine if this control strategy can be applied to individuals poststroke.
Diel Feeding Pattern of Adult Female Southern Green Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

An activity recorder was used to determine if adult female southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.), exhibit diel feeding behavior in the laboratory. The activity recorder simultaneously monitored separate feeding events from 11 individual adult N. d viridula. Twenty-four-hour feeding tests demonstrated that laboratory-reared adult female N. viridula fed for longer durations during scotophase (approximately 12 min/h) than photophase (approximately 4 min/h). This study demonstrated that an important component of N. viridula behavior had been neglected previously.
Comparison of Microscopic Imaging Strategies for Evaluating Immunocytochemical (PAP) Steroid Receptor Heterogeneity

Receptogram analysis was compared with three other imaging strategies for immunocytochemical assay of estrogen receptors. These included nuclear-specific methods for analysis of nuclear integrated optical density (IOD) or mean optical density (MOD) histograms, and field-specific methods, where the pixel optical density (POD) histogram was evaluated for the composite nuclear phase. Measurements in culture and in breast cancer cryosections were treated separately to isolate geometric considerations. In culture receptograms the modality of IOD and MOD histograms and their bivariate contour maps revealed one, two, or more subpopulations with discrete receptor content and concentration. However, when the field of nuclei was imaged as a whole, regardless of the number of subpopulations, POD histograms showed two minima, defining three intranuclear phases. This was due to mottling and variegation of intranuclear chromatin and nucleolar immunostaining and not to differences between nuclei. These limitations were also revealed in breast cancer sections. In POD histograms, % unstained pixels did not provide a reliable estimate of % receptor negative nuclei, as determined by their enumeration. In sections, correction of IOD for nuclear volume variability was essential to suppress artifactual peaks not representing differences in receptor content. This was achieved by multiplying nuclear IOD by the spherical nuclear radius (S) of individual slab sections. Peaks of IOD(S) then reflected receptor content on a true ratio scale. Only receptogram analysis, which incorporates these strategies, permitted objective evaluation of receptor heterogeneity at the level of tumor subpopulations.
Basic pharmacology of some glaucoma drugs with emphasis on new information and new developments.

Summary This paper will discuss the pharmacology and mechanism of action of various drugs used to treat glaucoma, such as epinephrine, pilocarpine, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and a new class of drugs to be used in ophthalmology, the beta adrenergic blockers, with particular reference to timolol.