cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maternal opioid use disorder at delivery hospitalization in a rural state: Maine, 2009-2018.

Abstract Objectives A multistate analysis found Maine had the second highest average annual increase in maternal opioid use disorder (OUD) at delivery hospitalization during 1999–2012. The objective of our analysis was to estimate the prevalence, maternal characteristics, and geographic distribution of OUD at delivery hospitalization in Maine using recent state-level data. Study design Serially collected cross-sectional population-based data. Methods We used diagnosis and procedure codes to identify deliveries among hospital discharges in Maine, 2009–2018 (n = 120,764), and to categorize deliveries according to the prevalence of maternal OUD and selected conditions. We assessed linear trends in OUD at delivery and calculated prevalence ratios (PR) for co-occurring maternal conditions. Results The prevalence of maternal OUD per 1000 deliveries in Maine increased from 22.7 in 2009 to 34.9 in 2018 (linear trend P value Conclusions Maternal OUD now accounts for 1 in 29 deliveries in Maine and commonly occurs with other medical conditions. Prevention and treatment of OUD among reproductive age women in Maine remains needed.
Long-term effects of pasture management and fenced riparian buffers on soil organic carbon content and aggregation

Abstract Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a key role in sustaining pasture agroecosystem function and its rate of accumulation can be influenced by management practices including manure deposition and grazing intensity. This study was conducted to determine the impacts of 13-years of different pasture management practices on SOC content and aggregation. The field experiment was conducted in a watershed consisted of five pasture management practices: (i) hayed (H), (ii) continuously grazed (CG), (iii) rotationally grazed (R), (iv) rotationally grazed with a grass buffer strip (RB), and (v) rotationally grazed with a fenced riparian buffer (RBR). Since 2004, all treatments received 5.6 Mg ha−1 of poultry litter annually except the buffer area located at the base of RB and RBR. Starting from the top of hillslope, each plot was divided into three landscape positions (A, B, and C). In addition, the ungrazed, unfertilized riparian buffer strip (RBS) in RBR was also studied. In general, upper landscape positions showed greater SOC than lower positions for most of the treatments, and in particular, soils in the landscape position A had greater SOC than RBS. However, permanganate oxidizable C (POXC) was higher in all poultry litter amended pasture systems compared to the RBS. Rotational grazing practice promoted the formation of large macroaggregates compared to other pasture management practices and RBS. All five pasture management treatments improved large macroaggregate-associated SOC content as compared to RBS, and it was higher in grazed plots than the hayed plots. Overall, this study showed that organic manure addition improved total SOC, POXC and SOC associated with large macroaggregates, while differences in SOC among different pasture management strategies were subtle even after 13 years of continuous management.
Laryngeal Blastomycosis, an Unexpected Diagnosis: A Case Report

Isolated laryngeal blastomycosis is an extremely rare entity with few cases described in the medical literature. Nonspecific and chronic presenting symptoms such as dysphonia, dyspnea, dysphagia, and/or cough are described, with isolated reports requiring urgent management related to respiratory distress. We present a case report of a 63-year-old immunocompetent female diagnosed with isolated laryngeal blastomycosis, document the treatment regimen and subsequent clinical course. In view of the rarity of this diagnosis, isolated laryngeal blastomycosis has the potential for clinical and pathologic misdiagnosis. Without an accurate diagnosis, blastomycosis remains untreated and the risk for airway disease progression increases.
Emerging antibody-based therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 during the global pandemic

SARS-CoV-2 antibody therapeutics are being evaluated in clinical and preclinical stages. As of 11 October 2020, 13 human monoclonal antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein have entered clinical trials with three (REGN-COV2, LY3819253/LY-CoV555, and VIR-7831/VIR-7832) in phase 3. On 9 November 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for bamlanivimab (LY3819253/LY-CoV555) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19. This review outlines the development of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, with a focus on discussing various antibody discovery strategies (animal immunization, phage display and B cell cloning), describing binding epitopes and comparing neutralizing activities. Broad-neutralizing antibodies targeting the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV might be helpful for treating COVID-19 and future infections. VIR-7831/7832 based on S309 is the only antibody in late clinical development, which can neutralize both SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV although it does not directly block virus receptor binding. Thus far, the only cross-neutralizing antibody that is also a receptor binding blocker is nanobody VHH-72. The feasibility of developing nanobodies as inhaled drugs for treating COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases is an attractive idea that is worth exploring and testing. A cocktail strategy such as REGN-COV2, or engineered multivalent and multispecific molecules, combining two or more antibodies might improve the efficacy and protect against resistance due to virus escape mutants. Besides the receptor-binding domain, other viral antigens such as the S2 subunit of the spike protein and the viral attachment sites such as heparan sulfate proteoglycans that are on the host cells are worth investigating.
Obesity Management and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

In the USA, the obesity epidemic continues to grow as the majority of people have a body mass index (BMI) that classifies them as having overweight or obesity. Factors that include excess calorie intake, sedentary lifestyle, weight-promoting medications, psychological stress, cultural influences, food, and healthcare policies can all contribute to obesity. People with excess body weight are at increased risk for poor health outcomes that are driven by comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Obesity and its associated diseases are responsible for increased healthcare utilization and costs. Effective prevention and management of obesity is of the utmost importance to optimize quality of life, productivity, and healthcare expenditures. Despite this need, few people with obesity are formally given this diagnosis and even less receive counseling on weight loss or lifestyle modification. Anti-obesity medications and bariatric surgery are effective tools for weight loss and comorbidity management but are underutilized. This chapter reviews the burden of obesity, the cardiovascular and health complications, and treatment options, which include diet, physical activity, anti-obesity medications, and bariatric surgeries and their respective metabolic benefits.
Fish blood flukes (Digenea: Aporocotylidae) from Indonesia: Two new genera and species infecting the banded eagle ray, Aetomylaeus nichofii (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) Capapé and Desoutter, 1979 (Myliobatiformes: Myliobatidae) from Borneo.

Abstract Specimens representing two new species of blood flukes (Digenea: Aporocotylidae), each representing a new genus, were collected from the banded eagle ray, Aetomylaeus nichofii (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) Capape and Desoutter, 1979, in Borneo, Indonesia. Aetohemecus kirstenjensenae n. sp., n. gen. infected the heart of a banded eagle ray from Manggar, East Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, and differs from its congeners by having an oviducal ampullae, an ootype posterior to all genitalia, and a uterus that extends anterior to the ovary. The new species resembles Selachohemecus spp., which infect requiem sharks (Carcharhinidae) in the Northwestern Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, by having a single ventrolateral row of large C-shaped tegumental spines, X- or H-shaped intestine, and a post-caecal ovary. Specimens of Homestios janinecairae n. sp., n. gen. infected the heart of a banded eagle ray from Takisung, South Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia. The new species resembles other blood flukes that infect rays (Batoidea) by having a single, curving testis and an inverse U-shaped intestine as well as by lacking tegumental spines. It differs from all aporocotylids infecting batoids that lack spines by having a uterus that extends anteriad beyond the level of the seminal vesicle. The present study comprises the first record of an aporocotylid from Indonesia or from an eagle ray (Myliobatidae). To our knowledge, these are the first trematodes reported from a species of Aetomylaeus. The proposals of new genera and the description of two new species herein brings the total number of nominal chondrichthyan blood flukes to 13 species of 11 genera.
Therapies Approaches in Mitochondrial Diseases

Therapies for mitochondrial diseases has been largely limited to supportive and symptomatic therapies; however, in the last decade, advances in understanding the causes and pathomechanisms of these diverse disorders have enabled development of novel treatment strategies. Here, we highlight current use of dietary supplements and exercise therapy as well as emerging treatments in preclinical and clinical trial stages of development. Broad-spectrum therapies that may be applied multiple diseases include: activation of mitochondrial biogenesis, regulation of mitophagy and mitochondrial dynamics, bypass of mitochondrial biochemical defects, mitochondrial replacement therapy, and hypoxia. Tailored disease-specific therapies in development include: scavenging of toxic compounds, deoxynucleoside therapy, cell replacement therapies, viral-mediated gene-delivery, shifting heteroplasmy of mitochondrial DNA pathogenic variants, and stabilization of mitochondrial transfer RNAs.
Volume determination methods for hematopoietic progenitor cell products collected by apheresis.

Background aims CD34+ cell count of hematopoietic progenitor cell products is often first determined using a product sample, with the final reported cell count obtained by multiplying cell count from the sample by the total product volume. Product volume may be determined by apheresis instruments used for collection or calculated based on specific gravity (SG). Here the authors sought to determine the discrepancies between these methods and the impact on patient care. Methods A total of 262 products collected from 176 donors by apheresis were retrospectively reviewed. Volumes calculated by apheresis instruments were compared with volumes calculated based on SG. CD34+ cell/kg doses based on volumes from apheresis instruments and SG were also compared. Furthermore, among 42 patients who required multiple collections, the authors determined whether different calculation methods would have changed the number of procedures required. Results The volumes for 253 products (96.6%) and CD34+ cell/kg doses for 257 products (98.1%) generated from apheresis instruments and SG were similar. Products with discrepant volumes when calculated using different methods were not associated with delayed engraftment. Forty patients who underwent multiple collections (95.2%) were under their collection goals during their first collection and would have required multiple procedures regardless of which method was used to calculate product volumes. Conclusions Volumes determined based on SG did not provide a clear benefit over volumes determined by apheresis instruments. Hence, variation in volume calculation methods across different laboratories is likely to lead to minimal impact on patient care.
Predicting regional fluoride concentrations at public and domestic supply depths in basin-fill aquifers of the western United States using a random forest model

Abstract A random forest regression (RFR) model was applied to over 12,000 wells with measured fluoride (F) concentrations in untreated groundwater to predict F concentrations at depths used for domestic and public supply in basin-fill aquifers of the western United States. The model relied on twenty-two regional-scale environmental and surficial predictor variables selected to represent factors known to control F concentrations in groundwater. The testing model fit R2 and RMSE were 0.52 and 0.78 mg/L. Comparisons of measured to predicted proportions of four F-concentrations categories ( 2 mg/L – 4 mg/L, and > 4 mg/L) indicate that the model performed well at making regional-scale predictions. Differences between measured and predicted proportions indicate underprediction of measured F at values by between 4 and 20 mg/L, representing less than 1% of the regional scale predicted values. These residuals most often map to geographic regions where local-scale processes including evaporative discharge in closed basins or intermittent streams concentrate fluoride in shallow groundwater. Despite this, the RFR model provides spatially continuous F predictions across the basin-fill aquifers where discrete samples are missing. Further, the predictions capture documented areas that exceed the F maximum contaminant level for drinking water of 4 mg/L and areas that are below the oral-health benchmark of 0.7 mg/L. These predictions can be used to estimate fluoride concentrations in unmonitored areas and to aid in identifying geographic areas that may require further investigation at localized scales.
Life History Evolution Forms the Foundation of the Adverse Childhood Experience Pyramid

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are situated as the foundation of a six-tier pyramid, above which rests: (1) disrupted neurodevelopment; (2) social, emotional, and cognitive impairment; (3) adoption of health-risk behaviors; (4) disease, disability, and social problems; and (5) early death. ACEs purportedly initiate a causal sequence of negative developmental, behavioral, social, and cognitive outcomes, culminating in heightened mortality risk. Militating against this causal explanation, life history evolution is herein hypothesized to be the true foundation of any such pyramid. Subsuming ACEs within a life history framework has two broad implications: First, to some extent, ACEs are effectively changed from cause to correlate; second ACEs are seen as markers of strategic life history variation, not markers of dysfunction.
Characterization of the Copper(II) Binding Sites in Human Carbonic Anhydrase II.

Human carbonic anhydrase (CA) is a well-studied, robust, mononuclear Zn-containing metalloprotein that serves as an excellent biological ligand system to study the thermodynamics associated with metal ion coordination chemistry in aqueous solution. The apo form of human carbonic anhydrase II (CA) binds 2 equiv of copper(II) with high affinity. The Cu2+ ions bind independently forming two noncoupled type II copper centers in CA (CuA and CuB). However, the location and coordination mode of the CuA site in solution is unclear, compared to the CuB site that has been well-characterized. Using paramagnetic NMR techniques and X-ray absorption spectroscopy we identified an N-terminal Cu2+ binding location and collected information on the coordination mode of the CuA site in CA, which is consistent with a four- to five-coordinate N-terminal Cu2+ binding site reminiscent to a number of N-terminal copper(II) binding sites including the copper(II)-amino terminal Cu2+ and Ni2+ and copper(II)-β-amyloid complexes. Addit...
The Association Between Affective and Problem-Solving Communication and Intimate Partner Violence Among Caucasian and Mexican American Couples: a Dyadic Approach

The present study examined individuals’ subjective evaluation of their effectiveness with regard to affective communication and problem-solving communication, and their relation to intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization. Data from 100 Caucasian American and Mexican American couples were collected during the first and during the third year of marriage. For affective communication, a significant partner effect emerged, indicating that husbands’ higher dissatisfaction with affective communication was related to wives’ higher IPV victimization. For problem-solving communication, a significant actor effect emerged, indicating that husbands’ higher dissatisfaction with problem-solving communication was related to husbands’ higher IPV victimization. While these findings largely generalized to Caucasian Americans, they did not generalize to Mexican Americans.
Children, Personhood, and a Pluralistic Society

Attitudes toward children or child rearing are often extrapolated to abortion. My discussion focuses on abortion primarily but is not confined to it, as the essence of the current controversy over abortion is missed by not addressing the larger philosophical issue. The broader aspects of the debate cannot, responsibly, be ignored because attitudes toward the child and child-rearing data presented here strongly validate the reasonableness of a particular political and philosophical position, a pluralist position. Pluralism protected by separation of Church and State is constitutionally affirmed by the First Amendment (the establishment clause). Yet, this political heritage is at stake when the abortion debate is cast as a prochoice—prolife dichotomy. Choice in the matter of religiously based beliefs is constitutionally guaranteed and should not have to be debated.
Entrepreneurship in Established Organizations: The Case of the Public Sector

The potential role of entrepreneurship in public sector organizations is explored. Entrepreneurship is conceptualized as a manageable process with underlying dimensions of innovativeness, risk-taki...
Phosphate-activated glutaminase in kidney and other tissues.

SUMMARY 1. Studies of the phosphate activation of glutaminase activity (glu- taminase I), hitherto studied in the tissues of the rat, have been extended to include other species. 2. The glutaminase activity at pH 8.0 in aqueous extracts of rat and mouse kidney, liver, brain, and spleen and of rabbit and guinea pig brain and spleen is greatly increased by added phosphate. Under the same conditions, the glutaminase activity of extracts of rabbit and guinea pig kidney and liver and of the sedimentable fraction of rabbit and guinea pig liver is only slightly increased by added phosphate. 3. Studies of the effect of various phosphate concentrations on the desamidation of glutamine in extracts of rat kidney revealed that a higher concentration of phosphate was necessary to achieve an appreciable ac- celeration of desamidation than was the case in extracts of brain or liver. The concentration of phosphate required to yield maximum acceleration
Employment Status of Workers Ages 55 or Older, 1987-2008

This paper examines the employment status (full time, part time, or part year) of workers ages 55 or older using the latest March Current Population Survey data. The data show that the percentage of these older workers working full time, full year increased steadily from 1993-2007, before decreasing during the recession year of 2008 as employers shed jobs and the national unemployment rate climbed. Consequently, while members of the older population were more likely to work, they were less likely to be working full time, full year in 2008 after consistent increases through 2007. A growing percentage of older Americans are in the labor force: The percentage of those ages 55 or older in the labor force increased from 29.4 percent in 1993 to 39.4 percent in 2008. For those ages 65-69, the percentage increased from 18.4 percent in 1985 to 30.7 percent in 2006. These trends mark a significant change in behavior for individuals in these age groups, and are likely driven by their need to obtain affordable employment-based health insurance and to accumulate retirement savings. The employment status of workers age 55 or older has significantly moved toward full-time, full-year work – with a corresponding decline in part-time, part-year work – over the 21-year period from 1987 to 2008. This trend was found across all groups age 55 or older, all race/ethnicity categories, and all educational levels. Younger near-elderly/elderly workers were far more likely to be working full time, full year, but older workers had larger percentage-point increases in full-time, full-year work from 1987 to 2008. The full-time, full-year work trend is more closely examined across various demographic categories.The PDF for the above title, published in the March 2010 issue of EBRI Notes, also contains the fulltext of another March 2010 EBRI Notes article abstracted on SSRN: “Tracking Health Insurance Coverage by Month: Trends in Employment-Based Coverage Among Workers, and Access to Coverage Among Uninsured Workers.”
Cushing Syndrome Caused by Adrenocortical Tumors and Hyperplasias (Corticotropin- Independent Cushing Syndrome)

Endogenous Cushing syndrome (CS) is caused by excess adrenal glucocorticoid secretion that is adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-dependent or independent; ACTH-independent adrenocortical causes of CS account for up to 20% of CS in adults, and 15% in children over age 7 years. In younger children, ACTH-independent CS may account for as many as half of the CS cases. In both adults and children, adrenocortical lesions causing CS include the common, isolated and sporadic, solitary cortisol-producing adenoma, the rare adrenocortical cancer, and a spectrum of recently recognized, bilateral hyperplasias (bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasias, BAHs): micronodular adrenal disease and its pigmented variant, primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease are mostly genetic processes. Macronodular BAHs, ACTH-independent macronodular hyperplasia or massive macronodular adrenocortical disease are less frequently genetic and almost never present in children (except in McCune-Albright syndrome); they present often with atypical CS in middle-aged or elderly adults. The majority of benign adrenocortical tumors associated with CS are associated with defects of the cAMP signaling pathway, whereas adrenal cancer is linked to aberrant expression of growth factors and germline or somatic mutations of tumor suppressor genes such as TP53. Adrenalectomy is the preferred mode of treatment for all adrenocortical causes of CS.
EFFECTS OF KETAMINE AND HALOTHANE ON NORMAL AND ASTHMATIC SMOOTH MUSCLE OF THE AIRWAY IN GUINEA PIGS

in vitro preparations of trachea isolated from normal and asthmatic guinea pigs were used to measure their maximum contractile response to histamine challenge and to determine spontaneous relaxation of smooth muscle of the airway. The effect of ketamine and halothane on these reactions was investigated. The optimal ketamine concentration was found to be 10 μg/ml. This dose attenuated the maximum contraction and produced greater relaxation (p < 0.01) of isolated trachea. However, ketamine failed to prevent an anaphylactic (Schultz-Dale) response when antigen (one per cent albumin) was added in an experimental chamber containing pre-sensitized guinea pig trachea. In contrast, halothane abolished any response to histamine challenge and prevented development of the Schultz-Dale response of smooth muscle from the airway of asthmatic guinea pigs.
Abstract 1672: Tumor educated B cells acquire immune suppressive function and promote tumor growth

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA B lymphocytes may play a role in inhibiting the immune response against certain tumors, but the underlying mechanisms by which B cells facilitate tumor growth are poorly understood. Murine EMT-6 mammary tumors grow readily in wild type mice (WT) but are rejected or grow very poorly in B-cell deficient μ-/- BALB/c mice (BCDM). Relative to BCDM, B cell reconstituted BCDM demonstrate enhanced tumor growth, marked expansion of Tregs in response to EMT-6 implantation, increased infiltration of both B cells and Tregs into tumor, and a markedly reduced cytolytic T cell response. Markedly decreased levels of CD49b+ NK cell and CD8+ T cell infiltration into the tumor bed were seen in WT or in B cell reconstituted BCDM, compared to levels of infiltration seen in BCDM. Adoptive transfer of either IL-10-/- B cells or MHC-II-/- B cells into BCDM also promoted tumor growth and expansion of Treg and suppressed cytotoxic CD8+ T cell anti-tumor activity and IFN-γ production in vivo. We hypothesized that tumor infiltrating B cells promote Treg expansion but also may directly suppress T cell activation and proliferation due to acquired regulatory function. In vitro co-culture of EMT-6 tumor cells with naive B cells generated B cells of a distinct phenotype (PD-L1hiCD86hiIAdhiCD62LhiLAP+CD44lo but CD25-CD69-CD80-). EMT-6 co-cultured B cells markedly suppressed naive CD4 T cell proliferation. Flow cytometric analysis of tumor infiltrating B cells (TIL-B) revealed that at day 21 post tumor implantation, TIL-B cells are LAPhiCD62LhiCD86hiIAdhiPD-L1hiCD44+CD25-. LAP/TGF-β expression on TIL-B cells was gradually upregulated as tumor burden increased, from 2∼3% on day 8 to ∼50% of infiltrating B cells by day 21. In contrast, splenic B cells at day 21 did not express LAP/TGF-β. TIL-B cells also markedly suppressed CD4+ T cell proliferation in-vitro when compared to splenic B cells. Our studies indicate that the T cell anti-tumor response is enhanced in the absence of B cells, due to acquisition of a suppressive immmunoregulatory phenotype by migrating B cells following tumor infiltration. We are currently looking for evidence of human correlates of B regulatory activity observed in murine models. Citation Format: Yu Zhang, Richard Morgan, Seung-uon Shin, Hyun-Mi Cho, Ahmed Albayati, Augustin Pimentel, Joseph D. Rosenblatt. Tumor educated B cells acquire immune suppressive function and promote tumor growth. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1672. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1672
Ultrastructural immunocytochemical localization of the asialoglycoprotein receptor in rat hepatocytes

Abstract The asialoglycoprotein receptor is present on the plasma membrane of rat hepatocytes and mediates the endocytosis of exogenous asialoglycoproteins. The intracellular locations of the receptor are incompletely defined, and whether the receptor is present on the canalicular membrane is controversial. To investigate these unresolved issues, we localized the asialoglycoprotein receptor on the surfaces of and within rat hepatocytes in the absence of exogenous asialoglycoprotein. Cryostat sections of perfusion-fixed livers of fasted rats were incubated with peroxidase-labeled antibodies to the rat asialoglycoprotein receptor and were examined by light and electron microscopy. The asialoglycoprotein receptor on the surface of hepatocytes was present on the sinusoidal plasma membrane and was concentrated in coated pits; it was present also on the lateral plasma membrane but was absent from the bile canalicular membrane. Within hepatocytes, the receptor was present in saccules of the Golgi complexes and occasionally in segments of the endoplasmic reticulum. Definite endocytic vesicles containing receptor were absent, and lysosomes were devoid of the receptor. These observations indicate that in the absence of exogenous asialoglycoprotein (a) the asialoglycoprotein receptor on the plasma membrane of hepatocytes is present only on the sinusoidal and lateral surfaces, (b) the receptor is being synthesized and assembled, (c) endocytic internalization of the receptor is minimal or absent, and (d) lysosomes are devoid of the receptor.
Large Surface Blebs on Escherichia coli Heated to Inactivating Temperatures

Abstract Large surface blebs were observed with phase-contrast optics on Escherichia coli B/r and Bs-1 heated to temperatures at which colony-forming ability was lost. Characterization of such blebs was consistent with the view that they were formed by a physical process and were bounded by the outer membrane of the cell. A hypothesis for thermal inactivation of E. coli is presented that places membrane damage near the primary lethal event.
Frequency implementation of discrete wavelet transforms

The paper implements the discrete wavelet transform in the discrete Fourier domain. The need for such an approach arose out of our desire to find a convenient means of realizing a new class of non-separable orientation selective 2D wavelet filter banks that are designed directly in the DFT domain. The filter bank design process begins with a conventional separable 2D perfect reconstruction parallel filter bank that is not orientation selective. In the DFT domain, each non-low pass channel is decomposed into the sum of two orientation selective frequency responses that are each supported on only two quadrants of the 2D frequency plane. The resulting filter bank possesses the good joint localization properties of orthogonal wavelet transforms and offers both perfect reconstruction and orientation selectivity. However, the orientation selective channels are non-separable - they cannot be implemented as iterated 1D convolutions according to the usual separable 2D wavelet transform paradigm. To overcome this difficulty, we develop straightforward techniques for implementing the DWT directly in the DFT domain.
From interview to conrontation: Observations of the bush/rather encounter

(1988). From interview to conrontation: Observations of the bush/rather encounter. Research on Language and Social Interaction: Vol. 22, No. 1-4, pp. 215-240.
Diffusion in cells measured by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the instrumentation, analytic methods, and fluorescent probes for measurement of diffusion in cells by photobleaching methods. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching is a useful experimental method for measurement of the translational diffusion of fluorophores and fluorescently labeled macromolecules in cellular compartments. Fluorescent labels are targeted to cellular aqueous or membrane compartments by transfection methods (for the green fluorescent protein) or are incorporated by incubation or microinjection methods. The instrumentation for photobleaching consists of a laser/light source to bleach and probe a defined sample volume, a fluorescence microscope, and a detector. Photobleaching measurements of cultured cells grown on transparent supports are done with a temperature-regulated perfusion chamber to immobilize the cell layer and allow changes in perfusate solution composition. An objective lens heater is used to prevent temperature differences between the sample and immersion objectives. Fluorescent probes are microinjected into fluid droplets secreted onto the airway surface under oil, and spot photobleaching is carried out with an approximately parallel laser beam produced by a low-numerical aperture lens.
Scalar Conservation Laws

We begin our study of conservation laws by considering the scalar case. Many of the difficulties encountered with systems of equations are already encountered here, and a good understanding of the scalar equation is required before proceeding.
The core gut microbiome, energy balance and obesity

Metagenomics is an emerging field focused on characterizing the structures, functions and dynamic operations of microbial communities sampled in their native habitats without the need for culture. Here, we present findings from a 16S rRNA gene sequence- and whole community DNA shotgun sequencing-based analysis of the adult human gut microbiomes of lean and obese mono- and dizygotic twins. Our findings indicate that a core microbiome can be found at the gene level, despite large variation in community membership, and that variations from the core are associated with obesity. These findings have implications for ongoing Human Microbiome Project(s), and highlight important challenges to the field of metagenomics.
Probability of Failure of Building from Fire

The random generation of a small fire in a building, and its random growth into a large fire, which consumes the combustible contents of a compartment, are described by a new unified stochastic model, based upon the theory of the Poisson process. This model assumes unequal compartments and heterogeneity of risk of fire among them. The random failure of the building from fire is then described by a stochastic model based upon both the fire generation model and the lognormal distribution. The second mathematical model improves upon its predecessor by avoiding the underestimation of the probability of failure from fire, for fixed nonstructural parameters.
In Search of the Inverted Region: Chromophore-Based Driving Force Dependence of Interfacial Electron Transfer Reactivity at the Nanocrystalline Titanium Dioxide Semiconductor/Solution Interface†

Intentional variations of the driving force for back electron transfer from titanium dioxide to a surface-bound redox couple, via synthetic alteration of the couple's formal potential, show that the reaction takes place in the Marcus normal region; i.e., rates become faster as the driving force increases. Variable-temperature rate measurements show that back ET is thermally activated, with the activation barrier decreasing with increasing driving force, as expected for a normal region process. The observation of normal region behavior, despite the existence of overall reaction driving forces that significantly exceed the likely reorganization energy, is attributed to the occurrence of a sequential electron- and proton-transfer process. The sequential process yields a driving force for the rate-determining electron-transfer step that is considerably smaller than the overall reaction driving force. The sequential electron- and proton-transfer mechanism also provides an explanation for the pH independence of...
The Newer Deal: Social Work and Religion in Partnership

Part 1. The Challenge of Devolution and the Promise of Religious-Based Social Services: An Introduction1. The Ambivalent Coexistence of Social Work and Religious-Based Social Services2. What Do We Mean by "Religious-Based Social Services"?3. Religious-Based Social Services in Social Work Literature and Education4. Reasons for the Rift Between Social Work and Religious-Based Social ServicesPart 2. Provision of Religious-Based Social Services: Theological Underpinnings, Historical Trends, and Current Findings5. Theological Teaching and Emphasis on Helping the Needy6. Religious Roots of America's Social Services System7. Religion and the Quality of Life of Individuals8. Religion and Social Services Provision at the End of the Twentieth Century9. Empowerment and Organized Religion10. Religious-Based Social Services Provision: Findings from Local Studies--Greensboro11. Religious-Based Social Services Provision: Findings from Local Studies--PhiladelphiaPart 3. The Challenge Ahead 12. Political and Societal Trends in Social Services Provision13. Toward a Limited Partnership for a Newer Deal
Two-level grammars as a technique for formalizing programming schemes

This paper addresses the issue of formalizing programming schemes (or programming plans). Research in problem solving and in programming has shown a hierarchical organization of program solutions. This organization suggests that a hierarchical formal definition can be used to eliminate the ambiguity inherent in previous natural language definitions. This paper uses the hierarchy implicit in two-level grammars to define programming schemes. It gives examples to illustrate how the definition can be used for a particular scheme.
SNARE-Mediated Fusion Pore Dynamics from Quantitative TIRF Microscopy

SNARE proteins are involved in most intracellular fusion events. SNAREs drive complete fusion but are also thought to generate dynamic flickering pores and reversible fusion. Live cell amperometry and simultaneous capacitance recordings indicated that the characteristic pre-spike foot may correspond to a flickering pore which later opens completely (Alvarez de Toledo et al., Nature, 1993). Here we study fusion and pore statistics between SNARE-reconstituted vesicles and supported bilayers (SBLs) using quantitative total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) with single-lipid resolution. Based on the intensities of the fluorescent lipid-labeled vesicles and the course of the time-dependent intensity increase upon fusion as lipids diffuse through the pore into the SBL, we determined vesicle sizes, the delay time to create the initial pore, and the rate of intermembrane lipid mixing through the pore. These measurements required us to develop a quantitative image analysis algorithm which accounts for TIRFM effects including the spatial decay of incident light, polarization effects, fluorescence dequenching and bleaching. In cholesterol-free vesicles, lipid transfer from the vesicle to the SBL was slower than would be expected were the fusion pore fully open, suggesting that the pore flickers between open and closed states. To quantify these effects we developed a mathematical model of the stochastic fusion pore and the passage of lipids from vesicle to SBL through the pore. Combining the model and experimental measurements, we infer the fraction of time for which the pore is open. Without cholesterol, the pore favors the closed state. We find cholesterol has profound effects: it decreases the delay time between docking and fusion and, once formed, the pore remains fully open. Thus, our results suggest that cholesterol favors the open pore state. Additionally, we report measurements of vesicle curvature-dependence of fusion and pore flickering.
Phylogenetic relationships of the western North American cyprinid genus Richardsonius, with an overview of phylogeographic structure.

Abstract Diversification of many North American taxa, including freshwater fishes, has been heavily influenced by the effects of complex geological and climatic events throughout the Cenozoic that have significantly altered the landscape. Here, we employ an array of phylogenetic analyses using a multiple gene tree approach to address several questions regarding the phylogenetic relationships of the North American cyprinid genus Richardsonius and two other closely related genera, Clinostomus and Iotichthys . We also use divergence time estimates generated using fossil calibrations to qualitatively assess the phylogeographic implications of evolution within the group. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences show a sister relationship between Iotichthys and Richardsonius , with Clinostomus being sister to an Iotichthys – Richardsonius clade, hence the currently recognized sister relationship between Clinostomus and Richardsonius is not supported. These genera appear to be monophyletic lineages, and sister species within genera appear to be reciprocally monophyletic. The two species within the genus Richardsonius both exhibit phylogeographic structure that is worthy of further investigation. Divergence time estimates between genera and species are Miocene or Pliocene in age, and divergence between phylogroups within species occurred in the late Pliocene to Pleistocene. These splits coincide with documented geological and climatic events.
Pressure swing adsorption for a system with a Langmuir—Freundlich isotherm

Abstract Expressions for the enrichment factor, the critical recycle ratio, and the extent of recovery are discussed for a pressure swing adsorption system with a Langmuir—Freundlich isotherm. The enrichment factor is defined as the ratio of the mole fraction of the adsorbate gas in the low-pressure product stream to that in the high-pressure feed stream, the critical recycle ratio is defined as the ratio of the number of moles of the purge gas to the total number of moles of high-pressure product gas, and the extent of recovery is defined as the ratio of the net amount of the carrier gas in the product stream to the total amount of the carrier gas that enters the bed during a cycle. Effects of the non-linear isotherm parameters on these quantities are discussed. It is shown that the enrichment factor increases with increasing adsorbent heterogeneity, whereas the extent of recovery and the critical recycle ratio depend only slightly on the heterogeneity parameter.
Bilinear processing of 1-D signals by use of linear 2-D coherent optical processors

The capabilities of optical computers are extended to perform the class of bilinear transformations (of nonzero spread) on 1-D signals. Use is made of the additional degree of freedom in 2-D linear processing. The technique is applied to the study of partially coherent optical systems and to systems in which coherent optical processing is followed by postdetection linear spatial filtering.
Numerical solution of the problem of flame propagation by the use of the random element method

A numerical, grid-free algorithm is presented for one-dimensional reaction-diffusion model of laminar flame propagation in premixed gases. It is based on the random element method we developed for the analysis of diffusional processes. The effect of combustion is taken into account by applying the principle of fractional steps to separate the process of diffusion, modeled by the random walk of computational elements, from the exothermic effects of chemical reaction, monitoring their strength. The validity of the algorithm is demonstrated by application to flame propagation problems for which exact solutions exist. The flame speed evaluated by its use oscillates around the exact value at a relatively small amplitude, while the temperature and species concentration profiles are self-correcting in their convergence to the exact solution. A satisfactory resolution is obtained by the use of quite a small number of computational elements which automatically adjust their distribution of fit sharp gradients.
A NOTE ON TRENDS IN TRANSIT COMMUTING IN THE UNITED STATES RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT IN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

Abstract Changes in the use of public transportation for commuting in the United States are examined here. Between 1960 and 1980, census data for 25 large metropolitan areas suggests that commuting by public transportation has declined both in importance relative to other modes and in the absolute numbers of commuters using transit. A statistical analysis suggests that the numbers of public transportation commuters are very closely related to the number of central business district (CBD) employees, rather than to overall metropolitan area size. Metropolitan areas with fixed rail services experienced greater than average declines in ridership.
Diffused Junction Diodes of PbSe and PbTe

A technique is described for producing diffused p‐n junctions in Pb salt single crystals which utilizes an interdiffusion mechanism to introduce controlled deviations from stoichiometry, excess Pb giving rise to n‐type and excess Se and Te to p‐type and , respectively. An analysis of the p‐n junction depths on the basis of Fick's law of diffusion results in the following effective interdiffusion constants: for producing a p‐layer on n‐type PbSe at 600°C; for an n‐layer on p‐type PbSe at 650°C; for an n‐layer on p‐type at 650 °C. In the first case the diffusion has been studied as a function of time, and the results show that the assumption of Fick's law of diffusion was valid. As expected the interdiffusion constants are two to three orders of magnitude larger than the self‐diffusion constants. Electrical characteristics of the diffused diodes are presented and can be explained as resulting from a combination of diffusion and tunneling current components.
The feasible set algorithm for least median of squares regression

Abstract The Least Median of Squares (LMS) criterion is a current standard method of analysis of data when the possibility of severe badly-placed outliers makes an estimate with high breakdown point desirable. Sometimes the LMS criterion is used in its own right, and sometimes it is the starting point for other follow-up analyses. Difficulties have arisen in its use, however, in that until recently there was no known way to obtain an exact LMS fit to a data set with more than one predictor. This has confused the discussion of LMS, since there is no way of knowing to what extent particular features seen in analysis really are properties of the LMS estimator and to what extent they are manifestations of the fact that the computed LMS fits are only approximations (and of unknown quality) to the exact solution. A recent algorithm by Stromberg has alleviated this difficulty by providing the mechanism for obtaining an exact fit. Unfortunately this approach is computationally intractable for all but quite small problems. The present paper proposes a probabilistic algorithm called the ‘Feasible Set Algorithm’ which produces only trial values satisfying the necessary condition for the optimum and which provides the exact solution with probability 1 as the number of iterations increases. The method's good performance on real data sets is verified by example.
Evaluating terrestrial CO 2 flux diagnoses and uncertainties from a simple land surface model and its residuals

Abstract. Global terrestrial atmosphere–ecosystem carbon dioxide fluxes are well constrained by the concentration and isotopic composition of atmospheric carbon dioxide. In contrast, considerable uncertainty persists surrounding regional contributions to the net global flux as well as the impacts of atmospheric and biological processes that drive the net flux. These uncertainties severely limit our ability to make confident predictions of future terrestrial biological carbon fluxes. Here we use a simple light-use efficiency land surface model (the Vegetation Photosynthesis Respiration Model, VPRM) driven by remotely sensed temperature, moisture, and phenology to diagnose North American gross ecosystem exchange (GEE), ecosystem respiration, and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) for the period 2001 to 2006. We optimize VPRM parameters to eddy covariance (EC) NEE observations from 65 North American FluxNet sites. We use a separate set of 27 cross-validation FluxNet sites to evaluate a range of spatial and temporal resolutions for parameter estimation. With these results we demonstrate that different spatial and temporal groupings of EC sites for parameter estimation achieve similar sum of squared residuals values through radically different spatial patterns of NEE. We also derive a regression model to estimate observed VPRM errors as a function of VPRM NEE, temperature, and precipitation. Because this estimate is based on model-observation residuals it is comprehensive of all the error sources present in modeled fluxes. We find that 1 km interannual variability in VPRM NEE is of similar magnitude to estimated 1 km VPRM NEE errors.
A Parallel Algorithm for Stochastic Image Segmentation

A parallel algorithm for syntactic image segmentation is introduced. Stochastic tree grammar is used as a context-generating model. It is shown that when this context-generating process is in the equilibrium state, a matched filter can be designed and applied in parallel to the image. This process can be used for image segmentation in a syntactic pattern recognition system to enhance the performance of the succeeding recognition process.
Perception of size at the detection threshold: Its accuracy and possible mechanisms

Abstract Observers judged the sizes of foveal stimuli, 10–50 min dia. presented at luminances bracketing the detection threshold. Each stimulus was perceived as having a definite size which covaried with physical size. If the diameters of two stimuli differed by more than a factor of 2, subjects discriminated the two stimuli from each other better than they discriminated either from random fluctuations in the background. Three possible models of such size perception were evaluated using uniformly illuminated disks, clusters of small dots, and annuli as stimuli. The results support the multiple, size-tuned channel model.