cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hybrid EEG–fTCD Brain–Computer Interfaces

This chapter introduces two novel hybrid brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) based on electroencephalography (EEG) and functional transcranial Doppler ultrasound (fTCD). Noninvasive BCIs based on EEG have become popular due to cost-effectiveness, high temporal resolution, and portability of EEG recording devices. However, the performance of the EEG-based BCIs prevents them from a consistent use by the target population, which usually includes individuals with limited speech and physical abilities. Various neuroimaging modalities that measure different brain activities have been used with EEG to improve the speed and accuracy of the noninvasive BCIs. The two hybrid BCIs introduced in this chapter are developed as alternatives to the existing systems, and they were shown to balance between speed and accuracy and outperform the existing hybrid BCIs. Both systems measure electrical brain activity as well as cerebral blood flow velocity using EEG and fTCD, respectively. For these two systems, two different visual presentation paradigms are used to induce simultaneous changes in EEG and fTCD. The visual stimuli in the first system include two objects flickering with different frequencies instructing word generation (WG) and mental rotation (MR) tasks, and the presentation in the second system includes two arrows instructing left and right motor imagery (MI) cognitive tasks. Experimental results show that the flickering MR/WG presentation outperforms the MI presentation by 10% accuracy for task versus task problem. However, the MI presentation outperforms the MR/WG one in terms of transmission rates.
The First Schoolbooks for Greek American Children

The majority of the circulated schoolbooks in America were imported from Greece. These books, however, did not reflect the pedagogical needs of Greek American children. To address this issue, Greek immigrants in America started producing their own schoolbooks. This chapter focuses on the first schoolbooks published in the 1930s by Greek American publishers. These early textbooks for the first grades of Elementary School (spelling books, readers, anthologies for school festivals) epitomized the ideology of Greek education in America during the first half of the twentieth century when learning the Greek language was a priority for immigrants. Just as inspiring young readers to love Greek letters was a primary aim of the authors, publishers also wished to preserve Greek traditions and Greek culture in America. “Homeland–Religion–Family,” the well-known socially conservative ideological triptych, offered the three basic pillars around which Greek American education was built.
Astatine partitioning between nitric acid and conventional solvents: indication of covalency in ketone complexation of AtO.

Astatine-211 has been produced at Texas A&M University on the K150 cyclotron, with a yield of 890 ± 80 MBq through the 209Bi(α,2n)211At reaction via an 8 h bombardment with a beam current of 4–8 μA and an α-particle beam energy of 28.8 MeV. The target was then dissolved in HNO3 and the extraction of 211At was investigated into a variety of organic solvents in 1–3 M HNO3. Extraction of 211At with distribution ratios as high as 11.3 ± 0.6, 12.3 ± 0.8, 42.2 ± 2.2, 69 ± 4, and 95 ± 6 were observed for diisopropyl ether, 1-decanol, 1-octanol, 3-octanone, and methyl isobutyl ketone, respectively, while the distribution ratios for 207Bi were ≤0.05 in all cases. The extraction of 211At into both methyl isobutyl ketone and 3-octanone showed a strong, linear dependence on the HNO3 initial aqueous concentration and better extraction than other solvents. DFT calculations show stronger binding between the carbonyl oxygen of the ketone and the At metal center.
Tensor-Train-based Algorithms for Aggregate State Estimation of Swarms with Interacting Agents.

In this paper, we develop an efficient implementation of the gas-kinetic (GK) Probability Hypothesis Density (PHD) filter for aggregate swarm state estimation with interacting agents. We borrow a kinetic/mesoscopic partial differential equation (PDE) model of a swarm of interacting agents from biology moving in a plane with a heading state, which requires the computation of integrals up to five dimensions. In the context of the GK-PHD, we propagate this model by computing in a compressed format called the Tensor Train (TT) format, yielding better memory and runtime properties than a grid-based approach. Under certain assumptions, we prove that TT-GK-PHD has a time complexity of an order of magnitude better than the grid-based approach. Finally, we showcase the usefulness of our algorithm on a scenario which cannot be solved via the grid-based approach due to hardware memory constraints. Then in a computational experiment we demonstrate the better runtime and memory of TT-GK-PHD over the grid-based approach.
Cutaneous manifestations of gastrointestinal disease

Cutaneous findings are not uncommonly a concomitant finding in patients afflicted with gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. The dermatologic manifestations may precede clinically evident GI disease. Part I of this 2-part CME review focuses on dermatologic findings as they relate to hereditary and nonhereditary polyposis disorders and paraneoplastic disorders. A number of hereditary GI disorders have an increased risk of colorectal carcinomas. These disorders include familial adenomatous polyposis, Peutz–Jeghers syndrome, and juvenile polyposis syndrome. Each disease has its own cutaneous signature that aids dermatologists in the early diagnosis and detection of hereditary GI malignancy. These disease processes are associated with particular gene mutations that can be used in screening and to guide additional genetic counseling. In addition, there is a group of hamartomatous syndromes, some of which are associated with phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene mutations, which present with concurrent skin findings. These include Cowden syndrome, Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, and Cronkhite–Canada syndrome. Finally, paraneoplastic disorders are another subcategory of GI diseases associated with cutaneous manifestations, including malignant acanthosis nigricans, Leser–Trelat sign, tylosis, Plummer–Vinson syndrome, necrolytic migratory erythema, perianal extramammary Paget disease, carcinoid syndrome, paraneoplastic dermatomyositis, and paraneoplastic pemphigus. Each of these disease processes have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of GI malignancy. This underscores the important role of dermatologists in the diagnosis, detection, monitoring, and treatment of these disorders while consulting and interacting with their GI colleagues.
Embracing uncertainty to reduce bias in hydroacoustic species apportionment

Abstract Species-specific abundance estimates lend insight into fish ecology, inform sustainable fisheries management, and remain the goal of hydroacoustic fisheries sampling. The apportionment process, assigning aggregate hydroacoustic data to individual species, is affected by uncertainties in both hydroacoustic and species composition data. These uncertainties have associated biases that can propagate through the apportionment process and degrade abundance estimates. We developed an apportionment procedure that reduces the influence of sampling, threshold, and misclassification biases leading to more accurate species-specific abundance estimates. We applied our method to Lake Erie walleye, using paired hydroacoustic and gillnet sampling data, and generated distribution and abundance estimates supported by known ecological patterns. Flexibility in this approach performed better than traditional threshold methods that ignore uncertainty in catch composition, threshold choice, and target-strength uncertainty.
How do Extreme Price Movements End

We test competing theories of liquidity dynamics during extreme price movements (EPMs). We find that liquidity providers strategically allow for price pressures and are compensated from correcting pricing errors. As a result, liquidity provision intensifies towards the end of a typical EPM. This goes counter to a widespread concern that market making constraints cause liquidity to deteriorate as EPMs develop. The prevailing limit order book dynamics during EPMs are in line with Weill’s (2007) socially beneficial equilibrium.
Regularization and Confounding in Linear Regression for Treatment Effect Estimation

This paper investigates the use of regularization priors in the context of treatment effect estimation using observational data where the number of control variables is large relative to the number of observations. First, the phenomenon of “regularization-induced confounding” is introduced, which refers to the tendency of regularization priors to adversely bias treatment effect estimates by over-shrinking control variable regression coefficients. Then, a simultaneous regression model is presented which permits regularization priors to be specified in a way that avoids this unintentional “re-confounding”. The new model is illustrated on synthetic and empirical data.
Metacognition as a Mental Health Support Strategy for Students With Anxiety

Mental health issues can have a profound impact on school performance, with anxiety creating significant challenges in the classroom setting. As teachers work to address barriers to learning, schoo...
“I wouldn't even know what to do,” Adolescent and Parent Perspectives on Identifying, Understanding, and Seeking Help for Adolescent Depression

Within the context of a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of school-based depression screening, the study objective was to understand parent and adolescent perspectives on school-based depression screening and barriers to help-seeking for adolescent depression. From May-Nov. 2019, separate focus groups were held with adolescents (8 groups, n = 52) and parents (6 groups, n = 36). Two coders individually coded 20% of transcripts to establish interrater reliability (adolescent k = 0.76 and parent k = 0.80). Remaining transcripts were then separately coded and reviewed to develop three themes: (1) Both recognized depression as a serious issue that needed to be addressed in schools, but had confidentiality and communication concerns; (2) Both parents and adolescents believed the majority of adolescents would seek help with depression from friends more than any other source; and (3) Neither adolescents nor parents could clearly describe steps to take if their peers (adolescents) or adolescents (parents) were depressed. We intend to address identified barriers and concerns in the context of the larger RCT.
Case 3: Three Occurrences of a Rare Phenomenon in the Premature Population with Varying Outcomes.

### Patient 1: Clinical Course Patient 1 was delivered via cesarean delivery at 25 5/7 weeks’ gestation in the setting of fetal bradycardia. The prenatal course was complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes 16 days before delivery. The neonate’s mother had received 2 doses of betamethasone and adequate antibiotic treatment for positive group B Streptococcus status. The neonate had poor respiratory effort after birth and required intubation; his Apgar scores were 4 and 8 at 1 and 5 minutes of age, respectively. Soon after birth, he was critically ill with severe hypotension, which was attributed to possible sepsis requiring multiple inotropes; hydrocortisone was not needed. Ampicillin and gentamicin were initiated. He was initially given volume-control conventional ventilation at a rate of 30 breaths/min, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 5 cm H20, tidal volume of 6 mL/kg, pressure support of 8 cm H2O, and fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio2) of 0.5. Because of worsening respiratory acidosis, he was transitioned to high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (requiring Fio2 1.0) and was started on inhaled nitric oxide within the first day after birth. In the setting of persistent hypotension, ceftazidime and azithromycin were also added to the antibiotic regimen. After the hypotension resolved, feedings were initiated 5 days after birth. The inhaled nitric oxide was weaned off on the sixth day after birth. Gentamicin was discontinued at 5 days of age, azithromycin was discontinued at 7 days of age, and ampicillin and ceftazidime were discontinued at 8 days of age. On the eighth day after birth when the neonate was taking 20 mL/kg of gastric feedings per day, his abdominal girth increased and he had an episode of nonbilious emesis. His abdomen was soft but tender to palpation. Abdominal radiography showed isolated gastric pneumatosis along the superior portion of the stomach …
Reducing pesticide transport in surface and subsurface irrigation return flow in specialty crop production

Abstract This study investigated the transport of 9 pesticides in surface and subsurface irrigation return flow from a container-plant production system over 3 16-day monitoring periods. Pesticides were applied 3 times during the year and the pesticides were selected to provide a range of physiochemical properties. Pesticides are most commonly transported in water and irrigation return flow is a driving factor, therefore, irrigation methods were investigated to determine effects on irrigation return flow volume and transport of pesticides. A control overhead irrigation and two treatments irrigating based on substrate volumetric moisture content (θ) were used. Pesticide transport in irrigation return flow was related to days after application, physiochemical properties and irrigation method. Additionally, pesticide transport was disproportionately reduced, in respect to physiochemical properties, in subsurface irrigation return flow in response to irrigation methods. θ-based irrigation treatments reduced irrigation volume applied by 49% and 77% compared to the control leading to a reduction in the volume of surface irrigation return flow by 71% and 92%. The θ-based treatments reduced the total surface and subsurface volume of irrigation return flow by 52% and 78% versus the control. In most cases, pesticides movement in surface irrigation return flow exhibited a linear or quadratic decrease for the control, while pesticide movement via subsurface irrigation return flow was related more to physiochemical properties limiting mobility rather than irrigation return flow volume or irrigation practice. This study demonstrates pesticide movement in irrigation return flow can be substantially reduced by selecting pesticides with low solubility/high adsorption coefficients whenever possible, and reducing the volume/application of irrigation to non-target areas.
Performance in Latin America

This essay reviews the following works: La Verdad: An International Dialogue on Hip Hop Latinidades. Edited by Melissa Castillo-Garsow and Jason Nichols. Columbus: Ohio State University Press, 2016. Pp. ix + 317. $89.95 hardcover. ISBN: 9780814213155. On Site, in Sound: Performance Geographies in America Latina. By Kirstie A. Dorr. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2018. Pp. vii + 241. $25.95 paperback. ISBN: 9780822368670. Moving Otherwise: Dance, Violence, and Memory in Buenos Aires. By Victoria Fortuna. New York: Oxford University Press, 2018. Pp. ix + 256. $35.00 paperback. ISBN: 9780190627010. Performance Constellations: Networks of Protest and Activism in Latin America. By Marcela A. Fuentes. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2019. Pp. ix + 164. $24.95 paperback. ISBN: 9780472054220. Power in Practice: The Pragmatic Anthropology of Afro-Brazilian Capoeira. By Sergio Gonzalez Varela. New York: Berghahn Books, 2017. Pp. viii + 166. $135.00 hardcover. ISBN: 9781785336355. Staging Brazil: Choreographies of Capoeira. By Ana Paula Hofling. Middletown, CT: Wesleyan University Press, 2019. Pp. ix + 225. $29.95 paperback. ISBN: 9780819578815. Honest Bodies: Revolutionary Modernism in the Dances of Anna Sokolow. By Hannah Kosstrin. New York: Oxford University Press, 2017. Pp. ix + 255. $38.95 paperback. ISBN: 9780199396931. The Tide Was Always High: The Music of Latin America in Los Angeles. Edited by Josh Kun. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2017. Pp. vii + 303. $29.95 paperback. ISBN: 9780520294400. The Invention of Latin American Music: A Transnational History. By Pablo Palomino. New York: Oxford University Press, 2020. Pp. vii + 259. $35.00 paperback. ISBN: 9780190687410. Laban plural: Arte do movimento, pesquisa e genealogia da praxis de Rudolf Laban no Brasil. By Melina Scialom. Sao Paulo: Summus, 2017. Pp. 192. $8.99 e-book. ISBN: 9788532310712.
A new robust optimization approach for scheduling under uncertainty II. Uncertainty with known probability distribution

In this work, we consider the problem of scheduling under uncertainty where the uncertain problem parameters can be described by a known probability distribution function. A novel robust optimization methodology, originally proposed by Lin, Janak, and Floudas [Lin, X., Janak, S. L., & Floudas, C. A. (2004). A new robust optimization approach for scheduling under uncertainty: I. Bounded uncertainty. Computers and Chemical Engineering, 28, 1069–1085], is extended in order to consider uncertainty described by a known probability distribution. This robust optimization formulation is based on a min–max framework and when applied to mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problems, produces “robust” solutions that are immune against data uncertainty. Uncertainty is considered in the coefficients of the objective function, as well as the coefficients and right-hand-side parameters of the inequality constraints in MILP problems. Robust optimization techniques are developed for uncertain data described by several known distributions including a uniform distribution, a normal distribution, the difference of two normal distributions, a general discrete distribution, a binomial distribution, and a poisson distribution. The robust optimization formulation introduces a small number of auxiliary variables and additional constraints into the original MILP problem, generating a deterministic robust counterpart problem which provides the optimal/feasible solution given the (relative) magnitude of the uncertain data, a feasibility tolerance, and a reliability level. The robust optimization approach is then applied to the problem of short-term scheduling under uncertainty. Using the continuous-time model for short-term scheduling developed by Floudas and co-workers [Ierapetritou, M. G. & Floudas, C. A. (1998a). Effective continuous-time formulation for short-term scheduling: 1. Multipurpose batch processes. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 37, 4341–4359; Lin, X. & Floudas, C. A. (2001). Design, synthesis and scheduling of multipurpose batch plants via an effective continuous-time formulation. Comp. Chem. Engng., 25, 665–674], three of the most common sources of uncertainty in scheduling problems are explored including processing times of tasks, market demands for products, and prices of products and raw materials. Computational results on several examples and an industrial case study are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Experimental studies on phase distributions of two co-polarized signals scattered from a two-dimensional rough surface

Recently, the importance of the phase difference between two co-polarized scattered signals (/spl phi//sub vv/-/spl phi//sub hh/) has been recognized in geophysical remote sensing, and experimental and theoretical studies were conducted to understand the relationship between the rough surface characteristics and the phase distribution, Sarabandi et al. (1991). These experiments were conducted using soil surfaces of different characteristics at L-, C- and X-bands, and the statistical parameters of the surfaces, such as rms height and correlation length, were measured from a small sample. In the present paper, the experiment results of the phase statistics of millimeter-wave scattered from a two-dimensional rough surface of controlled surface roughness statistics is presented. It is shown that the distribution of /spl phi//sub vv/-/spl phi//sub hh/ strongly related to the surface roughness statistics.
Low Velocity Zone Atop the Transition Zone in the Western US from S Waveform Triplication

Song et al. [2004] modeled regional S wave triplications in the northwestern US and found a low velocity zone atop the 410 seismic discontinuity. Strong azimuthal variation in waveforms associated with paths sampling the western edge of this structure are observed on the TriNet array for several events. Here, we model this data with a new 3D simulation technique which combines 2D finite-difference with Kirchhoff diffraction operators to include responses off the great circle. To reconcile such sharp changes in waveforms requires a sharp western edge less than 100 km across a boundary with a change of 3-5% in velocity. Though the geometry of the LVZ is not unique due to limited data analyzed, the sharp edge of the LVZ is robustly constrained with available array data. Such a LVZ is consistent with the existence of water in Earth's transition zone, at least locally.
Authentication and key relay in medical cyber-physical systems

Medical cyber-physical systems MCPS monitor/control patients' physiologic dynamics with embedded/distributed computing process and wireless/wired communication network. MCPS greatly impact the society with high-quality medical services and low-cost ubiquitous healthcare. The major component that integrates the physical world with the cyber space is wireless body area network WBAN of medical sensors and actuators worn or implanted in a patient. The life-critical nature of MCPS mandates safe and effective system design. MCPS must operate safely under malicious attacks. Authentication ensures that a medical device is what it claims to be and does what it declares to do, the first line of MCPS defense. Traditional authentication mechanisms, relied on cryptography, are not applicable to MCPS because of the constraints on computing/communication/energy resources. Recent innovations to secure mobile wireless sensor networks, with multi-sensor fusion to save power consumption, are not adequate. Besides challenges, MCPS present grand opportunities with the unique physical features of WBAN for non-cryptographic authentication and human-aided security. This paper proposes an authentication framework for MCPS. By studying medical processes and investigating healthcare adversaries, the novel design crosses physical world and cyber space. With uneven resource allocation, resource-scarce WBAN utilizes no encryption for authentication. Evaluation of this authentication protocol shows promising aspects and ease of adaptability. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of Reduced Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate-Dependent Aldehyde Reductase in A Rhodotorula Strain

Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-aldehyde reductase was isolated in 24% yield and 66-fold purification from a dl-glyceraldehyde-grown Rhodotorula species. This enzyme was specific for NADPH, and d-, l-, or dl-glyceraldehyde were equally good substrates. Other substrates had activities as follows: methylglyoxal, 50%; fructose, 33%; d- and l-arabinose, 12%; d-xylose, 8%; d-glucose, 5%; d-erythrose and d-threose, 0 to 5%. The product from the reduction of dl-glyceraldehyde was glycerol, as shown by high voltage electrophoresis, paper chromatography, and direct enzymatic analysis. Kinetic studies gave K m values of 0.89 mm and 0.013 mm for dl-glyceraldehyde and NADPH, respectively. An optimal p H range of 6.3 to 6.7 was found for maximal activity. Reduction of NADP + by glycerol was not demonstrable. This Rhodotorula NADPH-aldehyde reductase activity was compared to similar enzymes from other sources.
Daily and intraseasonal relationships between lightning and NO2 over the Maritime Continent

[1] The relationship between lightning and NO2 over Indonesia is examined on daily and intraseasonal time scales based on lightning observations from the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) and tropospheric NO2 column densities from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME‐2) satellite mission. Composites of the daily NO2 observations regressed onto lightning frequency reveal a plume of enhanced NO2 following a day of enhanced lightning. Lightning and NO2 also vary coherently with the intraseasonal Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) in a manner distinct from the cloudiness signature, with variations of up to ∼50% of the annual mean. Citation: Virts, K. S., J. A. Thornton, J. M. Wallace, M. L. Hutchins, R. H. Holzworth, and A. R. Jacobson (2011), Daily and intraseasonal relationships between lightning and NO2 over the Maritime Continent, Geophys. Res. Lett., 38, L19803, doi:10.1029/2011GL048578.
Factors influencing the differentiation of dopaminergic traits in transplanted neural stem cells.

1. Our previous studies demonstrated that when neural stem cells (NSCs) of the C17.2 clonal line are transplanted into the intact or 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioned rat striatum, in most, but not all grafts, cells spontaneously express the dopamine (DA) biosynthetic enzymes, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (Yang, M., Stull, N. D., Snyder, E. Y., Berk, M. A., and Iacovitti, L. (2002). Exp. Neurol.).
Multimedia and the study of Classical Greece

MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGY offers both challenges and great promises for promoting the goals of higher education. The unique characteristics of integrated information formats available in an interactive and flexible application provide a means to research and teach subject matter from new perspectives. The challenge for faculty is to use the technology effectively to foster the goals of higher education. Multimedia applications can contribute to the goals of higher education, if they are designed to support course objectives, contain sufficient materials to study a topic in depth, and provide a means to engage students with the material, each other, and the instructor. These design criteria are implemented in an application using HyperCard to facilitate the teaching of Classical Greece, and they are explored more generally as development criteria for any use of multimedia in higher education. The authors discuss the origins and nature of multimedia and offer practical suggestions for faculty who are interested in applying this technology to their own classroom instruction.
Vitamin D and child health Part 1 (skeletal aspects)

Currently, there is considerable clinical and academic interest in vitamin D as a consequence of a number of developments over the past decade. This was initially related to a recognised resurgence of symptomatic vitamin D deficiency in children in the UK and other countries. The potential importance of maternal vitamin D status on bone mass in early childhood and the effect of vitamin D supplementation on peak bone mass has been the subject of much research. An additional development has been the recognition that vitamin D may have a physiological extraskeletal role. This aspect has influenced the definition of vitamin D deficiency, and what level should be regarded as optimal. The recognition of the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency has led to debate as to whether and how we should be treating asymptomatic individuals. This review consists of two parts, the first focuses on the skeletal aspects of vitamin D, while the second will review some of the potential extraskeletal aspects, the definition of vitamin D deficiency, and our thoughts on indications for measurement and treatment.
Modeling stuttering etiology

Abstract The clarity and applicability of the “demands and capacities model” (DCM) of stuttering development has been challenged by a number of investigators. In this article, both the helpful and deleterious aspects of the DCM are discussed with a view toward the complexity and utility of multifactorial models of stuttering in general. Issues related to the description and measurement of pertinent variables and two promising multifactorial characterizations of stuttering development are highlighted.
Rapid and accurate detection of monoclonal immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement by DNA melting curve analysis in the lightcycler system

The detection of immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement (IgH-R) is a standard tool for distinguishing polyclonal from monoclonal B-cell populations. Current DNA-based polymerase chain reactions (PCR) strategies can diagnose monoclonal IgH-R either by measuring the length of the amplicon or by detecting gel mobility variations owing to sequence-dependent conformational changes. However, amplification and analysis remain sequential operations usually requiring manual transfer. We have developed a novel PCR strategy for detecting monoclonal IgH-R that monitors fluorescence of the specific double-stranded DNA binding dye SYBR Green I during melting curve analysis using the LightCycler System. We compared polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) versus melting curve analysis in 130 clinical DNA samples from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues (mostly skin biopsies) of 128 patients. The identical FR3 primers were used to amplify the IgH variable region for both analytic techniques. We detected IgH-R in 24 DNA samples from FFPE tissue of 22 patients. Melting curve analysis, compared to PAGE, revealed no false negative and no false positive results, yielding both sensitivity and specificity equal to 100%. We also compared Southern blot analysis versus melting curve analysis in 23 clinical DNA samples from fresh-frozen lymph nodes of 23 patients. We detected IgH-R by melting curve analysis in 7 DNA samples from fresh-frozen lymph nodes. Melting curve analysis, compared to Southern blot analysis, revealed sensitivity equal to 58.3% (7 of 12) and specificity equal to 100% (11 of 11). We conclude that continuous fluorescence monitoring of PCR products with DNA melting curve analysis can rapidly and reproducibly distinguish polyclonal from monoclonal B-cell populations.
Diagnosis of FAS: a comparison of the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnostic Checklist and the Institute of Medicine Criteria for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Abstract Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a common cause of neuropsychiatric disorders, growth impairment and craniofacial abnormalities. The syndrome may be more common than has been previously reported. Considerable controversy exists over the approaches for diagnosis of the syndrome. Method : In this study, we examined the rate of agreement for two diagnostic schema using 385 subjects that had been referred for assessment of possible FAS. Cases had initially been diagnosed using the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnostic Checklist (FASDC). We then reviewed the chart of each of the 385 subjects referred and assigned each subject to a category from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Criteria or to a NOFAS category. We then compared the IOM categories with the FASDC. Results: Rates of agreement with the IOM Criteria ranged from 59–71% using the FASDC. Poorest agreement was found in conjunction with partial FAS (PFAS)/alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND). Removal of exposure data from the scores greatly affected accuracy for the FASDC scores. Discussion : The schema had only modest rates of agreement for classification of subjects with a diagnosis of FAS. This study does not determine if the diagnosis used in the development of the cohort was accurate. Further study utilizing multiple diagnostic schema in a single population will help examine the rates of diagnostic agreement between differing diagnostic schema. A valuable cohort to study would be the subjects in the CDC surveillance system. A perspective study utilizing a single cohort and applying multiple diagnostic criteria at the same time would be useful.
Estimating Means When a Group of Observations is Classified by a Linear Discriminant Function

Abstract Suppose that a group of observations is known to have come from either one of two normal populations with unknown means and common variance. After the group is classified by the linear discriminant function, it is pooled with the sample from the population to which it belongs to estimate the unknown mean. Weighted estimators of the population means are defined. The biases and mean squared errors of the estimators in the univariate case are obtained. Estimators of the population means using the estimated weighting constant are proposed, and the relative efficiencies of the estimators are studied.
Transport and photodetection in self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots

A great step forward in science and technology was made when it was discovered that lattice mismatch can be used to grow highly ordered, artificial atom-like structures called self-assembled quantum dots. Several groups have in the meantime successfully demonstrated useful infrared photodetection devices which are based on this technology. The new physics is fascinating, and there is no doubt that many new applications will be found when we have developed a better understanding of the underlying physical processes, and in particular when we have learned how to integrate the exciting new developments made in nanoscopic addressing and molecular self-assembly methods with semiconducting dots. In this paper we examine the scientific and technical questions encountered in current state of the art infrared detector technology and suggest ways of overcoming these difficulties. Promoting simple physical pictures, we focus in particular on the problem of high temperature detector operation and discuss the origin of dark current, noise, and photoresponse.
Burden of Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in “Metabolically Benign” and “At-Risk” Overweight and Obese Women: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN)

Background Metabolically benign obese individuals have a 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk comparable to healthy normal weight individuals. However, the burden of subclinical CVD among metabolically benign obese is not well known.
A Factorial Analysis of Reading Ability

Significance of the problem. ? Previous studies have treated of the complexity of the processes underlying reading, and have pointed to the need for both analyzing read ing ability into its components and of con structing new objective measures of these components. If improved measures of read ing ability are to be devised, it is evident that a knowledge of the basic elements or abilities composing reading ability is essential to such construction.
Alternative substrates for glutamate dehydrogenases

Summary The amide group of glutamine functions as a nitrogen donor in the reactions catalyzed by both the NADP-specific glutamate dehydrogenase of Neurospora crassa and the bovine liver enzyme, but not by the NAD-specific Neurospora enzyme. Asparagine serves as nitrogen source only for the NADP-specific Neurospora dehydrogenase. The optimum for utilization of the amide substrates is at pH 8.4 with both enzymes as contrasted to the value of pH 7.6 to 7.8 obtained with ammonia as the source of nitrogen. The maximal rate of reaction with ammonia is 2.5 times greater than that with glutamine and 10 times greater than that with asparagine at the respective pH optima. Acetamide does not serve as a source of nitrogen for either of these two enzymes.
Effects of nitrogen supplements on nitrogen fixation by Aerobacter aerogenes

Abstract 1. 1. The effects of limiting concentrations of NH4+ and amino acids on nitrogen fixation by Aerobacter aerogenes have been compared. 2. 2. The organism exhibited typical diphasic growth during the fixation of nitrogen in the presence of NH4+, whereas in the presence of amino acids growth was continuous and uninterrupted by a prefixation lag period. 3. 3. The effect of added aspartic acid on nitrogen fixation was similar to that of amino acids. However, pyruvate added together with NH4+ did not prevent the prefixation lag period. 4. 4. The duration of the adaptive lag period varied in direct proportion to the amount of NH4+ present when mixed supplements of NH4+ and amino acids were used. 5. 5. The intracellular ninhydrin-positive material that was present at the onset of the lag period decreased considerably by the termination of this period. 6. 6. It was suggested that NH4+ exerted an antagonistic influence on the nitrogen-fixing system (‘nitrogenase’). Exhaustion of NH4+ from the medium caused a release of this inhibition and nitrogenase synthesis took place during the adaptive lag period at the expense of the amino acid pool which was derived through nitrogen (inducer)-stimulated protein turnover.
The endothelial glycocalyx in syndecan-1 deficient mice

The existence of a hydrodynamically relevant endothelial glycocalyx has been established in capillaries, venules, and arterioles in vivo. The glycocalyx is thought to consist primarily of membrane-bound proteoglycans with glycosaminoglycan side-chains, membrane-bound glypicans, and adsorbed plasma proteins. The proteoglycans found on the luminal surface of endothelial cells are syndecans-1, -2, and -4, and glypican-1. The extent to which any of these proteins might serve to anchor the glycocalyx to the endothelium has not yet been determined. To test whether syndecan-1, in particular, is an essential anchoring protein, we performed experiments to determine the hydrodynamically relevant glycocalyx thickness in syndecan-1 deficient (Sdc1(-/-)) mice. Micro-particle image velocimetry data were collected using a previously described method. Microviscometric analysis of these data consistently revealed the existence of a hydrodynamically relevant endothelial glycocalyx in Sdc1(-/-) mice in vivo. The mean glycocalyx thickness found in Sdc1(-/-) mice was 0.45±0.10 μm (N=15), as compared with 0.54±0.12 μm (N=11) in wild-type (WT) mice (p=0.03). The slightly thinner glycocalyx observed in Sdc1(-/-) mice relative to WT mice may be due to the absence of syndecan-1. These findings show that healthy Sdc1(-/-) mice are able to synthesize and maintain a hydrodynamically relevant glycocalyx, which indicates that syndecan-1 is not an essential anchoring protein for the glycocalyx in Sdc1(-/-) mice. This may also be the case for WT mice; however, Sdc1(-/-) mice might adapt to the lack of syndecan-1 by increasing the expression of other proteoglycans. In any case, syndecan-1 does not appear to be a prerequisite for the existence of an endothelial glycocalyx.
Up-regulation of laminin B2 gene expression in dorsal root ganglion neurons and nonneuronal cells during sciatic nerve regeneration

A recent study in our laboratory showed that B2 laminin gene is expressed by all L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons as well as by satellite and Schwann cells. Because the laminin B2 subunit has a domain that supports neurite extension in culture, the present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that laminin B2 gene expression would increase during sciatic nerve regeneration. In situ hybridization was used to examine B2 laminin gene expression in L4 and L5 DRGs 28 days after creating and bridging a 10-mm sciatic nerve gap with an impermeable silicone tube. Overall there was a nearly threefold increase in DRG B2 laminin chain mRNA at this timepoint, a time when axons are known to show vigorous regrowth. Both neurons and nonneuronal cells contributed to this increase. These data suggest that an up-regulation of B2 laminin gene expression by DRG neurons and nonneuronal cells may play a role in peripheral nerve regeneration.
Mapping Interactions between Germinants and Clostridium difficile Spores

Germination of Clostridium difficile spores is the first required step in establishing C. difficile-associated disease (CDAD). Taurocholate (a bile salt) and glycine (an amino acid) have been shown to be important germinants of C. difficile spores. In the present study, we tested a series of glycine and taurocholate analogs for the ability to induce or inhibit C. difficile spore germination. Testing of glycine analogs revealed that both the carboxy and amino groups are important epitopes for recognition and that the glycine binding site can accommodate compounds with more widely separated termini. The C. difficile germination machinery also recognizes other hydrophobic amino acids. In general, linear alkyl side chains are better activators of spore germination than their branched analogs. However, L-phenylalanine and L-arginine are also good germinants and are probably recognized by distinct binding sites. Testing of taurocholate analogs revealed that the 12-hydroxyl group of taurocholate is necessary, but not sufficient, to activate spore germination. In contrast, the 6- and 7-hydroxyl groups are required for inhibition of C. difficile spore germination. Similarly, C. difficile spores are able to detect taurocholate analogs with shorter, but not longer, alkyl amino sulfonic acid side chains. Furthermore, the sulfonic acid group can be partially substituted with other acidic groups. Finally, a taurocholate analog with an m-aminobenzenesulfonic acid side chain is a strong inhibitor of C. difficile spore germination. In conclusion, C. difficile spores recognize both amino acids and taurocholate through multiple interactions that are required to bind the germinants and/or activate the germination machinery.
Balloon angioplasty of a tissue conduit stenosis after surgical repair of anomalous left coronary artery.

Surgical correction of anomalous coronary arteries may result in late conduit or anastamotic stenosis. In this case report, we describe the use of coronary angioplasty to dilate a stenosis at the aortic ostium of an intrapulmonary tunnel created to correct an anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. © 1993 Wlley-Liss, Inc
The performance of protein, lactic dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase electrophoresis as part of a hospital admission screening procedure.

The practice of pre-admission hospital laboratory testing has been criticized as inefficient and cost ineffective. Laboratory screening is frequently condemned without regard for the possibility that a particular screening protocol may be poorly conceived and inadequate. To increase the specificity of our screening procedure to answer some questions raised by results of total enzyme and protein results, we have adapted the Nerenberg “sandwich” technique for multi-sample, simultaneous electrophoresis of sera for proteins, lactic dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase. Twenty-six samples can be analyzed per hour by one technician at a total cost of about $1.00 per specimen. Results are interpreted visually without densitometry. Addition of the technique to our laboratory screening procedure has produced a demonstrable increase in test specificity and sensitivity. There is also a potential for a significant reduction in laboratory costs through anticipation and reduction of individually-performed electrophoretic techniques.
Effect of metabolic inhibitors and of strophanthin on sodium transport and metabolism of the isolated turtle bladder

Abstract 1. 1. Net sodium transport, lactate formation and tissue ATP concentrations were measured in the isolated bladder of the turtle under aerobic conditions using either antimycin A, an inhibitor of forward electron transport or an inhibitor of Na+K+ activated, Mg2+ dependent ATPase (strophanthin); and in anaerobic environment using two inhibitors of glycolysis (iodoacetate and sodium fluoride) and also using strophanthin. 2. 2. With antimycin, glycolysis was stimulated, ATP levels diminished moderately and net sodium transport was sustained at a reduced level. 3. 3. Both of the glycolytic inhibitors decreased anaerobic glycolysis, net sodium transport and tissue ATP concentrations. 4. 4. Strophanthin produced a marked decrease in net sodium transport both aerobically and anaerobically. 5. 5. Strophanthin did not produce significant changes either in glycolysis or ATP levels aerobically or anaerobically.
Stability of Washed Frozen Mince from Channel Catfish Frames

Sodium citrate, sodium erythorbate, sodium citrate plus sodium erythorbate, sodium citrate plus sodium erythorbate, and polyphosphate were used in washed and unwashed channel catfish mince. Washing reduced (P less than or equal to 0.05) lipids and increased (P less than or equal to 0.05) Hunter 'L' value (lightness) of mince. Thiobarbituric reactive substances and free fatty-acid changes during frozen storage were reduced in the washed mince. Addition of antioxidants did not significantly improve the overall quality and shelf-life of the frozen mince. Washing did not have an effect on the fatty-acid composition of neutral and phospholipids in the mince.
Laser Raman spectroscopic analysis of volcanic ash from Mt. Sakurajima in Japan

Volcanic ash contains a variety of metal and inorganic oxides. The chemical composition of Mt. St. Helens volcanic ash has been extensively studied because of the rare occasion of a volcanic explosion in the continental United States. Recently a Raman spectroscopic investigation of Mt. St. Helens volcanic ash was made. The major component of the Mt. St. Helens volcanic ash is silica oxide and the different forms of silica were detected in the Raman spectra. Other metal oxide bands were also identified. These investigations show Raman spectroscopy as a good analytical tool in the study of volcanic ash because it provides a rapid fingerprint pattern. It is, therefore, of interest to analyze the Raman spectra of volcanic ash from other eruptions compared with that of Mt. St. Helens.
Green-function cellular method for the electronic structure of molecules and solids.

A technique for obtaining rigorous solutions to the single-electron Schroedinger equation for solids and molecules, the Green-function cellular method (GFCM), is described. The technique is similar to full-potential multiple-scattering theory in that basis functions which are locally exact solutions to the Schroedinger equation within each potential cell are used to represent the wave function. Unlike multiple-scattering theory, however, the coefficients of expansion for the wave function are determined by a secular matrix which couples only nearest-neighbor cells. The matrix elements are Wronskian-like integrals over cell surfaces which may be chosen independently for each atomic cell. Similarly to multiple-scattering theory, the GFCM can be used to calculate the system Green function directly. As a special case, the GFCM formalism can be used to calculate the structure constants of Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker theory without using Ewald sums. Numerical calculations of the energy bands of fcc Cu illustrate the speed and flexibility of the method. A simple linearization scheme which allows the use of multiple energy panels without introducing discontinuities in the energy bands is used in these calculations.
An evaluation of national economic planning in the People's Republic of China

Abstract The People's Republic of China has sought, since its inception in 1949, to develop through economic planning at the national level rather than rely on traditional free market mechanisms. This paper examines the changing characteristics of this economic planning over time, including the shifting balance between centralizing and decentralizing policies. The disruptive effects of the “Great Leap Forward” and the Cultural Revolution are also discussed and the general features of the contemporary situation are examined.
A NEW APPROACH TO THE DIFFERENTIAL QUADRATURE METHOD FOR FOURTH‐ORDER EQUATIONS

A generalized and more complete methodology for treating boundary conditions in the Differential Quadrature Method (DQM) is presented. This improved approach eliminates the deficiencies of the δ-type grid arrangement, which represents an approximation, by applying the boundary conditions exactly. Two kinds of basis functions, Chebyshev and Lagrange, are used for concept demonstration. It is found that the new approach cures most deficiencies of the current DQM. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.