cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Internet Appendix for \Measuring the 'Dark Matter' in Asset Pricing Models"

This is the supplemental material to the paper titled "Measuring 'Dark Matter' in Asset Pricing Models." It includes detailed derivations, as well as additional empirical and theoretical results.
The Positive Image of Public Servants in Editorial Cartoons (1999 - 2003)

The editorial cartoon has been a part of American culture since the beginning of the nation’s founding. The following review of editorial cartoons takes a specific look at public servants who are not in the political spotlight, such as teachers, police, fire and postal service men and women. Through a review of editorial cartoons from 1999-2003, it becomes apparent that there are positive images of public servants amid the numerous negative ones published daily. The selection of cartoons, most notably those following the attacks of September 11, 2001, highlights that heroism and service can be transcended through cartoons as with any other form of art.
Robust stability and stabilization: From linear to nonlinear

Abstract Some ramifications of the Lyapunov-Krasovskii Theory are explored. First, for linear delay systems the resulting sufficient conditions for robust asymptotic stability are related to the Schur-Cohn and the Hurwitz stability of the system matrices. Second, ideas towards a constructive parameterization for linear time-invariant delay systems are presented. Third, new applications for pseudo-linear systems are explored. Finally, some recent advances in the stability and stabilization for nonlinear systems are surveyed, which may be exploited in the arena of delay systems.
Salton Sea days of future past: Modeling impacts of alternative water transfer scenarios on fish and bird population dynamics

Abstract The Colorado River Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA) of 2003 gives urgency for studying the environmental consequences of the cessation of mitigation water transfers to the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea Stochastic Simulation Model (S4M) is a spatially-driven, stochastic, simulation model representing water flow, i.e., water volume and quantity of Total Dissolved Solids and Phosphorus, in the Lower Colorado River Basin, Mexicali Valley, and the Salton Sea Basin. The S4M is formulated as a compartment model based on difference equations with a daily time step using STELLA® v8.0. The model was developed, evaluated, and applied to simulate the potential effects on the population dynamics, i.e., natality, mortality, emigration, and immigration, of selected fish and avian species at the Salton Sea under two different scenarios: 1) QSA water transfers to Sea end after 2017 and 2) QSA water transfers continue at 2017 levels. Oneway ANOVAs were performed for the water quantity, water quality, and selected variables involving the fish and bird population dynamics under the two water transfer scenarios. Results indicate that if cessation of the QSA water transfers after 2017 occurs, then fish and bird populations will be significantly (P
Multisensor detection of improper signals in improper noise

This paper addresses the problem of detecting the presence of a complex-valued, possibly improper, but unknown signal, common among two or more sensors (channels) in the presence of spatially independent, unknown, possibly improper and colored, noise. Past work on this problem is limited to signals observed in proper noise. A source of improper noise is IQ imbalance during down-conversion of bandpass noise to baseband. A binary hypothesis testing approach is formulated and a generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) is derived using the power spectral density estimator of an augmented sequence. An analytical solution for calculating the test threshold is provided. The results are illustrated via simulations.
Decisions, Control, and Extensive Games

Abstract This is a survey/tutorial paper on the subject of extensive games (e.g. differential games and other many-person dynamic optimization problems from the viewpoint of Decision and Control). Particular emphasis is placed on the interaction of dynamics and information structure.
Facial Recognition: Effects of Changing Accessories1:

A facial recongition study examined effects of accessories changes between initial exposure to a target person and that person's appearance in a recognition task. Three accessories were manipulated...
Robust inference of population structure from next-generation sequencing data with systematic differences in sequencing.

Motivation Inferring population structure is important for both population genetics and genetic epidemiology. Principal components analysis (PCA) has been effective in ascertaining population structure with array genotype data but can be difficult to use with sequencing data, especially when low depth leads to uncertainty in called genotypes. Because PCA is sensitive to differences in variability, PCA using sequencing data can result in components that correspond to differences in sequencing quality (read depth and error rate), rather than differences in population structure. We demonstrate that even existing methods for PCA specifically designed for sequencing data can still yield biased conclusions when used with data having sequencing properties that are systematically different across different groups of samples (i.e. sequencing groups). This situation can arise in population genetics when combining sequencing data from different studies, or in genetic epidemiology when using historical controls such as samples from the 1000 Genomes Project. Results To allow inference on population structure using PCA in these situations, we provide an approach that is based on using sequencing reads directly without calling genotypes. Our approach is to adjust the data from different sequencing groups to have the same read depth and error rate so that PCA does not generate spurious components representing sequencing quality. To accomplish this, we have developed a subsampling procedure to match the depth distributions in different sequencing groups, and a read-flipping procedure to match the error rates. We average over subsamples and read flips to minimize loss of information. We demonstrate the utility of our approach using two datasets from 1000 Genomes, and further evaluate it using simulation studies. Availability and implementation TASER-PC software is publicly available at http://web1.sph.emory.edu/users/yhu30/software.html. Contact yijuan.hu@emory.edu. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
ROLE OF POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION TO DIAGNOSE PORPHYROMONAS GINGIVALIS CULTURE NEGATIVE ENDOCARDITIS

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening condition in which identification of the causative organism is essential in order to determine the appropriate therapy. Current advances in microbiology include the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of pathogens in culture-negative
Modeling of Organic Liquid Entrapment and Surfactant Enhanced Recovery in Heterogeneous Media

This paper provides an overview of modeling investigations designed to ex­plore the influence of textural heterogeneities on the migration, persistence, and surfactant enhanced solubilization of organic liquid contaminants in the subsur­face. Multiphase flow and transport simulators are used to model the entrapment and surfactant enhanced recovery of perchloroethylene from saturated media. A laboratory-based linear driving force expression is used to represent solubilization. Simulation results illustrate the influence of local permeability variations and mass transfer limitations on remediation performance. Additional model simulations of a controlled laboratory sandbox experiment are used to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of current modeling approaches.
Analysing the “Measurement” Strand Using Concept Maps and Vee Diagrams

The chapter presents data from a case study, which investigated a primary student teacher’s developing proficiency with concept maps and vee diagrams as tools to guide the analyses of syllabus outcomes of the “Measurement” strand of a primary mathematics syllabus and subsequently using the results to design learning activities that promote working and communicating mathematically. The student teacher’s individually constructed concept maps of the sub-topics length, volume and capacity are presented here including some vee diagrams of related problems. Through concept mapping and vee diagramming, the student teacher’s understanding of the mapped topics evolved and deepened, empowering her to confidently provide mathematical justifications for strategies and procedures used in solving problems which are appropriate to the primary level, effectively communicate her understanding publicly, and developmentally sequence learning activities to ensure future students’ conceptual understanding of the sub-topics.
Family Service Agencies: Responding to Change in a Conservative Decade:

During the 1980s much of the concern in social services has focused on the impact of external forces on agencies—namely the increase in the problems of the American family with a simultaneous decre...
Facilitating Scientific Engagement through a Science-Art Festival.

The recent discovery and ongoing detection of Einstein's predicted gravitational waves offers an exciting opportunity for engaging the general public in science. In order to reach a wide range of p...
Uncertainty Modeling of Distributed Energy Resources: Techniques and Challenges

Integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) brings huge challenges to distribution systems. Among many control room applications, distribution system state estimation (DSSE) is regarded as a key tool to establish the relationship between state variables and abundant measurements for system monitoring and analysis. The emergence of DERs poses multiple uncertainties, resulting in stringent requirements for system modeling and operation practices. This paper summarizes the state-of-the-art approaches, techniques, and challenges in the uncertainty modeling of DERs in practical power system and electricity market operations. DSSE has become increasingly important to realize appropriate monitoring and control for active distribution systems. The current research focuses on more precise and robust uncertainty modeling of multiple DERs in DSSE and the application of big data analytics. Probabilistic methods also emerge as a major research direction for these studies. Accurate and effective modeling of DER uncertainty calls for holistic improvement. Moreover, machine learning and data-driven techniques exhibit great potential in such applications. Future work is expected to accurately capture the stochasticity and variability of DER outputs in the operational and market models, and thus lead to great economic benefits.
Actively Managed ETF versus Actively Managed Mutual Funds

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to study if actively managed exchange-traded funds (AMETFs) and actively manager mutual funds (AMMFs) are complements or substitutes. It also tests if there are tax or liquidity clientele effects. Design/methodology/approach: The study investigates the relation between individual AMMF flows and aggregate AMETF flows as well as individual AMETF flows and aggregate AMMF flows. A 2013 tax change is used to analyze if a tax clientele effect exists between the AMETF and AMMF markets. The authors use differences in investor groups for institutional versus retail fund share classes to test for liquidity clientele effects. Findings: The authors find that equity and mixed AMETFs and AMMFs are substitutes, although not perfect substitutes. Taxation related differences between the two products creates a clientele effect for fixed income and mixed funds where tax-sensitive investors are more likely to substitute AMETFs for AMMFs surrounding tax increases. There is weak evidence that institutional investors may prefer AMETFs more than retail investors because of their enhanced liquidity. Originality/value: This is the first study to investigate the flow relation between AMETFs and AMMFs. The fast-paced growth of the AMETF area coupled with the substitutability between the two products and tax advantages of AMETFs has the capability to gain significant market share from AMMFs in the future.
Geoelectric Field Estimation during Geomagnetic Disturbances

Geomagnetic disturbances (GMD) occur due to the increase of solar activities, which leads to the variation of earth magnetic field. The variation of magnetic field affects power systems in the form of geomagnetically induced current (GIC), which refers to the quasi DC current flow through transmission lines and transformer windings. As a result, the transformers may operate in half-cycle saturation and protective relays may mis-operate. Existing geomagnetic-related indices yield data in large time intervals and for large areas, introducing time delay and error to applications related to local areas. For GIC related studies of a specific grid, local and real time data will provide more valuable information. This paper proposes an approach that estimates the geoelectric field during GMD events using existing real time measurements in power system, such as the terminal voltages and currents of the transmission lines. By modeling the geoelectric field induced by GMD as voltage sources embedded in transmission lines, the impact of GMD is presented in the electric quantities in power systems. Based on measurements from merging units, a time domain state estimation process is developed to estimate the value of geoelectric field. Simulation results show that the proposed approach is able to estimate the magnitude of geoelectric field accurately.
A Finite Universe with No Boundary

In Parts I and II of his book, Relativity, Einstein explained his special and his general principles of relativity. In so doing, he derived a novel theory of gravity which was able to explain the slow precession of Mercury’s elliptical orbit around the sun and also why light falls in a gravitational field. Newton’s theory of gravity was powerless to explain these experimental observations. Now, in Part III, Einstein applies his theory of gravity to the problem of the overall size and structure of the universe. He begins by laying before the reader a fundamental difficulty which is encountered if one takes seriously Newton’s theory of gravitation. How does he address this problem? To what conclusion is he led? And do you find his conclusions sensible?
A Data Exchange Interface for a Standards Based Data Integration Platform

The modern electrical grid is a complex and a data rich system, requiring several sub-systems to provide the capability and support needed to perform functions such as distributed energy resource management, outage management, and fault location and isolation, to name a few. There is a need to develop software solutions and platforms that provide an integrated infrastructure to allow interoperability between these subsystems, while leveraging the abundant data available from today's grid. In this paper, we present the development and deployment of an application service to integrate an open source standards-based platform, GridAPPS-D, with SurvalentONE, a commonly used DNP3 based product that allows operation, monitoring, analysis, restoration, and optimization of network operations. We present details of the integration architecture, including its implementation, and provide results from functional testing of the architecture on a 13 bus IEEE system. The results validate that the integration is successful and is able to provide a two-way exchange of communication and translation between different communication protocols.
Malware Analysis with Machine Learning for Evaluating the Integrity of Mission Critical Devices

The rapid evolution of technology in our society has brought great advantages, but at the same time it has increased cybersecurity threats. At the forefront of these threats is the proliferation of malware from traditional computing platforms to the rapidly expanding Internet-of-things. Our research focuses on the development of a malware detection system that strives for early detection as a means of mitigating the effects of the malware’s execution. The proposed scheme consists of a dual-stage detector providing malware detection for compromised devices in order to mitigate the devices malicious behavior. Furthermore, the framework analyzes task structure features as well as the system calls and memory access patterns made by a process to determine its validity and integrity. The proposed scheme uses all three approaches applying an ensemble technique to detect malware. In our work we evaluate these three malware detection strategies to determine their effectiveness and performance.
Protocol for Differentiation of Human iPSCs into Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cells.

Summary Pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNECs) are sensory cells within the lung airway epithelia. Here, we provide a detailed protocol for generating induced PNECs (iPNECs) from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The cellular and molecular profile of iPNECs resembles primary human PNECs. Primary human PNECs are exceedingly rare, comprising only 1% of the adult lung. Therefore, a self-renewing source of patient-specific iPNECs facilitates the creation of reproducible human cellular models to study lung diseases characterized by PNEC dysfunction. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Hor et al. (2020) .
Between Communist Doctrines and Nationalist Agendas: Writing Reforms in Inner Mongolia, 1954–1980:

The writing reforms of the Mongolian language in Inner Mongolia from 1954 to 1980 are a notable case of Maoist China’s language planning projects. In those years, the Chinese government attempted t...
Semi-supervised Domain Adaptation with Prototypical Alignment and Consistency Learning

Domain adaptation enhances generalizability of a model across domains with domain shifts. Most research effort has been spent on Unsupervised Domain Adaption (UDA) which trains a model jointly with labeled source data and unlabeled target data. This paper studies how much it can help address domain shifts if we further have a few target samples (e.g., one sample per class) labeled. This is the so-called semi-supervised domain adaptation (SSDA) problem and the few labeled target samples are termed as ``landmarks''. To explore the full potential of landmarks, we incorporate a prototypical alignment (PA) module which calculates a target prototype for each class from the landmarks; source samples are then aligned with the target prototype from the same class. To further alleviate label scarcity, we propose a data augmentation based solution. Specifically, we severely perturb the labeled images, making PA non-trivial to achieve and thus promoting model generalizability. Moreover, we apply consistency learning on unlabeled target images, by perturbing each image with light transformations and strong transformations. Then, the strongly perturbed image can enjoy ``supervised-like'' training using the pseudo label inferred from the lightly perturbed one. Experiments show that the proposed method, though simple, reaches significant performance gains over state-of-the-art methods, and enjoys the flexibility of being able to serve as a plug-and-play component to various existing UDA methods and improve adaptation performance with landmarks provided.
Approaching the Interpretation of Discordances in SARS-CoV-2 Testing

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has upended life throughout the globe. Appropriate emphasis has been placed on developing effective therapies and vaccines to curb the pandemic. While awaiting such countermeasures, mitigation efforts coupled with robust testing remain essential to controlling spread of the disease. In particular, serological testing plays a critical role in providing important diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic information. However, this information is only useful if the results can be accurately interpreted. This pandemic placed clinical testing laboratories and requesting physicians in a precarious position because we are actively learning about the disease and how to interpret serological results. Having developed robust assays to detect antibodies generated against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and serving the hardest-hit areas within the New York City epicenter, we found 3 types of discordances in SARS-CoV-2 test results that challenge interpretation. Using representative clinical vignettes, these interpretation dilemmas are highlighted, along with suggested approaches to resolve such cases.
Questions and Discussions

(1932). Questions and Discussions. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 39, No. 4, pp. 229-231.
Examining Bitcoin and Economic Determinants: An Evolutionary Perspective

After Nakamoto introduced Bitcoin in 2008 as an alternative online payment system, it became an appealing investment vehicle and an attractive area of study for many researchers. Although much rese...
Course Redesign: Implementing Project-Based Learning to Improve Students’ Self-Efficacy

This research examined the effects of a first-year elective course redesign on promoting students’ self-efficacy. By implementing a project-based approach in the course curriculum, the study investigated if, and to what extent, did such redesign improve student belief in their ability to master course-related outcomes. Two­-tailed independent samples t-test at an alpha level of .01 were conducted to answer the research question and compare self-efficacy of students who completed the course under the traditional curriculum (n = 821) and students who completed the course under the new curriculum (n = 881). The results revealed statistically significant differences in students’ responses for all learning outcomes before and after the curriculum redesign.
A Sentence Similarity Method Based on Chunking and Information Content

This paper introduces a method for assessing the semantic similarity between sentences, which relies on the assumption that the meaning of a sentence is captured by its syntactic constituents and the dependencies between them. We obtain both the constituents and their dependencies from a syntactic parser. Our algorithm considers that two sentences have the same meaning if it can find a good mapping between their chunks and also if the chunk dependencies in one text are preserved in the other. Moreover, the algorithm takes into account that every chunk has a different importance with respect to the overall meaning of a sentence, which is computed based on the information content of the words in the chunk. The experiments conducted on a well-known paraphrase data set show that the performance of our method is comparable to state of the art.
An ontology for commitments in multiagent systems

Social commitments have long been recognized as an important concept for multiagent systems. We propose a rich formulation of social commitments that motivates an architecture for multiagent systems, which we dub spheres of commitment. We identify the key operations on commitments and multiagent systems. We distinguish between explicit and implicit commitments. Multiagent systems, viewed as spheres of commitment (SoComs), provide the context for the different operations on commitments. Armed with the above ideas, we can capture normative concepts such as obligations, taboos, conventions, and pledges as different kinds of commitments. In this manner, we synthesize ideas from multiagent systems, particularly the idea of social context, with ideas from ethics and legal reasoning, specifically that of directed obligations in the Hohfeldian tradition.
MO‐FG‐BRA‐07: Theranostic Gadolinium‐Based AGuIX Nanoparticles for MRI‐Guided Radiation Therapy

Purpose: AGuIX are gadolinium-based nanoparticles, initially developed for MRI, that have a potential role in radiation therapy as a radiosensitizer. Our goal is to demonstrate that these nanoparticles can both be used as an MRI contrast agent, as well as to obtain local dose enhancement in a pancreatic tumor when delivered in combination with an external beam irradiation. Methods: We performed in vitro cell uptake and radiosensitization studies of a pancreatic cancer cell line in a low energy (220kVp) beam, a standard clinical 6MV beam (STD) and a flattening filter free clinical 6MV beam (FFF). After injection of 40mM of nanoparticles, a biodistribution study was performed in vivo on mice with subcutaneous xenograft pancreatic tumors. In vivo radiation therapy studies were performed at the time point of maximum tumor uptake. Results: The concentration of AGuIX nanoparticles in Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells, determined in vitro by MRI and ICPMS, peaks after 30 minutes with 0.3% of the initial concentration (5mg/g). Clonogenic assays show a significant effect (p<0.05) when the AGuIX are coupled with MV photon irradiation (DEF20%=1.31). Similar AGuIX tumor uptake is found in vivo by both MRI and ICPMS 30 minutes after intravenous injection. For long term survival studies, the choice of the radiation dose is determined with 5 control groups (3mice/group) irradiated with 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20Gy. Afterwards, 4 groups (8mice/group) are used to evaluate the effect of the nanoparticles. A Logrank test is performed as a statistical test to evaluate the effect of the nanoparticles. Conclusion: The combination of the MRI contrast and radiosensitization properties of gadolinium nanoparticles reveals a strong potential for usage with MRI-guided radiation therapy.
Faith-Based Organizations: A Vehicle for Cross-Cultural Relationship Building

Faith-based organizations are making great strides addressing racial, ethnic, and religious divides in the United States through generating bridging social capital, or relationships between people who differ on a social dimension. Although we know these organizations are successful at making these connections, we know little about the context and process in which these cross-cultural relationships develop. In a case study of a faith-based, social action organization in Detroit, I find four practices that facilitate cross-cultural relationships. I suggest that these practices can be used as a “toolkit” for social workers to use in multicultural organizations to facilitate positive relationship building.
Children and disasters: A developmental approach to posttraumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents: Children and disasters

The present article reviews progress in the field of childhood traumatic stress and presents a developmental model of trauma in children and adolescents that can inform research, evaluation and treatment. Selected research findings from the UCLA Trauma Psychiatry Program are presented regarding the biology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among adolescents, co-morbid conditions and traumatic bereavement. A trauma/grief-focused group-psychotherapeutic approach for children and adolescents is described, with preliminary findings from treatment of children exposed to a catastrophic natural disaster and children exposed to chronic community violence.
Testing personalized outreach as an effective TDM measure

Abstract Urban college campuses often face challenges providing maximum transportation accessibility. Many believe strategies to ‘push’ and ‘pull’ individuals out of private automobiles will reduce emissions and mitigate the need for parking. This study focuses on UC Berkeley’s evaluation of a program that conducts targeted outreach to encourage shifts away from driving. The program provides customized information on commute alternatives, and is evaluated using descriptive as well as inferential statistics, focusing on effectiveness. Although the sample size is small, the findings show that a large component of program participants (8%) changed modes. Interviews with commuters evaluated potential barriers, including the adequacy, safety and convenience of alternatives. The study concluded that information alone is not adequate to draw individuals away from autos; other efforts to reach patrons must make driving alternatives easy and appealing. More research is needed on the interplay between outreach efforts and mode shift. Additional research and policy outcomes for urban campuses include: (1) a focus on information technology aided ride matching or carpooling; and (2) an increased focus on the telework environment. These strategies can assist urban campuses to refine comprehensive transportation demand management programs.
Renal Function Changes Following Fenestrated EVAR

Conclusions: This large study of CBTs demonstrates the importance of determining the CBT’s distance to the BOS as well as the Shamblin classification. Shamblin classification predicts the need for vascular reconstruction and the risk of bleeding and temporary nerve injury, and distance to BOS predicts bleeding risk and permanent nerve injury. Preoperative EMB is more often performed for CBTs located higher in the neck but may not reduce bleeding in CBTs that are located lower in the neck. Distance to BOS should be calculated in all patients with CBTs to provide precise preoperative counseling of risks.
Detailed radiation fault modeling of the Remote Exploration and Experimentation (REE) first generation testbed architecture

The goal of the NASA HPCC Remote Exploration and Experimentation (REE) Project is to transfer commercial supercomputing technology into space. The project will use state of the art, low-power, non-radiation-hardened, COTS hardware chips and COTS software to the maximum extent possible, and will rely on software-implemented fault tolerance to provide the required levels of availability and reliability. We outline the methodology used to develop a detailed radiation fault model for the REE Testbed architecture. The model addresses the effects of energetic protons and heavy ions which cause single event upset and single event multiple upset events in digital logic devices and which are expected to be the primary fault generation mechanism. Unlike previous modeling efforts, this model will address fault rates and types in computer subsystems at a sufficiently fine level of granularity (i.e., the register level) that specific software and operational errors can be derived. We present the current state of the model, model verification activities and results to date, and plans for the future. Finally, we explain the methodology by which this model will be used to derive application-level error effects sets. These error effects sets will be used in conjunction with our Testbed fault injection capabilities and our applications' mission scenarios to replicate the predicted fault environment on our suite of onboard applications.
Algebraic Techniques For Signal Processing And Coding

This talk will survey the role of algebraic fields in general and of the Fourier transform in particular in the engineering problems of digital signal processing and of error control codes. The premise of the talk is that there are close ties between the subjects of digital signal processing and of error control codes. For a variety of reasons, the subject of error control codes has been highly algebraic. The use of algebraic methods has developed more slowly in digital signal processing. By surveying the computational procedures, we hope to stimulate new methods and applications. The plan of the talks is to survey the structure of useful algebraic fields, then examine the Fourier transform in an arbitrary field. Finally, we shall discuss the role of algebraic fields and of Fourier transforms in a variety of applications. From a computational point of view, the algorithms used in digital signal processors and in error correcting decoders are often quite similar. From an applications point of view it may be inefficient to separate these two tasks into distinct subsystems of an implementation. The future may very well see a blurring of the line between the traditional tasks of filtering and the traditional tasks of error control. Indeed, both of these tasks, broadly stated, involve the removal of noise from a received signal.
Laser effects on electrophysiological measures of vision: the data and their implications

Since laser exposure in humans is usually limited to accident cases, precise definition of its effects on visual function is difficult to come by. To determine more preciselythese effects and atwhat exposure levels they occur, animal models are required. This immediately poses the problem of how to appropriately ask the animal what it can see. Under the assumption that the visual system of lower primates is sufficiently similar to our own, electrophysiological techniques allow us to trace the production of neuroelectric currents in the visual nervous system, and thus to make conclusions offunction based on signal analysis. These techniques (pattern and luminance electroretinograms, and visual evoked potentials) are useful especially in delineating short-term effects (seconds). Since these signals are "large-scale" responses, their specificity can be set only by precisely delineating the stimuli used to evoke them, a variant of the GIGO (garbage in, garbage out) rule. The results, while obtainable in no other way, are therefore limited. Long-term effects (chronic alterations in visual function) can also be demonstrated with these techniques. This paper reviews both the techniques and the questions to which these techniques have been applied for laser exposure energies ranging from long-term low-level exposures to acute lesion-level exposures in the primate model.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF LIPIDS WITH LIGHT AND CHLOROPHYLL MEASUREMENTS IN FRESHWATER ALGAE AND PERIPHYTON1

Lipid content and lipid class composition were determined in stream periphyton and the filamentous green algae Cladophora sp. and Spirogyra sp, Sterols and phospholipids were compared to chlorophyll a (chl a) as predictors of biomass for stream periphyton and algae. Chlorophyll a, phospholipids, and sterols were each highly correlated with ash-free dry mass (AFDM) (r2 > 0.98). Stream periphyton exposed naturally to high light (HL) and low light (LL) had chl a concentrations (μg chl a-mg−1AFDM) of 7.9± 0.7 and 12.4 ± 2.9, respectively, while the sterol concentrations of these HL and LL stream periphyton (1.6 ± 0.4) were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Periphyton exposed to an irradiance of 300 μmol photons·m−2s−1 in the laboratory for 60 h had 5.6 ± 0.55 μg chl a·mg−1 AFDM, but the same periphyton exposed to 2% incident light for the same amount of time had 11.0 ± 0.56 μg chl a·mg−1 AFDM. Sterol concentrations in these periphyton communities remained unchanged (1.5 ± 0.3 μg·mg−1AFDM), Similar results (i.e. changes in chl a but stability of sterol concentrations in response to irradiance changes) were also found for Cladophora and Spirogyra in laboratory experiments. Sterols can be quantified rapidly from a few milligrams of algae and appear to be a useful predictor of eukaryote biomass, whereas cellular levels of chl a vary substantially with light conditions. Phospholipids (or phospholipid fatty acids) are considered to be a reliable measure of viable microbial biomass. Nevertheless, phospholipid content varied substantially and unpredictably among algae and periphyton under different light regimes. Irradiance also had a significant effect on storage lipids: HL Cladophora and HL periphyton had 2 × and 5 × greater concentrations of triacylglycerols, respectively, compared to their LL forms. HL and LL algae also differed in the concentration of several major fatty acids. These light-induced changes in algal lipids and fatty acids have important implications for grazers.
Comprehensive Room Transfer Functions for Efficient Calculation of the Transient Heat Transfer Processes in Buildings

This paper describes a method in which the transfer functions describingheat flow in building elements can be combined into a single tranfer functionfor an enclosure, referred to as a comprehensive room transfer function (CRTF).The method accurately models long-wave radiation exchange and convection in anenclosure through an approximate network, referred to as the ''star'' network.Resistances in the star network are determined from a network that uses viewfactors to model long-wave radiation exchange. The Pade approximation andbilinear transformation are used to reduce the number of coefficients in a CRTF.
Infra‐red spectroscopy of brominated epoxy resins

The method of determining the epoxy equivalent weight of resins derived from Bis Phenol A and epichlorohydrin described by Kagarise and Weinberger has been extended to resins derived from epichlorohydrin and Tetra Brom Bis Phenol A and/or Bis Phenol A. In the infrared spectra of the latter, the characteristic aromatic band at 1610 cm−1 is replaced by a strong band at 738 cm−1, the intensity of which increases linearly with the content of Tetra Brom Bis Phenol A. The logarithm of the epoxy equivalent weight is linearly related to the ratio of the absorbance at 915 cm−1 to a linear combination of those at 1610 and 738 cm−1, respectively.
Reproductive health indicators and outcomes among refugee and internally displaced persons in postemergency phase camps.

ContextDespite increasing awareness of the importance of reproductive health programs and services for refugee and internally displaced populations, there is a paucity of basic epidemiological data on reproductive health outcomes.ObjectivesTo collect data on reproductive health outcomes among refugees and internally displaced persons in postemergency phase camps and compare these outcomes with those of host country and country-of-origin populations. To determine programmatic factors that may affect reproductive health outcomes.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsRetrospective study of data collected from August 1998 through March 2000 of 688 766 persons living in 52 postemergency phase camps in 7 countries. Reproductive health outcomes of refugee and internally displaced populations were compared with available data of reference populations within their respective host country and country of origin.Main Outcome MeasuresCrude birth rate (CBR), neonatal mortality rate (NNMR), maternal mortality ratio (MMR), percentage of newborns with low birth weight (LBW), and incidence of complications of unsafe or spontaneous abortions.ResultsSix of 11 groups had lower CBRs than their country of origin and 5 of 9 groups had lower CBRs than their host country. Four of 5 had lower NNMRs than their country of origin and 6 of 9 had lower NNMRs than the host country. Four of 6 had lower MMRs than their country of origin, and 5 of 6 had lower MMRs than their host country. Seven of 9 had lower percentages of LBWs than in the country of origin and 5 of 9 had lower percentages of LBWs than the host country. Higher CBRs were associated with more recently established camps and higher numbers of local health staff per 1000 persons; and higher percentages of LBW newborns were associated with rainy season, more recently established camps, lower numbers of community health workers per 1000 persons, and camps without supplementary feeding programs.ConclusionsRefugees and internally displaced persons in most postemergency phase camps had better reproductive health outcomes than their respective host country and country-of-origin populations.
Modelling soil losses in Southern Africa

Abstract A mathematical modelling approach to soil loss estimation is described. The purpose of a model is to bring together all sources of information into a formal arrangement which represents the best advice available. Consequently, established theory, expert opinion based on field experience, laboratory test data, and results from field-plot measurements are all possible data sources. Useful models can therefore be constructed starting with relatively unsophisticated information. Decisions concerning the application of the model will depend upon the urgency of the problem and the degree of confidence the designer has in its predictions. An example is given of a model developed to predict annual soil losses from arable lands on the Rhodesian highveld. The model is simple, direct and, at its current stage of evolutionary development, predicts mean annual soil losses to within 1·7, 2·6 and 4·3 t ha −1 a −1 in 50%, 70% and 90% of cases, respectively, for the normal range of soil losses from agricultural lands. It has been developed from a limited amount of field plot data supplemented by expert opinion. The modelling approach is particularly suited to countries which cannot support expensive research programmes and in circumstances where a decision-making aid is urgently required to combat soil erosion.
Synthesis, X-ray structure, and physical and photophysical properties of the heterobimetallic complex Fe({eta}{sup 5}-C{sub 5}H{sub 4}PPh{sub 2}){sub 2}Pt(bph)

A chromophore-electroactive compound, Fe({eta}{sup 5}-C{sub 5}H{sub 4}PPh{sub 2}){sub 2}Pt(bph), where bph is the biphenyl dianion and Fe({eta}{sup 5}C{sub 5}H{sub 4}PPh{sub 2}){sub 2} is 1,1{prime}-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene-P,P{prime} has been synthesized. The single-crystal X-ray structural characteristics of this heterobimetallic complex and its disolvated methylene chloride derivative are respectively as follows: empirical formula C{sub 46}H{sub 36}FeP{sub 2}Pt. An electrochemical study shows that the anodic potential for the oxidation of the ferrocenyl moiety of this compound increases by +0.13 V, compared to that for Fe({eta}{sup 5}-C{sub 5}H{sub 4}PPh{sub 2}){sub 2}. This change in oxidation potential agrees well with the change in energy of 0.11 eV for the d{pi}(Fe) {yields} {pi}{sup *}(Cp) MLCT transition upon coordination with Pt. The resultant excited state from the d{pi}(Pt) {yields} {pi}{sup *}(bph) MLCT transition is readily quenched by the ferrocenyl moiety unit as expected, and charge-separated redox-active centers are formed.
Performance of the Social Communication Questionnaire in children receiving preschool special education services

Abstract To assess the performance of the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) in identifying children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), this study screened 268 children identified as receiving preschool special education services. Parent-reported ASD diagnosis, education department recorded autism special education classification, ADI-R autism, and ADOS autism and ASD were considered as alternative criterion measures of ASD diagnosis. The validity of the SCQ in this population was examined, with a special focus on examining alternative cut-points for indicating ASD. The predictive ability of the SCQ in this population was comparable to that reported for other samples. In addition, findings suggested that a cut-point below the recommended threshold would likely be useful for research studies seeking to identify ASD cases from the population of children receiving special education services. The cut-point selected for use in clinical settings may, however, differ.
Mechanism of IAPP amyloid fibril formation involves an intermediate with a transient β-sheet

Amyloid formation is implicated in more than 20 human diseases, yet the mechanism by which fibrils form is not well understood. We use 2D infrared spectroscopy and isotope labeling to monitor the kinetics of fibril formation by human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP or amylin) that is associated with type 2 diabetes. We find that an oligomeric intermediate forms during the lag phase with parallel β-sheet structure in a region that is ultimately a partially disordered loop in the fibril. We confirm the presence of this intermediate, using a set of homologous macrocyclic peptides designed to recognize β-sheets. Mutations and molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the intermediate is on pathway. Disrupting the oligomeric β-sheet to form the partially disordered loop of the fibrils creates a free energy barrier that is the origin of the lag phase during aggregation. These results help rationalize a wide range of previous fragment and mutation studies including mutations in other species that prevent the formation of amyloid plaques.
Labeling and comparative biodistribution of the monoclonal antibody KS1/4 in nude mice bearing human lung adenocarcinoma.

Abstract In order to evaluate some of the key factors that may allow the optimization of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies for use as diagnostic and therapeutic tools to detect and treat human neoplasia, we compared the biodistribution of the anti-lung-tumor monoclonal antibody KS 1 4 , labeled with four different radionuclides, in athymic (nu/nu) mice bearing human lung adenocarcinoma. Several radiolabeling methods were used: the first involved coupling a suitable bifunctional chelating agent, such as DTPA, to the KS 1 4 monoclonal antibody, followed by binding the radiometal, either 113mIn or 111In. Radioiodination was carried out by the chloramine-T method with 131I, and intrinsic labeling by generating the hybridoma in the presence of 75Se-methionine. An examination of tumors and major organs of mice injected with one of the above radiolabeled KS 1 4 MoAbs, and biodistribution at various time intervals up to 96 h post injection revealed that iodination and intrinsic labeling yield the highest tumor uptake. Because of the relatively high deiodination that occurs in vivo, and the high 75Se content in the circulation, the preferential uptake (tumor-to-blood ratio) of these radiopharmaceuticals lags behind the equivalent ratios for the In-labeled MoAb. In the latter group of animals, a second consecutive injection of the labeled MoAb resulted in elevated blood level of radioindium, as well as a corresponding decrease in tumor-to-blood ratios.
Racial and insurance disparities in hospital mortality for children undergoing congenital heart surgery.

Many studies of racial and insurance disparities after congenital heart surgery have used limited regional data over short periods. This study examines the association of race and insurance with hospital mortality using a national hospitalization database spanning almost a decade. A retrospective, repeated cross-sectional analysis was performed. All the admissions from the Kids’ Inpatient Database from 1997 through 2006 that fit a Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 category were examined. Multivariate logistic regression models examining hospital mortality, nonelective admission, and referral to high-mortality hospitals were constructed. Medicaid insurance [odds ratio (OR) 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–1.46] and nonwhite race (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.19–1.54) were independent risk factors for mortality. Furthermore, Medicaid insurance (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.15–1.31) and nonwhite race (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.19–1.34) were associated with nonelective admission for congenital heart surgery. Finally, children with Medicaid insurance (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.10–1.27) and black children (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.17–1.44) had higher odds of referral to high-mortality hospitals. Over the past decade, children undergoing congenital heart surgery continued to experience admission, referral, and survival disparities based on insurance and racial status.
A paramagnetic contrast agent with myeloperoxidase-sensing properties

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an essential component of inflammatory response in norm and pathology. With an ultimate goal of non-invasive imaging of MPO we used a gadolinium-chelating bis(5-hydroxytrytamide) derivative of diethylenetetraamine pentaacetic acid (L1–Gd3+salt) as a paramagnetic sensor of enzymatic activity. We tested whether L1–Gd3+ is active in reducing the oxidized form of myeloperoxidase, generated as a result of hydrogen peroxide reduction by the enzyme. We expected that upon activation by MPO/H2O2 L1–Gd3+ would not only oligomerise but also bind to other macromolecules present in the media and that the overall process will give rise to a net T1-weighted MRI signal increase.