cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An overview of solid‐phase extraction of food flavor compounds and chemical residues

Abstract Solid‐phase extraction (SPE) is a rapid and sensitive sample preparation technique whose use has increased considerably within the last decade. This emerging technology has successfully replaced many tedious conventional methods of isolation and extraction of various chemicals in food, environmental, pharmaceutical, and biological samples. Sample preparation and concentration via SPE can be achieved in a one‐step extraction, and the methodology is appropriate for isolating trace amounts of chemical compounds from complex matrices. This paper gives an overview on the use of SPE as a sample preparation tool for the isolation of flavor compounds and chemical residues in food. Applying SPE in the areas of food science and agriculture will be valuable in assuring the safety and quality of our food products.
Encoding Processes and Sex-Role Preferences

favorite pictures from an array that included masculine and feminine items. Recall by boys at both ages increased following a shift between words with masculine or feminine connotations, suggesting that this dimension of a word’s meaning was encoded in memory. Recall by girls who selected a feminine item as their favorite on the sex-role preference task increased following a category shift; recall hy girls who chose a masculine item did not increase. These results are discussed in relation to previous research on the attributes of encoding in children’s memory.
Simulation of beam plastic forming with variable bending moments

Abstract A versatile generic elastic/plastic moment/curvature equation is used to simulate beam deflections. Solutions are obtained numerically and used to investigate whether forming equations based on the assumption of pure bending can be extended in a rational way to more complicated loadings. It is concluded that the answer is affirmative, with only knowledge of the elastic/plastic behavior associated with pure bending and the elastic behavior associated with the actual loading being needed to make the extension.
Electrostatic and electromagnetic surface shape resonances

The homogeneous integral equations that give the electromagnetic field in the vicinity of a protuberance or a depression on the otherwise planar interface with vacuum of a semi-infinite dielectric medium or a thin dielectric film on a semi-infinite substrate have been obtained. The Rayleigh hypothesis, the vectorial equivalent of the Kirchhoff integral, and the extinction theorem have been used for this purpose. The assumption that the perturbation of the vacuum dielectric interface has cylindrical symmetry about the normal to the nominal surface allows a significant simplification of these integral equations to be carried out. We have used Gaussian quadrature schemes to convert the resulting integral equations into matrix equations, and have obtained the frequencies of the shape resonances by equating to zero the determinants of the matrices obtained. Calculations have been carried out for Gaussian (x3=Aexp(−x ‖ 2 /R2)) and exponential (x3=Aexp(−x‖/R)) surface profiles, and convergent results obtained for values ofA/R of the order of unity.
The Nonlinear Stability of a Heavy Rigid Plate Supported by Flexible Columns

A heavy rigid platform is supported by thin elastic legs. The governing equations for large deformations are formulated and solved numerically by homotopy and quasi-Newton methods. Nonlinear phenomena such as non-uniqueness, catastrophe and hysteresis are found. A global critical load for nonlinear stability is introduced.
Effective spring stiffness for a periodic array of interacting coplanar penny-shaped cracks at an interface between two dissimilar isotropic materials

An effective spring stiffness approximation is proposed for a hexagonal array of coplanar penny shaped cracks located at the interface between two dissimilar solids. The approximation is based on the factorization of the solution on the material dissimilarity factor, the crack interaction factor and the effective spring stiffness solution for non-interacting cracks in a homogeneous material. Such factorization is exact and was validated for 2D collinear cracks between two dissimilar solids. The crack interaction factor is obtained using a recently developed model for stress intensity factors for an array of coplanar penny shaped cracks in a homogeneous material; also the material dissimilarity function recently obtained for non-interacting penny shaped crack at the interface between two dissimilar materials is employed. The obtained solution is useful for an assessment by ultrasonic measurements of the interface stiffness in bonded structures for monitoring the interfacial microdamage growth due to mechanical loading and environmental factors.
Perception of firefighters’ turnout ensemble and level of satisfaction by body movement

This study investigates firefighters’ perception of the protective turnout ensemble, more specifically, the level of satisfaction for a set of commonly performed body movements. Five hundred sixteen male and female firefighters completed our online survey. The current study identifies (1) the level of satisfaction with the fit of the turnout ensemble, (2) perceived reasons for discomfort and movement restriction in areas with low satisfaction, and (3) gender-specific fit issues. Female firefighters showed significantly lower satisfaction with the fit and functionality of the turnout ensemble in multiple areas than males. Common fit issues such as a stiff or oversized neckline and inappropriate location of knee pads, tightness in the lower pant leg, and inaccessibility of pockets that affect male and female firefighters are addressed. This study offers important implications to industry and academia involved in the study of protective clothing to increase the mobility, safety, and comfort of today's firefi...
Toward a path integral quantization of Q-balls

Abstract Q-balls are time-dependent solitons present in many field theories with unbroken global internal symmetries. To examine the quantized energy spectrum of such objects with Lie groups as internal symmetry groups, we apply group projection techniques to a functional integbral method developed by Dashen, Hasslacher and Neveu. This analysis treats only in the internal symmetry zero modes of such field theories, discussed via their quantum mechanical analogues, since the subtleties of quantization stem largely from the internal symmetry. Examples of U(1) symmetry and SU( n ) symmetry on the internal spaces S 1 , S 2 , and SU( n ) are presented.
mecA-Positive Staphylococcus aureus with Low-Level Oxacillin MIC in Taiwan

Although the presence of mecA is the genotypic determinant of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), certain MRSA strains, especially community-associated MRSA (C-MRSA), can display an oxacillin MIC in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute susceptible breakpoint range (≤ 2 μg/ml). Among 91 and 180 isolates thought to be methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) with oxacillin MICs of 2 and 1 μg/ml as determined by the Sensititre broth microdilution test initially, 52 (57.1%) and 6 (3.3%), respectively, were mecA positive. These mecA-positive low-oxacillin-MIC isolates belong to the dominant Taiwan C-MRSA clone (clonal complex [CC] 59), 56 of which carried SCCmec type V and were pvl positive, and 43 of which belonged to spa CC t437. All 271 isolates were retested by Sensititre, as well as by Vitek II and disk diffusion (DD). Based on the oxacillin results, the sensitivities of the Sensititre, Vitek II, and DD methods were 48.3% (28/58), 46.6% (27/58), and 89.6% (52/58), respectively. Although cefoxitin was better at detecting these isolates, 12.1, 10.4, and 5.2% of these isolates were still misidentified as MSSA by Sensititre, Vitek II, and DD, respectively. These results highlight the difficulty in the accurate identification of MRSA with borderline oxacillin MICs in the CC59:SCCmec V clone, which likely has contributed to its spread in the health care and community settings. Since this clone has now been detected in other countries, and since other C-MRSA lineages have also been found to have low-level β-lactam resistance, the findings of the present study may be relevant to other regions. Further studies are warranted to determine the extent and clinical impact of such misidentification.
Rapid determination of ETS markers with a prototype field-portable GC employing a microsensor array detector

The adaptation of a portable gas chromatograph (GC) prototype with several unique design features to the determination of vapor-phase markers of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is described. This instrument employs a dual-stage adsorbent preconcentrator, two series-coupled separation columns that can be independently temperature programmed, and a detector consisting of an array of nanoparticle-coated chemiresistors, whose response patterns are used together with retention times for vapor recognition. An adsorbent pre-trap was developed to remove semi-volatile organics from the sample stream. Conditions were established to quantitatively capture two ETS markers, 2,5-dimethylfuran (2,5-DMF) and 4-ethenylpyridine (4-EP, as a surrogate for 3-EP), and to separate them from the 34 most prominent co-contaminants present in ETS using ambient air as the carrier gas. A complete analysis can be performed every 15 min. Projected detection limits are 0.58 and 0.08 ppb for 2,5-DMF and 4-EP, respectively, assuming a 1 L sample volume, which are sufficiently low to determine these markers in typical smoking-permitted environments.
On the Arrow-Lind theorem

This paper presents an extension of the Arrow-Lind theorem [ 1 ] on the asymptotic value of an uncertain public project when the benefits and costs of the project are shared among a large number of agents. The theorem has its origin in the following problem: how should such a project be valued in the absence of a complete set of contingent markets in the private sector? I adopt the Arrow-Lind approach in basing the value of the project on the sum of the individual agents’ valuations. Arrow and Lind value a project by what I call the aggregate sale value. With their assumption that the IZ agents are identical, this is simply n times the representative agent’s sale value of his share of the project’s return. This concept of value is appropriate when all agents in the economy are identical since all agents are affected equally by the introduction of a public project. But in a world with different types of agents (income-preference pairs) some agents may be favorably affected while others may be adversely affected.
Analysis of pesticides by LC-electrospray-MS with postcolumn removal of nonvolatile buffers.

Liquid chromatographic (LC) separations for pesticides and many other compounds make use of nonvolatile buffers in the mobile phase. The coupling of LC with mass spectrometry (MS) does not allow the use of nonvolatile buffers. Substitution with volatile buffers is possible, but changes in chromatographic retention and resolution can result even if pH is held constant. The postcolumn removal of nonvolatile buffers using a commercially available ion suppressor is evaluated for the analysis of carbamate pesticides. The suppressor efficiently removes phosphate anions from an LC mobile phase. Most compounds show an increased signal by factors of 2−7 after postcolumn phosphate removal. The suppressor has little effect on the chromatographic parameters of some compounds, while serious negative effects are noted for others. Some compounds will give poor results due to adsorption or retention by the suppressor. The results indicate that such a device may be useful for the LC−MS analysis of some pesticides using no...
Visual Knowledge in Medicine and Popular Film

Crawford's essay raises questions about simple, direct observation in medical practice and research by considering how audiences view two of William Dieterle's films, The Story of Louis Pasteur, and Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet. Through a reading of optical practices as well as a close look at the two films, Crawford points out how medicine and its ethics are enmeshed in medicine's optical technologies and its practitioners' ways of seeing.
Sidestream cigarette smoke generation and exposure system for environmental tobacco smoke studies

AbstractPrevious studies of the effects of environmental tobacco smoke have used artificial systems for generating aged and diluted sidestream cigarette smoke. Generally these systems have been designed for large chambers, which require expensive smoking machines, use large air flows, and are labor-intensive. We present a new method for producing sidestream smoke and describe an exposure system for smaller chambers that collects, ages, and dilutes smoke to simulate environmentally relevant conditions. Furthermore, our system is relatively inexpensive, maintains consistent levels of total suspended particulates (TSP) and carbon mon-oxide that can be set at a variety of concentrations, and significantly reduces the manual component of exposure studies.
Synthesis and complement inhibitory activity of B/C/D-ring analogues of the fungal metabolite 6,7-diformyl-3',4',4a',5',6',7',8',8a'-octahydro-4,6',7'-trihydroxy- 2',5',5',8a'-tetramethylspiro[1'(2'H)-naphthalene-2(3H)-benzofuran].

This paper reports the synthesis and the bioassay of 4-methoxy- and 4-hydroxyspiro[benzofuran-2(3H)-cyclohexane] partial analogues (5) of the complement inhibitory sesquiterpene fungal metabolite 6,7-diformyl-3‘,4‘,4a‘,5‘,6‘,7‘,8‘,8a‘-octahydro-4,6‘,7‘-trihydroxy-2‘,5‘,5‘,8a‘-tetramethylspiro[1‘(2‘H)-naphthalene-2(3H)-benzofuran] (1a, K-76) and its silver oxide oxidized product (1b, K-76COOH). The described target compounds represent spirobenzofuran B/C/D-ring analogues lacking the A-ring component of the prototype structure. The target compounds were evaluated by the inhibition of total hemolytic complement activity in human serum. It was observed that the structurally simplified analogue 4-methoxyspiro[benzofuran-2(3H)-cyclohexane]-6-carboxylic acid (5a) exhibited an IC50 = 0.53 mM similar to the IC50 = 0.57 mM that was observed for the natural product derivative 1b. Exhibiting an IC50 = 0.16 mM, the three-ringed partial structure 6-carboxy-7-formyl-4-methoxyspiro[benzofuran-2(3H)-cyclohexane] (5k)was f...
Mass isotopomer pattern and precursor-product relationship.

The synthesis of a homonucleus polymer from its labeled precursor will lead to the formation of molecules with different masses. The distribution of these mass isotopomers is strictly a function of the enrichment of the 13C-labeled precursor, and can thus be used for the determination of the precursor enrichment and product dilution in the de novo synthesis of the polymer. We present here a study of the isotopomer pattern of a polymer of acetate in the form of glucose pentaacetate synthesized from 13C-enriched acetic anhydride. The molecular ion contains four acetyl units. Its synthesis is analogous to that of octanoic acid from acetyl coenzyme A. The process of obtaining the mass isotopomer distribution in the tetraacetyl moiety from the ion cluster of m/z 331 of glucose pentaacetate is illustrated. After correcting for the contribution of 13C natural abundance, the plot of the ratio of mass isotopomers (m4/m2) against the observed enrichment of the tetraacetate moiety yielded a straight line with a slope of 1.45. The ratio was not altered by dilution with pre-existing unenriched product, as predicted. The slope of the observed linear relationship agreed with the general formula (N - (j - 1))/j for the ratio of any two consecutive mass isotopomers (mj/mj-1). Theoretical and practical aspects of determining precursor enrichment from isotopomer pattern in polymers are discussed.
Kinetics of crystallite sintering during heat treatment of supported metal catalysts

Models are developed to describe sintering of metal crystallites during heat treatment. The growth rate of such crystallites is assumed to depend upon particle migration over the surface of the support as well as on the rate the colliding particles merge (sinter) into a single unit. The theory predicts that the rate of decay of exposed metal surface area S is given as in Equation (1a). The exponent n is related to the assumed size dependence of the diffusion coefficients or of the rate constant of the merging process. It varies from 4 to 8 for diffusion controlled decay and it is less than 3 for sintering controlled decay, that is, when the rate controlling step is the merging of two colliding particles. Diffusion control is associated with strong interactions between the metal and the support, but in sintering control there is a weaker metal-support interaction.
Genomic organization and molecular phylogenies of the beta (β) keratin multigene family in the chicken ( Gallus gallus ) and zebra finch ( Taeniopygia guttata ): implications for feather evolution

The epidermal appendages of reptiles and birds are constructed of beta (β) keratins. The molecular phylogeny of these keratins is important to understanding the evolutionary origin of these appendages, especially feathers. Knowing that the crocodilian β-keratin genes are closely related to those of birds, the published genomes of the chicken and zebra finch provide an opportunity not only to compare the genomic organization of their β-keratins, but to study their molecular evolution in archosaurians. The subfamilies (claw, feather, feather-like, and scale) of β-keratin genes are clustered in the same 5' to 3' order on microchromosome 25 in chicken and zebra finch, although the number of claw and feather genes differs between the species. Molecular phylogenies show that the monophyletic scale genes are the basal group within birds and that the monophyletic avian claw genes form the basal group to all feather and feather-like genes. Both species have a number of feather clades on microchromosome 27 that form monophyletic groups. An additional monophyletic cluster of feather genes exist on macrochromosome 2 for each species. Expression sequence tag analysis for the chicken demonstrates that all feather β-keratin clades are expressed. Similarity in the overall genomic organization of β-keratins in Galliformes and Passeriformes suggests similar organization in all Neognathae birds, and perhaps in the ancestral lineages leading to modern birds, such as the paravian Anchiornis huxleyi. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that evolution of archosaurian epidermal appendages in the lineage leading to birds was accompanied by duplication and divergence of an ancestral β-keratin gene cluster. As morphological diversification of epidermal appendages occurred and the β-keratin multigene family expanded, novel β-keratin genes were selected for novel functions within appendages such as feathers.
Self-Assembled Multimetallic/Peptide Complexes: Structures and Unimolecular Reactions of [Mn (GlyGly-H)2n-1 ](+) and Mn+1 (GlyGly-H2n ](2+) Clusters in the Gas Phase.

The unimolecular chemistry and structures of self-assembled complexes containing multiple alkaline-earth-metal dications and deprotonated GlyGly ligands are investigated. Singly and doubly charged ions [Mn (GlyGly-H)n-1 ](+) (n=2-4), [Mn+1 (GlyGly-H)2n ](2+) (n=2,4,6), and [M(GlyGly-H)GlyGly](+) were observed. The losses of 132 Da (GlyGly) and 57 Da (determined to be aminoketene) were the major dissociation pathways for singly charged ions. Doubly charged Mg(2+) clusters mainly lost GlyGly, whereas those containing Ca(2+) or Sr(2+) also underwent charge separation. Except for charge separation, no loss of metal cations was observed. Infrared multiple photon dissociation spectra were the most consistent with the computed IR spectra for the lowest energy structures, in which deprotonation occurs at the carboxyl acid groups and all amide and carboxylate oxygen atoms are complexed to the metal cations. The N-H stretch band, observed at 3350 cm(-1) , is indicative of hydrogen bonding between the amine nitrogen atoms and the amide hydrogen atom. This study represents the first into large self-assembled multimetallic complexes bound by peptide ligands.
G Protein-Coupled Receptor 124 (GPR124) Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of Brain Arteriovenous Malformation

Abnormal endothelial proliferation and angiogenesis may contribute to brain arteriovenous malformation (BAVM) formation. G protein-coupled receptor 124 (GPR124) mediates embryonic central nervous system angiogenesis; thus, we investigated the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in GPR124 with risk of BAVM. Ten tagging SNPs spanning 39 kb of GPR124 were genotyped in 195 Caucasian BAVM patients and 243 Caucasian controls. SNP and haplotype association with risk of BAVM was screened using χ 2 analysis. Associated variants were further evaluated using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for age and sex. The minor alleles of three GPR124 SNPs adjacent to exon 2 and localized to a 16-kb region of high linkage disequilibrium were associated with reduced risk of BAVM (rs7015566 A, P = 0.001; rs7823249 T, P = 0.014; rs12676965 C, P = 0.007). SNP rs7015566 (intron 1) remained associated after permutation testing (additive model P = 0.033). Haplotype analysis revealed a significant overall association (χ 2 = 12.55, 4 degrees of freedom, P = 0.014); two haplotypes (ATCC, P = 0.006 and GGCT, P = 0.008) were associated with risk of BAVM. We genotyped a known synonymous SNP (rs16887051) in exon 2; however, genotype frequency did not differ between cases and controls. Sequencing of conserved GPR124 regions revealed a novel insertion/deletion polymorphism in intron 2. Immunohistochemistry confirmed GPR124 expression in the endothelium with no qualitative difference in expression between BAVM cases and controls. SNP rs7015566 mapping to intron 1 of GPR124 was associated with BAVM susceptibility among Caucasians. Future work is focused on investigating this gene region.
Crystallization of β-galactosidase does not reduce the range of activity of individual molecules

By use of a capillary electrophoresis-based procedure, it is possible to measure the activity of individual molecules of β-galactosidase. Molecules from the crystallized enzyme as well as the original enzyme preparation used to grow the crystals both displayed a range of activity of 20-fold or greater. β-Galactosidase molecules obtained from two different crystals had indistinguishable activity distributions of 31 600 ± 1100 and 31 800 ± 1100 reactions min-1 (enzyme molecule)-1. This activity was found to be significantly different from that of the enzyme used to grow the crystals, which showed an activity distribution of 38 500 ± 900 reactions min-1 (enzyme molecule)-1.
SNS Ring and transport system magnet acceptance and installation preparation

Installation of the magnets in the SNS-Ring, or any accelerator, requires quality assurance to minimize problems. The geometry of the ring was frozen and the dipole length was adjusted to reflect the measured dipoles magnetic length to aid the installation process. The approach established here is based on the Magnet Acceptance procedures used for RHIC [1]. The magnets are first measured and checked on the bench for mechanical and electrical characteristics, field strength, multipole strengths, survey, etc. Each group performing these measurements determines whether the magnet is within the design specifications. A magnet that passes is accepted. A magnet that fails may be accepted if the problem can be either repaired or reworked and retested to specifications. Such a magnet is classified as a spare or fixed. Furthermore, once accepted, these magnets are assembled into units such as the full half cell assemblies before being shipped for installation. These assemblies have a checkout list as well.
An Empirical Bayes Prediction Interval for the Finite Population Mean of a Small Area

We construct an empirical Bayes (EB) prediction interval for the finite population mean of a small area when data are available from many similar small areas. We assume that the individuals of the population of the i th area are a random sample from a normal distribution with mean µi and variance σ 2 . Then, given σ 2 i , the µi are independently distributed with each µi having a normal distribution with mean θ and variance σ 2 τ ,a nd theσ 2 are a random sample from an inverse gamma distribution with index η and scale (η − 1)δ. First, assuming θ, τ, δ and η are fixed and known, we obtain the highest posterior density (HPD) interval for the finite population mean of theth area. Second, we obtain the EB interval by "substituting" point estimators for the fixed and unknown parameters θ, τ, δ and η into the HPD interval, and a two-stage procedure is used to partially account for underestimation of variability. Asymptotic properties (as � →∞ )o f the EB interval are obtained by comparing its center, width and coverage probability with those of HPD interval. Finally, by using a small-scale numerical study, we assess the asymptotic properties of the proposed EB interval, and we show that the EB interval is a good approximation to the HPD interval for moderate values of � .
Role of Complement in Dengue Virus Infection: Protection or Pathogenesis?

Dengue viruses (DENV) cause a spectrum of disease in humans, ranging from dengue fever (DF) to a severe, life-threatening syndrome called dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS). Despite the global morbidity and mortality associated with DENV infection, mechanisms of immune control and viral pathogenesis are poorly understood. In a recent article, Avirutnan et al. [mBio 2(6):e00276-11, 2011] demonstrated that DENV can be directly neutralized via the mannose binding lectin (MBL) pathway of the complement system and that deficiency in MBL level or activity due to host polymorphisms in the MBL2 gene correlates with reduced levels of DENV neutralization. These findings implicate a role for the MBL pathway in controlling DENV infections and modulating DHF/DSS manifestations.
Evolving point-cloud features for gender classification

In this paper we explore the use of histogram features extracted from 3D point clouds of human subjects for gender classification. Experiments are conducted using point clouds drawn from the CAESAR anthropometric database provided by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Human Effectiveness Directorate and SAE International. This database contains approximately 4400 high resolution LIDAR whole body scans of carefully posed human subjects. Features are extracted from each point cloud by embedding the cloud in series of cylindrical shapes and computing a point count for each cylinder that characterizes a region of the subject. These measurements define rotationally invariant histogram features that are processed by a classifier to label the gender of each subject. Preliminary results using cylinder sizes defined by human experts demonstrate that gender can be predicted with 98% accuracy for the type of high density point cloud found in the CAESAR database. When point cloud densities are reduced to levels that might be obtained using stand-off sensors; gender classification accuracy degrades. We introduce an evolutionary algorithm to optimize the number and size of the cylinders used to define histogram features. The objective of this optimization process is to identify a set of cylindrical features that reduces the error rate when predicting gender from low density point clouds. A wrapper approach is used to interleave feature selection with classifier evaluation to train the evolutionary algorithm. Results of classification accuracy achieved using the evolved features are compared to the baseline feature set defined by human experts.
What’s in a Title? Gender Micro-Inequities in a University Human Resources Database

Men and women are perceived differently, and those perceptions can be damaging in a professional context. Unconscious bias expressed within work environments can introduce “micro-inequities” that impede career progression for women compared to men. This study examines title prefixes for faculty in the human resources database of a large comprehensive university. The findings identify widespread differences in the assignment of prefixes with respect to the gender of faculty members. Men faculty are more likely to have the prefix “Dr.” than are women, while women are more likely to have gendered prefixes (Mrs., Ms., Miss). These disparities are evident at multiple levels of organization (different faculty tracks, departments and colleges, etc.) and suggest the existence of a gender micro-inequity.
Prevalence of epilepsy in children of Multnomah County, Oregon.

SUMMARY The prevalence of epilepsy among children in the third grade in Multnomah County, Oregon, was investigated by use of a questionnaire similar to that used by Rose et al. (1973). Of the 7,039 potential respondents, 5,317 (75.5%) responded to the questionnaire. A stratified random sample of 161 children was drawn from the respondents, and of these 129 (80%) underwent physical and EEG examinations. This replication of the study by Rose et al. (1973) yielded prevalence estimates which were somewhat lower than those reported by Rose et al. for Washington County, Maryland. Our findings suggest that the questionnaire method of estimating the prevalence of epilepsy has promise; further investigation of the method is in progress. RESUMEN Con la utilizacion de un cuestionario similar al usado por Rose y col. (1972), se ha investigado la prevalencia de epilepsia entre los ninos de edad escolar del condado de Multnomah de Oregon. De las 7,039 posibles respuestas se recibieron 5,317 (75.5%). De estas respuestas se extrajo una muestra casual y estratificada de 161 ninos y, de entre ellos, se realizaron 129 (80%) EEGs y exploraciones clinicas. Esta repeticion del estudio realizado por Rose y col. (1,972) produjo resultados de la estimacion de la prevalencia algo inferiores a los publicados por Rose para el condado de Washington, Maryland. Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que la utilizacion del metodo de cuestionario para estimar la prevalencia de epilepsia promete resultados satisfactorios; actualmente se esta realizando investigacion mas avanzada de este metodo. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Untersuchung uber die Haufigkeit der Epilepsie unter Drittklaβlern in der Grafschaft Multnomah, Oregon. Verwendet wurde ein Fragebogen der etwa dem von Rose u.a. 1972 benutzten entsprach. Von den 7 039 Adressaten antworteten 5 315 (75,5%). Eine ausgewogene Stichprobe von 161 Kindern wurde gezogen, von diesen 129 (80%) einer korperlichen und EEG-Untersuchung unterzogen. Diese Wiederholung einer Untersuchung durch Rose u.a. 1972 erbrachte Haufigkeitsschatzungen, die etwas niedriger als die von Rose u.a. fur die Grafschaft Washington, Maryland liegen. Unsere Befunde lassen vermuten, das die Fragebogenmethode zur Schatzung der Epilepsiehaufigkeit eine Zukunft hat. Weitere Unter-suchungen der Methode sind in Vorbereitung.
A dynamic data mining technique for intrusion detection systems

In today's interconnected world of computer networks, there exists a need to provide secure and safe transactions through the use of firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs), encryption, authentication, and other hardware and software solutions. Many IDS variants exist which allow security managers and engineers to identify attack network packets primarily through the use of signature detection; i.e., the IDS "recognizes" attack packets due to their well-known "fingerprints" or signatures as those packets cross the network's gateway threshold. On the other hand, anomaly-based ID systems determine what is normal traffic within a network and reports abnormal traffic behavior. We report the findings of our research in the area of anomaly-based intrusion detection systems using data-mining techniques described in section 3.3 to create a decision tree model of our network using the 1999 DARPA Intrusion Detection Evaluation data set. After the model was created, we gathered more data from our local campus network and ran the new data through the model.
A Single Cell Analysis of Apoptosis: Ordering the Apoptotic Phenotype

Microcinematography was applied to the analysis of the kinetics of apoptotic cell death. Apoptosis was found to be a process that proceeds in different cells at different times after an initial stress, and therefore kinetic studies of apoptotic events in bulk cultures can be problematic. Using single cell analysis we found that stronger apoptotic stimuli induce an earlier onset of apoptosis, but that there is no relationship between time of onset and duration of the apoptotic process. That is, cells that initiate apoptosis shortly after induction do not proceed more rapidly through the process. This suggests an all-or-non-mechanism that is supported by some models of the biochemical pathways of apoptosis.
Expression Patterns of the Four Nuclear Factor I Genes During Mouse Embryogenesis Indicate a Potential Role in Development

The nuclear factor I (NFI) fam- ily of site-specific DNA-binding proteins is re- quired for both the cell-type specific transcrip- tion of many viral and cellular genes and for the replication of adenovirus DNA.Although binding sites for NFI proteins within the promoters of several tissue-specific genes have been shown to be essential for their expression, it is unclear which NFI gene products function in specific tissues during development. We have isolated cDNAs from all four murine NFI genes (gene designations Nfia, Nfib, Nfic, and Nfix), assessed the embryonic and postnatal expression patterns of the NFI genes, and determined the ability of specific NFI proteins to activate transcription from the NFI-dependent mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter. In adult mice, all four NFI genes are most highly expressed in lung, liver, heart, and other tissues but only weakly expressed in spleen and testis. The embryonic expression patterns of the NFI genes is complex, with NFI-Atranscripts appearing earliest—within 9 days postcoitum in the heart and developing brain. The four genes exhibit unique but over- lapping patterns of expression during embry- onic development, with high level expression of NFI-A, NFI-B, and NFI-X transcripts in neocortex and extensive expression of the four genes in muscle, connective tissue, liver, and other organ systems. The four NFI gene products studied differ in their ability to activate expression of the NFI-dependent MMTV promoter, with the NFI-B protein being most active and the NFI-A protein being least active. These data are dis- cussed in the context of the developmental expres- sion patterns of known NFI-responsive genes. The differential activation of an NFI-dependent promoter, together with the expression patterns observed for the four genes, indicate that the NFI proteins may play an important role in regulat- ing tissue-specific gene expression during mam- malian embryogenesis. Dev. Dyn. 208:313-325,
Competing for the Platform: The Politics of Interest Group Influence on Political Party Platforms in the United States

While parties view interest groups as a means to mobilize voters, interest groups view parties and their platforms as a means to articulate interests. We demonstrate the conditions under which parties will articulate an organized interest group’s preferred positions in its quadrennial platform. Utility functions illustrate that parties will reward groups that can mobilize voters, as evidenced by a group’s resources, loyalty to the party, and ideological similarity to the party status quo. We test these implications using content analysis on three years of DNC platforms and group testimony. Results show that parties reward loyal groups that are ideologically near the party, but that resources have no effect.
Teaching Research Methods in Communication Disorders: A Problem-Based Learning Approach

A critical professional issue in speech—language pathology and audiology is the current shortage of researchers. In this context, the most effective methods for training graduate students in research must be identified and implemented. This article describes a problem-based approach to teaching research methods. In this approach, the instructor poses complex clinical problems and students work cooperatively to define relevant questions, evaluate resources, and find solutions. Students develop understanding of experimental designs through problem solving and descriptions of their clinical research designs in group discussions or class debates. Through research training based on clinical problems, students learn to integrate clinical questions with research questions and to link the dual professional roles of clinician and researcher.
“Pointsource” Delivery of a Photosensitizer Drug and Singlet Oxygen: Eradication of Glioma Cells In Vitro

We describe a pointsource sensitizer-tipped microoptic device for the eradication of glioma U87 cells. The device has a mesoporous fluorinated silica tip which emits singlet oxygen molecules and small quantities of pheophorbide sensitizer for additional production of singlet oxygen in the immediate vicinity. The results show that the device surges in sensitizer release and photokilling with higher rates about midway through the reaction. This was attributed to a self-amplified autocatalytic reaction where released sensitizer in the extracellular matrix provides positive feedback to assist in the release of additional sensitizer. The photokilling of the glioma cells was analyzed by global toxicity and live/dead assays, where a killing radius around the tip with ~0.3 mm precision was achieved. The implication of these results for a new PDT tool of hard-to-resect tumors, e.g. in the brain, is discussed.
Ozone-induced Adaptive and Reactive Cellular Changes in Respiratory Bronchioles of Bonnet Monkeys

To characterize the response of respiratory bronchioles (RBs) to chronic high ambient levels of ozone, bonnet monkeys were exposed for 90 days to 0, 0.4, or 0.64 ppm ozone (UV photometric standard;...
A simulation study on novel field stop IGBTs using superjunction

Performing device simulation, a novel insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) that employs the superjunction as well as field stop (FS), has been investigated. For a planar 1200-V IGBT, the novel superjunction FS IGBT demonstrates the remarkable device performance such as the ON-state voltage drop of 1.6 V and switching-off energy of 20 /spl mu/J/A at the collector current density of 100 A/cm/sup 2/, which is considered as the best tradeoff performance in its class. In addition, the impact of various design parameters on device performance has been explored, and a comprehensive analysis for understanding of the operating mechanism is presented, which will be of help for realizing the SJFS IGBTs with optimum design.
Assessment of flow-dependent oxygen consumption when evaluated by different techniques in the sepsis syndrome

Flow-dependent oxygen consumption (FDOC) refers to the apparent direct relationship between oxygen delivery (DO2) and oxygen consumption (VO2) often seen in critically ill septic patients. It has been suggested that FDOC is a mathematical rather than a physiological phenomenon due to the fact that the equations used to calculate DO2 and VO2 share common terms. In this paper we discuss mathematical coupling as it pertains to the relationship between DO2 and VO2, and assess its presence in critically ill patients. The study involved two groups of surgical intensive care unit patients requiring a pulmonary artery catheter, endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation: i) septic patients - nine septic, critically ill patients managed with an oxygen transport and haemodynamic goal-oriented protocol; ii) control patients - nine non-septic, uncomplicated, post-operative or critically ill patients managed in a routine post-operative manner or according to their underlying diagnosis. Complete haemodynamic pr...
PSO for Constrained Optimization: Optimal Power Scheduling for Correlated Data Fusion in Wireless Sensor Networks

We consider the problem of optimal power scheduling for decentralized detection of a deterministic signal in a wireless sensor network with correlated observations. Each distributed sensor node independently performs amplify-and-forward (AF) processing of its observation. The fading coefficients of wireless links from distributed sensors to the fusion center (FC) are assumed to be available at transmitting nodes. When sensor observations are correlated it is difficult to derive a closed form solution for optimal power values to achieve a required fusion error performance. In this work, we develop an evolutionary computation technique based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to obtain the optimal power allocation under a required fusion error probability threshold constraint. It is shown that the optimal power allocation scheme turns off the nodes with poor channels and provides significant system power savings compared to that of uniform power allocation scheme especially when either the number of sensors in the system is large or the local observation quality is good.
THE INFLUENCE OF FLUIDS ON GRAIN CONTACT STIFFNESS AND FRAME MODULI IN SEDIMENTARY ROCKS

The frame moduli of sedimentary rocks are strongly influenced by the properties of the grain contacts. A modified Hertz contact theory is presented for the self consistent calculation of deformation, equilibrium separation distance (film thickness), and contact area of deformation for two spherical asperities in contact and subjected to an external load. We show that surface forces, i.e., electrostatic repulsion, Born, structural, and Van der Waals forces can be incorporated into the contact deformation problem. From the results presented, it is evident that surface forces play an important role in determining seismic wave velocities and attenuations at low confining stresses. The velocities and attenuations computed from the model are compared with measured values for glass beads, Navajo, Berea, Obernkirchner, and Fort Union sandstones. The velocities and attenuations calculated as functions of stress, frequency, fluid type, and saturation are in good agreement with reported experimental data.
Through the front door: The housing outcomes of new lawful immigrants

Immigrants represent an increasingly vital component of the U.S. housing market, though there is a substantial and growing gap in homeownership rates between natives and the foreign born. We employ the New Immigrant Survey-2003 to examine the housing tenure of immigrants recently adjusted to new legal permanent resident status. The results reveal important cross-national differences in the linkages between transfers to the origin country, relationships with U.S. mainstream financial institutions, previous unauthorized experience, and housing tenure. Analyses also document that immigrants occupy three distinct housing outcomes in America; renting, owning, and living for free.
GATA-4 Activates Transcription Via Two Novel Domains That Are Conserved within the GATA-4/5/6 Subfamily

GATA-4 is one of the earliest developmental markers of the precardiac mesoderm, heart, and gut and has been shown to activate regulatory elements controlling transcription of genes encoding cardiac-specific proteins. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the transcriptional activity of the GATA-4 protein, structure-function analyses were performed. These analyses revealed that the C-terminal zinc finger and adjacent basic domain of GATA-4 is bifunctional, modulating both DNA-binding and nuclear localization activities. The N terminus of the protein encodes two independent transcriptional Activation Domains (amino acids 1-74 and amino acids 130-177). Amino acid residues were identified within each domain that are required for transcriptional activation. Finally, we have shown that regions of Xenopus GATA-5 and −6 corresponding to Activation Domains I and II, respectively, function as potent transcriptional activators. The identification and functional characterization of two evolutionarily conserved transcriptional Activation Domains within the GATA-4/5/6 subfamily suggests that each of these domains modulates critical functions in the transcriptional regulatory program(s) encoded by GATA-4, −5, and −6 during vertebrate development. As such these data provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms that control development of the heart.
Neighborhoods, social capital and economic success.

This study examines the relationship between neighborhoods, social capital and economic success. In the model developed in this research, social capital mediates the relationship between neighborhoods and economic success. Social capital represents social networks with their associated norms and resources and increases economic success by facilitating cooperation and by lowering transaction costs. Neighborhoods affect social capital through local interactions, network exclusion, social learning and social identity processes. An understudied part of these relationships is the existence of endogeneity among the key variables. Using data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, this study uses structural equation modeling to test the model empirically and find that social capital and economic success are endogenous, but while social capital increases economic success, economic success decreases social capital, ceteris paribus. I also find that social capital is highly dependent on neighborhood levels of social capital. These results suggest that place-based policies may be an effective method for increasing economic success.
Adversarial Economics in Antitrust Litigation: Losing Academic Consensus in the Battle of the Experts

The adversarial presentation of expert scientific evidence tends to obscure academic consensus. In the context of litigation, small, marginal disagreements can be made to seem important and settled issues can be made to appear hopelessly deadlocked. This Article explores this dynamic’s effect on antitrust litigation. Modern antitrust law is steeped in microeconomics, and suits rely heavily on economic expert witnesses. Indeed, expert testimony is often the “whole game” in an antitrust dispute because experts testify about dispositive issues such as the competitive effect of a business practice or the relevant boundaries of a market. And the Supreme Court has encouraged — even engineered — this delegation to economic authority. But when antitrust judges are faced with the appearance of deadlock among economic experts, they are forced to either decide the substance of the economics themselves or ask the jury to resolve it as a matter of fact. Both practices void much of the benefit of courtroom expertise. This Article examines several reforms that would make expert testimony less adversarial, and evaluates their ability to better reveal the true distribution of expert opinion on an economic question. It then presents two reforms that, while preserving the adversarial structure of expert evidence, would increase the chances that consensus economic views prevail at trial.