cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some thoughts on recent efforts to further systematize goffman

Erving Goffman (1922-1982) was certainly one of the most influential sociologists of the post-World War II era. As citation data from Social Science Citation Index and other sources indicate (see, e.g., Bock 1988; Chriss 1995a; MacCannell 1983; Oromaner 1980), interest in Goffman remains high both within sociology proper and in an ever-expanding number of disciplines across the social sciences and humanities as each "discovers" Goffman and begins to assimilate his writings into their respective disciplinary canons.2 Since Goffman's death in 1982 there have been a number of symposia, edited volumes, and full-length monographs dedicated to examining all or parts of his work. Two edited volumes appeared in the 1980s, beginning with Ditton (1980), and then followed by Drew and Wootton's ethnomethodologically oriented exegesis (1988). A year later the journal Human Studies published a symposium dedicated to exploring the phenomenological and philosophical roots of Goffman's thought, especially with respect to his substantive work on verbal forms of self-presentation (see the contributions by Atkinson 1989; Davies 1989; Hinnenkamp 1989; Rawls 1989; Smith 1989; Waksler 1989; Yearley and Brewer 1989). The 1990s have witnessed a continuing efflorescence in Goffman scholarship, as represented in such articles as Bovone (1993), Chriss (1995b,
AN APPROXIMATION SCHEME FOR CONTINUUM SHELL-MODEL CALCULATIONS.

Abstract In an earlier article we proposed a generalization of the MacDonald projected T -matrix theory as a basis for nuclear-scattering calculations. In this paper our old formalism is slightly modified and it is shown that a calculational scheme based on the modified formalism gives substantially better results than one based on the unmodified formalism.
Temperature regulation and water requirements of the monk parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus.

Monk parakeets have been introduced into North America within the past 15 years and are apparently becoming established in several geographical regions. Several physiological responses of monk parakeets related to climatic tolerance were examined, and it is concluded that the species is equipped physiologically to occupy most climatic situations with the exception of arctic and subarctic regions and waterless deserts. The standard metabolic rate, determined during the winter, was 44% lower at night (1.17 ml O2 g-1 hr-1) than during the day (1.68 ml O2 g-1 hr-1). Monk parakeets are relatively tolerant of low air temperature (Ta) and showed no signs of hypothermia at Ta's as low as-8°C. The birds were unable to maintain body weight on a diet of air-dried seeds without supplemental water. Monk parakeets possess excellent capabilities for increasing evaporative water loss at high Ta's, being able to dissipate up to 153% of their metabolic heat production at 44°C. This species responds to high Ta's with open-mouthed panting. During panting the thick, moist tongue is raised and lowered in synchrony with the thorax. Thus, monk parakeets may employ lingual flutter to augment evaporative cooling; a mechanism analogous to the gular flutter of other nonpasserine birds.
Metabolism of the nucleoside of 2 thiouracil (2-thiouridine) by rat liver slices

Metabolism of [2- 14 C]thiouridine by rat liver slices was studied. 2-Thiouridine was readily converted to acid-soluble nucleotides which were identified as thio-UMP, thio-UDP, and thio-UTP. Identification of the latter two thionucleotides was based on chromatographic characteristics on anion-exchange columns and thin-layer plates as well as the nature of the products formed after partial degradation. Two thio-UDP-conjugates, thio-UDP-glucose and thio-UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, were also identified by similar methods and by the incorporation of radioactive carbohydrate. The formation of thio-UDP-glucuronic acid was also suggested. [2- 14 C]Thiouridine was also incorporated into rat liver RNA and the radioactivity in RNA hydrolyzates, chromatographed on anion-exchange columns and thin-layer plates, was coincidental with authentic thio-UMP. Thus, it appears that pathways exist in mammalian cells by which thiouracil can be incorporated into thionucleotides, thio-UDP-conjugates, and RNA. The similarities in the metabolites formed from uridine and thiouridine suggest that the pathways for incorporation of thiouridine into thio-UDP conjugates and RNA are identical or at least strikingly similar to those utilizing uridine.
The MRE11-RAD50-XRS2 Complex, in Addition to Other Non-homologous End-joining Factors, Is Required for V(D)J Joining in Yeast *

Lymphoid cells of the vertebrate immune system rely on factors in the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) DNA repair pathway to form signal joints during V(D)J recombination. Unlike other end-joining reactions, signal joint formation is a specialized case of NHEJ that also requires the lymphoid-specific RAG proteins. Whether V(D)J recombination requires the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 complex remains an open question, as null mutations in any member of the complex are lethal in mammals. However, Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains carrying null mutations in components of the homologous Mre11p-Rad50p-Xrs2p (MRX) complex are viable. We therefore took advantage of a recently developed V(D)J recombination assay in yeast to assess the role of MRX in V(D)J joining. Here we confirmed that signal joint formation in yeast is dependent on the same NHEJ factors known to be required in mammalian cells. In addition, we showed an absolute requirement for the MRX complex in signal joining, suggesting that the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 complex may be required for signal joint formation in mammalian cells as well.
Polishing of filament-assisted CVD diamond films

A thermochemical polishing technique (using low carbon steel at 700 degree(s)C to 900 degree(s)C) was employed to reduce the roughness on the surface of diamond films from 20,000-40,000 angstroms rms to 30-45 angstroms rms. These polycrystalline films were grown by filament assisted chemical vapor deposition (FACVD) onto (100) oriented silicon substrates. SEM micrographs reveal etch pits in the films, and these limit the final polish which can be achieved. This paper show that the hot iron technique polishes a (111) oriented film, which is the hardest direction for abrasive polishing. Preliminary studies indicate that for chemical polishing there is no large difference between the polishing rates of diamond as a function of orientation.
Effects of Drain and Harvest Dates on Rice Sensory and Physicochemical Properties

ABSTRACT Timing of field draining and harvesting of rice with meteorological conditions can allow growers to foster conditions for high head rice yield (HRY). The effects of timing of draining and harvesting on rice sensory and physicochemical properties are not well understood. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of varying drain and harvest dates on the sensory and physicochemical properties of M-202 grown in California under controlled field conditions. Drain date had a significant (P 0.05) differences in texture were measured as a result of these parameters being low. Drain date did not affect the volatile composition or flavor of the rice. Harvest date had no effect (P > 0.05) on amylose content and a sig...
EUV component and system characterization at NIST for the support of extreme-ultraviolet lithography

There are many obstacles in the path to the commercialization of EUV lithography including optics lifetime and source power. The Photon Physics Group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology has programs to support the extreme-ultraviolet source and optics development community in their efforts to meet the needs of lithography tool makers. Extreme-ultraviolet detector and optics metrology have been key elements of the Photon Physics Group program for over a decade, and this program has expanded recently to allow the calibration of assembled instruments for source development metrology. This program also includes a dedicated beamline for the exposure of multilayer optics in a low-pressure water atmosphere to test the performance of optics under irradiation conditions similar to those expected in a stepper's projection optics box. In this paper we will outline our programs in multilayer optics testing and at-wavelength detector and optics metrology including descriptions of facilities, capabilities and future plans to further support the efforts to commercialize this important technology.
Liberation and depletion of histamine from human skin; effect of an antihistamine and hydrocortisone on the activity of the histamine liberator, compound 48/80.

Abstract 1.1. The diminished response to histamine in skin sites previously treated with the histamine liberator, compound 4880, was confirmed. 2.2. Pyribenzamine injected in the sites shortly before each injection of compound 4880 did not prevent depletion of histamine by the latter. 3.3. Pretreatment with Pyribenzamine prevented that degree of refractoriness apparently resulting from tissue damage by the histamine liberator. 4.4. These findings suggest that the refractoriness of the tissue to histamine response subsequent to treatment with the histamine liberator owes its action to the damaging effects of released histamine in intimate contact with the cell. 5.5. It is suggestive, but not conclusive, that the local protective action of hydrocortisone in these experiments is due mainly to histamine depletion.
Oral Health of Adults with Serious Mental Illnesses: A Review

(A) To assess the prevalence of suboptimal oral health in adults with SMI in studies published in 1971-2009; (B) To describe approaches that promote oral health among adults with SMI. A total of 57 randomized, quasi-randomized, cross-section, and cohort studies from samples of 38-4,769 mental health consumers are identified through database, journal, and Internet searches (Cochrane, FASTSTATS, PUBMED, WHO.int). Selected studies are inclusive for the sample, reported statistical power, and external validity. Oral health adverse outcomes (xerostomia, sialorrhoea, dental caries, extracted teeth, malocclusion, periodontal disease, edentulous, oral cancer) are considered as measurable outcomes. This review suggests a substantial prevalence of suboptimal oral health (61%) among individuals with serious mental illnesses. The following outcomes are mostly met: xerostomia, gross caries, decayed teeth, and periodontal disease. Poor oral hygiene, higher intake of carbonates, poor perception of oral health self-needs, length of psychotropic treatment, and less access to dental care determine suboptimal oral health among this population. Further replication of this research should generate gender-wise ethnic cohorts, including detailed observations of environmental factors, and medical problems that contribute to suboptimal oral health. This review highlights the importance of bridging dental health education to psychiatric rehabilitation programs.
Ionic interaction with bone mineral

The effect of Mg2+, citrate3−, F− and SO42− on the exchange of45Ca2+ and32PO43− with the mineral phase of bone (ethylenediamine-extracted) was determined under physiological conditions. Mg2+ substituted for Ca2+ at the adherent liquid film (hydration shell), while citrate3− displaced PO43− from both the adherent liquid film and the crystal surface. These bone-seeking elements thus increased the apparent solubility of bone mineral. In contrast, F− markedly reduced the concentration of Ca2+ and PO43− in both the ambient solution and the adherent liquid film, probably by inducing the formation of a CaF2 boundary layer at the crystal surface. There was a net uptake of Ca2+ and PO43− by the solids phase in the presence of Mg2+ and F−, but not in citrate3− solutions. SO42− did not significantly affect the solubility, dissolution, or growth of bone mineral.
Side Chain Chemistry Mediates Backbone Fragmentation in Hydrogen Deficient Peptide Radicals

A crown ether based, photolabile radical precursor which forms noncovalent complexes with peptides has been prepared. The peptide/precursor complexes can be electrosprayed, isolated in an ion trap, and then subjected to laser photolysis and collision induced dissociation to generate hydrogen deficient peptide radicals. It is demonstrated that these peptide radicals behave very differently from the hydrogen rich peptide radicals generated by electron capture methods. In fact, it is shown that side chain chemistry dictates both the occurrence and relative abundance of backbone fragments that are observed. Fragmentation at aromatic residues occurs preferentially over most other amino acids. The origin of this selectivity relates to the mechanism by which backbone dissociation is initiated. The first step is abstraction of a β-hydrogen from the side chain, followed by beta-elimination to yield primarily a-type fragment ions. Calculations reveal that those side chains which can easily lose a β-hydrogen correla...
Partial purification and characterization of Arabidopsis thalian A UDPG:thiohydroximate glucosyltransferase

Abstract UDPG:thiohydroximate glucosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.-), which catalyses the penultimate reaction in glucosinolate biosynthesis, was purified 1100-fold in 37% yield from Arabidopsis thaliana inflorescences. The enzyme possessed a native M r of 57 800 and a pI of 4.5. At its optimum pH of 6.0, it showed a K m for UDPG of 0.27 mM. Enzyme activity was stimulated 20–45% by thiol reducing agents (e.g. 2-mercaptoethanol, l -cysteine), CaCl 2 , MgCl 2 and MnCl 2 , but was greatly inhibited by ZnCl 2 , and CuCl 2 . With the exception of 1,10-phenanthroline (10 mM) which caused ca 50% inhibition, metal chelators had little effect upon glucosyltransferase activity. The sensitivity of the enzyme to several thiol blocking reagents suggests that sulphydryl groups are essential for GT activity. The purified Arabidopsis enzyme preparation lacked desulphoglucosinolate sulphotransferase activity.
Metabolism of 12-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid to vasodilatory trioxilin C3 by rabbit aorta

Abstract Arachidonic acid is metabolized by both the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways by rabbit aorta. We investigated the metabolism of 12-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid by aortic homogenates and microsomes. Rabbit aortic homogenates were incubated in the presence of 14 C-arachidonic acid plus 12-lipoxygenase and analyzed by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Under these experimental conditions, there was a 14 C-metabolite that migrated at 17.6 min. This 14 C-metabolite was not observed when aortic homogenates were incubated in the absence of 12-lipoxygenase. Similar results were obtained with aortic microsomes. Further analysis using a different HPLC solvent system resolved the 14 C-metabolite into a number of products. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis of the major product (labeled peak 3) after conversion to the methyl ester-trimethylsilyl derivative showed two major compounds (compounds A and B) eluting at 13.99 and 14.14 min. The two compounds differed in the intensities of the 213 and 243 m/z ions with 243 being greater than 213 in compound A and the opposite in compound B (relative abundance 213 vs. 243; 100% vs. 43% for compound A and 5% vs. 100% for compound B). Based on the mass spectra, peak 3 contained two metabolites identified as the methyl ester-trimethylsilyl ether derivatives of 8,11,12-trihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (trioxilin A 3 ) and 8,9,12-trihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (trioxilin C 3 ). Biological activity of the mixture of two trioxilins isolated from aortic homogenates was tested in phenylephrine-precontracted aortas and found to produce concentration-dependent relaxations (maximal relaxation: 20.1±7.6%). Further testing with authentic trioxilin A 3 and C 3 revealed that trioxilin C 3 was the active metabolite (maximal relaxation: 16.6±1.3%). In conclusion, trioxilin C 3 acid was isolated and identified as a novel biologically active arachidonic acid metabolite formed by rabbit aorta when 12-lipoxygenase is supplied exogenously.
ANALYSIS OF BASELINE AND SUBSEQUENT DATA IN A GERIATRIC STUDY USING VALIUM: METHODOLOGICAL NOTE.

Summary.-Psycho:ropic qualities oE Valium (diazepam) in liquid form were evaluated using 50 geriatric Ss during 3-wk. baseline ancl 2-wk. Jrug/placebo sequences. Almost every previously reported side or paradoxical effect was found during this baseline period. Reporting behavior of the nursing staff was shaped to accurate use of a report form during the first week. It was concluded that prior reports of side and paradoxical drug effects were nor necessarily demonstrated to be causally related to Vclium due to failure to control for covarying events. Typically, medical research involving clinical evali~ation of new drugs has not attempted to control systematically for covarying events which, when included in the findings, rend co obsare the resultant data (Clement, 1964). Thus, investigators frequently find themselves with a broad range of side and/or paradoxical effects which may or may not be drug related (Roche Laboratories, 1963). This study was undertaken to assess the psychotropic qualities of diazepam (Valium) in suspension for a geriatric population at Huntington State Hospital, Huntington, West Virginis. The research design called for 25 male and 25 female patients (M,,, = 65.94 yr., range of 51 and 96) to be evaluated over a 5-wk. period. The first 3 wk. were used to develop a referent baseline, with Weeks 1 and 2 on regular medication and third week on a placebo matched to diazepam in suspension form. During the fourth and fifth weeks patients were matched in a double-blind drug-placebo design. All patients were evaluated on a 29-parameter form daily by nursing service personnel. Psychiatric and psychological staff evaluated patients at the beginning and end of the study. Reporting behavior of the nursing staff was shaped to discrete response to the form during the first week. This was accomplished by the direccor of nurses, the supervisor, and the autt~or each asking the aide or nurse one question about a different patient each shift. Thus, the aide or nurse was reinforced up to 3 times per shift for adequate knowledge of his patients. The questions were made increasingly difficult during 5e week. However, care was exercised to permit the aides to emit correct responses 9 times out of 10. Reinforcement consisted of approbation. If an inappropriate response was given, reinforcement was withheld. One aide out of 24 was withdrawn and replaced from the study for failure ro reach the desired level of discrete response.
Internal and external scope in willingness-to-pay estimates for threatened and endangered wildlife

Abstract Economic theory suggests willingness-to-pay (WTP) should be significantly higher for a comprehensive good than for a subset of that good. We tested this using both a split sample design (external scope test) and paired responses (internal scope test) for WTP for several endangered fish and wildlife species in the US. In the paired response case we corrected for correlation of willingness-to-pay responses using a bivariate probit model. Surprisingly, the independent split samples passed the scope test but the paired samples did not. As the results contradict each other, questions of validity for policy implications are raised. However, using either approach, the benefit of maintaining critical habitat for these species exceeds the costs.
An antisuppressor mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae deficient in isopentenylated tRNA has reduced Δ2-isopentenylpyrophosphate: tRNA-Δ2-isopentenyl transferase activity

Abstract We have previously reported the isolation and initial characterization of a mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae , designated mod5-1 , that reduces the capacity of altered tyrosine tRNAs to suppress ochre nonsense mutations. The mutation results in the virtual elimination of the modified tRNA nucleoside, N -Δ 2 -(isopentenyl) adenosine, normally found adjacent to the anticodons of certain tRNA species. We demonstrate here that MOD5 codes for Δ 2 -isopentenylpyrophosphate: tRNA-Δ 2 -isopentenyl transferase, or a protein that regulates its synthesis.
Camptothecin-Based Regimens for Treatment of Ewing Sarcoma: sPast Studies and Future Directions

New therapies are needed to improve survival for patients with Ewing sarcoma. Over the past decade, camptothecin agents such as topotecan and irinotecan have demonstrated activity against Ewing sarcoma, especially in combination with alkylating agents. Previous studies have shown camptothecin-based combinations to be tolerable outpatient strategies that are attractive for salvage therapy. This paper highlights important issues related to drug dosing, schedule of administration, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and activity of commonly used camptothecin-based regimens. Also discussed are strategies for incorporating these regimens into therapy for newly diagnosed patients, including several potential possibilities for combination with targeted agents.
Transient response of a steady vertical flow subject to a change in surface heating rate

Abstract Transient natural convection response, following a change in heating rate at a surface, has been measured over a range of heating conditions, in water. A new steady state is achieved through several distinct processes. The first is a superimposed purely diffusive transient near the surface, which agrees with the solutions given. The flow then diverges into a general downstream developing transient. Flow solutions then indicate a propagating leading edge effect downstream. Thereafter, the transient approaches a new steady flow. Transport response, determined by visualizations and local velocity and temperature measurements, also agree with the calculations. Upstream flows remain laminar throughout the transient. Downstream, both transient transition and turbulence enhance local heat transfer. This suggests that general heat transfer enhancement may be achieved by programmed changes in imposed heat flux levels.
Measurement and modeling of a large-scale overlay for multimedia streaming

This paper presents results from our measurement and modeling efforts on the large-scale peer-to-peer (p2p) overlay graphs spanned by the PPLive system which is arguably the most popular and largest multimedia streaming p2p system today. We believe that our findings can be used to understand large-scale p2p streaming systems for future planning of resource usage, and to provide useful and practical hints for future design of large-scale p2p streaming systems. Unlike other previous studies on PPLive, which focused on either network-centric or user-centric measurements of the system, our study is unique in (a) focusing on PPLive overlay-specific characteristics, and (b) being the first to derive mathematical models for its distributions of channel population size and session length.Our studies also reveal characteristics of multimedia streaming p2p overlays that are markedly different from existing file-sharing p2p overlays. Specifically, we find that: (1) Small PPLive overlays (as many as 500 nodes) are similar to random graphs in structure, (2) Average degree of a peer in the overlay (i.e., its out-degree) is independent of channel population size, (3) The availability correlation between PPLive peer pairs is bimodal, i.e., some pairs have highly correlated availability, while others have no correlation, (4) Unlike p2p file-sharing users, PPLive peers are impatient, (5) Session lengths (discretized, per channel) are typically geometrically distributed, (6) Channel Population Size variations are larger than in p2p file-sharing networks, yet they can be fitted with polynomial mathematical models. We conclude with a series of suggestions on how our findings can improve IPTV future design.
Calibration of the Berkeley EUV Airglow Rocket Spectrometer

The Berkeley Extreme-ultraviolet Airglow Rocket Spectrometer (BEARS), a multiinstrument sounding rocket payload, made comprehensive measurements of the earth's dayglow. The primary instruments consisted of two near-normal Rowland mount spectrometers: one channel to measure several atomic oxygen features at high spectral resolution (about 1.5 A) in the band passes 980-1040 and 1300-1360 A, and the other to measure EUV dayglow and the solar EUV simultaneously in a much broader bandpass (250-1150 A) at moderate resolution (about 10 A). The payload also included a hydrogen Lyman-alpha photometer to monitor the solar irradiance and goecoronal emissions. The instrument was calibrated at the EUV calibration facility at the University of California at Berkeley, and was subsequently launched successfully on September 30, 1988 aboard a four-stage experimental sounding rocket, Black Brant XII flight 12.041 WT. The calibration procedure and resulting data are presented.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and cryptococcal meningitis with systemic lupus erythematosus and thymoma

A patient with a malignant thymoma developed systemic lupus erythematosus with neurological involvement and multiple infectious complications, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and cryptococcal meningitis. Data from this patient and studies by others are consistent with the concept that all cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy are associated with a defect in cellular immunity.
Proliferative response of mammary gland mononuclear cells to recombinant bovine interleukin-2

Abstract Methods of augmenting bovine mononuclear cell responsiveness during physiological transitions of the udder may enhance resistance of the mammary gland to intramammary infections. Interleukin-2 is required for proliferation of T-lymphocytes and may contribute to B-lymphocyte proliferation. Recombinant bovine interleukin-2 (rBoIL-2) was evaluated as a potential immunoenhancer of bovine mammary gland mononuclear cells. Bovine mononuclear cells were isolated from five primiparous Holstein cows at 14–18 and 28–32 days of involution and at 7–13 days prior to parturition. Bovine blood and mammary gland mononuclear cells were highly responsive to rBoIL-2. Response of mammary gland mononuclear cells to rBoIL-2 was comparable with response of blood mononuclear cells. These data suggest that rBoIL-2 may be an effective immunoenhancer of bovine mononuclear cells during the non-lactating and prepartum periods.
Robust control of initiation of prokaryotic chromosome replication: essential considerations for a minimal cell.

A genomically and chemically detailed mathematical model of a “minimal cell” would be useful to understand better the “design logic” of cellular regulation. A “minimal cell” will be a prokaryote with the minimum number of genes necessary for growth and replication in an ideal environment (i.e., preformed precursors, constant temperature, etc.). The Cornell single-cell model of Escherichia coli serves as the basic framework upon which a minimal cell model can be constructed. A critical issue for any cell model is to describe a mechanism for control of initiation of chromosome replication. There is strong evidence that the essence of chromosome replication control is highly conserved in eubacteria and even extends to the archae. A generalized mechanism is possible based on binding of the protein DnaA-ATP to the origin of replication (oriC) as a primary control. Other features, such as regulatory inactivation of DnaA (RIDA) by conversion of DnaA-ATP to DnaA-ADP and titration of DnaA by binding to other DnaA boxes on the chromosome, have emerged as critical elements in obtaining a functional system to control initiation of chromosome synthesis. We describe a biologically realistic model of chromosome replication initiation control embedded in a complete whole-cell model that explicitly links the external environment to the mechanism of replication control. The base model is deterministic and then modified to include stochastic variation in the components for replication control. The stochastic model allows evaluation of the model's robustness, employing a low standard deviation of interinitiation time as a measure of robustness. Four factors were examined: DnaA synthesis rate; DnaA-ATP binding sites at oriC; the binding rate of DnaA-ATP to the nonfunctional DnaA boxes; and the effect of changing the number of nonfunctional binding sites. The observed DnaA synthesis rate (2000 molecules/cell) and the number of DnaA binding sites per origin (30) are close to the values predicted by the model to provide good control (low variance of interinitiation time), with a reasonable expenditure of cell resources. At relatively high binding rates for DnaA-ATP to the DnaA boxes (1016M−1 s−1), increasing the number of DnaA binding sites to about 300, improved control (but little further improvement was seen by extension to 1000 boxes); however, at a low binding rate (1010M−1 s−1), an increase in DnaA boxes had an adverse effect on control. The combination of all four factors is probably necessary to obtain a robust control system. Although this mechanism of replication initiation control is highly conserved, it is not clear if simpler control in a minimal cell might exist based on experimental observations with Mycoplasma. This issue is discussed in this investigation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Alkali Dipping on Dough and Final Product Quality

The effects of alkali dipping on starch, protein, and color changes in hard pretzel products have never been researched. Experiments were conducted to mimic reactions occurring on the pretzel dough surface. Dough was dipped in water or 1% sodium hydroxide solution at different temperatures between 50 degrees C and 80 degrees C. Protein and starch profile after dipping were analyzed. Color development on pretzel surface following the extraction of pigments from flour was investigated. Whole dough and pretzel samples were also made at pilot plant and the properties were analyzed. Only starch granules on the dough surface were gelatinized following dipping. Amylose-lipid complex dissociated at a lower temperature with alkali treatment but were not dissociated, even at high-temperature dipping in water. Treating the dough at 80 degrees C in alkali solution resulted in the hydrolysis of proteins into smaller peptides that could be not precipitated by trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Dough surface color was different following pigment extraction from flour but not significantly different following baking. The results suggest that the color that developed on pretzel surface was not due to pigments present in the flour but was contributed by the reaction within or between the starch and protein hydrolysis derivatives during baking.
Importance of β-Lactamase Inactivation in Treatment of Experimental Endocarditis Caused by Staphylococcus aureus

To test the hypothesis that cephalosporins resistant to beta-lactamase are preferred in the treatment of serious staphyloccal infections, the ability of four cephalosporins to eradicate bacteria from the cardiac vegetations of rabbits with experimental endocarditis was examined. Two strains of Staphylococcus aureus were chosen as pathogens: one that rapidly and completely inactivated 50 micrograms of cefazolin in vitro (beta-lactamase-positive) and another that did not inactivate any cephalosporin (beta-lactamase-negative). Rabbits with a polyethylene catheter in the left ventricle were reliably infected witih 10(5) bacteria. Similar numbers of S. aureus were recovered from the cardiac vegetations of rabbits inoculated with the beta-lactamase-positive strain after 24 hr of treatment with each of four cephalosporins. However, when the animals were treated at intervals of 6 hr for four days, significantly fewer rabbits survived after treatment with cefazolin than with cephalothin. No difference in survival was observed in the treatment of rabbits with endocarditis due to the beta-lactamase-negative strain. The failure of cefazolin in the treatment of staphylococcal endocarditis in rabbits may be due to inactivation of the drug by beta-lactamase in vivo.
Hypothetical phase diagram of BaOY2O3CuOx ternary system

Abstract Solidification principles have been applied to construct a space model and a pseudo-binary phase diagram of the BaOY 2 O 3 CuO x ternary system for the liquid-phase-epitaxial (LPE) growth of YBa 2 Cu 3 O x films. Experimental data such as film orientation and transition temperature, obtained from the LPE-grown films, are in excellent agreement with those obtained from other techniques.
Some Results on Optimal Control for a Partially Observed Linear Stochastic System with an Exponential Quadratic Cost

Abstract A control problem for a partially observed linear stochastic system with an exponential quadratic cost functional is formulated and explicitly solved. It is assumed given that the estimation of the state is described by the solution of the information filter which is known. This solution is a sufficient statistic for the unknown state based on the observations. In this paper an optimal control is determined explicitly in a simple, direct manner from this sufficient statistic. This approach does not use either the solution of a Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation or a stochastic maximum principle with backward stochastic differential equations. This control problem is often called a linear partially observed risk sensitive control problem.
Optimizing the properties of isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymers by statistically designed experiments

The properties of isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymers were optimized through the use of statistically designed experiments. A simple 2 × 2 factorial with centerpoint statistical design was used to determine the effect the diol-to-triol ratio and per cent free isocyanate had on the viscosity of the prepolymer. Combinations of a 1000 or 2000 molecular weight diol with either a 1500 or 4100 molecular weight triol showed that a reasonable range of viscosity could be maintained only with the 4100 molecular weight triol. A nine-point design was then utilized to predict the best levels of free isocyanate and polyol ratio that would yield cured urethane polymers with the highest tensile strengths, moduli, and elongations. With this design, second-order equations were computed that predict the mechanical responses of urethane polymers based on the free isocyanate and polyol ratio used in its formulation.
Ventilatory responses to dynamic exercise elicited by intramuscular sensors

PURPOSE: Eight subjects, aged 27.0+/-1.6 yr, performed incremental workload cycling to investigate the contribution of skeletal muscle mechano- and metaboreceptors to ventilatory control during dynamic exercise. METHODS: Each subject performed four bouts of exercise: exercise with no intervention (CON); exercise with bilateral thigh cuffs inflated to 90 mm Hg (CUFF); exercise with application of lower-body positive pressure (LBPP) to 45 torr (PP); and exercise with 90 mm Hg thigh cuff inflation and 45 torr LBPP (CUFF+PP). Ventilatory responses and pulmonary gas exchange variables were collected breath-by-breath with concomitant measurement of leg intramuscular pressure. RESULTS: Ventilation (VE) was significantly elevated from CON during PP and CUFF+PP at workloads corresponding to > or = 60% CON peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and during CUFF at workloads > or = 80% CON VO2peak, P < 0.05. The VO2 at which ventilatory threshold occurred was significantly reduced from CON (2.17+/-0.28 L x min(-1)) to 1.60+/-0.19 L x min(-1), 1.45+/-0.15 L x min(-1), and 1.15+/-0.11 L x min(-1) during CUFF, PP, and CUFF+PP, respectively. The slope of the linear regression describing the VE/CO2 output relationship was increased from CON by approximately 22% during CUFF, 40% during PP, and 41% during CUFF+PP. CONCLUSIONS: As intramuscular pressure was significantly elevated immediately upon application of LBPP during PP and CUFF+PP without a concomitant increase in VE, it seems unlikely that LBPP-induced increases in VE can be attributed to activation of the mechanoreflex. These findings suggest that LBPP-induced reductions in perfusion pressure and decreases in venous outflow resulting from inflation of bilateral thigh cuffs may generate a metabolite sensitive intramuscular ventilatory stimulus.
On bankruptcy information systems

Abstract Bankruptcy prediction information systems provide a noisy signal. Thus, these information systems are not perfectly reliable. This paper investigates a means for including the reliability of the signal into a basic bankruptcy prediction model. Then the implications of integrating reliability into the model are explored. The results indicate that the model is highly sensitive to reliability. As a result, the bankruptcy decision models should include information system reliability or else decision outcomes can be suboptimal (for example, loans made when they should not be or not made when they should be). The results also indicate that some heuristics that may be used by decision makers to account for reliability are likely to lead to quite misleading results.
Cyclic flow variations after coronary angioplasty in humans: clinical and angiographic characteristics and elimination with 7E3 monoclonal antiplatelet antibody.

Objectives. We tested the hypothesis that cyclic alterations in coronary artery blood flow that occurred after coronary angioplasty could he attenuated or abolished by a monoclonal antibody to the platelet surface membrane GP IIb/IIIa receptor. Background. Coronary artery cyclic flow variations may occur after coronary angioplasty in experimental animal models and humans. In animal models of coronary thrombosis, cyclic alterations in flow often have preceded thrombotic occlusion or reocclusion. Several agents that inhibit platelet function have been shown to attenuate or eliminate cyclic flow variations in these models. Methods. We monitored coronary artery flow in 27 patients for 30 min after coronary angioplasty, using 0.018-in. (0.046 cm) coronary guide wires with pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound transducers on the distal tips. Clinical data were collected and quantitative analyses performed on coronary arteriograms made before and after the angioplasty procedures. We compared findings in patients with and without cyclic flow variations detected. Results. There were 20 men and 7 women. Mean age was 58 years, and 63% had unstable angina. They received standard doses of nitrates, aspirin, heparin, calcium channel antagonists and other medications clinically indicated. Nevertheless, we detected cyclic flow variations in five patients (19%). Four of these patients had stable flow restored with intravenous injection of 0.25 mg/kg normal body weight of monoclonal antibody c7E3 Fab to the platelet GP Ilb/IIIa receptor. In one patient, stable flow was restored by repeat dilation when an immediate angtogram revealed renarrowing. Patients developing cyclic alterations in flow had longer lesions (18.7 ± 7.5 mm vs. 13.1 ± 5.7 mm, p < 0.05) that had responded less well to angioplasty (stenosis postangioplasty 47 ± 13% vs. 33 ± 15%, p < 0.05). Conclusions. Cyclic alterations in coronary artery blood flow may occur in some patients after coronary angioplasty, despite the use of standard antiplotelet, antithrombotic and antivasospastic medications. We found that they could be eliminated by this monoclonal antibody that blocks the final common event of platelet aggregation.
Motor Development: Recognizing Our Roots, Charting Our Future

In this paper I explore the common history of developmental psychology and motor development, concluding that the field of motor development should be defined in a manner analogous to the way its parent field, developmental psychology, is defined. Therefore, I view the study of motor development as the study of change in motor behavior across the lifespan. This was the implicit definition used by the first textbook in the field, Espenschade and Eckert's (1967) Motor Development. Two implications of this definition are (a) with change in motor behavior as the focus of study, age becomes a “marker variable” in developmental research, and (b) the lifespan perspective frees (and forces) motor development researchers to reexamine causation. These implications further suggest that the organismic paradigm is no longer sufficient for the field of motor development. I propose that general systems theory, exemplified in the study of motor development by dynamical systems theory, is a possible, new paradigm for life...
Successful nonoperative management of typhlitis in pediatric oncology patients.

Abstract Background/Purpose: The optimal management for typhlitis in pediatric oncology patients has not always been clear from the medical literature. Trends have varied between operative and nonoperative approaches. The aim of this study was to review the successful nonoperative management of these patients at our institution over the last decade to further clarify management guidelines for this difficult problem. Methods: Medical records of pediatric hematology and oncology patients up to 21 years of age with typhlitis diagnosed at the DeVos Children's Hospital from 1990 to 2000 were reviewed. Results: Twelve patients were included. Ten patients (83%) with computed tomography (CT) scans suggestive of the diagnosis were treated successfully nonoperatively. Management usually included bowel rest, antibiotics, and supplemental parenteral nutrition. Two patients (17%) in whom CT scans were not obtained underwent surgery for presumed appendicitis and pneumoperitoneum, respectively. Typhlitis was found incidentally. In the latter patient, the pneumoperitoneum resulted from a perforated jejunum caused by graft-versus-host disease. This patient died of septic complications and was the only mortality in the series (8%). Conclusions: Pediatric cancer patients with typhlitis can be treated carefully nonoperatively with bowel rest, antibiotics, and supplemental nutrition. Usual indications for surgery (ie, perforation, clinical deterioration) still should be used. The early use of CT scanning helps to facilitate the diagnosis and may provide the ability to differentiate typhlitis from other abdominal diseases for which surgery would be indicated. J Pediatr Surg 37:1151-1155. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
QSEA for fuzzy subgraph querying of KEGG pathways

As biological pathway databases continually increase in size and availability, efficient tools and techniques to query these databases are needed to mine useful biological information. A plethora of existing techniques already allow for exact or approximate query matching. Despite initial success, powerful techniques used for XML and RDF query matching have yet to be sufficiently exploited for use in query matching in the bioinformatics domain. In this paper, we employ the transitive closure to focus on matching hierarchical queries, i.e., finding pathways or graphs that possess a query's overall hierarchical structure. This approach allows for a greater latitude in fuzzy matching by focusing on the overall hierarchies of queries and graphs. Since hierarchies are only inherent in directed acyclic graphs, we have also developed a robust heuristic to heuristically solve the minimum feedback arc set problem. Analysis on 53 H. sapiens and 23 S. cerevisiae cyclic KEGG pathways have shown that our heuristic performs quite favorably. We have implemented the techniques in an easy to use GUI software QSEA (Query Structure Enrichment Analysis). Binaries are freely available at http://code.google.com/p/s-e-a/ for Windows and MAC.
Facility siting and integer-friendly programming

Abstract Facility siting on networks has been accomplished with some success via integer linear programming formulations of a particular character. Specifically, ‘constraint expansion’, often brings about zero-one solutions with little or no branching and bounding. Additionally, when multi-objective zero-one programming problems require solution, the weighting method may often be employed with some success. Examples of constraint-expanded and multi-objective problems from facility siting and from other settings are analyzed for common features.
Implicit interpolation error-based error estimation for reaction-diffusion equations in two space dimensions

Several authors have proposed an error estimation strategy for the finite element method applied to linear reaction-diffusion equations in two space dimensions based on an odd/even-order dichotomy principle. For odd-order approximations the estimates are computed directly. For even-order approximations a second solution is computed. Although both estimators are asymptotically exact the latter are more robust than the former. Herein the even-order method is extended to all orders greater than one, thereby recovering robustness for odd orders. Proofs of asymptotic exactness are extended to nonlinear reaction-diffusion equations. Computational results demonstrating their effectiveness are presented.
Spectroscopy: Clear signals from surfaces.

Nuclear magnetic resonance is a versatile analytical technique, but acquiring well-resolved NMR spectra of chemical surfaces has been hard. The coming of age of a spectral enhancement method should change all that.
Heart rate variability and cardiovascular fitness in senior athletes

To determine if the age-associated decline in heart rate variability is due in part to decreases in fitness levels, we compared heart rate variability parameters in older athletes and age-matched sedentary persons. All heart rate variability parameters were superior in the athletes, consistent with an enhanced cardiac vagal modulation in the athlete.
The Air Flow Characteristics of an Annular Exhaust Hood

Abstract This paper presents the face velocity profiles and static pressures for an annular hood used around the opening of a 55-gallon drum. Nine combinations of slot width and flow were measured using a hot wire anemometer and electronic manometer. In addition, the hood's air flow patterns visualized using smoke were studied. The data for the velocity and static pressure measurements are presented in tables in the paper. Pictures of the smoke tests are also presented. The study shows that even air distribution can be achieved along the hood's slot using a baffle and variable width slot. The study also shows that appreciable velocities can be achieved in the center portion of the hood face.
Managing shoreline retreat: a US perspective

As sea level rises, coastal communities will face increased risks of flooding, storm surge, and inundation. In some areas, structural protective measures will be built, and for some properties, accommodation to sea level rise may be possible. For other areas, however, some form of retreat will be either preferred on economic or sociopolitical grounds or required given fiscal constraints. This paper considers how society can proactively manage shoreline retreat in those locations where it is deemed the preferable policy. A three-part strategy is proposed: (1) reduce new development in the highest-risk areas; (2) adopt policies that allow for expected and orderly removal or modification of development as inundation occurs; and (3) take advantage of disasters to implement managed retreat approaches. Specific policies are recommended and the challenges of institutional change discussed.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: treatment with plasmapheresis

Twenty-one episodes of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) were treated with plasmapheresis. Adjunctive agents included corticosteroids, aspirin, dipyridamole, and vincristine. There were 17 patients; 12 were female. The median age was 41 years. Most patients presented with neurologic symptoms. Thrombocytopenia was profound with a mean initial platelet count of 14,900/mm3. The mean hematocrit on presentation was 26.7% and the mean LDH 1300 IU/L. Eighteen episodes responded completely following plasmapheresis/plasma exchange (86%). Response was prompt, the initial rise in platelet count occurred after a mean of four exchanges, and complete response (a platelet count over 150,000/mm3) was obtained after a mean of nine exchanges. Four of the episodes treated were relapses that occurred in three patients. All responders are alive with a median duration of follow-up of 20 months. The three patients who failed to respond have died. This report extends recent observations that the addition of plasmapheresis/plasma exchange to the therapy of TTP has significantly improved the outlook for patients with this disorder.