cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biomolecular Solvation in Theory and Experiment

The modern understanding of biological macromolecules is unthinkable without a consideration of the solvent environment [1] . Solvent is crucial for the functioning of biological systems both directly, by actively participating in biological processes, and indirectly, by stabilizing biologically active conformations of protein s and nucleic acid s. The aqueous milieu of virtually all living environments singles out water as the most important biomolecular solvent. Water is an extremely versatile solvent owing to its small size, and its inherently polar and polarizable nature. Its ability to act as both a hydrogen bond acceptor and donor allows it to form a variety of structures that can easily adapt to changes in environmental conditions and in particular to the presence of biomolecules and other co solute s. The interaction of water with biomolecules is a complex subject that has been studied for many decades. While the study of biomolecular solvation remains the focus of current research efforts, there are a number of major themes that have crystallized from past studies:
Performance Measurement, Implementation Issues

This article discusses some of the primary technical and organizational issues facing organizations' performance measurement system implementation efforts. Among the primary challenges are selecting and interpreting performance measures and overcoming information system limitations, as well as overcoming organizational resistance and providing adequate top management support, decision-making authority, and training. Organizations must consider these technical and organizational issues if they are to successfully implement new performance measurement systems. Keywords: performance measurement; information technology; strategy map; decision-making; organizational culture
ROLE OF POTASSIUM IN THE OXIDATIVE METABOLISM OF MICROCOCCUS SODONENSIS

Perry, Jerome J. (The University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill.), and James B. Evans. Role of potassium in the oxidative metabolism of Micrococcus sodonensis. J. Bacteriol. 82:551–555. 1961.—An absolute potassium requirement has been established for the growth of Micrococcus sodonensis with lactate or pyruvate as substrate. Potassium at 0.67 × 10−2m concentration was necessary for maximal growth. Resting cell and cell-free preparations from cells grown on minimal levels of potassium were stimulated by potassium but, due to residual or bound cation, did not show an absolute requirement. Rubidium and cesium replaced potassium in these cells although cesium is much less effective.
Rates and correlates of undetermined deaths among African Americans: Results from the national violent death reporting system

Little is known about the factors associated with undetermined death classifications among African Americans. In this study, the rates of undetermined deaths were assessed, the prevalence of missing information was estimated, and whether the circumstances preceding death differ by race were examined. Data were derived from the 2005-2008 National Violent Death Reporting System. African Americans had higher prevalence of missing information than Whites. African Americans classified as undetermined deaths were more likely to be older, women, never married/single, to have had a blood alcohol content at or above the legal limit, and to have had a substance abuse problem. The results suggest that racial differences in the preponderance and the type of evidence surrounding the death may affect death classification.
Replication of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Broth Culture

Low, Iolanda E. (Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.), and Monroe D. Eaton. Replication of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in broth culture. J. Bacteriol. 89:725–728. 1965.—Reproducible growth curves of Mycoplasma pneumoniae can be obtained with the use of shaking cultures, which allows earlier and higher yields of the organism than stationary or roller cultures. Decreasing oxygen tension clearly decreases the growth of M. pneumoniae to barely detectable levels, with or without glucose or pyruvate as substrates. The use of phenol red as a pH indicator in the medium is helpful in judging the replication of a culture so that log-phase organisms can be harvested in large amounts.
Reversible Posterior Leucoencephalopathy Syndrome Following Duloxetine: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Reversible Posterior Leucoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS) is a disorder characterized by headaches, confusion, and/or decreased level of consciousness, seizures, and visual changes. A 58-year-old female was found unresponsive, with generalized rigidity and urinary incontinence for unknown duration. On presentation, she was febrile, tachycardic, tachypneic, and hypertensive. Neurological exam showed increased muscle tone and brisk deep tendon reflexes. Brain MRI revealed gyriform edema and white matter hypodensities in parieto-occipital regions consistent with RPLS. Discontinuation of duloxetine, one of her home medications, led to resolution of symptoms. We report this case to discuss the syndrome of RPLS and propose the role of duloxetine in causing hypertension and cerebral vasoconstriction leading to RPLS. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of RPLS resulting from the use of duloxetine. doi:10.4021/jmc98w
BEM SOLUTION OF THE 3D INTERNAL NEUMANN PROBLEM AND A REGULARIZED FORMULATION FOR THE POTENTIAL VELOCITY GRADIENTS

The direct boundary element method is an excellent candidate for imposing the normal flux boundary condition in vortex simulation of the three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations. For internal flows, the Neumann problem governing the velocity potential that imposes the correct normal flux is ill-posed and, in the discrete form, yields a singular matrix. Current approaches for removing the singularity yield unacceptable results for the velocity and its gradients. A new approach is suggested based on the introduction of a pseudo-Lagrange multiplier, which redistributes localized discretization errors—endemic to collocation techniques— over the entire domain surface, and is shown to yield excellent results. Additionally, a regularized integral formulation for the velocity gradients is developed which reduces the order of the integrand singularity from four to two. This new formulation is necessary for the accurate evaluation of vorticity stretch, especially as the evaluation points approach the boundaries. Moreover, to guarantee second-order differentiability of the boundary potential distribution, a piecewise quadratic variation in the potential is assumed over triangular boundary elements. Two independent node-numbering systems are assigned to the potential and normal flux distribu- tions on the boundary to account for the single- and multi-valuedness of these variables, respectively. As a result, higher accuracy as well as significantly reduced memory and computational cost is achieved for the solution of the Neumann problem. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
REDUCED TRANSFER OF CALCIUM ACROSS THE IN SITU PERFUSED PLACENTAE OF INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RETARDED (IUGR) RAT FETUSES

Neonatal rickets has been associated with IUGR secondary to conditions of reduced utero-placental blood flow during pregnancy, e.g., toxemia. There are no studies of calcium transport in IUGR. To test the hypothesis that chronic reduction in utero-placental blood flow impairs materno-fetal calcium transfer, placental calcium transfer was studied using an in situ placental perfusion technique (Mughal et al, 1986, J Physiol 377, 5 P) in rats where IUGR was induced by bilateral uterine artery ligation on day 17 of gestation, & in control animals. On day 20 of gestation (term=22 days), animals were anesthetised with intraperitoneal sodium thiobutabarbitol & fetal circulation of one of the placentas (PI) was perfused via an umbilical artery cannula with Kreb's Ringer solution. 45Ca & 51Cr-EDTA (diffusional marker) were injected into the mother, & their steady state clearance (C1) from maternal circulation to perfusate was calculated from samples collected from a cannula in the umbilical vein. (mean ± SEM) Thus, the total fetal calcium is reduced in IUGR fetuses; the reduction was proportionate to body weight reduction. The steady state materno-perfusate transfer of calcium, but not the diffusional marker, is markedly reduced across placenta of growth retarded fetuses, presumably due to diminished active placental transfer of calcium.
The effects of shoulder joint abduction angles on the muscle activity of the serratus anterior muscle and the upper trapezius muscle while vibrations are applied

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the ratio between the upper trapezius and the serratus anterior muscles during diverse shoulder abduction exercises applied with vibrations in order to determine the appropriate exercise methods for recovery of scapular muscle balance. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four subjects voluntarily participated in this study. The subjects performed shoulder abduction at various shoulder joint abduction angles (90°, 120°, 150°, 180°) with oscillation movements. [Results] At 120°, all the subjects showed significant increases in the muscle activity of the serratus anterior muscle in comparison with the upper trapezius muscle. However, no significant difference was found at angles other than 120°. [Conclusion] To selectively strengthen the serratus anterior, applying vibration stimuli at the 120° shoulder abduction position is considered to be appropriate.
The effect of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid on naloxone-precipitated opiate withdrawal

Because gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a GABA metabolite, attenuated spontaneous opiate withdrawal in a prior study, we studied GHB's effect on naloxone-precipitated opiate withdrawal. Eight opiate-dependent inpatients were stabilized on the opioid levorphanol, 18 mg daily. After an initial acclimatization challenge, subjects underwent three double-blind challenges on consecutive days. Pretreatment in a balanced randomization was with either placebo, GHB, 15 mg/kg, or GHB, 30 mg/kg, followed an hour later by intravenous naloxone, 0.4 mg/70 kg. GHB produced no significant attenuation of multiple withdrawal measures except for hot-cold feelings. GHB pretreatment slightly accelerated respiration prior to naloxone. Differences with prior studies may be due to (1) timing of GHB administration (giving postwithdrawal in prior studies), (2) direct reversal of GHB's anti-withdrawal effects by naloxone, or (3) differences between naloxone-precipitated and spontaneous opiate withdrawal.
Nonlinear electron properties of an InGaAs/InAlAs-based ballistic deflection transistor: Room temperature DC experiments and numerical simulations

Abstract We present a detailed experimental and numerical study of a novel device so-called ballistic deflection transistor (BDT). Based on InGaAs–InAlAs heterostructure on InP substrate, BDT utilizes a two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) supported by a gated microstructure to achieve nonlinear electron transport at room temperature. BDT channel is larger than the mean free path implying that electron transport is not purely ballistic in nature. However, the asymmetric geometrical deflection combined with the electron steering caused by the applied differential gate voltages ultimately results in an attractive nonlinear behavior of the BDT useful for the working of the large scale devices at room temperature. Device performance was studied by analyzing the effects of several modifications of the BDT geometry and biasing conditions, both experimentally and by numerical simulations.
Evidence for some uplifts of large magnitude in continental platforms

Abstract Net relative vertical movements of continental surfaces can be identified and compared on an intercontinental scale by calculating percentages of flooding on continents at specific time intervals in the geologic past and then plotting the percentages on the corresponding hypsometric curves. Once a sea level curve is determined, the effects of sea level change can be subtracted from the elevation of the points on the curves, thereby giving the actual directions of net movements relative to sea level. Substantial net uplifts relative to other continents are indicated for Europe and Australia between the Albian and Turonian, for North America in the Cenozoic and for Africa between the Eocene and present. Narrower estimates of the time of uplift are not yet possible because the hypsometric curves are highly generalized and the paleogeographic data contain an unknown amount of error. Estimates of sea level changes suggest a late Cretaceous sea level elevation of about 200 m above present sea level. If correct, all areas that were covered by the late Cretaceous sea and that now lie above 200 m have been uplifted since the Cretaceous. The largest areas of uplift are in the Western Interior of North America and in northern and northeastern Africa, suggesting that uplift of these areas could account for the large net uplift during the Cenozoic in these two continents. The uplift in northern and northeastern Africa appears to be related, in part, to plateau uplifts and rifting. The origin of uplift in the Western Interior is less clear but may be an isostatic adjustment following late Cretaceous to early Tertiary driving subsidence and sediment loading in the Western Interior foreland basin.
Mapping noncovalent ligand binding to stemloop domains of the HIV-1 packaging signal by tandem mass spectrometry.

The binding modes and structural determinants of the noncovalent complexes formed by aminoglycoside antibiotics with conserved domains of the HIV-1 packaging signal (Ψ-RNA) were investigated using electrospray ionization (ESI) Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS). The location of the aminoglycoside binding sites on the different stemloop structures was revealed by characteristic coverage gaps in the ion series obtained by sustained off-resonance irradiation collision induced dissociation (SORI-CID) of the antibiotic-RNA assemblies. The site positions were confirmed using mutants that eliminated salient structural features of the Ψ-RNA domains. The effects of the mutations on the binding properties of the different substrates served to validate the position of the aminoglycoside site on the wild-type structures. Additional information was provided by docking experiments performed on the different aminoglycoside-stemloop complexes. The results have shown that, in the absence of features disrupting the regular A-helix of the double-stranded stem, aminoglycosides tend to bind in an area situated between the upper stem and the loop regions, as demonstrated for stemloop SL3. The presence of a tandem wobbles motif in SL4 modifies the regular geometry of the upper stem, which does not affect the general site location, but greatly increases its solution binding affinity compared with SL3. The platform motif in SL2 locates the binding site in the stem midsection and confers upon this stemloop an intermediate affinity toward aminoglycosides. In SL3 and SL4, the extensive overlap of the antibiotic site with the region used to bind the nucleocapsid (NC) protein provides the basis for a competition mechanism that could explain the aminoglycoside inhibition of the NC·SL3 and NC·SL4 assemblies. In contrast, the minimal overlap between the aminoglycoside and the NC sites in SL2 accounts for the absence of inhibition of the NC·SL2 complex.
Methods for Forecasting from Intentions Data

Intentions are measures of individuals’ plans, goals, or expectations about what they will do in the future and are often used to forecast what people will do in the future. I develop nine principles from past studies of the predictive accuracy of intentions data that concern how to measure intentions, how to best use intentions to forecast, and reasons why forecasters should be cautious when using intentions. The principles relating to intentions measurement state that intentions should be measured using probability scales and that respondents should be instructed to focus on their own individual characteristics when responding to intentions questions. The principles relating to using intentions to forecast behavior state that intentions need to be adjusted to remove biases, that respondents should be segmented prior to adjusting intentions, and that intentions can be used to develop best- and worst-case forecasts. Further, one principle states that more reliance should be placed on predictions from intentions for behaviors in which respondents have previously participated. Finally, the principles relating to why researchers should be cautious when using intentions data state that researchers should be aware that measuring intentions can change behavior and that respondents who recall the time of their last purchase inaccurately may make biased predictions of their future purchases.
Is there a role of hepatic enzymes in the management of penetrating hepatic injuries

Methods A retrospective cohort study of all penetrating and blunt liver injuries at a Level 1 Major Trauma Centre (King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust) was undertaken. Cases were defined by having radiological evidence of liver trauma following injury. Initial aspartate transanimase (AST) levels were documented (normal 10-50 IU/L) along with intervention (non-operative or operative) and outcome.
Eighteen year weight trajectories and metabolic markers of diabetes in modernising China: which timescale is most relevant? Reply to Vistisen D and Færch K [letter].

To the Editor: Vistisen and Faerch [1] make an interesting point regarding the choice of time scale used to fit trajectory models. The authors assert that time since diagnosis would be the appropriate time scale when studying the aetiology of diabetes development or prognosis of diabetes, and we agree that this would be preferred. However, there are some practical issues for defining the appropriate time point of reference relative to diagnosis of disease in a population-based study, such as ours [2]. Examining trajectories up to the time of diagnosis would be ideal. However, it is hard to know the exact timing of diagnosis, since the collection of fasting blood and assays for cardiometabolic biomarkers were completed only in 2009 and therefore we have no data on comparable measures prior to 2009, which would be necessary to establish time of diagnosis. Data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) suggest that in this population the majority of diabetes is undiagnosed (over 50%) [3], and therefore it will be less likely to influence weight trajectories. All that being said, we acknowledge that our method, using time since enrolment could, as the authors suggest, introduce errors that may bias results. This is a testable hypothesis that could be addressed through a simulation study to see what types of inferences one could make using a variety of different approaches to handle time. Indeed, we would welcome the idea of such a future study and are currently investigating related issues using simulation studies. Additionally, future studies involving CHNS data—at which point we will have multiple measurements of fasting blood and assays for cardiometabolic biomarkers—will allow us to additionally investigate this question further.
Cubic Ring Networks: A Polymorphic Topology for Network-on-Chip

As chip multiprocessors transition from multi-core to many-core, on-chip network power is increasingly becoming a key barrier to scalability. Studies have shown that on-chip networks can consume up to 36% of the total chip power, while analysis of network traffic reveals that for extended periods of execution time, network load is well below the network capacity in many applications. In recent studies, researchers have proposed to exploit this temporal variability in network traffic to dynamically turn off links, buffers and segments of the on-chip routers. In this work, we make the case for a polymorphic topology, called Cubic Ring (cRing), that allows dynamically turning off over 30% of resources in a 2D network (and more in higher dimensional networks), with less than 5% increase in average distance. As a result, cRing networks provide an elegant way to trade off network bandwidth for lower (static) power. A complete formalism for the proposed cRing topologies and the associated routing algorithm is presented, along with evaluation under synthetic workloads.
Complex adaptive services

The duality between service providers and services consumers is a basic pattern of service oriented computing. A service oriented approach to business processes and to adaptive interacting processes requires an additional pattern based on the, possibly online, interaction between specification, execution and evaluation of basic processes. These two patterns combine into composed processes: the foundations of complex adaptive services. The management of the dynamics of such services is then obtained by additional processes distributed over the network of interactions of the basic and composed processes. The double triad architecture so obtained is inspired from quark-antiquark models of particle physics.
Exchange-rate policy and monetary information

This paper develops a model of a small open economy in which the presence of local deviations from purchasing power parity give rise to differential information. It is assumed that the monetary authorities are committed to buy and sell foreign exchange in order to support an exchange-rate policy rule. It is demonstrated that exchange-rate policy can influence the distribution of real output (i) if agents possess incomplete and differential information and (ii) if they have contemporaneous money supply (or balance of payments) information. It is also shown that exchange-rate policy can be effective because of its ability to influence the information content of available monetary data. The argument is turned around and used to support the frequent release of monetary data.
Community responsibility for the self-neglectful client.

Self-neglectful clients, including the elderly, are in jeopardy, partly through their refusal to accept community services that could help them; they require protection from the community. These people are alienated and isolated, and need to be integrated into the community. Their individual rights to control their own lives, however, must be protected. It is the responsibility of the community to structure services in a way that will engage these people. A comprehensive community service program appropriate to their needs would integrate formal and in normal care systems by interweaving professional services, informal assistance, and mutual aid within structures that facilitate coordination of formal care programs.
Grit in Carbon Black. Effect on Flexing Resistance of Vulcanized Rubber

Abstract Rubber channel black has been found to contain amounts of grit retainable on a 325-mesh screen varying from 0.05 to 1.7 per cent. This residue is shown to be objectionable from the standpoint of the flexing resistance of the resulting rubber compounds, higher concentrations being correspondingly more harmful than lower concentrations. The coarser fractions appear to give rise to larger cracks and earlier appearance of cracking than the finer material. Even that which passes a 200-mesh screen but is retained on a 325-mesh is objectionable.
New procedure for rapid and sensitive detection of cholinesterase separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Abstract A convenient method for the rapid and precise detection of cholinesterase (ChE) in polyacrylamide gels is described. A vastly increased sensitivity was achieved by the use of N-methyl indoxyl acetate as substrate. As low as 1 × 10−2 unit ChE can be detected within a few minutes by simply immersing the gel cylinder in the incubating mixture. No coupling reagent is required.
Fish oil, lean tissue, and cancer: Is there a role for eicosapentaenoic acid in treating the cancer anorexia/weight loss syndrome?

Abstract Eicosapentaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid, a group of fatty acids characterized by a double bond that sits three carbons down from the n terminal of the molecule. Derived from dark, rich fish, eicosapentaenoic acid has received increasing attention as a therapy for the cancer anorexia/weight loss syndrome. Multiple studies, including laboratory and preliminary clinical studies suggest this fish oil derivative may benefit cancer patients. Recently, however, three large comparative studies suggest that eicosapentaenoic acid is relatively ineffective for treating this syndrome. In view of these recent results, the goals of this review are as follows: (1) to provide background on the mandate for further study of the cancer-associated anorexia/weight loss syndrome; (2) to review the preliminary data that have suggested that eicosapentaenoic acid is a promising agent for treating this syndrome; (3) to review the methodology and findings of the more recent, definitive clinical trials; (4) to discuss and speculate on why the earlier positive findings drew conclusions that are discrepant from the results of more recent comparative clinical studies.
Predicting chemical kinetics with computational chemistry: is QOOH→HOQO important in fuel ignition?

An overview of predictive chemical kinetics is presented, with an application to the simulation and design of homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines. The engine simulations are sensitive to the details of hydroperoxyalkyl (QOOH) radical chemistry, which are only partially understood, and there is a significant discrepancy between the simulations and experiment that limits the usefulness of the simulations. One possible explanation is that QOOH decomposes by other channels not considered in existing combustion chemistry models. Rate constants for one of these neglected channels, the intramolecular radical attack on the QOOH peroxide linkage to form hydroxyalkoxyl (HOQO) radicals, are predicted using quantum chemistry (CBS-QB3), to test whether or not this proposed channel can explain the observed discrepancies in the engine simulations. Although this channel has a significant rate, the competing attack on the other O atom in the peroxide to form a cyclic ether+OH is computed to be an order ...
The dependence of shell model state densities on angular momentum

Abstract The centroid and second through fourth central moments of shell model state densities are shown to have a very simple dependence on the projection of the angular momentum along the z -axis. This simple dependence follows from the fact that the single-particle angular momenta add statistically for a large number of nucleons.
Prognostic value and physiological correlates of heart rate variability in chronic severe mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUNDA variety of measures of heart rate variability have been devised to measure high-frequency (0.15-0.40 Hz), low-frequency (0.04-0.15 Hz), or ultralow-frequency (< 0.0033 Hz) fluctuations in sinus cycle length. Although measures of low-frequency and ultralow-frequency heart rate variability have been shown to correlate with prognosis in several populations with ischemic heart disease, their relevance to patients with primary valvular heart disease remains to be determined.METHODS AND RESULTSThirty-eight patients with nonischemic causes of chronic severe mitral regurgitation who were in sinus rhythm underwent 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiography as part of a prospective study of the natural history of regurgitant valvular heart disease. Patients were followed for as long as 9.2 years, and end points of mortality, progression to mitral valve surgery, and development of chronic atrial fibrillation were tabulated. Time- and frequency-domain measurements of high-frequency, low-frequency, and ultralo...
Annealing and melting of poly‐4‐methylpentene‐1 single crystals

The effects of thermal treatment at temperatures in the 177–250°C. range for 2 hr. on solution-grown single crystals of poly-4-methylpentene-1 have been studied by using electron microscopy. Crystals were grown both from 0.02% pentyl acetate solution at 110°C. and from 0.02% toluene solutions at temperatures less than 80°C. A number of distinct types of crystals have been obtained in the same or in separate solutions depending on the crystallization conditions. These crystals have some morphological characteristics in common such as a square outline with well-defined faces. The contrasting features include such things as a marked difference in relative size, with the smaller crystals showing extensive overgrowth and collapse markings. Observations by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) on the melting behavior of these various crystals show the presence of distinct and characteristic melting points. The effects of a given thermal treatment depend on the type of crystals used, with the larger crystals showing greater stability. The first effects are the appearance of lines, notches at the edges, and holes. An increase in temperature results in an increase in these effects with the formation of fibrillar structures. Consideration is given to the influence of molecular conformation and molecular chain folding on the observed results.
Teacher Ratings of Hispanic and Anglo Students on a Behavior Rating Scale.

The study was conducted with 115 Hispanic (53 Males, 62 Females) and 119 Anglo (61 males, 58 females) fifth grade students and 12 teachers (11 females, 1 male) in a public school district in the Southwest. The study was designed to determine teachers’ nomination rates of Hispanic and Anglo students to gifted and talented programs and to establish if there were differences in teachers’ ratings on the SRBCSS across ethnicity and gender groups for nominated and not nominated students. Results indicated that ethnicity was a factor in teachers’ nomination rate and that these differences were more pronounced between Hispanic and Anglo females. Results also indicated that teachers’ ratings on the SRBCSS for nominated Hispanic and Anglo students were similar, but that ratings for non‐nominated students differed significantly by ethnic group.
Early childhood maltreatment: Substantiation related to family risk and intervention factors

Child maltreatment interventions had been targeted on intervening parental factors among risk families. However, limited knowledge was known about possible interaction effects between certain family risk factors and such intervention factors. The present study used existing Child Protective Service (CPS) data to explore interaction effects between two family risk variables (child maltreatment pattern and domestic violence) and three common intervention variables (quality of parent–child connection, caregiver knowledge and caregiver skill) on child maltreatment substantiation. Findings showed good quality of parent–child connection, caregiver knowledge, and caregiver skill significantly predicted lower risk of child maltreatment. However, the significant effects were found only among families of minor child maltreatment pattern and were greater for non-domestic violence families. In all, findings of this study suggested that different intervention emphasis might be needed to work with families of more severe risk issues.
Polycose and sucrose appetite in rats: influence of food deprivation and insulin treatment.

Rats appear to have two different carbohydrate tastes, a sweet taste for sugars, and a “polysaccharide” taste for starch and starch-derived polysaccharides. The present study explored the possible functional significance of this dual taste system by comparing the effects of food deprivation and insulin treatment on the appetite for sucrose and Polycose. Food deprivation (24 h) produced comparable increases in the 5-min and 30-min intakes of Polycose and sucrose (1–8%) solutions in adult female rats. Polycose and sucrose intakes were also increased to a similar degree by insulin injections (1 unit/kg) during brief (3-min) one-bottle tests. In brief two-bottle tests, however, insulin treatment tended to shift the rat's preference from sucrose to Polycose. Chronic treatment with insulin increased the long-term intake of 30% Polycose and sucrose solutions, with the effect being more pronounced with Polycose. These findings demonstrate that energy deficit states enhance the appetite for Polycose as much as or more than the appetite for sucrose.
Combining Legumes and Compost: A Viable Alternative for Farmers in Conversion to Organic Agriculture

Soil nitrogen (N) availability and crop performance of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. orion) were observed in a field plot study under different organic amendments addition and chemical fertilizer. The treatments consisted on no amendment; poultry manure based compost, woollypod vetch (Vicia dasycarpa var. lana), a combination of compost with Lana vetch and ammonium sulphate. For almost all sampling dates, the soils treated with vetch (3.6 Mg/ha) combined with compost (9.0 Mg/ha) showed a good performance in replenishing the inorganic N taken up by plants and soil microbes. High yields were achieved with the combination of vetch and compost and moderately high yields were achieved with vetch only and compost only. Yields appeared to be related to quality and N levels in the amendments, and size of existing soil nitrogen pools susceptible to the priming effect.
Comparison of filter material and design for use in ROI angiography

Region of interest (ROI) fluoroscopic techniques have the potential for improving image quality and reducing radiation doses. Materials for x-ray beam shaping filters for ROI fluoroscopy are evaluated using a computer simulation which determines their transmission and effect on radiographic image contrast. Also a design for a new 'non-hardening' scanning filter consisting of an array of strips of radiopaque material separated by radiolucent spacings is presented. The array is placed close to the x-ray focal spot and scanned or vibrated so as to blur the image of the strips. Also a new dose spreading strategy based upon ROI fluoroscopy is introduced and is shown to have the potential to eliminate the problem of high patient skin exposures common during interventional procedures. Finally, applications of ROI fluoroscopy to continuously variable zoom or micro fluoroscopy and to peripheral vascular interventional procedures using continuously variable ROI size and shape are considered.
Collisionless reconnection in a quasi‐neutral sheet near marginal stability

Particle simulations are used to investigate the process of collisionless reconnection in a magnetotail configuration which includes a pressure gradient along the tail axis and tail flaring. In the absence of electron stabilization effects, the tearing mode is stabilized when the ion gyrofrequency in the normal field exceeds the growth rate in the corresponding one-dimensional current sheet. The presence of a low-frequency electromagnetic perturbation in the lobes can serve to destabilize a marginally stable current sheet by producing an extended neutral-sheet region which can then undergo reconnection. These results help to explain how X-type neutral lines, such as those associated with the onset of magnetospheric substorms, can be formed in the near-earth plasma sheet.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Molybdenum Imido Diamido Metallacyclopentenes and Metallacyclopentadienes and the Mechanism of Ethylene Exchange with Metallacyclopentane Complexes

In this paper the reactivity of the previously reported metallacyclopentane complex [Mo(NPh)(o-(Me3SiN)2C6H4)(CH2)4] (1) is reported. Complex 1 reacts with acetylenes via ethylene exchange to form ...
Hispano-Semitic Calques and the Context of Translation

A calque is an expression translated literally from another tongue, using the vocabulary of the target language but the syntax or structure of the source. The best-known Romance example is perhaps the family of *COMPANIO (OFr. compagnon, Mod.Sp. compania, companero, etc.), calqued on Germanic ga+ hlaiba, literally ‘with bread’: he who shares one's bread becomes one's companion.1 Less generally known is the fact that an entire language can form a calque. Such a calque is created when extensive translation takes place from a source language, or at least a source text, that is held in extreme reverence. In these cases the result is not a written form of the normal vernacular, but a specialized dialect imbued with and shaped by the syntactic structures of the source. It is, frequently, only imperfectly understood by speakers of the target language, and may itself become an object of study and explication.
Influence of vitamin E and bile compounds on cysteine metabolism in nutritional muscular dystrophy in chicks.

SummaryThe results of these experiments support the hypothesis that cysteine is the sulfur compound, or the precursor of a compound, involved in the prevention of nutritional muscular dystrophy in the chicken. Dietary cholie acid increases the rate of cysteine to taurine conversion and at the same time accentuates the dystrophy. Taurocholic acid and taurine decrease the rate of cysteine to taurine conversion and also partially alleviate the dystrophy. Vitamin E supplementation greatly reduces the taurine excretion rate, compared to that of the dystrophic chicks fed the basal diet.
How phenotypic variation and life history trait correlation enhance mean fitness in prey populations.

Abstract The relative effects of phenotypic variation and trait correlations on mean population fitness are poorly understood. Moreover, when fitness is evaluated in the context of ecological processes such as predation, theoretical development is lacking. To address this deficiency, we simulate a predator–prey system, where the prey population is composed of three phenotypes that differ in fecundity and predator evasiveness. We use equilibrium population size and allele frequencies to examine the relative effects of trait variation and correlation on mean population fitness. When no correlation is present, increasing variance in either trait increases equilibrium population size. Negative correlations coupled with increasing variance in both traits increases equilibrium population size. Positive correlations are more likely to increase equilibrium population size when variances are inversely related. With respect to allele frequencies, as variance in both traits increases, populations with positive correlations experience greater loss of genetic diversity than those with negative correlations. Thus, selection as a dynamic ecological process (frequency-dependent predation) favors trade-offs, whether they are between trait means (negative correlations) or variances (positive correlations).
Intradermal α1-antitrypsin therapy avoids fatal anaphylaxis, prevents type 1 diabetes and reverses hyperglycaemia in the NOD mouse model of the disease

Aims/hypothesis Human α1-antitrypsin (hAAT) gene therapy prevents type 1 diabetes in a NOD mouse model of diabetes. However, repeated i.p. injections of hAAT into NOD mice leads to fatal anaphylaxis. The aim of the study was to determine if an alternative route of administration avoids anaphylaxis and allows evaluation of hAAT’s potential for diabetes prevention and reversal. We also sought to determine if the addition of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), augments hAAT’s capacity to prevent or reverse disease in the NOD mice.
Synchroscan streak camera imaging at a 15-MeV photoinjector with emittance exchange

Abstract At the Fermilab A0 photoinjector facility, bunch-length measurements of the laser micropulse and the e-beam micropulse have been done in the past with a fast single-sweep module of the Hamamatsu C5680 streak camera with an intrinsic shot-to-shot trigger jitter of 10–20 ps. We have upgraded the camera system with the synchroscan module tuned to 81.25 MHz to provide synchronous summing capability with less than 1.5 ps FWHM trigger jitter and a phase-locked delay box to provide phase stability of ∼1 ps over 10 s of minutes. These steps allowed us to measure both the UV laser pulse train at 263 nm and the e-beam via optical transition radiation (OTR). Due to the low electron beam energies and OTR signals, we typically summed over 50 micropulses with 0.25–1 nC per micropulse. The phase-locked delay box allowed us to assess chromatic temporal effects and instigated another upgrade to an all-mirror input optics barrel. In addition, we added a slow sweep horizontal deflection plug-in unit to provide dual-sweep capability for the streak camera. We report on a series of measurements made during the commissioning of these upgrades including bunch-length and phase effects using the emittance exchange beamline and simultaneous imaging of a UV drive laser component, OTR, and the 800 nm diagnostics laser.
Is the calcium signal induced by follicle-stimulating hormone in swine granulosa cells mediated by adenosine cyclic 3’, 5’-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase?

We have previously demonstrated FSH-induced increases in cytosolic free calcium ion concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in single granulosa cells. We report here on the role of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) in the FSH-induced [Ca2+]i increase using swine granulosa cells. The R-isomer of cAMP (Rp-cAMPS) and a synthetic peptide containing the active core region of the PKA inhibitor were used as specific inhibitors of PKA. The Rp-cAMPS dose used was effective in completely abolishing FSH-stimulated progesterone production by cultured granulosa cells. However, FSH retained its ability to initiate a calcium signal even in the presence of the cAMP antagonist. In addition, both Rp-cAMPS and the PKA inhibitor peptide significantly reduced the percentage of granulosa cells able to generate [Ca2+]i signals in response to 8-bromo-cAMP without affecting the percentage of [Ca2+]i responses to FSH. We conclude from these observations that at least two aspects, percentage of responding cells and kinetics of the response, of ...
DNA-strand exchange promoted by RecA protein in the absence of ATP: implications for the mechanism of energy transduction in protein-promoted nucleic acid transactions.

Abstract DNA-strand exchange promoted by Escherichia coli RecA protein normally requires the presence of ATP and is accompanied by ATP hydrolysis, thereby implying a need for ATP hydrolysis. Previously, ATP hydrolysis was shown not to be required; here we demonstrate furthermore that a nucleoside triphosphate cofactor is not required for DNA-strand exchange. A gratuitous allosteric effector consisting of the noncovalent complex of ADP and aluminum fluoride, ADP.AIF4-, can both induce the high-affinity DNA-binding state of RecA protein and support the homologous pairing and exchange of up to 800-900 bp of DNA. These results demonstrate that induction of the functionally active, high-affinity DNA-binding state of RecA protein is needed for RecA protein-promoted DNA-strand exchange and that there is no requirement for a high-energy nucleotide cofactor for the exchange of DNA strands. Consequently, the free energy needed to activate the DNA substrates for DNA-strand exchange is not derived from ATP hydrolysis. Instead, the needed free energy is derived from ligand binding and is transduced to the DNA via the associated ligand-induced structural transitions of the RecA protein-DNA complex; ATP hydrolysis simply destroys the effector ligand. This concept has general applicability to the mechanism of energy transduction by proteins.
Fact and Fantasy in Nanotech Imagery

Imagery has played an important role in nanotechnology, both as a tool in research and in spurring excitement in outreach and education. The limitations of the image-making process, however, may give misleading impressions of the feasibility of nanotech applications.
Active Transport of Choline Sulfate by Barley Roots

Choline sulfate is a major product of sulfate metabolism in plants (9,13). This sulfate ester accounts for up to one-third of the radioactivity in the soluble organic compounds formed after uptake of radiosulfate by plant roots. The analogous choline phosphate occurs in higher plants and is involved in phosphate transport (8). No similar role for choline sulfate as a carrier for sulfate could be detected, but the uptake of choline sulfate was found to be the result of active transport. Studies on the active transport of choline sulfate by excised barley roots are described in this paper. Barley roots have been widely used in active transport studies and form considerable amounts of choline sulfate. The uptake of this zwitterion was studied over a wide range of concentrations in an attempt to elucidate the nature of its dual uptake mechanism. A number of structural analogues of choline sulfate were synthesized and tested as competitive inhibitors of the active transport of choline sulfate. These inhibitor studies were designed to utilize some of the concepts developed in the course of the intensive investigation of the active surface of acetylcholinesterase (6,18). A preliminary report has appeared (10).
Automotive future - Looking beyond the powertrain

Tackling the challenges of future, cars and enclosed technologies enhance continuously. Altering society, adapted mobility, increased demand for safety and last but not least tightened energy requirements are changing our individual mobility. Future cars will have to comprise advanced driver assistance systems supporting the driver, by communicating, seeing and even feeling. Versatile driver information systems and tailored human machine interfaces will enable to incorporate the occupants. From this, cars gradually will interact more and more with environment, enabling drivers and passengers to enjoy and capitalize their ride. The presentation will give an insight into Volkswagen's vision about automotive future technologies, 2020 and beyond.
Administering Chemotherapy in Nononcology Settings: A Case Study

Providing chemotherapy for patients in a variety of settings may be a challenge for oncology nurses. Increased acuity and comorbidities of patients needing chemotherapy have resulted in a greater incidence of administration in nononcology settings, such as intensive care units (ICUs). In addition, patients with conditions other than cancer are receiving chemotherapy. Because of a lack of certified and experienced chemotherapy nurses in the ICU, oncology nurses may be pulled from their unit to administer chemotherapy. Another possibility is that nonchemotherapy-certified nurses may be asked to administer chemotherapy. Caring for patients receiving chemotherapy may be stressful for nononcology nurses because of their lack of knowledge regarding chemotherapy precautions and the management of side effects and toxicities. Not only is coordination and cooperation between nursing personnel vital, certified oncology nurses must be able to assess the situation, provide the necessary information and education, and safely administer the chemotherapy. This article describes a case study and provides suggestions for planning in similar situations.
MHC restriction of T-cell proliferative responses in Xenopus

The MHC restriction of Xenopus allogeneic MHC- and antigen-specific T-cell proliferative responses was assessed. Xenopus MHC-specific monoclonal antibodies that recognize class I and class II molecules were tested for inhibitory effects on the generation of secondary T-cell proliferative responses. Antigen-specific T-cell lines were inhibited by anti-class II but not anti-class I monoclonal antibodies. Secondary alloantigen-specific proliferative responses also demonstrated MHC class II restriction. Allogeneic MHC- and antigen-specific T-cell lines demonstrated differential sensitivity to anti-class II monoclonal antibodies directed at discrete class II epitopes. These results indicate that Xenopus T cells interact with antigen-presenting cells similarly to mammals, and directly confirm previous data indicating that MHC class II restriction of proliferative responses is present in amphibians.