cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural and biochemical insights into the mechanism of fosfomycin phosphorylation by fosfomycin resistance kinase FomA.

We present here the crystal structures of fosfomycin resistance protein (FomA) complexed with MgATP, with ATP and fosfomycin, with MgADP and fosfomycin vanadate, with MgADP and the product of the enzymatic reaction, fosfomycin monophosphate, and with ADP at 1.87, 1.58, 1.85, 1.57, and 1.85 A resolution, respectively. Structures of these complexes that approximate different reaction steps allowed us to distinguish the catalytically active conformation of ATP and to reconstruct the model of the MgATP·fosfomycin complex. According to the model, the triphosphate tail of the nucleotide is aligned toward the phosphonate moiety of fosfomycin, in contest to the previously published MgAMPPNP complex, with the attacking fosfomycin oxygen positioned 4 A from the γ-phosphorus of ATP. Site-directed mutagenesis studies and comparison of these structures with that of homologous N-acetyl-l-glutamate and isopentenyl phosphate kinases allowed us to propose a model of phosphorylation of fosfomycin by FomA enzyme. A Mg cation ligates all three phosphate groups of ATP and together with positively charged K216, K9, K18, and H58 participates in the dissipation of negative charge during phosphoryl transfer, indicating that the transferred phosphate group is highly negatively charged, which would be expected for an associative mechanism. K216 polarizes the γ-phosphoryl group of ATP. K9, K18, and H58 participate in stabilization of the transition state. D150 and D208 play organizational roles in catalysis. S148, S149, and T210 participate in fosfomycin binding, with T210 being crucial for catalysis. Hence, it appears that as in the homologous enzymes, FomA-catalyzed phosphoryl transfer takes place by an in-line predominantly associative mechanism.
Predictors of sexual risk behaviors among adolescent mothers in a human immunodeficiency virus prevention program

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the following: (1) whether adolescent mothers in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention program had significantly greater perceived self-efficacy and perceived behavioral control to use condoms, and more favorable outcome expectancies and subjective norms regarding condom use than those in a health education control group, 3 months after intervention; and (2) the impact of the 3-month postintervention theoretical variables on intentions to use condoms at 3 months and sexual risk behaviors at 6 months. Methods Structural equation modeling with latent variables was used to assess the influence of theoretical variables and treatment condition using data from 496 participants (78% Latinas, 18% African-Americans) who completed questionnaires at baseline and at 3- and 6-month follow-up evaluations. Results Substantial improvements were shown by both groups, with a slight advantage for the HIV prevention group, on all theoretical variables between pretest and the follow-up evaluations. In the predictive model, the intervention group reported significantly fewer sex partners. By using intentions to use condoms as a mediator, greater self-efficacy, hedonistic beliefs, positive subjective norms, and less unprotected sex predicted intentions to use condoms, which, in turn, predicted less unprotected sex. Lower subjective norms modestly predicted multiple partners. Significant indirect paths mediated through intentions to use condoms were observed. Conclusions These data support a relationship among several constructs from social cognitive theory and the theory of reasoned action, and subsequent sexual risk behaviors. HIV-prevention programs for adolescent mothers should be designed to include these theoretical constructs and to address contextual factors influencing their lives.
Twanchor text: a preliminary study of the value of tweets as anchor text

It is well known that anchor text plays an important role in search, providing signals that are often not present in the source document itself. The paper reports results of a preliminary investigation on the value of tweets and tweet conversations as anchor text. We show that using tweets as anchors improves significantly over using HTML anchors, and significantly increases recall of news item retrieval.
Alkali treatment and fermentation of straw for animal feed

The feed value of annual ryegrass straw was improved by treatment with various concentrations of NaOH or NH/sub 3/ followed by fermentation of the treated straw with a mixed culture of Cellulomonas sp. and Alcaligenes faecalis. Laboratory feeding trials with voles showed that NaOH or NH/sub 3/ treatment considerably increased the feed efficiency of straw, but apparently gave a poorly palatable product. Fermentation tended to decrease the in vitro rumen digestibility (IVRD) of alkali-treated straw. The fermentations were carried out aerobically on a semisolid straw matrix having 11 to 86 percent moisture. Treatment by both NaOH and NH/sub 3/ increased the IVRD of straw. NH/sub 3/ also increased the nitrogen content in straw. The optimum condition for alkaline treatment of the straw was 4 to 6 percent NaOH for 1 hr or with 3 percent NH/sub 3/ for four weeks at room temperature. A minimum of 63 percent moisture was needed for significant fermentation of the straw. The combined effects of NaOH treatment and fermentation more than doubled crude protein, doubled crude fat, and increased IVRD by 75 percent. The NH/sub 3/ plus fermentation treatment tripled crude protein, doubled crude fat, and increased IVRD by 60 percent. Acetic acid wasmore » the main volatile fatty acid in the fermented straw.« less
A theory of bidirectional judgments.

This paper is concerned with a scaling theory for “bidirectional” judgments, for which the order of judgment is reversible, as in fractional and multiple ratio estimation judgments. With the assumption that judgments are mediated by perceived relations of pairs of stimuli, the theory is developed for judgments of comparison stimuli in relation to standards, taking explicit account of the location of the comparison stimulus relative to the standard. The theory of bidirectional judgments, based on a theory of relative judgment by Fagot (1978, 1979), entails a partial nesting of models characterized by a progressive weakening of the constraints placed on the structure of the data. The weakest model, the relative bias/directional standard (RBDS) model, allows each standard to have two biasing effects, depending on the location of the standard above or below the comparison stimulus. Tests of the theory were carried out on the ratio estimation of brightness and weight data of Engen and Levy (1955) and the part-sum estimation data of Goude (1962). Only the RBDS model was found acceptable for all three data sets
Analysis of the murine AhR gene promoter

The Ah receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that mediates biological and toxicological actions of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Although much is known about the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of AhR action, little is known about the factors and events that control expression of the AhR gene itself. The 5'-flanking region of the murine AhR gene was characterized and deletion analysis demonstrated that regulatory elements necessary for full constitutive promoter activity are contained within a fragment encompassing -184 to +380 of the AhR gene. The murine AhR gene promoter is a GC-rich, TATA-less promoter that which contains at least five putative Spl-like binding sites. Transient transfection experiments not only identified a region between -1431 and -721 that represses constitutive promoter activity by 2- to 3-fold, but also demonstrate that basal AhR promoter activity occurs in a cell- and species-specific manner. n-Butyrate, a nonspecific histone deacetylase inhibitor, increased AhR promoter activity 8-fold, suggesting a role for histone acetylation in AhR gene promoter activity. Overall, this study defines upstream regulatory regions important for constitutive AhR gene expression and identifies a novel activator of AhR gene expression.
How Finite Element Calculations Improve Hyper Compressor Performance and Lifetime

The basic design of actual hyper compressor was performed around 40 years ago, in a time when the use of computers was limited and most of the design calculations were made by hand. In our days most parts are significantly improved with the support of finite element calculations. In this paper the benefits of such an optimization will be highlighted by several examples like the compressor central valve, the flexible rod coupling or even the overall compressor vibrations. In addition the modeling of some for hyper compressors typical manufacturing processes like autofrettage will be discussed.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Digital learning object repositories

Purpose – This paper aims to provide an overview of the issues related to developing a digital repository for learning objects. Given the unique nature of digital learning objects, compared to other types of digital materials, several factors must be considered when establishing a learning object repository.Design/methodology/approach – The conclusions of the paper are drawn from a review of the current state of the learning object repository market.Findings – The issues related to creating digital learning object repositories are, in some cases, significantly different from those in creating “traditional” digital repositories. Staffing, metadata, and use considerations must be carefully considered in this unique environment.Originality/value – This paper fills a gap in the current literature by providing a general overview of the current state of software and related practices in the learning object repository area.
The determination of dynamic proppant concentration field in slot flow in the FFCF

This paper presents a methodology for the determination of dynamic proppant concentration mapping in slot flow in the Fracturing Fluid Characterization Facility (FFCF). The technique presented here is used in the FFCF for the purpose of monitoring and mapping proppant concentration as a function of time for clear slot flow and flow in the High Pressure Simulator (HPS) at the FFCF. The methodology allows the FFCF user, for the first time to determine the instantaneous spacial proppant concentration during slot flow of slurries. The technique uses a method of measuring spacial light attenuation through the slot flow and a mapping of the light intensity using a calibrated standard to proppant concentration. The method makes use of video technology and the real time digitizing, quantifying, and mapping of the real time video. The paper will present the overall software and hardware scheme used to accomplish this visualization task, snapshots of the real time videos produced by the technique, and how the technique is used in the FFCF. The technique, for the first time, allows the researcher of proppant flow to study the dynamics of proppant flow in fracturing fluids as well as allows the quantification of the flow for the purposemore » of fluid dynamics modeling. The technique is currently available to researchers in the FFCF in the low pressure slot and will be available in production in the High Pressure Simulator in late 1995.« less
Reinitiation mutants of gene B of bacteriophage S13 that mimic gene A mutants in blocking replicative form DNA synthesis.

Abstract Several mutations in gene B of phage S13 appear to shorten the B protein by elimination of an N-terminal fragment, without destroying the B protein function. The shortened B protein resulting from each of these mutations can block the unique DNA-nicking properties of the S13 gene A protein. Because of the block in gene A function, normal gene B protein may have a function in phage DNA synthesis in addition to its known role in catalyzing capsid assembly. From gel electrophoresis the mutant B protein is estimated to be shorter than the normal S13 B protein by 1720 ± 70 daltons and is therefore believed to be an internal reinitiation fragment. The reinitiated fragments are functional and are made in about twice the amount of the normal B protein. The phage mutants which yield the reinitiation fragments are double mutants, each phage containing the same gene B nonsense mutation and each appearing to contain a different compensating gene B mutation. Various data support the assumption that the compensating mutations are frame-shifts, including the fact that suppression does not restore the normal-sized B protein. The reinitiation is assumed to occur at a pre-existing out-of-phase initiator codon, near the nonsense triplet; the correct reading frame would then be restored by each of the several different compensating mutations. The position of the normal S13 B protein in the gel electrophoresis pattern has been located both by elimination and shifting of the B peak, using appropriate amber mutants. The molecular weight of the S13 B protein is about 17,200, and is 2100 daltons less than the B protein of phage φX174; the S13 B protein can nevertheless substitute for the φX 174 B protein. Thus substantial portions of the B protein can be deleted without destroying its function.
Expression and characterization of the preS1 peptide of hepatitis B surface antigen in Escherichia coli.

The infectious particles of hepatitis B virus (HBV) contain 3 related surface antigens, i.e., small, medium, and large, all of which are encoded by one large open reading frame with multiple initiation codons. The large surface antigen (L-Ag) contains preS1, preS2, and S regions while both the middle and small surface antigens lack preS1. Several lines of evidence suggested that the preS1 region is involved in the binding of HBV to human hepatocytes as shown by its binding to HepG2 cells and isolated human hepatocyte membranes. To obtain large quantity of preS1 peptide, an expression vector was constructed containing a lac promoter, the 5' half of the beta-galactosidase gene, the Factor Xa tetrapeptide recognition sequence, and the coding region of preS1 plus preS2. This recombinant plasmid constitutively produced high concentration of a fusion protein in inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli. When the fusion protein was treated with Factor Xa, a peptide consisting of the N-terminal 91 amino acids of the preS1 region was released. This preS1 fragment purified by anion exchange chromatography was able to bind specifically to the isolated plasma membranes from human liver. Hence, this recombinant preS1 peptide can be used to identify and isolate hepatocyte receptors for HBV.
Statistical theory of angular momentum polarization in chemical reactions

A general statistical treatment applicable to any vector property of reactive scattering is derived from angular correlation theory. This pertains to the usual experimental situation in which two or three vector directions are observed but numerous other vectors are random or unobserved, particularly various angular momentum vectors. The dependence of the cross section on the angles relating the observed vectors is expanded as a Legendre polynomial series, with coefficients which represent averages of angular momentum functions over the unobserved vectors. An algorithm for calculating these angular correlation coefficients is provided by the statistical theory. All non-vanishing terms involve only even-order Legendre polynomials. In many experiments, one or two terms are predominant. Classical and quantal versions give the same algorithm in the correspondence principle limit, which often holds for chemical reactions. The angular correlations involving the initial and final relative velocity vector directi...
Cloning of humanneuronatin gene and its localization to chromosome-20q11.2–12: the deduced protein is a novel ‘proteolipid’

Abstract Human brain development is a continuum governed by differential gene expression. Therefore, we proceeded to identify genes selectively expressed in the developing brain. Using differential display and library screening, a novel rat cDNA, neuronatin , was identified and used to screen a human fetal brain cDNA library. Human neuronatin cDNA was isolated and sequenced. The cDNA was 1159 by long and corresponded in size to the 1.25 kb message detected on Northern analysis. Neuronatin mRNA was selectively expressed in human brain during fetal development, but became repressed in adulthood. When studied in the rat, neuronatin mRNA first appeared at mid-gestation in association with the onset of neurogenesis, becoming most pronounced later in development when neuroepithelial proliferation and neuroblast commitment are manifest, and declined postnatally coinciding with the completion of neurogenesis. The deduced protein has two distinct domains, a hydrophobic N-terminal and basic C-terminal rich in arginine residues. Both the amino acid sequence and secondary structure of this amphipathic polypeptide exhibited homology to PMPI and phospholamban, members of the ‘proteolipid’ class of proteins which function as regulatory subunits of membrane channels. The neuronatin gene, 3973 bases long, contains in its 5′-flanking region a neural restrictive silencer element which may govern neuron-specific expression. Based on screening a somatic cell hybrid panel, neuronatin gene was assigned to chromosome-20. And, using deletion constructs of chromosome-20 and fluorescence in situ hybridization, neuronatin was localized to chromosome-20811.2-12. In conclusion, neuronatin is a novel human gene that is developmentally regulated and expressed in the brain. The deduced protein is a proteolipid that may function as a unique regulator of ion channels during brain development. The definitive localization of neuronatin to human chromosome 20811.2-12 provides the basis to investigate this gene as a candidate in neuro-developmental diseases that may also map to this region.
An ab initio pair potential applied to metals

Abstract An exact procedure is derived for inverting the cohesive energy of an isostructural one-component system as a function of volume to find the radial pair potential that will reproduce the cohesive energy function. Pair potentials for K, Cu and Mo constructed in this way are compared with standard pair potentials from the literature, and used to calculate elastic properties.
Production of synthesis gas by steam- and CO2-reforming of natural gas

Abstract The simulation of a steam/CO 2 reformer is based upon detailed intrinsic kinetics of reforming, including those of carbon deposition and -gasification. The internal diffusion limitations are accounted fot through the modeling. The influence of the steam/methane and the CO 2 /methane ratio on the synthesis gas production and composition and on the net rate of carbon formation is illustrated.
Mechanics of particle selection by tentaculate deposit-feeders☆

.S.A. Abstract : A variety of experiments with glass and plastic beads covering a wide range of particle sizes and weights are used to develop a two-step, stochastic model of particle selection by deposit-feeders . These experiments include measurements of selectivity as a function of transport distance along a terebellid (polychaete) tentacle, of the degree to which a food source can be depleted of the preferred particle type by a terebellid, of selectivity by spionids (polychaetes) having lost their tentacles, of selectivity by an - ampharetid (polychaete) as a function of available particle types, and of "selectivity" by adhesive-coated microscope slides . A large component of mechanical selection is seen to be achieved at the point of particle pick-up . The first step of the heuristic model is particle contact by the tentacle . By appealing to the Delesse principle and to the results with adhesive-coated slides, the probability of particle contact is shown to be a function of particle size . On a per-particle basis, larger particles have a higher probability of being contacted by a tentacle than do smaller ones . The second step is the retention of the particle given that it has been contacted . It is suggested that the conditional (i.e.,given contact) probability of such retention is a function of the adhesive strength of the mucus found on the tentacle and that it will depend on both particle weight per unit surface area and particle surface characteristics . In general, the conditional probability of retention will be a decreasing function of submerged particle weight per unit surface area . An important deduction from this model is that size-selection in tentaculate deposit-feeders need have no morphological correlates ; the lower the adhesive strength of the mucus, the greater will be the animal's selectivity for smaller, lighter particles .
Failure analysis and quality control of automotive elastomeric seals by thermal analytical techniques

Abstract Integral parts of any automotive fluid system are the seals. Elastomers are used in automotive applications for their resilience and rebound attributes. These elastomeric parts are flexible, impervious to hostile engine environments, including hot-stressed additized motor oils. There are a number of standard tests for tensile quality and elongation of rubber seals and parts. Most standard rubber tests are based on quasi-real world conditions. Thermal analysis can be used to evaluate rubber seals and parts for composition by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermomechanical analysis (TMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) can ascertain mechanical strength and the glass transition temperature, Tg. TGA/differential thermal (DTA), DSC and pressure DSC can evaluate the oxidative stability of seals. Results of a TMA and TGA quality control test differentiated pass and fail elastomeric seals and parts. Characterization of several failed seals revealed the source of some unique field problems.
The collectivity of sexual behaviour.

Human behaviour can be viewed as a collective phenomenon determined partly by the group to which individuals belong. Collectivities of health behaviour have been found in alcohol consumption hypertension obesity mental illness and sodium intake in that the average level of risk is associated with the percentage of individuals at extremely high risk. The goal was to investigate whether sexual behaviour may be collectively determined. A cross-sectional US survey was conducted. Across 45 states the mean number of lifetime sex partners excluding persons with > 10 > 20 and > 40 lifetime partners was strongly associated with the proportion with > 10 > 20 and > 40 lifetime sex partners respectively among men and women. Sexual activity may represent collectively determined behaviour. If so interventions to reduce high-risk sexual behaviour to prevent HIV or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may be more effective if they address the entire population rather than target only those at the extremes of risk. (authors)
Uncertainty Aversion and Economic Depressions

The noted jurist argues that during times of economic downturns, the aversion to uncertainty of consumers and business people rises. This is a notion embedded, he argues, in the thinking of both John Maynard Keynes and Frank Knight. One conclusion is that government stimulus is necessary in such periods, like the current one, to reduce the fear of consumers and business to spend and invest.
Potential energy and greenhouse gas emission effects of hydrogen production from coke oven gas in U.S. steel mills

For this study, we examined the energy and emission effects of hydrogen production from coke oven gas (COG) on a well-to-wheels basis and compared these effects with those of other hydrogen production options, as well as with those of conventional gasoline and diesel options. We then estimated the magnitude of hydrogen production from COG in the United States and the number of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) that could potentially be fueled with the hydrogen produced from COG. Our analysis shows that this production pathway can achieve energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction benefits. This pathway is especially worth considering because first, the sources of COG are concentrated in the upper Midwest and in the Northeast United States, which would facilitate relatively cost-effective collection, transportation, and distribution of the produced hydrogen to refueling stations in these regions. Second, the amount of hydrogen that could be produced may fuel about 1.7 million cars, thus providing a vital near-term hydrogen production option for FCV applications.
Wavelet-based video indexing and querying

We present several algorithms suitable for analysis of broadcast video. First, we show how wavelet analysis of frames of video can be used to detect transitions between shots in a video stream, thereby dividing the stream into segments. Next we describe how each segment can be inserted into a video database using an indexing scheme that involves a wavelet-based "signature." Finally, we show that during a subsequent broadcast of a similar or identical video clip, the segment can be found in the database by quickly searching for the relevant signature. The method is robust against noise and typical variations in the video stream, even global changes in brightness that can fool histogram-based techniques. In the paper, we compare experimentally our shot transition mechanism to a color histogram Implementation, and also evaluate the effectiveness of our database-searching scheme. Our algorithms are very efficient and run in realtime on a desktop computer. We describe how this technology could be employed to construct a "smart VCR" that was capable of alerting the viewer to the beginning of a specific program or identifying commercials and then muting the volume on the TV.
Crystal structure of (2,2′-bipyrimidine)-dinitratopalladium(II) acetone solvate

(2,2′-bipyrimidine)dinitratopalladium(II) forms a triclinic crystal in space groupP−1 witha=7.605(5) A,b=8.791(4) A,c=12.632(5) A, α=85.11(3)0, β=78.79(4)0, γ=77.45(4)0,V=807.7(7) A3, andZ=2. The Pd atom exhibits square planar coordination geometry with mean Pd−O=2.206(7) A, Pd−N=1.990(5) A, O−Pd−O=92.0(2)0, and N−Pd−N=81.0(2)0. The complexes associate across an inversion center with Pd...Pd=3.190(2) A. The bipyrimidine ligand is bowed with a 5.9(2)0 dihedral angle between the C4N2 rings. The nitrate ions are on the same side of the N2O2 donor atoms plane and make 60.4(2)0 and 66.6(2)0 dihedral angles with that plane.
Comparison of RANS and Potential Flow Force Computations for One DOF Heave and Pitch of the ONR Tumblehome Hullform

The commercial CFD software STAR-CCM+ is applied as a RANS solver for comparison with several potential flow codes in calculating time varying forces and moments resulting from prescribed heave and pitch motions of the ONRTH hullform. Combinations of amplitude and frequency of oscillation ranging from small to large are considered. A verification study is completed to ensure that the mesh and time step used by the RANS code are acceptable. Differences in the force and moment results from the various potential flow and RANS methods are attributed to particular code characteristics. RANS and nonlinear potential flow methods are shown to agree well for all cases considered.© 2013 ASME
Architectural design of the pelvic floor is consistent with muscle functional subspecialization

Skeletal muscle architecture is the strongest predictor of a muscle’s functional capacity. The purpose of this study was to define the architectural properties of the deep muscles of the female pelvic floor (PFMs) to elucidate their structure–function relationships. PFMs coccygeus (C), iliococcygeus (IC), and pubovisceral (PV) were harvested en bloc from ten fixed human cadavers (mean age 85 years, range 55–102). Fundamental architectural parameters of skeletal muscles [physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA), normalized fiber length, and sarcomere length (Ls)] were determined using validated methods. PCSA predicts muscle-force production, and normalized fiber length is related to muscle excursion. These parameters were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc t tests, as appropriate. Significance was set to α = 0.05. PFMs were thinner than expected based on data reported from imaging studies and in vivo palpation. Significant differences in fiber length were observed across PFMs: C = 5.29 ± 0.32 cm, IC = 7.55 ± 0.46 cm, PV = 10.45 ± 0.67 cm (p < 0.001). Average Ls of all PFMs was short relative to the optimal Ls of 2.7 μm of other human skeletal muscles: C = 2.05 ± 0.02 μm, IC = 2.02 ± 0.02 μm, PC/PR = 2.07 ± 0.01 μm (p = <0.001 compared with 2.7 μm; p = 0.15 between PFMs, power = 0.46). Average PCSA was very small compared with other human muscles, with no significant difference between individual PFMs: C = 0.71 ± 0.06 cm2, IC = 0.63 ± 0.04 cm2, PV = 0.59 ± 0.05 cm2 (p = 0.21, power = 0.27). Overall, C had shortest fibers, making it a good stabilizer. PV demonstrated the longest fibers, suggesting that it functions to produce large excursions. PFM design shows individual muscles demonstrating differential architecture, corresponding to specialized function in the pelvic floor.
Linking acoustics and floor-plate shape qualities of healthcare settings

Nurses do not always have visual access to their patients in hospital corridors. During these times, lack of proper monitoring of auditory cues can potentially delay nurse response time and disable early detection of complications. Particular acoustic characteristics of hospital sound environments such as reverberation time can be highly detrimental to nurses’ sound-based task performance. In previous studies, the effects of surface materials on temporal characteristics of reverberant corridor sound environments have been studied. However, little is known about the relationship between floor-plate shapes and temporal characteristics of reverberant corridor sound environments. The main goal of this study was to statistically examine the relationship between floor-plate shape and temporal characteristics of reverberant sound environments in inter-connected nursing unit corridors by conducting floor-plate shape analysis, acoustic simulation studies and field measurements. Overall, the findings suggest the po...
DRL behavior in gerbils and hamsters of both sexes

Female rats acquire efficient DRL responding more rapidly than do males. In the present study, acquisition of DRL-20 behavior was studied in hamsters and gerbils of both sexes. There was no sex difference in DRL performance in gerbils, and male hamsters performed somewhat more efficiently than did females.
Primitive sensory systems

Primitive Sensory and Communication Systems: The Taxes and Tropisms of Micro-Organisms and Cells. Edited by M. J. Carlile. Pp. vii+258. (Academic: London, New York and San Francisco, January 1976.) £8.50; $21.
The effect of nephrectomy and of renomedullary extracts on the blood pressure of experimentally hypertensive rabbits.

SummaryIn 40 male rabbits, the course of experimental renal hypertension was studied at three points in its development: (a) at 14 days after unilateral renal artery constriction, (b) at 7 days after contralateral nephrectomy, and (c) at 30 days after this nephrectomy. The removal of the sole ischemic kidney normalized the blood pressure when performed at point (b) but had no effect when performed at point (c). Crude extracts prepared from rabbit kidney medulla normalized the blood pressure when injected intraperitoneally for three days at point (b) but had no effect when injected at points (a) and (c). The active agent in the extract was thermolabile, and its action was not duplicated by a similar dose of prostaglandins A1 or E2. An attempt is made to characterize and differentiate the second and third phase and the effect of renomedullary extracts in terms of the interaction of the renal pressor and antihypertensive systems.
Time-lag measurements for diffusion of aromatics through a silicalite membrane

Abstract Intracrystalline diffusivities of benzene, toluene, and the three xylene isomers in silicalite were determined by the membrane technique. A zeolite membrane was fabricated by embedding a large silicalite crystal in an epoxy resin and mounted in a permeability cell. The membrane was subjected to a known pressure gradient and the rate of transport and, hence, the intracrystalline diffusivity through the zeolite membrane was determined from the rate of pressure increase on the outflow side. The measured diffusivities of aromatics ranged from 5 × 10 −14 to 10 −13 m 2 /s. The technique offers a reasonable alternative to other macroscopic methods such as gravimetric and chromatographic methods for measuring intracrystalline diffusivities. However, the limitations of the technique are that (1) it measures integral diffusivity rather than differential diffusivity and (2) the fabrication of a zeolite membrane represents a formidable task.
Perioperative complications in children with pulmonary hypertension undergoing general anesthesia with ketamine.

Summary Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with significant perioperative risk for major complications in children, including pulmonary hypertensive crisis and cardiac arrest. Uncertainty remains about the safety of ketamine anesthesia in this patient population. Aim: Retrospectively review the medical records of children with PAH to ascertain the nature and frequency of peri-procedural complications and to determine whether ketamine administration was associated with peri-procedural complications. Methods: Children with PAH (mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance index ≥3 Wood units) who underwent general anesthesia for procedures during a 6-year period (2002–2008) were enrolled. Details about the patient, PAH, procedure, anesthetic and postprocedural course were noted, including adverse events during or within 48 h of the procedure. Complication rates were reported per procedure. Association between ketamine and peri-procedural complications was tested. Results: Sixty-eight children (median age 7.3 year, median weight 22 kg) underwent 192 procedures. Severity of PAH was mild (23%), moderate (37%), and severe (40%). Procedures undertaken were major surgery (n = 20), minor surgery (n = 27), cardiac catheterization (n = 128) and nonsurgical procedures (n = 17). Ketamine was administered during 149 procedures. Twenty minor and nine major complications were noted. Incidence of cardiac arrest was 0.78% for cardiac catheterization procedures, 10% for major surgical procedures and 1.6% for all procedures. There was no procedure-related mortality. Ketamine administration was not associated with increased complications. Conclusions: Ketamine appears to be a safe anesthetic option for children with PAH. We report rates for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and mortality that are more favorable than those previously reported.
Inventive Tool Use to Comprehend Big Code

Software developers often need to understand a large body of unfamiliar code with little or no documentation, no experts to consult, and little time to do it. A post appeared in January 2008 on Slashdot, a technology news Web site, asking for tools and techniques that could help. This article analyzes 301 often passionate and sometimes articulate responses to this query, including the themes and the associated tool recommendations. The most common suggestions were to use a code navigation tool, use a design recovery tool, use a debugger to step through the code, create a runtime trace, use problem-based learning, ask people for help, study the code from top down, and print out all the code. This analysis presents an intriguing snapshot of how software developers in industry go about comprehending big code.
TREATMENT OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN PATIENTS WITH METASTATIC PROSTATE CANCER MAY IMPROVE BONE PAIN AND MUSCLE STRENGTH

Purpose: We performed a phase II study to determine whether pain associated with prostate cancer bone metastasis would respond to vitamin D replacement and parameters of muscle strength would be improved by vitamin D replacement therapy. Materials and Methods: After a 4-week placebo period, eligible patients received orally 2,000 units vitamin D daily for 12 weeks. Pain questionnaires and measurements of muscle strength were competed at study enrollment and every 4 weeks thereafter. Serum calcium and vitamin D were measured at each clinic visit. Results: A total of 16 patients with advanced hormone refractory prostate cancer were enrolled in this phase II study, of whom 7 (44%) had decreased baseline vitamin D. With vitamin D treatment, 4 patients (25%) had improvement in pain scores and 6 (37%) had improvement in muscle strength measurements. Improvement in pain scores correlated with improvement in subjective symptoms but did not result in a significant decrease in regular scheduled analgesic requirements. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency develops in a significant percent of patients with advanced hormone refractory prostate cancer. Supplementation with vitamin D may be a useful adjunct for improving pain, muscle strength and quality of life in this patient population.
Spore coat protein of Bacillus subtilis—A summary of recent findings

Abstract 1. 1. Multilayered spore coat of Bacillus subtilis consists primarily of highly hydrophobic proteins requiring harsh chemical treatments for solubilization. 2. 2. Soluble coat antigen is produced early during sporulation in form of a large precursor which is processed to yield a heterogeneous array of mature polypeptides assembled several hours later. 3. 3. A coat polypeptide of 12,200 daltons has been found to contain an unique amino acid composition similar to collagen class of structural proteins.
Using environmental scanning electron microscopy to determine the hygroscopic properties of agricultural aerosols

A field study at a cattle feedlot in the Texas Panhandle was conducted to characterize the hygroscopic, morphological, and chemical properties of agricultural aerosols and to identify possible correlations between these properties. To explore the hygroscopic nature of the agricultural particles, we have collected size-resolved aerosol samples using a cascade impactor system and have used an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) to determine the water uptake by individual particles in those samples as a function of relative humidity (RH). In addition, complementary determination of the elemental composition of single particles was performed using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Our results indicate that most of the agricultural particles do not take up significant amounts of water when exposed to up to 96% RH. However, a small fraction of particles in the coarse mode deliquesced at approximately 75% RH and reached twice their original sizes by 96% RH. The observed changes in particle size with increased RH may significantly impact total aerosol extinction, visibility, and human health.
The Influence of Sex and Equity Sensitivity on Relationship Preferences, Assessment of Opponent, and Outcomes in a Negotiation Experiment

In a negotiation experiment (N = 248) sex, equity sensitivity, and gender pairings were used to test six hypotheses. Results indicate that sex and equity sensitivity were predictive of subjects’ relationship preferences and sex, but not equity sensitivity, was predictive of subjects ’ measured assessment of the relationship preferences of the opponent. Equity sensitivity was also not significantly correlated with subjects’ satisfaction. Sex and sex within a role (seller versus buyer) was also found to influence settlement amount with males besting their female opponents when in mixed-sex pairs and with male sellers outperforming female sellers. The differences between males and females in settlement offers made appears to be one explanation for males’ success relative to females: Suggestions for expanding the range of measured outcomes in negotiation and implications for incorporating individual differences into negotiation research are discussed.
Effect of partial reinforcement trial sequences on extinction performance

An investigation was conducted to examine the relative influence of N-R, R-N, and R-R transitions on the extinction performance of albino rats following abbreviated training in a runway. The results were discussed in relation to the modified aftereffects hypothesis.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Substitution Reactions between Myoglobin and Activated Self-Assembled Monolayers Investigated Using Surface Plasmon Resonance

The rate of the reaction between solution-phase myoglobin and SAMs fabricated from ω-X-hexadecylthiomethylbenzenes where X was a mesylate, chloride, or bromide was investigated using surface plasmon resonance (spr). The data were fit to a model in which nonspecific adsorption competes with a second-order substitution reaction between myoglobin and the surface species. The second-order reaction rate constants obtained from the regression analysis were 440 ± 140 M-1s-1 for the bromide, 56 ± 10 M-1s-1 for the mesylate, and 38 ± 12 M-1s-1 for the chloride. The experimental rate law fit to the data and the increase in rate with decreased basicity of the leaving group were consistent with an SN2 mechanism.
Analytical Model of Post-Impact Droplet Spreading on a Micro-Patterned Superhydrophobic Surface With Surface Slip

Several analytical models exist to predict droplet impact behavior on superhydrophobic surfaces. However, no previous model has rigorously considered the effect of surface slip on droplet spreading and recoiling that is inherent in many superhydrophobic surfaces. This paper presents an analytical model that takes into account surface slip at the solid-fluid interface during droplet deformation. The effects of slip are captured in terms that model the kinetic energy and viscous dissipation and are compared to a classical energy conservation model given by Attane et al. and experimental data from Pearson et al. A range of slip lengths, Weber numbers, Ohnesorge numbers, and contact angles are investigated to characterize the effects of slip over the entire range of realizable conditions. We find that surface slip does not influence normalized maximum spread diameter for low We but can cause a significant increase for We > 100. Surface slip affects dynamical parameters more profoundly for low Oh numbers (0.002–0.01). Normalized residence time and rebound velocity increase as slip increases for the same range of We and Oh. The influence of slip is more significantly manifested on normalized rebound velocity than normalized maximum spread diameter. Contact angles in the range of 150°–180° do not affect impact dynamics significantly.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Induction of vesicle formation in a cell line derived from imaginal discs

The ability of insect hemolymph to induce vesicles in a high passage insect cell line, IAL-TND1, is described. The factor responsible, designated VPA for ‘vesicle-promoting activity’, was determined to be heat sensitive, nondialyzable, and protease Type XIV sensitive but insensitive to trypsin digestion. In efforts to determine the source of VPA, hemolymph was collected from different developmental stages ofTrichoplusia ni, and certain tissues fromT. ni were cocultured with IAL-TND1 cells. Hemolymph from every developmental stage tested exhibited VPA although the effect was somewhat reduced in spinning-stage larvae. Additionally, several tissue, including fat body, tess, and imaginal discs, released VPA into the culture medium. Neural tissues and endocrine glands did not induce vesicle formation.
Glowing Connection Experiments With Alternating Currents Below 1 ${\rm A}_{\rm rms}$

It was experimentally shown that a glowing connection can develop in an electrical switch at a terminal connection comprised of a connector that utilizes a spring action against a conductor to provide electrical contact in household electrical appliances where vibration exists, and when the connection is loose. This can happen at a current flow such as 0.6 Arms at 120-V. Further, the glow can provide sufficient heat to degrade plastic in contact with the terminal components. Violent arcing involving intense gasification can then develop on nearby plastic areas, sometimes accompanied by intensely glowing areas inside the plastic. Sometimes the intense glowing areas inside plastic develop without the violent arcing. The intense arcing or the glow inside plastic often develops into flaming, which can be of sufficient intensity and duration to ignite combustible materials near the connection.
Protocol Development Success Stories: Part 1

Abstract Formal Description Techniques (FDTs) and automatable tools have long promised to make substantial contributions to the development of communication protocols. Have they? The answer is “Yes”; but, success is more often based on the capability to automate a tool than it is on the use of FDTs, per se. Several notable success stories are given here. The two goals for writing this paper were 1) to encourage more researchers to accept the challenge of attacking a real protocol and 2) to attract more industrial support of a vital development area.
Diabetes mellitus and the risk of nephrolithiasis

Diabetes mellitus and the risk of nephrolithiasis. Background Insulin resistance is a central feature of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and may increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Existing cross-sectional data on the association between DM and nephrolithiasis are limited, and no prospective study to date has evaluated the relation between DM and the risk of kidney stones. Methods To evaluate the relation between DM and prevalent kidney stones, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 3 large cohorts including over 200,000 participants: the Nurses' Health Study I (older women), the Nurses' Health Study II (younger women), and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (men). We then prospectively studied the association between DM and incident nephrolithiasis over a combined 44 years of follow-up. Because insulin resistance can precede the diagnosis of DM by decades, we also prospectively examined the relation between kidney stones and the diagnosis of incident DM. Multivariate regression models adjusted for age, body mass index, thiazide diuretic use, fluid intake, and dietary factors. Results At baseline, the multivariate relative risk of prevalent stone disease in individuals with DM compared to individuals without was 1.38 (95% CI 1.06-1.79) in older women, 1.67 (95% CI 1.28-2.20) in younger women, and 1.31 (95% CI 1.11-1.54) in men. Prospectively, the multivariate relative risk of incident kidney stone formation in participants with DM compared to participants without was 1.29 (95% CI 1.05-1.58) in older women, 1.60 (95% CI 1.16-2.21) in younger women, and 0.81 (95% CI 0.59-1.09) in men. The multivariate relative risk of incident DM in participants with a history of kidney stones compared to participants without was 1.33 (95% CI 1.18-1.50) in older women, 1.48 (95% CI 1.14-1.91) in younger women, and 1.49 (95% CI 1.29-1.72) in men. Conclusion DM is a risk factor for the development of kidney stones. Additional studies are needed to determine if the increased risk of DM in stone formers is due to subclinical insulin resistance.