Cloning and sequencing of a gene from the archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus with high homology to a gene encoding phosphoenolpyruvate synthetase from Escherichia coli

A gene from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus, strain Vc1 (DSM 3638), contains an 817-amino-acid open reading frame which shows 42% identity to the phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) synthetase of Escherichia coli. This putative P. furiosus PEP synthetase is slightly larger than the E. coli enzyme, the region between residues 58 and 89 being absent from the latter.     

Effects of degree of obesity, age of onset, and weight loss on responsiveness to sensory and external stimuli.

Four experiments tested responsiveness to external and sensory stimuli in human females who differed in degree of overweight and in age of onset of their obesity. A total of 196 overweight Ss, ranging in age from 12–58 yrs and representing both juvenile- and adult-onset obese groups, served as Ss; in Exps I and IV, a total of 14 normal-weight Ss were used as controls. The effects of weight loss on external responsiveness were assessed by testing Ss before and after weight reduction in order to determine the role of energy deficit and deprivation in mediating heightened responsiveness to external cues. There was no significant positive correlation between degree of overweight and degree of external responsiveness. In general, the age of onset of obesity was also not a factor in the degree of externality. Weight loss did not change responses to visual and cognitive cue salience manipulatons in measures of feeding, emotionality, time perception, and short-term recall, while responsiveness to variations in taste palatability increased following weight reduction. While external cue responsiveness does not appear to result from adiposity per se or from deprivation, responsiveness to taste stimuli may reflect these parameters. The role of external and sensory cues in the development and maintenance of obesity is discussed. (42 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Mechanisms for initiating thermal degradation of certain anhydride-cured epoxides

The mechanisms initiating the unusual thermal degradation of epoxy resins cured with methylbicyclo [2.2.1] hept-5-ene-2, 3-dicarboxylic anhydride were investigated. Two mechanisms were elucidated, each assuming greater importance than the other depending upon the severity of the thermal environment. One is an internal acid-initiated mechanism operating from 240 to 350°C. under slow heating rates. The other is a reverse Diels-Alder reaction which operates above 350°C., usually under instantaneous pyrolysis conditions such as encountered in ablation. These two mechanisms, working simultaneously, promote further crosslinking of the resin system giving rise to a greater amount of carbonaceous residue than would otherwise be expected.     

Some observations on the effects of temperature and relative humidity upon pupation,fecundity and the longevity of Dermestes lardarius L. (Coleoptera,Dermestidae)

Larvae of Demestes lardarius L. were bred at 80% r.h. and 15 or 30°C on a diet of fish-meal, yeast and cholesterol. Resulting adults were paired within 2 days of emergence and kept under the same conditions. Adults obtained at 15°C were morphologically normal and lived up to 211 days. Most females failed to lay eggs but 2 laid a small number (4 and 12) of infertile eggs after 89 days. At 30°C adults lived only up to 36 days and none of the females laid eggs.Larvae were also reared at 65% r.h. and 30 or 15°C until they pupated and then they were transferred to 25 and 20°C respectively. Adults at 25°C lived up to 61 days but no eggs were laid. Adults obtained at 20°C were morphologically normal but very small in size and lived up to 165 days. Matings between them were infertile.     

Temporal and spectral studies of a synchronously pumped dye laser: Detailed interpretation of autocorrelation measurements

With the combination of precise autocorrelation and spectral measurements we have established the influence of pulse substructure on the determination of pulse envelope duration of a synchronously pumped dye laser within the noise burst model of Pike and Hersher. Our results make a single sided exponential pulse shape unlikely and we present evidence supporting pulses having Gaussian or skewed Gaussian temporal profiles.     

Chemical,functional, and nutritional properties of sunflower protein products

Sunflower flours and protein concentrates have potential food uses because of their high protein content, white color, bland flavor, and absence of antinutritive factors. Procedures have been developed for removal of chlorogenic acid which forms green and brown colors under alkaline pH, and selection for low chlorogenic acid cultivars is underway in plant breeding programs. Further research is needed on dehulling techniques and possible problems associated with high levels of sugars in sunflower flour. Sunflower flours and concentrates have excellent fat absorption, oil emulsification, and whipping properties. Wieners supplemented with sunflower products showed low shrinkage during the smokehouse treatment and low cooking losses due to high fat and water absorptions. Sunflower-supplemented wieners did score poorly in peelability and organoleptic tests. Sunflower proteins had an excellent amino acid balance except for low lysine content and, in feeding trials with rats, showed high protein efficiency ratios when blended with legume or meat proteins.     

Rapid analysis of time series data to identify changes in electricity consumption patterns in UK secondary schools

This paper presents a methodology for energy professionals to identify potential electricity saving opportunities in buildings from the analysis of half-hourly electricity consumption data. The technique recommended in UK government good practice guidance for use with monthly gas data has been applied to half-hourly electricity data from 37 secondary schools. The technique monitors consumption over time, identifying any changes in patterns and quantifying their effects. It has the advantage of being both high resolution and quick to employ. The analysis produces results that allow energy professionals to rapidly detect changes in electricity consumption.     

Vertebral body osteomyelitis: spectrum and natural history. A retrospective analysis of 37 cases

There has been a definite change in the natural history of vertebral osteomyelitis. At the turn of the century the disease was most often seen in younger people, accompanied by a high incidence of abscess formation and associated with a high mortality rate. Today the disease is more commonly seen in the older age groups and is only occasionally characterized by abscess formation. In addition it tends to be of a lower grade inflammatory reaction and has a better prognosis. A urinary tract infection is a common pre-existing condition. Diagnosis may be difficult particularly before the onset of destructive changes radiologically at 8 to 12 weeks. Biopsy by either open or closed methods might be necessary to establishe the diagnosis and isolate the causative organism which is usually Staphylococcus aureus. Epidural infection is the most devastating complication, particularly if neglected. The duration of treatment is determined by following the clinical symptoms, sedimentation rate, temperature curve and interval radiological changes. The prognosis is good and most patients will recover within one year.     

Effects of diazepam and methylphenidate on the electrodermal detection of guilty knowledge.

60 19–28 yr old male undergraduates were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups in an investigation of the effects of antianxiety (diazepam) and stimulant (methylphenidate) drugs on polygraphic interrogation. Ss assigned to the 3 guilty groups watched a videotape depicting the burglary of an apartment through the eyes of the thief. Each S was asked to imagine that it was he who was committing the crime and was given instructions to encourage his becoming absorbed in the videotape. Ss were given either diazepam, methylphenidate, or placebo capsules before a polygraph examination. Control Ss viewed a videotape depicting scenes from the interior of another apartment (no crime was committed) before being given a polygraph examination. Results show that drug status did not affect the validity of the polygraph examination. Ss who remembered more facts scored significantly more in the guilt direction. (31 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)