cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variability for host preference in insect populations: mechanistic and evolutionary models

Abstract Two models that explain variation in behaviour associated with locating and accepting different habitats (host plants) are described and analyzed. One model describes the dynamics of search-mode ontogeny in Battus philenor butterflies. This model predicts that the proportion of females using either of two search modes at any given time reflects an equilibrium between the rate at which females switch from using a narrow-leaf search mode to using a broad-leaf search mode and the rate at which the opposite switch is made. Preliminary data suggest that the model predicts reasonably well the observed seasonal change in predominant search mode in the field. The second model, really a set of related models, describes the dynamics of genes that influence searching behaviour. Several predictions of these models are: (1) gentic variation for proportional allocation of offspring to different habitats should be more common under soft-selection regimes than under hard-selection regimes. (2) Polyphagy should be more common under soft selection than under hard selection. (3) Whether changes in the relative abundances or relative quality of different habitats lead to evolutionary change in apportionment of offspring to habitats depends in a complex way on mode of population regulation, method of search, type of limitation of fecundity and genetic properties of loci affecting preference. Although the two types of models superficially appear to address different types of behavioural variation, they may be used in a complementary fashion to understand the evolution of habitat selection behaviour.
Nerve stump length-dependent loss of acetylcholinesterase activity in endplate regions of rat diaphragm

Abstract Alterations in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were investigated in middle endplate (MEP), distal endplate (DEP) and non-endplate (NEP) regions of rat diaphragm muscle after phrenic nerve transection either intrathoracically (low, 3–5 mm nerve stump) or in the neck (high, 50–55 mm nerve stump). When the phrenic nerve was severed low, the time of initial loss of AChE activity in MEP and DEP regions was 20 h. In contrast, when the nerve was transected in the neck, the onset time of AChE activity loss was delayed in both MEP and DEP regions to 24 h. Therefore, the onset time of loss of AChE activity was dependent on the nerve stump length. The rate of loss of AChE activity was not significantly different for MEP or DEP regions after either high or low nerve transection and averaged a rate of 1.54%/h. Loss of AChE activity in the NEP region was independent of nerve stump length and enzyme activity decreased at a rate of 0.62–0.63%/h, beginning immediately after nerve transection. AChE activity in phrenic nerve was also measured and was found to contribute significantly to measurements of endplate enzyme activity in diaphragm. Data indicate a nerve length-dependent loss of AChE in MEP and DEP regions of muscle with an apparent velocity of 300 mm/day, suggesting a relationship to fast axoplasmic transport of either AChE itself or a trophic factor.
Effect of BCNU pretreatment on diquat-induced oxidant stress and hepatotoxicity.

Diquat administration produces hepatic necrosis in male Fischer-344 rats, and minimally in male Sprague-Dawley rats, with massive oxidant stress observable in both strains as evidenced by increased biliary efflux of glutathione disulfide (GSSG). Pretreatment of both strains of rats with 80 mg/kg of 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-N-nitrosourea (BCNU) inhibited hepatic glutathione reductase by 75 percent and increased dramatically the biliary efflux of GSSG produced by administration of diquat. BCNU pretreatment markedly potentiated diquat hepatotoxicity in the Fischer rats and modestly in Sprague-Dawley rats. BCNU-pretreated Fischer rats did not show an enhanced depletion of nonprotein sulfhydryls in response to diquat, in spite of the dramatic potentiation of the hepatic necrosis produced, nor were protein thiols depleted. The effects of BCNU on diquat hepatotoxicity in the Fischer rat are consistent with a critical role for reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of the observed hepatic necrosis and for the protective role of the glutathione peroxidase/reductase system. The data suggest that shifts in thiol-disulfide equilibria are not responsible for the cell death produced by oxidant stress in vivo , but are consistent with a role for lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis of the lesion.
Estimation of rates and enhancement factors in gas absorption with zero-order chemical reaction and gas-phase mass-transfer resistances

Abstract The governing differential equation for gas absorption in laminar falling film with zero-order homogeneous chemical reaction and finite gas-phase mass transfer resistances is solved analytically by the method of separation of variables and subsequent solution with confluent hypergeometric function. The results for concentration profile, gas absorption rate, and enhancement factor are presented for various reaction rate and mass transfer resistance parameters.
Internet attitudes and internet use: some surprising findings from the HomeNetToo project

HomeNetToo is a longitudinal field study to examine the antecedents and consequences of home Internet use in low-income families. Among the antecedents considered are attitudes about the Internet and their ability to predict Internet use. Participants in the project were 117 adults who completed attitude measures at pre-trial, 3 months, 9 months and post-trial (16 months) and had their Internet use automatically recorded. Ethnographic accounts of their experiences with the Internet were also obtained. Findings indicate that attitudes about privacy and reliability of information on the Internet predict Internet use, but not as expected. Participants who believed less in privacy and reliability of information used the Internet more, even after the contributions of demographic characteristics (race and age), pre-trial experience using the Internet, and actual Internet use during the preceding time period were considered. Attitudes about the potential harm to children and health from Internet use predicted less use. Implications for efforts to reduce the digital divide, the importance of gathering both quantitative and qualitative data, and directions for future research are discussed.
Loss of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) disrupts skin barrier integrity and sensitizes mice to epicutaneous allergen challenge

Background Skin barrier integrity requires a highly coordinated molecular system involving the structural protein filaggrin (FLG). Mutational loss of the skin barrier protein FLG predisposes subjects to the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). Objective We sought to determine the role of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in skin barrier function, FLG expression, and development of AD. Methods Skin histology of mice with skin-specific SIRT1 deletion and wild-type control animals was examined by using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Protein and mRNA abundance was analyzed by means of immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and RT-PCR. Serum antibody levels were assessed by means of ELISA. Results Here we show that FLG is regulated by the protein deacetylase SIRT1 and that SIRT1 is critical for skin barrier integrity. Epidermis-specific SIRT1 ablation causes AD-like skin lesions in mice, and mice with epidermal SIRT1 deletion are sensitive to percutaneous challenge by the protein allergen ovalbumin. In normal human keratinocytes and mouse skin SIRT1 knockdown or genetic deletion downregulates FLG, and regulation of FLG expression by SIRT1 requires the deacetylase activity of SIRT1. SIRT1 also promotes activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand restores FLG expression in SIRT1-inhibited cells. Compared with normal human skin, SIRT1 is downregulated in both AD and non-AD lesions. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate a critical role of SIRT1 in skin barrier maintenance, open up new opportunities to use SIRT1 as a pharmacologic target, and might facilitate the development of mechanism-based agents for AD prevention and therapy.
Vagus nerve stimulation blocks vascular permeability following burn in both local and distal sites.

Abstract Recent studies have shown that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can block the burn-induced systemic inflammatory response (SIRS). In this study we examined the potential for VNS to modulate vascular permeability (VP) in local sites (i.e. skin) and in secondary sites (i.e. lung) following burn. In a 30% total body surface area burn model, VP was measured using intravascular fluorescent dextran for quantification of the VP response in skin and lung. A peak in VP of the skin was observed 24 h post-burn injury, that was blocked by VNS. Moreover, in the lung, VNS led to a reduction in burn-induced VP compared to sham-treated animals subjected to burn alone. The protective effects of VNS in this model were independent of the spleen, suggesting that the spleen was not a direct mediator of VNS. These studies identify a role for VNS in the regulation of VP in burns, with the translational potential of attenuating lung complications following burn.
Altered behavioral responses mediated by serotonin receptors in the genetically dystonic (dt) rat

Abstract The genetically dystonic ( dt ) rat is an animal model of dystonia that displays sustained abnormal movements that include: torticollis, clasping of the hindlimbs, rigidity of the limbs, and contortions of the trunk. Since serotonin (5-HT) has been shown to be involved in some animal models of movement disorders, the functional responsiveness of the 5-HT system in dt rats and phenotypical normal littermates was examined by administering 5-HT agonists selective for different receptor subtypes and observing behavioral responses associated with the activation of specific 5-HT receptor subtypes. The dt rats were 6-fold more sensitive to the ability of the 5-HT 1A agonist 8-OH-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) to produce the 5-HT behavioral syndrome. The dt rats demonstrated a diminished head-shaking response following administration of the 5-HT 2 agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOB). However, the dt rats also displayed significantly fewer head shakes following mechanical stimulation of the aural pinnae. The inability of the dt rat to demonstrate head-shaking behavior following stimulation of 5-HT 2 receptors is probably due to the dt rat's difficulty in producing the motor responses involved in this behavioral response and do not reflect alterations in 5-HT 2 receptor sensitivity. These results suggest the the 5-HT system, particularly 5-HT 1A receptors, may have an integral role in the abnormal movements displayed by the genetically dystonic rat and movement disorders in general.
Insect populations and feeding damage among birdsfoot trefoil-grass mixtures under different cutting schedules

Insect populations and feeding damage among five combinations of birdsfoot trefoil, Lotus corniculatus L., and companion grasses were compared. Trefoil was seeded in 1983 alone and in binary combination with tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea Schreber), orchardgrass ( Dactylis glomerata L.), perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L.), and timothy ( Phleum pratense L.) at two locations in West Virginia. Three cutting treatments, one three-cut schedule and two two-cut schedules, were used in 1984 and 1985. The pyrethroid cyfluthrin was applied to half of all treatments. The influence of forage mixture, cutting schedule, and insecticide on insect populations and herbage yields and quality were studied. The most abundant insects collected in biweekly sweep net samples were Cercopidae, Cicadellidae, Delphacidae, Aphididae (Homoptera), and Miridae (Hemiptera). Numbers of nymphs and adults from the five families varied among forage mixtures and cutting treatments. Cyfluthrin effectively controlled all insects except adult mirids, and biweekly insecticide application increased overall forage yields by approximately 6.0%. The effect of insects on the crude protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility of the trefoil and grass components of the swards did not differ consistently among the five forage mixtures but did vary among the three cutting schedules.
Utilization of potatoes in bioregenerative life support systems.

Data on the tuberization, harvest index, and morphology of 2 cvs of white potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) grown at 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28 C, 250, 400 and 550 micromol/s/m photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), 350, 1000 and 1600 microliter 1 sup -1 CO2 is presented. A productivity of 21.9 g/m day sup -1 of edible tubers from a solid stand of potatoes grown for 15 weeks with continuous irradiation at 400 micromol/s/m, 16 C and 1000 microliter 1 sup -1 CO2 was obtained. This equates to an area of 34.3 sq m being required to provide 2800 kcal of potatoes per day for a human diet. Separated plants receiving side lighting have produced 32.8 g/m day sup -1 which equates to an area of 23.6 sq m to provide 2800 kcal. Studies with side lighting indicate that productivities in this range should be realized from potatoes. Glycoalkaloid levels in tubers of controlled environment grown plants are within the range of levels found in tubers of field grown plants. The use and limitation of recirculating solution cultures for potato growth is discussed.
Theoretical Formulation of a Coupled Elastic—Plastic Anisotropic Damage Model for Concrete using the Strain Energy Equivalence Concept

An anisotropic damage constitutive model for concrete is developed within the framework of elastoplasticity and continuum damage mechanics. The transformation from the effective (undamaged) to the damaged configuration in the elastic regime is obtained by using the hypothesis of elastic strain energy equivalence. Damage in plasticity is accounted for by developing a new formulation relating the plastic strains rate tensors in the effective and damaged configurations. Two anisotropic damage criteria are introduced to account for the different concrete behavior effects under tensile and compressive loadings. The total stress is decomposed into tensile and compressive components in order to satisfy these damage criteria. The plasticity yield criterion presented in this work accounts for the spectral decomposition of the stress tensor and will be used simultaneously with the damage criteria. The transformation of stresses from the effective to the damaged configuration is achieved by using a fourth order transformation tensor that is based on second order tensile and compressive damage tensors. Expressions are derived for the elastoplastic tangent operator in the effective and damaged configurations. The formulations are derived consistently based on sound thermodynamic principles.
Simplicial cross-polytopic d-arrangements

Branko Grunbaum has observed that the projective d-arrangements formed by the facet hyperplanes of a regular polytope together with some of its hyperplanes of mirror symmetry and possibly the hyperiplane at infinity are sometimes simplicial. We investigate the projective d-arrangements associated in this manner with a cross-polytope. Fourteen such simplicial arrangements are known: three 1-arrangements, four 2-arrangements, six 3-arrangements, and one 4-arrangement. In this paper we prove that no other arrangement so associated with a cross-polytope is simplicial.
UV-cured poly(vinyl alcohol) ultrafiltration nanofibrous membrane based on electrospun nanofiber scaffolds

A novel class of high-flux thin film nanofibrous composite (TFNC) ultrafiltration membrane, consisting of UV-cured poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydro-gel barrier layer, electrospun nanofibrous PVA mid-layer scaffold and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) non-woven substrate, was investigated. The barrier layer was fabricated by photo-crosslinking of UV-reactive PVA (UV-PVA) on a chemically cross-linked nanofibrous PVA scaffold. The effects of concentration and viscosity of the UV-PVA solution on the flux and rejection rate of the TFNC membrane were studied. It was found that UV curing of a 5-wt% UV-PVA solution coating over 20-s time period yielded a high flux, high rejection UF membrane with good fouling resistance for separation of oil and water emulsion.
Tailoring structure and properties of composites synthesized in situ using displacement reactions

Abstract Displacement reactions can produce in situ intermetallic and ceramic matrix composites in a process where an intermetallic or ceramic phase(s) and a potential reinforcing phase(s) are grown together during a reactive phase transformation. Various forms of interpenetrating-phase and dispersed-phase microstructures are produced by means of these reactions. It is also apparent that both composition and morphology can be manipulated to some degree in order to tailor composite structures. The composition and morphology of MoSi 2 reinforced with SiC particles was explored over a wide range by controlling starting reactant compositions and hot-pressing conditions. Preliminary results of a model for the formation of the MoSi 2 /SiC composite are presented in which both diffusion and interfacial reactions are included. Strength in bending and chevron-notch fracture toughness were determined as a function of temperature and composition and the measured properties are discussed with regard to the observed microstructures. A novel, graded composite structure in the NiAl/Ni 3 Al/Ni:Al 2 O 3 system is also discussed.
A Three-Ion Selectivity Filter Potential Energy Landscape of a Putative Open-Conductive KcsA

Potassium channels are tetrameric integral membrane proteins that passively allow rapid potassium conduction through the cell membrane while being strongly selective over other monovalent cations. A narrow region known as the selectivity filter, conserved in both structure and sequence, presents a series of backbone carbonyls towards the permeating ion. Here, we have performed a full three-ion permeation free energy landscape calculation for the selectivity filter region using all-atom umbrella sampling molecular dynamics simulations of the KcsA channel in a membrane with explicit lipids and solvent. The cases of pure potassium conduction and of a single sodium chaperoned by potassium ions were examined. The Potential of Mean Force (PMF) dependent on the Z-coordinates of three ions was calculated on the basis of a new unpublished high-resolution crystal structure of KcsA in a conformation which includes both an open gate and a conductive filter. The effect of flipping of Valine 76 was examined as well as the permeation and selectivity in a model with Glycine 77 replaced by a D-Alanine.
Timing of neurotransmission at fast synapses in the mammalian brain.

UNDERSTANDING the factors controlling synaptic delays has broad implications. On a systems level, the speed of synaptic transmission limits the communication rate between neurons and strongly influences local circuit dynamics1,2. On a molecular level, the delay from presynaptic calcium entry to postsynaptic responses constrains the molecular mechanism of vesicle fusion3. Previously it has not been possible to elucidate the determinants of synaptic delays in the mammalian central nervous system, where presynaptic terminals are small and difficult to study. We have developed a new approach to study timing at rat cerebellar synapses: we used optical techniques to measure voltage and calcium current simultaneously from presynaptic boutons while monitoring postsynaptic currents electrically4–6. Here we report that the classic view that vesicle release is driven by calcium entry during action-potential repolarization7 holds for these synapses at room temperature, but not at physiological temperatures, where postsynaptic responses commence just 150 μs after the start of the presynaptic action potential. This brisk communication is a consequence of rapid calcium-channel kinetics, which allow significant calcium entry during the upstroke of the presynaptic action potential, and extremely fast calcium-driven vesicle fusion, which lags behind calcium influx by 60 μs.
Spaceborne imaging spectrometer for environmental assessment of the coastal ocean

With half of the world's population living within 50 km of the coastal ocean the coast and adjacent land areas are heavily used for recreation, and for frequently conflicting uses, such as, fisheries, oil and gas production, disposal of wastes, transportation and naval operations. Coastal ecosystems are sensitive, highly productive systems which are being heavily impacted by human activities, but which are not adequately sampled by any present or planned spaceborne remote sensing system. To remedy that situation we propose building a coastal ocean imaging spectrometer (COIS) with adequate spectral and spatial resolution and high signal to noise to provide long term monitoring and real-time characterization of the coastal environment. COIS would provide a snapshot of the effects of human activities and natural processes, including runoff, tides, currents and storms, on the distributions of phytoplankton, suspended sediments, colored dissolved organic matter, including sediment resuspension and changes in bathymetry. COIS will also be an excellent tool to assess changing land use practices and the health of corps and natural vegetation on the adjacent land areas. This paper reviews the scientific rationale for such an instrument, and the recent scientific and engineering innovations that make it possible to build a small inexpensive spaceborne instrument to meet these requirements.
G1 events and the regulation of genes for S-phase enzymes.

Abstract The genes for S-shape enzymes are expressed at low levels in quiescent mammalian cells but at high levels during DNA replication. Regulation occurs at multiple levels by mechanisms that are different for each gene. Current research is focused on identifying the control elements and trans -acting factors for each gene and establishing relationships between these regulatory mechanisms and the G1 signal transduction pathway.
Revision interposition arthroplasty of the elbow

Between 1996 and 2008, nine patients with severe post-traumatic arthritis underwent revision of a failed interposition arthroplasty of the elbow with a further interposition procedure using an allograft of tendo Achillis at a mean of 5.6 years (0.7 to 13.1) after the initial procedure. There were eight men and one woman with a mean age of 47 years (36 to 56). The mean follow-up was 4.7 years (2 to 8). The mean Mayo Elbow Performance score improved from 49 (15 to 65) pre-operatively to 73 (55 to 95) (p = 0.04). The mean Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 26 (7 to 42). One patient was unavailable for clinical follow-up and one underwent total elbow replacement three months post-operatively. Of the remaining patients, one had an excellent, two had good, three fair and one a poor result. Subjectively, five of the nine patients were satisfied. Four continued manual labour. Revision interposition arthroplasty is an option for young, active patients with severe post-traumatic arthritis who require both mobility and durability of the elbow.
Euro-Horror: Classic European Horror Cinema in Contemporary American Culture by Ian Olney. Bloomington: Indiana UP, 2013

I first saw Dario Argento's Suspiria (1977) on VHS in the mid-1990s. I rented a copy from a video store and got some friends together to watch a cropped, compressed picture, with faded colors and t...
The General Applicability of in Situ Transesterification for the Production of Fatty Acid Esters from a Variety of Feedstocks

We previously described a method for fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) production wherein acylglycerol transesterification was achieved by reacting flaked full fat soybeans with alkaline methanol to create a product that met ASTM specifications for biodiesel. In the present work we explore the general applicability of this approach, termed in situ transesterification, to feedstocks other than soybeans. Materials investigated were distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), which is a co-product of the production of ethanol from corn, and meat and bone meal (MBM), a product of animal rendering. For both feedstocks, reaction conditions giving maximum lipid transesterification were predicted by statistical experimental design and response surface regression analysis, and then verified experimentally. Successful transesterification was achieved at ambient pressure and 35 °C. For DDGS, partial drying markedly reduced the methanol requirement to achieve a high degree (91.1% of maximum theoretical) of transesterification. Elevated reaction temperatures (to 55 °C was explored) caused little or no shortening of the time to completion. Protein was not removed from the DDGS during this treatment. For MBM, drying was not required to achieve a high degree (93.3%) of transesterification. The remaining meal retained approximately 90% of the protein originally present. Coupled with the previous work with soybeans, the data presented here indicate that in situ transesterification is generally applicable to lipid-bearing materials, which could substantially increase the supply of biodiesel.
Particle displacement and velocity measurement using holography

A method of measuring particle displacements and velocities in the optical Fourier transform plane of an in-line far-field hologram is examined. The Fourier transform of a doubly exposed hologram is calculated, and it is shown that each particle pair related by translation contributes a set of cosine fringes to the total diffraction pattern. The fringe frequency and orientation are related to the magnitude and direc-tion of a given particle's displacement or velocity. The intensity in the optical transform plane is detected with a TV camera whose output is digitized and then linked to a computer for analysis. Particle velocities in one and two dimensions are measured, and experimental results are presented. Also, resolution limits are established by evaluating the minimum detectable difference in particle displacement.
Characteristics of Chronic Pain Patients Who Take Opioids and Persistently Report High Pain Intensity

Background and Objectives The use of self-report questionnaires to detect characteristics of altered central pain processing, as seen in centralized pain disorders such as fibromyalgia, allow for the epidemiological studies of pain patients. Here, we assessed the relationship between reporting high levels of pain while taking opioids and the presence of characteristics associated with centralized pain. Methods We evaluated 582 patients taking opioid medications using validated measures of clinical pain, neuropathic pain symptoms, mood, and functioning. A multivariate linear regression model was used to assess the association between levels of pain while taking opioids and presenting with characteristics consistent with having centralized pain. Results We found that 49% of patients taking opioids continued to report severe pain (≥ 7/10). In multivariate analysis, factors associated with having higher levels of pain in opioid users included higher fibromyalgia survey scores (P = 0.001), more neuropathic pain symptoms (P Conclusions Our findings suggest that patients with persistently high pain scores despite opioid therapy are more likely than those with lower levels of pain to present with characteristics associated with having centralized pain. This study cannot determine whether these characteristics were present before (fibromyalgia-like patient) or after the initiation of opioids (opioid-induced hyperalgesia). Regardless, patients with a centralized pain phenotype are thought to be less responsive to opioids and may merit alternative approaches.
Baroresistant buffer mixtures for biochemical analyses.

Abstract Hydrostatic pressure is a useful tool in the study of varied fields such as protein aggregation, association, folding, ligand binding, and allostery. Application of pressure can have a significant effect on the p K a values of buffers commonly used for biochemical analysis. Consequently, cationic buffers, rather than neutral ones, are generally used to minimize pH effects; however, even with these buffers, the change in pH over 3 kbar may be consequential in highly pH-sensitive biochemical systems. Using fluorescence-based assays, we have systematically examined the effects of pressure on various buffers in the neutral pH range. We show that many commonly used cationic and Good’s buffers increase in pH with pressure on the order of 0.1 to 0.3 pH units/kbar, in agreement with other published values. Carboxylates and phosphate decrease in pH to a similar extent. Buffer mixtures, composed of both cationic and carboxylate or phosphate components, are shown to be an order of magnitude less pressure sensitive than the individual component buffers. Using various relative concentrations of Tris and either phosphate, tricarballylate (1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate), or CDA (1,1-cyclohexane diacetate) at pH values between 7 and 8 yields baroresistant buffer mixtures. Buffer mixtures can be optimized for a specific pH, and a list of mixtures is presented for general laboratory use.
Selective Inhibition of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase by Nω-Nitroarginine- and Phenylalanine-Containing Dipeptides and Dipeptide Esters

A series of Nω-nitroarginine (ArgNO2)- and phenylalanine-containing dipeptides and dipeptide esters were synthesized as potential selective inhibitors of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). All of the dipeptides and dipeptide esters are competitive inhibitors of nNOS, macrophage nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), except for the ones that contain d-ArgNO2 (8−10, 12, 13), which are uncompetitive inhibitors of iNOS but competitive inhibitors of nNOS and eNOS. None of the dipeptides or dipeptide esters tested (1, 2, 12, 13) exhibited time-dependent inhibition of any of the NOS isoforms, unlike Nω-nitro-l-arginine itself, which does, although it is reversible. The order of the amino acids in the dipeptide or dipeptide ester is important to selectivity, and the selectivity depends on the chirality of the amino acids. In the case of the corresponding benzyl esters (5 vs 6), both dipeptides favor iNOS over nNOS and eNOS inhibition. All of the dipeptide methyl esters con...
Boxing, wrestling, and martial arts related injuries treated in emergency departments in the United States, 2002-2005.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of breathing on the three - dimensional underwater stroke kinematics of front crawl swimming. Ten female competitive freestyle swimmers participated in the study. Each subject swam a number of front crawl trials of 25 m at a constant speed under breathing and breath-holding conditions. The underwater motion of each subject's right arm was filmed using two S-VHS cameras, operating at 60 Hz, which were positioned behind two underwater viewing windows. The spatial coordinates of selected points were calculated using the DLT procedure with 30 control points and after the digital filtering of the raw data with a cut-off frequency of 6 Hz, the hand's linear displacements and velocities were calculated. The results revealed that breathing caused significantly increases in the stroke duration (t9 = 2.764; p < 0.05), the backward hand displacement relative to the water (t9 = 2.471; p<0.05) and the lateral displacement of the hand in the X - axis during the downsweep (t9 = 2.638; p < 0.05). On the contrary, the peak backward hand velocity during the insweep (t9 = 2.368; p < 0.05) and the displacement of the hand during the push phase (t9 = -2.297; p < 0.05) were greatly reduced when breathing was involved. From the above, it was concluded that breathing action in front crawl swimming caused significant modifications in both the basic stroke parameters and the overall motor pattern were, possibly due to body roll during breathing. Key pointsThe breathing action increases the duration of the total underwater pull.The breathing action increases the absolute backward displacement of the hand.The breathing action caused significant modifications in the overall motor pattern, possibly due to body roll during breathing.
A Comparison of Information Usage Between Business and Leisure Travelers

Abstract This study explores the difference in information usage between business and leisure travelers. Data collected from a series of in-flight surveys of Japanese, South Korean, and Australian outbound travelers to the U.S. in 1997 were analyzed by logit analysis to determine if there were differences in information usage between business and leisure travelers. This research found significant differences in the utilization of external information sources between business and leisure travelers of Japan, South Korea, and Australia. In-flight information, national tourist offices, and state/city tourist offices were the only three information sources that were indistinguishable between the business travelers and leisure travelers of South Korea, Japan, and Australia. This study confirms that purpose of trip has a significant impact on international travelers' use of information sources for a trip plan. Various implications are provided to help practitioners implement effective strategies for enticing fut...
Imaging of blunt abdominal trauma.

Isolated blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) represents about 5% of annual trauma mortality from blunt trauma. As part of multiple-site injury (polytrauma), BAT contributes another 15% of trauma mortality. 1 Exsanguination accounts for 80 to 90% of acute deaths from abdominal injury. More than 75% of such cases are amenable to surgery, and recent years have seen safe extension of nonoperative, image-guided treatments to most victims of blunt-force trauma. 2-21 Early recognition and treatment decisions have been greatly impacted by increasingly sophisticated cross-sectional imaging and image-guided, minimally invasive therapies. 22-32
Waves and synchrony in networks of oscillators of relaxation and non-relaxation type

Abstract Arrays of relaxation oscillators behave differently in the presence of a non-uniformity of natural frequencies and/or coupling inputs than do arrays of phase oscillators coupled through phase differences. Phase oscillators compensate for non-uniformities by creating phase differences among the oscillators; relaxation oscillators coupled via “fast threshold modulation” (FTM) can respond by changing wave forms while leaving the fast jumps synchronous. For arrays of relaxation oscillators including chains, this allows synchrony to be a solution, even though the oscillators have different amounts of inputs from other oscillators; for phase-difference coupled oscillators in a chain, the generic solution is a travelling wave. Relaxation oscillators coupled through FTM also allow the encoding of patterns of oscillators into domains in which oscillators are in synchrony, with different domains in antiphase.
TEXTURAL PROPERTIES OF STORED AND IRRADIATED PEACHES: I. Firmness*

Softening of Loring and Dixieland peaches due to ripening and gamma irradiation has been quantified by sensory evaluation, the Magness-Taylor pressure tester, the Allo-Kramer Shear Press, and the Instron Universal Testing Instrument. Irradiation induced immediate reduction in firmness, but the final softness of the stored fruit was largely independent of the radiation dose.
Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Right Colectomy: How Does It Compare to Conventional Laparoscopy?

Background There is sufficient evidence to support the use of hand-assisted laparoscopy for sigmoid, total, and proctocolectomy. As a result, the hand-assisted technique has gained acceptance for these relatively complex types of colorectal surgery. For right colectomy, the use of conventional laparoscopy is supported by studies that have demonstrated its advantages over open surgery. Although the hand-assisted technique is also being used by some surgeons for right colectomy, there are few reported data to justify its use. With this deficiency in mind, we performed a study to compare the short-term outcomes of right colectomy performed by either the hand-assisted or conventional laparoscopic technique. Study Design A single-center retrospective analysis was performed. Patients who underwent hand-assisted or conventional laparoscopic right colectomy were identified from a prospectively maintained departmental database. Preoperative clinical information, details of the operation, lymph node count for cancer cases, postoperative morbidity, length of stay, and 30-day hospital readmissions were evaluated. Results From 2006 to 2009, 43 hand-assisted and 84 conventional laparoscopic right colectomies were performed. Comparison of the hand-assisted and conventional laparoscopic groups revealed no differences in the preoperative clinical variables, including average body mass index (calculated as kg/m 2 ; 28 and 29), percent obese (33% and 34%), earlier abdominal surgery (30% and 39%), operative time (122 and 126 minutes), lymph nodes evaluated for cancer cases (22 and 21), postoperative morbidity (30%), length of stay (5 days), or 30-day hospital readmission (16% and 11%). Conclusions Short-term outcomes of hand-assisted and conventional laparoscopic right colectomy are similar. The decision to perform hand-assisted or conventional laparoscopic right colectomy should be based on the surgeons' preference and not on the perception that one technique is preferable to the other.
Chemoprophylaxis of bacterial infections in granulocytopenic patients

Several prospectively randomized trials have shown that the administration of prophylactic oral nonabsorbable antibiotics may be beneficial in decreasing the incidence of infection in granulocytopenic patients, whereas others have not. Intolerable nausea and vomiting have prevented the prolonged use of these agents in some studies. Discontinuation of therapy while patients are still granulocytopenic has carried the risk of life-threatening infections, often with aminoglycoside-resistant gram-negative organisms. The benefit of selective decontamination with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole used prophylactically remains controversial. The use of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole may also be associated with the development of resistant, potentially pathogenic, organisms or prolonged neutropenia. These regimens do not appear to be indicated when patients are anticipated to be neutropenic for less than three weeks. Even in patients with prolonged neutropenia, the risks of such treatment must be weighed against potential benefits.
Ultrafast dynamics of the heavy fermion state in UX/sub 3/ compounds

Summary form only given. The uranium compounds UX/sub 3/, crystallize in the cubic AuCu/sub 3/-type structure. Due to the wide range of f electron-ligand (X) hybridization strength in these compounds, they exhibit a wide range of behavior: Pauli enhanced paramagnetism (UAl/sub 3/, USi/sub 3/, and UGe/sub 3/), antiferromagnetism (UGa/sub 3/, UPb/sub 3/, and UIn/sub 3/), heavy fermion behavior (USn/sub 3/) and superconductivity (URu/sub 3/). The interaction of the partially filled f shell electrons with the conduction electrons causes the mass renormalization of the latter and the formation of heavy quasiparticles. We investigate the dynamics of this renormalization in UX/sub 3/ compounds, where X=Al, Ga, Sn with electronic specific heat coefficients (/spl gamma/) of 43 mJ/molK/sup 2/, 52 mJ/molK/sup 2/, and 172 mJ/molK/sup 2/ respectively, (as compared to /spl gamma//spl sim/1 mJ/molK/sup 2/ for ordinary metals such as Cu). The single crystals of UX/sub 3/ were grown using a standard flux technique.
Farmers Inaccessibility to Agricultural Credit in Nyandarua District, Kenya

Smallholder farmers face various challenges in production one of them being inaccessibility to credit. This study specifically sought to identify household socio-economic characteristics and institutional requirements influencing access to credit among smallholder farmers in Nyandarua District. The study used a Logit model. Both quantitative and qualitative data were acquired from primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected using questionnaires through a survey design. A sample of 264 smallholder farmers was selected using stratified, multi-stage random sampling techniques. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study established that socio-economic constraints such as age, gender, household size, farm income, collateral and awareness are critical determinants of access to credit. The study concludes that household socio-economic characteristics do influence access to credit. Key recommendations made include the need by government to deal with bureaucracies involved in land registration to benefit majority of smallholder farmers who remain insecure in the land they use without proof of ownership and also to make easier the registration of lease certificates for those who do not own land and use land on leasehold tenure system. Financial institutions should also put in place less stringent credit requirements and reduce credit costs especially interest rates to make credit more affordable.
Van Allen Probes observations of unusually low frequency whistler mode waves observed in association with moderate magnetic storms: Statistical study.

We show the first evidence for locally excited chorus at frequencies below 0.1 fce (electron cyclotron frequency) in the outer radiation belt. A statistical study of chorus during geomagnetic storms observed by the Van Allen Probes found that frequencies are often dramatically lower than expected. The frequency at peak power suddenly stops tracking the equatorial 0.5 fce and f/fce decreases rapidly, often to frequencies well below 0.1 fce (in situ and mapped to equator). These very low frequency waves are observed both when the satellites are close to the equatorial plane and at higher magnetic latitudes. Poynting flux is consistent with generation at the equator. Wave amplitudes can be up to 20 to 40 mV/m and 2 to 4 nT. We conclude that conditions during moderate to large storms can excite unusually low frequency chorus, which is resonant with more energetic electrons than typical chorus, with critical implications for understanding radiation belt evolution.
Treatment of femoro-acetabular impingement with surgical dislocation and débridement in young adults.

Background: Femoro-acetabular impingement has been associated with acetabular labral and/or articular cartilage damage that may ultimately result in osteoarthritis of the hip. Surgical treatment of femoro-acetabular impingement is directed at restoring a more normal femoral head-neck offset to allev
CHRISTIAN ECCLESIOLOGY AND THE COMPOSITION OF LEVIATHAN : A NEWLY DISCOVERED LETTER TO THOMAS HOBBES

This communication presents a newly discovered letter to Thomas Hobbes. It offers conclusive evidence that the letter was written by Hobbes's friend, the scientist and Anglican clergyman Robert Payne, and strong evidence that the letter was in fact received by Hobbes in late 1649. The discovered letter was part of a running controversy over questions of church government in which Hobbes and Payne engaged during the composition of Leviathan. In it Payne tries unsuccessfully to soften Hobbes's strident Erastianism, and to defend the beleaguered Church of England from his criticisms. The letter thus sheds light on the political and religious context in which Leviathan was composed. Moreover, the letter offers an indirect but intriguing glimpse at underlying assumptions of Hobbes's religious thought.
An application of the Ricardian trade model with trade costs

Deardorff's (2004) broad definition of technology in Ricardian trade models is useful for extending the explanatory power of comparative advantage to account for a fact on firm level exporter clustering unexplained under the standard definition.
Chronic kidney disease and prevalent atrial fibrillation: The Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC)

Background The epidemiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been mainly investigated in patients with end-stage renal disease, with limited data on less advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages. Methods A total of 3,267 adult participants (50% non-Hispanic blacks, 46% women) with CKD from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort were included in this study. None of the study participants had been on dialysis. Those with self-identified race/ethnicity other than non-Hispanic black or white (n = 323) or those without electrocardiographic data (n = 22) were excluded. Atrial fibrillation was ascertained by a 12-lead electrocardiogram and self-report. Age-, sex-, and race/ethnicity-specific prevalence rates of AF were estimated and compared between subgroups. Cross-sectional associations and correlates with prevalent AF were examined using unadjusted and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis. Results The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 43.6 (±13.0) mL/(min 1.73 m 2 ). Atrial fibrillation was present in 18% of the study population and in >25% of those ≥70 years old. In multivariable-adjusted models, 1-SD increase in age (11 years) (odds ratio 1.27, CI 95% 1.13-1.43, P P = .0303), smoking (former vs never) (1.34, 1.08-1.66, P = .0081), history of heart failure (3.28, 2.47-4.36, P P 2 ) was associated with AF in an unadjusted model (1.35, 1.13-1.62, P = .0010), but not after multivariable adjustment (1.12, 0.92-1.35, P = .2710). Conclusions Nearly 1 in 5 participants in Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort, a national study of CKD, had evidence of AF at study entry, a prevalence similar to that reported among patients with end-stage renal disease and 2 to 3 times of that reported in the general population. Risk factors for AF in this CKD population do not mirror those reported in the general population.
Meso-Scale Analysis of Deformation Wave Heating in Metalized Solid Explosive

Deformation induced heating of reactive solids is a physically complex process. As such, the effects of meso-structure, component thermomechanical properties, component mass fractions, and porosity on their impact response is not well-understood. In this study, an explicit, 2-D, Lagrangian finite and discrete element technique is used to examine thermomechanical fields in metal-explosive (aluminum-HMX) particle mix- tures due to piston supported uniaxial deformation waves. The meso-scale description uses a plane strain, thermoelastic-viscoplastic and friction constitutive theory to describe the motion and deformation of individual particles, and an energy consistent, penalty based method to describe inter-particle contact. The deformation response of material having an initial solid volume fraction of φ 0 s = 0.835 is characterized for different metal mass fractions and wave strengths. Predictions indicate that the response can be classified into strength dominated and pressure dominated regions depending on wave strength. Average thermomechanical fields that define the macro-scale wave structure are found to differ both qualitatively and quantitatively between the two regions.
Alcohol's effects on adolescents.

During adolescence, many people begin to experi­ ment with alcohol, yet relatively little is known about alcohol’s effects on this critical stage of development. We do know that early initiation of alcohol use remains one of the most powerful predictors of later alcohol abuse (Grant 1998). We also know that during adolescence changes occur in the regions of the brain involved in modulating drug reinforcement, so it cannot be assumed that factors precipitating alcohol use or abuse are the same in adolescence as in adulthood. Rapidly