cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carotid ultrasonography for detection of vascular abnormalities in hypertensive children

To determine whether hypertension and overweight status are associated with increased carotid intimal-medial thickness (cIMT) in children, vascular ultrasonography was performed in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients (n=53) and normotensive controls (n=33). Hypertensive subjects were identified either by referral or by systematic school-based hypertension screening. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure above the 95th percentile based on current Task Force criteria, and overweight was defined as body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2. cIMT was assessed by high-resolution vascular ultrasonography of the distal common carotid artery. Hypertensive subjects had a higher cIMT than normotensive subjects (0.62 vs. 0.53 mm, P<0.00001). This difference remained significant after controlling for the effects of gender, race, age, height, weight, and BMI. Similarly, overweight subjects had a higher cIMT than normal-weight subjects (0.63 vs. 0.54 mm, P<0.0001). Subjects with both systolic and diastolic hypertension had higher cIMT than those with isolated systolic hypertension (0.67 vs. 0.60, P<0.05). cIMT showed significant positive pairwise correlation with age, height, weight, BMI, and systolic blood pressure. Among all clinical variables analyzed, cIMT was most strongly correlated with BMI (r=0.53, P<0.001). These results provide further evidence that vasculopathy occurs in association with known cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and obesity during childhood.
Influence of natural biomaterials on the elastic properties of starch-derived films: An optimization study

A D-optimization design was applied to investigate the strength properties of biomaterial-doped starch films. The individual effect of each additive and associated interactive effects were investigated. Cellulosic fibers and chitosan were able to substantially enhance film strength. Lignin and gelatin also demonstrated significant interactive effects on strength, while different interactive effects were evident between the major biopolymers (fiber and chitosan) and minor biopolymers (lignin and gelatin). The film stretch depended on the material composition where diminishing returns were observed for stretch, while strength increased for increasing levels of each of the biopolymers. An increase in fiber and chitosan contents led to increases in film density that correlated well with strength. The latter data indicate that fiber and chitosan biopolymers act synergistically by providing increased film bonding that eventually generates a stronger film.
Fracture behavior of 4340 steel under mode III loading

Abstract An experimental investigation was conducted to examine how the upper stress intensity factor in parallel shear K IIIQ (similar to K IQ for Mode I) is affected by increasing the tensile strength of a material. Round notched and precracked bar specimens, fabricated from 4340 steel were used for the investigation. Based on results from four different heat-treatments of this steel it was found that the stress intensity factor K IIIQ increases as the tensile strength increases. Values of K IIIQ obtained for high strength 4340 steel are in agreement with those found by other investigators.
ATP stimulates calcium influx in primary astrocyte cultures.

The effect of ATP and other purines on /sup 45/Ca uptake was studied in primary cultures of rat astrocytes. Treatment of the cells with ATP for 1 to 30 min brought about an increase in cellular /sup 45/Ca. Stimulation of calcium influx by ATP was investigated using a 90 sec exposure to /sup 45/Ca and over a concentration range of 0.1 nM to 3 mM; a biphasic dose-response curve was obtained with EC50 values of 0.3 nM and 9 uM, indicating the presence of low and high affinity purinergic binding sites. Similar levels of /sup 45/Ca influx at 90 sec were observed with ATP, ADP and adenosine (all at 100 uM). Prior treatment of the cultures with LaCl3 blocked the purine-induced /sup 45/Ca influx. These findings indicate that one pathway for calcium entry in astrocytes involves purinergic receptor-operated, calcium channels.
Parole release decisions: impact of positive and negative victim and nonvictim input on a representative sample of parole-eligible inmates.

This study analyzed administrative data from the New Jersey State Parole Board to determine the extent to which victim and nonvictim input impacted parole release decisions. Positive and negative input, in both verbal and written forms, was studied for a representative sample of 820 parole-eligible adult inmates. Victim input was not found to be a significant predictor of parole release; measures of institutional behavior, crime severity, and criminal history were significant. Though insignificant, verbal input had a greater effect than written input. Results suggest that the impact of victim input is not generalizable across different types of offenders or across different paroling jurisdictions. It can no longer be assumed that victim rights laws and public participation at parole guarantee victim-desired outcomes. Language: en
Cognitive unbinding: a neuroscientific paradigm of general anesthesia and related states of unconsciousness.

“Cognitive unbinding” refers to the impaired synthesis of specialized cognitive activities in the brain and has been proposed as a mechanistic paradigm of unconsciousness. This article draws on recent neuroscientific data to revisit the tenets and predictions of cognitive unbinding, using general anesthesia as a representative state of unconsciousness. Current evidence from neuroimaging and neurophysiology supports the proposition that cognitive unbinding is a parsimonious explanation for the direct mechanism (or “proximate cause”) of anesthetic-induced unconsciousness across multiple drug classes. The relevance of cognitive unbinding to sleep, disorders of consciousness, and psychological processes is also explored. It is concluded that cognitive unbinding is a viable neuroscientific framework for unconscious processes across the fields of anesthesiology, sleep neurobiology, neurology and psychoanalysis.
Time dependence of delayed neutron emission for fissionable isotope identification

The time dependence of delayed neutron emission was examined as a method of fissionable isotope identification. A pulsed bremsstrahlung photon beam was used to induce photofission reactions in U238, Th232, and Pu239 targets. The resulting delayed neutron emission was recorded between irradiating pulses and is a well-known technique for fissionable material detection. Monitoring the decay of delayed neutron emission between irradiating pulses demonstrates the ability to not only detect the presence of fissionable materials, but also to identify which fissionable isotope is present.
Effects of myonecrotic snake venom phospholipase A2 toxins on cultured muscle cells

We have attempted to establish a cell culture model suitable for molecular mechanism of action studies of necrotic phospholipases A2 (PLA2). Three myonecrotic PLA2 were purified, one basic PLA2 from Naja nigricollis venom and two basic PLA2 (VRV-PL-V and VRV-PL-VIIIa) from Vipera russelli venom. The effects of these PLA2 on several established muscle cell lines were evaluated. As judged by light microscopy, some, but not all, cell lines detached from the culture plate in a time- and concentration-related fashion. Naja nigricollis PLA2 was the most potent at eliciting this effect, followed by VRV-PL-V and VRV-PL-VIIIa. The two most sensitive cell lines, 1447 and 1456, were chosen for further study using N. nigricollis PLA2. Cellular protein and nucleic acid syntheses were inhibited by the toxin in a time- and dose-related manner. However, it appeared that most, if not all, of the inhibition was due to toxin-induced reduction of precursor uptake, suggesting effects at the plasma membrane level. The putative membrane effects were specific, in that uptake of calcium, choline or glucose was not inhibited by the toxin. Moreover, treating the cells with toxin failed to significantly increase lactate dehydrogenase release into the medium. Polyclonal antiserum prepared against N. nigricollis basic PLA2 neutralized the toxicity completely with 1456 cells, but only partially with the 1447 cell line. Both the 1447 and 1456 lines appear to be suitable as cell culture models for necrotizing PLA2 molecular mechanism of action studies.
Subspace intersection graphs

Given a set R of affine subspaces in R^d of dimension e, its intersection graph G has a vertex for each subspace, and two vertices are adjacent in G if and only if their corresponding subspaces intersect. For each pair of positive integers d and e we obtain the class of (d,e)-subspace intersection graphs. We classify the classes of (d,e)-subspace intersection graphs by containment, for e=1 or e=d-1 or [email protected]?4.
Manually-Operated Crate Dismantlement System for Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos National Laboratory currently possesses between 500 and 800 fiberglass-reinforced plywood crates that contain hazardous materials that need to be decontaminated. To access the hazardous material, a system is needed to dismantle the crate. Currently, crates are dismantled by workers using hand-held tools. This technique has numerous disadvantages. One disadvantage is that it is difficult for a worker to hold the tool for an extended period of time in the awkward angles and positions necessary to fully size-reduce the crate. Other disadvantages of using hand tools include managing power cords and vacuum hoses, which become entangled or can act as tripping hazards. In order to improve the crate opening and size-reduction task, Florida International University's Hemispheric Center for Environmental Technology (HCET) is developing a manually operated crate dismantlement system. This versatile system is expected to greatly increase worker efficiency while decreasing fatigue and the possibility of accidents. (authors)
Broad-spectrum neodymium-doped laser glasses for high-energy chirped-pulse amplification

We have investigated two novel laser glasses in an effort to generate high-energy, broad-spectrum pulses from a chirped-pulse amplification Nd:glass laser. Both glasses have significantly broader spectra (>38 nm FWHM) than currently available Nd:phosphate and Nd:silicate glasses. We present calculations for small signal pulse amplification to simulate spectral gain narrowing. The technique of spectral shaping using mixed-glass architecture with an optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification front end is evaluated. Our modeling shows that amplified pulses with energies exceeding 10 kJ with sufficient bandwidth to achieve 120 fs pulsewidths are achievable with the use of the new laser glasses. With further development of current technologies, a laser system could be scaled to generate one exawatt in peak power.
Knowledge structuring and societal well-being: Toward biomedical impact indicators

Advances in science and technology have been credited with improving quality of life, as well as blamed for creating or contributing to a host of problems. This article attempts to establish that a unidirectional, causal perspective of science-society linkages is untenable, that technological knowledge rather than science affects society, and that an action-oriented focus is consistent with the complex dynamics of society. A model relating knowledge structuring to societal well-being, with a special focus on biomedicine, is advanced and utilized for the design of indicators to support policies that shape the impact of knowledge structuring technologies on well-being.
Notch signalling during peripheral T-cell activation and differentiation

For many years, researchers have focused on the contribution of Notch signalling to lymphoid development. Only recently have investigators begun to ask what role, if any, Notch has during the activation and differentiation of naive CD4(+) T cells in the periphery. As interest in this issue grows, it is becoming increasingly clear that the main role of Notch signalling, to regulate cell-fate decisions, might also be influential in peripheral T cells.
Mechanical and electrical relaxation distribution functions of two compositions of polyvinyl chloride and dimethylthianthrene

Abstract Dynamic mechanical and electrical data on two compositions of polyvinyl chloride and dimethylthianthrene, containing 10% and 40% polymer by volume, covering a wide range of frequencies and temperatures, have been treated by the method of reduced variables. The reduced real part of the complex compliance and the reduced mechanical loss tangent fall on single composite curves when the frequency scale is reduced by a temperature-dependent factor a T . The reduced real part of the dielectric constant and the reduced electrical loss tangent fall on single composite curves when the frequency scale is reduced by a temperature-dependent factor b T . The factors a T and b T are identical, but the mechanical and electrical composite curves are very different. The apparent activation energy for mechanical and electrical relaxation increases rapidly with decreasing temperature, and the values for the 10% polymer composition are not far from those for the apparent activation energy for viscous flow of the solvent. The frequency-dependent properties have been expressed as distribution functions of mechanical relaxation and retardation times and of electrical relaxation times. The mechanical relaxation distribution for the 10% composition is sharper and lies at shorter times than that for the 40% composition. The latter is similar in shape to distributions in the transition range between soft and glassy consistency for several other widely different polymer systems. The maximum in the mechanical retardation distribution is, for each composition, at a much longer time than the maximum in the electrical relaxation distribution, and the mechanical curves are much steeper on the short-time side of the maximum. It is concluded that the mechanical properties are strongly influenced by a distribution of effective chain lengths.
Surface contamination artificially elevates initial sweat mineral concentrations.

Several sweat mineral element concentrations decline with serial sampling. Possible causes include reduced dermal mineral concentrations or flushing of surface contamination. The purpose of this st...
Tiotropium modulates transient receptor potential V1 (TRPV1) in airway sensory nerves: A beneficial off-target effect?

Background Recent studies have suggested that the long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonist tiotropium, a drug widely prescribed for its bronchodilator activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, improves symptoms and attenuates cough in preclinical and clinical tussive agent challenge studies. The mechanism by which tiotropium modifies tussive responses is not clear, but an inhibition of vagal tone and a consequent reduction in mucus production from submucosal glands and bronchodilation have been proposed. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether tiotropium can directly modulate airway sensory nerve activity and thereby the cough reflex. Methods We used a conscious cough model in guinea pigs, isolated vagal sensory nerve and isolated airway neuron tissue– and cell-based assays, and in vivo single-fiber recording electrophysiologic techniques. Results Inhaled tiotropium blocked cough and single C-fiber firing in the guinea pig to the transient receptor potential (TRP) V1 agonist capsaicin, a clinically relevant tussive stimulant. Tiotropium and ipratropium, a structurally similar muscarinic antagonist, inhibited capsaicin responses in isolated guinea pig vagal tissue, but glycopyrrolate and atropine did not. Tiotropium failed to modulate other TRP channel–mediated responses. Complementary data were generated in airway-specific primary ganglion neurons, demonstrating that tiotropium inhibited capsaicin-induced, but not TRPA1-induced, calcium movement and voltage changes. Conclusion For the first time, we have shown that tiotropium inhibits neuronal TRPV1-mediated effects through a mechanism unrelated to its anticholinergic activity. We speculate that some of the clinical benefit associated with taking tiotropium (eg, in symptom control) could be explained through this proposed mechanism of action.
Comparative Characterization of Periodontal Pocket, Salivary, and Fecal Streptococci

Plate counts were made with periodontal pocket debris from 24 normal and abnormal subjects. Total cocci were successfully enumerated by using selective mediums without the use of weighed debris, indicating the uniform mixture of this group in the crevicular material. Pocket streptococci were characterized and compared with other strains of salivary and fecal origin.
Juvenile hormone regulates the steroidogenic competence of Manduca sexta prothoracic glands

The acquisition of steroidogenic competence by prothoracic glands of last instar Manduca sexta larvae is regulated by juvenile hormone (JH). Topical treatment of pre-commitment larvae with JH I or (7S)-hydroprene (a JH analog) delays development by increasing the time to pupal commitment and wandering. Prothoracic gland competence is suppressed in JH-treated larvae: Unstimulated and prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH)-stimulated rates of in vitro ecdysone secretion are decreased relative to rates of secretion by competent glands. (7S)-Hydroprene also suppresses the competence of glands in head-ligated pre-commitment larvae, suggesting the hormone acts directly on the glands. Two results indicate PTTH plays a role in controlling competence, and that JH regulates competence indirectly by inhibiting PTTH release: (1) head-ligation prevents the acquisition of full competence, and (2) cAMP levels are elevated in glands from JH-treated larvae. Thus, the decrease in the JH titer that precedes pupal commitment in Manduca is permissive for the acquisition by prothoracic glands of steroidogenic competence.
A stratified approach to specifying, designing, and building knowledge systems

The application of the Soar architecture to building stratified system-level models of knowledge systems is discussed. The stratified approach describes a knowledge system using three levels of computational models: the knowledge-level computational model, the problem-space computational model, and the symbol-level computational model. At the knowledge level, a system is specified in terms of the task it is to perform, the actions it can use to perform the task, and the knowledge it uses to select actions. The knowledge-level description specifies only what the system should do. How the system accomplishes the task computationally is described at the problem-space level as a hierarchy of goals and methods. The system is implemented at the symbol level in Soar using data structures and processes to implement the problem-space design. >
Why Do Poor Men Have Children? Fertility Intentions among Low-Income Unmarried U.S. Fathers

Over the past several decades, nonmarital childbearing rates have risen sharply, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Recent research suggests that disadvantaged Americans may defer or delay marriage in part because of perceived economic barriers. Yet, childbearing is also costly. Few studies have examined low-income parents' motivations for having children in a context of socioeconomic disadvantage. This study deploys qualitative data drawn from repeated, in-depth interviews with a heterogeneous sample of low-income, noncustodial fathers (N = 171) in which men describe in rich detail the circumstances surrounding the conceptions of each of their children and characterize their fertility intentions. The authors find that “planned” and “unplanned” pregnancies are at either end of a continuum of intentionality and that the vast majority of pregnancies are in intermediate categories along that continuum.
Acute effects of exercise on food intake in obese and nonobese women.

The animal model of exercise-induced an- orexia was employed in humans to develop a laboratory para- digm for studying the acute effect of exercise on food intake. Each ofnine obese and nine nonobese women exercised either strenuously (90 W) or moderately (30 W) on a cycle ergometer for 40 mm or rested in the laboratory on each of3 nonconsecu- tive days. Intake of a liquefied test meal (I.04 kcal/g) eaten IS mm after exercise was significantly less after the strenuous (620 g) than after the moderate (754 g) exercise in the nonobese women but was no different after the two conditions (532 g after strenuous, 58 1 g after moderate) in the obese women. Heart rate and energy expenditure were increased in propor- tion to the exercise by the same amount in both groups. The results demonstrate for the first time that food intake is reduced immediately after strenuous exercise in nonobese women, as it is in animals, and validate the feasibility of this laboratory paradigm. AmfClinNutr b990;52:240-5.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Monomeric Sterically Encumbered Diaryls E{C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-Pri2)2}2 (E = Ge, Sn, or Pb)†

The reaction of two equivalents of LiC6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-Pri2)2 with GeCl2·dioxane, SnCl2 or PbBr2 in a diethyl ether solution resulted in the isolation of the monomeric σ-bonded diaryl tetrylene series E{C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-Pri2)2}2 (E = Ge (1), Sn (2), or Pb(3)). Compounds 1-3 are highly sterically congested blue crystalline solids, which possess V-shaped structures and wide interligand bond angles. The solid state structures of 1-3 were determined by single-crystal X-ray methods while their solution structures were investigated by UV spectroscopy and in the cases of 2 and 3, respectively, by 119Sn and 207Pb NMR spectroscopy. The series 1-3 constitutes the most sterically crowded examples of σ-bonded diorgano group 14 derivatives yet isolated and, in contrast to previously reported: ER2 species, the C-E-C angles increase with increasing atomic number.
Antibody Breadth and Protective Efficacy Are Increased by Vaccination with Computationally Optimized Hemagglutinin but Not with Polyvalent Hemagglutinin-Based H5N1 Virus-Like Particle Vaccines

One of the challenges for developing an H5N1 influenza vaccine is the diversity of antigenically distinct isolates within this subtype. Previously, our group described a novel hemagglutinin (HA) derived from a methodology termed computationally optimized broadly reactive antigen (COBRA). This COBRA HA, when used as an immunogen, elicits a broad antibody response against H5N1 isolates from different clades. In this report, the immune responses elicited by the COBRA HA virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine were compared to responses elicited by a mixture of VLPs expressing representative HA molecules from clade 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 primary H5N1 isolates (polyvalent). The COBRA HA VLP vaccine elicited higher-titer antibodies to a panel of H5N1 HA proteins than did the other VLPs. Both COBRA and polyvalent vaccines protected vaccinated mice and ferrets from experimental infection with highly lethal H5N1 influenza viruses, but COBRA-vaccinated animals had decreased viral replication, less inflammation in the lungs of mice, and reduced virus recovery in ferret nasal washes. Both vaccines had similar cellular responses postchallenge, indicating that higher-titer serum antibodies likely restrict the duration of viral replication. Furthermore, passively transferred immune serum from the COBRA HA VLP-vaccinated mice protected recipient animals more efficiently than immune serum from polyvalent-vaccinated mice. This is the first report comparing these two vaccine strategies. The single COBRA HA antigen elicited a broader antibody response and reduced morbidity and viral titers more effectively than a polyvalent mixture of primary H5N1 HA antigens.
Pulsed testing of a CW quasioptical gyrotron for materials processing

Summary form only given. The quasioptical gyrotron (QOG) is under development at the Naval Research Laboratory as a high power source of millimeter-wave radiation. Recent experimental results include the production of up to 150 kW output power with 20% efficiency in 13 /spl mu/sec pulses. A new application of the QOG is the processing of ceramics and other non-metallic materials. High power millimeter-wave radiation offers unique capabilities for the application of coatings, sintering, brazing and soldering, and treatment of polymers. The new experiment is designed to produce 4 kW average power from 75-95 GHz using a 20 kV, 1.5 A DC electron beam. Initial pulsed testing has been performed at 20-60 kV cathode voltage, 0-6 A in 13 /spl mu/sec pulses. A pair of capacitive probes in the drift region are used to measure the average pitch ratio (/spl alpha/=/spl upsi//sub /spl perp////spl upsi//sub /spl par//) of the gyrating electron beam. The pitch ratio is varied by adjusting the magnetic field at the gun or the intermediate anode voltage. Measurements indicate that the average /spl alpha/ of the beam is less than simulation values for low cathode voltages.
Inhibition of ileal apical but not basolateral bile acid transport reduces atherosclerosis in apoE−/− mice

Abstract Objective Interruption of the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids induces hepatic bile acid synthesis, increases hepatic cholesterol demand, and increases clearance of apoB-containing lipoproteins in plasma. Based on these effects, bile acid sequestrants have been used for many years to treat hypercholesterolemia and the associated atherosclerosis. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of blocking ileal apical versus basolateral membrane bile acid transport on the development of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis in mouse models. Methods and results ApoE −/− and Ldlr −/− mice deficient in the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (Asbt) or apoE −/− mice deficient in the basolateral bile acid transporter (Ostα) were fed an atherogenic diet for 16 weeks. Bile acid metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, gene expression, and development of atherosclerosis were examined. Mice deficient in Asbt exhibited the classic response to interruption of the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids, including significant reductions in hepatic and plasma cholesterol levels, and reduced aortic cholesteryl ester content. Ileal Fibroblast Growth Factor-15 (FGF15) expression was significantly reduced in Asbt −/− apoE −/− mice and was inversely correlated with expression of hepatic cholesterol 7-hydroxylase (Cyp7a1). Ileal FGF15 expression was directly correlated with plasma cholesterol levels and aortic cholesterol content. In contrast, plasma and hepatic cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis development were not reduced in apoE −/− mice deficient in Ostα. Conclusions Decreases in ileal FGF15, with subsequent increases in hepatic Cyp7a1 expression and bile acid synthesis appear to be necessary for the plasma cholesterol-lowering and atheroprotective effects associated with blocking intestinal bile acid absorption.
Trusted Application-Centric Ad-Hoc Networks

Nodes in MANETs lack the protection offered by firewalls in infrastructure-based networks because malicious nodes can roam into the vicinity of another node and start launching attacks. This paper presents a distributed mechanism that allows trusted nodes to create protected networks in MANETs. A protected network is created to run a specific application and enforce a common network access control policy associated with that application. To become a member in the protected network, a node has to demonstrate its trustworthiness by proving its ability to enforce policies. Attacks from untrusted nodes are impossible because these nodes are not allowed to establish wireless links with member nodes. Attacks from member nodes are stopped at the originators by the network policy. The trusted execution of all programs involved in policy enforcement is guaranteed by a kernel agent. We demonstrate the correctness of our solution through security analysis and its feasibility through a prototype implementation tested over an IEEE 802.11 ad hoc network.
Activity Patterns after Spinal Cord Injury: Relationship to Gender and Race

The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship of gender and race with activity patterns after spinal cord injury (SCI). Data were obtained from 597 participants with SCI, all of whose injuries occurred at least 2 years prior to the study. Responses were compared between men and women, and between white and minority participants. With the exception of women spending more hours out of bed than men, gender differences related more to types of activities performed rather than overall activity level. Whites reported a higher average daily sitting tolerance and a greater frequency of weekly outings, whereas minority participants reported spending more time exercising. Whites were more likely to participate in recreational and business organizations, as well as organizations for persons with disabilities. In contrast, minority participants were more likely to belong to church organizations. Rehabilitation professionals may be better able to serve their clients if they fully understand the extent to ...
Medicaid Dental Coverage Alone May Not Lower Rates Of Dental Emergency Department Visits

Medicaid was expanded to millions of individuals under the Affordable Care Act, but many states do not provide dental coverage for adults under their Medicaid programs. In the absence of dental coverage, patients may resort to costly emergency department (ED) visits for dental conditions. Medicaid coverage of dental benefits could help ease the burden on the ED, but ED use for dental conditions might remain a problem in areas with a scarcity of dentists. We examined county-level rates of ED visits for nontraumatic dental conditions in twenty-nine states in 2010 in relation to dental provider density and Medicaid coverage of nonemergency dental services. Higher density of dental providers was associated with lower rates of dental ED visits by patients with Medicaid in rural counties but not in urban counties, where most dental ED visits occurred. County-level Medicaid-funded dental ED visit rates were lower in states where Medicaid covered nonemergency dental services than in other states, although this difference was not significant after other factors were adjusted for. Providing dental coverage alone might not reduce Medicaid-funded dental ED visits if patients do not have access to dental providers.
Listening to Strangers: Classroom Discussion in Democratic Education.

Background/Context: The literature on classroom discussion often undercuts itself by treating discussion only as an instructional method, confining its role to the instrumental. Although discussion does serve as an effective means to other curricular ends (teaching with discussion), the capable practice of discussion can also be considered a curriculum objective in its own right (teaching for discussion). The latter is justified on the grounds that listening and speaking to what Danielle Allen called “strangers” about powerful ideas and public problems is crucial to democratic citizen formation; indeed, it defines democracy, signaling a citizen’s coming of age while at the same time creating the public sphere that democracy requires—a space where political argument and action flourish. Purpose /Focus of Study: The author outlines a discursive approach to the cultivation of enlightened political engagement in schools. He argues that schools are the best available sites for this project because they have the key assets: diverse schoolmates (more or less), problems (both academic and social), “strangers” (schoolmates who are not friends or family), and curriculum and instruction (schools are intentionally educative places). Ambitious classroom discussion models—for example, seminars and deliberations—can mobilize these assets; but new habits, especially those that build equity and trust, are needed. Setting: Two empirical cases of classroom discussion ground the argument in classroom practice. In one, high school students deliberate whether physician-assisted suicide should be legalized in their state. In the other, suburban middle school students conduct a seminar on Howard Fast’s novel of the American revolution, April Morning. Research Design: This is an analytic essay/argument. Conclusions/Recommendations: Schools in societies with democratic ideals are obligated to cultivate enlightened and engaged citizens. Helping young people form the habits of listening to strangers, at that very public place called school, should advance this work.
A Deletion at the Mouse Xist Gene Exposes Trans-Effects That Alter the Heterochromatin of the Inactive X Chromosome and the Replication Time and DNA Stability of Both X Chromosomes

The inactive X chromosome of female mammals displays several properties of heterochromatin including late replication, histone H4 hypoacetylation, histone H3 hypomethylation at lysine-4, and methylated CpG islands. We show that cre-Lox-mediated excision of 21 kb from both Xist alleles in female mouse fibroblasts led to the appearance of two histone modifications throughout the inactive X chromosome usually associated with euchromatin: histone H4 acetylation and histone H3 lysine-4 methylation. Despite these euchromatic properties, the inactive X chromosome was replicated even later in S phase than in wild-type female cells. Homozygosity for the deletion also caused regions of the active X chromosome that are associated with very high concentrations of LINE-1 elements to be replicated very late in S phase. Extreme late replication is a property of fragile sites and the 21-kb deletions destabilized the DNA of both X chromosomes, leading to deletions and translocations. This was accompanied by the phosphorylation of p53 at serine-15, an event that occurs in response to DNA damage, and the accumulation of γ-H2AX, a histone involved in DNA repair, on the X chromosome. The Xist locus therefore maintains the DNA stability of both X chromosomes.
The distribution and orientation of noradrenergic fibers in neocortex of the rat: an immunofluorescence study.

A homologous antiserum directed against rat dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) was employed in the indirect immunofluorescence technique of Coons ('58) to describe the distribution and orientation of noradrenergic (NA) axons in the cerebral neocortex of the adult albino rat. DBH is the terminal enzyme in the biosynthesis of noradrenaline and is a sensitive anatomic marker for NA neurons and their processes. Cryostat sections in three standard planes (coronal, sagittal and tangential) taken from four cortical fields (somatosensory, motor, visual and anterior cingulate) were processed for immunofluorescence, and adjacent sections were stained with a Nissl method to relate the pattern of NA axons to specific cortical laminae. Noradrenaline levels and DBH activity were measured in the same cortical fields by radioenzymatic assays. A rich network of DBH immunoreactive axons was observed throughout all cortical layers in each of the areas examined. The pattern of NA distribution is not diffuse, but is characterized by a geometric orderliness that is uniform throughout the neocortex, with only minor regional variations. In layer I the DBH-positive fibers are predominantly parallel to the pial surface and thus form a tangential grid-like pattern. Layers II and III are characterized by straight, radial fibers that rarely extend through layer IV to the infragranular layers. There appears to be a NA terminal field in layers IV and V where there is a network of short, oblique or tortuous axon segments, especially prominent in lateral neocortex. Layer VI is unique in that the prevailing orientation of NA fibers is in the anterior-posterior direction. This band of fibers does not extend into the sub-cortical white matter, where very few NA fibers are seen. The strong tangential projection of the NA neurons, particularly in layers I and VI, emerges as a dominant feature of this afferent system and appears to be superimposed on the predominantly vertical organization of the cortex. This tangential pattern of organization may allow the locus coeruleus to modulate the activity of adjacent columns synchronously over a vast expanse of cerebral cortex.
Coupling of thromboxane A2 receptor isoforms to Gα13: effects on ligand binding and signalling

Previous subtyping of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptors in platelets and vascular smooth muscle cells was based on pharmacological criteria. Two distinct carboxy-terminal splice variants for TXA2 receptors exist and they couple to several different G protein α subunits including Gα13, but it has not been established whether either or both isoforms interact with and signal through it. We sought to determine: (1) which TXA2 receptor isoforms exist in vascular smooth muscle, (2) if Gα13 is present in vascular smooth muscle and (3) if Gα13 interacts with either or both of the two TXA2 receptor isoforms as determined by changes in ligand binding properties and generation of intracellular signals. Both TXA2 receptor isoforms and Gα13 were found in vascular smooth muscle cells. Both the alpha and beta isoforms of the TXA2 receptors were transiently transfected with or without Gα13 into COS-7 (radioligand binding assays) or CHO cells (agonist induced Na+/H+ exchange). Co-expression of each receptor isoform with Gα13 significantly (P<0.05) increased the affinity of each receptor for the two agonists, I-BOP and ONO11113, and decreased the affinity of the receptor for the antagonists, SQ29,548 and L657,925. I-BOP stimulated Na+/H+ exchange in vascular smooth muscle cells. Co-expression of Gα13 with each TXA2 receptor isoform in CHO cells resulted in a significant (P<0.04) agonist induced increase in Na+/H+ exchange compared to cells not transfected with Gα13. The results support the possibility that the previous classification of TXA2 receptor subtypes based on pharmacological criteria reflect unique interactions with specific G protein α subunits.
The filter cache: an energy efficient memory structure

Most modern microprocessors employ one or two levels of on-chip caches in order to improve performance. These caches are typically implemented with static RAM cells and often occupy a large portion of the chip area. Not surprisingly, these caches often consume a significant amount of power. In many applications, such as portable devices, low power is more important than performance. We propose to trade performance for power consumption by filtering cache references through an unusually small L1 cache. An L2 cache, which is similar in size and structure to a typical L1 cache, is positioned behind the filter cache and serves to reduce the performance loss. Experimental results across a wide range of embedded applications show that the filter cache results in improved memory system energy efficiency. For example, a direct mapped 256-byte filter cache achieves a 58% power reduction while reducing performance by 21%, corresponding to a 51% reduction in the energy-delay product over conventional design.
The Theory of Surface Wave Diffraction by Symmetric Crustal Discontinuities

Abstract : By use of symmetry considerations and variational techniques, reflection, transmission, and conversion coefficients are obtained for elastic wave diffraction at symmetric wedge-shaped obstacles for both Rayleigh and Love wave excitation.
Discussion on ‘Detection of intrusions in information systems by sequential change-point methods’ by Tartakovsky, Rozovskii, Blažek, and Kim

Abstract The discussion points on the inadequacy of the ARL as an index of efficiency of a detection procedure for change points. It is shown that the FAR=1/ARL might be small, while the probability of false alarm (PFA) is at the same time considerable. This is illustrated with simulation runs, using the Shiryayev–Roberts detection procedure. The need to develop procedures based on continuous monitoring is also mentioned.
An analysis of anemotactic flight in female moths stimulated by host odour and comparison with the males' response to sex pheromone

The flight pattern of mated female navel orangeworm moths, Amyelois transitella (Walker), responding to odour from potential larval hosts is zigzagging upwind flight However, at times these moths are capable of flying nearly directly upwind towards the odour source (track angles near 0') This response indicates that these females are capable of very accurate anemotactic control of their heading or course angle, since small angular errors in this measure would translate into larger deviations from direct upwind flight Males of this species exhibit flight patterns simi- lar to those of females, including track angles clustered about O0 when flying upwind to a source of the female-produced pheromone, but under these experimental conditions they flew with a higher average airspeed than the females. When females lose contact with an odour plume they initiate a well-defined programme of cross-wind countertuining or casting, which may normally increase their chances of retrieving contact with that plume when the wind direction shifts. The resultant track angles of females increase significantly by 0.8 s after plume loss, indicating that the female has initiated changes in both her course angle and airspeed. By 1 s after plume loss the females' track angles are no longer unimodally distributed about 0Â° but are bimodally distributed about -90' and +90Â Males responded more rapidly to the loss of a pheromone plume, demonstrating a significant change in track angle 0.4 s after plume loss Overall, female and male A transitella exhibited remarkably similar anemotactic flight manoeuvres during upwind flight to odour sources as well as after plume loss
Understanding Cultural Variations in Giving Advice Among Americans and Chinese

This study examined underlying mechanisms of cultural variations in giving advice between American and Chinese college students by assuming a belief framework specified in the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). American (N = 289) and Chinese college students (N = 227) first completed belief-based measures of attitudes and subjective norms of giving advice, and later completed measures of behavioral intentions of giving advice. Results revealed that there were similarities as well as noteworthy cultural differences with respect to ratings of the TRA components and strengths of associations between attitudes, subjective norms, and intentions. The TRA model showed relatively stronger prediction for giving advice intentions for Chinese than it did for Americans. A belief framework specified by the TRA demonstrated stronger power to capture finer cultural variations in giving advice as a form of support provision.
Injunctive and Descriptive Peer Group Norms and the Academic Adjustment of Rural Early Adolescents

This study integrates diverse literatures on peer group influence by conceptualizing and examining the relationship of peer group injunctive norms to the academic adjustment of a large and ethnically diverse sample of rural early adolescents’ academic adjustment. Results of three-level hierarchical linear modeling indicated that peer groups were differentiated by injunctive norms for effort and achievement. After accounting for prior adjustment, peer group injunctive norms predicted changes to students’ school valuation and effort. Peer group injunctive and descriptive norms were moderately correlated; injunctive norms that were more discrepant from descriptive norms were associated with academic adjustment beyond the associations for descriptive norms. Peer group normative relationships did not differ by gender, ethnic minority status, or school configuration. Implications for understanding peer influence and for educational practice are discussed.
Primate Tourism: Considering risks of pathogen transmission associated with primate-based tourism

Sustainable, nature-based tourism should attempt to educate visitors about wildlife and the environment, while minimizing modifi cation or degradation of the natural resources in the sites they visit. When possible, these activities should broadly benefi t the social and natural environments by involving the participation of local communities (Ceballos-Lascur a in, 1996 ). And, if managed well, nature-based tourism should facilitate species conservation by raising the needed funds for wildlife and habitat conservation, while increasing public awareness of conservation issues. Unfortunately, rapid and unmonitored development of tourism projects in protected areas can produce deleterious effects on the very species we wish to conserve. Such risks may include habitat degradation caused by pollution and environmentally damaging development of infrastructure; animal crowding into restricted areas; and the introduction of invasive species. These issues take on special importance when the species in question are (nonhuman) primates. Most wild populations of primates are relatively small and their reproductive cycles are protracted (with low reproductive rates relative to most mammals of similar size), so they are particularly vulnerable to population decreases, including those that result from human activities. Humans have contributed to signifi cant population declines of wild primates through hunting and bushmeat consumption, habitat loss and fragmentation, and illegal capture of live primates for entertainment or other purposes. Tourism activities involving primates in their native habitat (including free-living rehabilitants as well as their wild counterparts) could benefi t primate conservation but we must remain diligent about monitoring potential negative consequences, especially since primate tourism has been increasing in popularity over the past few decades. For example, the habituation to human presence essential to primate tourism may increase the likelihood that these animals will raid crops, invade garbage pits , and break into vehicles or lodgings for food. They may also become more vulnerable to poaching as a result of their loss of fear, their natural diet and ranging may become permanently altered, and their normal social behaviors may become altered (e.g. the appearance of a group of tourists
Enhancing Rehabilitative Therapies with Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Pathological neural activity could be treated by directing specific plasticity to renormalize circuits and restore function. Rehabilitative therapies aim to promote adaptive circuit changes after neurological disease or injury, but insufficient or maladaptive plasticity often prevents a full recovery. The development of adjunctive strategies that broadly support plasticity to facilitate the benefits of rehabilitative interventions has the potential to improve treatment of a wide range of neurological disorders. Recently, stimulation of the vagus nerve in conjunction with rehabilitation has emerged as one such potential targeted plasticity therapy. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) drives activation of neuromodulatory nuclei that are associated with plasticity, including the cholinergic basal forebrain and the noradrenergic locus coeruleus. Repeatedly pairing brief bursts of VNS sensory or motor events drives robust, event-specific plasticity in neural circuits. Animal models of chronic tinnitus, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder benefit from delivery of VNS paired with successful trials during rehabilitative training. Moreover, mounting evidence from pilot clinical trials provides an initial indication that VNS-based targeted plasticity therapies may be effective in patients with neurological diseases and injuries. Here, I provide a discussion of the current uses and potential future applications of VNS-based targeted plasticity therapies in animal models and patients, and outline challenges for clinical implementation.