cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The demographics of help-seeking for smoking cessation in California and the role of the California Smokers’ Helpline

Objective To investigate and compare the demographics of California smokers seeking assistance to quit and those of smokers who called the California Smokers’ Helpline, a large scale state-wide smoking cessation service. Data sources The 1990, 1992, and 1993 California Tobacco Surveys, and screening interviews conducted with callers to the California Smokers’ Helpline in its first 30 months of operation. Design For the California Tobacco Surveys, random digit dialled surveys of 24296 California adults in 1990, 8224 in 1992, and 30716 in 1993 were conducted, which included measures of smokers’ attitudes toward their smoking and of their help-seeking behaviour for smoking cessation. In the California Smokers’ Helpline, 23346 adult callers from August 1992 to January 1995 were surveyed. Demographic information was obtained on all surveys. Main outcome measure Seeking assistance to quit smoking. Results In the general smoking population, males were less likely to seek help in quitting smoking than females. The youngest group of adult smokers (18-24 years) was least likely to seek help. Hispanic, black and Asian smokers in California were only 40% as likely as white smokers to seek assistance. However, an ethnic breakdown of callers to the California Smokers’ Helpline shows that His- panics were as well represented in that programme as in the smoking population of the state. Blacks were actually over-represented by a factor of 2. The Helpline also attracted younger smokers than those who sought assistance in general. Smokers from rural counties were as likely to call the Helpline as those from urban counties. The former were usually referred by health care providers, whereas the latter most often heard about the Helpline through the mass media. Conclusions The California Smokers’ Helpline reached an ethnically and geographically representative sample of smokers. It appears suitable as a model for future programmes providing accessible smoking cessation service on a large scale.
Development of Fast-Dissolving Amorphous Solid Dispersion of Itraconazole by Melt Extrusion of its Mixture with Weak Organic Carboxylic Acid and Polymer

The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of developing amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) by inducing acid-base interaction at an elevated temperature using hot melt extrusion. Itraconazole and glutaric acid, which do not form salt with each other, were selected as, respectively, model basic drug and weak organic acid. A 1:4:1w/w mixture of itraconazole, glutaric acid and a polymer, Kollidon®VA64, was melt extruded at 95°C. The ground extrudate was characterized by DSC and PXRD and then tested for dissolution at pH 1.2, followed by a change in pH to 5.5. Despite the high melting point of 168°C, itraconazole dissolved in glutaric acid at around the melting temperature of acid (~98°C), and physically stable ASD was produced when the formulation was extruded at 95°C. Capsules containing 100-mg equivalent of itraconazole dissolved rapidly at pH 1.2 producing highly supersaturated solution. When the pH was changed from 1.2 to 5.5, very fine suspensions, facilitated by the presence of Kollidon®VA64, was formed. Physically stable ASD of itraconazole with high drug load was prepared by interaction with glutaric acid in a hot melt extruder. This may be used as a platform technology for the development ASD of most poorly water-soluble basic drugs.
Thermoreflectance Imaging of Optically Pumped Gap Plasmon Structures

We developed a fast, high-resolution thermoreflectance imaging-based technique to map the temperature distribution of gap plasmon structures subject to laser irradiation, and observed 120 K temperature rise with 3 mW/μm2 irradiance.
Smoking cessation and mortality trends among two United States populations.

The long-term impact of smoking cessation on mortality is assessed among two U.S. populations: a large cohort of U.S. veterans aged 55-64 at entry and followed from 1954 through 1979 and the NHANES I Epidemiologic Followup Study (NHEFS) cohort of a national sample of U.S. adults aged 55-74 at entry and followed from 1971 through 1992. Direct and indirect survey data indicate that 50-70% of those who were current cigarette smokers at entry had quit smoking during the 19- to 26-year follow-up periods. The impact of smoking cessation on mortality among the cigarette smokers as a whole has been assessed by determining the time trend of the relative risk (RR) of death and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the cigarette smokers compared with never-smokers over the entire follow-up period in both cohorts. The total death rates for the 1954/57 U.S. veteran smokers as a whole (63,159 males) have converged only slightly toward those of never-smokers, from RR = 1.65 (1.58-1.72) during 1954-1959 to RR = 1.61 (1.58-1.63) during 1954-1979. The lung cancer death rates for 1954/57 smokers as a whole have not converged toward those of never-smokers, with RR = 10.89 (7.70-15.41) during 1954-1959 and RR = 11.10 (9.78-12.61) during 1954-1979. The total death rates for the 1971-1975 NHEFS smokers as a whole (694 males and 1116 females) have not converged toward those of never-smokers. For males, RR = 1.92 (1.46-2.52) during 1971-1982 and RR = 1.96 (1.63-2.36) during 1971-1992; for females, RR = 1.79 (1.31-2.46) during 1971-1982 and RR = 1.79 (1.47-2.17) during 1971-1992. The lung cancer death rates have diverged, based on small numbers of deaths. For males, RR = 15.76 (2.06-120.61) during 1971-1982 and RR = 22.20 (5.31-92.92) during 1971-1992; for females, RR = 2.92 (0.57-15.06) during 1971-1982 and RR = 4.74 (1.94-11.59) during 1971-1992. These trends are contrary to the substantial convergence predicted by the death rate trends among U.S. veterans who were former smokers at the beginning of follow-up. While these results confirm that those former smokers who survive for at least 5 years experience death rates that converge toward those of never-smokers, they also indicate that a cohort of cigarette smokers that undergoes substantial cessation experiences a death rate that does not converge toward the death rate of never-smokers. The fact that there has been no convergence for lung cancer is quite surprising, as this is the disease most strongly linked to smoking and smoking cessation and less likely to be influenced by other lifestyle factors. Further investigation is needed for a complete understanding of the impact of smoking cessation.
Low Temperature Photon Scanning Tunneling Microscope

One of the advantages afforded by using near field optical techniques is the ability to obtain topographic and spectroscopic information simultaneously. For many samples — in particular for semiconductors — a detectable spectroscopic signal can only be obtained for specimens refrigerated to cryogenic temperatures. In order to spectro-scopically study such materials a cryogenic photon scanning tunneling microscope (PSTM) has been developed. The design for this cryogenic compatible microscope is presented. Low temperature images and low temperature photoluminescence spectra are shown.
Tobacco - Harm Minimisation

Tobacco harm minimization accepts as a basic premise that tobacco use will continue to be part of society and that eradication is not feasible or practical. Harm minimization for tobacco control comprises complementary interventions to reduce the demand for tobacco, the supply of tobacco, and the harm caused by tobacco products. Examples of demand reduction interventions include tobacco taxation, advertising bans, consumer education, and efforts to promote access to tobacco addiction treatments. Supply reduction interventions include product bans, licensing and product-tracking policies to combat smuggling and counterfeiting, and trade policies. Harm reduction interventions include adoption of policies to protect people from second-hand smoke, product regulation, and policies that promote access to lower-risk nicotine products. We describe efforts to implement all three of these interventions around the world and the role of the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in encouraging countries to adopt more effective tobacco harm minimization strategies in the future.
A simple, solvent free method for transforming bio-derived aldehydes into cyclic acetals for renewable diesel fuels

The acetalization of 2,3-butanediol with bio-derived C4–8 aldehydes has yielded a route to substituted 1,3-dioxolanes from small bio-building blocks. The reported reaction system features excellent carbon yields (>93%), atom economy (>89%) and phase separation of the analytically pure product which eliminates elaborate purification processes and facilitates simple catalyst recycling. The 1,3-dioxolanes offer performance advantages over traditional diesel and have the potential to augment petroleum derived fuels.
Bringing Reflection into Computer Science Education

Computer Science is a rapidly changing field where code bases and development strategies can change in months even if core concepts stay largely the same. In order to prepare our students for this environment we need to enable them to learn on their own and this concept appears in the literature as self-directed or self-regulated learning (SRL). The literature on SRL suggests that reflection is one of the most effective ways of promoting SRL. Reflective diaries, blogs, journals and questionnaires have all been used successfully in fields from the humanities to medicine to engineering to encourage students to engage in SRL. We believe that reflection has not caught on in CS as heavily as in some other fields because our students dismiss these common methods of reflection as mere busy work. The benefit of reflection, however, is not the writing itself but the process of thinking about and analyzing the actions and experiences of learning in order to master them. With this BOF we will describe reflection and its use in CS and start a discussion of reflective exercises relevant to computer science. As an example, students can reflect on how they learn new material by creating YouTube tutorials for others and adding to community knowledge. The intended result of this BOF is to begin the development of a repository of reflective activities that can be used in computer science classes.
Ion beam etch for the patterning of advanced absorber materials for EUV masks

The EUV mask absorber structure is currently ~ 80nm thick TaN-based film, subtractively patterned through resist mask using dry reactive etch. A thin (2-3nm) Ru layer, below the absorber, protects the reflective Mo/Si multilayer, and acts as an etch stop. For future nodes, shadowing from an 80nm thick feature is considered prohibitive. Accordingly, more highly absorbing materials are being investigated, to allow a thinner absorber and reduced 3-D effects. For example, Ni, Pt and Pd are practical materials with EUV extinction coefficient more than double that of TaN, allowing for 25-40 nm absorber thickness. A challenge for Ni, Pt, or Pd--based absorbers is that reactive etch processes are unavailable. We discuss patterning of these materials by physical ion beam etch (IBE), the etch method of choice for these materials in magnetic or electrode applications. We demonstrate IBE etch rates up to ~80-200 nm/minute, implying process times of less than 20s. Via material and ion species optimization, we demonstrate etch selectivity to Ru up to ~ 1.8:1. Using SRIM simulations, we investigate ion damage through the underlying Ru layer, versus ion species and ion energy. Simulation predicts that any damage can be confined within a protective 2.5nm Ru layer, for ion energies of 200-400V. Depth of damage is reduced from ~8 nm to ~ 1.8 nm by reduction of the beam energy from 1200V to 200V. Based on the angular dependence of the IBE rates, we simulate IBE patterning of absorber structures, and demonstrate effective patterning down to 48nm mask half-pitch (~ 24nm wafer pitch for a 5nm node). Etched feature sidewall angles of 81-86o are demonstrated.
Graphoepitaxy of hard spheres into square lattices

Abstract The 2D directed self-assembly of micron-sized hard spherical particles within square confinements is studied theoretically and experimentally. Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations are used to predict the equilibrium packing structures of particles in square wells of specific dimensions. Spin coating and mechanical rubbing processes are used for the directed self-assembly of a monolayer of particles. The precision of the graphoepitaxy decreases as template size increases. Both simulations and experiments show that graphoepitaxy of square lattices vanishes with square templates of side length greater than five times the particle diameter. Missing particles and polydispersity of particles are two main causes disrupting the square packing structure in cells of three to five particle diameter side length.
Experimental studies on the rtEthernet-based centralized fault management system for smart grids

Abstract The distribution smart grids in future are likely to have looped structures with a variety of new electronic devices to integrate renewable energy. However, tremendous challenges are brought to the fault management system (FMS), particularly the ultra-fast speed of fault localization with data acquisition at many different locations over a large geographical area. In this work, we propose a centralized fault management system (CFMS) with operation resilience based on real-time Ethernet (rtEthernet) protocols for the protection of smart grids. First, we propose a model to estimate the communication cycle time and the mis-synchronization error based on rtEthernet protocols. The model can be used to design CFMS over a large geographical area with a large number of power system devices. Second, we propose to use the instantaneous values of sample points in the percentage differential protection algorithm, instead of the value of root mean square (RMS), so that ultra-fast speed for data sampling and fault localization can be achieved. Third, we have established a comprehensive test-bed for the CFMS by using our large-scale real-time digital system (RTDS) to simulate the power system. Our extensive experimental studies have demonstrated that the proposed CFMS achieves ultra-fast speed within a sub-cycle and protects the smart grids successfully.
A novel device combining acoustic vibration with oscillating expiratory pressure for the treatment of nasal congestion.

BACKGROUND Chronic nasal congestion affects 20% of the population with significant impact on quality of life. This study investigated the simultaneous administration of nasal acoustic vibration and oscillating expiratory pressure for the treatment of nasal congestion. METHODS Patients with chronic nasal congestion but without fixed anatomic obstruction participated in a prospective clinical study applying simultaneous acoustic vibrations and positive expiratory pressure to the nasal cavity twice daily over 5 weeks. Safety was assessed by rhinoscopy and patient questionnaires. Efficacy was assessed using peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), visual analogue scale (VAS) of nasal symptoms, Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), Nasal Obstruction and Septoplasty Effectiveness (NOSE) score, and the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). RESULTS Forty patients (mean age 39 years, 65% female) completed the study with no adverse effects. At the 2 week follow-up, PNIF improved by 25.0 L/min (31% increase from baseline, p < 0.001). At the 5 week follow-up, nasal congestion VAS improved from mean ± SD of 5.8 ± 2.4 to 2.6 ± 2.3, TNSS improved from 7.2 ± 3.5 to 3.5 ± 3.1, NOSE improved from 50.4 ± 19.9 to 23.3 ± 17.2, and SNOT-22 improved from 31.7 ± 20.3 to 14.2 ± 12.7, all p < 0.001. Eighty percent of patients would use the device again and 87.5% would recommend to others. CONCLUSION Simultaneous administration of acoustic vibration and oscillating expiratory pressure appears to be a safe treatment for chronic nasal congestion. Results from this initial study are promising with regard to efficacy but will require further study.
Ex vivo models of musculoskeletal tissues

Tissue explant (or ex vivo) models are a powerful scientific tool that can provide valuable insight into the function and behavior of complex biological systems. As the name implies, tissue explant...
反式棕榈油酸和2型糖尿病的发生

乳制品的摄入与2型糖尿病的低发病率相关，但是其中起决定作用的具体成分尚未确定。越来越多的研究发现，一种存在于乳制品或者部分氢化油的脂肪酸——反式棕榈油酸（trans16：ln-7），可能与低的糖尿病发病率和良好的代谢谱相关。
Catalan independence and the crisis of sovereignty

The 1-O and the unilateral declaration of independence questioned the Spanish state and legislation as ultimate authority. The reaction of the Spanish state unveiled its limitation and incapacity to offer a solution by either tightening legislation or shy attempts to dialogue. Sovereignty cannot be reduced to national or state sovereignty and several meanings of sovereignty are at stake. While internal sovereignty has been challenged, external sovereignty has generally been endorsed by foreign actors, mainly the EU. As alternatives, people’s sovereignty and shared sovereignty search for other ways of governing by opposing the Spanish state, or by defending multilevel sovereignty which does not rely exclusively on the state. Finally, the implementation of the state of emergency as response to the COVID-19 pandemic provoked new tensions within the Spanish state and showed that the crisis of sovereignty is far from being solved.
When the microbiome defines the host phenotype: selection on vertical transmission in varying environments

The microbiome can contribute to variation in fitness-related traits of their hosts, and thus to host evolution. Hosts are therefore expected to be under selection to control their microbiome, for instance through controlling microbe transmission from parents to offspring. Current models have mostly focused on microbes that either increase or decrease fitness. In that case, host-level selection is relatively straightforward, favouring either complete or no inheritance. In natural systems, however, vertical transmission fidelity varies widely, and microbiome composition is often shaped by a combination of vertical and horizontal transmission modes. We propose that such mixed transmission could optimize host fitness under fluctuating environments. Using a general model, we illustrate that decreasing vertical transmission fidelity increases the amount of microbiome variation, and thus potentially phenotypic variation, across hosts. Whether or not this is advantageous depends on environmental conditions, how much the microbiome changes during host development, and the contribution of other factors to trait variation. We discuss how environmentally-dependent microbial effects can favor intermediate transmission, review examples from natural systems, and suggest research avenues to empirically test our predictions. Overall, we show that imperfect transmission may be adaptive by allowing individuals to ensure phenotypic variability in their offspring in contexts where varying environments mean that this strategy increases long-term fitness.
Experiencing group belonging and member attraction: Activating systems within common-bond and common-identity groups

Small Group Communication, Online Groups and Communities.The objectives of this activity are to expose students to common-bond and common-identity group dynamics, including the differences between ...
Lessons given and learned from rangeland monitoring courses

On the Ground • Monitoring courses, offered at universities and through professional training, are critical to successfully collecting and applying rangeland monitoring data. • Instructors can meet course objectives by carefully considering course content, the target audience, delivery approaches, evaluation mechanisms, and training for new instructors. • Shared principles and practices taught in monitoring courses facilitate the rangeland management community in achieving desired outcomes through adaptive management.
Monodromy representations of braid groups

Here we use the results in the last chapter on generalized rationality and commutativity to show that when the formal variables are specialized to complex variables, the monodromy (multiple-valuedness) as-sociated with products of several vertex operators naturally produces one-dimensional braid group representations. In fact, suitable matrix coefficients of such products are the formal series expansions in appropriate domains, depending on the order of the vertex operators, of certain algebraic functions. Paying careful attention to the infinite-dimensionality of certain spaces, we adapt some of the setting used in [TK] to our situation in order to give a precise, conceptual description of the resulting braid group representations. We observe that these representations factor through certain Hecke algebras. The nonzero complex scalars according to which the generators of the braid group act on the constructed one-dimensional modules will be conceptually interpreted in Chapter 12 in terms of certain third cohomology. As is the case for the duality results in Chapter 7, the results in this chapter will be transferred in later chapters to the greater generalities of generalized vertex algebras and abelian intertwining algebras. As in Chapter 7, the reader should observe how the considerations in this chapter simplify in the “single-valued” case of generalized vertex operator algebras for which the form (·,·) on G takes values in Z/2Z, in particular, for vertex operator super algebras.
Roulstone Once Removed

The World War II fighter plane hand-painted on my dinner plate splayed its proud wings through the sauce of my Chicken Picasso. The acrostic for my mother lay within inches of your plate. We'll discuss it later, you said, as you launched into the true tale of Mary Had A Little Lamb. Neglected by its mother and close to death at birth, the lamb was nursed to health by Thomas Sawyer's daughter, Mary. Dressed in pantalettes, a shawl and ribbons, the lamb nestled beneath Mary's desk at school. Young John Roulstone was a visitor at the school and lyrical witness to Mary and her lamb. He was sensitive, even cavalier, riding through the fields on horseback? the original verses hand delivered. I sighed. Mary must have felt something for him, something strong, I said. He was sensitive enough and cavalier, you said, but when the lamb was gored by a longhorn on Thanksgiving Day, it was Mary who held it as it died.
AN INTERPRETATION OF THE AHP EIGENVECTOR SOLUTION FOR THE LAY PERSON

An AHP priority vector represents the importance, preference, or likelihood of its elements with respect to a certain property or criterion and here we examine how that priority vector can be derived through an iterative process applied to the pairwise comparison matrix. Further, we show that the vector obtained in this way satisfies the definition for an eigenvector of the original judgment matrix. Practical managers using AHP in decision making would most likely be better able to appreciate this approach than they would a process phrased in the language of linear algebra. The overall priority vector for the alternatives in a hierarchy and, further, in a network, can be obtained in the same way by applying the iterative process to the supermatrix of the ANP. This claim is examined in depth in a forthcoming paper that will appear in this journal. http://dx.doi.org/10.13033/ijahp.v2i2.42
Modulation of amyloid precursor protein expression reduces β-amyloid deposition in a mouse model.

Objective Proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) generates β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides. Prolonged accumulation of Aβ in the brain underlies the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD) and is regarded as a principal target for development of disease-modifying therapeutics. Methods Using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) APP751SW cells, we identified and characterized effects of 2-([pyridine-2-ylmethyl]-amino)-phenol (2-PMAP) on APP steady-state level and Aβ production. Outcomes of 2-PMAP treatment on Aβ accumulation and associated memory deficit were studied in APPSW/PS1dE9 AD transgenic model mice. Results In CHO APP751SW cells, 2-PMAP lowered the steady-state APP level and inhibited Aβx-40 and Aβx-42 production in a dose–response manner with a minimum effective concentration ≤ 0.5μM. The inhibitory effect of 2-PMAP on translational efficiency of APP mRNA into protein was directly confirmed using a 35S-methionine/cysteine metabolic labeling technique, whereas APP mRNA level remained unaltered. Administration of 2-PMAP to APPSW/PS1dE9 mice reduced brain levels of full-length APP and its C-terminal fragments and lowered levels of soluble Aβx-40 and Aβx-42. Four-month chronic treatment of APPSW/PS1dE9 mice revealed no observable toxicity and improved animals' memory performance. 2-PMAP treatment also caused significant reduction in brain Aβ deposition determined by both unbiased quantification of Aβ plaque load and biochemical analysis of formic acid–extracted Aβx-40 and Aβx-42 levels and the level of oligomeric Aβ. Interpretation We demonstrate the potential of modulating APP steady-state expression level as a safe and effective approach for reducing Aβ deposition in AD transgenic model mice. Ann Neurol 2014;75:684–699
Recent Trends and Perspectives for Non-State Actor Participation in World Trade Organization Disputes

Recent trends in World Trade Organization (WTO) disputes show non-state actors play an increasingly significant role in the resolution of disputes between WTO Members. First, the Appellate Body has interpreted the Right to Seek Information in Article XIII of the Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU) as permitting non-state actors, particularly non-governmental organizations, to submit amicus curiae briefs in WTO disputes. Second, non-governmental legal counsel has played active roles in recent disputes. Third, private counsel to business interests have played an indirect role in dispute settlement, by assisting in formulation of legal strategy in WTO disputes. Because the WTO is reviewing the DSU before any new negotiation or reform of the dispute settlement mechanism occurs, the incorporation of non-state actors in WTO dispute settlement is a relevant concern. Similarly, the mass protests by movements representing civil society at Seattle in 1999 demonstrate non-state voices have an interest in WTO developments. Labor, human rights, and environmental groups expressed strong interest in participating in the WTO. There is a nexus between international trade and the objectives of private business and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). This nexus has caused the WTO dispute resolution mechanism to incorporate the participation non-state actors. This essay answers the question: whether the WTO dispute resolution mechanism incorporates non-state actors? This essay first examines the interest non-state actors, business and NGOs, have in the WTO. Second, this essay analyzes the functions of WTO dispute Panels, the Appellate Body, and the Dispute Settlement Body, as decided in the DSU and recent WTO disputes. Third, there is an examination of the increasing role of private counsel in WTO dispute resolution. Fourth, this essay explores the important function of amicus curiae participation by NGOs in international courts. Amicus curiae briefs provide non-state actors a way to express their concerns regarding the resolution of WTO disputes. Fifth, there is an examination of how amicus curiae briefs have been used in WTO dispute proceedings. The content of these briefs points to new potential avenues for non-state actors in WTO disputes. Sixth, in conclusion this essay argues that amicus curiae briefs provide for valuable incorporation of non-state actors into the WTO dispute resolution mechanism.
Genetics and the successful reintroduction of the Missouri river otter

Reintroduction is an effective tool for restoring endangered populations. There is increasing concern, however, that demographic restoration may not equate with genetic restoration. We examine the demographic-genetic contrast in the context of one of the world's most successful carnivore population restorations. Beginning in 1982, a total of 835 river otters Lontra canadensis were reintroduced to Missouri, USA, more than 50 years after extirpation. Most otters were translocated from Louisiana, USA, and released at 43 sites across the state. An estimated population of 11 000–18 000 otters existed by 2000, and density estimates for Missouri otters are now similar to those reported for populations across the continent, indicating demographic recovery. We used microsatellite genotyping and mitochondrial sequence analysis of DNA extracted from fecal samples from eight southern Missouri rivers, in conjunction with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analyses from several native Louisiana otter populations, to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of otters within Missouri as compared with Louisiana. The Missouri population showed moderate to high heterozygosity and allelic diversity, similar to that of the source populations, but low mtDNA haplotype diversity. We detected five distinct genetic clusters distributed throughout the eight rivers, with no evidence of isolation by distance. These data collectively suggest that 30 years after restoration efforts commenced, Missouri river otters have retained genetic diversity levels similar to those of the source populations, but that genetic structure has not reached an equilibrium between migration and genetic drift. Thus, the Missouri otter population has made a robust recovery despite retaining the genetic signature of the reintroduction.
The Paradigm Shift to Prevention and Its Relationship to Dental Education

The past seventy-five years have witnessed an extraordinary growth of scientific knowledge related to oral health and the development of evidence-based dentistry. The centrality of prevention to the control of oral diseases and the maintenance of good oral health has become increasingly recognized by the scientific community, dental educators, dental practitioners, and the public at large. Yet, despite significant improvements in the overall oral health of Americans, important disparities exist, and large segments of the population are disproportionately burdened by oral diseases. Despite the proven effectiveness of various preventive modalities, such as fluoridation and dental sealants, these have not been universally disseminated and implemented. This review will highlight the challenges remaining in completing the decades-long paradigm shift to prevention and the important role to be played by the dental education community in this process.
Adaptations of Crocodylus acutus and Alligator for life in saline water

Abstract 1. 1. American crocodiles (C. acutus) weighing less than 200 g are unable to grow when kept in 35 ppt sea water in the laboratory. Yet paradoxically there are some highly saline areas in south Florida where rapid growth occurs. It is possible that these conflicting observations can be reconciled by behavioral osmoregulation of young crocodiles. 2. 2. Hatching occurs during the rainy season and small crocodiles may drink from the brackish “lens” available during and after rainfall. 3. 3. Using a weekly regime of alternating exposure to 35 ppt (6 days) and 4 ppt (12–24 hr), it has been demonstrated that growth of small crocodiles occurs. Feeding takes place primarily when brackish water is available. Salinities as high as 18 ppt were drunk when crocodiles were dehydrated by 15–20% of initial mass. 4. 4. C. acutus and Alligator have a rather low rate of water efflux in sea water (0.2ml/100g-hr). 5. 5. Sodium influx in sea water of C. acutus is low, but higher than efflux. Thus there is no evidence yet for a significant role of the lingual salt glands in sodium excretion. 6. 6. The major adaptations to saline water of hatchling C. acutus are a low intake of sodium, an ability to selectively drink water of lower salinities, and to grow very rapidly (within 3–4 months) to a size much more tolerant of immersion in 35 ppt sea water.
Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization Findings in a Cohort Referred for an Autism Evaluation

The development and refinement of array comparative genomic hybridization has led to expanded applications as a diagnostic tool. Recent reports suggest a high diagnostic yield for array comparative genomic hybridization in autism spectrum disorders. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic yield in array comparative genomic hybridization for autism at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The authors report the diagnostic yield of array comparative genomic hybridization in 89 samples with a primary indication of autism. Clinical information was reviewed for 89 identified cases. Twenty-one cases were excluded because of ambiguous information regarding the diagnosis, a diagnosis other than autism, or abnormal karyotype. Of 68 cases referred for array comparative genomic hybridization testing with a primary indication of autism, 14 (21%) had abnormal findings. This study supports array comparative genomic hybridization in the etiologic evaluation of autism and elevation of array to a first tier diagnostic test.
Mechanism of single ice crystal growth in mixed clouds

At the Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV, USA, we investigated atmospheric ice crystal initiation, growth and interaction. We developed a mechanism of ice crystal growth in mixed clouds that is consistent with basic chemistry and physics, observations by others, and numerical studies of ice crystal growth from the vapor phase. The mechanism may provide insight into ice crystal morphology and charge separations in ice crystals growing in mixed clouds.
Photosensitization of aqueous model systems by hypericin.

Absorption and fluorescence measurements of purified hypericin (HY) were made in various media. Photosensitization of two aqueous systems was investigated: released red blood cell membranes (ghosts) and hen lysozyme (Lys). Solubilization of HY by ghost membranes was shown by means of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Visible light irradiation of the ghosts incorporating HY led to lipid peroxidation with evidence of singlet oxygen involvement. A binding model applicable for insoluble ligands is indicative of strong HY binding to HSA. The HY-HSA complex photosensitized inactivation of Lys. The pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics with protection by azide ion are consistent with a Type II mechanism mediated by singlet oxygen. The results are discussed in the context of the HY photodynamic and antiretroviral activities.
A Flexible, Event-Driven Digital Filter With Frequency Response Independent of Input Sample Rate

This paper presents a clockless digital filter able to process inputs of different rates and formats, synchronous or asynchronous, with no adjustment needed to handle each input type. The filter is designed using a mix of asynchronous and real-time digital hardware, and for this reason relies on neither a clock nor the input data rate for setting its frequency response. The modular architecture of the filter, including delay segments with separated data and timing paths and a pipelined multi-way adder, allows easy extensions for different data widths. The filter was used as part of an ADC/DSP/DAC system which maintains its frequency response intact for varying sample rates without requiring any internal change. This property is not possible for any synchronous DSP system. The 16-tap, 8-bit FIR filter, integrated in a 130 nm CMOS process, includes on-chip automatic delay tuning, and for certain inputs, has signal-to-error ratio which exceeds that of clocked systems.
Combination versus monotherapy for patients with RA—are initial clinical benefits maintained over time?

Combination versus monotherapy for patients with RA—are initial clinical benefits maintained over time?
Sedimentologic-magnetic record of western Pangean climate in upper Paleozoic loessite (lower Cutler beds, Utah)

Sedimentologic, pedologic, and magnetic data within the upper Paleozoic lower Cutler beds of the southwestern Paradox basin (Utah) record high- and low-frequency climate changes that operated at equatorial latitudes of western Pangea. The lower Cutler beds consist of ∼250 m of lithified eolian silt (loessite) and marine-reworked and fluvially reworked loessite, with abundant intercalated paleosols comprising Protosols, Argillisols, and Calcisols. The evolution from loessite and marine-reworked loessite with abundant Calcisols in the lower section to loessite and fluvially reworked loessite with abundant Argillisols in the upper section records a long-term transition from semiarid conditions in western equatorial Pangea in latest Pennsylvanian time to seasonally wet conditions in earliest Permian time. This shift could record intensification of the Pangean megamonsoon and associated seasonal incursions of moisture-laden westerlies. Paleosols record relatively high-frequency fluctuations between drier, dustier glacials and wetter interglacials of the late Paleozoic. Bulk magnetic-susceptibility values in paleosols exhibit variations that track paleosol type and are significantly elevated relative to parent loessite, attributable to the occurrence of both ultrafine-grained (superparamagnetic) and coarser-grained (remanence-carrying) magnetite. This signature reflects in situ pedogenic production of ferrimagnetic phases and a subordinate component of allochthonous, magnetic dust influx during pedogenesis, analogous to processes inferred for the magnetic signature in the Pliocene–Pleistocene loess-paleosol sequences of, e.g., the Chinese Loess Plateau. Integration of sedimentologic, geochemical, and magnetic data further suggests that enhancement of magnetic susceptibility in loessitic paleosols of this section relates primarily to climatic conditions and secondarily to durations of pedogenesis. Whereas peak susceptibility values in mature paleosols (Argillisols and Calcisols) do not vary significantly through the study section, peak values for Protosols track facies evidence for wetter conditions through time. Accordingly, relative changes in paleosol susceptibility values can provide paleoclimatic information, but should be integrated with other data to fully assess the origin of the signature. Overall, our data document the applicability of analytical approaches used on recent loess to very ancient loessite; this result is significant, because loess commonly records high- resolution evidence of terrestrial climate and climate change.
Kinetic and hydrodynamic theories of nonequilibrium fluctuations

A unified formulation of both transport and fluctuations in a low density nonequilibrium gas is described. The method is based on an analysis of a generating functional for fluctuations of the single particle phase space density. It is shown that the first functional derivative obeys an inhomogeneous nonlinear Boltzmann equation, from which the dynamics of multi-space and -time fluctuations may be obtained by suitable functional differentiation. In particular, the equations for two-time and equal time fluctuations are obtained to illustrate the method. In this way, the description of nonequilibrium fluctuations in a low density gas is put on the same theoretical basis as the usual Boltzmann kinetic theory. A hydrodynamic theory of fluctuations also may be derived from the kinetic theory; the procedure and results are indicated.
A hypothesis sampling model for conjunctive concept identification

Abstract A Markov chain model for conjunctive concept identification in a two-category task is presented. Its basic assumptions involve sampling a subset of hypotheses compatible with an initial positive instance and eliminating untenable hypotheses with incoming information. Predicted values are compared with observed values for a number of statistics including error-run data and hypothesis-sample states for various trials. The model was found to fit fairly well.
Antagonists of stretch-activated ion channels restore contractile function in hamster dilated cardiomyopathy

Background Stretch-activated ion channels (SACs) mediate abnormal ion currents in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), but their role in the contractile defect of DCM is undefined. We hypothesized that SAC antagonists would enhance contractile function in a hamster model of DCM. Methods Left ventricular papillary muscles from Syrian hamsters with a genetic DCM ( n = 26), and from non-myopathic controls ( n = 26), were superfused and stimulated to contract. Maximum active force (F max ; milli-Newtons per square millimeter) was determined before (baseline) and after subjecting the muscle to a 60-minute period of overstretch (resting length associated with a 20% decay in baseline maximum force [F max ]). Gadolinium (10 μmol/liter) and streptomycin (40 μmol/liter) were used separately to antagonize SACs. Results In the absence of SAC antagonist, baseline F max was greater in controls (1.79 ± 0.26) vs DCM (0.69 ± 0.12; p max in DCM (to 0.50 ± 0.08; p = 0.03 vs baseline), but not in controls. The SAC antagonists increased baseline F max in DCM to equal that of untreated controls (gadolinium 1.64 ± 0.34, streptomycin 2.13 ± 0.33), but neither agent increased baseline F max in controls (gadolinium 1.91 ± 0.20, streptomycin 2.25 ± 0.49). Both agents abolished the stretch-induced decrease in contractile function in DCM. Conclusions Antagonists of SACs enhance contractile function in DCM to equal that of normal controls, and abolish sensitivity to further stretch. They do not alter contractile function in normal muscle. These data suggest an important role of SACs in the contractile dysfunction of DCM and further suggest that SAC antagonists may represent novel therapy in heart failure.
The risk of dust explosions in grain processing and handling facilities

Abstract The risk to workers of dust explosions in grain processing and handling facilities has been compared with other types of man-caused fatality risks. Both the magnitude and frequency are examined simultaneously. To discern if a trend exists, the data from the period 1958–1968 are compared with those in the period 1968–1978. The risk of loss of human life due to dust explosions appears to be increasing drastically in the U.S.A.
Issues that May Determine the Outcome of Antipsychotic Trials: Industry Sponsorship and Extrapyramidal Side Effect

This study presents a meta-analysis of the influence of several potentially biasing factors (eg industry support, extrapyramidal side effects) on efficacy of studies comparing second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) with first-generation antipsychotic (FGA) medications. We used the dataset from our previously published meta-analysis of 124 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SGAs with FGAs, to evaluate whether certain possible biases could influence the actual outcome on the total score of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scores. Industry sponsorship was determined by contact with authors or publication statement. We calculated whether (1) industry sponsorship, (2) study quality, (3) extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) properties, or (4) prophylactic antiparkinsonian medications influenced SGA vs FGA efficacy for each drug and averaged overall by two Hedges and Olkin-based meta-analyses. The analysis found that none of the factors was significantly associated with a particular outcome. While industry-sponsored articles may conclude their medication to be more favorable than that of a competitor in an RCT, we found that the observed efficacy was not influenced by sponsorship. Many attribute the finding that SGAs appears to be more efficacious than FGAs to be a result of EPS-decreasing efficacy (or its measurement). We were unable to confirm that the drug's EPS properties or antiparkinsonian management altered actual efficacy.
A Cyber-based Behavioral Model

While long considered an important aspect of strategic and theater planning, situational awareness (SA) is the linchpin to both cyber planning and execution. As stated in Joint doctrine, before military activities in the information environment can be accurately and effectively planned, the “state” of the environment must be understood. At its core, cyber situational awareness requires understanding the environment in terms of how information, events, and actions will impact goals and objectives, both now and in the near future. Joint Information Operations (IO) doctrine defines three layers of information inherent to this; physical, informational, and cognitive. While a fair amount of time and effort has been focused on the physical and informational aspects of cyber situational awareness, very little emphasis has been placed on the cognitive layer as it relates to cyber space and how best to model and analyze it. This research examines aspects of the cognitive level by defining a cyber-based behavioral ...
The Survey Form of the Leyton Obsessional Inventory-Child Version: Norms from an Epidemiological Study

Abstract In the first stage of a two-stage epidemiologic study of obsessive compulsive symptoms in nonreferred adolescents, 81.3% of a county-wide population of high school students ( N = 5596) completed a survey form of the Leyton Obsessional Inventory—Child Version. The 20-item self report inventory demonstrated good psychometric properties. Females scored slightly higher than males both for number of obsessional habits and degree of interference. At least 46% of the students reported ‘obsessional habits' in relation to cleanliness; less than 17% of students reported obsessional habits in relation to school work, numbers and luck. The entire sample rated obsessional schoolwork habits and indecisiveness as causing the most interference with their lives, while neatness and having a favorite number bothered them the least.
Histiocytic Sarcoma: The First Reported Case of Primary Esophageal Involvement

To the Editor: We present a case of primary esophageal invasion by histiocytic sarcoma (HS), which to the best of our knowledge has not been reported in the literature to date.
Prospects for quantum coherent computation using superconducting electronics

We discuss the prospects and challenges for implementing a quantum computer using superconducting electronics. It appears that Josephson junction devices operating at milli-Kelvin temperatures can achieve a quantum dephasing time of milliseconds, allowing quantum coherent computations of 10/sup 10/ or more steps. This figure of merit is comparable to that of atomic systems currently being studied for quantum computation.