cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust estimation of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in US counties

The COVID-19 outbreak is asynchronous in US counties. Mitigating the COVID-19 transmission requires not only the state and federal level order of protective measures such as social distancing and testing, but also public awareness of time-dependent risk and reactions at county and community levels. We propose a robust approach to estimate the heterogeneous progression of SARS-CoV-2 at all US counties having no less than 2 COVID-19 associated deaths, and we use the daily probability of contracting (PoC) SARS-CoV-2 for a susceptible individual to quantify the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a community. We found that shortening by [Formula: see text] of the infectious period of SARS-CoV-2 can reduce around [Formula: see text] (or 78 K, [Formula: see text] CI: [66 K , 89 K ]) of the COVID-19 associated deaths in the US as of 20 September 2020. Our findings also indicate that reducing infection and deaths by a shortened infectious period is more pronounced for areas with the effective reproduction number close to 1, suggesting that testing should be used along with other mitigation measures, such as social distancing and facial mask-wearing, to reduce the transmission rate. Our deliverable includes a dynamic county-level map for local officials to determine optimal policy responses and for the public to better understand the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 on each day.
Single-cell immunoblotting resolves estrogen receptor-α isoforms in breast cancer

An array of isoforms of the nuclear estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) protein contribute to heterogeneous response in breast cancer (BCa); yet, a single-cell analysis tool that distinguishes the full-length ER-α66 protein from the activation function-1 deficient ER-α46 isoform has not been reported. Specific detection of protein isoforms is a gap in single-cell analysis tools, as the de facto standard immunoassay requires isoform-specific antibody probes. Consequently, to scrutinize hormone response heterogeneity among BCa tumor cells, we develop a precision tool to specifically measure ER-α66, ER- α46, and eight ER-signaling proteins with single-cell resolution in the highly hetero-clonal MCF-7 BCa cell line. With a literature-validated pan-ER immunoprobe, we distinguish ER-α66 from ER-α46 in each individual cell. We identify ER-α46 in 5.5% of hormone-sensitive (MCF-7) and 4.2% of hormone-insensitive (MDA-MB-231) BCa cell lines. To examine whether the single-cell immunoblotting can capture cellular responses to hormones, we treat cells with tamoxifen and identify different sub-populations of ER-α46: (i) ER-α46 induces phospho-AKT at Ser473, (ii) S6-ribosomal protein, an upstream ER target, activates both ER-α66 and ER-α46 in MCF-7 cells, and (iii) ER-α46 partitions MDA-MB-231 subpopulations, which are responsive to tamoxifen. Unlike other single-cell immunoassays, multiplexed single-cell immunoblotting reports-in the same cell-tamoxifen effects on ER signaling proteins and on distinct isoforms of the ER-α protein.
CLRM-03. BGB-290 AND TEMOZOLOMIDE IN TREATING ISOCITRATE DEHYDROGENASE (IDH)1/2-MUTANT GRADE I-IV GLIOMAS – A NOVEL MODEL OF AYA TRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT

DESCRIPTION The lack of enrollment of AYA patients on clinical trials is well documented and multivariant. Here we present the basic science, examination of its relevance to the AYA population specifically, and the parallel deployment of two international clinical trials via a pediatric neuro-oncology and adult brain tumor consortium.
Medical Marijuana Meets Zoning: Can You Grow, Smoke and Sell that Here?

Fourteen states currently permit the medical use of marijuana, yet state statutes fail to account for the challenges that confront municipal planners and officials whose agenda includes public health, safety and welfare of residents, including minor children. The intensity of the problem is perhaps most evident in Los Angeles, where there are approximately 800 dispensaries. Varying statutory approaches are provided for individuals to legitimately acquire the drug - they may grow it themselves, they may obtain it from their primary caregiver, or they may obtain it from a licensed dispensary. This raises a number of land use regulatory questions including: whether state law preempts local zoning when it comes to growing, buying and using marijuana for medicinal purposes; whether distance requirements, similar to those used in the regulation of adult business uses, can be utilized to regulate the use of medical marijuana; and, what types of special use permit considerations may be appropriate for considering activities related to the use of medical marijuana. In addition, questions as to whether growing and sale of the drug may constitute a valid home occupation, and whether marijuana is or should be considered an agricultural crop, and if so, what impact this would have on the relationship between agricultural regulation/policy and zoning, suggest a growing number of legal unanswered land use law related questions in this emerging area. This article pulls together information about how the municipalities in the fourteen states with legalized medical marijuana are beginning to sort through and address the challenging land use issues that confront communities faced with the growing, sale and use of the drug.
Street geometry and energy conservation of urban buildings in Chicago

A relationship of building space conditioning energy and density of built-up area using street geometry as an urban design parameter was investigated in this study. Sixteen street geometry configurations with varying street width and orientation were investigated. A comparative energy analysis of a single, stand-alone eight-storey office building, with the same building as a part of urban building configuration, is presented. The sensitivity of microclimatic changes of increased air temperature and reduced wind speed was investigated for the building energy need of a compact street geometry. Additionally, the role of improved wall and roof surface albedo values on energy needs was studied in the urban context. The street geometry significantly influences the space conditioning energy of an urban building. The summertime cooling load of a code rated energy efficient building is reduced by up to 37% whereas heating loads are penalized by 19% by the studied street aspect ratio of 8. However, microclimatic in...
X-Ray Computed Tomography

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a powerful technique for noninvasively characterizing materials. This chapter covers x-ray computed tomography (CT) in its forms spanning large components (booster rockets) to millimeter-sized material specimens to micrometer-sized samples. Emphasis is on contrast produced by differences in x-ray attenuation, although CT using x-ray phase contrast, x-ray fluorescence, or x-ray diffraction is also covered briefly. Keywords: x-ray computed tomography (CT); x-ray phase contrast; x-ray fluorescence
Vehicular optical ranging and communication system

In this paper, we developed a ranging and communication system for vehicular safety applications. The light-emitting diode (LED) array and photodetector (PD) array serve as the transceiver. The imaging technique is applied to the receiver, which can detect the angle of incident light and imaged different lights to corresponding PDs. Benefiting from this structure, this system is able to detect distance as well as location, and work between multiple users simultaneously. While keeping a low cost and compact size, it can still provide high lateral resolution, high frame rate, and interference rejection performance.
NOISE REDUCTION PROGRAM FOR U.S. ARMY CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

The initial program was to analyze the source of noise, reduce noise at the source, and provide overall noise reduction treatment to reach lowest practical levels. Similar efforts were then accomplished on several special military vehicles to provide noise reduction retrofit kits. The initial work revealed special needs in the area of hydraulic system noise, and acoustical materials and in-depth studies were initiated to analyze techniques of hydraulic noise measurement and to evaluate material suitability for military use.
Cell cycle proteins in Alzheimer's disease: plenty of wheels but no cycle.

Increased expression and function of cell cycle proteins in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain signifies exit of neurons from the G0 phase of the cell cycle. However we propose that neurons do not actively progress through various stages of the cell cycle and likely do not exit G1. Instead, we believe that multiple intracellular signaling pathways activated during AD induce cell cycle proteins to regulate cell death pathways and contribute to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles.
Distribution of adenylate cyclase and GTP-binding proteins in hepatic plasma membranes

Hepatic membrane subfractions prepared from control rats demonstrated forskolin (FSK)-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in the basolateral (sinusoidal) but not apical (canalicular) plasma membrane. After bile duct ligation (BDL) for 12 or 24 h, there was an increase in FSK-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in the apical membrane (54.2 +/- 3.9 pmol.mg-1 x min-1). The mechanism for this increase was explored further. ATP hydrolysis was found to be much higher in the apical than the basolateral membrane. Increasing the ATP levels in the assay enhanced apical membrane adenylate cyclase activity (10.5 +/- 0.2 pmol.mg-l.min-1); however, total adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) activity was not altered after BDL. Extraction of the apical membrane with bile acids or other detergents resulted in a two- to threefold increase in adenylate cyclase activity (30.6 +/- 3.6 pmol.mg-1 x min-1; detergent C12E8) This suggested that bile duct ligation was acting via the detergent-like action of bile acids to uncover latent adenylate cyclase activity on apical membranes. Further studies demonstrated that both BDL and detergent extraction also enhanced toxin-directed ADP-ribosylation of Gs alpha (cholera toxin) and Gi alpha (pertussis toxin) in the apical but not the basolateral membrane. After BDL, Gi alpha was found to be twofold greater in the apical membrane than the basolateral membrane. Immunoblotting using specific G protein antibodies further confirmed that apical membranes from control rats had a higher concentration of Gi1, 2 alpha and beta and slightly elevated levels of Gi3 alpha and Gs alpha compared with the basolateral membrane. The results demonstrate that adenylate cyclase and heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins are present on the apical membrane, but measurement of their functional activity requires detergent permeabilization of apical membrane vesicles and is limited by the presence of high ATPase activity.
Cell marker analysis of extranodal lymphoid infiltrates: to what extent does the determination of mono- or polyclonality resolve the diagnostic dilemma of malignant lymphoma v pseudolymphoma in an extranodal site?

Abstract Lymphoid cell marker analysis has provided objective immunologic criteria by which to distinguish between benign pseudolymphomas and malignant lymphomas occurring in extranodal sites and has improved our understanding of extranodal lymphoid proliferations, thereby substantially altering our perspective of these lesions. These studies have resulted in a dramatic reclassification of the majority of the extranodal small lymphocytic proliferations (previously designated pseudolymphomas by histopathologic criteria) as malignant lymphomas, based upon immunologic criteria. However, this redefinition has not truly resolved the diagnostic dilemma of the extranodal small lymphocytic proliferation, nor has it measurably improved our ability to accurately predict patient outcome. It appears that the majority of patients with a monoclonal B small lymphocytic lymphoma localized to a solitary extranodal site enjoy a benign clinical course and long survival with only minimal therapeutic intervention.
Fast DNA isolation from Histoplasma capsulatum: methodology for arbitrary primer polymerase chain reaction-based epidemiological and clinical studies.

Abstract The arbitrary primer polymerase chain reaction (also called random amplified polymorphic DNA, or RAPD) is a DNA fingerprinting method that provides an efficient, sensitive way of discriminating between independent isolates of Histoplasma capsulatum, but its widespread application has been hampered by the arduous 2-day procedure traditionally used to extract DNA from H. capsulatum. We present here a quick (approximately 2-h) extraction method and show that the resultant DNA is suitable for sensitive and reproducible identification of individual strains of this pathogenic fungus.
Customized high-dose-rate brachytherapy using MRI planning for vaginal rhabdomyosarcoma

Abstract Purpose To report the technical aspects of customized high-dose-rate brachytherapy for vaginal rhabdomyosarcoma using MRI- and CT-based planning in a 20-month-old girl. Methods and Materials An impression of the vaginal cavity at the resection site was taken after adequate lubrication of the vagina with lidocaine jelly. The impression was processed in the dental laboratory to obtain an MRI-compatible device with three imbedded catheters 0.4 mm apart, assuring tumor coverage. An MRI- and CT-based simulation under anesthesia with the applicator in place were performed, and the images were registered for contouring and planning to deliver 40 Gy in 10 fractions daily. Dose to the ovaries was limited to a mean dose less than 4 Gy. Treatment was delivered daily under anesthesia with no acute complications. Results Brachytherapy using a customized applicator has many advantages over prefabricated vaginal cylinders for young girls. It allows greater dose distribution conformality with the possibility of contralateral vaginal wall sparing and more reproducible daily positioning. MRI-based planning is mainly performed to facilitate delineation of the target volume and the ovaries, which are easily identified on MRI. Conclusions The customized applicator offers many advantages of which treatment reproducibility, inherent MRI compatibility, and excellent dose distribution conformality. Our brachytherapy technique using MRI and CT scan planning allows precise tumor and normal tissues delineation resulting in excellent tumor coverage and normal tissues sparing.
Higher-Order Abilities Conceptualized with in Guilford's Structure-Of-Intellect (Soi) Model for a Sample of United States Coast Guard Academy Cadets: A Reanalysis of an Soi Data Base:

This study was undertaken to provide empirical validation of the first-order and higher-order factor structures of the structure-of-intellect (SOI) model conceptualized by Guilford. Both confirmato...
Turbine missile — a critical review

Abstract The turbine missile problem has been critically reviewed. A probabilistic approach to the problem seems to be most reasonable. However, United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission's guidelines on this subject may not be adequate. In this paper, some of the critical parameters in the turbine missile problem have been identified and their probabilistic characteristics have been discussed. Separation of high and low trajectory missiles in damage potential evaluation appears to be inappropriate. Definitions of targets from the engineer's point of view have also been suggested. In estimating the occurrence rate of external missiles the statistical approach using the Duane growth rate model seems to be more appealing than the systems reliability approach. However, the observed samples and durations may not be adequate for the Duane growth rate model. A probabilistic methodology to estimate the damage potential of turbine missiles is also developed considering various sources of uncertainty. The methodology is clarified with the help of an example. If the uncertainties in the contributing parameters are considered appropriately, the crude conservatism that has been introduced into the damage potential evaluation can be reduced with confidence.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of sustained release suspensions of ibuprofen

Abstract The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate suspensions of ibuprofen-loaded microspheres. The microspheres were prepared with cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and cellulose propionate (low molecular weight) (CPL) polymers with 1:2 and 1:3 drug loadings, respectively. To ensure minimum drug release from the microspheres into the suspension, the pH was buffered at 3.5. 0.5% w/v methylcellulose served as the suspending agent. Redispersibility and content uniformity studies carried out during a period of 6 months produced no evidence of a non-dispersible sediment and allowed for a uniform dose withdrawal. The suspensions were able to produce sustained ibuprofen blood levels and decrease gastrointestinal mucosal injury as compared to the free ibuprofen suspension. The suspension of CAB microspheres sustained ibuprofen blood levels for the longest time and produced least gastrointestinal mucosal damage.
Cumulative Lifetime Adversities and Alcohol Dependence in Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Objective Negative life events have been implicated in the development of alcohol dependence. This paper tests whether cumulative exposure to such stressors significantly predicts risk of DSM-IV alcohol dependence disorder in young adults. We also provide descriptive data that characterizes the patterns of cumulative exposure to such events and rates of alcohol dependence across gender, race/ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
Studies in histochemistry. XXV. Determination of phenolsulfatase in microgram quantities of tissue and its distribution in the adrenal of several species

Abstract 1. 1. A quantitative method for the determination of phenolsulfatase activity in microgram quantities of tissue has been described. 2. 2. The quantitative distribution of this enzyme in the adrenal gland of hog, cow, rat, and rabbit was determined. The same general distribution was found in all four species. In the cortex, the highest activity was demonstrated in the fascicular zone. The concentration in the medulla was the same as, or higher than, that in the fasciculata. 3. 3. Per unit dry weight, the rat adrenal had about twice the activity of the glands of the other species, which showed activities that varied little from one another.
Nanophase cobalt oxyhydroxide mineral synthesized within the protein cage of ferritin.

The empty protein cage of ferritin has been used to synthesize and entrap nanoscale particles of a green cobalt oxide via oxidative hydrolysis of Co(II) by H2O2. The resulting composite material retains the properties of the protein while incorporating the characteristics of the encapsulated mineral. The visible absorption spectrum has a broad band at 350 nm and the IR spectrum shows a band at 587 cm-1 characteristic of the cobalt oxyhydroxide Co(O)OH.
Short paper: enhancing users' comprehension of android permissions

Android adopts a permission-based model to protect user's data and system resources. An application needs to explicitly request user's approval of the required permissions at the installation time. The utility of the permission model depends critically on end users' ability to comprehend them. However, a recent study has shown that Android users have poor comprehension on permissions.In this paper, we propose to help Android users better understand application permissions through crowdsourcing. In our approach, collections of users of the same application use our tool to help each other on permission understanding by sharing their permission reviews. We demonstrate the feasibility of our approach by implementing a proof-of-concept of our design, which can provide meaningful clues to users on what purposes a permission serves in an application. Our case study shows that the tool can provide helpful information of permission usage. It also exposes the limitations of the current implementation, and the challenges need to be addressed in our next step.
A 15-bp deletion in exon 5 of the ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) locus associated with gyrate atrophy.

Gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina (GA) is an autosomal recessive disorder in which a deficiency of the mitochondrial matrix enzyme ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) leads to progressive blindness. Previously, we and others have reported a number of missense mutations and splice defects in the OAT gene associated with GA. In the present case, through sequencing of the PCR amplified cDNA products, we have detected a novel 15-bp deletion within exon 5 of the OAT gene which retains the original reading frame. The deleted PCR product is the only one produced from the patient's mRNA, while mRNA from the patient's mother yields both deleted and normal length PCR products. The alternate, apparently nonexpressing OAT allele in this patient was inherited from the father, who displays only the normal length PCR product. The codon at the deletion joint remains unaltered, predicting the loss of the pentapeptide Tyr-Thr-Val-Lys-Gly without any other amino acid change. The breakpoints are adjacent to or within two copies of a 4-bp direct repeat, which may have implications for the mechanism of deletion. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Customer Service: Does Family Ownership Make a Difference?:

Customer service policies that prescribe positive thoughts about the customer and aspirations of providing the best service possible are fairly common. Yet the experience of many customers is far different from what is presented as company policy. Where does the discrepancy between policy and performance lie? This article proposes that family ownership plays a role in the creation of positive customer service interactions.
Effects of diffusion current on characteristics of metal-oxide (insulator)-semiconductor transistors☆

Abstract A qualitative discussion of the device operation is first given using three-dimensional energy band diagrams to show the significance of the diffusion current. The theoretical static I–V characteristics are the computed including both the diffusion and the drift currents, based on the one-dimensional and gradual channel model. Drain current saturation phenomena are evident in these exact solutions which are in good agreement with the calculations based on the bulk charge approximation and with the experimental data for the entire non-saturating and saturated ranges. The relative importance of the two current components along the length of the channel is illustrated. The effects of the diffusion current on the three more important low-frequency dynamic characteristics (the short-circuit gate capacitance, the transconductance, and the drain conductance) are discussed. The surface potential, the quasi-Fermi potential, the surface electric field and the surface carrier concentration along the channel are examined. The complete one-dimensional gradual channel model is inadequate to account for the large drain conductance observed in the saturation range, and it is shown that the electric field longitudinal to the channel current flow must be taken into account near the drain junction where it is larger than the transverse field due to the voltage applied to the gate electrode.
Age-related Neuronal Loss from the Substantia Nigra-Pars Compacta and Ventral Tegmental Area of the Rhesus Monkey

This study was undertaken to document the effect of age on the volume, number, and size of neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), the paranigral (VTApn), and the parabrachial pigmentosus (VTApbp) nuclei of the VTA in behaviorally well-characterized rhesus monkeys. Using a point counting technique and unbiased stereological methods, we found no significant effects of age on the volume of these dopaminergic brain stem nuclei, but there was significant age-related loss of total number of neurons in the SNpc and VTApn. The loss of neurons in the SNpc was found to be greater for neurons measuring less than 200 microm2 in cross sectional area, a size corresponding to the small GABAergic neurons in this nucleus. Age-related loss of total number of neurons in the SNpc and VTApn showed significant correlations with impairment on the delay phase of the delayed non match to sample test (DNMS), in the VTApn with impaired performance on the delayed recognition span test (DRST), and in the SNpc with impaired performance on the spatial component of reversal tasks. These correlations suggest that the loss of neurons in the SNpc and VTApn in these old monkeys may contribute to these behavioral deficits.
Natural selection on Plasmodium surface proteins

Numbers of synonymous (dS) and nonsynonymous (dN) nucleotide substitutions per site were analysed in eight polymorphic Plasmodium genes: circumsporozoite protein gene (CSP), sporozoite surface protein 2 (thrombospondin related anonymous protein, TRAP), merozoite surface antigen 2 (MSA-2), apical membrane antigen 1 (PF83), liver-stage antigen-1 (LSA-1), knob-associated histidine-rich protein (KAHRP), ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA) and S-antigen. In certain regions of genes coding for proteins of the sporozoite and merozoite surface (CSP, TRAP, MSA-2 and PF83), dN was significantly greater than dS. This unusual pattern of nucleotide substitution is indicative of positive Darwinian selection acting to promote diversity at the amino-acid level; thus our results suggest that the sporozoite and merozoite surface proteins are under positive selection, presumably exerted by the host immune system. No such pattern of substitution was observed on LSA-1, KAHRP, RESA, or S-antigen. Observed patterns of nucleotide substitution were not explicable by nucleotide content bias. G + C content in the 5′ nonrepeat region of CSP in nine Plasmodium species was positively correlated with that in the 3′ nonrepeat region; however, there was no relationship between G + C content and the ratio dSdN in either CSP or a larger sample of all regions of all genes analysed.
Three-dimensional brain surface visualization for epilepsy surgery of focal cortical dysplasia.

Abstract Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) causes medically intractable seizures in 5–10% of adult epilepsy patients, but patients can become seizure free through surgical resection. The authors present the utility of three-dimensional surface visualization (3DSV) that expands on existing imaging datasets to highlight surface vasculature as a tool for achieving more successful resections in patients with FCD. In this prospective series of six patients, preoperative 3DSV was performed for planning the surgical approach to the lesion and for intraoperative guidance. Reconstructions involved volume rendering of a contrast-enhanced dataset to visualize surface venous vasculature. Postoperatively, five of the six patients had complete resections, with one patient having a subtotal resection due to proximity to crucial vasculature. We report that 3DSV is a useful tool for surgical planning, since topographical relationships between lesion location and surface vasculature landmarks are less likely to change with surgical progress.
Hyper-Raman Spectroscopy of Organic Chromophores

Conjugated organic chromophores with large first hyperpolarizabilities exhibit strong two-photon-resonant hyper-Raman scattering. The resonance Raman and hyper-Raman spectra and excitation profiles together provide structural and energetic information about overlapping electronic transitions in these molecules.
Understanding the Relationship Between Tumor Size, Gland Size, and Disease Aggressiveness in Men With Prostate Cancer

Objective To determine the relationship between prostate gland and tumor volume in men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer. We hypothesized that larger tumors within smaller prostate glands are associated with more aggressive disease characteristics. Methods Records of patients undergoing RP from 2000-2008 at a single institution were reviewed retrospectively. The dominant nodule was considered to be the largest focus of cancer within the prostate, and the dominant nodule-to-prostate volume ratio (DNVR) was calculated according to the ratio of the dominant nodule volume to the gland weight. Cox regression was performed to assess the relationship between DNVR and both pathologic outcomes (Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment post-Surgical score) and biochemical recurrence (BCR). Results At a median follow-up of 3.7 years, 174 patients (7.2%) suffered BCR. There was no linear correlation between tumor volume and gland size (R = −0.09). DNVR above the median (≥0.033 cc/gm) was closely associated with high clinicopathologic risk as measured by Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment post-Surgical score (hazard ratio, 35.53; 95% confidence interval, 14.42-87.55 for high- vs low-risk groups). In the univariable analysis, both tumor diameter and DNVR were associated with increased risk of BCR. However, in the multivariable model, only tumor diameter remained a significant predictor of BCR (hazard ratio, 2.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-3.91). Conclusion Increased DNVR appears to be a characteristic of aggressive prostate tumors, although it did not predict BCR in the present study. However, these data support the association between tumor diameter and BCR after RP for prostate cancer independent of other key clinicopathologic features.
A Transcriptional Logic for Nuclear Reprogramming

Limitations on a differentiated cell's pluripotency can be erased by nuclear transfer or by fusion with embryonic stem cells, but attempts to recapitulate this process of nuclear reprogramming by molecular means have failed. In this issue of Cell, Takahashi and Yamanaka (2006) take a rational approach to identifying a suite of embryonic transcription factors whose overexpression restores pluripotency to adult somatic cells.
The LMA CTrach in airway resuscitation: six case reports.

Summary We report six patients with unexpected difficult airways who underwent tracheal intubation using the Laryngeal Mask Airway CTrach™. All these patients had failed orotracheal intubation using direct laryngoscopy and gum elastic bougie placement. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy failed in two of these patients due to blood and secretions in the airway. This report describes the successful use of this new intubating laryngeal mask in these cases, all of whom were intubated on the first attempt with this new device.
Awareness and attitudes regarding microbicides and Nonoxynol-9 use in a probability sample of gay men.

A household probability sample of 879 adult gay and other men who have sex with men in San Francisco underwent phone interviews. Approximately, half reported recent unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). Yet, lubricant use was high, a behavior that may facilitate future adoption of topical microbicide delivered by a lubricant gel. Despite warnings against Nonoxynol-9 (N-9), 26% of respondents reported still using it. Microbicide awareness was higher among men reporting UAI than among consistent condom users. Scenarios presenting microbicides “as effective as condoms,” “nearly as effective,” or “less effective but better than nothing” produced wide variability in willingness to use them, which may have implications for microbicide acceptability. HIV-infected men and those who reported UAI showed greater microbicide acceptance.
Functional estimation under interval censoring case 1

In the interval censoring model, case 1, we consider estimating functionals of the survival distribution function. Since the survival distribution function can be expressed as a conditional expectation in such a model, nonparametric smoothing techniques can be used to estimate it. Here we use locally linear smoothers. The resulting functional plug-in estimator is asymptotically normal and efficient.
Errors of five-day mean surface wind and temperature conditions due to inadequate sampling

Surface meteorological reports of wind components, wind speed, air temperature, and sea-surface temperature from buoys located in equatorial and midlatitude regions are used in a simulation of random sampling to determine errors of the calculated means due to inadequate sampling. Subsampling the data with several different sample sizes leads to estimates of the accuracy of the subsampled means. The number N of random observations needed to compute mean winds with chosen accuracies of 0.5 (N sub 0.5) and 1.0 (N sub 1,0) m/s and mean air and sea surface temperatures with chosen accuracies of 0.1 (N sub 0.1) and 0.2 (N sub 0.2) C were calculated for each 5-day and 30-day period in the buoy datasets. Mean values of N for the various accuracies and datasets are given. A second-order polynomial relation is established between N and the variability of the data record. This relationship demonstrates that for the same accuracy, N increases as the variability of the data record increases. The relationship is also independent of the data source. Volunteer-observing ship data do not satisfy the recommended minimum number of observations for obtaining 0.5 m/s and 0.2 C accuracy for most locations. The effect of having remotely sensed data is discussed.
Oak Conservation and Restoration on Private Forestlands: Negotiating a Social-Ecological Landscape

In the midwestern United States, oak (Quercus spp.) forests are considered critical habitat for conserving biodiversity and are a declining resource. Ecological conditions, such as deer herbivory and competition from more mesic broad-leaved deciduous species, have been linked to poor oak regeneration. In the Midwest, where up to 90% of forestland is privately owned, a greater understanding of social dimensions of oak regeneration success is especially critical to designing effective restoration strategies. We sought to determine factors that serve as direct and indirect constraints to oak restoration and identify policy mechanisms that could improve the likelihood for restoration success. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 32 natural resource professionals working in the Midwest Driftless Area. We found that most professionals anticipate that oak will remain only a component of the future forest. Furthermore, they identified the general unwillingness of landowners to adopt oak restoration practices as a primary driving force of regional forest change. The professionals pointed to interdependent ecological and social factors, occurring at various scales (e.g., economic cost of management, deer herbivory, and exurban residential development) as influencing landowner oak restoration decisions. Professionals emphasized the importance of government cost-share programs and long-term personal relationships to securing landowner acceptance of oak restoration practices. However, given finite societal resources, ecologically- and socially-targeted approaches were viewed as potential ways to optimize regional success.
Sequential reduction and oxidation of inorganic nitrogen, manganese, and iron in flooded soil

When a soil is flooded, the curtailment of O2 diffusion into the soil causes the microorganisms decomposing organic matter to switch from O2 to alternate electron acceptors. Three alternates utilized by facultative microorganisms when O2 becomes depleted are NO3 , Mn compounds, and Fe compounds. We studied the sequence of reduction of these three redox systems under controlled redox potential conditions. The redox potential of soil suspensions was changed stepwise in 50-mV increments from oxidized to reduced conditions and from reduced to oxidized conditions and maintained at each new potential for 15 d, at which time NO3, NH4, Mn, and Fe concentrations in the soil solution were analyzed. The results of this study showed that the oxidation and reduction of the three electron acceptors were sequential, with no overlap in the oxidation or reduction of the NO3 and Mn systems and little overlap in oxidation and reduction of the Mn and Fe systems. In the oxidized-to-reduced experiment, the critical redox potential at which all of the NO3was reduced and Mn first appeared in the soil solution was approximately 200 mV. The critical redox potential at which Fe appeared was 100 mV. For all three redox systems, the critical redox potentials for the oxidized-toreduced transition were approximately 50 mV lower than for the reduced-to-oxidized transition. View complete article To view this complete article, insert Disc 5 then click button8
An analysis of the sulfur budget and interstate sulfur transport for Colorado

Abstract The sulfur budget for Colorado is analyzed in order to understand the importance of interstate transport and natural sources to wet sulfur deposition in the state. A climatological box model is used to separate the various contributions to sulfur deposition. We demonstrate that sulfur dioxide molecules emitted in Colorado have a low probability of wet deposition in Colorado. Therefore, as much as 80 per cent or more of the wet sulfur deposition in the state must be ascribed to external anthropogenic sulfur sources, such as non-ferrous metal smelters and electric powerplants unless some large unspecified natural sulfur source exists.
Effect of ouabain and desipramine on the uptake and storage of norepinephrine and metaraminol.

Abstract The uptake of 3H-dl-norepinephrine (NE) in the guinea-pig heart was measured during perfusion with 1 × 10−4 M ouabain and 2 × 10−5 M desipramine (DMI). The inhibition of NE uptake by ouabain was first observed after 10 min and gradually increased until, after 20 min, NE uptake was inhibited by about 50%. DMI blocked NE uptake efficiently at all times tested. When ouabain was perfused for various times before measuring uptake, it was found that inhibition of NE uptake did not begin for 8 min. After this time, inhibition increased rapidly with increasing pretreatment time until, after 15 min pretreatment, uptake was blocked by about 90%. The onset of inhibition of NE uptake elicited by ouabain could not be correlated with the ouabain induced changes in the intracellular (Na+) and (K+) of heart tissue. Perfusion of guinea-pig hearts with DMI or ouabain led to a substantial release of metaraminol when metaraminol was administered 1 hr before sacrifice but not when it was administered 24 hr before sacrifice. Similarly, 3H-NE was lost from hearts when DMI or ouabain was perfused immediately after infusion of 3H-NE. The level of endogenous NE, however, was not altered by perfusion with either DMI or ouabain. It is concluded that newly administered NE and metaraminol are not stored in the same pool as the endogenous NE.
Regulation of the surface expression of α4β2δ GABAA receptors by high efficacy states

Abstract α4βδ GABAA receptors (GABARs) have low CNS expression, but their expression is increased by 48 h exposure to the neurosteroid THP (3α-OH-5α[β]-pregnan-20-one). THP also increases the efficacy of δ-containing GABARs acutely, where GABA is a partial agonist. Thus, we examined effects of THP (100 nM) and full GABA agonists at α4β2δ (gaboxadol, 10 μM, and β-alanine, 10 μM–1 mM), on surface expression of α4β2δ. To this end, we used an α4 construct tagged with a 3XFLAG (F) epitope or measured expression of native α4 and δ. HEK-293 cells or cultured hippocampal neurons were transfected with α4Fβ2δ and treated 24 h later with GABA agonists, THP, GABA plus THP or vehicle (0.01% DMSO) for 0.5 h–48 h. Immunocytochemistry was performed under both non-permeabilized and permeabilized conditions to detect surface and intracellular labeling, respectively, using confocal microscopy. The high efficacy agonists and GABA (1 or 10 μM) plus THP increased α4β2δ surface expression up to 3-fold after 48 h, an effect first seen by 0.5 h. This effect was not dependent upon the polarity of GABAergic current, although expression was increased by KCC2. Intracellular labeling was decreased while functional expression was confirmed by whole cell patch clamp recordings of responses to GABA agonists. GABA plus THP treatment did not alter the rate of receptor removal from the surface membrane, suggesting that THP-induced α4β2δ expression is likely via receptor insertion. Surface expression of α4β2δ was decreased by rottlerin (10 μM), suggesting a role for PKC-δ. These results suggest that trafficking of α4β2δ GABARs is regulated by high efficacy states.
The flexor digitorum accessorius longus-a cadaveric study.

Flexor digitorum accessorius longus is an anatomical variant that has previously been shown to be associated with a variety of pathological conditions localized to the posteromedial aspect of the ankle and hindfoot. In particular, this anomalous muscle has been reported to be the cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Despite recognition of this muscular anomaly as a cause of foot and ankle pathology, the origin, course, and insertion of flexor digitorum accessorius longus has not been thoroughly illustrated in the anatomical literature. In an effort to accurately detail the anatomy of the flexor digitorum accessorius longus, we undertook a cadaveric dissection and prepared a photographic study of this anomalous skeletal muscle. Level of Clinical Evidence: 5.
Artificial window view of nature

Previous research from environmental psychology shows that human well-being suffers in windowless environments in many ways. In addition, research shows that a window view of nature is psychologically and physiologically beneficial to humans. Current window substitutes, still images and video, lack three dimensional properties necessary for a realistic viewing experience - primarily motion parallax. We present a new system using a head-coupled display and image-based rendering to simulate a photorealistic artificial window view of nature with motion parallax. Evaluation data obtained from a group of human subjects suggest that the system prototype is a better window substitute than a static image, and has significantly more positive effects on observers' moods. The test subjects judged the system prototype as a good simulation of, and acceptable replacement for, a real window, and accorded it much higher ratings for realism and preference than a static image.
Calcium Channel Blockers used as Anti-Hypertension Agents Affect the Toxicity of Aβ Peptides on Neurons

Hypertension has been identified as a possible risk factor for the late onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Clinical studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the contribution of high blood pressure to impaired cognitive functions. A full understanding of the effect of antihypertensive agents has been elusive, and their efficacy has been inconclusive. Calcium channel blockers (CCB) are one of the most common treatments for hypertension. In particular, drugs directed at blocking L-type voltage-gated calcium channels are widely prescribed. However, the effect of CCB on the onset of AD has not been well established. In this investigation, we evaluate the effect of several CCB, including nitrendipine, bifedipine and diltiazem, some of which are structurally unrelated, on amyloid β (Aβ) peptide cellular toxicity. Co-incubation of monomerized Aβ42 peptide with these drugs resulted in a very different pattern of oligomerization of the peptide. These drugs were also found to affect cellular proliferation of culture neuron lines (N2A and PC12). Moreover, they increased the natural toxicity of Aβ42 peptide. Thus, we concluded that some antihypertensive agents may have a confounding effect in the development and onset of AD, which may be related to different aspects of the interaction of these drugs with Aβ peptides and cells.Supported by Alzheimer's Association and UC San Diego Academic Senate grants.
Integrating Bioassessment and Ecological Risk Assessment: An Approach to Developing Numerical Water-Quality Criteria

Bioassessment is used worldwide to monitor aquatic health but is infrequently used with risk-assessment objectives, such as supporting the development of defensible, numerical water-quality criteria. To this end, we present a generalized approach for detecting potential ecological thresholds using assemblage-level attributes and a multimetric index (Index of Biological Integrity—IBI) as endpoints in response to numerical changes in water quality. To illustrate the approach, we used existing macroinvertebrate and surface-water total phosphorus (TP) datasets from an observed P gradient and a P-dosing experiment in wetlands of the south Florida coastal plain nutrient ecoregion. Ten assemblage attributes were identified as potential metrics using the observational data, and five were validated in the experiment. These five core metrics were subjected individually and as an aggregated Nutrient–IBI to nonparametric changepoint analysis (nCPA) to estimate cumulative probabilities of a threshold response to TP. Threshold responses were evident for all metrics and the IBI, and were repeatable through time. Results from the observed gradient indicated that a threshold was ≥50% probable between 12.6 and 19.4 μg/L TP for individual metrics and 14.8 μg/L TP for the IBI. Results from the P-dosing experiment revealed ≥50% probability of a response between 11.2 and 13.0 μg/L TP for the metrics and 12.3 μg/L TP for the IBI. Uncertainty analysis indicated a low (typically ≤5%) probability that an IBI threshold occurred at ≤ 10 μg/L TP, while there was ≥95% certainty that the threshold was ≤ 17 μg/L TP. The weight-of-evidence produced from these analyses implies that a TP concentration > 12–15 μg/L is likely to cause degradation of macroinvertebrate assemblage structure and function, a reflection of biological integrity, in the study area. This finding may assist in the development of a numerical water-quality criterion for TP in this ecoregion, and illustrates the utility of bioassessment to environmental decision-making.
Forecast update for activity cycle 23 from a dynamo-based method

In this paper we update a prediction of the solar activity for cycle 23 on the basis of a general framework derived from simple dynamo considerations. We estimate an expected maximum smoothed International Sunspot Number of 143±30, or a smoothed 2800 MHz radio flux (F10.7) of 190±30×10−22 Watts/m²/Hz. These values should allow us to test the reliability of the various forecasting methods.
On behalf of the coherentist

This conclusion is treated by Klein and Warfield as entailing the claim that coherence is not truth conducive. So their argument depends upon evaluating the truth conduciveness of a theory of justification at the system level justification is truth conducive only if, according to them, the more justified a set or system of beliefs is, the more likely it is that the set or system contains no false beliefs. But this a rather odd way to evaluate truth conduciveness. To see why, note that their argument against the coherentist turns on the fact that the more logically independent beliefs a system has, the less likely it is to contain only true beliefs. So Klein and Warfield are committed to the claim
Dynamic relaxation for elliptic problems

Abstract “Dynamic” relaxation factors, i.e., varying throughout an elliptic field, are proposed. Vehicle is the “Direct Formal Integration (DFI)” algol invented by Payne (1980). Of course, the dynamic relaxations described herein can be applied to any elliptic solver.
The Autism 1–2–3 Project, a short-duration and low-intensity intervention that targets basic social and communication skills and parent involvement, shows promise and is worthy of future research

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Wong, V. C. N., & Kwan, Q. K. (2010). Randomized controlled trial for early intervention for autism: A pilot study of the Autism 1–2–3 Project. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40, 677–688. Source of funding and disclosure of interest: No source of funding reported, and the original authors of this research report no conflicts of interest.
Towards a Theory of Choice for Community College Students

Close to 50% of all college students attend 2-year colleges, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics (2003). The common assumption is that students who choose 2-year schools do ...