Herpes simplex virus-2 transmission probability estimates based on quantity of viral shedding

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 is periodically shed in the human genital tract, most often asymptomatically, and most sexual transmissions occur during asymptomatic shedding. It would be helpful to identify a genital viral load threshold necessary for transmission, as clinical interventions that maintain viral quantity below this level would be of high utility. However, because viral expansion, decay and re-expansion kinetics are extremely rapid during shedding episodes, it is impossible to directly measure genital viral load at the time of sexual activity. We developed a mathematical model based on reproducing shedding patterns in transmitting partners, and median number of sex acts prior to transmission in discordant couples, to estimate infectivity of single viral particles in the negative partner''s genital tract. We then inferred probability estimates for transmission at different levels of genital tract viral load in the transmitting partner. We predict that transmission is unlikely at viral loads less than 10⁴ HSV DNA copies. Moreover, most transmissions occur during prolonged episodes with high viral copy numbers. Many shedding episodes that result in transmission do not reach the threshold of clinical detection, because the ulcer remains very small, highlighting one reason why HSV-2 spreads so effectively within populations.     

The place of public space in the lives of Middle Eastern women migrants in Australia

For Middle Eastern migrants to Australia, the process of acculturation is compounded by Islamophobia, which is on the rise, with many incidents occurring in public spaces and targeting women. Through in-depth interviews, this paper examines how women migrants from the Middle East, especially Muslim ones, are affected. The study finds that Middle Eastern women migrants have a different perspective on public space compared to local populations, and this difference stems from their cultural, political and religious backgrounds. These findings can help cities create inclusive and culturally-sensitive public spaces, which catalyze a ‘sense of belonging’ and ‘sense of place’ among migrants.     

我国百万千瓦级核岛主设备实现国产化

由中国一重承制的我国首台完全自主化制造的红沿河核电站1号机组核反应堆压力容器,2010年12月19日在一重大连制造基地完工发往辽宁红沿河,经检测其各项技术指标全部满足质量要求。这标志着我国百万千瓦级核岛主设备的制造经过独立研发、自主创新,已完全实现国产化,达到了国际先进水平,具备了为我国核电建设标准化、批量化、规模化发展提供成套装备的能力。     

X-ray diffraction from intact tau aggregates in human brain tissue

We describe an instrument to record x-ray diffraction patterns from diseased regions of human brain tissue by combining an in-line visible light fluorescence microscope with an x-ray diffraction microprobe. We use thiazine red fluorescence to specifically label and detect the filamentous tau protein pathology associated with Pick's disease, as several labs have done previously. We demonstrate that thiazine red-enhanced regions within the tissue show periodic structure in x-ray diffraction that is not observed in healthy tissue. One observed periodicity (4.2 ?) is characteristic of cross-beta sheet structure, consistent with previous results from powder diffraction studies performed on purified, dried tau protein.     

Small samples do not cause greater accuracy—but clear data may cause small samples: Comment on Fiedler and Kareev (2006).

Fiedler and Kareev (2006) have claimed that taking a small sample of information (as opposed to a large one) can, in certain specific situations, lead to greater accuracy—beyond that gained by avoiding fatigue or overload. Specifically, they have argued that the propensity of small samples to provide more extreme evidence is sufficient to create an accuracy advantage in situations of high caution and uncertainty. However, a close examination of Fiedler and Kareev's experimental results does not reveal any strong reason to conclude that small samples can cause greater accuracy. We argue that the negative correlation between sample size and accuracy that they reported (found only for the second half of Experiment 1) is also consistent with mental fatigue and that their data in general are consistent with the causal structure opposite to the one they suggest: Rather than small samples causing clear data, early clear data may cause participants to stop sampling. More importantly, Experiment 2 provides unequivocal evidence that large samples result in greater accuracy; Fiedler and Kareev only found a small sample advantage here when they artificially reduced the data set. Finally, we examine the model that Fiedler and Kareev used; they surmised that decision makers operate with a fixed threshold independent of sample size. We discuss evidence for an alternative (better performing) model that incorporates a dynamic threshold that lowers with sample size. We conclude that there is no evidence currently to suggest that humans benefit from taking a small sample, other than as a tactic for avoiding fatigue, overload, and/or opportunity cost—that is, there is no accuracy advantage inherent to small samples. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

A New Era of Minimal Effects? A Response to Bennett and Iyengar

This article takes up Bennett and Iyengar's (2008) call for debate about the future of political communication effects research. We outline 4 key criticisms. First, Bennett and Iyengar are too quick to dismiss the importance of attitude reinforcement, long recognized as an important type of political media influence. Second, the authors take too narrow a view of the sources of political information, remaining fixated on news. Third, they offer an incomplete portrayal of selective exposure, exaggerating the extent to which individuals avoid attitude-discrepant information. Finally, they lean toward determinism when describing the role technologies play in shaping our political environment. In addition, we challenge Bennett and Iyengar's assertion that only brand new theory can serve to help researchers understand today's political communication landscape. We argue that existing tools, notably the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), retain much utility for examining political media effects. Contrary to Bennett and Iyengar's claims, the ELM suggests that the contemporary political information environment does not necessarily lead to minimal effects.     

Concepts for Alternative Suburban Planning in the Northern Phoenix Area

As part of ongoing cooperation between the City of Phoenix and Arizona State University, a charrette was organized. Planners, landscape architects, environmental scientists, and architects explored concepts for development within a 110-square-mile (285-km2) portion of Phoenix. The charrette was the summation of over a year of environment studies of the planning area. This part of northern Phoenix occupies a largely undeveloped upper Sonoran desert landscape experiencing intense development pressure. Four charrette teams addressed desert preservation, rural desert development, suburban desert development, and growth corridors. This article focuses on some of the strategies proposed by the suburban desert development team. One of these called for an alternative pattern of development aligned with natural drainage corridors. Several concepts from the charrette and findings from the environmental research were adopted by the City in the revised general plan for the area.     

Family Mealtime Q-Sort: A measure of mealtime practices.

Studies outlining the protective functions of shared family meals suggest that helping families experience successful meals is an important goal. Measuring the effectiveness of family mealtime interventions necessitates the ability to quantify both the frequency and context of shared mealtimes. This article introduces a new instrument, the Family Mealtime Q-Sort, describes its development, and presents preliminary data about its psychometric properties. Data from initial evaluation of the Family Mealtime Q-Sort using family mealtime videos (N = 51) demonstrate acceptable interrater reliability, promising validity, and the ability to compare family mealtimes to an independently derived, culturally appropriate standard. The results suggest that the Q-sort adequately measures important dimensions of a successful mealtime including a positive atmosphere, making use of the shared time to engage in meaningful conversation, and proceeding with a clear plan and minimal distractions. Further research on the tool is warranted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Economical emergency response and lower profile states: A behavioral health reference for the rest of us.

In some jurisdictions, major disasters rarely occur. Those responsible for providing behavioral health services in these jurisdictions have less opportunity to accrue experience and understanding of disaster and less access to behavioral health funding support and guidance than is true elsewhere. This affects both preparedness and response. The state of Oregon, a lower profile state in terms of disaster experience, participated in the national TOPOFF 4 dirty bomb exercise. With necessity serving as the mother of invention, circumstances converged to reveal alternative strategies that may serve some lower profile jurisdictions more effectively than recommended standard practice and that appear to have economical benefit. Response strategy relied on recruitment and assignment of sufficient responders by collaborating among multiple existing trained resources rather than using a state or local public health volunteer registry. It also implemented just-in-time trainings and took advantage of other spontaneous teaching opportunities rather than relying on the efficacy of more costly traditional training models. Potential strategies for more economical preparedness and response activity and recommendations for addressing some current national shortcomings are presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)