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While the invasive spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White) [Hemiptera: Fulgoridae], continues to expand its range in the United States, there remains a knowledge gap regarding the economic threat that this pest presents to forest ecosystems and production nurseries. L. delicatula uses several common hardwood trees as hosts and a previous study found that short-term feeding can reduce growth of young maple saplings. Herein, long-term feeding over 4 consecutive seasons significantly reduced diameter growth and below-ground starch storage in roots of young silver maples (Acer saccharinum L.), weeping willows (Salix babylonica L.), river birches (Betula nigra L.), and trees of heaven (Ailanthus altissima [Mill.] Swingle) in response to L. delicatula feeding pressure in a density-dependent manner. In Year 3 when feeding pressure was the lowest, silver maple and willow recovered with greater diameter growth than in Year 2. Nutrients essential for photosynthesis and growth (iron, sulfur, and phosphorus) were reduced in leaves of all tree species compared to controls in the second year. This 4-yr study represents a worst-case scenario in which L. delicatula fed on the same trees for 4 consecutive growing seasons. In the wild, population numbers can vary greatly from year to year on individual trees and they move frequently among hosts (until autumn when they settle on A. altissima or other late-season hosts that have not yet senesced). Thus, we would not expect negative impacts of unconfined L. delicatula in natural settings on forest or ornamental trees to be as marked as reported here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a recently introduced pest in the United States, where it threatens the wine, timber, and ornamentals industries. Knowledge of the dispersal ability of L. delicatula is key to developing effective management strategies for this invasive pest. We conducted a mark, release, re-sight study, marking nymphs with fluorescent powders and observing dispersal distances from a central release point at three time points over 7 d following release. To examine how dispersal patterns changed over the course of nymphal development, we repeated this process for each of L. delicatula 's four instars. All releases were conducted in contiguous, deciduous forest, which is a widespread habitat type within L. delicatula 's invaded range and a habitat where this pest may have negative ecological and economic impacts. We found that nymphs displayed clear directionality in their movement following release, apparently preferring to move uphill on the modest 6° grade at our release site. Most nymphs remained near the release location, while some moved tens of meters. The maximum displacement we observed was 65 m from the release point, 10 d after release. Nymphs were re-sighted singly and in small groups on a variety of trees, shrubs, and understory vegetation. All four instars had similar dispersal distances over time, though third instar nymphs moved farthest on average, with estimated median displacement of 16.9 m 7 d after release. Further studies are needed to provide additional information on what factors influence spotted lanternfly dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Economics & carbon footprint of a piloted US flexible plastic packaging recycling. • Roof coverboard, pallets, pellets, and film are downstream market pathways. • Cleaning and pelletizing steps contributed the most to recycled product footprints. • Recycled products are environmentally & economically better than competitors. As demand for plastic increases, there is an urgent need to ramp up its collection and recycling rate. This study reports results of a pilot study in the United States to recycle flexible plastic packaging (FPP) from single stream curbside collection focusing on both the economic feasibility and carbon footprint. To explore the marketability of recycled FPP, four downstream market pathways were studied, including roof coverboard, plastic pellets, pallets, and film. Results indicated that (1) the cleaning and pelletizing process at reclaimers contributed the most to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of recycled FPP products, and (2) the GHG emissions of recycled FPP products in all four pathways are lower than the comparator products. Therefore, using a higher percentage of recycled FPP substituted in a product can result in greater GHG emission reductions. All the recycled FPP products also showed favorable economics compared to their direct competitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine whether aggressive treatment initiated early in the course of rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive or RF-negative polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can induce clinical inactive disease within 6 months. Methods Between May 2007 and October 2010, a multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 2 aggressive treatments was conducted in 85 children ages 2-16 years with polyarticular JIA of <12 months' duration. Patients received either methotrexate (MTX) 0.5 mg/kg/week (maximum 40 mg) subcutaneously, etanercept 0.8 mg/kg/week (maximum 50 mg), and prednisolone 0.5 mg/kg/day (maximum 60 mg) tapered to 0 by 17 weeks (arm 1), or MTX (same dosage as arm 1), etanercept placebo, and prednisolone placebo (arm 2). The primary outcome measure was clinical inactive disease at 6 months. An exploratory phase determined the rate of clinical remission on medication (6 months of continuous clinical inactive disease) at 12 months. Results By 6 months, clinical inactive disease had been achieved in 17 (40%) of 42 patients in arm 1 and 10 (23%) of 43 patients in arm 2 (χ2 = 2.91, P = 0.088). After 12 months, clinical remission on medication was achieved in 9 patients in arm 1 and 3 patients in arm 2 ( P = 0.053). There were no significant interarm differences in adverse events. Conclusion Although this study did not meet its primary end point, early aggressive therapy in this cohort of children with recent-onset polyarticular JIA resulted in clinical inactive disease by 6 months and clinical remission on medication within 12 months of treatment in substantial proportions of patients in both arms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (the "IDEA") is a broad federal mandate intended to make a "free appropriate public education" available to all disabled students. More importantly, however, the IDEA encourages schools to enable parents to collaborate with their child's educators. In the event that parents and educators disagree about a child's educational plan, the IDEA channels this conflict through an administrative appeals process. But despite the fact that the IDEA's due process hearing is one of its most prominent procedural safeguards, the IDEA fails to specify which party bears the burden of proof during the proceedings. The existing conflict of authority regarding the allocation of the burden of proof at due process hearings must be resolved in order achieve the IDEA's mandate. A modified burden-shifting scheme would best mirror the IDEA's delicate balancing of the rights of disabled children and the need to impose a realistic mandate on school districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to characterize sexual behavior and opinions about sex in the United States and Britain; implications are discussed for effective public health policy regarding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States. Methods. Large-scale national probability surveys conducted in the 2 countries detailed sexual behavior, opinions, and the prevalence of STDs. Results. En comparison with that of Britain, the US population has greater variability in sexual behavior, less tolerant opinions about sexual behavior, and a higher STD prevalence and lower condom usage among men. Conclusions. The survey data show compelling evidence from both countries of a strong association between number of sex partners and STD risk. In the United States relative to Britain, there is both greater dispersion in sexual behavior and a greater incidence of unconditional opposition to certain sexual practices. The former implies a need for strong public health policy to address the risks of STDs, but the latter implies strong opposition to that policy. This disjuncture between public health need and feasibility may contribute to the high US rate of STDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper tests the claims of cultural theory using the formation of climate change policies in Sweden, the United States, and Japan as case studies. The theory posits that any social group consists of three main cultural types: the egalitarian, the market-oriented, and thehierarchical. Though all groups contain elements of each type, one cultural type usually prevails, giving the group its unique decision-making character. This paper applies cultural theory at the national level, testing to what extent the theory is able to project how countries will respond in addressing the issue of global warming. The results suggest that cultural theory may be useful to those involved in developing international agreements, enabling them to formulate regimeswhich are compatible with various cultural styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), is an invasive insect that was first detected in the United States in 2014 and feeds on a wide variety of plants, with economic impacts on the agricultural, ornamental, and timber industries. Part of what likely contributes to the success of L. delicatula in its invaded range is that it appears to be chemically defended by sequestering toxins from its host plant(s), which may deter predators in the introduced range. To determine the identity and behavior of North American predators that feed on spotted lanternfly, we performed a community science study in which we asked members of the public to contribute reports of animals feeding on spotted lanternfly through a Facebook page. The largest group of reported predators was arthropods followed by birds. Araneae was the arthropod order with the most reports and Phasianidae was the most frequently reported bird family. Using Pearson's χ 2 tests, we also identified significant relationships between predator behavior and (1) taxonomic group of the predator, (2) L. delicatula life stage, and (3) host plant L. delicatula was observed on. These results can help to guide future research on predator host shifting to spotted lanternfly and potential for biocontrol as a management tactic.

Recently, medical research has seen a strong push toward translational research, or "bench to bedside" collaborations, that strive to enhance the utility of laboratory science for improving medical treatment. The success of that paradigm supports the potential application of the process to other fields, such as risk assessment. Close collaboration among academic, government, and industry scientists may enhance the translation of scientific findings to regulatory decision making. The National Toxicology Program (NTP), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) developed a consortium-based research program to link more effectively academic and guideline-compliant research. An initial proof-of-concept collaboration, the Consortium Linking Academic and Regulatory Insights on BPA Toxicity (CLARITY-BPA), uses bisphenol A (BPA) as a test chemical. The CLARITY-BPA program combines a core perinatal guideline-compliant 2-year chronic toxicity study with mechanistic studies/endpoints conducted by academic investigators. Twelve extramural grantees were selected by NIEHS through an RFA-based initiative to participate in the overall study design and conduct disease-relevant investigations using tissues and animals from the core study. While the study is expected to contribute to our understanding of potential effects of BPA, it also has ramifications beyond this specific focus. Through CLARITY-BPA, NIEHS has established an unprecedented level of collaboration among extramural grantees and regulatory researchers. By drawing upon the strengths of academic and regulatory expertise and research approaches, CLARITY-BPA represents a potential new model for filling knowledge gaps, enhancing quality control, informing chemical risk assessment, and identifying new methods or endpoints for regulatory hazard assessments., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: The past decade has seen tremendous expansion in the production and application of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). The unique properties that make ENMs useful in the marketplace also make their interactions with biological systems difficult to anticipate and critically important to explore. Currently, little is known about the health effects of human exposure to these materials., Objectives: As part of its role in supporting the National Nanotechnology Initiative, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has developed an integrated, strategic research program-"ONE Nano"-to increase our fundamental understanding of how ENMs interact with living systems, to develop predictive models for quantifying ENM exposure and assessing ENM health impacts, and to guide the design of second-generation ENMs to minimize adverse health effects., Discussion: The NIEHS's research investments in ENM health and safety include extramural grants and grantee consortia, intramural research activities, and toxicological studies being conducted by the National Toxicology Program (NTP). These efforts have enhanced collaboration within the nanotechnology research community and produced toxicological profiles for selected ENMs, as well as improved methods and protocols for conducting in vitro and in vivo studies to assess ENM health effects., Conclusion: By drawing upon the strengths of the NIEHS's intramural, extramural, and NTP programs and establishing productive partnerships with other institutes and agencies across the federal government, the NIEHS's strategic ONE Nano program is working toward new advances to improve our understanding of the health impacts of engineered nanomaterials and support the goals of the National Nanotechnology Initiative.

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high production volume chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic and is found in many consumer products. Some studies using animal models have suggested that BPA exposures may have adverse health effects. However, research gaps have precluded a full understanding of the effects of BPA in humans and engendered controversies surrounding the chemical's potential toxicity., Objectives: The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and National Toxicology Program (NTP) have developed an integrated, multipronged, consortium-based approach to optimize BPA-focused research investments to more effectively address data gaps and inform decision making., Discussion: NIEHS/NTP BPA research investments made over the past 4 years include extramural research grants, establishment of a BPA Grantee Consortium, intramural research activities on BPA's mechanisms of action, the launch of two clinical studies and an occupational study, development of a round-robin experiment to validate BPA measurements in human serum, and, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), formation of a consortium to design and execute a chronic toxicity study of BPA in rats. The NIEHS's new consortium-based approach has led to more integrated, collaborative efforts and should improve our ability to resolve controversies over the potential human health effects of exposures to low levels of endocrine-active agents.

Background: Recent updates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment guidelines have raised the CD4+ cell count thresholds for antiretroviral therapy initiation from 350 to 500 cells/mm(3) in the United States and from 200 to 350 cells/mm³ in mid- and low-income countries. Robust data of time from HIV seroconversion to CD4+ cell counts of 200, 350, and 500 cells/mm³ are lacking but are needed to inform health care planners of the likely impact and cost effectiveness of these and possible future changes in CD4+ cell count initiation threshold., Methods: Using Concerted Action on Seroconversion to AIDS and Death in Europe data from individuals with well-estimated dates of HIV seroconversion, we fitted mixed models on the square root of CD4+ cell counts measured before combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) initiation. Restricting analyses to adults (age >16 years), we predicted time between seroconversion and CD4+ cell count <200, <350, and <500 cells/mm³ as well as CD4+ cell count distribution and proportions reaching these thresholds at 1, 2, and 5 years after seroconversion., Results: Median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow-up for the 18495 eligible individuals from seroconversion while cART-free was 3.7 years (1.5, 7). Most of the subjects were male (78%), had a median age at seroconversion of 30 years (IQR, 25-37 years), and were infected through sex between men (55%). Estimated median times (95% confidence interval [CI]) from seroconversion to CD4+ cell count <500, <350, and <200 cells/mm(3) were 1.19 (95% CI, 1.12-1.26), 4.19 (95% CI, 4.09-4.28), and 7.93 (95% CI, 7.76-8.09) years, respectively. Almost half of infected individuals would require treatment within 1 year of seroconversion for guidelines recommending its initiation at 500 cells/mm³, compared with 26% and 9% for guidelines recommending initiation at 350 and 200 cells/mm³, respectively., Conclusions: These data suggest substantial increases in the number of individuals who require treatment and call for early HIV testing.

Background: The American Heart Association encourages trained and untrained bystanders to perform, at a minimum, chest compressions on anyone who suddenly collapses. It is possible that people who are not in cardiac arrest may receive bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), from which the potential for injury is unknown., Objectives: To determine the number of victims who received bystander CPR but were not in cardiac arrest and to identify any injuries resulting from receiving bystander CPR., Methods: Retrospective review of patient care records from a countywide emergency medical services (EMS) database. All patients treated by EMS between March 2003 and February 2009 who received bystander CPR were queried. Victims who were determined not to be in cardiac arrest upon EMS personnel assessment were identified as likely not in cardiac arrest. Hospital medical records for transported patients were reviewed for injuries possibly related to CPR. Patient demographics were collected and descriptive statistics were used for analysis., Results: Six hundred seventy-two incidents of bystander CPR occurred, with 77 (11.5%) cases not being identified as cardiac arrests by EMS. Twenty-three percent of the patients were less than 19 years of age. Emergency medical services arrived in less than 6 minutes for 68% of patients. Seventy-two patients were evaluable for injury; of those, 53% were admitted to the intensive care unit. One patient (1.4%) had an injury that was documented in the medical record as possibly CPR-related: rhabdomyolysis., Conclusions: Bystanders provide CPR for patients who are not in cardiac arrest at a relatively low frequency. Short-duration bystander CPR caused injury in less than 2% of victims. Our results suggest that the benefits of bystander CPR for adults who suddenly collapse outweigh the risk of injury for those not in cardiac arrest.

The Product Quality Research Institute, in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration, conducted an anonymous, electronic survey of the biological products manufacturing industry inspected by Team Biologics, with emphasis in obtaining industry input on inspection and compliance aspects of program operations. Representatives from all of the product-specific manufacturing industries inspected under the Team Biologics Program responded to this survey (vaccines; fractionated plasma proteins and recombinant analogs; allergenics; therapeutics and in-vivo diagnostics; and in-vitro diagnostics, including blood grouping reagents). Data and written feedback was obtained regarding each firm's interactions and experiences of Team Biologics inspections at its facilities over the past three years. The three areas most impacted by Team Biologic inspections were "Production and Process Controls", "Failure Investigations" and "Facility / Equipment Controls". Overall assessment of the program was generally positive with 68% identifying a positive impact on the sites operations and 88% assessed the inspections as being conducted fairly. The findings and conclusions of this report will be utilized by the FDA to evaluate and further assess the impact of the Team Biologics Program and to implement any necessary changes. This report provides useful information to companies currently manufacturing licensed biologic products subject to Team Biologics inspections and also to those companies anticipating these inspections for future product manufacturing.