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Discusses the use of baited traps or pots in harvesting cultured freshwater crayfishes and for sampling wild or cultured populations to monitor growth. Effect of bait type and exposure and trap design on catches; Approaches to crayfish capture using multi-level refuges with the species Cherax destructor Clark; Potential application of a technique for sampling crayfish under natural and culture conditions.

Abstract When given acutely, drugs that stimulate kappa opioid receptors (e.g., U-50,488) enhance the locomotor activity of preweanling rats and induce regional increases in Fos immunoreactivity (IR). In contrast, the effects of chronic treatment with kappa opioid agonists are unknown. The purpose of the present study was two-fold: first, to determine whether repeated treatment with a kappa opioid agonist would sensitize the locomotor activity of preweanling rats and, second, to determine whether changes in Fos IR correspond with the occurrence of locomotor sensitization. To test these hypotheses, rats were injected with U-50,488 (5 mg/kg, SC) or saline on either postnatal days (PD) 5-9 or PD 11-15. For rats pretreated on PD 5-9, a test day injection of U-50,488 or saline was given after either 1 or 7 abstinence days (i.e., at PD 11 or PD 17). For rats pretreated on PD 11-15, a test day injection of U-50,488 or saline was given after 1 abstinence day (i.e., at PD 17). In two additional experiments, the acute and chronic effects of U-50,488 treatment were assessed in adult rats. As expected, repeated treatment with U-50,488 produced locomotor sensitization at both PD 11 and PD 17, but only when the test day occurred 1, and not 7, days after cessation of drug pretreatment. Thus, the persistence of the sensitized response was very brief. Test day treatment with U-50,488 stimulated Fos IR in various brain regions of the preweanling rat, including the medial striatum, nucleus accumbens, lateral habenula, and septal area. Chronic treatment with U-50,488 depressed Fos expression in a number of brain regions (relative to acutely treated rats); however, these changes in Fos IR did not necessarily coincide with the occurrence of behavioral sensitization.... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a computer simulation of a one-dimensional particle migration by local hopping of Chandrasekhar type with no local bias. Concept of local particle traffic; Cases of reflecting and absorbing boundaries; Specification and evaluation of the hopping model.

Restraint is a construct of potential use for understanding addictive behaviors. In terms of alcohol and other drug use, restrained individuals are cognitively and behaviorally preoccupied with controlling their substance use. Previous work in the context of alcohol consumption suggests that when regulation fails, alcohol and other drug users are more likely to engage in excessive substance use. This proposition was evaluated in a clinical population of alcohol and other substance users admitted to an inpatient treatment program. A confirmatory factor analysis of alcoholics' responses to the Temptation and Restraint Inventory, a measure of drinking restraint, replicated the two second-order factors previously reported for social drinkers: Cognitive and Emotional Preoccupation (CEP) and Cognitive and Behavioral Control (CBC). CEP scores were a negative predictor of pretreatment percentage of days abstinent and a positive predictor of percentage of drinking days engaged in heavy drinking, drinks per drinking day, and drinking consequences. CBC scores were a negative predictor onlyof drinks per drinking day. An analysis of drug users' responses to a drug version of the Temptation and Restraint Inventory also replicated the previously found CEP and CBC factors. Scores on the CEP factor were a positive predictor and scores on the CBC factor a negative predictor of drug use frequency. CEP scores also were a positive predictor of drug use consequences. The data taken together represent a potentially useful extension of the restraint construct to alcoholics and other drug users and support a multifactorial characterization of substance use restraint as reflecting a reciprocal relationship between restricted and excessive substance use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique rapid-scanning ellipsometer employing a rotating polarizer optical configuration and a multichannel detector for a 1.5–4.5 eV spectral range, has been developed recently for real time studies of film growth and surfaces. This is a new application of the photodiode array-based optical multichannel detector that entails waveform analysis of the incident irradiance at each photon energy. For accurate ellipsometric spectra {ψ(hν),Δ(hν)}, the raw data in the form of photon counts, integrated over four or more equal sectors of polarizer rotation, must be corrected for systematic errors originating from the detection system. Simple procedures are described to characterize and correct for the most significant errors including detection system nonlinearity, image persistence, and scattered stray light in the spectrograph/detector enclosure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a typical reflection ellipsometry experiment, one characterizes the polarization state change that a polarized light beam undergoes upon reflection from a specular surface. This measurement provides ρ≡rp/rs, where rp and rs are the complex amplitude reflection coefficients of the surface for p- and s-polarized waves. Nearly 15 years have passed since the development of automatic ellipsometers along with the detailed calibration, error analysis, and data reduction procedures to be used with them. More specifically, these powerful instruments permit (1) determination of bulk dielectric functions and nondestructive depth profiling of static multilayered materials through measurements as a function of photon energy and (2) characterization of dynamic surfaces in adverse environments through measurements as a function of time at fixed photon energy. In the 15 intervening years, the major research thrusts in ellipsometry have been the exploitation of these instruments in materials and process characterization in diverse areas of materials science and electrochemistry. One of the simplest and most popular automatic ellipsometers is a photometric instrument in which one or more of the optical elements (polarizer, compensator, and/or analyzer) is designed to rotate continuously. In this article, the major developments in rotating element ellipsometry are reviewed since the first report of an automatic rotating analyzer instrument by Cahan and Spanier in 1969. The topics covered include rotating element configurations, calibration, characterization of errors and imperfections, absolute accuracy, data reduction, precision, and a review of the real-time applications accessible to these instruments. The sections on calibration, errors, and data reduction include new material and are written from a practical standpoint to assist in instrumentation setup and troubleshooting. The development and improvement of next-generation rotating element instruments that... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 16,000 patients reviewed in 70 randomized, trials the perioperative use of subcutaneous heparin can prevent about half of all pulmonary emboli and about two-thirds of all deep vein thromboses, thereby reducing total mortality significantly.

Assesses the effects of cigarette smoking on the incidence of non-fatal myocardial infarction. Comparison of tar in different types of manufactured cigarettes; Frequency distributions of smoking habits; Potential confounding factors. INSET: Key messages..

A double-blind trial ot the effect of transfer factor on multiple sclerosis patients was carried out. In a series of fifty-six multiple sclerosis patients treated with monthly injections of either transfer factor or placebo for 1 year, no beneficial effect of transfer factor was noted. In addition, none of the immunological and serological parameters studied (measles migration inhibition, measles HI titre or CSF immunoglobulin) changed as a result of transfer factor therapy. Histocompatibility typing and CSF IgG/TP ratios were correlated with the disease activity. Of interest was the finding that the presence of the DW2 antigen, when unassociated with HLA-B7 antigen, appeared to correlate with the mildest form of disease activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the ways of coping checklists through the use of a relative/proportional scores. Division of scale by the sum of the means for all scales; Illustration of ways for the pattern of intercorrelations; Existence of an intricate relationship between coping and depression.

Examines the role of drinking restraint, beverage instructions and content and self-monitoring in alcohol-related outcomes. Results of taste rating task (TRT) consumption; Impact of accurate or inaccurate beverage labels on drinking behavior.

Features a study on limit violation effect (LVE) by inducing male social drinkers to consume more or less beer than their prestated limit on alcohol intake.

Presents the extended balanced placebo design (EBPD) to study the pharmacological and expected effects of alcohol on time perception. Manipulation checks on the extended balanced placebo design; Postexperimental beliefs about the alcohol content of beverages; Analysis of the accuracy of time productions; Extreme scores; Multivariate analysis of variance.

Focuses on the application of ethnicity and gender in the sociocultural perspective of alcohol use and abuse. Concept of ethnic categorization; Prevalence of alcohol abuse; Prevention and treatment of alcohol abuse; Impact of sociocultural factors.

Background: Upper limb function after stroke can be improved with repetitive, task-specific movement. Achieving high practice intensity necessitates independent activity, outwith routine therapy. Weight support devices (WSDs) can help stroke survivors (SS) perform upper limb exercises by unloading the weight of their arm, providing more opportunity for rehabilitation activities. However, current commercial WSDs are expensive, creating a barrier to adoption by users. The purpose of this work was to interview SS and therapists to obtain the necessary user requirements for an upper limb WSD. Method: Concepts for a WSD were created through brainstorming sessions with engineers and physiotherapists. These concepts were evaluated using a controlled convergence method utilizing the device's performance criteria from a design specification created through research of literature and existing devices. The best concepts were chosen and presented to two focus groups of SS (n = 3) and therapists (n = 6), respectively. Feedback on the designs was recorded focussing on desirable attributes. Results/Findings: Desirable attributes recorded were a device that was portable, comfortable, with supports for both the upper arm and forearm. Incorporation of feedback on movement and completion of functional tasks was also desired. Therapists recommended a design that would help facilitate functional tasks without pain or difficulty. The SS group also highlighted their lack of awareness of WSDs. Conclusion: An upper limb WSD is a desirable tool for rehabilitation. Participant feedback suggests designing a device that is comfortable, has two points of support, and is portable to enable independent home use. A prototype is currently in development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis paper explores the definition of, and perceived community attitudes, toward kudanga, a Swahili street term for a type of transactional sex practised in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Rooted in economic and gender disparity, transactional sex increases adolescent girls’ and young women’s vulnerability to HIV and gender-based violence. We sought to understand perceived community attitudes about kudanga, and how the internalisation of norms surrounding gender-based violence relate to the experiences of young women who practise kudanga. Using qualitative data from focus group discussions with 37 young women, we found that community perceptions of kudanga were largely negative, and those who engaged in it were looked down upon and despised. Violence and lack of sexual agency were normalised when doing kudanga. However, young women understood kudanga to often be their best option to obtain economic stability and felt strongly that those who practised kudanga should not be stigmatised. Our research provides further evidence that transactional sex exists on a continuum and highlights the importance of reducing community stigma surrounding transactional sex as a means of decreasing risk of HIV and gender-based violence for young women. To our knowledge, this article is the first to explore kudanga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An outbreak of tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, was investigated in a small herd of llamas (Lama glama). Based on three ante-mortem diagnostic methods (clinical signs, tuberculin skin test reactions, and 'Rapid Test' serology), 12 llamas were selected for examination post-mortem. Grossly visible lesions suspicious of TB were observed in eight animals, four of which had exhibited clinical signs, one was a skin test 'reactor', and three had been seropositive. M. bovis was isolated from seven of these eight animals. Clinical signs combined with serology were found to be useful in identifying infected animals, but tuberculin skin testing had limited negative predictive value as four llamas that were subsequently confirmed as infected were not detected using this assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dielectric function of Ag nanoparticle films, deduced from an analysis of in situ real-time spectroscopic ellipsometry (RTSE) measurements, is found to evolve with time during deposition in close consistency with the film structure, deduced in the same RTSE analysis. In the nucleation regime, the intraband dielectric function component is absent and plasmon polariton behavior dominates. Only at nuclei contact, does the intraband amplitude appear, increasing above zero. Both intraband and plasmon amplitudes coexist during surface smoothening associated with coalescence. The intraband relaxation time increases rapidly after surface smoothening is complete, also in consistency with the thin film structural evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CdS/CdTe solar cells were nonuniformly doped at the backsurface of the CdTe with Cu evaporated through a shadow mask. Spatially resolved electroluminescence measurements showed strong correlation of emission intensity with the Cu pattern for all photon energies. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements performed on the exact same region showed no correlation with the Cu pattern when integrated over all energies. However, lower energy PL (located in a broad defect-related band) was slightly more intense in Cu-doped regions, whereas the intensity of PL from shallower states was slightly greater in undoped regions. These small differences in spectra were discernable only with the patterned doping and spatially resolved characterization used here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Research suggests that interpersonal and intrapersonal resiliency factors protect against poor post-deployment mental health outcomes among Reserve/Guard soldiers who have been deployed. There is increasing awareness that never-deployed soldiers are also at risk. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between resiliency factors and a range of mental health outcomes among a sample of United States Army Reserve and National Guard (USAR/NG) soldiers who have and have not experienced deployment. Methods: A subset of data was drawn from Operation: SAFETY (N = 360), an ongoing study examining the health and well-being of USAR/NG soldiers. We used a multivariate path analysis approach to examine the simultaneous effects of unit support, marital satisfaction, and psychological hardiness on the following mental health outcomes, concurrently: anger, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology. We also examined interaction effects between resiliency factors and deployment status on mental health outcomes. Results: Greater unit support (ps < 0.01), marital satisfaction (ps < 0.001), and psychological hardiness (ps < 0.001) were associated with less anger, anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptomatology. Psychological hardiness had significant interactions with deployment status on anxiety, depression, and PTSD, such that the protective effects of psychological hardiness were even stronger among never-deployed soldiers than previously deployed solders. Conclusion: Resiliency factors can be targeted for intervention to prevent poor mental health outcomes among USAR/NG soldiers, regardless of deployment status. Further, psychological hardiness may be an even more important protective factor among soldiers who have never been deployed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies near-field scanning optical nanolithography using amorphous silicon photoresists. Production of films that are stable over several days; Patterns with line heights equal to the original film thickness.

Examines the effectiveness of antiplatelet therapy for thromboprophylaxis. Reduction of the thromboembolism with the therapy and with subcutaneous heparin; Effects of the reduction of pulmonary embolism for people at higher risk; Effects of antiplatelet therapy on surgical bleeding.

The dielectric functions of 0.5–1.5-μm-thick Zn1-xCdxSe (0≤x≤0.34) epilayers on (100) GaAs were measured by spectroellipsometry (SE) over the photon energy range 1.5≤E≤5.3 eV. These spectra were parameterized using the Sellmeier and Lorentz equations for photon energies below and above the fundamental gap region, respectively. We have demonstrated the usefulness of this parameterization in analyses of SE data collected on a ZnSe heterostructure and a Zn1-xCdxSe quantum well that provide accurate layer thicknesses and compositions. © 1996 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of the application of photoresponse techniques to the study of the transport of electrons past an energy barrier. In this study, the barrier was provided by a thin layer of AlAs sandwiched between GaAs layers. The experiment measured the voltage resulting from the migration of optically excited electrons from one side of the barrier to the other. The voltage is measured as a function of the wavelength of the incident light. We also present the results of calculations which explain the nature of the observed spectra and how they change when the thickness of the top layer (the illuminated side) of GaAs is changed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first observation of inelastic tunneling in electronic transport perpendicular to a thin AlAs layer sandwiched between two GaAs layers. Temperature dependent I-V, first derivative (dI/dV), and second derivative (d2I/dV2) measurements were made on AlAs/GaAs double heterojunctions for a range of AlAs layer thicknesses and dopings. For p-type AlAs barriers current transport at 4.2 K was due to tunneling, and reproducible structure was seen in the second derivative spectrum. This structure was associated with the inelastic excitation of AlAs optical phonons and with a density-of-states effect caused by optical phonon-electron coupling in the GaAs. A different second derivative spectrum which also exhibited reproducible structure was obtained for n-type AlAs layers. Several possible explanations for these differences are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ ellipsometry provides monolayer sensitivity to the reaction of B2H6:SiH4 doping gas mixtures with p- and i-type plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposited (PECVD) amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) surfaces at 180 and 250 °C. This low-temperature reaction, leading to the slow growth (1–3 Å/min) of a-Si:H:B by CVD (without plasma excitation), requires a clean a-Si:H surface and both B2H6 and SiH4 in the doping gas. We suggest that the high B content of CVD a-Si:H:B at p-i and i-p interfaces and on the film-coated regions of single-chamber reactors, may contribute to poor interface characteristics and residual contamination in devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogenated amorphous carbon film growth in diamond-like and polymer-like forms has been studied by in situ ellipsometry. The experiments provide accurate values of the optical functions, thickness, and deposition rate in real time. Reactions between the substrate and the gas phase species or film in the initial stages of growth, inaccessible to ex situ probes, have been detected with monolayer resolution. Monolayer changes in near-surface bonding have also been detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of substrate temperature (Ts) on the initial nucleation of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) prepared by glow discharge has been studied using an in situ ellipsometry probe. Evidence in the ellipsometry data for clustering of Si–Si bonds at nucleation centers, for films prepared with Ts ∼250 °C, gradually disappears as Ts is reduced below ∼200 °C. This indicates that the clustering process accompanies defect reduction during growth commonly observed in glow discharge a-Si:H as Ts is increased. For Ts >200 °C, a sufficiently high surface mobility may enable the depositing species to bind at lower energy sites, thus explaining the observed results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of a study of the transport of optically excited carriers perpendicular to weakly coupled GaAs/AlAs multiple quantum wells imbedded in the depletion region of a p-i-n photodiode. At temperatures above 120 K the photocurrent was thermally activated. For lower temperatures the photocurrent decreased as temperature was increased. Wavelength-dependent negative differential resistance regions were present in the reverse bias region of the photoexcited current voltage (I-V) curve as a result of the Stark shifts of the lowest energy heavy hole (h1) and light hole (l1) excitons. Additional wavelength independent structure was also visible in the photoexcited I-V curves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ ellipsometry experiments have been used to probe the structural changes that occur in the initial stages of the growth of microcrystalline silicon ( μc-Si) on single-crystal Si substrates. The initial nucleation of μc-Si appears to occur at well-dispersed sites and ∼100 Å of material with significantly different optical properties than the bulk is buried at the film/substrate interface. The different optical structure of this interface layer is attributed to voids which are trapped when crystalline nuclei merge. These results are contrasted with recent data for hydrogenated amorphous silicon which show that nuclei converge after about 50 Å, leaving material with bulklike optical properties at the substrate interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first observations of resonant tunneling in electronic transport perpendicular to two AlAs layers separated by a GaAs quantum well in GaAs/AlAs heterostructures grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. Resonant tunneling can be observed as inflections in the 1-V curves at room temperature. These inflections become more pronounced as the temperature is reduced, until negative differential resistance regions become visible for temperatures below 260 K. At low temperatures, the I-V curves not only reveal two large negative resistance regions corresponding to the first energy level in the GaAs quantum well but also a structure which shows evidence of resonant tunneling through the second and possibly the third energy states in the well. Second derivative (d²1/dV²) measurements confirm the existence of the resonances seen in the I-V curves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cardiovascular abnormalities are common in patients with Williams syndrome and frequently require surgical intervention necessitating analgesia and sedation in a population with a unique neuropsychiatric profile, potentially increasing the risk of adverse cardiac events during the perioperative period. Despite this risk, the overall postoperative analgosedative requirements in patients with WS in the cardiac intensive care unit have not yet been investigated. Our primary aim was to examine the analgosedative requirement in patients with WS after cardiac surgery compared to a control group. Our secondary aim was to compare the frequency of major ACE and mortality between the two groups. Design: Matched case–control study. Setting: Pediatric CICU at a Tertiary Children's Hospital. Patients: Patients with WS and age-matched controls who underwent cardiac surgery and were admitted to the CICU after cardiac surgery between July 2014 and January 2021. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Postoperative outcomes and total doses of analgosedative medications were collected in the first six days after surgery for the study groups. Median age was 29.8 (12.4–70.8) months for WS and 23.5 (11.2–42.3) months for controls. Across all study intervals (48 h and first 6 postoperative days), there were no differences between groups in total doses of morphine equivalents (5.0 mg/kg vs 5.6 mg/kg, p = 0.7 and 8.2 mg/kg vs 10.0 mg/kg, p = 0.7), midazolam equivalents (1.8 mg/kg vs 1.5 mg/kg, p = 0.4 and 3.4 mg/kg vs 3.8 mg/kg, p = 0.4), or dexmedetomidine (20.5 mcg/kg vs 24.4 mcg/kg, p = 0.5 and 42.3 mcg/kg vs 39.1 mcg/kg, p = 0.3). There was no difference in frequency of major ACE or mortality. Conclusions: Patients with WS received similar analgosedative medication doses compared with controls. There was no significant difference in the frequency of major ACE (including cardiac arrest, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and surgical re-intervention) or mortality between the two groups, though these findings must be interpreted with caution. Further investigation is necessary to elucidate the adequacy of pain/sedation control, factors that might affect analgosedative needs in this unique population, and the impact on clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil production in Arctic ice-covered areas poses a risk for pollution of the ecosystem including that within the brine channel network of sea ice. Sea-ice autotrophs contribute substantially to Arctic primary production, but are inherently difficult to test for oil exposure responses in situ. This study had two objectives, first, we developed a suitable lab-based mesocosm system, second, we tested oil effects on sea-ice algae. Specifically, we investigated if Alaska North Slope crude oil exposure reduces ice algal abundance, biomass and concentration of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) using indoor ice tanks over a 10-day exposure period. Six tanks in one cold room were used in pairs for the following treatments: (1) control, (2) oil release as a layer under ice and (3) release of dispersed oil. All tanks were inoculated with sea-ice microbial communities collected from Utqiaġvik, Alaska. After 10 days of exposure, the abundance of algae, dominated by the pennate diatom genus Nitzschia, and the concentrations of EPS and chlorophyll a were significantly lower in the oiled treatments compared to the control. We suggest light attenuation by the oil, reduced algal mobility, and oil toxicity as causes for this reduction. Observed changes in cell fluorescence characteristics based on DNA staining could be linked to the oil exposure and could provide a new tool for assessment of toxicity in microalgae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The legal status of cannabis is rapidly evolving, outpacing systematic research and educational efforts. Aims: We investigated knowledge of cannabinoid content and dosages among frequent cannabis users. A brief survey was administered in April 2019 (N = 472) at a cannabis advocacy event in a state with legal medical and recreational adult cannabis use. Most participants (67%) used cannabis every day, 85% used cannabis for health or medical purposes. Knowledge of cannabis was mostly from participants' own experiences (78%), with some receiving information from a medical cannabis caregiver or dispensary (23%) or their primary care provider (18%). The majority reported not knowing the effective dosages of THC (53% of participants) or CBD (68% of participants), other participants gave average estimates of 91 mg and 177 mg, respectively. Participants' average estimates for high-THC (52%) and high-CBD (53%) as well as low-THC (28%), and low-CBD (30%) strains of cannabis were considerably higher than currently accepted definitions. Men, European Americans, and participants who had medical cannabis cards were more accurate in cannabinoid concentration estimates. Frequent cannabis users reported low knowledge of and substantially overestimated cannabinoid content. The importance of education and research on cannabinoid dosages grows with increasing cannabis accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined knowledge and practice of harm reduction strategies among people who use cannabis attending an annual public cannabis advocacy event. We also assessed the sources from which they glean information about cannabis. Participants (n = 472) completed a brief survey assessing cannabis use, sources for information on cannabis, and harm reduction strategies. Participants' knowledge of cannabis was based mostly on their own experiments and experiences rather than on information from health professionals. Participants generally had low accuracy in identifying effective harm reduction techniques and low rates of utilizing effective harm reduction techniques, using them at the same rate overall as techniques without empirical support. Results from this survey will be useful to public health professionals developing and implementing harm reduction educational strategies related to cannabis use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare cannabis enthusiasts' knowledge about cannabis risks and effectiveness in treating medical conditions with existing empirical evidence.Design: A brief survey assessed cannabis use, information sources, and knowledge about risks and effectiveness.Setting: A cannabis advocacy event in April 2019 in a state with legal medical and recreational cannabis.Participants: Demographically diverse adults (N = 472) who frequently used cannabis; 85% used cannabis for health or medical purposes.Measures: Participants reported the sources of their cannabis information, health conditions they thought cannabis was effective in treating (n = 10), and health risks increased by cannabis (n = 6). Conditions and risks were based on ratings of evidence (ie, from substantial to insufficient) for therapeutic effects and risks identified in a review by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM, 2017).Analyses: Chi-square tests examined the correspondence between participants' knowledge and NASEM conclusions.Results: Most participants' (95% confidence interval [CI]: 74%-81%) knowledge of cannabis was from their own experiences; 18% (95% CI: 14%-21%) received information from primary care providers. On average, participants' beliefs matched NASEM conclusions for half of effectiveness (95% CI: 50%-53%) and risk items (95% CI: 55%-57%). Many (95% CI: 38%-42%) thought that cannabis use did not increase any risk. Contrary to NASEM conclusions, many thought cannabis was effective in treating cancer (76%), depressive symptoms (72%), and epilepsy (68%). Those who received cannabis information from their primary care providers had better knowledge of medical effectiveness. Medicinal cannabis use frequency inversely predicted knowledge of medical effectiveness and increased risks of adverse events.Conclusion: There were considerable discrepancies between cannabis users' knowledge and available evidence, highlighting the need for more research and education (by physicians, caregivers, and dispensaries) on effectiveness and health risks, especially for users with specific health issues such as pregnant women and people with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Despite heterogeneity among Pacific Islanders, most studies aggregate them regardless of origin. Thus, limited information is available about perinatal outcomes among various subgroups of Pacific Islanders in the United States, including immigrants from the Republic of the Marshall Islands. We sought to evaluate perinatal outcomes among Marshallese women. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of women with at least one singleton live birth between 1997 and 2013 in two Arkansas counties using birth certificate data from the Arkansas Department of Health. Unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated from modified Poisson regression models. Results Of the 91,662 singleton births in both counties during the study period, 2488 were to Marshallese women. In adjusted analyses, Marshallese women had higher prevalence of "other medical risk factors" (PR = 1.47; 95% CI 1.30, 1.65) than NH White women. Marshallese women had higher rates of precipitous labor and fetal distress during labor compared to NH White women (PR = 2.65; 95% CI 2.22, 3.17 and 1.89; 95% CI 1.62, 2.21, respectively). Marshallese were also more likely to have tocolysis (PR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.16, 1.76), forceps (PR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.16, 2.43) or vacuum (PR = 1.89; 95% CI 1.60, 2.22) used in delivery and cesarean section (PR = 1.13; 95% CI 1.01, 1.27). Marshallese infants had higher rates of anemia (PR = 3.10; 95% CI 2.01, 4.77), birth injury (PR = 2.13; 95% CI 1.50, 3.03), assisted ventilation < 30 min (PR = 2.11; 95% CI 1.64, 2.71), preterm birth (PR = 1.67; 95% CI 1.50, 1.83), and small-for-gestational age (PR = 1.25; 95% CI 1.12, 1.39) than NH White infants. Conclusions Marshallese women and infants had higher rates of adverse perinatal outcomes compared to their NH White counterparts. Additional studies are needed to determine if perinatal outcomes among the Marshallese differed from other Pacific Islander subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to determine if the presence of a pericardial effusion is associated with adverse outcomes among children admitted with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Patients and methods: The multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted with 4,332 patients (1,554 males, 2,778 females; median age: 12 years; IQR, 7, 15 years) using the Pediatric Health Information System. Data from hospital admissions between January 1, 2004, and September 15, 2015, were obtained for patients with an International Disease Classification, Ninth Revision code for juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Pericardial effusion was the primary predictor variable; the outcomes of interest were length of stay, hospital costs, and readmission within 90 days. Multivariate models were created to evaluate associations between pericardial effusion and adverse outcomes. We also analyzed factors associated with increased odds of having pericardial effusion in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Results: One hundred twenty (3%) patients had a code for pericardial effusion. Children with pericardial effusion had a longer median length of stay (7 days (IQR 3-12) vs. 3 days (IQR 2-6), p<0.001), higher median costs ($17,688 (IQR 8,657-40,623) vs. $8,456 (IQR 4,865-16,302), p<0.001), and greater rates of readmission (22% vs. 15%, p=0.045). Multivariate analysis demonstrated no significant association between pericardial effusion and outcomes of interest. Black race and male sex were associated with increased odds of having pericardial effusion. Conclusion: Pericardial effusion is rare among children admitted with juvenile idiopathic arthritis but is associated with significant morbidity; its presence may be a marker of disease severity. Black children and males admitted with juvenile idiopathic arthritis warrant special consideration and may benefit from screening echocardiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-range surface plasmons traveling on thin metal films have demonstrated promising potential in subwavelength waveguide applications. In work toward device applications that can leverage existing silicon microelectronics technology, it is of interest to explore the propagation of surface plasmons in a metal-oxide-semiconductor geometry. In such a structure, there is a high refractive index contrast between the semiconductor (n≈3.5 for silicon) and the insulating oxide (typically n≈1.5-2.5). However, the introduction of dielectrics with disparate refractive indices is known to strongly affect the guiding properties of surface plasmons. In this paper, we analyze the implications of high index contrast in 1D layered surface plasmon structures. We show that it is possible to introduce a thin dielectric layer with a low refractive index positioned next to the metal without adversely affecting the guiding quality. In fact, such a configuration can dramatically increase the propagation length of the conventional long-range mode. While this study is directed at silicon-compatible waveguides working at telecommunications wavelengths, this configuration has general implications for surface plasmon structure design using other materials and operating at alternative wavelengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both the origins of the high open circuit voltages (VOC) in amorphous silicon solar cells having p layers prepared with very high hydrogen dilution and the physical structure of these optimum p layers remain poorly understood topics, with several studies offering conflicting views. This work attempts to overcome the limitations of previous studies by combining insights available from electronic measurements, real time spectroscopic ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy, and both high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dark field TEM of cross sections of entire solar cells. It is found that solar cells fabricated with p layers having a low volume fraction of nanocrystals embedded in a protocrystalline Si:H matrix possess lower recombination at the i/p interface than standard cells and deliver a higher VOC. The growth of the p layers follows a thickness evolution in which pure protocrystalline character is observed at the interface to the i layer. However, a low density of nanocrystallites nucleates with increasing thickness. The advantages offered by the protocrystalline character associated with the amorphous phase of the mixed-phase (amorphous+nanocrystalline) p layers prepared with excess H2 dilution account for the improved VOC of the optimum p layers. In this model, the appearance of a low volume fraction of nanocrystals near the top transparent conductor interface is proposed to be incidental to the high VOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We critically examine how two processing steps commonly applied in the preparation of cadmium telluride (CdTe)-based solar cells, i.e., the cadmium chloride treatment and the subsequent stepwise bromine/methanol wet etching process, impact the structural and optical properties of polycrystalline CdTe thin-films. In particular, drawing upon a conjuncture of photothermal deflection spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry experimental results, we determine the spectral dependence of the optical absorption coefficient, α(E), over the photon energy range from 1.1 to 2.0 eV for samples of rf sputtered (RFS) and close space sublimation (CSS) CdTe. The impact of these processing steps on shaping the grazing incidence x-ray diffraction pattern is also examined. We extend the analysis to devices through interpretation of the spectral dependence of the external quantum efficiency associated with two cadmium chloride treated CdTe-based solar cells. The cells are comparably prepared with the exception of the absorber, one by RFS and the other by CSS. Through the use of our results for the thin-film CdTe optical functions and a model for the solar cell multilayer structure, we simulate the resultant external quantum efficiency spectrum. Through a critical contrast with the corresponding solar cell acquired experimental results, we glean insights into the carrier trapping and recombination processes that occur within the two types of CdTe absorbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes a numerical iterative scheme which can be used in solving inverse problems encountered in the application of the ac field measurement (acfm) technique for sizing surface breaking cracks in metals. List of methods in detecting metal flaw; Distinguishing feature of acfm; Discussion on the relationship between crack depth and surface potentials.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an ENT simulation course for equipping foundation doctors with core ENT skills in preparation for an ENT senior house officer post. Method: A total of 41 foundation doctors in the East of England participated in our two-part simulation course. Pre- and post-course surveys, consisting of Likert scales and a Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure, were sent to assess confidence in core ENT skills and acceptability of course format. Results: Post-simulation, confidence improved in all core ENT skills taught (p < 0.001), along with confidence and preparedness to work as an ENT senior house officer (p < 0.001). Overall course median Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure score was 48, and 100 per cent of participants would recommend this course to colleagues. Conclusion: Simulation improves foundation doctors' confidence in core ENT skills and increases preparedness for working as an ENT senior house officer. Guidance on core ENT skills requirements should be made available to improve uniformity amongst ENT simulation courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although statin therapy reduces the risk of occlusive vascular events in people with diabetes mellitus, there is uncertainty about the effects on particular outcomes and whether such effects depend on the type of diabetes, lipid profile, or other factors. We undertook a prospective meta-analysis to help resolve these uncertainties.Methods: We analysed data from 18 686 individuals with diabetes (1466 with type 1 and 17,220 with type 2) in the context of a further 71,370 without diabetes in 14 randomised trials of statin therapy. Weighted estimates were obtained of effects on clinical outcomes per 1.0 mmol/L reduction in LDL cholesterol.Findings: During a mean follow-up of 4.3 years, there were 3247 major vascular events in people with diabetes. There was a 9% proportional reduction in all-cause mortality per mmol/L reduction in LDL cholesterol in participants with diabetes (rate ratio [RR] 0.91, 99% CI 0.82-1.01; p=0.02), which was similar to the 13% reduction in those without diabetes (0.87, 0.82-0.92; p<0.0001). This finding reflected a significant reduction in vascular mortality (0.87, 0.76-1.00; p=0.008) and no effect on non-vascular mortality (0.97, 0.82-1.16; p=0.7) in participants with diabetes. There was a significant 21% proportional reduction in major vascular events per mmol/L reduction in LDL cholesterol in people with diabetes (0.79, 0.72-0.86; p<0.0001), which was similar to the effect observed in those without diabetes (0.79, 0.76-0.82; p<0.0001). In diabetic participants there were reductions in myocardial infarction or coronary death (0.78, 0.69-0.87; p<0.0001), coronary revascularisation (0.75, 0.64-0.88; p<0.0001), and stroke (0.79, 0.67-0.93; p=0.0002). Among people with diabetes the proportional effects of statin therapy were similar irrespective of whether there was a prior history of vascular disease and irrespective of other baseline characteristics. After 5 years, 42 (95% CI 30-55) fewer people with diabetes had major vascular events per 1000 allocated statin therapy.Interpretation: Statin therapy should be considered for all diabetic individuals who are at sufficiently high risk of vascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A superconducting single-photon detector based on a niobium nitride nanowire is demonstrated in an optical-fibre-based quantum key distribution test bed operating at a clock rate of 3.3 GHz and a transmission wavelength of 850 nm. The low jitter of the detector leads to significant reduction in estimated quantum bit error rate and a resultant improvement in secrecy efficiency compared to previous estimates made by use of silicon single-photon avalanche detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]