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PurposeMaterials and methodsResultsDiscussionConclusionEvaluating students’ attitudes toward research is essential for instructors of any research methods class, as students’ general attitudes toward research may impact if and how they integrate research into practice decision making. However, few psychometrically sound, multidimensional instruments that can be used with Master of Social Work (MSW) students exist.This work used confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Revised Attitudes Toward Research Scale with a diverse sample of 396 master’s level social work students. Multiple indicators, multiple causes models and a series of Monte Carlo simulations were then used to assess the relationship between various dimensions of students’ attitudes toward research, their prior research exposure/training, and their sociodemographic characteristics.Results indicate that the overall performance of the measure with this sample of MSW students was strong, and the factor structure was consistent with that found when evaluated with different samples in previous research. Moreover, various sociodemographic characteristics predicted scores on the research usefulness, research anxiety, and positive research predisposition subscales.The use of this tool allows instructors to identify students with high levels of research-related anxiety and those who may not intuitively comprehend the need to understand empirical research findings and integrate them into practice decision making.The authors offer suggestions for integrating this validated tool into social work research methods classes to assist in developing students’ ability to engage in all steps of the evidence-based practice process once in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Title-IV E training is thought to minimize PCW employee turnover. A total of 969 PCW workers in a southern state completed an anonymous survey about their intentions to remain employed in PCW. A multigroup path analysis compared intention to leave for IV-E and non-IV-E participants. BIPOC respondents reported lower intention to stay employed relative to their peers, regardless of Title IV-E training. Title IV-E did not serve as a protective factor for BSW graduates or those from rural areas. Moreover, Title IV-E training does not appear to serve as a protective factor in regard to other workplace factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2018 proposed Family First Prevention Services Act suggests a change in the funding formula of Title IV-E of the Social Security Act—from entitlement to block grants. This study aimed to support the continuation of entitlement support based on the evidence that Title IV-E educational programs are effective in improving retention after the workers have obtained an MSW degree. Using a multigroup, multiple regression approach, this study analyzed secondary data collected from an e-survey sent to public child welfare (PCW) workers in a southern state. Data from 1,025 workers compare "intent to stay" (ITS) factors between PCW workers who received and those who did not receive the Title IV-E MSW educational stipend. The main analysis was conducted using Mplus version 7.4, with R version 3.3.2 used for data screening. Findings indicate that Title IV-E–supported education moderates the strength of the following ITS factors: respect from coworkers, team cohesion, self-assessed skills in working with special needs clients, and holding an MSW degree. MSW holders expressed lower ITS levels unless they had received Title IV-E stipends. These results provide evidence that Title IV-E education could help retain MSW graduates in PCW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key predictors of trauma were examined using a multi-group analysis of a nationally representative sample of 716 child welfare involved youth ages 11-17. Results indicate that co-occurring clinical depression was associated with trauma across all racial/ethnic groups. Results also support that youth's ethnicity moderates the relationship between gender, history of sexual abuse and sexual orientation and the development of trauma. Contrary to prior research, trauma was not significantly associated with substance abuse or having experienced out of home placement for all ethnic groups. Implications for policy, practice with child welfare involved adolescents and future research in this area are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We numerically study the problem of two fermions in a three-dimensional optical lattice interacting via a zero-range Feshbach resonance and display the dispersions of the bound states as a two-particle band structure with unique features compared to typical single-particle band structures. We show that the exact two-particle solutions of a projected Hamiltonian may be used to define an effective two-channel, few- band model for the low-energy, low-density physics of many fermions at arbitrary s-wave scattering length. Our method applies to resonances of any width and can be adapted to multichannel situations or higher-ℓ pairing. In strong contrast to usual Hubbard physics, we find that pair hopping is significantly altered by strong interactions and the presence of the lattice, and the lattice induces multiple molecular bound states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We address four main areas in which graduate quantum mechanics education can be improved: course content, textbook, teaching methods, and assessment tools. We report on a three year longitudinal study at the Colorado School of Mines using innovations in all these areas. In particular, we have modified the content of the course to reflect progress in the field of quantum mechanics over the last 50 years, used textbooks that include such content, incorporated a variety of teaching techniques based on physics education research, and used a variety of assessment tools to study the effectiveness of these reforms. We present a new assessment tool, the Graduate Quantum Mechanics Conceptual Survey, and further testing of a previously developed assessment tool, the Quantum Mechanics Conceptual Survey. We find that graduate students respond well to research-based techniques that have been tested mainly in introductory courses, and that they learn much of the new content introduced in each version of the course. We also find that students' ability to answer conceptual questions about graduate quantum mechanics is highly correlated with their ability to solve calculational problems on the same topics. In contrast, we find that students' understanding of basic undergraduate quantum mechanics concepts at the modern physics level is not improved by instruction at the graduate level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total phosphorus, water-soluble phosphorus and total nitrogen concentrations in cocomposted yard trimmings and broiler litter were quantified in a 2 m wide x 1 m deep x 55 m long channel composter using batch mixing. The batch mixing occurred by using a rotor tiller type turner mounted on rails for the length of the composting channel. Phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations of the compost were measured as they varied with treatment and time during a 63 day compost process followed by a 30 day curing time. The treatments contained a single mix of 50% yard trimmings, 50% poultry litter, by volume, using four aeration and turning treatments. The first treatment was a control, which received no turning or aeration unless the moisture content dropped to 40% and additional water was added to bring the mix up to 50-55% moisture, mix consolidation was required, or mixing to obtain accurate samples and moisture contents, as necessary. Both treatments two and three were aerated by negative pressure ventilation. Treatment two was turned only when the moisture content dropped to 40% and additional water was added to bring the mix up to 50-55% moisture while treatment three was turned every two weeks or sooner if the moisture content approached 40% and additional water was added to bring the mix moisture up to 50-55%. Treatment four was not provided aeration but was turned, on a daily basis and additional water added as necessary, when the moisture content dropped to 40%, to bring the mix moisture up to 50-55%. Total phosphorus increased during the compost process while water-soluble phosphorus decreased during the 63-day active composting cycle from a high of slightly more than 1600 mg P/kg to a low of slightly less than 100 mg P/kg. Once the blowers were turned off and the mixes were no longer turned, soluble phosphorus concentrations were similar for all four treatments. However, after the 93 day cycle was complete, treatment one had almost twice the water-soluble phosphorus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aims To estimate the cost effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) compared with multiple daily injections (MDI) for patients using insulin pumps. Methods We constructed a Markov model to estimate the costs and outcomes for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM) treated with CSII using an insulin pump compared with MDI. Key parameters were obtained from the published scientific literature. The primary outcome was quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Monte Carlo simulations were undertaken for 10 000 hypothetical patients over 8 years of monthly cycles (the expected life of a pump). Results Over an 8-year period an average patient could expect to gain 0.48 [standard deviation (sd) 0.20] QALYs using CSII compared with MDI. The additional cost over 8 years for this gain was £5462 (sd£897). The incremental cost per QALY was £11 461 (sd£3656). CSII was most cost-effective in patients who had more than two severe hypoglycaemic events per year and who required admission to hospital at least once every year. Cases where CSII might be not economically viable are cases where diabetes is well controlled with few severe hypoglycaemic events. Results were most sensitive to the number of hypoglycaemic events per patient and the utility weights used to estimate QALYs. Conclusion CSII is a worthwhile investment when targeted to those who might benefit most. Diabet. Med. 20, 586–593 (2003). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which tested a multielement airfoil designed for helicopter application for compressibility dynamic stall behavior. Description of the facility and experiment; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

This study employed an experimental vignette design in Jewish communities in the United States (n = 243) to investigate whether public stigma toward target individuals with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder presenting with either mania or depression was associated with their gender and symptomatology. The Mental Illness Stigma Scale (Day et al., in J Appl Soc Psychol 37(10):2191–2219, 2007) was used to measure the following dimensions of public stigma: (a) anxiety; (b) relationship disruption; (c) hygiene; (d) visibility; (e) treatability; (f) professional efficacy; and (g) recovery. The influence of characteristics of survey respondents on public stigma was also examined. In Jewish communities in the United States, mood disorder symptomatology was associated with the stigma dimensions of recovery, relationship disruption, and hygiene. Among respondents, younger and middle-aged males reported increased treatment efficacy stigma. Research implications include designing stigma reduction interventions tailored to specific diagnostic (e.g., bipolar disorder) and demographic (e.g., younger males) groups within the Jewish community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In humans, a deficiency in mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (Class 2 ALDH) activity due to a single base-pair exchange in its structural gene serves as a deterrent to excessive alcohol consumption. Differences in Class 2 ALDH isozyme patterns on isoelectric focusing gels have been observed in the selectively bred, alcoholpreferring (P) and alcohol-nonpreferring (NP) lines of rats. To determine whether the differences are the result of sequence variation in the structural gene, we sequenced the cDNAs for Class 2 ALDH from P and NP rats. A synonymous exchange was seen in the codon for amino acid 473 in both lines, when compared with published sequences. Additionally, when the cDNA from P rats was used as reference, a substitution (G for A) was identified in the cDNA of NP rats which changes amino acid 67 from Gln (CAG codon; ALDH2Q allele) to Arg (CGG codon; ALDH2R allele). The Arg for Gln substitution makes the enzyme more basic and could account for the different electrophoretic mobilities. To determine whether the polymorphism was associated with drinking behavior, we genotyped the ALDH2 locus by amplifying rat genomic DNA encompassing the nucleotide exchange followed by probing with allele-specific oligonucleotides. There are highly significant differences in the frequencies of the two alleles in the P and NP rat lines. The frequency of the ALDHR allele is 63% in the NP line and only 18% in the P line, whereas the frequency of the ALDH2Q allele is 82% in the P line and 37% in the NP line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in the amount of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) expressed in liver could play a role in altering ethanol metabolic rates and thus influence alcohol consumption. There is an alternating purine-pyrimidine repeat length polymorphism in the first intron of mouse Adh-1. Mouse strains that lack 101 basepairs of this 288 basepairs alternating sequence express only half as much ADH mRNA and have lower ADH-A2 activity, suggesting that this alternating sequence might modify transcription of the gene. The rat class I ADH gene also has a CA repeat in the first intron. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used to amplify the CA repeat region in different rat lines to determine whether this CA repeat is polymorphic in the rat and if so, if different length repeats correlate with the drinking behavior of rats selectively bred for high [preferring (P); high alcohol drinking (HAD); Alko, Alcohol (AA) lines] and low [non-preferring (NP); low alcohol drinking (LAD); Alko, Non-Alcohol (ANA) rat lines] alcohol drinking. A CA repeat polymorphism was detected in rat class I ADH of these different rat lines, but there was no difference in the length of the repeat between the high and low drinking rats in each line. Liver ADH activity was also not significantly different between two rat lines that have different CA repeat lengths. Thus, there is CA repeat length polymorphism in the first intron of rat class I ADH, which may be useful in genomic mapping, but it is not associated with differences in ADH activity or drinking behavior in these rat lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred and fourteen (N=114) Master of Social Work students completed an online survey to explore whether demographic characteristics, prior international travel, and learning abroad program experience were associated with levels of CSWE competencies, racial attitudes, and attitudes toward mental health. Results indicate that multilingual students and students with prior international travel experience self-reported lower levels of policy skill development and lower overall competency development. Age and race were associated with students' attitudes toward those experiencing mental health concerns, with younger or non-Hispanic White students reporting lower stigma toward those with mental health concerns. No association was found between demographic characteristics, learning abroad participation, prior international travel, and racial attitudes. Implications for social work education, practice, and research are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author comments on a study about mirror movements. The author cites the three types of mirror movements, which describe unintentional movements seen in homologous muscles when only one side is voluntarily activated. According to the author, the researchers were able to show a non-linear relationship between mirror movements and age through the use of both clinical and computer-based assessments. The author states that mirror movements may be a precursor of neurological illness in older participants.

Presents a letter to the editor commenting on an article regarding an approach using Multiaxial Diagnostic Inventory in the treatment of type 1 diabetes published in the July 2003 issue of the journal "Diabetic Medicine".

Public stigma toward those experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia in the general population is high; yet research into such stigma within the diverse Latino communities remains under-investigated. This study employed a randomized experimental vignette methodology to assess various domains of public stigma toward individuals experiencing psychosis and/or diabetes within Latino communities. A communitybased sample of 243 Latino adults participated. Contrary to our expectations, respondents who were more sympathetic toward those with mental health problems tended to score higher on public stigma. The belief that a person was responsible for their own mental health problems was associated with higher levels of stigma. Results indicate that perceptions of dangerousness toward someone experiencing psychosis were common, and the perception that a person was responsible for their mental health problems was associated with higher levels of stigma Results emphasize the complex nature of stigma within the diverse Latino communities and the need for ongoing research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pouring rights contracts are agreements in which beverage companies pay universities for exclusive marketing and rights to sell sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) in campus. This study explored university stakeholder's awareness and opinions of university pouring rights contracts. Methods: Nine hundred fifteen university stakeholders self-reported their awareness and support of pouring rights contracts along with several possible determinants of support (age, gender, nutrition education, beliefs about SSBs, beverage intake). Results: About 64.2% of participants reported no awareness of pouring rights contracts whereas only 38% reported agreeing with university pouring rights contracts. Males, undergraduate students, and those who felt individuals are responsible for their SSB consumption were more likely to support pouring rights contracts. Conclusions: University stakeholders were largely unaware of and unsupportive of pouring rights contracts. Universities are encouraged to consider the health impacts and opinions of university stakeholders when deciding whether to enter into pouring rights contracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stigma is a multifaceted barrier for individuals living with mental illness, contributing to negative stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination, and is underinvestigated in minority ethnic groups. This study examines the stigma within the US Jewish communities, specifically the following: a) differences in public stigma dimensions based on mental illness (e.g. , major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, or alcohol use disorder) and sex; and b) whether participant characteristics influence the public stigma. A community-based sample of 317 self-identified Jewish individuals participated in an experimental randomized vignette survey on stigma and help-seeking beliefs toward various mental illness. Findings indicate differences in stigma based on stigmatized individuals' sex and diagnosis as well as participants' demographics. Schizophrenia and alcohol use disorder were stigmatized similarly, with lower stigma for depression and the least stigma toward anxiety. Of interest, younger males have the most treatability and professional efficacy stigma, and tailored stigma-reducing interventions are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Aims Methods Results Conclusions In China, mental health disorders are considered the leading causes of disability, yet treatment-seeking behaviors among individuals with mental health problems are deficient.This study sought to examine attitudes and participant characteristics associated with help-seeking among adults residing in China’s Shanghai metropolitan area.This study employed a convenience cross-sectional sampling strategy and recruited 500 participants in public places in Shanghai. The survey administered in Mandarin was comprised of two sections: a series of demographic questions and standardized instruments measuring stigma and help-seeking attitudes.Findings indicate that beliefs about seeking professional help for mental health are influenced by knowing someone with a mental health problem. In addition, men who were older, had a child, and were married endorsed more openness to help-seeking for mental health needs, underscoring the importance of life experience as an essential variable when considering attitudes toward help-seeking.Findings support future research identifying the mechanisms by which these life experiences impact individuals’ help-seeking attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a system of ac-driven condensed bosons we study a new type of Josephson effect occurring between states sharing the same region of space and the same internal atom structure. We first develop a technique to calculate the long-time dynamics of a driven interacting many-body system. For resonant frequencies, this dynamics can be shown to derive from an effective timeindependent Hamiltonian which is expressed in terms of standard creation and annihilation operators. Within the subspace of resonant states, and if the undriven states are plane waves, a locally repulsive interaction between bosons translates into an effective attraction. We apply the method to study the effect of interactions on the coherent ratchet current of an asymmetrically driven boson system. We find a wealth of dynamical regimes which includes Rabi oscillations, self-trapping and chaotic behavior. In the latter case, a full many-body calculation deviates from the mean-field results by predicting large quantum fluctuations of the relative particle number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biofilms and rugose colony morphology of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strains are usually associated with at least two different exopolymeric substances (EPS), curli and cellulose. In this study, another EPS, a capsular polysaccharide (CP) synthesized constitutively in S. enterica serovar Typhimurium strain DT104 at 25 and 37°C, has been recognized as a biofilm matrix component as well. Fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE) analysis indicated that the CP is comprised principally of glucose and mannose, with galactose as a minor constituent. The composition differs from that of known colanic acid-containing CP that is isolated from cells of Escherichia coil and other enteric bacteria grown at 37°C. The reactivity of carbohydrate-specific lectins conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate or gold particles with cellular carbohydrates demonstrated the cell surface localization of CP. Further, lectin binding also correlated with the FACE analysis of CP. Immunoelectron microscopy, using specific antibodies against CP, confirmed that CP surrounds the cells. Confocal microscopy of antibody-labeled cells showed greater biofilm formation at 25°C than at 37°C. Since the CP was shown to be produced at both 37°C and 25°C, it does not appear to be significantly involved in attachment during the early formation of the biofilm matrix. Although the attachment of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium DT104 does not appear to be mediated by its CP, the capsule does contribute to the biofilm matrix and may have a role in other features of this organism, such as virulence, as has been shown previously for the capsules of other gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently strong modulation of the electron bunch longitudinal phase space was obtained in the DUVFEL accelerator at NSLS. The chirped beam energy spectra exhibit a spiky structure with a subpicosecond spike separation. A model based on the longitudinal space-charge effect has been suggested as an explanation of the observed effect. For characterization of the structure and comparison with the model we performed several experiments. In this paper we present experimental data and discuss them in relation to the model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Discusses several experiments which examined the control of flow over a sinusoidally oscillating airfoil by determining the dynamic shape variations that produce the right nose curvature at each instantaneous flow condition. Elements of a deformation schedule; Description of the flow; Development of the airfoil peak suction pressure coefficient; Computation of the vorticity flux distribution.

Presents a study which compared two approaches for compressible dynamic stall control using real-time airfoil adaptation and slatted airfoils. Description of the airfoils; Flow over the slatted airfoil; Flow over the dynamically deforming leading-edge airfoils and the 0012 airfoils from the United States National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.

Presents a study which showed that compressible dynamic stall is influenced by different, competing factors at low and moderate Reynolds numbers. Dynamic stall caused by the bursting of the laminar separation bubble at low Reynolds numbers and moderate Mach numbers; Competition of the supersonic flow and the bubble dynamics for certain combination of conditions.

Background and purpose: The recent advances in genetics have helped to unravel the cause of many dystonia syndromes. With the broadening spectrum of genetically defined dystonia syndromes, distinct clinico‐radiological phenotypes are a welcome handle to guide the diagnostic work‐up. Methods: Exome sequencing was used to elucidate the genetic cause of a syndrome characterized by generalized dystonia, pyramidal and cerebellar involvement, with bilateral striatal necrosis (BSN) and cerebellar atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging. Homozygosity mapping and linkage analysis were used in a supportive role. Known genetic causes of BSN were excluded by use of exome data or Sanger sequencing. Results: Compound heterozygous mutations were identified in the NUBPL gene in a small UK kindred. The gene lay in a region of positive linkage and segregated with disease in a family of six individuals. Conclusion: NUBPL mutations cause early onset, autosomal recessive generalized dystonia with cerebellar ataxia, pyramidal signs, preserved cognition and a distinct magnetic resonance imaging appearance with BSN and cerebellar atrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Psychiatric symptoms, sleep disruption, reaction time, and fine motor coordination are associated with repetitive head hits. Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) has been proposed as a non-invasive treatment for post-head injury symptoms. This proof-of-concept study begins to address tPBM's potential utility in the neurorehabilitation of athletes with repetitive head hits. Methods: Study participants included 49 former male and female athletes (Mage = 45.90 years; SD = 14.45) with a history of repetitive head hits. Inclusion criteria were: aged 18–65 years and a self-reported history of concussive and/or repetitive sub-concussive events. We conducted a non-randomized study design wherein participants received active tPBM treatment for 8 weeks. At pre- and post-treatment timepoints, self-report questionnaires for depression (CES-D), posttraumatic stress (PCL-5), adjustment (MPAI-4), and sleep quality (PSQI) were obtained, as were assessments of simple reaction time, grip strength, and hand dexterity (Grooved Pegboard). Paired t-tests analyzed pre- and post-treatment effects. Results: Following tPBM treatment, study participants demonstrated statistically significant reductions in self-reported depression (t = 4.54, p < 0.001, d = 0.75), posttraumatic stress (t = 3.43, p < 0.001, d = 0.54), and adjustment (t = 5.23, p < 0.001, d = 0.83) symptoms compared to pre-treatment levels. Sleep quality (t = 3.72, p < 0.001, d = 0.57), simple reaction time (t = 4.57, p < 0.001, d = 0.73), dominant hand grip strength (t = 2.59, p = 0.013, d = 0.41), and nondominant hand grip strength (t = 4.18, p < 0.001, d = 67) improved following tPBM treatment. Bilateral hand dexterity did not significantly change following treatment. Conclusions: Results suggest that tPBM may reduce psychiatric symptoms and improve sleep quality, simple reaction time, and grip strength among former athletes with repetitive head hits. These data support future research on the potential neurorehabilitative effects of tPBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that the orbital Josephson effect appears in a wide range of driven atomic Bose–Einstein condensed systems, including quantum ratchets, double wells and box potentials. We use three separate numerical methods: the Gross–Pitaevskii equation, exact diagonalization of the few-mode problem and the multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree for bosons algorithm. We establish the limits of mean-field and few-mode descriptions, demonstrating that the few-mode approximation represents the full many-body dynamics to high accuracy in the weak driving limit. Among other quantum measures, we compute the instantaneous particle current and the occupation of natural orbitals. We explore four separate dynamical regimes, the Rabi limit, chaos, the critical point and self-trapping; a favorable comparison is found even in the regimes of dynamical instabilities or macroscopic quantum self-trapping. Finally, we present an extension of the (t,t′)-formalism to general time-periodic equations of motion, which permits a systematic description of the long-time dynamics of resonantly driven many-body systems, including those relevant to the orbital Josephson effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vortex-state electrodynamics of s-wave superconductors has been studied by infrared spectroscopy. Far-infrared transmission and reflection spectra of superconducting Nb0.5Ti0.5N and NbN thin films were measured in a magnetic field perpendicular to the film surface, and the optical conductivity was extracted. The data show clear reduction of superconducting signature. We consider the vortex state as a two-component effective medium of normal cores embedded in a BCS superconductor. The spectral features are well explained by the Maxwell Garnett theory. Our analysis supports the presence of magnetic-field-induced pair-breaking effects in the superconducting component outside of the vortex cores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) is a recently identified metallo-β-lactamase that confers resistance to carbapenems and all other β-lactam antibiotics, with the exception of aztreonam. NDM-1 is also associated with resistance to many other classes of antibiotics. The enzyme was first identified in organisms isolated from a patient in Sweden who had previously received medical treatment in India, but it is now recognized as endemic throughout India and Pakistan and has spread worldwide. The gene encoding NDM-1 has been found predominantly in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. We describe the isolation NDM-1-producing organisms from two patients in Toronto, Ontario. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an organism producing NDM-1 that was locally acquired in Canada. We also discuss the evidence that NDM-1 can affect bacterial species other than E. coli and K. pneumoniae, the limited options for treatment and the difficulty laboratories face in detecting organisms that produce NDM-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have found that genomic variation in the gene SNCA, which encodes the protein alpha-synuclein, may contribute to the variation in alcohol consumption in an inbred rat model of alcohol preference. Studies in humans have provided support for an association between SNCA and craving for alcohol. Methods: To examine the role of this gene in alcohol dependence and related phenotypes, 30 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped across the SNCA gene in a sample of 219 multiplex alcoholic families of European American descent. Two phenotypes, alcohol dependence and alcohol craving, were analyzed using the pedigree disequilibrium test. Results: There was no evidence of association between any of the SNCA SNPs and alcohol dependence (p>/=0.13). In contrast, 8 SNPs provided evidence of association (p<0.05) with the phenotype of alcohol craving. Haplotype analysis further supported evidence of an association with alcohol craving; a haplotype encompassing SNPs in intron 4 through the region downstream of the gene was overtransmitted to cravers and a second haplotype was overtransmitted to noncravers. Conclusions: These results suggest that variation in SNCA contributes to alcohol craving, a common, although not uniform, feature of alcohol dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the polarity of breast invasive ductal carcinoma cells by comparing the polarity of the tumour located within lymphovascular spaces with that located in the extravascular compartment. Methods: An immunohistochemical study identifying the apical HMFG-1, basolateral AUA-1, and basal laminin polarity markers of 11 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma (grades 1 or 2) metastatic to lymph nodes, all of which contained areas of tumour within and outside of lymphovascular spaces. Results: Only one a 11 tumours had a focus of apparent reversed glandular polarity in the larger extravascular tumour compartment (with AUA-1 present internally and HMFG-1 expressed externally on tumour clumps), but six of the 11 tumours showed reversed glandular polarity (either with AUA-1, or HMFG-1, or both) within the very much smaller lymphovascular space tumour compartment. Laminin was not identified in association with lymphovascular tumour. Conclusions: Reversed glandular polarity in invasive ductal breast carcinomas was identified and was significantly more frequent within vessels than outside of them. Reversal of tumour glandular polarity within lymphovascular spaces allows direct interaction between apical domain-type molecules--which are then aberrantly expressed on the external surface of tumour clumps--and lymphovascular endothelium. Such interactions may affect the establishment of metastatic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the production of matter-wave solitons in an uRracold lithium-7 gas. The effective interaction between atoms in a Bose-Einstein condensate is tuned with a Feshbach resonance from repulsive to attractive before release in a one-dimensional optical waveguide. Propagation of the soliton without dispersion over a macroscopic distance of 1.1 millimeter is observed. A simple theoretical model explains the stability region of the soliton. These matter-wave solitons open possibilities for future applications in coherent atom optics, atom interferometry, and atom transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]