Revealing x-ray and gamma ray temporal and spectral similarities in the GRB 190829A afterglow

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), which are bright flashes of gamma rays from extragalactic sources followed by fading afterglow emission, are associated with stellar core collapse events. We report the detection of very-high-energy (VHE) gamma rays from the afterglow of GRB 190829A, between 4 and 56 hours after the trigger, using the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.). The low luminosity and redshift of GRB 190829A reduce both internal and external absorption, allowing determination of its intrinsic energy spectrum. Between energies of 0.18 and 3.3 tera-electron volts, this spectrum is described by a power law with photon index of 2.07 ± 0.09, similar to the x-ray spectrum. The x-ray and VHE gamma-ray light curves also show similar decay profiles. These similar characteristics in the x-ray and gamma-ray bands challenge GRB afterglow emission scenarios.

Intergroup Contact and Grandparent–Grandchild Communication: The Effects of Self-Disclosure on Implicit and Explicit Biases Against Older People

This study investigated contact and ageism on both the implicit and the explicit level. We examined the role of grandparent–grandchild communication (in terms of self-disclosure) and its relations to anxiety and empathy in improving intergenerational attitudes. Analyses revealed that: (1) quantity and quality of contact with older people (other than grandparents) predict higher levels of self-disclosure (to one's grandparent); (2) quantity (but not quality) of contact with older people is associated with more favorable implicit associations with them, while quality of contact is associated with more favorable explicit attitudes; and (3) higher levels of self-disclosure to grandparents are associated with empathy and reduced anxiety, which in turn are associated with more positive explicit attitudes toward older adults. We explain our findings in light of the environmental associations model (Karpinsky & Hilton, 2001)—that quantity of contact, or mere exposure to older people, drives the Implicit Association Test effect. The model sheds light on the mediational roles of interpersonal variables (self-disclosure, anxiety, and empathy with a grandparent) in intergenerational contact.

Abnormal cervical cytology in pregnant adolescents

A retrospective, cohort study of pregnant adolescents with abnormal cervical cytology including: atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) was done to determine the regression, persistence and progression of abnormal cervical cytology in adolescent pregnancies. Follow-up cervical cytology within 1 year was assessed. Results suggest that pregnant adolescents have a high regression rate of abnormal cervical cytology. The likelihood of regression, persistence, or progression, is independent of the initial cytological diagnosis.

Respect for persons in the intergroup context: Self—other overlap and intergroup emotions as mediators of the impact of respect on action tendencies

Two studies examined self—other overlap and intergroup emotions as mediators of the effects of respect for persons on action tendencies towards outgroup members. In contexts of both mild (Study 1) and more severe (Study 2) intergroup conflict, respect for persons predicted action tendencies towards outgroup members: those who value the intrinsic worth of others (high respect for persons) expressed less negative and more positive action tendencies towards outgroup members than did those with low respect for persons. These effects were obtained while controlling for Social Dominance Orientation and Agreeableness (Study 1). Further, the effects of respect for persons on action tendencies were shown to be partially mediated by self—other overlap and intergroup emotions. The findings support previous work in suggesting that respect for persons is an important predictor in intergroup contexts, and they highlight potential mechanisms through which respect might operate.

Intergroup Trust in Northern Ireland

Although prominent political agendas have placed a great deal of importance on building trust in postconflict areas, there has been a lack of empirical research on its role in areas of intergroup conflict. The authors conducted two studies to examine the relationship between trust and intergroup behavioral tendencies—and the potential for intergroup contact to build trust in Northern Ireland. Study 1 showed that outgroup trust mediates the impact of intergroup contact on behavioral tendencies toward the outgroup. Study 2 revealed the importance of trusting the outgroup over simply liking the outgroup; establishing outgroup trust is crucial, as trust is a stronger predictor of behavioral tendencies toward the outgroup than positive attitudes are. Results also demonstrated two mechanisms for increasing outgroup trust—through both direct and extended intergroup contact. These studies further our understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying the formation of intergroup trust and behavior in areas of conflict.

A Low-Light CMOS Contact Imager With an Emission Filter for Biosensing Applications

In this paper, a fully functional low light 128 X 128 contact image sensor for cell detection in biosensing applications is presented. The imager, fabricated in 0.18 mum CMOS technology, provides low-noise operation by employing both a modified version of the active reset (AR) technique and a modified version of the active column sensor (ACS) readout method. High-sensitivity, low noise performance of the presented sensor is well-suited for fluorescence imaging. For this purpose, an emission filter was fabricated and integrated with the sensor. The filter was fabricated using PDMS and Sudan II Blue dye mix, spin-coated and deposited in a class 1000 clean room. The designed filter is suitable for excitation at wavelengths below 340 nm and emission at 450 nm and above. The fabricated imager architecture and operation are described, noise analysis is presented and measurements from a test chip are shown. Experimental results using live neurons from the pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis, and fluorescence polystyrene micro-beads prove the functionality of the fabricated system and indicate its biocompatiblity.

Individual-level and group-level mediators of contact effects in Northern Ireland: the moderating role of social identification

We tested a model which considered individual-level (intergroup anxiety) and group-level (perceived realistic and symbolic threats to the in-group) threats as simultaneous mediators in the relationship between the quantity and quality of cross-community contact and intergroup attitudes (Study 1, N=166) and trust (Study 2, N=163) in Northern Ireland. The studies tested the hypothesis that the strength of group-identification moderates the importance of individual- vs. group-level threats as predictors of attitudes and trust and as mediators of contact effects. Both anxiety and symbolic threat, but not realistic threat, emerged as predictors of the criterion variables and mediated contact effects. Our results provide support for the moderating role of identification and suggest that while symbolic threat predicts attitudes and trust for high, but not low identifiers, anxiety is a somewhat more important predictor for low than for high identifiers. We discuss these results against the background of current intergroup relations in Northern Ireland.

The Impact of Intergroup Emotions on Forgiveness in Northern Ireland

Although prejudice researchers have mainly focused their attention on changing attitudes toward outgroups, other outcome variables may also be important. In post-conflict reconciliation, intergroup forgiveness may play a crucial role in helping groups in conflict put the atrocities of the past behind them (Cairns, Tam, Hewstone, & Niens, 2005). Two studies showed that both the specific intergroup emotion of anger and infrahumanization (the attribution of more human emotions to the ingroup than to the outgroup) predicted decreased intergroup forgiveness in Northern Ireland. Results further revealed intergroup contact as a potential means of reducing anger toward the outgroup and improving attitudes toward them. This research integrated prior interpersonal theory with intergroup literature to examine the concept of intergroup forgiveness and its predictors. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for reconciliation in conflict societies.

An Advisory Committee Statement (ACS). National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). Update: statement on influenza vaccination for the 2003-04 season

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) provides Health Canada with ongoing and timely medical, scientific, and public health advice relating to immunization. Health Canada acknowledges that the advice and recommendations set out in this statement are based upon the best current available scientific knowledge and is disseminating this document for information purposes. People administering or using the vaccine should also be aware of the contents of the relevant product monograph(s). Recommendations for use and other information set out herein may differ from that set out in the product monograph(s) of the Canadian licensed manufacturer(s) of the vaccine(s). Manufacturer(s) have sought approval of the vaccine(s) and provided evidence as to its safety and efficacy only when it is used in accordance with the product monographs.

Respiratory virus surveillance. FluWatch project, 2000-2001. End of season update

The 2000-2001 season was a relatively mild season worldwide. In Canada, lower than usual activity was reported for all national indicators of influenza activity, including the rate of influenza-like illness (ILI), the percentage of laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza and provincial/territorial influenza activity levels. However, there were a number of interesting characteristics of this year's influenza season. In contrast to the predominance of influenza A, and in particular the A/Sydney/5/97 (H3N2)-like virus over the past 3 years, influenza B predominated overall this season. Influenza A (H3N2) accounted for < 1% of all characterized isolates (H1N1 accounted for 49% of isolates). Increased laboratory-confirmed influenza activity began in the West (Yukon, prairie provinces and British Columbia) in mid-December, followed by the Atlantic provinces in mid- to late January and Ontario and Quebec in mid- February and March.

Factors affecting the initiation of substance abuse treatment in managed care

AIMS

A long-standing concern of clinicians in addiction treatment is that a large number of individuals who are admitted to treatment do not return to actually begin the program. We identified characteristics that predict treatment initiation.

DESIGN

In-person structured interviews were conducted with consecutive admissions to a large outpatient program (N = 1204), and the health plan's automated registration data were used to determine treatment attendance. We compared those who returned to begin treatment with those who did not.

SETTING

The study was conducted at the Chemical Dependency program of a large group model health maintenance organization (HMO).

PARTICIPANTS

Study subjects were individuals age 18 or over admitted to the program.

MEASUREMENT

Study variables included DSM-IV alcohol and drug dependence and abuse, Addiction Severity Index problem severity, motivation and treatment entry measures.

FINDINGS

Those who were drug-dependent were less likely to begin treatment than those dependent only on alcohol. Measures of motivation, such as work-place pressures and the patient's perception of the importance of alcohol treatment, predicted starting treatment for individuals who were alcohol-dependent only or alcohol- and drug-dependent. Among patients who were dependent only on alcohol, women were more likely than men to start treatment, and for those who were drug-dependent, being employed and having higher drug severity scores predicted starting treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Screening at intake may identify those at risk of not returning after admission to start treatment. Clinicians may consider making additional efforts during the intake process to engage individuals who are unemployed and have drug (as opposed to alcohol) disorders and less motivation.