Herschel dust emission as a probe of starless cores mass: MCLD 123.5+24.9 of the Polaris Flare

We present newly processed archival Herschel images of molecular cloud MCLD 123.5+24.9 in the Polaris Flare. This cloud contains five starless cores. Using the spectral synthesis code Cloudy, we explore uncertainties in the derivation of column densities, hence, masses of molecular cores from Herschel data. We first consider several detailed grain models that predict far-IR grain opacities. Opacities predicted by the models differ by more than a factor of two, leading to uncertainties in derived column densities by the same factor. Then we consider uncertainties associated with the modified blackbody fitting process used by observers to estimate column densities. For high column density clouds (N(H) $\gg$ 10$^{22}$ cm$^{-2}$), this fitting technique can underestimate column densities by about a factor of three. Finally, we consider the virial stability of the five starless cores in MCLD 123.5+24.9. All of these cores appear to have strongly sub-virial masses, assuming, as we argue, that $^{13}$CO line data provide reliable estimates of velocity dispersions. Evidently, they are not self-gravitating, so it is no surprise that they are starless.Comment: ApJ, Accepted. Minor typographical errors corrected and figures 6 & 7 updated in v

The SUMMIT trial: a field comparison of buprenorphine versus methadone maintenance treatment.

This prospective patient-preference study examined the effectiveness in practice of methadone versus buprenorphine maintenance treatment and the beliefs of subjects regarding these drugs. A total of 361 opiate-dependent individuals (89% of those eligible, presenting for treatment over 2 years at a drug service in England) received rapid titration then flexible dosing with methadone or buprenorphine; 227 patients chose methadone (63%) and 134 buprenorphine (37%). Participants choosing methadone had more severe substance abuse and psychiatric and physical problems but were more likely to remain in treatment. Survival analysis indicated those prescribed methadone were over twice as likely to be retained (hazard ratio for retention was 2.08 and 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.49-2.94 for methadone vs. buprenorphine), However, those retained on buprenorphine were more likely to suppress illicit opiate use (odds ratio = 2.136, 95% CI = 1.509-3.027, p < .001) and achieve detoxification. Buprenorphine may also recruit more individuals to treatment because 28% of those choosing buprenorphine (10% of the total sample) stated they would not have accessed treatment with methadone

Feeding Habits of the Eastern Woodrat (\u3ci\u3eNeotoma floridana\u3c/i\u3e) in Southern Illinois

The eastern woodrat, a state-endangered species, is a generalist herbivore that depends on cached food during part of the year. We identified seasonal variation in the diet of woodrats at Pine Hills, Union County, Illinois, based on analysis of fecal pellets, and determined if they consumed forage in proportion to its availability in the habitat. Woodrats did not consume forage in proportion to availability for any season during 1995. Mast, primarily hickory nuts, comprised 61-67% of the diet each season, despite no mast available in the habitat during spring, and relatively little during summer. Few herbaceous species were eaten during any season; only Virginia creeper was identified in fecal samples throughout the year. Virginia creeper, spicebush, and sedge accounted for 79.4% of the identified herbaceous material consumed throughout the year, despite relatively low availability in the habitat. Resource caching decisions of woodrats depend on nutrient content and perishability. Woodrats appeared to ration cached resources so as not to be left with poor foods at the end of the cache-dependent period

The effect of variation in the calorie: protein ratio of the diet on nitrogen retention and body composition in the rat

This article does not have an abstract

Effects of B vitamins on protein utilization from rice-legume dietaries by the growing rat

This article does not have an abstract

Knowledge about preventive dentistry versus self-reported competence in providing preventive oral healthcare – a study among Nepalese dentists

Source at https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/2Fs12903-017-0366-5 Background: Dentists ’ and dental healthcare providers ’ professional knowledge and attitude towards the prevention of oral diseases may have an impact on the oral health of the general population. The aim of this study was to describe Nepalese dentists ’ competency in giving preventive education and treatment to their patients, and to assess their level of knowledge about preventive dental health. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 195 dentists (71 males and 124 females). Knowledge of preventive oral healthcare and self-reported aspects of preventive oral healthcare were assessed using a close-ended multiple- choice questionnaire. Statistical evaluation was done using chi-squared test, independent sample t-test and factor analysis as appropriate. Results: More than 90% of dentists self-reported to be competent in providing preventive treatment and oral hygiene education to their patients. Female dentists reported being more competent in giving oral hygiene education than their male counterparts ( p = 0.045). Dentists scored a mean of 24.06 ± 3.8 [range (15 – 33)] out of 56 on knowledge based on self-reported awareness of seven different aspects of preventive dentistry. More than 70% of the dentists had relatively good knowledge regarding the use of fluoride, whereas the preventive knowledge in other aspects of dental health such as frequency of sugar consumption, xylitol use, dental visits, sealant, gingival health, dental and general health was found to be limited. Conclusions: The majority of participating dentists reported a high level of general competency in providing preventive treatment and oral health education to their patients, whereas their knowledge was found to be limited in some aspects of preventive dentistry