bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring Progress Toward a Goal
Authors: Thum Yeow Meng
Published: October 2003

This article develops a procedure for measuring how much is gained by students in a pretest and posttest situation against a target score on the posttest. The author defines a productivity index, Mj, for teacher j as the ratio of estimated gains to an estimated standard that is the distance between an estimate of the pretest and target score. Using language, mathematics, and reading scores on the SAT 9 for 1999 and 2000 from 75 public elementary classrooms (Grades 3-6 in 2000), the author employs a Bayesian implementation of a multivariate mixed model for repeated test scores from individual students. The analysis points to statistically significant gains on the whole for Grades 3, 4, and 6. The strength of the approach lies in a straightforward estimation of the productivity index and a procedure for representing its uncertainty in the form of a productivity profile. This approach also facilitates a Bayesian effect size analysis free from frequentist appeals to noncentral t or F distributions.
National Responsibility
Authors: Abdel-Nour Farid
Published: October 2003

This article offers an account of the responsibility that individuals bear by virtue of their national belonging alone. Via their national pride, the living connect themselves actively with select actions performed by others who might long be dead. They imagine themselves as having won past wars, built ancient empires and the like. This same feat of their imagination imposes on them a responsibility for the bad outcomes that were brought about through their imagined exploits. Their national responsibility for the “sins of the fathers” however lends itself only to the kinds of responses that these living agents can demand of themselves. While their national responsibility can be captured by either the vocabulary of guilt or that of shame, the latter turns out to be more promising as it better accounts for the strong hold that the national idea has on contemporary political thinking.
Machiavelli Against Republicanism
Authors: McCormick John P.
Published: October 2003

Scholars loosely affiliated with the “Cambridge School” (e.g., Pocock, Skinner, Viroli, and Pettit) accentuate rule of law, common good, class equilibrium, and non-domination in Machiavelli's political thought and republicanism generally but underestimate the Florentine's preference for class conflict and ignore his insistence on elite accountability. The author argues that they obscure the extent to which Machiavelli is an anti-elitist critic of the republican tradition, which they fail to disclose was predominantly oligarchic. The prescriptive lessons these scholars draw from republicanism for contemporary politics reinforce rather than reform the “senatorial,” electorally based, and socioeconomically agnostic republican model (devised by Machiavelli's aristocratic interlocutor, Guicciardini, and refined by Montesquieu and Madison) that permits common citizens to acclaim but not determine government policies. Cambridge School textual interpretations and practical proposals have little connection with Machiavelli's “tribunate,” class-specific model of popular government elaborated in The Discourses , one that relies on extra-electoral accountability techniques and embraces deliberative popular assemblies.
Housing Dispersal Programs
Authors: Goetz Edward G.
Published: October 2003

Current federal housing policy and the planning approaches of many local governments focus on the dispersal of subsidized families. There have been, in fact, two generations of dispersal policy. The first, occurring in the late 1960s through the mid-1970s, was part of the fair housing movement that was aimed at addressing issues of racial discrimination and suburban exclusionism in housing, and the second, dating from the early 1990s, is focused on deconcentrating poverty in American cities. Both generations of dispersal efforts, regardless of their differing justifications, use roughly the same policy strategies. This article reviews the policy history of housing dispersal and offers a schematic interpretation of different programmatic approaches.
Regional Development Theory: Conceptual Foundations, Classic Works, and Recent Developments
Authors: Dawkins Casey J.
Published: October 2003

This annotated bibliography gives an overview of the theoretical literature on regional economic growth and examines its conceptual foundations, major competing paradigms, and recent developments. The overview concludes with a discussion of the policy implications suggested by this body of theory. Throughout the review, three themes are emphasized: (1) the theoretical predictions regarding the convergence or divergence of per capita incomes across regions over time, (2) the assumptions regarding the importance of internal and external scale economies to regional economic growth, and (3) the role of space in shaping regional labor market outcomes.
Musical Chairs
Authors: Arrow Holly , Crosson Scott
Published: October 2003

Participants played four rounds of a social card game in which they formed groups to make card hands and earn money. When isolates—players left out when groups formed—earned nothing, self-organized groups frequently included these extra people, even though this decreased earnings for group members. Although group composition remained fluid, with time most populations settled into a pattern of including everyone. When isolates received a small welfare payment, group formation was less ordered and predictable and exclusion remained common. Although exact repeats of the same group membership were relatively rare in both conditions, group stability was associated with more cooperative behavior by members. When membership was unstable, members were more likely to make excessive claims on group earnings, increasing their individual payoff at the expense of fellow group members.
Asymmetric Interdependence in the Provision of a Local Public Good: An Empirical Examination
Authors: Finney Miles M. , Yoon Mann J.
Published: October 2003

This study tests for fiscal interdependence in the provision of a local public good—libraries in Los Angeles County. The authors present evidence that the reaction of libraries to fiscal externalities is dependent on the level of government producing the good. The authors find that the city-run libraries respond to neighboring output but the county system largely does not.
Differential Taxation of for-Profit and Nonprofit Firms: A Computational General Equilibrium Approach
Authors: Johnson Marianne F.
Published: October 2003

A small-scale computational general equilibrium model is used to examine the efficiency costs of exempting commercial nonprofits from the corporate income tax when they compete directly with for-profit firms. Simulation results from differential-incidence experiments indicate significant welfare gains when the tax wedge is reduced at the margin between the for-profit and nonprofit firms and the change in government revenue is financed by lump-sum taxes. However, although welfare gains exist at the margin, average excess burden estimates suggest that some level of differential taxation is welfare-improving if nonprofits contribute to the production of a good with positive externalities. Results are compared with those from the literature on the differential taxation of corporate and noncorporate firms and are found generally consistent.
Labor Market Implications of State Small Group Health Insurance Reform
Authors: Kapur Kanika
Published: October 2003

Small group health insurance reforms such as portability reform and premium rating reforms that limit the use of health status in setting premiums have been implemented in more than 40states. The author determines the impact of these reforms on employment outcomes of individuals with high expected health costs. The effects of these reforms are mixed—the effect of the reforms on small firm hiring and job mobility of costly subgroups is often statistically insignificant. There is some suggestive evidence that rating reforms increase job mobility for the sick. However, rating reforms may redistribute health insurance costs from the sick to the old and, as a result, reduce employment opportunities for the old. Portability reform that aims to reduce job-lock does have a positive effect on job mobility; however, on the whole, the results suggest that the effect of the full package of reforms on job mobility is likely to be small.
Income Tax Reform and Inequality: A Nonparametric Analysis
Authors: Vijverberg Chu-Ping C.
Published: October 2003

Suppose the adoption of an income tax system by a government is guided by two objectives. The revenue objective requires that a sufficient amount of tax revenue should be collected. The equity objective dictates that the disposable income should be distributed with a degree of in equality that is acceptable as a social consensus. The purpose of this article is, by using nonparametric analysis, to evaluate the actual magnitude and direction of changes of a tax structure imposed by an objective-oriented tax reform. 1990 census data of the U.S. are used. The analysis is applied to the United States as a whole and the 50 states individually. Finally, given the tax receipts and equity level of the current tax schedule, an equivalent flat tax structure is derived.
Managing User Involvement in Service Innovation
Authors: Magnusson Peter R. , Matthing Jonas , Kristensson Per
Published: October 2003

Although user involvement is frequently practiced in companies, the research findings regarding its benefits for innovation are contradictory. This article experimentally assesses the contributions made by users in comparison with professional service developers and examines how the implementation of user involvement affects the outcome. During periods of 12 days, three different groups were assigned the task of generating ideas for end user telecom services. One group consisted of professional de signers, whereas the other two consisted of ordinary users. The users in one of the groups coped with idea creation by themselves, whereas the other group consulted a service design expert at two controlled meetings who provided feedback regarding technical feasibility. Involving users makes the ideas more original, holding a higher perceived user value, but the users’ideas are less producible on aver-age. The outcome was also affected by how user involvement was implemented. Scholarly and managerial implications conclude the article.
Has Revenue Management become Acceptable?
Authors: Kimes Sheryl E. , Wirtz Jochen
Published: October 2003

Demand-based pricing is underused in many service industries, because customers are believed to perceive such pricing as unfair. Fencing can be highly effective in improving the perceived fairness of demand-based pricing. In this study, five fences were explored in a restaurant context across three countries (Singapore, Sweden, and the United States). Demand-based pricing in the form of coupons (two for the price of one), time-of-day pricing, and lunch/dinner pricing were perceived as fair. Weekday/ weekend pricing was seen as neutral to slightly unfair. Table location pricing was seen as somewhat unfair with potential negative consumer reactions to this practice. Furthermore, framing demand-based pricing as discounts improved perceived fairness. The findings were largely consistent for the three countries. Specifically, framing demand-based pricing as discounts or gains showed no country-specific effect.
The Interplay of Gender and Affective Tone in Service Encounter Satisfaction
Authors: Mattila Anna S. , Grandey Alicia A. , Fisk Glenda M.
Published: October 2003

Does a smiling employee make a difference? Do men and women evaluate emotional cues differently in a commercial service setting? Previous work suggests that positive affective displays influence customer responses to service encounters, yet the impact of gender on these evaluations remains unclear. The main objective of this study was to examine whether men and women respond differently to positive and negative affective displays in brief, mundane service encounters. Consistent with North American gender stereotypes and process focus, women in this study were less satisfied than men with negative emotional displays during an otherwise smooth service exchange. Conversely, in process failure situations, negative affective displays had a double whammy impact on men participants’ satisfaction ratings. The implications of these findings to service managers are briefly discussed.
An Empirical Inquiry into New Subscriber Services under Interdependent Adoption Processes
Authors: Mesak Hani I. , Darrat Ali F.
Published: October 2003

This article estimates dynamic diffusion systems developed earlier by Mesak and Darrat (2002) for newsubscriber consumer services. Each system consists of two equations, one for the retailer adoption process and another for the consumer adoption process. Using diffusion annual data related to the cable TV industry in the United States, three alternative interactive systems based on the Bass (1969) model are estimated and contrasted in terms of their predictive power. The empirical results support a two-way diffusion system that includes price. The incorporation of price proves critical for the system’s predictive power. In addition, a noninteractive, two-simultaneous-equations model as well as a single-equation model fail to provide adequate representation of the data.
Fatigue properties of longitudinal attachments welded using low transformation temperature filler
Authors: Eckerlid J. , Nilsson T. , Karlsson L.
Published: October 2003

In welded structures, fatigue properties are normally considered to be independent of mean stress owing to the presence of tensile residual stresses with a magnitude close to yield level. Introduction of compressive residual stresses by use of low transformation temperature welding consumables has been reported in the literature to have a positive influence on the fatigue strength. In this investigation new low transformation temperature welding consumables have been evaluated with respect to static strength, impact toughness, residual stresses and fatigue properties. Welds were produced in the base material Domex 700 MC, an extra high strength cold forming steel with minimum yield strength of 700 MPa. The improvement of fatigue strength was found to be 25 - 90% at 2 × 106 cycles.
Experimental and numerical analysis of aluminium alloy 7075-T7351 friction stir welds
Authors: Colegrove P. A. , Shercliff H. R.
Published: October 2003

This paper describes a systematic series of friction stir welding experiments using aluminium alloy 7075, designed to provide validation data for a numerical model of the process. The numerical model used the commercial computational field dynamics package, FLUENT, and the trials focussed on weld temperature and torque measurements. There were several significant findings that have both practical use and are pertinent to future modelling work. First, the temperature profiles and weld quality were affected by the type of tool material. Second, in thick section welds the material reached temperatures very near to the solidus. As a consequence this limited the heat generation, so the weld power was largely independent of the rotation speed. Third, several of the welds experienced the problem of surface scaling which was exacerbated by high rotation speeds and a high plunge depth. Finally, an empirical equation for predicting the weld power was derived from the experimental power input.
Temperature, macrostructure and hardness in high strength low alloy steel welds
Authors: Moon D. W. , Lambrakos S. G. , Wong R. J. , Metzbower E. A.
Published: October 2003

A series of welds have been fabricated in high strength low alloy steel (HSLA100) plate by gas metal arc welding at heat inputs of 1.0, 1.6 and 2.2 kJ mm-1. Slices from the welds were then polished and the macrostructure was observed. Hardness maps were then determined over the entire weld zone, including the heat affected zone and the base plate. Correlations were then made between the hardness maps and the macrostructure. A bead on plate weld was made using the same heat inputs and was used to determine the temperature regimes in the weld as well as thermal profiles of the weld region. Relationships showing good correlations were observed between the various microstructures, the macrostructure, the calculated thermal profiles, and the hardness values.
Software package for simulation and prediction of welding solidification cracks
Authors: Wei Y. H. , Liu R. P. , Dong Z. J.
Published: October 2003

In the present work, a software system is developed that can simulate and predict welding solidification cracks, based on previous work on welding solidification crack simulation in stainless steels. First, it assists users in discretising the welding workpiece, calculating welding heat input distribution, inputting material properties, and generating input data cards. Second, the system runs commercial finite element calculation software on the basis of input data cards. Third, the system performs data treatment to provide the user with simulated results in the form of contours, three-dimensional plots, and featured curves such as welding temperature cycles and strain - stress cycles. Next, the system carries out regression analysis on experimental data from transverse Varestraint testing to determine the resistance of the material to welding solidification cracking. Finally, the system calculates the curves of strain evolution with temperature at the trailing edge of the mushy region in the weld pool to obtain the driving force for welding solidification cracking. Consequently, the system can predict welding solidification cracking by presenting users with the driving force and resistance curves in one figure. The software package is developed mainly using Visual Basic and its graphical functions are achieved with the assistance of the Matlab software packages.
Obese Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Evidence that Metformin Does Not Restore Sensitivity of the Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Pulse Generator to Inhibition by Ovarian Steroids
Authors: Eagleson Christine A. , Bellows Amy B. , Hu Kathy , Gingrich Melissa B. , Marshall John C.
Published: November 2003

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have reduced GnRH sensitivity to suppression by ovarian steroids, which can be ameliorated by androgen blockade. We studied nine PCOS women and nine controls to determine whether metformin could change feedback inhibition by estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P). LH was measured every 10 min, and FSH, E2, P, and testosterone (T) were measured every 2 h. Frequently sampled iv glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of each admission. After the first admission, metformin (500 mg, three times a day) was started. The second admission occurred on d 8–11 of the next menstrual cycle in controls and on d 28 in PCOS patients. Patients subsequently took E2 and P for 1 wk until the third admission.

At baseline, PCOS women had higher T, free T, androstenedione, and estrone. After 4 wk of metformin, controls had a slight reduction in total T, but free T was unchanged. However, PCOS patients had reduced insulin, T, and E2, and increased LH mean/amplitude and FSH. After ovarian steroids, controls had a greater reduction in LH pulse frequency than PCOS (61 vs. 25%). These results suggest that the beneficial effects of metformin on ovulatory function in obese PCOS women are probably not mediated by enhanced hypothalamic sensitivity.
Color Doppler Ultrasonography: Diagnosis of Ectopic Thyroid Gland in Patients with Congenital Hypothyroidism Caused by Thyroid Dysgenesis
Authors: Ohnishi Hisashi , Sato Hirokazu , Noda Hiromasa , Inomata Hiroaki , Sasaki Nozomu
Published: November 2003

The etiology of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) may play an important role in determining disease severity, outcome, and, therefore, its treatment schedule. Radionuclide imaging (RI) is currently the most precise diagnostic technique to establish the etiology of CH. Conventional ultrasound can identify an athyrotic condition at the normal neck position and has gained acceptance for the initial evaluation of CH; however, its ability in delineating ectopic thyroid is limited.

We used color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) to assess blood flow and morphology in the detection of ectopic thyroid in 11 CH patients disclosed by neonatal screening; thyroid glands were undetectable at the normal location by gray-scale ultrasonography (GSU). The patients studied consisted of two infants for initial investigation and nine children for reevaluating the cause of CH. All of the patients underwent GSU, CDU, RI, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigation. We set RI as the defining diagnostic test for detecting ectopic thyroid and compared the imaging of CDU with those of GSU and MRI. The results of RI showed 10 ectopic thyroids and one athyreosis. In the patients with ectopic thyroid, the sensitivity of CDU, GSU, and MRI for detecting ectopic thyroid was 90, 70, and 70%, respectively. We conclude that CDU is superior to GSU and MRI for detecting ectopic thyroid and that CDU may be adopted as the diagnostic tool for the initial investigation of suspected CH.
Task demands and age‐related differences in retrieval and response inhibition
Authors: Wilson Steffen Pope , Kipp Katherine , Daniels Jennifer
Published: November 2003

This study investigates the role of task demands on children's ability to inhibit irrelevant information using a block‐cued directed‐forgetting task. Recall performance was compared in a block‐cued directed‐forgetting task in which task demands had been decreased by presenting blocks of semantically related words with that in which unrelated words were presented. Inhibition patterns of recall were found at a younger age in the task that contained the related words than in the task that contained the unrelated words. These results suggest that previous results charting the development of cognitive inhibition may not have been exclusively the product of the development of inhibition, but rather a product of both the difficulty of the task and the development of inhibition.
Testicular Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Singla Nirmish , Bagrodia Aditya , Baraban Ezra , Fankhauser Christian D. , Ged Yasser M. A.
Published: February 2025

Importance

Testicular cancer is the most common solid malignancy among males aged 15 to 40 years in the US, with approximately 10 000 new cases diagnosed each year. Between 90% and 95% of testicular cancers are germ cell tumors (GCTs).

Observations

The mean age at diagnosis for testicular cancer is 33 years. GCTs are categorized as seminomas and nonseminomatous GCTs (NSGCTs) based on their embryonic origins and path of differentiation. Risk factors include cryptorchidism, family history of testicular cancer, gonadal dysgenesis, infertility, cannabis use, and genetic conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome. The most common presenting symptom of testicular cancer is a painless testicular mass. History, physical examination, scrotal ultrasound, laboratory assessment of GCT-associated serum tumor markers (α-fetoprotein, β-human chorionic gonadotropin, and lactate dehydrogenase), and prompt referral to a urologist are indicated when testicular cancer is suspected. Early diagnosis and treatment, starting with a radical inguinal orchiectomy, are important to optimize outcomes. At diagnosis, GCT is stage I (localized to the testicle) in 70% to 75% of patients, stage II (metastatic only to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes) in 20%, and stage III (widely metastatic) in 10%. Treatment of GCTs is guided by histology, clinical staging, and risk classification, with 5-year survival rates of 99%, 92%, and 85% for those diagnosed at stages I, II, and III, respectively. Optimal treatment often involves a multidisciplinary team at high-volume, experienced medical centers and may include surveillance (serum tumor markers [α-fetoprotein, β-human chorionic gonadotropin, and lactate dehydrogenase] and imaging of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis), surgery (retroperitoneal lymph node dissection), chemotherapy, and/or radiation. Treatment decisions should consider long-term survivorship concerns, including body image, fertility, hypogonadism, mental health, financial cost, adherence to follow-up, and late adverse effects of therapy such as cardiovascular disease, secondary malignancies, and potential psychosocial effects such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

Conclusions and Relevance

Testicular cancer is the most common solid malignancy in young men in the US, and 90% to 95% are GCTs. Patients with testicular GCT have a 5-year survival rate of 99%, 92%, and 85% for stages I, II, and III, respectively. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to optimize outcomes, and treatment decisions should balance oncologic control with survivorship concerns to minimize long-term adverse effects of treatment.
Risk of Attempted and Completed Suicide in Persons Diagnosed With Headache
Authors: Elser Holly , Farkas Dóra Körmendiné , Fuglsang Cecilia Hvitfeldt , Sørensen Sissel Toft , Sørensen Henrik Toft
Published: February 2025

Importance

Although past research suggests an association between migraine and attempted suicide, there is limited research regarding risk of attempted and completed suicide across headache disorders.

Objective

To examine the risk of attempted and completed suicide associated with diagnosis of migraine, tension-type headache, posttraumatic headache, and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia (TAC).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a population-based cohort study of Danish citizens from 1995 to 2020. The setting was in Denmark, with a population of 5.6 million people. Persons 15 years and older who were diagnosed with headache were matched by sex and birth year to persons without headache diagnosis with a ratio of 5:1. Data analysis was conducted from May 2023 to May 2024.

Exposures

First-time headache diagnoses identified from inpatient hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and outpatient specialty clinic visits using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Diagnostic codes from the ICD-10 were used to identify attempted suicide from the Danish National Patient Registry and the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register and completed suicides from the Danish Register of Causes of Death. Absolute risks (ARs) and risk differences (RDs) for attempted and completed suicide were calculated using the cumulative incidence function. Hazard ratios (HRs) for attempted and completed suicide associated with headache diagnosis were computed adjusting for age, sex, year, education, income, baseline comorbidities, and accounting for competing risk of death.

Results

In total, 119 486 persons (83 046 female [69.5%]) diagnosed with headache were identified and matched with 597 430 persons (415 230 female [69.5%]) drawn from the general population. Participants’ median (IQR) age was 40.1 (29.1-51.6) years. The 15-year AR of attempted suicide among persons diagnosed with headache was 0.78% (95% CI, 0.72%-0.85%) vs 0.33% (95% CI, 0.31%-0.35%) in the comparison cohort (RD, 0.45%; 95% CI, 0.39%-0.53%). The 15-year AR of completed suicide among persons diagnosed with headache was 0.21% (95% CI, 0.17%-0.24%) vs 0.15% (95% CI, 0.13%-0.16%) in the comparison cohort (RD, 0.06%; 95% CI, 0.02%-0.10%). The hazards of attempted suicide (HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.84-2.27) and completed suicide (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.17-1.68) were elevated among persons with headache vs comparison cohort members. Findings were consistent across headache types, with stronger associations for TACs and posttraumatic headache.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this cohort study revealing the robust and persistent association of headache diagnoses with attempted and completed suicide suggest that behavioral health evaluation and treatment may be important for these patients.
Maternal and Child Health Following 2 Home Visiting Interventions vs Control
Authors: Schepan Marie Lisanne , Sandner Malte , Conti Gabriella , Kliem Sören , Brand Tilman
Published: February 2025

Importance

Home-based interventions targeting socially disadvantaged families may help to improve maternal and child health. Only a few studies have investigated how different staffing models affect early home visiting program outcomes.

Objective

To assess the effects of 2 staffing models of an early childhood intervention on mother and child outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The baseline assessment of this randomized trial was conducted between November 2006 and December 2009 in 15 municipalities in Germany. The follow-up assessment at offspring age 7 years was carried out by interviewers masked to treatment conditions from April 2015 to December 2017. Data analysis was performed from March to August 2023. Pregnant women with no previous live birth, low-income, and at least 1 additional psychosocial risk factor were eligible. A total of 1157 women were referred to the study by gynecologists, psychosocial counseling services, or employment agencies; 755 were randomized to treatment conditions (2 intervention groups and 2 control groups); and 525 completed the follow-up.

Interventions

Based on the Nurse-Family Partnership program, women assigned to the intervention groups received visits by either a midwife (midwife-only model) or by a team consisting of a social worker and a midwife (tandem model) until child age 2 years. Women assigned to control groups had access to the standard health and social services.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Average treatment effects (ATEs) on the following primary outcomes were assessed using adjusted regression models with inverse probability weighting: developmental disorders, child behavioral problems, adverse, neglectful and abusive parenting, maternal mental health, and life satisfaction.

Results

The mean (SD) age at follow-up was 29.6 (4.36) years for mothers and 7.55 (0.75) years for children; 272 (52.2%) of the children were female. Mothers in the tandem model reported fewer internalizing child behavioral problems compared to their control group (ATE, 2.98; 95% CI, −5.49 to −0.47; absolute reduction, 13.3 percentage points). Beneficial intervention effects were found in the midwife-only group on abusive parenting (ATE, −4.00; 95% CI, −6.82 to −1.18), parenting stress (ATE, −0.13; 95% CI, −0.20 to −0.06), and maternal mental health burden (ATE, −3.63; 95% CI, −6.03 to −1.22; absolute reduction, 6.6 percentage points in depressive symptoms), but not in the tandem group.

Conclusions and Relevance

Both staffing models produced positive intervention effects, with more effects seen in the midwife-only model. These insights can guide future early childhood intervention designs and may help improve health care for socially disadvantaged families.

Trial Registration

German Clinical Trials Register Identifier: DRKS00007554
Polyisoprene
Authors: Murray Aaron
Published: February 2025

Ever since a synthetic
cis
‐1,4‐polyisoprene with the structure and properties of natural rubber was prepared in 1954 with the then newly discovered Ziegler catalyst, synthetic polyisoprene has been an important elastomer. Various catalysts have been used for synthesizing polyisoprenes, and the two commercially important systems are Ziegler–Natta and anionic polymerization. The manufacture of
cis
‐1,4‐polyisoprene and its compounding into formulations useful in making finished goods and articles are discussed. World plant capacities and estimated production figures for
cis
‐1,4‐polyisoprene are given, along with current polymer cost.
trans
‐1,4‐Polyisoprene is produced commercially only in Japan. Some of the specifications for
cis
‐1,4‐polyisoprene (Natsyn) made by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., the sole U.S. producer, include volatile matter, extractables, ash, and Mooney viscosity. The principal use for
cis
‐1,4‐polyisoprene is in tires and tire products, and for
trans
‐1,4‐polyisoprene is in golf ball covers and orthopedic devices.
OMB memo pausing federal grants causes chaos
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2025

Last week a memo from the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released January 27 late in the day created chaos across the country. Although a judge stopped the order, which was due to take effect at 5:00 pm on January 28, temporarily, a full hearing will be held February 3. The White House is still defending its action, which would affect the SUPTRS block grant, research grantees, and all not for profits receiving grants. The news blackout from the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) continued (see ADAW https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.34392). We were not able to get comments from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which funds the SUPTRS block grant, or NIDA or NIAAA.
OUD outpatients who use fentanyl lag in buprenorphine initiation
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2025

The widespread presence of fentanyl is causing already disappointing levels of buprenorphine treatment initiation for opioid use disorder (OUD) to plunge even further, suggest data from a newly published cohort study. The study found that only around one‐third of fentanyl‐using patients of two outpatient substance use treatment clinics were able to complete a low‐dose initiation protocol and proceed to pick up a refill maintenance prescription of buprenorphine.
VHA study: Warn veterans of suicide risks of opioids and guns
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2025

In a study of 38,454 veterans at risk for suicide, who received suicide safety plans, 28% had access to firearms, and 5% had access to opioids, based on self‐reports. Clinicians told them about firearm cable locks and/or naloxone, but few of veterans accepted these.
ASAM releases free new assessment guide
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2025

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has announced today the release of The ASAM Criteria® Fourth Edition Level of Care Assessment Guide, a streamlined tool that helps clinicians collect sufficient patient information to recommend an appropriate level of addiction care.
Co‐Adsorbent Boosting the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cell Based on Hole‐Selective Self‐Assembled Molecules
Authors: Liu Yujun , Zhou Chao , Wang Fei , Li Haocheng , Cheng Quan , Ai Xinbo , Wu Junsheng , Han Yonglei , Han Ling , Ma Ye , Cao Qi , Feng Yuxuan , Zhou Kang , Li Jingbai , Hu Hanlin , Wang Shiyu , Lu Wang‐Ting , Zhao Zhuo , Wang Yongfei , Lin Haoran
Published: February 2025

The inverted perovskite solar cells based on hole‐selective self‐assembled molecules (SAMs) have been setting new efficiency benchmarks. However, the agglomeration of SAM and lack of defect passivation ability are two critical issues that need to be addressed. It is demonstrated that by blending co‐adsorbent 4‐phosphoricbutyl ammonium iodide (4PBAI) with 4‐(7H‐dibenzo[c,g]carbazole‐7‐yl) phosphonic acid (4PADCB), enhanced homogeneity, conductivity, and better energy levels can be realized for the co‐SAM hole‐selective contact. The ammonium functional group on 4PBAI also can effectively passivate the defects at the buried interface and template high‐quality perovskite growth. Assisted by synergistic top interface modification, the power conversion efficiency of the optimized device reaches 24.96%, which can retain 95% of the initial after 1200 h in ambient for the unencapsulated device. The findings suggest that a well‐designed co‐adsorbent can effectively address the limitations and further enhance the performance of cutting‐edge SAMs.
Regulating Interfacial Chemistry to Boost Ionic Transport and Interface Stability of Composite Solid‐State Electrolytes for High‐Performance Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Wen Sifan , Sun Zhefei , Wu Xiaoyu , Zhou Shenghui , Yin Quanzhi , Chen Haoyu , Pan Jianhai , Zhang Zhiwen , Zhuang Zilong , Wan Jiayu , Zhou Weidong , Peng Dong‐Liang , Zhang Qiaobao
Published: February 2025

Composite solid‐state electrolytes (CSSEs) that combine the benefits of inorganic and polymer electrolytes hold great potential for solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) due to their high ionic conductivity and superior mechanical properties. However, their overall performance is severely hindered by several practical challenges, including inorganic component aggregation, poor interface behavior, and limited Li+ transport. Here, a unique ultrathin coating of triaminopropyl triethoxysilane with a bifunctional structure is introduced that effectively bridges the inorganic fillers (Li1+xAlxTi2‐x(PO4)3, LATP) and the polyvinylidene fluoride hexafluoropropylene /polyethylene oxide polymer matrix, thereby enabling high‐performance CSSEs (referred to as SLPH). This design prevents LATP particle agglomeration, improves interfacial compatibility, and ensures the enrichment and fast transport of Li+ within SLPH. Consequently, the SLPH exhibits a low ionic conduction energy barrier (Ea = 0.462 eV), desirable ionic conductivity (4.19 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 60 °C), and a high Li+ transference number ( = 0.694). As a result, SSLMBs with SLPH, including Li| SLPH |Li symmetric cells, LiFePO4| SLPH |Li coin‐type, and pouch cells, demonstrate superior rate capability and long‐time cycling stability. This work underscores the significance of surface functionalization of inorganic electrolytes to create a stable solid‐solid interface and enhance ionic conduction, paving the way for high‐performance CSSEs in SSLMBs.
Design High‐Entropy Core‐Shell Nickel‐Rich Cobalt‐Free Cathode Material Toward High Performance Lithium Batteries
Authors: Zhao Boyang , Sun Xia , Bi Hongwei , Yang Tingzhou , Li Haipeng , Luo Dan , Zhang Yongguang , Chen Zhongwei
Published: February 2025

The structural instability of lithium‐based transition metal layered oxides during electrochemical cycling‐exacerbated by phenomena such as metal dissolution and phase transitions‐induces rapid capacity degradation, thus constraining their applicability in high‐energy‐density lithium batteries. While coating these materials can bolster stability, the employment of electrochemically inactive coatings may inadvertently undermine energy storage performance, presenting a significant trade‐off. In response to this challenge, an innovative core‐shell cathode architecture is presented, wherein high entropy doped LiNi1/6Mn1/6Al1/6Ti1/6Mo1/6Ta1/6O2 serves as the shell and nickel‐rich cobalt‐free LiNi0.89Mn0.11O2 constitutes the core, synthesized through a simple two‐step co‐precipitation methodology (designated as LHECNM). This high‐entropy shell preserves the core's electrochemical performance while effectively mitigating phase transformations and transition metal ion dissolution, thereby enhancing structural robustness. Moreover, the core‐shell configuration significantly diminishes the energy barrier for Li+ diffusion, facilitating superior ion transport dynamics. Consequently, LHECNM demonstrates remarkable electrochemical performance, achieving a discharge capacity of 201.57 mAh g−1, a commendable rate capability up to 5C, and an impressive 92% capacity retention over prolonged cycling. This investigation elucidates a promising paradigm for the design of high‐entropy cathode materials, offering profound insights for the advancement of future energy storage technologies.
Fully Passive Electrochemical Oxygen Sensor Enabled With Organic Electrochemical Transistor
Authors: D'Amico Lia Giulia , Zhang Chenhong , Decataldo Francesco , Vurro Vito , Tessarolo Marta , Gualandi Isacco , Mariani Federica , Scavetta Erika , Cramer Tobias , Fraboni Beatrice
Published: February 2025

Wireless and battery‐free sensor operation is essential for sustainable sensor networks for environmental and health monitoring. Achieving such a fully passive design in electrochemical sensors is challenging due to the need for amplification and control electronics as realized in potentiostats. To address this issue, organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are introduced as amplified sensors and demonstrate an OECT‐based oxygen sensor that exploits the electrochemical reduction of oxygen, akin to the Clark electrode. To build the sensor, the transistor thin film fabrication protocol is integrated with the deposition of a gas permeable silicone membrane and a hydrogel electrolyte. To assess the sensor's power consumption, a model that links power consumption to the OECT geometry and the material properties of the semiconducting channel is established. This model identifies the optimized OECT design that is compatible with commercial near‐field communication (NFC) microcontrollers. In the optimized design, the interrogating NFC radio signal is sufficient to power the microcontroller, achieve sensor readout, and transmit the digitized sensor current, enabling oxygen monitoring in air or water without wired connections or batteries. These findings provide a first example and quantitative argumentation on exploiting OECTs in low‐power electrochemical sensor architectures.
PRMT5 Maintains Homeostasis of the Intestinal Epithelium by Modulating Cell Proliferation and Survival
Authors: Li Leilei , Zhang Zhe , Wang Xu , Zhao Haiyong , Liu Liansheng , Xiao Yanhui , Hua Shan , Chen Ye‐Guang
Published: February 2025

Intestinal homeostasis is sustained by self‐renewal of intestinal stem cells, which continuously divide and produce proliferative transit‐amplifying (TA) and progenitor cells. Protein arginine methyltransferases 5 (PRMT5) plays a crucial role in regulating homeostasis of various mammalian tissues. However, its function in intestinal homeostasis remains elusive. In this study, conditional knockout of Prmt5 in the mouse intestinal epithelium leads to a reduction in stem cell population, suppression of cell proliferation, and increased cell apoptosis within the intestinal crypts, accompanied with shortened gut length, decreased mouse body weight, and eventual animal mortality. Additionally, Prmt5 deletion or its enzymatic inhibition in intestinal organoids in vitro also shows resembling cellular phenotypes. Methylome profiling identifies 90 potential Prmt5 substrates, which are involved in RNA‐related biological processes and cell division. Consistently, Prmt5 depletion in intestinal organoids leads to aberrant alternative splicing in a subset of genes related to the mitotic cell cycle. Furthermore, Prmt5 loss triggers p53‐mediated apoptosis in the intestinal epithelium. Collectively, the findings uncover an indispensable role of PRMT5 in promoting cell proliferation and survival, as well as maintaining stem cells in the gut epithelium.
Robust Reinforcement Learning Control Framework for a Quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Using Critic Neural Network
Authors: Cai Yu , Yang Yefeng , Huang Tao , Li Boyang
Published: February 2025

This article introduces a novel robust reinforcement learning (RL) control scheme for a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (QUAV) under external disturbances and model uncertainties. First, the translational and rotational motions of the QUAV are decoupled and trained separately to mitigate the computational complexity of the controller design and training process. Then, the proximal policy optimization algorithm with a dual‐critic structure is proposed to address the overestimation issue and accelerate the convergence speed of RL controllers. Furthermore, a novel reward function and a robust compensator employing a switch value function are proposed to address model uncertainties and external disturbances. At last, simulation results and comparisons demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed RL control framework.
Chiral Natural Products With anti‐Plasmodium Activity Identified From the East African Flora from 2000 to 2023
Authors: Gachuhi Samuel , Souaibou Yaouba , Ngodwana Lonwabo , Taleli Lebusetsa
Published: February 2025

For more than half a century, significant strides have been taken to reduce the incidence of malaria, but nearly half of the world's population is still at risk of malaria infection. Development of parasite resistance to antimalarial drugs remains a medical challenge that requires identification and development of novel druglike anti‐plasmodial leads that are active against drug resistant parasites. The benefits of chiral natural product (NPs) as anti‐Plasmodium  drugs can be traced back to Quinine. To date, the importance of stereogenic center in drug discovery continues to influence clinical pharmacology of various clinical candidates. This review retrospectively examines chiral natural product anti‐Plasmodium  agents from the East African flora published between year 2000 and 2023. The intention is to identify promising leads that could be ideal starting points for development of the next generation of antimalarial drugs.
Synthesis of Optically Active Tolane‐Stacked Molecules Based on Planar Chiral [2.2]Paracyclophanes
Authors: Yukimoto Shun , Inoue Ryo , Ito Takuma , Morisaki Yasuhiro
Published: February 2025

In this study, optically active compounds were synthesized by stacking diarylacetylenes with two benzene rings and an ethynylene (tolane derivatives) using planar chiral [2.2]paracyclophanes. The compounds with carboxy groups formed one‐dimensional zig‐zag structures through hydrogen bonds in the crystals, with three hydrogen‐bonded chains bundled to construct a one‐handed triple helix. All compounds prepared in this study exhibited circularly polarized luminescence properties with good anisotropy factors.
Advanced Contactless Bioassembly Approaches: Leveraging Sound, Optical, and Magnetic Fields
Authors: Natta Micaela , Cocchi Greta , Tognato Riccardo , Cianciosi Alessandro , Serra Tiziano
Published: February 2025

The native structure of tissues and organs is characterized by a hierarchical architecture, where various cell types and extracellular matrix components are closely interconnected. The precise organization of these entities is crucial for ensuring the proper functionality of tissues and organs. Therefore, engineering the spatial complexity of living systems is essential not only to mimic in vivo architecture but also to govern the microenvironments where embedded cells reside. Bioassembly is an innovative toolset for in vitro modeling and regenerative medicine. It enables the precise assembly and patterning of cells, biomaterials, and bioactive substances into 3D structures using automated and cell‐friendly fabrication methods. In this review, the focus is centered on three contactless bioassembly approaches that are driven by sound, optical, and magnetic field. These technologies are thoroughly discussed, with a particular emphasis on their mechanism of action and their applications.