bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chlamydia Positivity in Women Screened in Family Planning Clinics: Racial/Ethnic Differences and Trends in the Northwest U.S., 1997–2006
Authors: Fine David , Thomas Katherine K. , Nakatsukasa-Ono Wendy , Marrazzo Jeanne
Published: July 2017

Objectives.

We assessed chlamydia trends, individual-level risk factors, and population-level area-based socioeconomic measures (ABSMs) associated with chlamydia infection in women attending U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Region X Infertility Prevention Project (IPP) family planning (FP) clinics from 1997–2006. We then explored these measures within racial/ethnic subpopulations.

Methods.

Using data from 667,223 chlamydia tests obtained from women aged 15–24 years screened in 201 FP clinics, we employed a generalized mixed model with logistic link, incorporating clinic and ZIP code as random effects to adjust for risk of chlamydia associated with individual- and population-level (areal) measures for the overall population and for each racial/ethnic subpopulation.

Results.

Significant racial/ethnic differences in chlamydia persisted after adjusting for individual and aggregate factors. Relatively steep chlamydia gradients were found across racial/ethnic ABSM levels. Compared with white women, infection risk was significantly higher for black (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.93), American Indian/Alaska Native (AOR=1.62), Asian/Pacific Islander (AOR=1.42), and Hispanic (AOR=1.28) women. The impact of population-level ABSMs on chlamydia varied across racial/ethnic groups and was generally modest. Among white women, there was a significant 4% relative annual increase in predicted chlamydia during the 10-year period 1997–2006. Chlamydia positivity over time did not change for racial/ethnic minority groups after adjusting for individual- and population-level factors.

Conclusions.

Racial/ethnic differences in chlamydia persisted over time and were not mitigated by adjustment for aggregate socioeconomic position or areal racial/ethnic measures. Changes in project strategies will be needed to address racial/ethnic disparities for chlamydial infection among young female FP clinic clients.
Atrazine Exposure in Public Drinking Water and Preterm Birth
Authors: Rinsky Jessica L. , Hopenhayn Claudia , Golla Vijay , Browning Steve , Bush Heather M.
Published: July 2017

Objectives.

Approximately 13% of all births occur prior to 37 weeks gestation in the U.S. Some established risk factors exist for preterm birth, but the etiology remains largely unknown. Recent studies have suggested an association with environmental exposures. We examined the relationship between preterm birth and exposure to a commonly used herbicide, atrazine, in drinking water.

Methods.

We reviewed Kentucky birth certificate data for 2004–2006 to collect duration of pregnancy and other individual-level covariates. We assessed existing data sources for atrazine levels in public drinking water for the years 2000–2008, classifying maternal county of residence into three atrazine exposure groups. We used logistic regression to analyze the relationship between atrazine exposure and preterm birth, controlling for maternal age, race/ethnicity, education, smoking, and prenatal care.

Results.

An increase in the odds of preterm birth was found for women residing in the counties included in the highest atrazine exposure group compared with women residing in counties in the lowest exposure group, while controlling for covariates. Analyses using the three exposure assessment approaches produced odds ratios ranging from 1.20 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14, 1.27) to 1.26 (95% CI 1.19, 1.32), for the highest compared with the lowest exposure group.

Conclusions.

Suboptimal characterization of environmental exposure and variables of interest limited the analytical options of this study. Still, our findings suggest a positive association between atrazine and preterm birth, and illustrate the need for an improved assessment of environmental exposures to accurately address this important public health issue.
Increasing Access to Oral Health Care for People Living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S.: Baseline Evaluation Results of the Innovations in Oral Health Care Initiative
Authors: Fox Jane E. , Tobias Carol R. , Bachman Sara S. , Reznik David A. , Rajabiun Serena , Verdecias Niko
Published: July 2017

Objectives.

We provide an overview of the Health Resources and Services Administration HIV/AIDS Bureau's Special Projects of National Significance Innovations in Oral Health Care Initiative, describe the models developed by the 15 demonstration sites and associated evaluation center, and present initial descriptive data about the characteristics of the multisite evaluation study sample.

Methods.

Baseline data were collected from May 2007–August 2009 for 2,469 adults living with HIV/AIDS who had been without dental care, except for emergency care, for 12 months or longer. Variables included sociodemographic characteristics, HIV status, medical care, history of dental care and oral health symptoms, oral health practices, and physical and mental health quality of life. Descriptive statistics of baseline variables were calculated.

Results.

The study sample included 2,469 adults who had been HIV-positive for a decade; most were engaged in HIV care. The majority (52.4%) of patients had not seen a dentist in more than two years; 48.2% reported an unmet oral health-care need since testing positive for HIV, and 63.2% rated the health of their teeth and gums as “fair” or “poor.”

Conclusions.

This study is the largest to examine oral health care among people living with HIV/AIDS in more than a decade. The need for access to oral health care among members of this HIV-positive patient sample is greater than in the general population, following previous trends. Findings from our study reinforce the necessity for continued federal and statewide advocacy and support for oral health programs targeting people living with HIV/AIDS; findings can be extended to other vulnerable populations.
Area-Level Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Severe Pulmonary Tuberculosis: U.S., 2000–2008
Authors: Oren Eyal , Narita Masahiro , Nolan Charles , Mayer Jonathan
Published: July 2017

Objectives.

Lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with increased risk of tuberculosis (TB) and diagnostic delays, but the extent to which this association reflects an underlying gradient in advanced status of pulmonary TB is unknown. We conducted a multilevel retrospective cohort analysis examining the relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and pulmonary TB disease status, as measured via sputum smears and chest radiography results.

Methods.

We included 862 incident TB patients reported in King County, Washington, from 2000–2008. We abstracted patient-level measures from charts and surveillance data. We obtained socioeconomic characteristics of TB patients, as well as those of the areas where TB patients lived, from the 2000 U.S. Census. A socioeconomic position (SEP) index was derived to measure SES.

Results.

Of those with known results, 814 of 849 patients (96%) displayed abnormal radiography findings. A total of 239 graded patients (39%) had positive smears, 136 (57%) of whom had grades of moderate (3+) or numerous (4+) acid-fast bacilli. In unadjusted analyses, patients living in lower SEP areas did not appear to have higher probabilities of more advanced disease. In multivariate models adjusting for individual demographic and socioeconomic measures, as well as area-based demographic variables, block-group SEP was not significantly associated with more advanced pulmonary disease.

Conclusions.

Lower SEP was not significantly associated with greater pulmonary disease severity after controlling for individual age, race, sex, and origin, and block-group race, ethnicity, and origin. These findings suggest that the severity of pulmonary TB at diagnosis is not synonymous with delayed diagnosis.
Missed Connections: HIV-Infected People Never in Care
Authors: Bertolli Jeanne , Garland Pamela Morse , Valverde Eduardo E. , Beer Linda , Fagan Jennifer L. , Hart Clyde ,   Never in Care Pilot Project Team
Published: July 2017

Objective.

Clinical interventions that lengthen life after HIV infection and significantly reduce transmission could have greater impact if more HIV-diagnosed people received HIV care. We tested a surveillance-based approach to investigating reasons for delayed entry to care.

Methods.

Health department staff in three states and two cities contacted eligible adults diagnosed with HIV four to 24 months previously who had no reported CD4+ lymphocyte (CD4) or viral load (VL) tests. The staff conducted interviews, performed CD4 and VL testing, and provided referrals to HIV medical care. Reported CD4 and VL tests were prospectively monitored to determine if respondents had entered care after the interview.

Results.

Surveillance-based follow-up uncovered problems with reporting CD4 and VL tests, resulting in surveillance improvements. However, reporting problems led to misspent effort locating people who were already in care Follow-up proved difficult because contact information in surveillance case records was often outdated or incorrect. Of those reached, 37% were in care and 29% refused participation. Information from 132 people interviewed generated ideas for service improvements, such as emphasizing the benefits of early initiation of HIV care, providing coverage eligibility information soon after diagnosis, and leveraging other medical appointments to provide assistance with linkage to HIV care.

Conclusions.

Surveillance-based follow-up of HIV-diagnosed individuals not linked to care provided information to improve both surveillance and linkage services, but was inefficient because of difficulties identifying, locating, and recruiting eligible people. Inefficiencies attributable to missing, incomplete, or inaccurate surveillance records are likely to diminish as data quality is improved through ongoing use.
Rapid HIV Testing at Gay Pride Events to Reach Previously Untested MSM: U.S., 2009–2010
Authors: Mdodo Rennatus , Thomas Peter E. , Walker Anissa , Chavez Pollyanna , Ethridge Steven , Oraka Emeka , Sutton Madeline Y.
Published: July 2017

We offered rapid HIV testing at social events frequented by young men who have sex with men (MSM), a group disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. We tested 1,312 MSM; of those MSM, 1,072 (81.7%) reported HIV testing history. Of those reporting HIV testing history, 550 (51.3%) were non-Hispanic black and 404 (37.7%) were aged <25 years. One hundred twenty-eight (11.9%) had never tested for HIV; 77 (7.2%) were preliminarily positive, with 15 (19.5%) being first-time testers. Factors associated with no previous HIV test included young age (13–24 years) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9, 6.5) and non-Hispanic black (AOR=3.2, 95% CI 1.6, 6.4) or Hispanic (AOR=2.8, 95% CI 1.2, 6.3) race/ethnicity. HIV testing at Gay Pride events reaches young, previously untested MSM. This venue-based HIV testing approach at nonclinical sociocultural events is an additional strategy for HIV prevention goals to increase the number of people aware of their HIV infection with subsequent linkage to HIV care.
The Status of the National HIV Surveillance System, United States, 2013
Authors: Cohen Stacy M. , Gray Kristen Mahle , Ocfemia M. Cheryl Bañez , Johnson Anna Satcher , Hall H. Irene
Published: July 2017

The burden of HIV disease in the United States is monitored by using a comprehensive surveillance system. Data from this system are used at the federal, state, and local levels to plan, implement, and evaluate public health policies and programs. Implementation of HIV reporting has differed by area, and for the first time in early 2013, estimated data on diagnosed HIV infection were available from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and six U.S. dependent areas. The newly available data for the entire U.S. as well as several other key changes to the surveillance system support the need to provide an updated summary of the status of the National HIV Surveillance System.
Fatal Crashes from Drivers Testing Positive for Drugs in the U.S., 1993–2010
Authors: Wilson Fernando A. , Stimpson Jim P. , Pagán José A.
Published: July 2017

Objective.

Illegal drug use is a persistent problem, prescription drug abuse is on the rise, and there is clinical evidence that drug use reduces driving performance. This study describes trends in characteristics of drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes who test positive for drugs.

Methods.

We used the Fatality Analysis Reporting System—a census of motor vehicle crashes resulting in at least one fatality on U.S. public roads—to investigate suspected drug use for the period 1993–2010.

Results.

Drugged drivers who were tested for drug use accounted for 11.4% of all drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes in 2010. Drugged drivers are increasingly likely to be older drivers, and the percentage using multiple drugs increased from 32.6% in 1993 to 45.8% in 2010. About half (52.4%) of all drugged drivers used alcohol, but nearly three-quarters of drivers testing positive for cocaine also used alcohol. Prescription drugs accounted for the highest fraction of drugs used by drugged drivers in fatal crashes in 2010 (46.5%), with much of the increase in prevalence occurring since the mid-2000s.

Conclusions.

The profile of a drugged driver has changed substantially over time. An increasing share of these drivers is now testing positive for prescription drugs, cannabis, and multiple drugs. These findings have implications for developing interventions to address the changing nature of drug use among drivers in the U.S.
Associations between the Department of Veterans Affairs' Suicide Prevention Campaign and Calls to Related Crisis Lines
Authors: Bossarte Robert M. , Karras Elizabeth , Lu Naiji , Tu Xin , Stephens Brady , Draper John , Kemp Janet E.
Published: July 2017

Objective.

The Transit Authority Suicide Prevention (TASP) campaign was launched by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in a limited number of U.S. cities to promote the use of crisis lines among veterans of military service.

Methods.

We obtained the daily number of calls to the VCL and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) for six implementation cities (where the campaign was active) and four control cities (where there was no TASP campaign messaging) for a 14-month period. To identify changes in call volume associated with campaign implementation, VCL and NSPL daily call counts for three time periods of equal length (pre-campaign, during campaign, and post-campaign) were modeled using a Poisson log-linear regression with inference based on the generalized estimating equations.

Results.

Statistically significant increases in calls to both the VCL and the NSPL were reported during the TASP campaign in implementation cities, but were not reported in control cities during or following the campaign. Secondary outcome measures were also reported for the VCL and included the percentage of callers who are veterans, and calls resulting in a rescue during the study period.

Conclusions.

Results from this study reveal some promise for suicide prevention messaging to promote the use of telephone crisis services and contribute to an emerging area of research examining the effects of campaigns on help seeking.
Gambling in Hong Kong
Authors: Choi Hak
Published: July 2017

Hong Kong's success in economic growth is well known. One of the contributing factors could be legalized betting. Even after the transition of sovereignty from Britain to China, it is guaranteed that gambling activities will continue to exist. How active is gambling in Hong Kong? How large is the volume? This article investigates the gambling behavior of the Hong Kong people and tests the life cycle of the gambling business. Findings suggest that the people of Hong Kong have a rational basis for their gambling and that horse racing enjoys a longer life cycle than the lottery.
The Effect of Information on Attitudes regarding Tour Fees: The Case of the Hoover Dam Powerplant Tour
Authors: Schwer R. Keith , Daneshvary Rennae
Published: July 2017

This study assessed residents' and nonresidents' attitudes toward the Hoover Dam powerplant tour fee (reference price) after the provision of contextual information. The contextual information included the admission cost to other well-known attractions and the cost of providing the powerplant tour on a daily basis. The study also assessed the effect of residual information, previous dam experience, on reference price. Five surveys were used to collect data from 2,958 respondents. The results indicate that contextual information significantly changed attitudes toward the reference price, although residual information had little influence.
A Comparison of Alternative Direct and Discrepancy Approaches to Measuring Quality of Performance at a Festival
Authors: Childress Rebecca D. , Crompton John L.
Published: July 2017

A number of alternative measures for evaluating quality of performance have been proposed. This article empirically compares the relative utility of seven quality-of-performance measures by assessing them against 14 criteria. The trade-offs between measures are identified, enabling managers to make more informed decisions when selecting a measure to use. Discrepancy measures were found to be generally superior to direct measures. The best alternatives for managers to use appear to be the perceptions-minus-expectations format, and a three-column measure that asked respondents to rate their minimum acceptable and desired levels of quality for festivals in general and their perceptions of the quality of Main Street Days, the festival of interest in this study. The relationship between perceptions of the supplier's quality of performance and satisfaction (quality of the visitors' experience) was empirically examined. It was found that the two constructs were related but that there were distinctive differences between them.
The 1998 Travel Outlook
Authors: Goeldner C. R.
Published: July 2017

This report briefly summarizes selected highlights of the 1998 Travel Outlook Forum, sponsored by the Travel Industry Association of America. Copies of the 1998 Outlook for Travel and Tourism are available from the Travel Industry Association, 1100 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20005 for $175. Tapes of the conference are available from Wells Walker and Co., Inc., 7406 Alban Station Court, B-212, Springfield, VA 22150.
Survey of Nutritional Problems Encountered in Children with Neuromotor Disorders
Authors: Greecher Coleen P. , Cohen Ian T. , Ballantine Thomas V. N.
Published: July 2017

A survey of 200 patients ranging in age from 5–21 yr was undertaken in 3 facilities in central Pennsylvania: state‐ (100), county‐ (13), and privately‐operated (66), together with 21 children being cared for at home. Their diagnoses included chromosomal, metabolic, and anatomic abnormalities, and other encephalopathies. The following nutritional problems were identified: 1) inadequate nutrient intake due to feeding technique, swallowing difficulties, or regurgitation; 2) obesity and low activity level; 3) constipation; 4) nutrient‐drug interactions and allergies; and 5) inadequate standards with which to compare growth and adequacy of nutrient intake. The nutritional problems encountered in these pediatric patients with neuromotor disorders warrant management by a physician‐nutritionist team skilled in nutritional assessment and techniques of providing nutritional support.
TPN Catheter Sepsis: Lack of Effect of Subcutaneous Tunnelling of PVC Catheters on Sepsis Rate
Authors: Meyenfeldt Maartin M. F. von , Stapert Jouwert , Jong Peter C. M. de , Soeters Peter B. , Wesdorp Robert I. C. , Greep Jacobus M.
Published: July 2017

In an effort to diminish the incidence of catheter related sepsis in total parenteral nutrition, the effect of a 10‐cm long subcutaneous tunnel was studied in a prospective randomized manner. This tunnel created a longer anatomical distance between puncture site of the catheter and the subclavian vein. In the control group, a direct puncture technique was employed. Eighty‐one catheters (group A) were inserted according to the direct technique, 69 (group B) were tunnelled. Catheter sepsis was defined as an episode of clinical sepsis for which no other cause can be identified and which resolves upon removal of the catheter. No significant differences were noted between the two groups, suggesting that tunnelling of subclavian PVC catheters does not diminish the incidence of catheter related sepsis.
Creation of a Subcutaneous Tunnel for Broviac and Hickman Catheters
Authors: Holt Richard W. , Heres Edward K.
Published: July 2017

The use of the Cordis shunt tunneler has simplified the creation of the subcutaneous tunnel for chronic venous access catheters. The tunneling maneuver is rapid, is associated with little patient discomfort, and in a series of 25 consecutive patients has not been associated with hematoma formation. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 9: 225, 1985)
Urban Concentration: The Role of Increasing Returns and Transport Costs
Authors: Krugman Paul
Published: July 2017

Very large urban centers are a conspicuous feature of many developing economies, yet the subject of the size distribution of cities (as opposed to such issues as rural-urban migration) has been neglected by development economists. This article argues that some important insights into urban concentration, especially the tendency of some developing countries to have very large primate cities, can be derived from recent approaches to economic geography. Three approaches are compared: the well-established neoclassical urban systems theory, which emphasizes the tradeoff between agglomeration economies and diseconomies of city size; the new economic geography, which attempts to derive agglomeration effects from the interactions among market size, transportation costs, and increasing returns at the firm level; and a nihilistic view that cities emerge out of a random process in which there are roughly constant returns to city size. The article suggests that Washington consensus policies of reduced government intervention and trade opening may tend to reduce the size of primate cities or at least slow their relative growth.
Are parents of school-age children with specific language impairments accurate estimators of their child’s language skills?
Authors: Hauerwas Laura Boynton , Stone C. Addison
Published: July 2017

This study was designed to examine the relative accuracy of parents’ estimations of the language skills of school-age children (ages 5-7) with and without language impairments. The parents of children with language impairments were more accurate estimators than the parents of normally developing children in terms of the correspondence of absolute ratings of language skills, but less accurate in terms of correlations of ratings with standardized test scores. Parent ratings were not significantly correlated with teacher ratings in either group. Definitions of accuracy of estimations and their implications are discussed in terms of the role of parents in the identification of children’s language needs, both for formal intervention and for day-to-day language stimulation.
Targeting metaphonological ability in intervention for children with developmental phonological disorders
Authors: Adams Catherine , Nightingale Catherine , Hesketh Anne , Hall Rebecca
Published: July 2017

Thirty-one children with isolated phonological disorders participated in a speech and language therapy programme targeted at improving metaphono-logical ability. Assessments were designed that were sensitive to the potential changes made in metaphonological awareness and speech output as a result of therapy. Metaphonological abilities improved significantly as a result of therapy (in comparison with non-treated control children). Post-therapy measures demonstrated that speech and language therapy was highly effective in improving the speech output of children with isolated phonological disorders after controlling for maturational effects. Consideration is given to whether initial metaphonological status influences outcome and whether having good or poor initial metaphonological skills indicates a child’s readiness to benefit from phonological therapy.
Improving the rehabilitative management of client sexual health concerns after neurological disability: evaluation of a staff sexuality training programme in New Zealand
Authors: Simpson Grahame , Anwar Samir , Wilson Joan , Bertapelle Tanya
Published: July 2017

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a staff sexuality training programme as a means of improving the rehabilitative management of client sexual health concerns after neurological disability.

Design: A prospective controlled pre- and posttest evaluation design with six-month follow-up.

Subjects: Seventy-four multidisciplinary rehabilitation and disability staff who attended a two-day workshop, and a control group of 25 staff members who did not receive the training.

Setting: Two workshops were held at major rehabilitation centres in the North and South Islands of New Zealand respectively.

Main measures: The Sex Attitude Scale, as well as three purpose-designed measures including an objective knowledge test, a self-rating inventory of skills and clinical activity, and a single-item measure of the degree of staff comfort.

Results: Workshop participants showed significant increases in knowledge, skills and comfort comparing pre-to post-workshop scores. A number of these gains were maintained at the six-month follow-up. There was an associated increase in the level of reported staff activity in addressing patient/client sexual health concerns in the six months to follow-up, compared to a similar time period preceding the workshop. In contrast, the control group had similar pre-workshop scores to the workshop participants, but recorded no increase on the measures, or in their level of reported activity, at the six-month follow-up.

Conclusions: The programme showed initial promise as an effective intervention in upgrading the capacity of staff working in rehabilitation and disability agencies to address the sexual health concerns of their patients/clients.
Can quality of movement be measured? Rasch analysis and inter-rater reliability of the Motor Evaluation Scale for Upper Extremity in Stroke Patients (MESUPES)
Authors: Van de Winckel Ann , Feys Hilde , van der Knaap Suzan , Messerli Ruth , Baronti Fabio , Lehmann Ruth , Van Hemelrijk Bart , Pante` Franca , Perfetti Carlo , De Weerdt Willy
Published: July 2017

Objective: Clinical scales evaluating arm function after stroke are weak at detecting quality of movement. Therefore a new scale, the Motor Evaluation Scale for Upper Extremity in Stroke Patients (MESUPES), was developed, comprising 22 items pertaining to arm and hand performance. The scale was investigated for validity and unidimensionality using the Rasch measurement model, and for inter-rater reliability.

Setting: Twelve hospitals and rehabilitation centres in Belgium, Germany and Switzerland.

Patients: There were 396 patients (average age 63.38±12.89 years) in the Rasch study and 56 patients (average age 65.68±12.75 years) in the reliability study.

Main measures: The scale was examined on its fit to the Rasch model, thereby evaluating the scale’s unidimensionality and validity. Differential item functioning was performed to test the stability of item hierarchy on several variables. Inter-rater reliability was examined with kappa values, weighted percentage agreement and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results: Based on Rasch analysis, five items were removed. The MESUPES was divided in two tests: the MESUPES-arm test (8 items) and MESUPES-hand test (9 items). Both scales fitted the Rasch model. All items were stable among the subgroups of the sample. ICCs were 0.95 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91 -0.97) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.95-0.98) for the total score on arm and hand test respectively. The scale was also reliable at item level (weighted kappa 0.62 -0.79, weighted percentage agreement 85.71 -98.21).

Conclusion: The MESUPES-arm and MESUPES-hand meet the statistical properties of reliability, validity and unidimensionality. Both tests provide a useful clinical and research tool to qualitatively evaluate arm and hand function during recovery after stroke.
Towards the Ur-Text of Esther
Authors: Fried Lisbeth S.
Published: July 2017

This article attempts to discover the original version of the book of Esther. There are three versions of Esther extant: the Hebrew MT, the Greek LXX translation of the MT, and a second Greek text (the so-called A-text). The LXX is a translation of the MT except for some additions to it. The A-text is a translation of a Hebrew text different from the MT. Scholars argue that the A-text witnesses to the original story of Esther because (1) the A-text is shorter, and (2) the ending of the A-text is presumed to be the ‘perfect ending’ of the story. This ending includes neither the slaying of those trying to kill the Jews nor the holiday of Purim. This paper argues these two elements are part of the original story and should not be excised from it.
Experimental Investigation of Beam-Column Behavior of Pultruded Structural Shapes
Authors: Barbero Ever J. , Turk Malek
Published: July 2017

The behavior of pultruded structural shapes under combined axial load and end moment is investigated experimentally. A combination of standard displacement transducers and full-field shadow moire is used to record in real time all the deformation modes of the beam-column. A data reduction technique is proposed for interpretation of the full-field deformation data. Observations and quantitative data are presented regarding buckling initiation and collapse of five types of fiber-reinforced composite beam-columns.
Laminated Stiffened Plate-A First Ply Failure Analysis
Authors: Ray C. , Satsangi S. K.
Published: July 2017

A first ply failure analysis of composite stiffened plates has been presented using the finite element method. A new scheme has been formulated to model stiffened composite plates. The plate element has been formulated using an eight noded isoparametric quadratic plate bending element. A three noded isoparametric beam element has been used to formulate the stiffener element. The stiffness matrix of the stiffener element has been developed independently and then the stiffness matrix is transferred to that of the plate element. This technique eliminates the restriction on the orientation of the stiffener within the plate element. The formulation has been validated by analysing a number of problems. The results obtained are compared with those available in published literature.
Melt Rheology of LDPE and Glass Bead Filled LDPE Composite
Authors: Liang J. Z. , Li R. K. Y.
Published: July 2017

The effects of shear rates and temperatures on the melt shear viscosity (17w) and the relationship between the first normal stress difference (NI) and the wall shear stress (Tr,,) of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and glass bead filled LDPE composite, over a temperature range from 130 to 1 70'C and shear rates varied from 100 to I 10 S-l, have been investigated by employing a capillary rheometer. With a rise of temperatures and increasing shear rates the melt viscosity decreases nonlinearly. The melt flow obeys the power law and the power law index increases with a rise of temperature. N1 is approximately an exponential function of rw. The dependence of qw on temperatures basically accords with the Arrhenius expression. Under the same test conditions, the qw and N1 of the composite melt are somewhat lower than those of the pure LDPE melt. On the basis of the predecessors' work, an equation describing the relationship between N1 and pressure drop has been presented in this article. Good agreement is shown between the predicted N1 values and the measured data from the melts.
Comparison of Demographics for Media in 1995, 2006
Authors: Stempel Guido H. , Hargrove Thomas
Published: July 2017

Newspapers, local TV news and network TV news were used less in 2006 than in 1995. Newspapers gained ground on network news, but lost ground to local TV news.
Study Examines Stereotypes in Two National Newspapers
Authors: Kian Edward M.
Published: July 2017

A study of The New York Times and USA Today articles on college basketball counters the gender-specific stereotypes found in previous studies on television commentary of March Madness.
Sports and Politics: Los Angeles Times' Coverage of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games
Authors: Salwen Michael B. , Garrison Bruce
Published: July 2017

The Los Angeles Times' award-winning Olympics supplement was studied with a special focus on political assertions injected into sports coverage of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Most stories contained no political assertions, but among those that did, most of the assertions dealt with U.S.-Soviet relations. Most of the assertions suggested the Soviet-led boycott was politically successful in discrediting the Games and individual American sporting event victories.
Reporting on the State Legislature: A Case Study of Inter-Media Agenda-Setting
Authors: Atwater Tony , Fico Frederick , Pizante Gary
Published: July 2017

This study investigates how media agendas become established. “Inter-media agenda-setting” was studied through the statehouse news coverage of wire services, newspapers, radio and television stations in a midwest capital city during a two-week period. Results suggest that while the wire service news media broke more stories over the short term, newspapers were more likely to set the statehouse news agenda in general.
Written by Pros, Read by Amateurs: Analysis of Trade Speeches on Improving Newspaper Content
Authors: Laakaniemi Ray
Published: July 2017

Analysis of speeches given at national newspaper conventions during the past five years finds three main areas of suggestions for improvement of newspapers: understand the nature and needs of a changing audience; know the news and information needs of your readers; and understand a gap exists between editors and readers in what a newspaper is and should be. The single most often mentioned suggestion was to better know the newspaper audience.
The Classroom & the Newsroom
Authors: Hart Jack
Published: July 2017

Journalism education is missing the boat. At a time when newspapers are anxious for staff development & midcareer training and are spending small fortunes on consultants, J-schools are stepping in to fill the demands of midcareer professionals, right? Wrong. But why not?
Classified Advertising & the Law
Authors: Stevens George E.
Published: July 2017

The Sherman Antitrust Act poses problems in rejecting classified advertising. Personal and real estate ads raise the greatest difficulty, the first because of “duty to investigate” concerns — the second may involve “right to reject” questions.
The “Libel-Proof” Doctrine as a Legal Defense
Authors: Youm Kyu Ho
Published: July 2017

Some people may have such bad reputations that stories about them cannot tarnish them further, according to an emerging legal doctrine. This may mean a new line of defense for press defendants in libel cases, who may argue that those bringing suits are “libel proof.”
Online Newspapers: Going Somewhere or Going Nowhere?
Authors: Harper Christopher
Published: July 2017

Survey finds online newspapers have no systematic scheme for making money. Most are seeking ways to produce revenue.
Perceptions of Cartoonists and Editors about Cartoons
Authors: Lamb Christopher
Published: July 2017

Editors and cartoonists agree to a large extent on the function of cartoons and the constraints that affect them.
Collagen Immobilization onto P(EGDMA/HEMA) Microbeads for Cell Affinity Systems
Authors: Ayhan H. , Piskin E.
Published: July 2017

Both nonswellable and swellable poly(EGDMA/HEMA) microbeads were produced by suspension copolymerization. These microbeads were modified by immobilization of a spacer-arm (hexamethylene diamine, HMDA) and collagen. The optimal values for modifications were as follows: sodium periodate concentration: 0.467 × 10-2 mmol/mL; HMDA concentration: 3.5 × 10-2 mmol/mL; and glutaraldehyde concentration: 0.70 × 106 mmol/mL. Adsorption of collagen onto plain and periodate oxidized poly(EGDMA/HEMA) microbeads were similar, 0.25 and 0.50 mg collagen/g polymer, respectively. Collagen immobilization on poly(EGDMA/HEMA) microbeads was studied at various temperatures, times, and pH by using protein solution containing various amounts of proteins. The optimal values for immobilizations were as follows: the initial collagen concentration: 0.25 mg/mL; temperature: 4°C; pH 7; and the immobilization time; 120 min. Both fibroblastic 3T3 and epithelial MDBK cells were attached to these unmodified and modified microbeads. The attachments of 3T3 and MDBK cells, especially to the collagen immobilized swellable microbeads were very high. Almost 96% of the 3T3 cells available in the cell culture medium became attached to these microbeads (2297 ± 122 cells per mg of polymer). There was no significant effect by swelling on cell attachment.
Polymeric Systems Based on Derivatives of Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol Copolyiners
Authors: Marconi W. , Cordelli S. , Napoli A. , Piozzi A.
Published: July 2017

To obtain polymers with improved hemocompatibility properties, commercial ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers (EVAL) were chemically modified, by the introduction of stearoyl groups to bind albumin and quaternary ammonium groups to bind heparin. These novel polymer composites were characterized by FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The amount of heparin and albumin bonded by these polymers were determined and the influence of the adsorption sequence (heparin+albumin or vice versa) was evaluated. The amount of adsorbed albumin was proportional to the stearoyl content of the polymer. When heparin was exposed to polymer surfaces containing quaternary ammonium groups, the amount of bonded heparin was proportional to the content of positively charged groups. An in vitro evaluation of the anti-clotting properties and of the adhesion characteristics of the polymer surfaces containing both stearoyl groups and quaternary ammonium groups exhibited, after heparinization, good anticoagulant activity. This activity was retained after the albuminization. Platelet adhesion tests showed that albuminization of polymer films containing only stearoyl residues improved their behavior towards platelet adhesion.
Surface Functionalization of Polystyrene Nanoparticles with Liposaccharide Monomers: Preparation, Characterization and Applications
Authors: Charreyre M. T. , Revilla J. , Elaissari A. , Pichot C. , Gallot B.
Published: July 2017

Latex particles bearing carbohydrate species were prepared by emulsion copolymerization of styrene or methyl methacrylate with polymerizable liposaccharide surfactants; 11-( N-p-vinylbenzyl) amido undecanoyl maltobionamide (LIMA), 6-(2-methylpropenoyloxy)hexyl β-d-cellobioside (CHMA) and 10-(2-methylpropenoyloxy)decyl β-d-cellobiouronoside (CDMA). Due to their amphiphilic structure, these three monomers exhibit surface active properties in dilute solutions and mesomorphic properties in concentrated solutions. Their incorporation onto latex particles was performed according to a batch process or a seed polymerization process. The presence of the carbohydrate residues at the particle surface was directly observed by NMR. The potential application of these functionalized latexes in the biomedical diagnostic field was evaluated by studying the adsorption of bovine serum albumin, and by performing covalent binding of antibodies and single-stranded DNA fragments on their surface.
The Speed Capital of the World: Organizing the Methamphetamine Industry in Philadelphia 1970–1990
Authors: Jenkins Philip
Published: July 2017

Synthetic narcotics have received relatively little attention in the growing scholarly literature on drugs, though synthetics like PCP, amphetamines and “designer” drugs play a major role in the illicit economy. This case-study focuses on the organization of the illicit manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine in the Philadelphia area, which for several years was believed to play a critical role in national production of this drug.

There are several important implications for policy. Given the enormous attention paid to the “drug war” in recent years, it becomes imperative to ensure that resources are correctly and effectively targeted. In this context, there has been much debate about the exact role of the Mafia, or “traditional” organized crime. This paper suggests that the Mafia has indeed been extremely important in the narcotics trade, especially through union locals within its control. However, we must also emphasize the role of a wide range of other ethnic groups, often working independently of La Cosa Nostra. Finally, it is suggested that conventional organizational, financial and structural models can be applied to this particular area of illicit business.
The Death Penalty in the Northeast
Authors: Lanier Charles S.
Published: July 2017

This paper will provide an overview of the current status of capital punishment in the Northeastern United States. Of the nine states which comprise the Northeast (based on the U.S. Bureau of the Census designation), five have the death penalty (Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) and four-as of January 1, 1999—do not (Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont). Among the summary information presented in this article will be data on the number, race, and ethnicity of prisoners convicted and sentenced to die, the actual number of prisoners executed, and authorized methods of execution in the Northeast. The overview also provides specific information on death-row housing for the five states authorizing the death penalty. It concludes by raising issues surrounding the death penalty in the Northeast that merit further exploration and analysis.
Rejoinder: Contradictions and Irony in Policy Research
Authors: Morales Alfonso , Balkin Steven , Persky Joseph
Published: July 2017

We have been stimulated by this exchange on both personal and intellectual levels. Intellectual pursuits have been subdivided by scholars with various interests. However, specialization is not in itself an evil, except when it constrains fruitful analysis of empirical issues that have real-world implications for social policy and people's lives. Problems of social life and social policy typically speak to and provoke scholars of all kinds. Hence opportunities to investigate empirical interests from a variety of perspectives are opportunities forus all to learn the strengths and limitations of our tools.

We wish this kind of discussion about the importance of the informal sector and marketplaces had occurred before the destruction of the Maxwell Street Market. This exchange might have further informed policy decisions and perhaps avoided some of the negative effects of dismantling the market. Nonetheless, we thank those who commented for their thoughtful responses. We agree with many but not all of their views, as the responses below suggest. Our methodology involved integrating ethnography and analytical economics; throughout, we have tried to strike a reasonable balance between analysis and participation.
Attracting Retirees as an Economic Development Strategy: Looking into the Future
Authors: Stallmann Judith I. , Siegel Paul B.
Published: July 2017

Attracting retirees has been promoted as an economic development strategy for rural communities. Implicit in efforts to attract retirees is the assumption that retirees will continue to migrate at the same rate, bringing with them relatively high incomes and relatively low demands for services. Using currently available information, this article examines this assumption, and provides a less rosy picture, by analyzing how changes in demographics, income, wealth, and living preferences result in future retirement decisions that differ from the current pattern. This study should provide additional guidance and caution to planners and policy makers contemplating retiree recruitment as a rural development strategy, as well as directions for further research.
Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy and Career Commitment: Gender and Ethnic Differences Among College Students
Authors: Chung Y. Barry
Published: July 2017

This study evaluated the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale—Short Form (CDMSE-SF; Betz, Klein, & Taylor, 1996) using the Career Commitment Scale (CCS; Farmer, 1985) as a criterion measure. Responses from 165 undergraduates in a Southern university revealed high internal consistency for the CDMSE-SF, and moderate correlation between the CDMSE-SF and CCS. However, no gender or ethnic differences were found in this correlation. Females scored higher than males on the CCS. Blacks scored higher than Whites on both measures. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
The turning point in IHE collaboration
Authors: Hills Graham
Published: July 2017

There has always been some contact between industry and higher education. It is now more necessary than ever; both parties have much to gain from increased technology transfer and much to lose if they turn their backs on the modern world and allow the knowledge revolution to pass them by.
The early bird catches knowledge
Authors: Haughton Kenneth E. , Yang Cary Y.
Published: July 2017

The principal prerequisite for being a modern professional in any field is the acceptance and conscious execution of a life long process of continual learning. In particular, in a rapidly changing technological society, the working engineer must be abreast of current developments in his or her field. While this awareness can be achieved through occasional seminars and keeping up with trade and technical journals, it is best accomplished by attending courses and/or enrolling in a degree programme offered by a local university. Although the return from such an arrangement is largely a function of the individual's effort, on the whole every participant (engineer, employer and university) benefits from it. The curriculum offered by the university must be dynamic and flexible and must be administered by a faculty with a clear understanding of current industrial needs. The ‘Early Bird’ programme at Santa Clara University is given as an example. With the current critical need to upgrade manufacturing technologies, the role of quality continuing education for our engineers and managers becomes increasingly important.
Cooperating with public research
Authors: Jablon Claude
Published: July 2017

The current economic climate encourages cooperation between public and industrial research establishments. This paper examines such cooperation from the viewpoint of Elf Aquitaine, the French oil company. The author reviews the historical background to cooperation of this nature, highlights the rewards and pitfalls, addresses the question of funding and forecasts future trends.
Socioeconomic development in Africa
Authors: Boeh-Ocansey Osei
Published: July 2017

Higher education plays a decisive role in technological innovation and the growth of industry in Africa. This article explores means of enhancing industry, higher education and government interrelationships to achieve improvements in the socioeconomic system and cites the food industry in sub-Saharan Africa as a case study to discuss links between industrial development, higher education and other contemporary issues.
Time to recognize the innovators
Authors: Brancher David
Published: July 2017

In April 1989 the UK Council for Industry and Higher Education launched the Partnership Awards. This is a system of annual prizes for innovation in teaching and learning in higher education. Each prize is sponsored by a major firm or organization, and relates to a topic or aspect in which the sponsor has a direct or indirect interest. The author of the proposal gives an entirely personal interpretation of the background to the scheme, and reports the progress so far.
Developing CET Providers
Authors: Chivers Geoff
Published: July 2017

This article examines the staff development needs of UK higher education providers of continuing education and training for industry. It discusses industry's need for CET, how HE can provide it, the importance of staff development for CET providers, and the part industry can play in this.