bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimizing Game Score Violations in College Football Rankings
Authors: Coleman B. Jay
Published: December 2005

One metric used to evaluate the myriad ranking systems in college football is retrodictive accuracy. Maximizing retrodictive accuracy is equivalent to minimizing game score violations: the number of times a past game’s winner is ranked behind its loser. None of the roughly 100 current ranking systems achieves this objective. Using a model for minimizing violations that exploits problem characteristics found in college football, I found that all previous ranking systems generated violations that were at least 38 percent higher than the minimum. A minimum-violations criterion commonly would have affected the consensus top five and changed participants in the designated national championship game in 2000 and 2001—but not in the way most would have expected. A final regular season ranking using the model was perhaps the best prebowl ranking published online in 2004, as it maximized retrodictive accuracy and was nearly the best at predicting the 28 bowl winners.
Book Reviews
Authors: Lev Benjamin
Published: December 2005

The range of books reviewed is wide, covering theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems (no software is reviewed). In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. Publishers who wish to have their books reviewed should send them to Professor Benjamin Lev. We list the books received; not all books received can be reviewed because space is limited. Those who would like to review books are urged to send me their names, addresses, and specific areas of expertise. We commission all reviews and do not accept unsolicited book reviews. Readers are encouraged to suggest books that might be reviewed or to ask publishers to send me copies of such books.

The authors or editors of the books reviewed in this issue are H. Thomas Bank, Carlos Castillo-Chavez, Wade D. Cook, Joe Zhu, Jaime Gil-Aluja, Abhijit Gosavi, Marc J. Schniederjans, Jamie L. Hamaker, and Ashlyn M. Schniederjans.
Adapting to European enlargement: Spain and cohesion policy
Authors: Salmon Keith
Published: January 2006

Spain has enjoyed large net inflows of public funds from the European Union (EU) since accession in 1986. These funds have contributed to a strong growth performance, a largely successful economic transition, and economic convergence. Enlargement of the EU has transformed Spain's relative
position from that of a poor country to that of a middle-income one, thus reducing its claim on EU funding. Lower levels of funding under the next EU financial perspective (2007–13) and a reformed cohesion policy will affect the model of economic development and will have domestic and
external political consequences. Adapting to European enlargement, a new funding relationship with Europe and a reformed cohesion policy will require a rethinking of economic policy if the momentum of convergence is to be maintained.
Third Way conservatism? The Popular Party and labour relations in Spain
Authors: Hamann Kerstin
Published: January 2006

Third Way policies are generally understood as policy shifts towards the centre implemented by traditionally leftist parties in government. This article argues that Third Way policies can also be the preferred policy course of conservative governments. The conservative Popular Party (PP) government under José María Aznar in Spain is used as an illustrative case study. The article focuses on labour relations to establish the existence of Third Way policies in Spain and links them to the strategies that unions have developed in their attempt to recover lost ground. The article posits that the specific contents of the Third Way policies in Spain, coupled with the policy continuity between the PSOE and PP governments, provided a relatively stable institutional industrial relations framework. This allowed unions to develop new strategies that were able to halt their decline and regain some strength lost during the 1980s.
Neonatal Candidiasis Among Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants: Risk Factors, Mortality Rates, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 18 to 22 Months
Authors: Benjamin Daniel K. , Stoll Barbara J. , Fanaroff Avory A. , McDonald Scott A. , Oh William , Higgins Rosemary D. , Duara Shahnaz , Poole Kenneth , Laptook Abbot , Goldberg Ronald ,   on behalf of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUND. Neonatal candidiasis is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. Neurodevelopmental follow-up data for a large multicenter cohort have not been reported.

METHODS. Data were collected prospectively for neonates born at <1000 g at National Institute of Child Health and Human Development-sponsored Neonatal Research Network sites between September 1, 1998, and December 31, 2001. Uniform follow-up evaluations, including assessments of mental and motor development with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II, were completed for all survivors at corrected ages of 18 to 22 months. We evaluated risk factors for the development of neonatal candidiasis, responses to antifungal therapy, and the association between candidiasis and subsequent morbidity and death.

RESULTS. The cohort consisted of 4579 infants; 320 of 4579 (7%) developed candidiasis; 307 of 320 had Candida isolated from blood, 27 of 320 had Candida isolated from cerebrospinal fluid, and 13 (48%) of 27 of those with meningitis had negative blood cultures. In multivariate analysis of risk factors on day of life 3, birth weight, cephalosporins, gender, and lack of enteral feeding were associated with development of candidiasis. After diagnosis, most neonates had multiple positive cultures despite antifungal therapy, and 10% of neonates had candidemia for ≥14 days. Death or neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) was observed for 73% of extremely low birth weight infants who developed candidiasis. Death and NDI rates were greater for infants who had delayed removal or replacement of central catheters (>1 day after initiation of antifungal therapy), compared with infants whose catheters were removed or replaced promptly.

CONCLUSIONS. Blood cultures were negative for approximately one half of the infants with Candida meningitis. Persistent candidiasis was common. Delayed catheter removal was associated with increased death and NDI rates.
Factors Associated With Hepatitis A Vaccination Among Children 24 to 35 Months of Age: United States, 2003
Authors: Amon Joseph J. , Darling Natalie , Fiore Anthony E. , Bell Beth P. , Barker Lawrence E.
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVES. In 1999, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices made recommendations for hepatitis A vaccination of children according to historic rates of hepatitis A incidence in different regions of the country. The objective of this study was to examine hepatitis A vaccination coverage rates among children living in states with different vaccination recommendations and to examine individual characteristics associated with vaccination.

METHODS. Hepatitis A vaccination status data were collected for children 24 to 35 months of age through the National Immunization Survey, a telephone survey with health care provider-verified vaccination results. Vaccination status data were collected from children in each of the 50 states and 28 selected urban areas.

RESULTS. In 2003, 50.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 47.6–54.2%) of children living in 11 states where routine hepatitis A vaccination is recommended had received ≥1 dose, compared with 25.0% (95% CI: 21.8–28.2%) of children in 6 states where vaccination is suggested and 1.4% (95% CI: 1.0–1.8%) of children in 33 states without a recommendation. Coverage was higher among children who lived in urban areas, were Hispanic or American Indian/Alaska Native, or were born to women with less education.

CONCLUSIONS. Hepatitis A vaccination is being targeted successfully to children at higher risk of infection; however, overall vaccination coverage remains lower for hepatitis A vaccination, compared with other routine childhood vaccinations.
Costs of Newborn Care in California: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Schmitt Susan K. , Sneed LaShika , Phibbs Ciaran S.
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVE. We sought to describe the current costs of newborn care by using population-based data, which includes linked vital statistics and hospital records for both mothers and infants. These data allow costs to be reported by episode of care (birth), instead of by hospitalization.

METHODS. Data for this study were obtained from the linked 2000 California birth cohort data. These data (n = 518704), provided by the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), contain infant vital statistics data (birth and death certificate data) linked to infant and maternal hospital discharge summaries. In addition to the infant and maternal hospital discharge summaries associated with delivery, these data include discharge summaries for all infant hospital-to-hospital transfers and maternal prenatal hospitalizations. The linkage algorithm that is used by OSHPD in creating the linked cohort data file is highly accurate. More than 99% of the maternal and infant discharge abstracts were linked successfully with the birth certificates. These data were also linked successfully with the infant discharge abstracts from the receiving hospital for 99% of the infants who were transferred to another hospital. The hospital discharge records were the source of the hospital charges and length-of-stay information summarized in this study. Hospital costs were estimated by adjusting charges by hospital-specific ratios of costs to charges obtained from the OSHPD Hospital Financial Reporting data. Costs, lengths of stay, and mortality were summarized by birth weight groups, gestational age, cost categories, and types of admissions.

RESULTS. Low birth weight (LBW) and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants had significantly longer hospital stays and accounted for a significantly higher proportion of total hospital costs. The average hospital stay for LBW infants ranged from 6.2 to 68.1 days, whereas the average hospital stay for infants who weighed >2500 g at birth was 2.3 days. Overall, VLBW infants accounted for 0.9% of cases but 35.7% of costs, whereas LBW infants accounted for 5.9% of cases but 56.6% of total hospital costs. Although total maternal and infant costs were similar (∼$1.6 billion), the distribution of maternal costs was much less skewed. For infants, 5% of infants accounted for 76% of total infant hospital costs. Conversely, the most expensive 3% of deliveries accounted for only 17% of total maternal costs.

CONCLUSIONS. The very smallest infants make up a hugely disproportionate share of costs; more than half of all neonatal costs are incurred by LBW or premature infants. Maternal costs are similar in magnitude to newborn costs, but they are much less skewed than for infants. Preventing premature deliveries could yield very large cost savings, in addition to saving lives.
Mass-Casualty Events at Schools: A National Preparedness Survey
Authors: Graham James , Shirm Steve , Liggin Rebecca , Aitken Mary E. , Dick Rhonda
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVE. Recent school shootings and terrorist events have demonstrated the need for well-coordinated planning for school-based mass-casualty events. The objective of this study was to document the preparedness of public schools in the United States for the prevention of and the response to a mass-casualty event.

METHODS. A survey was mailed to 3670 school superintendents of public school districts that were chosen at random from a list of school districts from the National Center for Education Statistics of the US Department of Education in January 2004. A second mailing was sent to nonresponders in May 2004. Descriptive statistics were used for survey variables, and the χ2 test was used to compare urban versus rural preparedness.

RESULTS. The response rate was 58.2% (2137 usable surveys returned). Most (86.3%) school superintendents reported having a response plan, but fewer (57.2%) have a plan for prevention. Most (95.6%) have an evacuation plan, but almost one third (30%) had never conducted a drill. Almost one quarter (22.1%) have no disaster plan provisions for children with special health care needs, and one quarter reported having no plans for postdisaster counseling. Almost half (42.8%) had never met with local ambulance officials to discuss emergency planning. Urban school districts were better prepared than rural districts on almost all measures in the survey.

CONCLUSIONS. There are important deficiencies in school emergency/disaster planning. Rural districts are less well prepared than urban districts. Disaster/mass-casualty preparedness of schools should be improved through coordination of school officials and local medical and emergency officials.
Primary Care Utilization and Detection of Emotional Distress After Adolescent Traumatic Injury: Identifying an Unmet Need
Authors: Sabin Janice A. , Zatzick Douglas F. , Jurkovich Gregory , Rivara Frederick P.
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVE. Few investigations have assessed the primary care detection of adolescent posttraumatic emotional distress after an injury. We aimed to determine (1) the level of attachment to primary care providers (PCPs) and school providers among this group of high-risk adolescents, (2) the emotional status of this population postinjury, (3) continuity of care between trauma center and community care, and (4) PCPs' detection of emotional problems in adolescents after an injury.

METHODS. This was a prospective cohort study of traumatically injured adolescents aged 12 to 18 who were admitted to a level I regional trauma center. Adolescents were screened for posttraumatic stress symptoms, depressive symptoms, and alcohol use on the surgical ward and 4 to 6 months postinjury. PCPs were contacted by telephone 4 to 6 months postinjury to assess follow-up care and the detection of emotional distress.

RESULTS. In the surgical ward, 39.4% of the adolescent patients or their parents reported no identifiable source of regular medical care. Only 24.3% of the patients had visited a PCP during the 4 to 6 months after injury. At 4 to 6 months postinjury, 30% of the adolescents were experiencing high posttraumatic stress symptom levels, 11% were experiencing high depressive symptom levels, and 17% had high levels of alcohol use. PCPs did not detect any new emotional distress or problem drinking during postinjury office visits.

CONCLUSIONS. Injured adolescents represent a high-risk pediatric population, a substantial number of whom develop mental health problems postinjury. Furthermore, almost 40% of adolescents in our study reported no source of primary care. These results suggest that referrals from trauma centers to PCPs are necessary and that an increase in awareness of and screening for adolescent emotional distress postinjury during follow-up appointments and at school should be routine components of postinjury care.
Massive Honey Bee Envenomation-Induced Rhabdomyolysis in an Adolescent
Authors: Betten David P. , Richardson William H. , Tong Tri C. , Clark Richard F.
Published: January 2006

Massive envenomations by honey bees are capable of causing multiorgan dysfunction as a result of the direct toxic effects of the large venom load received. Although all varieties of honey bee have the potential for these attacks, the Africanized honey bee (Apis mellifera scutellata) is the most commonly implicated subspecies. In the United States, the Africanized strain is found primarily in the southwestern states and is known for its highly defensive behavior if disturbed. Mechanisms behind the multiorgan dysfunction produced by these mass envenomations are not clearly understood. We present a case of a 13-year-old male who was stung by ∼700 honey bees and developed progressive upper-body swelling and systemic manifestations of mass envenomation including rhabdomyolysis, renal insufficiency, and a transient transaminase elevation.
Interactions between Stocked Walleyes and Native Yellow Perch in Lake Thirteen, Minnesota: A Case History of Percid Community Dynamics
Authors: Pierce Rodney B. , Tomcko Cynthia M. , Negus Mary T.
Published: January 2006

Studies of interactions among percids are important for understanding the fish community consequences of using stocking as a management tool and for understanding the ecological role of percids in lakes where they are native species. Percid community responses to discontinuing, then resuming, the stocking of walleye Sander vitreus were monitored in Lake Thirteen, Minnesota, a north temperate lake with a long-term history of walleye fry stocking. Fish population assessments during 1986–2002 tracked changes in relative abundance, size structure, and growth rates of yellow perch Perca flavescens and walleyes in response to discontinued walleye stocking during 1989–1996. Large changes occurred in the size structure and relative abundance of walleyes. The effect of discontinued stocking was to decrease the abundance of younger age-classes of walleyes in the lake. Reduced predation on small yellow perch allowed their numbers to increase and led to reduced growth rates while stocking was discontinued. When stocking was resumed, predation by stocked walleyes reversed the trend, reducing yellow perch numbers and improving their growth rates. Density-dependent growth was evident for both walleyes and yellow perch. Bioenergetics modeling confirmed walleye predation as a plausible explanation for most changes in the yellow perch population. Manipulation of stocking, and the resulting shifts in predator sizes, caused structural changes in the percid populations that altered levels of intraspecific competition for both the predators and prey.
Effect of Topical Administration of Monosodium Olpadronate on Experimental Periodontitis in Rats
Authors: Goya Juan A. , Paez Hugo A. , Mandalunis Patricia M.
Published: January 2006

Background: Periodontitis is characterized by gingival inflammation, periodontal pocket formation, and bacterial plaque that lead to alveolar bone destruction. Research studies have recently begun to evaluate the effect of antiresorptive agents using experimental models of periodontitis. Bisphosphonates are the most frequently tested antiresorptive agents; their main effect is inhibition of bone resorption. The aim of this study was to perform a histomorphometric evaluation of the preventive effect of monosodium olpadronate (OPD), an aminobisphosphonate, on experimental periodontitis (EP).

Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were used in this experiment. The animals were assigned to one of two groups: group I: EP; and group II: EP plus topical administration of OPD (EP + OPD). The contralateral side in both groups served as untreated controls (CI and CII), respectively. Mesio‐distally oriented sections of each lower first molar were obtained for histomorphometric evaluation.

Results: The treated group (EP + OPD) exhibited marked inhibition of bone loss; interradicular bone volume was significantly greater than that observed in the EP group. The height of the periodontal ligament in the interradicular alveolar bone, which served as an indirect measure of bone loss, was found to be significantly increased in the EP group as compared to the EP + OPD group. Osteoclasts in the OPD treated group were detached from the bone surface, were round in shape, and exhibited a loss of polarity and lack of ruffled borders.

Conclusions: The dose used herein was found to inhibit bone loss and to cause marked morphologic changes in osteoclasts. The drug effectively prevented bone loss caused by periodontitis.
Short‐Term Clinical and Microbiologic Effects of Pocket Debridement With an Er:YAG Laser During Periodontal Maintenance
Authors: Tomasi Cristiano , Schander Kerstin , Dahlén Gunnar , Wennström Jan L.
Published: January 2006

Background: The erbium‐doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser is considered a useful tool for subgingival debridement because the laser treatment creates minimal damage to the root surface and has potential antimicrobial effects. The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate clinical and microbiologic effects of pocket debridement using an Er:YAG laser in patients during periodontal maintenance.

Methods: Twenty patients at a recall visit for maintenance were consecutively recruited if presenting at least four teeth with residual probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm. Two pockets in each of two jaw quadrants were randomly assigned to subgingival debridement using 1) an Er:YAG laser (test) or 2) an ultrasonic scaler (control). The laser beam was set at 160 mJ with a pulse frequency of 10 Hz. Clinical variables were recorded at baseline, 1 month, and 4 months after treatment. Primary clinical outcome variables were changes in PD and clinical attachment level (CAL). Microbiologic analysis of subgingival samples was performed at baseline, 2 days, and 30 days after treatment using a checkerboard DNA‐DNA hybridization technique against 12 periodontal disease–associated species.

Results: The mean initial PD was 6.0 mm (SD: 1.2) in the test group and 5.8 mm (SD: 0.9) in the control group. At 1 month post‐treatment, the PD reduction was significantly greater for test than control sites (0.9 versus 0.5 mm; P <0.05). The CAL gain also was significantly greater (0.5 versus 0.06 mm; P <0.01). At the 4‐month examination, no significant differences were detected in PD reduction (1.1 versus 1.0 mm) or CAL gain (0.6 versus 0.4 mm). Both treatments resulted in reduction of the subgingival microflora. No significant differences in microbiologic composition were identified between the treatment groups at various time intervals. Degree of treatment discomfort scored significantly lower for the test than the control treatment modality.

Conclusion: The results of the trial failed to demonstrate any apparent advantage of using an Er:YAG laser for subgingival debridement, except less treatment discomfort perceived by the patients.
Enamel Matrix Derivative and Coronal Flaps to Cover Marginal Tissue Recessions
Authors: Castellanos T. Adriana , de la Rosa R. Manuel , de la Garza Myriam , Caffesse Raul G.
Published: January 2006

Background: Correcting recession defects is one of the goals of periodontal therapy, and the efficacy and predictability of the various techniques are important considerations for both patients and clinicians. Several reports have examined the outcome of gingival recession treatment by means of coronally positioned flaps (CPF) and enamel matrix derivative (EMD). The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate the use of EMD in association with CPF to cover localized gingival recessions compared to CPF alone.

Methods: Twenty‐two patients with Miller Class I or II gingival recessions >2 mm were included. One recession from each patient was treated in the study. Two treatments were randomly assigned: coronally positioned flap with EMD (test) and coronally positioned flap alone (control). Clinical parameters measured at baseline and 1, 6, and 12 months included gingival index, plaque index, probing depth, clinical attachment level, vertical and horizontal recession, and width of keratinized gingiva.

Results: At 12 months, both treatment modalities showed significant root coverage, gain in clinical attachment, and gain in width of keratinized gingiva (P <0.05). Vertical recessions were reduced from 2.68 ± 1.63 mm to 0.36 ± 0.60 mm in the test group and from 2.31 ± 1.52 mm to 0.90 ± 0.95 mm in the control group. Horizontal recessions decreased from 4.27 ± 2.06 mm to 0.77 ± 0.87 mm in the test group and from 3.68 ± 1.91 mm to 1.72 ± 1.31 mm in the control group. Changes in keratinized gingiva went from 3.81 ± 1.95 mm to 4.63 ± 2.15 mm in the test group and from 3.31 ± 1.81 mm to 3.27 ± 1.80 mm in the control group. When both treatments were compared at 12 months, there was a significant difference in vertical tooth coverage and gain in keratinized gingiva in favor of the experimental group (P <0.05). The average percentage of root coverage for test and control groups was 88.6% and 62.2%, respectively.

Conclusions: The coronally positioned flap alone or with EMD is an effective procedure to cover localized gingival recessions. The addition of EMD significantly improves the amount of root coverage.
First- and Third-Person Perceptions of Images of Older People in Advertising: An Inter-Generational Evaluation
Authors: Robinson Tom , Umphrey Don
Published: December 2005

With the baby boomers increasing in age, the number of older Americans is projected to increase to 82 million by 2050, an increase of 225% from the year 2000. But despite their growing numbers, older individuals continue to face negative attitudes toward them, their way of thinking, and their abilities. These negative attitudes result from the assumption that older people have diminished physical and mental abilities, when in fact, today's older adults are more active and in better physical and mental health than those in any previous generation. This study examines the relationship between first- and third-person perceptions and positive and negative images by determining how older people and younger people perceive each other. More specifically, when older and younger individuals look at positive and negative images of older people in advertisements, what is their perception of the effects those images will have on the other generation? Our findings show that both first- and third-person effects exist and that their perceptions depend on whether the images in the advertisements are positive or negative. The results also indicate that young people rely on the stereotypes they hold of older people when making their perceptions.
How Family Members Respond to Residents' Wish to Die
Authors: Moss Sidney Z. , Moss Miriam S. , Black Helen K. , Rubinstein Robert L.
Published: December 2005

Living and dying are inextricably associated in nursing homes. It is not unusual for old nursing home residents to express a wish to die. This article examines interwoven patterns of family responses to resident's wish to die. As part of a multi-site ethnographic study of bereavement in long-term care, we analyzed themes in audio-transcribed in-depth qualitative interviews with 20 family members in two religiously and culturally diverse nursing homes. Rooted in the contexts of the nursing home, the family system, and the socio-cultural milieu, three patterns of family responses emerged: avoidance, disconfirmation, and acceptance of the wish to die. The family members' responses reflect their efforts to make meaning of the resident's wish both for the resident and for themselves. Rather than viewing the wish to die as a symptom of mental health problems, they perceive it as reflecting the existential situation of the resident.
Grandchild, Grandparent, and Parent Coresidence from 1970 to 1990: Structural Factors Affecting State Patterns
Authors: Hill Twyla J.
Published: December 2005

This study analyzes structural forces affecting state patterns of parental presence within grandparent-grandchild coresidence by testing demographic, social change, policy environment, and social problems models. The project combines published state-level data with the 1970, 1980, and 1990 Census Public Use Microdata Samples. While factors differentially affect the proportion of children living in each household structure, coresidence seems to be encouraged by social contexts in which people are poor, the middle generation is likely to die, and which have higher rates of births to teens. State policy environment only affects proportions of children living in three generation households for 1980 and 1990. Structural variables other than social problems matter more for percent of children living in three generation households than for proportion of children living only with grandparents. Structural variables explain more variation in proportion of children living in skipped generation households than in proportion of children living with both parents and grandparents.
Sentenced to Die: Last Statements and Dying on Death Row
Authors: Heflick Nathan A.
Published: December 2005

Moments prior to execution, death row inmates are given time to say anything they desire. In these moments, what do inmates find most important to express? This study first examined the context of dying on death row. Conflicts over high death stigma (Silverman, 1994), just world beliefs (Lerner, 1980), system justification needs (Jost & Banaji, 1994), high death salience, lack of control, and facing their own crime were explored. Next, last statements were studied. Six themes, forgiveness, claims of innocence, silence, love/appreciation, activism and after life belief, were found. Lastly, suggestions for future research on death and dying on death row were made, with special attention paid to terror management theory (see Solomon, Greenberg, & Pyszcynski, 2004 for review) and system justification theory (see Jost, Banaji, & Nosek, 2004 for review).
Influence of Culture and Age on Control Beliefs: The Missing Link of Interdependence
Authors: Ashman Ori , Shiomura Kimihiro , Levy Becca R.
Published: December 2005

A number of studies have found that primary control declines in old age and is lower in Asian countries, while secondary control increases in old age and is higher in Asian countries. We examined whether these patterns may be due to the mediating influence of interdependence. In a sample of 557 young and old adults in Japan and the United States, primary and secondary control, age, and interdependence were measured. We found that interdependence mediates the influence of: (1) culture on secondary control; and (2) age on both primary and secondary control. Findings suggest that interdependence is an important factor that should be considered in trying to understand the determinants of control cross-culturally and developmentally.
College Students' Perceptions of Job Demands, Recommended Retirement Ages, and Age of Optimal Performance in Selected Occupations
Authors: Panek Paul E. , Staats Sara , Hiles Amanda
Published: December 2005

Two studies were conducted. In study one 100 participants rated 60 occupations on the amount of cognitive/intellectual, physical, sensory-perceptual, and perceptual-motor demands they perceived as required for successful performance in that particular occupation. Results of a cluster analysis determined four clusters of occupations on the basis of the four demands. These clusters were described as High Risk, Professions, Skilled Trades, and White Collar. Further, for each of the four demands/dimensions, the cognitive/intellectual, physical, sensory-perceptual, and perceptual motor demands were significantly different both between and within clusters. In study two, 100 participants rated the perceived retirement age, and 99 different participants rated the perceived optimal performance age for the 60 occupations employed in study one. Results indicated that age norms for perceived recommended retirement and perceived optimal performance age were differentially correlated across the four clusters of occupations. Perceived retirement age and optimal performance age varied discriminably between occupational clusters.
An Exploratory Study of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms among Bereaved Children
Authors: McClatchey Rene S. , Vonk M. Elizabeth
Published: December 2005

Purpose:

This study reports on the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among a sample ( n = 46) of bereaved children. PTSD symptoms in children who have experienced loss due to an expected death through illness have not been previously studied.

Method:

An exploratory cross-sectional design was used to compare Impact of Event Scale (IES) scores between two groups of bereaved children. One group experienced the sudden, unexpected death of a family member; the second group experienced the expected death of a family member following protracted illness.

Findings:

Overall, almost two-thirds of the children were found to be experiencing moderate to severe levels of PTSD related symptoms of intrusion and avoidance as measured by the IES. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the IES scores of the two groups of children.

Implications:

Findings are discussed in relation to current practice with and research on bereaved children.
Age and Planning Tasks: The Influence of Ecological Validity
Authors: Phillips Louise H. , Kliegel Matthias , Martin Mike
Published: December 2005

Planning ability is important in many everyday tasks, such as cooking and shopping. Previous studies have investigated aging effects on planning, looking at either widely used laboratory-based neuropsychological tasks such as the Tower of London (TOL) or more naturalistic planning tasks, such as organizing shopping errands. In the current study, we compare the effects of normal adult aging on both the TOL and a more ecologically valid planning task, the Plan-a-Day (PAD) task. There was a reliable decline in TOL planning performance with age, but no significant correlation between age and PAD planning performance. Age-related variance was partly explained by variance in information processing speed and education. It is proposed that in more ecologically valid planning tasks, age changes in processing speed can be compensated for by task-related knowledge. Implications for everyday planning performance by older adults are considered.
Extraordinary Experiences of the Bereaved and Adaptive Outcomes of Grief
Authors: Parker Julie S.
Published: December 2005

A multiple case questionnaire/interview study was used to investigate Extraordinary Experiences (EEs) reported by bereaved individuals. Its purpose was to describe the grief processes of 12 bereaved individuals who had reported EEs. Content analysis consisted of a series of individual case data displays and causal networks from which an overall causal network that described participants' grief processes was derived. Despite some ongoing grief work and complicated grief patterns, 11 participants had reached an adaptive grief outcome. For these individuals, EEs played specific roles and fulfilled specific needs within and outside of the context of bereavement. EEs also facilitated the assimilation/accommodation of death by reinforcing participants' “personal mythologies” regarding death and an after-life. The findings of this study support the emerging model of grief that posits that maintaining continuing bonds with the deceased can be adaptive. They also support the assertion that spiritual and/or religious belief systems are associated with adaptive outcomes of grief.
Using Education to Promote Research Dissemination in Nursing
Authors: Cheek Julianne , Gillham David , Ballantyne Alison
Published: December 2005

In order to maintain the highest standards of care, nurses need to be aware of the most recent and relevant research and use this to inform their practice. However, this is often difficult because of both the limited time available in which to access research and the need for advanced critical appraisal skills. Further, given the overload of complex research information, nurses may be overwhelmed by the extent of available research. This paper describes a unique approach, the Web Resource Appraisal Process (WRAP), for integrating research and education by directly engaging nurses undertaking postgraduate studies in the review of existing research as it is applied to the contemporary workplace. In so doing, experienced nurses investigate the application of research to practice by actively engaging in research dissemination, communication, and education. By engaging in this process, nurses generate new knowledge based on the integration of current research with their practice experience, while simultaneously gaining the benefits of experiential learning.
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Estrada Rodolfo A. , Auger William R. , Sahay Sandeep
Published: February 2024

This JAMA Insights discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
COVID-19−Associated Acute Kidney Injury and Longitudinal Kidney Outcomes
Authors: Aklilu Abinet M. , Kumar Sanchit , Nugent James , Yamamoto Yu , Coronel-Moreno Claudia , Kadhim Bashar , Faulkner Sophia C. , O’Connor Kyle D. , Yasmin Farah , Greenberg Jason H. , Moledina Dennis G. , Testani Jeffrey M. , Wilson F. Perry
Published: February 2024

Importance

COVID-19 infection is associated with a high incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). Although rapid kidney function decline has been reported in the first few months after COVID-19−associated AKI (COVID-AKI), the longer-term association of COVID-AKI with kidney function remains unknown.

Objective

To assess long-term kidney outcomes of patients who had COVID-19−associated AKI.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a retrospective longitudinal multicenter cohort study conducted in a large hospital system using electronic health records data on adult hospitalized patients with AKI and COVID-19 or other illnesses. Included patients were hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-June 2022), were screened for SARS-CoV-2, had AKI, and survived to discharge, or had been hospitalized during the 5 years before the pandemic (October 2016-January 2020), had a positive influenza A or B test result, had AKI, and survived to discharge. Patients were followed up for a maximum of 2 years after hospital discharge. Data analyses were performed from December 2022 to November 2023.

Exposure

COVID-19 and influenza.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was major adverse kidney events (MAKE), defined as a composite of mortality and worsened kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] decline by ≥25% from discharge eGFR or kidney failure requiring dialysis). Multivariable time-to-event analyses were performed to compare MAKE between individuals with COVID-AKI and those who had AKI associated with other illnesses hospitalized during the same period. For further comparison, this outcome was assessed for a historic cohort of patients with influenza-associated AKI.

Results

The study cohort included 9624 hospitalized patients (mean [SD] age, 69.0 [15.7] years; 4955 [51.5%] females) with AKI, including 987 patients with COVID-AKI, 276 with influenza-associated AKI, and 8361 with AKI associated with other illnesses (other-AKI). Compared with the other 2 groups, patients with COVID-19−associated AKI were slightly younger in age, had a higher baseline eGFR, worse baseline comorbidity scores, higher markers of illness severity, and longer hospital stay. Compared with the other-AKI group, the COVID-AKI group had lower MAKE (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.67; 95% CI, 0.59-0.75) due to lower all-cause mortality (aHR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.24-0.39) and lower rates of worsened kidney function (aHR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.69-0.88).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this multicenter cohort study indicate that survivors of hospitalization with COVID-AKI experience lower rates of MAKE, long-term kidney function decline, and mortality compared with patients with AKI associated with other illnesses.
AI monitoring and warning system for low visibility of freeways using variable weight combination model
Authors: Mu Minghao , Wang Chuan , Liu Xinqiang , Bi Haisong , Diao Hanlou
Published: February 2024

In intelligent vehicles, road environment perception technology is a key component of autonomous driving assistance systems. This component is the foundation for vehicle decision‐making and control, and is a guarantee of safety during the driving of the vehicle. The existing environment perception technology mainly targets well‐lit environments and requires visible light imaging equipment. Therefore, in low visibility environments, this technology cannot make good judgments about the external environment. Many existing perception systems mainly rely on sensors. Under low visibility conditions, these sensors weaken their effectiveness due to signal transmission, reflection, or absorption, resulting in incomplete or distorted data collection. Reduced visibility often affects the sensing range of various sensors, hindering the system's ability to detect and recognize distant objects, thereby limiting the necessary advance warning and response time for safe navigation. In response to this issue, this study proposed a combined method of infrared imaging and polarized imaging to collect feature data on road conditions in low visibility environments. Then, the obtained images were denoised and enhanced. The processed images were input into the system for recognition, and the images were analyzed and recognized using a low visibility road situation semantic segmentation algorithm based on deep learning. The research outcomes denoted that the pixel accuracy, average pixel accuracy, and average intersection ratio of the variable weight combination model in polarized degree images were 91.2%, 89.1%, and 71.6%, respectively. Those in infrared images were 83.6%, 90.6%, and 62.1%, respectively. The various indicators of the variable weight combination model were higher than those of the U‐shaped neural network model, indicating its performance is relatively excellent. The research results indicated that infrared imaging helps to acquire information at night or in low light conditions, while polarized imaging can provide better adaptation to cluttered light and reflections, enabling the system to provide more robust environmental sensing in complex weather conditions. It fills a critical gap in perception for autonomous driving systems in adverse weather conditions.
Multiphase Riveting Structure for High Power and Long Lifespan Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Zhen‐Duo , Gao Xuan‐Wen , Mu Jian‐Jia , Chen Hong , Gao Guoping , Lai Qing‐Song , Yang Dong‐Run , Gu Qin‐Fen , Luo Wen‐Bin
Published: February 2024

The development of potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) relies on the exploration of stable layer‐structured oxide cathode materials and a comprehensive understanding of ion storage and diffusion behaviors. A multiphase riveting‐structured O3/P2/P3‐Na0.9[Ni0.3Mn0.55Cu0.1Ti0.05]O2 (Tri‐NMCT) is employed as cathode material for KIBs. It demonstrates an initial discharge specific capacity of 108 mA g−1 at current density of 15 mA g−1 in the voltage range of 1.5–4 V. Excellent cyclic stability is exhibited as well with a high 83% capacity retention after 600 cycles at a higher current density of 300 mA g−1. Based on the in‐situ XRD, it reveals that the P2 phase offers a more stable triangular prism site compared to the O3 phase. This stability inhibits the undesired phase transition from P3 to O3 during discharge, thereby ensuring the long‐term cyclic performance. Furthermore, Density of state (DOS) calculations and migration barrier analyses indicate a preferential migration of K+ ions to the P2 phase due to the lower Fermi level. This observation elucidates the structural preservation of the P3 phase during K+ embedding. Overall, this work sheds light on Tri‐NMCT as a promising cathode material for advanced KIBs.
Programmable Encryption Based on Photochromism of Spiropyrans and Donor–Acceptor Stenhouse Adducts
Authors: Gao Ang , Sun Fanxi , Duan Yongli , Zhang Yuxin , Liu Xilin , Liu Tianbao , Ji Yinghao , Wu Qinyu , Deng Xu , Zheng Yonghao , Wei Chen , Wang Dongsheng
Published: February 2024

Improving information security is a persistent challenge for conventional secrecy approaches such as single and double encryption. In this work, programmable encryption is reported, involving multiple stimuli to independently control different encrypted information, to boost data security. The linear‐cyclic isomerization of donor–acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASAs) and spirocyclic‐merocyanine (SC‐MC) isomerization of spiropyrans (SPs) on paper substrate surface are optimized by integration of ester‐contained functional molecules, making them be controlled by light irradiation and heat. By controlling the sequence of three inputs (UV light, visible light, heat), the hybrid encrypted message combining DASAs and SPs exhibits distinct outputs. The encrypted message can be recorded in various forms including characters, text, and figures. Because of the multiplied number of outputs, this method offers a straightforward and powerful solution for safeguarding data in different contexts, which enhances clarity and effectiveness, ensuring resistance to tampering and counterfeiting of the encrypted information.
Unravelling Immune‐Inflammatory Responses and Lysosomal Adaptation: Insights from Two‐Photon Excited Delayed Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Wang Xiang , Shi Gaona , Xu Shengnan , Sun Yuansheng , Qiu Hailin , Wang Qinghua , Han Xiaowan , Zhang Qingyang , Zhang Tiantai , Hu Hai‐Yu
Published: February 2024

Two‐photon excitation (TPE) microscopy with near‐infrared (NIR) emission has emerged as a promising technique for deep‐tissue optical imaging. Recent developments in fluorescence lifetime imaging with long‐lived emission probes have further enhanced the spatial resolution and precision of fluorescence imaging, especially in complex systems with short‐lived background signals. In this study, two innovative lysosome‐targeting probes, Cz‐NA and tCz‐NA, are introduced. These probes offer a combination of advantages, including TPE (λex = 880 nm), NIR emission (λem = 650 nm), and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) with long‐lived lifetimes (1.05 and 1.71 µs, respectively). These characteristics significantly improve the resolution and signal‐to‐noise ratio in deep‐tissue imaging. By integrating an acousto‐optic modulator (AOM) device with TPE microscopy, the authors successfully applied Cz‐NA in two‐photon excited delayed fluorescence (TPEDF) imaging to track lysosomal adaptation and immune responses to inflammation in mice. This study sheds light on the relationship between lysosome tubulation, innate immune responses, and inflammation in vivo, providing valuable insights for the development of autofluorescence‐free molecular probes in the future.
RhNi Bimetallenes with Lattice‐Compressed Rh Skin towards Ultrastable Acidic Nitrate Electroreduction
Authors: Zhong Wei , Hong Qing‐Ling , Ai Xuan , Zhang Chong , Li Fu‐Min , Li Xi‐Fei , Chen Yu
Published: February 2024

Harvesting recyclable ammonia (NH3) from acidic nitrate (NO3−)‐containing wastewater requires the utilization of corrosion‐resistant electrocatalytic materials with high activity and selectivity towards acidic electrochemical nitrate reduction (NO3ER). Herein, ultrathin RhNi bimetallenes with Rh‐skin‐type structure (RhNi@Rh BMLs) are fabricated towards acidic NO3ER. The Rh‐skin atoms on the surface of RhNi@Rh BMLs experience the lattice compression‐induced strain effect, resulting in shortened Rh–Rh bond and downshifted d‐band center. Experimental and theoretical calculation results corroborate that Rh‐skin atoms can inhibit NO2*/NH2* adsorption‐induced Rh dissolution, contributing to the exceptional electrocatalytic durability of RhNi@Rh BMLs (over 400 h) towards acidic NO3ER. RhNi@Rh BMLs also reveal an excellent catalytic performance, boasting a 98.4% NH3 Faradaic efficiency and a 13.4 mg h−1 mgcat−1 NH3 yield. Theoretical calculations reveal that compressive stress tunes the electronic structure of Rh skin atoms, which facilitates the reduction of NO* to NOH* in NO3ER. The practicality of RhNi@Rh BMLs has also been confirmed in an alkaline‐acidic hybrid zinc‐nitrate battery with a 1.39 V open circuit voltage and a 10.5 mW cm−2 power density. This work offers valuable insights into the nature of electrocatalyst deactivation behavior and guides the development of high‐efficiency corrosion‐resistant electrocatalysts for applications in energy and environment.