cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of NdFeB-based permanent rare-earth micromagnets by novel hybrid micromolding process

In this paper, we present preparation and magnetic characterization of an isotropic permanent magnetic Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) based polymer composite, which can be micromolded on flexible PDMS substrate, via a novel hybrid soft lithographic technique. The NdFeB isotropic magnetic powder was homogeneously dispersed by solvent assisted ultrasonic and shear mixing in polydimethylsiloxne matrix (PDMS). The prepared composite was micromolded against an SU-8 master micromold. The resultant micromagnets had a diameter of 50 μm and height 30 μm. These magnets, which were tested using magnetometer showed a remanent magnetization (Mr) of 60.10 emu/g and Coercivity (Hc) of 5,260 G at 75 weight percentage of isotropic magnetic powder in PDMS polymer matrix. Furthermore, dispersion analysis of isotropic NdFeB magnetic powder through SEM analysis showed homogenous dispersion of the magnetic particles--which had an average particle size of 2.5 μm------in PDMS polymer matrix.
Most Exchange Plans Charge Lower Tobacco Surcharges Than Allowed, But Many Tobacco Users Lack Affordable Coverage

Beginning in 2014, federal guidelines for health plans sold to people in the individual market allow insurers to charge tobacco users up to 50 percent more for premiums, compared to nonusers. We examined variations in tobacco surcharges for plans offered through the state and federal health insurance exchanges, or Marketplaces. The plan with the median surcharge had only 10 percent higher premiums for tobacco users compared to nonusers, and nine in ten plans charged a lower surcharge than allowed. Even with such lower-than-allowed surcharges, tobacco users lacked affordable coverage—defined as access to at least one plan with premiums of less than 8 percent of income after subsidies—in more states than did nonusers. Higher premiums could encourage tobacco users to opt out of coverage. Our results also suggest that the variation in tobacco surcharges may result in the sorting of tobacco users and nonusers into different plans.
The Effects of Hydrophobic Mismatch between Phosphatidylcholine Bilayers and Transmembrane Alpha-Helical Peptides Depend on the Nature of Interfacially Exposed Aromatic and Charged Residues

In this study, we investigated the extent to which different aromatic and positively charged side chains, which often flank transmembrane segments of proteins, can influence lipid-peptide interactions. Model systems consisting of phosphatidylcholine and hydrophobic -helical peptides with different flanking residues were investigated. The peptides were incorporated in relatively thick and in relatively thin lipid bilayers to create a peptide-bilayer hydrophobic mismatch, and the compensating effects on lipid structure were analyzed. When relatively long with respect to the thickness of the bilayer, the peptides that are flanked by the aromatic side chains, Trp, Tyr, and Phe, all induce a significant ordering of the lipid acyl chains, while the peptides flanked by the charged residues Lys, Arg, and His do not. However, when the peptides are relatively short with respect to the thickness of the bilayer, their effect on lipid organization does not depend primarily on their aromatic or charged character. Peptides flanked by Trp, Tyr, Lys, or (at low pH) His residues are effective in inducing mismatch-relieving cubic and inverted hexagonal phases, while analogues flanked by Phe, Arg, or (at neutral pH) His residues cannot induce an inverted hexagonal phase. The different responses to mismatch might reflect the different interfacial affinities of the residues that were investigated.
Rethinking Instructional Delivery for Diverse Student Populations: Serving All Learners with Concept-Based Instruction

When students arrive at content classes reading below grade level, teachers are challenged to deliver complex content. Also, students often study facts without reaching larger concepts. Research at...
Decrease of calcium turnover in soft tissues during aging

Abstract Incorporation of 45 Ca into the soft tissues was studied in vivo in male and female rats 2 and 13 months old. Blood radioactivity was higher in the older animals and if the incorporation of 45 Ca into the soft tissues was divided by blood radioactivity, there was greater incorporation of 45 Ca into the soft tissues (collagen, muscles, aorta, brain, liver) of the younger animals, greatest changes being observed in the muscles and collagen fibres. In young and old animals with connected circulation for 40 min, differences of the incorporation of 45 Ca into the soft tissues disappeared. Injections of parathormone or thyreocalcitonine resp. parathyreoidectomy were without effect on 45 Ca incorporation into the soft tissues. Extractibility of 45 Ca from the collagen fibres in vitro was greater in older animals if the isotope was injected 20 min before the fibres were removed. This shows that it takes a longer time for the new Ca to become firmly bound in the fibres of older animals. Excretion of 45 Ca in the feces is increased with aging which corresponds to the higher blood isotope level in these animals. Excretion of 45 Ca in the urine does not change with aging.
Effectiveness of Follow-Up Techniques with Nonresponders in Mail Surveys

One hundred thirty-six mail questionnaire studies which surveyed at least 70 pharmacy practitioners, pharmacy school alumni or pharmacy school-based educators in the U.S. or Canada from 1985 to August 1995 were reviewed to assess the relationships between different follow-up techniques and survey return rates. The scope of each study was categorized as being national, regional/provincewide/statewide, single school (alums) or multiple school (faculty). Least squares multiple regression, weighted for survey sample size, was used to assess the association between return rate and use of prenotification, reminders, second and subsequent mailings, telephone follow-up and other follow-up methods. Although the effectiveness of these techniques varied as a function of a study’s scope, and not all techniques were used in every survey, only a second mailing of the survey instrument to nonresponders was significantly associated with higher return rates across all respondent categories.
Blue Force Tracking Network Modeling and Simulation

Blue Force Tracking (BFT) has become a critical capability for the military. It involves communicating Situational Awareness (SA) and Command & Control (C2) information among highly dispersed battlefield units in a dynamic environment. BFT was used during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) for coordinating operations within the Joint Services and with allies and resulted in reduced causalities due to enhanced SA. The Army's current BFT system is a program of record C2/SA system known as Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2). It consists of a terrestrial line-of-sight (LOS) system and a commercial L-band satellite-based beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) system known as FBCB2-BFT. About 6000 BLOS BFT devices were fielded during OIF. The Army is projecting its worldwide FBCB2-BFT fielding needs to exceed 100,000 devices over the next 5 years. The information exchange requirements per user are also expected to increase. At issue is the ability of the current FBCB2 architecture to support the projected BFT needs. This paper will discuss an Army G-3/G-6 sponsored study to investigate the BFT communications and coverage needs in the 2015 timeframe. It will focus on the network modeling and simulation aspects of the study using OPNET.
Structures and Stabilities of Trivalent and Tetravalent Rare Earth Ions in Sevenfold Andeightfold Coordination in Fluorite-Related Complex Oxides

This paper reports the preparation and characterization of a series of oxides containing3+ or 4+ lanthanide (M = Ce, Pr, or Tb) ions, with different ionic sizes and varying M4+/M3+ reduction potentials, in nearly cubic coordination. The objective of the study was to demonstrate how oxidation-reduction characteristics and ionic-size trends explain the properties of these oxides and to compare the oxidation-reduction stability of M3+ and M4+ lanthanide ions in high (CN 7 or 8) coordination in fluorite-related oxides versus low (CN 6) coordination in perovskite oxies. Efficient preparative methods are reported, as well as powder diffraction and thermogravimetric measurements for oxides CaMTi2O7-x and CaMZr2O7-x. These oxides were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and by thermogravimetric analysis. CaCeTi2O7 is a pyrochlore, a = 10.142(4) A with Ce4+ much more easily reducible than in the perovskite BaCeO3. By contrast, a preparation with the stoichiometry “CaPrTi2O7-x” is a two-phase mixture of perovskite CaTiO3 and a presumably Pr3+-rich pyrochlore Pr2Ti2O7(?). CaTbTi2O7-x appears to be a Tb3+ pyrochlore, a = 10.149(2) A. CaCeZr2O7 is a pyrochlore, a = 10.524(1) sA. A preparation of “CaPrZr2O7-x“ also appeared to yield a two-phase mixture, perovskite CaZrO3 and pyrochlore Pr2Zr2O7. In this paper, the structures, f-element ion sites, and M(IV)- MM1I stability trends in the CaMTi2O7-x and CaMZr2O7-x oxides are compared with the structural and stability trends in the perovskites BaMO3 which have M4+ ions in sixfold (tilted octahedra) coordination.
Rapid scanning all-reflective optical delay line for real-time optical coherence tomography.

We describe a dispersion-free high-speed scanning optical delay line that is suitable for real-time optical coherence tomography, in particular, when an ultrabroadband light source is used. The delay line is based on all-reflective optics consisting of two flat and one curved mirrors. We achieve optical path-length scanning by oscillating one of the two flat mirrors with a resonant galvanometer. The delay line is compact and easy to implement. A total scanning depth of 1.50 mm with an 89% duty ratio, a maximal scanning speed of ∼9.1 m/s, and a 4.1-kHz repetition rate has been demonstrated.
Three-dimensional lensless imaging using laser frequency diversity.

A laser radar system for three-dimensional (3-D) lensless imaging is analyzed in theory and experiment. 3-D imaging is accomplished by making use of the relationship between the angular and wavelength dependence of the scattered light and an object's 3-D Fourier transform. The concept is demonstrated by obtaining a 3-D image of an extended object by using a charge-coupled device detector array and an argon-ion laser with a tunable intracavity etalon.
Alcohol use after liver transplantation in alcoholics: A clinical cohort follow‐up study

The purposes of this study were to determine among a cohort of long-term alcoholic survivors after liver transplantation (1) the incidence of alcohol use, (2) its effect on allograft integrity and extrahepatic health, and (3) the validity of the pretransplant alcohol prognosis screening process. Retrospective clinical cohort study of all alcoholic patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation at a single center from February 1987 until January 1991 with follow-up through December 1994, giving a median duration of follow-up of 63 months (range, 6-89 months). Multidisciplinary liver transplantation program at a tertiary-care academic medical center. Fifty alcoholic, long-term liver transplant recipients. The frequency of alcohol relapse, defined as any alcohol use in the period after transplantation, was determined by two questionnaire studies and by clinical follow-up. Allograft integrity was assessed by coded review of serial percutaneous allograft biopsies. Potential systemic effects of alcohol relapse were assessed by chart review. The alcohol prognosis screening process was evaluated by retrospectively comparing pretransplant estimates of putative indicators of alcoholism prognosis in posttransplant alcohol users and abstainers. Thirty-three recipients (66%) consistently denied any alcohol use throughout the duration of posttransplant follow-up, whereas 17 (34%) were identified as having consumed alcohol at least once since the transplant. There were no significant differences at the time of evaluation between abstainers and alcohol users in age, sex distribution, severity of liver dysfunction, median duration of abstinence, or University of Michigan alcoholism prognosis score. The median interval from transplantation to alcohol relapse was 17 months, with a range of 3 to 45 months. Recurrent alcohol use was associated with significant medical complications sufficient to require admission to the hospital in 6 patients. One patient died of graft dysfunction, noncompliance with immunosuppressant medications, and presumed graft rejection while drinking. Mild or progressive hepatitis, which was the most common abnormality in posttransplant liver biopsy findings, was equally distributed between both alcohol users and abstainers and sometimes occurred in the absence of antibody to hepatitis C virus antibodies. There was a similar frequency of biopsy-proven acute cellular rejection in alcohol users and abstainers. Typical histological features of alcoholic liver injury were present in posttransplant biopsies from 1 alcohol user only. Alcohol use by alcoholics is uncommon in the first 5 years after liver transplantation, and alcohol-associated liver injury is unusual. Mild nonspecific hepatitis is common in both alcohol users and nonusers alike. Among a small subset of alcoholic transplant recipients, drinking behavior after liver transplantation is associated with considerable morbidity, requiring hospital admissions and occasionally leading to graft loss and death.
Eliminating recency with self-review: the case of auditors' ‘going concern’ judgments

This paper examines the use of self-review to debias recency. Recency is found in the ‘going concern’ judgments of staff auditors, but is successfully eliminated by the auditor's use of a simple self-review technique that would be extremely easy to implement in audit practice. Auditors who self-review are also less inclined to make audit report choices that are inconsistent with their going concern judgments. These results are important because the judgments of staff auditors often determine the type and extent of documentation in audit workpapers and serve as preliminary inputs for senior auditors' judgments and choices. If staff auditors' judgments are affected by recency, the impact of this bias may be impounded in the ultimate judgments and choices of senior auditors. Since biased judgments can expose auditors to significant costs involving extended audit procedures, legal liability and diminished reputation, simple debiasing techniques that reduce this exposure are valuable. The paper also explores some future research needs and other important issues concerning judgment debiasing in applied professional settings. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New superconducting critical temperatures and fields

New compounds with higher T/sub c/ are discussed briefly: the Mo sulfides, hexagonal MoN, and cubic LiTi$sub 2$O$sub 4$. (DLC)
Is Molecular Epidemiology a Germ Theory for the End of the Twentieth Century

A recent article in this journal by Vandenbroucke drew a parallel between the possible intellectual fate of some current ideas in epidemiology and the last century's miasma theory of epidemics. Like some nineteenth century investigators, many contemporary epidemiologists are indeed guided by the principle that the origins of disease are environmental in a very broad sense. This is sometimes called the 'black box' view of epidemiology, and it emphasizes the documentation of exposure-disease associations in conjunction with the idea that disease can be prevented by altering the environment without the need of detailed knowledge of pathogenic mechanisms. Vandenbroucke's thesis is that epidemiologists who subscribe to this view, like the miasmists, their philosophical predecessors, are destined to be the losers in a struggle with a superior scientific idea. For the miasmists that competing idea was the germ theory of disease; for the epidemiologists of today, in his view, it is molecular biology. Such exhortations that epidemiology must alter its philosophy and methods to survive as a legitimate scientific discipline are not unusual but they are often based on a distorted view of the history and goals of epidemiology. This view is derived from a misinterpretation of the last century's intellectual contest between theories about the origins of mass disease. The conventional wisdom of today is that those nineteenth-century epidemiologists who subscribed to the theory that epidemics are completely explainable by the presence of specific agents in all affected populations won that contest because they were right, that is, because such agents are, by definition, the unique causes of disease. The virtue of their ideas is suppos-
Cannabinoid antagonist SR-141716 inhibits endotoxic hypotension by a cardiac mechanism not involving CB1 or CB2 receptors

Endocannabinoids and CB1 receptors have been implicated in endotoxin (LPS)-induced hypotension: LPS stimulates the synthesis of anandamide in macrophages, and the CB1 antagonist SR-141716 inhibits ...
A Century of Progress in Molecular Mass Spectrometry

The first mass spectrum of a molecule was measured by J.J. Thomson in 1910. Mass spectrometry (MS) soon became crucial to the study of isotopes and atomic weights and to the development of atomic weapons for World War II. Its notable applications to molecules began with the quantitative analysis of light hydrocarbons during World War II. When I joined the Dow Chemical Company in 1950, MS was not favored by organic chemists. This situation improved only with an increased understanding of gaseous ion chemistry, which was obtained through the use of extensive reference data. Gas chromatography–MS was developed in 1956, and tandem MS was first used a decade later. In neutralization-reionization MS, an unusual, unstable species is prepared by ion-beam neutralization and characterized by reionization. Electrospray ionization of a protein mixture produces its corresponding ionized molecules. In top-down proteomics, ions from an individual component can be mass separated and subjected to collision-activated and e...
Advances and trends in computational structural mechanics

Recent developments in computational structural mechanics are reviewed with reference to computational needs for future structures technology, advances in computational models for material behavior, discrete element technology, assessment and control of numerical simulations of structural response, hybrid analysis, and techniques for large-scale optimization. Research areas in computational structural mechanics which have high potential for meeting future technological needs are identified. These include prediction and analysis of the failure of structural components made of new materials, development of computational strategies and solution methodologies for large-scale structural calculations, and assessment of reliability and adaptive improvement of response predictions.
Field Performance Measurements of Half-Facepiece Respirators—Paint Spraying Operations

This article presents the results of a workplace protection factor (WPF) study for half-facepiece respirators conducted in an aircraft paint-spraying operation. The major elements of the paint overspray collected with ambient samples were titanium, strontium, chromium, and silicon. The major elements collected on the in-facepiece samples were chlorine and silicon. The geometric mean (GM) ambient concentrations of chromium and titanium varied significantly among painting locations and paint types. There was a significant difference in GM in-facepiece concentrations of titanium among painting locations. However, no significant difference in GM in-facepiece concentrations of chromium by location was found. In both ambient and in-facepiece samples the amounts of chromium and strontium were highly correlated as expected. In ambient samples total airborne mass was highly correlated with levels of chromium and titanium when primer and top coat were applied, respectively. No difference in respirator performance, ...
Effect of Electrical Fields on the Red Imported Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

We demonstrate that the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, is attracted to electric fields. Attraction is directly proportional to field strength (determined by voltage and distance between charged disks) for both direct (DC) and alternating (AC) current. Direct and alternating current attracts approximately equal numbers of ants at the same voltage and distance between charged disks. The only difference observed between the two types of current is that ants leave AC-charged disks at a much lower rate when the circuit is opened. We have not yet determined how or why ants detect and are attracted to electric fields. This attraction results in problems when ants invade, short-circuit, and destroy electrical equipment.
GAIA, assemblage de combustible de nouvelle génération

AREVA concoit et fabrique des assemblages pour les reacteurs a eau pressurisee depuis plus de 40 ans, soit plus de 140 000 assemblages fournis a 142 reacteurs dans le monde. C'est sur cette large experience que s'est base le developpement de l'assemblage de nouvelle generation GAIA, la nouvelle reference du combustible REP. GAIA capitalise les savoir-faire majeurs des technologies developpees anterieurement par le groupe en France, en Allemagne ou aux Etats-Unis, qu'il s'agisse de la technologie HTP™ dont la resistance a l'usure vibratoire des crayons dans les grilles de structure des assemblages (phenomene de fretting) fait la difference ou qu'il s'agisse de la performance thermohydraulique des technologies AFA 3G™ ou Mark-BW™.
Evidence for an hypothalamic focus of inhibition of gonadotropin by androgen in the male.

SummaryThe chronic implantation of minute amounts of solid testosterone propionate into the posterior median eminenceposterior tuberal region of the hypothalamus in 4 dogs has led to aspermia and profound testicular and prostatic atrophy. Although decreases in quality of semen were noted in 2 of 4 other dogs with similar implants in the pituitary, none of these 4 dogs showed gonadal or prostatic atrophy. No decrease in semen quality nor gonadal or prostatic atrophy was noted in either of 2 dogs with thalamic implants or one with an implant in the ventromedial hypothalamus.The authors would like to thank Enid Arozena, Cora Rucker and Arlene Koithan for skilled technical assistance.
Comparison of phage typing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis in typing of Salmonella enteritidis

Objective:To compare the discriminatory ability between phage typing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis(PFGE) in Salmonella enteritidis.Methods:83 strains of Salmonella enteritidis from patients and food were typed by nine Salmonella phages and PFGE with XbaI as the restriction enzyme.Results:83 strains of Salmonella enteritidis were divided into 4 types by phage typing and 19 types by PFGE,respectively.The same phage type of Salmonella enteritidis can be divided into different types by PFGE.Conclusion:PFGE shows higher discriminatory ability in the subtype of Salmonella enteritidis than phage typing.PFGE is still the "gold standard" for typing Salmonella enteritidis.PFGE is suitable for molecular epidemiological investigation for food poisoning.
Effect of astragaloside on expression of coxsakievirus and adenovirus receptor in mice with viral myocarditis

Objective:To study the effect of astrogaloside on expression of coxsakievirus and adenovirus receptor(CAR)in mice with viral myocarditis(VMC) induced by coxsackievirus B3(CVB3).Method:VMC mice model were randomly devided into three groups: ①VMC group (n=40) without any treatment, ②astrogaloside group (n=40) treated with astrogaloside and ③normal group (n=40) as control. Ten mice from each group were killed on 0,3,7 and 14 days after infected. The expression of CAR in the heart was detected by the semi-quantitive RT-PCR.Result:Higher level of the expression of CAR was found in VMC group compared with control group and astrogaloside group(P0.01). The peak of expression of CAR in cardiac muscle was 7 days after CVB3 infection.Conclusion:The expression of CAR was higher in mice with CVB3 myocarditis and astrogaloside might inhibite expression of CAR in cardiac muscle and prevent CVB3 from infection in cardiomyocyte.
Detection of zinc content in breast milk of mother at 0～10 months after delivery and its significances

Objective To investigate difference in milk zinc content in different breast-feeding stages,and its effects on infants in order to give guidance to zinc supplementation for those infants with zinc deficiency.Methods By using atomic absorption spectrophotometry(AAS),zinc content in breast milk of 125 women were detected and the zinc contents in different stages of breastfeeding were compared.Results The milk zinc contents in different stages of breastfeeding varied and the difference was significant(F=18.863,P=0.000).Conclusion Zinc content decreases gradually along with increase of infant's age in month.Therefore,complementary food should be supplemented appropriately and timely so as to ensure the infant's normal growth and development.
Epidemiological analysis on the notifiable disease among children under 14 in Cangnan between 2008 and 2012

Objective The purpose of this study was to understand the main features of the legal infectious diseases among children under 14 years old in Cangnan, in order to provide evidence for scientific prevention and control measures. Methods Using excel and Epi Info software from the report by the information system of disease prevention and control of the People's Republic of China,Cangnan county childhood onset data and statistics was analyzed by descriptive epidemiological methodology. Results From 2008 to2012, 21764 cases were reported among children less than 14 years old in Cangnan. The incidence of legal infectious diseases was1733.81/10, with four lethal cases repoted. The intestinal infectious diseases and respiratory infections were the major diseases,accounting for 95.74%. Incidence for boys was higher than that for girls. Scattered children and low age group were the major population infected, and the incidence gradually decreased with increasing age. Conclusion Prevention and control on intestinal and respiratory infectious disease is the key work in the county to control communicable diseases and protect the health of children and teenagers. Relevant prevention and control measures should be formulated according to different season characteristics.
Valvular heart disease: the decision to treat.

The decision to perform valve replacement surgery is more difficult to make in cases of aortic regurgitation than in aortic stenosis. There is reluctance to perform surgery before symptoms develop but less chance of improvement when surgery is done later. The factors that must be evaluated and weighed in each patient with asymptomatic valve disease are described in detail.
Effect of target type on near point of convergence in a healthy, active, young adult population

Purpose: Measuring near point of convergence (NPC) has recently emerged as a concussion assessment tool. Differences in administration of the test can be seen within the literature, which may affect results and normative values. There has been little investigation examining if clinically accessible target types affects NPC and no examination of NPC in a healthy, active young adult population. Methods: NPC was measured in 39 subjects using 5 different targets two times each with an accommodative ruler. Results: NPC ranged from 1.5-10cm in this population with an overall mean of 5.9+-1.6 cm. There were significant differences between the middle sized font and the line (p = .024) and pen (p = .047), and also between the largest sized font and the line (p = .026). Conclusion: For physically active young adults, the measurement of NPC is affected by target type.
Immediate tricuspid valve replacement for endocarditis. Indications and results.

Tricuspid valve excision for tricuspid endocarditis in addicts is recommended to avoid early reinfection, continued sepsis, and late reinfection because of the resumption of intravenous drug abuse. Valvectomy is allegedly well tolerated hemodynamically by some, but it leads to heart failure in at least a third of patients. In our experience in 10 addicts with staphylococcal endocarditis who had failed to respond to antibiotic therapy, tricuspid valve replacement allowed all 10 to leave the hospital free of infection and free of heart failure. Resumption of drug addiction in three led to septic death, but not necessarily to tricuspid reinfection. Two returned to jobs requiring a high level of physical labor and tolerated this without difficulty. We find no need to follow the practice of tricuspid valve excision for tricuspid endocarditis in addicts. Those who refrain from drug abuse are well served by valve replacement Those who do not are doomed with or without a tricuspid valve.
Introduction: Dukes v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

This short introduction to Dukes v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. aims to explain the case and to set the table for what promises to be thought-provoking roundtable discussion hosted by Vanderbilt Law Review En Banc. Accordingly, what follows is a concise overview of the legal background and current debate over the two procedural issues that the Ninth Circuit explored in detail – how to evaluate Rule 23(a)(2)’s commonality when common questions heavily implicate the case’s merits, and when a Rule 23(b)(2) class can include relief apart from injunctive or declaratory relief without endangering due process.
From Form to Function to Sustainable Solutions? Reforming Public Sectors in Low Income Countries: New Approaches and Available Evidence of “What Works”

Summary The article reviews the evidence about success of public sector reforms in low and middle income countries, external support for such reforms, and recent ideas of how such support could be better designed and implemented. Enthusiasm for supporting public sector reforms has decreased over the past decade, and available data suggest that there has been little overall improvement. However, it also indicates that a small number of countries have significantly strengthened their public sectors over the past 10 to 20 years. The article then reviews five new approaches that have been proposed for better supporting public sector reforms. It looks at how they diagnose what has not worked and the implications of what should be carried out differently. Furthermore, it explores to what extent the available evidence of overall stagnation as well as of success cases fits with these proposed alternatives, to gauge to what extent they are likely to make a difference. The final section sets out the implications. Development agencies should seek to deliberately test a combination of the proposed alternative approaches, particularly in more difficult contexts, taking political feasibility as a basis and adding other elements. The urgency to make progress remains high. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing L2 vocabulary depth with word associates format tests: issues, findings, and suggestions

Word Associates Format (WAF) tests are often used to measure second language learners’ vocabulary depth with a focus on their network knowledge. Yet, there were often many variations in the specific forms of the tests and the ways they were used, which tended to have an impact on learners’ response behaviors and, more importantly, the psychometric properties of the tests. This paper reviews the general practices, key issues, and research findings that pertain to WAF tests in four major areas, including the design features of WAF tests, conditions for test administration, scoring methods, and test-taker characteristics. In each area, a set of variables is identified and described with relevant research findings also presented and discussed. Around eight topics, the General Discussion section provides some suggestions and directions for the development of WAF tests and the use of them as research tools in the future. This paper is hoped to help researchers become better aware that the results generated by a WAF test may vary depending on what specific design the test has, how it is administered and scored, and who the learners are, and consequently, make better decisions in their research that involves a WAF test.
Effects of Social Perceptions and Organizational Commitment on Restaurant Performance

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study is to examine the effects of employees’ organizational commitment and social perceptions of their coworkers and managers on key restaurant performance indicators (i.e., customer satisfaction, restaurant sales change, and employee turnover rate). This study enhances the existing literature related to the influence of the work environment and employees’ job attitudes on organizations’ performance, and includes two fundamental social dimensions that are often used to evaluate other individuals or groups, namely warmth and competence. In order to examine such effects, structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized. Results suggest that managers’ warmth and employees’ organizational commitment have significant effects on restaurants’ turnover rates. Moreover, employees’ organizational commitment improves restaurants’ sales change and customer satisfaction. Implications for practitioners and researchers are discussed in detail.
Symptom clusters in patients with advanced cancer in an early-phase clinical trials clinic.

2540Background: Few data exist on patient-reported outcomes, specifically symptoms, in patients with advanced cancer who seek or are in treatment in phase I clinical trials of molecular targeted agents (phase I patients). We explored patient clusters based on symptom severity, and examined associated factors. Methods: Phase I patients completed the validated core MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (with 13 symptom and 6 symptom interference items, each rated on a 0-10 scale) and the Profile of Mood States. ECOG performance status was assessed. Cluster analysis was used. Results: In phase I patients (N = 248, 51% female, 90% ECOG 0-1, and 52% ≥ 60y), symptoms with highest reported mean severity were fatigue (4.6), drowsiness (3.7), pain (3.6), and lack of sleep (3.0). Highest symptom-related interference was with work (3.5), activity (3.4), and enjoyment of life (3.4). Two natural patient clusters based on reported symptom severity were seen: 38% of patients were in the high symptoms cluster (HSC), and 62% were...
Constructing and Reconstructing the “Rural School Problem”: A Century of Rural Education Research

This chapter examines 100 years of rural education research in the context of the demographic, migratory, economic, and social changes that have affected rural America in the past century. The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature on rural teacher recruitment, retention, and training as a case study to examine the constancy and change in the construction of the “rural school problem,” a concept drawn from early work by urban education reformers. They found that attention to rurality as a factor affecting education boomed in the first half of the 20th century thanks to a commitment to achieving a kind of modernity, an emphasis that waned in the second half of that century when modernity was believed to have been more or less achieved. Neoliberal economic policies and the precariousness of rural economies revived interest in the resilience and adaptability of rural America in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, however, leading to a renaissance in rural education research but one large...
Zika and Public Health: Understanding the Epidemiology and Information Environment.

Because Zika is a newly emerging infectious disease with little previous information known about it, there are many epidemiologic and clinical questions. The complexity of providing care to those who are at risk for infection or are already infected with Zika in this evidence-scarce environment cannot be understated. In this article, we provide an overview of the Zika virus (ZIKV) in the context of public health and pediatric health care. A broad public health focus is used to provide relevant information for addressing important questions about the epidemic and to facilitate communication with patients, parents, and caregivers within the current information environment. We explore issues regarding the epidemiology of the virus (including why ZIKV outbreaks are occurring), what has changed since the sporadic case reports before the outbreaks, why the true incidence is difficult to estimate, why attack rates vary by population and geography, and why the association between Zika and congenital Zika syndrome and Guillain-Barre syndrome have only come to light recently. Additionally, challenges related to the current information environment, traditional and informal information sources about the ZIKV, and examples of Zika public health communication campaigns are discussed. Importantly, we review the existing findings regarding the US population’s Zika-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behavior by highlighting variations and gaps. We conclude by identifying related research questions that remain critical.
The effect of learning mechanics design on learning outcomes in a computer-based geometry game

A computer-based geometry game was adapted to allow for play using a conceptual rule or an arithmetic problem-solving mechanic. Participants (n = 91) from an urban middle school were randomly assigned to experimental conditions. Results suggest that play in the number condition was more situationally interesting than play in the rule condition. Participants in the rule condition were found to perform better in the game than those in the number condition. Learning outcome results suggest that in the number condition, but not the rule condition, playing more levels in the game diminishes the gain from pretest to posttest. For the design of games for learning, results highlight the importance of choosing a game mechanic that reflects the intended learning outcomes.
Involving Parents in the Mathematics Education of Their Young Handicapped Child.

The greater the parental involvement in a child's education, the greater the effectiveness of the parentschool relationship. Parental participation is the cornerstone of success (Gargiulo 1985). Research has generally favored parental involvement in the education of handicapped children (Turnbull 1983). Parental involvement has often been linked to positive findings in the child's performance, parental satisfaction, and program success (Weigerink et al. 1984). Karnes, Zehrbach, and Teska (1972) asserted that parents serve an important role in helping their children reinforce and generalize school learning. In reviewing Head Start research, Willmon (1969) found that children of highly involved parents performed better on the Metropolitan Reading Readiness Test than children whose
Identification of a synaptic membrane-localized isoform of the calcium-pumping ATPase.

Calcium-pumping membrane ATPases play the essential function of terminating Ca2+-dependent responses. Two broad classes of Ca2+-pumping ATPases are now known to exist in animal cells, those of internal membranes (100 kDa) and the plasma membrane enzymes (120–140 kDa). These two families of Ca2+-pumping ATPases differ substantially in molecular, enzymatic and regulatory properties commensurate with their differiential localization and physiological roles. Recent studies in a number of laboratories have provided evidence that multiple isoforms of each type of Ca2+ -ATPase are produced in different cell types as products of either differential splicing events or different genes. These sets of isoforms are almost certain to have subtle differences in functional properties related to the requirements of a particular biological setting.
Passivity-Based Iterative Learning Control for Cycling Induced by Functional Electrical Stimulation With Electric Motor Assistance

This brief examines the use of a learning control method in a passivity-based framework to control a motorized cycle-rider system with functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the quadriceps muscle groups. FES cycling with motorized assistance has been used in the rehabilitation of people with neurological conditions. The concepts of adaptation and passivity are explored to compensate for the uncertain nonlinear time-varying dynamics of the motorized FES cycle-rider system. The system is modeled as a closed-loop feedback, state-dependent switched system such that in each cycle, the quadriceps muscle groups produce the functional torque and the electric motor provides assistance as needed. The output strictly passive feature of the closed-loop system is proven by considering a learning control input. Then, an adaptive update law, based on iterative learning control, is developed to guarantee the convergence of the cadence tracking error. Experimental results from seven able-bodied participants are presented and discussed to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. The average cadence tracking error is 0.00 ± 2.47 rpm for the desired trajectory of 50 rpm.
Using Team-Based Learning to Teach Human Subjects Research Ethics.

For health sciences students, understanding human subjects research ethics is essential for providing equitable healthcare. Active learning approaches were needed to engage students with the content and support transfer of knowledge to clinical practice. A team-based learning (TBL) module was developed and implemented in an evidence-based practice undergraduate nursing course across 3 semesters with 169 students to promote understanding and application of research ethics principles. Thematic analysis of student reflections showed five themes: change in attitude, learning/understanding, application of ethical principles, specific terminology, and specific examples. Faculty facilitators reported increased engagement, understanding, and application.
Dementia, Depression, and Associated Brain Inflammatory Mechanisms after Spinal Cord Injury

Evaluation of the chronic effects of spinal cord injury (SCI) has long focused on sensorimotor deficits, neuropathic pain, bladder/bowel dysfunction, loss of sexual function, and emotional distress. Although not well appreciated clinically, SCI can cause cognitive impairment including deficits in learning and memory, executive function, attention, and processing speed; it also commonly leads to depression. Recent large-scale longitudinal population-based studies indicate that patients with isolated SCI (without concurrent brain injury) are at a high risk of dementia associated with substantial cognitive impairments. Yet, little basic research has addressed potential mechanisms for cognitive impairment and depression after injury. In addition to contributing to disability in their own right, these changes can adversely affect rehabilitation and recovery and reduce quality of life. Here, we review clinical and experimental work on the complex and varied responses in the brain following SCI. We also discuss potential mechanisms responsible for these less well-examined, important SCI consequences. In addition, we outline the existing and developing therapeutic options aimed at reducing SCI-induced brain neuroinflammation and post-injury cognitive and emotional impairments.
Culture as an Aspect of the Total Personality

This article has validity for our field since blind people represent a cross section of the varied cultural groups that make up America. It is important for practitioners to understand the mores, f...
Exploring Ethnic Differences in Caregiver Perceptions of the Quality of Children’s Mental Health Care

The U.S. children’s mental health system is faced with ameliorating the impacts of significant ethnic disparities in service utilization and outcomes. Furthermore, there has been little effort to assess the quality of children’s mental health care. In this study, we compare Haitian, African-American, and White caregiver perceptions of the quality of their child’s mental health care. Four overarching domains were examined: access to care, cultural and linguistic competence, engagement of caregivers, and appropriateness of services. Through the analysis, we identify ethnic differences in the experiences of caregivers in accessing and receiving services for their children, with minority caregivers reporting greater barriers and poorer quality of care. Structural and cultural factors are explored to understand the interaction of multiple processes that shape access to and quality of care. Implications for policy and practice are discussed, including the need for greater cultural competency and responsiveness in mental health care, and the need to build greater trust between providers and minority communities.
HIV/AIDS and the Latino Populations in the United States: Epidemiology, Prevention, and Barriers to Care and Treatment

Latino individuals comprise 18% of the US population, but they account for 26% of new HIV infections, 22% of people living with HIV/AIDS, and 23% of new AIDS diagnoses. These disparities are driven mainly by a persistently high number of new infections among Latino men who have sex with men in less than a dozen states and US territories. The current HIV care continuum for Latinos falls short of national and international goals and threatens to perpetuate the epidemic. Improving outcomes and eliminating new HIV infections will require a focus on various internal and external factors affecting Latino communities.
MicroED in natural product and small molecule research.

Covering: 2013 to 2020 The electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) method Microcrystal Electron Diffraction (MicroED) allows the collection of high-resolution structural data from vanishingly small crystals that appear like amorphous powders or very fine needles. Since its debut in 2013, data collection and analysis schemes have been fine-tuned, and there are currently close to 100 structures determined by MicroED. Although originally developed to study proteins, MicroED is also very powerful for smaller systems, with some recent and very promising examples from the field of natural products. Herein, we review what has been achieved so far and provide examples of natural product structures, as well as demonstrate the expected future impact of MicroED to the field of natural product and small molecule research.