cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Connecting Home-Based Self-Monitoring of Blood Pressure Data Into Electronic Health Records for Hypertension Care: A Qualitative Inquiry With Primary Care Providers.

Background: There is a lack of research on how to best incorporate home-based self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) measurements, combined with other patient-generated health data (PGHD), into electronic health record (EHR) systems in a way that promotes primary care workflow without burdening the primary care team with irrelevant or superfluous data. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of primary care providers in utilizing SMBP measurements and integrating SMBP data into the clinical workflow for the management of hypertension in the primary care setting. Methods: A total of 13 primary care physicians were interviewed in total; 5 in individual interviews and 8 in a focus group. The interview questions were centered on (1) the value of SMBP in hypertension care, (2) needs of viewing SMBP and desired visual display, (3) desired alert algorithm and critical values, (4) needs for other PGHD, and (5) workflow of primary care team in utilizing SMBP. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim, and a thematic analysis was performed to extract overarching themes. Results: The primary care experience of the 13 providers ranged from 5 to 35 years. The following themes emerged from the individual and focus group interviews: (1) ways to utilize SMBP measurements in primary care, (2) preferred visual display of SMBP, (3) patient condition determines preferred scheduling of patient SMBP measurements and provider’s preferred frequency of viewing SMBP data, (4) effect of patient condition on alert parameters, (5) location to receive critical value alerts, (6) primary recipient of critical value alerts, and (7) the need of additional PGHD (eg, emotional stressors, food diary, and medication adherence) to provide context of SMBP values. Conclusions: The perspectives of primary care providers need to be incorporated into the design of a built-in interface in the EHR to incorporate SMBP and other PGHD. Future usability evaluation should be conducted with mock-up interfaces to solicit opinions on the optimal alert frequency and mechanism to best fit the workflow in the primary care setting. Future studies should examine how the utilization of a built-in interface that fully integrates SMBP measurements and PGHD into EHR systems can support patient self-management and thus, improve patient outcomes.
Material stability and instability in non-local continuum models for dense granular materials

A class of common and successful continuum models for steady, dense granular flows is based on the model. We further apply the NGF model to the problem of strain localization in quasi-static plane-strain compression using nonlinear finite-element simulations in order to demonstrate that the model is capable of describing diffuse strain localization in a mesh-independent manner. Finally, we consider the linear stability of an alternative gradient–viscoplastic model (Bouzid et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 111, 2013, 238301) and show that the inclusion of higher-order gradients does not guarantee the suppression of the Hadamard instability.
Impact of Substitution Registry on the Receptor‐Activation Profiles of Backbone‐Modified Glucagon‐like Peptide‐1 Analogues

Family B G protein-coupled receptors play important physiological roles and possess large extracellular domains (ECDs) that aid in binding the long polypeptide hormones that are their natural agonists. We have previously shown that agonist analogues in which subsets of native α-amino acid residues are replaced with β-amino acid residues can retain activity while avoiding proteolytic degradation. This study focuses on eight new α/β analogues of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) that each contain five α-to-β replacements in the C-terminal half of the peptide. This portion of GLP-1 is known to adopt an α-helical conformation and contact the ECD. All four registries of the αααβ backbone pattern were evaluated; previous work has shown that the αααβ pattern supports adoption of an α-helix-like conformation. Two α-to-β replacement formats were employed, one involving β3 homologues of the native residues replaced and the other involving a cyclic β residue. GLP-1R response was characterized in terms of stimulation of cAMP production and β-arrestin recruitment. Some of the backbone-modified GLP-1 analogues display biased agonism of the GLP-1R. This study helps to establish the scope of the α→β backbone modification strategy.
Equine-assisted therapies using horses as healers: A concept analysis.

Aims A concept analysis was conducted to clarify the attributes, antecedents and meaning of equine‐assisted therapy and present an operational definition.
Early Child Care and Weight Status in a Cohort of Predominantly Black Infants in the Southeastern United States.

Background: Previous studies show inconsistent relations between child care and obesity, but few assessed longitudinal associations during infancy and even fewer included racially diverse children....
Regulating the nutrient release rates from proteinaceous agricultural byproducts using organic amendments and its effect on soil chemical and microbiological properties

Meat and bone meal (MBM) is a byproduct of the rendering industry and is considered an excellent potential organic fertilizer due to its balanced availability of nutrients. However, rapid nutrient mineralization of the MBM that is less synchronized with crop demand, could lead to significant nutrient losses, necessitating measures to modify the mineralization rates of MBM. Here we tested the influence of two natural nitrification inhibitors (NIs; neem cake and karanja cake) on the mineralization of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) from MBM, the associated soil potential enzymatic activity, microbial abundance and broad composition and the influence of these process on plant growth. MBM mineralized quickly, with 35% mineralization of the applied N within the first 5 days of incubation. NIs reduced nitrification rate of MBM by ~ 40% and increased the retention of NH4+ (~ 35%) in soil compared with MBM only. Soil CO2 respiration, potential enzymatic activity and microbial abundance were similar in the MBM with and without NIs, suggesting a low negative effect of NIs on the microbial growth and functionality. MBM exhibits a slow P mineralization rate, with an increase in soil available P was observed only at later sampling points (36 days after incubation) with solubilization of a fraction of Ca-P. P mineralization rates were similar between the MBM with and without NIs. MBM with and without NIs was equally effective in maintaining the plant growth and biomass, which were similar to inorganic fertilizers. Our study suggests that MBM blended with NIs could increase the crop nutrient use efficiency via lowering N losses, while improving soil microbiological health.
Poor Glycemic Control Correlates with Worse Myocardial Flow Measured by Ammonia-13 Positron Emission Tomography in Cardiac Transplant Recipients

Purpose Increased hemoglobin A1C was reported to be a predictor of angiographically detected CAV. Our study examined the impact of glycemic control on myocardial blood flow (MBF) measured by 13N-ammonia positron emission tomography (PET) in transplant recipients. Methods We reviewed the records of patients who had heart transplant in the past 5 years at our center, and who had regadenoson-stress 13N-ammonia PET imaging. Three PET flow parameters were measured: stress MBF, myocardial flow reserve (MFR), and coronary vascular resistance (CVR = systolic blood pressure / stress MBF). Age, time from heart transplant to PET imaging, cold ischemia time during transplant, history of ≥ 2R cellular rejection, cholesterol level and A1C within 3 months of PET were recorded as potential risk factors. Correlations between PET and potential risk factors were analyzed (Pearson and Spearman's rank). Mann-Whitney test was used to compare PET flow between patients with A1C Results 57 patients (median age 57.6 years, 73% men) were identified. Median time from transplant to PET imaging was 25 months. Median stress MBF was 2.8 (2.3-3.2) ml/min/g, CVR was 46.7 (39.1-54.0) mmHg/ml/min/g, and MFR was 3.0 (2.6-3.6). A1C (median 6.4%) correlated significantly with stress MBF: r -0.395 (P 0.006), and with CVR: r 0.392 (P 0.006). Time from transplant to PET imaging showed weaker correlation with stress MBF: r -0.284 (p 0.032) and CVR: r 0.279 (p 0.035). Patients with A1C Conclusion Time from heart transplant and A1C level significantly correlated with MBF by 13N-ammonia PET. Patients with high HbA1C level had significantly lower MBF, suggesting that glycemic control may have an important role in prevention of CAV.
“Missing/Unspecified”: Demographic Data Visualization During the COVID-19 Pandemic

While data1 has shown that COVID-19 disproportionately affects Black people, the CDC’s early data listed race as “missing/unspecified” at high rates. Incomplete demographic data obscures the virus’...
Overground gait patterns changed by modulating hip stiffness with a robotic exoskeleton

Lower-limb exoskeletons have shown great potential to assist human locomotion. However, effective methods for modulating aspects of gait behavior beyond reducing metabolic effort, such as stride time and gait kinematics, are still needed, especially for individuals with impaired gait. Using the Samsung GEMS-H exoskeleton, we studied the effect on healthy gait behavior of applying hip stiffness during overground walking. We found that applying positive stiffness did not affect stride time, but it did reduce hip range of motion. We also found that applying negative stiffness increased both stride time and hip range of motion. Additional analyses showed that the effect of applied hip stiffness on hip range of motion during overground walking was similar to that observed during treadmill walking. The effect of positive stiffness on stride time was similar during overground and treadmill walking, but the increase in stride time in response to the application of negative stiffness was greater during treadmill walking than in overground walking. Lastly, we found no evidence to indicate that neural adaptation or learning occurred when hip stiffness was applied. These results suggest that applying joint stiffness may be a promising approach to restoring healthy gait kinematics.
“Squaring” Art’s Educational Quandaries

I begin with a question, a diagram, and four propositions.The Question: What is the purpose of education in art once art asserts its own autonomy from the institutions that disenfranchise it? This ...
Differences between Professionals and Students in Their Visual Attention on Multiple Representation Types While Solving an Open-Ended Engineering Design Problem

AbstractStudents and professionals from a variety of domains have demonstrated different approaches to problem solving. These two populations have displayed differences when using and perceiving mu...
Does a Speaker’s (In)formal Role in News Media Shape Perceptions of Political Incivility?

We used a media-focused vignette experiment to test how speaker role and norm-violation level influenced perceived incivility, including respondents’ age, gender, and partisanship as covariates. On...
Bullying Scenario #9: Bacillus County College Case Study (Presentation Slides)

A PowerPointpresentation of a case study highlighting Bullying Scenarios #9: Bacillus County College, excerpted from chapter 9 of Hollis (2016) The Coercive Community College: Bullying and its Costly Impact on the Mission to Serve Underrepresented Populations. The scenario constructs the issues encountered within the college structure and working environment, and its need for expansion through donorship. The presentation of the last of 9 scenarios focuses on a Hispanic American college president's experience with bullying at the hands of a potential college donor. As the scenario develops we are introduced to instances of questionable behavior that has the power to jeopardize professional relations, college expansion, and the president's tenure.
Issues on the Law of Prevention of Trafficking in Persons

In these short papers I answer some issues on the Law of Prevention of Trafficking in Persons and offer my critique on the existing literature by critically examining the element of consent of the Trafficked victim as opposed to what is provided in the Smuggling Protocol. I argue that the offence of Trafficking under the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime may not be as blurry as is identified by many and therefore the definition of Trafficking under Article 3 is a rather clear one where the intention and act of the accused can be identified in the definition to punish the offender and victim compensation can be achieved in this case. The intention can be identified as the intention to exploit. The intention can be established where any one of the 'means' in the definition of Trafficking are used by the suspect. The act of the suspect is to exploit by way of 'harboring' for example or exploit a victim by ‘transferring’. Therefore for example the offence of Trafficking is committed where the criminal commits the act of exploiting a person by way of harboring or transferring, along with the intention to exploit. This method of criminal justice satisfies the two requirements of the act and the intention as the elements of the offence of Trafficking under the Protocol. The intention of the criminal is established where the 'means' such as a threat or a form of coercion are used. In this case the definition of Trafficking in persons under Article 3 of the International Trafficking Protocol may not be identified as blurred at all as it is similar to any other defined criminal offence where the offence is defined with the intention and act of the accused. So there is no definitional challenge that a State party to the International Trafficking Protocol would face as the ‘exploitation of persons’ in the Preamble which is defined to include 'other forms of sexual exploitation' or 'slavery or practices similar to slavery' under Article 3 can reach international consensus as State parties conform to International Human Rights Law especially when it comes to forms of exploitation of women and children in their respective countries. The challenge is that a State party might not consider all forms of exploitation as coming under the offence of Trafficking due to the political, societal or cultural inhibitions of a State party. Therefore the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons can be a politically relevant bargaining power for a State who abides by it and enacts domestic law to incorporate it through domestic legislation especially for Tier 3 countries.
Natural Killer Cell Activity in Major Depression

There is now considerable evidence that psychiatric illness may be associated with immune dysfunction (Kronfol et al., 1986). We have previously found a decrease of lymphocyte number and percentage in patients with major depression compared to normal and psychiatric control groups (Kronfol et al., 1984).
An Inevitable Moment: US Brain Drain

The National Academies' Rising Above the Gathering Storm, Revisited identified China as the main locus of technological advancement, with “science and technology as the primary productive forces.”T...
How is chiralSU3⊗SU3 symmetry broken?

We consider the exactSU2⊗SU2 symmetry limit and theSU3 symmetry limit separately in the hope that one of them may be a good symmetry group of Nature. Application of the Bjorken limit for the three-point function and conservation of current lead to the commutation relation for the charge and the σ-term. Spectral-function sum rules are obtained, and compared with available experimental data.
Impact of ENSO-Related Climate Anomalies on Crop Yields in the U.S.

Historical daily thermal and precipitation data from selected stations across the United States are composited into climate scenarios for the three phases of ENSO: Warm Events (El Nino), Cold Events (El Viejo or La Nina), and Neutral. Using these scenarios, yields of 7 field crops were simulated using the EPIC biophysical model during the one-year period coincident with maximum SST anomalies in the equatorial Pacific. The response of simulated agricultural productivity to the ENSO-related climate-variability parameters, is presented. A sensitivity calculation confirms the relevance of precipitation totals/medians and suggests ENSO-related yields are sensitive to changes in statistical properties characterizing precipitation distribution and occurrence. Results are spatially dependent, with the southwest and northern plains regions indicating the highest sensitivity to the inclusion of additional precipitation characteristics. The southeast yields are not as sensitive. The yield deviations (expressed as normalized differences to neutral yields) associated with the two extreme ENSO phases (Warm Events and Cold Events) are spatially and crop dependent with ranges up to ±120%. The largest yield deviations are in the south, southwest, and northern plains. Overall, Cold Events demonstrate larger impacts in the southern regions and Warm Events have a larger impact in the north. Additionally, the notion that climate anomalies associated with Cold and Warm Events and subsequent impacts on yields should be of opposite sign (i.e., linear) is not valid in many regions. For the eastern half of the U.S., modeled yield deviations under Warm Event conditions are nearly all less than neutral. Conversely, in the western half, results are more mixed. Under Cold Event conditions, yields in the east are enhanced in the south, but worsened in the north; while in the western half, yields have decreased in general. The results highlight the critical role of climate and production-related data on station or county levels in quantifying the impact of ENSO climate anomalies on yields. Both the diverse nature of the ENSO-related yield deviations as well as their sensitivity to monthly frequency distribution and occurrence characteristics imply that ENSO-related seasonal precipitation forecasts might be beneficial for agricultural application only if details were provided regarding not only totals, but also predicted changes in temporal and spatial variability of a more comprehensive suite of characteristics.
A sentence-based copy detection approach for web documents

Web documents that are either partially or completely duplicated in content are easily found on the Internet these days. Not only these documents create redundant information on the Web, which take longer to filter unique information and cause additional storage space, but they also degrade the efficiency of Web information retrieval. In this paper, we present a sentence-based copy detection approach on Web documents, which determines the existence of overlapped portions of any two given Web documents and graphically displays the locations of (semantically the) same sentences detected in the documents. Two sentences are treated as either the same or different according to the degree of similarity of the sentences computed by using either the three least-frequent 4-gram approach or the fuzzy-set information retrieval (IR) approach. Experimental results show that the fuzzy-set IR approach outperforms the three least-frequent 4-gram approach in our copy detection approach, which handles wide range of documents in different subject areas and does not require static word lists.
A Characterization of Basophilic Degeneration of Collagen by Histochemical and Microspectroscopic Procedures12

Basophilic degeneration of dermal collagen is a histologie feature of senile atrophy of the skin. It is frequently seen in association with premalignant and malignant skin lesions (1). The purpose of this paper is to compare normal dermal collagen with dermal collagen exhibiting basophilic degeneration by means of a battery of histochemical procedures and by a microspectroscopic procedure.
VCAM-1 enhances immune evasion in a murine model of metastatic cervical cancer (TUM7P.938)

Surface over-expression of Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was shown to provide a pro-survival advantage in metastatic breast cancer. Similarly, the immune-resistant murine cervical cancer A17 expresses an increased surface VCAM-1 expression compared with the non-metastatic parental tumor, TC1-P0. To test whether VCAM-1 overexpression was responsible for the immune evasive phenotype in A17, we modulated surface VCAM-1 levels on A17 using an shRNA knockdown approach. We inoculated these cells intravenously and subcutaneously into both C57BL/6 and athymic nude mice to interrogate how VCAM-1 affects surrounding immune cell interactions with the tumor, including the use of intravital 2-photon microscopy. VCAM-1lo A17 exhibited reduced growth in C57BL/6 mice but had similar growth kinetics as wild type A17 in nude mice, suggesting an extrinsic T-cell dependent role for tumor-associated VCAM-1 that was responsible for the differences in vivo. Moreover, VCAM-1lo cell lines showed decreased lung metastasis in both immune-competent mice and athymic nude mice, coinciding with changes in M1/M2 polarized macrophages and altered cytokine productions. Together, our results define a functional role for tumor-associated VCAM-1 in helping aggressive tumors circumvent antitumor immune surveillance, and support VCAM-1 as a target for novel immunotherapy against metastatic cervical cancer.
Rights in Cicero's Political Philosophy

Although not usually regarded as an original thinker, I argue that Cicero's analysis of political society is original in consequence of his employment of Roman legal and political concepts. He draws on these concepts - especially the concept of rights found in Roman law - to develop an account of citizens' rights. These rights are not conferred by the prevailing regime and thus may provide a critical perspective on the current civil order. This account of citizens' rights distinguishes Cicero's theorizing about political society from that of Plato and Aristotle. It also challenges the widely-held view that the language of rights is a modern concept which is inextricably linked to individualistic accounts of society.
Knowledge building using wikis in a computer-supported collaborative writing task

The purpose of this study was to investigate how Scardamalia’s (2002) socio-cognitive determinants of knowledge building emerge in a computer-supported collaborative writing task, and to understand students’ perceptions of knowledge building experience and the use of tools, including wikis, to support the collaborative writing process. The setting of this study was a graduate level online course on Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL), in which all course activities were conducted collaboratively in an online environment. Data sources included: transcripts of online inputs in the wiki areas; interviews with 15 participants; participants’ reflective journals; transcripts of asynchronous online discussions and synchronous chats. Data were analyzed using content analysis for the transcripts of wiki areas and grounded theory approach (Strauss & Corbin, 1998) was used in the analysis of data from the interviews. Results of the data analysis indicated that the three groups in this study participated in the collaborative knowledge building activity in different ways. The three factors that influenced their participation in the activity included: group dynamics, collaborative writing task, and collaborative writing tools. These factors interacted with each another and impacted their knowledge building discourse in the following ways: improvable ideas, constructive use of authoritative sources, epistemic agency, and embedded and transformative assessment. As a result of their engagement in knowledge building discourse, participants successfully completed the collaborative writing project and shared a strong sense of community and co-ownership of the knowledge product. The findings of this study may shed light on the strategies and environmental factors that encourage knowledge building discourse as well as the synergetic combination of technology tools and knowledge building task. In addition, understanding the process of knowledge building in a computer-supported collaborative writing task and the participants perception of knowledge building and the use of tools may help instructor better prepare learners to become collaborative learners and effective knowledge workers.
Water Soluble Polysiloxanes

Water soluble polysiloxanes were prepared by condensation of 3-aminopropyl diethoxymethylsilane followed by the reaction of the amines with ethylene carbonate to yield carbamate side chains with terminal hydroxyl groups attached to each silicon atom in the polymer chain. The molecular weight of these carbinol functional polysiloxanes was controlled by adding known concentrations of hexamethyldisiloxane during the polycondensation reaction. The structure of these polymers was confirmed by 1H NMR and FTIR. The resulting polysiloxanes are water soluble and their solubility is independent of the pH or the molecular weight of the polymer. Furthermore, no additives are needed in the water to enhance the solubility of these polymers. The mechanical properties of films that were cast from water solutions were studied and indicated the presence of strong hydrogen bonds that provide for elastomeric films with no need for additional crosslink agents. The hydrophilic nature of the polymer was further confirmed by contact angle measurements and thermal properties data clearly indicate the presence of bound water associated with the large number of hydroxyl groups in the polymer. SEM images of paper coatings prepared from these polysiloxanes revealed a smooth surface with no apparent structural defects that can be used as an anti-graffiti coating.
Tri(neopentyl)phosphine (TNpP)

[57620-64-1] C15H33P (MW 244.4) InChI = 1S/C15H33P/c1-13(2,3)10-16(11-14(4,5)6)12-15(7,8)9/h10-12H2,1-9H3 InChIKey = XBNVTVKKIRZTLV-UHFFFAOYSA-N (ligand for metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions) Physical Data: mp 57–59 °C, bp 73–75 °C (0.3 mmHg).1 Solubility: soluble in organic solvents; partially soluble in methanol and ethanol; insoluble in water. Form Supplied in: not commercially available. Analysis of Reagent Purity: 31P NMR: −57 ppm (C6D6). Preparative Method: prepared by reaction of an excess of 2,2-dimethylpropylmagnesium chloride with PCl3 in THF.1 Purification: distillation under vacuum (0.3 mmHg) followed by recrystallization from ethanol. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: tri(neopentyl)phosphine (TNpP) is stable in air as a solid for a period of several days.2 Long-term storage under a nitrogen or an argon atmosphere is suggested to avoid oxidation to tri(neopentyl)phosphine oxide. In solution, TNpP is stable in air for at least 24 h.
Lifestyle Interventions in Cancer Survivors: Designing Programs That Meet the Needs of This Vulnerable and Growing Population

In the world today, there are roughly 25 million cancer survivors. Although the increasing numbers of survivors testifies to the success of early detection and treatment, there is a downside. Cancer survivors are at increased risk for second cancers, other forms of comorbidity (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis), and functional decline. Lifestyle factors, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation may prevent these conditions and improve survivors' quality of life. Data also are accumulating to suggest that healthful lifestyle practices and successful weight management may prevent progressive or recurrent disease. Previous surveys conducted among both adult and pediatric cancer survivors indicate that most survivors have high levels of interest in diet and exercise interventions. Additionally, survivors who smoke report high levels of interest in interventions aimed at smoking cessation. Many factors, such as intervention timing and duration and channels of delivery, must be carefully considered in developing interventions that best meet the needs of this vulnerable population. Total transparency also is necessary in reporting the results of trials to ensure the inclusion of information regarding proportional accrual, attrition, and study sample sociodemographic characteristics to move toward the development of interventions most likely to gain broad-scale acceptance and adherence. Home-based interventions that rely on telephone counseling, mailed materials, or computer-assisted approaches offer promising means of reaching the geographically dispersed population of cancer survivors. More research is necessary to develop interventions that can reach and effectively promote long-term behavior change in this ever-increasing population.
Cancer treatment decision‐making among young adults with lung and colorectal cancer: a comparison with adults in middle age

Objective Our aim is to understand experiences with treatment decision-making among young adults with cancer. Methods We studied patients with lung cancer or colorectal cancer in the Cancer Care Outcomes Research and Surveillance Consortium, a prospective cohort study. We identified 148 young adult patients aged 21–40 years who completed baseline interview questions about cancer treatment decision-making; each was propensity score matched to three middle adult patients aged 41–60 years, for a cohort of 592 patients. Patients were asked about decision-making preferences, family involvement in decision-making, and worries about treatment. An ordinal logistic regression model evaluated factors associated with more treatment worries. Results Young and middle-aged adults reported similar decision-making preferences (p = 0.80) and roles relative to physicians (p = 0.36). Although family involvement was similar in the age groups (p = 0.21), young adults were more likely to have dependent children in the home (60% younger versus 28% middle-aged adults, p < 0.001). Young adults reported more worries about time away from family (p = 0.002), and, in unadjusted analyses, more cancer treatment-related worries (mean number of responses of ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ worried 2.5 for younger versus 2.2 for middle-aged adults, p = 0.02.) However, in adjusted analyses, worries were associated with the presence of dependent children in the home (odds ratio [OR] 1.55, 95% CI = 1.07–2.24, p = 0.02), rather than age. Conclusions Young adults involve doctors and family members in decisions at rates similar to middle-aged adults but experience more worries about time away from family. Patients with dependent children are especially likely to experience worries. Treatment decision-making strategies should be based on individual preferences and needs rather than age alone. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Meta-Analysis of Interventions To Decrease Disruptive Classroom Behavior in Public Education Settings.

We conducted a meta-analysis of 99 studies that used interventions to decrease disruptive classroom behavior in public education settings. Due to the predominance of single-subject studies, we used...
An analysis of the changing demand patterns for information technology professionals

This paper examines trends in required job skills for IT professionals. Through an empirical study of a dataset of job advertisements for IT professionals over the past thirteen years, we evaluate whether the observed trends support earlier predictions offered by researchers who sought to anticipate future job and skill demands (Leitheiser, 1992; Trauth, Farwell, & Lee, 1993). We also looked for evidence for whether the so-called expectation gap between employers' demands and the skills provided by academic programs still exists (Lee, Trauth & Farwell, 1995). Many of the findings are consistent with previous studies and support the notion that employers are seeking an ever-increasing number and variety of skill sets from the new hires. Although we were unable to assess whether or how the expectation gap had changed, we did find evidence of a recruitment gap where, despite many firms' emphasis on well-rounded individuals with business knowledge and good "soft skills," the job advertising aspect of the recruiting process continues to focus on "hard skills." We speculate that this occurs because it is easier to screen for technical skills through such advertisements, whereas assessment of interpersonal skills requires a face-to-face interview.
X-ray absorption spectroscopic studies of high-spin nonheme (Alkylperoxo)iron(III) intermediates

The reactions of iron(II) complexes [Fe(Tpt-Bu,i-Pr)(OH)] (1a, Tpt-Bu,i-Pr = hydrotris(3-tert-butyl-5-isopropyl-1-pyrazolyl)borate), [Fe(6-Me2BPMCN)(OTf)2] (1b, 6-Me2BPMCN = N,N‘-bis((2-methylpyridin-6-yl)methyl)-N,N‘-dimethyl-trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane), and [Fe(L8Py2)(OTf)](OTf) (1c, L8Py2 = 1,5-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1,5-diazacyclooctane) with tert-BuOOH give rise to high-spin FeIII−OOR complexes. X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) of these high-spin species show characteristic features, distinct from those of low-spin Fe−OOR complexes (Rohde, J.-U.; et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2004, 126, 16750−16761). These include (1) an intense 1s → 3d preedge feature, with an area around 20 units, (2) an edge energy, ranging from 7122 to 7126 eV, that is affected by the coordination environment, and (3) a 1.86−1.96 A Fe−OOR bond, compared to the 1.78 A Fe−OOR bond in low-spin complexes. These unique features likely arise from a flexible first coordination sphere in those complexes. The difference in Fe−OOR bond length ...
Comment Uncertainty in Demographic Analysis

The article by Robinson, Ahmed, Das Gupta, and Woodrow (RAGW hereafter) gives the basic logic of Demographic Analysis (DA) along with the primary data sources used to estimate components of change in population. RAGW give almost all of the population estimates and associated undercount rates available from the DA method. These include coverage estimates by demographic subgroup (with very coarse age groupings), as well as patterns in undercount rates across several censuses. The main new feature of DA for 1990 is the provision of bounds on the DA estimates that are given probabilistic interpretation. In our opinion there are four main reasons for considering DA seriously in evaluating census coverage. First, the method is cheap, especially in comparison with Dual-Systems methods based on the Post-Enumeration Study (PES). Second, the basic idea of DA is sound, deriving from the fundamental equation of demographic accounting. Information from a variety of data bases (e.g., Medicare enrollment, immigration, and vital statistics) is used, and demographic and administrative information from the “past” is incorporated. Third, DA estimates are independent of estimates obtained from the PES with Dual-Systems methods, so an important check on the latter can be made. To many observers outside the courtroom, discrepancies between the two sets of estimates seem modest, but it is worthwhile to try to explain why slight differences arise. Finally, the DA method does not change much from census to census, so reasonably valid historical comparisons can be made. (If corrections are made, then it is a simple affair to recalculate DA estimates for previous censuses.) Inter-census patterns that exhibit unusual sex ratios or cohort patterns lead to refinements in the estimates. An example that RAGW cite is the finding of an inconsistent cohort “effect” for Blacks over the previous three censuses, which led to modification of estimates of completeness of coverage in birth registration for Blacks in 1940 (and to related proportional adjustments in adjacent cohorts). It is more difficult to compare undercount patterns derived from Dual-Systems methods across censuses, because the PES and the estimators used with it have changed appreciably over the last four censuses. A summary of the historical development of the DA method appears in Himes and Clogg (1992), which acknowledges the important role of Coale (1 955) in establishing
The Work and Life of Young Professionals: Rationale and Strategy for Balance

Much work/life research has excluded the experiences of single individuals who do not have children. In response, the authors of this qualitative study investigated the experiences of 183 members of that population. Electronic survey data were collected and analyzed using a grounded theory approach to answer the research question, “How do young, single professionals who do not have children view work/life balance?” Findings support the conclusion that young professionals define work/life balance in terms of (a) their reasons for seeking it, and (b) the strategies they use to do so. Participant responses also expressed a concern with the encroachment of work on the life domain. Implications for scholars and practitioners are examined.
The use of added matrix elements such as chemical assists, colorants and controlled plasma formation as methods to enhance laser conservation of works of art

Abstract Factors such as the use of absorbing dopants, reactive gases and controlled wet chemistry, can all be manipulated to enhance a particular aspect of interaction between the laser and target material in order to improve cleaning results and limit damage to the substrate. This fact offers a tantalizing means of improving the results of laser cleaning in conservation. Further, failure to understand these phenomena can lead to problems even with established treatments. A number of laser cleaning protocols have been reexamined using techniques that enhance one form of laser/target material interaction over another. These techniques include the addition of liquids, alteration of the atmosphere, and alteration of the color of the surface to be removed. The importance of wavelength absorption, plasma formation, chemical bond breaking, and gas expansion will be discussed, and examples of simple processes to improve the cleaning of materials using laser exposure will be described.
Occult pneumothorax in trauma patients: development of an objective scoring system.

Background: The incidence of occult pneumothorax (OPTX) has dramatically increased since the widespread use of computed tomography (CT) scanning. The OPTX is defined as a pneumothorax not identified on plain chest X-ray but detected by CT scan. The overall reported incidence is about 5% to 8% of all trauma patients. We conducted a 5-year review of our OPTX incidence and asked if an objective score could be developed to better quantify the OPTX. This in turn may guide the practitioner with the decision to observe these patients. Methods: This is a retrospective review of all trauma patients in a Level I university trauma center during a 5-year period. The patients were identified by a query of all pneumothoraces in our trauma registry. Those X-ray results were then reviewed to identify those who had OPTX. After developing an OPTX score on a small number, we retrospectively scored 50 of the OPTXs by taking the largest perpendicular distance in millimeters from the chest wall of the largest air pocket. We then added 10 or 20 to this if the OPTX was either anterior/posterior or lateral, respectively. Results: A total of 21,193 trauma patients were evaluated and 1,295 patients with pneumothoraces (6.1%) were identified. Of the 1,295 patients with pneumothoraces, 379 (29.5%) OPTXs were identified. The overall incidence of OPTX was 1.8%: 95.7% occurred after blunt trauma, 222 (59%) of the OPTX patients had chest tubes and of the remaining 157 without chest tubes, 27 (17%) were on positive pressure ventilation. Of the 50 studies selected for scoring, the average score was 28.5. The average score for those with chest tubes was 34. The average score for those without chest tubes was 21. The positive predictive value for need of chest tube if the score was >30 was 78% and the negative predictive value if the score was <20 was 70%. Area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.72, which was significant with p < 0.007. Conclusions: The OPTX score could quantify the size of the OPTX allowing the practitioner to better define a "small" pneumothorax. The management of OPTX is not standardized and further study using a more objective classification may assist the surgeon's decision-making. The application of a scoring system may also decrease unnecessary insertion of chest tubes for small OPTXs and is currently being prospectively validated.
Identifiability of a class of theories with states not directly observed over trials

Abstract The problem of identifying probabilities for sequences involving K underlying states is investigated for experiments in which there are K observed states, with the conditional distribution for these states specified for each underlying state. Conditions for finding unique estimates of the underlying probabilities are outlined for situations in which underlying transitions depend upon the last observed state as well as for situations in which no such dependency is assumed. No restrictions upon the nature of underlying transitions are assumed for a large number of trials. Applications to some known experimental situations are suggested.
Influence of dietary fats on the fluidity of the lipid domains of rabbit plasma lipoproteins

Abstract The effects of dietary stearic and other saturated fatty acids on the fluidity of the plasma lipoproteins were assessed with fluorescence polarization techniques. Rabbits were maintained on diets containing either cocoa butter, milkfat, coconut oil, or corn oil as the only source of fat. Microviscosities, η of the lipid regions of plasma very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), and high density lipoproteins (HDL) were determined by measuring the anisotropy of fluorescence from the probe 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene. The microviscosity values followed the sequence η HDL > η LDL > η VLDL when the lipoproteins were isolated from the plasma of rabbits fed cocoa butter, milkfat, or corn oil. HDL and LDL consist of an invariant phase in the temperature range 0–50°C regardless of diet. VLDL from rabbits fed milkfat, corn oil, or cocoa butter displayed monophasic behavior in the same range, while VLDL from rabbits fed coconut oil showed a phase transition at 31.9 ± 3.7°C. Lipoproteins were less fluid in fasted than in non-fasted rabbits and VLDL and LDL from fasted milkfat-fed rabbits showed phase transitions. Despite the fatty acid compositions of the dietary fats, VLDL and LDL were more fluid from rabbits fed cocoa butter than from rabbits fed corn oil; apparently metabolism influences microviscosity.
Optical properties of rough surfaces: General theory and the small roughness limit

The diffraction of electromagnetic waves from the rough surface of a material of finite permittivity is examined for the case where the wavelength of the incident radiation is comparable to the dimensions of the surface roughness. Two methods of calculation studied are the Rayleigh method and the extinction-theorem integral-equation method. The latter is shown to have a unique exact solution. This property is, in turn, used to show how the Rayleigh method can be modified to give convergent results. The extinction theorem is also used to reduce the Rayleigh equations to a simpler form. These reduced equations, which are extremely convenient to use in the case of small roughness, are applied in this case to find perturbative expressions for the reflected field and for the surface-plasmon dispersion relation.
Development and Regulation of Growth and Differentiated Function in Human and Subhuman Primate Fetal Gonads

We have attempted to summarize the research on primate fetal gonadal development that has occurred over the past three decades. Many similarities exist between fetal gonadal development in human and subhuman primates; therefore, comparisons and analogies between these species can be made. Fetal gonadal development is a complex process dependent on timely maturation and differentiation of several cell types with different functions. Adequate development is important for normal sexual development and intact adult fertility potential as well as for intrauterine priming of neural centers in the central nervous system. While the fetal primate testis is active in steroidogenesis, the fetal ovary seems to be quiescent throughout most of gestation, although some ovarian steroidogenic enzymes have been demonstrated. Growth and development of both gonads are controlled during late gestation at least in part by pituitary hormones, while earlier in gestation other yet undefined regulators (placental, intragonadal) likely also are active. The main goal of this review was to demonstrate that gonadal growth and differentiation, both in males and females, is regulated by endocrine factors as well as by intragonadal, autocrine/paracrine agents. Although many parts of the puzzle are still missing it is probable that, similar to fetal development of other endocrine tissues and to events in postnatal gonads, these local regulators have important functions. Currently, primate fetal gonadal research is lacking in at least two key aspects: 1) the definition of paracrine and autocrine nonsteroidal factors that are involved in the regulation of gonadal growth and differentiation in vitro; and 2) in vivo studies in subhuman primates that might better help to clarify the biological roles of the multiple extra- and intragonadal hormones and their complex interactions. To date, the regulation of gonadal steroidogenesis has been investigated more thoroughly than the regulation of gonadal growth. Most of our knowledge stems from observations of gonadal development in anencephalics or subhuman primates after pituitary ablation. Because of the constraints of small organ size and limitation of material, studies of fetal primate gonadal development have been limited. Given such limitations, new molecular biological techniques, including polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization, may provide the means of addressing these questions. Further, because of these limitations, sensitive cell separation techniques need to be developed to achieve enriched primary gonadal cell cultures from individual gonads.
The use of research findings in bereavement programs: a case study.

Violent death is a major public health problem in the United States, yet there is no consensus among bereavement researchers and clinicians regarding a "gold standard" of bereavement services to be offered to family survivors. This article has three purposes: (a) to describe the planning, implementation, and results of a theory-based intervention study involving parents bereaved by the violent deaths of their children; (b) to suggest programmatic elements of bereavement services based on some findings from both the bereavement program and the follow-up data obtained from parents up to 5 years postdeath; and (c) to identify future research and theory development needs. The results of the intervention study involving 261 bereaved parents provide helpful insights regarding parent bereavement program preferences as well as changes in parent outcomes. Some of the most relevant findings pertain to variability in distress levels, gender, and causes of deceased children's deaths. Findings suggest that many differ...