Disadvantaged Children and Their First School Experiences. ETS-Head Start Longitudinal Study: Preliminary Description of the Initial Sample Prior to School Enrollment. A Report in Two Volumes: Volume 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ.

This preliminary report is the fourth in a series describing the progress of a 6-year longitudinal study by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The present report specifically describes initial differences between children who go on to Head Start, and those who do not, based on results of 16 of the 33 measures administered in Year 1 (1969) in…

Longitudinal Relationships Among Perceived Injunctive and Descriptive Norms and Marijuana Use

PubMed Central

Napper, Lucy E.; Kenney, Shannon R.; Hummer, Justin F.; Fiorot, Sara; LaBrie, Joseph W.

2016-01-01

Objective: The current study uses longitudinal data to examine the relative influence of perceived descriptive and injunctive norms for proximal and distal referents on marijuana use. Method: Participants were 740 undergraduate students (67% female) who completed web-based surveys at two time points 12 months apart. Time 1 measures included reports of marijuana use, approval, perceived descriptive norms, and perceived injunctive norms for the typical student, close friends, and parents. At Time 2, students reported on their marijuana use. Results: Results of a path analysis suggest that, after we controlled for Time 1 marijuana use, greater perceived friend approval indirectly predicted Time 2 marijuana use as mediated by personal approval. Greater perceived parental approval was both indirectly and directly associated with greater marijuana use at follow-up. Perceived typical-student descriptive norms were neither directly nor indirectly related to Time 2 marijuana use. Conclusions: The findings support the role of proximal injunctive norms in predicting college student marijuana use up to 12 months later. The results indicate the potential importance of developing normative interventions that incorporate the social influences of proximal referents. PMID:27172578

STATISTICAL GROWTH MODELING OF LONGITUDINAL DT-MRI FOR REGIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF EARLY BRAIN DEVELOPMENT.

PubMed

Sadeghi, Neda; Prastawa, Marcel; Fletcher, P Thomas; Gilmore, John H; Lin, Weili; Gerig, Guido

2012-01-01

A population growth model that represents the growth trajectories of individual subjects is critical to study and understand neurodevelopment. This paper presents a framework for jointly estimating and modeling individual and population growth trajectories, and determining significant regional differences in growth pattern characteristics applied to longitudinal neuroimaging data. We use non-linear mixed effect modeling where temporal change is modeled by the Gompertz function. The Gompertz function uses intuitive parameters related to delay, rate of change, and expected asymptotic value; all descriptive measures which can answer clinical questions related to growth. Our proposed framework combines nonlinear modeling of individual trajectories, population analysis, and testing for regional differences. We apply this framework to the study of early maturation in white matter regions as measured with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Regional differences between anatomical regions of interest that are known to mature differently are analyzed and quantified. Experiments with image data from a large ongoing clinical study show that our framework provides descriptive, quantitative information on growth trajectories that can be directly interpreted by clinicians. To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal analysis of growth functions to explain the trajectory of early brain maturation as it is represented in DTI.

Asian-American Parents: Are They Really Different?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wu, Fang; Qi, Sen

2004-01-01

Using the base year data of parent interviews (n=15,376) conducted by the U. S. Department of Education for the national Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS-K), this study examined patterns of parenting style of Asian-American parents (n=536) in six domains. Descriptive and ANOVA analyses revealed significant differences between…

Dreams Deferred? The Relationship between Early and Later Postsecondary Educational Aspirations among Racial/Ethnic Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cooper, Michelle Asha

2009-01-01

This study uses data from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 to test a conceptual model that integrates aspects of sociological and econometric frameworks into a traditional status attainment model for educational aspirations. Using descriptive and logistic analyses, this study advanced understanding of the patterns and stability of…

(Re)Anchored, Video-Centered Engagement: The Transferability of Preservice Training to Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dickinson, Gail; Summers, Emily J.

2010-01-01

This longitudinal study tracks primary participants over 3 years from their last year of university preservice teaching training through their second year of in-service teaching via surveys, interviews, and teaching observations. The study employs a descriptive case study design to examine the transfer of preservice content, pedagogy, and video…

Descriptive Developmental Research: Why Only Time?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Labouvie, Erich W.

1975-01-01

The usefulness of the concepts of cohort and time of measurement in descriptive developmental research was examined by comparing the time-specific cross-sectional and cohort-specific longitudinal age gradients of stable and unstable children. (Author/ED)

Teachers' Grade-Level Reassignments: Evidence From Michigan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brummet, Quentin; Gershenson, Seth; Hayes, Michael S.

2017-01-01

Teacher churning likely harms student achievement. However, the phenomenon of within-school grade-level teacher reassignments is understudied. The current study provides descriptive evidence on the frequency and predictors of within-school teacher grade switching using both longitudinal administrative data from Michigan and nationally…

Initial stage of motion in the Lavrent'ev-Ishlinskii problem on longitudinal shock on a rod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morozov, N. F.; Belyaev, A. K.; Tovstik, P. E.; Tovstik, T. P.

2015-11-01

The transverse motion of a thin rod under a sudden application of a prolonged longitudinal load at the initial stage of motion is considered. The introduction of self-similar variables makes it possible to propose a description of the transverse motion weakly dependent on the longitudinal deformation. Both single dents and periodic systems of dents are considered.

An Interdisciplinary Outreach Model of African American Recruitment for Alzheimer's Disease Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Monique M.; Meisel, Marie M.; Williams, James; Morris, John C.

2011-01-01

Purpose: The African American Outreach Satellite (Satellite) provides educational outreach to facilitate African American recruitment for longitudinal studies at the Washington University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC). This descriptive article characterizes the Satellite's recruitment methods, plan for community engagement, results of…

Like a High Wave: Adjustment to Retirement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nuttman-Shwartz, Orit

2004-01-01

Purpose: The purposes of the study are to provide a phenomenological description of the pre- and post-retirement experience and to examine adjustment during the two periods. Design and Methods: This is a longitudinal study of 56 Israeli men that employs both personal interviews and standard measures of physical and mental health. Results: The…

Measuring Family System Characteristics in Families Caring for Dementia Patients.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Niederehe, George; And Others

This paper describes an ongoing study evaluating families that provide in-home care to elderly relatives wth dementia. Characteristics of the study, which include a focus on progressive senile dementia, use of a clinical approach, longitudinal design, descriptive nature, focus on the dyad of patient and primary caregiver, and use of videotaping…

Descriptive psychopathology, phenomenology, and the legacy of Karl Jaspers

PubMed Central

Häfner, Heinz

2015-01-01

With his early publications (1910-1913), Karl Jaspers created a comprehensive methodological arsenal for psychiatry, thus laying the foundation for descriptive psychopathology. Following Edmund Husserl, the founder of philosophical phenomenology, Jaspers introduced phenomenology into psychopathology as “static understanding,” ie, the unprejudiced intuitive reproduction (Vergegenwärtigung) and description of conscious phenomena. In a longitudinal perspective, “genetic understanding” based on empathy reveals how mental phenomena arise from mental phenomena. Severance in understanding of, or alienation from, meaningful connections is seen as indicating illness or transition of a natural development into a somatic process. Jaspers opted for philosophy early. After three terms of law, he switched to studying medicine, came to psychopathology after very little training in psychiatry; to psychology without ever studying psychology; and to a chair in philosophy without ever studying philosophy. In the fourth and subsequent editions of his General Psychopathology, imbued by his existential philosophy, Jaspers partly abandoned the descriptive method. PMID:25987860

Descriptive psychopathology, phenomenology, and the legacy of Karl Jaspers.

PubMed

Häfner, Heinz

2015-03-01

With his early publications (1910-1913), Karl Jaspers created a comprehensive methodological arsenal for psychiatry, thus laying the foundation for descriptive psychopathology. Following Edmund Husserl, the founder of philosophical phenomenology, Jaspers introduced phenomenology into psychopathology as "static understanding," ie, the unprejudiced intuitive reproduction (Vergegenwärtigung) and description of conscious phenomena. In a longitudinal perspective, "genetic understanding" based on empathy reveals how mental phenomena arise from mental phenomena. Severance in understanding of, or alienation from, meaningful connections is seen as indicating illness or transition of a natural development into a somatic process. Jaspers opted for philosophy early. After three terms of law, he switched to studying medicine, came to psychopathology after very little training in psychiatry; to psychology without ever studying psychology; and to a chair in philosophy without ever studying philosophy. In the fourth and subsequent editions of his General Psychopathology, imbued by his existential philosophy, Jaspers partly abandoned the descriptive method.

Leadership for Learning: Does Collaborative Leadership Make a Difference in School Improvement?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hallinger, Philip; Heck, Ronald H.

2010-01-01

Although there has been a sizable growth spurt in empirical studies of shared leadership over the past decade, the bulk of this research has been descriptive. Relatively few published studies have investigated the impact of shared leadership on school improvement, and even fewer have studied effects on student learning. This longitudinal study…

Assessing the Contribution of Distributed Leadership to School Improvement and Growth in Math Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heck, Ronald H.; Hallinger, Philip

2009-01-01

Although there has been sizable growth in the number of empirical studies of shared forms of leadership over the past decade, the bulk of this research has been descriptive. Relatively few published studies have investigated the impact of shared leadership on school improvement. This longitudinal study examines the effects of distributed…

The Cumulative Burden Borne by Offspring Whose Mothers Were Sexually Abused as Children: Descriptive Results from a Multigenerational Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Noll, Jennie G.; Trickett, Penelope K.; Harris, William W.; Putnam, Frank W.

2009-01-01

This multigenerational study empirically demonstrates the extent to which offspring whose parents experienced childhood abuse are at increased risk of being abused or neglected. Females with substantiated childhood sexual abuse and nonabused comparison females were assessed at six points spanning 18 years in a prospective, longitudinal study.…

Molecular hydrodynamics: Vortex formation and sound wave propagation

DOE PAGES

Han, Kyeong Hwan; Kim, Changho; Talkner, Peter; ...

2018-01-14

In the present study, quantitative feasibility tests of the hydrodynamic description of a two-dimensional fluid at the molecular level are performed, both with respect to length and time scales. Using high-resolution fluid velocity data obtained from extensive molecular dynamics simulations, we computed the transverse and longitudinal components of the velocity field by the Helmholtz decomposition and compared them with those obtained from the linearized Navier-Stokes (LNS) equations with time-dependent transport coefficients. By investigating the vortex dynamics and the sound wave propagation in terms of these field components, we confirm the validity of the LNS description for times comparable to ormore » larger than several mean collision times. The LNS description still reproduces the transverse velocity field accurately at smaller times, but it fails to predict characteristic patterns of molecular origin visible in the longitudinal velocity field. Based on these observations, we validate the main assumptions of the mode-coupling approach. The assumption that the velocity autocorrelation function can be expressed in terms of the fluid velocity field and the tagged particle distribution is found to be remarkably accurate even for times comparable to or smaller than the mean collision time. This suggests that the hydrodynamic-mode description remains valid down to the molecular scale.« less

Molecular hydrodynamics: Vortex formation and sound wave propagation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Han, Kyeong Hwan; Kim, Changho; Talkner, Peter

In the present study, quantitative feasibility tests of the hydrodynamic description of a two-dimensional fluid at the molecular level are performed, both with respect to length and time scales. Using high-resolution fluid velocity data obtained from extensive molecular dynamics simulations, we computed the transverse and longitudinal components of the velocity field by the Helmholtz decomposition and compared them with those obtained from the linearized Navier-Stokes (LNS) equations with time-dependent transport coefficients. By investigating the vortex dynamics and the sound wave propagation in terms of these field components, we confirm the validity of the LNS description for times comparable to ormore » larger than several mean collision times. The LNS description still reproduces the transverse velocity field accurately at smaller times, but it fails to predict characteristic patterns of molecular origin visible in the longitudinal velocity field. Based on these observations, we validate the main assumptions of the mode-coupling approach. The assumption that the velocity autocorrelation function can be expressed in terms of the fluid velocity field and the tagged particle distribution is found to be remarkably accurate even for times comparable to or smaller than the mean collision time. This suggests that the hydrodynamic-mode description remains valid down to the molecular scale.« less

78 FR 12066 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-21

... OMB Review; Comment Request Title: Tracking of the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project (EHSRET) Sample. OMB No.: 0970-0388. Description: The EHSREP is a longitudinal study originally designed.../families who participated in the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project (EHSREP) until the...

Longitudinal acceleration tests of overhead luggage bins and auxiliary fuel tank in a transport airplane airframe section

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-06-01

This report contains the description and test results of overhead stowage bin calibrations and longitudinal impact testing of a 10-foot transport airframe section conducted at the Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC). The purpose of the tests wa...

Health and aging: development of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing health assessment.

PubMed

Cronin, Hilary; O'Regan, Clare; Finucane, Ciaran; Kearney, Patricia; Kenny, Rose Anne

2013-05-01

To assist researchers planning studies similar to The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), concerning the development of the health assessment component, to promote use of the archived data set, to inform researchers of the methods employed, and to complement the accompanying article on normative values. Prospective, longitudinal study of older adults. Republic of Ireland. Eight thousand five hundred four community-dwelling adults who participated in wave 1 of the TILDA study. The main areas of focus for the TILDA health assessments are neurocardiovascular instability, locomotion, and vision. The article describes the scientific rationale for the choice of assessments and seeks to determine the potential advantages of incorporating novel biomeasures and technologies in population-based studies to advance understanding of aging-related disorders. The detailed description of the physical measures will facilitate cross-national comparative research and put into context the normative values outlined in the subsequent article. © 2013, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2013, The American Geriatrics Society.

Psychiatry in the Harvard Medical School-Cambridge Integrated Clerkship: An Innovative, Year-Long Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Griswold, Todd; Bullock, Christopher; Gaufberg, Elizabeth; Albanese, Mark; Bonilla, Pedro; Dvorak, Ramona; Epelbaum, Claudia; Givon, Lior; Kueppenbender, Karsten; Joseph, Robert; Boyd, J. Wesley; Shtasel, Derri

2012-01-01

Objective: The authors present what is to their knowledge the first description of a model for longitudinal third-year medical student psychiatry education. Method: A longitudinal, integrated psychiatric curriculum was developed, implemented, and sustained within the Harvard Medical School-Cambridge Integrated Clerkship. Curriculum elements…

Creating Pathways for Low-Skill Adults: Lessons for Community and Technical Colleges from a Statewide Longitudinal Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perry, Carol A.

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the educational experiences and outcomes of low-skill adults in West Virginia's community and technical colleges, providing a more detailed profile of these students. Data for the variables were obtained from archival databases through a cooperative agreement between state agencies. Descriptive statistics…

How L2 Legal Writers Use Strategies for Scholarly Writing: A Mixed Methods Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bain Butler, Donna

2010-01-01

This dissertation research fills existing gaps regarding the practices and processes of teaching second language (L2) writers at higher ranges of proficiency in law school context. It is a mixed methods, longitudinal, descriptive, writer-centered study. The research purpose was to explore strategic competence as a catalyst for professional…

The Long-Term Impact of Admission Policies: A Comparative Study of Two Emergent Research Institutions in Texas

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crisp, Gloria; Horn, Catherine; Dizinno, Gerry; Barlow, Libby

2013-01-01

The present study explored the long-term impact of admission policies at two aspiring research institutions in Texas. Six years of longitudinal institutional data were analyzed for all full-time first time in college undergraduate students at both universities. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to identify relationships and…

Being a Parent of a Child with Autism from Diagnosis to the University Years

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Girli, Alev

2018-01-01

When literature is examined, it is seen that generally there are descriptive studies examining the effects of young children with autism in a certain age or age range on their parents' marital and family relationships as well as psychological conditions such as mourning, stress, anxiety, and depression. Longitudinal studies on the social…

Community College Low-Income and Minority Student Completion Study: Descriptive Statistics from the 1992 High School Cohort

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bailey, Thomas; Jenkins, Davis; Leinbach, Timothy

2005-01-01

This report summarizes statistics on access and attainment in higher education, focusing particularly on community college students, using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88), which follows a nationally representative sample of individuals who were eighth graders in the spring of 1988. A sample of these…

A Study to Determine the Academic Progression between Economically Disadvantaged Students and Their Economically Advantaged Peers on Georgia's Statewide Criteria Referenced Competency Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warner, Tonya

2009-01-01

This quantitative study implemented a non-experimental design that was descriptive, ex-post facto, and longitudinal. This study is examining economically disadvantaged students (EDS) with comparison to non-economically disadvantaged students (non-EDS) and their academic performance on Georgia's Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT).…

A Year in Head Start: Children, Families and Programs. ACF-ORPRE Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aikens, Nikki; Tarullo, Louisa; Hulsey, Lara; Ross, Christine; West, Jerry; Xue, Yange

2010-01-01

The Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES) was first launched in 1997 as a periodic longitudinal study of program performance. Successive nationally representative samples of Head Start children, their families, classrooms, and programs provide descriptive information on the population served; staff qualifications, credentials,…

Optimising qualitative longitudinal analysis: Insights from a study of traumatic brain injury recovery and adaptation.

PubMed

Fadyl, Joanna K; Channon, Alexis; Theadom, Alice; McPherson, Kathryn M

2017-04-01

Knowledge about aspects that influence recovery and adaptation in the postacute phase of disabling health events is key to understanding how best to provide appropriate rehabilitation and health services. Qualitative longitudinal research makes it possible to look for patterns, key time points and critical moments that could be vital for interventions and supports. However, strategies that support robust data management and analysis for longitudinal qualitative research in health-care are not well documented in the literature. This article reviews three challenges encountered in a large longitudinal qualitative descriptive study about experiences of recovery and adaptation after traumatic brain injury in New Zealand, and the strategies and technologies used to address them. These were (i) tracking coding and analysis decisions during an extended analysis period; (ii) navigating interpretations over time and in response to new data; and (iii) exploiting data volume and complexity. Concept mapping during coding review, a considered combination of information technologies, employing both cross-sectional and narrative analysis, and an expectation that subanalyses would be required for key topics helped us manage the study in a way that facilitated useful and novel insights. These strategies could be applied in other qualitative longitudinal studies in healthcare inquiry to optimise data analysis and stimulate important insights. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Longitudinal Relationship Between Drinking with Peers, Descriptive Norms, and Adolescent Alcohol Use

PubMed Central

Brooks-Russell, Ashley; Simons-Morton, Bruce; Haynie, Denise; Farhat, Tilda; Wang, Jing

2014-01-01

Descriptive norms are consistently found to predict adolescent alcohol use but less is known about the factors that predict descriptive norms. The objective of this study is to test if drinking with peers predicts later alcohol consumption and if this relationship is mediated by a change in the descriptive norms of peer alcohol use. Data are from a nationally representative cohort of high school students surveyed in the 10th and 11th grade (N=2,162). Structural equation modeling was used to test a mediation model of the relationship between drinking with peers (T1) on later alcohol use (T2) and mediation of the relationship by descriptive norms (T2). Descriptive norms significantly mediated the relationship between drinking with peers and alcohol use for both males and females with a somewhat larger effect for males compared to females. These results support a continued focus on the development and evaluation of interventions to alter descriptive norms of alcohol use. PMID:23564529

Longitudinal relationship between drinking with peers, descriptive norms, and adolescent alcohol use.

PubMed

Brooks-Russell, Ashley; Simons-Morton, Bruce; Haynie, Denise; Farhat, Tilda; Wang, Jing

2014-08-01

Descriptive norms are consistently found to predict adolescent alcohol use but less is known about the factors that predict descriptive norms. The objective of this study is to test if drinking with peers predicts later alcohol consumption and if this relationship is mediated by a change in the descriptive norms of peer alcohol use. Data are from a nationally representative cohort of high school students surveyed in the 10th and 11th grade (N = 2,162). Structural equation modeling was used to test a mediation model of the relationship between drinking with peers (T1) on later alcohol use (T2) and mediation of the relationship by descriptive norms (T2). Descriptive norms significantly mediated the relationship between drinking with peers and alcohol use for both males and females with a somewhat larger effect for males compared to females. These results support a continued focus on the development and evaluation of interventions to alter descriptive norms of alcohol use.

Twistor encoding of Lienard--Wiechert fields in Minkowski space-time

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Porter, J.R.

1985-03-01

The twistor encoding of the anti-self-dual Lienard--Wiechert field on Minkowski space-time yields a considerably richer structure than that of the Coulomb field encoding due to the presence of a nonzero radiation field. The combination of advanced and retarded transverse fields together with the longitudinal field and the individual aspects of these fields provides this structure. Higher-order longitudinal moments can be incorporated so that general longitudinal fields can be given a twistor description.

Religion and body weight: a review of quantitative studies.

PubMed

Yeary, Karen Hye-Cheon Kim; Sobal, Jeffery; Wethington, Elaine

2017-10-01

Increasing interest in relationships between religion and health has encouraged research about religion and body weight, which has produced mixed findings. We systematically searched 11 bibliographic databases for quantitative studies of religion and weight, locating and coding 85 studies. We conducted a systematic review, analysing descriptive characteristics of the studies as well as relevant religion-body weight associations related to study characteristics. We summarized findings for two categories of religion variables: religious affiliation and religiosity. For religious affiliation, we found evidence for significant associations with body weight in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. In particular, Seventh-Day Adventists had lower body weight than other denominations in cross-sectional analyses. For religiosity, significant associations occurred between greater religiosity and higher body weight in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. In particular, greater religiosity was significantly associated with higher body weight in bivariate analyses but less so in multivariate analyses. A greater proportion of studies that used a representative sample, longitudinal analyses, and samples with only men reported significant associations between religiosity and weight. Evidence in seven studies suggested that health behaviours and psychosocial factors mediate religion-weight relationships. More longitudinal studies and analyses of mediators are needed to provide stronger evidence and further elucidate religion-weight relationships. © 2017 World Obesity Federation.

The National Longitudinal Surveys Handbook. Revised.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ohio State Univ., Columbus. Center for Human Resource Research.

This volume is designed as a comprehensive guide to the National Longitudinal Surveys of Labor Market Experience (NLS) which are concerned with the labor market experience of middle-aged and young men and women. Detailed descriptions of the objectives of the surveys, the samples covered, and the types of information collected are presented.…

Behavioral Manifestations and Parental Correlates of Intolerance of Ambiguity in Young Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harrington, David M.; And Others

The phenomenon of intolerance of ambiguity in young children was investigated in this longitudinal study. Personality data for the total of 120 children in the study were obtained from: (1) descriptions of the children at both 3 and 4 years of age by their teachers, using the California Child Q-set; (2) the children's performance on the Lowenfeld…

College Choice in America.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Manski, Charles F.; And Others

The processes of choosing a college and being accepted by a college are analyzed, based on data on nearly 23,000 seniors from more than 1,300 high schools from the National Longitudinal Study of the Class of 1972. Econometric modeling and descriptive statistics are provided on: student behavior in selecting a college, choosing school/nonschool…

Parent-Research as a Process of Inquiry: An Ethnographic Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kabuto, Bobbie

2008-01-01

This article illustrates how an ethnographic perspective can provide a descriptive methodological approach to parent-research as a process of inquiry within the field of education. By juxtaposing data and illuminating reflexive accounts from a longitudinal parent-research study, I suggest that such a perspective provides critical insights into the…

Influences on Children's Human Capital in Rural Malawi: Three Essays

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Appiah-Yeboah, Shirley Afua

2013-01-01

The circumstances that characterize poor, rural communities in Malawi suggest that children's health-wealth gradient can vary from other settings. This dissertation begins with a description of the methods used to create a household wealth variable using assets data in the Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health project. By using a fixed…

Data Tables for FACES 2006: A Year in Head Start Report. ACF-ORPRE Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hulsey, Lara; Aikens, Nikki; Xue, Yange; Tarullo, Louisa; West, Jerry

2010-01-01

The Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES) was first launched in 1997 as a periodic longitudinal study of program performance. Successive nationally representative samples of Head Start children, their families, classrooms, and programs provide descriptive information on the population served; staff qualifications, credentials,…

Coupling Changing Student Demographics with Evidence-Based Leadership Practices: Leading Hispanic Friendly Learning Organizations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farmer, Tod Allen

2012-01-01

The study assessed the need for learning organizations to implement evidence-based policies and practices designed to enhance the academic and social success of Hispanic learners. Descriptive statistics and longitudinal data from the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) and the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition…

Predictors of At-Risk Kindergarteners' Later Reading Difficulty: Examining Learner-by-Intervention Interactions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simmons, Deborah C.; Taylor, Aaron B.; Oslund, Eric L.; Simmons, Leslie E.; Coyne, Michael D.; Little, Mary E.; Rawlinson, D'Ann M.; Hagan-Burke, Shanna; Kwok, Oi-man; Kim, Minjung

2014-01-01

This longitudinal study examined (a) the second-grade reading outcomes of 368 children who participated in either experimental or school-designed supplemental intervention in kindergarten, and (b) the influence and interactions of learner variables and type of intervention on reading achievement. Descriptive findings indicated that percentages of…

The "is" and the "ought": How do perceived social norms influence safety behaviors at work?

PubMed

Fugas, Carla S; Meliá, José L; Silva, Silvia A

2011-01-01

Despite a widespread view that social norms have an important contextual influence on health attitudes and behaviors, the impact of normative influences on safety behaviors has received very little attention. The current study proposes that supervisors' and coworkers' descriptive and injunctive safety norms influence proactive and compliance safety behaviors. Longitudinal results from 132 workers in a passenger transportation company support the link between coworkers' descriptive safety norms (at Time 1) and proactive safety practices (at Time 2). Crystallization of supervisor' injunctive safety norms (at Time 2) moderated the effect of coworkers' descriptive safety norms (at Time 1) on self-reported proactive safety behavior (at Time 2). These findings emphasize the differences between supervisors' and coworkers' descriptive and injunctive norms as sources of social influence on compliance and proactive safety behavior.

High-Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) longitudinal controller: Design, analyses, and simulation resultss

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ostroff, Aaron J.; Hoffler, Keith D.; Proffitt, Melissa S.; Brown, Philip W.; Phillips, Michael R.; Rivers, Robert A.; Messina, Michael D.; Carzoo, Susan W.; Bacon, Barton J.; Foster, John F.

1994-01-01

This paper describes the design, analysis, and nonlinear simulation results (batch and piloted) for a longitudinal controller which is scheduled to be flight-tested on the High-Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV). The HARV is an F-18 airplane modified for and equipped with multi-axis thrust vectoring. The paper includes a description of the facilities, a detailed review of the feedback controller design, linear analysis results of the feedback controller, a description of the feed-forward controller design, nonlinear batch simulation results, and piloted simulation results. Batch simulation results include maximum pitch stick agility responses, angle of attack alpha captures, and alpha regulation for full lateral stick rolls at several alpha's. Piloted simulation results include task descriptions for several types of maneuvers, task guidelines, the corresponding Cooper-Harper ratings from three test pilots, and some pilot comments. The ratings show that desirable criteria are achieved for almost all of the piloted simulation tasks.

Family Implementation of Positive Behavior Support for a Child with Autism: Longitudinal, Single-Case, Experimental, and Descriptive Replication and Extension

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lucyshyn, Joseph M.; Albin, Richard W.; Horner, Robert H.; Mann, Jane C.; Mann, James A.; Wadsworth, Gina

2007-01-01

This study examined the efficacy, social validity, and durability of a positive behavior support (PBS) approach with the family of a girl with autism and severe problem behavior. The study was conducted across a 10-year period beginning when the child was 5 years old. A multiple baseline across family routines design evaluated the functional…

Physics Identity Development: A Snapshot of the Stages of Development of Upper-Level Physics Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Irving, Paul W.; Sayre, Eleanor C.

2013-01-01

As part of a longitudinal study into identity development in upper-level physics students a phenomenographic research method is employed to assess the stages of identity development of a group of upper-level students. Three categories of description were discovered which indicate the three different stages of identity development for this group…

Cooperation Structures in Preservice Teacher Education Programmes and Their Effects on Beginning Teachers' Classroom Performance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brouwer, Niels

In this paper the first descriptive results of a longitudinal study of organization and learning effects of 24 preservice teacher education programs are reported. Between August 1982 and November 1986 different kinds of qualitative as well as quantitative data were collected among 357 students and their 31 university supervisors and 128…

THE NEUROLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF HEARING AND SPEECH IN CHILDREN.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

TAYLOR, IAN G.

A 5-YEAR LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF 78 CHILDREN (MINIMUM AGE 11 MONTHS) WHO WERE REFERRED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF DEAF EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, IS DESCRIBED. THE CHILDREN ALL PRESENTED PROBLEMS RELATED TO SOUND OR LINGUISTICS DEVELOPMENT OR BOTH. AFTER A DESCRIPTION OF THE PHYSIOLOGY OF HEARING AND THE PATHOLOGY OF DEAFNESS, THE…

Educating with Prezi: A New Presentation Paradigm for Teaching, Learning, and Leading in the Digital Age

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Safar, Ammar H.

2015-01-01

This longitudinal descriptive qualitative evaluation action research case study explored the reflections/experiences (i.e., their perceptions, attitudes, and feelings) of 450 pre-service teachers in the College of Education (COE) at Kuwait University (KU) over three academic years regarding the use of Prezi as a facilitative storytelling…

Development of Pre-Service Physics Teachers' Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) throughout Their Initial Training

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karal, Isik Saliha; Alev, Nedim

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the development of pre-service physics teachers' pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) on the subject of electricity and magnetism after their completion of physics and mathematics courses. A descriptive longitudinal development research was carried out with 13 pre-service teachers (PTs) who completed…

Do Undergraduate Paramedic Students Embrace Case Based Learning Using a Blended Teaching Approach? A 3-Year Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Brett

2009-01-01

This paper presents the results of a descriptive longitudinal study which aimed to identify student paramedic perceptions of case based learning used in the clinical curriculum of the Bachelor of Emergency Health (BEH) degree at Monash University, Victoria, Australia. Case based learning and its integration within clinical curriculum is an…

Beginning Subbaccalaureate Students' Labor Market Experiences: Six Years Later in 2009. Web Tables. NCES 2012-273

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ifill, Nicole; Radford, Alexandria Walton

2012-01-01

This set of Web Tables presents descriptive statistics on the spring 2009 labor market experiences of subbaccalaureate students who first entered postsecondary education in 2003-04. The Web Tables use data from the nationally representative 2004/09 Beginning Post-secondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:04/09), which followed a cohort of…

General Education Development (GED) Recipients' Life Course Experiences: Humanizing the Findings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hartigan, Lacey A.

2017-01-01

This study examines a range of GED recipients' life course contexts and experiences and their relationship with long-term outcomes. Using descriptive comparisons, bivariate tests, and propensity-score matched regression models to analyze data from rounds 1-15 of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1997, analyses aim to examine: (1)…

75 FR 6205 - Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-08

... longitudinal follow-up program is to study the long-term outcomes and health status for children with ADHD... Relationships. Child Health Risk Behavior Survey 37 1 15/60 (Middle School) 11-13 years. Child Health Risk Behavior Survey 153 1 25/60 (High School) 14+ years. Child MARSH--Self Description 15 1 5/60 Questionnaire...

Description of congenital hand anomalies: a personal view.

PubMed

Tonkin, M A

2006-10-01

A series of four congenital hand cases exhibiting central clefting are presented. The cases are morphologically similar and exhibit characteristics of both symbrachydactyly and central longitudinal deficiency. The cases demonstrate difficulties in classification by either the IFSSH classification system or the JSSH modification of it. An alternative descriptive approach to classification is suggested.

Status Variations in Alcohol Use among Young Adults: Results from the 1984 National Longitudinal Surveys of Youth.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crowley, Joan E.

This document gives descriptive results on alcohol use patterns among young adults from the 1984 National Longitudinal Survey of Labor Market of Youth, a survey of a large, nationally representative sample supplemented by samples of blacks, Hispanics, and economically disadvantaged non-black, non-Hispanic youth and covering the entire range of…

Overly positive self-evaluations and personality: negative implications for mental health.

PubMed

Colvin, C R; Block, J; Funder, D C

1995-06-01

The relation between overly positive self-evaluations and psychological adjustment was examined. Three studies, two based on longitudinal data and another on laboratory data, contrasted self-descriptions of personality with observer ratings (trained examiners or friends) to index self-enhancement. In the longitudinal studies, self-enhancement was associated with poor social skills and psychological maladjustment 5 years before and 5 years after the assessment of self-enhancement. In the laboratory study, individuals who exhibited a tendency to self-enhance displayed behaviors, independently judged, that seemed detrimental to positive social interaction. These results indicate there are negative short-term and long-term consequences for individuals who self-enhance and, contrary to some prior formulations, imply that accurate appraisals of self and of the social environment may be essential elements of mental health.

The effect of nurse education on the self-esteem and assertiveness of nursing students: A four-year longitudinal study.

PubMed

İlhan, Nesrin; Sukut, Özge; Akhan, Latife Utaş; Batmaz, Makbule

2016-04-01

The nurse education program affects many aspects of personal development. Nursing students gain skills in critical thinking and analysis and also develop communication and management skills. The four-year program may also have an effect on students' assertiveness and self-esteem. This study was conducted to determine the impact of the four-year higher nursing school educational program on students' self-esteem and assertiveness. Descriptive longitudinal design. The study took place at a Foundation University in Istanbul, Turkey over the period 2006-2010. The students' levels of self-esteem and assertiveness were assessed at the beginning and end of the first, second, third and fourth years of the program. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Constitutive description of human femoropopliteal artery aging.

PubMed

Kamenskiy, Alexey; Seas, Andreas; Deegan, Paul; Poulson, William; Anttila, Eric; Sim, Sylvie; Desyatova, Anastasia; MacTaggart, Jason

2017-04-01

Femoropopliteal artery (FPA) mechanics play a paramount role in pathophysiology and the artery's response to therapeutic interventions, but data on FPA mechanical properties are scarce. Our goal was to characterize human FPAs over a wide population to derive a constitutive description of FPA aging to be used for computational modeling. Fresh human FPA specimens ([Formula: see text]) were obtained from [Formula: see text] predominantly male (80 %) donors 54±15 years old (range 13-82 years). Morphometric characteristics including radius, wall thickness, opening angle, and longitudinal pre-stretch were recorded. Arteries were subjected to multi-ratio planar biaxial extension to determine constitutive parameters for an invariant-based model accounting for the passive contributions of ground substance, elastin, collagen, and smooth muscle. Nonparametric bootstrapping was used to determine unique sets of material parameters that were used to derive age-group-specific characteristics. Physiologic stress-stretch state was calculated to capture changes with aging. Morphometric and constitutive parameters were derived for seven age groups. Vessel radius, wall thickness, and circumferential opening angle increased with aging, while longitudinal pre-stretch decreased ([Formula: see text]). Age-group-specific constitutive parameters portrayed orthotropic FPA stiffening, especially in the longitudinal direction. Structural changes in artery wall elastin were associated with reduction of physiologic longitudinal and circumferential stretches and stresses with age. These data and the constitutive description of FPA aging shed new light on our understanding of peripheral arterial disease pathophysiology and arterial aging. Application of this knowledge might improve patient selection for specific treatment modalities in personalized, precision medicine algorithms and could assist in device development for treatment of peripheral artery disease.

Trends in Mediation Analysis in Nursing Research: Improving Current Practice.

PubMed

Hertzog, Melody

2018-06-01

The purpose of this study was to describe common approaches used by nursing researchers to test mediation models and evaluate them within the context of current methodological advances. MEDLINE was used to locate studies testing a mediation model and published from 2004 to 2015 in nursing journals. Design (experimental/correlation, cross-sectional/longitudinal, model complexity) and analysis (method, inclusion of test of mediated effect, violations/discussion of assumptions, sample size/power) characteristics were coded for 456 studies. General trends were identified using descriptive statistics. Consistent with findings of reviews in other disciplines, evidence was found that nursing researchers may not be aware of the strong assumptions and serious limitations of their analyses. Suggestions for strengthening the rigor of such studies and an overview of current methods for testing more complex models, including longitudinal mediation processes, are presented.

Prospects: The Congressionally Mandated Study of Educational Growth and Opportunity. First Year Report on Language Minority and Limited English Proficient Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moss, Marc; Puma, Michael

This report presents descriptive findings from the Language Minority/Limited English Proficiency Student Supplement of "Prospects," a six-year longitudinal evaluation concerning the impact of federal Chapter 1 programs. These programs provide supplemental instruction to low-achieving elementary and secondary school students in low-income schools.…

Voluntary Associations, Life Satisfaction, and Other Correlates of Participation in Programs for the Elderly. A Preliminary Analysis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grote, N. P.; Baumhover, L. A.

The relationship between life satisfaction and voluntary association membership is passing through its descriptive phases and is now being examined in depth. As part of a three-year longitudinal study to evaluate a Title VII program, this data reports on an analysis of life satisfaction, voluntary association membership, health status, and SES…

Longitudinal Follow-Up of Weight Change in the Context of a Community-Based Health Promotion Programme for Adults with an Intellectual Disability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomas, G. R.; Kerr, M. P.

2011-01-01

Background: Obesity has been identified as a major health concern in adults with intellectual disabilities. This study evaluates a health promotion programme delivered by a NHS department for adults with intellectual disabilities. Method: Routine NHS data were collated and analysed descriptively. One hundred and ninety one adults with intellectual…

Motivation, Comprehensibility, and Accentedness in L2 Spanish: Investigating Motivation as a Time-Varying Predictor of Pronunciation Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nagle, Charles

2018-01-01

This study examined relationships between language learning motivation and the longitudinal development of second language (L2) pronunciation. Twenty-six English-speaking learners of Spanish recorded a simplified picture description task 5 times over a year-long period spanning their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th semesters of Spanish language instruction.…

Histology of the Urogenital System in the American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), with Emphasis on Male Reproductive Morphology.

PubMed

Rheubert, Justin L; Cook, Hanna E; Siegel, Dustin S; Trauth, Stanley E

2017-10-01

Previous studies have revealed variations in the urogenital system morphology of amphibians. Recently, the urogenital system of salamanders was reviewed and terminology was synonymized across taxa. Discrepancies exist in the terminology describing the urogenital system of anurans, which prompted our group to develop a complete, detailed description of the urogenital system in an anuran species and provide nomenclature that is synonymous with those of other amphibian taxa. In Rana catesbeiana, sperm mature within spermatocysts of the seminiferous tubule epithelia and are transported to a series of intratesticular ducts that exit the testes and merge to form vasa efferentia. Vasa efferentia converge into single longitudinal ducts (Bidder's ducts) on the lateral aspects of the kidneys. Branches from the longitudinal ducts merge with genital kidney renal tubules through renal corpuscles. The nephrons travel caudally and empty into the Wöffian ducts. Similar to salamanders, the caudal portion of the kidneys (termed the pelvic kidneys in salamanders) only possesses nephrons involved in urine formation, not sperm transport. Data from the present study provide a detailed description and synonymous nomenclature that can be used to make future comparative analyses between taxa more efficient.

Inquiry into terminal decline: five objectives for future study.

PubMed

Gerstorf, Denis; Ram, Nilam

2013-10-01

Notions of terminal decline propose that late-life change is primarily driven by processes closely tied to pathology and mortality rather than chronological age. We use the rationales of longitudinal research as outlined by Baltes and Nesselroade (Baltes, P., & Nesselroade, J. [1979]. History and rationale of longitudinal research. In J. R. Nesselroade & P. Baltes (Eds.), Longitudinal research in the study of behavior and development [pp. 1-39]. San Diego, CA: Academic Press) as a framework for organizing research on terminal decline. In doing so, we note that there are relatively robust descriptions of terminal decline across a variety of different domains, as well as the extent of interindividual differences in the levels of function, rates of change, and timing of terminal decline (research rationales 1 and 2). However, there is much more to learn about the interrelations among change in different domains, the underlying mechanisms of change, and the factors that contribute to interindividual differences in change (research rationales 3-5). Needed are new study designs and analytical models that better address the structural, temporal, and causal interrelations that contribute to and protect against terminal decline.

Study IX of the Basic Communication Course at Two- and Four-Year U.S. Colleges and Universities: A Re-Examination of Our Discipline's "Front Porch"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morreale, Sherwyn P.; Myers, Scott A.; Backlund, Philip M.; Simonds, Cheri J.

2016-01-01

This study gathered longitudinal and descriptive data on the nature of the basic communication course, continuing a tradition dating back to 1968. Now in its ninth iteration, convenience sampling and hard copy distribution of the survey instrument resulted in a total of 188 respondents (21 from two-year schools, 167 from four-year schools). This…

Skills for Life Teachers' Career Pathways in the Learning and Skills Sector, 2004-2007: Part-Time Jobs for Part-Time Workers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swain, Jon Michael; Cara, Olga

2010-01-01

This paper is based on findings from a three-year longitudinal study in England called the Teacher Study which aimed to provide an analytical description of who Skills for Life (SfL) teachers are and what they do in their working lives. The main focus of the paper is teachers' career pathways and the possibilities of making a career in…

Longitudinal instability of the forearm.

PubMed

Phadnis, J; Watts, A C

2016-10-01

The Essex Lopresti lesion is a rare triad of injury to the radial head, interosseous membrane of the forearm and distal radio-ulnar joint, which results in longitudinal instability of the radius. If unrecognized this leads to chronic pain and disability which is difficult to salvage. Early recognition and appropriate treatment is therefore desirable to prevent long-term problems. The aim of this article is to review the pathoanatomy of longitudinal radius instability and use the existing literature and authors' experience to provide recommendations for recognition and treatment of acute and chronic forearm instability, including description of the author's technique for interosseous membrane reconstruction.

"I Wanna Have a Good Future": Teen Mothers' Rise in Educational Aspirations, Competing Demands, and Limited School Support

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

SmithBattle, Lee

2007-01-01

This longitudinal study examined teen mothers' descriptions of being students before and after giving birth and the impact of mothering on their educational goals and school progress. Nineteen teens and at least one of their parents were interviewed six times from the third trimester of pregnancy to 10 months postpartum. Regardless of their school…

The Illinois Class of 2002 and Race/Ethnicity: A Descriptive Summary Four Years after High School. Policy Research: IERC 2009-5

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Kathleen Sullivan; Mullin, Christopher M.; White, Bradford R.

2009-01-01

The Illinois High School Class of 2002 is part of the third generational wave of American students following the landmark Supreme Court decision in "Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka," which outlawed segregation in public education. This longitudinal study allows the authors to examine the long-term impacts of this monumental…

The Andalusian Bipolar Family (ABiF) Study: Protocol and sample description.

PubMed

Guzman-Parra, Jose; Rivas, Fabio; Strohmaier, Jana; Forstner, Andreas; Streit, Fabian; Auburger, Georg; Propping, Peter; Orozco-Diaz, Guillermo; González, Maria José; Gil-Flores, Susana; Cabaleiro-Fabeiro, Francisco Javier; Del Río-Noriega, Francisco; Perez-Perez, Fermin; Haro-González, Jesus; de Diego-Otero, Yolanda; Romero-Sanchiz, Pablo; Moreno-Küstner, Berta; Cichon, Sven; Nöthen, Markus M; Rietschel, Marcella; Mayoral, Fermin

2017-06-12

Here, we present the first description of the Andalusian Bipolar Family (ABiF) Study. This longitudinal investigation of families from Andalusia, Spain commenced in 1997 with the aim of elucidating the molecular genetic causes of bipolar affective disorder. The cohort has since contributed to a number of key genetic findings, as reported in international journals. However, insight into the genetic underpinnings of the disorder in these families remains limited. In the initial 1997-2003 study phase, 100 multiplex bipolar disorder and other mood disorder families were recruited. The ongoing second phase of the project commenced in 2013, and involves follow-up of a subgroup of the originally recruited families. The aim of the follow-up investigation is to generate: i) longitudinal clinical data; ii) results from detailed neuropsychological assessments; and iii) a more extensive collection of biomaterials for future molecular biological studies. The ABiF Study will thus generate a valuable resource for future investigations into the aetiology of bipolar affective disorder; in particular the causes of high disease loading within multiply affected families. We discuss the value of this approach in terms of new technologies for the identification of high-penetrance genetic factors. These new technologies include exome and whole genome sequencing, and the use of induced pluripotent stem cells or model organisms to determine functional consequences. Copyright © 2017 SEP y SEPB. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Ureter smooth muscle cell orientation in rat is predominantly longitudinal.

PubMed

Spronck, Bart; Merken, Jort J; Reesink, Koen D; Kroon, Wilco; Delhaas, Tammo

2014-01-01

In ureter peristalsis, the orientation of the contracting smooth muscle cells is essential, yet current descriptions of orientation and composition of the smooth muscle layer in human as well as in rat ureter are inconsistent. The present study aims to improve quantification of smooth muscle orientation in rat ureters as a basis for mechanistic understanding of peristalsis. A crucial step in our approach is to use two-photon laser scanning microscopy and image analysis providing objective, quantitative data on smooth muscle cell orientation in intact ureters, avoiding the usual sectioning artifacts. In 36 rat ureter segments, originating from a proximal, middle or distal site and from a left or right ureter, we found close to the adventitia a well-defined longitudinal smooth muscle orientation. Towards the lamina propria, the orientation gradually became slightly more disperse, yet the main orientation remained longitudinal. We conclude that smooth muscle cell orientation in rat ureter is predominantly longitudinal, though the orientation gradually becomes more disperse towards the proprial side. These findings do not support identification of separate layers. The observed longitudinal orientation suggests that smooth muscle contraction would rather cause local shortening of the ureter, than cause luminal constriction. However, the net-like connective tissue of the ureter wall may translate local longitudinal shortening into co-local luminal constriction, facilitating peristalsis. Our quantitative, minimally invasive approach is a crucial step towards more mechanistic insight into ureter peristalsis, and may also be used to study smooth muscle cell orientation in other tube-like structures like gut and blood vessels.

Momentum loss in proton-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khan, Ferdous; Townsend, Lawrence W.

1993-01-01

An optical model description, based on multiple scattering theory, of longitudinal momentum loss in proton-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions is presented. The crucial role of the imaginary component of the nucleon-nucleon transition matrix in accounting for longitudinal momentum transfer is demonstrated. Results obtained with this model are compared with Intranuclear Cascade (INC) calculations, as well as with predictions from Vlasov-Uehling-Uhlenbeck (VUU) and quantum molecular dynamics (QMD) simulations. Comparisons are also made with experimental data where available. These indicate that the present model is adequate to account for longitudinal momentum transfer in both proton-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions over a wide range of energies.

Spirituality: a cultural strength for African American mothers with HIV.

PubMed

Polzer Casarez, Rebecca L; Miles, Margaret Shandor

2008-05-01

The purpose of this study was to describe how spirituality affected the lives of African American mothers with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the context of coping. This qualitative descriptive study used secondary data of interviews from a larger longitudinal study of parental caregiving of infants seropositive for HIV. Participants were 38 African American mothers with HIV. Data from longitudinal semi-structured interviews were analyzed using content analysis. The women dealt with the stresses of HIV through a relationship with God. Two domains explain this relationship: God in control and God requires participation. The benefits of their relationship with God were a decrease in stress and worry about their own health and that of their infants. It is important for nurses working with mothers with HIV to acknowledge their spirituality and assess how spirituality helps them cope with and manage their illness.

Projection, conformity and deviance regulation: a prospective study of alcohol use.

PubMed

Ferrer, Rebecca A; Dillard, Amanda J; Klein, William M P

2012-01-01

We examine how alcohol-related attitudes and behaviour are related to injunctive and descriptive norms over time, and how these perceptions are linked to the experience of alcohol-related problems. In a longitudinal study of alcohol use (n=239, over three time points), we explored the presence of projection, conformity and deviance in college students--a group in the process of identity formation and redefining peer relationships. We found that the first year of college was characterised by both conformity and projection, and that positive attitudes towards alcohol, greater drinking, and higher descriptive norms were associated prospectively with more alcohol-related problems. However, in the second year, the pattern changed such that alcohol consumption behaviour was characterised by deviance such that those who believed others engaged in more drinking reported relatively lower consumption. The longitudinal findings support deviance regulation theory (Blanton, H., & Christie, C. (2003). Deviance regulation: A theory of action and identity. Review of General Psychology, 7, 115-149), which states that individuals form identities by deviating from peers in ways they perceive as desirable. In general, one must consider the role and stage of identity development when making predictions about how attitudes and perceived norms influence alcohol use and the experience of alcohol-related problems.

Voltage current characteristics of type III superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dorofejev, G. L.; Imenitov, A. B.; Klimenko, E. Yu.

1980-06-01

An adequate description of voltage-current characteristics is important in order to understand the nature of high critical current for the electrodynamic construction of type-III superconductors and for commercial superconductor specification. Homogenious monofilament and multifilament Nb-Ti, Nb-Zr, Nb 3Sn wires were investigated in different ranges of magnetic field, temperature and current. The longitudinal electric field for homogenious wires may be described by E=J ρnexp- T c/T 0+ T/T 0+ B/B 0+ J/J 0, where To, Bo, Jo are the increasing parameters, which depend weakly on B and T, of the electric field. The shape of the voltage-current characteristics of multifilament wires, and the parameter's dependence on temperature and magnetic field may be explained qualitatively by the longitudinal heterogeneous nature of the filaments. A method of attaining the complete specification of the wire's electro-physical properties is proposed. It includes the traditional description of a critical surface (ie the surface corresponding to a certain conventional effective resistivity in T, B, J - space) and a description of any increasing parameter that depends on B and T.

Caring: the socialisation of pre-registration student nurses: a longitudinal qualitative descriptive study.

PubMed

Mackintosh, Carolyn

2006-11-01

This study explores the impact of the process of socialisation on pre-registration student nurses views about care, and their personal ability to cope with becoming a nurse. It aims to identify the effect time has on participants attitudes and views of care and becoming a nurse, during pre-registration nurse training, by using a descriptive longitudinal qualitative design. Data collection took place within the School of Health or on student's clinical placement areas, using a random sample of 16 pre-registration student nurses obtained from a convenience sample of 52 volunteers. Participants were involved in two semi-structured in depth interviews, the first 6-9 months after entering nurse training and the second 6-9 months prior to completion. Interviews were tape recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Morse and Field's (1996) four stages of analysis. Identified changes between data collection stages suggest socialisation results in a loss of idealism about care within nursing, as well as the identification of negative aspects of care. Loss of care is linked to increased abilities to cope with the nursing role, although this is not uniform and some participants clearly discriminate and reject negative exposures. In conclusion this study identifies an under recognised dichotomy between the caring ethos of professional nursing and the professional socialisation processes student nurses are subject to, which directly mitigate against the individual nurses abilities to care.

A meta-analysis of the relations between three types of peer norms and adolescent sexual behavior

PubMed Central

van de Bongardt, Daphne; Reitz, Ellen; Sandfort, Theo; Deković, Maja

2018-01-01

The aim of the present meta-analysis was to investigate the associations between three types of peer norms–descriptive norms (peer sexual behaviors), injunctive norms (peer sexual attitudes), and peer pressure to have sex–and two adolescent sexual behavior outcomes (sexual activity and sexual risk behavior). Adolescent sexual activity was more strongly associated with descriptive norms (ESrfixed = .40) than with injunctive norms (ESrfixed = .22) or peer pressure (ESrfixed = .10). Compared with the sexual activity outcome, the effect size for descriptive norms (peer sexual risk behavior) for sexual risk behavior was smaller (ESrfixed = .11). Age, gender, peer type, and socio-cultural context significantly moderated these associations. Additional analyses of longitudinal studies suggested that selection effects were stronger than socialization effects. These findings offer empirical support for the conceptual distinction between three types of peer norms and hold important implications for theory, research, and intervention strategies. PMID:25217363

Birthing and Parenting a Premature Infant in a Cultural Context

PubMed Central

Brooks, Jada L.; Holdtich-Davis, Diane; Docherty, Sharron L.; Theodorou, Christina S.

2015-01-01

The purpose of this longitudinal qualitative descriptive study was to explore American Indian (AI) mothers’ perceptions of parenting their premature infants over their first year of life in the context of their culture, including the birth and hospitalization experience. A convenience sample of 17 AI mothers and their premature infants were recruited from either a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or pediatric clinic in the southeast. Semistructured interviews were conducted at two time points. Through content analytic methods, three broad categories were revealed: descriptions of having a premature infant in the NICU, descriptions of parenting a premature infant, and the influence of Lumbee culture on parenting a premature infant. Certain aspects of AI culture appear to be important in having a premature infant in the NICU and in parenting a premature infant. We recommend that healthcare providers deliver culturally appropriate care that fully supports AI mothers and their premature infants. PMID:25721716

Profiles of rural longitudinal integrated clerkship students: a descriptive study of six consecutive student cohorts *.

PubMed

Brooks, Kathleen D; Eley, Diann S; Zink, Therese

2014-02-01

Medical schools worldwide are challenged to address the rural primary care workforce shortage by creating community-engaged curricula to nurture student interest in rural practice. To examine the personal characteristics of six consecutive rural longitudinal integrated clerkship student cohorts to understand whom the programs attract and select and thus inform the development of such programs. A cross-sectional cohort design was used. Six cohorts (2007-2012) completed a survey on demographics and factors that influenced their choice of rural primary care. The Temperament and Character Inventory was used to measure personality. Analysis was mainly descriptive. Where appropriate univariate analysis compared variables between groups. Sample size was 205 with the majority female (61%), between 25 and 29 years (64%), single (60%) and lived longest in rural communities with populations less than 20,000 (60%). Rural lifestyle, background and desire to work in underserved areas were noted to impact rural medicine interest. Professional satisfaction, personal and professional goals and family needs had the highest impact on career decisions, and financial concerns lowest. The stability of students' personal characteristics across cohorts and the workforce outcomes of this program suggest the recruitment process successfully nurtures students who will fit well into future rural practice.

Estimates of the changes in tropospheric chemistry which result from human activity and their dependence on NO(x) emissions and model resolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kanakidou, Maria; Crutzen, Paul J.; Zimmermann, Peter H.

1994-01-01

As a consequence of the non-linear behavior of the chemistry of the atmosphere and because of the short lifetime of nitrogen oxides (NO(x)), two-dimensional models do not give an adequate description of the production and destruction rates of NO(x) and their effects on the distributions of the concentration of ozone and hydroxyl radical. In this study, we use a three-dimensional model to evaluate the contribution of increasing NO(x) emissions from industrial activity and biomass burning to changes in the chemical composition of the troposphere. By comparing results obtained from longitudinally-uniform and longitudinally-varying emissions of NO(x), we demonstrate that the geographical representation of the NO(x) emissions is crucial in simulating tropospheric chemistry.

Approaches in methodology for population-based longitudinal study on neuroprotective model for healthy longevity (TUA) among Malaysian Older Adults.

PubMed

Shahar, Suzana; Omar, Azahadi; Vanoh, Divya; Hamid, Tengku Aizan; Mukari, Siti Zamratol Mai-Sarah; Din, Normah Che; Rajab, Nor Fadilah; Mohammed, Zainora; Ibrahim, Rahimah; Loo, Won Hui; Meramat, Asheila; Kamaruddin, Mohd Zul Amin; Bagat, Mohamad Fazdillah; Razali, Rosdinom

2016-12-01

A number of longitudinal studies on aging have been designed to determine the predictors of healthy longevity, including the neuroprotective factors, however, relatively few studies included a wide range of factors and highlighted the challenges faced during data collection. Thus, the longitudinal study on neuroprotective model for healthy longevity (LRGS TUA) has been designed to prospectively investigate the magnitude of cognitive decline and its risk factors through a comprehensive multidimensional assessment comprising of biophysical health, auditory and visual function, nutrition and dietary pattern and psychosocial aspects. At baseline, subjects were interviewed for their status on sociodemographic, health, neuropsychological test, psychosocial and dietary intake. Subjects were also measured for anthropometric and physical function and fitness. Biospecimens including blood, buccal swap, hair and toenail were collected, processed and stored. A subsample was assessed for sensory function, i.e., vision and auditory. During follow-up, at 18 and 36 months, most of the measurements, along with morbidity and mortality outcomes will be collected. The description of mild cognitive impairment, successful aging and usual aging process is presented here. A total 2322 respondents were recruited in the data analysis at baseline. Most of the respondents were categorized as experiencing usual aging (73 %), followed by successful aging (11 %) and mild cognitive impairment (16 %). The LRGS TUA study is the most comprehensive longitudinal study on aging in Malaysia, and will contribute to the understanding of the aging process and factors associated with healthy aging and mental well-being of a multiethnic population in Malaysia.

Psychiatry in the Harvard Medical School-Cambridge Integrated Clerkship: an innovative, year-long program.

PubMed

Griswold, Todd; Bullock, Christopher; Gaufberg, Elizabeth; Albanese, Mark; Bonilla, Pedro; Dvorak, Ramona; Epelbaum, Claudia; Givon, Lior; Kueppenbender, Karsten; Joseph, Robert; Boyd, J Wesley; Shtasel, Derri

2012-09-01

The authors present what is to their knowledge the first description of a model for longitudinal third-year medical student psychiatry education. A longitudinal, integrated psychiatric curriculum was developed, implemented, and sustained within the Harvard Medical School-Cambridge Integrated Clerkship. Curriculum elements include longitudinal mentoring by attending physicians in an outpatient psychiatry clinic, exposure to the major psychotherapies, psychopharmacology training, acute psychiatry "immersion" experiences, and a variety of clinical and didactic teaching sessions. The longitudinal psychiatry curriculum has been sustained for 8 years to-date, providing effective learning as demonstrated by OSCE scores, NBME shelf exam scores, written work, and observed clinical work. The percentage of students in this clerkship choosing psychiatry as a residency specialty is significantly greater than those in traditional clerkships at Harvard Medical School and greater than the U.S. average. Longitudinal integrated clerkship experiences are effective and sustainable; they offer particular strengths and opportunities for psychiatry education, and may influence student choice of specialty.

Sleep and daytime sleepiness of patients with left ventricular assist devices: a longitudinal pilot study.

PubMed

Casida, Jesus M; Davis, Jean E; Brewer, Robert J; Smith, Cheryl; Yarandi, Hossein

2011-06-01

No empirical longitudinal data on sleep and daytime sleepiness patterns in patients with an implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) exist. (1) To describe the sleep patterns (sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, sleep fragmentation index, total sleep time, and wake after sleep onset), sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness variables and (2) to determine the change in the pattern of these variables before and up to 6 months after LVAD implantation. A longitudinal descriptive repeated-measures design was used. Patients wore wrist actigraphs (AW64 Actiwatch), which objectively measured sleep, for 3 consecutive days and nights before LVAD implant and at the first and second week and first, third, and sixth month after implantation. During these periods, patients also completed questionnaires on sleep quality and daytime sleepiness. Patients-Twelve of 15 patients completed the 6-month data. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and repeated-measures analysis of variance. We found long sleep onset latencies and low sleep efficiency across time periods. High sleep fragmentation index was noted at baseline and 1 week after LVAD. Short total sleep times, long wake-after-sleep-onset durations, and poor sleep quality were evident at baseline and persisted up to 6 months after LVAD implantation. Low alertness level, a manifestation of sleepiness, was common during late morning to early evening hours. However, only sleep efficiency and wake after sleep onset showed significant changes in pattern (P < .05). Sleep disturbance and daytime sleepiness may be prevalent before and up to 6 months after LVAD implantation, warranting further investigation.

Longitudinal Analysis of Superficial Midfacial Fat Volumes Over a 10-Year Period.

PubMed

Tower, Jacob; Seifert, Kimberly; Paskhover, Boris

2018-04-11

Volumetric changes to facial fat that occur with aging remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate for longitudinal changes to midfacial fat volumes in a group of individuals. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study of adult subjects who underwent multiple facial computed tomographic (CT) scans timed at least 8 years apart. Subjects who underwent facial surgery or suffered facial trauma were excluded. Facial CT scans were analyzed, and superficial cheek fat volumes were measured and compared to track changes that occurred with aging. Fourteen subjects were included in our analysis of facial aging (5 male, 9 female; mean initial age 50.9 years; mean final age 60.4 years). In the right superficial cheek there was an increase in mean (SD) superficial fat volume from 10.33 (2.01) to 10.50 (1.80) cc, which was not statistically significant (P = 0.75). Similar results were observed in the left cheek. There were no statistically significant longitudinal changes to caudal, middle, or cephalad subdivisions of bilateral superficial cheek fat. A simple linear regression was performed to predict superficial cheek fat pad volume based on age which did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.31), with an R 2 of 0.039. This study is the first to quantitatively assess for longitudinal changes to midfacial fat in a group of individuals. Superficial cheek fat remained stable as subjects aged from approximately 50 to 60 years old, with no change in total volume or redistribution within a radiographically defined compartment. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Longitudinal comparative evaluation of the equivalence of an integrated peer-support and clinical staffing model for residential mental health rehabilitation: a mixed methods protocol incorporating multiple stakeholder perspectives.

PubMed

Parker, Stephen; Dark, Frances; Newman, Ellie; Korman, Nicole; Meurk, Carla; Siskind, Dan; Harris, Meredith

2016-06-02

A novel staffing model integrating peer support workers and clinical staff within a unified team is being trialled at community based residential rehabilitation units in Australia. A mixed-methods protocol for the longitudinal evaluation of the outcomes, expectations and experiences of care by consumers and staff under this staffing model in two units will be compared to one unit operating a traditional clinical staffing. The study is unique with regards to the context, the longitudinal approach and consideration of multiple stakeholder perspectives. The longitudinal mixed methods design integrates a quantitative evaluation of the outcomes of care for consumers at three residential rehabilitation units with an applied qualitative research methodology. The quantitative component utilizes a prospective cohort design to explore whether equivalent outcomes are achieved through engagement at residential rehabilitation units operating integrated and clinical staffing models. Comparative data will be available from the time of admission, discharge and 12-month period post-discharge from the units. Additionally, retrospective data for the 12-month period prior to admission will be utilized to consider changes in functioning pre and post engagement with residential rehabilitation care. The primary outcome will be change in psychosocial functioning, assessed using the total score on the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS). Planned secondary outcomes will include changes in symptomatology, disability, recovery orientation, carer quality of life, emergency department presentations, psychiatric inpatient bed days, and psychological distress and wellbeing. Planned analyses will include: cohort description; hierarchical linear regression modelling of the predictors of change in HoNOS following CCU care; and descriptive comparisons of the costs associated with the two staffing models. The qualitative component utilizes a pragmatic approach to grounded theory, with collection of data from consumers and staff at multiple time points exploring their expectations, experiences and reflections on the care provided by these services. It is expected that the new knowledge gained through this study will guide the adaptation of these and similar services. For example, if differential outcomes are achieved for consumers under the integrated and clinical staffing models this may inform staffing guidelines.

An optical model description of momentum transfer in heavy ion collisions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khan, F.; Khandelwal, G. S.; Townsend, Lawrence W.; Wilson, J. W.; Norbury, John W.

1989-01-01

An optical model description of momentum transfer in relativistic heavy ion collisions, based upon composite particle multiple scattering theory, is presented. The imaginary component of the complex momentum transfer, which comes from the absorptive part of the optical potential, is identified as the longitudinal momentum downshift of the projectile. Predictions of fragment momentum distribution observables are made and compared with experimental data. Use of the model as a tool for estimating collision impact parameters is discussed.

Topographic Anatomy of the Anal Sphincter Complex and Levator Ani Muscle as It Relates to Intersphincteric Resection for Very Low Rectal Disease.

PubMed

Tsukada, Yuichiro; Ito, Masaaki; Watanabe, Kentaro; Yamaguchi, Kumiko; Kojima, Motohiro; Hayashi, Ryuichi; Akita, Keiichi; Saito, Norio

2016-05-01

Intersphincteric resection has become a widely used treatment for patients with rectal cancer. However, the detailed anatomy of the anal canal related to this procedure has remained unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the detailed anatomy of the anal canal. This is a descriptive study. Histologic evaluations of paraffin-embedded tissue specimens were conducted at a tertiary referral hospital. Tissue specimens were obtained from cadavers of 5 adults and from 13 patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer. Sagittal sections from 9 circumferential portions of the cadaveric anal canal (histologic staining) and 3 circumferential portions from patients were studied (immunohistochemistry for smooth and skeletal muscle fibers). Longitudinal fibers between the internal and external anal sphincters consisted primarily of smooth muscle fibers that continued from the longitudinal muscle of the rectum. The levator ani muscle attached directly to the lateral surface of the longitudinal smooth muscle of the rectum. The length of the attachment was longer in the anterolateral portion and shorter in the posterior portion of the anal canal. In the lateral and posterior portions, the levator ani muscle partially overlapped the external anal sphincter; however, there was less overlap in the anterolateral portion. In the posterior portion, thick smooth muscle was present on the surface of the levator ani muscle and it continued to the longitudinal muscle of the rectum. We observed only limited portions in some surgical specimens because of obstruction by tumors. The levator ani muscle attaches directly to the longitudinal muscle of the rectum. The spatial relationship between the smooth and skeletal muscles differed in different portions of the anal canal. For intersphincteric resection, dissection must be performed between the longitudinal muscle of the rectum and the levator ani muscle/external anal sphincter, and the appropriate surgical lines must be selected based on the specific structural characteristics of each portion.

Bell's palsy. A prospective, longitudinal, descriptive, and observational analysis of prognosis factors for recovery in Mexican patients.

PubMed

Sánchez-Chapul, Laura; Reyes-Cadena, Susana; Andrade-Cabrera, José Luis; Carrillo-Soto, Irma A; León-Hernández, Saúl R; Paniagua-Pérez, Rogelio; Olivera-Díaz, Hiram; Baños-Mendoza, Teresa; Flores-Mondragón, Gabriela; Hernández-Campos, Norma A

2011-01-01

To determine the prognosis factors in Mexican patients with Bell's palsy. We designed a prospective, longitudinal, descriptive, and observational analysis. Two hundred and fifty one patients diagnosed with Bell's palsy at the National Institute of Rehabilitation were included. We studied the sociodemographic characteristics, seasonal occurrence, sidedness, symptoms, and therapeutic options to determine the prognostic factors for their recovery. Thirty-nine percent of patients had a complete recovery and 41.5% had an incomplete recovery. Marital status, gender, etiology, symptoms, sidedness, House-Brackmann grade, and treatments did not represent significant prognostic factors for recovery. Age > 40 years (OR = 2.4, IC 95% 1.3-4.3, p = 0.002) and lack of physical therapy (OR = 6.4, IC 95% 1.4-29.6, p = 0.006) were significant prognostic factors for incomplete recovery. Familial palsy resulted to be a protective prognostic factor against an incomplete recovery (OR = 0.54, IC 95% 0.28-1.01, p = 0.039). This protection factor was only significant in female patients (OR = 0.41, p = 0.22) but not in male patients (OR = 1.0, p = 0.61). The proportion of cases with incomplete recovery was high. The age > 40 years and lack of physical therapy were the only significant prognostic factors for an incomplete recovery.

Pressure losses and heat transfer in non-circular channels with hydraulically smooth walls

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malak, J.

1982-01-01

The influence of channel geometry on pressure losses and heat transfer in noncircular channels with hydraulically smooth walls was studied. As a basic assumption for the description of this influence, integral geometrical criteria, selected according to experimental experience, were introduced. Using these geometrical criteria, a large set of experimental data for pressure losses and heat transfer in circular and annular channels with longitudinal fins was evaluated. In this way it as empirically proved that the criteria described channel geometry fairly well.

A Meta-Analysis of the Relations Between Three Types of Peer Norms and Adolescent Sexual Behavior.

PubMed

van de Bongardt, Daphne; Reitz, Ellen; Sandfort, Theo; Deković, Maja

2015-08-01

The aim of the present meta-analysis was to investigate the associations between three types of peer norms-descriptive norms (peer sexual behaviors), injunctive norms (peer sexual attitudes), and peer pressure to have sex-and two adolescent sexual behavior outcomes (sexual activity and sexual risk behavior). Adolescent sexual activity was more strongly associated with descriptive norms (ESrfixed=.40) than with injunctive norms (ESrfixed=.22) or peer pressure (ESrfixed=.10). Compared with the sexual activity outcome, the effect size for descriptive norms (peer sexual risk behavior) for sexual risk behavior was smaller (ESrfixed=.11). Age, gender, peer type, and socio-cultural context significantly moderated these associations. Additional analyses of longitudinal studies suggested that selection effects were stronger than socialization effects. These findings offer empirical support for the conceptual distinction between three types of peer norms and hold important implications for theory, research, and intervention strategies. © 2014 by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc.

Normative influences on aggression in urban elementary school classrooms.

PubMed

Henry, D; Guerra, N; Huesmann, R; Tolan, P; VanAcker, R; Eron, L

2000-02-01

We report a study aimed at understanding the effects of classroom normative influences on individual aggressive behavior, using samples of 614 and 427 urban elementary school children. Participants were assessed with measures of aggressive behavior and normative beliefs about aggression. We tested hypotheses related to the effects of personal normative beliefs, descriptive classroom norms (the central tendency of classmates' aggressive behavior), injunctive classroom normative beliefs (classmates' beliefs about the acceptability of aggression), and norm salience (student and teacher sanctions against aggression) on longitudinal changes in aggressive behavior and beliefs. injunctive norms affected individual normative beliefs and aggression, but descriptive norms had no effect on either. In classrooms where students and teachers made norms against aggression salient, aggressive behavior diminished over time. Implications for classroom behavior management and further research are discussed.

The role of affect in the positive self: Two longitudinal investigations of young adolescents in the United States and China.

PubMed

Zhang, Xin; Pomerantz, Eva M; Setoh, Peipei; Qu, Yang; Wang, Meifang

2016-07-01

This research investigated the role of American and Chinese children's affect in the valence of their views of themselves. In 2 studies (Ns = 825 and 397), children in the United States and China reported on their affect (e.g., positive and negative emotions) and described themselves multiple times over the 7th and 8th grades. The more positive and less negative children's affect, the more positive their descriptions of themselves over time in both studies. These pathways were more consistent than those in the reverse direction (i.e., from children's self-descriptions to their affect). Notably, regardless of direction, the strength of the pathways was similar in the United States and China. The findings suggest that counter to some theoretical perspectives, affect is not more important in American than Chinese children's judgments about the self. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

No smoke without fire: The impact of future friends on adolescent smoking behaviour.

PubMed

Mercken, L; Candel, M; van Osch, L; de Vries, H

2011-02-01

This study examined the impact of future friends and the contribution of different social influence and selection processes in predicting adolescents' smoking behaviour by extending the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). We investigated the impact of previous smoking, direct pressure from friends, descriptive norms of present and future friends, smoking-based selection of future friends, and distinguished between reciprocal and desired friends. A longitudinal design with three measurements was used. METHODSL: The sample consisted of 1,475 Dutch high school students (mean age = 12.7 years) that participated as a control group in the European Smoking prevention Framework Approach study at three measurements. Structural equation modelling revealed that adolescent smoking was influenced by intention, previous smoking, descriptive norms of parents and siblings, and that desired as well as reciprocal friends were selected based on similar smoking behaviour. Future friends indirectly influenced adolescent smoking through intention, as did attitude, subjective norms of parents and siblings, previous smoking, and descriptive norms of reciprocal friends and siblings. The present results suggest that descriptive norms and selection of friends need to be considered as major factors explaining smoking behaviour among adolescents besides the TPB components. These insights contribute to the further refinement of smoking prevention strategies. ©2010 The British Psychological Society.

Using Rasch motor FIM individual growth curves to inform clinical decisions for persons with paraplegia.

PubMed

Pretz, C R; Kozlowski, A J; Charlifue, S; Chen, Y; Heinemann, A W

2014-09-01

A longitudinal retrospective study. To better understand individual-level temporal change in functional status for participants with paraplegia in the National Spinal Cord Injury Database (NSCID), as measured by Rasch Transformed Motor Functional Indepedence Measure (FIM) scores. Multicenter/Multistate longitudinal study across the United States. Non-linear random effects modeling, that is, individual growth curve analysis of retrospective data obtained from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) NSCID. We generated non-linear individual level trajectories of recovery for Rasch Transformed Motor FIM scores that rise rapidly from inpatient rehabilitation admission to a plateau. Trajectories are based on relationships between growth parameters and patient and injury factors: race, gender, level of education at admission, age at injury, neurological level at discharge, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) at discharge, days from injury to first system inpatient rehabilitation admission, rehabilitation length of stay, marital status and etiology. On the basis of study results, an interactive tool was developed to represent individual level longitudinal outcomes as trajectories based upon an individual's given baseline characteristics, that is, information supplied by the covariates and provides a robust description of temporal change for those with paraplegia within the NSCID. This methodology allows researchers and clinicians to generate and better understand patient-specific trajectories through the use of an automated interactive tool where a nearly countless number of longitudinal paths of recovery can be explored. Projected trajectories holds promise in facilitating planning for inpatient and outpatient services, which could positively impact long term outcomes.

The Wavelet ToolKat: A set of tools for the analysis of series through wavelet transforms. Application to the channel curvature and the slope control of three free meandering rivers in the Amazon basin.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaudor, Lise; Piegay, Herve; Wawrzyniak, Vincent; Spitoni, Marie

2016-04-01

The form and functioning of a geomorphic system result from processes operating at various spatial and temporal scales. Longitudinal channel characteristics thus exhibit complex patterns which vary according to the scale of study, might be periodic or segmented, and are generally blurred by noise. Describing the intricate, multiscale structure of such signals, and identifying at which scales the patterns are dominant and over which sub-reach, could help determine at which scales they should be investigated, and provide insights into the main controlling factors. Wavelet transforms aim at describing data at multiple scales (either in time or space), and are now exploited in geophysics for the analysis of nonstationary series of data. They provide a consistent, non-arbitrary, and multiscale description of a signal's variations and help explore potential causalities. Nevertheless, their use in fluvial geomorphology, notably to study longitudinal patterns, is hindered by a lack of user-friendly tools to help understand, implement, and interpret them. We have developed a free application, The Wavelet ToolKat, designed to facilitate the use of wavelet transforms on temporal or spatial series. We illustrate its usefulness describing longitudinal channel curvature and slope of three freely meandering rivers in the Amazon basin (the Purus, Juruá and Madre de Dios rivers), using topographic data generated from NASA's Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) in 2000. Three types of wavelet transforms are used, with different purposes. Continuous Wavelet Transforms are used to identify in a non-arbitrary way the dominant scales and locations at which channel curvature and slope vary. Cross-wavelet transforms, and wavelet coherence and phase are used to identify scales and locations exhibiting significant channel curvature and slope co-variations. Maximal Overlap Discrete Wavelet Transforms decompose data into their variations at a series of scales and are used to provide smoothed descriptions of the series at the scales deemed relevant.

Assessing the first wave of epidemiological studies of nanomaterial workers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liou, Saou-Hsing; Tsai, Candace S. J.; Pelclova, Daniela; Schubauer-Berigan, Mary K.; Schulte, Paul A.

2015-10-01

The results of early animal studies of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) and air pollution epidemiology suggest that it is important to assess the health of ENM workers. Initial epidemiological studies of workers' exposure to ENMs (<100 nm) are reviewed and characterized for their study designs, findings, and limitations. Of the 15 studies, 11 were cross-sectional, 4 were longitudinal (1 was both cross-sectional and longitudinal in design), and 1 was a descriptive pilot study. Generally, the studies used biologic markers as the dependent variables. All 11 cross-sectional studies showed a positive relationship between various biomarkers and ENM exposures. Three of the four longitudinal studies showed a negative relationship; the fourth showed positive findings after a 1-year follow-up. Each study considered exposure to ENMs as the independent variable. Exposure was assessed by mass concentration in 10 studies and by particle count in six studies. Six of them assessed both mass and particle concentrations. Some of the studies had limited exposure data because of inadequate exposure assessment. Generally, exposure levels were not very high in comparison to those in human inhalation chamber studies, but there were some exceptions. Most studies involved a small sample size, from 2 to 258 exposed workers. These studies represent the first wave of epidemiological studies of ENM workers. They are limited by small numbers of participants, inconsistent (and in some cases inadequate) exposure assessments, generally low exposures, and short intervals between exposure and effect. Still, these studies are a foundation for future work; they provide insight into where ENM workers are experiencing potentially adverse effects that might be related to ENM exposures.

Age, cohort and period effects in the prevalence of sleep disturbances among older people: the impact of economic downturn.

PubMed

Dregan, Alex; Armstrong, David

2009-11-01

Using two longitudinal and nationally representative datasets, this study employs a cross-cohort analysis to examine age, cohort and period effects in the prevalence of sleep loss through worry for people over the age of 50 in the UK. The likelihood of reporting sleep loss through worry is calculated at two time-points for 7785 respondents from the Health and Activity Survey (HALs) and 21,834 respondents from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), with baseline information on sleep loss through worry. Descriptive statistical methods were applied to determine the prevalence rates in sleep loss through worry at each survey within both datasets. The results of analysis reveal that sleep loss through worry declined with age, but this pattern was tempered by a temporary increase in the early 1990s. The contemporary economic downturn is suggested as a possible explanation for the significant increase in the prevalence of sleep loss through worry in 1991.

The association between education and induced abortion for three cohorts of adults in Finland.

PubMed

Väisänen, Heini

2015-01-01

This paper explores whether the likelihood of abortion by education changed over time in Finland, where comprehensive family planning services and sexuality education have been available since the early 1970s. This subject has not previously been studied longitudinally with comprehensive and reliable data. A unique longitudinal set of register data of more than 250,000 women aged 20-49 born in 1955-59, 1965-69, and 1975-79 was analysed, using descriptive statistics, concentration curves, and discrete-time event-history models. Women with basic education had a higher likelihood of abortion than others and the association grew stronger for later cohorts. Selection into education may explain this phenomenon: although it was fairly common to have only basic education in the 1955-59 cohort, it became increasingly unusual over time. Thus, even though family planning services were easily available, socio-economic differences in the likelihood of abortion remained.

Testing hadronic interaction models using a highly granular silicon-tungsten calorimeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bilki, B.; Repond, J.; Schlereth, J.; Xia, L.; Deng, Z.; Li, Y.; Wang, Y.; Yue, Q.; Yang, Z.; Eigen, G.; Mikami, Y.; Price, T.; Watson, N. K.; Thomson, M. A.; Ward, D. R.; Benchekroun, D.; Hoummada, A.; Khoulaki, Y.; Cârloganu, C.; Chang, S.; Khan, A.; Kim, D. H.; Kong, D. J.; Oh, Y. D.; Blazey, G. C.; Dyshkant, A.; Francis, K.; Lima, J. G. R.; Salcido, P.; Zutshi, V.; Boisvert, V.; Green, B.; Misiejuk, A.; Salvatore, F.; Kawagoe, K.; Miyazaki, Y.; Sudo, Y.; Suehara, T.; Tomita, T.; Ueno, H.; Yoshioka, T.; Apostolakis, J.; Folger, G.; Ivantchenko, V.; Ribon, A.; Uzhinskiy, V.; Cauwenbergh, S.; Tytgat, M.; Zaganidis, N.; Hostachy, J.-Y.; Morin, L.; Gadow, K.; Göttlicher, P.; Günter, C.; Krüger, K.; Lutz, B.; Reinecke, M.; Sefkow, F.; Feege, N.; Garutti, E.; Laurien, S.; Lu, S.; Marchesini, I.; Matysek, M.; Ramilli, M.; Kaplan, A.; Norbeck, E.; Northacker, D.; Onel, Y.; Kim, E. J.; van Doren, B.; Wilson, G. W.; Wing, M.; Bobchenko, B.; Chadeeva, M.; Chistov, R.; Danilov, M.; Drutskoy, A.; Epifantsev, A.; Markin, O.; Mizuk, R.; Novikov, E.; Popov, V.; Rusinov, V.; Tarkovsky, E.; Besson, D.; Popova, E.; Gabriel, M.; Kiesling, C.; Simon, F.; Soldner, C.; Szalay, M.; Tesar, M.; Weuste, L.; Amjad, M. S.; Bonis, J.; Callier, S.; Conforti di Lorenzo, S.; Cornebise, P.; Doublet, Ph.; Dulucq, F.; Faucci-Giannelli, M.; Fleury, J.; Frisson, T.; Kégl, B.; van der Kolk, N.; Li, H.; Martin-Chassard, G.; Richard, F.; de La Taille, Ch.; Pöschl, R.; Raux, L.; Rouëné, J.; Seguin-Moreau, N.; Anduze, M.; Balagura, V.; Becheva, E.; Boudry, V.; Brient, J.-C.; Cornat, R.; Frotin, M.; Gastaldi, F.; Magniette, F.; Matthieu, A.; Mora de Freitas, P.; Videau, H.; Augustin, J.-E.; David, J.; Ghislain, P.; Lacour, D.; Lavergne, L.; Zacek, J.; Cvach, J.; Gallus, P.; Havranek, M.; Janata, M.; Kvasnicka, J.; Lednicky, D.; Marcisovsky, M.; Polak, I.; Popule, J.; Tomasek, L.; Tomasek, M.; Ruzicka, P.; Sicho, P.; Smolik, J.; Vrba, V.; Zalesak, J.; Jeans, D.; Götze, M.; Calice Collaboration

2015-09-01

A detailed study of hadronic interactions is presented using data recorded with the highly granular CALICE silicon-tungsten electromagnetic calorimeter. Approximately 350,000 selected π- events at energies between 2 and 10 GeV have been studied. The predictions of several physics models available within the GEANT4 simulation tool kit are compared to this data. A reasonable overall description of the data is observed; the Monte Carlo predictions are within 20% of the data, and for many observables much closer. The largest quantitative discrepancies are found in the longitudinal and transverse distributions of reconstructed energy.

76 FR 14021 - Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-15

... Project Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI) Surveillance--New--National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic... Description Steady increases in the rate and severity of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) indicate a clear need to conduct longitudinal assessments of the impact of CDI in the United States. C. difficile...

The impact of normative perceptions on alcohol consumption in military veterans.

PubMed

Krieger, Heather; Pedersen, Eric R; Neighbors, Clayton

2017-10-01

Perceptions of both descriptive norms (prevalence of drinking) and injunctive norms (others' approval of drinking) relate to alcohol consumption, but mechanisms for these associations have received little attention, especially in military samples. This study tested the direct and indirect associations between perceived descriptive and injunctive norms on drinking through personal attitudes (i.e. personal approval) in a veteran sample. Data were collected as part of a longitudinal randomized controlled alcohol intervention study. The study involved two time-points: baseline/intervention (time 1) and 1-month follow-up (time 2). A national sample of veterans was recruited from Facebook to participate in an online study between June and October 2015. Data included responses of 621 adult military veterans (age 18-34; 83% male). Respondents reported on their weekly alcohol consumption (primary outcome), perceptions of typical drinking and approval by other same-gender veterans. Covariates included gender, intervention condition and combat experience. Regression results found no significant effects of perceived descriptive or injunctive norms on time 2 drinking when accounting for the effects of personal attitudes, time 1 drinking and covariates. However, mediation analyses found support for personal attitudes as a mediator of the relationship between perceived descriptive norms and time 2 drinking [indirect effect = 0.003, standard deviation (SD) = 0.001, P = 0.001] and between perceived injunctive norms and time 2 drinking (indirect effect = 0.004, SE = 0.001, P < 0.001). Attitudes to drinking appear to mediate the association between descriptive and injunctions norms about alcohol and subsequent level of alcohol consumption in US military personnel. © 2017 Society for the Study of Addiction.

The cumulative burden borne by offspring whose mothers were sexually abused as children: descriptive results from a multigenerational study.

PubMed

Noll, Jennie G; Trickett, Penelope K; Harris, William W; Putnam, Frank W

2009-03-01

This multigenerational study empirically demonstrates the extent to which offspring whose parents experienced childhood abuse are at increased risk of being abused or neglected. Females with substantiated childhood sexual abuse and non abused comparison females were assessed at six points spanning 18 years in a prospective, longitudinal study. Non abusing parents or caregivers and offspring were also assessed. Descriptive results indicate that offspring born to mothers with histories of sexual abuse were more likely to be born preterm, have a teenage mother, and be involved in protective services. Abused mothers were more likely to be high-school dropouts, be obese, and have experienced psychiatric problems, substance dependence, and domestic violence. Results provide evidence for the advantages of intervention and prevention programs for victims of childhood maltreatment and their families. Primary prevention/intervention efforts extending throughout development and focusing on the cumulative risk to offspring will likely improve victim outcomes and curtail intergenerational transmission of adversity.

Microscopic description of exciton polaritons in direct two-band semiconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Van Trong; Mahler, Günter

1999-07-01

Based on a quantum electrodynamical formulation, a microscopic description of exciton polaritons in a two-band semiconductor is presented. We show that the interband exchange Coulomb interaction, responsible for the coupling of the exciton with the longitudinal part of the induced field, should be treated on equal footing together with the coupling to the transverse part of the induced field (the photon field). The constitutive relation is established to connect the current density with the total electric field of polaritons. The classical Maxwell equations are derived from the quantum representation of photons to get a closed system of equations. The temporal evolution for an initial excited exciton state is studied in detail and an anisotropic polariton vacuum Rabi splitting is shown to occur. A number of up-to-now unresolved discrepancies in the literature are clarified.

Registration Methods for IVUS: Transversal and Longitudinal Transducer Motion Compensation.

PubMed

Talou, Gonzalo D Maso; Blanco, Pablo J; Larrabide, Ignacio; Bezerra, Cristiano Guedes; Lemos, Pedro A; Feijoo, Raul A

2017-04-01

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a fundamental imaging technique for atherosclerotic plaque assessment, interventionist guidance, and, ultimately, as a tissue characterization tool. The studies acquired by this technique present the spatial description of the vessel during the cardiac cycle. However, the study frames are not properly sorted. As gating methods deal with the cardiac phase classification of the frames, the gated studies lack motion compensation between vessel and catheter. In this study, we develop registration strategies to arrange the vessel data into its rightful spatial sequence. Registration is performed by compensating longitudinal and transversal relative motion between vessel and catheter. Transversal motion is identified through maximum likelihood estimator optimization, while longitudinal motion is estimated by a neighborhood similarity estimator among the study frames. A strongly coupled implementation is proposed to compensate for both motion components at once. Loosely coupled implementations (DLT and DTL) decouple the registration process, resulting in more computationally efficient algorithms in detriment of the size of the set of candidate solutions. The DTL outperforms DLT and coupled implementations in terms of accuracy by a factor of 1.9 and 1.4, respectively. Sensitivity analysis shows that perivascular tissue must be considered to obtain the best registration outcome. Evidences suggest that the method is able to measure axial strain along the vessel wall. The proposed registration sorts the IVUS frames for spatial location, which is crucial for a correct interpretation of the vessel wall kinematics along the cardiac phases.

Application of variable-gain output feedback for high-alpha control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ostroff, Aaron J.

1990-01-01

A variable-gain, optimal, discrete, output feedback design approach that is applied to a nonlinear flight regime is described. The flight regime covers a wide angle-of-attack range that includes stall and post stall. The paper includes brief descriptions of the variable-gain formulation, the discrete-control structure and flight equations used to apply the design approach, and the high performance airplane model used in the application. Both linear and nonlinear analysis are shown for a longitudinal four-model design case with angles of attack of 5, 15, 35, and 60 deg. Linear and nonlinear simulations are compared for a single-point longitudinal design at 60 deg angle of attack. Nonlinear simulations for the four-model, multi-mode, variable-gain design include a longitudinal pitch-up and pitch-down maneuver and high angle-of-attack regulation during a lateral maneuver.

Music Acquisition of Children in Rural Zimbabwe: A Longitudinal Observation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kreutzer, Natalie Jones

2001-01-01

This article provides qualitative description of behaviors that bring children to musical competence by age 5 in Nharira Communal Lands in Zimbabwe. Based on observation of three villages comprised of multiple extended family groups, the narrative focuses on area demographics, the community's people, musical influences, musical interactions of…

Longitudinal Description of Students in California Partnership Academies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stern, David; Saroyan, Phil; Hamilton Hester, Candace

2013-01-01

This is the third in a series of three reports analyzing data on students in California Partnership Academies (CPAs). The first, "Profile of the California Partnership Academies, 2009-2010," gave an overview of California Partnerships Academies (CPAs), and included some comparisons between CPA students and all high school students in…

Career Commitment in Nursing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gardner, Diane L.

1992-01-01

A longitudinal, repeated-measures descriptive survey used to measure career commitment and its relationship to turnover and work performance in 320 newly employed registered nurses at one hospital found that career commitment is not a stable phenomenon. The direct association between career commitment and turnover and with job performance is weak.…

Segmental Analysis of Cardiac Short-Axis Views Using Lagrangian Radial and Circumferential Strain.

PubMed

Ma, Chi; Wang, Xiao; Varghese, Tomy

2016-11-01

Accurate description of myocardial deformation in the left ventricle is a three-dimensional problem, requiring three normal strain components along its natural axis, that is, longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strains. Although longitudinal strains are best estimated from long-axis views, radial and circumferential strains are best depicted in short-axis views. An algorithm that utilizes a polar grid for short-axis views previously developed in our laboratory for a Lagrangian description of tissue deformation is utilized for radial and circumferential displacement and strain estimation. Deformation of the myocardial wall, utilizing numerical simulations with ANSYS, and a finite-element analysis-based canine heart model were adapted as the input to a frequency-domain ultrasound simulation program to generate radiofrequency echo signals. Clinical in vivo data were also acquired from a healthy volunteer. Local displacements estimated along and perpendicular to the ultrasound beam propagation direction are then transformed into radial and circumferential displacements and strains using the polar grid based on a pre-determined centroid location. Lagrangian strain variations demonstrate good agreement with the ideal strain when compared with Eulerian results. Lagrangian radial and circumferential strain estimation results are also demonstrated for experimental data on a healthy volunteer. Lagrangian radial and circumferential strain tracking provide accurate results with the assistance of the polar grid, as demonstrated using both numerical simulations and in vivo study. © The Author(s) 2015.

Segmental Analysis of Cardiac Short-Axis Views Using Lagrangian Radial and Circumferential Strain

PubMed Central

Ma, Chi; Wang, Xiao; Varghese, Tomy

2016-01-01

Accurate description of myocardial deformation in the left ventricle is a three-dimensional problem, requiring three normal strain components along its natural axis, that is, longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strains. Although longitudinal strains are best estimated from long-axis views, radial and circumferential strains are best depicted in short-axis views. An algorithm that utilizes a polar grid for short-axis views previously developed in our laboratory for a Lagrangian description of tissue deformation is utilized for radial and circumferential displacement and strain estimation. Deformation of the myocardial wall, utilizing numerical simulations with ANSYS, and a finite-element analysis–based canine heart model were adapted as the input to a frequency-domain ultrasound simulation program to generate radiofrequency echo signals. Clinical in vivo data were also acquired from a healthy volunteer. Local displacements estimated along and perpendicular to the ultrasound beam propagation direction are then transformed into radial and circumferential displacements and strains using the polar grid based on a pre-determined centroid location. Lagrangian strain variations demonstrate good agreement with the ideal strain when compared with Eulerian results. Lagrangian radial and circumferential strain estimation results are also demonstrated for experimental data on a healthy volunteer. Lagrangian radial and circumferential strain tracking provide accurate results with the assistance of the polar grid, as demonstrated using both numerical simulations and in vivo study. PMID:26578642

Coping, stress, and personality in Spanish nursing students: A longitudinal study.

PubMed

Fornés-Vives, Joana; Garcia-Banda, Gloria; Frias-Navarro, Dolores; Rosales-Viladrich, Gerard

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the dominant stress coping style in nursing students, its relationships with stressful life events and personality traits, and the students' changes during their academic training. A non-experimental two-wave longitudinal design was carried out in 199 nursing students recruited from three Spanish nursing schools. The Stressful Life Events Scale, NEO-FFI, and COPE questionnaire were administered at the beginning (T1) and end (T2) of their nursing studies. Descriptive statistics, Anova(s), NPar tests, and Pearson correlations were carried out. Results show that nursing students' dominant coping style was emotion-focused coping, both at T1 and T2. Highly significant correlations between emotional coping and the neuroticism trait were found. Coping, stress, and personality changed positively during the training program. At T2, the use of problem-focused strategies increased, and participants became more extroverted, agreeable, and conscientious. Coping and personality changes experienced by nursing students throughout their degree program seem to mirror the professional competences needed by future licensed nurses. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Meal pattern among Norwegian primary-school children and longitudinal associations between meal skipping and weight status.

PubMed

Stea, Tonje H; Vik, Frøydis N; Bere, Elling; Svendsen, Martin V; Oellingrath, Inger M

2015-02-01

To investigate meal pattern longitudinally and explore whether meal skipping was associated with overweight among Norwegian children and adolescents. Longitudinal study. Children's meal frequencies were reported by their parents using a retrospective FFQ. Weight and height were measured by public health nurses. Descriptive data comparing 4th and 7th grade were analysed by paired-sample t tests for continuous variables and χ 2 tests for categorical variables. Odds ratio estimates, including confidence intervals, with BMI category (normal/overweight) as the dependent variable, were determined through logistic regression analyses. Primary schools, Telemark County, Norway. A cohort of 428 Norwegian boys and girls; 4th graders in 2007, 7th graders in 2010. The number of children eating four main meals per day (regular meal frequency) decreased from 4th grade (47 %) to 7th grade (38 %; P = 0·001). Those who ate regular meals in 4th grade but not in 7th grade had higher odds (OR = 3·1; 95 % CI 1·1, 9·0) of being overweight in 7th grade after adjusting for gender, maternal education and physical activity, but the odds ratio was not statistically significant after adjusting for overweight in 4th grade (OR = 2·8; 95 % CI 0·7, 11·6). The present study showed significant increases in overall meal skipping among children between 4th and 7th grade. The results indicate an association between overweight and meal skipping, but additional prospective and longitudinal analyses and intervention trials are warranted to confirm this relationship.

Changes in children's sleep domains between 2 and 3 years of age: the Ulm SPATZ Health Study.

PubMed

Braig, Stefanie; Urschitz, Michael S; Rothenbacher, Dietrich; Genuneit, Jon

2017-08-01

There is growing interest in the link between sleep habits and child health but reference values specific to toddlers as well as longitudinal data on sleep are scarce. We aimed to describe parent-reported child sleep habits and their intra-individual changes in two- to three-year-olds using data from a regional birth cohort study. In the Ulm SPATZ Health Study, a birth cohort study conducted at Ulm, Southern Germany, with baseline examination from April 2012 to May 2013, the German version of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ-DE) was used longitudinally at follow-ups at two and three years (N = 615 children). Descriptive statistics including intra-individual differences between three- and two-year scores were reported, the latter using the sign test. The sample-averaged total and subscale CSHQ scores differed only slightly between two and three years (max. Cohen's d = 0.39). Intra-individual comparisons of the CSHQ subscales or single items revealed congruent but also opposing changes in items belonging to the same subscale. Whereas items on bedtime resistance generally improved, sleep duration shortened with older age. With regard to sleep anxiety, we found worsening in the item 'Afraid of sleeping in the dark' in about one-fifth of our children whereas other items on this CSHQ subscale showed an opposing trend with age. A similar opposing trend was detected within the subscale on night wakings. Our data provide initial descriptive information on sleep habits in toddlers. The high intra-individual changes, partly in opposing directions which may be masked by aggregation, indicate a need for age- and item-specific analyses. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Predictors of Dental Care Use: Findings from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health

PubMed Central

Okunseri, Christopher; Okunseri, Elaye; Garcia, Raul I.; Visotcky, Alexis (Dye); Szabo, Aniko

2013-01-01

Objective To examine longitudinal trends and associated factors in dental service utilization by adolescents progressing to early adulthood in the United States. Data Source The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health from Waves I (1994-95), II (1996), III (2001-2002) and IV (2007-2008). Study Design This is a retrospective, observational study of adolescents' transition to early adulthood. We obtained descriptive statistics and performed logistic regression analyses to identify the effects of baseline and concurrent covariates on dental service utilization from adolescence to early adulthood over time. Principal Findings Dental service utilization within the prior 12 months peaked at age 16 (72%), gradually decreased until age 21 (57%), and thereafter remained flat. Whites and Asians had a 10-20 percentage points higher proportion of dental service utilization at most ages compared to Blacks and Hispanics. Dental service utilization at later follow-up visits was strongly associated with baseline utilization with OR= 10.7, 2.4 and 1.5 at the 1-year, 7-year and 13-year follow-ups respectively. These effects decreased when adjusted for current income, insurance and education. Compared to Whites, Blacks were consistently less likely to report any dental examination. Conclusion Dental service utilization was highest in adolescents. Gender, education, health insurance and income in young adulthood were significant predictors of reporting a dental examination. Blacks had lower odds of reporting a dental examination either as adolescents or as young adults. PMID:23850156

Social Goals and Grade as Moderators of Social Normative Influences on Adolescent Alcohol Use

PubMed Central

Meisel, Samuel N.; Colder, Craig R.

2016-01-01

Background The literature distinguishes two types of social normative influences on adolescent alcohol use, descriptive norms (perceived peer alcohol use) and injunctive norms (perceived approval of drinking). Although theoretical formulations suggest variability in the salience and influence of descriptive and injunctive norms, little is understood regarding for whom and when social norms influence adolescent drinking. Strong agentic and communal social goals were hypothesized to moderate the influence of descriptive and injunctive norms on early adolescent alcohol use, respectively. Developmental changes were also expected, such that these moderating effects were expected to get stronger at later grades. Methods This longitudinal study included 387 adolescents and 4 annual assessments (spanning 6th to 10th grade). Participants completed questionnaire measures of social goals, social norms, and alcohol use at each wave. Results Multilevel logistic regressions were used to test prospective associations. As hypothesized, descriptive norms predicted increases in the probability of alcohol use for adolescents with strong agentic goals, but only in later grades. Injunctive norms were associated with increases in the probability of drinking for adolescents with low communal goals at earlier grades, whereas injunctive norms were associated with an increased probability of drinking for adolescents with either low or high communal goals at later grades. Although not hypothesized, descriptive norms predicted increases in the probability of drinking for adolescents high in communal goals in earlier grades whereas descriptive norms predicted drinking for adolescents characterized by low communal goals in later grades. Conclusions The current study highlights the importance of social goals when considering social normative influences on alcohol use in early and middle adolescence. These findings have implications for whom and when normative feedback interventions might be most effective during this developmental period. PMID:26554341

Well-posed two-temperature constitutive equations for stable dense fluid shock waves using molecular dynamics and generalizations of Navier-Stokes-Fourier continuum mechanics.

PubMed

Hoover, Wm G; Hoover, Carol G

2010-04-01

Guided by molecular dynamics simulations, we generalize the Navier-Stokes-Fourier constitutive equations and the continuum motion equations to include both transverse and longitudinal temperatures. To do so we partition the contributions of the heat transfer, the work done, and the heat flux vector between the longitudinal and transverse temperatures. With shockwave boundary conditions time-dependent solutions of these equations converge to give stationary shockwave profiles. The profiles include anisotropic temperature and can be fitted to molecular dynamics results, demonstrating the utility and simplicity of a two-temperature description of far-from-equilibrium states.

Fluctuation between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism.

PubMed

Gore, Whitney L; Widiger, Thomas A

2016-10-01

Current literature on narcissistic personality disorder has emphasized a distinction between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Some researchers have further suggested that narcissistic persons fluctuate between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. However, this perception has been confined largely to clinical experience with no systematic research testing the hypothesis. Clinicians and clinical psychology professors in the current study identified 143 persons who fit a description of either a grandiose or a vulnerable narcissist and indicated the extent to which these persons ever demonstrated traits of the complementary variant. The results supported the fluctuation hypothesis, particularly for episodes of vulnerable narcissism in persons identified as a grandiose narcissist. Correlations of the grandiose and vulnerable narcissism traits with a brief five-factor model measure corroborated past trait descriptions of the 2 respective variants of narcissism. The results of the current study are compared with existing cross-sectional and longitudinal research, and suggestions for future research are provided. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

The Development of Preschoolers' Appreciation of Communicative Ambiguity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nilsen, Elizabeth S.; Graham, Susan A.

2012-01-01

Using a longitudinal design, preschoolers' appreciation of a listener's knowledge of the location of a hidden sticker after the listener was provided with an ambiguous or unambiguous description was assessed. Preschoolers (N = 34) were tested at 3 time points, each 6 months apart (4, 4 1/2, and 5 years). Eye gaze measures demonstrated that…

A Novel Framework for Characterizing Exposure-Related Behaviors Using Agent-Based Models Embedded with Needs-Based Artificial Intelligence (CSSSA2016)

EPA Science Inventory

Descriptions of where and how individuals spend their time are important for characterizing exposures to chemicals in consumer products and in indoor environments. Herein we create an agent-based model (ABM) that is able to simulate longitudinal patterns in behaviors. By basing o...

Description of the Main Ionospheric Trough by the SM-MIT Model. European Longitudinal Sector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leshchinskaya, T. Yu.; Pustovalova, L. V.

2018-05-01

Due to the selection of exsisting ionospheric models for incorporation into the created System of Ionospheric Monotoring and Prediction of the Russian Federation, the model of the main ionospheric trough (SM-MIT) is tested with the data from ground-based ionospheric observations in the European longitudinal sector. It is shown that the SM-MIT model does not give an increase in accuracy in comparison to the foF2 monthly median upon a description of the equatorial wall of the MIT. The model describes the foF2 values in the MIT minimum with higher accuracy than the foF2 monthly median or the median IRI model; however, at the same time, the deviations of the model foF2 values from the observed values are high enough: 20-30%. In the MIT minimum, the decrease in the model foF2 values relative to the median values is on average only 10%, which is substantially less than the observed depth of MIT in the evening sector. The verification results have shown that the available SM-MIT model must be completed for practical use.

Research odyssey: the evolution of a research partnership between baccalaureate nursing students and practicing nurses.

PubMed

Gray, Mary Tod

2010-05-01

This longitudinal descriptive study evaluates the implementation of an innovative teaching strategy: a research partnership between baccalaureate nursing students and nurses in two acute care hospitals. The impetus for this partnership was to introduce a concrete, clinical dimension to a junior level introductory nursing research course. Formative analysis was used to evaluate the success and weaknesses of this innovative strategy over 3 years. Following each year, an evaluation by students and nursing unit managers led to refinement of the partnership goals and logistics for the following year. The third year culminates in a comparison between student responses to the partnership in the small community hospital and those assigned to a larger magnet status hospital. Conclusions, based on content and descriptive analysis indicate the partnership's educational benefits for students and a few logistical concerns. Future directions for this educational strategy are presented. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Curriculum development of 6for6: Longitudinal research skills program for rural and remote family physicians.

PubMed

McCarthy, Patti; Bethune, Cheri; Fitzgerald, Shari; Graham, Wendy; Asghari, Shabnam; Heeley, Thomas; Godwin, Marshall

2016-02-01

To address barriers challenging the engagement of rural and remote family physicians (RRFPs) in research, Memorial University of Newfoundland in St John's has developed a longitudinal faculty development program (FDP) called 6for6. To establish and evaluate a longitudinal FDP that promotes a foundation of research activity. Program description Informed by a needs assessment in phase 1, phase 2 saw the 6for6 curriculum designed, developed, and implemented to reflect the unique needs of RRFPs. Preliminary evaluations have been conducted and results will be presented after year 1 of the program. The 6for6 FDP has been positively received by participants, and it is evident that they will serve as champions of rural research capacity building. It is anticipated that by April 2017, 18 RRFPs will be equipped with the research and leadership skills required to foster research networks within and outside their communities.

Millennial Students' Preferred Methods for Learning Concepts in Psychiatric Nursing.

PubMed

Garwood, Janet K

2015-09-01

The current longitudinal, descriptive, and correlational study explored which traditional teaching strategies can engage Millennial students and adequately prepare them for the ultimate test of nursing competence: the National Council Licensure Examination. The study comprised a convenience sample of 40 baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in a psychiatric nursing course. The students were exposed to a variety of traditional (e.g., PowerPoint(®)-guided lectures) and nontraditional (e.g., concept maps, group activities) teaching and learning strategies, and rated their effectiveness. The students' scores on the final examination demonstrated that student learning outcomes met or exceeded national benchmarks. Copyright 2015, SLACK Incorporated.

The Effects of Magnetic-field Geometry on Longitudinal Oscillaitons of Solar Prominences

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luna, M.; Diaz, A. J.; Karpen, J.

2013-01-01

We investigate the influence of the geometry of the solar filament magnetic structure on the large-amplitude longitudinal oscillations. A representative filament flux tube is modeled as composed of a cool thread centered in a dipped part with hot coronal regions on either side.We have found the normal modes of the system and establish that the observed longitudinal oscillations are well described with the fundamental mode. For small and intermediate curvature radii and moderate to large density contrast between the prominence and the corona, the main restoring force is the solar gravity. In this full wave description of the oscillation a simple expression for the oscillation frequencies is derived in which the pressure-driven term introduces a small correction. We have also found that the normal modes are almost independent of the geometry of the hot regions of the tube. We conclude that observed large-amplitude longitudinal oscillations are driven by the projected gravity along the flux tubes and are strongly influenced by the curvature of the dips of the magnetic field in which the threads reside.

Description and phylogenetic relationships of a new genus and two new species of lizards from Brazilian Amazonia, with nomenclatural comments on the taxonomy of Gymnophthalmidae (Reptilia: Squamata).

PubMed

Colli, Guarino R; Hoogmoed, Marinus S; Cannatella, David C; Cassimiro, José; Gomes, Jerriane Oliveira; Ghellere, José Mário; Gomes, Jerriane Oliveira; Ghellere, José Mário; Nunes, Pedro M Sales; Pellegrino, Kátia C M; Salerno, Patricia; Souza, Sergio Marques De; Rodrigues, Miguel Trefaut

2015-08-18

We describe a new genus and two new species of gymnophthalmid lizards based on specimens collected from Brazilian Amazonia, mostly in the "arc of deforestation". The new genus is easily distinguished from other Gymnophthalmidae by having very wide, smooth, and imbricate nuchals, arranged in two longitudinal and 6-10 transverse rows from nape to brachium level, followed by much narrower, strongly keeled, lanceolate, and mucronate scales. It also differs from all other Gymnophthalmidae, except Iphisa, by the presence of two longitudinal rows of ventrals. The new genus differs from Iphisa by having two pairs of enlarged chinshields (one in Iphisa); posterior dorsal scales lanceolate, strongly keeled and not arranged in longitudinal rows (dorsals broad, smooth and forming two longitudinal rows), and lateral scales keeled (smooth). Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses based on morphological and molecular data indicate the new species form a clade that is most closely related to Iphisa. We also address several nomenclatural issues and present a revised classification of Gymnophthalmidae.

Exploring the experience of sleep and fatigue in male and female adults over the 2 years following traumatic brain injury: a qualitative descriptive study.

PubMed

Theadom, Alice; Rowland, Vickie; Levack, William; Starkey, Nicola; Wilkinson-Meyers, Laura; McPherson, Kathryn

2016-04-08

To explore the experience of fatigue and sleep difficulties over the first 2 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Longitudinal qualitative descriptive analysis of interviews completed as part of a larger longitudinal study of recovery following TBI. Data relating to the experience of fatigue and/or sleep were extracted and coded by two independent researchers. Community-based study in the Hamilton and Auckland regions of New Zealand. 30 adult participants who had experienced mild, moderate or severe brain injury within the past 6 months (>16 years of age). 15 participants also nominated significant others to take part. Interviews were completed at 6, 12 and 24 months postinjury. Participants described feeling unprepared for the intensity, impact and persistent nature of fatigue and sleep difficulties after injury. They struggled to learn how to manage their difficulties by themselves and to adapt strategies in response to changing circumstances over time. Four themes were identified: (1) Making sense of fatigue and sleep after TBI; (2) accepting the need for rest; (3) learning how to rest and; (4) need for rest impacts on ability to engage in life. Targeted support to understand, accept and manage the sleep and fatigue difficulties experienced may be crucial to improve recovery and facilitate engagement in everyday life. Advice needs to be timely and revised for relevance over the course of recovery. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Sleep among bereaved caregivers of patients admitted to hospice: a 1-year longitudinal pilot study

PubMed Central

Slåtten, Kari; Saghaug, Elisabeth; Grov, Ellen Karine; Normann, Are Peder; Lee, Kathryn A; Bjorvatn, Bjørn; Gay, Caryl L

2016-01-01

Objectives This pilot study aimed to describe the sleep of partners and other family caregivers prior to and in the first year after a hospice patient's death. The study also evaluated the feasibility of the study protocol and determined the effect sizes in preparation for a full-scale study. Design The pilot study used a longitudinal, descriptive and comparative design. Setting and participants Participants included primary family caregivers of patients admitted to a hospice in Oslo, Norway. Primary outcome Caregiver sleep was measured subjectively with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and objectively using wrist actigraphy for 4 nights and 3 days at three different times: during the hospice stay, and at 6 and 12 months after the patient's death. Results 16 family caregivers (10 partners and 6 other family members) completed the 1-year study protocol. Overall, sleep quality and quantity were stable over time and at each assessment, approximately half of the sample had poor sleep quality, both by self-report and objective measures. However, the sleep trajectories differed significantly over time, with older caregivers (≥65 years) having significantly longer sleep durations than younger caregivers (<65 years). Furthermore, sleep quality also differed over time depending on the caregiver's relationship to the patient, with partner caregivers having significantly worse sleep quality than other family caregivers. Conclusions Caring for a dying family member is known to interfere with sleep, yet little is known about bereaved caregivers. The results of this pilot study demonstrate the feasibility of the longitudinal study protocol and indicate that sleep problems are common for caregivers and continue into the bereavement period, particularly for partner caregivers. The caregiver's relationship to the patient may be an important factor to consider in future studies. PMID:26729383

Time-in-a-bottle (TIAB): a longitudinal, correlational study of patterns, potential predictors, and outcomes of immunosuppressive medication adherence in adult kidney transplant recipients.

PubMed

Russell, Cynthia L; Ashbaugh, Catherine; Peace, Leanne; Cetingok, Muammer; Hamburger, Karen Q; Owens, Sarah; Coffey, Deanna; Webb, Andrew W; Hathaway, Donna; Winsett, Rebecca P; Madsen, Richard; Wakefield, Mark R

2013-01-01

This study examined patterns, potential predictors, and outcomes of immunosuppressive medication adherence in a convenience sample of 121 kidney transplant recipients aged 21 yr or older from three kidney transplant centers using a theory-based, descriptive, correlational, longitudinal design. Electronic monitoring was conducted for 12 months using electronic monitoring. Participants were persistent in taking their immunosuppressive medications, but execution, which includes both taking and timing, was poor. Older age was the only demographic variable associated with medication adherence (r = 0.25; p = 0.005). Of the potential predictors examined, only medication self-efficacy was associated with medication non-adherence, explaining about 9% of the variance (r = 0.31, p = 0.0006). The few poor outcomes that occurred were not significantly associated with medication non-adherence, although the small number of poor outcomes may have limited our ability to detect a link. Future research should test fully powered, theory-based, experimental interventions that include a medication self-efficacy component. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Time-in-a-Bottle (TIAB): A Longitudinal, Correlational Study of Patterns, Potential Predictors, and Outcomes of Immunosuppressive Medication Adherence in Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients

PubMed Central

Russell, Cynthia L.; Ashbaugh, Catherine; Peace, Leanne; Cetingok, Muammer; Hamburger, Karen Q.; Owens, Sarah; Coffey, Deanna; Webb, Andrew; Hathaway, Donna; Winsett, Rebecca P.; Madsen, Richard; Wakefield, Mark R.

2013-01-01

This study examined patterns, potential predictors, and outcomes of immunosuppressive medication adherence in a convenience sample of 121 kidney transplant recipients aged 21 years or older from three kidney transplant centers using a theory-based, descriptive, correlational, longitudinal design. Electronic monitoring was conducted for 12 months using the Medication Event Monitoring System. Participants were persistent in taking their immunosuppressive medications, but execution, which includes both taking and timing, was poor. Older age was the only demographic variable associated with medication adherence (r = 0.25; p = 0.005). Of the potential predictors examined, only medication self-efficacy was associated with medication non-adherence, explaining about 9% of the variance (r = 0.31, p = 0.0006). The few poor outcomes that occurred were not significantly associated with medication non-adherence, although the small number of poor outcomes may have limited our ability to detect a link. Future research should test fully powered, theory-based, experimental interventions that include a medication self-efficacy component. PMID:24093614

[Child abuse in Tlaxcala: a case-control study].

PubMed

Herrada-Huidobro, A; Nazar-Beutelspacher, A; Cassaball-Núñez, M; Vega-Ramos, R; Nava-Cruz, C B

1992-01-01

A longitudinal, retrospective and descriptive study about child abuse was carried out in the Hospitals of the Tlaxcala Secretariat of Health, Mexico. The information was obtained from hospitalized children's charts between January first and November 30, 1991. The charts included were those belonging to zero to 14 year old children with injuries, poisoning, and II-III degrees of malnutrition. Four child-abuse criteria were established: physical, sexual, non organic malnutrition and mixed (physical and non organic malnutrition). Two control groups were defined. Different patterns were observed between accidental and non accidental injuries, malnutrition and poisoning among the case and the control groups. The study provides useful information for the integral diagnosis of child abuse in hospitalized children.

[Maternal and perinatal risk factors for neonatal morbidity: a narrative literature review].

PubMed

Hernández Núñez, Jónathan; Valdés Yong, Magel; Suñol Vázquez, Yoanca de la Caridad; López Quintana, Marelene de la Caridad

2015-07-14

Newborn diseases increase neonatal mortality rates, so a literature review was conducted to establish the risk factors related to maternal and peripartum morbidity affecting the newborn. We searched the following electronic databases: Cumed, EBSCO, LILACS, IBECS and PubMed/MEDLINE. We used specific terms and Boolean operators in Spanish, Portuguese and English. We included longitudinal and cross-sectional descriptive studies, as well as case-control and cohort studies, systematic reviews and meta-analysis, spanning from 2010 to 2015 that responded the topic of interest. The included studies show that multiple maternal and perinatal conditions are risk factors for significant increase of neonatal morbidity, which are described in this narrative review.

Longitudinal Changes in Hip Strength and Range of Motion in Female Youth Soccer Players: Implications for ACL Injury, A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Nguyen, Anh-Dung; Zuk, Emma F; Baellow, Andrea L; Pfile, Kate R; DiStefano, Lindsay J; Boling, Michelle C

2017-09-01

Risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in young female athletes increases with age, appearing to peak during maturation. Changes in hip muscle strength and range of motion (ROM) during this time may contribute to altered dynamic movement patterns that are known to increase risk of ACL injuries. Understanding the longitudinal changes in hip strength and ROM is needed to develop appropriate interventions to reduce the risk of ACL injuries. To examine the longitudinal changes in hip strength and ROM in female youth soccer players. Longitudinal descriptive study. Field setting. 14 female youth soccer athletes (14.1 ± 1.1 y, 165.8 ± 5.3 cm, 57.5 ± 9.9 kg) volunteered as part of a multiyear risk factor screening project. Clinical measures of hip strength and ROM were collected annually over 3 consecutive years. Passive hip internal rotation (IR), external rotation (ER), abduction (ABD), and adduction (ADD) ROM were measured with a digital inclinometer. Isometric hip ABD and extension (EXT) strength were evaluated using a hand-held dynamometer. Separate repeated-measures ANOVAs compared hip strength and ROM values across 3 consecutive years (P < .05). As youth female soccer players increased in age, there were no changes in normalized hip ABD (P = .830) or EXT strength (P = .062) across 3 consecutive years. Longitudinal changes in hip ROM were observed with increases in hip IR (P = .001) and ABD (P < .001), while hip ADD (P = .009) and ER (P < .001) decreased. Anatomical changes at the hip occur as youth female soccer players increase in age. While there are no changes in hip strength, there is an increase in hip IR and ABD ROM with a concomitant decrease in hip ER and ADD ROM. The resulting asymmetries in hip ROM may decrease the activation and force producing capabilities of the hip muscles during dynamic activities, contributing to altered lower extremity mechanics known to increase the risk of ACL injuries.

The association between education and induced abortion for three cohorts of adults in Finland

PubMed Central

Väisänen, Heini

2015-01-01

This paper explores whether the likelihood of abortion by education changed over time in Finland, where comprehensive family planning services and sexuality education have been available since the early 1970s. This subject has not previously been studied longitudinally with comprehensive and reliable data. A unique longitudinal set of register data of more than 250,000 women aged 20–49 born in 1955–59, 1965–69, and 1975–79 was analysed, using descriptive statistics, concentration curves, and discrete-time event-history models. Women with basic education had a higher likelihood of abortion than others and the association grew stronger for later cohorts. Selection into education may explain this phenomenon: although it was fairly common to have only basic education in the 1955–59 cohort, it became increasingly unusual over time. Thus, even though family planning services were easily available, socio-economic differences in the likelihood of abortion remained. PMID:26449684

The longitudinal relation between peer violent victimization and delinquency: results from a national representative sample of u.s. Adolescents.

PubMed

Jackson, Corrie L; Hanson, Rochelle F; Amstadter, Ananda B; Saunders, Benjamin E; Kilpatrick, Dean G

2013-05-01

Using a nationally representative sample of adolescents from the United States aged 12 to 17 years (Wave 1, n = 3,614; Wave 2, n = 2,511), this study examined (a) demographic and descriptive information about peer violent victimization (PVV); and (b) the longitudinal relation between a history of PVV and delinquency. Results indicated that 12.4% of adolescents reported lifetime exposure to PVV, and many of these adolescents with a previous history of PVV also reported exposure to other forms of interpersonal violence, with witnessing community/school violence being the most commonly endorsed exposure category. Males, older adolescents, African American adolescents, and adolescents from low-income households were significantly more likely to endorse PVV. Regardless of the victim's gender, the majority of the perpetrators were male. After controlling for exposure to other forms of interpersonal violence and a history of delinquency, PVV was related to subsequent delinquency. Implications for policy, practice, and future research are discussed.

The Longitudinal Relation Between Peer Violent Victimization and Delinquency: Results From a National Representative Sample of U.S. Adolescents

PubMed Central

Jackson, Corrie L.; Hanson, Rochelle F.; Amstadter, Ananda B.; Saunders, Benjamin E.; Kilpatrick, Dean G.

2014-01-01

Using a nationally representative sample of adolescents from the United States aged 12 to 17 years (Wave 1, n = 3,614; Wave 2, n = 2,511), this study examined (a) demographic and descriptive information about peer violent victimization (PVV); and (b) the longitudinal relation between a history of PVV and delinquency. Results indicated that 12.4% of adolescents reported lifetime exposure to PVV, and many of these adolescents with a previous history of PVV also reported exposure to other forms of interpersonal violence, with witnessing community/school violence being the most commonly endorsed exposure category. Males, older adolescents, African American adolescents, and adolescents from low-income households were significantly more likely to endorse PVV. Regardless of the victim's gender, the majority of the perpetrators were male. After controlling for exposure to other forms of interpersonal violence and a history of delinquency, PVV was related to subsequent delinquency. Implications for policy, practice, and future research are discussed. PMID:23266995

Faculty verbal evaluations reveal strategies used to promote medical student performance

PubMed Central

Hauer, Karen E.; Mazotti, Lindsay; O'Brien, Bridget; Hemmer, Paul A.; Tong, Lowell

2011-01-01

Background Preceptors rarely follow medical students' developing clinical performance over time and across disciplines. This study analyzes preceptors' descriptions of longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) students' clinical development and their identification of strategies to guide students' progress. Methods We used a common evaluation framework, reporter-interpreter-manager-educator, to guide multidisciplinary LIC preceptors' discussions of students' progress. We conducted thematic analysis of transcripts from preceptors' (seven longitudinal ambulatory preceptors per student) quarterly group discussions of 15 students' performance over one year. Results All students' clinical development progressed, although most experienced obstacles. Lack of structure in the history and physical exam commonly obstructed progression. Preceptors used templates for data gathering, and modeling or experiences in the inpatient setting to provide time and solidify structure. To advance students' knowledge acquisition, many preceptors identified focused learning topics with their students; to promote application of knowledge, preceptors used reasoning strategies to teach the steps involved in synthesizing clinical data. Preceptors shared accountability for helping students advance as the LIC allowed them to follow students' response to teaching strategies. Discussion These results depict preceptors' perceptions of LIC students' developmental continuum and illustrate how multidisciplinary preceptors can use a common evaluation framework to identify strategies to improve performance and follow students' performance longitudinally. PMID:21629669

Holography and off-center collisions of localized shock waves

DOE PAGES

Chesler, Paul M.; Yaffe, Laurence G.

2015-10-12

Using numerical holography, we study the collision, at non-zero impact parameter, of bounded, localized distributions of energy density chosen to mimic relativistic heavy ion collisions, in strongly coupled N=4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory. Both longitudinal and transverse dynamics in the dual field theory are properly described. Using the gravitational description, we solve 5D Einstein equations with no dimensionality reducing symmetry restrictions to find the asymptotically anti-de Sitter spacetime geometry. Here, the implications of our results on the understanding of early stages of heavy ion collisions, including the development of transverse radial flow, are discussed.

The New Hispanic Majority: How Texas Public Schools Are Foreshadowing National Trends

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farmer, Tod Allen

2011-01-01

Texas and other states that border with Mexico have been leading indicators of public school system trends that may manifest themselves in other areas of the United States in the decade to come. Such manifestations of these trends are likely to have both policy and practice implications. Descriptive statistics and longitudinal data from the…

Shift Workers: A Descriptive Analysis of Worker Characteristics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Medley, Carol

National Longitudinal Surveys of Labor Force Experience (NLS) data were used to describe those people who work outside the traditional 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. work day. Depending on the approximate time of day they worked, respondents were classified into four categories of workers: day, evening, night, and split shift (working hours interrupted by…

Radially localized helicon modes in nonuniform plasma

PubMed

Breizman; Arefiev

2000-04-24

A radial density gradient in an axisymmetric cylindrical plasma column forms a potential well for nonaxisymmetric helicon modes ( m not equal0). This paper presents an analytic description of such modes in the limit of small longitudinal wave numbers. The corresponding mode equation indicates the possibility of efficient resonant absorption of rf power in helicon discharges at unusually low frequencies.

Secondary School Course Classification System: School Codes for the Exchange of Data (SCED). NCES 2007-341

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bradby, Denise; Pedroso, Rosio; Rogers, Andy

2007-01-01

This handbook presents a taxonomy and course descriptions for secondary education. The system is intended to help schools and education agencies maintain longitudinal information about students' coursework in an efficient, standardized format that facilitates the exchange of records as students transfer from one school to another, or to…

High Speed Trimaran (HST) Seatrain Experiments, Model 5714

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-01

Marine Highway 1 Historical Seatrains 1 Objectives 2 Hull &: Model Description 4 Data Acquisition and Instrumentation 7 Carriage II - Deep ...Operational Demonstration Measurement System 10 Experimental Procedures 10 Carriage II - Deep Water Basin Test 10 Calm Water Resistance 11... Deep Water Basin Analysis 17 Calm Water Resistance 17 Longitudinal Flow Through The Propeller Plane 18 Body Forces & Moments 18

Has It Always Been This Way? Tracing the Evolution of Teacher Quality Gaps in U.S. Public Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldhaber, Dan; Quince, Vanessa; Theobald, Roddy

2018-01-01

There is mounting evidence of substantial "teacher quality gaps" (TQGs) between advantaged and disadvantaged students but practically no empirical evidence about their history. We use longitudinal data on public school students, teachers, and schools from two states--North Carolina and Washington--to provide a descriptive history of the…

The Impact of Bar Code Medication Administration Technology on Reported Medication Errors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holecek, Andrea

2011-01-01

The use of bar-code medication administration technology is on the rise in acute care facilities in the United States. The technology is purported to decrease medication errors that occur at the point of administration. How significantly this technology affects actual rate and severity of error is unknown. This descriptive, longitudinal research…

Longitudinal evaluation of dementia care in German nursing homes: the “DemenzMonitor” study protocol

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background In Germany, the number of people with dementia living in nursing homes is rapidly increasing. Providing adequate care for their special needs is a challenge for institutions and their staff members. Because of the growing number of people with dementia, changes to the conceptual orientation of nursing homes have occurred. These changes include specialized living arrangements and psychosocial interventions recommended for people with dementia. Until now, the provision of dementia care and its association to the residents’ behavior and quality of life is not well investigated in Germany. The purpose of this study is to describe the provision of dementia care and to identify resident- as well as facility-related factors associated with residents behavior and quality of life. Methods/Design The DemenzMonitor study is designed as a longitudinal study that is repeated annually. Data will be derived from a convenience sample consisting of nursing homes across Germany. For the data collection, three questionnaires have been developed that measure information on the level of the nursing home, the living units, and the residents. Data collection will be performed by staff members from the nursing homes. The data collection procedure will be supervised by a study coordinator who is trained by the research team. Data analysis will be performed on each data level using appropriate techniques for descriptions and comparisons as well as longitudinal regression analysis. Discussion The DemenzMonitor is the first study in Germany that assesses how dementia care is provided in nursing homes with respect to living arrangements and recommended interventions. This study links the acquired data with residents’ outcome measurements, making it possible to evaluate different aspects and concepts of care. PMID:24237990

Social Norms in the Development of Adolescent Substance Use: A Longitudinal Analysis of the International Youth Development Study

PubMed Central

Eisenberg, Marla E.; Toumbourou, John W.; Catalano, Richard F.; Hemphill, Sheryl A.

2014-01-01

Identifying specific aspects of peer social norms that influence adolescent substance use may assist international prevention efforts. This study examines two aggregated measures of social norms in the school setting and their predictive association with substance (alcohol, tobacco and marijuana) use 2 years later in a large cross-national population-based cohort of adolescents. The primary hypothesis is that in Grade 7 both “injunctive” school norms (where students associate substance use with “coolness”) and “descriptive” norms (where student substance use is common) will predict Grade 9 substance use. Data come from the International Youth Development Study, including 2,248 students (51.2 % female) in the US and Australia attending 121 schools in Grade 7. Independent variables included injunctive norms (aggregating measures of school-wide coolness ratings of each substance use) and descriptive norms (aggregating the prevalence of school substance use) in Grade 7. Dependent variables included binge drinking and current use of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana in Grade 9. Associations between each type of school-wide social norm and substance use behaviors in Grade 9 were tested using multilevel logistic regression, adjusting for covariates. In unadjusted models, both injunctive and descriptive norms each significantly predicted subsequent substance use. In fully adjusted models, injunctive norms were no longer significantly associated with Grade 9 use, but descriptive norms remained significantly associated with tobacco and marijuana use in the expected direction. The findings identify descriptive social norms in the school context as a particularly important area to address in adolescent substance use prevention efforts. PMID:24633850

A descriptive longitudinal study protocol: recurrence and pregnancy post-repair of obstetric fistula in Guinea.

PubMed

Delamou, Alexandre; Delvaux, Therese; Beavogui, Abdoul Habib; Levêque, Alain; Zhang, Wei-Hong; De Brouwere, Vincent

2016-10-10

Obstetric fistula is a serious medical condition which affects women in low income countries. Despite the progress of research on fistula, there is little data on long term follow-up after surgical repair. The objective of this study is to analyse the factors associated with the recurrence of fistula and the outcomes of pregnancy following fistula repair in Guinea. A descriptive longitudinal study design will be used. The study will include women who underwent fistula repair between 2012 and 2015 at 3 fistula repair sites supported by the Fistula Care Project in Guinea (Kissidougou Prefectoral Hospital, Labé Regional Hospital and Jean Paul II Hospital of Conakry). Participants giving an informed consent after a home visit by the Fistula Counsellors will be interviewed for enrolment at least 3 months after hospital discharge The study enrolment period is January 1, 2012 - June 30, 2015. Participants will be followed-up until June 30, 2016 for a maximum follow up period of 48 months. The sample size is estimated at 364 women. The cumulative incidence rates of fistula recurrence and pregnancy post-repair will be calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods and the risk factor analyses will be performed using adjusted Cox regression. The outcomes of pregnancy will be analysed using proportions, the Pearson's Chi Square (χ2) and a logistic regression with associations reported as risk ratios with 95 % confidence intervals. All analyses will be done using STATA version 13 (STATA Corporation, College Station, TX, USA) with a level of significance set at P < 0.05. This study will contribute to improving the prevention and management of obstetric fistula within the community and support advocacy efforts for the social reintegration of fistula patients into their communities. It will also guide policy makers and strategic planning for fistula programs. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02686957 . Registered 12 February 2016 (Retrospectively registered).

An unexplored ethical issue in clinical research: disclosure of individual findings in the Creando Posibilidades [Creating Possibilities] study.

PubMed

Stein, Karen Farchaus; Keller, Colleen; Fishstrom, Astrid

2013-06-01

Individual disclosure refers to the presumptive ethical responsibility of an investigator to communicate to a study participant information that was collected as a part of a research study protocol and is specific to the individual. Currently, there are no federal regulatory guidelines specifying the conditions and management of disclosure of health-related individual-specific information. In this report, the authors discuss the challenges associated with individual disclosure in the context of a longitudinal descriptive study. Arguments favoring disclosure and those challenging disclosure as a general ethical duty are presented. Finally, strategies for addressing individual disclosure are discussed using a research exemplar in which risk behaviors related to health outcomes were measured. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[A cadaveric study of a new capsulorrhaphy for the surgical treatment of hallux valgus].

PubMed

Orozco-Villaseñor, S L; Monzó-Planella, M; Martín-Oliva, X; Vázquez-Escamilla, J; Mayagoitia-Vázquez, J J; Frías-Chimal, J E

2017-01-01

There are many surgical options for the treatment of hallux valgus in combination with capsular repairs for the correction of hallux valgus. This report corresponds to a descriptive study where a new capsulorrhaphy technique in hallux valgus is proposed. Six dissections were performed on cadavers with hallux valgus deformity using the following surgical technique: medial approach on the first toe longitudinally, dissecting by planes and locating the metatarsophalangeal joint capsule; it was incised longitudinally. The capsule was separated and an exostectomy of the first metatarsal head was done, the edges were regularized and a release of the abductor hallucis was performed. Later, the capsular remnant was resected and repaired. Six cadaveric feet with hallux valgus were studied, five with mild deformity, one with moderate deformity, one foot with the 2nd finger on supraductus. Many capsular repairs have been reported in the literature, including «L», triangular, «V-Y», rectangular, with satisfactory results, along with osteotomy of the first metatarsal. In this report, a new capsular repair was described. Applying this new capsular repair, we reduced the metatarsophalangeal and intermetatarsal angles and achieved a capsular closure with suitable tension; the metatarsophalangeal joint mobility was preserved.

Quality of life after upper third molar removal: A prospective longitudinal study

PubMed Central

Avellaneda-Gimeno, Vanesa; Valmaseda-Castellón, Eduard

2017-01-01

Background Third molar extraction is a very common procedure in Dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction of patients undergoing extraction of an upper third molar under local anesthesia. A second objective was to describe the evolution of self-reported pain measured in a visual analogue scale (VAS) in the 7 days after surgery and its relationship with pre- and intraoperative factors. Material and Methods A prospective longitudinal cohort study was made. Fifty-five patients received a questionnaire assessing social and working isolation, eating and speaking ability, diet modifications, sleep impairment, physical appearance, discomfort at suture removal and overall satisfaction. Pain was registered daily on a VAS scale. A descriptive and bivariate analysis of the data was performed. Results Forty-seven patients were included. Pain decreased lineally across the 7 days, and relief was significant between days 2 and 3. Intraoperative complications were significantly associated with pain. The complication that showed the highest pain score was the tuberosity fracture. Conclusions Upper third molar removal significantly affects the patient’s quality of life, particularly during the first 2 days after extraction. Key words:Quality of life, upper third molar, extraction, complications. PMID:29053650

Longitudinal construct validity: establishment of clinical meaning in patient evaluative instruments.

PubMed

Liang, M H

2000-09-01

Although widely used and reported in research for the evaluation of groups, measures of health status and health-related quality of life have had little application in clinical practice for the assessment of individual patients. One of the principal barriers is the demonstration that these measures add clinically significant information to measures of function or symptoms alone. Here, we review the methods for evaluation of construct validity in longitudinal studies and make recommendations for nomenclature, reporting of study results, and future research agenda. Analytical review. The terms "sensitivity" and "responsiveness" have been used interchangeably, and there are few studies that evaluate the extent to which health status or health-related quality-of life measures capture clinically important changes ("responsiveness"). Current methods of evaluating responsiveness are not standardized or evaluated. Approaches for the assessment of a clinically significant or meaningful change are described; rather than normative information, however, standardized transition questions are proposed. They would be reported routinely and as separate axes of description to capture individual perceptions. Research in methods to assess the subject's evaluation of the importance and magnitude of a measured change are critical if health status and health-related quality-of-life measures are to have an impact on patient care.

Revision of the genus Parasphaerolaimus (Nematoda: Sphaerolaimidae) with description of new species.

PubMed

Zograf, Julia K; Pavlyuk, Olga N; Trebukhova, Yulia A; Tu, Nguyen Dinh

2017-02-15

The family Sphaerolaimidae Filipjev, 1918 includes nematodes that are characterized by the finely striated cuticle, round amphids, broad buccal cavity with longitudinal ribs, and single anterior ovary in females. Parasphaerolaimus species from this family are found in intertidal and subtidal sediments and have also been reported from mangroves and estuaries. Parasphaerolaimus pilosus sp. n. is characterized by the moderately plump body, presence of lateral alae, long cervical setae, small amphids in males, and relatively short spicules. As a result of a comprehensive evaluation of species descriptions, eight species in the genus Parasphaerolaimus are recognized valid, and an identification key to species level is provided.

How do veterinary students' motivation and study practices relate to academic success?

PubMed

Mikkonen, Johanna; Ruohoniemi, Mirja

2011-01-01

The aim of the present study was to explore the factors associated with veterinary students' study success. All veterinary students who began their studies at the University of Helsinki in 2005 participated in this qualitative longitudinal study (N=52). The data consisted of assignments that the students completed at the beginning of their studies and again after three years of studying. The focus was on differences in motivation and study practices as well as possible changes in these over the three-year period. The students were divided into three groups according to their study success (grade point average and study progress). These groups were compared according to group-level differences in the categorized data. The most successful students already described themselves using more positive words than other students at the beginning of their veterinary studies. In addition, they seemed more adaptive in relation to the study's demands. However, there were drops in both the most and least successful students' motivation during their studies. The findings suggest that it is possible to predict forthcoming study problems by analyzing students' study practices and their own descriptions of themselves as learners. In addition, the results show that veterinary students' high motivation cannot be taken for granted. The comparative and longitudinal perspective of the present study can be useful in the development of curricula and in student support.

Activity and participation, quality of life and user satisfaction outcomes of environmental control systems and smart home technology: a systematic review.

PubMed

Brandt, Ase; Samuelsson, Kersti; Töytäri, Outi; Salminen, Anna-Liisa

2011-01-01

To examine activity and participation, quality of life, and user satisfaction outcomes of environmental control systems (ECSs) and smart home technology (SHT) interventions for persons with impairments. A systematic review. Seventeen databases, three conference proceedings, and two journals were searched without language or study design restrictions covering the period January 1993 - June 2009. Reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality independently. Of 1739 studies identified, five effect studies and six descriptive studies were included. One study was on SHT and the remainder on ECS; functionalities were overlapping. The studies varied in most aspects, and no synthesis could be drawn. However, ECS/SHT tended to increase study participants' independence, instrumental activities of daily living, socialising, and quality of life. Two studies showed high user satisfaction. The level of evidence was regarded as low, mainly due to small study sizes, lacking confounder control, and a majority of descriptive studies. Due to few and small studies and study diversity, it was not possible to determine whether ECS/SHT have positive outcomes for persons with impairment, even though the technologies seem to be promising. High quality outcomes studies such as randomised controlled trials, when feasible, and large longitudinal multi-centre studies are required.

A 3D model for rubber tyres contact, based on Kalker's methods through the STRIPES model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chollet, Hugues

2012-01-01

A project on the pavement-rutting evolution under the effect of a tram on tyre, led the author to make a link between road and railway approaches to the problem of rolling contact. A simplified model is proposed with a fine description of the contact patch between a tyre and the road, and a more realistic pressure and shear stresses distribution than that available from basic models previously available. Experimental measurements are used to identify some characteristics of the force description, while the geometric shape of the tyre-road section are used, like in the traditional rail-wheel contact models, to build the 3D model. The last part validates a plausible contact pressure shape from self-aligning torque measurements and from Kalker's contact stresses gradient applied to the real tyre used in the project. The final result is a brush model extended from the wheel-rail STRIPES one, applicable to dynamics or contact studies of real tyres, with a physical coupling between longitudinal, lateral and spin effects, and a relatively fine description of the contact stresses along each strip of each tyre of the vehicle on an uneven road.

Absence of asymptomatic cases of malaria in a historically endemic indigenous locality of the Department of Caaguazú, Paraguay: moving toward elimination.

PubMed

Barrios, Eugenia Duarte de; Russomando, Graciela; Puerto, Florencia Del

2016-01-01

Paraguay was among the 16 countries that reported zero indigenous malaria cases in 2014. A cross-sectional observational descriptive study was performed in 100 adults from Santa Teresa, Paraguay. Parasite detection was carried out using seminested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microscopy. Among the participants, 44% were female and 56% were male, and 89% had a malaria history. No parasites were detected with either of the methods. There were no asymptomatic cases in Santa Teresa, and this finding is very promising. A longitudinal study should be performed to confirm that there are no asymptomatic cases in this locality.

Delusion of inanimate doubles: description of a case of focal retrograde amnesia.

PubMed

Abbate, Carlo; Trimarchi, Pietro Davide; Salvi, Gian Pietro; Quarenghi, Anna Maria; Vergani, Carlo; Luzzatti, Claudio

2012-01-01

This paper reports the case of a patient, M.P., who developed delusion of inanimate doubles, without Capgras syndrome, after traumatic brain injury. His delusional symptoms were studied longitudinally and the cognitive impairments associated with delusion were investigated. Data suggest that M.P. did 'perceive' the actual differences between doubles and originals rather than 'confabulate' them. The cognitive profile, characterized by retrograde episodic amnesia, but neither object processing impairment nor confabulations, supports this hypothesis. The study examines the nature of object misidentification based on Ellis' and Staton's account and proposes a new account based on concurrent unbiased retrieval of semantic memory traces and biased recollection of episodic memory traces.

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Solar Observatory report, January - June 1990

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, James E.

1990-01-01

A description of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's Solar Vector Magnetograph Facility is presented and a summary of its observations and data reduction is given. The systems that make up the facility are a magnetograph telescope, an H alpha telescope, a Questar telescope, and a computer code. The data are represented by longitudinal contours with azimuth plots.

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center solar observatory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, James E.

1988-01-01

A description is provided of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's Solar Vector Magnetograph Facility and a summary is given of its observations and data reduction during Jan. to Mar. 1988. The systems that make up the facility are a magnetograph telescope, an H-alpha telescope, a Questar telescope, and a computer center. The data are represented by longitudinal contours with azimuth plots.

Has It Always Been This Way? Tracing the Evolution of Teacher Quality Gaps in U.S. Public Schools. Working Paper 171

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldhaber, Dan; Quince, Vanessa; Theobald, Roddy

2016-01-01

There is mounting evidence of substantial "teacher quality gaps" (TQGs) between advantaged and disadvantaged students, but practically no empirical evidence about their history. We use longitudinal data on public school students, teachers, and schools from two states--North Carolina and Washington--to provide a descriptive history of the…

A modest start, but a steady rise in research use: a longitudinal study of nurses during the first five years in professional life

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Newly graduated nurses are faced with a challenging work environment that may impede their ability to provide evidence-based practice. However, little is known about the trajectory of registered nurses' use of research during the first years of professional life. Thus, the aim of the current study was to prospectively examine the extent of nurses' use of research during the first five years after undergraduate education and specifically assess changes over time. Method Survey data from a prospective cohort of 1,501 Swedish newly graduated nurses within the national LANE study (Longitudinal Analyses of Nursing Education and Entry in Worklife) were used to investigate perceived use of research over the first five years as a nurse. The dependent variables consisted of three single items assessing instrumental, conceptual, and persuasive research use, where the nurses rated their use on a five-point scale, from 'never' (1) to 'on almost every shift' (5). These data were collected annually and analyzed both descriptively and by longitudinal growth curve analysis. Results Instrumental use of research was most frequently reported, closely followed by conceptual use, with persuasive use occurring to a considerably lower extent. The development over time showed a substantial general upward trend, which was most apparent for conceptual use, increasing from a mean of 2.6 at year one to 3.6 at year five (unstandardized slope +0.25). However, the descriptive findings indicated that the increase started only after the second year. Instrumental use had a year one mean of 2.8 and a year five mean of 3.5 (unstandardized slope +0.19), and persuasive use showed a year one mean of 1.7 and a year five mean of 2.0 (unstandardized slope +0.09). Conclusion There was a clear trend of increasing research use by nurses during their first five years of practice. The level of the initial ratings also indicated the level of research use in subsequent years. However, it took more than two years of professional development before this increase 'kicked in.' These findings support previous research claiming that newly graduated nurses go through a 'transition shock,' reducing their ability to use research findings in clinical work. PMID:22429884

Longitudinal study of rural health workforce in five counties in China: research design and baseline description

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The village doctors have served rural residents for many decades in China, and their role in rural health system has been highly praised in the world; unfortunately, less attention has been paid to the health workforce during the ambitious healthcare reform in recent years. Therefore, we conducted a longitudinal study to explore the current situation and track the future evolution of the rural healthcare workforce. Methods The self-administered structured Village Clinic Questionnaire and Village Doctor Questionnaire, which were modified from the official questionnaires of the Ministry of Health, were constructed after three focus groups, in-depth interviews in Hebei Province, and a pilot survey in Sichuan Province. Using a stratified multistage cluster sampling process, we gathered baseline data for a longitudinal survey of village doctors, village clinics from Changshu County, Liyang County, Yongchuan District, Mianzhu County, and Jingning County in China in 2011. Well-trained interviewers and strict procedures were employed to ensure the quality of this survey. Descriptive and correlation analyses were performed with Stata 12.0. Results After four months of surveying, 1,982 Village Doctor Questionnaires were collected, and the response rate was 88.1%. There were 1,507 (76.0%) male and 475 (24.0%) female doctors, with an average age of 51.3 years. The majority of village doctors (58.5%) practiced both western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and 91.2% of the doctors received their education below college level. Their practice methods were not correlated with education level (P = 0.43), but closely related to the way they obtained their highest degree (that is, prior to starting work or as on-the-job training) (P < 0.01). The mean income of the village doctors was 1,817 (95% CI 1,733 to 1,900) RMB per month in 2011; only 757 (41.3%) doctors had pensions, and the self-reported expected pension was 1,965 RMB per month. Conclusions Village doctors in rural China are facing critical challenges, including aging, gender imbalance, low education, and a lack of social protection. This study may be beneficial for making better policies for the development of the health workforce and China’s healthcare reform. PMID:23642224

Well-Being among Emergency Medicine Resident Physicians: Results from the ABEM Longitudinal Study of Emergency Medicine Residents.

PubMed

Perina, Debra G; Marco, Catherine A; Smith-Coggins, Rebecca; Kowalenko, Terry; Johnston, Mary M; Harvey, Anne

2018-05-11

The Longitudinal Study of Emergency Medicine Residents (LSEMR) conducted by the American Board of Emergency Medicine queries a randomized cohort of emergency medicine (EM) residents. It is designed to identify residents' perceptions of their training, sources of stress, well-being level, and career choice satisfaction over time. This study utilizes LSEMR to identify resident well-being levels, career satisfaction, factors producing stress, and whether a specific cohort is more stressed than the overall respondent group. Data from five longitudinal cohorts were analyzed using descriptive statistics to assess stressors, career satisfaction, and self-reported resident well-being. Participants' answers were reported on a 5-point Likert scale. There were 766 residents who completed the survey in five cohorts. Respondents were 30 years old (median 29), male (66%), and predominantly White (79%). The most frequently encountered problems included "time devoted to documentation and bureaucratic issues," "knowing enough," and "crowding in the emergency department." In contrast, the least frequently reported problems included "gender discrimination," "EMS support," "minority discrimination," and "other residents." Respondents thought being an EM resident was fun and would select EM again. Less than 20% indicated they had seriously considered transferring to another EM program. Resident reports of health concerns changed over time, with fewer residents reporting they were exceptionally healthy in 2016. Residents are, overall, happy with their career choice. However, concern was expressed regarding continued well-being in training. Sources of stress in training are identified. Strategies should be developed to decrease identified stressors and increase well-being among EM residents. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Experimental and analytical characterization of triaxially braided textile composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Masters, John E.; Fedro, Mark J.; Ifju, Peter G.

1993-01-01

There were two components, experimental and analytical, to this investigation of triaxially braided textile composite materials. The experimental portion of the study centered on measuring the materials' longitudinal and transverse tensile moduli, Poisson's ratio, and strengths. The identification of the damage mechanisms exhibited by these materials was also a prime objective of the experimental investigation. The analytical portion of the investigation utilized the Textile Composites Analysis (TECA) model to predict modulus and strength. The analytical and experimental results were compared to assess the effectiveness of the analysis. The figures contained in this paper reflect the presentation made at the conference. They may be divided into four sections: a definition of the material system tested; followed by a series of figures summarizing the experimental results (these figures contain results of a Moire interferometry study of the strain distribution in the material, examples and descriptions of the types of damage encountered in these materials, and a summary of the measured properties); a description of the TECA model follows the experimental results (this includes a series of predicted results and a comparison with measured values); and finally, a brief summary completes the paper.

Popularity Trajectories and Substance Use in early Adolescence.

PubMed

Moody, James; Brynildsen, Wendy D; Osgood, D Wayne; Feinberg, Mark E; Gest, Scott

2011-05-01

This paper introduces new longitudinal network data from the "Promoting School-Community-University Partnerships to Enhance Resilience" or "PROSPER" peers project. In 28 communities, grade-level sociometric friendship nominations were collected from two cohorts of middle school students as they moved from 6(th), to 9(th) grade. As an illustration and description of these longitudinal network data, this paper describes the school popularity structure, changes in popularity position, and suggests linkages between popularity trajectory and substance use. In the cross-section, we find that the network is consistent with a hierarchical social organization, but exhibits considerable relational change in both particular friends and position at the individual level. We find that both the base level of popularity and the variability of popularity trajectories effect substance use.

Death and caring for dying patients: exploring first-year nursing students' descriptive experiences.

PubMed

Ek, Kristina; Westin, Lars; Prahl, Charlotte; Osterlind, Jane; Strang, Susann; Bergh, Ingrid; Hammarlund, Kina

2014-10-01

To describe first-year nursing students' experiences of witnessing death and providing end-of-life care. This study is part of a larger longitudinal project. Interviews (n=17) were conducted with nursing students at the end of their first year of education. To analyse the interviews (lived-experience descriptions), a thematic analysis, 'a search for meaning' ( Van Manen, 1997 ) was applied. The results are presented within the framework of four separate themes: (1) The thought of death is more frightening than the actual experience, (2) Daring to approach the dying patient and offering something of oneself, (3) The experience of not sufficing in the face of death and (4) Being confronted with one's own feelings. Nursing students require continuous support and opportunity to reflect and discuss their experiences about caring for dying patients and confronting death throughout the entirety of their education. In addition, teachers and clinical supervisors need to give support using reflective practice to help students to develop confidence in their capacity for caring for dying patients.

Stress and coping as predictors of children's divorce-related ruminations.

PubMed

Weyer, M; Sandler, I N

1998-03-01

Examined stress and coping variables as predictors of divorce-related ruminations in children whose parents had recently divorced. Simultaneous multiple regression was used to analyze the cross-sectional data of 351 children of divorce. Divorce-related stressful events and threat appraisal were positively related to children's ruminations. A prospective longitudinal design was employed to predict rumination at Time 2 (T2) controlling for Time 1 (T1) rumination. Efficacy of coping was negatively related to T2 rumination after controlling for T1 rumination and all other predictors. This study also provided descriptive data on the frequency of children's divorce-related ruminations.

Open adoption of infants: adoptive parents' feelings seven years later.

PubMed

Siegel, Deborah H

2003-07-01

Adoptions today increasingly include contact between adoptive and birth families. What do these "open adoptions" look like? How do the participants feel about them? This article, based on part of a longitudinal study that first examined adoptive parents' perceptions of their infants' open adoptions seven years ago, explores the parents' reactions now that their children are school age. This qualitative descriptive research revealed changes in the openness in the adoptions over time and identified four dimensions along which open adoptions vary. Findings showed parents' enthusiasm for the openness in their adoptions, regardless of the type and extent of openness. Implications for social work practice, education, and policy are explored.

Can I Hear You? A Descriptive Longitudinal Study of Hearing Levels of Aeromedical Technicians and Flight Nurses

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-01

flightline) and in flight. The acuity with which they can perceive sound is important to the determination and the communi- cation of the patient’s... Preschool child 60dB 69dB School child 77dB 77dB Housewife 64dB 67dB Office Wroker 72dB 70dB Factory Worker 87dB 87dB ii eq( 2 4 ) - average sound level for...work or home environment, Jansen and Klensch have shown that the audiological re- sponses to pleasant music and to unpleasant noise were similar

EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF IBS (INTRA-BEAM SCATTERING) IN RHIC AND COMPARISON WITH THEORY.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

FEDOTOV, A.V.; FISCHER, W.; TEPIKIAN, S.

A high-energy electron cooling system is presently being developed to overcome emittance growth due to Intra-beam Scattering (IBS) in RHIC. A critical item for choosing appropriate parameters of the cooler is an accurate description of the IBS. The analytic models were verified vs dedicated IBS measurements. Analysis of the 2004 data with the Au ions showed very good agreement for the longitudinal growth rates but significant disagreement with exact IBS models for the transverse growth rates. Experimental measurements were improved for the 2005 run with the Cu ions. Here, we present comparison of the 2005 data with theoretical models.

Singularities of the dynamical structure factors of the spin-1/2 XXX chain at finite magnetic field.

PubMed

Carmelo, J M P; Sacramento, P D; Machado, J D P; Campbell, D K

2015-10-14

We study the longitudinal and transverse spin dynamical structure factors of the spin-1/2 XXX chain at finite magnetic field h, focusing in particular on the singularities at excitation energies in the vicinity of the lower thresholds. While the static properties of the model can be studied within a Fermi-liquid like description in terms of pseudoparticles, our derivation of the dynamical properties relies on the introduction of a form of the 'pseudofermion dynamical theory' (PDT) of the 1D Hubbard model suitably modified for the spin-only XXX chain and other models with two pseudoparticle Fermi points. Specifically, we derive the exact momentum and spin-density dependences of the exponents ζ(τ)(k) controlling the singularities for both the longitudinal (τ = l) and transverse (τ = t) dynamical structure factors for the whole momentum range k ∈ ]0,π[, in the thermodynamic limit. This requires the numerical solution of the integral equations that define the phase shifts in these exponents expressions. We discuss the relation to neutron scattering and suggest new experiments on spin-chain compounds using a carefully oriented crystal to test our predictions.

Singularities of the dynamical structure factors of the spin-1/2 XXX chain at finite magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carmelo, J. M. P.; Sacramento, P. D.; Machado, J. D. P.; Campbell, D. K.

2015-10-01

We study the longitudinal and transverse spin dynamical structure factors of the spin-1/2 XXX chain at finite magnetic field h, focusing in particular on the singularities at excitation energies in the vicinity of the lower thresholds. While the static properties of the model can be studied within a Fermi-liquid like description in terms of pseudoparticles, our derivation of the dynamical properties relies on the introduction of a form of the ‘pseudofermion dynamical theory’ (PDT) of the 1D Hubbard model suitably modified for the spin-only XXX chain and other models with two pseudoparticle Fermi points. Specifically, we derive the exact momentum and spin-density dependences of the exponents {{\\zeta}τ}(k) controlling the singularities for both the longitudinal ≤ft(τ =l\\right) and transverse ≤ft(τ =t\\right) dynamical structure factors for the whole momentum range k\\in ]0,π[ , in the thermodynamic limit. This requires the numerical solution of the integral equations that define the phase shifts in these exponents expressions. We discuss the relation to neutron scattering and suggest new experiments on spin-chain compounds using a carefully oriented crystal to test our predictions.

Accelerating hydrodynamic description of pseudorapidity density and the initial energy density in p +p , Cu + Cu, Au + Au, and Pb + Pb collisions at energies available at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the CERN Large Hadron Collider

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ze-Fang, Jiang; Chun-Bin, Yang; Csanád, Máté; Csörgő, Tamás

2018-06-01

A known class of analytic, exact, accelerating solutions of prefect relativistic hydrodynamics with longitudinal acceleration is utilized to describe results on the pseudorapidity distributions for different collision systems. These results include d N /d η measured in p +p , Cu+Cu, Au+Au, and Pb+Pb collisions at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the CERN Large Hadron Collider, in a broad centrality range. Going beyond the traditional Bjorken model, from the accelerating hydrodynamic description we determine the initial energy density and other thermodynamic quantities in those collisions.

Relationship between reflection ability and clinical performance: a cross-sectional and retrospective-longitudinal correlational cohort study in midwifery.

PubMed

Embo, M; Driessen, E; Valcke, M; van der Vleuten, C P M

2015-01-01

increasingly, reflection is highlighted as integral to core practice competencies but empirical research into the relationship between reflection and performance in the clinical workplace is scarce. this study investigated the relationship between reflection ability and clinical performance. we designed a cross-sectional and a retrospective-longitudinal cohort study. Data from first, second and third year midwifery students were collected to study the variables 'clinical performance' and 'reflection ability'. Data were analysed with SPSS for Windows, Release 20.0. Descriptive statistics, Pearson׳s Product Moment Correlation Coefficients (r) and r² values were computed to investigate associations between the research variables. the results showed a moderate observed correlation between reflection ability and clinical performance scores. When adopting a cross-sectional perspective, all correlation values were significant (p<0.01) and above 0.4, with the exception of the third year correlations. Assuming perfect reliability in the measurement, the adjusted correlations, for year 2 and year 3 indicated a high association between reflection ability and clinical performance (>0.6). The results based on the retrospective-longitudinal data set explained a moderate proportion of the variance after correction for attenuation. Finally, the results indicate that 'reflection ability' scores of earlier years are significant related with 'clinical performance' scores of subsequent years. These results suggest that (1) reflection ability is linked to clinical performance; (2) that written reflections are an important, but not the sole way to assess professional competence and that (3) reflection is a contributor to clinical performance improvement. the data showed a moderate but significant relationship between 'reflection ability' and 'clinical performance' scores in clinical practice of midwifery students. Reflection therefore seems an important component of professional competence. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Is EQ-5D-5L Better Than EQ-5D-3L? A Head-to-Head Comparison of Descriptive Systems and Value Sets from Seven Countries.

PubMed

Janssen, Mathieu F; Bonsel, Gouke J; Luo, Nan

2018-06-01

This study describes the first empirical head-to-head comparison of EQ-5D-3L (3L) and EQ-5D-5L (5L) value sets for multiple countries. A large multinational dataset, including 3L and 5L data for eight patient groups and a student cohort, was used to compare 3L versus 5L value sets for Canada, China, England/UK (5L/3L, respectively), Japan, The Netherlands, South Korea and Spain. We used distributional analyses and two methods exploring discriminatory power: relative efficiency as assessed by the F statistic, and an area under the curve for the receiver-operating characteristics approach. Differences in outcomes were explored by separating descriptive system effects from valuation effects, and by exploring distributional location effects. In terms of distributional evenness, efficiency of scale use and the face validity of the resulting distributions, 5L was superior, leading to an increase in sensitivity and precision in health status measurement. When compared with 5L, 3L systematically overestimated health problems and consequently underestimated utilities. This led to bias, i.e. over- or underestimations of discriminatory power. We conclude that 5L provides more precise measurement at individual and group levels, both in terms of descriptive system data and utilities. The increased sensitivity and precision of 5L is likely to be generalisable to longitudinal studies, such as in intervention designs. Hence, we recommend the use of the 5L across applications, including economic evaluation, clinical and public health studies. The evaluative framework proved to be useful in assessing preference-based instruments and might be useful for future work in the development of descriptive systems or health classifications.

A compilation and analysis of helicopter handling qualities data. Volume 2: Data analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heffley, R. K.

1979-01-01

A compilation and an analysis of helicopter handling qualities data are presented. Multiloop manual control methods are used to analyze the descriptive data, stability derivatives, and transfer functions for a six degrees of freedom, quasi static model. A compensatory loop structure is applied to coupled longitudinal, lateral and directional equations in such a way that key handling qualities features are examined directly.

Milwaukee Longitudinal School Choice Evaluation: Annual School Testing Summary Report 2009-10. SCDP Milwaukee Evaluation. Report # 26

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McShane, Michael Q.; Wolf, Patrick J.

2011-01-01

The purpose of this report is to provide descriptive data regarding the test scores of Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) students in grades 4, 8 and 10 in reading, math and science, as reported to the School Choice Demonstration Project 2009-2010. The tables, graphs, and histograms presented in this report provide a snapshot of these…

Milwaukee Longitudinal School Choice Evaluation: Annual School Testing Summary Report 2008-09. SCDP Milwaukee Evaluation Report #18

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dean, Jeffery R.; Wolf, Patrick J.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this report is to provide descriptive data regarding the test scores of Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) students in grades 4, 8 and 10 in reading, math, and science, as reported to the School Choice Demonstration Project 2008-2009. The tables, graphs, and histograms presented in this paper provide a snapshot of these…

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Solar Observatory report, October - December 1990

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, James E.

1991-01-01

A description of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's Solar Vector Magnetograph Facility is provided, and a summary of its observations and data reduction during Oct. - Dec. 1990 is presented. The systems that make up the facility are a magnetograph telescope, and H-alpha telescope, a Questar telescope, and a computer code. The data are represented by longitudinal contours with azimuth plots.

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center solar observatory report, January - December 1987

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, James E.

1989-01-01

This report provides a description of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's Solar Vector Magnetograph Facility and gives a summary of its observations and data reduction during January to December 1987. The systems that make up the facility are a magnetograph telescope, an H-alpha telescope, a Questar telescope, and a computer code. The data are represented by longitudinal contours with azimuth plots.

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Solar Observatory report, July - September 1990

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, James E.

1991-01-01

A description of the NASA Marshall Space Flight C nter's Solar Vector Magnetograph Facility is provided and gives a summary of its observations and data reduction during Jul. - Sep. 1990. The systems that make up the facility are a magnetograph telescope, an H-alpha telescope, a Questar telescope, and a computer code. The data are represented by longitudinal contours with azimuth plots.

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center solar observatory report, January to December 1989

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, James E.

1990-01-01

A description is provided of the NASA-Marshall's Solar Vector Magnetograph Facility and a summary of its observations and data reduction during January to December 1989 is given. The systems that make up the facility are a magnetograph telescope, and H-alpha telescope, a Questar telescope, and a computer code. The data are represented by longitudinal contours with azimuth plots.

Milwaukee Longitudinal School Choice Evaluation: Annual School Testing Summary Report 2007-08. SCDP Milwaukee Evaluation Report #9

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gray, Nathan L.; Wolf, Patrick J.; Jensen, Laura I.

2009-01-01

The purpose of this report is to provide descriptive data regarding the test scores of Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) students in grades 4, 8 and 10 in reading, math and science, as reported to the School Choice Demonstration Project 2007-2008. The tables, graphs, and histograms presented in this report provide a snapshot of these…

Design and Analysis of Winglets for Military Aircraft. Phase 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-05-01

determine the effect of the AFFDI/Boeing winglets on the KC-135A’s aerodynamic performance and longitudinal and lateral-directional stability. A... Aerodynamic Synthesis and Flight Research, task 143101, Unified Flight Mechanics Technology, work unit 14310125, Design and Analysis of Winglets for...1 TI LOW-SPEED AERODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF L ~AFFDLIBOEING WINGLET ON THE KC-135A ......................... 1 1 Description of Analytic Model

Has It Always Been This Way? Tracing the Evolution of Teacher Quality Gaps in U.S. Public Schools. CEDR Working Paper. WP #2016-8

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldhaber, Dan; Quince, Vanessa; Theobald, Roddy

2016-01-01

There is mounting evidence of substantial "teacher quality gaps" (TQGs) between advantaged and disadvantaged students, but practically no empirical evidence about their history. We use longitudinal data on public school students, teachers, and schools from two states--North Carolina and Washington--to provide a descriptive history of the…

Rehabilitation activities, out-patient visits and employment in patients and partners the first year after ICU: a descriptive study.

PubMed

Agård, A S; Lomborg, K; Tønnesen, E; Egerod, I

2014-04-01

To describe the influence of critical illness on patients and their partners in relation to rehabilitation, healthcare consumption and employment during the first year after Intensive Care Unit discharge. Longitudinal, observational and descriptive. Five Danish Intensive Care Units. Data were collected from hospital charts, population registers and interviews with 18 patients and their partners at 3 and 12 months after intensive care discharge. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Post-discharge inpatient rehabilitation was median (range) 52 (15-174) days (n=10). Community-based training was 12 (3-34) weeks (n=15). Neuropsychological rehabilitation following brain damage was 13-20 weeks (n=3). Number of out-patient visits 1 year before and 1 year after were mean 3 versus 8, and General Practitioner visits were 12 versus 18. Three patients resumed work at pre-hospitalisation employment rates after 12 months. After the patients' stay in intensive care, partners' mean full-time sick leave was 17 (range 0-124) days and 21 (range 0-106) days part time. Partners often had long commutes. Most patients had comprehensive recovery needs requiring months of rehabilitation. Some partners needed extensive sick leave. The study reveals the human cost of critical illness and intensive care for patients and partners in the Danish welfare system. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Work overload, burnout, and psychological ill-health symptoms: a three-wave mediation model of the employee health impairment process.

PubMed

de Beer, Leon T; Pienaar, Jaco; Rothmann, Sebastiaan

2016-07-01

The study reported here investigated the causal relationships in the health impairment process of employee well-being, and the mediating role of burnout in the relationship between work overload and psychological ill-health symptoms, over time. The research is deemed important due to the need for longitudinal evidence of the health impairment process of employee well-being over three waves of data. A quantitative survey design was followed. Participants constituted a longitudinal sample of 370 participants, at three time points, after attrition. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling methods were implemented. Work overload at time one predicted burnout at time two, and burnout at time two predicted psychological ill-health symptoms at time three. Indirect effects were found between work overload time one and psychological ill-health symptoms time three via burnout time two, and also between burnout time one and psychological ill-health symptoms time three, via burnout time two. The results provided supportive evidence for an "indirect-only" mediation effect, for burnout's causal mediation mechanism in the health impairment process between work overload and psychological ill-health symptoms.

A method for fitting regression splines with varying polynomial order in the linear mixed model.

PubMed

Edwards, Lloyd J; Stewart, Paul W; MacDougall, James E; Helms, Ronald W

2006-02-15

The linear mixed model has become a widely used tool for longitudinal analysis of continuous variables. The use of regression splines in these models offers the analyst additional flexibility in the formulation of descriptive analyses, exploratory analyses and hypothesis-driven confirmatory analyses. We propose a method for fitting piecewise polynomial regression splines with varying polynomial order in the fixed effects and/or random effects of the linear mixed model. The polynomial segments are explicitly constrained by side conditions for continuity and some smoothness at the points where they join. By using a reparameterization of this explicitly constrained linear mixed model, an implicitly constrained linear mixed model is constructed that simplifies implementation of fixed-knot regression splines. The proposed approach is relatively simple, handles splines in one variable or multiple variables, and can be easily programmed using existing commercial software such as SAS or S-plus. The method is illustrated using two examples: an analysis of longitudinal viral load data from a study of subjects with acute HIV-1 infection and an analysis of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure profiles.

What boxing tells us about repetitive head trauma and the brain.

PubMed

Bernick, Charles; Banks, Sarah

2013-01-01

Boxing and other combat sports may serve as a human model to study the effects of repetitive head trauma on brain structure and function. The initial description of what is now known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) was reported in boxers in 1928. In the ensuing years, studies examining boxers have described the clinical features of CTE, its relationship to degree of exposure to fighting, and an array of radiologic findings. The field has been hampered by issues related to study design, lack of longitudinal follow-up, and absence of agreed-upon clinical criteria for CTE. A recently launched prospective cohort study of professional fighters, the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study, attempts to overcome some of the problems in studying fighters. Here, we review the cross-sectional results from the first year of the project.

Circular epidemiology.

PubMed

Kuller, L H

1999-11-01

Circular epidemiology can be defined as the continuation of specific types of epidemiologic studies beyond the point of reasonable doubt of the true existence of an important association or the absence of such an association. Circular epidemiology is an extreme example of studies of the consistency of associations. A basic problem for epidemiology is the lack of a systematic approach to acquiring new knowledge to reach a goal of improving public health and preventive medicine. For epidemiologists, research support unfortunately is biased toward the continued study of already proven hypotheses. Circular epidemiology, however, freezes at one point in the evolution of epidemiologic studies, failing to move from descriptive to analytical case-control and longitudinal studies, for example, to experimental, clinical trials. Good epidemiology journals are filled with very well-conducted epidemiologic studies that primarily repeat the obvious or are variations on the theme.

The Boston Rehabilitative Impairment Study of the Elderly: A description of methods

PubMed Central

Holt, Nicole E.; Percac-Lima, Sanja; Kurlinski, Laura A.; Thomas, Julia C.; Landry, Paige M.; Campbell, Braidie; Latham, Nancy; Ni, Pengsheng; Jette, Alan; Leveille, Suzanne G.; Bean, Jonathan F.

2012-01-01

Objective To describe the methods of a longitudinal cohort study among older adults with preclinical disability. The study aims to address the lack of evidence guiding mobility rehabilitation for older adults by identifying those impairments and impairment combinations that are most responsible for mobility decline and disability progression over 2 years of follow up. Design Longitudinal cohort study Setting Metropolitan based healthcare system in the US Participants Community dwelling primary care patients ≥ 65 years (N=430), with self-reported modification of mobility tasks due to underlying health conditions. Interventions: Not Applicable Main Outcome Measures Late Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) (primary outcome), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and 400 meter walk test (secondary outcomes) Results Among 7403 primary care patients identified as being potentially eligible for participation, 430 were enrolled. Participants have a mean age of 76.5 years, are 68% women and have on average 4.2 chronic conditions. Mean LLFDI scores are 55.5 for Function and 68.9 and 52.3 for the Disability Limitation and Frequency domains, respectively. Conclusions Completion of our study aims will inform development of primary care-based rehabilitative strategies to prevent disability. Additionally, data generated in this investigation can also serve as a vital resource for ancillary studies addressing important questions in rehabilitative science relevant to geriatric care. PMID:22989700

Venous organization in the transverse foramen: dissection, histology, and magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Magro, Elsa; Gentric, Jean-Christophe; Talagas, Matthieu; Alavi, Zarrin; Nonent, Michel; Dam-Hieu, Phong; Seizeur, Romuald

2015-07-01

The anatomical arrangement of the venous system within the transverse foramen is controversial; there is disagreement whether the anatomy consists of a single vertebral vein or a confluence of venous plexus. Precise knowledge of this arrangement is necessary in imaging when vertebral artery dissection is suspected, as well as in surgical approaches for the cervical spine. This study aimed to better explain anatomical organization of the venous system within the transverse foramen according to the Trolard hypothesis of a transverse vertebral sinus. This was an anatomical and radiological study. For the anatomical study, 10 specimens were analyzed after vascular injection. After dissection, histological cuts were prepared. For the radiological study, a high-resolution MRI study with 2D time-of-flight segment MR venography sequences was performed on 10 healthy volunteers. Vertebral veins are arranged in a plexiform manner within the transverse canal. This arrangement begins at the upper part of the transverse canal before the vertebral vein turns into a single vein along with the vertebral artery running from the transverse foramen of the C-6. This venous system runs somewhat ventrolaterally to the vertebral artery. In most cases, this arrangement is symmetrical and facilitates radiological readings. The anastomoses between vertebral veins and ventral longitudinal veins are uniform and arranged segmentally at each vertebra. These findings confirm recent or previous anatomical descriptions and invalidate others. It is hard to come up with a common description of the arrangement of vertebral veins. The authors suggest providing clinicians as well as anatomists with a well-detailed description of components essential to the understanding of this organization.

Childhood chronic-kidney-disease: a longitudinal-qualitative study of families learning to share management early in the trajectory.

PubMed

Swallow, Veronica; Lambert, Heather; Clarke, Charlotte; Campbell, Steve; Jacoby, Ann

2008-11-01

To explore the ways families learn to share management during the early stages of childhood chronic-kidney-disease. This longitudinal, descriptive study based on the tenets of grounded theory, aimed to derive meaning about family-professional interactions during shared management. Data were obtained from six newly referred families, four renal nurses, four paediatric nephrologists and one dietician through: 36 semi-structured interviews, 21 case-note reviews and four child/parent learning diaries. Three learning stages were identified: dependent (families' understanding was superficial, they lacked underlying knowledge and were totally reliant on professional guidance); co-dependent (families engaged competently in management but still required extensive guidance); independent (families communicated effectively with staff and competently adjusted management within professionally defined parameters). Five families actively shared management from early in the trajectory and progressed to independent learning when, by mutual agreement, professional input to management gradually decreased. The remaining family adopted a passive approach to management, did not progress to independent learning and remained reliant on professional input. Families in this study demonstrated three learning stages in becoming competent at management. Future research is needed to investigate the ways professionals promote family competence early in the trajectory and the factors that can facilitate or hinder families' progression to independent learning.

Incidence of depression, anxiety and stress following traumatic injury: a longitudinal study.

PubMed

Wiseman, Taneal A; Curtis, Kate; Lam, Mary; Foster, Kim

2015-03-28

Traumatic injury and mental health disorders are co-associated. Early identification of depression, anxiety and stress following injury, and subsequent preventive intervention, may reduce the long-term symptoms and negative impacts associated with depression and anxiety. The purpose of the study was to determine the incidence, severity and predictors of depression, anxiety and stress in injured patients in the acute phase of care, and at six months following injury, as well as the effectiveness of an in-hospital screening tool. This descriptive longitudinal study of trauma patients was conducted at a Level 1 Metropolitan Trauma Centre in Australia over 14 months. Participants were interviewed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short-form version (DASS-21) during hospital admission then at 3 and 6 months after injury. Descriptive statistics were performed to evaluate participant characteristics and incidence of depression, anxiety and stress. Correlations and logistic regression were conducted to investigate the ability of the DASS-21 to predict symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress and to investigate factors associated with depression, anxiety and stress 6 months after injury. 201 participants ranging in age (18-94 years) and injury severity participated in the baseline interview and 109 completed all 3 interviews over 6 months. Over half (54%) reported above normal scores for depression, anxiety and/or stress in at least one of the 3 time points. Intensive care unit admission and high levels of depression, anxiety and stress at 3 months post injury were predictors for high levels of depression, anxiety and stress at 6 months. Low scores for depression, anxiety and stress during admission were correlated with low scores for depression, anxiety and stress at 3 and 6 months. Depression, anxiety and stress in patients hospitalised following injury is common and should be anticipated in patients who have had an intensive care admission. Screening at 3 months following injury identifies patients at risk of long-term symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.

Generalized hydrodynamic correlations and fractional memory functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez, Rosalio F.; Fujioka, Jorge

2015-12-01

A fractional generalized hydrodynamic (GH) model of the longitudinal velocity fluctuations correlation, and its associated memory function, for a complex fluid is analyzed. The adiabatic elimination of fast variables introduces memory effects in the transport equations, and the dynamic of the fluctuations is described by a generalized Langevin equation with long-range noise correlations. These features motivate the introduction of Caputo time fractional derivatives and allows us to calculate analytic expressions for the fractional longitudinal velocity correlation function and its associated memory function. Our analysis eliminates a spurious constant term in the non-fractional memory function found in the non-fractional description. It also produces a significantly slower power-law decay of the memory function in the GH regime that reduces to the well-known exponential decay in the non-fractional Navier-Stokes limit.

Popularity Trajectories and Substance Use in early Adolescence1

PubMed Central

Moody, James; Brynildsen, Wendy D.; Osgood, D. Wayne; Feinberg, Mark E.; Gest, Scott

2010-01-01

This paper introduces new longitudinal network data from the “Promoting School-Community-University Partnerships to Enhance Resilience” or “PROSPER” peers project. In 28 communities, grade-level sociometric friendship nominations were collected from two cohorts of middle school students as they moved from 6th, to 9th grade. As an illustration and description of these longitudinal network data, this paper describes the school popularity structure, changes in popularity position, and suggests linkages between popularity trajectory and substance use. In the cross-section, we find that the network is consistent with a hierarchical social organization, but exhibits considerable relational change in both particular friends and position at the individual level. We find that both the base level of popularity and the variability of popularity trajectories effect substance use. PMID:21765588

One-impulse targeting strategy for longitudinal drift control of geosynchronous spacecraft subject to tesseral harmonics and luni-solar gravity perturbations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kechichian, J. A.

1984-01-01

Kamel's (1973) East-West Stationkeeping Analysis is extended and an algorithm is presented that targets the geosynchronous spacecraft to the ideal initial conditions starting from any given relative longitude deviation within a given tolerance deadband in order to repeat the ideal longitudinal drift cycle that results in the longest possible period of time between maneuvers. The motion description takes into account the perturbations introduced by earth's tesseral harmonics and by the luni-solar gravity, assuming a near-circular orbit that requires only the control of orbital energy to repeat the ideal drift cycle via a single impulsive velocity change. The location of the maneuver along the orbit is such that the post-Delta-V eccentricity is always minimized.

Experimental evidence for beta-decay as a source of chirality by enantiomer analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bonner, W. A.

1984-01-01

Earlier experiments testing the Vester-Ulbricht beta-decay hypothesis for the origin of molecular chirality are reviewed, followed by descriptions of experiments involving attempted asymmetric radiolysis of DL-amino acids using quantitative gas chromotography as a probe for optical activity. The radiation sources included Sr-90-Y-90, C-14, and P-32 Bremsstrahlen, longitudinally polarized electrons from a linear accelerator and longitudinally polarized protons from a cyclotron. With the possible exception of the linear accelerator irradiations, these experiments failed to produce g.c.-detectable enantiomeric excesses, even at 50-70 percent gross radiolysis. Thus no unambiguous support for the Vester-Ulbricht hypothesis is found in any of the attempted asymmetric radiolyses performed to date. Radioracemization, a possible reason for these failures, is discussed.

Understanding Treatment Burden and Quality of Life Impact of Participating in an Early-Phase Pediatric Oncology Clinical Trial: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Crane, Stacey; Backus, Lori; Stockman, Beth; Carpenter, Janet S; Lin, Li; Haase, Joan

Early-phase clinical trials (EPTs) have led to new, more effective treatment options for children with cancer. Despite the extensive use of EPTs in pediatric oncology, little is known about parent and child experiences during EPT participation. The purposes of this pilot study were to assess the feasibility and preliminary results of having children with cancer and their parents complete measures of treatment burden and quality of life (QOL) concurrent with EPT participation. In this descriptive, longitudinal, pilot study, parents and children were followed for the first 60 days of an EPT. Feasibility was assessed by participant enrollment and retention and completion of measures. Measures completed included the following: demographic form (completed at baseline); Diary of Trial Experiences to capture treatment burden (completed ongoing); and PedsQL™ Quality of Life Inventories, Cancer Modules, and Family Impact Module (completed at baseline, post-first disease evaluation, and off-study). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Feasibility goals of enrollment, retention, and measure completion were partially met. Preliminary treatment burden and QOL results are provided. While QOL assessments may provide insight into EPT experiences, future studies need to be conducted at multiple sites and enrollment goals must account for participant attrition.

Understanding Treatment Burden and Quality of Life Impact of Participating in an Early Phase Pediatric Oncology Clinical Trial: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

BACKUS, LORI; STOCKMAN, BETH; CARPENTER, JANET S.; LIN, LI; HAASE, JOAN

2017-01-01

Purpose Early phase clinical trials (EPTs) have led to new, more effective treatment options for children with cancer. Despite the extensive use of EPTs in pediatric oncology, little is known about parent and child experiences during EPT participation. The purposes of this pilot study were to assess the feasibility and preliminary results of having children with cancer and their parents complete measures of treatment burden and quality of life (QOL) concurrent with EPT participation. Methods In this descriptive, longitudinal, pilot study, parents and children were followed for the first 60 days of an EPT. Feasibility was assessed by participant enrollment and retention, and completion of measures. Measures completed included: Demographic form (completed at baseline); Diary of Trial Experiences to capture treatment burden (completed ongoing); and PedsQL™ Quality of Life Inventories, Cancer Modules, and Family Impact Module (completed at baseline, post-first disease evaluation, and off-study). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Feasibility goals of enrollment, retention, and measure completion were partially met. Preliminary treatment burden and QOL results are provided. Conclusions While QOL assessments may provide insight into EPT experiences, future studies need to be conducted at multiple sites and enrollment goals must account for participant attrition. PMID:28849701

A crisis resolution and home treatment team in Norway: a longitudinal survey study Part 2. Provision of professional services

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Crisis resolution and home treatment (CRHT) is an emerging mode of delivering acute mental health care in the community. There is a paucity of knowledge regarding the workings of CRHT in the literature. This is the second paper in a series of three from the longitudinal survey of patients of a CRHT team in Norway, which was aimed at describing the characteristics of patients served, professional services provided, and clinical outcomes. This report focuses on the provision of professional services by the team. Methods The project was a descriptive, quantitative study based on the patient data from a longitudinal survey of one CRHT team in Norway. The participants of the survey, a total of 363 patients, constituted the complete registration of patients of this team in the period from February 2008 to July 2009. Results The average length of service by the team was about 15 days, and those with depression as the major symptom had the longest mean length of stay on the team. The team was engaged in providing a variety of services including individual treatments involving multiple professionals, group treatment meetings, and coordination activities involving external service sectors. While the type of professionals providing individual treatment was not associated with the severity level of clinical problems, those receiving various group treatment meetings had more serious level of clinical symptoms than those not receiving group treatment meetings. In addition coordination activities involving healthcare professionals and social services in the community were in line with the patients' clinical and social needs. The results of the study show that the team functioned effectively in addressing the general guidelines for the functioning of CRHT teams. PMID:22958549

Integrated Application of Active Controls (IAAC) technology to an advanced subsonic transport project: Test act system description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

The engineering and fabrication of the test ACT system, produced in the third program element of the IAAC Project is documented. The system incorporates pitch-augmented stability and wing-load alleviation, plus full authority fly-by-wire control of the elevators. The pitch-augmented stability is designed to have reliability sufficient to allow flight with neutral or negative inherent longitudinal stability.

School Year Versus Summer Differences in Child Weight Gain: A Narrative Review

PubMed Central

O'Connor, Teresia; Johnston, Craig; Hughes, Sheryl; Moreno, Jennette; Chen, Tzu-An; Meltzer, Lisa; Baranowski, Janice

2014-01-01

Abstract The causes of the current high prevalence of overweight and obesity among children are not clearly known. Schools have been implicated in the causal chain to high child obesity prevalence. Recent studies have compared school year versus summertime changes (herein called seasonal differences) in child adiposity or related phenomena. The most common seasonal pattern in six longitudinal descriptive studies was that overweight and obese children experienced accelerated gain in weight or some BMI indicator during the summer, whereas healthy weight children gained less or not at all. Four physical activity (PA) intervention studies demonstrated that school year fitness improvements were lost during the summer. One study showed that PA declined across the summer. Another study provided conflicting results of lower total energy expenditure in the summer, but no seasonal difference in total energy expenditure after adjusting for fat-free mass. This pattern of fairly rapid seasonal differences suggests that PA is the primary factor contributing to seasonal differences in weight or BMI, but the documented seasonal pattern in PA (i.e., higher in summer) does not support this relationship. Sleep duration has also been inversely related to child adiposity. Seasonal patterns in adiposity, PA, and sleep need to be clearly established separately for overweight and healthy weight children in further longitudinal research to provide a clear focus for national policy. PMID:24367922

School year versus summer differences in child weight gain: a narrative review.

PubMed

Baranowski, Tom; O'Connor, Teresia; Johnston, Craig; Hughes, Sheryl; Moreno, Jennette; Chen, Tzu-An; Meltzer, Lisa; Baranowski, Janice

2014-02-01

The causes of the current high prevalence of overweight and obesity among children are not clearly known. Schools have been implicated in the causal chain to high child obesity prevalence. Recent studies have compared school year versus summertime changes (herein called seasonal differences) in child adiposity or related phenomena. The most common seasonal pattern in six longitudinal descriptive studies was that overweight and obese children experienced accelerated gain in weight or some BMI indicator during the summer, whereas healthy weight children gained less or not at all. Four physical activity (PA) intervention studies demonstrated that school year fitness improvements were lost during the summer. One study showed that PA declined across the summer. Another study provided conflicting results of lower total energy expenditure in the summer, but no seasonal difference in total energy expenditure after adjusting for fat-free mass. This pattern of fairly rapid seasonal differences suggests that PA is the primary factor contributing to seasonal differences in weight or BMI, but the documented seasonal pattern in PA (i.e., higher in summer) does not support this relationship. Sleep duration has also been inversely related to child adiposity. Seasonal patterns in adiposity, PA, and sleep need to be clearly established separately for overweight and healthy weight children in further longitudinal research to provide a clear focus for national policy.

Proposal for a descriptive guideline of vascular changes in lesions of the vocal folds by the committee on endoscopic laryngeal imaging of the European Laryngological Society.

PubMed

Arens, Christoph; Piazza, Cesare; Andrea, Mario; Dikkers, Frederik G; Tjon Pian Gi, Robin E A; Voigt-Zimmermann, Susanne; Peretti, Giorgio

2016-05-01

In the last decades new endoscopic tools have been developed to improve the diagnostic work-up of vocal fold lesions in addition to normal laryngoscopy, i.e., contact endoscopy, autofluorescence, narrow band imaging and others. Better contrasted and high definition images offer more details of the epithelial and superficial vascular structure of the vocal folds. Following these developments, particular vascular patterns come into focus during laryngoscopy. The present work aims at a systematic pathogenic description of superficial vascular changes of the vocal folds. Additionally, new nomenclature on vascular lesions of the vocal folds will be presented to harmonize the different terms in the literature. Superficial vascular changes can be divided into longitudinal and perpendicular. Unlike longitudinal vascular lesions, e.g., ectasia, meander and change of direction, perpendicular vascular lesions are characterized by different types of vascular loops. They are primarily observed in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, and in pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions of the vocal folds. These vascular characteristics play a significant role in the differential diagnosis. Among different parameters, e.g., epithelial changes, increase of volume, stiffness of the vocal fold, vascular lesions play an increasing role in the diagnosis of pre- and cancerous lesions.

Continuity and change in the social stratification of aging and health over the life course: evidence from a nationally representative longitudinal study from 1986 to 2001/2002 (Americans' Changing Lives Study).

PubMed

House, James S; Lantz, Paula M; Herd, Pamela

2005-10-01

This article overviews previously published and ongoing research from the Americans' Changing Lives (ACL) Study, a longitudinal study of a nationally representative sample of 3,617 adults aged 25 years and older when first interviewed in 1986, focusing on socioeconomic disparities in the way health changes with age during middle and later life, especially in terms of compression of morbidity/functional limitations. A variety of descriptive and multivariate regression and growth curve analyses are done on the ACL sample, now surveyed over four waves spanning 15.5 years between 1986 and 2001/2002 with continuing mortality ascertainment via the National Death Index, death certificate searches, and informant reports. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses indicate that socioeconomic disparities in health are small in early adulthood, increase through middle and early old age, and then lessen again in later old age. In other terms, compression of morbidity/functional limitations into the later stages of the life course is realized to a much greater degree among the better educated compared with the less educated. Cross-sectional evidence suggests that this reflects differential exposure to or experience of a wide range of psychosocial, environmental, and biomedical risk factors for health (and perhaps their differential impact at different ages and life stages), as well as variations in biological robustness and frailty and also perhaps in the strength of social welfare supports for health at different life stages. Longitudinal analyses reveal several new insights: (a) The flow of causality is much greater from socioeconomic position to health than vice versa; (b) education plays a greater role relative to income in the onset of functional limitations, whereas income has much stronger effects on their progression or course; and (c) educational disparities in the onset and hence of compression of functional limitations over the life course have increased strikingly in later middle and early old age (ages 55-84 years) since 1986. The results indicate that understanding and alleviating social disparities in health are both theoretically and methodologically quintessential problems of life course analysis and research.

Longitudinal-control design approach for high-angle-of-attack aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ostroff, Aaron J.; Proffitt, Melissa S.

1993-01-01

This paper describes a control synthesis methodology that emphasizes a variable-gain output feedback technique that is applied to the longitudinal channel of a high-angle-of-attack aircraft. The aircraft is a modified F/A-18 aircraft with thrust-vectored controls. The flight regime covers a range up to a Mach number of 0.7; an altitude range from 15,000 to 35,000 ft; and an angle-of-attack (alpha) range up to 70 deg, which is deep into the poststall region. A brief overview is given of the variable-gain mathematical formulation as well as a description of the discrete control structure used for the feedback controller. This paper also presents an approximate design procedure with relationships for the optimal weights for the selected feedback control structure. These weights are selected to meet control design guidelines for high-alpha flight controls. Those guidelines that apply to the longitudinal-control design are also summarized. A unique approach is presented for the feed-forward command generator to obtain smooth transitions between load factor and alpha commands. Finally, representative linear analysis results and nonlinear batch simulation results are provided.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Patrick, C. E.; Aliaga, L.; Bashyal, A.

We present double-differential measurements of antineutrino charged-current quasielastic scattering in the MINERvA detector. This study improves on a previous single-differential measurement by using updated reconstruction algorithms and interaction models and provides a complete description of observed muon kinematics in the form of a double-differential cross section with respect to muon transverse and longitudinal momentum. We also include in our signal definition, zero-meson final states arising from multinucleon interactions and from resonant pion production followed by pion absorption in the primary nucleus. We find that model agreement is considerably improved by a model tuned to MINERvA inclusive neutrino scattering data thatmore » incorporates nuclear effects such as weak nuclear screening and two-particle, two-hole enhancements.« less

Anxiety and its time courses during radiotherapy for non-metastatic breast cancer: a longitudinal study.

PubMed

Lewis, Florence; Merckaert, Isabelle; Liénard, Aurore; Libert, Yves; Etienne, Anne-Marie; Reynaert, Christine; Slachmuylder, Jean-Louis; Scalliet, Pierre; Paul, Van Houtte; Coucke, Philippe; Salamon, Emile; Razavi, Darius

2014-05-01

To our knowledge, no study has specifically assessed the time course of anxiety during radiotherapy (RT). The objective of this study was to assess anxiety time courses in patients with non-metastatic breast cancer. This multicenter, descriptive longitudinal study included 213 consecutive patients with breast cancer who completed visual analog scales (VASs) assessing state anxiety before and after the RT simulation and the first and last five RT sessions. Pre- and post-session anxiety mean levels were highest at the RT simulation (respectively, 2.9±2.9 and 1.6±2.5) and first RT session (respectively, 3.4±2.9 and 2.0±2.4), then declined rapidly. Clinically relevant mean differences (⩾1cm on the VAS) between pre- and post-simulation/session VAS scores were found only for the RT simulation (-1.3±2.7; p<0.001) and first RT session (-1.4±2.4; p<0.001). Five percent to 16% of patients presented clinically relevant anxiety (pre- and post-simulation/session VAS scores⩾4cm) throughout treatment. To optimize care, RT team members should offer all patients appropriate information about treatment at the simulation, check patients' understanding, and identify patients with clinically relevant anxiety requiring appropriate support throughout RT. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A crisis resolution and home treatment team in Norway: a longitudinal survey study Part 1. Patient characteristics at admission and referral

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Crisis resolution and home treatment (CRHT) is an emerging mode of delivering acute mental health care in the community. There is a paucity of knowledge regarding the workings of CRHT in the literature. This is the first paper in a series of three from the longitudinal survey of patients of a CRHT team in Norway, which was aimed at describing the characteristics of patients served, professional services provided, and clinical outcomes. This report focuses on describing the characteristics of the patients at admission. Methods The study was a descriptive, quantitative study based on the patient data from a longitudinal survey of one CRHT team in Norway. The participants of the survey, a total of 363 patients, were the complete registration of patients of this team in the period from February 2008 to July 2009. Results Although diverse in their characteristics, the patients were over represented by females, young to middle aged, and people on public support. The patients were mostly referred to the team by self/family members and primary care physicians. At admission, depression was the most prevalent symptom, the overall intensity level of mental health problems was low, and most of the patients had long-standing mental health problems. Conclusions Self/family referral seems to be a critical route to receive services by CRTH teams as shown in our study, suggesting a need to examine policies that disallow this form of referral in some communities. The findings from our study show that the patients of the CRHT team, while mostly having long-standing mental health problems and had been receiving healthcare for them, did not have severe mental health problems at admission, although could have been in crises. There is a need for further studies to examine how people with severe mental health problems obtain services in time of crises, and to address the need to gain a greater understanding of the role of CRHT. PMID:22992415

Extraction of helicity amplitude ratios from exclusive ρ 0-meson electroproduction on transversely polarized protons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manaenkov, S. I.; HERMES Collaboration

2017-12-01

Exclusive ρ 0-meson electroproduction is studied by the HERMES experiment, using the 27.6 GeV longitudinally polarized electron/positron beam of HERA and a transversely polarized hydrogen target, in the kinematic region 1.0 GeV2 < Q 2 < 7.0 GeV2, 3.0 GeV < W < 6.3 GeV, and -t‧ < 0.4 GeV2. Using an unbinned maximum-likelihood method, 25 parameters are extracted. They determine the real and imaginary parts of the ratios of certain helicity amplitudes (describing ρ 0-meson production by a virtual photon) and the dominant amplitude {F}0\\frac{1{2}0\\frac{1}{2}} without the nucleon-helicity flip. The latter amplitude describes the production of a longitudinal ρ 0 meson by a longitudinal virtual photon. The transverse target polarization allows for the first time the extraction of ratios of a number of nucleon-helicity-flip amplitudes to {F}0\\frac{1{2}0\\frac{1}{2}}. The ratios of nucleon-helicity-non-flip amplitudes to {F}0\\frac{1{2}0\\frac{1}{2}} are found to be in good agreement with those from the previous HERMES analysis. A comparison of the extracted amplitude ratios with the Goloskokov-Kroll model shows the necessity to add pion exchange amplitudes with positive πρ form factor to the amplitudes based on generalized parton distributions to improve the HERMES data description.

An attachment-based description of the medial collateral and spring ligament complexes.

PubMed

Cromeens, Barrett P; Kirchhoff, Claire A; Patterson, Rita M; Motley, Travis; Stewart, Donald; Fisher, Cara; Reeves, Rustin E

2015-06-01

Anatomy of the medial collateral and spring ligament complexes has been the cause of confusion. The anatomic description is highly dependent on the source studied and little agreement exists between texts. In addition, inconsistent nomenclature has been used to describe the components. This study attempted to clarify confusion through the creation of a 3D ligament map using attachment-based dissection. Nine fresh foot and ankle specimens were observed. The medial collateral ligament and spring ligament complexes were dissected using their attachment sites as a guide to define individual components. Each component's perimeter and thickness was measured and each bony attachment was mapped using a microscribe 3D digitizer. Five components were identified contributing to the ligament complexes of interest: the tibiocalcaneonavicular, superficial posterior tibiotalar, deep posterior tibiotalar, deep anterior tibiotalar, and inferoplantar longitudinal ligaments. The largest component by total attachment area was the tibiocalcaneonavicular ligament followed by the deep posterior tibiotalar ligament. The largest ligament surface area of attachment to the tibia and talus was the deep posterior tibiotalar ligament. The largest attachment to the navicular and calcaneus was the tibiocalcaneonavicular ligament, which appeared to function in holding these bones in proximity while supporting the head of the talus. By defining complex components by their attachment sites, a novel, more functional and reproducible description of the medial collateral and spring ligament complexes was created. The linear measurements and 3D maps may prove useful when attempting more anatomically accurate reconstructions. © The Author(s) 2015.

Patient classification in home health care: are we ready?

PubMed

Cox, C L; Wood, J E; Montgomery, A C; Smith, P C

1990-09-01

This longitudinal descriptive study retrospectively profiled the acutely ill patient in home health care and explored the utility of using patient record data in predicting agency resource use and patient outcome. The findings suggest that those variables traditionally relied on for reimbursement qualification and as components of patient-classification schemes may not be wholly adequate to explain resource use and patient outcome in the home health setting. Professional nursing judgment of the patient's prognosis was found to be the most sensitive variable predicting outcome. Selected diagnoses and self-care capacity of the patient were the major predictors of resource use. Suggestions are offered for further studies that may move public health nursing more quickly toward the development of consistent and accurate home health care case mix measures.

Children in pain: recurrent back pain, abdominal pain, and headache in children and adolescents in a four-year-period.

PubMed

van Gessel, Hester; Gassmann, Jennifer; Kröner-Herwig, Birgit

2011-06-01

To analyze the development of recurrent pain in 3 body locations in children and adolescents (baseline age, 9 to 14 years) in a 4-year period. In a large population-based longitudinal epidemiological study data was collected through annual postal questionnaires (longitudinal, n = 2025). Descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equations were used. Girls were more likely to report recurrent pain, demonstrated a steeper development during the 4-year period, and reported multiple pain more often than boys. Younger children reported less recurrent pain, but displayed a steeper trend of increasing prevalence rates as they grew older. Older children illustrated a more stable development of recurrent pain and reported multiple pain more often. Disability experienced because of recurrent pain was related strongest to pain intensity. Stable patterns of pain were related to higher intensity and disability reports. The children experienced headache as the most disabling of the 3 pains. The results show that boys and girls report recurrent pain in different patterns in the years. To identify risk factors, analysis should be performed separately for boys and girls. Furthermore, it is recommended to include children before the age of 9 years in a prevention study. Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Gender Role Attitudes and Male Adolescent Dating Violence Perpetration: Normative Beliefs as Moderators.

PubMed

Reyes, H Luz McNaughton; Foshee, Vangie A; Niolon, Phyllis Holditch; Reidy, Dennis E; Hall, Jeffrey E

2016-02-01

Commonly used dating violence prevention programs assume that promotion of more egalitarian gender role attitudes will prevent dating violence perpetration. Empirical research examining this assumption, however, is limited and inconsistent. The current study examined the longitudinal association between gender role attitudes and physical dating violence perpetration among adolescent boys (n = 577; 14 % Black, 5 % other race/ethnicity) and examined whether injunctive (i.e., acceptance of dating violence) and descriptive (i.e., beliefs about dating violence prevalence) normative beliefs moderated the association. As expected, the findings suggest that traditional gender role attitudes at T1 were associated with increased risk for dating violence perpetration 18 months later (T2) among boys who reported high, but not low, acceptance of dating violence (injunctive normative beliefs) at T1. Descriptive norms did not moderate the effect of gender role attitudes on dating violence perpetration. The results suggest that injunctive norms and gender role attitudes work synergistically to increase risk for dating violence perpetration among boys; as such, simultaneously targeting both of these constructs may be an effective prevention approach.

Gender Role Attitudes and Male Adolescent Dating Violence Perpetration: Normative Beliefs as Moderators

PubMed Central

Reyes, H. Luz McNaughton; Foshee, Vangie A.; Niolon, Phyllis Holditch; Reidy, Dennis E.; Hall, Jeffrey E.

2015-01-01

Commonly used dating violence prevention programs assume that promotion of more egalitarian gender role attitudes will prevent dating violence perpetration. Empirical research examining this assumption, however, is limited and inconsistent. The current study examined the longitudinal association between gender role attitudes and physical dating violence perpetration among adolescent boys (n=577; 14% Black, 5% other race/ethnicity) and examined whether injunctive (i.e., acceptance of dating violence) and descriptive (i.e., beliefs about dating violence prevalence) normative beliefs moderated the association. As expected, the findings suggest that traditional gender role attitudes at T1 were associated with increased risk for dating violence perpetration 18 months later (T2) among boys who reported high, but not low, acceptance of dating violence (injunctive normative beliefs) at T1. Descriptive norms did not moderate the effect of gender role attitudes on dating violence perpetration. The results suggest that injunctive norms and gender role attitudes work synergistically to increase risk for dating violence perpetration among boys; as such, simultaneously targeting both of these constructs may be an effective prevention approach. PMID:25831994

A 20-year perspective on preparation strategies and career planning of pharmacy deans.

PubMed

Draugalis, JoLaine Reierson; Plaza, Cecilia M

2010-11-10

To provide a longitudinal description of the variety of career paths and preparation strategies of pharmacy deans. A descriptive cross-sectional study design using survey research methodology was used. Chief executive officer (CEO) deans at every full and associate member institution of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) in the United States as of May 1, 2009, were potential subjects. The database housed 90.3% (N = 93) of all current (excluding interim/acting) CEO deans. Of the 4 cohorts across time (1991, 1996, 2002, and 2009 snapshots), the 2009 cohort had the highest percentage of deans following either the hierarchical or nontraditional career paths. Deans named since 2002 have spent less time collectively in the professoriate than cohorts before them. One reason for this is the increase in the number of deans that followed nontraditional career paths and who spent little or no time in the professoriate prior to their first deanship. This also could be due to the increased demand for individuals to serve as dean due to retirements and the creation of new institutions.

A Longitudinal Assessment of Sleep Timing, Circadian Phase, and Phase Angle of Entrainment across Human Adolescence

PubMed Central

Crowley, Stephanie J.; Van Reen, Eliza; LeBourgeois, Monique K.; Acebo, Christine; Tarokh, Leila; Seifer, Ronald; Barker, David H.; Carskadon, Mary A.

2014-01-01

The aim of this descriptive analysis was to examine sleep timing, circadian phase, and phase angle of entrainment across adolescence in a longitudinal study design. Ninety-four adolescents participated; 38 (21 boys) were 9–10 years (“younger cohort”) and 56 (30 boys) were 15–16 years (“older cohort”) at the baseline assessment. Participants completed a baseline and then follow-up assessments approximately every six months for 2.5 years. At each assessment, participants wore a wrist actigraph for at least one week at home to measure self-selected sleep timing before salivary dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) phase – a marker of the circadian timing system – was measured in the laboratory. Weekday and weekend sleep onset and offset and weekend-weekday differences were derived from actigraphy. Phase angles were the time durations from DLMO to weekday sleep onset and offset times. Each cohort showed later sleep onset (weekend and weekday), later weekend sleep offset, and later DLMO with age. Weekday sleep offset shifted earlier with age in the younger cohort and later in the older cohort after age 17. Weekend-weekday sleep offset differences increased with age in the younger cohort and decreased in the older cohort after age 17. DLMO to sleep offset phase angle narrowed with age in the younger cohort and became broader in the older cohort. The older cohort had a wider sleep onset phase angle compared to the younger cohort; however, an age-related phase angle increase was seen in the younger cohort only. Individual differences were seen in these developmental trajectories. This descriptive study indicated that circadian phase and self-selected sleep delayed across adolescence, though school-day sleep offset advanced until no longer in high school, whereupon offset was later. Phase angle changes are described as an interaction of developmental changes in sleep regulation interacting with psychosocial factors (e.g., bedtime autonomy). PMID:25380248

Successful minority recruitment and adherence in physical activity Internet-based research: the WIN study.

PubMed

Frierson, Georita M; Morrow, James R; Vidales, Andrew

2012-01-01

Researchers studying physical activity often face challenges dealing with recruitment and resources, particularly when conducting longitudinal Internet-based research. Commonly raised methodological problems such as minority recruitment, participant commitment, and participant-staff involvement are addressed through a theoretically driven recruitment and adherence protocol in The Women's Exercise Injuries: Incidence and Risk Factors (WIN) Internet-based study. The objectives of this paper were to review and suggest solutions to problems of: (1) low recruitment of diverse samples, (2) low adherence, and (3) staffing needs. We recruited 1303 community-dwelling women and followed them through a multiple-phase, longitudinal, Internet-based study. Recruitment and adherence data were analyzed through descriptive methods and logistic regressions to examine participant adherence and sociodemographic factors and predictors of who entered the long-term phase of the study. We successfully retained 71.6% of the sample through 4 recruitment phases. Twenty-seven percent of the initially recruited sample was racial/ethnically diverse, 24% began the long-term phase, and 23% completed. Several strategies to enhance participant commitment were successfully used during the practice phase, providing a successful, low staff to participant ratio. Logistic regression indicated being married, being older, and having greater Internet skills were predictive of successfully entering the long-term phase of the study. Recruitment and compliance protocols were successful in meeting overall and racial/ethnic enrollment and recruitment goals. The theoretically based practice phase techniques were successful in re-engaging noncompliant participants. Strategies for minority enrollment and compliance are evaluated.

Equivalent Longitudinal Area Distributions of the B-58 and XB-70-1 Airplanes for Use in Wave Drag and Sonic Boom Calculations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tinetti, Ana F.; Maglieri, Domenic J.; Driver, Cornelius; Bobbitt, Percy J.

2011-01-01

A detailed geometric description, in wave drag format, has been developed for the Convair B-58 and North American XB-70-1 delta wing airplanes. These descriptions have been placed on electronic files, the contents of which are described in this paper They are intended for use in wave drag and sonic boom calculations. Included in the electronic file and in the present paper are photographs and 3-view drawings of the two airplanes, tabulated geometric descriptions of each vehicle and its components, and comparisons of the electronic file outputs with existing data. The comparisons include a pictorial of the two airplanes based on the present geometric descriptions, and cross-sectional area distributions for both the normal Mach cuts and oblique Mach cuts above and below the vehicles. Good correlation exists between the area distributions generated in the late 1950s and 1960s and the present files. The availability of these electronic files facilitates further validation of sonic boom prediction codes through the use of two existing data bases on these airplanes, which were acquired in the 1960s and have not been fully exploited.

The Effect of Geographic Location on Circannual Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Plasma Concentrations in Horses in Australia.

PubMed

Secombe, C J; Tan, R H H; Perara, D I; Byrne, D P; Watts, S P; Wearn, J G

2017-09-01

Longitudinal evaluation of plasma endogenous ACTH concentration in clinically normal horses has not been investigated in the Southern Hemisphere. To longitudinally determine monthly upper reference limits for plasma ACTH in 2 disparate Australian geographic locations and to examine whether location affected the circannual rhythm of endogenous ACTH in the 2 groups of horses over a 12-month period. Clinically normal horses <20 years of age from 4 properties (institutional herd and client owned animals) in Perth (n = 40) and Townsville (n = 41) were included in the study. A prospective longitudinal descriptive study to determine the upper reference limit and confidence intervals for plasma ACTH in each geographic location using the ASVCP reference interval (RI) guidelines, for individual months and monthly groupings for 12 consecutive months. Plasma endogenous ACTH concentrations demonstrated a circannual rhythm. The increase in endogenous ACTH was not confined to the autumnal months but was associated with changes in photoperiod. During the quiescent period, plasma ACTH concentrations were lower, ≤43 pg/mL (upper limit of the 90% confidence interval (CI)) in horses from Perth and ≤67 pg/mL (upper limit of the 90% CI) in horses from Townsville, than at the acrophase, ≤94 pg/mL (upper limit of the 90% CI) in horses from Perth, ≤101 pg/mL (upper limit of the 90% CI) in horses from Townsville. Circannual rhythms of endogenous ACTH concentrations vary between geographic locations, this could be due to changes in photoperiod or other unknown factors, and upper reference limits should be determined for specific locations. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

The impact of anticyclonic mesoscale structures on microbial food webs in the Mediterranean Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christaki, U.; van Wambeke, F.; Lefevre, D.; Lagaria, A.; Prieur, L.; Pujo-Pay, M.; Grattepanche, J.-D.; Colombet, J.; Psarra, S.; Dolan, J. R.; Sime-Ngando, T.; Conan, P.; Weinbauer, M. G.; Moutin, T.

2011-01-01

The abundance and activity of the major members of the heterotrophic microbial community - from viruses to ciliates - were studied along a longitudinal transect across the Mediterranean Sea in the summer of 2008. The Mediterranean Sea is characterized by a west to the east gradient of deepening of DCM (deep chlorophyll maximum) and increasing oligotrophy reflected in gradients of heterotrophic microbial biomass and production. However, within this longitudinal trend, hydrological mesoscale features exist and likely influence microbial dynamics. We show here the importance of mesoscale structures by a description of the structure and function of the microbial food web through an investigation of 3 geographically distant eddies within a longitudinal transect. Three selected sites each located in the center of an anticyclonic eddy were intensively investigated: in the Algero-Provencal Basin (St. A), the Ionian Basin (St. B), and the Levantine Basin (St. C). The 3 geographically distant eddies showed the lowest values of the different heterotrophic compartments of the microbial food web, and except for viruses in site C, all stocks were higher in the neighboring stations outside the eddies. During our study the 3 eddies showed equilibrium between GCP (Gross Community Production) and DCR (Dark Community Respiration); moreover, the west-east (W-E) gradient was evident in terms of heterotrophic biomass but not in terms of production. Means of integrated PPp values were higher at site B (~190 mg C m-2 d-1) and about 15% lower at sites A and C (~160 mg C m-2 d-1). Net community production fluxes were similar at all three stations exhibiting equilibrium between gross community production and dark community respiration.

Longitudinal Hypertension Outcomes at Four Student-Run Free Clinic Sites.

PubMed

Smith, Sunny D; Rojas, Steven M; Huang, Junwen; Yang, Kuangyi; Vaida, Florin

2017-01-01

Student-Run Free Clinics (SRFCs) play a significant role in medical education yet there is minimal information about patient outcomes over time in this setting. The purpose of this study was to assess longitudinal outcomes of hypertension management during routine care at four SRFC sites, while comparing control rates with national standards, and examining for characteristics independently associated with uncontrolled hypertension. The authors conducted a retrospective medical record review of visits from January 2004 through April 2016 with an initial visit for hypertension and a follow-up visit 9 to 15 months later. Hypertension control was analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t tests, logistic regression, and a longitudinal linear mixed-effects model. This study included 496 patients and 4,798 visits. The mean age was 50.9 (SD 10.8) years old, 71.2% (346) were Latinos, 63.3% (314) were Spanish speaking, and 15.5% (72) were homeless. Mean blood pressure was reduced from 141.6 (SD 21.8)/85.1 (SD 13.2) to 132.1 (SD 17.3)/79.4 (SD10.8), a decrease of 9.5 (CI 7.4, 11.5)/5.7 (CI 4.4, 7.0) mmHg. Blood pressure was significantly reduced within the first month of treatment, and this reduction was sustained throughout the follow-up period. Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) definition (<140/<90), blood pressure was controlled in 59.7% (296/496) of patients. No significant differences in control were noted based on gender, ethnicity, language, housing status, or clinic site. SRFCs can provide effective long-term hypertension management and achieve rates of control that exceed national averages despite serving those least likely to be controlled.

Delusional parasitosis on the psychiatric consultation service – a longitudinal perspective: case study

PubMed Central

Pansare, Neha; Tobia, Anthony; Bisen, Viwek; Kaufman, Kenneth R.

2017-01-01

Background Delusional parasitosis is infrequently seen in hospital-based consultation–liaison psychiatry. Aims Although there are many publications on delusional parasitosis, this report reviews a unique case that was diagnosed during a hospital admission and treated over the next 36 months. Method Case report and literature review. Results This case report describes a 65-year-old man who was diagnosed with delusional parasitosis during a hospital admission for congestive heart failure and acute kidney injury. A longitudinal description of the patient’s condition during the hospital stay and in the 36 months following discharge, during which time he was treated by a consultation psychiatrist, is provided. Conclusions In discussing the treatment of a challenging presentation, this case demonstrates the opportunity for consultation psychiatrists to initiate care in patients who might not otherwise seek psychiatric services. Patients with somatic delusions represent one group of patients who are unlikely to independently seek psychiatric treatment. Declaration of interest None. Copyright and usage © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2017. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Non-Commercial, No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) license. PMID:28630746

Generalized extended Navier-Stokes theory: multiscale spin relaxation in molecular fluids.

PubMed

Hansen, J S

2013-09-01

This paper studies the relaxation of the molecular spin angular velocity in the framework of generalized extended Navier-Stokes theory. Using molecular dynamics simulations, it is shown that for uncharged diatomic molecules the relaxation time decreases with increasing molecular moment of inertia per unit mass. In the regime of large moment of inertia the fast relaxation is wave-vector independent and dominated by the coupling between spin and the fluid streaming velocity, whereas for small inertia the relaxation is slow and spin diffusion plays a significant role. The fast wave-vector-independent relaxation is also observed for highly packed systems. The transverse and longitudinal spin modes have, to a good approximation, identical relaxation, indicating that the longitudinal and transverse spin viscosities have same value. The relaxation is also shown to be isomorphic invariant. Finally, the effect of the coupling in the zero frequency and wave-vector limit is quantified by a characteristic length scale; if the system dimension is comparable to this length the coupling must be included into the fluid dynamical description. It is found that the length scale is independent of moment of inertia but dependent on the state point.

Risk factors for first time incidence sciatica: a systematic review.

PubMed

Cook, Chad E; Taylor, Jeffrey; Wright, Alexis; Milosavljevic, Steven; Goode, Adam; Whitford, Maureen

2014-06-01

Characteristically, sciatica involves radiating leg pain that follows a dermatomal pattern along the distribution of the sciatic nerve. To our knowledge, there are no studies that have investigated risk factors associated with first time incidence sciatica. The purpose of the systematic review was to identify the longitudinal risk factors associated with first time incidence sciatica and to report incidence rates for the condition. For the purposes of this review, first time incidence sciatica was defined as either of the following: 1) no prior history of sciatica or 2) transition from a pain-free state to sciatica. Studies included subjects of any age from longitudinal, observational, cohort designs. The study was a systematic review. Eight of the 239 articles identified by electronic search strategies met the inclusion criteria. Risk factors and their respective effect estimates were reported using descriptive analysis and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Modifiable risk factors included smoking, obesity, occupational factors and health status. Non-modifiable factors included age, gender and social class. Incidence rates varied among the included studies, in part reflecting the variability in the operationalized definition of sciatica but ranged from <1% to 37%. A majority of the identified risk factors associated with first time sciatica are modifiable, suggesting the potential benefits of primary prevention. In addition, those risk factors are also associated with unhealthy lifestyles, which may function concomitantly toward the development of sciatica. Sciatica as a diagnosis is inconsistently defined among studies. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A review of longitudinal community and hospital placements in medical education: BEME Guide No. 26.

PubMed

Thistlethwaite, J E; Bartle, Emma; Chong, Amy Ai Ling; Dick, Marie-Louise; King, David; Mahoney, Sarah; Papinczak, Tracey; Tucker, George

2013-08-01

Traditionally, clinical learning for medical students consists of short-term and opportunistic encounters with primarily acute-care patients, supervised by an array of clinician preceptors. In response to educational concerns, some medical schools have developed longitudinal placements rather than short-term rotations. Many of these longitudinal placements are also integrated across the core clinical disciplines, are commonly termed longitudinal integrated clerkships (LICs) and often situated in rural locations. This review aimed to explore, analyse and synthesise evidence relating to the effectiveness of longitudinal placements, for medical students in particular to determine which aspects are most critical to successful outcomes. Extensive search of the literature resulted in 1679 papers and abstracts being considered, with 53 papers ultimately being included for review. The review group coded these 53 papers according to standard BEME review guidelines. Specific information extracted included: data relating to effectiveness, the location of the study, number of students involved, format, length and description of placement, the learning outcomes, research design, the impact level for evaluation and the main evaluation methods and findings. We applied a realist approach to consider what works well for whom and under what circumstances. The early LICs were all community-based immersion programs, situated in general practice and predominantly in rural settings. More recent LIC innovations were situated in tertiary-level specialist ambulatory care in urban settings. Not all placements were integrated across medical disciplines but were longitudinal in relation to location, patient base and/or supervision. Twenty-four papers focussed on one of four programs from different viewpoints. Most evaluations were student opinion (survey, interview, focus group) and/or student assessment results. Placements varied from one half day per week for six months through to full time immersion for more than 12 months. The predominant mechanism relating to factors influencing effectiveness was continuity of one or more of: patient care, supervision and mentorship, peer group and location. The success of LICs and participation satisfaction depended on the preparation of both students and clinical supervisors, and the level of support each received from their academic institutions. Longitudinal placements, including longitudinal integrated placements, are gaining in popularity as an alternative to traditional block rotations. Although relatively few established LICs currently exist, medical schools may look for ways to incorporate some of the principles of LICs more generally in their clinical education programmes. Further research is required to ascertain the optimum length of time for placements depending on the defined learning outcomes and timing within the programme, which students are most likely to benefit and the effects of context such as location and type of integration.

A prospective, longitudinal study of growth, nutrition and sedentary behaviour in young children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Bell, Kristie L; Boyd, Roslyn N; Tweedy, Sean M; Weir, Kelly A; Stevenson, Richard D; Davies, Peter S W

2010-04-06

Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of physical disability in childhood, occurring in one in 500 children. It is caused by a static brain lesion in the neonatal period leading to a range of activity limitations. Oral motor and swallowing dysfunction, poor nutritional status and poor growth are reported frequently in young children with cerebral palsy and may impact detrimentally on physical and cognitive development, health care utilisation, participation and quality of life in later childhood. The impact of modifiable factors (dietary intake and physical activity) on growth, nutritional status, and body composition (taking into account motor severity) in this population is poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the relationship between a range of factors - linear growth, body composition, oral motor and feeding dysfunction, dietary intake, and time spent sedentary (adjusting for motor severity) - and health outcomes, health care utilisation, participation and quality of life in young children with cerebral palsy (from corrected age of 18 months to 5 years). This prospective, longitudinal, population-based study aims to recruit a total of 240 young children with cerebral palsy born in Queensland, Australia between 1st September 2006 and 31st December 2009 (80 from each birth year). Data collection will occur at three time points for each child: 17 - 25 months corrected age, 36 +/- 1 months and 60 +/- 1 months. Outcomes to be assessed include linear growth, body weight, body composition, dietary intake, oral motor function and feeding ability, time spent sedentary, participation, medical resource use and quality of life. This protocol describes a study that will provide the first longitudinal description of the relationship between functional attainment and modifiable lifestyle factors (dietary intake and habitual time spent sedentary) and their impact on the growth, body composition and nutritional status of young children with cerebral palsy across all levels of functional ability.

A prospective, longitudinal study of growth, nutrition and sedentary behaviour in young children with cerebral palsy

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of physical disability in childhood, occurring in one in 500 children. It is caused by a static brain lesion in the neonatal period leading to a range of activity limitations. Oral motor and swallowing dysfunction, poor nutritional status and poor growth are reported frequently in young children with cerebral palsy and may impact detrimentally on physical and cognitive development, health care utilisation, participation and quality of life in later childhood. The impact of modifiable factors (dietary intake and physical activity) on growth, nutritional status, and body composition (taking into account motor severity) in this population is poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the relationship between a range of factors - linear growth, body composition, oral motor and feeding dysfunction, dietary intake, and time spent sedentary (adjusting for motor severity) - and health outcomes, health care utilisation, participation and quality of life in young children with cerebral palsy (from corrected age of 18 months to 5 years). Design/Methods This prospective, longitudinal, population-based study aims to recruit a total of 240 young children with cerebral palsy born in Queensland, Australia between 1st September 2006 and 31st December 2009 (80 from each birth year). Data collection will occur at three time points for each child: 17 - 25 months corrected age, 36 ± 1 months and 60 ± 1 months. Outcomes to be assessed include linear growth, body weight, body composition, dietary intake, oral motor function and feeding ability, time spent sedentary, participation, medical resource use and quality of life. Discussion This protocol describes a study that will provide the first longitudinal description of the relationship between functional attainment and modifiable lifestyle factors (dietary intake and habitual time spent sedentary) and their impact on the growth, body composition and nutritional status of young children with cerebral palsy across all levels of functional ability. PMID:20370929

Primary care assessment from a male population perspective.

PubMed

Silva, Abiúde Nadabe E; Silva, Simone Albino da; Silva, Ana Roberta Vilarouca da; Araújo, Telma Maria Evangelista de; Rebouças, Cristiana Brasil Almeida; Nogueira, Lídya Tolstenko

2018-01-01

to evaluate the quality of primary health care from the perspective of the male population. a cross-sectional descriptive-evaluative study conducted at the family health units of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, with the male population being interviewed through the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT). 301 participants with mean age of 51.34 years, married, incomplete elementary school and monthly income between one and two minimum wages. The evaluation was positive for the following care domains: utilization, information system and longitudinality. The features access, comprehensiveness of care, service available and service provided, family centeredness and community orientation obtained a negative evaluation. the features of primary care are unsatisfactory, indicating the need to expand access to services offered and to qualify care for male users.

Biomechanical properties of the atlantoaxial joint with naturally-occurring instability in a toy breed dog. A comparative descriptive cadaveric study.

PubMed

Forterre, F; Precht, C; Riedinger, B; Bürki, A

2015-01-01

The biomechanical properties of the atlanto-axial joint in a young Yorkshire Terrier dog with spontaneous atlantoaxial instability were compared to those of another young toy breed dog with a healthy atlantoaxial joint. The range-of-motion was increased in flexion and lateral bending in the unstable joint. In addition, lateral bending led to torsion and dorsal dislocation of the axis within the atlas. On gross examination, the dens ligaments were absent and a longitudinal tear of the tectorial membrane was observed. These findings suggest that both ventral and lateral flexion may lead to severe spinal cord compression, and that the tectorial membrane may play a protective role in some cases of atlantoaxial instability.

Systemic-constructivist couple therapy (SCCT): Description of approach, theoretical advances, and published longitudinal evidence.

PubMed

Reid, David W; Doell, Faye K; Dalton, E Jane; Ahmad, Saunia

2008-12-01

The systemic-constructivist approach to studying and benefiting couples was derived from qualitative and quantitative research on distressed couples over the past 10 years. Systemic-constructivist couple therapy (SCCT) is the clinical intervention that accompanies the approach. SCCT guides the therapist to work with both the intrapersonal and the interpersonal aspects of marriage while also integrating the social-environmental context of the couple. The theory that underlies SCCT is explained, including concepts such as we-ness and interpersonal processing. The primary components of the therapy are described. Findings described previously in an inaugural monograph containing extensive research demonstrating the long-term utility of SCCT are reviewed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).

Description, dissection, and subsampling of Apollo 14 core sample 14230

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fryxell, R.; Heiken, G.

1971-01-01

Core sample 14230, collected at Triplet Crater near the Fra Mauro landing site of the Apollo 14 mission, was dissected in greater detail than any previous core. Sediment from the actual lunar surface was missing, and 6.7 grams of sediment were removed from the base of the core for a portion of the biotest prime sample. Upper and lower portions of the original 70.7-gram core (12.5 centimeters long) were fractured excessively but not mixed stratigraphically. Three major morphologic units and 11 subdivisions were recognized. Dissection provided 55 subsamples in addition to three others made by removing longitudinal sections of the core impregnated with n-butyl methacrylate for use as a permanent documentary record and for studies requiring particles of known orientation.

Radiation and matter: Electrodynamics postulates and Lorenz gauge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bobrov, V. B.; Trigger, S. A.; van Heijst, G. J.; Schram, P. P.

2016-11-01

In general terms, we have considered matter as the system of charged particles and quantized electromagnetic field. For consistent description of the thermodynamic properties of matter, especially in an extreme state, the problem of quantization of the longitudinal and scalar potentials should be solved. In this connection, we pay attention that the traditional postulates of electrodynamics, which claim that only electric and magnetic fields are observable, is resolved by denial of the statement about validity of the Maxwell equations for microscopic fields. The Maxwell equations, as the generalization of experimental data, are valid only for averaged values. We show that microscopic electrodynamics may be based on postulation of the d'Alembert equations for four-vector of the electromagnetic field potential. The Lorenz gauge is valid for the averages potentials (and provides the implementation of the Maxwell equations for averages). The suggested concept overcomes difficulties under the electromagnetic field quantization procedure being in accordance with the results of quantum electrodynamics. As a result, longitudinal and scalar photons become real rather than virtual and may be observed in principle. The longitudinal and scalar photons provide not only the Coulomb interaction of charged particles, but also allow the electrical Aharonov-Bohm effect.

Modelling engagement in dementia through behaviour. Contribution for socially interactive robotics.

PubMed

Perugia, Giulia; Diaz Doladeras, Marta; Mallofre, Andreu Catala; Rauterberg, Matthias; Barakova, Emilia

2017-07-01

In this paper, we present a novel tool to measure engagement in people with dementia playing board games and interacting with a social robot, Pleo. We carried out two studies to reach a comprehensive inventory of behaviours accounting for engagement in dementia. The first one is an exploratory study aimed at modelling engagement in cognitive board games. The second one is a longitudinal study to investigate how people with dementia express engagement in cognitive games and in interactions with social robots. We adopted a technique coming from Ethology to mould behaviour, the ethogram. Ethogram is founded on low level behaviours, and allows hierarchical structuring. Herein, we present preliminary results consisting in the description of two ethograms and in their structuring obtained through thematic analysis. Such results show that an underlying structure of engagement exists across activities, and that different activities trigger different behavioural displays of engagement that adhere to such a structure.

Effectiveness of a computerised system of patient education in clinical practice: a longitudinal nested cohort study.

PubMed

Su, Chia-Hsien; Li, Tsai-Chung; Cho, Der-Yang; Ma, Wei-Fen; Chang, Yu-Shan; Lee, Tsung-Han; Huang, Li-Chi

2018-05-03

Developing electronic health record information systems is an international trend for promoting the integration of health information and enhancing the quality of medical services. Patient education is a frequent intervention in nursing care, and recording the amount and quality of patient education have become essential in the nursing record. The aims of this study are (1): to develop a high-quality Patient Education Assessment and Description Record System (PEADRS) in the electronic medical record (2); to examine the effectiveness of the PEADRS on documentation and nurses' satisfaction (3); to facilitate communication and cooperation between professionals. A quasi-experimental design and random sampling will be used. The participants are nurses who are involved in patient education by using traditional record or the PEADRS at a medical centre. A prospective longitudinal nested cohort study will be conducted to compare the effectiveness of the PEADRS, including (1): the length of nursing documentation (2); satisfaction with using the PEADRS; and (3) the benefit to professional cooperation. Patient privacy will be protected according to Electronic Medical Record Management Practices of the hospital. This study develops a patient education digital record system, which would profit the quality of clinical practice in health education. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at scientific conferences. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Clinical and Biological Insights from the University of California San Francisco Prospective and Longitudinal Cohort.

PubMed

Benn, Bryan S; Lehman, Zoe; Kidd, Sharon A; Ho, Melissa; Sun, Sara; Ramstein, Joris; Arger, Nicholas K; Nguyen, Christine P; Su, Robert; Gomez, Antonio; Gelfand, Jeffrey M; Koth, Laura L

2017-10-01

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by non-necrotizing granulomas in involved organs, most commonly the lung. Description of patient characteristics in the Western United States is limited. Furthermore, blood-based measures that relate to clinical sarcoidosis phenotypes are lacking. We present an analysis of a prospective, longitudinal sarcoidosis cohort at a Northern Californian academic medical center. We enrolled 126 sarcoidosis subjects and 64 healthy controls and recorded baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. We used regression models to identify factors independently associated with pulmonary physiology. We tested whether blood transcript levels at study entry could relate to longitudinal changes in pulmonary physiology. White, non-Hispanics composed ~70% of subjects. Hispanics and Blacks had a diagnostic biopsy at an age ~7 years younger than whites. Obstructive, but not restrictive, physiology characterized Scadding Stage IV patients. Subjects reporting use of immunosuppression had worse FEV1%p, FVC%p, and DLCO%p compared to subjects never treated, regardless of Scadding stage. We defined sarcoidosis disease activity by a drop in pulmonary function over 36 months and found that subjects meeting this definition had significant repression of blood gene transcripts related to T cell receptor signaling pathways, referred to as the "TCR factor." Obstructive pulmonary physiology defined Stage IV patients which were mostly white, non-Hispanics. Genes comprising the composite gene expression score, TCR factor, may represent a blood-derived measure of T-cell activity and an indirect measure of active sarcoidosis inflammation. Validation of this measure could translate into individualized treatment for sarcoidosis patients.

Defining the Process of a Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Program: Lessons Learnt From Cardiac Assessment of Elite Soccer Players in the United Kingdom.

PubMed

Speers, Christopher; Seth, Ajai Narain; Patel, Kiran Chhaganbhai; Rakhit, Dhrubo Jyoti; Gillett, Mark James

2017-12-14

Retrospectively analyze the cardiac assessment process for elite soccer players, and provide team physicians with a systematic guide to managing longitudinal cardiac risk. Descriptive Epidemiology Study. Cardiac assessments incorporating clinical examination, 12-lead ECG, echocardiography, and health questionnaire. Soccer players at 5 professional clubs in England, the United Kingdom. Data was retrospectively collected, inspected, and analyzed to determine their clinical management and subsequent follow-up. Over 2 years, 265 soccer players, aged 13 to 37 years with 66% of white European ethnicity, were included in the cohort. Eleven percent had "not-normal" assessments, of these assessments, 83% were considered gray screens, falling into three broad categories: structural cardiac features (including valvular abnormalities), functional cardiac features, and electrocardiogram changes. After cardiology consultation, all assessments were grouped into low, enhanced and high-risk categories for ongoing longitudinal risk management. Overall clear-cut pathology was identified in 2%. Cardiovascular assessment is a vital tool in identifying athletes at risk of sudden cardiac death to mitigate their risk through surveillance, intervention, or participation restriction. The decision whether a player is fit to play or not requires a robust risk assessment followed by input from a multidisciplinary team that includes both the team physician and cardiologist. This educational article proposes a clinical management pathway to aid clinicians with this process. Sudden cardiac death is the important medical cause of death during exercise. The team physician should assume responsibility for the management of the longitudinal risk of their players' cardiac assessments in conjunction with sports cardiologist.

Reference as an Interactive Achievement: Sequential and Longitudinal Analyses of Labeling Interactions in Shared Book Reading and Free Play.

PubMed

Heller, Vivien; Rohlfing, Katharina J

2017-01-01

The present study examines how young children and their caregivers establish reference by jointly developing stable patterns of bodily, perceptual, and interactive coordination. Our longitudinal investigation focuses on two mother-child dyads engaged in picture-book reading and play. The dyads were videotaped at home once every 6 weeks while the children aged from 9 to 24 months. Inspired by conversation analysis and multimodal analysis, our developmental approach builds on the insight that the situated and embodied production of reference is fundamentally an interactive achievement. To examine the acquisition of reference, we developed a descriptive instrument that takes account of not only the dyad's joint accomplishment but also each participant's contributions to it. The instrument is based on the sequential reconstruction of the jobs that both participants have to accomplish jointly in order to achieve reference: establishing visual perception as a relevant resource, constituting a domain of scrutiny, locating a target, and construing the (meaning of the) referent. Methodologically, these jobs serve as a tertium comparationis for the longitudinal comparison of both the adult's as well as the child's contributions to establishing reference. We used this instrument to examine (1) what bodily and verbal resources the participants employed, and (2) how their contributions to accomplishing the jobs changed over time. Findings showed that the acquisition of reference was closely related to the child's increasing ability to recognize, fulfill, and set up conditional relevancies. We conclude that the adult's dynamic and contextualized use of conditional relevancies, recipient design, and observability is a crucial driving force in the acquisition of reference.

Momentum transfer in relativistic heavy ion charge-exchange reactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Townsend, L. W.; Wilson, J. W.; Khan, F.; Khandelwal, G. S.

1991-01-01

Relativistic heavy ion charge-exchange reactions yield fragments (Delta-Z = + 1) whose longitudinal momentum distributions are downshifted by larger values than those associated with the remaining fragments (Delta-Z = 1, -2,...). Kinematics alone cannot account for the observed downshifts; therefore, an additional contribution from collision dynamics must be included. In this work, an optical model description of collision momentum transfer is used to estimate the additional dynamical momentum downshift. Good agreement between theoretical estimates and experimental data is obtained.

Longitudinal Assessment of Lung Cancer Progression in Mice Using the Sodium Iodide Symporter Reporter Gene and SPECT/CT Imaging.

PubMed

Price, Dominique N; McBride, Amber A; Anton, Martina; Kusewitt, Donna F; Norenberg, Jeffrey P; MacKenzie, Debra A; Thompson, Todd A; Muttil, Pavan

2016-01-01

Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate of any tissue-specific cancer in both men and women. Research continues to investigate novel drugs and therapies to mitigate poor treatment efficacy, but the lack of a good descriptive lung cancer animal model for preclinical drug evaluation remains an obstacle. Here we describe the development of an orthotopic lung cancer animal model which utilizes the human sodium iodide symporter gene (hNIS; SLC5A5) as an imaging reporter gene for the purpose of non-invasive, longitudinal tumor quantification. hNIS is a glycoprotein that naturally transports iodide (I-) into thyroid cells and has the ability to symport the radiotracer 99mTc-pertechnetate (99mTcO4-). A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells were genetically modified with plasmid or lentiviral vectors to express hNIS. Modified cells were implanted into athymic nude mice to develop two tumor models: a subcutaneous and an orthotopic xenograft tumor model. Tumor progression was longitudinally imaged using SPECT/CT and quantified by SPECT voxel analysis. hNIS expression in lung tumors was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Additionally, hematoxylin and eosin staining and visual inspection of pulmonary tumors was performed. We observed that lentiviral transduction provided enhanced and stable hNIS expression in A549 cells. Furthermore, 99mTcO4- uptake and accumulation was observed within lung tumors allowing for imaging and quantification of tumor mass at two-time points. This study illustrates the development of an orthotopic lung cancer model that can be longitudinally imaged throughout the experimental timeline thus avoiding inter-animal variability and leading to a reduction in total animal numbers. Furthermore, our orthotopic lung cancer animal model is clinically relevant and the genetic modification of cells for SPECT/CT imaging can be translated to other tissue-specific tumor animal models.

Longitudinal Assessment of Lung Cancer Progression in Mice Using the Sodium Iodide Symporter Reporter Gene and SPECT/CT Imaging

PubMed Central

Anton, Martina; Kusewitt, Donna F.; Norenberg, Jeffrey P.; MacKenzie, Debra A.; Thompson, Todd A.; Muttil, Pavan

2016-01-01

Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate of any tissue-specific cancer in both men and women. Research continues to investigate novel drugs and therapies to mitigate poor treatment efficacy, but the lack of a good descriptive lung cancer animal model for preclinical drug evaluation remains an obstacle. Here we describe the development of an orthotopic lung cancer animal model which utilizes the human sodium iodide symporter gene (hNIS; SLC5A5) as an imaging reporter gene for the purpose of non-invasive, longitudinal tumor quantification. hNIS is a glycoprotein that naturally transports iodide (I-) into thyroid cells and has the ability to symport the radiotracer 99mTc-pertechnetate (99mTcO4-). A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells were genetically modified with plasmid or lentiviral vectors to express hNIS. Modified cells were implanted into athymic nude mice to develop two tumor models: a subcutaneous and an orthotopic xenograft tumor model. Tumor progression was longitudinally imaged using SPECT/CT and quantified by SPECT voxel analysis. hNIS expression in lung tumors was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Additionally, hematoxylin and eosin staining and visual inspection of pulmonary tumors was performed. We observed that lentiviral transduction provided enhanced and stable hNIS expression in A549 cells. Furthermore, 99mTcO4- uptake and accumulation was observed within lung tumors allowing for imaging and quantification of tumor mass at two-time points. This study illustrates the development of an orthotopic lung cancer model that can be longitudinally imaged throughout the experimental timeline thus avoiding inter-animal variability and leading to a reduction in total animal numbers. Furthermore, our orthotopic lung cancer animal model is clinically relevant and the genetic modification of cells for SPECT/CT imaging can be translated to other tissue-specific tumor animal models. PMID:28036366

Healthcare utilization in older patients using personal emergency response systems: an analysis of electronic health records and medical alert data : Brief Description: A Longitudinal Retrospective Analyses of healthcare utilization rates in older patients using Personal Emergency Response Systems from 2011 to 2015.

PubMed

Agboola, Stephen; Golas, Sara; Fischer, Nils; Nikolova-Simons, Mariana; Op den Buijs, Jorn; Schertzer, Linda; Kvedar, Joseph; Jethwani, Kamal

2017-04-18

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) are traditionally used as fall alert systems for older adults, a population that contributes an overwhelming proportion of healthcare costs in the United States. Previous studies focused mainly on qualitative evaluations of PERS without a longitudinal quantitative evaluation of healthcare utilization in users. To address this gap and better understand the needs of older patients on PERS, we analyzed longitudinal healthcare utilization trends in patients using PERS through the home care management service of a large healthcare organization. Retrospective, longitudinal analyses of healthcare and PERS utilization records of older patients over a 5-years period from 2011-2015. The primary outcome was to characterize the healthcare utilization of PERS patients. This outcome was assessed by 30-, 90-, and 180-day readmission rates, frequency of principal admitting diagnoses, and prevalence of conditions leading to potentially avoidable admissions based on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services classification criteria. The overall 30-day readmission rate was 14.2%, 90-days readmission rate was 34.4%, and 180-days readmission rate was 42.2%. While 30-day readmission rates did not increase significantly (p = 0.16) over the study period, 90-days (p = 0.03) and 180-days (p = 0.04) readmission rates did increase significantly. The top 5 most frequent principal diagnoses for inpatient admissions included congestive heart failure (5.7%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (4.6%), dysrhythmias (4.3%), septicemia (4.1%), and pneumonia (4.1%). Additionally, 21% of all admissions were due to conditions leading to potentially avoidable admissions in either institutional or non-institutional settings (16% in institutional settings only). Chronic medical conditions account for the majority of healthcare utilization in older patients using PERS. Results suggest that PERS data combined with electronic medical records data can provide useful insights that can be used to improve health outcomes in older patients.

Rotorcraft control system design for uncertain vehicle dynamics using quantitative feedback theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, R. A.

1994-01-01

Quantitative Feedback Theory describes a frequency-domain technique for the design of multi-input, multi-output control systems which must meet time or frequency domain performance criteria when specified uncertainty exists in the linear description of the vehicle dynamics. This theory is applied to the design of the longitudinal flight control system for a linear model of the BO-105C rotorcraft. Uncertainty in the vehicle model is due to the variation in the vehicle dynamics over a range of airspeeds from 0-100 kts. For purposes of exposition, the vehicle description contains no rotor or actuator dynamics. The design example indicates the manner in which significant uncertainty exists in the vehicle model. The advantage of using a sequential loop closure technique to reduce the cost of feedback is demonstrated by example.

River banks and channel axis curvature: Effects on the longitudinal dispersion in alluvial rivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lanzoni, Stefano; Ferdousi, Amena; Tambroni, Nicoletta

2018-03-01

The fate and transport of soluble contaminants released in natural streams are strongly dependent on the spatial variations of the flow field and of the bed topography. These variations are essentially related to the presence of the channel banks and to the planform configuration of the channel. Large velocity gradients arise near to the channel banks, where the flow depth decreases to zero. Moreover, single thread alluvial rivers are seldom straight, and usually exhibit meandering planforms and a bed topography that deviates from the plane configuration. Channel axis curvature and movable bed deformations drive secondary helical currents which enhance both cross sectional velocity gradients and transverse mixing, thus crucially influencing longitudinal dispersion. The present contribution sets up a rational framework which, assuming mild sloping banks and taking advantage of the weakly meandering character often exhibited by natural streams, leads to an analytical estimate of the contribution to longitudinal dispersion associated with spatial non-uniformities of the flow field. The resulting relationship stems from a physics-based modeling of the flow in natural rivers, and expresses the bend averaged longitudinal dispersion coefficient as a function of the relevant hydraulic and morphologic parameters. The treatment of the problem is river specific, since it relies on an explicit spatial description, although linearized, of the flow field that establishes in the investigated river. Comparison with field data available from tracer tests supports the robustness of the proposed framework, given also the complexity of the processes that affect dispersion dynamics in real streams.

Perceived HIV stigma and life satisfaction among persons living with HIV infection in five African countries: a longitudinal study.

PubMed

Greeff, Minrie; Uys, Leana R; Wantland, Dean; Makoae, Lucy; Chirwa, Maureen; Dlamini, Priscilla; Kohi, Thecla W; Mullan, Joseph; Naidoo, Joanne Rachel; Cuca, Yvette; Holzemer, William L

2010-04-01

Descriptive literature exists on the effects of HIV-related stigma on the lives of people living with HIV infection but few empirical studies have measured perceived HIV stigma nor explored its potential relationship to quality of life (QoL) over time in people living with HIV infection. A cohort study of a purposive convenient sample of 1457 HIV-positive persons was followed for one year in a longitudinal design that examined the effects of stigma and the life satisfaction dimension of the HIV/AIDS Targeted Quality of Life Instrument (HAT-QOL) over time, as well as the influence of other demographic and assessed social variables. Data were collected three times about six months apart from December 2005 to March 2007. The average age in this sample was 36.8 years (SD=8.78, n=1454) and 72.7% (n=1056) were female. The initial sample of participants was balanced among the five countries: Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, and Tanzania. An attrition analysis demonstrated few demographic differences between those who remained in the study 12 months later compared with those at baseline. However, those who completed the study and who answered the QoL questions had significantly higher life satisfaction scores at baseline than those who left the study. There was a general increase in the report of life satisfaction QoL in all countries over the one-year period. However, as stigma scores increased over time there was a significant decrease in life satisfaction with differing rates of change by country. Certain factors had a positive influence on life satisfaction QoL: positive HIV media reports, taking antiretrovirals, reduced symptom intensity, and disclosure to a friend. This cohort study is the first to document empirically in a longitudinal sample, that perceived HIV stigma has a significantly negative and constant impact upon life satisfaction QoL for people with HIV infection. In the absence of any intervention to address and reduce stigmatization, individuals will continue to report poorer life satisfaction evidenced by reduced living enjoyment, loss of control in life, decreased social interactivity, and decreased perceived health status. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A descriptive analysis of medical health services utilization of Veterans living in Ontario: a retrospective cohort study using administrative healthcare data.

PubMed

Aiken, Alice B; Mahar, Alyson L; Kurdyak, Paul; Whitehead, Marlo; Groome, Patti A

2016-08-04

Health services utilization by Veterans following release may be different than the general population as the result of occupational conditions, requirements and injuries. This study provides the first longitudinal overview of Canadian Veteran healthcare utilization in the Ontario public health system. This is a retrospective cohort study designed to use Ontario's provincial healthcare data to study the demographics and healthcare utilization of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) & RCMP Veterans living in Ontario. Veterans were eligible for the study if they released between January 1, 1990 and March 31, 2013. Databases at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences were linked by a unique identifier to study non-mental health related hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and physician visits. Overall and age-stratified descriptive statistics were calculated in five-year intervals following the date of release. The cohort is comprised of 23, 818 CAF or RCMP Veterans. Following entry into the provincial healthcare system, 82.6 % (95 % CI 82.1-83.1) of Veterans saw their family physician at least once over the first five years following release, 60.7 % (95 % CI 60.0-61.3) saw a non-mental health specialist, 40.8 % (95 % CI 40.2-41.5) went to the emergency department in that same time period and 9.9 % (9.5-10.3) were hospitalized for non-mental health related complaints. Patterns of non-mental health services utilization appeared to be time and service dependant. Stratifying health services utilization by age of the Veteran at entry into the provincial healthcare system revealed significant differences in service use and intensity. This study provides the first description of health services utilization by Veterans, following release from the CAF or RCMP. This work will inform the planning and delivery of support to Veterans in Ontario.

[Introduction to critical reading of articles: study design and biases].

PubMed

García Villar, C

2015-01-01

The critical evaluation of an article enables professionals to make good use of the new information and therefore has direct repercussions for the benefit of our patients. Before undertaking a detailed critical reading of the chosen article, we need to consider whether the study used the most appropriate design for the question it aimed to answer (i.e., whether the level of evidence is adequate). To do this, we need to know how to classify studies in function of their design (descriptive or analytical; prospective or retrospective; cross-sectional or longitudinal) as well as their correlation with the levels of evidence. In critical reading it is also important to know the main systematic errors or biases that can affect a study. Biases can appear in any phase of a study; they can affect the sample, the development of the study, or the measurement of the results. Copyright © 2014 SERAM. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Why do women stop smoking during pregnancy? Cigarettes taste and smell bad.

PubMed

Pletsch, Pamela K; Kratz, Anna Thornton

2004-08-01

There are high rates of cigarette smoking resumption among women who have quit smoking while pregnant, and the reasons for this are poorly understood. Our purpose in this study was to obtain an in-depth description of the context surrounding smoking behaviors during pregnancy and the first 3 months after women give birth in order to gain insight into the reasons women resume smoking. We used a longitudinal qualitative descriptive approach with in-depth interviews conducted early in pregnancy, at 36 weeks of pregnancy, and 3 months postpartum. Our purposive sample consisted of 15 pregnant women who had stopped smoking without assistance by their first prenatal visit. All women smoked mentholated cigarettes prior to pregnancy and 40% were primiparas. A thematic content analysis of 43 interviews revealed that the majority of women experienced an aversion to the taste or smell of tobacco smoke while pregnant and attributed these sensation changes to being pregnant. The taste and smell of tobacco smoke returned to prepregnancy states postpartum, and by 3 months postpartum 73% of the women had resumed smoking. This physiologic change can be conceptualized as a pregnancy-specific motivation for smoking cessation that can inform our efforts toward relapse prevention.

Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Near the End of Life: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study of Their Illness Experiences.

PubMed

Hansen, Lissi; Rosenkranz, Susan J; Vaccaro, Gina M; Chang, Michael F

2015-01-01

In the United States, the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rising. For those diagnosed with terminal HCC, there is no curative treatment and duration of survival is typically 1 to 2 years. Research on illness and treatment experiences toward the end of life for patients with terminal HCC is limited. The aim of this study was to explore the illness experiences of patients with terminal HCC as they approached the end of life. This study used a prospective, longitudinal descriptive design. Interview data were collected from 14 patients once a month for up to 6 months, for a total of 45 interviews. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Three major themes (illness perceptions, decision to start treatment, and navigating treatment over time) and 10 subthemes were identified that were reflected across time in all patient experiences. Patients faced challenges with symptom experiences, treatment decisions, and unmet information needs affecting their quality of life. Gaining knowledge about the challenges facing patients with HCC is crucial for designing interventions that optimize their quality of life. Healthcare professionals may improve the quality of life of patients with terminal HCC by eliciting patients' perceptions of their illness and treatment decisions, symptom experiences, and information needs as the disease progresses and providing symptom management and offering information tailored to their needs. Care for patients with HCC who are approaching the end of life should be multidisciplinary and include timely referral to palliative care.

Driving under the influence as a turning point? A register-based study on financial and social consequences among first-time male offenders.

PubMed

Oksanen, Atte; Aaltonen, Mikko; Kivivuori, Janne

2015-03-01

To examine gradual change in debt problems, divorce and income among men in Finland before and after a first conviction for driving under the influence (DUI). A register-based longitudinal study conducted in Finland between 1999 and 2013. A nationally representative sample of 70,659 Finnish males born between 1918 and 1983, and a subsample of males (n = 1782) who had their first DUI conviction during 2005-2012. Descriptive statistics showing the socio-demographic and economic determinants of DUI. The main analysis was based on a longitudinal, within-individual setting. The impact of DUI on debt problems, divorce and income was analysed using random effects regression models. DUI offenders were more likely to be younger and to have lower education and income than the non-DUI group. Criminal convictions were also more common among DUI offenders. Debt problems, divorce and loss of income were more likely after the DUI incident than before. The already increasing level of debt problems accelerated after the incident and divorce rates increased after the DUI incident, whereas the decrease in income was gradual over the whole observation period. Among men in Finland, DUI offences are more common among vulnerable social groups. The first drunk-driving conviction among men in Finland constitutes a significant life event that appears to increase the likelihood of financial problems and divorce. © 2014 Society for the Study of Addiction.

Revision of the genus Campylaimus (Diplopeltidae, Nematoda) with description of four new species from the Sea of Japan.

PubMed

Fadeeva, Natalia; Mordukhovich, Vladimir; Zograf, Julia

2016-05-02

Four new Campylaimus species are described from the deep-sea sediments of the Sea of Japan at depths of about 500‒3400 m. Campylaimus orientalis sp. nov. is characterized by having a body of moderate length, clearly annulated cuticle, a small rhomboid mouth opening which is displaced on the dorsal side of body, a gap between the unequal limbs of the amphid, prominent narrow longitudinal alae and cephalated spicules. Campylaimus minutus sp. nov. is characterized by having a cylindrical body, very weak annulations, amphids with a short dorsal limb (25-44% of pharynx length) and a ventral limb completely fused with lateral alae of equal width; and lateral alae extending from the base of the amphid to the tail tip. Campylaimus amphidialis sp. nov. is characterized by having the combination of a very long amphidial fovea occupying nearly the entire length of the pharynx; and a well defined boundary between the ventral amphid limb and lateral alae. The distinctive feature of Campylaimus pulcher sp. nov. is the elongated loop-shaped amphid with nearly equal parallel limbs and prominent narrow longitudinal alae; and cephalated spicules without a gubernaculum. The diagnosis of the genus Campylaimus is emended and an identification key to species, based mainly on form and length of amphidial fovea, width of lateral alae, and copulatory apparatus is given. The genus Campylaimus now includes nineteen valid species. Two species are considered as species inquirendae, mainly because of incomplete descriptions.

Effective kinetic description of the expanding overoccupied glasma

DOE PAGES

Tanji, Naoto; Venugopalan, Raju

2017-05-19

Here, we report on a numerical study of the Boltzmann equation including 2↔2 scatterings of gluons and quarks in an overoccupied glasma undergoing longitudinal expansion. We find that when a cascade of gluon number to the infrared occurs, corresponding to an infrared enhancement analogous to a transient Bose-Einstein condensate, gluon distributions qualitatively reproduce the results of classical-statistical simulations for the expanding glasma. These include key features of the distributions that are not anticipated in the “bottom-up” thermalization scenario. We also find that quark distributions, like those of gluons, satisfy self-similar scaling distributions in the overoccupied glasma. We discuss the implicationsmore » of these results for a deeper understanding of the self-similarity and universality of parton distributions in the glasma.« less

Dimensional reduction of a general advection–diffusion equation in 2D channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalinay, Pavol; Slanina, František

2018-06-01

Diffusion of point-like particles in a two-dimensional channel of varying width is studied. The particles are driven by an arbitrary space dependent force. We construct a general recurrence procedure mapping the corresponding two-dimensional advection-diffusion equation onto the longitudinal coordinate x. Unlike the previous specific cases, the presented procedure enables us to find the one-dimensional description of the confined diffusion even for non-conservative (vortex) forces, e.g. caused by flowing solvent dragging the particles. We show that the result is again the generalized Fick–Jacobs equation. Despite of non existing scalar potential in the case of vortex forces, the effective one-dimensional scalar potential, as well as the corresponding quasi-equilibrium and the effective diffusion coefficient can be always found.

Aerodynamic preliminary analysis system. Part 2: User's manual and program description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Divan, P.; Dunn, K.; Kojima, J.

1978-01-01

A comprehensive aerodynamic analysis program based on linearized potential theory is described. The solution treats thickness and attitude problems at subsonic and supersonic speeds. Three dimensional configurations with or without jet flaps having multiple nonplanar surfaces of arbitrary planform and open or closed slender bodies or noncircular contour are analyzed. Longitudinal and lateral-directional static and rotary derivative solutions are generated. The analysis is implemented on a time sharing system in conjunction with an input tablet digitizer and an interactive graphics input/output display and editing terminal to maximize its responsiveness to the preliminary analysis problem. Nominal case computation time of 45 CPU seconds on the CDC 175 for a 200 panel simulation indicates the program provides an efficient analysis for systematically performing various aerodynamic configuration tradeoff and evaluation studies.

Integrated flight/propulsion control system design based on a decentralized, hierarchical approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mattern, Duane; Garg, Sanjay; Bullard, Randy

1989-01-01

A sample integrated flight/propulsion control system design is presented for the piloted longitudinal landing task with a modern, statistically unstable fighter aircraft. The design procedure is summarized. The vehicle model used in the sample study is described, and the procedure for partitioning the integrated system is presented along with a description of the subsystems. The high-level airframe performance specifications and control design are presented and the control performance is evaluated. The generation of the low-level (engine) subsystem specifications from the airframe requirements are discussed, and the engine performance specifications are presented along with the subsystem control design. A compensator to accommodate the influence of airframe outputs on the engine subsystem is also considered. Finally, the entire closed loop system performance and stability characteristics are examined.

Measurement of the muon antineutrino double-differential cross section for quasielastic-like scattering on hydrocarbon at Eν˜3.5 GeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patrick, C. E.; Aliaga, L.; Bashyal, A.; Bellantoni, L.; Bercellie, A.; Betancourt, M.; Bodek, A.; Bravar, A.; Budd, H.; Caceres v., G. F. R.; Carneiro, M. F.; Chavarria, E.; da Motta, H.; Dytman, S. A.; Díaz, G. A.; Felix, J.; Fields, L.; Fine, R.; Gago, A. M.; Galindo, R.; Gallagher, H.; Ghosh, A.; Gran, R.; Han, J. Y.; Harris, D. A.; Henry, S.; Hurtado, K.; Jena, D.; Kleykamp, J.; Kordosky, M.; Le, T.; Lu, X.-G.; Maher, E.; Manly, S.; Mann, W. A.; Marshall, C. M.; McFarland, K. S.; McGowan, A. M.; Messerly, B.; Miller, J.; Mislivec, A.; Morfín, J. G.; Mousseau, J.; Naples, D.; Nelson, J. K.; Norrick, A.; Nowak, G. M.; Nuruzzaman, Paolone, V.; Perdue, G. N.; Peters, E.; Ramírez, M. A.; Ransome, R. D.; Ray, H.; Ren, L.; Rodrigues, P. A.; Ruterbories, D.; Schellman, H.; Solano Salinas, C. J.; Sultana, M.; Sánchez Falero, S.; Teklu, A. M.; Valencia, E.; Wolcott, J.; Wospakrik, M.; Yaeggy, B.; Zhang, D.; Miner ν A Collaboration

2018-03-01

We present double-differential measurements of antineutrino charged-current quasielastic scattering in the MINERvA detector. This study improves on a previous single-differential measurement by using updated reconstruction algorithms and interaction models and provides a complete description of observed muon kinematics in the form of a double-differential cross section with respect to muon transverse and longitudinal momentum. We include in our signal definition zero-meson final states arising from multinucleon interactions and from resonant pion production followed by pion absorption in the primary nucleus. We find that model agreement is considerably improved by a model tuned to MINERvA inclusive neutrino scattering data that incorporates nuclear effects such as weak nuclear screening and two-particle, two-hole enhancements.

Modeling lung cancer evolution and preclinical response by orthotopic mouse allografts.

PubMed

Ambrogio, Chiara; Carmona, Francisco J; Vidal, August; Falcone, Mattia; Nieto, Patricia; Romero, Octavio A; Puertas, Sara; Vizoso, Miguel; Nadal, Ernest; Poggio, Teresa; Sánchez-Céspedes, Montserrat; Esteller, Manel; Mulero, Francisca; Voena, Claudia; Chiarle, Roberto; Barbacid, Mariano; Santamaría, David; Villanueva, Alberto

2014-11-01

Cancer evolution is a process that is still poorly understood because of the lack of versatile in vivo longitudinal studies. By generating murine non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) orthoallobanks and paired primary cell lines, we provide a detailed description of an in vivo, time-dependent cancer malignization process. We identify the acquisition of metastatic dissemination potential, the selection of co-driver mutations, and the appearance of naturally occurring intratumor heterogeneity, thus recapitulating the stochastic nature of human cancer development. This approach combines the robustness of genetically engineered cancer models with the flexibility of allograft methodology. We have applied this tool for the preclinical evaluation of therapeutic approaches. This system can be implemented to improve the design of future treatments for patients with NSCLC. ©2014 American Association for Cancer Research.

Effective kinetic description of the expanding overoccupied glasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tanji, Naoto; Venugopalan, Raju

Here, we report on a numerical study of the Boltzmann equation including 2↔2 scatterings of gluons and quarks in an overoccupied glasma undergoing longitudinal expansion. We find that when a cascade of gluon number to the infrared occurs, corresponding to an infrared enhancement analogous to a transient Bose-Einstein condensate, gluon distributions qualitatively reproduce the results of classical-statistical simulations for the expanding glasma. These include key features of the distributions that are not anticipated in the “bottom-up” thermalization scenario. We also find that quark distributions, like those of gluons, satisfy self-similar scaling distributions in the overoccupied glasma. We discuss the implicationsmore » of these results for a deeper understanding of the self-similarity and universality of parton distributions in the glasma.« less

Does Helicobacter pylori infection increase incidence of dementia? The Personnes Agées QUID Study.

PubMed

Roubaud Baudron, Claire; Letenneur, Luc; Langlais, Anthony; Buissonnière, Alice; Mégraud, Francis; Dartigues, Jean-François; Salles, Nathalie

2013-01-01

To determine whether Helicobacter pylori infection was associated with dementia and risk of developing dementia in a longitudinal population-based cohort of elderly adults living in the community. Prospective community-based cohort study. The population-based Personnes Agées QUID (PAQUID) Study. Six hundred three noninstitutionalized individuals aged 65 and older living in the southwest of France followed from 1989 to 2008. A descriptive and comparative analysis including dementia prevalence, according to H. pylori status (serology), was made at baseline. Cox proportional hazard models were used to study the risk of developing dementia according to H. pylori status assessed on sera samples from elderly adults initially free of dementia and followed for 20 years. A neurologist diagnosed dementia according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Third Edition criteria. At baseline, 391 (64.8%) subjects (348 women, mean age 73.9 ± 6.5) were seropositive for H. pylori. Dementia prevalence was higher in the infected group (5.4% vs 1.4%, P = .02). After 20 years of follow-up, 148 incident cases of dementia were diagnosed. After controlling for age, sex, educational level, apolipoprotein E4 status, cardiovascular risk factors, and Mini-Mental State Examination score, H. pylori infection was determined to be a risk factor for developing dementia (hazard ratio = 1.46, P = .04). This longitudinal population-based study provides additional epidemiological support to the hypothesis of an association between dementia and H. pylori infection, which may enhance neurodegeneration. © 2012, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2012, The American Geriatrics Society.

Social capital, neighborhood disorder, and disaster recovery.

PubMed

Clay, Lauren; Papas, Mia; Abramson, David; Kendra, James

This study examined social institutions as a contextual factor that may influence perceptions of neighborhood physical and social disorder during disaster recovery. The study used descriptive statistics and fit logistic regression models. Participants in this study (n = 772) were recruited from temporary housing in Louisiana and Mississippi as part of the Gulf Coast Child and Family Health Study, a longitudinal study of households heavily impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Community data were obtained from the Dun and Bradstreet Million Dollar Database and the American Community Survey. Social disorder was assessed by asking respondents how concerned they are about issues such as being robbed or walking alone at night. Physical disorder was assessed by asking about problems experienced in the last month such as broken or missing windows and presence of mice or rats. Greater income (β = -0.17, SE = 0.07), housing stability (β = -0.16, SE = 0.07), social support (β = -0.09, SE = 0.04), and home ownership (β = -0.10, SE = 0.05) were associated with lower social disorder and a larger male population at the community level was associated with greater social disorder (β = 0.00, SE = 0.00). Greater social support (β = -0.11, SE = 0.04), housing stability (β = -0.15, SE = 0.06), and higher income (β = -0.10, SE = 0.07) were associated with lower physical disorder. Longitudinal research is needed to understand the direction of influence between neighborhood factors and to household ability to provide for basic needs postdisaster. The findings also highlight the need for further research on postdisaster male behavior.

Psychosis in Parkinson's Disease.

PubMed

Ffytche, Dominic H; Aarsland, Dag

2017-01-01

Although illusions, hallucinations and delusions did not play a prominent role in James Parkinson's original clinical descriptions, the longitudinal view of disease progression he advocated has important lessons for the study of such symptoms today. A focus on longitudinal progression rather than individual symptoms led to the concept of PD psychosis-a spectrum of positive symptoms in Parkinson's disease. The publication of criteria for PD psychosis in 2007 helped unify the disparate set of symptoms, raising their profile and resulting in a rapid expansion of literature focussing on clinical aspects, mechanisms, and treatment. Here we review this literature and the evolving view of PD psychosis. Adding to previous evidence of a prospective risk for dementia and the move to supervised care, key recent developments include: recognition of prevalence increase with disease duration; a broadening of symptoms included in PD psychosis; better characterization of higher visual and cognitive dysfunction risk factors; structural, functional, and neurotransmitter imaging biomarker evidence; and approval of pimavanserin in the United States for the treatment of PD psychosis. The accumulating evidence raises novel questions and directions for future research that promise a better understanding of the clinical management of PD psychosis and its role as a biomarker for PD stage and progression. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Rehabilitation in severe memory deficit: A case study

PubMed Central

Sousa, Nariana Mattos Figueiredo

2017-01-01

The term amnesia refers to a pathological state of mind in which memory and learning are affected to a greater extent than other cognitive functions in a patient without altered level of consciousness. The aim of the current study was to describe a case of severe amnesia in a patient during neurological rehabilitation and to report the importance of preserved cognitive functions to compensate for the mnemonic deficit. VJA presented a clinical condition suggestive of encephalopathy due to caloric-protein malnutrition following several abdominal surgical procedures for complicated choledocholithiasis. A descriptive analysis of the results was carried out to outline the goals attained and the factors limiting implementation of memory aids. After the intervention program, consisting of individual and group activities, VJA showed improvement in level of recall with repetition of tasks, but still required constant external monitoring. Longitudinal follow-up is necessary to obtain more consistent results. PMID:29213515

Rehabilitation in severe memory deficit: A case study.

PubMed

Sousa, Nariana Mattos Figueiredo

2017-01-01

The term amnesia refers to a pathological state of mind in which memory and learning are affected to a greater extent than other cognitive functions in a patient without altered level of consciousness. The aim of the current study was to describe a case of severe amnesia in a patient during neurological rehabilitation and to report the importance of preserved cognitive functions to compensate for the mnemonic deficit. VJA presented a clinical condition suggestive of encephalopathy due to caloric-protein malnutrition following several abdominal surgical procedures for complicated choledocholithiasis. A descriptive analysis of the results was carried out to outline the goals attained and the factors limiting implementation of memory aids. After the intervention program, consisting of individual and group activities, VJA showed improvement in level of recall with repetition of tasks, but still required constant external monitoring. Longitudinal follow-up is necessary to obtain more consistent results.

[Burnout in nursing residents].

PubMed

Franco, Gianfábio Pimentel; de Barros, Alba Lúcia Bottura Leite; Nogueira-Martins, Luiz Antônio; Zeitoun, Sandra Salloum

2011-03-01

Nursing residents may experience physical and emotional exhaustion from the daily life of attending the Program. The aim of this study was to determine the Burnout incidence among Nursing Residents. An investigative, descriptive, analytical, longitudinal-prospective study was conducted with 16 Residents over two years. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used, translated and validated for Brazil, as well as a sociodemographic/occupational data tool. Of all residents, 17.2% showed high rates in Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization; 18.8% showed impaired commitment in Personal Accomplishment, 75% of which belonged to specialty areas, such as Emergency Nursing, Adult and Pediatric Intensive Care. Age and specialty area were positively correlated with Personal Accomplishment. One of the Residents was identified with changes in three subscales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, thus characterized as a Burnout Syndrome patient. Nursing Residents have profiles of disease. Knowing these factors can minimize health risks of these workers.

An assessment of primary care attributes from the perspective of female healthcare users1

PubMed Central

Lima, Eliane de Fátima Almeida; Sousa, Ana Inês; Primo, Cândida Caniçali; Leite, Francielie Marabotti Costa; Lima, Rita de Cassia Duarte; Maciel, Ethel Leonor Nóia

2015-01-01

OBJECTIVE: this study sought to assess the quality of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) and investigated the association between primary care attributes (PCAs) and the sociodemographic characteristics of users. METHOD: a total of 215 female FHS users were interviewed for this descriptive and cross-sectional study. The Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool), Adult Edition was used, and the results were analyzed using Fisher's exact tests, Pearson's chi-square tests and logistic regressions. RESULTS: the lowest average score corresponded to the dimension "accessibility" (1.80), and the highest score corresponded to "access" (8.76). The results corresponding to the attributes "longitudinality", "coordination", "comprehensiveness", and "orientation" were not significant. No association was found between the participants' sociodemographic characteristics and the essential, derivative, and general attributes (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: several attributes must be improved across all the investigated services from the perspective of female FHS users. PMID:26155006

Automation effects in a multiloop manual control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, R. A.; Mcnally, B. D.

1986-01-01

An experimental and analytical study was undertaken to investigate human interaction with a simple multiloop manual control system in which the human's activity was systematically varied by changing the level of automation. The system simulated was the longitudinal dynamics of a hovering helicopter. The automation-systems-stabilized vehicle responses from attitude to velocity to position and also provided for display automation in the form of a flight director. The control-loop structure resulting from the task definition can be considered a simple stereotype of a hierarchical control system. The experimental study was complemented by an analytical modeling effort which utilized simple crossover models of the human operator. It was shown that such models can be extended to the description of multiloop tasks involving preview and precognitive human operator behavior. The existence of time optimal manual control behavior was established for these tasks and the role which internal models may play in establishing human-machine performance was discussed.

Open Tibial Inlay PCL Reconstruction: Surgical Technique and Clinical Outcomes.

PubMed

Vellios, Evan E; Jones, Kristofer J; McAllister, David R

2018-06-01

To review the current literature on clinical outcomes following open tibial inlay posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction and provide the reader with a detailed description of the author's preferred surgical technique. Despite earlier biomechanical studies which demonstrated superiority of the PCL inlay technique when compared to transtibial techniques, recent longitudinal cohort studies have shown no significant differences in clinical or functional outcomes at 10-year follow-up. Furthermore, no significant clinical differences have been shown between graft types used and/or single- versus double-bundle reconstruction methods. The optimal treatment for the PCL-deficient knee remains unclear. Open tibial inlay PCL reconstruction is safe, reproducible, and avoids the "killer turn" that may potentially lead to graft weakening and failure seen in transtibial reconstruction methods. No significant differences in subjective outcomes or clinical laxity have been shown between single-bundle versus double-bundle reconstruction methods.

Personality traits of nurses and organizational climate in relation to the use of coercion in psychiatric wards.

PubMed

Pawlowski, Tomasz; Baranowski, Piotr

2018-04-01

The aim of this study was to analyze the personality traits of nurses and the organizational climate in psychiatric wards affecting the frequency of the use of coercion. The study applied a descriptive, longitudinal design based on a 1-year prospective observation. The best predictor for the initiation of coercion by nursing personnel was a low score on the Creative Personality Factor Scale in Adjective Check List and the low score in the area of Leadership in Kolb's Organizing Climate Questionnaire (KOQC). The best predictor for decisions to use coercion was the low score in the area Requirements in the KOQC, whereas the best predictors for the participation in coercion were a high value for Leadership area and a low value for Requirements area in KOQC. The nursing personnel should be given frequent practical and theoretical training regarding the use of coercion. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Academic Performance of Language-Minority Students and All-Day Kindergarten: A Longitudinal Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chang, Mido

2012-01-01

This longitudinal study examined the effect of all-day kindergarten programs on the academic achievement of students from racial language minority and low socioeconomic class. The study employed a series of 3-level longitudinal multilevel analyses using a nationally representative database, the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS). The study…

The longitudinal curriculum "social and communicative competencies" within Bologna-reformed undergraduate medical education in Basel

PubMed Central

Kiessling, Claudia; Langewitz, Wolf

2013-01-01

Background: Within the Bologna reform, a longitudinal curriculum of “social and communicative competencies” (SOKO) was implemented into the new Bachelor-Master structure of undergraduate medical education in Basel (Switzerland). Project description: The aim of the SOKO curriculum is to enable students to use techniques of patient-centred communication to elicit and provide information to patients in order to involve them as informed partners in decision making processes. The SOKO curriculum consists of 57 lessons for the individual student from the first bachelor year to the first master year. Teaching encompasses lectures and small group learning. Didactic methods include role play, video feedback, and consultations with simulated and real patients. Summative assessment takes place in objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE). Conclusion: In Basel, a longitudinal SOKO curriculum based on students’ cumulative learning was successfully implemented. Goals and contents were coordinated with the remaining curriculum and are regularly assessed in OSCEs. At present, most of the workload rests on the shoulders of the department of psychosomatic medicine at the university hospital. For the curriculum to be successful in the long-term, sustainable structures need to be instituted at the medical faculty and the university hospital to guarantee high quality teaching and assessment. PMID:24062811

Dynamics in charity donation decisions: Insights from a large longitudinal data set

PubMed Central

Leliveld, Marijke C.; Risselada, Hans

2017-01-01

Despite the vast body of research on charitable giving and its drivers, no research has investigated the longitudinal dynamics of individual donation decisions. We analyzed unique data with nearly 300,000 real donation decisions made by more than 20,000 individuals for a period of 10 months. Each decision entailed a choice of what to do with money received for completing a survey (on average, €0.67 per survey): keep it or donate to charity. We found that most of the participants (89%) always chose to keep the money. Within the group of people who sometimes kept and sometimes donated the money (that is, Switchers), we find that people do not change their decision very often (cf. moral consistency). However, the likelihood of donating increases when people kept the money the previous time, and the amount at stake differs substantially (both positively and negatively). Finally, once Switchers donated, they are more likely to keep the money next time if they can earn more (for example, €2 now versus €0.50 last time), signaling moral compensation. These longitudinal data provide a first step to better understand charity donation decisions, not only in terms of a more nuanced description of decision-makers but also in terms of the dynamics of charity donations. PMID:28948218

Media and politics: Empirical data on their cross-influence in health policy.

PubMed

2011-01-01

OBJECTIVES: Despite the central influence of public policies on health and welfare, relatively little is known about actual health care policy-making processes. This presentation will offer preliminary results from a federally funded project aimed at gaining insights into the interrelations among interest-group strategies, media discourses and political debates in health care. The policy debate on health care privatization in Quebec is used as a case study. APPROACH: Two sources of data were used: media sources and political debates. Media sources were the six main provincial newspapers in Quebec, two national newspapers and The Canadian Press, as well as transcripts from specific news-related programs of three national television stations and two national radio stations. Political debates were obtained through transcripts of all question periods in the Parliament and debates in the standing committee on health. Sources were systematically searched to identify all relevant data. Multiple search syntaxes were developed and tested to maximize sensitivity and specificity. All data was entered and coded into qualitative analysis software. RESULTS: Data was analyzed longitudinally from June 2005 to January 1, 2010. Four levels of results will be presented: 1) Descriptive analysis of the interest groups involved, their policy preferences and the rhetoric they employed to support their views. 2) Descriptive analysis of the main policy proposals that structured the debate as well as of the coalition of groups behind those proposals. 3) Graphic longitudinal analysis of the intensity of the debate and of the relative importance and evolution of various policy proposals. 4) Preliminary results on the nature, direction and level of inter-influence between the policy and media agendas. CONCLUSION: This presentation provides empirical evidence on current policy-making processes in health care. It shows, unsurprisingly, that policy-making is a circumvoluted process of inter-influence among interest groups, politicians and the media. It also highlights the fact that scientific evidence actually plays a minor (if any) role in policy processes.

Photo- and electroproduction of K+Λ with a unitarity-restored isobar model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skoupil, D.; Bydžovský, P.

2018-02-01

Exploiting the isobar model, kaon photo- and electroproduction on the proton in the resonance region comes under scrutiny. An upgrade of our previous model, comprising higher-spin nucleon and hyperon exchanges in the consistent formalism, was accomplished by implementing energy-dependent widths of nucleon resonances, which leads to a different choice of hadron form factor with much softer values of cutoff parameter for the resonant part. For a reliable description of electroproduction, the necessity of including longitudinal couplings of nucleon resonances to virtual photons was revealed. We present a new model whose free parameters were adjusted to photo- and electroproduction data and which provides a reliable overall description of experimental data in all kinematic regions. The majority of nucleon resonances chosen in this analysis coincide with those selected in our previous analysis and also in the Bayesian analysis with the Regge-plus-resonance model as the states contributing to this process with the highest probability.

Redescription of Liza bandialensis (Teleostei: Mugilidae) with an identification key to mullet species of Eastern Central Atlantic.

PubMed

Trape, Sébastien; Harrison, Ian J; Diouf, Papa Samba; Durand, Jean-Dominique

2012-02-01

Liza bandialensis Diouf 1991 is redescribed because previous descriptions have not been in well-distributed publications and have lacked sufficient detail or reference to voucher specimens. The description provided here is based on specimens from the Sine Saloum estuary, Senegal (West Africa), from where the species was originally described. The distinctness of the species is confirmed both by meristic and molecular criteria. L. bandialensis presents a unique combination of characters with a low number of scales in the longitudinal series (32-33), 10.5-12 transverse scale rows, and distinctly yellowish dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. The currently known distribution of L. bandialensis includes coastal waters of Senegal, Gambia and Guinea Bissau. Finally, we provide a morphological identification key for the sixteen species of Mugilidae species occurring along the eastern central Atlantic coast of Africa. Copyright © 2011 Académie des sciences. All rights reserved.

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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-02

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Reference as an Interactive Achievement: Sequential and Longitudinal Analyses of Labeling Interactions in Shared Book Reading and Free Play

PubMed Central

Heller, Vivien; Rohlfing, Katharina J.

2017-01-01

The present study examines how young children and their caregivers establish reference by jointly developing stable patterns of bodily, perceptual, and interactive coordination. Our longitudinal investigation focuses on two mother–child dyads engaged in picture-book reading and play. The dyads were videotaped at home once every 6 weeks while the children aged from 9 to 24 months. Inspired by conversation analysis and multimodal analysis, our developmental approach builds on the insight that the situated and embodied production of reference is fundamentally an interactive achievement. To examine the acquisition of reference, we developed a descriptive instrument that takes account of not only the dyad's joint accomplishment but also each participant's contributions to it. The instrument is based on the sequential reconstruction of the jobs that both participants have to accomplish jointly in order to achieve reference: establishing visual perception as a relevant resource, constituting a domain of scrutiny, locating a target, and construing the (meaning of the) referent. Methodologically, these jobs serve as a tertium comparationis for the longitudinal comparison of both the adult's as well as the child's contributions to establishing reference. We used this instrument to examine (1) what bodily and verbal resources the participants employed, and (2) how their contributions to accomplishing the jobs changed over time. Findings showed that the acquisition of reference was closely related to the child's increasing ability to recognize, fulfill, and set up conditional relevancies. We conclude that the adult's dynamic and contextualized use of conditional relevancies, recipient design, and observability is a crucial driving force in the acquisition of reference. PMID:28261122

The effects of age, education, and treatment on physical, sexual and body concern symptoms among multimorbid, colorectal cancer survivors.

PubMed

Naik, Aanand D; Uy, Natalie; Anaya, Daniel A; Moye, Jennifer

2015-07-01

Less is known about longitudinal changes in quality of life between treatment completion and early survivorship among multimorbid cancer survivors. The current study describes longitudinal changes in quality of life among a multimorbid cohort of US Veterans diagnosed and treated for colorectal cancer. A sample of 68 multimorbid adults with colon and/or rectal cancer who received one or more treatment options (surgery, chemo or radiation therapy) was recruited. Participants were not excluded by cancer stage unless they reported being in hospice or similar status. Comprehensive assessments of quality of life and treatment side-effects were conducted 6, 12, and 18months after diagnosis. Descriptive statistics characterized treatment side-effects and changes in quality-of-life domains longitudinally. Multivariate Analysis of Variance identified sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with quality of life changes. Many physical symptoms improved from 6 to 18months following diagnosis, while some remained stable. Sexual symptoms worsened, attributable to increasing rates of dysfunction in older patients. Low education attainment was predictive of worse physical symptoms (F=5.59, p=.023) and associated with body concerns (F=5.7; p=.005) over time. Advanced cancer stage (F=4.94; p<.04) and receipt of chemotherapy (F=4.21; p<.05) independently predicted body concerns in multivariate analyses. Endorsement of physical and sexual symptoms and body concerns occurs in different patterns over time among multimorbid colorectal cancer survivors. Low education attainment is consistently associated with physical symptoms and body concerns. Cancer stage and chemotherapy are predictive of body concerns, but not physical or sexual symptoms. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Placental Malaria in Colombia: Histopathologic Findings in Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum Infections

PubMed Central

Carmona-Fonseca, Jaime; Arango, Eliana; Maestre, Amanda

2013-01-01

Studies on gestational malaria and placental malaria have been scarce in malaria-endemic areas of the Western Hemisphere. To describe the histopathology of placental malaria in Colombia, a longitudinal descriptive study was conducted. In this study, 179 placentas were studied by histologic analysis (112 with gestational malaria and 67 negative for malaria). Placental malaria was confirmed in 22.35%, 50.0% had previous infections, and 47.5% had acute infections. Typical malaria-associated changes were observed in 37%. The most common changes were villitis, intervillitis, deciduitis, increased fibrin deposition, increased syncytial knots, mononuclear (monocytes/macrophages and lymphocytes), polymorphonuclear cell infiltration, and trophozoites in fetal erythrocytes. No association was found between type of placental changes observed and histopathologic classification of placental malaria. The findings are consistent with those reported for placental malaria in other regions. Plasmodium vivax was the main parasite responsible for placental and gestational malaria, but its role in the pathogenesis of placental malaria was not conclusive. PMID:23546807

Application of Item Response Theory to Modeling of Expanded Disability Status Scale in Multiple Sclerosis.

PubMed

Novakovic, A M; Krekels, E H J; Munafo, A; Ueckert, S; Karlsson, M O

2017-01-01

In this study, we report the development of the first item response theory (IRT) model within a pharmacometrics framework to characterize the disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS), as measured by Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS). Data were collected quarterly from a 96-week phase III clinical study by a blinder rater, involving 104,206 item-level observations from 1319 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), treated with placebo or cladribine. Observed scores for each EDSS item were modeled describing the probability of a given score as a function of patients' (unobserved) disability using a logistic model. Longitudinal data from placebo arms were used to describe the disease progression over time, and the model was then extended to cladribine arms to characterize the drug effect. Sensitivity with respect to patient disability was calculated as Fisher information for each EDSS item, which were ranked according to the amount of information they contained. The IRT model was able to describe baseline and longitudinal EDSS data on item and total level. The final model suggested that cladribine treatment significantly slows disease-progression rate, with a 20% decrease in disease-progression rate compared to placebo, irrespective of exposure, and effects an additional exposure-dependent reduction in disability progression. Four out of eight items contained 80% of information for the given range of disabilities. This study has illustrated that IRT modeling is specifically suitable for accurate quantification of disease status and description and prediction of disease progression in phase 3 studies on RRMS, by integrating EDSS item-level data in a meaningful manner.

Longitudinal Assessment of Self-Reported Recent Back Pain and Combat Deployment in the Millennium Cohort Study.

PubMed

Granado, Nisara S; Pietrucha, Amanda; Ryan, Margaret; Boyko, Edward J; Hooper, Tomoko I; Smith, Besa; Smith, Tyler C

2016-11-15

A prospective cohort study. Activities performed during military operations vary in complexity and physical demand. The risk for mental illness following military combat deployment has been well documented. However, information regarding the possible contribution of back pain to decreased mental and functional health is scarce. To our knowledge, this is the first study to prospectively assess deployment and self-reported recent back pain in a population-based U.S. military cohort. The study consisted of Millennium Cohort participants who were followed for the development of back pain for an average of 3.9 years. Descriptive statistics and longitudinal analyses were used to assess the temporal relationship of deployment with self-reported recent back pain at follow-up (N = 53,933). Recent back pain was self-reported by 8379 (15.5%) participants at follow-up. After adjusting for covariates, deployers with combat experiences had higher odds [odds ratio (OR) = 1.38, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.28-1.50] of recent back pain than noncombat deployers. There was no association between recent back pain and nondeployers compared with noncombat deployers. Service support/supply handlers were at an increased odds of reporting recent back pain (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02-1.21) than functional support/administration occupations. Occupations associated with a physically demanding work environment had a higher risk of back pain. Deployers with combat experiences were more likely to report back pain postdeployment. This well-defined group of military personnel may potentially benefit from integrated prevention efforts. 3.

SAR Polarimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

vanZyl, Jakob J.

2012-01-01

Radar Scattering includes: Surface Characteristics, Geometric Properties, Dielectric Properties, Rough Surface Scattering, Geometrical Optics and Small Perturbation Method Solutions, Integral Equation Method, Magellan Image of Pancake Domes on Venus, Dickinson Impact Crater on Venus (Magellan), Lakes on Titan (Cassini Radar, Longitudinal Dunes on Titan (Cassini Radar), Rough Surface Scattering: Effect of Dielectric Constant, Vegetation Scattering, Effect of Soil Moisture. Polarimetric Radar includes: Principles of Polarimetry: Field Descriptions, Wave Polarizations: Geometrical Representations, Definition of Ellipse Orientation Angles, Scatter as Polarization Transformer, Scattering Matrix, Coordinate Systems, Scattering Matrix, Covariance Matrix, Pauli Basis and Coherency Matrix, Polarization Synthesis, Polarimeter Implementation.

Global and blowup solutions of a mixed problem with nonlinear boundary conditions for a one-dimensional semilinear wave equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kharibegashvili, S. S.; Jokhadze, O. M.

2014-04-01

A mixed problem for a one-dimensional semilinear wave equation with nonlinear boundary conditions is considered. Conditions of this type occur, for example, in the description of the longitudinal oscillations of a spring fastened elastically at one end, but not in accordance with Hooke's linear law. Uniqueness and existence questions are investigated for global and blowup solutions to this problem, in particular how they depend on the nature of the nonlinearities involved in the equation and the boundary conditions. Bibliography: 14 titles.

Nuclear fragmentation energy and momentum transfer distributions in relativistic heavy-ion collisions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khandelwal, Govind S.; Khan, Ferdous

1989-01-01

An optical model description of energy and momentum transfer in relativistic heavy-ion collisions, based upon composite particle multiple scattering theory, is presented. Transverse and longitudinal momentum transfers to the projectile are shown to arise from the real and absorptive part of the optical potential, respectively. Comparisons of fragment momentum distribution observables with experiments are made and trends outlined based on our knowledge of the underlying nucleon-nucleon interaction. Corrections to the above calculations are discussed. Finally, use of the model as a tool for estimating collision impact parameters is indicated.

[Nosocomial urinary tract and surgical site infection rates in the Maternity Ward at the General Referral Hospital in Katuba, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo].

PubMed

Lukuke, Hendrick Mbutshu; Kasamba, Eric; Mahuridi, Abdulu; Nlandu, Roger Ngatu; Narufumi, Suganuma; Mukengeshayi, Abel Ntambue; Malou, Vicky; Makoutode, Michel; Kaj, Françoise Malonga

2017-01-01

In Intertropical Africa hospitalized patients are exposed to a risk of nosocomial infections. The dearth of published data on this subject limits the descriptive analysis of the situation. This study aimed to determine the incidence, the germs responsible for these infections and the risk factors of nosocomial infections in the Maternity Ward at the General Referral Hospital in Katuba, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. We conducted a descriptive, longitudinal study from 1 October 2014 to 1 January 2015. Our study population consisted of 207 women who had been hospitalized in the Maternity Ward at the General Referral Hospital in Katuba. We carried out a comprehensive data collection. Nosocomial infection rate accounted for 15.5%. Parturient women who had been hospitalized for more than three days were three times more likely to develop a nosocomial infection (p=0.003), while those who had had a complicated delivery were four times more likely to be at risk of developing nosocomial infection (p = 0.000). Escherichia coli was the most isolated causative agent (38.1%), followed by Citrobacter freundi (23.8%), Acinobacter baumani (.18, 2%), Staphylococcus aureus (18.2%), Enterococcus aureus (14.3%) and Pseudomonas aeroginosa (9.1%). Ampicillin was the most prescribed antibiotic, to which isolated microbes were resistant. It is necessary to improve hospital hygiene and to conduct further study to examine the similarity between germs strains in the environment and those in biological fluids.

Tailored Panel Management: A Theory-Based Approach to Building and Maintaining Participant Commitment to a Longitudinal Study.

PubMed

Estrada, Mica; Woodcock, Anna; Schultz, P Wesley

2014-02-01

Many psychological processes unfold over time, necessitating longitudinal research designs. Longitudinal research poses a host of methodological challenges, foremost of which is participant attrition. Building on Dillman's work, we provide a review of how social influence and relationship research informs retention strategies in longitudinal studies. Objective: We introduce the tailored panel management (TPM) approach, which is designed to establish communal norms that increase commitment to a longitudinal study, and this commitment, in turn, increases response rates and buffers against attrition. Specifically, we discuss practices regarding compensation, communication, consistency, and credibility that increase longer term commitment to panel participation. Research design: Throughout the article, we describe how TPM is being used in a national longitudinal study of undergraduate minority science students. TheScienceStudy is a continuing panel, which has 12 waves of data collected across 6 academic years, with response rates ranging from 70% to 92%. Although more than 90% of participants have either left or graduated from their undergraduate degree program, this highly mobile group of people remains engaged in the study. TheScienceStudy has usable longitudinal data from 96% of the original panel. Conclusion: This article combines social psychological theory, current best practice, and a detailed case study to illustrate the TPM approach to longitudinal data collection. The approach provides guidance for other longitudinal researchers, and advocates for empirical research into longitudinal research methodologies. © The Author(s) 2014.

Arab-American adolescent tobacco use: four pilot studies.

PubMed

Rice, Virginia Hill; Templin, Thomas; Kulwicki, Anahid

2003-11-01

Four pilot studies were conducted to determine the (1) current tobacco use patterns and predictors among 14- to 18-year-old Arab-American youths; (2) psychometric properties of study measures (English and Arabic); (3) cultural appropriateness of Project Toward No Tobacco (TNT) for intervention; (4) accessible population for a longitudinal study. Three studies were descriptive and one used a pretest-posttest design. From four Pilot Focus groups (N = 28 smokers) key tobacco use themes emerged along with information on study measures and the Project TNT intervention; Pilot Intervention tested the tailored Project TNT intervention with 9 Arab-American teens; Pilot Clinic (N = 44) determined the characteristics of the accessible teen health clinic population; and Pilot School (N = 119) obtained tobacco use data only. From Pilot Focus seven themes (being cool, "nshar ma'a al shabab" [hanging out with the guys], present [time] orientation, smoking feels and tastes good, keeps your mind off trouble, easy to get, and (many) "barriers to quitting") emerged from the data. In the Pilot Intervention a 37.5% cessation rate was found. In the Pilot Clinic study, 24% males and 17% females smoked. The current smoking rate in the Pilot School (N = 119) sample was 17%; 34% admitted to having ever smoked (even a puff). Significant predictors for current tobacco use included poor grades, stress, having many family members and peers who smoke, being exposed to many hours of smoking each day, receiving offers of tobacco products, advertising and mail, and believing that tobacco can help one to make friends. The four pilots contributed unique and essential knowledge for designing a longitudinal clinical trial on tobacco use by Arab-American adolescents.

Terahertz radiation driven by two-color laser pulses at near-relativistic intensities: Competition between photoionization and wakefield effects.

PubMed

González de Alaiza Martínez, P; Davoine, X; Debayle, A; Gremillet, L; Bergé, L

2016-06-03

We numerically investigate terahertz (THz) pulse generation by linearly-polarized, two-color femtosecond laser pulses in highly-ionized argon. Major processes consist of tunneling photoionization and ponderomotive forces associated with transverse and longitudinal field excitations. By means of two-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, we reveal the importance of photocurrent mechanisms besides transverse and longitudinal plasma waves for laser intensities >10(15) W/cm(2). We demonstrate the following. (i) With two-color pulses, photoionization prevails in the generation of GV/m THz fields up to 10(17) W/cm(2) laser intensities and suddenly loses efficiency near the relativistic threshold, as the outermost electron shell of ionized Ar atoms has been fully depleted. (ii) PIC results can be explained by a one-dimensional Maxwell-fluid model and its semi-analytical solutions, offering the first unified description of the main THz sources created in plasmas. (iii) The THz power emitted outside the plasma channel mostly originates from the transverse currents.

Measurement of the polarized structure function σL T' for p ( e→ , e' π+ ) n in the Δ ( 1232 ) resonance region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joo, K.; Smith, L. C.; Aznauryan, I. G.; Burkert, V. D.; Minehart, R.; Adams, G.; Ambrozewicz, P.; Anciant, E.; Anghinolfi, M.; Asavapibhop, B.; Asryan, G.; Audit, G.; Auger, T.; Avakian, H.; Bagdasaryan, H.; Ball, J. P.; Barrow, S.; Batourine, V.; Battaglieri, M.; Beard, K.; Bektasoglu, M.; Benmouna, N.; Bianchi, N.; Biselli, A. S.; Boiarinov, S.; Bonner, B. E.; Bouchigny, S.; Bradford, R.; Branford, D.; Briscoe, W. J.; Brooks, W. K.; Bültmann, S.; Butuceanu, C.; Calarco, J. R.; Carman, D. S.; Carnahan, B.; Cetina, C.; Chen, S.; Ciciani, L.; Cole, P. L.; Cords, D.; Corvisiero, P.; Crabb, D.; Crannell, H.; Cummings, J. P.; de Sanctis, E.; Devita, R.; Degtyarenko, P. V.; Dennis, L.; Deur, A.; Dharmawardane, K. V.; Dhuga, K. S.; Djalali, C.; Dodge, G. E.; Doughty, D.; Dragovitsch, P.; Dugger, M.; Dytman, S.; Dzyubak, O. P.; Egiyan, H.; Egiyan, K. S.; Elouadrhiri, L.; Empl, A.; Eugenio, P.; Fersch, R.; Feuerbach, R. J.; Forest, T. A.; Funsten, H.; Gaff, S. J.; Garçon, M.; Gavalian, G.; Gilad, S.; Gilfoyle, G. P.; Giovanetti, K. L.; Gothe, R. W.; Griffioen, K. A.; Guidal, M.; Guillo, M.; Guler, N.; Guo, L.; Gyurjyan, V.; Hadjidakis, C.; Hakobyan, R. S.; Hardie, J.; Heddle, D.; Hersman, F. W.; Hicks, K.; Hleiqawi, I.; Holtrop, M.; Hu, J.; Hyde-Wright, C. E.; Ilieva, Y.; Ireland, D.; Ito, M. M.; Jenkins, D.; Juengst, H. G.; Kellie, J. D.; Kelley, J. H.; Khandaker, M.; Kim, K. Y.; Kim, K.; Kim, W.; Klein, A.; Klein, F. J.; Klimenko, A. V.; Klusman, M.; Kossov, M.; Koubarovski, V.; Kramer, L. H.; Kuhn, S. E.; Kuhn, J.; Lachniet, J.; Laget, J. M.; Langheinrich, J.; Lawrence, D.; Lee, T.; Livingston, K.; Lukashin, K.; Manak, J. J.; Marchand, C.; McAleer, S.; McNabb, J. W.; Mecking, B. A.; Mestayer, M. D.; Meyer, C. A.; Mikhailov, K.; Mirazita, M.; Miskimen, R.; Mokeev, V.; Morand, L.; Morrow, S. A.; Muccifora, V.; Mueller, J.; Mutchler, G. S.; Napolitano, J.; Nasseripour, R.; Nelson, S. O.; Niccolai, S.; Niculescu, G.; Niculescu, I.; Niczyporuk, B. B.; Niyazov, R. A.; Nozar, M.; O'Rielly, G. V.; Osipenko, M.; Ostrovidov, A. I.; Park, K.; Pasyuk, E.; Peterson, G.; Philips, S. A.; Pivnyuk, N.; Pocanic, D.; Pogorelko, O.; Polli, E.; Pozdniakov, S.; Preedom, B. M.; Price, J. W.; Prok, Y.; Protopopescu, D.; Qin, L. M.; Raue, B. A.; Riccardi, G.; Ricco, G.; Ripani, M.; Ritchie, B. G.; Ronchetti, F.; Rosner, G.; Rossi, P.; Rowntree, D.; Rubin, P. D.; Sabatié, F.; Sabourov, K.; Salgado, C.; Santoro, J. P.; Sapunenko, V.; Schumacher, R. A.; Serov, V. S.; Sharabian, Y. G.; Shaw, J.; Simionatto, S.; Skabelin, A. V.; Smith, E. S.; Sober, D. I.; Spraker, M.; Stavinsky, A.; Stepanyan, S.; Stepanyan, S. S.; Stokes, B. E.; Stoler, P.; Strakovsky, I. I.; Strauch, S.; Taiuti, M.; Taylor, S.; Tedeschi, D. J.; Thoma, U.; Thompson, R.; Tkabladze, A.; Todor, L.; Tur, C.; Ungaro, M.; Vineyard, M. F.; Vlassov, A. V.; Wang, K.; Weinstein, L. B.; Weller, H.; Weygand, D. P.; Williams, M.; Wolin, E.; Wood, M. H.; Yegneswaran, A.; Yun, J.; Zana, L.

2004-10-01

The polarized longitudinal-transverse structure function σL T' has been measured using the p ( e→ , e' π+ ) n reaction in the Δ ( 1232 ) resonance region at Q2 =0.40 and 0.65 GeV2 . No previous σL T' data exist for this reaction channel. The kinematically complete experiment was performed at the Jefferson Lab with the CEBAF large acceptance spectrometer using longitudinally polarized electrons at an energy of 1.515 GeV . A partial-wave analysis of the data shows generally better agreement with recent phenomenological models of pion electroproduction compared to the previously measured π0 p channel. A fit to both π0 p and π+ n channels using a unitary isobar model suggests the unitarized Born terms provide a consistent description of the nonresonant background. The t -channel pion pole term is important in the π0 p channel through a rescattering correction, which could be model dependent.

Terahertz radiation driven by two-color laser pulses at near-relativistic intensities: Competition between photoionization and wakefield effects

PubMed Central

González de Alaiza Martínez, P.; Davoine, X.; Debayle, A.; Gremillet, L.; Bergé, L.

2016-01-01

We numerically investigate terahertz (THz) pulse generation by linearly-polarized, two-color femtosecond laser pulses in highly-ionized argon. Major processes consist of tunneling photoionization and ponderomotive forces associated with transverse and longitudinal field excitations. By means of two-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, we reveal the importance of photocurrent mechanisms besides transverse and longitudinal plasma waves for laser intensities >1015 W/cm2. We demonstrate the following. (i) With two-color pulses, photoionization prevails in the generation of GV/m THz fields up to 1017 W/cm2 laser intensities and suddenly loses efficiency near the relativistic threshold, as the outermost electron shell of ionized Ar atoms has been fully depleted. (ii) PIC results can be explained by a one-dimensional Maxwell-fluid model and its semi-analytical solutions, offering the first unified description of the main THz sources created in plasmas. (iii) The THz power emitted outside the plasma channel mostly originates from the transverse currents. PMID:27255689

EU-AIMS Longitudinal European Autism Project (LEAP): the autism twin cohort.

PubMed

Isaksson, Johan; Tammimies, Kristiina; Neufeld, Janina; Cauvet, Élodie; Lundin, Karl; Buitelaar, Jan K; Loth, Eva; Murphy, Declan G M; Spooren, Will; Bölte, Sven

2018-01-01

EU-AIMS is the largest European research program aiming to identify stratification biomarkers and novel interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Within the program, the Longitudinal European Autism Project (LEAP) has recruited and comprehensively phenotyped a rare sample of 76 monozygotic and dizygotic twins, discordant, or concordant for ASD plus 30 typically developing twins. The aim of this letter is to complete previous descriptions of the LEAP case-control sample, clinically characterize, and investigate the suitability of the sample for ASD twin-control analyses purposes and share some 'lessons learnt.' Among the twins, a diagnosis of ASD is associated with increased symptom levels of ADHD, higher rates of intellectual disability, and lower family income. For the future, we conclude that the LEAP twin cohort offers multiple options for analyses of genetic and shared and non-shared environmental factors to generate new hypotheses for the larger cohort of LEAP singletons, but particularly cross-validate and refine evidence from it.

Pulsed Electron Source with Grid Plasma Cathode and Longitudinal Magnetic Field for Modification of Material and Product Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devyatkov, V. N.; Koval, N. N.

2018-01-01

The description and the main characteristics of the pulsed electron source "SOLO" developed on the basis of the plasma cathode with grid stabilization of the emission plasma boundary are presented. The emission plasma is generated by a low-pressure arc discharge, and that allows to form the dense low-energy electron beam with a wide range of independently adjustable parameters of beam current pulses (pulse duration of 20-250 μs, pulse repetition rate of 1-10 s-1, amplitude of beam current pulses of 20-300 A, and energy of beam electrons of 5-25 keV). The special features of generation of emission plasma by constricted low-pressure arc discharge in the grid plasma cathode partially dipped into a non-uniform magnetic field and of formation and transportation of the electron beam in a longitudinal magnetic field are considered. The application area of the electron source and technologies realized with its help are specified.

A 10-Year Longitudinal Study of Effects of a Multifaceted Residency Spiritual Care Curriculum: Clinical Ability, Professional Formation, End of Life, and Culture.

PubMed

Anandarajah, Gowri; Roseman, Janet; Lee, Danny; Dhandhania, Nupur

2016-12-01

Although spiritual care (SC) is recognized as important in whole-person medicine, physicians infrequently address patients' spiritual needs, citing lack of training. Although many SC curricula descriptions exist, few studies report effects on physicians. To broadly examine immediate and long-term effects of a required, longitudinal, residency SC curriculum, which emphasized inclusive patient-centered SC, compassion, and spiritual self-care. We conducted in-depth individual interviews with 26 physicians (13 intervention; 13 comparison) trained at a 13-13-13 residency. We interviewed intervention physicians three times over 10 years-1) preintervention, as PGY1s, 2) postintervention, as PGY3s, 3) eight-year postintervention, as practicing physicians. We interviewed comparison physicians as PGY3s. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by four researchers. Forty-nine interviews were analyzed. General: Both groups were diverse regarding personal importance of spirituality/religion. All physicians endorsed the value of SC, sharing rich patient stories particularly related to end of life and cultural diversity. Curricular effects: 1) skills/barriers-intervention physicians demonstrated progressive improvements in clinical approach, accompanied by diminishing worries related to SC. PGY3 comparison physicians struggled with SC skills and worries more than PGY3 intervention physicians, 2) physician formation-most physicians described residency as profoundly challenging and transformative. Even after eight years, many intervention physicians noted that reflection on their diverse beliefs and values in safety, coupled with compassion shown to them through this curriculum, had deeply positive effects. High impact training: patient-centered spiritual assessment; chaplain rounds; spiritual self-care workshop/retreats; multicultural SC framework. A longitudinal, multifaceted residency SC curriculum can have lasting positive effects on physicians' SC skills and their professional/personal formation. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prediction of three social cognitive-motivational structure types.

PubMed

Malerstein, A J; Ahern, M M; Pulos, S

2001-10-01

Previously, using interviews from Baumrind's longitudinal study, three cognitive-motivational structures (CMSs) were predicted in 68 adolescents from caregiving settings and from the CMS types of their mothers, based on the mothers' interviews elicited six years earlier. CMS theory proposes that during Piaget's Concrete Operational Period care-receiving influences the child's adoption of a social cognitive style, which corresponds to one of Piaget's stages of cognitive development. One who is classified as an Operational experiences the caregiving setting as tuned to the child's long-term interests, becomes focused on function and control of function and grasps the distinctions between and gradations of social attributes. One classified as future Intuitive experiences the caregiving as insufficient or unreliable and becomes focused on getting and having, and assesses social situations based on current striking dimensions. A person classified as being future Symbolic experiences the caregiving as out of tune with the self or the world, becomes focused on identity and emotional closeness, and may define self or object by a single attribute. This previous study did not distinguish between the influence of caregiving (including mothers' CMS) on the formation of adolescent CMS type and the possible constancy of CMS type from ages 9 to 15 years. The current study was designed to distinguish between these two possibilities, using data from 67 of the same mothers. Mothers' interviews were purged of descriptions of her child's behavior. Another interview was composed of the purged descriptions of child behavior. This was also done for interviews held when the child was 4 and 15 as well as at 9. From interviews with descriptions of child behavior purged, mother's CMS type at the child's age of 4 and 9 yr. agreed with her adolescent's previously assigned CMS type (p<.05), and caregiving setting at 9 years predicted the adolescent's CMS type (p<.05). From interviews composed of descriptions of only the child's behavior, adolescent CMS type agreed with previously assigned adolescent CMS type (p<.01). Findings were consonant with the idea that CMS type formation is influenced at about Age 9 and sufficiently established to be recognized at Age 15.

A Longitudinal Pilot Study of Depressive Symptoms in Concussed and Injured/Nonconcussed National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Student-Athletes

PubMed Central

Roiger, Trevor; Weidauer, Lee; Kern, Bryce

2015-01-01

Context: Depression, which affects millions of Americans each year, among them collegiate student-athletes, can be caused by a wide range of circumstances, including sport-related injuries. Objective: To longitudinally examine the extent to which National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I student-athletes demonstrated postinjury depressive symptoms. Design: Descriptive epidemiologic study. Setting: National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate athletics. Patients or Other Participants: Concussed, injured/nonconcussed, and healthy Division I collegiate student-athletes (aged 18–22 years) competing in men's basketball, football, and wrestling and women's basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Main Outcome Measure(s): Participants completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale at baseline and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postinjury. We measured differences in depressive scores among concussed, injured/nonconcussed, and healthy participants. Longitudinal changes in postconcussion depressive symptoms were also examined. Results: No differences in baseline depressive symptoms among subgroups were noted. After an increase between baseline and 1 week (4.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.41, 8.16, P = .02), depressive symptoms in the concussion group decreased between 1 week and 1 month (−2.7, 95% CI = −4.96, −0.47, P = .01) and between 1 week and 3 months (−4.0, 95% CI = −6.50, −1.49, P = .004). The injured/nonconcussed group showed differences between baseline and 1 week (4.6, 95% CI = 1.08, 8.17, P = .009) and between baseline and 1 month (3.2, 95% CI = −0.05, 6.30, P = .03). No significant differences were present in depressive symptoms between concussed participants and injured/nonconcussed participants at any of the postinjury time points. Conclusions: Depression may present as a postinjury sequela in Division I collegiate athletes. Athletes who sustain a concussion or other injury resulting in time lost from practice or competition need to be observed carefully for signs and symptoms that may indicate depression. Tools such as the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale can be valuable in helping clinicians to recognize and manage depressive symptoms in these individuals. PMID:25562455

Changes in Self-Representations Following Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy for Young Adults: A Comparative Typology.

PubMed

Werbart, Andrzej; Brusell, Lars; Iggedal, Rebecka; Lavfors, Kristin; Widholm, Alexander

2016-10-01

Changes in dynamic psychological structures are often a treatment goal in psychotherapy. The present study aimed at creating a typology of self-representations among young women and men in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, to study longitudinal changes in self-representations, and to compare self-representations in the clinical sample with those of a nonclinical group. Twenty-five women and sixteen men were interviewed according to Blatt's Object Relations Inventory pretreatment, at termination, and at a 1.5-year follow-up. In the comparison group, eleven women and nine men were interviewed at baseline, 1.5 years, and three years later. Typologies of the 123 self-descriptions in the clinical group and 60 in the nonclinical group were constructed by means of ideal-type analysis for men and women separately. Clusters of self-representations could be depicted on a two-dimensional matrix with the axes Relatedness-Self-definition and Integration-Nonintegration. In most cases, the self-descriptions changed over time in terms of belonging to different ideal-type clusters. In the clinical group, there was a movement toward increased integration in self-representations, but above all toward a better balance between relatedness and self-definition. The changes continued after termination, paralleled by reduced symptoms, improved functioning, and higher developmental levels of representations. No corresponding tendency could be observed in the nonclinical group.

Perceived Peer Delinquency and Externalizing Behavior Among Rural Youth: The Role of Descriptive Norms and Internalizing Symptoms.

PubMed

Cotter, Katie L; Smokowski, Paul R

2016-03-01

Little research has examined the way in which perceptions of peer behavior (i.e., descriptive norms) influence externalizing behavior among rural adolescents. Using a social norms framework, the current study examined gender differences in the relationship between perceived delinquency among friends and externalizing behavior in a sample of rural adolescents. Based on previous research, the authors proposed that adolescents experience negative emotional responses when they believe that their peers are engaging in delinquency, which subsequently influences externalizing behavior. Consequently, internalizing symptoms were explored as a mediator of the relationship between perceived friend delinquency and externalizing behavior. Data came from the NC-ACE Rural Adaptation Project, a longitudinal panel study of adolescents in two rural, economically disadvantaged counties with exceptional racial/ethnic diversity (29 % White, 25 % African American, 25 % American Indian, 12 % Mixed Race/Other, 9 % Hispanic/Latino). Using multiple group structural equation modeling (N = 3489; 51 % female), results indicated that perceived friend delinquency was significantly related to externalizing behavior and this relationship did not vary by gender. Internalizing symptoms fully mediated the relationship between perceived friend delinquency and externalizing behavior and the path between perceived friend delinquency and internalizing symptoms was stronger for males. Implications of these relationships for prevention and intervention programming for externalizing behavior were highlighted.

Clinical and biochemical heterogeneity between patients with glycogen storage disease type IA: the added value of CUSUM for metabolic control.

PubMed

Peeks, Fabian; Steunenberg, Thomas A H; de Boer, Foekje; Rubio-Gozalbo, M Estela; Williams, Monique; Burghard, Rob; Rajas, Fabienne; Oosterveer, Maaike H; Weinstein, David A; Derks, Terry G J

2017-09-01

To study heterogeneity between patients with glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD Ia), a rare inherited disorder of carbohydrate metabolism caused by the deficiency of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). Descriptive retrospective study of longitudinal clinical and biochemical data and long-term complications in 20 GSD Ia patients. We included 11 patients with homozygous G6PC mutations and siblings from four families carrying identical G6PC genotypes. To display subtle variations for repeated triglyceride measurements with respect to time for individual patients, CUSUM-analysis graphs were constructed. Patients with different homozygous G6PC mutations showed important differences in height, BMI, and biochemical parameters (i.e., lactate, uric acid, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentrations). Furthermore, CUSUM-analysis predicts and displays subtle changes in longitudinal blood triglyceride concentrations. Siblings in families also displayed important differences in biochemical parameters (i.e., lactate, uric acid, triglycerides, and cholesterol concentrations) and long-term complications (i.e., liver adenomas, nephropathy, and osteopenia/osteoporosis). Differences between GSD Ia patients reflect large clinical and biochemical heterogeneity. Heterogeneity between GSD Ia patients with homozygous G6PC mutations indicate an important role of the G6PC genotype/mutations. Differences between affected siblings suggest an additional role (genetic and/or environmental) of modifying factors defining the GSD Ia phenotype. CUSUM-analysis can facilitate single-patient monitoring of metabolic control and future application of this method may improve precision medicine for patients both with GSD and remaining inherited metabolic diseases.

Is the Scoutreach Initiative of Boy Scouts of America Linked to Character Development among Socioeconomically, Racially, and Ethnically Diverse Youth?: Initial Explorations.

PubMed

Wang, Jun; Champine, Robey B; Ferris, Kaitlyn A; Hershberg, Rachel M; Warren, Daniel J; Burkhard, Brian M; Su, Shaobing; Lerner, Richard M

2017-10-01

Youth development programs represent key tools in the work of youth-serving practitioners and researchers who strive to promote character development and other attributes of youth thriving, particularly among youth who may confront structural and social challenges related to their racial, ethnic, and/or economic backgrounds. This article conducts secondary analyses of two previously reported studies of a relatively recent innovation in Boy Scouts of America (BSA) developed for youth from low-income communities, Scoutreach. Our goal is to provide descriptive and admittedly preliminary exploratory information about whether these data sets-one involving a sample of 266 youth of color from socioeconomically impoverished communities in Philadelphia (M age  = 10.54 years, SD = 1.58 years) and the other involving a pilot investigation of 32 youth of color from similar socioeconomic backgrounds in Boston (M age  = 9.97 years, SD = 2.46 years)-provide evidence for a link between program participation and a key indicator of positive development; that is, character development. Across the two data sets, quantitative and qualitative evidence suggested the presence of character development among Scoutreach participants. Limitations of both studies are discussed and implications for future longitudinal research are presented. We suggest that future longitudinal research should test the hypothesis that emotional engagement is key to creating the conditions wherein Scoutreach participation is linked to character development.

Hand and Wrist Injuries in Elite Boxing: A Longitudinal Prospective Study (2005-2012) of the Great Britain Olympic Boxing Squad.

PubMed

Loosemore, Michael; Lightfoot, Joseph; Gatt, Ian; Hayton, Mike; Beardsley, Chris

2017-03-01

Background: The purpose of this investigation was to explore prospectively the nature and duration of hand and wrist injuries in training and competition in the Great Britain (GB) amateur boxing squad between 2005 and 2012. Methods: Longitudinal prospective injury surveillance of the GB boxing squad was performed from 2005 to 2012. The location, region affected, description, and the duration of each injury were recorded by the team doctor and team physiotherapist. We recorded whether the injury occurred during competition or training and also whether it was a new or a recurrent injury. The injury rate during competition was calculated as the number of injuries per 1000 hours. Results: Finger carpometacarpal instability and finger metacarpophalangeal joint extensor hood and capsule sprain also known as "boxer's knuckle" injuries were significantly more common than other injury diagnoses. The number of injuries during training or competition was similar, which is remarkable given the far greater number of training hours than competition hours performed. Injury rate for hand and wrist injuries in competition was 347 injuries per 1000 hours, while the estimated injury rate in training was <0.5 injuries per 1000 hours. Conclusion: Carpometacarpal instability and boxer's knuckle were more common than any other kind of hand and wrist injury in this cohort of elite amateur boxers. The rate of hand and wrist injuries was higher in competition than in training. Our study highlights the importance of hand and wrist injury prevention in the competition environment.

Science-related Aspirations Across the Primary-Secondary Divide: Evidence from two surveys in England

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeWitt, Jennifer; Archer, Louise; Osborne, Jonathan

2014-07-01

Students' engagement with science and the numbers pursuing further study of science continue to be a concern among policy-makers, particularly in Western countries. Previous research reflects that most children have positive attitudes to science at age 10 but that, by age 14, attitudes towards and interest in further pursuit of science have declined. The Science Aspirations and Career Choice (ASPIRES) project, a 5-year longitudinal study, seeks to trace and track changes in students' interest in science and in scientific careers over the key period of ages 10-14. Building on an initial survey (consisting primarily of Likert-type items) of over 9,000 children in their last year of primary school, we explore shifts in attitudes and aspirations in science as reflected in a second survey of students from this cohort (over 5,600 students), completed when children were in their second year of secondary school (ages 12-13). Survey findings are supplemented by longitudinal interview data from 85 children. Contrary to previous research, descriptive, multivariate and multi-level modelling (MLM) analyses of the data indicate that the majority of our sample enjoy school science in secondary school and hold positive views of scientists. However, as with the primary school data, these positive attitudes also continue not to translate into an interest in 'being' a scientist. Attention is drawn to the importance of families and student experiences of school science in helping to explain this gap.

Finite-temperature spin dynamics in a perturbed quantum critical Ising chain with an E₈ symmetry.

PubMed

Wu, Jianda; Kormos, Márton; Si, Qimiao

2014-12-12

A spectrum exhibiting E₈ symmetry is expected to arise when a small longitudinal field is introduced in the transverse-field Ising chain at its quantum critical point. Evidence for this spectrum has recently come from neutron scattering measurements in cobalt niobate, a quasi-one-dimensional Ising ferromagnet. Unlike its zero-temperature counterpart, the finite-temperature dynamics of the model has not yet been determined. We study the dynamical spin structure factor of the model at low frequencies and nonzero temperatures, using the form factor method. Its frequency dependence is singular, but differs from the diffusion form. The temperature dependence of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation rate has an activated form, whose prefactor we also determine. We propose NMR experiments as a means to further test the applicability of the E₈ description for CoNb₂O₆.

New morphological data of Litomosoides chagasfilhoi (Nematoda: Filarioidea) parasitizing Nectomys squamipes in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

PubMed

Muniz-Pereira, Luís Cláudio; Gonçalves, Paula Araujo; Guimarães, Erick Vaz; Fonseca, Fábio de Oliveira; Santos, José Augusto Albuquerque Dos; Maldonado-Júnior, Arnaldo; Moraes, Antonio Henrique Almeida de

2016-01-01

Litomosoides chagasfilhoi, originally described by Moraes Neto, Lanfredi & De Souza (1997) parasitizing the abdominal cavity of the wild rodent, Akodon cursor (Winge, 1887), was found in the abdominal cavity of Nectomys squamipes (Brants, 1827), from the municipality of Rio Bonito, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. This study led to addition of new morphological data and a new geographical distribution for this filarioid in Brazil. Several characters were detailed and emended to previous records of L. chagasfilhoi in N. squamipes, and confirming the original description in A. cursor: buccal capsule longer than wide with walls thinner than the lumen, right spicule slightly sclerotized, with membranous distal extremity slender, with a small tongue-like terminal portion, left spicule with handle longer than the blade, whose edges form large membranous wings folded longitudinally.

A Novel Framework for Characterizing Exposure-Related ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Descriptions of where and how individuals spend their time are important for characterizing exposures to chemicals in consumer products and in indoor environments. Herein we create an agent-based model (ABM) that is able to simulate longitudinal patterns in behaviors. By basing our ABM upon a needs-based artificial intelligence (AI) system, we create agents that mimic human decisions on these exposure-relevant behaviors. In a case study of adults, we use the AI to predict the inter-individual variation in the start time and duration of four behaviors: sleeping, eating, commuting, and working. The results demonstrate that the ABM can capture both inter-individual variation and how decisions on one behavior can affect subsequent behaviors. Preset NERL's research on the use of agent based modeling in exposure assessments. To obtain feed back on the approach from the leading experts in the field.

Effects of animal-assisted therapy on behavioral and/or psychological symptoms in dementia: a case report.

PubMed

Nordgren, Lena; Engström, Gabriella

2012-12-01

Recently, interest in nonpharmaceutical interventions in dementia care has increased. Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to be one promising intervention but more knowledge is needed. The present article reports on a pilot study involving an 84-year-old woman with vascular dementia who was systematically trained with a therapy dog team for 8 weeks. A quasi-experimental longitudinal interventional design with pre-post measures was used. Data were collected on 3 occasions. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Some effects on the woman's ability to walk and move were identified. In addition, some effects in the woman's cognitive state were observed. Physical, psychological, and/or social training with certified therapy dog teams can have effects on behavioral and psychological symptoms in people living with dementia. Further research is needed.

Measurement of the muon antineutrino double-differential cross section for quasielastic-like scattering on hydrocarbon at E ν ~ 3.5 GeV

DOE PAGES

Patrick, C. E.; Aliaga, L.; Bashyal, A.; ...

2018-03-08

We present double-differential measurements of antineutrino charged-current quasielastic scattering in the MINERvA detector. This study improves on a previous single-differential measurement by using updated reconstruction algorithms and interaction models and provides a complete description of observed muon kinematics in the form of a double-differential cross section with respect to muon transverse and longitudinal momentum. We also include in our signal definition, zero-meson final states arising from multinucleon interactions and from resonant pion production followed by pion absorption in the primary nucleus. We find that model agreement is considerably improved by a model tuned to MINERvA inclusive neutrino scattering data thatmore » incorporates nuclear effects such as weak nuclear screening and two-particle, two-hole enhancements.« less

Five year olds with good conscience development.

PubMed

Stapert, Willem; Smeekens, Sanny

2011-01-01

Results from a longitudinal study on factors influencing conscience development contributed to our appreciation of the importance of moral internalization for a child's well-being. In this article we first present a summary of the research on moral development in children, including findings from infant research, with emphasis on the work of Robert N. Emde. Characteristics of classical psychoanalytic theory about superego development are compared with more recent insights. This is followed by a short description of two cheating games--as a measure of conscience development--played with 101 preschoolers. Some contrasts in our empirical data between the fair-play group and the children that cheated are presented and discussed in the light of the theoretical points of view. Finally some reflections on future research and the implications for parenting, prevention and clinical work are followed by suggestions for psychoanalytic theory.

Review of work-related stress in mainland Chinese nurses.

PubMed

Zeng, Yingchun

2009-03-01

The aim of this review was to identify the specific work-related stressors of mainland Chinese nurses and to present the current state of stress research in order to discuss directions for further research. A literature search from January 2000 to June 2007 was conducted among three electronic databases. The specific stressors among Chinese nurses were effort-reward imbalance, the poor image of nursing in the community, and managerial issues. The studies were limited to either descriptive or correlation designs, a variety of stress scales were used to investigate the nurses' work-related stressors, and there were no published studies reporting stress management interventions for Chinese nurses. This review highlights that further stress research targeted to Chinese nurses needs more prospective and longitudinal studies and has to develop a consistent instrument to measure stressors. The priority issue is the initiation of stress management interventions to improve nurses' coping skills, while the long-term goal is to reduce the level of stress or eliminate the stressors through individual, organizational, and societal interventions.

Perceived health promotion practice by older women: use of herbal products.

PubMed

Yoon, Saunjoo Lee; Horne, Claydell H

2004-07-01

Women age 65 and older appear to use herbal products as well as multiple prescribed and non-prescribed drugs as part of their health-promoting practice. The purpose of this study was to identify changes in herbal-product use in a sample of older women during an 18-month period and to explore differences in locus of control and perceived health competence between herbal-product users and non-users. A longitudinal and descriptive study design was used. Instruments used to guide the two sets of structured interviews included the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC), the Perceived Health Competence Scale (PHCS), and a questionnaire about herbal-product use. The prevalence of herbal-product usage and the number of products used remained consistent between the initial and follow-up interviews, with 43% of the participants using an average of 2.6 herbal products. Neither MHLC nor PHCS scores differed between herbal-product users and non-users. Mean scores of women in the study indicated higher internal than external locus of control.

Quality of life domains among non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivors: an integrative literature review

PubMed Central

LEAK, ASHLEY; MAYER, DEBORAH K.; SMITH, SOPHIA

2011-01-01

Survival rates of individuals with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) have increased in the past several years, as has the prevalence of older adults who are managing late and long-term effects of the disease and its treatment. In this integrative review, the state of the science for determining the quality of life (QOL) among NHL survivors is outlined. An online search of Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted using the following Keywords: non-Hodgkin lymphoma, health-related quality of life, quality of life, and impact of cancer. Eighteen studies published between 2000 and 2010 are reviewed. Of these, 17 were descriptive, cross-sectional designs, and one was a systematic review. The studies included participants of varying ages and years post-diagnosis as reported in several countries. Importantly, many used one or more QOL measures as outcome variables. Future research is needed on older and minority cancer populations and should include longitudinal and interventional studies. PMID:21534866

AIDS and behavioral change to reduce risk: a review.

PubMed Central

Becker, M H; Joseph, J G

1988-01-01

Published reports describing behavioral changes in response to the threat of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) are reviewed. These studies demonstrate rapid, profound, but expectably incomplete alterations in the behavior of both homosexual/bisexual males and intravenous drug users. This is true in the highest risk metropolitan areas such as New York City and in areas with lower AIDS incidence. Risk reduction is occurring more frequently through the modification of sexual or drug-use behavior than through its elimination. In contrast to aggregate data, longitudinal descriptions of individual behavior demonstrate considerable instability or recidivism. Behavioral change in the potentially vulnerable heterosexual adolescent and young adult populations is less common, as is risk reduction among urban minorities. Reports of AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes generally parallel the pattern of behavioral changes. Nonetheless, few studies investigate the relationship of knowledge and attitudes to risk reduction. Future studies should provide much-needed information about the determinants as well as the magnitude of behavioral changes required to reduce the further spread of AIDS. PMID:3279837

Innovative virtual reality measurements for embryonic growth and development.

PubMed

Verwoerd-Dikkeboom, C M; Koning, A H J; Hop, W C; van der Spek, P J; Exalto, N; Steegers, E A P

2010-06-01

Innovative imaging techniques, using up-to-date ultrasonic equipment, necessitate specific biometry. The aim of our study was to test the possibility of detailed human embryonic biometry using a virtual reality (VR) technique. In a longitudinal study, three-dimensional (3D) measurements were performed from 6 to 14 weeks gestational age in 32 pregnancies (n = 16 spontaneous conception, n = 16 IVF/ICSI). A total of 125 3D volumes were analysed in the I-Space VR system, which allows binocular depth perception, providing a realistic 3D illusion. Crown-rump length (CRL), biparietal diameter (BPD), occipito-frontal diameter (OFD), head circumference (HC) and abdominal circumference (AC) were measured as well as arm length, shoulder width, elbow width, hip width and knee width. CRL, BPD, OFD and HC could be measured in more than 96% of patients, and AC in 78%. Shoulder width, elbow width, hip width and knee width could be measured in more than 95% of cases, and arm length in 82% of cases. Growth curves were constructed for all variables. Ear and foot measurements were only possible beyond 9 weeks gestation. This study provides a detailed, longitudinal description of normal human embryonic growth, facilitated by a VR system. Growth curves were created for embryonic biometry of the CRL, BPD, HC and AC early in pregnancy and also of several 'new' biometric measurements. Applying virtual embryoscopy will enable us to diagnose growth and/or developmental delay earlier and more accurately. This is especially important for pregnancies at risk of severe complications, such as recurrent late miscarriage and early growth restriction.

Development of lengths of stay and DRG cost weights in dermatology from 2003 to 2006.

PubMed

Wenke, Andreas; Müller, Marcel L; Babapirali, Judith; Rompel, Rainer; Hensen, Peter

2009-08-01

The G-DRG per case payments are calculated annually on the basis of present output and cost data provided from German hospitals. The economic valuation of dermatology-related DRGs depends largely on inpatients' length of stay. At present, longitudinal analyses of dermatologic hospital data considering the development of length of stay under DRG conditions are not available. A multicenter, longitudinal study of clinical data from hospitals with different care levels was performed (n = 23). Frequent and relevant dermatologic diagnoses were grouped and analyzed over a time period of four years (2003-2006). The development of lengths of stay and of G-DRG cost weights were studied in detail. Descriptive statistical methods were applied. After introduction of DRG, the data reveal a) reduction of length of stay in inpatient dermatology and b) after an initial abrupt rise, DRG valuation of dermatologic groups moderately decreased over time. Both trends changed most rapidly in the early years but reached a stable niveau in 2006. The study furthermore points out that not only length of stay, but also other type of costs influence DRG calculations. German dermatology reflects the international trend showing reductions of length of stay after introduction of a DRG-based hospital funding system. The DRG calculation and valuation of inpatient services depend on the duration of hospital stay. However, increasing per diem costs resulting from higher performances of every inpatient bed day are also taken into account. Further reduction of length of stay must not threaten the quality of inpatient care in dermatology.

Comfort with motherhood in late pregnancy facilitates maternal role attainment in early postpartum.

PubMed

Nakamura, Yasuka; Takeishi, Yoko; Ito, Naoko; Ito, Mizuki; Atogami, Fumi; Yoshizawa, Toyoko

2015-01-01

Quality of life, comfort, and wellbeing during pregnancy are essential for every country in the world. Pregnancy is considered a preparation period for becoming a mother. Maternal role development, including confidence and satisfaction as a mother, is important in the transition to motherhood. Negative psychosocial affect, such as increased anxiety and distress, during pregnancy adversely influences the childbirth experience and childcare, which contributes to postpartum depression. However, the impact of positive feelings on the maternal role development remains unclear. Therefore, the study purpose was to clarify the relationship between comfort in late pregnancy and maternal role attainment and childcare during early postpartum. We designed a descriptive, longitudinal, correlational study by using the Prenatal Comfort Scale, the Postpartum Maternal Role Confidence Scale, and the Postpartum Maternal Satisfaction Scale. Among 339 participants who had received care at a university hospital located in Sendai city in Japan, 215 subjects completed the longitudinal study by answering a questionnaire for the respective Scale late in their pregnancy or during early postpartum. The subjects consisted of 114 primipara (32.0 ± 5.4 years) and 101 multipara (33.4 ± 4.9 years). In primipara, comfort with motherhood was significantly correlated with maternal confidence regarding knowledge and childcare skills and maternal satisfaction. In multipara, comfort in late pregnancy was related to maternal confidence and satisfaction. Positive affect was related to maternal confidence and maternal satisfaction in early postpartum. Therefore, a prenatal nursing intervention helps women become more comfortable with impending motherhood, thereby promoting maternal role attainment after delivery.

Longitudinal Comparison of the Speech and Language Performance of United States-Born and Internationally Adopted Toddlers with Cleft Lip and Palate: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Scherer, Nancy J; Baker, Shauna; Kaiser, Ann; Frey, Jennifer R

2018-01-01

Objective This study compares the early speech and language development of children with cleft palate with or without cleft lip who were adopted internationally with children born in the United States. Design Prospective longitudinal description of early speech and language development between 18 and 36 months of age. Participants This study compares four children (age range = 19 to 38 months) with cleft palate with or without cleft lip who were adopted internationally with four children (age range = 19 to 38 months) with cleft palate with or without cleft lip who were born in the United States, matched for age, gender, and cleft type across three time points over 10 to 12 months. Main Outcome Measures Children's speech-language skills were analyzed using standardized tests, parent surveys, language samples, and single-word phonological assessments to determine differences between the groups. Results The mean scores for the children in the internationally adopted group were lower than the group born in the United States at all three time points for expressive language and speech sound production measures. Examination of matched pairs demonstrated observable differences for two of the four pairs. No differences were observed in cognitive performance and receptive language measures. Conclusions The results suggest a cumulative effect of later palate repair and/or a variety of health and environmental factors associated with their early circumstances that persist to age 3 years. Early intervention to address the trajectory of speech and language is warranted. Given the findings from this small pilot study, a larger study of the long-term speech and language development of children who are internationally adopted and have cleft palate with or without cleft lip is recommended.

Reckoning HIV/AIDS care: A longitudinal study of community home-based caregivers and clients in Swaziland.

PubMed

Root, Robin; Van Wyngaard, Arnau; Whiteside, Alan

2015-01-01

The article is a descriptive case study of a community home-based care (CHBC) organisation in Swaziland that depicts the convergence of CHBC expansion with substantially improved health outcomes. Comprised of 993 care supporters who tend to 3 839 clients in 37 communities across southern Swaziland, Shiselweni Home-based Care (SHBC) is illustrative of many resource-limited communities throughout Africa that have mobilised, at varying degrees of formality, to address the individual and household suffering associated with HIV/AIDS. To better understand the potential significance of global and national health policy/programming reliance on community health workers (task shifting), we analysed longitudinal data on both care supporter and client cohorts from 2008 to 2013. Most CHBC studies report data from only one cohort. Foremost, our analysis demonstrated a dramatic decline (71.4%) among SHBC clients in overall mortality from 32.2% to 9.2% between 2008 and 2013. Although the study was not designed to establish statistical significance or causality between SHBC expansion and health impact, our findings detail a compelling convergence among CHBC, improved HIV health practices, and declines in client mortality. Our analysis indicated (1) the potential contributions of community health workers to individual and community wellbeing, (2) the challenges of task-shifting agendas, above all comprehensive support of community health workers/care supporters, and (3) the importance of data collection to monitor and strengthen the critical health services assigned to CHBC. Detailed study of CHBC operations and practices is helpful also for advancing government and donor HIV/AIDS strategies, especially with respect to health services decentralisation, in Swaziland and similarly profiled settings.

Design and descriptive epidemiology of the Infectious Diseases of East African Livestock (IDEAL) project, a longitudinal calf cohort study in western Kenya

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background There is a widely recognised lack of baseline epidemiological data on the dynamics and impacts of infectious cattle diseases in east Africa. The Infectious Diseases of East African Livestock (IDEAL) project is an epidemiological study of cattle health in western Kenya with the aim of providing baseline epidemiological data, investigating the impact of different infections on key responses such as growth, mortality and morbidity, the additive and/or multiplicative effects of co-infections, and the influence of management and genetic factors. A longitudinal cohort study of newborn calves was conducted in western Kenya between 2007-2009. Calves were randomly selected from all those reported in a 2 stage clustered sampling strategy. Calves were recruited between 3 and 7 days old. A team of veterinarians and animal health assistants carried out 5-weekly, clinical and postmortem visits. Blood and tissue samples were collected in association with all visits and screened using a range of laboratory based diagnostic methods for over 100 different pathogens or infectious exposures. Results The study followed the 548 calves over the first 51 weeks of life or until death and when they were reported clinically ill. The cohort experienced a high all cause mortality rate of 16% with at least 13% of these due to infectious diseases. Only 307 (6%) of routine visits were classified as clinical episodes, with a further 216 reported by farmers. 54% of calves reached one year without a reported clinical episode. Mortality was mainly to east coast fever, haemonchosis, and heartwater. Over 50 pathogens were detected in this population with exposure to a further 6 viruses and bacteria. Conclusion The IDEAL study has demonstrated that it is possible to mount population based longitudinal animal studies. The results quantify for the first time in an animal population the high diversity of pathogens a population may have to deal with and the levels of co-infections with key pathogens such as Theileria parva. This study highlights the need to develop new systems based approaches to study pathogens in their natural settings to understand the impacts of co-infections on clinical outcomes and to develop new evidence based interventions that are relevant. PMID:24000820

Design and descriptive epidemiology of the Infectious Diseases of East African Livestock (IDEAL) project, a longitudinal calf cohort study in western Kenya.

PubMed

de Clare Bronsvoort, Barend Mark; Thumbi, Samuel Mwangi; Poole, Elizabeth Jane; Kiara, Henry; Auguet, Olga Tosas; Handel, Ian Graham; Jennings, Amy; Conradie, Ilana; Mbole-Kariuki, Mary Ndila; Toye, Philip G; Hanotte, Olivier; Coetzer, J A W; Woolhouse, Mark E J

2013-08-30

There is a widely recognised lack of baseline epidemiological data on the dynamics and impacts of infectious cattle diseases in east Africa. The Infectious Diseases of East African Livestock (IDEAL) project is an epidemiological study of cattle health in western Kenya with the aim of providing baseline epidemiological data, investigating the impact of different infections on key responses such as growth, mortality and morbidity, the additive and/or multiplicative effects of co-infections, and the influence of management and genetic factors.A longitudinal cohort study of newborn calves was conducted in western Kenya between 2007-2009. Calves were randomly selected from all those reported in a 2 stage clustered sampling strategy. Calves were recruited between 3 and 7 days old. A team of veterinarians and animal health assistants carried out 5-weekly, clinical and postmortem visits. Blood and tissue samples were collected in association with all visits and screened using a range of laboratory based diagnostic methods for over 100 different pathogens or infectious exposures. The study followed the 548 calves over the first 51 weeks of life or until death and when they were reported clinically ill. The cohort experienced a high all cause mortality rate of 16% with at least 13% of these due to infectious diseases. Only 307 (6%) of routine visits were classified as clinical episodes, with a further 216 reported by farmers. 54% of calves reached one year without a reported clinical episode. Mortality was mainly to east coast fever, haemonchosis, and heartwater. Over 50 pathogens were detected in this population with exposure to a further 6 viruses and bacteria. The IDEAL study has demonstrated that it is possible to mount population based longitudinal animal studies. The results quantify for the first time in an animal population the high diversity of pathogens a population may have to deal with and the levels of co-infections with key pathogens such as Theileria parva. This study highlights the need to develop new systems based approaches to study pathogens in their natural settings to understand the impacts of co-infections on clinical outcomes and to develop new evidence based interventions that are relevant.

Infant siblings and the investigation of autism risk factors

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Infant sibling studies have been at the vanguard of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) research over the past decade, providing important new knowledge about the earliest emerging signs of ASD and expanding our understanding of the developmental course of this complex disorder. Studies focused on siblings of children with ASD also have unrealized potential for contributing to ASD etiologic research. Moving targeted time of enrollment back from infancy toward conception creates tremendous opportunities for optimally studying risk factors and risk biomarkers during the pre-, peri- and neonatal periods. By doing so, a traditional sibling study, which already incorporates close developmental follow-up of at-risk infants through the third year of life, is essentially reconfigured as an enriched-risk pregnancy cohort study. This review considers the enriched-risk pregnancy cohort approach of studying infant siblings in the context of current thinking on ASD etiologic mechanisms. It then discusses the key features of this approach and provides a description of the design and implementation strategy of one major ASD enriched-risk pregnancy cohort study: the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI). PMID:22958474

Trajectories of Mental Health over 16 Years amongst Young Adult Women: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holden, Libby; Ware, Robert S.; Lee, Christina

2016-01-01

This article used data from 5,171 young women participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, a nationally representative longitudinal cohort study, to identify longitudinal trajectory patterns of mental health across 6 surveys over 16 years of early adulthood, from age 18-23 to age 34-39. In addition, we identified both…

A Longitudinal Examination of Childhood Maltreatment and Adolescent Obesity: Results from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (AddHealth) Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shin, Sunny Hyucksun; Miller, Daniel P.

2012-01-01

Objectives: We sought to explore the association between childhood maltreatment (e.g., neglect, physical and sexual abuse) and longitudinal growth trajectories of body mass index (BMI) from adolescence to young adulthood. Methods: We used latent curve modeling to examine data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 8,471),…

Coping with Memory Effect and Serial Correlation when Estimating Reliability in a Longitudinal Framework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laenen, Annouschka; Alonso, Ariel; Molenberghs, Geert; Vangeneugden, Tony; Mallinckrodt, Craig H.

2010-01-01

Longitudinal studies are permeating clinical trials in psychiatry. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to study the psychometric properties of rating scales, frequently used in these trials, within a longitudinal framework. However, intrasubject serial correlation and memory effects are problematic issues often encountered in longitudinal data.…

Use of missing data methods in longitudinal studies: the persistence of bad practices in developmental psychology.

PubMed

Jelicić, Helena; Phelps, Erin; Lerner, Richard M

2009-07-01

Developmental science rests on describing, explaining, and optimizing intraindividual changes and, hence, empirically requires longitudinal research. Problems of missing data arise in most longitudinal studies, thus creating challenges for interpreting the substance and structure of intraindividual change. Using a sample of reports of longitudinal studies obtained from three flagship developmental journals-Child Development, Developmental Psychology, and Journal of Research on Adolescence-we examined the number of longitudinal studies reporting missing data and the missing data techniques used. Of the 100 longitudinal studies sampled, 57 either reported having missing data or had discrepancies in sample sizes reported for different analyses. The majority of these studies (82%) used missing data techniques that are statistically problematic (either listwise deletion or pairwise deletion) and not among the methods recommended by statisticians (i.e., the direct maximum likelihood method and the multiple imputation method). Implications of these results for developmental theory and application, and the need for understanding the consequences of using statistically inappropriate missing data techniques with actual longitudinal data sets, are discussed.

Cervical vertebral maturation as a biologic indicator of skeletal maturity.

PubMed

Santiago, Rodrigo César; de Miranda Costa, Luiz Felipe; Vitral, Robert Willer Farinazzo; Fraga, Marcelo Reis; Bolognese, Ana Maria; Maia, Lucianne Cople

2012-11-01

To identify and review the literature regarding the reliability of cervical vertebrae maturation (CVM) staging to predict the pubertal spurt. The selection criteria included cross-sectional and longitudinal descriptive studies in humans that evaluated qualitatively or quantitatively the accuracy and reproducibility of the CVM method on lateral cephalometric radiographs, as well as the correlation with a standard method established by hand-wrist radiographs. The searches retrieved 343 unique citations. Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Six articles had moderate to high scores, while 17 of 23 had low scores. Analysis also showed a moderate to high statistically significant correlation between CVM and hand-wrist maturation methods. There was a moderate to high reproducibility of the CVM method, and only one specific study investigated the accuracy of the CVM index in detecting peak pubertal growth. This systematic review has shown that the studies on CVM method for radiographic assessment of skeletal maturation stages suffer from serious methodological failures. Better-designed studies with adequate accuracy, reproducibility, and correlation analysis, including studies with appropriate sensitivity-specificity analysis, should be performed.

A Qualitative Analysis of Narrative Preclerkship Assessment Data to Evaluate Teamwork Skills.

PubMed

Dolan, Brigid M; O'Brien, Celia Laird; Cameron, Kenzie A; Green, Marianne M

2018-04-16

Construct: Students entering the health professions require competency in teamwork. Although many teamwork curricula and assessments exist, studies have not demonstrated robust longitudinal assessment of preclerkship students' teamwork skills and attitudes. Assessment portfolios may serve to fill this gap, but it is unknown how narrative comments within portfolios describe student teamwork behaviors. We performed a qualitative analysis of narrative data in 15 assessment portfolios. Student portfolios were randomly selected from 3 groups stratified by quantitative ratings of teamwork performance gathered from small-group and clinical preceptor assessment forms. Narrative data included peer and faculty feedback from these same forms. Data were coded for teamwork-related behaviors using a constant comparative approach combined with an identification of the valence of the coded statements as either "positive observation" or "suggestion for improvement." Eight codes related to teamwork emerged: attitude and demeanor, information facilitation, leadership, preparation and dependability, professionalism, team orientation, values team member contributions, and nonspecific teamwork comments. The frequency of codes and valence varied across the 3 performance groups, with students in the low-performing group receiving more suggestions for improvement across all teamwork codes. Narrative data from assessment portfolios included specific descriptions of teamwork behavior, with important contributions provided by both faculty and peers. A variety of teamwork domains were represented. Such feedback as collected in an assessment portfolio can be used for longitudinal assessment of preclerkship student teamwork skills and attitudes.

Domain or not domain? That is the question: longitudinal semantic deterioration in Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Moreno-Martínez, F Javier; Goñi-Imízcoz, Miguel; Spitznagel, Mary Beth

2011-10-01

Category specific semantic impairment (e.g. living versus nonliving things) has been reported in association with various pathologies, including herpes simplex encephalitis and semantic dementia. However, evidence is inconsistent regarding whether this effect exists in diseases progressively impacting diverse cortical regions, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Ceiling effects producing non-Gaussian distributions and poor control for confounds such as nuisance variables (e.g. familiarity) may contribute to this discrepancy. Fourteen AD patients were longitudinally studied examining category effects on three semantic tasks (picture naming, naming to description and word to picture matching) matched across domain on all known nuisance variables (NV). To address non-Gaussian distributions, we run bootstrap analyses to determine whether NV, semantic domain or control performance best predicted AD patient performance. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses revealed that, whilst NV accounted for most of the explained variance in patients in the three tasks, the influence of semantic domain was substantially lower. Individual logistic regression demonstrated a significant category effect in only a few patients and healthy controls. No significant qualitative changes were observed in patients over time. Our results confirm the importance of NVs as predictors of AD patient performance, suggesting that the role of semantic domain is not a useful predictor of the progressive deterioration in AD. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prevention of traffic accidents: the assessment of perceptual-motor alterations before obtaining a driving license. A longitudinal study of the first years of driving.

PubMed

Martín, Fermina Sánchez; Estévez, M Angeles Quiroga

2005-03-01

A longitudinal study was designed with two objectives: first, to provide a wide cognitive, personality and social description of new drivers before they started to drive cars. Second, to examine the relationship between cognitive and other characteristics drivers had before obtaining their driving license and the number and type of accidents they were involved in during the first years as drivers. The longitudinal study started in 1997 and ended in 2002. The first assessment was made up of 241 individuals at the time they enrolled on the driving course. The follow-up evaluation in the year 2002 was carried out on 144 components of the initial sample after five years driving. Age, gender and education level were matched to represent the population of Spain. Participants were assessed with the Bender Test for visual-motor ability, the B101 Test for practical intelligence, the B19 Test for visual-motor bi-manual coordination, and the TKK-1108 for speed anticipation. Personality was also evaluated with the Rorschach test and the PSY (Psychological Assessment Questionnaire). Five years later, a new examination of all those variables was made as well as a structured interview with each participant in order to collect data relating to significant life events during that time, driving habits, opinions in relation to certain traffic rules and information on accidents, incidents and/or sanctions. Serious and/or minor accidents are concentrated on a few drivers. Accidentality is not related to gender or age, but educational level is related to serious accidents. The number of accidents (severe or minor ones) cannot be predicted if considered as a continuous variable, but it is possible if considered as a discrete variable. In this case two different cognitive profiles account for the number and type of accidents. The number and type of accidents during their first years of driving are related to the cognitive profiles of drivers assessed before they obtained their driving license.

Using existing questionnaires in latent class analysis: should we use summary scores or single items as input? A methodological study using a cohort of patients with low back pain.

PubMed

Nielsen, Anne Molgaard; Vach, Werner; Kent, Peter; Hestbaek, Lise; Kongsted, Alice

2016-01-01

Latent class analysis (LCA) is increasingly being used in health research, but optimal approaches to handling complex clinical data are unclear. One issue is that commonly used questionnaires are multidimensional, but expressed as summary scores. Using the example of low back pain (LBP), the aim of this study was to explore and descriptively compare the application of LCA when using questionnaire summary scores and when using single items to subgrouping of patients based on multidimensional data. Baseline data from 928 LBP patients in an observational study were classified into four health domains (psychology, pain, activity, and participation) using the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health framework. LCA was performed within each health domain using the strategies of summary-score and single-item analyses. The resulting subgroups were descriptively compared using statistical measures and clinical interpretability. For each health domain, the preferred model solution ranged from five to seven subgroups for the summary-score strategy and seven to eight subgroups for the single-item strategy. There was considerable overlap between the results of the two strategies, indicating that they were reflecting the same underlying data structure. However, in three of the four health domains, the single-item strategy resulted in a more nuanced description, in terms of more subgroups and more distinct clinical characteristics. In these data, application of both the summary-score strategy and the single-item strategy in the LCA subgrouping resulted in clinically interpretable subgroups, but the single-item strategy generally revealed more distinguishing characteristics. These results 1) warrant further analyses in other data sets to determine the consistency of this finding, and 2) warrant investigation in longitudinal data to test whether the finer detail provided by the single-item strategy results in improved prediction of outcomes and treatment response.

Piloted Parameter Identification Flight Test Maneuvers for Closed Loop Modeling of the F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morelli, Eugene A.

1996-01-01

Flight test maneuvers are specified for the F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV). The maneuvers were designed for closed loop parameter identification purposes, specifically for longitudinal and lateral linear model parameter estimation at 5, 20, 30, 45, and 60 degrees angle of attack, using the NASA 1A control law. Each maneuver is to be realized by the pilot applying square wave inputs to specific pilot station controls. Maneuver descriptions and complete specifications of the time/amplitude points defining each input are included, along with plots of the input time histories.

A poroelastic medium saturated by a two-phase capillary fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shelukhin, V. V.

2014-09-01

By Landau's approach developed for description of superfluidity of 2He, we derive a mathematical model for a poroelastic medium saturated with a two-phase capillary fluid. The model describes a three-velocity continuum with conservation laws which obey the basic principles of thermodynamics and which are consistent with the Galilean transformations. In contrast to Biot' linear theory, the equations derived allow for finite deformations. As the acoustic analysis reveals, there is one more longitudinal wave in comparison with the poroelastic medium saturated with a one-phase fluid. We prove that such a result is due to surface tension.

Palliative sedation, not slow euthanasia: a prospective, longitudinal study of sedation in Flemish palliative care units.

PubMed

Claessens, Patricia; Menten, Johan; Schotsmans, Paul; Broeckaert, Bert

2011-01-01

Palliative sedation remains a much debated and controversial issue. The limited literature on the topic often fails to answer ethical questions concerning this practice. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients who are being sedated for refractory symptoms in palliative care units (PCUs) from the time of admission until the day of death. A prospective, longitudinal, descriptive design was used to assess data in eight PCUs. The total sample consisted of 266 patients. Information on demographics, medication, food and fluid intake, decision making, level of consciousness, and symptom experience were gathered by nurses and researchers three times a week. If patients received palliative sedation, extra information was gathered. Of all included patients (n=266), 7.5% received palliative sedation. Sedation started, on average, 2.5 days before death and for half of these patients, the form of sedation changed over time. At the start of sedation, patients were in the end stage of their illness and needed total care. Patients were fully conscious and had very limited oral food or fluid intake. Only three patients received artificial fluids at the start of sedation. Patients reported, on average, two refractory symptoms, the most important ones being pain, fatigue, depression, drowsiness, and loss of feeling of well-being. In all cases, the patient gave consent to start palliative sedation because of increased suffering. This study revealed that palliative sedation is only administered in exceptional cases where refractory suffering is evident and for those patients who are close to the ends of their lives. Moreover, this study supports the argument that palliative sedation has no life-shortening effect. Copyright © 2011 U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

COBRA: A prospective multimodal imaging study of dopamine, brain structure and function, and cognition.

PubMed

Nevalainen, N; Riklund, K; Andersson, M; Axelsson, J; Ögren, M; Lövdén, M; Lindenberger, U; Bäckman, L; Nyberg, L

2015-07-01

Cognitive decline is a characteristic feature of normal human aging. Previous work has demonstrated marked interindividual variability in onset and rate of decline. Such variability has been linked to factors such as maintenance of functional and structural brain integrity, genetics, and lifestyle. Still, few, if any, studies have combined a longitudinal design with repeated multimodal imaging and a comprehensive assessment of cognition as well as genetic and lifestyle factors. The present paper introduces the Cognition, Brain, and Aging (COBRA) study, in which cognitive performance and brain structure and function are measured in a cohort of 181 older adults aged 64 to 68 years at baseline. Participants will be followed longitudinally over a 10-year period, resulting in a total of three equally spaced measurement occasions. The measurement protocol at each occasion comprises a comprehensive set of behavioral and imaging measures. Cognitive performance is evaluated via computerized testing of working memory, episodic memory, perceptual speed, motor speed, implicit sequence learning, and vocabulary. Brain imaging is performed using positron emission tomography with [(11)C]-raclopride to assess dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used for assessment of white and gray-matter integrity and cerebrovascular perfusion, and functional MRI maps brain activation during rest and active task conditions. Lifestyle descriptives are collected, and blood samples are obtained and stored for future evaluation. Here, we present selected results from the baseline assessment along with a discussion of sample characteristics and methodological considerations that determined the design of the study. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Memory & Aging. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Colorado Longitudinal Twin Study of Reading Disability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wadsworth, Sally J.; DeFries, John C.; Olson, Richard K.; Willcutt, Erik G.

2007-01-01

The primary objectives of the present study are to introduce the Colorado Longitudinal Twin Study of Reading Disability, the first longitudinal twin study in which subjects have been specifically selected for having a history of reading difficulties, and to present some initial assessments of the stability of reading performance and cognitive…

76 FR 65187 - Notice of Proposed Information Collection Requests

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-20

... careers. This study includes a new student assessment in algebraic skills, reasoning, and problem solving... School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09) High School Transcript Collection and College Update Field... Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09) is a nationally representative, longitudinal study of more than 20,000...

Descriptive review: hormonal influences on risk for eating disorder symptoms during puberty and adolescence.

PubMed

Harden, K Paige; Kretsch, Natalie; Moore, Sarah R; Mendle, Jane

2014-11-01

Puberty is an important period of risk for the onset of eating pathology in adolescent females. This review focuses on changes in reproductive hormones during puberty as one specific psychopathogenic mechanism. Studies of puberty and eating disorder-related phenotypes were identified using search databases and the reference sections of previous literature. Correlational studies of adult women and experimental studies of animals provide evidence for the effects of reproductive hormones on eating disorder symptoms. Very few studies of puberty, however, have directly measured or tested the effects of hormonal change in samples of human adolescents. Commonly used measures of pubertal development, such as menarche or self-reported pubertal status, are relatively poor indicators of individual differences in hormones. The extent to which puberty-related hormonal change accounts for elevated risk for disordered eating remains unclear. Future research is necessary to elucidate the specific relations between hormonal change during puberty and risk for disordered eating. In particular, there is a need for longitudinal studies with multivariate measurement of pubertal development, including direct measures of change in reproductive hormones. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Comparative study of habits in students before and during the university in northwest area of Madrid].

PubMed

Iglesias López, María Teresa; Cuesta Santa Teresa, Elvira; Sáez Crespo, Antonio

2014-11-12

In most Western countries young people adopt lifestyles that adversely affect their health, thus increasing the risk of premature onset of chronic diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare patterns of habits in pre-university and university students in west-central area of Madrid. Descriptive longitudinal study with randomly selected students from Madrid in Madrid universities and schools-institutes. Accepting to participate 1590 students of both sex: 653 males (4,1%) and 937 women (58,9%). To facilitate the study were classified into ≤ 17 years (pre university) and ≥ 18 years (university). BMI, physical activity, alcohol consumption and negative habits with regard to food consumption was studied. Almost 80% have normal weight, are more active pre-university. Gender differences were observed, which should guide the actions of intervention in terms of physical activity or habits. It seems essential to make nutritional programs as well as psychosocial intervention in adolescents and youth to prevent and / or reduce alcohol consumption. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Forms of vitality play in infancy.

PubMed

Español, Silvia; Martínez, Mauricio; Bordoni, Mariana; Camarasa, Rosario; Carretero, Soledad

2014-12-01

In this paper we report a qualitative study based on the constant comparative method to initiate the systematic study of forms of vitality play. This is an unnoticed non-figurative play frame linked to early social play and temporal arts in which child and adult elaborate the dynamics of their own movements and sounds in a repetition-variation form. In the introduction we present the theoretical underpinnings and the sporadic observations we have done in previous studies. Then, by the iterative observations of the recorded material of a longitudinal case study on play during the third year of life, we generated the general category of forms of vitality play and four subcategories of display modes of forms of vitality play (improvised forms of vitality play, ritualized forms of vitality play, forms of vitality play combined with pretend play, and forms of vitality play combined with role playing) which are illustrated with descriptive narratives. We discuss the properties of the developed categories, the limits of the present study, and the need to continue systematizing the research on this playful activity.

Methods of in-vivo mouse lung micro-CT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Recheis, Wolfgang A.; Nixon, Earl; Thiesse, Jacqueline; McLennan, Geoffrey; Ross, Alan; Hoffman, Eric

2005-04-01

Micro-CT will have a profound influence on the accumulation of anatomical and physiological phenotypic changes in natural and transgenetic mouse models. Longitudinal studies will be greatly facilitated, allowing for a more complete and accurate description of events if in-vivo studies are accomplished. The purpose of the ongoing project is to establish a feasible and reproducible setup for in-vivo mouse lung micro-computed tomography (μCT). We seek to use in-vivo respiratory-gated μCT to follow mouse models of lung disease with subsequent recovery of the mouse. Methodologies for optimizing scanning parameters and gating for the in-vivo mouse lung are presented. A Scireq flexiVent ventilated the gas-anesthetized mice at 60 breaths/minute, 30 cm H20 PEEP, 30 ml/kg tidal volume and provided a respiratory signal to gate a Skyscan 1076 μCT. Physiologic monitoring allowed the control of vital functions and quality of anesthesia, e.g. via ECG monitoring. In contrary to longer exposure times with ex-vivo scans, scan times for in-vivo were reduced using 35μm pixel size, 158ms exposure time and 18μm pixel size, 316ms exposure time to reduce motion artifacts. Gating via spontaneous breathing was also tested. Optimal contrast resolution was achieved at 50kVp, 200μA, applying an aluminum filter (0.5mm). There were minimal non-cardiac related motion artifacts. Both 35μm and 1μm voxel size images were suitable for evaluation of the airway lumen and parenchymal density. Total scan times were 30 and 65 minutes respectively. The mice recovered following scanning protocols. In-vivo lung scanning with recovery of the mouse delivered reasonable image quality for longitudinal studies, e.g. mouse asthma models. After examining 10 mice, we conclude μCT is a feasible tool evaluating mouse models of lung pathology in longitudinal studies with increasing anatomic detail available for evaluation as one moves from in-vivo to ex-vivo studies. Further developments include automated bronchial tree segmentation and airway wall thickness measurement tools. Improvements in Hounsfield unit calibration have to be performed when the interest of the study lies in determining and quantifying parenchymal changes and rely on estimating partial volume contributions of underlying structures to voxel densities.

Subglacial drainage patterns of Devon Island, Canada: detailed comparison of rivers and subglacial meltwater channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grau Galofre, Anna; Jellinek, A. Mark; Osinski, Gordon R.; Zanetti, Michael; Kukko, Antero

2018-04-01

Subglacial meltwater channels (N-channels) are attributed to erosion by meltwater in subglacial conduits. They exert a major control on meltwater accumulation at the base of ice sheets, serving as drainage pathways and modifying ice flow rates. The study of exposed relict subglacial channels offers a unique opportunity to characterize the geomorphologic fingerprint of subglacial erosion as well as study the structure and characteristics of ice sheet drainage systems. In this study we present detailed field and remote sensing observations of exposed subglacial meltwater channels in excellent preservation state on Devon Island (Canadian Arctic Archipelago). We characterize channel cross section, longitudinal profiles, and network morphologies and establish the spatial extent and distinctive characteristics of subglacial drainage systems. We use field-based GPS measurements of subglacial channel longitudinal profiles, along with stereo imagery-derived digital surface models (DSMs), and novel kinematic portable lidar data to establish a detailed characterization of subglacial channels in our field study area, including their distinction from rivers and other meltwater drainage systems. Subglacial channels typically cluster in groups of ˜ 10 channels and are oriented perpendicular to active or former ice margins. Although their overall direction generally follows topographic gradients, channels can be oblique to topographic gradients and have undulating longitudinal profiles. We also observe that the width of first-order tributaries is 1 to 2 orders of magnitude larger than in Devon Island river systems and approximately constant. Furthermore, our findings are consistent with theoretical expectations drawn from analyses of flow driven by gradients in effective water pressure related to variations in ice thickness. Our field and remote sensing observations represent the first high-resolution study of the subglacial geomorphology of the high Arctic, and provide quantitative and qualitative descriptions of subglacial channels that revisit well-established field identification guidelines. Distinguishing subglacial channels in topographic data is critical for understanding the emergence, geometry, and extent of channelized meltwater systems and their role in ice sheet drainage. The final aim of this study is to facilitate the identification of subglacial channel networks throughout the globe by using remote sensing techniques, which will improve the detection of these systems and help to build understanding of the underlying mechanics of subglacial channelized drainage.

Markovian properties of wind turbine wakes within a 3x3 array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melius, Matthew; Tutkun, Murat; Cal, Raúl Bayoán

2012-11-01

Wind turbine arrays have proven to be significant sources of renewable energy. Accurate projections of energy production is difficult to achieve because the wake of a wind turbine is highly intermittent and turbulent. Seeking to further the understanding of the downstream propagation of wind turbine wakes, a stochastic analysis of experimentally obtained turbulent flow data behind a wind turbine was performed. A 3x3 wind turbine array was constructed in the test section of a recirculating wind tunnel where X-wire anemometers were used to collect point velocity statistics. In this work, mathematics of the theory of Markovian processes are applied to obtain a statistical description of longitudinal velocity increments inside the turbine wake using conditional probability density functions. Our results indicate an existence of Markovian properties at scales on the order of the Taylor microscale, λ, which has also been observed and documented in different turbulent flows. This leads to characterization of the multi-point description of the wind turbine wakes using the most recent states of the flow.

The Total In-Flight Simulator (TIFS) aerodynamics and systems: Description and analysis. [maneuver control and gust alleviators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andrisani, D., II; Daughaday, H.; Dittenhauser, J.; Rynaski, E.

1978-01-01

The aerodynamics, control system, instrumentation complement and recording system of the USAF Total In/Flight Simulator (TIFS) airplane are described. A control system that would allow the ailerons to be operated collectively, as well as, differentially to entrance the ability of the vehicle to perform the dual function of maneuver load control and gust alleviation is emphasized. Mathematical prediction of the rigid body and the flexible equations of longitudinal motion using the level 2.01 FLEXSTAB program are included along with a definition of the vehicle geometry, the mass and stiffness distribution, the calculated mode frequencies and mode shapes, and the resulting aerodynamic equations of motion of the flexible vehicle. A complete description of the control and instrumentation system of the aircraft is presented, including analysis, ground test and flight data comparisons of the performance and bandwidth of the aerodynamic surface servos. Proposed modification for improved performance of the servos are also presented.

Description of new species of Pterygorhabditis Timm, and Aspidonema (Sachs, ) Andrássy, (Nematoda: Bunonematoidea) in aquatic habitats from India.

PubMed

Tahseen, Q; Khan, R; Ahlawat, S

2016-07-01

The paper contains descriptions of two new species of the genera Pterygorhabditis Timm, 1957 and Aspidonema (Sachs, 1949) Andrássy, 1958 belonging to the families Pterygorhabditidae Goodey 1963 and Bunonematidae Micoletzky 1922, respectively. Species were procured from fixed samples, collected earlier from aquatic habitats. Pterygorhabditis punctata n. sp. is characterized by a cuticle with flattened hexagonal blocks arranged in eight longitudinal rows in both sexes; each metastegostomal plate with a minute denticle, and males with long, slender, fused spicules and nine pairs of post-cloacal, prominently setose genital papillae. Aspidonema formosa n. sp. is the first report of the genus from India. The species is characterized by the right side provided with 35-48 pairs of warts flanking a row of smooth membranous shields and surrounded by a well-developed network and an anisomorphic metastegostom without discernible armature. Species are compared with other congeners, together with the diagnoses of amended genera, and keys to the identification of species are provided.

A Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Adjustment Following Family Transitions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ruschena, Eda; Prior, Margot; Sanson, Ann; Smart, Diana

2005-01-01

Background: This study examined the impact of family transitions, that is, parental separation, divorce, remarriage and death, upon the lives of Australian children and adolescents in a longitudinal study of temperament and development. Methods: Using longitudinal and concurrent questionnaire data, outcomes for young people experiencing…

77 FR 51788 - Notice of Submission for OMB Review; Institute of Education Sciences; Education Longitudinal...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-27

...; Education Longitudinal Study 2002 (ELS:2002) Third Follow-Up Postsecondary Transcripts (ELS:2002 PETS) and Financial Aid Feasibility Study (ELS:2002 FAFS) SUMMARY: The Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS:2002) is a nationally representative study of two high school grade cohorts (spring 2002 tenth-graders and...

The Impact of Mixing Modes on Reliability in Longitudinal Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cernat, Alexandru

2015-01-01

Mixed-mode designs are increasingly important in surveys, and large longitudinal studies are progressively moving to or considering such a design. In this context, our knowledge regarding the impact of mixing modes on data quality indicators in longitudinal studies is sparse. This study tries to ameliorate this situation by taking advantage of a…

Integrating Prospective Longitudinal Data: Modeling Personality and Health in the Terman Life Cycle and Hawaii Longitudinal Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kern, Margaret L.; Hampson, Sarah E.; Goldberg, Lewis R.; Friedman, Howard S.

2014-01-01

The present study used a collaborative framework to integrate 2 long-term prospective studies: the Terman Life Cycle Study and the Hawaii Personality and Health Longitudinal Study. Within a 5-factor personality-trait framework, teacher assessments of child personality were rationally and empirically aligned to establish similar factor structures…

Children with a cochlear implant: characteristics and determinants of speech recognition, speech-recognition growth rate, and speech production.

PubMed

Wie, Ona Bø; Falkenberg, Eva-Signe; Tvete, Ole; Tomblin, Bruce

2007-05-01

The objectives of the study were to describe the characteristics of the first 79 prelingually deaf cochlear implant users in Norway and to investigate to what degree the variation in speech recognition, speech- recognition growth rate, and speech production could be explained by the characteristics of the child, the cochlear implant, the family, and the educational setting. Data gathered longitudinally were analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression, and growth-curve analysis. The results show that more than 50% of the variation could be explained by these characteristics. Daily user-time, non-verbal intelligence, mode of communication, length of CI experience, and educational placement had the highest effect on the outcome. The results also indicate that children educated in a bilingual approach to education have better speech perception and faster speech perception growth rate with increased focus on spoken language.

Planning for Sustainability of an Evidence-Based Mental Health Promotion Program in Canadian Elementary Schools.

PubMed

Leadbeater, Bonnie J; Gladstone, Emilie J; Sukhawathanakul, Paweena

2015-09-01

Substantial research illuminates many factors effecting the implementation of evidence-based mental health promotion programs in schools; however, research on how schools plan for sustaining their investments in these programs is limited. In this qualitative study, we elicited descriptions of opportunities and challenges for sustainability. We interviewed 24 individuals from schools involved in a longitudinal, qualitative research project that followed uptake and implementation of the evidence-based WITS Programs across 2 years (Leadbeater et al. 2012). WITS stands for Walk away, Ignore, Talk it out and Seek help and the online WITS Programs focus on preventing peer victimization ( www.witsprograms.ca ). Our findings suggest that sustainability planning in schools is not merely a next step following high quality implementation, but rather involves multiple ongoing processes that need to be anticipated and supported by school leadership and program champions and developers in order to realize investments in evidence-based programs.

Parental spirituality in life-threatening pediatric cancer.

PubMed

Nicholas, David B; Barrera, Maru; Granek, Leeat; D'Agostino, Norma Mammone; Shaheed, Jenny; Beaune, Laura; Bouffet, Eric; Antle, Beverley

2017-01-01

This study addressed parental spirituality in the context of pediatric cancer with a poor prognosis. Drawing upon previous research implementing a longitudinal grounded theory design examining parental hope, 35 parents were interviewed regarding their experiences with an emergent description of the role of spirituality in parents' daily lives. Spirituality included religious beliefs and practices, notions of a higher force or cosmos, relationship with a divine being, as well as elements emerging from meaning-making and relationships. Parental expectations of spirituality remained relatively constant across data collection time points (3-9 months postdiagnosis), although limited variation occurred relative to shifting circumstance (e.g., deterioration of the child's condition). Spirituality appeared to offer: greater acceptance of parents' inability to protect their child from harm related to her/his life-threatening illness, guidance and emotion decompression, and support from one's faith community. Recommendations for integrating spiritual assessment in clinical care practice are offered.

A Twenty-Two-Year-Old Community Advisory Board: Health Research as an Opportunity for Social Change

PubMed Central

Silvestre, Anthony J.; Quinn, Sandra J.; Rinaldo, Charles R.

2010-01-01

Conducting health research often requires a partnership between marginalized communities and researchers. Community organizers can broker this partnership in a way that not only produces important scientific discoveries but also brings needed resources to the communities. This article is a description of a community advisory board established in 1984 to advise researchers on a longitudinal study of the natural history of AIDS among gay men. The Board successfully guided the recruitment of more than 3,000 gay and bisexual male volunteers and, at the same time worked as a powerful change agent. An analysis of minutes from all Board meetings between 1984-2006 indicates that significant social change as well as important research findings resulted from Board actions. Community organizers who work to create a mutually beneficial partnership between communities and researchers may find new opportunities to support community growth and social justice. PMID:20523763

Appraisals of negative events by preadolescent children of divorce.

PubMed

Sheets, V; Sandler, I; West, S G

1996-10-01

This study investigated the appraisals of the significance of negative events made by 256 preadolescent children of divorce. Appraisals were assessed by a 24-item self-report scale. Confirmatory factor analysis of this scale found support for a 3-dimensional model: negative self-appraisal, negative other-appraisal, and material loss. Differentiation between the dimensions of appraisal increased with age in both cross-sectional and over-time data. Evidence for convergent and discriminant validity of the self-report measure of appraisals was found with scores derived from children's open-ended descriptions of their appraisals. Cross-sectional structural equation models found significant paths between negative appraisal and psychological symptoms, over and above the direct effects of the traditional life event measure of stress. Structural equation modeling of longitudinal (5.5 months) data found a significant path from Time 1 appraisal to Time 2 anxiety for the older children.

Spirituality and stress management in healthy adults.

PubMed

Tuck, Inez; Alleyne, Renee; Thinganjana, Wantana

2006-12-01

The purposes of this longitudinal, descriptive pilot study were to (a) test the acceptability and feasibility of a 6-week spiritual intervention; (b) determine the relationship between spirituality and stress; (c) explore the effects of the intervention on measures of perceived stress, spiritual perspective, and spiritual well-being; and (d) explore the meaning of spirituality. The sample consisted of 27 community-dwelling adults. Six categories emerged from the qualitative data as descriptors of the meaning and significance of spirituality. The survey data indicated that there were significant negative correlations between perceived stress and spiritual well-being at three time intervals, a significant decline in the levels of perceived stress, and a significant increase in spiritual perspective from the pretest to the 6-week follow-up. There were no significant changes in spiritual well-being. The intervention proved effective in reducing stress in this healthy adult sample.

Millennial generation student nurses' perceptions of the impact of multiple technologies on learning.

PubMed

Montenery, Susan M; Walker, Marjorie; Sorensen, Elizabeth; Thompson, Rhonda; Kirklin, Dena; White, Robin; Ross, Carl

2013-01-01

To determine how millennial nursing students perceive the effects of instructional technology on their attentiveness, knowledge, critical thinking, and satisfaction. BACKGROUND Millennial learners develop critical thinking through experimentation, active participation, and multitasking with rapid shifts between technological devices. They desire immediate feedback. METHOD; A descriptive, longitudinal, anonymous survey design was used with a convenience sample of 108 sophomore, junior, and senior baccalaureate nursing students (participation rates 95 percent, winter, 85 percent, spring). Audience response, virtual learning, simulation, and computerized testing technologies were used. An investigator-designed instrument measured attentiveness, knowledge, critical thinking, and satisfaction (Cronbach's alphas 0.73, winter; 0.84, spring). Participants positively rated the audience response, virtual learning, and simulation instructional technologies on their class participation, learning, attention, and satisfaction. They strongly preferred computerized testing. Consistent with other studies, these students engaged positively with new teaching strategies using contemporary instructional technology. Faculty should consider using instructional technologies.

A Twenty-Two-Year-Old Community Advisory Board: Health Research as an Opportunity for Social Change.

PubMed

Silvestre, Anthony J; Quinn, Sandra J; Rinaldo, Charles R

2010-01-01

Conducting health research often requires a partnership between marginalized communities and researchers. Community organizers can broker this partnership in a way that not only produces important scientific discoveries but also brings needed resources to the communities. This article is a description of a community advisory board established in 1984 to advise researchers on a longitudinal study of the natural history of AIDS among gay men. The Board successfully guided the recruitment of more than 3,000 gay and bisexual male volunteers and, at the same time worked as a powerful change agent. An analysis of minutes from all Board meetings between 1984-2006 indicates that significant social change as well as important research findings resulted from Board actions. Community organizers who work to create a mutually beneficial partnership between communities and researchers may find new opportunities to support community growth and social justice.

Postsecondary inclusion for individuals with an intellectual disability and its effects on employment.

PubMed

Moore, Eric J; Schelling, Amy

2015-06-01

Postsecondary education (PSE) programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) have emerged exponentially in the United States over the last decade. Research regarding these postsecondary programs has largely been descriptive, and thus, there exists a need for qualitative, outcome-based research. In this comparative case report, graduates from two types of PSE programs for individuals with IDs are surveyed regarding employment outcomes and other personal developments. The results from each postsecondary program are compared with one another and also with a comparison group of individuals with IDs who did not attend a postsecondary program (utilizing the 2009 National Longitudinal Transition Study 2). This case demonstrates significant positive employment outcomes for individuals with IDs who attend postsecondary programs compared to those who do not attend such programs and highlights similarities and differences regarding outcomes of the two program types under consideration. © The Author(s) 2015.

Collective Care: Multiple Caregivers and Multiple Care Recipients in Mexican American Families.

PubMed

Evans, Bronwynne C; Coon, David W; Belyea, Michael J; Ume, Ebere

2017-07-01

Specific stressors associated with caregiving in Mexican American (MA) families are not well documented, yet caregiving issues are paramount because informal care for parents is central to their culture. Although MA families who band together to provide care for one member are not unique, the literature does not describe the phenomenon of collective caregiving, which may be widespread but unrecognized. This article describes these understudied families who are poorly served by contemporary health systems because their characteristics are unknown. Descriptive, multisite, longitudinal mixed-methods study of MA caregiving families. We identified three types of collective caregivers: those providing care for multiple family members simultaneously, those providing care successively to several family members, and/or those needing care themselves during their caregiving of others. Collective caregiving of MA elders warrants further investigation. Exploration of collective caregiving may provide a foundation for tailored family interventions.

Mexican-American Males Providing Personal Care for their Mothers

PubMed Central

Evans, Bronwynne C.; Belyea, Michael J.; Ume, Ebere

2011-01-01

We know little about Mexican-American (MA) family adaptation to critical events in the informal caregiving experience but, in these days of economic and social turmoil, sons must sometimes step up to provide personal care for their aging mothers. This article compares two empirically real cases of MA males who provided such care, in lieu of a female relative. The cases are selected from a federally-funded, descriptive, longitudinal, mixed methods study of 110 MA caregivers and their care recipients. In case-oriented research, investigators can generate propositions (connected sets of statements) that reflect their findings and conclusions, and can be tested against subsequent cases: Caregiving strain and burden in MA males may have more to do with physical and emotional costs than financial ones; MA males providing personal care for their mothers adopt a matter-of-fact approach as they act “against taboo”; and this approach is a new way to fulfill family obligations. PMID:21643486

Testing aspects of Carl Rogers's theory of creative environments: child-rearing antecedents of creative potential in young adolescents.

PubMed

Harrington, D M; Block, J H; Block, J

1987-04-01

Longitudinal data involving 106 children and their parents were used to test preschool child-rearing implications of Carl Rogers's theory of creativity-fostering environments (Rogers, 1954). Indices were developed for each parent and for each mother-father combination that reflected the degree to which the parents' child-rearing practices and interactions with their preschool children matched the recommendations implicit in Rogers's description of a creativity-fostering environment. The three indices of Rogers-prescribed child-rearing practices each correlated positively (rs = .38 to .46) and significantly (all ps less than .001) with a composite index of creative potential in early adolescence, 7 to 11 years later. Rogers-prescribed preschool child-rearing practices also emerged as significant antecedents of adolescent creative potential in regression/path analyses that held constant the influence of sex, preschool intelligence, and preschool creative potential. Theoretical and methodological aspects of the study are discussed.

Defining Tiger Parenting in Chinese Americans.

PubMed

Kim, Su Yeong

2013-09-01

"Tiger" parenting, as described by Amy Chua [2011], has instigated scholarly discourse on this phenomenon and its possible effects on families. Our eight-year longitudinal study, published in the Asian American Journal of Psychology [Kim, Wang, Orozco-Lapray, Shen, & Murtuza, 2013b], demonstrates that tiger parenting is not a common parenting profile in a sample of 444 Chinese American families. Tiger parenting also does not relate to superior academic performance in children. In fact, the best developmental outcomes were found among children of supportive parents. We examine the complexities around defining tiger parenting by reviewing classical literature on parenting styles and scholarship on Asian American parenting, along with Amy Chua's own description of her parenting method, to develop, define, and categorize variability in parenting in a sample of Chinese American families. We also provide evidence that supportive parenting is important for the optimal development of Chinese American adolescents.

Defining Tiger Parenting in Chinese Americans

PubMed Central

Kim, Su Yeong

2016-01-01

“Tiger” parenting, as described by Amy Chua [2011], has instigated scholarly discourse on this phenomenon and its possible effects on families. Our eight-year longitudinal study, published in the Asian American Journal of Psychology [Kim, Wang, Orozco-Lapray, Shen, & Murtuza, 2013b], demonstrates that tiger parenting is not a common parenting profile in a sample of 444 Chinese American families. Tiger parenting also does not relate to superior academic performance in children. In fact, the best developmental outcomes were found among children of supportive parents. We examine the complexities around defining tiger parenting by reviewing classical literature on parenting styles and scholarship on Asian American parenting, along with Amy Chua’s own description of her parenting method, to develop, define, and categorize variability in parenting in a sample of Chinese American families. We also provide evidence that supportive parenting is important for the optimal development of Chinese American adolescents. PMID:27182075

[Consumer's psychological processes of hoarding and avoidant purchasing after the Tohoku earthquake].

PubMed

Ohtomo, Shoji; Hirose, Yukio

2014-02-01

This study examined psychological processes of consumers that had determined hoarding and avoidant purchasing behaviors after the Tohoku earthquake within a dual-process model. The model hypothesized that both intentional motivation based on reflective decision and reactive motivation based on non-reflective decision predicted the behaviors. This study assumed that attitude, subjective norm and descriptive norm in relation to hoarding and avoidant purchasing were determinants of motivations. Residents in the Tokyo metropolitan area (n = 667) completed internet longitudinal surveys at three times (April, June, and November, 2011). The results indicated that intentional and reactive motivation determined avoidant purchasing behaviors in June; only intentional motivation determined the behaviors in November. Attitude was a main determinant of the motivations each time. Moreover, previous behaviors predicted future behaviors. In conclusion, purchasing behaviors were intentional rather than reactive behaviors. Furthermore, attitude and previous behaviors were important determinants in the dual-process model. Attitude and behaviors formed in April continued to strengthen the subsequent decisions of purchasing behavior.

WIDE RANGE ACHIEVEMENT TEST IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: TEST-RETEST STABILITY.

PubMed

Jantz, Paul B; Bigler, Erin D; Froehlich, Alyson L; Prigge, Molly B D; Cariello, Annahir N; Travers, Brittany G; Anderson, Jeffrey; Zielinski, Brandon A; Alexander, Andrew L; Lange, Nicholas; Lainhart, Janet E

2015-06-01

The principal goal of this descriptive study was to establish the test-retest stability of the Reading, Spelling, and Arithmetic subtest scores of the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT-3) across two administrations in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Participants (N = 31) were males ages 6-22 years (M = 15.2, SD = 4.0) who were part of a larger ongoing longitudinal study of brain development in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (N = 185). Test-retest stability for all three subtests remained consistent across administration periods (M = 31.8 mo., SD = 4.1). Age at time of administration, time between administrations, and test form did not significantly influence test-retest stability. Results indicated that for research involving individuals with autism spectrum disorder with a full scale intelligence quotient above 75, the WRAT-3 Spelling and Arithmetic subtests have acceptable test-retest stability over time and the Reading subtest has moderate test-retest stability over time.

Description and Evaluation of a Measurement Technique for Assessment of Performing Gender

PubMed Central

Harris, Kathleen Mullan; Halpern, Carolyn Tucker

2016-01-01

The influence of masculinity and femininity on behaviors and outcomes has been extensively studied in social science research using various measurement strategies. In the present paper, we describe and evaluate a measurement technique that uses existing survey items to capture the extent to which an individual behaves similarly to their same-gender peers. We use data from the first four waves of The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), a nationally representative sample of adolescents (age 12–18) in the United States who were re-interviewed at ages 13–19, 18–26, and 24–32. We estimate split-half reliability and provide evidence that supports the validity of this measurement technique. We demonstrate that the resulting measure does not perform as a trait measure and is associated with involvement in violent fights, a pattern consistent with theory and empirical findings. This measurement technique represents a novel approach for gender researchers with the potential for expanding our current knowledge base. PMID:28630528

Almost 40 years investigating near-death experiences: an overview of mainstream scientific journals.

PubMed

Sleutjes, Adriana; Moreira-Almeida, Alexander; Greyson, Bruce

2014-11-01

This article reviews mainstream scientific publications on near-death experiences (NDEs). We searched near-death experience in titles, key words, and abstracts at the Web of Knowledge database published between 1945 and 2013. We identified 266 relevant documents, the oldest from 1977. There was a strong predominance of opinion articles (book reviews, commentaries, and editorials), review articles, phenomenological description articles, and articles that originated in the United States. Since 2000, the number of longitudinal and cross-sectional studies has increased; there has been a diversification in the countries that have published on the subject and more articles that discuss the implications of NDEs for the mind-brain relationship. The results indicate that most scholarly publications on NDEs are recent, usually have no original empirical data, and are concentrated in North America and Western Europe. Future studies should focus on increasing the cultural diversity in the field and on testing explanatory hypotheses based on high-quality empirical data.

Demographic and Developmental Differences in the Content and Sequence of Adolescents’ Ideal Romantic Relationship Behaviors

PubMed Central

Choukas-Bradley, Sophia; Goldberg, Shoshana K.; Widman, Laura; Reese, Bianka M.; Halpern, Carolyn T.

2015-01-01

This study utilizes data from 18,392 respondents (aged 12–19) in Wave 1 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) to provide a detailed descriptive analysis of U.S. adolescents’ desired behaviors in their ideal romantic relationships. Age, gender, and ethnic group differences in the desire for—and preferred sequence of—a set of activities that could occur in a hypothetical romantic relationship were explored within subsets of heterosexual (n=17,274) and sexual minority adolescents (n=1,118). Non-sexual behaviors were more commonly desired compared to sexual behaviors. The typical desired behavioral sequence was: holding hands, going out alone, telling others they were a couple, kissing, saying “I love you,” sexual touching, and finally having sex. Overall, more similarities than differences emerged across groups, with some notable differences in the percentages who desired sexual behaviors. Results provide a nuanced picture of adolescent relationship scripts, with implications for education and prevention. PMID:26431691

Resolving the biophysics of axon transmembrane polarization in a single closed-form description

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Melendy, Robert F., E-mail: rfmelendy@liberty.edu

2015-12-28

When a depolarizing event occurs across a cell membrane there is a remarkable change in its electrical properties. A complete depolarization event produces a considerably rapid increase in voltage that propagates longitudinally along the axon and is accompanied by changes in axial conductance. A dynamically changing magnetic field is associated with the passage of the action potential down the axon. Over 75 years of research has gone into the quantification of this phenomenon. To date, no unified model exist that resolves transmembrane polarization in a closed-form description. Here, a simple but formative description of propagated signaling phenomena in the membranemore » of an axon is presented in closed-form. The focus is on using both biophysics and mathematical methods for elucidating the fundamental mechanisms governing transmembrane polarization. The results presented demonstrate how to resolve electromagnetic and thermodynamic factors that govern transmembrane potential. Computational results are supported by well-established quantitative descriptions of propagated signaling phenomena in the membrane of an axon. The findings demonstrate how intracellular conductance, the thermodynamics of magnetization, and current modulation function together in generating an action potential in a unified closed-form description. The work presented in this paper provides compelling evidence that three basic factors contribute to the propagated signaling in the membrane of an axon. It is anticipated this work will compel those in biophysics, physical biology, and in the computational neurosciences to probe deeper into the classical and quantum features of membrane magnetization and signaling. It is hoped that subsequent investigations of this sort will be advanced by the computational features of this model without having to resort to numerical methods of analysis.« less

Synthetic River Valleys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, R.; Pasternack, G. B.

2011-12-01

The description of fluvial form has evolved from anecdotal descriptions to artistic renderings to 2D plots of cross section or longitudinal profiles and more recently 3D digital models. Synthetic river valleys, artificial 3D topographic models of river topography, have a plethora of potential applications in fluvial geomorphology, and the earth sciences in general, as well as in computer science and ecology. Synthetic river channels have existed implicitly since approximately the 1970s and can be simulated from a variety of approaches spanning the artistic and numerical. An objective method of synthesizing 3D stream topography based on reach scale attributes would be valuable for sizing 3D flumes in the physical and numerical realms, as initial input topography for morphodynamic models, stream restoration design, historical reconstruction, and mechanistic testing of interactions of channel geometric elements. Quite simply - simulation of synthetic channel geometry of prescribed conditions can allow systematic evaluation of the dominant relationships between river flow and geometry. A new model, the control curve method, is presented that uses hierarchically scaled parametric curves in over-lapping 2D planes to create synthetic river valleys. The approach is able to simulate 3D stream geometry from paired 2D descriptions and can allow experimental insight into form-process relationships in addition to visualizing past measurements of channel form that are limited to two dimension descriptions. Results are presented that illustrate the models ability to simulate fluvial topography representative of real world rivers as well as how channel geometric elements can be adjusted. The testing of synthetic river valleys would open up a wealth of knowledge as to why some 3D attributes of river channels are more prevalent than others as well as bridging the gap between the 2D descriptions that have dominated fluvial geomorphology the past century and modern, more complete, 3D treatments.

Application of Transtheoretical (Stages of Change) Model in Studying Attitudes and Behaviors of Adults with Hearing Loss: A Descriptive Review.

PubMed

Manchaiah, Vinaya; Hernandez, Barbara Michiels; Beck, Douglas L

2018-06-01

Health Behavior Change (HBC) refers to facilitating changes to habits and/or behaviors related to health. There are a number of models/theories of HBC, which provide a structured framework to better understand the HBCs of individuals. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM, aka "the Stages of Change" model) is an integrative model used to conceptualize the process of intentional behavior change and is applied to a variety of behaviors, populations, and settings. In the last few years, use of TTM by the profession of audiology has been increasing. This descriptive literature review was aimed at identifying and presenting a summary of research studies, which use TTM to study the attitudes and behaviors of adults with hearing loss. A literature review was conducted. This review included 13 empirical studies. A literature review was conducted using the EBSCOhost and included the databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO. The review suggests TTM is useful in studying the attitudes and behaviors of adults with hearing loss. There are positive associations between stages of change and help-seeking, intervention uptake, and hearing rehabilitation outcome (i.e., benefit and satisfaction). However, associations with intervention decisions and intervention use were not evident. It appears help-seeking, intervention uptake, and successful outcomes are usually displayed in people in the later stages of change as those with greater hearing loss are often in the later stages of change. Understanding the readiness toward help-seeking and uptake of intervention in people with hearing loss based on TTM may help clinicians develop more focused management strategies. However, additional longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to further test the predictive validity of the stages of change model. American Academy of Audiology.

77 FR 2349 - Proposed Information Collection (Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Longitudinal Study...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-17

... DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-New (VR&E Longitudinal Study Survey... Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed [[Page... . Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 2900--New (VR&E Longitudinal Study Survey)'' in any correspondence...

Beyond Terman: Contemporary Longitudinal Studies of Giftedness and Talent.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Subotnik, Rena F., Ed.; Arnold, Karen D., Ed.

This volume presents 16 papers describing recent longitudinal studies of giftedness. Papers have the following titles and authors: (1) "Longitudinal Study of Giftedness and Talent" (Rena F. Subotnik and Karen D. Arnold); (2) "The Illinois Valedictorian Project: Early Adult Careers of Academically Talented Male High School Students" (Karen D.…

Peer Victimization in Childhood and Internalizing Problems in Adolescence: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zwierzynska, Karolina; Wolke, Dieter; Lereya, Tanya S.

2013-01-01

Traumatic childhood experiences have been found to predict later internalizing problems. This prospective longitudinal study investigated whether repeated and intentional harm doing by peers (peer victimization) in childhood predicts internalizing symptoms in early adolescence. 3,692 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and…

Flying mirror model for interaction of a super-intense laser pulse with a thin plasma layer: Transparency and shaping of linearly polarized laser pulses

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kulagin, Victor V.; Cherepenin, Vladimir A.; Hur, Min Sup

2007-11-15

A self-consistent one-dimensional (1D) flying mirror model is developed for description of an interaction of an ultra-intense laser pulse with a thin plasma layer (foil). In this model, electrons of the foil can have large longitudinal displacements and relativistic longitudinal momenta. An approximate analytical solution for a transmitted field is derived. Transmittance of the foil shows not only a nonlinear dependence on the amplitude of the incident laser pulse, but also time dependence and shape dependence in the high-transparency regime. The results are compared with particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations and a good agreement is ascertained. Shaping of incident laser pulses usingmore » the flying mirror model is also considered. It can be used either for removing a prepulse or for reducing the length of a short laser pulse. The parameters of the system for effective shaping are specified. Predictions of the flying mirror model for shaping are compared with the 1D PIC simulations, showing good agreement.« less

Dynamics and density distributions in a capillary-discharge waveguide with an embedded supersonic jet

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Matlis, N. H., E-mail: nmatlis@gmail.com; Gonsalves, A. J.; Steinke, S.

We present an analysis of the gas dynamics and density distributions within a capillary-discharge waveguide with an embedded supersonic jet. This device provides a target for a laser plasma accelerator which uses longitudinal structuring of the gas-density profile to enable control of electron trapping and acceleration. The functionality of the device depends sensitively on the details of the density profile, which are determined by the interaction between the pulsed gas in the jet and the continuously-flowing gas in the capillary. These dynamics are captured by spatially resolving recombination light from several emission lines of the plasma as a function ofmore » the delay between the jet and the discharge. We provide a phenomenological description of the gas dynamics as well as a quantitative evaluation of the density evolution. In particular, we show that the pressure difference between the jet and the capillary defines three regimes of operation with qualitatively different longitudinal density profiles and show that jet timing provides a sensitive method for tuning between these regimes.« less

Two new endemic species of Epictia Gray, 1845 (Serpentes: Leptotyphlopidae) from Northern Peru.

PubMed

Koch, Claudia; Cruz, Roy Santa; Cárdenas, Heidy

2016-08-11

Herein, we describe two new thread snake species of the genus Epictia from elevations higher than 2000 meters above sea level in the Andes of the Cajamarca Region in Northern Peru. Both species share 10 midtail scale rows, a broad contact between the anterior supralabial and the supraocular scales in most of the specimens, and a yellow spot on the snout and the terminal part of the tail. Epictia venegasi sp. nov. is described on the basis of nine specimens and can further be differentiated from its congeners by having 211-221 mid-dorsal scale rows and a color pattern where each body scale is black on the anterior half and yellow on the posterior half. The description of Epictia vonmayi sp. nov. is based on two specimens which can further be differentiated from their congeners by having 196-205 mid-dorsal scale rows and 14 distinct black longitudinal stripes around the body, which run through the center of each scale and are separated by bright yellow interspaces; accordingly the tail exhibits 10 black longitudinal stripes which likewise run through the center of each scale.

Medical education practice-based research networks: Facilitating collaborative research.

PubMed

Schwartz, Alan; Young, Robin; Hicks, Patricia J

2016-01-01

Research networks formalize and institutionalize multi-site collaborations by establishing an infrastructure that enables network members to participate in research, propose new studies, and exploit study data to move the field forward. Although practice-based clinical research networks are now widespread, medical education research networks are rapidly emerging. In this article, we offer a definition of the medical education practice-based research network, a brief description of networks in existence in July 2014 and their features, and a more detailed case study of the emergence and early growth of one such network, the Association of Pediatric Program Directors Longitudinal Educational Assessment Research Network (APPD LEARN). We searched for extant networks through peer-reviewed literature and the world-wide web. We identified 15 research networks in medical education founded since 2002 with membership ranging from 8 to 120 programs. Most focus on graduate medical education in primary care or emergency medicine specialties. We offer four recommendations for the further development and spread of medical education research networks: increasing faculty development, obtaining central resources, studying networks themselves, and developing networks of networks.

Medical education practice-based research networks: Facilitating collaborative research

PubMed Central

Schwartz, Alan; Young, Robin; Hicks, Patricia J.; APPD LEARN, For

2016-01-01

Abstract Background: Research networks formalize and institutionalize multi-site collaborations by establishing an infrastructure that enables network members to participate in research, propose new studies, and exploit study data to move the field forward. Although practice-based clinical research networks are now widespread, medical education research networks are rapidly emerging. Aims: In this article, we offer a definition of the medical education practice-based research network, a brief description of networks in existence in July 2014 and their features, and a more detailed case study of the emergence and early growth of one such network, the Association of Pediatric Program Directors Longitudinal Educational Assessment Research Network (APPD LEARN). Methods: We searched for extant networks through peer-reviewed literature and the world-wide web. Results: We identified 15 research networks in medical education founded since 2002 with membership ranging from 8 to 120 programs. Most focus on graduate medical education in primary care or emergency medicine specialties. Conclusions: We offer four recommendations for the further development and spread of medical education research networks: increasing faculty development, obtaining central resources, studying networks themselves, and developing networks of networks. PMID:25319404

Insights into workplace bullying: psychosocial drivers and effective interventions

PubMed Central

Escartín, Jordi

2016-01-01

Research on effectiveness of workplace bullying interventions has lagged behind descriptive studies on this topic. The literature on bullying intervention research has only recently expanded to a point that allows for synthesis of findings across empirical studies. This study addresses the question of whether workplace bullying can be reduced in prevalence and consequences, if so to what extent and by which strategies and interventions. It opens with a brief overview of the nature of bullying at work and discussion of some precursors and existing interventions. However, its principal focus is on the findings obtained from selected (quasi-) experimental longitudinal studies on antibullying interventions, drawing together the results of studies conducted in Europe, USA, and Australia, including several economic sectors, and concerned about primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention programs and strategies. Additional emphasis is considered from the psychosocial drivers highlighted both from prescriptive and cross-sectional studies and factual empirical studies. One randomized control study and seven quasiexperimental longitudinal studies were identified by searching electronic databases and bibliographies and via contact with experts. The majority of outcomes evidenced some level of change, mostly positive, suggesting that workplace bullying interventions are more likely to affect knowledge, attitudes, and self-perceptions, but actual bullying behaviors showed much more mixed results. In general, growing effectiveness was stated as the level of intervention increased from primary to tertiary prevention. However, methodological problems relating to the evaluation designs in most studies do not allow direct attribution of these findings to the interventions. Overall, the evaluation of antibullying interventions must flourish and be improved, requiring close cooperation between practitioners and academics to design, implement, and evaluate effective interventions based on grounded theoretical and methodological approaches. Finally, this systematic review highlights future directions for enhancing the adoption, high-quality implementation, and dissemination of evidence-based workplace bullying prevention and intervention programs. PMID:27382343

Studying the Longitudinal Study. I. Introduction: Do Impromptu Essays Show Changes in Critical Thinking over the Span of College? Cautions and Insights from a Pilot Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Francelia

The problematic results of longitudinal studies on college writing indicate the need for multidimensional studies to be able to explore perceptible changes in students' writing. Accordingly a small pilot case study, to explore the promise and the limitations of doing a longitudinal multidimensional study, investigated whether impromptu essays…

A longitudinal study of the educational and career trajectories of female participants of an urban informal science education program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fadigan, Kathleen Ann

The purpose of this study is to describe the educational trajectories of a sample of young women from urban, low-income, single-parent families who participated in the Women in Natural Sciences (WINS) program during their ninth and/or tenth grade years of high school. This study also attempts to determine how the WINS program affected the participants' educational and career choices in order to provide insight into the role informal science education programs play in increasing the participation of women and minorities in science, math, engineering, and technology (SMET)-related fields. The research takes the form of a longitudinal, descriptive case study. The case is composed of 152 WINS participants who applied for, were accepted into, and completed at least one year of the program between 1992 and 1997. Data were drawn from program records, surveys, and interviews. Pre-WINS desired educational and career trajectory data were available for 152 participants. Post-WINS actual educational and career trajectory data were available for 101 of the young women in the sample. Seventy-eight women completed a WINS survey. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 former participants. Findings revealed a 100 percent high school completion rate. A total of 109 participants (93.16%) enrolled in a college program following high school completion. Careers in medical or health-related fields followed by careers in SMET emerged as the highest ranking career paths with 24 students (23.76%) and 21 students (20.79%), respectively, employed in or pursuing careers in these areas. Taking a greater number of advanced or honors level SMET high school courses was the only contextual variable showing a significant relationship to pursuing a career in SMET. The majority of participants perceived having the WINS staff as people you could talk to, the job skills learned in WINS, and having the museum as a safe place to go as having influenced their educational and career decisions. These findings reflect the need for continued support of informal science education programs for urban girls and at-risk youth. Additional longitudinal studies of similar programs are crucial to understanding their effects on the education and career paths of young women with an initial interest in science.

New geomorphic data on the active Taiwan orogen: A multisource approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deffontaines, B.; Lee, J.-C.; Angelier, J.; Carvalho, J.; Rudant, J.-P.

1994-01-01

A multisource and multiscale approach of Taiwan morphotectonics combines different complementary geomorphic analyses based on a new elevation model (DEM), side-looking airborne radar (SLAR), and satellite (SPOT) imagery, aerial photographs, and control from independent field data. This analysis enables us not only to present an integrated geomorphic description of the Taiwan orogen but also to highlight some new geodynamic aspects. Well-known, major geological structures such as the Longitudinal Valley, Lishan, Pingtung, and the Foothills fault zones are of course clearly recognized, but numerous, previously unrecognized structures appear distributed within different regions of Taiwan. For instance, transfer fault zones within the Western Foothills and the Central Range are identified based on analyses of lineaments and general morphology. In many cases, the existence of geomorphic features identified in general images is supported by the results of geological field analyses carried out independently. In turn, the field analyses of structures and mechanisms at some sites provide a key for interpreting similar geomorphic featues in other areas. Examples are the conjugate pattern of strike-slip faults within the Central Range and the oblique fold-and-thrust pattern of the Coastal Range. Furthermore, neotectonic and morphological analyses (drainage and erosional surfaces) has been combined in order to obtain a more comprehensive description and interpretation of neotectonic features in Taiwan, such as for the Longitudinal Valley Fault. Next, at a more general scale, numerical processing of digital elevation models, resulting in average topography, summit level or base level maps, allows identification of major features related to the dynamics of uplift and erosion and estimates of erosion balance. Finally, a preliminary morphotectonic sketch map of Taiwan, combining information from all the sources listed above, is presented.

Revision of the jawfish genus Lonchopisthus with description of a new Atlantic species (Teleostei: Opistognathidae)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smith-Vaniz, William F.; Walsh, Stephen J.

2017-01-01

Synonymies, diagnoses, descriptions, illustrations, an identification key, and meristic frequency tables are provided for all species of Lonchopisthus. Most of the skeletal anatomy of L. higmani is also illustrated. A new jawfish, Lonchopisthus ancistrus n. sp., is described from the Gulf of Mexico and off Honduras based on 21 specimens 41–89 mm SL. The new species differs from other congeners by the following combination of characters: the posterior end of the maxilla strongly hooked; the membrane connecting the maxilla and premaxilla and the inner membrane covering the posterior part of the dentary pale; segmented dorsal-fin rays 11–13, with unbranched rays 2–5; longitudinal body-scale rows 33–39; and very long pelvic fins, 39.4–75.3% SL. Lonchopisthus lemur (and its synonym L. meadi) shares most characters with L. ancistrus, but differs in having shorter pelvic fins, 19.2–29.9% SL; fewer longitudinal body-scale rows, 26–33; and 5 infraorbitals (vs. 4). Both are relatively deep-water species, occurring from 100 m to at least 375 m (vs. 3–139 m in the other species). Lonchopisthus micrognathus is unique in having no branched caudal-fin rays at any size and the middle caudal-fin rays with free tips that may be used to maintain tactile contact with the substrate while hovering over its burrow. The western Atlantic Lonchopisthus higmani and eastern Pacific L. sinuscalifornicus are sister species that differ from the other Atlantic species in having the posterior end of the maxilla with a notch instead of a strong hook, the opercle with a large dark blotch, and one supraneural (vs. no supraneural).

Predicting declines in perceived relationship continuity using practice deprivation scores: a longitudinal study in primary care.

PubMed

Levene, Louis S; Baker, Richard; Walker, Nicola; Williams, Christopher; Wilson, Andrew; Bankart, John

2018-06-01

Increased relationship continuity in primary care is associated with better health outcomes, greater patient satisfaction, and fewer hospital admissions. Greater socioeconomic deprivation is associated with lower levels of continuity, as well as poorer health outcomes. To investigate whether deprivation scores predicted variations in the decline over time of patient-perceived relationship continuity of care, after adjustment for practice organisational and population factors. An observational study in 6243 primary care practices with more than one GP, in England, using a longitudinal multilevel linear model, 2012-2017 inclusive. Patient-perceived relationship continuity was calculated using two questions from the GP Patient Survey. The effect of deprivation on the linear slope of continuity over time was modelled, adjusting for nine confounding variables (practice population and organisational factors). Clustering of measurements within general practices was adjusted for by using a random intercepts and random slopes model. Descriptive statistics and univariable analyses were also undertaken. Relationship continuity declined by 27.5% between 2012 and 2017, and at all deprivation levels. Deprivation scores from 2012 did not predict variations in the decline of relationship continuity at practice level, after accounting for the effects of organisational and population confounding variables, which themselves did not predict, or weakly predicted with very small effect sizes, the decline of continuity. Cross-sectionally, continuity and deprivation were negatively correlated within each year. The decline in relationship continuity of care has been marked and widespread. Measures to maximise continuity will need to be feasible for individual practices with diverse population and organisational characteristics. © British Journal of General Practice 2018.

[The progressive reduction of functioning in the course of mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA - longitudinal study of two siblings].

PubMed

Michalska, Agata; Nawrocka, Małgorzata; Znój, Dorota

2013-01-01

This paper presents a description of changes in the functioning of two siblings diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidosis type III A. Both are under specialist care exercised by the Rehabilitation, Care and Education Centre in the city Kielce, including care of a oligophrenopedagogue, a psychologist, a speech therapist and a physiotherapist. Evaluation of changes in functioning of two siblings diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA. The longitudinal study covered two children with MPS type IIIA. During the 29 months of observation, there were six measurements on the basis of PPAC Gunzburg Inventory in the Polish adaptation by Tadeusz Witkowski. The results are shown in the form of PPAC diagrams and profiles of functioning. Despite the differences in the presence and severity of somatic and neurocognitive symptoms, functioning both of the boy and the girl does not differ from functioning described in the literature. Therapeutic interventions have produced short-term improvements in its area of self-service, communication and activities. Despite the similar trend of changes in functioning, there is an inter-individual variability in the quality of patterns and dynamics of progress. The progressive decrease in the level of functioning in patients with MPS IIIA does not preclude the acquisition of new skills. They are not permanent, however. There is a need for functional assessment in order to learn more about the specificity of the disease and to assume an individualised therapeutic approach aimed at improving the quality of life of patients with MPS IIIA and, indirectly, the quality of life of their families.

Incidence of dental caries in primary dentition and risk factors: a longitudinal study.

PubMed

Corrêa-Faria, Patrícia; Paixão-Gonçalves, Suzane; Paiva, Saul Martins; Pordeus, Isabela Almeida

2016-05-20

The objectives of this prospective, longitudinal, population-based study were to estimate the incidence of dental caries in the primary dentition, identify risk factors and determine the proportion of children receiving dental treatment, through a two-year follow up. The first dental exam was conducted with 381 children aged one to five years, at health centers during immunization campaigns; 184 of them had dental caries and 197 had no caries experience. The second exam was carried out two years later at a nursery or at home with the same individuals who participated in the first exam. The diagnosis of dental caries was performed using the dmft criteria. Parents were interviewed regarding socioeconomic indicators. Descriptive, bivariate and adjusted Poisson regression analyses were performed. Among the 381 children, 234 were reexamined after two years (non-exposed: 139; exposed: 95). The overall incidence of dental caries was 46.6%. The greatest incidence of dental caries was found in the group of children with previous caries experience (61.1%). Among the children without dental caries in the first exam, 36.7% exhibited caries in the second exam. The majority of children (72.6%) received no treatment for carious lesions in the two-year interval between examinations. Children with previous dental caries (RR: 1.52, 95%CI: 1.12-2.05) had a greater risk of developing new lesions, compared with the children without previous dental caries. The incidence of dental caries was high and most of children's caries were untreated. Previous caries experience is a risk factor for developing new carious lesions in children.

Innovations in coaching and mentoring: implications for nurse leadership development.

PubMed

Fielden, Sandra L; Davidson, Marilyn J; Sutherland, Valerie J

2009-05-01

This longitudinal study sought to examine ways in which coaching and mentoring relationships impact on the professional development of nurses in terms of career and leadership behaviours, and evaluating the differences and similarities between those coaching and mentoring relationships. According to the UK government, leadership in nursing is essential to the improvement of service delivery, and the development and training of all nurses is vital in achieving effective change. A coaching and mentoring programme was used to explore the comparative advantages of these two approaches for the leadership development of nurses in acute, primary care and mental health settings. A longitudinal in-depth study was conducted to measure differences and similarities between the mentoring and coaching process as a result of a six-month coaching/mentoring programme. Five nurses from six UK Health Care Trusts were allocated to a coaching group (n = 15) or a mentoring group (n = 15), these were coached or mentored by a member of the senior directorate from their own Trust. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected at three time points (T1 = baseline, T2 = 4 months and T3 = 9 months) using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. While mentoring was perceived to be 'support' and coaching was described as 'action', descriptions of the actual process and content were quite similar. However, while both groups reported significant development in terms of career development, leadership skills and capabilities, mentees reported the highest level of development with significantly higher scores in eight areas of leadership and management and in three areas of career impact. Implications for nurses and health services are discussed.

A Longitudinal Mapping Study on Cortical Plasticity of Peripheral Nerve Injury Treated by Direct Anastomosis and Electroacupuncture in Rats.

PubMed

Wu, Jia-Jia; Lu, Ye-Chen; Hua, Xu-Yun; Ma, Shu-Jie; Xu, Jian-Guang

2018-06-01

We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to provide a longitudinal description of cortical plasticity caused by electroacupuncture (EA) of sciatic nerve transection and direct anastomosis in rats. Sixteen rats in a sciatic nerve transection and direct anastomosis model were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. EA intervention in the position of ST-36, GB-30 was conducted continuously for 4 months in the intervention group. Functional magnetic resonance imaging and gait assessment were performed every month after intervention. The somatosensory area was more activated in the first 2 months and then deactivated in the rest 2 months when EA was applied. The pain-related areas had the same activation pattern as the somatosensory area. The limbic/paralimbic areas fluctuated more during the EA intervention, which was not constantly activated or deactivated as previous studies reported. We attributed such changes in somatosensory and pain-related areas to the gradual reduction of sensory afferentation. The alterations in limbic/paralimbic system might be associated with the confrontation between the upregulating effect of paresthesia or pain and the downregulating effect of EA intervention through the autonomic nerve system. The gait analysis showed significantly higher maximum contact mean intensity in the intervention group. The alterations in the brain brought about by the long-term therapeutic effect of EA could be described as a synchronized activation pattern in the somatosensory and pain-related areas and a fluctuating pattern in the limbic/paralimbic system. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Perinatal nutrition in maternal mental health and child development: Birth of a pregnancy cohort.

PubMed

Leung, Brenda M Y; Giesbrecht, Gerald F; Letourneau, Nicole; Field, Catherine J; Bell, Rhonda C; Dewey, Deborah

2016-02-01

Mental disorders are one of the leading contributors to the global burden of disease. The Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study was initiated in 2008 to better understand perinatal environmental impacts on maternal mental health and child development. This pregnancy cohort was established to investigate the relationship between the maternal environment (e.g. nutritional status), maternal mental health status, birth outcomes, and child development. The purpose of this paper is to describe the creation of this longitudinal cohort, the data collection tools and procedures, and the background characteristics of the participants. Participants were pregnant women age 16 or older, their infants and the biological fathers. For the women, data were collected during each trimester of pregnancy and at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36months after the birth of their infant. Maternal measures included diet, stress, current mental and physical health, health history, and lifestyle. In addition, maternal biological samples (DNA, blood, urine, and spot breast milk samples) were banked. Paternal data included current mental and physical health, health history, lifestyle, and banked DNA samples. For infants, DNA and blood were collected as well as information on health, development and feeding behavior. At the end of recruitment in 2012, the APrON cohort included 2140 women, 2172 infants, and 1417 biological fathers. Descriptive statistics of the cohort, and comparison of women who stayed in the study and those who dropped out are discussed. Findings from the longitudinal cohort may have important implications for health policy and clinical practice. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization of white matter integrity deficits in cocaine-dependent individuals with substance-induced psychosis compared with non-psychotic cocaine users.

PubMed

Willi, Taylor S; Barr, Alasdair M; Gicas, Kristina; Lang, Donna J; Vila-Rodriguez, Fidel; Su, Wayne; Thornton, Allen E; Leonova, Olga; Giesbrecht, Chantelle J; Procyshyn, Ric M; Rauscher, Alexander; MacEwan, William G; Honer, William G; Panenka, William J

2017-05-01

With sufficient drug exposure, some individuals develop transient psychotic symptoms referred to as 'substance-induced psychosis' (SIP), which closely resemble the symptoms observed in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The comparability in psychotic presentation between SIP and the schizophrenias suggests that similar underlying neural deficits may contribute to the emergence of psychosis across these disorders. Only a small number of studies have investigated structural alterations in SIP, and all have been limited to volumetric imaging methods, with none controlling for the effects of chronic drug exposure. To investigate white matter abnormalities associated with SIP, diffusion tensor imaging was employed in a group of individuals with cocaine-associated psychosis (CAP; n = 24) and a cocaine-dependent non-psychotic (CDN) group (n = 43). Tract-based spatial statistics was used to investigate group differences in white matter diffusion parameters. The CAP group showed significantly lower fractional anisotropy values than the CDN group (p < 0.05) in voxels within white matter tracts of fronto-temporal, fronto-thalamic and interhemispheric pathways. The greatest differences in white matter integrity were present in the corpus callosum, corona radiata, bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculi and bilateral inferior longitudinal fasciculi. Additionally, the CAP group had voxels of significantly higher radial diffusivity in a subset of the previously mentioned pathways. These results are the first description of white matter integrity abnormalities in a SIP sample and indicate that differences in these pathways may be a shared factor in the expression of different forms of psychosis. © 2016 Society for the Study of Addiction.

Weight and behavioral and psychosocial factors among ethnically diverse, low-income women after childbirth: I. Methods and context.

PubMed

Walker, Lorraine O; Freeland-Graves, Jeanne H; Milani, Tracey; Hanss-Nuss, Henry; George, Goldy; Sterling, Bobbie Sue; Kim, Minseong; Timmerman, Gayle M; Wilkinson, Susan; Arheart, Kristopher L; Stuifbergen, Alexa

2004-01-01

In this paper, we present the background, hypotheses, methods, and descriptive findings from the Austin New Mothers Study, a longitudinal series measuring weight and contextual variables across the first postpartum year. Among the distinguishing features of this study are its tri-ethnic sample of low-income women and its serial measurement of the behavioral and psychosocial context of postpartum weight changes post-delivery and at 6 weeks, and 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum. A prospective longitudinal design was used to assess body mass index (BMI), energy intake, fat intake, physical activity, health-related lifestyle, depressive symptoms, body image, and weight-related distress at each observation. The analytic sample consisted of 382 White, African American, and Hispanic women. For BMI, effects for ethnicity (p < .001), time (p < .001), and their interaction (p = .005) were significant. All ethnic groups had significant declines in BMI from delivery to 6 weeks postpartum. Thereafter, BMIs of White women declined during the second 6 months, whereas those of Hispanic and African American women either displayed small gains or plateaus between adjacent observations. Time-related effects were significant for behavioral and psychosocial variables except for body image and weight-related distress, whereas effects for ethnicity were significant on fat intake, depressive symptoms, and body image. Despite declines in depressive symptoms, women remained at risk of depression across the first postpartum year. Low-income ethnic minority women have a higher vulnerability to postpartum weight gains or plateaus. High depressive symptoms occurred in all ethnic groups examined.

Isolation and Characterization of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells From Facet Joints and Interspinous Ligaments.

PubMed

Kristjánsson, Baldur; Limthongkul, Worawat; Yingsakmongkol, Wicharn; Thantiworasit, Pattarawat; Jirathanathornnukul, Napaphat; Honsawek, Sittisak

2016-01-01

A descriptive in vitro study on isolation and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the facet joints and interspinous ligaments. To isolate cells from the facet joints and interspinous ligaments and investigate their surface marker profile and differentiation potentials. Lumbar spinal canal stenosis and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament are progressive conditions characterized by the hypertrophy and ossification of ligaments and joints within the spinal canal. MSCs are believed to play a role in the advancement of these diseases and the existence of MSCs has been demonstrated within the ligamentum flavum and posterior longitudinal ligament. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these cells could also be found within facet joints and interspinous ligaments. Samples were harvested from 10 patients undergoing spinal surgery. The MSCs from facet joints and interspinous ligaments were isolated using direct tissue explant technique. Cell surface antigen profilings were performed via flow cytometry. Their lineage differentiation potentials were analyzed. The facet joints and interspinous ligaments-derived MSCs have the tri-lineage potential to be differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic cells under appropriate inductions. Flow cytometry analysis revealed both cell lines expressed MSCs markers. Both facet joints and interspinous ligaments-derived MSCs expressed marker genes for osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. The facet joints and interspinous ligaments may provide alternative sources of MSCs for tissue engineering applications. The facet joints and interspinous ligaments-derived MSCs are part of the microenvironment of the human ligaments of the spinal column and might play a crucial role in the development and progression of degenerative spine conditions.

[Description of Clinical and Neurocognitive Profiles in Offspring of Bipolar-Type-I Parents From a Multimodal Intervention Program: Prisma].

PubMed

Palacio-Ortíz, Juan David; Uribe-Villa, Esteban; Duque-Ríos, Paula; Gutiérrez-Briceño, Paola; Zapata-Henao, Violeta; Peña-Quintero, Cristian Esteban; López-Jaramillo, Carlos

2015-01-01

Offspring of bipolar parents are a high risk population for the develop of mental diseases, their study allow determining the genetic risk, early symptoms, prodromes and psychopathology of bipolar disorder. To describe the psychopathological characteristics and neurocognitives profiles of the offspring of bipolar type I parents. And to identify the presence of sub-syndromal symptoms in all the symptom domains. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 110 offspring between 6 and 30 years old. Semi-structured diagnostic interviews were performed. The intelectual coeficient was determined and a neuropsychological assessment was performed on 89 offspring. The most prevalent disorder in the offspring was ADHD (27.6%), with major depression (15.5%) and separation anxiety (14.1%) also being prevalent. Seven patients of the sample were diagnosed with bipolar disorder. There was a statistically significant difference between the age groups for ADHD prevalence. The most frequent sub-syndromal symptoms were observed in the disruptive group. Alterations in the cognitive domains: attention, verbal fluency, work memory, and speed of information processing, were observed in the group younger than 18 years. The offspring of bipolar parents have an elevated rate of psychopathology and cognitive alterations. They are a high risk population for the development of mental disease. These subjects also require close longitudinal observation and early and preventive therapeuthic interventions. Copyright © 2014 Asociación Colombiana de Psiquiatría. Publicado por Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

Longitudinal Changes in Access to Health Care by Immigrant Status among Older Adults: The Importance of Health Insurance as a Mediator

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Choi, Sunha

2011-01-01

Purpose: This longitudinal study examined the role of health insurance in access to health care among older immigrants. Design and Methods: Using data from the Second Longitudinal Study of Aging, the longitudinal trajectories of having a usual source of care were compared between 3 groups (all 70+ years): (a) late-life immigrants with less than 15…

Stress Process of Illicit Drug Use among U.S. Immigrants' Adolescent Children: A Longitudinal Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Choo, Hyekyung

2012-01-01

This study examined a full path model of stress process for predicting illicit drug use among Asian and Latino immigrants' adolescent children. Using 2-year longitudinal data (National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health) from a sample of adolescents with Asian or Latino immigrant parents (N = 2,353), the study explored structural…

Investigation of 2‐stage meta‐analysis methods for joint longitudinal and time‐to‐event data through simulation and real data application

PubMed Central

Tudur Smith, Catrin; Gueyffier, François; Kolamunnage‐Dona, Ruwanthi

2017-01-01

Background Joint modelling of longitudinal and time‐to‐event data is often preferred over separate longitudinal or time‐to‐event analyses as it can account for study dropout, error in longitudinally measured covariates, and correlation between longitudinal and time‐to‐event outcomes. The joint modelling literature focuses mainly on the analysis of single studies with no methods currently available for the meta‐analysis of joint model estimates from multiple studies. Methods We propose a 2‐stage method for meta‐analysis of joint model estimates. These methods are applied to the INDANA dataset to combine joint model estimates of systolic blood pressure with time to death, time to myocardial infarction, and time to stroke. Results are compared to meta‐analyses of separate longitudinal or time‐to‐event models. A simulation study is conducted to contrast separate versus joint analyses over a range of scenarios. Results Using the real dataset, similar results were obtained by using the separate and joint analyses. However, the simulation study indicated a benefit of use of joint rather than separate methods in a meta‐analytic setting where association exists between the longitudinal and time‐to‐event outcomes. Conclusions Where evidence of association between longitudinal and time‐to‐event outcomes exists, results from joint models over standalone analyses should be pooled in 2‐stage meta‐analyses. PMID:29250814

Does Physical Self-Concept Mediate the Relationship between Motor Abilities and Physical Activity in Adolescents and Young Adults?

PubMed Central

Jekauc, Darko; Wagner, Matthias Oliver; Herrmann, Christian; Hegazy, Khaled; Woll, Alexander

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the reciprocal relationship between motor abilities and physical activity and the mediation effects of physical self-concept in this relationship using longitudinal data. We expect that the effects of motor abilities on physical activity are rather indirect via physical self-concept and that the effects of physical activity on motor abilities are rather direct without involvement of the motor ability self-concept. Data was obtained from the Motorik-Modul (MoMo) Longitudinal Study in which 335 boys and 363 girls aged 11–17 years old at Baseline were examined twice in a period of six years. Physical activity was assessed by the MoMo Physical Activity Questionnaire for adolescents, physical self-concept by Physical Self-Description Questionnaire and motor abilities by MoMo Motor Test which comprised of the dimensions strength, endurance, coordination and flexibility. Multiple regression analyses were used to analyse the direct and indirect effects. The results of the multiple regression analyses show that the effects of motor abilities on physical activity were only indirect for the dimensions strength, coordination, and flexibility. For the dimension endurance, neither direct nor indirect effects were significant. In the opposite direction, the effects of physical activity on motor abilities were partially mediated by the self-concept of strength. For the dimensions endurance, coordination and flexibility, only indirect were significant. The results of this study support the assumption that the relationship between motor abilities and physical activity is mediated by physical self-concept in both directions. Physical self-concept seems to be an important determinant of adolescents´ physical activity. PMID:28045914

Does Physical Self-Concept Mediate the Relationship between Motor Abilities and Physical Activity in Adolescents and Young Adults?

PubMed

Jekauc, Darko; Wagner, Matthias Oliver; Herrmann, Christian; Hegazy, Khaled; Woll, Alexander

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the reciprocal relationship between motor abilities and physical activity and the mediation effects of physical self-concept in this relationship using longitudinal data. We expect that the effects of motor abilities on physical activity are rather indirect via physical self-concept and that the effects of physical activity on motor abilities are rather direct without involvement of the motor ability self-concept. Data was obtained from the Motorik-Modul (MoMo) Longitudinal Study in which 335 boys and 363 girls aged 11-17 years old at Baseline were examined twice in a period of six years. Physical activity was assessed by the MoMo Physical Activity Questionnaire for adolescents, physical self-concept by Physical Self-Description Questionnaire and motor abilities by MoMo Motor Test which comprised of the dimensions strength, endurance, coordination and flexibility. Multiple regression analyses were used to analyse the direct and indirect effects. The results of the multiple regression analyses show that the effects of motor abilities on physical activity were only indirect for the dimensions strength, coordination, and flexibility. For the dimension endurance, neither direct nor indirect effects were significant. In the opposite direction, the effects of physical activity on motor abilities were partially mediated by the self-concept of strength. For the dimensions endurance, coordination and flexibility, only indirect were significant. The results of this study support the assumption that the relationship between motor abilities and physical activity is mediated by physical self-concept in both directions. Physical self-concept seems to be an important determinant of adolescents´ physical activity.

The Hellenic Longitudinal Investigation of Aging and Diet (HELIAD): rationale, study design, and cohort description.

PubMed

Dardiotis, Efthimios; Kosmidis, Mary H; Yannakoulia, Mary; Hadjigeorgiou, Georgios M; Scarmeas, Nikolaos

2014-01-01

Accumulating epidemiological evidence from several populations supports the important role of the Mediterranean-type diet (MeDi) in reducing the risk for age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the relevant literature is clearly deficient for most Mediterranean countries that more closely adhere to the originally described MeDi. Greece resides in the Mediterranean basin, and older generations traditionally adhere to a MeDi. We here present the design and the preliminary baseline characteristics of the Hellenic Longitudinal Investigation of Aging and Diet (HELIAD). The HELIAD is a population-based, multidisciplinary, collaborative study designed to estimate the prevalence and incidence of AD, other dementias, mild cognitive impairment, and other neuropsychiatric conditions of aging in the Greek population and to investigate associations between nutrition and cognitive dysfunction/age-related neuropsychiatric diseases in this Mediterranean population. The study also ascertains several demographic, medical, social, environmental, clinical, nutritional, and neuropsychological determinants and lifestyle activities. In total, 1,050 participants of a random sample have already completed the initial evaluation. The subjects were, on average, 73.4 (SD = 6.0) years old, 60% of the sample were female, and most of the participants were poorly educated with an average of 5.41 (SD = 3.5) years of education. The performance on the neuropsychological tests was equivalent to the average scores of previous normative Greek samples. More than one third of the population under investigation was considered to be at high risk for malnutrition. The HELIAD may provide important data for expanding our knowledge regarding the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors of AD and several other neuropsychiatric diseases in the Mediterranean region. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

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2012-04-06

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The Timing of Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Child Cognitive Development: A Longitudinal Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evans, Jonathan; Melotti, Roberto; Heron, Jon; Ramchandani, Paul; Wiles, Nicola; Murray, Lynne; Stein, Alan

2012-01-01

Background: Maternal depression is known to be associated with impairments in child cognitive development, although the effect of timing of exposure to maternal depression is unclear. Methods: Data collected for the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a longitudinal study beginning in pregnancy, included self-report measures of…

National Prevalence Rates of Bully Victimization among Students with Disabilities in the United States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blake, Jamilia J.; Lund, Emily M.; Zhou, Qiong; Kwok, Oi-man; Benz, Michael R.

2012-01-01

This study examined the prevalence rates of bully victimization and risk for repeated victimization among students with disabilities using the Special Education Elementary Longitudinal Study and the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 longitudinal datasets. Results revealed that a prevalence rate ranging from 24.5% in elementary school to…

Fears in Czech Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Michalcáková, Radka; Lacinová, Lenka; Kyjonková, Hana; Bouša, Ondrej; Jelínek, Martin

2013-01-01

The present study investigates developmental patterns of fear in adolescence. It is based on longitudinal data collected as a part of the European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ELSPAC) project. A total of 186 Czech adolescents (43% girls) were assessed repeatedly at the age of 11, 13, and 15 years. The free-response method was…

Reducing Bias Due to Systematic Attrition in Longitudinal Studies: The Benefits of Multiple Imputation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Asendorpf, Jens B.; van de Schoot, Rens; Denissen, Jaap J. A.; Hutteman, Roos

2014-01-01

Most longitudinal studies are plagued by drop-out related to variables at earlier assessments (systematic attrition). Although systematic attrition is often analysed in longitudinal studies, surprisingly few researchers attempt to reduce biases due to systematic attrition, even though this is possible and nowadays technically easy. This is…

Nonlinear Gompertz Curve Models of Achievement Gaps in Mathematics and Reading

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cameron, Claire E.; Grimm, Kevin J.; Steele, Joel S.; Castro-Schilo, Laura; Grissmer, David W.

2015-01-01

This study examined achievement trajectories in mathematics and reading from school entry through the end of middle school with linear and nonlinear growth curves in 2 large longitudinal data sets (National Longitudinal Study of Youth--Children and Young Adults and Early Childhood Longitudinal Study--Kindergarten Cohort [ECLS-K]). The S-shaped…

Paternal Alcoholism, Family Functioning, and Infant Mental Health

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fitzgerald, Hiram E.; Eiden, Rina Das

2007-01-01

The authors share results from two longitudinal studies exploring the impact of father's alcohol use on child development. The Michigan Longitudinal Study (MLS) has followed a sample of alcoholic families with 3-5 year old children for 20 years. The Buffalo Longitudinal Study (BLS) has followed a sample of alcoholic and nonalcoholic families…

Eradicating Medical Student Mistreatment: A Longitudinal Study of One Institution’s Efforts

PubMed Central

Fried, Joyce M.; Vermillion, Michelle; Parker, Neil H.; Uijtdehaage, Sebastian

2015-01-01

Purpose Since 1995, the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (DGSOM) has created policies to prevent medical student mistreatment, instituted safe mechanisms for reporting mistreatment, provided resources for discussion and resolution, and educated faculty and residents. In this study, the authors examined the incidence, severity, and sources of perceived mistreatment over the 13-year period during which these measures were implemented. Method From 1996 to 2008, medical students at DGSOM completed an anonymous survey after their third-year clerkships and reported how often they experienced physical, verbal, sexual harassment, ethnic, and power mistreatment, and who committed it. The authors analyzed these data using descriptive statistics and the students’ descriptions of these incidents qualitatively, categorizing them as “mild,” “moderate,” or “severe.” They compared the data across four periods, delineated by milestone institutional measures to eradicate mistreatment. Results Of 2,151 eligible students, 1,946 (90%) completed the survey. More than half (1,166/1,946) experienced some form of mistreatment. Verbal and power mistreatment were most common, but 5% of students (104/1,930) reported physical mistreatment. The pattern of incidents categorized as “mild,” “moderate,” or “severe” remained across the four study periods. Students most frequently identified residents and clinical faculty as the sources of mistreatment. Conclusions Despite a multipronged approach at DGSOM across a 13-year period to eradicate medical student mistreatment, it persists. Aspects of the hidden curriculum may be undermining these efforts. Thus, eliminating mistreatment requires an aggressive approach both locally at the institution level and nationally across institutions. PMID:22836847

Neonates and Infants Discharged Home Dependent on Medical Technology: Characteristics and Outcomes.

PubMed

Toly, Valerie Boebel; Musil, Carol M; Bieda, Amy; Barnett, Kimberly; Dowling, Donna A; Sattar, Abdus

2016-10-01

Preterm neonates and neonates with complex conditions admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may require medical technology (eg, supplemental oxygen, feeding tubes) for their continued survival at hospital discharge. Medical technology introduces another layer of complexity for parents, including specialized education about neonatal assessment and operation of technology. The transition home presents a challenge for parents and has been linked with greater healthcare utilization. To determine incidence, characteristics, and healthcare utilization outcomes (emergency room visits, rehospitalizations) of technology-dependent neonates and infants following initial discharge from the hospital. This descriptive, correlational study used retrospective medical record review to examine technology-dependent neonates (N = 71) upon discharge home. Study variables included demographic characteristics, hospital length of stay, and type of medical technology used. Analysis of neonates (n = 22) with 1-year postdischarge data was conducted to identify relationships with healthcare utilization. Descriptive and regression analyses were performed. Approximately 40% of the technology-dependent neonates were between 23 and 26 weeks' gestation, with birth weight of less than 1000 g. Technologies used most frequently were supplemental oxygen (66%) and feeding tubes (46.5%). The mean total hospital length of stay for technology-dependent versus nontechnology-dependent neonates was 108.6 and 25.7 days, respectively. Technology-dependent neonates who were female, with a gastrostomy tube, or with longer initial hospital length of stay were at greater risk for rehospitalization. Assessment and support of families, particularly mothers of technology-dependent neonates following initial hospital discharge, are vital. Longitudinal studies to determine factors affecting long-term outcomes of technology-dependent infants are needed.

Early results of a simple distraction dynamic external fixator in management of comminuted intra-articular fractures of base of middle phalanx.

PubMed

Mansha, Muhammad; Miranda, Sanjay

2013-12-01

Treatment for comminuted fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint (pilon injuries) remains a challenge. We present our short term results of twelve pilon fracture dislocations treated by closed reduction and application of a distraction dynamic external fixator. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical outcomes and compare them to the original description by Hynes and Giddins. A cohort of 12 consecutive patients with pilon fracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint (comminuted fracture of the base of middle phalanx, longitudinally unstable with joint subluxation), were treated with this method over the study period. Data was collected by an independent observer at last follow-up appointment in the clinic. The outcome measures recorded were; level of residual pain, arc of motion, X-ray appearance, return to work and satisfaction with the procedure. The study group comprises of 7 male and 5 female patients at a mean age of 38.1 years (range 21-70 years). The average range of movement achieved was 13-87° at a mean follow-up of 16.4 weeks (Range 12-42 weeks). Early return to work, good pain relief and high level of patient satisfaction were achieved. No serious complication was noted during this period. We used the construct with slight modification of the original description and we feel this modification may help to reduce the pin site infection. We found the results reproducible and based on our experience we recommend this technique to treat these complex intra-articular fractures of base of middle phalanx.

Documenting the Emergence of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems as a Disruptive Technology in Nicotine and Tobacco Science

PubMed Central

Correa, John B.; Ariel, Idan; Menzie, Nicole S.; Brandon, Thomas H.

2016-01-01

Background The emergence of the electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS, or “e-cigarettes”) has resulted in nicotine and tobacco scientists committing increased resources to studying these products. Despite this surge of research on various topics related to e-cigarettes, it is important to characterize the evolving e-cigarette research landscape as a way to identify important future research directions. The purpose of this review was to broadly categorize published scholarly work on e-cigarettes using a structured, multi-level coding scheme. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted to collect articles on e-cigarettes that were published in peer-reviewed journals from 2006 through 2014. Studies were classified through 3 coding waves. Articles were first divided into research reports, literature reviews and opinions/editorials. Research reports were further categorized to determine the proportion of these studies using human participants. Finally, human studies were classified based on their methodologies: descriptive, predictive, explanatory, and intervention. Results Research reports (n = 224) and opinions/editorials (n = 248) were published at similar rates during this time period. All types of articles showed exponential rates of increase in more recent years. 76.3% of human research studies tended to be descriptive in nature, with very little research employing experimental (6.8%) or intervention-based methodologies (5.4%). Conclusions This review reinforces the idea that e-cigarettes are a disruptive technology exerting substantial influence on nicotine and tobacco science. This review also suggests that opinions on e-cigarettes may be outpacing our scientific understanding of these devices. Our findings highlight the need for more e-cigarette research involving experimental, intervention, and longitudinal designs. PMID:27816664

Documenting the emergence of electronic nicotine delivery systems as a disruptive technology in nicotine and tobacco science.

PubMed

Correa, John B; Ariel, Idan; Menzie, Nicole S; Brandon, Thomas H

2017-02-01

The emergence of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS, or "e-cigarettes") has resulted in nicotine and tobacco scientists committing increased resources to studying these products. Despite this surge of research on various topics related to e-cigarettes, it is important to characterize the evolving e-cigarette research landscape as a way to identify important future research directions. The purpose of this review was to broadly categorize published scholarly work on e-cigarettes using a structured, multi-level coding scheme. A systematic literature search was conducted to collect articles on e-cigarettes that were published in peer-reviewed journals from 2006 through 2014. Studies were classified through 3 coding waves. Articles were first divided into research reports, literature reviews and opinions/editorials. Research reports were further categorized to determine the proportion of these studies using human participants. Finally, human studies were classified based on their methodologies: descriptive, predictive, explanatory, and intervention. Research reports (n=224) and opinions/editorials (n=248) were published at similar rates during this time period. All types of articles showed exponential rates of increase in more recent years. 76.4% of human research studies were descriptive in nature, with very little research employing experimental (6.8%) or intervention-based methodologies (5.4%). This review reinforces the idea that e-cigarettes are a disruptive technology exerting substantial influence on nicotine and tobacco science. This review also suggests that opinions on e-cigarettes may be outpacing our scientific understanding of these devices. Our findings highlight the need for more e-cigarette research involving experimental, intervention, and longitudinal designs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Longitudinal multigroup invariance analysis of the satisfaction with food-related life scale in university students.

PubMed

Schnettler, Berta; Miranda, Horacio; Miranda-Zapata, Edgardo; Salinas-Oñate, Natalia; Grunert, Klaus G; Lobos, Germán; Sepúlveda, José; Orellana, Ligia; Hueche, Clementina; Bonilla, Héctor

2017-06-01

This study examined longitudinal measurement invariance in the Satisfaction with Food-related Life (SWFL) scale using follow-up data from university students. We examined this measure of the SWFL in different groups of students, separated by various characteristics. Through non-probabilistic longitudinal sampling, 114 university students (65.8% female, mean age: 22.5) completed the SWFL questionnaire three times, over intervals of approximately one year. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine longitudinal measurement invariance. Two types of analysis were conducted: first, a longitudinal invariance by time, and second, a multigroup longitudinal invariance by sex, age, socio-economic status and place of residence during the study period. Results showed that the 3-item version of the SWFL exhibited strong longitudinal invariance (equal factor loadings and equal indicator intercepts). Longitudinal multigroup invariance analysis also showed that the 3-item version of the SWFL displays strong invariance by socio-economic status and place of residence during the study period over time. Nevertheless, it was only possible to demonstrate equivalence of the longitudinal factor structure among students of both sexes, and among those older and younger than 22 years. Generally, these findings suggest that the SWFL scale has satisfactory psychometric properties for longitudinal measurement invariance in university students with similar characteristics as the students that participated in this research. It is also possible to suggest that satisfaction with food-related life is associated with sex and age. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stability and change in adult personality over 6 years: findings from the Victoria Longitudinal Study.

PubMed

Small, Brent J; Hertzog, Christopher; Hultsch, David F; Dixon, Roger A

2003-05-01

Data from the Victoria Longitudinal Study were used to examine the 6-year longitudinal stability of personality in older adults. Personality was measured with the NEO Personality Inventory. The longitudinal sample consisted of 223 adults initially ranging from 55 to 85 years of age. Longitudinal confirmatory factor analyses were used to examine the stability of individual differences in change over time, and the stability of the longitudinal factor structure. The results indicated both substantial stability at the level of individual differences in change, as well as significant individual differences in change that were related to age and gender. Finally, the factor structure of personality was invariant over time but did not approximate simple structure for the five dimensions of personality. Our study of 6-year personality development provided both (a). a confirmation of early significant stability findings and (b). unique evidence for significant individual differences in late adulthood.

Why Missing Data Matter in the Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Development: Using the 4-H Study to Understand the Uses of Different Missing Data Methods

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jelicic, Helena; Phelps, Erin; Lerner, Richard M.

2010-01-01

The study of adolescent development rests on methodologically appropriate collection and interpretation of longitudinal data. While all longitudinal studies of adolescent development involve missing data, the methods to treat missingness that have been recommended most often focus on missing data from cross-sectional studies. The problems of…

Absorptive corrections for vector mesons: matching to complex mass scheme and longitudinal corrections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez Pérez, L. A.; Toledo Sánchez, G.

2017-12-01

Unstable spin-1 particles are properly described by including absorptive corrections to the electromagnetic vertex and propagator, without breaking the electromagnetic gauge invariance. We show that the modified propagator can be set in a complex mass form, provided the mass and width parameters, which are properly defined at the pole, are replaced by energy dependent functions fulfilling the same requirements at the pole. We exemplify the case for the {K}* (892) vector meson, and find that the mass function deviates around 2 MeV from the Kπ threshold to the pole, and that the width function exhibits a different behavior compared to the uncorrected energy dependent width. Considering the {τ }-\\to {K}{{S}}{π }-{ν }τ decay as dominated by the {K}* (892) and {K}{\\prime * }(1410) vectors and one scalar particle, we exhibit the role of the transversal and longitudinal corrections to the vector propagator by obtaining the modified vector and scalar form factors. The modified vector form factor is found to be the same as in the complex mass form, while the scalar form factor receives a modification from the longitudinal correction to the vector propagator. A fit to the experimental Kπ spectrum shows that the phase induced by the presence of this new contribution in the scalar sector improves the description of the experimental data in the troublesome region around 0.7 GeV. Besides that, the correction to the scalar form factor is found to be negligible.

Forecasting longitudinal changes in oropharyngeal tumor morphology throughout the course of head and neck radiation therapy

PubMed Central

Yock, Adam D.; Rao, Arvind; Dong, Lei; Beadle, Beth M.; Garden, Adam S.; Kudchadker, Rajat J.; Court, Laurence E.

2014-01-01

Purpose: To create models that forecast longitudinal trends in changing tumor morphology and to evaluate and compare their predictive potential throughout the course of radiation therapy. Methods: Two morphology feature vectors were used to describe 35 gross tumor volumes (GTVs) throughout the course of intensity-modulated radiation therapy for oropharyngeal tumors. The feature vectors comprised the coordinates of the GTV centroids and a description of GTV shape using either interlandmark distances or a spherical harmonic decomposition of these distances. The change in the morphology feature vector observed at 33 time points throughout the course of treatment was described using static, linear, and mean models. Models were adjusted at 0, 1, 2, 3, or 5 different time points (adjustment points) to improve prediction accuracy. The potential of these models to forecast GTV morphology was evaluated using leave-one-out cross-validation, and the accuracy of the models was compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: Adding a single adjustment point to the static model without any adjustment points decreased the median error in forecasting the position of GTV surface landmarks by the largest amount (1.2 mm). Additional adjustment points further decreased the forecast error by about 0.4 mm each. Selection of the linear model decreased the forecast error for both the distance-based and spherical harmonic morphology descriptors (0.2 mm), while the mean model decreased the forecast error for the distance-based descriptor only (0.2 mm). The magnitude and statistical significance of these improvements decreased with each additional adjustment point, and the effect from model selection was not as large as that from adding the initial points. Conclusions: The authors present models that anticipate longitudinal changes in tumor morphology using various models and model adjustment schemes. The accuracy of these models depended on their form, and the utility of these models includes the characterization of patient-specific response with implications for treatment management and research study design. PMID:25086518

Forecasting longitudinal changes in oropharyngeal tumor morphology throughout the course of head and neck radiation therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yock, Adam D.; Kudchadker, Rajat J.; Rao, Arvind

2014-08-15

Purpose: To create models that forecast longitudinal trends in changing tumor morphology and to evaluate and compare their predictive potential throughout the course of radiation therapy. Methods: Two morphology feature vectors were used to describe 35 gross tumor volumes (GTVs) throughout the course of intensity-modulated radiation therapy for oropharyngeal tumors. The feature vectors comprised the coordinates of the GTV centroids and a description of GTV shape using either interlandmark distances or a spherical harmonic decomposition of these distances. The change in the morphology feature vector observed at 33 time points throughout the course of treatment was described using static, linear,more » and mean models. Models were adjusted at 0, 1, 2, 3, or 5 different time points (adjustment points) to improve prediction accuracy. The potential of these models to forecast GTV morphology was evaluated using leave-one-out cross-validation, and the accuracy of the models was compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: Adding a single adjustment point to the static model without any adjustment points decreased the median error in forecasting the position of GTV surface landmarks by the largest amount (1.2 mm). Additional adjustment points further decreased the forecast error by about 0.4 mm each. Selection of the linear model decreased the forecast error for both the distance-based and spherical harmonic morphology descriptors (0.2 mm), while the mean model decreased the forecast error for the distance-based descriptor only (0.2 mm). The magnitude and statistical significance of these improvements decreased with each additional adjustment point, and the effect from model selection was not as large as that from adding the initial points. Conclusions: The authors present models that anticipate longitudinal changes in tumor morphology using various models and model adjustment schemes. The accuracy of these models depended on their form, and the utility of these models includes the characterization of patient-specific response with implications for treatment management and research study design.« less

Reading Fluency from Grade 2-6: A Longitudinal Examination

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lipka, Orly

2017-01-01

The goal of this study was to examine oral word reading fluency from a developmental perspective in a longitudinal study of students from second grade to sixth grade. The sample consisted of native English speaking students that took part in a large longitudinal study. Participants were assessed on cognitive and literacy measures such as working…

Early Predictors of Adolescent Depression: A 7-Year Longitudinal Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mazza, James J.; Abbott, Robert D.; Fleming, Charles B.; Harachi, Tracy W.; Cortes, Rebecca C.; Park, Jisuk; Haggerty, Kevin P.; Catalano, Richard F.

2009-01-01

This study examined the longitudinal relationship of early elementary predictors to adolescent depression 7 years later. The sample consisted of 938 students who have been part of a larger longitudinal study that started in 1993. Data collected from parents, teachers, and youth self-reports on early risk factors when students were in 1st and 2nd…

77 FR 22068 - Proposed Information Collection (Post-9/11 GI Bill Education Longitudinal Study Survey) Activity...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-12

... DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-New (Post-9/11 GI Bill Longitudinal Study Survey)] Proposed Information Collection (Post-9/11 GI Bill Education Longitudinal Study Survey) Activity... information needed to determine the long-term outcomes of Veterans participating in VBA's Post-9/11GI Bill...

Nursing and midwifery students' perceptions of spirituality, spiritual care, and spiritual care competency: A prospective, longitudinal, correlational European study.

PubMed

Ross, Linda; McSherry, Wilfred; Giske, Tove; van Leeuwen, René; Schep-Akkerman, Annemiek; Koslander, Tiburtius; Hall, Jenny; Steenfeldt, Vibeke Østergaard; Jarvis, Paul

2018-08-01

Nurses and midwives care for people at some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, so it is essential that they have the skills to give care which is compassionate, dignified, holistic and person-centred. Holistic care includes spiritual care which is concerned with helping people whose beliefs, values and sense of meaning, purpose and connection is challenged by birth, illness or death. Spiritual care is expected of nurses/midwives but they feel least prepared for this part of their role. How nursing and midwifery students can be prepared for spiritual care is the focus of this study. 1. To describe undergraduate nursing and midwifery student's perceptions of spirituality/spiritual care, their perceived competence in giving spiritual care and how these perceptions change over time. 2. To explore factors contributing to development of spiritual care competency. Prospective, longitudinal, multinational, correlational survey design. A convenience sample of 2193 undergraduate nursing and midwifery students (69% response rate, dropping to 33%) enrolled at 21 universities in eight countries completed questionnaires capturing demographic data (purpose designed questionnaire) and measuring perception of spirituality/spiritual care (SSCRS), spiritual care competency (SCCS), spiritual wellbeing (JAREL) and spiritual attitude and involvement (SAIL) on 4 occasions (start of course n = 2193, year 2 n = 1182, year 3 n = 736, end of course n = 595) between 2011 and 2015. Data were analysed using descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses as appropriate. Perceived competency increased significantly over the course of students' study which they attributed to caring for patients, events in their own lives and teaching/discussion in university. Two factors were significantly correlated with perceived spiritual care competency: perception of spirituality/spiritual care, where a broad view was preferable, and personal spirituality, where high spiritual wellbeing (JAREL) and spiritual attitude and involvement (SAIL) scores were preferable. We have provided the first international evidence that perceived spiritual care competence is developed in undergraduate nursing and midwifery students and that students' perceptions of spirituality and personal spirituality contribute to that development. Implications for teaching and learning and student selection are discussed. The study is limited by attrition which is common in longitudinal research. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of 2-stage meta-analysis methods for joint longitudinal and time-to-event data through simulation and real data application.

PubMed

Sudell, Maria; Tudur Smith, Catrin; Gueyffier, François; Kolamunnage-Dona, Ruwanthi

2018-04-15

Joint modelling of longitudinal and time-to-event data is often preferred over separate longitudinal or time-to-event analyses as it can account for study dropout, error in longitudinally measured covariates, and correlation between longitudinal and time-to-event outcomes. The joint modelling literature focuses mainly on the analysis of single studies with no methods currently available for the meta-analysis of joint model estimates from multiple studies. We propose a 2-stage method for meta-analysis of joint model estimates. These methods are applied to the INDANA dataset to combine joint model estimates of systolic blood pressure with time to death, time to myocardial infarction, and time to stroke. Results are compared to meta-analyses of separate longitudinal or time-to-event models. A simulation study is conducted to contrast separate versus joint analyses over a range of scenarios. Using the real dataset, similar results were obtained by using the separate and joint analyses. However, the simulation study indicated a benefit of use of joint rather than separate methods in a meta-analytic setting where association exists between the longitudinal and time-to-event outcomes. Where evidence of association between longitudinal and time-to-event outcomes exists, results from joint models over standalone analyses should be pooled in 2-stage meta-analyses. © 2017 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Strategies for Longitudinal Analysis of the Career Paths of Beginning Teachers: Results from the First through Fourth Waves of the 2007-08 Beginning Teacher Longitudinal Study. Research and Development Report. NCES 2013-336

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gray, Lucinda; Brauen, Marsha

2013-01-01

To learn more about the early career patterns of beginning teachers, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) of the Institute of Education Sciences within the U.S. Department of Education undertook the Beginning Teacher Longitudinal Study (BTLS). The ultimate purpose of this report is to develop a strategy for the longitudinal analysis…

Two-dimensional airflow modeling underpredicts the wind velocity over dunes

PubMed Central

Michelsen, Britt; Strobl, Severin; Parteli, Eric J. R.; Pöschel, Thorsten

2015-01-01

We investigate the average turbulent wind field over a barchan dune by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics. We find that the fractional speed-up ratio of the wind velocity over the three-dimensional barchan shape differs from the one obtained from two-dimensional calculations of the airflow over the longitudinal cut along the dune’s symmetry axis — that is, over the equivalent transverse dune of same size. This finding suggests that the modeling of the airflow over the central slice of barchan dunes is insufficient for the purpose of the quantitative description of barchan dune dynamics as three-dimensional flow effects cannot be neglected. PMID:26572966

The Effects of Elevator Rate Limiting and Stick Dynamics on Longitudinal Pilot-Induced Oscillations

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-03-01

systems) were modeled as follows: 1 _ 0.1251Ks in / lb Fe, [0.6 K, , 26 K,] The equation is written in shorthand notation where: [,co] = (S2 + 2 o(s + con2... equation : (5,. , 0.125/K , in / lb Fe [0.6K,, 26K,,] where [c0n] (S2 + 2 (ons + (0n2) (a)= (s + a) The nominal stick, feel system 1, had a damping...System Description The HAVE GRIP stick dynamics (feel system) were modeled by the following equation : _es_ O.12 5 K s in / lb Fes [0.6, 26K j,] The

Description of Hylopanchax paucisquamatus (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae), a new lampeye species from the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo.

PubMed

Sonnenberg, Rainer; Friel, John P; Van der Zee, Jouke R

2014-08-05

A new deep-bodied Hylopanchax species is described from the northwestern Congo basin. Hylopanchax paucisquamatus, new species, was collected in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Likouala River drainage of the Republic of Congo. It differs from its congeners, including the deep-bodied H. leki and H. ndeko, by a unique combination of morphological characters, including low number of mid-longitudinal and transverse scales, number of dorsal-fin rays, and position of dorsal-fin origin in relation to anal-fin. It is the only deep-bodied species currently known outside the Kasaï River drainage.

Semiflexible polymer dynamics with a bead-spring model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barkema, Gerard T.; Panja, Debabrata; van Leeuwen, J. M. J.

2014-11-01

We study the dynamical properties of semiflexible polymers with a recently introduced bead-spring model. We focus on double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). The two parameters of the model, T* and ν, are chosen to match its experimental force-extension curve. In comparison to its groundstate value, the bead-spring Hamiltonian is approximated in the first order by the Hessian that is quadratic in the bead positions. The eigenmodes of the Hessian provide the longitudinal (stretching) and transverse (bending) eigenmodes of the polymer, and the corresponding eigenvalues match well with the established phenomenology of semiflexible polymers. At the Hessian approximation of the Hamiltonian, the polymer dynamics is linear. Using the longitudinal and transverse eigenmodes, for the linearized problem, we obtain analytical expressions of (i) the autocorrelation function of the end-to-end vector, (ii) the autocorrelation function of a bond (i.e. a spring, or a tangent) vector at the middle of the chain, and (iii) the mean-square displacement of a tagged bead in the middle of the chain, as the sum over the contributions from the modes—the so-called ‘mode sums’. We also perform simulations with the full dynamics of the model. The simulations yield numerical values of the correlations functions (i-iii) that agree very well with the analytical expressions for the linearized dynamics. This does not however mean that the nonlinearities are not present. In fact, we also study the mean-square displacement of the longitudinal component of the end-to-end vector that showcases strong nonlinear effects in the polymer dynamics, and we identify at least an effective t7/8 power-law regime in its time-dependence. Nevertheless, in comparison to the full mean-square displacement of the end-to-end vector the nonlinear effects remain small at all times—it is in this sense we state that our results demonstrate that the linearized dynamics suffices for dsDNA fragments that are shorter than or comparable to the persistence length. Our results are consistent with those of the wormlike chain (WLC) model, the commonly used descriptive tool of semiflexible polymers.

Quantifying Emergency Department Visits From Sport and Recreation: Focus on the Lower Extremity and Knee, 1997–2009

PubMed Central

Tenan, Matthew S.

2016-01-01

Context:  Few authors have reported nationally representative data on the number of sport and recreation (SR) injuries resulting in emergency department (ED) visitation. The existing studies have only provided 1 or 2 years of data and are not longitudinal in nature. Objective:  To use a novel algorithmic approach to determine if ED visitation is due to SR, resulting in a substantially larger longitudinal dataset. Design:  Descriptive epidemiology study. Setting:  Hospital. Patients or Other Participants:  The National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, a stratified random-sample survey of US hospital EDs was combined for years 1997–2009. There were 15 699 unweighted patient visits determined to be from SR. Main Outcome Measure(s):  A custom algorithm classified SR visits based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification E-code and pattern recognition of narrative text. Sport and recreation visits were assessed by age and categorized according to broad injury classifications. Additional quantification was performed on SR visits for lower extremity and knee-specific injuries. Sample weights were applied to provide national annual estimates. Results:  Annually, 4 243 000 ED visits resulted from SR. The largest classification of injury from SR was sprains and strains (896 000/y). Males had substantially more SR-related ED visits than females (2 929 000/y versus 1 314 000/y). For patients 10–49 years old, 1 093 000 lower extremity and 169 000 knee-specific injury visits annually were from SR. For both injury types, males had a higher rate of ED visitation; however, females had 25% and 39% greater odds of visitation for lower extremity and knee-specific injury, respectively. Conclusions:  The burden on the health system of ED visits from SR was substantial. Males presented in the ED at a higher rate for SR injury, though females had a higher proportion of lower extremity and knee-specific injury ED visitations from SR. This longitudinal analysis of population-level data provides the information to target research on specific subpopulations to mitigate SR injury. PMID:27075528

Longitudinal axons are guided by Slit/Robo signals from the floor plate.

PubMed

Mastick, Grant S; Farmer, W Todd; Altick, Amy L; Nural, Hikmet Feyza; Dugan, James P; Kidd, Thomas; Charron, Frederic

2010-01-01

Longitudinal axons grow long distances along precise pathways to connect major CNS regions. However, during embryonic development, it remains largely undefined how the first longitudinal axons choose specific positions and grow along them. Here, we review recent evidence identifying a critical role for Slit/Robo signals to guide pioneer longitudinal axons in the embryonic brain stem. These studies indicate that Slit/Robo signals from the floor plate have dual functions: to repel longitudinal axons away from the ventral midline, and also to maintain straight longitudinal growth. These dual functions likely cooperate with other guidance cues to establish the major longitudinal tracts in the brain.

Continuity of care from the perspective of users.

PubMed

Mendes, Felismina Rosa P; Gemito, Maria Laurência G Parreirinha; Caldeira, Ermelinda do Carmo; Serra, Isaura da Conceição; Casas-Novas, Maria Vitória

2017-03-01

Continuity of care, in addition to ensuring improvement of the quality of care, contributes to the reduction of health costs. The objective of this study was to analyse the continuity of care in health units in the municipality of Évora (south of Portugal), from the perspective of users. This is across-sectional, exploratory and descriptive study with a quantitative approach, with a sample consisting of 342 users of health units. The instrument was a questionnaire adapted from English and Spanish studies. The results show that elements of continuity were identified in the different dimensions of the continuity of care - relational, management, information and some items of flexible continuity. Longitudinal continuity has the lowest values in nursing care. In conclusion, what stands out positively, and in its different dimensions, is relational continuity, in which most users recommend their family doctor and nurse to family and friends, and flexible continuity, which translates into reduced waiting times to be attended by a doctor or nurse and access to care. What stands out negatively is the weak involvement of the user in care by health professionals, in the dimensions of relational continuity.

Posttraumatic Stress, Depressive Emotions, and Satisfaction With Life After a Road Traffic Accident.

PubMed

Copanitsanou, Panagiota; Drakoutos, Evagelos; Kechagias, Vasileios

The psychological response of injured people after traffic accidents includes stress and depression. To assess orthopaedic patients' stress, depression, and satisfaction with life after traffic accidents in Greece. Descriptive, longitudinal, correlational study. Patients' background factors, injury severity, scores on the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale, and the Satisfaction With Life Quality (SWLQ) Scale were recorded. The principles of the Declaration of Helsinki were applied. In total, 60 patients participated in this study during hospitalization following a road traffic accident and 40 patients at 6 months after. Participants were mostly men (75%) with severe injuries (50%). The IES-R score at 6 months was significantly lower than during hospitalization. One out of 3 people had a CES-D score, which is considered of clinical significance. The SWLQ scores were considered high. As posttraumatic stress and depression seem to affect a considerable percentage of people involved in road traffic accidents in Greece, these individuals should be assessed for posttraumatic stress and depression while still hospitalized.

Analysis of the quality of care in surgical treatment of colorectal cancer: national study. Follow-up results.

PubMed

Rodriguez-Cuellar, Elias; Nevado García, Cristina; Casanova Duran, Virginia; Romero Simó, Manuel; Duran Poveda, Manuel; Ruiz Lopez, Pedro

2014-01-01

Using the cases included in the Study on the quality of care in colorectal cancer conducted by the Spanish Association of Surgeons in 2008, we present follow-up data. Multicenter, descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study of patients operated on a scheduled basis of colorectal cancer. 35 hospitals have contributed data on 334 patients. Follow-up data: survival, recurrence and complications. Mean follow-up was 28.61±11.32 months. Follow-up by surgeon: 69.2%, tumor recurrence 23.6%, in 83.3% it was systemic; 28.2% underwent salvage surgery. Overall survival was 76.6%, disease-free survival 65.6% (26.49±11.90 months). Tumor related mortality was 12,6%. Percentage of ventral hernias was 5.8%, intestinal obstruction 3.5%. Quality and results of follow-up of patients operated on for CRC in Spain are similar to those reported in the Scientific literature. Areas for improvement: follow-up, earlier diagnosis, increase adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatments and total mesorectal excision as standard surgery for rectal cancer. Copyright © 2013 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Using a Large Scale Computational Model to Study the Effect of Longitudinal and Radial Electrical Coupling in the Cochlea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mistrík, Pavel; Ashmore, Jonathan

2009-02-01

We describe a large scale computational model of electrical current flow in the cochlea which is constructed by a flexible Modified Nodal Analysis algorithm to incorporate electrical components representing hair cells and the intercellular radial and longitudinal current flow. The model is used as a laboratory to study the effects of changing longitudinal gap junctional coupling, and shows the way in which cochlear microphonic spreads and tuning is affected. The process for incorporating mechanical longitudinal coupling and feedback is described. We find a difference in tuning and attenuation depending on whether longitudinal or radial couplings are altered.

College Women's Female Friendships: A Longitudinal View

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aleman, Ana M. Martinez

2010-01-01

This article presents a longitudinal qualitative study of the cognitive value of female friendships formed in college and seeks to appraise the meaning of the phenomenon for the participants. To grasp the temporal effects of the longitudinal data in this study, the author examines and assesses the relevant developmental literature, particularly…

A Methodological Review of the Assessment of Humanism in Medical Students.

PubMed

Buck, Era; Holden, Mark; Szauter, Karen

2015-11-01

Humanism is a complex construct that defies simplistic measurement. How educators measure humanism shapes understanding and implications for learners. This systematic review sought to address the following questions: How do medical educators assess humanism in medical students, and how does the measurement impact the understanding of humanism in undergraduate medical education (UME)? Using the IECARES (integrity, excellence, compassion, altruism, respect, empathy, and service) Gold Foundation framework, a search of English literature databases from 2000 to 2013 on assessment of humanism in medical students revealed more than 900 articles, of which 155 met criteria for analysis. Using descriptive statistics, articles and assessments were analyzed for construct measured, study design, assessment method, instrument type, perspective/source of assessment, student level, validity evidence, and national context. Of 202 assessments reported in 155 articles, 162 (80%) used surveys; 164 (81%) used student self-reports. One hundred nine articles (70%) included only one humanism construct. Empathy was the most prevalent construct present in 96 (62%); 49 (51%) of those used a single instrument. One hundred fifteen (74%) used exclusively quantitative data; only 48 (31%) used a longitudinal design. Construct underrepresentation was identified as a threat to validity in half of the assessments. Articles included 34 countries; 87 (56%) were from North America. Assessment of humanism in UME incorporates a limited scope of a complex construct, often relying on single quantitative measures from self-reported survey instruments. This highlights the need for multiple methods, perspectives, and longitudinal designs to strengthen the validity of humanism assessments.

Longitudinal follow-up of employment status in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome after mononucleosis

PubMed Central

Nyland, Morten; Naess, Halvor; Birkeland, Jon Steinar; Nyland, Harald

2014-01-01

Objective To examine the effect of early clinical and demographic factors on occupational outcome, return to work or awarded permanent disability pension in young patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Design Longitudinal cohort study. Intervention A written self-management programme including a description of active coping strategies for daily life was provided. Setting, participants Patients with CFS after mononucleosis were evaluated at Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital during 1996–2006 (contact 1). In 2009 self-report questionnaires were sent to all patients (contact 2). Primary and secondary outcome measures Primary measure was employment status at contact 2. Secondary measures included clinical symptoms, and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) scores on both contacts, and Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) at contact 2. Results Of 111 patients at contact 1, 92 (83%) patients returned the questionnaire at contact 2. Mean disease duration at contact 1 was 4.7 years and at contact 2 11.4 years. At contact 1, 9 (10%) were part-time or full-time employed. At contact 2, 49 (55%) were part-time or full-time employed. Logical regression analysis showed that FSS≥5 at contact 2 was associated with depression, arthralgia and long disease duration (all at contact 1). Conclusions About half of younger patients with CFS with long-term incapacity for work experienced marked improvement including full-time or part-time employment showing better outcomes than expected. Risk factors for transition to permanent disability were depression, arthralgia and disease duration. PMID:25428629

Longitudinal analysis on the development of hospital quality management systems in the Netherlands.

PubMed

Dückers, Michel; Makai, Peter; Vos, Leti; Groenewegen, Peter; Wagner, Cordula

2009-10-01

Many changes have been initiated in the Dutch hospital sector to optimize health-care delivery: national agenda-setting, increased competition and transparency, a new system of hospital reimbursement based on diagnosis-treatment combinations, intensified monitoring of quality and a multi-layered organizational development programme based on quality improvement collaboratives. The objective is to answer the question as to whether these changes were accompanied by a further development of hospital quality management systems and to what extent did the development within the multi-layered programme hospitals differ from that in other hospitals. Longitudinal data were collected in 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2007 using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive analyses and multi-level modelling were applied to test whether: (1) quality management system development stages in hospitals differ over time, (2) development stages and trends differ between hospitals participating or not participating in the multi-layered programme and (3) hospital size has an effect on development stage. Dutch hospital sector between 1995 and 2007. Hospital organizations. Changes through time. Quality management system development stage. Since 1995, hospital quality management systems have reached higher development levels. Programme participants have developed their quality management system more rapidly than have non-participants. However, this effect is confounded by hospital size. Study results suggest that the combination of policy measures at macro level was accompanied by an increase in hospital size and the further development of quality management systems. Hospitals are entering the stage of systematic quality improvement.

Sensitivity enhancement and contrasting information provided by free radicals in oriented-sample NMR of bicelle-reconstituted membrane proteins.

PubMed

Tesch, Deanna M; Nevzorov, Alexander A

2014-02-01

Elucidating structure and topology of membrane proteins (MPs) is essential for unveiling functionality of these important biological constituents. Oriented-sample solid-state NMR (OS-NMR) is capable of providing such information on MPs under nearly physiological conditions. However, two dimensional OS-NMR experiments can take several days to complete due to long longitudinal relaxation times combined with the large number of scans to achieve sufficient signal sensitivity in biological samples. Here, free radicals 5-DOXYL stearic acid, TEMPOL, and CAT-1 were added to uniformly (15)N-labeled Pf1 coat protein reconstituted in DMPC/DHPC bicelles, and their effect on the longitudinal relaxation times (T1Z) was investigated. The dramatically shortened T1Z's allowed for the signal gain per unit time to be used for either: (i) up to a threefold reduction of the total experimental time at 99% magnetization recovery or (ii) obtaining up to 74% signal enhancement between the control and radical samples during constant experimental time at "optimal" relaxation delays. In addition, through OS-NMR and high-field EPR studies, free radicals were able to provide positional constraints in the bicelle system, which provide a description of the location of each residue in Pf1 coat protein within the bicellar membranes. This information can be useful in the determination of oligomerization states and immersion depths of larger membrane proteins. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Level of consciousness in dying patients. The role of palliative sedation: a longitudinal prospective study.

PubMed

Claessens, Patricia; Menten, Johan; Schotsmans, Paul; Broeckaert, Bert

2012-05-01

Patients suffering from a terminal illness often are confronted with severe symptoms during the last phase of their lives. Palliative sedation, although one of the options of last resort, remains a much debated and controversial issue and is often referred to as a form of slow euthanasia or euthanasia in disguise. A prospective longitudinal and descriptive design was used. Each patient admitted in one of the 8 participating units was included if they met the inclusion criteria and gave written informed consent. 266 patients were included. The incidence of palliative sedation was 7;5%. For the group of sedated patients results show that 90% entered the palliative care unit being fully conscious. Two patients were comatose upon arrival. 90% of the patients remained fully conscious up to the day palliative sedation was started. When looking at the effect of palliative sedation on the level of consciousness the analysis strongly suggest that the palliative sedation - as expected- has an impact on the GCS score. Irrespective of the dichotomization of the score the probability of having a lower GCS increases substantially once sedation is initiated. Additionally, results show that once palliative sedation is administered, the level of consciousness gradually goes down up until the day of death. Palliative sedation is nor slow euthanasia nor an ambivalent practice. It is an intentional medical treatment which is administered in a proportional way when refractory suffering occurs. It occurs in extraordinary situations and at the very end of the dying process.

Problems encountered with the use of simulation in an attempt to enhance interpretation of a secondary data source in epidemiologic mental health research

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background The longitudinal epidemiology of major depressive episodes (MDE) is poorly characterized in most countries. Some potentially relevant data sources may be underutilized because they are not conducive to estimating the most salient epidemiologic parameters. An available data source in Canada provides estimates that are potentially valuable, but that are difficult to apply in clinical or public health practice. For example, weeks depressed in the past year is assessed in this data source whereas episode duration would be of more interest. The goal of this project was to derive, using simulation, more readily interpretable parameter values from the available data. Findings The data source was a Canadian longitudinal study called the National Population Health Survey (NPHS). A simulation model representing the course of depressive episodes was used to reshape estimates deriving from binary and ordinal logistic models (fit to the NPHS data) into equations more capable of informing clinical and public health decisions. Discrete event simulation was used for this purpose. Whereas the intention was to clarify a complex epidemiology, the models themselves needed to become excessively complex in order to provide an accurate description of the data. Conclusions Simulation methods are useful in circumstances where a representation of a real-world system has practical value. In this particular scenario, the usefulness of simulation was limited both by problems with the data source and by inherent complexity of the underlying epidemiology. PMID:20796271

Prevalence of depressive symptoms among schoolchildren in Cyprus: a cross-sectional descriptive correlational study.

PubMed

Sokratis, Sokratous; Christos, Ζilides; Despo, Panagi; Maria, Karanikola

2017-01-01

Depressive symptoms in the young constitute a public health issue. The current study aims to estimate: (a) the frequency of depressive symptoms in a sample of final grade elementary-school children in Cyprus, (b) the association among frequency of depressive symptoms, gender and nationality and, (c) the metric properties of the Greek-Cypriot version of the children's depression inventory (CDI). A descriptive cross-sectional study with internal comparison was performed. The occurrence of depressive symptoms was assessed with the CDI, which includes 5 subscales: depressive mood, interpersonal difficulties, ineffectiveness, anhedonia and negative self-esteem. Clinical depressive symptoms were reported as CDI score ≥19. CDI was anonymously and voluntarily completed by 439 schoolchildren [mean age 12.3 (±0.51) years old] from fifteen public elementary schools (217 boys and 222 girls), yielding a response rate of 58.2%. The metric properties of the CDI were assessed in terms of internal consistency reliability and construct validity via exploratory factor analysis (rotated and unrotated principal component analysis). Descriptive and inferential statistics were explored. 10.25% of Cypriot schoolchildren reported clinical depressive symptoms (CDI score ≥19). Statistically significant differences were reported between boys and girls in all five subscales of the CDI. Girls reported higher scores in "Depressive mood", "Negative self-esteem" and "Anhedonia" subscales, while boys scored higher in "Interpersonal difficulties" and "Ineffectiveness" subscales. There were no statistically significant differences among ethnicity groups regarding the entire CDI or the subscales of it. Concerning the metric properties of the Greek-Cypriot version of the CDI, internal consistency reliability was adequate (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84). Factor analysis with varimax rotation resulted in five factors explaining 42% of the variance. The Greek-Cypriot version of the CDI is a reliable tool for the assessment of the severity of depressive symptoms in schoolchildren. Institutional counseling services, as well as interventions aiming to empower the young need to address the different psychological needs of boys and girls. Longitudinal studies within this cultural context may be warranted, with special attention to other factors related to depressive symptoms and low self-esteem in schoolchildren, such as suicidality or bullying.

"Old Age and Loneliness: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analyses in the Tampere Longitudinal Study on Aging"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jylha, Marja

2004-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine whether older age is associated with increasing loneliness in people aged 60 and over. Data came from TamELSA, a population-based prospective longitudinal study in Tampere, Finland. The followup time was 20 years. Loneliness was measured by a single question--"Do you feel lonely?"--with the…

Higher Weight, Lower Education: A Longitudinal Association between Adolescents' Body Mass Index and Their Subsequent Educational Achievement Level?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Larsen, Junilla K.; Kleinjan, Marloes; Engels, Rutger C. M. E.; Fisher, Jennifer O.; Hermans, Roel

2014-01-01

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between adolescents' body mass index (BMI) z-scores and their subsequent level of schooling, extending previous longitudinal research by using objectively measured weight and height data. Methods: A longitudinal study with 3 study waves (1-year intervals) involving 1248 Dutch…

How Does Longitudinally Measured Maternal Expressed Emotion Affect Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms of Adolescents from the General Community?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hale, William W., III; Keijsers, Loes; Klimstra, Theo A.; Raaijmakers, Quinten A. W.; Hawk, Skyler; Branje, Susan J. T.; Frijns, Tom; Wijsbroek, Saskia A. M.; van Lier, Pol; Meeus, Wim H. J.

2011-01-01

Background: In previous studies, maternal expressed emotion (EE) has been found to be a good predictor of the course of adolescent internalizing and externalizing symptoms. However, these studies have been cross-section as opposed to longitudinal. The goal of this study is to examine longitudinal data of perceived maternal EE and adolescent…

High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09): Base-Year Data File Documentation. NCES 2011-328

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ingels, Steven J.; Pratt, Daniel J.; Herget, Deborah R.; Burns, Laura J.; Dever, Jill A.; Ottem, Randolph; Rogers, James E.; Jin, Ying; Leinwand, Steve

2011-01-01

The High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09) is the fifth in a series of National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) secondary longitudinal studies. The core research questions for HSLS:09 explore secondary to postsecondary transition plans and the evolution of those plans; the paths into and out of science, technology, engineering,…

Longitudinal joint study.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-09-01

In previous years there has been a problem with longitudinal joint : deterioration, due in part to poor construction techniques. : The degradation of the longitudinal joints has increased the cost of : maintaining these projects and caused unnecessar...

Novel and emerging strategies for longitudinal data collection.

PubMed

Udtha, Malini; Nomie, Krystle; Yu, Erica; Sanner, Jennifer

2015-03-01

To describe novel and emerging strategies practiced globally in research to improve longitudinal data collection. In research studies, numerous strategies such as telephone interviews, postal mailing, online questionnaires, and electronic mail are traditionally utilized in longitudinal data collection. However, due to technological advances, novel and emerging strategies have been applied to longitudinal data collection, such as two-way short message service, smartphone applications (or "apps"), retrieval capabilities applied to the electronic medical record, and an adapted cloud interface. In this review, traditional longitudinal data collection strategies are briefly described, emerging and novel strategies are detailed and explored, and information regarding the impact of novel methods on participant response rates, the timeliness of participant responses, and cost is provided. We further discuss how these novel and emerging strategies affect longitudinal data collection and advance research, specifically nursing research. Evidence suggests that the novel and emerging longitudinal data collection strategies discussed in this review are valuable approaches to consider. These strategies facilitate collecting longitudinal research data to better understand a variety of health-related conditions. Future studies, including nursing research, should consider using novel and emerging strategies to advance longitudinal data collection. A better understanding of novel and emerging longitudinal data collection strategies will ultimately improve longitudinal data collection as well as foster research efforts. Nurse researchers, along with all researchers, must be aware of and consider implementing novel and emerging strategies to ensure future healthcare research success. © 2014 Sigma Theta Tau International.

Severe postpartum hemorrhage from uterine atony: a multicentric study.

PubMed

Montufar-Rueda, Carlos; Rodriguez, Laritza; Jarquin, José Douglas; Barboza, Alejandra; Bustillo, Maura Carolina; Marin, Flor; Ortiz, Guillermo; Estrada, Francisco

2013-01-01

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is an important cause of maternal mortality (MM) around the world. Seventy percent of the PPH corresponds to uterine atony. The objective of our study was to evaluate multicenter PPH cases during a 10-month period, and evaluate severe postpartum hemorrhage management. The study population is a cohort of vaginal delivery and cesarean section patients with severe postpartum hemorrhage secondary to uterine atony. The study was designed as a descriptive, prospective, longitudinal, and multicenter study, during 10 months in 13 teaching hospitals. Total live births during the study period were 124,019 with 218 patients (0.17%) with severe postpartum hemorrhage (SPHH). Total maternal deaths were 8, for mortality rate of 3.6% and a MM rate of 6.45/100,000 live births (LB). Maternal deaths were associated with inadequate transfusion therapy. In all patients with severe hemorrhage and subsequent hypovolemic shock, the most important therapy is intravascular volume resuscitation, to reduce the possibility of target organ damage and death. Similarly, the current proposals of transfusion therapy in severe or massive hemorrhage point to early transfusion of blood products and use of fresh frozen plasma, in addition to packed red blood cells, to prevent maternal deaths.

Substance Use as a Longitudinal Predictor of the Perpetration of Teen Dating Violence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Temple, Jeff R.; Shorey, Ryan C.; Fite, Paula; Stuart, Gregory L.; Le, Vi Donna

2013-01-01

The prevention of teen dating violence is a major public health priority. However, the dearth of longitudinal studies makes it difficult to develop programs that effectively target salient risk factors. Using a school-based sample of ethnically diverse adolescents, this longitudinal study examined whether substance use (alcohol, marijuana, and…

Transformative Learning in Medical Education: Context Matters, a South Australian Longitudinal Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenhill, Jenenne; Richards, Janet Noreen; Mahoney, Sarah; Campbell, Narelle; Walters, Lucie

2018-01-01

This longitudinal study followed the clinical learning journey of 20 medical students over 4 years, from the beginning of their clinical immersion, through one of the three different clinical placement models: block rotation, longitudinal integrated clerkship, or community- and hospital-integrated learning, and then into Year 4 and the intern year…

Executive Function in Early Childhood: Longitudinal Measurement Invariance and Developmental Change

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Willoughby, Michael T.; Wirth, R. J.; Blair, Clancy B.

2012-01-01

This study tested the longitudinal measurement invariance and developmental changes of a newly developed battery of executive function (EF) tasks for use in early childhood. The battery was administered in the Family Life Project--a prospective longitudinal study (N = 1,292) of families who were oversampled from low-income and African American…

Use of Missing Data Methods in Longitudinal Studies: The Persistence of Bad Practices in Developmental Psychology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jelicic, Helena; Phelps, Erin; Lerner, Richard M.

2009-01-01

Developmental science rests on describing, explaining, and optimizing intraindividual changes and, hence, empirically requires longitudinal research. Problems of missing data arise in most longitudinal studies, thus creating challenges for interpreting the substance and structure of intraindividual change. Using a sample of reports of longitudinal…

Cultural Orientation Trajectories and Substance Use: Findings from a Longitudinal Study of Mexican-Origin Youth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cruz, Rick A.; King, Kevin M.; Cauce, Ana M.; Conger, Rand D.; Robins, Richard W.

2017-01-01

Cultural adaptation may influence Latino youth substance use (SU) development, yet few longitudinal studies have examined cultural change over time and adolescent SU outcomes. Using longitudinal data collected annually across ages 10-16 from 674 Mexican-origin youth (50% female), the authors characterized cultural adaptation patterns for language…

A Longitudinal Study of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Causal Relationship to Reading Growth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lim, Hyo Jin; Kim, Junyeop

2011-01-01

This paper aims at investigating the causal effects of social behaviors on subsequent reading growth in elementary school, using the "Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten" ("ECLS-K") data. The sample was 8,869 subjects who provided longitudinal measures of reading IRT scores from kindergarten (1998-1999) to fifth…

Changes in HRM in Europe: A Longitudinal Comparative Study among 18 European Countries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nikandrou, Irene; Apospori, Eleni; Papalexandris, Nancy

2005-01-01

Purpose: To examine HRM strategies and practices and HRM position within organizations in various cultural, economic and sociopolitical contexts from a longitudinal perspective. Design/methodology/approach: The study uses the 1995 and 1999 Cranet data in a longitudinal methodological framework to explore the changes and trends in 18 European…

The Multiple-Institution Database for Investigating Engineering Longitudinal Development: An Experiential Case Study of Data Sharing and Reuse

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ohland, Matthew W.; Long, Russell A.

2016-01-01

Sharing longitudinal student record data and merging data from different sources is critical to addressing important questions being asked of higher education. The Multiple-Institution Database for Investigating Engineering Longitudinal Development (MIDFIELD) is a multi-institution, longitudinal, student record level dataset that is used to answer…

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Autistic Traits in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children: Precursors and Early Signs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bolton, Patrick F.; Golding, Jean; Emond, Alan; Steer, Colin D.

2012-01-01

Objective: To chart the emergence of precursors and early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autistic traits in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a prospective longitudinal cohort study of the surviving offspring of 14,541 pregnant women from southwestern England with an expected delivery date between April 1991 and…

An Analysis of Pedagogical Moves for Facilitating the Development of In-Service Middle-School Mathematics Teachers' Recognition of Reasoning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cipriani, Phyllis J.

2017-01-01

A constructivist approach for teaching and learning mathematics was the foundation for a longitudinal study at Rutgers University in 1987 (Maher, 2011). One of the objectives of the longitudinal study was to provide an environment where students solve problems in collaborative groups (Maher, 2011). Videos from the longitudinal study are stored in…

The Etiology of Variation in Language Skills Changes with Development: A Longitudinal Twin Study of Language from 2 to 12 Years

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayiou-Thomas, Marianna E.; Dale, Philip S.; Plomin, Robert

2012-01-01

The present study is the first long-term longitudinal examination of the etiology of individual differences in language from early childhood through to adolescence. We applied a multivariate latent factor genetic model to longitudinal data from the Twins Early Development Study in order to (a) compare the magnitude of genetic and environmental…

Retention of Children and Their Families in the Longitudinal Outcome Study of the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program: A Multilevel Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gebreselassie, Tesfayi; Stephens, Robert L.; Maples, Connie J.; Johnson, Stacy F.; Tucker, Alyce L.

2014-01-01

Predictors of retention of participants in a longitudinal study and heterogeneity between communities were investigated using a multilevel logistic regression model. Data from the longitudinal outcome study of the national evaluation of the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families program and information on…

Characteristics of At-Risk Students in NELS:88. National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988. Statistical Analysis Report. Contractor Report. NCES 92-042

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaufman, Phillip; Bradbury, Denise

1992-01-01

The National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88) is a large-scale, national longitudinal study designed and sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), with support from other government agencies. Beginning in the spring of 1988 with a cohort of eighth graders (25,000) attending public and private schools across…

Using Hand Grip Force as a Correlate of Longitudinal Acceleration Comfort for Rapid Transit Trains

PubMed Central

Guo, Beiyuan; Gan, Weide; Fang, Weining

2015-01-01

Longitudinal acceleration comfort is one of the essential metrics used to evaluate the ride comfort of train. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using hand grip force as a correlate of longitudinal acceleration comfort of rapid transit trains. In the paper, a motion simulation system was set up and a two-stage experiment was designed to investigate the role of the grip force on the longitudinal comfort of rapid transit trains. The results of the experiment show that the incremental grip force was linearly correlated with the longitudinal acceleration value, while the incremental grip force had no correlation with the direction of the longitudinal acceleration vector. The results also show that the effects of incremental grip force and acceleration duration on the longitudinal comfort of rapid transit trains were significant. Based on multiple regression analysis, a step function model was established to predict the longitudinal comfort of rapid transit trains using the incremental grip force and the acceleration duration. The feasibility and practicably of the model was verified by a field test. Furthermore, a comparative analysis shows that the motion simulation system and the grip force based model were valid to support the laboratory studies on the longitudinal comfort of rapid transit trains. PMID:26147730

Improved volumetric measurement of brain structure with a distortion correction procedure using an ADNI phantom.

PubMed

Maikusa, Norihide; Yamashita, Fumio; Tanaka, Kenichiro; Abe, Osamu; Kawaguchi, Atsushi; Kabasawa, Hiroyuki; Chiba, Shoma; Kasahara, Akihiro; Kobayashi, Nobuhisa; Yuasa, Tetsuya; Sato, Noriko; Matsuda, Hiroshi; Iwatsubo, Takeshi

2013-06-01

Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images acquired from multisite and multivendor MRI scanners are widely used in measuring longitudinal structural changes in the brain. Precise and accurate measurements are important in understanding the natural progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. However, geometric distortions in MRI images decrease the accuracy and precision of volumetric or morphometric measurements. To solve this problem, the authors suggest a commercially available phantom-based distortion correction method that accommodates the variation in geometric distortion within MRI images obtained with multivendor MRI scanners. The authors' method is based on image warping using a polynomial function. The method detects fiducial points within a phantom image using phantom analysis software developed by the Mayo Clinic and calculates warping functions for distortion correction. To quantify the effectiveness of the authors' method, the authors corrected phantom images obtained from multivendor MRI scanners and calculated the root-mean-square (RMS) of fiducial errors and the circularity ratio as evaluation values. The authors also compared the performance of the authors' method with that of a distortion correction method based on a spherical harmonics description of the generic gradient design parameters. Moreover, the authors evaluated whether this correction improves the test-retest reproducibility of voxel-based morphometry in human studies. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test with uncorrected and corrected images was performed. The root-mean-square errors and circularity ratios for all slices significantly improved (p < 0.0001) after the authors' distortion correction. Additionally, the authors' method was significantly better than a distortion correction method based on a description of spherical harmonics in improving the distortion of root-mean-square errors (p < 0.001 and 0.0337, respectively). Moreover, the authors' method reduced the RMS error arising from gradient nonlinearity more than gradwarp methods. In human studies, the coefficient of variation of voxel-based morphometry analysis of the whole brain improved significantly from 3.46% to 2.70% after distortion correction of the whole gray matter using the authors' method (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p < 0.05). The authors proposed a phantom-based distortion correction method to improve reproducibility in longitudinal structural brain analysis using multivendor MRI. The authors evaluated the authors' method for phantom images in terms of two geometrical values and for human images in terms of test-retest reproducibility. The results showed that distortion was corrected significantly using the authors' method. In human studies, the reproducibility of voxel-based morphometry analysis for the whole gray matter significantly improved after distortion correction using the authors' method.

Maintaining Superior Follow-Up Rates in a Longitudinal Study: Experiences from the College Life Study

PubMed Central

Vincent, Kathryn B.; Kasperski, Sarah J.; Caldeira, Kimberly M.; Garnier-Dykstra, Laura M.; Pinchevsky, Gillian M.; O’Grady, Kevin E.; Arria, Amelia M.

2011-01-01

Longitudinal studies are often considered to be a gold standard for research, but the operational management of such studies is not often discussed in detail; this paper describes strategies used to track and maintain high levels of participation in a longitudinal study involving annual personal interviews with a cohort of 1,253 undergraduates (first-time, first-year students at time of enrollment) at a large public mid-Atlantic university. PMID:22247739

Using Longitudinal Assessment Data to Improve Retention and Student Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trosset, Carol; Weisler, Steven

2010-01-01

The Wabash National Study of Liberal Arts Education presents a longitudinal analysis of how students change on a number of scales that purport to measure many of the outcomes of liberal learning over the span of a college education. The Wabash Study is designed to collect information longitudinally from students at the beginning and end of their…

Predicting Family Poverty and Other Disadvantaged Conditions for Child Rearing from Childhood Aggression and Social Withdrawal: A 30-Year Longitudinal Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Serbin, Lisa A.; Temcheff, Caroline E.; Cooperman, Jessica M.; Stack, Dale M.; Ledingham, Jane; Schwartzman, Alex E.

2011-01-01

This 30-year longitudinal study examined pathways from problematic childhood behavior patterns to future disadvantaged conditions for family environment and child rearing in adulthood. Participants were mothers (n = 328) and fathers (n = 222) with lower income backgrounds participating in the ongoing Concordia Longitudinal Risk Project. Structural…

Longitudinal Pathways between Maternal Mental Health in Infancy and Offspring Romantic Relationships in Adulthood: A 30-Year Prospective Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Slominski, Lisa; Sameroff, Arnold; Rosenblum, Katherine; Kasser, Tim

2011-01-01

Longitudinal pathways between maternal mental health in infancy and offspring romantic relationship outcomes in adulthood were examined using a 30-year prospective longitudinal study of 196 mothers and their children. Structural equation modeling revealed that maternal mental health at 30 months was related to offspring relationship status and…

Longitudinal Associations between Observed and Perceived Neighborhood Food Availability and Body Mass Index in a Multiethnic Urban Sample

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zenk, Shannon N.; Mentz, Graciela; Schulz, Amy J.; Johnson-Lawrence, Vicki; Gaines, Causandra R.

2017-01-01

Introduction: Blacks, Hispanics, and women of lower socioeconomic status tend to have a higher risk of obesity. Numerous studies over the past decade examined the role of the neighborhood food environment in body weight. However, few were longitudinal. Purpose: This longitudinal study examined whether multiple measures of neighborhood food…

Longitudinal Effects of Perceived Maternal Approval on Sexual Behaviors of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Young Adults

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hahm, Hyeouk; Lee, Jieha; Zerden, Lisa; Ozonoff, Al; Amodeo, Maryann; Adkins, Chris

2008-01-01

Data were obtained from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to examine the longitudinal association between Asian and Pacific Islander (API) adolescents' perceptions of maternal approval of their sexual activity and contraception use, and four sexual outcomes during young adulthood. The study includes a nationally representative…

Longitudinal Relations between Ethnic/Racial Identity Process and Content: Exploration, Commitment, and Salience among Diverse Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Yijie; Douglass, Sara; Yip, Tiffany

2017-01-01

The present study bridges the process and content perspectives of ethnic/racial identity (ERI) by examining the longitudinal links between identity process (i.e., exploration, commitment) and a component of identity content, salience. Data were drawn from a 4-wave longitudinal study of 405 ethnically/racially diverse adolescents (63% female) from…

Exploring the Potential Routine Use of Electronic Healthcare Record Data to Strengthen Early Signal Assessment in UK Medicines Regulation: Proof-of-Concept Study.

PubMed

Donegan, Katherine; Owen, Rebecca; Bird, Helena; Burch, Brian; Smith, Alex; Tregunno, Phil

2018-05-03

Electronic healthcare record (EHR) databases are used within pharmacoepidemiology studies to confirm or refute safety signals arising from spontaneous adverse event reports. However, there has been limited routine use of such data earlier in the signal management process, to help rapidly contextualise signals and strengthen preliminary assessment or to inform decisions regarding action including the need for further studies. This study explores the value of EHR used in this way within a regulatory environment via an automated analysis platform. Safety signals raised at the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) between July 2014 and June 2015 were individually reviewed by a multi-disciplinary team. They assessed the feasibility of identifying the exposure and event of interest using primary care data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) within the Commonwealth Vigilance Workbench (CVW) Longitudinal Module platform, which was designed to facilitate routine descriptive analysis of signals using EHR. Three signals, where exposure and event could be well identified, were retrospectively analysed using the platform. Of 69 unique new signals, 20 were for drugs prescribed predominately in secondary care or available without prescription, which would not be identified in primary care. A further 17 were brand, formulation, or dose-specific issues, were related to mortality, were relevant only to a subgroup of patients, or were drug interactions, and hence could not be reviewed using the platform given its limitations. Analyses of exposure and incidence of the adverse event could be produced using CPRD within the CMV Longitudinal Module for 32 (46%) signals. The case studies demonstrated that the data provided supporting evidence for confirming initial assessment of the signal and deciding upon the need for further action. CPRD can routinely provide useful early insights into clinical context when assessing a large proportion of safety signals within a regulatory environment provided that a flexible approach is adopted within the analysis platform.

Progress in the implementation of Quality Management in Dutch health care: 1995-2000.

PubMed

Sluijs, Emmy M; Wagner, Cordula

2003-06-01

Policymakers and researchers in all countries like to know whether the implementation of Quality Management (QM) in health care is proceeding satisfactorily. Longitudinal surveys can reveal whether sufficient progress is being made. The main objective of the study was to investigate the progress in QM in Dutch health care organizations during the period 1995-2000. A second objective was to explore whether the progress in QM was related to subsectors of care and/or to cultural characteristics of health care organizations. The study has a descriptive longitudinal design, based on repeat measurements in 1995 and 2000. Empirical data about QM activities in health care organizations were gathered using a questionnaire. The analyses are based on data from the 474 health care organizations that participated in the study in 1995 and 2000. Participants in the study were organizations from all subsectors of health care, including providers of home care, nursing homes, hospitals, and other care sectors. Outcome measures are 46 distinct QM activities, which were listed in the questionnaire. Two-thirds of the organizations had made progress in the implementation of QM activities. A mean of 25 QM activities per organization was found in 2000 compared with 20 in 1995. More care providers had set up a client council and had carried out patient satisfaction surveys. Home care organizations had made twice as much progress as many other health care organizations. However, nearly one-third of the health care organizations showed a decline in QM activities. Patient organizations were less often involved in the development of quality criteria and protocols. Progress in QM was weakly related to the dedicated and flexible attitude of employees and a non-hierarchical decision-making structure. The study demonstrates that the implementation of QM activities can be monitored at the national level and that differences between subsectors of care can be assessed. The decline in QM activities in one-third of the organizations needs to be researched further.

LADES: a software for constructing and analyzing longitudinal designs in biomedical research.

PubMed

Vázquez-Alcocer, Alan; Garzón-Cortes, Daniel Ladislao; Sánchez-Casas, Rosa María

2014-01-01

One of the most important steps in biomedical longitudinal studies is choosing a good experimental design that can provide high accuracy in the analysis of results with a minimum sample size. Several methods for constructing efficient longitudinal designs have been developed based on power analysis and the statistical model used for analyzing the final results. However, development of this technology is not available to practitioners through user-friendly software. In this paper we introduce LADES (Longitudinal Analysis and Design of Experiments Software) as an alternative and easy-to-use tool for conducting longitudinal analysis and constructing efficient longitudinal designs. LADES incorporates methods for creating cost-efficient longitudinal designs, unequal longitudinal designs, and simple longitudinal designs. In addition, LADES includes different methods for analyzing longitudinal data such as linear mixed models, generalized estimating equations, among others. A study of European eels is reanalyzed in order to show LADES capabilities. Three treatments contained in three aquariums with five eels each were analyzed. Data were collected from 0 up to the 12th week post treatment for all the eels (complete design). The response under evaluation is sperm volume. A linear mixed model was fitted to the results using LADES. The complete design had a power of 88.7% using 15 eels. With LADES we propose the use of an unequal design with only 14 eels and 89.5% efficiency. LADES was developed as a powerful and simple tool to promote the use of statistical methods for analyzing and creating longitudinal experiments in biomedical research.

Age-related slowing of digit symbol substitution revisited: what do longitudinal age changes reflect?

PubMed

MacDonald, Stuart W S; Hultsch, David F; Strauss, Esther; Dixon, Roger A

2003-05-01

A previous investigation reported that cross-sectional age differences in Digit Symbol Substitution (DSS) test performance reflect declines in perceptual processing speed. Support for the tenability of the processing speed hypothesis requires examining whether longitudinal age-related change in DSS performance is largely mediated by changes in speed. The present study used data from the Victoria Longitudinal Study to examine patterns and predictors of longitudinal change in DSS for 512 older adults (M(age) = 68.37 years, SD = 7.43). On the basis of multilevel modeling, baseline DSS performance was poorer for older participants and men, with longitudinal declines more pronounced with increasing age and decreasing speed. In contrast to the present cross-sectional findings, statistical control of change trajectories in perceptual speed using the same data did not substantially attenuate age changes. These discrepancies suggest different sources of variance may underlie cross-sectional age differences and longitudinal age changes for DSS.

Sick leave during pregnancy: a longitudinal study of rates and risk factors in a Norwegian population.

PubMed

Dørheim, S K; Bjorvatn, B; Eberhard-Gran, M

2013-04-01

To describe the prevalence of, reasons given for, and factors associated with sick leave during pregnancy. Longitudinal, population-based descriptive study. Akershus University Hospital, Norway. All women scheduled to give birth at the hospital (November 2008 to April 2010). Consenting women were handed a questionnaire at the routine ultrasound check at 17 weeks of gestation. Women returning this questionnaire received a second questionnaire at 32 weeks of gestation. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations with somatic, psychiatric and social factors. Rates and duration of sick leave. By 32 weeks of gestation, 63.2% of the 2918 women included were on sick leave, and 75.3% had been on sick leave at some point during their pregnancy. Pelvic girdle pain and fatigue/sleep problems were the main reasons given for sick leave. Being on sick leave in all trimesters was strongly associated with hyperemesis, exercising less than weekly, chronic pain before or during pregnancy, infertility treatment (all P < 0.001); younger maternal age, conflicts in the workplace (both P < 0.01); multiparity, previous depression, insomnia and lower education (all P < 0.05). Sick leave was associated with elective caesarean section and higher infant birthweight (P < 0.01). Adjustment of the work situation was associated with 1 week shorter duration of sick leave. Most women receive sick leave during pregnancy, but sick leave might not be caused by pregnancy alone. Previous medical and psychiatric history, work conditions and socio-economic factors need to be addressed to understand sick leave during pregnancy. © 2012 The Authors BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology © 2012 RCOG.

Predictors and correlates of maternal role competence and satisfaction.

PubMed

Ngai, Fei-Wan; Wai-Chi Chan, Sally; Ip, Wan-Yim

2010-01-01

Developing a sense of competence and satisfaction in the maternal role enhances positive parenting and healthy development of the child. There is limited longitudinal research on the predictive factors influencing maternal role competence and satisfaction. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive and concurrent associations of prenatal perceived maternal role competence, learned resourcefulness, social support, stress, and depression to perceived maternal role competence and satisfaction at 6 weeks postpartum. A longitudinal, descriptive design was used. A convenience sample of 184 first-time pregnant women with a singleton and uneventful pregnancy were recruited from two regional public hospitals in Hong Kong. The Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, Self-control Schedule, Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, Social Readjustment Rating Scale, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were used to assess maternal role competence and satisfaction, learned resourcefulness, social support, stress, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Data were collected during pregnancy and at 6 weeks postpartum. Multiple regression analysis showed that perceived maternal role competence and satisfaction at 6 weeks postpartum were predicted by prenatal perceived maternal role competence and learned resourcefulness and were associated with postnatal learned resourcefulness and depression. Social support and stress were not associated directly with perceived maternal role competence and satisfaction at 6 weeks postpartum. The present findings suggest that maternal learned resourcefulness and depression are important factors affecting perceived maternal role competence and satisfaction at postpartum. Culturally competent healthcare should be developed to promote the psychological well-being of women and to equip women with the learned resourcefulness skills to facilitate maternal role taking and enhance women's sense of competence and satisfaction in the maternal role.

The stressful (and not so stressful) nature of language brokering: identifying when brokering functions as a cultural stressor for Latino immigrant children in early adolescence.

PubMed

Kam, Jennifer A; Lazarevic, Vanja

2014-12-01

Language brokering remains prevalent among immigrant families, but it is widely assumed that brokering functions as a cultural stressor, resulting in adverse health outcomes for immigrant youth. Few studies, however, have tested this assumption, particularly while using longitudinal data and capturing multiple dimensions of brokering. Thus, this study examined how depressive symptoms and family-based acculturation stress mediated the relationships between various aspects of brokering (i.e., frequency of brokering, positive and negative feelings about brokering, brokering norms, and brokering efficacy) and alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use and other risky behaviors. Using longitudinal survey data from 234 Latino early adolescents in 6th-8th grades (M age  = 12.4 years; Females = 46.2 %), brokering for parents indirectly affected alcohol and marijuana use through family-based acculturation stress; however, these significant indirect effects became non-significant when taking into account negative brokering feelings and brokering as a burden on one's time. Feeling positively or efficacious about brokering or having pro-brokering norms did not directly predict any adverse mental and behavioral health outcomes. Moderation analyses, however, revealed that brokering for parents did not seem to function as a stressor when Latino early adolescents were high in brokering efficacy (e.g., feeling confident in one's ability to broker) or descriptive brokering norms (e.g., perceiving one's peers as brokering often). By contrast, when Latino early adolescents perceived brokering as a burden, brokering for parents functioned as a stressor, placing Latino early adolescents at risk for family-based acculturation stress, and in turn, alcohol and marijuana use. Such findings point to the complexity of brokering.

Expected Prevalence From the Differential Diagnosis of Anterior Knee Pain in Adolescent Female Athletes During Preparticipation Screening

PubMed Central

Barber Foss, Kim D.; Myer, Gregory D.; Chen, Stephen S.; Hewett, Timothy E.

2012-01-01

Context Anterior knee pain is a common disorder in female athletes with an undefined cause. The relative prevalence of specific patellofemoral disorders associated with anterior knee pain in adolescent females remains undetermined. Objective To determine the prevalence of specific patellofemoral disorders obtained using the differential diagnosis of anterior knee pain in adolescent female athletes during preparticipation screening. Design Descriptive epidemiology study. Setting Preparticipation screening evaluations at a county public school district in Kentucky. Patients or Other Participants A total of 419 unique middle and high school–aged female athletes. Main Outcome Measure(s) Participants were evaluated by physicians for anterior knee pain over 3 consecutive basketball seasons. Given the longitudinal nature of this study, some participants were tested longitudinally over multiple years. Results Over the course of 3 basketball seasons, 688 patient evaluations were performed. Of these, 183 (26.6%) were positive for anterior knee pain. A statistically significant difference was noted in the prevalence of anterior knee pain by school level, with 34.4% (n = 67) in high school–aged athletes versus 23.5% (n = 116) in middle school–aged athletes (P < .05). In the 1376 knees evaluated, patellofemoral dysfunction was the most common diagnosis, with an overall prevalence of 7.3% (n = 100). The only diagnosis shown to be statistically different between age levels was Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease or patellar tendinopathy, with 38 cases (9.7%) in high school–aged and 31 (3.1%) in middle school–aged athletes (P < .05). Conclusions Anterior knee pain was present in 26.6% of the adolescent female athletes screened over 3 years. Symptoms of anterior knee pain likely persist after middle school–aged onset and reach peak prevalence during the high school years. PMID:23068589

Connected speech as a marker of disease progression in autopsy-proven Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Ahmed, Samrah; Haigh, Anne-Marie F; de Jager, Celeste A; Garrard, Peter

2013-12-01

Although an insidious history of episodic memory difficulty is a typical presenting symptom of Alzheimer's disease, detailed neuropsychological profiling frequently demonstrates deficits in other cognitive domains, including language. Previous studies from our group have shown that language changes may be reflected in connected speech production in the earliest stages of typical Alzheimer's disease. The aim of the present study was to identify features of connected speech that could be used to examine longitudinal profiles of impairment in Alzheimer's disease. Samples of connected speech were obtained from 15 former participants in a longitudinal cohort study of ageing and dementia, in whom Alzheimer's disease was diagnosed during life and confirmed at post-mortem. All patients met clinical and neuropsychological criteria for mild cognitive impairment between 6 and 18 months before converting to a status of probable Alzheimer's disease. In a subset of these patients neuropsychological data were available, both at the point of conversion to Alzheimer's disease, and after disease severity had progressed from the mild to moderate stage. Connected speech samples from these patients were examined at later disease stages. Spoken language samples were obtained using the Cookie Theft picture description task. Samples were analysed using measures of syntactic complexity, lexical content, speech production, fluency and semantic content. Individual case analysis revealed that subtle changes in language were evident during the prodromal stages of Alzheimer's disease, with two-thirds of patients with mild cognitive impairment showing significant but heterogeneous changes in connected speech. However, impairments at the mild cognitive impairment stage did not necessarily entail deficits at mild or moderate stages of disease, suggesting non-language influences on some aspects of performance. Subsequent examination of these measures revealed significant linear trends over the three stages of disease in syntactic complexity, semantic and lexical content. The findings suggest, first, that there is a progressive disruption in language integrity, detectable from the prodromal stage in a subset of patients with Alzheimer's disease, and secondly that measures of semantic and lexical content and syntactic complexity best capture the global progression of linguistic impairment through the successive clinical stages of disease. The identification of disease-specific language impairment in prodromal Alzheimer's disease could enhance clinicians' ability to distinguish probable Alzheimer's disease from changes attributable to ageing, while longitudinal assessment could provide a simple approach to disease monitoring in therapeutic trials.