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Most car-following models have mainly focused on the effects of the lead vehicle on the target vehicle's behaviour or the driver's forward-looking effects, but not the effects of the vehicle behind the target vehicle (the following vehicle) or the driver's backward-looking effects. Therefore, this study proposes a data-driven car-following model that incorporates both backward- and forward-looking effects using a deep neural network (DNN). This model is called the "DNN with backward-looking effect (DNN-BE) model". The DNN-BE model produced higher prediction accuracy than the DNN model with forward-looking effects only and a conventional mathematical car-following model that considers both forward- and backward-looking effects. It was found that the target vehicle is more likely to accelerate when the spacing with the following vehicle is shorter and the spacing with the lead vehicle is longer. The result of permutation importance also shows that variables related to the following vehicle are more important when the spacing with the following vehicles is shorter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Accumulator model was applied to predict driver reaction times in car-following condition. • The model can reflect the driver's intermittent reaction rather than continuous reaction. • The model can accurately predict reaction times for approaching and braking conditions. • Driver distraction and the size of lead vehicle affect reaction times in approaching condition. Introduction: The prediction of when the driver will react to a change in the lead vehicle motion is critical for assessing rear-end crash risk using car-following models. Past studies have assumed constant reaction time and driver's continuous reaction. However, these assumptions are not valid as the driver's reaction time can vary in different car-following situations and the driver does not continuously react to the lead vehicle motion. Thus, this study predicted the driver's reaction time using the Wiedemann car-following model and the Accumulator model. The Accumulator model assumes the driver's start of reaction based on the accumulation of looming and thereby reflects the driver's intermittent reaction. Method: Fifty drivers' behavior was observed using a driving simulator in two scenarios: (1) approach and follow a moving lead vehicle and (2) approach a stopped lead vehicle. The Accumulator model predicted the reaction times based on different looming variables (angular velocity and tau-inverse), lead vehicle type (car and truck), and lead vehicle brake lights (on or off). Results: The Accumulator model showed lower prediction errors of the reaction time than the Wiedemann model, which assumes reaction based on the fixed looming threshold. The Accumulator model predicted the reaction times more accurately when it was calibrated with the angular velocity due to width and height of lead vehicles. Moreover, the Accumulator model with tau-inverse produced the smallest prediction error of reaction times among different Accumulator models and the Wiedemann model when lead vehicle brake lights were on. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the Accumulator model is a promising method of predicting the driver's reaction time in car-following situations, which affects rear-end crash risk. Practical Applications: The Accumulator model can be incorporated into a car-following model for the prediction of reaction times and can estimate the rear-end collision risk of vehicles more accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study discusses the effect of semi-supervised learning in combination with pretrained language models for data-to-text generation. It is not known whether semi-supervised learning is still helpful when a large-scale language model is also supplemented. This study aims to answer this question by comparing a data-to-text system only supplemented with a language model, to two data-to-text systems that are additionally enriched by a data augmentation or a pseudo-labeling semi-supervised learning approach. Results show that semi-supervised learning results in higher scores on diversity metrics. In terms of output quality, extending the training set of a data-to-text system with a language model using the pseudo-labeling approach did increase text quality scores, but the data augmentation approach yielded similar scores to the system without training set extension. These results indicate that semi-supervised learning approaches can bolster output quality and diversity, even when a language model is also present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impacts of cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) and cooperative lane changing (CLC) on the delay and the riding comfort in autonomous car–autonomous truck (AC–AT) mixed traffic at a freeway merging area. For this task, AC–AT mixed traffic on a 5.25 km section of freeway was analyzed using the Aimsun Next microscopic traffic simulation. The effects of different CACC parameters and CLC on the average speed and acceleration distributions as the measures of delay and riding comfort, respectively, were evaluated. It was found that (1) lower sensitivity to the lead vehicle reduced the merging time, (2) shorter time gaps between autonomous vehicles and between platoons decreased the delay, and (3) longer time gaps reduced the delay at higher percentage of ATs. These results demonstrate that the delay of AC–AT mixed traffic at a freeway merging area can be reduced and riding comfort can be increased by adjusting CACC parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We developed a new car-following model based on the observed driver behavior. • The model reflects drivers' intermittent reaction rather than continuous reaction. • The start time of reaction depends on the cumulative need for acceleration control. • The model considered the effect of brake lights of lead vehicle on driver reaction. • The model better predicted the timing and magnitude of reaction in car-following. This study develops a car-following model called the "Markkula Intelligent Driver Model (MIDM)" based on Markkula's Framework of Sensorimotor Control. The MIDM predicts the start time of driver's reaction based on the evidence accumulation within Markkula's framework unlike the existing car-following models that use a constant reaction time parameter. The MIDM also accurately represents the actual shape and duration of acceleration maneuvers. Fifty drivers' car-following behavior was observed in 2 different scenarios using a driving simulator – reaction to a decelerating lead vehicle and reaction to a stopped lead vehicle. Trajectory data from the NGSIM project were also used for the evaluation. Compared to the Gipps Model, the Wiedemann Model and the IDM, the MIDM realistically reproduced trajectories of speed, acceleration, jerk and spacing for both simulator and NGSIM data. The MIDM can also incorporate the effects of lead vehicle brake lights for more accurate estimation of the driver reaction time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bile acid metabolism is altered in neonates on parenteral nutrition (PN), predisposing them to parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease. Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), the rate-limiting enzyme in the bile acid synthesis pathway, is repressed by fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and phytosterols (PS). We describe a case of a preterm infant who developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and received exclusive PN for over 2 months. Our objective was to serially assess CYP7A1 activity and plasma FGF19 and PS concentrations in this infant case compared to five healthy preterm infants. We found that CYP7A1 activity increased during the first 2 weeks of life in control infants but was undetectable in the infant case. FGF19 concentrations were high at birth in all infants and subsequently declined and did not differ between the case and control infants. As expected, PS concentrations were elevated in the infant case and continued to increase despite lipid minimization. In conclusion, CYP7A1 activity was gradually upregulated in healthy preterm infants but remained suppressed in the infant requiring prolonged PN. Preterm infants also had elevated FGF19 concentrations at birth, which decreased with advancing postnatal age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Presence and time of driver's evasive action were determined using vehicle dynamics data. • Longer duration of evasive action decreased rear-end collision risk. • Driver characteristics were related to evasive action and collision risk. • Effect of evasive action on collision risk varied more when drivers followed trucks than cars. Introduction: Driver's evasive action is closely associated with collision risk in a critical traffic event. To quantify collision risk, surrogate safety measures (SSMs) have been estimated using vehicle trajectories. However, vehicle trajectories cannot clearly capture presence and time of driver's evasive action. Thus, this study determines the driver's evasive action based on his/her use of accelerator and brake pedals, and analyzes the effects of the driver's evasive action time (i.e., duration of evasive action) on rear-end collision risk. Method: Fifty drivers' car-following behavior on a freeway was observed using a driving simulator. An SSM called "Deceleration Rate to Avoid Crash (DRAC)" and the evasive action time were determined for each driver using the data from the driving simulator. Each driver tested two traffic scenarios – Cars and Trucks scenarios where conflicting vehicles were cars and trucks, respectively. The factors related to DRAC were identified and their effects on DRAC were analyzed using the Generalized Linear Models and random effects models. Results: DRAC decreased with the evasive action time and DRAC was closely related to drivers' gender and driving experience at the road sections where evasive action to avoid collision was required. DRAC was also significantly different between Cars and Trucks scenarios. The effect of the evasive action time on DRAC varied among different drivers, particularly in the Trucks scenario. Conclusions: Longer evasive action time can significantly reduce crash risk. Driver characteristics are more closely related to effective evasive action in complex driving conditions. Practical Applications: Based on the findings of this study, driver warning information can be developed to alert drivers to take specific evasive action that reduces collision risk in a critical traffic event. The information is likely to reduce the variability of the driver's evasive action and the speed variations among different drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a new corpus of paired football match reports, the Multilingual Emotional Football Corpus, (MEmoFC), which has been manually collected from English, German, and Dutch websites of individual football clubs to investigate the way different emotional states (e.g. happiness for winning and disappointment for losing) are realized in written language. In addition to the reports, it also contains the statistics for the selected matches. MEmoFC is a corpus consisting of comparable subcorpora since the authors of the texts report on the same event from two different perspectives—the winner's and the loser's side, and from an arguably more neutral perspective in tied matches. We demonstrate how the corpus can be used to investigate the influence of affect on the reports through different approaches and illustrate how game outcome influences (1) references to the own team and the opponent, and (2) the use of positive and negative emotion terms in the different languages. The MEmoFC corpus, together with the analyzed aspects of emotional language will open up new approaches for targeted automatic generation of texts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the potential to enhance learning in higher education, collaborative reflection in practical settings has received limited attention. This study investigated collaborative reflection within peer coaching assessments on a university-based coach education program. Data were collected through focus groups with undergraduate sports coaching students and individual interviews with module instructors. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes and six sub-themes as follows: reflective processes (evaluating peers' experiences, collaboration through shared knowledge); social support (practical support, emotional support); and engagement (task engagement, pressure of assessment). Evaluating peer coaching performance through observation, participation, and discussion enhanced students' awareness of their own coaching practice. Findings highlight a tendency for students to exchange knowledge informally and several barriers to collective reflection within formal practical settings. Students provided social support to help peers manage the demands of practical coaching assessments. Instructors' perspectives supported and challenged the student data, culminating in recommendations to enhance collaborative reflection within and beyond a module of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs) have been discovered in the Coma cluster, and there is evidence that some, notably Dragonfly 44, have Milky Way-like dynamical masses despite dwarf-like stellar masses. We used X-ray, ultraviolet (UV), and optical data to investigate the star formation and nuclear activity in the Coma UDGs, and we obtained deep UV and X-ray data (Swift and XMM–Newton) for Dragonfly 44 to search for low-level star formation, hot circumgalactic gas, and the integrated emission from X-ray binaries. Among the Coma UDGs, we find UV luminosities consistent with quiescence but NUV − r colours indicating star formation in the past Gyr. This indicates that the UDGs were recently quenched. The r -band luminosity declines with projected distance from the Coma core. The Dragonfly 44 UV luminosity is also consistent with quiescence, with SFR |$\lt 6\times 10^{-4} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$|  yr−1, and no X-rays are detected down to a sensitivity of 1038 erg s−1. This rules out a hot corona with a |$M \gt 10^8 \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$| within the virial radius, which would normally be expected for a dynamically massive galaxy. The absence of bright, low-mass X-ray binaries is consistent with the expectation from the Galaxy total stellar mass, but it is unlikely if most low-mass X-ray binaries form in globular clusters, as Dragonfly 44 has a very large population. Based on the UV and X-ray analysis, the Coma UDGs are consistent with quenched dwarf galaxies, although we cannot rule out a dynamically massive population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the tone-merging phenomenon in Hong Kong Cantonese. Both perception and production tasks were administered to 120 participants with ages ranging from 20 to 58 years. After considering the complicated interplay of perception and production confusion, the paper provides statistical evidence that three tonal contrasts have undergone merging in contemporary Hong Kong Cantonese. They are Full-merger T2 and T5, where contrast is collapsed in both perception and production; Partial-merger T3 and T6, where contrast is collapsed in production only; and Near-merger T4 and T6, where contrast is collapsed in perception but maintained in production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kindergarten program, Tools of the Mind (Tools), has been shown to improve executive functions (as assessed by laboratory measures) and academic performance. The objective here was to see if Tools can improve executive functions in the real world (in the classroom), academic outcomes not previously investigated, reduce bullying and peer ostracism, and increase teachers’ and students’ joy in being in the classroom. This first randomized controlled trial of Tools in Canada included 351 kindergarten children (mean age 5.2 years at entry; 51% female) in 18 public schools. Stratified randomization resulted in teachers and students in both groups being closely matched. Teachers in both groups received the same number of training hours and same funds for new materials. Outcome measures were pre and post standardized academic skill assessments and teacher online survey responses. This study replicated that Tools improves reading and shows for the first time that it improves writing (far exceeding levels the school districts had seen before), self-control and attention-regulation in the real world (e.g., time on task without supervision), reduces teacher burnout and children being ostracized or excluded, and increases the joy students and teachers experience in school. By Spring, Tools teachers were still enthusiastic about teaching; control teachers were exhausted. These results were not only better than the control group but also better than Tools teachers experienced the year before Tools. Thus, children in a kindergarten curriculum that emphasized play, improving self-regulation, working together and helping one another, and hands-on learning performed better academically, showed less bullying and peer ostracism and more kindness and helping behavior than students in more traditional classes, and teacher enthusiasm for teaching soared. Tools reduced initial disparities separating children, schools, and teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hydrogels serve as a powerful tool for engineering neural tissue. • Such hydrogels can be adapted as bioinks for printing neural tissues. • 3D printing can potentially change how neural tissues are engineered. 3D bioprinting can potentially revolutionize the field of neural tissue engineering by increasing its throughput and reproducibility. However, many obstacles must be overcome to realize this immense potential. This review first discusses how 3D hydrogels can serve as powerful tools for engineering neural tissue, especially when combined with different types of cells. These tools enable us to gain a better understanding of neural tissue development and its associated disease states. Next, we define 3D bioprinting and detail the necessary tools for using this technique to produce neural tissue, along with reviewing relevant recent work in the area. We also compare with other approaches to generating 3D neural tissues while identifying key areas for future developments in the field of bioprinting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Observation and analysis of driver behaviour in 9 anger-provoking events. • Identification of psychology measures related to motivation for aggressive driving. • Development of driving performance measures using vehicle dynamics variables. • Identification of unique aggressive driving patterns in different driving events. • Recommendation of road safety policies to reduce aggressive driving. Whereas aggressive driving mainly causes speed-related crashes, aggressive driving may be reduced to improve road safety by identifying aggressive driving behaviour, aggressive drivers' characteristics, and their underlying motivational and psychological processes. Previous studies show that both driving performance and self-reported measures of aggressive driving are effective means to identify aggressive drivers. However, these studies assessed aggressive driving patterns across only a limited number of events, did not relate driver characteristics to aggressive driving in each event, and used chiefly vehicle kinematics variables (e.g., mean speed), but not vehicle dynamics variables (e.g., brake pedal force) which better capture driver reaction and decision-making. To address these limitations, this study assessed driver characteristics, self-reported psychological measures, and driving performance measures associated with aggressive driving among 55 drivers' behaviours in 9 driving events using a driving simulator and survey responses. The results of structural equation models showed that unique aggressive driving patterns and driver characteristics related to aggressive driving vary among different driving events. As such, we recommend road safety policies to reduce aggressive driving based on the findings in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article present a case study of a 79-year-old female with 1 day of nausea, vomiting, right-sided pleuritic chest pain and productive cough. Topics include diagnosing primary meningococcal pneumonia in a critically ill patient with pneumonia symptoms; discussing the clinical and microbiological features, differential diagnosis, treatment approach and learning points regarding Neisseria meningitidis identification; and treatment with antibiotics.

• Cyst nematodes deliver effector proteins into host cells to manipulate cellular processes and establish a metabolically hyperactive feeding site. The novel 30D08 effector protein is produced in the dorsal gland of parasitic juveniles, but its function has remained unknown. • We demonstrate that expression of 30D08 contributes to nematode parasitism, the protein is packaged into secretory granules and it is targeted to the plant nucleus where it interacts with SMU2 (homolog of suppressor of mec-8 and unc-52 2), an auxiliary spliceosomal protein. • We show that SMU2 is expressed in feeding sites and an smu2 mutant is less susceptible to nematode infection. In Arabidopsis expressing 30D08 under the SMU2 promoter, several genes were found to be alternatively spliced and the most abundant functional classes represented among differentially expressed genes were involved in RNA processing, transcription and binding, as well as in development, and hormone and secondary metabolism, representing key cellular processes known to be important for feeding site formation. • In conclusion, we demonstrated that the 30D08 effector is secreted from the nematode and targeted to the plant nucleus where its interaction with a host auxiliary spliceosomal protein may alter the pre-mRNA splicing and expression of a subset of genes important for feeding site formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes rear-end collision risk of cars and heavy vehicles on freeways using a surrogate safety measure. The crash potential index (CPI) was modified to reflect driver’s reaction time and estimated by types of lead and following vehicles (car or heavy vehicle). CPIs were estimated using the individual vehicle trajectory data from a segment of the US-101 freeway in Los Angeles, U.S.A. It was found that the CPI was generally higher for the following heavy vehicle than the following car due to heavy vehicle’s lower braking capability. This study also validates the CPI using the simulated traffic data which replicate the observed traffic conditions a few minutes before the crash time upstream and downstream of the crash locations. The observed data were obtained from crash records and loop detectors on a section of the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto, Canada. The result shows that the values of CPI were consistently higher during the traffic conditions immediately before the crash time (crash case) than the normal traffic conditions (non-crash case). This demonstrates that the CPI can be used to capture rear-end collision risk during car-following maneuver on freeways. The result also shows that rear-end collision risk is lower for heavy vehicles than cars in the crash case due to their shorter reaction time and lower speed when spacing is shorter. Thus, it is important to reflect the differences in driver behavior and vehicle performance characteristics between cars and heavy vehicles in estimating surrogate safety measures. Lastly, it was found that the CPI-based crash prediction model can correctly identify the crash and non-crash cases at higher accuracy than the other crash prediction models based on detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haploinsufficiency of GRN, the gene encoding progranulin (PGRN), causes frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), the second most common cause of early-onset dementia. Receptor-mediated lysosomal targeting has been shown to regulate brain PGRN levels, and complete deficiency of PGRN is a direct cause of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), a lysosomal storage disease. Here we show that the lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin L (Cat L) can mediate the proteolytic cleavage of intracellular PGRN into poly-granulin and granulin fragments. Further, PGRN and Cat L co-localize in lysosomes of HEK293 cells, iPSC-derived neurons and human cortical neurons from human postmortem tissue. These data identify Cat L as a key intracellular lysosomal PGRN protease, and provides an intriguing new link between lysosomal dysfunction and FTLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐free biocompatible white‐light‐emitting diode material is enabled using graphite‐carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) silica gels that are conveniently fabricated from a one‐step solvothermal reaction. The novel g‐C3N4 silica gels can also be used as water‐resistant biocompatible fluorescent inks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents summaries of reviews of books related to library personnel and staff development that appeared in various periodicals. ''Communication Without Words',' by Pauline E. Henderson; ''Confront and Engage for Organizational Development,' by Robert Cunningham; 'High-Involvement Management: Participative Strategies for Improving Organizational Performance,' by Edward E. Lawler.

Microscopic traffic simulation models require the calibration of car-following (or vehicle-following) models. The parameters of vehicle-following models control individual driver’s spacing, time gap, speed variation and acceleration during different driving conditions. In recent studies, these parameters have been determined for different vehicle classes separately since heavy vehicles generally keep longer spacing and time gap than light vehicles. These parameters have been commonly estimated based on the observed macroscopic traffic flow data such as average volume and speed. However, these data cannot reflect actual vehicle-following behavior of individual vehicles. Also, the effect of the lead vehicle class on the following vehicle’s behavior has been neglected in the parameter estimation. Thus, this study estimates the driving behavior parameters for cars and heavy vehicles in the Wiedemann 99 vehicle-following model. For the estimation, 2169 vehicle trajectories were obtained from a 640-m segment of US-101 in Los Angeles, California during the morning peak hours. Separate parameters were estimated for three vehicle classes (cars, heavy vehicles, and motorcycles) and three vehicle-following cases (car following car, car following heavy vehicle, and heavy vehicle following car). From the comparison of the driving behavior parameters between cars and heavy vehicles, it was found that heavy vehicles keep longer spacing and time gap with the lead vehicle, are less sensitive to the lead car behavior, and apply smaller acceleration when they start from stationary position compared to cars. It was also found that the parameters significantly varied across different vehicle pairs even for the same vehicle class and the same vehicle-following case. The estimated parameters were also validated as the VISSIM simulation with the estimated parameters better reflected the observed cumulative average speed and acceleration distributions than the simulation with the default parameters. The results indicate that differences in the parameters among different vehicle-following cases and the variability of parameters for different vehicle pairs must be considered in the fixed parameters for each vehicle class currently used in the Wiedemann’s model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) aims to accelerate environmental footprint reductions at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) by moving beyond its direct sphere of control to proactively engage with airport business partners and other stakeholders to address specific environmental issues. This paper details how AAHK has adopted this approach to reduce airport-wide carbon emissions, manage aircraft cabin waste and increase food waste recycling at HKIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the effectiveness of changing lane width in reducing crashes on roadway segments. To consider nonlinear relationships between crash rate and lane width, the study develops generalized nonlinear models (GNMs) using 3-years crash records and road geometry data collected for all roadway segments in Florida. The study also estimates various crash modification factors (CMFs) for different ranges of lane width based on the results of the GNMs. It was found that the crash rate was highest for 12-ft lane and lower for the lane width less than or greater than 12 ft. GNMs can extrapolate this nonlinear continuous effect of lane width and estimate the CMFs for any lane width, not only selected lane widths, unlike generalized linear models (GLMs) with categorical variables. The CMFs estimated using GNMs reflect that crashes are less likely to occur for narrower lanes if the lane width is less than 12 ft whereas crashes are less likely to occur for wider lanes if the lane width is greater than 12 ft. However, these effects varied with the posted speed limits as the effect of interaction between lane width and speed limit was significant. The estimated CMFs show that crashes are less likely to occur for lane widths less than 12 ft than the lane widths greater than 12 ft if the speed limit is higher than or equal to 40 mph. It was also found from the CMFs that crashes at higher severity levels (KABC and KAB) are less likely to occur for lane widths greater or less than 12 ft compared to 12-ft lane. The study demonstrates that the CMFs estimated using GNMs clearly reflect variations in crashes with lane width, which cannot be captured by the CMFs estimated using GLMs. Thus, it is recommended that if the relationship between crash rate and lane width is nonlinear, the CMFs are estimated using GNMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse adulthood outcomes are well documented among youth who age out of foster care. However, not all youth who age out of care experience deleterious adult outcomes, despite struggling with similar challenges during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Childhood maltreatment, which places youth at greater risk for later maladaptive functioning and psychopathology, may partially explain poor adjustment outcomes in adulthood. Similarly, a history of unstable placements and residing in institutional congregate care settings may also contribute to hardship during this time. However, none of these factors help to explain how some young people aging out of care manage to achieve stability while transitioning into adulthood. This article reviews the literature through the lens of the identity capital framework, and discusses the applicability of this framework to the experiences of youth aging out of foster care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes driver's injury severity in single- and two-vehicle crashes and compares the effects of explanatory variables among various types of crashes. The study identified factors affecting injury severity and their effects on severity levels using 5-year crash records for provincial highways in Ontario, Canada. Considering heteroscedasticity in the effects of explanatory variables on injury severity, the heteroscedastic ordered logit (HOL) models were developed for single- and two-vehicle crashes separately. The results of the models show that there exists heteroscedasticity for young drivers (≤30), safety equipment and ejection in the single-vehicle crash model, and female drivers, safety equipment and head-on collision in the two-vehicle crash models. The results also show that young car drivers have opposite effects between single-car and car-car crashes, and sideswipe crashes have opposite effects between car-car and truck-truck crashes. The study demonstrates that separate HOL models for single-vehicle and different types of two-vehicle crashes can identify differential effects of factors on driver's injury severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Never before have public sector jobs been so threatened. Fear and anxiety have shifted their focus, from performance to survival. With reference to immediately contemporary works on the NHS in particular, such as Mandelstam (2011) and Leys and Player (2011), the paper establishes the factual validity of the crisis. The authors conducted a series of workshops for public sector staff to enable them to explore their reactions to the current situation. It is possible to identify increasing levels of denial and other forms of resistance to change similar to those first identified by Menzies' (1959). Drawing on the work of Bion (cited Obholzer & Roberts, 1994) the paper considers the dangers of a retreat to the paranoid schizoid position, and identifies a theoretical clue in Halton (2004) for turning the trauma of change into a creative opportunity. Art has access to emotional, spiritual and creative facets of the human mind that science cannot explore. Klein's (1975) consideration of the infantile and regressive aspect of art is acknowledged. The paper then considers what is revealed by a study of specific works of art which were presented in the workshops; including paintings by Bosch, Rousseau, Breughel and Goya. The work of Zagier-Roberts (1998) and Winnicott (1971) is called upon to endorse the usefulness of such a playful collage of responses. Art can be used to help people move through Kubler Ross' stages of bereavement (1997); not to acceptance but out of the paranoid schizoid position into the depressive position (Klein 1975). Revisiting the work of Halton (2004) and the concept of evolutionary creativity, a move on from the depressive position can begin. Collective validation can be affirmed through a rebooting of the essential public sector values while a radical turning away from organisational priorities, to face the service user, provides a more far reaching optimism than any envisaged by an essentially limited demand for modernisation. In conclusion the paper considers the recent contributions of Dienst (2011) and Dumenil and Levy (2011) to advocate tactical resistance to the denigration of the public sphere. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A novel phantom is presented for ‘full system’ dosimetric audit comparing planned and delivered dose distributions in HDR gynaecological brachytherapy, using clinical treatment applicators. The brachytherapy applicator dosimetry test object consists of a near full-scatter water tank with applicator and film supports constructed of Solid Water, accommodating any typical cervix applicator. Film dosimeters are precisely held in four orthogonal planes bisecting the intrauterine tube, sampling dose distributions in the high risk clinical target volume, points A and B, bladder, rectum and sigmoid. The applicator position is fixed prior to CT scanning and through treatment planning and irradiation. The CT data is acquired with the applicator in a near clinical orientation to include applicator reconstruction in the system test. Gamma analysis is used to compare treatment planning system exported RTDose grid with measured multi-channel film dose maps. Results from two pilot audits are presented, using Ir-192 and Co-60 HDR sources, with a mean gamma passing rate of 98.6% using criteria of 3% local normalization and 3 mm distance to agreement (DTA). The mean DTA between prescribed dose and measured film dose at point A was 1.2 mm. The phantom was funded by IPEM and will be used for a UK national brachytherapy dosimetry audit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The small molecule, Tolfenamic acid (TA) has shown anti-cancer activity in pre-clinical models and is currently in Phase I clinical trials at MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando. Since specificity and toxicity are major concerns for investigational agents, we tested the effect of TA on specific targets, and assessed the cellular and organismal toxicity representing pre-clinical studies in cancer. Methods: Panc1, L3.6pl, and MiaPaCa-2 (pancreatic cancer), hTERT-HPNE(normal), and differentiated/un-differentiated SH-SY5Y (neuroblastoma) cells were treated with increasing concentrations of TA. Cell viability and effect on specific molecular targets, Sp1 and survivin were determined. Athymic nude mice were treated with vehicle or TA (50mg/kg, 3times/week for 6 weeks) and alterations in the growth pattern, hematocrit, and histopathology of gut, liver, and stomach were monitored. Results: TA treatment decreased cell proliferation and inhibited the expression of Sp1 and survivin in cancer cells while only subtle response was observed in normal (hTERT-HPNE) and differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Mice studies revealed no effect on body weight and hematocrit. Furthermore, TA regimen did not cause signs of internal-bleeding or damage to vital tissues in mice. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that TA selectively inhibits malignant cell growth acting on specific targets and its chronic treatment did not cause apparent toxicity in nude mice. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the federal emphasis on achieving timely permanency for children who enter foster care, some children continue to remain in foster care for extended periods, with approximately 20,000 children a year “aging out” of foster care into adulthood without having achieved permanency in a family setting (Dworsky, 2008). This literature review focuses on the federal Child and Family Services Review measure that measures agency performance related to achieving permanency for children in foster care for long periods of time. The review summarizes the factors associated with timely discharges from care; while each child and family involved with the child welfare system brings a set of unique challenges and characteristics, research points to common individual and system factors that may be associated with long stays in foster care. Broad strategies that may be linked to achieving permanency are described, followed by explicit models developed to increase the likelihood of timely permanency. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the context of child welfare, family reunification refers to the services that are provided for purposes of returning children who have been placed in out-of-home care to their families of origin. Family reunification is the primary permanency goal for the majority of children who have been placed temporarily outside of their homes. This literature review focuses on the federal Child and Family Services Review composite outcome indicator that seeks to measure agency performance related to family reunification. It describes factors at the level of the agency/system, the family, and the child that are associated with failure to reunify. Practices that have been linked with successful family reunification are described, with particular attention to the period between removal from the home and reunification. The review concludes with questions intended to promote discussion about the use of evidence to support the reunification process within child welfare agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We report on a gain-coefficient switched Alexandrite laser. An electro-optic modulator is used to switch between high and low gain states by making use of the polarization dependent gain of Alexandrite. In gain-coefficient switched mode, the laser produces 85 ns pulses with a pulse energy of 240 mJ at a repetition rate of 5 Hz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foil and vibrating wire strain gauges have an optimum strain measurement accuracy of one microstrain. However, they can only provide discrete strain readings over a single fixed-gauge length. Digital image correlation (DIC) offers an alternative to conventional strain gauges because a two-dimensional (2D) surface strain field can be obtained from a single sensor (camera). However, the benefits of 2D strain measurements are only worthwhile if a similar level of measurement accuracy to conventional strain gauges can be achieved. This paper presents the results of an investigation into the optimum strain measurement accuracy that can be achieved by using the 2D technique on artificial images (which eliminate errors associated with cameras and lighting). The principle of the 2D DIC technique and its historical development will be introduced. Then, three potential techniques for taking strain measurements will be presented and compared: single readings, averaged linear readings, and an approach on the basis of Mohr's circle. The Mohr's circle approach was found to be the most accurate and was not susceptible to image misalignment. Strain measurement accuracy was also found to be affected by the bias error of the subpixel interpolation scheme, but the use of an 8 coefficient B-spline was found to produce satisfactory results within the error of conventional strain gauges. Gauge length was also found to have a significant effect on strain measurement accuracy, indicating that measuring strains in a material in which there are variations across the strain field could result in a loss of measurement accuracy. However, overall it was found that 2D DIC offers the same strain measurement accuracy as conventional strain gauges when used under ideal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the crashes that occur at midblock called “midblock crashes” in an urban arterial road. The association of midblock crashes with various factors was examined using the 7-year (2000–2006) crash data on a section of a divided arterial road in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. To account for difference in traffic volume and road geometric factors between two directions of travel in a divided road, the data were collected for two directions separately. The results of log-linear models using these bidirectional data show that midblock crashes are more likely to occur on the road sections with access points and high percentage of trucks (>20%). The results of logistic regression models show that median opening, driver age/gender, lighting, time of day, and day of week are associated with different types of crashes classified by the vehicles involved in crashes. The study shows the importance of analyzing midblock crashes using the bidirectional data by vehicle type in urban divided arterial roads with high truck volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on the literature related to evidence-based practice, knowledge management, and learning organizations, this cross-case analysis presents twelve works-in-progress in ten local public human service organizations seeking to develop their own knowledge sharing systems. The data for this cross-case analysis can be found in the various contributions to this Special Issue. The findings feature the developmental aspects of building a learning organization that include knowledge sharing systems featuring transparency, self-assessment, and dissemination and utilization. Implications for practice focus on the structure and processes involved in building knowledge sharing teams inside public human service organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quality of attachment relations between adolescents and their parents and peers may be related to early maladaptive schemas as well as to symptoms of depression. Aims: The aim of the current study was to assess whether schema domains and maladaptive schemas mediate the relation between indices of quality of attachment relationships with parents and peers and symptoms of depression in non-clinical adolescents (N = 222). Method: A battery of questionnaires was completed, including measures of quality of attachment relations, maladaptive schemas, and depression. Results: The schema domains of disconnection and rejection and other-directedness mediated the relation between quality of attachment relationships and symptoms of depression. More precisely, the schemas’ mistrust/abuse and social isolation mediated the relation between trust in parents and depressive symptoms, whereas the schemas’ social isolation and self-sacrifice mediated the relation between alienation from peers and symptoms of depression. Conclusions: The mediation analyses suggest that treatment of adolescent depression could be focused on both attachment bonds and on changing maladaptive schemas. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study investigates the effects of the traffic flow parameters related to individual drivers' lane-changing and car-following behavior on the occurrence of sideswipe and rear-end crashes on freeways. A total of 184 sideswipe and 605 rear-end crashes on I-4 freeway in Orlando, Florida, with the loop detector data were used for the analysis. A set of the Bayesian logistic regression models were developed to estimate the likelihood of crashes in a specific lane compared to the adjacent lanes using the 5 min average and lane-by-lane traffic flow parameters. The analysis results showed that the significant traffic flow parameters affecting crash occurrence in a specific lane are distinctively different between sideswipe and rear-end crashes. The flow-related variables were significant in the sideswipe crash models whereas the speed-related variables were significant in the rear-end crash models. The results suggest that the lane-by-lane traffic flow parameters are considered as surrogate measures of lane-changing and car-following behavior that are associated with the occurrence of sideswipe and rear-end crashes. These parameters can potentially be used for real-time monitoring of the likelihood of crash occurrence by lane on instrumented freeways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-parasitic cyst nematodes penetrate plant roots and transform cells near the vasculature into specialized feeding sites called syncytia. Syncytia form by incorporating neighboring cells into a single fused cell by cell wall dissolution. This process is initiated via injection of esophageal gland cell effector proteins from the nematode stylet into the host cell. Once inside the cell, these proteins may interact with host proteins that regulate the phytohormone auxin, as cellular concentrations of auxin increase in developing syncytia. Soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) Hgl9C07 is a novel effector protein expressed specifically in the dorsal gland cell during nematode parasitism. Here, we describe its ortholog in the beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii), Hsl9C07. We demonstrate that Hsl9C07 interacts with the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) auxin influx transporter LAX3. LAX3 is expressed in cells overlying lateral root primordia, providing auxin signaling that triggers the expression of cell wall-modifying enzymes, allowing lateral roots to emerge. We found that LAX3 and polygalacturonase, a LAX3-induced cell wall-modifying enzyme, are expressed in the developing syncytium and in cells to be incorporated into the syncytium. We observed no decrease in H. schachtii infectivity in auxl and Iax3 single mutants. However, a decrease was observed in both the auxllax3 double mutant and the auxllaxllax21ax3 quadruple mutant. In addition, ectopic expression of 19C07 was found to speed up lateral root emergence. We propose that Hsl9C07 most likely increases LAX3-mediated auxin influx and may provide a mechanism for cyst nematodes to modulate auxin flow into root cells, stimulating cell wall hydrolysis for syncytium development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

•Soybean cyst nematodes ( Heterodera glycines) produce secreted effector proteins that function as peptide mimics of plant CLAVATA3/ESR (CLE)-like peptides probably involved in the developmental reprogramming of root cells to form specialized feeding cells called syncytia. •The site of action and mechanism of delivery of CLE effectors to host plant cells by the nematode, however, have not been established. In this study, immunologic, genetic and biochemical approaches were used to reveal the localization and site of action of H. glycines-secreted CLE proteins in planta. •We present evidence indicating that the nematode CLE propeptides are delivered to the cytoplasm of syncytial cells, but ultimately function in the apoplast, consistent with their proposed role as ligand mimics of plant CLE peptides. We determined that the nematode 12-amino-acid CLE motif peptide is not sufficient for biological activity in vivo, pointing to an important role for sequences upstream of the CLE motif in function. •Genetic and biochemical analysis confirmed the requirement of the variable domain in planta for host-specific recognition and revealed a novel role in trafficking cytoplasmically delivered CLEs to the apoplast in order to function as ligand mimics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourteen of the most commonly used textbooks in human behavior and social environment (HB&SE) courses in graduate social work education were examined for content related to theories of immigration. To what extent are social work students informed in theories of immigration to enhance their understanding and inform their practice with immigrant populations? In an attempt to address this issue, a brief overview of some of the major theories of immigration is provided as a context for the analysis of HB&SE textbooks. The 14 texts were assessed for immigration-related content according to three criteria: (a) the manner in which immigration was addressed, (b) the extent to which immigration was described in terms of human behavior, the social environment, and/or the interaction between the two, and (c) the context in which immigration was presented. The findings from this analysis indicate that immigration is not thoroughly or consistently addressed in these HB&SE texts. This analysis concludes with recommendations for incorporating immigration-related content in HB&SE curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This literature review examines major theoretical frameworks utilized by sociologists in examining the processes by which immigrants are incorporated into a host society. Beginning with classical assimilation theory in the 1920s, theorists defined the incorporation process as a linear path for all immigrants, regardless of group characteristics or social context. The responsibility for change was placed solely on the immigrant group. By the 1960s, theorists had redefined assimilation to acknowledge different paths of integration influenced by interactions of immigrant group characteristics with the host society context. Modern theories branching from classic assimilation theory include segmented assimilation and spatial assimilation and theories focusing on ethnic group influences. The review concludes with implications for better understanding influences of interactions between human behavior and the social environment as they relate to immigrant populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crashes that occur on freeway ramps and in the vicinity of ramps were analyzed using a variety of statistical methods. The data used in this study are the 6 year records of crashes that occurred on 98 ramps of a 25 mile section of Interstate-4 freeway in the Orlando, Florida, metro area. Log linear models were used to identify the relationship among the frequency of ramp crashes, ramp geometry, and ramp traffic volume. Binary logit models and bivariate probit models were developed to observe the propensity of specific type of ramp crashes in terms of curvature of ramps, number of vehicles involved in crashes, and collision type. The binary logit model was also used to identify the factors correlated with injury severity of drivers involved in ramp crashes. The results of model estimates showed that crash characteristics differ by the location of crashes with respect to ramps: ramp related and ramp intersection related crashes. It was found that the presence of advisory speed signs potentially reduces the likelihood of the occurrence of crashes on off ramps and rear-end crashes on ramps. Finally, it was found that female drivers, single vehicle crashes, and shorter ramp length are correlated with higher probability of fatal and severe crashes on ramps. The findings suggest some important factors closely related to ramp crash risk and hidden relationships that have not been identified in the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The deposition of carbon layers on the surfaces of optics exposed to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation has been observed in EUV lithography. It has become of critical importance to detect the presence of the carbon layer in the order of nanometer thickness due to carbon''s extremely strong absorption of EUV radiation. Furthermore, the development of efficient cleaning strategies requires that the nature of these carbon layers is well understood. Here, we present experimental results on the detection and characterization of carbon layers, grown on Mo/Si EUV reflecting optics, by laser-generated surface acoustic waves (LG-SAW). It was found that SAW pulses with a frequency bandwidth of more than 220 MHz can be generated and detected for multilayer mirrors and LG-SAW is sensitive enough to detect EUV induced carbon layers less than 5 nm thick. It was inferred from the low Young''s modulus (<100 GPa) that the carbon layer induced by EUV illumination in these vacuum conditions is mechanically soft and polymeric in nature with a high percentage of hydrogen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: Proposals to make decisions about coverage of new technology by comparing the technology's incremental cost-effectiveness with the traditional benchmark of dialysis imply that the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of dialysis is seen a proxy for the value of a statistical year of life. The frequently used ratio for dialysis has, however, not been updated to reflect more recently available data on dialysis. Methods: We developed a computer simulation model for the end-stage renal disease population and compared cost, life expectancy, and quality-adjusted life expectancy of current dialysis practice relative to three less costly alternatives and to no dialysis. We estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for these alternatives relative to the next least costly alternative and no dialysis and analyzed the population distribution of the ratios. Model parameters and costs were estimated using data from the Medicare population and a large integrated health-care delivery system between 1996 and 2003. The sensitivity of results to model assumptions was tested using 38 scenarios of one-way sensitivity analysis, where parameters informing the cost, utility, mortality and morbidity, etc. components of the model were by perturbed +/−50%. Results: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of dialysis of current practice relative to the next least costly alternative is on average $129,090 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) ($61,294 per year), but its distribution within the population is wide; the interquartile range is $71,890 per QALY, while the 1st and 99th percentiles are $65,496 and $488,360 per QALY, respectively. Higher incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were associated with older age and more comorbid conditions. Sensitivity to model parameters was comparatively small, with most of the scenarios leading to a change of less than 10% in the ratio. Conclusions: The value of a statistical year of life implied by dialysis practice currently averages $129,090 per QALY ($61,294 per year), but is distributed widely within the dialysis population. The spread suggests that coverage decisions using dialysis as the benchmark may need to incorporate percentile values (which are higher than the average) to be consistent with the Rawlsian principles of justice of preserving the rights and interests of society's most vulnerable patient groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study examines the impact of passengers on the driver''s crash potential on freeways. To estimate the impact, a set of bivariate probit models were developed using the 5-year (1999–2003) crash records on a 36.3-mile stretch of Interstate-4 freeway (I-4) in Orlando, Florida. Bivariate probit models identify the correlation between potentially inter-related choices of three passenger characteristics and three crash characteristics. The analysis using bivariate probit models showed that there exist strong correlations between passenger and crash characteristics. It was found that drivers generally display safer driving behavior when they are accompanied by passengers, and more passengers reduce driver''s crash potential. It was also found that younger driver''s crash potential increases with the presence of a younger passenger only. In addition, the analysis of crash type using traffic flow parameters at the time of crashes showed that young drivers with only younger passengers are more likely to be involved in single-vehicle crashes in high-speed and low-volume conditions. The findings in this study provide insight into how the presence of passengers has an impact on driver behavior and traffic safety in various conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was conducted to assess outcomes after percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) treatment in 131 patients (mean age 56 ± 16 years) with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In-hospital and follow-up complications as well as late PTSMA failure (defined as unsatisfactory clinical outcome and a significant residual outflow tract gradient, necessitating reintervention) were noted. Baseline clinical, echocardiographic, and PTSMA characteristics were examined as determinants of outcomes. Also, the effect of ethanol volume and the role of a learning curve were investigated. PTSMA was successful in 90% of the patients. In-hospital and follow-up cardiac events were noted in 20 patients, including cardiac death (in-hospital n = 4, follow-up n = 1), acute myocardial infarction due to ethanol leakage (n = 1), coronary dissection (n = 2), nonfatal cardiac tamponade (n = 1), and permanent pacemaker (n = 6) or cardiac defibrillator (in-hospital n = 4, follow-up n = 1) implantation. Late PTSMA failure was noted in 12 patients. All baseline characteristics were comparable between successful and failed PTSMA. Ethanol volume was related to peak creatinine kinase value (p <0.0001) but not to late PTSMA failure or greater need for pacemaker implantation. Late PTSMA failure occurred more frequently in PTSMA procedures performed in the early, less experienced time period (p <0.001). In conclusion, this study confirms that PTSMA, although effective, has a relatively high complication rate. Late PTSMA failure could not be predicted by baseline characteristics but could partially be explained by a learning-curve effect. This finding implies that PTSMA procedures should be restricted to experienced centers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: The national recommendation for the management of localized T2 gallbladder cancer (GBCA) is radical cholecystectomy. Although reported survival for localized T2 disease has been poor, groups have documented improvement with radical resection. We hypothesized that a discrepancy exists between national recommendations and current practice patterns. Methods: Patients diagnosed with localized T2 GBCA between 1988 and 2002 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry. Age, sex, race, ethnicity, extent of surgery, and overall survival were assessed. Surgical procedure was categorized as cholecystectomy alone (CS), cholecystectomy plus lymph node dissection (CS+LN), radical cholecystectomy (RCS), or other. Survival calculations were made using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. Results: Of 382 patients with pathologically confirmed T2 GBCA, 280 were women. The median patient age was 75 years. A total of 238 patients underwent CS, 76 underwent CS+LN, and 14 underwent RCS. The remaining 54 patients underwent a lesser or no procedure and were excluded from comparative analysis. The median survival was 14 months for all patients and 14, 14, and 8 months for subgroups treated with CS, CS+LN, and RCS, respectively. Rates of 5-year survival were 23%, 24%, and 36% for CS, CS+LN, and RCS subgroups, respectively. There was no significant difference in survival rates between RCS and CS+LN, or between RCS and CS. Conclusions: The majority of patients with T2 GBCA in the United States are not managed according to current national recommendations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper considers the value of a specific non-punitive approach to dealing with bullying. It is based upon an exploratory project undertaken in a Year 3 class in a primary school which has not been identified by name. The project involved working with pupils involved in bullying using the stages and principles of the Support Group Method (SGM) and collecting data for analysis through interviews, observations and field notes. The paper concludes with professional implications and an endorsement of support-based approaches to managing bullying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]