The impact of a word-study spelling curriculum on spelling instruction and student spelling achievement

Word study uses direct instruction at the appropriate developmental level, hands-on activities, the study of orthographic structure, and a philosophy of problem-solving in a positive atmosphere. Pre- and post assessment data suggest that this is an effective instructional approach for improving student spelling achievement

Hyperfine splitting in positronium to O(α7me){\cal O}(\alpha^7m_e): one-photon annihilation contribution

We present the complete result for the ${\cal O}(\alpha^7m_e)$ one-photon annihilation contribution to the hyperfine splitting of the ground state energy levels in positronium. Numerically it increases the prediction of quantum electrodynamics by $217\pm 1$ kHz.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figure

Rank of divisors on tropical curves

We investigate, using purely combinatorial methods, structural and algorithmic properties of linear equivalence classes of divisors on tropical curves. In particular, an elementary proof of the Riemann-Roch theorem for tropical curves, similar to the recent proof of the Riemann-Roch theorem for graphs by Baker and Norine, is presented. In addition, a conjecture of Baker asserting that the rank of a divisor D on a (non-metric) graph is equal to the rank of D on the corresponding metric graph is confirmed, and an algorithm for computing the rank of a divisor on a tropical curve is constructed

Oncogenic senescence: a multi-functional perspective.

Cellular senescence is defined as an irreversible growth arrest with the acquisition of a distinctive secretome. The growth arrest is a potent anticancer mechanism whereas the secretome facilitates wound healing, tissue repair, and development. The senescence response has also become increasingly recognized as an important contributor to aging and age-related diseases, including cancer. Although oncogenic mutations are capable of inducing a beneficial senescence response that prevents the growth of premalignant cells and promotes cancer immune-surveillance, the secretome of senescent cells also includes factors with pro-tumorigenic properties. On June 23rd and 24th, 2016, the Division of Cancer Biology of the National Cancer Institute sponsored a workshop to discuss the complex role of cellular senescence in tumorigenesis with the goal to define the major challenges and opportunities within this important field of cancer research. Additionally, it was noted how the development of novel tools and technologies are required to accelerate research into a mechanistic understanding of senescent cells in carcinogenesis in order to overcome the current limitations in this exciting, yet ill-defined area

Sjogren's Syndrome

This issue of eMedRef provides information to clinicians on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapeutics of Sjogren's Syndrome

Explaining variation in GP referral rates for x-rays for back pain

BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of clinical guidelines for the management of low back pain (LBP), there continues to be wide variation in general practitioners' (GPs') referral rates for lumbar spine x-ray (LSX). This study aims to explain variation in GPs' referral rates for LSX from their accounts of the management of patients with low back pain. METHODS: Qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 29 GPs with high and low referral rates for LSX in North East England. Thematic analysis used constant comparative techniques. RESULTS: Common and divergent themes were identified among high- and low-users of LSX. Themes that were similar in both groups included an awareness of current guidelines for the use of LSX for patients with LBP and the pressure from patients and institutional factors to order a LSX. Differentiating themes for the high-user group included: a belief that LSX provides reassurance to patients that can outweigh risks, pessimism about the management options for LBP, and a belief that denying LSX would adversely affect doctor-patient relationships. Two specific differentiating themes are considered in more depth: GPs' awareness of their use of lumbar spine radiology relative to others, and the perceived risks associated with LSX radiation. CONCLUSION: Several key factors differentiate the accounts of GPs who have high and low rates of referral for LSX, even though they are aware of clinical guideline recommendations. Intervention studies that aim to increase adherence to guideline recommendations on the use of LSX by changing the ordering behaviour of practitioners in primary care should focus on these factors

Grandparent Care in the Non-Hispanic White Population

The purpose of this report is to provide information on White grandparent caregivers in the United States. Many grandparents are responsible for grandchildren who live with them in the same household. The 1996 Welfare Reform Act mandates that statistics be collected on grandparents who serve as caregivers to a grandchild. In response to this requirement, questions were developed for the 2000 Census of Population asking each adult about care for grandchildren living in the same household. We use the census information to identify grandparents who are caring for grandchildren in two different types of households: skipped-generation households, in which a grandparent and grandchild live together but no parent is present, and three-generation shared care households, in which the grandparent claims responsibility for the grandchild but one or more of the child’s parents are also present. Data from the 2000 Census 5% Public Use Microdata Sample are used in our calculations

Grandparent Care in the Latino/Hispanic Population

The purpose of this report is to provide information on Latino grandparent caregivers in the United States. Many grandparents are responsible for grandchildren who live with them in the same household. The 1996 Welfare Reform Act mandates that statistics be collected on grandparents who serve as caregivers to a grandchild. In response to this requirement, questions were developed for the 2000 Census of Population asking each adult about care for grandchildren living in the same household. We use the census information to identify grandparents who are caring for grandchildren in two different types of households: skipped-generation households, in which a grandparent and grandchild live together but no parent is present, and three-generation shared care households, in which the grandparent claims responsibility for the grandchild but one or more of the child’s parents are also present. Data from the 2000 Census 5% Public Use Microdata Sample are used in our calculations