293 research outputs found
Developing an Independent Reading Program within the Framework of a Biblical Worldview
Students today, especially middle and high school students, are reading less for pleasure than they used to. Research studies have proven that reading helps students grow academically and encourages them to see the world differently. So, to encourage students to read, some schools are giving students time to read in independent programs such as Silent Sustained Reading (SSR), Accelerated Reader Program (ARP), or even implementing reward programs to improve students’ reading ability. Many researchers have described what aspects of independent reading programs work and what aspects do not. Their conclusions show that there are aspects within the programs that motivate students to read. Although Christian school teachers also want students to be motivated readers, their goals for their students are expanded due to their Christian worldview. The goal of this paper is to discover what a successful independent reading program looks like in the context of biblical, Christian education
Continuous-glass-fibre-reinforced polypropylene composites. 1. Influence of maleic-anhydride-modified polypropylene on mechanical properties
This study investigates the influence of maleic-anhydride-modified polypropylene (m-PP) on monotonic mechanical properties of continuous-glass-fibre-reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites. Maleic-anhydride-modified polypropylene was added to the PP homopolymer to improve the adhesion between the matrix and the glass fibre. Three-point bending tests were performed on 0Ý and 90Ý unidirectional glass-fibre/PP laminates with various weight fractions of m-PP in the PP matrix. These tests showed an increase in both longitudinal and transverse flexural strength up to 10 wt% m-PP, whereas at higher weight fractions of m-PP a decrease in flexural strength was observed. No significant influence of m-PP on composite stiffness was observed. Additional mechanical tests on unidirectional glass/PP composites with 0 wt% and 10 wt% m-PP showed only a small increase in fibre-dominated properties such as longitudinal tensile strength and strain, whereas composite properties that are governed by the interphase, such as transverse, shear and compressive strength, showed significant increases as a result of matrix modification and an enhanced interaction between the glass fibres and the PP matri
Investigating the transformations of polyoxoanions using mass spectrometry and molecular dynamics
The reactions of [γ-SiW10O36]8– represent one of the most important synthetic gateways into a vast array of polyoxotungstate chemistry. Herein, we set about exploring the transformation of the lacunary polyoxoanion [β2-SiW11O39]8– into [γ-SiW10O36]8– using high-resolution electrospray mass spectrometry, density functional theory, and molecular dynamics. We show that the reaction proceeds through an unexpected {SiW9} precursor capable of undertaking a direct β → γ isomerization via a rotational transformation. The remarkably low-energy transition state of this transformation could be identified through theoretical calculations. Moreover, we explore the significant role of the countercations for the first time in such studies. This combination of experimental and the theoretical studies can now be used to understand the complex chemical transformations of oxoanions, leading to the design of reactivity by structural control
Regression analysis for peak designation in pulsatile pressure signals
Following recent studies, the automatic analysis of intracranial pressure (ICP) pulses appears to be a promising tool for forecasting critical intracranial and cerebrovascular pathophysiological variations during the management of many disorders. A pulse analysis framework has been recently developed to automatically extract morphological features of ICP pulses. The algorithm is able to enhance the quality of ICP signals, to segment ICP pulses, and to designate the locations of the three ICP sub-peaks in a pulse. This paper extends this algorithm by utilizing machine learning techniques to replace Gaussian priors used in the peak designation process with more versatile regression models. The experimental evaluations are conducted on a database of ICP signals built from 700 h of recordings from 64 neurosurgical patients. A comparative analysis of different state-of-the-art regression analysis methods is conducted and the best approach is then compared to the original pulse analysis algorithm. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in terms of accuracy in favor of our regression-based recognition framework. It reaches an average peak designation accuracy of 99% using a kernel spectral regression against 93% for the original algorithm
Building block libraries and structural considerations in the self-assembly of polyoxometalate and polyoxothiometalate systems
Inorganic metal-oxide clusters form a class of compounds that are unique in their topological and electronic versatility and are becoming increasingly more important in a variety of applications. Namely, Polyoxometalates (POMs) have shown an unmatched range of physical properties and the ability to form structures that can bridge several length scales. The formation of these molecular clusters is often ambiguous and is governed by self-assembly processes that limit our ability to rationally design such molecules. However, recent years have shown that by considering new building block principles the design and discovery of novel complex clusters is aiding our understanding of this process. Now with current progress in thiometalate chemistry, specifically polyoxothiometalates (POTM), the field of inorganic molecular clusters has further diversified allowing for the targeted development of molecules with specific functionality. This chapter discusses the main differences between POM and POTM systems and how this affects synthetic methodologies and reactivities. We will illustrate how careful structural considerations can lead to the generation of novel building blocks and further deepen our understanding of complex systems
The influence of Mechanical bowel preparation in elective colorectal surgery for diverticulitis
Background: Mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) has been shown to have no influence on the incidenc
Chest Wall Resection for Adult Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Chondrosarcomas: Analysis of Prognostic Factors
Background: Wide resection with tumor-free margins is necessary in soft-tissue sarcomas to minimize local recurrence and to contribute to long-term survival. Information about treatment outcome and prognostic factors of adult sarcoma requiring chest wall resection (CWR) is limited. Methods: Sixty consecutive patients were retrospectively studied for overall survival (OS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and disease-free survival (DFS). Twenty-one prognostic factors regarding survival were analyzed by univariate analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Results: With a median survival of 2.5 years, the OS was 46% (33%) at 5 (10) years. The LRFS was 64% at 5 and 10 years, and the DFS was 30% and 25% at 5 and 10 years. At the end of the study period, 26 patients (43%) were alive, of which 20 patients (33%) had no evidence of disease and 40 patients (67%) had no chest wall recurrence. In the group of 9 patients with a radiation-induced soft-tissue sarcoma, the median survival was 8 months. Favorable outcome in univariate analysis in OS and LRFS applied for the low-grade sarcoma, bone invasion, and sternal resection. For OS only, age below 60 years and no radiotherapy were significant factors contributing to an improved survival. CWR was considered radical (R0) at the pathological examination in 43 patients. There were 52 patients with an uneventful recovery. There was one postoperative death. Conclusions: CWR for soft-tissue sarcoma is a safe surgical procedure with low morbidity and a mortality rate of less than 1%. With proper patient selection acceptable survival can be reached in a large group of patients. Care must be given to patients with radiation-induced soft-tissue sarcoma who have a significantly worse prognosis
Prophylactic Mastectomy in BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers and Women at Risk of Hereditary Breast Cancer: Long-Term Experiences at the Rotterdam Family Cancer Clinic
Background BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and women from a hereditary breast(/ovarian) cancer family have a highly increased risk of developing
breast cancer (BC). Prophylactic mastectomy (PM) results in the greatest BC risk reduction. Long-term data on the efficacy
and sequels of PM are scarce.
Methods From 358 high-risk women (including 236 BRCA1/2 carriers) undergoing PM between 1994 and 2004, relevant data on the occurrence
of BC in relation to PM, complications in relation to breast reconstruction (BR), mutation status, age at PM and preoperative
imaging examination results were extracted from the medical records, and analyzed separately for women without (unaffected,
n = 177) and with a BC history (affected, n = 181).
Results No primary BCs occurred after PM (median follow-up 4.5 years). In one previously unaffected woman, metastatic BC was detected
almost 4 years after PM (primary BC not found). Median age at PM was younger in unaffected women (P < .001), affected women more frequently were 50% risk carriers (P < .001). Unexpected (pre)malignant changes at PM were found in 3% of the patients (in 5 affected, and 5 unaffected women,
respectively). In 49.6% of the women opting for BR one or more complications were registered, totaling 215 complications,
leading to 153 surgical interventions (71%). Complications were mainly related to cosmetic outcome (36%) and capsular formation
(24%).
Conclusions The risk of developing a primary BC after PM remains low after longer follow-up. Preoperative imaging and careful histological
examination is warranted because of potential unexpected (pre)malignant findings. The high complication rate after breast
reconstruction mainly concerns cosmetic issues
TUmor-volume to breast-volume RAtio for improving COSmetic results in breast cancer patients (TURACOS); a randomized controlled trial
Background: Cosmetic result following breast conserving surgery (BCS) for cancer influences quality of life and psychosocial functioning in breast cancer patients. A preoperative prediction of expected cosmetic result following BCS is not (yet) standard clinical practice and therefore the choice for either mastectomy or BCS is still subjective. Recently, we showed that tumour volume to breast volume ratio as well as tumour location in the breast are independent predictors of superior cosmetic result following BCS. Implementation of a prediction model including both factors, has not been studied in a prospective manner. This study aims to improve cosmetic outcome by implementation of a prediction model in the treatment decision making for breast cancer patients opting for BCS. Methods/design: Multicentre, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial comparing standard preoperative work-up to a preoperative work-up with addition of the prediction model. Tumour volume to bre
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