The effects of peer influence on adolescent pedestrian road-crossing decisions

Objective: Adolescence is a high-risk period for pedestrian injury. It is also a time of heightened susceptibility to peer influence. The aim of this research was to examine the effects of peer influence on the pedestrian road-crossing decisions of adolescents. Methods: Using 10 videos of road-crossing sites, 80 16- to 18-year-olds were asked to make pedestrian road-crossing decisions. Participants were assigned to one of 4 experimental conditions: negative peer (influencing unsafe decisions), positive peer (influencing cautious decisions), silent peer (who observed but did not comment), and no peer (the participant completed the task alone). Peers from the adolescent’s own friendship group were recruited to influence either an unsafe or a cautious decision. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between peer conditions. Participants least often identified safe road-crossing sites when accompanied by a negative peer and more frequently identified dangerous road-crossing sites when accompanied by a positive peer. Both cautious and unsafe comments from a peer influenced adolescent pedestrians’ decisions. Conclusions: These findings showed that road-crossing decisions of adolescents were influenced by both unsafe and cautious comments from their peers. The discussion highlighted the role that peers can play in both increasing and reducing adolescent risk-taking

Primary merkel cell carcinoma clinically presenting as deep oedematous mass of the groin

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a relatively rare, polyomavirus associated, primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin which is usually arising from dermal skin layers. However, the origin of MCC in the subcutaneous tissue is debatable. We report a 58-yearold female patient with an oedematous mass on her left groin that was firm in consistency and had no discoloration or other visible abnormality of the overlying skin. On histology and immunohistology the tumour was consistent with the diagnosis of MCC showing a predominant subcutanous growth pattern. Pelvic magnetic resonance tomography revealed a tumour conglomerate reaching from the subcutis of the left groin to the left paraaortal and parailiacal region indicating widespread lymphogenic metastisation. Despite complete medical work-up no other MCC primary could be detected. In conclusion, predominant subcutaneous growth pattern as well as tumour localization in the groin are uncommon features of MCC. MCC showing the aforementioned features may be associated with significant delay of diagnosis and therefore represents an unfavourable prognostic factor

Slow-light and evanescent modes at interfaces in photonic crystal waveguides: optimal extraction from experimental near-field measurements

We develop a systematic approach for simultaneous extraction of the dispersion relations and profiles of multiple modes in periodic waveguides though a special global optimization procedure applied to near-field electric field measurements in the waveguide plane. We apply this method to perform in-depth analysis of experimental data on wave propagation close to an interface between waveguide sections with different dispersion characteristics, and we successfully identify several modes contributing to the experimentally measured fields. We find clear evidence that when the group velocity is reduced across the interface, evanescent modes that facilitate the excitation of propagating slow-light waves appear, confirming previous theoretical predictions. (C) 2011 Optical Society of AmericaPublisher PDFPeer reviewe

When is a Motor More Than an Electromechanical Device: Teaching K-12 STEM Subjects through Hands-on Experiments

I ABSTRACT: It is well known that electric motors convert electric into mechanical energy. This paper will discuss how Oakland University's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) camps during the summer of 2012 used an electric motor experiment to stimulate young minds. Also included will be the teaching methodology used to develop the camps and experiences gained during leading them as part of a multidisciplinary group of graduate engineering students. This group was assembled to bring our areas of expertise together and develop an earth sciences program for several K-8 and K-12 student-centered, active-learning STEM camps revolving around inexpensive yet substantive hands-on experiments that fit into one hour teaching modules. The modules all had similar formats; a short lecture, an experiment, and some fun time to reinforce the positive learning experience and increase retention of the material. One such created module centered on electricity generation, electricity flow, electromagnets and electric motors. The students used these module templates to have fun while creating an electric motor out of a table top, permanent magnet, some tape and a copper winding they constructed from a spool of wire. The background of why this type of lesson plan was chosen and how experiential learning creates positive, lasting memories in the young students' minds associated with STEM subjects will be discussed. These positive experiences will hopefully inspire students to choose STEM majors in secondary education and in turn pursue professional careers upon graduation. II INTRODUCTION: There is much to be understood about how to fill the emerging STEM field jobs; key components to attracting students in these fields, and producing qualified professionals to fill these jobs. The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA) [1] reports that the growth of new STEM field jobs will outpace non-STEM employment opportunities by 70% over the next 5 years. This paper will discuss the how Oakland University STEM camps in part attract and train K-12 students by using fun hands-on experiments to reinforce the theoretical concepts taught during the lectures

Dentin dysplasia type I

This paper describes a rare case of genetically determined dentin dysplasia type I in 26-year-old male patient. The paper highlights anatomical and radiological aspects of dental abnormalities and emphasizes the significance of the education of both general practitioners and paediatricians as regards referring patients with diagnosed dentin dysplasia for a multi-specialty therapy.

Imaging Hyperpolarized Pyruvate and Lactate after Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption with Focused Ultrasound

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Combination of probiotics and coccidiosis vaccine enhances protection against an challenge

Référence bibliographique : Rol, 103004Appartient à l’ensemble documentaire : Pho20RolImage de press

A round table discussion on forensic science in Australia

This manuscript is an edited transcript of a round table discussion held during the Australian New Zealand Forensic Science Society International Symposium held in Sydney in 2010. The discussants covered a variety of topics, including the management of science, the handling of quality issues, and the report on forensic science from the U.S. National Academies of Science National Research Council. This discussion offers a frank account of the current state of Australian forensic service providers. These views are then considered in the context of recent events unfolding in the United Kingdom and in a broader international context. It poses the question, are there lessons to be learned from the Australian experience that would have relevance to other parts of the world