13,347 research outputs found
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Empowering statistical methods for cellular and molecular biologists.
We provide guidelines for using statistical methods to analyze the types of experiments reported in cellular and molecular biology journals such as Molecular Biology of the Cell. Our aim is to help experimentalists use these methods skillfully, avoid mistakes, and extract the maximum amount of information from their laboratory work. We focus on comparing the average values of control and experimental samples. A Supplemental Tutorial provides examples of how to analyze experimental data using R software
The English Language Acquisition and Development (ELAD) Endorsement: An Opportunity for Preparing a Resilient Pre-service Teacher Workforce
Now the wars are over: The past, present and future of Scottish battlefields
Battlefield archaeology has provided a new way of appreciating historic battlefields. This paper provides a summary of the long history of warfare and conflict in Scotland which has given rise to a large number of battlefield sites. Recent moves to highlight the archaeological importance of these sites, in the form
of Historic Scotland’s Battlefields Inventory are discussed, along with some of the problems associated with the preservation and management of these important
cultural sites
Using the ICF and psychological models of behavior to predict mobility limitations
Aims to test the ability of a model that integrates the theory of planned behavior (TPB) into the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) to predict walking limitations in adults awaiting hip or knee replacement surgery. Study Design and Participants: Cross-sectional structural equation modeling study of activity limitations in 190 adults. Method: A postal questionnaire measuring the TPB, ICF and walking limitations. Results: The integrated model accounted for more variance in activity limitations (57%) than either the TPB or ICF alone. Control beliefs (TPB) significantly mediated the relationship between impairment (ICF) and activity limitations. Conclusions: The integrated model provides an interdisciplinary theoretical framework that identifies intervention targets to effect reductions in disability without the need for concomitant reductions in impairment
Off-fault tensile cracks: A link between geological fault observations, lab experiments, and dynamic rupture models
We examine the local nature of the dynamic stress field in the vicinity of the tip of a semi-infinite sub-Rayleigh (slower than the Rayleigh wave speed, c_R) mode II crack with a velocity-weakening cohesive zone. We constrain the model using results from dynamic photoelastic experiments, in which shear ruptures were nucleated spontaneously in Homalite-100 plates along a bonded, precut, and inclined interface subject to a far-field uniaxial prestress. During the experiments, tensile cracks grew periodically along one side of the shear rupture interface at a roughly constant angle relative to the shear rupture interface. The occurrence and inclination of the tensile cracks are explained by our analytical model. With slight modifications, the model can be scaled to natural faults, providing diagnostic criteria for interpreting velocity, directivity, and static prestress state associated with past earthquakes on exhumed faults. Indirectly, this method also allows one to constrain the velocity-weakening nature of natural ruptures, providing an important link between field geology, laboratory experiments, and seismology
A commentary on recent water safety initiatives in the context of water utility risk management.
Over the last decade, suppliers of drinking water have recognised the
limitations of relying solely on end-product monitoring to ensure safe water
quality and have sought to reinforce their approach by adopting preventative
strategies where risks are proactively identified, assessed and managed. This is
leading to the development of water safety plans; structured ‘route maps’ for
managing risks to water supply, from catchment to consumer taps. This paper
reviews the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedure on
which many water safety plans are based and considers its appropriateness in the
context of drinking water risk management. We examine water safety plans in a
broad context, looking at a variety of monitoring, optimisation and risk
management initiatives that can be taken to improve drinking water safety. These
are cross-compared using a simple framework that facilitates an integrated
approach to water safety. Finally, we look at how risk management practices are
being integrated across water companies and how this is likely to affect the
future development of water safety p
Experience with duplex bearings in narrow angle oscillating applications
Duplex ball bearings are matched pairs on which the abutting faces of the rings have been accurately ground so that when the rings are clamped together, a controlled amount of interference (preload) exists across the balls. These bearings are vulnerable to radial temperature gradients, blocking in oscillation and increased sensitivity to contamination. These conditions decrease the service life of these bearings. It was decided that an accelerated thermal vacuum life test should be conducted. The test apparatus and results are described and the rationale is presented for reducing a multiyear life test on oil lubricated bearings to less than a year
The Obligation for Biologists to Commit to Political Advocacy
I explain here why all scientists should feel obligated to do their part to support the community by advocating for the benefits of government investments in scientific research and training
Testing for sexually transmitted infections among students: a discrete choice experiment of service preferences
Objectives To assess preferences among students for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing services, with a view to establishing strength of preference for different service attributes.
Design Online discrete choice experiment (DCE) questionnaire.
Setting South East of England.
Participants A convenience sample of 233 students from two universities.
Outcomes Adjusted ORs in relation to service characteristics.
Results The study yielded 233 responses. Respondents’ ages ranged from 16 to 34 years with a mean age of 22 years. Among this sample, the respondents demonstrated strong preferences for a testing service which provided tests for all STIs including syphilis, herpes and HIV (OR 4.1; 95% CI 3.36 to 4.90) and centres staffed by a doctor or nurse with specialist knowledge of STIs (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.78 to 2.37). Receiving all test results, whether positive or negative, was also significantly preferable to not being notified when tests were all negative (‘no news is good news’; OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.5). The length of time waiting for an appointment and the method by which results are received were not significant service characteristics in terms of preferences. Patient level characteristics such as age, sex and previous testing experience did not predict the likelihood of testing.
Conclusions This study demonstrates that of the examined attributes, university students expressed the strongest preference for a comprehensive testing service. The next strongest preferences were for being tested by specialist STI staff and receiving negative as well as positive test results. However, it remains unclear how strong these preferences are in relation to characteristics which were not part of the study design and whether or not they are cost-effective
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