IU Libraries Discovery Layer Task Force Summary Report and Recommendation

The IU Libraries OLE Discovery Layer Task Force reviewed the candidate applications (Blacklight and VuFind) for a new public interface for IUCAT, in terms of how each best supports discovery for the IU Libraries. The Task Force created a rubric of core functionality required by all campuses in a catalog user interface, organized into several broad areas. Criteria have been designated as required, highly desirable, or desirable, and each product has been reviewed and rated according to the rubric (attached as an appendix). This report was prepared for the IU Council of Head Librarians

Acute respiratory effects on workers exposed to metalworking fluid aerosols in an automotive transmission plant

Exposure to metalworking fluids has been linked to modest cross-shift reductions in FEV 1 and occupational asthma. To identify responsible agents, we measured personal exposures to thoracic particulate (TP), viable plus nonviable thoracic bacteria (BAC), and vapor phase nicotine (VPN) (as a surrogate for tobacco particulate) among 83 machinists exposed to soluble oils and 46 dry assemblers working in an automotive transmission machining plant using biocides infrequently. The participants completed interviews and performed pre- and postshift spirometry on Monday and Thursday of the same week in each of three rounds of data collection (June 1992, January 1993, June 1993). Generalized estimating equations were used to combine information across rounds in multiple regression models of cross-shift and cross-week changes in forced expiratory volume, I second (FEV 1 ) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Mean seniority was 19 years among machinists. Mean personal TP levels were 0.41 mg/m 3 in machinists and 0.13 mg/m 3 in assemblers. Six of the 83 machinists and none of the 46 assemblers experienced a greater than 19% cross-shift decrement in FEV 1 or FVC at least once (p = .07). In regression models using either TP or BAC, among subjects with lower baseline (Monday preshift) FEV 1 /FVC ratios, increasing exposure was significantly associated with increasing cross-shift decrements in FEV 1 and FVC in linear models, and with increased likelihood of a 10% or greater cross-shift decrement in FEV 1 or FVC in logistic models. Adjustment of TP for VPN did not affect models significantly. We conclude that clinically important cross-shift decrements in pulmonary function are associated with exposure to metalworking fluid aerosols within a high-seniority population. Am. J. Ind. Med. 31:510–524, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/34816/1/4_ftp.pd

Simultaneous modeling of marginal distributions and log-multiplicative associations for ordered multivariate categorical data.

There is a great deal of literature on modeling (separately) either the univariate or joint distribution of a two-way or multi-way contingency table. For example, in the GEE methodology, the univariate margins are of interest, and the bivariate associations are treated as a nuisance. Conversely, in standard log-linear methodology, the univariate margins are often fixed, and the bivariate and higher-order interactions are of interest. Neither of these approaches is suitable when both the univariate and bivariate associations are of direct interest. A methodology that maximizes the Poisson log-likelihood subject to the constraints implied by a generalized log-linear model has been developed. Although this methodology has been used to simultaneously model both the joint and marginal distributions, there are many instances in multivariate response settings where the interest lies mainly in the marginal relationships among the responses and not the joint distribution. Furthermore, this methodology is limited to models which are linear in the model parameters. We extend this methodology by introducing models that simultaneously model the univariate marginal logits with linear models and the associations that characterize the bivariate marginal distributions with log-multiplicative models. Log-multiplicative models have useful interpretations for ordinally scaled variables, and, in particular, they permit the estimation of category scores for the categories. This facilitates comparisons of response scales for several response variables, the assessment of category distinguishability, and the investigation of the effects of collapsing or combining categories. Our development of generalized log-non-linear modeling is in terms of the $R\times C$ contingency table, with special emphasis on tables where there is a one-to-one correspondence between the row and column categories. In addition, we consider models for the special case of the $I\times(I+1)$ table that arises when a single response variable is measured at two time points, but at the second time point an additional level of the outcome is observed. Situations in which an $I\times(I+1)$ table results include cases where death occurs or there are missing data, such as dropouts from clinical or panel studies, at the second time point.Ph.D.Biological SciencesBiostatisticsPure SciencesStatisticsUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/130548/2/9732147.pd

Specifications of Models for Cross-Classified Counts

Log-linear models are useful for analyzing cross-classifications of counts arising in sociology, but it has been argued that in some cases, an alternative approach for formulating models—one based on simultaneously modeling univariate marginal logits and marginal associations—can lead to models that are more directly relevant for addressing the kinds of questions arising in those cases. In this article, the authors explore some of the similarities and differences between the log-linear models approach to modeling categorical data and a marginal modeling appraoch. It has been noted in past literature that the model of statistical independence is conveniently represented within both approaches to specifying models for cross-classifications of counts. The authors examine further the extent to which the two families of models overlap, as well as some important differences. The authors do not present a complete characterization of the conditions describing the intersection of the two families of models but cover many of the models for bivariate contingency tables and for three-way contingency tables that are routinely used in sociological research.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/68555/2/10.1177_0049124198026004004.pd

Nurses’ Perceptions of Quality of Life for Adolescents with Congenital Heart Disease

The purpose of this study was to understand nurses\u27 perceptions and experiences regarding Quality of Life (QOL) of adolescents with complex congenital heart disease (CHD). Interpretive, hermeneutic, phenomenology was used to explore the perceptions and experiences of nurses who care for adolescents with complex CHD. The participants included 6 female registered nurses with experience taking care of adolescents with complex CHD. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Data analysis revealed 4 themes: QOL depends on how the psychological and social issues are interwoven with the physical; finding that balance between overprotection and too much freedom; setting goals to envision a future; and not being defined by a CHD. These results indicate that understanding nurses\u27 perspectives and experiences may contribute to effective guidance for adolescents with complex CHD transitioning into adulthood

Comparison of Orthodontic Medicaid Funding in the United States 2006 to 2015

IntroductionOrthodontic treatment is reimbursed by Medicaid based on orthodontic and financial need with qualifiers determined by individual states. Changes in Medicaid-funded orthodontic treatment following the “Great Recession” in 2007 and the enactment of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 were compared for the 50 United States and the District of Columbia to better understand disparities in access to care. The results from this 2015 survey were compared to data gathered in 2006 (1).Materials and methodsMedicaid officials were contacted by email, telephone, or postal mail regarding the age limit for treatment, practitioner type who can determine eligibility and provide treatment, records required for case review, and rate and frequency of reimbursement. When not attained by direct contact, the information was gleaned from online websites, provider manuals, and state orthodontists.ResultsInformation gathered from 50 states and the District of Columbia documents that Medicaid program characteristics and expenditures continue to vary by state. Expenditures and reimbursement rates have decreased since 2006 and vary widely by geographic region. Some states have tightened restrictions on qualifiers and increased submission requirements by providers.ConclusionThe variation and lack of uniformity that still exists among Medicaid orthodontic programs in different states creates disparities in orthodontic care for US citizens. Barriers to care for Medicaid-funded orthodontic treatment have increased since 2006