Studies of transition metal complexes involving pyrimidine and related bases

Imperial Users onl

The use of paraphrasing in investigative interviews

Objective Young children’s descriptions of maltreatment are often sparse thus creating the need for techniques that elicit lengthier accounts. One technique that can be used by interviewers in an attempt to increase children’s reports is ‘paraphrasing’, or repeating information children have disclosed. Although we currently have a general understanding of how paraphrasing may influence children’s reports, we do not have a clear description of how paraphrasing is actually used in the field. Method The present study assessed the use of paraphrasing in 125 interviews of children aged 4 to 16 years conducted by police officers and social workers. All interviewer prompts were coded into four different categories of paraphrasing. All children’s reports were coded for the number of details in response to each paraphrasing statement. Results ‘Expansion paraphrasing’ (e.g., “you said he hit you. Tell me more about when he hit you”) was used significantly more often and elicited significantly more details, while ‘yes/no paraphrasing’ (e.g., “he hit you?”) resulted in shorter descriptions from children, compared to other paraphrasing styles. Further, interviewers more often distorted children’s words when using yes/no paraphrasing, and children rarely corrected interviewers when they paraphrased inaccurately. Conclusions and Practical Implications Investigative interviewers in this sample frequently used paraphrasing with children of all ages and, though children’s responses differed following the various styles of paraphrasing, the effects did not differ by the age of the child witness. The results suggest that paraphrasing affects the quality of statements by child witnesses. Implications for investigative interviewers will be discussed and recommendations offered for easy ways to use paraphrasing to increase the descriptiveness of children’s reports of their experiences

Efficacy and safety of tiotropium in COPD patients in primary care – the SPiRiva Usual CarE (SPRUCE) study

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials of tiotropium have principally recruited patients from secondary care with more severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and typically had included limitation of concomitant medication. In primary care, which is the most common setting for COPD management, many patients may have milder disease, and also may take a broad range of concomitant medication. METHODS: This randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, 12-week, 44-centre study investigated the efficacy (trough forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV(1)] response) and safety of additional treatment with once-daily tiotropium 18 μg via the HandiHaler(® )in a primary care COPD population (tiotropium: N = 191, FEV(1 )= 1.25 L [47.91% predicted]; placebo: N = 183, FEV(1 )= 1.32 L [49.86% predicted]). Secondary endpoints included: trough forced vital capacity (FVC) response, weekly use of rescue short-acting β-agonist, and exacerbation of COPD (complex of respiratory symptoms/events of >3 days in duration requiring a change in treatment). Treatment effects were determined using non-parametric analysis. RESULTS: At Week 12, median improvement in trough FEV(1 )response with tiotropium versus placebo was 0.06 L (p = 0.0102). The improvement was consistent across baseline treatment and COPD severity. Median improvement in FVC at 2, 6 and 12 weeks was 0.12 L (p < 0.001). The percentage of patients with ≥1 exacerbation was reduced (tiotropium 9.5%; placebo 17.9%; p = 0.0147), independent of disease severity. Rescue medication usage was significantly reduced in the tiotropium group compared with placebo. Adverse event profile was consistent with previous studies. CONCLUSION: Tiotropium provides additional benefits to usual primary care management in a representative COPD population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The identifier is: NCT00274079

A new study of an old sink of sulfur in hot molecular cores: the sulfur residue

Sulfur appears to be depleted by an order of magnitude or more from its elemental abundance in star-forming regions. In the last few years, numerous observations and experiments have been performed in order to to understand the reasons behind this depletion without providing a satisfactory explanation of the sulfur chemistry towards high-mass star-forming cores. Several sulfur-bearing molecules have been observed in these regions, and yet none are abundant enough to make up the gas-phase deficit. Where, then, does this hidden sulfur reside? This paper represents a step forward in our understanding of the interactions among the various S-bearing species. We have incorporated recent experimental and theoretical data into a chemical model of a hot molecular core in order to see whether they give any indication of the identity of the sulfur sink in these dense regions. Despite our model producing reasonable agreement with both solid-phase and gas-phase abundances of many sulfur-bearing species, we find that the sulfur residue detected in recent experiments takes up only ~6 per cent of the available sulfur in our simulations, rather than dominating the sulfur budget.Comment: 13 pages, 6 colourful figures, accepted by MNRA

Influencers of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in the Deep South

Background: Within the Deep South, vaccine ratings fall between 48.5-58% of the state’s population being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Therefore, half of the population is at risk for the negative mortality and morbidity outcomes associated with COVID-19.Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe key influencers for accepting the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals living within the Deep South region of the US.Methods: A descriptive, secondary analysis of quantitative data was conducted from an online survey entitled COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Survey. A total of 421 participants identified as living in the Deep South, were ≥ 18 years of age, and English speaking and thus were included in the analysis. Descriptive statistics and mean frequency scores were calculated.Results: The highest means were identified among the social responsibility influencers for participants regardless of gender, race, or age. Healthcare influencers, particularly the option of a doctor, healthcare provider, nurse, also positively influenced male and female participants who were ≥25 years old. Public figure influencers had little to no influence on the overall sample.Conclusions: With the current pandemic impacting those who are unvaccinated, an increase in targeted strategies and interventions to increase vaccine acceptance in the Deep South is warranted

Exclusive photoproduction of the cascade (Ξ) hyperons

We report on the first measurement of exclusive Ξ−(1321) hyperon photoproduction in γp→K+K+Ξ− for 3.

Effects of dietary calcium fructoborate supplementation on joint comfort and flexibility and serum inflammatory markers in dogs with osteoarthritis

Symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) afflict approximately 20% of adult dogs in North America. Clinical signs consistent with OA include decreased range of motion of a joint, reduced physical activity, difficulty climbing stairs or onto furniture, and a reduced ability to rise from a lying position. A safe and effective nutraceutical supplement may benefit dogs suffering from OA. Calcium fructoborate (CFB), a mimetic of a naturally occurring molecule, has previously been reported to be safe and effective in humans with joint problems. The objective of this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the short-term effects of CFB alone, or in combination with a blend of glucosamine hydrochloride (GH) and chondroitin sulfate (CS), on gait analysis, goniometry, serum inflammatory markers, and owner perception of pain in client-owned dogs. Sixty-four dogs with joint discomfort were recruited and 59 dogs (mean age = 8.42 ± 0.37 yr.; mean BW = 31.11 ± 1.28 kg) completed the study. All procedures were approved by the University of Illinois Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and pet owners signed an informed consent prior to study initiation. Dogs were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: placebo (60 mg fructose; n = 15), low dose (69 mg CFB; n = 14), high dose (127 mg CFB; n = 14), or combination (69 mg CFB, 500 mg GH and 200 mg CS; n = 16). Treatments were provided once daily as dietary supplements. Small dogs weighing up to 22.9 kg received 1 capsule/day, while large dogs weighing 23 to 50 kg received 2 capsules/day for 28 days. A physical examination, radiographs, goniometry measurements, gait analysis, blood sample collection, and the canine brief pain inventory (CBPI) questionnaire were performed and administered on days 0 and 28. As expected, a majority (69%) of the dogs were overweight or obese, with a body condition score (BCS) > 6 on a 9-point scale. Dogs fed the low dose (-2.93) and high dose (-2.21) of CFB were shown to improve (P < 0.05) in their ability to rise from a lying position from day 0 to day 28 compared to dogs fed the placebo (0.00), but no difference was observed for dogs fed the combination treatment. Dogs assigned the low dose of CFB also tended to have an improved pain severity score (PSS; -1.46; P = 0.08) and pain at its worst score (-2.14; P = 0.06) from day 0 to day 28 compared to dogs fed the placebo (0.05 and 0.00, respectively). Dogs fed the high dose of CFB had a greater increase (P = 0.05) in serum concentration of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) from day 0 to day 28 (7.88 ng/mL) compared to dogs fed the placebo (0.83 ng/mL). All blood metabolites were within reference range except total alkaline phosphatase and corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase, which started and ended at concentrations greater than the upper reference range. Dogs assigned the high dose of CFB tended to have a greater reduction (P = 0.07) in serum chloride from day 0 to day 28 (-1.64 mmol/L) compared to dogs fed the low dose of CFB (0.08 mmol/L). Given the low number of small dogs recruited and the increased variability noted as a result of their inclusion, a sub-analysis of large dogs only was performed. Large dogs fed the low dose were shown to have decreased (P < 0.05) scores for PSS (-1.77) and pain at its worst (-2.45) from day 0 to day 28 compared to the placebo group (0.19 and 0.42, respectively). Large dogs assigned the low dose of CFB tended to have improved scores for pain at its least (-1.27; P = 0.08) and pain on average (-1.82; P = 0.07) from day 0 to day 28 compared to dogs fed the placebo (0.25 and -0.08, respectively), but no difference was observed for dogs fed the high dose or combination groups. Large dogs fed the low dose also were shown to improve (P < 0.05) in their ability to rise from a lying position (-3.09) compared to the placebo treatment (0.25) from day 0 to day 28. Overall, supplementation of CFB alone was well-tolerated and appeared to have potential for joint discomfort mitigation in canines

How can the role of the educational psychologist, as a multi-agency partner within the area of children with speech, language and communication needs, be understood?

D. Ed Psy.The Bercow Report (2008) set out recommendations in support of children’s speech, language and communication skills, including the need for agencies to work together. The literature suggests that sharing information and negotiating roles is vital in multiagency working, and this study examines the potential of using ‘partner voice’ to understand the educational psychologist (EP) role as a multi-agency partner. Participants were asked initially how EPs could work in schools to support children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), but, as this appeared restrictive, the study became wider. Three focus groups of key professional partners – three speech and language therapists, four special educational needs coordinators and three Children’s Centre staff – gave their views on how EPs could support children with SLCN, alongside the potential barriers. The views of seven EPs were gathered through a questionnaire distributed to all those working in the city, asking them to outline current ways of working to support children with SLCN and how they would like to work, again considering the barriers. The importance of involving ‘parents as partners’ was recognised through the participation of six parent/carers, who completed a questionnaire on their experiences of working with EPs during a group meeting for parents of children with SLCN. Minutes were taken and used as data. The results highlighted four roles for EPs in supporting children with SLCN: ‘assessor’, ‘trainer’, ‘supporter of other professionals’ and ‘supporter of children and families’. Partners were able to suggest how EPs could work from their perspective, including potential barriers. Some were innovative and useful to carry forward. Professional partners could all identify a unique role for EPs. For an EP seeking to widen the EP role for children with SLCN, the participants’ information has great value and supports the idea that ‘partner voice’ informs and enhances practice

Impulse

Features: [Page 2-4] Sports and engineering important to student-athletes[Page 5-9] Senior engineering design conference prepares students for the industry[Page 10] Students stir science excitement in second graders[Page 11] SDSU team introduces area students to engineeringDepartments:Student news:[Page 11] Conde native named outstanding sophomore[Page 12] Bridge building: athletic competition[Page 13] Students receive Space Grants[Page 13] Clean water priority of civil engineering student[Page 13] Engineering students tour two South Dakota industries[Page 14] ME student makes your name his business[Page 16] Clifton awarded space grad assistantship at SDSU[Page 16] Channeling through RDTNFFaculty news:[Page 17] Gritzner wins faculty summer research grant at EROS[Page 17] Math professor\u27s program helps South Dakota businesses[Page 18] Quality is part of industrial management program[Page 18] Galipeau chairs Society of Plastics Engineers session[Page 19] SS Lacertae: SDSU professor writes of \u27Cosmic Billiards\u27[Page 19] Electric Council names Knabacb Person of the Year[Page 20] Grant to enable study of advanced electronic ceramics materials[Page 21] SDSU professor named to prestigious NASA science team[Page 21] Professor, students investigate ferroelectric nylon[Page 22] Bergum edits international journal on Fibonacci numbers[Page 22] Friedrich named College of Engineering computer specialistCampus news:[Page 23] Top ENTRE business plans win awards[Page 24] IMPULSE magazines goes on-line[Page 25] EED. Inventors Congress successful due to student involvement[Page 26] SDSU participates in second annual Space Day[Page 26] Industrial program receives environmental award[Page 27] Manufacturing engineering technology major to start this fall[Page 27] Vocational technical degree programs to change at SDSU[Page 28] Students, industry benefit from construction management major[Page 28] SDSU lecture series gives overview of EROS Data CenterAlumni news:[Page 29] SDSU education rates high with engineering alumnus[Page 29] Welding classes help graduate get design job[Page 30] \u27Dynamic Dakotans\u27 make their mark in Detroit[Page 30] National engineering society president speaks at SDSU[Page 31] Two former Brookings men named SDSU Distinguished Engineershttps://openprairie.sdstate.edu/coe_impulse/1026/thumbnail.jp

Impact of emergency care centralisation on mortality and efficiency: a retrospective service evaluation

Objective: Evidence favours centralisation of emergency care for specific conditions, but it remains unclear whether broader implementation improves outcomes and efficiency. Routine healthcare data examined consolidation of three district general hospitals with mixed medical admission units (MAU) into a single high-volume site directing patients from the ED to specialty wards with consultant presence from 08:00 to 20:00. Methods: Consecutive unscheduled adult index admissions from matching postcode areas were identified retrospectively in Hospital Episode Statistics over a 3-year period: precentralisation baseline (from 16 June 2014 to 15 June 2015; n=18 586), year 1 postcentralisation (from 16 June 2015 to 15 June 2016; n=16 126) and year 2 postcentralisation (from 16 June 2016 to 15 June 2017; n=17 727). Logistic regression including key demographic covariates compared baseline with year 1 and year 2 probabilities of mortality and daily discharge until day 60 after admission and readmission within 60 days of discharge. Results: Relative to baseline, admission postcentralisation was associated with favourable OR (95% CI) for day 60 mortality (year 1: 0.95 (0.88 to 1.02), p=0.18; year 2: 0.94 (0.91 to 0.97), p<0.01), mainly among patients aged 80+ years (year 1: 0.88 (0.79 to 0.97); year 2: 0.91 (0.87 to 0.96)). The probability of being discharged alive on any day since admission increased (year 1: 1.07 (1.04 to 1.10), p<0.01; year 2: 1.04 (1.02 to 1.05), p<0.01) and the risk of readmission decreased (year 1: 0.90 (0.87 to 0.94), p<0.01; year 2: 0.92 (0.90 to 0.94), p<0.01). Conclusion: A centralised site providing early specialist care was associated with improved short-term outcomes and efficiency relative to lower volume ED admitting to MAU, particularly for older patients