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The purpose of this exploratory study was to develop a preliminary understanding of the influence of state-level contextual factors predictive of employment outcomes for the U.S. State/Federal Vocational Rehabilitation System (State VR) participants with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants were 5,213 individuals with TBI with Individualized Plans for Employment closed during federal Fiscal Year 2016. A four-step hierarchical logistic regression model (5.6% explained variance) containing five demographic, three state-level economic, six state TBI service climate, and nine State VR service variable expenditures correctly classified 57.0% of cases as attaining or not attaining an employment outcome at closure. Significant predictors associated with an employment closure were (a) education, veteran status, and presence of a secondary area of disability impairment; (b) state-level per-capita income; (c) State VR specialized acquired brain injury (ABI)/TBI service and state TBI Implementation Partnership grant funding; and (d) State VR service expenditures on diagnosis and treatment, occupational or vocational training, on-the-job training, job readiness training, transportation, maintenance support, and benefits counseling. The practice, policy, and research implications of these findings are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine return to school outcomes 1 year after traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation discharge. Longitudinal observational study using Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems National Database (TBIMS-NDB) data at 1-year post-TBI. Inpatient rehabilitation centers using follow-up telephone calls. Individuals (n = 237) enrolled in the TBIMS-NDB since 2001 between the ages of 18 and 59 years who were engaged in postsecondary education (full or part-time) before recorded TBI. Return to school, categorized as in a postsecondary setting at first follow-up (reported hours in school greater than zero at one-year follow-up). Using an alpha level of 0.05 binary logistic regression analysis identified four predictive variables. Significant predictors of return to school include being of lower age, possessing a higher level of functioning at discharge, reporting lower ratings of disability at discharge, and being able to use a vehicle independently for transportation. Pursuit of higher education is a viable means of community reintegration after TBI. Some individuals with TBI face a myriad of barriers and challenges when returning to school. Study findings may facilitate understanding of how TBI affects return to school and community reintegration outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to understand the level of participation among transition-aged youth with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the state/federal Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) system in the context of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Case closures, case duration, and case expenditures in federal fiscal years (FYs) 2014, 2015, and 2016 were examined among transition-aged youth (i.e., state VR clients under the age of 22 years at application) with TBI, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability (ID), using a nonexperimental and descriptive design. A disproportionate number of transition-aged youth with ASD and ID had closed state VR cases compared with transition-aged youth with TBI. Alternatively, there were greater state VR case duration levels and case service expenditures for persons with TBI compared with those with ASD or ID. The disproportionate participation with state VR was consistent among these three groups via eligibility for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This article highlights areas of attention concerning transition-aged youth with TBI and will hopefully stimulate future dialogue, research, and policy development concerning participation with State VR for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon and carbon nitride films (CNx, 0≤x≤0.26) were deposited by filtered pulsed cathodic arc and were investigated using transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A "fullerene-like" (FL) structure of ordered graphitic planes, similar to that of magnetron sputtered FL-CNx films, was observed in films deposited at 175 °C and above, with N2 pressures of 0 and 0.5 mTorr. Higher substrate temperatures and significant nitrogen incorporation are required to produce similar FL structure by sputtering, which may, at least in part, be explained by the high ion charge states and ion energies characteristic of arc deposition. A gradual transition from majority sp3-hybridized films to sp2 films was observed with increasing substrate temperature. High elastic recovery, an attractive characteristic mechanical property of FL-CNx films, is evident in arc-deposited films both with and without nitrogen content, and both with and without FL structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon diffusion is observed in single crystal α-Al2 O3 substrates from carbon and Ti2AlC thin films synthesized via pulsed cathodic arc deposition. Diffusion was found to occur at substrate temperatures of 570 °C and above. The diffusion coefficient of carbon in α-Al2 O3 is estimated to be of the order 3×10-13 cm2/s for deposition temperatures in the 570-770°C range by examining elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA) elemental depth profiles. It is suggested that an appropriate diffusion barrier may be useful when depositing carbon containing thin films on α-Al2 O3 substrates at high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mn+1AXn (MAX) phases are ternary compounds comprising alternating layers of a transition metal carbide or nitride and a third 'A-group' element. The effect of substrate orientation on the growth of Ti2AlC MAX phase films was investigated by studying pulsed cathodic arc deposited samples grown on sapphire cut along the (0001), (1010), and (1102) crystallographic planes. Characterization of these samples was by x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. On the (1010) substrate, tilted (1018) growth of Ti2AlC was found, such that the TiC octahedra of the MAX phase structure have the same orientation as a spontaneously formed epitaxial TiC sublayer, preserving the typical TiC-Ti2AlC epitaxial relationship and confirming the importance of this relationship in determining MAX phase film orientation. An additional component of Ti2AlC with tilted fiber texture was observed in this sample; tilted fiber texture, or axiotaxy, has not previously been seen in MAX phase films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed density-functional theory analysis of nondissociative CO adsorption on 22 binary Au-alloy (AunMm) clusters: n=0–3, m=0–3, and m+n=2 (dimers) or 3 (trimers), M=Cu/Ag/Pd/Pt. We report basis-set superposition error corrections to adsorption energies and include both internal energy of adsorption (ΔUads) and Gibbs free energy of adsorption (ΔGads) at standard conditions (298.15 K and 1 atm). We found onefold (atop) CO binding on all the clusters except Pd2 (twofold/bridged), Pt2 (twofold/bridged), and Pd3 (threefold). In agreement with the experimental results, we found that CO adsorption is thermodynamically favorable on pure Au/Cu clusters but not on pure Ag clusters and also observed the following adsorption affinity trend: Pd>Pt>Au>Cu>Ag. For alloy dimers we found the following patterns: Au2>MAu>M2 (M=Ag/Cu) and M2>MAu>Au2 (M=Pd/Pt). Alloying Ag/Cu dimers with (more reactive) Au enhanced adsorption and the opposite effect was observed for Pd/Pt dimers. The Ag–Au, Cu–Au, and Pd–Au trimers followed the trends observed on dimers: Au3>MAu2>M2Au>M3 (M=Ag/Cu) and Pd3>Pd2Au>PdAu2>Au3. Interestingly, Pt–Au trimers reacted differently and alloying with Au systematically increased the adsorption affinity: PtAu2>Pt2Au>Pt3>Au3. A strikingly different behavior of Pt is also manifested by the triplet spin state and onefold (atop) binding in Pt3–CO which is in contradiction with the singlet spin state and threefold binding in Pd3–CO. We found a linear correlation between CO binding energy (BE) and elongation of the CO bond. For Ag–Au and Cu–Au clusters, the increase in CO BE (and elongation of the C–O bond which is probably due to the back donation) is accompanied by the decrease in the cluster-CO distance suggesting that the donation (from 5σ highest occupied molecular orbital in CO to cluster lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) mechanism also contributes to the BE. For Pd–Au clusters, the cluster-CO distance (and CO bond length) increases with increase in the BE, suggesting that the donation mechanism may not be important for those clusters. No clear trend was observed for Pt–Au clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Parents and guardians play significant roles helping young individuals with disabilities to develop expectations about adult endeavors, including postsecondary education and work. These expectations are partially shaped by access to information and training related to disability, education, employment, community resources, and disability-related services and supports. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research is to illustrate the findings of a longitudinal examination of provision of information and training interventions to parents of young recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). METHODS: The inquiry examined case service data of 1,646 young SSI recipients and their parents or guardians. Analyses examined trends in parent/guardian information and training interventions based upon the youth's age, gender, disability type, the parent's employment status, parent's education level, and youth and parent expectations about work and college. RESULTS: There were no differences in interventions received associated with gender, age, parent education level, or parent expectation that the youth would work after completing high school. However, there were differences in interventions received associated with type of disability and parent/guardian employment status. Additionally, youth who expected to seek employment or attend college after high school and parents who expected their youth to attend college received significantly fewer interventions, while those who did not hold those expectations received significantly more interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act prioritized provision of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to young adults with disabilities, reinforcing the importance of assisting young persons with disabilities to prepare for and engage in employment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to examine patterns of provision of career and work-based learning interventions to young SSI recipients. METHODS: This investigation was accomplished through analysis of case service data of 1,646 individuals who participated in a multiyear program designed to improve educational and employment outcomes. Discrepancies in career and work-based learning interventions were examined based upon age, gender, disability type, parent employment status, parent education level, and youth and parent expectations about work and education. RESULTS: No differences in interventions were observed by gender, age at enrollment, or type of disability. Affirmative expectations about going to work or attending college after completing high school were associated with higher mean intervention scores for some types of career and work-based learning interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that gender, age, and disability did not contribute to differences in provision of services to young SSI recipients. Additional findings underscore the importance of fostering youth and parent expectations about youth engaging in work after completing high school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to identify vocational rehabilitation (VR) services associated with employment outcomes of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who received college training and increased their highest level of postsecondary education completed. The participants were 1,221 individuals with TBI who increased their highest level of postsecondary education while receiving VR services. A logistic regression model containing five demographic and six VR service variables correctly classified 75.4% of cases as competitively employed or not competitively employed. The model explained approximately 10.0% of the variance in competitive employment. Significant predictors associated with competitive employment were the demographic characteristics of ethnicity and age at application. VR service variables that were significant predictors of competitive employment were (a) vocational rehabilitation counseling and guidance, (b) job readiness training, (c) job placement assistance, and (d) personal assistance services. While demographic characteristics and VR services explained a relatively small proportion of the variance in employment outcomes, more robust measurements of the variables have the potential to enhance prediction of outcomes. Provision of job readiness training and personal assistance services should be investigated further to determine the extent to which they serve as indicators of the presence of additional barriers to competitive employment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comments on the scientific paper 'Simple Reversible Molecular Dynamics Algorithms for Nose-Hoover Chain Dynamics, by S. Jang and G.A. Voth. Criticism on the proposed leap-frog algorithms of Jang and Voth; Failure to consider energy conservation in Nose-Hoover chain dynamics.

Zr 2 Al 3 C 4 is an inherently nanolaminated carbide where layers of ZrC alternate with layers of Al 3 C 2 . Characterization of bulk samples has shown it has improved damage tolerance and oxidation resistance compared to its binary counterpart ZrC. Though a potential candidate for coatings applied for use in harsh environments, thin films of Zr 2 Al 3 C 4 have not been reported. We have synthesized epitaxial Zr 2 Al 3 C 4 thin films by pulsed cathodic arc deposition from three elemental cathodes, and have studied the effect of incident atomic flux ratio, deposition temperature, and choice of substrate on material quality. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that Zr 2 Al 3 C 4 of the highest structural quality was obtained for growth on 4 H–SiC(001) substrate at 800 °C. Also, suppression of competing phases could be achieved on α-Al 2 O 3 (001) at elevated substrate temperatures. Very similar growth behavior to that of the well-known M n + 1 AX n phases – Al supersaturation, binary carbide intergrowth and high sensitivity to choice of substrate – indicates a strong connection between the two families of materials, despite their differences in structure and in chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: the purpose of this study was to investigate how participation in a music-based performance and instruction program influenced the sense of engagement experienced by participants at a residential setting for at-risk veterans. Methods: semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants in a veterans' choir program conducted at the facility. Results: prominent themes that emerged from the interview included (1) the veterans' personal motivations for participating; (2) emotions associated with participation; and (3) perceptions of intragroup dynamics. Conclusions: primary conclusions drawn include: (1) opportunities to connect with others through shared interests may contribute to sense of engagement; (2) connections forged with other residents of the facility extended beyond relationships established in the choir through increased recognition associated with performances; and (3) the choir represented a diversion from pressing concerns and may have served as a means of facilitating adjustment to change at a measured pace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We describe a combinatorial experiment investigating the Ta–Al–C material system, conducted with the aim of determining why the tantalum-containing M n +1AX n phases have so far proved to be not amenable to thin-film synthesis. Samples were deposited onto (0001) Al2O3 wafers at 850°C and characterized by X-ray diffraction wafer maps, scanning electron microscopy, and surface optical scattering. Elemental Ta, the binary phases TaC, Ta2C, and TaAl3, and the ternary phases Ta3Al2C and Ta5Al3C were identified. The morphology, phase composition and preferred orientation of the films deposited were found to be highly sensitive to the Ta fraction of the incident flux during deposition. No MAX phase material was observed, indicating that the Ta-containing MAX phases do not form under the deposition conditions investigated. Explanations associated with inadequate coverage of stochiometries, preferential sputtering, and thermodynamic instability have been ruled out. An explanation based on reduced surface diffusion of Ta during growth is proposed. A substantially higher substrate temperature during deposition is likely to be required to synthesize Ta-containing MAX phases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Root-knot nematode genes with similarity to the Arabidopsis IDA signaling peptide. [•] The Meloidogyne incognita gene, MiIDL1, encodes a 47 aa protein with a 25 aa signal peptide. [•] The MiIDL1 gene is expressed early during gull development in the host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article talks about objectivity and questions its existence in its true form. The author cited a quote from Ian Masters, "Objectivity is an excuse for journalistic cowardice," as he discusses the process called "objectivity." He cites the essay "The Myth of Objectivity," by Daniel B. Klein and uses general semantics in his discussion starting from the dictionary definition of objectivity and leading to the inability of language to truly comprehend the true concept of objectivity.

The products produced by hydrogenation of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) are potential sustainable substitutes for petroleum-based building blocks used in the production of chemicals. We have studied the hydrogenation of HMF over supported Ru, Pd, and Pt catalysts in monophasic and biphasic reactor systems to determine the effects of the metal, support, solution phase acidity, and the solvent to elucidate the factors that determine the selectivity for hydrogenation of HMF to its fully hydrogenated form of 2,5-di-hydroxy-methyl-tetrahydrofuran (DHMTHF). We show that the selectivity to DHMTHF is affected by the acidity of the aqueous solution containing HMF. The major by-products observed are C6-polyols formed from the acid-catalyzed degradation and subsequent hydrogenation of 2,5-dihydroxymethylfuran (DHMF), an intermediate hydrogenation product of HMF to DHMTHF. The highest yields (88–91%) to DHMTHF are achieved using Ru supported on materials with high isoelectric points, such as ceria, magnesia–zirconia, and γ-alumina. Supported catalysts containing Pt and Pd at the same weight percent as Ru are not as active for the selective hydrogenation to DHMTHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hypothesized that soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines) co-opts part or all of one or more innate developmental process in soybean (Glycine max) to establish its feeding structure, syncytium, in soybean roots. The syncytium is formed within the vascular bundle by partial degradation of cell walls and membranes between adjacent parenchyma cells. A mature syncytium incorporates as many as 200 cells into one large multinucleated cell. Gene expression patterns for several cell wall-modifying proteins were compared in multiple tissues undergoing major shifts in cell wall integrity. These included SCN-colonized roots, root tips where vascular differentiation occurs, flooded roots (aerenchyma), adventitious rooting in hypocotyls, and leaf abscission zones. A search in the 5' upstream promoters of these genes identified a motif (SCNbox1: WGCATGTG) common to several genes that were up-regulated in several different tissues. The polygalacturonase 11 promoters (GmPG11a/b) include the SCNbox1 motif. The expression pattern for GmPG11a was examined further in transgenic soybean containing a PG11a promoter fused to a β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene. GUS expression was highest in cells undergoing radial expansion in the stele and/or cell wall dissolution. GUS staining was not observed in cortical cells where a lateral root tip or a growing nematode emerged through the root cortex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid catalysts based on SBA-15 silica were designed for the conversion of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). The catalysts incorporate thioether groups that may promote the tautomerization of fructose to its furanose form, as well as sulfonic acid groups to catalyze its dehydration. The materials were characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption/desorption, and solid-state 13C and 29Si CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy. Functional groups incorporated into mesoporous silica by co-condensation are more robust under the reaction conditions (water at 180 °C) than those grafted onto a non-porous silica. The bifunctional mesoporous catalyst achieved a selectivity for HMF of 74% at 66% fructose conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colonization of plant roots by root knot and cyst nematodes requires a functional ethylene response pathway. However, ethylene plays many roles in root development and whether its role in nematode colonization is direct or indirect, for example lateral root initiation or root hair growth, is not known. The temporal requirement for ethylene and localized synthesis of ethylene during the life span of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) on soybean roots was further investigated. Although a significant increase in ethylene evolution was not detected from SCN-colonized roots, the concentration of the immediate precursor to ethylene, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), was higher in SCN-colonized root pieces and root tips than in other parts of the root. Moreover, expression analysis of 17 ACC synthase (ACS) genes indicated that a select set of ACS genes is expressed in SCN-colonized root pieces that is clearly different from the set of genes expressed in non-colonized roots or root tips. Semi-quantitative real-time PCR indicated that ACS transcript accumulation correlates with the high concentration of ACC in root tips. In addition, an ACS-like sequence was found in the public SCN nucleotide database. Acquisition of a full-length sequence for this mRNA (accession GQ389647) and alignment with transcripts for other well-characterized ACS proteins indicated that the nematode sequence is missing a key element required for ACS activity and therefore probably is not a functional ACS. Moreover, no significant amount of ACC was found in any growth stage of SCN that was tested. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Bi-functional catalysts consisting of Pt supported on niobium-based solid acids were synthesized and utilized in the aqueous-phase dehydration and hydrogenation of sorbitol to alkanes at temperatures near 530K and pressures of 54bar. At low space velocities, the yield of alkanes is highest but decreases in favor of oxygenated compounds as the space velocity is increased. Niobium-based catalysts demonstrate superior reactivity in comparison to a silica–alumina based catalyst. This higher reactivity is not related to the concentration of acid sites but rather is attributed to the coordination environment of the niobium acid center. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mechanical properties of chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) pads are very important to their performance. In this paper, pads are described in terms of their bulk properties and the properties of their asperity layer for applications in copper CMP. In particular, the elastic properties of these layers are studied. Pads were soaked in a copper polishing slurry or water for specified times and changes in their elastic moduli were measured. In general, pad immersion in water reduced the bulk modulus be- cause the water penetrated the pads and disrupted hydrogen bonds between adjacent polyurethane chains. In addition, it was found that surface grooving affected the pad elastic modulus, especially that of the asperity layer. To evaluate the effect of use in copper CMP on the pad properties, the elastic moduli of the bulk and asperity layers on a pad were measured following pad use in a commercial polisher. The periodic loads during CMP were believed to facilitate the penetration of water into the pads, lowering their bulk elastic moduli. A slight increase in the elastic modulus of the asperity layer was seen as a result of pad use in copper CMP. The inherent variations in modulus measurements for dry pads were also measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in transcript accumulation for cell wall-modifying proteins were examined in excised soybean root pieces colonized by soybean cyst nematodes (SCN), Heterodera glycines, using RT-PCR and soybean Affymetrix GeneChips. Sequence-specific PCR primer pairs were prepared from sequence data for core sequences in the GenBank soybean database and consensus sequences derived from the assembly of soybean ESTs. In addition, to identify previously uncharacterized soybean transcripts, degenerate primers were prepared for conserved motifs in cellulases (endo-1,4-β-glucanases, EGases) and polygalacturonases (PGs) and these were used to amplify segments of transcripts that were then extended with 3′ and 5′ RACE. Several novel EGase and PG transcripts were identified. Gene expression patterns were determined by real-time RT-PCR for 11 EGases, three expansins (EXPs), 14 PGs, two pectate lyases (PLs), and two xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases (XTHs) in soybean roots inoculated with SCN, non-inoculated roots, serial dissections of root tips, leaf abscission zones, flowers, apical buds, and expanding leaves. A large number of genes associated with cell wall modifications are strongly up-regulated in root pieces colonized by SCN. However, in contrast to most of the transcripts for cell wall proteins, two XTH transcripts were specifically down-regulated in the colonized root pieces. Gene expression in serial dissections of root tips (0–2 mm, and 2–7 mm) and whole roots indicate that the SCN up-regulated genes are associated with a wide range of developmental processes in roots. Also of interest, many of the cDNAs examined were up-regulated in petiole abscission zones induced to abscise with ethylene. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Recent research indicates that the majority of respondents in nineteen of thirty-four countries feel their food is less safe than 10 years ago. Concerns over food safety may result in elevated levels of perceived risk, particularly when fuelled by intense media coverage. The purpose of this study was to assess Ohioans’ perceptions of various food safety risks and to identify factors influencing risk judgments. Mail survey data are reported for 4014 respondents with a total response rate of 56%. Findings reveal moderate perceived levels of risk for the food safety items assessed. Pesticide residues in food and contamination of drinking water generated the highest levels of perceived risk, while mad cow disease and genetically modified foods generated the lowest levels of perceived risk. Regression results indicate that attitude toward biotechnology was the strongest predictor of perceived risk, followed by perceptions of media system dependency. Findings from this research can assist food safety specialists in developing more effective education and risk communication programmes for target audiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of large-scale livestock facilities has become a controversial issue in many regions of the U.S in recent years. In this research, rural-urban differences in familiarity and concern about large-scale livestock facilities among Ohioans is examined as well as the relationship of social distance from agriculture and trust in risk managers to concern about large-scale livestock facilities. Findings from a survey of Ohio residents reveal few differences between rural and urban Ohioans, although country, nonfarm residents were more likely than others to be aware of the issues. Greater trust of farmers was found to be related to lower levels of livestock concern. Environmental concern was strongly related to overall concern about large-scale livestock development, while perceptions of economic benefits of livestock production were associated with lower overall concern. In general, the findings contribute to improved understanding of the increasingly complex relationship between farming and the social setting within which it occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-efficiency thermal asymmetric interlaced (HE-TAIL) PCR is a modified thermal asymmetric interlaced (TAIL) method for finding unknown genomic DNA sequences adjacent to known sequences in GC-rich plant DNA. Necessary modifications to obtain high-efficiency amplification of flanking sequences are the inclusion of 2 control reactions during tertiary cycling and the design of long gene-specific primers, which can be used during single-step annealing-extension PCR. The modified protocol is suitable to walk from short known sequences, such as sequence-tagged sites (STS), expressed sequence tags (EST), or short exon sequences, and enables researchers to clone full-length open reading frames (ORFs) without library screening. Moreover, the HE-TAIL method can be used to identify DNA sequences flanking T-DNA insertions or to isolate promoter regions. Although individual steps are limited to about 4 kb, multiple steps can be done to walk upstream or downstream of known regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines farmers’ use of various sources and channels of conservation information in three midwestern US watersheds. A primary objective was to determine perceptual and farm structure factors influencing the use of particular information sources for farm-level decision-making. Data were collected from 1011 farm operators, the Maquoketa River watershed in east-central Iowa, the Lower Minnesota River watershed in southeast Minnesota, and the Darby Creek watershed in central Ohio. Respondents were asked to indicate frequency of use for 22 sources of conservation information identified from the literature and to rank the perceived importance of 11 of the most common communication channels for accessing agricultural information. Factor analysis was used to reduce the number of information sources to a smaller set of variables that explained much of the variance of the original data set. Selected elements of diffusion, risk communication, and farm structure theories were used to interpret the factor loadings and to identify predictors of information use. Regression analysis was used to test the communication source models developed for the overall data set and for each state. Descriptive findings revealed that farmers use multiple sources and channels when accessing soil and water conservation information. Substantial differences in information-use patterns were noted among the study watersheds. The results of the factor analysis showed that the 22 information sources could be categorized into six overarching groups based on their intercorrelation. The regression models were shown to vary widely in their predictive capacity, explaining from 1 to 29% of the total variance in source use. The variability noted among farmers’ information-use patterns and perceptions across the three study areas casts doubt on the value of broad-based or “shotgun” approaches for delivering agricultural information. The use of factor analysis has promise in future studies as a valuable tool for developing empirical measures of information use and improving measurement of key theoretical constructs in agricultural communication. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Focuses on the success of musician Miles Davis with the launch of his album 'Porgy and Bess.' Attitude of Davis as a musician; Description of the music recording; Affiliation with jazz music.

Reviews the music recording titled `Dick Hyman Plays Duke Ellington' and `Dick Hyman: From the Age of Swing,' both by Dick Hyman.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including "Accountability: The Commodification of the Examined Life" in the November/December 2007 issue, "How Many College Graduates Does the U.S. Labor Force Really Need" in the January/February 2008 issue and "Community Colleges: The Path to the American Dream" in the November/December 2007 issue.

While a small proportion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) receive college support from state vocational rehabilitation agencies (VR), postsecondary education has potential to improve employment outcomes for these individuals. This study examined postsecondary education support provided by VR to individuals with IDD and the associations between educational completion and earnings. Significant earnings differences were found between those who did or did not complete postsecondary education. Differences were also found among the proportions of rehabilitation cases of individuals with IDD that were provided with postsecondary support over a nine-year period. Recommendations for research and practice are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From October 1,2008 through November 29, 2012, the San Diego State University, Rehabilitation Counseling Program and the Exceptional Family Resource Center administered Project Pendleton. Project Pendleton was directed toward Marine Corps families stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton who had children with developmental disabilities. This article describes Project Pendleton, its formation and implementation, challenges faced, practice recommendations, and implications for policy and training. Specific attention is focused on how Project Pendleton established military and community partnerships, utilized effective tools such as person-centered planning, and worked within the culture of the Marine Corps. Recommendations are offered for rehabilitation counselors who work with military families, based on lessons learned during this project. While many strategies that are effective with all families who have children with disabilities also work for military families, unique factors should be taken into consideration when engaging with families who have active service members while caring for children with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that a 27 year-old man had had a pruritic and eczematous rash for three days. One week earlier, he had peeled a mango, become distracted by a telephone call, and rested his left hand on his right leg. Three days later, contact dermatitis became apparent. When much younger, the patient had been sensitized to poison oak and poison ivy; the sap of the mango rind contains oleoresins that cross-react with the oleoresins of poison ivy. The rash resolved after one week of treatment with topical corticosteroids.

Focuses on a norm bounding closed loop solution to a discrete linear time-varying fixed finite horizon control problem. Methods used in computing achieved closed loop norms; Finding that the Riccati equation associated with the synthesis of the control is equivalent to the Riccati equation linked with a bounded real type result when invoked with the minimal closed loop dynamics.

Less than 1% of Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI/DI) beneficiaries transition from benefits to employment each year. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 22 individuals who successfully made this transition. Transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparative method. The resulting analysis provides deep insights into the factors that may facilitate self-sustaining employment for former beneficiaries including strong role modeling, parental encouragement and pressure, mentors, and support from vocational rehabilitation counselors. As a result of this analysis, self-efficacy is re-conceptualized as resulting from these facilitating factors rather than an explanation of employment success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When stepping down from one level to another, the leading limb has to arrest downward momentum of the body and subsequently receive and safely support bodyweight before level walking can begin. Such step downs are performed over a wide range of heights and predicting when and where contact between the landing limb and the lower level will be made is likely a critical factor. To determine if visual feedback obtained after movement initiation is habitually used in guiding landing behaviour, the present study determined whether pre-landing kinematics and the mechanics of landing would be modulated according to the type of visual feedback available during the stepping down phase. Ten healthy participants (32.3 ± 7.9 years) stepped, from a standing position, down from three different heights onto a forceplatform, either coming immediately to rest or proceeding directly to walking across the laboratory. Repeated trials were undertaken under habitual vision conditions or with vision blurred or occluded 2–3 s prior to movement initiation. Pre-landing kinematics were assessed by determining, for the instant of landing, lead-limb knee and ankle angle, stepping distance, forwards positioning of the body CM within the base of support and the forwards and downwards body CM velocity. Landing mechanics for the initial contact period were characterized using lead limb vertical loading and stiffness, and trail limb un-weighting. When vision was occluded movement time, ankle plantarflexion and knee flexion were significantly increased compared to that determined for habitual vision, whereas forwards body CM positioning and velocity, vertical loading and stiffness, and trail limb un-weighting, were significantly reduced ( p < 0.05). Similar adaptations were observed under blurred conditions, although to a lesser extent. Most variables were significantly affected by stepping task and step height. Subjects likely reduced forwards CM position and velocity at instant of landing, in order to keep the CM well away from the anterior border of the base of support, presumably to ensure boundary margins of safety were high should landing occur sooner or later than expected. The accompanying increase in ankle plantarflexion at instant of landing, and increase in single limb support time, suggests that subjects tended to probe for the ground with their lead limb under modified vision conditions. They also had more bodyweight on the trail limb at the end of the initial contact period and as a consequence had a prolonged weight transfer time. These findings indicate that under blurred or occluded vision conditions subjects adopted a cautious strategy where by they ‘sat back’ on their trail limb and used their lead limb to probe for the ground. Hence, they did not fully commit to weight transfer until somatosensory feedback from the lead limb confirmed they had safely made contact. The effect of blurring vision was not identical to occluding vision, and led to several important differences between these conditions consistent with the use of impoverished visual information on depth. These findings indicate that online vision is customarily used to regulate landing behaviour when stepping down. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The isolation of intact, high-molecular-mass genomic DNA is essential for many molecular biology applications including long PCR, endonuclease restriction digestion, Southern blot analysis, and genomic library construction. Many protocols are available for the extraction of DNA from plant material. However, for latex-containing Asteraceae (Cichorioideae) species, standard protocols and commercially available kits do not produce efficient yields of high-quality amplifiable DNA. A cetyltrimethylammonium bromide protocol has been optimized for isolation of genomic DNA from latex-containing plants. Key steps in the modified protocol are the use of etiolated leaf tissue for extraction and an overnight 25 °C isopropanol precipitation step. The purified DNA has excellent spectral qualities, is efficiently digested by restriction endonucleases, and is suitable for long-fragment PCR amplification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]