Showing papers by "University of Massachusetts Boston published in 2004"
TL;DR: The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) as discussed by the authors measures the ability to act in desired ways regardless of emotional state, and has high internal consistency, good test-retest reliability, and adequate construct and predictive validity.
Abstract: Given recent attention to emotion regulation as a potentially unifying function of diverse symptom presentations, there is a need for comprehensive measures that adequately assess difficulties in emotion regulation among adults. This paper (a) proposes an integrative conceptualization of emotion regulation as involving not just the modulation of emotional arousal, but also the awareness, understanding, and acceptance of emotions, and the ability to act in desired ways regardless of emotional state; and (b) begins to explore the factor structure and psychometric properties of a new measure, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Two samples of undergraduate students completed questionnaire packets. Preliminary findings suggest that the DERS has high internal consistency, good test–retest reliability, and adequate construct and predictive validity.
6,185 citations
TL;DR: Many people dying in institutions have unmet needs for symptom amelioration, physician communication, emotional support, and being treated with respect, according to this evaluation of the US dying experience at home and in institutional settings.
Abstract: ContextOver the past century, nursing homes and hospitals increasingly have
become the site of death, yet no national studies have examined the adequacy
or quality of end-of-life care in institutional settings compared with deaths
at home.ObjectiveTo evaluate the US dying experience at home and in institutional settings.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsMortality follow-back survey of family members or other knowledgeable
informants representing 1578 decedents, with a 2-stage probability sample
used to estimate end-of-life care outcomes for 1.97 million deaths from chronic
illness in the United States in 2000. Informants were asked via telephone
about the patient's experience at the last place of care at which the patient
spent more than 48 hours.Main Outcome MeasuresPatient- and family-centered end-of-life care outcomes, including whether
health care workers (1) provided the desired physical comfort and emotional
support to the dying person, (2) supported shared decision making, (3) treated
the dying person with respect, (4) attended to the emotional needs of the
family, and (5) provided coordinated care.ResultsFor 1059 of 1578 decedents (67.1%), the last place of care was an institution.
Of 519 (32.9%) patients dying at home represented by this sample, 198 (38.2%)
did not receive nursing services; 65 (12.5%) had home nursing services, and
256 (49.3%) had home hospice services. About one quarter of all patients with
pain or dyspnea did not receive adequate treatment, and one quarter reported
concerns with physician communication. More than one third of respondents
cared for by a home health agency, nursing home, or hospital reported insufficient
emotional support for the patient and/or 1 or more concerns with family emotional
support, compared with about one fifth of those receiving home hospice services.
Nursing home residents were less likely than those cared for in a hospital
or by home hospice services to always have been treated with respect at the
end of life (68.2% vs 79.6% and 96.2%, respectively). Family members of patients
receiving hospice services were more satisfied with overall quality of care:
70.7% rated care as "excellent" compared with less than 50% of those dying
in an institutional setting or with home health services (P<.001).ConclusionsMany people dying in institutions have unmet needs for symptom amelioration,
physician communication, emotional support, and being treated with respect.
Family members of decedents who received care at home with hospice services
were more likely to report a favorable dying experience.
1,442 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a new framework that centers on the concept of progressive N limitation (PNL) for studying the interactions between C and N in terrestrial ecosystems, and examined conditions under which PNL may or may not constrain net primary production and carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystem.
Abstract: A highly controversial issue in global biogeochemistry is the regulation of terrestrial carbon (C) sequestration by soil nitrogen (N) availability. This controversy translates into great uncertainty in predicting future global terrestrial C sequestration. We propose a new framework that centers on the concept of progressive N limitation (PNL) for studying the interactions between C and N in terrestrial ecosystems. In PNL, available soil N becomes increasingly limiting as C and N are sequestered in long-lived plant biomass and soil organic matter. Our analysis focuses on the role of PNL in regulating ecosystem responses to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, but the concept applies to any perturbation that initially causes C and N to accumulate in organic forms. This article examines conditions under which PNL may or may not constrain net primary production and C sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems. While the PNL-centered framework has the potential to explain diverse experimental...
1,196 citations
TL;DR: The RISC inactivators of the present invention enable a variety of methods for identifying and characterizing miRNAs and siRNAs, RISC-associated factors, and agents capable of modulating RNA silencing.
Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a method for inhibiting RNA silencing in a target sequence-specific manner. RNA silencing requires a set of conserved cellular factors to suppress expression of gene-encoded polypeptide. The invention provides compositions for sequence-specific inactivation of the RISC component of the RNA silencing pathway, and methods of use thereof. The RISC inactivators of the present invention enable a variety of methods for identifying and characterizing miRNAs and siRNAs, RISC-associated factors, and agents capable of modulating RNA silencing. Therapeutic methods and compositions incorporating RISC inactivators and therapeutic agents identified through use of RISC inactivators are also featured.
756 citations
TL;DR: The public is enthusiastic about cancer screening, and this enthusiasm creates an environment ripe for the premature diffusion of technologies such as total-body computed tomographic scanning, placing the public at risk of overtesting and overtreatment.
Abstract: ContextPublic health officials, physicians, and disease advocacy groups have
worked hard to educate individuals living in the United States about the importance
of cancer screening.ObjectiveTo determine the public's enthusiasm for early cancer detection.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsSurvey using a national telephone interview of adults selected by random
digit dialing, conducted from December 2001 through July 2002. Five hundred
individuals participated (women aged ≥40 years and men aged ≥50 years;
without a history of cancer).Main Outcome MeasuresResponses to a survey with 5 modules: a general screening module (eg,
value of early detection, total-body computed tomography); and 4 screening
test modules: Papanicolaou test; mammography; prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
test; and sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.ResultsMost adults (87%) believe routine cancer screening is almost always
a good idea and that finding cancer early saves lives (74% said most or all
the time). Less than one third believe that there will be a time when they
will stop undergoing routine screening. A substantial proportion believe that
an 80-year-old who chose not to be tested was irresponsible: ranging from
41% with regard to mammography to 32% for colonoscopy. Thirty-eight percent
of respondents had experienced at least 1 false-positive screening test; more
than 40% of these individuals characterized that experience as "very scary"
or the "scariest time of my life." Yet, looking back, 98% were glad they had
had the initial screening test. Most had a strong desire to know about the
presence of cancer regardless of its implications: two thirds said they would
want to be tested for cancer even if nothing could be done; and 56% said they
would want to be tested for what is sometimes termed pseudodisease (cancers growing so slowly that they would never cause problems during
the persons lifetime even if untreated). Seventy-three percent of respondents
would prefer to receive a total-body computed tomographic scan instead of
receiving $1000 in cash.ConclusionsThe public is enthusiastic about cancer screening. This commitment is
not dampened by false-positive test results or the possibility that testing
could lead to unnecessary treatment. This enthusiasm creates an environment
ripe for the premature diffusion of technologies such as total-body computed
tomographic scanning, placing the public at risk of overtesting and overtreatment.
625 citations
TL;DR: The data suggest that the large S glycoprotein of SARS-CoV may use both ACE2 and CD209L in virus infection and pathogenesis, and several other enveloped viruses including Ebola and Sindbis also useCD209L as a portal of entry.
Abstract: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a receptor for SARS-CoV, the novel coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome [Li, W. Moore, M. J., Vasilieva, N., Sui, J., Wong, S. K., Berne, M. A., Somasundaran, M., Sullivan, J. L., Luzuriaga, K., Greenough, T. C., et al. (2003) Nature 426, 450–454]. We have identified a different human cellular glycoprotein that can serve as an alternative receptor for SARS-CoV. A human lung cDNA library in vesicular stomatitis virus G pseudotyped retrovirus was transduced into Chinese hamster ovary cells, and the cells were sorted for binding of soluble SARS-CoV spike (S) glycoproteins, S590 and S1180. Clones of transduced cells that bound SARS-CoV S glycoprotein were inoculated with SARS-CoV, and increases in subgenomic viral RNA from 1–16 h or more were detected by multiplex RT-PCR in four cloned cell lines. Sequencing of the human lung cDNA inserts showed that each of the cloned cell lines contained cDNA that encoded human CD209L, a C-type lectin (also called L-SIGN). When the cDNA encoding CD209L from clone 2.27 was cloned and transfected into Chinese hamster ovary cells, the cells expressed human CD209L glycoprotein and became susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV. Immunohistochemistry showed that CD209L is expressed in human lung in type II alveolar cells and endothelial cells, both potential targets for SARS-CoV. Several other enveloped viruses including Ebola and Sindbis also use CD209L as a portal of entry, and HIV and hepatitis C virus can bind to CD209L on cell membranes but do not use it to mediate virus entry. Our data suggest that the large S glycoprotein of SARS-CoV may use both ACE2 and CD209L in virus infection and pathogenesis.
562 citations
TL;DR: Findings support the BITSEA as a screener for social-emotional/behavioral problems and delays in social- Emotional competence.
Abstract: Objective To examine the reliability and validity of the 42-item Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA), a screener for social-emotional/behavioral problems and delays in competence. Method Parents in a representative healthy birth cohort of 1,237 infants aged 12 to 36 months completed the Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (ITSEA)/BITSEA, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)/1.5-5, the MacArthur Communication Developmental Inventory vocabulary checklist, and worry questions. In a subsample, independent evaluators rated infant-toddler behavior. Results Test-retest reliability was excellent and interrater agreement (mother/father and parent/child-care provider) was good. Supporting validity, BITSEA problems correlated with concurrent evaluator problem ratings and CBCL/1.5-5 scores and also predicted CBCL/1.5-5 and ITSEA problem scores one year later. BITSEA measures of competence correlated with concurrent observed competence and predicted later ITSEA competence measures. Supporting discriminant validity, only 23% of high BITSEA problem scorers had delayed vocabulary. Moreover, the combined BITSEA problem/ competence cutpoints identified 85% of subclinical/clinical CBCL/1.5-5 scores, while maintaining acceptable specificity (75%). Conclusions Findings support the BITSEA as a screener for social-emotional/behavioral problems and delays in social-emotional competence.
481 citations
TL;DR: The role of sleep in predicting adolescents' psychosocial outcomes is underscored and the importance of using idiographic methodologies in the study of developmental processes is highlighted.
Abstract: The influence of the sleep patterns of 2,259 students, aged 11 to 14 years, on trajectories of depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and grades was longitudinally examined using latent growth cross-domain models. Consistent with previous research, sleep decreased over time. Students who obtained less sleep in sixth grade exhibited lower initial self-esteem and grades and higher initial levels of depressive symptoms. Similarly, students who obtained less sleep over time reported heightened levels of depressive symptoms and decreased self-esteem. Sex of the student played a strong role as a predictor of hours of sleep, self-esteem, and grades. This study underscores the role of sleep in predicting adolescents' psychosocial outcomes and highlights the importance of using idiographic methodologies in the study of developmental processes.
457 citations
13 Jun 2004
TL;DR: A hierarchical labeling scheme called ORDPATH that is implemented in the upcoming version of Microsoft® SQL Server™ and supports insertion of new nodes at arbitrary positions in the XML tree, their ORDPath values "careted in" between OrDPATHs of sibling nodes, without relabeling any old nodes.
Abstract: We introduce a hierarchical labeling scheme called ORDPATH that is implemented in the upcoming version of Microsoft® SQL Server™. ORDPATH labels nodes of an XML tree without requiring a schema (the most general case---a schema simplifies the problem). An example of an ORDPATH value display format is "1.5.3.9.1". A compressed binary representation of ORDPATH provides document order by simple byte-by-byte comparison and ancestry relationship equally simply. In addition, the ORDPATH scheme supports insertion of new nodes at arbitrary positions in the XML tree, their ORDPATH values "careted in" between ORDPATHs of sibling nodes, without relabeling any old nodes.
436 citations
TL;DR: Although significant progress is occurring in the arena of young child diagnosis, a strong case can be made for intervening when young children are exhibiting elevations in problem behaviors or delays in the acquisition of competence, particularly true when children are also experiencing exposure to multiple contextual risk factors.
Abstract: In this paper we have tried to document some of the recent advances in the conceptualization and assessment of early-emerging social-emotional and behavior problems, competencies, and psychopathology. Considerable evidence documents that young children evidence significant psychopathology (cf., Del Carmen & Carter, in press; Emde, 1999; Zeanah, 2001; Zeanah et al., 1997). Given the range of new assessment measures that have become available over the past 10 years, the field of young child mental health is poised for dramatic gains in knowledge. It is critical to conduct large-scale, longitudinal, epidemiological studies to inform our understanding of the course of psychopathological conditions within the context of a normative developmental framework. Multi-method, multi-informant assessment approaches are more essential in early childhood due to young children's inability to provide self-reports and the embedded nature of children's development in their caregiving contexts. Screening large representative samples affords the opportunity to ascertain unbiased clinically informative sub-samples for methodologically intensive sub-studies. These sub-studies can address the child's cognitive and linguistic developmental capacities as well as utilize observational methods to examine the relational context. This approach provides an opportunity to merge dimensional and diagnostic assessments and will yield critical information for disentangling continuities and discontinuities in normative and atypical development. The assessment methodology currently exists to routinely screen very young children for social-emotional and behavior problems as well as delays in the acquisition of competencies in pediatric settings as well as in early intervention programs. Yet, despite the likely long-term benefits and cost-saving potential of early identification and intervention services, short-term cost and knowledge barriers currently limit widespread implementation. Discussions with pediatricians suggest that one of the greatest barriers to screening is the limited availability of mental health referral sources. Indeed, very few children who are rated by parents as having elevated social-emotional and behavior problems are receiving any behavioral health services (Horwitz et al., in press). Unmet mental health needs exist among non-referred children in the community as well as among children receiving early intervention services for developmental concerns. Documenting the mental health needs of young children may promote training of professionals who have the competence to treat young children and their families. Moreover, the availability of social-emotional and behavior problem assessment tools should increase studies that focus on the clinical efficacy and effectiveness of prevention and early intervention programs designed to promote positive mental health. Finally, although significant progress is occurring in the arena of young child diagnosis, a strong case can be made for intervening when young children are exhibiting elevations in problem behaviors or delays in the acquisition of competence. This is particularly true when children are also experiencing exposure to multiple contextual risk factors. It is therefore important to advocate for changes to systems that require child diagnosis as a gateway to intervention. As we learn more about the precursors or prodromal manifestations of clinical psychopathology we will be able to examine the efficacy of earlier targeted preventive intervention approaches.
422 citations
01 May 2004
TL;DR: Using structural equation modeling (SEM) approach, the analysis reveals that information quality and system quality influence decision-making satisfaction, while information presentation does not have an effect on decision- making satisfaction.
Abstract: Web-based information systems are increasingly being used for decision support applications. However, few empirical studies have been conducted on web-based decision support systems (DSS). This experimental research endeavors to understand factors that impact decision-making satisfaction in web-based decision support systems. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) approach, the analysis reveals that information quality and system quality influence decision-making satisfaction, while information presentation does not have an effect on decision-making satisfaction.
TL;DR: Experiential avoidance was not associated with severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms beyond their shared relationship with general psychiatric symptom severity, but thought suppression was associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatization when controlling for post traumatic stress symptom severity.
Abstract: This study examined the relationships between experiential avoidance in general (and thought suppression in particular), posttraumatic stress symptom severity, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatization among a sample of individuals exposed to multiple potentially traumatic events. Although experiential avoidance was not associated with severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms beyond their shared relationship with general psychiatric symptom severity, it was associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatization when controlling for posttraumatic stress symptom severity. Thought suppression, on the other hand, was associated with severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms when controlling for their shared relationship with general psychiatric symptom severity. No significant relationships were found between thought suppression and the presence of depression, anxiety, and somatization symptoms when controlling for posttraumatic stress symptom severity. Results suggest the importance of separately examining the influence of different forms of experiential avoidance on posttraumatic psychopathology.
TL;DR: Multinomial logistic regression shows further that physiognomy, ethnic identity, and race of coresident parent(s) are significantly associated with reported race.
Abstract: This paper categorizes multiracial youth (N=1,496) ages 14 to 19 and compares them with each other and with monoracial youth on identity development measures. The multiracial categories used here are derived from youths' reports of their own and their parents' race(s). Comparisons are made within groups of multiracial respondents who make different choices among single-race categories. Results show differences between subgroups in strength and importance of ethnic identity, self-esteem, and perceptions of ethnic discrimination. Multinomial logistic regression shows further that physiognomy, ethnic identity, and race of coresident parent(s) are significantly associated with reported race. Also related to racial identification among part-Hispanic youth are the racial distribution and socioeconomic status of their neighborhoods and the racial distributions of their schools.
TL;DR: The impact of invasiones biologicas on the geomorologia, geomoderia, hydroglobalization, and productividad of a region de Norteamerica occidental has been investigated in this article.
Abstract: Muchos ecosistemas de Norteamerica occidental han cambiado dramaticamente a causa del efecto producido por especies no autoctonas Aqui se muestra una revision del impacto ecologico producido por 56 especies diferentes de plantas, animales y hongos, y especies de protistas que fueron traidos a esta region por humanos Discutimos las caracteristicas de las especies invasoras que pueden producir un gran impacto en el ecosistema, y exploramos como las especies invasoras pueden alterar de forma muy diferente los atributos de un ecosistema Especificamente, incluimos ejemplos de especies invasoras que afectan a la geomorfologia, a los regimenes del fuego, a la hidrologia, al microclima, a la composicion atmosferica, al ciclo de nutrientes, y a la productividad Finalmente, revisamos las consecuencias directas de invasiones biologicas de algunas especies autoctonas Resumimos los ejemplos de este articulo en el Anexo 1 Nuestros ejemplos ilustran como, a medida que la especie invasora llega a ser dominante a lo largo de areas extensas de ecosistemas como los prados del oeste de Norteamerica occidental, en zonas arbustivas, dunas, cauces de rios y estuarios, las propiedades y el funcionamiento de estos ecosistemas han cambiado Hasta ahora, algunos ecosistemas en esta region, como los bosques, permanecen relativamente intactos por efecto de la especies invasoras Sin embargo, ataques recientes de patogenos a los bosques ponen de manifiesto la vulnerabilidad potencial de estos ecosistemas
Patent•
02 Jun 2004TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide methods of enhancing the efficacy and specificity of RNAi and also provide compositions for mediating RNAi, in particular, siRNAs, shRNA, vectors and transgenes.
Abstract: The present invention provides methods of enhancing the efficacy and specificity of RNAi. The invention also provides compositions for mediating RNAi. In particular, the invention provides siRNAs, shRNAs, vectors and transgenes having improved specificity and efficacy in mediating silencing of a target gene. Therapeutic methods are also featured.
TL;DR: While most internists recall recent ethical dilemmas in their practices, those with the least preparation and experience have the least access to ethics consultation, and health care organizations should improve the accessibility and responsiveness of ethics consultation when needed.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To identify the ethical dilemmas that internists encounter, the strategies they use to address them, and the usefulness of ethics consultation.
TL;DR: There is mounting evidence that negative emotion in anti-smoking advertisements is effective with youth audiences, and advertising intensity, while contributing to recall, was negatively related to perceived effectiveness.
Abstract: Objectives. In the context of controversy regarding the optimal characteristics of anti-smoking advertisements for youth, this study examines the impact on recall and perceived effectiveness of variations in the message, emotional tone, reach and frequency of broadcast, remoteness of broadcast, and characteristics of the adolescent audience such as changes in smoking behavior, ownership of cigarette promotional items, and demographic variables. Method. A two-wave longitudinal survey of a population-based sample of 618 Massachusetts youth 12 to 15 years old was carried out in 1993 and 1997. A Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) approach was used to model the recall and perceived effectiveness of eight advertisements as a function of viewer and ad characteristics. Results. Advertisements featuring messages about serious health consequences which had been independently rated as high in negative emotion were more likely to be recalled and were perceived as more effective by youth survey respondents than ads...
01 Jan 2004
TL;DR: If unimpeded by regulation, tobacco promotion in bars and clubs is likely to lead to increased adult smoking prevalence and many young adult smokers are in the initiation phase of smoking and are likely to undergo a transition to either nonsmoking or heavier smoking.
Abstract: Objectives. We examined young adult smoking patterns and receptivity to cigarette advertising to assess vulnerability to tobacco marketing strategies. Methods. We obtained data from a telephone survey of 12 072 Massachusetts adults. Results. Smokers aged 18 to 30 years were more likely than older adults to smoke only occasionally and to consume fewer than 10 cigarettes per day. They also were more receptive to cigarette marketing and were more likely to be frequent patrons of bars and clubs. Conclusions. Many young adult smokers are in the initiation phase of smoking and are likely to undergo a transition to either nonsmoking or heavier smoking. If unimpeded by regulation, tobacco promotion in bars and clubs is likely to lead to increased adult smoking prevalence.
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the literature that exists on individuals with dual diagnosis and policies creating the trajectories for mentally ill individuals with substance abuse problems and their community reentry after involvement with the criminal justice system is presented.
Abstract: This article offers a review of the literature that exists on individuals with dual diagnosis and discusses policies creating the trajectories for mentally ill individuals with substance abuse problems and their community reentry after involvement with the criminal justice system. For this analysis, basic comparisons are made across mentally ill individuals involved with the criminal justice system and the dually diagnosed portion of the population and an analysis of the current trajectory and postincarceration disposition of the dually diagnosed group. The differences between offenders with mental illness and the dually diagnosed are pronounced. The dually diagnosed are more likely to be serving sentences related to their substance use, to be homeless and violate probation after release, and recidivate to correctional custody. An examination of substance abuse histories, short-term community outcomes, and service trends 3 months postrelease suggests public policy and social service directions.
TL;DR: This work provides data suggesting that the angle of polarized skylight (the e-vector) is a relevant orientation parameter and reveals a critical input pathway into the sun compass mechanism.
Patent•
02 Jun 2004TL;DR: In this article, a set of rules have been established for determining the degree of complementarity required between an RNAi-mediating agent and its target, i.e., whether mismatches are tolerated, the number of mismatches tolerated, and the effect of the position of the mismatches.
Abstract: Based at least in part on an understanding of the mechanisms by which small RNAs (e.g., naturally-occurring miRNAs) mediate RNA silencing in plants, rules have been established for determining, for example, the degree of complementarity required between an RNAi-mediating agent and its target, i.e., whether mismatches are tolerated, the number of mismatches tolerated, the effect of the position of the mismatches, etc. Such rules are useful, in particular, in the design of improved RNAi-mediating agents which allow for more exact control of the efficacy of RNA silencing.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors empirically distinguish a range of mentor relationships and evaluate their differential influence on adolescent outcomes, and suggest four distinct types of relationships (i.e., moderate, unconditionally supportive, active, and low-key).
Abstract: The goal of this study was to empirically distinguish a range of mentor relationships and to evaluate their differential influence on adolescent outcomes. The study makes use of data that were collected as part of a national evaluation of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America. The evaluation included 1138 youth, ranging in age from 10 through 16 (M = 12.25), who were assigned randomly to either a mentoring relationship or a control group and followed for 18 months. A series of analyses, based on the matched youth’s accounts of the relationships, suggested 4 distinct types of relationships (i.e., moderate, unconditionally supportive, active, and low-key). The 4 groups tended to distinguish themselves from one another on the basis of perceived support, structure, and activity. Relative to the controls, youth who characterized their mentor relationships as providing moderate levels of both activity and structure and conditional support derived the largest number of benefits from the relationships. These included improvements in social, psychological, and academic outcomes. Implications of the findings for research and intervention are discussed.
TL;DR: A theoretical model of job retention for home health care nurses is described and can be used to guide research that explores gaps in knowledge about intent to stay and retention among home health Care nurses.
Abstract: Background. Predicted severe nursing shortages and an increasing demand for home health care services have made the retention of experienced, qualified nursing staff a priority for health care organizations.
Aims. The purpose of this paper is to describe a theoretical model of job retention for home health care nurses.
Methods. The theoretical model is an integration of the findings of empirical research related to intent to stay and retention, components of Neal's theory of home health care nursing practice and findings from earlier work to develop an instrument to measure home health care nurses’ job satisfaction.
Discussion. The theoretical model identifies antecedents to job satisfaction of home health care nurses. The antecedents are intrinsic and extrinsic job characteristics. The model also proposes that job satisfaction is directly related to retention and indirectly related to retention though intent to stay. Individual nurse characteristics are indirectly related to retention through intent to stay. The individual characteristic of tenure is indirectly related to retention through autonomy, as an intrinsic characteristic of job satisfaction, and intent to stay.
Conclusions. The proposed model can be used to guide research that explores gaps in knowledge about intent to stay and retention among home health care nurses.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors measured the sources and transport of terrestrial organic matter from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers to the coastal region in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
TL;DR: Differences in chick growth and survival suggest that higher quality adults may be able to compensate for the disadvantages of late hatching dates and achieve similar reproductive success to that of pairs hatching chicks early, as well as supporting the parental quality hypothesis.
Abstract: Reproductive success declines over the course of the breeding season in many bird species. Two categories of hypothesis have been evoked to explain this decline. The “timing” hypothesis suggests that seasonal declines in breeding success are attributable to the date of laying. The “parental quality” hypothesis suggests that seasonal declines result from the fact that young, inexperienced, or low quality birds breed later in the season. To evaluate the relative importance of timing and parental quality, egg exchanges and removals were used to manipulate hatching dates of common terns Sterna hirundo. Indices of quality, attendance, provisioning rates, and reproductive success of birds in three experimental groups (delayed hatch pairs, advanced hatch pairs, and pairs induced to relay) were compared to those of date-matched controls. Pairs that hatched chicks early raised more chicks than pairs hatching chicks late in the season, regardless of initial laying date. This suggests that hatching chicks early is advantageous in itself. Our results, however, also support the parental quality hypothesis. There was a significant negative relationship between natural laying date and fledging success, independent of hatching date. Differences in chick growth and survival suggest that higher quality adults may be able to compensate for the disadvantages of late hatching dates and achieve similar reproductive success to that of pairs hatching chicks early. We found that pairs hatching chicks late in the season were subject to more incidents of kleptoparasitism than those hatching chicks early. This may be a proximate factor contributing to seasonal declines in reproductive success for common terns, although such a mechanism would not be likely in non-colonial species. Failure to control for egg quality may have biased the results of some prior egg exchange experiments. Additionally, altered cost of incubation may be an unavoidable confounding factor in studies designed to manipulate timing of breeding.
TL;DR: In this paper, after-school settings are interpersonal in nature, and the quality of the relationships that are forged can directly influence youths' attendance decisions and the developmental benefits they derive.
Abstract: After-school settings are interpersonal in nature, and the quality of the relationships that are forged can directly influence youths' attendance decisions and the developmental benefits they derive. Programs should more effectively capitalize on this potential for caring adult-staff relationships.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used the ECOShuttle, a towed, instrumented, undulating vehicle, to measure chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors measured chromophoric dissolved organic matter fluorescence and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the Lingdingyang Estuary, a major component of the Pearl River Delta, China, in May 2001 and November 2002.
TL;DR: In this paper, the kinematics of aggregation behavior of Euphausia superba were studied in Marguerite Bay and its vicinity west of the Antarctic Peninsula using a vessel-mounted, Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler, and a Multiple Opening and Closing Nets and Environmental Sensing System.
Abstract: Aggregation and vertical migration behavior of Euphausia superba were studied in Marguerite Bay and its vicinity west of the Antarctic Peninsula using a vessel-mounted, Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler, and a Multiple Opening and Closing Nets and Environmental Sensing System, during the 2001 and 2002 fall US Southern Ocean GLOBEC project cruises. The kinematics of aggregation behavior of E. superba associated with diel migration is studied using observations of their abundance and swimming velocities: during the day, E. superba reduce their swimming at a depth of 250 m; and at night, they swim randomly at their cruising speed in the upper part of an aggregation near the surface, and coherently as schooling in the lower part of an aggregation. The causes for the aggregation behavior and vertical migration of krill are explored by examining the relationship with ice coverage and presence of predators. The motion of euphausiids is further analyzed in terms of kinetic energy and force balance, leading to new considerations of mathematical theories and models of aggregation behavior. The results show a diel variation of the energy demand for maintaining their locomotion. The horizontal scale of an aggregation is studied in conjunction with horizontal gradients of currents. Results indicate that the swimming capability of euphausiids determines the maintenance of an aggregation in the mesoscale circulation field.