bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodel Assessment of Regional Surface Temperature Trends: CMIP3 and CMIP5 Twentieth-Century Simulations
Authors: Knutson Thomas R. , Zeng Fanrong , Wittenberg Andrew T.
Published: March 2013

Regional surface temperature trends from phase 3 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3) and CMIP5 twentieth-century runs are compared with observations—at spatial scales ranging from global averages to individual grid points—using simulated intrinsic climate variability from preindustrial control runs to assess whether observed trends are detectable and/or consistent with the models' historical run trends. The CMIP5 models are also used to detect anthropogenic components of the observed trends, by assessing alternative hypotheses based on scenarios driven with either anthropogenic plus natural forcings combined, or with natural forcings only. Modeled variability is assessed via inspection of control run time series, standard deviation maps, spectral analyses, and low-frequency variance consistency tests. The models are found to provide plausible representations of internal climate variability, although there is room for improvement. The influence of observational uncertainty on the trends is assessed and is found to be generally small in comparison with intrinsic climate variability. Observed temperature trends over 1901–2010 are found to contain detectable anthropogenic warming components over a large fraction (about 80%) of the analyzed global area. In about 70% of the analyzed area, the modeled warming is consistent with the observed trends; in about 10% it is significantly greater than simulated. Regions without detectable warming include the high-latitude North Atlantic Ocean, the eastern United States, and parts of the eastern and northern Pacific Ocean. For 1981–2010, the observed warming trends over only about 30% of the globe are found to contain a detectable anthropogenic warming: this includes a number of regions within about 40°–45° of the equator, particularly in the Indian Ocean, western Pacific, South Asia, and tropical Atlantic.
Constraining a System of Interacting Parameterizations through Multiple-Parameter Evaluation: Tracing a Compensating Error between Cloud Vertical Structure and Cloud Overlap
Authors: Neggers R. A. J. , Siebesma A. P.
Published: March 2013

This study explores the opportunities created by subjecting a system of interacting fast-acting parameterizations to long-term single-column model evaluation against multiple independent measurements at a permanent meteorological site. It is argued that constraining the system at multiple key points facilitates the tracing and identification of compensating errors between individual parametric components. The extended time range of the evaluation helps to enhance the statistical significance and representativeness of the single-column model result, which facilitates the attribution of model behavior as diagnosed in a general circulation model to its subgrid parameterizations. At the same time, the high model transparency and computational efficiency typical of single-column modeling is preserved.

The method is illustrated by investigating the impact of a model change in the Regional Atmospheric Climate Model (RACMO) on the representation of the coupled boundary layer–soil system at the Cabauw meteorological site in the Netherlands. A set of 12 relevant variables is defined that covers all involved processes, including cloud structure and amplitude, radiative transfer, the surface energy budget, and the thermodynamic state of the soil and various heights of the lower atmosphere. These variables are either routinely measured at the Cabauw site or are obtained from continuous large-eddy simulation at that site. This 12-point check proves effective in revealing the existence of a compensating error between cloud structure and radiative transfer, residing in the cloud overlap assumption. In this exercise, the application of conditional sampling proves a valuable tool in establishing which cloud regime exhibits the biggest impact.
Realism of the Indian Ocean Dipole in CMIP5 Models: The Implications for Climate Projections
Authors: Weller Evan , Cai Wenju
Published: March 2013

An assessment of how well climate models simulate the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) is undertaken using 20 coupled models that have partaken in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). Compared with models in phase 3 (CMIP3), no substantial improvement is evident in the simulation of the IOD pattern and/or amplitude during austral spring [September–November (SON)]. The majority of models in CMIP5 generate a larger variance of sea surface temperature (SST) in the Sumatra–Java upwelling region and an IOD amplitude that is far greater than is observed. Although the relationship between precipitation and tropical Indian Ocean SSTs is well simulated, future projections of SON rainfall changes over IOD-influenced regions are intrinsically linked to the IOD amplitude and its rainfall teleconnection in the model present-day climate. The diversity of the simulated IOD amplitudes in models in CMIP5 (and CMIP3), which tend to be overly large, results in a wide range of future modeled SON rainfall trends over IOD-influenced regions. The results herein highlight the importance of realistically simulating the present-day IOD properties and suggest that caution should be exercised in interpreting climate projections in the IOD-affected regions.
#Occupy Wall Street
Authors: Gleason Benjamin
Published: March 2013

Recent events suggest that social media, also called web 2.0, can support mass social change. Although some critics have lamented how social media are eroding people’s ability to communicate, others have argued that social media may allow individuals to leverage their individual voices against authoritarian leaders. This article seeks to understand the ways in which individuals can use a particular social media platform, the microblog Twitter, to learn about the Occupy Wall Street movement. This article uses a mixed-methods approach, incorporating descriptive statistics, content analysis, and a case study of the author’s learning process to examine the existence of informal learning about the Occupy Wall Street movement. Scholars have proposed that informal learning about a social movement is associated with participation in the movement. This study suggests that Twitter supports multiple opportunities for participation in the Occupy movement—from creating, tagging, and sharing content to reading, watching, and following a hashtag—which may facilitate learners becoming more informed, engaged citizens. To help ground this discussion, an overview of the particular social and technical features of Twitter is provided. Second, several key learning theories that seem particularly synergistic with the affordances outlined and a review of the current state of research on learning within Twitter are described. Third, research questions, methods, and findings are presented, and a discussion that describes the implications for civic engagement in the democratic process is included.
Watching From Afar
Authors: Aday Sean , Farrell Henry , Freelon Deen , Lynch Marc , Sides John , Dewar Michael
Published: March 2013

Uses of new media in the context of the Arab Spring have attracted scholarly attention from a wide array of disciplines. Amid the anecdotes and speculation, most of the available empirical research in this area has examined how new media have enabled participants and spectators to produce and circulate protest-related content. In contrast, the current study investigates patterns of consumption of Arab Spring–related content using a unique data set constructed by combining archived Twitter content with metadata drawn from the URL shortening service Bit.ly. This data set allows us to explore two critical research questions: First, were links posted to Twitter (among other platforms) followed primarily by individuals inside the affected country, within the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region or by those outside the region and country? And second, who attracted more attention online: protesters and other nonelite citizens or traditional news organizations? Our findings suggest that the vast majority of attention to Arab Spring content came from outside of the MENA region and, furthermore, that mass media, rather than citizen media, overwhelmingly held the world’s attention during the protests. We thus conclude that Twitter was broadly useful as an information channel for non-MENA onlookers but less so for protesters on the ground.
The social psychology of protest
Authors: van Stekelenburg Jacquelien , Klandermans Bert
Published: March 2013

Social psychological research has taught us a lot about why people protest. This article provides a theoretical and empirical overview. Discussed are grievances, efficacy, identification, emotions and social embeddedness, followed by the most recent approaches, which combine these concepts into dual pathway models. Finally, two future directions are discussed: (1) to shed light on the paradox of persistent participation, and (2) to clarify how perceptions of sociopolitical context affects protest participation.
Methodological approach towards sustainability by integration of environmental impact in production system models through life cycle analysis: Application to the Rioja wine sector
Authors: Jiménez Emilio , Martínez Eduardo , Blanco Julio , Pérez Mercedes , Graciano Charmery
Published: March 2013

This paper proposes the integration of life cycle analysis within the production system models as a tool for decision making (whether at the strategic, tactical or operational levels) attending not only economic and technical criteria but also the environmental impact. This methodological proposal advances over the traditional approach of calculating the value of the environmental impact of a particular product, by proposing the use of models to determine the environmental impact of the product, according to the decisions made in the production system. That is, it does not provide an impact value of the product, but rather a model to determine the impact in terms of the decisions made in the production process; therefore, it can be used, especially by means of simulation, for the optimization of the production system, based on multiple criteria (including environmental impact).

The methodological approach is exemplified by a case study, which is used to validate the proposal and to expose it more precisely and clearly, although the methodology is equally applicable to any production process, especially processes highly automated or with different alternative production techniques.

This case study, based on the wine production sector of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin, in Spain, was made with actual data after several years of research in representative wineries; therefore, besides an application example, it is a support tool for sustainability in wineries, by reducing the environmental impact of wine production (especially in La Rioja and Spain, but generally throughout the world).
Negotiating a Sense of Identity in a Foreign Land
Authors: Cone Neporcha , Buxton Cory , Lee Okhee , Mahotiere Margarette
Published: March 2013

As part of a larger investigation into the educational experiences of Haitians in South Florida, this study explores factors that influence the identity development and academic success of Haitian students. Individual and focus group interviews with Haitian students, parents, and teachers provide the context for studying how pressures from both home and school shape the identity development of Haitian youth. Using a conceptual framework grounded in both structural and cultural analysis of identity formation, we describe three themes that emerged from our analysis: (a) learning as recitation or inquiry, (b) teacher as strict parent or lenient spectator, and (c) peers like me or Americanization.
Internationalization of Secondary Education—Lessons From Israeli Palestinian-Arab Schools in Tel Aviv-Jaffa
Authors: Yemini Miri
Published: March 2013

Cosmopolitan capital became an integral ingredient in the set of competencies considered to provide a competitive edge for effective citizenship in the 21st century. Recently, internationalization of education became a more common phenomenon in secondary schools, serving as a tool to provide youth with cosmopolitan capital and relevant capabilities for the future. This research investigates the internationalization processes taking place in Palestinian-Arab secondary schools in Israel. Drawing on semistructured interviews with school principals and teachers, it identifies and characterizes the phenomenon of internationalization in schools. The findings reveal a complex, multidimensional behavior of school principals with regard to this process. Generally, principals support internationalization, although the scope, nature, and intensity of the international activities largely depend on schools’ contextual variables. The international dimension in Israeli Palestinian-Arabs schools was found to be closely related to political and national circumstances. The importance of this dimension in secondary education is depicted through the school principals’ and teachers’ views and opinions.
Rural Lodging Establishments as Drivers of Rural Development
Authors: Hernández-Maestro Rosa M. , González-Benito Óscar
Published: March 2013

Different programs designed to develop rural areas in Europe grant significant funds to support several economic activities. In particular, rural lodging establishments have been key recipients of many development investments. Therefore, identifying the determinants of business success for these establishments is important for authorities, who must allocate their funding accordingly. The establishments themselves can benefit from such knowledge as well. This article examines the influence of three general factors related to the business and the entrepreneur—product, knowledge, and promotional tools—on performance, measured as occupancy, prices, sales, and profits. A survey conducted in a rural Spanish region produces results that largely confirm the proposed hypotheses.
Assessing Change in Student Critical Thinking for Introduction to Sociology Classes
Authors: Rickles Michael L. , Schneider Rachel Zimmer , Slusser Suzanne R. , Williams Dana M. , Zipp John F.
Published: March 2013

Although there is widespread agreement among academics that critical thinking is an important component to the college classroom, there is little empirical evidence to verify that it is being taught in courses. Using four sections of introductory sociology, we developed an experimental design using pretests and posttests to assess students’ critical thinking skills. Controlling for grade point average, cumulative credit hours completed, gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, instructor, and initial levels of critical thinking, being in the experimental group had a statistically significant impact on critical thinking at the end of the semester. Thus, inclusion of writing assignments and classroom discussion designed to enhance creative thought processes for the experimental group helped students improve from one-dimensional thinking toward more multistructural analysis.
The Chalkboard Versus the Avatar
Authors: Bergstrand Kelly , Savage Scott V.
Published: March 2013

Increasingly, colleges and universities are relying on fully online classes to teach students. This article investigates how students evaluate online courses in comparison to more traditional face-to-face courses. Data come from undergraduate student evaluations of 118 sociology courses, and results of a series of hierarchical linear models indicate that students feel they have learned less in online courses, believe they are treated with more respect in in-class courses, and rate online courses less highly than in-class courses. Findings also suggest that the negative effects of teaching online are not universal for instructors, as the switch to online classes actually results in better evaluations for teachers who typically perform poorly in the classroom. These findings caution against the broad use of online sociology classes as a strategy for coping with increasing enrollments and shrinking budgets and suggest educators should select the course format that best complements their teaching strengths and skills.
Making Theory Relevant
Authors: McCabe Janice
Published: March 2013

This article describes and evaluates the Gender Attitude and Belief Inventory (GABI), a teaching tool designed to aid students in (a) realizing how sociological theory links to their personal beliefs and (b) exploring any combination of 11 frequently used theoretical perspectives on gender, including both conservative theories (physiological, sociobiological, and structural functionalist) and feminist ones (liberal, socialist, Marxist, radical, separatist, cultural, multicultural/black, and postmodern feminism). In this article, I discuss the inventory, how I use it in my sociology of gender class, and how it could be adapted for use in other classes. I also analyze qualitative and quantitative evaluations of its effectiveness based on responses from students at two universities ( N = 603) and pretest and posttest results of its impact on student learning immediately following the activity ( N = 161) and at the end of the semester ( N = 33). These data suggest that the GABI increases students’ understanding of theoretical perspectives on gender, encourages them to reflect on their own views and (mis)perceptions of theories, and is an engaging exercise for students. Most importantly, this is a valuable exercise to aid students in realizing how sociological theory links to their everyday lives.
A Mixture Rasch Model With a Covariate
Authors: Dai Yunyun
Published: March 2013

Mixtures of item response theory (IRT) models have been proposed as a technique to explore response patterns in test data related to cognitive strategies, instructional sensitivity, and differential item functioning (DIF). Estimation proves challenging due to difficulties in identification and questions of effect size needed to recover underlying structure. In particular, the impact of covariates for examinees in estimation has not been systematically explored. The goal of this study is to carry out a systematically designed simulation study to investigate the performance of mixture Rasch model (MRM) under Bayesian estimation. Insights and suggestions on model application and model estimation are discussed. The foci of this study are to use a flexible logistic regression structure to include examinees’ covariate in MRM, to study Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation behavior in light of effect size, and to provide an effective and applicable method for dealing with chain switching.
Development of an ICF-based core set of activities and participation for patients with mental disorders: an approach based upon data
Authors: Brütt Anna L , Schulz Holger , Andreas Sylke
Published: March 2013

Objective:

To use data and patient involvement to identify categories within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) component activities and participation relevant for patients with affective, somatoform, anxiety and adjustment disorders.

Design:

The first step was to identify systematically, outcome instruments used in randomized controlled trials, to relate item content to the ICF. Then four patient focus group discussions ( n = 21 participants) were conducted, and finally an expert panel ( n = 11 participants) was used to identify the most relevant categories in therapy settings.

Participants:

Focus groups: inpatient psychotherapy patients. Expert panel: clinicians, stakeholders, patient representative.

Results:

In the literature search, 313 measures were identified, which included 1562 meaningful concepts (separate content units). These were allocated to ICF categories that were validated and complemented in focus groups and by an expert panel. The resulting core set includes 27 categories related to the nine chapters of the ICF component activities and participation.

Conclusions:

A core set of items, set within the World Health Organization ICF and relevant to the treatment of people with affective, somatoform, anxiety and adjustment disorders, has been developed based on existing evidence.
A randomized trial of two home-based exercise programmes to improve functional walking post-stroke
Authors: Mayo Nancy E , MacKay-Lyons Marilyn J , Scott Susan C , Moriello Carolina , Brophy James
Published: March 2013

Objective:

To estimate the relative effectiveness in improving walking ability and other mobility and health outcomes post-stroke of two home-based exercise programmes – stationary cycling and an exercise and walking programme.

Design:

An observer-blinded, randomized, pragmatic, trial with repeated measures.

Setting:

Hospital centers in two Canadian cities.

Subjects:

People within 12 months of acute stroke who were able to walk >10 meters independently and healthy enough to engage in exercise.

Interventions:

Two dose-equivalent interventions, one involving stationary cycling and the other disability-targeted interventions were tested. Both protocols required daily moderate intensity exercise at home building up to 30 minutes per day. One group exercised on a stationary bicycle, the second group carried out mobility exercises and brisk walking.

Main measures:

The primary outcome was walking capacity as measured by the six-minute walk test (6MWT). Secondary outcomes were physical function, role participation, health-related quality of life exercise adherence, and adverse events.

Results:

The study failed to meet recruitment targets: 87 participants (cycle group, n = 43; exercise group, n = 44) participated. No significant effects of group or time were revealed for the 6MWT, which was approximately 320 m at randomization. A significant effect for role participation was found in favor of the exercise group (global odds ratio (OR) for cycling vs. exercise was 0.51; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.27–0.95). Change in the 6MWT between highest and lowest adherence categories was statistically significant ( p = 0.022).

Conclusions:

Both programmes were equally effective in maintaining walking capacity after discharge from stroke rehabilitation; or were equally ineffective in improving walking capacity.

Clinical Trials Gov number:

NCT00786045.
Does high-frequency chest wall oscillation therapy have any impact on the infective exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? A randomized controlled single-blind study
Authors: Goktalay Tugba , Akdemir Selim E , Alpaydin Aylin O , Coskun Aysin S , Celik Pinar , Yorgancioglu Arzu
Published: March 2013

Objective:

To investigate the impact of high-frequency chest wall oscillation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with infective exacerbation.

Design:

Clinical randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Patients received high-frequency chest wall oscillation therapy at the Department of Pulmonology.

Subjects:

Stage III-IV chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients hospitalized with acute infective exacerbation who had received high-frequency chest wall oscillation therapy were studied.

Interventions:

Patients were randomized into two groups, which were classified as I and II. All patients have been treated with bronchodilators, antibiotics, if necessary oxygen and patient education, as part of acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation protocol. Group II patients received additional high-frequency chest wall oscillation therapy.

Main measures:

Body mass index (B), forced expiratory volume in the first second (O), modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (D) and 6-minute walking test (E) (BODE) index, forced expiratory volume in the first second, dyspnea, exercise capacity, oxygenation parameters and hospitalization of duration were recorded at baseline and at three-days and five-days follow-up.

Results:

From April 2009 to July 2011, a total of 99 patients were assessed for eligibility, 50 patients were enrolled and randomized into two groups. A total of 50 (100%) patients (25 in Group I and 25 in Group II) were followed up for five days. Application of high-frequency chest wall oscillation therapy resulted in no significant advantage in all outcomes ( p > 0.05). Mean (SD) baseline BODE index value in Group I was 7.72 (1.76), in Group II was 7.72(1.89) ( p = 0.55). On the fifth-day assessment, mean (SD) BODE index value in Group I was 7.24 (1.83), in group II was 6.44 (2.46) ( p = 0.18).

Conclusions:

The application of high-frequency chest wall oscillation therapy offers no additional advantages on infective exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The Bayesian approach to forensic evidence: Evaluating, communicating, and distributing responsibility
Authors: Kruse Corinna
Published: March 2013

This article draws attention to communication across professions as an important aspect of forensic evidence. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in the Swedish legal system, it shows how forensic scientists use a particular quantitative approach to evaluating forensic laboratory results, the Bayesian approach, as a means of quantifying uncertainty and communicating it accurately to judges, prosecutors, and defense lawyers, as well as a means of distributing responsibility between the laboratory and the court. This article argues that using the Bayesian approach also brings about a particular type of intersubjectivity; in order to make different types of forensic evidence commensurable and combinable, quantifications must be consistent across forensic specializations, which brings about a transparency based on shared understandings and practices. Forensic scientists strive to keep the black box of forensic evidence – at least partly – open in order to achieve this transparency.
Interpretation of small ring creep test data
Authors: Hyde Tom H , Ali Balhassn S M , Sun Wei
Published: March 2013

The small ring creep test method can be used to generate uniaxial secondary creep strain rate data from small samples of material. The technique used is based on the reference stress method; it enables the load-line displacement rates, obtained from testing the rings, to be converted to equivalent uniaxial creep strain rates. Accurate conversion relationships are required, in order to ensure that accurate creep properties are obtained. In this article, an analysis of the creep behaviour of small, ring-type specimens and the associated test procedures are described. This includes the determination of the conversion factors, which are used to convert the minimum creep displacement rate to the equivalent uniaxial minimum creep strain rate and to convert the nominal stress to the equivalent uniaxial stress, using the finite element method. In addition, an assessment of the effects of ring dimensions, for example, the radial thickness and mean radius, on the conversion factors, is made. Finally, the effects of the small geometry changes that occur during a test, on the conversion factors, are investigated.
Factors Associated with Breastfeeding Duration
Authors: Liu Ping , Qiao Lijuan , Xu Fenglian , Zhang Min , Wang Yan , Binns Colin W.
Published: March 2013

Background:

Factors associated with breastfeeding need to be explored in the northwest of China.

Objective:

This study aimed to measure the full duration of breastfeeding and identify factors associated with breastfeeding in Shihezi City in Northwest China.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study was undertaken to obtain details of child feeding practices using structured questionnaires in 2007-2010. Before discharge from hospitals, 681 mothers were randomly recruited and interviewed in maternity units for breastfeeding. After discharge, the mothers were contacted by telephone at monthly intervals within the first 6 months and then at 2-month intervals until discontinuation of breastfeeding.

Results:

The breastfeeding initiation rate was 95.9%. The breastfeeding rates then declined to 69.6% at 6 months, 29.7% at 12 months, and 2.3% at 24 months. The median duration of “any breastfeeding” was 9 months. The exclusive breastfeeding rate was low because of the high rate of prelacteal and early complementary feeding. Cox regression analyses revealed that mothers who had preterm babies believed that breast milk could not meet infants’ needs and intended to breastfeed for less than 6 months, and mothers with late onset of lactogenesis II and whose parents lived in Xinjiang were more likely to stop breastfeeding. Younger maternal age, employment, and suffering from illness were also associated with a shorter duration of breastfeeding.

Conclusion:

The duration of “exclusive” and “any breastfeeding” was below the Chinese and World Health Organization breastfeeding goals. Shorter duration of breastfeeding was associated with having grandparents residing within the same province, maternal age, illness and employment, gestational age, and delayed onset of lactogenesis.
Community Attitudes toward Breastfeeding in Public Places among Western Australia Adults, 1995-2009
Authors: Meng Xingqiong , Daly Alison , Pollard Christina Mary , Binns Colin William
Published: March 2013

Background:

Community attitudes toward breastfeeding in public influence how comfortable women feel about continuing breastfeeding. Knowledge of the social context helps target breastfeeding-promoting interventions.

Objective:

To examine trends in Western Australian adult attitudes toward breastfeeding in public places.

Methods:

As part of 5 cross-sectional surveys from the Western Australian Nutrition Monitor Survey Series conducted between 1995 and 2009, 5496 adults aged 18 to 64 years were asked whether it was acceptable for mothers to breastfeed their babies in public places, including shopping centers, workplaces, and restaurants, and on public transport. Descriptive statistics and multinomial regressions were used to describe factors associated with attitudes toward publicly breastfeeding.

Results:

There was no change in the acceptance of breastfeeding in shopping centers, restaurants, and workplaces and on public transport over time, but in 2009, significantly fewer people said that it was unacceptable to breastfeed in public compared with 1995. Women, people older than 44 years, those born outside Australia, and the less educated were those most likely to say that breastfeeding in public was unacceptable. In the years that the question was asked, more than 97% of respondents said that breastfeeding was acceptable if a separate room was provided.

Conclusions:

Making breastfeeding acceptable and pleasant for mothers in public spaces is a key policy recommendation. Women, people older than 44 years, and those born outside Australia were most likely to respond that breastfeeding in public was unacceptable unless a room was provided. Given that, on average, 70% of the population said that breastfeeding in public was acceptable, investigation into why some women do not think so is warranted.
The Effect of Poststroke Delirium on Short-Term Outcomes of Elderly Patients Undergoing Rehabilitation
Authors: Turco Renato , Bellelli Giuseppe , Morandi Alessandro , Gentile Simona , Trabucchi Marco
Published: March 2013

Objectives:

Delirium is a common poststroke complication, but its prevalence and effect in rehabilitation settings is unknown. We retrospectively assessed the prevalence of delirium in elderly patients undergoing poststroke rehabilitation and its association with short-term outcomes.

Methods:

All patients (aged ≥65 years) admitted to the Department of Rehabilitation between November 2007 and October 2011 after a recent stroke were screened for delirium. Delirium was diagnosed using the confusion assessment method. Multiple logistic regressions were used to evaluate the association between delirium, institutionalization, and inhospital death, while multiple linear regressions were used for the association between delirium and functional recovery, defined in 3 different ways which include (1) measuring the relative functional gain of the Barthel index (BI-RFG); (2) the change in Barthel index (BI) walking subscore from admission to discharge; and (3) the change in Tinetti score from admission to discharge.

Results:

In all, 58 (33%) patients of the total 176 patients were consecutively admitted to our department with delirium. After adjustment for potential confounders, poststroke delirium (PSD) was an independent predictor of institutionalization (odds ratio [OR] = 7.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.79 to 10.91; P ≤ .0003) and inhospital death (OR = 4.26; 95% CI = 1.15 to 15.81; P = .03); PSD was not a predictor of functional recovery at discharge, neither using the BI-RFG ( P = .96) nor using the change from admission to discharge of both the BI walking subscore ( P = .57) and the Tinetti score ( P = .61) as outcome measures.

Conclusions:

In elderly patients undergoing poststroke rehabilitation, delirium is an independent predictor of institutionalization and inhospital death, but it does not affect functional recovery.
Structured Assessment of Mental Capacity to Make Financial Decisions in Chinese Older Persons With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Lui Victor W. C. , Lam Linda C. W. , Chau Rachel C. M. , Fung Ada W. T. , Wong Billy M. L. , Leung Grace T. Y. , Leung K. F. , Chiu Helen F. K. , Karlawish Jason H. T. , Appelbaum Paul S.
Published: March 2013

Previous studies suggested that patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia can have impaired and declining financial skills and abilities. The purpose of this study is to test a clinically applicable method, based on the contemporary legal standard, to examine directly the mental capacity to make financial decisions and its component decision-making abilities among patients with MCI and early dementia. A total of 90 patients with mild Alzheimer disease (AD), 92 participants with MCI, and 93 cognitively normal control participants were recruited for this study. Their mental capacity to make everyday financial decisions was assessed by clinician ratings and the Chinese version of the Assessment of Capacity for Everyday Decision-Making (ACED). Based on the clinician ratings, only 53.5% were found to be mentally competent in the AD group, compared with 94.6% in the MCI group. However, participants with MCI had mild but significant impairment in understanding, appreciating, and reasoning abilities as measured by the ACED. The ACED provided a reliable and clinically applicable structured framework for assessment of mental capacity to make financial decisions.
Verification of magnetorheological shock absorber models with various piston configurations
Authors: Goldasz Janusz , Sapinski Bogdan
Published: March 2013

In this study, a mathematical model of a monotube magnetorheological (MR) shock absorber is presented and verified with an emphasis on leakage flow mechanisms and their impact on the damping force output. The model can be used in shock absorber design studies as well as vehicle simulations. To copy the force increase with yield stress, the authors employed the generic biplastic Bingham model for capturing the hydraulic resistance of the annular flow path in the piston. Moreover, the authors considered the impact of high-speed losses, fluid chamber compressibility, cavitation, elastic deformation of cylinder, fluid inertia, floating piston inertia, gas chamber pressure and Coulomb friction between damper components and the cylinder. The presented MR shock absorber model of is verified against experimental data involving three prototype shock absorber units. One shock absorber unit was a conventional unit with only one annular flow path, the second one employed the thru-core flow bypass for force roll-off at low piston velocities. The third unit utilized a so-called flux bypass to lower the magnetic field strength in the annulus to initiate the flow of MR fluids at lower yielding pressures across the piston. The flux bypass was located in the annulus. Except for the bypass features, all units were identical. All secondary flow features affect on the damping force at low piston velocities in particular. The experiment covered all key flow regimes of MR shock absorber operation from low speed to high speed. The results show that the proposed approach is capable of capturing key characteristics across the examined range of piston velocities and coil current levels.
What Evidence is Available on End-of-life (EOL) Care and Latino Elders? A Literature Review
Authors: Cruz-Oliver Dulce M. , Talamantes Melissa , Sanchez-Reilly Sandra
Published: March 2013

Background:

Low-income and minority persons, such as Latinos, encounter substantial barriers in accessing effective end-of-life (EOL) care. This study intends to review current evidence on how to deliver EOL care to Latino elders.

Methods:

Literature search in PubMed and Ovid Web sites of articles indexed in Medline (1948-2011), Cochrane (2005-2011), Embase, and PsychInfo (1967-2011) databases. Articles were included if they contained (1) study participants’ race/ethnicity, (2) adults or population older than 60 years, and (3) information related to EOL care.

Results:

A total of 64 abstracts were reviewed, and 38 articles met the inclusion criteria. After reviewing the quality of evidence, 4 themes were identified and summarized: EOL preferences, hospice, Latino culture, and caregiving.

Conclusion:

Latino elders have traditional acculturation practices, face EOL decisions with family support, and, if educated, are receptive toward hospice and caregiver support.
A Population-Based Survey on Perceptions of Opioid Treatment and Palliative Care Units
Authors: Igarashi Ayumi , Miyashita Mitsunori , Morita Tatsuya , Akizuki Nobuya , Akiyama Miki , Shirahige Yutaka , Eguchi Kenji
Published: March 2013

This study aimed to clarify the general public’s perceptions of opioids and palliative care units (PCUs) and explore factors related to such perceptions. A cross-sectional, anonymous questionnaire was administered to 8000 people. Although a majority agreed with positive perceptions of opioids and PCUs, some also agreed with negative perceptions, such as opioids are addictive and shorten life (28% and 27%, respectively). Multiregression analyses revealed that respondents with a better knowledge of PCUs had higher positive perceptions than those without such knowledge ( P <.001). The higher positive perceptions were associated with a higher sense of security regarding regional cancer care ( P < .001). Providing the general public with adequate knowledge about palliative care may improve perceptions of palliative care and the sense of security.
End-of-Life Care in a General Respiratory Ward in the United Kingdom
Authors: Tsim Selina , Davidson Scott
Published: March 2013

Introduction:

Patients with advanced chronic lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often have an unpredictable clinical course and a high symptom burden. Their prognosis is similar to that of patients with lung cancer.

Aim and Methods:

We retrospectively assessed end of life care in all patients who were admitted and subsequently died on a general respiratory ward in a central teaching hospital over a period of 11months (1st June 2010-1st May 2011). We compared our practice with guidelines set out in Living and Dying Well, a national action plan for palliative and end of life care in Scotland.

Results:

There were 66 deaths, data was obtained for 57 patients (86.4%). Patients with lung cancer had higher rates of recorded discussions regarding their prognosis in comparison to those with COPD (60%, n=9 vs. 8.3%, n=1 respectively). In addition, they had greater levels of in-patient palliative care involvement (50%, n= 7 vs. 0% respectively) and higher rates of recorded wishes end of life care destination (28.6%, n=4 vs. 8.3%, n=1 respectively). This is despite patients with lung cancer having a lower mean number of end of life clinical indicators (2.64 vs. 3.17 respectively) and a lower mean number of admissions in the 12months preceding death (1.67 vs. 4.08).

Conclusions:

Palliative care involvement and discussion of patients' end of life care wishes is poor in COPD. Timely and effective discussions regarding disease prognosis and patient wishes, including early consideration for initiating anticipatory care planning needs to be instituted.
Transition from Student to Teacher: Frameworks for Understanding Preservice Music Teacher Development
Authors: Miksza Peter , Berg Margaret H.
Published: March 2013

Research on preservice music teacher development has the potential to inform music teacher preparation curricula in several significant ways and ultimately serve to enhance the profession at large. Investigations drawing from robust frameworks that theorize how preservice music teachers develop can help researchers clarify epistemological assumptions and terms, delimit research problems in a meaningful way, inform approaches for dealing with data, and aid in developing lines of research that are addressing problems in the field in a complementary manner. The goals of this article are to (a) discuss the value of a research framework and the several ways one can conceptualize a framework, (b) briefly present several frameworks for studying teacher development that have been generated in the context of general education, and (c) describe some unique aspects of music teaching and music teaching contexts that could inform theoretical frameworks of preservice music teacher development.
Neuropsychological Deficits Are Not Predictive of Deficient Emotional Self-Regulation in Adults With ADHD
Authors: Surman Craig B. H. , Biederman Joseph , Spencer Thomas , Miller Carolyn A. , Petty Carter R. , Faraone Stephen V.
Published: March 2013

Objective: To investigate whether neuropsychological deficits account for the association between deficient emotional self-regulation (DESR) and ADHD. Method: DESR was identified in adults with and without ADHD who reported extreme frequency of items from the Barkley Current Behavior Scale (>95th percentile of control participants). A neuropsychological battery and structured diagnostic interview were administered to 113 adults with ADHD and DESR, 93 adults with ADHD without DESR, and 119 participants without ADHD or DESR. Results: Relative to adults with ADHD without DESR, adults with ADHD and DESR demonstrated lower scores on Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) arithmetic but no other significant differences in neuropsychological performance. Relative to adults without ADHD, both ADHD groups demonstrated lower scores across several measures of executive function. Conclusion: Our findings do not support the hypothesis that neuropsychological deficits are linked to DESR in adults with ADHD. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that DESR could be a manifestation of ADHD, but further study of alternate hypotheses is necessary to support this conclusion.
Determining the Accuracy of Self-Report Versus Informant-Report Using the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale
Authors: Alexander Lisa , Liljequist Laura
Published: March 2013

Objective: The present research examined the validity of self-report versus informant-report in relation to a performance-based indicator of adult ADHD. Method: Archival data from 118 participants (52 males, 66 females) were used to compare Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale–Self-Report: Long Format (CAARS-S:L) and Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale–Observer Report: Long Format (CAARS-O:L) with discrepancy scores calculated between the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Third Edition (WAIS-III) Verbal Comprehension Index – Working Memory Index (VCI – WMI) and Perceptual-Organizational Index – Processing Speed Index (POI – PSI) scaled scores. Results: Neither the self- nor informant-report formats of the CAARS were better predictors of discrepancies between WAIS-III Index scores. Intercorrelations between the CAARS-S:L and CAARS-O:L revealed generally higher correlations between the same scales of different formats and among scales measuring externally visible symptoms. Furthermore, regression analysis indicated that both the CAARS-S:L and CAARS-O:L clinical scales contributed a significant proportion of variance in WAIS-III VCI – WMI discrepancy scores (14.7% and 16.4%, respectively). Conclusion: Results did not establish greater accuracy of self-report versus informant-report of ADHD symptomatology, rather demonstrate the need for multimodal assessment of ADHD in adults.
Mortality from traumatic brain injury after reduction of alcohol prices: A population-based study from northern Finland
Authors: Puljula Jussi , Lesonen Saara , Kortelainen Marja-Leena , Juvela Seppo , Hillbom Matti
Published: March 2013

Aims: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death after trauma, and alcohol is a major risk factor for TBI. In Finland, alcohol taxes were cut by one third in 2004. This resulted in a marked increase of alcohol consumption. We investigated whether increased alcohol consumption influenced the number of fatal TBIs. Methods: All ( n = 318) fatal TBIs were identified from medico-legal reports during the years 1999, 2006 and 2007 among the residents of Oulu Province, Finland. Mortality rates were compared before and after alcohol price reduction. Alcohol involvement based on the presence of alcohol in body fluids and/or alcohol-related diseases recorded in death certificates. Results: The proportion of alcohol-related TBI deaths of all TBI deaths increased (from 1999 to 2007) among middle-aged people from 48% to 91% ( p = 0.001) but decreased among young adults from 74% to 41% ( p = 0.015). The overall TBI mortality rate did not increase. Fatal TBIs due to falls were significantly more commonly alcohol-related in 2006–2007 than in 1999 ( p = 0.003) and accumulated among middle-aged people. Conclusions: After the price reduction, alcohol-related fatal TBIs increased most among middle-aged people, and they were frequently caused by fall accidents. The reduction of alcohol prices did not increase the total number of fatal TBIs. Middle-aged and elderly subjects with TBI should be routinely asked for alcohol drinking and those with hazardous drinking habits should be guided for alcohol intervention.
Clostridium difficile contamination of public tap water distribution system during a waterborne outbreak in Finland
Authors: Kotila Saara M. , Pitkänen Tarja , Brazier Jon , Eerola Erkki , Jalava Jari , Kuusi Markku , Könönen Eija , Laine Janne , Miettinen Ilkka T. , Vuento Risto , Virolainen Anni
Published: March 2013

Aims: In November through December 2007, the drinking water distribution system in the town of Nokia, Finland, was contaminated with treated sewage effluent that resulted in a large gastroenteritis outbreak in the community. The aim of the present study was to investigate if the contaminated water in this outbreak was also a potential source of Clostridium difficile infections. Methods: Samples from the contaminated tap water and treated sewage effluent were collected. Stool samples from a portion of patients that fell ill during the outbreak were examined for C. difficile. PCR ribotyping was performed on toxin positive C. difficile isolates and the genetic profiles of the water and patient isolates were compared. Results: Twelve toxin-positive C. difficile isolates were found in water samples: five from contaminated tap water and seven from treated sewage effluent. Among these, four and five distinct PCR ribotype profiles were identified, respectively. Four PCR ribotype profiles were found among nine human faecal C. difficile isolates. Two isolates, one from tap water and one from a patient, had an indistinguishable PCR ribotype profile. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate for the first time C. difficile contamination of a tap water distribution system and waterborne transmission of toxigenic C. difficile seems possible.