bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Response of Northern Hemisphere Snow Cover to a Changing Climate*
Authors: Brown Ross D. , Mote Philip W.
Published: October 2008

A snowpack model sensitivity study, observed changes of snow cover in the NOAA satellite dataset, and snow cover simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 3 (CMIP3) multimodel dataset are used to provide new insights into the climate response of Northern Hemisphere (NH) snow cover. Under conditions of warming and increasing precipitation that characterizes both observed and projected climate change over much of the NH land area with seasonal snow cover, the sensitivity analysis indicated snow cover duration (SCD) was the snow cover variable exhibiting the strongest climate sensitivity, with sensitivity varying with climate regime and elevation. The highest snow cover–climate sensitivity was found in maritime climates with extensive winter snowfall—for example, the coastal mountains of western North America (NA). Analysis of trends in snow cover duration during the 1966–2007 period of NOAA data showed the largest decreases were concentrated in a zone where seasonal mean air temperatures were in the range of −5° to +5°C that extended around the midlatitudinal coastal margins of the continents. These findings were echoed by the climate models that showed earlier and more widespread decreases in SCD than annual maximum snow water equivalent (SWEmax), with the zone of earliest significant decrease located over the maritime margins of NA and western Europe. The lowest SCD–climate sensitivity was observed in continental interior climates with relatively cold and dry winters, where precipitation plays a greater role in snow cover variability. The sensitivity analysis suggested a potentially complex elevation response of SCD and SWEmax to increasing temperature and precipitation in mountain regions as a result of nonlinear interactions between the duration of the snow season and snow accumulation rates.
Turbulent Channel Flows on a Rotating Earth
Authors: Handler Robert A. , Mied Richard P. , Lindemann Gloria J. , Evans Thomas E.
Published: October 2008

This paper deals with flow in a rectilinear channel on a rotating earth. The flow is directed perpendicular to the background planetary vorticity; both an analytical theory and numerical simulations are employed. The analytical approach assumes the existence of an eddy viscosity and employs a perturbation expansion in powers of the reciprocal of the Rossby number (Ro). At lowest order, a cross-channel circulation arises because of the tilting of the planetary vorticity vector by the shear in the along-channel direction. This circulation causes a surface convergence, which achieves its maximum value at a channel aspect ratio (= width/depth) of approximately 10. The location of the maximum surface convergence moves from near the center of the channel to a position very near the sidewalls as the aspect ratio increases from O(1) to O(100). To include the effects of turbulence, direct numerical pseudospectral simulations of the equations of motion are employed. While holding the friction Reynolds number fixed at 230.27, a series of simulations with increasing rotation (Ro = ∞, 10, 1.0, 0.1) are performed. The channelwide circulation cell observed in the analytical theory occurs for the finite Rossby number, but is displaced by lateral self-advection. In addition, turbulence-driven corner circulations appear, which make the along-channel maximum velocity appear at a subsurface location. The most interesting effect is the segregation of the turbulence to one side of the channel, while the turbulence is suppressed on the opposite side.
Potential Vorticity Diagnosis of a Tropopause Polar Cyclone
Authors: Cavallo Steven M. , Hakim Gregory J.
Published: October 2008

Long-lived coherent vortices located near the tropopause are often found over polar regions. Although these vortices are a commonly observed feature of the Arctic, and can have lifetimes longer than one month, little is known about the mechanisms that control their evolution. This paper examines mechanisms of intensity change for a cyclonic tropopause polar vortex (TPV) using an Ertel potential vorticity (EPV) diagnostic framework. Results from a climatology of intensifying cyclonic TPVs suggest that the essential dynamics are local to the vortex, rather than a consequence of larger-scale processes. This fact motivates a case study using a numerical model to investigate the role of diabatic mechanisms in the growth and decay of a particular cyclonic vortex. A component-wise breakdown of EPV reveals that cloud-top radiational cooling is the primary diabatic mechanism that intensifies the TPV during the growth phase. Increasing amounts of moisture become entrained into the vortex core at later times near Hudson Bay, allowing the destruction of potential vorticity near the tropopause due to latent heat release to become comparable to the radiational tendency to create potential vorticity.
Efficient Parameterization of the Observation Error Covariance Matrix for Square Root or Ensemble Kalman Filters: Application to Ocean Altimetry
Authors: Brankart Jean-Michel , Ubelmann Clément , Testut Charles-Emmanuel , Cosme Emmanuel , Brasseur Pierre , Verron Jacques
Published: October 2008

In the Kalman filter standard algorithm, the computational complexity of the observational update is proportional to the cube of the number y of observations (leading behavior for large y). In realistic atmospheric or oceanic applications, involving an increasing quantity of available observations, this often leads to a prohibitive cost and to the necessity of simplifying the problem by aggregating or dropping observations. If the filter error covariance matrices are in square root form, as in square root or ensemble Kalman filters, the standard algorithm can be transformed to be linear in y, providing that the observation error covariance matrix is diagonal. This is a significant drawback of this transformed algorithm and often leads to an assumption of uncorrelated observation errors for the sake of numerical efficiency. In this paper, it is shown that the linearity of the transformed algorithm in y can be preserved for other forms of the observation error covariance matrix. In particular, quite general correlation structures (with analytic asymptotic expressions) can be simulated simply by augmenting the observation vector with differences of the original observations, such as their discrete gradients. Errors in ocean altimetric observations are spatially correlated, as for instance orbit or atmospheric errors along the satellite track. Adequately parameterizing these correlations can directly improve the quality of observational updates and the accuracy of the associated error estimates. In this paper, the example of the North Brazil Current circulation is used to demonstrate the importance of this effect, which is especially significant in that region of moderate ratio between signal amplitude and observation noise, and to show that the efficient parameterization that is proposed for the observation error correlations is appropriate to take it into account. Adding explicit gradient observations also receives a physical justification. This parameterization is thus proved to be useful to ocean data assimilation systems that are based on square root or ensemble Kalman filters, as soon as the number of observations becomes penalizing, and if a sophisticated parameterization of the observation error correlations is required.
Proposed Conceptual Taxonomy for Proper Identification and Classification of Tornado Events
Authors: Agee Ernest , Jones Erin
Published: October 2008

A practical approach is recommended for identifying and archiving tornado events, based on the use of definitions that label all vortices as either type I, II, or III tornadoes. This methodology will provide a more meaningful tornado climatology in Storm Data, which separates and classifies all vortices associated in any manner with cumuliform clouds. Tornadoes produced within the mesocyclone of discrete supercell storms, with strong local updrafts (SLUs), will be classified as type I tornadoes. Frequently, these type I tornadoes result from the interaction of the SLU with strong rear-flank downdrafts (RFDs), or with shear vortices in the PBL. Tornadoes produced in association with quasi-linear convective systems (QLCS) will be classified as type II tornadoes (including cold pool, rear-inflow jets, bookend, and mesovortex events along the line). All other vortex types (including landspouts, waterspouts, gustnadoes, cold air vortices, and tornadoes not associated with mesocyclones or QLCS) will be labeled as type III tornadoes. A general discussion is provided that further clarifies the differences and categorization of these three classifications (which encompass 15 tornado species), along with a recommendation that NOAA adopt this taxonomy in operational and data archiving practices. Radar analysis and field observations, combined with storm-scale meteorological expertise, should allow for the official “typing” of tornado reports by NOAA personnel. Establishment of such a climatological database in Storm Data may be of value in assessing the effects (if any) of twenty-first-century global warming on U.S. tornado trends.
Perception of Stigmatization in Forensic Patients With Schizophrenia
Authors: Margetić Branimir , Aukst-Margetić Branka , Ivanec Dragutin , Filipčić Igor
Published: October 2008

Background: The literature about perceived stigmatization of forensic patients with schizophrenia is sparse.

Aims: To examine relations between the perceived stigmatization of forensic patients with schizophrenia and the intensity of the symptoms, age, regular home visiting, kind of offence, perceived family support and duration of hospitalization.

Method: Sixty-two male forensic patients with schizophrenia were included. Perceived stigmatization was measured by the modified questions from the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II. Symptomatology was assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Perception of family support was assessed with a visual-analogue scale. Due to different characteristics of offences and possibilities for home visiting, patients were divided into groups of those who had committed violent and non-violent offences, and those with and without the possibility of regular home visiting.

Results: Symptoms have an impact on the perception of stigma. The kind of offence committed does not have a significant role in the perception of discrimination. Age was negatively correlated with the perception of stigma.

Conclusion: Results might have significance for a better understanding of social relations between forensic patients and their environment and provide us with information about institutionalized forms of stigma. Results might have implications for the treatment and the quality of life of these patients.
Predicting Transitory Mood From Physical Activity Level Among People With Severe Mental Illness in Two Cultures
Authors: Mccormick Bryan P. , Frey Georgia , Lee Chien-Tsung , Chun Sanghee , Sibthorp Jim , Gajic Tomislav , Stamatovic-Gajic Branka , Maksimovich Milena
Published: October 2008

Background: Previous studies have indicated that physical activity (PA) is positively related to health-related quality of life and well-being among people with severe mental illness (SMI). Physical activity is broadly defined in this research as any skeletal muscle movement resulting in energy expenditure, including common daily activities such as housework and gardening, as well as walking for transportation and formal exercise. Although the physical health benefits of PA are well documented, evidence suggests that PA provides psychological benefits as well.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to identify if PA level was associated with transitory mood in the everyday lives of people with SMI across two cultures.

Methods: Subjects were drawn through mental health centres in Serbia ( n = 12) and the USA ( n = 11). Data were collected using both experience sampling methodology and accelerometry. Data were analyzed using hierarchical linear modelling.

Results: Subjects demonstrated low levels of PA, which did not differ significantly between groups. Hierarchical analysis indicated that PA remained significantly positively associated with mood after accounting for individual variation, and this was consistent across groups.

Conclusions: This study reinforces previous findings that people with SMI demonstrate low PA levels generally. It also supports the consideration of physical activity interventions as a regular part of psychiatric rehabilitation. It appears that increased PA may have the potential to affect both physical health and mood among people with SMI.
How Central and Connected Am I in my Family? Bridging and Bonding Social Capital in Family Configurations of Young Adults With Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Widmer E.D. , Orita A. , Gauthier J.-A. , Sénac N. , Cucchia A.T. , Stekel K. , Grasset F.
Published: October 2008

Aims: This article explores the structures of relational resources that individuals with psychiatric disorders get from their family configurations using the concept of social capital.

Methods: The research is based on a sample of 54 individuals with psychiatric disorders and behavioural problems, and a comparison sample of 54 individuals without a clinical record matched to the clinical respondents for age and sex. Standard measures of social capital from social network methods are applied on family configurations of individuals from both samples. Differences are tested by variance analysis.

Results: Structures of family resources available to individuals with psychiatric disorders are distinct. Individuals with psychiatric disorders perceive themselves as less central in their family configurations and less connected to their family members. Their significant family members are perceived as less connected with each other. As a whole, their family configurations are smaller and do not include spouses or partners. Therefore bridging and bonding social capitals are not readily available for them.

Conclusion: As family configurations of individuals with psychiatric disorders provide fewer relational resources than other families, they are not able to deal with social integration of individuals with psychiatric disorders on their own.
Manufacturing and Properties of PLA Absorbable Surgical Suture
Authors: Lou Ching-Wen , Yao Chun-Hsu , Chen Yueh-Sheng , Hsieh Tsung-Chih , Lin Jia-Horng , Hsing Wen-Hao
Published: October 2008

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a polymer that has good biocompatibility, good biodegradability and excellent mechanical properties. The modulus of elasticity and the thermoplastic ability of PLA can satisfy the need for the carrier material of the cell to grow in bone tissue engineering, such as in regeneration and repair of bone and cartilage tissue. The PLA multifilament was twisted using different twisting parameters and a rotor-twister to fabricate United States Pharmacopoeia (U.S.P.) size 5-0 and 7-0 surgical sutures. The best tensile strengths were 3.1 and 12.3 N, and the coefficients of variation were 3.70% and 1.75%. The PLA suture was then scoured with 1 wt% sodium hydroxide to eliminate impurities, and the knot-pull strengths decreased to 1.66 and 6.84 N for 7-0 and 5-0 PLA sutures, respectively, but still conforming to the U.S.P. knot-pull strength standard. An in vitro hydrolysis test was performed at 37°C by immersing 5-0 PLA suture in physiological saline (0.9 wt% NaCl aqueous solution); the knot-pull strength decreased by 12% after 28 days.
On Convergence Point of the Two-strand Yarn Spinning
Authors: He Ji-Huan , Zhang Li-Na
Published: October 2008

The convergence point of two-strand yarn spinning was determined by the densities and velocities of two strands and the spun yarn, independent of their mechanical properties.
Introducing Social and Ethical Perspectives on Gene—Environment Research
Authors: Henderson Gail E.
Published: October 2008

Sociologists are increasingly involved with the design and execution of studies that examine the interplay between genes and environment, requiring expertise in measurement of both genetic and nongenetic factors. In addition, there are important lessons from a literature, heretofore directed primarily at medical geneticists and clinical researchers, that examines the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of the genomic revolution. This article introduces ELSI perspectives on the challenges that confront investigators who undertake gene—environment research and offers nine recommendations based on this literature. These challenges include assessing how genetic information is understood; minimizing potential risks of harm from participation in gene—environment research; and considering ethical aspects of variable selection, study design, dissemination of study findings, and whether to disclose genetic results to individual participants.
The Importance of Gene—Environment Interaction
Authors: North Kari E. , Martin Lisa J.
Published: October 2008

Given recent genetic advances, it is not surprising that genetics information is increasingly being used to improve health care. Thousands of conditions caused by single genes (Mendelian diseases) have been identified over the last century. However, Mendelian diseases are rare; thus, few individuals directly benefit from gene identification. In contrast, common complex diseases, such as obesity, breast cancer, and depression, directly affect many more individuals. Common complex diseases are caused by multiple genes, environmental factors, and/or interaction of genetic and environmental factors. This article provides a framework for the successful conduct of gene—environment studies. To accomplish this goal, the basic study designs and procedures of implementation for gene—environment interaction are described. Next, examples of gene—environment interaction in obesity epidemiology are reviewed. Last, the authors review reasons why epidemiological studies that incorporate gene—environment interaction have been unable to demonstrate statistically significant interactions and why conflicting results are reported.
How Is a Statistical Link Established Between a Human Outcome and a Genetic Variant?
Authors: Guang Guo  , Adkins Daniel E.
Published: October 2008

The objective of this article is to provide a nontechnical and intuitive introduction to the basic concepts and techniques that are used to establish statistical connections between genetic variants and human phenotypes. Depressive symptoms and delinquent behaviors that are of interest to sociologists are a subset of such human phenotypes. This article focuses on basic linkage analysis and association studies, the essential ideas behind the methods, and a very limited amount of molecular genetics needed for understanding the ideas. The article is written with those social scientists in mind who are interested in the topic but not yet ready to engage the vast and rapidly developing primary literature (journal articles).
Pharmacokinetics of Budesonide and Formoterol Administered Via 1 Pressurized Metered‐Dose Inhaler in Patients With Asthma and COPD
Authors: Tronde Ann , Gillen Michael , Borgström Lars , Lötvall Jan , Ankerst Jaro
Published: October 2008

In 3 open‐label studies, the systemic bioavailability of budesonide and formoterol administered via pressurized metered‐dose inhaler (pMDI) or dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations was evaluated in asthma (24 children, 55 adults) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; n =26) patients. Treatments were administered at doses high enough to estimate pharmacokinetic parameters reliably. Two of the studies included an experimental budesonide pMDI formulation. In study 1 (asthma, adults), budesonide area under the curve (AUC) was 32% and 31% lower and maximal budesonide concentration (Cmax) 45% and 56% lower after budesonide/formoterol pMDI and budesonide pMDI versus budesonide DPI. Formoterol AUC and Cmax were 13% and 39% lower after budesonide/formoterol pMDI versus formoterol DPI. In study 2 (asthma, children), budesonide AUC and Cmax were 27% and 41% lower after budesonide/formoterol pMDI versus budesonide DPI + formoterol DPI. In study 3 (COPD/asthma, adults), budesonide AUC and Cmax were similar and formoterol AUC and Cmax 18% and 22% greater after budesonide/formoterol pMDI versus budesonide pMDI + formoterol DPI (COPD). Budesonide and formoterol AUC were 12% and 15% higher in COPD versus asthma patients. In conclusion, systemic exposure generally is similar or lower with budesonide/formoterol pMDI versus combination therapy via separate DPIs or monotherapy and comparable between asthma and COPD patients.
Pharmacokinetics of Amlodipine and Olmesartan After Administration of Amlodipine Besylate and Olmesartan Medoxomil in Separate Dosage Forms and as a Fixed‐Dose Combination
Authors: Rohatagi Shashank , Lee James , Shenouda Magdy , Haworth Stephen , Bathala Mohinder Singh , Allison Mark , Rubets Igor , Heyrman Reinilde , Noveck Robert , Salazar Daniel E.
Published: October 2008

The pharmacokinetics of amlodipine and olmesartan in healthy volunteers after coadministration of amlodipine besylate and olmesartan medoxomil concomitantly as separate dosage forms and together in a fixed‐dose combination tablet were characterized in 5 phase I, randomized, crossover studies. The mean steady‐state pharmacokinetics of amlodipine and olmesartan were similar when olmesartan medoxomil 40 mg/day and amlodipine 10 mg/day were administered separately or concomitantly for 10 days. The total and maximum exposure to amlodipine and olmesartan after administration of fixed‐dose combination amlodipine/olmesartan medoxomil 10 mg/40 mg was bioequivalent to amlodipine 10 mg plus olmesartan medoxomil 40 mg. The ratio of least squares mean and 90% confidence intervals for the area under the drug concentration‐time curve from time zero to time t, from time zero to infinity, and the maximum observed plasma drug concentration of amlodipine and olmesartan fell within the prespecified range for bioequivalence (80.0%‐125.0%). The area under the drug concentration‐time curve from time zero to time t, from time zero to infinity, and the maximum observed plasma drug concentration of both drugs also met the prespecified criterion for bioequivalence when the fixed‐dose combination tablet was taken 30 minutes after a high‐fat breakfast. Total exposure to amlodipine and olmesartan was dose‐proportional after administration of olmesartan medoxomil 10 mg to 40 mg in the fixed‐dose combination formulation with amlodipine 5 mg to 10 mg. From a pharmacokinetic perspective, the 2 drugs are well suited to coadministration in a fixed‐dose combination.
Cost Analysis of Parenteral Nutrition Regimens in the Intensive Care Unit: Three‐Compartment Bag System vs Multibottle System
Authors: Menne Roland , Adolph Michael , Brock Elisabeth , Schneider Heinz , Senkal Metin
Published: October 2008

Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) can be administered with separate bottles or as commercially prepared all‐in‐one systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall cost of PN using the 3‐compartment bag vs standard multibottle system. Methods: Overall costs of hospital PN were calculated from expenditures (solutions, consumable items, and staff costs). Time that staff spent preparing the PN was measured to determine personnel costs; bottom‐up costing was used to assign a monetary value. Standard treatment algorithms of a 10‐day course of PN for a standard 70‐kg patient were specified for both systems. One‐way sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the model's conclusions. Results: The daily total cost of the 3‐compartment bag system was €42.26 per patient whereas the total cost of the separate bottle system was €51.62, resulting in a cost saving of €9.36 per patient with the 3‐compartment bag system. For 10 days of treatment, PN costs €422.51 per patient for the 3‐compartment system vs €516.16 for the multibottle system. Sensitivity analyses showed that the difference in costs between the 2 systems was maintained in the face of changes in patients' nutrition requirements and personnel costs. Conclusions: The costs associated with PN using a 3‐compartment bag system were lower than those associated with a multibottle system. Given the established therapeutic equivalence of the 2 systems, this study shows the 3‐compartment bag system to be the system of choice to reduce costs.
Inflammation: Roles in Aging and Sarcopenia
Authors: Jensen Gordon L.
Published: October 2008

Aging is associated with inflammatory chronic conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and arthritis. Sarcopenia—muscle loss with aging—is multifactorial with contributing factors that may include loss of α‐motor neuron input, changes in anabolic hormones, decreased intake of dietary protein, and decline in physical activity. Research findings suggest that sarcopenia is a smoldering inflammatory state driven by cytokines and oxidative stress. Elevated levels of interleukin‐6 and C‐reactive protein are often detected. Sarcopenic obesity manifests the added inflammatory burden of adiposity and associated adipokines. Potential interventions for sarcopenia include nutritional supplements, physical activity/resistance exercise, caloric restriction, anabolic hormones, anti‐inflammatory agents, and antioxidants. A key question is whether sarcopenia is truly a distinct syndrome or a milder form of a cachexia continuum.
Nutrition and Age‐Associated Inflammation: Implications for Disease Prevention
Authors: Meydani Simin Nikbin , Wu Dayong
Published: October 2008

Accumulating evidence suggests that aging is associated with dysregulated immune and inflammatory responses. Investigation into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon suggests that an up‐regulated cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 expression, and resulting increase in production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), is a critical factor. Macrophages from old mice have significantly higher levels of PGE2 production compared with those from young mice, a result of increased COX‐2 expression and protein levels leading to increased COX enzyme activity. Furthermore, studies suggest that the age‐associated increase in macrophage PGE2 production is due to ceramide‐induced up‐regulation of nuclear factor‐κ B activation. Such processes may also occur in cell types other than macrophages, lending further insight into potential mechanisms of age‐related diseases. Moreover, the excess PGE2 induces harmful effects in other cell types such as T cells and adipocytes through the negative crosstalk between macrophages with other cells, resulting in further increased susceptibility to diseases. Nutrient/dietary medications, such as antioxidants and certain lipids have suggested a promising route to reduce the age‐related increase in COX activity and PGE2 production that is associated with several disease states.
Successful Breastfeeding With Breast Malformations
Authors: Faridi M.M.A. , Dewan Pooja
Published: October 2008

Congenital and acquired malformations of the breast can present with difficulty in breastfeeding. The authors report on 3 mothers of Indian origin who successfully breastfed their babies after appropriate counseling despite having different breast malformations. One of the mothers had bilateral ectopic axillary breasts but was able to breastfeed after expressing them. The other 2 mothers had burns scars over the chest and breasts, with a flat nipple in 1 of them, and a psychological barrier was seen in both of them. Both mothers were able to successfully breastfeed after counseling and some practical help. J Hum Lact. 24(4):446-450.
Breastfeeding and Australian GP Registrars—Their Knowledge and Attitudes
Authors: Brodribb Wendy , Fallon Anthony , Jackson Claire , Hegney Desley
Published: October 2008

The aim of this study was to identify the breastfeeding attitudes and knowledge of a sample of Australian general practice (GP) registrars and investigate how confident and effective they thought their interactions with breastfeeding women were. Between February and May 2007, a 90-item questionnaire containing demographic, attitude, and knowledge items was distributed to final-year Australian GP registrars. The mean attitude score (5 = maximum score) was 3.99. The mean knowledge score (5 = maximum score) was 3.40, indicating some degree of breastfeeding knowledge. However, 40% of the knowledge items were answered incorrectly by the majority of participants. Approximately 40% of the cohort were confident and thought they were effective assisting breastfeeding women. Having more than 26 weeks personal experience with breastfeeding (self or partner) increased breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and effectiveness. Further targeted training is needed to improve Australian GP registrars' breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and effectiveness. J Hum Lact. 24(4):422-430.
An Assessment of the Impact of Breastfeeding Clinic Attendance on Women's Breastfeeding Experiences
Authors: Lamontagne Caroline , Hamelin Anne-Marie , St-Pierre Monik
Published: October 2008

Breastfeeding clinics aim to increase breastfeeding duration and diminish breastfeeding difficulties. Actual improvement in the duration and satisfaction of the breastfeeding experience for women using these clinics remains unknown. This observational study assessed the impact of a Québec City breastfeeding clinic's interventions on breastfeeding duration and satisfaction among women experiencing breastfeeding difficulties in comparison with women who did not receive clinic services. The study surveyed 86 women using telephone questionnaires and semistructured interviews. After adjusted logistic regression analysis, women who attended the clinic had a higher probability of breastfeeding for at least 6 months (odds ratio [OR] = 4.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.35-13.96) than women from the comparison group. They also had a higher probability of being satisfied with their breastfeeding experience (OR = 4.17; 95% CI = 1.31-13.22). Physical and moral support could explain this influence. Larger studies on breastfeeding clinics are needed to confirm their role in enhancing breastfeeding duration and satisfaction. J Hum Lact. 25(1):42-54.
Perceived Incentives and Barriers to Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Periurban Ghanaian Women
Authors: Otoo Gloria E. , Lartey Anna A. , Pérez-Escamilla Rafael
Published: October 2008

Focus group discussions were conducted to elicit the perceived incentives and barriers to exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana. Thirty-five breastfeeding women were recruited from the Manya and Yilo Krobo districts of the eastern region. Participants had a mean age of 27.5 years and had at least one child < 4 months old. Almost all of the participants believed that exclusive breastfeeding is the superior infant feeding method and should be practiced for the first 6 months postpartum. However, there was widespread belief that infants can be given water if it is clean. Mothers reported that exclusive breastfeeding was easier when breast milk began to flow soon after delivery. The main obstacles to exclusive breastfeeding identified were maternal employment, breast and nipple problems, perceived milk insufficiency, and pressure from family. Addressing the concerns put forward by these participants can be used to enhance exclusive breastfeeding promotion in this region. J Hum Lact. 25(1):34-41.
Reasons for In-Hospital Formula Supplementation of Breastfed Infants From Low-Income Families
Authors: Tender Jennifer A. F. , Janakiram Jayarsi , Arce Elda , Mason Rubina , Jordan Talita , Marsh Jennifer , Kin Sarah , Jianping He  , Moon Rachel Y.
Published: October 2008

In-hospital formula supplementation of breastfed infants negatively impacts breastfeeding duration. Infants from low-income families have some of the lowest exclusive breastfeeding rates in the United States. The objectives of this study were to identify (1) reasons low-income breastfeeding mothers begin in-hospital formula supplementation and (2) risk factors for in-hospital formula supplementation. We surveyed 150 low-income mothers in a Washington, DC, clinic. Sixty percent had initiated breastfeeding, and 78% of these breastfed infants received formula supplementation in the hospital. There was no clear medical need for supplementation for 87% of the breastfed infants receiving supplementation. Infants of mothers who did not attend a prenatal breastfeeding class were almost 5 times more likely to receive in-hospital formula supplementation than those infants whose mothers had attended a class (OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 1.05-21.14). Improved knowledge about breastfeeding among nursing and medical providers is important to minimize unnecessary formula supplementation for breastfed infants. J Hum Lact. 25(1):11-17.
A Mosaic of Visions, Daydreams, and Memories
Authors: Broadfoot Kirsten J. , Cockburn Tom , Cockburn-Wootten Cheryl , do Carmo Reis Maria , Gautam Dhruba K. , Malshe Anuradha , Munshi Debashish , Nelson-Marsh Natalie , Zakari Okwori Jenkeri , Simpson Mary , Srinivas Nidhi
Published: October 2008

This collaboratively multiauthored essay presents diverse tales of organizing and communicative practices in our global context. Authors from India, Nepal, Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, the United States, and Nigeria present individual contributions that coalesce around three clear thematic concerns regarding issues of organizing and communicating: (1) silence and voice, (2) the limits and consequences of linguistic and theoretical translations, and (3) the communal considerations of research politics and participation. The essay concludes with communal reflections on how it is that in attempting to engage with diversity we begin to see remarkable similarities not only in expressing a desire to be heard but also in making a commitment to let others be heard, not only in breaking boundaries and building alliances but also in moving towards a collective, inclusive, and participative conceptualization of the myriad shapes of organizing and communicating that exist in the contemporary global context.
School-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adolescent Depression
Authors: Shirk Stephen R. , Kaplinski Heather , Gudmundsen Gretchen
Published: October 2008

The current study evaluated cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adolescent depression delivered in health clinics and counseling centers in four high schools. Outcomes were benchmarked to results from prior efficacy trials. Fifty adolescents diagnosed with depressive disorders were treated by eight doctoral-level psychologists who followed a manual-guided, 12-session, individual CBT protocol. Referred adolescents presented with high rates of comorbidity, traumatic experiences, and prior suicide attempts. Posttreatment response to school-based CBT (64%) was comparable to results obtained in efficacy trials. On average, symptom reduction in this school-based study was similar to prior efficacy trials, exceeded results from an efficacy trial using the original manual, and exceeded results from a prior school-based CBT trial. Examination of predictors of symptom change and treatment response showed that life stress, trauma history, and depressive symptom severity were negatively associated with outcomes. Results suggest that school-based CBT is a relatively robust treatment for adolescent depression across gender, age, and ethnic groups as well as for adolescents with varied patterns of comorbidity.
Time to Leave Substantiation Behind
Authors: Kohl Patricia L. , Jonson-Reid Melissa , Drake Brett
Published: October 2008

Data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being, a national probability study of children and families investigated for child maltreatment, were analyzed to answer the question: Do substantiated and unsubstantiated cases differ in rates of recidivism over 36 months? Recidivism was classified as (a) any re-reports, (b) substantiated re-reports and (c) subsequent foster care placements. Bivariate (survivor functions estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method) and multivariate (Cox regression modeling) analyses were conducted. The results revealed that risk of recidivism was similar regardless of substantiation status of the index investigation. We suggest that the substantiation label be removed from field use. Instead, we suggest that agencies record service needs in the families they serve, and also record whether or not the family meets criteria for referral to the family court. These would be far more practical and meaningful ways to measure child welfare services.
Child Maltreatment Among Asian Americans
Authors: Fuhua Zhai  , Qin Gao
Published: October 2008

This article systematically reviews the characteristics of child maltreatment among Asian Americans and provides a theoretical explanatory framework. The reported rate of child maltreatment among Asian Americans is disproportionately low. A high rate of physical abuse and low rates of neglect and sexual abuse are found among Asian American victims. Some protective factors (e.g., the emphasis on family harmony and reputation and the indulgence to infants and toddlers) may lead to low probability of child maltreatment among Asian Americans. Some others (e.g., parental authority and beliefs in physical punishment) may be risk factors of child maltreatment, especially physical abuse. Meanwhile, many other coexisting factors (e.g., children's obedience to parents and families' invisibility to authorities) may prohibit child maltreatment from being disclosed. Therefore, the overall low reported rate of child maltreatment among Asian Americans may be a combination of low incidence and underreporting. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Differential Relationships Between Personal and Community Stressors and Children’s Neurocognitive Functioning
Authors: Fishbein Diana , Warner Tara , Krebs Christopher , Trevarthen Nancy , Flannery Barbara , Hammond Jane
Published: October 2008

Early adversity can alter development of neurocognition, including executive cognitive and emotional regulatory functions. This is the first study to explore differential relationships between personal (physical and emotional abuse and neglect, school and parental stressors) and community (neighborhood problems and witnessing neighborhood violence) stressors and neurocognition. Predominantly Latino children ( n = 553) aged 10 to 12 years completed tasks measuring intelligence, impulsivity, problem solving, cognitive flexibility, decision making, and emotion attributions. Adjusting for age and parent education, bivariate regression analyses found exposure to personal stressors to be associated with relative deficits in at least one neurocognitive function. Community stressors were related to relative deficits in emotion attributions and problem solving. In multivariate analyses, neglect was related to misattributions of emotion and IQ deficits, and physical abuse was related to problem solving. Community stressors were not correlated with neurocognition when viewed relative to personal stressors. Stressor types were differentially associated with performance on specific neurocognitive tasks.
Speed of Language Comprehension is Impaired in ADHD
Authors: Wassenberg Renske , Hendriksen Jos G. M. , Hurks Petra P. M. , Feron Frans J. M. , Vles Johan S. H. , Jolles Jelle
Published: October 2008

Objective: Children with ADHD have an increased risk of poor academic performance. It is important to identify cognitive processes that may be related to this academic failure. In Western schooling systems, especially language processing skills may be of relevance. The present study, therefore, compares the ability to comprehend complex sentences of individuals with and without ADHD. Method: Fifteen children (aged 8-11) and 15 adolescents (aged 12-16) with ADHD combined subtype are matched for age, gender, and parental level of education to 30 control subjects. Language comprehension is measured using the neuropsychological procedure proposed by Luria and an adapted version of the Token Test. Results: Compared with the control group, children and adolescents with ADHD perform significantly slower on language comprehension tasks. Differences in accuracy are limited. No interaction between age and ADHD is found. Conclusions: Children and adolescents with ADHD are slower and less efficient than matched control subjects with regard to complex sentence comprehension. ( J. of Att. Dis. 2010; 13(4) 374-385)
Contemporary Political Theories of the European City
Authors: De Frantz Monika
Published: October 2008

While political economic perspectives of urban globalization tend to generalize the economic pressures upon socio-political transformations of cities, recent European research has stressed the institutional context of urban collective action. However, the structural bias of the European city model merely complements the criticized economization by a culturalist essentialization of urbanity, and thus fails to conceptualize political agency. In order to elaborate the theoretical foundations of a political counterhypothesis to urban globalization, this article clarifies the different historical and normative conceptions of institutional structure and agency in the urban context. Most research of cities implies — more or less implicitly — a common urban ideal which associates centrality with a local integration potential of plural societies. However, distinguishing between a historically embedded empirical category, a normative model of public space, and an analytical ideal-type of political agency helps to overcome the static structural conception of an essentially European urban culture and problematizes the role of knowledge models in reflectively constructing urban realities. Therefore, a dynamic and contextual relation between political economic functions, historic heritage, and normative frames might contribute to an open-ended comparative framework of urban collective action that can be applied to any ordinary city across and beyond Europe.
The Narration of Europe in `National' and `Post-national' Terms
Authors: Antonsich Marco
Published: October 2008

Among scholars and intellectuals, Europe is often celebrated as a postnational space, i.e. a space built around cosmopolitan values rather than culturally and/or ethnically specific factors. This view is also often sketched in normative terms, being rarely based on what people actually think of this post-national Europe. The present article essays to fill this gap, by focusing on two post-national questions: is European identity constructed in the absence of an Other? Does Europe stand for the separation of the `cultural' from the `political'? Relying on qualitative information collected in four regional case studies in Western Europe, this article maintains that the `postnational' view finds expression also among people. Yet, it coexists with a `national' view, which continues to shape how people see themselves and the world, Europe included. The article argues that it is exactly in the interaction, at times contradictory, between these two views that the normative idea of Europe as a post-national space should be analysed.
Work and the Precarisation of Existence
Authors: Deranty Jean-Philippe
Published: October 2008

This article aims to present a new perspective on contemporary debates about the transformations of work and employment, and their impacts on individuals and communities, by focusing on the writings of Christophe Dejours. Basically, the article attempts to show that Dejours' writings make a significant contribution to contemporary social theory. This might seem like an odd claim to make, since Dejours' main training was in psychoanalysis and his main activity is the clinical, psychiatric study of pathologies linked to work. However, in the course of his career, Dejours has greatly extended this initial clinical interest, and by integrating insights from philosophy and other social sciences, has developed a highly sophisticated and consistent theoretical model of work. Starting from a narrow psychopathological focus, Dejours has gradually developed a full-blown theoretical defence of the centrality of work. The article outlines the main features of Dejours' metapsychological model, and the structuring role played by work in his theory of subjective identity. This allows us to outline the originality of his approach by comparison with some of the most significant current accounts of the impact of transformations of work and employment conditions upon individuals and societies, notably Honneth, Castel and Sennett.
Systemic functional-multimodal discourse analysis (SF-MDA): constructing ideational meaning using language and visual imagery
Authors: O'Halloran Kay L .
Published: October 2008

The systemic functional (SF) approach to multimodal discourse analysis (MDA) is concerned with the theory and practice of analysing meaning arising from the use of multiple semiotic resources in discourses which range from written, printed and electronic texts to material lived-in reality. The SF-MDA approach developed in this article explores the meaning arising through the use of language and visual imagery in printed texts. This involves investigation of linguistic and visual forms of semiosis, and formulation of cross-functional systems such as colour. An integrative platform based on the SF metafunctional principle is proposed, and intersemiotic mechanisms and systems (content and expression strata) are developed to capture the expansion of meaning which occurs when linguistic and visual forms combine. The SF-MDA approach is demonstrated through the analysis of ideational meaning in a print advertisement. The practical approach involves the use of digital technology in the form of image-editing software which gives rise to a more detailed semantic and ideological interpretation. The analysis reveals how metaphorical constructions of meaning (i.e. semiotic metaphors) take place across linguistic and visual elements.
A lesson to be learned or `Take a walk on the wild side'
Authors: Wagner Karin
Published: October 2008

This article analyses an advertisement postcard issued by a mountain bike company to promote a safe riding style. Instead of conveying a straightforward didactic message about safety, the card is shown to be quite ambiguous. The discourse concerning extreme sports and mountain biking in particular is explored through internet sources such as discussion forums. This discourse revolves around the capacity to face danger and endure pain, which is an important factor in the progression from boyhood to manhood. The theoretical background of the article is gender theory and masculinity studies and the roots of the structure of the postcard are traced back to 19th-century children's literature. In conclusion, some suggestions are made about how the message of the postcard could have been made less ambiguous.