bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 1232-YEAR TREE-RING RECORD OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY IN THE QILIAN MOUNTAINS, NORTHWESTERN CHINA
Authors: Zhang Yong , Gou Xiaohua , Chen Fahu , Tian Qinhua , Yang Meilin , Peng Jianfeng , Fang Keyan
Published: March 2013

A millennium-long tree-ring width chronology for the middle Qilian
Mountains in northwestern China has been developed back to A.D. 775. Correlation analysis indicates that the tree-ring width reflects growingseason moisture variability. Our chronology reveals three distinct periods based on the prevailing moisture anomalies: A.D. 775–1101 (wetness persistence), 1101–1831 (dryness persistence) and 1831–2006 (wetness persistence). A 31-year running mean through the tree-ring index series clearly shows seven obvious dry spells and eight wet spells. Compared with the proxies associated with the East Asian monsoon and the westerlies in the past millennium, our moisture-sensitive tree-ring chronology revealed that the East Asian summer monsoon had a strong influence on tree growth before A.D. 1300. From about A.D. 1450–1750, the westerlies strongly affected the Qilian Mountains. After A.D. 1750, a combined influence of both East Asian monsoon and westerlies was apparent. In the past century, the effect of westerlies has become stronger. Our results suggest that tree rings can preserve the information on the advance and retreats of the westerlies and the East Asian summer monsoon. Additionally, this research is helpful for understanding the driving mechanism of the Asian monsoon and the westerlies in northwestern China over the past thousand years.
MAY-JUNE MEAN TEMPERATURE RECONSTRUCTION OVER THE PAST 300 YEARS BASED ON TREE RINGS IN THE QILIAN MOUNTAINS OF THE NORTHEASTERN TIBETAN PLATEAU
Authors: Tian Qinhua , Gou Xiaohua , Zhang Yong , Wang Yongsheng , Fan Zexin
Published: March 2013

A juniper (Juniperus przewalskii Kom.; synonym: Sabina przewalskii) tree-ring width chronology was developed to investigate the regional climate variability for the Qilian Mountains. Statistically, the chronology was appropriate for reconstructing the regional mean temperature of May-June from A.D.1700 to the present. The phenomenon of synchronous extremely high temperatures and extreme droughts in the 1920s was revealed by comparing our reconstruction with drought events in this region. Multi-taper spectral analysis indicated the existence of significant low- and high-frequency periods (40–46 years, 34, 23–25, 5.6, 2.1, 2.5–2.8 years). Overall, the study not only extended the temperature record, but also provided reliable long-term temperature information to help understand the possible forcing of climate changes in the Qilian Mountains.
VARIATION OF RADIAL GROWTH PATTERNS IN TREES ALONG THREE ALTITUDINAL TRANSECTS IN NORTH CENTRAL CHINA
Authors: Fang Keyan , Gou Xiaohua , Levia Delphis F. , Li Jinbao , Zhang Fen , Liu Xiuju , He Maosheng , Zhang Yong , Peng Jianfeng
Published: March 2013

Fourteen tree-ring width chronologies were developed along three altitudinal gradients for three mountain ranges in arid north central China. The chronology statistics, combined with results of a rotated principle component analysis (RPCA), suggest that physiological gradients play a more important role in determining tree-growth patterns than altitudinal gradients. As indicated by climate-growth relationships, temperature is mainly related to the low-frequency tree-ring variability, while precipitation is more influential on the high-frequency tree-ring variability. At the low-frequency band, chronologies across species from lower and upper forest limits were generally well correlated, except at the upper site of the Xinglong Mountain. It is plausible that similar temperature-shaped climate-growth relationships in the low-frequency domain may lead to similar growth patterns at this frequency band. Regarding the differing results for the Xinglong Mountain, our interpretation is that the changed growth patterns resulted from the varying climate-growth correlation patterns along the larger altitudinal gradients. The temperature and precipitation limitations for tree growth decrease along the increasing altitudinal gradients.
TREE-RING DATING OF COFFIN WOODS FROM NAEHEUNG-DONG IN GUNSAN, SOUTH KOREA
Authors: Park Won-Kyu , Lee Kwang-Hee
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this study was to date, using tree rings, wooden coffins which were excavated from graves located in Naeheung-dong, Gunsan city, in the western coastal area of South Korea. The species of wood used for the coffins was identified to belong to the diploxylon group of the genus Pinus, most likely Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc.), one of the major conifers growing in Korea. From thirteen graves, six were successfully dated by a master chronology of Japanese red pine for Korea. Due to the absence of bark rings or the cambial surface (waney edge), the number of sapwood rings had to be estimated to obtain the likely cutting dates. The cutting dates of six coffins were estimated to be from A.D. 1643 ±10 to 1660 ±10. These tree-ring dates were at least 100 years younger than expected for this type of graves by archeologists.
Successful Leadership in High-Needs Schools
Authors: Klar Hans W. , Brewer Curtis A.
Published: March 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the ways principals in three high-needs middle schools enacted core leadership practices in concert with their immediate contexts to institutionalize comprehensive school reforms and support student learning. Research Methods: The schools were selected from a geographically stratified sample of public middle schools in a state in the southeastern United States. Multiple linear regression was used to identify schools performing better than expected considering their levels of poverty and other school-related factors. The final three schools, one from each geographic region, showed steady increases in academic achievement and school climate following the arrival of their principals. Data were primarily collected from interviews with principals, teaching and nonteaching staff, and parents using protocols adapted from the International Successful School Principalship Project. Findings: The findings explicate the large degree to which the leadership practices and beliefs that influenced student achievement in these schools were adapted to and commensurate with each school’s immediate context. Furthermore, they illustrate how principals used these practices to institutionalize school-wide reform efforts as vehicles for leading change within their schools. Implications: The findings substantiate research on successful school leadership in high-needs middle schools. They also extend this research by examining the way core transformational and instructional leadership practices can be adapted to suit various school contexts and institutionalize school-wide reform efforts to enhance student learning. Further research is required to understand how principals decide to adapt their leadership practices, and how aspiring leaders can best learn to do so.
Addressing Elementary School Teachers’ Professional Stressors
Authors: Stauffer Sarah D. , Mason Erin C. M.
Published: March 2013

Purpose: Given the preponderance of education reform since the No Child Left Behind Act (U.S. Department of Education, 2001), reform efforts have shaped the nature of the work and culture in schools. The emphasis on standardized testing to determine schools’ status and student performance, among other factors, has generated stress, particularly for teachers. Therefore, district and school administrators are encouraged to consider the contextual factors that contribute to teacher stress to address them and to retain high-performing teachers. Research Methods/Approach: Participants were recruited from two types of schools in order to test hypotheses related to directional responding as a function of working in a more challenging (high-priority) or less challenging (non-high-priority) school environment. We employed content analysis to analyze 64 suburban elementary school teachers’ free-responses to a prompt regarding their stress as teachers. We cross-analyzed our findings through external auditing to bolster trustworthiness in the data and in the procedure. Findings: Teachers reported personal and contextual stressors. Herein, we reported concrete examples of the five categories of contextual stressors teachers identified: political and educational structures, instructional factors, student factors, parent and family factors, and school climate. We found directional qualities and overlapping relationships in the data, partially confirming our hypotheses. Implications for Research and Practice: We offer specific recommendations for practical ways in which school administrators might systemically address teacher stress based on the five categories of stressors reported by participants. We also suggest means of conducting action research to measure the effects of implemented suggestions.
Finite time H∞ filtering for uncertain discrete-time switching systems
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad N , Xiao Jian , Xiang Weiming
Published: March 2013

The concept of finite-time stability (FTS) has gained much attention from researchers in recent years, after the emergent utilization of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) in the field of control systems. In this paper, FTS and finite-time boundedness (FTB) analysis and synthesis procedure for a ‘finite-time H∞ filter’ for discrete-time switching systems are presented. Assuming the external disturbance to be energy bounded, sufficient conditions for the designated H∞ filter-based system to be finite-time stable are proposed. Considering dwell-time switching, average and minimum dwell time in terms of ‘finite-time’ system parameters has been formulated. Furthermore, these results are extended to uncertain switching system, by assuming the switching system subject to norm-bounded parameter uncertainties. The intended filter design steps have been demonstrated for both certain and uncertain system models. A cost function is introduced and then a parametric optimization algorithm is devised to calculate optimal filter parameters and present the derived results in LMI form. Numerical design examples are presented at the end to demonstrate the results.
Adaptive fuzzy approach for non-linearity compensation in MEMS gyroscope
Authors: Juan Wanru , Fei Juntao
Published: March 2013

In the practical control of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) gyroscopes, dead-zone non-linearity often exists, which has negative influence on the resolution and performance of the gyroscope system. System non-linearities are inevitable in actual MEMS gyroscopes and require the controller to be either adaptive or robust to these non-linearities. In this paper, an adaptive fuzzy compensator is designed to compensate the dead-zone non-linearities for MEMS gyroscope. A fuzzy logic system is used for dead-zone non-linear switching function and an optimal algorithm is designed to make the dead-zone compensator to tune the parameters adaptively. The closed-loop stability can be guaranteed with the proposed adaptive fuzzy dead-zone compensation. Simulation results demonstrate that the tracking error can be attenuated efficiently and robustness of the control system can be improved with the proposed adaptive fuzzy non-linearity compensator.
Synthesis of a fractional PI controller for a first-order time delay system
Authors: Hafsi Sami , Laabidi Kaouther , Farkh Rihem
Published: March 2013

This paper considers the problem of stabilizing a first-order plants with known time delay using a fractional-order proportional–integral controller [Formula: see text]. Using a generalization of the Hermite–Biehler theorem applicable to quasi-polynomials, a complete analytical characterization of all stabilizing gain values ([Formula: see text]) is provided. The widespread industrial use of fractional PI controllers justifies a timely interest in [Formula: see text] tuning techniques.
Optimal distributed control of a nonlinear viscous dispersive wave equation for unidirectional propagation of a long wave
Authors: Sun Bing
Published: March 2013

This paper is concerned with an optimal distributed control problem of a nonlinear viscous dispersive wave equation that approximately describes the unidirectional propagation of long waves. By the Dubovitskii and Milyutin functional analytical approach, we prove the Pontryagin maximum principle of the investigational system. The necessary condition for optimality is established for the controlled object in a fixed final horizon case and, subsequently, a remark on the applicability of the obtained results is made for the illustration.
Incidental Experiences of Affective Coherence and Incoherence Influence Persuasion
Authors: Huntsinger Jeffrey R.
Published: March 2013

When affective experiences are inconsistent with activated evaluative concepts, people experience what is called affective incoherence; when affective experiences are consistent with activated evaluative concepts, people experience affective coherence. The present research asked whether incidental feelings of affective coherence and incoherence would regulate persuasion. Experiences of affective coherence and incoherence were predicted and found to influence the processing of persuasive messages when evoked prior to receipt of such messages (Experiments 1 and 3), and to influence the confidence with which thoughts generated by persuasive messages were held when evoked after presentation of such messages (Experiments 2 and 3). These results extend research on affective coherence and incoherence by showing that they exert a broader impact on cognitive activity than originally assumed.
Accuracy of Gas Exchange Monitoring During Noninvasive Ventilation
Authors: Smallwood Craig D. , Mehta Nilesh M.
Published: March 2013

Background: Gas exchange monitoring by indirect calorimetry (IC) during noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is desirable but currently not available. Leaks around the mask preclude reliable measurements of carbon dioxide production (VCO2) and oxygen consumption (VO2) in this population. We aimed to examine the impact of system leaks and gas flows on the accuracy of gas exchange measurements during NIV using an in vitro metabolic simulation. Materials and Methods: We examined the agreement between VCO2 and VO2 measurements by IC (using a novel canopy device) and reference values generated during an in vitro metabolic simulation of NIV at room air. The flow rate of gas sampled by the IC device (VIC) was set relative to the output flow of the ventilator (VVENT) to obtain a range of sample factors (SF = VIC/VVENT). Linear regression was used to determine the effect of SF on the accuracy of the system. Results: An acceptable agreement between measured and reference values was observed, with mean bias (limits of agreement) of −3.3% (−6.9% to 0.3%) and −10.6% (−14.9% to −6.4%) for VCO2 and VO2, respectively. An SF of 1.25 was associated with the highest accuracy of measurement. VO2 measurement accuracy deteriorated with system leak and at SF >1.25 and was linearly related to sample dilution by ambient air entrainment. Conclusions: A novel canopy device with titration of IC sample flow in relation to the ventilator flow allowed in vitro gas exchange measurements during simulated NIV with acceptable accuracy. This model needs to be tested in clinical settings.
Family, Frailty, and Fatal Futures? Own-Health and Family-Health Predictors of Subjective Life Expectancy
Authors: Zick Cathleen D. , Smith Ken R. , Mayer Robert N. , Taylor Lorayne B.
Published: March 2013

Subjective life expectancy is a powerful predictor of a variety of health and economic behaviors. This research expands upon the life expectancy literature by examining the influence of familial health histories. Using a genetic/environmental model, we hypothesize that individuals’ assessments of their life expectancies will be linked to the health of first-degree and second-degree relatives, with same-sex relatives’ health exercising a stronger effect than that of opposite-sex relatives. Multivariate analyses based on data from a 2009 survey merged with familial health records ( N = 1,019) confirm that the health experiences of same-sex, first-degree relatives are linked to respondents’ subjective life expectancy. The relationship between the health experiences of second-degree relatives and subjective life expectancy is much less pronounced. These findings have the potential not only to inform our understanding of health behaviors but also to encourage communication between patients and health professionals aimed at promoting preventative behaviors.
A qualitative study exploring patients’ experiences of standard care or cardiac rehabilitation post minor stroke and transient ischaemic attack
Authors: Hillsdon Kaye M , Kersten Paula , Kirk Hayden JS
Published: March 2013

Objective:

To explore individuals’ experiences of receiving either standard care or comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation post minor stroke or transient ischaemic attack.

Design:

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews, alongside a randomized controlled trial, exploring the effectiveness of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation compared with standard care. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis.

Setting:

Individuals’ homes.

Subjects:

People who have experienced a minor stroke or transient ischaemic attack and who were partaking in a secondary prevention randomized controlled trial (6–7 months post the event, 17 males, five females; mean age 67 years).

Interventions:

Not relevant.

Main measures:

Not relevant.

Results:

Four themes were identified: information delivery, comparing oneself with others, psychological impact, attitudes and actions regarding risk factor reduction. Participants indicated a need for improved information delivery, specific to their own risk factors and lifestyle changes. Many experienced psychological impact as a result of their minor stroke. Participants were found to make two types of social comparison; the comparison of self to another affected by stroke, and the comparison of self to cardiac patients.

Conclusion:

Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation was reported to have positive effects on people’s motivation to exercise. Following a minor stroke, many individuals do not recall information given or risk factors specific to them. Downward comparison with individuals who have had a cardiovascular event led to some underplaying the significance of their minor stroke.
Does giving segmental muscle vibration alter the response to botulinum toxin injections in the treatment of spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis? A single-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Paoloni Marco , Giovannelli Morena , Mangone Massimiliano , Leonardi Laura , Tavernese Emanuela , Di Pangrazio Elisabetta , Bernetti Andrea , Santilli Valter , Pozzilli Carlo
Published: March 2013

Objective:

To determine if segmental muscle vibration and botulinum toxin-A injection, either alone or in combination, reduces spasticity in a sample of patients with multiple sclerosis.

Design:

Single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatients service.

Subjects:

Forty-two patients affected by the secondary progressive form of multiple sclerosis randomized to group A (30 minutes of 120 Hz segmental muscle vibration over the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius medial and lateral, three per week, over a period of four weeks), group B (botulinum toxin in the rectus femoris, gastrocnemius medial and lateral and soleus, and segmental muscle vibration) and group C (botulinum toxin).

Main measures:

Modified Ashworth Scale at knee and ankle, and Fatigue Severity Scale. All the measurements were performed at baseline (T0), 10 weeks (T1) and 22 weeks (T2) postallocation.

Results:

Modified Ashworth Scale at knee and ankle significantly decreased over time ( p < 0.001) in all groups. Patients in group C displayed a significant increase of knee and ankle spasticity at T2 when compared with T1 ( p < 0.05). Fatigue Severity Scale values in groups A and C were significantly higher at T0 [A: 53.6 (2.31); C: 48.5 (2.77)] than at either T1 [A: 48.6 (2.21); p = 0.03; C: 43.5 (3.22); p = 0.03] or T2 [A: 46.7 (2.75); p = 0.02; 42.5 (2.17); p = 0.02], while no differences were detected in group B [T0: 43.4 (3.10); T1: 37.3 (3.15); T2: 39.7 (2.97)].

Conclusion:

Segmental muscle vibration and botulinum toxin-A reduces spasticity and improves fatigue in the medium-term follow-up in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Self-management programmes for people post stroke: a systematic review
Authors: Lennon Sheila , McKenna Suzanne , Jones Fiona
Published: March 2013

Objective:

To examine the evidence base underlying self-management programmes specific to stroke survivors.

Data sources:

Eleven electronic databases were searched using combinations of keywords related to stroke and self-management.

Review methods:

Studies involving adults with a clinical diagnosis of stroke, which explored self-management interventions, were included. Study selection was verified by two reviewers who independently conducted methodological quality appraisal and data extraction using a tool developed by The American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine.

Results:

Fifteen studies were included in this review. Significant treatment effects in favour of the self-management intervention were found in six out of nine randomized controlled trials, and three out of six non-randomized trials in our review. Four randomized controlled trials involving more than 100 participants per trial reported statistically significant results in favour of the self-management group in relation to measures of disability, confidence in recovery, the stroke specific quality of life (sub-scales of family roles and fine motor tasks), and the physical component scale of the short form SF-36 Score. The wide range of outcome measures used prevented comparison across studies.

Conclusions:

This review provides some preliminary support for the potential importance of self-management interventions after stroke. The most appropriate content and best approach for delivery of these interventions remains to be determined. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to test the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of stroke self-management programmes.
Group exercise training for balance, functional status, spasticity, fatigue and quality of life in multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tarakci Ela , Yeldan Ipek , Huseyinsinoglu Burcu E , Zenginler Yonca , Eraksoy Mefkure
Published: March 2013

Objective:

To determine the effectiveness of group exercise training on balance, functional status, spasticity, fatigue and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Design:

A randomized single-blind controlled study.

Setting:

University hospital, outpatient physical therapy department.

Subjects:

Ambulatory patients with multiple sclerosis.

Interventions:

Exercise group completed a 12-week group exercise programme under the physical therapists’ supervision. Control group was included in the waiting list.

Main measures:

The primary outcome measures were the Berg Balance Scale, 10-metre walk test, 10-steps climbing test and secondary outcome measures were the Modified Ashworth Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale and Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life.

Results:

Ninety-nine patients completed the study. There were statistically significant improvements for all outcome measures in the group exercise group ( n = 51) ( p < 0.01). In the control group ( n = 48), there were statistically significant negative change in the Berg Balance Scale and 10-metre walk test measures ( p = 0.002, p = 0.001) and statistically significant increment only in the Fatigue Severity Scale score ( p = 0.002). The Berg Balance Scale score was increased 4.33 in the exercise group, while a decreased of 2.33 in control group. The 10-metre walk test duration (second) was decreased 2.72 in exercise group, while increased 1.44 in control group. In comparing inter-groups changes, both primary and secondary outcome mesures showed significant improvements in favour of the exercise group after the training ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The study demonstrated that supervised group exercise training is effective in improving balance, functional status, spasticity, fatigue and quality of life in moderately affected people with multiple sclerosis, with no worsening of their clinical status.
Patient evaluation of early discharge after hip arthroplasty: development of a measure and comparison of three centres with differing durations of stay
Authors: Salmon Peter , Hunt Gillian R , Murthy Burra VS , O’Brien Seamus , Beverland David , Lynch Martin C , Hall George M
Published: March 2013

Objective:

We compared patients’ evaluation of care between a surgical unit with a rapid discharge policy and two comparison units to test the hypothesis that the centre with rapid discharge has outcomes that are not inferior to those of the comparison sites.

Design:

Cross-sectional cohort study.

Subjects:

Consecutive consenting patients undergoing primary hip arthroplasty during 12 months in: a unit that had reduced postoperative stay to median three days; a specialised orthopaedic surgery treatment centre with median stay of five days; a traditional unit with median stay of six days ( N = 316, 125, 119, respectively).

Methods:

Six weeks postoperatively, patients completed a specially developed questionnaire measuring their evaluation of care and recovery, together with measures of function and quality of life for validation purposes.

Results:

Factor analysis of questionnaire responses identified two independent components of patients’ evaluation: problems in staff care and problems in physical recovery. Neither component was impaired in the unit with rapid discharge: similar proportions of patients reported recovery problems in each site (odds radios (ORs) for the two comparators versus unit with rapid discharge: 0.96, 1.18); and more patients reported care problems in the two comparator sites (ORs 2.97, 2.16).

Conclusion:

Duration of stay after primary hip arthroplasty can be reduced to three days without intensive pre- or postoperative care, without detriment to patient evaluation.
Use of Multiparameter Evidence Synthesis to Assess the Appropriateness of Data and Structure in Decision Models
Authors: Epstein David , Mochón Leticia García , Espín Jaime , Soares Marta O.
Published: March 2013

Objectives. Decision models for health technology appraisal are defined by their structure and data. Often there are alternatives for how the model might be specified and what data to include, and criteria are required to guide these choices. This study uses multiparameter evidence synthesis (MPES) to synthesize data from diverse sources and test alternative model structures. The methods are illustrated by a comparison of blood ketone testing versus urine ketone testing for young people with Type 1 diabetes. Methods. Two approaches were compared. A simple statistical model (Model 1) was used to estimate the difference in the rates of adverse events from the outcome data of a randomized controlled trial (RCT). MPES (Model 2) was constructed to synthesize data on outcome and process variables from the RCT with data from nonrandomized studies on specificity and sensitivity. Sensitivity analyses were carried out using alternative model specifications for the MPES, and the consistency of the data was evaluated. Results. Model 1 estimated that the mean difference in the rate of adverse events per day was 0.0011 (95% confidence interval 0.0005–0.00229) lower with blood ketone testing. Model 2 estimated a similar outcome but also estimated parameters for which there were no direct data, including the prevalence of high ketone levels and the sensitivity and specificity of the tests as used in the home. Conclusions. Model 1, which used only outcome data from an RCT, showed that blood ketone testing is more effective but did not explain why this is so. Model 2, estimated by MPES, suggested that the blood test is more accurate and that patients are more likely to comply with the protocol.
Math and Science Attitudes and Achievement at the Intersection of Gender and Ethnicity
Authors: Else-Quest Nicole M. , Mineo Concetta C. , Higgins Ashley
Published: March 2013

Despite gender similarities in math and science achievement, women continue to be underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and careers. Increasingly, researchers are looking to gender differences in STEM attitudes as the root of this disparity. Theoretical support for the importance of STEM attitudes comes from several theories within educational, social, and vocational psychology, including Eccles’ expectancy-value theory, which maintains that education-related choices are shaped by attitudes—namely, expectations of success and task value as well as self-concept. Yet, the studies testing this model generally have not taken into account the intersection of gender and ethnicity. The current study addresses this gap in the literature by describing gender differences in math and science attitudes and achievement among 367 White, African American, Latino/Latina, and Asian American 10th grade students in neighborhood public high schools from a large northeastern city. Male and female adolescents earned similar end-of-year grades in math and science, whereas Asian American students outperformed students from the other ethnic groups in math and science. Self-report data from paper-and-pencil surveys indicate significant gender differences in that male adolescents reported greater math self-concept and expectations of success and female adolescents reported more science value; gender differences did not vary across ethnic groups. Attitudes were strong predictors of achievement, consistent with hypotheses. To our knowledge, ours is the first study to examine math and science attitudes and achievement at the intersection of gender and ethnicity across four major ethnic groups. We discuss implications for efforts aimed at improving the representation of women in STEM.
Preprocedural Distress in Children With Cancer
Authors: Shockey Debra P. , Menzies Victoria , Glick Doris F. , Taylor Ann Gill , Boitnott Amy , Rovnyak Virginia
Published: March 2013

Children diagnosed with cancer experience many invasive procedures throughout diagnosis and treatment of their disease. These procedures, oftentimes a source of distress in children, can elicit a variety of anticipatory symptoms prior to the actual procedure. Although there have been efforts to develop approaches to alleviate this distress through use of distraction, relaxation, sedation, guided imagery, and hypnosis, there has not been a combination treatment that merged relaxation techniques and biofeedback within a pediatric framework. A group of 12 children diagnosed with cancer participated in a 4-session intervention combining relaxation and biofeedback. This feasibility study suggests that the combination intervention offered in a clinical setting may be beneficial to children experiencing procedural distress as a novel coping strategy.
Fuzzy logic controller for real-time substructuring applications
Authors: Verma Mohit , Rajasankar J , Iyer Nagesh R
Published: March 2013

Real-time substructuring is a hybrid technique in which the critical component of the structure is tested, while the remainder is numerically analyzed based on a suitable model. The synchronization between the testing and the analysis is maintained by a controller. This paper proposes a new controller based on fuzzy logic for real-time substructuring applications. The advantage of a fuzzy-logic-based controller is that it is rule based and involves far less computations. The performance of the proposed controller is verified through numerical simulations of a substructured linear and nonlinear single-degree-of-freedom system for two different damping ratios. The performance of the controller is compared with that of conventional controllers which are used in real-time substructuring on the basis of a nondimensional error index. The fuzzy logic controller is found to have the least error index for the chosen nonlinear system and performs satisfactorily for a linear system. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed fuzzy logic controller is demonstrated by numerically evaluating the response of a portal frame pinned at one of the beam column joints for the El-Centro earthquake. The displacement time history response was found to closely match that of the emulated system.
The seismic improvement and control of weak concrete frames with partial concrete shear walls
Authors: Kaltakci M Yasar , Yavuz Gunnur
Published: March 2013

Controlling the lateral movement of buildings under earthquake effects is very important to prevent total collapse and therefore reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls are used to obtain the lateral stability of such buildings. In this study, the usability of partial RC shear walls to strengthen buildings with weak earthquake behavior was investigated. The basic parameters of the study were determined to be the ratio of shear wall height to shear wall length ( Hw/Lw) and whether the upper inflection point of the bent bar, a steel bar commonly used in the beams of RC buildings in Turkey, is integrated into or bent outside of the partial shear wall section. Three units of two-story, double-span weak RC frames were produced at a one-third scale. Two of these three frames were then strengthened by partial shear walls integrated on both sides of the central column. Strengthened and non-strengthened specimens were tested under reversed-cyclic lateral loading. The frame systems strengthened via partial RC shear walls showed significant improvement in strength and stiffness. No debonding was observed in the anchorage rods used in the shear wall-foundation connection.
Effects of rotary inertia, shear deformation, and joint model on vibration characteristics of single-story multi-bay planar frame structures
Authors: Mei Carole
Published: March 2013

The effects of rotary inertia, shear deformation, and joint model on vibration characteristics of single-story multi-bay planar frame structures are studied in this paper. An exact analytical solution is obtained using a wave vibration approach, in which vibrations are described as waves propagating along uniform structural elements and being reflected and transmitted at structural discontinuities. Both bending and longitudinal vibrations in the multi-bay frames are taken into account. It is found that rotary inertia and shear deformation play an important role in accurately predicting natural frequencies of multi-bay frames at higher frequencies. It is also found that the choice of joint model affects the predicted natural frequencies.
Structural damage identification based on evidence fusion and improved particle swarm optimization
Authors: Guo Hui Yong , Li Zheng Liang
Published: March 2013

In order to solve a structural multi-damage identification problem, a two-stage damage identification method based on evidence fusion and improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) is presented. First, structural modal strain energy and frequency are considered as two kinds of information sources. Then, evidence fusion theory is utilized to integrate the two information sources and preliminarily identify structural damage locations. After the damaged locations are determined, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to identify the extent of structural damage. Considering that the search efficiency of a basic PSO is still not very good, some improved strategies are presented, such as mutation position iteration formula, micro-search of an elitist, two convergence conditions, etc. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed two-stage method can estimate the damage locations and extent with good accuracy.
Multivalued fractional differential equations as a model for an impact of two bodies
Authors: Grahovac Nenad M , Spasic Dragan T
Published: March 2013

Impact models of two colliding bodies are usually generated by fundamental physical and geometrical principles. Initially, the number of unknown variables is not the same as the number of equations expressing the principles, so the models should be complemented with an appropriate set of constitutive equations which contain enough information on the physical properties of the system and therefore allow accurate predictions of its behavior. Along these lines we here discuss a problem when a block, moving along a line on a dry surface, impinges against another block being at rest, through a deformable straight rod of negligible mass. Among the variety of all possible choices that can be used, we suggest the constitutive model of the viscoelastic body with fractional derivatives of stress and strain, restrictions on the coefficients that follow from Clausius–Duhem inequality, and the Coulomb friction law given in the set-valued form. Owing to the presence of dry friction and the proposed fractional model, known as the fractional Zener model, the problem belongs to the class of set-valued fractional differential equations (or multivalued differential equations of arbitrary real order) leading to the equivalent Cauchy problem given in terms of two coupled integro-differential inclusions, for which the existence result ensuring the contractible solution set exists. By use of the combinatorial analysis of the problem, we identify 11 imaginable scripts and separate 10 feasible ones that were confirmed numerically by a procedure that combines nonlocal and nonsmooth modules.
Validity of the ADHD Bifactor Model in General Community Samples of Adolescents and Adults, and a Clinic-Referred Sample of Children and Adolescents
Authors: Gomez Rapson , Vance Alasdair , Gomez Rashika Miranjani
Published: March 2013

Objective: This study examined the bifactor models of ADHD in three groups: adolescents from the general community ( n = 214), adults from the general community ( n = 366), and a clinic sample ( n = 245). Method: For the adolescent sample, mothers provided ratings of the ADHD symptoms, and their teachers provided ratings for Emotional Symptoms, Conduct Problems, Hyperactivity, Peer Problems, and Prosocial Behavior. For the adult sample, all adults completed self-ratings of the ADHD symptoms and measures for depression, anxiety, and stress. For the clinic-referred sample, mothers provided ratings of the ADHD symptoms, and they were diagnosed for ADHD, Conduct Disorder/Oppositional Defiant Disorder, anxiety disorders, and depression disorders. Results: The findings for all samples supported the bifactor model, and there were differences in the way the general and specific factors correlated with the external variables. Conclusion: The findings support the validity of the bifactor model.
Acute Effects of MPH on the Parent–Teen Interactions of Adolescents With ADHD
Authors: Pelham William E. , Meichenbaum David L. , Smith Bradley H. , Sibley Margaret H. , Gnagy Elizabeth M. , Bukstein Oscar
Published: March 2013

This study explored the nature of interactions between adolescent males with ADHD and their mothers, and the effects of methylphenidate (MPH) on an analogue parent–teen interaction task. Twenty-five adolescent males with ADHD ( M = 13.6 years) and their mothers and 14 non-ADHD adolescent males ( M = 13.4 years) and their mothers completed ratings of perceived dyadic conflict. Behavioral observations of dyads during 10-min conflict-resolution tasks were also collected. The ADHD dyads completed these tasks twice, with adolescents receiving either 0.3 mg/kg MPH or placebo. Videotaped sessions were coded using the Parent–Adolescent Interaction Rating Scale. Following the conflict-resolution task, participants rated their perceived conflict and affect during the interaction. Findings indicated higher conflict in the ADHD dyads, and minimal MPH effects on parent–teen interactions during the analogue task. Results suggest that stimulant medication does not produce meaningful acute effects on parent–teen interactions.
The Mini-Kingston Standardized Cognitive Assessment
Authors: Hopkins Robert W. , Kilik Lindy A.
Published: March 2013

The Kingston Standardized Cognitive Assessment (KSCA) was designed to be a cognitive screening tool available for the health professionals who were not trained in specialized cognitive assessment techniques. It was introduced to bridge the gap between brief, narrowly focused rating scales and intensive, expensive, full neuropsychological assessments. We now present the mini-KSCA-Revised (mini-KSCAr). This is a shortened version of the full KSCAr that can be given in far less time and allows for a quick follow-up or screening technique retaining a substantial part of the full KSCAr’s effectiveness. It is specifically targeted for use by family physicians who require rapid and accurate in-office dementia screening.
The EXCITE Trial
Authors: Lang Kimberly C. , Thompson Paul A. , Wolf Steven L.
Published: March 2013

Objective. This study examines performance of Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) tasks in terms of the ability of EXCITE trial participants (who had suffered a stroke 3-9 months before recruitment) to complete the task within the timed interval. Methods. Data were collected from participants who received constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) 3 to 9 months poststroke (CIMT-I, n = 106) or 15 to 21 months poststroke (CIMT-D, n = 116). Performance on the 15 timed WMFT tasks was converted into binary values, and changes in completion of the tasks were analyzed with generalized estimating equation methods, under the assumption of a binomial or Poisson process for completion. Results. During CIMT, the CIMT-I group showed significant within-group improvements in 3 fine-movement tasks and in total noncompleted tasks ( noncompletes), whereas the CIMT-D group did not ( P ≤ .0036). CIMT-I improvement was significantly greater than CIMT-D improvement for the lifting pencil task and total noncompletes. During the year following CIMT, neither group showed significant changes in completion of WMFT tasks. Over all time intervals, only the CIMT-I group displayed significant improvement in several tasks and total noncompletes. Between groups, there were significant and almost-significant differences between the improvements of the 2 groups in 3 tasks requiring fine distal movement. Conclusion. Receiving CIMT earlier appears to improve reacquisition and retention of WMFT tasks, especially those requiring fine motor skills. Combined with earlier findings, these results indicate that improvements in existing motor abilities are possible with both immediate and delayed CIMT, but early CIMT is necessary for significant reacquisition of tasks.
Simulation of an urban environment by using intelligent agents within asymmetric scenarios for assessing alternative command and control network-centric maturity models
Authors: Massei Marina , Tremori Alberto
Published: March 2013

The research proposes the development of a simulation framework for assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of different alternative command, control, communications and computers (C4) solutions in an urban environment affected by asymmetric warfare. The authors present their approach in developing intelligent agents computer-generated forces (IA-CGF) in a non-conventional framework related to the project named CGF C4 IT. In the current military context, characterized by new asymmetric threats (i.e. terrorism, biological attacks) and affected by new technologies solutions, it is critical to measure the effectiveness of different command and control (C2) maturity models involving local and coalition forces, police and other resources in an overseas urban framework. As a matter of fact, this is one of the main goals of the CGF C4 IT project which is devoted to investigating alternative C2 models for guaranteeing agility in complex scenarios. The CGF C4 IT federation is a high level architecture simulator, designed by the authors, and currently devoted to supporting Italian Army simulation capabilities. This represents an innovative and effective solution for investigating, by experimental analysis, the C2 agility concepts within a complex framework with special attention to human behavior models.
Best practices for US Department of Defense model validation: lessons learned from irregular warfare models
Authors: Appleget Jeffrey , Blais Curtis , Jaye Michael
Published: March 2013

The US Department of Defense (DoD) requires all models and simulations that it manages, develops, and/or uses to be verified, validated, and accredited. Critical to irregular warfare (IW) modeling are interactions between combatants and the indigenous population. Representation of these interactions (human behavior representation (HBR)) requires expertise from several of the many fields of social science. As such, the verification, validation, and accreditation (VVA) of these representations will require adaptation and, in some cases, enhancement of traditional DoD VVA techniques. This paper suggests validation best practices for the DoD modeling community to address new challenges of modeling IW.
Online Customer Reviews of Hotels
Authors: Melián-González Santiago , Bulchand-Gidumal Jacques , González López-Valcárcel Beatriz
Published: March 2013

Customer reviews posted on the web and through social media (electronic word of mouth [eWOM]) have grown in importance for tourism businesses, but most studies have examined the effects of the content of reviews, particularly negative reviews (i.e., their valence). This study considers both the valence and the volume of eWOM using a broad and varied sample of 16,680 hotels in 249 tourist areas. The study found a relationship between valence and volume, in the sense that early reviews of a business tend to be disproportionately negative. As the number of reviews increases, the valence becomes more balanced, and the negative effect is mitigated. Moreover, the study agrees with other findings that positive comments are more common than negative reviews. Whether or not hotels actively respond to negative reviews, one implication of this study is that hoteliers should try to increase the number of reviews they receive to balance the positive and negative representations of their property (in addition to investigating and correcting the causes of negative comments). Those promoting tourist destinations should follow a similar strategy of facilitating access to customer review sites to obtain a balance of negative and favorable ratings.