bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical Complexity and Pediatric Emergency Department and Inpatient Utilization
Authors: O’Mahony Lila , O’Mahony D. Shane , Simon Tamara D. , Neff John , Klein Eileen J. , Quan Linda
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVES:

To characterize the use of and disposition from a tertiary pediatric emergency department (PED) by children with chronic conditions with varying degrees of medical complexity.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a dataset of all registered PED patient visits at Seattle Children’s Hospital from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2009. Children’s medical complexity was classified by using a validated algorithm (Clinical Risk Group software) into nonchronic and chronic conditions: episodic chronic, lifelong chronic, progressive chronic, and malignancy. Outcomes included PED length of stay (LOS) and disposition. Logistic regression generated age-adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of admission with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS:

PED visits totaled 77 748; 20% (15 433) of which were for children with chronic conditions. Compared with visits for children without chronic conditions, those for children with chronic conditions had increased PED LOS (on average, 79 minutes longer; 95% CI 77–81; P < .0001) and hospital (51% vs 10%) and PICU (3.2% vs 0.1%) admission rates (AOR 10.3, 95% CI 9.9–10.7 to hospital and AOR 25.0, 95% CI 17.0–36.0 to PICU). Admission rates and PED LOS increased with increasing medical complexity.

CONCLUSIONS:

Children with chronic conditions comprise a significant portion of annual PED visits in a tertiary pediatric center; medical complexity is associated with increased PED LOS and hospital or PICU admission. Clinical Risk Group may have utility in identifying high utilizers of PED resources and help support the development of interventions to facilitate optimal PED management, such as pre-arrival identification and individual emergency care plans.
Ethanol Ingestion in Two Infants Under 2 Months Old: A Previously Unreported Cause of ALTE
Authors: McCormick Taylor , Levine Michael , Knox Oma , Claudius Ilene
Published: January 2013

The differential diagnosis for the infant presenting with an apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) is broad. Toxic ingestions are a relatively uncommon cause of an ALTE, although several over-the-counter, prescription, and illicit drugs have been implicated. We present 2 cases of ethanol intoxication in infants as a previously unreported cause of an ALTE. Additionally, serial ethanol levels for these patients offer novel insight into the pharmacokinetics of ethanol metabolism in infants. Ethanol ingestion may be an underrecognized cause of an ALTE and should be considered if the history or physical examination is suggestive.
Risk Factors for Renal Injury in Children With a Solitary Functioning Kidney
Authors: Westland Rik , Kurvers Roel A.J. , van Wijk Joanna A.E. , Schreuder Michiel F.
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE:

The hyperfiltration hypothesis implies that children with a solitary functioning kidney are at risk to develop hypertension, proteinuria, and chronic kidney disease. We sought to determine the presenting age of renal injury and identify risk factors for children with a solitary functioning kidney.

METHODS:

We evaluated 407 patients for signs of renal injury, defined as hypertension, proteinuria, an impaired glomerular filtration rate, and/or the use of renoprotective medication. Patients were subdivided on the basis of type of solitary functioning kidney and the presence of ipsilateral congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). The development of renal injury was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Risk factors were identified by using logistic regression models.

RESULTS:

Renal injury was found in 37% of all children. Development of renal injury increased by presence of ipsilateral CAKUT (odds ratio [OR] 1.66; P = .04) and age (OR 1.09; P < .001). Renal length was inversely associated with the risk to develop renal injury (OR 0.91; P = .04). In all patients, the median time to renal injury was 14.8 years (95% confidence interval 13.7–16.0 years). This was significantly shortened for patients with ipsilateral CAKUT (12.8 years, 95% confidence interval 10.6–15.1 years).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study determines independent risk factors for renal injury in children with a solitary functioning kidney. Because many children develop renal injury, we emphasize the need for clinical follow-up in these patients starting at birth.
Population-Based Estimates of In-Unit Survival for Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Manktelow Bradley N. , Seaton Sarah E. , Field David J. , Draper Elizabeth S.
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND:

Estimates of the probability of survival of very preterm infants admitted to NICU care are vital for counseling parents, informing care, and planning services. In 1999, easy-to-use charts of survival according to gestation, birth weight, and gender were published in the United Kingdom. These charts are widely used in clinical care and for benchmarking survival, and they form the core of the Clinical Risk Index for Babies II score. Since their publication, the survival of preterm infants has improved, and the charts therefore need updating.

METHODS:

A logistic model was fitted with gestational age, birth weight, and gender. Nonlinear functions were estimated by using fractional polynomials. Bootstrap methods were used to assess the internal validity of the final model. The final model was assessed both overall and for subgroups of infants by using Farrington’s statistic, the c-statistic, Cox regression coefficients, and the Brier score.

RESULTS:

A total of 2995 white singleton infants born at 23+0 to 32+6 weeks’ gestation in 2008 through 2010 were identified; 2751 (91.9%) infants survived to discharge. A prediction model was estimated and good model fit confirmed (area under receiver-operating characteristics curve = 0.86). Survival ranged from 27.7% (23 weeks) to 99.1% (32 weeks) for boys and from 34.5% (23 weeks) to 99.3% (32 weeks) for girls. Updated charts were produced showing estimated survival according to gestation, birth weight and gender, together with contour plots displaying points of equal survival.

CONCLUSIONS:

These survival charts have been updated and will be of use to clinicians, parents, and managers.
Effect of silica and heat treatment on PS-SiO2 wetting behavior
Authors: Richard Edna , Shalini Maria , Faisal Noufira , Anandan C. , Basu Bharathibai J. , Aruna S. T.
Published: January 2013

The wetting behavior of solid surfaces by a liquid is a very important aspect of surface chemistry and surface geometrical structure. In the present study, polystyrene-silica (PS-SiO2) nanocomposite coatings with varying degrees of wettability are prepared by a simple and cheap spraying process without the use of sophisticated equipments. Both PS and SiO2 are cheaper and readily available chemicals. Silica source, silica content and heat-treatment temperatures are varied to modulate the surface wettability of the composite coatings. These variations resulted in surfaces with hydrophilic, hydrophobic, superhydrophobic and sticky hydrophobic properties. The coatings are characterized for contact angle, sliding angle, surface roughness, hardness and adhesion. The microstructure of the coatings was studied by using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that the surface prepared by 1:2 (PS:SiO2) composition and dried at room temperature exhibited hydrophilic properties. The same surfaces on heat treatment exhibited superhydrophobic property, and with time, one of the silica surfaces became sticky hydrophobic. Furthermore, supplementary information is available at http://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/upload/10.1680si.12.00011_SupplementaryInformation.pdf
Adaptive thermoregulation during summer in two populations of an arid‐zone passerine
Authors: Smit B. , Harding C. T. , Hockey P. A. R. , McKechnie A. E.
Published: January 2013

Heterothermy plays an important role in lowering the costs of thermoregulation in endotherms by reducing water and energy requirements. We tested predictions that birds in arid habitats should express fine‐scale variation in their thermoregulatory patterns as a function of prevailing climatic conditions. We assessed effects of air temperature (Tair) and water vapor pressure deficit (D) on body temperature (Tb) in free‐living White‐browed Sparrow‐Weavers (Plocepasser mahali) during summer in two arid habitats in the Kalahari Desert, South Africa, using data from a dry period at a hot, desert site (n = 7 birds), and during a dry period (n = 4 birds) and a wet period (n = 5 birds) at a milder, semi‐desert site. The desert birds maintained a significantly higher set‐point Tb (41.5° ± 0.2°C, mean ± SD) than semi‐desert birds (40.2° ± 0.2°C). During the warmest part of day (12:00–18:00 hours), Tb increased significantly during periods of high Tair and/or high humidity, and mean and maximum Tb were up to 1.4° and 2.3°C, respectively, above normal levels. However, as Tair increased, birds at the desert site maintained Tb at or below set‐point levels for a greater proportion of the time than birds at the semi‐desert site. Birds at the desert site also expressed a greater magnitude of daily heterothermy (heterothermy index, HI = 2.4° ± 0.3°C, mean ± SD) than birds at the semi‐desert site: the latter population showed a greater magnitude of heterothermy during a dry period (HI = 2.1° ± 0.3°C) than during a wet period (HI = 1.6° ± 0.2°C). Birds continued foraging throughout the warmest part of the day, despite the fact that heat dissipation (percentage of time spent panting and wing‐spreading) increased significantly with increasing Tair. Our findings reveal that populations can vary in their thermoregulatory responses in both space and time and suggest that small changes in Tair can have significant effects on thermoregulation in free‐ranging desert birds, even when Tair < Tb. These data have important implications for assessing vulnerability of species to climate change, suggesting that sensitivity should be assessed at the population, rather than species, level.
Ecohydrological and socioeconomic integration for the operational management of environmental flows
Authors: Bryan B. A. , Higgins A , Overton I. C. , Holland K , Lester R. E. , King D , Nolan M , MacDonald D. Hatton , Connor J. D. , Bjornsson T , Kirby M
Published: January 2013

Investment in and operation of flow control infrastructure such as dams, weirs, and regulators can help increase both the health of regulated river ecosystems and the social values derived from them. This requires high‐quality and high‐resolution spatiotemporal ecohydrological and socioeconomic information. We developed such an information base for integrated environmental flow management in the River Murray in South Australia (SA). A hydrological model was used to identify spatiotemporal inundation dynamics. River ecosystems were classified and mapped as ecohydrological units. Ecological response models were developed to link three aspects of environmental flows (flood duration, timing, and inter‐flood period) to the health responses of 16 ecological components at various life stages. Potential infrastructure investments (flow control regulators and irrigation pump relocation) were located by interpreting LiDAR elevation data, digital orthophotography, and wetland mapping information; and infrastructure costs were quantified using engineering cost models. Social values were quantified at a coarse scale as total economic value based on a national survey of willingness‐to‐pay for four key ecological assets; and at a local scale using mapped ecosystem service values. This information was integrated using a constrained, nonlinear, mixed‐integer, compromise programming optimization model and solved using a stochastic Tabu search algorithm. We tested the model uncertainty and sensitivity using 390 Monte Carlo model runs at varying weights of ecological health vs. social values. Integrating ecohydrological and socioeconomic information identified environmental flow management regimes that efficiently achieved both ecological and social objectives. Using an ecologically weighted efficient and socially weighted efficient scenario, we illustrated model outputs including a suite of cost‐effective infrastructure investments and an operational plan for new and existing flow control structures including dam releases, weir height manipulation, and regulator operation on a monthly time step. Both the investments and management regimes differed substantially between the two scenarios, suggesting that the choice of weightings on ecological and social objectives is important. This demonstrates the benefit of integrating high‐quality and high‐resolution spatiotemporal ecohydrological and socioeconomic information for guiding the investment in and operational management of environmental flows.
Water infrastructures in the U.S./Mexico borderlands
Authors: Walsh Casey
Published: January 2013

This article discusses the infrastructures involved in the management and use of water in the borderlands of Mexico and the United States. I maintain that both the physical works and the institutions of water management should be understood as infrastructures, and locate infrastructures within larger political and economic processes. Archaeological, historical and ethnographic literature on irrigation in the borderlands provides data about the evolution and functioning of small‐ and large‐scale infrastructures. Since European contact, water infrastructures have enabled different regimes of accumulation to grow, overlap and decline: mining; ranching; agriculture; urbanization and industry; and the service economy. This process continues into the twenty first century, and changes to infrastructures that respond to current issues of scarcity and conflict must be understood in relation to this material history. I argue that in the present conjuncture new infrastructures must be developed to confront unsustainability, and the management and knowledge of these must be decentralized, democratic, and collective.
Modeling of Crystal Violet Adsorption by Bottom Ash Column
Authors: Nidheesh P. V. , Gandhimathi R. , Ramesh S. T. , Singh T. S. Anantha
Published: January 2013

The removal of crystal violet from wastewater, by means of bottom ash, was investigated in a packed bed down‐flow column. The bed depth service time (BDST) model was used to analyze the experimental data up to breakthrough time (corresponding to Ct/C0 = 0.1). A mass transfer model was used to analyze the mass transfer zone. The breakthrough curve was analyzed by the Thomas, Yoon‐Nelson, and Clark models. All models fit well with the experimental data. Results showed that as the flow rate increases, at a constant concentration and bed depth, the value of the adsorption capacity of bottom ash decreases. The adsorption capacity of bottom ash decreases with an increase in depth and initial crystal violet concentration. Error analyses were performed for the Thomas, Yoon‐Nelson, and Clark models.
Year‐Round Atmospheric Wet and Dry Deposition of Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Water and Land Surfaces in Nanjing, China
Authors: Sun Liying , Li Bo , Ma Yuchun , Wang Jinyang , Xiong Zhengqin
Published: January 2013

The dry deposition of ammonium, nitrate, and total phosphorus (TP) to both water (DW) and land (DD) surfaces, along with wet deposition, were simultaneously monitored from March 2009 to February 2011 in Nanjing, China. Results showed that wet deposition of total phosphorus was 1.1 kg phosphorus ha −1yr−1, and inorganic nitrogen was 28.7 kg nitrogen ha −1yr−1, with 43% being ammonium nitrogen. Dry deposition of ammonium, nitrate, and total phosphorus, measured by the DW/DD method, was 7.5/2.2 kg nitrogen ha −1yr−1, 6.3/4.9 kg nitrogen ha −1yr−1, and 1.9/0.4 kg phosphorus ha −1yr−1, respectively. Significant differences between the DW and DD methods indicated that both methods should be employed simultaneously when analyzing deposition to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in watershed areas. The dry deposition of ammonium, nitrate, and total phosphorus contributed 38%, 28%, and 63%, respectively, to the total deposition in the simulated aquatic ecosystem; this has significance for the field of water eutrophication control.
Adsorption of Neutral Red and Malachite Green onto Grapefruit Peel in Single and Binary Systems
Authors: Zou Weihua , Gao Shuaipeng , Zou Xiuli , Bai Hongjuan
Published: January 2013

This study characterized the properties of NaOH‐modified grapefruit peel (MGP) and investigated its adsorption properties, specifically the adsorption of the synthetic dyes neutral red (NR) and malachite green (MG) onto MGP, in single and binary systems by means of batch techniques. The adsorption equilibrium data of NR onto MGP fit well with both the Langmuir and Koble‐Corrigan models, while the Koble‐Corrigan and Dubinin‐Radushkevich models seemed to agree better with MG adsorption. The maximum equilibrium quantities of NR and MG from the Langmuir model were 640.3 and 314.9 mg/g at 298 K, respectively. The Elovich model was a better fit with the kinetic process, which suggested that ion exchange was one of the main mechanisms at work. The thermodynamic parameters of adsorption systems indicated spontaneous and endothermic processes. In the binary system experiments, NR and MG exhibited competitive adsorption. The quantity of MG adsorbed was more strongly influenced by NR, due to the higher affinity of MGP for the latter.
Vertical Distribution of Total Mercury and Methylmercury in Sediment of the Fugong Mangrove Area at Jiulong River Estuary, Fujian, China
Authors: Liang Ying , Yuan Dongxing , Chen Yaojin , Liu Xiyao
Published: January 2013

The concentrations and vertical distributions of total mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (methyl Hg) in the sediment of the Fugong mangrove area, located at the Jiulong River Estuary, Fujian, China, were investigated. The concentrations of total mercury were between 0.12∼0.17 and 0.11∼0.14 μg/g, while concentrations of methylmercury were between 0.15∼1.8 and 0.081∼0.58 ng/g (as mercury), in the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. The total mercury concentration was not correlated with the sampling depth. As the depth increased, methylmercury concentrations first increased to their maximum level at a depth of 10∼25 cm, and then decreased; this was similar to the vertical distribution characteristics of methylmercury/ total mercury ratios. The mangrove ecosystem was considered as a source of methylmercury for adjacent areas, due to the higher average methylmercury concentration in the mangrove sediment than other sediments nearby. Statistically significant logarithmic correlations, conic correlations, and negative correlations were observed for methylmercury and sulfide concentration, sediment organic matter, and sediment pH, respectively.
I'm Not the Man I Was: Reflections on Becoming a Widower
Authors: Howell Robert
Published: January 2013

The death of one's wife plunges the surviving husband into confusing, terrifying, isolating and heart rending feelings and experiences as he tries to make sense of something that makes no sense. The experience raises questions about the relationship between loss and grief; emerging meanings and transitions in identity. This author reflects on his own experience of being widowed and shares some of the insights of others he has worked with in grief support programs. This article focuses on the intertwined questions of profound loss, the search for meaning and the impact of that search on the reshaping of identities.
The Yuma Territorial Prison Cemetery: Cold Cases of Grave Importance
Authors: Foster Gary S. , Gillespie Michael D.
Published: January 2013

Cemeteries, via grave markers and burial records, usually offer sufficiently scant data to enable a reconstruction of the communities they represent, but cemeteries of total institutions, here, the Yuma Territorial Prison, often yield even less data. With only the variables of ethincity, sex, prisoner number, date of death, and cause of death, prison conditions were reconstructed for the 111 who died during the prison's operation (1876–1909), and likely for the other 2,958 who were incarcerated there. First, prisoner number had a high, positive correlation with year of death, indicating that those who died in prison did not live long after incarceration. Further investigation found statistical dependence between the ethnicity of the prisoner and cause (and thus, manner) of death, with tuberculosis disproportionately effecting Hispanics and Native Americans, perhaps suggesting segragation by ethnicity. Hispanics were the only ones shot and killed attempting escape, though numerous escapes were attempted. Also statistically dependent was the decade of death by ethnicity, perhaps reflecting some ethnic sequence of incarceration. Finally, cause and manner of death, over time, were also dependent, likely reflecting deteriorating prison conditions. That so few variables can reveal so much refutes the adage that dead men tell no tales.
Attitudes towards Bearing the Cost of Care in Later Life across the World
Authors: Khan Hafiz T. A. , Leeson George W. , Findlay Helen
Published: January 2013

The aging population is recognized by many as a unique global phenomenon and has become a subject of interest among multidisciplinary professionals. Perhaps one of the most common key concerns among individuals and family members in many countries today is to meet the increasing demand for elderly healthcare, particularly the real challenges and crisis in old age morbidity and health. As the socioeconomic, demographic and cultural context of populations varies from one setting to another, the intergenerational support as well as responsibility for the cost of care also varies across the globe. In particular, issues related to elderly healthcare financing and its support are growing steadily and are becoming dominant topics in social gerontology. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of age, gender and employment on the perceptions of people with regard to their own care costs in later life. The data for the study come from the global aging study (GLAS), popularly known as “The Future of Retirement.” The initial field surveys were completed in two successive years—2004 and 2005—and involved interviewing around 22,329 individuals aged 18 years and over across 20 countries and territories covering four major regions of the world. A cross-sectional survey design was employed in which respondents were selected randomly. Each respondent was asked a number of questions on their socioeconomic and demographic situation; their retirement and pension plans; health, wellbeing and quality of life, and voluntary contributions and inter-generational support. Among others two questions were asked directly about the responsibility of the financial cost of care in retirement and these were: “who should bear” as well as “who will bear” most of the financial costs of care in retirement. These questions were then further explored to see how the responses varied with respect to the age, gender and employment status of the respondents. It has been found that age, gender and employment status play significant roles in determining people's perceptions towards bearing the cost of care in retirement or old age. There is a significant gap between the respondents' perceptions of who “should” and “will” bear the cost of care. The article concludes with a brief discussion on policy implications.
Phytocenological and edaphic characteristics of sessile oak forests on Miroc Mt in northeastern Serbia
Authors: Cvjeticanin Rade , Kosanin Olivera , Krstic Milun , Perovic Marko , Novakovic-Vukovic Marijana
Published: January 2013

This research was carried out in natural stands of sessile oak (Quercus
petraea agg. Ehrendorfer 1967) on Miroc mountain. Three comunities were
investigated: Pure sessile oak forest (Quercetum montanum Cer. et Jov. 1953.
s.l.), sessile oak-common hornbeam forest (Querco-Carpinetum moesiacum Rud.
1949. s.l.) and sessile oak-balkan beech forest (Querco-Fagetum Glis. 1971).
Pure sessile oak forests are found on the following soils: dystric ranker
and acid cambic soil on sandstone, dystric ranker and acid cambisols on
phyllite, and acid cambic soil on schists. Sessile oak-hornbeam forests grow
on sandstone, granite and schists. Sessile oak-beech forests are found on
acid cambisol on phyllite and sandstone conglomerate. Various ecological
conditions (exposition, slope, altitude, soil types and bedrock) on Mt Miroc
caused the occurence of diverse sessile oak forest communities, while
different states of these forest stands resulted from the implementation of
management measures.
Investment appraisal of a poplar plantation aged 42 years
Authors: Keca Ljiljana , Keca Nenad
Published: January 2013

Commercial profitability of poplar cultivation was analyzed in an artificial
poplar plantation in Serbia. The aim of this study was to validate the
invested financial means in the artificial poplar plantation, on the basis of
the analysis of costs and receipts during a 42-year rotation, on alluvial
semigley, at a discount rate of 12%. Methods of dynamic investment
calculation (net present value - NPV, internal rate of return - IRR,
benefit-cost method - B/C and payback period - PBP) were used. The
investigated plantations were established from Populus x euramericana cl.
I-214, with a planting spacing of 6 x 3 m. At the calculation discount rate
of 12%, the project for the production cycle of 42 years was not
cost-effective from the economic aspect. The discount rate of 6% can be
accepted in the studied plot because of the better site (alluvial semigley),
but the oldness of the stand is unfavourable. For the studied sample plot,
IRR was 5.51 %. B/C at r=12% in the study compartment was 0.24. The analysis
shows that PBP is practically unacceptable for the investor at the discount
rate of 6%. In practice, it is necessary to improve the position of producers
in getting financial means for investment in poplar cultivation, so as to
stimulate the establishment of artificial poplar plantations, especially in
the private sector (on private land).
State of elements of the environment in the broader area of former uranium mines in the catchment of the Trgoviski Timok
Authors: Nikic Zoran , Letic Ljubomir , Kovacevic Jovan , Nikolic Vesna
Published: January 2013

Mineral field ?Janja? extends over the Southwest slope of Stara Planina Mt.,
eastward from the village of Kalna in the belt of beech-fir forests.
Exploitation of uranium used to be performed in three mines within this area,
i.e. ?Mezdreja?, ?Gabrovnica?, and ?Srneci Do?, which are now closed down.
One of the consequences of mining around these mines is partial degradation
of natural balance. The greatest part of the terrain consists of granite,
whereas metamorphic rocks are at the periphery. A geological survey with
respect to the concentration of natural radioactive elements in the soil
within the area of aforementioned mines has been conducted once so far.
Alluvial sediment, ground and surface waters, as well as disposal were also
examined. During the field study, radioactivity was measured and the methods
of emanation and hydro-geochemical assessment were used, which was followed
by collecting of samples for laboratory examination. The state of elements of
the environment within the surveyed area is presented hereinafter on the
basis of the existing data, having in mind that exploitation of uranium may
disrupt natural balance in the long run.
XBRL Mandate: Thousands of Filing Errors and So What?
Authors: Du Hui , Vasarhelyi Miklos A. , Zheng Xiaochuan
Published: January 2013

Since the mandate by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to begin interactive data reporting in June 2009, according to XBRL Cloud, an XBRL product and service provider, more than 4,000 filing errors have been identified. We examine the overall changing pattern of the errors to understand whether the large number of errors may hamper the transition to interactive data reporting. Using a sample of 4,532 filings that contain 4,260 errors, we document a significant learning curve exhibited by the XBRL filers. Specifically, we find that the number of errors per filing is significantly decreasing when a company files more times, suggesting that the company filers or the filing agents many companies use learn from their experiences and therefore the future filings are improved. Our findings provide evidence to encourage the regulatory body, the filers, and the XBRL technology supporting community to embrace the new disclosure requirement in financial reporting. The significantly decreased error pattern also helps address the information users' concerns regarding the data quality of XBRL filings.

Data Availability: Data are publicly available from the sources identified in the study.
Understanding the Impact of Affirmative Action Bans in Different Graduate Fields of Study
Authors: Garces Liliana M.
Published: January 2013

This study examines the effects of affirmative action bans in four states (California, Florida, Texas, and Washington) on the enrollment of underrepresented students of color within six different graduate fields of study: the natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, business, education, and humanities. Findings show that affirmative action bans have led to the greatest reductions in science-related fields of engineering, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. These declines pose serious long-term consequences for the United States since these fields provide specialized training critical to the nation’s ability to compete effectively in a global market and for ensuring continued scientific and technological advancement.
Foundations of an intervention package to improve communication in residential care settings
Authors: Pryce Helen , Gooberman-Hill Rachael
Published: January 2013

Background:

The prevalence of hearing loss is considerably higher in individuals in residential care than in people within the community-dwelling population, and yet hearing aids and hearing services are relatively underused. Care staff have a key role in supporting access to services.

Objectives:

This study identifies staff perspectives on hearing loss and their views about potential hearing service improvements.

Study design:

A four-stage mixed methods study was used, made up of qualitative interviews, observation, a survey and a stakeholder involvement meeting.

Results:

The qualitative stages indicated that staff were concerned about their levels of interaction with residents. Staff considered maximizing communication as part of their professional role. The quantitative survey indicated that these views were widely held by staff, and the stakeholder stage identified the need for social support and dedicated staff training opportunities.

Conclusion:

Care home staff regard communication as a shared issue. Future interventions could enhance access to hearing services and provide care home staff with training in hearing loss and hearing aid management.
A possible mechanism to explain how ischaemia and the maintained function of gastric type proton pumps could lead to hydrops of the inner ear in Ménière's disease
Authors: Pirodda Antonio , Raimondi Maria Chiara , Ferri Gian Gaetano , Borghi Claudio
Published: January 2013

A possible explanation of the genesis of Ménière's disease (MD) and other labyrinthine disorders on the basis of a direct involvement of the inner ear gastric type proton pump under ischaemia was recently outlined: maintained activity of the proton pump under acidic conditions could favour the onset of an endolymphatic hydrops through enhanced ion concentration in the endolymph and subsequent osmotic movement. The details of such a mechanism could be explained by considering the capability of sensory cells to extrude H+ into the endolymph in exchange for K+ through organellar isoforms that can transiently appear on plasma membranes and permit an electroneutral ion exchange. This capability appears to be rapidly activated under acidic conditions, which can be a consequence of a local ischaemia. This could mean that in an acidic milieu with an enhanced intracellular amount of H+, provided that the proton pumps maintain their activity as in other organs, a greater amount of K+ can finally be involved in the physiological cycling process and enter into the endolymph; this hypothesis seems reliable and could explain how an osmotic mechanism causing the onset of the hydrops could paradoxically be related to defensive responses to a vasospasm.
Discrete Choice Estimator Properties for Finite Population and Simulation Sample Sizes
Authors: Bastin Fabian , Cirillo Cinzia
Published: January 2013

Econometric models based on simulations are used extensively in transportation. Simulation methods provide only an approximation of the objective function and produce estimators that suffer from bias and loss in efficiency. Two types of bias are known to exist in simulation-based estimators: simulation bias, as a result of the nonlinear transformation in the log likelihood (LL) function, and optimization bias, caused by the maximization operator, which depends on the variance of the simulated LL with respect to the random draws and the population sample. In this paper, the properties of the estimators are studied with resampling techniques in various simulation configurations. In the experiments, optimization bias dominates simulation bias, and in the presence of panel data the use of some randomized quasi–Monte Carlo techniques aiming at reducing simulation variance only marginally affects the estimated parameters for a given sample size. Results also confirm that the population resampling, though numerically costly, is a simple and effective procedure to deliver a better understanding of parameter properties.
Analyzing Probit Bayes Estimator for Flexible Covariance Structures in Discrete Choice Modeling
Authors: Daziano Ricardo A. , Chiew Esther
Published: January 2013

Research in discrete choice modeling in recent decades has devoted an enormous effort to generalizing the distribution of the error term and to developing estimation methods that account for more flexible structures of error heterogeneity. Whereas the multinomial probit model offers a fully flexible covariance matrix, the maximum simulated likelihood estimator is extremely involved. However, Bayesian techniques have the potential to break down the complexity of the estimator. By using a Monte Carlo study, this paper tests the ability of a probit Bayes estimator based on Gibbs sampling to recover different substitution patterns. The results show that it is possible to use the Bayes estimator of a full covariance matrix to recover different covariance structures, even when small samples are used. Thus, the model can identify the true substitution patterns, by avoiding misspecification, even if these patterns are the result of multiple restrictions over the covariance matrix. In fact, the recovery of simpler covariance structures, such as that of the independent and identically distributed and heteroskedastic covariance without correlation, is more accurate than the recovery of more complicated structures, including fully unrestricted substitution patterns.
Maximum Simulated Likelihood and Expectation-Maximization Methods to Estimate Random Coefficients Logit with Panel Data
Authors: Cherchi Elisabetta , Guevara Cristian Angelo
Published: January 2013

The random coefficients logit model allows a more realistic representation of agents’ behavior. However, the estimation of that model may involve simulation, which may become impractical with many random coefficients because of the curse of dimensionality. In this paper, the traditional maximum simulated likelihood (MSL) method is compared with the alternative expectation-maximization (EM) method, which does not require simulation. Previous literature had shown that for cross-sectional data, MSL outperforms the EM method in the ability to recover the true parameters and estimation time and that EM has more difficulty in recovering the true scale of the coefficients. In this paper, the analysis is extended from cross-sectional data to the less volatile case of panel data to explore the effect on the relative performance of the methods with several realizations of the random coefficients. In a series of Monte Carlo experiments, evidence suggested four main conclusions: (a) efficiency increased when the true variance–covariance matrix became diagonal, (b) EM was more robust to the curse of dimensionality in regard to efficiency and estimation time, (c) EM did not recover the true scale with cross-sectional or with panel data, and (d) EM systematically attained more efficient estimators than the MSL method. The results imply that if the purpose of the estimation is only to determine the ratios of the model parameters (e.g., the value of time), the EM method should be preferred. For all other cases, MSL should be used.
Explaining an Unstable Landscape: Claiming the Islands of the Early-Modern Rhone
Authors: Reynard Pierre Claude
Published: January 2013

The powerful floods of the early-modern river Rhône, in south-eastern France, frequently reshaped shorelines, unpredictably destroying and creating hundreds of islands of all sizes. The claims occasioned by these transformations triggered countless and often complex disputes that, in turn, generated reflections on the origins of these 'new' lands. These interpretations, intended to advance complex legal arguments, varied along the river. A clear north-south contrast emerges from surviving documents that show that explanations of the emergence of alluvial lands were suited to the socio-economic structures of the northern and southern sections of the Rhone and, more particularly, the relative balance of private/common property.
The Rise and Demise of South Africa's First School of Forestry
Authors: Bennett Brett M.
Published: January 2013

This article examines the unexplored history of South Africa's first school of forestry. It argues that leading South African politicians and foresters created a school of forestry in the country because they wanted a school where South Africa's future forestry officers could gain practical and theoretical experience of forestry in local conditions rather than going to Britain, Europe or India, where environmental conditions differed. The school was touted proudly as the first school of forestry in South Africa and the southern hemisphere. But the school, which the South African College and the Cape Colony's Forestry Department directed jointly, ran into political and staff problems and closed only five years after its opening. This article shows how the school's closing was the result of inter-colonial political tensions and institutional problems that were exacerbated by the migration of power from Cape Town to Pretoria following the Act of Union in 1910.
Increased cancer burden among pesticide applicators and others due to pesticide exposure
Authors: Alavanja Michael C. R. , Ross Matthew K. , Bonner Matthew R.
Published: January 2013

A growing number of well‐designed epidemiological and molecular studies provide substantial evidence that the pesticides used in agricultural, commercial, and home and garden applications are associated with excess cancer risk. This risk is associated both with those applying the pesticide and, under some conditions, those who are simply bystanders to the application. In this article, the epidemiological, molecular biology, and toxicological evidence emerging from recent literature assessing the link between specific pesticides and several cancers including prostate cancer, non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma, and breast cancer are integrated. Although the review is not exhaustive in its scope or depth, the literature does strongly suggest that the public health problem is real. If we are to avoid the introduction of harmful chemicals into the environment in the future, the integrated efforts of molecular biology, pesticide toxicology, and epidemiology are needed to help identify the human carcinogens and thereby improve our understanding of human carcinogenicity and reduce cancer risk. CA Cancer J Clin 2013;. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Integrated Palmer Amaranth Management in Glufosinate-Resistant Cotton: II. Primary, Secondary and Conservation Tillage
Authors: Aulakh Jatinder , Price Andrew , Enloe Stephen , Wehtje Glenn , Patterson Michael
Published: January 2013

A three year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the role of soil inversion, cover crops and spring tillage methods for Palmer amaranth between-row (BR) and within-row (WR) management in glufosinate-resistant cotton. Main plots were two soil inversion treatments: fall inversion tillage (IT) and non-inversion tillage (NIT). Subplots were three cover treatments: crimson clover, cereal rye or none (i.e., winter fallow); and the sub subplots were four secondary spring tillage methods: disking followed by (fb) cultivator (DCU), disking fb chisel plow (DCH), disking fb disking (DD) and no tillage (NT). Averaged over years and soil inversion, the crimson clover produced maximum cover biomass (4390 kg ha−1) fb cereal rye (3698 kg ha−1) and winter fallow (777 kg ha−1). Two weeks after planting (WAP) and before the postemergence (POST) application, Palmer amaranth WR and BR density were two- and four-times less, respectively, in IT than NIT. Further, Palmer amaranth WR and BR density were reduced two-fold following crimson clover and cereal rye than following winter fallow at 2 WAP. Without IT, early season Palmer amaranth densities were 40% less following DCU, DCH and DD, when compared with IT. Following IT, no spring tillage method improved Palmer amaranth control. The timely application of glufosinate + S-metolachlor POST tank mixture greatly improved Palmer amaranth control in both IT and NIT systems. The highest cotton yields were obtained with DD following cereal rye (2251 kg ha−1), DD following crimson clover (2213 kg ha−1) and DD following winter fallow (2153 kg ha−1). On average, IT cotton yields (2133 kg ha−1) were 21% higher than NIT (1766 kg ha−1). Therefore, from an integrated weed management standpoint, an occasional fall IT could greatly reduce Palmer amaranth emergence on farms highly infested with glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth. In addition, a cereal rye or crimson clover cover crop can effectively reduce early season Palmer amaranth emergence in both IT and NIT systems. For effective and season-long control of Palmer amaranth, one or more POST applications of glufosinate + residual herbicide as tank mixture may be needed in a glufosinate-based cotton production system.
Effects of Previous Crop Management, Fertilization Regime and Water Supply on Potato Tuber Proteome and Yield
Authors: Tétard-Jones Catherine , Edwards Martin , Rempelos Leonidas , Gatehouse Angharad , Eyre Mick , Wilcockson Stephen , Leifert Carlo
Published: January 2013

There is increasing concern about the sustainability and environmental impacts of mineral fertilizer use in agriculture. Increased recycling of nutrients via the use of animal and green manures and fertilizers made from domestic organic waste may reduce reliance on mineral fertilizers. However, the relative availability of nutrients (especially nitrogen) is lower in organic compared to mineral fertilizers, which can result in significantly lower yields in nutrient demanding crops such as potato. It is therefore important to gain a better understanding of the factors affecting nutrient use efficiency (yield per unit fertilizer input) from organic fertilizers. Here we show that (a) previous crop management (organic vs. conventional fertilization and crop protection regimes), (b) organic fertilizer type and rate (composted cattle manure vs. composted chicken manure pellets) and (c) watering regimes (optimized and restricted) significantly affected leaf chlorophyll content, potato tuber N-concentration, proteome and yield. Protein inference by gel matching indicated several functional groups significantly affected by previous crop management and organic fertilizer type and rate, including stress/defense response, glycolysis and protein destination and storage. These results indicate genomic pathways controlling crop responses (nutrient use efficiency and yield) according to contrasting types and rates of organic fertilizers that can be linked to the respective encoding genes.
Correction: Kousholt, A.N. et al. Pathways for Genome Integrity in G2 Phase of the Cell Cycle. Biomolecules 2012, 2, 579-607
Authors: Kousholt Arne , Menzel Tobias , Sørensen Claus
Published: January 2013

We have discovered an error in our paper published in Biomolecules [1], in Figure 1 on page 589. The protein names ATR and ATRIP have been swapped. A corrected version of the Figure 1 is provided below. [...]
Neurodevelopmental Disorders across the Lifespan: A Neuroconstructivist Approach. Edited by Emily K. Farran and Annette Karmiloff-Smith, Oxford University Press, 2012; 394 pages. Price: £49.99, ISBN 978-0-19-959481-8
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: January 2013

The first book to consider atypical development across multiple levels (genes, brain, behavior, environment), encouraging readers to think dynamically and developmentally, rather than examining static snapshots of neurodevelopmental disorders.Provides the most comprehensive review of development across cognitive domains (and their interactions), making clinicians more sensitive to looking for underlying cognitive and neural differences even when behavioral scores are in the normal range.Considers development from infancy to adulthood, encouraging the reader to think about the importance of development in understanding neurodevelopmental disorders, for example, by considering the impact that differences in low-level processes in infancy can have on later developing cognitive processes.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of a Heat Exchanger Suitable for a Hybrid Ventilation System
Authors: Davidsson Henrik , Bernardo Ricardo , Hellström Bengt
Published: January 2013

A key component in low energy houses is the heat recovery from the ventilation air. Over recent years, the most frequently used ventilation type is the mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. This kind of ventilation results in high heat recovery but does unfortunately consume a considerable amount of electrical energy. Natural or hybrid ventilation has the potential to consume less electricity but normally lacks heat recovery, leading to high-energy consumption for heating, and potentially low comfort. This article describes an investigation of a natural/hybrid ventilation system equipped with heat recovery. One of the key challenges in designing the heat exchanger is to keep the pressure drop low. At the same time the heat recovery rate has to be high. The results from the measurements show that it is possible to design a water-to-air heat exchanger with a temperature efficiency of approximately 80% with a pressure drop of about 1 Pa at air flows corresponding to 0.35 L/(s∙m²) building area. This type of ventilation system has the potential to offer a high thermal comfort, high heat recovery rate at the same time as the electrical consumption from fans is kept low. Old buildings with a natural ventilation system without heat recovery could also be retrofitted with this type of ventilation system.