bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing Healthcare Resource Utilization After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in the United States
Authors: Swaminathan Madhav , Phillips-Bute Barbara G. , Patel Uptal D. , Shaw Andrew D. , Stafford-Smith Mark , Douglas Pamela S. , Archer Laura E. , Smith Peter K. , Mathew Joseph P.
Published: June 2009

Background—

Despite declining lengths of stay, postdischarge healthcare resource utilization may be increasing because of shifts to nonacute care settings. Although changes in hospital stay after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have been described, patterns of discharge remain unclear. Our objective was to determine patterns of discharge disposition after CABG surgery in the United States.

Methods and Results—

We examined discharge disposition after CABG procedures from 1988 to 2005 using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Discharges with a “nonroutine” disposition defined patients discharged with continued healthcare needs. Multivariable regression models were constructed to assess trends and factors associated with nonroutine discharge. Median length of stay among 8 398 554 discharges decreased from 11 to 8 days between 1988 and 2005 (
P
<0.0001). There was a simultaneous increase in nonroutine discharges from 12% in 1988 to 45% in 2005 (
P
<0.0001), primarily comprising home healthcare and long-term facility use. Multivariable regression models showed age, female gender, comorbidities, concurrent valve surgery, and lower-volume hospitals more likely to be associated with nonroutine discharge.

Conclusions—

We found a significant increase in nonroutine discharges after CABG surgery across the United States from 1988 to 2005. The significant shortening of length of stay during CABG may be counterbalanced by the increased requirement for additional postoperative healthcare services. Nonacute care institutions are playing an increasingly significant role in providing CABG patients with postdischarge healthcare and should be considered in investigations of postoperative healthcare resource utilization. The impact of these changes on long-term outcomes and net resource utilization remain unknown.
Serum Selenium Concentrations and Hypertension in the US Population
Authors: Laclaustra Martin , Navas-Acien Ana , Stranges Saverio , Ordovas Jose M. , Guallar Eliseo
Published: June 2009

Background—

Selenium is an antioxidant micronutrient with potential interest for cardiovascular disease prevention. Few studies have evaluated the association between selenium and hypertension, with inconsistent findings. We explored the relationship of serum selenium concentrations with blood pressure and hypertension in a representative sample of the US population.

Methods and Results—

We undertook a cross-sectional analysis of 2638 adults ≥40 years old who participated in the 2003 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Serum selenium was measured by inductively coupled plasma-dynamic reaction cell-mass spectrometry. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg or current use of antihypertensive medication. Mean serum selenium was 137.1 μg/L. The multivariable adjusted differences (95% CIs) in blood pressure levels comparing the highest (≥150 μg/L) to the lowest (<122 μg/L) quintile of serum selenium were 4.3 (1.3 to 7.4), 1.6 (−0.5 to 3.7), and 2.8 (0.8 to 4.7) mm Hg for systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure, respectively. The corresponding odds ratio for hypertension was 1.73 (1.18 to 2.53). In spline regression models, blood pressure levels and the prevalence of hypertension increased with increasing selenium concentrations up to 160 μg/L.

Conclusions—

High serum selenium concentrations were associated with higher prevalence of hypertension. These findings call for a thorough evaluation of the risks and benefits associated with high selenium status in the United States.
Comparing Methods of Measuring Treatment Intensification in Hypertension Care
Authors: Rose Adam J. , Berlowitz Dan R. , Manze Meredith , Orner Michelle B. , Kressin Nancy R.
Published: June 2009

Background—

Greater treatment intensification (TI) improves hypertension control. However, we do not know the ideal way to measure TI for research and quality improvement efforts. We compared the ability of different TI measures to predict blood pressure (BP) control.

Methods and Results—

We enrolled 819 hypertensive outpatients from an urban academic hospital. Each patient was assigned 3 scores to characterize TI. The any/none score divides patients into those who had any therapy increases during the study versus none. The norm-based method models the chance of a medication increase at each visit, then scores each patient based on whether they received more or fewer medication increases than predicted. The standard-based method is similar to the norm-based method but expects a medication increase whenever the blood pressure is uncontrolled. We compared the ability of these scores to predict the final systolic blood pressure (SBP). The any/none score showed a paradoxical result: any therapy increase was associated with SBP 4.6 mm Hg higher than no increase (
P
<0.001). The norm-based method score did not predict SBP in a linear fashion (
P
=0.18); further investigation revealed a U-shaped relationship between the norm-based method score and SBP. However, the standard-based method score was a strong linear predictor of SBP (2.1 mm Hg lower for each additional therapy increase per 10 visits,
P
<0.001). Similarly, the standard-based method predicted dichotomized blood pressure control, as measured by SBP <140 mm Hg (odds ratio, 1.30;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Our results suggest that standard-based method is the preferred measure of treatment intensity for hypertension care.
Study of Regional-Scale Boundary Layer Characteristics over Northern India with a Special Reference to the Role of the Thar Desert in Regional-Scale Transport
Authors: Panda Jagabandhu , Sharan Maithili , Gopalakrishnan S. G.
Published: June 2009

Extensive contrasts of land surface heterogeneities have a pivotal role in modulating boundary layer processes and consequently, the regional-scale dispersion of air pollutants. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) modeling system has been used to analyze the regional-scale boundary layer features over northern India. Two cases, 9–11 December 2004 and 20–22 May 2005, representing the winter and summer season, respectively, are chosen for the simulations. The model results have been compared with the observations from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Wyoming Weather Web data archive over three cities: Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Jodhpur. The simulations show that the thermal stratifications and the associated wind pattern are very well supported by land surface characteristics over the region. The results signify that the underlying land surface along with the prevailing hemispheric-scale meteorological processes (synoptic conditions) is the driver of the simulated patterns. The study implies that thermally driven regional circulations play a major role in the transport of particulate matter from the Thar Desert to Delhi and its neighboring regions during summer.
Reexamining the Vertical Structure of Tangential Winds in Tropical Cyclones: Observations and Theory
Authors: Stern Daniel P. , Nolan David S.
Published: June 2009

A few commonly held beliefs regarding the vertical structure of tropical cyclones drawn from prior studies, both observational and theoretical, are examined in this study. One of these beliefs is that the outward slope of the radius of maximum winds (RMW) is a function of the size of the RMW. Another belief is that the outward slope of the RMW is also a function of the intensity of the storm. Specifically, Shea and Gray found that the RMW becomes increasingly vertical with increasing intensity and decreasing radius. The third belief evaluated here is that the RMW is a surface of constant absolute angular momentum M. These three conventional wisdoms of vertical structure are revisited with a dataset of three-dimensional Doppler wind analyses, comprising seven hurricanes on 17 different days. Azimuthal mean tangential winds are calculated for each storm, and the slopes of the RMW and M surfaces are objectively determined. The outward slope of the RMW is shown to increase with radius, which supports prior studies. In contrast to prior results, no relationship is found between the slope of the RMW and intensity. It is shown that the RMW is indeed closely approximated by an M surface for the majority of storms. However, there is a small but systematic tendency for M to decrease upward along the RMW. Utilizing Emanuel’s analytical hurricane model, a new equation is derived for the slope of the RMW in radius–pressure space. This predicts a linear increase of slope with radius and essentially no dependence of slope on intensity. An exactly analogous equation can be derived in log-pressure height coordinates, and a numerical solution yields the same conclusions in geometric height coordinates. These conclusions are further supported by the results of simulations utilizing Emanuel’s simple, time-dependent, axisymmetric hurricane model. As both the model and the analytical theory are governed by the dual constraints of thermal wind balance and slantwise moist neutrality, it is demonstrated that it is these two assumptions that require the slope of the RMW to be a function of its size but not of the intensity of the storm. Finally, it is shown that within the context of Emanuel’s theory, the RMW must very closely approximate an M surface through most of the depth of the vortex.
Rapid Development of the Tropical Cyclone Warm Core
Authors: Vigh Jonathan L. , Schubert Wayne H.
Published: June 2009

This paper presents a simple theoretical argument to isolate the conditions under which a tropical cyclone can rapidly develop a warm-core thermal structure and subsequently approach a steady state. The theoretical argument is based on the balanced vortex model and, in particular, on the associated transverse circulation equation and the geopotential tendency equation. These second-order partial differential equations contain the diabatic forcing and three spatially varying coefficients: the static stability A, the baroclinity B, and the inertial stability C. Thus, the transverse circulation and the temperature tendency in a tropical vortex depend not only on the diabatic forcing but also on the spatial distributions of A, B, and C. Experience shows that the large radial variations of C are typically the most important effect. Under certain simplifying assumptions as to the vertical structure of the diabatic forcing and the spatial variability of A, B, and C, the transverse circulation equation and the geopotential tendency equation can be solved via separation of variables. The resulting radial structure equations retain the dynamically important radial variation of C and can be solved in terms of Green’s functions. These analytical solutions show that the vortex response to a delta function in the diabatic heating depends critically on whether the heating occurs in the low-inertial-stability region outside the radius of maximum wind or in the high-inertial-stability region inside the radius of maximum wind. This result suggests that rapid intensification is favored for storms that have at least some of the eyewall convection inside the radius of maximum wind. The development of an eye partially removes diabatic heating from the high-inertial-stability region of the storm center; however, rapid intensification may continue if the eyewall heating continues to become more efficient. As the warm core matures and static stability increases over the inner core, conditions there become less favorable for deep upright convection and the storm tends to approach a steady state.
Interannual Variability of the Cyclonic Activity along the U.S. Pacific Coast: Influences on the Characteristics of Winter Precipitation in the Western United States
Authors: Myoung Boksoon , Deng Yi
Published: June 2009

This study examines the observed interannual variability of the cyclonic activity along the U.S. Pacific coast and quantifies its impact on the characteristics of both the winter total and extreme precipitation in the western United States. A cyclonic activity function (CAF) was derived from a dataset of objectively identified cyclone tracks in 27 winters (1979/80–2005/06). The leading empirical orthogonal function (EOF1) of the CAF was found to be responsible for the EOF1 of the winter precipitation in the western United States, which is a monopole mode centered over the Pacific Northwest and northern California. On the other hand, the EOF2 of the CAF contributes to the EOF2 of the winter precipitation, which indicates that above-normal precipitation in the Pacific Northwest and its immediate inland regions tends to be accompanied by below-normal precipitation in California and the southwestern United States and vice versa. The first two EOFs of CAF (precipitation) account for about 70% (78%) of the total interannual variance of CAF (precipitation). The second EOF modes of both the CAF and precipitation are significantly linked to the ENSO signal on interannual time scales. A composite analysis further reveals that the leading CAF modes increase (decrease) the winter total precipitation by increasing (decreasing) both the number of rainy days per winter and the extremeness of precipitation. The latter was quantified in terms of the 95th percentile of the daily rain rate and the probability of precipitation being heavy given a rainy day. The implications of the leading CAF modes for the water resources and the occurrence of extreme hydrologic events in the western United States, as well as their dynamical linkages to the Pacific storm track and various atmospheric low-frequency modes (i.e., teleconnection patterns), are also discussed.
Modulation of Australian Precipitation by Meridional Gradients in East Indian Ocean Sea Surface Temperature
Authors: Ummenhofer Caroline C. , Sen Gupta Alexander , Taschetto Andréa S. , England Matthew H.
Published: June 2009

This study explores the impact of meridional sea surface temperature (SST) gradients across the eastern Indian Ocean on interannual variations in Australian precipitation. Atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) experiments are conducted in which the sign and magnitude of eastern Indian Ocean SST gradients are perturbed. This results in significant rainfall changes for western and southeastern Australia. A reduction (increase) in the meridional SST gradient drives a corresponding response in the atmospheric thickness gradients and results in anomalous dry (wet) conditions over Australia. During simulated wet years, this seems to be due to westerly anomalies in the thermal wind over Australia and anomalous onshore moisture advection, with a suggestion that the opposite occurs during dry conditions. Thus, an asymmetry is seen in the magnitude of the forced circulation and precipitation response between the dry and wet simulations. To assess the relative contribution of the SST anomalies making up the meridional gradient, the SST pattern is decomposed into its constituent “poles,” that is, the eastern tropical pole off the northwest shelf of Australia versus the southern pole in the central subtropical Indian Ocean. Overall, the simulated Australian rainfall response is linear with regard to the sign and magnitude of the eastern Indian Ocean SST gradient. The tropical eastern pole has a larger impact on the atmospheric circulation and Australian precipitation changes relative to the southern subtropical pole. However, there is clear evidence of the importance of the southern pole in enhancing the Australian rainfall response, when occurring in conjunction with but of opposite sign to the eastern tropical pole. The observed relationship between the meridional SST gradient in the eastern Indian Ocean and rainfall over western and southeastern Australia is also analyzed for the period 1970–2005. The observed relationship is found to be consistent with the AGCM results.
Spatiotemporal Variability of Precipitation, Modeled Soil Moisture, and Vegetation Greenness in North America within the Recent Observational Record
Authors: Castro Christopher L. , Beltrán-Przekurat Adriana B. , Pielke Roger A.
Published: June 2009

Dominant spatiotemporal patterns of precipitation, modeled soil moisture, and vegetation are determined in North America within the recent observational record (late twentieth century onward). These data are from a gridded U.S.–Mexico precipitation product, retrospective long-term integrations of two land surface models, and satellite-derived vegetation greenness. The analysis procedure uses three statistical techniques. First, all the variables are normalized according to the standardized precipitation index procedure. Second, dominant patterns of spatiotemporal variability are determined using multitaper method–singular value decomposition for interannual and longer time scales. The dominant spatiotemporal patterns of precipitation generally conform to known and distinct Pacific SST forcing in the cool and warm seasons. Two specific time scales in precipitation at 9 and 6–7 yr correspond to significant variability in soil moisture and vegetation, respectively. The 9-yr signal is related to precipitation in late fall to early winter, whereas the 6–7-yr signal is related to earlysummer precipitation. Canonical correlation analysis is finally used to confirm that strong covariability between land surface variables and precipitation exists at these specific times of the year. Both signals are strongest in the central and western United States and are consistent with prior global modeling and paleoclimate studies that have investigated drought in North America.
Ebb-Tide Dynamics and Spreading of a Large River Plume*
Authors: McCabe Ryan M. , MacCready Parker , Hickey Barbara M.
Published: June 2009

Momentum balances in the near-field region of a large, tidally pulsed river plume are examined. The authors concentrate on a single ebb tide of the Columbia River plume, using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) configured to hindcast flow conditions on the Washington and Oregon shelves and in the Columbia River estuary. During ebb, plume-interior streamwise balances are largely between advection, pressure gradient, and frictional forces. Stream-normal balances in this region reduce to centrifugal, cross-stream pressure gradient, and Coriolis terms (i.e., the “gradient wind” balance commonly assumed in river plume bulge investigations). Temporal derivatives are most important at the plume front and as the ebb progresses. Winds were light and contributed little to the force balance. Midebb stress and vertical salt flux were largest at a midplume depth, where stratification and vertical shear were also high, consistent with shear-induced mixing. Internal stress slows the spreading plume considerably. A kinematic description of the spreading process relates lateral spreading to the momentum dynamics and illustrates that plume spreading is largely a competition between the cross-stream pressure gradient and Coriolis forces. However, the very near-field dome of buoyant water is instrumental in setting initial flow pathways.
Ensemble Kalman Filter Configurations and Their Performance with the Logistic Map
Authors: Mitchell Herschel L. , Houtekamer P. L.
Published: June 2009

This paper examines ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) performance for a number of different EnKF configurations. The study is performed in a perfect-model context using the logistic map as forecast model. The focus is on EnKF performance when the ensemble is small. In accordance with theory, it is found that those configurations that maintain an appropriate ensemble spread are indeed those with the smallest ensemble mean error in a data assimilation cycle. Thus, the deficient ensemble spread produced by the single-ensemble EnKF results in increased ensemble mean error for this configuration. This problem with the conceptually simplest EnKF motivates an examination of a variety of other configurations. These include the configuration with a pair of ensembles and several configurations with overlapping ensembles, such as the four-subensemble configuration (used operationally at the Canadian Meteorological Centre) and the configuration in which observations are assimilated into each member using a gain computed from all of the other members. Also examined is a configuration that uses the jackknife estimator to obtain an estimate of the gain and an estimate of its uncertainty. Using these estimates, a different perturbed gain is then produced for each ensemble member. In general, it is found that these latter configurations outperform both the single-ensemble EnKF and the configuration with a pair of ensembles. In addition to these “stochastic” filters, the performance of a “deterministic” filter (which does not use perturbed observations) is also examined.
Analysis of Intense Poleward Water Vapor Transports into High Latitudes of Western North America
Authors: Roberge Alain , Gyakum John R. , Atallah Eyad H.
Published: June 2009

Significant cool season precipitation along the western coast of North America is often associated with intense water vapor transport (IWVT) from the Pacific Ocean during favorable synoptic-scale flow regimes. These relatively narrow and intense regions of water vapor transport can originate in either the tropical or subtropical oceans, and sometimes have been referred to as Pineapple Express events in previous literature when originating near Hawaii. However, the focus of this paper will be on diagnosing the synoptic-scale signatures of all significant water vapor transport events associated with poleward moisture transport impacting the western coast of Canada, regardless of the exact points of origin of the associated atmospheric river. A trajectory analysis is used to partition the events as a means of creating coherent and meaningful synoptic-scale composites. The results indicate that these IWVT events can be clustered by the general area of origin of the majority of the saturated parcels impacting British Columbia and the Yukon Territories. IWVT events associated with more zonal trajectories are characterized by a strong and mature Aleutian low, whereas IWVT events associated with more meridional trajectories are often characterized by an anticyclone situated along the California or Oregon coastline, and a relatively mature poleward-traveling cyclone, commonly originating in the central North Pacific.
Going Public
Authors: Beltrán Cristina
Published: June 2009

While other theorists have turned to Arendt’s analysis of statelessness and superfluity to consider questions of immigration, “illegality,” and the status of noncitizens, this essay argues that Arendt’s account of labor and her nonconsequentialist account of action offer a richer optic for considering the undocumented in the United States. To explore this claim, this essay constructs an alternate account of the nationwide demonstrations for immigrant rights that occurred in 2006. Rather than defining “success” in terms of replicability or immediate legislative results, the author’s analysis of the 2006 protests emphasizes the significance of noncitizens laying claim to the public realm. Considering Michael Warner’s concept of counterpublics, the author argues that the demonstrations can be best understood as a moment of initiation and an inaugural performance of the political. Rereading Arendt’s notion of animal laborans, the essay concludes by exploring the limitations of noncitizens invoking labor as a way to gain civic standing.
Autonomy, Respect, and Arrogance in the Danish Cartoon Controversy
Authors: Rostbøll Christian F.
Published: June 2009

Autonomy is increasingly rejected as a fundamental principle by liberal political theorists because it is regarded as incompatible with respect for diversity. This article seeks, via an analysis of the Danish cartoon controversy, to show that the relationship between autonomy and diversity is more complex than often posited. Particularly, it asks whether the autonomy defense of freedom of expression encourages disrespect for religious feelings. Autonomy leads to disrespect for diversity only when it is understood as a character ideal that must be promoted as an end in itself. If it by contrast is understood as something we should presume everyone possesses, it provides a strong basis for equal respect among people from diverse cultures. A Kantian conception of autonomy can justify the right to freedom of expression while it at the same time requires that we in the exercise of freedom of expression show respect for others as equals.
The Paradoxical Hobbes
Authors: Springborg Patricia
Published: June 2009

Attention has turned from Hobbes the systematic thinker to his inconsistencies, as the essays in the Hobbes symposium published in the recent volume of Political Theory suggest. Deborah Baumgold, in “The Difficulties of Hobbes Interpretation,” shifted the focus to “the history of the book,” and Hobbes’s method of serial composition and peripatetic insertion, as a major source of his inconsistency. Accepting Baumgold’s method, the author argues that the manner of composition does not necessarily determine content and that fundamental paradoxes in Hobbes’s work have a different provenance, for which there are also contextual answers. Hobbes was a courtier’s client, but one committed early to a materialist ontology and epistemology, and these commitments shackled him in treating the immediate political questions with which he was required to deal, leading to systemic paradoxes in his treatment of natural law, liberty, authorization, and consent.
The relationship between interparental conflict and adolescents’ affective well-being: Mediation of cognitive appraisals and moderation of peer status
Authors: Ziqiang Xin  , Liping Chi  , Guoliang Yu
Published: June 2009

This study examined the mediation effect of cognitive appraisals and the moderation role of peer status in the association between interparental conflict and adolescents’ affective well-being based on a sample of 549 Chinese adolescents from 7th to 12th grades. Interparental conflict properties, adolescents’ cognitive appraisals of conflict, affective well-being, and peer status were measured through scales and peer nomination surveys. The results of structure equation modeling showed that: cognitive appraisals totally mediated the association between marital conflict and adolescents’ affective well-being; peer status moderated the effect of marital conflict on adolescents’ positive affect but not on negative affect; and the relationship between marital conflict and positive affect showed different patterns for adolescents of different social status. Therefore, to better understand affective well-being of adolescents from high marital conflict families, their cognitive appraisals of conflict and peer relations should be taken into account.
Examining differences in psychological adjustment problems among children conceived by assisted reproductive technologies
Authors: Shelton Katherine H. , Boivin Jacky , Hay Dale , van den Bree Marianne B.M. , Rice Frances J. , Harold Gordon T. , Thapar Anita
Published: June 2009

The aim of this study was to examine whether there was variation in levels of psychological adjustment among children conceived through Assisted Reproductive Technologies using the parents’ gametes (homologous), sperm donation, egg donation, embryo donation and surrogacy. Information was provided by parents about the psychological functioning of 769 children aged 5 to 9 years who had been born using ART (from the five groups described). Comparisons were made between the different conception groups, to UK national norms and, for a sub-sample of multiple births, to an age-matched twin sample. No differences were found between the conception groups except that fathers from the egg donation group rated children higher in conduct problems compared to other ART groups. No effects were observed by ART treatment type (ICSI vs. IVF, GIFT and IUI). There was some evidence of lower conduct problems and prosocial behaviour among children conceived through homologous IVF compared to national norms. Taken together, however, consistent differences between groups and in comparison to naturally conceived children were not apparent for mother- or father-rated adjustment problems. Children conceived with assisted reproductive technologies, regardless of whether they are genetically related or unrelated to their parents or born by gestational surrogacy do not differ in their levels of psychological adjustment. Nor do they appear to be at greater risk of psychological adjustment problems in middle childhood compared to naturally conceived children.
Communicative acts of a child with Rubinstein—Taybi syndrome during early communicative development
Authors: Carvey Jayme S. , Bernhardt B. May
Published: June 2009

Rubinstein—Taybi syndrome (RTS) is a rare genetic developmental disorder that often shows associated language delay. However, literature on language development in RTS is very limited, particularly for the period of early communicative development, when standardized testing can be minimally informative. The purpose of the current study was to present a descriptive profile of the intentional communicative acts of a 4-year-old child with RTS, both to add to the literature on the syndrome, and as an example of non-standard profiling of early communication. The child was video-recorded in a natural context with familiar conversational partners. Analyses of the videotaped interactions included rate of communication, communicative functions and modes, and discourse patterns in terms of initiation and response. The child's mean rate of communication was 6 communicative acts per minute. In terms of communicative function, assertive (commenting) communicative acts were most common, followed by directive (requests) and expressive (affective) acts. Mode of communication was less advanced than communicative function; vocalizations were the most frequent mode, although linguistic skills were emerging (signs, single words). Implications for treatment are suggested for children with development delays on the threshold between prelinguistic and one-word phases of development.
An independent psychometric evaluation of a speech and language tool for two-year-old children from a Sure Start trailblazer site in the West Midlands
Authors: Adamson-Macedo Elvidina N. , Patel Reena , Sallah David K.
Published: June 2009

Speech and language difficulties can be indicative of other cognitive, social and developmental problems. Tools used in the UK have not (1) targeted two-year-old children, (2) included both parents' reports and independent observations, and (3) simultaneously evaluated expression, understanding and speech. This cross-sectional study of two separate cohorts included 244 children. Good internal consistency reliability for total scale and for understanding and expression sub-scales was found but not for the Speech sub-scale. External reliability from 101 participants was high. The standardized tool includes parental report and direct observation, and it assesses expression, understanding and speech, simultaneously. Internal reliability results suggest that the fewer the number of items included in a sub-scale, the lower the internal consistency. A significant gender main effect on pre-school speech and language scores was identified supporting previous findings that girls perform better than boys.
Development of communication skills in Finnish pre-school children examined by the Children's Communication Checklist (CCC)
Authors: Yliherva Anneli , Loukusa Soile , Väisänen Raija , Pyper Amanda , Moilanen Irma
Published: June 2009

The communication skills of typically developing Finnish-speaking children between three and six years of age were examined using the Children's Communication Checklist (CCC). The differences between the boys and girls were also investigated. Results showed that the performance of the three-year-old children differed on the Speech subscale of the CCC compared to the five-year-old and six-year-old children and on the Syntax, Coherence and Use of Context subscales from the six-year-old children. Four-year-old children differed from the six-year-olds on the Syntax and Coherence subscales, and the five-year-olds differed from the six-year-olds on the Rapport subscale. Boys performed similarly to girls except on the Interests scale where the boys' performance was poorer. The CCC was effective in evaluating typical communication skills in pre-school children, and it can be used to investigate pragmatic skills in children as young as three years of age. As the development of pragmatic abilities may develop differently across languages and cultures, studies about children's pragmatic development in different languages and cultural backgrounds are needed to identify if there is a universal developmental pattern of communication, as well as features that are specific to a given culture and to a given language.
Speech and language therapists and teachers working together: Exploring the issues
Authors: Baxter Susan , Brookes Clair , Bianchi Karen , Rashid Khadeeja , Hay Fiona
Published: June 2009

Research suggests that there are benefits for children and staff from joint working between speech and language therapists (SLTs) and teachers. However, differing models and a number of obstacles to successful joint working have been identified. Using a survey design, this study aimed to: explore the perceptions of school staff regarding a speech and language therapy service to mainstream schools in one education authority; identify issues regarding the components of current service delivery from the school staff perspective; and explore how these perceptions may be used to contribute to future planning.
Measurement Equivalence in Solidarity Attitudes in Europe
Authors: Kankaraš Miloš , Moors Guy
Published: June 2009

Comparing solidarity attitudes of European citizens is highly relevant in the context of European integration and unification. Such comparisons, however, are only valid if responses to attitude questions reflect true differences in solidarity and, hence, the measurement of latent solidarity attitudes is comparable. Often comparability is assumed, rarely is it tested. This research presents a multiple-group latent-class factor analysis of a set of questions concerning solidarity towards different social groups, taken from the 1999/2000 wave of the European Value Study. This multiple-group comparison reveals that equivalence in attitude measurement is not established straightforwardly. However, once the sources of measurement inequivalence are taken into account, valid comparison between countries is possible. It turns out that European countries are less divided on the solidarity attitudes than would have been concluded from a model that did not account for heterogeneity in measurement. At the same time, the improved model only slightly altered country rankings on solidarity dimensions.
Gender Differences in Educational Attainment among the Children of Canadian Immigrants
Authors: Abada Teresa , Tenkorang Eric Yeboah
Published: June 2009

This article examines the gender differences in university education attainment among the children of Canadian immigrants, observing the extent to which parental human capital and social capital in the family and immigrant community may be more important and/or different for men and women. This allows us to examine the degree to which structural and cultural factors used to explain racial differences in academic achievement are also viable explanations along gender lines. Distinct patterns of upward mobility or possibilities for blocked mobility are segmented not only by race and ethnicity but also along gender lines. This study finds the importance of parental human capital whereby maternal education matters more for girls while father's education was more prominent for son's education. Family structure and feelings of exclusion during childhood have a more important role for women while identification with an ethnic ancestry for men is crucial for their pursuit of higher education.
The Mexican American Cultural Values Scale for Adolescents and Adults
Authors: Knight George P. , Gonzales Nancy A. , Saenz Delia S. , Bonds Darya D. , Germán Miguelina , Deardorff Julianna , Roosav Mark W. , Updegraff Kimberly A.
Published: June 2009

This research evaluates the properties of a measure of culturally linked values of Mexican Americans in early adolescence and adulthood. The article discusses the items derived from qualitative data provided by focus groups in which Mexican Americans’ (adolescents, mothers, and fathers) perceptions of key values were discussed. The focus groups and a preliminary item refinement result in the 50-item Mexican American Cultural Values Scale (MACVS; identical for adolescents and adults) that includes 9 subscales. Analyses of data from two large previously published studies sampling Mexican American adolescents, mothers, and fathers provide evidence of the expected two correlated higher order factor structures, reliability, and construct validity of the subscales of the MACVS as indicators of values that are frequently associated with Mexican/Mexican American culture. The utility of this measure for use in longitudinal research and in resolving some important theoretical questions regarding dual cultural adaptation is discussed.
Epidemiology of Severe Injuries among United States High School Athletes
Authors: Darrow Cory J. , Collins Christy L. , Yard Ellen E. , Comstock R. Dawn
Published: June 2009

Background

Over 7 million students participate in high school athletics annually. Despite numerous health benefits, high school athletes are at risk for injury.

Hypothesis

Severe injury rates and patterns differ by gender and type of exposure.

Study Design

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods

Sports-related injury data were collected during the 2005-2007 academic years from 100 nationally representative United States high schools via RIO (Reporting Information Online). Severe injury was defined as any injury that resulted in the loss of more than 21 days of sports participation.

Results

Participating certified athletic trainers (ATCs) reported 1378 severe injuries during 3 550 141 athlete-exposures (0.39 severe injuries per 1000 athletic exposures). Football had the highest severe injury rate (0.69), followed by wrestling (0.52), girls’ basketball (0.34), and girls’ soccer (0.33). The rate in all boys’ sports (0.45) was higher than all girls’ sports (0.26) (rate ratio [RR], 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.54-1.98; P < .001). However, among directly comparable sports (soccer, basketball, and baseball/softball), girls sustained a higher severe injury rate (0.29) than boys (0.23) (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.08-1.52; P = .006). More specifically, girls’ basketball had a higher rate (0.34) than boys’ basketball (0.24) (RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.10-1.86; P = .009). Differences between boys’ and girls’ soccer and baseball/softball were not statistically significant. The severe injury rate was greater in competition (0.79) than practice (0.24) (RR, 3.30; 95% CI, 2.97-3.67; P < .001). Nationally, high school athletes sustained an estimated 446 715 severe injuries from 2005-2007. The most commonly injured body sites were the knee (29.0%), ankle (12.3%), and shoulder (10.9%). The most common diagnoses were fractures (36.0%), complete ligament sprains (15.3%), and incomplete ligament sprains (14.3%). Of severe sports injuries, 0.3% resulted in medical disqualification for the athletes’ career, and an additional 56.8% resulted in medical disqualification for the entire season. One in 4 (28.3%) severe injuries required surgery, with over half (53.9%) being knee surgeries.

Conclusion

Severe injury rates and patterns varied by sport, gender, and type of exposure. Because severe injuries negatively affect athletes’ health and often place an increased burden on the health care system, future research should focus on developing interventions to decrease the incidence and severity of sports-related injuries.
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Nho Shane J. , Adler Ronald S. , Tomlinson Daniel P. , Allen Answorth A. , Cordasco Frank A. , Warren Russell F. , Altchek David W. , MacGillivray John D.
Published: June 2009

Background

Recent studies have demonstrated predictable healing after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at a single time point, but few studies have evaluated tendon healing over time.

Hypothesis

Rotator cuff tears that are intact on ultrasound at 1 time point will remain intact, and clinical results will improve regardless of healing status.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

The Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Registry was established to determine the effectiveness of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with clinical outcomes using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score and ultrasound at 1 and 2 years, postoperatively. Patients were assigned to 1 of 3 groups based on ultrasound appearance: group 1, rotator cuff tendon intact at 1 and 2 years (n = 63); group 2, rotator cuff tendon defect at 1 and 2 years (n = 23); group 3, rotator cuff tendon defect at 1 year but no defect at 2 years (n = 7).

Results

The ultrasound appearance was consistent at 1 and 2 years for 86 of the 93 patients (92.5%). The patients in group 1 had a significantly lower mean age (57.8 ± 9.8 years) than the patients of group 2 (63.6 ± 8.6 years; P = .04). Group 2 had a significantly greater rotator cuff tear size (4.36 ± 1.6 cm) than group 1 (2.84 ± 1.1 cm; P = .00025). Each group had a significant improvement in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores from baseline to 2-year follow-up.

Conclusion

All intact rotator cuff tendons at 1 year remained intact at 2 years. A small group of patients with postoperative imaging did not appear healed by ultrasound at 1 year but did so at 2 years. Patients demonstrated improvement in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder scores, range of motion, and strength, regardless of tendon healing status on ultrasound.
Trade unions learning representatives: progressing partnership?
Authors: Cassell Catherine , Lee Bill
Published: June 2009

The statutory rights given to trade union learning representatives (ULRs) to facilitate and organize learning in the workplace has led to the creation of a new specialized union lay official role. This article investigates how the ULR initiative is facilitating the development of learning partnerships in the workplace. Empirical data is provided from a qualitative study that draws on interviews with full-time trade union officials from a range of unions. It is argued that although the ULR initiative provides opportunities for unions to promote the ideal of learning partnerships within the workplace, rights to learning remain a contested terrain between many employers and unions.
Professional competition and modernizing the clinical workforce in the NHS
Authors: Currie Graeme , Finn Rachael , Martin Graham
Published: June 2009

Located within a debate about changing organizational forms and new workforce roles this article provides an analysis of policy attempts to modernize the healthcare workforce. Theoretically, the article draws upon sociology of professions literature to focus upon competition within and between professions that impacts upon new roles in the NHS for doctors, designed to combine specialist and generalist knowledge and cross organizational and professional boundaries. The article highlights that attempts by policy-makers to reconfigure the clinical workforce may be constrained due to attempts at occupational closure by more powerful professional groups and by associated concerns about professional identities.
WorkChoices, ImageChoices and the marketing of new industrial relations legislation
Authors: Bailey Janis , Townsend Keith , Luck Edwina
Published: June 2009

This article takes a critical discourse approach to one aspect of the Australian WorkChoices industrial relations legislation: the government's major advertisement published in national newspapers in late 2005 and released simultaneously as a 16-page booklet.This strategic move was the initial stage of one of the largest `information' campaigns ever mounted by an Australian government, costing more than $AUD137 million. This article analyse the semiotic (visual and graphic) elements of the advertisement to uncover what these elements contribute to the message, particularly through their construction of both an image of the legislation and a portrayal of the Australian worker.We argue for the need to fuse approaches from critical discourse studies and social semiotics to deepen understanding of industrial relations phenomena such as the `hard sell' to win the hearts and minds of citizens regarding unpopular new legislation.
The knowledge economy and the restructuring of employment: the case of consultants
Authors: Donnelly Rory
Published: June 2009

Knowledge workers are said to be the vanguard of a new era in work and employment, with some even claiming that these workers have been freed from the constraints of organizational employment (Pink, 2001; Reed, 1996). However, many knowledge workers operate as employees and emerging research suggests that the interplay between these workers and organizations generates strong competing tensions. This article proposes that these conflicts lead to a hybridization of the employment relationship.The findings from this case study of a large consultancy firm suggest that these tensions along with organizational context, the form of knowledge work, the seniority of the individual and the level and nature of client influence play an important role in shaping the degree and balance of this hybridization in contemporary bureaucracies.
The outsourcing of social care in Britain: what does it mean for voluntary sector workers?
Authors: Cunningham Ian , James Philip
Published: June 2009

While recent decades have witnessed a growth in the outsourcing of public services in Britain, the post-1997 UK Labour governments have sought to put in place mechanisms aimed at encouraging long-term collaborative contracting relationships marked by less reliance on cost-based competition. This article explores empirically how far these mechanisms have achieved their aims and thereby acted to protect the employment conditions of staff, and links this exploration to debates concerning the employment implications of organizational reforms within public sectors internationally. It concludes that in terms of bringing income security to the voluntary sector and stability to employment terms and conditions these efforts have been unsuccessful, and consequently casts doubts on more optimistic interpretations of the employment effects of organizational restructuring in the British public sector.
The vulnerable worker in Britain and problems at work
Authors: Pollert Anna , Charlwood Andy
Published: June 2009

This article investigates the experience of low paid workers without union representation. It reports on the findings of a recent survey of 501 low paid, non-unionized workers who experienced problems at work. The results demonstrate that problems at work are widespread and, despite a strong propensity to take action to try to resolve them, most workers failed to achieve satisfactory resolutions. In the light of these results, we argue that the current UK Government definition of vulnerability is too narrow because our results suggest that a large proportion of low paid, unrepresented workers are at risk of being denied their employment rights. Therefore we question the ability of the UK's current system of predominantly non-unionized employment relations to deliver employment rights effectively and fairly.