bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Persistent Dysphagia After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Olsson Erik C. , Jobson Meghan , Lim Moe R.
Published: May 2015

Dysphagia is a relatively common complication of anterior cervical spine surgery. Smoking has not been definitively assessed as a risk factor for dysphagia. This study examined risk factors for dysphagia, including smoking and pain severity. The authors performed a cross-sectional cohort study of 100 patients who underwent anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF). Dysphagia was assessed with the Yoo-Bazaz questionnaire. Clinical notes were reviewed for demographic information, diagnosis, preoperative pain severity, preoperative smoking status, and operative details. The dysphagia questionnaire was administered via telephone. The rate of dysphagia at an average of 2.75 years (33 months) was 26%. Rare and mild dysphagia were reported by 2% and 7% of patients, respectively. Moderate dysphagia was reported by 12% patients, and severe dysphagia was reported by 5% of patients. Smokers were more likely to report dysphagia symptoms, and their dysphagia scores were more severe than those in nonsmokers (1.17 vs 0.54;
P
=.02). Patients undergoing revision surgery (n=7) had dysphagia at a rate of 71% compared with 23% of patients undergoing primary surgery (
P
<.004). Age, sex, diagnosis, severity of preoperative pain, and number of levels treated did not reach statistical significance. The prevalence of persistent dysphagia at an average of 33 months after ACDF was 23% in primary cases. To the authors’ knowledge, the severity of dysphagia in smokers has not been reported previously. These data confirm previous reports that dysphagia symptoms persist in a significant proportion of patients more than 1 year after anterior cervical spine surgery. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(4):e319–e323.]
Postoperative Radiographs After ACL Reconstruction Are Not Cost-effective
Authors: Stucken Charlton , Flato Russell , O’Hagan Thomas , O’Brien Daniel , Ruiz Devin , Cohen Steven B. , Dodson Christopher , Ciccotti Michael G. , Tjoumakaris Fotios
Published: May 2015

Postoperative radiographs have become standard after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, even though few findings in the literature substantiate their efficacy. The goal of this study was to determine whether routine postoperative radiographs were cost-effective in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. In addition, the authors sought to determine whether these radiographs provided meaningful clinical information that changed postoperative management. Between January and December 2010, the authors retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent ACL reconstruction at their institution. The clinical course of all patients was reviewed to determine whether the results of the radiograph at the time of interpretation changed the plan of care. All radiographs were then scrutinized for abnormal findings that could have changed the plan of care if noted at the time of follow-up. Of 624 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction, 340 (54.4%) had a postoperative radiograph within 30 days. No radiograph showed a complication as interpreted by the surgeon at the time the radiograph was obtained, and no changes were made in routine postoperative care. On final review of each radiograph, none showed findings that would have changed management. The cost of performing and interpreting radiographs was $42.62 per patient, with a combined cost of $14,490.80. The findings of the study showed that postoperative radiographs after ACL reconstruction should not be considered “routine” practice. In addition, because these studies provided little clinical information, they are recommended only when symptoms suggest a mechanical complication and in cases of unforeseen postoperative trauma. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(4):e339–e342.]
Total Ankle Arthroplasty With Severe Preoperative Varus Deformity
Authors: Hanselman Andrew E. , Powell Brian D. , Santrock Robert D.
Published: May 2015

Advancements in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) over the past several decades have led to improved patient outcomes and implant survivorship. Despite these innovations, many implant manufacturers still consider a preoperative coronal plane deformity greater than 10° a relative contraindication to TAA. Without proper intraoperative alignment, these implants may experience abnormal wear and hardware failure. Correcting these deformities, often through the use of soft tissue procedures and/or osteotomies, not only increases the difficulty of a case, but also the intraoperative time and radiation exposure. The authors report a case in which a 54-year-old man with a severe right ankle varus deformity of 29° underwent successful TAA using the INBONE II Prophecy total ankle system (Wright Medical Technology, Inc, Memphis, Tennessee) and additional soft tissue reconstruction. Intraoperatively, the patient’s coronal deformity was corrected to 1.8°. At 8 months postoperatively, the patient ambulated without restriction and had substantial improvement in validated patient outcome scores, specifically the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle Module and the Short Form Health Survey-12 This unique report documents the first time that this particular implant, with an exclusive preoperative computed tomography–derived patient-specific guide, has been used effectively for a severe preoperative varus deformity greater than 20° without the need for an osteotomy. Future studies should be directed toward the prospective evaluation of different total ankle implant systems and their outcomes with severe coronal plane deformity, specifically computed tomography–derived patient-specific guided implants. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(4):e343–e346.]
Use of Auxiliary Locking Plates for the Treatment of Unstable Pertrochanteric Femur Fractures
Authors: Yun Ho Hyun , Lee Yong In , Kim Kyoung Ho , Yun Se Hyeok
Published: May 2015

Pertrochanteric femur fractures are successfully treated by orthopedic surgeons worldwide, but maintaining the reduction status or fixation of the greater trochanter is sometimes difficult in unstable cases in elderly patients. Several biomechanical advantages have been reported in locking plates when compared with conventional plates; locking plates provide angular and axial stability, better rigidity, and no toggling, and they preserve periosteal blood supply. The authors describe the use of auxiliary locking plates in unstable pertrochanteric femur fractures in elderly patients. Mini locking plates are simple, straightforward, and versatile enough to be used in elderly patients. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(5):305–309.]
Impact of a Weekly Reading Program on Orthopedic Surgery Residents’ In-Training Examination
Authors: Weglein Daniel G. , Gugala Zbigniew , Simpson Suzanne , Lindsey Ronald W.
Published: May 2015

In response to a decline in individual residents’ performance and overall program performance on the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE), the authors’ department initiated a daily literature reading program coupled with weekly tests on the assigned material. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of the reading program on individual residents’ scores and the training program’s OITE scores. The reading program consisted of daily review articles from the
Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,
followed by a weekly written examination consisting of multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank questions. All articles were selected and all questions were written by the departmental chair. A questionnaire was given to assess residents’ perceptions of the weekly tests. As a result of implementing the reading program for a 10-month period, residents’ subsequent performance on the OITE significantly improved (mean score increase, 4,
P
<.0001; percentile score increase, 11,
P
=.0007). The difference in mean score was significant for residents in postgraduate years 3, 4, and 5. A statistically significant correlation was found between weekly test scores and performance on the OITE, with a significant correlation between weekly test scores and OITE percentile ranking. The study results also showed a positive correlation between reading test attendance and weekly test scores. Residents’ anonymous questionnaire responses also demonstrated the reading program to be a valuable addition to the residency training curriculum. In conclusion, the study strongly supports the benefits of a weekly reading and examination program in enhancing the core knowledge of orthopedic surgery residents. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(5):e387–e393.]
Computerized Virtual Surgery Planning for ORIF of Proximal Humeral Fractures
Authors: Xia Shengli , Zhang Yusheng , Wang Xiuhui , Wang Ziping , Wang Wei , Ma Xiaohui , Tian Shengjie
Published: May 2015

The authors evaluated the effectiveness of computerized virtual planning for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of proximal humeral fractures. Between June 2011 and July 2013, a total of 46 patients with proximal humeral fractures were included in the current study. Preoperatively, fracture data were obtained via computed tomography (CT) reconstruction. Based on the dataset obtained from CT scanning, the 3-dimensional model of fractures was constructed and virtual segmentation, restoration, and internal fixation were performed. All eligible cases were treated by ORIF with locking plates. Intraoperatively, operative time, blood loss, and fluoroscope frequency were recorded. Postoperatively, the curative effect was evaluated by quality of fracture restoration reconstruction and plate position. In addition, fracture healing time and complications were recorded in the follow-up period. Average operative time was 85.6 minutes, and intraoperative blood loss ranged from 60 to 150 mL. Postoperatively, 1 patient experienced avascular necrosis, and no cases of screw penetration or screw loosening were observed. The coincidence rate of plate position was 91.3% according to height and 95.7% based on the position of the intertubercular sulcus and greater tuberosity. At the end of the follow-up period, mean shoulder function score was 83.9 (range, 58–96). Eighty-seven percent of patients had an excellent or good outcome. Computerized virtual planning facilitated ORIF and showed good results for patients with complex proximal humeral fractures. It may be a favorable option for treating fractures of the proximal humerus. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(5):e428–e433.]
Arachnoiditis Ossificans After Spinal Surgery
Authors: Liu Li-Di , Zhao Song , Liu Wan-Guo , Zhang Shao-Kun
Published: May 2015

This article presents an unusual case of arachnoiditis ossificans after spinal surgery. A case of arachnoiditis ossificans secondary to lumbar fixation and decompression surgery for the treatment of multilevel lumbar fractures is reported and the relevant literature is reviewed. A 29-year-old man who previously underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation and fusion for multiple lumbar spine fractures reported lower back stiffness and discomfort 23 months postoperatively. A laminectomy was performed at L2 and at L3–L4. At L2, bone fragments from the burst fracture had injured the dural sac and some nerve roots. A posterolateral fusion was performed using allogeneic bone. Postoperatively, there were no signs of fever, infection, or systemic inflammatory responses. Arachnoiditis ossificans of the thecal sac from L1–L5 was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography at the 2-year follow-up. His postoperative neurological status progressively improved and he regained motor and sensory functions. Because of neurological improvements, fixation hardware was removed without further decompression. The authors report a case of arachnoiditis ossificans secondary to lumbar fixation and decompression surgery, which involved a large region. Arachnoiditis ossificans is a relatively rare disorder with unclear etiologies and limited treatment options. Spinal surgical intervention of arachnoiditis ossificans should be carefully considered because it may lead to poor outcomes and multiple revision surgeries. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(5):e437–e442.]
Underrepresented Students’ Perspectives on Institutional Climate During the Application and Admission Process to Nursing School
Authors: Woods-Giscombe Cheryl L. , Rowsey Pamela Johnson , Kneipp Shawn M. , Owens Clint W. , Sheffield Karen M. , Galbraith Kayoll V. , Hammad Sama , Fowler Tamryn , Hodges Eric A. , Kowlowitz Vicky , Alexander G. Rumay
Published: May 2015

Background:

A growing body of literature has focused on issues related to recruitment and retention to enhance diversity in nursing. This study was designed to identify barriers and supports encountered by underrepresented students when applying to nursing school.

Method:

Twenty-two underrepresented baccalaureate nursing students participated in two focus groups. Applied thematic analysis was used to organize the data and identify major themes.

Results:

Students expressed the importance of having (a) navigators in the offices of admissions and student affairs to provide encouragement, support, and information during the application process; (b) tailored programming for underrepresented students; (c) financial aid guidance; (d) timely feedback about admissions decisions; (e) a clear and easily navigated Web site; and (f) negotiation and acculturation to know the right things to do and say during the application and admissions process.

Conclusion:

Findings provide direction for developing programming and collaborations to enhance the institutional climate for underrepresented nursing applicants. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(5):261–269.]
The use and value of urban geology in Canada: a case study of the National Capital Region
Authors: Bélanger J R , Moore C W
Published: May 2015

In response to a request to increase its activities in environmental geology and to collaborate with the provinces, the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) initiated a project in 1993 to provide geoscience information for urban and regional planning and development
in eastern Ontario and western Quebec. Prior to the launch of the project, representatives from various levels of government, private consultants, environmentalists, universities and the general public were invited to a forum to discuss the need for and usefulness of urban geological information.
The participants confirmed the importance of urban geological information and supported a co-ordinating role for the GSC.

Following this forum Natural Resources Canada's Audit and Evaluation Branch undertook an impact study that examined the usefulness and value of benefits of basic types of geoscience information in urban and regional planning and development. The evaluation study of the National Capital Region
Project determined that geoscience documents are used extensively and provide an authoritative standard for work. They are particularly useful in preliminary project planning, geotechnical engineering for major facilities, environmental impact assessments, public safety planning, and as a
multi-disciplinary research tool and field guide. The estimated value of benefits includes a 5%-20% reduction in the cost of civil/environmental engineering design and planning study work, and considerable monetary savings in derived or indirect benefits, amounting to annual savings of
several million dollars. Recent technological advances increase the possible range of applications, especially for those who have traditionally been users of geological maps.
Penalized Ordinal Regression Methods for Predicting Stage of Cancer in High-Dimensional Covariate Spaces
Authors: Gentry Amanda Elswick , Jackson-Cook Colleen K. , Lyon Debra E. , Archer Kellie J.
Published: May 2015

The pathological description of the stage of a tumor is an important clinical designation and is considered, like many other forms of biomedical data, an ordinal outcome. Currently, statistical methods for predicting an ordinal outcome using clinical, demographic, and high-dimensional correlated features are lacking. In this paper, we propose a method that fits an ordinal response model to predict an ordinal outcome for high-dimensional covariate spaces. Our method penalizes some covariates (high-throughput genomic features) without penalizing others (such as demographic and/or clinical covariates). We demonstrate the application of our method to predict the stage of breast cancer. In our model, breast cancer subtype is a nonpenalized predictor, and CpG site methylation values from the Illumina Human Methylation 450K assay are penalized predictors. The method has been made available in the ordinalgmifs package in the R programming environment.
Measure theoretic trigonometric functions
Authors: Arzt Peter
Published: May 2015

We study the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Laplacian

\Delta_{\mu}=\frac{d}{d\mu}\frac{d}{dx}

for a Borel probability measure

\mu

on the interval

[0,1]

by a technique that follows the treatment of the classical eigenvalue equation

f'' = -\lambda f

with homogeneous Neumann or Dirichlet boundary conditions. For this purpose we introduce generalized trigonometric functions that depend on the measure

\mu

. In particular, we consider the special case where

\mu

is a self-similar measure like e.g. the Cantor measure. We develop certain trigonometric identities that generalize the addition theorems for the sine and cosine functions. In certain cases we get information about the growth of the suprema of normalized eigenfunctions. For several special examples of

\mu

we compute eigenvalues of

\Delta_{\mu}

and

L_{\infty}

- and

L_2

-norms of eigenfunctions numerically by applying the formulas we developed.
Prospective Cohort Study with Active Surveillance for Fever in Four Dengue Endemic Countries in Latin America
Authors: Dayan Gustavo , Arredondo Jose L. , Carrasquilla Gabriel , Deseda Carmen C. , Dietze Reynaldo , Luz Kleber , Costa Maria Selma N. , Cunha Rivaldo V. , Rey Luis C. , Morales Javier , Reynales Humberto , Miranda Maria , Zambrano Betzana , Rivas Enrique , Garbes Pedro , Noriega Fernando
Published: May 2015

To prepare for a Phase III dengue vaccine efficacy trial, 20 investigational sites were selected for this observational study to identify dengue infections in a closed cohort (N = 3,000 children 9–16 years of age). Of 255 acute febrile episodes experienced by 235 children, 50 (21.3%) were considered serologically probable dengue, and 18 (7.7%) were considered virologically confirmed (i.e., dengue NS1 antigen positive) dengue cases. Considering the disease-free and at-risk period from study start to onset of symptoms, the overall incidence density of acute febrile episodes was 17.7 per 100 person-years of follow-up, ranging from 15.3 in Colombia to 22.0 in Puerto Rico. This study showed that all sites were capable of capturing and following up acute febrile episodes within a specific timeframe among the established cohort and to detect dengue cases.
Effective Program Management: A Cornerstone of Malaria Elimination
Authors: Gosling Jonathan , Case Peter , Tulloch Jim , Chandramohan Daniel , Wegbreit Jennifer , Newby Gretchen , Gueye Cara Smith , Koita Kadiatou , Gosling Roly
Published: May 2015

Effective program management is essential for successful elimination of malaria. In this perspective article, evidence surrounding malaria program management is reviewed by management science and malaria experts through a literature search of published and unpublished gray documents and key informant interviews. Program management in a malaria elimination setting differs from that in a malaria control setting in a number of ways, although knowledge and understanding of these distinctions are lacking. Several core features of successful health program management are critical to achieve elimination, including effective leadership and supervision at all levels, sustained political and financial commitment, reliable supply and control of physical resources, effective management of data and information, appropriate incentives, and consistent accountability. Adding to the complexity, the requirements of an elimination program may conflict with those of a control regimen. Thus, an additional challenge is successfully managing program transitions along the continuum from control to elimination to prevention of reintroduction. This article identifies potential solutions to these challenges by exploring managerial approaches that are flexible, relevant, and sustainable in various cultural and health system contexts.
Assessment of Antibody Responses in Local and Immigrant Residents of Areas with Autochthonous Malaria Transmission in Greece
Authors: Piperaki Evangelia-Theofano , Mavrouli Maria , Tseroni Maria , Routsias John , Kallimani Athina , Veneti Lamprini , Georgitsou Maria , Chania Maria , Georgakopoulou Theano , Hadjichristodoulou Christos , Tsakris Athanassios
Published: May 2015

Greece has been officially malaria free since 1974. However, from 2009 to 2012, several locally acquired, cases of Plasmodium vivax malaria were detected, in immigrants and in Greek citizens. In this study, the antibody (Ab) response of Greeks and immigrants with documented malaria was initially assessed, followed by an Ab screening of Greeks and immigrant residents of local transmission areas. Of the 38 patients tested, 10.5% of Greeks and 15.7% of immigrants were positive 5–7 months after infection. Of the 1,019 individuals from various areas of Greece, including those of autochthonous transmission, 85 of the 721 (11.8%) immigrants were positive, whereas all 298 Greeks were negative. The rapid Ab titer decline observed is reasonable, given the non-endemic epidemiological setting. The seroepidemiological findings indicate that the local Greek population remains malaria naive and that at this point Greeks are unlikely to serve as reservoir for the infection of local mosquitoes.
The Influence of Mining and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Among Patients Admitted for Retreatment of Tuberculosis in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Mpagama Stellah G. , Lekule Isaack A. , Mbuya Alexander W. , Kisonga Riziki M. , Heysell Scott K.
Published: May 2015

In tuberculosis (TB)–prevalent settings, patients admitted for retreatment of TB may account for a high burden of poor treatment outcome. We performed a retrospective cohort study to characterize retreatment patients and outcomes at a TB referral hospital in northern Tanzania. From 2009 to 2013, 185 patients began a retreatment regimen, the majority for relapse after prior treatment completion. Men accounted for an unexpected majority (88%), 36 (20%) were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected and for 45 (24%) mining was their primary occupation. A poor outcome (death, default, or persistent smear positivity after 7 months of treatment) was found in 37 (23%). HIV infection was the only significant predictor of poor outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07–5.83, P = 0.034). Interventions to minimize need for retreatment or improve retreatment success may be regionally specific. In our setting, community-based diagnosis and management among at-risk subpopulations such as miners and those HIV infected appear of highest yield.
Interactive Cohort Identification of Sleep Disorder Patients Using Natural Language Processing and i2b2
Authors: Chen W. , Kowatch R. , Lin S. , Splaingard M. , Huang Y.
Published: May 2015

Nationwide Children’s Hospital established an i2b2 (Informatics for Integrating Biology & the Bedside) application for sleep disorder cohort identification. Discrete data were gleaned from semi-structured sleep study reports. The system showed to work more efficiently than the traditional manual chart review method, and it also enabled searching capabilities that were previously not possible.

Objective: We report on the development and implementation of the sleep disorder i2b2 cohort identification system using natural language processing of semi-structured documents.

Methods: We developed a natural language processing approach to automatically parse concepts and their values from semi-structured sleep study documents. Two parsers were developed: a regular expression parser for extracting numeric concepts and a NLP based tree parser for extracting textual concepts. Concepts were further organized into i2b2 ontologies based on document structures and in-domain knowledge.

Results: 26,550 concepts were extracted with 99% being textual concepts. 1.01 million facts were extracted from sleep study documents such as demographic information, sleep study lab results, medications, procedures, diagnoses, among others. The average accuracy of terminology parsing was over 83% when comparing against those by experts. The system is capable of capturing both standard and non-standard terminologies. The time for cohort identification has been reduced significantly from a few weeks to a few seconds.

Conclusion: Natural language processing was shown to be powerful for quickly converting large amount of semi-structured or unstructured clinical data into discrete concepts, which in combination of intuitive domain specific ontologies, allows fast and effective interactive cohort identification through the i2b2 platform for research and clinical use.

Citation: Chen W, Kowatch R, Lin S, Splaingard M, Huang Y. Interactive cohort identification of sleep disorder patients using natural language processing and i2b2. Appl Clin Inf 2015; 6: 345–363

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-11-RA-0106
Ocean mediation of tropospheric response to reflecting and absorbing aerosols
Authors: Xu Y. , Xie S.-P.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Radiative forcing by reflecting (e.g., sulfate, SO4) and absorbing (e.g., black carbon, BC) aerosols is distinct: the former cools the planet by reducing solar radiation at the top of the atmosphere and the surface, without largely affecting the atmospheric column, while the latter heats the atmosphere directly. Despite the fundamental difference in forcing, here we show that the structure of the tropospheric response is remarkably similar between the two types of aerosols, featuring a deep vertical structure of temperature change (of opposite sign) at the Northern Hemisphere (NH) mid-latitudes. The deep temperature structure is anchored by the slow response of the ocean, as a large meridional sea surface temperature (SST) gradient drives an anomalous inter-hemispheric Hadley circulation in the tropics and induces atmospheric eddy adjustments at the NH mid-latitudes. The tropospheric warming in response to projected future decline in reflecting aerosols poses additional threats to the stability of mountain glaciers in the NH. Additionally, robust tropospheric response is unique to aerosol forcing and absent in the CO2 response, which can be exploited for climate change attribution.
Glacier response to North Atlantic climate variability during the Holocene
Authors: Balascio N. L. , D'Andrea W. J. , Bradley R. S.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Small glaciers and ice caps respond rapidly to climate variations and records of their past extent provide information on the natural envelope of past climate variability. Millennial-scale trends in Holocene glacier size are well documented and correspond with changes in Northern Hemisphere summer insolation. However, there is only sparse and fragmentary evidence for higher frequency variations in glacier size because in many Northern Hemisphere regions glacier advances of the past few hundred years were the most extensive and destroyed the geomorphic evidence of ice growth and retreat during the past several thousand years. Thus, most glacier records have been of limited use for investigating centennial scale climate forcing and feedback mechanisms. Here we report a continuous record of glacier activity for the last 9.5 ka from southeast Greenland, derived from high-resolution measurements on a proglacial lake sediment sequence. Physical and geochemical parameters show that the glaciers responded to previously documented Northern Hemisphere climatic excursions, including the "8.2 ka" cooling event, the Holocene Thermal Maximum, Neoglacial cooling, and 20th Century warming. In addition, the sediments indicate centennial-scale oscillations in glacier size during the late Holocene. Beginning at 4.1 ka, a series of abrupt glacier advances occurred, each lasting ~100 years and followed by a period of retreat, that were superimposed on a gradual trend toward larger glacier size. Thus, while declining summer insolation caused long-term cooling and glacier expansions during the late Holocene, climate system dynamics resulted in repeated episodes of glacier expansion and retreat on multi-decadal to centennial timescales. These episodes coincided with ice rafting events in the North Atlantic Ocean and periods of regional ice cap expansion, which confirms their regional significance and indicates that considerable glacier activity on these timescales is a normal feature of the cryosphere. The data provide a longer-term perspective on the rate of 20th century glacier retreat and indicate that recent anthropogenic-driven warming has already impacted the regional cryosphere in a manner outside the natural range of Holocene variability.
Environmental and climatic history in the NW Argentine Andes (24° S) over the last 2100 years inferred from a high-altitude peatland record
Authors: Schittek K. , Kock S. T. , Lücke A. , Ohlendorf C. , Kulemeyer J. J. , Lupo L. C. , Schäbitz F.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. High-altitude cushion peatlands are versatile archives for high-resolution palaeoenvironmental studies, due to their high accumulation rates, range of proxies and sensitivity to climatic and/or human-induced changes. Especially within the central Andes, the knowledge about climate conditions during the Holocene is limited. In this study, we present the environmental and climatic history for the last 2100 years of Cerro Tuzgle peatland (CTP), which is located in the dry Puna of NW Argentina, based on a multi-proxy approach. X-ray fluorescence (XRF), stable isotope and element content analyses (δ13C, δ15N, TN and TOC) were conducted to analyse the inorganic geochemistry throughout the sequence, revealing changes in the peatland's past redox conditions. Pollen assemblages give an insight into substantial environmental changes on a regional scale. The palaeoclimate varied significantly during the last 2100 years. The results reflect prominent late Holocene climate anomalies and provide evidence that Northern Hemisphere temperature oscillations were extensive and affected the southward migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and hence, the intensity of moisture flux within the South American Summer Monsoon (SASM) belt. Volcanic forcing at the beginning of the 19th century (1815 Tambora eruption) seems to have had an impact on climatic settings in the central Andes. In the past, the peatland recovered from climatic perturbations. Nowadays, CTP is heavily degraded by human interventions, and the peat deposit becomes increasingly susceptible to erosion and incision.
Photolysis rates in correlated overlapping cloud fields: Cloud-J 7.3
Authors: Prather M. J.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. A new approach for modeling photolysis rates (J values) in atmospheres with fractional cloud cover has been developed and implemented as Cloud-J – a multi-scattering eight-stream radiative transfer model for solar radiation based on Fast-J. Using observed statistics for the vertical correlation of cloud layers, Cloud-J 7.3 provides a practical and accurate method for modeling atmospheric chemistry. The combination of the new maximum-correlated cloud groups with the integration over all cloud combinations represented by four quadrature atmospheres produces mean J values in an atmospheric column with root-mean-square errors of 4% or less compared with 10–20% errors using simpler approximations. Cloud-J is practical for chemistry-climate models, requiring only an average of 2.8 Fast-J calls per atmosphere, vs. hundreds of calls with the correlated cloud groups, or 1 call with the simplest cloud approximations. Another improvement in modeling J values, the treatment of volatile organic compounds with pressure-dependent cross sections is also incorporated into Cloud-J.
Integration of nitrogen dynamics into the Noah-MP land model v1.1 for climate and environmental predictions
Authors: Cai X. , Yang Z.-L. , Fisher J. B. , Zhang X. , Barlage M. , Chen F.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Climate and terrestrial biosphere models consider nitrogen an important factor in limiting plant carbon uptake, while operational environmental models view nitrogen as the leading pollutant causing eutrophication in water bodies. The community Noah land surface model with multi-parameterization options (Noah-MP) is unique in that it is the next generation land surface model for the Weather Research and Forecasting meteorological model and for the operational weather/climate models in the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. In this study, we add capability to Noah-MP to simulate nitrogen dynamics by coupling the Fixation and Uptake of Nitrogen (FUN) plant model and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) soil nitrogen dynamics. This incorporates FUN's state-of-the-art concept of carbon cost theory and SWAT's strength in representing the impacts of agricultural management on the nitrogen cycle. Parameterizations for direct root and mycorrhizal-associated nitrogen uptake, leaf retranslocation, and symbiotic biological nitrogen fixation are employed from FUN, while parameterizations for nitrogen mineralization, nitrification, immobilization, volatilization, atmospheric deposition, and leaching are based on SWAT. The coupled model is then evaluated at the Kellogg Biological Station – a Long-term Ecological Research site within the U.S. Corn Belt. Results show that the model performs well in capturing the major nitrogen state/flux variables (e.g., soil nitrate and nitrate leaching). Furthermore, the addition of nitrogen dynamics improves the modeling of the carbon and water cycles (e.g., net primary productivity and evapotranspiration). The model improvement is expected to advance the capability of Noah-MP to simultaneously predict weather and water quality in fully coupled Earth system models.
USE OF MOBILE DEVICES FOR E-LEARNING IN GEOMATICS
Authors: Mills H.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. For the last 4 years, the School of Civil Engineering & Geosciences at Newcastle University, UK adapted mobile devices as learning approach only for undergraduate within Geomatics. All incoming students were given a mobile device as learning tool, which was supposed to be there main way to accessing teaching material. This paper will present how students adopted the mobile devices and how their learning has changed using mobile devices. It will highlight which apps can be used in a Geomatics teaching environment to engage students in their learning and teaching environment. The paper will furthermore look into apps which help students within the area of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, such as the Autodesk 123D catch up or the Remote RDP app to remotely control surveying instrumentations, such as laser scanners. Those apps are easy tools to engage students within digital learning environment which the students are familiar with. The paper will show how students embrace the technology but also current limitation of using those within Higher education establishments, such as sufficient Wifi and student support for using mobile devices.
Shifting momentum balance and frictional adjustment observed over the inner-shelf during a storm
Authors: Grifoll M. , Aretxabaleta A. , Pelegrí J. L. , Espino M.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. We investigate the rapidly changing equilibrium between the momentum sources and sinks during the passage of a two-peak storm over the Catalan inner-shelf (NW Mediterranean Sea). Velocity measurements at 24 m water depth are taken as representative of the inner shelf, and the cross-shelf variability is explored with additional measurements at 50 m water depth. At 24 m, as the storm-related wind stress accelerated the flow, velocity increased throughout the water column, resulting in bottom stress starting to become important. The sea level also responded, with the pressure gradient force opposing the wind stress. In particular, during the second wind pulse, there were rapid oscillations in the acceleration and advective terms, apparently reflecting the incapacity of the bottom stress to dissipate the high kinetic energy of the system. The Coriolis and wave induced terms (via radiation stresses) were less important in the momentum balance. The frictional adjustment time scale was around 10 h, consistent with the e-folding time obtained from bottom drag parameterizations. Estimates of the frictional time and Ekman depth confirm the prevailing frictional response at 24 m. The momentum evolution in deeper parts of the shelf (50 m) showed an increase in the Coriolis force at the expense of the frictional term, typical in the transition from the inner to the mid-shelf.
Air temperature variability over three glaciers in the Ortles–Cevedale (Italian Alps): effects of glacier fragmentation, comparison of calculation methods, and impacts on mass balance modeling
Authors: Carturan L. , Cazorzi F. , De Blasi F. , Dalla Fontana G.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Glacier mass balance models rely on accurate spatial calculation of input data, in particular air temperature. Lower temperatures (the so-called glacier cooling effect) and lower temperature variability (the so-called glacier damping effect) generally occur over glaciers compared to ambient conditions. These effects, which depend on the geometric characteristics of glaciers and display a high spatial and temporal variability, have been mostly investigated on medium to large glaciers so far, while observations on smaller ice bodies (< 0.5 km2) are scarce. Using a data set from eight on-glacier and four off-glacier weather stations, collected in the summers of 2010 and 2011, we analyzed the air temperature variability and wind regime over three different glaciers in the Ortles–Cevedale. The magnitude of the cooling effect and the occurrence of katabatic boundary layer (KBL) processes showed remarkable differences among the three ice bodies, suggesting the likely existence of important reinforcing mechanisms during glacier decay and fragmentation. The methods proposed by Greuell and Böhm (1998) and Shea and Moore (2010) for calculating on-glacier temperature from off-glacier data did not fully reproduce our observations. Among them, the more physically based procedure of Greuell and Böhm (1998) provided the best overall results where the KBL prevails, but it was not effective elsewhere (i.e., on smaller ice bodies and close to the glacier margins). The accuracy of air temperature estimations strongly impacted the results from a mass balance model which was applied to the three investigated glaciers. Most importantly, even small temperature deviations caused distortions in parameter calibration, thus compromising the model generalizability.
From an Intuitive Practitioner to a Professional Novice Leader
Authors: Mevorach Miriam , Miron Mordechai
Published: May 2015

This study examined the professional and personal transition undergone by eight experienced early childhood (EC) teachers after completing their graduate studies. The data were collected through interviews and online communication. Three main categories arose in the qualitative content analysis of the text: 1) personal process of change, 2) professional development, and 3) awareness of the process of learning. We also found that participants used metaphors to emphasize their personal implicit beliefs. The participants’ perceptions of the transition from an intuitive practitioner to a professional novice researcher and from EC teacher to EC educational leader had an enormous impact on their personal development and their changing position in their work environment. The educational establishment perceived their new skills and abilities and offered them new positions.
Kulenikka-Prefaced Utterances (KPUs) in Other-Initiated Other-Repair (OIOR)
Authors: Park Seul Ki
Published: May 2015

The paper demonstrates a new function of kulenikka-prefaced utterances (kpus): where the discourse marker kulenikka is used as an other-repair initiator and kpus provide other-initiated other-repairs (oior). Close analysis of the data shows that when speakers used kpus for oior, they treated the immediately previous turn of the other speaker as problematic; hence, as a trouble source. The kpus used in oior have three distinct features: (1) they add adversative information to the previous utterances, while their speakers expect that all of the participants have common opposing stances toward the trouble source; (2) they are followed by sequence closings and topic shifts; and (3) they are pronounced clearly without phonological reduction.
Same Music, Same Genre. Same Stance and Same Purpose?: A Cross-Linguistic Genre Analysis of Music Criticism in Korea and Britain
Authors: Huh Sung
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a cross-linguistic/cross-cultural analysis of music criticism in classical music magazines of Korea and England as a means of examining how genre and culture are jointly understood. On a micro level, the analysis closely examines the features of rhetorical structure, writing style, register, and the various ways in which critics index the participant musicians and the readers of these magazines. More importantly, it attempts to situate textual features within socio-cultural contexts with a view to understand each community's specialized communicative needs, power relations, and various aspects of traditional philosophies. The findings reveal that the genre of contemporary music criticism is socially and culturally constructed and developed in each rhetorical community. The English criticism consists of evaluative discourse motivated by advertising, implicitly from the point of view of the consumer. As a result, it may no longer serve as a genuine forum for authentic discussion for music aesthetics. In contrast, the Korean criticism consists more of “teaching” discourse to promote a high standard of criticism. Through the educational message of Korean music critics, the genre becomes a professional communicative space in which the European classical music discourse conventions coexist with Korean traditional values and cultures (connectedness, holistic perspective, and hierarchical social order). Considering the unique dynamics and learning motivation in Korean classrooms in the US, this study will have pedagogical implications for teaching the concept of genre by introducing students to micro level instances of discourse and the macro level notion of genre, complete with its socio-cultural traditions and influences.
Sijo in the Cloud: Bringing 14th Century Masterpieces to Life by VoiceThread
Authors: Kim Taewoong
Published: May 2015

Poetry is one genre of literature that language educators are eager to teach because it “promotes literacy, builds community, and fosters emotional resilience” (Auguilar, 2013, p. 1). However, students may say learning poems is boring, especially when it comes to dealing with masterpieces that were written centuries ago (e.g., Shakespeare's sonnets). How can we teach illustrious literature in a more engaging and effective way? This forum article shares how to teach sijo, a masterpiece of Korean traditional poetry, by combining in-class activities and a cloud-based application, that is, VoiceThread (vt). A sample lesson plan is provided with examples. Implications and drawbacks derived from the lesson plan are further discussed.
A PRÁTICA DA LONGITUDINALIDADE NO ATENDIMENTO À SAÚDE DA CRIANÇA: COMPARAÇÃO ENTRE MODELOS ASSISTENCIAIS DISTINTOS
Authors: Oliveira Vanessa Comassetto , Veríssimo Maria De La Ó Ramallo
Published: May 2015

Avaliou-se a orientação dos serviços primários de saúde sob o foco da longitudinalidade, na atenção à criança. Estudo transversal e abordagem quantitativa em unidades com Estratégia Saúde da Família e o modelo tradicional nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde. Os dados levantados por entrevistas, entre junho e julho de 2012, com famílias de crianças (n=482) foram analisados conforme o Primary Care Assesment Tool. Constatou-se que a relação pessoal de longa duração entre os profissionais de saúde e os pacientes e familiares é fragilizada em ambos os modelos de assistência. As Estratégia Saúde da Família obtiveram escore acima do valor de corte em dois de 11 itens do atributo longitudinalidade. As Unidades Básicas de Saúde tiveram todos os itens com escores abaixo do valor. O princípio da longitudinalidade não se mostrou incorporado, a sua prática como princípio do Sistema Único de Saúde ainda permanece como desafio em ambos os modelos assistenciais.
CULTURA DE SEGURANÇA ENTRE PROFISSIONAIS DE CENTRO CIRÚRGICO
Authors: Cauduro Fernanda Letícia , Sarquis Lucas Mansano , Sarquis Leila Maria Mansano , Cruz Elaine Drehmer de Almeida
Published: May 2015

Esta pesquisa do tipo surveyfoi realizada entre junho e agosto de 2013 e avaliou a percepção da cultura de segurança. Entre 185 trabalhadores de dois centros cirúrgicos de hospital de ensino do sul do Brasil, que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão, 165 responderam ao Questionário de Atitudes de Segurança e 33 foram excluídos por taxa de resposta inferior a 65%, restando 132 participantes, majoritariamente da equipe de enfermagem e médica. Baixa percepção da cultura de segurança foi evidenciada por escores <75 pontos entre 73,5% dos participantes. O escore médio foi de 62,7 e entre os domínios variou de 55,4 para Gerência da Unidade à 76,9 para Satisfação no Trabalho; observou-se diferença estatística entre as categorias profissionais em diversos aspectos da cultura de segurança. Os resultados apontam a necessidade de ações com vistas a fortalecer a cultura de segurança do paciente considerando a complexidade da assistência prestada em centro cirúrgico.
ANÁLISE DE POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS DE SAÚDE: REVISÃO NARRATIVA
Authors: Lessa Greice , Kuehlkamp Valdete Meurer , Erdmann Alacoque Lorenzini , Andrade Selma Regina
Published: May 2015

Análise de políticas públicas pode ser entendida como análise das atividades realizadas por um governo com objetivo de intervir em determinada realidade ou problema social. O objetivo do estudo é realizar revisão narrativa procurando identificar os conceitos e métodos utilizados para análise de políticas. Foram adotados como descritores: Políticas de Saúde, Políticas Públicas de Saúde, Formulação de Políticas e Análise, pesquisados nas bases de dados: Literatura Internacional em Ciências da Saúde, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, Publisher Medline e Base de Dados de Enfermagem. A pesquisa foi realizada no período de junho de 2013 a março de 2014. Foram elegíveis 32 artigos para extração dos dados, publicados entre 2008 e 2012. Após critérios de exclusão, 05 artigos foram analisados, destes, emergiram três categorias: Bases Conceituais; Bases metodológicas e Desafios para a enfermagem. Identificou-se o Ciclo de política como o instrumento mais utilizado para analisar política.
OCORRÊNCIA DE NEAR MISSES E FATORES ASSOCIADOS NA CLÍNICA CIRÚRGICA DE UM HOSPITAL DE ENSINO
Authors: Paranaguá Thatianny Tanferri de Brito , Bezerra Ana Lúcia Queiroz , Silva Ana Elisa Bauer de Camargo e
Published: May 2015

Objetivou-se investigar a ocorrência e os fatores associados aos near missesrelacionados à segurança de pacientes internados na clínica cirúrgica de um hospital de ensino. Estudo transversal, conduzido com 750 internações realizadas durante o ano de 2010, tendo os prontuários como fonte de dados. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre janeiro e maio de 2011. Realizada análise univariada e regressão logística. O registro do near missocorreu em 1,7% das internações. Um total de 18 near missesfoi registrado, sendo mais frequente o relacionado ao processo de prescrição de medicamentos. O sexo masculino foi associado como fator de proteção. Verificou-se a necessidade de estimular os profissionais de saúde ao registro dos near misses, a fim de subsidiar o processo de aprendizagem em serviço, permitir o estudo dos fatores causais e a promoção de melhorias no processo de trabalho.