bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multilevel models for cost-effectiveness analyses that use cluster randomised trial data: An approach to model choice
Authors: Ng Edmond S-W , Diaz-Ordaz Karla , Grieve Richard , Nixon Richard M , Thompson Simon G , Carpenter James R
Published: December 2013

Multilevel models provide a flexible modelling framework for cost-effectiveness analyses that use cluster randomised trial data. However, there is a lack of guidance on how to choose the most appropriate multilevel models. This paper illustrates an approach for deciding what level of model complexity is warranted; in particular how best to accommodate complex variance–covariance structures, right-skewed costs and missing data. Our proposed models differ according to whether or not they allow individual-level variances and correlations to differ across treatment arms or clusters and by the assumed cost distribution (Normal, Gamma, Inverse Gaussian). The models are fitted by Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Our approach to model choice is based on four main criteria: the characteristics of the data, model pre-specification informed by the previous literature, diagnostic plots and assessment of model appropriateness. This is illustrated by re-analysing a previous cost-effectiveness analysis that uses data from a cluster randomised trial. We find that the most useful criterion for model choice was the deviance information criterion, which distinguishes amongst models with alternative variance–covariance structures, as well as between those with different cost distributions. This strategy for model choice can help cost-effectiveness analyses provide reliable inferences for policy-making when using cluster trials, including those with missing data.
Implementation Fidelity of a Coaching-Based Professional Development Program for Improving Head Start Teachers’ Literacy and Language Instruction
Authors: Powell Douglas R. , Diamond Karen E.
Published: December 2013

Structural, process, and content dimensions of a coaching-based professional development (PD) intervention were examined in an implementation fidelity study. The intervention focused on Head Start teachers’ vocabulary and phonemic awareness instruction, and was delivered through onsite classroom visits and technologically mediated methods that included a video-intensive hypermedia resource. There was a high level of compliance with the intended number of coaching sessions and with the amount and focus of coach feedback on teachers’ observed practices. Teachers’ independent viewing of practice exemplar videos was highly variable. Onsite coaching sessions compared with technologically mediated coaching provided more feedback on practices that extend learning objectives beyond whole group time and that focus on learning goals of individual children. Coach feedback in onsite sessions also included more specific items offered for the first time, whereas technologically mediated feedback included more items that were repeats or expansions of feedback provided in a prior session. Implications for the design of coaching programs and future research on active ingredients of coaching are discussed.
Dancing With the Elephant in the Room
Authors: McGlasson Terencio Daunte , Christian James D. , Johnson Mandy M. , Nelson Stacey L. , Roe Mary E. , Saukko Lindsey C. , Sawinski Sarah E. , Stensland Joseph E. , Wheaton Robin L.
Published: December 2013

This article focuses on the conceptualization, construction, and implementation of a graduate course in counseling and human sexuality from the perspective of its first-time instructor as well as its eight students. Through the use of the first-person narrative, this conceptual article conveys the interpersonal and intrapersonal experiences of the participants and provides a critique of the course’s major components with the goal of informing and encouraging the ongoing teaching and expansion of sexuality-related course offerings in counselor education programs.
Differentiating Behavior Initiation and Maintenance
Authors: Voils Corrine I. , Gierisch Jennifer M. , Yancy William S. , Sandelowski Margarete , Smith Rose , Bolton Jamiyla , Strauss Jennifer L.
Published: December 2013

Although many interventions are effective for health behavior initiation, maintenance has proven elusive. Interventions targeting maintenance often extend the duration with which initiation content is delivered or the duration of follow-up without intervention. We posit that health behavior initiation and maintenance require separate psychological processes and skills. To determine the value of operationalizing maintenance as a process separate from initiation, we conducted a pilot study of a telephone-delivered intervention to assist people in transitioning from behavior initiation to maintenance. Participants were 20 veterans who had initiated lifestyle changes during a randomized controlled trial of a cholesterol reduction intervention. After completing the randomized controlled trial, these participants were enrolled in the pilot maintenance intervention, which involved three monthly telephone calls from a nurse interventionist focusing on behavioral maintenance skills. To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention, we assessed recruitment and retention rates as well as 4-month pre–post changes in health behaviors and associated psychological processes. We also conducted individual interviews with participants after study completion. Although not powered to detect significant changes, there was evidence of improvement in dietary intake and of maintenance of physical activity and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol during the 4-month maintenance study. Participants found it helpful to plan for relapses, self-monitor, and obtain social support, but they had mixed reactions about reflecting on satisfaction with outcomes. Participants accepted the intervention and desired ongoing contact to maintain accountability. This pilot maintenance intervention warrants further evaluation in a randomized controlled trial.
Oral Cadmium in Mice Carrying 5 Versus 2 Copies of the Slc39a8 Gene
Authors: Schneider Scott N. , Liu Zhiwei , Wang Bin , Miller Marian L. , Afton Scott E. , Soleimani Manoocher , Nebert Daniel W.
Published: December 2013

The highly conserved human and mouse SLC39A8 gene encodes the divalent cation/bicarbonate symporter ZIP8 expressed ubiquitously in most cell types. Our bacterial artificial chromosome-transgenic BTZIP8-3 line has 3 additional copies of the Slc39a8 gene in addition to its constitutive diploid pair found in wild-type (WT) mice. In liver, kidney, lung, testis, gastrointestinal tract, and brain, BTZIP8-3 mice are known to express ∼2.5 times greater amounts of ZIP8, compared with WT mice. Herein we administered cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in drinking water (100 mg/L through week 2, 200 mg/L through week 4, 400 mg/L through week 8, 800 mg/L through week 12, and 1600 mg/L through week 20, when the experiment was concluded). We postulated that Cd uptake and distribution––and, therefore, toxicity in certain tissues––would be enhanced in BTZIP8-3, compared with WT mice. BTZIP8-3 and WT groups ingested comparable amounts of Cd. Compared with WT, BTZIP8-3 mice showed tissue specific: increases in Cd, zinc, and manganese content and decreases in calcium content. Both Cd-exposed BTZIP8-3 and WT were similar in lower urinary pH; increased plasma alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activities; elevated iron and copper content in liver, kidney, lung, and testis; and higher blood urea nitrogen and kidney weight. Histological changes in liver, kidney, lung, and testis were minimal. In summary, at the daily oral Cd exposures chosen for this study, 5 versus 2 Slc39a8 gene copies result in no differences in Cd toxicity but do cause differences in tissue-specific content of Cd, zinc, manganese, calcium, iron, and copper.
Consequences of childhood sexual abuse for health and well-being: Gender similarities and differences
Authors: Sigurdardottir Sigrun , Halldorsdottir Sigridur , Bender Soley S.
Published: December 2013

Aims: Analyse gender similarities and differences in the consequences of childhood sexual abuse for health and well-being. Methods: Comparative analysis of 28 in-depth interviews with 14 purposefully chosen participants, seven women and seven men, who had experienced childhood sexual abuse; two interviews were conducted with each participant. Results: The participants expressed a journey of deep and silent suffering which seems, for them, to be endless and almost unbearable. All of them have suffered from complex health problems since childhood. A gender difference was shown in the tendency of women to internalize their emotional pain while the men had a tendency to externalize it. Conclusions: It is important for health professionals to be aware of the symptoms and consequences of child sexual abuse in order to provide support, appropriate care and treatment for the survivors. Finally, preventive and long lasting public health measures have to be taken in order to prevent children from experiencing such serious trauma.
Surgical safety checklist is associated with improved operating room safety culture, reduced wound complications, and unplanned readmissions in a pilot study in neurosurgery
Authors: Lepänluoma M. , Takala R. , Kotkansalo A. , Rahi M. , Ikonen T. S.
Published: December 2013

Background and Aims:

The World Health Organization’s surgical safety checklist is designed to improve adherence to operating room safety standards, and its use has been shown to reduce complications among surgical patients. The objective of our study was to assess the impact of the implementation of the checklist on safety-related issues in the operating room and on postoperative adverse events in neurosurgery.

Material and Methods:

From structured questionnaires delivered to operating room personnel, answers were analyzed to evaluate communication and safety-related issues during 89 and 73 neurosurgical operations before and after the checklist implementation, respectively. From the analyzed operations, 83 and 67 patients, respectively, were included in a retrospective analysis of electronic patient records to compare the length of hospital stay, reported adverse events, and readmissions. In addition, the consistency of operating room documentation and patient records was assessed.

Results and Conclusions:

Communication between the surgeon and the anesthesiologist was enhanced, and safety-related issues were better covered when the checklist was used. Unplanned readmissions fell from 25% to 10% after the checklist implementation ( p = 0.02). Wound complications decreased from 19% to 8% ( p = 0.04). The consistency of documentation of the diagnosis and the procedure improved. The use of the checklist improved safety-related performance and, contemporarily, reduced numbers of wound complications, and readmissions were observed.
Surgical management of gynecomastia: 20 years’ experience
Authors: Lapid O. , Jolink F.
Published: December 2013

Background:

Gynecomastia, breast hypertrophy in men, is a common finding. The diagnosis is clinical, and ancillary tests may be performed; however, there is no unanimity in the literature about their use or utility. The mainstay of management is conservative, with a minority of patients being operated on. The surgical treatment of gynecomastia is not restricted to one discipline and is performed by plastic, general, and pediatric surgeons. The aim of this study was to assess the experience treating gynecomastia in a university hospital and the practices of the different surgical disciplines in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of gynecomastia; this knowledge could be used for the formulation of guidelines and the allocation of health-care resources.

Methods:

Setting: a university medical center. Design: A retrospective cohort study in which all records of patients operated on for gynecomastia over a 20-year period were retrieved. Data were obtained concerning patient demographics, responsible surgical discipline, the workup and etiology found, the surgical technique used, the occurrence of reoperations and revisions, and the use of pathological examination and its results.

Results:

A total of 179 patients were treated. There was a difference between the patient groups operated on by the different disciplines regarding the indication, the workup, as well as in the operative techniques used. Plastic surgeons performed more bilateral operations than the other disciplines. Surgeons used more radiology and cytology testing.

Conclusion:

These results most probably represent differences in the population and pathologies treated. This is possibly due to a bias in the referrals by primary care physicians.
Gender and Outcomes of Carotid Artery Interventions
Authors: Hedayati Nasim , Humphries Misty D. , Zhou Wei
Published: December 2013

The benefits of carotid artery revascularization in women have been debated since the publication of large randomized clinical trials comparing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) to medical therapy. Institutional series have historically had an underrepresentation of women and/or have lacked power for adequate analysis. Recent evidence from large databases reveals possible gender-based differences in outcomes of carotid artery stenting versus CEA. In this review, we evaluated clinical articles from 1991 to 2012, using Pubmed and Web of Science, which addressed gender and outcomes of carotid artery revascularization procedures. Our goal was to determine whether gender is associated with adverse outcomes following carotid artery interventions in patients with carotid artery disease.
The “Similarity Index” as an Indicator of Shared Mental Models and Situation Awareness in Field Studies
Authors: Sætrevik Bjørn , Eid Jarle
Published: December 2013

The aim of this paper is to present a methodology where the extent of information sharing among team members is used as an indicator of shared mental models (SMM) and situation awareness (SA). Data collection procedures and probe materials are described for two field experiments performed among emergency management teams in the hydrocarbon industry. Methods are suggested for calculating a “similarity index” by comparing a team member’s responses with the average response in the team or with the responses of the team member assumed to be best informed. It is argued that similarity to team average could be a measure of SMM, whereas similarity to the best-informed team member could be argued to be an indicator of SA. The degree of compliance in responding to the probes is reported, as is the degree to which the extent of shared information differed between the probe questions or according to team positions. Lessons learned from the data collection are summarized, and the applicability of the similarity index as a measure of SA is discussed. Some advantages of the current approach are presented, as are challenges and inherent assumptions in future applications of this approach.
Clinical and Health Outcomes Initiative in Comparative Effectiveness for Bipolar Disorder (Bipolar CHOICE): A pragmatic trial of complex treatment for a complex disorder
Authors: Nierenberg Andrew A , Sylvia Louisa G , Leon Andrew C , Reilly-Harrington Noreen A , Shesler Leah W , McElroy Susan L , Friedman Edward S , Thase Michael E , Shelton Richard C , Bowden Charles L , Tohen Mauricio , Singh Vivek , Deckersbach Thilo , Ketter Terence A , Kocsis James H , McInnis Melvin G , Schoenfeld David , Bobo William V , Calabrese Joseph R ,   the Bipolar CHOICE Study Group
Published: December 2013

Background

Classic and second-generation antipsychotic mood stabilizers are recommended for treatment of bipolar disorder, yet there are no randomized comparative effectiveness studies that have examined the ‘real-world’ advantages and disadvantages of these medications.

Purpose

We describe the strategic decisions in the design of the Clinical and Health Outcomes Initiative in Comparative Effectiveness for Bipolar Disorder (Bipolar CHOICE). This article outlines the key issues and solutions the investigators faced in designing a clinical trial that would maximize generalizability and inform real-world clinical treatment of bipolar disorder.

Methods

Bipolar CHOICE was a 6-month, multi-site, prospective, randomized clinical trial of outpatients with bipolar disorder. This study compares the effectiveness of quetiapine versus lithium, each with adjunctive personalized treatments (APTs). The co-primary outcomes selected are the overall benefits and harms of the study medications (as measured by the Clinical Global Impression-Efficacy Index) and the Necessary Clinical Adjustments (a measure of the number of medication changes). Secondary outcomes are continuous measures of mood, the Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Score, and the Longitudinal Interval Follow up Evaluation Range of Impaired Functioning Tool (LIFE-RIFT).

Results

The final study design consisted of a single-blind, randomized comparative effectiveness trial of quetiapine versus lithium, plus APT, across 10 sites. Other important study considerations included limited exclusion criteria to maximize generalizability, flexible dosing of APT medications to mimic real-world treatment, and an intent-to-treat analysis plan. In all, 482 participants were randomized to the study, and 364 completed the study.

Limitations

The potential limitations of the study include the heterogeneity of APT, selection of study medications, lack of a placebo-control group, and participants’ ability to pay for study medications.

Conclusion

We expect that this study will inform our understanding of the benefits and harms of lithium, a classic mood stabilizer, compared to quetiapine, a second-generation antipsychotic with broad-spectrum activity in bipolar disorder, and will provide an example of a well-designed and well-conducted randomized comparative effectiveness clinical trial.
School leadership that builds teacher social capital
Authors: Minckler Cheri Hoff
Published: December 2013

This quantitative study explores the relationship between school leadership and the development and sustenance of teacher social capital. The literature review discusses aspects of leadership theory to elucidate understanding of how leadership influences teachers’ working relationships. Quantitative methodology and analyses ascertain the correlation between Leithwood et al.’s dimensions of transformational leadership and the author’s dimensions of teacher social capital. Study findings indicate significant, positive moderate to high moderate correlations between: (1) transformational leadership and the environmental conditions nurturing teacher social capital; (2) leadership and teacher social capital; and (3) leadership and teacher collective efficacy (TCE). An additional major finding is the perception of higher levels of transformational leadership among teachers in middle performing and high performing schools as compared to the perceptions of teachers in low performing schools. This study provides evidence of the importance of transformational leadership in the development of teacher social capital within a school. High levels of teacher social capital should result in positive outcomes of student achievement, teacher quality and teacher job satisfaction. The study findings, interpretations and conclusions contribute to both school leadership and school improvement literature and should inform discussions about leadership development and the impact of leadership on teacher working relationships.
Robust cold standby redundancy allocation for nonrepairable series–parallel systems through Min-Max regret formulation and Benders’ decomposition method
Authors: Soltani Roya , Sadjadi Seyed J , Tavakkoli-Moghaddam Reza
Published: December 2013

This article deals with a redundancy allocation problem in series–parallel systems with a cold standby strategy, in which component time to failure follows an exponential distribution that has constant hazard rate. Examples of this kind of system are systems composed of electronic components (e.g. transistors, capacitors, resistors and integrated circuits) used in control systems, power generators and the like, which needs to be supported by standby components to prevent unexpected failures. In this article, the reliability of each component is imprecise in terms of interval data, and only the lower and upper bounds of reliabilities are known. The problem is formulated through Min-Max regret criterion, which is commonly used to define robust solutions. The resulted problem formulation contains unlimited numbers of constraints, and Benders’ decomposition method is implemented to deal with the given problem. This method is compared with an enumeration method and a stochastic search method called genetic algorithm to show its effectiveness. The results show that the proposed Benders’ decomposition method is conducive to the same results in a reasonable amount of time. The performance of the proposed model using Benders’ decomposition method is also examined over different problem sizes, and the associated results are analyzed. The results show that for large-sized problems, Benders’ decomposition method is converged with fewer numbers of cuts, and therefore, it is time-economic for solving such problems.
A Retrospective Comparison of Cost and Efficiency of the Medial Double and Dual Incision Triple Arthrodeses
Authors: Galli Melissa M. , Scott Ryan T. , Bussewitz Bradly W. , Hyer Christopher F.
Published: December 2013

While the medial double arthrodesis has gained significant popularity for hindfoot arthrodesis in recent years, much has been touted about the efficiency and cost savings of the procedure in comparison to its triple counterpart without any literature to reinforce this claim. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the hardware costs and operative time between the medial double and triple arthrodeses. A total of 276 patients (277 feet) were identified via CPT codes with 47 hindfoot cases (47 feet) meeting the inclusion criteria consisting of 21 medial double (6 males, 15 females) and 26 triple (8 males, 18 females) arthrodeses. No significant difference was noted in age, body mass index, gendr, chronic steroid use, preoperative osteopenia/osteoporosis, tobacco abuse, surgical side, presence of diabetes, immune compromised state, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or liver disease. Mean medial double operative (OR) time 106 ± 31 minutes (range = 73-201 minutes) with a procedure time of 84 ± 29 minutes (range = 44-163 minutes) was identified versus an OR time of 127 ± 23 minutes (range = 91-200 minutes) and procedure time of 104 ± 23 minutes (range = 50-169 minutes) for the triple arthrodesis group. The mean fixation cost for the triple arthrodesis was found to be higher with the mean triple hardware cost $2932.75 ± $736.60 (range = $1434.00 to $3980.00) against the medial double’s $1197.59 ± $635.57 (range = $463.20 to $2019.00). Both efficiency and cost were found to favor the medial double for hindfoot arthrodesis at a level of statistical significance level ( P = .0028 for OR time, P = .0033 for procedure time, and P < .0001 for cost).

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level III, a retrospective comparative series
Using Activity Theory to Problematize the Role of the Teacher During Mobile Learning
Authors: Cowan Pamela , Butler Ryan
Published: December 2013

Research to date in mobile (m-)learning has focused mainly on the learners and the processes they utilize when learning using mobile technologies. This action research study considers the role of the teacher in (m-)learning—the responsibilities, the pedagogies employed in teaching when using mobile devices, and also the changing levels of power and control in the m-learning context. Activity theory (AT) is used as the lens through which the teacher’s role during m-learning is analyzed. The findings propose an enhanced AT model assuming a three-dimensional (3D) representation that encapsulates the teacher at the heart of the activity system radiating power and control to maintain the balance between the components necessary for effective learning. In addition, the term “adaptive framing” is used to denote the changing power dynamic and level of control in activity systems using the proposed enhanced model.
Psychometric Analysis of a Scale to Assess Norms of Reciprocity of Social Support in Community-Based and Congregation-Based Groups
Authors: Pope Holly C. , Miller Margaret C. , Wolfer Terry A. , Mann Joshua R. , McKeown Robert E.
Published: December 2013

Reciprocity, a core component of social capital, is rarely theorized or measured leaving the relationship between reciprocity and health ambiguous. Historically, reciprocity measures have not been used in the context they were designed causing measurement error. This multi-phased study was designed to develop and validate a reciprocity measure for formal and informal groups within communities and congregations as part of a more comprehensive social capital measure. In-depth interviews ( n = 72), cognitive interviews ( n = 40), and an expert review panel guided item development and selection for content validity. South Carolina residents ( n = 500) completed the 10-item Reciprocity of Social Support (RSS) Scale during 2008-2010. Construct validity was supported through an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) that confirmed a two-factor model for the scale for community- and congregation-based groups. Cronbach’s α values indicated items were highly correlated for community groups and church groups. Psychometric analyses of the RSS Scale support convergent and divergent validity for the community- and congregation-based groups. Mean RSS Scale scores were not statistically different between community- and congregation-based groups. This scale has proven psychometric properties for utilization in future research investigating reciprocity of social support in community- and congregation-based groups and will be useful to examine whether reciprocity (by context and type of group) is associated with physical and/or mental health.
Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis in healthy blood donors: an unexpectedly common finding
Authors: Shim Youn K. , Rachel Jane M. , Ghia Paolo , Boren Jeff , Abbasi Fatima , Dagklis Antonis , Venable Geri , Kang Jiyeon , Degheidy Heba , Plapp Fred V. , Vogt Robert F. , Menitove Jay E. , Marti Gerald E.
Published: December 2013

Key Points

The prevalence of MBL among blood donors is much higher than previously reported. Although uncommon, higher-risk MBL phenotypes and genotypes were observed.
Human mesenchymal stromal cells deliver systemic oncolytic measles virus to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the presence of humoral immunity
Authors: Castleton Anna , Dey Aditi , Beaton Brendan , Patel Bella , Aucher Anne , Davis Daniel M. , Fielding Adele K.
Published: December 2013

Key Points

Human BM-MSCs can be used to successfully deliver systemic oncolytic measles virotherapy to ALL tumor targets. This approach permits circumvention of preexisting anti-measles humoral immunity and enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
Uptake of liquid-based cytology as an adjunct to conventional cytology for cervical screening in NSW, Australia: a cross-sectional and population-based cohort analysis
Authors: Aminisani Nayyereh , Armstrong Bruce K , Canfell Karen
Published: December 2013

Background

Cervical screening is currently recommended every two years in sexually active women aged 18-20 to 69 years in Australia. Direct replacement of conventional cytology with liquid-based cytology (LBC) for cervical screening was rejected for public funding on grounds of cost-effectiveness, first in 2002 and again in 2009, but LBC is performed as an adjunct to conventional cytology in women who elect to pay. The objective of this study was to describe prevalence and predictors of use of LBC in Australia’s most populous state, New South Wales (NSW).

Methods

We performed cross-sectional and population-based cohort analyses using data from the state Pap Test Register in NSW. We calculated the age-adjusted proportion of women aged 20-69 years electing to have adjunctive LBC over the period from 2006-2010. We also calculated the fully-adjusted odds ratios for the association between subsequent LBC use and age, socioeconomic status, place of residence, previous cytological history and provider type in a cohort of 360,247 women who had an index cervical cytology test in 2006–8.

Results

Uptake of LBC varied between 29.7% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 29.5-30.0%) in 2006/7 and 26.6% (95% CI: 26.4-26.9%) in 2009/10. LBC was more likely to be used in women aged 30-44 years, if it had been used previously (OR13.58, 95% CI: 13.33-13.84), if the previous test result was abnormal (OR2.62, 95% CI:2.53-2.72) or unsatisfactory (OR2.37, 95% CI:2.27-3.47), or if a gynaecologist requested the test (OR1.50, 95% CI:1.46-1.54). Uptake was least for women in remote/very remote areas (OR0.68; 95% CI:0.57-0.80 referenced to those in major cities) and in lower socioeconomic groups (OR 0.41, 95% CI:0.40-0.42 for lowest versus highest SES quintile).

Conclusion

In the current environment in NSW, Australia, in which public funding for LBC has not been available, adjunctive uptake of LBC depends strongly on a woman’s age, her screening history and socioeconomic factors. These findings provide important context for a current review of technologies used in the National Cervical Screening Program in Australia.
Rivastigmine in moderately severe-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease: Severe Impairment Battery factor analysis
Authors: Ferris Steven , Karantzoulis Stella , Somogyi Monique , Meng Xiangyi
Published: December 2013

Introduction

The Severe Impairment Battery (SIB) is validated for assessing cognition in patients with severe dementia. The current analysis aimed to further investigate the cognitive efficacy of rivastigmine capsules, as assessed by SIB factor scores, in patients with moderately severe-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of a 26-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of oral rivastigmine conducted in Spain. Previously reported outcome measures included the full SIB. Current analyses examined calculated scores and effect sizes for the change from baseline at Week 26 on: newly defined SIB subscales (derived by a factor analysis of the 40 SIB items, using the PROC FACTOR function (SAS)); previously defined memory, language and praxis subscales (derived by previous analysis of the nine SIB domains); and the individual SIB items. Treatment differences were assessed.

Results

SIB data were provided by 104 rivastigmine-treated patients and 106 patients receiving placebo (Intent-To-Treat Last Observation Carried Forward population). Significantly less decline was observed on the previously defined memory and language subscales, and the newly defined working memory/memory subscale in rivastigmine-treated patients (all P < 0.05 versus placebo). Calculation of effect sizes demonstrated numerically greater efficacy of rivastigmine versus placebo on each of the subscales, and a broad range of SIB items; greatest effect sizes were observed on SIB items assessing the current month (effect size = 0.30) and digit span series (effect size = 0.33).

Conclusions

These data suggest the observed efficacy of rivastigmine in moderately severe-to-severe AD is likely a cumulative effect across a range of tasks. Rivastigmine demonstrates broad cognitive efficacy in this patient population.
Seismic Retrofit for Electric Power Systems
Authors: Romero Natalia , Nozick Linda K. , Dobson Ian , Xu Ningxiong , Jones Dean A.
Published: December 2013

This paper develops a two-stage stochastic program and solution procedure to optimize the selection of seismic retrofit strategies to increase the resilience of electric power systems against earthquake hazards. The model explicitly considers the range of earthquake events that are possible and, for each, an approximation of the distribution of damage experienced. This is important because electric power systems are spatially distributed and so their performance is driven by the distribution of component damage. We test this solution procedure against the nonlinear integer solver in LINGO 13 and apply the formulation and solution strategy to the Eastern Interconnection, where seismic hazard stems from the New Madrid seismic zone.
Estimation of Damping Correction Factors Using Duration Defined by the Standard Deviation of Phase Difference
Authors: Nagao Kenichi , Kanda Jun
Published: December 2013

The damping correction factors (DCFs) to convert the 5% damping acceleration response spectra to those for other damping levels are computed for the records of 13 Japanese earthquakes. Their correlation with the standard deviation of phase difference ( σ) is also investigated in ten frequency bands. The σ-DCF relations obtained are found to be very similar across the different types of earthquakes. Further, regression analysis suggests that for damping ratios of 1% and 2%, with the increase in σ, the DCFs increase in low-frequency bands (up to 4–5 Hz), whereas they decrease in higher frequency bands. On the other hand, for damping ratios of more than 5%, with the increase in σ, the DCFs decrease in low-frequency bands (up to 1 Hz), whereas the opposite tendency is observed in higher frequency ranges. This research also discusses the applicability of the σ-DCF relations to design ground motion simulation.
What can an ecophysiological approach tell us about the physiological responses of marine invertebrates to hypoxia?
Authors: Spicer John I.
Published: December 2013

Hypoxia (low O2) is a common and natural feature of many marine environments. However, human-induced hypoxia has been on the rise over the past half century and is now recognised as a major problem in the world's seas and oceans. Whilst we have information on how marine invertebrates respond physiologically to hypoxia in the laboratory, we still lack understanding of how they respond to such stress in the wild (now and in the future). Consequently, here the question ‘what can an ecophysiological approach tell us about physiological responses of marine invertebrates to hypoxia’ is addressed. How marine invertebrates work in the wild when challenged with hypoxia is explored using four case studies centred on different hypoxic environments. The recent integration of the various -omics into ecophysiology is discussed, and a number of advantages of, and challenges to, successful integration are suggested. The case studies and -omic/physiology integration data are used to inform the concluding part of the review, where it is suggested that physiological responses to hypoxia in the wild are not always the same as those predicted from laboratory experiments. This is due to behaviour in the wild modifying responses, and therefore more than one type of ‘experimental’ approach is essential to reliably determine the actual response. It is also suggested that assuming it is known what a measured response is ‘for’ can be misleading and that taking parodies of ecophysiology seriously may impede research progress. This review finishes with the suggestion that an -omics approach is, and is becoming, a powerful method of understanding the response of marine invertebrates to environmental hypoxia and may be an ideal way of studying hypoxic responses in the wild. Despite centring on physiological responses to hypoxia, the review hopefully serves as a contribution to the discussion of what (animal) ecophysiology looks like (or should look like) in the 21st century.
Cell signalling mechanisms for insect stress tolerance
Authors: Davies Shireen A. , Cabrero Pablo , Overend Gayle , Aitchison Lorraine , Sebastian Sujith , Terhzaz Selim , Dow Julian A. T.
Published: December 2013

Insects successfully occupy most environmental niches and this success depends on surviving a broad range of environmental stressors including temperature, desiccation, xenobiotic, osmotic and infection stress. Epithelial tissues play key roles as barriers between the external and internal environments and therefore maintain homeostasis and organismal tolerance to multiple stressors. As such, the crucial role of epithelia in organismal stress tolerance cannot be underestimated. At a molecular level, multiple cell-specific signalling pathways including cyclic cAMP, cyclic cGMP and calcium modulate tissue, and hence, organismal responses to stress. Thus, epithelial cell-specific signal transduction can be usefully studied to determine the molecular mechanisms of organismal stress tolerance in vivo. This review will explore cell signalling modulation of stress tolerance in insects by focusing on cell signalling in a fluid transporting epithelium – the Malpighian tubule. Manipulation of specific genes and signalling pathways in only defined tubule cell types can influence the survival outcome in response to multiple environmental stressors including desiccation, immune, salt (ionic) and oxidative stress, suggesting that studies in the genetic model Drosophila melanogaster may reveal novel pathways required for stress tolerance.
Some remarks on Hp,s analytic function spaces in the unit disk and related estimates
Authors: Arsenović Miloš , Shamoyan Romi F.
Published: December 2013

We prove new projection theorems involving certain Hardy-Lorentz analytic function spaces based on Lorentz classes on the unit circle which are related to p-Carleson type measures. We also study the action of fractional derivative in related analytic spaces in the unit disk partially extending previously known assertions.
On generalized sequence spaces defined by modulus functions
Authors: Kolk Enno
Published: December 2013

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Crowding Out in the Labor Market: A Prosocial Setting Is Necessary
Authors: Hossain Tanjim , Li King King
Published: December 2013

Recent studies, mostly from prosocial settings, suggest that monetary rewards may crowd out effort exertion by economic agents. We design a field experiment with data entry workers to investigate the extent of such crowding-out effects in a labor market. Using simple variations in the job description of a task, we induce a natural work setting under the work frame and emphasize social preference under the social frame. We find that crowding out of labor participation critically depends on framing—whereas small monetary rewards reduce the participation rate under the social frame, the participation rate is nondecreasing in the wage rate under the work frame. Moreover, among the workers who participate in the task, those who receive a positive wage perform a considerably higher amount of work than those who are paid zero wage under either frame. Thus, there is weak evidence of crowding out only when the task is explicitly given a prosocial flavor and not under a regular work setting. Furthermore, emphasizing social preference in the labor market in such a way reduces the overall labor supply and seems to have an adverse effect on the quality of work.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2013.1807 .

This paper was accepted by John List, behavioral economics.
Microchipping and its importance in dogs
Authors: Jones Carol
Published: December 2013

From 6 April 2016, it will be compulsory for all dogs in England to be microchipped and their owners registered to a national database. In this article, Carol Jones gives an overview of canine microchipping, including current and proposed legislation, implantation and scanning techniques, and common problems encountered.
Ticks and Lyme disease: a growing threat?
Authors: Wright Ian , Wall Richard
Published: December 2013

Canine Lyme disease is a tick-borne condition caused by gram-negative spirochaetes belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi group, and continues to cause concern to many members of the public, particularly those walking in high-risk areas. Both the prevalence of infection and incidence of disease in canines and humans appear to be increasing and this makes effective diagnosis, treatment and prevention measures vital to the veterinary practitioner. This article discusses the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Lyme disease.
Non-infectious inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system in dogs
Authors: Carwardine Darren , Granger Nicolas
Published: December 2013

Inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) present as progressive diseases, often with a collection of neurological deficits reflecting multifocal involvement of the CNS. The most common signalment (middle-aged small-breed dogs, more commonly females) can provide a high index of suspicion, combined with neurological findings, CSF analysis and imaging studies. The prognosis is guarded, and some dogs will deteriorate rapidly despite therapy, while others can live for years with or without medication, which reflects currently our lack of understanding of this group of diseases.
Pension benefits outside of the pension system
Authors: Ísleifsson Ólafur
Published: December 2013

In this paper we review a special pension scheme established by the Government of Iceland for elderly workers that foreseeably would not enjoy any significant pension benefits from the pension system founded on the basis of the general labour agreements of 1969. This pension scheme that was run alongside the private labour market pension system and social security was conceived as a temporary measure but extended over a longer time period than originally envisaged. Based on unpublished data we seek answers to questions on the financing of the scheme and its impact in terms of the relative share of its pension payments.
Ímynd ESB meðal íslenskra kjósenda og mikilvægi áhersluþátta í umræðunni um aðild
Authors: Eysteinsson Friðrik , Diego Dagbjört Ágústa H. , Kristinsson Kári
Published: December 2013

Íslendingar sóttu um aðild að ESB árið 2009 en gert var hlé á viðræðum um umsókn árið 2013 þegar ný ríkisstjórn tók við völdum. ESB og möguleg aðild að sambandinu hefur verið bitbein hjá þjóðinni í fjölmörg ár. Í því ljósi þótti höfundum áhugavert að skoða hver væri munurinn á ímynd sambandsins eftir afstöðu kjósenda til inngöngu í það og / eða eftir því hvaða stjórnmálaflokk þeir kjósa og hversu miklu máli áhersluþættir umræðunnar um aðild skipta þá. Gerð var megindleg rannsókn í formi spurningakönnunar. Þýðið var kosningabært fólk á Íslandi. Notast var við hentugleikaúrtak meðal nemenda Háskóla Íslands, vina á Fésbókinni og annarra aðila. Ímynd ESB meðal þeirra, sem eru hlynntir ESB aðild og / eða eru kjósendur stjórnmálaflokka sem eru fylgjandi aðild, er betri gagnvart þeim ímyndarþáttum sem hægt væri að flokka sem jákvæða. Ímynd þeirra, sem eru andstæðingar aðildar eða kjósendur stjórnmálaflokka, sem eru það, er betri gagnvart þeim ímyndarþáttum sem hægt væri að flokka sem neikvæða. Þeir þættir, sem eru notaðir í málflutningi aðildarsinna, skipta þá meira máli sem eru hlynntir inngöngu í ESB en þeir þættir, sem gjarnan eru notaðir í málflutningi andstæðinga aðildar, skipta þá meira máli sem eru á móti aðild.
A Small-States Perspective on the European Citizens’ Initiative
Authors: Conrad Maximilian
Published: December 2013

The introduction of the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) in the Lisbon Treaty has given the European Union (EU) its strongest element of transnational participatory democracy to date. One million EU citizens from at least seven different member states can now request legislative proposals from the European Commission. This article discusses the ECI from a small-states perspective, assessing its impact on the role of small-state citizens in the union. The theoretical argument draws both on the international relations literature on small states and on James Bohman’s work on transnational democracy, suggesting that the ECI is a particularly fruitful tool that gives EU citizens an institutional incentive for initiating deliberation on perceived injustices. The empirical argument presents the findings of a quantitative analysis of the organizers of the first sixteen initiatives, suggesting that the ECI is indeed a tool used by citizens from the union’s smaller states. However, the analysis also shows that state size can and should be conceptualized not merely in terms of traditional indicators such as most importantly population size, but also in terms of constructivist notions of perceptual size.
Þjónandi forysta og rannsóknir hér á landi
Authors: Gunnarsdóttir Sigrún , Jónsdóttir Birna Gerður
Published: December 2013

Þjónandi forysta er hugmyndafræði sem varpar nýju ljósi á kenningar í stjórnunar- og leiðtogafræðum. Einstakar áherslur hennar eru þjónusta með siðfræði og ábyrgð sem grunnstoðir og hagsmuni heildar framar þrengri hagsmunum. Upphafsmaður hugmyndafræðinnar er Robert K. Greenleaf. Helstu einkenni þjónandi leiðtoga er einlægur áhugi á högum annarra, innri styrkur og framtíðarsýn. Rannsóknum um efnið hefur fjölgað undanfarin ár og sýna niðurstöður að hugmyndafræðin hefur jákvæð áhrif á samfélagslega ábyrgð fyrirtækja og árangur þeirra, líðan starfsfólks og traust í samskiptum. Samkvæmt niðurstöðum nýrra rannsókna á hugmyndafræðin ríkt erindi í íslensku samfélagi. Til að kanna þetta nánar voru gerðar átta kannanir á mismunandi vinnustöðum hér á landi á árunum 2008 – 2012. Viðhorf starfsfólks til þjónandi forystu næsta yfirmanns voru metin með nýju hollensku mælitæki, SLS. Starfsánægja var metin og könnuð tengsl hennar við mat starfsfólks á þjónandi forystu. Birtar eru helstu niðurstöður sem sýna að starfsfólk metur þjónandi forystu almennt all nokkra og mesta vægi fá þættirnir efling og ábyrgð í fari næsta yfirmanns. Starfsánægja var almennt mikil og var marktækt tengd þjónandi forystu og samræmist það erlendum niðurstöðum. Jákvæðar niðurstöður íslensku kannananna gefa fyrirheit um árangursríka stjórnunarhætti á vinnustöðum hér á landi en unnið er að frekari rýni og samanburði við erlendar niðurstöður.
The rise of temporal expressions in the history of Japanese: A preliminary account
Authors: Yamaguchi Toshiko
Published: December 2013

In cognitive linguistics, a widely accepted and highly influential approach to the notion of time is conceptual metaphor. This states that the abstract concept time should be understood in terms of a concrete concept such as space. This paper challenges this notion by proposing that time exhibits independent experience. Using diachronic data, the paper investigates how temporal expressions in Japanese have emerged that are also employed as spatial expressions, and demonstrates how they conform to theoretical standpoints that are postulated in synchronic studies. First, I refer to the insights of Fraisse (1963), who singles out from a psychological point of view two fundamental perspectives of time: succession and duration. Second, I provide 10 examples from the eighth century to the fourteenth century that comply with five aspects of psychological reality (succession, duration, causation, organization, and anticipation). Third, I evaluate Evans’ (2004) cognitive complex models that champion temporal independence. The paper makes two claims. First, the rise of Japanese temporal expressions does not rely on external experience but on internal, that is, psychological perspectives. Second, the three attributes central to Evans’ models (motion, agency, and sequence) were not absolutely fundamental when Japanese temporal expressions emerged. While this last point downgrades Evans’ models, the paper tentatively suggests an alternative approach, namely that a diachronic development should embrace indexical, iconic, and symbolic evidence for the construction of linguistic signs.