bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chlorpyrifos Exposure and Urban Residential Environment Characteristics as Determinants of Early Childhood Neurodevelopment
Authors: Lovasi Gina S. , Quinn James W. , Rauh Virginia A. , Perera Frederica P. , Andrews Howard F. , Garfinkel Robin , Hoepner Lori , Whyatt Robin , Rundle Andrew
Published: March 2010

Objectives. We evaluated whether neighborhood characteristics correlated with early neurodevelopment and whether these characteristics confounded the previously reported association between exposure to chlorpyrifos (an organophosphate insecticide) and neurodevelopment.

Methods. We obtained prenatal addresses, chlorpyrifos exposure data, and 36-month Psychomotor Development Index (PDI) and Mental Development Index (MDI) scores for a birth cohort in New York City (born 1998–2002). We used data from the 2000 US Census to estimate measures of physical infrastructure, socioeconomic status, crowding, demographic composition, and linguistic isolation for 1-kilometer network areas around each child's prenatal address. Generalized estimating equations were adjusted for demographics, maternal education and IQ, prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke, caretaking environment quality, and building dilapidation.

Results. Of 266 children included as participants, 47% were male, 59% were Dominican, and 41% were African American. For each standard deviation higher in neighborhood percent poverty, the PDI score was 2.6 points lower (95% confidence interval [CI] = −3.7, −1.5), and the MDI score was 1.7 points lower (95% CI = −2.6, −0.8). Neighborhood-level confounding of the chlorpyrifos-neurodevelopment association was not apparent.

Conclusions. Neighborhood context and chlorpyrifos exposure were independently associated with neurodevelopment, thus providing distinct opportunities for health promotion.
Analyzing National Health Reform Strategies With a Dynamic Simulation Model
Authors: Milstein Bobby , Homer Jack , Hirsch Gary
Published: March 2010

Proposals to improve the US health system are commonly supported by models that have only a few variables and overlook certain processes that may delay, dilute, or defeat intervention effects. We use an evidence-based dynamic simulation model with a broad national scope to analyze 5 policy proposals. Our results suggest that expanding insurance coverage and improving health care quality would likely improve health status but would also raise costs and worsen health inequity, whereas a strategy that also strengthens primary care capacity and emphasizes health protection would improve health status, reduce inequities, and lower costs. A software interface allows diverse stakeholders to interact with the model through a policy simulation game called HealthBound.
Perinatal Outcomes for Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Other Pacific Islander Mothers of Single and Multiple Race/Ethnicity: California and Hawaii, 2003–2005
Authors: Schempf Ashley H. , Mendola Pauline , Hamilton Brady E. , Hayes Donald K. , Makuc Diane M.
Published: March 2010

Objectives. We examined characteristics and birth outcomes of Asian/Pacific Islander (API) mothers to determine whether differences in outcomes existed between mothers of single race/ethnicity and multiple race/ethnicity.

Methods. We used data from California and Hawaii birth certificates from 2003 through 2005 to describe variation in birth outcomes for API subgroups by self-reported maternal race/ethnicity (single versus multiple race or API subgroup), and we also compared these outcomes to those of non-Hispanic White women.

Results. Low birthweight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB) varied more among API subgroups than between mothers of single versus multiple race/ethnicity. After adjustment for sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors, API mothers of multiple race/ethnicity had outcomes similar to mothers of single race/ethnicity, with exceptions for multiple-race/ethnicity Chinese (higher PTB), Filipino (lower LBW and PTB), and Thai (higher LBW) subgroups. Compared with single-race non-Hispanic Whites, adverse outcomes were elevated for most API subgroups: only single-race/ethnicity Korean mothers had lower rates of both LBW (3.4%) and PTB (5.6%); single-race/ethnicity Cambodian, Laotian, and Marshallese mothers had the highest rates of both LBW (8.8%, 9.2%, and 8.4%, respectively) and PTB (14.0%, 13.7%, and 18.8%, respectively).

Conclusions. Strategies to improve birth outcomes for API mothers should consider variations in risk by API subgroup and multiple race/ethnicity.
HIDDEN in PLAIN SIGHT Marketing Prescription Drugs to Consumers in the Twentieth Century
Authors: Greene Jeremy A. , Herzberg David
Published: March 2010

Although the public health impact of direct-to-consumer (DTC) pharmaceutical advertising remains a subject of great controversy, such promotion is typically understood as a recent phenomenon permitted only by changes in federal regulation of print and broadcast advertising over the past two decades. But today's omnipresent ads are only the most recent chapter in a longer history of DTC pharmaceutical promotion (including the ghostwriting of popular articles, organization of public-relations events, and implicit advertising of products to consumers) stretching back over the twentieth century. We use trade literature and archival materials to examine the continuity of efforts to promote prescription drugs to consumers and to better grapple with the public health significance of contemporary pharmaceutical marketing practices.
Derivation and Validation of a New Cardiovascular Risk Score for People With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Elley C. Raina , Robinson Elizabeth , Kenealy Tim , Bramley Dale , Drury Paul L.
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE

To derive a 5-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk equation from usual-care data that is appropriate for people with type 2 diabetes from a wide range of ethnic groups, variable glycemic control, and high rates of albuminuria in New Zealand.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This prospective open-cohort study used primary-care data from 36,127 people with type 2 diabetes without previous CVD to derive a CVD equation using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Data from 12,626 people from a geographically different area were used for validation. Outcome measure was time to first fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular event, derived from national hospitalization and mortality records. Risk factors were age at diagnosis, diabetes duration, sex, systolic blood pressure, smoking status, total cholesterol–to–HDL ratio, ethnicity, glycated hemoglobin (A1C), and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio.

RESULTS

Baseline median age was 59 years, 51% were women, 55% were of non-European ethnicity, and 33% had micro- or macroalbuminuria. Median follow-up was 3.9 years (141,169 person-years), including 10,030 individuals followed for at least 5 years. At total of 6,479 first cardiovascular events occurred during follow-up. The 5-year observed risk was 20.8% (95% CI 20.3–21.3). Risk increased with each 1% A1C (adjusted hazard ratio 1.06 [95% CI 1.05–1.08]), when macroalbuminuria was present (2.04 [1.89–2.21]), and in Indo-Asians (1.29 [1.14–1.46]) and Maori (1.23 [1.14–1.32]) compared with Europeans. The derived risk equations performed well on the validation cohort compared with other risk equations.

CONCLUSIONS

Renal function, ethnicity, and glycemic control contribute significantly to cardiovascular risk prediction. Population-appropriate risk equations can be derived from routinely collected data.
Physical Therapists Make Accurate and Appropriate Discharge Recommendations for Patients Who Are Acutely Ill
Authors: Smith Beth A. , Fields Christina J. , Fernandez Natalia
Published: March 2010

Background

Acute care physical therapists contribute to the complex process of patient discharge planning. As physical therapists are experts at evaluating functional abilities and are able to incorporate various other factors relevant to discharge planning, it was expected that physical therapists’ recommendations of patient discharge location would be both accurate and appropriate.

Objective

This study determined how often the therapists’ recommendations for patient discharge location and services were implemented, representing the accuracy of the recommendations. The impact of unimplemented recommendations on readmission rate was examined, reflecting the appropriateness of the recommendations.

Design

This retrospective study included the discharge recommendations of 40 acute care physical therapists for 762 patients in a large academic medical center. The frequency of mismatch between the physical therapist's recommendation and the patient's actual discharge location and services was calculated. The mismatch variable had 3 levels: match, mismatch with services lacking, or mismatch with different services. Regression analysis was used to test whether mismatch status, patient age, length of admission, or discharge location predicted patient readmittance.

Results

Overall, physical therapists’ discharge recommendations were implemented 83% of the time. Patients were 2.9 times more likely to be readmitted when the therapist's discharge recommendation was not implemented and recommended follow-up services were lacking (mismatch with services lacking) compared with patients with a match.

Limitations

This study was limited to one facility. Limited information about the patients was collected, and data on patient readmission to other facilities were not collected.

Conclusions

This study supports the role of physical therapists in discharge planning in the acute care setting. Physical therapists demonstrated the ability to make accurate and appropriate discharge recommendations for patients who are acutely ill.
The presigmoid approach to anterolateral pontine cavernomas
Authors: Hauck Erik Friedrich , Barnett Samuel L. , White Jonathan Ari , Samson Duke
Published: March 2010

Object

Anterolateral cavernomas of the pons have been surgically removed via a variety of approaches, commonly retrosigmoid or transventricular. The goal in this study was to evaluate the presigmoid approach as an alternative.

Methods

Clinical data were reviewed in 9 patients presenting with anterolateral pontine cavernomas between 1999 and 2007.

Results

All patients were treated via a presigmoid approach, which provided a nearly perpendicular trajectory to the anterolateral pons. The brainstem was entered through a “safe zone” between the trigeminal nerve and the facial/vestibulocochlear nerve complex. Complete resection was achieved in all cases. No patient experienced recurrent events during follow-up (1–24 months). The patients' modified Rankin Scale score improved within 1 year of surgery (1.7 ± 0.4) compared with baseline (2.6 ± 0.2; p < 0.05). Only one patient experienced a new deficit (decreased hearing), which was corrected with a hearing aid.

Conclusions

The presigmoid approach is recommended for the resection of anterolateral pontine cavernomas. With this approach, the need for cerebellar retraction is nearly eliminated. The lateral “presigmoid” entry point creates a trajectory that allows complete resection of even deep lesions at this level, or anterior to the internal acoustic meatus.
Quality of life in neurooncology—age matters
Authors: Veilleux Nadia , Goffaux Philippe , Boudrias Marie , Mathieu David , Daigle Kathya , Fortin David
Published: March 2010

Object

Due partly to therapeutic improvements and prolonged patient survival, the field of neurooncology is gradually undergoing a philosophical shift, progressively moving toward a more functional approach to patient welfare. This shift includes, as one of its defining objectives, the promotion of elevated levels of quality of life (QOL) and quality of health (QOH) for patients of all ages. Unfortunately, an adult life-stage perspective has never been used to study the long-lasting impact of age on well-being in neurooncology patients.

Methods

In this study, the authors assessed and compared the QOL and QOH scores of 42 younger adults (≤ 40 years of age) and 88 older adults (> 40 years of age) presenting with a primary supratentorial tumor.

Results

After having controlled for biomedical and treatment-related factors, the authors discovered that older adults reported lower functional well-being and poorer neurocognitive functioning than younger adults. This age difference appeared earlier than expected (developing as early as middle age), suggesting an accelerated effect of disease on the aging process. Importantly, it was also found that the variables that predict QOL and QOH differed depending on patient age. For example, support from friends was a significant predictor of QOL for younger adults, whereas the capacity to continue enjoying life was a significant predictor for older adults. Moreover, the presence of a high-grade tumor and increased physical pain had a negative impact on the QOH of younger adults, whereas increased difficulty with concentration negatively impacted the QOH of older adults.

Conclusions

These age differences clearly warn against consolidating the QOL or QOH scores of younger and older adults, and instead suggest that age at diagnosis is essential when considering patient perspective, and when establishing tailored support programs.
Childhood Obesity and the Built Environment
Authors: Razani Nooshin , Tester June
Published: March 2010

CME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

1.

Review the current literature on the effect of the built environment on physical activity and food access for children.

2.

Recognize the correlation between the built environment and obesity, drawing attention to the limited data currently available.

3.

Discuss strategies practicing medical professionals can employ to help families navigate their local built environment.
Herpes Zoster in Older Adults
Authors: Cadogan Mary P.
Published: March 2010

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a common condition among older adults, manifested by pain and the classic presentation of a unilateral rash that follows a dermatomal distribution and does not cross the midline of the body. It is caused by reactivation of the virus that caused chickenpox during an earlier infection. In many cases, acute HZ is followed by a severe and disabling complication known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), characterized by pain that persists for months or even years after the HZ rash heals. Using an individual example, this article provides information on the clinical manifestations, evidence-based treatment recommendations for, and prevention of HZ and PHN through use of the zoster vaccine Zostavax
®
, licensed in the United States in 2006.
Angiographic computed tomography and computed tomographic angiography techniques: actual interventional and diagnostic possibilities of their use in patients with cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Carvi y Nievas Mario Nazareno
Published: March 2010

Since the introduction of radiological examination techniques, such as an angiographic computed tomography (ACT) and a computed tomographic angiography (CTA), the diagnosis and treatment planning for cerebral aneurysms became quicker and safer. Unfortunately, the state of development of these techniques, and their possible indications and benefits are still today restricted to specialized centers. The objective of this update was to analyze the current scientific evidence about their actual interventional and diagnostic use and identify the individual advantages of each through a literature review and personal experience-based data.
Does Helicobacter Pylori Play A Role in the Pathogenesis of Childhood Chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura?
Authors: Maghbool Maryam , Maghbool Masood , Shahriari Mehdi , Karimi Mehran
Published: March 2010

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acute self-limited bleeding disorder that can progress to chronic form in 10-15% of the cases. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a possible cause of chronic ITP. We studied 30 children with resistant chronic ITP for H. pylori infection based on the detection of H. pylori fecal antigen. This retrospective study was based on data obtained from medical records of 30 children aged between five and 17 years (median age at ITP diagnosis was ten years). A specially-designed data sheet was used to record information on age, sex, duration of disease, family history of bleeding disorders, previous treatments and median platelet count. In patients with H. pylori infection, antimicrobial treatment consisted of amoxicillin, metronidazol and omeprazol. Response was assessed every month for one year and defined as complete (platelet count >150x109/L) or partial (platelet count between 50 and 150x109/L). We detected H. pylori infection in 5 patients. In 4 of them increased platelet count was seen during one year of follow-up and in one patient the platelet count was acceptable during six months. Although the pathological mechanism of H. pylori-induced thrombocytopenia was unclear in our patient sample, the assessment of H. pylori infection and use of eradication therapy should be attempted in chronic and resistant ITP patients.
Singular Integral Operators and Essential Commutativity on the Sphere
Authors: Xia Jingbo
Published: March 2010

Let 𝒯 be the C*-algebra generated by the Toeplitz operators {T𝜑 : 𝜑 Є L∞(S, dσ)} on the Hardy space H2(S) of the unit sphere in Cn. It is well known that 𝒯 is contained in the essential commutant of {T𝜑 : 𝜑 Є VMO∩L∞(S, dσ)}. We show that the essential commutant of {T𝜑 : 𝜑 Є VMO∩L∞(S, dσ)} is strictly larger than 𝒯.
Computerized Provider Order Entry with Pager Notification Improves Efficiency in STAT Radiographic Studies and Respiratory Treatments
Authors: Crotty Eric , RRT Conway , Hart Kim Ward , Dietrich Craig , RRT Scott Pettinichi , Racadio John , Jacobs Brian
Published: March 2010

Background: The use of computerized provider order entry (CPOE) has been widely linked to improvements in patient safety. We hypothesized that electronic routing of CPOE-generated orders through individual pagers would improve the efficiency of STAT radiographic studies and respiratory treatments.

Methods: The study was conducted in two periods before and after implementing pager notification of STAT orders. In the Baseline Period, CPOE-generated STAT orders were communicated to radiology technicians or respiratory therapists through the use of printed orders, manual paging and/or telephone communication. The time to process the order and deliver a radiology result or respiratory treatment was tracked. In the Intervention Period CPOE-generated STAT orders were electronically routed to the radiology technician’s or respiratory therapist’s pager. During both time periods, clinicians completed user satisfaction surveys.

Results: Using pager notification, there was a significant reduction in radiology technician arrival time (16.8±2.1 vs 7.9±0.7 mins, p<0.001). Similarly there was a significant reduction in the cumulative time required to capture the radiographic image, image availability in the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and the verbal report from the radiologist (p<0.05). The time required in obtaining a preliminary or final radiographic written report and the total cycle times were not significantly reduced. For STAT respiratory therapy orders there was a significant reduction in the mean time from ordering to administration of respiratory therapy treatments (124.7±14.1 vs 49.8±11.4 minutes, p<0.01). Radiologists, respiratory therapists and ordering clinicians reported improved satisfaction after implementation of pager notification.

Conclusion: Computer-generated orders for STAT radiographic studies and respiratory treatments can be carried out significantly faster through the use of direct pager notification. The implementation of this process has resulted in improved care delivery and widespread clinician satisfaction.
Zuzug, Fortzug, Umzug — die Stadtregion Bonn in Bewegung
Authors: Föbker Stefanie , Leister Nina , Temme Daniela , Wiegandt Claus-Christian
Published: March 2010

In the framework of demographic change a reduction of population numbers is discussed at present as an important trend in addition to the ageing of society and the increase of persons with a migration background. In addition to shrinking regions which determine the spatial planning policy debate at present, structurally strong regions still exist even today that are characterised by population growth. This also includes the Bonn region. Prognoses show that its population growth will continue also in the future in contrast to numerous other cities and regions in North Rhine-Westphalia.

In the article the results of a study on migration flows and migration motives in this growing region are presented. One aim is to demonstrate to what extent social changes have impacts on migration decisions in the framework of demographic change. The results show that migration decisions of the older generation are increasingly characterised by a prospective look towards old age and that the ageing of society has impacts on housing location decisions and on the housing market already today. Furthermore new household forms which develop as a result of the plurality of lifestyles are leading to changed housing requirements. At the same time changed mobility demands are reflected in the selection criteria for the housing location. Finally the creation of ownership also reflects the aspect that one is living in a growing region.
Wachsende Bedeutung der Europäischen Investitionsbank und der deutschen Förderbanken für eine nachhaltige Stadtentwicklung
Authors: Jakubowski Peter
Published: March 2010

Policy and practice perspective
Anxious Personality and Breast Cancer: Possible Negative Impact on Quality of Life After Breast‐Conserving Therapy
Authors: van der Steeg Alida F. W. , De Vries Jolanda , Roukema Jan A.
Published: March 2010

Background

Quality of Life (QoL) is an important outcome measure in oncology. To assess the influence of surgical treatment and personality on QoL in women with breast cancer, a longitudinal prospective cohort study was done.

Methods

Women (n = 222) completed questionnaires concerning QoL (WHOQOL 100) and personality (NEO‐FFI and STAI) prior to the diagnosis of breast cancer and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after diagnosis and treatment. One hundred five women were treated with breast‐conserving therapy (BCT) and 117 women underwent mastectomy (MTC).

Results

The two treatment groups did not differ on overall QoL. At all measurement times the influence of trait anxiety on overall QoL was substantial in the BCT group. Women with a high score on trait anxiety were seven times more likely to have a low overall QoL 1 year after BCT. In the MTC group overall QoL was influenced mainly by neuroticism.

Conclusions

Personality, especially trait anxiety and neuroticism, determined patients’ overall QoL scores. Women with an anxious personality fared worse concerning QoL after breast conserving therapy.
Stigmatization and Male Identity: Norwegian Males’ Experience after Identification as BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers
Authors: Strømsvik Nina , Råheim Målfrid , Øyen Nina , Engebretsen Lars Fredrik , Gjengedal Eva
Published: March 2010

In families with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, there is limited knowledge about the reactions of BRCA1/2 mutation positive males. In the present qualitative study, fifteen BRCA1/2 mutation positive men in Norway participated in two successive, in‐depth interviews. Seven female partners participated in the second interview. The men reported strong emotional reactions to their positive test results, and they expressed a desire to keep the genetic information private. They considered discussing their test results or health related information with other males as difficult, and they perceived females as their sources of social and emotional support. Interestingly, the second interview revealed important information not communicated during the first interview. The findings of this study contribute to the discussion of whether men who test positive for a BRCA1/2 mutation should receive tailored genetic counseling sessions. Health care providers should be aware of psychological vulnerability in these men, likely stemming from fewer emotional supports in their social networks.
A Qualitative Evaluation of Scaphoid Remodeling in Bone-Grafted Scaphoid Nonunions
Authors: Grewal Ruby , Boyd Kirsty U. , MacDermid Joy , McMurtry Robert Y.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this case series is to identify and illustrate the phenomenon of scaphoid remodeling in skeletally mature subjects following bone grafting for scaphoid nonunion. Nine patients with scaphoid nonunions were treated with interpositional bone grafting (with iliac crest bone graft) and K-wire fixation. The mean length of follow-up was 28.6±9 months. Radiographs and CT scans were reviewed and assessed for degree of union and a qualitative assessment of scaphoid architecture. Following surgery, there was marked distortion of the scaphoid. Once healed, the contour of the scaphoid was still significantly distorted in all nine patients. Remodeling then became evident along the articular surfaces between 8 and 12 months. By 3 years, the scaphoid was completely recontoured and the normal architecture was completely restored in all nine patients. We conclude that the articular surface of the scaphoid remodels over time in skeletally mature subjects.
La question de Lintériorité mentale à L'âge classique
Authors: Gillot Pascale
Published: March 2010

L’article examine la notion d’intériorité mentale à l’âge classique, et plus particulièrement la conception cartésienne de l’esprit comme «théâtre intérieur». La thèse qui se dégage est celle d’une étroite corrélation, dans la philosophie de Descartes, entre une théorie représentationnelle de l’esprit, associée à un intemalisme, d’une part, et une perspective « neuropsychologique », d’autre part. Le mentalisme cartésien, fondé sur la disjonction des catégories de représentation et de ressemblance, n’est donc pas dissociable du projet, déjà à l’oeuvre dans laDioptrique, d’une localisation intracérébrale du mental.
La pensée comme expérience vécue
Authors: Friedrich Janette
Published: March 2010

Le centre de l’article est consacré à la psychologie de la pensée élaborée par l’école de Würzbourg au début du XXesiècle. Il s’agit ici de montrer que cette école articule deux mouvements contemporains: le projet d’unepsychologie d’un point de vue empiriquede Brentano, et l’emploi de l’expérimentation au-delà de la sphère des perceptions. À partir des travaux de Karl Bühler est mise en question la légitimité de l’approche du psychologisme appliquée à toutes les écoles psychologiques participant à cette époque au débat sur la nature de la pensée. L’idée bühlerienne d’un savoir actuel ayant pour but d’éviter un mentalisme localisationniste, si attirant pour une psychologie de la pensée, est également discutée.
Anthropometric measurement error and the assessment of nutritional status
Authors: Ulijaszek Stanley J. , Kerr Deborah A.
Published: March 2010

Anthropometry involves the external measurement of morphological traits of human beings. It has a widespread and important place in nutritional assessment, and while the literature on anthropometric measurement and its interpretation is enormous, the extent to which measurement error can influence both measurement and interpretation of nutritional status is little considered. In this article, different types of anthropometric measurement error are reviewed, ways of estimating measurement error are critically evaluated, guidelines for acceptable error presented, and ways in which measures of error can be used to improve the interpretation of anthropometric nutritional status discussed. Possible errors are of two sorts; those that are associated with: (1) repeated measures giving the same value (unreliability, imprecision, undependability); and (2) measurements departing from true values (inaccuracy, bias). Imprecision is due largely to observer error, and is the most commonly used measure of anthropometric measurement error. This can be estimated by carrying out repeated anthropometric measures on the same subjects and calculating one or more of the following: technical error of measurement (TEM); percentage TEM, coefficient of reliability (R), and intraclass correlation coefficient. The first three of these measures are mathematically interrelated. Targets for training in anthropometry are at present far from perfect, and further work is needed in developing appropriate protocols for nutritional anthropometry training. Acceptable levels of measurement error are difficult to ascertain because TEM is age dependent, and the value is also related to the anthropometric characteristics of the group or population under investigation. R > 0·95 should be sought where possible, and reference values of maximum acceptable TEM at set levels of R using published data from the combined National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys I and II (Frisancho, 1990) are given. There is a clear hierarchy in the precision of different nutritional anthropometric measures, with weight and height being most precise. Waist and hip circumference show strong between-observer differences, and should, where possible, be carried out by one observer. Skinfolds can be associated with such large measurement error that interpretation is problematic. Ways are described in which measurement error can be used to assess the probability that differences in anthropometric measures across time within individuals are due to factors other than imprecision. Anthropometry is an important tool for nutritional assessment, and the techniques reported here should allow increased precision of measurement, and improved interpretation of anthropometric data.
Social Identity, Electoral Institutions and the Number of Candidates
Authors: Dickson Eric S. , Scheve Kenneth
Published: March 2010

The empirical literature in comparative politics holds that social cleavages affect the number of candidates or parties when electoral institutions are ‘permissive’, but it lacks a theoretical account of the strategic candidate entry and exit decisions that ultimately determine electoral coalitions in plural societies. This article incorporates citizen-candidate social identities into game-theoretic models of electoral competition under plurality and majority-runoff electoral rules, indicating that social group demographics can affect the equilibrium number of candidates, even in non-permissive systems. Under plurality rule, the relationship between social homogeneity and the effective number of candidates is non-monotonic and, contrary to the prevailing Duvergerian intuition, for some demographic configurations even the effective number of candidates cannot be near two. Empirical patterns in cross-national presidential election results are consistent with the theoretical model.
Mean zonal flows generated by librations of a rotating spherical cavity
Authors: BUSSE F. H.
Published: March 2010

Longitudinal librations represent oscillations about the axis of a rotating axisymmetric fluid-filled cavity. An analytical theory is developed for the case of a spherical cavity in the limit when the libration frequency is small in comparison with the rotation rate, but large in comparison with the inverse of the spin-up time. It is shown that longitudinal librations create a steady zonal flow through the nonlinear advection in the Ekman layers. The theory can be applied to laboratory experiments as well as to solid planets and satellites with a liquid core.
Impact of reed harvesting and Smooth Cordgrass Spartina alterniflora invasion on nesting Reed Parrotbill Paradoxornis heudei
Authors: BOULORD ANTHONY , WANG TIAN-HOU , WANG XIAO-MING , SONG GUO-XIAN
Published: March 2010

The Reed Parrotbill Paradoxornis heudei is an endemic reedbed-inhabiting passerine of east Asia. In the Shanghai municipality, which harbours significant populations of this species, almost all reedbed surfaces are annually harvested. Furthermore, the reedbeds are being invaded by Smooth Cordgrass Spartina alterniflora, an introduced species that can outcompete the native Common Reed Phragmites australis. In this paper, we have shown that Reed Parrotbills do not nest in areas dominated by Smooth Cordgrass and avoid using them. In the areas that are primarily composed of Common Reed, the densities of birds are higher in the unharvested sections. The birds appear to select nesting sites with low Smooth Cordgrass densities, tall reed stems, and relatively equal densities of both dry and green stems. Reed harvesting activity results in vegetation that is too low for bird nesting. However, no nests were found in areas where the reeds had not been harvested for several years and had high densities of dry reed stems; these results could be attributed to the fact that the high density of broken stems reduced the vegetation cover. On the basis of our results, we recommend implementation of four years harvesting-cycle rotation and avoidance of reclamation in reedbeds which have not been invaded by Smooth Cordgrass.
Avian collisions with power lines: a global review of causes and mitigation with a South African perspective
Authors: JENKINS ANDREW R. , SMALLIE JON J. , DIAMOND MEGAN
Published: March 2010

Many large terrestrial and wetland birds and some smaller, fast-flying species are prone to colliding with overhead wires associated with power infrastructure. A high proportion of these are threatened species and for some, collision with power lines and other man-made structures is a significant and damaging source of anthropogenic mortality. We review the existing literature on the nature, scale and impact of this problem worldwide, with particular emphasis on the South African situation, and focus on the evidence for and against various line configurations and devices proposed to mitigate the negative effects of overhead lines on bird populations. Cranes, bustards, flamingos, waterfowl, shorebirds, gamebirds and falcons are among the most frequently affected avian groups, and collision frequency is thought to be an influential factor in ongoing population declines in several species of cranes, bustards and diurnal raptors. The bulk of the research on this issue has been done in North America, Scandinavia, southern Europe and South Africa. Few comprehensive experimental studies on ways to reduce avian collisions with power lines have been carried out, although most of these have yielded quite clear results. Mitigation options considered include reviewing the placement of proposed new lines, removing the earth-wire which is usually the highest, thinnest and most problematic component in an overhead power line configuration, or else fitting this wire with markers – brightly coloured ‘aviation’ balls, thickened wire coils, luminescent, shiny or hinged flashing or flapping devices. All of these options reduce bird collision frequency overall by at least 50–60%, although the efficacy of line marking may be much lower for certain species (e.g. bustards). There remains considerable uncertainty about the best-performing marking device (perhaps because performance may vary with both local conditions and the species involved in each instance), and a durable, all-purpose device, that is effective both during the day and at night, has not yet been developed. We conclude by outlining a proposed experimental evaluation of the full array of collision mitigation options, to select the best approaches for use under South African conditions.
Target-related distractors disrupt object selection in everyday action: Evidence from participants with dementia
Authors: GIOVANNETTI TANIA , BETTCHER BRIANNE MAGOUIRK , BRENNAN LAURA , LIBON DAVID J. , WAMBACH DENENE , SETER COLETTE
Published: March 2010

This study evaluated the impact of distractor objects and their similarity to target objects on everyday task performance in dementia. Twenty participants with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (n = 12) or subcortical vascular disease (n = 8) were videotaped while they performed 3 discrete tasks: (1) make a cup of coffee, (2) wrap a gift, and (3) pack a lunch under two conditions that were counterbalanced across participants. The conditions differed in terms of the type of distractor objects included in the workspace: (1) Target-Related Distractor Condition - distractor objects were functionally and visually similar to target objects (e.g., salt for sugar) (2) Unrelated Distractor Condition - distractors were neither visually nor functionally similar to targets (e.g., glue for sugar). Participants touched (t = 4.19; p < .01) and used (z = 3.00; p < .01) significantly more distractors, made more distractor errors (i.e., substitutions; t = 2.93; p < .01), and took longer to complete tasks (t = 2.27; p < .05) in the Target-Related Distractor condition. The percent of steps accomplished and non-distractor errors did not differ across conditions (t < 1.26; p > .05 for both). In summary, distractors that were similar to targets elicited significant interference effects circumscribed to object selection. (JINS, 2010, 16, 484–494.)
A test of the cerebellar hypothesis of dyslexia in adequate and inadequate responders to reading intervention
Authors: BARTH AMY E. , DENTON CAROLYN A. , STUEBING KARLA K. , FLETCHER JACK M. , CIRINO PAUL T. , FRANCIS DAVID J. , VAUGHN SHARON
Published: March 2010

The cerebellar hypothesis of dyslexia posits that cerebellar deficits are associated with reading disabilities and may explain why some individuals with reading disabilities fail to respond to reading interventions. We tested these hypotheses in a sample of children who participated in a grade 1 reading intervention study (n= 174) and a group of typically achieving children (n= 62). At posttest, children were classified as adequately responding to the intervention (n= 82), inadequately responding with decoding and fluency deficits (n= 36), or inadequately responding with only fluency deficits (n= 56). Based on the Bead Threading and Postural Stability subtests from the Dyslexia Screening Test-Junior, we found little evidence that assessments of cerebellar functions were associated with academic performance or responder status. In addition, we did not find evidence supporting the hypothesis that cerebellar deficits are more prominent for poor readers with “specific” reading disabilities (i.e., with discrepancies relative to IQ) than for poor readers with reading scores consistent with IQ. In contrast, measures of phonological awareness, rapid naming, and vocabulary were strongly associated with responder status and academic outcomes. These results add to accumulating evidence that fails to associate cerebellar functions with reading difficulties. (JINS, 2010,16, 526–536.)
Semantic interaction in early and late bilinguals: All words are not created equally
Authors: GATHERCOLE VIRGINIA C. MUELLER , MOAWAD RUBA ABDELMATLOUB
Published: March 2010

This study examines L1–L2 interaction in semantic categorization in early and late L2 learners. Word categories that overlapped but were not identical in Arabic and English were tested. Words always showed a ‘wider’ range of application in one language, ‘narrower’ in the other. Three types of categories – ‘classical’, ‘radial’, and ‘homophones’ – were examined. Monolingual Arabic, monolingual English, early bilingual, and late bilingual speakers were tested for their understanding of the Arabic or English words. Early bilinguals’ semantic structure is affected in both directions, late bilinguals’ only in the direction of L1 to L2. Classical categories were most vulnerable to inter-language influence, whereas homophones were least vulnerable. The discussion addresses a developmental model of semantic interaction in early and late bilingual learners.
Adverb code-switching among Miami's Haitian Creole–English second generation
Authors: HEBBLETHWAITE BENJAMIN
Published: March 2010

The findings for adverbs and adverbial phrases in a naturalistic corpus of Miami Haitian Creole–English code-switching show that one language, Haitian Creole, asymmetrically supplies the grammatical frame while the other language, English, asymmetrically supplies mixed lexical categories like adverbs. Traces of code-switching with an English frame and Haitian Creole lexical categories suggest that code-switching is abstractlyBIDIRECTIONAL. A quantitative methodology that codes the language-indexation of the token in addition to the surrounding lexical items was used for all mixed (e.g. xYx/yXy, xYy/yXx, yYx/xXy) and unmixed (xXx/yYy) adverbs. Discourse position, especially the left-periphery, is found to be a significant factor in adverb code-switching. Sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic analyses which acknowledge the ‘low’ status of one language and the ‘high’ status of the other explain better the frequency of mixed English adverbs in a Haitian Creole frame and the rarity of mixed Haitian Creole adverbs in an English frame than a minimalist approach, such as MacSwan's (1999 and subsequent work), which uses phi-feature valuation and entails asymmetry without bidirectionality. While I provide confirmation for Myers-Scotton's (1993) Matrix Language Frame approach, I emphasize that trace bidirectional data need to be accounted for by a theory that is grounded in the sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic realities.
SOME COMPLETENESS THEOREMS IN THE DYNAMIC DOXASTIC LOGIC OF ITERATED BELIEF REVISION
Authors: SEGERBERG KRISTER
Published: March 2010

The success of the AGM paradigm—the theory of belief change initiated by Alchourrón, Gärdenfors, and Makinson—is remarkable, as even a quick look at the literature it has generated will testify. But it is also remarkable, at least in hindsight, how limited was the original effort. For example, the theory concerns the beliefs of just one agent; all incoming information is accepted; belief change is uniquely determined by the new information; there is no provision for nested beliefs. And perhaps most surprising: there is no analysis of iterated change.

In this paper it is that last restriction that is at issue. Our medium of study is dynamic doxastic logic (DDL). The success of the AGM paradigm The particular contribution of the paper is detailed completeness proofs for three dynamic doxastic logics of iterated belief revision.

The problem of extending the AGM paradigm to include iterated change has been discussed for years, but systematic discussions have appeared only recently (see Segerberg, 2007 and forthcoming, but also van Benthem, 2007; Rott, 2006; Zvesper, 2007).
Statistical characterization of bed roughness due to bed forms: A field study in the Elbe River at Aken, Germany
Authors: Aberle J. , Nikora V. , Henning M. , Ettmer B. , Hentschel B.
Published: March 2010

Bed form geometry and dynamics in a straight section of the Elbe River in Germany is analyzed considering the measured bed surfaces as two‐dimensional random fields of bed elevations. Statistically derived roughness parameters are evaluated from high‐resolution digital elevation models, which were available for a range of flow rates from low flows to floods. The key results relate to the identification of characteristic scaling regions in the bed surface spectra, and to observed relationships between water discharge and both the standard deviation and a factor of the “−3” spectral law of bed elevations. Two‐dimensional second‐order structure functions of bed elevations are also analyzed to gain further insight into the spatial structure of sand wave beds. In addition, the interrelations between flow rate hysteresis and the statistical structure of bed forms, as well as effects of channel modification by groynes, are highlighted and discussed. The reported results demonstrate that statistical parameters of bed forms may be used for characterization and prediction of flow‐dependent sand bed roughness.
Application of the ORCHIDEE global vegetation model to evaluate biomass and soil carbon stocks of Qinghai‐Tibetan grasslands
Authors: Tan Kun , Ciais Philippe , Piao Shilong , Wu Xiaopu , Tang Yanhong , Vuichard Nicolas , Liang Shuang , Fang Jingyun
Published: March 2010

The cold grasslands of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau form a globally significant biome, which represents 6% of the world's grasslands and 44% of China's grasslands. Yet little is known about carbon cycling in this biome. In this study, we calibrated and applied a process‐based ecosystem model called Organizing Carbon and Hydrology in Dynamic Ecosystems (ORCHIDEE) to estimate the C fluxes and stocks of these grasslands. First, the parameterizations of ORCHIDEE were improved and calibrated against multiple time‐scale and spatial‐scale observations of (1) eddy‐covariance fluxes of CO2 above one alpine meadow site; (2) soil temperature collocated with 30 meteorological stations; (3) satellite leaf area index (LAI) data collocated with the meteorological stations; and (4) soil organic carbon (SOC) density profiles from China's Second National Soil Survey. The extensive SOC survey data were used to extrapolate local fluxes to the entire grassland biome. After calibration, we show that ORCHIDEE can successfully capture the seasonal variation of net ecosystem exchange (NEE), as well as the LAI and SOC spatial distribution. We applied the calibrated model to estimate 0.3 Pg C yr−1 (1 Pg = 1015 g) of total annual net primary productivity (NPP), 0.4 Pg C of vegetation total biomass (aboveground and belowground), and 12 Pg C of SOC stocks for Qinghai‐Tibetan grasslands covering an area of 1.4 × 106 km2. The mean annual NPP, vegetation biomass, and soil carbon stocks decrease from the southeast to the northwest, along with precipitation gradients. Our results also suggest that in response to an increase of temperature by 2°C, approximately 10% of current SOC stocks in Qinghai‐Tibetan grasslands could be lost, even though NPP increases by about 9%. This result implies that Qinghai‐Tibetan grasslands may be a vulnerable component of the terrestrial carbon cycle to future climate warming.
Potential impact of ocean ecosystem changes due to global warming on marine organic carbon aerosols
Authors: Ito Akinori , Kawamiya Michio
Published: March 2010

Production of organic carbon (OC) aerosols by biological activity in the ocean is hypothesized to influence climate change. We employ model sensitivity studies to assess the effects of ocean ecosystem changes on the marine OC fluxes by using an integrated Earth system model. Our modeled estimate of global marine primary OC emission (7 Tg OC yr−1) is comparable with that calculated from sensitivity simulation which uses chlorophyll concentration constrained by the satellite observations. The model significantly underestimates OC concentration in summer over the remote ocean without the ocean source, but better agreement could be achieved by adding the marine source. We apply simulated perturbations in chlorophyll concentration and the sea‐ice extent by previous model run for the IPCC AR4 to the OC source function only. Our model results suggest an insignificant change in the global mean primary OC flux from the ocean to the atmosphere but with considerably large spatial variability due to the changes in chlorophyll concentration projected by the climate warming simulation. The major features of the geographical distribution are increases over the Arctic Ocean, which are associated with the chlorophyll concentration and the sea‐ice extent changes primarily driven by the enhanced light efficiency for photosynthesis in the sea‐ice free ocean. In climate chemistry and aerosol models that ignore this process, the future (late 21st century) surface OC concentration would be underestimated by 40–200 ng m−3 in September over the Arctic Ocean (70–90°N).