bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Briefing: Low-carbon transport in London
Authors: Hickman Robin , Ashiru Olu , Banister David
Published: December 2009

The transport sector is proving to be the most difficult sector to move towards carbon efficiency. A ‘trend-break’ is required through a combination of behavioural change, technological innovation and robust policy implementation. The visioning and backcasting for transport in London (Vibat London) project illustrates the potential options and pathways for reducing transport carbon dioxide emissions in London. It calls for a wider and transparent public discussion of potential future options if low-emission lifestyles are to be ‘owned’ and climate change is to be effectively addressed.
Evidencing population change for sustainable communities
Authors: Brimicombe Allan J , Li Yang , Li Chao
Published: December 2009

Current debates around the ability of official statistics to reflect actual population size and demographics, their lag in release and the geographical scale at which they are made available have prompted an investigation into a novel approach to population modelling using administrative data. This paper provides an insight into the population models for lower super output area level estimates developed for ten boroughs within the London Thames Gateway based on council tax, child benefit and schools census data. The multi-stage multiple regression models are initially constructed using 2001 data and tested against official statistics. The estimates are then moved forward with successive annual data sets to provide an understanding of year-on-year population change. This approach is not meant to displace official statistics but to provide another view through a different route; they can be set alongside each other for evidential decision support in social infrastructure planning. This approach is now being applied, for example, by a number of primary care trusts in growth areas in London and the south Midlands in order to inform decisions on health infrastructure planning.
Evaluation of sustainable urban redevelopment scenarios
Authors: Lombardi Patrizia
Published: December 2009

Multi-criteria analysis is often used in planning for evaluating alternative development options against a set of evaluation criteria. In the context of sustainable development, the definition of these criteria is quite controversial because of the complex and fuzzy nature of this emerging topic. Decision making for sustainable (re)development at urban planning level requires an understanding of the multiple issues implied in the problem. The multi-modal framework can help decision makers handle the multiplicity of issues embodied in the concept of urban sustainability by guiding the selection of appropriate criteria for evaluating alternative solutions. This paper applies this framework to an Italian urban (re)development decision-making process by using the analytic network process, a most advanced network version of the analytic hierarchy process. This is the first mathematical theory that makes it possible systematically to deal with all kinds of dependencies and feedback. It requires a network structure to represent the decision problem, as well as pairwise comparison with established relations within the structure. The multi-modal framework is used to structure the case study problem towards a more sustainable solution.
Planning for sustainable utility infrastructure
Authors: Hunt Dexter V L , Jefferson Ian , Gaterell Mark R , Rogers Chris D F
Published: December 2009

Sustainability checklists are designed to provide practical tools (including indicators) that help with planning and measuring sustainability within new developments and redevelopment schemes. Unfortunately, a checklist – due to its very nature – tends to consider elements of sustainability in isolation, narrowing it to a set of individual tick boxes. Successful planning strategies for sustainable utility infrastructure require a more holistic approach that considers elements of water, energy and infrastructure in tandem rather than isolation, therefore suggesting that a checklist approach may not be wholly appropriate. By critically examining the 2007 version of the sustainability checklist for south-east England with respect to 12 questions that relate to sustainable utility infrastructure alone (five for energy, four for water and three for infrastructure provision) this argument is explored further. The thorough examination provided in this paper serves to analyse the framing of the questions used in the checklist and test the validity of the aims and scoring method used (including weightings). This paper also examines whether these questions can jointly form a successful holistic strategy for infrastructure, not least in terms of the ability to ensure that supply meets demand.
Reliability and Validity of the Preterm Infant Feeding Survey: Instrument Development and Testing
Authors: Dowling Donna A. , Madigan Elizabeth , Anthony Mary K. , Abouelfettoh Amel , Graham Gregory
Published: December 2009

No instruments have been located that examine attitudes concerning feeding decisions of mothers of preterm infants. The purpose of this study was to describe the development and psychometric testing of the Preterm Infant Feeding Survey (PIFS). The PIFS was adapted from the Breastfeeding Attrition Prediction Scale. The five-subscale, 78-item PIFS was tested with 105 mothers of preterm infants shortly after hospital admission. Individual subscale Cronbach’s alpha values ranged from .75 to .82. Factor analysis demonstrated a five-factor solution. The PIFS is the first instrument to examine factors that contribute to feeding decisions of mothers of high-risk preterm infants; this knowledge will support the planning of interventions to improve breastfeeding outcomes for this population. Further psychometric testing with larger samples is recommended.
Assessing Nursing Student Perceptions of the Clinical Learning Environment: Refinement and Testing of the SECEE Inventory
Authors: Sand-Jecklin Kari
Published: December 2009

The Student Evaluation of Clinical Education Environment (SECEE) instrument was developed to provide information about the quality of the student clinical learning environment to assist clinical agencies, nursing faculty, and administers in selecting clinical sites that best promote student learning. The SECEE Version 3 was used in all clinical courses at a large mid-Atlantic university from 2001 to 2005. Data from more than 2,700 inventories were analyzed to assess instrument reliability and validity. Internal consistency reliability based on coefficient alpha was .94, with subscale alphas ranging from .82 to .94. Comparisons by analysis of variance revealed significant differences in student evaluations based on both clinical sites and clinical faculty. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the predetermined three factors (subscales) and subscale item content, except for two items. The SECEE Version 3 demonstrated strong internal consistency reliability and the ability to discriminate between student evaluations of distinct clinical sites and faculty and provided practically useful information to both faculty and agency staff.
Lightning-Induced Remanent Magnetic Anomalies in Low-Altitude Aeromagnetic Data
Authors: Beard Les P. , Norton Jeannemarie , Sheehan Jacob R.
Published: December 2009

A low altitude helicopter magnetic survey for unexploded ordnance in New Mexico revealed several magnetic anomalies that were most likely induced by lightning strikes. Lightning-strike magnetic anomalies are not necessarily rare, but may be spaced so widely as to make their detection unlikely in a ground survey. Detailed examples are not often reported because ground geophysical surveys may not cover enough area to detect one, and traditional airborne surveys, which do cover large areas, are carried out at an altitude and line spacing which does not appropriately define the unusual shape of the lightning strike anomaly. However, very low-level ([Formula: see text] altitude) airborne magnetic surveys have data densities similar to ground geophysical surveys, yet cover much larger areas. Lightning anomalies appear in magnetic data as radial arms emanating from a central strike point. Each arm has distinct positive and negative lobes. Anomaly amplitudes in the New Mexico survey area ranged from roughly [Formula: see text], and the lightning-strike anomaly density was about one per [Formula: see text]. This is a conservative estimate, as only the most obvious anomalies were counted. The character of the lightning-induced magnetic anomalies changes with an increase in survey altitude or with wider line spacing, making them less distinct from other types of magnetic anomalies.
Climate change and prolongation of growing season: changes in regional potential for field crop production in Finland
Authors: PELTONEN-SAINIO P. , JAUHIAINEN L. , HAKALA K.
Published: December 2009

Climate change offers new opportunities for Finnish field crop production, which is currently limited by the short growing season. A warmer climate will extend the thermal growing season and the physiologically effective part of it. Winters will also become milder, enabling introduction of winter-sown crops to a greater extent than is possible today. With this study we aim to characterise the likely regional differences in capacity to grow different seed producing crops. Prolongation of the Finnish growing season was estimated using a 0.5º latitude × 0.5º longitude gridded dataset from the Finnish Meteorological Institute. The dataset comprised an average estimate from 19 global climate models of the response of Finnish climate to low (B1) and high (A2) scenarios of greenhouse gas and aerosol emissions for 30-year periods centred on 2025, 2055 and 2085 (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). Growing season temperature sums that suit crop growth and are agronomically feasible in Finland are anticipated to increase by some 140 °Cd by 2025, 300 °Cd by 2055 and 470 °Cd by 2085 in scenario A2, when averaged over regions, and earlier sowing is expected to take place, but not later harvests. Accordingly, the extent of cultivable areas for the commonly grown major and minor crops will increase considerably. Due to the higher base temperature requirement for maize (Zea mays L.) growth than for temperate crops, we estimate that silage maize could become a Finnish field crop for the most favourable growing regions only at the end of this century. Winters are getting milder, but it will take almost the whole century until winters such as those that are typical for southern Sweden and Denmark are experienced on a wide scale in Finland. It is possible that introduction of winter-sown crops (cereals and rapeseed) will represent major risks due to fluctuating winter conditions, and this could delay their adaptation for many decades. Such risks need to be studied in more detail to estimate timing of introduction. Prolonged physiologically effective growing seasons would increase yielding capacities of major field crops. Of the current minor crops, oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack), pea (Pisum sativum L.) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) are particularly strong candidates to become major crops. Moreover, they have good potential for industrial processing and are currently being bred. Realisation of increased yield potential requires adaptation to 1) elevated daily mean temperatures that interfere with development rate of seed crops under long days, 2) relative reductions in water availability at critical phases of yield determination, 3) greater pest and disease pressure, 4) other uncertainties caused by weather extremes and 5) generally greater need for inputs such as nitrogen fertilisers for non-nitrogen fixing crops.;
Metacognitive Strategy Training Improves Driving Situation Awareness
Authors: Soliman Abdrabo Moghazy , Mathna Elsayed Khaled
Published: December 2009

In this study the impact of training in a metacognitive strategy on driving situation awareness (SA) is investigated. Fifty-six participants were classified into an expert group and a novice group. Driving performance was measured by the number of driving infringements participants
were involved in during a simulated driving situation and SA was assessed using the Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique (Endsley, 1990). Participants were assigned randomly to either an experimental condition, where the participants were trained in modeling as metacognitive strategy,
or a control condition with no training. It was found that the experts were more situationally aware than the novices, who were involved in more driving infringements. Training in a metacognitive strategy significantly enhanced SA and reduced driving infringements for both novices and experts
but more so for novices than experts. These results highlight the advantage of improving SA and driver performance by using a metacognitive training strategy to enhance SA in a wide range of dynamic and highly complicated contexts.
The Relationship Between Mathematics Anxiety and Learning Styles of Preservice Mathematics Teachers
Authors: Ertekin Erhan , Dilmac Bülent , Yazici Ersen
Published: December 2009

The aim was to determine the relationship between preservice mathematics teachers' mathematics anxiety and their learning styles. The Mathematics Anxiety Scale (MAS; Erktin, Dönmez, & Özel, 2006) was used to determine teacher trainees' mathematics anxiety, while the Marmara
Learning Styles Scale (Otrar, 2006) was administered to determine their learning styles. The correlation coefficients indicate significant relationships between preservice teachers' mathematics anxiety levels and their learning styles.
Effects of a Smile on Mood and Helping Behavior
Authors: Vrugt Anneke , Vet Carolijn
Published: December 2009

In this study 480 native Dutch passers-by (240 men and 240 women) were approached with a request to participate in an investigation. The request was made by either a female or male experimenter wearing either a smile or a neutral expression. Results showed that a smiling experimenter
elicited a smile from participants more often than when a neutral expression was displayed. Furthermore, there was a distinct correlation between a participant's smiling and his/her willingness to help, and a smile from a male experimenter was more likely to elicit helpfulness than from a
female experimenter. Participants who agreed to help also answered a few written questions. These results showed that participants who received a smile from an experimenter were in a more positive mood than those who were approached by an experimenter wearing a neutral expression. It was also
found that women smiled more often than men.
Shaping Individual Influence: The Interaction Between Personality and Group Value Orientation
Authors: Miao Qing , Liu Ling
Published: December 2009

The aim in this research was to examine the interaction effect of self-rated personality and group value orientation on peer-rated influence. A hierarchical regression was used to analyze the data of 263 employees in a multinational corporation. Results indicate that extraversion would
have a greater effect on individual influence in a group in which teamwork orientation was highly valued, while conscientiousness would have a greater impact on individual influence in a group in which task orientation was highly valued.
Integrating Computer-Supported Cooperative Learning and Creative Problem Solving into a Single Teaching Strategy
Authors: Chen Yu-Fen , Cheng Kai-wen
Published: December 2009

The aim in this study was to explore the effect of applying an innovative teaching strategy to promote students' learning achievement. Students in three classes of a 4-year hotel management program participated. One class was assigned to experimental group 1, and learnt using the creative
problem solving (CPS) strategy applied to a web-based cooperative learning (CSCL) method; another experimental group 2 used the CSCL, and the control group (CG), used traditional lecturing. After conducting the quasi-experiment, the collected data were analyzed by quantitative methods. Differences
in achievement among the three classes reached significant levels, and the achievement of group 1 was significantly better than that of the control group.
Existence and Nonexistence of Traveling Waves for a Nonlocal Monostable Equation
Authors: Yagisita Hiroki
Published: December 2009

We consider the nonlocal analogue of the Fisher-KPP equation

u_t = μ \ast u− u + f(u),

where

μ

is a Borel-measure on

ℝ

with

μ(ℝ) = 1

and

f

satisfies

f(0) = f(1) = 0

and

f > 0

in

(0, 1)

. We do not assume that

μ

is absolutely continuous with respect to the Lebesgue measure. The equation may have a standing wave solution whose profile is a monotone but discontinuous function. We show that there is a constant

c_∗

such that it has a traveling wave solution with speed 

c

when 

c ≥ c_∗

while no traveling wave solution with speed 

c

when 

c < c_∗

, provided

\int _{y\in ℝ}e^{–λy}dμ(y) < +∞

for some positive constant

λ

. In order to prove it, we modify a recursive method for abstract monotone discrete dynamical systems by Weinberger. We note that the monotone semiflow generated by the equation is not compact with respect to the compact-open topology. We also show that it has no traveling wave solution, provided

f'(0) > 0

and 

\int_{y\in ℝ} e^{–λy}dμ(y) = +∞

for all positive constants

λ

.
The Construction Zone
Authors: Coulter Cathy A. , Smith Mary Lee
Published: December 2009

Narrative research has become part of the landscape of education inquiry, yet its theory and practice are still debated and evolving. This article addresses the construction of narratives using literary elements common to nonfiction and fiction writings. The authors discuss these elements and use four narratives to illustrate them. They address how literary elements intersect with more familiar practices of generating and analyzing evidence to reveal themes, and they relate these intersections with wider issues about what can be known from research and how it can be learned.
Teacher Verbal Ability and School Outcomes
Authors: Aloe Ariel M. , Becker Betsy Jane
Published: December 2009

Many have claimed that teachers’ verbal ability is among the most important predictors of school outcomes. Teachers’ verbal ability has been thought to predict student achievement ever since the relationship was found in the classic Equality of Educational Opportunity (EEO) study by Coleman et al. By way of meta-analysis the authors examine the evidence on teachers’ verbal ability as a predictor of school outcomes. They find that the evidence is not as extensive as might be inferred from prior reports. Results of 19 studies indicate that teachers’ verbal ability is at best very weakly related to school outcomes, and the main evidence for this weak relationship arises from the EEO study. Other studies find that verbal ability is unrelated to school outcomes.
Factor Structure of Manic Symptoms
Authors: Gupta Subhash Chandra , Sinha Vinod Kumar , Praharaj Samir Kumar , Gandotra Sachin
Published: December 2009

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to identify the factor structure of manic symptoms as assessed by the Scale for Manic States (SMS).

Method: The pattern of symptoms in a group of 225 adults with an ICD-10-DCR diagnosis of manic episode was studied. A factor analysis was conducted of the broad range of psychiatric symptoms covered by SMS. A principal component analysis followed by oblimin rotation was performed.

Results: Six eigenvalues were greater than unity and parallel analysis indicated four factors. After observing the scree plot a f ve-factor solution seemed appropriate. Nevertheless, a six-factor solution was chosen that described the data appropriately and was clinically relevant. The six factors (psychosis, irritability aggression, dysphoria, accelerated thought stream, hedonia, and hyperactivity) captured 59.29%% of the total variance.

Conclusion: A six-factor solution explains the clinical dimensions of mania in the present sample and dysphoria appeared as a separate factor.
Antidepressant Dispensing Trends in New Zealand Between 2004 and 2007
Authors: Exeter Daniel , Robinson Elizabeth , Wheeler Amanda
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore antidepressant dispensing trends in New Zealand over a 3 year period (2004-2007) with a focus on trends by age, gender, ethnicity, District Health Board and type of antidepressant.

Method: Prevalence of antidepressant agents dispensed in the years ending June 2004-2005, 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 was calculated separately for the population aged 15-24, 24-44, 45-64 and 65-100 years, (>=65) by gender. The f rst occurrence of antidepressant dispensing for each individual in each year was extracted to calculate age-specific antidepressant dispensing rates standardized to the 2006 Census population for the New Zealand European/Other (NZEO) ethnic group.

Results: The 12 month prevalence of antidepressant dispensing among the total population aged 15-100 years increased from 7.36%% in 2004-2005 to 8.21%% in 2005-2006 and to 9.39%% in 2006-2007 Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) and tricyclic antidepres-sants (TCA) accounted for >90%% of all antidepressants dispensed each year. SSRIs were more frequently prescribed to young adults (15-24 years) than TCAs, although this relation changed with increasing age. In women aged >=65, TCAs were more commonly dispensed than SSRIs, while among men in the same age group, dispensing patterns were similar for both agents. Age-specific dispensing rates were higher among female than male subjects, and the NZEO combined populations were dispensed signif cantly more antidepressant agents than Māori or Pacific peoples. Considerable regional variations in antidepressant dispensing were found by ethnicity and gender.

Conclusion: There are considerable variations in antidepressant dispensing in NZ, and the rate of dispensing has increased over the 3 years of the present study. Further work is required to investigate the different rates of antidepressant dispensing found between ethnic groups. Depression is strongly associated with suicide and the trend of increased dispensing of antidepressants found in the present study should continue to have a positive effect on suicide rates in NZ.
Longitudinal Assessment of Neuropsychological Function in Major Depression
Authors: Douglas Katie M. , Porter Richard J.
Published: December 2009

Neuropsychological impairment is a core component of major depression, yet its relationship to clinical state is unclear. The aims of the present review were to determine which neuropsychological domains and tasks were most sensitive to improvement in clinical state in major depression and to highlight the methodological issues in such research. Studies that included a baseline and at least one follow-up neuropsychological testing session in adults with major depression were identifed using MEDLINE, Web of Science and ScienceDirect databases. Thirty studies were included in the review. Findings in younger adult populations suggested that improvement in mood was most strongly related to improved verbal memory and verbal fluency, while measures of executive functioning and attention tended to remain impaired across treatment. In late-life major depression, improved psychomotor speed was most closely related to treatment response, but there was much inconsistency between study findings, which may be due to methodological issues. In major depression, particular neuropsychological domains are more strongly related to clinical state than others. The findings from the present review suggest that the domains most sensitive to clinical state are verbal learning and memory, verbal fluency and psychomotor speed. In contrast, measures of attention and executive functioning perhaps represent more trait-like markers of major depression. With further methodologically sound research, the changes in neuropsychological function associated with treatment response may provide a means of evaluating different treatment strategies in major depression.
An open-label, multicenter, phase 2a study to assess the feasibility of imaging metastases in late-stage cancer patients with the αvβ3-selective angiogenesis imaging agent 99mtc-nc100692
Authors: Axelsson Rimma , Bach-Gansmo Tore , Castell-Conesa Juan , McParland Brian J. ,   On Behalf Of The Study Group
Published: December 2009

Background: The αvβ3 integrin is one of the angiogenesis-related membrane proteins highly expressed on the neovasculature of breast cancer and lung carcinomas. Labeling of the αvβ3 integrin with 99mTc-NC100692 provides a potential tool for imaging angiogenesis and hence the presence of malignant lesions.

Purpose: To determine the feasibility of detecting metastatic lesions in liver, lung, bone, and brain with scintigraphy using the αvβ3-avid imaging agent 99mTc-NC100692 in patients with breast or lung cancer, and to assess its safety profile.

Material and Methods: Twenty-five patients—15 with lung cancer and 10 with breast cancer—were recruited at 10 centers. Metastases were newly diagnosed by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or bone scintigraphy, i.e., the reference standard. Patients underwent whole-body scans of approximately 10–15 min duration beginning at 45 min post-injection and a SPECT acquisition of approximately 30 min beginning at 75 min after injection of up to 1100 MBq 99mTc-NC100692. In case of liver metastases, dynamic acquisitions of 15 min were performed starting immediately post-injection. Safety measurements were performed up to 2.5 hours after injection and included hematology, serum biochemistry, coagulation, urine analysis, vital signs, oximetry, 12-lead ECG assessments, and a physical examination.

Results: In patients with breast cancer, 99mTc-NC100692 scintigraphy detected 1 of 7 liver, 4 of 5 lung, 8 of 17 bone, and 1 of 1 brain metastases. The corresponding numbers for lung cancer patients were 0 of 2, 17 of 18, 2 of 2, and 7 of 9. There was overall stability through the follow-up period for all investigated safety parameters.

Conclusion: Scintigraphy with 99mTc-NC100692 is feasible for detection of lung and brain metastases from breast and lung cancer, while the detection of liver and bone lesions is poor. The use of 99mTc-NC100692 is safe and well tolerated.
Galactography: An application of the galactogram imaging classification system (GICS)
Authors: Berná-Serna Juan D. , Torres-Alés Carolina , Berná-Mestre Juan D. , Sola-Pérez Joaquín , Canteras-Jordana Manuel
Published: December 2009

Background: Galactography is the technique of choice for investigating pathological nipple discharge. However, there is no standardized interpretation system for this procedure.

Purpose: To evaluate radiological and histological correlation using a Galactogram Imaging Classification System (GICS).

Material and Methods: We retrospectively studied all galactograms obtained in 62 women with pathological nipple discharge who subsequently had biopsy at our institution between 1999 and 2007. The GICS proposes five categories for galactographic findings: GICS 1: negative; GICS 2: benign; GICS 3: probably benign; GICS 4: suspect for malignancy; GICS 5: highly suspect for malignancy.

Results: The galactographic findings were classified as follows: GICS 2: 25.8% (16/62); GICS 3: 30.6% (19/62); GICS 4: 25.8% (16/62); and GICS 5: 17.7% (11/62). A good correlation was observed between histological diagnosis and GICS categories ( P < 0.05). All the cases diagnosed with carcinoma ( n = 11) were classified in GICS category 5.

Conclusion: The present study shows a good correlation between GICS categories and histological diagnosis.
Effectiveness of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT)® on hypernasality in non‐progressive dysarthria: the need for further research
Authors: Wenke Rachel J. , Theodoros Deborah , Cornwell Petrea
Published: December 2009

Background: Hypernasality is a common feature of non‐progressive dysarthria. However, limited research has investigated the effectiveness of treatments for this impairment. Preliminary research has revealed positive effects on nasalance when using increased loudness in certain non‐progressive dysarthric speakers. However, the long‐term effects of loud speech on nasalance as part of a structured intervention such as Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT)® are yet to be investigated in this population.

Aims: The study aimed to investigate the short‐ and long‐term effects of LSVT® on hypernasality (perceptual ratings and degree of nasalance) in non‐progressive dysarthria; and secondly, to evaluate the effects of traditional dysarthria therapy on these same measures, in comparison with the effects of LSVT®.

Methods & Procedures: Ten non‐progressive dysarthric speakers with varying levels of hypernasality (taken from a larger research study) were randomly allocated to receive LSVT® (n = 5) or individually tailored traditional dysarthria therapy (n = 5). Both treatments were administered four times weekly for 4 weeks (that is, 16 × 1‐hour sessions). Participants were assessed twice before treatment, twice immediately post‐treatment, and twice at follow‐up 6 months post‐treatment using a perceptual rating task performed by two independent speech pathologists, and the Nasometer. Changes to individual mean nasalance scores were compared against clinically significant criterion and perceptual ratings were analysed descriptively.

Outcomes & Results: Three out of five participants demonstrated reductions in perceived hypernasality immediately following LSVT®, but these changes were maintained at follow‐up for only one participant. Two of these three participants demonstrated a corresponding reduction in mean nasalance. Limited changes in perceived hypernasality and nasalance scores were found following traditional dysarthria therapy, with only one participant exhibiting reduced nasalance at follow‐up.

Conclusions & Implications: Due to the small sample size in the present research and variability between participants, further exploration into the effects of LSVT® on nasality with a larger population with different dysarthria types is essential.
Nine‐ to twelve‐year olds' metalinguistic awareness of homonymy
Authors: Corthals Paul
Published: December 2009

Background: The metalinguistic ability to cope with homonyms, that is, words having multiple unrelated meanings, emerges rather late in the course child language development. It is associated with specific neural activity and related to academic achievement and second language learning. This study is about homonyms that are at the same time homographs and homophones. For clinical purposes, it would be useful to have additional normative data on acquisition.

Aims: The goal of this study was to develop a measurement protocol for mastery of multiple literal meanings of homonymous nouns and to document Dutch‐speaking children's performances during the final stages of child language development. Age and gender effects as well as the correlation with type token ratios in spontaneous speech will be examined.

Methods & Procedures: Twenty‐one words having only one literal meaning, 19 homonyms, and 20 pseudo‐words were presented to 801 children from the fourth, the fifth and the sixth or final grade of regular elementary schools. These children had no hearing or learning difficulties. Each test item was presented simultaneously in writing on a screen and as a spoken word. The task was to put each word into one of three possible categories: no meaning, just one literal meaning and more than one literal meaning. After item analysis, only the best items from the original corpus of 60 words were used to calculate a final score with. A 3 × 2 analysis of variance (ANOVA) was calculated to assess age and gender effects. The correlation between type token ratio results and multiple meaning mastery results was determined.

Outcomes & Results: The ability to define a word correctly as homonymous clearly develops rather late in the course of language development and significant progress is being made during final elementary school years. Significant age and gender effects were found. The correlations with type token ratio results did not reach significance levels. Children were very accurate in identifying pseudo‐words as meaningless items.

Conclusions & Implications: Further research is needed to find out whether there actually is a genuine gender effect in the ability to reflect on words with multiple meanings. This ability is different from what is traditionally defined as active or passive vocabulary, because of the metalinguistic dimensions of the task. The findings in this study underpin the need for further exploration of metalinguistic aspects of vocabulary growth and language development in general, and for the development of appropriate test tools. A screening of multiple meaning mastery may be a valuable procedure to detect individuals in need of therapy and to help school counsellors in formulating a school career advice.
Procedural and declarative memory in children with and without specific language impairment
Authors: Lum Jarrad A. G. , Gelgic Celin , Conti‐Ramsden Gina
Published: December 2009

Background: Much evidence has accumulated to indicate memory deficits in children with specific language impairment. However, most research has focused on working memory impairments in these children. Less is known about the functioning of other memory systems in this population.

Aims: This study examined procedural and declarative memory in young children with and without specific language impairment.

Methods & Procedures: A total of 15 children with specific language impairment and 15 non‐impaired children of comparable age, gender and handedness were presented with measures of procedural and declarative memory. Procedural memory was assessed using a Serial Reaction Time (SRT) Task in which children implicitly learnt a ten‐item sequence pattern. Declarative memory for verbal and visual information was assessed using paired associative learning tasks.

Outcomes & Results: The results from the SRT Task showed the children with specific language impairment did not learn the sequence at levels comparable with the non‐impaired children. On the measures of declarative memory, differences between the groups were observed on the verbal but not the visual task. The differences on the verbal declarative memory task were found after statistically controlling for differences in vocabulary and phonological short‐term memory.

Conclusions & Implications: The results were interpreted to suggest an uneven profile of memory functioning in specific language impairment. On measures of declarative memory, specific language impairment appears to be associated with difficulties learning verbal information. At the same time, procedural memory is also appears to be impaired. Collectively, this study indicates multiple memory impairments in specific language impairment.
From Stuttering and Stammering to the Diagram: Deleuze, Bacon and Contemporary Art Practice
Authors: O'Sullivan Simon
Published: December 2009

This article attends to Deleuze and Guattari's idea of a ‘minor literature’ as well as to Deleuze's concepts of the figural, probe-heads and the diagram in relation to Bacon's paintings. The paper asks specifically what might be usefully taken from this Deleuze–Bacon encounter for the expanded field of contemporary art practice.
Seasonal and Spatial Variations of Indoor Pollen in a Hospital
Authors: Tormo-Molina Rafael , Gonzalo-Garijo Ángela , Silva-Palacios Inmaculada , Fernández-Rodríguez Santiago
Published: December 2009

The airborne indoor pollen in a hospital of Badajoz (Spain) was monitored over two years using a personal Burkard sampler. The air was sampled in four places indoors—one closed room and one open ward on each of the ground and the third floors—and one place outdoors at the entrance to the hospital. The results were compared with data from a continuous volumetric sampler. While 32 pollen types were identified, nearly 75% of the total counts were represented by just five of them. These were: Quercus, Cupressaceae, Poaceae, Olea, and Plantago. The average indoor concentration was 25.2 grains/m3, and the average indoor/outdoor ratio was 0.27. A strong seasonal pattern was found, with the highest levels in spring and winter, and the indoor concentrations were correlated with the outdoor one. Indoor air movement led to great homogeneity in the airborne pollen presence: the indoor results were not influenced by whether or not the room was isolated, the floor level, or the number of people in or transiting the site during sampling. The presence of ornamental vegetation in the area surrounding the building affected the indoor counts directly as sources of the pollen.
An Empirical Algorithm for Estimating Agricultural and Riparian Evapotranspiration Using MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index and Ground Measurements of ET. I. Description of Method
Authors: Nagler Pamela L. , Morino Kiyomi , Murray R. Scott , Osterberg John , Glenn Edward P.
Published: December 2009

We used the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) from MODIS to scale evapotranspiration (ETactual) over agricultural and riparian areas along the Lower Colorado River in the southwestern US. Ground measurements of ETactual by alfalfa, saltcedar, cottonwood and arrowweed were expressed as fraction of potential (reference crop) ETo (EToF) then regressed against EVI scaled between bare soil (0) and full vegetation cover (1.0) (EVI*). EVI* values were calculated based on maximum and minimum EVI values from a large set of riparian values in a previous study. A satisfactory relationship was found between crop and riparian plant EToF and EVI*, with an error or uncertainty of about 20% in the mean estimate (mean ETactual = 6.2 mm d−1, RMSE = 1.2 mm d−1). The equation for ETactual was: ETactual = 1.22 × ETo-BC × EVI*, where ETo-BC is the Blaney Criddle formula for ETo. This single algorithm applies to all the vegetation types in the study, and offers an alternative to ETactual estimates that use crop coefficients set by expert opinion, by using an algorithm based on the actual state of the canopy as determined by time-series satellite images.
On-Chip Immunoassay for Determination of Urinary Albumin
Authors: Laiwattanapaisal Wanida , Songjaroen Temsiri , Maturos Thitima , Lomas Tanom , Sappat Assawapong , Tuantranont Adisorn
Published: December 2009

An immunoassay performed on a portable microfluidic device was evaluated for the determination of urinary albumin. An increase in absorbance at 500 nm resulting from immunoagglutination was monitored directly on the poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microchip using a portable miniature fibre-optic spectrometer. A calibration curve was linear up to 10 mg L–1 (r2 = 0.993), with a detection limit of 0.81 mg L–1 (S/N = 3). The proposed system showed good precision, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 5.1%, when evaluated with 10 mg L–1 albumin (n = 10). Determination of urinary albumin with the proposed system gave results highly similar to those determined by the conventional spectrophotometric method using immunoturbidimetric detection (r2 = 0.995; n = 15).
Pervasive Healthcare
Authors: Mayora O. , Bardram J. , Tröster G. , Arnrich B.
Published: December 2009

Objectives: The aging of the population creates pressure on the healthcare systems in various ways. A massive increase of chronic disease conditions and age-related illness are predicted as the dominant forces driving the future health care. The objective of this paper is to present future research demands in pervasive healthcare with the goal to meet the healthcare challenges by paving the way for a pervasive, user-centered and preventive healthcare model.

Methods: This paper presents recent methodological approaches and proposes future research topics in three areas: i) pervasive, continuous and reliable long-term monitoring systems; ii) prevention through pervasive technology as a key element to maintain lifelong wellness; and iii) design and evaluation methods for ubiquitous, patient-centric technologies.

Results: Pervasive technology has been identified as a strong asset for achieving the vision of user-centered preventive healthcare. In order to make this vision a reality, new strategies for design, development and evaluation of technology have to find a common denominator and consequently interoperate. Moreover, the potential of pervasive health-care technologies offers new opportunities beyond traditional disease treatment and may play a major role in prevention, e.g. motivate healthy behavior and disease prevention throughout all stages of life. In this sense, open challenges in future research have to be addressed such as the variability of health indicators between individuals and the manner in which relevant health indicators are provided to the users in order to maximize their motivation to mitigate or prevent unhealthy behaviors. Additionally, collecting evidence that pervasive technology improves health is seen as one of the toughest challenges. Promising approaches are recently introduced, such as “clinical proof-of-concept” and balanced observational studies.

Conclusions: The paper concludes that pervasive healthcare will enable a paradigm shift from the established centralized healthcare model to a pervasive, user-centered and preventive overall lifestyle health management. In order to provide these new opportunities everywhere, anytime and to anyone, future research in the fields of pervasive sensing, pervasive prevention and evaluation of pervasive technology is inevitably needed.
Influence of genotype on hepatitis B surface antigen kinetics in hepatitis B e antigen-negative patients treated with pegylated interferon-α2a
Authors: Moucari Rami , Martinot-Peignoux Michelle , Mackiewicz Vincent , Boyer Nathalie , Ripault Marie-Pierre , Castelnau Corinne , Leclere Laurence , Dauvergne Agnes , Valla Dominique , Vidaud Michel , Nicolas-Chanoine Marie-Hélène , Marcellin Patrick
Published: December 2009

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes on serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) kinetics in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients treated with pegylated interferon-α2a (PEG-IFN-α2a).

Methods

A total of 48 consecutive patients treated with PEG-IFN-α2a (180 μg/week) for 48 weeks were assessed. HBV genotype was determined. Serum HBV DNA and HBsAg were assessed at baseline, during treatment (weeks 12, 24 and 48) and during follow-up (weeks 72 and 96).

Results

The distribution of HBV genotype was A 27%, B 17%, C 12%, D 29% and E 14%. Mean ±sd pretreatment serum HBV DNA (6.9 ±1.5 log10 copies/ml) was not different between genotypes and decreased under treatment in all genotypes without significant difference. Mean ±sd pretreatment serum HBsAg (3.6 ±0.6 log10 IU/ml) was significantly different between genotypes ( P<0.001), with high levels in genotypes A and C, intermediate levels in genotypes D and E, and low levels in genotype B (4.0 ±0.3, 4.1 ±0.7, 3.6 ±0.5, 3.6 ±0.4 and 2.7 ±0.6 log10 IU/ml, respectively). Serum HBsAg decreased under treatment in all genotypes with a significant difference. At the end of treatment, mean ±sd decrease was high in genotype A, intermediate in genotypes B and D, and low in genotypes C and E (1.3 ±1.6, 0.7 ±0.7, 0.6 ±0.9, 0.4 ±1.0 and 0.4 ±0.9 log10 IU/ml, respectively; P<0.001). During follow-up, serum HBsAg continued to decrease in genotypes A and D, whereas rebound was observed in genotypes B, C and E.

Conclusions

HBV genotype has a strong influence on serum HBsAg kinetics during PEG-IFN-α2a therapy in HBeAg-negative patients.
Code Carnivals: Resuscitating Code Blue Training With Accelerated Learning
Authors: Keys Vicky A. , Malone Peggy , Brim Carla , Schoonover Heather , Nordstrom Cindy , Selzler Melissa
Published: December 2009

Nurses in the hospital setting must be knowledgeable about resuscitation procedures and proficient in the delivery of care during an emergency. They must be ready to implement their knowledge and skills at a moment's notice. A common dilemma for many nurses is that cardiopulmonary emergencies (Code Blues) are infrequent occurrences. Therefore, how do nurses remain competent and confident in their implementation of emergency skills while having limited exposure to the equipment and minimal experience in emergency situations? A team of nurse educators at a regional medical center in Washington State applied adult learning theory and accelerated learning techniques to develop and present a series of learning activities to enhance the staff's familiarity with emergency equipment and procedures. The series began with a carnival venue that provided hands-on practice and review of emergency skills and was reinforced with subsequent random unannounced code drills led by both educators and charge nurses.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2009;40(12):560–564.
Preparing Clinical Nurse Leaders in a Regional Australian Teaching Hospital
Authors: Williams Ann K. , Parker Vicki T. , Milson-Hawke Sally , Cairney Karen , Peek Carmel
Published: December 2009

The need to develop nurses as managers and leaders is crucial to the retention of registered nurses at a time of work force shortages and an increasingly aging work force in most Western industrialized countries. This article describes a creative and collaborative educational initiative developed at a large regional teaching hospital in New South Wales, Australia, designed to address this need. Based on a competency assessment process designed around face-to-face education, resource materials, and individualized mentoring from nurse unit managers, the aim of this multifaceted educational program is to develop effective team leaders in the clinical setting as well as a new generation of nursing leaders.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2009;40(12):571–576.
Preparation of Nurses Who Precept Baccalaureate Nursing Students: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Rogan Elizabeth
Published: December 2009

Clinical preceptorship is employed by baccalaureate nursing education programs as a capstone experience and a means of initiating the professional socialization of senior-level students who will shortly be new graduates. This quantitative, descriptive study explored the perceptions about preceptor preparation among nurses who precept baccalaureate nursing students. Mercer's Role Attainment Theory was the theoretical framework for this study, in which 75 participants from two hospitals in the Midwest completed a survey. Two key findings emerged from the data: All preceptors of senior-level nursing students want to know what their responsibilities are with regard to the student and the preceptorship experience, and nurses in critical care areas identified learning how to teach critical thinking to senior-level students as more essential than did nurses in other areas.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2009;40(12):565–570.