bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computer‐assisted tutoring: Teaching letter sounds to kindergarten students using incremental rehearsal
Authors: Volpe Robert J. , Burns Matthew K. , DuBois Matthew , Zaslofsky Anne Follen 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe profound consequences of early reading failure necessitate the provision of early literacy interventions to struggling readers. Many schools struggle, however, to address early reading difficulties because of insufficient human resources. Accordingly, the present study investigated the effectiveness of incremental rehearsal (IR) as a Tier 3 intervention to improve letter sound knowledge and fluency with four kindergarten students. Four participants not making adequate progress toward letter sound fluency benchmarks were selected for an IR intervention targeting letter sounds that was delivered via a computerized tutoring program. All four students improved their letter sound knowledge and fluency. Overall, results indicated that a computer‐aided IR intervention is an effective, efficient, and acceptable intervention. Implications for research and practice are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A meta‐analysis of parent and teacher reports of depression among students with learning disabilities: Evidence for the importance of multi‐informant assessment
Authors: Nelson Jason M. , Harwood Hannah R. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe conducted a meta‐analysis to examine depressive symptomatology among students with learning disabilities (LD), as reported by their parents and teachers. A 2006 meta‐analysis by Maag & Reid of the self‐reports of students with LD indicated that this group's higher report of depressive symptoms compared to non‐LD students was small in magnitude (d = .35). In our meta‐analysis, 31 studies in which depressive symptomatology among school‐age (K–12) students with LD was examined were included. The overall effect size was statistically significant and medium in magnitude (d = .75) and indicated that parents and teachers reported students with LD to experience significantly more depressive symptoms than non‐LD students experience. When integrated with Maag and Reid's findings, these results suggest that parents and teachers appear to report greater depressive symptomatology for students with LD than these students report for themselves. Due to the observed discrepancy, multi‐informant assessment practices and the need for clinical judgment are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is fluency‐based story retell a good indicator of reading comprehension?
Authors: Bellinger Jillian M. , DiPerna James C. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis study examined the reliability and validity of scores on a fluency‐based measure of reading comprehension. The Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS; 6th ed. revised) Retell Fluency (RTF), Oral Reading Fluency (DORF), and Woodcock Johnson III NU Tests of Achievement (WJ‐III NU ACH) Reading Comprehension measures were administered to fourth‐grade students. Results indicated a large difference between real time and recorded retell fluency scores for each passage. In addition, students' retell fluency scores had a low correlation with their reading comprehension scores. In light of these findings, practitioners may want to exercise caution in using fluency‐based story‐retell scores as a measure of reading comprehension. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multidetector computerized tomography enteroclysis vs. rectal water contrast transvaginal ultrasonography in determining the presence and extent of bowel endometriosis
Authors: Ferrero S. , Biscaldi E. , Morotti M. , Venturini P. L. , Remorgida V. , Rollandi G. A. , Valenzano Menada M. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the accuracy of multidetector computerized tomography enteroclysis (MDCT‐e) and rectal water contrast transvaginal ultrasonography (RWC‐TVS) in determining the presence and extent of bowel endometriosis.MethodsThis prospective study included 96 patients of reproductive age with suspicion of bowel endometriosis. Patients underwent MDCT‐e and RWC‐TVS before operative laparoscopy. Findings of MDCT‐e and RWC‐TVS were compared with histological results. The severity of pain experienced during MDCT‐e and RWC‐TVS was measured by a 10‐cm visual analog scale.ResultsFifty‐one patients had bowel endometriotic nodules at surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy for the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis were 95.8% (46/48), 100.0% (48/48), 100.0% (46/46), 96.0% (48/50) and 97.9% (94/96) for MDCT‐e and 93.8% (45/48), 97.9% (47/48), 97.8% (45/46), 94.0% (47/50) and 95.8% (92/96) for RWC‐TVS. MDCT‐e was associated with more intense pain than was RWC‐TVS.ConclusionsMDCT‐e and RWC‐TVS have similar accuracy in the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis, but patients tolerate RWC‐TVS better than they do MDCT‐e. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low individual‐level dietary plasticity in an island‐invasive generalist forager
Authors: Ruffino Lise , Russell James C. , Pisanu Benoît , Caut Stéphane , Vidal Eric 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe ability of invasive mammals to adjust their diet in response to new or variable resources is often proposed to explain their invasion success on islands with differing environmental conditions, especially islands with strong spatiotemporal changes in the nature and abundance of their resources. In this study, we investigated how habitat heterogeneity and seasonal fluctuation in resource quality affect dietary breadth and plasticity in an island‐invasive rodent, the black rat Rattus rattus, on a small Mediterranean island. We tested for dietary plasticity of rats at both the individual and population levels by using traditional dietary and stable isotope analyses at successively increasing time scales, coupled with a long‐term study of individual rats in three habitats of close proximity. Dietary and movement analyses both indicated that R. rattus is able to exploit a wide range of resources and habitats. However, dietary plasticity and habitat breadth were far narrower at the individual level. Results revealed that rats exclusively used resources found in their local habitat, and very few individuals moved among adjacent habitats in pursuit of higher‐quality resources, despite those resources being abundant in their immediate environment. This counterintuitive finding suggests that intraspecific interactions must restrict rat mobility. Our results suggest that even on small islands, accessibility of patchy and high‐quality resources to individuals from the entire population is not systematic. This result has important implications when quantifying invasive rodent impacts on patchily distributed species, especially when studies use indirect methods such as dietary analyses as a substitute for direct observations of predatory behavior.
Regeneration and Reutilization of Oil‐Laden Spent Bleaching Clay via in Situ Transesterification and Calcination
Authors: Boey Peng‐Lim , Ganesan Shangeetha , Maniam Gaanty Pragas 
Published: February 2011

AbstractLandfill bound waste from the oil palm industry, spent bleaching clay (SBC) containing significant amounts of adsorbed crude palm oil (CPO) has the potential to be used for biodiesel production. In this study, SBC was subjected to ultrasound‐aided in situ transesterification with a co‐solvent to convert the oil into methyl esters (biodiesel). Optimized reaction conditions used were 5.4 wt% KOH, methanol to oil mass ratio of 5.9:1 and 1:1 mass ratio of co‐solvent (petroleum ether or ethyl methyl ketone) to SBC. The remaining bleaching clay was calcined at 500 °C for 30 min and reutilized for bleaching. Absence of –CH absorption peaks in the FTIR and TGA‐FTIR analysis of regenerated clays shows the regeneration efficiency of the method. In situ transesterification and heat regeneration helped to restore pores without adversely affecting the clay structure. The use of ethyl methyl ketone (EMK) as the co‐solvent in the in situ transesterification process produced clay with better bleaching qualities.
On expressible sets andp-adic numbers
Authors: Hančl Jaroslav , Nair Radhakrishnan , Pulcerova Simona , Šustek Jan 
Published: February 2011

AbstractContinuing earlier studies over the real numbers, we study the expressible set of a sequenceA= (an)n≥1 ofp-adic numbers, which we define to be the setEpA= {∑n≥1ancn: cn∈ ℕ}. We show that in certain circumstances we can calculate the Haar measure ofEpAexactly. It turns out that our results extend to sequences of matrices withp-adic entries, so this is the setting in which we work.
Challenges for weed management in African rice systems in a changing climate
Authors: RODENBURG J. , MEINKE H. , JOHNSON D. E. 
Published: February 2011

SUMMARYGlobal changes including increases in temperature, atmospheric greenhouse gases, soil degradation and competition for land and water resources, will have multiple impacts on rice production systems in Africa. These changes will affect weed communities, and management approaches must be adapted to take this into account. Higher temperatures and limited water availability will generally advantage C4over C3plants (e.g. rice). Conversely, elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels will improve the competitiveness of rice relative to C4weeds, which comprise many of the problem weeds of rice. Increased atmospheric CO2levels may also improve tolerance of rice against parasitic weeds, while prevalence of parasitic species may be amplified by soil degradation and more frequent droughts or floods. Elevated CO2levels tend to promote growth below-ground relative to above-ground, particularly in perennial (C3) species. This may render mechanical control of weeds within a cropping season less effective or even counterproductive. Increased CO2levels, rainfall and temperature may also reduce the effectiveness of chemical control, while the implementation of adaptation technologies, such as water-saving irrigation regimes, will have negative consequences for rice–weed competition. Rain-fed production systems are prevalent throughout Africa and these are likely to be most vulnerable to direct effects of climate change (e.g. higher temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns). Effective weed management strategies in these environments could encompass off-season tillage, the use of well-adapted cultivars (i.e. those with drought and heat tolerance, high weed competitiveness and parasitic weed resistance or tolerance) and rotations, intercropping or short, off-season fallows with weed-suppressive legumes including those that suppress parasitic weeds. In irrigated, non-flooded rice systems, weeds are expected to become more serious. Specifically, perennial rhizomatous C3weeds and species adapted to hydromorphic conditions are expected to increase in prevalence. By implementing an integrated weed management strategy primarily targeted at weed prevention, dependency on flood water, herbicides and mechanical control can be lessened. Off-season deep tillage, stale seed bed techniques, use of clean seeds and irrigation water, competitive cultivars, timely transplanting at optimum spacing and judicious fertilizer timings are suitable candidate components for such a strategy. Integrated, novel approaches must be developed to assist farmers in coping with the challenges of weed control in the future.
Citalopram plus low-dose pipamperone versus citalopram plus placebo in patients with major depressive disorder: an 8-week, double-blind, randomized study on magnitude and timing of clinical response
Authors: Wade A. G. , Crawford G. M. , Nemeroff C. B. , Schatzberg A. F. , Schlaepfer T. , McConnachie A. , Haazen L. , Buntinx E. 
Published: February 2011

BackgroundSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors take several weeks to achieve their full antidepressant effects. Post-synaptic 5-HT2A receptor activation is thought to be involved in this delayed therapeutic effect. Pipamperone acts as a highly selective 5-HT2A/D4 antagonist when administered in low doses. The purpose of this study was to compare citalopram 40 mg once daily plus pipamperone 5 mg twice daily (PipCit) versus citalopram plus placebo twice daily for magnitude and onset of therapeutic effect.MethodAn 8-week, randomized, double-blind study in patients with major depressive disorder was carried out.ResultsThe study population comprised 165 patients (citalopram and placebo, n=82; PipCit, n=83) with a mean baseline Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score of 32.6 (s.d.=5.5). In the first 4 weeks, more citalopram and placebo than PipCit patients discontinued treatment (18% v. 4%, respectively, p=0.003). PipCit patients had significantly greater improvement in MADRS score at week 1 [observed cases (OC), p=0.021; last observation carried forward (LOCF), p=0.007] and week 4 (LOCF, p=0.025) but not at week 8 compared with citalopram and placebo patients. Significant differences in MADRS scores favoured PipCit in reduced sleep, reduced appetite, concentration difficulties and pessimistic thoughts. Mean Clinical Global Impression–Improvement scores were significantly improved after 1 week of PipCit compared with citalopram and placebo (OC and LOCF, p=0.002).ConclusionsAlthough the MADRS score from baseline to 8 weeks did not differ between groups, PipCit provided superior antidepressant effects and fewer discontinuations compared with citalopram and placebo during the first 4 weeks of treatment, especially in the first week.
Temporal dispersion of the emergence of intelligence: an inter-arrival time analysis
Authors: Hair Thomas W. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractMany reasons for why extraterrestrial intelligences might avoid communications with our civilization have been proposed. One possible scenario is that all civilizations follow the lead of some particularly distinguished civilization. This paper will examine the impact the first successful civilization could have on all other subsequent civilizations within its sphere of influence and the ramifications of this as it relates to the Fermi Paradox. Monte Carlo simulation is used to map the inter-arrival times of early civilizations and to highlight the immense epochs of time that the earliest civilizations could have had the Galaxy to themselves.
Advance care planning in advanced cancer: Can it be achieved? An exploratory randomized patient preference trial of a care planning discussion
Authors: Jones Louise , Harrington Jane , Barlow Cate A , Tookman Adrian , Drake Robyn , Barnes Kelly , King Michael 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjective:Little is known about the effectiveness of advance care planning in the United Kingdom, although policy documents recommend that it should be available to all those with life-limiting illness.Method:An exploratory patient preference randomized controlled trial of advance care planning discussions with an independent mediator (maximum three sessions) was conducted in London outpatient oncology clinics and a nearby hospice. Seventy-seven patients (mean age 62 years, 39 male) with various forms of recurrent progressive cancer participated, and 68 (88%) completed follow-up at 8 weeks. Patients completed visual analogue scales assessing perceived ability to discuss end-of-life planning with healthcare professionals or family and friends (primary outcome), happiness with the level of communication, and satisfaction with care, as well as a standardized measure of anxiety and depression.Results:Thirty-eight patients (51%) showed preference for the intervention. Discussions with professionals or family and friends about the future increased in the intervention arms, whether randomized or preference, but happiness with communication was unchanged or worse, and satisfaction with services decreased. Trial participation did not cause significant anxiety or depression and attrition was low.Significance of results:A randomized trial of advance care planning is possible. This study provides new evidence on its acceptability and effectiveness for patients with advanced cancer.
Refractory suffering: The impact of team dynamics on the interdisciplinary palliative care team
Authors: Swetenham Kate , Hegarty Meg , Breaden Katrina , Grbich Carol 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjective:This qualitative study aimed to describe the skill sets that experienced palliative care clinicians possess when managing refractory suffering.Method:Thirteen tape recorded semi-structured interviews and four online questionnaires were completed by participants with at least two years clinical palliative care experience. The research team undertook cross sectional thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews.Results:In the face of refractory suffering, team cohesion was identified as a key requirement to support the interdisciplinary team. However, team cohesion was found to be undermined by philosophical differences between team members, a paradigm shift concerning cure versus care and individual opinions regarding the chosen approach and levels of respect between the individual disciplines involved in the care of a person with a life limiting illness.Significance of results:The findings of this study highlight the precarious nature of the interdisciplinary team when significant challenges are faced. As a result of witnessing refractory suffering the division and fracturing of teams can easily occur; often team members are completely unaware of its cause. The findings of this study contribute to the limited literature on the nature of refractory suffering from the perspective of the interdisciplinary team.
Prevention of Nosocomial Transmission of Norovirus by Strategic Infection Control Measures
Authors: Cheng Vincent C. C. , Wong Lisa M. W. , Tai Josepha W. M. , Chan Jasper F. W. , To Kelvin K. W. , Li Iris W. S. , Hung Ivan F. N. , Chan K. H. , Ho P. L. , Yuen K. Y. 
Published: February 2011

Background.Nosocomial outbreaks of norovirus infection pose a great challenge to the infection control team.Methods.Between November 1, 2009, and February 28, 2010, strategic infection control measures were implemented in a hospital network. In addition to timely staff education and promotion of directly observed hand hygiene, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction for norovirus was performed as an added test by the microbiology laboratory for all fecal specimens irrespective of the request for testing. Laboratory-confirmed cases were followed up by the infection control team for timely intervention. The incidence of hospital-acquired norovirus infection per 1,000 potentially infectious patient-days was compared with the corresponding period in the preceding 12 months, and the incidence in the other 6 hospital networks in Hong Kong was chosen as the concurrent control. Phylogenetic analysis of norovirus isolates was performed.Results.Of the 988 patients who were tested, 242 (25%) were positive for norovirus; 114 (47%) of those 242 patients had norovirus detected by our added test. Compared with the corresponding period in the preceding 12 months, the incidence of hospital-acquired norovirus infection decreased from 131 to 16 cases per 1,000 potentially infectious patient-days (P< .001 ), although the number of hospital-acquired infections was low in both the study period (n= 8) and the historical control periods (n= 11). The incidence of hospital-acquired norovirus infection in our hospital network (0.03 cases per 1,000 patient-days) was significantly lower than that of the concurrent control (0.06 cases per 1,000 patient-days) (P= .015). Forty-three (93%) of 46 norovirus isolates sequenced belonged to the genogroup II.4 variant.Conclusions.Strategic infection control measures with an added test maybe useful in controlling nosocomial transmission of norovirus.
Complications Associated with 2 Different Types of Percutaneously Inserted Central Venous Catheters in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Tsai Ming-Horng , Chu Shih-Ming , Lien Reyin , Huang Hsuan-Rong , Wang Jiunn-Wei , Chiang Chiao-Ching , Hsu Jen-Fu , Huang Yhu-Chering 
Published: February 2011

Objective.To identify the prevalence and risk factors for complications associated with percutaneously inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) and evaluate the effect of different catheter types and their indwelling time on catheter-related complications.Design.Retrospective cohort study.Setting.A 49-bed neonatal intensive-care teaching hospital in Taiwan.Patients.Between 2004 and 2007, 518 single-lumen PICCs (defined as “old type”) and 290 PICCs with a stiffening stylet and a thicker introducer (“new type”) were inserted in a total of 534 neonates with a birth body weight of 1,500 g or less.Results.Independent risk factors of catheter-related sepsis (CRS) were longer duration for PICC placement and PICC inserted at femoral site (compared with nonfemoral sites) (odds ratio [OR], 1.53 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.07-2.25];P= .044). An independent predictor of catheter-related noninfectious complications was time spent for PICC insertion of more than 60 minutes (compared with less than 30 minutes) (OR, 1.96 [95% CI, 1.08-3.53];P= .026). New-type PICCs were significantly associated with a higher rate of femoral site insertion, catheter-related noninfectious complications, and longer time for successful insertion than old-type PICCs. The hazard rates of CRS according to indwelling time, determined over 5-day periods by survival analysis, showed 0.05% for catheters in place for 4 days or less; 0.27% for 5-9 days; 0.40% for 10-14 days; 0.68% for 15-19 days; 1.18% for 20-24 days; 3.96% for 25-29 days; and 10.45% for 30 or more days.Conclusions.Different catheters do influence the complication rates. Spending more than 60 minutes for successful PICC insertion and PICCs indwelling for more than 30 days are associated with higher rates of catheter-related complications.
PrimerProspector: de novo design and taxonomic analysis of barcoded polymerase chain reaction primers
Authors: Walters William A. , Caporaso J. Gregory , Lauber Christian L. , Berg-Lyons Donna , Fierer Noah , Knight Rob 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Motivation: PCR amplification of DNA is a key preliminary step in many applications of high-throughput sequencing technologies, yet design of novel barcoded primers and taxonomic analysis of novel or existing primers remains a challenging task.
Results: PrimerProspector is an open-source software package that allows researchers to develop new primers from collections of sequences and to evaluate existing primers in the context of taxonomic data.
Availability: PrimerProspector is open-source software available at http://pprospector.sourceforge.net
Contact: rob.knight@colorado.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.