bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variable selection when missing values are present: a case study
Authors: Lachenbruch Peter A
Published: May 2010

We consider variable selection when missing values are present in the predictor variables. We compare using complete cases with multiple imputation using backward selection (backwards stepping) and least angle regression. These are studied using a data set from a rheumatological disease (myositis). We find that the coefficients are slightly different and the estimated standard errors are smaller in the complete cases (not a surprise). This seems to be due to the fact that because the estimated residual variance is small the complete cases are more homogeneous than the full data cases.
Design issues in cancer screening trials
Authors: Moss Sue
Published: May 2010

Randomised controlled trials avoid many of the potential biases associated with the evaluation of cancer screening. Nevertheless there are many issues concerning the design of such trials that require careful consideration and that will influence interpretation of the results. This article discusses issues related to recruitment and randomisation, which will affect the extent to which the population studied, is representative of the eventual target population of a screening programme. It addresses sample size considerations, the use of appropriate outcome measures and the timing of the intervention. Finally, issues related to ensuring appropriate analyses are discussed.
Towards a scientific workflow methodology for primary care database studies
Authors: Curcin Vasa , Bottle Alex , Molokhia Mariam , Millett Christopher , Majeed Azeem
Published: May 2010

We describe the challenges of conducting studies based on mining large-scale primary care databases, namely data integration, data set definition, result reproducibility and reusability. These correspond to higher-level informatics challenges of automation, provenance capture and component integration. We provide a high-level view of the informatics infrastructure that addresses these challenges through a generic workflowbased e-Science middleware, and describe our experiences using the system to investigate differences in the health status of patients with diabetes before and after the national introduction of the UK GP contract in 2004.
Confidence intervals for correlated proportion differences from paired data in a two-arm randomised clinical trial
Authors: Pei Yanbo , Tang Man-Lai , Wong Weng-Kee , Guo Jianhua
Published: May 2010

Many key outcome measures for monitoring disease progression are based on summing across several paired domains. The scores from the paired domain in an individual are likely to be correlated and we present here an analysis of treatment effect at each domain that accounts for the correlation. We use the profile likelihood method, asymptotic score method, and three simple asymptotic methods and construct confidence intervals to compare proportions of responders in a two-arm randomised trial. We evaluate the performance of these confidence interval estimators with respect to their mean coverage probabilities, mean left-tail and right-tail non-coverage rates, and mean confidence widths. These methods are then applied to analyse a multi-centre randomised clinical trial for scleroderma patients.
A comparison of problem-based learning and conventional teaching in nursing ethics education
Authors: Lin Chiou-Fen , Lu Meei-Shiow , Chung Chun-Chih , Yang Che-Ming
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to compare the learning effectiveness of peer tutored problem-based learning and conventional teaching of nursing ethics in Taiwan. The study adopted an experimental design. The peer tutored problem-based learning method was applied to an experimental group and the conventional teaching method to a control group. The study sample consisted of 142 senior nursing students who were randomly assigned to the two groups. All the students were tested for their nursing ethical discrimination ability both before and after the educational intervention. A learning satisfaction survey was also administered to both groups at the end of each course. After the intervention, both groups showed a significant increase in ethical discrimination ability. There was a statistically significant difference between the ethical discrimination scores of the two groups (P < 0.05), with the experimental group on average scoring higher than the control group. There were significant differences in satisfaction with self-motivated learning and critical thinking between the groups. Peer tutored problem-based learning and lecture-type conventional teaching were both effective for nursing ethics education, but problem-based learning was shown to be more effective. Peer tutored problem-based learning has the potential to enhance the efficacy of teaching nursing ethics in situations in which there are personnel and resource constraints.
The lonely battle for dignity: Individuals struggling with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lohne Vibeke , Aasgaard Trygve , Caspari Synnøve , Slettebø Åshild , Nåden Dagfinn
Published: May 2010

Much is known about the phenomenon of dignity, yet there is still a need for implementing this understanding in clinical practice. The main purpose of this study was to find out how persons suffering from multiple sclerosis experience and understand dignity and violation in the context of a rehabilitation ward. A phenomenological-hermeneutic approach was used to extract the meaningful content of narratives from 14 patients with multiple sclerosis. Data were collected by personal research interviews. The findings revealed three main themes: (1) ‘invisibly captured in fatigue’; (2) ‘fighters’ law: one who does not ask will not receive’; and (3) ‘dignity is humanity’. The essence of the findings in this study is that dignity is humanity. According to the participants, dignity requires time and is experienced only in a context of empathy and mutual confidence.
The patient’s dignity from the nurse’s perspective
Authors: Heijkenskjöld Katarina Bredenhof , Ekstedt Mirjam , Lindwall Lillemor
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to understand how nurses experience patients’ dignity in Swedish medical wards. A hermeneutic approach and Flanagan’s critical incident technique were used for data collection. Twelve nurses took part in the study. The data were analysed using hermeneutic text interpretation. The findings show that the nurses who wanted to preserve patients’ dignity by seeing them as fellow beings protected the patients by stopping other nurses from performing unethical acts. They regard patients as fellow human beings, friends, and unique persons with their own history, and have the courage to see when patients’ dignity is violated, although this is something they do not wish to see because it makes them feel bad. Nurses do not have the right to deny patients their dignity or value as human beings. The new understanding arrived at by the hermeneutic interpretation is that care in professional nursing must be focused on taking responsibility for and protecting patients’ dignity.
How Guilt Level Affects Green Advertising Effectiveness?
Authors: Jiménez Marissa , Yang Kenneth C.C.
Published: May 2010

The study employed a between-subject post-test only experimental design to examine whether guilt appeal levels affected green advertising effectiveness measured by consumers’ attitude towards the advertisement and the brand. Furthermore, guilt-aroused feelings were examined for their effects.

The study was conducted among 121 students in a large public university in the southwest of the United States (US). Empirical results supported the effects of guilt appeal on green advertising effectiveness. Participants were found to have more favourable attitudes towards the green advertisement and advertised brand when exposed to a low guilt advertisement than to a high guilt advertisement. Among three guilt-induced feelings, angry–irritated emotion and self-conscious emotion were found to moderate consumers’ attitudes towards the green advertisement and the advertised brand.
Searching for the Holy Grail
Authors: Mahon Nik , Ranchhod Ashok
Published: May 2010

This article attempts to understand some of the key issues surrounding the development of creative skills in individuals. At the same time, the article tries to ascertain the skills that are valued by the industry. Higher education establishments based in the United Kingdom (UK) that teach creativity in advertising courses were solicited for their views. At the same time, creative directors and account handlers were also solicited for their views on creativity. Lateral thinking skills and communication skills were valued greatly but in different order amongst higher education, art directors and copywriters and account planners. It is clear that a range of skills are required by different stakeholders for different purposes, but, at the same time, higher education establishments have to be aware of the needs of the stakeholders and balance the creative and communications aspects in a sensible manner when imparting creativity skills to students.
The Socio-Spatial Dynamics of Identity Construction in a Gender and Development Communication Initiative
Authors: Sengupta Ami , Harter Lynn M. , Singhal Arvind
Published: May 2010

Concurrent historical shifts in feminist and development theory reflect calls to include men more fully in gender and development work. In this article, we explore the participation of men and women in Taru, a multilayered and participatory entertainment–education based gender and development (GAD) communication initiative in the Indian state of Bihar. The Taru project, co-designed and implemented by one of the present authors with on-the-ground partners, embodied the specific intent of including both females and males in an initiative that would promote better reproductive health, foster more gender equality and spur literacy. By analyzing ethnographic data collected through participatory photography, in-depth and focus interviews and participatory theatre, we work to understand how gendered identities of men and women shift in tandem amidst particular socio-historical, economic and material contexts. As we listened to participants, the politics of space emerged as central to understanding how participants both reproduce and resist hegemonic gendered identities. Adopting a postcolonial feminist stance, we work to understand the gendered politics of space, including tensions between freedom and restriction in movement, and fluid and fixed boundaries.
New Trends and their Impact on Business and Society
Authors: Sinha Kunal
Published: May 2010

Macro trends provide many insights for consumer trends because they describe major cultural shifts in consumers’ lifestyles and desires. They are the broad forces of change that create the future context of societies. As consumer trends accelerate and spread, they provide steady inspiration that grounds effective business ideas and tactics. Understanding them and determining their significance allows us to strategically anticipate and adapt to change, and alerts us to the possibilities in our future business environments.

A creative business must be able to spot these trends early by understanding consumer wants and needs. It also comes from a belief that an organization may not have all the new ideas. To meet the new challenges, one response is forming strategic partnerships. Many companies are reaching out outside their own organizations in a variety of ways towards meeting these newly emerging challenges.

Macro trends track the appearance and progress of emerging global phenomena, such as market motivators and consumer values. Understanding and utilizing macro trends is now seen as a prerequisite for business performance. Understanding them and determining their significance to current business and social challenges help in identifying new opportunities, facilitate strategic anticipation and alert us to the threats in the future business environments.
In Situ Measurement of Sloshing Impact on LNG Insulation Panel by using High Speed Fiber Optics
Authors: Oh Min-Cheol , Seo Jun-Kyu , Kim Kyung-Jo , Lee Sang-Min , Kim Myung-Hyun
Published: May 2010

The sloshing impact induced strain exerted on the insulation panel of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tank was measured in situ by using a fiber-optic Bragg reflector and a wavelength interrogator. To prevent the catastrophic failure of the LNG vessel caused by sloshing impact on the insulation panel, continuous monitoring and dynamic analysis of the induced strain are required. In this study, two different fiber-optic systems are developed based on (1) edge filter type and (2) arrayed waveguide grating type. Bragg reflection sensors were embedded inside the reinforced polyurethane foam insulating panel, which was used to cover the inner surface of the LNG tank. Initially, an edge filter type fiber-optic system is attempted for measuring strain for high speed applications. Another type of fiber-optic system, arrayed waveguide grating, is developed. By incorporating an arrayed waveguide grating device for the interrogation of the reflected wavelength from the Bragg reflector, a dynamic strain of 4000 µε occurring within a duration of 10 ms was able to be measured in real time. The accuracy of the measured data was confirmed by comparing it to the data obtained by means of a high speed camera.
Delamination Size Detection using Time of Flight of Anti-symmetric (Ao) and Mode Converted Ao mode of Guided Lamb Waves
Authors: Ramadas C. , Janardhan Padiyar M. , Balasubramaniam Krishnan , Joshi Makarand , Krishnamurthy C.V.
Published: May 2010

In this article an attempt has been made to quantitatively assess the extent of delamination in composite laminates, using time-of-flight of fundamental Lamb wave modes, without recourse to baseline data from a healthy structure. An expression has been derived to determine the delamination size, from group velocities of primary Lamb modes in the sub-laminates and time-of-flight of transmitted Ao signal and mode converted Ao signal, which is generated when Ao mode propagates through a delamination. The effectiveness of the expression, when group velocities of primary Lamb modes in the main laminate were used, has been verified through numerical simulations carried out on a quasi-isotropic glass/epoxy laminate with various delamination interfaces. The effectiveness of the expression has also been verified experimentally, on two GFRP cross-ply laminates of [0/90/0] lay-up with 40 mm and 50 mm delamination sizes, using air coupled ultrasonic transducers. The predicted delamination sizes were found to be in good agreement with the actual delamination sizes. Using the proposed technique absolute identification of delamination is possible. A supplementary equation for determining the minimum length of delamination has also been derived and presented in the article.
Piezoelectric Wafer Active Sensor Structural Health Monitoring of Space Structures
Authors: Zagrai Andrei , Doyle Derek , Gigineishvili Vlasi , Brown Jacob , Gardenier Hugh , Arritt Brandon
Published: May 2010

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is a valuable tool for in-service assessment of structural condition. Despite a broad use in many engineering fields, SHM has seen limited application in space systems. This article explores specifics of SHM applied to space systems and satellites in particular. It is suggested that SHM may be considered for aiding rapid assembly of spacecraft components, monitoring system dynamics during launch, and model updating from an assessment of in-service variation of structural properties. The article presents a discussion of factors affecting realization of the SHM system for spacecraft and provides recommendations for the system configuration and its practical use. The SHM system design based on a network of piezoelectric active sensors is considered. System operation focuses on SHM of improperly tightened bolts, assessment of adhesive bonds, and embedded material characterization techniques. Synergistic use of the same hardware for acoustoelastic, non-linear acoustic, and material characterization methods is recommended, and further system integration options are proposed.
Online Health Information Seeking in the Context of the Medical Consultation in Switzerland
Authors: Caiata-Zufferey Maria , Abraham Andrea , Sommerhalder Kathrin , Schulz Peter J.
Published: May 2010

A growing number of patients search for medical information on the Internet. Understanding how they use the Internet is important, as this might impact their health, patient—practitioner roles, and general health care provision. In this article, we illustrate the motives of online health information seeking in the context of the doctor—patient relationship in Switzerland. We conducted semistructured interviews with patients who searched for health information online before or after a medical consultation. Findings suggest that patients searched for health information online to achieve the goals of preparing for the consultation, complementing it, validating it, and/or challenging its outcome. The initial motivations for online health information seeking are identified in the needs for acknowledgment, reduction of uncertainty, and perspective. Searching health information online was also encouraged by personal and contextual factors, that is, a person’s sense of self-responsibility and the opportunity to use the Internet. Based on these results, we argue that online health information seeking is less concerned with what happens during the consultation than with what happens before or after it, in the sociocultural context.
Youth’s Perspectives on the Determinants of Health
Authors: Woodgate Roberta L. , Leach Jennifer
Published: May 2010

In this article, we discuss findings of an ethnographic exploring how Canadian youth frame health within the context of their life situations. Seventy-one youth (12 to 19 years of age) from diverse ethnic backgrounds and residing in a major city in western Canada took part in the study.We used traditional ethnographic methods of interviewing and fieldwork, as well as photovoice. Sociocultural themes emerging from the study indicate that even though youth have a broad understanding of health that includes acknowledging the many different types of health beyond physical health, lifestyle factors such as healthy eating and exercise nonetheless dominate the talk of health by youth. The results highlight that the concept of health normalized by academics and public policy experts—as being inclusive of the broader determinants of health—might not be congruent with how youth regard health.
Tiredness, Fatigue, and Exhaustion in the Context of a Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Porr Caroline , Olson Karin , Hegadoren Kathleen
Published: May 2010

Framed in a multimethod design using ethnoscience and grounded theory, the purpose of this study was to characterize the attributes of tiredness, fatigue, and exhaustion, and to explore their influences on illness experiences in individuals with major depressive disorder. Two domains, mind (attributes: cognitive function, sleep quality, emotional reactivity, social interaction) and body (attributes: stamina and control over body processes), were identified. These attributes changed qualitatively with participants’ progression from tiredness to fatigue and from fatigue to exhaustion, and determined whether participants “faced outward” to engage with others or “faced inward” to protect energy reserves—a decision largely influenced by the capacity “to hold up a mask” to conceal symptoms. The mask was energy depleting, and if participants could not hold up their mask, they withdrew to preserve energy. Findings regarding the role of the mask could contribute to the development of patient self-care strategies and caregiver interventions.
The Placebo as Performance: Speaking Across Domains of Healing
Authors: Myers W. Benjamin
Published: May 2010

In this article I explore the placebo and the placebo effect from a performance-studies perspective. I use this examination to argue for the placebo as a possible dialogic starting point between performance studies and qualitative health scholars. Using Lock and Scheper-Hughes’ concept of three bodies (the individual body, the social body, and the body politic), I explain how the placebo as performance opens dialogue by speaking across these three bodies. I argue that the placebo as performance offers a yet-unexplored and heuristic way to bridge the unfortunate divide that often exists between qualitative and quantitative ways of understanding healing. By exploring these connections and offering a history of blind testing in the medical community, I explain how the placebo requires multiple lenses to be understood in the healing process, and by extension opens up traffic between different ways of knowing.
Applying Propensity Score Methods in Medical Research: Pitfalls and Prospects
Authors: Zhehui Luo  , Gardiner Joseph C. , Bradley Cathy J.
Published: May 2010

The authors review experimental and nonexperimental causal inference methods, focusing on assumptions for the validity of instrumental variables and propensity score (PS) methods. They provide guidance in four areas for the analysis and reporting of PS methods in medical research and selectively evaluate mainstream medical journal articles from 2000 to 2005 in the four areas, namely, examination of balance, overlapping support description, use of estimated PS for evaluation of treatment effect, and sensitivity analyses. In spite of the many pitfalls, when appropriately evaluated and applied, PS methods can be powerful tools in assessing average treatment effects in observational studies. Appropriate PS applications can create experimental conditions using observational data when randomized controlled trials are not feasible and, thus, lead researchers to an efficient estimator of the average treatment effect.
Supporting Home- and Community-Based Care: Views of Long-Term Care Specialists
Authors: Grabowski David C. , Orfaly Cadigan Rebecca , Miller Edward Alan , Stevenson David G. , Clark Melissa , Mor Vincent
Published: May 2010

A significant rebalancing of the long-term care system away from nursing homes toward home- and community-based services (HCBS) has occurred over the past two decades. This article reports the results of the Commonwealth Fund Long-Term Care Opinion Leader Survey (N = 1,147) on issues related to supporting HCBS. Respondents expressed strong enthusiasm for rebalancing of the long-term care system toward HCBS. In particular, respondents supported system-based approaches for this expansion, with the majority indicating that greater care coordination was the single most preferred approach for rebalancing the system, helping consumers make informed long-term care choices, and supporting caregivers. Building on the long-term care specialists’ enthusiasm for system-based reforms, we encourage state policy makers to pursue HCBS models that are linked to Medicare, engage primary care physicians, and are based on rigorous evaluations.
Relationship Between Presence of a Reported Medical Home and Emergency Department Use Among Children With Asthma
Authors: Diedhiou Abdoulaye , Probst Janice C. , Hardin James W. , Martin Amy B. , Xirasagar Sudha
Published: May 2010

This study examined data from the 2005-2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs to assess the relationship among children with asthma between a reported medical home and emergency department (ED) use. The authors used 21 questions to measure 6 medical home components: personal doctor/nurse, family-centered, compassionate, culturally effective and comprehensive care, and effective care coordination. Weighted zero-inflated Poisson regression analyses assessed the independent effects of having a medical home on annual number of child ED visits while controlling for child and parental characteristics, and the differential likelihood of securing a medical home. Nearly half (49.9%) of asthmatic children had a medical home. Receiving primary care in a medical home was associated with fewer ED visits (incidence rate ratio = 0.93; 95% confidence interval = 0.89-0.97). A medical home in which physicians and parents share responsibility for ensuring that children have access to needed services may improve child and family outcomes for children with asthma.
The Role of Female Behavior and Attributions in Predicting Behavioral Responses to Hypothetical Male Aggression
Authors: Rhatigan Deborah L. , Nathanson Alison M.
Published: May 2010

Research suggests that situational characteristics influence attributions for violent events. The present study examined the effect of confrontational female behavior on women’s positive and negative attributions for their boyfriends’ abusive behavior and the influence of confrontational behavior and attributions on intentions to remain involved with those partners. College women ( N = 293) read descriptions of scenes that involved dating conflict and provided attribution ratings and stay/leave intentions. Results showed that female behavior predicted positive and negative attributions as well as behavioral intentions. Individual differences were less critical to the prediction of attributions or intentions. Limitations, future directions, and clinical implications are discussed.
Protection Order Petitioners’ Health Care Utilization
Authors: Cerulli Catherine , Edwardsen Elizabeth A. , Duda Jeremy , Conner Kenneth R. , Caine Eric
Published: May 2010

Little work has explored the extent to which female victims of intimate partner violence use medical and legal services. In this cross-sectional study of a sample of women seeking orders of protection at family court ( N = 95), we report descriptive, self-report data on health care utilization and insurance coverage. Although 85% of the petitioners had private or public health insurance, 39% reported delayed medical care, and 14% had not obtained medical care of any kind. The response to address interpersonal violence victimization should attempt to connect women using the courts with needed health care services.
Strength Trapped Within Weakness/ Weakness Trapped Within Strength: The Influence of Family of Origin Experiences on the Lives of Abused Women
Authors: Buchbinder Eli , Birnbaum Liora
Published: May 2010

By conceptualizing abused women as victims or survivors, the literature offers two contradictory narratives of abused women. The aim of this article is to show that these two narratives are not mutually exclusive but rather can be used simultaneously to represent battered women’s existential experiences. The study sample was comprised of 20 Israeli battered women. Three in-depth interviews were conducted with each participant—twice for data collection purposes and once for validating the themes that emerged from the content analysis. “Strength trapped in weakness/weakness trapped in strength” was found to be a dominant theme in the life narratives of the interviewees. Most interviewees grew up in families of origin in distress; most were abused physically and emotionally. Although this anguish colored their lives with pain and turmoil, their experiences were the key to their ability to overcome difficulties. From the onset, interviewees’ lives were marked by a sense of threat and deprivation, but these very difficulties were also the source of a sense of power that emerged from the women’s struggle with their past. In their attempts to cope with and transcend the legacies of their past, interviewees’ feelings oscillated continuously between past and present, creating a unique powerful sense of simultaneously being victims and survivors. Implications for intervention are suggested.
What Is Method Variance and How Can We Cope With It? A Panel Discussion
Authors: Brannick Michael T. , Chan David , Conway James M. , Lance Charles E. , Spector Paul E.
Published: May 2010

A panel of experts describes the nature of, and remedies for, method variance. In an attempt to help the reader understand the nature of method variance, the authors describe their experiences with method variance both on the giving and the receiving ends of the editorial review process, as well as their interpretation of other reviewers’ comments. They then describe methods of data analysis and research design, which have been used for detecting and eliminating the effects of method variance. Most methods have some utility, but none prevent the researcher from making faulty inferences. The authors conclude with suggestions for resolving disputes about method variance.
The computer-mediated communication network: exploring the linkage between the online community and social capital
Authors: Junghee Lee  , Hyunjoo Lee
Published: May 2010

This research investigates various factors of social capital, media use and demographics that may have an influence on online community use. Although some have argued that internet use may erode an individual’s social capital, this study found that people who access the internet for online community use tend to have more sociability and higher levels of generalized norm than do online community non-users.When important socio-psychological factors of social capital, such as trust and life contentment, were considered, however, social capital was not fully related to online community use. In this regard, it is suggested that online communities may enhance the communication ability of individuals due to technological advantages, but face-to-face communication in the form of the traditional community is still essential to ensure the quality of community as a whole.
Mapping the digital empire: Google Earth and the process of postmodern cartography
Authors: Farman Jason
Published: May 2010

The process of cartography and the ideological problems that accompany this process has taken on new significance in the digital age with the proliferation of digital maps and geographic information systems such as Google Earth. This study begins by analyzing the history of digital mapping and its connection to an indexical, ontological reality. I demonstrate how Google Earth, by incorporating a social network that engages users as embodied interactors rather than disembodied voyeurs, is able to present user-generated content and dialog spatially on the very object that such content critiques. Ultimately, this study argues for ways that users can recontextualize and subvert ‘master representations’ of visual media within the authorial structure rather than re-authoring the existing software and structures.
Architecture of the personal interactive homepage: constructing the self through MySpace
Authors: Davis Jenny
Published: May 2010

From a symbolic interactionist perspective, this work looks at the construction of self and identity through MySpace. Using ethnographic methods, I look to answer two questions: (1) how does the physical architecture of the personal interactive homepage (PIH) facilitate interaction and self presentation in particular ways? (2) How does self presentation through the PIH impact processes of negotiated self construction more largely? I discuss three architectural aspects of MySpace which influence the self construction process in particular ways. First, self presentation is predominately overt rather than covert. Second, the structure of MySpace allows for actor contextualization of ambiguous symbols. Third, MySpace facilitates a presentation created temporally prior to negotiation. These findings imply that through the PIH, actors may be granted greater control over the ways in which their self presentation is received, negotiated and interpreted.
Analyzing online political discussion using three models of democratic communication
Authors: Freelon Deen G.
Published: May 2010

Research examining online political forums has until now been overwhelmingly guided by two broad perspectives: (1) a deliberative conception of democratic communication and (2) a diverse collection of incommensurable multi-sphere approaches. While these literatures have contributed many insightful observations, their disadvantages have left many interesting communicative dynamics largely unexplored. This article seeks to introduce a new framework for evaluating online political forums (based on the work of Jürgen Habermas and Lincoln Dahlberg) that addresses the shortcomings of prior approaches by identifying three distinct, overlapping models of democracy that forums may manifest: the liberal, the communitarian and the deliberative democratic. For each model, a set of definitional variables drawn from the broader online forum literature is documented and discussed.
Working with Secondary School Leadership in a Large-scale Reform in London, UK: Consultants’ Perspectives of Their Role as Agents of School Change and Improvement
Authors: Cameron David Hagen
Published: May 2010

This article uses a cultural and political theoretical framework to examine the relationship between consultants and secondary school leaders within a large-scale consultancy-based reform, the Secondary National Strategy (SNS), in London UK. The SNS follows a cascade model of implementation, in which nationally created initiatives are introduced and supported within local authorities (LA) and schools through LA-based SNS consultant teams. The article is drawn from a larger interpretive case study that follows the experiences of SNS consultants working within the reform from 2002—2006. The article uses unstructured interviews to reveal the various and diverse experiences that occur in schools as a result of the introduction of the SNS consultant—school leader relationship into schools. The article argues that introducing a SNS consultancy structure within secondary schools has created dynamic, complex and shifting effects across secondary school hierarchies. While SNS consultants are often seeking to operate to further create developmental or learning experiences that resonate with teachers’ and departments’ experiences, these activities may also serve to further the institutional control of teachers’ workspaces to significant degrees. These effects are part of the complexities that exist within school change agendas in LAs and schools. Understanding these contradictions may be of critical importance for the success of any secondary school large-scale reform.
Paradigms: How Far Does Research in Distributed Leadership ‘Stretch’?
Authors: Hartley David
Published: May 2010

Burrell and Morgan’s widely-cited ‘Sociological Paradigms and Organizational Analysis’ is applied here to research on distributed leadership in education. Nearly all of the extant research is regulatory, not radical; and the evidence which it has generated falls broadly within the paradigm of interpretivism. Few studies have generated the ‘scientific’ instrumental knowledge which would place them within the paradigm of functionalism. Even fewer studies fit the paradigms of radical humanism and radical structuralism. In passing, Burrell and Morgan’s typology is compared to Ribbins and Gunter’s knowledge provinces and groups within school leadership studies.
The therapeutic strategy for autoimmune pancreatitis is subject to the endoscopic features of the duodenal papilla
Authors: Kubota Kensuke , Nakajima Atushi
Published: May 2010

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) often presents with a swollen duodenal papilla, however, the clinical significance of the duodenal papilla in AIP has not been fully elucidated. Data have shown swollen duodenal papillae shaped like a pear and/or with a submucosal tumor having IgG4-bearing plasma cells. Immunohistopathology has potentially verified duodenal papillitis associated with AIP. FOXP3-positive lymphocytes are also recognized in AIP. AIP has shown spontaneous remission and relapse irrelevance to corticosteroid therapy. The results of a multivariate analysis revealed the absence of a swollen duodenal papilla as the only significant independent factor predictive of spontaneous remission in AIP cases. In addition, the results of another multivariate analysis revealed the presence of a swollen duodenal papilla and the presence of extrapancreatic lesions as the significant independent factors predictive of relapse in these cases. Results suggest that the lack of a swollen duodenal papilla is a predictive factor for spontaneous remission, and thus negates the need to administer corticosteroids in those AIP patients. In contrast, a swollen duodenal papilla and the presence of extrapancreatic lesions are risk factors for relapse, and those AIP patients are candidates for maintenance corticosteroid therapy to reduce relapse. Therefore, the therapeutic strategy such as the indication for corticosteroid administration is subject to the endoscopic features of the duodenal papilla.
Advances in renal cell carcinoma treatment
Authors: Grimm Marc-Oliver , Wolff Ingmar , Zastrow Stefan , Fröhner Michael , Wirth Manfred
Published: May 2010

The treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma has been completely changed by the development of new therapeutic modalities during the past 3 years. In this time period six targeted agents have been approved for the treatment of advanced or metastatic disease. Phase 3 data support the use of sunitinib, bevacizumab plus interferon-α and pazopanib for patients with low and intermediate risk of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma. In the pivotal study of temsirolimus a significant longer overall survival compared with interferon-α in high-risk disease including non-clear-cell histology was observed. Patients pretreated with cytokines will benefit from sorafenib and pazopanib while everolimus has been shown to increase significantly progression-free survival after previous anti-angiogenesis therapy. In addition to these phase 3 data-based recommendations, several other factors have to be considered for treatment selection, for example, side effect profile and patients’ comorbidities. Currently, the sequential use of the available targeted drugs and adjuvant treatment are the subject of ongoing clinical trials. However, medical treatment of renal cell carcinoma remains palliative and surgery remains the only curative approach in patients with localized, locally advanced and limited metastatic disease.
Medical evaluation and management of urolithiasis
Authors: Semins Michelle Jo , Matlaga Brian R.
Published: May 2010

Nephrolithiasis is a highly prevalent condition with a high recurrence rate that has a large impact on the quality of life of those affected. It also poses a great financial burden on society. There have been great advancements in the surgical treatment of stone disease over the past several decades. The evolution of surgical technique appears to have overshadowed the importance of prevention of stone disease despite evidence showing medical therapies significantly decreasing stone recurrence rates. Herein we review the metabolic evaluation of stone formers with the use of specific blood and urine tests. We complete our discussion with a review of the medical management of stone formers providing both general recommendations as well as reviewing focused therapies for specific metabolic abnormalities and medical conditions.
Induction, regulation, and biologic function of Axl receptor tyrosine kinase in Kaposi sarcoma
Authors: Liu Ren , Gong Ming , Li Xiuqing , Zhou Yue , Gao Wenming , Tulpule Anil , Chaudhary Preet M. , Jung Jae , Gill Parkash S.
Published: May 2010

Axl is an oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase that plays multiple roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis of many cancers. This study is the first to demonstrate that Axl is induced in Kaposi sarcoma and Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) transformed endothelial cells. Conditionally, expression of one KSHV latency protein vFLIP induces Axl expression in endothelial cells. This induction can be blocked by nuclear factor-κB inhibitor, consistent with the known vFLIP mechanism of action. KS cell lines lacking KSHV also have elevated Axl expression, which probably resulted from hypomethylation of AXL promoter. Axl activation activates downstream phosphoinositol-3 kinase signaling, and Axl knockdown by siRNA impairs phosphoinositol-3 kinase signaling. Furthermore, Axl knockdown inhibits KS cell growth and invasion. To explore the potential for translation of these findings, we generated monoclonal antibodies to block the biologic functions of Axl. MAb173, which induces receptor degradation, showed activity in vitro to inhibit KS cell invasion. Moreover, in vivo xenograft studies with KS cells with or without KSHV infection showed that MAb173 reduced tumor growth, increased tumor cell apoptosis, and markedly decreased Axl protein level in tumors. Axl thus has a potential role in KS pathogenesis and is a candidate for prognostic and therapeutic investigations.
Salvianolic acid B prevents epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through the TGF-β1 signal transduction pathway in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Wang Qing-Lan , Tao Yan-Yan , Yuan Ji-Li , Shen Li , Liu Cheng-Hai
Published: May 2010

Background

Salvianolic Acid B (Sal B) is a water-soluble component from Danshen (a traditional Chinese herb widely used for chronic renal diseases) with anti-oxidative and cell protective properties. Sal B also has potential protective effects on renal diseases. Tubular epithelial cells can undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) and is mainly regulated by TGF-β1/Smads pathway. The aims of the study are to investigate the effect of Sal B on tubular EMT in vivo and in vitro, and to elucidate its underlying mechanism against EMT related to TGF-β1/Smads pathway.

Results

For in vivo experiments, RIF was induced in rats by oral administration of HgCl2 and prophylaxised with Sal B and vitamin E. The protein expression of E-cadherin was down-regulated, while the expression of α-SMA, TGF-β1, TβR-I, p-Smad2/3 and the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were up-regulated in kidneys of model rats when compared with those of normal rats. In contrast, Sal B and vitamin E significantly attenuated the expression of α-SMA, TGF-β1, TβR-I, p-Smad2/3, and MMP-2 activity, but increased E-cadherin expression. For in vitro experiments, HK-2 cells were incubated with TGF-β1 to induce EMT, and the cells were co-cultured with 1 and 10 μM Sal B or SB-431542 (a specific inhibitor of TβR-I kinase). TGF-β1 induced a typical EMT in HK-2 cells, while it was blocked by Sal B and SB-431542, as evidenced by blocking morphologic transformation, restoring E-cadherin and CK-18 expression, inhibiting α-SMA expression and F-actin reorganization, and down-regulating MMP-2/9 activities in TGF-β1 mediated HK-2 cells. Furthermore, Sal B and SB-431542 profoundly down-regulated the expressions of TβR-I and p-Smad2/3 but prevented the decreased expression of Smad7 in TGF-β1 stimulated HK-2 cells.

Conclusions

Sal B can prevent tubular EMT in the fibrotic kidney induced by HgCl2 as well as HK-2 cells triggered by TGF-β1, the mechanism of Sal B is closely related to the regulation of TGF-β1/Smads pathway, manifested as the inhibition of TGF-β1 expression, suppression of TβR-I expression and function, down-regulation of Smad2/3 phosphorylation, and restoration of the down-regulation of Smad7, as well as inhibition of MMP-2 activity.
Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis from renal cell cancer: treatment attempt with radiation and sunitinib (case report)
Authors: Dalhaug Astrid , Haukland Ellinor , Nieder Carsten
Published: May 2010

A case of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in a patient with known brain and lung metastases from renal cell cancer without previous systemic therapy is presented. Neoplastic meningitis (NM) developed 31 months after first diagnosis of simultaneous extra- and intracranial recurrence of kidney cancer and surgical resection of a cerebellar metastasis. In spite of local radiotherapy to the macroscopic NM lesions in the cervical and lumbar spine followed by initiation of sunitinib, the patient succumbed to his disease 4 months after the diagnosis of NM. The untreated lung metastases progressed very slowly during almost 3 years of observation. This case illustrates important issues around both biological behaviour and treatment approaches in metastatic renal cell cancer.
Kainic acid-induced microglial activation is attenuated in aged interleukin-18 deficient mice
Authors: Zhang Xing-Mei , Jin Tao , Quezada Hernan Concha , Mix Eilhard , Winblad Bengt , Zhu Jie
Published: May 2010

Background

Previously, we found that interleukin (IL)-18 deficiency aggravates kainic acid (KA)-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration in young C57BL/6 mice due to an over-compensation by IL-12. Additionally, IL-18 participates in fundamental inflammatory processes that increase during aging. In the present study, we were interested in the role of IL-18 in KA-induced neurodegeneration in aged female C57BL/6 mice.

Methods

Fifteen aged female IL-18 knockout (KO) and 15 age-matched wild-type (WT) mice (18 to 19 months old) were treated with KA at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight intranasally. Seizure activities and behavioral changes were rated using a 6-point scoring system and open-field test, respectively. Seven days after KA treatment, degenerating neurons were detected by Nissl's method and Fluoro-Jade B staining; and microglial activation was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

Results

Aged female IL-18 KO and WT mice showed similar responses to treatment with KA as demonstrated by comparable seizure activities, behavioral changes and neuronal cell death. However, aged female IL-18 KO mice failed to exhibit the strong microglial activation shown in WT mice. Interestingly, even though the number of activated microglia was less in KA-treated IL-18 KO mice than in KA-treated WT mice, the proportion of microglia that expressed the cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6 and IL-10 was higher in KA-treated IL-18 KO mice.

Conclusion

Deficiency of IL-18 attenuates microglial activation after KA-induced excitotoxicity in aged brain, while the net effects of IL-18 deficiency are balanced by the enhancement of other cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10.