bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can sectionalism be good for solidarity? Some evidence from the maritime construction industry on Tyneside
Authors: McBride Jo
Published: January 2011

Sectionalism has historically been viewed as negative in that it isolates workers from a shared sense of a collective identity thereby weakening solidarity. This paper considers the alternative argument that sectionalism can be good for solidarity. It does this by measuring the collective identity of the workforce in the Tyneside Maritime Construction Industry (TMCI) using mobilization theory as a tool for measurement. It discovers that the collective identity does not necessarily develop in one setting but can develop in different stages and at different levels. It also finds that workers may have an association with different collective identities and therefore, the collective identity may take different forms. The collective identity can also divide as well as unite, which implies ‘solidarity within sectionalism’, and in turn it is argued that this brings positivity to the TMCI workforce’s shared collective identity.
The relationship between the work unit’s conflict management styles and bullying at work: Moderation by conflict frequency
Authors: Baillien Elfi , Notelaers Guy , De Witte Hans , Matthiesen Stig Berge
Published: January 2011

This study investigates the relationship between the work unit’s conflict management styles and bullying at work. Inspired by the Dual Concern framework, the authors assume a positive relationship between avoiding, forcing and yielding and bullying and a negative relationship between problem-solving and bullying. Moreover, they expected these relationships to be intensified by conflict frequency. The results ( N = 5062) reveal an unsatisfactory fit when not taking into account conflict frequency as a moderator. A multigroup SEM accounting for the moderating role of conflict frequency (five groups) does yield an acceptable fit: the ‘very rarely’ and ‘yearly’ group, and the ‘monthly’ and ‘weekly’ group show equal path coefficients. The ‘daily’ conflict group has its own parameters. Forcing and avoiding associate positively and problem-solving associates negatively with bullying; and these relationships intensify as a function of conflict frequency. There is no relationship between yielding and bullying at work within the various conflict frequency groups.
Modern Pathology Methods for Neural Investigations
Authors: Hale Sarah L. , Andrews-Jones Lydia , Jordan William H. , Jortner Bernard S. , Boyce Rogely W. , Boyce John T. , III Robert C. Switzer , Butt Mark T. , Garman Robert H. , Jensen Karl , Krinke Georg , Little Peter B.
Published: January 2011

This session at the 2010 joint symposium of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) and the International Federation of Societies of Toxicologic Pathologists (IFSTP) explored modern neuropathology methods for assessing the neurotoxicologic potential of xenobiotics. Conventional techniques to optimally prepare and evaluate the central and peripheral neural tissues while minimizing artifact were reviewed, and optimal schemes were set forth for evaluation of the nervous system during both routine (i.e., general toxicity) studies and enhanced (i.e., specialized neurotoxicity) studies. Stereology was introduced as the most appropriate means of examining the possible impact of toxicants on neural cell numbers. A focused discussion on brain sampling took place among a panel of expert neuroscientists (anatomists and pathologists) and the audience regarding the proper balance between sufficient sampling and cost- and time-effectiveness of the analysis. No consensus was reached on section orientation (coronal sections of both sides vs. a parasagittal longitudinal section with several unilateral hemisections from the contralateral side), but most panelists favored sampling at least 8 sections (or approximately double to triple the current complement) in routine toxicity studies.
A National Evaluation of Community-Based Youth Cessation Programs: Design and Implementation
Authors: Curry Susan J. , Mermelstein Robin J. , Sporer Amy K. , Emery Sherry L. , Berbaum Michael L. , Campbell Richard T. , Carusi Charles , Flay Brian , Taylor Kristie , Warnecke Richard B.
Published: January 2011

Although widely available, little is known about the effectiveness of youth cessation treatments delivered in real-world settings. The authors recruited a nonprobability sample of 41 community-based group-format programs that treated at least 15 youth per year and included evidence-based treatment components. Data collection included longitudinal surveys of youth participants (n = 878); posttreatment surveys of program leaders (n = 77); and one-time surveys of organizational leaders (n = 64)and community leaders in education, health, and juvenile justice (n = 94). Information about smoking-related ordinances was collected at the state and local levels. The framework, evaluation design, and implementation strategies described in this article provide a template for large-scale real-world program evaluations.
Examination of the Empirical Research Environment of Program Evaluation: Methodology and Application
Authors: Eyal Yonatan
Published: January 2011

The study dealt with a research environment in which the treatment effect is heterogeneous, and in which individuals use their assessments of the treatment effect to decide whether or not to enroll in an intervention program. In this article, a new methodology is proposed for examining the validity of the specified research environment in a given intervention program and database. The methodology is based on direct examination of the assumptions underlying that research environment. Comparison of the commonly used verification method with the one proposed here revealed that these methods are complementary rather than substitutional.
What you know or who you know? The role of intellectual and social capital in opportunity recognition
Authors: Ramos-Rodríguez Antonio-Rafael , Medina-Garrido José-Aurelio , Lorenzo-Gómez José-Daniel , Ruiz-Navarro José
Published: January 2011

The recognition of business opportunities is the first stage in the entrepreneurial process. This article analyses the effects of individuals’ possession of and access to knowledge on the probability of recognizing good business opportunities in their area of residence. The authors use an eclectic theoretical framework, consisting of intellectual and social capital concepts. In particular, they analyse the role of individuals’ educational level, their perception that they have the right knowledge and skills to start a business, whether they own and manage a firm, their contacts with other entrepreneurs, and whether they have been business angels. The hypotheses proposed here are tested using data collected for the GEM project in Spain in 2007. The results show that individuals’ access to external knowledge through the social networks in which they participate, is fundamental for developing the capacity to recognize new business opportunities.
Growing beyond smallness: How do small, closely controlled firms survive?
Authors: Ng Wilson , Keasey Kevin
Published: January 2011

This research note on a family-controlled firm in Singapore suggests how such businesses, in competitive industries, may grow and survive. Located in the literature on small firm growth, we explore a corporate incident that threatened the survival of the firm under study. An analysis of the manner in which the firm’s managers responded to this threat by developing and launching a new core business, without external intervention, forms the basis of the scholarly contribution of the case. It illustrates how a corporate incident can draw the attention of core shareholders to their need to address specific business and management issues and make subtle organizational changes that ensure the firm’s survival under close control.
Bayesian Inference for Comorbid Disease Risks Using Marginal Disease Risks and Correlation Information From a Separate Source
Authors: Strong Mark , Oakley Jeremy E.
Published: January 2011

Background: Public health interventions are increasingly being evaluated for their cost-effectiveness. Such interventions act ‘upstream’ on the determinants of ill health and commonly reduce the incidence of several diseases. Diseases that share determinants are usually correlated at an individual level, which we observe as comorbidity. This paper is motivated by the problem of estimating comorbid disease state risks when only single disease risk estimates are available. Methods: A case study is presented based on a physical activity cost-effectiveness model. The correlation between the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes is estimated from cross sectional data using a Bayesian multivariate probit model. This is then combined with disease specific marginal baseline risks and intervention effects to give comorbid disease state risks. The expected numbers of QALYs gained through avoiding the comorbid states is estimated from disease specific utility data under a range of assumptions. Finally, the incremental benefit of physical activity is calculated under these utility assumptions. The difference in incremental benefit due to the intervention’s impact on reducing or increasing the disease risk correlations is explored in a sensitivity analysis. Results: If comorbidity is not taken into account, incremental benefit is overestimated compared with all scenarios in which the comorbidity is included in the model. Overestimation is greatest when physical activity is assumed to reduce disease state co-occurrence as well as disease risk. Conclusions: The proposed method reduces overestimation of benefit and allows the sensitivity to different assumptions about the correlation between disease risks to be determined.
Calculating Utility Decrements Associated With an Adverse Event
Authors: Pullenayegum Eleanor M. , Tarride Jean-Eric , Xie Feng , O’Reilly Daria
Published: January 2011

Background: When calculating the decreases in health utility associated with adverse events, often a number ofrespondents achieve the upper utility bound of 1. “Marginal” Tobit or CLAD coefficients have been used to account for this. These are calculated by using a Tobit or a CLAD model to estimate the decrease in a latent unbounded variable associated with the event or condition, then to multiply by the proportion of respondents falling below 1 in order to transform back to the utility scale. Objective & Methods: Starting with the Tobit model, we show mathematically that this procedure is not valid, when calculating decreases in utility associated with binary events. We then generalize the result to the CLAD model. A selection of published studies is used to illustrate the bias in the marginal Tobit decrements. Results: The degree of bias is more severe the greater the decrease in utility associated with the event, and the larger the proportion of individuals at the upper ceiling.In the examples studied, the degree of bias was often greater than 10%. We provide the correct formula for calculating the utility decrement. Conclusions: The marginal Tobit and CLAD coefficients should not be used as estimates of a utility decrement corresponding to an adverse event or health condition unless the coefficients are small in absolute value, or if the proportion of individuals at the upper utility bound is small. In other settings, the corrected formula or alternative regression methods (e.g. linear models of mean utility) should be considered.
Surgical Preparation for Articular Cartilage Regeneration Without Penetration of the Subchondral Bone Plate
Authors: Mika Joerg , Clanton Thomas O. , Pretzel David , Schneider Gerlind , Ambrose Catherine G. , Kinne Raimund W.
Published: January 2011

Background: To prevent hemorrhage, fibrin clot formation, and subsequent activation of the inflammatory response, surgical preparation for articular cartilage regeneration should avoid penetration of the subchondral bone plate.

Hypothesis: Current surgical procedures with ring curettes do not violate the subchondral bone plate.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: The subchondral bone plates of normal human (n = 5) or sheep (n = 12) cadaver femoral condyles were prepared in vitro using either traditional debridement for autologous chondrocyte implantation/transplantation (ACI/ACT) or a modified approach aimed at deliberately violating the subchondral bone plate (ie, brute force). Effects were analyzed by light microscopy. In addition, subchondral bone plates of osteoarthritic (OA) human knees undergoing total knee arthroplasty (n = 5) or normal sheep knees (n = 5) were prepared in vivo. To approximate normal/regular wear, in humans, only OA samples with maximally grade 3A (International Cartilage Repair Society score) were used.

Results: In both human and sheep (in vitro), no penetration of the subchondral bone plate was observed by either standard preparation or brute force. In vivo, standard preparation of human or sheep knees also did not violate the tidemark line. Human and sheep specimens prepared by brute force, however, occasionally showed areas with an open bone marrow space.

Conclusion: Traditional debridement techniques for ACI/ACT using a ring curette do not violate the normal subchondral bone plate in vitro or in vivo. Even in OA knee joints, the bone plate is only violated by brute force. Therefore, the standard technique appears suitable for studies on cartilage regeneration in cases of traumatic and possibly even osteoarthritic defects.

Clinical Relevance: The described surgical preparation technique is the traditional debridement technique for the ACI/ACT. The classic indication for the ACI/ACT is an articular cartilage injury, common in athletes.
Arthroscopic Capsulolabral Revision Repair for Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability
Authors: Bartl Christoph , Schumann Katrin , Paul Jochen , Vogt Stephan , Imhoff Andreas B.
Published: January 2011

Background: Open capsulolabral repair is still considered the standard revision procedure for a failed anterior shoulder instability repair. To date, only a few studies have evaluated the outcome of arthroscopic revision instability repair.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to assess the clinical outcome and postoperative sports activity level of arthroscopic revision stabilization using defined inclusion criteria and a standardized operative revision technique.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Fifty-six patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability after an anatomic index procedure (open or arthroscopic) were included in the study. Arthroscopic revision repair was performed by a single surgeon using standardized suture anchor repair technique via an anteroinferior 5:30-o’clock approach. Patients were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 37 months (range, 25-72 months) with the Rowe, the Constant score, and the Simple Shoulder Test (SST). Return to sports, including sports level and discipline, were evaluated with a sports activity assessment tool.

Results: For the revision repair, a minimum of 3 anchors were placed in the lower glenoid half. Recurrent instability after the revision procedure was found in 6 cases (11%). There were 4 recurrent instability cases caused by trauma and 2 atraumatic cases. Arthroscopic revision repair did not result in an additional loss of external rotation or additional subscapularis muscle insufficiency. The Rowe and Constant scores and the SST were significantly improved by the procedure. Eighty-six percent of the patients rated their result as good or excellent. Sports activity level was significantly improved by the procedure and the majority of patients returned to their previous sports level.

Conclusion: Arthroscopic capsulolabral revision repair via the anteroinferior 5:30-o’clock approach achieves results comparable with open revision repairs with a low recurrent instability rate. Arthroscopic revision repair reached a high patient satisfaction, good clinical outcomes, and a high rate of return to sports. The results suggest that arthroscopic revision repair is a viable treatment option for selected patients with a failed index repair.
Control of Posterior Tibial Slope and Patellar Height in Open-Wedge Valgus High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Hinterwimmer Stefan , Beitzel Knut , Paul Jochen , Kirchhoff Chlodwig , Sauerschnig Martin , von Eisenhart-Rothe Rüdiger , Imhoff Andreas B.
Published: January 2011

Background: Valgus-producing open-wedge high tibial osteotomy is an established treatment for varus malalignment and medial osteoarthritis, with reproducible results in the frontal plane. However, an undesirable but often accepted increase in posterior tibial slope and decrease in patellar height are still routinely seen.

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of valgus open-wedge high tibial osteotomy on posterior tibial slope and patellar height when special techniques are used to minimize unwanted changes.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Twenty-five patients, 3 women and 22 men (mean age, 40.2 years), underwent valgus open-wedge high tibial osteotomy. Several technical steps were taken to prevent an increase in posterior tibial slope during the osteotomy. To minimize patellar height changes, the tibial tuberosity was left on either the proximal or distal fragment, depending on the desired patellofemoral effect. The medial and lateral posterior slope was measured using the proximal posterior cortex as a reference; the patellar height was assessed with the Caton-Deschamps Index and compared on preoperative and postoperative radiographs.

Results: No significant posterior tibial slope changes were observed. Patellar height increased with both types of tibial tuberosity osteotomy. With the proximal osteotomy, the Caton-Deschamps Index increased from 0.95 to 0.97; with the distal osteotomy, it increased from 0.89 to 0.95. The change was not significant with either osteotomy. The posterior tibial slope did not change on the medial side, measuring 4.2 preoperatively and postoperatively. The lateral slope decreased from 5.4 to 5.1. There was no correlation between the correction in the coronal plane and the changes in the sagittal plane.

Conclusion: Open-wedge high tibial osteotomy can be performed without significant changes in patellar height or posterior tibial slope if specific intraoperative methods are used to prevent their occurrence. Analysis and control of sagittal changes in valgus open-wedge high tibial osteotomy should reduce the incidence of unwanted changes in patellar height and posterior tibial slope.
Endoscopic Surgery for Young Athletes With Symptomatic Unicameral Bone Cyst of the Calcaneus
Authors: Innami Ken , Takao Masato , Miyamoto Wataru , Abe Satoshi , Nishi Hideaki , Matsushita Takashi
Published: January 2011

Background: Open curettage with bone graft has been the traditional surgical treatment for symptomatic unicameral calcaneal bone cyst. Endoscopic procedures have recently provided less invasive techniques with shorter postoperative morbidity.

Hypothesis: The authors’ endoscopic procedure is effective for young athletes with symptomatic calcaneal bone cyst.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Of 16 young athletes with symptomatic calcaneal bone cyst, 13 underwent endoscopic curettage and percutaneous injection of bone substitute under the new method. Three patients were excluded because of short-term follow-up, less than 24 months. For the remaining 10 patients, with a mean preoperative 3-dimensional size of 23 × 31 × 35 mm as calculated by computed tomography, clinical evaluation was made with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale just before surgery and at the most recent follow-up (mean, 36.2 months; range, 24-51 months), and radiologic assessment was performed at the most recent follow-up, to discover any recurrence or pathologic fracture. Furthermore, the 10 patients—all of whom returned to sports activities—were asked how long it took to return to initial sports activity level after surgery.

Results: Mean ankle-hindfoot scale score improved from preoperative 78.7 ± 4.7 points (range, 74-87) to postoperative 98.0 ± 4.2 points (range, 90-100) ( P < .001). Pain and functional scores significantly improved after surgery ( P < .01 and P < .05, respectively). Radiologic assessment at most recent follow-up revealed no recurrence or pathologic fracture, with retention of injected calcium phosphate cement in all cases. All patients could return to their initial levels of sports activities within 8 weeks after surgery (mean period, 7.1 weeks; range, 4-8 weeks), which was quite early as compared with past reports.

Conclusion: Endoscopic curettage and injection of bone substitute appears to be an excellent option for young athletes with symptomatic calcaneal bone cyst for early return to sports activities, because it has the possibility to minimize the risk of postoperative pathologic fracture and local recurrence after early return to initial level of sports activities.
The Demise of Queer Space? Resurgent Gentrification and the Assimilation of LGBT Neighborhoods
Authors: Doan Petra L. , Higgins Harrison
Published: January 2011

In the past forty years, gay and lesbian populations have established a visible presence in many cities, but recent gentrification has put pressure on LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered) neighborhoods. This article uses a case study of the Atlanta metropolitan area to examine the effects of resurgent gentrification on LGBT neighborhoods. The study finds that rising housing values have dispersed the LGBT population, and former LGBT neighborhoods have become less tolerant of LGBT people and the businesses that anchor the LGBT community. The article considers ways that planning practice might seek to preserve LGBT-friendly neighborhoods and the people and institutions that depend on them.
Fresh Wind or Hot Air—Does the Governance Discourse Have Something to Offer to Spatial Planning?
Authors: Nuissl Henning , Heinrichs Dirk
Published: January 2011

Governance is broadly speaking about the regulation of publicly relevant affairs. In this respect, spatial planning is certainly a part of governance. This article explores whether spatial planning can benefit from the rich debates that have evolved around the governance concept. It provides an overview of the principal variants of the governance concept and discusses their potential implications for planning. Using a concrete planning case, the article explores whether the governance concept can help to acquire a systematic understanding of planning reality. The article concludes that spatial planning can benefit from using governance as both a conceptual reference for reflection on planning action and an analytical tool for the study of concrete planning practices. Its utility as a normative guideline for spatial planning, however, is limited.
The Prevalence of Neurological Disorders in Saudi Children: A Community-Based Study
Authors: Al Salloum Abdullah A. , El Mouzan Mohammad I. , Al Omar Ahmad A. , Al Herbish Abdullah S. , Qurashi Mansour M.
Published: January 2011

There are limited data on the pattern and prevalence of pediatric chronic neurologic conditions in the region. Therefore, the objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of these disorders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A multistage probability sampling design was used to select a random sample of Saudi households representative of the Saudi population. A total of 45 682 Saudi children were screened. Of these children, 313 had a chronic major neurologic disorder indicating a prevalence of 68.5 per 10 000 children, which was the highest among all chronic diseases in children. Mental retardation and cerebral palsy were the most common neurologic disorders among Saudi children with a prevalence rate of 26.3/10 000 and 23.4/10 000, respectively. The finding that major neurologic disorders are the most common pediatric chronic disorders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia indicates that priority should be given to research and education as well as health care planning.
Lymphocytic Hypophysitis in Children: A Novel Presentation and Literature Review
Authors: Kalra Arun A. , Riel-Romero Rosario Maria S. , Gonzalez-Toledo Eduardo
Published: January 2011

Lymphocytic hypophysitis, an autoimmune mediated chronic inflammation of the pituitary gland, is uncommon in children.1 The usual presentation is with symptoms secondary to pressure from the enlargement of the gland itself and or impairment of pituitary hormones of varying degrees, in conjunction with a sellar mass. 2,3 In 80% of cases, partial or panhypopituitarism is present with approximately 75% of cases having multiple hormonal deficiencies.2 We report the case of a prepubertal female who presented with cyclical vomiting, as her initial symptom of lymphocytic hypophysitis which resolved promptly after pituitary biopsy. This case suggests that cyclical vomiting can be a symptom associated with lymphocytic hypophysitis. Therefore, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any child presenting with cyclical vomiting.
Pre- and Postprandial Electroencephalography in Glucose Transporter Type 1 Deficiency Syndrome: An Illustrative Case to Discuss the Concept of Carbohydrate Responsiveness
Authors: Parolin Giulia , Drigo Paola , Toldo Irene , Boniver Clementina , Gatta Michela , Burlina Alberto , Laverda Anna Maria , Sartori Stefano
Published: January 2011

Glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome is an inborn error of glucose transport across the blood—brain barrier with hypoglychorrachia. Patients usually present developmental delay, movement disorders, seizures, and acquired microcephaly, variously associated and leading to different phenotypes. We report a 3-year-old girl affected by glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome with carbohydrate responsiveness. Her history was characterized by worsening of ataxia with an increasing interval to the last food intake, occurrence of seizures in the morning before breakfast, slowing of electroencephalogram (EEG) background activity with the appearance of epileptiform discharges during preprandial recordings, and improvement of the electroclinical picture after food intake. By adding a new case to the pertinent literature, we stress the role of pre- and postprandial EEG recordings for the identification of individuals potentially affected by glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome. We also provide a possible physiopathological interpretation of EEG changes related to food intake.
Intracardiac Shunting and Stroke in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dowling Michael M. , Ikemba Catherine M.
Published: January 2011

In adults, patent foramen ovale or other potential intracardiac shunts are established risk factors for stroke via paradoxical embolization. Stroke is less common in children and risk factors differ. The authors examined the literature on intracardiac shunting and stroke in children, identifying the methods employed, the prevalence of detectible intracardiac shunts, associated conditions, and treatments. PubMed searches with keywords related to intracardiac shunting and stroke in children identified articles of interest. Additional articles were identified via citations in these articles or in reviews. The authors found that studies of intracardiac shunting in children with stroke are limited. No controlled studies were identified. Detection methods vary and the prevalence of echocardiographically detectible intracardiac shunting appears lower than reported in adults and autopsy studies. Defining the role of intracardiac shunting in pediatric stroke will require controlled studies with unified detection methods in populations stratified by additional risk factors for paradoxical embolization. Optimal treatment is unclear.
A Cross-Cultural Approach to Understanding Entrepreneurial Intention
Authors: Moriano Juan A. , Gorgievski Marjan , Laguna Mariola , Stephan Ute , Zarafshani Kiumars
Published: January 2011

The current research aims to shed light on the role of culture in the formation of career intentions. It draws on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB; Ajzen), which has been widely employed to predict intentions, including entrepreneurial career intentions, but past research has almost exclusively been conducted in “Western” countries. The current research specifically explores the extent to which both the strength of relationships of TPB predictors with entrepreneurial career intentions and the TPB predictors themselves are invariant across cultures. The study compares six very different countries (Germany, India, Iran, Poland, Spain, and the Netherlands), drawing on an overall sample of 1,074 students and their assessments of entrepreneurial career intentions. Results support culture universal effects of attitudes and perceived behavioral control (self-efficacy) on entrepreneurial career intentions but cultural variation in the effects of subjective norm.
Providing Space for Indigenous Knowledge
Authors: Tangihaere Tracey Mihinoa , Twiname Linda
Published: January 2011

Colonial influences have generally failed to respect indigenous knowledge, languages, and cultures. Determination to reclaim First Nations identity is visible in many jurisdictions. First Nations Peoples continue to call on governments to facilitate changes needed to revitalize their economic, social, cultural, and spiritual well-being. This article is a reflective article generated from our response to the situation of Mäori, the indigenous peoples of New Zealand. It provides a background on the historical attempts to weaken Mäori leadership and the resilience of Mäori in their resistance to such undermining. Using a description of a physical space, the Marae (the meetinghouse), the authors provide a glimpse into a distinctive Mäori psychology connected to Marae encounters and into Mäori ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Three examples of organizational practice at the incorporation of such values are provided. Four implications for management education are posited as relevant not only to the education of managers in Aotearoa but wherever engagement with indigenous people occurs.
An Overview of Stressors Faced by Immigrants and Refugees: A Guide for Mental Health Practitioners
Authors: Dow Helena D.
Published: January 2011

This article addresses the stressors immigrants and refugees face upon coming to the United States. The importance of an in-depth assessment of the reasons for leaving their homelands and immigrating to a new country, premigration, and migration histories, as well as postmigration losses and psychological distress, have been emphasized. The article also highlights the concept that not all immigrants have the same migration experience or face the same degree of obstacles and challenges upon arrival.
The International Exascale Software Project roadmap
Authors: Dongarra Jack , Beckman Pete , Moore Terry , Aerts Patrick , Aloisio Giovanni , Andre Jean-Claude , Barkai David , Berthou Jean-Yves , Boku Taisuke , Braunschweig Bertrand , Cappello Franck , Chapman Barbara , Xuebin Chi  , Choudhary Alok , Dosanjh Sudip , Dunning Thom , Fiore Sandro , Geist Al , Gropp Bill , Harrison Robert , Hereld Mark , Heroux Michael , Hoisie Adolfy , Hotta Koh , Zhong Jin  , Ishikawa Yutaka , Johnson Fred , Kale Sanjay , Kenway Richard , Keyes David , Kramer Bill , Labarta Jesus , Lichnewsky Alain , Lippert Thomas , Lucas Bob , Maccabe Barney , Matsuoka Satoshi , Messina Paul , Michielse Peter , Mohr Bernd , Mueller Matthias S. , Nagel Wolfgang E. , Nakashima Hiroshi , Papka Michael E , Reed Dan , Sato Mitsuhisa , Seidel Ed , Shalf John , Skinner David , Snir Marc , Sterling Thomas , Stevens Rick , Streitz Fred , Sugar Bob , Sumimoto Shinji , Tang William , Taylor John , Thakur Rajeev , Trefethen Anne , Valero Mateo , van der Steen Aad , Vetter Jeffrey , Williams Peg , Wisniewski Robert , Yelick Kathy
Published: January 2011

Over the last 20 years, the open-source community has provided more and more software on which the world’s high-performance computing systems depend for performance and productivity. The community has invested millions of dollars and years of effort to build key components. However, although the investments in these separate software elements have been tremendously valuable, a great deal of productivity has also been lost because of the lack of planning, coordination, and key integration of technologies necessary to make them work together smoothly and efficiently, both within individual petascale systems and between different systems. It seems clear that this completely uncoordinated development model will not provide the software needed to support the unprecedented parallelism required for peta/ exascale computation on millions of cores, or the flexibility required to exploit new hardware models and features, such as transactional memory, speculative execution, and graphics processing units. This report describes the work of the community to prepare for the challenges of exascale computing, ultimately combing their efforts in a coordinated International Exascale Software Project.
Towards molecular imaging of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Owen David RJ , Piccini Paola , Matthews Paul M
Published: January 2011

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has had a profound impact on both research and clinical management of multiple sclerosis (MS), but signal changes reflect underlying neuropathology only indirectly and often non-specifically. Positron emission tomography (PET) offers the potential to complement MRI with quantitative measures of molecularly specific markers of cellular and metabolic processes. PET radiotracers already available promise new insights into the dynamics of the innate immune response, neuronal function, neurodegeneration and remyelination. Because PET is an exquisitely sensitive technique (able to image even picomolar concentrations), only microdoses of radioligand (<10 µg) are needed for imaging. This facilitates rapid implementation of novel radioligands because extensive toxicology data is not required. In the future, molecular imaging could assist clinical decision-making with patient stratification for optimization of treatment selection.
Temporal relationship between environmental influenza A and Epstein–Barr viral infections and high multiple sclerosis relapse occurrence
Authors: Oikonen Mervi , Laaksonen Mikko , Aalto Ville , Ilonen Jorma , Salonen Reijo , Erälinna Juha-Pekka , Panelius Martin , Salmi Aimo
Published: January 2011

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses have been associated with viral and bacterial infection epidemics in MS patients who have not used interferon.

Objectives: We studied whether environmental viral infections in the general population can be associated with increased MS relapse occurrence using retrospective data from 1986 to 1995 when interferons were not yet available.

Methods: Logistic regression modelling was used to compare retrospectively the monthly relapse occurrence from 407 MS patients in Turku University hospital archives and data on ten different specifically diagnosed viral infection epidemics in the general population of Southwestern Finland from 1986 to 1995. The outcome was the odds ratio (OR) of very high relapse occurrence versus low relapse occurrence, or moderate versus low relapse occurrence.

Results: After a peak in diagnosed influenza A cases in the general population, the MS relapse occurrence was 6.5 times more likely to be very high (95% CI 1.8–24.0) and 7.1 times more likely to be moderately high (95% CI 1.5–33.2). An increase in MS relapse counts also followed Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infections (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.3–15.1), but we found no significant association with adenovirus infections and MS relapses. The MS relapse occurrence was lowest in the summer months July–August (Chi-square test, p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that influenza A and EBV viral infections in the general population are associated with a higher occurrence of exacerbations in MS patients, and thus environmental infection data should be included in epidemiological models on MS relapses.
Vitamin D status and antibody levels to common viruses in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mowry Ellen M , James Judith A , Krupp Lauren B , Waubant Emmanuelle
Published: January 2011

Background: The relative contribution and interaction of risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS) have not been evaluated.

Objectives: To determine whether vitamin D status is associated with antibody levels to common viruses in pediatric-onset MS or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) patients and controls.

Methods: We assessed whether vitamin D status was associated with viral antibody levels to Epstein–Barr virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 or -2 in subjects who demonstrated evidence of remote infection with these viruses and whether these associations differed depending on disease status.

Results: In 140 subjects, vitamin D status was weakly associated with antibody levels to CMV but not to the other viruses. However, there were some interactions between vitamin D status and disease state. Among those with vitamin D sufficiency (≥30 ng/ml), MS/CIS patients had higher antibody levels to Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen-1 than controls. Vitamin D sufficiency was associated with higher CMV antibody levels in MS/CIS subjects but lower CMV antibody levels in controls. Higher vitamin D levels appeared to be associated with higher titers to HSV-2 in MS/CIS patients but not controls.

Conclusions: Vitamin D status may be differentially associated with antibody levels to common childhood viruses among seropositive subjects.
Child mental health practitioners’ knowledge and experiences of children’s educational needs and services
Authors: Vostanis Panos , Taylor Helen , Day Crispin , Edwards Ruth , Street Cathy , Weare Katherine , Wolpert Miranda
Published: January 2011

The improved joint working between child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and schools is a policy priority. Although there have been a range of school-based initiatives and studies on teachers’ awareness of mental health issues, there has been limited evidence on the training needs of CAMHS practitioners. The aim of this study was to explore how much CAMHS staff know about educational issues and how confident they feel working collaboratively with education colleagues. Ninety-six staff from four specialist CAMHS completed a questionnaire with 40 items on perceptions of knowledge, practice and attitudes towards educational issues and services, and three case vignettes. Despite the fact that participants reported frequent contact with children with education-related needs and with education services, they also highlighted concerns about their level of training and skills in this regard. Perceptions of knowledge and attitudes significantly predicted response to case vignettes. Previous training and experience were associated with knowledge, but did not predict case vignettes scores. The results suggest that training of CAMHS staff should be integral to all services in helping improve their understanding of school and education systems, improve clinical skills in detecting education-related mental health problems, and develop strategies in increasing joint working.
Unravelling complexities involved in parenting a child with cystic fibrosis: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Glasscoe Claire , Smith Jonathan A.
Published: January 2011

We conducted a qualitative study with caregivers for a contemporary understanding of the challenge of caring for a child with cystic fibrosis (CF). A single case is presented that details one woman’s experience from her unique perspective of both, ‘mother to a child with CF’ and ‘CF healthcare provider’ using an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Emergent themes include: ‘trying to keep things normal,’ which includes different types of normality and routine management of treatment; ‘when things become difficult,’ which includes dealing with symptoms and battling with CF related decline; and, ‘the complexity of decision making.’ The discussion section expands on how, for this mother contrasting modes of managing CF (everyday life/full-on alert) co-existed and were further complicated by (i) role discrepancies (mother/nurse), and (ii) a dialectic between affect and reason. The CF parenting challenge increasingly involves responsibility for complex healthcare interventions and this study suggests a need for further enquiry into how caregivers are involved in the treatment plan and decision-making about treatment. Practice implications are proposed.
Understanding the prime mover
Authors: Hammarlund Johan , Riegert Kristina
Published: January 2011

•As a pervasive historical construct that is both foreign and familiar, the USA has a looming presence in Swedish media discourse. Swedish journalists’ views of the USA can best be described as ambivalent — critical of a unilateral or too passive US foreign policy, while at the same time being heavily influenced by many aspects of the American economic model and culture. This article presents the results of an analysis of Swedish editorials, debate, commentary and cultural articles about the USA in time periods between 1984 and 2009. During these three decades USA actions are broadly framed against the backdrop of Cold War, globalization and cultural contestation paradigms respectively. The USA is seen as a formidable power, one that should be checked by others on the international stage. Cultural symbols based on historical European narratives about the US are called upon to illustrate reckless unilateralism (‘Space Cowboy’ Reagan) or the future-oriented entrepreneur as a role model for Sweden (during the Clinton years). The final decade under the cultural contestation paradigm is also ambivalent — the role of religion in the USA appears foreign to Swedish eyes, whereas the USA’s cultural misunderstandings with others appear familiar. •
Geographies of media and power
Authors: Salovaara-Moring Inka , Maunula Kirsi
Published: January 2011

•This article explores the representation of the United States in Finnish daily newspapers, 1984—2009. Empirically, it builds on an analysis of editorials and commentaries that focus on US foreign policy. The examples deal with the deployment of US nuclear missiles to Europe in 1984, the Balkans war in 1994, the continuation of the war in Iraq in 2004, and the Cairo speech of newly elected President Barack Obama in 2009. Theoretically, the article reflects on discourses through the geographies of power politics and identity organized by the media of the small borderland country, Finland, at the ideological, economic and cultural-interactional levels. The focal questions are how the frontiers and contours of the evolving geopolitical positions of the United States were articulated, and how territorial units were defined in the spatial and symbolic practices of the commentators. In these discourses, ‘USA’ is constructed through three successive narratives: (a) as a ‘superpower’ in relation to the Soviet Union/Europe, in which new identities are depicted as part of differing positions in power geographies; (b) ‘America’ as an ideological space where the main organizing principles are ‘American’ values and moralities in relation to changing economic and political geographies; and (c) a territorial order of geo-economy in which the USA is represented as the engine of capitalism with its economic superiority highlighted. •
A comparison between clinical decisions made about lung cancer patients and those inherent in the corresponding Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline
Authors: Sleeman Derek , Moss Laura , Gyftodimos Elias , Nicolson Marianne , Devereux Graham
Published: January 2011

Treatment and survival for patients with lung cancer vary between and within countries. We have undertaken a multifaceted study of a clinical dataset of 635 patients, to see if clinician treatment decisions were being made consistently and in accordance with the appropriate Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) document. Subsequently, we created a dataset of 117 patients who should have undergone surgery according to the SIGN guideline. As analyses of this dataset did not provide clear distinctions between the main treatment groups, a clinician reviewed the case notes and dataset, checking for inconsistencies. The revised dataset was processed by a decision tree algorithm which suggests clinically plausible decisions. Further, statistical analyses compared the 54 patients offered surgery with the 52 who were not. These analyses suggest that there are significant differences: the most discriminating feature is significant co-morbidity ( p < 0.001). The article concludes with suggestions for how future guidelines might be enhanced.
Overcoming barriers to electronic medical record (EMR) implementation in the US healthcare system: A comparative study
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Aldrich Krista
Published: January 2011

An EMR system implementation would significantly reduce clinician workload and medical errors while saving the US healthcare system major expense. Yet, compared to other developed nations, the US lags behind. This article examines EMR system efforts, benefits, and barriers, as well as steps needed to move the US closer to a nationwide EMR system. The analysis includes a blueprint for implementation of EMR, industry comparisons to highlight the differences between successful and non-successful EMR ventures, references to costs and benefit information, and identification of root causes. ‘Poka-yokes’ (avoid (yokeru) mistakes (poka)) will be inserted to provide insight into how to systematically overcome challenges. Implementation will require upfront costs including patient privacy that must be addressed early in the development process. Government structure, incentives and mandates are required for nationwide EMR system in the US.
The state and context of evidence production and knowledge translation in the rehabilitation of people with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kroll Thilo , Naue Ursula
Published: January 2011

Rehabilitation is a relatively novel concept in dementia. This article explores the potential for rehabilitative approaches in dementia care. On the basis of a structured literature review that focused on the current state of research evidence for rehabilitation related to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) implications will be discussed for future research in this area and the translational challenges in terms of making findings applicable to care organization and delivery. The article further sets out to critically appraise the concept of ‘evidence’ in the context of rehabilitation methodology. Translational challenges in the application of research evidence in clinical and social care practice are discussed.
Spiritual nurturance and support for nursing home residents with dementia
Authors: Powers Bethel Ann , Watson Nancy M.
Published: January 2011

This mixed method study examined nursing home resident, family and staff views regarding spiritual nurturance and support for persons with dementia and analyzed institutional resources/approaches for meeting residents’ spiritual needs. For residents able to communicate in words (n = 47/83 or 57%), this topic evoked a range of emotional content, brought back memories, and yielded information about what mattered to them spiritually/religiously. Some observations and reported behaviors of residents unable to be interviewed directly (n = 36/83 or 43%) suggested emotional awareness of spiritual activities. Family member/staff perspectives revealed beliefs, concerns, and needs for support/training in the provision of spiritual care. Quantitative findings were consistent and identified differences between surveyed nursing homes (n = 48) with and without religious affiliations. Discussion of personhood, spiritual/ religious coping, and meeting spiritual care needs led to conclusions about the role of professional chaplaincy in educating and modeling for staff and others appropriate behaviors for providing spiritual support as well as the importance of accommodating diversity and maximizing resources.