bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military Reserve Component
Authors: Firestone Juanita M. , Harris Richard J.
Published: August 2009

In this research, the authors use data from the 2004 Workplace and Gender Relations Survey of Reserve Component Members to test whether the presence of environmental harassment is equally predictive for the U.S. military reserve component as it has been for the active duty military. They also investigate the impact of deployment on reporting harassment. Women and those deployed outside the United States are more likely to report harassment experiences. Results support earlier findings showing that when there are very few reports of environmental harassment, there are proportionately few reports of individualized forms of harassment. When there are sizeable percentages of environmental harassment reported, there are notable percentages reporting individualized harassment experiences.
The U.S. Army, the Civilian Conservation Corps, and Leadership for World War II, 1933—1942
Authors: Heller Charles E.
Published: August 2009

Prior to World War II, the U.S. Army numbered 187,000 soldiers. Its growth to more than 8 million was a significant accomplishment. Little known to most, the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration’s youth program, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), provided the pretrained manpower to fill the U.S. Army’s ranks upon mobilization with men who readily assumed the role of Non—Commissioned Officers (NCOs). It also gave Organized Reserve Corps officers the opportunity to occupy leadership positions, an experience that would have been unavailable otherwise. By the same token, it allowed the Regular Army to assess the leadership potential of both Regular and Reserve Officers in leading future citizen soldiers. Last, it provided the Army with an opportunity to exercise its mobilization plans.
The Citizen-Soldier Tradition in the United States
Authors: Krebs Ronald R.
Published: August 2009

Many contend that the citizen-soldier tradition in the United States is dead. They argue that the elimination of the draft in 1973, and the establishment of the all-volunteer force (AVF), severed the link between military service and citizenship. The author maintains that this conventional wisdom is wrong. Critics of the AVF have idealized the pre-AVF U.S. military; they have failed to recognize that the AVF was more a product of change in U.S. citizenship ideals than a cause of them; and they have asserted a homology between institutional design (military recruitment system) and a cultural phenomenon (the citizen-soldier tradition) that has little historical purchase. This article reconceptualizes the citizen-soldier tradition as a set of rhetorical conventions, and it demonstrates that these tropes continue to shape political debate in the United States. From this perspective, the AVF did not condemn the citizen-soldier to death: it gave him or her a new lease on life.
Development of a DiaBEATes Nurse Champion Program
Authors: Uplinger Nadine , Turkel Marian C. , Adams Patricia C. , Nelson-Slemmer Debra , Pierce Susan
Published: August 2009

Purpose

This article shares an innovative educational practice for increasing the knowledge base of direct-care registered nurses related to diabetes management. Outcome data include quantitative analysis of test scores, qualitative responses of changes in practice, and participation in monthly diabetes resource meetings.

Conclusion

Diabetes educators will find the DiaBEATes Nurse Champion program useful for structuring educational programs within various practice settings. The case studies are useful tools for evaluating specific application of diabetes knowledge.

Background

The nearly 24 million people with diabetes strain the health care system in terms of resources and health care dollars. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) a hospital stay for a patient with diabetes costs almost 3 times the stay of a patient without diabetes.1 The higher costs associated with caring for a patient with diabetes is partly attributed to inadequate knowledge regarding current diabetes treatment options and the failure of some health care workers to accept professional responsibility for diabetes management. 2,3
Short- and long-term musical preferences: what makes a favourite piece of music?
Authors: Lamont Alexandra , Webb Rebecca
Published: August 2009

Within the growing field of music preferences, little is currently known about the concept of a favourite piece of music. The current study explores listeners’ nominated favourite pieces of music over short and longer time-spans, combining diary and interview methods to uncover what a favourite means, how stable it is, and what factors influence the development of favourites. Nine undergraduate students participated in a diary study spanning one month, with follow-up interviews conducted with two participants. Results indicate that musical favourites are subject to rapid change and highly context-dependent. Most daily favourites were heard on the day, either deliberately or by chance. ‘Magpie’ listeners collected a large number of relatively transient favourites, while ‘squirrel’ listeners had a large catalogue of music stored from which to select. Long-term favourites differed from daily favourites, being associated with intense emotional events in listeners’ lives. In this small-scale study, diary methods successfully captured fluctuations in music preferences over time for most listeners, while interviews revealed more about listeners’ motivations and personal stories connected with their favourite music. Future research is required with larger samples to tease out the complexities of developing music preferences over time and engagement with music in everyday life settings.
Environmentalist thinking and/in geography
Authors: Radcliffe Sarah A. , Watson Elizabeth E. , Simmons Ian , Fernández-Armesto Felipe , Sluyter Andrew
Published: August 2009

In recent years, a new type of determinist environmental thinking has emerged. It can be understood to be one strand in a much broader realm of ‘environment talk’. Many human geographers have expressed a combination of scepticism and surprise at the apparently inexorable rise of the neo-environmentalist arguments which differ from early twentieth-century environmental determinism yet continue to draw upon biologistic accounts of human culture. Although geography has in recent years been at the forefront of the academic discussions of environmental change in relation to science, institutional context, political costs and human impacts, the discipline nevertheless has to contend with a widespread misperception of the place of environment in human affairs and the world’s future. This Forum discusses the context for the rise of, and consequences of, determinist accounts.
Using Generalized Mantel-Haenszel Statistics to Assess DIF Among Multiple Groups
Authors: Fidalgo Ángel M. , Scalon João D.
Published: August 2009

In spite of the growing interest in cross-cultural research and assessment, there is little research on statistical procedures that can be used to simultaneously assess the differential item functioning (DIF) across multiple groups. The chief objective of this work is to show a unified framework for the analysis of DIF in multiple groups using one of the most popular methodologies for DIF assessment: the Mantel-Haenszel (MH) methods. The MH statistics proposed to date with this purpose only permitted analysis of the DIF for dichotomous items. In contrast, the statistics presented here permit, through a single significance test, simultaneous evaluation of the DIF in several groups, being applicable to both dichotomous and polytomous items. Specific software to detect DIF using this methodology is available free of charge.
Reversible Coma Associated With Prolonged High-Dose Phenobarbital Therapy in Bilateral Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Authors: Wakamoto Hiroyuki , Nakamura Yasuko , Ebihara Tomohiro , Tokuda Kiriko , Ohmori Hiromitsu
Published: August 2009

High-dose phenobarbital therapy is an effective treatment for refractory status epilepticus in children. The advantages of this therapy include milder adverse effects without limits for maximal phenobarbital levels or doses during the initial phase of treatment. However, little is known about the safety of continuing the treatment. We describe an infant with intractable epilepsy associated with bilateral Sturge-Weber syndrome who became comatose after 12/3 months of high-dose phenobarbital treatment. The patient regained consciousness as serum phenobarbital concentration decreased to below 40 µg/mL. The progression and recovery were also documented by electroencephalogram and brainstem auditory evoked potentials. The present case suggests that prolonged high-dose phenobarbital therapy may cause cerebral and brainstem dysfunction in patients with severe cerebrovascular diseases. The underlying baseline metabolic and perfusion deficit related to the disease can precipitate the neurological complication during long-term high-dose phenobarbital therapy.
Head Trauma in Children, Part 1: Admission, Diagnostics, and Findings
Authors: Kapapa Thomas , König Kathrin , Pfister Ulrike , Sasse Michael , Woischneck Dieter , Heissler Hans , Rickels Eckhard
Published: August 2009

The objective of this study is to describe and to determine the preclinical situation and early in-clinical situation, diagnostic findings, and factors influencing the outcome of severe head trauma in children. Records of 48 children (0-16 years) were analyzed during a 3-year interval. Correlations with the outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale) were determined by focusing on different scales, clinical findings, biochemistry, and clinical course features. The initial shock index had a major relevance (P = .0089). Systolic blood pressure (P = .0002) and bradycardia (P = .035) were important factors. Assessing the severity of trauma according to the Glasgow Coma Score, the most accurate parameter for outcome is based on the detailed quality of ‘‘eye opening’’ (P = .0155). Pupillary motoricity at the accident site (P = .002) and emergency room (P = .0004) are strong predictors. Preclinical measurements of stabilization and oxygenation have the same impact as the in-clinical management.
Combined Fontanelle Puncture and Surgical Operation in Treatment of Desmoplastic Infantile Astrocytoma: Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Gu Shuo , Bao Nan , Yin Min-Zhi
Published: August 2009

Desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma is a rare low-grade malignant brain tumor found in infants. Its pathological diagnosis can be made on the basis of its histological characteristics and immunohistochemical staining. A case of desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma, including its clinical manifestations, pathological characteristics, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, is reported. Presurgical percutaneous decompression and subsequent resection resulted in a satisfactory therapeutic outcome.
Factors Associated With Foot and Ankle Strength in Healthy Preschool-Age Children and Age-Matched Cases of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A
Authors: Rose Kristy J. , Burns Joshua , North Kathryn N.
Published: August 2009

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease affects foot and ankle strength from the earliest stages of the disease; however, little is known about factors influencing normal strength development or the pathogenesis of foot weakness and deformity in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The authors investigated factors associated with foot and ankle strength in healthy preschool-age children and compared to age-matched cases of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A. In healthy children, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was one of the strongest independent correlates of foot and ankle strength. Compared with healthy children, those with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A had significantly less dorsiflexion strength and range as well as imbalance in inversion-to-eversion and plantarflexion-to-dorsiflexion strength ratios. Given the association between ankle dorsiflexion strength and range in the healthy children, and the abnormality of these parameters in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, investigation of the cause-effect relationship is warranted to identify more targeted therapy and further understand the pathogenesis of foot deformity in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Novel Scaffolds of Collagen with Bioactive Nanofiller for the Osteogenic Stimulation of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells
Authors: Hong Seok-Jung , Yu Hye-Sun , Noh Kyung-Tae , Oh Sun-Ae , Kim Hae-Won
Published: August 2009

The properties of scaffolds and their roles in regulating functions of tissue cells are considered to be of utmost importance in the successful recovery of damaged tissues. Herein, novel scaffolds of collagen and bioactive inorganic nanofiller were produced for bone tissue engineering. In addition, the in vitro responses of bone marrow-derived stromal cells (BMSCs) on these scaffolds were investigated. Glasses with bioactive compositions were prepared in nanofibrous form and homogenized with a collagen to produce hybridized porous scaffolds. The glass fibrous filaments with diameters of a few hundred nanometers were embedded well within the collagen network, characterizing a typical nanocomposite. The scaffolds showed the characteristics of a hydrogel with remarkable water uptake and swelling degree, which were similar to those of the pure collagen. In addition, the scaffolds induced the precipitation of bone-like minerals on the surface under a body-simulating medium, showing the sign of in vitro bone bioactivity. BMSCs adhered and spread well over the scaffold surface and migrated deep into the scaffold network. The osteogenic marker, alkaline phosphatase, was strongly expressed on the hybrid scaffolds, with the level higher than that on pure collagen. Overall, the collagen—inorganic nanofiller scaffolds are considered to find potential utility in bone tissue engineering.
A History of Shaker Nurse-Herbalists, Health Reform, and the American Botanical Medical Movement (1830-1860)
Authors: Libster Martha M.
Published: August 2009

During the mid 19th century, herbal remedies were the platform for a major health reform movement in America known as the Botanical Medical Movement (BMM). A number of histories have been written on the BMM from the perspectives of physicians and pharmacists. Purpose: This article describes the history of nurse-herbalism during the period and the impact that Shaker nurses, in particular, had on the BMM. Method: The article traces the history and findings of a triangulated case study. Findings: Shaker nurses used herbs extensively in their caring and curing practices. They applied the botanical remedies recommended by BMM leaders. The nurses were also expert herbal medicine makers who used their own remedies in patient care. Conclusions: The Shaker infirmary was the nurses’ behind-the-scenes research and development laboratory for the Shaker herbal cottage industry, which ultimately developed into an international, entrepreneurial endeavor. The Shaker infirmary was the nurses’ organized proving ground for the implementation of the botanical health reforms of the mid 19th century. The nurse-herbalists’ contribution to the promotion and production of herbal remedies had a significant impact on the success of botanical health reform in America.
Multicultural Students in Study Abroad: Their Interests, Their Issues, and Their Constraints
Authors: Murray Brux Jacqueline , Fry Blake
Published: August 2009

Study abroad programs offer great potential to benefit students in an increasingly internationalized world and work place. Recently, a wide discussion among educators about the benefits of diversifying study abroad has developed, but students participating in study abroad may face many constraints, many of which are not faced by their majority student peers. The purpose of this study is to further assess, through a survey and focus groups, the constraints on multicultural student participation in study abroad. The results of the study indicate that institutional factors (academic scheduling difficulties, absence of relevant programs, lack of information, etc.), as well as other factors that can be moderated by institutional effort (providing encouragement, addressing financial issues, discussing family concerns, etc.), prevent students of color from participating in study abroad programs. The authors use the results of this study, along with those of the broader literature, to recommend strategies to increase multicultural student participation in study abroad.
An Elastic-plastic Damage Model for Long-fiber Thermoplastics
Authors: Nghiep Nguyen BA , Kunc Vlastimil
Published: August 2009

This article proposes an elastic-plastic damage model that combines micromechanical modeling with continuum damage mechanics to predict the stress— strain response of injection-molded long-fiber thermoplastics. The model accounts for distributions of orientation and length of elastic fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix whose behavior is elastic-plastic and damageable. The elastic-plastic damage behavior of the matrix is described by the modified Ramberg—Osgood relation and the 3D damage model in deformation assuming isotropic hardening. Fiber/matrix debonding is accounted for using a parameter that governs the fiber/matrix interface compliance. A linear relationship between this parameter and the matrix damage variable is assumed. First, the elastic-plastic damage behavior of the reference aligned fiber composite containing the same fiber volume fraction and length distribution as the actual composite is computed using an incremental Eshelby—Mori—Tanaka mean field approach. The incremental response of the latter is then obtained from the solution for the aligned-fiber composite by averaging over all fiber orientations. The model is validated against the experimental stress—strain results obtained for long-glass-fiber/polypropylene specimens.
Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Hospitalized With Thyroid Dysfunction
Authors: Danescu Liviu G. , Badshah Aaref , Danescu Septimiu C. , Janjua Muhammad , Marandici Anna M. , Matta Fadi , Yaekoub Abdo Y. , Malloy Dennis J. , Stein Paul D.
Published: August 2009

The objective of this investigation is to explore a possible role of thyroid dysfunction in venous thromboembolism (VTE). The number of patients discharged from short-stay nonfederal hospitals in the United States, from 1979 to 2005, with a diagnostic code for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, pulmonary embolism (PE), and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was obtained from the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS). Among 19 519 000 hospitalized patients discharged with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism from 1979 to 2005, 119 000 (0.61%) had PE. Among patients with no thyroid dysfunction, PE was diagnosed in 3 372 000 of 908 805 000 patients (0.37%; relative risk = 1.64, 95% CI 1.63-1.65). Deep venous thrombosis was diagnosed in 1.36% of hypothyroid patients and in 0.84% of patients with no thyroid dysfunction (relative risk = 1.62, 95% CI 1.61-1.62). The relative risk of PE in patients with hypothyroidism was highest in patients <40 years of age (relative risk = 3.99) and the relative risk of DVT was also highest in patients <40 years (relative risk = 2.25). Hyperthyroidism was not associated with an increased risk of VTE (relative risk = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96-1.01). In conclusion, an increased risk of PE, DVT, and VTE was shown in patients with hypothyroidism but not hyperthyroidism. Antithrombotic prophylaxis in patients with severe hypothyroidism, however, should be viewed with caution because of a possible hyperfibrinolytic state in such patients.
Evaluation of Factors Associated With Elevated Levels of Platelet-Derived Microparticles in the Acute Phase of Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Kuriyama Nagato , Nagakane Yoshinari , Hosomi Akiko , Ohara Tomoyuki , Kasai Takashi , Harada Sanae , Takeda Kazuo , Yamada Kei , Ozasa Kotaro , Tokuda Takahiko , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Mizuno Toshiki , Nakagawa Masanori
Published: August 2009

Background: Platelet-derived microparticles (PDMPs) have attracted attention as blood coagulation-promoting, endothelial cell-activating factors. The objective of this study was to determine the parameters associated with elevated PDMP levels and examine their relationship with atherosclerotic lesions of main intracranial and extracranial arteries. Participants and Methods: Participants included a control group (C) of 61 patients with no apparent cerebral vascular lesions and 110 patients with acute-phase cerebral infarction, consisting of a small-vessel occlusion group (S) of 34 patients, a large-artery atherosclerosis group (L) of 41 patients, a cardioembolism group (CE) of 20 patients, and a stroke of undetermined etiology group (U) of 15 patients. Platelet-derived microparticle levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at the time of admission, and the patients were reclassified into group CP (control level PDMPs), consisting of 70 patients with control PDMP levels, and group HP (high PDMPs), consisting of 40 patients with elevated PDMP levels. All patients underwent cranial magnetic resonance (MR) and carotid ultrasound examinations. Results: Platelet-derived microparticle levels were significantly higher in groups S and L than in group C (P < .01). Concomitant intima-media thickness (IMT; odds ratio [OR] = 1.29, P < .05) and concomitant intracranial stenosis (OR = 3.95, P < .01) were significantly correlated with elevated PDMP levels. Fibrinogen and high-sensitivity CRP levels were significantly higher in group HP than in group CP. Conclusion: Alterations in PDMP levels correlated with the presence of atherothrombotic lesions, and PDMP levels are expected to be useful as a clinical indicator, reflecting the presence of intracranial atherosclerotic lesions in the acute phase of cerebral infarction.
Effect of Blood Soluble Clotting Factors on Coagulation Profile
Authors: Divani Afshin A. , Rasmussen Kirsten , Vazquez Gabriela , Rao Gundu H. R.
Published: August 2009

Objective: Recently, mechanical thrombolytic therapy has been introduced as an alternative or adjunct to pharmaceutical thrombolytic therapy in removing thrombus from vascular system. Recurrent thrombosis has been a challenge for thrombolytic therapies. We hypothesize that soluble clotting factors released during a mechanical thrombectomy procedure may be responsible for creating a localized hypercoagulable state and could be one of the underlying causes of recurrent thrombosis. Method: Blood samples were obtained from 20 participants with no history of hypertension, vascular disease, and antiplatelet/anticoagulation therapy. For each whole blood (WB) sample, we measured activated clotting time (ACT) and clotting rate (CR) at the baseline and then with added agitated and nonagitated clot serums. The same set of measurements was performed on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) samples of each participant. We tested for changes in coagulation profile between baseline samples and those with added supernatant serums obtained from autologous blood clot. Result: We observed a significant decrease in ACT for WB with agitated and nonagitated clot serums (49%, P < .0001 and 25%, P = .01, respectively) compared to the baseline WB. The same trend was observed for PRP samples with agitated and nonagitated clot serums (28%, P = .002 and 18%, P = .05, respectively). The CR was increased (a steeper slope) by 83% for samples with added agitated clot serum only (P = .007). Conclusion: We observed a significant change for ACT in WB samples with added clot serums as compared to the baseline WB samples. The results of this study suggest that the soluble substances released from clotting blood have profound procoagulant effects.
Ischemic Stroke Followed by Acute Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Adams Carolyn , Dhirendra Allen , Ames Paul R. J.
Published: August 2009

A 23-year-old woman developed ischemic stroke (IS) 8 to 12 hours after ingestion of sumatriptan (ST) and then developed mucosal bleeding secondary to acute thrombocytopenia likely due to dipyridamole (DP) on the 10th day poststroke. Sumatriptan-associated IS and DP-induced thrombocytopenia are rare events in themselves and their sequential occurrence in the same patient is quite exceptional. We compare our case to other similar cases in the literature.
Review: Engaging Patients as Vigilant Partners in Safety
Authors: Schwappach David L. B.
Published: August 2009

Several initiatives promote patient involvement in error prevention, but little is known about its feasibility and effectiveness. A systematic review was conducted on the evidence of patients’ attitudes toward engagement in error prevention and the effectiveness of efforts to increase patient participation. Database searches yielded 3,840 candidate articles, of which 21 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Patients share a positive attitude about engaging in their safety at a general level, but their intentions and actual behaviors vary considerably. Studies applied theories of planned behavior and indicate that self-efficacy, preventability of incidents, and effectiveness of actions seem to be central to patients’ intention to engage in error prevention. Rigorous evaluations of major educational campaigns are lacking. Interventions embedded within clinical settings have been effective to some extent. Evidence suggests that involvement in safety may be successful if interventions promote complex behavioral change and are sensitively implemented in health care settings.
Women’s Awareness of and Discomfort With Sexual Assault Cues
Authors: Davis Kelly Cue , Stoner Susan A. , Norris Jeanette , George William H. , Masters N. Tatiana
Published: August 2009

Two studies examined the effects of alcohol and relationship type on women’s sexual assault risk perception. Study 1 participants (N = 62) consumed a moderate alcohol dose or nonalcoholic beverage, then rated their awareness of and discomfort with sexual assault risk cues in a hypothetical encounter with a new or established dating partner. Study 2 (N = 351) compared control, placebo, low, and high alcohol dose conditions using a similar scenario. Intoxicated women reported decreased awareness of and discomfort with risk cues. An established relationship decreased discomfort ratings. Findings indicate that alcohol may increase women’s sexual victimization likelihood through reduced sexual assault risk perception.
Penile-Response Profiles of Sexual Aggressors During Phallometric Testing
Authors: Michaud Patrick , Proulx Jean
Published: August 2009

This study analyzes sexual-preference profiles in a sample of 420 sexual aggressors who exhibited a valid profile during their initial phallometric assessment. The sexual stimuli used in the process were audiotapes describing sexual-offending scenarios. Two types of sexual stimuli sets were used: one developed for sexual aggressors against women and a second developed for sexual aggressors against children. Penile responses were recorded during stimulus presentation using a mercury-in-rubber strain gauge. Classification analyses (hierarchical and K-means clustering combination) were conducted separately for three groups of sexual aggressors: (a) sexual aggressors against children ( n = 253), (b) sexual aggressors against women ( n = 138), and (c) mixed sexual aggressors ( n = 29). The sexual aggressors against children exhibited four penile-response profiles, the sexual aggressors against women two penile-response profiles, and the mixed sexual aggressors only one penile-response profile. In addition, analyses carried out on randomly split subsamples established that the generated profiles for sexual aggressors against children and sexual aggressors against women were stable.
Sickness absence: Could gender divide be explained by occupation, income, mental distress and health?
Authors: Smeby Lisbeth , Bruusgaard Dag , Claussen Bjørgulf
Published: August 2009

Background: Women have more spells of sickness absence than men but the reasons for this are unknown. We wanted to see if occupation, working conditions, income, health and mental distress may explain this gender difference. Methods: In a health survey in 2000—01 of all Oslo inhabitants aged 40, 45, and 59/60 years, 11,072 (48.7%) participated. Survey data were linked to the National Insurance Administration and Statistics Norway for the 8,174 eligible for sickness pay in the next four years. Occupation, working conditions, general health and mental distress were self-reported, and income was from official statistics. Long-term sickness absence (>16 days) was calculated for 2001—04 as cumulative incidence and number of days reimbursed. Results: Cumulative incidence was 50.1% for women and 34.7% for men in the four years after the survey. An age-adjusted female overweight of 48% was only reduced to 41% by adjusting for occupation, working conditions, income, self-reported health and mental distress. Duration of long-term sickness absence was 17 days more for women than for men, and was not influenced by adjustments. Conclusions: We have not explained why women have more sickness absence than men, either by work-related factors or by general health or mental distress. Factors explaining the gender divide should be sought elsewhere.
Why do top management teams look the way they do? A multilevel exploration of the antecedents of TMT heterogeneity
Authors: Nielsen Sabina
Published: August 2009

While individual-level social psychological processes may promote top management team (TMT) homogeneity, a number of organizational and environmental factors pose requirements for increasing TMT heterogeneity. These opposing mechanisms lead to different predictions regarding the outcome of the TMT selection process. This article investigates the interactions between the different level factors influencing TMT heterogeneity in order to determine under what conditions pressures towards heterogeneity prevail over the tendency towards homosocial reproduction. Based on a panel dataset of 165 Swiss listed companies, the results of hierarchical linear model (HLM) analyses provide support for attraction—selection—attrition (ASA) and similarity— attraction tendencies. Newly appointed TMT members were more likely to be similar to the rest of the team when the prior degree of homogeneity in the TMT was high. However, this tendency was lower in firms with a high degree of internationalization or facing dynamic industry environments. At the same time, munificent industries amplify tendencies towards TMT homogeneity.
Why and how do theory groups get ahead in organization studies? Groundwork for a model of discursive moves
Authors: Moldoveanu Mihnea
Published: August 2009

This article puts forth a model of academic discourse as a set of discursive moves occurring in a three-dimensional space (substantive, methodological and conceptual). The model is used to make sense of the dynamics of the intellectual landscape of organizational research, and to answer the question: When different theory groups (groups of scholars sharing a common set of discursive commitments) vie to explain a particular phenomenon or solve a problem relevant to the study of organizations, which — if any — is likely to become dominant in the literature and why? The article applies the model primarily to competitive interactions among certain types of theory groups. However, the article also shows how the model can be applied to understand both competitive and non-competitive interactions among theory groups, and both teleological and communicative intentions on the part of the movers.
Resource-partitioning processes in the audit industry
Authors: Boone Christophe , Meuwissen Roger , van Witteloostuijn Arjen
Published: August 2009

This article argues that organizational ecology would benefit from comparative studies since the trajectories of organizational populations depend on the resource conditions under which these dynamics unfold. By comparing different settings, the boundary conditions of theories are determined and explanations sharpened. The article reports the results of a comparative study that starts from resource-partitioning processes that explain the counter-intuitive association between market concentration and the rise of specialist organizations. The authors set up an empirical study in the Belgian audit industry, comparing the findings with those of a study of the Dutch audit industry. Contrary to the Dutch setting, this study finds that the failure rate of small (large) organizations increases (decreases) with market concentration in the Belgian setting. The findings suggest that the shape of the resource space and the strength of exploitation economies mould market structure dynamics in predictable ways, and clarify the conditions necessary to trigger resource-partitioning.
Advancing the Prevention and Control of Hypertension
Authors: Terre Lisa
Published: August 2009

Hypertension is on a worrisome public health trajectory. This review discusses some key contributing dynamics as well as considerations for progress toward the prevention and control of hypertension and its comorbidities.
The effectiveness of a caring protocol: An evaluation study
Authors: Luk Andrew
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Caring has long been affirmed as the essence in nursing. A caring protocol was developed to enhance professional caring and served as a tool to establish a caring culture within a cluster of hospitals. The protocol encompasses three essential elements of professional caring: image, attitude and behaviour. It aims to assess the effectiveness of the protocol in two convalescent hospitals with the objectives to: (1) gain the responses from patients and relatives and (2) explore the feedback from nursing and supporting staff. A mixed method was adopted: a pre- and post-test design and focus group interviews. Nursing and supporting staff from 18 wards were recruited for the study using the caring protocol in two convalescent hospitals. A positive response was obtained from patients and relatives after the implementation of the protocol. Nursing and supporting staff appreciated the implementation process, which could enhance caring. Valuable suggestions were also gathered to maintain the caring culture in wards. The caring protocol is an effective way in enhancing professional caring in hospitals shown by the positive responses from patients and relatives. The protocol was also well accepted by nursing and supporting staff and had a significant impact demonstrated on supporting staff.
Commitment expressions of nurses aged 45 and over: Organisational, professional and personal factors
Authors: Bennett Janette , Davey Barbara , Harris Ruth
Published: August 2009

Abstract

The aims of the study were to explore personal, professional and organisational factors that would affect future participation in the workforce of nurses aged 45 and over. The research was proposed against a background of concerns about a shortage of a skilled nursing workforce in London and ever increasing numbers of older nurses taking retirement. Data were collected with 37 mainly senior F grade nurses and health care assistants using a semi-structured interview schedule and biographical methods. There can be multiple expressions of commitment, which may differ at different levels of the organisation. Personal commitment (i.e., to family and children) was also very important. Expressions of commitment were not expressed in isolation, this means commitment is negotiated, contested and sustained across and within multiple situations.
Preparing the air for nursing care: A grounded theory study of first line nurse managers
Authors: Bondas Terese
Published: August 2009

Abstract

The first line nurse managers’ opportunities to lead nursing care seem to be diminishing. The aim of this study was, therefore, to gain an understanding of the first line nurse managers in their experiences in the development of nursing care as part of a wider research programme. Finnish nurse managers wrote narratives at the beginning of five different leadership courses in this grounded theory study. ‘Preparing the Air for Nursing Care’ emerged as a core category. It was formed by two major categories. ‘Being Concerned about Nursing Care’ describes the nurse managers’ focus on the development of nursing care, the nursing caregivers’ health and knowledge and a concern for the whole organisation. The second major category ‘Creating the Direction and Content of Nursing Care’ describes the nurse manager working together with the staff to create individual and family-centred best practice, initiating relationships and dialogues for nursing care, and a culture of caring. A typology was created that explained the four main modalities to emerge from the data: ‘the Active Developer’, ‘the Passive Thinker’, ‘the Impulsive Creator’ and ‘the Routine Manager’.
Comparison of two tools developed to assess the needs of older people with complex care needs
Authors: Lambert Susan , Cheung Wai-Yee , Davies Shan , Gardner Lyn , Thomas Valerie
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Greater standardisation of assessments of older people with complex care needs is a requirement of UK policy. This study explores the practicability and validity of two assessment tools, Minimum Data Set Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS-RAI) and EASY-Care. Participants, aged 65 years or over, living in care homes or awaiting hospital discharge, were assessed using randomly allocated paired instruments. Client evaluation questionnaires on the practicability of the tools were completed. Short Form 12 (SF12) questionnaires were administered to assess participants’ health status. Registered nurses undertook data collection and participated in two focus groups designed to explore the practicability of the tools. Statistical tests were applied to quantitative data to assess practicability and validity. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse focus group transcripts. In all, 238 assessments were completed. Older people and assessors generally reported that both tools were practicable, with EASY-Care preferred to MDS-RAI for practicability measures including ease of use, usefulness and acceptability. Focus groups illustrated the significance of professional judgement when using structured tools. Both tools were reasonable indicators of activities of daily living, but there were shortcomings in measurements of cognitive performance and depression. Both instruments require development to fully capture the older person’s perspectives of needs and to test the validity of key measures.
A qualitative study exploring practice nurses’ experience of participating in a primary care–based randomised controlled trial
Authors: Potter Rachel , Dale Jeremy , Caramlau Isabela
Published: August 2009

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the views of practice nurses’ recruiting into a primary care–based randomised controlled trial, and to investigate factors that influence the success of trial recruitment. It is known that time pressures, forgetfulness and lack of interest in the research topic negatively influence recruitment into research trials by General Practitioners (GPs), but no studies appear to have explored practice nurses’ experience of recruiting into trials. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with a non-random purposive sample of 10 practice nurses who had participated in recruiting patients for the trial, and data were analysed using a thematic framework approach. Nurses who had been asked to take part in the study found it a positive experience, and had decided to take part because the area of research was of interest and could potentially benefit patients. Nurses who had been delegated the role of recruitment by the GP felt put upon and recruited less well. None of the nurses reported difficulties remembering to recruit patients and developed useful strategies to aid memory. Nurses often acted as gatekeepers, selecting which patients they offered the intervention to. Nurses with dedicated time for research recruited more successfully. For nurses who recruited during routine consultation, it was often the patient’s lack of interest in taking part in the trial, rather than time limitations that hindered recruitment. Overall, nurses were positive about recruiting into the trial, particularly if the research area could benefit patients and if directly asked to take part.
Pharmacotherapy of asthma: regular treatment or on demand?
Authors: Montuschi Paolo , Pagliari Gabriella , Fuso Leonello
Published: August 2009

Some studies have raised the question of the need for chronic controller therapy in mild persistent asthma as suggested by international guidelines. Although the Improving Asthma Control (IMPACT) and Beclomethasone plus Salbutamol (BEST) studies suggest that on-demand therapy in some patients with mild persistent asthma achieves a similar degree of asthma control based on symptoms and functional outcomes, the IMPACT study indicates that regular and on-demand therapy is not equivalent for controlling airway inflammation. Persistent airway inflammation might lead to airway remodelling with onset or worsening of symptoms, deterioration in lung function, and reduced response to pharmacological therapy. However, the relationships between chronic airway inflammation and airway remodelling need to be clarified. Choosing the ‘right’ pharmacological strategy (regular versus on-demand treatment) for asthma control is currently difficult due to the fact that (1) inflammatory outcome measures were not generally incorporated into asthma clinical trials; (2) the relationships between chronic airway inflammation and airway remodelling are largely unknown; (3) current clinical asthma trials that are generally based on symptomatic and functional outcome measures are too short to assess the impact of regular anti-inflammatory therapy on natural history of asthma; (4) asthma is an heterogeneous disease and different phenotypes of asthma patients likely requiring a different therapeutic approach can be identified, even in the same class of asthma severity. Guidelines for asthma management are valuable tools, although they are necessarily based on a strategy directed to the best outcome in a group of patients. Asthma phenotyping is becoming central for asthma management. The issue of regular versus on-demand treatment of intermittent and mild persistent asthma would be better addressed if considered within an individualized approach to asthma management and assessment. Identification of clinical, functional, morphological and biochemical phenotypes of patients with asthma and its clinical implications is likely to lead to a tailored, individualized, pharmacological therapy and asthma management.
Monocytes promote tumor cell survival in T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders and are impaired in their ability to differentiate into mature dendritic cells
Authors: Wilcox Ryan A. , Wada David A. , Ziesmer Steven C. , Elsawa Sherine F. , Comfere Nneka I. , Dietz Allan B. , Novak Anne J. , Witzig Thomas E. , Feldman Andrew L. , Pittelkow Mark R. , Ansell Stephen M.
Published: August 2009

A variety of nonmalignant cells present in the tumor microenvironment promotes tumorigenesis by stimulating tumor cell growth and metastasis or suppressing host immunity. The role of such stromal cells in T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders is incompletely understood. Monocyte-derived cells (MDCs), including professional antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells (DCs), play a central role in T-cell biology. Here, we provide evidence that monocytes promote the survival of malignant T cells and demonstrate that MDCs are abundant within the tumor microenvironment of T cell–derived lymphomas. Malignant T cells were observed to remain viable during in vitro culture with autologous monocytes, but cell death was significantly increased after monocyte depletion. Furthermore, monocytes prevent the induction of cell death in T-cell lymphoma lines in response to either serum starvation or doxorubicin, and promote the engraftment of these cells in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice. Monocytes are actively recruited to the tumor microenvironment by CCL5 (RANTES), where their differentiation into mature DCs is impaired by tumor-derived interleukin-10. Collectively, the data presented demonstrate a previously undescribed role for monocytes in T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.
Carfilzomib can induce tumor cell death through selective inhibition of the chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome
Authors: Parlati Francesco , Lee Susan J. , Aujay Monette , Suzuki Erika , Levitsky Konstantin , Lorens James B. , Micklem David R. , Ruurs Paulina , Sylvain Catherine , Lu Yan , Shenk Kevin D. , Bennett Mark K.
Published: August 2009

Carfilzomib is a proteasome inhibitor in clinical development that primarily targets the chymotrypsin-like (CT-L) subunits in both the constitutive proteasome (c20S) and the immunoproteasome (i20S). To investigate the impact of inhibiting the CT-L activity with carfilzomib, we set out to quantitate the levels of CT-L subunits β5 from the c20S and LMP7 from the i20S in normal and malignant hematopoietic cells. We found that the i20S is a major form of the proteasome expressed in cells of hematopoietic origin, including multiple myeloma (MM) CD138+ tumor cells. Although specific inhibition of either LMP7 or β5 alone was insufficient to produce an antitumor response, inhibition of all proteasome subunits was cytotoxic to both hematologic tumor cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, selective inhibition of both β5 and LMP7 was sufficient to induce an antitumor effect in MM, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and leukemia cells while minimizing the toxicity toward nontransformed cells. In MM tumor cells, CT-L inhibition alone was sufficient to induce proapoptotic sequelae, including proteasome substrate accumulation, Noxa and caspase 3/7 induction, and phospho-eIF2α suppression. These data support a hypothesis that hematologic tumor cells are uniquely sensitive to CT-L inhibition and provide a mechanistic understanding of the clinical safety profile and antitumor activity of proteasome inhibitors.
Specific iron chelators determine the route of ferritin degradation
Authors: De Domenico Ivana , Ward Diane McVey , Kaplan Jerry
Published: August 2009

Deferoxamine (DFO) is a high-affinity Fe (III) chelator produced by Streptomyces pilosus. DFO is used clinically to remove iron from patients with iron overload disorders. Orally administered DFO cannot be absorbed, and therefore it must be injected. Here we show that DFO induces ferritin degradation in lysosomes through induction of autophagy. DFO-treated cells show cytosolic accumulation of LC3B, a critical protein involved in autophagosomal-lysosomal degradation. Treatment of cells with the oral iron chelators deferriprone and desferasirox did not show accumulation of LC3B, and degradation of ferritin occurred through the proteasome. Incubation of DFO-treated cells with 3-methyladenine, an autophagy inhibitor, resulted in degradation of ferritin by the proteasome. These results indicate that ferritin degradation occurs by 2 routes: a DFO-induced entry of ferritin into lysosomes and a cytosolic route in which iron is extracted from ferritin before degradation by the proteasome.