bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized Trial Comparing Conventional-Dose With High-Dose Conformal Radiation Therapy in Early-Stage Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate: Long-Term Results From Proton Radiation Oncology Group/American College of Radiology 95-09
Authors: Zietman Anthony L. , Bae Kyounghwa , Slater Jerry D. , Shipley William U. , Efstathiou Jason A. , Coen John J. , Bush David A. , Lunt Margie , Spiegel Daphna Y. , Skowronski Rafi , Jabola B. Rodney , Rossi Carl J.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

To test the hypothesis that increasing radiation dose delivered to men with early-stage prostate cancer improves clinical outcomes.

Patients and Methods

Men with T1b-T2b prostate cancer and prostate-specific antigen ≤ 15 ng/mL were randomly assigned to a total dose of either 70.2 Gray equivalents (GyE; conventional) or 79.2 GyE (high). No patient received androgen suppression therapy with radiation. Local failure (LF), biochemical failure (BF), and overall survival (OS) were outcomes.

Results

A total of 393 men were randomly assigned, and median follow-up was 8.9 years. Men receiving high-dose radiation therapy were significantly less likely to have LF, with a hazard ratio of 0.57. The 10-year American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology BF rates were 32.4% for conventional-dose and 16.7% for high-dose radiation therapy (P < .0001). This difference held when only those with low-risk disease (n = 227; 58% of total) were examined: 28.2% for conventional and 7.1% for high dose (P < .0001). There was a strong trend in the same direction for the intermediate-risk patients (n = 144; 37% of total; 42.1% v 30.4%, P = .06). Eleven percent of patients subsequently required androgen deprivation for recurrence after conventional dose compared with 6% after high dose (P = .047). There remains no difference in OS rates between the treatment arms (78.4% v 83.4%; P = .41). Two percent of patients in both arms experienced late grade ≥ 3 genitourinary toxicity, and 1% of patients in the high-dose arm experienced late grade ≥ 3 GI toxicity.

Conclusion

This randomized controlled trial shows superior long-term cancer control for men with localized prostate cancer receiving high-dose versus conventional-dose radiation. This was achieved without an increase in grade ≥ 3 late urinary or rectal morbidity.
Choice of Starting Dose for Molecularly Targeted Agents Evaluated in First-in-Human Phase I Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Le Tourneau Christophe , Stathis Anastasios , Vidal Laura , Moore Malcolm J. , Siu Lillian L.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

One tenth of the lethal dose to 10% of mice is one of the conventional parameters used to derive a safe starting dose in phase I trials of cytotoxic agents. There is no consensus on which preclinical models and parameters should define the starting dose for molecularly targeted agents.

Patients and Methods

Reports of 81 first-in-human phase I trials evaluating 60 different molecularly targeted agents administered as monotherapy were reviewed. The maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) was defined as the highest safe dose administered to patients, whereas the maximum-administered dose (MAD) was recorded if the MTD was not reached.

Results

Fifty-seven of the 81 trials specified the animal model used to determine the starting dose, with 29 (51%) of 57 based on rodent data and 28 (49%) of 57 based on non-rodent data. A wide range of toxicologic parameters was used to select the starting dose. The starting dose exceeded the human MTD in three (3.7%) of 81 trials, and in all three trials, nonhematologic toxicity was dose limiting. The median number of dose levels to reach MTD or MAD from starting dose was five (range, one to 14 dose levels), and the median ratio of MTD or MAD to starting dose was 12 (range, < 1 to 300). Hypothetical doubling of the starting dose appeared to be safe, whereas tripling of the starting dose was unsafe.

Conclusion

The derivation of starting dose for first-in-human phase I trials of molecularly targeted agents in patients with cancer is safe but is based on diverse practices using a variety of preclinical toxicologic parameters.
Time Trends and Local Variation in Primary Treatment of Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Cooperberg Matthew R. , Broering Jeanette M. , Carroll Peter R.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

In the absence of high-level evidence or clinical guidelines supporting any given active treatment approach over another for localized prostate cancer, clinician and patient preferences may lead to substantial variation in treatment use.

Methods

Data were analyzed from 36 clinical sites that contributed data to the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor (CaPSURE) registry. Distribution of primary treatment use was measured over time. Prostate cancer risk was assessed using the D'Amico risk groups and the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score. Descriptive analyses were performed, and a hierarchical model was constructed that controlled for year of diagnosis, cancer risk variables, and other patient factors to estimate the proportion of variation in primary treatment selection explicable by practice site.

Results

Among 11,892 men analyzed, 6.8% elected surveillance, 49.9% prostatectomy, 11.6% external-beam radiation, 13.3% brachytherapy, 4.0% cryoablation, and 14.4% androgen deprivation monotherapy. Prostate cancer risk drives treatment selection, but the data suggest both overtreatment of low-risk disease and undertreatment of high-risk disease. The former trend appears to be improving over time, while the latter is worsening. Treatment varies with age, comorbidity, and socioeconomic status. However, treatment patterns vary markedly across clinical sites, and this variation is not explained by case-mix variability or known patient factors. Practice site explains a proportion of this variation ranging from 13% for androgen deprivation monotherapy to 74% for cryoablation.

Conclusion

Substantial variation exists in management of localized prostate cancer that is not explained by measurable factors. A critical need exists for high-quality comparative effectiveness research in localized prostate cancer to help guide treatment decision making.
Paranoid Interpretation and Formal Encoding
Authors: Andrews Chris
Published: February 2010

Certain members of the Oulipo, notably Raymond Queneau and Georges Perec, have used constraints to encode meanings as well as to structure and generate their works. Such formal encoding recruits and trains a readership prone to paranoid interpretation, a tendency opposed in recent years by Umberto Eco and Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick. This article reviews the arguments put forward by those theorists and offers three additional reasons for resisting form-focused paranoid reading: (1) such reading skews interpretation toward puzzle solving, (2) it tends to produce progressively weaker confirmations of previous readings, and (3) it is liable to impoverish the context of interpretation. Form-focused paranoid reading has proved to be a productive theme for the writers of the Oulipo. In their novels, Queneau and Perec use parables to warn against such reading, which limits the mobility and range of the reader's attention and tries to demote the use to which the text is put, in favor of an interpretation entirely oriented by the text.
Information Percolation
Authors: Duffie Darrell , Giroux Gaston , Manso Gustavo
Published: February 2010

We study the “percolation” of information of common interest through a large market as agents encounter and reveal information to each other over time. We provide an explicit solution for the dynamics of the cross-sectional distribution of posterior beliefs. We also show that convergence of the cross-sectional distribution of beliefs to a common posterior is exponential and that the rate of convergence does not depend on the size of the groups of agents that meet. The rate of convergence is merely the mean rate at which an individual agent is matched. (JEL D83)
The 1/d Law of Giving
Authors: Goeree Jacob K , McConnell Margaret A , Mitchell Tiffany , Tromp Tracey , Yariv Leeat
Published: February 2010

We combine survey data on friendship networks and individual characteristics with experimental observations from dictator games. Dictator offers are primarily explained by social distance, giving follows a simple inverse distance law. While student demographics play a minor role in explaining offer amounts, individual heterogeneity is important for network formation. In particular, we detect significant homophilous behavior; students connect to others similar to themselves. Moreover, the network data reveal a strong preference for cliques, students connect to those already close. The study is one of the first to identify network architecture with individual behavior in a strategic context. (JEL D44, H82)
Investor Sentiments
Authors: Izmalkov Sergei , Yildiz Muhamet
Published: February 2010

We consider a general class of games that have been used to model many economic problems where players' sentiments are believed to play an important role. Dropping the common prior assumption, we identify the relevant notion of sentiments for strategic behavior in these games. This notion is tied to how likely a player thinks that some other player has a more optimistic outlook than himself when they obtain their private information. Under this notion, we show that sentiments have a profound effect on strategic outcomes—even with vanishing uncertainty. (JEL C73, D82, D83, G11)
Competition, Monopoly Maintenance, and Consumer Switching Costs
Authors: Morita Hodaka , Waldman Michael
Published: February 2010

Significant attention has been paid to why a durable goods producer with little or no market power would monopolize the maintenance market for its own product. This paper investigates an explanation for the practice based on consumer switching costs and the decision concerning maintaining versus replacing used units. In our explanation, if the maintenance market is not monopolized, consumers sometimes maintain used units that are more efficiently replaced. In turn, monopolizing the maintenance market avoids this inefficiency. In contrast to most previous explanations for the practice, in our explanation, the practice increases both social and consumer welfare. (JEL D42, D43, D82, K21, L12, L42)
Pitfalls of Participatory Programs: Evidence from a Randomized Evaluation in Education in India
Authors: Banerjee Abhijit V , Banerji Rukmini , Duflo Esther , Glennerster Rachel , Khemani Stuti
Published: February 2010

Participation of beneficiaries in the monitoring of public services is increasingly seen as a key to improving their quality. We conducted a randomized evaluation of three interventions to encourage beneficiaries' participation to India: providing information on existing institutions, training community members in a testing tool for children, and training volunteers to hold remedial reading camps. These interventions had no impact on community involvement, teacher effort, or learning outcomes inside the school. However, in the third intervention, youth volunteered to teach camps, and children who attended substantially improved their reading skills. This suggests that citizens face constraints in influencing public services. (JEL H52, I21, I28, O15)
Time is Money: Choosing between Charitable Activities
Authors: Feldman Naomi E
Published: February 2010

This paper analyzes the impact of a preferential tax-price for monetary donations on the joint decision to donate time (volunteer) and money. The methodological approach takes into account that consumption of each charitable good affects consumption of the other. Using data from a national survey on household charitable giving, the results show that donations of time and money are substitutes. However, a decrease in the tax-price of monetary donations also has a positive effect on donations of time that acts outside the change in relative prices. This more than offsets the substitution effect leading to an overall positive correlation between the two charitable goods. (JEL D64, H24, H31)
Tax Competition for Heterogeneous Firms with Endogenous Entry
Authors: Davies Ronald B , Eckel Carsten
Published: February 2010

This paper models tax competition for mobile firms that are differentiated by their productivities. Because taxes affect the distribution of firms, they affect wages, prices, and the number of firms. From the social planner's perspective, optimal taxes efficiently distribute income between private and public consumption and are harmonized, providing the optimal number of firms. This is not a Nash equilibrium. As is common in such models, equilibrium taxes are inefficiently low. Furthermore, there is no pure strategy equilibrium with equal taxes resulting in too many firms. This illustrates a new distortion from tax competition and a new benefit from harmonization. (JEL H21, H25, H87)
Norske Skog Improves Global Profitability Using Operations Research
Authors: Everett Graeme , Philpott Andy , Vatn Kjetil , Gjessing Rune
Published: February 2010

Many businesses are currently uncertain of how the economic recession will affect demand for their services and products. For global papermaker Norske Skog, this is a familiar situation. Over the past decade, the company has experienced declining demand for its products as electronic media have replaced newsprint publications. As it struggles to survive, the company has been forced to make some difficult decisions, including closing paper production lines and entire mills. Operations research (OR) models have become a vital part of Norske Skog's decision-making process, helping the company to significantly reduce costs and enabling senior managers to make difficult choices with confidence that their solutions are the best possible. The tactical use of OR models has provided solutions that enable Norske Skog to save US$8 million and US$10 million annually in Australasia and Europe, respectively. In 2008, the Norske Skog Board used a model to make a strategic decision to close two paper mills and a paper machine, saving the company US$100 million annually, compared with the status quo. These savings are equivalent to 3 percent of the company's revenue.
Marriott International Increases Revenue by Implementing a Group Pricing Optimizer
Authors: Hormby Sharon , Morrison Julia , Dave Prashant , Meyers Michele , Tenca Tim
Published: February 2010

Marriott International's Group Pricing Optimizer (GPO), a decision support system, provides guidance to Marriott personnel on pricing hotel rooms for group customers. GPO uses demand segmentation, price-elasticity modeling, and optimization techniques to recommend an optimal rate. In operation since late 2006, the system has improved Marriott's hotel profitability and enhanced the sales process for both sales managers and customers.
Introduction: 2009 Franz Edelman Award for Achievement in Operations Research and the Management Sciences
Authors: Bollapragada Srinivas , Sodhi ManMohan S.
Published: February 2010

This special issue of Interfaces is devoted to the finalists of the 38th annual competition for the Franz Edelman Award for Achievement in Operations Research and the Management Sciences, the profession's prestigious award for the practice of operations research. Of the six papers in this issue, one demonstrates the benefits from OR/MS-based scheduling of empty railcars based on customer orders at CSX. The second, the winner of the Edelman Award, shows how HP manages a product portfolio in the dynamic electronics industry. The third describes how IBM uses OR models to improve sales force productivity. The fourth reflects the development and deployment of OR-based revenue management for group pricing at Marriott. The fifth discusses the use of OR models for tactical and strategic decisions around supply chain planning and capacity at Norske Skog, including such difficult decisions as closing plants. The sixth entry shows how Zara deploys inventory from two central warehouses to stores worldwide using OR.
Competing “Creatively” in Sponsored Search Markets: The Effect of Rank, Differentiation Strategy, and Competition on Performance
Authors: Animesh Animesh , Viswanathan Siva , Agarwal Ritu
Published: February 2010

Although efficiency-enhancing features of online markets have been well studied, much less is known about firms' differentiation strategies in these competitive markets or the outcomes of such differentiation. This study examines competition among firms in online sponsored search markets—one of the fastest growing and most competitive of online markets. We develop and test a model that predicts the clickthrough rate (CTR) of a seller's listing in a sponsored search setting. Drawing on consumer search theory and competitive positioning strategies, we theorize that CTR is jointly driven by a seller's positioning strategy as reflected by the unique selling proposition (USP) in its “ad creative,” by its rank in a sponsored search listing, and by the nature of competition around the focal firm's listing. We use data from a field experiment conducted by a leading firm in the mortgage industry where the firm varied its rank and USP dynamically. Results suggest that sponsored search listings can act as effective customer segmentation mechanisms, consistent with a model of consumer search in directional markets. We further find that the effect on CTR of a firm's positioning strategy and its rank in a listing is strongly moderated by its ability to differentiate itself from adjacent rivals. We discuss the implications of our findings for sellers' strategies in sponsored search markets and for extending the understanding of consumer search behavior in directional markets.
Addressing Digital Inequality for the Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Through Government Initiatives: Forms of Capital That Affect ICT Utilization
Authors: Hsieh J. J. Po-An , Rai Arun , Keil Mark
Published: February 2010

Digital inequality, or unequal access to and use of information and communication technologies (ICT), is a severe problem preventing the socioeconomically disadvantaged (SED) from participating in a digital society. To understand the critical resources that contribute to digital inequality and inform public policy for stimulating initial and continued ICT usage by the SED, we drew on capital theories and conducted a field study to investigate: (1) the forms of capital for using ICT and how they differ across potential adopters who are SED and socioeconomically advantaged (SEA); (2) how these forms of capitals are relatively impacted for the SEA and the SED through public policy for ICT access; and (3) how each form of capital influences the SED's intentions to use initially and to continue to use ICT. The context for our study involved a city in the southeastern United States that offered its citizens free ICT access for Internet connectivity. Our results show that SED potential adopters exhibited lower cultural capital but higher social capital relative to the SEA. Moreover, the SED who participated in the city's initiative realized greater positive gains in cultural capital, social capital, and habitus than the SEA. In addition, we find that the SED's initial intention to use ICT was influenced by intrinsic motivation for habitus, self-efficacy for cultural capital, and important referents' expectations and support from acquaintances for social capital. Cultural capital and social cultural capital also complemented each other in driving the SED's initial use intention. The SED's continued use intention was affected by both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for habitus and both knowledge and self-efficacy for cultural capital but was not affected by social capital. We also make several recommendations for future research on digital inequality and ICT acceptance to extend and apply the proposed capital framework.
An Experimental Comparison of Linear and Nonlinear Price Combinatorial Auctions
Authors: Scheffel Tobias , Pikovsky Alexander , Bichler Martin , Guler Kemal
Published: February 2010

Combinatorial auctions are used for the efficient allocation of heterogeneous goods and services. They require appropriate software platforms that provide automated winner determination and decision support for bidders. Several promising ascending combinatorial auction formats have been developed throughout the past few years based on primal-dual algorithms and linear programming theory. The ascending proxy auction and iBundle result in Vickrey payoffs when the coalitional value function satisfies buyer submodularity conditions and bidders bid their best responses. These auction formats are based on nonlinear and personalized ask prices. In addition, there are a number of designs with linear prices that have performed well in experiments, the approximate linear prices auction, and the combinatorial clock auction. In this paper, we provide the results of lab experiments that tested these different auction formats in the same setting. We analyze aggregate metrics such as efficiency and auctioneer revenue for small- and medium-sized value models. In addition, we provide a detailed analysis not only of aggregate performance metrics but also of individual bidding behaviour under alternative combinatorial auction formats.
Suboptimal Assessment of Interunit Task Interdependence: Modes of Integration and Information Processing for Coordination Performance
Authors: Sherman J. Daniel , Keller Robert T.
Published: February 2010

This investigation extends previous research on cross-functional integration. Building on earlier theoretical development, a graduated sequence of modes of integration is tested in relation to interunit task interdependence in a global logistics support organization. This research addresses the question of what effects are associated with perceptual error in the assessment of interunit task interdependence. The results demonstrate that as the deviation between perceived and latent interdependence increases, the deviation between optimal and observed integration modes increases. These deviations are found to occur in over 30% of the cases. In addition, this research addresses the question of what effects are associated with the suboptimal implementation of modes of integration. The results demonstrate that as the deviation between optimal and observed integration modes increases, coordination performance decreases. The implications for theory and practice of improved coordination performance and information processing theory are discussed.
Ondansetron: Cholestatic Pruritus (Adults)
Authors: Generali Joyce A. , Cada Dennis J.
Published: February 2010

This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a quarterly publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. A summary of the most relevant data is provided, including background, study design, patient population, dosage information, therapy duration, results, safety, and therapeutic considerations. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to hospital pharmacy@drugfacts.com .
Evaluation of Continuation of Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis at Hospital Discharge
Authors: Judd William R. , Davis George A. , Winstead P. Shane , Steinke Douglas T. , Clifford Timothy M. , Macaulay Tracy E.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Stress-related mucosal disease (SRMD) can adversely affect patient morbidity and mortality. The use of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in patients with no risk factors for clinically important bleeding, however, is contributing to health care-related adverse events, drug interactions, and costs. The objective was to determine the percentage of hospitalized patients who receive SUP without an approved indication and to evaluate the financial impact of inappropriate prescribing as well as the risk for significant drug-drug interactions.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of hospitalized adult cardiology, family medicine, and internal medicine patients between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007. Prescribing of acid suppressive therapy (AST) during hospital admission and indications for SUP were evaluated. Concomitant medications, cost of therapy, and discharge medications were assessed as secondary outcomes.

Results

Of the 4,603 patients admitted during the study period, 418 were randomly selected for study inclusion. Approximately 53% (221/418) of the selected patients received SUP during hospital admission, 93% (206/221) of whom had no indication for prophylaxis. Of those who continued AST at discharge (14%; 31/221), 84% (26/31) had no approved indication. Overuse of SUP resulted in 77 potential drug-drug interactions and an estimated 30-day outpatient cost of $37,950 for patients receiving these medications at discharge.

Conclusion

SUP is frequently prescribed to non–critically ill patients when the risk of SRMD is low. Use of SUP for patients who do not meet evidence-based criteria appears to contribute to increased health care expenditures, potential adverse events, and drug interactions.
Golimumab
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Levien Terri L. , Baker Danial E.
Published: February 2010

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing inservices. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation (DUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are sent in print and are also available online. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service also receive access to a pharmacy bulletin board, The Formulary Information Exchange (The F.I.X.). All topics pertinent to clinical and hospital pharmacy are discussed on The F.I.X.

Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service or The F.I.X., call The Formulary at 800-322-4349. The October 2009 monograph topics are fentanyl buccal soluble film, laromustine, paliperidone injection, saxagliptin, and trepostinil inhalation. The DUE is on fentanyl soluble film.
Health Systems and Home-Based Care: Closing the Loop
Authors: Felkey Bill G. , Fox Brent I.
Published: February 2010

In a previous article, we described that progressive health systems have begun to redefine the definition of their enterprise to include the most intensive acute care setting all the way to an individual patient's home. This is being made possible by the transformation into a digital field that all of health care is beginning to make a reality. The vision is seamless care provision, where digital information convergence produces new levels of continuity of care, efficiency, effectiveness, and total situational awareness. In this installment, we focus on the current potential for home-based care, without which the vision of seamless care will ultimately fall short.
Pemetrexed and Carboplatin (PC) Regimen
Authors: Waddell J. Aubrey , Solimando Dominic A.
Published: February 2010

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparing, dispensing, and administering antineoplastic therapy and to the agents, commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases.
Rotation Students' Perceptions of Clinical Workload Documentation Using a Personal Digital Assistant
Authors: Nystrom Kelly K. , Foral Pamela A. , Davis Estella M. , Christensen Carla M. , Destache Christopher J.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The main objective of this study was to evaluate whether emphasizing the importance of clinical workload documentation (CWD) throughout the clinical rotation experience would positively impact student views of documentation.

Methods

A prospective pre- and postsurvey study design was utilized to evaluate 4th-year pharmacy students' views of CWD using personal digital assistants while on clinical rotation at an institution during the 2003 to 2004 (Group A) and 2004 to 2005 (Group B) academic years.

Results

Student perceptions on the value of CWD improved significantly for both Group A ( P = 0.003) and Group B ( P = 0.033). Students in both groups also reported they had experience or significant experience with CWD after the rotation experience ( P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Students' perception of the value and importance of CWD improved significantly throughout the rotation period with emphasis from the faculty.
Use of Lean Production to Reduce Waste When Compounding Sterile Pharmaceutical Products
Authors: Davis Jennifer
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The effects of a 5-batch-per-day schedule for sterile product compounding in an inpatient hospital pharmacy were studied.

Using lean production concepts, an interdisciplinary team implemented a system to standardize delivery locations and improve just-in-time delivery for sterile medication products in an inpatient hospital setting. The primary focus of the team was transforming the current sterile medication preparation process from a 2– to a 5–batch-per-day system.

Conclusion

Increasing the frequency of sterile product batches from 2 to 5 batches per day reduced rework and waste by 64%. A true just-in-time process for sterile medication compounding has the potential to be safer and more efficient than traditional batch systems. Additional work is needed to determine if a true just-in-time sterile medication compounding process is feasible in an inpatient hospital setting.
Non‐word repetition in Dutch‐speaking children with specific language impairment with and without reading problems
Authors: Rispens Judith , Parigger Esther
Published: February 2010

Recently, English studies have shown a relationship between non‐word repetition (NWR) and the presence of reading problems (RP). Children with specific language impairment (SLI) but without RP performed similarly to their typically developing (TD) peers, whereas children with SLI and RP performed significantly worse on an NWR task. The current study was undertaken to investigate whether this difference in NWR performance is also found in a language with a transparent orthography – Dutch. The study included 15 TD children and 29 children with SLI. All children performed an NWR task that included non‐words of 2–5 syllables in length. Children with SLI−RP (N=11) did not differ on any of the four conditions from the TD group, whereas the children with SLI+RP (N=18) scored more poorly on the 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐syllable items compared to the TD group. NWR performance was significantly poorer on the 3‐ and 4‐syllable conditions for children with SLI+RP compared to SLI−RP. To conclude, NWR is specifically affected in children with SLI+RP who are learning to read and write in a transparent orthography. Our data underline the dependency relation between literacy development and NWR performance in children with SLI.
Identifying specific language impairment in deaf children acquiring British Sign Language: Implications for theory and practice
Authors: Mason Kathryn , Rowley Katherine , Marshall Chloe R. , Atkinson Joanna R. , Herman Rosalind , Woll Bencie , Morgan Gary
Published: February 2010

This paper presents the first ever group study of specific language impairment (SLI) in users of sign language. A group of 50 children were referred to the study by teachers and speech and language therapists. Individuals who fitted pre‐determined criteria for SLI were then systematically assessed. Here, we describe in detail the performance of 13 signing deaf children aged 5–14 years on normed tests of British Sign Language (BSL) sentence comprehension, repetition of nonsense signs, expressive grammar and narrative skills, alongside tests of non‐verbal intelligence and fine motor control. Results show these children to have a significant language delay compared to their peers matched for age and language experience. This impaired development cannot be explained by poor exposure to BSL, or by lower general cognitive, social, or motor abilities. As is the case for SLI in spoken languages, we find heterogeneity within the group in terms of which aspects of language are affected and the severity of the impairment. We discuss the implications of the existence of language impairments in a sign language for theories of SLI and clinical practice.
Developmental disorders of language and literacy: Special issue
Authors: Marshall Chloë R. , Messaoud‐Galusi Souhila
Published: February 2010

Language and literacy are cognitive skills of exceptional complexity. It is therefore not surprising that they are at risk of impairment either during development or as a result of damage (e.g. stroke) later in life. Impaired language and literacy can arise from a general learning impairment. However, two developmental disorders, specific language impairment (SLI) and dyslexia, which affect oral and written language, respectively, are ‘specific’ in that they are not part of a more general learning difficulty. SLI and dyslexia each affect 5–10% of the general population, and they are the focus of the papers in this special issue.
Do tasks make a difference? Accounting for heterogeneity of performance of children with reading difficulties on tasks of executive function: Findings from a meta‐analysis
Authors: Booth Josephine N. , Boyle James M. E. , Kelly Steve W.
Published: February 2010

Research studies have implicated executive functions in reading difficulties (RD). But while some studies have found children with RD to be impaired on tasks of executive function other studies report unimpaired performance. A meta‐analysis was carried out to determine whether these discrepant findings can be accounted for by differences in the tasks of executive function that are utilized. A total of 48 studies comparing the performance on tasks of executive function of children with RD with their typically developing peers were included in the meta‐analysis, yielding 180 effect sizes. An overall effect size of 0.57 (SE .03) was obtained, indicating that children with RD have impairments on tasks of executive function. However, effect sizes varied considerably suggesting that the impairment is not uniform. Moderator analysis revealed that task modality and IQ‐achievement discrepancy definitions of RD influenced the magnitude of effect; however, the age and gender of participants and the nature of the RD did not have an influence. While the children's RD were associated with executive function impairments, variation in effect size is a product of the assessment task employed, underlying task demands, and definitional criteria.
Phonological awareness and mathematical difficulty: A longitudinal perspective
Authors: Jordan Julie‐Ann , Wylie Judith , Mulhern Gerry
Published: February 2010

The present longitudinal study sought to investigate the impact of poor phonology on children's mathematical status. From a screening sample of 256 five‐year‐olds, 82 children were identified as either typically achieving (TA; N=31), having comorbid poor phonology and mathematical difficulties (PDMD; N=31), or having only poor phonology (phonological difficulty, PD; N=20). Children were assessed on eight components of informal and formal mathematics achievement at ages 5–7 years. PD children were found to have significant impairments in some, mainly formal, components of mathematics by age 7 compared to TA children. Analysis also revealed that, by age 7, approximately half of the PD children met the criteria for PDMD, while the remainder exhibited less severe deficits in some components of formal mathematics. Children's mathematical performance at age 5, however, did not predict which PD children were more likely to become PDMD at age 7, nor did they differ in terms of phonological awareness at age 5. However, those PD children who later became PDMD had lower scores on verbal and non‐verbal tests of general ability.
Towards a further characterization of phonological and literacy problems in Dutch‐speaking children with dyslexia
Authors: Boets Bart , de Smedt Bert , Cleuren Leen , Vandewalle Ellen , Wouters Jan , Ghesquière Pol
Published: February 2010

This longitudinal study examined the development of phonology and literacy in Dutch‐speaking children at family risk of dyslexia and in matched controls. Measures were administered in kindergarten (before the start of formal reading instruction), in first and in third grade. Children, diagnosed with dyslexia in third grade, showed impaired phonological awareness (PA), verbal short‐term memory, and rapid automatic naming ability (RAN) at all time points, with the deficit in PA aggravating over time. These children also performed more poorly in letter knowledge, word and nonword reading accuracy and speed, and spelling at each time point. Children at family risk of dyslexia who did not fulfil criteria for dyslexia, scored more poorly than low‐risk controls on the literacy and phonological measures that required the most fine‐grained phonological representations. This suggests that the family risk of dyslexia is continuous rather than discrete. Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that PA and RAN were initially the most important instigators of reading accuracy and reading speed, respectively. After 2 years of reading instruction, only RAN predicted reading speed and accuracy. Letter knowledge, reading accuracy, and reading speed also contributed to the development of PA.
Production and comprehension of pronouns by Greek children with specific language impairment
Authors: Stavrakaki Stavroula , Van der Lely Heather
Published: February 2010

This study contributes to the characterization of the deficit in specific language impairment (SLI) by investigating whether deficits in the production and comprehension of pronouns in Greek children with SLI are best accounted for by domain‐general or domain‐specific models of the language faculty. The Greek pronominal system distinguishes between acoustically salient and non‐salient forms, which are both interpreted on semantic/thematic grounds, and non‐salient forms (object clitics) interpreted on syntactic grounds either in spec‐head agreement or syntactic dependencies incurring feature checking through movement/chain formation. The results revealed a significant effect of the syntactic configuration on the production and comprehension of object clitics. Children with SLI were significantly impaired in the production and comprehension of those clitics that enter into operations necessitated by complex syntactic dependencies involving feature checking through movement/chain formation. Thus, the data support the computational grammatical complexity hypothesis and indicate that the deficits associated with object clitics in Greek‐speaking children with SLI result from domain‐specific impairment with syntactic dependencies incurring feature checking at the clause level involving movement/chain formation.
Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Formalin-fixed and Paraffin-embedded Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Using iTRAQ Labeling, Two-dimensional Liquid Chromatography, and Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Xiao Zhefeng , Li Guoqing , Chen Yongheng , Li Maoyu , Peng Fang , Li Cui , Li Feng , Yu Yanhui , Ouyang Yongmei , Xiao Zhiqiang , Chen Zhuchu
Published: February 2010

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens represent a potentially valuable resource for protein biomarker investigations. In this study, proteins were extracted by a heat-induced antigen retrieval technique combined with a retrieval solution containing 2% SDS from FFPE tissues of normal nasopharyngeal epithelial tissues (NNET) and three histological types of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) with diverse differentiation degrees. Then two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry coupled with isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) labeling was employed to quantitatively identify the differentially expressed proteins among the types of NPC FFPE tissues. Our study resulted in the identification of 730 unique proteins, the distributions of subcellular localizations and molecular functions of which were similar to those of the proteomic database of human NPC and NNET that we had set up based on the frozen tissues. Additionally, the relative expression levels of cathepsin D, keratin8, SFN, and stathmin1 identified and quantified in this report were consistent with the immunohistochemistry results acquired in our previous study. In conclusion, we have developed an effective approach to identifying protein changes in FFPE NPC tissues utilizing iTRAQ technology in conjunction with an economical and easily accessible sample preparation method.
From orality to visuality: the question of aesthetics in African cinema
Authors: Papaioannou P. Julie
Published: February 2010

In my essay, I argue against the schism between tradition and modernity in African film criticism that has produced a discourse of the indigenization of the medium based on the economy of African oral traditions and performances. In turn, this discourse of orality has preserved dichotomies
that need to be contested in order to address current expressions in African film. My attempt is to shift the theoretical paradigm towards a deconstructive postcolonial project to assess, rework and negotiate the oppositional positions and confrontational practices that have highlighted most
critical approaches. My analysis also draws attention to Third Cinema and cinematic semiotics, for the questions of spatiality and temporality are pivotal in the multidimensional and dynamic relationship between the film-maker and the viewer.
Comparing media coverage of online risks for children in southern European countries: Italy, Portugal and Spain
Authors: Mascheroni Giovanna , Ponte Cristina , Garmendia Maialen , Garitaonandia Carmelo , Murru Maria Francesca
Published: February 2010

Children's risks associated with the Internet and online technologies have been given great emphasis in media discourses across Europe. Perceptions and representations of online risks seem to be socially and culturally shaped, being rather different from one country to another. This
article provides a comparative analysis of the press coverage of online risks in three European countries: Italy, Portugal and Spain. Being southern and Latin countries, they share some patterns and trends that may have a bearing on social attitudes towards the issue of children and new media.
Through a focus on contextual factors, on one hand, and on the news media, on the other, the comparative analysis concludes that the three countries share relevant similarities but also present differences in the ways their national media systems represent childhood online.
Protection and access: To regulate young people's internet use
Authors: Wold Thomas
Published: February 2010

The focus for this article is the regulation of children and young people's Internet use in public schools and libraries in Norway. In the laws concerning children and media, a two-sided picture emerges; we have laws designed to protect children from possible harm, and we have laws
to secure children's right to seek information. There is a consciousness in society at large that there are certain types of media content we do not want children to be exposed to. At the same time, it is important for youth to have a place where they can privately find information about difficult
and potentially controversial issues. Among other concerns are whether children will believe everything they read on the Net (i.e. a continuation of the textbook hegemony in schools) and the current trend of self-exposure.
Disclosure of personal and contact information by young people in social networking sites: An analysis using Facebook profiles as an example
Authors: Taraszow Tatjana , Aristodemou Elena , Shitta Georgina , Laouris Yiannis , Arsoy Aysu
Published: February 2010

In the context of the European Safer Internet project EU Kids Online, the aim of this article is to address how young people deal with privacy issues in social networking sites, using Facebook as an example. The study on which it is based examined the type of personal and contact information
young people disclose through their profiles. In addition, it assessed gender differences in the disclosure of personal and contact information. A hundred and thirty-one Facebook member profiles were observed, selected to fit the European Commission's youth age range of 1330. Results suggested
that most people regardless of gender enter full name, facial pictures, hometown and e-mail addresses in their profiles. However, males are more likely than females to disclose mobile phone number, home address and instant messaging (IM) screen names. Consistent with the past literature, youth,
especially between the ages of 18 and 22, seem unaware of the potential dangers they are facing when entering real personal and contact information in their profiles while accepting friendship requests from strangers. Recommendations for future research include investigating the levels of
awareness young people have when disclosing information about themselves that can potentially harm them in more ways than one.
Local is beautiful? Governing science-society relations in Europe
Authors: Gonalves Maria Eduarda , Castro Paula
Published: February 2010

In recent years, the introduction of the notions of dialogue and participation in European Union (EU) institutions' discourse concerning science policy signals a change in both the vision of the sciences and of the science-society relation, not unrelated to the EU strategy to improve
its legitimacy through the democratic implication of citizens in the knowledge society. But to what extent are current EU and member states' policies translating these desiderata into practice? How significant has been the shift from the conception of science as objective knowledge to the
conception of science as an open-ended process of research? How far has the move from pedagogical to dialogical methods of producing and popularising science and technology gone? In an attempt to answer these questions, this paper provides a comparative review of policies in the field of the
public understanding of science (PUS) in six EU member states, based on the results of OPUS (Optimising the Public Understanding of Science), a European-funded research project. Our overview endorses the observation that, notwithstanding the EU's homogenising discourse, significant differences
remain in the conceptual framings, as well as in the practical efforts carried out at national level in this area.
The Archers: an everyday story of old and new media
Authors: Thomas Lyn
Published: February 2010

This article explores the evolving relationship between the world's oldest radio soap opera The Archers and the online spaces around the programme created on the BBC Archers website, particularly the fan cultures that have developed on its messageboards. It considers continuities
and changes in listeners' relationships with the experience of radio soap opera which result from participation in these cultures and the availability of the programme online. This article then provides detailed analysis of the nature and functioning of the fan cultures which have colonised
the BBC Discuss The Archers board, and relates this discussion both to Bourdieu's theories of cultural distinction and to the broader field of fan studies. This article concludes by discussing the struggles for meaning which result from the clash of different versions of fandom online.
What is radio for?
Authors: Scannell Paddy
Published: February 2010

Life on Air, A History of Radio Four, David Hendy (2007) Oxford: Oxford University Press, 518 pp., ISBN 978 01995 50241, Paperback, 14.99