bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Medicare Health Care Delivery Systems on Survival for Patients with Breast and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kirsner Robert S. , Ma Fangchao , Fleming Lora , Federman Daniel G. , Trapido Edward , Duncan Robert , Wilkinson James D.
Published: April 2006

Background: Two of the most common types of health care delivery systems in the U.S. are fee-for-service (FFS) and managed care systems such as health maintenance organizations (HMO). Differences may exist in patient outcomes depending on the health care delivery system in which they are enrolled. We evaluated differences in the survival of patients with breast and colorectal cancer at diagnosis between the two Medicare health care delivery systems (FFS and HMO).

Methods: We used a linkage of two national databases, the Medicare database from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program database, to evaluate differences in demographic data, stage at diagnosis, and survival between breast and colorectal cancer over the period 1985 to 2001.

Results: Medicare patients enrolled in HMOs were diagnosed at an earlier stage of diagnosis than FFS patients. HMO patients diagnosed with breast and colorectal cancer had improved survival, and these differences remained even after controlling for potential confounders (such as stage at diagnosis, age, race, socioeconomic status, and marital status). Specifically, patients enrolled in HMOs had 9% greater survival in hazards ratio if they had breast cancer, and 6% if they had colorectal cancer.

Conclusions: Differences exist in survival among patients in HMOs compared with FFS. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including but not limited to, earlier stage at the time of diagnoses. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(4):769–73)
Emerging and Widening Colorectal Carcinoma Disparities Between Blacks and Whites in the United States (1975-2002)
Authors: Irby Kimberly , Anderson William F. , Henson Donald E. , Devesa Susan S.
Published: April 2006

Background: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed and the second most common cause of cancer death in the U.S. Incidence and mortality rates have decreased since the mid-1980s, although more among Whites than Blacks.

Methods: To determine if these racial differences were changing over time, we examined CRC rates in the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program (1975-2002). Rates were stratified by gender, race, anatomic subsite, historic stage, and grade.

Results: CRC rates were higher among men than women and higher among Blacks than Whites, with Black men having the highest rates during the latter years. Prior to the mid-1980s, male CRC rates were actually higher among Whites than Blacks; after which there was ethnic crossover with Black rates higher than White rates, and the gaps are widening. Proximal and transverse CRCs were more common and rectal cancers were less common among Blacks than Whites. Over time, rates for localized and regional stages increased among Blacks and decreased among Whites. Rates for distant stages declined for both racial groups, although less among Blacks. Black-to-White rate ratio for distant stage was ∼1.30. Notably, Blacks compared with Whites had lower grade tumors, despite higher stages and mortality rates.

Conclusions: CRC racial disparities have emerged and widened for three decades. These temporal trends probably reflect complicated racial differences between screening practice patterns and etiologic factors. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(4):792–7)
Smoking and Overweight: Negative Prognostic Factors in Stage III Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Kjærbye-Thygesen Anette , Frederiksen Kirsten , Høgdall Estrid V. , Glud Eva , Christensen Lise , Høgdall Claus K. , Blaakær Jan , Kjær Susanne K.
Published: April 2006

Objective: Smoking and overweight are associated with poorer prognosis in several cancer types. The prognostic effect of smoking and body mass index (BMI) on ovarian cancer is unknown.

Methods: Ovarian cancer cases were from the Danish MALOVA (MALignant OVArian cancer) study. Information on smoking status and BMI was obtained from a personal interview conducted closely after primary surgery. Cox regression models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for ovarian cancer–specific death in relation to smoking variables and BMI.

Results: A total of 295 women with stage III epithelial ovarian cancer were identified and followed to death or for a median of 7.3 years (range, 5.4-9.5 years). Median survival time for normal-weight never smokers was 2.8 years (95% CI, 2.3-3.2) compared with 1.2 years (95% CI, 0.8-2.3) for overweight current smokers. Current smokers had a significantly increased risk of ovarian cancer death compared with never smokers in multivariate Cox analysis (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.22-2.24). The negative effect of smoking diminished with increasing time since a former smoker had stopped smoking (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.80-0.98 per 5 years since stop of smoking). Overweight women also had an increased risk of ovarian cancer death (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.38-2.42) compared with normal-weight women.

Conclusion: Smoking at the time of diagnosis and premorbid overweight were negative prognostic factors for ovarian cancer–specific survival. The negative effect of smoking decreased with increasing time since stop of smoking. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(4):798–803)
Effects of Chemical Form of Selenium on Plasma Biomarkers in a High-Dose Human Supplementation Trial
Authors: Burk Raymond F. , Norsworthy Brooke K. , Hill Kristina E. , Motley Amy K. , Byrne Daniel W.
Published: April 2006

Intervention trials with different forms of selenium are under way to assess the effects of selenium supplements on the incidence of cancer and other diseases. Plasma selenium biomarkers respond to selenium administration and might be useful for assessing compliance and safety in these trials. The present study characterized the effects of selenium supplementation on plasma selenium biomarkers and urinary selenium excretion in selenium-replete subjects. Moderate (∼200 μg/d) to large (∼600 μg/d) selenium supplements in the forms sodium selenite, high-selenium yeast (yeast), and l-selenomethionine (selenomethionine) were administered. Subjects were randomized into 10 groups (placebo and three dose levels of each form of selenium). Plasma biomarkers (selenium concentration, selenoprotein P concentration, and glutathione peroxidase activity) were determined before supplementation and every 4 weeks for 16 weeks. Urinary selenium excretion was determined at 16 weeks. Supplementation with selenomethionine and yeast raised the plasma selenium concentration in a dose-dependent manner. Selenite did not. The increased selenium concentration correlated with the amount of selenomethionine administered. Neither glutathione peroxidase activity nor selenoprotein P concentration responded to selenium supplementation. Urinary selenium excretion was greater after selenomethionine than after selenite, with excretion after yeast being intermediate and not significantly different from either of the other two. We conclude that plasma selenium concentration is useful in monitoring compliance and safety of selenium supplementation as selenomethionine but not as selenite. Plasma selenium seems to reflect the selenomethionine content of yeast but not the other yeast selenium forms. As judged by urinary selenium excretion, selenium in the form of selenomethionine is better absorbed than selenite. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(4):804–10)
Emerging Imaging Techniques
Authors: McVeigh Elliot R.
Published: April 2006

This article reviews recent developments in selected imaging technologies focused on the cardiovascular system. The techniques covered are: ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), microSPECT, microPET, near infrared imaging, and quantum dots. For each technique, the basic physical principles are explained and recent example applications demonstrated.
Interaction of Nitric Oxide and Nitric Oxide Dimer with Silver Clusters
Authors: Matulis V.E. , Ivashkevich O.A. , Gurin V.S.
Published: April 2006

Study of interaction of NO and (NO)2 molecules with silver clusters has been carried out using the hybrid method S2LYP based on density functional theory (DFT). The role of cluster charge and site of adsorption on N–O stretch frequency, adsorption energy and geometry has been investigated. Four cluster models of different size have been used for simulation of (NO)2 adsorption on Ag{111} surface. The pronounced effect of N–N bond shortening in comparison with gaseous (NO)2 has been found due to adsorption of (NO)2 on silver cluster. This phenomenon is important as possible pathway of N–N bond formation in catalytic fragmentation of NO molecule. The calculations showed that the silver octamer is the best candidate for simulation of formation and fragmentation of (NO)2 on Ag{111} surface within the cluster model.
Magnetic and spectroscopic properties of deposited transition metal clusters: A case study for Os on Fe(001)
Authors: Bornemann S. , Minár J. , Ebert H.
Published: April 2006

The fully relativistic KKR multiple scattering formalism has been used for a theoretical investigation of small Os clusters deposited on a Fe(001) surface. In order to account for the influence of spin-orbit coupling on the electronic and magnetic properties of such clusters the calculations were done on the basis of the Dirac equation within the framework of spin density functional theory (SDFT). Furthermore, the dichroism in X-ray absorption (XMCD) was investigated for small Os clusters up to a size of three atoms.
Cluster Origin of the Solubility of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Torrens Francisco , Castellano Gloria
Published: April 2006

The possibility of the existence of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) in organic solvents, in the form of clusters containing a number of SWNTs, is discussed. A theory is developed based on a bundletmodel for clusters, which enables describing the distribution function of clusters by size. Comparison of the calculated values of solubility with experimental data would permit obtaining energetic parameters characterizing the interaction of an SWNT with its surrounding in a solid phase or solution. Fullerenes and SWNTs are unique objects, whose behavior in many physical situations is characterized by remarkable peculiarities. Peculiarities in solutions show up in that fullerenes and SWNTs represent the only soluble forms of carbon, what is primary related to the originality in the molecular structure of fullerenes and SWNTs. The fullerene molecule is a virtually uniform closed spherical or spheroidal surface, having no sharp ridges or dents. Similarly, an SWNT is a smooth cylindrical unit. Both structures give rise to the relatively weak interaction between the neighbouring molecules in a crystal, and promote effective interaction of the molecules with those of a solvent. Another peculiarity in solutions is related to their tendency to form clusters, consisting of a number of fullerene molecules or SWNTs. The energy of interaction of a fullerene molecule or SWNT with solvent molecules is proportional to the surface of the former molecule, and roughly independent of the relative orientation of solvent molecules. A unified treatment is proposed in the framework of the bundlet model of a cluster, in accordance with which the free energy of an SWNT involved in a cluster consists of two components: a volume one proportional to the number of molecules n in a cluster and a surface one proportional to n1/2.
Ab initio studies on the aromaticity of mixed tetramer neutral clusters
Authors: Nigam Sandeep , Majumder Chiranjib , Kulshreshtha S.K.
Published: April 2006

Ab initio calculations were performed to asses the aromatic behavior of mixed tetramer neutral cluster (Be2N2, Be2P2, Mg2N2, Mg2P2). Harmonic vibrational analysis has been performed to ensure the stability of the optimized geometries. The analysis of structure, vibrational frequencies, and molecular orbitals indicates that all these tetramer favor planar atomic configuration as the lowest energy structure and exhibit the characteristics of aromaticity (planarity and two π- electrons in the delocalized molecular orbital). Other than this, the aromatic character of these clusters has been verified based on established criteria of aromaticity such as chemical (extra stability), and magnetic criteria i.e. by calculating Nuclear Independent Chemical Shift (NICS) at the ring centers. The extra electronic stability of these clusters towards donating or accepting of electrons is also reflected in the calculated large ionization potential and low electron affinity
Structural and Electronic Properties of Gold Clusters
Authors: Alamanova Denitsa , Dong Yi , ur Rehman Habib , Springborg Michael , Grigoryan Valeri G.
Published: April 2006

We study the structure and energetics of AuN clusters by means of parameterfree density-functional calculations (N ≤ 8), jellium calculations (N ≤ 60), embeddedatom calculations (N ≤ 150), and parameterized density-functional calculations (N ≤ 40) in combination with different methods for determining the structure of the lowest total energy. By comparing the results from the different approaches, effects due to geometric packing and those due to the electronic orbitals can be identified. Different descriptors that highlight the results of the analysis are presented and used.
Density Functional Study of Beryllium Clusters
Authors: Sun Yan , Fournier René
Published: April 2006

Beryllium clusters Ben (n=2-20) were studied by Kohn-Sham theory with the local spin density approximation. We used a Tabu Search algorithm for structure optimization. The lowest energy structures fall into three distinct categories: compact structures typical of pairwise potentials for n=3–7; cage structures where all atoms have nearly equal coordinations for n=8–14; compact fragments of the hcp crystal at n =15–20. The electronic structure gradually evolves from van der Waals interactions (n =2,3) to metallic(n≥ 13). All clusters have singlet ground-states except n = 6 and n = 9 which are triplets. We also found low-lying excited triplet states at n=8 and 19 and a low-lying quintet state at n =7. In agreement with the jellium model, we find that clusters with n =4, 10, 17, and 20 atoms are especially stable and that the structures for n =4, 10, and 20 are quasi-spherical.
Li and Be clusters: Structure, bonding and odd-even effects in half-filled systems
Authors: Datta Ayan , Pati Swapan K
Published: April 2006

We compare and contrast the structure and bonding aspects in clusters of alkali and alkaline earth metals: Li and Be respectively. The binding energies for both the clusters increase with increase in cluster size, however, for Be, the binding energies increase much rapidly due to stronger cooperative phenomenon. For the high spin Li clusters, the binding energies are moderate and show a remarkable odd-even effect. Similar oscillations are also observed in their π-electron binding energies. The origin of such effects is traced to the ferromagnetic interactions arising from the unpaired electrons for the high spin clusters. On the contrary, for Be, no such odd-even effects are observed due to absence of unpaired electrons.
Electron correlation effects in small iron clusters
Authors: Rollmann G. , Entel P.
Published: April 2006

We present results of first-principles calculations of structural, magnetic, and electronic properties of small Fe clusters. It is shown that, while the lowest-energy isomers of Fe3 and Fe4 obtained in the framework of density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) are characterized by Jahn-Teller-like distortions away from the most regular shapes (which is in agreement with other works), these distortions are reduced when electron correlation effects are considered explicitly as within the GGA+U approach. At the same time, the magnetic moments of the clusters are enhanced with respect to the pure GGA case, resulting in maximal moments (in the sense of Hund’s rules) of 4 μB per atom for the ground state structures of Fe3 and Fe4, and a total moment of 18 μB for Fe5. This already happens for moderate values of the Coulomb repulsion parameter U̴ 2.0 eV and is explained by changes in the electronic structures of the clusters.
The Perceived Fairness of Waitlist-management Techniques for Restaurants
Authors: Mcguire Kelly A. , Kimes Sheryl E.
Published: April 2006

According to a study of the fairness of four common, revenue-enhancing, waitlist-management techniques, restaurants can violate first-come, first-served expectations in seating waiting customers. However, any manipulations to the queue must be done carefully and with a full explanation. Faced with one of several scenarios in which a restaurant violated the first-come, first-served approach, respondents determined that matching waiting parties to available tables based on party size could be viewed as fair, as could allowing guests to call ahead to place their names on the waitlist. On the other hand, taking reservations for large parties drew mixed reviews, and seating VIPs ahead of all guests was generally viewed as unfair. In all cases, respondents thought explaining a policy improved fairness perceptions.
Internet governance in the UK
Authors: Collins Richard
Published: April 2006

Discussion of internet governance has been shaped by three myths: that the market can decide, that the Internet is different to 'legacy' media and that national governance is unimportant. The author challenges these three myths through an examination of internet governance in the UK in 2003/4 and argues that the internet is a layered, not vertically integrated, medium of communication, that three modes of governance prevail hierarchy, markets and networks (self-regulatory). The layers of the UK internet are examined, their governance identified and evaluated, and the conclusion drawn that network governance is a distinctive, but not universally present, characteristic of UK internet governance. Also, contemporary, well-functioning arrangements may be unstable, and stronger hierarchical governance may be required in the future.
Advertising agencies, media and consumer market: the changing quality of TV advertising in Japan
Authors: Kawashima Nobuko
Published: April 2006

Based on the view that an organizational understanding is crucial to the content analysis of cultural products including advertisements, this article examines the economic conditions which determine the production of television commercials in Japan. Unlike the West, where creative agencies are paid fees, the commissionbased remuneration system for agencies prevails in Japan, resulting in a lack of creative rivalry. With the shift from programme sponsorship towards the buying of 15-second spots by advertisers, the prospect for creativity seems limited. As the Japanese markets have become more open and competitive since the 1980s, the stakes have become too high for manufacturers to allow non-conventional, innovative ideas and techniques to be used in television commercials. The way in which the agencies will resolve the dilemma between presenting themselves as the professionals in strategic communications services and insisting on the commission system will further affect the quality of the commercials and media culture.
Mediatized rituals: beyond manufacturing consent
Authors: Cottle Simon
Published: April 2006

The study of mediatized rituals challenges entrenched theoretical views about media power, its locations and determinations and the role of media in processes of manufacturing consent. Contrary to both Durkheimian and neo-Marxian traditions (historically the dominant frameworks in the field of ritual study), some mediatized rituals appear to open up productive spaces for social reflexivity and critique, and can be politically disruptive or even transformative in their reverberations within civil and wider societies. This article identifies and critically discusses six subclasses of mediatized ritual and produces an overarching schema of use in their empirical analysis and comparative theorization. It argues against the deep theoretical suspicions within current academic media discourse toward ritual, and illustrates how mediatized rituals are in fact complexly variegated, exceptional and performative phenomena that periodically summon solidarities and moral ideas of the ‘social good’ and variously serve to exert agency within late modern societies.
Environmental protest and tap-dancing with the media in the information age
Authors: Hutchins Brett , Lester Libby
Published: April 2006

Environmental politics and values gain legitimacy through their constant presence in the media. This article outlines and critiques a theoretical approach that can increase understanding of the relationship between environmental protest and news media representation. Manuel Castells, pre-eminent theorist of the information age and 'the network society', is useful in this regard. He describes the relationship between media organizations and environmentalists as 'tap-dancing'. His explanation of this dance and its choreography, however, is overly general, ignoring its specific features and workings in terms of representation. In order to detail some of these features, we have selected for study Australia's most famous environmental protest and a globally significant moment for green politics: the 1982 Franklin Dam blockade in Tasmania. We argue that it was during this blockade that an enduring pattern of media environmentalist relations was established in Australia, and substantiate this case by examining subsequent protests. The article concludes by critiquing current understandings of media environmentalist relations and explains the dynamics of the mediation process that determines the reporting of protests.
Prevalence of Self-Reported Arthritis Among Elders From Latin America and the Caribbean and Among Mexican Americans From the Southwestern United States
Authors: Al Snih Soham , Ray Laura , Markides Kyriakos S.
Published: April 2006

This study examines the prevalence of self-reported arthritis and arthritis symptoms and their relationship to functional limitations in elders from Latin America and the Caribbean and in Mexican Americans from the southwestern United States. This study includes 8,122 elderly aged 60 and older from seven Latin America and Caribbean countries and 2,580 noninstitutionalized Mexican Americans aged 65 or older residing in the southwestern United States. The estimated prevalence of self-reported arthritis ranged from 23.8% in Mexico City to 55.6% in Havana. The prevalence of self-reported pain among arthritic subjects across all countries ranged from 30.7% in older Mexican Americans to 83.7% in Santiago. Arthritis was independently associated with any Activities of Daily Living and any Instrumental Activities of Daily Living limitation across the eight countries after controlling for relevant factors. Self-reported arthritis and arthritis symptoms are highly prevalent among elders from Latin America and the Caribbean and older Mexican Americans and is a significant cause of disability in all studied populations.
Design of Mechanical Energy Pumping Devices
Authors: Musienko A. I. , Lamarque C. H. , Manevitch L. I.
Published: April 2006

In this paper we study energy pumping phenomena in two- and three-degrees-of-freedom systems of coupled linear and nonlinear oscillators. Energy pumping is a passive, almost irreversible transfer of mechanical energy from the main substructure of the system to the light auxiliary attachment. The mechanism of energy pumping in the systems under consideration is resonance capture. Different designs of systems allowing energy pumping are examined both analytically and numerically. We propose a novel methodology for analyzing the transient response via time evolution of modulating functions. The analytical description of the process in terms of complex variables turns out to be in good agreement with the results of numerical simulations. We show that necessary conditions for applications of energy pumping can actually be provided. We show that it is possible to design a type of gear box (i.e. a system of various attachments connected with the main substructure in turn) providing more efficient energy transfer from the heavy oscillator (the main system) to the light auxiliary oscillator. We also study the design of the nonlinear auxiliary subsystem comprised of two linearly coupled cubic oscillators with different parameters linearly coupled with the main system. We show that such a design can improve the technical characteristics of the energy pumping device.
Adaptive Backstepping Control of Hysteretic Base-Isolated Structures
Authors: Pozo Francesc , Ikhouane Fayçll , Pujol Gisela , Rodellar José
Published: April 2006

The paper considers a hybrid seismic control system for building structures, which combines a class of passive nonlinear base isolator with an active control system. The objective of the active component is to keep the base displacement relative to the ground, the interstory drift and the absolute acceleration within appropriate ranges. The base isolator device exhibits a hysteretic nonlinear behavior which is described by the Bouc-Wen model. The adaptive backstepping approach is used for the control design in order to cope with the nonlinearity and the presence of uncertainties. The control problem is formulated with representations of the system dynamics using two alternative coordinate sets: absolute (with respect to an inertial frame) and relative to the ground. A comparison between the two strategies is presented by means of numerical simulations.
Sensory and attention abnormalities in autistic spectrum disorders
Authors: Liss Miriam , Saulnier Celine , Fein Deborah , Kinsbourne Marcel
Published: April 2006

Individuals with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) often experience, describe and exhibit unusual patterns of sensation and attention. These anomalies have been hypothesized to result from overarousal and consequent overfocused attention. Parents of individuals with ASD rated items in three domains, ‘sensory overreactivity’, ‘sensory underreactivity’ and ‘sensory seeking behaviors’, of an expanded version of the Sensory Profile, a 103-item rating scale developed for the present study. Parents also rated symptom severity, overselective attention and exceptional memory, and completed the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Of 222 rated subjects, 144 had complete data. Cluster analysis showed the predicted overfocused pattern of sensation and attention, comprising overreactivity, perseverative behavior and interests, overfocused attention and exceptional memory in 43 percent of this sample. This pattern was striking in 10 percent. The neurological basis of overreactivity and overfocusing is discussed in relation to the overarousal hypothesis. Attention is drawn to its considerable prevalence in the ASD population.
Theory of mind abilities in young siblings of children with autism
Authors: Shaked Michal , Gamliel Ifat , Yirmiya Nurit
Published: April 2006

Deficits in theory of mind (ToM), evident in most individuals with autism, have been suggested as a core deficit of autism. ToM difficulties in young siblings of children with autism (SIBS-A) compared to siblings of typically developing children (SIBS-TD) would place the former within the broad phenotype. We examined ToM’s possible associations with measures of language, cognition, and daily living skills. Participants comprised 24 SIBS-A and 24 matched SIBSTD aged 4.6 years. They completed the false belief and the strange stories tasks. We also collected measures of verbal and cognitive ability and daily living skills. Non-significant differences emerged between the groups on both ToM tasks. Differences did emerge in within-group associations between ToM ability and receptive language. The conclusion is that SIBS-A show resilience in ToM abilities. Possibly, these deficits are not genetically transferred to siblings, at least as measured in laboratory-based ToM tasks.
Interpreting imaginative lifeworlds: phenomenological approaches in imagination and the evaluation of educational practice
Authors: Trotman Dave
Published: April 2006

Interest in the promotion of creativity and emotional intelligence has been subject to a recent revival in English state education. At the same time, preoccupations in educational policy continue to revolve around themes of efficiency and peformativity. With an emerging focus on the merits of school self-evaluation, the advancement of practice in understanding and evaluating such things as pupils’ creative, imaginative and emotional development is likely to become increasingly necessary. It is in pursuit of this practice that phenomenological approaches to educational research may offer important possibilities for the promotion and qualitative evaluation of these areas. Drawing on the findings of an Ed D study conducted in six primary schools, this article considers perceptions of imagination in education; dispositions to educational practice; and how the use of phenomenological research processes might illuminate and strengthen qualitative evaluation in schools.
On Visuality
Authors: Mirzoeff Nicholas
Published: April 2006

Visuality has become a keyword for the field of visual culture. However, while many assume that it is a postmodern theoretical term, the word was coined by the Scottish historian Thomas Carlyle in his lectures On Heroes (1841). The centrality of Carlyle’s discourse of visualized heroism to Anglophone imperial culture was such that any claim to subjectivity had to pass by visuality. Here lies the contradictory source of the resonance of ‘visuality’ as a keyword for visual culture as both a mode of representing imperial culture and a means of resisting it by means of reverse appropriation. Reading Carlyle in the imperial context leads to a distinction between Visuality 1, which is proper to modernity, and a Visuality 2 that exceeds or precedes the commodification of vision. This tension was played out in the work of Carlyle’s admirers Oscar Wilde and W.E.B. Du Bois and in the politics surrounding the abolition of slavery.
Leadership Competencies: Time to Change the Tune?
Authors: Bolden Richard , Gosling Jonathan
Published: April 2006

This article indicates how the competency approach to leadership could be conceived of as a repeating refrain that continues to offer an illusory promise to rationalize and simplify the processes of selecting, measuring and developing leaders, yet only reflects a fragment of the complexity that is leadership. To make this argument we draw on two sets of data: a review of leadership competency frameworks and an analysis of participant reports from a reflective leadership development programme. A lexical analysis comparing the two data sets highlights a substantial difference with regards to the relative importance placed on the moral, emotional and relationship dimensions of leadership. The implications of these differences are considered, as are ways in which the competency approach could be aligned more closely with the current and future needs of leaders and organizations. In particular, we argue that a more discursive approach that helps to reveal and challenge underlying organizational assumptions is likely to be more beneficial if organizations are looking to move beyond individualistic notions of leadership towards more inclusive and collective forms. Methodological issues are also raised around the comparative analysis (both semantic and linguistic) of apparently incommensurable texts.
The Enchantment of the Charismatic Leader: Charisma Reconsidered as Aesthetic Encounter
Authors: Ladkin Donna
Published: April 2006

This article takes a novel approach to understanding the phenomenon of charisma by viewing it through the frame of the aesthetic category of the sublime. It draws similarities between the account of the sublime as theorized by the Enlightenment philosopher Immanuel Kant, and the theory of charismatic authority as rendered by Max Weber. The resulting analysis contributes insight into the phenomenon in three ways: it serves to locate the experience of charisma as a relational encounter rather than one situated solely within the leader him or herself, it highlights contextual factors which contribute to the experience of charismatic leadership, and it suggests a new way of distinguishing between generative and degenerative forms of charisma based in its relational quality rather than in outcomes associated it. The article concludes that, interpreted as an expression of the sublime, charismatic leadership functions as a means by which followers are empowered to wake up to their own sense of agency to respond in radical ways during times of crisis.
Fantasies of Leadership: Identity Work
Authors: Sveningsson Stefan , Larsson Magnus
Published: April 2006

This article explores middle managerial talk and practice connected to expectations of leadership in a planned corporate cultural change programme. Here we explore how a middle manager positions him or herself in relation to contemporary discourse on leadership. We discuss how managerial claims of leadership in practice seem inconsistent with the actual practice. Based on these findings we suggest that leadership ideas could be seen as a kind of fantasy related to identity work, rather than actual practice. We investigate this fantasy in terms of its various sources and relate the fantasy construction to management education and to the planned cultural change in particular.
Negative Capability and the Capacity to Think in the Present Moment: Some Implications for Leadership Practice
Authors: Simpson Peter , French Robert
Published: April 2006

Two themes that are prevalent in the literature on leadership practice are planning for the future and learning from the past. In this ‘Leading Questions’ piece, we raise the question of whether, in addition, attention needs to be given to a third element that is not well represented in the literature: the leader's capacity to think in the present. We suggest that such thinking requires the capacity to see what is actually going on, in contrast with what was planned for, expected or intended – even when what is actually going on is uncertain or even unknown. In keeping with the theme of this special issue we demonstrate that attending to the present moment is a refrain both ancient and modern, to be found in eastern and western religion and philosophy while having a direct impact on practical modern disciplines, such as psychoanalysis. For example, Wilfred Bion's writings on psychoanalytic theory explore the nature of mental and emotional capacities demanded by this focus on the present moment and its relationship to the development of thought. Using an idea employed by Bion in this context, we suggest that an important dimension of leadership practice is negative capability, which comprises patience and the ability to tolerate frustration and anxiety. This capability can help the leader to retain the capacity to think in the present moment, even in the face of uncertainty. In this context, important dimensions of leadership practice include the ability to embody key thoughts on behalf of an organization and the capacity to contain the impact of the new thinking that can arise in the present moment.
Static pressure–volume curves and body posture in severe chronic bronchitis
Authors: Mentzelopoulos S. D. , Sigala J. , Roussos C. , Zakynthinos S. G.
Published: April 2006

Based on prior data, the current authors hypothesised that beneficial pronation effects on gas exchange and respiratory mechanics might be maximised in severely hyperinflated chronic bronchitis patients. The current authors also sought to elucidate underlying mechanisms and to determine whether pronation effects are reflected by postural changes in inspiratory pressure–volume (P–V) curve characteristics.

A total of 16 mechanically ventilated patients (for 16–36 h) with chronic bronchitis exacerbation were studied in pre-prone semirecumbent (SREC), prone and post-prone SREC postures. Static respiratory system intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi,rs) was >12 cmH2O. Haemodynamics, partitioned respiratory mechanics, gas exchange, and lung volumes were determined at zero external positive end-expiratory pressure. P–V curves were constructed from functional residual capacity.

End-expiratory lung volume exceeded opening volume. Prone positionversuspre-prone SREC resulted in 20% reduced pressure at the lower inflection point (LIP) and 17% increased volume at the upper inflection point of the lung P–V curve, improved lung mechanics and volumes, oxygenation, and carbon dioxide arterial tension (Pa,CO2). In multiple linear regression, postural decreases in PEEPi,rsand additional lung resistance independently predicted postural decreases in lung LIP pressure andPa,CO2, respectively.

In conclusion, in severely hyperinflated patients, pronation reduces lung lower inflection point pressure and increases lung upper inflection point volume. Pronation effects on ventilation homogeneity and carbon dioxide arterial tension are maximised, implying that pronation can be useful during early controlled ventilation.
Integrated care prevents hospitalisations for exacerbations in COPD patients
Authors: Casas A. , Troosters T. , Garcia-Aymerich J. , Roca J. , Hernández C. , Alonso A. , del Pozo F. , de Toledo P. , Antó J. M. , Rodríguez-Roisín R. , Decramer M.
Published: April 2006

Hospital admissions due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations have a major impact on the disease evolution and costs. The current authors postulated that a simple and well-standardised, low-intensity integrated care intervention can be effective to prevent such hospitalisations.

Therefore, 155 exacerbated COPD patients (17% females) were recruited after hospital discharge from centres in Barcelona (Spain) and Leuven (Belgium). They were randomly assigned to either integrated care (IC; n = 65; age mean±sd70±9 yrs; forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 1.1±0.5 L, 43% predicted) or usual care (UC; n = 90; age 72±9 yrs; FEV11.1±0.05 L, 41% pred). The IC intervention consisted of an individually tailored care plan upon discharge shared with the primary care team, as well as accessibility to a specialised nurse case manager through a web-based call centre.

After 12 months’ follow-up, IC showed a lower hospitalisation rate (1.5±2.6versus2.1±3.1) and a higher percentage of patients without re-admissions (49versus31%) than UC without differences in mortality (19versus16%, respectively).

In conclusion, this trial demonstrates that a standardised integrated care intervention, based on shared care arrangements among different levels of the system with support of information technologies, effectively prevents hospitalisations for exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
High ICAM-1 gene expression in pulmonary fibroblasts of COPD patients: a reflection of an enhanced immunological function
Authors: Zandvoort A. , van der Geld Y. M. , Jonker M. R. , Noordhoek J. A. , Vos J. T. W. M. , Wesseling J. , Kauffman H. F. , Timens W. , Postma D. S.
Published: April 2006

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by destruction of extracellular matrix (ECM) in parenchymal areas, whereas the bronchial walls can show fibrosis. In addition, an extensive inflammatory process is observed. CD8+ T-cells, located throughout the lung, and epithelial cells in centrally located airways, produce cytokines involved in the inflammatory process. These cytokines may influence the present fibroblasts, the key effectors in the defective ECM repair and maintenance in COPD.

The current authors explored the effects of the cytokine microenvironment on cell–cell interaction gene expression in pulmonary fibroblasts of controls (n = 6), and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage II (n = 7) and stage IV (n = 7) COPD patients. The current authors simulated thein vivomicroenvironment using supernatants of CD3/CD28 stimulated CD8+ T-cells isolated from peripheral blood of COPD patients, supernatant of a bronchial-epithelial cell line, or a combination of both.

The present data show that fibroblasts of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients display an altered response to the cytokine microenvironment, depending on both the disease stage and the central or peripheral location in the lung. Especially adhesion-related genes are upregulated in fibroblasts of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, which can indicate a more pronounced role of fibroblasts in the inflammatory process in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, possibly resulting in reduced function as effectors of extracellular matrix repair.
COPD is associated with increased mortality in patients with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Restrepo M. I. , Mortensen E. M. , Pugh J. A. , Anzueto A.
Published: April 2006

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who develop community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) may experience worse clinical outcomes. However, COPD is not included as a distinct diagnosis in validated instruments that predict mortality in patients with CAP. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of COPD as a comorbid condition on 30- and 90-day mortality in CAP patients. A retrospective observational study was conducted at two hospitals. Eligible patients had a discharge diagnosis and radiological confirmation of CAP.

Among 744 patients with CAP, 215 had a comorbid diagnosis of COPD and 529 did not have COPD. The COPD group had a higher mean pneumonia severity index score (105±32versus87±34) and were admitted to the intensive care unit more frequently (25versus18%). After adjusting for severity of disease and processes of care, CAP patients with COPD showed significantly higher 30- and 90-day mortality than non-COPD patients.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia exhibited higher 30- and 90-day mortality than patients without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should be evaluated for inclusion in community-acquired pneumonia prediction instruments.
The efficacy of bosentan in inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a 1-year follow-up study
Authors: Hughes R. J. , Jais X. , Bonderman D. , Suntharalingam J. , Humbert M. , Lang I. , Simonneau G. , Pepke-Zaba J.
Published: April 2006

The treatment of choice for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). However, many patients develop a severe progressive small vessel pulmonary arteriopathy that is inaccessible to surgical intervention and is associated with poor survival. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the medium-term efficacy and safety of the dual endothelin receptor antagonist, bosentan, in inoperable CTEPH.

Forty-seven patients with inoperable CTEPH (distal disease or persistent pulmonary hypertension following PEA) underwent evaluation after 1 yr of bosentan therapy. Outcomes included assessment of 6-min walk test (6MWT), haemodynamics and World Health Organization functional classification. Monitoring of serious adverse effects and changes in therapy was undertaken.

Patients showed sustained improvements in 6MWT (49±8 m), functional classification, cardiac index (+0.2±0.07 L·min-1·m-2) and total pulmonary resistance (-139±42 dyn·s·cm-5). Those patients with persisting pulmonary hypertension following PEA showed the greatest improvement. One-yr survival was 96%, and bosentan was well tolerated with only one patient developing deranged liver function.

Although all patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension should be considered for pulmonary endarterectomy, bosentan provides an alternative medical therapy to improve function and delay the progression of this devastating disease in those in whom surgery is not suitable.
Dose-dependent functions ofFgf8in regulating telencephalic patterning centers
Authors: Storm Elaine E. , Garel Sonia , Borello Ugo , Hebert Jean M. , Martinez Salvador , McConnell Susan K. , Martin Gail R. , Rubenstein John L. R.
Published: April 2006

Mouse embryos bearing hypomorphic and conditional null Fgf8mutations have small and abnormally patterned telencephalons. We provide evidence that the hypoplasia results from decreased Foxg1 expression,reduced cell proliferation and increased cell death. In addition, alterations in the expression of Bmp4, Wnt8b, Nkx2.1 and Shh are associated with abnormal development of dorsal and ventral structures. Furthermore, nonlinear effects of Fgf8 gene dose on the expression of a subset of genes, including Bmp4 and Msx1, correlate with a holoprosencephaly phenotype and with the nonlinear expression of transcription factors that regulate neocortical patterning. These data suggest that Fgf8 functions to coordinate multiple patterning centers, and that modifications in the relative strength of FGF signaling can have profound effects on the relative size and nature of telencephalic subdivisions.
Classic cadherins regulate tangential migration of precerebellar neurons in the caudal hindbrain
Authors: Taniguchi Hiroki , Kawauchi Daisuke , Nishida Kazuhiko , Murakami Fujio
Published: April 2006

Classic cadherins are calcium dependent homophilic cell adhesion molecules that play a key role in developmental processes such as morphogenesis,compartmentalization and maintenance of a tissue. They also play important roles in development and function of the nervous system. Although classic cadherins have been shown to be involved in the migration of non-neuronal cells, little is known about their role in neuronal migration. Here, we show that classic cadherins are essential for the migration of precerebellar neurons. In situ hybridization analysis shows that at least four classic cadherins, cadherin 6 (Cad6), cadherin 8 (Cad8), cadherin11 (Cad11) and N-cadherin (Ncad), are expressed in the migratory streams of lateral reticular nucleus and external cuneate nucleus (LRN/ECN) neurons. Functional analysis performed by electroporation of cadherin constructs into the hindbrain indicates requirement for cadherins in the migration of LRN/ECN neurons both in vitro and in vivo. While overexpression of full-length classic cadherins,NCAD and CAD11, has no effect on LRN/ECN neuron migration, overexpression of two dominant negative (DN) constructs, membrane-bound form and cytoplasmic form, slows it down. Introduction of a DN construct does not alter some characteristics of LRN/ECN cells as indicated by a molecular marker, TAG1, and their responsiveness to chemotropic activity of the floor plate (FP). These results suggest that classic cadherins contribute to contact-dependent mechanisms of precerebellar neuron migration probably via their adhesive property.