bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing and Validating Field Measurement Scales for Absorptive Capacity and Experienced Community of Practice
Authors: Cadiz David , Sawyer John E. , Griffith Terri L.
Published: September 2009

Research on knowledge transfer in organizations has been hampered by the lack of tools yielding valid scores for studying critical constructs in concert. The authors developed survey measures of absorptive capacity (the ability to transform new knowledge into usable knowledge) and experienced community of practice (the extent to which a person is engaged with the given practice community) to provide tools appropriate for field research. A holdout sample of 1,971 engineers in a Fortune 100 science/technology company yielded 583 responses. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess internal structure, and convergent and discriminant evidence of validity. Path analysis was used to assess criterion-related validity. Results demonstrate that the new measures are internally consistent, are related in meaningful ways to other organizational variables, and provide distinct explanatory power. An additional 231 responses from a second Fortune 100 science/technology company provides cross-validation.
The Core Self-Evaluation Scale: Further Construct Validation Evidence
Authors: Gardner Donald G. , Pierce Jon L.
Published: September 2009

The authors empirically examined two operationalizations of the core self-evaluation construct: (a) the Judge, Erez, Bono, and Thoresen 12-item scale and (b) a composite measure of self-esteem, self-efficacy, locus of control, and neuroticism.The study found that the composite scale relates more strongly than the shorter scale to performance, perceived job complexity, positive affectivity, personal trust, and belief in a just world. However, the short scale performed well and may be more practical in organizational research. The authors conclude that the 12-item measure is better used in research when participant time is limited and that a composite index is better when time is not a constraining factor in the data-collection process.
Attempted Validation of the Scores of the VARK: Learning Styles Inventory With Multitrait–Multimethod Confirmatory Factor Analysis Models
Authors: Leite Walter L. , Svinicki Marilla , Shi Yuying
Published: September 2009

The authors examined the dimensionality of the VARK learning styles inventory. The VARK measures four perceptual preferences: visual (V), aural (A), read/write (R), and kinesthetic (K). VARK questions can be viewed as testlets because respondents can select multiple items within a question. The correlations between items within testlets are a type of method effect. Four multitrait—multimethod confirmatory factor analysis models were compared to evaluate the dimensionality of the VARK. The correlated trait—correlated method model had the best fit to the VARK scores. The estimated reliability coefficients were adequate. The study found preliminary support for the validity of the VARK scores. Potential problems related to item wording and the scale’s scoring algorithm were identified, and cautions with respect to using the VARK with research were raised.
Homework Purpose Scale for High School Students: A Validation Study
Authors: Xu Jianzhong
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this study is to test the validity of scores on the Homework Purpose Scale using 681 rural and 306 urban high school students. First, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on the rural sample. The results reveal that the Homework Purpose Scale comprises three separate yet related factors, including Learning-Oriented Reasons, Adult-Oriented Reasons, and Peer-Oriented Reasons. This factor structure is tested with the data from the urban sample. Given an adequate level of configural, factor loading, common error covariance, and intercept invariance, the difference between the group means is further tested. The results reveal that urban high school students, as compared with their rural counterparts, are more likely to do homework for adult-oriented reasons.
Weighting by Inverse Variance or by Sample Size in Random-Effects Meta-Analysis
Authors: Marín-Martínez Fulgencio , Sánchez-Meca Julio
Published: September 2009

Most of the statistical procedures in meta-analysis are based on the estimation of average effect sizes from a set of primary studies. The optimal weight for averaging a set of independent effect sizes is the inverse variance of each effect size, but in practice these weights have to be estimated, being affected by sampling error. When assuming a random-effects model, there are two alternative procedures for averaging independent effect sizes: Hunter and Schmidt’s estimator, which consists of weighting by sample size as an approximation to the optimal weights; and Hedges and Vevea’s estimator, which consists of weighting by an estimation of the inverse variance of each effect size. In this article, the bias and mean squared error of the two estimators were assessed via Monte Carlo simulation of meta-analyses with the standardized mean difference as the effect-size index. Hedges and Vevea’s estimator, although slightly biased, achieved the best performance in terms of the mean squared error. As the differences between the values of both estimators could be of practical relevance, Hedges and Vevea’s estimator should be selected rather than that of Hunter and Schmidt when the effect-size index is the standardized mean difference.
Do Student Growth Scores Measure Academic Growth?
Authors: Pomplun Mark R.
Published: September 2009

This study investigated convergent validity evidence for student growth scores with high school course grades. The Measures of Academic Progress and Educational Planning and Assessment System growth scores for approximately 1,800 ninth-grade students over 2 years were related to language, arts, and mathematics course grades for developmental, standard, and honors courses. For mathematics, the results indicated that students in honors courses demonstrated more test score growth than students in standard courses, and students with “As” and “‘Bs” demonstrated more test score growth than students with “Ds” and “Fs.” These relationships were not shown between growth scores and grades in English courses. In addition, the relatively high percentage of negative growth scores for honors students in both mathematics and English courses suggest that more investigation is needed about the use and validity of these growth scores.
Adult Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder in Finland—Project DyAdd
Authors: Laasonen Marja , Leppämäki Sami , Tani Pekka , Hokkanen Laura
Published: September 2009

The project Adult Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder in Finland (Project DyAdd) compares adults ( n = 119, 18—55 years) with dyslexia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia together with ADHD (comorbid), and healthy controls with neuropsychological, psychophysical, and biological methods. The focus of this article is on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Third Edition (WAIS-III). The clinical groups performed well compared to the norms, and they did not differ from each other. However, compared to the controls, all of them were slightly poorer in their Full IQ, and of the factors, processing speed was relatively difficult for all of them. In addition to the group comparisons, a cluster analysis based on subtest scores was conducted over the clinical groups. It did not suggest a solution that would differentiate between the clinical groups. Instead, four clusters emerged: above average, average, poor perceptual organization, and poor working memory. Thus, differentiating between these clinical groups with the WAIS-III was not possible. However, all of them shared a relative difficulty in processing speed, and group-independent clusters with perceptual or memory difficulties emerged.
Denial of Chronic Illness and Disability: Part II. Research Findings, Measurement Considerations, and Clinical Aspects
Authors: Livneh Hanoch
Published: September 2009

The concept of denial has been an integral part of the psychological and disability studies bodies of literature for over 100 years.Yet, denial is a highly elusive concept and has been associated with mixed, indeed conflicting theoretical perspectives, clinical strategies, and empirical findings. In part II the author reviews empirical findings, measurement strategies, and clinical approaches associated with denial, with particular emphasis on rehabilitation-specific findings and implications. It focuses on empirical findings linking the use of denial to a number of psychosocial outcomes, measures that have been employed in the assessment of denial and, intervention strategies to manage denial. Part II concludes with a brief discussion of the implications generated by the current understanding of denial to rehabilitation practitioners and researchers.
The Dark Side of Optimism: Unrealistic Optimism About Problems With Alcohol Predicts Subsequent Negative Event Experiences
Authors: Dillard Amanda J. , Midboe Amanda M. , Klein William M. P.
Published: September 2009

College students were identified who were unrealistically optimistic about the likelihood they would experience severe problems due to alcohol consumption. These individuals were then followed over a 2-year period to determine whether they were more likely to report experiencing a range of alcohol-related negative events. Unlike the majority of studies on unrealistic optimism, this study (a) assessed bias at the individual rather than group level and (b) used a prospective rather than cross-sectional design. Participants completed measures at four times, each separated by 4-6 months. Findings showed that unrealistic optimism at Time 1 was associated with a greater number of negative events at Times 2, 3, and 4. Similarly, unrealistic optimism at Time 2 was associated with more negative events at Times 3 and 4. In all cases, the relationships were significant when controlling for previous negative events, suggesting the effects of unrealistic optimism can mount over time.
Ingroup Identity Moderates the Impact of Social Explanations on Intergroup Attitudes: External Explanations Are Not Inherently Prosocial
Authors: Andreychik Michael R. , Gill Michael J.
Published: September 2009

Social explanations —causal frameworks used to understand group status and action—shape intergroup attitudes and emotions. Yet, different theoretical perspectives offer divergent predictions regarding associations between external explanations —which construe group actions or outcomes as being caused by forces outside of the group—and consequent attitudes toward outgroups. Specifically, whereas the authors’ social explanations framework suggests that external explanations regarding a low-status group will foster prosocial responses, other perspectives suggest that external explanations will foster defensive responses. Four studies using both implicit and explicit measures suggest that predictions from the social explanations framework capture the psychology of dominant group members weakly identified with the dominant ingroup, whereas predictions of defensiveness characterize the psychology of high-identifiers. A major implication is that social explanations do not have fixed meanings and that external explanations—despite being typically seen as prosocial—do not necessarily elicit positive responses to outgroups.
Is American Public Administration Detached From Historical Context?
Authors: Raadschelders Jos C. N.
Published: September 2009

The study of public administration pays little attention to history. Most publications are focused on current problems (the present) and desired solutions (the future) and are concerned mainly with organizational structure (a substantive issue) and output targets (an aggregative issue that involves measures of both individual performance and organizational productivity/services). There is much less consideration of how public administration (i.e., organization, policy, the study, etc.) unfolds over time. History, and so administrative history, is regarded as a “past” that can be recorded for its own sake but has little relevance to contemporary challenges. This view of history is the product of a diminished and anemic sense of time, resulting from organizing the past as a series of events that inexorably lead up to the present in a linear fashion. To improve the understanding of government’s role and position in society, public administration scholarship needs to reacquaint itself with the nature of time.
“Signs of Honor” Among Russian Inmates in Israel’s Prisons
Authors: Shoham Efrat
Published: September 2009

The unique nature of Israeli society as an immigrant society has also affected the prison population in Israel. This article focuses on a social and cultural phenomenon that particularly characterizes the prisoners of Russian origin, the phenomenon of tattoos. Using postmodernist theories, the article examines the function of the tattoo among Russian prisoners and the role it plays in constructing the criminal self-identity of these inmates in Israeli prisons. The tattoos observed during 2005-2006 among the Russian prisoners in four major Israeli prisons reflect the values of the Russian criminal subculture from which they evolved and were imported. This subculture is characterized by a hierarchical class structure and manifestations of machismo, domination, defiance, rebellion, and open antagonism against the Establishment and its representatives.
Control of the Self: Partner-Violent Men’s Experience of Therapy
Authors: Shamai Michal , Buchbinder Eli
Published: September 2009

This study explores the experience of men who participated in programs for partner-violent men by understanding their perceptions of the treatment process, the treatment outcomes, and the meaning they attached to it. The sample included 25 men who completed these programs in agencies that specialized in treating domestic violence in Israel. A qualitative methodology was used to collect and analyze the data. The findings revealed that most of the men experienced therapy as positive and meaningful and underwent personal changes, especially the acquisition of self-control. Deeper analysis of the data, however, shows that the men still used a power scheme in understanding and creating relationships with others, especially with their woman partner. The findings are discussed in light of the complex and contradictory impact of the treatment process as it appears in the participants’ experiences and in the meaning they attached to it.
Nightlife Violence: A Gender-Specific View on Risk Factors for Violence in Nightlife Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study in Nine European Countries
Authors: Schnitzer Susanne , Bellis Mark A. , Anderson Zara , Hughes Karen , Calafat Amador , Juan Montse , Kokkevi Anna
Published: September 2009

Within nightlife settings, youth violence places large burdens on both nightlife users and wider society. Internationally, research has identified risk factors for nightlife violence. However, few empirical studies have assessed differences in risk factors between genders. Here, a pan-European cross-sectional survey of 1,341 nightlife users aged 16 to 35 assessed a variety of risk-taking traits, including violence, sexual, alcohol, and drug-related current and historic behaviors. Results show that the likelihood of having been involved in a physical fight in nightlife increases with younger age, drunkenness, and increasing preference for tolerant venues for both genders. The odds of involvement in a fight for females who were drunk five or more times in the past 4 weeks were almost five times higher than those who were never drunk (odds ratio for males 1.99). Use of cocaine more than doubled the risk of involvement in violence among males. However, no association was found for females. For heterosexual men, the odds for violence almost doubled compared with bisexual or homosexual men, whereas for women heterosexuality was a protective factor. The effects of structural risk factors (e.g., bar and club characteristics) for nightlife violence differed by gender. To develop effective violence prevention measures in nightlife, considerations need to be made regarding the demographic composition of patrons in addition to wider structural elements within the nighttime environment.
Asymptomatic Bradycardia Possibly Associated With Travoprost Therapy
Authors: Yamreudeewong Weeranuj , Dell Allison A. , Pulley Keri R. , Stepp Patricia D.
Published: September 2009

Travoprost (Travatan®), a prostaglandin ophthalmic solution, is a second-line therapy for open-angle glaucoma, according to the Clinical Practice Guideline of the American Optometric Association. Recently, travoprost has been used as a first-line therapy in many patients because of its effectiveness and a once-daily dosing. It lowers the intraocular pressure by enhancing the aqueous humor outflow. Based on the product information, adverse effects such as ocular hyperemia, eye pain, pruritus, and bradycardia have been associated with travoprost therapy. Significant bradycardia is defined as heart rate or pulse of less than 60 beats per minute. We report on an 87-year-old man who experienced asymptomatic bradycardia while using travoprost ophthalmic solution. The pulse in our patient ranged from 42 to 50 beats per minute while receiving travoprost therapy during his hospitalization. Travoprost ophthalmic solution was discontinued because it was thought to be the likely cause of significant sinus bradycardia in our patient. After travoprost discontinuation, the average pulse of the patient was 66 beats per minute. Based on Naranjo’s Scoring System (an objective tool) for assessing the likelihood of drug-induced adverse effects, the score of 3 was obtained, which indicated a “possible” adverse effect. To our knowledge, this is the first case report about significant bradycardia possibly associated with travoprost therapy.
Sub-regional Co-operation in Eastern India and Bangladesh
Authors: Banerjee Pritam
Published: September 2009

The basic premise of an efficient global market is the smooth flow of goods, services, technology and people across borders. This calls for a removal of barriers and reduction in transaction costs for such flows. It is therefore ironic that in a rapidly globalising world economy there are contiguous regions sharing the same geography that have some of the highest barriers and transaction costs, thereby preventing efficient regional market integration. One prime example of such a region, and the subject of this analysis, is Eastern India–Bangladesh (henceforth EIB) sub-region, which occupies the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent.

Appropriate investment in infrastructure (roads, warehousing and inland waterways) and technology can go a long way in ameliorating transaction costs of trading across borders. Technology solutions addressing the problems of Trade Facilitation include Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) between customs facilities within the country and across borders, identification numbers, bar codes or other forms of electronic identification for trucks and cargo containers, the establishment of a freight operation information system for real time monitoring of trains, wagons and cargo and implementation of smart card system for expediting all transactions associated with cross border movement.

Given these issues, this paper investigates the political and technological feasibility of implementing a modern Trade Facilitation system in the context of Eastern India-Bangladesh sub-region.
Financial Market Integration
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Bappaditya
Published: September 2009

In this paper we address some key issues regarding financial market integration. We consider regional indices, country indices as well as sectoral indices for the period 1995–2008. Our main findings are: one, market integration is more prominent among markets, which are at comparable development stage; two, market integration is mostly lead by developed markets; and three, the emerging markets are more vulnerable than the developed markets during times of distress.
Contract Farming in India
Authors: Chakraborty Debashis
Published: September 2009

Contract Farming is operational in India for the last couple of years and an increase in the number of corporates entering the field has been witnessed. This has generated a debate over the effectiveness of the agribusiness model in enhancing farm income and employment, potential impact on small farmers, degree of technology transfer to the farmers, social responsibility of the corporates in terms of adoption of environment-friendly production process, effective management of ex post-opportunistic behaviour of the corporates, etc. It is observed from the literature that barring minor exceptions, contract farming has broadly been a successful affair. A better outcome could be expected if a number of systemic reform measures are undertaken at the earliest. On one hand, the infrastructure level ought to be massively augmented and on the other, contract farming should be formalised in all states, so as to make it binding on both concerned parties.
On Price Dynamics for Different Qualities of Coffee
Authors: Ghoshray Atanu
Published: September 2009

This paper conducts an examination of the price relationships of different qualities of coffee and how prices adjust over time in relation to each other. The main result shows that using threshold models, the coffee market may be considered to be highly integrated, contrary to the results obtained using standard cointegration methods. Further, the results indicate that either prices adjust to any deviation only when they are increasing or decreasing, or that a rise in the price of a high quality coffee might lead to a slower rise in the price of a relatively lower quality coffee, while a decline in higher quality coffee prices might trigger a relatively rapid fall in lower quality coffee. The paper concludes by providing an explanation to this asymmetric price adjusting behaviour.
Use of Workload Analysis for Caseload Establishment in the Recruitment and Retention of School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Woltmann Jeannette , Camron Steven C.
Published: September 2009

Personnel shortages have been a persistent challenge in the field of special education. In particular, shortages in the ranks of speech-language pathologists have been acute for many years. The inability to recruit and retain speech-language pathologists may result in underserving a vulnerable and growing student population. Although there are various reasons for these shortages, a predominant rationale has been poor working conditions, especially large, unmanageable caseloads and increasing administrative paperwork requirements. Proponents of a new methodology for establishing caseload configurations, called workload analysis, claim that this will improve recruitment and retention of speech-language pathologists. This article considers the source, application of, and empirical evidence relating to workload analysis. The conclusion is that there is insufficient evidence to support the claims. A direction for further research on the issue is presented.
The Philosophical Foundations of a Radical Austrian Approach to Entrepreneurship
Authors: Chiles Todd H. , Vultee Denise M. , Gupta Vishal K. , Greening Daniel W. , Tuggle Christopher S.
Published: September 2009

The equilibrium-based approaches that dominate entrepreneurship research offer useful insights into some aspects of entrepreneurship, but they ignore or downplay many fundamental entrepreneurial phenomena such as individuals’ creative imaginations, firms’ resource (re)combinations, and markets’ disequilibrating tendencies—and the genuine uncertainty and widespread heterogeneity these imply. To overcome these limitations, scholars have recently introduced a nonequilibrium approach to entrepreneurship based on Ludwig Lachmann’s “radical subjectivist” brand of Austrian economics. Here, this radical Austrian approach is extended beyond Lachmann to include the work of radical subjectivism’s other noted theorist: George Shackle. More important, the article extends entrepreneurship research by systematically comparing and contrasting the nascent, radical Austrian approach to entrepreneurship with three dominant equilibrium-based approaches: neoclassical, Kirznerian, and Schumpeterian economics. Specifically, the article (a) explicates the paradigmatic philosophical assumptions about the nature of individuals, firms, and markets that underlie these approaches; (b) demonstrates how metaphor is employed as a device to concretize these assumptions; (c) examines the research questions that arise from the assumptions these metaphors reflect; and (d) uses the Japanese “beer wars” of the 1980s and 1990s to illustrate one methodological approach (hermeneutics) researchers can adopt to apply these assumptions, metaphors, and questions to study entrepreneurial phenomena from a radical subjectivist perspective.
Unpacking Agenda Control in Congress: Individual Roll Rates and the Republican Revolution
Authors: Carson Jamie L. , Monroe Nathan W. , Robinson Gregory
Published: September 2009

The twelve years following the Republican revolution provide ideal ground to test existing theories of congressional behavior and organization. The authors examine the incidence of individual roll rates in the U.S. House to “unpack” the degree to which the 1994 election produced a change in agenda control and examine how it affected roll rates. Then, to understand differences in agenda control, we compare majority and minority party roll rates before and after the election. The results confirm majority party influence over the House agenda and show that the Republican leadership exhibited remarkably similar behavior to the Democrats prior to 1995.
Caregivers’ Efforts to Educate Their Children About Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Deblinger Esther , Thakkar-Kolar Reena R. , Berry Eloise J. , Schroeder Christine M.
Published: September 2009

The current investigation examined parental efforts to educate their children about sexual abuse. Approximately 750 surveys were distributed to parents of kindergarten through third grade youngsters (mean age 8.5) in three New Jersey elementary schools. Participants were 289 guardians (39% response rate) who voluntarily completed a survey assessing demographic characteristics, caregivers’ direct or indirect experience with child sexual abuse, and their efforts to educate their children about the issue. As found previously, parents continue to disproportionately focus on strangers as potential offenders and provide limited information particularly in terms of the nature of sexual abuse and the secrecy associated with it. Parents with no direct or indirect experience with child sexual abuse were least likely to talk with their children about the issue in general and when they did so provided less information. These findings were surprisingly similar to earlier investigations despite methodological and sampling differences across investigations. Implications and limitations of the current survey findings discussed.
Update on Safety Equipment for Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) Circuits
Authors: Riley Jeffrey B. , Scott Phillip D. , Schears Gregory J.
Published: September 2009

Though much has been surveyed and written about the equipment aspects of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in the past 10 years, there is value in reviewing the use and nonuse of multiple safety devices and techniques. Minimally equipped ECLS circuits for adult and pediatric bridge to decision during cardiac and respiratory failure are rapidly gaining popularity to maintain simplicity and portability. ECLS circuits employed for long-term therapy are outfitted differently and should include more safety devices. The purpose of this review is to compare and contrast the spectrum of minimally equipped ECLS circuits to circuits with maximum flexibility and safety device protection. Due to the lack of high-level, well-controlled scientific studies regarding ECLS equipment and safety devices, this study reviews the basis for how we use ECLS circuits and devices in our institution to provide safe patient support.
Optimal Time for Initiating Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Haile Dawit T. , Schears Gregory J.
Published: September 2009

The technical evolution of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) coincides with the vast improvement in intensive care medicine of the past 4 decades. Extracorporeal circulatory technology substitutes for acutely failed cardiac or pulmonary function until these organs regain sustainable function through goal-oriented intensive care practice. The technology has been validated to improve survival in select patients who would otherwise have 100% mortality. This is by far the most complex life-sustaining technology employed and thus can contribute significant risks such that the decision to institute ECMO requires prompt risk and benefit analysis. Delaying the institution of ECMO may cause irreversible pulmonary and cardiac injuries in addition to other organs. Therefore, the optimal time of initiating ECMO support is crucial to the survival of a critically ill patient.
When ‘‘No’’ Means ‘‘Yes’’: The Gender Implications of HIV Programming in a Zimbabwean University
Authors: Masvawure Tsitsi B. , Terry Paul E. , Adlis Sue , Mhloyi Marvellous
Published: September 2009

Objectives: This study assessed the nature and extent of sexual risk-taking behavior by students in a Zimbabwean university and identified some of the sociocultural factors that facilitate sexual risk taking by female and male students. The main outcome measures of the study were condom use, number of sexual partners, and attitudes toward gender equity and equality.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was used and a questionnaire was administered to 933 students. Information pertaining to students’ sexual practices, condom use practices, attitudes toward HIV testing, and their beliefs pertaining to women’s role in sexual decision making and a woman’s right to refuse sexual intercourse were among some of the variables assessed.

Results: The vast majority of the university students (83%) are sexually experienced; only a third used condoms at their last sexual encounter; the use or nonuse of condoms was significantly associated with age, sex, marital status, and attitudes toward gender issues. There were also significant differences in the sexual behavior and attitudes of female and male students.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that HIV prevention efforts targeted at university students need to incorporate a discussion of broader cultural beliefs, particularly those pertaining to gender role myths, if they are to be effective.
Human Papillomavirus in Women With and Without HIV-1 Infection Attending an STI Clinic in Vitoria, Brazil
Authors: Coelho Lima Bettina Moulin , Golub Jonathan E. , Tonani Mattos Adriana , Bueno de Freitas Luciana , Cruz Spano Liliana , Espinosa Miranda Angélica
Published: September 2009

We conducted a cross-sectional study in Vitória, Brazil, to assess the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in HIV-positive and HIV-negative women attending a sexually transmitted infection (STI)/AIDS clinic. We also investigated the presence of HPV genotypes and assessed covariates for HIV infection. Enrolled patients received a gynecological evaluation, and cervical scrape samples were collected for cytological analysis and HPV-DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A blood sample was obtained to determine HIV status. HPV infection and squamous intraepithelial lesions were studied in 284 women, 112 (39.4%) HIV-positive women and 172 (60.5%) HIV-negative women. HPV-DNA was detected in 133 (46.8%). HIV-infected women were almost twice as likely to be concurrently infected with HPV than HIV-negative women (OR = 1.87 95% CI: 1.16-3.03). The high proportion of HPV detected among women attending an STI/AIDS clinic, particularly among HIV-infected women, proves the importance of screening this high-risk group in the hope of earlier detection and treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).
Observational Study to Evaluate Clinical Outcomes After First-Line Efavirenz-or Lopinavir-Ritonavir-Based HAART in Treatment-Naive Patients
Authors: Pérez-Elías María Jesús , Moreno Ana , Casado José Luis , Dronda Fernando , Antela Antonio , López Dolores , Quereda Carmen , Navas Enrique , Hermida Jose Manuel , Del Sol E. , Moreno Santiago
Published: September 2009

Purpose: To evaluate clinical, immunological, and virological outcomes after first-line highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with a regimen including either efavirenz (EFV) or lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) in treament-naive adult patients in routine clinical care.

Method: An ongoing prospective, observational follow-up study included all patients starting their first antiretroviral therapy (ART) with any of the studied regimens from July 1998 to July 2004. The follow-up period was finalized in September 2006, when all patients completed an observation of at least 96 weeks. Mortality rates, CD4 counts, viral suppression (HIV RNA below 50 copies/mL), and discontinuation of any component of the regimen were compared at 48 and 96 weeks.

Results: Despite the worst immunological status of the LPV/r group patients at baseline, this regimen was at least as effective as the one based on EFV not only in terms of treatment durability but also in terms of virological responses, nevertheless with an apparently quicker immune recovery. In general terms, both regimens present similar tolerability and safety outcomes except for the higher risk of increasing triglyceride (TG) levels in the LPV/r group. Low durability was observed in both regimens.

Conclusion: In a routine clinical care setting, initial HAART containing LPV/r seems to present an effectiveness, tolerability, and toxicity similar to the one containing EFV.
Adverse Drug Reactions to Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor-Based Antiretroviral Regimen: A 24-Week Prospective Study
Authors: Jena Anupam , Sachdeva Ravinder K. , Sharma Aman , Wanchu Ajay
Published: September 2009

Background: Few studies have addressed the issue of adverse drug reactions with non-protease inhibitor (PI)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-constrained settings. We studied prospectively the incidence of adverse drug reactions with generic ART among our patients.

Methodology: A total of 100 HIV-infected individuals were recruited. Patients received nevirapine (NVP) or efavirenz (EFV) with lamivudine (3TC) and zidovudine (ZDV)/stavudine (d4T). They were followed for 6 months for evidence of adverse drug reactions.

Results: The mean CD4 count was 114.09 ± 60.07 cells/mm3 (range, 12-232 cells/mm 3). Transient gastrointestinal symptoms were most frequent. Fourteen individuals (12 receiving ZDV/d4T, 3TC, NVP and 2 receiving ZDV/d4T, 3TC, EFV) developed skin rash. Among patients receiving NVP, 25.7% developed grade 1 hepatotoxicity. Three patients had numbness in both lower limbs. Among those individuals who received EFV, 32.3% individuals had central nervous system (CNS) symptoms in the form of insomnia, vivid dreams, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Conclusion: As the developing world increasingly uses generic ART, the clinician must be constantly vigilant for treatment-related adverse events.
Lampião, Luiz and Padim Ciço: Three icons of the Brazilian Northeast
Authors: Greenfield Gerald
Published: September 2009

This article focuses on the collective memory within the Brazilian Northeast of three iconic figures, a renowned bandit, a miracle-working priest and a famous singer, identifying and analyzing the attributes that account for their status as regional heroes. It suggests that these attributes form a counter-narrative that casts them as champions of the powerless and victims of injustice, themes that resonate among and reflect the lived experience of the northeast’s masses. This element of resistance later served as a regional counter-narrative to a dominant national history that derogated the Northeast.
Mapping and excavating spectral traces in post-apartheid Cape Town
Authors: Jonker Julian , Till Karen E.
Published: September 2009

This article explores how spectral traces at places marked by acts of violence and injustice allow residents to come into contact with past and future inhabitants of the postcolonial city. We examine controversies surrounding Prestwich Place, Cape Town, an informal burial ground for colonial underclasses that was unearthed when construction began for an upscale ‘New York-style’ apartment and office complex. The human remains that emerged embodied a past that exceeded national narrations of public memory and presented this past as an object of concern for private capital and activists. Rather than offer a biography of the site, we develop two concepts, memorial cartographies and haunted archaeologies, that represent terrains not visible on Cartesian mappings. We understand these narrative strategies as creative acts that honour those who have gone before; both practices encourage us to listen as witnesses to geographies of loss that continue to structure contemporary urbanisms.
Spinning the past: Russian and Georgian accounts of the war of August 2008
Authors: Wertsch James V. , Karumidze Zurab
Published: September 2009

Efforts by national media and political leaders to ‘spin’, or shape the public interpretation of events, are examined from the perspective of collective memory. It is argued that top-down analyses of such efforts overlook essential aspects of how shared national narratives shape collective interpretation and memory. Political leaders’ efforts to manage public discourse about important events provide insight into the existence and structure of ‘deep memory’ and the ‘narrative template’ that mediates it for a mnemonic community. Using the Russian-Georgian war of August 2008 as an illustration, two different national narrative templates are outlined and used to account for radically different views of the war and its causes.
Review: Depression in epilepsy: mechanisms and therapeutic approach
Authors: Mula Marco , Schmitz Bettina
Published: September 2009

In patients with epilepsy, mood disorders represent a frequent psychiatric comorbidity but they often remain unrecognized and untreated. However, comorbid depression may have a major impact on the quality of life of patients with epilepsy, sometimes even more than the seizures. Among the potential neurobiological and psychosocial determinants, epilepsy-related variables (age at onset of seizures, temporal lobe epilepsy and frequency of seizures) and the antiepileptic drug treatment have been associated with depression. Nonetheless, data on treatment strategies are still limited with a lack of controlled trials on the use of antidepressant drugs. Moreover, the issue of psychotropic drug treatment of depression in epilepsy is interlinked with that of worsening seizures. This paper is aimed at discussing all these subjects in the light of current literature on the neurobiology of depression in epilepsy.
Recovery From Injury in Sport: Considerations in the Transition From Medical Care to Performance Care
Authors: Kraemer William , Denegar Craig , Flanagan Shawn
Published: September 2009

Return from athletic injury can be a lengthy and difficult process. The injured athlete commonly receives care from several providers during rehabilitation. As their condition improves, injured athletes resume strength and conditioning programs and sport-specific activities in preparation for return to play. Until full medical clearance is provided to return to sport and the athlete is psychologically ready to return to play, the injured athlete remains a patient regardless of who is developing and supervising each component of the recovery process. An understanding of and commitment to the plan of care for each athlete, as well as communication among health care providers, strength and conditioning specialists, coaches, and the athletes, are essential to the safest and most efficient recovery from injury.
Cervical Spine Injuries and the Return to Football
Authors: Torg Joseph S.
Published: September 2009

Background:

The literature dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of cervical spine injuries is considerable. Absent, however, are comprehensive criteria or guidelines for permitting or prohibiting return to collusion activities such as tackle football.

Objective:

The purpose of this report is to describe developmental and posttraumatic conditions of the cervical spine as presenting (1) no contraindication, (2) relative contraindication, or (3) an absolute contraindication to continued participation in tackle football and other contact activities.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

Analysis of data compiled from more than 1200 cervical spine injuries documented by the National Football Head and Neck Registry, in addition to a review of the limited published literature, plus an understanding of the recognized axial load injury mechanism and extensive anecdotal experience.

Conclusion:

The one overriding principle regarding the return to football or, for that matter, any collusion activity is that the individual be asymptomatic, pain-free, and neurologically intact and have full strength and full range of cervical motion.
Rehabilitation Considerations of a Brachial Plexus Injury With Complete Avulsion of C5 and C6 Nerve Roots in a College Football Player: A Case Study
Authors: Saliba Susan , Saliba Ethan N. , Pugh Kelli F. , Chhabra Abhinav , Diduch David
Published: September 2009

Severe brachial plexus injuries are rare in sports, but they have catastrophic results with a significant loss of function in the involved upper extremity. Nerve root avulsions must be timely managed with prompt evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and surgical treatment to optimize the potential for a functional outcome. This case report describes the mechanism of injury, diagnostic evolution, surgical management, and rehabilitation of a college football player who sustained a traumatic complete nerve root avulsion of C5 and C6 (upper trunk of the brachial plexus). Diagnostics included clinical evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography myelogram, and electromyogram. Surgical planning included nerve grafting and neurotization (nerve transfer). Rehabilitation goals were to bring the hand to the face (active biceps function), to stabilize the shoulder for abduction and flexion, and to reduce neuropathic pain. Direct current stimulation, bracing, therapeutic exercise, and biofeedback were used to maximize the use of the athlete’s upper extremity. Although the athlete could not return to sport or normal function by most standards, his results were satisfactory in that he regained an ability to perform many activities of daily living.
Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections in the Athlete
Authors: Weber Kathleen
Published: September 2009

Context:

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has become of increasing concern in the athletic setting. Appropriate recognition, treatment, and prevention measures are all paramount to protect individual athletes and teamwide outbreaks.

Evidence Acquisition:

Relevant electronic databases (Medline or PubMed) through 2008 were searched. Articles and studies relevant to this topic were reviewed for pertinent clinical information.

Study Type:

Clinical review.

Results:

CA-MRSA is an increasing problem both in the community at large and in the athletic population.

Conclusion:

Early infections based on methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus are often misidentified, leading to delay in appropriate treatment. A high level of suspicion, prompt recognition, and appropriate treatment can minimize morbidity associated with CA-MRSA. Careful selection of antibiotics in suspected cases is important, with more severe infections requiring hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. Eradication of bacteria in colonized patients has not yet proven to be effective. Prevention of infections is multifaceted, and it includes education, proper personal hygiene, routine cleaning of equipment, and proper wound care.
Serum ferritin level changes in children with sickle cell disease on chronic blood transfusion are nonlinear and are associated with iron load and liver injury
Authors: Adamkiewicz Thomas V. , Abboud Miguel R. , Paley Carole , Olivieri Nancy , Kirby-Allen Melanie , Vichinsky Elliott , Casella James F. , Alvarez Ofelia A. , Barredo Julio C. , Lee Margaret T. , Iyer Rathi V. , Kutlar Abdullah , McKie Kathleen M. , McKie Virgil , Odo Nadine , Gee Beatrice , Kwiatkowski Janet L. , Woods Gerald M. , Coates Thomas , Wang Winfred , Adams Robert J.
Published: September 2009

Chronic blood transfusion is increasingly indicated in patients with sickle cell disease. Measuring resulting iron overload remains a challenge. Children without viral hepatitis enrolled in 2 trials for stroke prevention were examined for iron overload (STOP and STOP2; n = 271). Most received desferrioxamine chelation. Serum ferritin (SF) changes appeared nonlinear compared with prechelation estimated transfusion iron load (TIL) or with liver iron concentrations (LICs). Averaged correlation coefficient between SF and TIL (patients/observations, 26 of 164) was r = 0.70; between SF and LIC (patients/observations, 33 of 47) was r = 0.55. In mixed models, SF was associated with LIC (P = .006), alanine transaminase (P = .025), and weight (P = .026). Most patients with SF between 750 and 1500 ng/mL had a TIL between 25 and 100 mg/kg (72.8% ± 5.9%; patients/observations, 24 of 50) or an LIC between 2.5 and 10 mg/g dry liver weight (75% ± 0%; patients/observations, 8 of 9). Most patients with SF of 3000 ng/mL or greater had a TIL of 100 mg/kg or greater (95.3% ± 6.7%; patients/observations, 7 of 16) or an LIC of 10 mg/g dry liver weight or greater (87.7% ± 4.3%; patients/observations, 11 of 18). Although SF changes are nonlinear, levels less than 1500 ng/mL indicated mostly acceptable iron overload; levels of 3000 ng/mL or greater were specific for significant iron overload and were associated with liver injury. However, to determine accurately iron overload in patients with intermediately elevated SF levels, other methods are required. These trials are registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00000592 and #NCT00006182.
Reciprocal role of GATA-1 and vitamin D receptor in human myeloid dendritic cell differentiation
Authors: Göbel Florian , Taschner Sabine , Jurkin Jennifer , Konradi Sabine , Vaculik Christine , Richter Susanne , Kneidinger Doris , Mühlbacher Christina , Bieglmayer Christian , Elbe-Bürger Adelheid , Strobl Herbert
Published: September 2009

Two major pathways of human myeloid dendritic cell (DC) subset differentiation have previously been delineated. Langerhans cells (LCs) reside in epithelia in the steady state, whereas monocytes can provide dendritic cells (DCs) on demand in response to inflammatory signals. Both DC subset pathways arise from shared CD14+ monocyte precursors, which in turn develop from myeloid committed progenitor cells. However, the underlying hematopoietic mechanisms still remain poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that the vitamin D3 receptor (VDR) is induced by transforming growth factor β1 during LC lineage commitment and exerts a positive role during LC generation. In contrast, VDR is repressed during interleukin-4 (IL-4)–dependent monocyte-derived DC (moDC) differentiation. We identified GATA-1 as a repressor of VDR. GATA-1 is induced by IL-4 in moDCs. Forced inducible expression of GATA-1 mimics IL-4 in redirecting moDC differentiation and vice versa, GATA-1 knockdown arrests moDC differentiation at the monocyte stage. Moreover, ectopic GATA-1 expression stabilizes the moDC phenotype under monocyte-promoting conditions in the presence of vitamin D3 (VD3). In summary, human myeloid DC subset differentiation is inversely regulated by GATA-1 and VDR. GATA-1 mediates the repression of VDR and enables IL-4–dependent moDC differentiation. Conversely, VDR is induced downstream of transforming growth factor β1 and is functionally involved in promoting LC differentiation.