bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laughter and Stress Relief in Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kim S. H. , Kim Y. H. , Kim H. J.
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a therapeutic laughter program and the number of program sessions on anxiety, depression, and stress in breast cancer patients. A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 31 patients who received four sessions of therapeutic laughter program comprised and 29 who were assigned to the no-program control group. Scores for anxiety, depression, and stress were measured using an 11-point numerical rating scale. While no change was detected in the control group, the program group reported reductions of 1.94, 1.84, and 2.06 points for anxiety, depression, and stress, respectively (p<0.01,p<0.01, andp<0.01). Scores decreased significantly after the first therapeutic laughter session (p<0.05,p<0.01, andp<0.01). As the therapeutic laughter program was effective after only a single session in reducing anxiety, depression, and stress in breast cancer patients, it could be recommended as a first-line complementary/alternative therapy.
Raman and Fluorescence Spectroscopy of CeO2, Er2O3, Nd2O3, Tm2O3, Yb2O3, La2O3, and Tb4O7
Authors: Cui Jianlan , Hope Gregory A.
Published: May 2015

To better understand and ascertain the mechanisms of flotation reagent interaction with rare earth (RE) minerals, it is necessary to determine the physical and chemical properties of the constituent components. Seven rare earth oxides (CeO2, Er2O3, Nd2O3, Tm2O3, Yb2O3, La2O3, and Tb4O7) that cover the rare earth elements (REEs) from light to heavy REEs have been investigated using Raman spectroscopy. Multiple laser sources (wavelengths of 325 nm, 442 nm, 514 nm, and 632.8 nm) for the Raman shift ranges from 100 cm−1to 5000 cm−1of these excitations were used for each individual rare earth oxide. Raman shifts and fluorescence emission have been identified. Theoretical energy levels for Er, Nd, and Yb were used for the interpretation of fluorescence emission. The experimental results showed good agreement with the theoretical calculation for Er2O3and Nd2O3. Additional fluorescence emission was observed with Yb2O3that did not fit the reported energy level diagram. Tb4O7was observed undergoing laser induced changes during examination.
Experience with Clinically Diagnosed Down Syndrome Children Admitted with Diarrhea in an Urban Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Das Rina , Sarker Anupam , Saha Haimanti , Bin Shahid Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayeem , Shahunja K. M. , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer
Published: May 2015

There is lack of information in the medical literature on clinically diagnosed Down syndrome children presenting with diarrhea. Our aim was to describe our experience with Down syndrome patients admitted with diarrhea by evaluating the factors associated with Down syndrome presenting with diarrheal illness. In this retrospective chart analysis, we enrolled all the diarrheal children aged 0–59 months admitted to the Dhaka Hospital of the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr, b), from March 2011 to February 2013. Down syndrome children with diarrhea constituted cases and randomly selected threefold diarrheal children without Down syndrome constituted controls. Among 8422 enrolled children 32 and 96 were the cases and the controls, respectively. Median age (months) of the cases and the controls was comparable (7.6 (4.0, 15.0) versus 9.0 (5.0, 16.8); p=0.496). The cases more often presented with severe acute malnutrition, developmental delay, congenital heart disease, hypothyroidism, sepsis, hypocalcemia, developed hospital acquired infection (HAI) during hospitalization, and required prolonged stay at hospital compared to the controls (for all p<0.05). Thus, diarrheal children with clinically diagnosed Down syndrome should be investigated for these simple clinical parameters for their prompt management that may prevent HAI and prolonged hospital stay.
EGFR Mutations and Resistance to Irreversible Pyrimidine-Based EGFR Inhibitors
Authors: Ercan Dalia , Choi Hwan Geun , Yun Cai-Hong , Capelletti Marzia , Xie Ting , Eck Michael J. , Gray Nathanael S. , Jänne Pasi A.
Published: May 2015

Purpose: Mutant selective irreversible pyrimidine-based EGFR kinase inhibitors, including WZ4002, CO-1686, and AZD9291, are effective in preclinical models and in lung cancer patients harboring the EGFR T790M gefitinib/erlotinib resistance mutation. However, little is known about how cancers develop acquired resistance to this class of EGFR inhibitors. We sought to identify and study EGFR mutations that confer resistance to this class of agents.

Experimental Design: We performed an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis screen in EGFR-mutant (sensitizing alone or with concurrent EGFR T790M) Ba/F3 cells and selected drug-resistant clones. We evaluated the sensitivity of EGFR inhibitors in models harboring drug-resistant EGFR mutations.

Results: We identified 3 major drug resistance mutations. EGFR L718Q, L844V, and C797S cause resistance to both WZ4002 and CO-1686 while, in contrast, only EGFR C797S leads to AZD9291 resistance. Cells containing an EGFR-sensitizing mutation, Del 19 or L858R, in conjunction with L718Q, L844V, or C797S retain sensitivity to quinazoline-based EGFR inhibitors, gefitinib and afatinib. The C797S mutation, in the presence of Del 19 or L858R and T790M, causes resistance to all current EGFR inhibitors, but L858R/T790M/C797S remains partially sensitive to cetuximab which leads to disruption of EGFR dimerization.

Conclusions: Our findings provide insights into resistance mechanisms to irreversible pyrimidine-based EGFR inhibitors and identify specific genomic contexts in which sensitivity is retained to existing clinical EGFR inhibitors. These findings will guide the development of new strategies to inhibit EGFR. Clin Cancer Res; 21(17); 3913–23. ©2015 AACR.

See related commentary by Ayeni et al., p. 3818
Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Children Treated with Tri-Iodothyronine after Cardiac Surgery: Follow-Up of a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Mittnacht Janna , Choukair Daniela , Kneppo Carolin , Brunner Romuald , Parzer Peter , Gorenflo Matthias , Bettendorf Markus
Published: May 2015

Background: Transient thyroid dysfunction occurs in children after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We demonstrated significant benefits of acute postoperative tri-iodothyronine (T3) treatment for recovery and myocardial function. Now we report the long-term neurodevelopment of these children. Methods: Twenty-eight children (70% of the original study population) could be recruited for a follow-up examination (median age 10.7 years, range 10-19.6 years) retaining the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled protocol. Cognitive function and motor development were tested, as were growth and thyroid and cardiac functions. Results: The median full-scale intelligence quotient of all children was within the reference range and similar in the placebo and T3 groups. Tests for motor and cognitive functions, growth, and thyroid and cardiac functions revealed concurrent results. Conclusions: Overall intellectual development is preserved in adolescents treated with CPB in infancy irrespectively of low postoperative thyroid hormone concentrations. While acute postoperative T3 treatment in children after CPB improves recovery, no significant long-term effects on neurodevelopment could be detected. We therefore speculate that transient postoperative thyroid dysfunction by means of nonthyroidal illness syndrome is predominantly mediated by extranuclear, nongenomic mechanisms and thus acutely affects the cardiovascular system but not the development of the central nervous system mediated by genomic mechanisms.
An Unexpected Result of Obesity Treatment: Orlistat-Related Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Kose Murat , Emet Samim , Akpınar Timur Selcuk , Ilhan Mehmet , Gok Ali Fuat Kaan , Dadashov Mubariz , Tukek Tufan
Published: May 2015

Orlistat is a pancreatic lipase inhibitor which is used to treat obesity. Due to the increasing prevalence of obesity, orlistat use is thought to rise progressively. We report an interesting case caused by orlistat use caught in the early stages of acute pancreatitis through imaging; in addition, the case had significantly elevated serum amylase levels. A 54-year-old male who had a history of orlistat treatment started 7 days before was admitted to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting lasting for 24 h. Abdominal computed tomography revealed peripancreatic fat tissue edema and a heterogeneous appearance of the pancreas. Based on these findings, it was concluded that edematous pancreatitis was in its initial stage. Orlistat is a drug that is increasingly widespread use due to obesity. More attention must be paid when planning to prescribe orlistat to patients if there are risk factors for acute pancreatitis (alcohol use, height, serum calcium and lipid levels).
Factor XIII-A dynamics in acute myocardial infarction: a novel prognostic biomarker?
Authors: Zeri Giulia , Orioli Elisa , Mari Rosella , Moratelli Stefano , Vigliano Marco , Marchesini Jlenia , Grossi Maria Elena , Pecoraro Alessandro , Cuneo Antonio , Ferrari Roberto , Pinotti Mirko , Serino Luisa M. , Ansani Lucia , Gemmati Donato
Published: May 2015

After acute myocardial infarction (MI) the damaged heart has to be repaired. Factor XIII (FXIII) is considered a key molecule in promoting heart healing. FXIII deficiency was associated to cardiac rupture and anomalous remodelling in MI. During MI, FXIII contributes firstly to the intracoronary thrombus formation and shortly after to heal the myocardial lesion. To quantify the real contribution of FXIII in this process, and to explore its possible prognostic role, we monitored the FXIII-A subunit levels in 350 acute MI patients during the first six days (d0-d5) plus a control at 30–60 days (d30). A one-year follow-up was performed for all the patients. A transient drop in the FXIII-A mean level was noted in the whole cohort of patients (FXIII-Ad0 99.48 ± 30.5 vs FXIII-Ad5 76.51 ± 27.02; p< 0.0001). Interestingly, those who developed post-MI heart failure showed the highest drop (FXIII-Ad5 52.1 ± 25.2) and they already presented with low levels at recruitment. Similarly, those who died showed the same FXIII-A dynamic (FXIII-Ad5 54.0 ± 22.5). Conversely, patients who remained free of major adverse cardiac events, had lower consuming (FXIII-Ad0 103.6 ± 29.1 vs FXIII-Ad5 84.4 ± 24.5; p< 0.0001). Interestingly, the FXIII-A drop was independent from the amount of injury assessed by TnT and CKMB levels. The survival analysis ascribed an increased probability of early death or heart failure inversely related to FXIII-A quartiles (FXIII-A25th< 59.5 %; hazard ratio 4.25; 2.2–5.1; p< 0.0001). Different FXIII-A dynamics and levels could be utilised as early prognostic indicators during acute MI, revealing the individual potential to heal and suggesting tailored treatments to avoid heart failure or its extreme consequence.

Note: This paper was presented in part at the 14th Congress of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Amsterdam, Netherlands, June 29 – July 24, 2013.
Identification of deep intronic variants in 15 haemophilia A patients by next generation sequencing of the whole factor VIII gene
Authors: Wolf Beat , Oldenburg Johannes , Müller Clemens , Rost Simone , Bach Elisa
Published: May 2015

Current screening methods for factor VIII gene (F8) mutations can reveal the causative alteration in the vast majority of haemophilia A patients. Yet, standard diagnostic methods fail in about 2 % of cases. This study aimed at analysing the entire intronic sequences of the F8 gene in 15 haemophilia A patients by next generation sequencing. All patients had a mild to moderate phenotype and no mutation in the coding sequence and splice sites of the F8 gene could be diagnosed so far. Next generation sequencing data revealed 23 deep intronic candidate variants in several F8 introns, including six recurrent variants and three variants that have been described before. One patient additionally showed a deletion of 9.2 kb in intron 1, mediated by Alu-type repeats. Several bioinformatic tools were used to score the variants in comparison to known pathogenic F8 mutations in order to predict their deleteriousness. Pedigree analyses showed a correct segregation pattern for three of the presumptive mutations. In each of the 15 patients analysed, at least one deep intronic variant in the F8 gene was identified and predicted to alter F8 mRNA splicing. Reduced F8 mRNA levels and/or stability would be well compatible with the patients’ mild to moderate haemophilia A phenotypes. The next generation sequencing approach used proved an efficient method to screen the complete F8 gene and could be applied as a one-stop sequencing method for molecular diagnostics of haemophilia A.

Note: The work was carried out at the Department of Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Biocenter, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany. New
Acute phase treatment of VTE: Anticoagulation, including non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants
Authors: Hillis Christopher M. , Crowther Mark A.
Published: May 2015

The acute phase of venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment focuses on the prompt and safe initiation of full-dose anticoagulation to decrease morbidity and mortality. Immediate management consists of resuscitation, supportive care, and thrombolysis for patients with haemodynamically significant pulmonary embolism (PE) or limb-threatening deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). Patients with contraindications to anticoagulants are considered for vena cava filters. Disposition for the acute treatment of VTE is then considered based on published risk scores and the patient's social status, as the first seven days carries the highest risk for VTE recurrence, extension and bleeding due to anticoagulation. Next, a review of: immediate and long-term bleeding risk, comorbidities (i. e. active cancer, renal failure, obesity, thrombophilia), medications, patient preference, VTE location and potential for pregnancy should be undertaken. This will help determine the most suitable anticoagulant for immediate treatment. The non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), including the factor Xa inhibitors apixaban, edoxaban and rivaroxaban as well as the directthrombin inhibitor dabigatran, are increasing the convenience of and options available for VTE treatment. Current options for immediate treatment include low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), unfractionated heparin (UFH), fondaparinux, apixaban, or rivaroxaban. LMWH or UFH may be continued as monotherapy or transitioned to treatment with a VKA, dabigatran or edoxaban. This review describes the upfront treatment of VTE and the evolving role of NOACs in the contemporary management of VTE.
Supplemental dose of antithrombin use in disseminated intravascular coagulation patients after abdominal sepsis
Authors: Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo , Tagami Takashi
Published: May 2015

The effectiveness of supplemental dose antithrombin administration (1,500 to 3,000 IU/ day) for patients with sepsis-associated disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), especially sepsis due to abdominal origin, remains uncertain. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with mechanically ventilated septic shock and DIC after emergency surgery for perforation of the lower intestinal tract using a nationwide administrative database, Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database. A total of 2,164 patients treated at 612 hospitals during the 33-month study period between 2010 and 2013 were divided into an antithrombin group (n=1,021) and a control group (n=1,143), from which 518 propensity score-matched pairs were generated. Although there was no significant 28-day mortality difference between the two groups in the unmatched groups (control vs antithrombin: 25.7 vs 22.9 %; difference, 2.8 %; 95 % confidence interval [CI], –0.8–6.4), a significant difference existed between the two groups in propensity-score weighted groups (26.3 vs 21.7 %; difference, 4.6 %; 95 % CI, 2.0–7.1) and propensity-score matched groups (27.6 vs 19.9 %; difference, 7.7 %; 95 % CI, 2.5–12.9). Logistic regression analyses showed a significant association between antithrombin use and lower 28-day mortality in propensity-matched groups (odds ratio, 0.65; 95 % CI, 0.49–0.87). Analysis using the hospital antithrombin-prescribing rate as an instrumental variable showed that receipt of antithrombin was associated with a 6.5 % (95 % CI, 0.05–13.0) reduction in 28-day mortality. Supplemental dose of antithrombin administration may be associated with reduced 28-day mortality in sepsis-associated DIC patients after emergency laparotomy for intestinal perforation.
Molecular Controls of Arterial Morphogenesis
Authors: Simons Michael , Eichmann Anne
Published: May 2015

Formation of arterial vasculature, here termed arteriogenesis, is a central process in embryonic vascular development as well as in adult tissues. Although the process of capillary formation, angiogenesis, is relatively well understood, much remains to be learned about arteriogenesis. Recent discoveries point to the key role played by vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in control of this process and to newly identified control circuits that dramatically influence its activity. The latter can present particularly attractive targets for a new class of therapeutic agents capable of activation of this signaling cascade in a ligand-independent manner, thereby promoting arteriogenesis in diseased tissues.
MicroRNAs and Cardiac Regeneration
Authors: Hodgkinson Conrad P. , Kang Martin H. , Dal-Pra Sophie , Mirotsou Maria , Dzau Victor J.
Published: May 2015

The human heart has a limited capacity to regenerate lost or damaged cardiomyocytes after cardiac insult. Instead, myocardial injury is characterized by extensive cardiac remodeling by fibroblasts, resulting in the eventual deterioration of cardiac structure and function. Cardiac function would be improved if these fibroblasts could be converted into cardiomyocytes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs that promote mRNA degradation and inhibit mRNA translation, have been shown to be important in cardiac development. Using this information, various researchers have used miRNAs to promote the formation of cardiomyocytes through several approaches. Several miRNAs acting in combination promote the direct conversion of cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes. Moreover, several miRNAs have been identified that aid the formation of inducible pluripotent stem cells and miRNAs also induce these cells to adopt a cardiac fate. MiRNAs have also been implicated in resident cardiac progenitor cell differentiation. In this review, we discuss the current literature as it pertains to these processes, as well as discussing the therapeutic implications of these findings.
Misdiagnosis of Myocardial Infarction Related to Limitations of the Current Regulatory Approach to Define Clinical Decision Values for Cardiac Troponin
Authors: Wildi Karin , Gimenez Maria Rubini , Twerenbold Raphael , Reichlin Tobias , Jaeger Cedric , Heinzelmann Amely , Arnold Christiane , Nelles Berit , Druey Sophie , Haaf Philip , Hillinger Petra , Schaerli Nicolas , Kreutzinger Philipp , Tanglay Yunus , Herrmann Thomas , Moreno Weidmann Zoraida , Krivoshei Lian , Freese Michael , Stelzig Claudia , Puelacher Christian , Rentsch Katharina , Osswald Stefan , Mueller Christian
Published: May 2015

Background—

Misdiagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may significantly harm patients and may result from inappropriate clinical decision values (CDVs) for cardiac troponin (cTn) owing to limitations in the current regulatory process.

Methods and Results—

In an international, prospective, multicenter study, we quantified the incidence of inconsistencies in the diagnosis of AMI using fully characterized and clinically available high-sensitivity (hs) cTn assays (hs-cTnI, Abbott; hs-cTnT, Roche) among 2300 consecutive patients with suspected AMI. We hypothesized that the approved CDVs for the 2 assays are not biologically equivalent and might therefore contribute to inconsistencies in the diagnosis of AMI. Findings were validated by use of sex-specific CDVs and parallel measurements of other hs-cTnI assays. AMI was the adjudicated diagnosis in 473 patients (21%). Among these, 86 patients (18.2%) had inconsistent diagnoses when the approved uniform CDV was used. When sex-specific CDVs were used, 14.1% of female and 22.7% of male AMI patients had inconsistent diagnoses. Using biologically equivalent CDV reduced inconsistencies to 10% (
P
<0.001). These findings were confirmed with parallel measurements of other hs-cTn assays. The incidence of inconsistencies was only 7.0% for assays with CDVs that were nearly biologically equivalent. Patients with inconsistent AMI had long-term mortality comparable to that of patients with consistent diagnoses (
P
=NS) and a trend toward higher long-term mortality than patients diagnosed with unstable angina (
P
=0.05).

Conclusions—

Currently approved CDVs are not biologically equivalent and contribute to major inconsistencies in the diagnosis of AMI. One of 5 AMI patients will receive a diagnosis other than AMI if managed with the alternative hs-cTn assay.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00470587.
Comprehensive Stroke Centers May Be Associated With Improved Survival in Hemorrhagic Stroke
Authors: McKinney James S. , Cheng Jerry Q. , Rybinnik Igor , Kostis John B. ,   the Myocardial Infarction Data Acquisition System (MIDAS 22) Study Group
Published: May 2015

Background

Comprehensive stroke centers (
CSC
s) provide a full spectrum of neurological and neurosurgical services to treat complex stroke patients.
CSC
s have been shown to improve clinical outcomes and mitigate disparities in ischemic stroke patients. It is believed that
CSC
s also improve outcomes in hemorrhagic stroke.

Methods and Results

We used the Myocardial Infarction Data Acquisition System (
MIDAS
) database, which includes data on patients discharged with a primary diagnosis of intracerebral hemorrhage (
ICH;
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision [
ICD
‐9] 431) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (
SAH; ICD
‐9 430) from all nonfederal acute care hospitals in New Jersey (
NJ
) between 1996 and 2012. Out‐of‐hospital deaths were assessed by matching
MIDAS
records with
NJ
death registration files. The primary outcome variable was 90‐day all‐cause mortality. The primary independent variable was
CSC
versus primary stroke center (
PSC
) and nonstroke center (
NSC
) admission. Multivariate logistic models were used to measure the effects of available covariates. Overall, 36 981 patients were admitted with a primary diagnosis of
ICH
or
SAH
during the study period, of which 40% were admitted to a
CSC
. Patients admitted to
CSC
s were more likely to have neurosurgical or endovascular interventions than those admitted to a
PSC
/
NSC
(18.9% vs. 4.7%;
P
<0.0001).
CSC
admission was associated with lower adjusted 90‐day mortality (35.0% vs. 40.3%; odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.89 to 0.97) for hemorrhagic stroke. This was particularly true for those admitted with
SAH
.

Conclusions

Hemorrhagic stroke patients admitted to
CSC
s are more likely to receive neurosurgical and endovascular treatments and be alive at 90 days than patients admitted to other hospitals.
“The Most Satisfactory Villain That Ever Was”: Charles W. Upham and The House of the Seven Gables
Authors: Cook Jonathan A.
Published: May 2015

In The House of the Seven Gables, Nathaniel Hawthorne performed a multilevel act of literary revenge against Charles W. Upham, the politician and former minister responsible for his dismissal from the Salem Custom House, by caricaturing him in the person of Judge Pyncheon in a portrait rich with biographical and historical allusions.
The “Contact of Living Souls”: Shepard Gilbert’s Civics Education in Reconstruction South Carolina
Authors: Mann Robert G.
Published: May 2015

Just after the Civil War, a Harvard graduate from Massachusetts receives a civics education from former slaves in South Carolina that radically transforms his life and his beliefs. It is a story that challenges commonly held views of Northern adventurers in the Reconstruction South.
The Clustering of Bullying and Cyberbullying Behaviour within Australian Schools
Authors: Shaw Thérèse , Cross Donna
Published: May 2015

Bullying between students at school can seriously affect students' health and academic outcomes. To date, little is known regarding the extent to which bullying behaviour is clustered within certain schools rather than similarly prevalent across all schools. Additionally, studies of bullying behaviour in schools that do not account for clustering of such behaviour by students within the same school are likely to be underpowered and yield imprecise estimates. This article presents intraclass correlation (ICC) values for bullying victimisation and perpetration measures based on a large representative sample of 106 Australian schools. Results show that bullying is not confined to specific schools and school differences contribute little to explaining students' bullying behaviour. Despite this, seemingly negligible ICC values can substantially affect the sample sizes required to attain sufficiently powered studies, when large numbers of students are sampled per school. Sample size calculations are illustrated.
Assessment of Professional Development for Teachers in the Vocational Education and Training Sector: An Examination of the Concerns Based Adoption Model
Authors: Saunders Rebecca
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this article is to describe the use of the Concerns Based Adoption Model (Hall & Hord, 2006) as a conceptual lens and practical methodology for professional development program assessment in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. In this sequential mixed-methods study, findings from the first two phases (two of five) of data collection and analysis are used as examples to profile the journeys of professional change experienced by 27 VET teachers involved in a four-year systemic-change professional-development initiative designed to extend and refine their pedagogical practice. The examples support the view that a Concerns Based Adoption Model provides an effective framework for better understanding teachers' professional change in a VET context. The conceptual and practical usefulness of this approach is discussed in terms of its implications for the future design, implementation and assessment of professional development initiatives.
Selling Visions for Education: What Do Australian Politicians Believe in, Who are They Trying to Convince and How?
Authors: Pitman Tim
Published: May 2015

This article analyses the educational visions put forward by Australian federal politicians in their maiden (first) speeches to Parliament. The theoretical approach was a Habermasian-based analysis of the communication strategies adopted by the politicians, meaning that it was not only the content of the speeches but also the delivery that was the focus of the analysis. The findings reveal bipartisan agreement on the importance of education to personal and national economic prosperity, and the importance of quality in education. There were ideologically opposed beliefs in the importance of personal choice and responsibility in education on the one hand, and the need for a democratic and equitable education system on the other. Communicatively, politicians from both sides preferred axiomatic ‘truths’ as a strategic tool to support their various positions, as opposed to strategies of ‘sincerity’ or ‘rightness’.
Public Anticipation Yet Private Realisation: The Effects of Using Cases as an Approach to Developing Teacher Leaders
Authors: Clemans Allie , Berry Amanda , Loughran John
Published: May 2015

Recent research has begun to conceptualise the professional learning of practising teachers who take on leadership roles in schools. In this vein, this article draws on a qualitative interview-based study designed to investigate case writing as a professional learning approach. It focuses on the way in which writing of a published case encouraged teacher leaders to articulate their growing knowledge about leadership. Data indicate that teacher leaders' anticipation of a public audience for their case writing was the feature that compelled them to consolidate and articulate their knowledge. But teachers' traditional positioning as knowledge consumers (rather than as knowledge producers) led to their fragile confidence to later share the professional knowledge they had developed. The outcomes of this study hold implications for case writing as an approach to developing teacher leaders and for professional learning programs that seek to shift practitioner and public knowledge of teacher leadership into professional communities.
Prospective Teachers' Interest in Teaching, Professional Plans about Teaching and Career Choice Satisfaction: A Relevant Framework?
Authors: Eren Altay
Published: May 2015

This study aimed to examine the relationships among prospective teachers' interest in teaching, professional engagement and career development aspirations, and career choice satisfaction. A total of 602 prospective teachers from various primary (for example, primary school teaching) and secondary (for example, English language teaching) teacher education programs of a large university in Turkey participated voluntarily in the study. The results show that, regardless of the effects of demographic variables such as gender, age, year of study or fields of study, the prospective teachers' interest in teaching can be identified through three distinctly different profiles: high, medium and low interest in teaching. Results of the present study also demonstrate that the profiles of prospective teachers' interest in teaching were significantly related to their career choice satisfaction and professional plans.
Building BRIDGES
Authors: O’Connor Rollanda E. , Beach Kristen D. , Sanchez Victoria M. , Bocian Kathleen M. , Flynn Lindsay J.
Published: May 2015

We tested the effects of teaching reading skills through U.S. history content for 38 eighth-grade poor readers whose reading ability ranged from second- to fourth-grade levels. Half of the students received special education services, and half of the students were English language learners. Students were taught to decode multisyllabic words, learn meanings of academic words, and identify cause-and-effect relationships. They used easy levels of history text and then bridged into more difficult text accounts of the same events. Results showed gains in performance across each cycle in each reading component. Comparisons between students in the intervention and their typically developing peers showed stronger gains for intervention students in vocabulary and comprehension strategies. Students with disabilities who received instruction in causes and effects of historical events scored similarly to typical readers in their general education history classes.
The challenges in developing cross-national social work curricula
Authors: Crisp Beth R
Published: May 2015

Increasing expectations that social work education incorporate international perspectives and prepare graduates to work in cross-national contexts is resulting in schools of social work in different countries collaborating in curriculum development. This article reports on one such collaboration involving four Australian and four European schools of social work which struggled to develop elements of curriculum that could be used by all partners, and identifies issues that international collaborations need to take account of in the planning and implementing of shared curriculum.
Connections and Spiritual Myopia
Authors: Gatfield Terry
Published: May 2015

The term ‘revelation’, in the wide context, for most Christians is usually directed towards God revealing His nature and purposes. The scriptures through the ages, from a Protestant tradition, have been the primary source. As critical as the scriptures are from the standpoint of revelation, the nature of God is also declared substantively in creation and the natural world (general revelation). God also expresses Himself through His people in the arts, music, dance, drama, colour, shape, form and even in silences. These aspects are seldom given the spiritual focus deemed important to aid us in becoming increasingly connected to God. This paper assists in trying to expand our connectivity. It suggests that a possible connection deficit can largely be traced to our myopic Western leanings towards renaissance thought and reformation domination as echoed in contemporary culture. It is implied that Western modernity has been hallmarked by the quest of science and objectivity in the search for meaning at the expense of spirituality as reflected in ‘general revelation’. To provide additional light on our understanding the work of Carl Jung is examined in the area of how we receive information and make connections. The paper includes a section on the implications for educationalists. The conclusion suggested is that we may need to reconsider how we connect with God in more meaningful dimensions and to consider developing a broader horizon of understanding by allowing multiple revelations to aid us in forming a richer understanding of God's nature and purposes.
Islamic and Christian Axiology (A Comparative Study)
Authors: Alavi Hamid Reza
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this article is to describe and compare from a non-Western perspective some Islamic and Christian viewpoints regarding axiology, and the effect of axiology on education. The subjects which are considered in this article are: what is value; what is valuable and good; whether we have some absolute and constant, and even objective and intrinsic, values that are valuable for all humans in all places and times; what is the responsibility of people, and particularly teachers and students, regarding these values; what teachers should do and how they should instruct and teach so that their students commit themselves to these values, and may become good, spiritual, moral, and religious persons. In this research, more emphasis has been placed on the description of the similarities - not differences - between these two religions. To accomplish the goal of the research, the viewpoints of the Qur'an and the Bible and a number of Islamic and Christian scholars have been described and compared.
Is School Chaplaincy Being Secularised?
Authors: Hill Brian V.
Published: May 2015

The recent Australian government initiative to provide funding for chaplains in both state and non-state schools raises a variety of issues. From a historical and legislative perspective, some question again the long established legislative support for various forms of religious instruction in government schools, as well as the essential meaning of the separation of Church and State in Australia. More contemporary concerns have to do with community involvements in schools and the extent to which chaplaincy intersects with the many issues in ‘values education’. This recent Commonwealth involvement in schooling raises questions concerning the exact nature of the initiative and its intended outcomes. Hill concludes his treatment by examining ethical issues for such chaplains in whatever school system.
Interdenominationalism: Then and Now, with Special Reference to Scripture Union
Authors: Andersen William E.
Published: May 2015

Interdenominational bodies have a long and worthy history. Generally they have been enthusiastic, committed and targeted, with rather specialised evangelistic goals. But are they a ‘church’ or ‘church-like’? This paper argues for a sensible division of labour with established churches, but holds that both the more institutional and the voluntary specialised bodies are both ‘church’, and that the latter are not merely useful adjuncts. A sound interdenominational group needs to develop a strong theological basis, a clear aim and set of working principles, normative for its participants. If so, its cutting-edge will be apparent without, and its rare, lovely fellowship within.
Does Interdenominationalism Have a Future?
Authors: Hill Brian V
Published: May 2015

As democratic societies become more urbanised, pluralistic and science-driven, there are Secularist pressures to marginalise the Christian presence. At the same time, young and old are being put at greater risk from malign influences which threaten to sap their lives of meaning and worthy values. How are Christians to make an impact for good in the public domain, particularly in the school lives of children? This paper argues that in a post-Christian climate, interdenominational cooperatives, often in partnership with groups of local churches, are best positioned to minister acceptably and relevantly among their unchurched neighbours.
Identity Formation through Classroom Conversations and Collaboration with the Spirit
Authors: Holm Neil
Published: May 2015

Miroslav Volf argues that God intends human beings to be co-workers with God in completing creation. Teachers in the classroom can be co-workers with God through the formation of students. Formation occurs, in part, through mutual relationships such as those between the person of the teacher and the person of the pupil.

Conversations are important to formation and the Holy Spirit makes a major contribution to revelatory conversations. Martin Buber, Parker Palmer, Rowan Williams, and Simone Weil show how conversations contribute to formation and to the creation of a mutual presence and grace between conversational partners so that there is an exchange of words and feelings that resonates with the creative word of God working in the depths of the identity of each person. This process is described as a spiritual theology of teaching.
The Marxist and Christian Views of the Nature of Man
Authors: Fallding Harold
Published: May 2015

Comparing the Marxist and Christian views of man is a fascinating exercise because of the parallelism between them. If we explore them via that parallelism we are made to realize how far apart they are. Yet in one popular estimate Marxism and Christianity are taken to be just about bedfellows! This presentation therefore is planned to lead up to that question. The basic parallel between the views is that both consider that man, at the point where they each discover him, is not truly himself. Something has got in the way of his fulfilment in authentic selfhood. Yet both are optimistic about the outcome, for they consider that a way to that is open. Man is fallen, but may be restored—and, indeed, shall be.
The Effect of the Sociology of Religion on Theology, a Holy Struggle for Power: A Mini-Festschrift
Authors: Mol Hans
Published: May 2015

Jesus' kingdom involves suffering and self-denying service, unlike the power hierarchy of a worldly order. In his commentary on Matthew, Calvin saw that holy organizations are not free from corruption, and that power is a dangerous thing. In his commentary on Isaiah 42:1-9, Christ is the humble servant who came to bring the world under God's authority. Christ also represents peace, reconciling those separated from God or one another. How relevant are these bible references, and Calvin's comments for our day? (It is intriguing that Calvin reproved those who did not use ‘the works of the ungodly’ in physics, symbiotics, mathematics, etc). Mol would add (for Calvin) anthropology, psychology, sociology and political science. The areas of relevance are:

Disorder and conflict minimization, where selfishness and pride endanger the social bond, whereas self-denial strengthens it. The global mission of the faith, associated with which are language- learning, health and education facilities, and the well-being of the poor. Organizational corruption, when social science organizations ‘bend’ content to suit their ends, and functional questions are not entertained.
Spoken Language in the Academy: A Virtues-Based Model
Authors: Nisbet Deanna L , Tindall Evie R , Hanes John
Published: May 2015

The nature of spoken language is mysterious and profound. Human speech is inexorably woven into our very being, setting mankind apart from other living organisms. This vitally sustaining, definitive, and intriguing medium is the subject of this article. Specifically, spoken language is examined within the context of the academy, focusing on speech as a conveyer of truth. Additionally, the double-faceted fruit of human speech, life or death, is discussed. Finally, the authors present a virtues-based model related to spoken language within the academy.
Teaching Ethics and Mature Christian Thinking in Christian Schools
Authors: Smith Thomas
Published: May 2015

This article seeks to show how the teaching of ethics and moral thinking in Christian Schools will be more effective when it includes the insights of the processes by which pupils learn to think morally. The learning stages that pupils go through will be set out, following Kohlberg, Habermas and Gilligan. I will set out the advantage for pupil learning via discussing moral principles with them and helping them to learn to validate their moral arguments. Reference is made to a future article by the author that will explore the processes by which pupils may form an orientation to moral behaviour. Habermas' notion of Stage 6 moral thinking will be used to explore a possible cognate of mature Christian thinking.
Go and Make Disciples: Education as Christian Mission
Authors: Cooling Trevor
Published: May 2015

As we consider the aspirations we have and the particular contribution that schools in the Christian tradition can make for our students, we must have a vision for promoting discipleship that will at the same time serve our culture by working towards its transformation. This will entail nurturing a thinking faith that seeks out the biblical meaning and its relevance for today's cross-cultural situation in Western countries. This article advocates the valuing of theological curiosity, the pursuit of biblical faithfulness and the practice of contextualizing faith. It draws attention to the implications for curriculum, staffing and the school's relationship with the wider community.
Happiness
Authors: Andersen William
Published: May 2015

The Dalai Lama has said: “the purpose of life is to seek happiness.”

First, a biblical view of happiness is presented. Second, a brief description of the philosophical stances: Hedonism, Eudaimonia, Utilitarianism and Tibetan Buddhism. Third, the Positve Psychology of Martin Seligman, where happiness is seen as an outcome of the morally good life. In contrast, the efforts of C. S. Lewis to discover general moral laws are displayed. Similarly those of Wallace, Havel and Hill to discover a limited values consensus. The Seligman project is noble, but somewhat hasty and superficial in its current statement. Happiness is a by-product emerging in pursuit of an ultimately worthwhile goal.
Between the Covers: Suffering, Trauma and Cultural Perspective in Children's Picture Books (1980–2006)
Authors: Belcher E. Christina
Published: May 2015

This paper proposes that cultural change in literature alters the lens through which life is viewed, thus producing a different kind of ‘story-child’ which reflects the cultural perspective, or frequently termed, ‘worldview’ of the writer. Across a sampling of children's literature from 1980–2006, this research explores the history and subsequent changes in children's literature across the themes of trauma, suffering and the sublime, and investigates how the representation of the child in relation to suffering has altered. Suggestions arise which challenge further exploration of the value of story and the way readers may become the stories they tell.
Islamic and Christian Educational Anthropology
Authors: Alavi Hamid Reza
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this research study was to investigate and clarify the shared religious foundations of anthropology in Islam and Christianity and the effect of Islamic and Christian anthropology on education. Therefore, this article has two parts: 1) an identification of shared Islamic and Christian anthropology, and 2) the effect of this shared Islamic and Christian anthropology on Islamic education. In the first part, the goals of man's creation, man's personality, and man's responsibility are investigated in relation to Islam and Christianity so that a shared religious model of anthropology might be developed. In the second part of this article, the effects of such anthropology are studied and clarified in terms of Islamic education. Also in this part, the definition of education, the goals of education, and educational procedures are investigated.
Values in Free Fall? Religious Education and Values in Public Schools
Authors: Hill Brian V.
Published: May 2015

In Antipodean education, for most of the twentieth century, talk of religious education in state schools (RE), or even values education generally, was passé. But in recent decades, some of the stalemates of the past are dissolving, and there is a new willingness to discuss in the public domain subjects that were once considered off-limits—such as values, spirituality, and RE.
Is There Such a Thing as Anglican Education?
Authors: Jensen Peter F.
Published: May 2015

In posing the question is there anything that distinguishes Anglican education from other forms of education, this lecture laments the fact that Sydney Anglicans have never seriously addressed the task of developing coherent thought about what constitutes Anglican education. In the absence of clearly defined conversation partners and the institutional arrangements for exploring the issue in depth, the author proposes that, as the contest for the gospel is fought in the realm of ideas, three theological truths must govern this exploration—knowing God, knowing God the Creator, and knowing God the Redeeemer.
The Evangelical Christian School: Some Critical Issues
Authors: Jackson David R.
Published: May 2015

The identification ‘Christian School’ covers a wide range of conceptions and models. Currently the rapid establishment of new schools, particularly by the Anglican diocese of Sydney, has highlighted some significant and fundamental difficulties. Having surveyed a range of leaders and models of Christian schooling in the Sydney area, this paper raises ten critical issues in the definition and planning of an evangelical Christian school and considers some of the challenges and difficulties that are currently cause for concern.
Educational and Biblical Perspectives for Academic Achievement in Christian Schools
Authors: Rooney Paul
Published: May 2015

Schools are stepping-stones for members of society in the ‘search for meaning’. This article explores the concept of full potential as applied to students and the relationship with theological anthropological perspectives for seeking meaning using Groome's shared praxis within academic achievement. For Christian schools the criteria of being biblically anchored, transformative in action and holistic in educational practice are proposed as aids to guide the process of helping students to achieve self-actualization and spiritual transformation concurrently. Challenges concerning school ethos and culture, curriculum and pedagogical practice arise when integrating faith and learning for individuals and communities. Applications for Christian schooling include seeking complementarity, teaching for excellence and developing effective Christian ambassadors to a postsecular society.
Eucharist as DOREA, Diakonia and Didachi: The Eucharistic Dimension of Christian Education
Authors: Fotiou Stavros S.
Published: May 2015

The loving communion of human beings with God and, by extension, with themselves, their fellow human beings, and nature is the goal of Christian Education. In worship the faithful experience the eucharistic ethos of the Church, in society they bear witness to it, and interpret it at school. Within this coinherence of dorea, diakonia and didachi Christian Education overcomes the various false dilemmas that occasionally trouble life and education.