bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene expression profile of human thyroid cancer in relation to its mutational status
Authors: Rusinek Dagmara , Szpak-Ulczok Sylwia , Jarzab Barbara
Published: July 2011

This review describes the gene expression profile changes associated with the presence of different mutations that contribute to thyroid cell carcinogenesis. The results are discussed in the context of thyroid cancer biology and of the implications for disease prognosis, while the diagnostic aspect has been omitted. For papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), the most characteristic gene expression profile is associated with the presence ofBRAFmutation. BRAF-associated PTC differ profoundly from RET/PTC or RAS-associated cancers. Simultaneously, they retain many characteristic gene expression features common for all PTCs, induced by the alternative mutations activating MAPK pathway. Although the difference between papillary and follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) is significant at the gene expression profile level, surprisingly, the RAS-related signature of FTC is not well specified.PAX8/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) rearrangements, which occur in FTC as an alternative to theRASmutation, are associated with specific changes in gene expression. Furthermore, the difference between well-differentiated thyroid cancers and poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancers is mainly a reflection of tumor degree of differentiation and may not be attributed to the presence of characteristic mutations.
Slow Progress in Cancer Care Disparities: HIPAA, PPACA, and CHEWBACCA… But We're Still not There!
Authors: Raghavan Derek
Published: July 2011

The way forward in solving disparities in cancer care in the U.S. is examined.
Investigation of the potential of bottom water jetting to ease spudcan extraction in soft clay
Authors: GAUDIN C. , BIENEN B. , CASSIDY M.J.
Published: July 2011

Retrieval of jack-up rigs at the end of their operations is common practice in the offshore industry, notably to move the rigs to another drilling location. In some cases the process is difficult, time consuming and costly, because the high extraction resistance on the jack-up's spudcan footings can exceed the capacity of the rig to pull. This is particularly the case in soft clay, where significant suction is developed at the spudcan invert. The main option available to operators to ease the spudcan extraction resistance is to use a jetting system at the spudcan invert to attempt to break the suction generated. However, there is a general consensus within the offshore industry that jetting systems, under their current configurations, have a limited efficiency. Centrifuge experiments have been performed at the University of Western Australia in order to understand the mechanisms taking place during jetting extraction, and to provide recommendations to optimise the jetting performance. A reduced-scale spudcan model simulating a 17·11 m diameter prototype spudcan with jets has been tested at 200 times the acceleration of Earth's gravity (known as 200g). It was extracted from penetrations of up to 1·5 diameters in normally consolidated clay at variable extraction rates and variable jetting flow rates. Measurements of the generated suction and the total extraction resistance after a preloading period have provided insight into the extraction mechanisms with jetting. The study has demonstrated that jetting can lead to significant reduction in extraction resistance, provided that the extraction rate is fast enough to ensure undrained extraction, and that a sufficiently high flow rate is applied with respect to the extraction rate.
The mechanism of steady friction between seabed pipelines and clay soils
Authors: WHITE D.J. , DINGLE H.R.C.
Published: July 2011

The large-amplitude lateral soil resistance between an on-bottom pipeline and the seabed is an important design parameter in assessing pipeline behaviour during lateral thermal buckling or under the impact of a submarine slide. This paper describes a series of centrifuge model tests that shed light on the underlying behaviour during large-amplitude lateral pipe movement. It is shown that at large displacements the lateral response is governed predominantly by the passive resistance of the growing berm of soil ahead of the pipe. Using a new analysis of this growing soil berm, based on conservation of volume, the ‘local' embedment of the pipe relative to the top of the idealised soil berm is defined. In this way, the normalised lateral pipe–soil resistance, H/suD, from tests encompassing a range of pipe weights and initial embedments follows a single trend line. This idealisation of the response is more consistent than the usual terminology of a pipe–soil friction factor.
A Case Study of the Factors that Impact Horizontal Oil Well Production Performance in the Niger Delta
Authors: Thomas Ayoola Olakunle , Nigeria Shell
Published: July 2011

Various factors have an impact on the production performance of horizontal oil wells. Geological and reservoir factors such as environment of deposition and the thickness, permeability and reservoir drive mechanism, operational practices during the drilling of the horizontal drain hole such as the selection of the drill-in and completion fluids and the amount of overbalance pressure exerted on the production interval and technical design factors such as sand face completion types deployed and clean-up practice employed have significant impact on the production performance.

This study was conducted to assess the impact of the various factors on the production performance of horizontal wells through the comprehensive analysis of 70 horizontal oil wells in the Niger Delta. The wells were drilled and put on production over a period from 1993 to 2007.

The results from the study indicate that a combination of factors including shoreface facies type, minimum overbalance, oil-free mud system, brine completion fluid system, pre-drilled or slotted liner and clean up using nitrified hydrochloric acid circulated with coil tubing is required to optimise horizontal oil well production performance in the Niger Delta. Considerations of these factors when planning horizontal oil well development projects in the Niger Delta will ensure technical and operational excellence and improve overall project economics. Furthermore, the adaptation and application of the approach used in this study by the oil and gas industry worldwide will aid well performance monitoring under diverse technical and operational conditions and assist in optimal well design and performance optimisation.
Going Undercover: The Paradox of Political Risk Insurance
Authors: Spagnoletti Belinda , O'Callaghan Terry
Published: July 2011

Political risk insurance is an insurance product sold to firms as a means to protect them against some political risks associated with investing abroad. This paper argues that political risk insurance may in fact be a source of political risk. Looking at cases in the Asia-Pacific region, we argue that investing firms should exercise caution when considering political risk insurance. We conclude with several recommendations for reform of the political risk insurance industry.
Self Insurance and Insurance Demand under Self-Deception
Authors: Ranjan Ram
Published: July 2011

A dynamic model of self insurance and market insurance demand against uncertain natural hazards is developed where agents incur emotional costs when the true information about potential future catastrophes becomes known. Agents purposefully ignore the incoming signals about future hazards in order to avoid finding out the true information. Faced with the emotional costs associated with true information revelation, self-deception through true information avoidance effort may be the optimal strategy to maximize current and future expected utility. Government interventions for complementing private risk mitigation and adaptation through incentives and regulations may have a varying influence on such agents exhibiting emotional costs.
Culture Matters: Long-Term Orientation and the Demand for Life Insurance
Authors: Park Sojung , Lemaire Jean
Published: July 2011

A large body of literature addresses the determination of the economic, financial and institutional factors that significantly influence variations of life insurance demand across countries. Chui and Kwok (2008) included four cultural variables developed by IBM psychologist Hofstede and demonstrated that culture has a profound impact on life insurance consumption. We extend Chui and Kwok's work by analyzing the fifth Hofstede cultural dimension: Long-Term Orientation, a variable that scores countries based on adherence to Confucian principles such as perseverance and thrift, respect of tradition and family values, and honoring of parents and ancestors. After building a database that includes values of 17 variables for 27 countries over a period of 9 years, we apply an unbalanced panel GLS regression model to prove that Long-Term Orientation has a strong positive influence on life insurance demand. Additionally, two new variables, not used in previous life insurance literature, are also found to impact life insurance demand: a modified Herfindahl index and the use of a Common Law legal system. Several robustness tests confirm the importance of Long-Term Orientation, leading to the conclusion that life insurance consumption is bound to increase rapidly in Asia, as its GDP per capita increases.
A Catastrophe Insurance System for the European Union
Authors: Nektarios Milton
Published: July 2011

This paper proposes an integrated risk management plan for catastrophe risks in the European Union, consisting of three layers. The private markets would have the first layer of responsibility, while the National Catastrophe Insurance Organizations would represent the second layer. This layer would in turn be supported by the European Group of National Catastrophe Organizations (EUROCAT), a new organization operating under the auspices of the European Commission. An approach that utilizes a pan-European reinsurance program is proven to be the most efficient solution for minimizing the total cost of catastrophe risks in the European Union. EUROCAT would be a reinsurer of last resort and provide reinsurance to qualified state or regional catastrophe insurance funds. Member-state funds would be required to adopt adequate disaster response and management mechanisms and enforce reasonable building code, land use, and mitigation efforts to minimize the amount of insured losses. As the reinsurance premiums charged by EUROCAT would be risk-based, the pricing mechanism would be used to encourage active development and enforcement of these standards.
Longevity Risk and the Econometric Analysis of Mortality Trends and Volatility
Authors: Njenga Carolyn N , Sherris Michael
Published: July 2011

Longevity risk and the modeling of trends and volatility for mortality improvement have attracted increased attention driven by ageing populations around the world and the expected financial implications. The original Lee-Carter model that was used for longevity risk assessment included a single improvement factor with differential impacts by age. Financial models that allow for risk pricing and risk management have attracted increasing attention along with multiple factor models. This paper investigates trends, including common trends through co-integration, and the factors driving the volatility of mortality using principal components analysis for a number of developed countries including Australia, England, Japan, Norway and USA. The results demonstrate the need for multiple factors for modeling mortality rates across all these countries. The basic structure of the Lee-Carter model cannot adequately model the random variation and the full risk structure of mortality changes. Trends by country are found to be stochastic. Common trends and co-integrating relationships are found across ages highlighting the benefits from modeling mortality rates as a system in a Vector-Autoregressive (VAR) model and capturing long run equilibrium relationships in a Vector Error-Correction Model (VECM) framework.
Real Benefits of a Second Life: Development and Evaluation of a Virtual Psychology Conference Centre and Tutorial Rooms
Authors: Dancey Christine P. , Attree Elizabeth Ann , Painter Joan , Arroll Megan , Pawson Chris , McLean Gemma
Published: July 2011

Second Life (SL) is an internet-based virtual world launched in 2003 by Linden Research Inc. A free downloadable program enables its users to interact with each other via avatars (i.e., a computer user's representation of him- or herself), in virtual simulations of real-world environments. Thus far there have been few studies which evaluate the effectiveness of SL in learning and teaching environments. The aim of this project was to create a virtual conference centre and dedicated tutorial huts within SL which would provide psychology students with the opportunity to participate in additional academic tutorials, and also allow them to present the findings of their empirical projects at a virtual conference. This paper reports on the process of building and teaching within the virtual school, and the subsequent evaluation. Forty-three students attended virtual tutorials and a further 27 gave a virtual poster presentation within SL. Feedback was very positive, showing most students liked SL for tutorials, found them fun, and wanted more SL in their degree. Students enjoyed presenting in a virtual environment and liked the anonymity when interacting with others. Attending SL tutorials was also found to have a significant effect on students' assessment performance, even when controlling for general ability and engagement with IT-based module resources. It was concluded that the benefits of SL to the learning of students involved in this project outweigh the disadvantages.
University Students' Views on the Nature of Science and Psychology
Authors: Provost Stephen Campbell , Martin Frances Heritage , Peacock Amy , Lipp Ottmar Volker , Bath Debra , Hannan Greg
Published: July 2011

Students' understanding of the nature of science (NOS), and the degree to which they perceive their discipline to be part of science, are critical to their academic development in psychology. In Study 1, 650 first-year psychology students from three universities in Australia completed the Psychology as a Science (PAS) questionnaire, an adjective checklist relating to science and psychology, and the Science Knowledge and Attitudes (SKA) scale. Results confirmed the limited value of the PAS to identify components of the NOS, but indicated that students view psychology to be a science within a few weeks of the commencement of their study at university. Three factors underlying the SKA scale were identified: naïve view of science (NVS), social and cultural perspective (SCP), and knowledge of refutability (KR). In Study 2, 622 students at the University of Tasmania completed the SKA and items relating to their beliefs about studying. Scores on the three factors were correlated with beliefs about studying, scores on KR increased with years of study, and scores on NVS decreased with years of study. These data suggest that our educational practices do in fact lead to appropriate changes in students' NOS understanding in a manner consistent with the learning outcomes underpinning psychology graduate attributes.
Research-Informed Learning in the Psychology Curriculum: An Initial Evaluation
Authors: Robertson Ian , Teoh Kevin , McMurray Isabella , Roberts Pat , Sochos Antigonos
Published: July 2011

Research-informed teaching and learning have become an important area for development in psychology departments. There is an assumption that staff research can enhance the curriculum and the student experience. The methods of research and statistical awareness are also deemed important skills for a student in professional psychology to develop. This article reports an evaluation of the degree to which research informs staff teaching and the impact of research methods teaching on student employability. Undergraduate students and recent graduates were surveyed in a mixed qualitative and quantitative research design involving questionnaires, focus groups and a job analysis. A discrepancy was found between lecturers' and students' views of the extent to which staff's research informed their teaching. While lecturers regarded themselves as researchers as well as teachers, students regarded them as mainly teachers and ‘entertainers’. Where staff did refer to their own research to illustrate their teaching they were regarded as enthusiastic and authoritative. Staff-led projects in particular had a positive impact on both students and staff as they appeared to enhance group identity among the students involved and to improve students' understanding of research design. The focus on research, research methods, statistics and research ethics appears to have led some students to develop a critical attitude to events and information in the media and everyday life.
The NPS and the ACSI: A Critique and An Alternative metric
Authors: East Robert , Romaniuk Jenni , Lomax Wendy
Published: July 2011

The Net Promoter Score (NPS) and the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) are metrics used to predict sales, profit and share price change. We identify problems with the design of both the NPS and the ACSI. In particular, we find that the NPS does not measure negative word of mouth effectively, and we argue that the ACSI is similarly insensitive to dissatisfaction. This is because ex-customers and never-customers are not sampled in these metrics, and these are the people who express most of the negative sentiments about brands/companies. We propose a method of measuring the effect of word of mouth using the volume and mean impact on purchase probability of both the positive and the negative word of mouth expressed by users of the category.
Producing Work-Ready Graduates: The Role of the Entrepreneurial University
Authors: Culkin Nigel , Mallick Sofie
Published: July 2011

UK universities are having to come to terms with the double whammy of a 2010 Spending Review that will see budgets reduced from £7.1 billion to £4.2 billion by 2014, and the Browne Review of higher education funding and student finance, which argues that those who benefit (i.e. students) should make a far greater contribution to the cost than is currently required. Against this backdrop the authors seek to contribute to the graduate skills debate. They will demonstrate that delivering employment-ready graduates ignores the demands of a radically altered world of work in the face of the government's response to the latest economic crisis. While its primary focus is on the supply side (graduates) the authors are cognisant of the market research industry, which itself is facing external pressures to shift from a milieu of data gathering to a future of intelligent insight providers. We then go on to present the development of a new type of university, which has actively sought to reduce its dependency on traditional funding sources. Finally, we present a model of a research facility at one university that has successfully engaged with the local and regional business community to the benefit of its student workforce. In doing so, it has helped to develop over 70 graduate researchers, with entrepreneurial mindsets, who have all gone on to secure enterprising futures.
Individual Differences in Motivation to Participate in Online Panels
Authors: Brüggen Elisabeth , Wetzels Martin , De Ruyter Ko , Schillewaert Niels
Published: July 2011

The majority of online research is now conducted via discontinuous online access panels, which promise high response rates, sampling control, access to populations that are hard to reach, and detailed information about respondents. To sustain a critical mass of respondents, overcome panel attrition and recruit new panel members, marketers must understand how they can predict and explain what motivates people to participate repeatedly in online surveys. Using the newly developed survey participation inventory (SPI) measure, we identify three clusters of participants, characterised as voicing assistants, reward seekers and intrinsics. Our results suggest that most online surveys are filled out by intrinsically motivated respondents that show higher participation rates, response effort and performance; incentives do not offer an important response motive.
Devil or Angel?
Authors: Peng Ling , He Yongfu , Wan Xiang
Published: July 2011

While new product evaluation testing plays a pivotal role in the NPD process, there is little empirical evidence on the influence of the virtual testing environment on the evaluation results and the data quality. The present study addresses this gap in the literature by using a split-sample online concept testinglike study to compare the testing results in traditional and virtual environments five heterogeneous innovations. The findings indicate that both traditional and virtual testing environments yield identical mean scores, while the latter provides higher-quality data given the same sampling design. Early concept or product tests, therefore, may be carried out in a more realistic testing environment using virtual techniques, which could substantially enhance the quality of testing data.
Online Research: Now & Next 2011 (Warc), Kings Fund, London, 1 March 2011
Authors: Puleston Jon
Published: July 2011

These are two summaries based on presentations from the above conference, both concerned with improving engagement in the research process. The first, from Jon Puleston, discusses ways to engage more effectively with respondents in online research. The agenda proposed by Puleston includes the application of methods used in qualitative research, and computer games – usually termed ‘gamification’. The second, by Niels Schillewaert, discusses ways to engage more effectively with all the key stakeholders in market research, around an ENgagement and ACTivation (ENACT) framework. They provide further perspectives on this key theme of ‘engagement’ following on from the Conference Notes published in IJMR Vol. 53 Issue 1, based on presentations from the ASC conference held last September.
A CONTEXTUAL APPROACH TO THE ADMISSIBILITY OF THE STATE'S FORENSIC SCIENCE AND MEDICAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Edmond Gary , Roach Kent
Published: July 2011

This article examines the admissibility of forensic science and medicine in criminal proceedings. In Part ii, we explain how reliability-based admissibility standards in the United States have been unevenly applied to expert evidence in civil and criminal cases and have not prevented wrongful convictions. In Part iii, we review a recent Consultation Paper (and report) issued by the Law Commission of England and Wales. Though focused on the need for ‘sufficiently reliable’ expert opinion evidence, we challenge its contemplation of easier admissibility for experience-based forensic sciences and techniques traditionally admitted. In Part iv we examine the evolving law on the admissibility of expert evidence in Canada. In response, we argue that while front-end reforms to the organization and practice of forensic science and medicine, advocated by the Goudge Inquiry and the American National Academy of Sciences, appear more promising than reliance on the adversary system, the gate-keeping role of trial judges should be strengthened. In the concluding section, we contend that threshold reliability standards should be grounded in criminal-justice system values, emerging empirical insights about the weakness of the adversarial trial and be sensitive to the particular evidence and its use, rather than applied mechanically using simplistic models of science and expertise.
PROPERTY AND COLLECTIVE UNDERTAKING: THE PRINCIPLE OF NUMERUS CLAUSUS
Authors: Dorfman Avihay
Published: July 2011

In this article, I seek to reclaim for property theory the legitimation concern that is the kernel of the principle of numerus clausus (which is a restriction that means that it cannot be up to private persons to create new forms of property right, but only to trade rights that take existing forms). I advance two general claims. First, functional accounts of this principle cannot but fail adequately to explain it. Second, the numerus clausus can be cast into sharp relief by elaborating the legitimation question that captures its moral centre – that is, a concern about how political authority is possible in the context of legislating new forms of property right. I insist, in this regard, that the conception of political legitimation that characterizes the creation of novel forms of property right is that of democratic self-governance.
Effects of Shear Bond Characteristics of Tack Coats on Pavement Performance at the Interface
Authors: Mohammad Louay N. , Hassan Marwa , Patel Nachiketa
Published: July 2011

A finite element (FE) approach was used in a study to investigate the effects of interface shear bond characteristics of tack coats on pavement response at the interface. A two-dimensional FE modeling approach incorporated laboratory-measured bond characteristics of tack coats to describe the constitutive behavior at the interface. Two pavement structures typically used in Louisiana for low and medium traffic levels were simulated. The Louisiana interlayer shear strength tester was used to test three types of emulsified tack coat materials—CRS-1, SS-1h, and trackless—and a PG 64-22 asphalt binder at three residual application rates, 0.14, 0.28, and 0.70 l/m2 (0.031, 0.062, and 0.155 gsy). From the results of the FE simulation analysis, it was determined that the performance of tack coat materials at the interface was primarily dictated by the pavement structure with no pronounced change in the field stresses from one tack coat material to another. In addition, the influence of tack coat material type and application rate became more relevant in thin pavements and less dominant in thick pavement structures. For the thin structure considered in the study, it was determined that the majority of tack coat materials and application rates would experience fatigue damage at the interface. The minimum laboratory-measured interface shear strength to provide acceptable fatigue performance at the interface was 190 kPa (28 psi). For the thick structure considered in the study, the majority of the tack coat material types and application rates performed satisfactorily against fatigue damage at the interface. The minimum laboratory-measured interface shear strength to provide acceptable fatigue performance at the interface was 128 kPa (19 psi).
Integrated Experimental–Numerical Approach for Estimating Material-Specific Moisture Damage Characteristics of Binder–Aggregate Interface
Authors: Ban Hoki , Kim Yong-Rak , Pinto Ingryd
Published: July 2011

An integrated experimental–numerical approach is presented for estimating the material-specific moisture damage characteristics of binder–aggregate interfaces. A pull-off test is conducted with a pneumatic adhesion tensile testing instrument to determine the bond strength between asphalt film and the aggregate surface to which various types of antistripping additives are applied with various levels of moisture conditioning. A sequentially coupled moisture diffusion–mechanical analysis is implemented with a finite element technique to model the bond strength and progressive interfacial degradation caused by moisture diffusion, followed by mechanical pulling pressure. To simulate the adhesive fracture at the binder–aggregate interface, a cohesive zone model is incorporated into the approach. The integrated approach results in a degradation function that characterizes interfacial damage caused by moisture uptake with two model parameters representing the remaining bond strength and the degradation trend. With the two model parameters, moisture damage mechanisms and damage resistance potential, both of which are material specific, can be estimated.
Optimizing the Design of Permeable Friction Course Mixtures
Authors: Alvarez Allex E. , Martin Amy Epps , Estakhri Cindy
Published: July 2011

Permeable friction course (PFC) mixtures, or new-generation open-graded friction course mixtures, are one of the safest and quietest available alternatives for surface paving. Advantages to the use of PFC mixtures are improvements in safety, reduction in environmental impact (e.g., cleaner runoff), and economy. These advantages are closely related to their high total air void (AV) content and aggregate gradation, which confers high permeability and noise reduction properties to PFC mixtures. Research was completed at Texas A&M University to improve PFC mix design. Findings included improved determination of the total AV content through the use of a calculation procedure to obtain the mixture theoretical maximum specific gravity, Gmm, and dimensional analysis to determine the mixture bulk specific gravity, Gmb. Water-accessible AV content was proposed as a surrogate of the total AV content for mix design and evaluation. In addition, the water flow value (outflow time) and the expected value of permeability (E[k]) were recommended, respectively, to assess field drainability and to estimate the permeability of both laboratory- and field-compacted (i.e., road cores) mixtures. The Cantabro loss test was suggested for assessing mixture durability. Furthermore, an improved criterion for verification of stone-on-stone contact for mix design and a field-density control during construction were recommended to guarantee adequate stability and durability. Recommendations to improve fabrication of Superpave® gyratory compactor specimens and sampling of field-compacted mixtures (by using road cores) were included. This set of recommendations was integrated in an improved mix design method for PFC mixtures.
Comparative Analysis of Macrotexture Measurement Tests for Pavement Preservation Treatments
Authors: Aktaş Bekir , Gransberg Douglas D. , Riemer Caleb , Pittenger Dominique
Published: July 2011

Field pavement preservation research concerning two accepted methods for measuring pavement macrotexture was done on a state highway in Oklahoma. The 2.5-year project used the outflow meter ASTM STP 583 and the Transit New Zealand TNZ T/3 sand circle to measure macrotexture on 23 asphalt and concrete pavement preservation treatments. Through a protocol of monthly macrotexture measurements in the field, the researchers observed functional limitations, caused by the physical mechanics of the methods, on the accuracy of macrotexture measurements on both standard tests. It was found that the sand circle should be used on pavements with macrotexture greater than 0.79 mm (0.03 in.); the outflow meter should be used on pavements with textures of less than 1.26 mm (0.05 in.). Both tests were accurate in the range of 0.79 to 1.26 mm. These results applied to both asphalt and concrete pavements.
How to Build a System to Implement Research and Innovation
Authors: Bonini Michael R. , Fields Bonnie J. , Vance Robert J. , Renz Michael S. , Harder Barbara T. , Treisbach Mary W. , Bankert Larry I.
Published: July 2011

This paper describes the principles used to build an effective research and innovation implementation system at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT). These principles include top management support, dedicated resources, effective communications, an implementation team with the requisite skills and credibility, broad involvement of the field, and a supportive culture of innovation. Examples illustrate how these principles work in practice. More than 80 innovations were implemented in the implementation system's first 5 years. At least the same number of innovations were reviewed for implementation potential and either rejected or postponed until further review; this outcome highlights the importance of careful screening of implementation candidates. The implementation system began with early successes. These successes, together with documentation of the links between system products and the Pennsylvania DOT's strategic objectives, provided the leverage to secure necessary resources to expand the system's scope and impact. Significant challenges and hurdles are described. As the Pennsylvania DOT continues to learn to use the implementation system, the agency continues to adapt to its own changing needs and priorities. Adaptability and responsiveness are keys to the system's future success.
Application of Threshold Concepts to Improve a Design-Focused Course in Transportation Engineering
Authors: Cernusca Dan , Bham Ghulam H.
Published: July 2011

Design is an integral part of engineering courses. To address its associated problems, however, is a challenging task in instruction because of design's open-endedness and complexity. In this study, two theoretical models were implemented in an introductory transportation engineering course to address the challenges associated with design of a highway. First, the theoretical framework proposed by the threshold concepts model was used to identify a candidate concept for the instructional redesign process. Two major characteristics of threshold concepts, integrativity and transformativity, were used to identify horizontal alignment as a candidate concept for the highway design process. Second, concept mapping was done to create operational measures of the integrativity of complex concepts, such as horizontal alignment. These maps and measures led to several changes to the structure of lecture materials and project tasks. Finally, questions for reflective assessment were administered to students after each redesigned instructional task and at the end of the course to find evidence of the potential transformativity of the proposed instructional changes. Implementation of the above-mentioned theoretical framework allowed the instructor who participated in the study to successfully streamline the instructional process and benefitted student perceptions and attitudes about learning highway design.
Assessable Online Discussions to Support Postgraduate Student Learning in Transport Planning
Authors: Rose Geoffrey
Published: July 2011

Web-based tools to support online discussion present opportunities to enhance student learning, particularly when students live at remote locations and do not have the benefit of face-to-face interaction with either their teacher or fellow students. Online discussions have also been shown to enhance student engagement in subjects taught in a face-to-face mode. The literature emphasizes the need, however, for further understanding of how these online discussions should be designed and moderated to support student learning. A case study of a distance education subject in transport planning and policy is used to illustrate how assessable online discussions can provide scaffolding to support student learning. Attention was paid to both the design of the discussion experience and how interaction between the participants was to be nurtured. Results from monitoring student activity in online discussions as part of the course offering during 3 years provide insight into the extent of student engagement and their perceptions of the value of the discussions in their learning.
Influences on the Rollout of Good Policies
Authors: Marsden Greg
Published: July 2011

Research on sustainable transport planning has concluded that, for the most part, the policies that lead to more sustainable outcomes are known and that what is required is a more widespread and intense application of such measures. In response, upper tiers of government, with responsibility for achieving policy goals and for steering the lower tiers of government, are often faced with a dilemma as to how to encourage the lower tiers to do the right thing. This paper examines the presumptions that surround the spread of good policies, considers the motivations of actors at a lower tier when they are pressured to adopt policies, and draws on case studies from Europe to discuss the potential for a range of approaches to stimulate the uptake of good policies. The research concludes that greater attention needs to be given to policy diffusion and the different stages of adoption (or rejection) of policies. Much better use should be made of pilot studies to understand the likely adoption pathway for policies and the extent to which the policies will spread without active intervention. When intervention is needed, better communication of the benefits and the use of incentives to encourage compliance are likely to be more effective than sanctions and regulations. Sanctions and regulations can be difficult to design, expensive to enforce or oversee, and received with underlying reluctance, which can lead to compliance on paper but limited action. Good policies are only good in particular circumstances, and plans to support their rollout should recognize this fact.
Negative-pressure and low-pressure hydrocephalus: the role of cerebrospinal fluid leaks resulting from surgical approaches to the cranial base
Authors: Filippidis Aristotelis S. , Kalani M. Yashar S. , Nakaji Peter , Rekate Harold L.
Published: July 2011

Object

Negative-pressure and low-pressure hydrocephalus are rare clinical entities that are frequently misdiagnosed. They are characterized by recurrent episodes of shunt failure because the intracranial pressure is lower than the opening pressure of the valve. In this report the authors discuss iatrogenic CSF leaks as a cause of low- or negative-pressure hydrocephalus after approaches to the cranial base.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed cases of low-pressure or negative-pressure hydrocephalus presenting after cranial approaches complicated with a CSF leak at their institution.

Results

Three patients were identified. Symptoms of high intracranial pressure and ventriculomegaly were present, although the measured pressures were low or negative. A blocked communication between the ventricles and the subarachnoid space was documented in 2 of the cases and presumed in the third. Shunt revisions failed repeatedly. In all cases, temporary clinical and radiographic improvement resulted from external ventricular drainage at subatmospheric pressures. The CSF leaks were sealed and CSF communication was reestablished operatively. In 1 case, neck wrapping was used with temporary success.

Conclusions

Negative-pressure or low-pressure hydrocephalus associated with CSF leaks, especially after cranial base approaches, is difficult to treat. The solution often requires the utilization of subatmospheric external ventricular drains to establish a lower ventricular drainage pressure than the drainage pressure created in the subarachnoid space, where the pressure is artificially lowered by the CSF leak. Treatment involves correction of the CSF leak, neck wrapping to increase brain turgor and allow the pressure in the ventricles to rise to the level of the opening pressure of the valve, and reestablishing the CSF route.
Magnetic resonance imaging techniques for visualization of the subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Brunenberg Ellen J. L. , Platel Bram , Hofman Paul A. M. , ter Haar Romeny Bart M. , Visser-Vandewalle Veerle
Published: July 2011

The authors reviewed 70 publications on MR imaging–based targeting techniques for identifying the subthalamic nucleus (STN) for deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson disease. Of these 70 publications, 33 presented quantitatively validated results.

There is still no consensus on which targeting technique to use for surgery planning; methods vary greatly between centers. Some groups apply indirect methods involving anatomical landmarks, or atlases incorporating anatomical or functional data. Others perform direct visualization on MR imaging, using T2-weighted spin echo or inversion recovery protocols.

The combined studies do not offer a straightforward conclusion on the best targeting protocol. Indirect methods are not patient specific, leading to varying results between cases. On the other hand, direct targeting on MR imaging suffers from lack of contrast within the subthalamic region, resulting in a poor delineation of the STN. These deficiencies result in a need for intraoperative adaptation of the original target based on test stimulation with or without microelectrode recording.

It is expected that future advances in MR imaging technology will lead to improvements in direct targeting. The use of new MR imaging modalities such as diffusion MR imaging might even lead to the specific identification of the different functional parts of the STN, such as the dorsolateral sensorimotor part, the target for deep brain stimulation.
The molecular biology and novel treatments of vestibular schwannomas
Authors: Fong Brendan , Barkhoudarian Garni , Pezeshkian Patrick , Parsa Andrew T. , Gopen Quinton , Yang Isaac
Published: July 2011

Vestibular schwannomas are histopathologically benign tumors arising from the Schwann cell sheath surrounding the vestibular branch of cranial nerve VIII and are related to the NF2 gene and its product merlin. Merlin acts as a tumor suppressor and as a mediator of contact inhibition. Thus, deficiencies in both NF2 genes lead to vestibular schwannoma development. Recently, there have been major advances in our knowledge of the molecular biology of vestibular schwannomas as well as the development of novel therapies for its treatment. In this article the authors comprehensively review the recent advances in the molecular biology and characterization of vestibular schwannomas as well as the development of modern treatments for vestibular schwannoma. For instance, merlin is involved with a number of receptors including the CD44 receptor, EGFR, and signaling pathways, such as the Ras/raf pathway and the canonical Wnt pathway. Recently, merlin was also shown to interact in the nucleus with E3 ubiquitin ligase CRL4DCAF1. A greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind vestibular schwannoma tumorigenesis has begun to yield novel therapies. Some authors have shown that Avastin induces regression of progressive schwannomas by over 40% and improves hearing. An inhibitor of VEGF synthesis, PTC299, is currently in Phase II trials as a potential agent to treat vestibular schwannoma. Furthermore, in vitro studies have shown that trastuzumab (an ERBB2 inhibitor) reduces vestibular schwannoma cell proliferation. With further research it may be possible to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality rates by decreasing tumor burden, tumor volume, hearing loss, and cranial nerve deficits seen in vestibular schwannomas.
Late occurrence of drop metastasis to the spine in a case of esthesioneuroblastoma
Authors: Rao Abigail J. , Gultekin S. Humayun , Neuwelt Edward A. , Cintrón-Colón Hector R. , Ragel Brian T.
Published: July 2011

Esthesioneuroblastoma is an aggressive neuroectodermal tumor that originates from the olfactory mucosa and often recurs locally. Distant metastasis of esthesioneuroblastoma has been described, but there are few reports of drop metastasis to the spinal cord. Here, we report a case of multiple drop metastases to the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions of the spinal cord that occurred 18 years after resection and radiotherapy of the original anterior cranial fossa lesion. There was no evidence of local recurrence. The symptomatic lesion was treated with resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. The options available for treatment of this disease are summarized with a review of the few reported cases of spinal metastasis of esthesioneuroblastoma.
Tumor origin and hearing preservation in vestibular schwannoma surgery
Authors: Rachinger Jens , Rampp Stefan , Prell Julian , Scheller Christian , Alfieri Alex , Strauss Christian
Published: July 2011

Object

Preservation of cochlear nerve function in vestibular schwannoma (VS) removal is usually dependent on tumor size and preoperative hearing status. Tumor origin as an independent factor has not been systematically investigated.

Methods

A series of 90 patients with VSs, who underwent surgery via a suboccipitolateral route, was evaluated with respect to cochlear nerve function, tumor size, radiological findings, and intraoperatively confirmed tumor origin. All patients were reevaluated 12 months after surgery.

Results

Despite comparable preoperative cochlear nerve status and larger tumor sizes, hearing preservation was achieved in 42% of patients with tumor originating from the superior vestibular nerve, compared with 16% of those with tumor originating from the inferior vestibular nerve.

Conclusions

Tumor origin is an important prognostic factor for cochlear nerve preservation in VS surgery.
Immunotherapy for Urothelial Carcinoma: Current Status and Perspectives
Authors: Kitamura Hiroshi , Tsukamoto Taiji
Published: July 2011

Intravesical instillation of bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the bladder is based on the BCG-induced immune response, which eradicates and prevents bladder cancer. The results of recent studies have suggested that not only major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-nonrestricted immune cells such as natural killer cells, macrophages, neutrophils, etc., but also MHC-restricted CD8+ T cells play an important role and are one of the main effectors in this therapy. Better understanding of the mechanism of BCG immunotherapy supports the idea that active immunotherapy through its augmented T cell response can have great potential for the treatment of advanced UC. In this review, progress in immunotherapy for UC is discussed based on data from basic, translational and clinical studies. We also review the escape mechanism of cancer cells from the immune system, and down-regulation of MHC class I molecules.
Natural and Induced Humoral Responses to MUC1
Authors: Von Mensdorff-Pouilly Silvia , Moreno Maria , Verheijen René H. M.
Published: July 2011

MUC1 is a membrane-tethered mucin expressed on the ductal cell surface of glandular epithelial cells. Loss of polarization, overexpression and aberrant glycosylation of MUC1 in mucosal inflammation and in adenocarcinomas induces humoral immune responses to the mucin. MUC1 IgG responses have been associated with a benefit in survival in patients with breast, lung, pancreatic, ovarian and gastric carcinomas. Antibodies bound to the mucin may curb tumor progression by restoring cell-cell interactions altered by tumor-associated MUC1, thus preventing metastatic dissemination, as well as counteracting the immune suppression exerted by the molecule. Furthermore, anti-MUC1 antibodies are capable of effecting tumor cell killing by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Although cytotoxic T cells are indispensable to achieve anti-tumor responses in advanced disease, abs to tumor-associated antigens are ideally suited to address minimal residual disease and may be sufficient to exert adequate immune surveillance in an adjuvant setting, destroying tumor cells as they arise or maintaining occult disease in an equilibrium state. Initial evaluation of MUC1 peptide/glycopeptide mono and polyvalent vaccines has shown them to be immunogenic and safe; anti-tumor responses are scarce. Progress in carbohydrate synthesis has yielded a number of sophisticated substrates that include MUC1 glycopeptide epitopes that are at present in preclinical testing. Adjuvant vaccination with MUC1 glycopeptide polyvalent vaccines that induce strong humoral responses may prevent recurrence of disease in patients with early stage carcinomas. Furthermore, prophylactic immunotherapy targeting MUC1 may be a strategy to strengthen immune surveillance and prevent disease in subjects at hereditary high risk of breast, ovarian and colon cancer.