bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SH2‐Bβ expression in alveolar macrophages in BAL fluid of asthmatic guinea pigs and its role in NGF–TrkA‐mediated asthma
Authors: LI Li , KONG Lingfei , FANG Xiubin , JIANG Changlin , WANG Yating , ZHONG Zhaoshuang , SUN Qiyu , GU Guozhong , ZHENG Dongqing , MENG Rui , KANG Jian
Published: November 2008

Background and objective: Nerve growth factor (NGF)/tyrosine kinase receptor A (TrkA) signalling may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma, and SH2‐Bβ, a TrkA‐binding protein, modulates the NGF signalling pathway. In this study, SH2‐Bβ expression in alveolar macrophages (AM) in guinea pig BAL fluid and its role in asthma pathogenesis through the NGF–TrkA signalling pathway were investigated.

Methods: Guinea pigs were randomized into five groups: control, a model of asthma, anti‐SH2‐Bβ antibody treatment, anti‐NGF antibody treatment and anti‐TrkA antibody treatment. The asthmatic model was established in guinea pigs by inhalation of ovalbumin. Specific anti‐SH2‐Bβ, anti‐NGF and anti‐TrkA antibodies were administered and AM were isolated from BAL fluid to assess SH2‐Bβ expression using an immunofluorescence assay. SH2‐Bβ and TrkA protein expression were determined by western blotting, IL‐1β and IL‐4 levels in the BAL fluid supernatants were determined by ELISA, and pathological changes in the bronchi and lung tissues were examined by HE staining.

Results: Lymphocyte, eosinophil and total inflammatory cell numbers in BAL fluid were significantly higher in the asthma model group than in the other groups (P < 0.01). NGF expression in the asthma model group was significantly higher than that in the PBS control group (P < 0.01). SH2‐Bβ was expressed in AM of control animals and expression was significantly higher in the asthma model than in the other groups (P < 0.01). TrkA protein expression was significantly higher in the asthma model group than in the PBS group (P < 0.01), and treatment with anti‐NGF antibody resulted in significant reduction of TrkA expression (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: SH2‐Bβ is expressed in AM of normal guinea pigs, and SH2‐Bβ may participate in asthma pathogenesis through the NGF–TrkA signalling pathway.
Cognitive, mood and quality of life impairments in a select population of ARDS survivors
Authors: MIKKELSEN Mark E. , SHULL William H. , BIESTER Rosette C. , TAICHMAN Darren B. , LYNCH Sarah , DEMISSIE Ejigayehu , HANSEN‐FLASCHEN John , CHRISTIE Jason D.
Published: November 2008

Background and objective:  There is increasing evidence that survivors of ARDS may have impairments in cognitive function, mood and quality of life. This study investigated associations between cognitive impairment, mood disorders and quality of life in a select group of ARDS survivors.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was conducted to describe the specific impairments in cognitive function, mood and quality of life in a group of 79 self‐selected ARDS survivors who contacted an Internet‐based support site. A battery of cognitive tests was administered by telephone interview. Standardized scores on cognitive tests were compared with normative values and tested for associations with indices of anxiety, depression and quality of life.

Results:  Cognitive impairment was found in 56% of subjects. Compared with population norms, 24% of subjects had deficiencies in short‐term memory (P = 0.04) and 29% in executive functioning (P = 0.001). Moderate or severe anxiety was present in 48% of the study population, and 34% had moderate or severe depression. Moderate or severe anxiety was present in 61% of subjects with evidence of cognitive impairment as compared with 31% of subjects without. Subjects with cognitive impairment scored worse than subjects without cognitive impairment on most subscales of the SF‐36 and the Sickness Impact Profile questionnaire.

Conclusions:  Significant cognitive abnormalities may be present in long‐term ARDS survivors, particularly in memory and executive function. Impairments in cognition appear to be associated with significantly increased anxiety and worse quality of life.
Polymorphisms of human vascular endothelial growth factor gene in high‐altitude pulmonary oedema susceptible subjects
Authors: HANAOKA Masayuki , DROMA Yunden , OTA Masao , ITO Michiko , KATSUYAMA Yoshihiko , KUBO Keishi
Published: November 2008

Background and objective:  Based on the reported biological properties and function of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in hypoxic conditions, many investigations have studied the hypothesis that VEGF has an important role in the pathogenesis of high altitude sicknesses, including high‐altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE). Unfortunately, the results are inconsistent. Therefore, the association of VEGF gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) with being susceptible to HAPE was investigated.

Methods:  The study included 53 HAPE‐susceptible subjects (HAPE‐s) and 69 HAPE‐resistant mountaineer controls (HAPE‐r). Subjects were Japanese and the two groups were comparable in terms of age and gender. The SNP of the VEGF gene, namely C‐2578A, G‐1154A and T‐460C in the promoter, G + 405C in the 5′‐untranslated region and C936T in the 3′‐untranslated region, were examined by allele discrimination experiments. In addition, arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) and pulmonary haemodynamic data were available for 21 of the HAPE‐s subjects.

Results:  There were no statistically significant differences in the allele frequencies, genotype distributions or haplotype frequencies of VEGF SNP between the HAPE‐s and HAPE‐r groups. Furthermore, neither PaO2 nor pulmonary haemodynamic parameters were associated with the VEGF SNP in the 21 HAPE‐s subjects.

Conclusions:  This genetic study did not provide evidence that functional SNP of the VEGF gene are associated with susceptibility to HAPE in a Japanese population.
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis with pulmonary involvement: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: RUAN Sheng‐Yuan , CHEN Kuan‐Yu , YANG Pan‐Chyr
Published: November 2008

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a viral infection that usually affects the upper airways. Although it can spread throughout the respiratory tract, involvement of the lung parenchyma is quite rare. Radiographic images of RRP with lung involvement have been mainly presented in case reports of paediatric patients. We present the case of an adult patient with RRP and lung involvement, and detail the serial radiographic manifestations. CT and reconstructed images were obtained. The literature was also reviewed and radiographic features of RRP with lung involvement are summarized.
Neurological disorders in a rural Western Australian population
Authors: Panegyres P. K. , Gray V. , Barrett L. , Perceval S.
Published: November 2008

Background: There is limited information on the causes of neurological disorders in an Australian rural setting.

Methods: This study reports on a prospective cohort of 160 patients (95 women and 65 men) with a mean age of 55.1 years (standard deviation 19.78 years, range 12–92 years) receiving a neurological work‐up from one neurologist attending the Geraldton and Midwest region of Western Australia over a 12‐month period.

Results: Patients were divided into 15 diagnostic classifications. Movement disorders were the most common diagnostic classification (38 of 160 or 23.75%) and Parkinson's disease was the most common movement disorder (30 of 38 or 78.95%) with an estimated period of prevalence of 187.5 persons per 1000. Of the other neurological disorder diagnosis classifications the following number of patients per group was observed: epilepsy (27 or 16.87%); neuromuscular disorders (22 or 13.75%); multiple sclerosis (12 or 7.5%); cerebrovascular disease (10 or 6.25%); headaches (7 or 4.37%); neurodegenerative (7 or 4.37%); dementias (6 or 3.75%); memory dysfunction (6 or 3.75%); gait disorders (4 or 2.5%); vestibular syndrome (3 or 1.87%); pain syndrome (3 or 1.87%); sensory syndrome (2 or 1.25%); brain injury (1 or 0.62%) and miscellaneous (12 or 7.5%). A high number of persons having Parkinson's disease was found.

Conclusion: Possible risk factors for Parkinson's disease for individuals living in Geraldton and Midwest region need to be investigated. This study raises issues pertaining to the provision of services and allocation of resources in rural areas, especially for patients with Parkinson's disease.
Effects of stroke‐induced damage to swallow‐related areas in the brain on swallowing mechanics of elderly patients
Authors: Warabi Tateo , Ito Takuya , Kato Masamichi , Takei Hidetoshi , Kobayashi Nobuyoshi , Chiba Susumu
Published: November 2008

Aim:  Our objective was to determine the relationship between defective swallowing mechanics and the location of brain lesions in stroke patients.

Methods:  We evaluated swallowing mechanics in 37 stroke patients and 10 age‐matched control subjects by videofluoroscopy. Subjects were asked to swallow 10 successive 1.0‐mL and three successive 2.5‐mL boluses of barium suspension at intervals of approximately 15–30 s. We measured oral transit time, pharyngeal delay time and pharyngeal transit time.

Results:  Patients could be divided into two groups based on the pharyngeal delay time for a 1.0‐mL bolus swallow. One group showed little variation during successive swallowing tests, similar to the control group. In the other group pharyngeal delay times varied during successive trials often tending to increase with successive swallows. Magnetic resonance imaging studies of the brain revealed infarcts or hemorrhages in swallow‐related areas in the latter group, while in the former group lesions were localized to areas unrelated to swallowing.

Conclusion:  Damage to swallow‐related areas may reduce their sensitivity to incoming signals from the oral cavity thereby impairing preparations to generate motor command signals and compromising their ability to send sufficient voluntary descending command signals to activate the swallowing central pattern generator located in the medulla. This deficiency becomes more evident with successive swallows and manifests as impaired swallowing mechanics.
Switch to oral hypoglycemic agent therapy from insulin injection in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Okamoto Takashi , Okamoto Lisa , Lisanti Michael P , Akishita Masahiro
Published: November 2008

Aim:  We aimed to determine the feasibility of substituting thiazolidinedione‐based therapy for insulin injection therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods:  Thirty‐six subjects (17 men and 19 women) aged 67.8 ± 11.3 years with an average insulin dose of 0.46 ± 0.17 U/kg bodyweight, a duration of insulin therapy of 6.1 ± 8.2 years and an average hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 6.8 ± 1.3% were switched from insulin injection therapy to pioglitazone, glimepiride and voglibose combination therapy.

Results:  The number of subjects achieving HbA1c levels of less than 7% at 4 months was 30. The success rate of switch therapy was 83% (30/36). HbA1c was significantly reduced from 6.7 ± 1.3% to 5.9 ± 0.7% at 4 months after the switch (P < 0.01) in 32 patients who completed the planned 4‐month study. No adverse effects including heart failure, liver dysfunction or severe hypoglycemia were observed. The insulin dose and the maximum blood glucose on the switch day were significantly lower and the age was significantly higher in the subjects who achieved HbA1c less than 7% at 4 months compared to those who did not (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Thiazolidinedione‐based oral combination therapy may efficiently and safely substitute relatively high‐dose insulin injection therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Measuring grandparenthood stress and reward: Developing a scale based on perceptions by grandparents with adolescent grandchildren in Hong Kong
Authors: Wei‐Qun Lou Vivian , Chi Iris
Published: November 2008

Aim:  To develop a Grandparent Stress and Reward Scale (GSRS) for grandparents with adolescent grandchildren in a Chinese context.

Methods:  Twenty‐three grandparents with adolescent grandchildren were given in‐depth interviews on perceived grandparenthood stress and reward to develop the GSRS. The GSRS was then tested on 107 older adults (mean age, 75.8 years) whose youngest grandchildren were aged 12 or older, living in the community, and were recruited from elderly service agencies. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with a standardized questionnaire which included the GSRS, Life Satisfaction Scale for Chinese Elders (LSS‐C), a single‐item measure on grandparenthood stress, and demographic measures.

Results:  The GSRS has satisfactory structure validity. It measures three aspects of reward (self‐esteem and life satisfaction, life‐long learning opportunity, and grandchildren support), and two aspects of stress (relationship‐oriented stress and grandchildren‐oriented stress). GSRS was correlated with LSS‐C and perceived grandparenthood stress as theoretically expected, which supported its criteria‐related validity. It also had satisfactory reliability based on the internal consistency coefficient.

Conclusions:  The GSRS was a valid and reliable measure that assesses meaning given to grandparents' perception on reward and stress in relations with adolescent grandchildren in a Chinese context. The underlying construct of the scale suggested that the meaning given to grandparenthood in the Chinese context was still influenced by the Confucian tradition.
Dynamic heterogeneity in life histories
Authors: Tuljapurkar Shripad , Steiner Ulrich K. , Orzack Steven Hecht
Published: November 2008

Longitudinal data on natural populations have been analysed using multistage models in which survival depends on reproductive stage, and individuals change stages according to a Markov chain. These models are special cases of stage‐structured population models. We show that stage‐structured models generate dynamic heterogeneity: life‐history differences produced by stochastic stratum dynamics. We characterize dynamic heterogeneity in a range of species across taxa by properties of the Markov chain: the entropy, which describes the extent of heterogeneity, and the subdominant eigenvalue, which describes the persistence of reproductive success during the life of an individual. Trajectories of reproductive stage determine survivorship, and we analyse the variance in lifespan within and between trajectories of reproductive stage. We show how stage‐structured models can be used to predict realized distributions of lifetime reproductive success. Dynamic heterogeneity contrasts with fixed heterogeneity: unobserved differences that generate variation between life histories. We show by an example that observed distributions of lifetime reproductive success are often consistent with the claim that little or no fixed heterogeneity influences this trait. We propose that dynamic heterogeneity provides a ‘neutral’ model for assessing the possible role of unobserved ‘quality’ differences between individuals. We discuss fitness for dynamic life histories, and the implications of dynamic heterogeneity for the evolution of life histories and senescence.
Electron donor‐dependent radionuclide reduction and nanoparticle formation by Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans strain 2CP‐C
Authors: Marshall Matthew J. , Dohnalkova Alice C. , Kennedy David W. , Plymale Andrew E. , Thomas Sara H. , Löffler Frank E. , Sanford Robert A. , Zachara John M. , Fredrickson James K. , Beliaev Alexander S.
Published: November 2008

Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans strain 2CP‐C reduces U(VI) and Tc(VII) to U(IV)O2(s) (uraninite) and Tc(IV)O2(S) respectively. Kinetic studies with resting cells revealed that U(VI) or Tc(VII) reduction rates using H2 as electron donor exceeded those observed in acetate‐amended incubations. The reduction of U(VI) by A. dehalogenans 2CP‐C resulted in extracellular accumulation of ∼5 nm uraninite nanoparticles in association with a lectin‐binding extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). The electron donor did not affect UO2(S) nanoparticle size or association with EPS, but the utilization of acetate as the source of reducing equivalents resulted in distinct UO2(S) nanoparticle aggregates that were ∼50 nm in diameter. In contrast, reduction of Tc(VII) by A. dehalogenans 2CP‐C cell suspensions produced dense clusters of TcO2 particles, which were localized within the cell periplasm and on the outside of the outer membrane. In addition to direct reduction, A. dehalogenans 2CP‐C cell suspensions reduced Tc(VII) indirectly via an Fe(II)‐mediated mechanism. Fe(II) produced by strain 2CP‐C from either ferrihydrite or Hanford Site sediment rapidly removed 99Tc(VII)O4– from solution. These findings expand our knowledge of the radionuclide reduction processes catalysed by Anaeromyxobacter spp. that may influence the fate and transport of radionuclide contaminants in the subsurface.
Participant recruitment from minority religious groups: the case of the Islamic population in South Australia
Authors: Mohammadi N. , Jones T. , Evans D.
Published: November 2008

Background:  Participant recruitment is a fundamental component of the research process and the methods employed to attract individuals will depend on the nature of the study. Recruitment may be more challenging when the study involves people from a minority religious group. However, this issue has not been well addressed in the literature.

Aim:  To discuss the challenges of recruiting participants from a minority religious group (the Islamic population) to participate in an interpretive, hermeneutic study concerning the experience of hospitalization. The challenges of recruitment encountered during this study are used as the basis for a broader discussion of this important issue. To ensure the success of this phase of the study, a pre‐planned recruitment strategy was essential.

Methods:  Multiple recruitment strategies were used, including hospital‐based recruitment, snowball sampling, advertising and contact with key people. Despite the use of multiple strategies, recruitment of participants was difficult and required an extended period of time to achieve sufficiently rich data. Thirteen participants shared their lived experience to provide an in‐depth understanding of the phenomenon. Recruiting participants from minority religious group involves potentially sensitive issues. There is an increased need for the researchers to carefully consider potential participants' rights and ensure that sound ethical principles underpin the study, as failure to do this may hinder the recruitment process.

Findings:  The two most effective strategies of recruitment were snowball sampling and contact with key Islamic people, with the least effective being advertising. This paper highlights the importance of anticipating potential difficulties and pre‐planning strategies to overcome barriers to recruitment. Implementation of multiple strategies is recommended to ensure successful research recruitment.
The empowerment process in people with diabetes: an Iranian perspective
Authors: Abdoli S. , Ashktorab T. , Ahmadi F. , Parvizi S. , Dunning T.
Published: November 2008

Background:  Empowerment and power are well‐researched concepts concerning people with chronic diseases. However, few researchers have focused specifically on the process of empowerment in Iranian people with diabetes. Understanding the empowerment process could help health professionals facilitate empowerment.

Aim:  To explore the empowerment process in Iranian people with diabetes.

Method:  A grounded theory research design was used incorporating in‐depth interviews to collect the data from men and women aged 21–73 years (n = 16). Data were collected between February and July 2007. Constant comparative analysis was undertaken to identify key categories.

Findings:  Participants indicated being embarrassed by the diagnosis, thirsting to learn, living in the shadow of fear, accepting diabetes as reality, managing diabetes and feeling empowered were distinct but interconnected phases in the empowerment process. The empowerment process was influenced by cultural and religious beliefs including the concept of the doctor as holy man, accepting diabetes as God's will, caring for the body because it was God's gift, paying attention to symptomatic disease, and support from peers and family, especially daughters.

Conclusion:  The empowerment process consists of several distinct but interconnected phases. The findings will help health professionals develop a deeper understanding of how Iranian people with diabetes become empowered.
Beliefs about health and illness: a comparison between Ugandan men and women living with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hjelm K. , Nambozi G.
Published: November 2008

Background:  The diabetes mellitus (DM) pandemic greatly affects developing countries. Self‐care is an important part of management, guided by beliefs about health and illness. Dissimilarities in health‐related behaviour in men and women have been described but not comparisons of their beliefs about health and illness.

Aim:  To explore beliefs about health and illness that might affect self‐care practice and healthcare‐seeking behaviour in men and women with DM in Uganda.

Methods:  This was an exploratory study with a consecutive sample from an outpatient diabetes clinic at a university hospital. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 15 women and 10 men aged 21–70 years. Data analysis was conducted by qualitative content analysis.

Findings:  Men's and women's beliefs about health and illness indicated limited knowledge about the body and DM. Dissimilar were men's focus on socio‐economic factors, particularly affordability of drugs, sexual function and lifestyle, while women valued well‐being, support in daily life and household activities and had a higher risk‐awareness of DM. Irrespective of gender, limited self‐care measures were used, and health professionals were consulted about health problems.

Conclusion:  Similarities and dissimilarities were found between men and women in beliefs about health and illness that affect self‐care practice and healthcare seeking. Underlying living conditions, with different gender roles, appear to determine the beliefs about health and illness, which are based on individual knowledge. Measures to increase knowledge about DM are urgently needed in Uganda. In diabetes care, it is important to search for individual beliefs and consider gender and living conditions.
Research development in a university nursing school in Southern Ireland
Authors: McCarthy G. , Fitzpatrick J.J.
Published: November 2008

Aim:  The aim of this paper is to present the strategies used in one newly established university School of Nursing and Midwifery in Southern Ireland to develop research capacity.

Background:  The case study was guided by an agreed strategic plan which included changing the research culture; providing focused and appropriate research training; mentoring of junior staff, employment of an external consultant; provision of funding for PhD progression; and institutional support at all levels.

Conclusion:  Success is profiled in relation to establishment of research themes, publications, research funding awarded, and numbers of students registered for PhDs. Challenges in further improving research productivity are also discussed.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being? Shifts Towards the Virtual Trial
Authors: Mulcahy Linda
Published: November 2008

This article examines the implications of allowing witnesses to give evidence in trials from other locations through the medium of ‘live link’. Academic commentary on this technological aid has to date focused on the impact it has on the defendant's right to cross‐examine or the ability to judge demeanour. Whilst these issues are important, this essay focuses on a less commented on implication of live link; its impact on our conception of where and how adjudication takes place. Particular emphasis is placed on the ways in which the courtroom as the prime site of legal practice is in danger of being dematerialized and the effect this is likely to have on the legitimacy of the trial as an authentic legal and public ritual.
Women Judges: Gendering Judging, Justifying Diversity
Authors: Feenan Dermot
Published: November 2008

The under‐representation of women in judicial office has led to calls for greater female representation based on an argument that women offer a different voice from that of men. This argument has largely foundered, and a more recent rationale rests on the need for diversity in the judiciary. However, the disadvantage experienced by women applicants to judicial office is rooted in deeply entrenched structural discrimination and exclusion, imbricated in the constitution of the judge, judging, and judicial authority as male, masculine, white, heterosexual, able‐bodied, and class‐privileged. Arguments for wider representation in judicial office need to address more effectively how the judge, judging, and judicial authority are constituted. A survey of women holders of judicial office in Northern Ireland confirms this exclusion. While few respondents in the survey support the concept of a different voice, many identify distinctive approaches which can potentially enrich notions of judging and judicial authority.
Measuring Abstract Constructs in Management and Organizational Research: The Case of Export Coordination
Authors: Diamantopoulos Adamantios , Siguaw Judy A. , Cadogan John W.
Published: November 2008

Rossiter (2008) attempts to show that traditional measure development procedures are flawed. He illustrates his reasoning using measures of the export coordination construct (Diamantopoulos and Siguaw, British Journal of Management, 17 (2006), pp. 263–282), and ‘corrects’ these measures using the C‐OAR‐SE procedure for scale development. We explain the errors that Rossiter (2008) makes in his application of the C‐OAR‐SE procedure, and in the assumptions inherent in the C‐OAR‐SE procedure. We demonstrate that the ‘corrected’ measure that Rossiter (2008) develops using the C‐OAR‐SE procedure lacks validity. We conclude that the C‐OAR‐SE procedure needs more work if it is become a useful tool for researchers.
Some Varieties of Linguistic Argumentation
Authors: SMITH CAREL E.
Published: November 2008

The maxim to understand the law literally (Montesquieu, Voltaire) resembles Holmes' Plain Meaning Approach. But these approaches should not be considered as the expression of a naïve legal epistemology. They rather stress that the law ought to be interpreted as it is understood by the prudent citizen. In this way, the ideal of the rule of law is best guaranteed.
Locke on Toleration and Inclusion
Authors: WARD LEE
Published: November 2008

As the product of liberalism's first encounter with the theoretical problems posed by legal discrimination and unequal treatment of minority groups, Locke's argument for religious toleration foreshadowed contemporary democratic theory's emphasis on non‐coercive discussion of diverse rights claims and broadly inclusive public deliberations. This study tries to illuminate the democratic dimension of Locke's toleration theory by focusing on his crucial account of the church as a voluntary association. Here Locke presented discursive possibilities for the articulation of diverse beliefs and interests that he believed would not only benefit both society as a whole and the minority religious groups contained in it, but also weave principles of contestation and deliberation into the very fabric of the liberal polity.
The resilience and sustainability of local wetland management institutions in Illubabor and Western Wellega, Ethiopia
Authors: Dixon Alan B.
Published: November 2008

Local community based institutions that coordinate the management of natural resources have been linked to socioecological resilience, adaptation and sustainability within rural livelihood systems throughout the developing world. The resilience and sustainability of related local institutions, however, is influenced by their relationship with external actors and institutions, particularly in facilitating, supporting or hindering local institutional arrangements. From this standpoint, this paper examines the case of local community based institutions involved in wetland management in western Ethiopia. Drawing upon the findings of participatory fieldwork undertaken in eight wetland‐using communities of Illubabor and Western Wellega zones in Oromia Region it is argued that although local institutions do play a key role in coordinating wetland management and sustaining the benefits from wetlands, the sustainability and resilience of the institutions themselves is threatened by a range of factors. Despite their grassroots nature, their effectiveness is influenced by their reliance on local government backstopping that appears to have diminished in recent years, as well as a perceived lack of local government support for collective action over individual rights.
Student perceptions of their IEP targets
Authors: PAWLEY HANNE , TENNANT GEOFF
Published: November 2008

The 2001 Code of Practice for Special Educational Needs (DfES, 2001) explicitly states that students with IEPs should have an active role in the writing and implementing of them. A research project was conducted in which 19 Year 8 students in three schools were interviewed, with the findings cross‐referenced against an examination of their individual education plans (IEPs) and interviews with the SENCos. Very few students were able to communicate a clear understanding of IEPs. Students' stated targets mostly reflected mainstream target‐setting: very few stated targets matched with those in their IEPs. Consistent with these findings is literature which argues that meaningfully involving students in the IEP process takes considerable time and effort, which would appear to imply that the number of students with IEPs in any one school must be limited. Against this are pressures, particularly from OFSTED but also from examination boards, to have IEPs available as evidence that students' needs are being met. The article concludes by suggesting that SENCos look to limit the number of IEPs issued, alongside a robust defence of the school's special educational needs policy within the school evaluation form to ensure that students' needs are met and also are seen to be met.
Parents' concerns about children with specific learning difficulties: insights gained from an online message centre
Authors: KIRBY AMANDA , EDWARDS LISA , HUGHES ANGELA
Published: November 2008

Major developments in the use of the internet have enabled easy and widespread access to information and the ability to form virtual social networks. For parents of children with developmental disorders, who may at times feel isolated, having a forum to discuss their fears and concerns with other parents who are sharing similar experiences may provide a source of support and advice. Waiting lists for assessments, including for children with developmental co‐ordination disorder (DCD), remain in many areas; a professionally supported message centre could also add an additional level of service and empowerment for these parents. This could potentially reduce the need for unnecessary assessment in some cases and help to bridge the information gap between health and education.

The Dyscovery Centre message board has been established for over four years and has seen increasing usage during that time. This paper aims to explore the range, frequency and types of concerns that parents of children with specific learning difficulties express when accessing the message board. The impact of this type of support is discussed. The paper then explores how this approach and other online strategies can effectively run alongside more traditional services in both health and education.
FORGIVING ENEMIES IN IRELAND
Authors: Biggar Nigel
Published: November 2008

The Peace Process in Northern Ireland is about to reach another milestone: the Consultative Group on the Past is due to publish a report in the autumn of 2008 on “the best way to deal with the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland” and to support the building of “a shared future.” It is timely therefore to think again—and further—about what political expression forgiveness might find, using the concrete case of Northern Ireland today as grist for our conceptual mill. This essay opens with two preliminaries: an account of what forgiveness is and how it relates to resentment, punishment, repentance, and reconciliation; and a brief summary of the “Troubles.” It then proceeds to caution that reconciliation will have to be realized in the midst of persistent enmity; to explore what a Truth Commission might achieve, and the limits of it; to consider whether the discovery of fresh truth should issue in further judicial proceedings, and how far these will disturb the Peace Process; and to suggest that the British Government could erect public memorials to the dead on all sides. It concludes that in addition to Government action, there is need for the popular exercise of certain virtues—including grateful, hopeful patience, forgiveness‐as‐compassion, and public penitence.
TWO FORMS OF LOVE: The Problem of Preferential Love in Kierkegaard's Works of Love
Authors: Krishek Sharon
Published: November 2008

The duty to love one's neighbor as oneself is at the core of Kierkegaard's Works of Love. In this book, Kierkegaard unfolds the meaning of neighborly love and claims that it is the only valid form of true love. He contrasts between neighborly love and preferential love (which includes romantic love and friendship) and criticizes the latter for being nothing but a form of selfishness. However, in some contexts, Kierkegaard seems to acknowledge the significance of preferential love relationships, and does not disallow them. Therefore, his understanding of preferential love appears to be confused and inconsistent. My essay discusses the tension in Kierkegaard's position regarding preferential love, and by presenting recent readings of Works of Love, it asks whether this tension is resolvable and offers a suggestion for a possible solution.
THE MORALITY, POLITICS, AND IRONY OF WAR: Recovering Reinhold Niebuhr's Ethical Realism
Authors: Carlson John D.
Published: November 2008

The American experience of war is ironic. That is, there is often an intimate and unexamined relationship between seemingly contrary elements in war such as morality and politics. This article argues that without understanding such irony, we are unlikely to reflect in morally comprehensive ways on past, present, or future wars. Traditional schools of thought, however, such as moralism and political realism, reinforce these apparent contradictions. I propose, then, an alternative—“ethical realism” as informed by Reinhold Niebuhr—that better explains the irony of war. Through an ethical realist examination of the U.S. Civil War, World War II, and the Iraq War, I consider how American political interests have been inextricably linked with deep moral concerns. Ethical realism charts a middle path that ennobles traditionalrealpolitikwhile eschewing certain perfectionist tendencies of moralism. Ethical realism provides a conceptual framework for evaluating these other frameworks—a distinct form of moral‐political deliberation about war.
Reforming the United Kingdom Constitution: Law, Convention, Soft Law
Authors: McHarg Aileen
Published: November 2008

The Governance of Britain Green Paper continues the programme of constitutional reform begun in 1997, and appears to reinforce the juridification of the UK's constitution. Nevertheless, several key reforms will be implemented not by legislation, but by creating new conventions. This article argues that such ‘declared’ conventions are best understood as a form of constitutional ‘soft law’, which attempt to influence constitutional behaviour rather than generating binding norms. Applying a regulatory analysis, it then argues that the case for a soft, rather than hard law approach to constitutional reform is weaker than its widespread use in the UK suggests. Finally, the article challenges the thesis that the political constitution is being replaced by a legal constitution, arguing that the government's attitude to constitutional reform still exhibits basic characteristics of political constitutionalism. Moreover, there is more to contemporary constitutional developments than a bipolar contest between political and legal constitutionalism.
The Strange Death of Blasphemy
Authors: Sandberg Russell , Doe Norman
Published: November 2008

Recent years have witnessed a considerable growth in legislation and litigation concerning religion. This article examines the implications of the latest change, namely the abolition of the offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel by section 79 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008. First, the article provides the context by examining what has been lost, analysing the ambit of the offence, focussing on litigation in the twentieth century both in domestic courts and at the European Court of Human Rights. Second, the article seeks to explore why blasphemy has been abolished now, scrutinizing five developments that led to the abolition. The article concludes by examining the extent to which the criminal law continues to protect religious beliefs and believers, contending that while the body of the blasphemy laws is dead, its soul lives on in a plethora of other criminal laws and, more problematically, in non‐legal means of control.
A PRAGMATIC CASE AGAINST PRAGMATIC THEOLOGICAL REALISM
Authors: LEE WANG‐YEN
Published: November 2008

Pragmatic theological realism (PTR) urges us to take up the realist aim of theology or the goal of truth although we have good reason to think that the goal can neither be attained nor approximated. Rescher contends that pursuing an unreachable goal can be rational on pragmatic grounds so long as pursuing the unreachable goal yields indirect benefits. I have blocked this attempt at providing a pragmatic justification for the realist aim of PTR on precisely the same pragmatic grounds: since there is a competing alternative to PTR and the alternative can provide whatever indirect benefits PTR can offer while being less risky than it is, prudential reasoning favours the alternative to PTR. This undermines the pragmatic case for the realist aim of theology since the instrumentalist alternative does not aim at the truth.
THE NATURE OF DIVINE REVELATION
Authors: BLAAUW MARTIJN
Published: November 2008

One of the most important questions about divine revelation is the question – what is the nature of divine revelation? This conceptual question even precedes such epistemological questions as whether we can know that a divine revelation occurred, or whether divine revelation can produce religious knowledge. In this paper, I argue for a particular analysis of the concept of divine revelation. Key to my proposal is that ‘to reveal’ is a term of epistemic appraisal: if a subject revealed a proposition to a receiver, then this implies that the receiver actually accepted the information offered. I will end this paper by investigating what the consequences of my proposal are for answering the two epistemological questions.
Gender Differences in Perceptions of Sexual Intent: A Qualitative Review and Integration
Authors: Lindgren Kristen P. , Parkhill Michele R. , George William H. , Hendershot Christian S.
Published: November 2008

Men appear to interpret people's behaviors more sexually than do women. This finding, which has been replicated in scores of studies using a variety of methodological approaches, has been linked to important social concerns, including sexual assault and sexual harassment. This article provides a critical review of the published literature on gender differences in sexual intent perception, using selective examples to illustrate and summarize the field's major constructs, methodologies, and empirical findings. Theoretical explanations for gender differences in sexual intent perceptions are reviewed. Finally, we highlight the field's remaining issues and make several recommendations for future research directions.
Incarcerated Women's Psychological Functioning During Pregnancy
Authors: Hutchinson Katherine Conlon , Moore Ginger A. , Propper Cathi B. , Mariaskin Amy
Published: November 2008

To understand experiences of incarcerated pregnant women, 25 pregnant women in a state prison were interviewed. Responses were coded for frequency and intensity of narrative themes. Psychological distress and recall of past relationships with mothers were assessed using questionnaires. Participants reported moderate depression and high hostility and recalled their own mothers as high in control and low in warmth. Depressive symptoms were positively correlated with themes of separation, attachment, visitation, jealousy toward interim caregivers, and cognitive coping. Recalling lower levels of mother's warmth was correlated with more frequent thoughts about reunification with infants. Recalling higher levels of mother's control was correlated with greater confidence in parenting and planning for custody. Implications for mother–infant health and intervention are discussed.
Arengomyia, new genus for the Colocasiomyia arenga species group (Diptera: Drosophilidae), with description of a new species
Authors: YAFUSO Masako , TODA Masanori J. , SEMBEL Dantje T.
Published: November 2008

The arenga species group, hitherto consisting of three species, Colocasiomyia arenga, C. pararenga and C. sagittata, is separated from the genus Colocasiomyia, and established as the new genus Arengomyia Yafuso and Toda, gen. nov. Of the three species, C. pararenga Okada, 1990 is synonymized with C. arenga (Okada, 1987). A new species, Arengomyia xanthopleura Yafuso and Toda, sp. nov., is also described. Supplementary descriptions and revisions of some morphological characters are also provided for the known species.
Phylogenetic relationships of subgenera of the genus Exorista Meigen, with a revision of the Japanese species (Diptera: Tachinidae)
Authors: TACHI Takuji , SHIMA Hiroshi
Published: November 2008

Phylogenetic relationships of the subgenera of Exorista Meigen (Diptera: Tachinidae) are inferred from morphological data. Our results show that the genus Exorista is not monophyletic and that members of the subgenus Spixomyia Crosskey are divided into two clades. Each subgenus is redefined based on male and female morphological features. The Japanese species of Exorista are revised and classified into five subgenera: Adenia Robineau‐Desvoidy, Exorista Meigen, Podotachina Brauer and Bergenstamm, Ptilotachina Brauer and Bergenstamm, and Spixomyia Crosskey. Thirteen species are recognized, including two newly recorded species, Exorista (Adenia) cuneata Herting and Exorista (Spixomyia) lepis Chao. Exorista cantans Mesnil is transferred to the subgenus Podotachina from Spixomyia.
Lafutidine versus Lansoprazole in Combination with Clarithromycin and Amoxicillin for One versus Two Weeks for Helicobacter pylori Eradication in Korea
Authors: Kim Nayoung , Park Soo‐Heon , Seo Geom Seog , Lee Sang Woo , Kim Jae Woo , Lee Kwang Jae , Shin Won‐Chang , Kim Tae Nyeun , Park Moo‐In , Park Jong‐Jae , Hong Su Jin , Shim Ki‐Nam , Kim Sang Wook , Shin Yong‐Woon , Chang Young‐Woon , Chun Hoon Jai , Lee Ok‐Jae , Jeon Won‐Joong , Park Chan‐Guk , Cho Chang‐Min , Park Cheol Hee , Won Sun Young , Lee Gin Hyug , Park Kyung Sik , Shin Jeong Eun , Kim Heung Up , Park Joon Yong , Chae Hiun Suk , Song Geun Am , Kim Jae Gyu , Yoon Byung Chul , Seol Sangyong , Jung Hyun Chae , Chung In‐Sik
Published: November 2008

Background and Aims: Lafutidine is a novel H2‐receptor antagonist with gastroprotective activity that includes enhancement of gastric mucosal blood flow. The aim of the present study was to test the efficacy of 7‐ or 14‐day lafutidine–clarithromycin–amoxicillin therapy versus a lansoprazole‐based regimen for Helicobacter pylori eradication.

Methods: Four hundred and sixty‐three patients with H. pylori‐infected peptic ulcer disease were randomized to one of four regimens: (1) lafutidine (20 mg b.i.d.), clarithromycin (500 mg b.i.d.) and amoxicillin (1000 mg b.i.d.) for 7 days (the 7LFT group) or (2) for 14 days (the 14LFT group); (3) lansoprazole (30 mg b.i.d.), clarithromycin (500 mg b.i.d.), and amoxicillin (1000 mg b.i.d.) for 7 days (the 7LPZ group); or (4) for 14 days (the 14LPZ group). The eradication rates, drug compliance, and adverse effects among the four regimens were compared.

Results: The eradication rates by the intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses in the 7LFT and 7LPZ groups were 76.5% and 81.6%, and 76.9% and 82.0% (p = .94 and .95), respectively. The eradication rates by intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses in the 14LFT and 14LPZ groups were 78.2% and 82.2%, and 80.4% and 85.9% (p = .70 and .49), respectively. The treatment duration for 7 days or 14 days did not affect the eradication rates. In addition, the adverse effect rates and discontinuation rates were similar among the four groups. Furthermore, the ulcer cure rate and symptom response rate were similar in the lafutidine and lansoprazole groups.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that lafutidine–clarithromycin–amoxicillin therapy was a safe and effective as lansoprazole‐based triple therapy for the eradication rate of H. pylori, and could be considered as an additional treatment option.
Failure of Helicobacter pylori Treatment After Regimes Containing Clarithromycin: New Practical Therapeutic Options
Authors: Sanches Bruno , Coelho Luiz , Moretzsohn Luciana , Vieira Gerival
Published: November 2008

Failure of Helicobacter pylori treatment is a growing problem in daily practice.

Aim:  To evaluate the efficacy of two new regimes as second‐line options in a randomized and prospective study.

Methods:  Patients in whom a first eradication regime containing clarithromycin had failed were included. After performing gastroscopy and a 13C‐urea breath test (UBT), the patients were randomized to receive a combination of 20 mg of rabeprazole, 500 mg of levofloxacin, and 200 mg (two tablets) of furazolidone administered once daily for 10 days (RLF) or the combination of 20 mg of rabeprazole, 120 mg (two tablets) of bismuth subcitrate, 100 mg of doxycycline, and 200 mg of furazolidone, administered twice daily for 10 days (RBDF). Clinical examinations and new UBT were performed 60 days after therapy.

Results:  Sixty patients were included (mean age, 46 years, 57% females). Two patients were excluded: one because of adverse effects and another as a result of protocol violation. Compliance was similar in both groups (90% took all medications correctly). Side‐effects (96% mild) were observed in 87% of the patients and were comparable between groups, except diarrhea, which was more frequent in group RLF (p= .025). Intention‐to‐treat cure rates were 77% (95% confidence interval (CI): 62–93%) in the RLF group and 83% (95% CI: 68–97%) in the RBDF group (p= .750). Per‐protocol cure rates were 80% (95% CI: 65–95%) in the RLF group and 82% (95% CI: 67–96%) in the RBDF group (p= 1.0).

Conclusions:  Both once‐daily triple (rabeprazole, levofloxacin, and furazolidone) and twice‐daily quadruple therapy (rabeprazole, bismuth subcitrate, doxycycline, and furazolidone) for 10 days achieved encouraging results. Subsequent studies should be performed to evaluate antibiotic resistance, doses, dosing intervals, duration of treatment, and safety of these two regimes.
The Making of an Investment Banker: Stock Market Shocks, Career Choice, and Lifetime Income
Authors: OYER PAUL
Published: November 2008

I show that stock market shocks have important and lasting effects on the careers of MBAs. Stock market conditions while MBA students are in school have a large effect on whether they go directly to Wall Street upon graduation. Further, starting on Wall Street immediately upon graduation causes a person to be more likely to work there later and to earn, on average, substantially more money. The empirical results suggest that investment bankers are largely “made” by circumstance rather than “born” to work on Wall Street.