A Dream Attained or Deferred? Examination of Production, Placement, and Transition into the Principalship of Latina/o Educators in Texas

Presentation made at Latinos in the Heartland (12th : 2014 : St. Louis, Mo.) and published in the annual conference proceedingThe demographics of the student population enrolled in U.S. schools is quickly evolving, with dramatic increases in the number and percentage of English Language Learner students (Garcia, 2012), immigrant youth, and Latino/a students (Fry & Lopez, 2012). Increased pressures on educators to increase student test scores and to close test score achievement gaps raises questions about the degree to which school leaders are prepared to meet these challenges. Research shows school leaders prepared to deeply understand various student backgrounds and cultures tend to be more effective in ensuring positive outcomes for all students (Leithwood & Riehl, 2003). Yet scant research has examined the frequency of racial/ethnic matches between principals and students and how the dynamics of production and career advancement might influence the prevalence of such matches. Specifically, no empirical studies have examined the transition rate of Latino assistant principals (APs) into principalship positions, or how the rate compares to the rates of peers with different racial/ethnic backgrounds. With Texas as an example, we asked: What percentage of principals and assistant principals was Latino over the last 20 years? ; What percentage of majority Latino schools has been led by Latino principals in the last 20 years? ; Do Latino assistant principals become principals at the same rate as their peers? ; What is the time frame for advancement of Latino assistant principals to the principalship in relation to their peers? This study uses multiple state administrative data sets that show the employment status and individual characteristics of APs, principals, and the student demographics of schools from 1990 through 2008. We examined the transition rates of APs to principals across multiple cohorts of APs over extended time periods. Ultimately, we examined 112,342 assistant principal years and 118,883 principal years over the 18-year time frame to determine the percentages of employed APs and principals. Keywords: school leadership, Latino educators, principals, Latino educatio

Solitary pulmonary metastasis from prostate sarcomatoid cancer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pulmonary metastasis from prostate cancer is considered to be a late event, and patients can be treated with chemotherapy or hormonal manipulation. However, there has been only a few reports on surgical resection for pulmonary metastasis from prostate cancer.</p> <p>Case Presentation</p> <p>We present a surgical case of solitary pulmonary metastasis from prostate cancer. A 73-year-old man underwent pelvic evisceration for prostate cancer. Histopathological examination revealed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with a sarcomatoid carcinoma component. During postoperative follow-up, chest computed tomography showed a nodular shadow in the lung, and thoracoscopic wedge resection of the lung was performed. Histopathological examination revealed a histological appearance similar to that of the prostate sarcomatoid carcinoma. This is the first reported case of solitary pulmonary metastasis from prostate sarcomatoid cancer.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Isolated pulmonary metastasis from prostate sarcomatoid cancer is extremely rare, but surgery could be the treatment of choice.</p

Assertive Community Treatment for People With Alcohol Dependence: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Aims: A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess the feasibility and potential efficacy of assertive community treatment (ACT) in adults with alcohol dependence. Methods: Single blind, individually randomized, pilot RCT of 12 months of ACT plus treatment as usual (TAU) versus TAU alone in adults (age 18+ years) with alcohol dependence and a history of previous unsuccessful alcohol treatment attending specialist community alcohol treatment services. ACT aimed to actively engage participants for 12 months with assertive, regular, minimum weekly contact. ACT was combined with TAU. TAU comprised access to the full range of services provided by the community teams. Primary outcome is mean drinks per drinking day and percent days abstinent at 12 months follow up. Analysis of covariance was conducted using 80% confidence intervals, appropriate in the context of a pilot trial. Results: A total of 94 participants were randomized, 45 in ACT and 49 in TAU. Follow-up was achieved with 98 and 88%, respectively at 12 months. Those in ACT had better treatment engagement, and were more often seen in their homes or local community than TAU participants. At 12 months the ACT group had more problems related to drinking and lower quality of life than TAU but no differences in drinking measures. The ACT group had a higher percentage of days abstinent but lower quality of life at 6 months. The ACT group had less unplanned healthcare use than TAU. Conclusions: An trial of ACT was feasible to implement in an alcohol dependent treatment population. Trial registration: ISRCTN2277553

The Ursinus Weekly, November 7, 1949

G.B. Shaw derides England\u27s language in Pygmalion plot • European student enters Ursinus after long delay • Campus Y to boost annual WSSF drive with $1000 as goal • Calendar indicates vigorous, far-flung week-end schedule • Scout men to form service fraternity at meeting tonight • Sommers to appear for Starlight Ball • Old timers return for traditional day; Varsity queen rules • Philip organizes 125 for twelfth chorus of famed oratorio • Yearbook to open \u2749 shooting season • Author-publisher strongly denounces Britain\u27s welfare state as totalitarian • Band, singers plan combined concert • Coeds to cement relations at big-little sister party • FTA offers talk on opportunities • Editorial: Coming drives • Viewbook becomes new Ursinus agent throughout nation • Caracas native adds diversity to \u2753 class • Three twirlers add baton intricacies to marching band • Korean compares Hawaii U., Ursinus • Academy reveals diversified program for all music fans • Curtis emerges victorious in football; Play-offs to determine league winner • Ursinus bows 16-45 to Reading runners • Bears to encounter powerful grid foe at PMC this week • Fords, Lincoln defeat grizzly soccer team • Bearettes place six on all-college club in week-end meet • F&M downs bears 27-6 in old timers\u27 day clash • Evans scores goal to tie Swarthmore • Godshall supervises construction work for disposal planthttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1576/thumbnail.jp

The Ursinus Weekly, December 10, 1951

Feulner goes to convention in New York • Supply Store announces 40 percent reductions • Pi Gamma Mu sets initiation banquet for new members • Booster Committee doing art work • Messiah concert called credit to Philip\u27s directing ability • Harte and Lukens named \u2753 year book co-editors • Count to speak at 3rd Forum on January 9 • Y hears lecture on loyalty oath • Students dance at winter whirl • Inge Rudloff to speak • Pre-Christmas week of gay events arrives • Curtain Club may give play again • Candlelight Communion planned Thursday night • St. Nick furthers his education by paying visit to Ursinus College • Editorials: Christmas spirit; Thanks for paint job; New religion discovered • English dorm life described as much different from U.S. • I\u27m dreaming of a tight Christmas • Christmas spirits rise as caroling day draws near • Investment in dinner at Millers\u27 home pays high dividends • Bruin court squad scores 67-61 win over Lycoming team in extra period • Snell\u27s Belles practice for coming court season • Intramural basketball to start after Xmas vacation • Temple Pharmacy defeated by locals as 1951-52 basketball season begins • Twenty-seven report to Coach Kuhrt Wieneke for wrestling • Crusaders\u27 rally dies as Bears win thriller, 60-58 • French Club holds annual holiday soiree • Teacher to address FTA • Jones reads Galsworthy • Chest reaches half mark • Chess Club scores loss to Lansdale teamhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1530/thumbnail.jp

Urinary ATP as an indicator of infection and inflammation of the urinary tract in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms

BACKGROUND: Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) is a neurotransmitter and inflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathophysiology of lower urinary tract disease. ATP additionally reflects microbial biomass thus has potential as a surrogate marker of urinary tract infection (UTI). The optimum clinical sampling method for ATP urinalysis has not been established. We tested the potential of urinary ATP in the assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms, infection and inflammation, and validated sampling methods for clinical practice. METHODS: A prospective, blinded, cross-sectional observational study of adult patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and asymptomatic controls, was conducted between October 2009 and October 2012. Urinary ATP was assayed by a luciferin-luciferase method, pyuria counted by microscopy of fresh unspun urine and symptoms assessed using validated questionnaires. The sample collection, storage and processing methods were also validated. RESULTS: 75 controls and 340 patients with LUTS were grouped as without pyuria (n = 100), pyuria 1-9 wbc ?l(-1) (n = 120) and pyuria ?10 wbc ?l(-1) (n = 120). Urinary ATP was higher in association with female gender, voiding symptoms, pyuria greater than 10 wbc ?l(-1) and negative MSU culture. ROC curve analysis showed no evidence of diagnostic test potential. The urinary ATP signal decayed with storage at 23°C but was prevented by immediate freezing at ??-20°C, without boric acid preservative and without the need to centrifuge urine prior to freezing. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary ATP may have a role as a research tool but is unconvincing as a surrogate, clinical diagnostic marker

The impact of networks on clinical trials in the United Kingdom

The conduct of clinical trials in the UK has been affected by the recent introduction of managed clinical networks, clinical research networks and rigorous governance regulations. This commentary considers the challenges that these changes have posed for clinical triallists in the UK, based on experiences derived in the conduct of a multicentre neonatal clinical trial under the conditions that now prevail. We conclude that the considerable skills and knowledge that are now required to be an effective Principal Investigator should be recognised and that application processes, including issuing honorary contracts, should be simplified and centralised

Predictors of positive outcomes from ‘Early Intervention in Psychosis’: protocol for a national retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPsychotic disorders are severe and prevalent mental health conditions associated with long-term disability, reduced quality of life, and substantial economic costs. Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services aim to provide timely and comprehensive treatment for psychotic disorders, and EIP service input is associated with improved outcomes. However, there is limited understanding of the specific components of EIP care that contribute to these improvements. There is significant nationwide variability in the commissioning and delivery of EIP, with individuals receiving different packages of components from different services. In this study, we seek to explore associations between EIP components and clinically significant outcomes, in order to understand the mechanisms underlying improved psychosis care.MethodsThis national retrospective cohort study will utilize data from the 2019 National Clinical Audit of Psychosis (NCAP), examining the care received by 10,560 individuals treated by EIP services in England. Exposure data from the NCAP, capturing the components of care delivered by EIP services, will be linked with outcome data from routine NHS Digital datasets over a three-year follow-up period. This will be the first study to use this method to examine this population in England. The primary outcomes will be surrogate measures of relapse of psychosis (hospital admission and referral to community-based crisis intervention services). Secondary outcomes include duration of admissions, emergency hospital attendances, episodes of detention under the Mental Health Act, and all-cause mortality. We will use multilevel regression to examine associations between exposures and outcome events. We will handle missing data using appropriate imputation techniques.DiscussionThis study aims to provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of variations in EIP service delivery. The study involves a large, diverse cohort including individuals treated by every EIP service in England. While there are limitations inherent in the observational nature of the study, any associations identified will be of great relevance to clinicians, researchers, and policymakers seeking to optimize EIP care. The results will enable more targeted treatment planning, resource allocation, and potential innovations in EIP care, ultimately leading to improved prognoses for people experiencing psychosis

Primordial Black Holes: sirens of the early Universe

Primordial Black Holes (PBHs) are, typically light, black holes which can form in the early Universe. There are a number of formation mechanisms, including the collapse of large density perturbations, cosmic string loops and bubble collisions. The number of PBHs formed is tightly constrained by the consequences of their evaporation and their lensing and dynamical effects. Therefore PBHs are a powerful probe of the physics of the early Universe, in particular models of inflation. They are also a potential cold dark matter candidate.Comment: 21 pages. To be published in "Quantum Aspects of Black Holes", ed. X. Calmet (Springer, 2014