University of Warwick

About: University of Warwick is a education organization based out in Coventry, Warwickshire, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 26212 authors who have published 77127 publications receiving 2666552 citations. The organization is also known as: Warwick University & The University of Warwick.

On Least Squares Estimation when the Dependent Variable is Grouped

Abstract: This paper examines the problem of estimating the parameters of an underlying linear model using data in which the dependent variable is only observed to fall in a certain interval on a continuous scale, its actual value remaining unobserved. A Least Squares algorithm for attaining the Maximum Likelihood estimator is described, the asymptotic bias of the OLS estimator derived for the normal regressors case and a "moment" estimator presented. A "two-step estimator" based on combining the two approaches is proposed and found to perform well in both an economic illustration and simulation experiments.

aTTom: Long-term effects of continuing adjuvant tamoxifen to 10 years versus stopping at 5 years in 6,953 women with early breast cancer.

Abstract: 5 Background: In estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) early breast cancer, 5 years of tamoxifen reduces breast cancer death rates by about a third throughout years 0-14. It has been uncertain how 10 years of tamoxifen compares with this. Methods: During 1991-2005, 6,953 women with ER+ (n=2755), or ER untested (4198, estimated 80% ER+ if status known) invasive breast cancer from 176 UK centres were, after 5 years of tamoxifen, randomized to stop tamoxifen or continue to year 10. Annual follow-up recorded compliance, recurrence, mortality, and hospital admissions. Results: Allocation to continue tamoxifen reduced breast cancer recurrence (580/3468 vs 672/3485, p=0.003). This reduction was time dependent: rate ratio 0.99 during years 5-6 [95%CI 0.86-1.15], 0.84 [0.73-0.95] during years 7-9, and 0.75 [0.66-0.86] later. Longer treatment also reduced breast cancer mortality (392 vs 443 deaths after recurrence, p=0.05), rate ratio 1.03 [0.84-1.27] during years 5-9 and 0.77 [0.64-0.92] later; and overall mortality (8...

Changing Practices in Chinese Cultures of Learning.

Abstract: This paper analyses of some changing aspects of learning and ‘cultures of learning’ in China: these are related to meeting the needs of Chinese learners studying in higher education in the UK. We use the term ‘cultures of learning’ to draw attention to the socio-cultural aspects of key practices, expectations and interpretations of learning and the term is understood to include diversity of practices both at individual and group levels. We use the notion of changing practices in a double sense: firstly, practices in learning at school and university levels are changing in China and hence the cultures of learning that are likely to influence students' pre-departure experiences include an aspect of dynamic change. Secondly, Chinese students in the UK change their practices in many respects as they learn in, and from, British academic cultures. The paper also delineates some long-standing features of learning in the Confucian heritage and summarises recent developments in the Chinese national curriculum for ...

Magnetohydrodynamic waves and coronal seismology: an overview of recent results

Abstract: Recent observations have revealed that magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves and oscillations are ubiquitous in the solar atmosphere, with a wide range of periods. We give a brief review of some aspects of MHD waves and coronal seismology that have recently been the focus of intense debate or are newly emerging. In particular, we focus on four topics: (i) the current controversy surrounding propagating intensity perturbations along coronal loops, (ii) the interpretation of propagating transverse loop oscillations, (iii) the ongoing search for coronal (torsional) Alfven waves, and (iv) the rapidly developing topic of quasi-periodic pulsations in solar flares.

Measuring outcomes in primary care: a patient generated measure, MYMOP, compared with the SF-36 health survey

Abstract: Objective: To assess the sensitivity to within person change over time of an outcome measure for practitioners in primary care that is applicable to a wide range of illness. Design: Comparison of a new patient generated instrument, the measure yourself medical outcome profile (MYMOP), with the SF-36 health profile and a five point change score; all scales were completed during the consultation with practitioners and repeated after four weeks. 103 patients were followed up for 16 weeks and their results charted; seven practitioners were interviewed. Setting: Established practice of the four NHS general practitioners and four of the private complementary practitioners working in one medical centre. Subjects: Systematic sample of 218 patients from general practice and all 47 patients of complementary practitioners; patients had had symptoms for more than seven days. Outcome measures: Standardised response mean and index of responsiveness; views of practitioners. Results: The index of responsiveness, relating to the minimal clinically important difference, was high for MYMOP: 1.14 for the first symptom, 1.33 for activity, and 0.85 for the profile compared with Conclusion: MYMOP shows promise as an outcome measure for primary care and for complementary treatment. It is more sensitive to change than the SF-36 and has the added bonus of improving patient-practitioner communication. Key messages A generic health status instrument provides a useful profile of an individual or population, but is not necessarily responsive to change An instrument that is patient generated may be responsive while remaining brief The use of a patient generated measure within the consultation helps the practitioner to be more patient centred Outcome measurements in chronic disease are more meaningful if charted alongside the diverse treatment options that patients use.