bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Anthropophagy: Refashioning Words as Image, Sound and Action
Authors: Simanowski Roberto
Published: April 2010

This paper discusses the incorporation of text within interactive installations as an expression of cultural anthropophagy. This “consumption” is carried out not by displacing the text (i.e. replacing it with images) but by transforming text into image, sound or action, or into a post-alphabetic object (i.e. depriving the text of its linguistic value). As shown in detailed examples, the de-semanticization of text turns words into ornament, while in other cases (where the linguistic value of the text is stressed within the interactive installation or can be “rescued” from it) the literary is still an important subject of attention.
Developing a Sense of Place with Locative Media: An “Underview Effect”
Authors: Speed Chris
Published: April 2010

The author explores the potential for locative media to offer a sense of a place. Frank White's “Overview Effect” is cited as a model for perceiving a sense of place in a global context. The paper describes the inherent limitations of Cartesian representations of space in supporting this perception. Finally, the author proposes that the capacity of locative media to connect people offers a path for a creative reconciliation between space and time. The author proposes that this kind of connected model may provide an “Underview Effect” and foster an appreciation of a global sense of place.
How Artists Fit into Research Processes
Authors: Edmonds Ernest , Leggett Mike
Published: April 2010

The study collects, compares and synthesises existing knowledge from specific sources about artists and creative designers working within research processes. The emphasis is on collaboration, evaluation and reflective practice.
Effects of P300-Based BCI Use on Reported Presence in a Virtual Environment
Authors: Groenegress Christoph , Holzner Clemens , Guger Christoph , Slater Mel
Published: April 2010

Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) are becoming more and more popular as an input device for virtual worlds and computer games. Depending on their function, a major drawback is the mental workload associated with their use and there is significant effort and training required to effectively control them. In this paper, we present two studies assessing how mental workload of a P300-based BCI affects participants' reported sense of presence in a virtual environment (VE). In the first study, we employ a BCI exploiting the P300 event-related potential (ERP) that allows control of over 200 items in a virtual apartment. In the second study, the BCI is replaced by a gaze-based selection method coupled with wand navigation. In both studies, overall performance is measured and individual presence scores are assessed by means of a short questionnaire. The results suggest that there is no immediate benefit for visualizing events in the VE triggered by the BCI and that no learning about the layout of the virtual space takes place. In order to alleviate this, we propose that future P300-based BCIs in VR are set up so as require users to make some inference about the virtual space so that they become aware of it, which is likely to lead to higher reported presence.
Exploring Large Virtual Environments by Thoughts Using a Brain–Computer Interface Based on Motor Imagery and High-Level Commands
Authors: Lotte Fabien , van Langhenhove Aurélien , Lamarche Fabrice , Ernest Thomas , Renard Yann , Arnaldi Bruno , Lécuyer Anatole
Published: April 2010

Brain–computer interfaces (BCI) are interaction devices that enable users to send commands to a computer by using brain activity only. In this paper, we propose a new interaction technique to enable users to perform complex interaction tasks and to navigate within large virtual environments (VE) by using only a BCI based on imagined movements (motor imagery). This technique enables the user to send high-level mental commands, leaving the application in charge of most of the complex and tedious details of the interaction task. More precisely, it is based on points of interest and enables subjects to send only a few commands to the application in order to navigate from one point of interest to the other. Interestingly enough, the points of interest for a given VE can be generated automatically thanks to the processing of this VE geometry. As the navigation between two points of interest is also automatic, the proposed technique can be used to navigate efficiently by thoughts within any VE. The input of this interaction technique is a newly-designed self-paced BCI which enables the user to send three different commands based on motor imagery. This BCI is based on a fuzzy inference system with reject options. In order to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed interaction technique, we compared it with the state of the art method during a task of virtual museum exploration. The state of the art method uses low-level commands, which means that each mental state of the user is associated with a simple command such as turning left or moving forward in the VE. In contrast, our method based on high-level commands enables the user to simply select its destination, leaving the application performing the necessary movements to reach this destination. Our results showed that with our interaction technique, users can navigate within a virtual museum almost twice as fast as with low-level commands, and with nearly half the commands, meaning with less stress and more comfort for the user. This suggests that our technique enables efficient use of the limited capacity of current motor imagery-based BCI in order to perform complex interaction tasks in VE, opening the way to promising new applications.
Free Virtual Navigation Using Motor Imagery Through an Asynchronous Brain–Computer Interface
Authors: Velasco-Álvarez Francisco , Ron-Angevin Ricardo , Blanca-Mena Maria José
Published: April 2010

In this paper, an asynchronous brain–computer interface is presented that enables the control of a wheelchair in virtual environments using only one motor imagery task. The control is achieved through a graphical intentional control interface with three navigation commands (move forward, turn right, and turn left) which are displayed surrounding a circle. A bar is rotating in the center of the circle, so it points successively to the three possible commands. The user can, by motor imagery, extend this bar length to select the command at which the bar is pointing. Once a command is selected, the virtual wheelchair moves in a continuous way, so the user controls the length of the advance or the amplitude of the turns. Users can voluntarily switch from this interface to a noncontrol interface (and vice versa) when they do not want to generate any command. After performing a cue-based feedback training, three subjects carried out an experiment in which they had to navigate through the same fixed path to reach an objective. The results obtained support the viability of the system.
Tradition and Ideology in Contemporary Sunnite Qur'ānic Exegesis: Qur'ānic Commentaries from the Arab World, Turkey and Indonesia and their Interpretation of Q 5:51
Authors: Pink Johanna
Published: April 2010

This paper analyses the genre of contemporary tafsīr, focussing on the attitude of modern Sunnite exegetes towards Jews and Christians, on the role of different strands of tradition and of ideological bias for their interpretion of the Qur'ān, and on the similarities and differences between Qur'ānic commentaries from different regions of the Muslim word. It is based on the study of seventeen Qur'ānic commentaries from the Arab World, Indonesia and Turkey that have been published since 1967. The analysis of the authors' background reveals that in recent times, Qur'ānic commentaries tend to be written by professional male 'ulamā' from a provincial background, usually holding a faculty position in Islamic theology. As most exegetes' aim is to stress the timeless relevance of the Qur'ān, few of the commentaries make direct reference to contemporary events. Still, many of them are, in a very modern way, more concerned with providing religious guidance than with explaining the Qur'ān's meaning. However, the “traditional” explanatory approach is still alive, predominantly in commentators who are affiliated with Egypt's Azhar University. Besides the tradition of premodern Sunnite tafsīr, which all commentaries build on to a certain extent, Salafī exegesis is clearly influential in the way in which several commentaries strive at disassociating themselves from Christians and Jews and at building up a dichotomy between “us” and “them” in their exegesis of Q 5:51, which contains an interdiction against taking Christians and Jews as awliyā' (a term that is variably understood as meaning friends, allies, intimates, confidants, helpers, or leaders). It is striking that Arab commentators, for the most part, show a much more hostile attitude towards Christians and Jews than their Indonesian and Turkish counterparts.
Intellect and the One in Porphyry’s Sententiae
Authors: Dillon John
Published: April 2010

This article seeks to provide some support for the troublesome report of Damascius in the De Principiis that, for Porphyry, the first principle is the Father of the Noetic Triad—and thus more closely implicated with the realm of Intellect and Being than would seem proper for a Neoplatonist and faithful follower of Plotinus. And yet there is evidence from other sources that Porphyry did not abandon the concept of a One above Being. A clue to the complexity of the situation may be provided by a passage from Proclus (In Parm. 1070, 155ff. Cousin) which criticises him for making the One the subject also of the Second Hypothesis of the Parmenides. Here, I consider a series of passages from Porphyry’s Sententiae which seem to indicate a doctrine of the One essentially faithful to that of Plotinus, but modulated in the direction of closer linkage to the levels of reality below it.
The Effect of Curcumin on Insulin Release in Rat-Isolated Pancreatic Islets
Authors: Abdel Aziz Mohamed T. , El-Asmar Mohamed F. , El Nadi Essam G. , Wassef Mohamed A. , Ahmed Hanan H. , Rashed Laila A. , Obaia Eman M. , Sabry Dina , Hassouna Amira A. , Abdel Aziz Ahmed T.
Published: April 2010

Curcumin exerts a hypoglycemic action and induces heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1). We evaluated the effect of curcumin on isolated islets of Langerhans and studied whether its action on insulin secretion is mediated by inducible HO-1. Islets were isolated from rats and divided into control islets, islets incubated in different curcumin concentrations, islets incubated in hemin, islets incubated in curcumin and HO inhibitor, stannous mesoporphyrin (SnMP), islets incubated in hemin and SnMP, islets incubated in SnMP only, and islets incubated in 16.7 mmol/L glucose. Heme-oxygenase activity, HO-1 expression, and insulin estimation was assessed. Insulin secretion, HO-1 gene expression and HO activity were significantly increased in islets incubated in curcumin, hemin, and glucose compared with controls. This increase in insulin secretion was significantly decreased by incubation of islets in SnMP. The action of curcumin on insulin secretion from the isolated islets may be, in part, mediated through increased HO-1 gene expression.
Locomotor imagery training improves gait performance in people with chronic hemiparetic stroke: a controlled clinical trial
Authors: Hwang Sujin , Jeon Hye-Seon , Yi Chung-hwi , Kwon Oh-yun , Cho Sang-hyun , You Sung-hyun
Published: April 2010

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether locomotor imagery training leads to clinical improvements in gait after stroke.

Design: Pretest—posttest matched control design.

Participants: A total of 24 people with chronic hemiparetic stroke (13 for experimental and 11 for control) were recruited in this study.

Interventions: The subjects in the experimental group participated in videotape-based locomotor imagery training five days a week for four weeks. They also conducted regular physical therapy.

Outcome measures: Kinematic gait parameters were collected using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Functional gait performance was assessed using clinical measures: Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Berg Balance Test, Dynamic Gait Index and modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile.

Results: After training, walking velocity increased 0.07 ± 0.06 m/s in the experimental group and 0.01 ± 0.07 m/s in the control group. In the experimental group, the affected and less affected limb stride lengths increased by 0.09 ± 0.12 m and 0.10 ± 0.07 m respectively, whereas in the control group they decreased by 0.00 ± 0.04 m and increased by 0.02 ± 0.06 m, respectively. Kinematic parameters in the lower extremity joints during walking were more improved after the training in the experimental group. Confidence in balance, postural control, dynamic balance and performance time for different environmental walking situations were also improved more in the experimental group.

Conclusion: Locomotor imagery training can be considered as a useful option for restoration of ambulation for individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke who are unable to participate in physical gait training.
Effects of Game-Like Interactive Graphics on Risk Perceptions and Decisions
Authors: Ancker Jessica S. , Weber Elke U. , Kukafka Rita
Published: April 2010

Background. Many patients have difficulty interpreting risks described in statistical terms as percentages. Computer game technology offers the opportunity to experience how often an event occurs, rather than simply read about its frequency. Objective. To assess effects of interactive graphics on risk perceptions and decisions. Design. Electronic questionnaire. Participants and setting. Respondents (n = 165) recruited online or at an urban hospital. Intervention. Health risks were illustrated by either static graphics or interactive game-like graphics. The interactive search graphic was a grid of squares, which, when clicked, revealed stick figures underneath. Respondents had to click until they found a figure affected by the disease. Measurements. Risk feelings, risk estimates, intention to take preventive action. Results. Different graphics did not affect mean risk estimates, risk feelings, or intention. Low-numeracy participants reported significantly higher risk feelings than high-numeracy ones except with the interactive search graphic. Unexpectedly, respondents reported stronger intentions to take preventive action when the intention question followed questions about efficacy and disease severity than when it followed perceived risk questions (65% v. 34%; P < 0.001). When respondents reported risk feelings immediately after using the search graphic, the interaction affected perceived risk (the longer the search to find affected stick figures, the higher the risk feeling: ρ = 0.57; P = 0.009). Limitations. The authors used hypothetical decisions. Conclusions. A game-like graphic that allowed consumers to search for stick figures affected by disease had no main effect on risk perception but reduced differences based on numeracy. In one condition, the game-like graphic increased concern about rare risks. Intentions for preventive action were stronger with a question order that focused first on efficacy and disease severity than with one that focused first on perceived risk.
A Long-Term, Prospective, Randomized Study Comparing Biodegradable and Metal Interference Screws in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery
Authors: Stener Sven , Ejerhed Lars , Sernert Ninni , Laxdal Gauti , Rostgård-Christensen Lars , Kartus Jüri
Published: April 2010

Background: During the past decade, the use of biodegradable implants in anterior cruciate ligament surgery has increased.

Hypothesis: Poly-L-lactide acid (PLLA) interference screws would render the same clinical results but greater tunnel enlargement than metal screws 8 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon (semitendinosus/gracilis) autografts.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods: A randomized series of 77 patients, all with a unilateral anterior cruciate ligament rupture, were divided into 2 groups (PLLA and metal). In both groups, hamstring tendon autografts were used with interference screw fixation at both ends and the patients were examined with standard radiographs, Tegner activity level, Lysholm knee score, single-legged hop test, early C-reactive protein response, and KT-1000 arthrometer knee laxity measurements.

Results: The preoperative assessments in both groups were similar in terms of gender, clinical tests, and the time from injury to surgery. The patients returned for a radiographic and clinical examination a mean of 96 months (range, 78-120 months) after the index operation. The PLLA group displayed significantly larger bone tunnels on the radiographs than the metal group on the femoral side (mean, 11.4 mm [range, 0-17.8 mm] vs 8.0 mm [range, 0-16.3 mm]; P < .005) but not on the tibial side (mean, 10.7 mm [range, 7.8-14.1 mm] vs 10.5 mm [range, 0-20.3 mm]; difference not significant). At follow-up, no significant differences were found between the PLLA and metal groups in terms of knee laxity measurements (median, 1.0 mm [range, –2.0-4.0 mm] vs 1.0 mm [range, –3.0-6.5 mm]), Tegner activity level (median, 7 [range,3-9] vs 6 [range, 2-9]), or the Lysholm knee score (median, 90 points [range, 51-100] vs 89 points [range, 53-100]). The C-reactive protein values did not differ significantly between the 2 groups except for an increase in the PLLA group compared with the metal group at day 1 postoperatively—23 mg/L (range, <6-55) vs 9 mg/L (range, <6-55) ( P < .001).

Conclusion: There were significantly larger radiographically visible bone tunnels on the femoral side but not on the tibial side in the PLLA group compared with the metal group 8 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon autografts. This finding did not correlate with inferior clinical results. Because of the results in the present study, the authors have discontinued the use of PLLA interference screws.
Cardiac Channel Molecular Autopsy for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy
Authors: Johnson Jonathan N. , Tester David J. , Bass Nancy E. , Ackerman Michael J.
Published: April 2010

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy is the sudden, unexplained, unexpected death of an individual with epilepsy in which postmortem examination does not reveal an anatomic or toxicologic cause of death. Patients with congenital long QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia have been frequently initially diagnosed with epilepsy. A cardiac channel molecular autopsy of the common long QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia-susceptibility genes was performed on an archived necropsy specimen from an 8-year-old victim of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. A novel, sporadic missense mutation in exon 104 of the RYR2-encoded ryanodine receptor/calcium release channel (c. 14806G>A, p.Gly4936Arg) was discovered. This mutation was absent in >600 reference alleles including both parents, involved a highly conserved amino acid, and localized to a key structure-function domain. To our knowledge, this is the first postmortem molecular diagnosis of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in a patient with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
Fashion Advertisements and Young Women: Determining Visual Attention Using Eye Tracking
Authors: Hae Won Ju  , Johnson Kim K. P.
Published: April 2010

The purpose of this research was to investigate how young women visually attended to a fashion advertisement by measuring their eye movements and to examine whether personal characteristics influenced individual differences in eye movements and self-reports of social comparison. The relationship between eye movement and participants’ reported comparison to the model was also investigated. Participants (n = 80) completed part one of a questionnaire, viewed seven fashion advertisements while their eye movements were recorded, and then completed part two of a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multiple regression. As compared to other advertisement elements, participants looked at the model significantly longer and more often. Internalization of the thin ideal influenced time spent looking at the model, eye fixations on the model, and self-reports of social comparison, while self-esteem and tendency for appearance comparison did not. Eye movement was correlated with self-reports of social comparison. Discussion of the possible use of eye tracking to objectively measure social comparison is provided.
Is the Outcry for More Pilot Schools Warranted? Democracy, Collective Bargaining, Deregulation, and the Politics of School Reform in Boston
Authors: Knoester Matthew
Published: April 2010

Using a theoretical lens of democratic education, this study critically analyzes pilot schools in the Boston Public School system, a school model gaining influence and imitation around the United States. Building on theories regarding the role of democracy in schools, and especially workplace democracy, this article juxtaposes these conceptions of democracy with competing economic theories of marketization, privatization, antiunionism, and individualism, here referred to as neoliberalism, and analyzes the political terrain onto which pilot schools emerged, are debated, and understood.The Boston Teachers Union first conceptualized, and bargained for, pilot schools in the early 1990s. However, the union has since come under criticism from influential individuals and groups for resisting or slowing the expansion of this reform. This study examines the proposition that more pilot schools should be created and argues that insufficient evidence exists to warrant the current outcry for pilot school expansion.
Imaging the Frame: Media Representations of Teachers, Their Unions, NCLB, and Education Reform
Authors: Goldstein Rebecca A.
Published: April 2010

This article examines the political discourse surrounding NCLB, educational reform, and how that discourse shaped perceptions of public education during the Bush Administration. Examining mass media campaigns in the New York Times and Time Magazine, the article demonstrates how the media has visually and textually framed and reinforced NCLB and market reforms as the only solution to address the failures of public education by attacking teachers’ unions and individual teachers. Visual and textual data were collected, cataloged, and analyzed employing frame analysis in concert with critical discourse and visual analysis.Analysis revealed that media framing presented an overwhelmingly negative image of teachers’ unions as opposed to NCLB and other school reform efforts. Even in the rare instances where unions were presented positively, the debate resonated with general public perception so that even when individuals or the general public are critical of NLCB and educational reform efforts, they support overall premises about “saving” public education.
An information needs profile of Israeli older adults, regarding the law and services
Authors: Getz Irith , Weissman Gabriella
Published: April 2010

Based on Nicholas’ framework for assessing information needs, this research aims to construct a profile of both Israeli older adults and their information needs regarding laws and social services. Data were collected by questionnaires answered by 200 older adults, born in Europe, Asia and Africa, who attended social clubs for older adults. The results indicated that older adults primarily require information for dealing with changes in their lives. They do not know enough about the laws and services existing for their benefit. Significant correlations were found between the age, educational level, self-reported health status and the subjects in which they are interested, the function that the information served and the information delivery type. It is likely that we are witnessing the first signs of the influences of the baby boom generation on older adults’ information needs profile.
Proposal for a Fundamental Re-ordering of Political Organization with Primacy Attached to Gram Sabha (Village Assembly)
Authors: Ghosh Sailendra Nath
Published: April 2010

This essay had been prepared by the author for a seminar on ‘decentralization and local governance’ held at IRMA. Written in a philosophical vein, it raises fundamental questions about the form and nature of political organization and suggests an alternative. Relying on the biological metaphor of ‘holocoenotic linkage’ the essay makes a special plea for gram sabha centric re-ordering of the polity which alone could ensure the fullest expression of citizens in participatory governance.
Civil Engineering
Authors: Stoll Richard J.
Published: April 2010

Recently, the study of civil wars has attracted more and more attention from scholars of international relations. Using a computer simulation called EARTH (Exploring Alternative Realpolitik THeses) that not only simulates a realist world, but also includes civil wars, the author explores what aspects of a realist world are associated with the onset of civil war. Although features of a realist world are not the dominate factors in accounting for civil wars, the loss of territory that accompanies losing interstate wars does influence the chances of states undergoing civil war.
Developing High-Fidelity Health Care Simulation Scenarios: A Guide for Educators and Professionals
Authors: Alinier Guillaume
Published: April 2010

The development of appropriate scenarios is critical in high-fidelity simulation training. They need to be developed to address specific learning objectives, while not preventing other learning points from emerging. Buying a patient simulator, finding a volunteer to act as the patient, or even obtaining ready-made scenarios from another simulation center are rarely insurmountable challenges. The issue often lies in how to use or adapt these for your own purpose: with your team, facilities, and resources but primarily for your learners. Published information is limited in the area of scenario preparation for health care education and continuing medical education or continuing professional development. This article is a guide for clinical tutors, standardized patient trainers, and patient simulator operators on how to script scenarios and proposes a new detailed and reusable template for writing scenarios. It contains practical sections such as how to decide on the learning objectives to be addressed, how to script and organize your scenarios, and how to pitch the suitable level of details to make the scenarios appropriately realistic.
Researching Travel Behavior and Adaptability: Using a Virtual Reality Role-Playing Game
Authors: Watcharasukarn Montira , Krumdieck Susan , Green Richard , Dantas André
Published: April 2010

This article describes a virtual reality role-playing game that was developed as a survey tool to collect travel behavior data and explore and monitor travel behavior adaptation. The Advanced Energy and Material Systems Laboratory has designed, developed a prototype, and tested such a game platform survey tool, called Travel Activity Constraint Adaptation Simulation (TACA SIM). A main objective is investigating adaptability under the simulated situation of rapid fuel price. The computer game survey approach has the potential to capture real behavior data through a well-controlled experiment, because the participant experiences the survey as a role-play exploration. Feedback from participants confirms that TACA SIM collects data efficiently in an acceptable time while the participants enjoyed the experience. The authors propose that this gamed-based survey approach provides the basis for collecting and evaluating travel behavior data and adaptation behavior.
Activity Theory, Speech Acts, and the ‘‘Doctrine of Infelicity’’: Connecting Language and Technology in Globally Networked Learning Environments
Authors: McNair Lisa D. , Paretti Marie C.
Published: April 2010

This article draws on activity theory, politics of the artifact, and speech act theory to analyze how language practices and technology interplay in establishing the social relationships necessary for globally networked teams. Specifically, it uses activity theory to examine how linguistic infelicities and the politics of communication technologies interplay in virtual meetings, thereby demonstrating the importance of grounding professional communication instruction in social as well as technical effectiveness. That is, students must learn not only how to communicate technical concepts clearly and concisely and recognize cultural differences but also how to use language and choose media in ways that produce the social conditions necessary for effective collaboration in globally networked environments. The article analyzes two case studies—a workplace and a classroom—that illustrate how the mediating functions of language and the politics of technology intersect as mediating tools in globally networked activity systems. It then traces the implications of that intersection for professional communication theory and pedagogy.
The Effect of Teacher Role Development Training on Undergraduate Music Education Majors: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Teachout David J. , McKoy Constance L.
Published: April 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine effects of teacher role development training on undergraduate music education majors’ teaching effectiveness, attributions for success and failure in music teaching, and confidence to continue pursuing a music teaching career. Participants ( N = 18) included students who had received teacher role development training ( n = 9) and students who had not received such training ( n = 9). Participants completed the Concerns, Attributions, and Confidence Measure. Participants’ teaching effectiveness was determined using the Survey of Teaching Effectiveness. No significant differences were found between the two groups for any dependent variables; however, main effect differences were found among levels of concerns and among areas of attribution for success or failure in teaching.
The Motivation to Serve Others: Exploring Relations to Career Development
Authors: Duffy Ryan D. , Raque-Bogdan Trisha L.
Published: April 2010

The current study explored the relation between service motivation, or the desire to serve others through one’s future career, and vocational outcomes across two studies. In the first study, using a sample of 225 undergraduate students, an instrument was developed to measure service motivation that demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity, strong internal consistency reliability, and strong test—retest reliability. In the second study, with a sample of 265 undergraduate students, service motivation was found to correlate positively with career decision self-efficacy, career adaptability, and career optimism and to correlate negatively with career indecision. Post hoc analyses found career optimism to fully mediate the relationship between service motivation and career indecision. These findings suggest that students who feel a stronger desire to use their future career to serve others will be more optimistic regarding their career future. Implications for research and practice are considered.
Using Numbers in Qualitative Research
Authors: Maxwell Joseph A.
Published: April 2010

The use of numerical/quantitative data in qualitative research studies and reports has been controversial. Prominent qualitative researchers such as Howard Becker and Martyn Hammersley have supported the inclusion of what Becker called “quasi-statistics”: simple counts of things to make statements such as “some,” “usually,” and “most” more precise. However, others have resisted such uses, particularly when they are requested by reviewers for journals. This paper presents both the advantages of integrating quantitative information in qualitative data collection, analysis, and reporting, and the potential problems created by such uses and how these can be dealt with. It also addresses the definition of mixed methods research, arguing that the use of numbers by itself doesn't make a study “mixed methods.”
A Contribution to Current Debates in Impact Evaluation
Authors: White Howard
Published: April 2010

A debate on approaches to impact evaluation has raged in development circles in recent years. This paper makes a contribution to this debate through discussion of four issues. First, I point out that there are two definitions of impact evaluation. Neither is right or wrong, but they refer to completely different things. There is no point in methodological debates unless they agree a common starting point. Second, I argue that there is confusion between counterfactuals, which are implied by the definition of impact evaluation adopted in this paper, and control groups, which are not always necessary to construct a counterfactual. Third, I address contribution rather than attribution — a distinction that is also definitional, mistaking claims of attribution to mean sole attribution. I then consider accusations of being ‘positivist’ and ‘linear’, which are, respectively, correct and unclear. Finally, I suggest that these arguments do not mean that there is a hierarchy of methods, rather quantitative approaches, including RCTs, are often the most appropriate methods for evaluating the impact of a large range of interventions, having the added advantage of allowing analysis of cost effectiveness or cost-benefit analysis.
Creating Successful Price and Placement Strategies for Social Marketing
Authors: Thackeray Rosemary , McCormack Brown Kelli R.
Published: April 2010

A successful marketing strategy includes the design of a marketing mix with the right combination of products, offered at the right price, in the right place, and then promoted in such a way that makes it easy and rewarding for the individual to change his or her behavior. A price is incurred in exchange for receiving a bundle of benefits. The social marketer can use various pricing tactics to make the desired behavior appear to have fewer costs and more benefits while making the undesired behavior to have less benefit and greater cost. Place is where and when the target population will perform the desired behavior, purchase or obtain a tangible product, and/or receive associated services. Involving partners in the placement strategy can make products more accessible and increase opportunities for people to perform a behavior. Strategies for making the product available at a desirable price and in places that are convenient are integral to the overall social marketing plan to facilitate behavior change.
Predictive biomarker validation in practice: lessons from real trials
Authors: Mandrekar Sumithra J , Sargent Daniel J
Published: April 2010

Background With the advent of targeted therapies, biomarkers provide a promising means of individualizing therapy through an integrated approach to prediction using the genetic makeup of the disease and the genotype of the patient. Biomarker validation has therefore become a central topic of discussion in the field of medicine, primarily due to the changing landscape of therapies for treatment of a disease and these therapies purported mechanism(s) of action.

Purpose In this report, we discuss the merits and limitations of some of the clinical trial designs for predictive biomarker validation using examples from ongoing or completed clinical trials.

Methods The designs are broadly classified as retrospective (i.e., using data from previously well-conducted randomized controlled trials (RCT)) versus prospective (enrichment or targeted, unselected or all-comers, hybrid, and adaptive analysis). We discuss some of these designs in the context of real trials.

Results Well-designed retrospective analysis of prospective RCT can bring forward effective treatments to marker defined subgroup of patients in a timely manner. An example is the KRAS gene status in colorectal cancer — the benefit from cetuximab and panitumumab was demonstrated to be restricted to patients with wild type status based on prospectively specified analyses using data from previously conducted RCTs. Prospective enrichment designs are appropriate when compelling preliminary evidence suggests that not all patients will benefit from the study treatment under consideration; however, this may sometimes leave questions unanswered. An example is the established benefit of trastuzumab as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer; a clear definition of HER2-positivity and the assay reproducibility have, however, remained unanswered. An all-comers design is optimal where preliminary evidence regarding treatment benefit and assay reproducibility is uncertain (e.g., EGFR expression and tyrosine kinase inhibitors in lung cancer), or to identify the most effective therapy from a panel of regimens (e.g., chemotherapy options in breast cancer).

Limitations The designs discussed here rest on the assumption that the technical feasibility, assay performance metrics, and the logistics of specimen collection are well established and that initial results demonstrate promise with regard to the predictive ability of the marker(s).

Conclusions The choice of a clinical trial design is driven by a combination of scientific, clinical, statistical, and ethical considerations. There is no one size fits all solution to predictive biomarker validation. Clinical Trials 2010; 7: 567—573. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Sovereign Times: Acts of Creation
Authors: Barbour Charles
Published: April 2010

Contemporary understandings of sovereignty have generally followed, or borrowed heavily from, Carl Schmitt’s theory of the exception, which Giorgio Agamben refers to as a “topological” concept. Schmitt conceives of the sovereign as a figure who exists both inside and outside of the juridical order. This paper suggests that Schmitt’s theory of the sovereign exception involves not only a topology, but also a temporality, in that it treats the decision as a single, compacted instant — one in which crisis, decision, and decider all miraculously leap into existence. It further suggests that Agamben’s interpretation of Saint Paul’s “ ho nyn kairos” or “time of the now,” and his distinction between the prophet and the apostle, effectively reinforces the Schmittian conception of “sovereign time.” As an alternative, I refer to Jacques Derrida’s work on iteration and undecidability, and maintain that genuine decisions cast us into, rather than delivering us from, the aproias of time.
Spinoza on Constitutional Interpretation
Authors: Garver Eugene
Published: April 2010

This paper projects Spinoza’s discussion of the method of scriptural interpretation onto contemporary questions of Constitutional interpretation. Spinoza’s discussion lets us deliberate about the relations between the authority of texts and the authority of readers and interpreters, and the compatibility of institutional structures of interpretation which require obedience with the freedom of thought necessary for salvation and for individual self-determination. Focusing on interpretation clarifies the relation between religion and politics, a relation which allows each individual to interpret the Bible for him or herself, while politically all must defer to the ruler’s interpretation of justice.
Minimally-invasive correction of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: do retrograde endo-incision techniques still have a role in the era of laparoscopic pyeloplasty?
Authors: Elabd Shawky A. , Elbahnasy Abdelhamid M. , Farahat Yaser A. , Soliman Mohamed G. , Taha Mohamed R. , Elgarabawy Mohmed A. , Figenshau Robert
Published: April 2010

Background:This study was designed to review the long-term results and complications of the two techniques of retrograde endopyelotomy; ureteroscopic holmium laser endopyelotomy versus Acucise endopyelotomy. The results were then compared with the laparoscopic pyeloplasty results from a recent publication.

Patients and methods: The study was conducted retrospectively from January 2004 to July 2007. Seventy-two patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) underwent retrograde endopyelotomy using either ureteroscopic laser endoincision (42 patients) or fluoroscopic guided hot-wire balloon (Acucise) endoincision (30 patients). Preoperative radiological assessment included intravenous pyelogram (IVP), helical computerized tomography and diuretic renography. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 42 months. Subjective success was guided by the change in the preoperative flank pain while objective success on radiological evaluation was documented by either nonobstructed curve of diuretic renogram and/or T1/2 less than 10 min.

Results: The mean patient age was 42.6±7.5 years for the laser group and 39.2±15.1 years for the Acucise group ( p = 0.24). The operative time was 66.8±22.2 min in the laser group and 59.8±20.3 min in the Acucise group ( p = 0.84). By objective standards (renal scan), a total of 56 (77.8%) cases were successful (nonobstructed curve). This number included 34 cases in the laser group (80.9%) and 22 cases in the Acucise group (73.3%) ( p = 0.2). Overall 16 failure cases were evident clinically within 1 year of the procedure (eight cases in each group). Most of the failure cases (13/16) presented with clinical obstructive symptoms during the early follow-up period (within 3 months postoperatively) and were then confirmed radiologically (six cases in the laser group and seven cases in the Acucise group) while only three patients had failures at 6, 9 and 11 months postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference as regards intra-operative complications between the two groups ( p = 0.4). Intra-operative bleeding was seen in three cases in the Acucise group while postoperatively it was reported in one case.

Conclusion: The retrograde endopyelotomy approach is safe and effective for the treatment of patients with UPJO. Both ureteroscopic laser and the hot-wire balloon (Acucise) techniques have an important role in the management of UPJO, especially in secondary cases, and they provide comparable long-term objective and subjective outcomes. Laparoscopic pyeloplasty provides far better results but with higher costs, and requires well-equipped centers and involves a long learning curve.
Association of Human Development Index with rates and outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients with acute leukemia
Authors: Giebel Sebastian , Labopin Myriam , Ehninger Gerhard , Beelen Dietrich , Blaise Didier , Ganser Arnold , Bacigalupo Andrea , Czerw Tomasz , Holowiecki Jerzy , Fagundes Evandro M. , Nowara Elzbieta , Frassoni Francesco , Rocha Vanderson ,   for the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Published: April 2010

Human Development Index (HDI) is used by the United Nations Organization to measure socioeconomic achievements of countries. We evaluated the association of HDI with rates and outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for patients with acute leukemia. For the analysis of HSCT rates, all adults with acute leukemia (n = 16 403) treated in 30 European countries, between 2001 and 2005, were included. Association of HDI with the outcome was analyzed for 2015 patients with acute myeloid leukemia treated with myeloablative allotransplantation. Countries were classified according to HDI quintiles. Highly significant correlation was found for HDI and the total number of HSCT per population (R = 0.78; P < .001), as well as separately for sibling HSCT (R = 0.84; P < .001), unrelated HSCT (R = 0.66; P < .001), and autologous HSCT (R = 0.43; P = .02). The probabilities of leukemia-free survival for 5 consecutive groups of countries with increasing HDI were: 56%, 59%, 63%, 58%, and 68% (P = .01). In a multivariate analysis, transplantations performed in countries belonging to the upper HDI category were associated with higher leukemia-free survival compared with the remaining ones (HR = 1.36, P = .008), which resulted mainly from reduced risk of relapse (HR = 0.72, P = .04). We conclude that, in Europe, the HDI is associated with both rates and results of HSCT for acute leukemia.
Invasion of Ureaplasma diversum in Hep-2 cells
Authors: Marques Lucas Miranda , Ueno Priscilla M , Buzinhani Melissa , Cortez Beatriz A , Neto Renata L , Yamaguti Maurício , Oliveira Rosângela C , Guimarães Ana Márcia S , Monezi Telma A , Braga Antonio Carlos R , Machado-Santelli Gláucia M , Timenetsky Jorge
Published: April 2010

Background

Understanding mollicutes is challenging due to their variety and relationship with host cells. Invasion has explained issues related to their opportunistic role. Few studies have been done on the Ureaplasma diversum mollicute, which is detected in healthy or diseased bovine. The invasion in Hep-2 cells of four clinical isolates and two reference strains of their ureaplasma was studied by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and gentamicin invasion assay.

Results

The isolates and strains used were detected inside the cells after infection of one minute without difference in the arrangement for adhesion and invasion. The adhesion was scattered throughout the cells, and after three hours, the invasion of the ureaplasmas surrounded the nuclear region but were not observed inside the nuclei. The gentamicin invasion assay detected that 1% of the ATCC strains were inside the infected Hep-2 cells in contrast to 10% to the clinical isolates. A high level of phospholipase C activity was also detected in all studied ureaplasma.

Conclusions

The results presented herein will help better understand U. diversum infections, aswell as cellular attachment and virulence.
Factors associated with use of breast cancer screening services by women aged ≥ 40 years in Korea: The Third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005 (KNHANES III)
Authors: Lee Kiheon , Lim Hyung Taek , Park Sang Min
Published: April 2010

Background

Despite evidence that breast cancer screening reduces morbidity and mortality, until recently most women have not undergone regular mammogram examinations in Korea. We aimed to identify factors associated with use of breast cancer screening services.

Methods

The Health Promotion Knowledge, Attitude and Practice survey (HP-KAP survey) is part of the Third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005 (KNHANES III), a nationwide health survey in Korea. Of 7,802 individuals who participated in the HP-KAP survey, 4,292 were female. Of these, 2,583 were women aged at least 40 years and without a history of breast cancer; these women were included in this study. Information about breast cancer screening participation was obtained from the responses to questionnaires. The overall rate of regular breast cancer screening was measured. Factors that affect participation in a breast cancer screening program were identified using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among women aged at least 40 years, 30.4% complied with breast screening recommendations. Age of at least 65 years (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 0.61, 95% CI: 0.42-0.88), education level (no [ref], elementary school [aOR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.06-1.47], middle/high school [aOR 1.99, 95% CI: 1.36-2.92], university/higher [aOR 2.73, 95% CI: 1.71-4.35]), private health insurance (aOR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.71-4.35), attitude towards screening tests (aOR 0.18, 95% CI: 0.14-0.23), self-reported health status of 'fair' (aOR 1.26 95% CI: 1.00-1.58), and smoking (aOR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.35-0.79) were associated with the rate of regular breast cancer screening

Conclusions

To increase the nationwide breast cancer screening rate, more attention should be given to underrepresented groups, particularly the elderly, those with a low education level, smokers, and those with a negative attitude towards screening tests. These issues highlight the need for a new emphasis in health education, promotional campaigns and public health policy aimed at these underrepresented groups.