bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pentecostals and Divine Impassibility: A Response to Daniel Castelo
Authors: Gabriel Andrew
Published: May 2011

This article responds to Daniel Castelo's recent recommendation of the doctrine of divine impassibility to Pentecostals. In contrast to Castelo's proposal, this article argues that Pentecostals are justified in dropping the term 'impassibility' and, moreover, that Pentecostals have a pneumatological reason for affirming divine passibility implicit within their spirituality of speaking in tongues.
A Lutheran Among Friendly Pentecostals
Authors: Jenson Robert
Published: May 2011

Jenson offers an appreciative response to the overtures of Jeffrey Lamp (Scripture), Chris Green (sacraments), Michael Chan (Judaism), and Rick Bliese (the charismatic Spirit). In explicating his theological stance, Jenson calls for a deeper appreciation of the sacramental unity of the Church and of the church's Spirit-shaped history. In regard to Judaism, he calls for Jewish and Christian theologians to think together on shared problems. Jenson accepts the genuineness of charismatic gifts, but he cannot agree with Pentecostalism's doctrine of a Spirit baptism subsequent to water baptism. Finally, he affirms the Church's pursuit of one eucharistic community.
The Spirit and the Story: Some Pentecostal Musings on Robert W. Jenson's View of Scripture
Authors: Lamp Jeffrey
Published: May 2011

This essay examines Robert W. Jenson's understanding of how Scripture functions for the Church, particularly in terms of how the canonical triad of Scripture, creed, and office form an interpretive synergism for helping the church fulfill its task of gospel-speaking in the post-apostolic world. Jenson's views are then brought into a brief conversation with various strands of Pentecostal belief regarding the role Scripture plays within that tradition. This interchange highlights areas in which both parties are in agreement as well as areas where the positions of each might inform the other's views. Given that each in their own way seeks to understand the role of the Spirit in helping the church remain faithful to its apostolic roots, an exchange of ideas between the two parties might give each a greater appreciation for the multifaceted work of the Spirit in the preservation and proclamation of the gospel in the world.
Statistical Significance Testing with Mahalanobis Distance for Thresholds Estimated from Constant Stimuli Method
Authors: Uchikawa Keiji , Hoshino Takahiro , Nagai Takehiro
Published: May 2011

The t-test and the analysis of variance are commonly used as statistical significance testing methods. However, they cannot assess the significance of differences between thresholds within individual observers estimated from the constant stimuli method; these thresholds are not defined as averages of samples, but they are rather defined as functions of parameters of psychometric functions fitted to participants' responses. Moreover, the statistics necessary for these statistical testing methods cannot be derived. In this paper, we propose a new statistical testing method to assess the statistical significance of differences between thresholds estimated from the constant stimuli method. The new method can assess not only threshold differences but also main effects and interactions in multifactor experiments, exploiting the asymptotic normality of maximum likelihood estimators and the characteristics of multivariate normal distributions. This proposed method could be used in similar cases to the analysis of variance for thresholds estimated from the adjustment method and the staircase method. Finally, we present some data on simulations in which we tested assumptions, power and type I error of the proposed method.
Adaptation Affects Both High and Low (Subitized) Numbers Under Conditions of High Attentional Load
Authors: Burr David , Anobile Giovanni , Turi Marco
Published: May 2011

It has recently been reported that, like most sensory systems, numerosity is subject to adaptation. However, the effect seemed to be limited to numerosity estimation outside the subitizing range. In this study we show that low numbers, clearly in the subitizing range, are adaptable under conditions of high attentional load. These results support the idea that numerosity is detected by a perceptual mechanism that operates over the entire range of numbers, supplemented by an attention-based system for small numbers (subitizing).
Letter Posting and Orientation Matching: Two Equivalent Tasks in Action and Perception?
Authors: Franz Volker , Hesse Constanze , Schenk Thomas
Published: May 2011

The finding that in a patient with visual form agnosia (DF), the performance level varies in a visuomotor letter-posting task and a perceptual orientation matching task was considered as part of the evidence for the perception–action model (Milner and Goodale, 1995). In this study we examined an alternative interpretation of these findings. We specifically tested whether orientation matching and letter posting can be accomplished using different strategies. Sixteen neurologically intact participants were asked to either put cards of different sizes through a target slot of a certain orientation or to simply indicate the slot's orientation. Letter-posting was performed in three different conditions varying the amount of visual feedback available. Results show that some participants apply a strategy of obstacle-avoidance in the posting task. That is, they oriented the card such that the safety margin between the edges of the target and the card was increased. This tendency became stronger with increasing card size. In contrast, in the orientation matching task, the end-orientation of the card was unaffected by its size and closer to the slot's actual orientation. The findings suggest that posting and matching can be solved using different visuo-spatial information. The perception–action dissociation reported for these tasks in DF might therefore simply indicate a difficulty in computing visual orientation, an ability that is needed for successful orientation matching but not for posting.
Simulated Viewpoint Jitter Shakes Sensory Conflict Accounts of Vection
Authors: Palmisano Stephen , Kim Juno , Allison Robert , Bonato Frederick
Published: May 2011

Sensory conflict has been used to explain the way we perceive and control our self-motion, as well as the aetiology of motion sickness. However, recent research on simulated viewpoint jitter provides a strong challenge to one core prediction of these theories — that increasing sensory conflict should always impair visually induced illusions of self-motion (known as vection). These studies show that jittering self-motion displays (thought to generate significant and sustained visual–vestibular conflict) actually induce superior vection to comparable non-jittering displays (thought to generate only minimal/transient sensory conflict). Here we review viewpoint jitter effects on vection, postural sway, eye-movements and motion sickness, and relate them to recent behavioural and neurophysiological findings. It is shown that jitter research provides important insights into the role that sensory interaction plays in self-motion perception.
Particle Habit Imaging Using Incoherent Light: A First Step toward a Novel Instrument for Cloud Microphysics
Authors: Schön Roland , Schnaiter Martin , Ulanowski Zbigniew , Schmitt Carl , Benz Stefan , Möhler Ottmar , Vogt Steffen , Wagner Robert , Schurath Ulrich
Published: May 2011

The imaging unit of the novel cloud particle instrument Particle Habit Imaging and Polar Scattering (PHIPS) probe has been developed to image individual ice particles produced inside a large cloud chamber. The PHIPS produces images of single airborne ice crystals, illuminated with white light of an ultrafast flashlamp, which are captured at a maximum frequency of ∼5 Hz by a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera with microscope optics. The imaging properties of the instrument were characterized by means of crystalline sodium hexafluorosilicate ice analogs, which are stable at room temperature. The optical resolving power of the system is ∼2 μm. By using dedicated algorithms for image processing and analysis, the ice crystal images can be analyzed automatically in terms of size and selected shape parameters. PHIPS has been operated at the cloud simulation chamber facility Aerosol Interaction and Dynamics in the Atmosphere (AIDA) of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology at different temperatures between −17° and −4°C in order to study the influence of the ambient conditions, that is, temperature and ice saturation ratio, on ice crystal habits. The area-equivalent size distributions deduced from the PHIPS images are compared with the retrieval results from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) extinction spectroscopy in case of small (<20 μm) and with single particle data from the cloud particle imager in case of larger (>20 μm) ice particles. Good agreement is found for both particle size regimes.
Estimating Gale to Hurricane Force Winds Using the Satellite Altimeter
Authors: Quilfen Yves , Vandemark Doug , Chapron Bertrand , Feng Hui , Sienkiewicz Joe
Published: May 2011

A new model is provided for estimating maritime near-surface wind speeds (U10) from satellite altimeter backscatter data during high wind conditions. The model is built using coincident satellite scatterometer and altimeter observations obtained from QuikSCAT and Jason satellite orbit crossovers in 2008 and 2009. The new wind measurements are linear with inverse radar backscatter levels, a result close to the earlier altimeter high wind speed model of Young (1993). By design, the model only applies for wind speeds above 18 m s−1. Above this level, standard altimeter wind speed algorithms are not reliable and typically underestimate the true value. Simple rules for applying the new model to the present-day suite of satellite altimeters (Jason-1, Jason-2, and Envisat RA-2) are provided, with a key objective being provision of enhanced data for near-real-time forecast and warning applications surrounding gale to hurricane force wind events. Model limitations and strengths are discussed and highlight the valuable 5-km spatial resolution sea state and wind speed altimeter information that can complement other data sources included in forecast guidance and air–sea interaction studies.
Item Response Modeling of Forced-Choice Questionnaires
Authors: Brown Anna , Maydeu-Olivares Alberto
Published: May 2011

Multidimensional forced-choice formats can significantly reduce the impact of numerous response biases typically associated with rating scales. However, if scored with classical methodology, these questionnaires produce ipsative data, which lead to distorted scale relationships and make comparisons between individuals problematic. This research demonstrates how item response theory (IRT) modeling may be applied to overcome these problems. A multidimensional IRT model based on Thurstone’s framework for comparative data is introduced, which is suitable for use with any forced-choice questionnaire composed of items fitting the dominance response model, with any number of measured traits, and any block sizes (i.e., pairs, triplets, quads, etc.). Thurstonian IRT models are normal ogive models with structured factor loadings, structured uniquenesses, and structured local dependencies. These models can be straightforwardly estimated using structural equation modeling (SEM) software Mplus. A number of simulation studies are performed to investigate how latent traits are recovered under various forced-choice designs and provide guidelines for optimal questionnaire design. An empirical application is given to illustrate how the model may be applied in practice. It is concluded that when the recommended design guidelines are met, scores estimated from forced-choice questionnaires with the proposed methodology reproduce the latent traits well.
Hypothetical Use of Multidimensional Adaptive Testing for the Assessment of Student Achievement in the Programme for International Student Assessment
Authors: Frey Andreas , Seitz Nicki-Nils
Published: May 2011

The usefulness of multidimensional adaptive testing (MAT) for the assessment of student literacy in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) was examined within a real data simulation study. The responses of N = 14,624 students who participated in the PISA assessments of the years 2000, 2003, and 2006 in Germany were used to simulate MAT with different restrictions (unrestricted, treatment of link items, treatment of open items, content balance, unitwise item selection, all restrictions). Compared with conventional testing based on the booklet design of PISA 2006, unrestricted MAT increases measurement efficiency by 74% and reduces the average number of presented items from 55 to 26 without a loss in measurement precision. The incorporation of restrictions reduces the advantages of MAT. MAT is recommended for the assessment of newly introduced constructs but not for the assessment of the literacy domains in PISA.
Photocytotoxicity of Hypocrellin B (HB) was Enhanced by Liposomalization in Vitro
Authors: Zhou Zhixiang , Zhang Lina , Liu Huimin , Zhang Qi , Liu Boya , Ai Ping , Ma Hongtao , Liu Wei , Li Zelin , Sheng Wang , Zeng Yi , Zhong Rugang
Published: May 2011

Hypocrellin B (HB) was encapsulated into a phosphatidylcholine liposome. Encapsulation of HB into liposomes not only improved the delivery of this photosensitizer but also increased its photodynamic efficacy compared to free HB molecules. Liposomal HB showed a higher cellular uptake than free HB as measured by confocal microscopy and was internalized into cultured HeLa cells by caveolar endocytosis, which was lipid-raft-dependent. Cell viability measurements demonstrated that liposomal HB was more phototoxic to HeLa cells than free HB as a result of the higher concentration of intracellular HB delivered by the liposomal formulation. The encapsulation of HB influenced the cell death pathway by an increased rate of necrotic cells after irradiation versus free HB, and a Type II (singlet oxygen) mechanism was responsible for the photocytotoxicity.
The eidetic of belonging: Towards a phenomenological psychology of affect and ethno-national identity
Authors: Baldacchino Jean-Paul
Published: May 2011

In this article I discuss the way affect has featured in discussions of identity, focusing on ethnic and national identities. While affect features in most discussions of ethnicity it has mostly been dismissed as a testament to the irrationality and dangerous qualities of the identity in question. Such discussions adopt a simplistic model of human psychology, usually based on a hydraulic model of the emotions. After considering some recent and pioneering work that foregrounds the role of affectivity in group formations, I proceed to outline the basis for a phenomenological psychology of affect and group identities incorporating insights from psychoanalysis and phenomenology. One cannot begin to discuss the proper role of identity in the public sphere without first considering the emotional dynamics that underlie such group formations.
Interpretation of aeromagnetic data using eigenvector analysis of pseudogravity gradient tensor
Authors: Beiki Majid , Pedersen Laust B. , Nazi Hediyeh
Published: May 2011

This study has shown that the same properties of the gravity gradient tensor are valid for the pseudogravity gradient tensor derived from magnetic field data, assuming that the magnetization direction is known. Eigenvectors of the pseudogravity gradient tensor are used to estimate depth to the center of mass of geologic bodies. The strike directions of 2D geological structures are estimated from the eigenvectors corresponding to the smallest eigenvalues. For a set of data points enclosed by a square window, a robust least-squares procedure is used to estimate the source point which has the smallest sum of squared distances to the lines passing through the measurement points and parallel to the eigenvectors corresponding to the maximum eigenvalues. The dimensionality of the pseudogravity field is defined from the dimensionality indicator I, derived from the tensor components. In the case of quasi-2D sources, a rectangular window is used in the robust least-squares procedure to reduce the uncertainty of estimations.Based on synthetic data sets, the method was tested on synthetic models and found to be robust to random noise in magnetic field data. The application of the method was also tested on a pseudogravity gradient tensor derived from total magnetic field data over the Särna area in west-central Sweden. Combined with Euler deconvolution, the method provides useful complementary information for interpretation of aeromagnetic data.
Seismic characterization of thin beds containing patchy carbon dioxide-brine distributions: A study based on numerical simulations
Authors: Germán Rubino J. , Velis Danilo R.
Published: May 2011

We studied the seismic attenuation and velocity dispersion effects produced by wave-induced fluid flow in weakly consolidated sandstones containing patchy carbon dioxide [Formula: see text]-brine distributions. The analysis also focuses on the velocity pushdown because of the presence of this gas, as well as on the role of the wave-induced fluid flow (mesoscopic) effects on the amplitude variation with angle (AVA) seismic response of thin layers containing [Formula: see text], such as those found at the Utsira Sand, Sleipner field, offshore Norway. We found that this loss mechanism may play a key role on conventional surface seismic data, suggesting that further data analysis may provide useful information on the characteristics of the fluid distributions in these environments. Numerical experiments let us observe that although mesoscopic effects can be very significant in this kind of media, the seismic response of a given isolated thin layer computed considering such effects is very similar to that of a homogeneous elastic thin layer with a compressional velocity equal to that of the original porous rock averaged in the effective data bandwidth. This suggests that the thin-bed prestack spectral inversion method published by the authors could be used to estimate representative compressional velocities and layer thicknesses in these environments. In effect, results using realistic synthetic prestack seismic data show that isolated [Formula: see text]-bearing thin beds can be characterized in terms of their thicknesses and representative compressional velocities. This information can be qualitatively related to [Formula: see text] saturations and volumes; thus, the prestack spectral inversion method could find application in the monitoring of the evolution of [Formula: see text] plumes at injection sites similar to that at the Sleipner field.
Separation of azimuthal effects for new-generation resistivity logging tools — Part 2
Authors: Davydycheva Sofia
Published: May 2011

Symmetrization/antisymmetrization of tensor resistivity measurements and data rotation technique enable separation of the formation response from the tool eccentricity effect in the borehole. Similar principles of data processing can be applied to tensor measurements acquired by both wireline and logging-while-drilling tools of the new generation. I show how to directly determine the bed boundary positions and the formation anisotropy azimuth and how to perform visual interpretation of raw tool data in the presence of the tool eccentricity. I study the tool behavior in conductive water-based mud boreholes — the situation that requires much more complicated numerical modeling than the case of resistive oil-based mud boreholes. I show when and how the tool eccentricity effect can be separated from the formation response. The separation technique can accelerate and improve existing methods of formation interpretation.
An accurate ray-based offset-to-angle transform from normal moveout uncorrected multicomponent data in a transversely isotropic medium with vertical symmetry axis
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Pradip Kumar , Mallick Subhashis
Published: May 2011

A new ray-based approach for converting multicomponent normal moveout uncorrected offset domain prestack seismic data into angles is presented. From any two-way zero-offset time sample and a given angle of incidence, the exact ray and a few neighboring rays that contribute to the given angle of incidence are traced through the medium to their corresponding source and receiver locations to compute their raypath lengths, traveltimes, and offsets. A polynomial then is fitted locally between these computed offsets and their corresponding traveltimes. Next the traveltimes for the actual offsets on data that lie within these traced rays are computed from this local polynomial fit, and their corresponding time samples are partially stacked and moved to their two-way zero-offset times. Repetition of this procedure for all zero-offset time samples and for all desired angles produces an angle gather. The procedure allows computation of both primary (P-P) and mode-converted (P-SV) angle gathers. Also, by calculating the exact raypath length, an accurate geometric spreading compensation can be computed and applied to these gathers. By using the methodology for a horizontally stratified transversely isotopic medium with a vertical symmetry axis (a VTI medium), it is possible to extract a much more accurate angle-domain response from the ray-based method than is possible from a traditional NMO-based method. Accuracy out to large angles for both primary and mode-converted reflection suggests that this ray-based transform potentially could be used in a multicomponent prestack waveform inversion scheme.
AVA inversion of the top Utsira Sand reflection at the Sleipner field
Authors: Rabben Tor Erik , Ursin Bjørn
Published: May 2011

Amplitude variation with angle (AVA) inversion is performed on the top Utsira Sand reflector at the Sleipner field, North Sea, Norway. This interface is of particular interest because of the accumulation of [Formula: see text] injected from a point deeper in the Utsira Sand. The focus is on the postmigration processing of angle gathers together with the actual inversion procedure. The processing treats amplitude extraction, offset-to-angle mapping, and global scaling in detail. Two algorithms are used for the inversion of AVA data, one that assesses uncertainties and one fast least-squares variant. Both are very suitable for this type of problem because of their covariance matrices and built-in regularization. In addition, two three-parameter approximations of the Zoeppritz equations are used. One is linear approximation and the other is quadratic. The results show significant signals for all three elastic parameters, but the substitution of brine by [Formula: see text] using Gassmann’s equation indicates that the contrasts in S-wave impedance and density are overestimated. For the contrasts in P-wave impedance the results are in agreement with the fluid substitution. A simple sensitivity analysis shows that the offset-to-angle mapping and the damping factor in the inversion are the most plausible explanations of the discrepancy.
DNA double-strand break repair pathway choice inDictyostelium
Authors: Hsu Duen-Wei , Kiely Rhian , Couto C. Anne-Marie , Wang Hong-Yu , Hudson Jessica J. R. , Borer Christine , Pears Catherine J. , Lakin Nicholas D.
Published: May 2011

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) can be repaired by homologous recombination (HR) or non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). The mechanisms that govern whether a DSB is repaired by NHEJ or HR remain unclear. Here, we characterise DSB repair in the amoeba Dictyostelium. HR is the principal pathway responsible for resistance to DSBs during vegetative cell growth, a stage of the life cycle when cells are predominantly in G2. However, we illustrate that restriction-enzyme-mediated integration of DNA into the Dictyostelium genome is possible during this stage of the life cycle and that this is mediated by an active NHEJ pathway. We illustrate that Dclre1, a protein with similarity to the vertebrate NHEJ factor Artemis, is required for NHEJ independently of DNA termini complexity. Although vegetative dclre1− cells are not radiosensitive, they exhibit delayed DSB repair, further supporting a role for NHEJ during this stage of the life cycle. By contrast, cells lacking the Ku80 component of the Ku heterodimer that binds DNA ends to facilitate NHEJ exhibit no such defect and deletion of ku80 suppresses the DSB repair defect of dclre1− cells through increasing HR efficiency. These data illustrate a functional NHEJ pathway in vegetative Dictyostelium and the importance of Ku in regulating DSB repair choice during this phase of the life cycle.
Red/Near-Infrared Light-Emitting Organic–Inorganic Hybrids Doped with Covalently Bound Boron Dipyrromethene (BODIPY) Dyes via Microwave-Assisted One-Pot Process
Authors: Kajiwara Yuichi , Nagai Atsushi , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: May 2011

Red/near-infrared (NIR) light-emitting boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes bearing methacryloyl groups were synthesized, and these dyes were covalently bonded to poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA)–silica hybrids. The preparation of their hybrids was performed by simultaneous sol–gel reaction of trimethoxy(methyl)silane and radical copolymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with the dyes under microwave irradiation or conventional heating. Strong red/NIR light-emitting hybrids without discoloration of the dyes were successfully obtained under microwave irradiation, whereas the dyes lost luminescent properties in the hybrids prepared under conventional heating. Photostability test of the hybrids showed that covalent attachment of the dyes led to significant improvement in the photostability in comparison with the solution state. Further, elution amount of the dyes from the hybrids in organic solvents decreased relative to that from physical dye-admixing hybrids due to the covalent bond between PHEMA and the dyes.
Thermochromism and Magnetic Susceptibility of Copper(II) Anthracene-9-carboxylate
Authors: Kyuzou Manabu , Maeda Akihiro , Wada Moritaka , Watanabe Syunya , Takei Tohru , Ohmura Tetsushi , Kowaguchi Yoshikazu , Mori Wasuke , Tanaka Jiro
Published: May 2011

We investigated the thermochromism of copper(II) anthracene-9-carboxylate experimentally and theoretically. We performed X-ray crystal structure analysis at 233 and 113 K, measured magnetic susceptibility for 300–2 K, diffuse reflection spectra at 300 and 77 K, and spectra of the molecule in EPA solution at 300 and 77 K. DFT and TD-DFT calculations were performed to discuss magnetic properties and electronic spectra. The thermochromism was ascribed to a decrease in occupancy in the triplet state at 300 K due to a drop in temperature, since the LMCT band of the triplet state (3LMCT) at 510 nm diminished with a decrease in the population of triplet state at lower temperature. The assignment of electronic absorption bands and the nature of chemical bonding are discussed with the results of DFT and TD-DFT calculation.
Cladielloides C and D: Novel Eunicellin-Based Diterpenoids from an Indonesian Octocoral Cladiella sp.
Authors: Tai Chia-Ying , Chen Yung-Husan , Hwang Tsong-Long , Fang Lee-Shing , Wang Wei-Hsien , Liu Ming-Chin , Su Jui-Hsin , Wu Yang-Chang , Sung Ping-Jyun
Published: May 2011

Chemical investigation on an Indonesian octocoral identified as Cladiella sp. has led to the isolation of two novel eunicellin-based diterpenoids, cladielloides C (1) and D (2). The structures of 1 and 2 were established by spectroscopic methods. Compound 1 exhibited significant cytotoxicity toward CCRF-CEM tumor cells and metabolites 1 and 2 displayed moderate inhibitory effects on superoxide anion generation by human neutrophils.
Direct Observation of Different Reaction Pathways by X-rays in the Photoisomerization of Cobaloxime Complexes with Diphenylboron Bridging
Authors: Hirano Akira , Sekine Akiko , Uekusa Hidehiro , Ohashi Yuji
Published: May 2011

The 4-cyanobutyl groups of (4-cyanobutyl)(dimethylglyoximato)[O-(diphenylboranylium)dimethylglyoximato](pyridine)cobalt(III) and (4-cyanobutyl)(dimethylglyoximato)[O-(diphenylboranylium)dimethylglyoximato](4-ethylpyridine)cobalt(III) were isomerized to the 3-cyanobutyl groups with retention of the single-crystal form on exposure to visible light for 24 h. When the pyridine complex crystal was further irradiated for 48 h, the photoproduced 3-cyanobutyl group was transformed to a 1-cyanobutyl group with retention of the single-crystal form. However, the 3-cyanobutyl group of the 4-ethylpyridine complex was not further isomerized. Such different reaction pathways are clearly elucidated with the size and shape of the reaction cavity for the 4-cyanobutyl group in the crystal before photoirradiation.
Coverage and Performance of Colorectal Cancer Screening with the Faecal Occult Blood Test in Finland
Authors: Malila Nea , Palva Tiina , Malminiemi Outi , Paimela Hannu , Anttila Ahti , Hakulinen Timo , Jäaurvinen Heikki , Kotisaari Marja-Liisa , Pikkarainen Pekka , Rautalahti Matti , Sankila Risto , Vertio Harri , Hakama Matti
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Mortality from colorectal cancer has been shown to decrease by repeated screening using faecal occult blood (FOB) testing in randomized screening trials. This report presents coverage and performance of organized screening among the general population in Finland.

Methods

In 2004-2007, people aged 60-69 years were randomized into biennial screening and control arms. The screening test was a guaiac-based FOB test (Hemoccult®) with dietary restriction and three test cards for six consecutive samples. Test positives were referred for full colonoscopy. The programme was launched in 2004 and subsequently it expanded over regions and age-cohorts.

Results

In 2007, the programme covered one-third of the target population and 74,592 people had been invited for screening, of them 26,866 for the second round. Uptakes for the first and second rounds, respectively, were 62% and 68% in men and 77% and 80% in women. The proportion of test positives increased from 2.4% to 2.9% from the first to the second round and the positive predictive value for cancers decreased from 7.5% to 4.3%.

Conclusions

By 2007, organized colorectal cancer screening covered one-third of the target population in Finland. Implementation of screening measured with response rate was successful and met the criteria for a public health programme, but performance in terms of positive predictive value needs monitoring.
Prostate Cancer Screening: A Survey of Attitudes and Practices among Finnish Physicians in 1999 and 2007
Authors: Pogodin-Hannolainen Dimitri , Juusela Harri , Tammela Teuvo L J , Ruutu Mirja , Aro Jussi , Määttänen Liisa , Auvinen Anssi
Published: May 2011

Objective

To evaluate the attitudes and practices related to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer (PC) among Finnish physicians in 1999 and 2007.

Materials and Methods

The first questionnaire survey was conducted in 1999 with a mailing to 102 urologists, 679 community physicians and 684 occupational health physicians identified from the membership files of three medical associations. The area of residence was divided into the study area of the Finnish PC screening trial and the rest of Finland. The second survey was carried out in 2007 targeting 168 urologists, 1039 community physicians and 938 occupational health physicians.

Results

The response proportion was 48% in 1999 and 50% in 2007. In both rounds, urologists regarded PC as a more important public health issue than other physicians. On the other hand, the non-urologists considered early diagnosis and screening more important than the urologists PC was rated by all physicians as a less important public health problem in 2007 than in 1999. A smaller proportion of urologists found routine PSA testing indicated for asymptomatic men, compared with other physicians (40% versus 74-60% in 1999, P < 0.001 and 35% versus 44-37% in 2007, P = 0.005). The proportion of physicians reporting regular PSA screening in asymptomatic men was reduced from 1999 to 2007 (from 18% to 9%, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Based on reported practices of Finnish urologists, community physicians and occupational health physicians, popularity of PSA testing declined between 1999 and 2007. Urologists found PSA testing among asymptomatic men justified less frequently than the other physicians.
False-positive Mammographic Screening: Factors Influencing Re-attendance over a Decade of Screening
Authors: Fitzpatrick P , Fleming P , O'neill S , Kiernan D , Mooney T
Published: May 2011

Introduction

International studies on the effect of false-positive mammographic screening results on subsequent re-attendance at screening are inconsistent.

Setting Breast

Check, the national breast screening programme for the Republic of Ireland, screens women two-yearly. Re-attendance for subsequent screening is approximately 90%.

Objectives and Methods

The aim of this research was to quantify the impact of false-positive mammographic screening results on subsequent re-attendance, using the BreastCheck clinical database with a decade of screening and to determine if age group, assessment procedure, initial or subsequent screening, location of appointment for next screening round and time from recall to non-malignant diagnosis predicted re-attendance.

Results

From programme commencement in 2000 to the end of 2007, 13,352 screening tests resulted in assessment; 11,765 participants were aged 50-62 years and of these 9746 received false-positive results (positive predictive value 17.2%). Following a false-positive recall to assessment, re-attendance at subsequent screening differed significantly by procedure type (open biopsy 80.3%; core biopsy only 90.2%; no tissue sampling 91.4%; P < 0.0001). Re-attendance differed significantly by timing of false-positive assessment in a woman's screening history (first versus subsequent screening, 89.5% versus 93.5%, P < 0.0001) and by location of next screening appointment (screening centre 89.8% versus mobile unit 91.3%, P < 0.01). The longer the period between recall to assessment and non-malignant diagnosis the less likely women were to re-attend. After logistic regression, first screening, older age, open surgical biopsy, re-invitation to screening centre and a longer period between recall and non-malignant diagnosis were significant negative predictors of re-attendance.

Conclusion

Since April 2008 BreastCheck has employed full field digital mammography throughout the programme, with a resulting increase in recalls; re-attendance will be closely monitored.
An Audiometer to Monitor Progressive Hearing Change in School-aged Children
Authors: Liao Wen-Huei , Young Shuenn-Tsong , Lien Chiang-Feng , Wang Shyh-Jen
Published: May 2011

Objective

The purpose of this study was to develop a cost-effective and easy to use audiometer to monitor progressive hearing change in school-aged children.

Design

The hardware of the audiometer developed included a computer, an external sound blaster and a headphone The hearing screening software was developed to control the pure tone sound level with modulability in the range of 0-45 dB HL at 1, 2, 4 and 0.5 kHz frequencies. Thirty sixth-grade children, aged 12-13 years old, were randomly divided into two groups for a hearing test in a conference room. Testing for one group was performed by a person with experience and the other group was examined by a graduate student who was not familiar with the device. After the hearing test, all children were immediately screened using a clinical diagnostic audiometer in a soundproof room by an audiologist.

Results

Most of the threshold dB values obtained by the audiometer in a conference room (55 ears, 93.2%) were significantly greater than those obtained by the clinical audiometer in a soundproof room. Most of the differences between these two measurements were within 5 dB (94.9%). Only 5.1% had a discrepancy within the maximum range of 10 dB. The correlation and intraclass correlation coefficients between the two measurements were 0.861 and 0.929, respectively. The results also indicated that the experience level of the screening personnel did not affect the testing.

Conclusion

The newly developed audiometer is quite cost-effective and can be easily operated. The threshold dB values obtained by the audiometer developed in a conference room were comparable with the results of a clinical audiometer in a soundproof room. The audiometer developed could measure the hearing threshold values and, therefore, be useful in monitoring progressive hearing change in school-aged children.
‘A Mastectomy for Something That Wasn't Even Truly Invasive Cancer.’ Women's Understandings of Having a Mastectomy for Screen-detected Dcis: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Prinjha S , Evans J , Ziebland S , Mcpherson A
Published: May 2011

Objectives

To explore women's understandings of having a mastectomy for screen-detected ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Setting

Participants recruited throughout the United Kingdom and interviewed in their own homes by an anthropologist.

Methods

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Thirty-five women with screen-detected DCIS were interviewed, of whom twenty had a mastectomy.

Results

A qualitative thematic analysis of women's understandings of having a mastectomy for DCIS identified four key themes: understandings of routine breast screening; uncertainty about DCIS and its natural progression; uncertainty about whether a mastectomy is justified for DCIS; information gaps and treatment decisions. Women were often concerned that a mastectomy for screen-detected DCIS was a ‘drastic’ treatment for an asymptomatic, precancerous condition of which they had been previously unaware. Some questioned why they were treated with such urgency, even suspecting that their clinicians were responding to targets.

Conclusion

Given the uncertainties about DCIS and its complexity, it is important that women have the information they need to make treatment decisions. Better information about the uncertainties and the rationale for using mastectomy as a treatment may help women to make better informed choices and feel more comfortable about their decisions.
‘A False Sense of Security’? Understanding the Role of the Hpv Vaccine on Future Cervical Screening Behaviour: A Qualitative Study of Uk Parents and Girls of Vaccination Age
Authors: Henderson Lorna , Clements Alison , Damery Sarah , Wilkinson Clare , Austoker Joan , Group Sue Wilson
Published: May 2011

Objectives

The UK Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme was introduced in 2008 for girls aged 12-13. The vaccine offers protection against HPV types 16 and 18, which together cause about 70% of cervical cancers. Vaccinated girls will receive future invitations to the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, to prevent cancers associated with HPV types not included in the vaccine, and in case of prior infection with HPV 16 or 18. Little is known about parents’ and girls’ understandings of the protection offered by the vaccine, or the need for future screening.

Design

Qualitative interviews with twenty-six parents, and nine girls aged 12-13 who were offered HPV vaccination through a Primary Care Trust (PCT) in the South-east of England, UK.

Setting

Thirty-nine schools, and four general practices.

Results

Uncertainty about the level of protection offered by the HPV vaccine was evident among parents, and to a lesser extent among vaccination-aged girls. There was a lack of understanding among parents and girls that cervical screening would be required irrespective of vaccination status; some parental decisions to accept the vaccine were made on the misunderstanding that vaccination provided complete protection against cervical cancer.

Conclusions

Sufficient awareness of the issues related to screening is necessary for informed decision-making about whether or not to accept the HPV vaccine. Clearer information is needed concerning the incomplete protection offered by the vaccine, and that cervical screening will still be required. Future invitations for cervical screening should stress the necessity to attend regardless of HPV vaccination status, to ensure that high levels of prevention of cervical cancer through screening are maintained.
Direct-to-Consumer Advertising: Exposure, Behavior, and Policy Implications
Authors: Myers Susan D. , Royne Marla B. , Deitz George D.
Published: May 2011

This research investigates the influence that the proliferation of prescription drug advertising has on consumers’ purchase decisions by evaluating how direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) awareness influences the acquisition of the prescription erectile dysfunction (ED) drug Viagra. The authors’ purpose is to determine whether familiarity with DTCA influences the likelihood that consumers will try to obtain Viagra with and/or without a prescription while considering demographic, individual trait, and attitudinal factors. Their results indicate that a significant relationship exists between awareness and acquisition of the drug. They find that respondent familiarity with DTCA is positively associated with the likelihood of having ordered Viagra, indicating that DTCA does play a role in prompting men to seek medical advice. Despite controversy over the appropriateness of sexual themes depicted in ED advertisements, it seems that the use of DTCA for ED drugs has helped many men feel more comfortable in discussing sexual impotence with their physicians. Thus, the authors’ findings provide support for DTCA advocates who promote drug advertising as an important information resource that helps guide responsible consumer decision making. Moreover, the results uncover two individual difference variables that promoted Viagra use without medical consent, indicating a need to identify potentially vulnerable populations relevant to individual brands or therapeutic classes of drugs. Although the study's results and findings are limited to a single therapeutic class, they provide general policy implications and directions for extension of the research.
Hubble Bubble Trouble: The Need for Education about and Regulation of Hookah Smoking
Authors: Griffiths Merlyn A. , Harmon Tracy R. , Gilly Mary C.
Published: May 2011

A Middle Eastern tradition, hookah smoking involves burning flavored tobacco heated by charcoal, creating smoke that is filtered through water and ingested through the mouth using a hose. Hookah lounges are increasingly locating around college campuses in the United States, and websites offering hookah paraphernalia target U.S. high school and college students. In two studies involving interviews with college-age hookah smokers and analysis of website marketing practices, the authors investigate consumer beliefs and attitudes toward hookah smoking and the way it is portrayed online. The findings indicate that it is a social phenomenon, with young people introducing peers to the practice and websites promoting shared consumption experiences. Contrary to medical evidence, young people believe smoking sweetened tobacco through a hookah is nonaddictive and safer than cigarettes. Hookah lounges often are exempt from age restriction laws because many double as cafés and other eating establishments. Traditional tobacco warnings are not present in lounges or on websites. The findings highlight potential health dangers of hookah smoking and the need for education regarding this practice and demonstrate that regulatory oversight is needed.
Sustainable Consumption: Opportunities for Consumer Research and Public Policy
Authors: Prothero Andrea , Dobscha Susan , Freund Jim , Kilbourne William E. , Luchs Michael G. , Ozanne Lucie K. , Thøgersen John
Published: May 2011

This essay explores sustainable consumption and considers possible roles for marketing and consumer researchers and public policy makers in addressing the many sustainability challenges that pervade the planet. Future research approaches to this interdisciplinary topic must be comprehensive and systematic and would benefit from a variety of different perspectives. There are several opportunities for further research; the authors explore three areas in detail. First, they consider the inconsistency between the attitudes and behaviors of consumers with respect to sustainability. Second, they broaden the agenda to explore the role of individual citizens in society. Third, they propose a macroinstitutional approach to fostering sustainability. For each of these separate, but interrelated, opportunities, the authors examine the area in detail and consider possible research avenues and public policy initiatives.
Beyond Poverty: Social Justice in a Global Marketplace
Authors: Scott Linda , Williams Jerome D. , Baker Stacey Menzel , Brace-Govan Jan , Downey Hilary , Hakstian Anne-Marie , Henderson Geraldine Rosa , Loroz Peggy Sue , Webb Dave
Published: May 2011

The social justice paradigm, developed in philosophy by John Rawls and others, reaches limits when confronted with diverse populations, unsound governments, and global markets. Its parameters are further limited by a traditional utilitarian approach to both industrial actors and consumer behaviors. Finally, by focusing too exclusively on poverty, as manifested in insufficient incomes or resources, the paradigm overlooks the oppressive role that gender, race, and religious prejudice play in keeping the poor subordinated. The authors suggest three ways in which marketing researchers could bring their unique expertise to the question of social justice in a global economy: by (1) reinventing the theoretical foundation laid down by thinkers such as Rawls, (2) documenting and evaluating emergent “feasible fixes” to achieve justice (e.g., the global resource dividend, cause-related marketing, Fair Trade, philanthrocapitalism), and (3) exploring the parameters of the consumption basket that would be minimally required to achieve human capabilities.
Immigration, Culture, and Ethnicity in Transformative Consumer Research
Authors: Crockett David , Anderson Laurel , Bone Sterling A. , Roy Abhijit , Wang Jeff Jianfeng , Coble Garrett
Published: May 2011

Immigration, culture, and ethnicity (IC&E) research has a lengthy history in consumer research, though most research focuses narrowly on identity (and related topics) and has been done at the individual level of analysis. First, the authors discuss the need for research focused on assessing well-being at the collective level and highlight the important role of social networks and communities in improving consumer well-being and creating effective policy interventions. Next, they explore the utility of the emerging intersectionality conceptual framework for research on well-being and IC&E. They offer specific suggestions for designing policy-oriented research using this approach and illustrate the process by taking a well-regarded IC&E study and reimagining its design using a process-centered approach to intersectionality.
Toward a Public Policy and Marketing Understanding of Lobbying and Its Role in the Development of Public Policy in the United States
Authors: Gabel Terrance G. , Scott Clifford D.
Published: May 2011

A key aspect of the public policy development process in the United States is marketing-laden competition among interest groups aiming to influence policy in their respective favors. Lobbying, the principal means by which this competition transpires, has vast potential to significantly affect marketplace law and practice—including marketers and consumers—in a widespread way. The purpose of this essay is to stimulate scholarly discussion on lobbying and its role in the public policy development process. Toward this end, the authors (1) discuss the nature of lobbying practice in the United States, (2) consider regulatory control and protection of lobbying activity, (3) formulate a theoretical framework from within which to understand lobbying from a public policy and marketing perspective, and (4) provide suggestions for the direction of further research.