bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating User Experience of Experiential GIS
Authors: Hodza Paddington 
Published: December 2009

AbstractEvaluating user‐system interaction is important to develop effective and acceptable systems. Traditionally, geospatial systems are evaluated in terms of usability with emphasis on completing application tasks and goals. This focus ignores the non‐functional aspects that separate systems with similar usability and functionality, and complete a user's experience. An alternative and holistic user experience (UX) concept that encompasses functional (e.g. usability, ergonomics, etc.) and non‐functional (e.g. aesthetics, emotions, pleasure, cognitive stimulation, etc.) dimensions was adopted to evaluate an innovative Experiential GIS (EGIS). The EGIS is an immersive geospatial system that disengages the user from the real‐world and renders the user present in 3D geovirtual scenes with real‐time sensorimotor feedback. This system was assessed in a soil mapping application involving four collaborating soil scientists. The scientists had very positive reactions, common viewpoints and occasionally varying perceptions of EGIS and the geovirtual soil mapping technique. They viewed the system as intuitive, enjoyable and capable of improving the speed and quality of soil mapping, and identified the system's strengths as including co‐experiential knowledge construction and a ‘go anywhere’ capability that enabled access to physically inaccessible and trespass prohibited areas. The scientists' views were more varied about the role of EGIS in minimizing soil mapping labor and costs.
Tensions and Paradoxes in Electronic Patient Record Research: A Systematic Literature Review Using the Meta‐narrative Method
Authors: GREENHALGH TRISHA , POTTS HENRY W.W. , WONG GEOFF , BARK PIPPA , SWINGLEHURST DEBORAH 
Published: December 2009

Context:The extensive research literature on electronic patient records (EPRs) presents challenges to systematic reviewers because it covers multiple research traditions with different underlying philosophical assumptions and methodological approaches.Methods:Using the meta‐narrative method and searching beyond the Medline‐indexed literature, this review used “conflicting” findings to address higher‐order questions about how researchers had differently conceptualized and studied the EPR and its implementation.Findings:Twenty‐four previous systematic reviews and ninety‐four further primary studies were considered. Key tensions in the literature centered on (1) the EPR (“container” or “itinerary”); (2) the EPR user (“information‐processer” or “member of socio‐technical network”); (3) organizational context (“the setting within which the EPR is implemented” or “the EPR‐in‐use”); (4) clinical work (“decision making” or “situated practice”); (5) the process of change (“the logic of determinism” or “the logic of opposition”); (6) implementation success (“objectively defined” or “socially negotiated”); and (7) complexity and scale (“the bigger the better” or “small is beautiful”).Conclusions:The findings suggest that EPR use will always require human input to recontextualize knowledge; that even though secondary work (audit, research, billing) may be made more efficient by the EPR, primary clinical work may be made less efficient; that paper may offer a unique degree of ecological flexibility; and that smaller EPR systems may sometimes be more efficient and effective than larger ones. We suggest an agenda for further research.
Expensive Cancer Drugs: A Comparison between the United States and the United Kingdom
Authors: FADEN RUTH R. , CHALKIDOU KALIPSO , APPLEBY JOHN , WATERS HUGH R. , LEIDER JONATHON P. 
Published: December 2009

Context:This article compares the United Kingdom's and the United States’ experiences with expensive cancer drugs to illustrate the challenges posed by new, extremely costly, medical technologies.Methods:This article describes British and American coverage, access, and cost‐sharing policies with regard to expensive cancer drugs and then compares the costs of eleven such drugs to British patients, American Medicare beneficiaries, and American patients purchasing the drugs in the retail market. Three questions posed by these comparisons are then examined: First, which system is fairer? In which system are cancer patients better off? Assuming that no system can sustainably provide to everyone at least some expensive cancer drugs for some clinical indications, what challenges does each system face in making these difficult determinations?Findings:In both the British and American health care systems, not all patients who might benefit from or desire access to expensive cancer drugs have access to them. The popular characterization of the United States, where all cancer drugs are available for all to access as and when needed, and that of the British NHS, where top‐down population rationing poses insurmountable obstacles to British patients’ access, are far from the reality in both countries.Conclusions:Key elements of the British system are fairer than the American system, and the British system is better structured to deal with difficult decisions about expensive end‐of‐life cancer drugs. Both systems face common ethical, financial, organizational, and priority‐setting challenges in making these decisions.
Translating Medical Effectiveness Research into Policy: Lessons from the California Health Benefits Review Program
Authors: COFFMAN JANET M. , HONG MI‐KYUNG , AUBRY WADE M. , LUFT HAROLD S. , YELIN EDWARD 
Published: December 2009

Context: Legislatures and executive branch agencies in the United States and other nations are increasingly using reviews of the medical literature to inform health policy decisions. To clarify these efforts to give policymakers evidence of medical effectiveness, this article discusses the California Health Benefits Review Program (CHBRP). This program, based at the University of California, analyzes the medical effectiveness of health insurance benefit mandate bills for the California legislature, as well as their impact on cost and public health. Methods: This article is based on the authors’ experience reviewing benefit mandate bills for CHBRP and findings from evaluations of the program. General observations are illustrated with examples from CHBRP's reports. Information about efforts to incorporate evidence into health policymaking in other states and nations was obtained through a review of published literature. Findings: CHBRP produces reports that California legislators, legislative staff, and other major stakeholders value and use routinely in deliberations about benefit mandate bills. Where available, the program relies on previously published meta‐analyses and systematic reviews to streamline the review of the medical literature. Faculty and staff responsible for the medical effectiveness sections of CHBRP's reports have learned four major lessons over the course of the program's six‐year history: the need to (1) recognize the limitations of the medical literature, (2) anticipate the need to inform legislators about the complexity of evidence, (3) have realistic expectations regarding the impact of medical effectiveness reviews, and (4) understand the consequences of the reactive nature of mandated benefit reviews. Conclusions: CHBRP has demonstrated that it is possible to produce useful reviews of the medical literature within the tight time constraints of the legislative process. The program's reports have provided state legislators with independent analyses that allow them to move beyond sifting through conflicting information from proponents and opponents to consider difficult policy choices and their implications.
Research and Advice Giving: A Functional View of Evidence‐Informed Policy Advice in a Canadian Ministry of Health
Authors: LOMAS JONATHAN , BROWN ADALSTEINN D. 
Published: December 2009

Context: As evidence‐based medicine grows in influence and scope, its applicability to health policy prompts two questions: Can the principles and, more specifically, the tools used to bring research into the clinical world apply to civil servants offering advice to politicians? If not, what approach should the evidence‐oriented health policy organization take to improve the use of research? Methods: This article reviews evidence‐based medicine and models of research use in policy. Then it reports the results of interviews with civil servants in the Ontario Ministry of Health, which recently adopted a stewardship rather than an operational role, incorporating many evidence‐oriented strategies. The interviews focused on functional roles for research‐based evidence in policy advice. Findings: The clinical context and tools for evidence‐based medicine can rarely be generalized to policy. Most current models of research use offer lessons to researchers wishing to apply their work to policy but little help for civil servants wishing to become more evidence oriented. The interviews revealed functional roles for research in setting agendas (noting upcoming issues and screening interest groups’ claims), developing new policies (reducing uncertainty, helping speak truth to power, and preventing repetition and duplication), and monitoring or modifying existing policies (continuously improving programs and creating a culture of inquiry). Each area requires different tools to help filter the push of evidence from researchers and set agendas, to facilitate the urgent pull on relevant research by civil servants developing new policy, and to support ongoing linkage and exchange between civil servants and researchers for monitoring and modifying existing policy. Conclusions: A functional framework for evidence‐informed policy advice is useful for distinguishing the activity from evidence‐based medicine and “auditing” the balance of efforts across the different functional roles of research in policy.
A novel choline cotransporter sequestration compartment in cholinergic neurons revealed by selective endosomal ablation
Authors: Ivy Michael T. , Newkirk Robert F. , Wang Yilun , Townsel James G. 
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1295–1304.AbstractThe sodium‐dependent, high affinity choline transporter – choline cotransporter – (ChCoT, aka: cho‐1, CHT1, CHT) undergoes constitutive and regulated trafficking between the plasma membrane and cytoplasmic compartments. The pathways and regulatory mechanisms of this trafficking are not well understood. We report herein studies involving selective endosomal ablation to further our understanding of the trafficking of the ChCoT. Selective ablation of early sorting and recycling endosomes resulted in a decrease of ∼75% of [3H]choline uptake and ∼70% of [3H]hemicholinium‐3 binding. Western blot analysis showed that ablation produced a similar decrease in ChCoTs in the plasma membrane subcellular fraction. The time frame for this loss was approximately 2 h which has been shown to be the constitutive cycling time for ChCoTs in this tissue. Ablation appears to be dependent on the intracellular cycling of transferrin‐conjugated horseradish peroxidase and the selective deposition of transferrin‐conjugated horseradish peroxidase in early endosomes, both sorting and recycling. Ablated brain slices retained their capacity to recruit via regulated trafficking ChCoTs to the plasma membrane. This recruitment of ChCoTs suggests that the recruitable compartment is distinct from the early endosomes. It will be necessary to do further studies to identify the novel sequestration compartment supportive of the ChCoT regulated trafficking.
Cholesterol modulates ion channels via down‐regulation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate
Authors: Chun Yoon Sun , Shin Sora , Kim Yonjung , Cho Hana , Park Myoung Kyu , Kim Tae‐Wan , Voronov Sergey V. , Di Paolo Gilbert , Suh Byung‐Chang , Chung Sungkwon 
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1286–1294.AbstractUbiquitously expressed Mg2+‐inhibitory cation (MIC) channels are permeable to Ca2+ and Mg2+ and are essential for cell viability. When membrane cholesterol level was increased by pre‐incubating cells with a water‐soluble form of cholesterol, the endogenous MIC current in HEK293 cells was negatively regulated. The application of phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) recovered MIC current from cholesterol effect. As PIP2 is the direct modulator for MIC channels, high cholesterol content may cause down‐regulation of PIP2. To test this possibility, we examined the effect of cholesterol on two exogenously expressed PIP2‐sensitive K+ channels: human Ether‐a‐go‐go related gene (HERG) and KCNQ. Enrichment with cholesterol inhibited HERG currents, while inclusion of PIP2 in the pipette solution blocked the cholesterol effect. KCNQ channel was also inhibited by cholesterol. The effects of cholesterol on these channels were blocked by pre‐incubating cells with inhibitors for phospholipase C, which may indicate that cholesterol enrichment induces the depletion of PIP2 via phospholipase C activation. Lipid analysis showed that cholesterol enrichment reduced γ‐32P incorporation into PIP2 by approximately 35%. Our results suggest that cholesterol may modulate ion channels by changing the levels of PIP2. Thus, an important cross‐talk exists among two plasma membrane‐enriched lipids, cholesterol and PIP2.
How political parties frame European integration
Authors: HELBLING MARC , HOEGLINGER DOMINIC , WÜEST BRUNO 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis article analyses how political parties frame European integration, and gauges the consistency of their argumentation. Over the course of investigation, one can see how actors' positions are justified, and how the European Union is perceived (i.e., what forces give rise to Euroscepticism and Europeanism). It is argued here that the parties' framing of issues depends on the interests they traditionally defend at the national level, their general positions on European integration, and whether or not they belong to the established political actors in their respective countries. The coding approach enables the relation of frames to actors and positions, moving beyond the techniques employed by existing studies that analyse the media presentation of European integration. Sophisticated frame categorisations are provided to capture the complex structure of argumentation, going beyond a simple dichotomy of economic and cultural frames. Relying on a large and original media dataset covering the period 2004–2006, six Western European countries are investigated.
Employers, the state and the politics of institutional change: Vocational education and training in Austria, Germany and Switzerland
Authors: TRAMPUSCH CHRISTINE 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAn in‐depth comparison of Austria, Germany and Switzerland shows that the employers' constellation and the elites of the public education administration affect patterns of institutional change. If large firms are the dominant actors and collaborate with elites in the public education administration, institutional change follows a transformative pattern. If small and medium‐sized firms are in a strong position and have the power to influence public elites according to their interests, self‐preserving institutional change results. The article also shows that it is not so much trade unions as small and medium‐sized firms that act as a brake on transformative change. The article adds to the literature of institutional change by arguing that specifying and explaining patterns of institutional change requires that sufficient scope be allowed for actors' creative handling of institutions. It also suggests that in order to differentiate between self‐preserving and transformative change, one has to specify the important institutional dimensions that sustain an institution. The article combines Mill's method of agreement and difference.
A tool to evaluate state capacity in post‐communist countries, 1989–2006
Authors: FORTIN JESSICA 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn an attempt to bring together the research on state capacity, this article proposes a five‐item index to operationalise and measure the concept of state capacity. The index was constructed for 26 post‐communist countries on a yearly basis from their first year of independence from communist rule to 2006. Different states unavoidably display dissimilar levels of aptitude in the different domains of state capacity, but the aggregated index of state capacity presented is high in both validity and reliability. With the help of this index, the starting conditions as well as the evolution of state capacity within the countries included in this study are explored, with three conclusions. First, post‐communist countries emerged displaying very contrasting levels of state capacity. Second, the level of state capacity has remained relatively stable within most countries between 1989–1991 and 2006, which ties in the last conclusion that the initial level of state capacity is the strongest determinant of subsequent levels of state capacity. All three conclusions carry important implications for research using state capacity either as an independent or as a dependent variable.
A selective broth enrichment combined with real‐time nuc‐mecA‐PCR in the exclusion of MRSA
Authors: PASANEN TANJA , KORKEILA MAIJA , MERO SOINTU , TARKKA EVELIINA , PIIPARINEN HELI , VUOPIO‐VARKILA JAANA , VAARA MARTTI , TISSARI PÄIVI 
Published: December 2009

Pasanen T, Korkeila M, Mero S, Tarkka E, Piiparinen H, Vuopio‐Varkila J, Vaara M, Tissari P. A selective broth enrichment combined with real‐time nuc‐mecA‐PCR in the exclusion of MRSA. APMIS 2010; 118: 74–80.We analyzed the performance of a selective enrichment broth combined with Taqman‐based real‐time duplex nuc‐mecA‐PCR to expedite the screening of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We found the broth to be able to select MRSA strains (oxacillin MIC range 4–256 μg/ml) from MSSA strains. A total of 31 MRSA strains were found from 1250 clinical samples screened. The nuc‐mecA‐PCR was positive from all enrichment broths containing MRSA. From the remaining 1219 samples negative for MRSA on culture/subculture, 138 samples were nuc+/mecA+ in PCR. The sensitivity of the test was 93.5%, specificity 88.6%, positive predictive value 17.3%, and negative predictive value 99.8% as compared to culture. Thus, with this method, the negative MRSA results can be reliably reported within 24–48 h from sampling. The method is a practical additional alternative to those already described for the same purpose.
Beta‐lactam antibiotics: from antibiosis to resistance and bacteriology
Authors: KONG KOK‐FAI , SCHNEPER LISA , MATHEE KALAI 
Published: December 2009

Kong K‐F, Schneper L, Mathee K. Beta‐lactam antibiotics: from antibiosis to resistance and bacteriology. APMIS 2010; 118: 1–36.This review focuses on the era of antibiosis that led to a better understanding of bacterial morphology, in particular the cell wall component peptidoglycan. This is an effort to take readers on a tour de force from the concept of antibiosis, to the serendipity of antibiotics, evolution of beta‐lactam development, and the molecular biology of antibiotic resistance. These areas of research have culminated in a deeper understanding of microbiology, particularly in the area of bacterial cell wall synthesis and recycling. In spite of this knowledge, which has enabled design of new even more effective therapeutics to combat bacterial infection and has provided new research tools, antibiotic resistance remains a worldwide health care problem.
Maternal periodontitis and the causes of preterm birth: the case–control Epipap study
Authors: Nabet Cathy , Lelong Nathalie , Colombier Marie‐Laure , Sixou Michel , Musset Anne‐Marie , Goffinet François , Kaminski Monique ,   for the Epipap Group
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim: To analyse the association between maternal periodontitis and preterm birth (<37 weeks' gestation) according to the causes of preterm birth.Materials and Methods: Epipap is a case–control multi‐centre study of singleton livebirths. One thousand one hundred and eight women with preterm deliveries and 1094 with deliveries at term (37 weeks) at six French maternity units were included. Periodontal examinations after delivery identified localized and generalized periodontitis. Cases were classified according to four causes of preterm birth. Polytomous logistic regression analysis was used to control for confounders (maternal age, parity, nationality, educational level, marital status, employment during pregnancy, body mass index before pregnancy, smoking status) and the examiner.Results: Localized periodontitis was identified in 129 (11.6%) cases and in 118 (10.8%) control women and generalized periodontitis in 148 (13.4%) and 118 (10.8%), respectively. A significant association was observed between generalized periodontitis and induced preterm birth for pre‐eclampsia [adjusted odds ratio 2.46 [95% confidence intervals (95% CI)1.58‐3.83]. Periodontitis was not associated with spontaneous preterm birth or preterm premature rupture of membranes or with the other causes.Conclusion: Maternal periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of induced preterm birth due to pre‐eclampsia.
Epithelial cell pro‐inflammatory cytokine response differs across dental plaque bacterial species
Authors: Stathopoulou Panagiota G. , Benakanakere Manjunatha R. , Galicia Johnah C. , Kinane Denis F. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim: The dental plaque is comprised of numerous bacterial species, which may or may not be pathogenic. Human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) respond to perturbation by various bacteria of the dental plaque by production of different levels of inflammatory cytokines, which is a putative reflection of their virulence. The aim of the current study was to determine responses in terms of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐10 secretion induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus gordonii in order to gauge their virulence potential.Materials and Methods: HGECs were challenged with the four bacterial species, live or heat killed, at various multiplicity of infections and the elicited IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐10 responses were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Primary HGECs challenged with live P. gingivalis produced high levels of IL‐1β, while challenge with live A. actinomycetemcomitans gave high levels of IL‐8. The opportunistic pathogen F. nucleatum induces the highest levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, while the commensal S. gordonii is the least stimulatory.Conclusion: We conclude that various dental plaque biofilm bacteria induce different cytokine response profiles in primary HGECs that may reflect their individual virulence or commensal status.