bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cutaneous Lesions in the Rat Following Administration of an Irreversible Inhibitor of erbB Receptors, Including the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor
Authors: Brown Alan P. , Dunstan Robert W. , Courtney Cynthia L. , Criswell Kay A. , Graziano Michael J.
Published: May 2008

CI-1033 (canertinib) is an irreversible inhibitor of the erbB family of transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptors, including the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. Various inhibitors of the EGF receptor, including CI-1033, have resulted in cutaneous toxicity in humans as a common adverse event. In a chronic toxicity study in rats, CI-1033 produced cutaneous lesions with morphologic characteristics similar to that reported in man. Here the authors describe in detail the dermal changes observed, along with other noteworthy findings of that study. Male and female Wistar rats (15/sex/group) were administered CI-1033 for 27 weeks at 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg (15, 30, or 60 mg/m2, respectively) by gavage. Control animals (15/sex) received vehicle alone (aqueous 0.5% methylcellulose) in a dose volume of 5 mL/kg. Six animals/sex/dose were included for toxicokinetic evaluations. Skin lesions were the primary drug-related toxicity and occurred at ≥2.5 mg/kg in a dose-dependent fashion. The major gross lesions were papules that evolved into crusts and scales that were first observed in weeks 1 and 3, respectively. Alopecia developed in conjunction with the papular eruptions. Skin changes were most pronounced in females, possibly due to higher drug levels. In week 13, CI-1033 plasma AUC(0–24) values were 527 to 1980 ng·h/mL in males and 844 to 2920 ng·h/mL in females at 2.5 to 10 mg/kg. Microscopic changes could be described as 3 patterns that affected the tail and body (haired skin). Pattern 1 consisted of epidermal changes that started as a superficial, perivascular spongiotic dermatitis with evolving epidermal hyperplasia, scale-crusts, and areas of ulceration. Areas of hyperplasia on the tail were often associated with the development of new hair follicles. Pattern 2 was characterized by a suppurative to pyogranulomatous infundibular folliculitis. Pattern 3 consisted of abnormally oriented hair follicles with malformed hair shafts that were associated with a deeper (isthmic) folliculitis; this correlated with alopecia. Elevations in bone marrow myeloid counts correlated with a peripheral leukocytosis, consistent with inflammatory changes in the dermis. In addition, hepatic cholestasis and epithelial atrophy in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina occurred at ≥2.5 mg/kg. In conclusion, CI-1033 produced cutaneous lesions involving the epidermis and hair follicle, and the morphologic characteristics were similar to that reported in clinical studies with various inhibitors of the EGF receptor. These changes are consistent with pharmacologic inhibition of the EGF receptor in these tissues and demonstrate that the rat can serve as an animal model for investigating the mechanisms for this toxicity.
Foreign-Body Granulomas within Intramyocardial Arteries in a Transcoronary Safety Assessment in Pigs
Authors: Ramot Yuval , Amir Gail , Willenz Ehud P. , Nyska Abraham
Published: May 2008

Foreign-body granulomas within intramyocardial arteries were detected in three domestic pigs ( Sus scrofa domestica) in a routine transcoronary safety assessment study. The foreign bodies stained light grayish-blue by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and were strongly birefringent by polarized light microscopy. By their morphological features, they were identified as cotton fibers. Embolization of foreign-body material into the myocardial arteries following catheter-based procedures is an unusual event, and its occurrence may lead to granulomatous foreign-body reaction and misinterpretation of histological results.
Ursolic Acid and Oleanolic Acid Suppress Preneoplastic Lesions Induced by 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine in Rat Colon
Authors: Furtado Ricardo A. , Rodrigues Érlon P. , Araújo Felipe R. R. , Oliveira Wendel L. , Furtado Michelle A. , Castro Márcio B. , Cunha Wilson R. , Tavares Denise C.
Published: May 2008

Ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA) are pentacyclic triterpenoid compounds found in plants used in the human diet and in medicinal herbs, in the form of aglycones or as the free acid. These compounds are known for their hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, antimutagenic, antioxidant, and antifertility activities. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of UA and OA on the formation of 1,2-dimethyl-hydrazine (DMH)–induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colon of the male Wistar rat. The animals received subcutaneous (sc) injections of DMH (40 mg/kg body weight) twice a week for two weeks to induce ACF. UA, OA and a mixture of UA and OA were administered to the rats five times a week for four weeks by gavage at doses of 25 mg/kg body weight/day each, during and after DMH treatment. All animals were sacrificed in week 5 for the evaluation of ACF. The results showed a significant reduction in the frequency of ACF in the group treated with the triterpenoid compounds plus DMH when compared to those treated with DMH alone, suggesting that UA and OA suppress the formation of ACF and have a protective effect against colon carcinogenesis.
Ovarian Follicle Counts Using Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) and Semi-Automated Image Analysis in Rats
Authors: Picut Catherine A. , Swanson Cynthia L. , Scully Kathryn L. , Roseman Vern C. , Parker Regina F. , Remick Amera K.
Published: May 2008

Ovarian follicle counting is a method to assess ovarian toxicity in reproductive toxicity studies in rats. Although ovarian follicle counting has been traditionally performed manually on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections, the use of immunohistochemical methods, including human cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), have been used to enhance the visibility of the primordial and primary follicles to facilitate manual counting. In this study, serial sections from both ovaries from ten 3-month-old female Sprague Dawley rats were stained using routine H&E and immunohistochemistry for PCNA. Counting of primordial and primary follicles was performed manually using these two stains and by semi-automated image analysis of PCNA-stained slides. Although manual counting of PCNA-stained slides is preferable to manual counting of H&E-stained slides, manual counting involves variability between individual counters. Semi-automated image analysis of PCNA-stained slides yields an accurate and consistent count of these primordial/primary follicles and eliminates variability between individual counters.
A Review of Islet of Langerhans Degeneration in Rodent Models of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Nugent David A. , Smith David M. , Jones Huw B.
Published: May 2008

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (TTDM) is characterized by progressive loss of glucose control through multifactorial mechanisms. The search for an understanding of TTDM has relied on animal models since the realization of the importance of the pancreas in controlling plasma glucose concentration. Rodent models of TTDM are developed to express hyperglycemia and not islet degeneration per se. Degeneration of the islets of Langerhans with β-cell loss is secondary to insulin resistance and is regarded as the more important lesion. Despite this, differences between models are seen in the development and progression of islet degeneration. Assessing the differences between the models is important to appreciate the various aspects of TTDM and understand their advantages as well as their deficiencies. Relevant animal models of TTDM provide opportunities to investigate important physiological and cell biological processes that may ultimately lead to development of targeted therapies. This article reviews the importance, advantages, and limitations of rodent models of TTDM in relation to the histopathological changes that characterize islet degeneration. Pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to islet degeneration are also discussed and are placed into the context of changes in islet histological appearances.
Comparative Hepatic Effects of Perfluorooctanoic Acid and WY 14,643 in PPAR-α Knockout and Wild-type Mice
Authors: Wolf Douglas C. , Moore Tanya , Abbott Barbara D. , Rosen Mitchell B. , Das Kaberi P. , Zehr Robert D. , Lindstrom Andrew B. , Strynar Mark J. , Lau Christopher
Published: May 2008

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a chemical used in the production of fluoropolymers. Its persistence in the environment and presence in humans and wildlife has raised health concerns. Liver tumor induction by PFOA is thought to be mediated in rodents by PPAR-α. A recent US EPA scientific advisory board questioned the contribution of PPAR-α in PFOA-induced liver tumors. Liver response in CD-1, SV/129 wild-type (WT), and PPAR-α knockout (KO) SV/129 mice was evaluated after seven daily treatments of PFOA-NH4+ (1, 3, or 10 mg/kg, p.o.) or the prototype PPARα-agonist Wyeth 14,643 (WY, 50 mg/kg). Livers were examined by light and electron microscopy. Proliferation was quantified after PCNA immunostaining. PFOA treatment induced a dose-dependent increase in hepatocyte hypertrophy and labeling index (LI) similar to WY in WT mice. Ultrastructural alterations of peroxisome proliferation were similar between WY-treated and 10 mg/kg PFOA-treated WT mice. KO mice had a dose-dependent increase in hepatocyte vacuolation but increased LI only at 10 mg PFOA/kg. WY-treated KO mice were not different from KO control. These data suggest that PPAR-α is required for WY- and PFOA-induced cellular alterations in WT mouse liver. Hepatic enlargement observed in KO mice may be due to an accumulation of cytoplasmic vacuoles that contain PFOA.
LinkedIn — a user's perspective
Authors: Thew David
Published: May 2008

Blogs, mailing lists and networking sites are much in the news, but how effective are they for business users? David Thew is Joint MD of an executive search and recruitment consultancy with an active need to identify and contact people on a targeted basis. In this article he profiles LinkedIn, the business networking membership site that has become a key channel for him and his staff. David looks at key features and benefits and also discusses areas where he feels there is room for improvement.
Copyright for corporate information professionals
Authors: Pedley Paul
Published: May 2008

Considers the role of copyright in the dissemination of information within the corporate sector. Examines the various forms of authorization available for companies using copyright-protected content to ensure compliance with copyright law. Discusses the distinction the law makes between copying for a commercial purpose as opposed to copying for a non-commercial purpose. Looks at the limited scope for businesses to rely on the copyright exceptions to justify their copying, particularly fair dealing. Considers licensing as a way of being able to do more than the copying exceptions would allow, and the interrelationship between contract law and copyright law. Outlines some copyright legal cases and the lessons we can learn from them. Sets out examples of copying activities that should be avoided if one wants to reduce the risk of being accused of copyright infringement.
Moving from readers to customers to clients in the Business & IP Centre at the British Library
Authors: Infield Neil
Published: May 2008

News from the National:

The British Library Business & IP (Intellectual Property) Centre at the British Library will be contributing opinion pieces about their insights into business information on a regular basis. This item looks at how they responded to unexpected demands from visitors, which led to them developing new services and re-evaluating the ways in which they interacted with customers.
Ethnographies of postsocialist change
Authors: Hörschelmann Kathrin , Stenning Alison
Published: May 2008

In this paper, we examine the value of ethnographic research for developing a critical area studies approach that promotes cosmopolitan scholarship and contributes to the decentring of universal knowledge claims. We focus on the potential of ethnographic research on postsocialist change to form part of such a re-envisaged, critical area studies. The paper seeks to demonstrate to what extent ethnographic research not only offers a better understanding of the social and cultural practices through which postsocialist transformations are lived and negotiated, but also produces new conceptual insights on the basis of engaging with empirical complexity. Problems of researcher positionality, the politics of representation, methodology and ethics are discussed in relation to recent critiques of anthropological writing and research. We draw on Massey's (2005) concept of space-time and Robinson's (2003) and Gibson-Graham's (2004) proposals for a postcolonial, critical area studies to identify ways of reimagining ethnography as a mode of engagement rather than observation and of producing rather than surveying difference.
The hotel and the city
Authors: McNeill Donald
Published: May 2008

This paper examines the relationship between cities and hotels, arguing that this urban space sheds light on many of the traits of twentieth-century urbanism. First, it sketches the relationship of hotels to urban space, either as landmarks within cities, as statements of civic selfconfidence in booming central business districts, or as components of urban renewal strategies. Second, it is suggested that the design of hotel space is expressive of consumption choices, whether in terms of a standardized, hard-wearing functionality or an expression of uniqueness, reflecting contemporary trends in consumer marketing, distinction and branding. Third, these spaces are crucial to the notion of the `circulatory' city. They are representative of a form of dwelling, of a temporary domestic, for various types of traveller, as well as serving as a business space. Fourth, they are reflective of the complex social geographies of city life, and provide a microcosm of the occupational hierarchies of hospitality services.
Living with difference: reflections on geographies of encounter
Authors: Valentine Gill
Published: May 2008

In this Progress in Human Geography annual lecture I reflect on geographical contributions to academic and policy debates about how we might forge civic culture out of difference. In doing so I begin by tracing a set of disparate geographical writings — about the micro-publics of everyday life, cosmopolitanism hospitality, and new urban citizenship — that have sought to understand the role of shared space in providing the opportunity for encounter between `strangers'. This literature is considered in the light of an older tradition of work about `the contact hypothesis' from psychology. Then, employing original empirical material, I critically reflect on the notion of `meaningful contact' to explore the paradoxical gap that emerges in geographies of encounter between values and practices. In the conclusion I argue for the need for geographers to pay more attention to sociospatial inequalities and the insecurities they breed, and to unpacking the complex and intersecting ways in which power operates.
Surface Roughness Parameters Evaluation in Machining GFRP Composites by PCD Tool using Digital Image Processing
Authors: Sarma P.M.M.S. , Karunamoorthy L. , Palanikumar K.
Published: May 2008

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites find diverse applications in many fields. Their usage in modern automated manufacturing sector demand high quality components and high finish surfaces. As such the present paper makes a study of the surface roughness of the machined surfaces of GFRP composites at different cutting conditions. The GFRP pipes are turned in lathe using Poly-Crystalline Diamond (PCD) tool. During machining, the machined surface images are captured using a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera. For all the images average grey scale value (Ga) are calculated. The average grey scale values and surface roughness (Ra) values are correlated and a relation is obtained between them. Also a second order quadratic model is developed for predicting surface roughness in machining of GFRP composites. The results indicate that the developed model can be used to predict the surface roughness of machined GFRP composites. The grey scale values obtained are in good correlation with the surface roughness values measured. The effect of cutting speed, feed, depth of cut and fiber orientation angle on surface roughness is studied and found that feed affects surface roughness, followed by cutting speed and fiber orientation angle. Depth of cut is found to have no effect on surface roughness of machined GFRP composites.
Computer Simulation of Failure Process of a Fiber-reinforced Concrete Composite with Randomly Distributed Fiber Clusters
Authors: Horta-Rangel Jaime , Lopez-Lara Teresa , Hernandez-Zaragoza Juan , Perez-Lara Miguel , Castano Victor
Published: May 2008

Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) composites to date are not fully researched with regard to the mechanical behavior of the random distribution of the fibers inside the matrix, which tend to bundle (fiber clusters). In this work we study the influence of the random distribution of fibers in the matrix by means of computer modeling applied to structural plane specimen subjected to tension loading. Increasing the tension load the failure will appear first in the weak concrete zones induced by the random distribution of inclusion elements. These failure elements are now modified as air elements, and the process goes on until collapse. As a result of this process the stress—strain plots of the sample until failure, and the stress—strain graph at the time of gradual application of the tension stress are found. We compare the obtained results with Kerner`s model. Computer modeling is achieved by the ANSYS program coupling a subroutine written in APDL language.
Perioperative Management of a 7-Year-Old Child With Brugada Syndrome
Authors: Baty Laura , Hollister Jeff , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: May 2008

Brugada syndrome results from abnormalities in the myocardial transmembrane conduction of sodium, resulting in the characteristic electrocardiographic changes of ST segment elevation in the precordial leads and incomplete right bundle branch block in an otherwise structurally normal heart. Affected patients are frequently asymptomatic until their presentation with potentially lethal arrhythmias including ventricular fibrillation. The youngest reported patient with Brugada syndrome to undergo anesthetic management is presented in this article; the pathophysiology of the syndrome is reviewed, and its perioperative implications are discussed.
Chemical, Corrosion and Topographical Analysis of Stainless Steel Implants after Different Implantation Periods
Authors: Chrzanowski Wojciech , Armitage David Andrew , Knowles Jonathan Campbell , Szade Jacek , Korlacki Wojciech , Marciniak Jan
Published: May 2008

The aim of this work is to examine the corrosion properties, chemical composition, and material—implant interaction after different periods of implantation of plates used to correct funnel chest. The implants are made of 316L stainless steel. Examinations are carried out on three implants: new (nonimplanted) and two implanted for 29 and 35 months. The corrosion study reveals that in the potential range that could occur in the physiological condition the new bar has the lowest current density and the highest corrosion potential. This indicates that the new plate has the highest corrosion resistance and the corrosion resistance could be reduced during implantation by the instruments used during the operation. XPS analysis reveals changes in the surface chemistry. The longer the implantation time the more carbon and oxygen are observed and only trace of elements such as Cr, Mo are detected indicating that surface is covered by an organic layer. On some parts of the implants whitish tissue is observed: the thickness of which increased with the time of implantation. This tissue was identified as an organic layer; mainly attached to the surface on the areas close to where the implant was bent to attain anatomical fit and thus where the implant has higher surface roughness. The study indicates that the chest plates are impaired by the implantation procedure and contact with biological environment. The organic layer on the surface shows that the implant did not stay passive but some reactions at the tissue-implant interface occurred. These reactions should be seen as positive, as it indicates that the implants were accepted by the tissues. Nevertheless, if the implants react, they may continue to release chromium, nickel, and other harmful ions long term as indicated by lower corrosion resistance of the implants following implantation.
Collagen—Chitosan Nerve Guides for Peripheral Nerve Repair: A Histomorphometric Study
Authors: Patel Minal , Vandevord Pamela J. , Matthew Howard W. , De Silva Stephen , Bin Wu  , Wooley Paul H.
Published: May 2008

Currently a wide variety of polymer materials are being applied to fabricate nerve guide tubes to repair injured peripheral nerves. In this study we have examined whether collagen—chitosan nerve guides promotes nerve repair compared to chitosan nerve guides using histological analysis. Results indicates that the enclosed structure of the nerve guide both promotes and supports axonal sprouting. Collagen—chitosan guides improved axonal maturation measured by a significant increase in axon diameter and axon area. These findings indicate that the collagen—chitosan nerve guides can be applied to repair severed peripheral nerve ends.
Deployment Stressors of the Iraq War
Authors: La Bash Heidi A. J. , Vogt Dawne S. , King Lynda A. , King Daniel W.
Published: May 2008

A comprehensive understanding of the stressors of the Iraq War is needed to ensure appropriate postdeployment assessments and to inform empirical inquiries. Yet we are unaware of any published studies that address the range of stressors experienced by this cohort. Thus, in the present study, we report the results of an interpretive literature review of mainstream media reports published from the beginning of the Iraq War in March 2003 to March 2005. This literature revealed a combination of stressors associated with traditional combat, insurgency warfare, and peacekeeping operations. The increasing deployment of National Guard/Reservist personnel, older soldiers, and women highlights additional stressors associated with sexual harassment and assault, preparedness and training, and life and family disruptions. This is a cause for concern as war-zone stressors have been implicated in postdeployment health outcomes, including intimate partner violence and child maltreatment, immediate physical and mental health, and long-term adjustment.
The Developmental Epidemiology of Childhood Victimization
Authors: Finkelhor David , Ormrod Richard K. , Turner Heather A.
Published: May 2008

This article examines developmental trends in the rates of different kinds of victimization across the span of childhood. The Developmental Victimization Survey was a national telephone survey of the victimization experiences of 2,030 children from ages 2 to 17. The overall mean number of victimizations during a single year increased with age, as did the percentage of children with polyvictimizations (4 or more different kinds of victimization). However, some specific types of victimization, physical bullying and sibling assaults, were highest prior to adolescence and then declined. Other types had different developmental patterns by gender. Peer assaults increased in adolescence for boys but not for girls. Child maltreatment and sexual victimization increased in adolescence for girls but not for boys. The complex and diverse patterns of developmental vulnerability to different kinds of victimization at different ages need more exploration and explanation in order to better target prevention and intervention policies.
Political Party Platforms
Authors: Oliver Willard M. , Marion Nancy E.
Published: May 2008

The theory of symbolic politics is used to examine the elements of criminal justice policy in political party platforms. It is hypothesized that political parties use their party platforms to make symbolic, rather than substantive, statements. Data were collected from the digital archives of both the American Presidency Project and the American Reference Library consisting of all political party platforms from 1868 to 2004. A content analysis of these party platforms, as they related to crime and justice issues, offers partial support for the claim that presidents and political parties use these party platforms primarily for evoking symbols.
Attitudes Regarding the Etiology and Treatment of Depression in Parkinson's Disease: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Oehlberg Katherine , Barg Frances K. , Brown Gregory K. , Taraborelli Donna , Stern Matthew B. , Weintraub Daniel
Published: May 2008

Depression in Parkinson's disease (dPD) remains under recognized and under treated. As patients' beliefs may impact the reporting and treatment of depression, this study assessed the opinions of 38 dPD patients, approximately half with a self-reported poor response to antidepressant treatment, regarding the etiology and treatment of their depression using a semi-structured, audio-taped, qualitative interview. About half of the participants listed PD itself as a primary cause for their depressive symptoms, with most in this group citing psychosocial factors rather than PD-related neurobiological factors. Antidepressant therapy, psychotherapy, and self-initiated approaches were noted as preferred treatments for dPD. Many had concerns about antidepressant therapy, listing side-effects and medication dependency most frequently. About half raised concerns about psychotherapy with trust/discomfort, stigma, and transportation issues most frequently mentioned. This preliminary study suggests that many PD patients with clinically significant depressive symptoms attribute their depression to psychosocial factors and endorse nonpharmacologic treatment approaches.
Relationships Between Leadership Styles and Followers' Emotional Experience and Effectiveness in the Voluntary Sector
Authors: Rowold Jens , Rohmann Anette
Published: May 2008

Research on transformational and transactional leadership has been dominated by research conducted in for-profit organizations. The objective of this study is to provide information about the role of emotions within transformational and transactional leadership in the voluntary sector. In addition, the effectiveness of leadership styles is explored. By examining the singers' ( N= 288) perception of German choir conductors' leadership behaviors, the present study shows that positive emotions are more closely associated with transformational leadership than with transactional leadership. Furthermore, negative emotions are more strongly related to transactional than to transformational leadership. Besides, choir conductors' transformational leadership augments the impact of transactional leadership on singers' satisfaction, their extra effort and effectiveness. In combination, the results allow for a more thorough and detailed understanding of effective leadership behavior in voluntary organizations.
Facts, norms and expected utility functions
Authors: Jallais Sophie , Pradier Pierre-Charles , Teira David
Published: May 2008

In this article we explore an argumentative pattern that provides a normative justification for expected utility functions grounded on empirical evidence, showing how it worked in three different episodes of their development. The argument claims that we should prudentially maximize our expected utility since this is the criterion effectively applied by those who are considered wisest in making risky choices (be it gamblers or businessmen). Yet, to justify the adoption of this rule, it should be proven that this is empirically true: i.e. that a given function allows us to predict the choices of that particular class of agents. We show how expected utility functions were introduced and contested in accordance with this pattern in the 18th century and how it recurred in the 1950s when Allais made his case against the neo-Bernoullians.
Editorial: Virtual Research Environments: What Is the Librarian's Role?
Authors: Wusteman Judith
Published: May 2008

Virtual Research Environments (VREs) will increasingly change the face of research and librarians have a crucial role to play in their development and use. In the future, VREs should be as fundamentally integrated into the university library information space as Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) are now. If VREs are to achieve their potential in supporting researchers, librarians need to ensure that they are involved at this early stage of their evolution so that they can influence their development.
Evaluating open source portals
Authors: Dion Goh  , Luyt Brendan , Chua Alton , Yee See-Yong , Poh Kia-Ngoh , Ng How-Yeu
Published: May 2008

Portals have become indispensable for organizations of all types trying to establish themselves on the Web. Unfortunately, there have only been a few evaluative studies of portal software and even fewer of open source portal software. This study aims to add to the available literature in this important area by proposing and testing a checklist for open source portal software evaluation. The study describes the experience of evaluating open source portal software for developing a portal for cultural information exchange. Usng the checklist, four candidate open source portal software packages, namely Jetspeed, uPortal, Liferay Portal and eXo Platform were evaluated. Results indicated that uPortal was the best performer followed by eXo platform, Liferay and Jetspeed. The present work represents a first step in the development of an exhaustive evaluation tool for portals. While the focus of this paper is entirely on open source software, the checklist can also be readily applied to commercial products.
Teaching information literacy through learning styles
Authors: Mokhtar Intan Azura , Majid Shaheen , Foo Schubert
Published: May 2008

The key for students of today to become independent learners and knowledge workers of tomorrow lies in being information literate. However, existing information literacy (IL) teaching approaches have not always been successful in equipping students with these crucial skills to ensure deep erudition and long-lasting retention. Hence, sound pedagogical approaches become critical in IL education. This research hypothesizes that students grasp IL skills more effectively when their innate interests, such as that determined by their respective dominant intelligences, are stimulated and applied to their work. Consequently, they would produce work of better quality. To verify these postulations, an IL course was designed for students undertaking project work to equip them with the necessary IL skills, by using an established pedagogical approach — Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. Subsequently the quality of students' project work between the experimental and control groups were compared. It was found that the performance of students who had undergone IL training through the application of learning styles was superior in their project work.
Use of school resource centre-based computers in leisure time by teenage pupils
Authors: Shenton Andrew K.
Published: May 2008

Little research has investigated young people's use of school computers outside lessons, a deficiency that prompted the writing of this paper. The ICTrelated behaviour of pupils within the Resource Centre of an English high school is scrutinized, with data collected through observation and online questionnaire. The computers, which were especially popular before and after school, were heavily employed for private e-mailing, and their exploitation for personal purposes was greater than that for school work. E-mailing was particularly common among girls, whilst many boys spent much time playing games. Game playing had plummeted by Sixth Form level, however, and academic use was more prevalent among this age group.
Ethical Decision Making: Basic Issues
Authors: Bradley Loretta J. , Hendricks C. Bret
Published: May 2008

Among counselors, ethical dilemmas occur often. Although ethical dilemmas are challenging, they can be solved by implementing a code of ethics and/or an ethical decision-making model. Using case studies, the authors illustrate how counselors can make informed, accurate decisions that are made to protect the welfare of the client. It also helps counselors avoid ethical violations.
Global Abode
Authors: Germann Molz Jennie
Published: May 2008

This article explores the way home is redefined within the context of new patterns of corporeal and mediated travel by examining the complex intersection of mobility, home, and belonging from the perspective of long-term world travelers. Through an examination of the stories these round-the-world travelers tell online and in interviews, the article suggests that travelers imagine themselves as world citizens who are able to feel at home anywhere and everywhere. The article proposes the notion of “global abode” to capture the interplay between mobility and home, as well as the particularly cosmopolitan attitude these travelers express in terms of feeling at home in the world. Contrary to descriptions of the cosmopolitan as a detached mobile subject, however, the findings suggest that these travelers make themselves at home in the world through embodied, embedded, and localized acts of habitability.
Signs of life and signs of death: brain death and other mixed messages at the end of life
Authors: Macdonald Mary Ellen , Liben Stephen , Carnevale Franco A. , Cohen S. Robin
Published: May 2008

Brain death is a medical, legal and cultural category constructed to fill an important need created by evolving medical technologies and practices. However, managing life and death via organ transplants and brain death criteria is not without controversy; there remains much confusion and ambivalence in both lay and medical populations regarding both organ donation and the diagnostic category of brain death. By way of a case study of cranial trauma taken from a larger study of bereaved parents, this article discusses how, from a parent's perspective, brain death and organ donation are neither morally nor medically straightforward concepts. The case study presented in this article demonstrates the necessity for more research and clinical training in communication issues regarding brain death and end-of-life care with families in critical care situations.
'I'm fine doing it on my own': partnerships between young people and their parents in the management of medication for asthma and diabetes
Authors: Newbould Jennifer , Smith Felicity , Francis Sally-Anne
Published: May 2008

Recent UK policy has highlighted the importance of a young person's family in their care and the need for health professionals to work in partnership with young people and their parents. This research provides health professionals with an insight into how the responsibilities for different aspects of medicine management are shared between young people and their parents in the home. It highlights the dynamic nature of partnerships between parents and young people and the considerable role of young people in medicine management in the home, which contrasts with their more limited involvement in consultations with health care professionals. The findings are based on semi-structured interviews conducted in the participants' own homes, with 69 young people aged 8—15 years (43 young people with asthma; 26 young people with diabetes) and their parents (138 interviews in total), recruited through general practice (GP) surgeries.
Child prostitution in Thailand
Authors: Lau Carmen
Published: May 2008

Child prostitution is an old, global and complex phenomenon, which deprives children of their childhood, human rights and dignity. Child prostitution can be seen as the commercial sexual exploitation of children involving an element of forced labour, and thus can be considered as a contemporary form of slavery. Globally, child prostitution is reported to be a common problem in Central and South America and Asia. Of all the south-east Asian nations, the problem is most prolific in Thailand. In Thailand, there appears to be a long history of child prostitution, and this article explores the factors that underpin the Thai child sex industry and the lessons and implications that can be drawn for health care and nursing around the world.
NHS and charitable funding for children and young people with cancer in England and Wales
Authors: Linck Pat , Tunnage Bronwyn , Hughes Dyfrig A. , Edwards Rhiannon Tudor
Published: May 2008

In 2005 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Guidance on Cancer Services: Improving Outcomes in Children and Young People with Cancer, identified the need to quantify the substantial contribution made by charities to NHS provision to this group of patients. This article quantifies the contribution in England and Wales. It identifies 51 charities established specifically to assist this patient group, estimates that 340 charities made some financial contribution and 28 organizations administered charitable funds for hospices. The financial contribution to services by charities was estimated to be between £25 million and £38 million in 2003, representing between one-third and a half of the total resources directed to the treatment and support of children and young people with cancer in specialist centres across England and Wales. Reliance on the substantial charitable funding of health care in England and Wales raises concerns over government responsibility, and the potential misalignment between NHS priorities and those of the charities.
Athletics and Alumni Giving
Authors: Holmes Jessica A. , Meditz James A. , Sommers Paul M.
Published: May 2008

Using data on annual giving (between 1990 and 2004) for more than 22,000 active alumni from a highly selective liberal arts college, the authors employ a probit framework to analyze the likelihood of giving and a tobit framework to analyze the determinants of alumni generosity. Both the micro-level analysis and the statistical methodology allow the authors to test for differential impacts (by gender, age, or undergraduate involvement) of sports participation or a winning season on the propensity to give as well as on the generosity of alumni contributions. The results indicate that athletes are more likely to give and that they are more generous than their nonathlete counterparts, especially younger alumni who participated in one of the college's historically most successful high-profile sports. A winning season in this particular sports program also leads to greater alumni giving and more generous gifts.
A Longitudinal Study of the Relationships Among Self-Monitoring, Authentic Leadership, and Perceptions of Leadership
Authors: Tate Brian
Published: May 2008

There is little research examining variability in leadership outcomes over time as a function of individual differences. The present study investigates how the extent to which individuals are perceived as leaders varies over time, with self-monitoring and authentic leadership as predictors. Hierarchical linear modeling analyses found that change in the extent to which individuals were perceived to be leaders by others varied across individuals, but this variability was not due to individuals' self-monitoring, authentic leadership, or declining interrater reliability. It was also found that individuals' overestimation of themselves as leaders increased over time. Finally, an initial measure of authentic leadership was developed.
Exercise for Primary Care
Authors: Terre Lisa
Published: May 2008

This review discusses physical activity counseling in primary care, including evidence-based perspectives on optimizing the risk-benefit ratio for the majority of patients who are not physically fit.
Bioinformatic analyses of mammalian 5'-UTR sequence properties of mRNAs predicts alternative translation initiation sites
Authors: Wegrzyn Jill L , Drudge Thomas M , Valafar Faramarz , Hook Vivian
Published: May 2008

Background

Utilization of alternative initiation sites for protein translation directed by non-AUG codons in mammalian mRNAs is observed with increasing frequency. Alternative initiation sites are utilized for the synthesis of important regulatory proteins that control distinct biological functions. It is, therefore, of high significance to define the parameters that allow accurate bioinformatic prediction of alternative translation initiation sites (aTIS). This study has investigated 5'-UTR regions of mRNAs to define consensus sequence properties and structural features that allow identification of alternative initiation sites for protein translation.

Results

Bioinformatic evaluation of 5'-UTR sequences of mammalian mRNAs was conducted for classification and identification of alternative translation initiation sites for a group of mRNA sequences that have been experimentally demonstrated to utilize alternative non-AUG initiation sites for protein translation. These are represented by the codons CUG, GUG, UUG, AUA, and ACG for aTIS. The first phase of this bioinformatic analysis implements a classification tree that evaluated 5'-UTRs for unique consensus sequence features near the initiation codon, characteristics of 5'-UTR nucleotide sequences, and secondary structural features in a decision tree that categorizes mRNAs into those with potential aTIS, and those without. The second phase addresses identification of the aTIS codon and its location. Critical parameters of 5'-UTRs were assessed by an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for identification of the aTIS codon and its location. ANNs have previously been used for the purpose of AUG start site prediction and are applicable in complex. ANN analyses demonstrated that multiple properties were required for predicting aTIS codons; these properties included unique consensus nucleotide sequences at positions -7 and -6 combined with positions -3 and +4, 5'-UTR length, ORF length, predicted secondary structures, free energy features, upstream AUGs, and G/C ratio. Importantly, combined results of the classification tree and the ANN analyses provided highly accurate bioinformatic predictions of alternative translation initiation sites.

Conclusion

This study has defined the unique properties of 5'-UTR sequences of mRNAs for successful bioinformatic prediction of alternative initiation sites utilized in protein translation. The ability to define aTIS through the described bioinformatic analyses can be of high importance for genomic analyses to provide full predictions of translated mammalian and human gene products required for cellular functions in health and disease.
Unexpected diversity of cnidarian integrins: expression during coral gastrulation
Authors: Knack Brent A , Iguchi Akira , Shinzato Chuya , Hayward David C , Ball Eldon E , Miller David J
Published: May 2008

Background

Adhesion mediated through the integrin family of cell surface receptors is central to early development throughout the Metazoa, playing key roles in cell-extra cellular matrix adhesion and modulation of cadherin activity during the convergence and extension movements of gastrulation. It has been suggested that Caenorhabditis elegans, which has a single β and two α integrins, might reflect the ancestral integrin complement. Investigation of the integrin repertoire of anthozoan cnidarians such as the coral Acropora millepora is required to test this hypothesis and may provide insights into the original roles of these molecules.

Results

Two novel integrins were identified in Acropora. AmItgα1 shows features characteristic of α integrins lacking an I-domain, but phylogenetic analysis gives no clear indication of its likely binding specificity. AmItgβ2 lacks consensus cysteine residues at positions 8 and 9, but is otherwise a typical β integrin. In situ hybridization revealed that AmItgα1, AmItgβ1, and AmItgβ2 are expressed in the presumptive endoderm during gastrulation. A second anthozoan, the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, has at least four β integrins, two resembling AmItgβ1 and two like AmItgβ2, and at least three α integrins, based on its genomic sequence.

Conclusion

In two respects, the cnidarian data do not fit expectations. First, the cnidarian integrin repertoire is more complex than predicted: at least two βs in Acropora, and at least three αs and four βs in Nematostella. Second, whereas the bilaterian αs resolve into well-supported groups corresponding to those specific for RGD-containing or laminin-type ligands, the known cnidarian αs are distinct from these. During early development in Acropora, the expression patterns of the three known integrins parallel those of amphibian and echinoderm integrins.
A spatial dissection of the Arabidopsis floral transcriptome by MPSS
Authors: Peiffer Jason A , Kaushik Shail , Sakai Hajime , Arteaga-Vazquez Mario , Sanchez-Leon Nidia , Ghazal Hassan , Vielle-Calzada Jean-Philippe , Meyers Blake C
Published: May 2008

Background

We have further characterized floral organ-localized gene expression in the inflorescence of Arabidopsis thaliana by comparison of massively parallel signature sequencing (MPSS) data. Six libraries of RNA sequence tags from immature inflorescence tissues were constructed and matched to their respective loci in the annotated Arabidopsis genome. These signature libraries survey the floral transcriptome of wild-type tissue as well as the floral homeotic mutants, apetala1, apetala3, agamous, a superman/apetala1 double mutant, and differentiated ovules dissected from the gynoecia of wild-type inflorescences. Comparing and contrasting these MPSS floral expression libraries enabled demarcation of transcripts enriched in the petals, stamens, stigma-style, gynoecia, and those with predicted enrichment within the sepal/sepal-petals, petal-stamens, or gynoecia-stamens.

Results

By comparison of expression libraries, a total of 572 genes were found to have organ-enriched expression within the inflorescence. The bulk of characterized organ-enriched transcript diversity was noted in the gynoecia and stamens, whereas fewer genes demonstrated sepal or petal-localized expression. Validation of the computational analyses was performed by comparison with previously published expression data, in situ hybridizations, promoter-reporter fusions, and reverse transcription PCR. A number of well-characterized genes were accurately delineated within our system of transcript filtration. Moreover, empirical validations confirm MPSS predictions for several genes with previously uncharacterized expression patterns.

Conclusion

This extensive MPSS analysis confirms and supplements prior microarray floral expression studies and illustrates the utility of sequence survey-based expression analysis in functional genomics. Spatial floral expression data accrued by MPSS and similar methods will be advantageous in the elucidation of more comprehensive genetic regulatory networks governing floral development.