bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Four-Color Alternating-Laser Excitation Single-Molecule Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Next-Generation Biodetection Assays
Authors: Yim Seok W , Kim Taiho , Laurence Ted A , Partono Steve , Kim Dongsik , Kim Younggyu , Weiss Shimon , Reitmair Armin
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND

Single-molecule detection (SMD) technologies are well suited for clinical diagnostic applications by offering the prospect of minimizing precious patient sample requirements while maximizing clinical information content. Not yet available, however, is a universal SMD-based platform technology that permits multiplexed detection of both nucleic acid and protein targets and that is suitable for automation and integration into the clinical laboratory work flow.

METHODS

We have used a sensitive, specific, quantitative, and cost-effective homogeneous SMD method that has high single-well multiplexing potential and uses alternating-laser excitation (ALEX) fluorescence-aided molecule sorting extended to 4 colors (4c-ALEX). Recognition molecules are tagged with different-color fluorescence dyes, and coincident confocal detection of ≥2 colors constitutes a positive target-detection event. The virtual exclusion of the majority of sources of background noise eliminates washing steps. Sorting molecules with multidimensional probe stoichiometries (S) and single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer efficiencies (E) allows differentiation of numerous targets simultaneously.

RESULTS

We show detection, differentiation, and quantification—in a single well—of (a) 25 different fluorescently labeled DNAs; (b) 8 bacterial genetic markers, including 3 antibiotic drug–resistance determinants found in 11 septicemia-causing Staphylococcus and Enterococcus strains; and (c) 6 tumor markers present in blood.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate assay utility for clinical molecular diagnostic applications by means of multiplexed detection of nucleic acids and proteins and suggest potential uses for early diagnosis of cancer and infectious and other diseases, as well as for personalized medicine. Future integration of additional technology components to minimize preanalytical sample manipulation while maximizing throughput should allow development of a user-friendly (“sample in, answer out”) point-of-care platform for next-generation medical diagnostic tests that offer considerable savings in costs and patient sample.
Hypoxanthine–xanthine oxidase down-regulates GLUT1 transcription via SIRT1 resulting in decreased glucose uptake in human placenta
Authors: Lappas Martha , Andrikopoulos Sofianos , Permezel Michael
Published: January 2012

Appropriate foetal growth and development is dependent on adequate placental glucose uptake. Oxidative stress regulates glucose uptake in various tissues. The effect of oxidative stress on placental glucose transport is not known. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of oxidative stress on glucose uptake and glucose transporters (GLUTs) in human placenta. Human placenta was incubated in the absence or presence of 0.5 mM hypoxanthine+15 mU/ml xanthine oxidase (HX/XO) for 24 h. Gene and protein expressions of the GLUTs were analysed by quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting respectively. Glucose uptake was measured using radiolabelled (14C) glucose. HX/XO significantly decreased GLUT1 gene and protein expression and resultant glucose uptake. There was no effect of the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine, catalase and superoxide dismutase or the NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-0782 on HX/XO-induced decrease in glucose uptake. However, HX/XO treatment significantly decreased both gene and protein expression of SIRT1. In the presence of the SIRT1 activator resveratrol, the decrease in GLUT1 expression and glucose uptake mediated by HX/XO was abolished. Collectively, the data presented here demonstrate that oxidative stress reduces placental glucose uptake and GLUT1 expression by a SIRT1-dependent mechanism.
Microwave-Induced Heating of HMX for Decomposition Kinetic Analysis
Authors: Duque Amanda L. , Perry W. Lee
Published: January 2012

We use microwave (MW) absorption to induce rapid, uniform heating of the secondary high explosive octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) for decomposition analysis in a fast kinetic regime (10-2 s). Because HMX alone is MW inactive, composites comprised of an HMX-polymeric binder system doped with a small mass fraction (<1 wt%) multiwalled carbon nanotubes or graphite, were fabricated. The dielectric properties were measured (real and imaginary permittivity between 1 – 18 GHz), which is necessary for describing the expected MW-materials interaction and predicted heating response. The real component of the relative dielectric permittivity ranged from 3 – 4 while the imaginary component was 0.01 – 0.07, depending on the amount of carbon dopant added. Dynamic temperature measurements of a similar explosive composite under MW exposure were accomplished using fiber-optic temperature measurement techniques, and can be reproducibly correlated to the amount of MW energy absorbed in the sample.
Dançar o adolescer: estudo fenomenológico com um grupo de dança de rua em uma escola
Authors: Miranda Renata Marques Rego , Cury Vera Engler
Published: January 2012

Esta pesquisa propôs-se a compreender os sentidos atribuídos à experiência de dançar por adolescentes praticantes da dança de rua no contexto de uma escola púbica de uma cidade do interior do Estado São Paulo. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo de caráter exploratório e de inspiração fenomenológica. O referencial teórico norteador foi a psicologia de orientação humanista, especificamente a Abordagem Centrada na Pessoa (ACP), desenvolvida por Carl Rogers. A pesquisadora acompanhou, semanalmente, durante seis meses as aulas de dança e, posteriormente, realizou entrevistas individuais com sete alunos. Foram construídas sete narrativas focadas na experiência vivida pelos participantes da pesquisa sob o prisma da relação intersubjetiva estabelecida entre a pesquisadora e os alunos. Verificou-se que a experiência em foco proporcionou aos alunos a emergência de elementos típicos da experiência de adolescer, o que permitiu concluir que há uma aproximação com a proposta de aprendizagem significativa, desenvolvida por Rogers.
Metazoan parasites of Mandi-amarelo Pimelodus maculatus and of Jundiá Rhamdia quelen (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes) of Paraíba do Sul River, Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Venancio Aline Cristine Pinto , Aguiar Gesilene Ribeiro de , Lopes Patrícia da Silva , Alves Dimitri Ramos
Published: January 2012

Forty-one specimens of mandi-amarelo Pimelodus maculatus Lacépède, 1803 (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) and 54 specimens of jundiá Rhamdia quelen (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) were collected from the Paraíba do Sul River, Volta Redonda, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil between November 2007 and October 2008. These fish underwent necropsy so their infracommunities of metazoan parasites could be studied. The same three species of parasites were collected in the two fish species studied. These were one monogenean, one nematode, and one hirudinean. Cucullanus pinnai (Travassos, Artiga, and Pereira, 1928) (Nematoda: Cucullanidae) and Aphanoblastella sp. (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) were the dominant species with the highest prevalence in P. maculatus and R. quelen. The parasite species of P. maculatus and R. quelen showed an atypical over-dispersed pattern of distribution. No parasite species showed significant correlation between the body total length of the siluriform hosts and their prevalence and abundance. The parasite species richness showed a mean value of 0.87 ± 0.67 (0 -2) and 0.57 ± 0.56 (0 -2) in P. maculatus and R. quelen, respectively, and no correlation with the body total length.
Toxoplasma gondii: diagnosis of experimental and natural infection in pigeons (Columba livia) by serological, biological and molecular techniques
Authors: Godoi Fernanda Sartori Lima de , Nishi Sandra Mayumi , Pena Hilda Fátima de Jesus , Gennari Solange Maria
Published: January 2012

This study aimed to diagnose experimental and natural Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigeons (Columba livia) by serological, biological and molecular techniques. Twelve pigeons, free of infection, were inoculated with 50 sporulated oocysts of T. gondii (VEG sample) and four remained uninfected controls. Four birds (three infected and one control) were euthanized at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days post-infection (dpi), and their tissues were used to perform a bioassay in mice and nested-PCR using B1 gene as target. Blood was obtained weekly and it was tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and modified agglutination test (MAT). Seven (58.3%) out of 12 inoculated pigeons were positive by serological techniques and titers ranged between 1:40 and 1:5120 by MAT and between 1:512 and 1:4096 by IFAT. Complete agreement was seen between the results obtained by serological techniques and nested-PCR in seven positive birds. In the bioassay in mice, five (41.7%) out of 12 pigeons inoculated were positive to T. gondii. Only one pigeon died at 23 dpi due to toxoplasmosis. A second study with free-living pigeons was performed for detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies. Birds were captured in the municipalities of São Paulo, Ibiúna and Sorocaba, São Paulo State, Southeastern Brazil. All 126 free-living birds were negative to anti-T. gondii antibodies by MAT (titer < 1:5). Bioassays were performed in mice with tissues from all captured birds and T. gondii was not isolated in any pigeon.
Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus: expression and characterization of Bm86-CG in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Cunha Rodrigo Casquero , Andreotti Renato , Leite Fábio Pereira Leivas
Published: January 2012

The cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is responsible for great economic losses. It is mainly controlled chemically, with limitations regarding development of resistance to the chemicals. Vaccines may help control this parasite, thereby reducing tick pesticide use. In this light, we performed subcloning of the gene of the protein Bm86-GC, the homologue protein that currently forms the basis of vaccines (GavacTM and TickGardPLUS) that have been developed against cattle ticks. The subcloning was done in the pPIC9 expression vector, for transformation in the yeast Pichia pastoris. This protein was characterized by expression of the recombinant Mut+ strain, which expressed greater quantities of protein. The expressed protein (rBm86-CG) was recognized in the Western-blot assay using anti-Gavac, anti-TickGard, anti-larval extract and anti-rBm86-CG polyclonal sera. The serum produced in cattle vaccinated with the antigen CG rBm86 presented high antibody titers and recognized the native protein. The rBm86-GC has potential relevance as an immunogen for vaccine formulation against cattle ticks.
Acaricide resistance of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Andreotti Renato , Guerrero Felix David , Soares Mariana Aparecida , Barros Jacqueline Cavalcante , Miller Robert John , Léon Adalberto Pérez de
Published: January 2012

This study was conducted to obtain an epidemiological view of acaricide resistance in populations of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. Twenty-four tick samples were collected from municipalities in the State where farmers had reported concerns about resistance to or failure of tick control. These ticks were subjected to in vitro resistance detection assays using the adult immersion test (AIT). The efficacy of alpha-cypermethrin, cypermethrin and amitraz treatments on samples collected throughout the State was generally poor. AIT showed efficacy > 90% from the use of DDVP + chlorfenvinphos) (20 out of 21 municipalities), dichlorvos + cypermethrin (10 out of 16 municipalities) and cypermethrin + citronella + chlorpyrifos + piperonyl butoxide (20 out of 21 municipalities). PCR assays were used to detect the presence of pyrethroid resistance-associated sodium channel gene mutation. Larvae from three different populations that had previously been diagnosed as pyrethroid-resistant, through AIT, were evaluated. The PCR assays showed that the pyrethroid resistance-associated gene mutation was absent from these three populations. This study confirms that the emergence of resistance is a constant challenge for the livestock industry, and that development of resistance continues to be a major driver for new antiparasitic drugs to be developed.
Parasitism rates of Lipoptena guimaraesi and a new record of Lipoptena mazamae on Ozotoceros bezoarticus from the Central Pantanal wetlands in Brazil
Authors: Graciolli Gustavo , Zucco Carlos André , Cançado Paulo Henrique Duarte , Mourão Guilherme
Published: January 2012

From May to October of 2006 we collected 143 louse flies of the genus Lipoptena on the body surface of 16 pampas deer Ozotocerus bezoarticus captured in four farms from the central area of the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands. We also examined 172 cattle individuals and none of them had louse flies. Most of the parasites identified were Lipoptena guimaraesi but one specimen of L. mazamae was also found, representing a new host record for this ked fly. The prevalence of L. guimaraesi was 93.8%, the mean intensity of infestation was 9.5, and the index of discrepancy was 0.444.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats from Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Cruz Marúcia de Andrade , Ullmann Leila Sabrina , Montaño Patrícia Yukiko , Hoffmann Juliano Leônidas , Langoni Helio , Biondo Alexander Welker
Published: January 2012

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the protozoa Toxoplasma gondii which infects all warm-blood vertebrates. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in a population of domestic cats seen at a major cat-only veterinary clinic in Curitiba, Paraná State, Southern Brazil. Serum samples were processed by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIFA) for the detection of IgG. Antibody titers were found in 16.3% (46/282) of sera analyzed, with titers to T. gondii of 16 in eight cats, 64 in 23 cats, 256 in 14 cats and 1024 in one cat. Statistical differences were not found regarding the association with age, gender and different areas of the city (p > 0.05). No significant differences were found in any variable when comparing seropositivity with potential risk factors. The seroprevalence was relatively lower when compared to other Brazilian regions, probably due to the fact that the cats studied were owned, domiciled with restricted dietary habits based on processed foods, restricted access to the street and no prey access. In conclusion, low feline toxoplasmosis seroprevalence may be associated to owned cats due to adequate dietary care and restricted outdoor access, as well as low local environmental exposure.
Immediate Loading of Dental Implants Placed in Severely Resorbed Edentulous Maxillae Reconstructed With Le Fort I Osteotomy and Interpositional Bone Grafting
Authors: Pieri Francesco , Lizio Giuseppe , Bianchi Alberto , Corinaldesi Giuseppe , Marchetti Claudio
Published: January 2012

Background: Reconstruction and rehabilitation of atrophic maxillae with bone grafts is a lengthy and demanding procedure. This study reports the immediate loading of 50 implants placed on six extremely atrophied edentulous maxillae reconstructed with Le Fort I osteotomy and iliac bone grafting.

Methods: Six patients, aged 49 to 68 years, with severely atrophied maxillae were treated with Le Fort I osteotomy and iliac bone grafting to allow for implant‐borne prosthetic rehabilitation. Four to 5 months thereafter, 50 implants (seven to 10 per patient) were placed in reconstructed maxillae and immediately functionally loaded with a screw‐retained definitive prosthesis. The patients were followed by clinical and radiographic examinations for 24 months after prosthetic loading.

Results: The grafting procedure and healing period before implant placement were uneventful in all patients. Two implants were lost within 2 months after prosthesis insertion in two patients, with an overall survival rate of 96%. The prostheses success rate was 100%. At the end of the follow‐up period, all remaining implants appeared clinically healthy; crestal bone loss was >1.7 mm for six implants, resulting in a cumulative success rate of 84%.

Conclusion: Immediate loading of implants placed after Le Fort I osteotomy and interpositional iliac bone grafting could be considered a viable protocol to rehabilitate extremely atrophied edentulous maxillae, considerably reducing the treatment time.
Cupping and definability in the local structure of the enumeration degrees
Authors: Ganchev Hristo , Soskova Mariya I.
Published: January 2012

We show that every splitting of in the local structure of the enumeration degrees, , contains at least one low-cuppable member. We apply this new structural property to show that the classes of all -pairs in , all downwards properly enumeration degrees and all upwards properly enumeration degrees are first order definable in .
Normal forms for elementary patterns
Authors: Carlson Timothy J. , Wilken Gunnar
Published: January 2012

A notation for an ordinal using patterns of resemblance is based on choosing an isominimal set of ordinals containing the given ordinal. There are many choices for this set meaning that notations are far from unique. We establish that among all such isominimal sets there is one which is smallest under inclusion thus providing an appropriate notion of normal form notation in this context. In addition, we calculate the elements of this isominimal set using standard notations based on collapsing functions. This provides a capstone to the results in [2, 6, 8, 9, 7], using further refinement of ordinal arithmetic developed in [8] which then both allows for a simple characterization of normal forms for patterns of order one and will play a key role in the arithmetical analysis of pure patterns of order two, [5].
Auditor Rotation: The PCAOB Considers a New Direction
Authors: Roush Pamela B. , Church Bryan K. , Jenkins J. Gregory , McCracken Susan A. , Stanley Jonathan D.
Published: January 2012

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) recently undertook an exploration of the need for mandatory audit firm rotation with its issuance of the Concept Release on Auditor Independence and Auditor Rotation (PCAOB 2011a). The accumulation of evidence from PCAOB inspections of audit engagements over the last eight years has led the Board to consider additional steps to protect auditors' independence. We provide a brief synopsis of these matters based primarily on remarks by the PCAOB's chairman, James R. Doty (PCAOB 2011b, 2011c). In addition, we include relevant observations from prior academic studies and end with a call for the active participation of stakeholders in this important debate.
Funny Girl: An Interview with Mariko Tamaki
Authors: Slone Abi
Published: January 2012

Award-winning writer and playwright Mariko Tamaki sits down to talk to Abi Slone about her career as a writer, what it was like to be on stage, and how queer subject-matter just won't go away.
The Extraction/Fusion Apparatus: Dayna McLeod's Engaged Mash-up Art Practice
Authors: Golden Anne
Published: January 2012

Dayna McLeod is a prolific Montreal-based performance and video artist. This article investigates a few of her performance works and takes a look at her video art practice. McLeod's brand of performance art is informed by a savvy and complex use of the mash-up.
Anne Made Me Gay: When Kindred Spirits Get Naked
Authors: Rowe Rosemary
Published: January 2012

2008 marked the 100th anniversary of the publication of L.M. Montgomery's classic Canadian novel, Anne of Green Gables. Celebrations for Anne fans were planned across the country, but one key demographic was not represented in the mainstream Anne celebrations: there were no events planned for the “I'm pretty sure Anne made me gay“ Anne fans. In Toronto, two lesbians decided to create a cabaret by and for queer lovers of Anne, to help us explore Anne's influence on our young gay selves and to celebrate the red-headed snippet who taught us to live passionately, speak eloquently and really dig on other girls. This is the story of that cabaret.
Long-term outcome of endovascular reconstruction with the Pipeline embolization device in the management of unruptured dissecting aneurysms of the intracranial vertebral artery
Authors: Yeung Tsz Wai , Lai Vincent , Lau Hin Yue , Poon Wai Lun , Tan Chong Boon , Wong Yiu Chung
Published: January 2012

Object

Use of a flow-diverting device has shown promising short-term results in the management of vertebral artery (VA) dissecting aneurysms, but there is still uncertainty regarding its long-term efficacy and safety. The authors report their initial experience with respect to the potential utility and long-term clinical outcomes of using a flow-diverting device in the treatment of unruptured dissecting VA aneurysms.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective review of all cases of unruptured intracranial VA dissecting aneurysms treated at their institution (Tuen Mun Hospital) with a flow-diverting device. They describe the clinical presentations and angiographic features of the cases and report the clinical outcome (with modified Rankin Scale [mRS] scores) at most recent follow-up, as well as results of the latest angiographic assessment, with particular focus on in-stent patency and side-branch occlusion.

Results

A total of 4 aneurysms were successfully obliterated by using flow-diverting devices alone. Two devices were deployed in a telescoping fashion in each of 2 aneurysms, whereas only 1 device was inserted in each of the other 2 aneurysms. No periprocedural complication was encountered. No patient showed any angiographic evidence of recurrence, in-stent thrombosis, or side-branch occlusion in angiographic reassessment at a mean of 22 months after treatment (range 18–24 months). As of the most recent clinical follow-up (mean 30 months after treatment, range 24–37 months), all patients had favorable outcomes (mRS Score 0).

Conclusions

Reconstruction using a flow-diverting device is an attractive alternative in definitive treatment of dissecting VA aneurysms, demonstrating favorable long-term clinical and angiographic outcomes and the ability to maintain parent artery and side-branch patency. It is particularly useful in cases with eloquent side-branch or dominant VA involvement.
Analysis of the uncinate processes of the cervical spine: an anatomical study
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Rompala Olivia J. , Verma Ketan , Mortazavi Martin M. , Benninger Brion , Loukas Marios , Chambers M. Rene
Published: January 2012

Object

Although the uncovertebral region is neurosurgically relevant, relatively little is reported in the literature, specifically the neurosurgical literature, regarding its anatomy. Therefore, the present study aimed at further elucidation of this region's morphological features.

Methods

Morphometry was performed on the uncinate processes of 40 adult human skeletons. Additionally, range of motion testing was performed, with special attention given to the uncinate processes. Finally, these excrescences were classified based on their encroachment on the adjacent intervertebral foramen.

Results

The height of these processes was on average 4.8 mm, and there was an inverse relationship between height of the uncinate process and the size of the intervertebral foramen. Degeneration of the vertebral body (VB) did not correlate with whether the uncinate process effaced the intervertebral foramen. The taller uncinate processes tended to be located below C-3 vertebral levels, and their average anteroposterior length was 8 mm. The average thickness was found to be 4.9 mm for the base and 1.8 mm for the apex. There were no significant differences found between vertebral level and thickness of the uncinate process. Arthritic changes of the cervical VBs did not necessarily deform the uncinate processes. With axial rotation, the intervertebral discs were noted to be driven into the ipsilateral uncinate process. With lateral flexion, the ipsilateral uncinate processes aided the ipsilateral facet joints in maintaining the integrity of the ipsilateral intervertebral foramen.

Conclusions

A good appreciation for the anatomy of the uncinate processes is important to the neurosurgeon who operates on the spine. It is hoped that the data presented herein will decrease complications during surgical approaches to the cervical spine.
Review of Bioethics Education in Bangladesh
Authors: Lasker Shamima Parvin
Published: January 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v1i1.9524      Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2010; 1(1):4
Ethics and Integrity in Public Service in Bangladesh: Institutional and Comprehensive Approach
Authors: Iftekharuzzaman M
Published: January 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v1i1.9528 Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2010; 1(1):6-7
Bioethics in Biotechnology - Bangladesh perspective
Authors: Sarker RH
Published: January 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v1i1.9531 Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2010; 1(1):8
Isolation and Characterization of New 24 Microsatellite DNA Markers for Golden Cuttlefish (Sepia esculenta)
Authors: Yuan Yanjiao , Liu Shufang , Bai Cuicui , Liu Hongbo , Zhuang Zhimeng
Published: January 2012

Twenty-four microsatellite DNA markers were isolated and characterized for golden cuttlefish (Sepia esculenta) from a (GT)13—enriched genomic library. Loci were tested in 48 individuals from Jiaozhou bay of China. The numbers of alleles per locus ranged from two to 25 with an average of 10.3. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.063 to 0.896 and from 0.137 to 0.953, with averages of 0.519 and 0.633, respectively. Six loci significantly deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni’s correction and no significant linkage disequilibrium between loci pairs was detected. These microsatellite markers would be useful for analyzing the population genetic structure to make conservation and management decisions for S. esculenta.
The Metal Cation Chelating Capacity of Astaxanthin. Does This Have Any Influence on Antiradical Activity?
Authors: Hernández-Marin Elizabeth , Barbosa Andrés , Martínez Ana
Published: January 2012

In this Density Functional Theory study, it became apparent that astaxanthin (ASTA) may form metal ion complexes with metal cations such as Ca+2, Cu+2, Pb+2, Zn+2, Cd+2 and Hg+2. The presence of metal cations induces changes in the maximum absorption bands which are red shifted in all cases. Therefore, in the case of compounds where metal ions are interacting with ASTA, they are redder in color. Moreover, the antiradical capacity of some ASTA-metal cationic complexes was studied by assessing their vertical ionization energy and vertical electron affinity, reaching the conclusion that metal complexes are slightly better electron donors and better electron acceptors than ASTA.
Diversity Oriented Syntheses of Conventional Heterocycles by Smart Multi Component Reactions (MCRs) of the Last Decade
Authors: Eckert Heiner
Published: January 2012

A collection of smart multicomponent reactions (MCRs) with continuative post condensation cyclizations (PCCs) is presented to construct conventional three- to seven-membered heterocyclic compounds in diversity oriented syntheses (DOS). These will provide a high degree of applying economical and ecological advantages as well as of practicability. Water, ionic liquids, and solvent-less syntheses as well as use of various forms of energy as microwave and ultrasonic irradiation are examined and discussed.
Time to experiment: a response
Authors: Davis Mike , Denning Kate
Published: January 2012

It is with some pleasure that we were given the opportunity to offer this paper for commentary and we are grateful for the efforts made by readers to help us to refine our thinking. Given the constraints of space, we will respond to the main comments in turn. We plan to submit a more considered and elegant paper to a future edition when we have worked more on our model.DOI:10.1080/0968776020100103
Gender issues in computer-supported learning
Authors: Gunn Cathy , French Sheila , McLeod Hamish , McSporran Mae , Conole Gráinne
Published: January 2012

Contemporary research identifies significant gender-related differences in performance and interaction style in computer-supported learning (CSL) environments. Evidence suggests that initial perceptions of these environments as democratic and offering equal opportunities to all students were flawed because interactions that take place through electronic channels lose none of the sociocultural complexity or gender imbalance that already exists within society. This paper presents a summary of gender-related issues identified by international research and academic practice together with the opinions expressed by participants in a discussion forum staged at ALT-C in 2001. Two main questions were addressed during the conference forum. Firstly, if computer access and literacy levels are assumed to be equalizing as the literature suggests, how can educational designers using CSL technologies best serve all student groups? Secondly, does the existence of gender-based differences in behaviour and interaction style in CSL environments mean that any student group is disadvantaged? The paper concludes with suggestions about how educational designers might increase the flexibility of CSL courses to offer equal opportunities to all students. A number of issues for further research are also identified.DOI:10.1080/0968776020100106
Reading with new tools: an evaluation of Personal Digital Assistants as tools for reading course materials
Authors: Waycott Jenny
Published: January 2012

Lightweight, palmtop devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) can now be used for reading electronic text, opening up their potential as learning tools. This paper reports a study that evaluated the use of PDAs for reading course materials by students on an Open University master's course. The research is grounded in activity theory, which provides a useful framework for examining how the introduction of a new tool changes an existing activity. Student perceptions of the possibilities and constraints of the PDA, as determined by questionnaires and interviews, reveal the impact the new tool had upon reading. The PDA constrained reading with limitations such as the small screen size, new requirements for navigating through the text and awkward methods for taking notes. These conditions made it difficult for students to skim-read the text, to move back and forth within the document and to interact with the text as easily as they could with paper. Nevertheless, students welcomed the opportunity to have the course materials on a portable, lightweight device that could be used at any time and in any place. This made it easier to fit the reading activity around the various other activities in which students were involved In addition, the PDA was used in conjunction with existing tools, such as the printed version of the course materials and the desktop computer. Therefore, it was not seen to replace paper but rather to extend and complement it. The findings are discussed using concepts from activity theory to interpret how the new tool modified the reading activity.DOI:10.1080/0968776020100205
Editorial
Authors: Conole Gráinne
Published: January 2012

This issue of ALT-J is dedicated to Professor David Squires, the previous editor of ALT-J, who died tragically in August 2001. A previous editorial of this journal paid tribute to David's work and provided a review of some of his research interests (Conole, 2001). The seven articles in this issue are from friends and colleagues who worked with David over the years. Some worked with David for only a relatively short time; others are lifelong friends. The authors represent internationally recognized experts in their field and come from all corners of the earth. This in itself is a testament to David's significant contribution to learning technology research. The authors have submitted papers which in some way align with David's own research work or report on joint work done by the authors in partnership with him.DOI:10.1080/0968776020100301
Technology-supported environments for learning through cognitive conflict
Authors: McDougall Anne
Published: January 2012

This paper examines ways in which the idea of cognitive conflict is used to facilitate learning, looking at the design and use of learning environments for this purpose. Drawing on previous work in science education and educational computing, three approaches to the design of learning environments utilizing cognitive conflict are introduced. These approaches are described as confrontational, guiding and explanatory, based on the level of the designer's concern with learners' pre-existing understanding, the extent of modification to the learner's conceptual structures intended by the designer, and the directness of steering the learner to the desired understanding. The examples used to illustrate the three approaches are taken from science education, specifically software for learning about Newtonian physics; it is contended however that the argument of the paper applies more broadly, to learning environments for many curriculum areas for school levels and in higher education.DOI:10.1080/0968776020100307
Editorial: the role and influence of key stakeholders in the learning technology community
Authors: Seale Jane
Published: January 2012

In this issue of ALT-J we have six articles that address three broad topics of video, costbenefit analysis and the emergent learning technology community. The first two articles present case studies on the use of video in teaching and learning. Shephard et al. describe their experiences of re-purposing a back 'care video' for video streaming, and use these experiences to highlight key challenges that others may face when attempting to re-purpose a video. Blake and Scanlon use their experiences of analysing video recordings of students, who were using computers to support their collaboration in solving statistical problems, to argue that such video analysis provides useful rich data with which to interpret and understand students' experiences.DOI:10.1080/0968776030110201
A review of computer-assisted assessment
Authors: Conole Gráinne , Warburton Bill
Published: January 2012

Pressure for better measurement of stated learning outcomes has resulted in a demand for more frequent assessment. The resources available are seen to be static or dwindling, but Information and Communications Technology is seen to increase productivity by automating assessment tasks. This paper reviews computer-assisted assessment (CAA) and suggests future developments. A search was conducted of CAA-related literature from the past decade to trace the development of CAA from the beginnings of its large-scale use in higher education. Lack of resources, individual inertia and risk propensity are key barriers for individual academics, while proper resourcing and cultural factors outweigh technical barriers at the institutional level.DOI: 10.1080/0968776042000339772
Becoming more systematic about flexible learning: beyond time and distance
Authors: De Boer Wim , Collis Betty
Published: January 2012

Changes in higher education frequently involve the need for more flexibility in course design and delivery. Flexibility is a concept that can be operationalized in many ways. One approach to conceptualizing flexibility within courses is to distinguish planning-type flexibility, which the instructor can designate before the course begins and which needs to be managed when the course is offered, for interpersonal flexibility, which relates more to the dynamics of the course as it is experienced by the learners. Course management systems (CMSs) offer options that can support both of these sorts of flexibility, if instructors use the CMSs with a systematic frame of reference. The instructor faces challenges in managing both types of flexibility, but the experience at one institution shows that being systematic about flexibility choices and ways to support those choices in the institutional CMS can help in meeting these challenges.DOI: 10.1080/0968776042000339781
From flowers to palms: 40 years of policy for online learning
Authors: Smith Janice
Published: January 2012

This year sees the 40th anniversary of the first policy paper regarding the use of computers in higher education in the United Kingdom. The publication of this paper represented the beginning of the field of learning technology research and practice in higher education. In the past 40 years, policy has at various points drawn from different communities and provided the roots for a diverse field of learning technology researchers and practitioners. This paper presents a review of learning technology-related policy over the past 40 years. The purpose of the review is to make sense of the current position in which the field finds itself, and to highlight lessons that can be learned from the implementation of previous policies. Conclusions drawn from the review of 40 years of learning technology policy suggest that there are few challenges that have not been faced before as well as a potential return to individual innovation.DOI: 10.1080/09687760500104054
Using multimedia to enhance the accessibility of the learning environment for disabled students: reflections from the Skills for Access project
Authors: Sloan David , Stratford John , Gregor Peter
Published: January 2012

As educators’ awareness of their responsibilities towards ensuring the accessibility of the learning environment to disabled students increases, significant debate surrounds the implications of accessibility requirements on educational multimedia. There would appear to be widespread concern that the fundamental principles of creating accessible web-based materials seem at odds with the creative and innovative use of multimedia to support learning and teaching, as well as concerns over the time and cost of providing accessibility features that can hold back resource development and application. Yet, effective use of multimedia offers a way of enhancing the accessibility of the learning environment for many groups of disabled students. Using the development of ‘Skills for Access’, a web resource supporting the dual aims of creating optimally accessible multimedia for learning, as an example, the attitudinal, practical and technical challenges facing the effective use of multimedia as an accessibility aid in a learning environment will be explored. Reasons why a holistic approach to accessibility may be the most effective in ensuring that multimedia reaches its full potential in enabling and supporting students in learning, regardless of any disability they may have, will be outlined and discussed.DOI: 10.1080/09687760500479936
Disability, technology and e-learning: challenging conceptions
Authors: Seale Jane
Published: January 2012

In considering the role that technology and e-learning can play in helping students access higher education and an effective learning experience, a large amount of the current research and practice literature focuses almost exclusively on accessibility legislation, guidelines and standards, and the rules contained within them (Abascal et al., 2004; Chisholm & Brewer, 2005; Gunderson & May, 2005; Paolucci, 2004; Reed et al., 2004; Slatin, 2005). One of the major problems of such an approach is that it has drawn higher education practitioners into thinking that their objective is to comply with rules. I argue that it is not (Seale, 2006). The objective should be to address the needs of students. The danger of only focusing on rules is that it can constrain thinking and therefore practice. We need to expand our thinking beyond that of how to comply with rules, towards how to meet the needs of students with disabilities, within the local contexts that students and practitioners are working. In thinking about how to meet the needs of students with disabilities, practitioners will need to develop their own tools. These tools might be user case studies, evaluation methodologies or conceptualizations:DOI: 10.1080/09687760500480025
The use of animated agents in e-learning environments: an exploratory, interpretive case study
Authors: Mahmood A. Kamil , Ferneley Elaine
Published: January 2012

There is increasing interest in the use of animated agents in e-learning environments. However, empirical investigations of their use in online education are limited. Our aim is to provide an empirically based framework for the development and evaluation of animated agents in e-learning environments. Findings suggest a number of challenges, including the multiple dialogue models that animated agents will need to accommodate, the diverse range of roles that pedagogical animated agents can usefully support, the dichotomous relationship that emerges between these roles and that of the lecturer, and student perception of the degree of autonomy that can be afforded to animated agents.DOI: 10.1080/09687760600668552
Standards
Authors: Jacobs Gabriel
Published: January 2012

One of the aims of ALT is to promote good practice in the use of learning technology within higher education. Few would not subscribe to this aim, but proclaiming it without a full awareness of the problems it entails is of the same order as proclaiming one's commitment to Peace without further comment. Except for the absolute pacifist, being against war does not mean being against it at any price, but rather being committed to ensuring circumstances in which war will not occur. So it is with good practice in educational technology, which can be achieved only if circumstances are propitious. Such circumstances include sufficient funds, and a willingness in both teacher and learner to accept in whole or in part a technological route — good practice is unlikely to be achieved if technology has been incorporated into the curriculum merely in order to ensure that funds already spent do not appear to have been wasted. Above all, in my view, good practice assumes that users of learning technology are able to concentrate on learning without (necessarily) thinking about the technology, since if the technology cannot be made to work transparently, actual practice will at best lag behind ideal practice, and at worst be abandoned altogether. Impatience is a barrier to learning, and particularly if it is the result of struggling with the learning tools themselves. If the teacher or learner is constantly having to tweak the technology, or ending up with a half-baked implementation because the setting-up process has proven too difficult, the learning tool may well be left to gather dust.DOI:10.1080/0968776930010101
Virtual Reality: theoretical basis, practical applications
Authors: Barker Philip
Published: January 2012

Virtual reality (VR) is a powerful multimedia visualization technique offering a range of mechanisms by which many new experiences can be made available. This paper deals with the basic nature of VR, the technologies needed to create it, and its potential, especially for helping disabled people. It also offers an overview of some examples of existing VR systems.DOI:10.1080/0968776930010103
Reviews
Authors: Jacobs Gabriel
Published: January 2012

The term typography refers to the style, arrangement, appearance, and design of typefaces and typeset material. In this book, Sassoon rightly assumes that typography now extends way beyond words printed on paper, and in particular to the world of computers, where alphanumeric information displayed on a screen is often as important as printed output. Both forms of typography are dealt with here. The book consists of eleven chapters, written by a variety of different authors, and grouped together into five main sections, each one covering a different aspect of typography.DOI:10.1080/0968776940020110
Improving instructional effectiveness with computer-mediated communication
Authors: Naidu Som , Barrett John , Olseb Peter
Published: January 2012

A critical question that often faces educational technologists is how to deliver excellence in teaching and subject-matter content to learners. A corollary to this question is how and what instructional technologies can be brought to address this search for particular contexts? While there is a wide range of instructional delivery technologies we can choose from, our choice must be carefully considered. The number of factors to be considered are too many to list here, but must include a cognizance of the nature of the content or skill that comprises the subject matter of instruction, the learners, the time and their place of study, and the costs of the delivery mode, both for the learners and the institution. This paper reports our experience of the first phase of a three-phased integration of Computer- Mediated Communication (CMC) aimed at improving instructional effectiveness.DOI:10.1080/0968776950030207
Reviews
Authors: Durling David , Barker Philip , Jacobs Gabriel , Milton James , Ward Robert
Published: January 2012

Although the range of research undertaken by universities and colleges covers a very wide spectrum, each of the books in this Kogan Page series is narrowly focused on a particular form of research, that of small-scale 'insider research'. This is defined as research into teaching and learning which is undertaken by tutors with the specific aim of improving their teaching practice. The series is intended to be quick and easy to read, to provide starting points for research into teaching practice, and to give pointers to ways in which outcomes may be recorded and published. It aims to deal with contemporary issues affecting teachers in colleges and universities, and to include a range of research methods with suggestions for how these might be used or adapted in particular circumstances. Each book in the series shares a version of the opening and concluding paragraphs. The opening paragraph introduces a concept of insider research based on the notion of the reflective practitioner of education: this model takes the view that teachers should play an active role in constructing and reconstructing knowledge with the aim of improving teaching. 'Research' is related mainly to the rating system defined by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).DOI:10.1080/0968776960040308
Simulating chaos: an evaluation of the driven pendulum experiment
Authors: Scanlon Eileen , Ross Shelagh , Tosunoglu Canan
Published: January 2012

Computer simulations offer opportunities for learners by providing a model of a realistic situation for them to manipulate. At the Open University we have many years of experience of helping learners to use such simulations in physics teaching, and evaluating the results (see, for example, Every and Scanlon, 1984). We present here an account of an attempt to use a computer simulation to help beginning students of physics to learn about chaos.DOI:10.1080/0968776970050110