bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replacing Proprietary Software with Open Source Software
Authors: Akyeampong Albert
Published: October 2013

Most companies face high expenditures and numerous challenges in today’s competitive industrial environment where cost of technology can be an extra burden. To address these challenges, businesses can use Open Source Software (OSS). Even though OSS provides many benefits, including high-quality software and substantial profit (Sohn & Mok, 2008), OSS also has a number of disadvantages. In several countries, governments have begun to recognize the importance of OSS and have started to adopt explicit policies on OSS (Cook & Horobin, 2006). Open Source Software holds several compelling benefits for businesses. Information on wide-ranging use and examples of OSS in organizations are scattered and sometimes skewed to a few OSS. The chapter identifies different OSS that are currently used or have the potential to substitute other proprietary software packages in business; how organizations share information and how OSS is used globally by organizations and governments and their implications thereof is reviewed.
Theoretical Foundations of a CSCL Script in Persistent Virtual Worlds According to the Contemporary Learning Theories and Models
Authors: Pellas Nikolaos
Published: October 2013

Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) has proved to be one of the reliable contemporary approaches to education that is based on the fundamental principles of collaborative learning procedures between users (instructor and students) in electronic learning environments or Virtual Worlds (VWs). This approach to education has resulted in many considerable changes in the traditional “status quo” of e-Education. This chapter presents a literature review of major revamped principles of Learning Theories and Models that occurred in the early 21st century and reinforced the vast majority of CSCL pursuits and capabilities. It adopts Stahl’s (2000) theoretical model to articulate a novel framework for e-Education in VWs. The meaning and contribution of this approach to education will be more understandable through the analysis of collaborative learning climate conditions in the 3D technologically advanced environments based on the interests, demands, and needs of trained users.
Promoting Critical Thinking in Virtual Teams
Authors: Sofo Francesco , Sofo Michelle
Published: October 2013

This chapter aims to raise awareness in leaders and practitioners on how critical thinking is embedded within the performance of virtual teams. The increasingly important nexus between critical thinking and team performance is demonstrated within the specific context of the virtual environment. The chapter is interspersed with brief case studies that demonstrate some of the experiences of Australian-based higher education staff in their efforts to incorporate both critical thinking and virtual teamwork into their pedagogy. A framework of success factors and challenges inherent to virtual teams and critical thinking is provided, which covers five influential factors: technology, student characteristics, educator characteristics, social aspects, and team dynamics. The chapter concludes with some directions for future research.
Grappling with Change
Authors: Butler Janice W.
Published: October 2013

Technology is not a panacea for educational reform, but the use of technology in the classroom can enable teachers to engage today’s students in learning content. While some believed that new, young teachers would bring technology to the PK-12 classroom, this clearly has not happened. Since teacher educators generally do not model technology integration and instead use primarily teacher-centered instruction, many new teachers do not know how to integrate technology, particularly Web 2.0 technologies, into instruction. To encourage teacher educators to learn about these easy-to-use technologies, this chapter examines wikis as a low-threshold Web 2.0 tool. This chapter will discuss the power of using these technology tools.
Reading Beyond the Borders
Authors: Edwards Jason T.
Published: October 2013

Many adolescents resist reading texts for academic purposes because they perceive books as isolated and primitive; furthermore, they feel assigned readings hold little interest for them. An alternative is the digital ebook reader, which offers users the ability to instantly access and read a wide variety of books. As part of the discussion on integrating technology into classrooms to enhance Language Arts instruction, this chapter highlights general findings from a semester-long case study involving high school students using Kindle® ebook readers. The purpose of the study was to determine whether ebooks are a preferable medium for younger users, and whether ebooks influence reading behaviors and practices among adolescents in both academic and non-academic contexts. The study yielded insight into students’ purposes for academic and for leisurely reading, as well as the benefits, and drawbacks, to using digital ebook readers. By understanding the relationship between technology and classroom pedagogy, educators can foster students’ critical engagement in reading tasks and actively contribute to curricular reading lists.
The History of Religions as a Tool for Citizenship Education of Children
Authors: Giorda Mariachiara , Nardini Giulia , Nuti Beatrice
Published: October 2013

In the context of an increasingly multicultural Italy, teaching young people about different cultural and religious identities is in order. The presence in schools of a growing number of children from different cultural backgrounds, languages, and religions begs for the creation of a constructive and respectful dialogue that helps to develop the ability to listen to others, promoting a democratic path of inclusion. This project puts forward a course on Religious Education, already active in a second grade class of an elementary school in Turin, and in several elementary schools in the province of Latina, as from 2011. The methodology of the project involves a series of classroom workshops based on the recollection of personal experiences of students, free participation in group dynamics, and discussion about the different lifestyles. It aims at teaching a correct religious terminology, the historical and geographic development of religions, and several religious customs. This approach to Citizen Education through the knowledge or religious traditions is a pioneering initiative in Italy.
3D Modeling in a High School Computer Visualization Class
Authors: Combs Rebecca M , Mazur Joan
Published: October 2013

This semester long case study in a rural high school Introduction to Computer Visualization course focused on a detailed analysis of pedagogical approaches, the learning environment, and students’ performance outcomes. Classroom observations, student interviews, and instructor’s commentary yielded insights regarding how students learn to create virtual 3D models and what contexts for learning best support the modeling processes students’ learned in the course (tool use, tool path patterns, time management, and accuracy of the modeled structure). The social learning environment of this particular classroom, the combination of didactic, guided practice and exploratory modes of inquiry, self-selected work groupings, and peer designations of expertise that supported multiple problem solving approaches were powerful mediators of students’ learning resulting in high quality modeling products.
The TPACK of Dynamic Representations
Authors: Bell Lynn , Juersivich Nicole , Hammond Thomas C. , Bell Randy L.
Published: October 2013

Effective teachers across K-12 content areas often use visual representations to promote conceptual understanding, but these static representations remain insufficient for conveying adequate information to novice learners about motion and dynamic processes. The advent of dynamic representations has created new possibilities for more fully supporting visualization. This chapter discusses the findings from a broad range of studies over the past decade examining the use of dynamic representations in the classroom, focusing especially on the content areas of science, mathematics, and social studies, with the purpose of facilitating the development of teacher technological pedagogical content knowledge. The chapter describes the research regarding the affordances for learning with dynamic representations, as well as the constraints—characteristics of both the technology and learners that can become barriers to learning—followed by a summary of literature-based recommendations for effective teaching with dynamic representations and implications for teaching and teacher education across subject areas.
Do Technologies Support the Implementation of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics of High School Probability and Statistics?
Authors: Lim Woong , Kim Dong-Gook
Published: October 2013

This chapter reviews the roles of technology in statistics education and introduces technologies available for classroom use. A few concrete examples of how select technologies support the teaching of probability and statistics guided by the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics of high school Probability and Statistics (CCSSM-PS) are presented. The reality of the implementation of the CCSSM poses a rather exciting opportunity for all of us in mathematics education. It presents an opportunity to plan and create mathematics lessons based on good teaching strongly tied with technology. As the efficacy of the CCSSM-PS hinges on how teachers draw upon their content knowledge to facilitate student learning through technology, it is significant to provide professional development programs that help teachers infuse technology with the teaching of probability and statistics.
STEM Academic Enrichment and Professional Development Programs for K-12 Urban Students and Teachers
Authors: Brown Cecelia Wright , Peters Kevin A.
Published: October 2013

This chapter highlights exemplary STEM programs in an urban school district that can be replicated in K-12 schools. The programs were developed from partnerships established between Urban Higher Education Institutions (UHEIs) and K-12 students and teachers in an urban school district. The key criteria for the assessment of these programs, both quantitative and qualitative, were based on guidelines cited from the Building Engineering and Science Talent (BEST) Commission, the National Science Education Standards, and the National Science Resources Center: (a) challenging content/curriculum; (b) inquiry-based learning; (c) clearly defined outcomes and assessments; and (d) sustained commitment and support. The development of “real-world applications” promoted critical thinking skills and were linked to STEM state and national standards. Teachers were offered STEM professional development that enhanced their content knowledge and pedagogy. Each program case was independent of each other; therefore, they were not compared or contrasted.
Next Generation Science Assessment
Authors: Lyon Edward G.
Published: October 2013

The recent release of science education documents such as A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas (National Research Council, 2012) marks the transition into a new generation of science education. This transition necessitates a close look at how pre-college science teachers will assess a diverse group of students in ways that are consistent with science education reform. In this chapter, the authors identify current research in science assessment and employ assessment coherence, assessment use, and assessment equity as guiding principles to address the challenges of putting science assessment research into classroom practice. To exemplify these challenges, they describe a study where a research instrument designed to measure scientific reasoning skills was translated into a high school science classroom assessment. The goal of this chapter is to stimulate conversation in the science education community (researchers, assessment developers, teacher educators, administrators, and classroom teachers) about how to put science assessment research successfully into practice and to describe what next steps need to be taken, particularly around assessing diverse student populations.
Digital Structures and the Future of Online Leadership
Authors: Wolfenstein Moses
Published: October 2013

This chapter discusses findings from a study that looked at organizational leadership in the massively multiplayer online game World of Warcraft® in an attempt to inform the future of leadership in schools and other online and blended learning organizations. After offering a general orientation to the game world and the original study, this chapter delineates the ways in which studying virtual worlds of this sort can and cannot inform theory and practice of instructional leadership. It then examines the organizational leadership and learning cycle that emerged in the original study. Finally, it considers implications from the research for instructional and organizational leadership in a data rich environment.
Planning and Implementation of Cloud Computing in NIT’s in India: Special Reference to VNIT
Authors: Deshpande Ravikant M. , Patle Bharati V , Bhoskar Ranjana D.
Published: October 2013

Cloud computing and Information Network both are emerging facets in the field of Information Science (IS). Cloud computing has potential to bring another wave of changes to organizations. Overall, planning and implementation of cloud computing will be beneficial in the terms of library level as well as institutional level to manage by cloud. In this chapter the authors present RECs/NITs resources to move on for managing cloud computing. Making the decision to use cloud-based services means balancing the elements of cost, risk, and benefit to decide whether those services advance the mission of the library as well as institute. RECs/NITs Libraries can take advantage of the cloud in numerous ways, such as data sharing including discovery tools, current status of research, and software as service which depends on the cloud, e-mail systems and social networking, and so forth. This chapter recommends a road for globalizing Regional Engineering Colleges/National Institutes Technology libraries.
A Concept of a Service Field and its Applications to Create Service Value
Authors: Kosaka Michitaka , Wang Jing , Han Weiwei , Zhang Qi
Published: October 2013

A new concept of a service field for creating service values is proposed. This concept is analogous to the field theory in physics and corresponds to the “value in use” concept in Service Dominant Logic (SDL). First, the service field is applied to customer choice as an enterprise countermeasure. Then, the service field is applied to service value creation, where it is essential to identify the service field to create high service values. Based on identification of the service field, a service value creation model called the “KIKI model” is proposed and applied to a B-to-B collaboration framework.
MarketMaker™
Authors: Liang Chyi-Lyi (Kathleen)
Published: October 2013

Given the fast growing interest in emerging economies, this chapter introduces an innovative network marketing framework in the United States represented by the MarketMaker™ program. For almost 10 years, the MarketMaker™ program successfully designed, planned, and implemented mixed strategies of inter-organizational network marketing, inter-market marketing, and opportunity marketing to encourage and improve communications between buyers, sellers, public sectors, government organizations, and educational institutions. MarketMaker™ has revolutionized the internet system by offering network participants the opportunity to exchange information, create knowledge, and provide services across time and geological boundaries, thus generating values and benefits for all. The perspective and structure of MarketMaker™ is applicable to emerging economies when Internet is available, when individuals and organizations are willing and able to adopt the concept of e-commerce, and when taking into consideration culture and heritage differences.
Marketing of Library and Information Products and Services
Authors: Chaddha Kavita
Published: October 2013

The chapter starts with the definition of marketing and its role in non-profit organizations like Library and Information Centers (LICs). Barriers to marketing of Library and Information Products and Services (LIPS) are discussed along with Dr. Ranganathan’s Five Laws of Library Science and their impact on marketing of LIPS. The basics of marketing mix are analyzed as to how the librarians can apply innovative methods using the extended marketing mix or the “Seven Ps” for marketing of LIPS, which in the end fulfills the ultimate goal of the parent institution. The chapter concludes with suggested measures for innovation by libraries in emerging economies.
Potential Skilled Labor Migration, Internationalization of Education with Focus on Medical Education
Authors: Achehboune Amale , Driouchi Ahmed
Published: October 2013

This chapter is a contribution to the new economics of skilled labor emigration that focuses on the mobility of students with application to the Arab countries with a special focus on medical education in these economies. With limited data on the emigration of students, descriptive statistics besides regression analysis are pursued to support the empirical investigations. The findings show statistically significant trends in emigration of students from Arab countries. They also indicate that the relative expected benefits and the emigration rate have major effects on the net relative human capital who leave for international destinations. The effects of the relative expected benefits in the destination and sending countries besides the yield of education are found to likely affect the emigration patterns. The empirical results based on the available data mainly from UNESCO (1990-2010) and OECD (2005-2009) allow further use of the model to understand the current trends in the emigration of students. These trends confirm the magnitude of relative wages besides the level of education and the attitude toward risk as determinants of the international movements of students. The complexities taking place in the education systems in different countries with the internationalization and delocalization of universities and schools are likely to introduce more options for students but also new possibilities to understand the outcomes of migration decisions.
Migration of Medical Doctors, Health, Medical Education, and Employment in Eastern and Central Europe
Authors: Boboc Cristina , Ţiţan Emilia
Published: October 2013

This chapter is mainly descriptive and deals with current issues including economic and legal matters besides the prevailing wages and other benefits for medical doctors by country. The focus is on ECE countries, members of EU: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. A key factor in providing medical care is the availability of qualified and motivated health care professionals. The emigration of physicians is an important constraint that limits the satisfaction of the local needs in health care in the origin countries, with poorer performing healthcare systems. The empirical evidence suggests that medical doctor emigration in the European Union happens because of poor distribution of physicians, low internal mobility, and inappropriate skill mix. In the case of migration from ECE countries to Western EU countries, the main reasons are differences in working conditions, remuneration level, and career opportunities. Substantial improvements in health and the conversion of the brain drain in brain gain in ECE countries should be obtained by some not very expensive measures: motivation of doctors, increase of competences, and convergence between needs and physician specialization.
Big Data Overview
Authors: Shen Yushi , Li Yale , Wu Ling , Liu Shaofeng , Wen Qian
Published: October 2013

This chapter provides an overview of big data and its environment and opportunities. It starts with a definition of big data and describes the unique characteristics, structure, and value of big data, and the business drivers for big data analytics. It defines the role of the data scientist and describes the new ecosystem for big data processing and analysis.
Total Quality Management in Tourism Companies
Authors: Alsrabi Alaa Hussein Ali
Published: October 2013

This study is to identify the extent of interest and convinced top management of hotels and application levels of Total Quality Management, as well as prepare and accept the application of Total Quality Management, and indicate the top management support for the application of Total Quality Management And applying this to a sample of employees in high level management for a group of first-class hotels operating in the city of Riyadh, the study finds that the hotels surveyed apply total quality management in all its dimensions and a high level As results indicated when asked the sample of what considerations affecting about their conviction and willingness applying total quality management results were approved college about the need for a system of incentives appropriately lead to improved process quality tourism, and improve the competitive position of the hotels. When asked the sample over the impact of work teams the answers are as follows It is considered The study also concluded a set of recommendations and which ones need to find the appropriate information system will provide hotel management and Forums all the supporting data and information to activate the principle of making decisions based on facts and correct information that the formation of a team work helps to solve various problems.
Innovative Retailing
Authors: Bagadion Anne Marie F.
Published: October 2013

This study was inspired by the persistence and strength of character of striving entrepreneurs in rural communities who strive to establish or let grow of their businesses. The Second Vatican Council of the Catholic Church considered Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) as a “New Way of Renewing the Church”, thus the researcher collaborates with Caritas Diocese of Libmanan (Inc.), the social action and development arm of the Diocese of Libmanan, Camarines Sur, which established the BEC-Based Integral Evangelization program. This aims to develop not only spiritual renewal but social and moral transformation as well, to broaden and sustain alternative Income Generating Project (IGPs) that will uplift the standard of living of its members. The BEC through Caritas Diocese of Libmanan is determined to concretize an innovative retailing through its BEC Retail Store (“Tindahannin SKK” - in local dialect) and Automated Teller Machine (ATM)/Credit Card. The BEC –ATM/Credit card) which will provide economic empowerment to its members as an alternative credit access in the procurement of basic goods and services, and as an alternative credit access in starting small businesses.
A Framework for Protecting Voters’ Privacy In Electronic Voting Procedures
Authors: Manolopoulos C. , Sofotassios D. , Spirakis P. , Stamatiou Y.C.
Published: October 2013

eVoting is considered to be one of the most challenging domains of modern eGovernment and one of the main vehicles for increasing eParticipation among citizens. One of the main obstacles for its wide adoptionis the reluctance of citizens to participate in electronic voting procedures. This reluctance can be partially attributed to the low penetration of technology among citizens. However, the main reason behind this reluctance is the lack of trust which stems from the belief of citizens that systems implementing an eVoting process will violate their privacy. The departure point of this approach is that the emergence of such a belief can be considerably facilitated by designing and building systems in a way that evidence about the system’s properties is produced during the design process. In this way, the designers can demonstrate the respect in privacy using this evidence that can be understood and checked by the specialist and the informed layman. These tools and models should provide sufficient evidence that the target system handles privacy concerns and requirements that can remove enough of the fears towards eVoting. This paper presents the efforts of the authors‘ organization, the Computer Technology Institute and Press “Diophantus” (CTI), towards the design and implementation of an eVoting system, called PNYKA, with demonstrable security properties. This system was based on a trust-centered engineering approach for building general security critical systems. The authors‘ approach is pragmatic rather than theoretical in that it sidesteps the controversy that besets the nature of trust in information systems and starts with a working definition of trust as people’s positive attitude towards a system that transparently and demonstrably performs its operations, respecting their privacy. The authors also discuss the social side of eVoting, i.e. how one can help boost its acceptance by large social groups targeting the whole population of the country. The authors view eVoting as an innovation that must be diffused to a population and then employ a theoretical model that studies diffusion of innovation in social network, delineating structural properties of the network that help diffuse the innovation fast. Furthermore, the authors explain how CTI’s current situation empowers CTI to realize its vision to implement a privacy preserving, discussion and public consultation forum in Greece. This forum will link, together, all Greek educational institutes in order to provide a privacy preserving discussion and opinion gathering tool useful in decision making within the Greek educational system.
Significance of Qualitative Factors for a Deeper Understanding of Service Productivity
Authors: Cocca Sabrina
Published: October 2013

Analysing and optimising service productivity is a widely discussed task in service management. While directly measurable factors such as processing time or service turnover are frequently used in order to measure the productivity of services, underlying factors that are, in many cases, not (directly) measurable are not considered in-depth. However, these “qualitative” factors influence service productivity to a high degree. The idea behind the approach provided in this article is to open the former “black box” view on productivity (input–output) to a process efficiency-oriented perspective instead and to show which qualitative factors play a crucial role regarding service productivity.
Classification of Technical Operation Services for Renewable Energy Power Plants
Authors: Sonnenberg Michael , Kühne Stefan , Becker Michael
Published: October 2013

In the rapidly growing market for renewable energy, a generally accepted classification of renewable energy services is still absent. In the context of this article, a classification for technical operation services is developed. Starting from a basic structuring of renewable energy services and a comprehensive evaluation of service portfolios of the providers, a classification scheme is derived. This scheme can generate added value for the industry for example in the area of portfolio presentation and structured development of services.
Improving Family Satisfaction and Participation in Decision Making in an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Huffines Meredith , Johnson Karen L. , Smitz Naranjo Linda L. , Lissauer Matthew E. , Fishel Marmie Ann-Michelle , D’Angelo Howes Susan M. , Pannullo Diane , Ralls Mindy , Smith Ruth
Published: October 2013

Background

Survey data revealed that families of patients in a surgical intensive care unit were not satisfied with their participation in decision making or with how well the multidisciplinary team worked together.

Objectives

To develop and implement an evidence-based communication algorithm and evaluate its effect in improving satisfaction among patients’ families.

Methods

A multidisciplinary team developed an algorithm that included bundles of communication interventions at 24, 72, and 96 hours after admission to the unit. The algorithm included clinical triggers, which if present escalated the algorithm. A pre-post design using process improvement methods was used to compare families’ satisfaction scores before and after implementation of the algorithm.

Results

Satisfaction scores for participation in decision making (45% vs 68%; z = −2.62, P = .009) and how well the health care team worked together (64% vs 83%; z = −2.10, P = .04) improved significantly after implementation.

Conclusions

Use of an evidence-based structured communication algorithm may be a way to improve satisfaction of families of intensive care patients with their participation in decision making and their perception of how well the unit’s team works together.
Safety Recommendations for Administering Intravenous Prostacyclins in the Hospital
Authors: Kingman Martha S. , Chin Kelly
Published: October 2013

Prostacyclins are a high-risk category of continuous intravenous infusions increasingly used in hospitals to treat advanced pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare condition characterized by vasoconstriction and vascular proliferation of the pulmonary arteries. Prostacyclins are given in doses of nanograms per kilogram per minute and have a narrow therapeutic dosing range for each patient. Sudden increases or decreases in dose can be life threatening. Previous studies revealed errors in the administration of these high-risk infusions, which in some instances led to serious adverse events, including death. The literature was reviewed for safety measures in administration of high-risk intravenous medications and input was obtained from leading experts in pulmonary arterial hypertension to create a set of safety recommendations for infusion of prostacyclins.
Lipopolysaccharide Stimulates Platelets through an IL-1β Autocrine Loop
Authors: Brown G. Thomas , Narayanan Padmini , Li Wei , Silverstein Roy L. , McIntyre Thomas M.
Published: October 2013

LPS activates platelets through TLR4, aiding productive sepsis, with stimulated splicing and translation of stored heteronuclear pro–IL-1β RNA. Although the IL-1R type 1 (IL-1R1) receptor for IL-1 shares downstream components with the TLR4 receptor, platelets are not known to express IL-1R1, nor are they known to respond to this cytokine. We show by flow cytometry and Western blotting that platelets express IL-1R1, and that IL-1β and IL-1α stimulate heteronuclear I-1β splicing and translation of the newly made mRNA in platelets. Platelets also respond to the IL-1β they make, which is exclusively associated with shed microparticles. Specific blockade of IL-1R1 with IL-1R antagonist suppressed platelet stimulation by IL-1, so IL-1β stimulates its own synthesis in an autocrine signaling loop. Strikingly, IL-1R antagonist inhibition, pharmacologic or genetic suppression of pro–IL-1β processing to active cytokine by caspase-1, or blockade of de novo protein synthesis also blocked LPS-induced IL-1β mRNA production. Robust stimulation of platelets by LPS therefore also required IL-1β amplification. Activated platelets made IL-1β in vivo as IL-1β rapidly accumulated in occluded murine carotid arteries by posttranscriptional RNA splicing unique to platelets. We conclude that IL-1β is a platelet agonist, that IL-1β acts through an autocrine stimulatory loop, that an IL-1β autocrine loop is required to amplify platelet activation by LPS, and that platelets immobilized in occlusive thrombi are activated over time to produce IL-1β. IL-1 is a new platelet agonist that promotes its own synthesis, connecting thrombosis with immunity.
Evidence for a Functional Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Signaling Axis in Fibrotic Lung Disease
Authors: Datta Arnab , Alexander Robert , Sulikowski Michal G. , Nicholson Andrew G. , Maher Toby M. , Scotton Chris J. , Chambers Rachel C.
Published: October 2013

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) recently has emerged as a key cytokine in the development of type 2 immune responses. Although traditionally associated with allergic inflammation, type 2 responses are also recognized to contribute to the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis. However, the role of TSLP in the development of non–allergen-driven diseases, characterized by profibrotic type 2 immune phenotypes and excessive fibroblast activation, remains underexplored. Fibroblasts represent the key effector cells responsible for extracellular matrix production but additionally play important immunoregulatory roles, including choreographing immune cell recruitment through chemokine regulation. The aim of this study was to examine whether TSLP may be involved in the pathogenesis of a proto-typical fibrotic disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We combined the immunohistochemical analysis of human IPF biopsy material with signaling studies by using cultured primary human lung fibroblasts and report for the first time, to our knowledge, that TSLP and its receptor (TSLPR) are highly upregulated in IPF. We further show that lung fibroblasts represent both a novel cellular source and target of TSLP and that TSLP induces fibroblast CCL2 release (via STAT3) and subsequent monocyte chemotaxis. These studies extend our understanding of TSLP as a master regulator of type 2 immune responses beyond that of allergic inflammatory conditions and suggest a novel role for TSLP in the context of chronic fibrotic lung disease.
Nasal Lobular Capillary Hemangioma
Authors: Patil Prashant , Singla Saurabh , Mane Ranoji , Jagdeesh K. S.
Published: October 2013

Nasal lobular capillary hemangioma is a rare benign tumor of the paranasal sinuses. This lesion is believed to grow rapidly in size over time. The exact etiopathogenesis is still a dilemma. We discuss a case of nasal lobular capillary hemangioma presenting with a history of epistaxis. Contrast enhanced computed tomography of paranasal sinuses revealed an intensely enhancing soft-tissue mass in the left nasal cavity and left middle and inferior meati with no obvious bony remodeling or destruction. We present imaging and pathologic features of nasal lobular capillary hemangioma and differentiate it from other entities like nasal angiofibroma.
Multispectral Photoacoustic Imaging of Prostate Cancer: Preliminary Ex-vivo Results
Authors: Dogra Vikram S. , Chinni Bhargava K. , Valluru Keerthi S. , Joseph Jean V. , Ghazi Ahmed , Yao Jorge L. , Evans Katie , Messing Edward M. , Rao Navalgund A.
Published: October 2013

Objective:

The objective of this study is to validate if ex-vivo multispectral photoacoustic (PA) imaging can differentiate between malignant prostate tissue, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and normal human prostate tissue.

Materials and Methods:

Institutional Review Board's approval was obtained for this study. A total of 30 patients undergoing prostatectomy for biopsy-confirmed prostate cancer were included in this study with informed consent. Multispectral PA imaging was performed on surgically excised prostate tissue and chromophore images that represent optical absorption of deoxyhemoglobin (dHb), oxyhemoglobin (HbO2), lipid, and water were reconstructed. After the imaging procedure is completed, malignant prostate, BPH and normal prostate regions were marked by the genitourinary pathologist on histopathology slides and digital images of marked histopathology slides were obtained. The histopathology images were co-registered with chromophore images. Region of interest (ROI) corresponding to malignant prostate, BPH and normal prostate were defined on the chromophore images. Pixel values within each ROI were then averaged to determine mean intensities of dHb, HbO2, lipid, and water.

Results:

Our preliminary results show that there is statistically significant difference in mean intensity of dHb (P < 0.0001) and lipid (P = 0.0251) between malignant prostate and normal prostate tissue. There was difference in mean intensity of dHb (P < 0.0001) between malignant prostate and BPH. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of our imaging system were found to be 81.3%, 96.2%, 92.9% and 89.3% respectively.

Conclusion:

Our preliminary results of ex-vivo human prostate study suggest that multispectral PA imaging can differentiate between malignant prostate, BPH and normal prostate tissue.
Variable inhibitory activities of essential oils of three Monarda species on the growth of Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Adebayo Oyeboade , Bélanger André , Khanizadeh Shahrokh
Published: October 2013

Adebayo, O., Bélanger, A. and Khanizadeh, S. 2013. Variable inhibitory activities of essential oils of three Monarda species on the growth of Botrytis cinerea . Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 987–995. The antifungal effects of the essential oils of three Monarda species (Monarda didyma L., M. fistulosa L., and M. didyma var. 80-1A L.) were evaluated against Botrytis cinerea Pers.: Fr. The inhibitory effects of the volatile and contact phases of the essential oils were determined on hyphae and spores. The effects of the essential oils on the morphological structures of hyphae were studied under light microscopy. All the three tested essential oils types had inhibitory effects on both mycelia and spores as follows, in descending order of effectiveness: M. didyma > M. didyma var. 80-1A > M. fistulosa. For all essential oils, the volatile phase effects were more toxic on fungal growth than the contact phase effects. All the essential oils in the contact studies achieved complete inhibition of mycelial growth and spore germination at 819.2 µg mL−1 of ethanol and Tween 20 mixture. In the volatile studies, however, complete mycelial inhibition was achieved with M. didyma and M. didyma var. 80-1A at 0.1 µg mL−1 air and with M. fistulosa at 0.2 µg mL−1 air. Spore germination was inhibited at 0.05 µg mL−1 air with M. didyma and 0.2 µg mL−1 air with both M. didyma var. 80-1A and M. fistulosa. This study demonstrated that these essential oils are promising potential antifungal agents that could be used in the development of biofungicide alternatives to synthetic fungicides against B. cinerea.
Influence of the CCR-5/MIP-1 α Axis in the Pathogenesis of Rocio Virus Encephalitis in a Mouse Model
Authors: Chávez Juliana H. , França Rafael F. O. , Oliveira Carlo J. F. , de Aquino Maria T. P. , Farias Kleber J. S. , Machado Paula R. L. , de Oliveira Thelma F. M. , Yokosawa Jonny , Soares Edson G. , da Silva João S. , da Fonseca Benedito A. L. , Figueiredo Luiz T. M.
Published: October 2013

Rocio virus (ROCV) caused an outbreak of human encephalitis during the 1970s in Brazil and its immunopathogenesis remains poorly understood. CC-chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) is a chemokine receptor that binds to macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-1 α). Both molecules are associated with inflammatory cells migration during infections. In this study, we demonstrated the importance of the CCR5 and MIP-1 α, in the outcome of viral encephalitis of ROCV-infected mice. CCR5 and MIP-1 α knockout mice survived longer than wild-type (WT) ROCV-infected animals. In addition, knockout mice had reduced inflammation in the brain. Assessment of brain viral load showed mice virus detection five days post-infection in wild-type and CCR5−/− mice, while MIP-1 α−/− mice had lower viral loads seven days post-infection. Knockout mice required a higher lethal dose than wild-type mice as well. The CCR5/MIP-1 α axis may contribute to migration of infected cells to the brain and consequently affect the pathogenesis during ROCV infection.
Coincident Tick Infestations in the Nostrils of Wild Chimpanzees and a Human in Uganda
Authors: Hamer Sarah A. , Bernard Andrew B. , Donovan Ronan M. , Hartel Jessica A. , Wrangham Richard W. , Otali Emily , Goldberg Tony L.
Published: October 2013

Ticks in the nostrils of humans visiting equatorial African forests have been reported sporadically for decades, but their taxonomy and natural history have remained obscure. We report human infestation with a nostril tick in Kibale National Park, Uganda, coincident with infestation of chimpanzees in the same location with nostril ticks, as shown by high-resolution digital photography. The human-derived nostril tick was identified morphologically and genetically as a nymph of the genus Amblyomma, but the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA or the nuclear intergenic transcribed spacer 2 DNA sequences of the specimen were not represented in GenBank. These ticks may represent a previously uncharacterized species that is adapted to infesting chimpanzee nostrils as a defense against grooming. Ticks that feed upon apes and humans may facilitate cross-species transmission of pathogens, and the risk of exposure is likely elevated for persons who frequent ape habitats.
Marked Decline in Malaria Prevalence among Pregnant Women and Their Offspring from 1996 to 2010 on the South Kenyan Coast
Authors: Kalayjian Benjamin C. , Malhotra Indu , Mungai Peter , Holding Penny , King Christopher L.
Published: October 2013

Expanded malaria control in Kenya since the early 2000s has resulted in marked reduction in hospital admissions for malaria; however, no studies have reported changes in malaria infection rates in the same population over this period. Randomly selected archived blood samples from four cohorts of pregnant women and their children from 1996 to 2010 in Kwale District, Coast Province, Kenya, were examined for Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), P. malariae, P. ovale, and Plasmodium vivax by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microscopy. Maternal delivery Pf prevalence by PCR declined from 40% in 2000–2005 to 1% in 2009–2010, concordant with increased bed net and malaria chemoprophylaxis use. Individual risk of Pf infection in children from birth to 3 years in serial longitudinal cohort studies declined from almost 100% in 1996–1999 to 15% in 2006–2010. Declines in P. malariae and P. ovale infections rates were also observed. These results show a profound reduction in malaria transmission in coastal Kenya.
Simultaneous Detection of Seven Sexually Transmitted Agents in Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected Brazilian Women by Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Souza Raquel P. , de Abreu André L. P. , Ferreira Érika C. , Rocha-Brischiliari Sheila C. , de B. Carvalho Maria D. , Pelloso Sandra M. , Bonini Marcelo G. , Gimenes Fabrícia , Consolaro Marcia E. L.
Published: October 2013

We determined the prevalence of seven clinically important pathogens that cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis, herpes simplex virus 1 [HSV-1], HSV-2, and Treponema pallidum), by using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) in samples from Brazilian woman infected with human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) and uninfected Brazilian women (controls). The M-PCR assay identified all STIs tested for and surprisingly, occurred association between the control and STIs. This association was probably caused by excellent HIV infection control and regular monitoring in these women established by public health strategies in Brazil to combat HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Studies using this M-PCR in different populations may help to better elucidate the roles of STIs in several conditions.
Accuracy of Residents' Retrospective Perceptions of 16-Hour Call Admitting Shift Compliance and Characteristics
Authors: Gonzalo Jed D. , Yang Julius J. , Ngo Long , Clark Alicia , Reynolds Eileen E. , Herzig Shoshana J.
Published: October 2013

Background

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Resident-Fellow Survey measurement of compliance with duty hours uses remote retrospective resident report, the accuracy of which has not been studied. We investigated residents' remote recall of 16-hour call-shift compliance and workload characteristics at 1 institution.

Methods

We sent daily surveys to second- and third-year internal medicine residents immediately after call shifts from July 2011 to June 2012 to assess compliance with 16-hour shift length and workload characteristics. In June 2012, we sent a survey with identical items to assess residents' retrospective perceptions of their call-shift compliance and workload characteristics over the preceding year. We used linear models to compare on-call data to residents' retrospective data.

Results

We received a survey response from residents after 497 of 648 call-shifts (77% response). The end-of-year perceptions survey was completed by 87 of 95 residents (92%). Compared with on-call data, the recollections of 5 (6%) residents were accurate; however, 48 (56%) underestimated and 33 (38%) overestimated compliance with the 16-hour shift length requirement. The average magnitude of under- and overestimation was 18% (95% confidence interval  =  13–23). Using a greater than 10% absolute difference to define under- and overestimation, 39 (45%) respondents were found to be accurate, 27 (31%) underestimated compliance, and 20 (23%) overestimated compliance. Residents overestimated census size, long call admissions, and admissions after 5 pm.

Conclusions

Internal medicine residents' remote retrospective reporting of compliance with the 16-hour limit on continuous duty and workload characteristics was inaccurate compared with their immediate recall and included errors of underestimation and overestimation.
GME Innovations Grant Program at the University of Michigan Health System—Fostering Changes in Education and Clinical Care
Authors: Colletti Lisa M. , Kolars Joseph C. , Woolliscroft James O.
Published: October 2013

Background

Changes in graduate medical education (GME) have resulted in curricula, goals and objectives, and assessment methods becoming more formal, yet there is little financial support for the educational research required to develop better teaching approaches and assessment tools.

Objective

We sought to encourage the development of new educational tools and assessment methods to improve the overall conduct of GME at the University of Michigan.

Intervention

The University of Michigan Health System has recently established a new educational grant that is designed to foster innovative educational research in GME. We describe the experience with a new and robust internal educational grant, including the source of funding, mechanisms for reviewing and assessing the proposals, the types of proposals that have currently been funded, and the effect and results of these studies on GME at the University of Michigan Health System.

Outcomes

Projects funded by the grant have changed the curriculum in the involved programs, and many have resulted in sustained changes, including new methodologies in the simulation center, the development of an “academy” of faculty physicians with significant teaching expertise, and the creation of web-based teaching and assessment tools for “just in time” learning, and have been disseminated at national meetings and in peer-reviewed journals.

Conclusions

The GME Innovations Grant Program at the University of Michigan Health System has been successful to date, funding 11 proposals during the course of 6 years. Some of these proposals have resulted in permanent changes and additions to residency training programs.