bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HPL-2/HP1 Prevents Inappropriate Vulval Induction in Caenorhabditis elegans by Acting in Both HYP7 and Vulval Precursor Cells
Authors: Schott Sonia , Ramos Fabien , Coustham Vincent , Palladino Francesca
Published: December 2008

A current model for Caenorhabditis elegans vulval cell fate specification is that SynMuv genes act redundantly in the hyp7 hypodermal syncytium to repress the LIN-3/EGF inducer and prevent ectopic vulval induction of vulva precursor cells (VPCs). Here we show that the SynMuv gene hpl-2/HP1 has an additional function in VPCs, where it may act through target genes including LIN-39/Hox.
Detailed Recombination Studies Along Chromosome 3B Provide New Insights on Crossover Distribution in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Saintenac Cyrille , Falque Matthieu , Martin Olivier C , Paux Etienne , Feuillet Catherine , Sourdille Pierre
Published: December 2008

In wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), the crossover (CO) frequency increases gradually from the centromeres to the telomeres. However, little is known about the factors affecting both the distribution and the intensity of recombination along this gradient. To investigate this, we studied in detail the pattern of CO along chromosome 3B of bread wheat. A dense reference genetic map comprising 102 markers homogeneously distributed along the chromosome was compared to a physical deletion map. Most of the COs (90%) occurred in the distal subtelomeric regions that represent 40% of the chromosome. About 27% of the proximal regions surrounding the centromere showed a very weak CO frequency with only three COs found in the 752 gametes studied. Moreover, we observed a clear decrease of CO frequency on the distal region of the short arm. Finally, the intensity of interference was assessed for the first time in wheat using a Gamma model. The results showed m values of 1.2 for male recombination and 3.5 for female recombination, suggesting positive interference along wheat chromosome 3B.
Cis-regulatory Variation Is Typically Polyallelic in Drosophila
Authors: Gruber Jonathan D , Long Anthony D
Published: December 2008

Gene expression levels vary heritably, with ∼25–35% of the loci affecting expression acting in cis. We characterized standing cis-regulatory variation among 16 wild-derived strains of Drosophila melanogaster. Our experiment's robust biological and technical replication enabled precise estimates of variation in allelic expression on a high-throughput SNP genotyping platform. We observed concordant, significant differential allelic expression (DAE) in 7/10 genes queried with multiple SNPs, and every member of a set of eight additional, one-assay genes suggest significant DAE. Four of the high-confidence, multiple-assay genes harbor three or more statistically distinguishable allelic classes, often at intermediate frequency. Numerous intermediate-frequency, detectable regulatory polymorphisms cast doubt on a model in which cis-acting variation is a product of deleterious mutations of large effect. Comparing our data to predictions of population genetics theory using coalescent simulations, we estimate that a typical gene harbors 7–15 cis-regulatory sites (nucleotides) at which a selectively neutral mutation would elicit an observable expression phenotype. If standing cis-regulatory variation is actually slightly deleterious, the true mutational target size is larger.
Mcm10 Mediates the Interaction Between DNA Replication and Silencing Machineries
Authors: Liachko Ivan , Tye Bik K
Published: December 2008

The connection between DNA replication and heterochromatic silencing in yeast has been a topic of investigation for >20 years. While early studies showed that silencing requires passage through S phase and implicated several DNA replication factors in silencing, later works showed that silent chromatin could form without DNA replication. In this study we show that members of the replicative helicase (Mcm3 and Mcm7) play a role in silencing and physically interact with the essential silencing factor, Sir2, even in the absence of DNA replication. Another replication factor, Mcm10, mediates the interaction between these replication and silencing proteins via a short C-terminal domain. Mutations in this region of Mcm10 disrupt the interaction between Sir2 and several of the Mcm2–7 proteins. While such mutations caused silencing defects, they did not cause DNA replication defects or affect the association of Sir2 with chromatin. Our findings suggest that Mcm10 is required for the coupling of the replication and silencing machineries to silence chromatin in a context outside of DNA replication beyond the recruitment and spreading of Sir2 on chromatin.
Briefing: Achieving transparency under NEC contracts
Authors: Shaw N.
Published: December 2008

This is the second of a series of briefings prepared by the NEC Panel to help clients, consultants and contractors overcome any difficulties or mis conceptions they might experience when first using NEC contracts. The briefing shows how the NEC approach encourages transparency and cooperation, helping to eliminate corruption and promote best practice.
The sad truth about overheads and profit claims
Authors: Fidler P.
Published: December 2008

There are some absolute ‘howlers’ in adjudications and elsewhere where payment for head office overheads and profit claims in construction projects is based upon grossly inaccurate calculations. This article identifies some of the errors and suggests practical improvements.
City Inn v. Shepherd – a matter of judgement
Authors: Marshall J. J.
Published: December 2008

The recent Scottish case of City Inn Ltd v. Shepherd Construction Ltd provides some instructive guidance on how a contractor’s entitlement to extension of time should be assessed. In particular, the court looked at the inherent weaknesses of computer-based delay analysis techniques and expressed the view that older, precomputer techniques may be more reliable. In addition the court clarified how concurrent delays should be treated, concluding that liability for the delay should be apportioned between the parties on the basis of ‘causative significance’ of the delays. This paper explores the various methodologies used by analysts for assessing delay and considers the implications of this Scottish decision. The paper also explains the complications that can be caused by concurrent delays and welcomes the straightforward and pragmatic approach adopted in this case.
CDIO and the Liverpool Constructionarium
Authors: Guan Z. , Millard S. , Yang Z.
Published: December 2008

The Constructionarium initiative can be classified as the implement section of the conceive, design, implement, operate (CDIO) innovative educational framework for civil engineering students. CDIO is an international learning and teaching initiative which is based on the principle of embedding active learning into engineering education at all levels. The Constructionarium provides a practical construction experience for various civil engineering structures such as a gravity concrete oil rig, a cable-stayed steel bridge, a transmission tower, a subway entrance hall and a clay core dam, all at a reduced scale. Students are required to follow the same professional and health and safety procedures that a construction contractor follows on a real construction project. A collaborating construction contractor and a design consultant offer close supervision, support and guidance for all site activities, typically covering preparation of method statements, risk assessments, construction planning, costing, setting-out, use of construction tools, and so on. The Constructionarium is a concentrated learning week for students for which there is no other equivalent replacement activity. In this paper, the Liverpool Constructionarium is presented in detail, including pre-Constructionarium preparation, learning objectives, running projects, associated problems and learning outcomes. In addition the results from pre- and post-Constructionarium questionnaires are presented to show measurement of learning outcomes from student feedback.
Nature's Games: From Individual to Ecosystem Dynamics
Authors: Belgrano Andrea
Published: December 2008

Hildrew, Alan G., David G. Raffaelli, and Ronni Edmonds‐Brown, editors. 2007. Body size: the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. Ecological Reviews. Cambridge University Press, New York. xi +343 p. $140.00 (cloth), ISBN: 978‐0‐521‐86172‐4; $65.00 (paper), ISBN: 978‐0‐521‐67967‐1.
HABITAT COMPLEXITY INFLUENCES CASCADING EFFECTS OF MULTIPLE PREDATORS
Authors: Grabowski Jonathan H. , Hughes A. Randall , Kimbro David L.
Published: December 2008

Although multiple predator effects and trophic cascades have both been demonstrated in a wide variety of ecosystems, ecologists have yet to incorporate these studies into an experimental framework that also manipulates a common and likely important factor, spatial heterogeneity. We manipulated habitat complexity, the presence of two top predators (toadfish and blue crabs), and one intermediate predator (mud crabs) to determine whether habitat complexity influences the strength of multiple predator interactions across multiple trophic levels in experimental oyster reef communities. In the absence of toadfish, blue crabs caused significant mud crab mortality. Despite also directly consuming mud crabs, toadfish indirectly benefited this intermediate predator by decreasing blue crab consumption of mud crabs. Toadfish suppression of mud crab foraging activity, and thus decreased mud crab encounters with blue crabs, is likely responsible for this counterintuitive result. Contrary to previous investigations which suggest that more complex habitats reduce interference interactions among predators, reef complexity strengthened emergent multiple predator effects (MPEs) on mud crabs. The degree to which these MPEs cascaded down to benefit juvenile oysters (basal prey) depended on both habitat complexity and nonconsumptive effects derived from predator–predator interactions. Habitat complexity reduced the foraging efficiency of each crab species individually but released crab interference interactions when together, so that the two crabs collectively consumed more oysters on complex reefs. Regardless of reef complexity, toadfish consistently decreased consumption of oysters by both crab species individually and when together. Therefore, interactions between predator identity and habitat complexity structure trophic cascades on oyster reefs. Furthermore, these cascading effects of multiple predators were largely mediated by nonconsumptive effects in this system.
EFFECTS OF STAND AGE ON THE DEMOGRAPHY OF A TEMPERATE FOREST HERB IN POST‐AGRICULTURAL FORESTS
Authors: Jacquemyn Hans , Brys Rein
Published: December 2008

Changes in land use have been shown to have profound effects on forest plant community structure and diversity. Dispersal limitation has been invoked as a major factor hampering colonization of forest plant species, while seed‐sowing experiments and performance observations have provided some evidence for recruitment limitation determining forest plant distribution in post‐agricultural forests. However, most of these studies were relatively short‐term, and very few studies have investigated long‐term growth rates of populations occurring in recent and ancient forests. In this study, matrix models using demographic data collected for four consecutive years were used to study the effect of forest age on population dynamics of the temperate forest herb Primula elatior. A life table response experiment (LTRE) and elasticity analysis were used to analyze the effect of forest age on population growth rate (λ) and to decompose the effect of forest age on λ into contributions from each matrix element. Population growth increased logarithmically with increasing forest age. Bootstrap analyses showed that populations located in very recent forests (<50 years old) had growth rates that were significantly <1, whereas populations located in forests >150 years old had growth rates that were significantly >1. Summed elasticities for individual growth significantly decreased with increasing forest age, whereas summed elasticities for survival and fertility significantly increased with increasing forest age. The LTRE analysis showed that the increase in λ with increasing forest age was mainly due to increased seedling and juvenile growth and increased juvenile and adult survival. Our results indicate that past agricultural land use has long‐lasting effects on the demography of forest herbs and may provide an additional mechanistic explanation for the poor colonization capacity of many forest herbs in post‐agricultural forests.
LIFE ON THE ROCKS: HABITAT USE DRIVES MORPHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EVOLUTION IN LIZARDS
Authors: Goodman Brett A. , Miles Donald B. , Schwarzkopf Lin
Published: December 2008

As a group, lizards occupy a vast array of habitats worldwide, yet there remain relatively few cases where habitat use (ecology), morphology, and thus, performance, are clearly related. The best known examples include: increased limb length in response to increased arboreal perch diameter in anoles and increased limb length in response to increased habitat openness for some skinks. Rocky habitats impose strong natural selection on specific morphological characteristics, which differs from that imposed on terrestrial species, because moving about on inclined substrates of irregular sizes and shapes constrains locomotor performance in predictable ways. We quantified habitat use, morphology, and performance of 19 species of lizards (family Scincidae, subfamily Lygosominae) from 23 populations in tropical Australia. These species use habitats with considerable variation in rock availability. Comparative phylogenetic analyses revealed that occupation of rock‐dominated habitats correlated with the evolution of increased limb length, compared to species from forest habitats that predominantly occupied leaf litter. Moreover, increased limb length directly affected performance, with species from rocky habitats having greater sprinting, climbing, and clinging ability than their relatives from less rocky habitats. Thus, we found that the degree of rock use is correlated with both morphological and performance evolution in this group of tropical lizards.
EFFICIENT ESTIMATION OF ABUNDANCE FOR PATCHILY DISTRIBUTED POPULATIONS VIA TWO‐PHASE, ADAPTIVE SAMPLING
Authors: Conroy Michael J. , Runge Jonathan P. , Barker Richard J. , Schofield Matthew R. , Fonnesbeck Christopher J.
Published: December 2008

Many organisms are patchily distributed, with some patches occupied at high density, others at lower densities, and others not occupied. Estimation of overall abundance can be difficult and is inefficient via intensive approaches such as capture–mark–recapture (CMR) or distance sampling. We propose a two‐phase sampling scheme and model in a Bayesian framework to estimate abundance for patchily distributed populations. In the first phase, occupancy is estimated by binomial detection samples taken on all selected sites, where selection may be of all sites available, or a random sample of sites. Detection can be by visual surveys, detection of sign, physical captures, or other approach. At the second phase, if a detection threshold is achieved, CMR or other intensive sampling is conducted via standard procedures (grids or webs) to estimate abundance. Detection and CMR data are then used in a joint likelihood to model probability of detection in the occupancy sample via an abundance–detection model. CMR modeling is used to estimate abundance for the abundance–detection relationship, which in turn is used to predict abundance at the remaining sites, where only detection data are collected. We present a full Bayesian modeling treatment of this problem, in which posterior inference on abundance and other parameters (detection, capture probability) is obtained under a variety of assumptions about spatial and individual sources of heterogeneity. We apply the approach to abundance estimation for two species of voles (Microtusspp.) in Montana, USA. We also use a simulation study to evaluate the frequentist properties of our procedure given known patterns in abundance and detection among sites as well as design criteria. For most population characteristics and designs considered, bias and mean‐square error (MSE) were low, and coverage of true parameter values by Bayesian credibility intervals was near nominal. Our two‐phase, adaptive approach allows efficient estimation of abundance of rare and patchily distributed species and is particularly appropriate when sampling in all patches is impossible, but a global estimate of abundance is required.
METAPOPULATION DYNAMICS OVERRIDE LOCAL LIMITS ON LONG‐TERM PARASITE PERSISTENCE
Authors: Ram Karthik , Preisser Evan L. , Gruner Daniel S. , Strong Donald R.
Published: December 2008

A simple null model, particularly germane to small and vulnerable organisms such as parasites, is that local conditions set a stage upon which larger‐scale dynamics play out. Soil moisture strongly influences survival of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), which in turn drive trophic cascades by protecting vegetation from root‐feeding herbivores. In this study, we examine the mechanisms responsible for patchy occurrence of an entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis marelatus, in a California coastal prairie. One hypothesis proposes that biotic factors such as competition and natural enemies could regulate occurrence of EPN populations. We found that fungi and other enemies of EPN, although locally potent, did not explain the patterns of incidence across sites. Abiotic factors also have strong effects on EPN persistence, especially for vulnerable free‐living stages. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that patchy occurrence of EPN on a large landscape was driven by differences in soil moisture.

Our research uses long‐term data on nematode incidence in combination with a landscape‐level experiment to demonstrate the lack of a correlation between soil moisture and long‐term persistence. A year‐long experiment showed EPN mortality was weakly correlated with soil moisture among our study sites. Thirteen years of data, however, showed that colonization rates were highly correlated with long‐term persistence. Sites with highest long‐term persistence experienced the highest rates of rhizosphere colonization, extinction, and turnover. As a result, we concluded that metapopulation dynamics override limitations set by local and short‐term abiotic conditions to determine long‐term persistence in this parasite‐driven trophic cascade.
TESTING THE SPECIES TRAITS–ENVIRONMENT RELATIONSHIPS: THE FOURTH‐CORNER PROBLEM REVISITED
Authors: Dray Stéphane , Legendre Pierre
Published: December 2008

Functional ecology aims at determining the relationships between species traits and environmental variables in order to better understand biological processes in ecosystems. From a methodological point of view, this biological objective calls for a method linking three data matrix tables: a table L with abundance or presence–absence values for species at a series of sites, a table R with variables describing the environmental conditions of the sites, and a table Q containing traits (e.g., morphological or behavioral attributes) of the species. Ten years ago, the fourth‐corner method was proposed to measure and test the relationships between species traits and environmental variables using tables R, L, and Q simultaneously. In practice, this method is rarely used. The major reasons for this lack of interest are the restriction of the original method and program to presence–absence data in L and to the analysis of a single trait and a single environmental variable at a time. Moreover, ecologists often have problems in choosing a permutation model among the four originally proposed. In this paper, we revisit the fourth‐corner method and propose improvements to the original approach. First, we present an extension to measure the link between species traits and environmental variables when the ecological community is described by abundance data. A new multivariate fourth‐corner statistic is also proposed. Then, using numerical simulations, we discuss and evaluate the existing testing procedures. A new two‐step testing procedure is presented. We hope that these elements will help ecologists use the best possible methodology to analyze this type of ecological problem.
Unearthing the Construct of Transgenerational Grief: The “Ghost” of the Sibling Never Known
Authors: Kempson Diane , Conley Virginia M. , Murdock Victoria
Published: December 2008

A child's death profoundly affects family dynamics, stories, and even other siblings' perceived reasons for being. This influence is often sustained over time to affect not only the lost child's parents and siblings, but also future generations. Health care and mental health care workers frequently encounter such stories, but little is known about the actual phenomenon, which may be a form of disenfranchised grief. This conceptual article explores the construct of transgenerational grief as it pertains to adults' lifelong grief responses to a sibling whom they did not know, but whose “ghost” has been important in the family. The authors consider this construct within its historical family context, proposing that miscarriages and infant losses that a family experienced even a century ago may have resembled unresolved grief, due in part to brief, unresolved mourning. Bereavement theory, Bowenian family theory, and constructionist theory of grief are woven together to create speculative theoretical underpinnings to support transgenerational grief and its impact as uncovered in the authors' study of personal stories of sibling loss.
Surviving After Suicide Loss: The Healing Potential of Suicide Survivor Support Groups
Authors: Feigelman Beverly , Feigelman William
Published: December 2008

With participant observations from peer-facilitated suicide survivor support group meetings, collected over a four-year period, this article applies Shulman's dynamics of mutual aid theory to explain how survivors' healing is facilitated by support group participation. Shulman's principles provide guidance on how survivors help and empower each other to deal with their grief in survivor support groups. Group facilitators can provide more clarity and direction to survivors with Shulman's principles, better helping survivors to navigate the bewildering course of healing after suicide loss. We also suggest ways group facilitation knowledge—an essential resource for enhancing healing—can be more widely distributed.
Journeying with Morrie: Challenging Notions of Professional Delivery of Spiritual Care at the End of Life
Authors: Watts Jacqueline H.
Published: December 2008

The spiritual welfare of dying people has in recent years moved from the domain of religion to become the concern of health care professionals, particularly as part of the ideal of holism that underpins palliative care. Professional delivery of spiritual care incorporates the features of assessment, control, and treatment which may involve varying degrees of intrusion into the patient's deeply personal inner self. Using a case study approach, this article explores meanings of spirituality and understandings of what is meant by the term “spiritual care.” It argues that biographical and community approaches to spiritual care of dying people may be more congruent with the concept of the “whole person” because this support is rooted in an intimate contextual knowledge of the dying person by the caregiver. This challenges the dominant discourses of professional expertise to embrace informal personal and collective competence in this important aspect of end of life care.
Particle Velocity in a Dense Gas-Solid Fluidized Bed
Authors: Wang Qicheng , Zhang Kai , Yang Kuanli , Jiang Jianchun
Published: December 2008

The upflowing and downflowing particle velocities are investigated by using a two-optical fiber probe system in the dense gas-solid fluidized bed with an inner diameter of 0.185 m and a height of 3.000 m. Two kinds of glass ballotinis, belonging to Geldart type B classification, are selected as solid material. Experiments are conducted under different operating gas velocities, static bed heights, and particle diameters. The results indicate that the upflowing particle velocity is a strong function of operating gas velocity and particle diameter, while the downflowing particle velocity depends mainly on the operating gas velocity. When the ratio of the operating gas velocity to the minimum fluidization velocity of the particles keeps the same constant, the effect of the particle diameter on the upflowing and downflowing particle velocities can be ignored. Both direction and size of the solid particle velocity are related to the bubble behaviors in the fluidized bed, and the upflowing particle velocity is lower than the bubble rise velocity. Furthermore, the across-sectional, non-uniform flow structure in the bed increases slightly with increasing static bed height at the high operating gas velocity.
Atoll Garnets in "Achtarandite" Serpentinites: Morphology, Composition and Mode of Origin
Authors: Galuskina Irina , Galuskin Evgeny , Włodyka Roman , Dzierżanowski Piotr , Wrzalik Roman
Published: December 2008

Atoll Garnets in "Achtarandite" Serpentinites: Morphology, Composition and Mode of Origin

Atoll garnets in aposkarn serpentinite from the Wiluy River, Republic of Sakha-Yakutia, Russia, have the classic form comprising a garnet core, an intermediate zone filled with chlorite-group minerals and an outer garnet atoll. The core of an illustrated example is complexly zoned from schorlomite to grossular-andradite. Morphologically, the core is a rhombic dodecahedral crystal. The atoll crystallized as a tetragon-trisoctahedron with minor rhombic dodecahedron faces and is composed of hibschite and "hydroandradite". The atoll garnet formed as the result of selective dissolution and substitution by chlorite of an internal hibschite zone with columnar structure that became unstable under new conditions of crystallization. The pattern of dissolution traces defects in the garnet crystal. The growth of the atoll garnets reflects the main stages in the evolution of the Wiluy deposit itself and is associated with the development of the Siberian traps.
From Wodehouse to the White House: A Corpus-Assisted Study of Play, Fantasy and Dramatic Incongruity in Comic Writing and Laughter-Talk
Authors: Partington Alan
Published: December 2008

From Wodehouse to the White House: A Corpus-Assisted Study of Play, Fantasy and Dramatic Incongruity in Comic Writing and Laughter-Talk

In this paper I consider two discourse types, one written and literary, the other spoken and semi-conversational, in an attempt to discover if there are any similarities in the ways in which humour is generated in such apparently diverse forms of communication. The first part of the paper is concerned with the explicitly comic prose of P. G. Wodehouse, whilst in the second part of the paper, we investigate the laughter-talk, defined as the talk preceding and provoking, intentionally or otherwise, an episode of laughter, occurring during press briefings held at the White House during the Clinton era and the subsequent Bush administration. Both studies, by employing corpus analysis techniques together with detailed discourse reading, integrate quantitative and qualitative approaches to the respective data sets.
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) as a Summative Evaluation Tool in a Ruminant Health Management Rotation for Final-Year DVM Students
Authors: Bateman Ken , Menzies Paula , Sandals David , Duffield Todd , LeBlanc Stephen , Leslie Ken , Lissemore Kerry , Swackhammer Rob
Published: December 2008

The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) has been used for 10 years at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, to evaluate the clinical competencies in ruminant health management of final-year DVM students. The performance of these students in the summative assessment, which includes the use of OSCEs, was compared to their formative assessment, given at the end of the rotation. Specifically, classification of students’ performance as poor (bottom 10% of the grade range versus “serious deficits”) or superior (“A grade” versus “exceeds expectations”) was compared. Agreement between the two types of assessment is slight, regardless of whether assessing diagnostic process skills or technical skills—and regardless of whether all students were assessed or only those enrolled in food-animal or mixed streams in their final year—which suggests that the two assess different types of skills. OSCEs are a useful and viable tool for objectively assessing clinical skills in ruminant health management.
Clinical Preceptor Evaluation of Veterinary Students in a Distributed Model of Clinical Education
Authors: Carmen Fuentealba I. , Hecker Kent G.
Published: December 2008

The study reported here investigates the reliability and validity of a standardized evaluation form used to assess students’ knowledge, clinical skills, interpersonal skills, and professionalism during fourth-year clinical rotations in a distributed model of veterinary education. A form designed to assess veterinary knowledge (5 items), clinical skills (7 items), interpersonal skills (3 items), and professionalism (6 items) was used by clinical preceptors to evaluate student performance across different rotations. For the period January–May 2007, 218 evaluations were completed for 81 students; each student was assessed in at least two rotations. Mean scores across the 21 items ranged from 3.42 (SD = 0.61) to 3.87 (SD = 0.37). Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis. The 21 items loaded on three underlying factors, professionalism, knowledge and clinical skills, accounted for 70.35% of the variance. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of each subscale was high, ranging from 0.88 for clinical skills to 0.94 for professionalism and 0.96 for the entire tool. Correlations between subscales were significant (p < 0.01), ranging from r = 0.62 to r = 0.76. Preliminary analysis suggests that the evaluation tool has good internal reliability. Construct validity analysis suggests that certain items relating to interpersonal skills and clinical skills were assessing either knowledge or professionalism. Clinical preceptors could differentiate between different skill levels for knowledge and clinical skills. Challenges associated with the assessment of professionalism are discussed.
Clinical Veterinary Education: Insights from Faculty and Strategies for Professional Development in Clinical Teaching
Authors: Lane India F. , Strand Elizabeth
Published: December 2008

Missing in the recent calls for accountability and assurance of veterinary students’ clinical competence are similar calls for competence in clinical teaching. Most clinician educators have no formal training in teaching theory or method. At the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM), we have initiated multiple strategies to enhance the quality of teaching in our curriculum and in clinical settings. An interview study of veterinary faculty was completed to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of clinical education; findings were used in part to prepare a professional development program in clinical teaching. Centered on principles of effective feedback, the program prepares participants to organize clinical rotation structure and orientation, maximize teaching moments, improve teaching and participation during formal rounds, and provide clearer summative feedback to students at the end of a rotation. The program benefits from being situated within a larger college-wide focus on teaching improvement. We expect the program's audience and scope to continue to expand.
Assessing Competence in Veterinary Medical Education: Where's the Evidence?
Authors: Rhind Susan M. , Baillie Sarah , Brown Fiona , Hammick Marilyn , Dozier Marshall
Published: December 2008

A systematic review of the literature was carried out to determine the evidence for the reliability and validity of the assessment methods used in veterinary medical education. The review followed the approach used by the Best Evidence Medical Education (BEME) group. This process has established baseline data on published evidence and found that a relatively small number of articles exist relating to assessment specific to veterinary medical education. These articles include a number of general discussion papers, employer observations on graduate competence, and descriptions of methods to assess particular attributes—in particular, clinical skills. However, only five of the papers retrieved in this comprehensive search provide evidence relating to evaluation of the assessment method itself. There is a need for more research on assessment of clinical competence in veterinary medical education.
Monocyte Protein Signatures of Disease Severity in Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Hryniewicz-Jankowska Anita , Choudhary Pankaj K. , Ammann Larry P. , Quinn Charles T. , Goodman Steven R.
Published: December 2008

Using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D DIGE) we have analyzed monocytes derived from 10 sickle cell disease patients (5 males and 5 females ages 12–18) to generate hypotheses regarding signature proteins that appear most positively and negatively correlated with vasoocclusive event rate. Signature proteins have been identified by tandem mass spectrometry. Based on the limited number of samples analyzed, the most negatively correlated proteins related to crises rate were transketolase and coronin in the membrane fraction and heat shock 70 kDa protein cognate 4, and adenylate kinase isoenzyme 2, mitochondrial found in the cytosolic fraction. The protein spots that were most positively correlated with crisis rate in the cytoplasmic fraction were far upstream element-binding protein and Alpha actinin 1 or Alpha actinin 4. Utilizing StepSIM analysis, vinculin was able to classify all samples from the combined set and the membrane-only set, and cytosolic leukotriene A-4 hydrolase and phosphoglycerate kinase were also identified as important indicators for differentiating between low and high vasoocclusive event rates.
The Effect of TAK-778 on Gene Expression of Osteoblastic Cells Is Mediated Through Estrogen Receptor
Authors: Bellesini Larissa S. , Beloti Marcio M. , Crippa Grasiele E. , Bombonato-Prado Karina F. , Junta Cristina M. , Marques Marcia M. , Passos Geraldo A. , Rosa Adalberto L.
Published: December 2008

This study evaluated the effect of TAK-778 [( 2R, 4S)-(−)- N-(4-diethoxyphosphorylmethylphenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-4-methyl-7,8-methylenedioxy-5-oxo-3-benzothiepin-2-carboxamide)] on in vitro osteogenic events and on gene expression of osteoblastic cells derived from human alveolar bone and the participation of estrogen receptors (ERs) on such effect. Osteoblastic cells were subcultured, with or without TAK-778 (10−5M), to evaluate cell growth and viability, total protein content, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity at 7, 14, and 21 days; bone-like formation at 21 days; and gene expression, using cDNA microarray, at 7 days. Also, osteoblastic cells were exposed to TAK-778 (10−5M) combined to ICI182,780, a nonspecific ER antagonist (10−6M), and gene expression was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at 7 days. TAK-778 induced a reduction in culture growth and an increase in cell synthesis, ALP activity, and bone-like formation. The cDNA microarray showed genes associated with cell adhesion and differentiation, skeletal development, ossification, and transforming growth factor-β receptor signaling pathway, with a tendency to be higher expressed in cells exposed to TAK-778. The gene expression of ALP, osteocalcin, Msh homeobox 2, receptor activator of NF-kappa B ligand, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 was increased by TAK-778 as demonstrated by real-time PCR, and this effect was antagonized by ICI182,780. The present results demonstrated that TAK-778 acts at a transcriptional level to enhance the in vitro osteogenic process and that its effect on gene expression of osteoblastic cells is mediated, at least partially, through ERs. Based on these findings, TAK-778 could be considered in the treatment of bone metabolic disorders.
Plasma Cytokine Fluctuations over Time in Healthy Controls and Patients with Fibromyalgia
Authors: Togo Fumiharu , Natelson Benjamin H. , Adler Gail K. , Ottenweller John E. , Goldenberg Don L. , Struzik Zbigniew R. , Yamamoto Yoshiharu
Published: December 2008

We examined the pattern of cytokine secretion across the 24-hr day for women with widespread pain and tenderness having the diagnosis of fibromyalgia (FM) and matched healthy controls. Subjects were given time to habituate to being in a clinical research laboratory environment and then were sampled for cytokines without their being disturbed for a 24-hr period including an 8-hr sleep period. Cytokine levels were uniformly low but characterized by bursts of secretion. Bursting occurred either in singlets or in doublets with a range from 88 to 131 mins between doublet bursts. There was an element of synchronization of these bursts with most occurring at the beginning of sampling. FM patients showed a shift to increased IL-10 in the nighttime compared to controls. The relation between this anti-inflammatory cytokine to the pro-inflammatory cytokines studied also differed between groups: FM patients showed an increased ratio of IL-10 burst amplitude to that of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α. We interpret this to indicate a skew away from the normal balance favoring pro-inflammatory cytokines in controls toward one favoring an anti-inflammatory response in FM. These changes toward anti-inflammatory predominance in FM may explain their common complaint of disturbed sleep because these cytokines are known to disrupt sleep.
An Emulsion System Based on a Chip Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Ge Qinyu , Yu Pinfei , Bai Yunfei , Lu Zuhong
Published: December 2008

In this paper we describe a novel method for detecting many DNA fragments through efficient amplification by using an emulsion system based on “on-chip” PCR instead of conventional multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). During the preparation of on-chip PCR, a set of primers were immobilized on a slide and other sets were in an emulsion system. Different emulsion phase primers and other related PCR components were dispersed in different droplets of the emulsion system, and then, due to the thermal instability of emulsion droplets, they would be released onto the surface of the slide after preheating in the first PCR step. To test the above method, we used plasma DNAs from pregnant women who was carrying a male fetus for gender identification. Four different Y chromosome DNA fragments were selected. Results showed that different DNA fragments could be simultaneously amplified with satisfactory results. It is suggested that a simple, convenient and inexpensive on-chip PCR method has been developed.
Effects of Two Terpene Alcohols on the Antibacterial Activity and the Mode of Action of Farnesol against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Togashi Naoko , Inoue Yoshihiro , Hamashima Hajime , Takano Akihito
Published: December 2008

We have studied changes in the antibacterial activity and the mode of action of farnesol against Staphylococcus aureus when two terpene alcohols with an aliphatic carbon chain were added, individually, to a bacterial suspension that contained farnesol. Geraniol increased the growth-inhibitory activity of farnesol, but suppressed its ability to damage cell membranes, which is one of the predominant features of the growth-inhibitory activity of farnesol. Geranylgeraniol decreased the growth-inhibitory activity of farnesol and also suppressed its cell-damaging activity. It is possible that the presence of a terpene alcohol can both enhance and suppress the antibacterial activity of farnesol, and even change its mode of action. Thus, it is important to study not only the antibacterial activity of each constituent of an essential oil but also the interactions between them in efforts to characterize the antibacterial activity of the essential oil.
Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Pituitary Macroadenomas
Authors: Elhateer H. , Muanza T. , Roberge D. , Ruo R. , Eldebawy E. , Lambert C. , Patrocinio H. , Shenouda G. , Souhami L.
Published: December 2008

Background: The use of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) has evolved with technical advances in noninvasive immobilization, radiation delivery, and image guidance. The application of FSRT to pituitary tumours is aimed at reducing toxicity through improved dose conformality and reduced treatment margins. The aim of the present paper is to report our own experience and to review the published data on FSRT for pituitary macroadenomas. Methods: Between September 2000 and October 2005, 13 patients with pituitary macroadenoma underwent FSRT at our institution. In 12 patients, radiotherapy treatment followed surgical resection (transsphenoidal resection in 8, frontal craniotomy in 3, and multiple transsphenoidal resections followed by craniotomy in 1). In 4 patients, the tumours were functional (2 adrenocorticotropic hormone–secreting, 1 prolactinoma, and 1 growth hormone–secreting); the tumours in the remaining patients were clinically non-secretory. Before radiation, 3 patients had panhypopituitarism, and 6 patients had visual field defects. All patients were treated with FSRT using non-coplanar micro–multileaf collimation portals. A median dose of 50.4 Gy (range: 45–60 Gy) was prescribed to the 76.9%–95.2% isodose surface and delivered in 1.8-Gy fractions. The median planning target volume (gross tumour plus 3 mm) was 33.5 cm3 (range: 3.2–75 cm3). Results: After a median follow-up of 24 months (range: 6–60 months), local control was 100%. One patient achieved clinical complete response. Treatment was well tolerated acutely for all patients. Neither radiation-induced optic neuropathy nor any radiation-related endocrine dysfunction was observed in our patients. Conclusions: In accordance with published series, we found FSRT to be safe and effective in the management of large pituitary macroadenomas.
Cancer and Thrombosis: Recent Advances
Authors: Solymoss S.
Published: December 2008

The burden of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a challenging problem in the medical management of cancer patients. [...]
Chemotherapy-Induced Small Bowel Perforation in a Patient with Extrapulmonary Small-Cell Carcinoma of the Small Bowel
Authors: Owen S. , Chasen M.
Published: December 2008

Extrapulmonary small-cell carcinoma (EPSmCC) is a rare disease, and involvement of the small bowel is even more rare. [...]
INITIAL-VALUED FIRST-ORDER FUZZY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION IN BI-LEVEL INVENTORY MODEL WITH FUZZY DEMAND
Authors: Das Barun , Mahapatra Nirmal Kumar , Maiti Manoranjan
Published: December 2008

In the present paper, two methods for the solution of an initial valued first ordered fuzzy differential equation are presented and applied in a fuzzy EOQ model. The constructed model is a bi‐level inventory problem involving wholesaler‐retailers‐customers. The wholesaler buys and sells the item instantaneously to several retailers. In the next level, the retailers sell the units to customers with a time dependent imprecise demand, which introduce the fuzzy nature in the differential equation. The selling price of the item is a step‐wise time dependent decreasing function. The fuzzy objectives are transformed into crisp one following fuzzy extension principle and centroid formula. The model is illustrated through Interactive Fuzzy Decision Making (IFDM) and Multi Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) and the results from two methods are compared.
A Facile and Efficient Synthesis of Dihydroisobenzofuran Derivatives via Tandem Palladium‐Catalyzed Coupling, Propargyl‐Allenyl Rearrangement, [4+2] Cycloaddition and Aromatization Reaction
Authors: Shen Ruwei , Huang Xian , Chen Lingzhu
Published: December 2008

A variety of dihydroisobenzofuran derivatives has been prepared in good yields via an interesting sequential reaction consisting of palladium‐catalyzed coupling, propargyl‐allenyl rearrangement, [4+2] cycloaddition and aromatization. A double‐coupling, rearrangement, [4+2] cycloaddition and aromatization process is also described for the synthesis of more complex and diverse structures.
Time as a Dimension in High‐Throughput Homogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Blacquiere Johanna M. , Jurca Titel , Weiss Joseph , Fogg Deryn E.
Published: December 2008

High‐throughput screening offers major opportunities to accelerate the discovery and optimization of homogeneously catalyzed reactions. A general method for acquisition of reaction profiles through a high‐throughput quenching (HTQ) approach is described, which gives a more accurate picture of catalyst performance, e.g., total productivity, induction periods, selectivity and lifetime, than the customary analysis at a fixed, arbitrary time.
Kernel learning adaptive one‐step‐ahead predictive control for nonlinear processes
Authors: Liu Yi , Wang Haiqing , Li Ping
Published: December 2008

A Kernel learning adaptive one‐step‐ahead Predictive Control (KPC) algorithm is proposed for the general unknown nonlinear processes. The main structure of the KPC law is twofold. A one‐step‐ahead predictive model is first obtained by using the kernel learning (KL) identification framework. An analytical control law is then derived from Taylor linearization method, resulting in an efficient computation for on‐line implementation. The convergence analysis of the KPC control strategy is presented, meanwhile a new concept of adaptive modification index is proposed to improve the tracking ability of KPC and reject the unknown disturbance. This simple KPC scheme has few parameters to be chosen and small computation scale, which make it very suitable for real‐time control. Numerical simulations compared with a well‐tuned proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) controller on a nonlinear chemical process show the new KPC algorithm exhibits much better performance and more satisfactory robustness to both additive noise and unknown process disturbance. Copyright © 2008 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A chaotic immune algorithm with fuzzy adaptive parameters
Authors: He Hong , Qian Feng , Du Wenli
Published: December 2008

Adversity loss of the population usually leads to premature convergence problem of the algorithm. To deal with this problem, this paper presents a chaotic hypermutation immune algorithm (CHIA), which is built upon clonal selection principle and immune network regulatory mechanism. In CHIA, a bidirection adaptive chaotic hypermutation is introduced to create antibodies of a new genetic type. Simultaneously, a new immune network regulatory strategy based on the stimulation level of the antibody is devised to maintain current population adversity. Intensive comparison between CHIA and clonal selection algorithm (CLONALG) on function optimization is carried out and the simulation results show that CHIA can overcome the premature convergence problem in CLONALG. Additionally, parameter setting is a crucial and time‐consuming task in the algorithm design. Through the parameter analysis of CHIA, two fuzzy modules are constructed to tune hypermutation factor and death ratio automatically, which eventually form an improved fuzzy adaptive chaotic immune algorithm (FACIA). According to the encouraging results obtained, it can be concluded that FACIA can significantly enhance the adaptability and improve the convergent performance of CHIA through the application of fuzzy logic in parameter setting. Copyright © 2008 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.