bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quenching vibration along a harmonically excited linear structure using lumped masses
Authors: Cha Philip D. , Chen Chih-Yung
Published: November 2010

Undamped oscillators consisting of spring-mass systems are commonly deployed as vibration absorbers to quench excess vibration in structural systems. While masses can be easily made to specification, it is often costly and more difficult to manufacture springs with the desired stiffness values precisely. In this paper, lumped masses only are used to suppress vibration by imposing points of zero displacement or nodes anywhere along an arbitrarily supported elastic structure during harmonic excitations. An efficient approach is developed that can be used to tune the required lumped-mass parameters and their attachment locations so that nodes are induced at the desired locations. Instead of solving for lumped masses directly, one solves for the restoring forces exerted by the lumped masses, which can be easily obtained using Gauss elimination. These restoring forces are then used to tune the required mass parameters. Design plots are proposed that show all the feasible attachment locations, and numerical experiments are performed to validate the proposed scheme of quenching vibration using lumped masses only.
Modified projective synchronization and control of complex Chen and Lü systems
Authors: Mahmoud Gamal M , Ahmed Mansour E
Published: November 2010

In this paper we present a modified projective synchronization of complex Chen and Lü systems which were introduced recently in our work. These complex systems appear in many important fields of physics and engineering, for example, laser physics, nonlinear circuits and secure communication. The active control technique based on a Lyapunov function is used to synchronize the chaotic attractors of both identical and different systems. Controlling these attractors is investigated by adding a complex periodic forcing. The control performances are verified by calculating Lyapunov exponents. Numerical computations are presented to verify our analytical results for control functions to achieve the modified projective synchronization.
Number of meals eaten in relation to weight status among Norwegian adolescents
Authors: Vik Frøydis N. , Øverby Nina C. , Lien Nanna , Bere Elling
Published: November 2010

Aim: To assess the relationship between number of meals eaten and weight status, and to assess potential confounders of this relationship. Methods: A total of 2870 (participation rate: 85%) 9th and 10th graders (mean age: 15.5 years) at 33 schools completed questionnaires in May 2005. Number of meals was measured with questions asking whether they ate breakfast, lunch, dinner, and supper the day before, giving a scale ranging from zero to four meals/day. Data on gender, height, weight, education plans, intake of fruits and vegetables, consumption of unhealthy snacks, TV/computer time, physical activity level, and dieting were also collected. Results: The proportions of overweight adolescents related to the number of meals eaten were: 10% (0—1 meals, n = 107), 18% (2 meals, n = 399), 14% (3 meals, n = 925), and 10% (4 meals, n = 1402), p ≤ 0.001. Low education plans, high TV/computer time, low physical activity level, and dieting were all positively associated with both being overweight and not having four meals. Being a boy was positively associated with being overweight but negatively associated with not having four meals. High intake of unhealthy snacks was negatively associated with being overweight, but positively associated with not having four meals. In a logistic regression analysis, adjusting for all variables mentioned, odds ratio for being overweight were 0.8 (95% CI 0.3—1.9), 1.8 (95% CI 1.2—2.7) and 1.6 (95% CI 1.2—2.3), respectively, for eating one or zero, two, and three meals compared to four meals. Conclusions: Eating four meals/day was significantly negatively related to being overweight, also when controlling for potential confounding factors.
Postcoloniality and the Speaking Body: Revisioning the English Oral Competency Curriculum
Authors: Chawla Devika , Rodriguez Amardo
Published: November 2010

In this article the authors focus on the potentiality of postcolonial discourses to revision English oral competency courses that form a part of the general education and communication studies curriculum at numerous universities. The authors use as a case, the basic course in public speaking, which is often a mandatory course toward baccalaureate graduation at many universities. The authors offer the beginnings of an outline to help revision the public speaking course and propose that this outline can serve as a conceptual scheme to revision communication studies in ways that reflect and draw upon postcolonial frames and devices. The authors’ broader goal is to show one way that postcolonial work can make a practical disciplinary intervention. Leaning on key themes in postcolonial discourses, the authors outline the ways that this course can be pedagogically revised and suitably historicized. The authors also discuss various ways that a revised course can enlarge the capacity to engage a rapidly changing and evolving world that is laden with both peril and promise, and thereby allow them to more constructively enter and engage political economy, identity, culture, space, place, and history.
Bojungikki-Tang for Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Jong Soo Jeong  , Bong Ha Ryu  , Jin Sung Kim  , Jae Woo Park  , Won Cheol Choi  , Seong Woo Yoon
Published: November 2010

Background: Bojungikki-tang (Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang in Chinese or Hochu-ekki-to in Japanese) is a widely used herbal prescription in traditional medicine in China, Japan, and Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Bojungikki-tang for cancer-related fatigue. Methods: A total of 40 patients with cancer-related fatigue were randomized into an experimental or a waiting list control group. Patients in the experimental group were treated with Bojungikki-tang (TJ-41) and patients in the waiting list group remained without any intervention for 2 weeks. Results: The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in fatigue level assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale of Global Fatigue (VAS-F) measuring the severity of fatigue (experimental vs control: -1.1 ± 2.1 vs 0.1 ± 0.9, P < .05) and results of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—General (FACT-G), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Fatigue (FACT-F), and Trial Outcome Index—Fatigue (TOI-F) also showed significant improvements (FACT-G, 3.7 ± 9.9 vs -2.4 ± 9.5, P < .05; FACT-F,F, 8.0 ± 13.6 vs -2.2 ± 14.1, P < .05; TOI-F, 6.5 ± 9.2 vs -0.5 ± 10.9, P < .05). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that Bojungikki-tang may have beneficial effects on cancer-related fatigue and quality of lives in cancer patients. More rigorous trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of Bojungikki-tang.
The Syntax of Defection and Cooperation
Authors: Albarracín Dolores , Noguchi Kenji , Fischler Ira
Published: November 2010

The syntactic organization of incidentally presented word pairs may affect behavior by providing actors with implicit propositions about how to behave. In Experiment 1, participants who had already played turns of a mixed-motive game were less cooperative after an explicit propositional suggestion that they had been nice in prior turns but were more cooperative after the suggestion that they should be nice in upcoming turns. In three subsequent experiments, implicit priming with the phrase nice act produced greater levels of defection, implying that actors responded to the implicit suggestion that they had been sufficiently nice already. In contrast, act nice produced greater levels of cooperation, implying that actors responded to the implicit suggestion that they should try to be nicer in upcoming turns. These effects occurred outside of awareness and disappeared when the interval between the words was long and when behavior was measured after a delay.
Bayesian inference of the number of factors in gene-expression analysis: application to human virus challenge studies
Authors: Chen Bo , Chen Minhua , Paisley John , Zaas Aimee , Woods Christopher , Ginsburg Geoffrey S , Hero Alfred , Lucas Joseph , Dunson David , Carin Lawrence
Published: November 2010

Background

Nonparametric Bayesian techniques have been developed recently to extend the sophistication of factor models, allowing one to infer the number of appropriate factors from the observed data. We consider such techniques for sparse factor analysis, with application to gene-expression data from three virus challenge studies. Particular attention is placed on employing the Beta Process (BP), the Indian Buffet Process (IBP), and related sparseness-promoting techniques to infer a proper number of factors. The posterior density function on the model parameters is computed using Gibbs sampling and variational Bayesian (VB) analysis.

Results

Time-evolving gene-expression data are considered for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Rhino virus, and influenza, using blood samples from healthy human subjects. These data were acquired in three challenge studies, each executed after receiving institutional review board (IRB) approval from Duke University. Comparisons are made between several alternative means of per-forming nonparametric factor analysis on these data, with comparisons as well to sparse-PCA and Penalized Matrix Decomposition (PMD), closely related non-Bayesian approaches.

Conclusions

Applying the Beta Process to the factor scores, or to the singular values of a pseudo-SVD construction, the proposed algorithms infer the number of factors in gene-expression data. For real data the "true" number of factors is unknown; in our simulations we consider a range of noise variances, and the proposed Bayesian models inferred the number of factors accurately relative to other methods in the literature, such as sparse-PCA and PMD. We have also identified a "pan-viral" factor of importance for each of the three viruses considered in this study. We have identified a set of genes associated with this pan-viral factor, of interest for early detection of such viruses based upon the host response, as quantified via gene-expression data.
Suppression of microRNA-31 increases sensitivity to 5-FU at an early stage, and affects cell migration and invasion in HCT-116 colon cancer cells
Authors: Wang Chao-Jie , Stratmann Johannes , Zhou Zong-Guang , Sun Xiao-Feng
Published: November 2010

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenously expressed noncoding RNAs with important biological and pathological functions. Although several studies have shown that microRNA-31 (miR-31) is obviously up-regulated in colorectal cancer (CRC), there is no study on the functional roles of miR-31 in CRC.

Methods

Anti-miR™ miRNA 31 inhibitor (anti-miR-31) is a sequence-specific and chemically modified oligonucleotide to specifically target and knockdown miR-31 molecule. The effect of anti-miR-31 transfection was investigated by real-time PCR. HCT-116p53+/+and HCT-116p53-/-colon cancer cells were treated by anti-miR-31 with or without 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay; apoptosis was detected by DAPI staining; cell cycle was evaluated by flow cytometry; colony formation, migration and invasion assays were performed to investigate the effect of suppression of miR-31 on the cell lines.

Results

Real-time PCR results showed that anti-miR-31 was efficiently introduced into the cells and reduced miR-31 levels to 44.1% in HCT-116p53+/+and 67.8% in HCT-116p53-/-cell line (p= 0.042 and 0.046). MTT results showed that anti-miR-31 alone had no effect on the proliferation of HCT-116p53+/+or HCT-116p53-/-. However, when combined with 5-FU, anti-miR-31 inhibited the proliferation of the two cell lines as early as 24 h after exposure to 5-FU (p= 0.038 and 0.044). Suppression of miR-31 caused a reduction of the migratory cells by nearly 50% compared with the negative control in both HCT-116p53+/+and HCT-116p53-/-(p= 0.040 and 0.001). The invasive ability of the cells were increased by 8-fold in HCT-116p53+/+and 2-fold in HCT-116p53-/-(p= 0.045 and 0.009). Suppression of miR-31 had no effect on cell cycle and colony formation (p> 0.05).

Conclusions

Suppression of miR-31 increases sensitivity to 5-FU at an early stage, and affects cell migration and invasion in HCT-116 colon cancer cells.
The Cambridge Post-Keynesians: An Outsider's Insider View
Authors: Bliss Christopher
Published: November 2010

The paper examines the so-called Cambridge post-Keynesians from the point of view of one who was exposed to them as an undergraduate, with the addition of some mature thoughts. As confirmed by Luigi Pasinetti in his 2007 book Keynes and the Cambridge Keynesians: A “Revolution in Economics” to Be Accomplished, there was never a unified school. A major theme, particularly for Joan Robinson, was the theory of investment advanced by Keynes in his General Theory. This in turn is examined critically. The post-Keynesian group, with the notable exception of Nicholas Kaldor, proved to be remarkably unproductive. This is explained by an essentially negative approach and by a tradition of self-righteous intolerance that goes back to Keynes himself.
Plato's Supposed Defense of the Division of Labor: A Reexamination of the Role of Job Specialization in theRepublic
Authors: Silvermintz Daniel
Published: November 2010

This article challenges the long-standing belief that Plato is an early proponent of the division of labor on account of the political proposals advanced in the Republic. In contrast, I contend that the Republic offers a radical critique—rather than any endorsement—of job specialization and its accompanying psychological orientation toward acquisitiveness. The article begins with a methodological section that attempts to explain the origin of the common misreading of Plato's works and forwards an interpretive framework for situating arguments raised in the Platonic dialogues in their dramatic and dialogic contexts. Having established these hermeneutic principles, the article proceeds to analyze the shifting significance of job specialization within the imaginary cities that are considered in the Republic and concludes that the dialogue ultimately critiques job specialization insofar as it prevents the individual from harmonizing his own soul and hinders his actualization of his natural job to philosophize.
Why Institutions Are Not the Only Thing That Matters: Twenty-Five Years of Health Care Reform in New Zealand
Authors: Starke Peter
Published: November 2010

The literature on the causes of health care reform is dominated by institutionalist accounts, and political institutions are among the most prominent factors cited to explain why change takes place. However, institutionalist accounts have difficulty explaining both the timing and the content of reforms. By applying a range of explanatory approaches to a case study of health reform in New Zealand since the 1970s, this article explores some of the theories of reform beyond institutionalism, particularly those that take into account problem pressure, policy ideas, and the more agency-centered factor of partisan ideology. The aim is not to dismiss institutionalism but to try to fill some of the gaps that cannot be addressed with institutionalist theories alone. The detailed analysis shows that various factors played a role in conjunction, namely, problem pressure, policy ideas, and the ideology of parties in government. Partisan ideology, in particular, has perhaps been prematurely ignored by health care scholars.
The New Institutionalist Approaches to Health Care Reform: Lessons from Reform Experiences in Central Europe
Authors: Sitek Michał
Published: November 2010

This article discusses the applicability of the new institutionalism to the politics of health care reform in postcommunist Central Europe. The transition to a market economy and democracy after the fall of communism has apparently strengthened the institutional approaches. The differences in performance of transition economies have been critical to the growing understanding of the importance of institutions that foster democracy, provide security of property rights, help enforce contracts, and stimulate entrepreneurship. From a theoretical perspective, however, applying the new institutionalist approaches has been problematic. The transitional health care reform exposes very well some inherent weaknesses of existing analytic frameworks for explaining the nature and mechanisms of institutional change. The postcommunist era in Central Europe has been marked by spectacular and unprecedented radical changes, in which the capitalist system was rebuilt in a short span of time and the institutions of democracy became consolidated. Broad changes to welfare state programs were instituted as well. However, the actual results of the reform processes represent a mix of change and continuity, which is a challenge for the theories of institutional change.
The investigation of patients with hypertension: who might have a secondary cause?
Authors: Warren Roderick E , Padfield Paul L
Published: November 2010

In an important minority of hypertensive patients, hypertension is secondary to an identifiable primary condition. Failure to consider secondary hypertension may result in failure to diagnose and treat harmful or life-threatening primary causes, and also ineffective blood pressure management. This article reviews the main causes of secondary hypertension, with an emphasis on their clinical clues and whom to investigate, along with their management options.
Modeling Multivariate Distributions Using Copulas: Applications in Marketing
Authors: Danaher Peter J. , Smith Michael S.
Published: November 2010

In this research we introduce a new class of multivariate probability models to the marketing literature. Known as “copula models,” they have a number of attractive features. First, they permit the combination of any univariate marginal distributions that need not come from the same distributional family. Second, a particular class of copula models, called “elliptical copula,” has the property that they increase in complexity at a much slower rate than existing multivariate probability models as the number of dimensions increase. Third, they are very general, encompassing a number of existing multivariate models and providing a framework for generating many more. These advantages give copula models a greater potential for use in empirical analysis than existing probability models used in marketing. We exploit and extend recent developments in Bayesian estimation to propose an approach that allows reliable estimation of elliptical copula models in high dimensions. Rather than focusing on a single marketing problem, we demonstrate the versatility and accuracy of copula models with four examples to show the flexibility of the method. In every case, the copula model either handles a situation that could not be modeled previously or gives improved accuracy compared with prior models.
A Test Protocol to Quantify the Uplift Resistance of Adhesive Applied Roofing Specimens Subjected to Tensile Loading
Authors: Baskaran A. , Current J. , Tanaka H.
Published: November 2010

Adhesive applied roofing systems (AARS), a new generation of built-up roofs, are gaining popularity in North American low slope application. AARS uses no fasteners and all components (e.g., deck, vapour barrier, insulation board, and membrane) are integrated by the use of adhesives. As there are no metal fasteners, AARS can offer an advantage of reduction in condensation and thermal bridges for the roof assemblies. Even though, AARS have been in use, there have been no standard that exists to quantify its wind uplift performances. An industries-university-Canadian government collaborative research project, “Development of Wind Uplift Standard for Adhesive Applied Low Slope Roofing System,” has been initiated with three major tasks: Experimental investigation, formulation of a numerical model and development of wind design guide and standards. This paper documents a standardized small scale laboratory test method for the quantification of uplift resistance subject to tensile loading. As part of Task 1 of the project, this systematic investigation focuses on three key parameters: Loading rate, specimen size and end condition. The investigations were completed by constructing over 400 specimens. Both the maximum uplift resistance and the consistence in the failure plane are equally considered during the test method standardization. The data from this small scale testing can facilitate roofing industries to optimize the material combinations such that the uplift resistance data can be used as an indicator before performing a full-scale wind uplift testing.
Considerations for Thermal Injury Analysis for RF Ablation Devices
Authors: Chang Isaac A.
Published: November 2010

Background:

The estimation of lesion size is an integral part of treatment planning for the clinical applications of radiofrequency ablation. However, to date, studies have not directly evaluated the impact of different computational estimation techniques for predicting lesion size. In this study, we focus on three common methods used for predicting tissue injury: (1) iso-temperature contours, (2) Cumulative equivalent minutes, (3) Arrhenius based thermal injury.

Methods:

We created a geometric model of a multi-tyne ablation electrode and simulated thermal and tissue injury profiles that result from three calculation methods after 15 minutes exposure to a constant RF voltage source. A hybrid finite element technique was used to calculate temperature and tissue injury. Time-temperature curves were used in the assessment of iso-temperature thresholds and the method of cumulative equivalent minutes. An Arrhenius-based formulation was used to calculate sequential and recursive thermal injury to tissues.

Results:

The data demonstrate that while iso-temperature and cumulative equivalent minute contours are similar in shape, these two methodologies grossly over-estimate the amount of tissue injury when compared to recursive thermal injury calculations, which have previously been shown to correlate closely within vitropathologic lesion volume measurement. In addition, Arrhenius calculations that do not use a recursive algorithm result in a significant underestimation of lesion volume. The data also demonstrate that lesion width and depth are inadequate means of characterizing treatment volume for multi-tine ablation devices.

Conclusions:

Recursive thermal injury remains the most physiologically relevant means of computationally estimating lesion size for hepatic tumor applications. Iso-thermal and cumulative equivalent minute approaches may produce significant errors in the estimation of lesion size.
Stem/Progenitor Cells, Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Regeneration
Authors: Dotsenko Olena
Published: November 2010

Regenerative cell based therapy has potential to become effective adjuvant treatment for patients with atherosclerotic disease. Although data from animal studies support this notion, clinical studies undertaken in patients with acute and chronic coronary artery disease do not conclusively demonstrate benefits of such therapy. There are many questions on the stem cell translational roadmap. The basic mechanisms of stem cell-dependent tissue regeneration are not well understood. There is a debate regarding characterization of specific cell types conferring therapeutic effects. In particular, the role of endothelial progenitor cells as a specific reparative cell subtype is questioned, and the role of myeloid cell linage in fostering of vasculo- and angiogenesis is being increasingly appreciated. Intense discussions surround the place of stem/progenitor cells in atherosclerosis progression, plaque destabilization and vessel remodeling. This paper summarizes the current knowledge on the regenerative stem/progenitor cell definitions, mechanisms of stem cell trafficking, homing and their involvement in atherosclerosis progression.
Episodes of Fall Asleep During Day Time in an Elder Woman with Vascular Dementia: Impact on Cerebral Ischeamic Tolerance and Utility of ECG Holter Monitoring
Authors: Ciulla Michele M , Acquistapace Giulia , Paliotti Roberta , Benfenati Chiara , Magrini Fabio
Published: November 2010

Here we report the case of an 86-year-old woman with advanced dementia addressed to our service for routinary ECG Holter Monitoring (EHM) for bradycardia in AV block type I. Several day-time episodes of fall-asleep while sitting had been previously reported by the nurse and generally attributed to the dementia itself, without taking into consideration the hypothesis of an AV block. The EHM reading reported several and often subsequent pauses (561), many of them critical, the longest lasting 15,9 s with no changes in clinical condition of the patient. The results of the EHM were reported to the physicians in charge for the patient and subsequently the woman was referred to the arrhythmology unit for pace-maker device implantation. Generalizing our experience, we suggest that advanced dementia, often associated with episodes of fall-asleep, could mask a conduction disturbance causing critical pauses with syncope; therefore we suggest screening those patients for possible arrhythmic disorders. Finally, we remark that in our patient the pauses weren’t associated with a worsening of the patient as seen in the follow-up, and this fact supports the hypothesis that vascular dementia could increase cerebral ischaemic tolerance.
From Systematic Reviews to Clinical Recommendations for Evidence-Based Health Care: Validation of Revised Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (R-AMSTAR) for Grading of Clinical Relevance
Authors: Kung Jason , Chiappelli Francesco , Cajulis Olivia O , Avezova Raisa , Kossan George , Chew Laura , Maida Carl A
Published: November 2010

Research synthesis seeks to gather, examine and evaluate systematically research reports that converge toward answering a carefully crafted research question, which states the problem patient population, the intervention under consideration, and the clinical outcome of interest. The product of the process of systematically reviewing the research literature pertinent to the research question thusly stated is the “systematic review”.

The objective and transparent approach of the systematic review aims to minimize bias. Most systematic reviews yield quantitative analyses of measurable data (e.g., acceptable sampling analysis, meta-analysis). Systematic reviews may also be qualitative, while adhering to accepted standards for gathering, evaluating, and reporting evidence. Systematic reviews provide highly rated recommendations for evidence-based health care; but, systematic reviews are not equally reliable and successful in minimizing bias.

Several instruments are available to evaluate the quality of systematic reviews. The 'assessment of multiple systematic reviews' (AMSTAR) was derived from factor analysis of the most relevant items among them. AMSTAR consists of eleven items with good face and content validity for measuring the methodological quality of systematic reviews, has been widely accepted and utilized, and has gained in reliability, reproducibility. AMSTAR does not produce quantifiable assessments of systematic review quality and clinical relevance.

In this study, we have revised the AMSTAR instrument, detracting nothing from its content and construct validity, and utilizing the very criteria employed in the development of the original tool, with the aim of yielding an instrument that can quantify the quality of systematic reviews. We present validation data of the revised AMSTAR (R-AMSTAR), and discuss its implications and application in evidence-based health care.
Trauma Mechanisms and Injuries Associated with Go-Karting
Authors: Eker Hasan H. , Van Lieshout Esther M.M , Hartog Dennis Den , Schipper Inger B
Published: November 2010

Annually, approximately 600 patients seek medical attention after go-kart accidents in the Netherlands. A large variability in injury patterns can be encountered. Knowledge of the trauma mechanisms of go-kart accidents and insight into the associated injuries is limited and requires improvement. Such additional knowledge may lead to customized trauma protocols for patients with a high index of suspicion on go-kart injuries. Research into trauma mechanisms may also lead to implementation of improved or additional safety measures for go-karting, involving both the go-karts itself as well as prerequisites to the go-kart tracks and qualifications for the drivers. The main trauma mechanisms involved in gokart accidents, and three cases to illustrate the variety of injuries are described in the current manuscript.
Modeling, Instrumentation, Automation, and Optimization of Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Authors: Sweeney Michael W. , Kabouris John C.
Published: November 2010

A review of the literature published in 2009 on topics relating to wastewater treatment innovations in the areas of modeling, instrumentation, automation and optimization of wastewater treatment is presented.
Succession of Beaver Ponds in Colorado 50 Years After Beaver Removal
Authors: Hay Keith G.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT In 1954 and 1955, I conducted studies on 4 beaver (Castor canadensis) colonies in Routt County, Colorado, USA, to develop a reliable and practical census method. In fall of 1955, these colonies were trapped to extirpation to obtain accurate counts and colony compositions. I established photo stations and took a series of photographs approximately every 5 years, in late September, from 1955 to 2005 to document beaver‐population dynamics and beaver‐pond successional changes after complete beaver removal. The number and configuration of dams, ponds, and canals remained remarkably similar, with maintenance conducted by succeeding generations of beaver. Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) and autumn willow (Salix serissima) boundaries also remained stable, but conifers slowly encroached. At 3 of 4 colony sites, beaver did not attempt to construct food caches for overwintering. By fall of 2005, the fourth site was also without a cache. Carrying capacity of these areas was likely limited by severe winter weather at 2,620‐m to 2,900‐m elevations, aspen depletion, pond‐depth reduction, and sustained grazing by cattle. Although beaver carefully maintained dams, pond depths were reduced in most cases. This slow transition from an aquatic to a terrestrial system is a natural progression in this region.
Early Steroid Withdrawal in Repeat Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Mujtaba Muhammad A. , Taber Tim E. , Goggins William C. , Yaqub Muhammad S. , Mishler Dennis P. , Milgrom Martin L. , Fridell Jonathan A. , Lobashevsky Andrew , Powelson John A. , Sharfuddin Asif A.
Published: November 2010

Background and objectives

Kidney re-transplantation (KRT) candidates are considered at high risk for graft failure. Most of these patients are kept on a chronic steroid maintenance (CSM) regimen. The safety of early steroid withdrawal (ESW) remains unanswered in KRT.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This study was aimed at comparing the outcomes of ESW and CSM in KRT. Retrospective analysis of 113 KRT patients (ESW, n = 59; CSM, n = 54) was performed. All patients received rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin/steroid induction and were maintained on mycophenolate/tacrolimus (±steroids).

Results

One- and 5-year patient survival for the ESW and the CSM group were not significantly different (98 versus 96% and 91 versus 88%, respectively; P = 0.991). No significant difference was seen in the graft survival for both groups at 1 and 5 years (98 versus 93% and 80 versus 74%, respectively; P = 0.779). Mean 1- and 5-year estimated GFR was not statistically different between the groups (P = 0.773 and 0.790, respectively). The incidence of acute rejection at 1 year was 17 and 22% in ESW and CSM patients, respectively (P = 0.635). Compared with the ESW group, patients in the CSM group were more likely to be hyperlipidemic (P = 0.044), osteoporotic (P = 0.010), post-transplant diabetics (P = 0.051) and required more medications to control BP (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

ESW seems to be a reasonable approach in KRT recipients because the short and intermediate patient survival, graft survival, and graft function is comparable to CSM immunosuppression.
Switching from Calcineurin Inhibitor-based Regimens to a Belatacept-based Regimen in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Rostaing Lionel , Massari Pablo , Garcia Valter Duro , Mancilla-Urrea Eduardo , Nainan Georgy , Rial Maria del Carmen , Steinberg Steven , Vincenti Flavio , Shi Rebecca , Di Russo Greg , Thomas Dolca , Grinyó Josep
Published: November 2010

Background and objectives

Prolonged use of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) in kidney transplant recipients is associated with renal and nonrenal toxicity and an increase in cardiovascular risk factors. Belatacept-based regimens may provide a treatment option for patients who switch from CNI-based maintenance immunosuppression.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This is a randomized, open-label Phase II trial in renal transplant patients with stable graft function and receiving a CNI-based regimen. Patients who were ≥6 months but ≤36 months after transplantation were randomized to either switch to belatacept or continue CNI treatment. All patients received background maintenance immunosuppression. The primary end point was the change in calculated GFR (cGFR) from baseline to month 12.

Results

Patients were randomized either to switch to belatacept (n = 84) or to remain on a CNI-based regimen (n = 89). At month 12, the mean (SD) change from baseline in cGFR was higher in the belatacept group versus the CNI group. Six patients in the belatacept group had acute rejection episodes, all within the first 6 months; all resolved with no allograft loss. By month 12, one patient in the CNI group died with a functioning graft, whereas no patients in the belatacept group had graft loss. The overall safety profile was similar between groups.

Conclusions

The study identifies a potentially safe and feasible method for switching stable renal transplant patients from a cyclosporine- or tacrolimus-based regimen to a belatacept-based regimen, which may allow improved renal function in patients currently treated with CNIs.
Embedding Information Literacy in a University Subject through Collaborative Partnerships
Authors: Hine Alison , Gollin Sandra , Ozols Anita , Hill Frank , Scoufis Michele
Published: November 2010

Curricula designed to develop tomorrow's professionals recognise that information literacy will be developed and implemented to ever increasing degrees. The current challenge to tertiary education is to embed information literacy in authentic meaningful practice in academic tasks at all levels. An innovative and multifaceted approach to the development of information literacy has been implemented at an Australian tertiary institution. The approach which involved collaboration among the university's academic teaching staff, professional developers, academic learning skills advisers and librarians aims to empower students from a variety of backgrounds to confidently utilise a range of information literacy strategies. Scaffolded academic tasks afforded students the opportunity of acquiring skills in information gathering, recognising relevance, critical thinking and reflection. The project contributed to the development of independent, confident, critical thinking students who were able to meaningfully evaluate and utilise information in a variety of contexts.
How Should We Best Train Clinical Psychology Supervisors? A Delphi Survey
Authors: Green David , Dye And Louise
Published: November 2010

Although clinical supervision plays a major part in the professional training of clinical psychologists, there are as yet no agreed guidelines for preparing supervisors for this key educational role. This article uses the Delphi approach to see whether an expert panel of UK clinical psychologists could come to a consensus on what the most suitable components of such a supervisor training programme might be.
Supporting Open and Distance Learners with Computer Conferencing: Potential Benefits and Barriers
Authors: Rogers Tanya , Nelson John
Published: November 2010

The aim of this paper is to outline the issues surrounding online support for open and distance learners in a dual-mode department. In recent years with the acceptance of learning as a lifelong process, many UK universities have broadened their remit to embrace a larger and more diverse learner population. This cultural change in education policy has corresponded with rapid developments in educational technology. The Open Learning Unit (OLU), University of Wales, Aberystwyth, was established in 1993 specifically to develop open and distance learning degree schemes. It is directed by an educational philosophy of learner-centred, open and flexible learning. Central to this work is the implementation and maintenance of a learner support system, which includes the use of computer conferencing. Using over 600 distance learners from a Department of Information Studies as a case study, this paper aims to outline the issue of support for open and distance learners, describe the benefits and barriers of computer conferencing as a support medium, and consider the potential of social cognition research to investigate lurking behaviour in online teaching and learning environments.
Students' Views of Group-Based Work and the Issue of Peer Assessment
Authors: Edgerton Edward , McKechnie Jim
Published: November 2010

This paper evaluates the introduction of a ‘new’ form of assessment in a final year psychology undergraduate module. The assessment required students to work in groups (N = 3 or 4) to produce a conference-style poster that presented personality data collated from the whole class. The final grade for each student on this assessment reflected a group mark for the poster, a peer assessment mark from their group and their individual performance on a question and answer session on the poster. The evaluation focussed on (i) students perception of this piece of assessment, (ii) the relationship between different elements of this assessment and the module exam, and (iii) issues surrounding reciprocity in group work. The main findings suggested that generally students found the poster comparable to other forms of assessment they had experienced in terms of difficulty and effort required, and that on the whole they were positive about the assessment despite misgivings about group organisation and dynamics. In addition, the assessed elements of the poster did not correlate with performance on the exam, suggesting that they may relate to different skills. Finally, the results suggested that the measurement of reciprocity in peer assessment may be more complex where small groups are concerned.
Online Health Psychology: Do Students Need it, Use it, like it and Want it?
Authors: Upton Dominic , Cooper Carol D.
Published: November 2010

Health psychology is taught across a range of courses throughout higher education institutions in the UK. This study aimed firstly to produce online teaching material in health psychology, ensuring that students from a range of courses and levels can access appropriate material. The second aim, which is the focus of this report, was to explore students' views on the material, their performance with the material and to explore any student group differences. Results suggested that some students taught through the online medium performed at a higher level in examinations than those taught through ‘traditional lectures’, and performance was correlated with usage of the material for psychology students. Furthermore, students appeared to enjoy the material although there was some reluctance to develop an independent learning style. There was also a noted difference between different student groups in terms of their views on the material and the rewards derived from it. It was apparent that material has to be developed that can both engage and motivate learners, thereby further developing independent learning, and that this may have to be tailored dependent on a number of student factors.
Student Background and Course Involvement among First-Year College Students in Introduction to Psychology: Implications for Course Design and Student Achievement
Authors: Hardy Sam A. , Zamboanga Byron L. , Thompson Ross A. , Reay Deborah
Published: November 2010

Research suggests that measures of student background (aptitude tests, prior grades and prior coursework) and course involvement (attendance and participation) predict course achievement. However, the relative contribution of these variables remains unclear. This study utilised path analysis to examine the relative roles of student background and course involvement in predicting exam performance in an introduction to psychology course. Also, course involvement was tested as a potential mediator between student background and performance. Instructor records and student (N = 108) self-report data were used. Only background variables significantly predicted exam performance. Additionally, course involvement did not mediate the relations between background variables and performance. The findings suggest that prior preparation significantly influences understanding of psychology in introductory psychology courses and that course design may influence the importance of course involvement in predicting student achievement in such courses.
Marking University Examinations: Some Lessons from Psychophysics
Authors: Laming Donald
Published: November 2010

This paper looks at four simple psychophysical experiments and spells out the implications that their results have for the marking of examinations on the basis that: (i) the process of marking examination scripts is dominated by the psychology of the assessor, not by the material that is being marked; (ii) the examiner marking a psychology essay is, psychologically speaking, the same assessor as the participant who participates in a psychophysical experiment; and (iii) the psychology of assessment (in general) can be inferred from a psychophysical experiment to an extent that is impossible with examination scripts. The difference is that psychophysical stimuli admit physical measurement, from which accuracy of assessment can be calculated, while examination scripts do not. The paper finishes with some suggestions how the reliability (not necessarily the validity) of examination marking might be improved.
The Purposes of Assessment
Authors: Newstead Stephen
Published: November 2010

There can be a wide variety of different purposes for the assessment of students. Both staff and students have views about what these purposes might be, but there is evidence that their views do not always coincide. The little evidence that exists relating to the effectiveness of assessment in achieving its purposes is not encouraging. Assessment seems to lead students to adopt any strategy which they think will lead to a good mark, including rote learning, game playing and cheating. Things may improve if lecturers communicate clearly with students what the purposes of assessment are and ensure that their marking reflects those purposes.
Presenting Controversial Issues in Applied Psychology through Debate-Style Peer Teaching
Authors: Simpson Kevin
Published: November 2010

This article describes a simple method for presenting controversial issues in applied psychology that can be used in many liberal arts courses that introduce complex, and often contradictory, research findings. Evaluation of a debate-style, peer teaching activity occurred over separate semesters. Because students vary widely in their familiarity and facility with debate technique, I emphasised collaboration and the development of oral presentation skills rather than structured debate requirements, such as cross-examination and rebuttal, requisite to previously used debate methods. Student ratings of the effectiveness of this method were very favourable, although further research is required to elaborate the extent to which this peer teaching method directly influences student learning.
Access to Online Resources: A Case Study
Authors: Beaman C. Philip , Harvey Alistair J.
Published: November 2010

The implementation and use of a Blackboard virtual learning environment (VLE) is described. The VLE was accessible by all Part 1 psychology students at the University of Reading. Data show that students readily made use of the VLE although there were age and gender differences in accessing the VLE that interacted with other variables. Importantly, although there were some minor differences between patterns of access by students with home access to the internet and students without such access, there were no differences in overall access rates. Data also show that this cohort of students performed significantly better than the previous cohort on Part 1 exams but there was no correlation between access to the VLE and Part 1 exam results.
Development of PBL in the Training of Clinical Psychologists
Authors: Stedmon Jacqui , Wood Jim , Curle Christine , Haslam Cath
Published: November 2010

Problem Based Learning (PBL) is a recent introduction into the training of clinical psychologists and seems to be a promising strategy for supporting the development of competencies in trainees on doctoral programmes. This paper reports on the introduction and assessment of PBL in a hybrid curriculum and relates this to competence and learning outcomes. Issues in evaluation are considered. Early indications suggest that both trainees and programme staff recognise the value of PBL in acquiring skills required in clinical practice. PBL is being developed in a variety of ways that will provide more information on the transferability and generalisability of this approach.
Mathematical Prerequisites for Learning Statistics in Psychology: Assessing Core Skills of Numeracy and Mathematical Reasoning among Undergraduates
Authors: Mulhern Gerry , Wylie Judith
Published: November 2010

This study sought to extend earlier work by Mulhern and Wylie (2004) to investigate a UK-wide sample of psychology undergraduates. A total of 890 participants from eight universities across the UK were tested on six broadly defined components of mathematical thinking relevant to the teaching of statistics in psychology—calculation, algebraic reasoning, graphical interpretation, proportionality and ratio, probability and sampling, and estimation. Results were consistent with Mulhern and Wylie's (2004) previously reported findings. Overall, participants across institutions exhibited marked deficiencies in many aspects of mathematical thinking. Results also revealed significant gender differences on calculation, proportionality and ratio, and estimation. Level of qualification in mathematics was found to predict overall performance. Analysis of the nature and content of errors revealed consistent patterns of misconceptions in core mathematical knowledge, likely to hamper the learning of statistics.
Individual Differences in Online Learning
Authors: Upton Dominic , Adams Sally
Published: November 2010

Online learning is becoming ever more important in higher education today. Whilst there is extensive evidence of the benefits of online learning there is less evidence on the types of students that benefit. This study aimed to explore if any variables could predict success and engagement with an online module. A sample of psychology students completed a series of questionnaires prior to undertaking a specially developed online health psychology module. Questionnaires comprised an: academic confidence scale; a computer self-efficacy scale; and a learning styles questionnaire. Reported differences in student performance on, engagement with, and evaluation of, the module related to these variables were limited. However, a relationship between deep learning and a preference for online learning compared to traditional lectures, and a negative relationship between strategic learning style and module design was reported. Overall it appears as if online learning can be accessed by most and there are no indications of one group of students performing inequitably better or worse than others.