bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Biological and Metabolic Fates of Endogenous DNA Damage Products
Authors: Chan Simon Wan , Dedon Peter C.
Published: December 2010

DNA and other biomolecules are subjected to damaging chemical reactions during normal physiological processes and in states of pathophysiology caused by endogenous and exogenous mechanisms. In DNA, this damage affects both the nucleobases and 2‐deoxyribose, with a host of damage products that reflect the local chemical pathology such as oxidative stress and inflammation. These damaged molecules represent a potential source of biomarkers for defining mechanisms of pathology, quantifying the risk of human disease and studying interindividual variations in cellular repair pathways. Toward the goal of developing biomarkers, significant effort has been made to detect and quantify damage biomolecules in clinically accessible compartments such as blood and and urine. However, there has been little effort to define the biotransformational fate of damaged biomolecules as they move from the site of formation to excretion in clinically accessible compartments. This paper highlights examples of this important problem with DNA damage products.
A Roadmap to the Brittle Bones of Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Gore Ashwini P. , Kwon Soon Ho , Stenbit Antine E.
Published: December 2010

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder which despite advances in medical care continues to be a life-limiting and often fatal disease. With increase in life expectancy of the CF population, bone disease has emerged as a common complication. Unlike the osteoporosis seen in postmenopausal population, bone disease in CF begins at a young age and is associated with significant morbidity due to fractures, kyphosis, increased pain, and decreased lung function. The maintenance of bone health is essential for the CF population during their lives to prevent pain and fractures but also as they approach lung transplantation since severe bone disease can lead to exclusion from lung transplantation. Early recognition, prevention, and treatment are key to maintaining optimal bone health in CF patients and often require a multidisciplinary approach. This article will review the pathophysiology, current clinical practice guidelines, and potential future therapies for treating CF-related bone disease.
Prostate Cancer: Value of Transrectal Computed Ultrasound Tomography (TRCUT) in Targeted Biopsy Guidance when the Repeat or Random Biopsies Indicated: Early Experience
Authors: Elwagdy Salah , Ramadan Reda , Salem Tamer , Elhakim Samy , Helali Ismail El , Samir Faten
Published: December 2010

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of transrectal computed ultrasound tomography (TRCUT) in localization and targeted biopsy for men who have been shown to be negative in the first biopsy guided by two-dimensional transrectal ultrasound (2D TRUS) but continue to have figures suggestive of prostate cancer, so as to minimize with confidence the number of core needle biopsies, especially when the repeat or random required.

Materials and Methods

Sixty-three patients aged 53–78 years (mean, 64.9 years) with suspected prostate cancer were enrolled when a repeat or random biopsy was indicated after at least one prostatic biopsy with negative findings. The 2D TRUS random (sextant) and TRCUT guided shot-biopsies were obtained. Imaging-biopsy consequences were finally compared with the post-operative findings and the histopathologic staging.

Results

TRCUT enabled display of the prostate gland in planes usually not obtainable at conventional 2D TRUS. Transverse and oblique thin cuts of TRCUT were more significant in all patients than other planes. Diagnostic performance of TRCUT imaging on prostate cancer localization for targeted biopsy proved an accuracy of 97.4% (P value = 0.001). TRCUT for bilateral disease detection proved an accuracy of 78.6% compared to the final post-operative pathology. Accuracy for identification of positive tumor margins proved 82.4%. Gleason score on final post-operative pathology was upgraded to 7, compared with a median score of 6 on imaging biopsies.

Conclusion

TRCUT guided target-biopsy of the prostate gland represents a technique with a higher rate of accuracy and can minimize the number of biopsy shots than using 2D TRUS in men who have high PSA levels and negative in the first biopsy procedure.
Efficacy and Safety of 10 mg Solifenacin Succinate in Patients with Overactive Bladder Syndrome: Results from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Pivotal Trial
Authors: Govier Fred E , Smith Neila , Uchida Takeshi
Published: December 2010

Introduction

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, Phase III, pivotal trial investigated the efficacy and safety of solifenacin succinate 10 mg, a once-daily (OD) oral antimuscarinic agent, in overactive bladder syndrome (OAB).

Materials and methods

A total of 634 adult patients with OAB symptoms were randomized to either solifenacin 10 mg (n = 318) or placebo (n = 316) OD over 12 weeks, to examine changes from baseline in micturition-, incontinence-, urgency- and nocturia-episodes/24 hours, measured using a 3-day diary.

Results

Solifenacin significantly reduced the mean number of micturition-, urgency- and incontinence-episodes/24 hours at end of treatment ( P < 0.001 for all versus placebo); these improvements were observed at 4 weeks, and continued over 12 weeks. Adverse events were generally mild or moderate in severity and typically anticholinergic in nature.

Conclusions

Solifenacin 10 mg OD was well tolerated and effective in treating major OAB symptoms, including urinary incontinence, frequency and urgency.
PlutoF—a Web Based Workbench for Ecological and Taxonomic Research, with an Online Implementation for Fungal ITS Sequences
Authors: Abarenkov Kessy , Tedersoo Leho , Nilsson R. Henrik , Vellak Kai , Saar Irja , Veldre Vilmar , Parmasto Erast , Prous Marko , Aan Anne , Ots Margus , Kurina Olavi , Ostonen Ivika , Jõgeva Janno , Halapuu Siim , Põldmaa Kadri , Toots Märt , Truu Jaak , Larsson Karl-Henrik , Kõljalg Urmas
Published: December 2010

DNA sequences accumulating in the International Nucleotide Sequence Databases (INSD) form a rich source of information for taxonomic and ecological meta-analyses. However, these databases include many erroneous entries, and the data itself is poorly annotated with metadata, making it difficult to target and extract entries of interest with any degree of precision. Here we describe the web-based workbench PlutoF, which is designed to bridge the gap between the needs of contemporary research in biology and the existing software resources and databases. Built on a relational database, PlutoF allows remote-access rapid submission, retrieval, and analysis of study, specimen, and sequence data in INSD as well as for private datasets though web-based thin clients. In contrast to INSD, PlutoF supports internationally standardized terminology to allow very specific annotation and linking of interacting specimens and species. The sequence analysis module is optimized for identification and analysis of environmental ITS sequences of fungi, but it can be modified to operate on any genetic marker and group of organisms. The workbench is available at http://plutof.ut.ee .
No Association between Visfatin (NAMPT) Gene Variants and Metabolic Traits in the Newfoundland Population
Authors: Shea Jennifer L , Loredo-Osti JC , Sun Guang
Published: December 2010

Objective

Visfatin is a novel adipokine initially reported to exhibit insulin-mimetic effects that increase insulin sensitivity. Further studies indicate it may also be associated with obesity, serum lipids, and systemic inflammation. At the current time, the role of genetic variation in the visfatin gene (NAMPT) on these parameters is not clear. In the present study, we examined the association between 10 SNPs in NAMPT and insulin resistance, obesity, serum lipids and hsCRP levels.

Research design and methods

A total of 1838 subjects (413 men, 1425 women) were recruited from the ongoing CODING Study. All subjects were from the genetically homogenous population of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat percentage (determined using DXA) were measured for all subjects. Serum glucose, insulin, HOMAIR, HOMAβ, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and hsCRP were also determined after a 12-hour fast. Ten SNPs in NAMPT were genotyped using TaqMan validated or functionally tested SNP genotyping assays including rs7789066 (A > G 5′ flanking region), rs3801266 (A > G intron), rs6963243 (G > C intron), rs2058539 (A > C intron), rs6947766 (C > T intron), rs4730153 (G > A intron), rs10808150 (G > A intron), rs2098291 (C > T intron), rs10953502 (T > C intron), and rs10953501 (A > G 3′ UTR).

Results

We observed no significant associations between any of the variants sites and any parameter of insulin resistance, body composition, serum lipids or hsCRP under an additive model with age and gender included as covariates. This was also true when both dominant and recessive models were applied.

Conclusions

Our results do not support a significant role for variations in NAMPT with differences in the measured variables in the Newfoundland population.
Transcriptional Response of E. coli Upon FimH-mediated Fimbrial Adhesion
Authors: Bhomkar Prasanna , Materi Wayne , Semenchenko Valentyna , Wishart David S.
Published: December 2010

Functionalities which may be genetically programmed into a bacterium are limited by its range of possible activities and its sensory capabilities. Therefore, enhancing the bacterial sensory repertoire is a crucial step for expanded utility in potential biomedical, industrial or environmental applications. Using microarray and qRT-PCR analyses, we have investigated transcription in E. coli (strain CSH50) following FimH-mediated adhesion to biocompatible substrates. Specifically, wild-type FimH-mediated adhesion of E. coli to mannose agarose beads and His-tagged FimH-mediated adhesion to Ni2+-NTA beads both led to induction of ahpCF, dps, grxA and marRAB genes among bound cells relative to unbound cells. The strongly-induced genes are known to be regulated by OxyR or SoxS cytoplasmic redox sensors. Some differentially altered genes also overlapped with those implicated in biofilm formation. This study provides an insight into transcriptional events following FimH-mediated adhesion and may provide a platform for elucidation of the signaling circuit necessary for engineering a synthetic attachment response in E. coli.
Overexpression of Colligin 2 in Glioma Vasculature is Associated with Overexpression of Heat shock Factor 2
Authors: Mustafa Dana A.M. , Sieuwerts Anieta M. , Zheng Ping Pin , Kros Johan M.
Published: December 2010

In previous studies we found expression of the protein colligin 2 (heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), SERPINH1) in glioma neovasculature while not in normal brain tissue. Generally, the regulation of heat shock gene expression in eukaryotes is mediated by heat shock factors (HSF). In mammals, three heat shock transcription factors, HSF-1, -2, and -4, have been isolated. Here we investigated the relation between the expression of colligin 2 and these heat shock factors at the mRNA level using real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) in different grades of astrocytic tumorigenesis, viz., low-grade glioma and glioblastoma. Endometrium samples, representing physiological angiogenesis, were included as controls. Since colligin 2 is a chaperon for collagens, the gene expression of collagen I ( COL1A1) was also investigated. The blood vessel density of the samples was monitored by expression of the endothelial marker CD31 ( PECAM1). Because NG2-immunopositive pericytic cells are involved in glioma neovascularization, the expression of NG2 ( CSPG4) was also measured.

We demonstrate overexpression of HSF2 in both stages of glial tumorigenesis (reaching significance only in low-grade glioma) and also minor elevated levels of HSF1 as compared to normal brain. There were no differences in expression of HSF4 between low-grade glioma and normal brain while HSF4 was downregulated in glioblastoma. In the endometrium samples, none of the HSFs were upregulated. In the low-grade gliomas SERPINH appeared to be slightly overexpressed with a parallel 4-fold upregulation of COL1A1, while in glioblastoma there was over 5-fold overexpression of SERPINH1 and more than 150-fold overexpression of COL1A1. In both the low-grade gliomas and the glioblastomas overexpression of CSPG4 was found and overexpression of PECAM1 was only found in the latter. Our data suggest that the upregulated expression of colligin 2 in glioma is accompanied by upregulation of COL1A1, CSPG4, HSF2 and to a lesser extent, HSF1. Further studies will unravel the association of these factors with colligin 2 expression, possibly leading to keys for therapeutic intervention.
HO1 mRNA and Protein do not Change in Parallel in Bronchial Biopsies of Patients after Long Term Exposure to Sulfur Mustard
Authors: Nourani Mohammad Reza , Yazdani Samaneh , Roudkenar Mehryar Habibi , Ebrahimi Majid , Halabian Raheleh , Mirbagheri Leila , Ghanei Mostafa , Fooladi Abbas Ali Imani
Published: December 2010

Sulfur mustard (SM), is an alkylating agent and has been emerged as a chemical weapon in various battlefields. More recently, SM was employed in the Iraq conflict against Iranian military forces and civilians. Nowadays there are more than 40,000 people suffering from pulmonary lesions special chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to mustard gas in Iran. SM causes the endogenous production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Heme oxygenases (HOs) are the rate-limiting enzyme for heme metabolism. Numerous studies have confirmed that HOs are concerned in diverse biological processes such as anti-oxidation.

The present study was undertaken to consider the regulation of HO-1 and HO-2 n the human airway wall, and to suggest a probable role that HOs may play in cellular defense against oxidative stress due to SM.

In this research ten unexposed SM individuals and twenty SM exposed patients were included. Evaluation of HO-1& HO-2 expressions in unexposed and SM exposed patients samples was performed by semiquantitative RT-PCR, real-time RT-PCR and Immunohistochemistry analysis.

While unexposed SM samples expressed same levels of HOs, expression level of HO-1was upregulated about 3.58 ± 1.93 folds in SM exposed patients in comparison with unexposed ones, we could not find any difference in expression of HO-2 n two groups. In contrast, Immunohistochemistry results showed negative HO-1 protein expression in SM injured patients.

Our results revealed that HO1 may plays an important role in cellular protection against oxidative stress due to mustard gas toxicity in airway wall of SM exposed patients at mRNA level, but translational modifications might cause decrease in the amount of HO1 protein.
Opinions on Drug Interaction Sources in Anticancer Treatments and Parameters for an Oncology-Specific Database by Pharmacy Practitioners in Asia
Authors:   for the Onco-Informatics (onco-informatics.com) Group, Yap Kevin Yi-Lwern , Chan Alexandre , Wai Keung Chui
Published: December 2010

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are particularly susceptible to drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Practitioners should keep themselves updated with the most current DDI information, particularly involving new anticancer drugs (ACDs). Databases can be useful to obtain up-to-date DDI information in a timely and efficient manner. Our objective was to investigate the DDI information sources of pharmacy practitioners in Asia and their views on the usefulness of an oncology-specific database for ACD interactions. A qualitative, cross-sectional survey was done to collect information on the respondents' practice characteristics, sources of DDI information and parameters useful in an ACD interaction database. Response rate was 49%. Electronic databases (70%), drug interaction textbooks (69%) and drug compendia (64%) were most commonly used. Majority (93%) indicated that a database catering towards ACD interactions was useful. Essential parameters that should be included in the database were the mechanism and severity of the detected interaction, and the presence of a management plan (98% each). This study has improved our understanding on the usefulness of various DDI information sources for ACD interactions among pharmacy practitioners in Asia. An oncology-specific DDI database targeting ACD interactions is definitely attractive for clinical practice.
Public Health Implications of Household Pharmaceutical Waste in the United States
Authors: Bain Kevin T.
Published: December 2010

Household pharmaceuticals are ubiquitous and untold quantities are wasted annually. Most often, people dispose of household pharmaceuticals by flushing them down the toilet, pouring them down the drain, or throwing them away in the trash. Pharmaceuticals disposed in this manner compromise the safety of our environment. This article provides a comprehensive review on the public health issue of household pharmaceutical waste, describing its epidemiology, explaining its effects on aquatic and human life, estimating its cost burden, and discussing strategies for reducing environmental exposure to it. In doing so, this article proposes two key objectives for our nation: (1) reduce the amount of household pharmaceuticals wasted and (2) devise environmentally friendly and cost-effective ways for handling this waste once it has been generated.
p63α and γ Induce TAU Phosphorylation in Cultured Mammalian Cells
Authors: Hooper Claudie , Soliman Reem , Lovestone Simon , Killick Richard
Published: December 2010

Here we show by western blotting that transcriptionally active isoforms of p63 (p63α and p63γ) induce the phosphorylation of human 2N4R tau at the tau-1/AT8 epitope in HEK293a cells; a phospho-epitope increased in Alzheimer's disease. Confocal microscopy shows that tau and p63α are spatially separated intracellularly. Tau was found in the cytoskeletal compartment, whilst p63α was located in the nucleus, indicating that the effects of p63 on tau phosphorylation are indirectly mediated. Tau phosphorylation occurred independently of the known tau kinases, protein kinase C delta (PKCδ), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38), glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT) and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) and the tau protein phosphatases (PP), PP1 and PP2A-Aα/β. Considering that p63 and tau are both associated with developmental processes, these findings have ramifications for neuronal development and synaptic plasticity and also neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies.
EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND PERCEPTIONS OF IOWA BEGINNING FARMERS TOWARD THEIR EDUCATION
Authors: Trede Larry D. , Whitaker B. Scott
Published: December 2010

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the educational value of 4-H activities as perceived by Louisiana 4-H agents. Data were obtained using a researcher-designed survey completed by 914-H agents during the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service’s annual conference. Findings of the study indicated that 4-H camp had the highest educational value rating and was the only activity perceived as having a very high educational value. Overall, 20 activities were rated as high, 25 as moderate, and four as low in educational value. Agents were also asked to estimate the number of hours they worked on each activity. Based on the findings in this study, it was concluded that 4-H agents perceive most 4-H activities to have educational value for the program participant. The researchers also concluded that there is room for improvement through elimination and addition of selected activities. Activities recommended for elimination were honey bee essay, beef posters, dairy posters, and seed rice essay. Activities recommended for addition were career development events, area short course, wildwood wanderings, agriculture in the classroom, and health and fitness activities. The researchers recommend that any program identified for elimination be further examined on the number of clientele being reached before it is eliminated.
AN EXAMINATION OF SELECTED PRESERVICE AGRICULTURAL TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: McLean Robin C. , Camp William G.
Published: December 2010

The researchers surveyed department heads of purposefully selected agricultural teacher education programs to determine the curricular structure of agricultural teacher education in the United States. Nominations of programs to examine were sought from members of the profession. Graduation checklists and course syllabi for all professional agricultural education courses were analyzed. The authors concluded that programs vary greatly across the country. Courses on teaching methods and program and curriculum planning are generally available. Separate courses on serving as FFA advisors or in managing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs are offered in only a few of the selected institutions. FFA was listed as a topic in 9 of the 10 institutions. SAE, or an equivalent topic was listed in all of the institutions studied. The authors offer a potential composite structure based on the programs studied.
AGRICULTURE AND SCIENCE INTEGRATION: A PRE-SERVICE PRESCRIPTION FOR CONTEXTUAL LEARNING
Authors: Balschweid Mark A. , Thompson Gregory W.
Published: December 2010

The purpose of the study was to determine if the delivery of an integrated agriculture and science curriculum to Agricultural Education MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) pre-service teachers increased their desire and ability to integrate their own curriculum and collaborate with other teachers once they started teaching, and to identify social and cultural barriers in existence between secondary teachers in agriculture and science. The population for the treatment group consisted of all graduate students enrolled in the 1996-97 MAT Agricultural Education cohort at a west coast university. The control group consisted of the previous Jive Agricultural Education cohorts at the same school. The research combined a series of personal interviews with the treatment group in addition to the written questionnaire administered to the treatment and control groups. The questionnaire served as the comparison for the groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Evidence indicated that the treatment group was positive about integrating science into the agriculture curriculum and they were more willing to attend workshops about the integration of science than were members of the control group. Furthermore, the treatment group felt that preparation time was the greatest barrier in working with the science teacher in their school.
HIGHER-ORDER AND LOWER-ORDER THINKING SKILLS ACHIEVEMENT IN SECONDARY-LEVEL ANIMAL SCIENCE: DOES BLOCK SCHEDULING PATTERN INFLUENCE END-OF-COURSE LEARNER PERFORMANCE?
Authors: Edwards M. Craig , Briers Gary E.
Published: December 2010

Block scheduling has been a significant change in the organizational structure of many schools. However, little is known about its effects on agricultural education and on cognition. This study compared higher- (HOTS) and lower-order thinking skills (LOTS) achievement of students enrolled in animal science on a Modified A/B Block schedule to that of students on a Nine- Week (4X4) Block schedule. Twenty-two teachers participated-I2 Modified A/B schools with I89 students and IO Nine-Week (4X4) schools with 136 students. Achievement was measured by an examination consisting of two scales based on Newcomb and Trefz' (1987) “levels of learning” model. Thirty-three HOTS and 23 LOTS items were included. Teachers responded to a questionnaire describing themselves and their schools. Student achievement for LOTS was slightly more than half of the ‘conventional” 70% passing standard and slightly less for HOTS. T-tests revealed student performance on a Modified A/B schedule was significantly superior. However, hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the moderator variables student length of FFA membership and teacher tenure significantly explained student variability for HOTS achievement. After effects of the moderator variables were removed, then scheduling pattern did not explain additional variation.
AGRICULTURAL AWARENESS ACTIVITIES AND THEIR INTEGRATION INTO THE CURRICULUM AS PERCElVED BY ELEMENTARY TEACHERS
Authors: Knobloch Neil A. , Martin Robert A.
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this study was to analyze the status of agricultural awareness efforts in elementary grades (K through 6) in a selected seven county area in east central Iowa. The two objectives of this study were: (I) To identify elementary school teachers' perceptions regarding the agricultural industry, the integration of agriculture into the elementary curriculum and the need for agricultural awareness; and (2) to identify selected agricultural activities being used in elementary school instruction. This study was conducted using a mailed questionnaire that measured teachers' perceptions. Agriculturally related activities were identified to indicate the extent to which these activities were conducted in elementary classrooms. Demographic information was also collected. Elementary teachers had positive perceptions about the agricultural industry, the need for agricultural awareness, and the integration of agriculture into the elementary curriculum. Elementary teachers use numerous agricultural awareness activities in their instruction. Over 80 per cent of the elementary teachers in this study were using agricultural activities to enrich the curriculum. Most of these activities focused on the study of animals, plants, food, nutrition, environment, wildlife and insects. Fifty percent of the respondents reported teaching in an urban or metropolitan community. Teachers reported that agriculture can be taught as a part of nearly all subject areas. The results of this study support Fishbein & Azjen's (1975) attitude theory that positive beliefs and attitudes lead to specific intentions and behaviors.
STUDENTS ENROLLED IN SELECTED UPPER-DIVISION AGRICULTURE COURSES: AN EXAMINATION OF COMPUTER EXPERIENCES, SELF-EFFICACY AND KNOWLEDGE
Authors: Johnson Donald M. , Ferguson James A. , Lester Melissa L.
Published: December 2010

Students (E = 169) enrolled in eight upper-division agriculture courses at a land-grant university were surveyed during the Fall 1999 semester to determine their computer experiences, computer self-efficacy, and computer knowledge. The students reported a variety of computer experiences, with 79% having completed a computer course and 66% owning a computer. Over one-half of the students had received formal instruction in word processing (76%), file management (71%), spreadsheets (71%), electronic mail (64%), presentation graphics (62%), Internet use (62%), and databases (51%). Computer programming was the only topic that a majority (66%) of respondents had not studied The students had a slightly above average level of computer self-efficacy. Students felt they had the highest level of skills in word processing, electronic mail, and Internet use, with more than 50% rating their shills in these areas as above average. The overall score on the 35 item multiple choice test of computer knowledge was fairly low, with a mean of 17.6 (50.3% correct). Nearly three-fourths (72.7%) of the students scored 60% or less on the test. There was only a low association ( r = .29) between computer self-efficacy and computer knowledge. Recommendations for enhancing student computer experiences are offered.
REINVENTING CAREER EDUCATION AND RECRUITMENT IN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION FOR THE 21S T CENTURY
Authors: Conroy Carol A.
Published: December 2010

Supplying a well-trained workforce for agriculture should be a primary goal of the education community. This is an issue of particular importance to rural areas struggling with declining tax bases, outmigration of their most capable young persons, and decaying infrastructures. This study examined career aspirations among middle school youth in one rural New York State community to determine the level of interest in agriculture careers as well as interest in other occupations that would be available in a broadly defined agriculture industry. Results indicate that while few students expressed an interest in traditional agriculture occupations, over one-half identified areas of interest that are representative of a broadly defined agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resources industry. These results have implications for not only local program design and recruitment, but curriculum innovations, as well.
FACTORS INFLUENCING AN EXTENSION AGENT’S CHOICE OF PURSUING EITHER THE FACULTY OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL CAREER TRACK
Authors: Gliem Rosemary R.
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this descriptive-correlational study was to describe Ohio State University Extension (OSUE) agents who are more likely to chose the faculty or Administrative and Professional (A & P) career track. The population for this census study was all OSUE agents hired on or after January I, I994 through October 31, 1997. Focus group interviews were conducted in three of the Jive Extension districts before the quantitative instrument was developed Using a five point Likert-type scale, the instrument measured the agents' attitudes toward the scholarship of discovery, integration, application, and teaching along with the issue of balancing work and family. The instrument also measured agents’ attitudes towards the differences in research criteria and salaries between the faculty and A & P career tracks. In general, agents were more likely to choose the A & P track, but younger, male agents were more likely to choose the faculty track. Stepwise discriminant analysis identified the following variables as the best discriminators between the two groups: mean score on the scholarship of application scale, the influence of the differences in salaries, and the agent’s age. The discriminant function explained 25% of the variance and correctly classified 72% of the cases.
A DESCRIPTION OF THE NATURE AND IMPACT OF TEACHING EVENTS AND FORMS OF BEGINNING TEACHER ASSISTANCE AS EXPERIENCED BY MINNESOTA AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION TEACHERS
Authors: Joerger Richard , Boettcher Glenn
Published: December 2010

This study examined the nature and impact of teaching events and selected forms of assistance provided by local school district personnel to beginning agricultural education teachers. The initial five forms of assistance that had a major impact on the beginning teachers included: parental support of students for their program; adequate supply of materials, textbooks, and workbooks are provided; planning time was available before school started; curriculum guides are available for the program area; and principals provide helpful evaluation and feedback. Initial events or experiences that had a major or critical impact, and occurred often or always were: feeling in control of their program, students are respectful toward the beginning teacher, beginning teacher has self-confidence in their teaching, satisfaction is experienced after successful activities, and they see their students succeeding in their classes. The beginning teachers were experiencing elevated levels of stress and moderate amounts of job satisfaction during the early weeks of the school year. Less than 40% of the teachers were participating in district-sponsored teacher induction programs. It was concluded the initial teaching experiences of beginning teachers were, indeed, impacted by selected forms of assistance and events. Additional research was recommended to determine how the nature and impact of the measures change with teaching experience.
PERCEPTIONS OF IOWA SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TOWARD AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION
Authors: Kalme Neasa , Dyer James E.
Published: December 2010

The primary purpose of this study was to determine principals ‘perceptions of secondary agricultural education programs in Iowa high schools with agricultural education programs. A stratified random sample consisting of 147 principals was selected. Researcher-constructed questionnaires were developed, tested and mailed to a stratified random sample of principals. Strata consisted of Agricultural Education districts as outlined by the State of Iowa Department of Education. Overall, principals expressed favorable perceptions of agriculture programs, courses, and teachers. They expressed perceptions that students enjoy agricultural education courses and believed those courses reinforced learning in other subject matter areas. The overall knowledge or familiarity level of agricultural education programs by principals was generally positive. Principals believed agricultural education teachers were high quality teachers, but did not believe they were more effective than other teachers. Principals tended to support agricultural education programs, and disagreed with the statement that agricultural education courses provided little for students ' intellectual development. They also perceived agricultural education programs to be important to their community, and that any high school student could benefit from coursework in agricultural education. Recommendations included further research to determine the relationship of principals ‘perceptions to actual practices of support.
Levels Of Cognition Reached In Agricultural Distance Education Courses In Comparison To On-Campus Courses And To Faculty Perceptions Concerning An Appropriate Level
Authors: Miller Greg , Pilcher Carol L.
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the assessed cognitive level of instruction in agricultural courses taught at a distance to findings from previous research involving on-campus courses and to professors' perceptions of an appropriate level. The populations for the study consisted of all Iowa State University College of Agriculture distance education courses (N=13) and their instructors (N=11) during a two-year period. Instructors desired to achieve practically identical cognitive level outcomes in on- and offcampus versions of their courses. Results of this study and previous studies of on-campus courses showed that instructors' actions did not match their aspirations. They surpassed their aspirations related to lower level (remembering and processing) cognitive outcomes and fell short of their aspirations related to higher level (creating and evaluating) cognitive outcomes. It was concluded that instructors teach to the same levels of cognition in on- and off-campus courses. In addition, results of this study show a relationship between the cognitive level of instruction and the delivery method used. The cognitive level of instruction in off-campus courses delivered by the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) was assessed to be higher than the other three delivery methods studied (i.e., videotape, ICN and videotape, videotape and live). Rival explanations for the ICN advantage were acknowledged.
Interest In Online Leadership Education And Implications For Instructional Design Strategies
Authors: Boyd Barry L. , Murphrey Theresa P.
Published: December 2010

This study was conducted to determine student interest in taking a course through the Internet, rather than meeting in a traditional face-to-face classroom. Further, it sought to identify student characteristics that influence interest in taking a course through the Internet and to identify instructional design considerations based on importance placed on various features by students. The need for this study arises from the demand for particular courses, specifically AGED 340 "Professional Leadership Development", surpassing the capacity within the department. The need to utilize alternative methods of delivering leadership education to meet demand is accompanied by the responsibility to assess student interest in these methods and consideration of preferred instructional design strategies. The research design used was a descriptive survey method. More than 80% of the students indicated that they would be interested in taking one or more courses through the Internet. No significant relationships were discovered between any of the students' personal characteristics examined and interest in taking Internet-based courses. Scheduled meetings, audio, and graphics were indicated by students to be important components of an online course. This study provides baseline information that can assist in the development of an online leadership course to meet current needs.
The Influence Of Enrollment In Agriscience Courses On The Science Achievement Of High School Students
Authors: Chiasson Timothy C. , Burnett Michael F.
Published: December 2010

The primary purpose of this study was to determine if agriscience courses impact the science achievement of high school students. Objectives included describing students on selected demographics, measuring students' science achievement as measured by the Louisiana exit examination, and comparing science achievement of agriscience students with nonagriscience students. The population for this study was 11th grade students enrolled in public schools in Louisiana who completed the state mandated exit examination in 1998. The subjects for this study were a census of the defined population. The findings of the study indicated that agriscience students earned higher scores than non-agriscience students on the science portion of the exit examination. Agriscience students scored as high or higher on four of five science domain sub-scales. It was also found that agriscience students were more likely to pass the examination than non-agriscience students. It was concluded that participation in agriscience courses was beneficial to high school students. Recommendations were made that students be encouraged to enroll in agriscience courses, also recommended is further research to determine the impact of agriscience programs on science achievement of special education students as well as a longitudinal study to determine the impact of specific agriscience courses.
Involvement Of Volunteers In Agricultural Education Programs In New Mexico
Authors: Seevers Brenda S. , Rosencrans Carlos
Published: December 2010

Enrollments in secondary agricultural education programs in New Mexico have steadily increased over the past several years placing more demands on the programs and their resources. A common approach in education is to enlist volunteers to provide assistance and extend resources. The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate agricultural education teachers' attitudes toward volunteers, the perceived benefits and limitations of involving volunteers, and the types of roles in which volunteers were engaged. The population of this study was a census of all secondary and middle school agricultural education teachers in New Mexico during the Fall of 1999 (N = 90). A five-part instrument developed by the researchers was used to collect data. Agricultural education teachers strongly agreed that involving volunteers in their programs allowed them to focus on other parts of their programs, and that volunteers were an essential component to a successful agricultural education program. Eighty seven percent of the agricultural education teachers reported using volunteers in their program. Roles most commonly assumed by volunteers included: chaperones, guest speakers in class/lab, coaching CDE events, and assisting with various FFA activities. Of the 13% of the teachers who did not involve volunteers, the majority indicated that it was because they were new to the program, the program was too small, or too much time was required to properly supervise volunteers. Reported benefits of involving volunteers were: expanding the area of expertise and knowledge available to students, adding diversity and variety to the program, assisting with activities, and freeing the teacher to do other activities or work. Limitations cited were: time needed to train and supervise volunteers, communication breakdowns, personality conflicts, and lack of knowledge/expertise by the volunteer about the program, policies, discipline and/or subject area.
Stress: Professional Development Needs Of Extension Faculty
Authors: Place Nick T. , Jacob Steve
Published: December 2010

This study was designed to identify workplace and individual factors that cause stress in the lives of Extension professionals and to determine baseline needs assessment data for professional development in the area of balancing work and family. A census-survey questionnaire (74% response rate) was utilized to explore balancing work and personal life issues among the population of University of Florida Extension faculty. It was found that some faculty have stress under control while others are experiencing high levels of stress; county faculty perceived slightly higher stress than state faculty but this difference was not significant. Respondents reporting greater use of formal planning, planning for meetings, and "to do" lists tended to have lower stress scores. For Extension faculty, spending more time with family served as a coping mechanism for minimizing stress. Any stress inducing situations disclosed in this study can be improved upon through proactive professional development. Professional development programs and inservice training focusing on workday planning may help faculty cope with the stress and pressure of an Extension career. Greater organizational effectiveness can be achieved through employees being able to manage stress and work pressure via positive workplace skills.
Perceptions Of Work Among California Agriculture Teachers
Authors: Delnero Jennifer , Montgomery Diane
Published: December 2010

Agricultural education programs have changed as American society changes. The role of the agriculture teacher evolves with these changes. The evolution of the role includes the expansion of job responsibility, professional development, and academic accountability across several scientific, business, and humanity fields (Conroy & Kelsey, 2000; National Research Council, 1988). In addition to classroom responsibilities, agriculture teachers are involved with student organizations, community service, and collaboration with community members and leaders. The purpose of this study was to describe how secondary agriculture teachers in California perceive their work. Using Q method as a research approach, 23 secondary agriculture teachers from the Central and San Joaquin regions of the California Agriculture Teachers Association were invited to participate in the study. The instrument used to collect data was a Q-sort of 36 statements describing various teaching responsibilities, which were extracted from the literature and interviews with teachers in agricultural education. Q-sort is an activity of ranking statements. Participants sorted the statements twice: once for their actual perceptions of work and another time for their perceptions of ideal teaching in agriculture. The 46 Q-sorts were analyzed using Q factor analysis resulting in three theoretical perceptions of work. These factors were interpreted as Activities Coach, Academic Teacher, and Vocational Mentor. Results have implications for professional development for these types of teachers.
Impact Of A Professional Development Program For Agricultural Education Teachers In Costa Rica
Authors: Brookes Lynne W. , Williams David L.
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a professional development program for agricultural education teachers in Costa Rica. This time series follow-up study assessed the impact of a five-day workshop that focused on agricultural and environmental topics at three points over a two-month period. The 13 participants in the workshop served as the population-sample. The results revealed that the workshop was beneficial to the participants. A majority of the participants felt "slightly prepared" or "better prepared" to teach the content to their students upon completion of the workshop. Participants reported that the lesson plans developed at the workshop were helpful and that they planned to use them. A majority of the participants felt "slightly prepared" or "better prepared" to share the workshop contents with their colleagues, and most of them had done so in some manner within two months after the workshop.
Web-Based Learning: Relationships Among Student Motivation, Attitude, Learning Styles, And Achievement
Authors: Shih Ching-Chun , Gamon Julia A.
Published: December 2010

This study analyzed the relationships between student achievement and the following variables: attitude, motivation, learning styles, and selected demographics. This population study included 99 students taking two web-based courses offered by the college of agriculture at a land grant university. Seventy-four (75%) students completed a learning style test, an on-line questionnaire, and received a grade by the end of the semester. The learning style test was the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT), which classified students as either field-dependent or field-independent. The on-line questionnaire consisted of two scales (motivation and attitude), whose pilot-test reliabilities were .71 and .91, respectively. Over two-thirds of the students taking the web-based courses were field-independent learners; however, there were no significant differences (.05 level) in achievement between field-dependent and field-independent students. Also, students with different learning styles and backgrounds learned equally well in web-based courses. The students enjoyed the convenience and self-controlled learning pace and were motivated by competition and high expectations in web-based learning. Motivation was the only significant factor that explained more than one-fourth of student achievement measured by class grade.
JOB SATISFACTION AS AN OUTCOME MEASURE OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AN AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Authors: Irani Tracy , Scherler Christi
Published: December 2010

Agricultural communications is an academic program area that has evolved from its early beginnings in print-based agricultural journalism. Due to the changing nature of technology and the need to communicate to diverse, increasingly urbanized audiences, agricultural communications has evolved to include public relations, marketing, broadcasting and Web-based communications, consequently impacting the role and responsibilities of many professional agricultural communicators. Although most of the research that has been conducted on agricultural communicators has focused on their perceptions as to how to improve educational programs and curricula, few studies have looked at the job satisfaction of graduates once they leave the programs that prepared them for their subsequent careers. A descriptive survey of a population of recent graduates of the University of Florida’s agricultural communications program was conducted to assess how satisfied respondents were with their jobs, as well as explore the relationships between facets of job satisfaction and graduates’ perceptions as to the effectiveness of their educational preparation. Results of the study indicated that the majority of respondents were generally satisfied with their positions. Respondents’ perceptions of their opportunities for promotion, their co-workers and the work itself were also positively correlated with their evaluations of the effectiveness of the university’s educational preparation.