bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silencing CDK4 radiosensitizes breast cancer cells by promoting apoptosis
Authors: Hagen Katie R , Zeng Xiangbin , Lee Mi-Young , Tucker Kahn Shannon , Harrison Pitner Mary Kathryn , Zaky Sandra S , Liu Yuan , O’Regan Ruth M , Deng Xingming , Saavedra Harold I
Published: July 2013

Background

The discovery of molecular markers associated with various breast cancer subtypes has greatly improved the treatment and outcome of breast cancer patients. Unfortunately, breast cancer cells acquire resistance to various therapies. Mounting evidence suggests that resistance is rooted in the deregulation of the G1 phase regulatory machinery.

Methods

To address whether deregulation of the G1 phase regulatory machinery contributes to radiotherapy resistance, the MCF10A immortalized human mammary epithelial cell line, ER-PR-Her2+ and ER-PR-Her2- breast cancer cell lines were irradiated. Colony formation assays measured radioresistance, while immunocytochemistry, Western blots, and flow cytometry measured the cell cycle, DNA replication, mitosis, apoptosis, and DNA breaks.

Results

Molecular markers common to all cell lines were overexpressed, including cyclin A1 and cyclin D1, which impinge on CDK2 and CDK4 activities, respectively. We addressed their potential role in radioresistance by generating cell lines stably expressing small hairpin RNAs (shRNA) against CDK2 and CDK4. None of the cell lines knocked down for CDK2 displayed radiosensitization. In contrast, all cell lines knocked down for CDK4 were significantly radiosensitized, and a CDK4/CDK6 inhibitor sensitized MDA-MB-468 to radiation induced apoptosis. Our data showed that silencing CDK4 significantly increases radiation induced cell apoptosis in cell lines without significantly altering cell cycle progression, or DNA repair after irradiation. Our results indicate lower levels of phospho-Bad at ser136 upon CDK4 silencing and ionizing radiation, which has been shown to signal apoptosis.

Conclusion

Based on our data we conclude that knockdown of CDK4 activity sensitizes breast cancer cells to radiation by activating apoptosis pathways.
Variations of circulating endothelial progenitor cells and transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β1) during thoracic radiotherapy are predictive for radiation pneumonitis
Authors: Liu Yunfang , Xia Tingyi , Zhang Wenjun , Zhong Yongjie , Zhang Luhua , Wang Xuan , Yu Huiming
Published: July 2013

Background

The vascular endothelial cells are important targets of radiotherapy, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of radiation pneumonitis (RP). This study investigated the variations of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β1) during three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) in patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and analyzed the correlation between these variations with the occurrence of RP.

Patients and methods

From November 2008 to November 2009, eighty-four consecutive patients receiving 3D-CRT for stage III disease were evaluated prospectively. Circulating EPCs and TGF-β1 levels were measured at baseline, every 2 weeks during, and at the end of treatment. RP was evaluated prospectively at 6 weeks after 3D-CRT.

Results

Thirty-eight patients (47.5%) experienced score 1 or more of RP. The baseline levels of EPCs and TGF-β1 were analyzed, no difference was found between patients with and without RP during and after 3D-CRT. By serial measurement of TGF-β1 and EPCs levels, we found that the mean levels of EPCs in the whole population remained stable during radiotherapy, but the mean levels of TGF-β1 increased slowly during radiotherapy. TGF-β1 and EPCs levels were all significantly higher at week 2, week 4 and week 6 in patients with RP than that in patients without RP, respectively. During the period of radiation treatment, TGF-β1 levels began to increase in the first 2 weeks and became significantly higher at week 6 (P < 0.01). EPCs levels also began to increase in the first 2 weeks and reached a peak at week 4. Using an ANOVA model for repeated-measures, we found significant associations between the levels of TGF-β1 and EPCs during the course of 3D-CRT and the risk of developing RP (P < 0.01). Most of the dosimetric factors showed a significant association with RP.

Conclusion

Early variations of TGF-β1 and EPCs levels during 3D-CRT are significantly associated with the risk of RP. Variations of circulating TGF-β1 and EPCs levels during 3D-CRT may serve as independent predictive factors for RP.

Trial registration

Trials registration number: 20070618
Comparison of direct versus concentrated smear microscopy in detection of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Khaja Mafij , Chowdhury Md Raihan , Ahmed Shahriar , Rahman Md Toufiq , Khatun Razia , van Leth Frank , Banu Sayera
Published: July 2013

Background

Sputum smear microscopy is fast and inexpensive technique for detecting tuberculosis (TB) in high incidence areas but has low sensitivity. Physical and chemical sputum processing along with centrifugation have been found to show promise in overcoming this limitation. Our objective was to compare the sensitivity of smear microscopy obtained with smears made directly from respiratory specimens to those from concentrated specimens.

Methods

By active screening, 915 TB suspects were identified from Dhaka Central Jail and sputum specimens were aseptically collected. Direct smears were prepared by taking a small portion of the purulent part of the sputum with a sterile loop. The specimens were then processed by a standard N-acetyl-L-cysteine-NaOH digestion-decontamination method to prepare concentrated specimens. Both smears were then air dried, heat fixed, and stained by the Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. The stained slides were examined under oil immersion and were graded following International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases guidelines. All the specimens were inoculated into Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) media and culture results were considered as gold standard to calculate sensitivity.

Results

Of 915 specimens, 73 (8%) specimens were positive both on direct and concentrated methods, one sample was positive on direct microscopy but was negative on concentrated method. An extra 14 (1.5%) samples were positive on concentrated method which were negative on direct smear. In L-J media 105 specimens were found positive for TB bacilli and of them, 74 (70.5%) and 87 (82.9%) were positive in direct and concentrated smear, respectively. The sensitivity of direct and concentrated smear microscopy was different when using positive culture as the gold standard (71% vs. 83%).

Conclusions

The results showed that concentrated technique increases the sensitivity of microscopy up to 12%. Therefore, the national programs in high TB burden countries may consider incorporating the technique into their guidelines at least in the district and higher level laboratories to improve case finding strategy.
β1-integrin via NF-κB signaling is essential for acquisition of invasiveness in a model of radiation treated in situ breast cancer
Authors: Nam Jin-Min , Ahmed Kazi M , Costes Sylvain , Zhang Hui , Onodera Yasuhito , Olshen Adam B , Hatanaka Kanako C , Kinoshita Rumiko , Ishikawa Masayori , Sabe Hisataka , Shirato Hiroki , Park Catherine C
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is characterized by non-invasive cancerous cell growth within the breast ducts. Although radiotherapy is commonly used in the treatment of DCIS, the effect and molecular mechanism of ionizing radiation (IR) on DCIS are not well understood, and invasive recurrence following radiotherapy remains a significant clinical problem. This study investigated the effects of IR on a clinically relevant model of Akt-driven DCIS and identified possible molecular mechanisms underlying invasive progression in surviving cells.

Methods

We measured the level of phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt) in a cohort of human DCIS specimens by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and correlated it with recurrence risk. To model human DCIS, we used Akt overexpressing human mammary epithelial cells (MCF10A-Akt) which, in three-dimensional laminin-rich extracellular matrix (lrECM) and in vivo, form organotypic DCIS-like lesions with lumina expanded by pleiomorphic cells contained within an intact basement membrane. In a population of cells that survived significant IR doses in three-dimensional lrECM, a malignant phenotype emerged creating a model for invasive recurrence.

Results

P-Akt was up-regulated in clinical DCIS specimens and was associated with recurrent disease. MCF10A-Akt cells that formed DCIS-like structures in three-dimensional lrECM showed significant apoptosis after IR, preferentially in the luminal compartment. Strikingly, when cells that survived IR were repropagated in three-dimensional lrECM, a malignant phenotype emerged, characterized by invasive activity, up-regulation of fibronectin, α5β1-integrin, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and loss of E-cadherin. In addition, IR induced nuclear translocation and binding of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) to the β1-integrin promoter region, associated with up-regulation of α5β1-integrins. Inhibition of NF-κB or β1-integrin signaling abrogated emergence of the invasive activity.

Conclusions

P-Akt is up-regulated in some human DCIS lesions and is possibly associated with recurrence. MCF10A-Akt cells form organotypic DCIS-like lesions in three-dimensional lrECM and in vivo, and are a plausible model for some forms of human DCIS. A population of Akt-driven DCIS-like spheroids that survive IR progresses to an invasive phenotype in three-dimensional lrECM mediated by β1-integrin and NF-κB signaling.
Diffraction traveltime approximation for general anisotropic media
Authors: Dell Sergius , Pronevich Anna , Kashtan Boris , Gajewski Dirk
Published: July 2013

Diffractions play an important role in seismic processing because they can be used for high-resolution imaging and the analysis of subsurface properties like the velocity distribution. Until now, however, only isotropic media have been considered in diffraction imaging. We have developed a method wherein we derive an approximation for the diffraction response for a general 2D anisotropic medium. Our traveltime expression is formulated as a double-square-root equation that allows us to accurately and reliably describe diffraction traveltimes. The diffraction response depends on the ray velocity, which varies with angle and thus offset. To eliminate the angle dependency, we expand the ray velocity in a Taylor series around a reference ray. We choose the fastest ray of the diffraction response, i.e., the ray corresponding to the diffraction apex as the reference ray. Moreover, in an anisotropic medium, the location of the diffraction apex may be shifted with respect to the surface projection of the diffractor location. To properly approximate the diffraction response, we consider this shift. The proposed approximation depends on four independent parameters: the emergence angle of the fastest ray, the ray velocity along this ray, and the first- and second-order derivatives of the ray velocity with respect to the ray angle. These attributes can be determined from the data by a coherence analysis. For the special case of homogeneous media with polar anisotropy, we establish relations between anisotropy parameters and the parameters of the diffraction operator. Therefore, the stacking attributes of the new diffraction operator are suitable to determine anisotropy parameters from the data. Moreover, because diffractions provide a better illumination than reflections, they are particularly suited to analyze seismic anisotropy at the near offsets.
Moveout approximations for P- and SV-waves in VTI media
Authors: Farra Véronique , Pšenčík Ivan
Published: July 2013

We tested alternative expressions for the P- and SV-wave moveout formulas in VTI media based on the weak-anisotropy (WA) approximation. Our moveout formulas represent expansions with respect to small parameters, which are related to deviations of anisotropy from isotropy. First-order P-wave formulas depend on four parameters, two-way zero-offset traveltime [Formula: see text] related to the vertical velocity [Formula: see text], the depth [Formula: see text] of the single horizontal reflector, and two WA parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The first-order SV-wave formulas depend on three parameters, again on [Formula: see text], now related to the SV-wave vertical velocity [Formula: see text], depth [Formula: see text], and the WA version of parameter [Formula: see text]. The second-order formulas are slightly more complicated. The P- and SV-wave formulas depend on an additional parameter [Formula: see text], the ratio of the SV- and P-wave vertical velocities. The SV-wave formula depends, in addition, on the WA parameter [Formula: see text]. Because the dependence of the moveout formulas on [Formula: see text] is very weak, [Formula: see text] can be specified as a typical SV- to P-wave velocity ratio, and the number of parameters necessary to specify the second-order formulas is four for both waves. The formulas are relatively simple, highly accurate around zero offset, and yield an exact long-offset asymptote. Their accuracy at intermediate offsets depends on deviations of ray- and phase-velocity directions. These formulas are also applicable in cases in which the reflected ray is situated in a plane of symmetry of an orthorhombic medium, whose other symmetry plane is horizontal. This also includes any HTI medium with an axis of symmetry in the plane containing the reflected ray.
TFE3 Controls Lipid Metabolism in Adipose Tissue of Male Mice by Suppressing Lipolysis and Thermogenesis
Authors: Fujimoto Yuri , Nakagawa Yoshimi , Satoh Aoi , Okuda Kanako , Shingyouchi Akiko , Naka Ayano , Matsuzaka Takashi , Iwasaki Hitoshi , Kobayashi Kazuto , Yahagi Naoya , Shimada Masako , Yatoh Shigeru , Suzuki Hiroaki , Yogosawa Satomi , Izumi Tetsuro , Sone Hirohito , Urayama Osamu , Yamada Nobuhiro , Shimano Hitoshi
Published: July 2013

Transcription factor E3 (TFE3) is a transcription factor that binds to E-box motifs and promotes energy metabolism-related genes. We previously reported that TFE3 directly binds to the insulin receptor substrate-2 promoter in the liver, resulting in increased insulin response. However, the role of TFE3 in other tissues remains unclear. In this study, we generated adipose-specific TFE3 transgenic (aP2-TFE3 Tg) mice. These mice had a higher weight of white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue than wild-type (WT) mice under fasting conditions. Lipase activity in the WAT in these mice was lower than that in the WT mice. The mRNA level of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), the rate-limiting enzyme for adipocyte lipolysis, was significantly decreased in aP2-TFE3 Tg mice. The expression of Foxo1, which directly activates ATGL expression, was also suppressed in transgenic mice. Promoter analysis confirmed that TFE3 suppressed promoter activities of the ATGL gene. In contrast, G0S2 and Perilipin1, which attenuate ATGL activity, were higher in transgenic mice than in WT mice. These results indicated that the decrease in lipase activity in adipose tissues was due to a decrease in ATGL expression and suppression of ATGL activity. We also showed that thermogenesis was suppressed in aP2-TFE3 Tg mice. The decrease in lipolysis in WAT of aP2-TFE3 Tg mice inhibited the supply of fatty acids to brown adipose tissue, resulting in the inhibition of the expression of thermogenesis-related genes such as UCP1. Our data provide new evidence that TFE3 regulates lipid metabolism by controlling the gene expression related to lipolysis and thermogenesis in adipose tissue.
One-Year Progression-Free Survival of Therapy-Naive Patients With Malignant Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Authors: Hescot Ségolène , Leboulleux Sophie , Amar Laurence , Vezzosi Delphine , Borget Isabelle , Bournaud-Salinas Claire , de la Fouchardiere Christelle , Libé Rossella , Do Cao Christine , Niccoli Patricia , Tabarin Antoine , Raingeard Isabelle , Chougnet Cécile , Giraud Sophie , Gimenez-Roqueplo Anne-Paule , Young Jacques , Borson-Chazot Francoise , Bertherat Jérôme , Wemeau Jean-Louis , Bertagna Xavier , Plouin Pierre-Francois , Schlumberger Martin , Baudin Eric ,   for the French group of Endocrine and Adrenal tumors (Groupe des Tumeurs Endocrines-REseau NAtional des Tumeurs ENdocrines and COrtico-MEdullo Tumeurs Endocrines networks)
Published: July 2013

Context:

The natural history of malignant pheochromocytoma or paragangliomas (MPP) remain unknown.

Objective:

The primary aim of this study was to define progression-free survival at 1 year in therapy-naive patients with MPP. Secondary objectives were to characterize MPP and to look for prognostic parameters for progression at 1 year.

Design and Setting:

The files of MPP followed up between January 2001 and January 2011 in two French Endocrine Networks were retrospectively reviewed. Therapy-naive patients were enrolled.

Main Outcome Measures:

The main outcome was progression-free survival at 1 year in therapy-naive MPP patients according to Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors 1.1 criteria.

Results:

Ninety files (46 men, 44 women, mean age of 47.5 ± 15 years) were reviewed on site by one investigator. MPP characteristics were as follows: presence of an adrenal primary, a mitotic count exceeding 5 per high power field, hypertension, inherited disease, and presence of bone metastases in 50%, 22%, 60%, 49%, and 56% patients, respectively. Fifty-seven of the 90 patients with MPP (63%) were classified as therapy-naive. The median follow-up of these 57 patients was 2.4 years (range, 0.4–5.7). At 1 year, progression-free survival was 46% (CI 95: 33–59). Twenty-six of 30 (87%) patients with progression at 1 year had exhibited progressive disease at the first imaging workup performed after a median of 5.7 months. No prognostic parameter was identified.

Conclusions:

Half of the therapy-naive patients with MPP achieved stable disease at 1 year. In symptom-free patients with MPP, a wait-and-see antitumor policy seems appropriate as first line. Modality for a prospective follow-up is proposed.
Negative Regulation of Estrogen Signaling by ERβ and RIP140 in Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Docquier Aurélie , Garcia Aurélie , Savatier Julien , Boulahtouf Abdel , Bonnet Sandrine , Bellet Virginie , Busson Muriel , Margeat Emmanuel , Jalaguier Stéphan , Royer Cathy , Balaguer Patrick , Cavaillès Vincent
Published: July 2013

In hormone-dependent tissues such as breast and ovary, tumorigenesis is associated with an altered expression ratio between the two estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes. In this study, we investigated the effects of ERβ ectopic expression on 17β-estradiol (E2)-induced transactivation and cell proliferation in ERα-positive BG1 ovarian cancer cells. As expected, ERβ expression strongly decreased the mitogenic effect of E2, significantly reduced E2-dependent transcriptional responses (both on a stably integrated estrogen response element [ERE] reporter gene and on E2-induced mRNAs), and strongly enhanced the formation of ER heterodimers as evidenced by chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis. Inhibition by the ERα-selective ligand propyl pyrazole triol was less marked than with the pan-agonist (E2) or the ERβ-selective (8β-vinyl-estradiol) ligands, indicating that ERβ activation reinforced the inhibitory effects of ERβ. Interestingly, in E2-stimulated BG1 cells, ERβ was more efficient than ERα to regulate the expression of receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP140), a major ERα transcriptional corepressor. In addition, we found that the RIP140 protein interacted better with ERβ than with ERα (both in vitro and in intact cells by fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy). Moreover, RIP140 recruitment on the stably integrated reporter ERE was increased upon ERβ overexpression, and ERβ activity was more sensitive to repression by RIP140. Finally, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of RIP140 expression abolished the repressive effect exerted by activated ERβ on the regulation of ERE-controlled transcription by estrogens. Altogether, these data demonstrate the inhibitory effects of ERβ on estrogen signaling in ovarian cancer cells and the key role that RIP140 plays in this phenomenon.
Notch/Rbpjκ signaling regulates progenitor maintenance and differentiation of hypothalamic arcuate neurons
Authors: Aujla Paven K. , Naratadam George T. , Xu Liwen , Raetzman Lori T.
Published: July 2013

The hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (Arc), containing pro-opoiomelanocortin (POMC), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) neurons, regulates feeding, energy balance and body size. Dysregulation of this homeostatic mediator underlies diseases ranging from growth failure to obesity. Despite considerable investigation regarding the function of Arc neurons, mechanisms governing their development remain unclear. Notch signaling factors such as Hes1 and Mash1 are present in hypothalamic progenitors that give rise to Arc neurons. However, how Notch signaling controls these progenitor populations is unknown. To elucidate the role of Notch signaling in Arc development, we analyzed conditional loss-of-function mice lacking a necessary Notch co-factor, Rbpjκ, in Nkx2.1-cre-expressing cells (Rbpjκ cKO), as well as mice with expression of the constitutively active Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD) in Nkx2.1-cre-expressing cells (NICD Tg). We found that loss of Rbpjκ results in absence of Hes1 but not of Hes5 within the primordial Arc at E13.5. Additionally, Mash1 expression is increased, coincident with increased proliferation and accumulation of Arc neurons at E13.5. At E18.5, Rbpjκ cKO mice have few progenitors and show increased numbers of differentiated Pomc, NPY and Ghrh neurons. By contrast, NICD Tg mice have increased hypothalamic progenitors, show an absence of differentiated Arc neurons and aberrant glial differentiation at E18.5. Subsequently, both Rbpjκ cKO and NICD Tg mice have changes in growth and body size during postnatal development. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Notch/Rbpjκ signaling regulates the generation and differentiation of Arc neurons, which contribute to homeostatic regulation of body size.
Formulation and evaluation of sulfadimidine and trimethoprim tablets using wet granulation technique
Authors: Zimmer Łukasz , Świąder Katarzyna , Belniak Piotr , Szumiło Michał , Zuń Maria , Kasperek Regina , Poleszak Ewa
Published: July 2013

The objective of this study was to develop tablet formulations of sulphadimidine sodium (SDD-Na) and trimethoprim (TMP), evaluate and compare the efficiency of some excipients such as: superdisintegrant - croscarmellose sodium (Ac-Di-Sol), silicon dioxide (Aerosil), lactose and microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel pH-101) as base excipients for physical tablets properties and increasing the dissolution rate of SDD-Na and TMP. All tablet formulations were prepared by wet granulation process. Dissolution properties such as DP 30,45,60 (percent of drug dissolved at 30, 45 and 60 minutes), and dissolution rate constant value (K) were considered for comparing the dissolution results. The dissolution of SDD-Na and TMP from all examined tablet formulations followed Higuchi model kinetics with correlation coefficient (R) values from 0.984 to 0.995. The physical properties and in vitro drug release study revealed that tablets disintegration efficiency and drug dissolution depend on the amount of added disintegrant, the amount and presence of microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel) and lactose. Tablet formulation without addition of microcrystalline cellulose showed faster dissolution rate and shorter disintegration time as compared with that of tablets of formulations with microcrystalline cellulose. The results reveal that besides the type of diluents, the way of using superdisintegrant plays a major role in controlling disintegration of tablets. The portion of Ac-Di-Sol used as an intragranulary in the wet granulation process, is not as effective as that of the process of extragranulary addition. Tablets formulations F4 and F5 exhibited satisfactory friability, acceptable hardness, fulfilled the requirement for disintegration time for compressed tablets, and met the acceptable specifications with regard to drug release properties.
Analysis of the Unionization of Academic Advisors
Authors: Bee Richard H. , Beronja Terry Ann , Mann Genevra
Published: July 2013

Professionalladministrative personnel at colleges and universities must address not only the challenges of a changing student population but also their own personal and professional needs. The relatively small number in this “middle-management” group (e.g., academic advisors, career counselors, admissions counselors) has been a hindrance to its collective strength in obtaining economic, career, and professional goals. The professionalladministrative staff at Youngstown State University pursued an innovative course, unionization, in an attempt to achieve these desired goals. The question examined is whether unionization produced the outcomes these professionals had envisioned it would.
Math Anxiety: An Update
Authors: Tobias Sheila
Published: July 2013

As reported in Overcoming Math Anxiety 1978, 1980, in 600 interviews with college-age and older returning students, Tobias found three significant variables in her subjects' inability to do college-level mathematics: fear of mathematics, the conviction that mathematics is a white male domain, and the conviction that one is either good in mathematics or in language arts but never both. The students' absence of coping skills in dealing with mathematics classes and with their own anxieties appeared to be the main barrier to their attempting mathematics one more time. Subsequently, Tobias focused her research on entering college students. Her second book, Succeed With Math: Every Student's Guide to Conquering Math Anxiety 1987, was commissioned by The College Board. What follows is a selection of excerpts from that book, reconfigured for the use of counselors and advisors.
An Assessment of the Perceived Utility of Various College Majors
Authors: Graham Steven W. , Cockriel Irv
Published: July 2013

The ACT Alumni Survey was used to evaluate (a) the perceived utility of academic majors, (b) congruence between major and career, (c) the quality of educational preparation, and (d) the effects of gender upon the outcome measures for 55,000 college alumni. Statistical variations among college majors and between genders were observed. In particular, certain majors (e.g., computer science and health-related majors) received high marks on several measures, whereas others (e.g., social sciences, biology, and general studies) received uniformly poor ratings. Women reported a higher degree of college major and career consistency than did men.
A Comparison of Developmental Advising at Two Small Colleges
Authors: Frost Susan H.
Published: July 2013

Students' perceptions of advising styles at two small colleges were measured. Although students reported developmental advising at both institutions, the mean score at one college was significantly more developmental than the other.
Factors Influencing Choice of Graduate Program and Some Implications for Student Advisement
Authors: Kirk James , Wysocki Jay
Published: July 2013

A study at a small university in the Southeast examined the bases upon which students select graduate programs. The findings suggest that some students choose their academic programs primarily on the basis of perceived career opportunities. For other students quality factors (i.e., quality of instruction, quality of advisement, and ability to make high grades) are important considerations when selecting a graduate program. Differences found between the two groups have implications for making advisement more relevant for some students and generating greater faculty interest in student advising.
Advising as Teaching
Authors: Ryan Carol C.
Published: July 2013

“Advising as Teaching” was delivered as the President's Address at the 1991 NACADA National Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. In her address Ryan identified characteristics of effective teaching and those of effective advising from the literature and explored their parallels. She argued that faculty should be encouraged to view advising as an extension of their teaching role and made specific suggestions about applying teaching skills in the advising encounter.
Measuring Expectations About College Adjustment
Authors: Baker Robert W. , Schultz Kim L.
Published: July 2013

Research on an instrument designed to measure matriculating students' expectations or level of confidence regarding their capacity for adjusting to college shows the instrument to be reliable and predictably related to a variety of pre- and postmatriculation self-report data and real-life behaviors. Uses of the instrument in high school as well as college are considered.
Honors and Nonhonors Freshmen: Demographics, Attitudes, Interests, and Behaviors
Authors: Gerrity Deborah A. , Lawrence Jane Fiori , Sedlacek William E.
Published: July 2013

Demographics, attitudes, interests, and behaviors of honors and nonhonors freshmen were studied. Although similar in extracurricular interests, educational objectives, and some study habits, the two groups reported differences in most other areas. The findings offer implications for advising both groups, such as placing different emphases on format of academic courses, orientation to campus life, and retention strategies.
Advising From a Constructive Developmental Perspective
Authors: McAuliffe Garrett J. , Strand Roger F.
Published: July 2013

Advisors can enhance development by, first, identifying students' meaning-making assumptions and, second, challenging those assumptions while offering support as students struggle to increase the complexity of meaning making. Constructive developmental theory is offered as a useful framework from which to encourage greater student ownership of the educational planning process. Methods of assessing and enhancing development are suggested. Two cases that depict advising from the constructive developmental perspective are offered.
Predictors of Success for Academically Dismissed Students Following Readmission
Authors: Hall Kathleen M. , Gahn Sandra Wiley
Published: July 2013

Students who had been readmitted to a Midwestern university after academic dismissal were studied to discover whether any predictors of subsequent academic success could be identified. Logistic regression was employed to analyze six predictor variables: (a) cumulative grade point average at time of dismissal, (b) grade point average at another school during dismissal period, (c) composite ACT score, (d) number of semesters between dismissal and readmission, (e) number of credits earned at another school during dismissal period, and (f) level in school at time of dismissal. Only the two grade point averages were found to be significant predictors of success following readmission.
Rating Scales for the Evaluation of Academic Advisors
Authors: Severy Lawrence J. , Lee Naomi P. , Carodine Keith , Powers Lou , Mason Geoffrey R.
Published: July 2013

Comprehensive evaluation of academic advisors' styles and skills should incorporate ratings by consumers of such services (students) as well as peers and supervisors. This article offers multidimensional scales to assess responses to individual advisor performance (rather than overall program performance). The student scale contains the dimensions: social context, individual educational advice, and university procedures. The professional scale contains the dimensions: task competence, other orientation, and professional networking. All scales demonstrate high reliabilities (.85 to .95) and clear construct validity and are presented in their entirety.
A Developmental View of Academic Advising As Teaching
Authors: Crookston Burns B.
Published: July 2013

This classic article, upon which many of the subsequent articles reflect, originally appeared in January of 1972 in the Journal of College Student Personnel (volume 13,pp. 12–17) and is reprinted with both permission and deep appreciation. Crookston's article i as based on a paper he presented at a conference on academic advising at Temple Buell College in Denver in July 1970.
Intragroup Differences Between Black Native and Transfer Students at a Predominantly White University: Implications for Advising
Authors: Rodriguez Judith C. , Kaye Deborah , Stice Norma , Reedy Karen , Frazier Josephine , Brice Barbara
Published: July 2013

This research project identified demographic, academic, and social differences between Black native (entering, first-year) and Black transfer students at a predominantly White, urban, public university. A questionnaire mailed to all Black students (N = 735) elicited 172 responses (23%). Most students from both groups felt that the university promoted a positive race attitude. They also expected their advisors to be accessible and to know academic programs and policies. The researchers found significant differences in age, marital status, and who had been most influential in a student's having remained in school. Native students used the Career Development Center and Minority Student Alliance at a greater rate, and a larger percentage of them participated in the African American Student Union, the Student Government Association, the International Student Organization, and sororities and fraternities.
The Effects of a Freshman Seminar on At-Risk Under-, Over-, and Low Achievers
Authors: Simmons George , Wallins Judy , George Archie
Published: July 2013

To refine their understanding of student needs, the authors categorized academically at-risk students into three groups: (a) underachievers, those with higher than average achievement test scores but lower than average high school grade point averages (GPAs); (b) overachievers, those with lower than average test scores but higher than average high school GPAs; and (c) low achievers, those with low test scores and GPAs. A freshman seminar was developed to enhance the academic success of all three groups, and academic performance was analyzed over a 3-year period. The three populations performed differently and responded to seminar content in distinct ways. Comparison with a control group showed that of all seminar students, the only gain was in the retention of low achievers. Underachievers who took the seminar did less well than those in the control group both in retention and in subsequent GPA.
An Assessment of Centralized Versus Faculty Advising in a College of Engineering
Authors: Miville Marie L. , Sedlacek William E.
Published: July 2013

The authors studied use of and satisfaction with advising provided at a centralized advising location compared to faculty advising in individual departments. They hoped to determine whether students' advising needs were being met by these two systems. Although they found no significant differences between departmental and centralized services on advisor availability and concern, they did find that more students used faculty advisors. Further, they discovered many of the advising services offered to be vastly underused. The authors examine this underuse and propose coordination between departmental and central advising systems to better serve students.
An Effective Peer Advising Program in a Large Psychology Department
Authors: Nelson Eileen S. , Fonzi Ginger L.
Published: July 2013

The authors–one the program's coordinator and the other a former peer advisor–explain procedures for recruiting, selecting training and organizing peer advisors.
Causes, Reactions, and Consequences of Academic Probation: A Theoretical Model
Authors: Kelley Karl N.
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a three-stage model of academic probation that addresses cognitive, affective (emotional), behavioral, and environmental factors. The first stage examines the precursors to probation—factors that inhibit student performance. The second stage focuses on student reactions to being placed on probation. The various strategies students use to cope with probation are then used to predict the third stage or long-term consequences of probation. The key assumption behind this model is that student causal ascriptions for probation are an important predictor of future performance and self-concept. Intervention strategies are proposed that focus on attributional retraining in addition to traditional programs. Finally, it is hoped that this model will promote heuristic research concerning at-risk students as well as those on academic probation.
Postmodern View of Advisement in Higher Education
Authors: Stowe Donald E.
Published: July 2013

American higher education and its academic advisement practices are founded on the modernist notions of rationality, prediction, and control. The postmodern perspective, which has evolved in the last three decades, suggests that the modernist perspective has become too limiting. This article briefly reviews the modern-postmodern debate and introduces the postmodern concept of chaos theory. Characteristics of chaos theories are used to evaluate contemporary academic advisement from the theoretical perspectives of modernist and postmodernist advisement.
The Irrational Nature of Choice: A New Model for Advising Undecided Students?
Authors: Bertram Robert M.
Published: July 2013

This article examines advising undecided students in today's information age. Long established cultural paradigms associated with decision making are presented and challenged. A new model which advocates a less rational approach is advocated.
Preparing for Medical School and the Medical Profession: Advice to Advisors
Authors: Elam Carol , Taylor Edwin , Strother E. Nelson
Published: July 2013

In recent years, medical schools have experienced a dramatic increase in student applications for admission. The increase comes at a time of great change in the medical profession resulting from the effects of health care reform and the expansion of biomedical knowledge and applied technologies. Students making applications to medical school should know how these changes will impact the practice of medicine as well as how medical schools are revising their medical curricula to meet the challenges of a 21st century medical practice. Prospective applicants should adapt their undergraduate preparations for medical school and the medical profession accordingly.
Working With Undecided Students: A Hands-on Strategy
Authors: Schein Howard K. , Laff Ned Scott
Published: July 2013

Based on a concept described by the authors as “The Myth of the Academic Major,” a scheme for working with students who are undecided about their choice of major or career was developed. This scheme is a hands-on, time-limited method for using students' self-descriptions, rather than the institution's structure (e.g., lists of curricula), as the starting point for dialogue that points students in academic directions.
Meeting the Needs of Rural Students Through Distance Advising: The Role of Transfer Guides in Three Measures of Student Success
Authors: Dawson Erica Cantrell , Dell Cindy Ann
Published: July 2013

Articulation guides for students transferring between Northwest Community College in Powell, Wyoming and Montana State University-Billings are described. The articulation agreement between the two institutions includes course information and supportive advising for transfer students. We hypothesized that use of the guides would help students weather transfer shock better than those transfer students from community colleges where no guides had been available. The groups' declines in grade-point average (GPA) after transfer, recovery of GPA, and persistence were compared. It was found that the severity of transfer shock and the extent of recovery of GPA were not significantly related to the use of the transfer guides, but ability to persist to graduation was positively related. The format of the transfer guides and corresponding advising activities are detailed. Implications for students and administrators are also discussed.
The Advanced Undecided College Student: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hagstrom Susan J. , Skovholt Thomas M. , Rivers David A.
Published: July 2013

This qualitative study examined 16 advanced undecided college students at a large Midwestern research university and identified eight themes in their experiences with undecidedness: a) frustration, anxiety, and hopelessness; b) fear of commitment; c) fear of judgment; d) self-doubt and low self-esteem; e) difficulty setting goals; f) family issues; g) reluctance to seek help; and h) the desire for a personal, caring advising relationship. All of the students viewed undecidedness as a distressing experience, and all seemed to need help developing good decision-making skills. Additional conclusions, observations, and advising implications are discussed.
Advising Styles Observable In Practice: Counselor, Scheduler, and Teacher
Authors: Duller Melissa E , Creamer Elizabeth G , Creamer Don G.
Published: July 2013

Ten professional academic advisors were observed in advising sessions with 35 traditional-aged undergraduates to determine if advising styles are observable and if conceptual differences between prescriptive and developmental advising approaches are distinguishable. Individual advisors were found to use one of three styles and were not observed to vary their style among students. Findings challenge the assumption that prescriptive and developmental behaviors are used as distinct and contrasting approaches to advising.
Career Advising: A Developmental Approach
Authors: Carroll McCollum Vivian J.
Published: July 2013

Students, particularly those entering college for the first time, depend on the academic advisor for guidance and support. In the role of career counselor, the advisor helps advisees define the process necessary to obtain employment and life fulfillment. Helping advisees select the courses necessary to realize their career goals is only part of that guidance. This article proposes a model for career advising based upon Super s developmental theory of career counseling.
Advising Models: Goal Achievement and Program Effectiveness
Authors: Habley Wesley R. , Morales Ricardo H.
Published: July 2013

This is the second in a series of NACADA Journal articles that report on the results of the ACT Fifth National Academic Advising Survey. Collected data are analyzed to determine the performance of Habley's seven advising models on eight advising program goals and their perceived effectiveness on 11 program variables. The data also create the context for a deeper consideration of the relationship between an advising model and an institutional culture.
Using Metaphor in Academic Advising
Authors: Kirk-Kuwaye Michael
Published: July 2013

Student understanding of academic programs and student services is essential to academic progress and the first step to enjoying an enriched college experience. However, student conceptions of college are often inaccurate, incomplete, and difficult to change. Through the use of metaphor, advisors can redirect students' attitudes about seeking assistance, increase their understanding of higher education and its philosophies, and encourage them to solve problems creatively.
Don't Drop Out, Drop In: A Workshop for At-Risk Students
Authors: Brooks-Harris Carolyn N. , Mori Val G. , Higa Lynne M.
Published: July 2013

This article describes a workshop that is targeted at students overcoming academic difficulties after a one-semester suspension. Participants are encouraged to use campus resources, empowered to make better personal and academic decisions, and given an opportunity to connect with other students and the university as a whole. This workshop represents an efficient intervention method that can increase retention and is easily transferable to other universities.
Advising with a Strong Assessment Component Helps Students Achieve their Educational Goals
Authors: Woodbury Jean
Published: July 2013

Advising is a form of teaching that is inherently student centered and works well with a facilitated learning approach. Traditional methods for educational evaluation, such as Ralph W. Tyler's goal-based evaluation, Michael Scriven's goal-free evaluation, and Robert Stake's responsive evaluation, can be employed to determine how well students are achieving their goals. Formative and summative evaluations relying on ongoing communication and campus-wide collaboration are essential components of educational evaluation in advising. This article presents guidelines for evaluation that can be used in a variety of settings and illustrates the process by examining advising in an academic support program at a small New England college.
Using an Electronic Listserv as an Advising Tool
Authors: Weir Susan
Published: July 2013

Advisors can utilize electronic mail to better serve their advisees' information needs. Advisors can use E-mail to not only select the information that is most relevant to students, but also to provide that information immediately, conveniently, and efficiently. The author, a departmental advisor at a large midwestern university, created a listserv exclusively for her advisees. A recent survey indicated that the students are accessing their E-mail regularly, finding the information posted to the listserv useful to them, and often relying on the listserv as a primary information source.
On a Clear Day-ja Vu All Over Again
Authors: Habley Wesley R.
Published: July 2013

Advising research from 1965 to the present is reviewed and recommendations are offered to improve research in the years ahead. After presenting the importance of research to the field, suggestions for how individual advisors, their institutions, and NACADA can contribute to advising research efforts are offered.
Style Over Substance Revisited: A Longitudinal Analysis of Intrusive Intervention
Authors: Abelman Robert , Molina Anthony
Published: July 2013

In a recent report, the authors showed that the academic intervention process, rather than the specific intervention content, was responsible for a short-term influx in at-risk student performance and persistence. Students in varying degrees of academic probation were randomly assigned to one of three intervention strategies that incorporated controlled content but divergent levels of intrusiveness. Results showed that the most intrusive intervention produced higher cumulative grade-point averages and retention rates for all at-risk students. This follow-up study on the long-term impact of these one-time interventions confirms results regarding performance and persistence: Some intrusion is better than none in academic advising.
An Analytic Model to Assist Academic Advisors
Authors: DesJardins Stephen L. , Jie Wang
Published: July 2013

We detail how academic advisors at two land grand universities benefit from the identification of factors related to poor academic performance of first-year students. We used a multivariate statistical model and data from one institution to identify characteristics of students at-risk of earning low grade point averages. We showed through a second application of the statistical model that first-year dropout was directly related to grade point average.
Solution-Focused Advising with the Undecided Student
Authors: Mayhall Jennifer , Burg James E.
Published: July 2013

Solution-focused advising integrates solution-focused therapy with academic advising. Solution-focused therapy is apsychotherapeutic method that emphasizes the importance of strengths and goal achievement overpathology. The model is based on the positive presuppositions that change is always occurring and that clients can promote change through small steps from a perceived problem toward a goal. Academic advisors can apply solution-focused therapy to students who are undecided about a career major. A definition of an undecided student is presented as well as case samples that demonstrate solution-focused techniques in advising.