bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How do subject specialists construe classroom language proficiency?
Authors: Elder Catherine 
Published: March 2008

Recent research on rater variation (e.g., Barnwell, 1989; Douglas and Selinker, 1990; Hadden, 1991) raises the question of whether 'linguistically naive' subject specialists may be better equipped than language experts to judge the effectiveness of particular areas of non-native speaker communica tion. This question is investigated with reference to a classroom-based observation schedule which was developed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speaker graduates training as secondary mathema tics and science teachers. The article examines aspects of rater behaviour as evidenced in recent trials. The schedule was applied to observations of actual performance in the maths and science classroom as well as to the viewing of a number of videoed segments of classroom interaction. Ratings were elicited from two groups of assessors: nine ESL teachers and eight subject specialists (maths/science teachers/teacher trainers). Findings reveal significant correlations between subject specialists' and language teachers' overall judgements of communica tive effectiveness, but differences between the two groups with respect to their ratings of particular dimensions of language use and to the weighing of these dimensions in relation to global proficiency assessments.
Protective role of curcumin in myocardial oxidative damage induced by isoproterenol in rats
Authors: Nazam Ansari M , Bhandari U , Pillai KK 
Published: March 2008

This study was designed to investigate the effect of oral curcumin pretreatment (200 mg/kg) on isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in rats. Isoproterenol (85 mg/kg, s.c., in two divided doses at 24 h intervals) administration induced a statistically significant increase ( P < 0.01) in serum lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase activities and significant increase ( P < 0.01) in myocardial lipid peroxides levels as compared to vehicle control rats. Furthermore, significant depletion ( P < 0.01) of myocardial endogenous antioxidants viz. superoxide dismutase, catalase, and tissue glutathione levels were also found in the pathogenic control group, that is, isoproterenol only treated animals. Curcumin (200 mg/kg) pretreatment for 20 days in isoproterenol treated rats significantly lowered ( P < 0.01) the serum lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and myocardial lipid peroxides levels and increased the levels of myocardial endogenous antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and tissue glutathione) as compared to pathogenic control rats. Furthermore, histological examination of rat’s heart section confirmed myocardial injury with isoproterenol administration and near normal pattern with curcumin pretreatment. The results of our study provide clear evidence that the curcumin pretreatment enhances the antioxidant defense against isoproterenol-induced oxidative myocardial injury in rats and exhibit cardioprotective property.
Sublethal concentrations of gemcitabine (2′,2′-difluorodeoxycytidine) alter mitochondrial ultrastructure and function without reducing mitochondrial DNA content in BxPC-3 human pancreatic carcinoma cells
Authors: Yeo TK , Kintner J , Armand R , Perez R , Lewis LD 
Published: March 2008

2′,2′-Difluorodeoxycytidine (gemcitabine), a pyrimidine nucleoside analog, is used therapeutically in the treatment of pancreatic, non-small cell lung, and breast cancer. The cytotoxic effect of gemcitabine is thought to be due to masked chain termination after the triphosphorylated anabolite of the drug is incorporated into nascent DNA strands. We tested the hypothesis that sublethal concentrations of gemcitabine inhibit DNA polymerase γ and reduce mitochondrial DNA content in BxPC-3 and MOLT-4 cell lines, and we used 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine, a known inhibitor of DNA polymerase γ as a positive control. The 6-day BxPC-3 cell growth IC50for gemcitabine and 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine was 0.003 μM (SD ± 0.0005) and 14.5 μM (SD ± 4.7), respectively, and in MOLT-4 cells was 0.002 μM (SD ± 0.001) and 0.86 μM (SD ± 0.23), respectively. These drug concentrations were anti-proliferative but non-cytotocidal. Electron photomicrographic studies showed deranged mitochondrial cristae patterns in BxPC-3 cells treated with either gemcitabine or 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine for 6 days. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation dysfunction was observed as reflected by increased lactate concentration in the media of cells exposed to gemcitabine, but to a much greater extent in cells exposed to 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine. PCR analysis showed that gemcitabine did not reduce mitochondrial DNA content in either BxPC-3 or MOLT-4 cells, but 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine did. The effect of gemcitabine on mitochondrial ultrastructure and function did not concomitantly yield a reduction in mitochondrial DNA content. Therefore, the molecular target(s) by which gemcitabine and 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine produce mitochondrial abnormalities in these cells appear to be different.
Inhibitory role of Acorus calamus in ferric chloride–induced epileptogenesis in rat
Authors: Hazra R , Ray K , Guha D 
Published: March 2008

The roots and rhizomes of Acorus calamus (Family: Araceae) have been used in the ancient systems of medicine for the treatment of various neurological disorders. Of the various methods used for inducing experimental epileptic models, the intracortical administration of ferric chloride (FeCl3) into sensorimotor cortex induces recurrent seizures and epileptic discharge similar to human post-traumatic epilepsy through the generation of free radicals. The present study focuses on the effect of Acorus calamus on the behavioral, electroencephalographic, and antioxidant changes in FeCl3-induced rat epileptogenesis. Topical administration of FeCl3 (5 μL; 100 mM) into the sensorimotor cortex of rats showed an increase in the wet dog shake behavior, spike wave discharges together with an significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, resulting in an increase in the level of lipid peroxidation in cerebral cortex. Pretreatment with Acorus calamus (200 mg/kg b.w., p.o. for 14 days) and also diazepam (DZ, 20 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) decreased the WDS behavior, spike wave discharges with single isolated positive waves, and a significant decrease in activity of superoxide dismutase and level of lipid peroxidation was observed in cerebral cortex with respect to those observed in FeCl3-induced epileptic group. Data presented in this study clearly show that Acorus calamus possesses the ability for preventing the development of FeCl3-induced epileptogenesis by modulating antioxidant enzymes, which in turn exhibit the potentiality of Acorus calamus to be developed as an effective anti-epileptic drug.
Effect of sulphated polysaccharides on erythrocyte changes due to oxidative and nitrosative stress in experimental hyperoxaluria
Authors: Veena CK , Josephine A , Preetha SP , Varalakshmi P 
Published: March 2008

Kidney stones are known to haunt humanity for centuries and increase in oxalate is a predominant risk factor for stone formation. The present study was initiated with a notion to study the oxidative and nitrosative stress on erythrocytes under oxalate stress and the putative role of sulphated polysaccharides. Hyperoxaluria was induced in two groups by the administration of 0.75% ethylene glycol in drinking water for 28 days and one of them was treated with sulphated polysaccharides from Fucus vesiculosus from the 8th day to the end of the experimental period of 28 days at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight subcutaneously. Control and drug control (sulphated polysaccharides alone) were also included in the study. Glycolic and glyoxylic acid levels of urine were analyzed as an index of hyperoxaluria. The plasma enzymic markers of cellular integrity, redox status of red blood cells, osmotic fragility, and 14C-oxalate binding were investigated. Urine and plasma nitric oxide metabolites, expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase protein, and mRNA were assessed in kidney to evaluate the nitrosative stress. Increased levels of glycolic and glyoxylic acid in urine indicated the prevalence of hyperoxaluria in ethylene glycol–administered groups. Plasma aspartate and alanine transaminase were not altered, but alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase of hyperoxaluric group were increased indicating tissue damage. Activities of antioxidant enzymes were decreased, whereas erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation was increased in hyperoxaluric rats. Moreover, an altered fragility with an increase in oxalate binding activity was observed in hyperoxaluric group. Increase in nitric oxide metabolites levels in urine and plasma along with an increase in expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase protein and mRNA in kidney were observed in hyperoxaluric rats. Administration of sulphated polysaccharides to hyperoxaluric rats averted the abnormal increase in urinary glycolic and glyoxylic acid levels and enzyme activities, decreased lipid peroxidation, and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, increased nitrosative stress accompanying hyperoxaluria was also normalized on sulphated polysaccharides treatment. To conclude, sulphated polysaccharide administration was able to maintain the integrity of erythrocyte membrane and decrease the damage to erythrocytes in hyperoxaluria.
Poisoning with 1-propanol and 2-propanol
Authors: Vujasinović M , Kočar M , Kramer K , Bunc M , Brvar M 
Published: March 2008

1-Propanol and 2-propanol are isomers of an alcohol with three carbons. They are colorless liquids with a sweet odor. 1-Propanol is metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase to propionic acid and presents with metabolic acidosis and elevated anion gap, whereas 2-propanol is metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase to acetone and presents with rapidly developing (within 3–4 h after exposure) ketosis and ketonuria but without metabolic acidosis. We report a patient who simultaneously ingested a lethal dose of 1-propanol and 2-propanol as a hand disinfectant in hospital. The patient lost consciousness and stopped breathing within half an hour after ingestion. He was intubated and artificially ventilated. Initial laboratory results showed mixed acidosis with elevated anion gap, but ketonuria appeared only 12 h after admission and 6 h following the regaining of consciousness. Therefore, laboratory results in simultaneous poisoning with two isomers of alcohol are not just a sum of laboratory results obtained in isolated poisoning with each isomer because they influence each other’s metabolism: 1-propanol retards the metabolism of 2-propanol to acetone. In conclusion, 1-propanol and 2-propanol poisoning presents early with mixed acidosis and elevated anion gap and only later with ketonuria.
Bromism caused by mix-formulated analgesic injectables
Authors: Hsieh PF , Tsan YT , Hung DZ , Hsu CL , Lee YC , Chang MH 
Published: March 2008

Bromism, chronic bromide intoxication, can be caused by a variety of medicines, but bromism due to pain-relieving injectable medications has not been reported. In this study, the methods used were internet searching on bromide-containing injectables available in Taiwan and the first case report of bromism due to mixed-formulated injectable medication. Many analgesic/antipyretic and antihistamine injections containing bromides are still being used in Taiwan. They contain sodium bromide up to 1000 mg/ampoule or calcium bromide up to 800 mg/amp. A 25-year-old female suffered from forgetfulness and unstable gait after long-term frequent injections of a preparation to relieve head and neck pain. Blood tests showed hyperchloremia (171 mEq/L) and a negative anion gap (−48.7 mEq/L). Serum bromide measured 2150 mg/L. She recovered completely in 3 days with saline treatment. Many bromide-containing injections are still being used in Taiwan. Clinicians should keep alert on this issue to avoid iatrogenic bromism or making misdiagnoses.
Two cases of valproic acid poisoning treated with l-carnitine
Authors: Chan YC , Tse ML , Lau FL 
Published: March 2008

Two cases of acute valproic acid poisoning with central nervous system depression and raised ammonia level without hepatotoxicity were reported. They were treated successfully with the use of the antidotes: l-carnitine and other supportive measures. Clinical manifestation and progress was described, and discussion is focused on the use of l-carnitine in valproic acid–induced hyperammonemia, from its mechanism to the clinical experiences in the literature. Based on the favorable response of our two cases and the literature review, we recommend the administration of intravenous l-carnitine in patients of valproic acid overdose with hyperammonemia or valproic acid–induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy and hepatotoxicity at a dose of 50 mg/kg every 8 h for the first initial 24 h with further individual assessment.
Supplementation of ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol prevents arsenic-induced protein oxidation and DNA damage induced by arsenic in rats
Authors: Kadirvel R , Sundaram K , Mani S , Samuel S , Elango N , Panneerselvam C 
Published: March 2008

Contamination of arsenic in drinking water is associated with several human diseases including cancer. It has been reported that oxidative stress plays a vital role in arsenic-induced biochemical and molecular alterations. The aim of the present study was to improve the understanding of arsenic-induced oxidative damage to proteins and to DNA and the role of antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol in alleviating arsenic-induced damages in experimental rats. A significant increase in the levels of protein oxidation, DNA strand breaks, and DNA–protein cross-links was observed in blood, liver, and kidney of rats exposed to arsenic (100 ppm in drinking water) for 30 days. Co-administration of ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol to arsenic-exposed rats showed a substantial reduction in the levels of arsenic-induced oxidative products of protein and DNA. The results of this study support that free radical–mediated toxic manifestations of arsenic and also suggest that ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol supplementation can improve the arsenic-induced molecular alterations.
Stepping up to assume greater organizational leadership: How public relations professionals are poised to lead the telecommuting charge in the new millennium
Authors: Basso Joseph 
Published: March 2008

The author explored the impact that telecommuting, or cybercommuting, has on the current corporate climate and details the need for a greater organizational leadership position for public relations professionals in managing the virtual office work force. The author used information gathered from a qualitative study that detailed the job tasks and responsibilities associated with the telecommuter and analyzed the impact of technology in redefining the work environment. Finally, the author, using a systems theory approach to detail how trained public relations professionals are ideally suited to take on greater organizational leadership roles in managing the telecommuting environment thus enabling organizations to reap greater benefits from the virtual office setting.
Experimental Verification of the Method of Deformation Analysis of Coated Plain-Weave Fabrics By Biaxial Tensile Tester
Authors: Minami Hirokazu , Nakahara Yoshio 
Published: March 2008

Method for deformation analysis of coated plain- weave fabrics which have nonlinear mechanical properties has been reported on this journal [1]. Following this, in this paper, biaxial tensile tester developed by the authors and the crucial specimen for the tester are introduced. And convergence properties of solution given by application of the method on the crucial specimen model of calculation are studied concerning to the coarseness of subdivision of finite ele ment and to the number of steps of iterative calculation. Finally, the methods are verified comparing biaxial stress-strain curves given by the calculation and the measurement. As a result, it is concluded that the method can be progressed toward the application to deformation analysis of membrane structures.
A predictive probability design for phase II cancer clinical trials
Authors: Lee J Jack , Liu Diane D 
Published: March 2008

Background Two- or three-stage designs are commonly used in phase II cancer clinical trials. These designs possess good frequentist properties and allow early termination of the trial when the interim data indicate that the experimental regimen is inefficacious. The rigid study design, however, can be difficult to follow exactly because the response has to be evaluated at prespecified fixed number of patients. Purpose Our goal is to develop an efficient and flexible design that possesses desirable statistical properties. Methods A flexible design based on Bayesian predictive probability and the minimax criterion is constructed. A three-dimensional search algorithm is implemented to determine the design parameters. Results The new design controls type I and type II error rates, and allows continuous monitoring of the trial outcome. Consequently, under the null hypothesis when the experimental treatment is not efficacious, the design is more efficient in stopping the trial earlier, which results in a smaller expected sample size. Exact computation and simulation studies demonstrate that the predictive probability design possesses good operating characteristics. Limitations The predictive probability design is more computationally intensive than two- or three-stage designs. Similar to all designs with early stopping due to futility, the resulting estimate of treatment efficacy may be biased. Conclusions The predictive probability design is efficient and remains robust in controlling type I and type II error rates when the trial conduct deviates from the original design. It is more adaptable than traditional multi-stage designs in evaluating the study outcome, hence, it is easier to implement. S-PLUS/R programs are provided to assist the study design. Clinical Trials 2008; 5: 93—106. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Implementation of NIH inclusion guidelines: survey of NIH study section members
Authors: Taylor Holly A 
Published: March 2008

Background Current National Institutes of Health (NIH) policy mandates the inclusion of women, minorities and children in clinical research. Institutional Review Boards (IRB), NIH Scientific Review Groups (SRG) and NIH program staff all have responsibility for the evaluation of Principal Investigator (PI) adherence to the inclusion guidelines. Purpose The purpose of this survey was to describe the experience with and attitudes of SRG members toward the inclusion guidelines and to identify characteristics of respondents that predict their attitudes towards the policy. Methods A survey was sent to 746 SRG members. 425 SRG members responded and univariate and bivariate statistical analysis conducted. Results The results of the survey identify one clear measure of success regarding the implementation of the NIH guidelines; SRG members indicate the guidelines are in part responsible for their attention to the inclusion of women, minorities and children in clinical research. In addition, SRG members believe that gender and race are important factors when assessing the diversity of study samples and that the current NIH guidelines are adequate for encouraging their inclusion. As a proxy measure of success, SRG members believe that PIs responsible for protocols reviewed by their study group are generally compliant with the inclusion guidelines. Limitation At least one potential limitation of this study is that while an effort was made to assure confidentiality, because the project was funded by the NIH, respondents may have been less critical of the guidelines than they would have been if the study was funded by non-NIH funds. Conclusion Future research ought to explore whether IRB members and NIH program officers find PIs to be compliant as their projects get underway. In addition, more research ought to be conducted to assess the downstream effects of this important social policy. Clinical Trials 2008; 5: 140—146. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Maintaining confidentiality of interim data to enhance trial integrity and credibility
Authors: Fleming Thomas R , Sharples Katrina , McCall John , Moore Andrew , Rodgers Anthony , Stewart Ralph 
Published: March 2008

Background For clinical trials of interventions that could affect mortality or major morbidity, Data Monitoring Committees have an important role in safeguarding patient interests and enhancing trial integrity and credibility. In trials overseen by an independent DMC it is widely recognized that interim data should remain confidential to the DMC and to the statistical group preparing reports. However, we have found that the principle of confidentiality is not always followed in practice, particularly where the interim data include complete results on a short-term outcome measure. Purpose To discuss the reasoning and evidence supporting the principle of confidentiality of interim data with emphasis on the setting where the interim data include complete results on a short-term outcome. Methods We review the reasons why wider access to interim data can increase the risk of false positive or false negative conclusions and discuss the types of harm which can occur. We provide illustrations and insights from recent experiences and discuss the level of consensus in the research community. Results The arguments in favor of early release of interim data include the need to provide reliable data in a timely manner to patients and physicians, the potential to increase the enthusiasm of trial investigators, and to restore equipoise. However interim data, even where these include complete results on a short-term outcome measure, provide an unreliable and biased assessment of the overall benefit-to-risk profile of the trial treatments. Pre-judgment based on over-interpretation of such interim data can affect recruitment, treatment delivery, and follow-up, risking the ability of the trial to achieve its goals. Conclusions In order to preserve the integrity of a trial and safeguard the interests of patients, interim data, including complete data on short-term outcomes, should remain confidential to the DMC and the statistical group responsible for preparing interim reports until the trial has achieved its primary objectives. Clinical Trials 2008; 5: 157—167. http://ctj.sagepub.com