bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Introduction of Portfolios in Higher Education: a comparative study in the UK and the Netherlands
Authors: BEISHUIZEN JOS , VAN BOXEL PATRIS , BANYARD PHILIP , TWINER ALISON , VERMEIJ HELLE , UNDERWOOD JEAN 
Published: September 2006

This article describes a comparative study of the introduction of student portfolios in two departments of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands and Nottingham Trent University in the UK. Portfolios are designed to facilitate effective management of lifelong learning, to provide a record of achievements and to encourage self‐reflection by students.The justifications for the portfolio initiative are different in the two countries. At the Vrije Universiteit, the initiative arose within the University but is being implemented by individual faculties. There is no standard model of implementation. At Nottingham Trent University, portfolios are being introduced as a response to a government directive, as part of a lifelong learning portfolio that each individual will carry forward into their working life. The University’s response to this imperative is top‐down and a University‐wide model is being sought. The department model is one of several models that are being evaluated for this purpose.This research project investigates whether these alternative starting points lead to differential responses from student users or not. Data are drawn from quantitative (questionnaires) and qualitative (interviews with managers, consultants and teachers) sources. Similarities and differences in students’ responses to the portfolio exercise are identified and discussed in terms of factors such as the way the portfolios are introduced, the incentives offered to complete them, the role of the lecturer and peers in the monitoring of study progress, the quality of self‐regulative skills, and students’ learning expectations.
Flatbrain spreadsheets: Mindtool outside the box?
Authors: Lamontagne Claude , Desjardins Francois , Bénard Michèle 
Published: September 2006

AbstractManaging the pedagogical aspects of the ‘computational turn’ that is occurring within the Humanities in general and the disciplines associated with cognitive science and neuroscience in particular, first implies facing the challenge of introducing students to computation. This paper presents what has proven to be an efficient approach to bringing undergraduate Humanities students to reach insight into the nature of computation and its bearing on reflecting upon the mind in general, and the brain in particular. It is set within the context of a course on the topic of sensory perception featuring a laboratory component aimed at guiding students to develop neuronal networking skills. In this course, students are asked to design, test and discuss the neurophysiological, psychological and philosophical implications of the neuronal blueprints of a virtual creature’s brain which they are challenged to ‘wire’ themselves in such a way as to allow it to ‘see the world’ within which they choose to place it. The insight on which we are reporting here is simply that a basic competence in using a spreadsheet application is all that is required to allow implementing and testing of virtual brains made of basic formal neurones, bringing the miracle of computer simulation within the reach of even the most computer‐shy undergraduates. Once introduced to basic neuronal networks (two 90‐minute laboratory sessions), two laboratory sessions are sufficient to bring groups of up to some 50 undergraduates to manipulate the basic spreadsheet operations successfully and understand how virtual brains consisting of basic formal neurones can be implemented in terms of these basic spreadsheet operations. It is the ‘flattening’ to which the virtual (formal neuronal) brains are thus subjected, as they are turned into spreadsheets that led to coining the concept of a ‘flatbrain spreadsheet’. The students are then challenged to develop and implement their very own virtual creature’s flatbrain spreadsheets, and gently tutored into noticing the key problems out of which arise the great debates in cognitive science about such issues as consciousness, qualia, categorisation, induction, computational explanation and the like. Empirical evidence gathered over the course of the last 6 years strongly suggests that the construction of flatbrain spreadsheets by students does make a difference in the classroom.
The impact of structured activities among Palestinian children in a time of conflict
Authors: Loughry Maryanne , Ager Alastair , Flouri Eirini , Khamis Vivian , Afana Abdel Hamid , Qouta Samir 
Published: September 2006

Background:  There is growing evidence of the impact on children's well‐being of exposure to political conflict in such settings as the Palestinian territories. This study examined the impact of child‐focused interventions involving structured activities, supported by provision of equipment and training of facilitators. The focus of interventions was participation in recreational, cultural and other non‐formal activities supporting the development of resilience. Impacts were hypothesised on children's social and emotional well‐being, relationships with parents and degree of future orientation.Methods:  Two hundred and fifty children from the West Bank and 150 children from Gaza took part in the study. Of these 400 children, 300 comprised the intervention group. Fifty children from Gaza and 50 children from the West Bank comprised the comparison group. There were equal numbers of girls and boys in all groups, with similar proportions of children aged between 6 and 11 years, and between 12 and 17 years. Measures used were the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), the Parental Support Scale and the Hopefulness Scale: Youth Version. Assessment was made as children enrolled on the structured activity programmes (T1) and again twelve months later (T2).Results:  There was no difference in the CBCL Total, Internalising or Externalising problem scores at baseline (Time 1) between the children who subsequently took the intervention and those who did not. Compared to children in the comparison group, children in the intervention group had lower CBCL total problem scores, externalising problem scores, and internalising problem scores at Time 2 compared to Time 1. Exposure to the intervention was not associated with changes in children's hopefulness, but those receiving the intervention in the West Bank did report improved parental support at Time 2.Conclusions:  The intervention appeared successful in improving children's emotional and behavioural well‐being but not hopefulness. It was also linked with increased parental support in some areas (those located in the West Bank).
Species‐specific chemosignals evoke delayed excitation of the vomeronasal amygdala in freely‐moving female rats
Authors: Mucignat‐Caretta Carla , Colivicchi Maria A. , Fattori Manuela , Ballini Chiara , Bianchi Loria , Gabai Gianfranco , Cavaggioni Andrea , Della Corte Laura 
Published: September 2006

AbstractMale rat chemosignals attract females and influence their reproductive status. Through the accessory olfactory bulb and its projection target, the posteromedial cortical nucleus of the amygdala (PMCo), species‐specific chemosignals detected by the vomeronasal organ (VNO) may reach the hypothalamus. To test this hypothesis in vivo, behavioural activation and neurotransmitter release in the PMCo were simultaneously monitored in freely moving female oestrus rats exposed to either rat or mouse urinary stimuli, or to odorants. Plasma levels of the luteinizing hormone were subsequently monitored. All stimuli induced an immediate behavioural activation, but only species‐specific chemosignals led to a delayed behavioural activation. This biphasic behavioural activation was accompanied by a VNO‐mediated release of the excitatory amino acids, aspartate and glutamate, in the PMCo. The late behavioural and neurochemical activation was followed by an increase in the levels of circulating luteinizing hormone. In conclusion, these data show that only species‐specific chemosignals induce a delayed behavioural activation and excitatory activation of the PMCo, which is dependent on an intact VNO.
Effect of sublethal 6‐hydroxydopamine on the response to subsequent oxidative stress in dopaminergic cells: evidence for preconditioning
Authors: Leak Rehana K. , Liou Anthony K. F. , Zigmond Michael J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractExposure to sublethal stress can trigger endogenous protection against subsequent, higher levels of stress. We tested for this preconditioning phenomenon in a model of Parkinson's disease by applying 6‐hydroxydopamine to the dopaminergic MN9D cell line. Exposure to sublethal concentrations of 6‐hydroxydopamine (5–10 µm) protected against the toxic effects of a subsequent exposure to a higher concentration (50 µm), as measured by the Hoechst assay for nuclear viability. This was accompanied by little or no protection against 6‐hydroxydopamine‐induced lactate dehydrogenase release, decline in ATP, or reduction in 3H‐dopamine uptake. The antioxidant, N‐acetyl cysteine (20 mm), when applied during preconditioning, abolished protection, as did the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide (0.2 µm). Preconditioning did not affect superoxide dismutase or glutathione peroxidase enzymes, or levels of heat shock protein‐72. However, Bcl‐2 protein levels rose with preconditioning. Preconditioning rapidly increased phosphorylation of kinases ERK1/2, Akt and JNK, and was abolished by pharmacological inhibitors of their activity. Finally, sublethal 6‐hydroxydopamine preconditioned against the toxicity of proteasome inhibitor, MG‐132 (1 µm). Thus, exposure of a dopaminergic cell line to sublethal oxidative stress can protect against additional oxidative stress due to translational and post‐translational modifications, as well as confer ‘cross‐tolerance’ against a different insult, proteasome inhibition.
Expression of receptor tyrosine kinases VEGFR‐1 (FLT‐1), VEGFR‐2 (KDR), EGFR‐1, PDGFRa and c‐Met in canine primary brain tumours
Authors: Dickinson P. J. , Roberts B. N. , Higgins R. J. , Leutenegger C. M. , Bollen A. W. , Kass P. H. , LeCouteur R. A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractInhibition of tumour growth and angiogenesis by targeting key growth factor receptors is a promising therapeutic strategy for central nervous system tumours. Characterization of these growth factor receptors in canine primary brain tumours has not been done. Using quantitative real‐time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we evaluated the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for five tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor [VEGFR]‐1, VEGFR‐2, endothelial growth factor receptor [EGFR]‐1, platelet‐derived growth factor receptor a [PDGFRa], and c‐Met) relative to normal cerebral cortex in 66 spontaneous canine primary brain tumours. Increased expression of VEGFR‐1 and VEGFR‐2 mRNA was greatest in grade IV astrocytomas (glioblastoma multiforme) and grade III (anaplastic) oligodendrogliomas. EGFR‐1 mRNA expression was more consistently increased than the other receptors in all tumour types, while increased PDGFRa mRNA expression was mostly restricted to oligodendrogliomas. The similarities in increased expression of these tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors in these canine tumours, as compared to data from their human counterparts, suggest that common molecular mechanisms may be present.
Mohs micrographic surgery: a technique for total margin assessment in veterinary cutaneous oncologic surgery
Authors: Bernstein J. A. , Hodgin E. C. , Holloway H. W. , Hedlund C. S. , Storey E. S. , Hubert J. D. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractMohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the gold standard for the excision of locally invasive cutaneous malignancies in human dermatological surgery. Using a unique horizontal sectioning technique, MMS enables 100% surgical margin assessment and provides the lowest recurrence rates for locally invasive tumours. The purposes of this preliminary study were to explore the feasibility of application of MMS in the veterinary setting and to establish practical advantages and limitations of its use in a pilot programme. It was hypothesized that MMS technique could provide 100% tumour margin assessment using frozen and/or formalin‐fixed horizontal histopathologic sections. Tumour excision and colour‐coded mapping were performed, and specimen tissue was fixed using either frozen sections or formalin‐fixed sections. Horizontal sections were assessed for quality and presence and location of neoplastic cells based on the mapped orientation. The MMS technique was used in the excision of six squamous cell carcinomas and five mast cell tumours. In all cases, the MMS permitted 100% tumour margins examination.
Expression and sequence of canine SIRT2 and p53 genes in canine mammary tumour cells – effects on downstream targets Wip1 and p21/Cip1
Authors: DeInnocentes P. , Li L. X. , Sanchez R. L. , Bird R. C. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe have characterized gene dysfunction in a cellular model of spontaneous canine mammary cancer by investigating specific gene defects in SIRT2 and p53 genes for comparative studies among canine tumour‐derived cell lines. These genes and their downstream targets are involved in regulating gene silencing, cell cycle progression and prevention of senescence and apoptosis. Canine SIR2 reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction amplicons were most homologous to human SIRT2 and revealed detectable transcripts in all cell lines. Canine SIRT2 contained non‐conserved amino acid substitutions, representing mutations or allelic differences and interspecies differences. Sequence differences between individuals in p53 and SIRT2 were found in two cell lines including a stop codon in p53 and substitutions of conserved cysteine residues in the Zn2+‐binding motif in SIRT2. Mutations in SIRT2 were coincident with expression of the p53 modulator, Wip1; a failure to activate p21/Cip1 and extended G2/M phase. A third cell line appeared to function normally in these two pathways and likely possesses other defects in proliferation‐control genes. This data identify potentially important defects in pathways regulated by p53 and SIRT2 that modulate cell proliferation and integrate development, apoptosis and proliferative lifespan. These genes offer promising therapeutic targets, contributing to the transformed/immortalized phenotype in spontaneous canine mammary cancer.
Telomerase activity in canine osteosarcoma
Authors: Kow K. , Bailey S. M. , Williams E. S. , Withrow S. , Lana S. E. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAppendicular osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common primary bone tumour in dogs, and the prognosis with standard of care therapy of amputation and adjunctive chemotherapy is generally poor, with median survival times of 1 year. The ability of neoplastic cells to maintain their telomere length, by either telomerase activity or alternate methods, is an important step in tumour development and malignancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of telomerase activity in canine OSA. To evaluate the frequency of alternative lengthening of telomeres in canine OSA, we have used the telomeric repeat amplification protocol in five canine cell lines and in six samples taken from clinical patients at the time of amputation. Our results reveal the presence of telomerase activity in 100% of canine OSA cell lines and 83% of clinical samples evaluated. This is in contrast to human OSA where 25–40% expression levels of telomerase are reported. Importantly, our results not only suggest that canine OSA may serve as a good model for aggressive telomerase‐positive forms of human OSA but also that antitelomerase therapy strategies for treatment of canine OSA may be more successful than in the treatment of majority of human patients with OSA.
Cytological comparison of fine‐needle aspirates of liver and spleen of normal dogs and of dogs with cutaneous mast cell tumours and an ultrasonographically normal appearing liver and spleen
Authors: Finora K. , Leibman N. F. , Fettman M. J. , Powers B. E. , Hackett T. A. , Withrow S. J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractStaging of dogs with cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs) is an important diagnostic step. Aspiration of the liver and the spleen is often part of routine staging. This study cytologically compared mast cell numbers in fine‐needle aspirates of liver and spleen of clinically normal unaffected dogs with those of dogs with cutaneous MCT and an ultrasonographically normal appearing liver and spleen. The unaffected dogs (n = 32) were selected from humane society dogs, and the affected dogs (n = 51) were selected from hospital cases. There were no statistically significant differences in each of the parameters evaluated for the liver aspirates. For splenic aspirates, affected dogs showed significantly more mast cells per cluster (P = 0.04) and more isolated mast cells per slide (P = 0.03) compared with unaffected dogs. However, no clinically important difference existed between the unaffected and affected dogs; thus, routine aspiration of an ultrasonographically normal appearing liver and spleen of dogs with cutaneous MCT does not appear to be a clinically useful staging tool.
The Effect of Complete Dentures with a Metal Palate on Candida Species Growth in HIV‐Infected Patients
Authors: Perezous Leticia F. , Stevenson Gene C. , Flaitz Catherine M. , Goldschmidt Millicent E. , Engelmeier Robert L. , Nichols C. Mark 
Published: September 2006

Purpose: This in vivo investigation compared the oral candidal population between heat‐cured acrylic resin and nickel‐chromium‐beryllium alloy in maxillary complete dentures in HIV‐infected patients.
Materials and Methods: Split‐palate maxillary complete dentures were fabricated for 19 HIV‐infected patients: one‐half of the palate was made in acrylic resin and the other half in nickel‐chromium‐beryllium. Patients were divided into low or high CD4+ lymphocyte count groups. Dentures were worn for 5 months. Palatal mucosa was clinically evaluated at baseline, 1, 3, and 5 months after denture insertion. Specimens were collected at 1, 3, and 5 months using a modified imprint culture method. Speciation of Candida was performed using a chromogenic culture medium. Two‐sample t‐test was employed to determine effects and significant interactions between the control and test groups and the low and high CD4+ lymphocyte groups. A χ2 test analyzed and compared the results of the clinical evaluation (p < 0.05).
Results: Significant differences were observed in the colony counts between both materials during the third (p= 0.046) and fifth months (p= 0.039). The low CD4+ group demonstrated significant differences during the third (p= 0.03) and fifth months (p= 0.05). There were no significant differences between the species of Candida that colonized either material with the exception of Candida dubliniensis (p < 0.001) and “Others” (p < 0.001) during the first and fifth months. There were no significant differences on the clinical appearance of the palatal mucosa between both materials (p= 1.00).
Conclusions: The metal base proved to be effective in decreasing the fungal growth typically present in complete dentures. Although overt clinical manifestations were not present, colony counts of Candida species were high in the acrylic resin denture bases of these patients. This investigation demonstrated that metal base complete dentures provide an important alternative dental service for edentulous HIV‐positive and other patients who are particularly prone to higher incidences of fungal infections.
Calcium Phosphate Cement: Review of Mechanical and Biological Properties
Authors: Ambard Alberto J. , Mueninghoff Leonard 
Published: September 2006

Purpose: Calcium phosphate cement is a bioactive and biodegradable grafting material in the form of powder and liquid, which when mixed, sets as primarily hydroxyapatite, sometimes mixed with unreacted particles and other phases. This material has been extensively investigated due to its excellent biological properties, potential resorbability, molding capabilities, and easy manipulation. Because the material can potentially be replaced with bone after a period of time, it could retain the short‐term biological advantages of hydroxyapatite without the long‐term disadvantages. Although little is known about this material in the dental community, in vivo and in vitro studies show calcium phosphate cement as a promising material for grafting applications. In the following article, the authors review the biological and mechanical properties of calcium phosphate cement, as well as its potential use in clinical applications.
Materials and Methods: A Medline search was performed (timeline: 1980 to 2003) using the following keywords: calcium phosphate cement, hydroxyapatite cement, HA cement, and hydroxyapatite. The search was limited to the English language. The patent literature as well as a limited number of master's theses and books were reviewed after using the electronic database search service from a dental school library.
Results: Calcium phosphate cement appears to have excellent biological properties. At only 2 weeks, spicules of living bone with normal bone marrow and osteocytes can be seen. Excellent moldability is a desired clinical characteristic; however, further research is necessary in order to improve the mechanical properties of the cement. The resorption/replacement by bone capability of the cement remains controversial. Further research is needed to clarify this issue. Due to poor mechanical properties, clinical applications are currently limited to craniofacial applications. Further research is necessary to take advantage of the excellent biological properties of this cement under clinical applications.
Conclusion: Further research is necessary to understand and improve the behavior of this type of cement under clinical situations.
Effect of the Association of Nystatin with a Tissue Conditioner on its Ultimate Tensile Strength
Authors: Urban Vanessa Migliorini , De Souza Raphael Freitas , Galvao Arrais Cesar Augusto , Borsato Karina Tostes , Vaz Luís Geraldo 
Published: September 2006

Purpose: This study evaluated the ultimate tensile strength of a tissue conditioner without nystatin incorporation (GI—control group) and the same tissue conditioner modified by the addition of nystatin in two concentrations: GII—500,000 International Units (U) and GIII—1,000,000 U, in which each milligram of the medicament corresponded to 6079 U.
Materials and Methods: Dumbbell‐shaped specimens (N= 7) with a central cross‐sectional area of 33 × 6 × 3 mm were produced for the three experimental groups. After polymerization following manufacturer's instructions, specimens were immersed in distilled water at 37°C for either 24 hours or 7 days and then tested in tension in the MTS 810 at 40 mm/minute. Data were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test, at 95% level of confidence.
Results: The means (force‐grams (gf) ± standard deviation) of the ultimate tensile strength were: GI—634.29 ± 122.80; GII—561.92 ± 133.56; and GIII—547.30 ± 73.47 for 24‐hour storage, and GI—536.68 ± 54.71; GII—467.50 ± 143.51; and GIII—500.62 ± 159.76 for 7‐day storage. There were no statistically significant differences among the three experimental groups (p > 0.05). The ultimate tensile strength means of all experimental groups after 7 days were significantly lower than those observed after 24 hours (p= 0.04).
Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the addition of nystatin into the tissue conditioner investigated in concentrations below 1,000,000 U did not affect its ultimate tensile strength.