bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of Subject and Grade Skipping for the Prevention and Reversal of Underachievement
Authors: Rimm Sylvia B. , Lovance Katherine J. 
Published: September 2007

Acceleration, including early entrance to kindergarten, grade skipping, and subject skipping, has been used as a strategy to prevent and reverse underachievement in a selected group of gifted students. Fourteen sets of parents and 11 students were interviewed to determine their perceptions of the effectiveness of the acceleration strategy. All the parents and all the students indicated they would make the same decision again. Only two of the school administrators and six of the receiving teachers were initially positive about the skipping, but most of them changed their positions with the child's success, at least in regard to the specific accelerated child. There appeared to be a period (between one quarter and a semester) during which teachers expressed concern over the students' adjustment, but students did not perceive themselves as having adjustment difficulties.
Effects of a Creative Problem-Solving Curriculum on Students of Varying Ability Levels
Authors: Schack Gina D. 
Published: September 2007

This study investigated the effects of a creative problem solving curriculum on students of varying ability. Subjects were 267 middle school students in six schools who had previously been designated as gifted, honors, or average. To assess problem solving, treatment and companson students responded to a hypothetical problem before and after the treatment, with results scored by two independent judges for problem fluency, solution fluency, flexibility, originatity, and use of criteria. Teachers rated the creativity, ability to work in groups, and potential giftedness of all students before and-after the treatment. Treatment students showed significant gains in problem-solving ability compared with comparisons, with no significant differences among ability levels. Teacher ratings for gifted comparison students increased compared to those for gifted treatment students; ratings for treatment honors students generally increased. Teacher ratings for average students did not change, despite signficant increases in their problem-solving ability.
Leisure Activities in Career Guidance for Gifted and Talented Adolescents: A Validation Study of the Tel-Aviv Activities Inventory
Authors: Hong Eunsook , Whiston Susan C. , Milgram Roberta M. 
Published: September 2007

Leisure activities may predict adult accomplishment better than conventional predictors such as intelligence or school grades because their performance requires not only intellectual abilities, but also task commitment, persistence, and other cognitive and personal-social attributes that determine life outcomes. Research on the leisure activities of young gifted children has been sparse in part because of the lack of psychometric instruments designed for use with children. The construct validity of the Tel-Aviv Activities Inventory, a measure of leisure activities specifically designed for children and adolescents was investigated in 934 junior/senior high school students. The 62 activities inventory items were entered for factor analysis. The 10-factor maximum likelihood solution with varimax rotation was selected, resulting in extracting factors most similar to the hypothesized factor structure. The results indicated that the instrument may be useful for career counseling with gifted and talented children. Recommendations for the revision of the current edition of the instrument are suggested.
Summer Residential Programs: Academics and Beyond
Authors: Enersen Donna L. 
Published: September 2007

Every summer, bright students participate in highly challenging residential programs on university campuses. Since many students return year after year, they must be finding something of great value. Although we have confirmation of their academic achievement, little has been done to ascertain the students' own perceptions of the total program experience. This study employed the qualitative research tool of interview and the principles of phenomenology to discern how a group of students saw and interpreted the value of the summer programs. Twelve students who attended Purdue University's residential programs for at least 3 years were interviewed to discover what stood out in their minds as important events during the programs; how they interpreted the effect of the programs on their academic, social, and emotional lives; and what brought them back year after year. A telephone interview was also conducted with a parent of each student to collect their perceptions of the value of the programs for their children. The interviews revealed the importance of summer program experiences for these students. The satisfaction of challenging course work taught by caring, expert teachers and the opportunity to live on a university campus were significant to them; making friends and gaining confidence in their own abilities were equally vital.
Point of care hematocrit and hemoglobin in cardiac surgery: a review
Authors: Myers Gerard J. , Browne Joe 
Published: September 2007

The use of point-of-care blood gas analyzers in cardiac surgery has been on the increase over the past decade. The availability of these analyzers in the operating room and post-operative intensive care units eliminates the time delays to transport samples to the main laboratory and reduces the amount of blood sampled to measure such parameters as electrolytes, blood gases, lactates, glucose and hemoglobin/hematocrit. Point-of-care analyzers also lead to faster and more reliable clinical decisions while the patient is still on the heart lung machine. Point-of-care devices were designed to provide safe, appropriate and consistent care of those patients in need of rapid acid/base balance and electrolyte management in the clinical setting. As a result, clinicians rely on their values to make decisions regarding ventilation, acid/base management, transfusion and glucose management. Therefore, accuracy and reliability are an absolute must for these bedside analyzers in both the cardiac operating room and the post-op intensive care units. Clinicians have a choice of two types of technology to measure hemoglobin/hematocrit during bypass, which subsequently determines their patient's level of hemodilution, as well as their transfusion threshold. All modern point-of-care blood gas analyzers measure hematocrit using a technology called conductivity, while other similar devices measure hemoglobin using a technology called co-oximetry. The two methods are analyzed and compared in this review. The literature indicates that using conductivity to measure hematocrit during and after cardiac surgery could produce inaccurate results when hematocrits are less than 30%, and, therefore, result in unnecessary homologous red cell transfusions in some patients. These inaccuracies are influenced by several factors that are common and unique to cardiopulmonary bypass, and will also be reviewed here. It appears that the only accurate, consistent and reliable method to determine hemodilution and establish transfusion thresholds based on nadir hematocrits during cardiopulmonary bypass, and immediately post cardiac surgery, is with the use of co-oximetry. Perfusion (2007) 22, 179—183.
Interpreting studies of cognitive function following cardiac surgery: a guide for surgical teams
Authors: Rubens Fraser D. , Boodhwani Munir , Nathan Howard 
Published: September 2007

Patients with coronary disease and related health care providers are faced with confusing and often conflicting information with regards to the neurocognitive impact of different strategies for coronary revascularization. Studies involving the measurement of postoperative cognitive deficit (POCD) have significant limitations that may ultimately impact on their interpretation and clinical relevance. In this review, we have described the origin of these tests and delineated the rationale for the design of testing that is commonly used in cardiac surgery patients. In general, neurocognitive tests assess domains of memory/new learning, psychomotor speed/dexterity and attentional capacity/mental control. Pre- and post-intervention tests in each domain can be evaluated either by the measurement of mean change scores (Group Comparison Model) for the entire group as continuous data, or by using categorical or continuous data to examine patterns of individual decline (Individual Comparison Model). This latter approach requires a specific definition of what constitutes a decline, which can be criticized as being arbitrary. There are limitations to each of these approaches that necessitate that critical information in trial design is available to the reviewer to facilitate interpretation. For example, the impact of factors such as test/re-test reliability and practice effect can be mitigated by the use of an appropriately chosen control population. Liberal parlance of neurocognitive outcome as a rationale for therapeutic choice must be tempered by wise interpretation of these tests. It is only through the understanding of their limitations and the implications of trial design that we can translate these results to provide the best therapeutic options for our patients in unbiased manner. Perfusion (2007) 22, 185—192.
Which competencies are necessary for clinical perfusion in Germany? Interviews with perfusionists
Authors: Merkle Frank 
Published: September 2007

Background: The professional education of cardiovascular perfusionists in Germany and the expertise required for successful practice have not often been studied. Here, the necessary skills for clinical cardiovascular perfusionists are described. Method: The prerequisites for the practice of the profession, expected future developments and the question of the positioning of a future professional perfusionist training within the educational system were discussed with ten experienced perfusionists. These individuals were interviewed in a semi-standardized fashion following an interview manual and the interviews were evaluated using qualitative research methods. Results: The professional skills currently required of perfusionists correspond to the list of activities published by the German Society of Cardiovascular Enginering. New areas are knowledge of management and, increasingly, social competence and self-management skills. Future tasks for perfusionists will be more diversified than at present. Conclusion: Training for perfusionists should be made broader than it is today. The current restructuring taking place in the profession makes interdisciplinary orientation and increased emphasis on practical training necessary. Academic level education is both feasible and desirable. Perfusion (2007) 22, 201—205.
Differences in the Placement of the Tibial Tunnel during Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament with and without Computer-Assisted Navigation
Authors: Mauch Frieder , Apic Goran , Becker Ulrich , Bauer Gerhard 
Published: September 2007

Background Next to graft fixation, correct positioning of the tibial and femoral tunnel is a deciding factor for the clinical result of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. Computer-assisted navigation has been proposed as a method to improve tunnel positioning. Purpose To examine the differences in tibial tunnel placement between cruciate ligament operations using manual and computer-assisted navigation. Study Design Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods Between December 2003 and April 2004, 53 athletes underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery with arthroscopic press-fit technique. The first group (group N; 24 athletes) were operated on with the aid of a navigation system (OrthoPilot, Aesculap AG & Co. KG, Braun), and the second group (group M; 29 athletes) were “manually” operated on. A lateral radiograph of the knee at maximum extension was used to determine the exact position of the tibial tunnel four days postoperatively. In the measurements, the anterior and posterior boundaries of the tibial tunnel, as well as the center of the tibial tunnel in relation to the maximum tibia anteroposterior diameter were evaluated (indicated in percent). An analysis of the tibial tunnel position proportional to the slope of the intercondylar roof was done to determine intercondylar impingement (method according to Howell). The centers of the tibial tunnels were compared with the “optimal” position noted in previous studies. The standard deviation was determined for both groups to determine the variance of placement. Results The anterior tibial tunnel border was 19.4 mm in group M (29.7%) and 21.2 mm in group N (32.2%) (P=.18). The center of the tibial tunnel was located at 24.6 mm in group M (35.6%) and at 26.6 mm in group N (40.3%) (P=.19). In group M, the posterior tibial tunnel position was located at 30.2 mm (46.2%), and in group N at 32.2 mm (49.1%) (P=.21). When comparing the centers of the tibial tunnels with the optimal 44% found in previous studies, the value for group M (37.6%) varied significantly, while group N (40.5%) did not. However, there was no significant difference in the range variance for either group; the standard deviation was 6.9% (4.3 mm) for group M and 5.9% (3.5 mm) for group N. One athlete showed moderate impingement in group N, and two athletes in group M. Conclusion Assisted navigation offers good support for correct placement of the tibial tunnel, although experienced surgeons can achieve essentially the same positioning as surgeons using computer-assisted navigation. Whether it is advisable to implement this procedure in daily surgical routine should be decided based on clinical results.
A cross-species alignment tool (CAT)
Authors: Li Heng , Guan Liang , Liu Tao , Guo Yiran , Zheng Wei-Mou , Wong Gane Ka-Shu , Wang Jun 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
The main two sorts of automatic gene annotation frameworks are ab initio and alignment-based, the latter splitting into two sub-groups. The first group is used for intra-species alignments, among which are successful ones with high specificity and speed. The other group contains more sensitive methods which are usually applied in aligning inter-species sequences.

Results
Here we present a new algorithm called CAT (for Cross-species Alignment Tool). It is designed to align mRNA sequences to mammalian-sized genomes. CAT is implemented using C scripts and is freely available on the web at http://xat.sourceforge.net/.

Conclusions
Examined from different angles, CAT outperforms other extant alignment tools. Tested against all available mouse-human and zebrafish-human orthologs, we demonstrate that CAT combines the specificity and speed of the best intra-species algorithms, like BLAT and sim4, with the sensitivity of the best inter-species tools, like GeneWise.
A rapid and sensitive bioassay to measure bone morphogenetic protein activity
Authors: Zilberberg Lior , ten Dijke Peter , Sakai Lynn Y , Rifkin Daniel B 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the TGF-beta superfamily and were originally identified as proteins that induce ectopic bone formation. BMPs were shown subsequently to be involved in several biological processes during development and in adult tissues through the regulation of the growth, differentiation and apoptosis of various cell types. An alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-based assay is the most widely used assay to evaluate BMP activity. However, the ALP assay is not rapid and not sensitive enough to measure BMP activity at physiological concentrations. In this paper, we describe a highly sensitive, rapid, and specific cell-based assay for the quantification of BMP activity.

Results
Two cells lines, C2C12 and HepG2 were stably transfected with a reporter plasmid consisting of BMP-responsive elements from the Id1 promoter fused to a luciferase reporter gene. Exposure of cells containing this construct to BMPs induces the expression of luciferase, which can be quantified with a luminometer. The bioassay is specific for BMPs and can detect BMP-4 activity at a concentration as low as 3 pM. Related family members, such as TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3, do not induce the reporter gene.

Conclusion
The assay is rapid (less than 24 hours) and can be used, as described in this paper, to measure BMP activity in complex solutions and in cell culture in a simple and efficient way.
Neuregulin3 alters cell fate in the epidermis and mammary gland
Authors: Panchal Heena , Wansbury Olivia , Parry Suzanne , Ashworth Alan , Howard Beatrice 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
The Neuregulin family of ligands and their receptors, the Erbb tyrosine kinases, have important roles in epidermal and mammary gland development as well as during carcinogenesis. Previously, we demonstrated that Neuregulin3 (Nrg3) is a specification signal for mammary placode formation in mice. Nrg3 is a growth factor, which binds and activates Erbb4, a receptor tyrosine kinase that regulates cell proliferation and differentiation. To understand the role of Neuregulin3 in epidermal morphogenesis, we have developed a transgenic mouse model that expresses Nrg3 throughout the basal layer (progenitor/stem cell compartment) of mouse epidermis and the outer root sheath of developing hair follicles.

Results
Transgenic females formed supernumerary nipples and mammary glands along and adjacent to the mammary line providing strong evidence that Nrg3 has a role in the initiation of mammary placodes along the body axis. In addition, alterations in morphogenesis and differentiation of other epidermal appendages were observed, including the hair follicles. The transgenic epidermis is hyperplastic with excessive sebaceous differentiation and shows striking similarities to mouse models in which c-Myc is activated in the basal layer including decreased expression levels of the adhesion receptors, α6-integrin and β1-integrin.

Conclusion
These results indicate that the epidermis is sensitive to Nrg3 signaling, and that this growth factor can regulate cell fate of pluripotent epidermal cell populations including that of the mammary gland. Nrg3 appears to act, in part, by inducing c-Myc, altering the proliferation and adhesion properties of the basal epidermis, and may promote exit from the stem cell compartment. The results we describe provide significant insight into how growth factors, such as Nrg3, regulate epidermal homeostasis by influencing the balance between stem cell renewal, lineage selection and differentiation.
Effect of starvation on global gene expression and proteolysis in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Salem Mohamed , Silverstein Jeff , Rexroad Caird E , Yao Jianbo 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
Fast, efficiently growing animals have increased protein synthesis and/or reduced protein degradation relative to slow, inefficiently growing animals. Consequently, minimizing the energetic cost of protein turnover is a strategic goal for enhancing animal growth. Characterization of gene expression profiles associated with protein turnover would allow us to identify genes that could potentially be used as molecular biomarkers to select for germplasm with improved protein accretion.

Results
We evaluated changes in hepatic global gene expression in response to 3-week starvation in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Microarray analysis revealed a coordinated, down-regulated expression of protein biosynthesis genes in starved fish. In addition, the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism/transport, aerobic respiration, blood functions and immune response were decreased in response to starvation. However, the microarray approach did not show a significant increase of gene expression in protein catabolic pathways. Further studies, using real-time PCR and enzyme activity assays, were performed to investigate the expression of genes involved in the major proteolytic pathways including calpains, the multi-catalytic proteasome and cathepsins. Starvation reduced mRNA expression of the calpain inhibitor, calpastatin long isoform (CAST-L), with a subsequent increase in the calpain catalytic activity. In addition, starvation caused a slight but significant increase in 20S proteasome activity without affecting mRNA levels of the proteasome genes. Neither the mRNA levels nor the activities of cathepsin D and L were affected by starvation.

Conclusion
These results suggest a significant role of calpain and 20S proteasome pathways in protein mobilization as a source of energy during fasting and a potential association of the CAST-L gene with fish protein accretion.
Differential gene expression in an elite hybrid rice cultivar (Oryza sativa, L) and its parental lines based on SAGE data
Authors: Song Shuhui , Qu Hongzhu , Chen Chen , Hu Songnian , Yu Jun 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
It was proposed that differentially-expressed genes, aside from genetic variations affecting protein processing and functioning, between hybrid and its parents provide essential candidates for studying heterosis or hybrid vigor. Based our serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) data from an elite Chinese super-hybrid rice (LYP9) and its parental cultivars (93-11 and PA64s) in three major tissue types (leaves, roots and panicles) at different developmental stages, we analyzed the transcriptome and looked for candidate genes related to rice heterosis.

Results
By using an improved strategy of tag-to-gene mapping and two recently annotated genome assemblies (93-11 and PA64s), we identified 10,268 additional high-quality tags, reaching a grand total of 20,595 together with our previous result. We further detected 8.5% and 5.9% physically-mapped genes that are differentially-expressed among the triad (in at least one of the three stages) with P-values less than 0.05 and 0.01, respectively. These genes distributed in 12 major gene expression patterns; among them, 406 up-regulated and 469 down-regulated genes (P < 0.05) were observed. Functional annotations on the identified genes highlighted the conclusion that up-regulated genes (some of them are known enzymes) in hybrid are mostly related to enhancing carbon assimilation in leaves and roots. In addition, we detected a group of up-regulated genes related to male sterility and 442 down-regulated genes related to signal transduction and protein processing, which may be responsible for rice heterosis.

Conclusion
We improved tag-to-gene mapping strategy by combining information from transcript sequences and rice genome annotation, and obtained a more comprehensive view on genes that related to rice heterosis. The candidates for heterosis-related genes among different genotypes provided new avenue for exploring the molecular mechanism underlying heterosis.