bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simplified primer design for PCR‐based gene targeting and microarray primer database: two web tools for fission yeast
Authors: Penkett Christopher J. , Birtle Zoë E. , Bähler Jürg 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPCR‐based gene targeting is a popular method for manipulating yeast genes in their normal chromosomal locations. The manual design of primers, however, can be cumbersome and error‐prone. We have developed a straightforward web‐based tool that applies user‐specified inputs to automate and simplify the task of primer selection for deletion, tagging and/or regulated expression of genes in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This tool, named PPPP (for Pombe PCR Primer Programs), is available at http://www.sanger.ac.uk/PostGenomics/S_pombe/software/. We also present a searchable Microarray Primer Database to retrieve the sequences and accompanying information for primers and PCR products used to build our in‐house Sz. pombe microarrays. This database contains information on both coding and intergenic regions to provide context for the microarray data, and it should be useful also for other applications, such as quantitative PCR. The database can be accessed at http://www.sanger.ac.uk/PostGenomics/S_pombe/microarray/. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Central City Decline and the Provision of Education Services
Authors: Bailey S.J. 
Published: October 2006

This article analyses the fiscal consequences of demographic decline for local services in seven British cities. It takes the form of an economist's view of both the ability and willingness of local authorities to reduce provision of the education service in response to falling pupil numbers. A considerable excess of resource inputs is found to exist over a long period, with consequently higher local rate bills and lost opportunities for effective corporate planning. Some explanation of this maldistribution of local resources is attempted by way of the in-built time lags, departmental-ism, provision for future need, pressure group resistance, political ideology, inertia and the complex multi-disciplinary nature of the subject.
The Demand for Housing Characteristics in Developing Countries
Authors: Follain James R. , Jimenez Emmanuel 
Published: October 2006

This paper develops and estimates an econometric model of the household demand for housing characteristics. The model is estimated using data from five cities and three developing countries. Overall, the procedures employed work well in a wide variety of circumstances. More specifically, it is found that: (1) Household willingness to pay for living space increases with income but at a less than proportionate rate; (2) Willlingness to pay for living space declines as household size increases; (3) Willingness to pay for several quality measures - structural quality; wall, roof and floor quality - is quite responsive to income.
Ad‐optimal designed population pharmacokinetic study of oral itraconazole in adult cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Hennig Stefanie , Waterhouse Timothy H. , Bell Scott C. , France Megan , Wainwright Claire E. , Miller Hugh , Charles Bruce G. , Duffull Stephen B. 
Published: October 2006

What is already known about this subject• Itraconazole is a triazole antifungal used in the treatment of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).• The pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of this drug and its active metabolite have been described before, mostly in healthy volunteers.• However, only sparse information from case reports were available of the PK properties of this drug in CF patients at the start of our study.What this study adds• This study reports for the first time the population pharmacokinetic properties of itraconazole and a known active metabolite, hydroxy‐itraconazole in adult patients with CF.• As a result, this study offers new dosing approaches and their pharmacoeconomic impact as well as a PK model for therapeutic drug monitoring of this drug in this patient group.• Furthermore, it is an example of a successfuld‐optimal design application in a clinical setting.AimThe primary objective of the study was to estimate the population pharmacokinetic parameters for itraconazole and hydroxy‐itraconazole, in particular, the relative oral bioavailability of the capsule compared with solution in adult cystic fibrosis patients, in order to develop new dosing guidelines. A secondary objective was to evaluate the performance of a population optimal design.MethodsThe blood sampling times for the population study were optimized previously using POPT v.2.0. The design was based on the administration of solution and capsules to 30 patients in a cross‐over study. Prior information suggested that itraconazole is generally well described by a two‐compartment disposition model with either linear or saturable elimination. The pharmacokinetics of itraconazole and the metabolite were modelled simultaneously using NONMEM. Dosing schedules were simulated to assess their ability to achieve a trough target concentration of 0.5 mg ml−1.ResultsOut of 241 blood samples, 94% were taken within the defined optimal sampling windows. A two‐compartment model with first order absorption and elimination best described itraconazole kinetics, with first order metabolism to the hydroxy‐metabolite. For itraconazole the absorption rate constants (between‐subject variability) for capsule and solution were 0.0315 h−1(91.9%) and 0.125 h−1(106.3%), respectively, and the relative bioavailability of the capsule was 0.82 (62.3%) (confidence interval 0.36, 1.97), compared with the solution. There was no evidence of nonlinearity. Simulations from the final model showed that a dosing schedule of 500 mg twice daily for both formulations provided the highest chance of target success.ConclusionThe optimal design performed well and the pharmacokinetics of itraconazole and hydroxy‐itraconazole were described adequately by the model. The relative bioavailability for itraconazole capsules was 82% compared with the solution.
Holocene global warming and the origin of the Neotropical Gran Sabana in the Venezuelan Guayana
Authors: Rull Valentí 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAim  The assumedly anomalous occurrence of savannas and forest–savanna mosaics in the Gran Sabana – a neotropical region under a climate more suitable for tropical rain forests – has been attributed to a variety of historical, climatic, and anthropogenic factors. This paper describes a previously undocumented shift in vegetation and climate that occurred during the early Holocene, and evaluates its significance for the understanding of the origin of the Gran Sabana vegetation.Location  A treeless savanna locality of the Gran Sabana (4°30′–6°45′ N and 60°34′–62°50′ W), in the Venezuelan Guayana of northern South America, at the headwaters of the Caroní river, one of the major tributaries of the Orinoco river.Methods  Pollen and charcoal analysis of a previously dated peat section spanning from about the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary until the present.Results  Mesothermic cloud forests dominated by Catostemma (Bombacaceae) occupied the site around the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary. During the early Holocene, a progressive but relatively rapid trend towards savanna vegetation occurred, and eventually the former cloud forests were replaced by a treeless savanna. Some time after the establishment of savannas, a marked increase in charcoal particles indicates the occurrence of the first local fires.Main conclusions  The occurrence of cloud forests at the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary contradicts the historical hypothesis according to which the Gran Sabana is a relict of the hypothetical widespread savannas that have been assumed to have dominated the region during the last glaciation. The first local fires recorded in the Holocene were on savanna vegetation, which is against the hypothesis of fire as the triggering factor for the establishment of these savannas. Climate change, in the form of global warming and a persistently drier climate, emerges as the most probable cause for the forest–savanna turnover.
Assessing health worker performance in malaria case management of underfives at health facilities in a rural Tanzanian district
Authors: Eriksen J. , Tomson G. , Mujinja P. , Warsame M. Y. , Jahn A. , Gustafsson L. L. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryObjective  To study the quality of malaria case management of underfives at health facilities in a rural district, 2 years after the Tanzanian malaria treatment policy change in 2001.Methods  Consultations of 117 sick underfives by 12 health workers at 8 health facilities in Mkuranga District, Tanzania were observed using checklists for history taking, counselling and prescription. Diagnoses and treatment were recorded. Exit interviews were performed with all mothers/guardians and blood samples taken from the underfives for the detection of malaria parasites and antimalarial drugs. Quality of care was measured using indicators adopted from the integrated management of childhood illnesses multi‐country evaluation.Results  Quality of care measured by indicator scores averaged 31% of what was considered optimal. The poorest results were for history taking. Nevertheless, 89% of febrile children were treated with antimalarials, in line with national guidelines for fever treatment. Of these, 61% had a parasitaemia ≥2000/μl. There was no difference in treatment given to those with parasitological malaria compared with those without parasites. Pre‐treatment levels of chloroquine and sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine were low and detected in 2% and 13%, respectively.Conclusion  Although most febrile children were given antimalarial treatment, quality of care in terms of history taking and counselling was sub‐optimal. Despite this, the study community had changed behaviour from self‐treatment to seeking care at health facilities. This is encouraging for introduction of artemisinin‐based combination therapies policies as one could focus resources into improving care at health facilities and still reach out with treatment to most febrile children.
Facilitating interpersonal evaluation of knowledge in a context of distributed team collaboration
Authors: Leinonen Piritta , Järvelä Sanna 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis study investigates how distributed team members evaluate their own and others’ knowledge when they engage in goal‐directed activities and seek shared understanding. Twenty‐three manager‐level employees of a municipal organisation worked as two distributed teams for two months. Their work was supported with a visualisation tool, which was embedded in the teams’ shared www‐based workspaces. After the distributed working period, the subjects were interviewed and their work in the shared workspace was traced. Qualitative analysis of the interviews showed that, in distributed collaboration, individuals use both self‐evaluation and interpersonal evaluation strategies when trying to gain an awareness of others’ knowledge. The interpersonal evaluations included strategies such as assessing the expertise and knowledge of others. It is concluded that when individuals do not have situational information, eg, what others think about the content of the shared task, they tend to make personal attributions. In other words, their evaluations of the others’ knowledge focus on stable tendencies like the expertise of other individuals.
The impact of membership of a virtual learning community on individual learning careers and professional identity
Authors: Allan Barbara , Lewis Dina 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis study takes a relatively new direction in researching virtual learning communities (VLCs) as it explores the ways in which VLC membership can support lifelong learning and impact on individual learning careers and professional identities beyond the life of the community. The case study spans 4 years. The findings suggest that through the process of engaging in a VLC, individuals may change their ‘horizons of action’ leading to new learning and career trajectories. In particular, the study demonstrates how membership of a VLC supported and enabled some individuals to transform their learning careers and to make significant life changes. Other members developed their learning careers in an incremental manner that led to increased innovation and professional expertise. The findings suggest that VLCs are successful in supporting individual change and career development when they provide the ‘comfort zone’ of a secure and supportive virtual environment.
An unfinished symphony: 21st century teacher education using knowledge creating heutagogies
Authors: Ashton Jean , Newman Linda 
Published: October 2006

AbstractGlobalisation has changed the way most people live, work and study in the 21st century. Teachers and teacher educators, like other professionals, must embrace these changes to be effective in their jobs and one ongoing change is the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) for lifelong learning. In this paper we describe how one group of academics in a university programme preparing new teachers has embraced change to introduce innovative programmes using ICTs and heutagogy rather than pedagogy. Heutagogy prepares students for the self‐determined lifelong learning which is essential for survival in a 21st century world.
Knowledge matchmaking in Learning Networks: Alleviating the tutor load by mutually connecting Learning Network users
Authors: Rosmalen Peter van , Sloep Peter , Brouns Francis , Kester Liesbeth , Koné Malik , Koper Rob 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTutors have only limited time to support the learning process. In this paper, we introduced a model that helps answer the questions of students. The model invoked the knowledge and skills of fellow students, who jointly formed an ad hoc, transient community. The paper situated the model within the context of a Learning Network, a self‐organised, distributed system, designed to facilitate lifelong learning in a particular knowledge domain. We discussed the design of the model and explained how we selected and supported capable peers. Finally, we examined the calibration of the model and a simulation, which was intended to verify if the model is fit for use in experiments with students. The results indicate that, indeed, it is possible to identify and support capable peers efficiently and effectively.
Nitrogen uptake and metabolism in Populus × canescens as affected by salinity
Authors: Dluzniewska P. , Gessler A. , Dietrich H. , Schnitzler J.‐P. , Teuber M. , Rennenberg H. 
Published: October 2006

Summary
External salinization can affect different steps of nitrogen (N) metabolism (ion uptake, N assimilation, and amino acid and protein synthesis) depending on the inorganic N source.
Here, we assessed the net uptake of N supplied as nitrate or ammonium and N assimilation (combining metabolite analyses with molecular biological approaches) in grey poplar (Populus × canescens) plants grown under saline (75 mm NaCl) and control conditions.
The specific (µmol N g−1 dry weight fine roots h−1) and total plant (µmol N per plant h−1) N net uptake rates, total plant N content, total plant biomass and total leaf protein concentration were reduced under saline conditions when plants were supplied with ammonium. In both nutritional groups, salt treatment caused pronounced accumulation of soluble N compounds in the leaves. The mRNAs of genes coding for enzymes catalyzing rate‐limiting steps of both proline synthesis and degradation (delta‐1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthase and proline dehydrogenase) as well as for NADH‐dependent glutamate synthase were accumulated under saline conditions.
Whereas under control conditions the plant N status seemed to be superior when ammonium was supplied, the N balance of ammonium‐fed plants was more severely affected by salt stress than that of plants supplied with nitrate. Possible metabolic implications of stress‐related accumulation of particular amino acids are discussed.
Mole drainage as an alternative to sand slitting in natural turf sports surfaces on clays
Authors: James I. T. , Blackburn D. W. K. , Godwin R. J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe drainage of sports surfaces of natural turf is essential for increasing access to sports facilities and to increase participation. Commonly, these surfaces are situated on soils of low hydraulic conductivity, which require the installation of remedial drainage to bypass the flow of water from the surface to an outfall. This is usually achieved with sand slit drainage, which is costly. A number of these soils are suitable for mole drainage at a much lower cost. Using an actual football pitch in a field‐scale experiment on a smectitic, calcareous clay, this study determined that mole drainage was effective in reducing soil moisture content at 100‐mm depth, but the reduction was not as great as sand slit drainage in the first year after installation. Despite peak soil moisture deficits of 101 and 157 mm in 2005 and 2006, mole leg‐slots did not re‐open in the 2 years following installation. There was significant slumping of the sand slits, however, because of soil shrinkage. This prevented play on the sand slit area to safeguard players.
Rabbi Engagement with the Peace Process in the Middle East*
Authors: Sokhey Anand E. , Djupe Paul A. 
Published: October 2006

Objectives.Support for Israel has been a hallmark issue of the Jewish lobby in American politics. But what do Jewish religious leaders think about U.S. policy toward Israel and the peace process, and how often do they address these issues?Methods.Using a sample of more than 400 rabbis drawn from the four major movements of American Judaism in the fall of 2000, we investigate rabbi views of and speech about foreign affairs, especially about Israel.Results.Contrary to conventional wisdom, we find considerable diversity in opinion among rabbis (if not public speech), particularly on issues concerning Israel and the peace process.Conclusions.We conclude that the Jewish community—really, several communities organized by movement—is hearing a diversity of opinions about the peace process. We argue that reference group theory and movement socialization help explain this diversity.
Effects of a Mechanical Barrier on the Integration of Cortical Onlay Bone Grafts Placed Simultaneously with Endosseous Implant
Authors: Salata Luiz Z. , Rasmusson Lars , Kahnberg Karl‐Erik 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT Background: Previous experimental studies on onlay bone graft integration have shown either advantages or disadvantages to the use of mechanical barriers. This indicates that the role played by the biologic properties of transplanted bone and membrane in graft revascularization and bone remodeling has not yet been established. The outcomes regarding osseointegration of titanium dental implants applied in such a condition are still contradictory. Purpose: The rabbit's radius model that is grafted onto the mandibular lower border and covered by membrane can reproduce a challenging experimental situation to preliminarily study the factors involved in osseointegration under deprived blood vessels source. Materials and Methods: Fourteen New Zealand White rabbits had a 2.5‐cm segment of the right radius osteoectomized and fixed onto the right mandibular lower border using titanium screws. Two screw‐shaped titanium implants (2.5 mm wide 2.5 mm long) were installed 7 mm apart in the mid length of the grafted bone. In experimental sites, the graft with the implants and graft‐host bone junction were covered by expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e‐PTFE) membrane; control sites were left uncovered. Eight animals from the experimental group and six animals from the control group were sacrificed at 6 and 24 weeks after surgery. Ground sections obtained from en bloc tissues containing graft, implants, and recipient bone were subjected to histologic evaluation and histomorphometric analysis (area occupied by the graft and bone‐to‐implant contact). Results: The graft showed significantly more resorption after 24 weeks than at 6 weeks (p .05) irrespective of the treatment (with or without membrane), although the amount of new bone was greater at 24 weeks in sites where a membrane was covering the graft. Compared with 6 weeks postoperatively, the bone‐to‐implant contact was considerably improved at 24 weeks (p .05), and the membrane seemed beneficial for implant osseointegration when compared with unprotected sites (p .05). As a result of graft resorption, the amount of soft tissue was considerably expanded in sites beneath membrane, accompanied by a sustained process of trabecular bone deposition close to the barrier. Conclusions: Cortical onlay grafts covered by membrane demonstrated delayed remodeling, probably as a consequence of a hindered process of graft revascularization. Grafts covered by membrane might rely on previous host bone resorption both to become revascularized and to remodel. The findings that the membrane‐protected grafts were most resorbed at 24 weeks might be attributable to better implant osseointegration, because the fixtures were exposed to greater mechanical stimulation in these sites.
Early Loading of Four or Five Astra Tech Fixtures with a Fixed Cross‐Arch Restoration in the Mandible
Authors: Collaert Bruno , De Bruyn Hugo 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT Background: A change in implant placement has emerged recently from two‐stage to one‐stage surgery and to earlier and even immediate loading of the fixtures. Purpose: The aim of this study was to verify whether four or five fixtures installed in the edentulous mandible were suitable for early loading with a cross‐arch fixed restoration. Materials and Methods: In 25 consecutively treated patients (28–88 yr), four or five Astra Tech fixtures (Mölndal, Sweden) were installed in edentulous mandibles. During the same surgical procedure, the abutments were connected. An impression was taken immediately after surgery. All patients received a fixed prosthetic rehabilitation of 10 to 12 teeth made of a cast metal framework and acrylic teeth/gingiva within a month. The fixtures were followed up clinically and radiographically for 7 to 24 months. Bone level was measured from the most coronal point of the vertical part of the fixture to the most apical bone level mesially or distally. Results: No fixtures were lost during follow‐up. No postoperative complications occurred. Radiographic analysis showed a mean bone level of 0.6 mm after 7 to 12 months. Fixtures followed up from 13 to 18 and 19 to 24 months showed a mean bone level of 0.7 mm. Around two fixtures, the bone level was found at the first implant thread. All other fixtures showed the bone level somewhere along the vertical unthreaded part of the fixture. Conclusions: Early loading within 1 month of four or five Astra Tech fixtures in the edentulous mandible is a predictable procedure for a follow‐up period of 6 to 24 months.