bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What is the role of constructivist teachers within faculty communication networks?
Authors: Judson Eugene , Lawson Anton E. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractUsing the biology faculty of one high school (n = 9) and the mathematics faculty of another (n = 16), this study tested the hypothesis that constructivist teachers play an active role within teacher communication networks (the constructivist‐teacher hypothesis). This hypothesis contrasts with the view that constructivist teachers operate alone and largely severed from communications among colleagues. Two types of representations of communication patterns among faculty members (i.e., sociographs) were created and analyzed for each faculty. One type of sociograph plotted communications concerning content/pedagogical issues while the other type plotted social/informal communications. Trained raters assessed constructivist‐teaching practices using the Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol (RTOP). Positive relationships were found between constructivist‐teaching practices and the frequency and significance of communications within both faculties—more so for content/pedagogical issues than for social/informal communications. Importantly, peers sought out constructivist teachers more often than they did traditional teachers, presumably seeking advice regarding teaching practice. Results support the constructivist‐teacher hypothesis and indicate that constructivist teachers are not isolated from their peers. Instead, they appear to play an active role, particularly when colleagues are discussing issues related to content and pedagogy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 490–505, 2007
The development and application of affective assessment in an upper‐level cell biology course
Authors: Kitchen Elizabeth , Reeve Suzanne , Bell John D. , Sudweeks Richard R. , Bradshaw William S. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThis study exemplifies how faculty members can develop instruments to assess affective responses of students to the specific features of the courses they teach. Means for assessing three types of affective responses are demonstrated: (a) student attitudes towards courses with differing instructional objectives and methodologies, (b) student self‐efficacy (confidence) in completing tasks common to practicing experts, and (c) interests in subject‐specific topics and associated intellectual skills. The iterative processes used in refining the instruments and performing the statistical analyses of their effectiveness are detailed. An analysis of data obtained using these instruments is also included. Positive attitudes towards courses emphasizing analytical thinking increased significantly over the course of a 14‐week semester, as did the measures of self‐efficacy. Despite the rigorous analytical nature of the course experience, the initial strong interest in cell biology topics and higher order thinking skills remained unchanged. There were no significant differences based on gender in any of the affective measures. We discuss the apparent dichotomy, revealed in these assessments, between students' idealistic, academic attitudes towards the course's effectiveness and their opinions of its effects on them personally. We conclude by reporting how insights garnered both from these formal assessments and from anecdotal communications have prompted experimental modifications in the design and conduct of the course. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 1057–1087, 2007
Verifying a signature architecture: a comparative case study
Authors: Basin David , Kuruma Hironobu , Miyazaki Kunihiko , Takaragi Kazuo , Wolff Burkhart 
Published: January 2007

AbstractWe report on a case study in applying different formal methods to model and verify an architecture for administrating digital signatures. The architecture comprises several concurrently executing systems that authenticate users and generate and store digital signatures by passing security relevant data through a tightly controlled interface. The architecture is interesting from a formal-methods perspective as it involves complex operations on data as well as process coordination and hence is a candidate for both data-oriented and process-oriented formal methods.We have built and verified two models of the signature architecture using two representative formal methods. In the first, we specify a data model of the architecture in Z that we extend to a trace model and interactively verify by theorem proving. In the second, we model the architecture as a system of communicating processes that we verify by finite-state model checking. We provide a detailed comparison of these two different approaches to formalization (infinite state with rich data types versus finite state) and verification (theorem proving versus model checking). Contrary to common belief, our case study suggests that Z is well suited for temporal reasoning about process models with complex operations on data. Moreover, our comparison highlights the advantages of proving theorems about such models and provides evidence that, in the hands of an experienced user, theorem proving may be neither substantially more time-consuming nor more complex than model checking.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the national vitamin A supplementation programme among school children in Sri Lanka
Authors: Madatuwa Thennakoon M. J. C. , Mahawithanage Sanath T. C. , Chandrika Udumalagala G. , Jansz Errol R. , Wickremasinghe Ananda R. 
Published: January 2007

The Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka commenced a vitamin A supplementation programme of school children with a megadose of 105 μmol (100 000 IU) vitamin A in school years 1, 4 and 7 (approximately 5-, 9- and 12-year-olds, respectively) in 2001. We evaluated the vitamin A supplementation programme of school children in a rural area of Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional study was conducted among children supplemented with an oral megadose of vitamin A (105 μmol; n 452) and children not supplemented (controls; n 294) in Grades 1–5. Children were clinically examined and a sample of blood was taken for serum vitamin A concentration estimation by HPLC. Socio-demographic information was obtained from children or mothers. Supplemented children had a higher proportion of males and stunted children, were younger and lived under poorer conditions as compared to controls. There was no difference in the prevalences of eye signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency in the two groups. Supplemented children had higher serum vitamin A concentrations than controls (1·4 (sd 0·49) μmol/l v. 1·2 (sd 0·52) μmol/l). The serum vitamin A concentrations were 1·6 (sd 0·45), 1·4 (sd 0·50), 1·3 (sd 0·44) and 1·1 (sd 0·43) μmol/l in children supplemented within 1, 1–6, 7–12 and 13–18 months of supplementation, respectively. Vitamin A concentrations were significantly greater than controls if supplementation was carried out within 6 months after adjustment. The oral megadose of 105 μmol vitamin A maintained serum vitamin A concentrations for 6 months in school children.
Inter-household and intra-household patterns of fish and meat consumption in fishing communities in two states in Nigeria
Authors: Gomna Ahmed , Rana Krishen 
Published: January 2007

Fish is generally regarded as a primary source of protein for many poor African fishing communities. The present study compared the relative importance of fish as a high-quality dietary protein source with meat in fishing communities in two states in Nigeria. Fifty fishing households in which active fishing was the primary activity and fifty non-fishing households (agriculture being stated as primary activity) in traditional fishing communities were randomly selected in the coastal state of Lagos and the inland state of Niger. A simple weighing balance was designed and given to each household to measure fish or meat entering the household for consumption. A comparison of consumption using this method against the 24 h recall method revealed that the recall method accounted for only one third of actual fish consumed. Overall, the price of fish was higher and consumption lower in Lagos compared with Niger State. At the household level in both states, the consumption of fish in fishing households was twice that of non-fishing households, whereas meat consumption was similar. A total of thirty-nine different fish species were consumed, with Tilapia contributing 24 % by weight of the fish consumed. In both states, beef was the most frequently consumed meat, followed by goat meat. The study revealed a high preference for fresh fish. The highest fish consumption occurred in March, corresponding to the period of lowest meat consumption. On a unit weight basis, heads of households consumed 59 % more fish than their wives or children.
Deposition of dietary fatty acids,de novosynthesis and anatomical partitioning of fatty acids in finishing pigs
Authors: Kloareg Maela , Noblet Jean , van Milgen Jaap 
Published: January 2007

Predicting aspects of pork quality becomes increasingly important from both a nutritional and technological point of view. The aim of the present study was to provide quantitative information on the relation between nutrient intake and whole-body fatty acid (FA) deposition. This information is essential to develop mechanistic models predicting the FA content of tissues. A serial slaughter study was carried out in which thirty pigs were slaughtered between 90 and 150 kg. The diet included 15 g/kg soyabean oil and contained 44 g/kg fat. Only 0·31 and 0·40 of the digestedn-6 andn-3 FA were deposited, respectively. Approximately one-third of then-3 supply that was deposited resulted from the conversion of 18 : 3 to other metabolites (i.e. EPA, docosapentaenoic acid and DHA). This proportion was affected by the pig genotype.De novo-synthesised FA represented 0·86 of the total non-essential FA deposition, and its average composition corresponded to 0·017, 0·286, 0·025, 0·217 and 0·454 for 14 : 0, 16 : 0, 16 : 1, 18 : 0 and 18 : 1, respectively. Although the average whole-body FA composition was relatively constant during the finishing period, this was not so for the tissues. In the carcass (without backfat), the content of 18 : 1 increased during the finishing period, whereas that of 16 : 0 and 18 : 0 decreased. Backfat captured a proportionally greater fraction of 18 : 2 than did the carcass or the residual tissues. In contrast, a proportionally greater fraction of the dietary 18 : 3 supply was deposited in the carcass compared to other tissues.
The Driselase-treated fraction of rice bran is a more effective dietary factor to improve hypertension, glucose and lipid metabolism in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats compared to ferulic acid
Authors: Ardiansyah  , Shirakawa Hitoshi , Koseki Takuya , Hashizume Katsumi , Komai Michio 
Published: January 2007

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with the Driselase-treated fraction (DF) of rice bran and ferulic acid (FA) on hypertension and glucose and lipid metabolism in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Male SHRSP at 4 weeks of age were divided into three groups, and for 8 weeks were fed (1) a control diet based on AIN-93M, (2) a DF of rice bran-supplemented diet at 60 g/kg and (3) an FA-supplemented diet at 0·01 g/kg. Means and standard errors were calculated and the data were tested by one-way ANOVA followed by a least significance difference test. The results showed that both the DF and FA diets significantly improved hypertension as well as glucose tolerance, plasma nitric oxide (NOx), urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and other parameters. In particular, compared to the FA diet, the DF diet produced a significant improvement in urinary NOx, hepatic triacylglycerol and several mRNA expressions of metabolic parameters involved in glucose and lipid metabolisms. The results of the metabolic syndrome-related parameters obtained from this study suggest that the DF diet is more effective than the FA diet.
Calcium absorption in postmenopausal Chinese women: a randomized crossover intervention study
Authors: Chen Yu-ming , Teucher Birgit , Tang Xin-yi , Dainty Jack R. , Lee Kenneth K. C. , Woo Jean L. F. , Ho Suzanne C. 
Published: January 2007

The Ca intake and food sources of Chinese postmenopausal women are quite different from those of their Western counterparts. But, little information on Ca metabolism is available in Chinese populations. We determined true fractional calcium absorption (TFCA), true Ca absorption ( = TFCA × Ca intake,Va), urinary Ca excretion (Vu) and the difference betweenVaandVu(Va − u), in response to three dietary Ca intake levels. Twenty-one healthy postmenopausal Chinese women aged 49–64 years were recruited for this randomized crossover trial from a general community, Guangzhou, China. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive 0, 500 and 1000 mg Ca/d for 5 weeks separated by 2-week washout periods. TFCA using Ca stable isotopes, total urinary Ca excretion and Ca intake were determined after 4 weeks of adaptation. Mean values for total Ca intake (Vi) of the three phases were 391 (sd197), 880 (sd130) and 1382 (sd160) mg/d. On usual diet, TFCA,Vu,VaandVa − uwere 0·57 (sd0·12), 175 (sd59) mg/d, 216 (sd98) mg/d and 41 (sd99) mg/d, respectively. With the supplementations of 500 and 1000 mg Ca/d, TFCA significantly decreased to 0·52 (sd0·12) and 0·43 (sd0·13) (P < 0·001); whereas urinary Ca (P = 0·003),VaandVa − uincreased significantly (P < 0·001). Using a mixed-effects nonlinear regression model, it was estimated thatVa − uwas approaching a plateau when mean Ca intake reached 1300 mg/d. In conclusion, the present findings suggest postmenopausal Chinese women have high Ca absorption efficiency and a mean Ca intake of about 1300 mg/d is required to maximize theVa − u.
Composition and metabolism of the intestinal microbiota in consumers and non-consumers of yogurt
Authors: Alvaro Elise , Andrieux Claude , Rochet Violaine , Rigottier-Gois Lionel , Lepercq Pascale , Sutren Malène , Galan Pilar , Duval Yvonne , Juste Catherine , Doré Joël 
Published: January 2007

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of a regular consumption of yogurt on the composition and metabolism of the human intestinal microbiota. Adult subjects were selected on the basis of daily food records and divided into two groups: yogurt consumers (at least 200 g yogurt consumed per d,n30); non-consumers (no yogurt,n21). Their faecal microbiota was analysed using molecular methods (in situhybridisation and PCR amplification combined with separation by denaturing gel electrophoresis) and its metabolic characteristics were assessed by measuring glycosidase, β-glucuronidase and reductase activities and profiling SCFA, neutral sterols and bile acids. The yogurt starterLactobacillus delbrueckiissp.bulgaricus(identity confirmed by 16S rRNA sequencing) was detected in 73 % of faecal samples from fermented milk consumersv. 28 % from non-consumers (P = 0·003). In yogurt consumers, the level of Enterobacteriaceae was significantly lower (P = 0·006) and β-galactosidase activity was significantly increased (P = 0·048). In addition, within this group, β-galactosidase activity and theBifidobacteriumpopulation were both positively correlated with the amount of fermented milk ingested (r0·66,P < 0·0001 andr0·43,P = 0·018, respectively). Apart from these effects, which can be considered beneficial to the host, no other major differences could be detected regarding the composition and metabolic activity of intestinal microbiota.
Dietary soya protein during pregnancy and lactation in rats with hereditary kidney disease attenuates disease progression in offspring
Authors: Cahill Leah E. , Peng Claudia Yu-Chen , Bankovic-Calic Neda , Sankaran Deepa , Ogborn Malcolm R. , Aukema Harold M. 
Published: January 2007

Dietary soya protein substitution for casein initiated at weaning slows disease progression in animal models of chronic renal disease. As there is increasing evidence that fetal programming can have a significant impact on kidney physiology and function in offspring, the objective of the current study was to determine whether exposure to soya protein in the diet earlier than weaning would have further benefits. Han:SPRD-cy(cy/+) breeder rats were fed a casein-based or soya protein-based diet 2 weeks prior to mating, throughout pregnancy and during lactation. Following this maternal period, 3-week-old pups were given either the same or the alternate diet for a 7-week weaning period. Dietary soya protein compared with casein in the maternal or weaning period both independently resulted in less renal inflammation (macrophage infiltration lower by 24 % (P = 0·0003) and 32 % (P < 0·0001), respectively). When soya protein was given in both feeding periods, the effect was additive. Soya protein substitution for casein resulted in less oxidative damage as indicated by 28 % lower oxidized-LDL staining (P = 0·013) when present in the maternal period, or in the weaning period (by 56 %,P < 0·0001). Renal cell proliferation was reduced by 29–33 % (P < 0·05) in rats given soya protein whether the exposure was during the maternal or weaning period. Soya protein compared with casein in the maternal period also resulted in 33 % (P = 0·0013) less proteinuria, indicating superior renal function. Dietary soya protein during pregnancy and lactation represents a potential preventative approach in treating for those with congenital kidney diseases.
Long-term dietary compensation for added sugar: effects of supplementary sucrose drinks over a 4-week period
Authors: Reid Marie , Hammersley Richard , Hill Andrew J. , Skidmore Paula 
Published: January 2007

The long-term physiological effects of refined carbohydrates on appetite and mood remain unclear. Reported effects when subjects are not blind may be due to expectations and have rarely been studied for more than 24 h. The present study compared the effects of supplementary soft drinks added to the diet over 4 weeks on dietary intake, mood and BMI in normal-weight women (n133). Subjects were categorised as ‘watchers’ or ‘non-watchers’ of what they ate then received sucrose or artificially sweetened drinks (4 × 250 ml per d). Expectancies were varied by labelling drinks ‘sugar’ or ‘diet’ in a counter-balanced design. Sucrose supplements provided 1800 kJ per d and sweetener supplements provided 67 kJ per d. Food intake was measured with a 7 d diary and mood with ten single Likert scales. By 4 weeks, sucrose supplements significantly reduced total carbohydrate intake (F(1,129) = 53·81;P < 0·001), fat (F(2,250) = 33·33;P < 0·001) and protein intake (F(2,250) = 28·04;P < 0·001) compared with sweetener supplements. Mean daily energy intake increased by just under 1000 kJ compared with baseline (t(67 df) = 3·82;P < 0·001) and was associated with a non-significant trend for those receiving sucrose to gain weight. There were no effects on appetite or mood. Neither dietary restraint status as measured by the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire nor the expectancy procedure had effects. Expectancies influenced mood only during baseline week. It is concluded that sucrose satiates, rather than stimulates, appetite or negative mood in normal-weight subjects.
The B'Active programme for overweight primary school children in Glasgow: determining the prevalence of overweight and obesity and piloting an activity intervention
Authors: Hughes Adrienne R. , McLaughlin Ruth , Mckay Jane , Lafferty Kevin , McKay Tony , Mutrie Nanette 
Published: January 2007

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary school children in Glasgow and to evaluate a pilot activity programme for overweight and obese children. BMI was measured in 1548 children. Overweight, obesity and severe obesity were defined as BMI ≥ 85th, 95th and 98th centile, respectively. Overweight and obese children were then invited to participate in a 10-week school-based activity programme. The programme was evaluated by recording weekly attendance, intensity (using the Children's Effort Rating Scale) and enjoyment (scale 1–10). Focus groups were used to explore the experiences and views of the children, teachers, coaches and parents. Of the 1548 children, 31·4 % were overweight, 19·1 % were obese and 12·4 % were severely obese; 38 % of those invited attended the activity programme. Weekly programme attendance was 83 % (range 56–99 %). Mean enjoyment rating (scale 1–10) was 8 for boys and 9 for girls. The intensity of activity sessions were rated ‘very easy’ by boys and ‘just feeling a strain’ by girls. Common themes emerging from the focus groups related to perceived positive and negative aspects of the programme (fun, concerns about stigmatising children); physical and psychological outcomes (fitter, more confident); and future recommendations (involve parents). In summary, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was high. The activity programme was successful in terms of attendance and enjoyment, and overall views of the initiative were positive and there was compelling support for its continuation.
Adoptive transfer of syngeneic T cells in HIV‐1 discordant twins indicates rapid regulation of T‐cell homeostasis
Authors: Hoffmann Christian , Stellbrink Hans‐Juergen , Dielschneider Thomas , Degen Olaf , Stoehr Albrecht , Knechten Heribert , Wolf Eva , Van Lunzen Jan 
Published: January 2007

SummaryThe safety and efficacy of adoptive T‐cell transfer (ATT) was tested in the context of viral suppression in syngeneic twins discordant for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) infection. Human leucocyte antigen‐matched T cells of seven HIV‐negative twins were obtained by lymphapheresis and immediately transfused into the HIV‐infected sibling. Four twins received 12 ATTs each, with a mean of 2·10 ± 0·97 × 109CD4+T cells and 1·74 ± 0·81 × 109CD8+T cells. Additional transfers were performed in three more twin pairs to study the short‐term kinetics of transfused syngeneic T cells. Mean CD4+T‐cell counts increased significantly, by 0·133 ± 0·136 × 109 cells/l at 1 h and 0·144 ± 0·12 × 109 cells/l at 3 h post‐transfusion (P < 0·0001). Short‐term kinetic studies suggested a rapid clearance of transferred T cells from the peripheral blood within minutes due to a distribution to marginal pools. After a mean follow up of 39 months, however, a sustained increase of the mean CD4+T‐cell count was observed (from 0·232 × 109to 0·523 × 109 cells/l) without changes of plasma viraemia. We conclude that ATT combined with highly active antiretroviral therapy is safe and leads to a considerable increase in CD4+T‐cell numbers. The clearance kinetics of the transfused cells from peripheral blood indicates a very rapid regulation of T‐cell homeostasis in HIV infection.