6,474 research outputs found
Mapping the Gene Ontology Into the Unified Medical Language System
We have recently mapped the Gene Ontology (GO), developed by the Gene Ontology
Consortium, into the National Library of Medicine's Unified Medical Language
System (UMLS). GO has been developed for the purpose of annotating gene products
in genome databases, and the UMLS has been developed as a framework for
integrating large numbers of disparate terminologies, primarily for the purpose of
providing better access to biomedical information sources. The mapping of GO to
UMLS highlighted issues in both terminology systems. After some initial explorations
and discussions between the UMLS and GO teams, the GO was integrated with the
UMLS. Overall, a total of 23% of the GO terms either matched directly (3%) or
linked (20%) to existing UMLS concepts. All GO terms now have a corresponding,
official UMLS concept, and the entire vocabulary is available through the web-based
UMLS Knowledge Source Server. The mapping of the Gene Ontology, with its focus
on structures, processes and functions at the molecular level, to the existing broad
coverage UMLS should contribute to linking the language and practices of clinical
medicine to the language and practices of genomics
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Identifying Gender-Preferred Communication Styles within Online Cancer Communities: A Retrospective, Longitudinal Analysis
Background: The goal of this research is to determine if different gender-preferred social styles can be observed within the user interactions at an online cancer community. To achieve this goal, we identify and measure variables that pertain to each gender-specific social style. Methods and Findings: We perform social network and statistical analysis on the communication flow of 8,388 members at six different cancer forums over eight years. Kruskal-Wallis tests were conducted to measure the difference between the number of intimate (and highly intimate) dyads, relationship length, and number of communications. We determine that two patients are more likely to form an intimate bond on a gender-specific cancer forum (ovarian P = <0.0001, breast P = 0.0089, prostate P = 0.0021). Two female patients are more likely to form a highly intimate bond on a female-specific cancer forum (Ovarian P<0.0001, Breast P<0.01). Typically a male patient communicates with more members than a female patient (Ovarian forum P = 0.0406, Breast forum P = 0.0013). A relationship between two patients is longer on the gender-specific cancer forums than a connection between two members not identified as patients (ovarian forum P = 0.00406, breast forum P = 0.00013, prostate forum P = .0.0003). Conclusion: The high level of interconnectedness among the prostate patients supports the hypothesis that men prefer to socialize in large, interconnected, less-intimate groups. A female patient is more likely to form a highly intimate connection with another female patient; this finding is consistent with the hypothesis that woman prefer fewer, more intimate connections. The relationships of same-gender cancer patients last longer than other relationships; this finding demonstrates homophily within these online communities. Our findings regarding online communication preferences are in agreement with research findings from person-to-person communication preference studies. These findings should be considered when designing online communities as well as designing and evaluating psychosocial and educational interventions for cancer patients
The student and the ovum: The lack of autonomy and informed consent in trading genes for tuition
Rising tuition costs have forced university students to become creative in finding ways to fund their education. Some female university students have decided that ova donation may be an acceptable alternative in which to pay for their tuition. This alternative presents itself because of the insufficient number of ova available for assisted reproduction and emerging stem cell technologies. Young female university students are encouraged by Internet sources and respectable electronic and print media to donate their ova in the cause of assisted reproduction for monetary compensation. While university students generally exhibit autonomy, the constraining influence of their financial predicament compromises the elements of informed consent (voluntariness, competence, capacity, understanding, and disclosure) as to their making an autonomous decision in regard to egg donation. Thus, any moral possibility of giving informed consent is negated. Informed consent can only occur through autonomy. A female university student in need of financial resources to pay for her education cannot make an autonomous choice to trade her genes for tuition. Donated ova are not only needed for assisted reproduction, but for stem cell technologies. While the long-term health of women who donate their ova is of concern (a potential risk of cancer after long term use of ovulation induction), of equal concern is the possibility of a growth in the trade of ova targeting third world and Eastern European women where the precedence for autonomy and informed consent is not well established
Comparative effects of the herbal constituent parthenolide (Feverfew) on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory gene expression in murine spleen and liver
BACKGROUND: Parthenolide, a major sesquiterpene lactone present in extracts of the herb Feverfew, has been investigated for its inhibitory effects on mediators of inflammation, including the proinflammatory cytokines. Although parthenolide's anti-inflammatory effects have been investigated in vitro, little in vivo data are available. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms for these inhibitory effects are not fully understood. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that parthenolide suppresses lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced serum (interleukin) IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-Ī±, IL-1Ī² and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression in mice as indicated by reduced splenic and liver mRNA levels. METHODS: Mice were co-treated i.p. with LPS (1 mg/kg bw) and parthenolide (5 mg/kg bw) and blood, spleen and liver collected. Serum was analyzed for IL-6, TNF-Ī± and IL-1Ī² by ELISA. Total RNA was extracted from spleen and liver, and real-time RT-PCR was used to determine relative mRNA expression of IL-1Ī², IL-6, TNF-Ī± and COX-2. RESULTS: LPS induced increases in serum IL-6 and TNF-Ī± concentrations with only IL-6 being suppressed in parthenolide-treated mice. Induction of IL-6 mRNA was reduced, TNF-Ī± and COX-2 mRNAs unchanged, and IL-1Ī² mRNA increased in spleens of parthenolide plus LPS co-treated animals compared to LPS-only. No significant differences were observed in inflammatory gene expression between these two groups in liver samples. Overall, mRNA expression of each proinflammatory gene was much higher in spleen when compared to liver. CONCLUSION: In summary, only one gene, IL-6, was modestly suppressed by parthenolide co-exposure which contrasts with many in vitro studies suggesting anti-inflammatory effects of this compound. Also, LPS evoked greater effects in spleen than liver on expression of proinflammatory genes. Further study of the effects of parthenolide and other herbal constituents on inflammatory gene expression using model animal systems as described here are critical to evaluating efficacy of such supplements as well as elucidating their mechanisms of action
4thā5th Grade: English Level 2, Learning Packet #5 ā¢ Theme: Rainforests
Activities
Choose a Buddy
Packet #5 outline: rainforests
Sorting sight words
Sorting sight words match
Parts of a plant vocabulary
Read, label, and write
Life cycle of an apple tree
Sequence of a plant life cycle
Rainforest vocabulary
Rainforests
Rainforest vocabulary cards
Layers of the rainforest
My rainforest habitat
Rainforest report
Spelling my words
The Jaguar and the Mouse (adapted from Aesop\u27s fable)
Character\u27s feelings
Feelings chart
Creative writing
Nouns, adjectives, and verbs
Decimals to fractions
Rainforest fraction facts
Learn to draw bats
My Packet Journal
Reference Sheet
Answer Ke
Cultural Differences in Perception of Heroes: Greece, India, and the USA
Abstract:
Hypothesis: The cultural background of an individual will have a significant effect on their perception of heroes. The purpose of this study was to investigate how oneās cultural background may affect oneās perception of heroes. The results of Study 1 revealed significant cultural differences in ratings of heroic traits. Study 2 employed a trait-sorting and hero-sorting task to explore underlying categories of traits and heroes across cultures. The results again revealed substantial cultural differences, suggesting that heroes, heroic traits, and heroism in general are all constructions of oneās culture and nationality
Evaluating Impacts of School-Based Extension Garden Programs from a Child\u27s Perspective
Minority children and adolescents living in rural areas, below poverty guidelines, are less likely to engage in healthy food choices or a healthy lifestyle, and this contributes to obesity issues. Providing children with the skills and knowledge to lead healthy lives is a way to combat this epidemic. Focus groups were conducted at three Extension school-based gardens to determine participants\u27 perspectives on the impacts of participation. It was determined that Extension school-based gardens provide children with the opportunity to engage in learning about healthy eating and food production, while engaging in activity outside of the classroom
4thā5th Grade: English Level 2, Learning Packet #2 ā¢ Theme: Habitats
Packet #2 outline: habitats
Choose a Buddy
Reading daily practice
Roll your sight words #2
Vocabulary cards: habitats
Habitats
Write and draw
Facts and opinions about habitats
Compound words
Vocabulary cut and paste
Writing a poem: acrostic
Math daily practice
Coordinate habitat
Goods from habitats
Lunchtime goods and services
Let\u27s take a break!
My Packet Journal
Reference Sheet
Answer Key
Developing Strong International Agricultural Education Programs by Understanding Cognition
International experiences provide culturally rich, complex situations for learners to process in both the affective and cognitive domains. By better understanding how learners process the information they receive in international settings, educators can develop quality international programs that encourage learners to more fully develop their cognitive abilities. The purpose of this study was to explore the cognitive relationships between participantsā learning styles, problem solving styles, and critical thinking dispositions in an international setting. Relationships were found between learning style preferences and critical thinking disposition, and learning style preferences and problem solving style. Given these results, instructors working in international settings should expect students to differ in terms of their cognitive processes and associated cognitive styles such as learning style. Instructors should be prepared to address these differences in style as they would in a traditional instructional setting. Further, instructors can use assessment tools to group students to work together most effectively and/or to achieve diversity in their thinking styles and approaches to solving problems
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