On-line assessment for large groups

The aim of this project is to investigate, implement and evaluate a computer aided assessment (CAA) scheme for large groups studying Audio Systems modules. The CAA is to be integrated with web-based content and an on-line experiment currently being developed as part of the University e-Learning Initiative.Academic and training organizations have generally used CAA to benefit the organization rather than the student. The assessment load on staff and the time to mark assessments are generally reduced. In most cases, the computer is used to efficiently deliver and mark a traditional, paper-based test, rather than providing a fundamentally different approach. In other circumstances, formative, self-evaluation quizzes are provided on-line, with the summative assessment being provided in a traditional way.In this project, because the CAA will be integrated within a web-based environment and because of the target topic area of Audio Systems, the student learning experience will be significantly enhanced. In a traditional context, many aspects of Audio Systems are difficult or impossible to deliver, as the acoustics of the classroom interfere with audio phenomena being demonstrated. With each student using headphones at their computer, the audio phenomena can be delivered accurately to individuals. This allows both the delivery and assessment of more appropriate learning outcomes

Low Dopamine D2/D3 Receptor Availability is Associated with Steep Discounting of Delayed Rewards in Methamphetamine Dependence.

BackgroundIndividuals with substance use disorders typically exhibit a predilection toward instant gratification with apparent disregard for the future consequences of their actions. Indirect evidence suggests that low dopamine D2-type receptor availability in the striatum contributes to the propensity of these individuals to sacrifice long-term goals for short-term gain; however, this possibility has not been tested directly. We investigated whether striatal D2/D3 receptor availability is negatively correlated with the preference for smaller, more immediate rewards over larger, delayed alternatives among research participants who met DSM-IV criteria for methamphetamine (MA) dependence.MethodsFifty-four adults (n = 27 each: MA-dependent, non-user controls) completed the Kirby Monetary Choice Questionnaire, and underwent positron emission tomography scanning with [(18)F]fallypride.ResultsMA users displayed steeper temporal discounting (p = 0.030) and lower striatal D2/D3 receptor availability (p < 0.0005) than controls. Discount rate was negatively correlated with striatal D2/D3 receptor availability, with the relationship reaching statistical significance in the combined sample (r = -0.291, p = 0.016) and among MA users alone (r = -0.342, p = 0.041), but not among controls alone (r = -0.179, p = 0.185); the slopes did not differ significantly between MA users and controls (p = 0.5).ConclusionsThese results provide the first direct evidence of a link between deficient D2/D3 receptor availability and steep temporal discounting. This finding fits with reports that low striatal D2/D3 receptor availability is associated with a higher risk of relapse among stimulant users, and may help to explain why some individuals choose to continue using drugs despite knowledge of their eventual negative consequences. Future research directions and therapeutic implications are discussed

Artificial Neural Networks for Classification in Metabolomic Studies of Whole Cells Using 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

We report the successful classification, by artificial neural networks (ANNs), of 1H NMR spectroscopic data recorded on whole-cell culture samples of four different lung carcinoma cell lines, which display different drug resistance patterns. The robustness of the approach was demonstrated by its ability to classify the cell line correctly in 100% of cases, despite the demonstrated presence of operator-induced sources of variation, and irrespective of which spectra are used for training and for validation. The study demonstrates the potential of ANN for lung carcinoma classification in realistic situations

The Effect of Short-Term Vitamin D Supplementation on Calcium Status in Vitamin D Insufficient Renal Transplant Recipients at Risk of Hypercalcaemia

Vitamin D insufficiency is highly prevalent amongst renal transplant recipients and in observational studies is associated with adverse outcomes. Hypercalcaemia, usually due to persistent hyperparathyroidism, also commonly occurs in this population and often coexists with vitamin D insufficiency. However, concern that vitamin D supplementation might exacerbate the pre-existing hypercalcaemia often leads clinicians to avoid vitamin D supplementation in such patients. This feasibility study aimed to quantify the effect on serum calcium of short-term low- dose cholecalciferol supplementation in a group of renal transplant recipients with a recent history of serum calcium levels >10 mg/dL

Severe esophageal damage due to button battery ingestion: can it be prevented?

Batteries represent less than 2% of foreign bodies ingested by children, but in the last 2 decades, the frequency has continuously increased. Most ingestions have an uneventful course, but those that lodge in the esophagus can lead to serious complications and even death. Medline was used to search the English medical literature, combining “button battery” and “esophageal burn” as keywords. Cases were studied for type, size, and source of the batteries; duration and location of the battery impaction in the esophagus; symptoms; damage caused by the battery; and outcome. Nineteen cases of esophageal damage have been reported since 1979.Batteries less than 15 mm in diameter almost never lodged in the esophagus. Only 3% of button batteries were larger than 20 mm but were responsible for the severe esophageal injuries in this series. These data suggest that manufacturers should replace large batteries with smaller ones and thus eliminate most of the complications. When the battery remains in the esophagus, endoscopic examination and removal done urgently will allow assessment of the esophageal damage, and treatment can be tailored accordingly. There is a need for more public education about the dangers of battery ingestion; this information should be included as part of the routine guidelines for childproofing the home.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/47164/1/383_2004_Article_1223.pd

MARCKS phosphorylation is modulated by a peptide mimetic of MARCKS effector domain leading to increased radiation sensitivity in lung cancer cell lines

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in the United States. Kinase hyperactivation is a known mechanism of tumorigenesis. The phosphorylation status of the plasma membrane-associated protein myristoylated alanine rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) effector domain (ED) was previously established as being important in the sensitivity of lung cancer to radiation. Specifically, when MARCKS ED was in a non-phosphorylated state, lung cancer cells were more susceptible to ionizing radiation and experienced prolonged double-strand DNA breaks. Additional studies demonstrated that the phosphorylation status of MARCKS ED is important for gene expression and in vivo tumor growth. The present study used a peptide mimetic of MARCKS ED as a therapeutic intervention to modulate MARCKS phosphorylation. Culturing A549, H1792 and H1975 lung cancer cell lines with the MARCKS ED peptide led to reduced levels of phosphorylated MARCKS and phosphorylated Akt serine/threonine kinase 1. Further investigation demonstrated that the peptide therapy was able to reduce lung cancer cell proliferation and increase radiation sensitivity. In addition, the MARCKS peptide therapy was able to prolong double-strand DNA breaks following ionizing radiation exposure. The results of the present study demonstrate that a peptide mimetic of MARCKS ED is able to modulate MARCKS phosphorylation, leading to an increase in sensitivity to radiation. Keywords: lung cancer, myristoylated alanine rich C-kinase substrate, radiation sensitivity, effector domain, peptide mimeti