Statistics and surveys.
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Assessment of Customer Service in Academic Health Care Libraries (ACSAHL): an instrument for measuring customer service.
OBJECTIVES: In a pilot study, the library had good results using SERVQUAL, a respected and often-used instrument for measuring customer satisfaction. The SERVQUAL instrument itself, however, received some serious and well-founded criticism from the respondents to our survey. The purpose of this study was to test the comparability of the results of SERVQUAL with a revised and shortened instrument modeled on SERVQUAL. The revised instrument, the Assessment of Customer Service in Academic Health Care Libraries (ACSAHL), was designed to better assess customer service in academic health care libraries. METHODS: Surveys were sent to clients who had used the document delivery services at three academic medical libraries in Texas over the previous twelve to eighteen months. ACSAHL surveys were sent exclusively to clients at University of Texas (UT) Southwestern, while the client pools at the two other institutions were randomly divided and provided either SERVQUAL or ACSAHL surveys. RESULTS: Results indicated that more respondents preferred the shorter ACSAHL instrument to the longer and more complex SERVQUAL instrument. Also, comparing the scores from both surveys indicated that ACSAHL elicited comparable results. CONCLUSIONS: ACSAHL appears to measure the same type of data in similar settings, but additional testing is recommended both to confirm the survey's results through data replication and to investigate whether the instrument applies to different service areas.
Consumer Behavior↗
A global overview of major or unique libraries, clearinghouses, and bibliographic databases in social gerontology.
Eighty-six major and/or unique information resources in social gerontology, mostly in the form of libraries, clearinghouses and other hybrid resources, and bibliogrphic databases were identified through an international survey. They are practically all located in the more developed countries, and the large majority are in the United States. A growing number are available in electronic format, facilitating direct end-user access. Significant information gaps continue to exist and access to the data resources of the northern hemisphere remains a major problem for developing nations.
Aged↗
Steps toward mapping the human vasculature by phage display.
The molecular diversity of receptors in human blood vessels remains largely unexplored. We developed a selection method in which peptides that home to specific vascular beds are identified after administration of a peptide library. Here we report the first in vivo screening of a peptide library in a patient. We surveyed 47,160 motifs that localized to different organs. This large-scale screening indicates that the tissue distribution of circulating peptides is nonrandom. High-throughput analysis of the motifs revealed similarities to ligands for differentially expressed cell-surface proteins, and a candidate ligand-receptor pair was validated. These data represent a step toward the construction of a molecular map of human vasculature and may have broad implications for the development of targeted therapies.
Blood Vessels↗
Microsatellite variation in Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans: a reciprocal test of the ascertainment bias hypothesis.
Interspecific comparisons of microsatellite loci have repeatedly shown that the loci are longer and more variable in the species from which they are derived (the focal species) than are homologous loci in other (nonfocal) species. There is debate as to whether this is due to directional evolution or to an ascertainment bias during the cloning and locus selection processes. This study tests these hypotheses by performing a reciprocal study. Eighteen perfect dinucleotide microsatellite loci identified from a Drosophila simulans library screen and 18 previously identified in an identical Drosophila melanogaster library screen were used to survey natural populations of each species. No difference between focal and nonfocal species was observed for mean PCR fragment length. However, heterozygosity and number of alleles were significantly higher in the focal species than in the nonfocal species. The most common allele in the Zimbabwe population of both species was sequenced for 31 of the 36 loci. The length of the longest stretch of perfect repeat units is, on average, longer in the focal species than in the non-focal species. There is a positive correlation between the length of the longest stretch of perfect repeats and heterozygosity. The difference in heterozygosity can thus be explained by a reduction in the length of the longest stretch of perfect repeats in the nonfocal species. Furthermore, flanking-sequence length difference was noted between the two species at 58% of the loci sequenced. These data do not support the predictions of the directional-evolution hypothesis; however, consistent with the ascertainment bias hypothesis, the lower variability in nonfocal species is an artifact of the microsatellite cloning and isolation process. Our results also suggest that the magnitude of ascertainment bias for repeat unit length is a function of the microsatellite size distribution in the genomes of different species.
Animals↗
The academic health sciences library and serial selection.
A review of efforts to formulate basic medical journal lists and a report of a survey of subscriptions held in academic health science libraries is presented. The subscriptions held by thirty-seven libraries were analyzed to determine those held by 60-100% of the sample. A comparison of those titles subscribed to by 90-100% of the sample reveals that most of these titles appear in the lists formulated by other studies.
Health↗
Endonuclease genes up-regulated in tissues undergoing programmed cell death are expressed during male gametogenesis in barley.
In the process of programmed cell death (PCD), a key role has been attributed to endonucleases capable to cleave nuclear DNA at internucleosomal sites. In barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), two such nucleases (Bnuc1 and BEN1) were individually identified in unrelated tissues. In the present work, we demonstrate that their genes are also expressed in immature anthers at different stages of pollen development. Further experiments carried out on RNA extracted from immature barley anthers led to discover a novel endonuclease gene, namely Bnuc2 (AJ311603 in the EMBL/GenBank/DDBJ databases), eventually found up-regulated at the tetrad stage. The protein encoded was found to conserve large sequence portions of Bnuc1 and BEN1 endonucleases, including the domain regions involved in secretion and DNA/RNA binding. A survey conducted on barley EST libraries showed that Bnuc2 and BEN1 mRNAs are jointly present also in the transcriptome of 20 DAP spike and that other endonuclease ESTs are co-expressed with Bnuc1 or BEN1 in tissues where PCD has been recorded. Therefore, it can be concluded that during the PCD process, a set of S1-type endonucleases is synthesised regardless of the tissue considered.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
RNA ligands selected by cleavage stimulation factor contain distinct sequence motifs that function as downstream elements in 3'-end processing of pre-mRNA.
Critical events in 3'-end processing of pre-mRNA are the recognition of the AAUAAA polyadenylation signal by cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF) and the binding of cleavage stimulation factor (CstF) via its 64-kDa subunit to the downstream element. The stability of this CPSF.CstF.RNA complex is thought to determine the efficiency of 3'-end processing. Since downstream elements reveal high sequence variability, in vitro selection experiments with highly purified CstF were performed to investigate the sequence requirements for CstF-RNA interaction. CstF was purified from calf thymus and from HeLa cells. Surprisingly, calf thymus CstF contained an additional, novel form of the 64-kDa subunit with a molecular mass of 70 kDa. RNA ligands selected by HeLa and calf thymus CstF contained three highly conserved sequence elements as follows: element 1 (AUGCGUUCCUCGUCC) and two closely related elements, element 2a (YGUGUYN0-4UUYAYUGYGU) and element 2b (UUGYUN0-4AUUUACU(U/G)N0-2YCU). All selected sequences tested functioned as downstream elements in 3'-end processing in vitro. A computer survey of the EMBL data library revealed significant homologies to all selected elements in naturally occurring 3'-untranslated regions. The majority of element 2a homologies was found downstream of coding sequences. Therefore, we postulate that this element represents a novel consensus sequence for downstream elements in 3'-end processing of pre-mRNA.
Animals↗
CpG islands of the pig.
We describe an analysis of the CpG islands (CGIs) of the pig. We have used both database survey and a porcine genomic library that is enriched for CGIs. Approximately half of 41 pig genomic database sequences had CGIs with an average G + C content of 65.3%, an average CpG observed/expected frequency of 0.85, and an average size of 978 bp. Of 27 CGI library clones, 16 were nonrepetitive, nonribosomal DNA and CGI-like. CGI library clones had similar average values for G + C and CpG frequency to CGIs of database genes, and an average size of 670 bp, as MseI cuts within some islands. Library clones were also shown to be low copy number and unmethylated in genomic DNA. The presence in the library of seven previously known CGI sequences was confirmed as was the absence of one nonisland sequence. The CGI library exhibits an R-band pattern for many chromosomes in FISH analysis. The pig chromosome arms that show the most dense CGI population are homologous to segments of human chromosomes that are known to be gene rich.
Animals↗
Is phage display technology on target for developing peptide-based cancer drugs?
New tumor targeting agents are required to advance cancer diagnosis and treatment. Bacteriophage (phage) display technology, a molecular genetic means of combinatorial drug discovery, is an emerging approach to identify and improve peptide molecules as pharmaceuticals. Peptides are thought to have clinically desirable benefits over currently used biomolecules, such as antibodies, because of their rapid blood clearance, increased diffusion and tissue penetration, non-immunogenic nature and ease of synthesis. Using phage display, one can rapidly and simultaneously survey billion-clone peptide libraries, resulting in large numbers of "hits". However, only a few lead compounds resulting from the hits historically reach the drug market. Hence determining which peptide may best translate into a useful drug is of particular importance. Examination of successfully marketed drugs has highlighted key features of a winning agent, including low molecular weight, high affinity, stability, solubility, lipophilicity and conformational rigidity. Although peptide modulators of tumor cell function and cancer targeting agents have been developed, the majority of peptide-based drugs reported thus far are immune and cardiac regulators. In this review, we will highlight how phage display has been employed to isolate peptides that target key steps in cancer progression--from tumor growth to metastasis--and how phage display technology can be harnessed to select a priori peptides with inherent features essential for anti-cancer drug efficacy. In 2003, phage display provided us with several novel peptides not only in clinical trials but approved by the FDA for use as therapeutics in a variety of diseases--suggesting that the future looks bright for phage display in anti-cancer drug development.
Animals↗
Electronic reserves: copyright and permissions.
Electronic reserves present a new service option for libraries to provide needed materials during hours that the library is not open and to user groups located some distance from library collections. Possible changes to current copyright law and publishers permissions policies have delayed the development of electronic reserves in many libraries. This paper reviews the current state of electronic reserves materials in the publishing and library communities and presents the results of a survey of publishers to determine permissions policies for electronic materials. Issues of concern to both libraries and publishers are discussed.
Computer Communication Networks↗
A PILOT PROJECT IN TRAINING FOR MENTAL HEALTH LIBRARIANSHIP.
In an effort to recruit and train competent personnel for its medical library, Central Louisiana State Hospital undertook a pilot project in preprofessional training in mental health librarianship. Students received an introduction to the library as it operates in the hospital setting through a survey of the mental health sciences and the needs for library resources and services with special emphasis upon the librarian as a member of the hospital team.
Education↗
Views of Australian and New Zealand radiation oncologists and registrars about evidence-based medicine and their access to Internet based sources of evidence.
In order to determine the views of Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) radiation oncologists and registrars about evidence-based medicine (EBM) and their access to, and use of, Internet-based EBM resources such as MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library, a self-administered postal survey was sent out in December 2000. A total of 191 of 243 practicing ANZ radiation radiation oncologists (138) and registrars (53) responded (78.6% response rate). The main outcome measures were: (i) views about EBM and its promotion; (ii) previous EBM training; (iii) extent of Internet access and level of MEDLINE use and access to online medical journals; (iv) awareness of the Cochrane Library and other EBM resources; and (v) self-assessment of common EBM technical terms. The results of the survey found that most (82.7%) indicated a positive view of themselves towards the current promotion of EBM. However, significantly fewer perceived their colleagues were as positive (chi2 = 35.2, d.f. = 1, P < 0.001). Most (84.8%) considered research findings 'useful' in day-to-day management of patients. The majority (70.2%) of respondents never had attended an EBM course; however, most indicated interest in such training. The majority (73.8%) reported having accessed MEDLINE or another bibliographic database in the previous month. Seventy-seven respondents (40.3%) reported that, in the past month, a literature search/article had influenced their practice. Only a minority (28.3%) used the Cochrane Library. Self-assessment of most of the 12 EBM terms was generally high. For radiation oncologists, past attendance at an EBM course was significantly associated with a better overall self-assessment of these 12 terms (chi2 = 10.59, d.f. = 1, P = 0.001). These findings reveal strong support for EBM among ANZ radiation oncologists and registrars with most regularly accessing the Internet for evidence. However, lack of awareness of some relevant EBM related resources, particularly the Cochrane Library, remains a challenge. Our findings invite a concerted effort by those promoting EBM to ensure clinicians have both the skills and knowledge to practice EBM.
Attitude of Health Personnel↗
Reference activity and the external user: confluence of community needs at a medical school branch library.
The allocation of reference services between primary and secondary users constantly challenges academic medical libraries. Routine statistics at a medical school branch library suggested that over 40% of its reference transactions involved persons not affiliated with the university. To investigate this finding, a survey of reference activity was conducted using measurement techniques unobtrusive to the user. Fifteen data items were recorded, including user status, type of question, intended use of information requested, status of staff taking request, and staff time spent. Survey results showed that nonaffiliates accounted for 51% of reference activity. Based on this documented data, definitive reference guidelines addressing hours, priority of requests, charges, and staffing patterns can now be developed. Findings will also assist in evaluating the library's regional role, in formulating marketing strategies, and in determining library objectives.
Community-Institutional Relations↗
Retention of retrospective print journals in the digital age: trends and analysis.
PURPOSE: The issue of retaining retrospective print journals is examined in light of the shift to electronic titles, the reallocation of library budgets from print to electronic, and the changing research practices of today's library users. This article also examines the evolving role of the physical library and its impact on space allocation. METHODS: To determine current practice and opinion, a survey of health sciences librarians and academic librarians was conducted. To demonstrate the use patterns of older journal issues, citation analyses and interlibrary loan statistics were examined. RESULTS: All methods indicate that recent material is accessed more frequently than older material, with a significant drop in use of materials greater than 15 years old. Materials greater than 20 years old constituted less than 5% of interlibrary loans and less than 9% of articles noted in the citation analysis. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to eliminate older years of a print journal collection without a large impact on the needs of researchers. Librarians' preference to maintain full runs of journal titles may be motivated by reasons outside of actual usage or patrons needs.
Humans↗
Options for the disposal of unwanted donations.
Donations of biomedical books and journals frequently duplicate the holdings of a receiving library. A decision must then be made concerning the distribution of the material to other libraries that may need it. What options are available to the librarian? Are many volumes of valuable material destroyed each year because libraries lack the necessary staff, space, or money to distribute donated materials? Are libraries restricted in choice of methods for distribution or unaware of available options? A survey questionnaire was mailed to 150 health sciences libraries in the spring of 1988 to determine the various methods used to dispose of unwanted gift materials. A total of 113 responses was received (75% return rate). This paper reports the results and discusses some of the creative methods used by receiving libraries to place unneeded materials. Statistical comparisons are included for the methods used by academic, hospital, and other types of health sciences libraries.
Book Collecting↗
Hospital-based patient information services: a model for collaboration.
Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, New York, is a 612-bed, not-for-profit teaching hospital with 2,500 employees. A close examination of operations at Crouse facilitated the development of a patient education task force that used a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to meet the educational needs of both patients and clinicians. The collaborative process involved all hospital departments. Within eighteen months, patient requests for information rose from 3% to 30% of total requests made at the hospital. Requests were made directly to the library or through a member of the health care team. Hospital staff members were surveyed about information needs and availability, and a library work plan was devised, setting standards of service for a multimedia approach. Work redesign improved the library staff's ability to integrate patient education into daily operations. Cost savings were achieved through the elimination of duplicated resources and services throughout the hospital. The management model developed at Crouse was the result of a needs assessment and a multidisciplinary, collaborative process. The model emphasizes communication links among disciplines rather than physical locations. The Crouse experience validates the development of hospital-based consumer health information services.
Attitude of Health Personnel↗
Serials standards work: the next frontier.
Serials, one of the more complicated areas of library technical endeavors, has lacked the benefit of standards for a long time. Even now, with standards beginning to be available, the majority of institutions are not working within standard serials formats. A survey to determine the use of serials standards in libraries was conducted in 1988 by the American Library Association, Resources and Technical Services Division, Serials Section, Committee to Study Serials Standards. In the spring of 1988 a survey was sent to a group encompassing the Association of Research Libraries members, CONSER participants, United States Newspaper Program participants, Microform Project libraries, and some vendors and librarians who attended the Committee meetings on a regular basis. The survey questionnaire assessed the current level of serials standards awareness of librarians and vendors. Topics included the type of serials systems used, standards relevant to serials control and union listing and whether or not they are implemented, types and levels of training staff received in the application of standards, benefits of the standards, and areas where standards are most needed.
Cataloging↗