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Whether manually or through the use of software, a non-linear information organization framework known as mind mapping offers an alternative method for capturing thoughts, ideas and information to linear thinking modes such as outlining. Mind mapping is brainstorming, organizing, and problem solving. This paper examines mind mapping techniques, advantages, and disadvantages of hand-drawn maps and using mind mapping software. Several mind mapping software applications are compared on a number of product dimensions. Survey results provide a descriptive profile of mind map users in education, government and business sectors.

Classroom instruction continues to change dramatically with new technology and pedagogy. Faculty aspire to develop innovative programs and creative education while seeking effective teaching strategies that capitalize on emerging technology and invoke student interest and involvement. Research shows that student involvement, hands-on projects, and teamwork are successful pedagogical approaches (Kayes, Kayes, & Kolb, 2005; McKeachie 1994; Passman 2001). This paper describes a creative project for students that showcases technology and student involvement. Additionally, the assignment is consistent with the seven principles for good practice in higher education (Chickering & Gamson, 1987) and provides desired outcomes to business education such as business fundamentals, critical thinking, teamwork, and technology skills. Students prepare a team-based research presentation on a topic that incorporates a student produced podcast. By producing podcasts, students have the opportunity to research and analyze information, communicate effectively, and incorporate the opinions of experts in a cutting-edge way. Producing and comparing their own work to that of others can give students a valuable perspective on their own abilities and inspire them to try new ideas or techniques. The authors utilized an evaluation questionnaire to assess the effectiveness of the project. From the students' perspective, the project was very effective in meeting educational objectives. (Contains 2 figures and 2 tables.)

ROBSON, GARRY. 'No one likes us, we don't core': the myth and reality of Millwall fandom. xi, 203 pp.' bibliogr. Oxford, New York: Berg Publishers, 2000. £42.99 (cloth), £14.99 (paper) [...]

The sensitivity of insect nervous systems to anoxia can be modulated genetically and pharmacologically, but the cellular mechanisms responsible are poorly understood. We examined the effect of a heat shock pretreatment (HS) on the sensitivity of the locust (Locusta migratoria) nervous system to anoxia induced by water immersion. Prior HS made locusts more resistant to anoxia by increasing the time taken to enter a coma and by reducing the time taken to recover the ability to stand. Anoxic comas were accompanied by surges of extracellular potassium ions in the neuropile of the metathoracic ganglion, and HS reduced the time taken for clearance of excess extracellular potassium ions. This could not be attributed to a decrease in the activity of protein kinase G, which was increased by HS. In homogenates of the metathoracic ganglion, HS had only a mild effect on the activity of Na+-K+-ATPase. However, we demonstrated that HS caused a threefold increase in the immunofluorescent localization of the α-subunit of Na+-K+-ATPase in metathoracic neuronal plasma membranes relative to background labeling of the nucleus.We conclude that HS induced trafficking of Na+-K+-ATPase into neuronal plasma membranes and suggest that this was at least partially responsible for the increased resistance to anoxia and the increased rate of recovery of neural function after a disturbance of K+ homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TAR DNA binding protein (TDP-43, encoded by the TARDBP gene) has recently been shown to be associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the early pathophysiological deficits causing impairment in motor function are unknown. Here we expressed the wild-type human gene (wtTARDBP) or the ALS mutation G348C (mulTARDBP) in zebrafish larvae and characterized their motor (swim-ming) activity and the structure and function of their neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Of these groups only mutL4i?DBP larvae showed impaired swimming and increased motoneuron vulnerability with reduced synaptic fidelity, reduced quantal transmission, and more orphaned presynaptic and postsynaptic structures at the NMJ. Remarkably, all behavioral and cellular features were stabilized by chronic treatment with either of the L-type calcium channel agonists FPL 64176 or Bay K 8644. These results indicate that expression of mut-TARDBP results in defective NMJs and that calcium channel agonists could be novel therapeutics for ALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]