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Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the findings from the qualitative strand of the National e-Book Observatory (2007-2009) project, relating to the promotion of e-textbooks in UK universities by the library, academics and publishers. A complementary paper on the ways in which students and academics locate e-books provided by their library will appear in a future issue. Design/methodology/approach: Following the provision by the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) in the UK of collections of e-textbooks, the project used deep log analysis, benchmark surveys and focus groups to develop a rich picture of library e-collection management and use by students and academics. Focus groups were undertaken with library staff, academics and students; the dialogues were transcribed and analysed using NVivo7 software. Findings: The qualitative studies found that libraries were using a range of promotional tools, although these were not always finding their targets. Often libraries had no formal promotion strategy for e-resources. Although little in evidence, the value of academic commitment and promotion was emphasised. Promotion by publishers and aggregators is both to libraries and directly to academic staff. Students felt that they were largely unaware of promotion beyond the presence of e-books in the catalogue, and in some cases stated explicitly that they thought more should be done to promote library e-resources to them. Practical implications: The paper offers pragmatic guidance on promotional methodologies. Originality/value: The project describes the first major, national usage study of e-books in higher education. The paper contributes significantly to the literature in discussing the importance of promoting e-books to students and staff. (Contains 2 tables.)

Addresses issues that are central to the acceptance and integration of electronic scholarly monographs and textbooks into the academic library, based on research in the United Kingdom. Findings suggest a slow acceptance of nearly all digital textual resources other than journals as well as low use of electronic information resources in general. (Author/LRW)

Compares and analyzes two collection development courses for undergraduates offered through distance education, one at the University of Wales Aberystwyth (United Kingdom) and one at Charles Sturt University (Australia). Discusses the changes that electronic technology are bringing to collection development and to distance learning. (LRW)

Abstract Background Although most patients with hereditary haemochromatosis have HFE C282Y mutations, the lifetime risk to HFE C282Y homozygotes of developing fatal diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma is uncertain. We have carried out a cross-sectional study to determine the proportion of diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma patients who are homozygous for the HFE C282Y mutation; and to estimate the penetrance of this genotype with respect to hepatocellular carcinoma in East Anglia. Methods Tissue biopsies were analysed from 144 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma for HFE C282Y mutations; the data produced were compared with the frequency of HFE mutations in a large sample of the local population. Data were also retrieved from the East Anglian Cancer Intelligence Unit to determine the annual incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma; and from appropriate life tables. Results Eight out of 144 of the cases were homozygous for the HFE C282Y mutation, all 8 cases were male. 6 of these 8 cases had a previous diagnosis of hereditary haemochromatosis. Male HFE C282Y homozygotes were more likely to be diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (odds ratio [OR] = 14, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5–37). For this population, we estimate that the penetrance of the HFE C282Y homozygous genotype, with respect to hepatocellular carcinoma, was between 1.31 % and 2.1% for males and was zero for females. Conclusion In this population, we found that only a very small proportion of homozygotes for the HFE C282Y mutation developed hepatocellular carcinoma. However, individuals with this genotype have a significantly increased risk of this rare disease relative to those who do not carry the mutations.

Oncocytomas are rare tumours, usually occurring in the salivary glands, but may very occasionally occur in other sites. The authors present a skull base oncocytoma as a rare cause of spontaneous epistaxis. Following diagnosis through imaging and intranasal biopsy, the patient opted for annual surveillance instead of active treatment and made a full recovery nonetheless. Skull base oncocytoma is a rare tumour that may result in otherwise common symptomatology. While excision is the mainstay of management, active surveillance may be a viable alternative for select patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 61-year-old female presented with 6 months of polyarthralgia associated with constitutional symptoms. These included weight loss, night sweats, lethargy and worsening mobility and activities of daily living. There was no significant medical history. On examination, she had synovitis of multiple joints. Investigations for rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody were negative. There was an acute phase response in the form of raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed pancreatic and right ovarian cystic lesions, which turned out to be clinically insignificant. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography demonstrated fluorodeoxyglucose avid lesion in the right hemi-thyroid. Ultrasound of thyroid gland showed a 13 mm hyporeflective, irregular, subcapsular nodule in the upper lobe with some microcalcification. Fine needle aspiration cytology was diagnostic of papillary carcinoma, confirmed on total thyroidectomy. Arthritis completely resolved within 8 weeks postoperatively. We report the first case of paraneoplastic carcinomatous polyarthritis in association with a papillary thyroid carcinoma as evidenced by a resolution of joint manifestations and laboratory markers of inflammation posttotal thyroidectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study to evaluate aggregators, services that collect electronic books from publishers and provide them to libraries. The authors note that the licensing of electronic books remains a complex issue for libraries due to varying business models and subscription terms by aggregators. They note the collection quality of aggregators such as Credo Reference, Safari Books Online and Questia and how aggregators are responding to market trends by expanding into children's and school library markets. Some aggregators are expanding their selection to include international titles and publishers.

Background: Although most patients with hereditary haemochromatosis have HFE C282Y mutations, the lifetime risk to HFE C282Y homozygotes of developing fatal diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma is uncertain. We have carried out a cross-sectional study to determine the proportion of diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma patients who are homozygous for the HFE C282Y mutation; and to estimate the penetrance of this genotype with respect to hepatocellular carcinoma in East Anglia. Methods: Tissue biopsies were analysed from 144 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma for HFE C282Y mutations; the data produced were compared with the frequency of HFE mutations in a large sample of the local population. Data were also retrieved from the East Anglian Cancer Intelligence Unit to determine the annual incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma; and from appropriate life tables. Results: Eight out of 144 of the cases were homozygous for the HFE C282Y mutation, all 8 cases were male. 6 of these 8 cases had a previous diagnosis of hereditary haemochromatosis. Male HFE C282Y homozygotes were more likely to be diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (odds ratio [OR] = 14, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5-37). For this population, we estimate that the penetrance of the HFE C282Y homozygous genotype, with respect to hepatocellular carcinoma, was between 1.31 % and 2.1% for males and was zero for females. Conclusion: In this population, we found that only a very small proportion of homozygotes for the HFE C282Y mutation developed hepatocellular carcinoma. However, individuals with this genotype have a significantly increased risk of this rare disease relative to those who do not carry the mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to provide a baseline for future studies on the provision and support for the use of digital or electronic information services (EIS) in further education. The analysis presented is based on a multi-level model of access, which encompasses access to and availability of information and communication technology (ICT) resources, access to and availability of EIS resources, and the third leg of staff skills and their development. The research was conducted within the third cycle of the JISC (Joint Information Services Committee) User Behavior Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, in 2001/2002. Evidence was gathered from library and information service web sites and various stakeholders, including library and information service staff academic staff and students to generate insights into the provision of access to EIS in further education. Sector-wide funding initiatives have had a significant impact on ICT infrastructures, and these attract a positive response from students. EIS are represented on some library web sites but both web site development and EIS availability is very much less advanced than in higher education. Staff, however, lack sufficient dedicated access to ICT to be able to develop their own skills and use. There remains a low level of access to electronic information resources, with only limited access to these resources through library web sites. LIS managers face a number of challenges in enhancing this provision, including licensing arrangements, tight budgets that need to be spread across many discipline areas, and the absence of EIS designed specifically for the further education student. The other key challenge lies in the provision of time and opportunity for academic and LIS staff to develop their ICT and EIS skills, and, more generally in the further development of the role of Information and Learning Technology (ILT) Champions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes key aspects of the methodology and outcomes of the JISC User Behaviour Monitoring and Evaluation Framework in its first three annual cycles (1999-2002) The Framework was initiated to assure the JISC that their investment in digital content and network infrastructure facilitates use and learning, and to identify barriers and facilitators to the use of electronic information services (EIS). Key Framework outcomes are: a multi-dimensional across sector methodology for the continued monitoring of user behaviour in respect of EIS and the factors that impact on that behaviour; a profile of user behaviour in respect of EIS over the three annual cycles of the Framework; the EIS Diagnostic Toolkit that can be used to benchmark development in the provision and use of EIS in specific disciplines or at specific institutions; a methodology for monitoring, and a profile of the EIS resources available to higher and further education users; and a summary of some of the key issues in their provision. The challenge for the future is the embedding of EIS in curricula and learning experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The User Behaviour Monitoring and Evaluation Framework has been established to investigate and profile the use of electronic information services (EIS) within higher education in the UK. Electronic information services are defined as: collections of information tools/products delivered to requesting users electronically, and usually computer mediated. This encompasses media of all types. This article discusses aspects of the methodology of the Framework, and preliminary findings from the first annual cycle of the Framework. Findings are based on interactions with 1500 users, including academic staff, library and information services staff, and students. Executed through three strands, the framework methodology uses an array of quantitative and qualitative approaches to lend a variety of insights into user behaviour with electronic information services, factors that encourage the use of electronic information services, and those that act as barriers to the effective integration of electronic information services into the learning experience. Overall, the picture is one of a sector that is energetically tackling the challenges and opportunities that EIS present. On the other hand, better websites, gateways and other tools must not be viewed as ends in themselves. Marketing which embraces promotion, but extends beyond it to consider targeting communities, messages and the appropriateness of the design of the offering is essential. Continuing challenges for the provision of an effective resource base lie in the areas of licences and within institutions, the ownership of budgetary control. Students currently make a relatively low level of use of EIS, and their use is focussed on email (often Hotmail), the web, and search engines, and online catalogues. When students are aware of specific information sources that support their studies, their awareness may have been cultivated through one of a series of different channels including their peers, one-to-one coaching by... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports findings from the first annual cycle of a three-year research project on the provision and use of electronic information systems (EIS) within higher education in the UK. The project, JISC User Surveys: Trends in Electronic Information Services (JUSTEIS), was funded by the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) and undertaken at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth (UWA). Students, academics and library staff in 25 universities were surveyed using critical incident and critical success factors methodologies to ascertain the range and nature of EIS use. Provision of these systems by higher education institutions was also investigated via an analysis of their library websites. The findings reported in this paper focus on student use and the purposes for which EIS are employed, and reveal the limited array of EIS used and the ad hoc nature of search strategies adopted across undergraduate and postgraduate bodies within a range of disciplines. There appears to be little or no variation in the pattern of EIS use by the various student groups studied – the effect of the Internet on information seeking by students is hugely significant and the more formal resources, such as JISC-negotiated resources are little used. There is little evidence of coherent search strategies used by students. Recommendations for both the JISC and higher education are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprises the interim report of the first major study of children's public library services to be undertaken in the UK. Funded by the British Library Research and Innovation Centre from 1996–1998, it will assess the significance of the role of the public library in supporting the reading development of children and young people and produce service criteria and performance indicators to inform future directions and policy decisions. The methods are an extensive literature review, national questionnaire survey and case studies to examine good practice. Findings will be made available in the final report. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Reports on the first comprehensive national study, funded by the Arts Council of England and the University of Wales Aberystwyth Research Fund, to investigate the provision of European modern language books for children in UK public libraries. The aims were: to investigate the nature of European modern language book and non book publishing for children; to examine the relationship between the publishing of European language and translated materials; to explore the supply of these materials by bookshops and library suppliers and to examine library collections; and to produce an evaluative bibliographic listing of materials currently available for use by teachers. The survey had the effect of creating a greater awareness among young people's librarians about the issues surrounding foreign language materials and their place in children's collections. Results show clearly that a low priority is given to these materials by local authorities and this is reflected in the size, nature and accessibility of their library holdings and frag mentary nature of their services. Whilst many local authorities expressed the opinion that there was little demand for this material, that perception was seen to be conditional. The UK's partnership within the European Union was not seen to be a highly prioritized motive for the provision of European modern language library materials. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article is based upon the results of a survey which examined the nature of computer collections and services offered by the young people's and schools' library ser vices of British public libraries. An overview of service incidence, col lection accessibility and depth of provision is followed by an analy sis of formats and content. Collection management is explored, focussing upon the formulation of policies, bibliographical aids to selection, and the supply and pro motion of computer materials. The article concludes with a review of trends in service development. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A 48-year-old woman underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with conservation of the ovaries and tubes. Histology showed a well-circumscribed smooth muscle tumor with foci of degeneration (including infarct-type necrosis) but no coagulative tumor cell necrosis and only mild focal cytological atypia. She presented, 24 years later with shortness of breath and abdominal distension and underwent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, appendectomy, omental biopsy and para-aortic lymph node sampling. Histology showed bilateral ovarian smooth muscle tumors with no coagulative tumor cell necrosis or significant cellular atypia. The cells were mitotically active. The tumors in both ovaries were most likely secondary to the previous uterine smooth muscle neoplasm. To our knowledge, this case is the first in the literature to describe a benign cellular leiomyoma that subsequently behaved as a smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential, which recurred 24 years after the initial diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the educational aspects of electronic books (e-books). The Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) National e-Books Observatory (NeBO) was created to research how electronic textbooks could be used in higher education in Britain and a pilot project that it conducted at 127 universities. It was found that readers of e-books primarily used them to read brief pieces of information. The interactivity and readability of the devices are considered as are users' attitudes about them. How users reported using e-books for educational purposes and how they could be improved is discussed.

The article discusses the proliferation of e-books (electronic books) and how they are likely to transform education. Between 1999 and 2004 the Joint Information Systems Committee (Jisc) conducted a study on the provision and use of electronic information resources in higher education in the United Kingdom; the study found that the most sophisticated of those resources were rarely used, however, electronic journals were used frequently. The author suggests that Jisc's SuperJournal Project which evaluated user requirements for e-journals is partly responsible for this and proposes a similar project for e-books.

Background Invasive penile cancer is a rare disease with an approximately 22 000 cases per year. The incidence is higher in less developed countries, where penile cancer can account for up to 10% of cancers among men in some parts of Africa, South America, and Asia. Objective To describe the human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA prevalence, HPV type distribution, and detection of markers of viral activity (ie, E6*I mRNA and p16 INK4a ) in a series of invasive penile cancers and penile high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HGSILs) from 25 countries. A total of 85 penile HGSILs and 1010 penile invasive cancers diagnosed from 1983 to 2011 were included. Design, setting, and participants After histopathologic evaluation of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples, HPV DNA detection and genotyping were performed using the SPF-10/DEIA/LiPA 25 system, v.1 (Laboratory Biomedical Products, Rijswijk, The Netherlands). HPV DNA–positive cases were additionally tested for oncogene E6*I mRNA and all cases for p16 INK4a expression, a surrogate marker of oncogenic HPV activity. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis HPV DNA prevalence and type distributions were estimated. Results and limitations HPV DNA was detected in 33.1% of penile cancers (95% confidence interval [CI], 30.2–36.1) and in 87.1% of HGSILs (95% CI, 78.0–93.4). The warty-basaloid histologic subtype showed the highest HPV DNA prevalence. Among cancers, statistically significant differences in prevalence were observed only by geographic region and not by period or by age at diagnosis. HPV16 was the most frequent HPV type detected in both HPV-positive cancers (68.7%) and HGSILs (79.6%). HPV6 was the second most common type in invasive cancers (3.7%). The p16 INK4a upregulation and mRNA detection in addition to HPV DNA positivity were observed in 69.3% of HGSILs, and at least one of these HPV activity markers was detected in 85.3% of cases. In penile cancers, these figures were 22.0% and 27.1%, respectively. Conclusions About a third to a fourth of penile cancers were related to HPV when considering HPV DNA detection alone or adding an HPV activity marker, respectively. The observed HPV type distribution reinforces the potential benefit of current and new HPV vaccines in the reduction of HPV-related penile neoplastic lesions. Patient summary About one-third to one-quarter of penile cancers were related to human papillomavirus (HPV). The observed HPV type distribution reinforces the potential benefit of current and new HPV vaccines to prevent HPV-related penile neoplastic lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]