The transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are caused by infectious agents whose structures have not been fully characterized but include abnormal forms of the host protein PrP, designated PrP(Sc), which are deposited in infected tissues. The transmission routes of scrapie and chronic wasting disease (CWD) seem to include environmental spread in their epidemiology, yet the fate of TSE agents in the environment is poorly understood. There are concerns that, for example, buried carcasses may remain a potential reservoir of infectivity for many years. Experimental determination of the environmental fate requires methods for assessing binding/elution of TSE infectivity, or its surrogate marker PrP(Sc), to and from materials with which it might interact. We report a method using Sarkosyl for the extraction of murine PrP(Sc), and its application to soils containing recombinant ovine PrP (recPrP). Elution properties suggest that PrP binds strongly to one or more soil components. Elution from a clay soil also required proteinase K digestion, suggesting that in the clay soil binding occurs via the N-terminal of PrP to a component that is absent from the sandy soils tested.

No abstract

This study seeks to extend the research on the emotional labour of public library workers. Because emotional labour is a relatively new concept in library and information science research, researchers and practitioners need to better understand the emotional labour experiences of front-line workers in public libraries. A qualitative survey was distributed electronically to library workers in one Canadian province. Participants described meaningful experiences connecting with customers, but also identified major challenges in performing customer service work. Results showed that the public facing display of regulated emotions that is ingrained in library customer service training often conflicts with inner emotions. The inability to reconcile opposing emotions and perceived limited administrative support affects individual enjoyment of work and their personal well-being. Participants report exhaustion and burnout as outcomes of emotional labour. Library organizations must acknowledge the emotional labour aspect of library customer service work and provide more extensive formalized support for staff who are in customer service roles. Equipping staff with stronger emotional labour strategies might also help to build resilience and increase job satisfaction.

This paper presents findings from a study of the experiences of six female teacher-librarians who are now in leadership positions as assistant principals and school/university consultants. These TL leaders were working as district consultants, assistant principals, and as a university teaching and learning consultant.  All TL leaders had classroom experience, teacher-librarianship experience, and had been teacher leaders in their schools. The TL leaders were using their unique skills and experiences to provide professional development and instructional leadership. More research is needed about how the experience of being a teacher-librarian shapes formal leadership roles.