bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of conformational parameters on some physical properties of polyimides containing naphthalene units
Authors: Sava Ion , Bruma Maria , Ronova Inga A.
Published: July 2015

Conformational parameters of some aromatic polyimides–containing naphthalene units have been calculated by Monte Carlo method taking into consideration the hindered rotation produced by voluminous naphthalene units. Several physical properties such as solubility, glass transition temperature ( Tg), and initial decomposition temperature ( Td) have been studied with regard to the rigidity of the chain of these polyimides. It has been shown that Tg is well correlated with chain rigidity and with free volume ( Vfr) of the polymers, while the Td is not influenced by conformational parameters.
Dielectric and gas transport properties of highly fluorinated polyimides blends
Authors: Constantin Catalin-Paul , Damaceanu Mariana-Dana , Varganici Cristian , Wolinska-Grabczyk Aleksandra , Bruma Maria
Published: July 2015

The physicochemical properties of highly fluorinated polyimide blends were studied in order to highlight the advantages of employing a high content of fluorine atoms to tailor the properties of polyimide materials. Thus, dynamo-mechanical analysis was used to evidence the physical phenomena taking place during heating. The trend of storage modulus, loss modulus and loss factor tangent with temperature during and after the α relaxation was explored. The dielectric spectroscopy was carried out to investigate the dielectric behaviour at different temperatures and frequencies and to evaluate the values of dielectric constant, dielectric loss and electrical resistance. The dielectric spectroscopy data were corroborated with the dynamo-mechanical analysis to highlight the sub-glass transitions encountered in these blend films. Dielectric loss diagrams showed sub-glass transitions in the form of γ and β relaxations mainly due to the segmental mobility of the polymer chain components. The gas separation performance of some of the investigated blends was assesed, and their ability to achieve simultaneously higher gas permeability and higher selectivity was demonstrated.
Crown ether-based structures for sensitive electrochemical detection
Authors: Simionca Ioana-Maria , Arvinte Adina , Pinteala Mariana
Published: July 2015

N-(2-Hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide-co- N-acryloxysuccinimide with 2-aminomethyl-18-crown-6 (p(HPMA-NAS-18C6)) graft copolymer deposited on the gold (Au) electrode is able to bind heavy metal cations from aqueous solutions. The binding of the lead(II) cations (Pb2+) is monitored by quartz crystal microbalance, cyclic voltammetry, and anodic stripping voltammetry. Electrochemical studies have demonstrated that the presence of p(HPMA-NAS-18C8) on the Au electrode surface resulted in the shift of Pb oxidation wave to less negative potentials, accompanied by the increase of the oxidation peak magnitude. The p(HPMA-NAS-18C6)-modified electrode could sensitively detect Pb2+ cations in a range from 10 ppb to 4.39 ppm with a low detection limit of 0.17 ppb.
Electromechanical properties of polyimide composites containing titanium dioxide nanotubes
Authors: Hamciuc Elena , Ignat Mircea , Hamciuc Corneliu , Stoica Iuliana , Dimitrov Lubomir , Kalvachev Yuri , Olariu Marius
Published: July 2015

Polyimide composite films were prepared by casting solutions resulting from direct mixing of a poly(amic acid) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes (TNTs) onto glass plates, followed by thermal imidization. TNTs with outer diameters of approximately 10–12 nm and length of several hundreds of nanometers were synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The morphology of the nanotubes was investigated by using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The influence of TNTs content on structural, thermal, and electromechanical properties of pure polyimide and composite films was studied. The scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy showed good compatibility between TNTs filler and polyimide matrix. The value of average roughness of film surface increases with increasing the content of TNTs. The films were flexible, tough, and exhibited high thermal stability. A study of microelectromechanical properties of these films was performed. The films showed nanometric displacements in the range of 250–800 nm when an electric voltage of 500 V was applied on their surface.
Contextualising the Curriculum
Authors: Paliwal Rashmi , Subramaniam C.N.
Published: July 2015

This essay considers the implications and possibilities of contextualised learning. It argues that any particular context in itself does not build up an entire framework of what may be learnt. Using a series of case studies, the essay makes a strong case for the powerful potential of contextualised learning. However, it also emphasises that the local context in learning can be meaningfully used only within a pedagogic practice that uses a framework of reflection. This approach implies that there is no short cut to investing in sustained teacher support programmes of high quality and it is only through this that contextualisation of learning can be expected and the 'risks' be checked. The essay concludes by considering experiments in using Eklavya texts as a frame for expanding the contextualised curriculum approach in other states.
Questions of Epistemology
Authors: Saxena Sadhna
Published: July 2015

Given the state of total neglect of the child’s experience and knowledge in existing classroom practices, the emphasis of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005 on child-centred education is important. Equally important, if not more so, is the disentangling of issues of pedagogy, learning theories and epistemology. This essay argues that in the NCF 2005 there seems to be some confusion between pedagogy, cognition and epistemology. It also compares its pedagogic approach to that of the Hoshangabad Science Teaching Programme (HSTP) which was based on learning science through experiments. However, both are silent on the philosophical issues of knowledge creation and the transfer of knowledge in education. While focusing on these issues, this essay questions the notion of the child as a constructor of knowledge from an epistemological perspective.
Building on the National Curriculum Framework to Enable the Agency of Teachers
Authors: Batra Poonam
Published: July 2015

This paper reflects on the systemic constraints and processes of conventional teacher education that have disempowered the teacher and thereby contributed to the stagnation of the education field in India. It seeks to locate the agency of the schoolteacher in the process of curriculum redesign and development, taking as its frame policy perspectives, current teacher education practice and the exercise in curriculum renewal undertaken by the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005. It makes a strong case for the proactive engagement of the schoolteacher with processes of curriculum redesign as a necessary condition to ensure the success of the NCF.
Early Literacy Project - Explorations and Reflections Part 1
Authors: Jayaram Keerti
Published: July 2015

Recent literature on Early Literacy has highlighted a profound correlation between social background and literacy levels and the consequent implication of learners from some social contexts, in having greater difficulty in learning to read and write than others. Children are viewed as active participants in the process of learning. They learn the social rules of meaning at home and then extend these social rules to the texts encountered in school. It matters therefore whether the norms in the classroom discussion and transactions privilege single versus diverse and multiple interpretations, and whether they provide equal access to children from diverse social, cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The Early Literacy Project (ELP) interventions are reported in two parts. This first part introduces ELP and discusses the theoretical concerns on the basis of which the project has been designed, as an exploratory intervention which seeks to find suitable ways to strengthen the foundations for reading and writing in Hindi for diverse groups of young learners within mainstream government schools in Delhi, with a special focus on neo-literates. The project’s concerns include evolving active, facilitative, and equitable classroom learning environments and related teaching methods which honour learner diversity in the classroom. These include methodologies for phonological processing as well as for meaning construction that enable children to make deep connections with their lived experiences and inner worlds, and may, in fact, be considered the written forms of spoken language.
Towards Understanding Indigenous Discourse on Childhood
Authors: Bisht Rachita
Published: July 2015

India is today part of the global debate on childhood. Taking a social constructionist perspective, this exploratory study looks at the discourse surrounding Indian children and childhood, in terms of development-related beliefs and understanding of childhood as a social group. Using qualitative methodology, on the lines of Grounded Theory, clinical interviews supplemented with picture cards were conducted on seven teachers in Lucknow. Teachers’ discourse showed an active-passive paradox in the role of children in their learning and development and childhood was seen as comprising broadly three developmental stages: early childhood, adolescence and late childhood. As a social group, an ideology of incompetence and dependency was seen as underlying various marginalizing practices in adult-child relations.
Formal Number Systems in the Context of Early Schooling
Authors: Khan Farida Abdulla
Published: July 2015

The paper presents a study of the acquisition of numbers concepts, with a focus on their representation in a formal language. Taking the approach that concept acquisition is a cultural activity, the paper analyses the linguistic features of the number naming system in Hindi, as well as observations of teachers’ classroom practices, difficulties faced by children and the errors they make. The paper argues that the inconsistencies in the naming and writing of numbers in Hindi is an important reason for the difficulties faced by children and their consequent poor achievement of basic number competencies and fear of mathematics in the primary school years.
Consciousness and Structure in the Gramscian Perspective Part-1
Authors: Saldanha Denzil
Published: July 2015

An interpretation of Gramsci’s perspective on Consciousness and Structure and its implications for education is explored in a paper presented in two parts. This first part reflects on the conceptual framework of the development of consciousness in the process of historical changes as the basis to understanding his views on knowledge in society and education. It analyses Gramsci’s theoretical insights as well as his criticism of the positions of the positivistes and the ‘mechanical materialists’ who in his view neglect the dialectical relationship between conscious critical activity and material and social reality. The paper highlights his conception of the unity of theory and practice, his understanding of the social system with its relations between structure and superstructures, and his views on the state and the conflicting social hegemonies.
Teacher Preparation for Creative Teaching
Authors: Sharma Sen Rekha , Sharma Neerja
Published: July 2015

This qualitative enquiry, based, on interviews with teacher educators and student–teachers, examines teacher preparation programmes from the point of view of enabling student–teachers to practice and implement creative teaching. Although the respondents held a process view of creativity and conceived of creative teaching within the constructivist framework, this broad–based conceptualisation did not appear to translate into the actual process of teacher preparation which seemed to be characterised by a more narrow vision and by several limitations in practice. Creativity was seen as a value-addition rather than as being integral to the teacher education programmes, and did not seem to be consciously planned for. It seemed that the contents of the syllabus and the activities of lesson planning and observations as practices themselves limited the scope for ‘creative’ teaching. Wherever it was a part of the process, it was through the educators’ and student–teachers’ intrinsic motivation and interest; these instances however, demonstrate the importance of bringing and facilitating creativity in teacher preparation.
The Relationship Between Population Size and Contracting Out Public Services
Authors: Foged Søren Kjær
Published: July 2015

What is the causal relationship between population size and the contracting out of public service delivery in local governments? The size of the population of a given municipality has long been thought to be an important driver of contracting out public service delivery, which theoretically streamlines public service production and saves taxpayers’ money. This article makes use of the 2007 Danish local government structural reform—when 239 municipalities were merged into 66 new entities while 29 municipalities remained untouched—as a quasi-experiment to explore the population size/contracting out relationship. Results show that the relationship differs across policy sectors: It is negative for services with high fixed costs, presumably due to scale economies, and is positive for services that are difficult to measure, probably due to more administrative and technical capacity in larger municipalities. Also, the effect of population size is positive for tasks in free-choice markets, presumably because private contractors find large free-choice markets more attractive.
‘Is that what we do?’ Using a conversation-analytic approach to highlight the contribution of dialogic reading strategies to educator–child interactions during storybook reading in two early childhood settings
Authors: Cohrssen Caroline , Niklas Frank , Tayler Collette
Published: July 2015

In Australia, much emphasis in early childhood education is placed on the importance of supporting young children’s literacy development, and book-reading occurs frequently during typical early-childhood education and care programmes. Reading a story to a child presents an opportunity for rich language-learning through reciprocal and extended conversations that link the story to the child’s world, introduce new vocabulary and encourage extended thinking and articulation of this thinking. Dialogic reading is a particular approach to book-reading that encourages the child to engage actively with the story. This paper presents data in the form of excerpts from transcripts of two book-reading sessions with young children. A conversation-analytic approach was applied to reveal and deconstruct dialogic reading prompts that occur within the data, thus revealing the interactional phenomena underpinning the dialogic reading strategies observed in two different book-reading episodes. The implications for applying such strategies to support sustained dialogue during storybook-reading are discussed.
Developing a Manualized Occupational Therapy Diabetes Management Intervention
Authors: Pyatak Elizabeth A. , Carandang Kristine , Davis Shain
Published: July 2015

This article reports on the development of a manualized occupational therapy intervention for diabetes management. An initial theoretical framework and core content areas for a Stage 1 intervention manual were developed based on an in-depth needs assessment and review of existing literature. After evaluation by a panel of experts and completion of a feasibility study, the intervention was revised into a Stage 2 manual in preparation for a randomized study evaluating the intervention’s efficacy. In developing the initial manual, we delineated core theoretical principles to allow for flexible application and tailoring of the intervention’s content areas. Expert panel feedback and feasibility study results led to changes to the intervention structure and content as we developed the Stage 2 manual. Through describing this process, we illustrate the dynamic evolution of intervention manuals, which undergo revisions due to both theoretical and practical considerations at each stage of the research-to-clinical practice pipeline.
Functional Literacy for Students With Visual Impairments and Significant Cognitive Disabilities
Authors: Zebehazy Kim T.
Published: July 2015

This study reports opinions and practices of teachers of students with visual impairments (TSVIs) in 34 states regarding functional literacy for students with visual impairments (VIs) and significant cognitive disabilities (SCDs). The survey asked TSVIs to select a definition of functional literacy, indicate agreement with a series of literacy statements for both students who use and do not use vision to access pictures and print, and list factors that contribute to successfully teaching functional literacy. Data from the survey returns were analyzed descriptively and McNemar’s test of paired proportions and the Mann Whitney U test were conducted to investigate response differences for some items. A high level of agreement was evident overall, but teacher perspective differed when considering students who cannot visually access pictures or print. Some differences were also evident based on the functional literacy definition the respondents selected. Implications for teams working with students with VIs and SCDs in the area of literacy are discussed.
Has smoking really declined in China?
Authors: Luo Weixiang , Xie Yu
Published: July 2015

It has been reported that the prevalence of smoking among Chinese men has decreased substantially in recent decades. Using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) (1991–2009) and the triple standardization method, we assess this trend and the relative contributions to it from three explanatory factors – age, whether the person has ever smoked, and smoking cessation. Results do show that the prevalence of smoking among Chinese men has decreased noticeably during the study period. Furthermore, the decrease in the proportion of men who have ever smoked is the single most important factor accounting for most of the decline. The contributions of the changes in age structure and in smoking cessation are small. Hence, we conclude that a decline in smoking among Chinese men is a real historical change and not an artefact of the survey methodology or the changes in age structure.
Max Weber and patterns of Chinese history
Authors: Zhao Dingxin
Published: July 2015

Max Weber’s The Religion of China: Confucianism and Taoism (1951) has been regarded as a book containing many distortions, wrong characterizations, and politically incorrect arguments by the contemporary Western social scientists. This article, however, argues that while Weber has made his analyses based on very limited information, his arguments about the nature of Chinese cities and Chinese religions, and his explanation of China’s impossibility to achieve industrial capitalism before the advent of Western imperialism, are largely correct. This article further argues that the current attack on Max Weber, particularly by the so-called California school scholars, represents not a genuine intellectual advancement but fads and fashions of today’s Western scholarship.
Inter-organizational network structure and formation mechanisms in Weibo space: A study of environmental NGOs
Authors: Huang Ronggui , Gui Yong , Sun Xiaoyi
Published: July 2015

This study explores the structures of follower/identification networks among non-government environmental organizations on Sina Weibo by using social network analysis techniques, and unpacks the formation mechanisms of these networks by integrating the literature of inter-organizational networks, social movement coalitions, Internet studies and the institutions of social organization management in China. In particular, this study proposes an ‘appropriateness principle’ to explain the effect of registration status on network structure. Descriptive network analyses show that close virtual relations exist among environmental NGOs, and reciprocal relations are prevalent. The findings highlight the importance of legitimacy and lend support to the appropriateness principle. Non-governmental organizations which have offline collaborations or reside in the same province are more likely to form follower/identification relations, and those with similar focus areas are more likely to form identification relations. Weibo activity also has a positive impact on the formation of inter-organizational relations. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that ‘low cost of Internet use’ alone does not provide a sufficient explanation of inter-organizational relations on the cyberspace. The authors argue that on a highly interactive social media platform like Weibo, the trustworthiness of an organization and its capacity to earn recognition from peer organizations play a crucial role in the formation of inter-organizational networks.
Street, behavior, art: Advocating gender rights and the innovation of a social movement repertoire
Authors: Wei Wei
Published: July 2015

In the media, the year 2012 has been named the ‘First Year of Chinese Feminist Activism’. By closely examining the widely influential gender-related media events, this article documents and analyzes the rise and development of ‘street behavioral art’ as a new contentious action repertoire in current Chinese society. In contrast with the flourishing literature on contentious politics in recent years, there is a visible gap in the study of social movement repertoires in China. In order to help fill this gap, the research used in-depth interviews and document analysis to collect data from individuals and organizations that had been participating in today's Chinese feminist activities. The article first reviews the current theoretical perspectives and related studies in this field, then briefly presents the background of the political contentions in contemporary China around the emergence of street behavioral art. Using empirical data from street activism for gender equality, the article then focuses on analyzing the three key components of this contentious repertoire – street, behavior, and art – by looking at how each contributed to the success of this contentious action repertoire. It is argued that, in considering the rise of street behavioral art, there is a need to examine it in the context of the globalization of social movements (particularly, the flow of social movement discourses and tactics) interacting with the reality of contemporary Chinese society and its particular opportunities and constraints. In conclusion, the author discusses the impact of street behavioral art in advancing a social movement's agenda in terms of policy advocacy, participation mobilization, and cultural change.
Enter exitrons
Authors: Staiger Dorothee , Simpson Gordon G.
Published: July 2015

Exitrons are exon-like introns located within protein-coding exons. Removal or retention of exitrons through alternative splicing increases proteome complexity and thus adds to phenotypic diversity.
Ectopic lymphoid neogenesis is strongly associated with activation of the IL-23 pathway in rheumatoid synovitis
Authors: Cañete Juan D. , Celis Raquel , Yeremenko Nataliya , Sanmartí Raimon , van Duivenvoorde Leonie , Ramírez Julio , Blijdorp Iris , García-Herrero Carmen M. , Pablos José L. , Baeten Dominique L.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The functional relevance of synovial ectopic lymphoid neogenesis (ELN) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains unknown. As ELN correlates with the degree of tissue inflammation, we investigated whether ELN was associated with specific cytokine profiles.

Methods

Synovial ELN was determined by immunohistology and long CD21 isoform (CD21L) expression. Cytokine expression was determined by multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as well as immunohistology in synovial fluid (SF) (n = 44) and tissue (ST) (n = 108), respectively. Production of ELN-associated chemokines by fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) was studied in vitro.

Results

Screening analysis of SF by multiplex ELISA showed higher protein levels of interleukin (IL)-23 (p = 0.018) and IL-17F (p = 0.028) in ELN+ versus ELN- samples. Other cytokines, including IL-17A, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, were not different. The association between IL-23 and ELN was not biased by disease activity or other clinical features and was confirmed by higher IL-23 mRNA expression in ELN+ versus ELN- ST samples (p = 0.030), a correlation between IL-23 and CD21L expression in the same samples (r = 0.70 p < 0.0001), and a similar correlation in two independent ST sample sets (r = 0.778 p < 0.0001 and r = 0.817 p = 0.011). IL-23 p19 staining was neither restricted nor enhanced in close proximity of ectopic lymphoid follicles, and neither IL-23 nor IL-17A stimulation induced expression of the ELN-associated CC chemokine ligand, CCL21 and CXC chemokine ligand CXCL13, by FLS. Downstream of IL-23, CD21L expression was significantly associated with IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22, but not IL-17A in two independent ST sample sets.

Conclusions

Synovial ELN in RA is strongly associated with activation of the IL-23 pathway but not with IL-17A.
Allergy immunotherapy with a hypoallergenic recombinant birch pollen allergen rBet v 1‐FV in a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Klimek Ludger , Bachert Claus , Lukat Karl‐Friedrich , Pfaar Oliver , Meyer Hanns , Narkus Annemie
Published: July 2015

Background

Pollen extracts and chemically modified allergoids are used successfully in allergen immunotherapy (AIT). Recombinant extracts offer potential advantages with respect to pharmaceutical quality, standardization and dosing. A hypoallergenic recombinant folding variant of the major birch pollen allergen (rBet v 1‐FV) was compared with an established native birch preparation. A pre‐seasonal, randomized, actively controlled phase II study was performed in birch pollen allergic rhino‐conjunctivitis with or without asthma, GINA I/ II. 51 patients (24 rBet v 1‐FV, 27 native extract) started therapy with subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT). Primary end‐point was a combined symptom medication score (SMS), changes in nasal provocation test, visual rating score and specific antibody responses secondary end‐points.

Findings

After one pre‐seasonal treatment course the combined SMS was 5.86 (median; IQR: 14.02) for the rBet v 1‐FV group versus 12.40 (median; IQR: 9.32) for the comparator during the three weeks pollen season (p = 0.330). After treatment in the second year, scores were 3.00 (median; IQR: 6.50) and 2.93 (4.86) respectively. Allergen tolerance in a nasal provocation test improved to a comparable extent in both groups. Significant increases in birch pollen‐specific IgG1 and IgG4 were observed in both treatment groups following the first treatment phase and remained significantly raised until the end of the study.

Conclusion

In this first in man, proof of concept phase II trial no statistical difference between rBet v 1‐FV and an established natural pollen extract could be observed. rBet v 1‐FV could be administered in higher doses than the native protein with no increase in adverse effects.

Trial registration

The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00266526).
RETRACTED ARTICLE: A note on the boundary behavior for a modified Green function in the upper-half space
Authors: Zhang Yulian , Piskarev Valery
Published: July 2015

Motivated by (Xu et al. in Bound. Value Probl. 2013:262, 2013) and (Yang and Ren in Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. Math. Sci. 124(2):175-178, 2014), in this paper we aim to construct a modified Green function in the upper-half space of the n-dimensional Euclidean space, which generalizes the boundary property of general Green potential.
Potash-lime-silica glass: protection from weathering
Authors: De Bardi Monica , Hutter Herbert , Schreiner Manfred , Bertoncello Renzo
Published: July 2015

Potash-lime silica glass was used for window panels in Europe north of the Alps in the medieval era. The high potassium and low silica content of this glass influences its chemical stability. When exposed to atmospheric conditions as well as acidic aqueous solutions, this type of glass can become hazy, foggy and/or flake phenomena can occur, which modify the original appearance of the artworks can occur. For proper conservation it is therefore necessary to understand the mechanisms of corrosion allowing for the selection of better conditions and treatments to slow down or avoid degradation. In previous works the applicability and the protective effect of a sol–gel silica coating on potash-lime-silica glass was tested in aqueous acidic solutions. With this work the previous results are integrated, investigating the protective effect against weathering and accelerated ageing. SEM analyses were performed to monitor the surface of the glass after accelerated ageing, in particular to detect the presence of corrosion products; moreover, ToF–SIMS analysis was performed to visualize the ion distribution as a function of depth and the presence of any changes due to the weathering treatment. The analyses showed that the formation of weathering products on the surface was slowed down significantly compared to the areas of the sample that were not coated with sol–gel. Different results were obtained depending on the glass composition.
It’s Personal: Biology Instructors Prioritize Personal Evidence over Empirical Evidence in Teaching Decisions
Authors: Andrews Tessa C. , Lemons Paula P.
Published: July 2015

Despite many calls for undergraduate biology instructors to incorporate active learning into lecture courses, few studies have focused on what it takes for instructors to make this change. We sought to investigate the process of adopting and sustaining active-learning instruction. As a framework for our research, we used the innovation-decision model, a generalized model of how individuals adopt innovations. We interviewed 17 biology instructors who were attempting to implement case study teaching and conducted qualitative text analysis on interview data. The overarching theme that emerged from our analysis was that instructors prioritized personal experience—rather than empirical evidence—in decisions regarding case study teaching. We identified personal experiences that promote case study teaching, such as anecdotal observations of student outcomes, and those that hinder case study teaching, such as insufficient teaching skills. By analyzing the differences between experienced and new case study instructors, we discovered that new case study instructors need support to deal with unsupportive colleagues and to develop the skill set needed for an active-learning classroom. We generated hypotheses that are grounded in our data about effectively supporting instructors in adopting and sustaining active-learning strategies. We also synthesized our findings with existing literature to tailor the innovation-decision model.
PORTAAL: A Classroom Observation Tool Assessing Evidence-Based Teaching Practices for Active Learning in Large Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Classes
Authors: Eddy Sarah L. , Converse Mercedes , Wenderoth Mary Pat
Published: July 2015

There is extensive evidence that active learning works better than a completely passive lecture. Despite this evidence, adoption of these evidence-based teaching practices remains low. In this paper, we offer one tool to help faculty members implement active learning. This tool identifies 21 readily implemented elements that have been shown to increase student outcomes related to achievement, logic development, or other relevant learning goals with college-age students. Thus, this tool both clarifies the research-supported elements of best practices for instructor implementation of active learning in the classroom setting and measures instructors’ alignment with these practices. We describe how we reviewed the discipline-based education research literature to identify best practices in active learning for adult learners in the classroom and used these results to develop an observation tool (Practical Observation Rubric To Assess Active Learning, or PORTAAL) that documents the extent to which instructors incorporate these practices into their classrooms. We then use PORTAAL to explore the classroom practices of 25 introductory biology instructors who employ some form of active learning. Overall, PORTAAL documents how well aligned classrooms are with research-supported best practices for active learning and provides specific feedback and guidance to instructors to allow them to identify what they do well and what could be improved.
Bridging the Undergraduate Curriculum Using an Integrated Course-Embedded Undergraduate Research Experience (ICURE)
Authors: Russell James E. , D’Costa Allison R. , Runck Clay , Barnes David W. , Barrera Alessandra L. , Hurst-Kennedy Jennifer , Sudduth Elizabeth B. , Quinlan Erin L. , Schlueter Mark , Iskhakova Liliya A. , Haining Robert
Published: July 2015

The traditional undergraduate program of study incorporates a selection of classes that represent a broad spectrum of subdisciplines. Unfortunately, few curricula successfully integrate concepts in all subdisciplines, giving undergraduates the misconception that there is a lack of application or connectedness between class subjects. An integrated course-embedded research experience (ICURE) was initiated to redress this problem by bridging classes within one discipline in an effort to engage undergraduates in a long-term analysis of biodiversity. The approach was both inclusive and longitudinal: 1) the ICURE bridge brought students from different classes and levels of instruction together with faculty members in a research project with a common goal—chronicling the changing face of the local environment in biological terms; and 2) research data collected were maintained and supplemented each semester and year in an online biodiversity database. Analysis of content and attitudinal gains suggested the integrated research protocol increased student comprehension and confidence. Results are discussed in terms of future amendments to instructional design and potential research applications. Though this program was concentrated on one discipline, there is no reason to assume other disciplines could not take advantage of similar research connections.
A Model of How Different Biology Experts Explain Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms
Authors: Trujillo Caleb M. , Anderson Trevor R. , Pelaez Nancy J.
Published: July 2015

Constructing explanations is an essential skill for all science learners. The goal of this project was to model the key components of expert explanation of molecular and cellular mechanisms. As such, we asked: What is an appropriate model of the components of explanation used by biology experts to explain molecular and cellular mechanisms? Do explanations made by experts from different biology subdisciplines at a university support the validity of this model? Guided by the modeling framework of R. S. Justi and J. K. Gilbert, the validity of an initial model was tested by asking seven biologists to explain a molecular mechanism of their choice. Data were collected from interviews, artifacts, and drawings, and then subjected to thematic analysis. We found that biologists explained the specific activities and organization of entities of the mechanism. In addition, they contextualized explanations according to their biological and social significance; integrated explanations with methods, instruments, and measurements; and used analogies and narrated stories. The derived methods, analogies, context, and how themes informed the development of our final MACH model of mechanistic explanations. Future research will test the potential of the MACH model as a guiding framework for instruction to enhance the quality of student explanations.
Block row recursive least-squares migration
Authors: Kazemi Nasser , Sacchi Mauricio D.
Published: July 2015

Recursive estimates of large systems of equations in the context of least-squares fitting is a common practice in different fields of study. For example, recursive adaptive filtering is extensively used in signal processing and control applications. The necessity of solving least-squares problems recursively stems from the need for fast real-time signal processing strategies. The computational cost of least-squares solvers can also limit the applicability of this technique in geophysical problems. We have considered a recursive least-squares solution for least-squares wave equation migration with sliding windows involving several fixed rank downdating and updating computations. This technique can be applied for dynamic and stationary processes. If we use enough data in each windowed setup, the spectrum of the preconditioned system is clustered around one and the method will converge superlinearly with probability one. Numerical experiments were performed to test the effectiveness of the technique for least-squares migration.
Geophysical basin modeling: Methodology and application in deepwater Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Szydlik Teresa , Helgesen Hans Kristian , Brevik Ivar , De Prisco Giuseppe , Clark Stephen Anthony , Leirfall Olav Kvamme , Duffaut Kenneth , Stadtler Christopher , Cogan Mike
Published: July 2015

A truly integrated velocity model building method has been developed and applied for seismic imaging. Geophysical basin modeling is designed to mitigate seismic data limitations and constrains the velocity model building by taking advantage of information provided by geologic and geophysical input. The information from geologic concepts and understanding is quantified using basin model simulations to model primary control fields for rock properties, temperature, and effective stress. Transformation of the basin model fields to velocity is made by universally calibrated rock models. Applications show that high-quality seismic images are produced in areas of geologic complexity, where it is challenging to define these properties from seismic data alone. This multidisciplinary operation is of high value in exploration because it offers a significant reduction in the time and effort required to build a velocity model, while also improving the resulting image quality.
Theoretical Study on Conformational-Dependent Photochemical Behaviors of a Fluorene-Based Light-Driven Molecular Rotary Motor
Authors: Amatatsu Yoshiaki
Published: July 2015

Photochemical behaviors which depend on the pentamethylene conformations of fluorene-based light-driven molecular rotary motor (denoted by M5-PCPF) have been examined by ab initio complete active space self-consistent-field calculations. In the conical intersection region where the ethylenic rotary axis is perpendicularly twisted, the stable geometries in S1 which are distinguished from each other by the pentamethylene conformations are separated by a low energy barrier. In consequence, conformational interchanges are allowed on the S1 surface in the conical intersection region. Two conical intersections (CIXs) are located in the region where the fluorene stator wags to the negative and positive directions against the ethylenic rotary axis, respectively. After electronic relaxation at CIX for a forward rotation, M5-PCPF with some conformations directly goes to P′-helical isomer, whereas M5-PCPF with other conformations is trapped in the M′-helical region and no longer reaches the P′-helical region thermally. The former types of conformers exhibit unidirectional rotation through the direct photochemical P–P′ and P′–P photochemical conversions, whereas the latter exhibit oscillatory photochemical behavior between P- and M′-helical (and P′- and M-helical) isomers. However, the conformation with oscillatory behavior can interchange into another conformation with unidirectional rotation in the conical intersection region. Therefore, M5-PCPF exhibits a net unidirectional rotation.
Development micromachined cyber platforms to cultive endothelial сapillary networks in vitro in the space organized microflows nutrient medium
Authors: Найденов  , Naydenov E.
Published: July 2015

This work is devoted to the development of technology and special equipment for the cultivation of spontaneously developing functioning endothelial capillary networks in vitro as the basis of artificial cloth-like structures with desired biological properties. It is the scientific and engineering projects RFBR №94-04-13544 «Structural analysis of microvascular bifurcations" and №96-04-50991 «Cell and Tissue Engineering endothelium (formation in endothelial culture in vitro the functioning self-developing capillary networks)." The proposed technology allows the author to form three-dimensional capillary endothelial network around micro-fluidic arrays, immersed in a specially designed dynamic gel. In 2013, the Korean research team under the lea-dership Noo Li Jeon has reproduced, using a similar approach, the phenomenon of self-developing functioning endothelial capillary networks with mass transfer in vitro. It has fully confirmed the validity of the concept pro-posed in the listed projects. Using system of the mathematical modeling Matlab & Simulink and system engi-neering design Cadence Orcad it was developed simulation mathematical model and circuit diagrams experimental reactor modules, it allows to saving considerable financial resources allocated to research and de-velopment of this kind. The resulting model contains 5.4 million basic Simulink blocks and performs more than 7,000 different mathematical functions, reflecting the behavior of devices in stationary and non-stationary conditions. Device control is based on neural network technology. Portable stand-alone microcomputers cyber platform includes microfluidic matrix, generators of microflows liquid phase nutrient medium, life-support systems of endothelial culture system of automatic digital imaging process of angiogenesis, the transmission system of encrypted data over a secure radio, digital control systems. All systems are backed up multiple times, allowing the product to operate in stand-alone mode for a long time (up to a year or more).
Differential diagnosis of organic and functional pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract by using a non-invasive marker of activity
Authors: Никитин  , Nikitin A. , Матюхин  , Matyukhin A.
Published: July 2015

An irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract with impaired motor skills, absorbing function and permeability of the intestine. Clinical symptoms of the disease don’t allow the doctor to make a differential diagnosis without sophisticated research tools and prescribe treatment. This study was devoted the comparative evaluation of clinical activity and the level of calprotectin in patients with organic and functional pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. The study included 40 patients with ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. Colonoscopy with histological examination of biopsy specimens and determination of a faecal calprotectin was performed. The concentration of calprotectin in feces was determined in all patients and was evaluated according to the clinical disease activity, extent of injury and activity of the inflammatory process in the intestine. The concentration of calprotectin in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea conformed to the value of 24.6±2.4 µg/g, which is significantly lower values, than in patients with ulcerative colitis. Application of non-invasive markers of the inflammatory process will allow the doctors to solve common problems in diagnosis, to improve the effectiveness of supplementary opportunities and prospects of further expansion of the indications for colonoscopy and other endoscopic research.
On the significance of the "golden section" of the wurfs in clinical practice
Authors: Субботина  , Subbotina Tatyana , Яшин  , Yashin A. , Исаева  , Isaeva N.
Published: July 2015

In this brief report, the authors demonstrated the importance of harmonious relations between the defined indicators in the human body. The purpose of this work was to define the significance of Wurfs in clinical practice in patients with different pathologies of the internal organs. The ratio of minoproteinic and cholesterol complexes, cholesterol, pigment and mixed stones with a special formula has been studied. The authors carried out a comparison of the results with the "gold" Wurf. The control group included 103 people, the patients with chronic active hepatitis – 43, with chronic persistent hepatitis – 51, with cirrhosis of the liver – 7, with micro spherocytes hemolytic anemia – 48, with alcoholic liver disease – 25. The authors found that there is no diagnostic significance of determination of Wurf for stones.
The assessment of the behavior of nonlinear dynamic system of the microvascular channel of periodontal tissues in the phase space at diagnosis by laser doppler flowmetry
Authors: Ипполитов  , Ippolitov Yu. , Коровкин  , Korovkin V. , Коровкина  , Korovkina A.
Published: July 2015

The article presents the assessment the behavior of a nonlinear dynamic system of a micro-vascular channel of periodontal tissues in phase space by laser Doppler flowmetry. For this purpose, 62 patients aged 18-36 years were examined. The control group consisted of 20 healthy individuals without co-morbidities with intact periodontium. The 1st group was 20 patients with chronic catarrhal gingivitis of mild degree; the 2nd group consisted of 22 patients with chronic generalized periodontitis of mild degree. Assessment of the state of a non-linear dynamic system of periodontal tissues was performed by laser Doppler flowmetry, the device LACC-02 (SPE "LAZMA", Russia) and program 2.2.50 (SPE "LAZMA", Russia). Depending on the functional state of the microcirculation in periodontal tissues, phase portraits, reflecting the dynamic state of the nonlinear system were built. The analysis of phase portraits LDF – grams revealed the dysfunctional types characterizing an inflamma-tory process. It can be used in clinical practice as a method of functional monitoring and forecasting in patients after treatment.
Innovations in biomedical supports of play – the piterbasket
Authors: Еськов  , Eskov V. , Несмеянов  , Nesmeyanov A. , Фудин  , Fudin N. , Хадарцев  , Khadartsev A.
Published: July 2015

In this report, the authors characterize the features of the functioning of the musculoskeletal system of the athlete involved the piterbasket, as well as the register sensors of the movement, the advantages of non-contact sensors eddy-current type. For the study of the index obtained with these sensors in 134 athletes, the authors used the methods of the theory of chaos and self-organization. This allowed us to use the results for dispensing exercise. The proposed technology to control the state of the neuromuscular system has been recommended for inclusion in the training process of the athlete.
Not All Fairness Is Created Equal: Fairness Perceptions of Group vs. Individual Decision Makers
Authors: Kouchaki Maryam , Smith Isaac H. , Netchaeva Ekaterina
Published: July 2015

Drawing on fairness heuristic theory and literature on negative group schemas, we develop and empirically test the idea that, given the exact same decision outcome, people perceive groups to be less fair than individuals when they receive a decision outcome that is unfavorable, but not when they receive one that is favorable or neutral (Studies 1 and 2). To account for this difference in fairness perceptions following an unfavorable outcome, we show that the mere presence of a group as a decision-making body serves as a cue that increases the accessibility of negative group-related associations in a perceiver’s mind (Study 3). Moreover, in a sample of recently laid-off workers—representing a broad range of organizations and demographic characteristics—we demonstrate that those who received a layoff decision made by a group of decision makers (versus an individual) are marginally more likely to perceive the decision as unfair and are marginally less likely to endorse the organization (Study 4). Taken together, the results of all four studies suggest that, in response to the same unfavorable decision outcome, a group of decision makers is often perceived to be less fair than an individual.