By writers for writers: developing a writer-centred model of the writing process

This thesis, set within an Action Research framework, details the development and validation of a writer-centred model of the writing process. The model was synthesised within the boundaries of a writers’ group for MA students. The initial data collected, and analysed using the principles of grounded theory, were retrospective descriptions of group members’ writing processes. After initial analysis, additional data, from group members’ writing, and from audio recordings, were used for further analysis, and to form a model of the writing process. To ascertain whether the model had value outside the specific context in which it was made, it was validated from three different perspectives. Firstly, the retrospective descriptions of other writers were collected and analysed, using the model as a framework. Secondly, the model was presented at academic conferences; comments about the model, made by members of the audience, were collected and analysed. Finally, the model was used in writing courses for PhD students. Comments from these students, along with questionnaire responses, were collected and the content analysed. Upon examination of all data sources, the model was updated to reflect additional insights arising from the analysis. Analysis of the data also indicated that the model is useable outside its original context. Potential uses for the model are 1) raising awareness of the process of writing, 2) putting writers at ease, 3) serving as a starting point for individuals or groups to design their own models of the writing process, and 4) as a tool to help writers take control of their writing processes.

Human single-donor composite skin substitutes based on collagen and polycaprolactone copolymer

The development and characterization of an enhanced composite skin substitute based on collagen and poly(e-caprolactone) are reported. Considering the features of excellent biocompatibility, easy-manipulated property and exempt from cross-linking related toxicity observed in the 1:20 biocomposites, skin substitutes were developed by seeding human single-donor keratinocytes and fibroblasts alone on both sides of the 1:20 biocomposite to allow for separation of two cell types and preserving cell signals transmission via micro-pores with a porosity of 28.8 ± 16.1 µm. The bi-layered skin substitute exhibited both differentiated epidermis and fibrous dermis in vitro. Less Keratinocyte Growth Factor production was measured in the co-cultured skin model compared to fibroblast alone condition indicating a favorable microenvironment for epidermal homeostasis. Moreover, fast wound closure, epidermal differentiation, and abundant dermal collagen deposition were observed in composite skin in vivo. In summary, the beneficial characteristics of the new skin substitutes exploited the potential for pharmaceutical screening and clinical application.

Learner centred control in computer based training

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Studies on the relative stabilities of Mn(II) and Mn(III) in complexes with N4O2 donor environments:crystal structures of [Mn(pybzhz)2] and [Mn(Ophsal)(imzH)2] ClO4 (pybzhz = N-(benzoyl)-N-(picolinylidene) hydrazine, Ophsal = N,N-o-phenylenebis(salicylideneimine), imzH = imidazole)

Five manganese complexes in an N 4O 2 donor environment have been prepared. Four of the compounds involve aroyl hydrazone as ligands and manganese is in a +2 oxidation state. The fifth compound was prepared using N,Nprime-o-phenylenebis(salicylideneimine) and imidazole as ligands where manganese is present in +3 oxidation state. X-ray crystal structure of one Mn +2 compound and the Mn +3 compound was determined. The relative stabilities of the Mn +2 and Mn +3 oxidation states were analyzed using the structural data and MO calculations. Manganese(II) complexes of four aroyl hydrazone ligands were prepared and characterized by different physicochemical techniques. The complexes are of the type Mn(L) 2, where L stands for the deprotonated hydrazone ligand. One of the compounds, Mn(pybzhz) 2, was also characterized by single crystal structure determination. In all these complexes, the Mn(II) is in an N 4O 2 donor environment and the Mn(II) center cannot be oxidized either chemically or electrochemically. However, when another ligand Ophsal is used to give the compound [Mn(Ophsal)(imzH) 2]ClO 4, which was also characterized by X-ray crystal structure determination, manganese can easily avail the +3 oxidation state. The relative stabilities of the +2 and +3 oxidation states of manganese were analyzed and it was concluded that the extent of distortion from the perfect octahedral geometry is the main controlling factor in these cases. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The relationship between student-centred lectures, emotional intelligence, and study teams:a social telemetry study with mobile telephony

A student-centred approach to teaching has been conceptualized as a key driver in higher education to facilitate understanding of concepts and improve attainment. The occurrence of student study team behaviours is diagnostic of this approach to teaching. However, the extent to which team behaviours are performed outside the parameters of formal teacher-learner environments remains under-researched. This is problematic as it is unclear whether study teams are maintained outside the confines of lectures, and the extent to which they impact on individual student grades. A naturalistic observational study was carried out that utilized short message text service communication as a means to record the frequency of team behaviours within informal environments. The findings suggest the frequency of team behaviours: 1) were positively associated with student grades; 2) increased after lectures independently rated as low in employing a student-centred focus; and 3) were facilitated by students' trait emotional intelligence.

Human mesenchymal stem cells stimulate EaHy926 endothelial cell migration:combined proteomic and in vitro analysis of the influence of donor-donor variability

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) stimulate angiogenesis within a wound environment and this effect is mediated through paracrine interactions with the endothelial cells present. Here we report that human MSC-conditioned medium (n=3 donors) significantly increased EaHy-926 endothelial cell adhesion and cell migration, but that this stimulatory effect was markedly donor-dependent. MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry demonstrated that whilst collagen type I and fibronectin were secreted by all of the MSC cultures, the small leucine rich proteoglycan, decorin was secreted only by the MSC culture that was least effective upon EaHy-926 cells. These individual extracellular matrix components were then tested as culture substrata. EaHy-926 cell adherence was greatest on fibronectin-coated surfaces with least adherence on decorin-coated surfaces. Scratch wound assays were used to examine cell migration. EaHy-926 cell scratch wound closure was quickest on substrates of fibronectin and slowest on decorin. However, EaHy-926 cell migration was stimulated by the addition of MSC-conditioned medium irrespective of the types of culture substrates. These data suggest that whilst the MSC secretome may generally be considered angiogenic, the composition of the secretome is variable and this variation probably contributes to donor-donor differences in activity. Hence, screening and optimizing MSC secretomes will improve the clinical effectiveness of pro-angiogenic MSC-based therapies.

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