Investigation of the effect of using data collection technology on students' attitudes to science instruction

The purpose of this project was to investigate the effect of using of data collection technology on student attitudes towards science instruction. The study was conducted over the course of two years at Madison High School in Adrian, Michigan, primarily in college preparatory physics classes, but also in one college preparatory chemistry class and one environmental science class. A preliminary study was conducted at a Lenawee County Intermediate Schools student summer environmental science day camp. The data collection technology used was a combination of Texas Instruments TI-84 Silver Plus graphing calculators and Vernier LabPro data collection sleds with various probeware attachments, including motion sensors, pH probes and accelerometers. Students were given written procedures for most laboratory activities and were provided with data tables and analysis questions to answer about the activities. The first year of the study included a pretest and posttest measuring student attitudes towards the class they were enrolled in. Pre-test and post-test data were analyzed to determine effect size, which was found to be very small (Coe, 2002). The second year of the study focused only on a physics class and used Keller’s ARCS model for measuring student motivation based on the four aspects of motivation: Attention, Relevance, Confidence and Satisfaction (Keller, 2010). According to this model, it was found that there were two distinct groups in the class, one of which was motivated to learn and the other that was not. The data suggest that the use of data collection technology in science classes should be started early in a student’s career, possibly in early middle school or late elementary. This would build familiarity with the equipment and allow for greater exploration by the student as they progress through high school and into upper level science courses.

Real-world context, interest, understanding, and retention

This study investigated the use of real-world contexts during instruction in a high school physics class - through building file folder bridges- and the resulting effect upon student interest in the subject matter, level of understanding, and degree of retention. In particular, the study focused upon whether increases in student interest were attained through the use of real-world contexts, and if the elevated interest level led to a higher degree of subject matter understanding than would be achieved using more traditional teaching methods. The study also determined whether using real-world contexts ultimately resulted in achievement of greater levels of knowledge retention by students. Class observations during traditionally taught units and during units that incorporated real-world contexts, along with a post-graduation questionnaire, were used to assess differences in student interest levels. Student pre- and post-unit test scores were evaluated and compared to determine if statistical differences existed in levels of understanding resulting from the different teaching methods. The post-graduation questionnaire results provided evidence of retention that could be related back to teaching methods. The results of this study revealed the importance of incorporating real-world contexts into science and mathematics courses. Students better understood the relevance of the lessons, which led to higher levels of interest and greater understanding than was achieved through more traditional teaching methods. The use of real-world contexts improved knowledge retention.

Prevention of delayed cerebral vasospasm by continuous intrathecal infusion of glyceroltrinitrate and nimodipine in the rabbit model in vivo

OBJECTIVE: Intrathecal bolus administration of nitric oxide donors and calcium channel antagonists has been proposed to reduce cerebral vasospasm (CVS) in animal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) models. Intrathecal continuous administration of these substances for CVS prevention has not been extensively evaluated. This study compared the efficacy of continuous intrathecal infusions of the NO donor glyceroltrinitrate and nimodipine in preventing delayed CVS associated with SAH in an animal model in vivo. METHODS: New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned to six groups: no SAH/NaCl, no SAH/NO, no SAH/nimodipine, SAH/NaCl, SAH/NO, or SAH/nimodipine. Glyceroltrinitrate (GTN) at 0.5 microg/microl (0.5 microl/h) or nimodipine at 0.2 microg/microl (10 microl/h) or NaCl was continuously infused into the cisterna magna via an Alzet osmotic pump from day 0 to day 5 after injection of 1.0 ml autologous blood. The magnitude of spasm in the basilar artery was determined by comparison of pre- and posttreatment angiography and was calculated as proportional change in intraluminal diameter based on automatic measurements. RESULTS: A total of 55 experiments and 110 angiograms were performed. SAH was associated with vasoconstriction of the basilar artery (SAH/NaCl group 19.85+/-2.94%). Continuous intrathecal injection of GTN and nimodipine prevented SAH-induced CVS. There was significant prevention of CVS in animals treated with GTN (SAH/NO group 5.93+/-5.2%, n=11) and nimodipine (SAH/nimodipine group: 0.55+/-2.66%, n=9). There was no significant difference between the treatment groups and controls in prevention of CVS. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that prophylactic continuous intrathecal administration of either GTN or nimodipine equally prevents SAH-associated CVS in an animal model.

Omega-3 fatty acids and the neurovascular responses to mental stress in humans

Hypertension is the most prevalent form of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the world, and is known to increase the risk for developing other diseases. Recently, the American Heart Association introduced a new classification of blood pressure, prehypertension (PHT). The criteria for PHT include a systolic of 120-139 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 mmHg. It has been observed that individuals with PHT have a higher risk of developing hypertension later in life. Therefore, it is important to understand the mechanisms contributing to PHT in order to possibly prevent hypertension. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils have been suggested as a means of lowering blood pressure. However, little is known on the effects of fish oil in PHT humans. Therefore we conducted two studies. In Study 1 we investigated PHT and normotensive (NT) individuals during a mental stress task. Mental stress is known to contribute to the development of hypertension. In Study 2 PHT and NT subjects were placed in an eight week double-blind placebo controlled study in which subjects consumed 9g/day of either fish oil or placebo (olive oil) in addition to their regular diets. Subjects were tested during a resting baseline (seated and supine), 5 minutes of a mental stress task, and 5 minutes of recovery both pre and post supplementation. We measured arterial pressure (AP), heart rate (HR), muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), and forearm and calf vascular responses. In Study 1 PHT demonstrated augmented AP and blunted vasodilation during mental stress, but MSNA did not change. In Study 2, fish oil did not directly influence blood pressure, MSNA or vascular responses to mental stress. However, it became clear that fish oil had an effect on some but not all subjects (both PHT and NT). Specifically, subjects who experienced a reduced blood pressure response to fish oil also demonstrated a decrease in MSNA and HR during mental stress. Collectively, the investigations in this dissertation had several novel findings. First, PHT individuals demonstrate an augmented pressor and blunted vascular response to mental stress, a response that may be contributing to the development of hypertension. Second, fish oil does not consistently lower resting blood pressure, but the interindividual responses may be related to MSNA. Third, fish oil attenuated the heart rate and MSNA responses and to mental stress in both PHT and NT. In conclusion, we found that there are both similarities and differences in the way PHT and NT individuals respond to mental stress and fish oil.

The tolerance of ambiguity in late cochlear-implanted pre-lingually deaf juveniles

OBJECTIVES: To examine the ambiguity tolerance, i.e. the ability to perceive new, contradictory and complex situations as positive challenges, of pre-lingually deafened adolescents who received a cochlear implant after their eighth birthday and to identify those dimensions of ambiguity tolerance which correlate significantly with specific variables of their oral communication. DESIGN AND SETTING: Clinical survey at an academic tertiary referral center. Participants and main outcome measures: A questionnaire concerning communication and subjectively perceived changes compared to the pre-cochlear implant situation was completed by 13 pre-lingually deafened patients aged between 13 and 23 years, who received their cochlear implants between the ages of 8 and 17 years. The results were correlated with the 'Inventory for Measuring Ambiguity Tolerance'. RESULTS: The patients showed a lower ambiguity tolerance with a total score of 134.5 than the normative group with a score of 143.1. There was a positive correlation between the total score for ambiguity tolerance and the frequency of 'use of oral speech', as well as between the subscale 'ambiguity tolerance towards apparently insoluble problems' and all five areas of oral communication that were investigated. Comparison of two variables of oral communication, which shows a significant difference pre- and postoperatively, yields a positive correlation with the subscale 'ambiguity tolerance towards the parental image'. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-lingually deafened juveniles with cochlear implant who increasingly use oral communication seem to regard the limits of a cochlear implant as an interesting challenge rather than an insoluble problem.

Effects of forest management and time on herbaceous species dynamics in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan

The herbaceous layer is a dynamic layer in a forest ecosystem which often contains the highest species richness in northern temperate forests. Few long-term studies exist in northern hardwood forests with consistent management practices to observe herbaceous species dynamics. The Ford Forest (Michigan Technological University) reached its 50th year of management during the winter of 2008-2009. Herbaceous species were sampled during the summers pre- and post-harvest. Distinct herbaceous communities developed in the 13-cm diameter-limit treatment and the uncut control. After the harvest, the diameter-limit treatments had herbaceous communities more similar to the 13-cm diameter-limit treatment than the uncut control; the herbaceous layer contained more exotic and early successional species. Fifty years of continuous management changed the herbaceous community especially in the diameter-limit treatments. Sites used in the development of habitat classification systems based on the presence and absence of certain herbaceous species can also be used to monitor vegetation change over time. The Guide to Forest Communities and Habitat Types of Michigan was developed to aid forest managers in understanding the potential productivity of a stand, and often aid in the development of ecologically-based forest management practices. Subsets of plots used to create the Western Upper Peninsula Guide were resampled after 10 years. During the resampling, both spring and summer vegetation were sampled and earthworm populations were estimated through liquid extraction. Spring sampling observed important spring ephemerals missed during summer sampling. More exotic species were present during the summer 2010 sampling than the summer 2000 sampling. Invasive European earthworms were also observed at all sample locations in all habitat types; earthworm densities increased with increasing habitat richness. To ensure the accuracy of the guide book, plots should be monitored to see how herbaceous communities are changing. These plots also offer unique opportunities to monitor for invasive species and the effects of a changing climate.

Predictors of swallowing outcome in patients treated with surgery and radiotherapy for advanced oral and oropharyngeal cancer

Retaining effective swallowing is a key element when optimising outcomes in the management of head and neck cancer. We report the functional swallowing outcomes for a cohort of 31 individuals with advanced oral and oropharyngeal cancer who underwent free or pedicled flap reconstruction of surgical defects. Swallowing was assessed pre and immediately post surgery and at four months post treatment. Swallowing assessments were related to site, size and volume of defect and composition of flap reconstruction. The effect of radiotherapy on swallowing was assessed among 17 of the 31 individuals who were submitted to radiotherapy after surgery. The proportion of patients on a total oral diet four months post treatment varied significantly by site of defect (Fishers exact test p=0.006), from 100% (7/7) of patients with a lateral defect to only 22% (2/9) of patients with a central defect. The proportion of patients on a total oral diet at the final assessment did not vary by flap reconstruction or radiotherapy.

Prenatal diagnosis and treatment planning of congenital heart defects-possibilities and limits

BACKGROUND: Newborns with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) or right heart syndrome or other malformations with a single ventricle physiology and associated hypoplasia of the great arteries continue to be a challenge in terms of survival. The vast majority of these forms of congenital heart defects relate to abnormal morphogenesis during early intrauterine development and can be diagnosed accurately by fetal echocardiography. Early knowledge of these conditions not only permits a better understanding of the progression of these malformations but encourages some researchers to explore new minimally invasive therapeutic options with a view to early pre- and postnatal cardiac palliation. DATA SOURCES: PubMed database was searched with terms of "congenital heart defects", "fetal echocardiography" and "neonatal cardiac surgery". RESULTS: At present, early prenatal detection has been applied for monitoring pregnancy to avoid intrauterine cardiac decompensation. In principle, the majority of congenital heart defects can be diagnosed by prenatal echocardiography and the detection rate is 85%-95% at tertiary perinatal centers. The majority, particularly of complex congenital lesions, show a steadily progressive course including subsequent secondary phenomena such as arrhythmias or myocardial insufficiency. So prenatal treatment of an abnormal fetus is an area of perinatal medicine that is undergoing a very dynamic development. Early postnatal treatment is established for some time, and prenatal intervention or palliation is at its best experimental stage in individual cases. CONCLUSION: The upcoming expansion of fetal cardiac intervention to ameliorate critically progressive fetal lesions intensifies the need to address issues about the adequacy of technological assessment and patient selection as well as the morbidity of those who undergo these procedures.

The effects of aspirin and nonselective beta blockade on the acute prothrombotic response to psychosocial stress in apparently healthy subjects

We hypothesized that the 2 cardiovascular drugs aspirin and propranolol attenuate the prothrombotic response to acute psychosocial stress relative to placebo medication. We randomized 56 healthy subjects, double-blind, to 5-day treatment with an oral dose of either 100 mg of aspirin plus 80 mg of propranolol combined, single aspirin, single propranolol, or placebo medication. Thereafter, subjects underwent a 13-minute psychosocial stressor. Plasma levels of von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag), fibrinogen, coagulation factor VII (FVII:C) and XII (FXII:C) activity, and D-dimer were determined in blood samples collected immediately pre- and post-stress and 45 minutes post-stress. The stress-induced changes in prothrombotic measures were adjusted for gender, age, body mass index, mean arterial blood pressure, smoking status, and sleep quality. There was an increase in VWF:Ag levels from immediately pre-stress to 45 minutes post-stress in the placebo group relative to the 3 subject groups with verum medication (P's and 21%); however, the VWF:Ag response to stress was not significantly different between the three groups with verum medication. The stress responses in fibrinogen, FVII:C, FXII:C, and D-dimer were similar in all 4 medication groups. The combination of aspirin with propranolol, single aspirin, and single propranolol all attenuated the acute response in plasma VWF:Ag levels to psychosocial stress. This suggests that these cardiovascular drugs might exert limited protection from the development of stress-triggered coronary thrombosis.

Endothelial cell protection and complement inhibition in xenotransplantation: a novel in vitro model using whole blood

BACKGROUND: Studying the interactions between xenoreactive antibodies, complement and coagulation factors with the endothelium in hyperacute and acute vascular rejection usually necessitates the use of in vivo models. Conventional in vitro or ex vivo systems require either serum, plasma or anti-coagulated whole blood, making analysis of coagulation-mediated effects difficult. Here a novel in vitro microcarrier-based system for the study of endothelial cell (EC) activation and damage, using non-anticoagulated whole blood is described. Once established, the model was used to study the effect of the characterized complement- and coagulation inhibitor dextran sulfate (DXS, MW 5000) for its EC protective properties in a xenotransplantation setting. METHODS: Porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAEC), grown to confluence on microcarrier beads, were incubated with non-anticoagulated whole human blood until coagulation occurred or for a maximum of 90 min. PAEC-beads were either pre- or co-incubated with DXS. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) experiments served as controls. Fluid phase and surface activation markers for complement and coagulation were analyzed as well as binding of DXS to PAEC-beads. RESULTS: Co- as well as pre-incubation of DXS, followed by washing of the beads, significantly prolonged time to coagulation from 39 +/- 12 min (PBS control) to 74 +/- 23 and 77 +/- 20 min, respectively (P < 0.005 vs. PBS). DXS treatment attenuated surface deposition of C1q, C4b/c, C3b/c and C5b-9 without affecting IgG or IgM deposition. Endothelial integrity, expressed by positivity for von Willebrand Factor, was maintained longer with DXS treatment. Compared with PBS controls, both pre- and co-incubation with DXS significantly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (>300 s, P < 0.05) and reduced production of thrombin-antithrombin complexes and fibrinopeptide A. Whilst DXS co-incubation completely blocked classical pathway complement activity (CH50 test) DXS pre-incubation or PBS control experiments showed no inhibition. DXS bound to PAEC-beads as visualized using fluorescein-labeled DXS. CONCLUSIONS: This novel in vitro microcarrier model can be used to study EC damage and the complex interactions with whole blood as well as screen ''endothelial protective'' substances in a xenotransplantation setting. DXS provides EC protection in this in vitro setting, attenuating damage of ECs as seen in hyperacute xenograft rejection.

[Insulin and type 2 diabetes mellitus]

Worldwide an increasing number of persons suffers from type 2 diabetes. Often treatment with oral hypoglycemic agents is not sufficient for adequate glycemic control and additional insulin treatment is necessary. Treatment with insulin is recommended if HbA1c levels below 7% cannot be achieved despite lifestyle measures and the proper use of oral hypoglycemic agents. In addition, pregnancy, periods pre and post major operations, treatment in intensive care units, glucocorticoid medication, severe peripheral neuropathy as well as contraindications of oral hypoglycaemic agents may be indications for insulin therapy irrespective of the actual glycemic control. The choice of the appropriate insulin regimen depends on the daily blood glucose profiles and patient needs.

What is the Relation between Human Practical Action and an Accompanying Discourse? Discussing the Status of Practical Theory

The article discusses the function of an accompanying discourse in relation to the genesis of human practical action. On the one side, theory cannot be taken as the ground for practical action; practical action is not a realisation of intentions. On the other hand, human practical action is accompanied by series of explanations, justifications, declarations of intent, pre‑ and post-rationalisations, motivations etc. These accompanying discourses seem in one way or the other to be necessary for the actual realisation of human practical action. Following Pierre Bourdieu, it is suggested that an accompanying discourse cannot in a meaningful manner be separated from the human practical action, that practical theory should be regarded not as theory but as part of practice, and that practical theory first of all provides a common language for talking about practice and hence for reproducing a fundamentally arbitrary idea of the genesis of human practical action. Parallels are drawn to the education/formal training of semi-professionals.

Magnetic resonance imaging anatomy of the normal equine larynx and pharynx

The purpose of the present study was to describe normal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging anatomy of the equine larynx and pharynx and to present the optimal protocol, sequences, and possible limitations of this examination technique. Using a 0.3 T unit, the laryngeal and pharyngeal regions was imaged in two horses. The protocol consisted of sagittal and transverse T2-weighted (T2w) fast spin echo, transverse T1-weighted (T1w) spin echo, and dorsal high-resolution T1w gradient echo (both pre- and postcontrast enhancement) sequences. Euthanasia was performed at the end of the imaging procedure. Macroscopic anatomy of the cadaver sections were compared with the MR images in transverse, midsagittal, and parasagittal planes. There was good differentiation of anatomic structures, including soft tissues. The laryngeal cartilages, hyoid apparatus, and upper airway muscle groups with their attachments could be clearly identified. However, it was not always possible to delineate individual muscles in each plane. Most useful were both T2w and T1w transverse sequences. Intravenous application of contrast medium was helpful to identify blood vessels. The MR images corresponded with the macroscopic anatomy of cadaver sections.

Chromium supplementation and substitution of barley grain with corn: Effects on performance and lactation in periparturient dairy cows

Thirty-two multiparous Holstein cows were used to investigate the effects of chromium-l-methionine (Cr-Met) supplementation and dietary grain source on performance and lactation during the periparturient period. Cows were fed a total mixed ration consisting of either a barley-based diet (BBD) or a corn-based diet (CBD) from 21 d before anticipated calving through 28 d after calving. The Cr-Met was supplemented at dosages of 0 or 0.08 mg of Cr/kg of metabolic body weight. The study was designed as a randomized complete block design with 2 (Cr-Met levels) x 2 (grain sources) factorial arrangement. There was no Cr effect on prepartum dry matter intake (DMI) or postpartum DMI, body weight (BW), net energy balance, and whole tract apparent digestibility of nutrients. Prepartum DMI as a percentage of BW tended to increase with Cr-Met. Supplemental Cr-Met tended to increase milk yield whereas milk protein percentage decreased. Pre- and postpartum DMI, BW, net energy balance, milk yield, and milk composition were not affected by substituting ground barley with ground corn. The addition of Cr-Met increased prepartum DMI and tended to increase postpartum DMI of the BBD but not the CBD. The change in prepartum DMI was smaller when the BBD was supplemented with Cr-Met but remained unchanged when the CBD was supplemented with Cr-Met. Yields of crude protein and total solids in milk and prepartum digestibility of DM and organic matter tended to increase when Cr-Met was added to the BBD but remained unchanged when added to the CBD. Periparturient cows failed to respond to the grain source of the diet, whereas they showed greater response in milk yield to diets supplemented with Cr-Met. In conclusion, the present results demonstrate that the beneficial effect of Cr-Met supplementation during the periparturient period to improve feed intake may depend on the grain source of the diet.

Neonatal steroids induce a down-regulation of tenascin-C and elastin and cause a deceleration of the first phase and an acceleration of the second phase of lung alveolarization

Pre- and postnatal corticosteroids are often used in perinatal medicine to improve pulmonary function in preterm infants. To mimic this clinical situation, newborn rats were treated systemically with dexamethasone (Dex), 0.1-0.01 mg/kg/day on days P1-P4. We hypothesized that postnatal Dex may have an impact on alveolarization by interfering with extracellular matrix proteins and cellular differentiation. Morphological alterations were observed on 3D images obtained by high-resolution synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy. Alveolarization was quantified stereologically by estimating the formation of new septa between days P4 and P60. The parenchymal expression of tenascin-C (TNC), smooth muscle actin (SMA), and elastin was measured by immunofluorescence and gene expression for TNC by qRT-PCR. After Dex treatment, the first phase of alveolarization was significantly delayed between days P6 and P10, whereas the second phase was accelerated. Elastin and SMA expressions were delayed by Dex treatment, whereas TNC expression was delayed and prolonged. A short course of neonatal steroids impairs the first phase of alveolarization, most likely by altering the TNC and elastin expression. Due to an overshooting catch-up during the second phase of alveolarization, the differences disappear when the animals reach adulthood.