Nursing Students��� Learning about an Empowering Discourse In Patient Education

The main purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate nursing students' learning about an empowering discourse in patient education. In Phase 1, the purpose was to describe an empowering discourse between a nurse and a patient. In Phase 2, the purpose was first to create a computer simulation program of an empowering discourse based on the description, and second, the purpose was to evaluate nursing students��� learning of how to conduct an empowering discourse using a computer simulation program. The ultimate goal was to strengthen the knowledge basis on empowering discourse and to develop nursing students��� knowledge about how to conduct an empowering discourse for the development of patient education. In Phase I, empowering discourse was described using a systematic literature review with a metasummary technique (n=15). Data were collected covering a period from January 1995 to October 2005. In Phase 2, the computer simulation program of empowering discourse was created based the description in 2006���2007. A descriptive comparative design was used to evaluate students��� (n=69) process of learning empowering discourse using the computer simulation program and a pretest���post-test design without a control group was used to evaluate students��� (n=43) outcomes of learning. Data were collected in 2007. Empowering discourse was a structured process and it was possible to simulate and learned with the computer simulation program. According to students��� knowledge, empowering discourse was an unstructured process. Process of learning empowering discourse using the computer simulation program was controlled by the students and it changed students��� knowledge. The outcomes of learning empowering discourse appeared as changes of students��� knowledge to more holistic and better-organized or only to more holistic or better-organized. The study strengthened knowledge base of empowering discourse and developed students to more knowledgeable in empowering discourse.

Production of magnesium carbonates from serpentinites for CO2 mineral sequestration : optimisation towards industrial application

Global warming is one of the most alarming problems of this century. Initial scepticism concerning its validity is currently dwarfed by the intensification of extreme weather events whilst the gradual arising level of anthropogenic CO2 is pointed out as its main driver. Most of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from large point sources (heat and power production and industrial processes) and the continued use of fossil fuels requires quick and effective measures to meet the world���s energy demand whilst (at least) stabilizing CO2 atmospheric levels. The framework known as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) ��� or Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) ��� comprises a portfolio of technologies applicable to large���scale GHG sources for preventing CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Amongst them, CO2 capture and mineralisation (CCM) presents the highest potential for CO2 sequestration as the predicted carbon storage capacity (as mineral carbonates) far exceeds the estimated levels of the worldwide identified fossil fuel reserves. The work presented in this thesis aims at taking a step forward to the deployment of an energy/cost effective process for simultaneous capture and storage of CO2 in the form of thermodynamically stable and environmentally friendly solid carbonates. R&D work on the process considered here began in 2007 at ��bo Akademi University in Finland. It involves the processing of magnesium silicate minerals with recyclable ammonium salts for extraction of magnesium at ambient pressure and 400���440���C, followed by aqueous precipitation of magnesium in the form of hydroxide, Mg(OH)2, and finally Mg(OH)2 carbonation in a pressurised fluidized bed reactor at ~510���C and ~20 bar PCO2 to produce high purity MgCO3. Rock material taken from the Hitura nickel mine, Finland, and serpentinite collected from Bragan��a, Portugal, were tested for magnesium extraction with both ammonium sulphate and bisulphate (AS and ABS) for determination of optimal operation parameters, primarily: reaction time, reactor type and presence of moisture. Typical efficiencies range from 50 to 80% of magnesium extraction at 350���450���C. In general ABS performs better than AS showing comparable efficiencies at lower temperature and reaction times. The best experimental results so far obtained include 80% magnesium extraction with ABS at 450���C in a laboratory scale rotary kiln and 70% Mg(OH)2 carbonation in the PFB at 500���C, 20 bar CO2 pressure for 15 minutes. The extraction reaction with ammonium salts is not at all selective towards magnesium. Other elements like iron, nickel, chromium, copper, etc., are also co���extracted. Their separation, recovery and valorisation are addressed as well and found to be of great importance. The assessment of the exergetic performance of the process was carried out using Aspen Plus�� software and pinch analysis technology. The choice of fluxing agent and its recovery method have a decisive sway in the performance of the process: AS is recovered by crystallisation and in general the whole process requires more exergy (2.48���5.09 GJ/tCO2sequestered) than ABS (2.48���4.47 GJ/tCO2sequestered) when ABS is recovered by thermal decomposition. However, the corrosive nature of molten ABS and operational problems inherent to thermal regeneration of ABS prohibit this route. Regeneration of ABS through addition of H2SO4 to AS (followed by crystallisation) results in an overall negative exergy balance (mainly at the expense of low grade heat) but will flood the system with sulphates. Although the ��A route is still energy intensive, its performance is comparable to conventional CO2 capture methods using alkanolamine solvents. An energy���neutral process is dependent on the availability and quality of nearby waste heat and economic viability might be achieved with: magnesium extraction and carbonation levels ��� 90%, the processing of CO2���containing flue gases (eliminating the expensive capture step) and production of marketable products.

Exploring two cases of Piano Teacher Education in Finland and Germany

Research about music instrument teacher education is scattered and fairly recent, especially in the European context. The purpose of this study was to explore two cases of piano teacher education programs at higher music education institutions, one in Finland, and one in Germany, to gain insights into the preparation of piano teachers for their professional working life. The aim was to identify issues for consideration in curriculum development of piano teacher education to enhance the teaching and learning of piano playing, and to ultimately increase musical practice and engagement among young learners. Nine semi-structured interviews with piano teacher educators, heads of program, other lecturers within the program, and student piano teachers in both cases were analyzed using applied thematic analysis. Three main themes with subcategories emerged: (1) the organization of the piano teacher education program, such as the structure, the content, the learning environments provided, and the development mechanisms of the program; (2) the views on the piano teacher profession, the working environment and resulting requirements, including further education during professional life; and (3) the professional skills and teacher identity development of student teachers. While the supposed working environments and requirements of future piano teachers, the student teachers' development characteristics, and the content were found reasonably concurrent in both cases, the structure of the teacher education program, and the organization of learning environments presented notable differences. While the complete teacher qualification in the Finnish case was offered as option in the Bachelor and Master of Music program within the piano department, the German case offered a separate program for music instrument educators. Other main differences concerned the organizations of practical teaching experiences, and the linking of practical with theoretical pedagogy. Conviction and enthusiasm for improving piano and other music instrument teacher education seemed remarkable. These improvements could include the development of a comprehensive teacher education pedagogy for music instrument teacher educators, intensified cross-linking within and of higher music education institutions in local contexts, and the expansion of professional development opportunities.

Teacher professional growth in an authentic learning environment

The last several decades have been marked by tremendous changes in education - technological, pedagogical, administrative, and social. These changes have led to considerable increments in the budgets devoted to professional development for teachers ~ with the express purpose of helping them accommodate their practices to the new realities oftheir classrooms. However, research has suggested that, in spite of the emphasis placed on encouraging sustained change in teaching practices, little has been accomplished. This begs the question of what ought to be done to not only reverse this outcome, but contribute to transformational change. The literature suggests some possibilities including: a) considering teachers as learners and applying what, is known about cognition and learning; b) modifying the location and nature ofprofessional development so that it is authentic, based in the classroom and focusing on tasks meaningful to the teacher; c) attending to the infrastructure underlying professional development; and d) ensuring opportunities for reflective practice. This dissertation looks at the impact of each ofthese variables through an analysis ofthe learning journeys of a group ofteachers engaged in a program called GrassRoots in one midsized school board in Ontario. Action research was conducted by the researcher in his role as consultant facilitating teacher professional growth around the use of Web sites as culminating performance tasks by students. Research focused on the pedagogical approach to the learning of the teachers involved and the infrastructure underlying their learning. Using grounded theory, a model for professional development was developed that can be used in the future to inform practices and, hopefully, lead to sustained transformational school change.

Words on wisdom: perspective transformation in a "learning in retirement institute" /

In this study, 7 men and women with an average age of 77 were interviewed regarding their experience of attending courses at a Learning in Retirement Institute (LRI) in southern Ontario. The purpose was to explore the role of wisdom in the learning of these retirees. Explicit theories of wisdom developed by selected philosophers, psychologists, and religious thinkers were compared to the implicit theories of wisdom that respondents expressed. Further comparisons were drawn between these implicit theories of wisdom and the act of perspective transformation in transformative learning. Some evidence was found that the development of wisdom compares favourably to perspective transformation, especially with regards to the behavioural changes associated with critical self-reflection. Among all the respondents, those 3 LRI stude.its who had also moderated courses indicated that they had experienced the most opportunities for critical self-reflection. These 3 also expressed deep satisfaction in having been able to put their learnings to use as teachers. A recommendation of this study is that opportunities for sharing and acting upon the results of discourse within Learning in Retirement Institutes should be implemented. In the absence of evaluation, opportunities for praxis (such as coop placements) must be developed so that students can measure their success against objective criteria and hence attach meaning to their studies.

Cooperative learning and elaborative interrogation: effects on children's learning

This experimental study examined the effects of cooperative learning and a question-answering strategy called elaborative interrogation ("Why is this fact true?") on the learning of factual information about familiar animals. Retention gains were compared across four study conditions: elaborative-interrogation-plus-cooperative learning, cooperative-learning, elaborative-interrogation, and reading-control. Sixth-grade students (n=68) were randomly assigned to the four conditions. All participants were given initial training and practice in cooperative learning procedures via three 45-minute sessions. After studying 36 facts about six animals, students' retention gains were measured via immediate free recall, immediate matched association, 30-day, and GO-day matched association tests. A priori comparisons were made to analyze the data. For immediate free recall and immediate matched association, significant differences were found between students in the three experimental conditions versus those in the control condition. Elaborative-interrogation and elaborativeinterrogation- plus-cooperative-learning also promoted longterm retention (measured via 30-day matched association) of the material relative to repetitive reading with elaborative-interrogation promoting the most durable gains (measured via GO-day matched association). The relationship between the types of elaborative responses and probability of subsequent retention was also examined. Even when students were unable to provide adequate answers to the why questions, learning was facilitated more so than repetitive reading. In general, generation of adequate elaborations was associated with greater probability of recall than was provision of inadequate answers. The findings of the study demonstrate that cooperative learning and the use of elaborative interrogation, both individually and collaboratively, are effective classroom procedures for facilitating children's learning of new information.

Effectiveness of instructional strategies based on schema theory on attention deficit disorder children

A review of the literature reveals that there are a number of children in the educational system who are characterized by Attention Deficit Disorder. Further review of the literature reveals that there are information processing programs which have had some success in increasing the learning of these children. Currently, an information processing program which is based on schema theory is being implemented in Lincoln County. Since schema theory based programs build structural, conditional, factual, and procedural schemata which assist the learner in attending to salient factors, learning should be increased. Thirty-four children were selected from a random sampling of Grade Seven classes in Lincoln County. Seventeen of these children were identified by the researcher and classroom teacher as being characterized by Attention Deficit Disorder. From the remaining population, 17 children who were not characterized by Attention Deficit Disorder were randomly selected. The data collected were compared using independent t-tests, paired t-tests, and correlation analysis. Significant differences were found in all cases. The Non-Attention Deficit Disorder children scored significantly higher on all the tests but the Attention Defici t Disorder children had a significantly higher ratio of gain between the pretests and posttests.

Factors influencing the seasonal changes in primary productivity of the photosynthetic bacteria of Crawford Lake, Ontario

A naturally occurring population of photosynthetic bacteria, located in the meromictic Crawford Lake, was examined during two field seasons (1979-1981). Primary production, biomass, light intensity, lake transparency, pH and bicarbonate concentration were all monitored during this period at selected time intervals. Analysis of the data indicated that (l4C) bacterial photosynthesis was potentially limited by the ambient bicarbonate concentration. Once a threshold value (of 270 mg/l) was reached a dramatic (2 to 10 fold) increase in the primary productivity of the bacteria was observed. Light intensity appeared to have very little effect on the primary productivity of the bacteria, even at times when analyses by Parkin and Brock (1980a) suggested that light intensity could be limiting (i.e., 3.0-5.0 ft. candles). Shifts in the absorption maxima at 430 nrn of the .bacteriochlorophyll spectrum suggested that changes in the species or strain composition of the photosynthetic bacteria had occurred during the summer months. It was speculated that these changes might reflect seasonal variation in the wavelength of light reaching the bacteria. Chemocline erosion did not have the same effect on the population size (biomass) of the photosynthetic bacteria in Crawford Lake (this thesis) as it did in Pink Lake (Dickman, 1979). In Crawford Lake the depth of the chemocline was lowered with no apparent loss in biomass (according to bacteriochlorophyll data). A reverse current was. proposed to explain the observation. The photosynthetic bacteria contributed a significant proportion (10-60%) of the lake1s primary productivitya Direct evidence was obtained with (14C) labelling of the photosynthetic bacteria, indica.ting that the zooplankton were grazing the photosynthetic bacteria. This indicated that some of the photosynthetic bacterial productivity was assimilated into the food chain of the lake. Therefore, it was concluded that the photosynthetic bacteria made a significant contribution to the total productivity of Crawford Lake.

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of the McElroy and Larder Lake assemblages, Abitibi Greenstone Belt, Northeastern Ontario

The McElroy and Larder Lake assemblages, located in the southern Abitibi Greenstone Belt are two late Archean metavolcanic sequences having markedly contrasting physical characteristics arid are separated from one another by a regional fault. An assemblage is an informal term which describes stratified volcanic and/or sedimentary rock units built during a specific time period in a similar depositional or volcanic setting and are commonly bounded by faults, unconformities or intrusions. The petrology and petrogenesis of these assemblages have been investigated to determine if a genetic link exists between the two adjacent assemblages. The McElroy assemblage is homoclinal sequence of evolved massive and pillowed fl.ows, which except for the basal unit represents a progressively fractionated volcanic pile. From the base to the top of the assemblage the lithologies include Fe-tholeiitic, dendritic flows; komatiite basaltic, ultramafic flows; Mg-tholeiitic, leucogabbro; Mg-tholeiitic, massive flows and Fe-tholeiitic, pillowed flows. Massive flows range from coarse grained to aphanitic and are commonly plagioclase glomerophyric. The Larder Lake assemblage consists of komatiitic, Mg-rich and Fe-rich tholeiitic basalts, structurally disrupted by folds and faults. Tholeiitic rocks in the Larder Lake assemblage range from aphanitic to coarse grained massive and pillowed flows. Komatiitic flows contain both spinifex and massive textures. Geochemical variability within both assemblages is attributed to different petrogenetic histories. The lithologies of the McElroy assemblage were derived by partial melting of a primitive mantle source followed by various degrees of crystal fractionation. Partial melting of a primitive mantle source generated the ultramafic flows and possibly other flows in the assemblage. Fractionation of ultramafic flows may have also produced the more evolved McElroy lithologies. The highly evolved, basal, dendritic flow may represent the upper unit 3 of a missing volcanic pile in which continued magmatism generated the remaining McElroy lithologies. Alternatively, the dendritic flows may represent a primary lava derived from a low degree (10-15%) partial melt of a primitive mantle source which was followed by continued partial melting to generate the ultramafic flows. The Larder Lake lithologies were derived by partial melting of a komatiitic source followed by gabbroic fractionation. The tectonic environment for both assemblages is interpreted to be an oceanic arc setting. The McElroy assemblage lavas were generated in a mature back arc setting whereas the Larder Lake lithologies were produced during the early stages of komatiitc crust subduction. This setting is consistent with previous models involving plate tectonic processes for the generation of other metavolcanic assemblages in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt.

Bone speed of sound in overweight and normal-weight girls and adolescents

Over the last two decades, the prevalence of obesity in the general population has been steadily increasing. Obesity is a major issue in scientific research because it is associated with many health problems, one of which is bone quality. In adult females, adiposity is associated with increased bone mineral density, suggesting that there is a protective effect of fat on bone. However, the association between adiposity and bone strength during childhood is not clear. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare bone strength, as reflected by speed of sound (SOS), of overweight and obese girls and adolescents with normal-weight age-matched controls. Data from 75 females included normal-weight girls (G-NW; body fat:::; 25%; n = 21), overweight and obese girls (GOW; body fat ~ 28%; n = 19), normal-weight adolescents (A-NW, body fat:::; 25%; n = 13) and overweight and obese adolescents (A-OW; body fat ~ 28%; n = 22). Nutrition was assessed with a 24-hour recall questionnaire and habitual physical activity was measured for one week using accelerometry. Using quantitative ultrasound (QUS; Sunlight Omnisense���), bone SOS was measured at the distal radius and mid-tibia. No differences were found between groups in daily total energy, calcium or vitamin D intake. However, all groups were below the recommended daily calcium intake of 1300 mg (Osteoporosis Canada, 2008). Adolescents were significantly less active than girls (14.7 �� 0.6 vs. 6.3 �� 0.6% active for G and A, respectively). OW accumulated significantly less minutes of moderate-to-very vigorous physical activity per day (MVPA) than NW in both age groups (114 �� 6 vs. 57 �� 5 min/day for NW and OW, i respectively). Girls had significantly lower radial SOS (3794 �� 87 vs. 3964 �� 64 mls for G-NW and A-NW, respectively), and tibial SOS (3678 �� 86 vs. 3878 �� 52 mls for G-NW and A-NW, respectively) than adolescents. Radial SOS was similar in the two adiposity groups within each age group. However, tibial SOS was lower in the two overweight groups (3601 �� 75 mls vs. 3739 �� 134 mls for G-OW and A-OW, respectively) compared with the age-matched normal-weight controls. Body fat percentage negatively correlated with tibial SOS in the study sample as a whole (r = -0.30). However, when split into groups, percent bo~y fat correlated with tibial SOS only in the A-OW group (r = -0.53). MVPA correlated with tibial SOS (r = 0.40), once age was partialed out. In conclusion, in contrast withthe higher bone strength characteristic of obese adult women, overweight and obese girls and adolescents are characterized by low tibial bone strength, as assessed with QUS. The differences between adiposity groups in tibial SOS may be at least partially due to the reduced weight-bearing physical activity levels in the overweight girls and adolescents. However, other factors, such as hormonal influences associated with high body fat may also playa role in reducing bone strength in overweight girls. Further research is required to reveal the mechanisms causing low bone strength in overweight and obese children and adolescents.

Immediate and enduring effects of corticosterone administration during adolescence and adulthood on anxiety and depressive behavior in male rats

Previous research has shown that the stress hormone corticosterone can increase depressive and anxiety-like behavior in rats as well as dampen the HPA response to a novel stressor (Kalynchuk et aI., 2004; Johnson et aI., 2006). Several studies have also shown that adolescence is a period of increased sensitivity to the negative effects of stressors (reviewed in McCormick et aI., 2010), which are often the result of exposure to corticosterone, and yet there is no research to date examining the effects of corticosterone administration during adolescence. The purpose of these experiments is to determine both the immediate and enduring effects of prolonged exposure to corticosterone in adolescence and adulthood on anxiety-like behavior, depressive behavior, and the HPA response. In Experiment 1 adolescent and adult rats were administered an injection of 40 mg/kg of corticosterone or vehicle daily for 16 days. Ha l f of the rats were then tested on the elevated plus maze (EPM) one day after their last injection, and the following day were tested on the forced swim test (FST). After the FST, which is a stressor, blood samples were collected at three time points, and the plasma concentrations of corticosterone were determined using a radioimmunoassay. The remaining rats were left undisturbed for three weeks, and then underwent the same testing as the first group. Corticosterone treatment had little effect on anxiety-like and depressive behavior, but it did alter the HPA response to the FST. In those rats tested soon after the period of injections, corticosterone dampened the HPA response as compared to vehicle treated rats in both adolescent and adult treated rats. For the adolescent treated rats that were tested several weeks later, corticosterone treatment increased HPA response as compared to the vehicle treated rats, but the same was not true for the adult treated rats. I t was hypothesized that the lack of behavioral effects of the corticosterone treatment may be the result of the vehicle injections inducing a stress response and thereby both groups would have similarly altered behavior. In Experiment 2 rats were administered corticosterone dissolved in their drinking water with 2.5% ethanol, or jus t the 2.5% ethanol or plain water, to determine the effects of corticosterone treatment without a stressor present. The regular drinking water was replaced with treated water for 16 days either during adulthood or adolescence, and as before, rats were either tested in the FST one day after the water was removed or three weeks later. Again there was no effect of treatment on depressive behavior. Similar to what was observed in Experiment 1, corticosterone treatment dampened the HPA response to a stressor for the rats tested soon after the treatment period. However, in Experiment 2 there was no effect of treatment on HPA response in those rats tested several weeks after they were treated. These results indicate that corticosterone can have a lasting effect on the HPA when administered in adolescence by injections but not in drinking water, which is likely because of the different schedules of exposure and rates of absorption between the two administration methods.

Benefits of Using Target Activities to Assist in Improvement of Striking in Striking and Fielding Games for Individuals with Autism: A Comparative Case Study

The purpose of the research study was to increase understanding about the potential benefits of combining target activities with striking-fielding games for individuals with high functioning autism spectrum disorder. A comparative case study was conducted to understand if target activities can assist in improving the skills of striking and throwing, aid the learning of tactics and add to current understanding of how certain teaching skills might be linked to the transfer between target and striking-fielding games. Data was collected through observations, student journals and interviews and were analyzed using both inductive and deductive methods. Results show an appearance of improvement in throwing, striking, bowling and badminton for overall skill levels. In regards to teaching skills, appropriate and effective teaching techniques, appropriate and effective equipment, dynamic of participants and student-instructors and consistency of attendance are vital. Future research should further look at the transferability to outdoor settings and interview the participants.

Modulation of Oxytocin Receptors in Right Ventricular Hypertrophy

L���hypertension pulmonaire (HP) est une maladie dont l�����tiologie est inconnue et qui entra��ne ultimement une d��faillance du ventricule droit (VD) et le d��c��s. L���HP peut ��tre induite chez le rat par la la monocrotaline (MCT), un alcalo��de pyrrolizidique extrait de la plante Crotalaria Spectabilis, causant des l��sions �� l���endoth��lium des art��res pulmonaires, menant �� un ��paississement de ces derni��res et �� une augmentation de la r��sistance vasculaire. Ceci �� pour cons��quence de causer une hypertrophie du VD, de l���inflammation, une dysfonction endoth��liale NO-d��pendante des art��res coronariennes et une augmentation des peptides natriur��tiques circulants. Objectif: Nous avons test�� l���hypoth��se selon laquelle l�����tiopathologie de l���HP impliquerait le r��cepteur �� ocytocine (OTR) d�� �� son implication fonctionnelle avec les cytokines inflammatoires et la lib��ration du peptide natriur��tique atrial (ANP) et du NO. M��thodes: Des rats m��les Sprague-Dawley pesant 220-250g re��urent une seule injection sous-cutan��e de MCT (60 mg/kg). 6 �� 7 semaines (46��1 jours) suivant l���injection, les rats furent sacrifi��s et l���expression g��nique et prot��ique fut d��termin��e par PCR en temps r��el et par western blot, respectivement, dans le VD et le ventricule gauche (VG) R��sultats: Les rats trait��s au MCT d��montr��rent une augmentation significative du VD. Une hypertrophie du VD ��tait ��vidente puisque le ratio du VD sur le VG ainsi que le poids du septum ��taient pr��s de 77% plus ��lev��s chez les rats trait��s au MCT que chez les rats contr��les. Le traitement au MCT augmenta l���expression g��nique d���ANP (3.7-fois dans le VG et 8-fois dans le VD) ainisi que le NP du cerveau (2.7-fois dans le VG et 10-fois dans le VD). Les transcrits de trois r��cepteurs de NP augment��rent significativement (0.3-2 fois) seulement dans le VD. L���expression prot��ique de la NO synthase (iNOS) fut ��galement augment��e de fa��on s��lective dans le VD. Par contre, les transcripts de NOS endoth��liale et de NOS neuronale ��taient plus ��lev��s (0.5-2 fold) dans le VG. L���ARNm et l���expression prot��ique d���OTR furent diminu��s de 50% dans le VD, tandis qu���une augmentation de l���expression des cytokines IL-1�� and IL-6 fut observ��e. L���ARNm de Nab1, un marqueur d���hypertrophie pathologique, fut augment��e de deux-fois dans le VD. Conclusion: L���augmentation d���expression g��nique de NP dans le VD des rats trait��s au MCT est associ��e �� une augmentation des transcripts du r��cepteur NP, sugg��rant une action locale de NP dans le VD durant l���HP. L���expression d���OTR est att��nu��e dans le VD, possiblement par des cytokines inflammatoires puisque le promoteur du g��ne de l���OTR contient de multiples ��l��ments de r��ponse aux interleukines. Diminuer l���expression d���OTR dans le VD durant l���hypertension pulmonaire pourrait influencer de mani��re positive la fonction cardiaque car l���OTR r��gule la contractilit�� et le rythme cardiaque. Mots cl��s: hypertension pulmonaire, hypertrophie du ventricule droit monocrotaline, r��cepteur �� ocytocine, inflammation, peptides natriur��tiques.

Noticeability of corrective feedback, L2 development and learner beliefs

Cette ��tude quasi-exp��rimentale a pour but de 1) comparer la prise en compte et les effets de trois conditions r��troactives, �� savoir la reformulation, l���incitation et un m��lange des deux techniques, 2) d��terminer le lien entre la prise en compte et l���apprentissage, et 3) identifier l���effet des perceptions des apprenants quant �� la r��troaction corrective sur la prise en compte et l���apprentissage. Quatre groupes d���apprenants d���anglais langue seconde ainsi que leurs enseignants provenant d���un CEGEP francophone de l�����le de Montr��al ont particip�� �� cette ��tude. Chaque enseignant a ��t�� assign�� �� une condition r��troactive exp��rimentale qui correspondait le plus �� ses pratiques r��troactives habituelles. La chercheure a assur�� l���intervention aupr��s du groupe contr��le. L���utilisation du pass�� et de la phrase interrogative ��tait cibl��e durant l���intervention exp��rimentale. Des protocoles de pens��e �� haute voie ainsi qu���un questionnaire ont ��t�� utilis��s pour mesurer la prise en compte de la r��troaction corrective. Des t��ches de description d���images et d���identification des diff��rences entre les images ont ��t�� administr��es avant l���intervention (pr��-test), imm��diatement apr��s l���intervention (post-test imm��diat) et 8 semaines plus tard (post-test diff��r��) afin d�����valuer les effets des diff��rentes conditions r��troactives sur l���apprentissage des formes cibles. Un questionnaire a ��t�� administr�� pour identifier les perceptions des apprenants quant �� la r��troaction corrective. En termes de prise en compte, les r��sultats indiquent que les participants sont en mesure de remarquer la r��troaction d��pendamment de la forme cible (les erreurs dans l���utilisation du pass�� sont d��tect��es plus que les erreurs d���utilisation de la phrase interrogative) et de la technique r��troactive utilis��e (l���incitation et le m��lange d���incitation et de reformulations sont plus d��tect��s plus que la reformulation). En ce qui a trait �� l���apprentissage, l���utilisation du pass�� en g��n��ral est marqu��e par plus de d��veloppement que celle de la phrase interrogative, mais il n'y avait aucune diff��rence entre les groupes. Le lien direct entre la prise en compte et l���apprentissage ne pouvait pas ��tre explicitement ��tabli. Pendant que la statistique inf��rentielle a sugg��r�� une relation minimale entre la prise en compte du pass�� et son apprentissage, mais aucune relation entre la prise en compte de la phrase interrogative et son apprentissage, les analyses qualitatives ont montr��s �� une association entre la prise en compte et l���apprentissage (sur les deux cibles) pour certains ��tudiants et augmentations sans prise en compte pour d'autres. Finalement, l���analyse factorielle du questionnaire indique la pr��sence de quatre facteurs principaux, �� savoir l���importance de la r��troaction corrective, la reformulation, l���incitation et les effets affectifs de la r��troaction. Deux de ces facteurs ont un effet mod��rateur sur la prise en compte de la r��troaction sans, toutefois, avoir d���impact sur l���apprentissage.

The involvement of nitric oxide in bovine follicular development and ovulation

Comprendre les ��v��nements paracriniens qui r��gulent la fertilit�� chez la vache est n��cessaire non seulement en raison de l'importance agricole de cette esp��ce, mais aussi pour son utilisation potentielle comme mod��le chez l���humain. L'oxyde nitrique (NO), un gaz de radicaux libres, a ��t�� impliqu�� dans la croissance folliculaire et l'ovulation chez les rongeurs et d'autres esp��ces, mais chez la vache c���est une ��nigme fascinante : le NO est produit par les cellules de la granulosa bovine et est r��gul�� par la FSH, mais la pr��sence et le profil d'expression des enzymes responsables de la synth��se de NO (NOS) dans les cellules de la granulosa tout au long de la croissance folliculaire ne sont pas claires. Les objectifs de cette th��se sont: (1) ��lucider le m��canisme de contr��le des NOS et les cons��quences de la production d'oxyde nitrique pour le fonctionnement des cellules de la granulosa au cours du d��veloppement folliculaire chez la vache et (2) d��terminer la r��gulation des NOS pendant la cascade ovulatoire induite par LH chez les cellules de la granulosa bovine et si l'activit�� des NOS pour l���expression des g��nes critiques dans la cascade ovulatoire chez cette esp��ce. Les r��sultats sont s��par��s en 2 articles. Dans le premier article, la r��gulation de NOS2 dans les cellules de la granulosa bovine a ��t�� explor��e. L'abondance des ARNm codant pour NOS2 a ��t�� stimul��e par la FSH et l���IGF1 en augmentant l���estradiol, et un blocage de l'action de l���estradiol a cons��quemment r��duit les niveaux d'ARNm codant pour NOS2. De plus, l'inhibition de l'activit�� des NOS a augment�� l'apoptose dans les cellules de la granulosa in vitro. Dans le second article, il a ��t�� d��montr�� que le pic de LH induit une activation des NOS dans les cellules de la granulosa, et que l'activit�� de NOS induit la production de NO, ce qui est essentiel pour l���expression des g��nes critiques dans la cascade ovulatoire induite par LH comme EREG/AREG/PTGS2. Ensemble, les r��sultats pr��sent��s dans ces 2 articles sugg��rent que les niveaux physiologiques d'activit�� des NOS peuvent contribuer �� la croissance et la survie des cellules de la granulosa et indiquent ��galement que NO peut ��tre essentiel pour l'ovulation chez les bovins.