Engaging Undergraduates in Science Research: Not Just About Faculty Willingness.

Despite the many benefits of involving undergraduates in research and the growing number of undergraduate research programs, few scholars have investigated the factors that affect faculty members' decisions to involve undergraduates in their research projects. We investigated the individual factors and institutional contexts that predict faculty members' likelihood of engaging undergraduates in their research project(s). Using data from the Higher Education Research Institute's 2007-2008 Faculty Survey, we employ hierarchical generalized linear modeling to analyze data from 4,832 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) faculty across 194 institutions to examine how organizational citizenship behavior theory and social exchange theory relate to mentoring students in research. Key findings show that faculty who work in the life sciences and those who receive government funding for their research are more likely to involve undergraduates in their research project(s). In addition, faculty at liberal arts or historically Black colleges are significantly more likely to involve undergraduate students in research. Implications for advancing undergraduate research opportunities are discussed

Lysyl oxidase drives tumour progression by trapping EGF receptors at the cell surface

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) remodels the tumour microenvironment by cross-linking the extracellular matrix. LOX overexpression is associated with poor cancer outcomes. Here, we find that LOX regulates the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to drive tumour progression. We show that LOX regulates EGFR by suppressing TGFβ1 signalling through the secreted protease HTRA1. This increases the expression of Matrilin2 (MATN2), an EGF-like domain-containing protein that traps EGFR at the cell surface to facilitate its activation by EGF. We describe a pharmacological inhibitor of LOX, CCT365623, which disrupts EGFR cell surface retention and delays the growth of primary and metastatic tumour cells in vivo. Thus, we show that LOX regulates EGFR cell surface retention to drive tumour progression, and we validate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting this pathway with the small molecule inhibitor CCT365623

An apicobasal gradient of Rac activity determines protrusion form and position

Each cell within a polarised epithelial sheet must align and correctly position a wide range of subcellular structures, including actin-based dynamic protrusions. Using in vivo inducible transgenes that can sense or modify Rac activity, we demonstrate an apicobasal gradient of Rac activity that is required to correctly form and position distinct classes of dynamic protrusion along the apicobasal axis of the cell. We show that we can modify the Rac activity gradient in genetic mutants for specific polarity proteins, with consequent changes in protrusion form and position and additionally show, using photoactivatable Rac transgenes, that it is the level of Rac activity that determines protrusion form. Thus, we demonstrate a mechanism by which polarity proteins can spatially regulate Rac activity and the actin cytoskeleton to ensure correct epithelial cell shape and prevent epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions

Selection of optimal parameters boom lifting mechanism

This document describes the calculation procedure for selecting the optimal parameters of the boom lifting mechanism in agricultural machinery. A boom lifting scheme was developed. Studies have been carried out to find the optimal values of linear dimensions and angle, at which the required value of the force developed by the drive when lifting the boom with a hydraulic cylinder of the specified dimensions will be minimal. Based on the results of the study, an algorithm was developed for solving the optimization of boom lifting parameters. An expression is obtained for the objective function of optimizing the boom lifting mechanism. Algorithm for selection of optimal parameters of lifting mechanism considering weight of boom, hydraulic cylinder and rod has been developed

Evaluating a Modeling Curriculum by Using Heuristics for Productive Disciplinary Engagement

The BIO2010 report provided a compelling argument for the need to create learning experiences for undergraduate biology students that are more authentic to modern science. The report acknowledged the need for research that could help practitioners successfully create and reform biology curricula with this goal in mind. Our objective in this article was to explore how a set of six design heuristics could be used to evaluate the potential of curricula to support productive learning experiences for science students. We drew on data collected during a long-term study of an undergraduate traineeship that introduced students to mathematical modeling in the context of modern biological problems. We present illustrative examples from this curriculum that highlight the ways in which three heuristics—instructor role-modeling, holding students to scientific norms, and providing students with opportunities to practice these norms—consistently supported learning across the curriculum. We present a more detailed comparison of two different curricular modules and explain how differences in student authority, problem structure, and access to resources contributed to differences in productive engagement by students in these modules. We hope that our analysis will help practitioners think in more concrete terms about how to achieve the goals set forth by BIO2010

Some Aspects of the Development of a Service for the Recognition of Diseases of Agricultural Crops

В современном мире проблема болезней растений является одной из самых актуальных задач в сельском хозяйстве. Каждый год миллионы тонн урожая теряются из-за заболеваний растений, что приводит к экономическим потерям и ухудшению качества жизни населения. Решением этой проблемы может стать применение современных технологий искусственного интеллекта, которые могут помочь в раннем выявлении и предотвращении распространения заболеваний. В данной статье представлен проект разработки сервиса по распознаванию болезней сельскохозяйственных культур, который может значительно улучшить эффективность контроля за здоровьем растений и повысить урожайность.In the modern world, the problem of plant diseases is one of the most urgent tasks in agriculture. Every year millions of tons of crops are lost due to plant diseases, which leads to economic losses and deterioration of the quality of life of the population. The solution to this problem can be the use of modern artificial intelligence technologies that can help in early detection and prevention of the spread of diseases. In this article, we present a project for the development of a service for the recognition of diseases of crops, which can significantly improve the effectiveness of plant health control and increase yields