Understanding a Discourse Marker in Quito, Ecuador

The present research project examines the possible factors to explain the word-final /f/ in Ecuadorian Spanish including but not limited to: where it is used, who uses it (gender, age ranges, social class), and with which words it is most commonly used. As the first extensive research study on the word-final /f/, the project may lead to other investigations of this phenomenon and other features of Ecuadorian Spanish. In addition, if there are other variations of the marker pues in the Spanish varieties spoken in different regions and/or countries, researchers can use this present study as basis to analyze the specific function of pues. Lastly, those interested in the phoneme /f/ at the end of words can now know and understand its role in the Ecuadorian Spanish and its discourse

Might-E Wheel

Electric bikes are proving to be an increasingly reliable source of transportation, but with large price tags and existing conversion kits proving too complicated and unapproachable for the average user, commuters are failing to consider electric bicycles as an option. A prototype of a wireless, rear-wheel replacement to convert a bicycle from manual to full-power electric was built. This motorized wheel is called Might-E Wheel. Might-E Wheel was designed as the most approachable and user-friendly way to convert a bicycle from manual to full-power electric. Might-E Wheel was able to achieve a top speed of 27.5 km/h, a range of 24.6 km, and run at 311 W of power. Range tests were inconclusive. The fully assembled system weighed 6.8 kg. The system was found to adequately meet the goals of the project. Battery failure limited the testing of Might-E Wheel, but the system was found to run smoothly before the failure, which was unrelated to the system design. In the future, further tests are planned with new batteries. Also, further development of the product is desired in order to lower the weight and reduce the size of the system. Ideally, the next prototype of the system would consist of a custom built motor and a fully-enclosed system within the hub of the wheel

The construction of parent and teacher identities in bilingual settings

The implementation of dual language programs, also called bilingual education, in a community not only involve pedagogical and didactic changes, but also offer important and often not measured cultural transformations. In this study, we found that both families and teachers who were involved in a dual language program experienced tensions in building their roles and identities in contexts of discrimination and supremacy of Anglo-Saxon culture. We suggest that these factors should be taken into account in the design of local language policies

La construcción de identidad de padres-madres y maestros en contextos bilingües

Los programas de lenguaje dual, también llamado educación bilingüe, no sólo implican cambios pedagógico-didácticos para una comunidad, sino también importantes transformaciones culturales, que muchas veces no son dimensionadas. Tanto las familias como los maestros experimentan tensiones en la construcción de sus roles e identidades en contextos de discriminación y supremacía de la cultura anglosajona. Estos factores deben ser tomados en cuenta en el diseño de políticas educativas y lingüísticas locales

A cellular model of oxidant-mediated neuronal injury

Oxidants derived from the partial reduction of oxygen are thought to play a significant role in neuronal injury. We present here a cellular model of neuronal injury mediated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) using the PC 12 rat pheochromocytoma cell line. The organization of microtubules and microfilaments within neurites of PC 12 cells differentiated by exposure to nerve growth factor was examined after H2O2 injury using fluorescence microscopy. Concentrations of H2O2 as low as 100 [mu]M produced an initial periodic pattern of microtubule depolymerization over 3-4 which later progressed to complete depolymerization. Neuritic microspikes containing actin filaments were relatively more resistant to injury by H2O2 than microtubules. Blebbing of PC 12 cell bodies and neurites also was seen after H2O2 injury and the blebs appeared to contain microtubules. The destructive changes affecting neuritic structure preceded but were not essential for PC 12 cell lysis. Exposure of the cells to the Ca2+ ionophore, ionomycin (25 [mu]M) also produced the same pattern of microtubule depolymerization in PC 12 neurites as was seen after H2O2 injury suggesting that H2O2 may mediate its destructive effect on the neurites via elevation of intracellular Ca2+.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/30737/1/0000386.pd

A triple carboxylic acid-functionalized RAFT agent platform for the elaboration of well-defined telechelic 3-arm star PDMAc

This communication describes the synthesis of a triple acid-functionalized RAFT agent and its use to prepare well-defined 3-arm star polymers of N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAc). A simple esterification reaction allowed the convenient integration of three electron-rich naphthalene recognition units on the RAFT agent platform and subsequently the elaboration of a naphthalene end-decorated telechelic 3-arm star PDMAc. This functionalized star polymer was further exploited to build a hydrogel with a complementary homoditopic host unit featuring tetracationic macrocycle cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) units