Enhancing active learning and critical thinking in higher education: university teachers' perceptions of the ALCT program

This paper describes the transformation of the Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking (RWCT) program into the Active Learning and Critical Thinking in Higher Education program (ALCT) as implemented in the higher education context in Croatia, based on the RWCT Prague conference in 2001. The initial experiences with program implementation are described, with a particular emphasis on innovations intended to increase the relevance of the program for university teachers. Preliminary evaluation results are presented

On the merits of mixing methods: A langauge program evaluation

In the spring of 2009, an evaluation was conducted of a university-level language program. The focus was to determine the viability of using a specific Virtual Learning Environment in all classes at the program. The evaluation that ensued followed a mixed methods design, mixing at least one quantitative and one qualitative method in the same study (Bergman, 2008b). This paper highlights the benefits of using mixed-methods in language program evaluation as seen in the professional literature and then through a practical example of an evaluation that benefited from the use of mixed methods. Despite the great amount that has been written in favor of mixing methods in all social science research, (e.g., Bergman, 2008a; Cronbach, et al., 1980) reports of actual examples are currently in small number in the professional literature especially in the context of language program evaluation (Caracelli & Greene, 1997; Cronbach et al.,1980; Weiss, 1998). The report of this evaluation, which contains the extent to which methods were mixed and the benefits of that mixing of methods for the evaluation, is presented in response to calls for such writing

Promiscuous RNA Binding by the Tandem RGG/RG Domains of hnRNP U

In recent years, intrinsically disordered regions have been identified as a common feature of RNA-binding proteins in eukaryotes ranging from humans to yeast. This challenges previous assumptions that RNA-protein interactions are mediated through a set of folded RNA-binding domains (RBDs) and suggests that a large portion of the RNA-protein interactome remains uncharacterized. RGG/RG domains are the most common intrinsically disordered RBD in humans, but little is known about how they recognize their preferred RNA substrates. Because RGG/RG are frequently found proximal to other RBDs and often bind in tandem with these neighboring RBDs, few studies have focused on the RNA-binding properties of RGG/RG domains themselves. An exception to this rule is the protein hnRNP U, which binds numerous RNAs through its RGG/RG domain and lacks any additional RBDs.To characterize the RNA-binding domain of hnRNP U, I identified a set of its biological RNA targets from eCLIP data and synthesized a panel of corresponding RNAs for fluorescence anisotropy binding assays. I showed that the canonical RGG/RG domain is part of a much larger RBD spanning the disordered C-terminus of hnRNP U. This region contains a second RGG/RG domain, and the combination of both domains confers strong affinity for RNA. Within the extended RBD, both RGG/RG domains serve redundant roles, as the loss of either domain only mildly reduces affinity for RNA. To investigate the RNA-binding specificity of hnRNP U, I performed fluorescence anisotropy-based binding experiments with additional sets of RNAs. The full RBD exhibits length-dependent affinity for RNA and does not appear to recognize a consensus sequence motif but does show a very mild preference for RNA G-quadruplexes. In contrast, the previously defined RGG/RG domain exhibits a much stronger preference for G-quadruplexes with overall weaker binding affinity. Taken together, this thesis demonstrates that hnRNP U is a promiscuous RNA-binding protein that achieves strong affinity for RNA through two tandem RGG/RG domains, and the structural preferences of these smaller domains are lost in the context of the larger protein. Broadly, this suggests that RGG/RG domains support other RBDs by contributing binding affinity without imposing sequence requirements.</p

The cluster-tray method for rapid measurement of solute fluxes in adherent cultured cells

The use of an inexpensive and simple modification of Costar 24-well cluster trays is described in a rapid and reproducible method for measuring substrate fluxes in adherent cultured eukaryotic cells.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/24296/1/0000562.pd

Transport of amino acids in intact 3T3 and SV3T3 cells. Binding activity for leucine in membrane preparations of ehrlich ascites tumor cells

Transport of amino acids into 3T3 and SV3T3 (SV40 virus-transformed 3T3) cells was measured on glass cover slips. The 3T3 and SV3T3 cells contain both A (alanine preferring) and L (leucine preferring) systems for neutral amino acid transport. Initial rates of uptake of amino acids are about twofold higher in SV3T3 than in 3T3 cells. Other parameters measured, however, do not indicate marked differences in the transport of amino acids by the two cell types. L-system amino acids, such as leucine, are subject to trans-stimulation in both cell lines, whereas A-system amino acids, such as alanine and glycine, are not. Leucine was transported to higher levels in confluent cells than in nonconfluent cells. Glycine, however, shows distinctly less transport activity as the cells become confluent. Ehrlich ascites cell plasma membranes were prepared and assayed for amino acid-binding activity. Leucine-binding activity was detected by equilibrium dialysis in Triton X-100-treated membrane preparations.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/38202/1/400040403_ftp.pd