Using action research to improve learning and formative assessment to conduct research

The paper reports on how educational research informed and supported both the process of refinement of introductory physics laboratory instruction and student development of scientific abilities. In particular we focus on how the action research approach paradigm combined with instructional approaches such as scaffolding and formative assessment can be used to design the learning environment, investigate student learning, revise curriculum materials, and conduct subsequent assessment. As the result of the above efforts we found improvement in students’ scientific abilities over the course of three years. We suggest that the process used to improve the curriculum under study can be extended to many instructional innovations.National Science Foundatio

Study of Physical and Chemical Indicators of Synthetic Detergents of the Brand «SORTI»

Синтетические моющие средства (СМС) высокоэффективные моющие препараты, содержащие в своей основе поверхностно-активные вещества, а также различные добавки, повышающие их моющую способность. Остатки детергентов в сточных водах очень медленно разлагаются биологическим путем, тем самым загрязняют окружающую среду. В работе исследованы порошкообразные синтетические моющие средства отечественного производителя АО «Нэфис Косметикс» марки «SORTI». Изучены пенообразование, водородный показатель, содержание сульфат-ионов, для определения которых использовали фотометрический метод анализа. Наиболее эффективным и безопасным в использовании показал себя образец «SORTI COTTON EXTRACT AUTOMAT» (Сорти эко лайф).Synthetic detergents (SD) are highly effective detergents containing surfactants in their basis, as well as various additives that increase their washing ability. Detergent residues in wastewater biodegrade very slowly, thereby polluting the environment. In the work, powdered synthetic detergents of the domestic manufacturer JSC "Nefis Cosmetics" of the brand "SORTI" were studied. Foaming, pH, content of sulfate ions were studied, for the determination of which a photometric method of analysis was used. The most effective and safe to use was the sample "SORTI COTTON EXTRACT AUTOMAT" (Sorti eco life)

External and internal debts of Russia

The article analyzes the reasons for the aggregate external debt, the main one of which, according to the authors, is an incorrect economic strategy, a bet on a raw, and not an innovative way of development. It also provides an objective assessment of the state and dynamics of Russia's public debt in recent year

Analysis of the results of the epidemiological survey school-age children in Yekaterinburg

The article presents the results of epidemiological survey of 276 children living in the Yekaterinburg. Considered prevalence, intensity of caries, periodontal diseases, enamel hypoplasia, fluorosis, tooth trauma and need for treatment.В статье представлены результаты эпидемиологического обследования 276 детей школьного возраста, проживающих в г. Екатеринбурге. Оценивали распространенность, интенсивность кариеса, наличие воспалительных заболеваний пародонта, гипоплазии эмали, флюороза зубов, травмы зубов, а также нуждаемость в лечении стоматологических заболеваний

Mitogen- and Stress-Activated Protein Kinase 1 Regulates Status Epilepticus-Evoked Cell Death in the Hippocampus

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling has been implicated in a wide range of neuronal processes, including development, plasticity, and viability. One of the principal downstream targets of both the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/MAPK pathway and the p38 MAPK pathway is M itogen- and S tress-activated protein K inase 1 (MSK1). Here, we sought to understand the role that MSK1 plays in neuroprotection against excitotoxic stimulation in the hippocampus. To this end, we utilized immunohistochemical labeling, a MSK1 null mouse line, cell viability assays, and array-based profiling approaches. Initially, we show that MSK1 is broadly expressed within the major neuronal cell layers of the hippocampus and that status epilepticus drives acute induction of MSK1 activation. In response to the status epilepticus paradigm, MSK1 KO mice exhibited a striking increase in vulnerability to pilocarpine-evoked cell death within the CA1 and CA3 cell layers. Further, cultured MSK1 null neurons exhibited a heighted level of N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked excitotoxicity relative to wild-type neurons, as assessed using the lactate dehydrogenase assay. Given these findings, we examined the hippocampal transcriptional profile of MSK1 null mice. Affymetrix array profiling revealed that MSK1 deletion led to the significant (>1.25-fold) downregulation of 130 genes and an upregulation of 145 genes. Notably, functional analysis indicated that a subset of these genes contribute to neuroprotective signaling networks. Together, these data provide important new insights into the mechanism by which the MAPK/MSK1 signaling cassette confers neuroprotection against excitotoxic insults. Approaches designed to upregulate or mimic the functional effects of MSK1 may prove beneficial against an array of degenerative processes resulting from excitotoxic insults

ANALYSIS OF DOMAIN SPECIFICITY OF THE PROTECTIVE CHIMERIC ANTIBODY ch14D5a AGAINST GLYCOPROTEIN E OF TICK-BORNE ENCEPHALITIS VIRUS

A drug for the prevention and therapy of tick-borne encephalitis virus is being developed on the basis of the protective chimeric antibody ch14D5a. At the same time, the epitope recognized by this antibody on the surface of glycoprotein E has not been localized yet. The aim of this work was to identify the domain of glycoprotein E, to which the protective antibody ch14D5a binds. As a result, four recombinant variants of glycoprotein E were generated using the bacterial expression system: (1) the rE protein containing the domains D1, D2, and D3 of glycoprotein E; (2) the rED1+2 protein containing domains D1 and D2; (3) the rED3_301 protein, which is domain D3 of glycoprotein E, and (4) the rED3_294 protein comprising domain D3 and a hinge region connecting domains D1 and D3. The rED3_294 and rED3_301 proteins were obtained in soluble monomeric form. The rE and rED1+2 proteins were extracted from the inclusion bodies of Escherichia coli. Using Western blot analysis and surface plasmon resonance analysis, it was demonstrated that the protective chimeric antibody ch14D5a and its Fab fragment bound specifically to domain D3 of glycoprotein E. Since the antibodies recognizing epitopes on the surface of domain D3 do not tend to cause antibody-dependent enhancement of the infection as compared to antibodies directed to domains D1 and D2, the data obtained confirm the promise of using the antibody ch14D5a in the development of a therapeutic preparation against the tick-borne encephalitis virus

Папиллярная фиброэластома левой коронарной створки аортального клапана: клинические наблюдения и обзор литературы

Papillary fibroelastoma is a relatively rare cardiac tumor, which etiology is undisclosed and not entirely clear. A relatively small number of case descriptions and investigations makes it difficult to accumulate the material, which is absolutely necessary in view of the diversity and ambivalence of the tactics of the management of the different groups of patients. The article represents the case reports of the papillary fibroelastoma of the left coronary leaflet of the aortic valve in a 79 y.o. man and 15 y.o. woman. In both cases patients hadn't any complains; both fibroelastomas were accidentally detected. Due to echocardiography and CMR, it was succeed to obtain data on the hemodynamic significance of these tumors, to reveal their precize localization and to assess their mobility, also to differentiate them with other masses.Папиллярная фиброэластома – это относительно редко встречающаяся опухоль сердца, этиология которой вариабельна и не до конца изучена. Относительно небольшое количество описаний случаев и исследований затрудняет накопление материала, что абсолютно необходимо ввиду неоднозначности тактики ведения разных групп пациентов. В статье представлены наблюдения папиллярной фиброэластомы левой коронарной створки аортального клапана у мужчины 79 лет и у девушки 15 лет. В обоих случаях пациенты не предъявляли жалоб, фиброэластома была выявлена случайно. Благодаря методам эхокардиографии и магнитнорезонансной томографии (МРТ) удалось получить данные о гемодинамической значимости этих опухолей, выявить их точную локализацию и степень подвижности, провести дифференциальную диагностику с другими образованиями

Matrix metalloproteinases in lung biology

Despite much information on their catalytic properties and gene regulation, we actually know very little of what matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) do in tissues. The catalytic activity of these enzymes has been implicated to function in normal lung biology by participating in branching morphogenesis, homeostasis, and repair, among other events. Overexpression of MMPs, however, has also been blamed for much of the tissue destruction associated with lung inflammation and disease. Beyond their role in the turnover and degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, MMPs also process, activate, and deactivate a variety of soluble factors, and seldom is it readily apparent by presence alone if a specific proteinase in an inflammatory setting is contributing to a reparative or disease process. An important goal of MMP research will be to identify the actual substrates upon which specific enzymes act. This information, in turn, will lead to a clearer understanding of how these extracellular proteinases function in lung development, repair, and disease

NADPH oxidase elevations in pyramidal neurons drive psychosocial stress-induced neuropathology

Oxidative stress is thought to be involved in the development of behavioral and histopathological alterations in animal models of psychosis. Here we investigate the causal contribution of reactive oxygen species generation by the phagocyte NADPH oxidase NOX2 to neuropathological alterations in a rat model of chronic psychosocial stress. In rats exposed to social isolation, the earliest neuropathological alterations were signs of oxidative stress and appearance of NOX2. Alterations in behavior, increase in glutamate levels and loss of parvalbumin were detectable after 4 weeks of social isolation. The expression of the NOX2 subunit p47phox was markedly increased in pyramidal neurons of isolated rats, but below detection threshold in GABAergic neurons, astrocytes and microglia. Rats with a loss of function mutation in the NOX2 subunit p47phox were protected from behavioral and neuropathological alterations induced by social isolation. To test reversibility, we applied the antioxidant/NOX inhibitor apocynin after initiation of social isolation for a time period of 3 weeks. Apocynin reversed behavioral alterations fully when applied after 4 weeks of social isolation, but only partially after 7 weeks. Our results demonstrate that social isolation induces rapid elevations of the NOX2 complex in the brain. Expression of the enzyme complex was strongest in pyramidal neurons and a loss of function mutation prevented neuropathology induced by social isolation. Finally, at least at early stages, pharmacological targeting of NOX2 activity might reverse behavioral alterations