5,014 research outputs found
A New Family of Discontinuous Galerkin Schemes for Diffusion Problems
Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/143057/1/6.2017-3444.pd
An online learning platform for teaching, learning, and assessment of programming
Abstract: In this paper the use of an open-source online learning platform to aid in teaching and assessment of computer programming in large classes is discussed. The pedagogical philosophy of how the subject of computer programming is taught is presented. Based on the skills and learning processes that are identified for effective teaching of computer programming, a strategy for employing modern web technology coupled with an automated assessment capability to meet these goals is discussed. The paper describes the technology and implementation of the learning platform and new methods for automated assessment of programming assignments and exams. Finally, the application of the system to achieve the pedagogical goals and the benefits of using the system for teaching large classes is reported
The Biological Data Sustainability Paradox
Biological data in digital form has become a, if not the, driving force
behind innovations in biology, medicine, and the environment. No study and no
model would be complete without access to digital data (including text)
collected by others and available in public repositories. With this ascent in
the fundamental importance of data for reproducible scientific progress has
come a troubling paradox.Comment: 12 pages 5852 words 1 figur
Controlled release of neurotrophin-3 and platelet-derived growth factor from fibrin scaffolds containing neural progenitor cells enhances survival and differentiation into neurons in a subacute model of SCI
A consistent problem with stem/neural progenitor cell transplantation following spinal cord injury (SCI) is poor cell survival and uncontrolled differentiation following transplantation. The current study evaluated the feasibility of enhancing embryonic stem cell-derived neural progenitor cell (ESNPC) viability and directing their differentiation into neurons and oligodendrocytes by embedding the ESNPCs in fibrin scaffolds containing growth factors (GF) and a heparin-binding delivery system (HBDS) in a subacute rat model of SCI. Mouse ESNPCs were generated from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) using a 4-/4+ retinoic acid (RA) induction protocol. The ESNPCs were then transplanted as embryoid bodies (EBs, 70% neural progenitor cells), into the subacute model of SCI. ESNPCs (10 EBs per animal) were implanted directly into the SCI lesion, encapsulated in fibrin scaffolds, encapsulated in fibrin scaffolds containing the HBDS, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), or encapsulated in fibrin scaffolds with NT-3 and PDGF with no HBDS. We report here that the combination of the NT-3, PDGF and fibrin scaffold (with or without HBDS) enhanced the total number of ESNPCs present in the spinal cord lesion 2 weeks after injury. In addition, the inclusion of the HBDS with growth factor resulted in an increase in the number of ESNPC-derived NeuN positive neurons. These results demonstrate the ability of fibrin scaffolds and the controlled release of growth factors to enhance the survival and differentiation of neural progenitor cells following transplantation into a SCI model
Determination of Allergen Levels, Isoforms, and Their Hydroxyproline Modifications Among Peanut Genotypes by Mass Spectrometry
The recently published reference genome of peanuts enables a detailed molecular description of the allergenic proteins of the seed. We used LC-MS/MS to investigate peanuts of different genotypes to assess variability and to better describe naturally occurring allergens and isoforms. Using relative quantification by mass spectrometry, minor variation of some allergenic proteins was observed, but total levels of Ara h 1, 2, 3, and 6 were relatively consistent among 20 genotypes. Previously published RPHPLC methodology was used for comparison. The abundance of three Ara h 3 isoforms were variable among the genotypes and contributed to a large proportion of total Ara h 3 where present. Previously unpublished hydroxyproline sites were identified in Ara h 1 and 3. Hydroxylation did not vary significantly where sites were present. Peanut allergen composition was largely stable, with only some isoforms displaying differences between genotypes. The resulting differences in allergenicity are of unknown clinical significance but are likely to be minor. The data presented herein allow for the design of targeted MS methodology to allow the quantitation and therefore control of peanut allergens of clinical relevance and observed variability
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