Context based learning in chemistry: Chemistry in Sport [part 1]

A learning resource for part-time 1st year foundation degree students was designed to be completed entirely by independent study. The course presented chemistry in the context of sport and investigated the use of a number of alternative methods of teaching/ learning, including:● The Perry Scheme of Intellectual Development● Multiple intelligences (MI) Theory● Problem-Based Learning (PBL)● Context Based Learning (CBL)● Mind Mapping● Case Studies● Web-based independent learningA website containing questions, hyperlinks to further content and external webpages was produced. The students’ response was positive. They enjoyed the course, found the context interesting and the presentation helpful. The assessment marks improved (a 5-6% increase) compared to a more traditional paper based course. As only eight students took the course these results cannot be seen as statistically significant but provide agood indication that this was an effective approach. In completing their assessments and pre and post questionnaires the students provided valuable feedback that will enable improvements to the learning resource

Investigating students' success in solving and attitudes towards context-rich open-ended problems in chemistry

Much research has been carried out on how students solve algorithmic and structured problems in chemistry. This study is concerned with how students solve open-ended, ill-defined problems in chemistry. Over 200 undergraduate chemistry students solved a number of open-ended problem in groups and individually. The three cognitive variables of working memory, M capacity and field dependence-independence were measured. A pre and post activity attitudes questionnaire was administered. The results show that there is a difference between the cognitive variables required for success in traditional algorithmic problems and open-ended problems. The context-rich open-ended problems significantly shifted students' attitudes towards problem solving

Assessment of Genetic Relationship between Six Populations of Welsh Mountain Sheep using Microsatellite Markers

This study investigated the genetic relationship between 6 populations of Welsh Mountain sheep: 5 phenotypic breed-types within the Welsh Mountain (WM) sheep breed, which have each been bred in specific geographic areas of Wales, and the Black Welsh Mountain sheep breed. Based on DNA analysis using 8 microsatellite markers, observed heterozygosity levels were similar to those expected in livestock populations subjected to selective breeding (0.530-0.664), and all but one population showed evidence of inbreeding. Using Bayesian cluster and Neighbor-joining analyses, the Black Welsh Mountain sheep were identified as being the outlier group, and the remaining groups could be categorized into five distinct sub-populations, which reflects the geographical separation seen between these populations

The industrialization of ablation: a highly standardized and reproducible workflow for radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation

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Assessment of Genetic Relationship between Six Populations of Welsh Mountain Sheep using Microsatellite Markers

This study investigated the genetic relationship between 6 populations of Welsh Mountain sheep: 5 phenotypic breed-types within the Welsh Mountain (WM) sheep breed, which have each been bred in specific geographic areas of Wales, and the Black Welsh Mountain sheep breed. Based on DNA analysis using 8 microsatellite markers, observed heterozygosity levels were similar to those expected in livestock populations subjected to selective breeding (0.530-0.664), and all but one population showed evidence of inbreeding. Using Bayesian cluster and Neighbor-joining analyses, the Black Welsh Mountain sheep were identified as being the outlier group, and the remaining groups could be categorized into five distinct sub-populations, which reflects the geographical separation seen between these populations

CD147 mediates intrahepatic leukocyte aggregation and determines the extent of liver injury

Background: Chronic inflammation is the driver of liver injury and results in progressive fibrosis and eventual cirrhosis with consequences including both liver failure and liver cancer. We have previously described increased expression of the highly multifunctional glycoprotein CD147 in liver injury. This work describes a novel role of CD147 in liver inflammation and the importance of leukocyte aggregates in determining the extent of liver injury. Methods: Non-diseased, progressive injury, and cirrhotic liver from humans and mice were examined using a mAb targeting CD147. Inflammatory cell subsets were assessed by multiparameter flow cytometry. Results: In liver injury, we observe abundant, intrahepatic leukocyte clusters defined as ≥5 adjacent CD45+ cells which we have termed “leukocyte aggregates”. We have shown that these leukocyte aggregates have a significant effect in determining the extent of liver injury. If CD147 is blocked in vivo, these leukocyte aggregates diminish in size and number, together with a marked significant reduction in liver injury including fibrosis. This is accompanied by no change in overall intrahepatic leukocyte numbers. Further, blocking of aggregation formation occurs prior to an appreciable increase in inflammatory markers or fibrosis. Additionally, there were no observed, “off-target” or unpredicted effects in targeting CD147. Conclusion: CD147 mediates leukocyte aggregation which is associated with the development of liver injury. This is not a secondary effect, but a cause of injury as aggregate formation proceeds other markers of injury. Leukocyte aggregation has been previously described in inflammation dating back over many decades. Here we demonstrate that leukocyte aggregates determine the extent of liver injury

LDLR Expression and Localization Are Altered in Mouse and Human Cell Culture Models of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder and the most common form of dementia. The major molecular risk factor for late-onset AD is expression of the ε-4 allele of apolipoprotein E (apoE), the major cholesterol transporter in the brain. The low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) has the highest affinity for apoE and plays an important role in brain cholesterol metabolism.Using RT-PCR and western blotting techniques we found that over-expression of APP caused increases in both LDLR mRNA and protein levels in APP transfected H4 neuroglioma cells compared to H4 controls. Furthermore, immunohistochemical experiments showed aberrant localization of LDLR in H4-APP neuroglioma cells, Aβ-treated primary neurons, and in the PSAPP transgenic mouse model of AD. Finally, immunofluorescent staining of LDLR and of γ- and α-tubulin showed a change in LDLR localization preferentially away from the plasma membrane that was paralleled by and likely the result of a disruption of the microtubule-organizing center and associated microtubule network.These data suggest that increased APP expression and Aβ exposure alters microtubule function, leading to reduced transport of LDLR to the plasma membrane. Consequent deleterious effects on apoE uptake and function will have implications for AD pathogenesis and/or progression