Does self-theories research apply to pupils with speech, language and communication difficulties? :an exploratory case study

D.Ed.Psy ThesisThis thesis explores the applicability of self-theories research beyond the existing mainstream research contexts. Self-theories research investigates individuals’ perceptions of the nature of intelligence – whether it is considered fixed and innate (entity beliefs) or malleable, something that can be manipulated through behaviour (incremental beliefs). Dweck & Leggett (1988) suggest that the self-theories that each individual hold can affect their learning behaviours and subsequent academic achievement. Although there is general support for this research base, no information appears to exist about whether these findings also apply to individuals with ‘special’ needs. This case study explores the learning, intelligence and ability beliefs of a group of five pupils, aged 15 or 16, educated at Peachtree School, a non-maintained special school. These pupils are believed to have speech, language and communication (SLC) difficulties. Dweck’s research methods were adapted in consultation with staff for use with these pupils. An intervention was developed and shared which introduced key ideas about self-theories of intelligence to the pupils. This intervention included lessons, daily learning logs produced by the pupils and video recorded lessons. Perceptions of intelligence, ability and learning were captured from both pupils and staff using semi-structured interviews before and after this intervention. From a critical realist stance, the thesis also explores how to include pupils with SLC difficulties in the research process and how to help enable these pupils to share their perceptions. Findings are analysed using thematic analysis. In an attempt to share the perspectives and understandings of all participants, findings are presented at both an individual pupil and a collective level, which also includes two members of involved staff. viii Findings suggest that self-theories research may apply to pupils with SLC difficulties, based on this case study with some possible limitations which are discussed. Further research is suggested to consider the applicability of selftheories research beyond the context of this study. Implications for professionals working with children deemed to have special educational needs are explored. The quality of this research and the suitability of the chosen methods are also critically considered and discussed

The placental problem: Linking abnormal cytotrophoblast differentiation to the maternal symptoms of preeclampsia

The placenta is a remarkable organ. In normal pregnancy its specialized cells (termed cytotrophoblasts) differentiate into various specialized subpopulations that play pivotal roles in governing fetal growth and development. One cytotrophoblast subset acquires tumor-like properties that allow the cells to invade the decidua and myometrium, a process that attaches the placenta to the uterus. The same subset also adopts a vascular phenotype that allows these fetal cells to breach and subsequently line uterine blood vessels, a process that channels maternal blood to the rest of the placenta. In the pregnancy complication preeclampsia, which is characterized by the sudden onset of maternal hypertension, proteinuria and edema, cytotrophoblast invasion is shallow and vascular transformation incomplete. These findings, together with very recent evidence from animal models, suggest that preeclampsia is associated with abnormal placental production of vasculogenic/angiogenic substances that reach the maternal circulation with the potential to produce at least a subset of the clinical signs of this syndrome. The current challenge is to build on this knowledge to design clinically useful tests for predicting, diagnosing and treating this dangerous disorder

MAD GIRL'S LOVE SONG: Visibility Through Theatre Creation

The following thesis chronicles the process of creating, developing, rehearsing, and performing a solo theatre piece entitled MAD GIRLS LOVE SONG. The aim of this research is to create a solo performance of non-linear vignettes using poetic and gestural language that addresses my fear of being seen as a creator. By doing so, I hope to challenge theatre practices that impede bisexual visibility. MAD GIRLS LOVE SONG, a one-woman theatrical event, has arisen in response and relationship to the research, borrowing structures from other art forms, such as modernist poetry. By prioritizing the organization of theatrical time over linear story chronology, the theatrical event uses a queering of linear form to underscore the autobiographical queer content. As theatrical narrative has primarily been occupied by heterosexual voices, MAD GIRLS LOVE SONG is an exploration of how an alternative theatrical timeline may support bisexual content, and therefore visibility, on stage

Creating Opportunities For Learning: Play As A Scaffold For Format Based Informational Text Features

Abstract A play intervention was used with second grade students to help them develop a deeper understanding of format based informational text features. On Day 1 of the intervention, groups of students role played as reporters as they observed classmates at play. During Days 2 - 5 of the intervention, the same students wrote an informational book about the play they had observed. A pre-interview was used to determine which format based informational text features were noticed and/or explained by the students in an informational trade book. The text features that were included in the trade book were: table of contents, heading, photograph, diagram, bold words, glossary, index and labels. On the post-interview, conducted months after the intervention, all groups increased the number of text features noticed and/or explained. Analysis of the discussions during Days 2 - 5 was conducted to see what aspect of the intervention was responsible for the increased score on the post-interview. For some students, hearing other members of the group mention a text feature during the intervention was the catalyst for learning that text feature. For other students, text features were noticed on the post-interview that were never mentioned during the intervention by group members. For those students, the play itself created opportunities for developing a greater understanding of format based text features

Letter to a Young Scientist

No abstract available

IL-10 Is an Autocrine Inhibitor of Human Placental Cytotrophoblast MMP-9 Production and Invasion

AbstractDuring human placentation, fetal cytotrophoblast stem cells differentiate and then invade the uterine wall and its associated spiral arteries. This process anchors the placenta to the uterus and supplies maternal blood to the fetus. Cytotrophoblast invasionin vitrorequires the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Recently, we showed that cytotrophoblasts produce interleukin-10 (IL-10), a potent immunomodulatory cytokine that could have paracrine effects on the maternal immune system. IL-10 synthesis is dramatically downregulated after the first 12 h of culture, while MMP-9 secretion is rapidly upregulated and the cells acquire an invasive phenotype. These observations prompted us to investigate whether IL-10 is an autocrine regulator of cytotrophoblast MMP-9 production. We found that the cells expressed IL-10 receptor mRNA, suggesting that autocrine effects are possible. Adding recombinant IL-10 to cytotrophoblast cultures significantly decreased the cells' MMP-9 expression at both protein and mRNA levels, but did not affect mRNA levels of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3. Thus, IL-10 may alter the proteinase/inhibitor balance. IL-10 treatment further caused a net decrease in MMP activity, thereby reducing cytotrophoblast invasiveness. An antibody that neutralized endogenous IL-10 function had the opposite effect in all experiments. Together, these data suggest that IL-10 is an autocrine inhibitor of cytotrophoblast MMP-9 activity and invasiveness