Application Of Alkylsilane Self-assembled Monolayers For Cellpatterning And Development Of Biolocial Microelectromechanicalsyste

Advances in microfabrication and surface chemistry techniques have provided a new paradigm for the creation of in vitro systems for studying problems in biology and medicine in ways that were previously not practical. The ability to create devices with micro- to nano-scale dimensions provides the opportunity to non-invasively interrogate and monitor biological cells and tissue in large arrays and in a high-throughput manner. These systems hold the potential to, in time, revolutionize the way problems in biology and medicine are studied in the form of point-of-care devices, lab-on-chip devices, and biological microelectromechanical systems (BioMEMS). With new in vitro models, it will be possible to reduce the overall cost of medical and biological research by performing high-throughput experiments while maintaining control over a wide variety of experimental variables. A critical aspect of developing these sorts of systems, however, is controlling the device/tissue interface. The surface chemistry of cell-biomaterial and protein-biomaterial interactions is critical for long-term efficacy and function of such devices. The work presented here is focused on the application of surface and analytical chemistry techniques for better understanding the interface of biological elements with silica substrates and the development a novel Bio-MEMS device for studying muscle and neuromuscular biology. A novel surface patterning technique based on the use of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) silane self-assembled monolayer (SAM) as a cytophobic surface and the amine-terminated silane diethyeletriamine (DETA) as a cytophilic surface was developed for patterning a variety of cell types (e.g. skeletal muscle, and neural cells) over long periods of time (over 40 days) with high fidelity to the patterns. This method was then used to pattern embryonic rat skeletal muscle and motor neurons onto microfabricated silicon cantilevers creating a novel biological microelectromechanical system (BioMEMS) for studying muscle and the neuromuscular junction. This device was then used to study the effect of exogenously applied substances such as growth factors and toxins. Furthermore, a whispering-gallery mode (WGM) biosensor was developed for measuring the adsorption of various proteins onto glass microspheres coated with selected silane SAMS commonly used in BioMEMS system. With this biosensor it was possible to measure the kinetics of protein adsorption onto alkylsilane SAMS, in a real-time and label-free manner

Learning to assess in higher education: a collaborative exploration of the interplay of 'formal' and 'informal' learning in the academic workplace

During 2005 to 2010 74 Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETLs) were funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). As the name suggests, the aim of the CETL initiative was to reward and develop expertise in teaching and learning linked to particular areas of excellence. The CETL where the authors of this paper worked focused on developing Assessment for Learning (AfL) practices (McDowell et al., 2008). The paper discusses the findings from three research projects undertaken at the CETL which can be grouped under the broad theme of the exploration of assessment practices and academic development.However, while we are all interested in the ways academics learn to assess, the disciplinary/research backgrounds and theoretical assumptions we bring to our respective projects are quite different. Hodkinson and Macleod (2010) discuss conceptualisations of learning by referring to metaphors which are commonly used ‘when learning is thought about’ (p.174): learning as acquisition, as participation, as construction, as formation and as becoming. They argue that each metaphor assumes particular approaches to understanding and researching learning, and this also applies to the projects drawn on for this paper. The projects which have generated the data considered in this paper are, on the one hand, underpinned and informed by different conceptualisations of learning, bodies of literature and methodologies. On the other hand, the institutional context within which the data were collected and the data collection methods, i.e. semi-structured interviews, are the same. This paper also explores the benefits and challenges of working collaboratively on HE research questions from different theoretical perspectives. We would like to argue that that using data generated by all three projects is a legitimate, albeit unusual, way of advancing our understanding of learning in the academic workplace since it allows us to focus on the interface between informal and formal learning rather than discussing one type of learning at the expense of the other

HISTORICAL THINKING AND THE HISTORY TEXTBOOK

This study sought to answer the following question: In what ways do the textbooks currently being used in Ontario intermediate and senior history classes exemplify and invite historical thinking and in what ways do they not? To answer this, four textbooks were analyzed using the methodology of content analysis. The academic literature on historical thinking provided the theoretical framework for this study. The textbooks chosen for analysis are all found on the Ministry of Education’s Trillium list of approved textbooks for use in Ontario schools. The findings o f this study revealed that discrepancy exists among the texts regarding their conduciveness to the development of historical thinking skills in students. Although some are more exemplifying and inviting than others, none of the texts examined should serve as an exclusive resource in the classroom. History educators must utilize additional resources to assist their students in the development of historical thinking

Service quality in multichannel fashion retailing:an exploratory study

Purpose Consumer purchasing behaviour has changed substantially in the light of recent developments in E-commerce. So-called ‘multichannel customers’ tend to switch retail channels during the purchasing process. In order to address changing consumer behaviour, multichannel fashion retailing companies must continue to learn how to provide excellent service to such customers. The overall aim of this paper, therefore, is to contribute to the interpretation of multichannel service quality by explaining it from the perspective of the so-called ‘multichannel customers’. Design/Methodology/Approach Drawing on social influence theory, this paper aims to investigate these issues from the perspective of multichannel customers. In contrast with dualist and objectivist studies this paper uses a constructivist epistemology and ethnographic methodology. Such an approach is associated with an interpretivist ontological worldview, which postulates the existence of ‘multiple realities’. The sample size for this research consisted of 34 in-depth interviews and two focus groups comprising ten focus group participants. Findings The data analysis fundamentally found that multichannel customers tended to continually adjust choices regarding retailer and retail channel when making purchases. The perspective of this paper is different from mainstream positivist service quality research which sees service quality as static, objectively measurable and dualistic. As an alternative, this paper acknowledges service quality as a dynamic, subjective and pluralistic phenomenon. Originality/Value This paper contributes to the interpretation of multichannel service quality with a new concept that explains the phenomenon from the perspective of customers and thus considers it necessary for multichannel retailers to adopt strategies relating to customers’ changing behaviour

Go For the Sure Thing: An Accounting Internship/Job-Seeking Discussion Case

After the choice of college and major, the next significant decision for many accounting students is an internship. Through the experience of one of our students, this discussion case provides an opportunity for others to 1) determine what job attributes are important, 2) develop expectations for an internship experience, and 3) create a decision model for job/internship acceptance. Our student Jason made a choice between Tiny CPAs and Big Regional Firm. Both firms were located ideally. The deciding factor was the likelihood of a position being available at graduation. The internship experience was adequate, but the job offer fell throug

Medication Darts Are Gaining in Popularity - Do They Affect Meat Quality? Are There Risks?

Livestock, such as beef cattle or post-weaned dairy cattle that are not yet milking, are often relatively “tame” (sometimes the term tame may not apply very well) and can be readily approached within a few feet. However, without adequate restraint facilities or enough personnel, actually treating the livestock is often difficult and can become frustrating and dangerous to people and animals. A solution to this problem, which is being rapidly and increasingly adopted, is the use of medication darts. Nevertheless, many in the cattle industry are raising some concerns. What are some of the characteristics of medication darts? Is there any reason for concern about meat and carcass quality associated with their use