Effects of the TLR2 Agonists MALP-2 and Pam3Cys in Isolated Mouse Lungs

Background: Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are main causes of pneumonia or acute lung injury. They are recognized by the innate immune system via toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2) or TLR4, respectively. Among all organs, the lungs have the highest expression of TLR2 receptors, but little is known about the pulmonary consequences of their activation. Here we studied the effects of the TLR2/6 agonist MALP-2, the TLR2/1 agonist Pam 3Cys and the TLR4 agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on pro-inflammatory responses in isolated lungs. Methodology/Principal Findings: Isolated perfused mouse lungs were perfused for 60 min or 180 min with MALP-2 (25 ng/ mL), Pam3Cys (160 ng/mL) or LPS (1 mg/mL). We studied mediator release by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the activation of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and AKT/protein kinase B by immunoblotting, and gene induction by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. All agonists activated the MAPK ERK1/2 and p38, but neither JNK or AKT kinase. The TLR ligands upregulated the inflammation related genes Tnf, Il1b, Il6, Il10, Il12, Ifng, Cxcl2 (MIP-2a) and Ptgs2. MALP-2 was more potent than Pam 3Cys in inducing Slpi, Cxcl10 (IP10) and Parg. Remarkable was the strong induction of Tnc by MALP2, which was not seen with Pam 3Cys or LPS. The growth factor related genes Areg and Hbegf were not affected. In addition, all three TLR agonists stimulated the release of IL-6, TNF, CXCL2 and CXCL10 protein from the lungs

How do communities of practice facilitate educational technology adoption in higher education? A case study in Hong Kong

Presentation Session 11 (P11): MOOCs & Online Communities: no. P11-

The Influence of Heterophily on a Community about Moodle Use in Higher Education

Background The concept of community of practice (CoP) has been advocated widely as a means of professional development. These communities are usually composed of participants from diversified background. The diversity could lead to heterophily which is positive for diffusion of innovation, but negative for establishing effective communication as argued by Roger (2003). Good practices in Moodle use could be transferred through CoP, but there are few studies identified the influence of heterophily in the process. Methodology A CoP about Moodle use at a university was observed. Teachers, researchers and technical staff participated in the community voluntarily. There were 10 face-to-face sharing sessions conducted by 10 teachers. An online platform was designed for participants to further discuss and share resources. Modes of belonging from Wenger (1998) was adopted as a theoretical lens to observe the influence of heterophily on participants. Data Collection A survey was conducted to examine demographics, perception of diversity and modes of belonging about participants at the end of each session. Results Demographic diversity including age, faculty rank, teaching experience and Moodle experience was found in the community. Participants who did not perceive diversity showed higher level of alignment and willingness to transfer the knowledge gained to their practice comparing to participants who perceived. The influence of heterophily on participants could be potentially related to individual perception of diversity. The balance between settings of community and individual perception of diversity is suggested to be a factor for the successful transfer of good practices in Moodle use through CoP

Life test sampling plans for Weibull distributed lifetimes under accelerated hybrid censoring

Life test sampling plan, Hybrid censoring, Producer risk, Consumer risk, Acceleration factor, 62N05,