6 research outputs found
A Case Study of English as Foreign Language Chinese Teachers\u27 Use of Computer-Based Technology
The purpose of this research was to explore the experiences of four Chinese university teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) on the effectiveness of implementing computer-based technologies in their classes. Specifically, this case study sought to document the participants’ views on 1) the types of computer-based technology used in their classes; 2) the role of computer-based educational technology in teaching EFL pedagogy; 3) the potential benefits in using computer-based instructional technologies in EFL; 4) the challenges and/or barriers to the effective use of computer-based instructional technologies in EFL instruction. Using both within case and cross-case analyses, the findings reveal a complex interwoven set of perceptions and experiences computer-based technologies and English language teaching. Seven important themes emerged: 1) the school strongly encourages the use of auxiliary educational platforms; 2) the school supports teachers with many resources; 3) computer-based technologies have impacted student learning; 4) computer-based technologies have impacted the way teachers instruct; 5) computer-based technology enhance teaching effectiveness and efficiency; 6) technical difficulties associated with computer-based technologies are challenging; and 7) the COVID-19 pandemic forced more rapid adoption of computer-based technologies. This research is especially significant as it includes a unique set of educators in a unique educational setting, implementing emerging educational technologies
Highly Sensitive Method for Assay of Drug-Induced Apoptosis Using Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy
Apoptosis plays a crucial role in many biological processes
and
pathogenesis of various malignancies and diseases of the immune system.
In this paper, we described a novel method for sensitive detection
of drug-induced apoptosis by using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
(FCS). The principle of this method is based on the assay of DNA fragmentation
in the process of the drug-induced apoptosis. FCS is a single molecule
method, and it can be used for sensitive and selective assay of DNA
fragmentation without separation. We first developed a highly sensitive
method for characterization of DNA fragments using a home-built FCS
system and SYBR Green I as fluorescent DNA-intercalating dye, and
then established a model of drug-induced apoptosis using human pancreatic
cancer cells and a drug lidamycin. Furthermore, FCS method established
was used to directly detect the fragmentation of DNA extracted from
apoptotic cells or in the apoptotic cell lysate. In FCS assay, the
single-component model and the multiple-components model were used
to fit raw FCS data. The characteristic diffusion time of DNA fragments
was used as an important parameter to distinguish the apoptotic status
of cells. The obtained data documented that the characteristic diffusion
time of DNA fragments from apoptotic cells significantly decreased
with an increase of lidamycin concentration, which implied that DNA
fragmentation occurred in lidamycin-induced apoptosis. The FCS results
are well in line with the data obtained from flow cytometer and gel
electrophoresis. Compared to current methods, the method described
here is sensitive and simple, and more importantly, our detection
volume is less than 1 fL, and the sample requirement can easily be
reduced to nL level using a droplets array technology. Therefore,
our method probably becomes a high throughput detection platform for
early detection of cell apoptosis and screening of apoptosis-based
anticancer drugs