1,229 research outputs found
The relationship between the critical thinking skills and the academic language proficiency of prospective teachers
We report on the relationships that exist between the critical thinking skills and the academic language proficiency of a group of first-year prospective teachers at a South African university (n = 89). The results revealed the nature of the critical thinking skills as well as the academic language proficiency of the students. Significant correlations between academic language proficiency and making inferences, as well as between academic language proficiency and critical thinking as a general competency, were noted. The article concludes with recommendations on how to enhance critical thinking and language proficiency in the teacher-training curriculum.Keywords: critical thinking ability, critical thinking dispositions, critical thinking skills, improving academic language proficiency, improving critical thinking, language proficiency, outcomes for teacher training, teacher training, teacher training curriculu
Cyclische Diazastannylene. - XI : Ringe und Käfige mit Dimethylbis(methylamido)silan-Liganden am zweiwertigen Zinn
SnCl2 und (LiNMe)2SiMe2 (Me = CH3) reagieren unter Abspaltung von LiCl zu dem molekularen Polycyclus (Me2Si)3(NMe)5Sn2 (I) und zu polymerem (SnNMe)n (II). I kann auch durch Einwirkung von Dimethylbis(methylamino)-silan auf das stannylen Me2Si(NCMe3)2Sn dargestellt werden, wobei weiterhin der Käfig (Me2Si)(NMe)5Sn4 (III) entsteht, wenn ohne Lösungsmittel gearbeitet wird. Auf Grund von 1H-NMR-Spectren und einer Röntgenstrukturanalyse ergeben sich für I und III folgende Strukturen: das Molekülgerüst von I besteht aus einem Sn2N2-Vierring, der in 1,3-Position die Atomsequenz ---Si---N---Si--- und in 2,4-Position ---N—Si---N--- als Brücken trägt; III hat die Structur eines "Basketans\u27;: vier tetraedrisch ausgerichtete Zinnatome und vier Stickstoffatome bilden einen Würfel, in dessen eine Kante eine MeNSiMe2-Einheit eingeschoben ist. Die NMR-Spectren zeigen an, dass in III bei Zimmertemperatur in organischen Lösungsmitteln Bindungsfluktuationen auftreten
High-performance generalized tensor operations: A compiler-oriented approach
The efficiency of tensor contraction is of great importance. Compilers cannot optimize it well enough to come close to the performance of expert-tuned implementations. All existing approaches that provide competitive performance require optimized external code. We introduce a compiler optimization that reaches the performance of optimized BLAS libraries without the need for an external implementation or automatic tuning. Our approach provides competitive performance across hardware architectures and can be generalized to deliver the same benefits for algebraic path problems. By making fast linear algebra kernels available to everyone, we expect productivity increases when optimized libraries are not available. © 2018 Association for Computing Machinery
Kerncraft: A Tool for Analytic Performance Modeling of Loop Kernels
Achieving optimal program performance requires deep insight into the
interaction between hardware and software. For software developers without an
in-depth background in computer architecture, understanding and fully utilizing
modern architectures is close to impossible. Analytic loop performance modeling
is a useful way to understand the relevant bottlenecks of code execution based
on simple machine models. The Roofline Model and the Execution-Cache-Memory
(ECM) model are proven approaches to performance modeling of loop nests. In
comparison to the Roofline model, the ECM model can also describes the
single-core performance and saturation behavior on a multicore chip. We give an
introduction to the Roofline and ECM models, and to stencil performance
modeling using layer conditions (LC). We then present Kerncraft, a tool that
can automatically construct Roofline and ECM models for loop nests by
performing the required code, data transfer, and LC analysis. The layer
condition analysis allows to predict optimal spatial blocking factors for loop
nests. Together with the models it enables an ab-initio estimate of the
potential benefits of loop blocking optimizations and of useful block sizes. In
cases where LC analysis is not easily possible, Kerncraft supports a cache
simulator as a fallback option. Using a 25-point long-range stencil we
demonstrate the usefulness and predictive power of the Kerncraft tool.Comment: 22 pages, 5 figure
Isomorphisms of algebras of Colombeau generalized functions
We show that for smooth manifolds X and Y, any isomorphism between the
special algebra of Colombeau generalized functions on X, resp. Y is given by
composition with a unique Colombeau generalized function from Y to X. We also
identify the multiplicative linear functionals from the special algebra of
Colombeau generalized functions on X to the ring of Colombeau generalized
numbers. Up to multiplication with an idempotent generalized number, they are
given by an evaluation map at a compactly supported generalized point on X.Comment: 10 page
Packaging of a high-speed optical modulator using flip chip interconnects
Optical modulators using lithium niobate (LiNbO3) have become the industry standard for high-speed data transmission and RF photonic links. Packaging is a determining factor in maintaining low cost and high-performance. This paper investigates the application of flip chip technology to optical modulator packaging. Experimental results show that rugged flip chip bonds can be realized with minimal impact on the modulator electrical performance
Regularity properties of distributions through sequences of functions
We give necessary and sufficient criteria for a distribution to be smooth or
uniformly H\"{o}lder continuous in terms of approximation sequences by smooth
functions; in particular, in terms of those arising as regularizations
.Comment: 10 page
Interferon-γ acutely augments inhibition of neocortical layer 5 pyramidal neurons
BACKGROUND:
Interferon-γ (IFN-γ, a type II IFN) is present in the central nervous system (CNS) under various conditions. Evidence is emerging that, in addition to its immunological role, IFN-γ modulates neuronal morphology, function, and development in several brain regions. Previously, we have shown that raising levels of IFN-β (a type I IFN) lead to increased neuronal excitability of neocortical layer 5 pyramidal neurons. Because of shared non-canonical signaling pathways of both cytokines, we hypothesized a similar neocortical role of acutely applied IFN-γ.
METHODS:
We used semi-quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry to analyze neuronal expression of IFN-γ receptors and performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in layer 5 pyramidal neurons to investigate sub- and suprathreshold excitability, properties of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated current (Ih), and inhibitory neurotransmission under the influence of acutely applied IFN-γ.
RESULTS:
We show that IFN-γ receptors are present in the membrane of rat's neocortical layer 5 pyramidal neurons. As expected from this and the putative overlap in IFN type I and II alternative signaling pathways, IFN-γ diminished Ih, mirroring the effect of type I IFNs, suggesting a likewise activation of protein kinase C (PKC). In contrast, IFN-γ did neither alter subthreshold nor suprathreshold neuronal excitability, pointing to augmented inhibitory transmission by IFN-γ. Indeed, IFN-γ increased electrically evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) on neocortical layer 5 pyramidal neurons. Furthermore, amplitudes of spontaneous IPSCs and miniature IPSCs were elevated by IFN-γ, whereas their frequency remained unchanged.
CONCLUSIONS:
The expression of IFN-γ receptors on layer 5 neocortical pyramidal neurons together with the acute augmentation of inhibition in the neocortex by direct application of IFN-γ highlights an additional interaction between the CNS and immune system. Our results strengthen our understanding of the role of IFN-γ in neocortical neurotransmission and emphasize its impact beyond its immunological properties, particularly in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders
On the completeness of impulsive gravitational wave space-times
We consider a class of impulsive gravitational wave space-times, which
generalize impulsive pp-waves. They are of the form ,
where is a Riemannian manifold of arbitrary dimension and carries
the line element with the line
element of and the Dirac measure. We prove a completeness result
for such space-times with complete Riemannian part .Comment: 13 pages, minor changes suggested by the referee
On the Geroch-Traschen class of metrics
We compare two approaches to semi-Riemannian metrics of low regularity. The maximally 'reasonable' distributional setting of Geroch and Traschen is shown to be consistently contained in the more general setting of nonlinear distributional geometry in the sense of Colombea
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