Development and evaluation of a virtual campus on Second Life: The case of SecondDMI

Video games and new communication metaphors are quickly changing today’s young people habits. Considering the actual e-learning scenarios, embedded in a fully technological enabled environment it is crucial to take advantage of this kind of capabilities to let learning process gain best results.     

Small-signal distributed FET model consistent with device scaling

A distributed modelling approach for micro- and millimetre-wave FETs is presented. Model identification is directly carried out on the bases of S-parameter measurements and electromagnetic analysis of the device layout without requiring cumbersome optimisation techniques. Experimental results confirm that the model is consistent with device scaling     

Control of vitamin C losses in vegetables prepared at a food service

This study aimed to elaborate a set of measures to control vitamin C losses in vegetables prepared at a food service (FS). Vegetables were randomly selected for vitamin C analysis by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after delivery of raw material and during distribution for consumption of the food prepared. Some principles underlying the Hazards Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) were applied to identify the Nutritional Control Points (NCP) for vitamin C losses. A Nutritional Control Measure (NCM) was adopted for each NCP as well as the monitoring criteria. The vegetables were again collected for vitamin C analysis after adoption of the NCMs. The results indicated reduction of vitamin C losses with NCM adoption.     

Assessing the usability of a visual tool for the definition of e-learning processes

In this paper, we present a usability study aiming at assessing a visual language-based tool for developing adaptive e-learning processes. The tool implements the adaptive self-consistent learning object SET (ASCLO-S) visual language, a special case of flow diagrams, to be used by instructional designers to define classes of learners through stereotypes and to specify the more suited adaptive learning process for each class of learners. The usability study is based on the combined use of two techniques: a questionnaire-based survey and an empirical analysis. The survey has been used to achieve feedbacks from the subjects’ point of view. In particular, it has been useful to capture the perceived usability of the subjects. The outcomes show that both the proposed visual notation and the system prototype are suitable for instructional designers with or without experience on the computer usage and on tools for defining e-learning processes. This result is further confirmed by the empirical analysis we carried out by analysing the correlation between the effort to develop adaptive e-learning processes and some measures suitable defined for those processes. Indeed, the empirical analysis revealed that the effort required to model e-learning processes is not influenced by the experience of the instructional designer with the use of e-learning tools, but it only depends on the size of the developed process.     

How many do you see? The use of nonspoken representations in first-grade mathematics lessons.

Not all relevant instructional information comes in the form of spoken words. In the present study, the authors examine multiple modalities of nonspoken forms of representation—specifically gestures, pictures, objects, and writing—used by 3 teachers in 3 yrs of 1st-grade math lessons. Teachers frequently used visually based modalities of representation and tended to produce combinations of representational forms rather than isolated representations. There were individual differences in their preference for representation types. Teachers used representations to accompany important spoken terms and to respond to student confusion. With nonspoken representations, teachers conveyed information critical to the explanation of mathematical concepts. Students must attend to the visual as well as vocal means of expressing information to gain access to all of the information presented in mathematics lessons. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The statistical analysis of data from small groups.

The authors elaborate the complications and the opportunities inherent in the statistical analysis of small-group data. They begin by discussing nonindependence of group members' scores and then consider standard methods for the analysis of small-group data and determine that these methods do not take into account this nonindependence. A new method is proposed that uses multilevel modeling and allows for negative nonindependence and mutual influence. Finally, the complications of interactions, different group sizes, and differential effects are considered. The authors strongly urge that the analysis model of data from small-group studies should mirror the psychological processes that generate those data. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

When similarity breeds content: Need for closure and the allure of homogeneous and self-resembling groups.

Four studies explored the relation between members' need for cognitive closure and their feelings toward groups. It was found that high (vs. low) need for closure individuals liked in-groups and out-groups more as function of the degree to which their membership was perceived as homogeneous (Studies 1-4), provided it was also self-similar (Studies 3 and 4). These results are discussed in terms of the relation between need for closure and homogeneous (vs. heterogeneous) groups' apparent potential as "closure providers." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Phosphoinositide 3‐Kinase Signaling Pathway is Involved in the Control of Modified Low‐Density Lipoprotein Uptake by Human Macrophages

The transformation of macrophages into lipid‐loaded foam cells is a critical early event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Both receptor‐mediated uptake of modified LDL, mediated primarily by scavenger receptors‐A (SR‐A) and CD36 along with other proteins such as lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and macropinocytosis contribute to macrophage foam cell formation. The signaling pathways that are involved in the control of foam cell formation are not fully understood. In this study, we have investigated the role of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) in relation to foam cell formation in human macrophages. The pan PI3K inhibitor LY294002 attenuated the uptake of modified LDL and macropinocytosis, as measured by Lucifer Yellow uptake, by human macrophages. In addition, the expression of SR‐A, CD36 and LPL was attenuated by LY294002. The use of isoform‐selective PI3K inhibitors showed that PI3K‐β, ‐γ and ‐δ were all required for the expression of SR‐A and CD36 whereas only PI3K‐γ was necessary in the case of LPL. These studies reveal a pivotal role of PI3K in the control of macrophage foam cell formation and provide further evidence for their potential as therapeutic target against atherosclerosis.     

Identification of Aminoimidazole and Aminothiazole Derivatives as Src Family Kinase Inhibitors

Src family kinases (SFKs) are a family of non‐receptor tyrosine kinases (TKs) implicated in the regulation of many cellular processes. The aberrant activity of these TKs has been associated with the growth and progression of cancer. In particular, c‐Src is overexpressed or hyperactivated in a variety of solid tumors and is most likely a strong promoting factor for the development of metastasis. Herein, the synthesis of new 4‐aminoimidazole and 2‐aminothiazole derivatives and their in vitro biological evaluation are described for their potential use as SFK inhibitors. Initially, 2‐aminothiazole analogues of dasatinib and 4‐aminoimidazole derivatives were synthesized and tested against the SFKs Src, Fyn, Lyn, and Yes. Five hits were identified as the most promising compounds, with K_i values in the range of 90–480 nm . A combination of molecular docking, homology modeling, and molecular dynamics were then used to investigate the possible binding mode of such compounds within the ATP binding site of the SFKs. Finally, the antiproliferative activities of the best candidates were evaluated against SH‐SY5Y and K562 cell lines. Compound 3 b [2‐(4‐{2‐methyl‐6‐[(5‐phenylthiazol‐2‐yl)amino]pyrimidin‐4‐yl}piperazin‐1‐yl)ethanol] was found to be the most active inhibitor.