On the influence of the architecture of poly(ethylene glycol)-based thermoresponsive polymers on cell adhesion

Thermoresponsive polymer surface coatings are a promising tool for cell culture applications. They allow for a mild way of cell detachment that preserves the activity of membrane proteins—a prerequisite for reliable cell analysis. To enlarge the application range of these coatings to cells with different adhesion properties, we synthesized various novel poly(ethylene glycol)-based thermoresponsive polymers and describe how (i) their chemical structure and (ii) their surface density affect their efficiency. In order to quantify the influence of both factors, the time for cell spreading and rounding efficiency were observed. As a result, efficiency of cell rounding, which is closely correlated to cell detachment, is less affected by both factors than the time needed for cell spreading. This time can effectively be adjusted by the molecular architecture which includes the length of the polymer backbone and the side chains. Based on this work, recommendations are given for future optimization of functionality of thermoresponsive polymer coatings for cell culture applications.     

A meta-evaluation of scientific research proposals: Different ways of comparing rejected to awarded applications

Combining different data sets with information on grant and fellowship applications submitted to two renowned funding agencies, we are able to compare their funding decisions (award and rejection) with scientometric performance indicators across two fields of science (life sciences and social sciences). The data sets involve 671 applications in social sciences and 668 applications in life sciences. In both fields, awarded applicants perform on average better than all rejected applicants. If only the most preeminent rejected applicants are considered in both fields, they score better than the awardees on citation impact. With regard to productivity we find differences between the fields. While the awardees in life sciences outperform on average the most preeminent rejected applicants, the situation is reversed in social sciences.     

Vom erwartbaren Erkenntnispotenzial der Auftragsforschung zu Sportvereinen

Sports club research has a long tradition in Germany and has produced a considerable variety of methodological approaches and theoretical as well as empirical knowledge. This article provides an epistemologically oriented determination and reflection of the potential of knowledge of current sports club research against the background of the tender objectives of the sports development report on waves 7 to 9 (SEB 3.0). It becomes clear that in conflict between normatively charged goals of the SEB—defined by the public client (principal)—non-judgmental, theory-guided and theory-based empirical sports club research is hardly possible. This means that it is rather difficult to carry out sports club research that is based on current research and is also able to generate new and reliable scientific knowledge. Therefore, a clearer differentiation is recommended between knowledge-guided research and normatively broken objectives aimed at policy advice. In dealing with these issues, methodological and methodological strategies are proposed to achieve the goals of SEB 3.0. At the same time, the chance of generating additional theoretical and empirical knowledge on the subject of “sports club” is increased.     

The role of International Non-Governmental Organisations in promoting adult education for social change: A research agenda

This paper explores the role of International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) in adult education as one instrument of global civil society to effect social change. Postcolonial theory is utilized to explore the complex relationships between the concepts of ‘globalisation’, ‘global civil, society’, and ‘adult education for social change’. In seeking change for social justice postcolonial theory examines the construction of cultural discourse within the epistemologies of (neo-) colonial and decolonising contexts, as well as how such discourse helps to shape and change social realities and identities. We propose a postcolonial research agenda for studying the adult education role of INGOs.     

Normalization of zero-inflated data: An empirical analysis of a new indicator family and its use with altmetrics data

Recently, two new indicators (Equalized Mean-based Normalized Proportion Cited, EMNPC; Mean-based Normalized Proportion Cited, MNPC) were proposed which are intended for sparse scientometrics data, e.g., alternative metrics (altmetrics). The indicators compare the proportion of mentioned papers (e.g. on Facebook) of a unit (e.g., a researcher or institution) with the proportion of mentioned papers in the corresponding fields and publication years (the expected values). In this study, we propose a third indicator (Mantel-Haenszel quotient, MHq) belonging to the same indicator family. The MHq is based on the MH analysis – an established method in statistics for the comparison of proportions. We test (using citations and assessments by peers, i.e. F1000Prime recommendations) if the three indicators can distinguish between different quality levels as defined on the basis of the assessments by peers. Thus, we test their convergent validity. We find that the indicator MHq is able to distinguish between the quality levels in most cases while MNPC and EMNPC are not. Since the MHq is shown in this study to be a valid indicator, we apply it to six types of zero-inflated altmetrics data and test whether different altmetrics sources are related to quality. The results for the various altmetrics demonstrate that the relationship between altmetrics (Wikipedia, Facebook, blogs, and news data) and assessments by peers is not as strong as the relationship between citations and assessments by peers. Actually, the relationship between citations and peer assessments is about two to three times stronger than the association between altmetrics and assessments by peers.     

Introducing NurseSearch into an academic setting.

NurseSearch is a floppy-disk, abridged version of the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), covering about sixty journals. The program is a menu-driven software package designed to allow end users with no prior searching experience to perform their own searches. It is available in annual editions from 1985 to the present. This paper describes the introduction of NurseSearch within the Libraries at Kent State University and its School of Nursing. Reactions of new users to selected program operations are identified. Conclusions from a trial period are set forth.     

德国的体育教练员与教练员学院

德国的体育教练员一、德国教练员的概况德国的许多教练员都不是职业的,训练大多在晚上或节假日进行,只有国家队和大的训练基地才设有专职的教练员工作岗位。当然,少数在德国开展非常好的项目,如足球俱乐部,都会有职业教练。德国基层俱乐部教练员很多都是从事志愿工作的。德国教