Effective cell collection method using collagenase and ultrasonic vibration

This study proposes a novel cell collection method based on collagenase treatment and ultrasonic vibration. The method collects calf chondrocytes from a reusable metal cell culture substrate. To develop our concept, we calculated the natural vibration modes of the cell culture substrate by a finite element method, and conducted eigenvalue and piezoelectric-structural analyses. Selecting the first out-of-plane vibration mode of the substrate, which has a single nodal circle, we designed and fabricated the cell collection device. The excited vibration mode properly realized our intentions. We then evaluated the cell collection ratio and the growth response, and observed the morphology of the collected cells. The collagenase and ultrasonic vibration treatment collected comparable numbers of cells to conventional trypsin and pipetting treatment, but improved the proliferating cell statistics. Morphological observations revealed that the membranes of cells collected by the proposed method remain intact; consequently, the cells are larger and rougher than cells collected by the conventional method. Therefore, we present a promising cell collection method for adhesive cell culturing process.     

Learning through intermediate problems in creating cognitive models

Cognitive modelling is one of the representative research methods in cognitive science. It is believed that creating cognitive models promotes learners’ meta-cognitive activities such as self-monitoring and reflecting on their own cognitive processing. Preceding studies have confirmed that such meta-cognitive activities actually promote learning effects. However, there are some difficulties in bringing about learning by creating cognitive models in an educational context. To overcome the difficulties, we propose an innovative learning design, ‘learning through intermediate problems’ and also developed a web-based production system called DoCoPro that can be used anywhere and anytime in an environment connected to the Internet. We performed three introductory cognitive science classes in which the participants learned cognitive modelling and constructed running computer models using our system. In the first and second classes, the participants were required to construct production system models that solve pulley problems. They also posed their original pulley problems that their own models were subsequently able to solve. These generated problems were distributed to the other members. The participants were able to find incompleteness in their cognitive models, revise them to remove the incompleteness, and improve their models while solving the given problems. The participants, by successfully creating sophisticated models, acquired a deeper knowledge of the learning domain. The class practices confirmed the utility of ‘learning through intermediate problems’ when constructing an educational environment for learning creating cognitive models. In the third class, the participants constructed cognitive models solving addition and subtraction problems using DoCoPro. The cognitive processing underlying such problem solving is automated, therefore it may be difficult to verbalize and externalize such cognitive processes. The post-questionnaire showed evidence that the participants actually performed meta-cognitive activities while monitoring their own internal information processing.     

Learning to Teach Science: The Curriculum of Student Teaching in Hiroshima "Attached" Schools

Journal of Science Teacher Education -     

Effects of Reward on Self‐regulation,Intrinsic Motivation and Creativity

This article evaluates the effects of two types of rewards (performance‐contingent versus engagement‐contingent) on self‐regulation, intrinsic motivation and creativity. Forty‐two undergraduate students were randomly assigned to three conditions; i.e. a performance‐contingent reward group, an engagement‐contingent reward group and a control group. Results provide little support for the negative effects of performance rewards on motivational components. However, they do indicate that participants in the engagement‐contingent reward group and the control group achieved higher rated creativity than participants in the performance‐contingent reward group. Alternative explanations for this finding are discussed.     

基于时空解构法的杭州湖滨步行道规划评价研究

在介绍作为汽车时代产物的步行道的概念及其研究背景的基础上,选择以杭州湖滨步行道规划、建设的主要特征,并使用以摄像统计法、数码相机记录分析法、人工计数法及问卷调查统计法等方法为测试手段的称作为综合记录技术分析法(CTVM),对在不同时间段内通过的机动车、非机动车、外地观光者和本地居民在该步行道内出现的大致规律性进行了分析研究,发现以外地观光者和本地居民为例,其出现的几率大致呈正态分布状态,而与非机动车的出现规律不同,两者之间存在一定的互补性的关系,缓冲了相互间的抢占路面的矛盾。并以此为基础建立了数学模型,用以解释步行者的时、空行为规律,来研究都市商业中心景区及商业活动的规律和对策。