High efficiency vortex trapping of circulating tumor cells

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are important biomarkers for monitoring tumor dynamics and efficacy of cancer therapy. Several technologies have been demonstrated to isolate CTCs with high efficiency but achieve a low purity from a large background of blood cells. We have previously shown the ability to enrich CTCs with high purity from large volumes of blood through selective capture in microvortices using the Vortex Chip. The device consists of a narrow channel followed by a series of expansion regions called reservoirs. Fast flow in the narrow entry channel gives rise to inertial forces, which direct larger cells into trapping vortices in the reservoirs where they remain circulating in orbits. By studying the entry and stability of particles following entry into reservoirs, we discover that channel cross sectional area plays an important role in controlling the size of trapped particles, not just the orbital trajectories. Using these design modifications, we demonstrate a new device that is able to capture a wider size range of CTCs from clinical samples, uncovering further heterogeneity. This simple biophysical method opens doors for a range of downstream interventions, including genetic analysis, cell culture, and ultimately personalized cancer therapy.     

Indirect contact through book reading: Improving adolescents' attitudes and behavioral intentions toward immigrants

A study was conducted to test the effects of indirect contact through book reading on the improvement of Italian students' attitudes, stereotypes, and behavioral intentions toward immigrants. The results indicated that adolescents who read a book concerning intercultural topics, compared to those who read a book unrelated to intercultural themes or to those who did not read any book, showed improved intergroup attitudes, reduction in stereotyping, more positive intergroup behavioral intentions, and an increased desire to engage in future contact. Furthermore, the effects of indirect contact were mediated by increased inclusion of other in the self and reduced group identification. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Educational research at international level: Features,expectations and limitations

This paper offers a short review of the major characteristics and limitations of international educational research institutions. One of the major concerns of the paper is to constrast the role of international vis à vis national institutions in educational research. The complementarity of international and national institutions is manifested in the selection of topics, application of approaches, use of methods and organisation of work usually applied in international research programmes, but rarely used in national projects. The article concludes by drawing attention to the fact that the variety of international research institutions alone cannot satisfy evolving needs in the educational field, but should be accompanied by sufficient flexibility for continuous adaptation.

---

Zusammenfassung Dieses Papier bietet eine kurze Übersicht über die Hauptcharakteristika und Beschränkungen internationaler pädagogischer Forschungsinstitute. Eines der Hauptanliegen dieses Beitrags ist es, die Rolle der internationalen den nationalen Institutionen gegenüberzustellen. Internationale und nationale Institutionen ergänzen sich; das zeigt sich insbesondere in der Auswahl der Themen, Anwendung der Forschungsansätze, und dem Gebrauch von Methoden und Arbeitsorganisation, die gewöhnlich in internationalen Forschungsprogrammen angewendet werden, aber in nationalen Projekten kaum zu verwirklichen sind. Der Artikel weist schliesslich darauf hin, dass die Vielfalt der internationalen Forschungsinstitute allein die sich im pädagogischen Bereich entwickelnden Bedürfnisse nicht befriedigen kann, sondern dass gleichzeitig genügend Flexibilität zur dauernden Anpassung vorhanden sein muss.

---

Résumé Ce document présente un aperçu sur les caractéristiques majeures et les limites des institutions internationales de recherche en éducation. L'un des soucis essentiels de ce document est de mettre en contraste le rôle des institutions internationales vis-à-vis des institutions nationales de recherche en éducation. La complémentarité de ces deux genres d'institutions se manifeste dans le choix des sujets, l'application des approches, l'usage des méthodes et l'organisation du travail suivis habituellement dans les programmes de recherches internationales, mais difficilement réalisables dans les projets nationaux. En conclusion, l'article attire l'attention sur le fait que la variété même des institutions internationales de recherche ne peut pas satisfaire aux besoins se manifestant progressivement dans le domaine éducatif, mais devrait être stimulée par une souplesse suffisante pour une adaptation continue.