bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein kinase A activation inhibits oncogenic Sonic hedgehog signalling and suppresses basal cell carcinoma of the skin
Authors: Makinodan Eri , Marneros Alexander G.
Published: August 2012

Basal cell carcinoma of the skin (BCC) is caused by constitutive activation of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway, mainly through mutations either in the Shh receptor Patched (PTCH) or in its co‐receptor Smoothened (Smo). Inhibitors of this pathway that are currently in clinical trials inhibit Smo. However, mutations in Smo can result in resistance to these inhibitors. To target most BCCs and avoid acquired resistance because of Smo mutations, inhibiting the Shh‐pathway downstream of Smo is critical. Attractive downstream targets would be at the level of Gli proteins, the transcriptional activators of this pathway in BCCs. Previously it has been shown that Gli1 and Gli2, when phosphorylated by protein kinase A (PKA), are targeted for proteosomal degradation. Here we show that PKA activation via the cAMP agonist forskolin is sufficient to completely abolish oncogenic Smo activity in vitro. In an inducible BCC mouse model due to a Smo mutation that confers resistance to current Smo inhibitors, topical forskolin treatment significantly reduced Gli1 mRNA levels and resulted in strongly suppressed BCC tumor growth. Our data show that forskolin inhibits the growth of even those BCCs that are resistant to Smo inhibitors and provide a proof‐of‐principle framework for the development of topically applied human skin‐permeable novel pharmacologic inhibitors of oncogenic Shh‐signaling through PKA activation.
Altered levels of LXR‐α: crucial implications in the pathogenesis of vitiligo
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Parsad Davinder , Kanwar Amrinderjit , Kaul Deepak
Published: August 2012

In recent times, the role of LXRs in skin physiology and pathology has evolved rapidly because of their role in proliferation, carcinogenesis, differentiation and permeability barrier function. LXRs were identified as promising drug targets for the treatment of many skin diseases. For this study, skin biopsies were taken from 15 patients with vitiligo and six controls to culture melanocytes from clinically active perilesional and normal skin. Gene expression was examined by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction analysis. Role of LXR‐α in regulating the expression of MMPs was checked by gene knock‐down, and its role in vitiligo pathogenesis was checked by treatment with LXR‐α agonist 22(R)‐hydroxycholesterol. After treatment adhesion assay, annexin V staining and proliferation assay were performed. The expression of LXR‐α was relatively more in perilesional skin melanocytes as compared to uninvolved skin melanocytes of non‐segmental vitiligo patient, and controls on the other hand, perilesional melanocytes were more prone to apoptosis. LXR‐α gene knock‐down significantly increases the expression of MMPs. LXR‐α agonist 22(R)‐hydroxycholesterol treatment significantly decreases melanocyte adhesion, apoptosis and proliferation. Higher expression of LXR‐α in perilesional skin melanocytes significantly decreases the adhesion, proliferation and matrix metalloproteinases and increases apoptosis.
Nestin and vimentin colocalization affects the subcellular location of glucocorticoid receptor in cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Lai Simone , Piras Franca , Spiga Saturnino , Perra Maria Teresa , Minerba Luigi , Piga Michela , Mura Ester , Murtas Daniela , Demurtas Paolo , Corrias Michela , Maxia Cristina , Ferreli Caterina , Sirigu Paola
Published: August 2012

Aims:  Nestin (a neuronal stem cell/progenitor cell marker of central nervous system development), vimentin (which is ubiquitously expressed in mesenchymal cells), and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR, which is involved in the immune response, cell proliferation, and apoptosis) have been shown to interact in embryonic and undifferentiated tissues in modulating cell proliferation. The aim of this study was to analyse nestin, vimentin and GR expression in tumour tissue (melanoma), and their association with clinicopathological variables, to evaluate any effect on tumour progression.

Methods and results:  Immunohistochemistry, double‐label immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy were performed on biopsy specimens of cutaneous melanoma from 81 patients. Fisher’s and Pearson’s tests showed a correlation between nestin, vimentin and subcellular GR location (P = 0.008). Their concomitant expression also correlated with Clark level and thickness (P = 0.02 and P = 0.029, respectively). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a poorer outcome for stage III and IV patients with associated expression of nestin, vimentin and cytoplasmic GR in tumour tissue (P = 0.02).

Conclusions:  These results suggest the presence in melanoma of growth mechanisms involving nestin, vimentin, and GR, similarly to that occurring in embryonic and undifferentiated cells, and may help in understanding tumour biology to provide a molecular basis for clinical therapies.
Defects in the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)/VPAC system during early stages of the placental–maternal leucocyte interaction impair the maternal tolerogenic response
Authors: Fraccaroli L , Grasso E , Hauk V , Cortelezzi M , Calo G , Pérez Leirós C , Ramhorst R
Published: August 2012

Successful embryo implantation occurs followed by a local inflammatory/T helper type 1 (Th1) response, subsequently redirected towards a tolerogenic predominant profile. The lack of control of this initial local inflammatory response may be an underlying cause of early pregnancy complications as recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA). Considering that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) mediates anti-inflammatory and tolerogenic effects in several conditions we hypothesized that VIP might contribute to tolerance towards trophoblast antigens during the early interaction of maternal leucocytes and trophoblast cells. In this study we investigated VIP/VPAC system activity and expression on maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after interaction with immortalized trophoblast cells (Swan-71 cell line) as an in-vitro model of feto–maternal interaction, and we analysed whether it modulates maternal regulatory T cell (Treg)/Th1 responses. We also investigated the contribution of the endogenous VIP/VPAC system to RSA pathogenesis. VIP decreased T-bet expression significantly, reduced monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and nitrite production in co-cultures of PBMCs from fertile women with trophoblast cells; while it increased the frequency of CD4+CD25+ forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3)+ cells, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β expression and interleukin (IL)-10 secretion. These effects were prevented by VIP-specific antagonist. Interestingly, PBMCs from RSA patients displayed significantly higher T-bet expression, lower Treg frequency and lower frequency of VIP-producer CD4 lymphocytes after the interaction with trophoblast cells. Moreover, the patients displayed a significantly lower frequency of endometrial CD4+VIP+ cells in comparison with fertile women. VIP showed a Th1-limiting and Treg-promoting response in vitro that would favour early pregnancy outcome. Because RSA patients displayed defects in the VIP/VPAC system, this neuropeptide could be a promising candidate for diagnostic biomarker or surrogate biomarker for recurrent spontaneous abortions.
Parental diet has strong transgenerational effects on offspring immunity
Authors: Triggs Alison M. , Knell Robert J.
Published: August 2012

Transgenerational effects of immune stimulation on offspring immunity are widely reported from insects, but we know very little of how other aspects of the parental environment affect offspring immune reactivity.

We reared male and female moths Plodia interpunctella on either good‐ or poor‐quality food and then also raised their offspring on one of the two diet qualities. We found strong transgenerational effects on immunity: in general, if only one parent received the poor diet, reductions in immunity were observed whether that parent was the mother or the father, and the lowest offspring immune reactivity was observed when both parents received the poor diet.

The mechanism behind these effects is not known, but they could be caused either by imprinting, whereby the parent gives the offspring a cue such as an epigenetic mark that changes the offspring phenotype, or by the mother allocating fewer resources to their offspring when the diet was poor. Two lines of evidence point towards imprinting: the strong paternal effects and the observation that the size of these effects was either unchanged or increased when the offspring were fed a good‐quality diet themselves.

Weight was also reduced when either parent was fed a poor diet, except when both parents had a poor diet and the offspring were raised on good food, contrasting with the increased rates of obesity seen in vertebrates when either parent is raised on a restricted diet.

Overall, the effects of parental diet on offspring weight and immune reactivity are substantial and in some cases are equivalent to that of the diet that the offspring itself consumes.
Each life stage matters: the importance of assessing the response to climate change over the complete life cycle in butterflies
Authors: Radchuk Viktoriia , Turlure Camille , Schtickzelle Nicolas
Published: August 2012

As ectothermic organisms, butterflies have widely been used as models to explore the predicted impacts of climate change. However, most studies explore only one life stage; to our best knowledge, none have integrated the impact of temperature on the vital rates of all life stages for a species of conservation concern.

Besides, most population viability analysis models for butterflies are based on yearly population growth rate, precluding the implementation and assessment of important climate change scenarios, where climate change occurs mainly, or differently, during some seasons.

Here, we used a combination of laboratory and field experiments to quantify the impact of temperature on all life stages of a vulnerable glacial relict butterfly. Next, we integrated these impacts into an overall population response using a deterministic periodic matrix model and explored the impact of several climate change scenarios.

Temperature positively affected egg, pre‐diapause larva and pupal survival, and the number of eggs laid by a female; only the survival of overwintering larva was negatively affected by an increase in temperature. Despite the positive impact of warming on many life stages, population viability was reduced under all scenarios, with predictions of much shorter times to extinction than under the baseline (current temperature situation) scenario. Indeed, model predictions were the most sensitive to changes in survival of overwintering larva, the only stage negatively affected by warming.

A proper consideration of every stage of the life cycle is important when designing conservation guidelines in the light of climate change. This is in line with the resource‐based habitat view, which explicitly refers to the habitat as a collection of resources needed for all life stages of the species. We, therefore, encourage adopting a resource‐based habitat view for population viability analysis and development of conservation guidelines for butterflies, and more generally, other organisms. Life stages that are cryptic or difficult to study should not be forsaken as they may be key determinants in the overall response to climate change, as we found with overwintering Boloria eunomia larvae.
Prenatal Diagnosis of X‐Linked Chronic Granulomatous Disease by Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling
Authors: Sun J. , Wang Y. , Liu D. , Yu Y. , Wang J. , Ying W. , Wang X.
Published: August 2012

In this study, we investigated how to prenatally diagnose X‐linked chronic granulomatous disease (X‐CGD) effectively and accurately. Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling was conducted in the 22nd week of pregnancy. NADPH oxidase activity and gp91phox protein expression of neutrophils were analysed using flow cytometry. Direct sequencing was used to detect CYBB gene mutations. Umbilical blood was obtained from seven foetuses whose mothers were X‐CGD carriers. Six foetuses, whose mothers needed prenatal diagnosis because of other diseases, were used as control. The neutrophils in all 13 foetuses showed lower hydrogen peroxide generation (stimulation index < 100) and gp91phox protein expression. Among the seven foetuses whose mothers were X‐CGD carriers, four foetuses (Family 2, 4, 5 and 7) had CYBB gene mutations and showed very low hydrogen peroxide generation (stimulation index < 10) and no gp91phox expression. The other three foetuses (Family 1, 3 and 6) had no CYBB gene mutations and showed stimulation index of 20–50 and partial or normal gp91phox protein expression (no difference with controls). Two of the three mothers (Family 1 and 3) have delivered healthy infants with normal hydrogen peroxide generation and expression of gp91phox in neutrophils. Combined with direct sequencing, dihydrorhodamine oxidation analysis and gp91phox protein detection is an effective and accurate method for prenatal screening for X‐CGD.
Characterization of NF1 allele containing two nonsense mutations in exon 37 that segregates with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Hernández‐Imaz E , Campos B , Rodríguez‐Álvarez FJ , Abad O , Melean G , Gardenyes J , Martín Y , Hernández‐Chico C
Published: August 2012

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations in the NF1 gene. The mutation rate of NF1 is one of the highest known for human genes and the mutational analysis has revealed a wide variety of changes, a significant proportion of which affect normal pre‐mRNA splicing. Here, we describe two truncating mutations in exon 37 of NF1, the recurrent c.6792C>A and the novel c.6799C>T change, that occur in cis and segregate with NF1 in a large family. The double mutation induces defective splicing of exon 37 and thus, we performed quantitative comparisons of transcripts harboring single (c.6792C>G or c.6792C>A) and double (c.6792C>A and c.6799C>T) mutations to assess their effects on exon 37 splicing. Skipping of exon 37 was greater and there were fewer mutant full‐length transcripts in samples with the double mutation than in those carrying single mutations. Thus, the combination of the c.6792C>A and c.6799C>T mutations augmented exon 37 skipping. These findings suggest that, in addition to the previously described exonic splicing enhancer in the c.6791_6795 region, c.6799 lies within an additional regulatory element that influences the splicing of exon 37.
Identification of a novel HLA‐C*04 allele, HLA‐C*04:107, in a Chinese individual
Authors: Jin S.‐Z. , Zou H.‐Y.
Published: August 2012

The novel HLA‐C*04:107 allele shows one nucleotide difference from C*04:03 in exon 2 at nucleotide position 341.
Contrasting hypoxia tolerance and adaptation in Malus species is linked to differences in stomatal behavior and photosynthesis
Authors: Bai Tuanhui , Li Cuiying , Li Chao , Liang Dong , Ma Fengwang
Published: August 2012

We examined the potential differences in tolerance to hypoxia by two species of apple rootstocks. Stomatal behavior and photosynthesis were compared between Malus sieversii and Malus hupehensis. Plants were hydroponically grown for 15 days in normoxic or hypoxic nutrient solutions. Those of M. sieversii showed much greater sensitivity, with exposure to hypoxia resulting in higher leaf concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA) that prompted stomatal closure. Compared with the control plants of that species, stomatal density was greater in both new and mature leaves under stress conditions. In contrast, stomatal density was significantly decreased in leaves from M. hupehensis, while stomatal length was unaffected. Under stress, the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll contents were markedly reduced in M. sieversii. The relatively hypoxia‐tolerant genotype M. hupehensis, however, showed only minor changes in net photosynthesis or chlorophyll content, and only a slight decrease in stomatal conductance due to such treatment. Therefore, we conclude that the more tolerant M. hupehensis utilizes a better protective mechanism for retaining higher photosynthetic capacity than does the hypoxia‐sensitive M. sieversii. Moreover, this contrast in tolerance and adaptation to stress is linked to differences in their stomatal behavior, photosynthetic capacity and possibly their patterns of native distribution.
Incidence of facial fractures in the Australian Football League
Authors: Savage Jason , Winter Matthew , Orchard John , Schenberg Michael
Published: August 2012

Background

The incidence of facial injuries within the Australian Football League (AFL) raises concern and can cause the temporary or permanent loss of function thereby threatening a player's earning potential and length of playing career. The purpose of this study was to identify all facial fractures occurring within the AFL over a 17‐season period from 1992 to 2008. We aimed to detail injury trends and possible factors that correlate to a player's risk of sustaining a facial fracture.

Methods

A case review of the AFL's prospective injury records looking at facial fractures sustained by AFL players over a 17‐year period was conducted. We analysed various parameters including frequency, distribution, player location, time of season, player recovery, fracture incidence per season and geographical location of facial fracture.

Results

 In the recorded period, 175 total facial fractures were sustained by AFL players. A majority of fractures, 108 (62%), were sustained during season matches. Zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures (41%) and mandibular (37%) fractures were the most commonly recorded. Players missed 517 matches because of injury with an average of three matches per injury.

Conclusions

The AFL is a high‐impact, physically demanding competition resulting in significant numbers of facial fractures. There has been a trend of decreased incidence of facial fractures in the AFL from 2006 to 2008. This trend may be attributable to an AFL rule change, which occurred during the study period. Further injury recording could give a more accurate representation of the impact that future AFL rule changes have.
Pathologies of the appendix: a 10‐year review of 4670 appendicectomy specimens
Authors: Chandrasegaram Manju D. , Rothwell Lincoln A. , An Ethan I. , Miller Rose J.
Published: August 2012

Background

Debate surrounds the management of the macroscopically normal appendix. Current literature recommends its removal given the high incidence of microscopic appendicitis, and other unusual pathologies in the normal‐looking appendix. Negative appendicectomies are reported on the decline with increased use of diagnostic radiological adjuncts.

Methods

This study analysed pathologies of the appendix over 10 years in the Pathology Department in Canberra. A positive appendicectomy was defined as acute appendicitis, faecoliths, worms, endometriosis or appendiceal tumours. We reviewed the positive appendicectomy rate over this time period.

Results

There were 4670 appendicectomy specimens in 2386 males (51.1%) and 2284 (49%) females. The incidence of acute appendicitis was 71.3% and the positive appendicectomy rate was 76.3%. There were significantly fewer negative appendicectomies in males (16.8%) compared with females (31.0%). There was no appreciable change in this trend over the study period. Of the positive appendicectomies, there were 129 (3.6%) faecoliths. Of these, only 39.5% had concomitant appendicitis. There were 44 (1.2%) specimens identified with worms. Of these, 40.9% had concomitant appendicitis. There were 14 cases of endometriosis of the appendix of which 36% had concomitant appendicitis. There were 58/3562 (1.6%) appendiceal tumours within the positive appendicectomy group the majority of which were carcinoid tumours (65.5%).

Conclusion

There is a higher incidence of negative appendicectomies in women compared with men, which is similar to other published studies. Faecoliths and worms are a known cause of appendiceal colic and in our series were identified mostly in the absence of histological evidence of appendicitis.
Lateral cervical cysts: anAustralian perspective
Authors: Veivers David , Dent James
Published: August 2012

Background

Correctly identifying the aetiology of lateral cervical cysts poses a diagnostic challenge commonly encountered by head and neck surgeons. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effectiveness of current investigatory techniques used in the diagnosis of these masses.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients presenting to a singleSydneyHead andNeckUnit between 2000 and 2010 with the diagnosis of a lateral cervical cyst was performed. Patients with a clinically evident primary malignancy were excluded from the study. Results of their clinical assessment and any investigations performed were compared with pathology after surgical excision.

Results

Forty‐seven patients met the inclusion criteria. Twelve of the 47 masses showed squamous cell carcinoma on histology post‐operatively. The remainder of the masses (35 out of 47) were histologically diagnosed as branchial cleft cysts. Of the malignant tumours, 4 of 12 (33%) were correctly identified before cyst removal. Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA)was performed in 37 of the 47 patients, with a sensitivity of 25% and a specificity of 96.6%. Notably, a false‐positive result was obtained fromFNAin a patient who had a final diagnosis of branchial cyst after modified radical neck dissection. The rate of malignancy in patients aged over 40 years (44%) was higher than that of the total group (25.5%) and significantly higher than that of patients aged below 40 years (0%).

Conclusions

Current techniques in the investigation of cystic neck masses are suboptimal in their accuracy. Clinical evaluation and, in particular, thorough examination of the oropharynx directly and by fibre‐optic nasendoscopy will often reveal the presence of a primary cancer when present. Care must always be taken in the evaluation of such lesions to maximize the likelihood of making the correct diagnosis.
Somatostatin varicosities contain the vesicular GABA transporter and contact orexin neurons in the hypothalamus
Authors: Toossi Hanieh , Del Cid‐Pellitero Esther , Stroh Thomas , Jones Barbara E.
Published: August 2012

Somatostatin (SST) is a neuropeptide with known inhibitory actions in the hypothalamus, where it inhibits release of growth hormone‐releasing hormone (GHRH), while also influencing the sleep–wake cycle. Here we investigated in the rat whether SST neurons might additionally release GABA (gamma‐aminobutyric acid) or glutamate in different regions and whether they might contact orexin neurons that play an important role in the maintenance of wakefulness. In dual‐immunostained sections viewed by epifluorescence microscopy, we examined if SST varicosities were immunopositive for the vesicular transporter for GABA (VGAT) or glutamate (VGLUT2) in the posterolateral hypothalamus and neighboring arcuate nucleus and median eminence. Of the SST varicosities in the posterolateral hypothalamus, 18% were immunopositive for VGAT, whereas ≤ 1% were immunopositive for VGLUT2. In the arcuate and median eminence, 26 and 64% were VGAT+ and < 3% VGLUT2 + , respectively. In triple‐immunostained sections viewed by epifluorescence and confocal microscopy, SST varicosities were seen in contact with orexin somata, and of these varicosities, a significant proportion (23%) contained VGAT along with synaptophysin, the presynaptic marker for small synaptic vesicles, and a similar proportion (25%) abutted puncta that were immunostained for gephyrin, the postsynaptic marker for GABAergic synapses. Our results indicate that a significant proportion of SST varicosities in the hypothalamus have the capacity to release GABA, to form inhibitory synapses upon orexin neurons, and accordingly through their peptide and/or amino acid, to inhibit orexin neurons, as well as GHRH neurons. Thus while regulating GHRH release, SST neurons could serve to attenuate arousal and permit progression through the sleep cycle.
Trait desirability and cultural difference in the better‐than‐average effect
Authors: Lee Jongtaek
Published: August 2012

The present study examined whether cultural differences in the better‐than‐average effect (the tendency to view oneself as better than average) would vary with trait desirability and used Koreans and Americans as representatives of East Asian and Western cultures, respectively. In Study 1, the author found that the magnitude of cultural difference in the better‐than‐average effect varied between Americans and Koreans. Specifically, Korean participants failed to exhibit the better‐than‐average effect for any negative trait. In contrast, Americans tended to display the better‐than‐average effect more than Koreans, and cultural difference was greater for negative traits than for positive traits. In Study 2 as a conceptual replication of Study 1, it was also found that the magnitude of cultural difference in the better‐than‐average effect was significantly and negatively correlated with trait desirability. In Study 3 to pin down the underlying mechanism that gives rise to cultural differences, it was found that while the self‐effacing orientation of the modesty norm mediates the cross‐cultural difference, the other‐enhancing orientation moderates it.
Facebook as a learning tool? A case study on the appropriation of social network sites from mobile phones in developing countries
Authors: Pimmer Christoph , Linxen Sebastian , Gröhbiel Urs
Published: August 2012

This exploratory research investigates how students and professionals use social network sites (SNSs) in the setting of developing and emerging countries. Data collection included focus groups consisting of medical students and faculty as well as the analysis of a Facebook site centred on medical and clinical topics. The findings show how users, both students and professionals, appropriate SNSs from their mobile phones as rich educational tools in informal learning contexts. First, unlike in previous studies, the analysis revealed explicit forms of educational content embedded in informal learning contexts in Facebook. Quizzes, case presentations and associated deliberate (e‐)learning practices which are typically found in (more) formal educational settings were identified. Second, from a sociocultural learning perspective, it is shown how the participation in such virtual professional communities across national boundaries permits the announcement and negotiation of occupational status and professional identities.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

Social network sites (SNSs) support education‐related learning practices.

What this paper adds

Learners appropriate SNSs sites from their mobiles as tools for a wide range of educational practices in informal learning contexts in developing/emerging countries.

The (e‐)learning practices identified include deliberate engagement by users with explicit forms of educational content such as quizzes and case presentations as well as participation in virtual professional communities that allows for the announcement and negotiation of occupational status and professional identities.

Such technologies permit the students' educational engagement beyond local communities and facilitate loose connections to professional networks.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Overhasty claims regarding the more systematic use or the integration of such informal (e‐)learning in formal educational settings to support education and health in developing countries should be avoided. Instead, more systematic research is needed.
Questioning the character and significance of convergence between social network and professional practices in teacher education
Authors: Turvey Keith
Published: August 2012

This paper captures and characterises the interplay between a group of student teachers’ narratives of social network practice and their emergent professional practice with technologies. Teachers on an Initial Teacher Education programme in the UK spent a semester studying a module that synthesised university‐based lectures with a professional intervention using online communications technologies in a local primary school involving a class of 30 children (8–10 years). A narrative methodology was developed to capture and conceptualise the teachers’ perceptions of the experience. Teachers’ dispositions towards the appropriation of technologies were found to be as ubiquitous across social network and professional contexts as the technological tools themselves. However, the distinctly nuanced ways in which the teachers experienced the process of convergence raises questions with regard to the significance of such convergence and how we both capture and characterise convergence as a technological, cultural or agent‐centred process. The findings support the need for an agent‐centred view of convergence embedded within the wider socio‐cultural ecology that incorporates individuals’ engagement with media and social network practices.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

The development of professional practice and pedagogy with new technologies is a complex process.

Teachers’ professional learning with new technologies is mediated by wider socio‐cultural contexts and the affordances of technologies.

What this paper adds

This paper provides fine‐grained empirical evidence of some of the ways in which professionals exert user agency over the technological tools they appropriate in their professional practice.

A new narrative ecology methodology to make sense of how teachers might incorporate social networking technologies into their professional development and practice.

Implications for practice and/or policy

The need to recognise the significance of user agency in the ways in which technologies are appropriated into professional practice.
The five central psychological challenges facing effective mobile learning
Authors: Terras Melody M. , Ramsay Judith
Published: August 2012

Web 2.0 technology not only offers the opportunity of massively parallel interconnected networks that support the provision of information and communication anytime and anywhere but also offers immense opportunities for collaboration and sharing of user‐generated content. This information‐rich environment may support both formal and informal learning. The increasing use of mobile technology affords additional opportunities to utilise this learning potential from any location and even when on the move. In this paper, we identify five important psychological challenges learners may encounter when using mobile devices for mobile learning. We argue that mobile learning theorists, practitioners and developers alike must be aware of the five challenges and aim to address them to maximise the potential of mobile learning.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

The educational potential ofWeb 2.0 technology is yet to be realised.

Mobile technology is becoming increasingly widespread and offers immense opportunities for learning.

Psychological theory and research has contributed to the characterisation and resolution of numerous applied problems in educational and technological contexts.

What this paper adds

Identification of five important psychological challenges posed by the mobile learning experience.

A characterisation of the resultant skill set required by learners to maximise the potential of mobile learning.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Learning tasks and materials should be sensitive to the five psychological challenges of the mobile learning experience.

To maximise the learning potential ofWeb 2.0 technology, learners must possess the appropriate profile of psychological (both cognitive and psychosocial) skills.
Vogt, W Paul et al (2012) When to use what research designGuilford Press (New York, and Routledge, London) isbn978‐1‐4625‐0353‐7 378 pp £26.99http://www.guilford.com/cgi‐bin/cartscript.cgi?page=pr/vogt.htm&dir=research/res_tech&cart_id=614506.1286
Authors: Cowan John
Published: August 2012

As their title claims, the writers concentrate on clear advice about how and when to choose particular research methods. They do so in a scholarly and well‐ordered coverage that is extensive, thorough, useful … and, in this full detail, unusual in educational literature. Everyone contemplating research—whether undergraduate, postgraduate or experienced researcher—should obtain, consult and use their own personal copy.

John Cowan
Creemers, Bert P M & Kyriakides, Leonardas (2012) Improving quality in educationRoutledge (New York & London) isbn978‐0‐415‐54874‐8 301 pp £28.99http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415548748/
Authors: Leece David I
Published: August 2012

The aim of the book is to promote an evidence‐based and theory‐driven approach to school improvement. While it targets all professionals working in education, it could be argued that officials in education policy, academics, and school management teams would gain most from reading it. Indeed, if this book's content is likely to be relevant, you should arrange to borrow a copy for a time.

David I Leece
Millis, Barbara J ed (2010) Cooperative learning in higher educationStylus (Sterling VA, & Eurospan, London) isbn978‐1‐57922‐329‐8 233 pp £20.50http://stylus.styluspub.com/books/BookDetail.aspx?productID=187885
Authors: Dettori Giuliana
Published: August 2012

This interesting book aims to provide tools, pedagogical support, and inspiration to enable higher education teachers to implement cooperative teaching and learning approaches effectively, so as to lead their students to engage in stimulating problem solving activities and by this means develop critical thinking and deep learning. If this book's content is likely to be relevant to what you do, I strongly suggest you borrow a copy.

Giuliana Dettori
Noyce, Pendred E & Hickey, Daniel T ed (2011) New frontiers in formative assessmentHarvard Education (Cambridge MA & Eurospan, London) isbn978‐1‐61250‐117‐8 264 pp £24.50http://www.hepg.org/hep/book/151
Authors: Cowan John
Published: August 2012

Contributions here display on‐going work in the US on formative assessment in schools, over a variety of discipline areas and student ages. Considerable use is reported of innovative technology to obtain and present the data to which teachers, and sometimes students, then respond. Reading this book will provide rewarding stimulus for those who value supporting student learning: therefore, borrow a copy for a while, if its content is likely to be relevant.

John Cowan
RELIGION AND SCIENCE THROUGH THE AGES: RESPONSE TO MARANGUDAKIS
Authors: Caiazza John
Published: August 2012

Abstract This paper is in response to an article by Professor Marangudakis in Zygon in which he presented a “grand narrative” that predicted the coming of a new “axial age” (Marangudakis, 2012). In his article, Marangudakis criticized parts of my article in Zygon, “Athens, Jerusalem and the Arrival of Techno‐Secularism” (Caiazza, 2005). Two issues separate us: first, whether the Athens/Jerusalem dilemma can or should be overcome in a new axial age, and second, how benign future technological developments will be. Marangudakis thinks that the Athens/Jerusalem dichotomy will be overcome, whereas I think that the dichotomy should and will persist in future ages. I am suspicious of the future effects of current technologies, since they give political elites increased control over the individual, while Marangudakis generally applauds the new technologies (especially biotechnology). The Athens/Jerusalem dichotomy arises as an inevitable part of monotheistic religious belief.
CHRIST AND EVOLUTION: A DRAMA OF WISDOM?1
Authors: Deane‐Drummond Celia
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis paper argues that a genuine engagement of Christianity with evolution needs to include a discussion of Christology. Further, it develops a particular approach to Christology through a theo‐dramatic account of incarnation. The somewhat static post‐Chalcedon theological categories of divine and human natures are hard to square with contemporary evolutionary accounts of human origins. Once the divine Logos is portrayed in the active categories of Wisdom it becomes easier to envisage divine and creaturely wisdom coexisting in the person of Christ. I argue, in particular, that a focus on God's agency through a modified version of Hans Urs von Balthasar's account of theo‐drama invites participation and affirms human agency in a way that grand narratives do not. More particularly, drawing on examples from hominid evolution, contemporary discussion of paleontology and cooperative evolutionary theories, I suggest that the most convincing accounts of evolutionary biology fit into this theo‐dramatic account more readily than alternatives. As such, in the spirit of Robert Boyle, this paper deliberately blurs the categories of revealed and natural theology by arguing that we can make sense of the former through concentration on the latter.
WISING UP: THE EVOLUTION OF NATURAL THEOLOGY
Authors: Shults F. LeRon
Published: August 2012

Abstract This essay is in response to Professor Celia Deane‐Drummond's 2012 Boyle lectures. The first part calls attention to the value and significance of her “sophianic theo‐drama hypothesis” for the contemporary engagement between Christian theology and evolutionary science. In a sense, her proposal itself is a religious “adaptation” to changes within an international, interdisciplinary academic environment. The second part of the essay explores the rapidly shrinking “niche” of Christian natural theology and briefly summarizes an alternative set of hypotheses from the biocultural sciences of religion.
SCIENCE AND THE HINDU TRADITION: COMPATIBILITY OR CONFLICT?
Authors: Gosling David L.
Published: August 2012

Abstract While much has been written about science and the Abrahamic religious traditions, there is little about the Hindu tradition and science. We examine two recent authors who have explored the relationship between the two, in one case across the full spectrum of Indian history, and in the other with a specific focus on the Bhāgavata Purāṇa, a ninth‐ to eleventh‐century CE document centered on the Lord Krishna.

These two publications are compared with a symposium of articles by scientists and scholars of the Hindu tradition that consider both science and religion heuristically in terms of “knowing the unknowable.” Each contribution explores this concept in accordance with the scientific or religious topic's internal self‐understanding, without any cross‐fertilization (“cherry picking”) across the boundaries.

Finally, we consider the author's own approach, which is intermediate between the previous mentioned in that it reviews the work of Hindu scientists who shaped the course of their research in accordance with their Vedāntic beliefs. These include Satyendra Nath Bose, who collaborated with Einstein on his quest for a unified field theory, and gave his name to a class of fundamental particles called bosons.
GROWING UP AMID THE RELIGION AND SCIENCE AFFAIR: A PERSPECTIVE FROM INDOLOGY
Authors: Ellis Thomas B.
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis article identifies the tropes of “maturity” and “immaturity” in the dialogue between religion and science. On both sides of the aisle, authors charge, either directly or indirectly, that their dissenting interlocutors are not mature enough to see the value of their respective positions. Such accusations have recently emerged in discussions pertaining to Hindu theology, Indology, and science. Those who dismiss the substance dualism of Hindu yoga, according to Jonathan B. Edelmann, evince immaturity. Appeals to Hindu yoga are yet one more appeal to religious experience. Indeed, what we find in Edelmann's text is an appeal to appreciate the private, unverifiable—or falsifiable, for that matter—“insights” of Hindu yogis. Yogic experience is interminably steeped in motivated perception and confirmation bias. There is simply no good evidence or rational argument to take yogic claims seriously. Insofar as that is the case, Indology must achieve consilience with the natural and human sciences, remaining thereby reductive of such supernatural claims.
THE ROLE OF HINDU THEOLOGY IN THE RELIGION AND SCIENCE DIALOGUE
Authors: Edelmann Jonathan B.
Published: August 2012

Abstract I respond to three articles about my book, Hindu Theology and Biology, from David Gosling, Thomas Ellis, and Varadaraja Raman. I attempt to clarify misconceptions about Hindu intellectual history and the science and religion dialogue. I discuss the role of Hindu theologies in the contemporary world in response to the three articles, each of which highlights important areas of future research. I suggest that Hindu theology should be a critical discipline in which Hindu authors are interpreted in their own terms and in conversation with contemporary authors. I argue that Hinduism and science can find an intellectual space between New Atheism (which denies the intellectual value of religion) and Neo‐Hinduism (which neglects the critical discourse within the history of Hindu thought).
OPTIMAL TWO‐PART TARIFF LICENSING CONTRACTS WITH DIFFERENTIATED GOODS AND ENDOGENOUS R&D*
Authors: FAULÍ‐OLLER RAMON , GONZÁLEZ XULIA , SANDONÍS JOEL
Published: August 2012

In this paper we derive the optimal two‐part tariff contract for the licensing of a cost‐reducing innovation to a differentiated goods industry of a general size. We analyze the cases where the patentee is an independent laboratory or an incumbent firm. We show that, regardless of the number of firms, the degree of product differentiation and the type of patentee, the innovation is licensed to all firms. Moreover, we endogenize research and development (R&D) investment and obtain that an internal patentee invests more (less) in R&D when the technological opportunity is low (high), which is supported by an empirical test using data on R&D expenditures of Spanish manufacturing firms.
STATUS IN A CANONICAL MACRO MODEL: LABOUR SUPPLY, GROWTH AND INEQUALITY*
Authors: TSOUKIS CHRISTOPHER , TOURNEMAINE FRÉDÉRIC
Published: August 2012

We introduce status in a standard (‘canonical’) macro model of growth and distribution. Status is introduced in a flexible way that allows for intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, loss aversion, heterogeneity in motives and inequality aversion. We incorporate such considerations in the model and derive implications for growth, inequality and labour supply. We review empirical evidence related to these variables, and show that the predictions of the model with status are consistent with these observations. Thus, status can offer a rich set of new explanations related to important empirical patterns.
ASSESSING THE ENDOGENEITY OF OCA CONDITIONS IN EMU*
Authors: VIEIRA CARLOS , VIEIRA ISABEL
Published: August 2012

The academic and political discussion about which countries met the conditions for joining the Economic and Monetary Union was decisively influenced by the Frankel and Rose (European Economic Review, Vol. 41, Nos 3–5, (1997) pp. 753–760) hypothesis concerning endogenous optimum currency areas (OCA) properties. The answer to their question ‘Is EMU more justifiable ex post than ex ante?’ was a definite yes in their ex ante analysis. Our ex post examination of the euro's first decade suggests however that the hypothesis does not hold for some countries. This paper utilizes panel data estimation techniques to compute OCA indices that help assess the OCA endogeneity hypothesis and signal current external and fiscal imbalances.
JOB CUTS, JOB GUARANTEES AND UNIONS*
Authors: WHITE MICHAEL , BRYSON ALEX
Published: August 2012

Using unique nationally representative workplace data this paper shows that unionization increased the probability of within‐workplace job cuts and the incidence of job security guarantees. As theory predicts, both are more prevalent among market‐sector workplaces with higher union density and multi‐unionism. In the public sector, levels of unionization affect only job security guarantees, not job cuts. Explanations are developed in terms of union bargaining power and union voice services.
CAN MACRO‐PRUDENTIAL REGULATION REDUCE FINANCIAL INSTABILITY?
Authors: FOOT MICHAEL
Published: August 2012

The author traces the development of the term ‘macro‐prudential policy’ since it was first coined three decades ago. He considers whether the UK Government's planned reforms of the financial regulatory system mean that future threats to UK financial stability are likely to be identified earlier and better than has been the case hitherto. He concludes that there are a number of requirements that the UK Government and the Bank of England will have to fulfill if the reforms are to have that effect and that the scope for action in the UK is inevitably determined in part by similar exercises internationally.
A NOTE ON INFRASTRUCTURE EXPENDITURE, UNCERTAINTY AND GROWTH*
Authors: ECHEVARRIA CRUZ A.
Published: August 2012

This note extends the Barro (Journal of Political Economy, Vol. 98 (1990), No. 5 part II, pp. S103–S125) model to a two‐period, OLG economy with aggregate uncertainty. We show that the government sizes maximizing average growth and individual welfare in a market economy coincide and are not affected by the introduction of uncertainty. The maximum average growth rate, however, does depend on the aggregate uncertainty, the individuals' risk aversion and how the intertemporal elasticity of substitution compares with one. Individual welfare is lower in the stochastic economy. Failing to include uncertainty overestimates the effect of changes in the government size.
Movement patterns and habitat selection of invasive African sharptooth catfish
Authors: Kadye W. T. , Booth A. J.
Published: August 2012

Information on the movement behaviour and habitat use by non‐native invasive African catfish Clarias gariepinus is crucial in understanding and possibly mitigating its potential impacts. The aim of this study was to examine catfish movement and habitat selection within an invaded impoundment in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Acoustic telemetry data for 10 tagged catfish were analyzed to identify spatial patterns in home ranges and seasonal changes in habitat associations. Long‐distance movements were observed for most catfish from common central release point, whereas short‐distance movements defined their home ranges and utilization distributions that were categorized as localized within single or multiple habitats. Habitat selection was non‐random with most catfish utilizing the shallow river mouth and upper section of the reservoir that were dominated by a rocky substratum interspersed with submerged trees. These localities were likely to be preferred for spawning and/or feeding. Utilization of these habitats by catfish is likely to be associated with probable impact due to predation and interference competition for feeding and breeding grounds with other species. Although most catfish maintained their home ranges throughout the study, seasonal shifts in habitat use, which was reflected by the utilization of deep and silt‐dominated habitats, were also observed for some catfish. Non‐random habitat use and homing behaviour within single and multiple habitats by non‐native sharptooth catfish suggests that its impact within the invaded habitats may be associated with particular habitats both at broad spatial and temporal scales. Protection of habitats from catfish invasion should be considered as a management option to conserve native biota.