ICT and mathematics: a guide to learning and teaching mathematics 11-19

This report provides a review of ICT tools of particular relevance to mathematics education. The review cover a large range of hardware, software, and teaching materials including hardware for Whole class displays (data projectors, interactive whiteboards, TV adaptors, OHP pads), hand-held technology (such as calculators, graphical calculators, and other hand-held devices), "small" software programs (which address particular aspects of the mathematics curriculum), programming languages (such as Logo), general purpose software (such as spreadsheets, data-bases, word-processors), mathematics-specific software (such as graph plotters, dynamic geometry software, data-handling tools, computer algebra systems, integrated mathematics packages), and resources such as data-loggers, the Internet and CD-ROMS, digital image technology, and video conferencing. Also included is a section of advice on planning for the effective use of ICT in the teaching and learning of mathematics

Endocrine role of bone: Recent and emerging perspectives beyond osteocalcin

Recent developments in endocrinology, made possible by the combination of mouse genetics, integrative physiology and clinical observations have resulted in rapid and unanticipated advances in the field of skeletal biology. Indeed, the skeleton, classically viewed as a structural scaffold necessary for mobility, and regulator of calcium-phosphorus homoeostasis and maintenance of the haematopoietic niche has now been identified as an important regulator of male fertility and whole-body glucose metabolism, in addition to the classical insulin target tissues. These seminal findings confirm bone to be a true endocrine organ. This review is intended to detail the key events commencing from the elucidation of osteocalcin (OC) in bone metabolism to identification of new and emerging candidates that may regulate energy metabolism independently of OC

Investigation of a transitional wear model for wear and wear-type rail corrugation prediction

In this paper, a recently proposed mechanics-based model for the wear coefficient of rail steels is experimentally validated and implemented to obtain useful predictive wear models for some popular railway steels. The model is then implemented to investigate the feasibility of top of rail (TOR) friction modifiers (FMs) for wear-type rail corrugation control. The experimental results confirm the analytical prediction of the first transition (step change in value) of the wear coefficient based on known conditions of creep and load. The implementation of the model under dry and friction-modified conditions shows a substantial reduction in the wear coefficient from 1.6×10kg/Nm to 0.34×10kg/Nm, respectively. This along with an approximate 50% reduction in friction coefficient, is predicted to result in substantial decreases in corrugation growth rate and grinding costs of ∼20 times under the experimentally measured conditions of friction modifiers

Phospho1 deficiency transiently modifies bone architecture yet produces consistent modification in osteocyte differentiation and vascular porosity with ageing

PHOSPHO1 is one of principal proteins involved in initiating bone matrix mineralisation. Recent studies have found that Phospho1 KO mice (Phospho1-R74X) display multiple skeletal abnormalities with spontaneous fractures, bowed long bones, osteomalacia and scoliosis. These analyses have however been limited to young mice and it remains unclear whether the role of PHOSPHO1 is conserved in the mature murine skeleton where bone turnover is limited. In this study, we have used ex-vivo computerised tomography to examine the effect of Phospho1 deletion on tibial bone architecture in mice at a range of ages (5, 7, 16 and 34 weeks of age) to establish whether its role is conserved during skeletal growth and maturation. Matrix mineralisation has also been reported to influence terminal osteoblast differentiation into osteocytes and we have also explored whether hypomineralised bones in Phospho1 KO mice exhibit modified osteocyte lacunar and vascular porosity. Our data reveal that Phospho1 deficiency generates age-related defects in trabecular architecture and compromised cortical microarchitecture with greater porosity accompanied by marked alterations in osteocyte shape, significant increases in osteocytic lacuna and vessel number. Our in vitro studies examining the behaviour of osteoblast derived from Phospho1 KO and wild-type mice reveal reduced levels of matrix mineralisation and modified osteocytogenic programming in cells deficient in PHOSPHO1. Together our data suggest that deficiency in PHOSPHO1 exerts modifications in bone architecture that are transient and depend upon age, yet produces consistent modification in lacunar and vascular porosity. It is possible that the inhibitory role of PHOSPHO1 on osteocyte differentiation leads to these age-related changes in bone architecture. It is also intriguing to note that this apparent acceleration in osteocyte differentiation evident in the hypomineralised bones of Phospho1 KO mice suggests an uncoupling of the interplay between osteocytogenesis and biomineralisation. Further studies are required to dissect the molecular processes underlying the regulatory influences exerted by PHOSPHO1 on the skeleton with ageing