Extremal metrics for the Q′{Q}^\prime-curvature in three dimensions

We construct contact forms with constant $Q^\prime$-curvature on compact three-dimensional CR manifolds which admit a pseudo-Einstein contact form and satisfy some natural positivity conditions. These contact forms are obtained by minimizing the CR analogue of the $II$-functional from conformal geometry. Two crucial steps are to show that the $P^\prime$-operator can be regarded as an elliptic pseudodifferential operator and to compute the leading order terms of the asymptotic expansion of the Green's function for $\sqrt{P^\prime}$.Comment: Final version; Corrects minor typos; This is an announcement of the main results of arXiv:1511.05013; 5 page

E-learning

E-learning as a term and its application in the support of learning has evolved considerably over the last ten or more years. This evolution comes from a noticeably different approach to learning by early adopters, as dictated by the technology of the time.In order to bring the reader up to date with the role and use of e-learning and its associated technologies this article will review the meaning of e-learning as it evolved from little more than reading electronic books to today's concept of 'anytime anywhere' learning supported by the Web. It will attempt to clarify some of the confusing terminology surrounding e-learning and provide a basic introduction to some types of technology used to support learning. In addition some examples of the use of e-learning within the physical sciences will also be reviewed along with some pointers to current publications and national initiatives for up to date information about how e-learning is being used in higher education

Using assistive technology in the classroom

The use of technology is now ubiquitous in Higher Education but its use or application to promote student inclusivity is not always well recognised. The use of existing software or hardware with a little more thought can often bring serendipitous benefits for a range of students. The JISC funded service, TechDis (www.techdis.ac.uk) offer periodic funding under its HEAT (Higher Education Assistive Technologies) scheme to promote the use of technology for inclusive teaching. TechDis says that ‘The aim of this scheme is to provide staff working in HE... with technology ... with which to develop or uncover an aspect of good inclusive practice. This may be specific to the teaching of a particular discipline, supporting a specific role area, or may have more generic applicability across the sector’. This article will discuss how TechDis funding was used with students to assess its potential benefits for inclusive teaching

Peer assessment

Peer assessment is the process whereby students provide formative or summative feedback to fellow students about their work. There have been many decades of research into the potential benefits of peer assessment and numerous studies have shown that peer assessment offers real educational, and sometimes social benefits for students. In addition, self assessment is often included alongside, but the benefits are sometimes disputed. This article will provide a brief summary of the research establishing the educational benefits of peer assessment and self assessment. There has also been a lot of work in recent years exploring the use of technology tosupport peer assessment. This work will be reviewed and recent examples of peer assessment in the physical sciences will be highlighted

Preface

This publication came about after discussions with Derek Raine at the University ofLeicester and staff at LTSN Physical Sciences. Derek was keen to see thedevelopment of a publication that enabled academics in the field to share ideas andgood practice for teaching and learning in the physical sciences.In addition to his research interests as a physicist Derek has a long standing interest in the development of good teaching and learning practice in the physical sciences.Derek is a member of the LTSN Physical Sciences Advisory Committee and recentlywon funding from phase 4 of the Fund for the Development of Teaching and Learning (FDTL). Derek’s project is entitled ‘Project LeAP’ and further information about this work can be found at http://www.le.ac.uk/leap

Genome informatics: advances in theory and practice

A report on the 20th International Conference on Genome Informatics, Yokohama, Japan, 14-16 December 2009

Rho-associated kinase signalling and the cancer microenvironment: novel biological implications and therapeutic opportunities

The Rho/ROCK pathway is involved in numerous pivotal cellular processes that have made it an area of intense study in cancer medicine, however, Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitors are yet to make an appearance in the clinical cancer setting. Their performance as an anti-cancer therapy has been varied in pre-clinical studies, however, they have been shown to be effective vasodilators in the treatment of hypertension and post-ischaemic stroke vasospasm. This review addresses the various roles the Rho/ROCK pathway plays in angiogenesis, tumour vascular tone and reciprocal feedback from the tumour microenvironment and explores the potential utility of ROCK inhibitors as effective vascular normalising agents. ROCK inhibitors may potentially enhance the delivery and efficacy of chemotherapy agents and improve the effectiveness of radiotherapy. As such, repurposing of these agents as adjuncts to standard treatments may significantly improve outcomes for patients with cancer. A deeper understanding of the controlled and dynamic regulation of the key components of the Rho pathway may lead to effective use of the Rho/ROCK inhibitors in the clinical management of cancer