Publishing data evidence to support educational technology claims [Editorial]

As is evident by this issue, JTATE publishes works that include rich data evidence, regardless of the method used in the research design. Detailed and careful research analyses, as well as purposeful design and construction of the write-up are critical to building a strong foundation of educational technology literature. Researchers in educational technology and technology and teacher education more specifically, who decide to follow a platinum standard for research publication, are strengthening and broadening the credibility of a relatively young field. The JTATE editors promote this line of thinking, encouraging editorial board members, reviewers, and authors to assist with this important goal

Guided-mode resonance biochip system for early detection of ovarian cancer

Biomedical Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials, & Medical Devices Poster SessionA high-accuracy, sensor system has been developed that provides near-instantaneous detection of biomarker proteins as indicators of ovarian serous papillary carcinoma. Based upon photonic guided-mode resonance technology, these high-resolution sensors employ multiple resonance peaks to rapidly test for relevant proteins in complex biological samples. This label-free sensor approach requires minimal sample processing and has the capability to measure multiple agents simultaneously and in real time. In this work, a sensor system that uses a fixed-wavelength source with a shaped input wavefront to auto-scan in angle has been developed. As binding events occur at the sensor surface, resonance reflection peak shifts are tracked as a function of incident angle on an integrated CMOS detector. The amount of angular shift is linearly correlated to the quantity of biomarker protein in a biological sample. Multiple resonance peaks provide increased detection information about the binding dynamics occurring at the sensor surface, thus decreasing false detection readings. Simultaneous detection of multiple biomarker proteins in parallel with sensitivities in the pM range contributes to the potential for differential real-time data analysis. A biochip system prototype has been developed and the system performance characterized. Identification and quantification of protein biomarkers that are up- or down- regulated in blood and serum as indicators of ovarian cancer will be presented

Rapid label-free diagnostics for biomedical applications using advances in optics nanotechnology

Translational Medicine and Nanoscience PanelA new highly sensitive sensor technology has the potential to simplify medical diagnostic tests by significantly reducing operation complexity compared to standard tests such as enzyme-linked immunoassays. Sensor elements are fabricated from low-cost polymers and pre-sensitized to detect an array of agents related to the disease. These elements are disposable and designed to operate tag-free using patient samples without pre- or post-chemical processing. Picomolar concentrations for a wide variety of analytes, including proteins, drugs, bacteria, viruses, and DNA can be measured. Additionally, the sensor system design utilizes low-power laser diodes and detector arrays in a compact format allowing for enhanced portability. The heart of this new sensor technology is the guided-mode resonance (GMR) effect that occurs in sub-wavelength waveguide gratings. When these sensors are illuminated with a light source, a specific wavelength of light is reflected at a particular angle. Interaction of a target analyte with a biochemical layer on the sensor surface yields measurable angular shifts that directly identify the binding event without additional processing or foreign tags. Since the resonance layer is polarization sensitive, separate resonance peaks occur for incident polarization states. This property provides cross-referenced data points that can be used to calibrate for variations such as temperature or sample background and to reduce the probability of false readings

International social work student exchange

This case study explores the nature and impact of an international student mobility initiative within Social Work and Human Services at James Cook University (JCU), in Northern Australia. This initiative sits within a discipline-wide program of internationalisation that aims to increase students’ understanding of the complex global context in which they will practice as social workers and to facilitate, motivate and empower them to contribute to the goals of global social justice, potentially as agents of social change. This mobility project is just one of a number of internationalisation activities undertaken by the discipline, including the development of international reciprocal partnerships, collaborative international conferences, international staff exchanges, and research and publication collaborations with international partners. In 2014, international student exchange experiences were incorporated into one elective unit in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree: WS2008: International Exchange, thus integrating the mobility project into the curriculum

Efficacy of combined peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α ligand and glucocorticoid therapy in a murine model of atopic dermatitis.

Although topical glucocorticoids (GCs) show potent anti-inflammatory activity in inflamed skin, they can also exert numerous harmful effects on epidermal structure and function. In contrast, topical applications of ligands of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) not only reduce inflammation but also improve cutaneous barrier homeostasis. Therefore, we examined whether sequential topical GCs followed by topical Wy14643 (a ligand of PPARα) might be more effective than either alone for atopic dermatitis (AD) in a hapten (oxazolone (Ox))-induced murine model with multiple features of AD (Ox-AD). Despite expected anti-inflammatory benefits, topical GC alone induced (i) epidermal thinning; (ii) reduced expression of involucrin, loricrin, and filaggrin; and (iii) allowed outside-to-inside penetration of an epicutaneous tracer. Although Wy14643 alone yielded significant therapeutic benefits in mice with mild or moderate Ox-AD, it was less effective in severe Ox-AD. Yet, topical application of Wy14643 after GC was not only significantly effective comparable with GC alone, but it also prevented GC-induced structural and functional abnormalities in permeability barrier homeostasis. Moreover, rebound flares were largely absent after sequential treatment with GC and Wy14643. Together, these results show that GC and PPARα ligand therapy together is not only effective but also prevents development of GC-induced side effects, including rebound flares, in murine AD