Investigating the Role of FGF8 Signaling in Neurogenesis of the Developing Zebrafish Eye

In the embryonic zebrafish, the fibroblast growth factor 8a (FGF8) signaling network is essential for proper development and maintenance of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) as well as the hyaloid vasculature, the vessels that supply the eye with nutrients during development. Disruption of FGF8 signaling via knock down of FGF8 or pharmacologic inhibition of FGF receptors (FGFRs) results in extensive abnormalities throughout the developing eye. Our preliminary data indicated that in developing zebrafish, mRNA expression of fgf8a is present exclusively in the RGCs, while the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (fgfr1b) is expressed exclusively in the area of the hyaloid vasculature. These results led us to hypothesize that FGF8 signals from the RGCs to the vasculature of the developing eye, and that this signaling network is essential for proper eye development. In order to test this hypothesis, we demonstrated the ability to detect downstream phosphorylation events in response to acute FGF8 stimulation in cells that expressed FGFR1 using Western blot and immunofluorescence (IF). Next, we established a zebrafish eye explant culture system to treat the cells of the developing zebrafish eye in vitro. Using transgenic zebrafish lines expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) tags in either the differentiating RGCs or the vascular cells of the eye, we attempted to identify the specific cells capable of responding to FGF8. Our data indicate that recombinant FGF8 is capable of activating detectable intracellular signaling cascades, such as ERK phosphorylation, in cultured endothelial cells. Furthermore, FGF8 is capable of inducing signaling in some of the cells from the developing zebrafish eye, but not in the RGCs. These findings support our proposed model in which FGF8 signals from the RGCs to the hyaloid vasculature, resulting in the activation of signaling pathways that are necessary for proper development of the hyaloid vasculature and RGCs

Present status and future prospects for NASA's program in geodynamics

An overview of NASA's involvement in developing systems for precise determination of polar motion, earth rotation, and position on the earth's surface is given. The observational methods discussed are laser ranging to the moon and to artificial satellites, and very long baseline microwave interferometry. A plan for a geodynamics program to apply space technology to research in earth dynamics is outlined

Examining problem-solving interpretations: The role of age, sex, and femininity

The current study examined age and sex differences in communal interpretations (statements focusing on the needs of others), and whether participants\u27 femininity mediated these differences. One hundred and ninety six participants, 121 younger adults (M=19.26, SD=131: 53 M, 68 F) and 75 older adults (M=73.74, SD=7.65: 36 M, 39 F), were given a vignette regarding a hypothetical job relocation problem that involved either a male or female protagonist. To assess interpretations, participants were asked to indicate all the issues to be considered. The degree to which interpretations reflected communal concerns was coded. Results showed that women had higher communal interpretation scores and higher femininity means than did men in the study. Femininity was not demonstrated as a mediator of age and sex differences in communal interpretations. Implications for understanding how interpretations may affect the problem-solving process and implications for future research are discussed

Age and sex differences in everyday problem-solving goals and strategies for work and caregiving vignettes

The current study examined how age and sex of participants, gender stereotype roles for the protagonist, and domain of the problem influenced the generation of problem-solving goals and strategies. One hundred and seventeen participants, 136 younger adults (M= 19 .22, SD = 1.30:58 M, 78 F) and 81 older adults (M= 73.17, SD = 7.76:38 M, 43 F) were given two hypothetical vignettes, one in the work domain, and one in the caregiving domain. Responses were coded for other-focused goals and interpersonally-oriented strategies. A 2 (age) x 2 (sex) x 2 (form type) x 2 (domain) MANOVA indicated two significant three-way interactions for interpersonally-oriented strategies: domain by strategy by sex and strategy by age by sex. Results indicated that the reporting of discussion strategies varied by domain, Wilks\u27 Lambda = .806, F(1,212) = 51.10, p\u3c.001, and for the work domain, men were more likely to report seeking support strategies than women, F(1,212) = 9.21, p\u3c.003,eta2 = .04. When collapsed across domain, the only significant result indicated that older men were more likely to report discussion strategies than younger men, t(92) = -3.59, p\u3c.001. Finally, only domain differences emerged for other focused goals, Wilks\u27 Lambda = .941, F(1,202) = 12.75, p\u3c.001.Results indicate some age and sex differences in strategies, primarily by domain, however other-focused goals did not serve as a mediator of these differences. Implications for understanding the problem solving research methodology (i.e., self-generated problems vs. fixed problems) are discussed

THE EDUCATIONAL IMPACTS OF TUBEROUS SCLEROSIS COMPLEX

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder that causes tumours to grow throughout the body. This can have serious consequences for individuals affected throughout their lifetime. People with TSC are affected by this disorder in terms of their medical health, cognitive and behavioural functioning. There is currently no research in the literature addressing the educational profile, needs, or cognitive profile from an educational framework of children with TSC. As children with TSC move through the education system, a number of issues can potentially affect their educational success. This qualitative research study examined the educational impacts of TSC on children currently in the education system. The aim of the study was to gain an understanding of practices that are facilitating success in these children’s educational experience and specific deficits commonly experienced. In depth, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 10 parents of children with TSC (in Grades 1 thru 8), and 6 of their teachers/educational assistants (EAs). Academic, social and medical findings and their implications are discussed

Justice for the 96!

Andrew Flinn and Wendy M. Duff examine the three-decades long struggle for public access to records of the 1989 Hillsborough Disaster, the worst stadium disaster in British history that resulted in the deaths of 96 individuals. They draw on interviews, public lectures, and records to investigate what was known and accepted about the disaster across time to understand the role archival records played in identifying the actions of the various actors. Their narrative demonstrates how the versions of events long promoted by the police, other public authorities, and sections of the media that blamed the victims were ultimately discredited. They highlight that the long and painful struggle for greater access to the record was a critical prerequisite for two distinct steps in a larger path toward justice: firstly, discursive justice, or modifying the public narrative and exonerating the victims of blame for their own suffering, and secondly, retributive justice in the form of legal judgment against the police and other officials responsible for public safety

Freedom of Information and records management in local government: help or hindrance?

Research into the impact of the UK Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 on records management services in public authorities, especially in local government was carried out by the Department of Information Studies at UCL in 2008–2009, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. The project considered the inter-relationship between records management and freedom of information, and examined the co-operation and partnerships needed in order to maximise the benefits of freedom of information. The first phase of the research was an extensive literature review, focusing on freedom of information and records management in the UK. This was followed by qualitative research using semi-structured interviews to gather rich data from council officials responsible for the provision of records management, information governance and freedom of information functions, complemented by interviews with requestors, to provide an outsider's perspective. The article reports on the position of records management in local government prior to 2000s drawing on the literature, outlines the research findings on FOI and records management policy and practice in local government, and concludes by considering the perspective of requestors and users of the FOIA as engaged citizens