Knowledge For Practical Purposes Research Articles

Autophagy and its effects: making sense of double-edged swords.

Autophagy is the mechanism by which cellular material is delivered to lysosomes and degraded. This process has become a major focus of biological and biomedical research with thousands of papers published each year and rapidly growing appreciation that autophagy affects many normal and pathological processes. However, as we learn more about this evolutionarily ancient process, we are discovering that autophagy's effects may work for both the good and the bad of an organism. Here, I discuss some of these context-dependent findings and how, as we make sense of them, we can try to apply our knowledge for practical purposes.

Abnormal epidermal barrier in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis

Despite the acknowledged contributions of a defective epidermal permeability barrier, dryness of the skin, and the propensity to develop secondary infections to the etiology and pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis (AD), these epidermal changes have, until recently, been assumed to reflect downstream consequences that are secondary phenomena of the primary immunologic abnormality—the historical “inside-outside” view that AD is basically an intrinsic inflammatory disease.In this review, we focused on the role of the epidermal barrier function in the pathophysiology of AD. Specifically, we presented data in support of a barrier-initiated pathogenesis of AD, ie, the “outside-inside” concept. First, we reviewed the evidence on the existence of inherited barrier abnormalities in AD. Reported studies on the possible association of mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) and data on human tissue kallikreins (KLKs) and AD have been addressed. We then dealt with the question of the causal link between impaired epidermal barrier and inflammation. Finally, the association between innate immune defense system and the increased avidity of Staphylococcus aureus for atopic skin was examined.Despite very convincing evidence to support the barrier-initiated pathogenesis of AD, the view that AD reflects the downstream consequences of a primary immunologic abnormality cannot be dismissed out of hand. Almost every line of evidence in support of the role of the epidermal barrier as the “driver” of the disease activity can be challenged and at least partially contradicted by opposing evidence.Until more data are available and until all the dust settles around this issue, we should take advantage of what we already know and use our knowledge for practical purposes. Deployment of specific strategies to restore the barrier function in AD means the use of moisturizers as first-line therapy.

Teaching the Practice of Geology and Communication Using John Mcphee's Books

To increase public awareness about the relationship of geology to economic and social issues, we need to teach students how to communicate with a nonscientific audience. Also, we need to introduce students to the practice of geology. John McPhee's four books — Basin and Range, In Suspect Terrain, Rising from the Plains, and Assembling California (now compiled as Annals of the Former World) — all present scientific endeavor through the eyes of a practicing geologist. One of the compelling reasons for using McPhee's books is that he is writing from the point of view of a learner. We selected readings and developed guidelines for students to think about McPhee's geologic points and his writing techniques. One of our selections is from In Suspect Terrain and shows McPhee touring the Delaware Water Gap outcrops. Based on written responses, all the students in a historical geology course enjoyed the selection, and as one student explained: “It would be safe to say that this was the most interesting geology article I've read, because it was very descriptive and the story flowed so well.” Students seemed especially responsive to seeing geologists use their knowledge for practical purposes, and they realized the importance of improving their communication skills.

Some thoughts on the education of optical waveguide engineers

It is difficult to discuss education in optical waveguides in specific terms. Details of a course will depend on whether it is at undergraduate or postgraduate level, for technicians or as a form of re-education for practising engineers. The initial knowledge of the students is also of importance and this will depend on the country - the university systems in England and China, for example, will be rather different. In view of these difficulties you may ask, therefore, why I should say anything at all about the topic and the answer to this question is twofold. Firstly I have been asked to say something - but this is only a necessary, and not a sufficient, condition. Secondly, there are a number of fundamental principles which can be proposed for the education of all engineers and others who apply their knowledge for practical purposes. I propose to concentrate on these fundamentals, leaving the discussion of specific proposals to other speakers.