Reflexivity in Criminological Research

Chapter 1. This extract is taken from the author's original manuscript and has not been edited. The definitive, published, version of record is available here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/9781137379405 Reproduced with permission of Palgrave Macmillan

Corticotropin Releasing Factor-Induced CREB Activation in Striatal Neurons Occurs via a Novel Gβγ Signaling Pathway

The peptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) was initially identified as a critical component of the stress response. CRF exerts its cellular effects by binding to one of two cognate G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) or 2 (CRFR2). While these GPCRs were originally characterized as being coupled to Gαs, leading to downstream activation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) and subsequent increases in cAMP, it has since become clear that CRFRs couple to and activate numerous other downstream signaling cascades. In addition, CRF signaling influences the activity of many diverse brain regions, affecting a variety of behaviors. One of these regions is the striatum, including the nucleus accumbens (NAc). CRF exerts profound effects on striatal-dependent behaviors such as drug addiction, pair-bonding, and natural reward. Recent data indicate that at least some of these behaviors regulated by CRF are mediated through CRF activation of the transcription factor CREB. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the signaling pathway by which CRF activates CREB in striatal neurons. Here we describe a novel neuronal signaling pathway whereby CRF leads to a rapid Gβγ- and MEK-dependent increase in CREB phosphorylation. These data are the first descriptions of CRF leading to activation of a Gβγ-dependent signaling pathway in neurons, as well as the first description of Gβγ activation leading to downstream CREB phosphorylation in any cellular system. Additionally, these data provide additional insight into the mechanisms by which CRF can regulate neuronal function

An Organizational Perspective to the Creation of the Research Field

This paper describes insights from an ethnographic study aimed at understanding the uses and meanings of objects and domestic spaces in the daily practices of older adults. This work was inspired from the awareness that designing suitable domestic technologies which “fit” into seniors’ home environments requires a deep understanding of how elders arrange and give meanings to their domestic spaces and objects. The final goal of this research is to provide insights into the ways older people make sense of products and services in relation to their individual and social wellbeing at home. Further studies will address applicative implications regarding how to use these insights to design as innovative and as effective products and services. This research involved two hundred and forty one participants aged over 65 in Italy from different household situations (living alone, with others, in the family home) and in different social contexts (in rural and large urban areas). In-field observations were carried out at homes of the elderly and data were collected through narrative interviews, home tours (audio and video recorded), photographs of objects and environments and ethnographic field notes. Results showed that several elements at home become a choreography of “fondness objects” which support the remembrance (e.g. mementos) and keep the elderly company (e.g. TV and radio). These products are often related to past experiences and are “traces” of relationships which are no longer physically present were relevant in some periods of life. Ethnographic data return a clear picture of the elderly like people that actively organize their world starting from their strong need of relationships and selective remembering that supports their emotional lives. Implications and suggestions for designers are also discusse

Developmental and behavioral consequences of prenatal cocaine exposure: a review

Substance use among pregnant women continues to be a major public health concern, posing potential risk to their drug-exposed children as well as burdens on society. This review is intended to discuss the most recent literature regarding the association between in utero cocaine exposure and developmental and behavioral outcomes from birth through adolescence across various domains of functioning (growth, neurobiology, intelligence, academic achievement, language, executive functioning, behavioral regulation and psychopathology). In addition, methodological limitations, associated biological, sociodemographic and environmental risk factors and future directions in this area of research are discussed. Given the large number of exposed children in the child welfare system and the increased need for medical, mental health and special education services within this population, more definitively documenting associations between prenatal cocaine exposure and later child outcomes is essential in order to be able to prospectively address the many significant public health, economic and public policy implications