Segmental migration of trunk neural crest: time-lapse analysis reveals a role for PNA-binding molecules

Trunk neural crest cells migrate through the somites in a striking segmental fashion, entering the rostral but not caudal sclerotome, via cues intrinsic to the somites. Attempts to define the molecular bases of these cues have been hampered by the lack of an accessible assay system. To examine trunk neural crest migration over time and to perturb candidate guiding molecules, we have developed a novel explant preparation. Here, we demonstrate that trunk regions of the chicken embryo, placed in explant culture, continue to develop apparently normally for 2 days. Neural crest cells, recognized by prelabeling with DiI or by poststaining with the HNK-1 antibody, migrate in the somites of the explants in their typical segmental pattern. Furthermore, this paradigm allows us to follow trunk neural crest migration in situ for the first time using low-light-level videomicroscopy. The trajectories of individual neural crest cells were often complex, with cells migrating in an episodic mode encompassing forward, backward and lateral movements. Frequently, neural crest cells migrated in close-knit groups of 2–4 cells, moving at mean rates of migration of 10–14 µm/hour. Treatment of the explants with the lectin peanut agglutinin (PNA) both slowed the rate and altered the pattern of neural crest migration. Neural crest cells entered both the rostral and caudal halves of the sclerotome with mean rates of migration ranging from 6 to 13 µm/hour. These results suggest that peanut agglutinin-binding molecules are required for the segmental patterning of trunk neural crest migration. Because this approach permits neural crest migration to be both observed and perturbed, it offers the promise of more direct assays of the factors that influence neural crest development

Rates and predictors of recurrent work disability due to common mental health disorders in the United States.

ContextDespite the high prevalence of work disability due to common mental disorders (CMD), no information exists on the rates and predictors of recurrence in a United States population.ObjectiveTo estimate recurrent work disability statistics and evaluate factors associated with recurrence due to CMDs including adjustment, anxiety, bipolar, and depressive disorders.MethodsRecurrent work disability statistics were calculated using a nationwide database of disability claims. For the CMDs, univariate and multiple variable analyses were used to examine demographic factors and comorbidities associated with the time to recurrence.ResultsOf the CMDs, cases with bipolar (n = 3,017) and depressive disorders (n = 20,058) had the highest recurrence densities, 98.7 and 70.9 per 1000 person-years, respectively. These rates were more than three times higher than recurrence rates for other chronic disorders (e.g., diabetes, asthma; n = 105,558) and non-chronic disorders (e.g., injury, acute illnesses; n = 153,786). Individuals with CMD were also more likely to have a subsequent disability distinct from their mental health condition. Risk factors for recurrent CMD disability included being younger, being an hourly employee, living in a geographic area with more college graduates, having more previous psychiatric visits, having a previous work leave, and the type of work industry.ConclusionsResults indicate that CMD patients may benefit from additional care and disability management both during and after their work absence to help prevent subsequent CMD and non-CMD related leaves

Effect of Preventive Home Visits by a Nurse on the Outcomes of Frail Elderly People in the Community: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Timely recognition and prevention of health problems among elderly people have been shown to improve their health. In this randomized controlled trial the authors examined the impact of preventive home visits by a nurse compared with usual care on the outcomes of frail elderly people living in the community. Methods: A screening questionnaire identified eligible participants (those aged 70 years or more at risk of sudden deterioration in health). Those randomly assigned to the visiting nurse group were assessed and followed up in their homes for 14 months. The primary outcome measure was the combined rate of deaths and admissions to an institution, and the secondary outcome measure the rate of health services utilization, during the 14 months; these rates were determined through a medical chart audit by a research nurse who was blind to group allocation. Results: The questionnaire was mailed to 415 elderly people, of whom 369 (88.9%) responded. Of these, 198 (53.7%) were eligible, and 142 consented to participate and were randomly assigned to either the visiting nurse group (73) or the usual care group (69). The combined rate of deaths and admissions to an institution was 10.0% in the visiting nurse group and 5.8% in the usual care group (p = 0.52). The rate of health services utilization did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Influenza and pneumonia vaccination rates were significantly higher in the visiting nurse group (90.1% and 81.9%) than in the usual care group (53.0% and 0%) (p \u3c 0.001). Interpretation: The trial failed to show any effect of a visiting nurse other than vastly improved vaccination coverage

Collaborators in Course Design: A Librarian and Publisher at the Intersection of Information Literacy and Scholarly Communication

This paper describes a university press director and academic librarian’s collaborative effort to co-design and co-teach an honors course on publishing and scholarly communication. The project-based course, offered in Spring 2014, wove students through practical application of the publication process (the publisher’s perspective) while engaging in conversation, debate, and other activities related to the complex ethical, legal, and social aspects of scholarly communication (the author’s perspective), and culminated in the publication of a student-created print and Open Access e-book

Annual Report 2013

Dear Friends, As we end the 2012-2013 Academic Year, I will begin a new assignment as Vice President for Research and Development at Louisiana Tech. While I am excited about what lies ahead, this is a bittersweet moment for me. Although my office will move to Wyly Tower, I will still be on campus and hope to continue working with alumni, faculty and students in my new capacity, and see you when you are here for Tech events or advisory board meetings. As I look back over my tenure as dean, I am so proud of our faculty, staff and students and what we have accomplished together. Our innovative, hands-on approach to undergraduate education is being emulated around the world, and our scientists and researchers are putting Louisiana Tech on the map. Our faculty has been involved in ground-breaking science, like the discovery of the Higgs-boson, in advanced research in critical areas and in the development of innovative technology for solutions to immediate challenges. Our students have also been recognized. The Eco-marathon team has won awards every year they have competed at the annual Shell event, and our National Society of Black Engineers chapter has been named National Distinguished Chapter of the Year two consecutive years. I am especially proud of our Engineering and Science Foundation Board of Directors. They have stepped up their support of our Campaign for a New Integrated Engineering and Science Building, and I expect we will achieve our goal of raising $7.5M in private funds by the end of the calendar year. I plan to remain involved in this project even as I move into my new role as Vice President. I still believe it is the single most pressing need of the College today. In closing, I will not say good-bye. I will say thank you for your support and guidance, and look forward to seeing you around campus! Sincerely, Stan Napper, Dean and Thigpen Professorhttps://digitalcommons.latech.edu/coes-annual-reports/1007/thumbnail.jp

Annual Report 2012

I hope you will enjoy reading about our faculty and student successes and take pride in the accomplishments of the College. We continue to do our best to advance each student who walks through our doors, in spite of continued state budget cuts. In the summer of 2012, I had to make some of the hardest decisions in my tenure as dean of the College of Engineering and Science. These cuts have affected our ability to replace faculty who have retired or taken other positions, to purchase needed equipment and supplies, and much more. I have asked our faculty and our Leadership Team to move forward with me in spite of these budget cuts and to continue to “lead the way” in innovative STEM education and transformative research. Meanwhile, we have much good news to share. This year, the College of Engineering and Science rolled out its Cyber Discovery Camp to a national audience, with support from the Cyber Innovation Center in Bossier City and funding from the Department of Homeland Security. This successful program, which was created within our College, is now being duplicated at colleges and universities across the U.S. Additionally, our highly successful Living with the Lab first-year curriculum is also being emulated, both in this country and around the world. We have had faculty from New Zealand, Florida and Massachusetts visit our College this past year to learn more about this exciting new learning environment. Our faculty continues to make national news in research. Dr. Erez Allouche, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering and Director of the Trenchless Technology Center at Louisiana Tech University, has won Technology Product of the Year honors from the Louisiana Technology Council and the North Louisiana Economic Partnership for his innovative green geopolymer concrete technology. Dr. Lee Sawyer, Dr. Dick Greenwood and Dr. Markus Wobisch, physics professors at Tech, were actively involved in the discovery of the Higgs boson — one of the most significant scientific discoveries in 30 years. Additionally, this fall we will begin offering a pioneering, interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Molecular Sciences and Nanotechnology, as well as the new B.S. in Cyber Engineering. As you read this report, I hope that you will feel a sense of pride in the accomplishments of our faculty, staff and students who continue to excel under difficult conditions. I realize that many others are facing similar problems, so I appreciate your support and words of encouragement more than ever. Sincerely, Stan Napper Dean and Thigpen Professorhttps://digitalcommons.latech.edu/coes-annual-reports/1008/thumbnail.jp

Screening Seniors for Risk of Functional Decline: Results of a Survey in Family Practice

To measure functional status, determine risk of functional decline and assess consistency between responses and standardized instruments. Design: A mailed survey which measured functional impairment, recent hospitalization and bereavement. A positive response on at least one of these factors indicated that the individual was “at risk” for functional decline. A random sample (n=73) of “at risk” subjects (specifically, family practice patients aged 70 and older) were assessed by a nurse. Results: The response rate was 89% (369/415), 59% of seniors were female and the mean age was 77.1 (SD=5.5) years. Self-reported risk, based on activities of daily living (ADLs), was associated with impairment in at least one basic ADL (p\u3c0.0005) using a standardized instrument. The positive predictive value of the survey for ADL impairment was 65%. Conclusion: Response to a mailed survey was high and self-reported ADL risks were consistent with findings from standardized assessment tools

Undergraduate researchers report only moderate knowledge of scholarly communication: they must be offered more support

Undergraduate students are increasingly participating in the scholarly communication process, mostly through formal research experiences. However, Catherine Fraser Riehle and Merinda Kaye Hensley, having surveyed and interviewed university students, reveal that undergraduate researchers have only moderate levels of confidence in their knowledge of scholarly communications, especially publication and access models, author and publisher rights, determining the impact of research, and research data management. Moreover, students revealed that to receive specific guidance in these areas was rare. There is much opportunity for faculty members, graduate students, librarians, and research programme coordinators to collaborate and develop learning interventions in these areas

Creating Online Tutorials at Your Libraries: Software Choices and Practical Implications

The use of online tutorials for information literacy instruction is on the rise. Active library-related discussion lists such as ILI-L, the Association of College and Research Libraries’ discussion on information literacy and instruction, and LIBREF-L typically feature several questions and surveys related to online tutorials every week. Discussion groups and forums at library conferences consistently offer discussions, programs, and resources about creating online tutorials, and share examples. What is causing the surge of interest in online tutorials? Reasons vary: staff shortages, a desire to provide more point-of-need assistance, and increased distance learning and a growing awareness—particularly in public and academic libraries—of the learning styles of the so-called Millennial Learner, who is said to prefer interactive, technology-based learning experiences. However, one of the main reasons for the trend is that the screen capture software available for tutorial construction has also grown increasingly capable and user-friendly. In this article we will review the software programs that are available, discuss the time and resources needed, and use a set of tutorials developed at Purdue for biology students as an example throughout

Dorsal hindbrain ablation results in rerouting of neural crest migration and changes in gene expression, but normal hyoid development

Our previous studies have shown that hindbrain neural tube cells can regulate to form neural crest cells for a limited time after neural fold removal (Scherson, T., Serbedzija, G., Fraser, S. E. and Bronner-Fraser, M. (1993). Development 188, 1049-1061; Sechrist, J., Nieto, M. A., Zamanian, R. T. and Bronner-Fraser, M. (1995). Development 121, 4103-4115). In the present study, we ablated the dorsal hindbrain at later stages to examine possible alterations in migratory behavior and/or gene expression in neural crest populations rostral and caudal to the operated region. The results were compared with those obtained by misdirecting neural crest cells via rhombomere rotation. Following surgical ablation of dorsal r5 and r6 prior to the 10 somite stage, r4 neural crest cells migrate along normal pathways toward the second branchial arch. Similarly, r7 neural crest cells migrate primarily to the fourth branchial arch. When analogous ablations are performed at the 10- 12 somite stage, however, a marked increase in the numbers of DiI/Hoxa-3-positive cells from r7 are observed within the third branchial arch. In addition, some DiI-labeled r4 cells migrate into the depleted hindbrain region and the third branchial arch. During their migration, a subset of these r4 cells up-regulate Hoxa-3, a transcript they do not normally express. Krox20 transcript levels were augmented after ablation in a population of neural crest cells migrating from r4, caudal r3 and rostral r3. Long-term survivors of bilateral ablations possess normal neural crest-derived cartilage of the hyoid complex, suggesting that misrouted r4 and r7 cells contribute to cranial derivatives appropriate for their new location. In contrast, misdirecting of the neural crest by rostrocaudal rotation of r4 through r6 results in a reduction of Hoxa-3 expression in the third branchial arch and corresponding deficits in third arch-derived structures of the hyoid apparatus. These results demonstrate that neural crest/tube progenitors in the hindbrain can compensate by altering migratory trajectories and patterns of gene expression when the adjacent neural crest is removed, but fail to compensate appropriately when the existing neural crest is misrouted by neural tube rotation