What is the potential impact on boys and girls of the new 2017 GCSE English Language specification and exam arrangements?

In recent years, there have been significant changes to the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) which is generally taken by students at the end of compulsory education at the end of Key Stage 4 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The recent reformation of the GCSE English Language qualification has led to a change in how it is assessed with a single tier of entry; and the removal of coursework, which has been replaced by a terminal exam. The A-G grading system has also been replaced by numbers from 9-1. The literature review of this study investigates the potential impact the changes have had on gender differences in performance in English, a long-standing concern, which does not appear to have been a factor for consideration by the government during the implementation of the reforms. A mixed methods approach was adopted to explore the perceptions with regard to the changes, of a sample of teachers and students of English in a non-selective faith school in Essex; School A. The results suggest that the reforms have increased stress and anxiety, particularly for students, but it is not thought to have had a significant impact on narrowing the gap in the performance of boys and girls in GCSE English Language. Conclusions from this study would suggest that further research is required by investigating the strategies used by countries with the narrowest gender gaps in reading according to global education rankings, in aiming to adopt them in England

Genetic diversity in Cypripedium calceolus (Orchidaceae) with a focus on north-western Europe, as revealed by plastid DNA length polymorphisms

Background and Aims Cypripedium calceolus, although widespread in Eurasia, is rare in many countries in which it occurs. Population genetics studies with nuclear DNA markers on this species have been hampered by its large nuclear genome size. Plastid DNA markers are used here to gain an understanding of variation within and between populations and of biogeographical patterns. Methods Thirteen length-variable regions (microsatellites and insertions/deletions) were identified in non-coding plastid DNA. These and a previously identified complex microsatellite in the trnL-trnF intergenic spacer were used to identify plastid DNA haplotypes for European samples, with sampling focused on England, Denmark and Sweden. Key Results The 13 additional length-variable regions identified were two homopolymer (polyA) repeats in the rps16 intron and a homopolymer (polyA) repeat and ten indels in the accD-psa1 intergenic spacer. In accD-psa1, most of these were in an extremely AT-rich region, and it was not possible to design primers in the flanking regions; therefore, the whole intergenic spacer was sequenced. Together, these new regions and the trnL-trnF complex microsatellite allowed 23 haplotypes to be characterized. Many were found in only one or a few samples (probably due to low sampling density), but some commoner haplotypes were widespread. Most of the genetic variation was found within rather than between populations (83 vs. 18%, respectively). Two haplotypes occurred from the Spanish Pyrenees to Sweden. Conclusions Plastid DNA data can be used to gain an understanding of patterns of genetic variation and seed-mediated gene flow in orchids. Although these data are less information-rich than those for nuclear DNA, they present a useful option for studying species with large genomes. Here they support the hypothesis of long-distance seed dispersal often proposed for orchid

Is aristolochic acid nephropathy a widespread problem in developing countries? A case study of Aristolochia indica L. in Bangladesh using an ethnobotanical - phytochemical approach

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Species of Aristolochia are associated with aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN), a renal interstitial fibrosis and upper urinary tract cancer (UUC). Aristolochic acid nephropathy has been reported in ten countries but its true incidence is unknown and most likely underestimated. By combining an ethnobotanical and phytochemical approach we provide evidence for the risk of AAN occurring in Bangladesh. More specifically, we assess the intra-specific variation of aristolochic acid analogues in medicinally used A. indica samples from Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: Ethnobotanical information was collected from 16 kavirajes (traditional healers) in different study locations in Bangladesh. Plant samples were obtained from native habitats, botanical gardens, herbal markets and pharmaceutical companies. The samples were extracted using 70% methanol and were analysed using LC-DAD-MS and 1H-NMR. Results: Roots as well as leaves are commonly used for symptoms such as snake bites and sexual problems. Among the informants knowledge about toxicity or side effects is very limited and A. indica is often administered in very high doses. Replacement of A. indica with other medicinal plants such as Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz was common. A. indica samples contained a variety of aristolochic acid analogues such as aristolochic acid I, aristolochic acid II, cepharadione A and related compounds. Conclusions: AAN cases are likely to occur in Bangladesh and more awareness needs to be raised about the health risks associated with the use of A. indica and other species of Aristolochia as herbal medicines

Phylogeography and modes of reproduction in diploid and tetraploid halophytes of Limonium species (Plumbaginaceae): evidence for a pattern of geographical parthenogenesis

Background and Aims The genus Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) has long been recognized to have sexual and apomictic (asexual seed formation) modes of reproduction. This study aimed to elucidate phylogeographical patterns and modes of reproduction in diploid and tetraploid Limonium species, namely three putative sexual diploid species with morphological affinities (L. nydeggeri, L. ovalifolium, L. lanceolatum) and three related, probably apomict tetraploid species (L. binervosum, L. dodartii, L. multiflorum). Methods cpDNA diversity and differentiation between natural populations of the species were investigated using two chloroplast sequence regions (trnL intron and trnL–trnF intergenic spacer). Floral heteromorphies, ovule cytoembryological analyses and pollination and crossing tests were performed in representative species of each ploidy group, namely diploid L. ovalifolium and tetraploid L. multiflorum, using plants from greenhouse collections. Key Results and Conclusions Genetic analyses showed that diploid species have a higher haplotype diversity and a higher number of unique (endemic) haplotypes than tetraploid species. Network analysis revealed correlations between cpDNA haplotype distribution and ploidy groups, species groups and geographical origin, and haplotype sharing within and among species with distinct ploidy levels. Reproductive biology analyses showed that diploid L. ovalifolium mainly forms meiotically reduced tetrasporic embryo sacs of Gagea ova, Adoxa and Drusa types. Limonium multiflorum, however, has only unreduced, diplosporic (apomictic) embryo sacs of Rudbeckia type, and autonomous apomictic development seems to occur. Taken together, the findings provide evidence of a pattern of ‘geographical parthenogenesis’ in which quaternary climatic oscillations appear to be involved in the geographical patterns of coastal diploid and tetraploid Limonium speciesinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Vitis flower types: from the wild to crop plants

Vitis vinifera can be divided into two subspecies, V. vinifera subsp. vinifera, one of the most important agricultural crops in the world, and its wild ancestor, V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris. Three flower types can be observed: hermaphrodite and female (on some varieties) in vinifera, and male or female flowers in sylvestris. It is assumed that the different flower types in the wild ancestor arose through specific floral patterns of organ abortion. A considerable amount of data about the diversity of sexual systems in grapevines has been collected over the past century. Several grapevine breeding studies led to the hypothesis that dioecy in vinifera is derived from a hermaphrodite ancestor and could be controlled by either, one or two linked genetic determinants following Mendelian inherence. More recently, experiments using molecular approaches suggested that these loci were located in a specific region of the chromosome 2 of vinifera. Based on the works published so far, its seems evident that a putative sex locus is present in chromosome 2. However, it is still not fully elucidated whether flower types are regulated by two linked loci or by one locus with three alleles. Nevertheless, several genes could contribute to sex determination in grapevine. This review presents the results from early studies, combined with the recent molecular approaches, which may contribute to the design of new experiments towards a better understanding of the sex inheritance in grapevine.This work was supported by the funded project PTDC/AGR-GPL/119298/2010 from Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal), by UID/AGR/04129/2013 centre grant from FCT, Portugal (to LEAF) and by PEst-OE/BIA/UI4046/2014; UID/MULTI/04046/2013 centre grant from FCT, Portugal (to BioISI) and are supported by FCT fellowships JL Coito, MJN Ramos, H Silva, M Rocheta, respectively, SFRH/BD/85824/2012, SFRH/BD/110274/2015, SFRH/BD/111529/2015, SFRH/BPD/64905/2009. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

TcOPT3, a Member of Oligopeptide Transporters from the Hyperaccumulator Thlaspi caerulescens, Is a Novel Fe/Zn/Cd/Cu Transporter

BACKGROUND: Thlaspi caerulescens is a natural selected heavy metal hyperaccumulator that can not only tolerate but also accumulate extremely high levels of heavy metals in the shoots. Thus, to identify the transportors involved in metal long-distance transportation is very important for understanding the mechanism of heavy metal accumulation in this hyperaccumulator. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We cloned and characterized a novel gene TcOPT3 of OPT family from T. caerulescens. TcOPT3 was pronouncedly expressed in aerial parts, including stem and leaf. Moreover, in situ hybridization analyses showed that TcOPT3 expressed in the plant vascular systems, especially in the pericycle cells that may be involved in the long-distance transportation. The expression of TcOPT3 was highly induced by iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiency, especially in the stem and leaf. Sub-cellular localization showed that TcOPT3 was a plasma membrane-localized protein. Furthermore, heterogonous expression of TcOPT3 by mutant yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) complementation experiments demonstrated that TcOPT3 could transport Fe(2+) and Zn(2+). Moreover, expression of TcOPT3 in yeast increased metal (Fe, Zn, Cu and Cd) accumulation and resulted in an increased sensitivity to cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu). CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated that TcOPT3 might encode an Fe/Zn/Cd/Cu influx transporter with broad-substrate. This is the first report showing that TcOPT3 may be involved in metal long-distance transportation and contribute to the heavy metal hyperaccumulation

What is the potential impact on boys and girls of the new 2017 GCSE English Language specification and exam arrangements?

In recent years, there have been significant changes to the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) which is generally taken by students at the end of compulsory education at the end of Key Stage 4 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The recent reformation of the GCSE English Language qualification has led to a change in how it is assessed with a single tier of entry; and the removal of coursework, which has been replaced by a terminal exam. The A-G grading system has also been replaced by numbers from 9-1. The literature review of this study investigates the potential impact the changes have had on gender differences in performance in English, a long-standing concern, which does not appear to have been a factor for consideration by the government during the implementation of the reforms. A mixed methods approach was adopted to explore the perceptions with regard to the changes, of a sample of teachers and students of English in a non-selective faith school in Essex; School A. The results suggest that the reforms have increased stress and anxiety, particularly for students, but it is not thought to have had a significant impact on narrowing the gap in the performance of boys and girls in GCSE English Language. Conclusions from this study would suggest that further research is required by investigating the strategies used by countries with the narrowest gender gaps in reading according to global education rankings, in aiming to adopt them in England

The colony structure and taxonomic characterisation of apomictic Limonium (plumbaginaceae) in the British Isles.

The morphological relationships between variants of the Limonium binervosum group have been analysed, principally by a numerical taxonomic method. Widespread variation has been discovered in natural colonies with variants maintaining their differences under cultivation. The pattern of variation is of geographically distinct colonies each with one or a few obvious biotypes. Distinct but related biotypes are often found in adjacent colonies. As well as being geographically correlated some evidence is presented that the variation may also be ecological in nature. There are two cytological races; one triploid (2n = 27) and one aneuploid tetraploid (usually 2n = 35). The geographical pattern of the variation and the failure to detect any sexual or facultative sexual populations is among the 147 colonies tested suggest that the variants have arisen in situ by mutation rather than by hyperidisation A taxometric analysis of other W. European Limonium species suggests that the agamospermic taxa here have had a similar asexual origin, as well as by hybridisation. Taxonomically the L. binervosum group is here treated as 9 species: 4 are widespread (one consists of the triploid race) and 5 are geographically restricted. Less distinct variants have been described as subspecies and varieties. of the species are new to science and one is a new combination. A total of 32 new taxa have been described