ABA signalling: A messenger's FIERY fate

AbstractThere is considerable circumstantial evidence that the Ca2+-mobilizing second messenger IP3 is involved in plant responses to the drought hormone abscisic acid. More direct evidence for this has now come from studies in which endogenous IP3 levels have been manipulated in plants

Results of the Maine Experience Survey: Adults With Physical Disabilities Consumer Directed Waiver

As a part of the grant activities of the Real Choice Systems Change grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS), the need for a survey of consumers on the Consumer Directed Physically Disabled Waiver (also called the Consumer Directed or CD Waiver) was identified. This report provides the results of the in-home survey that was conducted by the Muskie School. The CD Waiver serves people age eighteen and older with severe physical disabilities that meet nursing facility level of care, are their own guardian and have the ability and desire to self-direct the personal care services they receive in their home. The waiver is an alternative option to institutional care and consumers choosing community-based care are informed of the risks and limits to the care available in the community benefit. Unlike nursing facilities, twenty-four hour a day care is not available within the program limits. The results of the survey identified some areas of focus and opportunities for increased training

The Effectiveness and Perceptions of Three Moderate Intensity Walking Cadence Aids and their Effects on Affective States: A Mixed Methods Study

Substantial health benefits can be derived from walking at a moderate intensity cadence. To help regulate this cadence, three distinct aids exist 1) self-perception; 2) cadence prescription; 3) auditory cues. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and explore perceptions of these aids to promote moderate intensity walking and effects on affective states, thereby addressing an important research gap. Individualised moderate relative intensity waking cadence was determined for participants (n = 23, = 26.35, SD = 10.11). A convergent mixed-methods design was employed. A within-persons repeated measures design was used to explore the effectiveness of three aids (general guidelines, cadence prescription, and music) on promoting moderate intensity physical activity and positive affective states. Perceptions of these aids were elicited through qualitative interviews and thematic content analysis. Main effects for condition on relative physical activity intensity (η = .72) and positive affect (η = .25) were observed. Music evoked significantly higher relative physical activity intensity than other conditions (p values < .01), and higher positive affect compared to the general guidelines condition (p = .038). A significantly greater proportion of participants achieved moderate relative intensity physical activity during the music compared to general guidelines condition (p = .03). Congruently, qualitative findings suggested that participants predominantly perceived music as most effective for promoting a moderate intensity cadence and positive affect. However, individual variability existed in ability to utilise this aid. Implications of the findings for practitioners seeking to promote a moderate intensity cadence and positive affect during walking are discussed

Quality Indicators for Home and Community-based Services in Maine [Report]

The purpose of this report is to provide summary information on the performance of Maine’s home and community based care system. The data in this report can be used to identify areas where the system is working and people are satisfied with services and to identify areas where improvement may be needed. The data may also point to areas where further analysis or more information would be helpful. The data in the report represents baseline information. There are no absolute standards or norms against which the results can be compared. In some instances, it will be important to use the data as a basis for further discussion and inquiry in order to “interpret” or draw conclusions from the results. This is part of an ongoing quality improvement process

Cr RLK 1L receptor‐like kinases HERK 1 and ANJEA are female determinants of pollen tube reception

Communication between the gametophytes is vital for angiosperm fertilisation. Multiple CrRLK1L‐type receptor kinases prevent premature pollen tube burst, while another CrRLK1L protein, FERONIA (FER), is required for pollen tube reception in the female gametophyte. We report here the identification of two additional CrRLK1L homologues, HERCULES RECEPTOR KINASE 1 (HERK1) and ANJEA (ANJ), which act redundantly to promote pollen tube growth arrest at the synergid cells. HERK1 and ANJ localise to the filiform apparatus of the synergid cells in unfertilised ovules, and in herk1 anj mutants, a majority of ovules remain unfertilised due to pollen tube overgrowth, together indicating that HERK1 and ANJ act as female determinants for fertilisation. As in fer mutants, the synergid cell‐specific, endomembrane protein NORTIA (NTA) is not relocalised after pollen tube reception; however, unlike fer mutants, reactive oxygen species levels are unaffected in herk1 anj double mutants. Both ANJ and HERK1 associate with FER and its proposed co‐receptor LORELEI (LRE) in planta. Together, our data indicate that HERK1 and ANJ act with FER to mediate female–male gametophyte interactions during plant fertilisation

The Effectiveness and Perceptions of Three Moderate Intensity Walking Cadence Aids and their Effects on Affective States: a Mixed Methods Study

Substantial health benefits can be derived from walking at a moderate intensity cadence. To help regulate this cadence three distinct aids exist 1) self-perception; 2) cadence prescription; 3) auditory cues. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and explore perceptions of these aids to promote moderate intensity walking and effects on affective states, thereby addressing an important research gap. Individualised moderate relative intensity waking cadence was determined for participants (n = 23, Mage = 26.35, SD = 10.11). A convergent mixed-methods design was employed. A within-persons repeated measures design was used to explore the effectiveness of three aids (general guidelines, cadence prescription, and music) on promoting moderate intensity physical activity and positive affective states. Perceptions of these aids were elicited through qualitative interviews with thematic content analysis. Main effects for condition on relative physical activity intensity (η 2 = .72) and positive affect (η 2 = .25) were observed. Music evoked significantly higher relative physical activity intensity than other conditions (p values < .01), and higher positive affect compared to the general guidelines condition (p = .038). A significantly greater proportion of participants achieved moderate relative intensity physical activity during the music compared to general guidelines condition (p = .03). Congruently, qualitative findings suggested that participants predominantly perceived music as most effective for promoting a moderate intensity cadence and positive affect. However, individual variability existed in ability to utilise this aid. Implications of the findings for practitioners seeking to promote a moderate intensity cadence and positive affect during walking are discussed