An exploration of school staff support for children and young people experiencing psychological loss in one secondary pupil referral unit.

Experiences of psychological loss are both hugely significant and inevitable life events. Support of psychological loss for children and young people (CYP) in schools is therefore relevant to the role of educational psychologists (EPs). The two phases of the current research explored psychological loss support for CYP from the perspective of the school staff who deliver it. Conceptual mapping techniques and semi-structured interviews with 18 participants, working across 3 school settings, helped to map support of psychological loss in the first phase of the current research. Using thematic analysis an overall system of support for CYP experiencing psychological loss was identified, with adjustments to the support system suggested to be required according to the age and development of CYP. Relationships between school staff and CYP were highlighted as pivotal to the success of support for psychological loss within this system, suggesting that EP support for psychological loss may be best placed in offering support to those who are supporting CYP in schools. In order to explore an approach to supporting school staff with psychological loss, a case study of an EP training programme with 9 participants from a secondary PRU school setting was outlined in the second phase of the research. It was found that adopting an approach that was specific and relevant to the setting, with a focus on the language associated with loss and celebration of existing supportive practice of participants, enabled the knowledge and confidence of school staff to support CYP experiencing psychological loss to be increased. With positive outcomes for the school setting reported. Implications for further research and EP practice are considered

Challenges and opportunities for quantifying roots and rhizosphere interactions through imaging and image analysis

The morphology of roots and root systems influences the efficiency by which plants acquire nutrients and water, anchor themselves and provide stability to the surrounding soil. Plant genotype and the biotic and abiotic environment significantly influence root morphology, growth and ultimately crop yield. The challenge for researchers interested in phenotyping root systems is, therefore, not just to measure roots and link their phenotype to the plant genotype, but also to understand how the growth of roots is influenced by their environment. This review discusses progress in quantifying root system parameters (e.g. in terms of size, shape and dynamics) using imaging and image analysis technologies and also discusses their potential for providing a better understanding of root:soil interactions. Significant progress has been made in image acquisition techniques, however trade-offs exist between sample throughput, sample size, image resolution and information gained. All of these factors impact on downstream image analysis processes. While there have been significant advances in computation power, limitations still exist in statistical processes involved in image analysis. Utilizing and combining different imaging systems, integrating measurements and image analysis where possible, and amalgamating data will allow researchers to gain a better understanding of root:soil interactions

Roles of extensins in cotyledon primordium formation and shoot apical meristem activity in Nicotiana tabacum

Extensins are cell wall basic glycoproteins with a polypeptide backbone that is extremely rich in hydroxyproline. In this paper, the function of extensins in embryo development was studied in Nicotiana tabacum. By using Western blot and immunohistochemistry, the extensin JIM20 epitopes were found to express in different developmental stages of embryos, and specifically in the top of the embryo proper (EP) and the suspensor of the late globular embryos. In order to clarify the functions of extensins, a potent hydroxyproline synthesis inhibitor, 3,4-dehydro-L-proline (3,4-DHP), was used in ovule and embryo culture. The results showed that the addition of 3,4-DHP caused abnormal embryos with single, asymmetry and supernumerary cotyledon primordia, and continuous culture led to cotyledon defects in the germinated seedlings. Histological sections showed that the shoot apical meristem (SAM) of the abnormal seedlings was dissimilar from the controls, especially in the seedlings with cup-shaped cotyledons. Furthermore, the vasculature of the abnormal cotyledons was in an out-of-order format and contained at least two main veins. Finally, both the hydroxyproline assay and fluorescent immunolocalization confirmed that 3,4-DHP treatment reduced the level of extensins in the cultured ovules and embryos. These results indicate that extensins may play important roles in the cotyledon primordium formation, SAM activity, and vasculature differentiation during embryo development

Intraspecific crosses resulting in the first occurrence of eight and nine B chromosomes in Prochilodus lineatus (Characiformes, Prochilodontidae)

B chromosomes are supernumerary elements present in about 15% of eukaryotic species and are most frequently heterochromatic, behave parasitically, show a transmission rate higher than standard (A) chromosomes, and can provoke harmful effects on carriers. In the current work, Prochilodus lineatus individuals carrying eight and nine B chromosomes were obtained by induced crossing performed involving breeders with different B chromosome numbers in their cells. The high B chromosome numbers found in the offspring were recorded for the first time in this species. The use of cytogenetic techniques applied in the present study revealed that regardless of the increase in number of B chromosomes in the genome of these individuals, those elements did not presented active genes, and showed their normal heterochromatic characteristic

Identification of factors required for meristem function in Arabidopsis using a novel next generation sequencing fast forward genetics approach

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Phenotype-driven forward genetic experiments are powerful approaches for linking phenotypes to genomic elements but they still involve a laborious positional cloning process. Although sequencing of complete genomes now becomes available, discriminating causal mutations from the enormous amounts of background variation remains a major challenge.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>To improve this, we developed a universal two-step approach, named 'fast forward genetics', which combines traditional bulk segregant techniques with targeted genomic enrichment and next-generation sequencing technology</p> <p>Results</p> <p>As a proof of principle we successfully applied this approach to two Arabidopsis mutants and identified a novel factor required for stem cell activity.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We demonstrated that the 'fast forward genetics' procedure efficiently identifies a small number of testable candidate mutations. As the approach is independent of genome size, it can be applied to any model system of interest. Furthermore, we show that experiments can be multiplexed and easily scaled for the identification of multiple individual mutants in a single sequencing run.</p

Antioxydant response to biotic and abiotic inducers for the resistance against Fusarium wilt disease in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

Acibenzolar-S-methyl as an abiotic plant activator and a non-host isolate of Fusarium oxysporum on eggplant (F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis) as a biotic inducer were applied to eggplant seedlings in order to confer increased resistance to F. oxysporum f. sp. melongenae, the causal agent of Fusarium wilt of eggplant. Acibenzolar-S-methyl and F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis were applied 72 h before pathogen inoculation and the development of disease symptoms was assessed with a Fusarium yellow rating at 7th, 11th, 14th, 17th and 21th day after inoculation. Pretreatment of eggplants with Acibenzolar-S-methyl and F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis significantly reduced the severity of Fusarium wilt disease. The severity of the disease in positive control plants reached to 92.50% whereas that of acibenzolar-S-methyl and F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis-pretreated seedlings of eggplants was only 32.21% and 21.13%, respectively, 21 days after inoculation. Acibenzolar-S-methyl and F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis pretreatments resulted in a hypersensitive reaction and triggered the elaboration of histological barriers such as callose and H2O2 synthesis. In situ studies demonstrated that the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation and the callose deposition as responses to the pathogen attack started 24 h after inoculation. Acibenzolar- S-methyl and F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis-pretreated plants also showed significant increases in the activity of catalase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes along with the increase of proline and H2O2 content when compared to F. oxysporum f. sp. melongenae-infected plants

Single origin of sex chromosomes and multiple origins of B chromosomes in fish genus Characidium

Chromosome painting with DNA probes obtained from supernumerary (B) and sex chromosomes in three species of fish genus Characidium (C. gomesi, C. pterostictum and C. oiticicai) showed a close resemblance in repetitive DNA content between B and sex chromosomes in C. gomesi and C. pterostictum. This suggests an intraspecific origin for B chromosomes in these two species, probably deriving from sex chromosomes. In C. oiticicai, however, a DNA probe obtained from its B chromosome hybridized with the B but not with the A chromosomes, suggesting that the B chromosome in this species could have arisen interspecifically, although this hypothesis needs further investigation. A molecular phylogenetic analysis performed on nine Characidium species, with two mtDNA genes, showed that the presence of heteromorphic sex chromosomes in these species is a derived condition, and that their origin could have been unique, a conclusion also supported by interspecific chromosome painting with a CgW probe derived from the W chromosome in C. gomesi. Summing up, our results indicate that whereas heteromorphic sex chromosomes in the genus Characidium appear to have had a common and unique origin, B chromosomes may have had independent origins in different species. Our results also show that molecular phylogenetic analysis is an excellent complement for cytogenetic studies by unveiling the direction of evolutionary chromosome changes.This research was funded by grants from the State of Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) to EAS (2013/02143-3), grants from National Council for Research and Development (CNPq) to FF (480449/2012-0), and by Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nıvel Superior (CAPES)

Une cité d'expériences entre patrimoine et récits : étude critique de la patrimonialisation, le cas des maisons préfabriquées de Noisy-le-Sec

Focusing on the case of the prefabricated houses in the cité of Merlan in Noisy-le-Sec, this PhD analyses the process of patriomonialisation or cultural heritage. It underlines its social, architectural and historical aspects. The singularity of the small buildings of the cité which date back to the Reconstruction period makes us wonder about the terms to be used to refer to it: is it a monument on its own or a set or various historical monuments? Should we talk about a heritage or heritages in that case? Because of its history and specificities, the neighbourhood forces us to reconsider the definitions of supposedly-familiar words. This thesis aims at developing these definitions to a certain level of generality also using other cases, quite similar to those of the cité. The purpose is to suggest projects that take into account the fact that these buildings were lived in in the past and are still lived in today. First, it proposes some concepts able to move the perspectives and the conventional controversy (preserve, conserve, restore): those of "translating" and "putting into stories". Then it experiments, realizes and implements these concepts on a practical level by using "web-documentary" techniques. The aim is to expose an alternative research form, both theoretical and practical, potentially enabling a wider audience to question the memory of places. This work involves design and considers it a methodological research element.En prenant particulièrement appui sur le cas de la cité de maisons préfabriquées du Merlan à Noisy-le-Sec, cette thèse élabore une critique du processus de patrimonialisation. Elle en met en évidence les enjeux sociaux, architecturaux et historiques. La nature singulière des petites constructions de la cité qui date de la Reconstruction, amène à interroger les termes mêmes sous lesquels elles sont aujourd'hui considérées : s'agit-il d'un monument à considérer comme un ensemble ou de monuments historiques divers ? D'un patrimoine ou de patrimoines ? Le quartier, par son histoire et ses spécificités, oblige à reconsidérer des termes dont la définition, pour commune qu'elle semble, ne va pas sans histoire ni problèmes. La thèse l'établit à un certain niveau de généralité en évoquant d'autres cas, plus ou moins proches de ceux de la cité. Le but est d'esquisser des propositions qui tiennent compte du caractère habité, hier comme aujourd'hui, des cas considérés. Il s'agit d'abord de proposer des concepts aptes à déplacer le champ des perspectives et polémiques classiques (préserver, conserver, restaurer) : ceux de «traduction» et de «mises en récits». Il s'agit ensuite d'éprouver, de réaliser ou de mettre en œuvre ces concepts en mettant en jeu les techniques du «web-documentaire». L'objectif est d'exposer une forme alternative de recherche, théorique et pratique, susceptible de permettre à un public élargi de s'interroger sur la mémoire des lieux. Le travail concerne ainsi le design qu'il envisage lui-même comme élément méthodologique de recherche

Sizing systems, fit models and target markets

I was commissioned to write the chapter "Sizing Surveys, Fit Models and Marketing" in a book aiming 'to provide a critical appreciation of key developments for designers, [graduate] students and manufacturers in the clothing and fashion industry'. It involved a survey of research literature, relevant technical developments, interviews and observation of industry practice - garment fitting sessions, dress stand manufacture, CEN (European Committee for Standardization) size labelling and SizeUK market segmentation – so as to construct a critique and map the way forward. The specialist publisher, in association with the international professional body The Textile Institute, commissioned the publication to influence both understanding of and practice in the field for some years to come. The editor is Professor of Fiber Science and Apparel Design at Cornell University. An expert in each of the fields covered by the book was asked to research and write the chapters. I was invited to contribute as a result of my research into 3-D scanning and sizing, and presentations on SizeUK to US industrialists and ASTMS. The three topics of the chapter have not previously been taken together. They also needed to be re-addressed following advances in 3-D scanning that have opened the way to better market segmentation, alternative means of fitting garments and the selection of fit models. The technology makes it possible to collect, analyze and apply data in new ways, precipitating a revolution in apparel. I examine the impacts of automatic systems on sizing and shape, the changing role of the fit model and the potential to target market segments responsively, proposing opportunities for change that show how we might ensure consistency across processes and, through improved garment fit, enhance customer satisfaction to help alleviate industrial losses accrued through misfit

Capturing the shape of the Nation: SizeUK

All sizing surveys depend on the specification of body landmarks, and measurements between them. My research therefore began with a review of the standards, studies and systems used by collaborating partners. I was able to identify omissions and produce an extended version of ISO 8559: 140 measurements relevant to a widened range of clothing products. Target measurements were scrutinised by industrial partners before being categorised in a new specification. I used the specification to pilot data collection methods, to establish and trial criteria for evaluating scanners, and to train data collection teams (all of whom I monitored during the first days of on-site data collection). The specification was also used to guide software development for automatic landmark detection and measurement extraction, but was subsequently adjusted to reflect new methods - required for capturing measurements using 3-D scanning technology. This national study (funded by government and industry) applied scanning technology to anthropometry and led the way in revolutionising surveys for the clothing industry. It was the first to use automatic body landmarking techniques with automatic extraction to create not only a database of size, shape and marketing information for the UK population but a model for other national surveys (SizeUSA, etc.) Experience gained enabled me to participate in debates on emerging European and American sizing standards (eTcluster and ASTMS). The study (which I managed) attracted public interest: press events - held when the study was launched and at the commencement of data collection in each region - were key to encouraging subjects to participate (see portfolio). Exposure attracted other offers from the media and interested publishers, such as the SizeUK article published in Wonderful (a science/art collaboration funded by NESTA)