Developing a Pedagogy for Reducing ‘Plant Blindness’

Despite human dependence on them, inattention to plants or plant blindness is a well–known phenomenon in urban societies. This thesis investigates the efficacy of a suite of novel teaching approaches for botany with adults and children and considers how these published research–based resources can contribute to a pedagogy for reducing plant blindness, in conjunction with the existing literature. This research was based on a mixed methods design using knowledge tests, questionnaires and interviews. It focused on two themes: novel methods for learning taxonomy (digital keys, mnemonics, drawing and game–playing) and drama–based methods for learning reproduction and classification. The literature review examined the characteristics of plant blindness and its impacts on teaching and learning. The fundamental cause of plant blindness was shown to be diminished experience with plants in urban societies which leads to low interest in plants compared to animals. A majority of pedagogic studies were based on learning with live plants, many of which were inquiry-based learning. Half the studies included outdoor learning and half used digital learning approaches. A content analysis of published research using themes based on theories of embodied cognition, memory and positive affect found the textual data to be evenly distributed across all three themes. The pedagogic approaches promoted learning through elaborative techniques, instructional tools with high usability, multimedia experiences and emotional wellbeing. Drawing and keys favoured observation over other perceptual modes, whereas drama facilitated multisensory experience. The research identified physical and cognitive factors that may assist or impede learning. A theoretical contribution of the research was the application of memory theory to learning taxonomy, advancing our understanding of how the design of keys and mnemonics may assist retention. Drama studies enhanced our understanding of children’s attitudes to plants and how a brief intervention may address these

The Isolation and Characterization of Growth Regulatory Factors Produced by a Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Transformed Mouse Tumor Cell Line, H238

Transformation of cells with herpes simplex virus Type 2 (HSV- 2)occurs by an unknown mechanism. No specific gene or gene product has been consistently associated with HSV-2 transformation as is the case for other tumor viruses. This study was performed in an attempt to associate HSV-2-transformation with specific growth factors in order to develop a testable model for HSV-2-transformation. For some tumor viruses, particularly those containing RNA, there has been a central concept (autocrine secretion) linking oncogenes and growth factors. This concept centers on the ability of the cancer cells to produce and respond to their own autologous factors. We report here the isolation and characterization of four growth regulatory factors produced by H238, an HSV-2-transformed mouse tumor cell line. The H238 cells were grown in culture flasks to two-thirds confluency in medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. The medium was removed, the cells were washed and medium without serum was added to the cells. At intervals of 48 hours, this conditioned medium (H238-CM), which contained growth regulatory factors, produced by the cells, was withdrawn and stored frozen. These factors were separated from the H238-CM by heparin-sepharose affinity chromatography into three peaks of mitogenic activity and a fourth containing inhibitory activity for splenocytes. The three peaks of mitogenic activity have been identified based on physiochemical characteristics: the first supported the anchorage-independent growth of EGF treated NRK-c-49 cells and resembles transforming growth factor-^ (TGF-/3); the second bound to lectin-coated sepharose beads and was sensitive to trypsin, neuroaminidase, and the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT) and, resembled a platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-like factor; and the third displaced [ 125I]-labeled basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in a dose dependent fashion when tested with a radioimmune assay (RIA). The fourth peak was inhibitory for a variety of splenocyte function assays. It inhibited lectininduced blastogenesis, allogenic mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), and It appeared to act on splenocyte Gq/G-^ transition causing growth arrest by inhibiting c-myc proto-oncogene IL-2 production by splenocytes. expression. A model for the interaction of these factors in vivo is presented with an emphasis on testability

MidExDB: A database of Drosophila CNS midline cell gene expression

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The <it>Drosophila </it>CNS midline cells are an excellent model system to study neuronal and glial development because of their diversity of cell types and the relative ease in identifying and studying the function of midline-expressed genes. In situ hybridization experiments generated a large dataset of midline gene expression patterns. To help synthesize these data and make them available to the scientific community, we developed a web-accessible database.</p> <p>Description</p> <p>MidExDB (<it>Drosophila </it>CNS Midline Gene Expression Database) is comprised of images and data from our in situ hybridization experiments that examined midline gene expression. Multiple search tools are available to allow each type of data to be viewed and compared. Descriptions of each midline cell type and their development are included as background information.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>MidExDB integrates large-scale gene expression data with the ability to identify individual cell types providing the foundation for detailed genetic, molecular, and biochemical studies of CNS midline cell neuronal and glial development and function. This information has general relevance for the study of nervous system development in other organisms, and also provides insight into transcriptional regulation.</p

Transcriptional Regulation of Drosophila Neural Development

The CNS consists of a diverse array of motorneurons, interneurons, and glia. We are interested in how transcription factors and signaling pathways interact in regulatory circuits to control cell fate and differentiation during development. The Drosophila CNS midline cells consist of 22 cells per segment including glia, interneurons, motorneurons, and neurosecretory cells. We identified and analyzed the expression of 286 genes expressed in midline cells, and are now utilizing this information to understand how midline neurons acquire their distinct identities. Despite the small number of embryonic midline cells, the origins of midline neurons and glia remained relatively unknown. We used a combination of single-cell gene expression mapping and time-lapse imaging to identify individual midline precursor (MP) cells, their locations, movements, and stereotyped patterns of division. This information was then utilized to reveal multiple roles of lethal of scute [l(1)sc] in midline neuronal cell development. Midline precursors (MPs) divide once to generate 2 neurons, and MP3 divides asymmetrically to yield two different neurons, H-cell and H-cell sib. Notch signaling directs the fates of the glutamatergic H-cell sib. We demonstrated that l(1)sc plays an essential role in the development of the dopaminergic H-cell. l(1)sc is expressed in MP3, and both daughter neurons (H-cell and H-cell sib) after birth. However, L(1)sc protein soon becomes asymmetrically localized in H-cell. Mutant and misexpression studies indicated that l(1)sc is required for expression of genes involved in dopamine biosynthesis and transport, and neurotransmitter receptor genes. There are 4 additional transcription factors (BarH1, Scute, SoxNeuro, and Tailup) that are expressed in H-cell, and genetic experiments indicated that these control subsets of H-cell-expressed genes. Thus, l(1)sc is required for most H-cell-specific gene expression, and additional transcription factors function combinatorially to carry-out this regulatory program. Using a combination of genetics and genomics we have defined a series of molecular events that describe neuronal differentiation from precursor division to acquisition of differentiated properties

Integrating Remote Sensing with Ground-based Observations to Quantify the Effects of an Extreme Freeze Event on Black Mangroves (Avicennia germinans) at the Landscape Scale

Climate change is altering the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Quantifying ecosystem responses to extreme events at the landscape scale is critical for understanding and responding to climate-driven change but is constrained by limited data availability. Here, we integrated remote sensing with ground-based observations to quantify landscape-scale vegetation damage from an extreme climatic event. We used ground- and satellite-based black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) leaf damage data from the northern Gulf of Mexico (USA and Mexico) to examine the effects of an extreme freeze in a region where black mangroves are expanding their range. The February 2021 event produced coastal temperatures as low as − 10 °C in some areas, exceeding thresholds for A. germinans damage and mortality. We used Sentinel-2 surface reflectance data to assess vegetation greenness before and after the freeze, along with ground-based observations of A. germinans leaf damage. Our results show a negative, nonlinear threshold relationship between A. germinans leaf damage and minimum temperature, with a temperature threshold for leaf damage near − 6 °C. Satellite-based analyses indicate that, at the landscape scale, damage was particularly severe along the central Texas coast, where the freeze event affected \u3e 2000 ha of A. germinans-dominated coastal wetlands. Our analyses highlight the value of pairing remotely sensed data with regional, ground-based observations for quantifying and extrapolating the effects of extreme freeze events on mangroves and other tropical, cold-sensitive plants. The results also demonstrate how extreme freeze events govern the expansion and contraction of mangroves near northern range limits in North America

Expression of rabbit IL-4 by recombinant myxoma viruses enhances virulence and overcomes genetic resistance to myxomatosis

AbstractRabbit IL-4 was expressed in the virulent standard laboratory strain (SLS) and the attenuated Uriarra (Ur) strain of myxoma virus with the aim of creating a Th2 cytokine environment and inhibiting the development of an antiviral cell-mediated response to myxomatosis in infected rabbits. This allowed testing of a model for genetic resistance to myxomatosis in wild rabbits that have undergone 50 years of natural selection for resistance to myxomatosis. Expression of IL-4 significantly enhanced virulence of both virulent and attenuated virus strains in susceptible (laboratory) and resistant (wild) rabbits. SLS-IL-4 completely overcame genetic resistance in wild rabbits. The pathogenesis of SLS-IL-4 was compared in susceptible and resistant rabbits. The results support a model for resistance to myxomatosis of an enhanced innate immune response controlling virus replication and allowing an effective antiviral cell-mediated immune response to develop in resistant rabbits. Expression of IL-4 did not overcome immunity to myxomatosis induced by immunization

Hunting for answers: Linking lectures with the real world using a mobile treasure hunt app

Plants underpin our society providing food, fuel, medicines, clean air and water, positive mental health, and are central to biodiversity conservation. Despite this importance and an increasing need for people with plant-identification skills, many societies are becoming increasingly ignorant to the species with which they interact. To benefit both our undergraduates and the society they will enter, we applied mobile technology to improve plant identification and appreciation , while providing opportunities to practice transferable team work and verbal communication skills. Encouraging 'plant vision' will improve conservation efforts while increasing personal connections with green spaces, leading to mental health improvements for society. Summary • Despite the importance of plants to human civilization, many societies are becoming increasingly ignorant to the plants that inhabit their surrounding environment. A phenomenon known as 'plant blindness'. To address plant blindness in undergraduate students we designed an outdoor activity using a mobile phone app. Our aims were to identify the level of 'plant blindness' in our students; investigate engagement with the app and activity ; determine if we can raise awareness of links between lecture content and real world scenarios; and assess the student experience as a result of the activity in large classes. • The app chosen was ActionBound. Students were asked to find and photograph local examples of four plant families, along with identifying physiological benefits of features covered in lectures. Two different first year classes were exposed to this activity-Plant Science and Life on Earth. • The Plant Science students (60% success rate for three families; 55 students) were less plant blind than Life on Earth students (less than 44% success rate in any of the four families; 200 students). Students engaged well with the activity with all groups submitting sensible attempts at the responses. Most students reported that the activity increased links to lecture material and all but one student reported positive experiences. • Our students found the treasure hunt learning environment is a fun way to engage with the plant topics covered in lectures. In future iterations, we will more explicitly explain the links to potential careers and will address some of the logistical challenges faced in this first cohort. K E Y W O R D S collaborative learning, fun learning, inclusivity, large classes, mobile learning, plant blindness, situational learning, treasure hun

MidExDB: A database of Drosophila CNS midline cell gene expression

Abstract Background The Drosophila CNS midline cells are an excellent model system to study neuronal and glial development because of their diversity of cell types and the relative ease in identifying and studying the function of midline-expressed genes. In situ hybridization experiments generated a large dataset of midline gene expression patterns. To help synthesize these data and make them available to the scientific community, we developed a web-accessible database. Description MidExDB (Drosophila CNS Midline Gene Expression Database) is comprised of images and data from our in situ hybridization experiments that examined midline gene expression. Multiple search tools are available to allow each type of data to be viewed and compared. Descriptions of each midline cell type and their development are included as background information. Conclusion MidExDB integrates large-scale gene expression data with the ability to identify individual cell types providing the foundation for detailed genetic, molecular, and biochemical studies of CNS midline cell neuronal and glial development and function. This information has general relevance for the study of nervous system development in other organisms, and also provides insight into transcriptional regulation

The impact of large structural brain changes in chronic stroke patients on the electric field caused by transcranial brain stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) are two types of non-invasive transcranial brain stimulation (TBS). They are useful tools for stroke research and may be potential adjunct therapies for functional recovery. However, stroke often causes large cerebral lesions, which are commonly accompanied by a secondary enlargement of the ventricles and atrophy. These structural alterations substantially change the conductivity distribution inside the head, which may have potentially important consequences for both brain stimulation methods. We therefore aimed to characterize the impact of these changes on the spatial distribution of the electric field generated by both TBS methods. In addition to confirming the safety of TBS in the presence of large stroke-related structural changes, our aim was to clarify whether targeted stimulation is still possible. Realistic head models containing large cortical and subcortical stroke lesions in the right parietal cortex were created using MR images of two patients. For TMS, the electric field of a double coil was simulated using the finite-element method. Systematic variations of the coil position relative to the lesion were tested. For TDCS, the finite-element method was used to simulate a standard approach with two electrode pads, and the position of one electrode was systematically varied. For both TMS and TDCS, the lesion caused electric field “hot spots” in the cortex. However, these maxima were not substantially stronger than those seen in a healthy control. The electric field pattern induced by TMS was not substantially changed by the lesions. However, the average field strength generated by TDCS was substantially decreased. This effect occurred for both head models and even when both electrodes were distant to the lesion, caused by increased current shunting through the lesion and enlarged ventricles. Judging from the similar peak field strengths compared to the healthy control, both TBS methods are safe in patients with large brain lesions (in practice, however, additional factors such as potentially lowered thresholds for seizure-induction have to be considered). Focused stimulation by TMS seems to be possible, but standard tDCS protocols appear to be less efficient than they are in healthy subjects, strongly suggesting that tDCS studies in this population might benefit from individualized treatment planning based on realistic field calculations. Keywords: Transcranial magnetic stimulation, Transcranial direct current stimulation, Chronic stroke, Brain lesions, Field simulations, Finite element metho