A Photographic Journey along El Camino Real de los Tejas

This is a photographic traveling exhibit in conjunction with the National Park Service. The exhibit was made possible through the Challenge Cost Share Program in cooperation with Stephen F. Austin State University. This matching fund program allows the National Park Service and partners to work together to preserve and improve resources on national trails. To view selected images from the project visit El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail

Submarine Salt Karst Terrains

Karst terrains that develop in bodies of rock salt (taken as mainly of halite, NaCl) are special not only for developing in one of the most soluble of all rocks, but also for developing in one of the weakest rocks. Salt is so weak that many surface-piercing salt diapirs extrude slow fountains of salt that that gravity spread downslope over deserts on land and over sea floors. Salt fountains in the deserts of Iran are usually so dry that they flow at only a few cm/yr but the few rain storms a decade so soak and weaken them that they surge at dm/day for a few days. We illustrate the only case where the rates at which different parts of one of the many tens of subaerial salt karst terrains in Iran flows downslope constrains the rates at which its subaerial salt karst terrains form. Normal seawater is only 10% saturated in NaCl. It should therefore be sufficiently aggressive to erode karst terrains into exposures of salt on the thousands of known submarine salt extrusions that have flowed or are still flowing over the floors of hundreds of submarine basins worldwide. However, we know of no attempt to constrain the processes that form submarine salt karst terrains on any of these of submarine salt extrusions. As on land, many potential submarine karst terrains are cloaked by clastic and pelagic sediments that are often hundreds of m thick. Nevertheless, detailed geophysical and bathymetric surveys have already mapped likely submarine salt karst terrains in at least the Gulf of Mexico, and the Red Sea. New images of these two areas are offered as clear evidence of submarine salt dissolution due to sinking or rising aggressive fluids. We suggest that repeated 3D surveys of distinctive features (± fixed seismic reflectors) of such terrains could measure any downslope salt flow and thus offer an exceptional opportunity to constrain the rates at which submarine salt karst terrains develop. Such rates are of interest to all salt tectonicians and the many earth scientists seeking hydrocarbons associated with salt bodies

RNA interference of endochitinases in the sugarcane endophyte Trichoderma virens 223 reduces its fitness as a biocontrol agent of pineapple disease

publication-status: PublishedThe sugarcane root endophyte Trichoderma virens 223 holds enormous potential as a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides in the control of sugarcane diseases. Its efficacy as a biocontrol agent is thought to be associated with its production of chitinase enzymes, including N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidases, chitobiosidases and endochitinases. We used targeted gene deletion and RNA-dependent gene silencing strategies to disrupt N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase and endochitinase activities of the fungus, and to determine their roles in the biocontrol of soil-borne plant pathogens. The loss of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activities was dispensable for biocontrol of the plurivorous damping-off pathogens Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and of the sugarcane pathogen Ceratocystis paradoxa, the causal agent of pineapple disease. Similarly, suppression of endochitinase activities had no effect on R. solani and S. sclerotiorum disease control, but had a pronounced effect on the ability of T. virens 223 to control pineapple disease. Our work demonstrates a critical requirement for T. virens 223 endochitinase activity in the biocontrol of C. paradoxa sugarcane disease, but not for general antagonism of other soil pathogens. This may reflect its lifestyle as a sugarcane root endophyte

Partnership Paradox

In 2006, after nearly two decades of civil conflict and instability, Liberia's physical and governance infrastructure was destroyed and its brutalized population stricken with high levels of illiteracy and unemployment. The newly formed government of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was not able to meet the stringent requirements imposed by the global aid architecture at the time.In response to this, the Open Society Foundations and UNICEF, working in collaboration with the Government of the Netherlands, made a commitment to deliver up to $20 million to Liberia's Ministry of Education to catalyze the recovery of the sector and to support the development of a comprehensive sector plan. The Liberia Education Pooled Fund was launched in May 2008.The purpose of this publication is to present the realistic story of Liberia's post-conflict educational recovery and the inherent paradox of the partnerships that are necessary to support it. The contributors to this volume have presented firsthand accounts of their engagement in the immediate post-conflict phase of Liberia's educational recovery, and with this have provided lessons and insight for a growing field of education and international development specialists

Carotid artery wall mechanics in young males with high cardiorespiratory fitness

The influence of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on arterial stiffness in young adults remains equivocal. Beyond conventional measures of arterial stiffness, 2D strain imaging of the common carotid artery (CCA) provides novel information related to the intrinsic properties of the arterial wall. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of CRF on both conventional indices of CCA stiffness and 2D strain parameters, at rest and following a bout of aerobic exercise in young healthy males. Short‐axis ultrasound images of the CCA were recorded in 34 healthy men [22 years (95%CI, 19–22)] before, and immediately after 5‐minutes of aerobic exercise (40% VO2max). Images were analysed for arterial diameter, peak circumferential strain (PCS), and peak systolic and diastolic strain rates (S‐SR, D‐SR). Heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) were simultaneously assessed and Petersons' elastic modulus (Ep) and Beta stiffness (β1) were calculated. Participants were separated post hoc into moderate and high fitness groups [VO2max: 48.9 ml.kg‐1 min‐1 (95%CI, 44.7–53.2) vs. 65.6 ml.kg‐1 min‐1 (95%CI, 63.1–68.1); P 0.13) but were elevated in the moderate‐fitness group post‐exercise (P 0.05). High‐fit individuals exhibit elevated CCA PCS and S‐SR, which may reflect training‐induced adaptations that help to buffer the rise in pulse‐pressure and stroke volume during exercise

MeCP2 Regulates the Synaptic Expression of a Dysbindin-BLOC-1 Network Component in Mouse Brain and Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neurons

Clinical, epidemiological, and genetic evidence suggest overlapping pathogenic mechanisms between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. We tested this hypothesis by asking if mutations in the ASD gene MECP2 which cause Rett syndrome affect the expression of genes encoding the schizophrenia risk factor dysbindin, a subunit of the biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex-1 (BLOC-1), and associated interacting proteins. We measured mRNA and protein levels of key components of a dysbindin interaction network by, quantitative real time PCR and quantitative immunohistochemistry in hippocampal samples of wild-type and Mecp2 mutant mice. In addition, we confirmed results by performing immunohistochemistry of normal human hippocampus and quantitative qRT-PCR of human inducible pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived human neurons from Rett syndrome patients. We defined the distribution of the BLOC-1 subunit pallidin in human and mouse hippocampus and contrasted this distribution with that of symptomatic Mecp2 mutant mice. Neurons from mutant mice and Rett syndrome patients displayed selectively reduced levels of pallidin transcript. Pallidin immunoreactivity decreased in the hippocampus of symptomatic Mecp2 mutant mice, a feature most prominent at asymmetric synapses as determined by immunoelectron microcopy. Pallidin immunoreactivity decreased concomitantly with reduced BDNF content in the hippocampus of Mecp2 mice. Similarly, BDNF content was reduced in the hippocampus of BLOC-1 deficient mice suggesting that genetic defects in BLOC-1 are upstream of the BDNF phenotype in Mecp2 deficient mice. Our results demonstrate that the ASD-related gene Mecp2 regulates the expression of components belonging to the dysbindin interactome and these molecular differences may contribute to synaptic phenotypes that characterize Mecp2 deficiencies and ASD.Fil: Larimore, Jennifer. Agnes Scott College; Estados UnidosFil: Ryder, Pearl V.. University of Emory; Estados UnidosFil: Kim, Kun Yong. University of Yale. School of Medicine; Estados UnidosFil: Ambrose, L. Alex. Agnes Scott College; Estados UnidosFil: Chapleau, Christopher. University Of Alabama; Estados UnidosFil: Calfa, Gaston Diego. University Of Alabama; Estados Unidos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Gross, Christina. University of Emory; Estados UnidosFil: Bassell, Gary J.. University of Emory; Estados UnidosFil: Pozzo Miller, Lucas. University Of Alabama; Estados UnidosFil: Smith, Yoland. University of Emory; Estados UnidosFil: Talbot, Konrad. The Pennsylvania State University; Estados UnidosFil: Park, In Hyun. University of Yale. School of Medicine; Estados UnidosFil: Faundez, Victor. University of Emory; Estados Unido

A prospective cohort study comparing the reactogenicity of trivalent influenza vaccine in pregnant and non-pregnant women

Background: Influenza vaccination during pregnancy can prevent serious illness in expectant mothers and provide protection to newborns; however, historically uptake has been limited due to a number of factors, including safety concerns. Symptomatic complaints are common during pregnancy and may be mistakenly associated with reactions to trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV). To investigate this, we compared post-vaccination events self-reported by pregnant women to events reported by non-pregnant women receiving TIV. Methods: A prospective cohort of 1,086 pregnant women and 314 non-pregnant female healthcare workers (HCWs) who received TIV between March-May 2014 were followed-up seven days post-vaccination to assess local and systemic adverse events following immunisation (AEFIs). Women were surveyed by text message regarding perceived reactions to TIV. Those reporting an AEFI completed an interview by telephone or mobile phone to ascertain details. Logistic regression models adjusting for age and residence were used to compare reactions reported by pregnant women and non-pregnant HCWs. Results: Similar proportions of pregnant women and non-pregnant, female HCWs reported ≥1 reaction following vaccination with TIV (13.0% and 17.3%, respectively; OR = 1.2 [95% CI: 0.8-1.8]). Non-pregnant, female HCWs were more likely to report fever or headache compared to pregnant women (OR: 4.6 [95% CI 2.1-10.3] and OR: 2.2 [95% CI 1.0-4.6], respectively). No other significant differences in reported symptoms were observed. No serious vaccine-associated adverse events were reported, and less than 2% of each group sought medical advice for a reaction. Conclusions: We found no evidence suggesting pregnant women are more likely to report adverse events following influenza vaccination when compared to non-pregnant female HCWs of similar age, and in some cases, pregnant women reported significantly fewer adverse events. These results further support the safety of TIV administered in pregnant women

Decision-making and referral processes for patients with motor neurone disease: a qualitative study of GP experiences and evaluation of a new decision-support tool

Background The diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) is known to be challenging and there may be delay in patients receiving a correct diagnosis. This study investigated the referral process for patients who had been diagnosed with MND, and whether a newly-developed tool (The Red Flags checklist) might help General Practitioners (GPs) in making referral decisions. Methods We carried out interviews with GPs who had recently referred a patient diagnosed with MND, and interviews/surveys with GPs who had not recently referred a patient with suspected MND. We collected data before the Red Flags checklist was introduced; and again one year later. We analysed the data to identify key recurring themes. Results Forty two GPs took part in the study. The presence of fasciculation was the clinical feature that most commonly led to consideration of a potential MND diagnosis. GPs perceived that their role was to make onward referrals rather than attempting to make a diagnosis, and delays in correct diagnosis tended to occur at the specialist level. A quarter of participants had some awareness of the newly-developed tool; most considered it useful, if incorporated into existing systems. Conclusions While fasciculation is the most common symptom associated with MND, other bulbar, limb or respiratory features, together with progression should be considered. There is a need for further research into how decision-support tools should be designed and provided, in order to best assist GPs with referral decisions. There is also a need for further work at the level of secondary care, in order that referrals made are re-directed appropriately

Cardiorespiratory and perceptual responses to self-regulated and imposed submaximal arm-leg ergometry

Purpose: This study compared cardiorespiratory and perceptual responses to exercise using self-regulated and imposed power outputs distributed between the arms and legs. Methods Ten males (age 21.7 ± 3.4 years) initially undertook incremental arm-crank ergometry (ACE) and cycle ergometry (CYC) tests to volitional exhaustion to determine peak power output (Wpeak). Two subsequent tests involved 20-min combined arm–leg ergometry (ALE) trials, using imposed and self-regulated protocols, both of which aimed to elicit an exercising heart rate of 160 beats min−1. During the imposed trial, arm and leg intensity were set at 40% of each ergometer-specific Wpeak. During the self-regulated trial, participants were asked to self-regulate cadence and resistance to achieve the target heart rate. Heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (V˙O2 ), pulmonary ventilation (V˙E ), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded continuously. Results As expected, there were no differences between imposed and self-regulated trials for HR, V˙O2 , and V˙E (all P ≥ 0.05). However, central RPE and local RPE for the arms were lower during self-regulated compared imposed trials (P ≤ 0.05). Lower RPE during the self-regulated trial was related to preferential adjustments in how the arms (33 ± 5% Wpeak) and legs (46 ± 5% Wpeak) contributed to the exercise intensity. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that despite similar metabolic and cardiovascular strain elicited by imposed and self-regulated ALE, the latter was perceived to be less strenuous, which is related to participants doing more work with the legs and less work with the arms to achieve the target intensity

Numerical simulation of a Himalayan profile

Six numerical models exploring the dynamics of the front ranges in a N-S profile through a biaxial Himalayan collision orogeny are described and assessed. A 4000m high "Tibetan Plateau" with a 3000m deep foredeep is simulated in only "100,000 years" by shortening 200km of a front of an extending Newtonian "India". The Newtonian "sialic crust" is deformed by a 60km deep ramp dipping 45 degrees northwards in a rigid "mantle asthenosphere" moving "northwards" at 10cm/ year. A foredeep subsides above the ramp because the northern part of Newtonian "India" can not keep up with the rise of the "Himalayan front" . A soft, low-density region inserted above the rigid ramp rises so slowly that it makes little difference to the surface topography. A larger soft, low-density inclusion in front of the ramp simulates the "High Himalaya" despite not having time to become diapiric. Restricting the area analysed by finite elements to only about 0.1 the width of the "Tibetan Plateau" means that the restricted plateau rises about 10 times faster than a full-width equivalent. This biases the progressive deformation of surface relief far more than its dissipation by gravity spreading (i. e. isostatic compensation is confined to the viscous crust). Various improvements to the model are suggested.論文http://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_650