Transport and metabolism of [214-C]abscisic acid in maize root

The tips of intact maize (cv. LG 11) roots, maintained vertically, were pretreated with a droplet of buffer solution or a bead of anion exchange resin, both containing [214-C]abscisic acid (ABA). A significant basipetal ABA movement was observed and two metabolites of ABA (possibly phaseic acid and dihydrophaseic acid) were found. ABA pretreatment enhanced the gravireaction of 10 mm apical root segments kept both in the dark and in the light. The possibility that ABA could be one of the endogenous growth inhibitors produced or released by the cap cells is discussed.

Myosin Vs organize actin cables in fission yeast.

Myosin V motors are believed to contribute to cell polarization by carrying cargoes along actin tracks. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Myosin Vs transport secretory vesicles along actin cables, which are dynamic actin bundles assembled by the formin For3 at cell poles. How these flexible structures are able to extend longitudinally in the cell through the dense cytoplasm is unknown. Here we show that in myosin V (myo52 myo51) null cells, actin cables are curled, bundled, and fail to extend into the cell interior. They also exhibit reduced retrograde flow, suggesting that formin-mediated actin assembly is impaired. Myo52 may contribute to actin cable organization by delivering actin regulators to cell poles, as myoV defects are partially suppressed by diverting cargoes toward cell tips onto microtubules with a kinesin 7-Myo52 tail chimera. In addition, Myo52 motor activity may pull on cables to provide the tension necessary for their extension and efficient assembly, as artificially tethering actin cables to the nuclear envelope via a Myo52 motor domain restores actin cable extension and retrograde flow in myoV mutants. Together these in vivo data reveal elements of a self-organizing system in which the motors shape their own tracks by transporting cargoes and exerting physical pulling forces.

Control of optical fields and single photon emitters by advanced nanoantenna structures

The control of optical fields on the nanometre scale is becoming an increasingly important tool in many fields, ranging from channelling light delivery in photovoltaics and light emitting diodes to increasing the sensitivity of chemical sensors to single molecule levels. The ability to design and manipulate light fields with specific frequency and space characteristics is explored in this project. We present an alternative realisation of Extraordinary Optical Transmission (EOT) that requires only a single aperture and a coupled waveguide. We show how this waveguide-resonant EOT improves the transmissivity of single apertures. An important technique in imaging is Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy (NSOM); we show how waveguide-resonant EOT and the novel probe design assist in improving the efficiency of NSOM probes by two orders of magnitude, and allow the imaging of single molecules with an optical resolution of as good as 50 nm. We show how optical antennas are fabricated into the apex of sharp tips and can be used in a near-field configuration.

Mind your head: a student guide to mental health (2009)

This booklet is full of practical tips and information on managing stress and achieving and maintaining positive mental health and emotional wellbeing. It also contains a comprehensive list of helpful local organisations and websites. The booklet targets first year students at university and further and higher education colleges as the transition from school to further education can be a very stressful time.

Focus on alcohol

This booklet outlines the long and short-term effects of regular heavy drinking. It explains how alcohol affects our bodies, what constitutes a unit of alcohol and the recommended limits for men and women as well as tips on how to stick to these limits.

Enjoy healthy eating

This leaflet aims to increase public awareness and understanding of healthy eating messages. The leaflet includes the new eatwell plate, information on the five main food groups, along with top tips for cutting down on fat and what to choose when eating out. It also includes sections on the importance of breakfast and cutting down on salt.

Get a life, get active

This leaflet explains the benefits of regular physical activity. It aims to dispel the myths surrounding exercise and the excuses people make for not exercising, as well as providing tips and advice on how to be more active.

Talking about drugs: a guide for parents

This leaflet explains why and at what age parents should talk to their children about drugs and also provides advice and tips on how to do this.

Redescription of Nyssomyia intermedia (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) and Nyssomyia neivai (Pinto, 1926) (Diptera: Psychodidae)

The phlebotomine sand flies Nyssomyia intermedia and Nyssomyia neivai are the probable vectors of American tegumentary leishmaniasis in the Southern and Southeastern regions of Brazil. These species form a complex, being difficult to separate between either females or males of the two members based on recognized morphological characteristics. Both N. intermedia and N. neivai are redescribed here in the search for characters that facilitate their correct identification. It was possible to differentiate females by means of spermathecal characteristics. Males could be separated with confidence by the tips of the genital filaments, which have the form of a deep spoon, the angle of the concavity being well accentuated in N. intermedia and much shallower in N. neivai.

Are you packing a healthy lunch? (English and Irish)

This booklet is designed toimprove pupils' nutrition and implement healthier eating and drinking practices. It containspractical tips for parents, carers and children on how to pack an appetising, healthy lunchbox.

Mind your head: a student guide to mental health (2010)

This booklet is full of practical tips and information on managing stress and achieving and maintaining positive mental health and emotional wellbeing. It also contains a comprehensive list of helpful local organisations and websites. The booklet targets first year students at university and further and higher education colleges as the transition from school to further education can be a very stressful time.

Packing a healthy punch for lunch

In Northern Ireland over 127,000 children bring their own food to school so it is important to ensure that food is both appetising and is good for health. Recent surveys looking at Childrens lunchboxes revealed that they are often too high in fat, salt and sugar, with just under half of the lunchboxes containing no fruit. To help parents and carers make lunchboxes healthier, the PHA has produced a leaflet, Are you packing a healthy lunch? in collaboration with safefood, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and the Department of Education.It will be distributed to every child in primary school and contains practical tips for parents, carers and children on how to pack an appetising, healthy lunchbox.

Healthy lunchboxes

Good food habits set early in childhood can last a lifetime. Lunches provide around one third of our daily nutritional needs, so it’s important to put some thought and planning into them. Here are some tips on how to prepare a healthy lunchbox. Sevensteps to creatinghealthy, varied and interestinglunchboxes Include a wide variety of foods - starchy foods, protein, dairy, and fruit and vegetables Try to offer different foods every day - no one wants to be eating a ham sandwich five days a week! Vary the types of bread e.g. pitta bread, bagels, wholemeal rolls - - keep a stock in the freezer Cook extra rice/pasta in the evening - these can make interesting salads Theme your lunchbox on a different country, e.g. Italian - try a pasta salad, Mexican fill flour tortillas Home-made soup (in a Thermos flask) is great for cold days, while salads are light and refreshing for warmer weather. Both are packed with essential vitamins and minerals Fluids are important for children - up to 6 cups of fluid should be encouraged daily. Milk and water are the best options. Straws and brightly coloured drinks bottles can make rehydrating more interesting!

Have a healthy, happy Christmas

This booklettells you how to have asafe, cheap and delicious Christmas. It includes tips on how to be a thrifty shopper and the importantfood safety tips you need toknowthis Christmas. Make your Christmas special and cheapby cooking it all yourself this year. This booklet includes delicious recipes for cooking your Christmas dinner, healthier desserts and some cheap and cheerful leafover ideas foryour leftover turkey.

Picnic perfection

Far too often when we pack the picnic basket we leave behind the good habits that keep us safe from food poisoning at home. Here are a few simple tips to help you avoid potential perils of picnics.