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Pbp1, a yeast ortholog of human ataxin‐2, is important for cell growth in the medium containing non‐fermentable carbon sources. We had reported that Pbp1 regulates expression of genes related to glycogenesis via transcriptional regulation and genes related to mitochondrial function through mRNA stability control. To further analyze the role of Pbp1 in gene expression, we first examined the time course of gene expression after transfer from YPD medium containing glucose to YPGlyLac medium containing glycerol and lactate. At 12 h after transfer to YPGlyLac medium, the pbp1∆ mutant showed decreased expression of genes related to mitochondrial function but no decrease in expression of glycogenesis‐related genes. We also examined a role of the Pbp1‐binding factor, Mkt1. The mkt1∆ mutant, like the pbp1∆ mutant, showed slow growth on YPGlyLac plate and reduced expression of genes related to mitochondrial function. Furthermore, we found that mutation of DHH1 gene encoding a decapping activator exacerbated the growth of the pbp1∆ mutant on YPGlyLac plate. The dhh1∆ mutant showed reduced expression of genes related to mitochondrial function. These results indicate that Pbp1 and Mkt1 regulate the expression of genes related to mitochondrial function and that the decapping activator Dhh1 also regulates the expression of those genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internationally, over the last 20 years the number of tools available for the control of small mammals has declined. Through the efforts of research we have bucked this trend and retained and developed new tools. Three new toxins have been extensively researched and registered, namely para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) in 2011 for stoats and feral cats; zinc phosphide for possums in 2012; and encapsulated sodium nitrite (ESN) in 2013, for possums and feral pigs. The development of PAPP and ESN, coined red blood cell toxins, developed for humaneness, represent the first new vertebrate pesticides registered for field control of mammalian pests anywhere in the world for >30 years. Research on rodenticides including diphacinone with the additive cholecalciferol (D+C) and a palatable form of norbormide continues. A New Zealand EPA application for D+C was filed in June 2015. More effective killing systems are being researched, and the first successful field trials of resetting toxin delivery devices for possum and stoat control were completed in 2013 and 2014. Improved deployment strategies, integration of humane and selective toxins, lures of greater potency, and improved killing devices aided by species’ recognition will transform ground control for endangered species protection. Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) and other important tools have been retained as new tools are emerging from a research and development pipeline. It is important for the future of New Zealand’s biodiversity that this focused research continues and we continue to learn and advance new technologies. Our goals are shifting to enable reduction in density of rat, stoat, and possum populations to zero over large scales (i.e., elimination at landscape scale), and to hold these at zero through detection and response, including the use of new technologies for perimeter control as part of barrier systems for conservation.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the quantitative association between the dietary intakes of children and their caregivers. Method: In this cross‐sectional study, a non‐consecutive 2‐day 24‐h dietary recall was conducted in two seasons. Participants comprised 142 pairs of 12–59‐month‐old children and their female caregivers from rural areas of Kenya. Energy and micronutrient adequacy, food group intakes and food allocation were assessed. Differences and correlations between caregiver and child diets were examined, and multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the children's and caregivers' dietary intakes. Results: The child's diet was significantly lower in energy and higher in micronutrient adequacy than was the caregiver's diet (p < 0.001). Specifically, the child's diet contained more fruits, dairy products, sugar and confectionaries per 4184 kj. Children were allocated relatively more dishes containing nutrient‐rich foods than staple foods. The correlation coefficients between the dietary intake of caregivers and children were stronger among 24–59‐month‐old children. After controlling with covariates, caregiver energy intake was significantly associated with child energy intake (standardised beta [β] = 0.512, p < 0.001), and caregiver micronutrient adequacy was associated with child micronutrient adequacy (β = 0.679 and β = 0.262 after energy adjustment, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The dietary intakes of caregivers and children were closely related. The children had a more nutrient‐rich diet compared to that of their caregivers. Differences in food group intakes and food allocation may contribute to the higher nutrient adequacy of children. There is a need to improve the diet of caregivers, which would contribute to improving the diet of children. Key points: The dietary intakes of caregivers and children were closely related, particularly among older children.Children had a more nutrient‐rich diet compared to that of their caregivers. This may be due to their relatively high consumption of nutritious foods, such as fruits and dairy products, and greater allocation of nutrient‐rich foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a technique to identify and measure the prominent sources of sensor noise in commercially available charge-coupled device (CCD) video cameras by analysis of the output images. Noise fundamentally limits the distinguishable content in an image and can significantly reduce the robustness of an image processing application. Although sources of image sensor noise are well documented, there has been little work on the development of techniques to identify and quantify the types of noise present in CCD video-camera images. A comprehensive noise model for CCD cameras was used to evaluate the technique on a commercially available CCD video camera. Index Terms--Charge-coupled devices (CCDs), image processing, noise measurement, video signal processing.

Research has been conducted on the tobaco mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase NAK1 which regulates cell plate expansion at cytokinesis. Results indicate that kinesin-line protein NACK1 and NAK1 complex plays important role in the intracellular processes which lead to cytokinesis.

The Drosophila p38 MAPK pathway is necessary for egg asymmetric development in oogenesis. The role of p38 MAPK signaling in unchallenged conditions is not well understood. Mutations in a Drosophila p38 MAPKK gene homolog, licorne (lic) has been isolated. It was shown that in oogenesis lic is necessary in the germ line for the asymmetric development of the egg to take place as it should. Loss of lic function in the germ line brings reduced EGF receptor activity in dorsal follicle cells and ventralization of the egg shell. Results of the study constitute the first genetic demonstration of an essential development function of a p38 pathway.