Selection on crop-derived traits and QTL in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) crop-wild hybrids under water stress.

Locally relevant conditions, such as water stress in irrigated agricultural regions, should be considered when assessing the risk of crop allele introgression into wild populations following hybridization. Although research in cultivars has suggested that domestication traits may reduce fecundity under water stress as compared to wild-like phenotypes, this has not been investigated in crop-wild hybrids. In this study, we examine phenotypic selection acting on, as well as the genetic architecture of vegetative, reproductive, and physiological characteristics in an experimental population of sunflower crop-wild hybrids grown under wild-like low water conditions. Crop-derived petiole length and head diameter were favored in low and control water environments. The direction of selection differed between environments for leaf size and leaf pressure potential. Interestingly, the additive effect of the crop-derived allele was in the direction favored by selection for approximately half the QTL detected in the low water environment. Selection favoring crop-derived traits and alleles in the low water environment suggests that a subset of these alleles would be likely to spread into wild populations under water stress. Furthermore, differences in selection between environments support the view that risk assessments should be conducted under multiple locally relevant conditions.

Role of protein kinase B in insulin-regulated glucose uptake.

The activation of protein kinase B (or Akt) plays a central role in the stimulation of glucose uptake by insulin. Currently, however, numerous questions remain unanswered regarding the role of this kinase in bringing about this effect. For example, we do not know precisely where in the GLUT4 trafficking pathway this kinase acts. Nor do we know which protein substrates are responsible for mediating the effects of protein kinase B, although two recently identified proteins (AS160 and PIKfyve) may play a role. This paper addresses these important questions by reviewing recent progress in the field.

Training employment service staff to recognise and respond to clients with drug and alcohol problems.

This paper investigates the impact of a training course for Employment Service staff which was designed to provide basic level training on the identification and appropriate management of clients with drug and alcohol problems. The 2-day course was specially designed to meet the needs of staff working with unemployed people with substance abuse problems. The primary aims of the course were to help employment staff to be able to identify drug and alcohol problems, to assess their severity, and where necessary, to refer clients on to more specialized agencies. One hundred and forty-five people attended the training course and a random sample of 60 were followed-up 6 months after the course. Results showed substantial improvements in the confidence and ability of staff to deal with clients presenting with drug and alcohol problems. There was also a clear improvement in the willingness of staff to intervene with such clients.