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Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder that affects some children when they begin school. If left untreated the long-term impact can include complex, debilitating mental health conditions. The usual presentation is lack of speech in the education setting, contrasting with confident speech at home. Prevalence is estimated at 0.7% but can be three times higher for children who are immigrant second language learners. There is some evidence to suggest that music therapy is helpful but a deeper understanding is needed. This study aims to develop a new theoretical framework for the use of music therapy for young children with SM. The paper reports on multiple case study research of music therapy for six children with SM aged 3–5. Template analysis combining inductive and deductive enquiry is used to revise and develop the framework. The six case studies describe contrasting paths into speech. Four key domains – Approach; Therapeutic Process; Interconnected Elements of Music Therapy; Context – were necessary to clinical practice across cases, and are presented in detail in the final theoretical framework. Music therapists bring many useful skills, with musical communication established as an empowering tool for alleviating SM. The framework provides the theoretical basis for comprehensive guidance for music therapy with young children with SM. An open, flexible, multi-modal approach, integrating teamwork and considering transdisciplinary practice, is indicated. The need for SM training for music therapists and the potential role of music therapy on the care pathway for SM is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The number of people living with dementia (PwD) worldwide is expected to double every 20 years. Many continue living at home, receiving support from family caregivers who may experience significant stress, simultaneously to that of the PwD. Meaningful and effective home-based interventions to support PwD and their caregivers are needed. The development of a theory- and practice-driven online home-based music intervention (MI) is delivered by credentialed music therapists, nested within the HOMESIDE RCT trial. Methods: Dyads including the PwD and their family carer are randomised to MI, reading (RI) or standard care (SC). MI aims to support health wellbeing and quality of life by training caregivers to intentionally use music (singing, instrument playing, movement/dancing, and music listening) with their family member (PwD) in daily routines. MI is underpinned by cognitive, relational, social, and psychological theories of mechanisms of change. Results: Preliminary sub-cohort results analyses show MI can be delivered and is accepted well by participants and music-therapist interventionists across five countries. Conclusions: The specialist skills of a music therapist through MI enable carers to access music when music therapists are not present, to meet carer and PwD needs. Music therapists embrace this changing professional role, observing therapeutic change for members of the dyads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inaccurate labels on some e-cigarette products have prompted calls for routine testing to monitor product label integrity. The objective of this study was to compare label statements of commercial disposable/non-chargeable e-cigarette products for nicotine concentration and e-liquid volume with analytically verified levels. Commercial e-cigarette samples were analyzed for nicotine concentration (N = 51), e-liquid volume and total nicotine content (N = 39). Twenty-three of the 51 samples analyzed for nicotine deviated from their label statements by more than ± 10%. Deviations ranged from -50.1% to + 13.9%. Thirty of the 39 samples analyzed for e-liquid volume deviated from their label statements by more than ± 10%. Deviations ranged from -62.1% to + 13.3%. Only one brand listed total nicotine on the label. In thirty-one of the 39 samples, calculated total nicotine amount in e-liquid deviated from the amounts calculated from the label metrics by more than ± 10%. Deviations ranged from -66.8% to -1.43%. These findings underscore the need for regulatory enforcement of manufacturing quality control and product labeling practices to optimize the harm reduction potential and consumer experience associated with the use of e-cigarette products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Proteins located in cell membranes have a defined orientation that is established during their integration into the membrane. • Fluorescence-based methods have been developed to detect the topological orientation of proteins in the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane at up to single molecule sensitivity. • These methods show that a very small proportion of membrane proteins are inserted into the cytoplasmic membrane in the wrong orientation. • Low level mislocalization of a soluble protein across the cytoplasmic membrane is also detected. • This study demonstrates the power of fluorescence methods to uncover low frequency events in living cells. The cytoplasmic membrane compartmentalises the bacterial cell into cytoplasm and periplasm. Proteins located in this membrane have a defined topology that is established during their biogenesis. However, the accuracy of this fundamental biosynthetic process is unknown. We developed compartment-specific fluorescence labelling methods with up to single-molecule sensitivity. Application of these methods to the single and multi-spanning membrane proteins of the Tat protein transport system revealed rare topogenesis errors. This methodology also detected low level soluble protein mislocalization from the cytoplasm to the periplasm. This study shows that it is possible to uncover rare errors in protein localization by leveraging the high sensitivity of fluorescence methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Government and industry communications to gamblers often focus on promoting responsible gambling, which incorporate a range of gambler behaviors. These include limit setting, maintaining control, being informed about the chances of winning and self-monitoring. However, there have been no empirical examinations of the effect that responsible gambling discourses have on people with gambling problems. We conducted qualitative interviews with 26 people with experience of gambling problems who were involved in peer support and advocacy activities. A number of themes arose from participants narratives. Participants perceived that responsible gambling discourses contributed to the felt and enacted stigma associated with problem gambling by focusing on personal responsibility. They also perceived that responsible gambling discourses created norms which led to personal blame and shame, and contributed to broader negative stereotypes of people with gambling problems. Participants also perceived that responsible gambling discourses had limited impact on either their own gambling behavior or help seeking. We conclude that discourses which focus on responsible gambling may have a negative and potentially stigmatizing impact for people experiencing gambling problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem gambling is known to be associated with significant stigma, but there is limited research on the negative stereotypes that underpin this judgement. Understanding the stereotypes that contribute to the stigmatisation of problem gambling may help to identify new approaches to reducing gambling stigma. Using data collected during 100 in-depth qualitative interviews with gamblers in Victoria, Australia, we explored factors which underpin negative stereotypes about people with gambling problems, the influence of negative stereotypes on behaviours and attitudes and differences in attitudes to different gambling products. Participants perceived that people with gambling problems were lacked responsibility and control, as were 'lazy', 'stupid' and 'greedy.' Electronic gambling machine (EGM) gamblers were particularly stigmatised. Negative stereotypes focusing on personal responsibility led to feelings of guilt and shame in people with gambling problems, as well as increased social isolation, and also impacted on moderate-risk gamblers, who contrasted their own behaviour with a stereotyped idea of a person with a gambling problem. Participants linked stereotyped portrayals of problem gambling to discussions of the gambling industry, which they perceived focused on control and responsibility, and the media, which they perceived emphasised extreme negative consequences from gambling. This study suggests that negative stereotypes focusing on personal responsibility for gambling problems are a factor leading to the stigmatisation of people with gambling problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A range of studies have reported that pivotal moments can occur in music therapy sessions. Four questions formed the basis for studying the pivotal moments in music therapy: 1.What are the main characteristics of pivotal moments? 2.Are there any specific aspects that help pivotal moments to emerge? 3. How do pivotal moments affect the patient’s process in therapy and life in general? 4. What is the importance of pivotal moments for the music therapist? The study was approached through completion of an extensive literature review reviewing descriptions and reports of pivotal moments from a range of fields including music therapy. Three semi-structured interviews were conducted with music therapists to provide a deeper understanding of their experience of pivotal moments, and to advance theorising about pivotal moments in music therapy. Interview data was analysed using Phenomenological Interpretative Analysis (IPA). A case study provides further support for the information gathered via the interviews and literature review. The case presents the emergence of a pivotal moment and describes its contribution within a short-term individual music therapy program with a man who has a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Pivotal moments are found to change the music therapy process and lead to a better understanding of the patient. The role of the therapist, the therapist’s qualities and basic features or techniques that support the emergence of pivotal moments, are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel molecular analytes are needed in small bowel neuroendocrine tumours (SBNETs) to better determine disease aggressiveness and predict treatment response. In this study, we aimed to profile the global miRNome of SBNETs, and identify microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in tumour progression for use as potential biomarkers. Two independent miRNA profiling experiments were performed (n = 90), including primary SBNETs (n = 28), adjacent normal small bowel (NSB; n = 14), matched lymph node (LN) metastases (n = 24), normal LNs (n = 7), normal liver (n = 2) and liver metastases (n = 15). We then evaluated potentially targeted genes by performing integrated computational analyses. We discovered 39 miRNAs significantly deregulated in SBNETs compared with adjacent NSB. The most upregulated (miR-204-5p, miR-7-5p and miR-375) were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Two miRNAs (miR-1 and miR-143-3p) were significantly downregulated in LN and liver metastases compared with primary tumours. Furthermore, we identified upregulated gene targets for miR-1 and miR-143-3p in an existing SBNET dataset, which could contribute to disease progression, and show that these miRNAs directly regulate FOSB and NUAK2 oncogenes. Our study represents the largest global miRNA profiling of SBNETs using matched primary tumour and metastatic samples. We revealed novel miRNAs deregulated during SBNET disease progression, and important miRNA-mRNA interactions. These miRNAs have the potential to act as biomarkers for patient stratification and may also be able to guide treatment decisions. Further experiments to define molecular mechanisms and validate these miRNAs in larger tissue cohorts and in biofluids are now warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck is a cactus species native to Mexico, now widely distributed in the West Indies and tropical America. It is a species not usually consumed as food, but due to its composition of bioactive compounds, it could be used to treat diabetes. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of N. cochenillifera cladode flour on glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic CD-1 mice. The flour obtained from cladodes absorbed glucose proportionally to the glucose concentration, and it was observed that the administration of flour (10.5 mg/kg body) decreased glucose levels in diabetic mice compared to the control group. This preclinical study demonstrates that N. cochenillifera flour could be used to improve glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Discussions of gambling have traditionally focused on ideas of “problem” and “responsible” gambling. However, few studies have examined how Institutions attempt to exert social control over gamblers in order to promote so-called “responsible” behaviour. In this study, we examine the way “problem” and “responsible” gambling are discussed by Australian governments and the gambling industry, using a theoretical framework based on the work of Foucault.Method: We conducted a thematic analysis of discourses surrounding problem and responsible gambling in government and gambling industry websites, television campaigns and responsible gambling materials.Results: Documents distinguished between gambling, which was positive for the community, and problem gambling, which was portrayed as harmful and requiring medical intervention. The need for responsible gambling was emphasised in many of the documents, and reinforced by mechanisms including self-monitoring, self-control and surveillance of gamblers.Conclusions: Government and industry expect gamblers to behave “responsibly”, and are heavily influenced by neoliberal ideas of rational, controlled subjects in their conceptualisation of what constitutes “responsible behaviour”. As a consequence, problem gamblers become constructed as a deviant group. This may have significant consequences for problem gamblers, such as the creation of stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A preterm neonate at 29-week gestational age was born with intrauterine growth restriction, severe pancytopaenia and gross skeletal dysplasia. Antenatal screening bloods, TORCH/parvovirus tests and karyotype were unremarkable. Postnatally, he had normal microarray comparative genomic hybridization and serum B12/folate levels, and human immunodeficiency virus and cytomegalovirus polymerase chain reaction and antoimmune screening were negative. Targeted gene testing for Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) revealed the pathognomic mutation (c.183_184delTAinsCT). His postnatal clinical course was complicated by: (i) Ventilator dependency because of a combination of a pathologically compliant chest wall and preterm-associated chronic lung disease. (ii) Progressive bone marrow failure, resulting in transfusion dependence and profound neutropenia associated with recurrent sepsis. (iii) Gastrointestinal failure and TPN dependency. (iv) Poor postnatal growth with weight/length/head circumference all <3rd centile. (v) Prognostication was complicated by the lack of published literature on the presentation of SDS in a preterm infant. However, because of inexorable progression of multiorgan failure, intensive care was withdrawn on day 54 of life. SDS is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterised by haematological abnormalities, skeletal dysplasia and exocrine pancreatic dysfunction. Neonatal presentation is thought to be extremely rare. However, with the availability of genetic testing, it has now become clear that because of overlap in clinical presentation, term-born infants with skeletal dysplasia and severe respiratory distress may initially be misdiagnosed as asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy. This case report highlights the complexities of preterm birth complicating clinical manifestations of SDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As proof-of-principle for generating superresolution structural information from DNA we applied a method of localization microscopy utilizing photoblinking comparing intercalating dye YOYO-1 against minor groove binding dye SYTO-13, using a bespoke multicolor single-molecule fluorescence microscope. We used a full-length ∼49 kbp λ DNA construct possessing oligo inserts at either terminus allowing conjugation of digoxigenin and biotin at opposite ends for tethering to a glass coverslip surface and paramagnetic microsphere respectively. We observed stochastic DNA-bound dye photoactivity consistent with dye photoblinking as opposed to binding/unbinding events, evidenced through both discrete simulations and continuum kinetics analysis. We analyzed dye photoblinking images of immobilized DNA molecules using superresolution reconstruction software from two existing packages, rainSTORM and QuickPALM, and compared the results against our own novel home-written software called ADEMS code. ADEMS code generated lateral localization precision values of 30–40 nm and 60–70 nm for YOYO-1 and SYTO-13 respectively at video-rate sampling, similar to rainSTORM, running more slowly than rainSTORM and QuickPALM algorithms but having a complementary capability over both in generating automated centroid distribution and cluster analyses. Our imaging system allows us to observe dynamic topological changes to single molecules of DNA in real-time, such as rapid molecular snapping events. This will facilitate visualization of fluorescently-labeled DNA molecules conjugated to a magnetic bead in future experiments involving newly developed magneto-optical tweezers combined with superresolution microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA-interacting proteins have roles in multiple processes, many operating as molecular machines which undergo dynamic meta-stable transitions to bring about their biological function. To fully understand this molecular heterogeneity, DNA and the proteins that bind to it must ideally be interrogated at a single molecule level in their native in vivo environments, in a time-resolved manner, fast enough to sample the molecular transitions across the free-energy landscape. Progress has been made over the past decade in utilizing cutting-edge tools of the physical sciences to address challenging biological questions concerning the function and modes of action of several different proteins which bind to DNA. These physiologically relevant assays are technically challenging but can be complemented by powerful and often more tractable in vitro experiments which confer advantages of the chemical environment with enhanced detection signal-to-noise of molecular signatures and transition events. In the present paper, we discuss a range of techniques we have developed to monitor DNA-protein interactions in vivo, in vitro and in silico. These include bespoke single-molecule fluorescence microscopy techniques to elucidate the architecture and dynamics of the bacterial replisome and the structural maintenance of bacterial chromosomes, as well as new computational tools to extract single-molecule molecular signatures from live cells to monitor stoichiometry, spatial localization and mobility in living cells. We also discuss recent developments from our laboratory made in vitro, complementing these in vivo studies, which combine optical and magnetic tweezers to manipulate and image single molecules of DNA, with and without bound protein, in a new super-resolution fluorescence microscope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spawning is a key but often fragile event in the life cycles of fish populations. Nevertheless, it has been relatively little studied for lithophilic lacustrine species requiring hard spawning substrates, such as gravels or stones, largely devoid of fine sediments. Twelve demonstrated or putative spawning grounds of Arctic charr ( Salvelinus alpinus) in shallow and deep areas of the north and south basins of the eutrophicated lake of Windermere, UK, were described by hydroacoustic, physical and visual surveys. In addition, their current conditions were compared with their original qualitative descriptions made over 50 years ago. Spawning ground characteristics were found to be more complex than originally described, with considerable overlaps in depth ranges and only limited areas of appropriate hard substrates. Moreover, extensive gill netting surveys in recent years have found spawning Arctic charr at only seven of the original 12 demonstrated or putative spawning grounds, although several new spawning areas have also been found. The distribution of unsuitable fine sediments is widespread in the lake, particularly in the more eutrophicated south basin where suitable spawning habitat within the putative spawning areas is limited. Windermere faces a number of environmental problems including climate change and species introductions. However, the temporal and spatial patterns of the lake's eutrophication suggest that associated increases in fine sediments have been a major driver of the observed deterioration of Arctic charr spawning grounds and so may have also contributed to a marked decline recently observed in the local abundance of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-resolution record of pollution is preserved in recent sediments from Windermere, the largest lake in the English Lake District. Data derived from X-ray core scanning (validated against wavelength dispersive Xray fluorescence), radiochronological techniques (210Pb and 137Cs) and ultrahigh precision, double-spike mass spectrometry for lead isotopes are combined to decipher the anthropogenic inputs to the lake. The sediment record suggests that while most element concentrations have been stable, there has been a significant increase in lead, zinc, and copper concentrations since the 1930s. Lead isotope down-core variations identify three major contributory sources of anthropogenic (industrial) lead, comprising gasoline lead, coal combustion lead (most likely source is coal-fired steam ships), and lead derived from Carboniferous Pb-Zn mineralization (mining activities). Periods of metal workings do not correlate with peaks in heavy metals due to the trapping efficiency of up-system lakes in the catchment. Heavy metal increases could be due toflood-induced metal inwash after the cessation of mining and the weathering of bedrock in the catchment. The combination of sediment analysis techniques used provides new insights into the pollutant depositional history of Windermere and could be similarly applied to other lake systems to determine the timing and scale of anthropogenic inputs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Postharvest yellowing ( PhY) causes yellowing in rice endosperm during conditions of high temperature and moisture. Rice bran was investigated as a model tissue for studying PhY and for determining the possibility of carotenoids as the source of the yellow color. RESULTS A survey of different colored rice and wild (non- sativa) rice lines resulted in the identification of several purple bran lines having very low or no bran carotenoids. Transcription levels of phytoene synthase, the first committed step in carotenoid biosynthesis, were higher in carotenoid-containing bran, indicating that carotogenesis is an ongoing process in mature bran. Bran and endosperm subjected to PhY conditions had a similar temperature optimum and color responses, so bran was utilized to investigate carotenoid levels and transcription levels of genes for carotogenesis during PhY. During PhY, total carotenoid levels in bran increased while levels of the predominant xanthophyll carotenoid, lutein, decreased. This difference could be explained by carotenoids being metabolized into apocarotenoids, which have high antioxidant activities and can be highly colored. This mechanism is further supported by the long-term transcription during PhY of CCD1, which encodes an enzyme in apocarotenoid production. CONCLUSION We propose that PhY is an active, metabolic response to a very high temperature stress and that the increase in total carotenoids in bran during PhY is a result of the production of colored apocarotenoids. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 1:10,000 map of the geomorphological features and sedimentary processes shaping the landscape is presented for Windermere, the largest lake in the English Lake District. High-resolution multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data, lake bed photography and sediment samples reveal a complex landform record, and have been used to identify nine sub-basins separated by steps, ridges and isolated topographic highs probably related to the retreat of the British and Irish Ice Sheet. Debris flows and anthropogenic features are superimposed on the general bathymetric framework formed since the Last Glacial Maximum. Five distinct lake bed facies are identified through ground-truthing, and are used to describe the sedimentology of the lake revealing a dominance of gyttja. Coarser sediments are found in lake-marginal shallow waters, where the morphology is shaped by dredging scars and circular dredging deposits. Post-glacial slope failure and modern sedimentary processes such as debris flows have further shaped the lake bed and removed the surface drape of gyttja, exposing an underlying facies of Pre-Holocene finely laminated mud. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a major cause of diarrhoea in pigs and humans. The duration and severity of diarrhoea can be controlled using zinc supplementation, typically pharmacological levels of zinc oxide in pigs. In this study, IPEC J2 cells were used as an in vitro model of intestinal ETEC infection, with separate and simultaneous zinc treatment. Genomic analysis identified increased expression of a variety of innate immune response genes (NF-κB targets) in response to ETEC exposure, and several stress response genes in response to zinc exposure, provided as ZnO. Expression of genes involved in the innate immune response was reduced when cells were simultaneously exposed to ZnO, and it is suggested that ZnO treatment inhibits the induction of NF-κB in response to pathogens, possibly through up-regulated heat shock proteins. A similar response in vivo with consequent down-regulation in the inflammatory response would reduce further pathogen invasion, maintain normal gut function and maintain growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This article describes a project that explored the relationship between aggression and creativity in music therapy. It examines the role of aggression in psychological growth and how music therapy might have a unique role in channelling aggression. An exploratory qualitative study included a mixed methods approach of a case study and thematic analysis of interviews. It included three interviews with three experienced music therapists who were asked about their experience of aggression in music therapy. The case study supports the evidence gathered in the interviews, and describes short-term individual music therapy treatment with a man with a personality disorder diagnosis and a history of extremely aggressive behaviour. The study suggested a strong link between aggression, affect and body movement. Gathered information and results from interview analysis showed that aggression and creativity share important similarities in areas of mastery and control, affect and emotion, and action and intention. Conclusions of the study showed that music therapy can sometimes provide a context for safe exploration of aggression and deeper feelings. It can also enable the individual to sublimate negative emotions through appropriate expression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article provides information on a study which proposed an inexpensive test tube culture system for long-term aphid culture and storage that would not require maintenance during the culture period. Three wheat plants with root and soil still attached were transplanted into a glass test tube, in order to establish aphid cultures, and the culture tubes were disassembled at six weeks, while counts were made of all aphids. Through the plant host, cool temperatures improved aphid survival directly or indirectly. The system used inexpensive materials, did not observe cross contamination of aphids by other aphids and did not have problems with fungal pathogens.

The aim of this study was to relate discharge King's Outcome Scale for Childhood Head Injury (KOSCHI) category to injury severity and detailed outcome measures obtained in the first year post-traumatic brain injury (TBI). We used a prospective cohort study. Eighty-one children with TBI were studied: 29 had severe, 15 moderate, and 37 mild TBI. The male:female ratio was 1.8:1. The mean age was 11 years 10 months (SD 3.6, range 5–16y). Discharge KOSCHI categories were good ( n=34), moderate ( n=39), severe ( n=6), and unclassifiable ( n=2). KOSCHI category correlated strongly with admission Glasgow Coma Score, length of hospital stay, and post-traumatic amnesia. It also correlated significantly with Verbal IQ and Performance IQ (Wechsler); measures of attention; health status (Health Utilities Index [HUI]); health-related quality of life (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory [PedsQL]); depressive symptoms (Birleson Depression Scale) assessed within 3 months postTBI; and with Verbal IQ, selective attention (map mission), and HUI and PedsQL domains assessed at least 6 months post-TBI discharge. KOSCHI did not correlate with behaviour or executive function. We conclude that the KOSCHI scored at hospital discharge correlates with severity of injury and some cognitive, health status, and HRQL outcomes early after TBI. It is not helpful at predicting later difficulties, or behavioural and emotional problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant proportion of individuals suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder do not seek or receive effective treatment. Understanding the reasons why an individual chooses to seek treatment or prefers one treatment to another is a critical step to improve treatment seeking. To begin to understand these reasons, we conducted a qualitative analysis of the reasons women gave for choosing a cognitive-behavioral treatment, prolonged exposure (PE), or a pharmacological treatment, sertraline (SER). A community sample of women with trauma histories were asked to view standardized rationales, to choose among PE, SER, or no treatment, and to give 5 reasons for their choice. Women indicated that they were more likely to prefer the psychotherapy to the medication. Across reasons given, the most commonly cited reason for treatment preference highlighted why or how the treatment worked (e.g., I need to talk about it); and this reason emerged as the strongest predictor of preference for PE. Understanding this role of perceived treatment mechanism may aid clinicians and public health policy officials to identify and address help-seeking barriers regarding treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry litter (PL) is used as a soil amendment for numerous crops including rice (Oryza sativa L.). Although it is known that overall rice growth and yield are improved by the addition of PL to the soil, tiller number is here identified as a specific parameter that is increased by PL. Since the addition of PL can have highly variable results in field studies, a relatively quick, small-scale, and controlled system was developed for examining the effects of PL on young rice plants grown in pots in the greenhouse. This system has several advantages over field experiments. Since the effects of PL can be observed early in rice growth by measuring early tiller production, tests can be done in a shorter time period. Greenhouse tests can also he carried out throughout the year. The application of either PL or inorganic fertilizer to the soil increases tiller number, but the combination of PL and fertilizer results in a synergistic increase in early tillers. Tiller induction by PL occurred in a number of rice cultivars which included high- and low-tillering varieties. Tiller induction occurred with multiple commercial PL sources from different areas of North America and thus from different varieties of chickens, bedding material, and feeds. Since each of the diverse commercial PLs induced tillering, it must be considered that the tiller induction factor(s) are derived from the chickens. The molecular mechanisms for tillering are not understood and PL then could be valuable as a triggering mechanism for studying this phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]