Publications by authors named "D McLean"
Deciphering the connectome, the ensemble of synaptic connections that underlie brain function, is a central goal of neuroscience research. Here we report the in vivo mapping of connections between presynaptic and postsynaptic partners in zebrafish, by adapting the trans-Tango genetic approach that was first developed for anterograde transsynaptic tracing in Drosophila. Neural connections were visualized between synaptic partners in larval retina, brain and spinal cord and followed over development.
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- The study aimed to improve the efficiency of measuring neurotransmitter metabolites (5-HIAA, VMA, and HVA) in urine, which are crucial for diagnosing neuroendocrine tumors, through automation.
- The method involved using automated supported liquid extraction (SLE) combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for accurate measurement and analysis of these metabolites.
- Results showed high recovery rates and successful validation across various performance criteria, with automation leading to significant time savings in the process.
In Batesian mimicry, mimetic traits are not always as convincing as predicted by theory-in fact, inaccurate mimicry with only a superficial model resemblance is common and taxonomically widespread. The "selection trade-offs hypothesis" proposes a life-history trade-off between accurate mimetic traits and one or more vital biological functions. Here, using an accurate myrmecomorphic (ant-mimicking) jumping spider species, Myrmarachne smaragdina, we investigate how myrmecomorphic modifications to the body shape impact the internal anatomy in a way that could be functionally limiting.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: Proximal junctional kyphosis is an infrequent complication in AIS; however, equipoise remains on the effects of ending a fusion proximally at the C7-T1 junction on the future development of PJK. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of PJK in patients with AIS who had a UIV of T1 vs those with a UIV of T2 at 5 years of follow-up.
Methods: A query was performed of a prospective, multi-center AIS database of patients who received a PSF with at least 5 years of follow-up.
Article Synopsis
- Many ant species, like the Australian desert ant (Melophorus bagoti), can relocate their entire colonies when faced with sudden environmental changes, such as heavy rainfall.
- The study examined their relocation behavior by observing five types of movements: exploration between the old and new nests, transporting resources, and relearning walks at both locations.
- Findings revealed that while relearning walks at the old nest were slow and helped with exploratory movement, those at the new nest were quicker and facilitated efficient navigation for foraging trips.