Intermolecular Gene Conversion for the Equalization of Genome Copies in the Polyploid Haloarchaeon : Identification of Important Proteins.

The model haloarchaeon is polyploid with about 20 copies of its major chromosome. Recently it has been described that highly efficient intermolecular gene conversion operates in to equalize the chromosomal copies. In the current study, 24 genes were selected that encode proteins with orthologs involved in gene conversion or homologous recombination in archaea, bacteria, or eukaryotes.

One Advantage of Being Polyploid: Prokaryotes of Various Phylogenetic Groups Can Grow in the Absence of an Environmental Phosphate Source at the Expense of Their High Genome Copy Numbers.

Genomic DNA has high phosphate content; therefore, monoploid prokaryotes need an external phosphate source or an internal phosphate storage polymer for replication and cell division. For two polyploid prokaryotic species, the halophilic archaeon and the cyanobacterium PCC 6803, it has been reported that they can grow in the absence of an external phosphate source by reducing the genome copy number per cell. To unravel whether this feature might be widespread in and typical for polyploid prokaryotes, three additional polyploid prokaryotic species were analyzed in the present study, i.

Ploidy in : Very Dynamic and Rapidly Changing Copy Numbers of Both Chromosomes.

is the fastest-growing bacterium, with a doubling time of approximately 12-14 min. It has a high potential for basic research and biotechnological applications, e.g.

Genome Copy Number Quantification Revealed That the Ethanologenic Alpha-Proteobacterium Is Polyploid.

The alpha-proteobacterium is a promising biofuel producer, based on its native metabolism that efficiently converts sugars to ethanol. Therefore, it has a high potential for industrial-scale biofuel production. Two previous studies suggested that strain Zm4 might not be monoploid.

Characterization of Non-selected Intermolecular Gene Conversion in the Polyploid Haloarchaeon .

Gene conversion is defined as the non-reciprocal transfer of genetic information from one site to a homologous, but not identical site of the genome. In prokaryotes, gene conversion can increase the variance of sequences, like in antigenic variation, but can also lead to a homogenization of sequences, like in the concerted evolution of multigene families. In contrast to these intramolecular mechanisms, the intermolecular gene conversion in polyploid prokaryotes, which leads to the equalization of the multiple genome copies, has hardly been studied.

Exposure to Closed Loop Barriers Using Virtual Reality.

Background: Closed loop (CL) automated insulin delivery systems are demonstrated to be safe and effective in regulating glucose levels and reducing cognitive burden in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, given the limited market options and the do-it-yourself nature of most systems, it can be difficult for potential users to shape their expectations fitting them into daily lives and management routines. As such, we examined the potential feasibility of a virtual reality (VR) intervention.

Touching The Human Neuron: User-Centric Augmented Reality Viewing and Interaction of in-vivo Cellular Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) Utilizing High Resolution zStack Data Sets for Applications in Medical Education and Clinical Medicine Using GLASS and Motion Tracking Technology.

This is the first report of a prototype that allows for real-time interaction with high-resolution cellular modules using GLASS technology. The prototype was developed* using zStack data sets which allow for real-time interaction of low polygon and direct surface models exported from primary source imaging. This paper also discusses potential educational and clinical applications of a wearable, interactive, user-centric, augmented reality visualization of cellular structures.

A unique foot-worn device for patients with degenerative meniscal tear.

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to assess the effects of a new foot-worn device on the gait, physical function and pain in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis (OA) who had a low-impact injury to the medial meniscus causing a degenerative meniscal tear.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 34 patients with knee OA and a degenerative medial meniscal tear was performed. Patients underwent a gait evaluation, using an electronic walkway mat, and completed the SF-36 health survey and the WOMAC questionnaire at baseline and after 3 and 12 months of therapy.

The question of ethnic variability and the Darwinian significance of physiological neonatal jaundice in East Asian populations.

Recent work in Darwinian medicine has suggested that physiological neonatal jaundice (PNJ) might serve an adaptive function in scavenging reactive oxygen species that in later life are removed by the mature antioxidant enzyme system in the liver. This treatise examines this hypothesis in light of novel epidemiological and genetic findings which suggest that the incidence of PNJ is significantly increased in East Asian populations. Though found across all ethnic groups, it has been established that neonates of East Asian origin are at a significantly greater risk of developing PNJ, with more than one studying finding the incidence to be near double.