Evolutionary diversification reveals distinct somatic versus germline cytoskeletal functions of the Arp2 branched actin nucleator protein.

Branched actin networks are critical in many cellular processes, including cell motility and division. Arp2, a protein within the seven-membered Arp2/3 complex, is responsible for generating branched actin. Given its essential roles, Arp2 evolves under stringent sequence conservation throughout eukaryotic evolution.

Evolutionary diversification reveals distinct somatic versus germline cytoskeletal functions of the Arp2 branched actin nucleator protein.

Branched actin networks are critical in many cellular processes, including cell motility and division. Arp2, a protein within the 7-membered Arp2/3 complex, is responsible for generating branched actin. Given its essential roles, Arp2 evolves under stringent sequence conservation throughout eukaryotic evolution.

An actin-related protein that is most highly expressed in testes is critical for embryonic development.

Most actin-related proteins (Arps) are highly conserved and carry out well-defined cellular functions in eukaryotes. However, many lineages like and mammals encode divergent non-canonical Arps whose roles remain unknown. To elucidate the function of non-canonical Arps, we focus on , which is highly expressed in testes and retained throughout evolution.

Feasibility of an Intervention Study to Support Families When Their Loved One Has Life-sustaining Therapy Withdrawn.

This investigation addressed family member perceptions of preparation for withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in the intensive care unit. These families are at a high risk for psychosocial and physical sequelae. The quantitative results of this mixed methods study are reported.

Avian flu special: avian flu: are we ready?

On the cover, a Shanghai commuter takes precautions during the 2003 avian influenza outbreak. It is nearly 40 years since the last worldwide influenza pandemic, and though these things don't run to an orderly timetable, many believe that it is only a matter of time — not much time at that — until the next one. This adds to the public health implications of the recent avian influenza outbreaks in Hong Kong in 1997, 1998 and 2002/3, and the continuing spread of avian influenza in poultry populations in Asia.