Turing Patterns Inside Cells

Concentration gradients inside cells are involved in key processes such as cell division and morphogenesis. Here we show that a model of the enzymatic step catalized by phosphofructokinase (PFK), a step which is responsible for the appearance of homogeneous oscillations in the glycolytic pathway, displays Turing patterns with an intrinsic length-scale that is smaller than a typical cell size. All the parameter values are fully consistent with classic experiments on glycolytic oscillations and equal diffusion coefficients are assumed for ATP and ADP. We identify the enzyme concentration and the glycolytic flux as the possible regulators of the pattern. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first closed example of Turing pattern formation in a model of a vital step of the cell metabolism, with a built-in mechanism for changing the diffusion length of the reactants, and with parameter values that are compatible with experiments. Turing patterns inside cells could provide a check-point that combines mechanical and biochemical information to trigger events during the cell division process

Development of a measure for maternal confidence in knowledge and understanding and examination of psychosocial influences at the time of a child's heart surgery

Purpose: The purpose was to develop a maternal confidence in knowledge and understanding scale (Maternal Knowledge and Understanding Scale [MKUS]) and examine the effect of psychosocial factors at the time of a child's heart surgery. Design and Methods: Using cross-sectional design, the MKUS was developed and tested. Validated instruments were used to examine the impact of psychosocial factors. Results: The MKUS showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha .78). Higher levels of maternal anxiety and lower levels of social support were associated with lower MKUS scores (p < .05). Practice Implications: A measure of maternal confidence in knowledge and understanding could draw attention to psychosocial factors and opportunities to enhance nursing support