Distinguishing graded & ultrasensitive signalling cascade kinetics by the shape of morphogen gradients in Drosophila

Recently, signalling gradients in cascades of two-state reaction–diffusion systems were described as a model for understanding key biochemical mechanisms that underlie development and differentiation processes in the Drosophila embryo. Diffusion-trapping at the exterior of the cell membrane triggers the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade to relay an appropriate signal from the membrane to the inner part of the cytosol, whereupon another diffusion-trapping mechanism involving the nucleus reads out this signal to trigger appropriate changes in gene expression. Proposed mathematical models exhibit equilibrium distributions consistent with experimental measurements of key spatial gradients in these processes. A significant property of the formulation is that the signal is assumed to be relayed from one system to the next in a linear fashion. However, the MAPK cascade often exhibits nonlinear dose–response properties and the final remark of Berezhkovskii et al. (2009) is that this assumption remains an important property to be tested experimentally, perhaps via a new quantitative assay across multiple genetic backgrounds. In anticipation of the need to be able to sensibly interpret data from such experiments, here we provide a complementary analysis that recovers existing formulae as a special case but is also capable of handling nonlinear functional forms. Predictions of linear and nonlinear signal relays and, in particular, graded and ultrasensitive MAPK kinetics, are compared

Does Long-Term Macrophyte Management in Lakes Affect Biotic Richness and Diversity?

We hypothesize that the richness and diversity of the biota in Lake Moraine (42°50’47”N, 75°31’39”W) in New York have been negatively impacted by 60 years of macrophyte and algae management to control Eurasian watermilfoil ( Myriophyllum spicatum L.) and associated noxious plants. To test this hypothesis we compare water quality characteristics, richness and selected indicators of plant diversity, zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates and fish in Lake Moraine with those in nearby Hatch Lake (42°50’06”N, 75°40’67”W). The latter is of similar size and would be expected to have similar biota, but has not been subjected to management. Measurements of temperature, pH, oxygen, conductivity, Secchi transparency, calcium, total phosphorus and nitrites + nitrates are comparable. Taxa richness and the diversity indices applied to the aquatic macrophytes are similar in both lakes. (PDF has 8 pages.

Logic is not the truest guide\u27 - R.S. Ross: Rationalism, Vision and Socialism in the Evolution of a Labour Editor

Whether the cup with sweet or bitter run, The Wine of Life keeps oozing drop by drop, The Leaves of Life keep falling one by one. Robert Samuel Ross, was born in 1873 and raised in Brisbane. A printer\u27s son, a printer\u27s apprentice, he went to work at seventeen. On his twenty-first birthday his journal records a solemn promise: \u27Now I must commence to take life seriously .... One must have some knowledge in life. Get knowledge, for knowledge is power!\u27 1 The next year, at the age of twenty two, he became a founding member of the Australian Socialist League with Ernie Lane. At twenty five he read the \u27The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam\u27 .... Myselfwhen young did eagerly frequent Doctor and Saint, and heard great argument. .. With them the seed of Wisdom did I sow, And with mine own hand wrought to make it grow; And this was all the Harvest that I reaped- I came like Water, and like Wind I go

Music of the night: Performance practitioner considerations for enhancement work in music

While the domains of music and sport performance share many convergences, performance psychology and enhancement training is less common in music. Consequently, practitioners such as sport psychologists or psychotherapists are increasingly being used to work with musicians. Successful collaboration between disciplines might be particularly beneficial as the domain of music performance is rife with psychological, physical, and systemic challenges for which appropriate support structures are often lacking. Accordingly, this article aims to contribute to effective interdisciplinary communication by reviewing a selection of common sociocultural and systemic issues in music performance that might broaden practitioners’ contextual knowledge of musicians. Although this article is not meant to be a comprehensive review of all available research, we have included ample references to direct readers toward relevant material on the topics being discussed. In addition, we propose that practitioners who are interested in working with musicians apply a positive, culturally sensitive, evidence-based, and holistic approach when translating and communicating psychology principles to musicians. We provide suggestions as to how this might be achieved and also emphasize the importance of exploring a range of methods, prioritizing practicality, and introducing performance enhancement training accurately. In doing so, we suggest that practitioners avoid focusing solely on performer wellbeing, theoretical delivery formats or limited psychological skills strategies

"It's Your Problem. Deal with It." Performers' Experiences of Psychological Challenges in Music

Musicians need to deal with a range of challenges during their performance career and in response to these have reported a number of conditions that impact on their performance. Although social support from peers and teachers has been identified as part of the process of dealing with these challenges, little is understood about musicians' coping methods, beliefs and their attitudes toward support. Therefore, this study aimed to explore (a) performers' previous experiences of psychological challenges, (b) the types of support they used and, (c) how this might inform future support programs in learning environments. Fifteen interviews were conducted with pre-elite ( = 5) transitioning elite ( = 3) and established elite performers ( = 7) in order to elicit data on psychological challenges, coping, beliefs and preferences for support. Inductive content analysis suggested that elite performers in this sample reported positive health habits, philosophical views of performance, health and life, positive anxiety reappraisal, and use of various psychological strategies, albeit without being explicitly aware of it. The need for various professional skills (e.g., communication, business, self-management, and organizational skills) was emphasized by all participants. Transition into conservatoire was marked by severe psychological challenges, disorders and trauma. Primary sources of support included friends, family and self-help literature. Professional help was predominantly sought for physical problems. The impact of teachers was paramount, yet securing good teachers was considered a matter of "luck." The most negative aspects recounted included abusive teachers, unsupportive environments, social comparison, competition, and disillusionment after entering the profession. Participants believed that talent could be developed and also valued wellbeing in relation to performance. Positive effects of late specialization on social development and professional skills were also mentioned. Implications and suggestions are discussed