Helicase processivity and not the unwinding velocity exhibits universal increase with force

Helicases, involved in a number of cellular functions, are motors that translocate along singlestranded nucleic acid and couple the motion to unwinding double-strands of a duplex nucleic acid. The junction between double and single strands creates a barrier to the movement of the helicase, which can be manipulated in vitro by applying mechanical forces directly on the nucleic acid strands. Single molecule experiments have demonstrated that the unwinding velocities of some helicases increase dramatically with increase in the external force, while others show little response. In contrast, the unwinding processivity always increases when the force increases. The differing responses of the unwinding velocity and processivity to force has lacked explanation. By generalizing a previous model of processive unwinding by helicases, we provide a unified framework for understanding the dependence of velocity and processivity on force and the nucleic acid sequence. We predict that the sensitivity of unwinding processivity to external force is a universal feature that should be observed in all helicases. Our prediction is illustrated using T7 and NS3 helicases as case studies. Interestingly, the increase in unwinding processivity with force depends on whether the helicase forces base pair opening by direct interaction or if such a disruption occurs spontaneously due to thermal uctuations. Based on the theoretical results, we propose that proteins like single-strand binding proteins associated with helicases in the replisome, may have co-evolved with helicases to increase the unwinding processivity even if the velocity remains unaffected

Self-Organizing Biopsychosocial Dynamics and the Patient-Healer Relationship

The patient-healer relationship has an increasing area of interest for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) researchers. This focus on the interpersonal context of treatment is not surprising as dismantling studies, clinical trials and other linear research designs continually point toward the critical role of context and the broadband biopsychosocial nature of therapeutic responses to CAM. Unfortunately, the same traditional research models and methods that fail to find simple and specific treatment-outcome relations are similarly failing to find simple and specific mechanisms to explain how interpersonal processes influence patient outcomes. This paper presents an overview of some of the key models and methods from nonlinear dynamical systems that are better equipped for empirical testing of CAM outcomes on broadband biopsychosocial processes. Suggestions are made for CAM researchers to assist in modeling the interactions among key process dynamics interacting across biopsychosocial scales: empathy, intra-psychic conflict, physiological arousal, and leukocyte telomerase activity. Finally, some speculations are made regarding the possibility for deeper cross-scale information exchange involving quantum temporal nonlocality

Coherence, Complexity, And Information Flow: Self-Organizing Processes In Psychotherapy

This chapter is written in the spirit of optimism, suggesting that self-organization is just such a general theory that may assist in providing a deeper, scientifically grounded understanding of the complex biopsychosocial processes involved in psychotherapy. To provide some foundation to this rather grand suggestion, the following review rests on five more specific theoretical propositions stemming from self-organization theory... The analysis of these propositions begins with an integrative review of traditional theories of interpersonal process through the lens of nonlinear dynamical systems (NDS) and self-organization theory in particular. Next, the contemporary empirical and theoretical developments using NDS to understand psychotherapy process are reviewed. Finally, some general conclusions are drawn, and avenues for future research are suggested. The goal here is not to do away with the rich diversity in approaches to therapy. Rather, the aim is to frame such approaches as approaches, rather than as theories, and to the these approaches together through a deeper understanding of self-organizing interpersonal processes in psychotherapy. With these goals in mind, five specific questions pertaining to depth, breadth, and clinical relevance are addressed[.]https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/psychology_books/1008/thumbnail.jp

Carboxyl terminal truncations of the Phage Mu transposase

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Biology, 1996.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 61-63).by David F. Pincus.M.S

Romantic Resilience: Fractal Conflict Dynamics and Dating Satisfaction

Existing research demonstrates that numerous psychosocial dynamics display fractal properties. Fractal structures are characterized by branch-like patterns that are self-similar and consist of exponentially more small events compared to large events. Examples include: shifts in physiological arousal; shifts in self-esteem; patterns of traits within personality; and recurrences in behavioral flows and small group interaction dynamics. Furthermore, across various psychological (and other natural science domains), these fractal patterns have been shown to provide resilience to complex adaptive systems by allowing for flexibility in response to changing adaptive pressures. Specifically, fractal dynamics allow systems to adjust on both a large or small scale without becoming stuck or falling apart. The present study aims to extend this line of research to examine conflict dynamics over time in dating relationships. An experience sampling methodology was used to assess conflict, relationship satisfaction, and commitment levels three times daily for 30 days (n = 90) for undergraduates self-identifying as being in a monogamous relationship. Hypotheses (each dependent of the former in numerical order): (1) ratings of conflict over time will conform to a fractal distribution, with exponentially more small conflicts than large ones; (2a) moderate levels of fractal dimension (i.e., flexibility) and (2b) higher structural integrity (i.e., fit to fractal distribution) will be associated with higher levels of dating satisfaction and commitment; (3) The strength of network ties (i.e., reactivity) among conflict satisfaction and commitment will have a significant correlation with both fractal structure and with relationship satisfaction, with lower reactivity predicting higher satisfaction; and (4) Fractal structure will moderate the relationship between conflict and satisfaction, with more flexible and well-integrated fractal structure buffering the impacts of conflict on dating satisfaction. Preliminary results will be presented and discussed

Complexity Science: A Framework for Psychotherapy Integration

The paradigm of complexity science provides a new way to address the problem of psychotherapy integration and allows us to bypass the various shortcomings of the linear-interventionist perspective. Nine criteria are outlined, which should be satisfied by any integrative approach to psychotherapy: (a) the use of complexity science to provide a meta-theoretical and generic understanding of change processes (from neuronal to social system levels); (b) a comprehensive and formalised modelling of change processes and personality development; (c) an integrative method of case formulation; (d) the ability to understand a variety of techniques in terms of basic change principles; (e) criteria to guide microdecisions; (f) the application of data-driven feedback and real-time monitoring of change dynamics; (g) standardised assessment of outcomes in naturalistic settings; (h) guidelines for training; and (i) strategies that are well-suited to science–practice integration. Using these criteria as a framework for evaluation, one may grasp the potential of complexity science to drive innovation in the pursuit of psychotherapy integration

Personality Rigidity and Psychopathology Pre and Post COVID19 Pandemic

Personality structure of an individual can fall on a spectrum from rigid to flexible. Rigid people tend to be very simple in personality structure, and only have a few defining traits that encompass who they are. Flexible people have a range of personality traits and are versatile in many different scenarios. Furthermore, it is possible that the intensity of identification with personality traits may be related to response times to the individual questions on the personality test. Expanding on the results of Pincus et al 2019 and McDaniel 2020, the current study tests the hypothesis that personality rigidity is adaptive in a low stress environment. However, when stress is higher, a more flexible personality structure may be more adaptive. Personality rigidity will be measured using the shape of inverse power law distributions of response times to items on the M5-50 (Big 5 Personality) for each participant. The correlations between this measure of rigidity and psychopathology will be compared to a sample of pre pandemic and post pandemic college students. Existing data will be used to compare a sample of college students at different times: one during the semester previous to the Coronavirus pandemic and one during the pandemic. The pre and during pandemic samples will act as pre-stress and stress conditions. The significance of this study is to see if stress has a defining impact on those with simpler personality structures, and in turn if those personality structures combined with stress can lead to psychopathology