Genome Protection by the 9-1-1 Complex Subunit HUS1 Requires Clamp Formation, DNA Contacts, and ATR Signaling-independent Effector Functions

The RAD9A-HUS1-RAD1 (9-1-1) complex is a heterotrimeric clamp that promotes checkpoint signaling and repair at DNA damage sites. In this study, we elucidated HUS1 functional residues that drive clamp assembly, DNA interactions, and downstream effector functions. First, we mapped a HUS1-RAD9A interface residue that was critical for 9-1-1 assembly and DNA loading. Next, we identified multiple positively charged residues in the inner ring of HUS1 that were crucial for genotoxin-induced 9-1-1 chromatin localization and ATR signaling. Finally, we found two hydrophobic pockets on the HUS1 outer surface that were important for cell survival after DNA damage. Interestingly, these pockets were not required for 9-1-1 chromatin localization or ATR-mediated CHK1 activation but were necessary for interactions between HUS1 and its binding partner MYH, suggesting that they serve as interaction domains for the recruitment and coordination of downstream effectors at damage sites. Together, these results indicate that, once properly loaded onto damaged DNA, the 9-1-1 complex executes multiple, separable functions that promote genome maintenance.

Essay: freedom

This is a reflective essay written about the humanism evident in a cross-cultural patient-doctor encounter in an HIV clinic in Swaziland, Africa.

Hospital rounding--EHR's impact

PURPOSE

The purpose of this paper is to understand the time spent on various tasks during physician inpatient rounds and to examine the new electronic health records (EHRs) impact on time distribution.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH

Trained observers shadowed hospital physicians to record times for various tasks before and after EHR implementation.

FINDINGS

Electronic records did not improve efficiency. However, task times were redistributed. Physicians spent more time reviewing patient charts using time saved from miscellaneous work.

RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS

The study focusses solely on work distribution and the changes it underwent. It does not include quality measures either on patient results or physician satisfaction.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

As EHR provides rich information and easier access to patient records, it motivates physicians to spend more time reviewing patient charts. Hospital administrators seeking immediate returns on EHR investment, therefore, may be disappointed.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE

Unlike previous work, this study was conducted in a non-teaching hospital, providing a task-time comparison without any educational and team factor influence. The result serves as a benchmark for many community hospital managers seeking to address the same issue.

Photoluminescence and Structure of Chemically Etched Si

We demonstrate for the first time that chemical etching of Si in HF-HNO3-based solution without applying bias can produce a room temperature photoluminescent porous Si layer. Scanning electron microscope studies reveal a surface morphology similar to that of the conventionally anodized porous Si. The formation mechanism of the chemically etched (CE) film can be explained by a local anodization concept. X-ray diffraction studies on the luminescent CE porous Si show a broad amorphous peak.

Surface properties and morphologies of pheohydrane/liquid crystal moisturizer product

SYNOPSIS

In this study, we investigated the properties of three different liquid crystal-type humectants prepared through a simple emulsion process. Under a polarized microscope, we observed liquid crystal textures for each of the three moisturizers. When we applied them onto the hands and face, we found that they all provided effective hydration, with pheohydrane/liquid crystal moisturizer exhibiting superior performance. We also investigated the surface properties (contact angle, zeta potential, surface tension, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses) after adding pheohydrane to Formula product.