University of St Andrews

About: University of St Andrews is a education organization based out in St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Laser. The organization has 16260 authors who have published 43364 publications receiving 1636072 citations. The organization is also known as: St Andrews University & University of St. Andrews.

Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA): the input catalogue and star–galaxy separation

Abstract: We describe the spectroscopic target selection for the Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA) survey. The input catalogue is drawn from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey (UKIDSS). The initial aim is to measure redshifts for galaxies in three 4 ◦ × 12 ◦ regions at 9, 12 and 14.5 h, on the celestial equator, with magnitude selections r< 19.4, z< 18.2 and K AB < 17.6 over all three regions, and r< 19.8 in the 12-h region. The target density is 1080 deg −2 in the 12-h region and 720 deg −2 in the other regions. The average GAMA target density and area are compared with completed and ongoing galaxy redshift surveys. The GAMA survey implements a highly complete star–galaxy separation that jointly uses an intensity-profile separator (� sg = r psf − r model as per the SDSS) and a

An N-terminal p14ARF peptide blocks Mdm2-dependent ubiquitination in vitro and can activate p53 in vivo.

Abstract: The p53 tumour suppressor protein is down-regulated by the action of Mdm2, which targets p53 for rapid degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. The p14ARF protein is also a potent tumour suppressor that acts by binding to Mdm2 and blocking Mdm2-dependent p53 degradation and transcriptional silencing. We have screened a series of overlapping synthetic peptides derived from the p14ARF protein sequence and found that a peptide corresponding to the first 20 amino acids of ARF (Peptide 3) could bind human Mdm2. The binding site for Peptide 3 on Mdm2 was determined by deletion mapping and lies adjacent to the binding site of the anti-Mdm2 antibody 2A10, which on microinjection into cells can activate p53-dependent transactivation of a reporter plasmid. To determine whether Peptide 3 could similarly activate p53, we expressed a fusion of green fluorescent protein and Peptide 3 in MCF7 and U-2 OS cells and were able to demonstrate induction of p53 protein and p53-dependent transcription. Peptide 3 was able to block in vitro ubiquitination of p53 mediated by Mdm2. Small peptides which are sufficient to block degradation of p53 could provide therapeutic agents able to restore p53-dependent cell death pathways in tumours that retain wild-type p53 expression.

A contemporary view of coronal heating

Abstract: Determining the heating mechanism (or mechanisms) that causes the outer atmosphere of the Sun, and many other stars, to reach temperatures orders of magnitude higher than their surface temperatures...

Crystal structure and mechanism of a bacterial fluorinating enzyme

Abstract: Fluorine is the thirteenth most abundant element in the earth's crust, but fluoride concentrations in surface water are low and fluorinated metabolites are extremely rare. The fluoride ion is a potent nucleophile in its desolvated state, but is tightly hydrated in water and effectively inert. Low availability and a lack of chemical reactivity have largely excluded fluoride from biochemistry: in particular, fluorine's high redox potential precludes the haloperoxidase-type mechanism used in the metabolic incorporation of chloride and bromide ions. But fluorinated chemicals are growing in industrial importance, with applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and materials products. Reactive fluorination reagents requiring specialist process technologies are needed in industry and, although biological catalysts for these processes are highly sought after, only one enzyme that can convert fluoride to organic fluorine has been described. Streptomyces cattleya can form carbon-fluorine bonds and must therefore have evolved an enzyme able to overcome the chemical challenges of using aqueous fluoride. Here we report the sequence and three-dimensional structure of the first native fluorination enzyme, 5'-fluoro-5'-deoxyadenosine synthase, from this organism. Both substrate and products have been observed bound to the enzyme, enabling us to propose a nucleophilic substitution mechanism for this biological fluorination reaction.

Kaiser Permanente's experience of implementing an electronic medical record: a qualitative study

Abstract: Objective To examine users9 attitudes to implementation of an electronic medical record system in Kaiser Permanente Hawaii. Design Qualitative study based on semistructured interviews. Setting Four primary healthcare teams in four clinics, and four specialty departments in one hospital, on Oahu, Hawaii. Shortly before the interviews, Kaiser Permanente stopped implementation of the initial system in favour of a competing one. Participants Twenty six senior clinicians, managers, and project team members. Results Seven key findings emerged: users perceived the decision to adopt the electronic medical record system as flawed; software design problems increased resistance; the system reduced doctors9 productivity, especially during initial implementation, which fuelled resistance; the system required clarification of clinical roles and responsibilities, which was traumatic for some individuals; a cooperative culture created trade-offs at varying points in the implementation; no single leadership style was optimal—a participatory, consensus-building style may lead to more effective adoption decisions, whereas decisive leadership could help resolve barriers and resistance during implementation; the process fostered a counter climate of conflict, which was resolved by withdrawal of the initial system. Conclusions Implementation involved several critical components, including perceptions of the system selection, early testing, adaptation of the system to the larger organisation, and adaptation of the organisation to the new electronic environment. Throughout, organisational factors such as leadership, culture, and professional ideals played complex roles, each facilitating and hindering implementation at various points. A transient climate of conflict was associated with adoption of the system.