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Many virus capsids undergo exquisitely choreographed maturation processes in their host cells to produce infectious virions, and these remain poorly understood. As a tool for studying virus maturation, we transiently expressed the capsid protein of the insect virus Nudaurelia capensis omega virus (NωV) in Nicotiana benthamiana and were able to purify both immature procapsids and mature capsids from infiltrated leaves by varying the expression time. Cryo-EM analysis of the plant-produced procapsids and mature capsids to 6.6 Å and 2.7 Å resolution, respectively, reveals that in addition to large scale rigid body motions, internal regions of the subunits are extensively remodelled during maturation, creating the active site required for autocatalytic cleavage and infectivity. The mature particles are biologically active in terms of their ability to lyse membranes and have a structure that is essentially identical to authentic virus. The ability to faithfully recapitulate and visualize a complex maturation process in plants, including the autocatalytic cleavage of the capsid protein, has revealed a ~30 Å translation-rotation of the subunits during maturation as well as conformational rearrangements in the N and C-terminal helical regions of each subunit.

Nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins can engage in complex interactions to detect pathogens and execute a robust immune response via downstream helper NLRs. However, the biochemical mechanisms of helper NLR activation by upstream sensor NLRs remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the coiled-coil helper NLR NRC2 from Nicotiana benthamiana accumulates in vivo as a homodimer that converts into a higher-order oligomer upon activation by its upstream virus disease resistance protein Rx. The cryo-EM structure of NbNRC2 in its resting state revealed intermolecular interactions that mediate homodimer formation and contribute to immune receptor autoinhibition. These dimerization interfaces have diverged between paralogous NRC proteins to insulate critical network nodes and enable redundant immune pathways, possibly to minimise undesired cross-activation and evade pathogen suppression of immunity. Our results expand the molecular mechanisms of NLR activation pointing to transition from homodimers to higher-order oligomeric resistosomes. Plants use NLR immune receptors, which often require downstream "helper" NLRs, for pathogen defense. This study identifies and structurally characterizes the mechanisms of NLR activation, showing that a helper NLR, NRC2, transitions from an autoinhibited homodimer to an active oligomeric resistosome upon activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Migrant Clinicians Network's Familias con Voz (Families with a Voice) project aims to train migrant men and women to become intimate partner violence (IPV) peer educators in their communities. In preparation for implementing educational activities, a community survey was conducted with 298 participants in three Texas border counties. Verbal abuse, such as name calling, was the most frequent type of violence reported. Men perceived anger as a cause of partner violence significantly more than women. Only 22% of respondents reported knowing of a shelter they could turn to for help. Surprisingly, a majority of participants cited "seeking help from the police" when asked about ways to decrease partner violence. Survey results offer insight into developing effective intervention programs by capturing the intended audiences' beliefs and attitudes. Additionally, survey results reveal possible strategies for how to tackle IPV in U.S.-Mexico border migrant farmworker communities. © Springer Science + Business Media, LLC 2009.

Child maltreatment (CM) is a major health problem in U. S. society, with 872,000 substantiated cases reported in 2004 and unofficial rates ranging from 2 to 10 million cases per year. Depending on the severity, CM can negatively affect a child's physical, emotional, and psychological functioning and development immediately following an abuse incident or incidents; in severe cases, it can affect adult functioning. The author examines the empirically supported research related to the incidence, consequences, treatment effectiveness, and models of treatment for CM.

Calcium release to the nucleoplasm of root meristem cells was demonstrated to modulate root development. The calcium channel encoded by cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (CNGC) 15 localizes at the nuclear envelope in young Arabidopsis seedlings. In contrast, at later stages of root growth, overexpression analysis showed that AtCNGC15 can relocalize to the plasma membrane to mediate primary nitrate-induced gene expression. This raises the question as to whether nuclear localized AtCNGC15 is required for root apical meristem development in young Arabidopsis seedlings, and whether nitrate signalling occurs independently of nuclear localized AtCNGC15 at this developmental stage. In this study, we characterize a novel mutant allele of AtCNGC15 and demonstrate that the mutation of a highly conserved aspartic acid in the C-linker domain is sufficient to impair the gating of AtCNCG15. We demonstrate that AtCNGC15 mediates the nuclear calcium release that modulates root apical meristem development and nitrate-induced LBD39 expression. We also show that, in the presence of nitrate, the relocalization of AtCNGC15 at the plasma membrane occurs specifically in the columella cells. Our results further suggest that the induction of LBD37 , LBD38 , and LBD39 in the presence of nitrate is modulated by different inputs of cytoplasmic or nuclear calcium release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria are equipped with a diverse set of regulatory tools that allow them to quickly adapt to their environment. The RimK system allows for Pseudomonas spp. to adapt through post‐transcriptional regulation by altering the ribosomal subunit RpsF. RimK is found in a wide range of bacteria with a conserved amino acid sequence, however, the genetic context and the role of this protein is highly diverse. By solving and comparing the structures of RimK homologs from two related but functionally divergent systems, we uncovered key structural differences that likely contribute to the different activity levels of each of these homologs. Moreover, we were able to clearly resolve the active site of this protein for the first time, resolving binding of the glutamate substrate. This work advances our understanding of how subtle differences in protein sequence and structure can have profound effects on protein activity, which can in turn result in widespread mechanistic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors examined the relationship between sibling structure variables (i.e., gender, number of sisters, number of brothers, sibling spacing, number of siblings, and birth order, all men, and all women siblings) and current relationships with parents and spouse/partners. Participants included 519 adults between the ages of 19 and 59 years. Two separate canonical correlations were conducted. The results for men indicated that being a younger man with an all-male sibling group was related to more intimacy with parents and more intimidation by parents. For women, being an older woman with more brothers and more siblings was related to less intimidation by parents and less intimacy with parents and spouses/partners.

Compares the family-of-origin perceptions of doctoral psychotherapists in training with doctoral students in other social science fields. Results indicate differences in family-of-origin perceptions between the two groups on measures of family cohesion, adaptability, and family satisfaction. Implications for clinical training are discussed. (Author/GCP)

Examines the relationship between trainees' conjugal family experience, current intergenerational family relationships, and the client's perception of therapeutic alliance with first-year-practicum family trainees (N=74) and their clients (N=90). Results indicate a moderately significant relationship between conjugal family experience and trainees' reported intergenerational intimacy with parents. (Author/MKA)

Describes a school prevention program that emphasizes normal developmental needs of middle school students. The School Families groups, comprised of middle school students, teachers, and adults, met weekly during the school day to discuss issues related to academic performance, decision making, self-esteem, and social skills. Evaluation results were favorable. (RJM)

Addresses the importance of adults negotiating the intergenerational family stage of personal authority in the family system. Presents a treatment approach that integrates intergenerational family therapy with cognitive therapy. Discusses the intergenerational transmission of problem patterns, the assessment process, specific counseling strategies, and provides a case example. (RJM)

Compared intergenerational relationships of counselor trainees (n=125-232) and nonclinical sample (n=312-525). Counselor trainees reported healthier relationships with their parents and spouses concerning intergenerational triangulation, intergenerational intimidation and spousal fusion and less healthy relationships with spouses and children on nuclear family triangulation. (Author/NB)

Describes family sculpting as a widely used family assessment tool which enables family members to construct a living picture of their relationships at a given point in time by arranging family members in space. Introduces the concept of family sculpting using a flannel board, which is often less threatening and more manageable for many family members. (LLL)

Medium‐chain alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) comprise a highly conserved enzyme family that catalyse the reversible reduction of aldehydes. However, recent discoveries in plant natural product biosynthesis suggest that the catalytic repertoire of ADHs has been expanded. Here we report the crystal structure of dihydroprecondylocarpine acetate synthase (DPAS), an ADH that catalyses the non‐canonical 1,4‐reduction of an α,β‐unsaturated iminium moiety. Comparison with structures of plant‐derived ADHs suggest the 1,4‐iminium reduction does not require a proton relay or the presence of a catalytic zinc ion in contrast to canonical 1,2‐aldehyde reducing ADHs that require the catalytic zinc and a proton relay. Furthermore, ADHs that catalysed 1,2‐iminium reduction required the presence of the catalytic zinc and the loss of the proton relay. This suggests how the ADH active site can be modified to perform atypical carbonyl reductions, providing insight into how chemical reactions are diversified in plant metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exocytosis plays an important role in plant-microbe interactions, in both pathogenesis and symbiosis. Exo70 proteins are integral components of the exocyst, an octameric complex that mediates tethering of vesicles to membranes in eukaryotes. Although plant Exo70s are known to be targeted by pathogen effectors, the underpinning molecular mechanisms and the impact of this interaction on infection are poorly understood. Here, we show the molecular basis of the association between the effector AVR-Pii of the blast fungus Maganaporthe oryzae and rice Exo70 alleles OsExo70F2 and OsExo70F3, which is sensed by the immune receptor pair Pii via an integrated RIN4/NOI domain. The crystal structure of AVR-Pii in complex with OsExo70F2 reveals that the effector binds to a conserved hydrophobic pocket in Exo70, defining an effector/target binding interface. Structure-guided and random mutagenesis validates the importance of AVR-Pii residues at the Exo70 binding interface to sustain protein association and disease resistance in rice when challenged with fungal strains expressing effector mutants. Furthermore, the structure of AVR-Pii defines a zinc-finger effector fold (ZiF) distinct from the MAX (Magnaporthe Avrs and ToxB-like) fold previously described for a majority of characterized M. oryzae effectors. Our data suggest that blast fungus ZiF effectors bind a conserved Exo70 interface to manipulate plant exocytosis and that these effectors are also baited by plant immune receptors, pointing to new opportunities for engineering disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated traditional masculine gender role differences between male partner abuser types using the Masculinity/Femininity subsection scales of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) Structural Summary. We examined differences between four groups of partner-violent men (borderline, antisocial, psychotic features, and nonpathological partner violent) and one group of nonpartner-violent men on five MMPI-2 subscales: Masculinity-Femininity, Gender Role-Feminine, Gender Role-Masculine, Ego Inflation, and Low Self-esteem. Results indicated that the borderline group reported the most consistent traditional feminine gender role orientation of all the groups, whereas the antisocial group reported the most consistent traditional masculine gender role orientation of all the groups. The psychotic features group reported characteristics associated with both traditional masculinity and traditional feminine gender role making it distinct among all the groups. The nonpathological intimately violent group and the nonpartner-violent group reported no extreme scores when compared with the other three groups. The borderline and antisocial groups reported significantly more exposure to family of origin violence and use of more severe forms of partner abuse than the other three partner abuse groups. Treatment implications are addressed. Keywords: masculinity, gender role, partner violence, domestic violence DOI: 10.1037/a0019589

Research is conducted to prove that a decarboxylase can be converted into an oxidase by mutating amino acids of the lid that include Glu162 with specificity switches of 282 000 (SEN161-3DAS), 275 000 (SENS161-4DSSN) AND 225 000 (SENS161-4DASN). Reversion of decarboxylase activity is achieved by reintroducing Glu162 to the SENS161-4DASN mutant to give a relative specificity switch of 25 600.

There are affective factors that may influence physician decision making, physician-patient interactions, and, consequently, patients' medical outcomes. However, the mechanisms of these affective processes in physician-patient communication are poorly understood. [...]

The current study examined the differences between three types of violent men based on Holtzworth-Munroe and Stuart's (1994) tripartite typology and a group of non-intimate violent men. First, a cluster analysis was conducted on a sample of 91 domestically violent men, resulting in three clusters that approximated the tripartite model for psychopathology as measured by the MMPI-2, that is, non-pathological, borderline/dysphoric, and antisocial. Based on the violence variables (i.e., severity of violence, family-only violence, and exposure to family of origin violence) only severity of violence approximated what would be expected across the three clusters, that is, the less the psychopathology, the less severe the violence. The other two violence variables had approximate frequencies/percentages of occurrence that would be expected for individual typologies with some but not all three typologies. In comparing the three intimate violent typologies to the non-intimate violent group, the non-intimate and non-pathological groups were within normal limits and did not differ significantly on any of the MMPI-2 scales. These non-intimate and non-pathological groups differed significantly from the antisocial and borderline/dysphoric groups on all the scales that defined the psychopathology of these two groups. On the violence variables, the non-intimate groups reported significantly less severe violence than the borderline/dysphoric and antisocial groups.

How does a psychotherapist decide what treatment approach is most appropriate for a client? This issue has been addressed by the Division 12 Task Force on Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures (1995) and has stimulated considerable debate among psychologists about the importance of identifying, teaching, and practicing empirically supported treatments (ESTs). This article examines recent literature supporting both sides of this issue in an attempt to identify and understand the arguments in favor of and against the movement to identify and implement ESTs and their treatment manuals. On the basis of current research related to ESTs, recommendations are offered pertaining to practice, research, and training.

Partner violence is a societal problem that cuts across all socioeconomic and racial/ethnic lines. Approximately 50% to 60% of couples presenting for counseling have reported at least 1 incident of violence in their relationship history. Many counselors are ill equipped to work with partner violence cases. This article provides an overview of partner violence research as it pertains to incidence, partner abuse typologies, etiology/explanation, and treatment. Developmental and integrated models for explaining and treating partner abuse are given particular consideration., Partner violence is a societal problem that cuts across all socioeconomic and racial/ethnic lines and affects 1 in 6 women (Gelles, 1995; Straus, 1999). However, many mental health professionals have [...]

A mechanistic model for 5-coordinate-nitric oxide heme formation and nitric oxide binding to soluble guanylate cyclase, is presented. Data indicate that both Alcaligenes xylosoxidans cytochrome c' and guanylate cyclase exhibit similar iron-histidne bond cleavage and binding to nitric oxide proximally in their 5-coordinate nitrosyl adducts.

This article contains a review and counseling implications for an article titled "Witnessing Parental Violence as a Traumatic Experience Shaping the Abusive Personality" by Donald Dutton (2000). Dutton contends that the early combination of witnessing or directly experiencing violence, shaming, and insecure attachment contributes to the development of abusive personality in males. These individuals experience great difficulty in modulating aggression toward others. In particular, children who witness interpersonal violence have a greater likelihood of becoming partner abusers than do children who are victims of violence., Donald G. Dutton has conducted research and written extensively about partner violence for more than 20 years. In the article Witnessing Parental Violence as a Traumatic Experience Shaping the Abusive [...]

Soret excitation resonance Raman data reveal that carbon monoxide and nitric oxide adducts of cytochrome c' bind to distal and proximal heme pockets in Alcaligenes xylosoxidans. Results indicate that ferrous cytochrome c' forms a six-coordinate heme-carbon monoxide while reaction with nitric oxide yields a five-coordinate heme-nitric oxide adduct.

Researchers describe the structural changes that occur as the lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosa is activated in the presence of lipids. During this process the enzyme exists in a low activity form, an activated form, and a fully active form.

The structure of a chimeric amylase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus licheniformis is described. It is a fusion amylase derived from residues 1-300 from B. amyloliquefaciens and 301-483 from B. licheniformis.