Human DNA ligase I completely encircles and partially unwinds nicked DNA

The end-joining reaction catalysed by DNA ligases is required by all organisms and serves as the ultimate step of DNA replication, repair and recombination processes. One of three well characterized mammalian DNA ligases, DNA ligase I, joins Okazaki fragments during DNA replication. Here we report the crystal structure of human DNA ligase I (residues 233 to 919) in complex with a nicked, 5' adenylated DNA intermediate. The structure shows that the enzyme redirects the path of the double helix to expose the nick termini for the strand-joining reaction. It also reveals a unique feature of mammalian ligases: a DNA-binding domain that allows ligase I to encircle its DNA substrate, stabilizes the DNA in a distorted structure, and positions the catalytic core on the nick. Similarities in the toroidal shape and dimensions of DNA ligase I and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen sliding clamp are suggestive of an extensive protein-protein interface that may coordinate the joining of Okazaki fragments.     

Genome evolution in yeasts

Identifying the mechanisms of eukaryotic genome evolution by comparative genomics is often complicated by the multiplicity of events that have taken place throughout the history of individual lineages, leaving only distorted and superimposed traces in the genome of each living organism. The hemiascomycete yeasts, with their compact genomes, similar lifestyle and distinct sexual and physiological properties, provide a unique opportunity to explore such mechanisms. We present here the complete, assembled genome sequences of four yeast species, selected to represent a broad evolutionary range within a single eukaryotic phylum, that after analysis proved to be molecularly as diverse as the entire phylum of chordates. A total of approximately 24,200 novel genes were identified, the translation products of which were classified together with Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteins into about 4,700 families, forming the basis for interspecific comparisons. Analysis of chromosome maps and genome redundancies reveal that the different yeast lineages have evolved through a marked interplay between several distinct molecular mechanisms, including tandem gene repeat formation, segmental duplication, a massive genome duplication and extensive gene loss.     

Insect behaviour: arboreal ants build traps to capture prey

To meet their need for nitrogen in the restricted foraging environment provided by their host plants, some arboreal ants deploy group ambush tactics in order to capture flying and jumping prey that might otherwise escape. Here we show that the ant Allomerus decemarticulatus uses hair from the host plant's stem, which it cuts and binds together with a purpose-grown fungal mycelium, to build a spongy 'galleried' platform for trapping much larger insects. Ants beneath the platform reach through the holes and immobilize the prey, which is then stretched, transported and carved up by a swarm of nestmates. To our knowledge, the collective creation of a trap as a predatory strategy has not been described before in ants.     

三维血管介入手术模拟方法

针对血管内介入手术模拟建模与碰撞消除方法存在的不足,提出了一种多体-双层的导管/导丝组合体模型及基于几何分析和旋转角传播的快速碰撞消除方法,并开发了一个实时的三维介入手术模拟系统,模拟导管/导丝在实际血管中的运动行为.该多体-双层模型由若干分段组成,每一分段代表了一段导丝、导管或两者兼有的组合体,导丝和导管的半径定义不同,材料属性不同,但每一分段长度相同.模型的运动通过碰撞检测和消除加以引导,抵达目标位置后对该模型施加松弛过程使其状态与实际状态更加吻合.实验结果表明,导管/导丝模型的运动状态与给定的材料参数密切相关,模拟可以达到实时的要求,方法可靠有效,有望应用于临床.     

基于场景分析的交互式漫游

从CT和MRI设备中获取的三维体积图像,允许我们对三维解剖结构进行任意的观察。一般主动漫游的路径计算方法,都是基于中轴提取等算法的。本文在光线跟踪模型进行绘制的基础上,提出了一种基于深度场景分析的路径计算方法,通过交互选择得到了沿管状器官内部进行漫游的路径,并将其应用到了虚拟内窥镜系统当中。