Applications of Conjugated Polymers to DNA Sensing

1 Results Detection of biomolecules relies on a highly specific recognition event between an analyte biomolecule and a probe that is often closely connected or integrated within a sensor transducer element to provide a suitable signal. More widespread application of gene detection on a routine basis demands the development of a new generation of gene sensors that are fast, reliable and cost-effective.Conjugated polymers (CPs) have been shown to be a versatile substrate for DNA sensor construction, where...     

A TABU SEARCH APPROACH TOWARDS CONGESTION AND TOTAL FLOW MINIMIZATION IN OPTICAL NETWORKS

This paper considers rearrangeable multihop lightwave networks whereby each network node is equipped with a number p of transmitters and receivers, and a spectrum of wavelengths is accessible by, and shared among, all nodes by using the Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM). Depending on input traffic flow, nodal transmitters and receivers can be re-tuned to create virtual connectivity best suited with respect to a given optimization criterion. We present an efficient heuristic algorithm that combines two criteria for optimization: throughput maximization, as well as total flow minimization. Throughput maximization criterion is equivalent to congestion minimization, while minimizing total flow under the assumption of having links with equal lengths implies minimization of the average number of hops. Taking into account lengths of the links (i.e. link costs proportional with distances), the total flow minimization becomes equivalent to the total delay minimization. Tabu search is implemented as a two-ph     

The centromere geometry essential for keeping mitosis error free is controlled by spindle forces

Accurate segregation of chromosomes, essential for the stability of the genome, depends on 'bi-orientation'-simultaneous attachment of each individual chromosome to both poles of the mitotic spindle. On bi-oriented chromosomes, kinetochores (macromolecular complexes that attach the chromosome to the spindle) reside on the opposite sides of the chromosome's centromere. In contrast, sister kinetochores shift towards one side of the centromere on 'syntelic' chromosomes that erroneously attach to one spindle pole with both sister kinetochores. Syntelic attachments often arise during spindle assembly and must be corrected to prevent chromosome loss. It is assumed that restoration of proper centromere architecture occurs automatically owing to elastic properties of the centromere. Here we test this assumption by combining laser microsurgery and chemical biology assays in cultured mammalian cells. We find that kinetochores of syntelic chromosomes remain juxtaposed on detachment from spindle microtubules. These findings reveal that correction of syntelic attachments involves an extra step that has previously been overlooked: external forces must be applied to move sister kinetochores to the opposite sides of the centromere. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the shape of the centromere is important for spindle assembly, because bipolar spindles do not form in cells lacking centrosomes when multiple chromosomes with juxtaposed kinetochores are present. Thus, proper architecture of the centromere makes an important contribution to achieving high fidelity of chromosome segregation.