Nanoscale localization of proteins within focal adhesions indicates discrete functional assemblies with selective force‐dependence

Focal adhesions (FAs) are subcellular regions at the micrometer scale that link the cell to the surrounding microenvironment and control vital cell functions. However, the spatial architecture of FAs remains unclear at the nanometer scale. We used two‐color and three‐color super‐resolution stimulated emission depletion microscopy to determine the spatial distributions and co‐localization of endogenous FA components in fibroblasts. Our data indicate that adhesion proteins inside, but not outside, FAs are organized into nanometer size units of multi‐protein assemblies. The loss of contractile force reduced the nanoscale co‐localization between different types of proteins, while it increased this co‐localization between markers of the same type. This suggests that actomyosin‐dependent force exerts a nonrandom, specific, control of the localization of adhesion proteins within cell–matrix adhesions. These observations are consistent with the possibility that proteins in cell–matrix adhesions are assembled in nanoscale particles, and that force regulates the localization of the proteins therein in a protein‐specific manner. This detailed knowledge of how the organization of FA components at the nanometer scale is linked to the capacity of the cells to generate contractile forces expands our understanding of cell adhesion in health and disease

The Palamas Archaeological Project 2023. A preliminary report of the Greek–Swedish collaboration in the municipality of Palamas, region of Karditsa, Thessaly

The 2023 fieldwork in the area of Palamas, Thessaly, was severely hampered by catastrophic weather events affecting the area. In spite of this, the project managed to conduct excavations, surface and architectural surveys, as well as geophysical prospection at a number of sites in the region. The work continues to highlight the chronological breadth of archaeological remains in the area, as well as further details regarding little-known periods of Thessalian history

The deformation of the Egersund-Ogna anorthosite massif, south Norway: finite-element modelling of diapirism

This paper aims at testing the mechanical relevance of the petrological model of anorthosite massif diapiric emplacement. The Egersund-Ogna massif (S. Norway) is of particular interest because recent petrological and geochronological data constrain the initial geometry, emplacement conditions and timing (about 2 m.y.). The formation of this anorthosite massif is in agreement with the classical petrological model, in which accumulation of plagioclase takes place in a deep-seated magma chamber at the crust-mantle limit, from which masses of plagioclase separate and rise through the lower crust up to the final level of emplacement at mid-crustal depths. The Egersund-Ogna massif also displays a foliated inner margin, in which strain ellipsoids have been reconstructed by investigating at 51 sites the deformation of megacrysts of high-alumina orthopyroxene. Based on these petrological data, a model made up of one rigid layer (upper granitic crust) and three viscous layers (lower part of the granitic crust, noritic lower crust and anorthosite) has been built up. The upper crust behaviour is represented by an elastoplastic law and the viscous layers obey elastic-viscoplastic laws with Newtonian viscosity. An inverse density gradient is considered between the lower crust (d = 3.00) and the anorthosite (d = 2.75), the loading consisting only in gravity. The modelling is carried out under axisymmetrical conditions, using the LAGAMINE finite-element code coupled with an automatic re-meshing algorithm designed to deal with large strains in complex structures. The results show that, from a mechanical point of view, the diapirism model is a robust and consistent assumption for the emplacement of anorthosites, because realistic diapir and rim-syncline shapes are obtained. Moreover, the numerically obtained emplacement time (about 2.5 m.y.) is in agreement with the available geochronological data, and the computed strain field is coherent with field measurements, especially regarding the circumferential extension, which becomes the largest extension strain component in the expansion phase. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved

Some preliminary notes on the limited 2020 campaign of the Palamas Archaeological Project (PAP)

This paper presents a short summary of archaeological operations carried out in 2020 in the area of the modern village of Vlochos on the western Thessalian plain, Greece, as part of the Palamas Archaeological Project (PAP). Initially, the project aimed to conduct a significant campaign of fieldwork during the 2020 season, but operations were severely scaled back by limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, only a small-scale campaign, aimed at method testing and exploratory investigation, could be carried out. Fieldwork included an evaluation of complimentary geophysical techniques, cleaning operations, and oral history enquiries. The work—despite its limitations—highlighted the value of using multiple geophysical techniques, as well as proving the importance of a systematic cleaning of the site. Overall, the first season of PAP highlighted the productivity of the research project and will act as a strong foundation for the forthcoming field seasons © 2021, Opuscula.All Rights Reserved

Effects of Perceived Long-Term Stress on Subjective and Objective Aspects of Memory and Cognitive Functioning in a Middle-Aged Population-Based Sample

The longitudinal effects of perceived stress on measures of memory and two other cognitive functions (word fluency, visuospatial ability) in a middle-aged sample (40–60 years, M age = 47.1 years, SD = 6.1 years; n = 192) were examined. A group describing themselves as stressed in general at baseline, and at follow-up measurement 5 and 10 years later (n = 96) was compared with a matched (age, sex) low-stress group (n = 96). The results revealed more depressive symptoms over time in the high-stress group. With regard to memory, a dissociation between subjective and objective measures was observed. Specifically, participants in the high-stress group rated their memory as worse over time as compared with controls, and reported a higher frequency of occurrence of everyday memory failures, effects partly independent of depressive symptoms. However, the groups did not differ in terms of objective episodic memory performance, word fluency or block design performance, with stable levels of performance over time regardless of perceived stress. The lack of effects of stress on cognitive performance is discussed in the light of factors such as stress level, age of the participants, and other individual difference factors.</p