Microtubule-based motor proteins assemble and reorganize acentrosomal mitotic and meiotic spindles in animal cells. The functions of motor proteins in acentrosomal plant spindles are unknown. The cellulosic cell wall and relative small size of most plant cells precludes accurate detection of the spatial distribution of motors in mitosis. Large cell size and absence of a cellulosic cell wall in Haemanthus endosperm make these cells ideally suited for studies of the spatial distribution of motor proteins during cell division. Immunolocalization of a kinesin-like calmodulin-binding protein (KCBP) in Haemanthus endosperm revealed its mitotic distribution. KCBP appears first in association with the prophase spindle. Highly concentrated within the cores of individual kinetochore fibers, KCBP decorates microtubules of kinetochore-fibers through metaphase. By mid-anaphase (when a barrel-shaped spindle becomes convergent), the protein redistributes and accumulates at the spindle polar regions. In telophase, KCBP relocates toward the phragmoplast and cell plate. These data suggest a role for KCBP in anaphase spindle microtubule convergence, which assures coherence of kinetochore-fibers within each sister chromosome group. Increasing coherence of kinetochore-fibers prevents splitting within each sister chromosome group and formation of multinucleated cells.

Data supports that SFL is positively influencing oral health practice across professions, especially in areas of caries risk assessment and fluoride varnish application. SFL improves the frequency and quality with which DCPs and educators participate in oral health activities, and facilitates oral health inclusion in primary care.

No abstract

The current pipeline of physician assistant (PA) school applicants reflects the future workforce of the profession, which is why the admissions process with all its components and variables is so important. Many studies have shown that a workforce that represents the patients it cares for leads to improved health outcomes, especially among underrepresented minor-ity populations. Yet, PA programs have made little progress over the past 2 decades in increasing the diversity of matriculants and graduates. As a profession, it is our collective responsibility to intentionally advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, and examining the admissions process would be the most logical place to start. This Presidents Commission paper seeks to address current barriers, perceptions, and misconceptions surrounding PA admissions, especially through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The paper reviews some of the barriers that may make it more difficult for URM students to apply and be admitted to PA programs, drawing on previous Presidents Commission papers and other research on various aspects of the pipeline from admissions through graduation. It also addresses current outreach efforts and considers ways to augment those efforts to improve the pipeline to the profession. PA educators need to understand obstacles that applicants may encounter as they prepare for PA school andThe authors declare no conflict of interest.