Initial Interaction Research Articles

An Online Magnetic Resonance Imaging Approach Using Augmented Reality Visualizations for Introducing Students to Their “Silent Teachers”

The initial interaction between medical students and their “Silent Teacher” in the dissection lab is an important experience in the process of establishing a professional ethos. However, COVID19 complicated this process and the optimal approach to achieve this introduction remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to develop an online case‐based approach as the basis for donor introduction to medical students based on Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports. MRI scans of 16 body donors were assessed by a radiologist and observations were uploaded to a web‐based DICOM viewer (www.rad3d.com). A list of learning objectives were generated for each donor and radiology reports were constructed based on: chief complaints, medical history, radiology and pathology that were reviewed prior to the class. Within the lab and following COVID19 restriction policy, students read through the radiology reports and viewed the augmented reality (AR) visualizations of the MRI scans using z‐space computers providing additional dissection team interactions. Finally, surface anatomy exercises were undertaken that corresponded to the primary pathology providing a direct interaction with the donor. This process included Sketchfab and other links to underscore anatomical correlations (Figure 1). A survey was conducted to assess student perceptions of the experience. The study design comprised a voluntary survey tool to assess student level of anxiety and whether the online approach was effective. Response scales were either bimodal or Likert‐base (5 scale) and analyzed with Fisher's exact test. Follow up open ended questions were also presented to the students. The response rate was 33/80 (41.25%). Most students (82.7%) felt anxious first, but the anxiety decreased in time (60.7%). They mostly accomplished the tasks (surface exercises 97%; reviewing MRIs 87.9%) and found surface exercises useful in terms of reducing anxiety (90.6%), and initiating team work (100%). A total of 79.3% of the students found MR useful for learning radiology (Table 1). More than half of the students (55.6%) indicated that the first encounter was not as they expected and stated that they thought it would be more intimidating. Several emotions were indicated such as: confused, uncomfortable, somber, excited, grateful, thankful, professional. They all agreed that using a case based approach as an introductory laboratory prior to first dissection is useful. There was one prominent suggestion almost all students stated: video resources prior to the lab. Results suggest that humanizing the donor, implementing clinical reasoning, and initiating teamwork provided a positive first lab experience using online resources. Future work will be aimed at further development of online resources organized around clinical presentation using MR scans.

Sequencing ACE2 in Bos Taurus: A Comparison of Bovine and Human ACE 2’s interaction with SARS‐CoV‐2

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2018 blueprint of priority diseases, based upon their potential to cause epidemics and public health emergencies included two respiratory illnesses, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS‐CoV) and middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS‐CoV), both caused by members of the Coronaviridae family (BioDefense, 2018). Now three years later, we are amid an ongoing worldwide pandemic caused by another Coronavirus, SARS‐Cov‐2. This virus has rapidly spread across the globe causing over 5.4 million deaths throughout the world. Symptoms of the viral infection include shortness of breath, fever, fatigue, muscle and body aches, headaches and most importantly acute lung injury (ALI) caused by dysregulation of pulmonary RAS (Renin‐Angiotensin System). RAS, the main network controlling blood pressure is regulated by ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) and its homolog ACE2. It is now known that the SARS‐CoV‐2, uses ACE2 as the cell receptor to enter and infiltrate the host cell. While ACE promotes atrophy, fibrosis, inflammation, oxidants, and vasoconstriction, ACE2 through its metabolism of angiotensin I, restricts excessive atrophy, fibrosis and causes vasodilation. Furthermore, ACE2 with its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant role protects lung tissues and therefore a downregulation of ACE2 by SARS‐Cov‐2 infection can result in development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (Imai, Kuba, & Penninger, 2008). The Spike (S) protein of SARS‐Cov‐2 binds to ACE2, and recent studies have identified several residues in Exon 1 of ACE‐2, that mediate this binding (Rehman & Tabish, 2020). Our study aims to sequence ACE2 Exon 1 from Bos taurus and then compare it to human ACE2 Exon 1 using a variety of bioinformatics tools to understand and possibly identify polymorphisms that could determine species susceptibility to Covid‐19 infection. This investigation began with genomic DNA extraction from calf thymus. The genomic DNA was then analyzed using spectrophotometry (Biophotometer and Nanodrop) and gel electrophoresis. Thereafter, ACE2 target primers were designed using Primer BLAST and Primer Quest. We are now getting ready to run PCR to amplify our ACE2 Exon 1 target from Bos taurus, and after purifying the PCR products, we will sequence the ACE2 Exon 1 using our SeqStudio genetic analyzer. The sequence will then be analyzed and compared to its human counterpart using a variety of bioinformatics tools to gain a better understanding of polymorphisms that might influence SARS‐Cov‐2’s initial interaction with its host as well as pathogenesis of COVID‐19 in general.ReferencesBioDefense, G. (2018, February 12). https://globalbiodefense.com/2018/02/12/who‐updates‐blueprint‐list‐of‐priority‐diseases/. Retrieved May 14, 2020Imai, Y., Kuba, K., & Penninger, J. M. (2008). The discovery of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 and its role in acute lung injury in mice. Exp Physiol 93.5, pp 543–548.Rehman, S. u., & Tabish, M. (2020). Alternative splicing of ACE2 possibly generates variants that may limit the entry of SARS‐CoV‐2: a potential therapeutic approach using SSOs. Clinical Science, 134, 1143–1150.

The Apache Diaspora: Four Centuries of Displacement and Survival

The Apache Diaspora: Four Centuries of Displacement and Survival

Heterogeneous Rate Constant for Amorphous Silica Nanoparticle Adsorption on Phospholipid Monolayers.

The interaction of amorphous silica nanoparticles with phospholipid monolayers and bilayers has received a great deal of interest in recent years and is of importance for assessing potential cellular toxicity of such species, whether natural or synthesized for the purpose of nanomedical drug delivery and other applications. This present communication studies the rate of silica nanoparticle adsorption on to phospholipid monolayers in order to extract a heterogeneous rate constant from the data. This rate constant relates to the initial rate of growth of an adsorbed layer of nanoparticles as SiO2 on a unit area of the monolayer surface from unit concentration in dispersion. Experiments were carried out using the system of dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) monolayers deposited on Pt/Hg electrodes in a flow cell. Additional studies were carried out on the interaction of soluble silica with these layers. Results show that the rate constant is effectively constant with respect to silica nanoparticle size. This is interpreted as indicating that the interaction of hydrated SiO2 molecular species with phospholipid polar groups is the molecular initiating event (MIE) defined as the initial interaction of the silica particle surface with the phospholipid layer surface promoting the adsorption of silica nanoparticles on DOPC. The conclusion is consistent with the observed significant interaction of soluble SiO2 with the DOPC layer and the established properties of the silica–water interface.

It's a guy thing: Sex as a moderator of the relationship between social anxiety and perception of interpersonal warmth in initial heterosexual interactions

Social anxiety or the fear of being evaluated by others in social settings has been shown to contribute to impairments in interpersonal functioning. One way in which such impairments may arise is through biased perceptions of others during social interactions. The present study examined how social anxiety relates to the perception of interpersonal warmth from others within a relationship initiation context, and whether this relationship differs in men and women. Participants were 69 men and 69 women, aged 20.62 years on average (SD = 1.97), who identified as heterosexual. After completing a questionnaire pack online, participants engaged in a laboratory‐based interaction with a previously unacquainted participant of the other sex. After the interaction, participants reported their perception of their partner's warmth. Results revealed a negative association between men's degree of social anxiety and their perception of their partner's warmth. This association was not found in women. The moderation of sex on the role of social anxiety in interpersonal perceptions may reflect sex differences in social cognitive abilities.

Cell-Penetrating Peptides with Unexpected Anti-Amyloid Properties.

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) with sequences derived originally from a prion protein (PrP) have been shown to exhibit both anti-prion and anti-amyloid properties particularly against prion proteins and the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide active in Alzheimer’s disease. These disease-modifying properties are so far observed in cell cultures and in vitro. The CPP sequences are composed of a hydrophobic signal sequence followed by a highly positively charged hexapeptide segment. The original signal sequence of the prion protein can be changed to the signal sequence of the NCAM1 protein without losing the anti-prion activity. Although the detailed molecular mechanisms of these CPP peptides are not fully understood, they do form amyloid aggregates by themselves, and molecular interactions between the CPPs and PrP/Aβ can be observed in vitro using various spectroscopic techniques. These initial intermolecular interactions appear to re-direct the aggregation pathways for prion/amyloid formation to less cell-toxic molecular structures (i.e., co-aggregates), which likely is why the disease-inducing PrP/Aβ aggregation is counteracted in vivo.

Why Does Convection Weaken over Sumatra Island in an Active Phase of the MJO?

Abstract This study investigated the diurnal cycle of convection over Sumatra Island in an active phase of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) during the Pre-Years of the Maritime Continent (YMC) observation campaign in December 2015 based on in situ and satellite observations and a convection-permitting numerical model. Observations suggest that before the active phase of the MJO in early December, convection occurred frequently over the island during the afternoon and at midnight. By contrast, during the active phase of the MJO in mid-December, afternoon convection over the island was delayed and suppressed, and midnight convection was suppressed. Numerical experiments also successfully replicated the main features of the observed modulations. In general, during the active phase of the MJO, the troposphere became drier in the Sumatra region. While the clouds reduced the solar radiation over the land, the sea breeze was also found to be delayed and weakened. As a result, the afternoon convection initiation was delayed and weakened. Further analyses suggested that the sea breeze was weakened mainly due to the orographic stagnation effect rather than the slightly reduced land–sea temperature contrast. On the other hand, the increased stratiform-anvil clouds induced the anomalous evaporative cooling in the midtroposphere and generated island-scale subsidence during the nighttime, which finally led to the suppression of inland convection. Overall, our study reveals the modulation of diurnal convection over Sumatra Island by an active phase of the MJO and also shows the potential role of land–sea interaction in convection initiation and maintenance.

Semiempirical Potential in Kinetics Calculations on the HC3N + CN Reaction.

The reaction between the cyano radical CN and cyanoacetylene molecule HCN is of great interest in different astronomical fields, from star-forming regions to planetary atmospheres. In this work, we present a new synergistic theoretical approach for the derivation of the rate coefficient for gas phase neutral-neutral reactions. Statistic RRKM calculations on the Potential Energy Surface are coupled with a semiempirical analysis of the initial bimolecular interaction. The value of the rate coefficient for the HCN + CN → H + NCCCCN reaction obtained with this method is compared with previous theoretical and experimental investigations, showing strengths and weaknesses of the new presented approach.

Globally Inaccurate Stereotypes Can Result From Locally Adaptive Exploration

Inaccurate stereotypes—perceived differences among groups that do not actually differ—are prevalent and consequential. Past research explains stereotypes as emerging from a range of factors, including motivational biases, cognitive limitations, and information deficits. Considering the minimal forces required to produce inaccurate assumptions about group differences, we found that locally adaptive exploration is sufficient: An initial arbitrary interaction, if rewarding enough, may discourage people from investigating alternatives that would be equal or better. Historical accidents can snowball into globally inaccurate generalizations, and inaccurate stereotypes can emerge in the absence of real group differences. Using multiarmed-bandit models, we found that the mere act of choosing among groups with the goal of maximizing the long-term benefit of interactions is enough to produce inaccurate assessments of different groups. This phenomenon was reproduced in two large online experiments with English-speaking adults (N = 2,404), which demonstrated a minimal process that suffices to produce biased impressions.

Определение параметров проникания пенетраторов в грунтово-скальные преграды по различным эмпирическим зависимостям

The paper focuses on the use of high-speed penetrators in future study of the surface layer of various cosmic bodies, e.g. planets, asteroids, comets. In choosing the design parameters of penetrators, the penetration depth can be predicted according to empirical dependencies, which result from processing experimental data on the penetration of non-deformable impactors into various geomaterials. Such dependences obtained and used by both Russian and foreign researchers were comparatively analyzed. For a research module-penetrator with a diameter of 150 mm and a mass of 50 kg, we estimated the depth of its penetration into geomaterials with contrasting strength properties and its overload at initial interaction velocities of 100–1000 m/s. Findings of the research show that for the selected parameters of the penetrator and its speed of 1000 m/s, the penetration depth can range from several meters in the case of medium-hard rock to several tens of meters in the case of loose soil. Relying on some empirical dependences analyzed, we recorded the scale effect during penetration, which implies that the ratio of the penetration depths of geometrically similar impactors with a constant mass-diameter cube relation exceeds the coefficient of geometric similarity.

Cryo-EM structures of staphylococcal IsdB bound to human hemoglobin reveal the process of heme extraction

Iron surface determinant B (IsdB) is a hemoglobin (Hb) receptor essential for hemic iron acquisition by Staphylococcus aureus. Heme transfer to IsdB is possible from oxidized Hb (metHb), but inefficient from Hb either bound to oxygen (oxyHb) or bound to carbon monoxide (HbCO), and encompasses a sequence of structural events that are currently poorly understood. By single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, we determined the structure of two IsdB:Hb complexes, representing key species along the heme extraction pathway. The IsdB:HbCO structure, at 2.9-Å resolution, provides a snapshot of the preextraction complex. In this early stage of IsdB:Hb interaction, the hemophore binds to the β-subunits of the Hb tetramer, exploiting a folding-upon-binding mechanism that is likely triggered by a cis/trans isomerization of Pro173. Binding of IsdB to α-subunits occurs upon dissociation of the Hb tetramer into α/β dimers. The structure of the IsdB:metHb complex reveals the final step of the extraction process, where heme transfer to IsdB is completed. The stability of the complex, both before and after heme transfer from Hb to IsdB, is influenced by isomerization of Pro173. These results greatly enhance current understanding of structural and dynamic aspects of the heme extraction mechanism by IsdB and provide insight into the interactions that stabilize the complex before the heme transfer event. This information will support future efforts to identify inhibitors of heme acquisition by S. aureus by interfering with IsdB:Hb complex formation.

Rho-dependent transcription termination proceeds via three routes

Rho is a general transcription termination factor in bacteria, but many aspects of its mechanism of action are unclear. Diverse models have been proposed for the initial interaction between the RNA polymerase (RNAP) and Rho (catch-up and stand-by pre-terminational models); for the terminational release of the RNA transcript (RNA shearing, RNAP hyper-translocation or displacing, and allosteric models); and for the post-terminational outcome (whether the RNAP dissociates or remains bound to the DNA). Here, we use single-molecule fluorescence assays to study those three steps in transcription termination mediated by E. coli Rho. We find that different mechanisms previously proposed for each step co-exist, but apparently occur on various timescales and tend to lead to specific outcomes. Our results indicate that three kinetically distinct routes take place: (1) the catch-up mode leads first to RNA shearing for RNAP recycling on DNA, and (2) later to RNAP displacement for decomposition of the transcriptional complex; (3) the last termination usually follows the stand-by mode with displacing for decomposing. This three-route model would help reconcile current controversies on the mechanisms.

First cases of infection with the 21L/BA.2 Omicron variant in Marseille, France.

The SARS‐CoV‐2 21K/BA.1, 21L/BA.2, and BA.3 Omicron variants have recently emerged worldwide. To date, the 21L/BA.2 Omicron variant has remained very minority globally but became predominant in Denmark instead of the 21K/BA.1 variant. Here, we describe the first cases diagnosed with this variant in south‐eastern France. We identified 13 cases using variant‐specific qPCR and next‐generation sequencing between 28/11/2021 and 31/01/2022, the first two cases being diagnosed in travelers returning from Tanzania. Overall, viral genomes displayed a mean (±standard deviation) number of 65.9 ± 2.5 (range, 61–69) nucleotide substitutions and 31.0 ± 8.3 (27–50) nucleotide deletions, resulting in 49.6 ± 2.2 (45–52) amino acid substitutions (including 28 in the spike protein) and 12.4 ± 1.1 (12–15) amino acid deletions. Phylogeny showed the distribution in three different clusters of these genomes, which were most closely related to genomes from England and South Africa, from Singapore and Nepal, or from France and Denmark. Structural predictions highlighted a significant enlargement and flattening of the surface of the 21L/BA.2 N‐terminal domain of the spike protein compared to that of the 21K/BA.1 Omicron variant, which may facilitate initial viral interactions with lipid rafts. Close surveillance is needed at global, country, and center scales to monitor the incidence and clinical outcome of the 21L/BA.2 Omicron variant.

Can Automated Alerts in the Electronic Health Record Encourage Referrals for Genetic Counseling and Testing Among Patients at High Risk for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes?

Up to 10% of cancers may be associated with an inherited mutation that increases cancer risk. National guidelines emphasize referral for genetic counseling and testing for patients whose personal and/or family history increases their risk of having a hereditary cancer syndrome. To increase appropriate referrals for cancer genetic counseling and testing, we piloted an automated alert known as a Best Practice Advisory (BPA) in the electronic health record, Epic, to notify oncology providers when a patient had a personal and/or family history that merited referral to cancer genetics. Epic could not gather the complex clinical data needed for the referral decision automatically, necessitating staff completion of a questionnaire. After educating providers, the BPA was implemented with resources to support its use. Initial interaction with the alert was high but rapidly dwindled, resulting in questionnaire completion in 7.2% of more than 32,000 encounters and 14.9% of patients over 9 months. However, cancer genetics referrals increased 95.9% during the pilot (P < .0001), with 18.5% placed through the BPA and the rest from a non-BPA mechanism. Semistructured interviews with key stakeholders revealed not only general acceptance of the BPA concept but also barriers to completion, such as pressure to room patients quickly in the face of competing BPAs and lack of buy-in from some providers. These results suggest that provider engagement and BPA fatigue are significant obstacles to acceptance of a new automated alert. Despite interest in a tool for cancer genetics, the demand on clinical time for this complex BPA was poorly tolerated.

Leveraging Antibody, B Cell and Fc Receptor Interactions to Understand Heterogeneous Immune Responses in Tuberculosis

Despite over a century of research, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), continues to kill 1.5 million people annually. Though less than 10% of infected individuals develop active disease, the specific host immune responses that lead to Mtb transmission and death, as well as those that are protective, are not yet fully defined. Recent immune correlative studies demonstrate that the spectrum of infection and disease is more heterogenous than has been classically defined. Moreover, emerging translational and animal model data attribute a diverse immune repertoire to TB outcomes. Thus, protective and detrimental immune responses to Mtb likely encompass a framework that is broader than T helper type 1 (Th1) immunity. Antibodies, Fc receptor interactions and B cells are underexplored host responses to Mtb. Poised at the interface of initial bacterial host interactions and in granulomatous lesions, antibodies and Fc receptors expressed on macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, T and B cells have the potential to influence local and systemic adaptive immune responses. Broadening the paradigm of protective immunity will offer new paths to improve diagnostics and vaccines to reduce the morbidity and mortality of TB.

Molecular Emissions from Stretched Excitation Pulse in Nanosecond Phase-Selective Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy of TiO2 Nanoaerosols.

In phase-selective laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (PS-LIBS), gas-borne nanoparticles are irradiated with laser pulses (∼2.4GW/cm2) resulting in breakdown of the nanoparticle phase but not the surrounding gas phase. In this work, the effect of excitation laser-pulse duration and energy on the intensity and duration of TiO2-nanoparticle PS-LIBS emission signal is investigated. Laser pulses from a frequency-doubled neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (532nm) are stretched from 8ns (full width at half maximum, FWHM) up to ∼30ns at fixed pulse energy using combinations of two optical cavities. The intensity of the titanium atomic emissions at around 500nm wavelength increases by ∼60%, with the stretched pulse and emissions at around 482nm, attributed to TiO, enhanced over 10 times. While the atomic emissions rise with the stretched laser pulse and decay around 20ns after the end of the laser pulse, the TiO emissions reach their peak intensity at about 20ns later and last longer. At low laser energy (i.e., 1mJ/pulse, or 80MW/cm2), the TiO emissions dominate, but their increase with laser energy is lower compared to the atomic emissions. The origin of the 482nm emission is explored by examining several different aerosol setups, including Ti-O, Ti-N, and Ti-O-N from a spark particle generator and Ti-O-N-C-H aerosol from flame synthesis. The 482nm emissions are attributed to electronically excited TiO, likely resulting from the reaction of excited titanium atoms with surrounding oxidizing (carbonaceous and/or radical) species. The effects of pulse length are attributed to the shift of absorption from the initial interaction with the particle to the prolonged interaction with the plasma through inverse bremsstrahlung.

Tricomas: defesa ou vulnerabilidade para a planta na interação com microrganismos?

The plant surface is one of the first sites of contact with microorganisms, where structures such as the cuticle and trichomes are responsible for interfering with this initial interaction. Trichomes, while protecting plants from microorganisms, can also facilitate infection by pathogens. The density of trichomes varies among species, and the amount and type of these structures in plant organs can confer resistance or susceptibility of plants to microorganisms. The trichomes, non-glandular and glandular, act as a barrier, preventing the adherence of the infective structures of the pathogens on the plant surface. In addition, glandular trichomes also secrete exudates (products of plant metabolism), which have antimicrobial properties, negatively interfering with the development of many bacterial and fungal diseases. However, both trichomes are favorable sites for the penetration and multiplication of plant pathogens, possibly because they provide a certain level of moisture and nutrients for the development of fungi and bacteria. Contrary to the view that trichomes only provide protection against plant pathogens, by hindering their adhesion, they can also become preferential sites for infection.

On the Coevolution Between Social Network Structure and Diffusion of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Spatial Compartmental Epidemic Models

In this article, the author studies epidemic diffusion in a spatial compartmental model, where individuals are initially connected in a social or geographical network. As the virus spreads in the network, the structure of interactions between people may endogenously change over time, due to quarantining measures and/or spatial-distancing (SD) policies. The author explores via simulations the dynamic properties of the coevolutionary process linking disease diffusion and network properties. Results suggest that, in order to predict how epidemic phenomena evolve in networked populations, it is not enough to focus on the properties of initial interaction structures. Indeed, the coevolution of network structures and compartment shares strongly shape the process of epidemic diffusion, especially in terms of its speed. Furthermore, the author shows that the timing and features of SD policies may dramatically influence their effectiveness.

Performance evaluation of composite-barrier system against migration of tin from radioactive wastes: Approaches in terms of risk assessments

In this study, a polymer/zeolite-based composite barrier material was prepared and its performance against 126Sn isotope under varying conditions in radioactive waste repository was investigated. Adsorption isotherms and kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were calculated from the data obtained by examining 126Sn in its interaction with the barrier material under varying parameters such as different initial concentrations, interaction time and temperature. It has been observed that the adsorption of tin ions on the barrier material fitted into the D-R isotherm model. The adsorption of the tin onto the barrier was determined to be endothermic from the thermodynamic parameters. From the kinetic evaluation, it has been seen that the tin adsorption process was compatible with the pseudo second-order model. The risk of migration of 126Sn as a result of an accident in radioactive waste repository was assessed using by GOLDSIM Monte Carlo Simulation Software. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks and excess lifetime cancer risks of tin were evaluated.

Modeling the membrane binding mechanism of a lipid transport protein Osh4 to single membranes

All-atom (AA) molecular dynamics simulations are used to unravel the binding mechanism of yeast oxysterol binding protein (Osh4) to model membranes with varying anionic lipid concentration using AA and the highly mobile membrane mimetic (HMMM) representations. For certain protein-lipid interactions, an improved forcefield description is used (CUFIX) to accurately describe lipid-protein electrostatic interactions. Our detailed computational studies have identified a single, β-crease oriented, membrane-bound conformation of Osh4 for all anionic membranes. The penetration of the PHE-239 residue below the membrane phosphate plane is the characteristic signature of the membrane-bound state of Osh4. As the phenylalanine loop anchors itself deeply in the membrane; the other regions of the Osh4, namely, ALPS motif, β6- β7 loop, β14- β15 loop, and β16- β17 loop, maximize their contact with the membrane. Furthermore, loose lipid packing and higher mobility of HMMM enable stronger association of the ALPS motif with the membrane lipids through its hydrophobic surface. After the HMMM is converted to AA and equilibrated, the binding is two to three times stronger compared with simulations started with the AA representation, yielding the major importance of the ALPS motif to binding. Quantitative estimation of binding energy revealed that the phenylalanine loop plays a crucial role in stable membrane attachment of Osh4 and contributes significantly toward overall binding process. The CUFIX parameters provide a more balanced picture of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between the protein and the membrane, which differs from our past work that showed salt bridges alone stabilized Osh4-membrane contact. Our study provides a comprehensive picture of the binding mechanism of Osh4 with model single membranes and, thus, understanding of the initial interactions is important for elucidating the biological function of this protein to shuttle lipids between organelles.