The genome sequence of the alder spittlebug, (Fallén, 1805).

We present a genome assembly from an individual male (the alder spittlebug; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hemiptera; Aphrophoridae). The genome sequence has a total length of 1,781.50 megabases.

The genome sequence of the planthopper, (Germar, 1821).

We present a genome assembly from an individual male (planthopper; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hemiptera; Delphacidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 957.80 megabases.

The genome sequence of the jumping weevil, (Herbst, 1795).

We present a genome assembly from an individual female (the jumping weevil; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Curculionidae). The genome sequence spans 624.00 megabases.

Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infections Among the Neurologically Critically Ill.

Background: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) result in excess morbidity, mortality, and resource consumption. Immobilized, ventilator-dependent ICU patients are at the highest risk of HAI.

Methods: Despite broad implementation of relevant bundles, HAI incidence in our neuro ICU remained high, particularly catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and ventilator-associated events (VAEs).

Production of lipopeptides in Bacillus sp. CS93 isolated from Pozol.

Bacillus sp. strain CS93, which was previously isolated from Pozol, was previously shown to produce iturin A, bacilysin and chlorotetaine. To investigate the biosynthetic mechanism of chlorotetaine production, the bac genes were amplified from genomic DNA of Bacillus sp.

Free vascularized fibula grafts for salvage of failed oncologic long bone reconstruction and pathologic fractures.

Vascularized bone grafts, particularly the free fibula transfer, have incited revolutionary changes in the field of skeletal reconstruction. In no place has this been more evident than in oncologic reconstruction. The free vascularized fibula graft has been used to good effect for primary long-bone reconstruction, long-bone allograft complication salvage, and pathologic fracture salvage of the long bones.

Precursor-directed biosynthesis of fluorinated iturin A in Bacillus spp.

Some iturin A-producing strains of Bacillus subtilis will elaborate the novel fluorinated analogue when incubated with 3-fluoro-L-tyrosine. The activity of iturin A is dependent on the D-tyrosine residue and the presence of fluorotyrosine may result in an improvement of the biological properties of this lipopeptide. The fluorinated iturin might also be used as a probe for studying its interaction with biological membranes.

The mechanics of translocation: a molecular "spring-and-ratchet" system.

The translation of genetic information into proteins is a fundamental process of life. Stepwise addition of amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain requires the coordinated movement of mRNA and tRNAs through the ribosome, a process known as translocation. Here, we review current understanding of the kinetics and mechanics of translocation, with particular emphasis on the structure of a functional mammalian ribosome stalled during translocation by an mRNA pseudoknot.

Autopathography and depression: describing the 'despair beyond despair'.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, emphasizes diagnosis and statistically significant commonalities in mental disorders. As stated in the Introduction, "[i]t must be admitted that no definition adequately specifies precise boundaries for the concept of 'mental disorder' " (DSM-IV, 1994, xxi). Further, "[t]he clinician using DSM-IV should .

A mechanical explanation of RNA pseudoknot function in programmed ribosomal frameshifting.

The triplet-based genetic code requires that translating ribosomes maintain the reading frame of a messenger RNA faithfully to ensure correct protein synthesis. However, in programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting, a specific subversion of frame maintenance takes place, wherein the ribosome is forced to shift one nucleotide backwards into an overlapping reading frame and to translate an entirely new sequence of amino acids. This process is indispensable in the replication of numerous viral pathogens, including HIV and the coronavirus associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome, and is also exploited in the expression of several cellular genes.

The folding pathway of spectrin R17 from experiment and simulation: using experimentally validated MD simulations to characterize States hinted at by experiment.

We present an experimental and computational analysis of the folding pathway of the 17th domain of chicken brain alpha-spectrin, R17. Wild-type R17 folds in a two-state manner and the chevron plot (plot of the logarithm of the observed rate constant against concentration of urea) shows essentially linear folding and unfolding arms. A number of mutant proteins, however, show a change in slope of the unfolding arm at high concentration of denaturant, hinting at complexity in the folding landscape.

Snapshot of protein structure evolution reveals conservation of functional dimerization through intertwined folding.

Protein-protein interactions govern a wide range of cellular processes. Molecular recognition responsible for homodimerization and heterodimerization in the rel/NF-kappaB family of eukaryotic transcription factors relies on a small cluster of hydrophobic residues. We have carried out a structural analysis of six NF-kappaB p50 dimer interface mutants; one of them revealed a remarkable alteration.

Extending the nurse practitioner concurrent intervention model to community-acquired pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: A Nurse Practitioner (NP) Concurrent Intervention Model shown effective for controlling telemetry usage was extended to patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods: In spring 2000, investigators at Hackensack University Medical Center and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School began an intervention to increase compliance with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) performance measures for CAP. Cost-reduction efforts were introduced by using previously described criteria for switching from intravenous to oral medication and for hospital discharge.