Using linkage maps to correct and scaffold de novo genome assemblies: methods, challenges, and computational tools.

Modern high-throughput DNA sequencing has made it possible to inexpensively produce genome sequences, but in practice many of these draft genomes are fragmented and incomplete. Genetic linkage maps based on recombination rates between physical markers have been used in biology for over 100 years and a linkage map, when paired with a de novo sequencing project, can resolve mis-assemblies and anchor chromosome-scale sequences. Here, I summarize the methodology behind integrating de novo assemblies and genetic linkage maps, outline the current challenges, review the available software tools, and discuss new mapping technologies.

Drought-induced changes in flow regimes lead to long-term losses in mussel-provided ecosystem services.

Extreme hydro-meteorological events such as droughts are becoming more frequent, intense, and persistent. This is particularly true in the south central USA, where rapidly growing urban areas are running out of water and human-engineered water storage and management are leading to broad-scale changes in flow regimes. The Kiamichi River in southeastern Oklahoma, USA, has high fish and freshwater mussel biodiversity.

Intraspecific phenotypic variation in a fish predator affects multitrophic lake metacommunity structure.

Contemporary insights from evolutionary ecology suggest that population divergence in ecologically important traits within predators can generate diversifying ecological selection on local community structure. Many studies acknowledging these effects of intraspecific variation assume that local populations are situated in communities that are unconnected to similar communities within a shared region. Recent work from metacommunity ecology suggests that species dispersal among communities can also influence species diversity and composition but can depend upon the relative importance of the local environment.

Diurnal patterns of gas-exchange and metabolic pools in tundra plants during three phases of the arctic growing season.

Arctic tundra plant communities are subject to a short growing season that is the primary period in which carbon is sequestered for growth and survival. This period is often characterized by 24-h photoperiods for several months a year. To compensate for the short growing season tundra plants may extend their carbon uptake capacity on a diurnal basis, but whether this is true remains unknown.

Sipuleucel-T: a therapeutic cancer vaccine for the treatment of castration- or hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

Sipuleucel-T is a therapeutic cancer vaccine approved for the treatment of castration- or hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Through a novel process, it activates the body's own antigen-presenting cells to induce an immune response to prostatic acid phosphatase, a protein found on prostate cancer cells. A treatment course consists of three total infusions spread 2 weeks apart.

The provision of spiritual care by registered nurses on a maternal-infant unit.

Purpose: This study explores the spirituality, spiritual well-being (SWB), and spiritual care provision of registered nurses on a maternal-infant unit.

Methods: Data collection instruments included a demographic and spiritual care form, Spiritual Perspective Scale (SPS), and Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) to address the study's research questions.

Findings: Significant positive correlations were found between SPS and SWBS as well as religious well-being (RWB) and existential well-being (EWB; subscales of SWBS).

Mechanisms of chromium action: low-molecular-weight chromium-binding substance.

Chromium has long been known to be essential for proper lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in mammals, with chromium deficiency leading to symptoms associated with adult-onset diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Elucidating the structure, function, and mode of action of the biologically active form of chromium has proved enigmatic. However, a naturally-occurring oligopeptide, low-molecular-weight chromium-binding substance (LMWCr), has been found in our laboratory to activate insulin receptor kinase activity up to 7-fold with a dissociation constant of 250 picomolar in the presence of 100 nanomolar insulin, and it has been partially characterized in terms of structural and spectroscopic properties.

Mortality patterns among women in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry.

This retrospective follow-up study evaluated the mortality experience of 11,271 women employed in a large motor vehicle manufacturing company in 1973. Company computerized personnel records were used to identify subjects and to obtain their employment histories. Follow-up through December 31, 1985, was conducted using company, state, and national data sources.

Dimethyl sulfone (DMSO2) in the treatment of interstitial cystitis.

DMSO2 is one alternative for treating interstitial cystitis. Research with this compound is very limited, but side effects have been negligible. The drug may hold promise for interstitial cystitis patients, as well as those suffering from painful bladder (urethral) syndrome.

Relationships among defensive styles, cognitive styles, processing styles, and attentional styles of normal adolescents.

Cognitive and psychodynamic theorists agree that an individual's personality and behavior are determined by both cognitive and dynamic processes. This study examined the relationship among three cognitive approaches--cognitive style, attentional style, and processing style--and examined their relations to defensive style. Adolescents from Grades 11 and 12 (146 boys, 164 girls) were examined in groups for cognitive style (Group Embedded Figures Test), attentional style (Test of Attentional and Interpersonal Style), processing style (a sequential/simultaneous processing test battery), and defensive style (Defense Mechanism Inventory).