Distribution of Stable DnaA-Binding Sites on the Bacillus Subtilis Genome Detected using a Modified ChIP-chip Method

We developed a modified ChIP-chip method, designated ChAP-chip (Chromatin Affinity Precipitation coupled with tiling chip). The binding sites of Bacillus subtilis Spo0J determined using this technique were consistent with previous findings. A DNA replication initiator protein, DnaA, formed stable complexes at eight intergenic regions on the B. subtilis genome. Characterization of the binding sequences suggested that two factors—the local density of DnaA boxes and their affinities for DnaA—are critical for stable binding. We further showed that in addition to autoregulation, DnaA directly modulate the expression of sda in a positive, and ywlC and yydA in a negative manner. Examination of possible stable DnaA-binding sequences in other Bacillus species suggested that DnaA-dependent regulation of those genes is maintained in most bacteria examined, supporting their biological significance. In addition, a possible stable DnaA-binding site downstream of gcp is also suggested to be conserved. Furthermore, potential DnaA-binding sequences specific for each bacterium have been identified, generally in close proximity to oriC. These findings suggest that DnaA plays several additional roles, such as control of the level of effective initiator, ATP-DnaA, and/or stabilization of the domain structure of the genome around oriC for the proper initiation of chromosome replication

A Case of Postprandial Hypotension in the Intensive Care Unit Treated With Acarbose

Postprandial hypotension (PPH) has not been described as a cause of hypotension after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in the intensive care unit (ICU). A 74 year old man underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) due to monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. After the ROSC, inotropic agents were not reduced but increased. PPH had occurred, according to the flow sheet, so a provocation test was performed. We noted hypotension but no serum hypoglycemia or tachycardia. The hypotension was diagnosed as PPH. We chose acarbose for treatment; thus, the inotropic agents were discontinued. This is the first case in which hypotension occurred in a patient recovering after CPR in the ICU and that the PPH was treated with acarbose. PPH should be considered and treated to manage hypotension in elderly patients in the ICU

Grading system for periodontitis by analyzing levels of periodontal pathogens in saliva

Periodontitis is an infectious disease that is associated with microorganisms that colonize the tooth surface. Clinically, periodontal condition stability reflects dynamic equilibrium between bacterial challenge and host response. Therefore, periodontal pathogen assessment can assist in the early detection of periodontitis. Here we developed a grading system called the periodontal pathogen index (PPI) by analyzing the copy numbers of multiple pathogens both in healthy and chronic periodontitis patients. We collected 170 mouthwash samples (64 periodontally healthy controls and 106 chronic periodontitis patients) and analyzed the salivary 16S rRNA levels of nine pathogens using multiplex, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Except for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, copy numbers of all pathogens were significantly higher in chronic periodontitis patients. We classified the samples based on optimal cut-off values with maximum sensitivity and specificity from receiver operating characteristic curve analyses (AUC = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.87-0.96) into four categories of PPI: Healthy (1-40), Moderate (41-60), At Risk (61-80), and Severe (81-100). PPI scores were significantly higher in all chronic periodontitis patients than in the controls (odds ratio: 31.7, 95% CI: 13.41-61.61) and were associated with age, scaling as well as clinical characteristics including clinical attachment level and plaque index. Our PPI grading system can be clinically useful for the early assessment of pathogenic bacterial burden and follow-up monitoring after periodontitis treatment

The general structure of inverse polynomial modules

summary:In this paper we compute injective, projective and flat dimensions of inverse polynomial modules as $R[x]$-modules. We also generalize Hom and Ext functors of inverse polynomial modules to any submonoid but we show Tor functor of inverse polynomial modules can be generalized only for a symmetric submonoid

Who Matters Most? Congressional Responsiveness and Immigration Policymaking.

This dissertation examines the factors that affect how legislators respond when faced with immigration policy matters. In contrast to previous theories of immigration policymaking, I propose that public opinion affects how legislators respond, particularly in areas experiencing large demographic change due to immigration. Legislators respond to public opinion because they first and foremost are motivated by electoral concerns. Therefore, they are most responsive to those constituents whose votes can help them win reelection, and are least responsive to immigrant constituents in their districts who cannot vote. I test this theory by examining how public opinion and demographic change affected legislators’ roll call votes on key immigration bills and legislators’ cosponsorship of immigration bills in the 109th Congress. I use public opinion data from the 2004 National Annenberg Election Study and demographic indicators from the 2005 American Community Survey. I also test other alternative explanations of how legislators respond to immigration policy issues, including the effect of minority legislators, economic interests that depend on immigrant labor, and racial threat. I find that legislators are responsive to public opinion when deciding immigration policy issues, whether they are voting on immigration bills or cosponsoring immigration legislation. The effect of public opinion is more salient in areas experiencing large demographic changes from immigration; however, this effect differs between Democratic and Republican legislators. I also find support for alternative explanations, particularly among minority legislators and economic interests, but these effects are mixed and depend on the type of bill proposed.Ph.D.Political ScienceUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/84626/1/chog_1.pd

Evaluation of the formation of oxidants and by-products using Pt/Ti, RuO₂/Ti, and IrO₂/Ti electrodes in the electrochemical process

<div><p>The aim of this study was to evaluate the formation of oxidants and by-products by using different electrode materials, such as Pt/Ti, RuO₂/Ti, and IrO₂/Ti, in the electrochemical process. The harmful by-products and were formed during the electrolysis of a Cl⁻ electrolyte solution, as well as active chlorine, which is the most common water disinfectant. With regard to drinking water treatment, the most efficient electrode was defined as that leading to a higher formation of active chlorine and a lower formation of hazardous by-products. Overall, it was found that the Pt/Ti electrode should not be used for drinking water treatment applications, while the IrO₂/Ti and RuO₂/Ti electrodes are ideal for use.</p></div

Inverse Stranski-Krastanov Growth in Single-Crystalline Sputtered Cu Thin Films for Wafer-Scale Device Applications

© 2019 American Chemical Society.The single-crystalline copper (Cu) thin film is a platform substrate for the growth of numerous materials and has been a significant issue for the scientific community. The primary concern is the inevitable presence of stacking faults and twin boundary formation in inherent face-centered-cubic (FCC) structures. Here, we report a method for growing single-crystalline Cu(111) thin films on an Al2O3 substrate using conventional sputtering deposition. The desired growth configuration is induced by hidden incoherent twin boundaries (HITBs) embedded during the early growth stages. Two possible FCC stacking orders of Cu atoms, A-B-C-A and A-C-B-A rotated by 60°, give rise to HITBs between islands, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction phi-scan mapping. Such islands merge every three layers, triggering layer-by-layer growth that subsequently leads to an inverse Stranski-Krastanov growth mode. Single-crystalline Cu(111) thin film growth is confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction mapping. Our approach paves the way for mass production of single-crystalline metal thin film and thus leads to substantial advanced research and electronic device application11Nscopu