Spatial Models to Account for Variation in Observer Effort in Bird Atlases

To assess the importance of variation in observer effort between and within bird atlas projects and demonstrate the use of relatively simple conditional autoregressive (CAR) models for analyzing grid-based atlas data with varying effort. Pennsylvania and West Virginia, United States of America. We used varying proportions of randomly selected training data to assess whether variations in observer effort can be accounted for using CAR models and whether such models would still be useful for atlases with incomplete data. We then evaluated whether the application of these models influenced our assessment of distribution change between two atlas projects separated by twenty years (Pennsylvania), and tested our modeling methodology on a state bird atlas with incomplete coverage (West Virginia). Conditional Autoregressive models which included observer effort and landscape covariates were able to make robust predictions of species distributions in cases of sparse data coverage. Further, we found that CAR models without landscape covariates performed favorably. These models also account for variation in observer effort between atlas projects and can have a profound effect on the overall assessment of distribution change. Accounting for variation in observer effort in atlas projects is critically important. CAR models provide a useful modeling framework for accounting for variation in observer effort in bird atlas data because they are relatively simple to apply, and quick to run

Draft genome sequence of the blaOXA-436- and blaNDM-1-harboring Shewanella putrefaciens SA70 isolate

ABSTRACT We sequenced a carbapenem-resistant Shewanella putrefaciens isolate cultured from the sink handle of a Pakistan hospital room. Assembly annotation indicates that the isolate has a chromosomal bla OXA-436 carbapenemase and a plasmid-borne bla NDM-1 gene. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a Shewanella species harboring bla NDM . </jats:p

Bilayer characteristics of a diether phosphonolipid analog of the major lung surfactant glycerophospholipid dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine.

Thermal and lyotropic phase behavior was studied by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry for a diether phosphonolipid analog (DEPN-8) of the major lung surfactant glycerophospholipid dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC). DEPN-8 differs in an ether, rather than an ester, bond at the acyl chain-backbone linkage and a headgroup phosphonate (isosteric methylene substitution) versus phosphate constituent. Analysis of lamellar diffraction maxima demonstrated that at high relative humidity (98%) and temperatures below the liquid crystal phase transition (approximately 45 degrees C), DEPN-8 formed interdigitated bilayers with a characteristic periodicity of 41.9-46.5 A. At low humidity the gel phase DEPN-8 bilayers were characteristic of a normal L beta phase with a periodicity equivalent to DPPC (57-59 A). Above the liquid crystal thermal phase transition, bilayer spacing for both DEPN-8 and DPPC was 51-52 A, characteristic of the L alpha phase. Complete assessments of both lamellar and in-plane X-ray scattering used to construct electron density profiles and structure-factor plots for DEPN-8 defined more fully the interdigitated bilayer state at high humidity and low temperature. Compared to DPPC, it is energetically favorable for DEPN-8 to form interdigitated bilayers under conditions of excess water and low temperature. The flexible character of the ether bonds in DEPN-8 allows increased hydrophobic interactions between acyl chains, without generating a steric penalty from the increased packing density of the molecules. Additionally, the ether bond and the phosphonate moiety may allow for more energetically favorable interactions between the choline portion of the headgroup and water. The DEPN-8 ether linkage may also contribute to the improved adsorption and film respreading found previously for this phosphonolipid compared to DPPC

Superficieibacter electus gen. nov., sp. nov., an extended-spectrum β-lactamase possessing member of the enterobacteriaceae family, isolated from Intensive Care Unit surfaces

<p>Two Gram-negative bacilli strains, designated BP-1(T) and BP-2, were recovered from two different Intensive Care Unit surfaces during a longitudinal survey in Pakistan. Both strains were unidentified using the bioMerieux VITEK MS IVD v2.3.3 and Bruker BioTyper MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry platforms. To more precisely determine the taxonomic identity of BP-1(T) and BP-2, we employed a biochemical and phylogenomic approach. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain BP-1(T) had the highest identity to Citrobacter farmeri CDC 2991-81(T) (98.63%) Citrobacter amalonaticus CECT 863(T) (98.56%), Citrobacter sedlakii NBRC 105722(T) (97.74%) and Citrobacter rodentium NBRC 105723(T) (97.74%). The biochemical utilization scheme of BP-1(T) using the Analytic Profile Index for Enterobacteriaceae (API20E) indicated its enzymatic functions are unique within the Enterobacteriaceae but most closely resemble Kluyvera spp., Enterobacter cloacae and Citrobacter koseri/farmeri. Phylogenomic analysis of the shared genes between BP-1(T), BP-2 and type strains from Kluyvera, Citrobacter, Escherichia, Salmonella, Kosakonia, Siccibacter and Shigella indicate that BP-1(T) and BP-2 isolates form a distinct branch from these genera. Average Nucleotide Identity analysis indicates that BP-1(T) and BP-2 are the same species. The biochemical and phylogenomic analysis indicate strains BP-1(T) and BP-2 represent a novel species from a new genus within the Enterobacteriaceae family, for which the name Superficieibacter electus gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is BP-1(T) (= ATCC BAA-2937, = NBRC 113412).</p

Perfluorooctanoic Acid–Induced Immunomodulation in Adult C57BL/6J or C57BL/6N Female Mice

BackgroundPerfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), an environmentally persistent compound of regulatory concern, has been reported to reduce antibody responses in mice at a single dose.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate PFOA effects on humoral and cellular immunity using standard assays for assessing immune function, and to derive dose–response data.MethodsC57BL/6J mice received 0 or 30 mg PFOA/kg/day for 10 days; half of the exposed groups were switched to vehicle and half continued on PFOA for five days. C57BL/6N mice received 0–30 mg/kg/day of PFOA in drinking water for 15 days. Mice were immunized with sheep red blood cells or sensitized to bovine serum albumin in Freund’s complete adjuvant on day 10 of exposure; immune responses were determined 1 day post-exposure.ResultsWe found that 30 mg PFOA/kg/day given for 10 or 15 days reduced IgM synthesis; serum collected 1 day postexposure contained 8.4 × 104 or 2.7 × 105 ng PFOA/mL, respectively. IgM synthesis was suppressed at exposures ≥ 3.75 mg PFOA/kg/day in a dose-dependent manner, and IgG titers were elevated at 3.75 and 7.5 mg PFOA/kg/day. Serum PFOA at 3.75 mg/kg/day was 7.4 × 104 ng/mL 1 day postexposure, or 150-fold greater than the levels reported in individuals living near a PFOA production site. Using a second-degree polynomial model, we calculated a benchmark dose of 3 mg/kg/day, with a lower bound (95% confidence limit) of 1.75 mg/kg/day. Cell-mediated function was not affected.ConclusionsIgM antibodies were suppressed after PFOA exposure. The margin of exposure for reduced IgM antibody synthesis was approximately 150 for highly exposed human populations

Genomic characterization of antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli isolated from domestic chickens in Pakistan

Poultry husbandry is important for the economic health of Pakistan, but the Pakistani poultry industry is negatively impacted by infections fro

Cavitation in soft matter

Cavitation is the sudden, unstable expansion of a void or bubble within a liquid or solid subjected to a negative hydrostatic stress. Cavitation rheology is a field emerging from the development of a suite of materials characterization, damage quantification, and therapeutic techniques that exploit the physical principles of cavitation. Cavitation rheology is inherently complex and broad in scope with wide-ranging applications in the biology, chemistry, materials, and mechanics communities. This perspective aims to drive collaboration among these communities and guide discussion by defining a common core of high-priority goals while highlighting emerging opportunities in the field of cavitation rheology. A brief overview of the mechanics and dynamics of cavitation in soft matter is presented. This overview is followed by a discussion of the overarching goals of cavitation rheology and an overview of common experimental techniques. The larger unmet needs and challenges of cavitation in soft matter are then presented alongside specific opportunities for researchers from different disciplines to contribute to the field

Experimental pressure drop and heat transfer in a rectangular channel with a sinusoidal porous screen

Please read abstract in the article.The NSERC Canada and Venmer CES (Saskatoon), Canada.http://heattransfer.asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/journal.aspx?journalid=124hb2017Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineerin

A modeling tool to evaluate regional coral reef responses to changes in climate and ocean chemistry

This is the published version.We developed a spreadsheet-based model for the use of managers, conservationists, and biologists for projecting the effects of climate change on coral reefs at local-to-regional scales. The COMBO (Coral Mortality and Bleaching Output) model calculates the impacts to coral reefs from changes in average SST and CO2 concentrations, and from high temperature mortality (bleaching) events. The model uses a probabilistic assessment of the frequency of high temperature events under a future climate to address scientific uncertainties about potential adverse effects. COMBO offers data libraries and default factors for three selected regions (Hawai’i, Great Barrier Reef, and Caribbean), but it is structured with user-selectable parameter values and data input options, making possible modifications to reflect local conditions or to incorporate local expertise. Preliminary results from sensitivity analyses and simulation examples for Hawai’i demonstrate the relative importance of high temperature events, increased average temperature, and increased CO2 concentration on the future status of coral reefs; illustrate significant interactions among variables; and allow comparisons of past environmental history with future predictions

The Management of Primary Aldosteronism: Case Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline.

Abstract Objective: To develop clinical practice guidelines for the management of patients with primary aldosteronism. Participants: The Task Force included a chair, selected by the Clinical Guidelines Subcommittee of the Endocrine Society, six additional experts, a methodologist, and a medical writer. The guideline was cosponsored by American Heart Association, American Association of Endocrine Surgeons, European Society of Endocrinology, European Society of Hypertension, International Association of Endocrine Surgeons, International Society of Endocrinology, International Society of Hypertension, Japan Endocrine Society, and The Japanese Society of Hypertension. The Task Force received no corporate funding or remuneration. Evidence: We searched for systematic reviews and primary studies to formulate the key treatment and prevention recommendations. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation group criteria to describe both the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations. We used "recommend" for strong recommendations and "suggest" for weak recommendations. Consensus Process: We achieved consensus by collecting the best available evidence and conducting one group meeting, several conference calls, and multiple e-mail communications. With the help of a medical writer, the Endocrine Society's Clinical Guidelines Subcommittee, Clinical Affairs Core Committee, and Council successfully reviewed the drafts prepared by the Task Force. We placed the version approved by the Clinical Guidelines Subcommittee and Clinical Affairs Core Committee on the Endocrine Society's website for comments by members. At each stage of review, the Task Force received written comments and incorporated necessary changes. Conclusions: For high-risk groups of hypertensive patients and those with hypokalemia, we recommend case detection of primary aldosteronism by determining the aldosterone-renin ratio under standard conditions and recommend that a commonly used confirmatory test should confirm/exclude the condition. We recommend that all patients with primary aldosteronism undergo adrenal computed tomography as the initial study in subtype testing and to exclude adrenocortical carcinoma. We recommend that an experienced radiologist should establish/exclude unilateral primary aldosteronism using bilateral adrenal venous sampling, and if confirmed, this should optimally be treated by laparoscopic adrenalectomy. We recommend that patients with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia or those unsuitable for surgery should be treated primarily with a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist