Review of The Internet Companion: A Beginner's Guide to Global Networking, by Tracy LaQuey (with Jeanne C. Ryer)

LaQuey and Ryer and have put together a guide to networking that almost reads like a novel. The text, written in nontechnical language, is organized to create and sustain interest in networking on the part of the user. Included are simple, somewhat comical diagrams that clarify concepts and systems while making a neophyte feel comfortable with terms like "Serial Line Internet Protocol." Helping to convey the authors' own excitement over networking are numerous sidebars with text taken from various sources that provide anecdotal evidence of the richness and power of the virtual culture

Transcription factor distribution in Escherichia coli: studies with FNR protein

Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and high-density microarrays, we have measured the distribution of the global transcription regulator protein, FNR, across the entire Escherichia coli chromosome in exponentially growing cells. Sixty-three binding targets, each located at the 5′ end of a gene, were identified. Some targets are adjacent to poorly transcribed genes where FNR has little impact on transcription. In stationary phase, the distribution of FNR was largely unchanged. Control experiments showed that, like FNR, the distribution of the nucleoid-associated protein, IHF, is little altered when cells enter stationary phase, whilst RNA polymerase undergoes a complete redistribution

Class dynamics of development: a methodological note

This article argues that class relations are constitutive of developmental processes and central to understanding inequality within and between countries. In doing so it illustrates and explains the diversity of the actually existing forms of class relations, and the ways in which they interplay with other social relations such as gender and ethnicity. This is part of a wider project to re- vitalise class analysis in the study of development problems and experiences

Structurally Normal Corneas in Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 3a1-Deficient Mice

We have constructed an ALDH3a1 null mouse to investigate the role of this enzyme that comprises nearly one-half of the total water-soluble protein in the mouse corneal epithelium. ALDH3a1-deficient mice are viable and fertile, have a corneal epithelium with a water-soluble protein content approximately half that of wild-type mice, and contain no ALDH3a1 as determined by zymograms and immunoblots. Despite the loss of protein content and ALDH3a1 activity, the ALDH3a1(−/−) mouse corneas appear indistinguishable from wild-type corneas when examined by histological analysis and electron microscopy and are transparent as determined by light and slit lamp microscopy. There is no evidence for a compensating protein or enzyme. Even though the function of ALDH3a1 in the mouse cornea remains unknown, our data indicate that its enzymatic activity is unnecessary for corneal clarity and maintenance, at least under laboratory conditions

Study protocol for Better Evidence for Selecting Transplant Fluids (BEST-Fluids): A pragmatic, registry-based, multi-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of intravenous fluid therapy with Plasma-Lyte 148 versus 0.9% saline on delayed graft function in deceased donor kidney transplantation

Background: Delayed graft function, the requirement for dialysis due to poor kidney function post-transplant, is a frequent complication of deceased donor kidney transplantation and is associated with inferior outcomes and higher costs. Intravenous fluids given during and after transplantation may affect the risk of poor kidney function after transplant. The most commonly used fluid, isotonic sodium chloride (0.9% saline), contains a high chloride concentration, which may be associated with acute kidney injury, and could increase the risk of delayed graft function. Whether using a balanced, low-chloride fluid instead of 0.9% saline is safe and improves kidney function after deceased donor kidney transplantation is unknown. Methods: BEST-Fluids is an investigator-initiated, pragmatic, registry-based, multi-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. The primary objective is to compare the effect of intravenous Plasma-Lyte 148 (Plasmalyte), a balanced, low-chloride solution, with the effect of 0.9% saline on the incidence of delayed graft function in deceased donor kidney transplant recipients. From January 2018 onwards, 800 participants admitted for deceased donor kidney transplantation will be recruited over 3 years in Australia and New Zealand. Participants are randomized 1:1 to either intravenous Plasmalyte or 0.9% saline peri-operatively and until 48 h post-transplant, or until fluid is no longer required; whichever comes first. Follow up is for 1 year. The primary outcome is the incidence of delayed graft function, defined as dialysis in the first 7 days post-transplant. Secondary outcomes include early kidney transplant function (composite of dialysis duration and rate of improvement in graft function when dialysis is not required), hyperkalemia, mortality, graft survival, graft function, quality of life, healthcare resource use, and cost-effectiveness. Participants are enrolled, randomized, and followed up using the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant (ANZDATA) Registry. Discussion: If using Plasmalyte instead of 0.9% saline is effective at reducing delayed graft function and improves other clinical outcomes in deceased donor kidney transplantation, this simple, inexpensive change to using a balanced low-chloride intravenous fluid at the time of transplantation could be easily implemented in the vast majority of transplant settings worldwide. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12617000358347. Registered on 8 March 2017. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03829488. Registered on 4 February 2019