Large transport landing characteristics as simulated in flight and on the ground

Comparison of theoretical and simulated low speed landing characteristics for large transport aircraft

Human platelet activation by Escherichia coli: roles for FcγRIIA and integrin αIIbβ3

Gram-negative Escherichia coli cause diseases such as sepsis and hemolytic uremic syndrome in which thrombotic disorders can be found. Direct platelet–bacterium interactions might contribute to some of these conditions; however, mechanisms of human platelet activation by E. coli leading to thrombus formation are poorly understood. While the IgG receptor FcγRIIA has a key role in platelet response to various Gram-positive species, its role in activation to Gram-negative bacteria is poorly defined. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of human platelet activation by E. coli, including the potential role of FcγRIIA. Using light-transmission aggregometry, measurements of ATP release and tyrosine-phosphorylation, we investigated the ability of two E. coli clinical isolates to activate platelets in plasma, in the presence or absence of specific receptors and signaling inhibitors. Aggregation assays with washed platelets supplemented with IgGs were performed to evaluate the requirement of this plasma component in activation. We found a critical role for the immune receptor FcγRIIA, αIIbβ3, and Src and Syk tyrosine kinases in platelet activation in response to E. coli. IgG and αIIbβ3 engagement was required for FcγRIIA activation. Moreover, feedback mediators adenosine 5’-diphosphate (ADP) and thromboxane A₂ (TxA₂) were essential for platelet aggregation. These findings suggest that human platelet responses to E. coli isolates are similar to those induced by Gram-positive organisms. Our observations support the existence of a central FcγRIIA-mediated pathway by which human platelets respond to both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria

“Ghosts from the past”: The re-emergence of internalised religious stigma following diagnosis of HIV among Northern Irish gay men

This paper explores how previous exposure to religious homo-negativity features in the sense making process following HIV diagnosis in a homogenous sample of six gay men living in Northern Ireland. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was used to identify two key overarching themes: ‘Negotiating authenticity in unsafe space’ which relates to the experience of negotiating same sex attraction within religious environments and ‘Re-emergence of religious shame in diagnosis’ which relates to the way in which the men made sense of diagnosis from the position of having been exposed to religious homo-negativity earlier in their lives. Findings demonstrate how the men negotiated their sexual orientation within religious contexts and how a reconstruction of God was necessary to preserve an authentic sense of self. Despite reaching reconciliation, HIV was initially appraised within a retributive religious framework that served to temporarily reinforce previously learned shame-based models of understanding this aspect of the self

Genome sequence of the button mushroom Agaricus bisporus reveals mechanisms governing adaptation to a humic-rich ecological niche

Agaricus bisporus is the model fungus for the adaptation, persistence, and growth in the humic-rich leaf-litter environment. Aside from its ecological role, A. bisporus has been an important component of the human diet for over 200 y and worldwide cultivation of the "button mushroom" forms a multibillion dollar industry. We present two A. bisporus genomes, their gene repertoires and transcript profiles on compost andduringmushroomformation.The genomes encode a full repertoire of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes similar to that of wood-decayers. Comparative transcriptomics of mycelium grown on defined medium, casing-soil, and compost revealed genes encoding enzymes involved in xylan, cellulose, pectin, and protein degradation aremore highly expressed in compost. The striking expansion of heme-thiolate peroxidases and β-etherases is distinctive from Agaricomycotina wood-decayers and suggests a broad attack on decaying lignin and related metabolites found in humic acid-rich environment. Similarly, up-regulation of these genes together with a lignolytic manganese peroxidase, multiple copper radical oxidases, and cytochrome P450s is consistent with challenges posed by complex humic-rich substrates. The gene repertoire and expression of hydrolytic enzymes in A. bisporus is substantially different from the taxonomically related ectomycorrhizal symbiont Laccaria bicolor. A common promoter motif was also identified in genes very highly expressed in humic-rich substrates. These observations reveal genetic and enzymatic mechanisms governing adaptation to the humic-rich ecological niche formed during plant degradation, further defining the critical role such fungi contribute to soil structure and carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems. Genome sequence will expedite mushroom breeding for improved agronomic characteristics

Pre-Mission Input Requirements to Enable Successful Sample Collection by a Remote Field/EVA Team

We used a field excursion to the West Clearwater Lake Impact structure as an opportunity to test factors that contribute to the decisions a remote field team (for example, astronauts conducting extravehicular activities (EVA) on planetary surfaces) makes while collecting samples for return to Earth. We found that detailed background on the analytical purpose of the samples, provided to the field team, enables them to identify and collect samples that meet specific analytical objectives. However, such samples are not always identifiable during field reconnaissance activities, and may only be recognized after outcrop characterization and interpretation by crew and/or science team members. We therefore recommend that specific time be allocated in astronaut timeline planning to collect specialized samples, that this time follow human or robotic reconnaissance of the geologic setting, and that crew member training should include exposure to the laboratory techniques and analyses that will be used on the samples upon their return to terrestrial laboratories

Antihydrogen formation dynamics in a multipolar neutral anti-atom trap

Antihydrogen production in a neutral atom trap formed by an octupole-based magnetic field minimum is demonstrated using field-ionization of weakly bound anti-atoms. Using our unique annihilation imaging detector, we correlate antihydrogen detection by imaging and by field-ionization for the first time. We further establish how field-ionization causes radial redistribution of the antiprotons during antihydrogen formation and use this effect for the first simultaneous measurements of strongly and weakly bound antihydrogen atoms. Distinguishing between these provides critical information needed in the process of optimizing for trappable antihydrogen. These observations are of crucial importance to the ultimate goal of performing CPT tests involving antihydrogen, which likely depends upon trapping the anti-atom

Xpert MTB/RIF Assay Shows Faster Clearance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA with Higher Levels of Rifapentine Exposure.

The Xpert MTB/RIF assay is both sensitive and specific as a diagnostic test. Xpert also reports quantitative output in cycle threshold (CT) values, which may provide a dynamic measure of sputum bacillary burden when used longitudinally. We evaluated the relationship between Xpert CT trajectory and drug exposure during tuberculosis (TB) treatment to assess the potential utility of Xpert CT for treatment monitoring. We obtained serial sputum samples from patients with smear-positive pulmonary TB who were consecutively enrolled at 10 international clinical trial sites participating in study 29X, a CDC-sponsored Tuberculosis Trials Consortium study evaluating the tolerability, safety, and antimicrobial activity of rifapentine at daily doses of up to 20 mg/kg of body weight. Xpert was performed at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12. Longitudinal CT data were modeled using a nonlinear mixed effects model in relation to rifapentine exposure (area under the concentration-time curve [AUC]). The rate of change of CT was higher in subjects receiving rifapentine than in subjects receiving standard-dose rifampin. Moreover, rifapentine exposure, but not assigned dose, was significantly associated with rate of change in CT (P = 0.02). The estimated increase in CT slope for every additional 100 μg · h/ml of rifapentine drug exposure (as measured by AUC) was 0.11 CT/week (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05 to 0.17). Increasing rifapentine exposure is associated with a higher rate of change of Xpert CT, indicating faster clearance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA. These data suggest that the quantitative outputs of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay may be useful as a dynamic measure of TB treatment response

Bad faith in All’s Well That Ends Well

All’s Well That Ends Well is a complicated and disturbing play that has a comic ending, but which seems anything but a comedy with a forced marriage based on bed-trickery between the reluctant Bertram and the feisty and witty Helena. Unsurprisingly, audiences have tended to side with Helena and the play has been classified as a “problem comedy” ever since William Lawrence identified this particular group of Shakespeare plays nearly a century ago. I want to argue in this essay that the play might better be classified as an “equivocation” play alongside Macbeth, Othello, and Troilus and Cressida and that the anxieties about fidelity, honesty and truthfulness in marriage need to be read in terms of the fear of religious tolerance/intolerance which dominated religious politics in the early years of James’s reign before the passing of the Oath of Allegiance (1606). The play is notable for its interest in chop logic, which the clown in particular displays throughout the play, a counterpoint to the arguments of Bertram and Helena who want very different things, but who are bound together as future husband and wife. Although the language of treason and treachery is used throughout, the play is less interested in answering the question of how far one can trust a stranger within than the issue of how far one can accommodate the needs of others. This article is published as part of a collection to commemorate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death

Ornamental plants: annual reports and research reviews

Ohio State University Extension Nursery, Landscape, and Turf Team Directory: 1998 / Jack Kerrigan -- Floriculture Industry Roundtable of Ohio: 1998 / Charles Behnke -- Ohio State University Extension Buckeye Yard and Garden Line / James A. Chatfield, Pamela J. Bennett, Joseph F. Boggs, Gary Y. Gao, Jane C. Martin, David J. Shetlar and Randall H. Zondag -- Environmental and cultural problems of ornamental plants in Ohio: 1997 / Pamela J. Bennett and Jane C. Martin -- Insect and mite activity noted in Ohio nurseries and landscapes: 1997 / Joseph F. Boggs, David J. Shetlar, Jane C. Martin, Pamela J. Bennett, James A. Chatfield, Gary Y. Gao and Chris Carlson -- Summary of ornamental diseases in Ohio: 1997 / James A. Chatfield, Nancy J. Taylor, Stephen N. Nameth, Chris Carlson, Joseph F. Boggs, Jane C. Martin, Dan Balser and David Madison -- Weed problems in Ohio landscapes and nurseries: 1997 / Gary Y. Gao, Joseph F. Boggs, Pamela J. Bennett, Jane C. Martin, Mary Ann Rose, Joseph W. Rimelspach, Randall H. Zondag and William E. Pound -- Wildlife problems in Ohio landscapes: 1997 / Gary Y. Gao, Joseph F. Boggs, Jane C. Martin, Charles T. Behnke and James A. Chatfield -- Summary of turf cultural and disease problems in 1997 / Gary Y. Gao, Joseph F. Boggs, Pamela J. Bennett, Jane C. Martin, Joseph W. Rimelspach and James A. Chatfield -- Master Gardeners serve Ohio / Marianne Riofrio -- The greening of Poland's nurseries / Kenneth D. Cochran and Wojtek Grabczewski -- The marketing potential of Ginkgo biloba in the United States / Kenneth D. Cochran -- Composts in the Landscape: Effects on Soil pH and plant growth / Mary Ann Rose and Hao Wang -- How to optimize disease control using composts / Harry A. J. Hoitink, Wei-Zheng Zhang, David Y. Han, Alexandra G. Stone, Matthew S. Krause and Warren A. Dick -- The flowering sequence of ornamental plants as a tool for predicting the phenology of insect pests / Daniel A. Herms -- Reducing maintenance costs may mean selecting plants with the fewest flaws / T. Davis Sydnor-- Comprehensive aesthetic evaluations of crabapples at Secrest Arboretum in Wooster: 1993-1997 / Erik A. Draper, James A. Chatfield, Kenneth D. Cochran, Peter W. Bristol and David E. Allen -- Precision control of microirrigation for container-grown mini-roses / Robert C. Hansen, Ted H. Short, C. C. Pasian and R. Peter Fynn -- Red thread (Laetisaria fuciformis) control study on perennial ryegrass / Joseph W. Rimelspach, Kerry Kline, Karl Danneberger and Michael Boehm-- Red thread (Laetisaria fuciformis) control study on Kentucky bluegrass / Joseph W. Rimelspach, Kerry Kline, Karl Danneberger and Michael Boehm -- Red thread - from novelty to nuisance / Joseph W. Rimelspach -- Chrysanthemum cultivars differ in response to photoperiod when grown under far-red absorbing filters / M. J. McMahon -- Improving fuchsia cutting performance by grafting / D. M. Napier and M. J. McMahon -- Paint/paclobutrazol mix on the inside surface of rooting wedge cells to control poinsettia cutting height / Claudio C. Pasian -- Response of poinsettias to paclobutrazol in paint applications / Claudio C. Pasian and Daniel K. Struve -- Dynamic transpiration of highly stressed container-grown Acer rubrum / Ted H. Short, Ahmet Irvem and Robert C. Hansen -- Effects of temperature on the development of Asiatic Lilies / J. Steininger and C. C. Pasian-- New publications for 1997-199