cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complete Bacteriophage Transfer in a Bacterial Endosymbiont (Wolbachia) Determined by Targeted Genome Capture

Bacteriophage flux can cause the majority of genetic diversity in free-living bacteria. This tenet of bacterial genome evolution generally does not extend to obligate intracellular bacteria owing to their reduced contact with other microbes and a predominance of gene deletion over gene transfer. However, recent studies suggest intracellular coinfections in the same host can facilitate exchange of mobile elements between obligate intracellular bacteria—a means by which these bacteria can partially mitigate the reductive forces of the intracellular lifestyle. To test whether bacteriophages transfer as single genes or larger regions between coinfections, we sequenced the genome of the obligate intracellular Wolbachia strain wVitB from the parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis and compared it against the prophage sequences of the divergent wVitA coinfection. We applied, for the first time, a targeted sequence capture array to specifically trap the symbiont’s DNA from a heterogeneous mixture of eukaryotic, bacterial, and viral DNA. The tiled array successfully captured the genome with 98.3% efficiency. Examination of the genome sequence revealed the largest transfer of bacteriophage and flanking genes (52.2 kb) to date between two obligate intracellular coinfections. The mobile element transfer occurred in the recent evolutionary past based on the 99.9% average nucleotide identity of the phage sequences between the two strains. In addition to discovering an evolutionary recent and large-scale horizontal phage transfer between coinfecting obligate intracellular bacteria, we demonstrate that ‘‘targeted genome capture’’ can enrich target DNA to alleviate the problem of isolating symbiotic microbes that are difficult to culture or purify from the conglomerate of organisms inside eukaryotes.
Earing in cup drawing face-centered cubic single crystals and polycrystals

A simple model of flange behavior during cup drawing was used to predict the earing profile of deep-drawn cups. The relationship between yield surface shape and earing tendency was established, with plane stress yielding corresponding to no hold-down pressure on the flange and plane strain corresponding to no thickening. Using the Schmid law, the earing model was applied to the case of a single crystal in cube position and compared to Tucker’s well-known results.[6] For the plane strain case, good agreement was obtained with the experiment; but for plane stress, the predicted profile did not agree with the experimental one. Using the Taylor/ Bishop and Hill (TBH) theory[8,9] and measured crystallite orientation distribution functions (CODF), the model was applied to the case of high-purity aluminum sheet with various cold-rolling reductions (35, 60, 80, and 90 pct). The major experimental trends were again correctly predicted by the plane strain case.
What does the future hold for irritable bowel syndrome and the functional gastrointestinal disorders

Our understanding of irritable bowel syndrome and the functional GI disorders has grown considerably over the last 15 years. In part this relates changes in their classification and definition from being due solely to motility disturbances, to being symptom based (eg, Rome criteria). This opened the door to the study of many other factors that contribute to the clinical expression of these disorders, including visceral hypersensitivity, sensitization, altered mucosal immunity, and dysfunction in brain-gut regulatory processes. New knowledge has been gained in areas of genetics, central nervous system and enteric nervous system neurotransmitters of motility, sensitivity and secretion, the effect of altered mucosal inflammation on cytokine and paracrine activation, and neural sensitization, postinfectious disorders, the influence of psychologic stress on gut functioning via alterations in regulatory pathways (eg, hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis, or pain regulatory system like the cingulate cortex), improved accuracy of diagnosis using Rome II criteria plus "red flags" the institution of behavioral treatments, and the use of new pharmacologic treatments both at the gut and brain level. Future research will improve upon this new knowledge via basic and translational studies of neuropeptide signaling with new neurotransmitters, new knowledge on the mechanisms for central nervous system-enteric nervous system communication and dysfunction, and more advanced clinical research on education, communication skills and their effects on outcome, genetics, pharmacogenetics and genetic epidemiology, better understanding as to how certain psychosocial domains (eg, catastrophizing, abuse) affect symptom behavior and outcome, newer pharmacologic treatments, and the use of combined pharmacologic and behavioral treatment packages. I am pleased to have the opportunity to provide a personal perspective on what the future will be for irritable bowel syndrome and the other functional GI disorders. Having been involved in this field for almost 30 years, I have been fortunate to witness tremendous changes. The focus of this presentation is to address the advances that have recently occurred that set the stage for proposing future research to help move the field along and ultimately to help our patients.
Atrial Fibrillation After Beating Heart Surgery

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent adverse event after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and may negatively affect the early clinical outcome. We sought to investigate the risk factors, prevalence, and prognostic implications of postoperative AF in patients submitted to CABG without cardiopulmonary bypass (off-pump). The study population comprised 969 patients, 645 men (67%) and 324 women (33%) who had off-pump CABG at the Washington Hospital Center from January 1987 to May 1999. Preoperative AF patients were excluded (n = 15). Two hundred six patients (age 69 +/- 10 years, 137 men [66%]) developed AF, whereas 763 patients (age 61 +/- 12 years, 508 men [67%]) did not. Predictors of AF included age >75 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9 to 4.5; p <0.001), history of stroke (OR 2.1, CI 1.2 to 3.7; p = 0. 007), postoperative pleural effusion requiring thoracentesis (OR 3.2, CI 1.0 to 9.4; p = 0.03), and postoperative pulmonary edema (OR 5.1, CI 1.2 to 21; p = 0.02). Minimally invasive direct CABG was associated with a lower incidence of AF (OR 0.4, CI 0.3 to 0.7; p <0. 001). AF was associated with a prolonged postoperative hospital stay (9 +/- 6 days AF vs 6 +/- 5 days no AF, p <0.001). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in AF patients (3% AF vs 1% no AF, p = 0.009). Patients with persistent AF had a higher postoperative in-hospital stroke rate than patients without persistent AF (9% vs 0. 6%, p <0.001). AF after beating heart surgery is associated with a higher in-hospital morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospital stay. A minimally invasive surgical approach (minimally invasive direct CABG) is associated with a lower risk of AF.
Targeting Mood: Using Comedy or Serious Movie Trailers

An experiment examined the effect of induced mood (positive or negative) on participants' perception of a serious or comedic movie trailer. Based on previous mood induction studies, participants we...
Necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns: pathogenesis, prevention and management

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is primarily a disease process of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of premature neonates that results in inflammation and bacterial invasion of the bowel wall. Despite advances in the care of premature infants, NEC remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in this population. It occurs in 1-5% of all neonatal intensive care admissions and 5-10% of all very low birthweight (<1500 g) infants. Although research has presented an interesting array of potential contributing factors, the precise aetiology of this multifactorial disease process remains elusive. Historically, it was believed that NEC arose predominantly from ischaemic injury to the immature GI tract, yet alternate plausible hypotheses indicate that many factors are likely to be involved. These may include issues related to the introduction and advancement of enteric feeding, alterations in the normal bacterial colonization of the GI tract, bacterial translocation and activation of the cytokine cascade, decreased epidermal growth factor, increased platelet activating factor, and mucosal damage from free radical production. Clinical manifestations of NEC may be vague, including increased episodes of apnoea, desaturations, bradycardia, lethargy and temperature instability. There may also be GI-specific symptoms such as feeding intolerance, emesis, bloody stools, abdominal distention and tenderness, and abdominal wall discolouration. Laboratory values may be indicative of infection, coagulation abnormalities and fluid retention. Radiographic signs may include ileus, dilated or fixed intestinal loops, air in the intestinal wall or free air in the abdomen. Medical treatment typically consists of bowel rest and decompression, antibacterial therapy, and management of other haematological or electrolyte imbalances. Increased respiratory and cardiovascular support is sometimes needed. In neonates who do not respond adequately to medical management, or if pneumoperitoneum is present, surgical intervention may occur with either use of a peritoneal drain or laparotomy. Advances in antenatal and neonatal care have resulted in increased survival of extremely preterm neonates. As this at-risk population continues to increase, an effective preventative strategy for NEC is needed. One preventative strategy is the use of antenatal corticosteroids to enhance maturation of the fetus if preterm delivery is likely. Recommendation of use of breast milk, early initiation of trophic feeds and judicoius advancement of enteric feeds are current postnatal strategies. Other preventative strategies that have been investigated include the use of oral antibacterials, antioxidants, supplementation of arginine and epidermal growth factor, none of which have changed clinical practice. Recent promising data indicate that prophylactic use of probiotics may play a role in preventing the onset of NEC. However, more large-scale, definitive studies are needed.
A proof of the asymptotic equivalence of two-tail probability approximations

This article considers asymptotic approximations to tail probabilities of a random variable whose distribution depends on a parameter n heuristically representing sample size. Random variables considered have cumulant generating functions with properties similar to that of sums of independent and identically distributed random variables. Probability approximations of Robinson (1982) and Lugannani and Rice (1980) are shown to be equivalent to a relative size O(1/n), under regularity conditions no stronger than the weaker of those necessary to prove either of the two approximations. Applications to permutation testing are discussed.
Sex differences in English language acculturation and learning strategies among Vietnamese adults aged 40 and over in the United States

This study examines sex differences in English language acculturation and learning strategies among older Vietnamese in the United States in a nationwide probability sample. Data of this study came from the Southeast Asian Refugee Self-Sufficient Study (1982). The results reveal that older Vietnamese women had more problems with their English language than older Vietnamese men. In addition, the Vietnamese men were more likely to use various learning strategies to improve their English skills than the women.
The Theory of Pulsating Flow in Conical Nozzles

A knowledge of the dynamic characteristics of nozzles and orifices is important in many control and stability analyses of engineering devices. It is usual to assume that the instantaneous flow-rate, for a given set of inlet conditions and outlet pressure, is the same as the nontransient value for the same operating conditions. Recently, in connection with the stability analysis of an externally pressurized thrust bearing, the validity of this assumption was questioned. The analysis presented in this paper was undertaken to provide an answer. The present analysis applies to any fluid, liquid, or gas flowing into a simple conical nozzle. The amplitude and phase of the mass-flux response to a sinusoidally time-varying pressure fluctuation at the nozzle exit are determined. An approximate formula is given for these quantities in terms of the nozzle throat area, the solid angle subtended by the cone, the velocity of the fluid at the nozzle throat, the acoustic velocity at the throat, and the frequency of the pressure fluctuation.
Bringing You More Than the Weekend: Union Membership and Self-rated Health in the United States

��� Previous research suggests that higher incomes, safe workplaces, job security and healthcare access all contribute to favorable health. Reflecting the interest of economic and political sociologists in power relations and institutions, union membership has been linked with many such influences on health. Nevertheless, the potential relationship between union membership and health has received little attention. Using logistic regression and propensity score matching, this study examines the association between union membership and self-rated health generally and among select subgroups of the workforce with the General Social Survey from 1973 to 2006. Initial bivariate analyses suggest that union membership is actually associated with worse health. This association disappears when controlling for demographics, then reverses and becomes significant when controlling for labor market characteristics. In well-specified models, union membership has a significant positive effect on favorable self-rated health. The effect roughly offsets the effects of five years of aging or being divorced (as opposed to married). In addition, propensity score matching analyses demonstrate that union membership has a beneficial, significant average treatment effect for the treated. We show that much of union membership’s effect in the overall sample is due to the mechanism of higher incomes, but that among men, the less educated, and those with lower incomes, the union-health advantage is not explained fully by income. The effect of union membership also appears to be s table over time. We conclude by encouraging further research on how power relations and institutions shape health.
APPLICABILITY OF FLOW MODELS WITH YIELD FOR TOMATO CONCENTRATES

Shear rate-shear stress data on about fifty tomato concentrates were employed to study the applicability of three flow models: Herschel-Bulkley (H-B), Mizrahi-Berk (M-B), and Vocadlo. The magnitudes of the three parameters of each model were determined by means of nonlinear regression analysis. The H-B and M-B models described very well the flow data. The logarithm of the apparent yield stress values predicted by each model and total solids of the concentrates were related by a quadratic equation. The magnitudes of the flow behavior index of each model did not change significantly over the total solids range studied: 6–36%. The consistency index of the Vocadlo and H-B model, and the concentration of the tomato concentrates were related by a power relationship. Over the temperature range 15–55°C, the flow behavior index of each model did not change significantly. The yield stress decreased with increase in temperature reaching a nearly constant value at 55°C. The consistency index of each model and temperature could be correlated by the Arrhenius equation.
Quantum error-correction using codes with low-density generator matrix

We propose the use of linear codes with low-density generator matrix in the context of quantum error correction. The proposed codes allow greater flexibility and are easier to design than existing sparse-graph quantum codes, while leading to better performance.
Timing analysis of Ada tasking programs

Concurrent real-time software is increasingly used in safety-critical embedded systems. Assuring the quality of such software requires the rigor of formal methods. In order to analyze a program formally, we must first construct a mathematical model of its behavior. In this paper, we consider the problem of constructing such models for concurrent real-time software. In particular, we provide a method for building mathematical models of real-time Ada tasking programs that are accurate enough to verify interesting timing properties, and yet abstract enough to yield a tractable analysis on nontrivial programs. Our approach differs from schedulability analysis in that we do not assume that the software has a highly restricted structure (e.g. a set of periodic tasks). Also, unlike most abstract models of real-time systems, we account for essential properties of real implementations, such as resource constraints and run-time overhead.
Diminishing Barriers to the Praxis Examination in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Abstract Passing the Praxis Examination in speech-language pathology or audiology can be a difficult task. A passing score is the entry to a list of requirements for national certification (CCC-SLP...
Load balancing n-body simulations with highly non-uniform density

N-body methods simulate the evolution of systems of particles (or bodies). They are critical for scientific research in fields as diverse as molecular dynamics, astrophysics, and material science. Most load balancing techniques for N-body methods use particle count to approximate computational work. This approximation is inaccurate, especially for systems with high density variation, because work in an N-body simulation is proportional to the particle density, not the particle count. In this paper, we demonstrate that existing techniques do not perform well at scale when particle density is highly non-uniform, and we propose a load balance technique that efficiently assigns load in terms of interactions instead of particles. We use adaptive sampling to create an even work distribution more amenable to partitioning, and to reduce partitioning overhead. We implement and evaluate our approach on a Barnes-Hut algorithm and a large-scale dislocation dynamics application, ParaDiS. Our method achieves up to 26% improvement in overall performance of Barnes-Hut and 18% in ParaDiS.
A virtual reality ball grasp and sort task for the enhancement of phantom limb pain proprioception

Mirror box therapy helps reduce phantom limb pain by enhancing virtual agency, the intentional initiation of movement by an amputee of his or her missing limb. However, mirror box therapy is limited by a restriction to symmetrical movement and by the lack of user interaction with objects, making it difficult for the user to remain engaged. As an emerging therapy, the addition of virtual reality more readily offers an environment that is immersive and reconfigurable. The virtual reality therapy described herein seeks to provide an engaging, therapeutic illusion that allows asymmetric limb movement. In the virtual environment, the amputee user interacts with balls in a task that involves picking up one of six colored balls and dropping the ball into a bin. The image is produced by reflecting projected light off of a mirror and onto a tabletop where the user views virtual environment. The particular training procedures were designed to incorporate two separately controllable motor actions, afford immersive feedback through the visual channel, give the user a sense of hand to object interaction, and account for user comfort and sustained attention engagement. This task poses minimal strain on the residual limb and minimizes the number of non-invasive sensors. Future testing will determine the device's effectiveness in alleviating phantom limb pain in transradial individuals.
Interaction of BiP with the J-domain of the Sec63p Component of the Endoplasmic Reticulum Protein Translocation Complex

Proteins of the Hsp70 family of ATPases interact with a conserved domain of their J-protein partners, the J-domain, to function in numerous cellular processes. We have studied the interaction of BiP, an Hsp70 family member in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, with the J-domain of Sec63p, a component of the Sec complex involved in post-translational protein translocation across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. In a real-time solid phase binding assay, BiP binds to the immobilized Sec complex or to a fusion protein of the J-domain and glutathione S-transferase in a reaction that requires ATP hydrolysis. In the final complex, BiP is bound in the ADP form with its peptide binding pocket occupied. An intact peptide binding pocket is required for this interaction. Our experiments suggest that the activation of BiP by the J-domain involves a transient contact between these components, and that in the absence of physiological substrates, J-activated BiP binds even to the J-proteins themselves.
Blattella asahinai (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae): A New Predator of Lepidopteran Eggs in South Texas Soybean

Abstract Large numbers of a cockroach that resembled the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), were observed during winter 2005–2006 in home turf settings in Weslaco, TX, 11 km from the U.S. border with northeastern Mexico. In June and July 2006, this cockroach was observed at night on the foliage of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., in numbers often exceeding 50 per m row. Because of its similarity to B. germanica, but with the characteristic of flying frequently, we suspected that our observations might be of the Asian cockroach, Blattella asahinai Mizukubo. Using a combination of morphological characters, cuticular hydrocarbons, and sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II gene, we definitively identified this cockroach as B. asahinai. B. asahinai was frequently observed feeding on sentinel eggs of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) and Spodoptera exigua (Hubner). This cockroach was the dominant egg predator in soybean during 2006, making up 36.4% of all predators observed feeding on eggs. B. as...
A note on spectrophotometric methods for the determination of norethynodrel and mestranol in tablets.

The method for assay of norethynodrel involves acid catalysed rearrangement of the Δ5,10 system to a Δ4,3-ketone with stronger ultraviolet absorption. Mestranol is determined from its absorption at 280 mμ after elimination of the interfering ketonic absorption by reduction with borohydride. Residual interference is allowed for by a three point correction.
A novel open-resonator system for precise measurement of permittivity and loss-tangent

A simplified open resonator system is developed for the first time for the measurement of permittivity and loss tangent of low-loss materials with high accuracy. In this new system, a cavity length variation technique and a quasioptical detection technique are developed and implemented. The cavity length variation technique makes it possible to use only fixed frequency sources. The use of the quasioptical detection technique employing a lens refocusing system and an ultra sensitive liquid helium cooled detector allows us to utilize only one fixed frequency source in the system. This novel open-resonator system has a much simpler structure, it is inexpensive and provides same level of measurement accuracy compared to the system using a super-heterodyne receiver (two fixed frequency sources). Permittivity and loss tangent data of a number of fused silica specimens are measured using this simplified open resonator system and are compared to data obtained by the open-resonator system using a super-heterodyne receiver.
DNA damage produced by povidone‐iodine in cultured human diploid cells

Povidone‐iodine is capable of selectively altering the DNA of human diploid cells growing in culture. This finding extends to eukaryotic cells, the previously reported DNA‐modifying activity of this agent for bacteria. In view of the known relationship between DNA‐modifying activity and potential carcinogenicity, the results suggest that the potential hazards posed by the widespread use of this agent be evaluated.
Influence of Activation State of ErbB-2 (HER-2) on Response to Adjuvant Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Fluorouracil for Stage II, Node-Positive Breast Cancer: Study 8541 From the Cancer and Leukemia Group B

Purpose ErbB-2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) overexpression may be predictive of relative resistance and/or sensitivity to specific chemotherapeutic agents. Results from a previous study from the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB 8541) demonstrated an interaction between ErbB-2 and increasing dose of adjuvant cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and fluorouracil (CAF) chemotherapy. Other studies have suggested that evaluation of the phosphorylated/activated form of ErbB-2 might be more precise in defining the impact of ErbB-2 in breast cancer. We have evaluated tumor tissue sections from CALGB 8541 patients to determine whether the interaction of ErbB-2 with CAF dose is dependent on ErbB-2 activation state, and whether phosphorylated ErbB-2 is an adverse prognostic factor in patients treated with CAF. Patients and Methods Patients were randomly assigned to one of three dosing regimens of CAF. Paraffin samples from 992 of 1,572 patients who participated in CALGB 8541 were available. Of the 570 tumo...
Intestinal transplantation for gut failure.

In recent years, we have witnessed increasing clinical experience with intestinal transplantation at selected centers. Although early results with this therapy were poor, several important advances have led to improved outcomes. These improvements prompted the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to issue a memorandum on October 4, 2000, according federal reimbursement for intestinal transplantation at selected centers and for selected indications.1 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services stipulated that, to qualify for transplantation, patients must meet a specific definition of intestinal failure and have experienced failure of parenteral nutrition (Table 1). In addition, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services set forth centerspecific criteria for reimbursement, including 1-year patient survival rates of at least 65% and minimum center volume of at least 10 transplants performed per year. Only 4 centers in the United States currently meet these criteria (Mount Sinai Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, University of Miami, and University of Nebraska Medical Center). Thus, intestinal transplantation is currently at a crossroads, transitioning from its historical status as an experimental therapy to standard care for patients with appropriate indications. Presently, appropriate indications, timing of referral, and outcomes of intestinal transplantation are not well recognized among physicians caring for patients who may be candidates for this therapy. Definitions of terms such as “intestinal failure” and “failure of parenteral nutrition” are not standard, and there is no accepted algorithm for integrating parenteral nutrition, intestinal rehabilitation, and transplantation for patients with intestinal failure. Herein we review (1) the applicability of intestinal transplantation for patients with intestinal failure, (2) the current state of medical practice in intestinal transplantation with an emphasis on recent improvements, and (3) current results of this therapy. We also offer for the general gastroenterologist or gastrointestinal surgeon a rational approach to managing intestinal failure and integrating intestinal rehabilitation, parenteral nutrition, and transplantation.2 Brief History
Target detection in the near field with focused pulsed electromagnetic radiation

The prolate spheroidal reflector antenna focuses pulsed radiation in the near field with a small beam-width, allowing for applications such as target detection. We have investigated the use of two identical antennas for signal transmitting and receiving to detect a moving target behind obstacles, such as human movement behind a wall. The coverage area was found to be 10 m × 7 m. We have also investigated the use of the focusing antenna in a confocal configuration for the detection of stationary targets. We show that decreasing the focal spot size by adding a dielectric lens enables us to resolve targets smaller than diffraction limit.
The Cellular Protein P58IPK Regulates Influenza Virus mRNA Translation and Replication through a PKR-Mediated Mechanism

We previously hypothesized that efficient translation of influenza virus mRNA requires the recruitment of P58(IPK), the cellular inhibitor of PKR, an interferon-induced kinase that targets the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF2alpha. P58(IPK) also inhibits PERK, an eIF2alpha kinase that is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and induced during ER stress. The ability of P58(IPK) to interact with and inhibit multiple eIF2alpha kinases suggests it is a critical regulator of both cellular and viral mRNA translation. In this study, we sought to definitively define the role of P58(IPK) during viral infection of mammalian cells. Using mouse embryo fibroblasts from P58(IPK-/-) mice, we demonstrated that the absence of P58(IPK) led to an increase in eIF2alpha phosphorylation and decreased influenza virus mRNA translation. The absence of P58(IPK) also resulted in decreased vesicular stomatitis virus replication but enhanced reovirus yields. In cells lacking the P58(IPK) target, PKR, the trends were reversed-eIF2alpha phosphorylation was decreased, and influenza virus mRNA translation was increased. Although P58(IPK) also inhibits PERK, the presence or absence of this kinase had little effect on influenza virus mRNA translation, despite reduced levels of eIF2alpha phosphorylation in cells lacking PERK. Finally, we showed that influenza virus protein synthesis and viral mRNA levels decrease in cells that express a constitutively active, nonphosphorylatable eIF2alpha. Taken together, our results support a model in which P58(IPK) regulates influenza virus mRNA translation and infection through a PKR-mediated mechanism which is independent of PERK.
Regulation of SREBP during hypoxia requires Ofd1-mediated control of both DNA binding and degradation.

Cells adapt to changes in ambient oxygen by changing their gene expression patterns. In fission yeast, the sterol regulatory element–binding protein Sre1 is proteolytically cleaved under low oxygen, and its N-terminal segment (Sre1N) serves as a hypoxic transcription factor. When oxygen is present, the prolyl hydroxylase Ofd1 down-regulates Sre1N activity in two ways: first, by inhibiting its binding to DNA, and second, by accelerating its degradation. Here we use a mathematical model to assess what each of these two regulatory functions contributes to the hypoxic response of the cell. By disabling individual regulatory functions in the model, which would be difficult in vivo, we found that the Ofd1 function of inhibiting Sre1N binding to DNA is essential for oxygen-dependent Sre1N regulation. The other Ofd1 function of accelerating Sre1N degradation is necessary for the yeast to quickly turn off its hypoxic response when oxygen is restored. In addition, the model predicts that increased Ofd1 production at low oxygen plays an important role in the hypoxic response, and the model indicates that the Ofd1 binding partner Nro1 tunes the response to oxygen. This model quantifies our understanding of a novel oxygen-sensing mechanism that is widely conserved.
An alternative to push, press, and tap-tap-tap: gesturing on an isometric joystick for mobile phone text entry

A gestural text entry method for mobile is presented. Unlike most mobile phone text entry methods, which rely on repeatedly pressing buttons, our gestural method uses an isometric joystick and the EdgeWrite alphabet to allow users to write by making letter-like "pressure strokes." In a 15-session study comparing character-level EdgeWrite to Multitap, subjects' speeds were statistically indistinguishable, reaching about 10 WPM. In a second 15-session study comparing word-level EdgeWrite to T9, the same subjects were again statistically indistinguishable, reaching about 16 WPM. Uncorrected errors were low, around 1% or less for each method. In addition, subjective results favored EdgeWrite. Overall, results indicate that our isometric joystick-based method is highly competitive with two commercial keypad-based methods, opening the way for keypad-less designs and text entry on tiny devices. Additional results showed that a joystick on the back could be used at about 70% of the speed of the front, and the front joystick could be used eyes-free at about 80% of the speed of normal use.
A CFD Analysis of Transverse Airflow Around the Exterior of an Aircraft Fuselage Inside a Large Enclosure

A model for predicting the airflow over the aircraft exterior with in a hangar is presented in this paper. The main reason behind this was to analyze the amount of air flowing over the aircraft at the time of painting, in order to dry the paint effectively and avoid possible hazardous effects on the people painting the aircraft. The air flow was supplied through the HVAC system in the hangar area. The HVAC system was available at the ceiling and air flows from the diffuser at the ceiling level. Grills were placed at the floor level in order to capture the air that flows down in the hangar area. The hangar area was split into three regions such that three aircrafts are placed for the purpose of painting. The three regions were separated with curtains between them which act as walls on the two sides for the aircraft at the center and walls on one side for aircrafts at the corner of the hangar area. A 2D model was simulated for the exterior airflow. Velocity of the air passing out of the diffuser was fixed at 0.56 m/s. The simulations were run at five different sections of the aircraft in order to simulate the airflow over the entire aircraft region on the exterior. The angle at which air flows from the diffuser is varied as 0°, 22.5°, 45°. This was performed in order to obtain the best possible angle at which air could be distributed in the hangar area, such that the aircraft is dried effectively at the time of painting. It was evident that the distribution of air along the aircraft exterior was more effective at diffuser angles of 0° and 22.5°. At 45° the airflow is directed away from the aircraft resulting in the circulation of air inside the hangar area.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Quality Control Verification and Mapping for Chemical Application

The quality of an agrochemical application is a combination of the efficacy of deposit, productivity of the operation, and avoidance of off-site movement. A GPS- and sensor-based system was developed to document the quality of spray applications from a self-propelled sprayer. Confirmation of the spray deposition was accomplished with spray sampling surfaces (water sensitive paper) located at surveyed sampling points in the test fields. An image analysis technique was developed to estimate quantitative and qualitative data, such as relative droplet size spectra, and spray coverage from the cards. Relative performance of two flow control techniques, namely conventional pressure-based control and blended-pulse flow control were documented. Blended-pulse control produced a wider dynamic range and superior consistency of deposit when speed varied over a 3:1 range, or a 6:1 variable rate range was desired. Real-time mitigation of spray drift was accomplished through droplet size changes when sensed weather conditions and sprayer location suggested a potential hazard.
Perceived Effectiveness of the Chicago Crime Commission, 1980-1985: Insiders and Outsiders

Privatization is one of the most significant issues in criminal justice. Previous studies have concentrated on greater private involvement in corrections and policing, but have ignored citizens' crime commissions as a form of private sector participation in the justice system. This study examines the perceived effectiveness of the oldest and most famous citizens' crime commission in the United States-the Chicago Crime Commission. The Commission's effectiveness is measured, using data obtained through focused interviews with the top criminal justice authorities in the Chicago criminal justice system and in the Illinois legislature. Overall, the Commission was given high ratings on the criteria utilized to measure effectiveness. A high degree of similarity was discovered in the ratings of decisionmakers in city and county criminal justice agencies. Ratings by state legislators were much lower than those of decisionmakers from Chicago and Cook County. Differences in perceptions of the Commission's legiti mac...
Acid Resistance Systems Required for Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the Bovine Gastrointestinal Tract and in Apple Cider Are Different

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a highly acid-resistant food-borne pathogen that survives in the bovine and human gastrointestinal tracts and in acidic foods such as apple cider. This property is thought to contribute to the low infectious dose of the organism. Three acid resistance (AR) systems are expressed in stationary-phase cells. AR system 1 is σS dependent, while AR systems 2 and 3 are glutamate and arginine dependent, respectively. In this study, we sought to determine which AR systems are important for survival in acidic foods and which are required for survival in the bovine intestinal tract. Wild-type and mutant E. coli O157:H7 strains deficient in AR system 1, 2, or 3 were challenged with apple cider and inoculated into calves. Wild-type cells, adapted at pH 5.5 in the absence of glucose (AR system 1 induced), survived well in apple cider. Conversely, the mutant deficient in AR system 1, shown previously to survive poorly in calves, was susceptible to apple cider (pH 3.5), and this sensitivity was shown to be caused by low pH. Interestingly, the AR system 2-deficient mutant survived in apple cider at high levels, but its shedding from calves was significantly decreased compared to that of wild-type cells. AR system 3-deficient cells survived well in both apple cider and calves. Taken together, these results indicate that E. coli O157:H7 utilizes different acid resistance systems based on the type of acidic environment encountered.
Bermudagrass Management in the Southern Piedmont USA. II. Soil Phosphorus

which can become exposed at the soil surface from a long history of erosion (Bruce et al., 1990). Plant production can be limited by low levels of available P due Poultry production in the Appalachian Piedmont is exto high P-fixation capacity in soils of the southeastern USA. On the tensive (U.S. Dep. of Commerce, 1992). Manure mixed other hand, there is increasing concern about excessive application with bedding material (i.e., litter) at the end of the proof P to soil, especially when manure application is based upon N duction cycle is cleared from confinement housing and content. We evaluated changes in Mehlich-I extractable soil P during 5 yr of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] management applied to nearby land as a source of valuable nutrients varying in fertilization [inorganic and broiler chicken (Gallus gallus ) for crop and pasture production. Depending upon manlitter] and harvest strategy (unharvested, low and high cattle (Bos agement, however, repeated application of poultry litter taurus ) grazing pressure, and haying). Broiler litter supplied eight to the same land could become a source of excessive times more P than inorganic fertilization to meet the N requirement. nutrients that would threaten water quality (Sharpley At a depth of 0 to 6 cm, Mehlich-I extractable soil P increased 0.8 et al., 1993; Kingery et al., 1994). Environmental regula1.6 mg kg 1 yr 1 (4 8% of total P added) with inorganic-only fer- tions to protect water quality have and will continue to
Recalls, FDA, and the realities of ongoing hospital activities.

Device recall notices are a challenge for hospitals. They have to be recognized for what they are when received, and then they must be routed and appropriately acted on—if the hospital actually has the item recalled. And this must be done in the context of the ongoing and busy hospital environment. Similar issues can arise with FDA Public Health Notifications and other safety advisories, including those not related to devices. Removing the device from service is not always an appropriate or even a possible response. Many recalls and FDA notices expressly allow for continued use (see Table 1 for examples), and/or provide information on steps that should be taken to mitigate the problem while continuing to use the device. Other recalls are for disposables that can be relatively easily replaced, such as a recent FDA recall for a single use, disposable catheter. The impact in this type of recall can be minimal, if alternative products are available or replacements easily obtained. More challenging is a recall or alert from FDA or other party that says that a device must be taken out of service immediately (see Table 2). On the surface the “discontinue use” scenario sounds simple enough. Confirm if the institution has the device, find it (or them, if there are multiple devices), and stop using it. From the manufacturer’s perspective, and from FDA’s, the issue of the use of the device is now resolved, i.e., use has been stopped. The manufacturer at this point can argue that it has ended any further risk associated with the allegedly faulty device, since hospitals have been directed to stop using it. If a hospital chooses to continue using the device, the associated risk is substantially borne by the user facility. Similarly, FDA can assert that it has fulfilled its responsibility to protect the public from faulty medical devices by directing that use be stopped, even if there is not a suitable answer to the “now what?” question.
REVIEW OF MID‐INFRARED FOURIER TRANSFORM‐INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY APPLICATIONS FOR BACTERIAL DETECTION

Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) methods enable chemical discrimination of intact bacterial cells and produce complex whole-organism biochemical fingerprints (spectra), which are reproducible and distinct for different bacteria. Numerous researchers indicate that there is great potential for using FT-IR methods in combination with multivariate statistics (chemometrics) to detect and identify bacteria in water, culture media and foods. This article presents a review of the FT-IR techniques, sample preparation procedures and experimental conditions used in these studies, as well as advantages, disadvantages and challenges that remain for the development of FT-IR detection methods.
Measurement variability in single-breath diffusing capacity of the lung.

Study objectives: The single-breath diffusing capacity of the lung (DLCO) is a commonly performed pulmonary function test. The current American Thoracic Society (ATS) recommendations for reproducibility of DLCO measurements suggest that two measurements for the DLCO agree within 10% or 3 mL/min/mm Hg of the average value. The European Respiratory Society (ERS) recommends that two measurements should agree within 10%. The objectives of the present study were to examine whether the current reproducibility criteria were met in a general pulmonary function laboratory and to determine whether alternative criteria might be appropriate. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: University-based pulmonary function laboratory. Patients or Participants: Patients referred for spirometry, helium lung volumes, and DLCO measurement. Interventions: None. Measurements and results: In a sample of 6,193 patients referred for clinical testing, 98.3% had two DLCO values that fulfilled the current ATS criteria for reproducibility. The coefficient of variation (CV) and the percentage difference between two repeat measurements were inversely associated with the baseline DLCO and the FEV1. As the baseline DLCO (percentage of predicted) or FEV1 (percentage of predicted) decreased, there was an increase in the CV and the percentage difference. In contrast, the absolute difference between repeat measurements was relatively stable irrespective of the baseline DLCO or FEV1 values. Other patient factors, such as gender and race, were not associated with measurement variability. Using an absolute difference of 2 to 2.5 mL/min/mm Hg between two DLCO measurements as alternative criteria for reproducibility, 91.5% and 95.8% of the patient sample fulfilled these criteria, respectively. Conclusions: Reproducibility of the DLCO measurement is generally much better than current standards allow. Future standards should consider an absolute difference rather than a percentage difference criterion for DLCO reproducibility. (CHEST 2003; 123:1082–1089)
Family Report Questionnaire

This is a re-worded version of the self-report questionnaire for use in cases in which the patient lacks either the time or the ability to provide background information in writing. When corroboration or extra detail is important, this questionnaire may also be used to gather supplemental information even in cases in which the patient does complete the self-report version.
Reconsidering Educational Liability: Property- Owners as Litigants, Constructive Trust as Remedy

A half century ago, the Supreme Court handed down what was arguably its most important Constitutional decision ever. A young African-American schoolgirl sued her local school board, charging that the racial segregation of its schools violated her civil rights. The Supreme Court's decision vindicating Ms. Brown's complaint against her school board1 shaped the way the public, the media, and the legal community thought about the law for the next five decades. It is somewhat ironic, then, that in the years since, outside of the arena of unconstitutional racial discrimination,2 suits against schools, school boards, and educational institutions have been so remarkably unsuccessful. The most striking failure of suits against educational authorities is in the area of so-called "educational liability."3 Educational liability is a theoretical cause of action based upon the notion that educational institutions such as schools, school boards, and state governing bodies should be held responsible for failing to properly educate public school students.4 Such suits have been filed in many districts in many states,5 under many theories of law.6 To date, courts have universally sided against recognizing educational liability as a