cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Most neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii do not send collateral projections to multiple autonomic targets in the rat brain

The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) receives primary visceral afferents and sends projections to other autonomic nuclei at all levels of the neuroaxis. However, it is unknown if distinct populations of NTS neurons project to individual autonomic targets or if individual neurons in the NTS project to multiple autonomic targets. Understanding the basic circuitry of visceral reflex pathways is essential for the analyses of functional central autonomic networks. We examined projections from the NTS to autonomic targets within the hypothalamus (paraventricular nucleus, PVN), pons (parabrachial nucleus, PB), and medulla (caudal ventrolateral medulla, CVL) using retrograde tracing and immunohistochemistry. Dual retrograde tracer microinjections were made into pairs of targets (PVN + CVL; PVN + PB; PB + CVL), and the pattern of retrograde labeling was examined within NTS. The extent of collateralization, seen as dual retrogradely labeled neurons, was negligible for combined PVN and CVL injections and increased for injections combining PB with either PVN or CVL, but the majority of NTS neurons project to only one autonomic target. Immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was used to examine the pattern of TH-immunoreactivity (TH-ir) within retrogradely labeled NTS neurons. TH-ir was seen predominantly in projections to PVN, to a lesser degree in projections to PB, and was largely absent from projections to CVL. The percentage of dual retrogradely labeled neurons displaying TH-ir corresponded to the target displaying the most TH-ir, and TH-ir was not predictive of collateralization. Together, these results indicate that NTS neurons project to individual autonomic targets in the brain.
The Rip1 Protease of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Controls the SigD Regulon

Regulated intramembrane proteolysis of membrane-embedded substrates by site-2 proteases (S2Ps) is a widespread mechanism of transmembrane signal transduction in bacteria and bacterial pathogens. We previously demonstrated that the Mycobacterium tuberculosis S2P Rip1 is required for full virulence in the mouse model of infection. Rip1 controls transcription in part through proteolysis of three transmembrane anti-sigma factors, anti-SigK, -L, and -M, but there are also Rip1-dependent, SigKLM-independent pathways. To determine the contribution of the sigma factors K, L, and M to the Δrip1 attenuation phenotype, we constructed an M. tuberculosis ΔsigKΔ sigL ΔsigM mutant and found that this strain fails to recapitulate the marked attenuation of Δrip1 in mice. In a search for additional pathways controlled by Rip1, we demonstrated that the SigD regulon is positively regulated by the Rip1 pathway. Rip1 cleavage of transmembrane anti-SigD is required for expression of SigD target genes. In the absence of Rip1, proteolytic maturation of RsdA is impaired. These findings identify RsdA/SigD as a fourth arm of the branched pathway controlled by Rip1 in M. tuberculosis.
Cellulose nanowhisker foams by freeze casting

Abstract Cellulose nanowhisker foams with uniform layer structure were successfully prepared via freeze casting method. Here, we investigate the relationship between freezing rate, slurry concentration and the microstructure of the porous nanowhisker architecture. The results indicate that the above freezing parameters significantly influence the microstructure and morphological features and the structures obtained could have numerous applications, including scaffolds, filters and specifically as a template for dense multilayered composites after infusion with a second phase.
An Agar and Saline Phantom for Perfused Tissue

A simple and accurate perfused tissue phantom would be a useful tool for biomedical research. The phantom described here is an agar-saline model that can be easily constructed. Space between finely diced pieces of agar is perfused with saline. A rotator Boekel-Orbitron® is used to perfuse the agarsaline mixture, mimicking the non-directional movement of blood. Dye injected into the phantom records the volumetric movement of saline for a set time period on the Orbitron. These data are used to determine perfusion estimates in units of g/s/mL. Experimental results can be appropriately scaled and additional modifications can be better mimic specific in-vivo conditions.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Opening mitochondrial K(ATP) in the heart--what happens, and what does not happen.

There is considerable evidence that opening the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (mitoKATP) is cardioprotective in ischemia-reperfusion. Two prominent questions surround the role of mitoKATP in the cardiomyocyte: How does opening mitoKATP protect? What is the normal physiological role of mitoKATP in the heart? Before these questions can be addressed, it is necessary to agree on the bioenergetic consequences of opening mitoKATP, and this distills down to a single question – does opening mitoKATP cause significant uncoupling or not? The evidence strongly indicates that it does not and that reports of uncoupling and inhibition of Ca2+ uptake are the result of using toxic concentrations of KATP channel openers. Thus, opening mitoKATP results in increased K+ flux that is sufficient to change mitochondrial volume but is insufficient to cause significant depolarization of membrane potential. The volume changes, however, have significant bioenergetic consequences for energy coupling in the cell.
On setup level tool sequence selection for 2.5-D pocket machining

Abstract This paper describes algorithms for efficiently machining an entire setup. Previously, the author developed a graph based algorithm to find the optimal tool sequence for machining a single 2.5-axis pocket. This paper extends this algorithm for finding an efficient tool sequence to machine an entire setup. A setup consists of a set of features with precedence constraints, that are machined when the stock is clamped in a particular orientation. The precedence constraints between the features primarily result from nesting of some features within others. Four extensions to the basic graph algorithm are investigated in this research. The first method finds optimal tool sequences on a feature by feature basis. This is a local optimization method that does not consider inter feature tool-path interactions. The second method uses a composite graph for finding an efficient tool sequence for the entire setup. The constrained graph and subgraph approaches have been developed for situations where different features in the setup have distinct critical tools. It is found that the first two methods can produce erroneous results which can lead to machine crashes and incomplete machining. Illustrative examples have been generated for each method.
Targets for resin development in the new millennium

No one can foretell the future. There are certainly many possibilities for improved resin design and many new ways to go about it. Some innovations will address problems we already know about, and others will meet challenges we cannot easily visualize. Overall, the prospects for long-range research in coatings appears excellent, but it is not clear that U.S. companies will commit the resources to retain overall leadership.
Exact solution of a quantum electron-phonon system for a two-site periodic cluster.

The ground state of a one-dimensional electron-phonon system is studied by means of a small-crystal approach: an exact solution of a two-site cluster with two electrons and periodic boundary conditions. A single electron band is considered in the tight-binding approximation, together with two-electron interactions between electrons in the same site (Hubbard model); the electrons are coupled to longitudinal-acoustic phonons through a bilinear interaction. The problem is isomorphic with that of the homopolar diatomic molecule with a vibronic degree of freedom and coupling between the electronic and vibronic modes. In the adiabatic (large-ionic-mass, small-vibrational-frequency) limit there is an analytical solution which indicates that the transition between the nondistorted (weak-coupling) and the distorted (strong-coupling) phases can be either continuous or discontinuous, depending on whether the value of electron-electron interaction is smaller or larger than a critical value. In the extremely-high-frequency limit (ionic mass M..-->..0) it is also possible to find an analytical solution (for M = 0) that shows that the system remains undistorted for any value of the electron-phonon coupling and the electron-electron interaction. In the intermediate case (finite, nonvanishing M), numerical solutions exhibit a continuous transition from the nondistorted to the distorted phase.
Selective admission to elementary education

Never in the history of modern education has there been such a demand as we now have for well trained elementary teachers. In 19491950, 22,460 persons were graduated from four-year college courses in elementary education. On the other hand, for the school year 19491950, 103,000 new elementary teachers were needed to staff the public schools of the nation. Even without regard to increasing enrollments, no state in 1949 was preparing a sufficient number of elementary teachers to meet the needs of normal replacement. In fact, information from forty-two states revealed that only 26.6 per cent of the number of elementary teachers needed for normal replacements were completing teacher education courses of four or more years.' For the year 1952-53 the elementary schools of this country needed 160,000 new teachers, but only 32,000 were graduated (in 1952) from the colleges and universities of the nation. While the supply of new graduates in Elementary Education was somewhat larger this past year, with a total of 35,088 four-year trained teacher candidates (6.26 per cent less than the 37,430 produced by the colleges in 1953), the demand was also greater.2 The need is not only great at the present, but all indications are that the vast difference between the supply of teachers and the demands of public education will be even wider during the coming years unless new and more effective recruitment procedures are developed.8
A simple method for predicting the forward blocking gain of gridded field effect devices with rectangular grids

Abstract In this paper an algorithm is presented which greatly simplifies field calculations on gridded field effect devices. By using this algorithm to make calculations on devices with rectangular grid elements it is shown that for a given grid aspect ratio, the forward blocking gain is a unique function of a normalized grid reverse bias. The normalization factor is the grid bias at zero blocking gain. By knowing this voltage, the blocking gain can then be calculated for any device regardless of semiconductor material type, substrate doping, and details of the grid geometry. These methods are successfully tested by comparing with measured results on a variety of devices. Finally an empirical relation is presented which can be used to approximately predict the forward blocking gain for a device with arbitrary aspect ratio and grid bias.
Small angle neutron scattering from deuterated polystyrene/poly(vinylmethyl ether)/protonated polystyrene ternary polymer blends

Abstract Small angle neutron scattering measurements were performed on a ternary blend of deuterated polystyrene (PSD), poly (vinylmethyl ether) (PVME) and protonated polystyrene (PSH) for sample temperatures ranging from ambient to 160°C (close to the spinodal decomposition temperature). The extension of de Gennes' random phase approximation formula for the structure factor to three components was used to analyse the data. Two of the Flory-Huggins interaction parameters were obtained from the published literature ( χ PSD PSH and χ PSD PVME ) and the third, χ PSH PVME , was extracted from fits to the SANS data. Two different samples corresponding to the same PVME composition but different PSH/PSD fractions gave similar dependences: χ PSH/PVME / v 0 = 10.3 × 10 −4 − 0.422/ T and χ PSH/PVME / v 0 = 10.6 × 10 −4 - 0.436/ T , where T is the absolute temperature. Plots of X versus 1 T show a uniform shift of around 20°C (downward in temperature) in going from the PSD/PVME to the PSH/PVME blends.
Activation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases after traumatic brain injury.

A prominent cognitive impairment after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is hippocampal-dependent memory loss. Although the histopathologic changes in the brain are well documented after TBI, the underlying biochemical mechanisms that contribute to memory loss have yet to be thoroughly delineated. Thus, we determined if calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaMKs), known to be necessary for the formation of hippocampal-dependent memories, are regulated after TBI. Sprague–Dawley rats underwent moderate parasagittal fluid-percussion brain injury on the right side of the parietal cortex. The ipsilateral hippocampus and parietal cortex were Western blotted for phosphorylated, activated -calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (-CaMKII), CaMKIV, and CaMKI. -Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II was activated in membrane subcellular fractions from the hippocampus and parietal cortex 30 mins after TBI. CaMKI and CaMKIV were activated in a more delayed manner, increasing in phosphorylation 1 h after TBI. The increase in activated -CaMKII in membrane fractions was accompanied by a decrease in cytosolic total -CaMKII, suggesting redistribution to the membrane. Using confocal microscopy, we observed that -CaMKII was activated within hippocampal neurons of the dentate gyrus, CA3, and CA1 regions. Two downstream substrates of -CaMKII, the AMPA-type glutamate receptor GluR1, and cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein, concomitantly increased in phosphorylation in the hippocampus and cortex 1 h after TBI. These results demonstrate that several of the biochemical cascades that subserve memory formation are activated unselectively in neurons after TBI. As memory formation requires activation of CaMKII signaling pathways at specific neuronal synapses, unselective activation of CaMKII signaling in all synapses may disrupt the machinery for memory formation, resulting in memory loss after TBI.
Pigment Epithelium-derived Factor (PEDF) Prevents Retinal Cell Death via PEDF Receptor (PEDF-R) IDENTIFICATION OF A FUNCTIONAL LIGAND BINDING SITE

The extracellular pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) displays retina survival activity by interacting with receptor proteins on cell surfaces. We have previously reported that PEDF binds and stimulates PEDF receptor (PEDF-R), a transmembrane phospholipase. However, the PEDF binding site of PEDF-R and its involvement in survival activity have not been identified. The purpose of this work is to identify a biologically relevant ligand-binding site on PEDF-R. PEDF bound the PEDF-R ectodomain L4 (Leu159–Met325) with affinity similar to the full-length PEDF-R (Met1–Leu504). Binding assays using synthetic peptides spanning L4 showed that PEDF selectively bound E5b (Ile193–Leu232) and P1 (Thr210–Leu249) peptides. Recombinant C-terminal truncated PEDF-R4 (Met1–Leu232) and internally truncated PEDF-R and PEDF-R4 (ΔHis203–Leu232) retained phospholipase activity of the full-length PEDF-R. However, PEDF-R polypeptides without the His203–Leu232 region lost the PEDF affinity that stimulated their enzymatic activity. Cell surface labeling showed that PEDF-R is present in the plasma membranes of retina cells. Using siRNA to selectively knock down PEDF-R in retina cells, we demonstrated that PEDF-R is essential for PEDF-mediated cell survival and antiapoptotic activities. Furthermore, preincubation of PEDF with P1 and E5b peptides blocked the PEDF·PEDF-R-mediated retina cell survival activity, implying that peptide binding to PEDF excluded ligand-receptor interactions on the cell surface. Our findings establish that PEDF-R is required for the survival and antiapoptotic effects of PEDF on retina cells and has determinants for PEDF binding within its L4 ectodomain that are critical for enzymatic stimulation. Background: PEDF has neurotrophic activity and interacts with PEDF-R, a membrane-linked lipase. Results: A PEDF-binding region of PEDF-R is required for PEDF-R enzymatic stimulation, and peptides derived from this region block PEDF·PEDF-R-mediated retinal survival activities. Conclusion: A ligand binding domain is identified in PEDF-R, a critical receptor for the survival activity of PEDF. Significance: The findings provide mechanistic insight into the survival activity of PEDF.
Preferences for the Visual Arts: A Review of Recent Studies

This article reviewed 20 recent studies which investigated preference for visual arts stimuli. Each study was examined in terms of research objective, methods, and results. Two conclusions were evident: (a) researchers have made no concentrated effort to isolate specific dimensions of stimuli in visual art which are critical to understanding preference judgments and (b) researchers appear to have little interest in relating findings to broad theoretical issues.
Effects of serum concentration and media composition on the level of polyhedrin and foreign gene expression by baculovirus vectors

Different media formulations and serum concentrations were tested for effect on yield of polyhedrin or a recombinant β-galactosidase fusion proteins produced in Spodoptera frugiperda cells infected with wild-type Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus or a genetically engineered baculovirus expression vector, respectively. Infected cells grown in Grace's medium supplemented with 0.5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) produced the highest levels of each of the proteins tested. A significant increase in protein synthesis was also observed when using serum-free Grace's medium or TNMFH medium supplemented with 0.5% FBS. The defined media and reduced serum or serum-free conditions increase levels of protein expression, lower production costs, and improve the ease of protein purification procedures for researchers using the baculovirus expression vector and producers of viral insecticides.
Functional Constraints on Variation in Interlanguage Morphology

This paper critically evaluates the functional hypothesis that interlanguage (IL) is an efficient means of communicating referential information.It is concluded that early IL is a relatively poor vehicle for the communication of referential information, and that this weakness is not peculiar to IL from any one group of learners. As a result, a significant amount of repair through interaction is necessary if information is not to be lost altogether.
Risk Assessment for National Transportation of Selected Hazardous Materials

A quantitative risk assessment was conducted to estimate the national risk from transporting (a) six toxic-by-inhalation (TIH) chemicals that account for more than 90 percent of total TIH transportation-related risk, (b) liquefied petroleum gas, (c) gasoline, and (d) explosives. For TIH materials, highway and rail transportation and two classes of incidents are examined, those occurring (a) during a traffic accident or train derailment and (b) en route from origin to destination but not during an accident or derailment. For the other toxic materials, only accident-related incidents in highway transportation are considered, because these materials are dominated by highway incidents. An overview is provided of the hazardous materials and their consequences, the risk assessment method, the databases used to determine hazardous materials commodity flow and incident rate, and study results. To illustrate the method used, the risk assessment for ammonia is discussed. Risk distributions and quantitative risk mea...
A disjoint disks property for 3-manifolds

Abstract We show that the map separation property (MSP), a concept due to H.W. Lambert and R.B. Sher, is an appropriate analogue of J.W. Cannon’s disjoint disks property (DDP) for the class C of compact generalized 3-manifolds with zero-dimensional singular set, modulo the Poincare conjecture. Our main result is that the Poincare conjecture (in dimension three) is equivalent to the conjecture that every Xϵ C with the MSP is a topological 3-manifold.
Incompressible surfaces in punctured-torus bundles

Abstract We derive in this paper the classification up to isotopy of the incompressible surfaces in hyperbolic 3-manifolds which fiber over the circle with fiber a once-punctured torus. From this classification it follows that most of the 3-manifolds obtained by compactifying these bundles via a circle at infinity are closed hyperbolic 3-manifolds which contain 1.0 incompressible surfaces, i.e., are not Haken manifolds.
Recognition of Commensal Microflora by Toll-Like Receptors Is Required for Intestinal Homeostasis

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in host defense against microbial infection. The microbial ligands recognized by TLRs are not unique to pathogens, however, and are produced by both pathogenic and commensal microorganisms. It is thought that an inflammatory response to commensal bacteria is avoided due to sequestration of microflora by surface epithelia. Here, we show that commensal bacteria are recognized by TLRs under normal steady-state conditions, and this interaction plays a crucial role in the maintenance of intestinal epithelial homeostasis. Furthermore, we find that activation of TLRs by commensal microflora is critical for the protection against gut injury and associated mortality. These findings reveal a novel function of TLRs-control of intestinal epithelial homeostasis and protection from injury-and provide a new perspective on the evolution of host-microbial interactions.
Involvement of an arginine residue of actin in tropomyosin binding.

Abstract Using 1,2-cyclohexanedione, modification of three arginines per actin monomer in F-actin resulted in a loss of ability of the actin to interact with tropomyosin, although the F-actin polymer was not significantly depolymerized, the ability of the actin to activate the Mg 2+ -ATPase of myosin was not affected, and the secondary structure of the actin monomers was not appreciably altered. Isolation of peptides from a digest of modified F-actin indicated that the modified residues were Arg-28, Arg-95 and Arg-147. When actin was combined with tropomyosin prior to the modification treatment, Arg-95 was not modified, and the actin retained its ability to bind tropomyosin. These results therefore indicate a direct involvement of Arg-95 in the tropomyosin binding function of F-actin.
SU‐E‐J‐85: A New Approach to Evaluating the Impact of Organ Sub‐Volume Sensitivity to Irradiation by Deforming Cohort Dose Data Onto a Single ‘reference Human’

Purpose: We propose a new approach to normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) investigations by deforming doses from a patient cohort onto a single anatomic frame of reference in order to identify crucial anatomic features. Methods: To perform this study, IMRT treatment plans of seven different prostate cancer patients were used. Organs of interest (rectum, prostate) were delineated manually by an expert physician. CT scans, structures, and prescription dose distributions were exported into DICOM and then imported into the Computational Environment for Radiotherapy Research (CERR). The contrast of the organ of interest was enhanced at the surface boundary using the contour lines and overwriting the Hounsfield Unit (HU) of the CT scan. CTscans [2,7] were deformed onto reference scan CT1 using B‐spline method for deformable image registration available in Plastimatch. The warping of doses [2,7] was then performed utilizing the corresponding B‐spline transformation files. Results: Examination of the Dose Volume Histograms (DVHs) of the prostate reveals a substantial agreement in the mean dose within 1% between the initial prescribed dose and warped dose. However, for organs with large irregularity and heterogeneous dose distribution such as rectum, the DVHs of the warped dose showed larger deviation from the initial prescribed dose.Dose variance shows a significant variation along the rectum anterior wall. Conclusions: This study shows the feasibility of deforming a patient cohort onto a standard anatomy while retaining the dosimetric and volumetric information. This technique works better with organs which have simple geometry that can be indentified on the CT scan. Discrepancies between the initial and warped dose can be attributed to the low resolution CT scans and the choice of the DIR algorithm. This might be improved by mapping onto a reference anatomy with a high resolution CT scan such as the one provided by the Visible Human Project. NIH R01 CA85181
Vapour pressure of some fragrance ingredients in emulsion and microemulsion formulations

The vapour pressure of two fragrance raw materials, phenethyl alcohol and phenethyl acetate, in a microemulsion system is discussed against their participation in the different phases of the system. The results are used to evaluate the change of the fragrance vapour pressure during water evaporation from a typical emulsion system.
Morphometry of cat's pulmonary arterial tree

Morphometic data of the pulmonary artery in the cat's right lung are presented. Silicone elastomer casts of cat's right lung were made, and measured, counted and analyzed. The Strahler system is used to describe the branching pattern of the arterial vascular tree. These data are needed for any quantitative approach to the study of the pulmonary circulation. For all the pulmonary blood vessels of the cat lying between the main pulmonary artery and the capillary beds, there are a total of 10 orders of vessels in the right upper lobe, 9 orders of vessels in the right middle lobe and 11 orders of vessels in the right lower lobe. The ratio of the number of branches in successive orders of vessels or the branching ratio, is 3.58. The corresponding average diameter ratio is 1.72, whereas the average length ratio is 1.81.
Regular factors in vertex-deleted subgraphs of regular graphs

Abstract Let G be a 2 r -regular, 2 r -edge-connected graph of odd order and m be an integer such that 1⩽ m ⩽ r . Then for every uϵV ( G ), the graph G −{ u } has an m -factor.
Transforming growth factor β and basic fibroblast growth factor synergistically promote early bovine embryo development during the fourth cell cycle

Developmentally competent bovine blastocysts were produced by adding transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to serum-free cultures of in vitro produced, 2-cell bovine embryos. The effects of TGF beta were evaluated because this growth factor signals synthesis and secretion of the extracellular matrix component fibronectin and its receptor. Previous investigations have demonstrated that fibronectin promotes early bovine embryo development in vitro. The effects of TGF beta can be potentiated by bFGF; bFGF itself is an effector of protein synthesis and a potent mitogen. A positive interaction between the 2 growth factors resulted in 38.8% of fertilized oocytes maturing beyond the 16-cell stage; of these, 24.6% formed blastocysts. Transfer of early blastocysts produced using serum-free medium supplemented with growth factors resulted in pregnancy in 3 of 9 recipients. These results support the hypothesis that TGF beta and bFGF act synergistically to promote development of bovine embryos beyond the "8-cell block" observed in vitro.
Secure cookies on the Web

Web servers and browsers typically use cookies to capture information for subsequent communications, which provides continuity and state across HTTP connections. At present, Internet e-commerce is somewhat limited in using cookies because sensitive information cannot be securely stored and communicated in typical cookies. Secure cookies offer a potential solution to this problem.
Tiered Memory: An Iso-Power Memory Architecture to Address the Memory Power Wall

Moore's Law improvement in transistor density is driving a rapid increase in the number of cores per processor. DRAM device capacity and energy efficiency are increasing at a slower pace, so the importance of DRAM power is increasing. This problem presents system designers with two nominal options when designing future systems: 1) decrease off-chip memory capacity and bandwidth per core or 2) increase the fraction of system power allocated to main memory. Reducing capacity and bandwidth leads to imbalanced systems with poor processor utilization for noncache-resident applications, so designers have chosen to increase DRAM power budget. This choice has been viable to date, but is fast running into a memory power wall. To address the looming memory power wall problem, we propose a novel iso-power tiered memory architecture that supports 2-3X more memory capacity for the same power budget as traditional designs by aggressively exploiting low-power DRAM modes. We employ two "tiers” of DRAM, a "hot” tier with active DRAM and a "cold” tier in which DRAM is placed in self-refresh mode. The DRAM capacity of each tier is adjusted dynamically based on aggregate workload requirements and the most frequently accessed data are migrated to the "hot” tier. This design allows larger memory capacities at a fixed power budget while mitigating the performance impact of using low-power DRAM modes. We target our solution at server consolidation scenarios where physical memory capacity is typically the primary factor limiting the number of virtual machines a server can support. Using iso-power tiered memory, we can run 3× as many virtual machines, achieving a 250 percent improvement in average aggregate performance, compared to a conventional memory design with the same power budget.
Gene transfer and vascular disease

Major advances in molecular biology over the past decade have increased our understanding of how genes are expressed and regulated in mammalian cells in vivo. This knowledge has been translated to investigations of the molecular and cellular biology of the cardiovascular system. Gene transfer, the introduction of a recombinant gene into host somatic cells, has become a useful tool for studying gene structure and function. It can be used to identify regulatory sequences that control gene expression. Transfer of a gene into a new cellular environment provides a means to determine gene function. These methods also allow investigators to introduce new genes into intact animals, permitting the development of animal models of human disease and investigations of gene function in vivo. The field of gene transfer and vascular disease is emerging as a new approach for studying the pathophysiology of vascular disease and for developing potential new genetic treatments for these disorders. In this review, we discuss the methods for gene transfer, how these methods can be employed to investigate the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases, and the potential for the development of molecular genetic treatments for human vascular diseases. The focus will be on cardiovascular diseases, although the principles may be applied to other disorders. In summary, gene transfer represents a new approach to applying molecular biology to the study and treatment of human disease.
Interleukin‐6 from intrahepatic cells of bone marrow origin is required for normal murine liver regeneration

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is required for normal liver regeneration, but the specific cellular source of this growth factor is unknown. We investigated whether this signal originates from the resident macrophage, the Kupffer cell. Using a murine model of bone marrow transplantation, we replaced recipient bone marrow-derived cells, including Kupffer cells, with cells of donor genetic phenotype. Recipients deficient in IL-6 (IL-6(-/-)) were lethally irradiated, then rescued with 10(7) donor bone marrow cells capable of expressing IL-6 (IL-6(+/+)). Conversely, IL-6(+/+) recipients received IL-6(-/-) marrow. Successful engraftment was measured by the presence of the Y chromosome SRY locus in the livers of female recipients receiving male marrow, in situ IL-6 expression by Kupffer cells, and up-regulation of IL-6 in splenocytes after activation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Kupffer cell isolation in IL-6(-/-) females receiving IL-6(+/+) male marrow clearly showed the presence of the SRY locus and IL-6 disrupted allele, whereas males receiving female marrow demonstrated no SRY or IL-6 signals, confirming the extent of replacement. Replacement of these cells in IL-6(-/-) mice with IL-6(+/+) bone marrow successfully restored the regenerative response after partial hepatectomy (PHx) as indicated by signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation and hepatocyte DNA replication. Alternatively, complete replacement of Kupffer cells in IL-6(+/+) mice by transplantation with IL-6(-/-) cells significantly inhibited liver regeneration and was partially restored by administration of IL-6. This investigation demonstrates a paracrine mechanism by which cells of bone marrow origin, most likely Kupffer cells, regulate the regenerative capacity of the hepatocyte through IL-6 expression.
Long-term, treatment-free survival in select patients with distant metastatic papillary thyroid cancer

Well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC) generally has a favorable prognosis. However, patients with distant metastatic disease experience progression of disease with a higher mortality. A subset of patients not previously described may challenge the conventional dogma regarding the progressive nature of all metastatic WDTC. Through analysis of our database, we identified patients with distant metastatic WDTC and persistent, minimally progressive disease. In all patients, persistent metastatic disease was confirmed via tissue biopsy, abnormal PET scan, and/or biochemical elevations in thyroglobulin or antibody levels. Progression of disease was monitored clinically and with repeat imaging. We describe five patients with WDTC and pulmonary metastases, aged 8–43 years at diagnosis. All patients underwent initial surgery and radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation, with some receiving multiple treatments. Persistent pulmonary metastatic disease was confirmed over decades (mean 22 years, range 8–42 years) with minimal progression despite no further treatment beyond thyroid hormone suppression. Persistent disease was biopsy-proven in all patients at a mean of 9.6 years from last RAI treatment. All patients had elevated thyroglobulin or anti-thyroglobulin antibody levels, while three demonstrated metabolically active disease with positive FDG uptake on PET scan, and one patient with persistent radioactive iodine avid pulmonary metastasis 36 years after her last RAI treatment. This case series demonstrates that some patients with distant metastases, even if metabolically active and radioactive iodine resistant, remain stable for decades without further treatment. Clinical awareness of such patients and continual reassessment of disease risk following initial therapy are crucial as aggressive treatment may not be necessary.
Group combustion of a cylindrical cloud of char/carbon particles

Extensive experiments were carried out in the past in order to obtain kinetics data on the pyrolysis of coal particles and the char reactions. The literature survey distinctively reveals two kinds of studies: (i) Individual Particle Combustion (IPC) and (ii) Combustion of Particle Streams or Clouds. The experimental data obtained with particle streams are normally interpreted using IPC models with the a priori assumption that the cloud is dilute. But the term ''dilute'' is rarely quantified and justified considering the collective behavior of a cloud of particles. The group combustion model accounts for the reduction in burning rate due to the collective behavior of a large number of particles. While the spherical group combustion model may be employed for coal/char spray combustion modeling, the cylindrical group combustion model is more useful in interpreting the experimental data obtained with a monosized stream of particles. Hence a cylindrical group combustion model is presented here. As in the case of spherical group combustion models, there exist three modes of combustion: (i) Individual Particle Combustion (IPC), (ii) Group Combustion (GC), and (iii) Sheath Combustion (SC). Within the range of parameters studied, it appears that the cylindrical and spherical cloud combustion models yield similar resultsmore » on nondimensional cloud burning rates and on the combustion modes of a cloud of particles. The results from group theory are then used to identify the mode of combustion (IPC, GC, or SC) and to interpret the experimental data.« less
Sex Roles and Social Perception

Recent research by Abbey (1982) revealed that men are more likely to perceive the world in sexual terms and to make sexual judgments than women are. The present investigation focused on the comprehensiveness of Abbey's findings, drawing from the theories of androgyny and gender schema. Males and females viewed a 5-minute videotaped conversation of a male-female dyad. They then completed questionnaires concerning the interaction, providing ratings for both actors on various trait terms. Male participants were then separated into androgynous, undifferentiated, and masculine sex-typed groups, using the Bem Sex-Role Inventory. Results revealed that undifferentiated males rated the male actor significantly higher, on specific sexual terms, than the other groups rated him. The findings are discussed in terms of gender roles as distinct social skills. They support the view that masculinity and femininity, as measured by the Bem Sex-Role Inventory and similar instruments, are actually social competencies that con...
Competence in Scientific Inquiry and Research

The survival and expansion of the profession of occupational therapy depends on its ability to respond to continually changing environments. One of the most current and critical factors in this adaptation is the capacity of therapists to achieve competence in scientific inquiry and research. Competence in the role of researcher is necessary because it contributes to the development of the individual therapist, the profession, and the organization within which the therapist functions. The aim of this article is to review and elaborate on the competencies associated with the role of researcher and to propose a reconceptualization of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that shape competence in scientific inquiry.
Vision and Leadership: Problem-based Learning as a Teaching Tool

We read and hear frequently about the role of vision in leadership. Standards for leadership education programs typically emphasize vision as a core component of leadership education and published accounts of successful leadership usually extol the leader’s vision. Given the prevalence of this term in discourse on leadership, it is surprising how little literature exists with specific discussions of how to teach it. In this article I discuss the potential of problem-based pedagogy for teaching the concept of vision. This paper draws on literature, theory, and my professional experience as a faculty member for 20 years in a graduate-level education leadership program.
A Holistic Model for Primary Factors in the Ecology of Distance Education Course Offerings

Distance education programs are playing an increasingly important role in educational programs throughout the world. Despite the rapid growth of distance learning, however, few efforts have been made to conceptualize and ground the distance education process theoretically, particularly in terms of offering a quality educational product. The current investigation provides a holistic model with five primary factors that affect the overall ecology of a distance learning experience. Included in the model are considerations for course delivery, instruction quality, student participation and involvement, course and program administration, and the culture of teaching and learning. Les programmes d'education a distance jouent un role de plus en plus important dans le domaine de l'enseignement partout dans le monde. Cependant, malgre la croissance rapide de l'enseignement a distance, peu de travail a ete fait afin de conceptualiser et de cerner au plan theorique le processus d'education a distance, surtout quant a la qualite du produit pedagogique. Cette enquete degage un modele holistique comprenant les facteurs primaires determinant l'ecologie globale de l'apprentissage a distance. Ce modele s'attarde notamment a l'enseignement des cours, a la qualite de l'instruction, a la participation des etudiants, a l'administration des cours et du programme, ainsi qu'a la culture de l'enseignement et de l'apprentissage.
Antiviral Antibodies and T Cells Are Present in the Foreskin of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Rhesus Macaques

No information exists regarding immune responses to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the foreskin or glans of the human penis, although this is a key tissue for HIV transmission. To address this gap, we characterized antiviral immune responses in foreskin of male rhesus macaques (RMs) inoculated with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) strain SIVmac251 by penile foreskin exposure. We found a complete population of immune cells in the foreskin and glans of normal RMs, although B cells were less common than CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. IgG-secreting cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay in cell suspensions made from the foreskin. In the foreskin and glans of SIV-infected RMs, although B cells were less common than CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, SIV-specific IgG antibody was present in foreskin secretions. In addition, cytokine-secreting SIV-specific CD8(+) T cells were readily found in cell suspensions made from the foreskin. Although potential HIV target cells were found in and under the epithelium covering all penile surfaces, the presence of antiviral effector B and T cells in the foreskin suggests that vaccines may be able to elicit immunity in this critical site to protect men from acquiring HIV.
Moderate Deviations for Martingales with Bounded Jumps

We prove that the Moderate Deviation Principle (MDP) holds for the trajectory of a locally square integrable martingale with bounded jumps as soon as its quadratic covariation, properly scaled, converges in probability at an exponential rate. A consequence of this MDP is the tightness of the method of bounded martingale differences in the regime of moderate deviations.
Numerical simulation of liquid phase electro-epitaxial selective area growth

A computational model for semiconductor crystal growth on a partially masked substrate under simplified liquid phase electroepitaxy conditions is developed. The model assumes isothermal diffusional growth, which is enhanced by applied DC current through crystal-solution interface. A finite-difference, front-tracking method is used to numerically evolve the interface. Computed examples show strong influence of the electromigration on growth rates in vertical and lateral directions and the dependence of growth on electrical resistance of mask material, and on the wetting contact angle.
Acute Liver Failure in Children

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare but devastating illness. Specific therapy to promote liver recovery is often not available, and the underlying cause of the liver failure is often unknown. This article examines current knowledge of the epidemiology, pathobiology, and treatment of ALF in children and identifies potential gaps in this knowledge for future study.
Does character displacement initiate speciation? Evidence of reduced gene flow between populations experiencing divergent selection.

Character displacement ‐ trait evolution stemming from selection to lessen resource competition or reproductive interactions between species ‐ has long been regarded as important in finalizing speciation. By contrast, its role in initiating speciation has received less attention. Yet because selection for character displacement should act only where species co-occur, individuals in sympatry will experience a different pattern of selection than conspecifics in allopatry. Such divergent selection might favour reduced gene flow between conspecific populations that have undergone character displacement and those that have not, thereby potentially triggering speciation. Here, we explore these ideas empirically by focusing on spadefoot toads, Spea multiplicata, which have undergone character displacement, and for which character displacement appears to cause post-mating isolation between populations that are in sympatry with a heterospecific and those that are in allopatry. Using mitochondrial sequence data and nuclear microsatellite genotypes, we specifically asked whether gene flow is reduced between populations in different selective environments relative to that between populations in the same selective environment. We found a slight, but statistically significant, reduction in gene flow between selective environments, suggesting that reproductive isolation, and potentially ecological speciation, might indeed evolve as an indirect consequence of character displacement. Generally, character displacement may play a largely underappreciated role in instigating speciation.
Solving Polynomial Systems Equation by Equation

By a numerical continuation method called a diagonal homotopy, one can compute the intersection of two irreducible positive dimensional solution sets of polynomial systems. This paper proposes to use this diagonal homotopy as the key step in a procedure to intersect general solution sets that are not necessarily irreducible or even equidimensional. Of particular interest is the special case where one of the sets is defined by a single polynomial equation. This leads to an algorithm for finding a numerical representation of the solution set of a system of polynomial equations introducing the equations one by one. Preliminary computational experiments show this approach can exploit the special structure of a polynomial system, which improves the performance of the path following algorithms.
Prevention of Alcoholism in the United States and the National Council on Alcoholism: 1944-1950

An historical viewpoint discloses two potential impediments to effective primary prevention of alcoholism with a communitywide focus: (1) weak evaluation instruments measuring the outcome of primary prevention programs, and (2) the difficulty of creating and maintaining a sufficiently high degree of interorganizational coordination. The origin of the National Council on Alcoholism during the 1940s is used as a focal point for the study. The article details the importance, today as well as four decades ago, of designing prevention programs that are well conceived, implemented, and evaluated.