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This research investigated empirical issues regarding the validity of individual interviewers’(N= 62) ratings collected after a structured interview. Each interviewer rated an average of 25 interviewees. One hypothesis examined but not supported was that systematic interviewer errors will attenuate interview validity when data are aggregated across interviewers. Also investigated was the validity of ratings averaged across interviewers compared to consensus ratings; consensus ratings were shown to have significantly but probably not practically higher validities. Third, a meta-analysis of individual interviewer validities revealed that all of the variance in validities could be attributed to sampling error. Results and implications are discussed.

Using plasticised PVC of defined formulation containing a biocide, a comparison has been made of two methods used to assess resistance to fungal colonisation (inhibition of fungal spore germination and use as a carbon source by test fungi) with two physical methods used to assess biodegradation (changes in tensile strength and in extension under load). The results of the first two methods were easier to interpret, but there was general agreement with the results of the measurements of physical characteristics. There are however problems with the choice of methods for the assessment of bioresistance and biodegradation and these are discussed.

This study proposed and tested a model of factors influencing the effectiveness of Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs). Data were collected from the chairs of Michigan LEPCs, who were asked to provide information about their LEPCs’staffing, activities, resources, and team climate, as well as information about community hazards and relationships with other organizations in their communities. The model was partially supported. As hypothesized, team climate substantially mediated the relationships between an LEPCs effectiveness and many of the attributes of its internal structure and external environment. In addition, three (emergency planning resources, community support and LEPC staffing and structure) out of four categories of variables hypothesized to influence team climate were, in fact directly related to it. There were two major inconsistencies with the model. First, two types of emergency planning resources were found to have a direct influence on LEPC effectiveness rather than an indirect effect mediated by team climate. In addition, hazard vulnerability was hypothesized to have a direct effect on team climate, but the data showed this relationship was mediated by community support and by LEPC staffing and structure. A revised model was proposed that suggests ways in which members can change the structure of an LEPC and strategies to enhance its effectiveness.

The current study used scores on the Driver Performance Measurement (DPM) test and data gathered over four years on accident type and frequency from 47 police officers to provide evidence that cognitive-behavioral observations of driving patterns can lead to predictions of subsequent accident involvement. Results indicate that after controlling for age and experience, scores on the DPM test predicted involvement in preventable accidents but not unpreventable accidents. Implications for future research involving the observation of cognitive-behavioral sequences are discussed.

Small-scale fisheries are the primary users of many coastal fish stocks; yet, spatial and temporal patterns of recreational and subsistence fishing in coastal marine ecosystems are poorly documented. Knowledge about the spatial distribution of fishing activities can inform place-based management that balances species conservation with opportunities for recreation and subsistence. We used a participatory mapping approach to document changes in spatial fishing patterns of 80 boat-based recreational anglers from 1950 to 2010 in Puget Sound, Washington, USA. Hand-drawn fishing areas for salmon, rockfishes, flatfishes, and crabs were digitized and analyzed in a Geographic Information System. We found that recreational fishing has spanned the majority of Puget Sound since the 1950s, with the heaviest use limited to small areas of central and northern Puget Sound. People are still fishing in the same places they were decades ago, with relatively little change in specific locations despite widespread declines in salmon and bottomfish populations during the second half of the 20th century. While the location of core fishing areas remained consistent, the size of those areas and intensity of use changed over time. The size of fishing areas increased through the 2000s for salmon but declined after the 1970s and 1980s for rockfishes, flatfishes, and crabs. Our results suggest that the spatial extent of recreational bottomfishing increased after the 1960s, when the availability of motorized vessels and advanced fish-finding technologies allowed anglers to expand their scope beyond localized angling from piers and boathouses. Respondents offered a wide range of reasons for shifts in fishing areas over time, reflecting substantial individual variation in motivations and behaviors. Changes in fishing areas were most commonly attributed to changes in residence and declines in target species and least tied to fishery regulations, despite the implementation of at least 25 marine preserves since 1970.

Use of a structural equations analysis to estimate the degree of predictor-related criterion bias in selection research is illustrated. For the hypothetical data considered in this paper, a likability methods factor produced significant changes in estimates of the structural parameters relating the predictors to the criterion. Regression analyses using two methods factors as covariates yielded similar results. The advantages of employing the more complicated LISREL analysis versus more familiar regression analysis are discussed and some suggestions for future research using the structural equations approach are presented.

Foliage on spruce trees (Picea rubens Sarg.) growing on dry SO(2) deposition zones (dry SO(2) deposition ranging from 0.5 and 8.5 S kg ha(-1) year(-1)) downwind from a SO(2) emission source was analyzed to assess chronic effects of long-term low-grade SO(2) deposition on net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, dark respiration, stomatal antechamber wax structures, elemental concentrations in and on foliage (bulk and surficial concentrations), and types of epiphytic fungi that reside in the phylloplane. Elemental distributions on stomatal antechambers, on fungal colonies, and on smooth surfaces between stomates and fungus colonies were determined with a scanning electronic microscope (SEM) by way of X-ray scanning. It was found that net photosynthesis of newly developed spruce foliage (current-year, and 1-year-old) was not significantly affected by the local SO(2) deposition rates. Sulfur dioxide deposition, however, may have contributed to the gradual decrease in net photosynthesis with increasing needle age. Dark respiration rates were significantly higher on foliage taken from high SO(2) deposition zones. Stomatal rod-web structures deteriorated to flakes with increasing needle age and increasing SO(2) deposition. Further inspection of the needle surfaces revealed an increasing abundance of fungal colonies with increasing needle age. Many fungal taxa were isolated and identified. It was found that black yeasts responded positively, and Xylohypha pinicola responded negatively to high rates of SO(2) deposition. Surficial concentrations of elements such as P, S, K, Cl, Ca were about 10 times higher on fungal colonies than on smooth needle surfaces. Surficial Ca contents on 4 or 5-year-old needles decreased with increasing SO(2) deposition, but surficial S concentrations remained the same. In contrast, bulk foliar Ca and S concentrations increased with increasing SO(2) deposition.

Devices and machines which perform additive manufacturing (adding material in a layer-wise or bead-wise manner to produce complex structure rather than removing material through machining) are maturing and entering the commercial market. While small prototype parts are routinely made using these devices, a number of industries, including biomedical and aerospace, are considering using these techniques for production parts. New materials which take advantage of the unique capability of additive manufacturing are beginning to evolve. Hybridization of materials at smaller scales now becomes possible with the precision of additive manufacturing devices. However, the fundamentals of structural performance of materials that can be produced by these methods are still to be explored and understood.. The current effort focuses on characterizing and describing the fundamental processing of hybrid materials produced using a combination of laser sintering of metals combined with polymer infusion of advanced carbon fabric. Ultimately, the work seeks to develop a fundamental understanding of the structural mechanics of these novel graphite-metal materials produced through hybrid processes. By understanding development and location of weak structural planes, effects of voids and discontinuities, load transfer from nano to macro scale, reinforcement distribution, gradients in properties, and effects of residual stress, a complete materials design process beginning with structural requirements and ending with material and process selection can be developed. This paper will summarize the first experimental steps taken to process and fabricate a metal-to-composite hybrid joint using a combination of additive manufacturing and conventional composite processes. Experimental conditions are described and morphology of the resulting hybrids is discussed. Future plans for testing are described.

Measurement of serum galactomannan (GM), a polysaccharide fungal cell-wall component, is a non-invasive test for early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in humans. Feline upper respiratory tract (URT) aspergillosis is an emerging infectious disease in cats. Diagnosis requires biopsy for procurement of tissue specimens for cytological or histological detection of fungal hyphae and for fungal culture. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum GM measurement as a non-invasive diagnostic test for URT aspergillosis in cats. A one-stage, immunoenzymatic sandwich ELISA was used to detect serum GM in 4 groups of cats; Group 1 (URT aspergillosis) – confirmed URT aspergillosis (n=13, sinonasal aspergillosis (SNA) n=6, sino-orbital aspergillosis (SOA) n=7), Group 2 (URT other) – other URT diseases (n=15), Group 3 (β-lactam) – cats treated with β-lactam antibiotics for non-respiratory tract disease (n=14), Group 4a – healthy young cats (≤ 1y of age, n=28), Group 4b – healthy adult cats (>1 y of age, n=16). One cat with SNA and two cats with SOA caused by an Aspergillus fumigatus-mimetic species, tested positive for serum GM. For a cut-off optical density index of 1.5, the overall sensitivity and specificity of the assay was 23% and 78% respectively. False positive results occurred in 29 % of cats in Group 3 and 32% of cats in Group 4a. Specificity increased to 90% when Groups 3 and 4a were excluded from the analysis. Overall, serum GM measurement has a poor sensitivity but is a moderately specific, non-invasive screening test to rule out infection in patients with suspected feline upper respiratory tract aspergillosis. Feline Health Research Fund (FHRF)

Isolates of the endophytic Leptostroma anamorph of Lophodermium pinastri were collected from needles of Pinus resinosa (red pine) at three locations in Eastern Canada. The DNA of 69 isolates which were morphologically identical was subjected to RFLP analysis using two probes for repeated genomic sequences. One probe, pRWi249, was obtained from a library made from DNA of one of the I. pinastri isolates. The other was an rDNA probe, pTA71, derived from Triticum aestivum . The complementary hybridization patterns of Eco R I-digested DNA obtained using these two probes demonstrated considerable genetic diversity in and between the natural populations of I. pinastri . In total, 27 distinct genotypes were identified of which only three were represented at all three collection sites. No more than 5 isolates of the same genotype were found at any one location and different genotypes were often found among isolates of the same tree. It is concluded that the probes pRWi249 and pTA71 are practical tools for screening isolates of L. pinastri and are likely to be useful for the identification and classification of these endophytes.

Hyphae and hyphal extracts from fungi isolated from inside healthy black spruce needles were assayed for their effect on spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clem.) cell cultures and larvae. Isolates were from needles of four age-classes (current –3 years old) collected throughout a 4-month sampling period. Hyphal extracts from 21 of the 100 isolates tested were toxic to spruce budworm cell cultures and isolates from older needles (2 and 3 years old) negatively affected cells more frequently (p

Unmotivated or suspicious test takers in con current validation studies can cause numerous problems for test users. The effects of these problems, however, have not been carefully examined. This study used item response theory-based appro priateness fit indexes to identify and remove from a validation sample those examinees whose response patterns did not match their trait levels (e.g., examin ees with low trait levels who answered difficult items correctly). The person-fit index lz described in Drasgow, Levine, & Williams (1985) had little effect on validities. The multitest index lzm described by Drasgow & Hulin (1990) was more promising. Implications for selection research and practice are discussed.

The rate of degradation of starch-filled polythene has been shown not only to depend on the starch content, but also to be very sensitive to the environmental conditions as well as other ingredients in the formulation. The presence of unsaturated oils is implicated as an important factor in the initial stages of degradation. Macro-biotic attack has also been shown to be important in the degradation of some formulations of starch-filled polythene and polyurethane.

Radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer frequently results in erectile dysfunction and decreased quality of life. We investigated the effects of transplanting nonhematopoietic adult bone marrow stem/progenitor cells (multipotent stromal cells) into the corpus cavernosum in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve crush injury.Multipotent stromal cells were isolated from the bone marrow of transgenic green fluorescent protein rats by plastic adherence (rat multipotent stromal cells) or magnetic activated cell sorting using antibodies against p75 low affinity nerve growth factor receptor (p75 derived multipotent stromal cells). Bilateral cavernous nerve crush injury was induced in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Immediately after injury 8 rats each were injected intracavernously with phosphate buffered saline (vehicle control), fibroblasts (cell control), rat multipotent stromal cells (cell treatment) or p75 derived multipotent stromal cells (cell treatment). Another 8 rats underwent sham operation (phosphate buffered saline injection). Four weeks after the procedures we assessed erectile function by measuring the intracavernous-to-mean arterial pressure ratio and total intracavernous pressure during cavernous nerve stimulation.Intracavernous injection of p75 derived multipotent stromal cells after bilateral cavernous nerve crush injury resulted in a significantly higher mean intracavernous-to-mean arterial pressure ratio and total intracavernous pressure compared with all other groups except the sham operated group (p0.05). Rats injected with typical multipotent stromal cells had partial erectile function rescue compared with animals that received p75 derived multipotent stromal cells. Fibroblast (cell control) and phosphate buffered saline (vehicle control) injection did not improve erectile function. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay suggested that basic fibroblast growth factor secreted by p75 derived multipotent stromal cells protected the cavernous nerve after bilateral cavernous nerve crush injury.Transplantation of adult stem/progenitor cells may provide an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy.

Histone deacetylase (Hdac)3 is a nuclear enzyme that contributes to epigenetic programming and is required for embryonic development. To determine the role of Hdac3 in bone formation, we crossed mice harboring loxP sites around exon 7 of Hdac3 with mice expressing Cre recombinase under the control of the osterix promoter. The resulting Hdac3 conditional knockout (CKO) mice were runted and had severe deficits in intramembranous and endochondral bone formation. Calvarial bones were significantly thinner and trabecular bone volume in the distal femur was decreased 75% in the Hdac3 CKO mice due to a substantial reduction in trabecular number. Hdac3-CKO mice had fewer osteoblasts and more bone marrow adipocytes as a proportion of tissue area than their wildtype or heterozygous littermates. Bone formation rates were depressed in both the cortical and trabecular regions of Hdac3 CKO femurs. Microarray analyses revealed that numerous developmental signaling pathways were affected by Hdac3-deficiency. Thus, Hdac3 depletion in osterix-expressing progenitor cells interferes with bone formation and promotes bone marrow adipocyte differentiation. These results demonstrate that Hdac3 inhibition is detrimental to skeletal health.

Endophytic fungi were isolated from black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) dormant buds and needles of four age-classes. Only one isolate was obtained from 400 buds. A total of 914 isolates were obtained from the needles. With increasing needle age the rate of colonization increased between current-year and 3-year-old needles from 4 to 90%, respectively. The needle segment attached to the twig was colonized more often (p

Coronary artery disease (CAD) primary end point definitions used in previous prevention trials are reviewed, as well as trends over time for CAD mortality, incidence and hospital discharges to see if new primary end points should be considered. CAD mortality has shown a dramatic decline in the U.S. in the last 20 years, whereas the decrease in the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is less consistent. The decline in CAD incidence and mortality has been attributed to changes in lifestyle and increased medical/surgical intervention. Hospital discharge rates for CAD have risen during the past decade. In addition, although the rate of discharge for AMI appears to have stabilized, the rates for angina, and more dramatically for unstable angina, have increased. Unstable angina made up 4% of CAD discharges in 1980, and increased to 25% of CAD discharges in 1989. Because of these trends, future trials that rely solely on AMI as a primary end point will not reflect the actual experience with CAD presentation in the U.S. Given the greater availability of methods to diagnose unstable angina more accurately, and because of its high risk pathology, it is concluded that unstable angina should receive serious consideration as a primary end point in future primary prevention trials.

The bioactive constituents of extracts of three strains of balsam fir endophytic fungi, reported to cause reduced growth rate and mortality of spruce budworm larvae, have been isolated and characterized. Bioassay-directed fractionation has resulted in the identification of heptelidic acid, 1,5a,6,7,8,9a-hexahydro-6-(1-methylethyl)-1-oxo-spiro[2-benzoxepin-9(3H),2′oxirane]-4-carboxylic acid ( 1 ), and two new analogues, heptelidic acid chlorohydrin ( 2 ), and hydroheptelidic acid ( 3 ), as the biologically active components of ? Phyllosticta sp. strain 76. The active component of Hormonema dematioides strains 53 and 143 was identified as (+)rugulosin ( 4 ), an anthraquinone previously reported to exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activity. This is the first report of the identification of toxins from fungal endophytes of woody plants.

Growth in culture of plant roots transformed with Agrobacterium rhizogenes provides a method for the production of many commercially valuable products. The yield achieved is critical for the financial viability of the method, and the design of the bioreactor can have a profound influence on the yield and growth characteristics. Most bioreactors are designed for the growth of microorganisms, animal cells, or plant cells in suspension and are not ideally suited for the growth of transformed roots. Novel bioreactors have therefore been designed specifically for the culture of transformed roots. This comparison of novel and conventional culture vessels indicates that the growth of transformed roots can be greater in a mist of culture medium than when submerged or in a trickling film of medium.

To exploit the benefits of concurrent engineering and avoid the usual problems associated with nonconforming materials, an Air Force program for creating an aircraft transparency design engineering workstation, ADP2 (Analytical Design Package), was structured around a materials data server (M/VISION coupled with PATRAN). The data server at the core of the system is used to integrate a variety of applications and databanks, both commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and special purpose items developed by the Air Force and the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI). It provides the focal point for loading, processing, cataloging and transferring of data between the various applications. As a part of the frameless transparency program (FTP), ADP2 is a design tool consisting of existing analysis codes and computer aided engineering (CAE) software. The objective of ADP2 is to develop an integrated design methodology for frameless transparencies, aircraft interfaces, and their corresponding tooling. The scope goes all the way from materials testing through design and analysis to manufacturing and full life cycle maintenance. Several categories of materials data are handled, including raw test data, manufacturer's product data, evaluated property and specification data (such as from Military Handbooks), synthesized or simulated properties data, as well as data on service history. The functional environment requires multiple iterations through the design process with evolving materials properties and processing parameters for various testing, manufacturing, and analysis environments. The basic features of the ADP2 system and the development process are described. Insight into how the system is used is given by virtue of an example involving the materials data integration module. The incorporation of technology and concepts from evolving standards like ISO/STEP and ASTM Committee E49 on Computerization of Material and Chemical Property Data proved very beneficial.

We examined the impact of metabolic syndrome (MS) on coronary stenosis progression and major cardiovascular (CV) events and investigated the mitigating effects of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol lowering and LDL cholesterol lowering plus high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increasing. This analysis combined individual patient data from 445 subjects who participated in 3 double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trials (FATS, HATS, and AFREGS) comparing intensive lipid therapy to placebos on coronary stenosis progression by quantitative coronary angiography and on major CV events. The primary end points were change in mean proximal coronary diameter stenosis (Delta%S(prox)) over 3 years and the frequency of the predefined composite of coronary artery disease death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and revascularization due to worsening ischemia. Patients with MS had 50% more rapid coronary stenosis progression and 64% increased CV event frequency compared to those without. More rapid coronary stenosis progression was significantly and independently associated with a 3.5-fold increased event risk (p0.001). Combination lipid therapy significantly decreased stenosis progression by 83% (Delta%S(prox) 0.5 vs 2.9, p0.001) in patients with MS and induced a small net regression in those without (Delta%S(prox) -0.3 vs 2.0, p0.001). Combination therapy decreased the event rate by 54% (13% vs 28%, p = 0.03) in those with MS and by 82% (3% vs 17%, p = 0.002) without. On average, each 10% decrease in LDL cholesterol or 10% increase in HDL cholesterol was significantly associated with a 0.3 Delta%S(prox) decrease. Each 10% decrease in LDL cholesterol or 10% increase in HDL cholesterol was associated with 11% (p = 0.02) or 22% (p0.001) event risk decrease. In conclusion, patients with MS have significantly more rapid coronary stenosis progression and a higher frequency of CV events. Greater stenosis progression rate is associated with a higher event rate. LDL cholesterol-lowering and HDL cholesterol-increasing therapies independently and significantly decrease coronary stenosis progression and decrease CV events.

The fabric geometric models based on lamination analogy and stiffness averaging method are utilized to numerically characterize a 2-step braided composite. The model predictions were found to be in good agreement with results of mechanical tests performed in this study. The architecture of this material is investigated by identifying the geometric and braiding process parameters which include the linear density ratio between axial and braider yarns, the pitch length of braider yarn, the aspect ratio of axial yarn, and the aspect ratio of braider yarn. Parametric study showed a wide range of variability in the elastic constants of the composites. Results of the elastic properties are presented in the form of performance maps.

Seven patients with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease documented by coronary angiography and exercise stress testing were treated with the American Heart Association Step II Diet, a walking program, and combination drug therapy with niacin, cholestyramine, gemfibrozil, and/or lovastatin. As a result of this intervention, there was a mean weight loss of 24.7 pounds, a mean reduction in cholesterol from 297 mg% to 167 mg%, a mean increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol from 33 mg% to 55 mg%, and a mean reduction in triglyceride levels from 248 mg% to 58 mg%. Repeat exercise stress testing and coronary angiography were performed 2 years after the initial catheterization. Photographs of end-diastolic frames were compared utilizing the same views with the same magnification. In six of the seven patients, there was a mean increase in luminal area at the greatest stenosis of 1.3 mm2 in eight lesions present at initial catheterization. In four of these six patients, there was evidence for improvement in coronary blood flow manifested by improvement in electrocardiogram (ECG) exercise stress testing and/or exercise thallium stress testing. In one patient, there was a mean decrease in luminal area at greatest stenosis of 1.35 mm2 in two lesions and the development of an additional plaque in an area which was previously normal. In addition, this patient had evidence for progression by ECG exercise stress testing. Aggressive risk factor modification can reverse what were previously considered "fixed" atherosclerotic lesions in selected patients.

Vanillin, a food additive, has been evaluated as a potential agent to treat sickle cell anemia. Earlier studies indicated that vanillin had moderate antisickling activity when compared with other aldehydes. We have determined by high performance liquid chromatography that vanillin reacts covalently with sickle hemoglobin (HbS) both in solution and in intact red blood cells. Hemoscan oxygen equilibrium curves show a dose- dependent left shift, particularly at low oxygen tensions. Rheologic evaluation (pO2 scan Ektacytometry) of vanillin-reacted HbS erythrocytes shows a dose-dependent inhibition of deoxygenation-induced cell sickling. Ektacytometry also suggests that vanillin may have a direct inhibitory effect on HbS polymer formation. Vanillin has no adverse effects on cell ion or water content. X-ray crystallographic studies with deoxyhemoglobin (HbA)-vanillin demonstrate that vanillin binds near His 103 alpha, Cys 104 alpha, and Gln 131 beta in the central water cavity. A secondary binding site is located between His 116 beta and His 117 beta. His 116 beta has been implicated as a polymer contact residue. Oxygen equilibrium, ektacytometry, and x-ray studies indicate that vanillin may be acting to decrease HbS polymerization by a dual mechanism of action; allosteric modulation to a high-affinity HbS molecule and by stereospecific inhibition of T state HbS polymerization. Because vanillin is a food additive on the GRAS (generally regarded as safe) list, and because it has little or no adverse effects at high dosages in animals, vanillin is a candidate for further evaluation as an agent for the treatment of sickle cell disease.

The Fine Guidance Sensors (FGSs) are the instrument of choice for most astrometric measurements with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The observed amount of spherical aberration in the Ritchey Chretien optical system does not affect positional measurements with perfectly aligned FGSs because they are interferometers. The FGSs combine wavefronts from points in the exit pupil with other points which are at the same radial distance from the optical axis. Asymmetric aberrations such as coma and astigmatism do affect the measured positions. The current knowledge of the HST wavefront error, the FGS operation and the implications for milliarcsecond relative astrometry are discussed. It is still planned to use the HST to tie the HIPPARCOS and VLBI Reference Frames together at the few milliarcsecond level.

The author presents the basics of Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML) with a perspective from the public services side of the library. She covers document creation, standard text formatting, creation of lists, addition of images, links to other documents, layout conventions and design tips.

BackgroundApolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a molecular scavenger in the blood and brain. Aberrant function of the molecule causes formation of protein and lipid deposits or "plaques" that characterize Alzheimer's disease (AD) and atherosclerosis. There are three human isoforms of ApoE designated ε2, ε3, and ε4. Each isoform differentially affects the structure and function of the protein and thus the development of disease. Homozygosity for ApoE ε4 is associated with atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease whereas ApoE ε2 and ε3 tend to be protective. Furthermore, the ε2 form may cause forms of hyperlipoproteinemia. Therefore, introduction of ApoE ε3 may be beneficial to patients that are susceptible to or suffering from these diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells or multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are adult progenitor cells found in numerous tissues. They are easily expanded in culture and engraft into host tissues when administered appropriately. Furthermore, MSCs are immunosuppressive and have been reported to engraft as allogeneic transplants. In our previous study, mouse MSCs (mMSCs) were implanted into the brains of ApoE null mice, resulting in production of small amounts of ApoE in the brain and attenuation of cognitive deficits. Therefore human MSCs (hMSCs) are a promising vector for the administration of ApoE ε3 in humans.ResultsUnlike mMSCs, hMSCs were found not to express ApoE in culture; therefore a molecular screen was performed for compounds that induce expression. PPARγ agonists, neural stem cell conditioned medium, osteo-inductive media, dexamethasone, and adipo-inductive media (AIM) were tested. Of the conditions tested, only AIM or dexamethasone induced sustained secretion of ApoE in MSCs and the duration of secretion was only limited by the length of time MSCs could be sustained in culture. Upon withdrawal of the inductive stimuli, the ApoE secretion persisted for a further 14 days.ConclusionThe data demonstrated that pre-treatment and perhaps co-administration of MSCs homozygous for ApoE ε3 and dexamethasone may represent a novel therapy for severe instances of AD, atherosclerosis and other ApoE-related diseases.

Joining polymer matrix composites to metal, such as stainless steel for structural loading, requires the resolution of inherent differences in joining characteristics of each material. The missing element is a material that would be an intermediary between the metal and the composite. The ideal intermediate material would be weldable, as hard as steel, but able to pick up the fiber stress of the composite. Energy absorption through plastic behavior of the joint would also be desired.Copyright © 2008 by ASME

Infusion of bone marrow stem or progenitor cells may provide powerful therapies for injured tissues such as the lung and heart. We examined the potential of bone marrow-derived (BMD) progenitor cells to contribute to repair and remodeling of lung and heart in a rat monocrotaline (MCT) model of pulmonary hypertension. Bone marrow from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transgenic male rats was transplanted into GFP-negative female rats. The chimeric animals were injected with MCT to produce pulmonary hypertension. Significant numbers of male GFP-positive BMD cells engrafted in the lungs of MCT-treated rats. Microarray analyses and double-immunohistochemistry demonstrated that many of the cells were interstitial fibroblasts or myofibroblasts, some of the cells were hematopoietic cells, and some were pulmonary epithelial cells (Clara cells), vascular endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. A few BMD cells fused with pulmonary cells from the host, but the frequency was low. In the hypertrophied hearts of MCT-treated rats, we found a significant increase in the relative numbers of BMD cells in the right ventricle wall as compared with the left ventricle. Some of the BMD cells in the right ventricle were vascular cells and cardiomyocytes. We report BMD cardiomyocytes with a normal chromosome number, fusion of BMD cells with host cardiomyocytes, and, in some cases, nuclear fusion.

Rationale: Bone marrow–derived cells have been shown to engraft during lung fibrosis. However, it is not known if similar cells engraft consequent to inhalation of asbestos fibers that cause pulmonary fibrosis, or if the cells proliferate and differentiate at sites of injury. Objectives: We examined whether bone marrow–derived cells participate in the pulmonary fibrosis that is produced by exposure to chrysotile asbestos fibers. Methods: Adult female rats were lethally irradiated and rescued by bone marrow transplant from male transgenic rats ubiquitously expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP). Three weeks later, the rats were exposed to an asbestos aerosol for 5 hours on three consecutive days. Controls were bone marrow–transplanted but not exposed to asbestos. Measurements and Main Results: One day and 2.5 weeks after exposure, significant numbers of GFP-labeled male cells had preferentially migrated to the bronchiolar-alveolar duct bifurcations, the specific anatomic site at which asbestos produces the initial fibrogenic lesions. GFP-positive cells were present at the lesions as monocytes and macrophages, fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts or smooth muscle cells. Staining with antibodies to PCNA demonstrated that some of the engrafted cells were proliferating in the lesions and along the bronchioles. Negative results for TUNEL at the lesions confirmed that both PCNA-positive endogenous pulmonary cells and bone marrow–derived cells were proliferating rather than undergoing apoptosis, necrosis, or DNA repair. Conclusions: Bone marrow–derived cells migrated into developing fibrogenic lesions, differentiated into multiple cell types, and persisted for at least 2.5 weeks after the animals were exposed to aerosolized chrysotile asbestos fibers.

[Abstract] An independent mesh modeling approach is proposed for complex multiple connected configuration of matrix in composite materials with three-dimensional fiber architecture. The approach is based on yarn surface geometry definitions imported from an image reconstruction and/or a predictive tool describing the yarn placement in the composite. The phase boundary between the yarn and the matrix is described as an approximation of the Heaviside step function with higher order shape functions. Polynomial B-spline approximation functions are used in the present paper. Fiber yarns are modeled by using displacement based spline approximation and yarn shape geometry. The displacement continuity condition between the yarns and the matrix is imposed by using the penalty function method. A model solution for plates with inclusions was obtained and examined to evaluate the accuracy of the method. An advantage of the proposed technique is that it appears to tolerate small errors in yarn geometry definition, such as interpenetrations. Tensile loading of a triaxial braided composite was considered.

This paper details some current extensions and applications of hierarchical asynchronous parallel evolutionary algorithms (HAPEA) for multidisciplinary and multi-objective wing design and optimisation problems. In this work the search for the solution takes place in separate hierarchical layers comprising different CFD solvers or resolutions. The performance and advantages of the algorithm are compared to that of a classical EA which would normally use only a single complex model and involve larger computational expense. The formulation and implementation of the algorithm are described and a test case for a multidisciplinary transonic wing design in structures and aerodynamics is presented. The trade-off between the objective functions produced a set of compromise designs represented in an optimal Pareto front. Results indicate that the algorithm is fast and robust for multi-objective and multidisciplinary optimisation problems and as designed produces classical as well as alternative wing configurations.

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), also referred to as multipotent stromal cells, are currently being applied in clinical trials for bone diseases, graft versus host disease, and myocardial infarction. However, the standard growth medium for hMSCs contains 10%-20% fetal calf serum (FCS), and FCS is strongly immunogenic in both rodents and humans. Previously, we reported that by a sensitive fluorescence-based assay, 7-30 mg of internalized FCS is associated with 10(8) hMSCs, a dosage that will probably be needed for most therapies. We also found that a brief culture in medium containing autologous 20% adult human serum (AHS) or autologous 10% AHS supplemented with growth factors (AHS(+)) reduced the contamination by more than 99.9%. We have now extensively characterized the culture conditions and shown that hMSC expansion is possible using heterologous 20% AHS or heterologous 10% AHS(+). The uptake of FCS is an active process that acts to concentrate contamination in the cells even under low serum conditions (2% FCS) but can be actively displaced by incubation of the cells in medium with AHS. Rat MSCs (rMSCs) can be expanded under similar conditions using supplemented heterologous adult rat serum (ARS(+)). After expansion in FCS, a further 8 days of culture with ARS(+) significantly improves the viability of the rMSCs in vivo after encapsulation in fibrin followed by subcutaneous implantation in rats. Our results have the potential to dramatically improve cellular and genetic therapies using hMSCs.

In a peer network environment, which is typical in ad-hoc wireless networks, nodes collaborate to achieve some collective end. There is no hierarchy within the network, all nodes being given equal authority. No channel to nodes outside of the peer network is assumed to exist. In this untraditional environment we must provide traditional security properties and assure fairness in order to enable the secure, collaborative success of the network. One solution is to form a Trusted Domain, and exclude perceived dishonest and unfair members. Such solutions have previously been intolerant of masquerading, and have suffered from a lack of precise control over the allocation and exercise of privileges within the Trusted Domain. We introduce a model based on the work of Yang et. al. 2002 and Narasimha et. al. 2003 that provides granular control over privileges, and guards against masquerading. Continued good behavior is rewarded by an escalation of privileges, while requiring an increased commitment of resources. Bad behavior results in expulsion from the Trusted Domain. In colluding with malicious nodes, well behaved nodes risk losing privileges gained over time; collusion is thereby discouraged.

It is well known that Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) can provide solutions to problems that are difficult to solve with conventional deterministic optimisers. In this paper, we present continuing research on the application of a modern Evolutionary Algorithm (EA) for aerodynamic shape optimisation coupled with a grid-free or meshless flowsolver based on Kinetic schemes. The evolutionary method is based upon traditional evolution strategy with the incorporation of an asynchronous function evaluation for the solution and uses a hierarchical topology where the search for the best individual takes place successively in separate hierarchical layers comprising different fidelity models/resolutions or number of points. The grid-free formulation requires the domain discretisation to have very little topological information. A simple random distribution of points along with local connectivity information is sufficient. The connectivity which contains a set of neighbouring points is used to evaluate the special derivatives appearing in the conservation law. The derivatives are evaluated using Least Square (LS) approximation. The application of the methodology is then illustrated on two-dimensional inverse aerofoil optimisation problems. Results indicate that the method is robust and efficient on its application to real world problems.