Promoting and Managing Genome Innovation

An introduction to the symposium, Promoting and Managing Genome Innovation held October 1995. The conference was organized by Professor Thomas G. Field, Jr. and Gianna Julian-Arnold. The conference was funded in part by the Ethical, Legal and Social Issues component of the D.O.E. Human Genome Program; Nixon, Hargrave, Devans & Doyle L.L.P., Rochester, N.Y.; and Human Genome Sciences

Diffusion Problems in Wound Healing and a Scattering Approach to Immune System Interactions

A theoretical model for the existence of a Critical Size Defect (CSD) in certain animals is the focus of the majority of this dissertation. Adam [1] recently developed a one-dimensional model of this phenomenon, and chapters I–V address the exist the CSD in a two-dimensional model and a three-dimensional model. The two dimensional (or 1-d circular) model is the more appropriate for a study of CSD\u27s. In that model we assume a circular wound of uniform depth and develop a time-independent form of the diffusion equation relevant to the study of the CSD phenomenon. It transpires that the range of CSD sizes for a reasonable estimate of parameter values is 1mm-1cm. More realistic estimates await the appropriate experimental data. The remainder of this dissertation is devoted to two phenomenological models describing the spread of cancer and the effects of the immune system on that spread. In chapter VI, Tumor Immunity, a PDE similar to Fisher\u27s equation is analyzed in terms of the equilibrium points and their linear stability and similarities are noted with the Spruce-Budworm problem of Ludwig et al (and summarized by Strogatz). This chapter concludes with a standard phase plane analysis of a traveling wave solution. Chapter VII, Tunneling, introduces a novel and hopefully useful way of looking at cancer growth and the immune system. In the governing differential equation, the cancer cell number represents the independent variable, while the dependent variable is related to the probability of achieving that size cell number. (The square of the dependent variable is the probability). By analogy with quantum mechanics, the idea is introduced that the immune system (represented by a rectangular barrier of height V) may not in all cases prevent the cancer from “penetrating” the barrier i.e. tunneling through. The governing differential equation and boundary conditions represent a classical eigenvalue problem which may be thought of here as a “semi-classical” version of the time-independent Schröinger equation. Examples are provided which show considerable variation in the effectiveness of the “immune barrier” towards limiting the numerical growth of cancer cells

Slow gait speed and cardiac rehabilitation participation in older adults after acute myocardial infarction

Background Lack of participation in cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) and slow gait speed have both been associated with poor long‐term outcomes in older adults after acute myocardial infarction ( AMI ). Whether the effect of CR participation on outcomes after AMI differs by gait speed is unknown. Methods and Results We examined the association between gait speed and CR participation at 1 month after discharge after AMI , and death and disability at 1 year, in 329 patients aged ≥65 years enrolled in the TRIUMPH (Translational Research Investigating Underlying Disparities in Recovery From Acute Myocardial Infarction: Patients' Health Status) registry. Among these patients, 177 (53.7%) had slow gait speed (&lt;0.8 m/s) and 109 (33.1%) participated in CR . Patients with slow gait speed were less likely to participate in CR compared with patients with normal gait speed (27.1% versus 40.1%; P =0.012). In unadjusted analysis, CR participants with normal gait speed had the lowest rate of death or disability at 1 year (9.3%), compared with those with slow gait speed and no CR participation (43.2%). After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive impairment, both slow gait speed (odds ratio, 2.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.30–4.06) and non‐ CR participation (odds ratio, 2.34; 95 confidence interval, 1.22–4.48) were independently associated with death or disability at 1 year. The effect of CR on the primary outcome did not differ by gait speed ( P =0.70). Conclusions CR participation is associated with reduced risk for death or disability after AMI . The beneficial effect of CR participation does not differ by gait speed, suggesting that slow gait speed alone should not preclude referral to CR for older adults after AMI . </jats:sec

Effectiveness of Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Among Nursing Home Residents During an Influenza Type A (H3N2) Epidemic

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/111257/1/j.1532-5415.1999.tb04574.x.pd

Assessment of a prototype energy-dissipating orthosis for the measurement and management of upper extremity intention tremor

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 1992.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 236-242).by Allison Suzanne Arnold.M.S

The MEK2-binding tumor suppressor hDlg is recruited by E-cadherin to the midbody ring

Background: The human homologue of the Drosophila Discs-large tumor suppressor protein, hDlg, is a multi-domain cytoplasmic protein that localizes to the membrane at intercellular junction sites. At both synaptic junctions and epithelia cell-cell junctions, hDlg is known to recruit several signaling proteins into macromolecular complexes. hDlg is also found at the midbody, a small microtubule-rich structure bridging the two daughter cells during cytokinesis, but its function at this site is not clear. Results: Here we describe the interaction of hDlg with the activated form of MEK2 of the canonical RAF/MEK/ERK pathway, a protein that is found at the midbody during cytokinesis. We show that both proteins localize to a sub-structure of the midbody, the midbody ring, and that the interaction between the PDZ domains of hDlg and the C-terminal portion of MEK2 is dependent on the phosphorylation of MEK2. Finally, we found that E-cadherin also localizes to the midbody and that its expression is required for the isoform-specific recruitment of hDlg, but not activated MEK2, to that structure. Conclusion: Our results suggest that like at other cell-cell junction sites, hDlg is part of a macromolecular complex of structural and signaling proteins at the midbody.Molecular and Cellular Biolog

New Perspectives on Ecological Mechanisms Affecting Coral Recruitment on Reefs

Coral mortality has increased in recent decades, making coral recruitment more important than ever in sustaining coral reef ecosystems and contributing to their resilience. This review summarizes existing information on ecological factors affecting scleractinian coral recruitment. Successful recruitment requires the survival of coral offspring through sequential life history stages. Larval availability, successful settlement, and post-settlement survival and growth are all necessary for the addition of new coral individuals to a reef and ultimately maintenance or recovery of coral reef ecosystems. As environmental conditions continue to become more hostile to corals on a global scale, further research on fertilization ecology, connectivity, larval condition, positive and negative cues influencing substrate selection, and post-settlement ecology will be critical to our ability to manage these diverse ecosystems for recovery. A better understanding of the ecological factors infl uencing coral recruitment is fundamental to coral reef ecology and management

Farmers Markets and the Local Food System: The Case of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

In order to examine and obtain a better understanding of the local food system within Adams County, Pennsylvania, this study explores the characteristics and perspectives of the customers and vendors at the farmers markets in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Survey findings from the Gettysburg Farmers Market and the three Adams County Farmers Markets include customer demographic information, perspectives and shopping behavior as well as vendor product information, farm size and location and preference for market management. Introductory background information on the Farm Bill and the influence of agricultural practices on the environment, human health and nutrition and the relationship between farmers markets and the local economy are offered in order to emphasize the value of a well-managed local food system. Conclusions provide evidence that lower income and lower education levels are not sufficiently represented at all the markets and food stamp programs are being underutilized. This study suggests employing additional marketing to target underrepresented demographic groups, public transportation to potentially inaccessible market locations and increased advertisement and encouragement of food stamp programs at all markets in order to expand the customer base and increase access to healthy, local foods for less advantaged citizens. The results from this study are intended to offer evidence that will promote and facilitate market management, strengthen customer/vendor relationships and encourage better ties between the local community and local food systems at the farmers markets within Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania