cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactions in therapy groups as a function of differences among therapists and group size.

Five open therapy groups, ranging in size from 4 to 6 patient members, and headed by different therapists with similar group-centered orientations to group psychotherapy, were compared on measures of patient and therapist verbal response frequencies. Only one of the therapists had much experience in conducting group therapy. The verbal response frequencies were recorded by co-therapists who otherwise took no part in the sessions. All the patients were assigned to the open groups in a strictly random manner. It was found that the patient-with-therapist and the patient-with-patient verbal interactions varied significantly among the groups headed by the different therapists. The group conducted by the most experienced therapist had the highest number of patient-with-patient interactions while the number of his own interactions with patients was about average. No consistent relationship was found between the number of therapist-with-patient and patient-with-patient interactions. Analysis of the effects of gro...
Energy-efficiency: Issues for the decade

Increases in energy-use efficiency have made impressive contributions to both economy and environment over the last two decades, but the rate of improvement has slowed and energy-efficiency continues to be a controversial subject. We explore the genesis and character of the energy-efficiency debate and assess the roles of market forces, government intervention, and technological innovation in determining future progress. We discuss the prognosis for utility energy-efficiency programs, which are imperiled by the current trend to utility deregulation. We note that decreasing energy prices have weakened the earlier economic stimulus to energy efficiency and discuss the strong driving force that has arisen from environmental issues. We examine the proposition that innovation stimulated by R&D investment has been a key ingredient in the development of energy-efficient technologies and assert that the continuing development of a knowledge base to assure future innovation requires a strong government/private-sector partnership.
Time budgets of lactating dairy cattle in commercial freestall herds

The aim of this study was to examine the time budgets of 205 lactating dairy cows housed in 16 freestall barns in Wisconsin and to determine the relationships between components of the time budget and herd- and cow-level fixed effects using mixed models. Using continuous video surveillance, time lying in the stall, time standing in the stall, time standing in the alleys (including drinking), time feeding, and time milking (time out of the pen for milking and transit) during a 24-h period were measured for each cow. In addition, the number of lying bouts and the mean duration of each lying bout per 24-h period were determined. Time milking varied between cows from 0.5 to 6.0 h/d, with a mean ± standard deviation of 2.7 ± 1.1h/d. Time milking was influenced significantly by pen stocking density, and time milking negatively affected time feeding, time lying, and time in the alley, but not time standing in the stall. Locomotion score, either directly or through an interaction with stall base type (a rubber crumb-filled mattress, MAT, or sand bedding, SAND), influenced pen activity. Lame cows spent less time feeding, less time in the alleys, and more time standing in the stalls in MAT herds, but not in SAND herds. The effect of lameness on lying time is complex and dependent on the time available for rest and differences in resting behavior observed between cows in MAT and SAND herds. In MAT herds, rest was characterized by a larger number of lying bouts of shorter duration than in SAND herds (mean = 14.4; confidence interval, CI: 12.4 to 16.5 vs. mean = 10.2; CI: 8.2 to 12.2 bouts per d, and mean = 1.0; CI: 0.9 to 1.1 vs. mean = 1.3, CI: 1.2 to 1.4h bout duration for MAT and SAND herds, respectively). Lameness was associated with an increase in time standing in the stall and a reduction in the mean (CI) number of lying bouts per day from 13.2 (CI: 12.3 to 14.1) bouts/d for nonlame cows to 10.9 (CI: 9.30 to 12.8) bouts/d for moderately lame cows, and an overall reduction in lying time in MAT herds compared with SAND herds (11.5; CI: 10.0 to 13.0 vs. 12.7; CI: 11.0 to 14.3h/d, respectively). These results show that time out of the pen milking, stall base type, and lameness significantly affect time budgets of cows housed in freestall facilities.
A new assay for transaminase C.

An assay for transaminase C is presented in which the pyruvate formed via transamination between α-ketoisovalerate and alanine is determined using p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde. This reagent reacts with pyruvate in alkaline solution to form a yellow chromophore having an absorption peak at 420 nm, but produces very little color with α-ketoisovalerate. This differential reactivity allows pyruvate to be determined in the presence of α-ketoisovalerate.
Microsatellite analysis of seed dispersal and parentage of saplings in bur oak, Quercus macrocarpa

Microsatellite analysis was used to examine parentage and spatial distributions of 62 adult bur oaks Quercus macrocarpa, and 100 saplings in a single stand. Using genotypes scored by PCR products at four microsatellite loci, we determined that 94 saplings matched at least one parent in the stand. Saplings often occur as dense clusters of half-sibs around the presumed maternal parent, and only four adults were seed parents to a large proportion of the saplings sampled. A stump apparently was the seed parent of the largest cluster of half-sibs, which occupied a sizeable light gap opened up by the death of their maternal tree. Approximately half of the saplings appeared to have grown from seeds that had not been removed after falling from the tree, and half from seeds that were dispersed beyond the crown of their maternal parent. Long-distance seed dispersal may be more common than has been previously reported. Extremely high levels of long-distance pollination were indicated, and pollen donors within the stand were generally distributed randomly around maternal trees. More than half of the saplings had paternal parents outside of the stand. This study demonstrates the utility of microsatellite analysis for studying mating systems, seed dispersal and seedling establishment in natural plant populations.
Oxidation kinetics of sedimentary pyrite in seawater

Abstract Long-term (weeks to months) experiments were conducted on the oxidation kinetics of sedimentary pyrite in which initially anoxic sediments containing pyrite were suspended in seawater that was kept in equilibrium with the atmosphere. During an initial reaction period the oxidation of pyrite is relatively rapid, with 3% to 18% oxidation occurring in one day. Calculations indicate that this initial rapid rate of oxidation is the result of the oxidation of very fine (
Health-seeking behavior and the meaning of medications in Balochistan, Pakistan.

Abstract A wide variety of health care options—home-based, indigenous, and cosmopolitan—exists in northern Balochistan, Pakistan. This paper examines health-seeking behavior in the area of mother and child health for villagers in this pluralistic medical setting. The analysis of a specific series of illness episodes shows that the majority of cases obtain treatment from different medical systems for a single episode. Interest in medications takes precedence over practitioners, and the meaning the villagers attach to such substances is explored. Long-established patterns of behavior relating to indigenous medicine continue to occur when cosmopolitan medicine is utilized. Information presented here helps to explain problems in utilization of cosmopolitan pharmaceuticals and delineates areas for future health programme activity.
Conformational Comparability of Factor IX–Fc Fusion Protein, Factor IX, and Purified Fc Fragment in the Absence and Presence of Calcium

A long lasting recombinant factor IX –Fc fusion protein (rFIX–Fc) is being developed for the treatment of hemophilia B and is currently in late stage clinical investigation. By limiting injection frequency and maintaining efficacy, rFIX–Fc shows promise as a new therapeutic option for hemophilia B patients. However, before gaining regulatory approval, rFIX–Fc must undergo rigorous analytical and biological testing, in addition to clinical trials. Included in this testing is the need to understand this protein's higher-order structure and dynamics. In this study, we investigated and compared the biophysical properties of rFIX–Fc, rFIX, and Fc using hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and differential scanning calorimetry. Within the limits of these techniques, our results show that structural comparability exists between rFIX and the FIX region of rFIX–Fc. In addition, changes in the structure and dynamics of both proteins, in response to calcium binding, a requirement for FIX function, are also highly comparable. In the case of Fc and Fc region of rFIX–Fc, conformational comparability is also established. These biophysical results further support the conclusion that fusing an immunoglobulin gamma 1 Fc to rFIX does not significantly alter the higher-order structure of FIX or Fc, Ca binding to FIX, or Fc functionality. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 101:1688–1700, 2012
Ultrasonically enabled neural probes with co-located electrical and mechanical transduction

We present a neural probe with the capability to measure and alter the mechanical environment of the probe. The ultrasonic neural probe can be actuated ultrasonically during insertion, greatly reducing the insertion force and reducing the average stress around the probe. Furthermore, the probe can measure viscoelastic properties of the probe-tissue interface via measuring the ultrasonic response of the probe. The probe can also measure micromotion, casued by physical motion such as breathing. The data can be useful for characterizing and improving neural probe and tissue-electrical interface reliability. We have demonstrated that with ultrasonic actuated insertion, we significantly reduced both the force of the electrode insertion and microglia activation, indicating an increase in neural microelectrode performance. In addition, a miniature recording system was developed that allows electrode potentials record chronically in mice.
Enhancement of glutamine synthetase induction by pH adjustment in cultures of embryonic neural retina.

Abstract The induction of a characteristic enzyme of the differentiating chick neural retina, glutamine synthetase (GS), was examined in vitro under a range of pH values. Several zwitterionic buffers —Tricine, TES, HEPES, PIPES, and MOPS—were tested for their abilities to support GS induction in three types of cultures: intact retinas, cell aggregates, and cell monolayers. The buffers were tested at a final concentration of 0.05 M with 0.005 M NaHCO3 in Eagles basal medium with 20 % fetal bovine serum. All three culture types showed a pH optimum for GS induction in the range pH 6.6 to 6.7. This optimum was about 0.3 pH units below the average pH obtained with standard bicarbonate buffers during the same culture period of 24 h. With decreasing pH there was a decrease in the diameter of cell aggregates and a decrease in the spreading of cells in monolayer cultures. This indicates that one of the effects of lower pH was either a direct or indirect alteration of cell surfaces. With HEPES, PIPES, and MOPS specific morphological and behavioral alterations of the cells were observed which were independent of pH.
Distortion of ceramometal fixed partial dentures during the firing cycle

1. Distortion does occur in the body of curved, long-span fixed partial denture frameworks during the porcelain firing cycle. 2. This distortion is a result of changes in the metal as well as the contraction of fired porcelain. 3. The greatest distortional changes occur during the degassing stage and the final glaze stage of the porcelain firing cycle. 4. Distortion incurred by the application and firing of the porcelain is reversible. When the porcelain is chemically removed from the framework, there is an elastic rebound. 5. Distortion is clinically important in that it may lead to detectable marginal openings. 6. The distortion pattern observed in the curved fixed partial denture is a closing of the posterior or lingual dimensions and labial movement in the anterior dimension. This indicates the effect of the contracting porcelain on the metal framework.
The microwave opacity of Saturn's rings at wavelengths of 3.6 and 13 cm from Voyager 1 radio occultation

Information obtained about Saturn's rings through radio occultation observations with Voyager 1 is discussed. The experimental aspects are addressed, including the positional relationships and relative motions of the spacecraft, rings, and earth, the radio system, observables, microwave opacity, and diffraction. The data characteristics, reduction procedures, calibrations, and corrections are described, and results are presented for the opacity, complex extinction, and diffraction. Ring C is found to exhibit a gently undulating structure of normal opacity, except for several narrow imbedded ringlets. The normalized differential opacity indicates a substantial fraction of centimeter-size particles. In the Cassini division, the opacity appears to be nearly independent of wavelength. Ring A appears to be nearly homogeneous over much of its width, but with considerable thickening near its inner boundary with the Cassini division.
Content Analysis of Four National Music Organizations' Conferences

We examined the content of the 2002 and 2004 National Biennial In-Service Conferences of MENC: The National Association for Music Education; the 2002 and 2004 Midwest Clinic: An International Band ...
Deep inspirations as stimuli for responses of the autonomic nervous system.

Abstract : The effects of four types of deep breaths on the latency, the magnitude and the duration of finger volume pulse, heart rate and galvanic skin responses were studied in a quasi-learning situation. The respiratory stimuli were normal inspirations, three times deeper than normal, six times deeper and fast, and six times deeper and slow. Twenty Ss took each type of deep breath in random order six times in response to specific lights. Graphs and statistical tests are presented summarizing the above relationships and two unexpected findings are discussed. (Author)
Comparison of rat liver and calf thymus histone fractions by molecular exclusion chromatography and ultracentrifugation.

Abstract The total histone fraction of rat liver nuclei isolated in 0.44 m sucrose at two different pH values has been studied by column chromatography using Sephadex G-200, by ultracentrifugation, by amino acid analysis, and by disc gel electrophoresis. Subfractions have also been investigated. The results have been compared with comparable results obtained from calf thymus histone. Three principal peaks were observed in Sephadex chromatography which corresponded to material of average molecular weights of approximately 445,000 (peak A), 47,000 (peak B), and 300 (peak C). Sedimentation constants were used in conjunction with the results of chromatography in determining the molecular weights of peaks A and B. Whole histone extract exhibited two ultracentrifuge peaks, the slower of which corresponded to the bulk of the histone. Disc gel electrophoresis of whole histone extracts from nuclei isolated in 0.44 m sucrose at pH 3.8 and pH 5.8, and in 0.44 m sucrose-0.005 CaCl2 without pH control showed several heavily staining bands which corresponded to the bulk of protein in the histone extract. Several lightly staining bands were also observed when 5.24 m urea was present in the gels. These presumably corresponded to impurities carried over from the “globulin” fraction. Finally, one or two lightly staining bonds were also observed in some cases. Disc gel electrophoresis was also used to show that the material corresponding to Sephadex peak B and C corresponded mainly to histone or (in the case of peak C) degraded histone. Insufficient material was collected to prove the presence of histone in peak A. Amino acid analysis showed that the material from Sephadex peak A contained most of the phenylalanine and tyrosine of the total histone extract. By comparing results obtained from Sephadex chromatography and disc gel electrophoresis using rat liver nuclei isolated in 0.44 m sucrose at pH 3.8, 0.44 m sucrose at pH 5.8, or in some cases 0.44 m sucrose-0.005 m CaCl2 without pH control, it was found that substantial quantitative differences occurred which apparently were caused mainly by differences in the degree of histone degradation during isolation of the nuclei by different procedures.
Spatial operator factorization and inversion of the manipulator mass matrix

This paper advances two linear operator factorizations of the manipulator mass matrix. Embedded in the factorizations are many of the techniques that are regarded as very efficient computational solutions to inverse and forward dynamics problems. The operator factorizations provide a high-level architectural understanding of the mass matrix and its inverse, which is not visible in the detailed algorithms. They also lead to an approach to the development of computer programs or the organisation of complexity in robot dynamics. >
Detection and exploitation of file working sets

The work habits of many individuals yield file access patterns that are quite pronounced and can be regarded as defining working sets of files used for particular applications. A client management technique for detecting these patterns and then exploiting them to successfully prefetch files from servers is described. Trace-driven simulations show the technique substantially increases file cache hit rate in a single-user environment. Successful file prefetching carries three major advantages: applications run faster, there is less burst load placed on the network, and properly loaded client caches can better survive network outages. The technique requires little extra code, and-because it is simply an augmentation of the standard LRU client cache management algorithm-is easily incorporated into existing software. >
MRI of the hip at 7T: feasibility of bone microarchitecture, high-resolution cartilage, and clinical imaging.

Purpose To demonstrate the feasibility of performing bone microarchitecture, high-resolution cartilage, and clinical imaging of the hip at 7T. Materials and Methods This study had Institutional Review Board approval. Using an 8-channel coil constructed in-house, we imaged the hips of 15 subjects on a 7T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. We applied: 1) a T1-weighted 3D fast low angle shot (3D FLASH) sequence (0.23 × 0.23 × 1–1.5 mm3) for bone microarchitecture imaging; 2) T1-weighted 3D FLASH (water excitation) and volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequences (0.23 × 0.23 × 1.5 mm3) with saturation or inversion recovery-based fat suppression for cartilage imaging; 3) 2D intermediate-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE) sequences without and with fat saturation (0.27 × 0.27 × 2 mm) for clinical imaging. Results Bone microarchitecture images allowed visualization of individual trabeculae within the proximal femur. Cartilage was well visualized and fat was well suppressed on FLASH and VIBE sequences. FSE sequences allowed visualization of cartilage, the labrum (including cartilage and labral pathology), joint capsule, and tendons. Conclusion This is the first study to demonstrate the feasibility of performing a clinically comprehensive hip MRI protocol at 7T, including high-resolution imaging of bone microarchitecture and cartilage, as well as clinical imaging. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:1384–1393. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spontaneously Ruptured Carotid Artery of Undetermined Etiology

A 66-year-old man developed severe airway obstruction, right hemothorax, and hemorrhagic shock due to spontaneous rupture of a normal-appearing right common carotid artery. Surgery disclosed a sharp, 1-cm vertical rupture in the anterior wall of the right common carotid artery, 1.5 cm proximal to the carotid bifurcation. Otherwise the artery appeared normal. A biopsy was done around the perforated vessel, and the defect was closed with a patch graft taken from the right external carotid artery. The patient had an uneventful recovery. Subsequent clinical and laboratory studies gave no clue to the cause of the rupture. We believe this to be a case of a spontaneous rupture of undetermined cause in a normal carotid artery.
Brief communication: Cineradiographic analysis of the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints.

Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Anthropological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook,NY 11794-4364KEY WORDS midtarsal break; midfoot break; transverse tarsal joint; range of motion;cineradiographyABSTRACT During terrestrial locomotion, chimpan-zees exhibit dorsiﬂexion of the midfoot between mid-stance and toe-off of stance phase, a phenomenon thathas been called the “midtarsal break.” This motion isgenerally absent during human bipedalism, and in chim-panzees is associated with more mobile foot joints thanin humans. However, the contribution of individual footjoints to overall foot mobility in chimpanzees is poorlyunderstood, particularly on the medial side of the foot.The talonavicular (TN) and calcaneocuboid (CC) jointshave both been suggested to contribute signiﬁcantly tomidfoot mobility and to the midtarsal break in chimpan-zees. To evaluate the relative magnitude of motion thatcan occur at these joints, we tracked skeletal motion ofthe hindfoot and midfoot during passive plantarﬂexionand dorsiﬂexion manipulations using cineradiography.The sagittal plane range of motion was 38610 at theTN joint and 1468 at the CC joint. This ﬁnding indi-cates that the TN joint is more mobile than the CC jointduring ankle plantarﬂexion–dorsiﬂexion. We suggestthat the larger range of motion at the TN joint duringdorsiﬂexion is associated with a rotation (inversion–ever-sion) across the transverse tarsal joint, which may occurin addition to sagittal plane motion. Am J Phys Anthro-pol 000:000–000, 2014.
Quantitative measurement of adhesion between polypropylene blends and paints by tensile mechanical testing

A tensile mechanical test suitable to measure the adhesion between brittle coatings and ductile substrates was applied to measure the adhesion of painted layers on polypropylene blends. The test involves the tensile deformation of the painted assembly, resulting in the periodic cracking of the brittle coating on the ductile substrate. The interfacial shear strength was determined by measuring the strength of the coating, the thickness of the coating, and the average width of paint fragment after the crack density reaches saturation. Apparent interfacial shear strength was obtained for different paints on the same kind of blend, which gave consistent results over the experimental strain rate range from 10 -4 to 10 -3 sec -1 . Interfacial delamination was studied by optical microscopy (OM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The delamination was observed to mainly occur near the adhesion promoter and substrate interface.
An Economical Approach to Teaching Cadaver Anatomy: A 10-Year Retrospective

Because of shrinking budgets and computerized virtual dissection programs, many large and small institutions are closing the door on traditional and expensive cadaver dissection classes. However, many health-care educators would argue there is still a place for cadaver dissection in higher education, so the continuing challenge is to provide the undergraduate, pre-allied health-care student with dissection experience as budgetary constraints lead institutions away from this valuable and time-honored teaching tool. I present a teaching model that looks to address those concerns and is taught in a unique way, with minimal overhead and with the potential to provide an effective and rewarding experience for students entering the medical, nursing, and physical rehabilitation fields.
Geochemical and Hydrogeological Data Assimilation with Geospatial Modeling Technology

A thorough review and geological characterization of the latest geochemical and hydrogeological data of the A_area and M_area at a superfund site was undertaken in order to determine the nature and extent of contamination. An integrated contaminant plume and geologic structure model was developed. The GIS surface topographic map is overlaid on the integrated model. The results of this study provide basic information to identify current or potential problems caused by the contamination and assist in the evaluation and selection of the remedial action. In addition, this study assimilated input data for groundwater flow and contaminant transport modeling and will tremendously reduce the uncertainty of modeling. The geospatial modeling technology was fully used for construction, interactive visualization, and manipulation of three-dimensional models of complex geologic layers where property (chemical concentration) grids populate.
Utilization of Metal Halide Species Ambiguity to Develop Amorphous, Stabilized Pharmaceutical Agents As Ionic Liquids

A new strategy employs amorphous melts of active pharmaceutical agents, which are formed with metal chlorides, including ZnCl2, through speciation ambiguity. The Lewis acidic, bioinorganic ionic liquid formulations improve shelf life and water solubility and eliminate issues related to crystal polymorphism. This broad-ranging approach produces thermally robust chlorometallate preparations for use as lotions, antibiofilm agents, and in situations without refrigeration.
Contribution of the beating ventricles in closed-chest left-ventricular bypass in the dog

The capability of a closed-chest method for bypassing the left ventricle is described. The method is ideal for short-term support of the circulation in cases of left ventricular failure. Blood is withdrawn from the left ventricle via a catheter and pumped back into the arterial system via another catheter. A suitably designed double lumen catheter with staggered ends could be used if a single arterial penetration is desired.
Evidence for 26 distinct acyl-coenzyme A synthetase genes in the human genome

Acyl-coenzyme A synthetases (ACSs) catalyze the fundamental, initial reaction in fatty acid metabolism. "Activation" of fatty acids by thioesterification to CoA allows their participation in both anabolic and catabolic pathways. The availability of the sequenced human genome has facilitated the investigation of the number of ACS genes present. Using two conserved amino acid sequence motifs to probe human DNA databases, 26 ACS family genes/proteins were identified. ACS activity in either humans or rodents was demonstrated previously for 20 proteins, but 6 remain candidate ACSs. For two candidates, cDNA was cloned, protein was expressed in COS-1 cells, and ACS activity was detected. Amino acid sequence similarities were used to assign enzymes into subfamilies, and subfamily assignments were consistent with acyl chain length preference. Four of the 26 proteins did not fit into a subfamily, and bootstrap analysis of phylograms was consistent with evolutionary divergence. Three additional conserved amino acid sequence motifs were identified that likely have functional or structural roles. The existence of many ACSs suggests that each plays a unique role, directing the acyl-CoA product to a specific metabolic fate. Knowing the full complement of ACS genes in the human genome will facilitate future studies to characterize their specific biological functions.
Structure and Phylogenetic Analysis of an Endogenous Retrovirus Inserted into the Human Growth Factor Gene Pleiotrophin

A human endogenous retrovirus-like element (HERV), flanked by long terminal repeats of 502 and 495 nucleotides is inserted into the human pleiotrophin (PTN) gene upstream of the open reading frame. Based on its Glu-tRNA primer binding site specificity and the location within the PTN gene, we named this element HERV-E.PTN. HERV-E.PTN appears to be a recombined viral element based on its high homology (70 to 86%) in distinct areas to members of two distantly related HERV type C families, HERV-E and retrovirus-like element I (RTVL-I). Furthermore, its pseudogene region is organized from 5' to 3' into gag-, pol-, env-, pol-, env-similar sequences. Interestingly, full-length and partial HERV-E.PTN-homologous sequences were found in the human X chromosome, the human hereditary haemochromatosis region, and the BRCA1 pseudogene. Finally, Southern analyses indicate that the HERV-E.PTN element is present in the PTN gene of humans, chimpanzees, and gorillas but not of rhesus monkeys, suggesting that genomic insertion occurred after the separation of monkeys and apes about 25 million years ago.
ADP Ribosylation Factor 1 Activity Is Required To Recruit AP-1 to the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I (MHC-I) Cytoplasmic Tail and Disrupt MHC-I Trafficking in HIV-1-Infected Primary T Cells

HIV-1-infected cells are partially resistant to anti-HIV cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) due to the effects of the HIV Nef protein on antigen presentation by major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I), and evidence has been accumulating that this function of Nef is important in vivo. HIV Nef disrupts the normal expression of MHC-I by stabilizing a protein-protein interaction between the clathrin adaptor protein AP-1 and the MHC-I cytoplasmic tail. There is also evidence that Nef activates a phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)-dependent GTPase, ADP ribosylation factor 6 (ARF-6), to stimulate MHC-I internalization. However, the relative importance of these two pathways is unclear. Here we report that a GTPase required for AP-1 activity (ARF-1) was needed for Nef to disrupt MHC-I surface levels, whereas no significant requirement for ARF-6 was observed in Nef-expressing T cell lines and in HIV-infected primary T cells. An ARF-1 inhibitor blocked the ability of Nef to recruit AP-1 to the MHC-I cytoplasmic tail, and a dominant active ARF-1 mutant stabilized the Nef–MHC-I–AP-1 complex. These data support a model in which Nef and ARF-1 stabilize an interaction between MHC-I and AP-1 to disrupt the presentation of HIV-1 epitopes to CTLs.
Biometrics, Sexual Dimorphism and Gender Determination of Griffon VulturesGyps fulvusfrom Crete

In the present study we describe the morphometrics of 97 live Eurasian Griffon Vultures Gyps fulvus collected on the island of Crete (Greece) and a sex determination model on the basis of various field techniques and multivariate data analysis. We determined the sex of 49 individuals with sex-specific DNA markers and polymerase chain reaction using DNA extracted from blood samples. Adult birds were generally larger than young ones with the wing chord being the only significantly different character. Male Griffons were smaller than females for most body characters and significantly larger (c. 3–5%) for head length, head width, bill length and bill length including the cere. A stepwise discriminant function analysis showed a high predictive power in gender determination by classifying 94.1% of the individuals of known sex that was not reduced by a jackknife cross-validation technique.
β-Amyloid Stimulation of Microglia and Monocytes Results in TNFα-Dependent Expression of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase and Neuronal Apoptosis

Reactive microglia associated with the beta-amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains initiate a sequence of inflammatory events integral to the disease process. We have observed that fibrillar beta-amyloid peptides activate a tyrosine kinase-based signaling response in primary mouse microglia and the human monocytic cell line, THP-1, resulting in production of neurotoxic secretory products, proinflammatory cytokines, and reactive oxygen species. We report that most of the amyloid-induced tyrosine kinase activity was stimulated after activation of Src family members such as Lyn. However, transduction of the signaling response required for increased production of the cytokines TNFalpha and IL1-beta was mediated by the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, Syk. Additionally, beta-amyloid stimulated an NFkappaB-dependent pathway in parallel that was required for cytokine production. Importantly, TNFalpha generated by the monocytes and microglia was responsible for the majority of the neuorotoxic activity secreted by these cells after beta-amyloid stimulation but must act in concert with other factors elaborated by microglia to elicit neuronal death. Moreover, we observed that the neuronal loss was apoptotic in nature and involved increased neuronal expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and subsequent peroxynitrite production. Selective inhibitors of inducible nitric oxide synthase effectively protected cells from toxicity associated with the microglial and monocytic secretory products. This study demonstrates a functional linkage between beta-amyloid-dependent activation of microglia and several characteristic markers of neuronal death occurring in Alzheimer's disease brains.
An argument against Armstrong's analysis of the resemblance of universals

David Armstrong believes in universals. Once universals are accepted, it must also be accepted that they resemble one another to various degrees. Colors, for instance, fall into a complicated multidimensional resemblance- order. Armstrong claims that all universals are complex universals, and that they resemble one another insofar as they have common universal constituents. Armstrong's reductive account of resemblance in terms of overlap (or "partial identity") is attractive because it explains the formal features of resemblance as special cases of the formal properties of overlap. However, David Lewis has pointed out that the composition of universals does not obey the mereological principle of uniqueness. I use Lewis's point to construct a proof that Armstrong's analysis is mistaken. It is now generally recognized that the Universals theory and the Trope theory are the leading solutions to the Problem of Natural Classes (or as it is traditionally called, the Problem of Universals). A great advantage of the Universals theory over the Trope Theory is that it promises to analyze all resemblance in terms of partial identity whereas the Trope theory must take resemblance as primitive and leave its formal properties unexplained. By showing that the Universals theory cannot deliver on this promise, my argument weakens the case for rejecting the Trope theory in favor of the Universals theory.
Sub-THz specific relaxation times of hydrogen bond oscillations in E.coli thioredoxin. Molecular dynamics and statistical analysis.

Hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) in biological macromolecules are important for the molecular structure and functions. Since interactions via hydrogen bonds are weaker than covalent bonds, it can be expected that atomic movements involving H-bonds have low frequency vibrational modes. Sub-Terahertz (sub-THz) vibrational spectroscopy that combines measurements with molecular dynamics (MD) computational prediction has been demonstrated as a promising approach for biological molecule characterization. Multiple resonance absorption lines have been reported. The knowledge of relaxation times of atomic oscillations is critical for the successful application of THz spectroscopy for hydrogen bond characterization. The purpose of this work is to use atomic oscillations in the 0.35–0.7 THz range, found from molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of E.coli thioredoxin (2TRX), to study relaxation dynamics of two intra-molecular H-bonds, O⋯H–N and O⋯H–C. Two different complimentary techniques are used in this study, one is the analysis of the statistical distribution of relaxation time and dissipation factor values relevant to low frequency oscillations, and the second is the analysis of the autocorrelation function of low frequency quasi-periodic movements. By studying hydrogen bond atomic displacements, it was found that the atoms are involved in a number of collective oscillations, which are characterized by different relaxation time scales ranging from 2–3 ps to more than 150 ps. The existence of long lasting relaxation processes opens the possibility to directly observe and study H-bond vibrational modes in sub-THz absorption spectra of bio-molecules if measured with an appropriate spectral resolution. The results of measurements using a recently developed frequency domain spectroscopic sensor with a spectral resolution of 1 GHz confirm the MD analysis.
High-throughput optofluidic system for the laser microsurgery of oocytes.

This study combines microfluidics with optical microablation in a microscopy system that allows for high-throughput manipulation of oocytes, automated media exchange, and long-term oocyte observation. The microfluidic component of the system transports oocytes from an inlet port into multiple flow channels. Within each channel, oocytes are confined against a microfluidic barrier using a steady fluid flow provided by an external computer-controlled syringe pump. This allows for easy media replacement without disturbing the oocyte location. The microfluidic and optical-laser microbeam ablation capabilities of the system were validated using surf clam (Spisula solidissima) oocytes that were immobilized in order to permit ablation of the 5 μm diameter nucleolinus within the oocyte nucleolus. Oocytes were the followed and assayed for polar body ejection. © 2012 Society of Photo-
Globalization Contextualized: An Organization-Environment Case Study.

Over the past two decades, changes in higher education, the emerging global economy, and other social changes all influence the environment in which community colleges operate. This article investigates leadership perceptions of adaptation to a rapidly globalizing education environment. Data were collected through a multisite case study that included leaders from five colleges. The paper applies globalization theory to leader interviews to present an organization–environment study within the community college.
Discussion of "Undergraduate control education: a ME perspective"

In response to the article "Undergraduate control education: an ME perspective", by Agrawal, this article presents the author's view on several key issues in control engineering education, some are pertinent to electrical engineering (EE), some are more general. These issues include: 1) in comparison to mechanical engineering (ME) and other engineering disciplines, what does EE have to offer in control engineering education? and 2) does an undergraduate control curriculum have to start from LTI system theory? The author proposes some radical thoughts about fundamental changes in the infrastructure and pedagogical structure for control engineering education with ramifications to control engineering practices. These suggestions include: 1) seriously considering the advantages and drawbacks of centralized and independent control and systems engineering program, and 2) changing the entry point to control engineering curriculum from LTI to nonlinear system theory.
Reducing fishing vessel fuel consumption and NOX emissions

Abstract There is a growing concern with the impact of marine operations on the environment. This requires reducing fuel consumption and vessel pollution during operation. On-board computers and satellite communications will enable the operator to reduce fuel consumption and NO X emissions during vessel operations. This paper presents the results of a study on this problem and how such an on-board system could be implemented to reduce fuel consumption and engine NO X emissions.
A Possible Explanation of Rousseau's General Will

A “general will” is a philosophical and psychological contradiction in terms; will is a conception understandable, if at all, only in terms of individual actions. The problem cannot be glossed over by attempting to reduce the general will—as did T. H. Green—to a “common ego,” or to an analogical forerunner of Kant's pure practical reason. Why, then, did Rousseau make so unviable an idea the center of his political theory, and why has that idea continued to receive serious attention?The general will has continued to be taken seriously because it is an attempted (though not explicit) amalgam of two extremely important traditions of political thought, which may be called, roughly, ancient “cohesiveness” and modern “voluntarism.” Political thought since the 17th century has been characterized, among other things, by voluntarism, by an emphasis on the assent of individuals as the standard of political legitimacy. One certainly finds this in many of the most important thinkers between Hobbes and Kant; and even Hegel, while scarcely an “atomistic individualist” or a contractarian, explicitly argued that while “in the states of antiquity the subjective end simply coincided with the state's will,” in modern times “we make claims for private judgment, private willing, and private conscience.” When a political decision is to be made, Hegel continued, “an ‘I will’ must be pronounced by man himself.” This “I will,” he thought, must have an “appropriate objective existence” in the person of a monarch; “in a well-organized monarchy, the objective aspect belongs to law alone, and the monarch's part is merely to set to the law the subjective ‘I will’.” If even Hegel allows this voluntarist turn in his own non-contractarian theory, it goes without saying that all of social contract theory can be seen as the supreme example of voluntaristic ideas.
Using the socio-economic approach to management to augment Lean Six Sigma

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a framework and a case that delineates the coordinated use of the socio-economic approach to management (SEAM) and Lean Six Sigma (LSS) to facilitate operational change. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses action research and thematic analysis to explore the augmentation of existing process improvement and organizational assessment methodologies in a production environment. Findings – Organizations are under increasing pressure to improve all aspects of business. Project leaders and consultants often follow popular quantitatively oriented protocols like LSS to evaluate explicit operational processes. Including a qualitatively oriented protocol like SEAM expands the project leader’s capability through greater consideration of implicit organizational issues. This paper presents a case where LSS was complemented by SEAM to assess a process that was entangled with several latent organizational dysfunctions. Practical implications – SEAM and LSS are a...
Methadone, buprenorphine and preferences for opioid agonist treatment: A qualitative analysis.

Abstract Background Patients and clinicians have begun to recognize the advantages and disadvantages of buprenorphine relative to methadone, but factors that influence choices between these two medications remain unclear. For example, we know little about how patients' preferences and previous experiences influence treatment decisions. Understanding these issues may enhance treatment engagement and retention. Methods Adults with opioid dependence ( n = 283) were recruited from two integrated health systems to participate in interviews focused on prior experiences with treatment for opioid dependence, knowledge of medication options, preferences for treatment, and experiences with treatment for chronic pain in the context of problems with opioids. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using Atlas.ti. Results Our analysis revealed seven areas of consideration for opioid agonist treatment decision-making: (1) awareness of treatment options; (2) expectations and goals for duration of treatment and abstinence; (3) prior experience with buprenorphine or methadone; (4) need for accountability and structured support; (5) preference to avoid methadone clinics or associated stigma; (6) fear of continued addiction and perceived difficulty of withdrawal; and (7) pain control. Conclusion The availability of medication options increases the need for clear communication between clinicians and patients, for additional patient education about these medications, and for collaboration and patient influence over choices in treatment decision-making. Our results suggest that access to both methadone and buprenorphine will increase treatment options and patient choice and may enhance treatment adherence and outcomes.
Background Checks in the University Admissions Process: An Overview of Legal and Policy Considerations

A primary question post-Virginia Tech has been how to improve safety on campus. This article encourages colleges and universities­ as one part of a comprehensive, environmental risk-management plan ­to conduct criminal background checks on applicants for admission. The article begins by examining recent incidences of student-on-student on or near campus. It then discusses current college and university practices regarding student background checks. Next, the article explores myriad legal and policy issues related to background checks, and concludes with specific steps schools should follow if campus leadership decides to implement background checks. In sum, the article concludes that background checks can help colleges and universities to create a reasonably safe educational environment.
Vesicouterine Fistula with Menouria: A Complication from an Intrauterine Contraceptive Device

AbstractWe report a case of a vesicouterine fistula with menouria (vesical menstruation) secondary to an intrauterine contraceptive device. Of the 23 cases of menouria reported previously 21 occurred after cesarean section, 1 was secondary to a traumatic forceps delivery and 1 was owing to infection. In our case the fistula did not close after removal of the perforated intrauterine contraceptive device and 2 months of catheter drainage. Closure was achieved by excision of the fistula and hysterectomy.
Mill Versus Locke: A Liberal Analysis of Mountaintop Removal Mining in Central Appalachia

Recently, President Obama’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator announced new regulations that could significantly curtail an extremely controversial method of surface mining called mountaintop removal (MTR). The announcement has been met with praise from environmentalists and other opponents of MTR, and strong condemnation from mining corporations that operate in the Central Appalachian Mountains, a poor region of the U.S. But the opponents and proponents, though seemingly situated at diametrically opposed poles of the debate, are both — I contend — engaging liberal arguments to undergird their respective positions. Indeed, I demonstrate — by analyzing the dominant discourses of anti-MTR non-profits and pro-MTR industry, respectively — that the MTR controversy illustrates a classic intra-liberal debate: that between John Mill and his notion of harm (the exercise of the ‘harm principle’), and John Locke and his conception of human labor as adding value to land and resources that would otherwise lay in waste. Those employing the Lockean logic stress that — with the eradication of coal extraction in the region, MTR included — there would be no jobs and a deeper economic crisis, essentially leaving in its wake a wasteland. In contrast, those employing the Millian logic place strong emphasis on the harm principle, suggesting that others’ liberty is considerably abridged as a result of the coal industry’s overstepping its boundary in order to extract natural resources.
Local magnitudes, seismic moments, and coda durations for earthquakes near Oroville, California

abstract Seismic moments M o and local magnitudes M L for earthquakes near Oroville, California imply the linear log seismic moment-local magnitude relation log ⁡ 10 ( M o ) = ( 1.21 ± 0.03 ) M L + ( 17.02 ± 0.07 ) for 17 log 10 M o 25. Coda durations τ for short-period, vertical-component seismographs located in the epicentral region are related to local magnitude using two linear log τ- M L segments with point of intersection at M L ≂ 1.5. The rms error is 0.1 to 0.2 units of magnitude. A relation of the form log M o = a 1 + a 3 (log τ) 2 is sufficient (in the sense that rms error in log 10 M o is 0.2 to 0.3 units) to relate τ and M o for 18 ≦ log 10 M o M L and τ- M o relationships are established for three seismographs of differing response