cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DESIRES, VALUES, REASONS, AND THE DUALISM OF PRACTICAL. REASON

In On What Matters Derek Parfit argues that facts about reasons for action are grounded in facts about values and against the view that they are grounded in facts about the desires that subjects would have after fully informed and rational deliberation. I describe and evaluate Parfit's arguments for this value-based conception of reasons for action and find them wanting. I also assess his response to Sidgwick's suggestion that there is a Dualism of Practical Reason. Parfit seems not to notice that his preferred value-based conception of reasons for action augurs strongly in favour of a view like Sidgwick's.1
EUS-guided transesophageal treatment of gastric fundal varices with combined coiling and cyanoacrylate glue injection (with videos).

Background There have been numerous reports of glue embolization after endoscopic cyanoacrylate (CYA) glue treatment of gastric fundal varices (GFV), with some cases fatal. Coils with attached synthetic fibers may decrease or eliminate this risk and may decrease the amount of CYA needed to achieve obliteration. Objective Assess the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of transesophageal EUS-guided therapy of GFV with combined coil and CYA injection. Design Retrospective query of a prospectively maintained database. Setting Tertiary care medical center. Patients Patients with hemorrhage from large GFV. Intervention A standardized approach by using EUS-guided coil and CYA treatment. Main Outcomes Measurements Hemostasis, rebleeding rate, complications. Results Thirty patients with GFV were treated between March 2009 and January 2011. At index endoscopy, 2 patients had active hemorrhage and 14 had stigmata of recent hemorrhage. EUS-guided transesophageal treatment of GFV was successful in all. Mean number of GFV treated was 1.3 per patient, and the mean volume of 2-octyl-CYA injected was 1.4 mL per varix. Hemostasis of acute bleeding was 100%. Among 24 patients with a mean follow-up of 193 days (range 24-589 days), GFV were obliterated after a single treatment session in 23 (96%). Rebleeding occurred in 4 patients (16.6%), with none attributed to GFV. There were no procedure-related complications and no symptoms or signs of CYA embolization. Limitations Single-center, pilot study. Conclusion Transesophageal EUS-guided coil and CYA treatment of GFV is feasible and deserves further study to determine whether this novel approach can improve safety and efficacy over standard endoscopic injection of CYA alone.
Impulse and step function response of exponentially tapered, distributed, RC regions

Abstract Analytic solutions are developed for the response of distributed RC structures in which the distributed parameters “r” (per unit length) and “c” (per unit length) vary exponentially with distance, with the product r(x) c(x) always constant. This type of region is formed in microelectronic structures, for example, by appropriate shaping of a diffusion or evaporation mask. Laplace transform methods are used, first, to obtain time domain response at any point along a structure that extends to infinity in the x-direction. Tapering may be used as a tool to shape time response, and the delay aspects are enhanced by heavy tapering, if the taper parameter K has the appropriate sign. Voltage response to voltage excitation is identical to current response to current excitation if the sign of K is reversed. Next, the voltage step function response of a finite section that is open circuited at the output end, is examined. The transformed response is found to be identical in form to the collector current response of a transistor to a step of emitter current, if the transistor base region has an exponentially graded impurity distribution. The fact of this perfect analogy may especially interest those readers familiar with transistor physics as well as network theory. However, the exponentially tapered RC line—exponentially graded base transistor analog is shown to be a special case.
A Renovação Carismática Católica: uma igreja dentro da Igreja?

Theories about religious desregulation and desinstitucionalization in contemporary society have underestimated the study of the religious movements' organizations. Criticizing this tendency, the present article calls attention to the importance of religious organization. It focus on how the broad Catholic Church's organization has affected the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) leading it to the adoption of an internationally integrated organization that is relatively autonomous in relation to the local catholic community and clergy. Adopting this format, the CCR flourished in faithful numbers, but it had to redefine its original proposal. The Catholic Church possesses organizational devices that allow the growth of movements and communities with such a degree of autonomy that they constitute quasi-churches inside the Church. These devices have helped the Church avoiding ruptures and defections. This article also stresses that the CCR reproduces the same dynamics of the broader Church to its interior. Within the CCR communities have developed with relative autonomy regarding their life styles, behavior rules, and religious discourses. Keywords: Organization; Roman Catholic Church; Catholic Charismatic Renewal
Conceptualizing Magnification and Scale: The Roles of Spatial Visualization and Logical Thinking

This study explored factors that contribute to students’ concepts of magnification and scale. Spatial visualization, logical thinking, and concepts of magnification and scale were measured for 46 middle school students. Scores on the Zoom Assessment (an assessment of knowledge of magnification and scale) were correlated with the Test of Logical Thinking (TOLT) and a series of four spatial visualization tests. Results showed that the TOLT was significantly correlated with the Zoom Assessment. There was also a significant correlation between the TOLT and spatial visualization assessments MV1 (Shape Memory), MV2 (Building Memory), the Storage Test, and the Surface Development Test. The implications of this study for further research are discussed.
The descriptive epidemiology of sitting among US adults, NHANES 2009/2010.

Objectives Using NHANES 2009/2010, to describe the amount of time a representative sample of the U.S. population spends sitting by age, sex, ethnicity, education, and body mass index.
Toward a theory of organization congruent with primary group concepts

The bewildering maze of interdependencies and interrelationships among individuals, the groups to which they belong, and the organizations of which these groups are units is just beginning to be traced out. Personality and primary-group theory on the one hand and organization theory on the other provide conceptual frameworks for these studies. But though it is intuitively felt that the group and the organization are parts of a continuum, these two systems have been approached from widely divergent conceptual angles. As a result, there is a gap between organization theory and primary-group theory which few researchers have attempted to bridge. This paper proposes to bridge the gap by using primary-group theory a s a basis on which to construct a theory of organization, and describes a test of the proposed theory.
AIDS and the heart: Review and consideration of pathogenetic mechanisms.

Many of the diverse pathologic manifestations of heart disease in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) may relate ultimately to immune dysfunction and opportunistic infection, but other important changes occur, including myocarditis and cardiomyopathy, which may have less clear pathogeneses. We review findings from our AIDS autopsy series and comment on the findings and thoughts of others studying pathologic changes in the heart in AIDS.
Rasagiline in treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Rasagiline (N-propargyl-1 (R)-aminoindan) is a novel propargylamine, irreversible, selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor for treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), a progressive condition associated with degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Rasagiline inhibits striatal dopamine metabolism, thereby providing relief from motor symptoms of PD. It may be dosed once daily and, unlike selegiline, it is metabolized to non-amphetamine compounds. In a large clinical trial, rasagiline has proved effective, safe, and well tolerated in early PD as monotherapy. In two phase III clinical trials in advanced PD with motor fluctuations, rasagiline as an adjunct to levodopa significantly decreases "off" time. In animal models of PD, data supports a neuroprotective effect of rasagiline, and its active metabolite aminoindan. Analysis of delayed-start clinical trial suggests the potential for disease modification, and further trials are examining this effect.
Lessons from Stockholm: Evaluating the Global Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

On May 22, 2001, representatives from over 120 countries signed a new treaty in Stockholm, Sweden, regulating the “dirty dozen” persistent organic pollutants (POPs)—some of the most dangerous chemicals in the world. POPs are hardy, toxic chemicals that persist in the environment, wreaking biological havoc in animals and people, to an extent not yet completely understood by scientists. The Stockholm Convention—the first global agreement to seek to ban an entire class of chemicals because of their effects on human health—calls for immediate or long-term elimination of twelve highly toxic chemicals, including PCBs, DDT, and dioxins. This treaty promises to be one of the main environmental achievements in the decade following the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, articulating principles for a less toxic world, including release prevention, reduction of toxic stockpiles, use of less-dangerous substitutes, and the need for precaution in dealing with toxics generally. The POPs Convention also takes a proactive approach to toxics management, focusing on elimination of pesticides and other POPs at their source, rather than through “end-of-the-pipe” controls frequently employed by other environmental statutes and treaties. Particularly remarkable is the broad support the treaty has enjoyed among governments, public health officials, environmentalists, and affected industries. The success of the POPs negotiations, especially in light of the strong debate over certain portions of the treaty text, is encouraging and promises success for
Human beta-glucuronidase. Measurement of its activity in gallbladder bile devoid of intrinsic interference.

Our purpose is to develop a standard method for preparing the bile for β -glucuronidase determination by removal of bile acids and conjugated bilirubin which interfere with its activity. The bile acids and conjugated bilirubin in their purified solutions and in the diluted gallbladder biles could be extracted completely with cholestyramine in powder form or tetrahexylammonium chloride (THAC) in chloroform or ethyl acetate. The enzyme was, however, partially precipitated with cholestyramine and denatured by chloroform but not by ethyl acetate. A standard procedure, therefore, includes extraction of the diluted gallbladder bile with THAC in ethyl acetate, followed by determination of the maximal velocity (V max ) of the enzyme by a kinetic method employing phenolphthalein glucuronide as the substrate. The average V max of β-glucuronidase in the 20 normal gallbladder biles was 165±86 nmol/min/ml (mean±SD), a 23.5- fold increase over the activity before extraction. The measured activity represented the true activity of the enzyme in the bile for recovery of activity of the enzyme added to the bile was practically complete.
Advances in understanding angiogenesis through molecular studies

Tumors, in most cases, need angiogenesis for their sustained growth. A great deal of evidence has suggested that the process of angiogenesis is regulated by the balance between proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors. Thus, the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis has been considered to be one of the key targets in anticancer therapy, and more than 60 antiangiogenic compounds are currently under clinical evaluation in cancer patients. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the activity of many of these antiangiogenic compounds are still not well understood. The recent development of microarray technology has allowed us to investigate the mechanism of action of these inhibitors more rapidly and extensively. With the use of microarray technology, novel molecules and pathways are shown to play a role in angiogenesis. This article also reviews new experimental approaches combined with microarray analysis to identify the molecular pathways involved in tumor-host interactions. Elucidation of the pathways that mediate both angiogenic and antiangiogenic responses will help us to develop better anticancer therapies.
A morphometric trend linked to male sociality in the small Indian mongoose Herpestes javanicus in Hawaii

Introduced populations of the small Indian mongooseHerpestes javanicus (Geoffroy St. Hilaire, 1818), in Hawaii have been shown to include male breeding coalitions. Young individuals of this species stay with their mothers until they reach adult size, suggesting that young males are not exposed to the full pressure of intrasexual competition until they have completed skeletal development. It was hypothesized that variance of male skeletal characteristics should therefore be similar to the variance seen in females. It has been observed that adult males with small body mass are not typically members of breeding coalitions, suggesting that body mass is a key factor in male intraspecific competition. It was thus hypothesized that variance in male mass should exceed that in female mass. These hypotheses were tested by direct measurement of live animals in the field and by measurement of museum specimens. Both hypotheses were strongly supported. A significant correlation was also found between male body length and variance in male mass, but no correlation was found among females. It is suggested that males with low body length, like females, maintain only as much mass as is physiologically required, whereas long males maximize their mass with varying degrees of success, to facilitate intrasexual competition.
Corrigendum to “Categorical abstract algebraic logic: The criterion for deductive equivalence”

We give a correction to the paper [2] mentioned in the title. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
IFRS implementation in the European Union and the survival of accounting families

Abstract This study examines eight IFRS implementation choices available to European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) member countries under the EU's 2002 IAS Regulation. Great disparities in IFRS implementation exist among the countries covered under the Regulation, including statistically significant differences in the IFRS elections for financial and non-financial firms. Using hierarchical cluster analysis, a classification of EU and EEA member countries according to similarities and differences in their IFRS implementation is developed, which identifies an IFRS antagonistic, an IFRS leaning, and an IFRS integrated group. These groupings may provide a springboard for future studies on effects of IFRS implementation differences. Following Meek and Thomas (2004) call to study the continuing relevance of taxonomies of accounting systems in the IFRS era, the study also provides evidence for a survival of the traditional micro-based vs. macro-uniform, strong vs. weak equity market, and outsider vs. insider economy classifications of accounting systems into the IFRS implementation decisions of EU and EEA member countries. These results suggest that traditional accounting system classifications remain important in the post-IFRS era.
Role of mitochondrial fission and fusion in cardiomyocyte contractility

Abstract Background Mitochondria constitute 30% of cell volume and are engaged in two dynamic processes called fission and fusion, regulated by Drp-1 (dynamin related protein) and mitofusin 2 (Mfn2). Previously, we showed that Drp-1 inhibition attenuates cardiovascular dysfunction following pressure overload in aortic banding model and myocardial infarction. As dynamic organelles, mitochondria are capable of changing their morphology in response to stress. However, whether such changes can alter their function and in turn cellular function is unknown. Further, a direct role of fission and fusion in cardiomyocyte contractility has not yet been studied. In this study, we hypothesize that disrupted fission and fusion balance by increased Drp-1 and decreased Mfn2 expression in cardiomyocytes affects their contractility through alterations in the calcium and potassium concentrations. Methods To verify this, we used freshly isolated ventricular myocytes from wild type mouse and transfected them with either siRNA to Drp-1 or Mfn2. Myocyte contractility studies were performed by IonOptix using a myopacer. Intracellular calcium and potassium measurements were done using flow cytometry. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) was done to evaluate live cell mitochondria and its membrane potential. Protein expression was done by western blot and immunocytochemistry. Results We found that silencing mitochondrial fission increased the myocyte contractility, while fusion inhibition decreased contractility with simultaneous changes in calcium and potassium. Also, we observed that increase in fission prompted decrease in Serca-2a and increase in cytochrome c leakage leading to mitophagy. Conclusion Our results suggested that regulating mitochondrial fission and fusion have direct effects on overall cardiomyocyte contractility and thus function.
Structure of the α-tubulin acetyltransferase, αTAT1, and implications for tubulin-specific acetylation

Protein acetylation is an important posttranslational modification with the recent identification of new substrates and enzymes, new links to disease, and modulators of protein acetylation for therapy. α-Tubulin acetyltransferase (αTAT1) is the major α-tubulin lysine-40 (K40) acetyltransferase in mammals, nematodes, and protozoa, and its activity plays a conserved role in several microtubule-based processes. Here, we present the X-ray crystal structure of the human αTAT1/acetyl-CoA complex. Together with structure-based mutagenesis, enzymatic analysis, and functional studies in cells, we elucidate the catalytic mechanism and mode of tubulin-specific acetylation. We find that αTAT1 has an overall fold similar to the Gcn5 histone acetyltransferase but contains a relatively wide substrate binding groove and unique structural elements that play important roles in α-tubulin-specific acetylation. Conserved aspartic acid and cysteine residues play important catalytic roles through a ternary complex mechanism. αTAT1 mutations have analogous effects on tubulin acetylation in vitro and in cells, demonstrating that it is the central determining factor of α-tubulin K40 acetylation levels in vivo. Together, these studies provide general insights into distinguishing features between histone and tubulin acetyltransferases, and they have specific implications for understanding the molecular basis of tubulin acetylation and for developing small molecule modulators of microtubule acetylation for therapy.
Warm-Mix Asphalt Pilot Project in Connecticut

This paper presents the details on the first official state warm-mix asphalt (WMA) pavement project in Connecticut. The construction took place between July 20 and July 22, 2010, and it involved three experimental sections: a control section with a conventional hot-mix asphalt (HMA) and two WMA sections that used wax and foamed asphalt. All three sections are located on Route 70 in central Connecticut. Each section is approximately 1 km long and includes lanes in both directions. The construction was done as a 50-mm overlay with 12.5-mm Superpave® mix. Each mix was sampled over a 3-day construction period for further evaluation in the laboratory. The materials were collected in loose form and reheated and compacted under laboratory conditions (laboratory-fabricated specimens). This paper discusses the effect of mixture type as shown by the results from several tests conducted in the laboratory, including the semicircular bending test, the Hamburg wheel tracking test, the indirect tensile test, and the dis...
Steep wave, turbulence, and sediment concentration statistics beneath a breaking wave field and their implications for sediment transport

Abstract A new methodology based on wavelet analysis is used to estimate steep wave statistics under depth-limited conditions and the corresponding high concentration sediment statistics. Steep waves here are defined as wave crests within the wavelet transform exceeding a root mean square derived acceleration threshold. The method is applied to laboratory data obtained in a large-scale wave-flume experiment conducted in 2005 at Oregon State University's O. H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory from an acoustic Doppler velocimeter and a fiber optic backscatter sensor array above a mobile sand bed. The steep wave and high concentration statistical results for the erosive condition suggest that sand suspensions are intermittent when a wave-breaking timescale (the ratio of breaking wave height and rms wave velocity) is used to detect the concurrence among steep wave, high velocity turbulent fluctuations, and sand concentration events near the bed. More importantly, at 1 cm above the bed, though the accretive case has more steep wave events, the erosive case has more steep waves and concurrent high concentration events, suggesting a more intense breaking wave process near the sensors. The use of a longer time window, based on the dominant wave period in the detection process of steep wave and high concentration events at 1 cm above the bed, does not change the resulting statistics for the erosive condition. However, increased percentages of high concentration events correlated with steep wave and high velocity turbulence events for the accretive condition are obtained. These increased percentages are conjectured to be due to advection of non-local turbulent events and sediment concentration peaks from upstream. A one-dimensional vertical two-phase model for sand transport is modified here to take measured breaking wave turbulence quantities as top boundary conditions to simulate the effect of breaking wave-turbulence on bottom sediment transport. Model results suggest that high intensity turbulence accompany breaking waves can enhance net transport by 50–150%. However, the direction of the enhanced transport is determined by the relative timing between the high intensity turbulent fluctuations and wave velocity phase. Statistical analysis of measured data suggest that about 2/3 of the wave turbulence maxima that exceed the root mean square derived velocity threshold are negatively correlated with the wave velocity. If these maxima can be taken as due to breaking wave events, these results suggest that breaking wave-turbulence tends to enhance offshore sand transport. Model results of net transport rate show consistency with these results for the measured erosive condition in that net transport is offshore directed.
Operant performance and cortical acetylcholine release: role of response rate, reward density, and non-contingent stimuli.

Abstract The relationship between acetylcholine (ACh) efflux in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and performance in a visual discrimination task and a variable interval (VI) schedule of reinforcement was studied in rats. Animals were pretrained in one of the two tasks and then unilaterally implanted with microdialysis guide cannula into the mPFC. Animals were then dialyzed, during 12 min collection intervals, in the operant chambers prior to task onset and during and after task performance. Each animal was dialyzed for a total of four sessions: two standard task sessions, one session in which a houselight was flashed at 0.5 Hz during the third 12 min block, and an extinction session (always the last session) in which reinforcement was withheld during the final three blocks. Response accuracy in the discrimination task was very high (>95% correct) and stable across the four blocks with a progressive increase in omissions. The flashing houselight did not affect performance whereas the loss of reinforcement led to an increase in omissions. VI performance was associated with a high number of lever presses and a high reward rate that declined over the four blocks. Again, the flashing houselight did not affect VI performance whereas lever pressing declined markedly during the extinction session. ACh efflux did not change, relative to baseline, during performance in either task, or with the presentation of the flashing houselight or the loss of reinforcement. These data contrast with the changes in cortical ACh efflux observed in situations characterized by the presentation of novel stimuli or changing demands on attentional processing and, therefore, assist in the specification of hypotheses on the cognitive functions of cortical ACh.
First-principles study of surface properties of Li Fe P O 4 : Surface energy, structure, Wulff shape, and surface redox potential

Using first-principles calculations within the generalized gradient approximation $(\mathrm{GGA})+U$ framework, we investigate several surface properties of olivine structure $\mathrm{Li}\mathrm{Fe}\mathrm{P}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$. Calculated surface energies and surface redox potentials are found to be very anisotropic. Low-energy surfaces are in the [1 0 0], [0 1 0], [0 1 1], [1 0 1], and [2 0 1] orientations of the orthorhombic structure. We find that the coordination loss of Fe atoms on the surface is energetically more unfavorable than for Li, and generally a low-energy surface has fewer Fe-O bonds affected by the surface cut. Conversely, undercoordinated Li on the surface are somehow beneficial to reduce the energy of a surface except for the twofold coordinated Li. With the calculated surface energies, we provide the thermodynamic equilibrium shape of the $\mathrm{Li}\mathrm{Fe}\mathrm{P}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ crystal through a Wulff construction. The two low-energy surfaces (0 1 0) and (2 0 1) dominate in the Wulff shape and make up almost 85% of the surface area. Similar calculations for $\mathrm{Fe}\mathrm{P}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ indicate a very low energy for the (0 1 0) surface of $\mathrm{Fe}\mathrm{P}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$. This result suggests that surface chemistry can induce a change in the aspect ratio of the Wulff shape. Surface redox potentials for the extraction and insertion of Li from various surfaces are also investigated in this work. The Li redox potential for the (0 1 0) surface is calculated to be $2.95\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{V}$, which is significantly lower than the bulk value of $3.55\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{V}$. For several other surfaces the Li extraction potential is above the bulk potential. We also develop a simple model that can be used to predict surface energies based on the change in the coordination of Fe and Li.
Astronomy: Cosmic triangles and black-hole masses

A geometric measurement of the distance to a nearby galaxy implies a larger mass for its central black hole than previously calculated, and a consequent increase for most other masses of such black holes. See Letter p.528 The local Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151 — more particularly its active galactic nucleus (AGN) — has become a useful cosmological tool. It, together with the similar NGC3227, has properties that make it useful for the calibration of black hole masses in AGNs as inferred by a variety of methods. Effective calibration, however, requires an accurate distance to NGC 4151 and until now that has not available. This study reports a new dust-parallax distance based on observations of the hot-dust emitting region of NGC 4151. The new value of 19 megaparsecs implies a 1.4-fold increase in the mass of the galaxy's central black hole compared to previous estimates, and a corresponding correction to the masses of black holes in other AGNs.
Giving feedback in medical education: verification of recommended techniques

OBJECTIVE: We investigated naturally occurring feedback incidents to substantiate literature-based recommended techniques for giving feedback effectively.
Association of choline levels and tumor perfusion in brain metastases assessed with proton MR spectroscopy and dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion weighted MRI

While malignant brain tumors typically show high choline concentrations and neovascularity, we have anecdotally noted that a substantial number of brain metastases from lung cancer demonstrate only mildly elevated choline resonances on proton MR spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS). The goals of this study were to determine whether lung cancer metastases are more likely to demonstrate low choline than other metastases and, in addition, to assess the relationship between choline and tissue perfusion in brain metastases. We performed a retrospective analysis of 66 patients with untreated brain metastases (40 NSCLC; 17 breast cancer; 9 melanoma) who underwent multivoxel 2D-CSI (1)H-MRS. Cho/Cr was compared between histologies using Mann-Whitney U tests. Lesions were dichotomized into low and high Cho/Cr groups, and differences in relative Cho/Cr between groups were assessed with Fisher's exact tests. 21 patients also underwent dynamic susceptibility MR perfusion weighted imaging (PWI). Normalized relative cerebral blood volume ratios (rCBV(norm)) were calculated, and strength of correlation between Cho/Cr and rCBV(norm) was assessed. Cho/Cr was significantly lower in lung cancer metastases compared to breast cancer metastases. Cho/Cr < 2.0 was observed in 37.5% of lung cancer metastases, 23.5% of breast cancer metastases, and 0% of melanoma metastases. Lung cancer metastases were significantly more likely to demonstrate low Cho/Cr than melanoma metastases (p = 0.04). There was a strong correlation between Cho/Cr and rCBV(norm) (p = 0.847, p < 0.001), and metastases in the high Cho/Cr group showed significantly higher rCBV(norm). These findings suggest that choline metabolism and tumor perfusion in brain metastases are interrelated, and we posit that this relationship may be due to the influence of the transcription factor HIF-1.
HYBRID SEARCH STRATEGIES FOR HETEROGENEOUS SEARCH SPACES

Recently, there has been much interest in enhancing purely combinatorial formalisms with numerical information. For example, planning formalisms can be enriched by taking resource constraints and probabilistic information into account. The Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) paradigm from operations research provides a natural tool for solving optimization problems that combine such numeric and non-numeric information. The MIP approach relies heavily on linear program relaxations and branch-and-bound search. This is in contrast with depth-first or iterative deepening strategies generally used in artificial intelligence. We provide a detailed characterization of the structure of the underlying search spaces as explored by these search strategies. Our analysis shows that much can be gained by combining different search strategies for solving hard MIP problems, thereby leveraging each strategy's strength in terms of the combinatorial and numeric information.
Analysis and parameter identification of stochastic compartmental models

Recently major advances have been made in the analysis and estimation of parameters of stochastic compartmental models. The theory of illness-death processes as given by Chiang (1) provides a basis for the analysis of this important class of stochastic models. Motivated by the need for stochastic pharmocokinetic models, we have derived results which enable us to identify the parameters of m compartment models using time series data from one to r compartments. Following Matis and Hartley (2) we have derived explicit expressions for the elements of the covariance matrix for the case of observations from r compartments. We then incorporate the covariance matrix in a generalized least squares estimation of the parameters from time-series data. The parameters identification procedure, which uses a modified Gauss-Newton technique to minimize the generalized sum of squares, yields estimates of the values of the flow rates between compartments and standard deviations for these parameters.
Block-based manipulations on transform-compressed images and videos

This paper addresses the problem of direct image and video manipulation in compressed domain. The capability to perform such manipulations has become attractive in recent years, as more and more visual information is being captured, stored, and moved in compressed form. Our solution to direct manipulation of compressed images and video is based on a set of block-level transforms, called the inner block transforms (IBTs). Each IBT requires a minimal computation effort in compressed domain to yield a regular geometric transformation on an image block. The paper shows how the IBTs can be used to perform many image and video manipulations. This is done by describing the application of IBTs to image subtitling, shearing, and arbitrary angle rotation. The paper also discusses the application of IBT to M-JPEG and MPEG video. The benefits of the proposed direct compressed domain manipulation approach include faster speed, preservation of image quality, and less computing resources.
Leadership, affect and emotions: A state of the science review

Abstract This paper presents a selective, qualitative review of affect, emotions, and emotional competencies in leadership theory and research published in ten management and organizational psychology journals, book chapters and special issues of journals from 1990 to 2010. Three distinct themes emerged from this review: (1) leader affect, follower affect and outcomes, (2) discrete emotions and leadership, and (3) emotional competencies and leadership. Within each of these themes, we examine theory (construct definition and theoretical foundation) and methods (design, measurement and context) and summarize key findings. Our findings indicate that the study of affect and emotions in leadership fares well with regard to construct definitions across the first two themes, but not in the last theme above. Design and measurement issues across all three themes are a little less advanced. One serious gap is in a lack of focus on levels-of-analysis theoretically and methodologically. Our review concludes with recommendations for future theoretical and empirical work in this area.
Antimicrobial activity of chitosan attached to ethylene copolymer films

Ethylene copolymer film was coated with chitosan by attachment of the polymer to the corona-treated surface of the film, and the composite film was analysed for antimicrobial activity. The film was active against bacteria in 0.625 mM phosphate buffer; it reduced colony counts of Escherichia coli 25922 and of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A by 5 and 2–3 log10, respectively after 24 h exposure. The activity of the chitosan-coated film against bacteria in buffer was increased when silver ions were incorporated into the films as demonstrated by complete killing of Escherichia coli O157:H7 DD3795 and the chicken exudate isolate Stenotrophomonas maltophilia within 2 h in buffer. The film was active against L. monocytogenes Scott A in 0.5% buffered peptone water up to a pH of about 7.0. Tests on beef and chicken meat exudates revealed antimicrobial activity of the film against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes Scott A of about 2 and 1–2 log10 reductions in colony-forming units, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the film against L. monocytogenes Scott A was also tested on turkey breast, and a log10 reduction of about 1.7 log10 units after 10 days and 1.2 log10 after 15 days at 4°C was achieved. Exposure to chitosan-coated film and 350 MPa of pressure, 55°C or 1% sodium diacetate resulted in a synergistic effect. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
2008 Community College Futures Assembly Focus: Change Or Die—Keys to Enacting Change in the Community College

The Community College Futures Assembly has served as a national, independent policy thinktank since 1995. Its purpose is to articulate the critical issues facing American community colleges and recognize innovative programs. Convening annually in January in Orlando, Florida, the Assembly offers a learning environment where tough questions are raised, critical issues are discussed, and policy implications are vetted. The focus for the 2008 Community College Futures Assembly was change, a theme taken from the book, Change or Die. This special focus issue of the Community College Journal of Research and Practice highlights the best practices of 30 Bellwether trend-setting institutions.
Interaction of alpha-1,2-mannosidase with anionic phospholipids.

A partially purified microsomal α-1,2-mannosidase from rabbit liver binds to vesicles that contain anionic phospholipids. The affinity of the enzyme for the phospholipid vesicles is dependent upon the negative charge density of the vesicles rather than the concentration of the anionic phospholipid or the phospholipid specificity. A phosphatidylinositol/phosphatidylcholine ratio of 1:3 is sufficient to bind all of the enzyme. The association of enzyme with anionic phospholipids involves ionic interactions and can be readily reversed by high ionic strength or changes in pH. The α-mannosidase is inhibited when bound to the anionic phospholipid vesicles, but the enzyme can be reactivated when released by NaCl or CaCl2. When bound to anionic phospholipid vesicles, the enzyme was also found to undergo a slow inactivation process that was time and temperature dependent and could not be reversed by the addition of CaCl2.
Who speaks for Precious? A black feminist analysis

Abstract The intraracial debate about the gender, class, and sexuality politics in the movie “Precious” has received little critical attention beyond popular media outlets. This essay focuses on the black patriarchal perspectives within this debate through a black feminist critical lens and considers why such perspectives continue to have political capital in black spaces. Under scrutiny also are the ways in which some black feminist-identified women scholars reproduce similar patriarchal perspectives even as they repudiate the white male hegemonic institutions that stigmatize and scapegoat black women in poverty. My contention is that “Precious” has a black feminist agenda that, although flawed in many ways, exposes the social erasure of poor black women's humanity and plight. As this phenomenon of erasure relies, in part, upon black men's intraracial gender blindness, I call upon black feminist-identified men to take the lead in supporting the film and opening up discussions about black men's roles in p...
Wax-bar applications of Ciodrin for horn fly control.

Wax-bar and spray applications of Ciodrin® ( alphamethylbenzyl 3-hydroxycrotonate dimethyl phosphate) were compared to control Haematobia irritans (L.) on Hereford cows and steers. Ciodrin applied in wax-bars was more effective than Ciodrin sprays.
Co-Leader Stages of Development: An Application of Tuckman and Jensen (1977)

ABSTRACT Co-leadership is a ubiquitous practice that is largely not understood. The professional literature agrees that the relationship between the co-leaders is a vital element of the group process. Although much has been written about the development of the co-leadership relationship, a unifying stage model that bridges group co-leader development does not yet exist. This manuscript explores the application of the widely accepted stage model of group development created by Tuckman and Jensen (1977) to co-lead development. Advantages to the application such as pedagogical implications and future research into the parallel process of group and leadership development are discussed.
New proaporphine alkaloids from roemeria hybrida

Abstract Roemeria hybrida (L.) DC. (Papaveraceae) of Turkish origin has yielded the new prosporphine alkaloids (-)-roemerialinone ( 3 ), (-)-isoorientalinone ( 4 ), (-)-isoroemerialinone ( 5 ), (-)- 11,12-dihydroorientalinone ( 6 ), (+)-8, 9-dihydroisoroemerialinone ( 9 ) and (-)-α-roemehybrine ( 11 ). Catalytic reduction of (-)-isoorientalinone ( 4 ) led to (+)-8, 9-dihydroisoorientalinone ( 8 ) which corresponds to the partly characterized “(+)-dihydroorientalinone” originally obtained from Papaver orientale . The previously known (-)-roehybrine ( 10 ) of undetermined structure was also reisolated, and its structure was elucidated. Known proaporphines present are (-)-mecambrine ( 1 ) and (-)-orientalinone ( 2 ). The isolation of such pairs of diastereomeric proaporphines as 2 and 4 , and 3 and 5 , points to the fact that enzyme catalyzed intramolecular oxidative coupling of a specific tetraoxygenated tetrahydrobenzylisoquinoline may occur in either of two modes, depending upon the folding of the pendant benzylic ring.
Dynamic stratification of the landscape of Mexico: Analysis of vegetation patterns observed with multitemporal remotely sensed images

Abstract Rapid deforestation in Mexico, when coupled with poor access to current and consistent ecological information across the country underscores the need for an ecological classification system that can be readily updated and new data become available. In this study, regional vegetation resources in Mexico were evaluated using remotely sensed information. Multitemporal Global Vegetation Index (GVI) data from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer images provided ecological information at regional scales by being interpreted as phenological patterns of vegetation productivity and seasonality. Principal component analysis on GVI monthly composites identified spatial and temporal vegetation patterns, reducing their variation to five phenologically meaningful components. Sixty land‐cover and natural vegetation classes were then derived via unsupervised classification from the five principal components. Additional phenological information (e.g., onset and peak of greenness, periods of growth) was obtain...
Analyzing ocular-motor control dysfunction: insights into disease processes and normal function

The author examines several ways in which the application of engineering analysis tools have contributed to one's understanding of both dysfunction (e.g., eye movements provoked by disease) and normal function of the ocular motor system. In the past 30 years, beginning with the work of Gerald Westheimer, Larry Stark, Laurence Young and David Robinson, there have been scores of studies of ocular motility that were firmly based on engineering principles and carried out using a classic control-systems approach. The author limits the discussion to concentrating on only a few such studies that have eliminated from the author's own laboratory. Specifically, the author focuses on studies into two eye-movement disorders: gaze-evoked nystagmus and congenital nystagmus. These studies were conducted on humans with one or the other of these conditions and had the dual aims of: 1) understanding the mechanisms underlying the pathological eye movements; and 2) using the findings to infer how the normal ocular motor system is organized. >
Function of the alveolar epithelial barrier under pathologic conditions

T he central importance of the alveolar epithelial barrier in both the pathogenesis and recovery from acute lung injury has only recently been appreciated. In the 10 to 15 years after Petty and Asbaugh’ described the clinical syndrome of the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS),’ most investigators concentrated their efforts on studying mechanisms of lung endothelial injury because injury to the pulmonary vascular barrier was identified as one of the earliest manifestations of acute lung injury. Also, experimental methods were available to measure injury to the lung endothelium. For example, the time course and the severity of lung endothelial injury could be quantified with lung lymph flow studies in sheep or goats,2 and the accumulation of a vascular protein tracer in the extravascular space of the lung could be measured in any species to quantify the extent of lung vascular permeability.3 In many of these studies,considerable attention was given to the interaction of hemodynamic forces and the measured increase in lung vascular permeability.4
Order-parameter profiles in confined critical systems and conformal invariance

The profiles of the order parameter and of other local densities in confined systems at the bulk critical temperature are considered. For a great variety of two-dimensional confined geometries and for spherical boundaries in general dimension d, conformal invariance completely determines the functional form of the profile when a uniform scale-invariant boundary condition is imposed. The analytic expression for the profile in a two-dimensional strip of semi-infinite length and finite width implies the surface scaling dimension xs = 2. The exact magnetization profile in an Ising strip at the bulk critical temperature with spins on opposite edges fixed in opposing directions is derived with conformal-invariance methods.
We Need Both Exploratory and Confirmatory

Abstract We often forget how science and engineering function. Ideas come from previous exploration more often than from lightning strokes. Important questions can demand the most careful planning for confirmatory analysis. Broad general inquiries are also important. Finding the question is often more important than finding the answer. Exploratory data analysis is an attitude, a flexibility, and a reliance on display, NOT a bundle of techniques, and should be so taught. Confirmatory data analysis, by contrast, is easier to teach and easier to computerize. We need to teach both; to think about science and engineering more broadly; to be prepared to randomize and avoid multiplicity.
Solution State Characterization of Amyloid β-Derived Diffusible Ligands

A growing body of evidence suggests that soluble oligomeric forms of the amyloid β peptide known as amyloid-derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs) are the toxic species responsible for neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease. Accurate biophysical characterization of ADDL preparations is hampered by the peptide's strong tendency to self-associate and the effect of factors such as ionic strength, temperature, and pH on its behavior. In addition, amyloid peptides are known to interact with common laboratory excipients, specifically detergents, further complicating the results from standard analytical methods such as denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We have studied the solution behavior of various amyloid peptide preparations using analytical ultracentrifugation and size exclusion chromatography coupled with multiangle laser light scattering. Our results indicate that ADDL preparations exist in solution primarily as a binary mixture of a monomeric peptide and high-molecular mass oligom...
Forest dynamics in Hawaii

The land surfaces of the Hawaiian islands represent an age sequence from very recent on the island of Hawaii to over 5 million years old on the island of Kauai. Development of indigenous forest on the new basaltic lava flows of Hawaii begins with Metrosideros polymorpha forming mono-dominant canopy stands within 400 years in lowland rain forest environments. In seasonal environments, M. polymorpha is displaced during succession by species such as Acacia koa and Sophora chrysophylla. In the montane rain forest, M. polymorpha has persisted as the dominant canopy species over millions of years. The mechanism of longterm persistence in the latter biome is explained as resulting from two processes: periodic canopy breakdown or stand-level dieback and the appearance or evolution of successional varieties in M. polymorpha.