An Exploration of the State-Trait Continuum in Counseling and Positive Psychology

Counselors value remaining positive in the face of adversity. Consequently, positive psychology has placed an emphasis on uncovering how long-enduring positive traits (e.g., hope, wisdom, and creativity) can be developed from short-term positive states. This search has resulted in positive psychology\u27s conceptualization of a state-trait continuum. This study explores the state-trait continuum by examining possible quantitative relationships between a state instrument (the Learning Environment Preferences) and a trait instrument (the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). Research question 1 found a significant predictive relationship between two MBTI scales (S-N and J-P) and the LEP\u27s cognitive complexity index. Research question 2 found a significant relationship suggesting that very clear preference scores across the MBTI dichotomies are associated with higher cognitive complexity

Resonant electron transmission through a finite quantum spin chain

Electron transport in a finite one dimensional quantum spin chain (with ferromagnetic exchange) is studied within an $s-d$ exchange Hamiltonian. Spin transfer coefficients strongly depend on the sign of the $s-d$ exchange constant. For a ferromagnetic coupling, they exhibit a novel resonant pattern, reflecting the salient features of the combined electron-spin system. Spin-flip processes are inelastic and feasible at finite voltage or at finite temperature.Comment: 4 pages including 4 .eps figure

Particle Simulation of Plume Flows from an Anode-Layer Hall Thruster

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/76848/1/AIAA-28384-370.pd

Vulnerability of Illinois nature preserves to potential ground-water contamination volume I: methodology and initial assessment

"Prepared for Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.""March 1997."The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC) was created by the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act in 1963 (ch. 105, para. 701 et. seq.), with the mission to "assist...landowners in protecting high quality natural areas and habitats of endangered and threatened species in perpetuity, through voluntary dedication of such lands into the Illinois Nature Preserves System." Dedication as a nature preserve provides strong legal protection. For example, penalties for damaging a nature preserve range from a Class A misdemeanor to $10,000 per day in civil penalties. As of December 1996, the Illinois Nature Preserve System consisted of 261 nature preserves that encompass more than 35,000 acres (14,200 hectares) in 73 of the 102 Illinois counties. A significant threat to nature preserves (and other areas with high quality natural communities) is adjacent land use. Variability in adjacent land use generally depends on preserve size and location. Frequently, many different land uses surround a single nature preserve. Potential ground-water contaminant sources include: dumping within or near a preserve, residential septic systems, roads where deicers are used, agricultural fields or feedlots, leaking impoundments or storage tanks, and certain industrial and commercial activities. Unfortunately, the lack of baseline data at most preserves prevents the detection of water quality degradation from off-site activities. During this study, methods were developed and utilized to assess nature preserve sensitivity and vulnerability to potential ground-water contamination. First, a shallow ground-water sensitivity map of the state (1:500,000) was prepared using GIS techniques. It predicts the potential for movement of contaminants from the surface into shallow ground water based on soil leaching characteristics and depth to the uppermost aquifer. Two hundred seven nature preserves were screened, and nearly half of them were categorized as having high or very high sensitivity to ground-water contamination. Second, site surveys were conducted at the 85 nature preserves, which were expected to be most sensitive to ground-water contamination. Hydrologic, geologic, and land-use information was collected for the sites and surrounding areas prior to the surveys. These data were used during the surveys and can be used for future interpretations and comparisons. Roughly 30% of the sites were classified as having moderate-to-high or high vulnerability. The development and use of a field evaluation form facilitated site surveys and the subsequent entry of field data into an electronic database. These types of surveys should be conducted at all nature preserves to provide a standard set of background information for future decision making. Third, the geology and hydrology of Spring Grove Fen Nature Preserve in McHenry County were characterized in greater detail. Test drilling was conducted and 10 observation wells were installed. A total of 64 sets of ground-water and surface water samples were collected between August 1995 and October 1996 and analyzed for a minimum of 35 constituents. Increased chloride concentrations (up to 121 mg/L) were observed in and upgradient of the preserve. Use of deicers on nearby roads may be responsible for an increase in chloride of over 500% at well SG-1a. Low concentrations of alachlor metabolites (< 3 &#956;g/L) were seen in observation wells and in Nippersink Creek. Low concentrations of triazine residues (< 1 &#956;g/L) were also seen in Nippersink Creek. Chemical data at Spring Grove Fen supports the assessment of the site being highly vulnerable to contamination. This type of chemical sampling is important to establish existing water quality at preserves for comparison to future conditions. Information collected during this study is intended to facilitate petitions for state designation of ground water associated with a nature preserve as a Special Resource Ground Water. As stated in the Illinois Administrative Code (Title 35, Part 620.230), Special Resource Ground Water is: a) "demonstrably unique...," or b) "vital for a particularly sensitive ecological system...," or c) "groundwater that contributes to a dedicated nature preserve...." Such a designation may then provide an additional level of protection against destruction or degradation of nature preserves

A critical role for the host mediator macrophage migration inhibitory factor in the pathogenesis of malarial anemia

The pathogenesis of malarial anemia is multifactorial, and the mechanisms responsible for its high mortality are poorly understood. Studies indicate that host mediators produced during malaria infection may suppress erythroid progenitor development (Miller, K.L., J.C. Schooley, K.L. Smith, B. Kullgren, L.J. Mahlmann, and P.H. Silverman. 1989. Exp. Hematol. 17:379–385; Yap, G.S., and M.M. Stevenson. 1991. Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 628:279–281). We describe an intrinsic role for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the development of the anemic complications and bone marrow suppression that are associated with malaria infection. At concentrations found in the circulation of malaria-infected patients, MIF suppressed erythropoietin-dependent erythroid colony formation. MIF synergized with tumor necrosis factor and γ interferon, which are known antagonists of hematopoiesis, even when these cytokines were present in subinhibitory concentrations. MIF inhibited erythroid differentiation and hemoglobin production, and it antagonized the pattern of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation that normally occurs during erythroid progenitor differentiation. Infection of MIF knockout mice with Plasmodium chabaudi resulted in less severe anemia, improved erythroid progenitor development, and increased survival compared with wild-type controls. We also found that human mononuclear cells carrying highly expressed MIF alleles produced more MIF when stimulated with the malarial product hemozoin compared with cells carrying low expression MIF alleles. These data suggest that polymorphisms at the MIF locus may influence the levels of MIF produced in the innate response to malaria infection and the likelihood of anemic complications

Hydrolytic Reactivity Trends among Potential Prodrugs of the O2-Glycosylated Diazeniumdiolate Family. Targeting Nitric Oxide to Macrophages for Antileishmanial Activity

Glycosylated diazeniumdiolates of structure R2NN(O)dNO-R ′ (R ′ ) a saccharide residue) are potential prodrugs of the nitric oxide (NO)-releasing but acid-sensitive R2NN(O)dNO- ion. Moreover, cleaving the acid-stable glycosides under alkaline conditions provides a convenient protecting group strategy for diazeniumdiolate ions. Here, we report comparative hydrolysis rate data for five representative glycosylated diazeniumdiolates at pH 14, 7.4, and 3.8-4.6 as background for further developing both the protecting group application and the ability to target NO pharmacologically to macrophages harboring intracellular pathogens. Confirming the potential in the latter application, adding R2NN(O)dNO-GlcNAc (where R2N) diethylamino or pyrrolidin-l-yl and GlcNAc) N-acetylglucosamin-l-yl) to cultures of infected mouse macrophages that were deficient in inducible NO synthase caused rapid death of the intracellular protozoan parasite Leishmania major with no host cell toxicity

Institutional Export Barriers on Exporters from Emerging Markets: Evidence from China

The emerging markets have become the increasingly important trading nations in the global economy. Given its significance to practitioners and policymakers, export barriers has been the popular topic in the international business studies. However, research about export barriers caused by the local institutions are under developed, though institutional voids and institutional inefficiency are reported as the major determinants for business development in emerging markets. This paper aims to fill in this gap by exploring the institutional export barriers in emerging markets. Based on existing studies on export barriers and institutional perspective, a conceptual framework is initially developed by separating formal and informal institutional export barriers. Then three specific institutional export barriers are identified, including government policy, weak legal system and informal and personal networks. In the meanwhile, this paper sheds light on how the institutional export barriers are developed and obstruct exporting in emerging markets

Optimization Issues for a Micropulsed Plasma Thruster

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/76083/1/AIAA-13954-648.pd

A Phase I Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Study of a Multigenic HIV-1 Adenovirus Subtype 35 Vector Vaccine in Healthy Uninfected Adults

<div><h3>Background</h3><p>We conducted a phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety and immunogenicity of escalating doses of two recombinant replication defective adenovirus serotype 35 (Ad35) vectors containing gag, reverse transcriptase, integrase and nef (Ad35-GRIN) and env (Ad35-ENV), both derived from HIV-1 subtype A isolates. The trial enrolled 56 healthy HIV-uninfected adults.</p> <h3>Methods</h3><p>Ad35-GRIN/ENV (Ad35-GRIN and Ad35-ENV mixed in the same vial in equal proportions) or Ad35-GRIN was administered intramuscularly at 0 and 6 months. Participants were randomized to receive either vaccine or placebo (10/4 per group, respectively) within one of four dosage groups: Ad35-GRIN/ENV 2×10⁹ (A), 2×10¹⁰ (B), 2×10¹¹ (C), or Ad35-GRIN 1×10¹⁰ (D) viral particles.</p> <h3>Results</h3><p>No vaccine-related serious adverse event was reported. Reactogenicity events reported were dose-dependent, mostly mild or moderate, some severe in Group C volunteers, all transient and resolving spontaneously. IFN-γ ELISPOT responses to any vaccine antigen were detected in 50, 56, 70 and 90% after the first vaccination, and in 75, 100, 88 and 86% of Groups A–D vaccine recipients after the second vaccination, respectively. The median spot forming cells (SFC) per 10⁶ PBMC to any antigen was 78–139 across Groups A–C and 158–174 in Group D, after each of the vaccinations with a maximum of 2991 SFC. Four to five HIV proteins were commonly recognized across all the groups and over multiple timepoints. CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses were polyfunctional. Env antibodies were detected in all Group A–C vaccinees and Gag antibodies in most vaccinees after the second immunization. Ad35 neutralizing titers remained low after the second vaccination.</p> <h3>Conclusion/Significance</h3><p>Ad35-GRIN/ENV reactogenicity was dose-related. HIV-specific cellular and humoral responses were seen in the majority of volunteers immunized with Ad35-GRIN/ENV or Ad35-GRIN and increased after the second vaccination. T-cell responses were broad and polyfunctional.</p> <h3>Trial Registration</h3><p>ClinicalTrials.gov <a href="http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=NCT00851383">NCT00851383</a></p> </div