cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blocs or Rounds? An Analysis of Two Approaches to Trade Liberalization *

This article examines the properties and relative strengths of two approaches to reducing barriers to trade among nations: multilateral negotiating rounds versus regional economic blocs. Instead of focusing on the net welfare gains—the macro-level effects—that result either from each member of the system reducing trade barriers to all its partners (rounds) or from reductions among a subset of states (blocs), the analysis focuses on the institutional features (group size and the voting and enforcement mechanisms) that may affect individual nations' micro -level motivations to participate in and abide by certain trade arrangements. Existing models in formal theory are used to analyze these approaches in terms of voting games and collective action models.
Disease-specific depression and outcomes in chronic heart failure: a propensity score analysis.

Depression is common in heart failure and is associated with increased mortality. Yet, it is often underdiagnosed and inadequately treated. Lack of disease-specific and easy-to-administer screening tools is one of the reasons for underdiagnosis of depression in heart failure. We examined the effect of depression, as diagnosed by a single question about depression caused by heart failure symptoms and affecting quality of life, in a propensity score matched cohort of heart failure patients. Of the 581 patients enrolled in the quality of life sub-study of the Digitalis Investigation Group trial, 298 (51%) reported that their heart failure prevented them from living as they wanted during the last month by making them feel depressed. Seventy patients (23%) who reported that they felt “much” or “very much” depressed were considered depressed for the purpose of this study. We matched 47 (67%) of these depressed patients with 47 patients from among the 283 patients without depression. Kaplan-Meier and matched Cox regression analyses were used to estimate associations of depression with mortality and hospitalizations during a median follow up of 33 months. Compared with 8 (17%) deaths in patients in the non-depressed group, 19 (40%) of those in the depressed group died from all causes (unadjusted hazard ratio {HR}, 1.55, 95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.004–2.39; p, 0.048). Adjustment for propensity scores (adjusted HR, 1.77, 95% CI, 1.04–3.00; p, 0.034) or other covariates (adjusted HR, 1.85, 95% CI, 1.12–3.04; p, 0.016) did not alter the association between depression and mortality. The association, however, became marginally significant in the matched cohort (HR, 2.50, 95% CI, 0.97–6.44; p, 0.058). There was no significant association between depression and hospitalization. Baseline depression, identified by a single disease-specific question, was associated with increased mortality among ambulatory chronic heart failure patients.
Myths about the structure and function of porcine islets

: As we consider using porcine islets for human transplantation many questions about the porcine s cells arise. Issues about how many are necessary, how their mass is influenced by glycemic levels, how much they can be renewed, and how to measure their mass need to be addressed. Our knowledge from rodent studies can initially be extrapolated since there are more similarities between mammalian islets than differences. Eventually, porcine islets will need to be studied carefully for these parameters.
Immune functions in methylmalonicaciduria.

A variety of phagocytic cell and lymphocyte assays were employed to evaluate the immune status of four patients with methylmalonicaciduria. One patient had a depressed absolute granulocyte count and two patients had depressed neutrophil and monocyte chemotactic responses. All subjects had normal neutrophil phagocytic and bactericidal activities. One patient had a decreased T-cell number; blastogenic responses to phytohaemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen were normal in all subjects. B lymphocyte measurements were variably abnormal; two children had decreased B-cell numbers; two had marginally decreased IgG levels; a third had an undetectable rubella titre; and two had elevated serum IgE concentrations.In vitro exposure of normal cells to methylmalonic acid concentrations up to 50mg/100 ml did not affect chemotactic or lymphoproliferative responses.
An electrophoretic karyotype and assignment of ribosomal genes to resolved chromosomes of Pneumocystis carinii

Summary Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was used to generate a molecular karyotype of chromosomes from the opportunistic AIDS pathogen, Pneumocystis carinii. P. carinii cysts and trophozoites were isolated from immunosuppressed rats, lysed in situ in agarose blocks, and subjected to orthogonal-field gel electrophoresis (OFAGE) and contour-clamped homogeneous-field gel electrophoresis (CHEF). OFAGE and CHEF gels resolved, respectively, 16 or 20 chromosome bands ranging in size from 0.32-1.5 megabase pairs. Summation of the estimated sizes of these chromosomes suggested a total genome complexity for P. carinii of 8-16 megabase pairs. Homologous probes for the genes encoding the 18S, 5.8S, and 5S ribosomal RNAs were hybridized to filter blots of the pulsed-field gels to map these genes to specific P. carinii chromosomes.
PRODUCTION AND DESTRUCTION OF F AND M CENTERS BY X RAYS IN ALKALI HALIDES AT LOW TEMPERATURES

An approximate theoretical analysis is given of the production and destruction of $F$ and $M$ centers by x rays in alkali halides at low temperatures. Kinetic equations describing the time rates of change of $F$- and $M$-center concentrations are formulated. Conditions on the kinetic coefficients are established for the validity of the square-law relation between $F$- and $M$-center concentrations when the concentration of $F$ centers is not a linear function of x-ray irradiation time. Two mechanisms which lead to a saturation of $F$-center production are analyzed in some detail. A comparison of theoretical and experimental results leads to information concerning the processes involved in the production and destruction of color centers by x rays.
Now We Have to Use the Skills We Have Developed in Cell Physiological Studies to Attack the Most Crucial Problems in Pancreatic Pathology

Dr. Ole Petersen is one of the world’s leading physiologists working on signal-transduction mechanisms in pancreatic acinar cells. He discovered local apical Ca2+ signals as important regul
Ketamine-induced rotation: interaction with GABA-transaminase inhibitors and picrotoxin.

Abstract Ketamine in a dose of 100 mg/kg (IP) produced stereotypic behavior and vigorous rotation in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. The first rotation phase, accompanied by head swinging, was short and terminated by the anesthetic phase which lasted 20–30 min. The second rotation phase began 1–3 min after the end of the anesthetic phase. A single dose of GABA-T inhibitors, γ-vinyl GABA (1200 mg/kg, IP) or γ-acetylenic GABA (100 mg/kg, IP) administered 4 hours prior to ketamine, shortened the first rotation phase, increased the anesthetic phase, changed the pattern of postanesthetic rotation and reduced total and net rotation scores. Picrotoxin (3 mg/kg) given 10 min prior to ketamine tended to act in the opposite direction although none of its effects reached statistical significance.
Physiological Insights from the Vitamin D Receptor Knockout Mouse

Identification of vitamin D as a potent antirachitic factor almost a century ago prompted investigations aimed at addressing its mechanism of action and key target tissues. Studies in vitamin D deficiency models and in kindreds with impaired hormone activation and function were critical in identifying key steps in the vitamin D signaling pathway. Studies in humans with vitamin D receptor (VDR) mutations provided a tremendous amount of information regarding the role of this receptor in calcium and skeletal homeostasis. The availability of mouse models of VDR ablation provided an important tool for detailed molecular analyses of the pathophysiologic basis for the skeletal, parathyroid and cutaneous phenotypes observed in mice and humans with impaired VDR function. These investigations revealed that a critical action of the liganded receptor is the promotion of intestinal calcium absorption. Bypassing this defect by dietary or transgenic rescue prevents the severe skeletal phenotype of the VDR ablated mice, as well as the development of hyperparathyroidism. In contrast, intestine specific ablation of the receptor results in marked skeletal pathology. Like their human counterparts, VDR knockout mice develop alopecia. Studies in these mice demonstrated that the actions of the VDR required for cyclical regeneration of the hair follicle and prevention of alopecia were shown independent of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D demonstrating that the unliganded receptor has an important role in the cutaneous homeostasis.
Perceptions of Job Satisfaction, Job Stability, and Quality of Professional Life among Rural and Urban School Psychologists.

A survey was conducted of 231 psychologists from a midwestern state. Investigators surveyed perceptions of job satisfaction, job stability, and quality of professional life. Responses of rural and urban professionals were compared. While resembling urban colleagues in most regards, rural psychologists appear more satisfied with working environments and job policies. Discussion is presented on differences between the two groups on a number of variables influencing perceptions.
Epitope analysis of senile plaque components in the hippocampus of patients with Parkinson's disease.

We conducted an epitope analysis of senile plaque (SP) proteins on hippocampal SPs in patients with Parkinson9s disease (PD), using a library of antibodies to proteins implicated in the genesis of hippocampal SPs in Alzheimer9s disease (AD). The library included antibodies to the β-amyloid protein (β-AP), domains outside the β-AP in β-amyloid precursor proteins (β-APPs), ubiquitin, diverse neuronal cytoskeletal proteins, and polypeptides located mainly in axon terminals. We obtained samples of hippocampus at autopsy from 14 PD patients, 10 of whom were demented. As in the AD hippocampus, the SPs detected by conventional stains in five of the 10 demented subjects contained the β-AP and flanking domains in β-APPs as well as epitopes in T, neurofilament proteins, and synaptophysin. Further, with the exception of the β-AP, epitopes in the other proteins were confined to the coronas of SPs, while clathrin light chain, microtubule-associated protein 5, and neural cell adhesion molecules were almost undetectable or absent in the neuropil occupied by SPs. The same group of antibodies rarely labeled SPs in the other five demented PD subjects or in the four nondemented PD subjects, and conventional stains for amyloid and neurofibrillary pathology revealed rare SPs in these cases. Hence, when conventional stains reveal lesions diagnostic of AD in PD patients, the molecular features of the hippocampal SPs in these patients are the same as those in SPs of the AD hippocampus.
Stochastic synchronization of neural activity waves

We demonstrate that waves in distinct layers of a neuronal network can become phase locked by common spatiotemporal noise. This phenomenon is studied for stationary bumps, traveling waves, and breathers. A weak noise expansion is used to derive an effective equation for the position of the wave in each layer, yielding a stochastic differential equation with multiplicative noise. Stability of the synchronous state is characterized by a Lyapunov exponent, which we can compute analytically from the reduced system. Our results extend previous work on limit-cycle oscillators, showing common noise can synchronize waves in a broad class of models.
Pilot Study of the Efficacy of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy for Infants and Toddlers with Cerebral Palsy

The evidence for Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) effectiveness for infants and toddlers with unilateral cerebral palsy is minimal. We performed a pilot study of CIMT using one-month usual care, one-month intervention, and one-month maintenance (return to usual care) phases on five infants (7- to 18-month old). For the CIMT phase, the infants received 2 hr of occupational therapy and 1 hr of parent-implemented home program for five days/week. The infants were casted for the first 23 days, and bimanual therapy was provided for the last three days. Fine motor skills for the more affected arm and gross motor skills improved significantly during the CIMT; these gains were maintained at one-month follow-up. Individual infant data show mixed effects. This pilot study provides initial evidence that CIMT is feasible for infants with unilateral cerebral palsy, and presents preliminary data for CIMT on fine and gross motor performance.
POPULAR AND ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY.: THE MEDITERRANEAN FLOUR MOTH ( Ephestia kühniella , ZELLER)

During the summer of 1888 considerable anxiety was caused amongst North American millers by the alarming intelligence that the small Pyralid moth, bearing the name given above, had made its appearnce in one of our large Candian milling centres. There are two or three well-known insects which attack manufactured cereal products; but none of these, have ever occurred in injurious numbers in Canada.
A High-Value Agriculture-Based Strategy for Reducing Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract The World Bank and IMF emphasize privatization and economic liberalization as a strategy to reduce poverty in developing nations. However, results have been disappointing. This article offers an alternative, in the form of a practical strategy for improving economic growth and reducing poverty in sub-Saharan Africa that flows directly from an analysis of why Africans remain poor. This strategy aims to raise rural incomes and stimulate aggregate demand and output through the widespread introduction of rainwater harvesting, micro drip irrigation systems, and systems of agricultural cooperatives to cultivate and market high-value agricultural products. The article concludes that the income generated in the rural sector would be multiplied by increases in income from induced consumption expenditures. The overall impact would be substantial and could greatly improve economic growth rates in sub-Saharan Africa. The article discusses issues that must be addressed to realize these benefits fully, but concludes that an agriculture-based poverty-reduction strategy may potentially be much more effective than orthodox World Bank and IMF strategies.
A Highly Selective Mitochondria-Targeting Fluorescent K+ Sensor

Regulation of intracellular potassium (K+) concentration plays a key role in metabolic processes. So far, only a few intracellular K+ sensors have been developed. The highly selective fluorescent K+ sensor KS6 for monitoring K+ ion dynamics in mitochondria was produced by coupling triphenylphosphonium, borondipyrromethene (BODIPY), and triazacryptand (TAC). KS6 shows a good response to K+ in the range 30–500 mM, a large dynamic range (Fmax/F0≈130), high brightness (ϕf=14.4 % at 150 mM of K+), and insensitivity to both pH in the range 5.5–9.0 and other metal ions under physiological conditions. Colocalization tests of KS6 with MitoTracker Green confirmed its predominant localization in the mitochondria of HeLa and U87MG cells. K+ efflux/influx in the mitochondria was observed upon stimulation with ionophores, nigericin, or ionomycin. KS6 is thus a highly selective semiquantitative K+ sensor suitable for the study of mitochondrial potassium flux in live cells.
Inhalation toxicity study on rats exposed to titanium tetrachloride atmospheric hydrolysis products for two years

Rats were exposed to TiCl4 hydrolysis products by inhalation exposure at aerosol concentrations of 0, 0.1, 1.0, and 10 mg/m3 for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 2 years. There were no abnormal clinical signs, body weight changes, or excess mortality in any exposed groups. No pathological changes other than a mild rhinitis were observed at 0.1 mg/m3. At 1.0 mg/m3, the incidence of mild rhinitis and tracheitis was increased. The lungs showed a minute dust-laden macrophage (dust cell) reaction with slight Type II pneumocyte hyperplasia in alveoli adjacent to the alveolar ducts. The pulmonary response at the 1.0 mg/m3 satisfied the biological criteria for a nuisance dust. At 10 mg/m3, extrapulmonary particle deposition occurred in the tracheobronchial lymph nodes, liver, and spleen without any tissue response. An increased incidence of rhinitis, tracheitis, and dust cell response with Type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, alveolar bronchiolarization, foamy dust cell accumulation, alveolar proteinosis, cholesterol granuloma, and focal pleurisy was also observed. The pulmonary lesions developed in the alveolar duct region where dust cells had accumulated and had provoked a chronic tissue response. In addition, a few well-differentiated, cystic keratinizing squamous carcinomas were developed from alveoli showing bronchiolarization with squamous metaplasia in the alveolar duct region. No tumor metastasis was found in other organs. The lung tumors were a unique type of experimentally induced tumor and have not been seen usually in man or animals. Therefore, the relevance to man of this type of lung tumor is highly questionable.
The Effect of a Single Dose of Acetaminophen on Airways Response in Children With Asthma

Accumulating evidence suggests that the use of acetaminophen increases the risk of developing asthma and that its widespread use has contributed to the increasing prevalence of asthma. Study design. To investigate the immediate effect of a single dose of acetaminophen on airways reactivity and inflammation in asthmatic and controls. A double blind placebo-controlled study was conducted on 42 asthmatic children and 21 healthy age-matched controls. Each participant received one oral dose of acetaminophen (15 mg/kg [160 mg/mL]) and one dose of a volume-matched placebo. Physical examination, spirometry results, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels were assessed before and 60 minutes following acetaminophen or placebo ingestion. Results. None of the studied variables showed any significant change after acetaminophen or placebo ingestion in either the asthmatic or the control groups. Conclusions. One single dose of acetaminophen neither evokes a bronchoconstriction response nor an increase in airway infla...
Variable CA II Compartmentalization in Vertebrate Retina

We have generated a series of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to mammalian, avian, and osteichthian CA II for the purpose of studying its distribution in vertebrate nervous systems. In mature chicken retina, CA II is immunohistochemically detectable only in Muller glial cells. However, during embryonic development, CA II expression is suddenly "switched-on" early as a general constituent of all retinoblasts, later becoming restricted to Muller cells and transiently to a distinct type of amacrine neuron. A similar developmental pattern occurs in mouse. However, at maturity high CA II levels remain in certain amacrine neurons in addition to Muller cells. Comparative analyses of mature retinas of lower vertebrates show that reptiles parallel chicken with high CA II only in Muller cells, certain amphibians show CA II staining in Muller cells, amacrine neurons as in mouse, and in horizontal neurons, teleost and elasmobranch fish possess high CA II in Muller cells and the horizontal neurons, and lamprey eel shows CA II staining primarily in horizontal cells. An evolutionary sequence that will be discussed is thus suggested.
Taxonomy, ontology, and natural kinds

When we ask what natural kinds are, there are two different things we might have in mind. The first, which I’ll call the taxonomy question, is what distinguishes a category which is a natural kind from an arbitrary class. The second, which I’ll call the ontology question, is what manner of stuff there is that realizes the category. Many philosophers have systematically conflated the two questions. The confusion is exhibited both by essentialists and by philosophers who pose their accounts in terms of similarity. It also leads to misreading philosophers who do make the distinction. Distinguishing the questions allows for a more subtle understanding of both natural kinds and their underlying metaphysics.
Ethical Challenges in the Conduct of Research Involving Persons with Mental Retardation.

Researchers face challenges in balancing the demands of sound research methods and ethical standards in studies involving persons with mental retardation. While the autonomy of individuals must be respected, researchers also have an ethical responsibility to protect vulnerable individuals from social, psychological, or physical risks of research participation. Some individuals may face significant barriers in the research decision-making process due to cognitive limitations, lack of information and support, and limited experience and opportunities for exercising choice. The historical context of biomedical and behavioral research involving persons with mental retardation and current ethical issues related to informed consent and surrogate decision-making are examined. Implications for researchers and professionals are discussed, including ways to support individuals with mental retardation and their families in research decision-making.
The influence of postmortem electrical stimulation on rigor mortis development, calpastatin activity, and tenderness in broiler and duck pectoralis

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of electrical stimulation (ES) on rigor mortis development, calpastatin activity, and tenderness in anatomically similar avian muscles composed primarily of either red or white muscle fibers. A total of 72 broilers and 72 White Pekin ducks were either treated with postmortem (PM) ES (450 mA) at the neck in a 1% NaCl solution for 2 s on and 1 s off for a total of 15 s or were used as nonstimulated controls. Both pectoralis muscles were harvested from the carcasses after 0.25, 1.25, and 24 h PM and analyzed for pH, inosine:adenosine ratio (R-value), sarcomere length, gravimetric fragmentation index, calpastatin activity, shear value, and cook loss. All data were analyzed within species for the effects of ES. Electrically stimulated ducks had a lower muscle pH at 0.25 and 1.25 h PM and higher R-values at 0.25 h PM compared with controls. Electrically stimulated broilers had a lower muscle pH at 1.25 h and higher R-values at 0.25 and 1.25 h PM compared with controls. Muscles of electrically stimulated broilers exhibited increased myofibrillar fragmentation at 0.25 and 1.25 h PM, whereas there was no such difference over PM time in the duck muscle. Electrical stimulation did not affect calpastatin activity in either broilers or ducks; however, the calpastatin activity of the broilers did decrease over the aging time period, whereas that of the ducks did not. Electrical stimulation decreased shear values in broilers at 1.25 h PM compared with controls; however, there was no difference in shear values of duck muscle due to ES at any sampling time. Cook loss was lower for electrically stimulated broilers at 0.25 and 1.25 h PM compared with the controls, but had no effect in the ducks. These results suggest that the red fibers of the duck pectoralis have less potential for rigor mortis acceleration and tenderization due to ES than do the white fibers of the broiler pectoralis.
Eculizumab treatment of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome

Introduction: This review focuses on the use of an orphan drug eculizumab (Soliris®; Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc.), for the treatment of an extremely rare disease, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). aHUS is associated with very high mortality and morbidity rates. Current therapies (plasma therapy, liver transplant) are imperfect and fraught with complications. The authors briefly describe the clinical features and diagnosis of aHUS. The pathogenesis is the result of mutations in genes encoding alternative complement regulators. This results in unregulated activity of the alternate complement pathway, endothelial injury, and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Eculizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits the production of the terminal complement components C5a and the membrane attack complex (C5b-9) by binding to complement protein C5a. This blocks the proinflammatory and cytolytic effects of terminal complement activation. Areas covered: Eculizumab use is described in many case report...
Calcium channel antagonists inhibit growth of subcutaneous xenograft meningiomas in nude mice

Abstract BACKGROUND We have previously shown that calcium channel antagonists inhibit in vitro meningioma growth. This study examines the effect of calcium channel antagonists on in vivo xenograft meningioma growth. METHODS Meningioma cells taken from human patients were mixed with Matrigel and injected into the subcutaneous space in the flank of nude mice. These animals were treated with calcium channel antagonists in their drinking water. Tumor volumes were measured over time; comparison was made between control and treatment groups. Daily weights, average daily water consumption, and serum calcium channel antagonist levels were determined. Comparison of histology and proliferation index was made between control and treatment groups. RESULTS Diltiazem treatment decreased tumor growth over time compared to control groups. Increased tumor growth inhibition was seen with increasing doses ( p > 0.05). Treatment with verapamil had similar effects; however, there are no statistically significant dose dependent decreases in growth with increasing verapamil doses. There were no tumor “cures” or spontaneous regression of tumor in any group including the control groups. Animal daily weight and average daily water consumption was unaffected by increasing calcium channel antagonist doses compared to control groups. Mouse serum drug levels increased with increasing doses of drug in the drinking water of treatment groups ( p > 0.05). Histology and proliferative index of treatment groups were similar to control groups. CONCLUSION Calcium channel antagonists decrease but do not completely inhibit the growth of meningiomas in nude mice. Clinical correlations and potential applications are discussed.
The c/a axial ratio of RF sputtered ZnO thin films on stainless steel substrates

Etude des effets du rapport O 2 /Ar, de la temperature du support, de sa surface et du recuit effectue apres le depot sur la valeur c/a des couches deporees
Constraints to Women and Development in Africa

Although women produce more than 60% of the food crop in much of Africa less than 1 in 5 has found employment in wage earning occupations. The authors examine the hypothesis that there are 2 primary constraints to the improvement of the economic status of women (in addition to tradition and culture): lack of access to education and capital. Access to land and information is seen as secondary. Examination of available data indicates there is sufficient evidence that a pattern of discrimination exists against females in both formal and informal (as in agricultural training) education in Africa. In regard to financial credit commercial banks have allocated less than 5% of their lending portfolios to the agricultural sector while government sponsored development banks lend primarily to men. In the informal sector a variety of savings mechanisms have been involved that generate mutual support and other social benefits offering credit to women and men--although with higher losses and lower earnings than formal institutions. The need for government interventions to improve educational facilities and opportunities for women and to help informal groups mobilize traditional savings and more credit for women is emphasized.
Behçet uveitis in the American midwest

Purpose: Behcet disease is most common in Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa (Silk Road). The authors compare clinical presentation and course of Behcet uveitis in patients of Silk Road and non-Silk Road descent.Methods: Retrospective review of patients evaluated at the University of Illinois January 1983–July 2010.Results: Of 6134 new uveitis patients, 36 with available medical records met diagnostic criteria for Behcet disease. Ten (28%) were of Silk Road origin. Retinal vasculitis was the most common ocular manifestation, followed by panuveitis and retinitis. Ocular and systemic manifestations were similar between groups. Seventy-eight percent were treated with systemic immunosuppression, which reduced inflammatory attack rate.Conclusions: Behcet disease is uncommon in the midwestern United States. Three-quarters of patients in this series were not of Silk Road descent. Physicians should consider the diagnosis of Behcet disease in any patient with retinal vasculitis or uveitis regardless of ethnicity.
The relationship between self-efficacy and diabetic foot self-care

Abstract Aims Research has shown that the ongoing rate of diabetes-related amputations remains significant despite the existence of prevention methods and that amputation in most cases can be prevented. The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between the level of self-efficacy and performance of foot self-care in those with diabetes as they relate to the prevention of lower extremity amputation (LEA). Methods A descriptive correlational study was conducted using the theoretical framework of Bandura's social cognitive theory. The Foot Care Confidence Scale (FCCS) and the Nottingham Assessment of Functional Footcare (NAFF) survey instruments were distributed to individuals over 18 years old with diabetes Type 1 and 2 in the lower peninsula of Michigan ( N = 223). Results No significant correlation was identified between the level of self-efficacy and performance of foot self-care behaviors. Statistical significance was found between foot self-care behaviors and gender with males scoring higher than females. Conclusions This study adds to the body of knowledge regarding self-efficacy and diabetic foot self-care behaviors. Further research is needed to explore the relationship of gender, diabetes education attendance, and foot self-care behaviors as influencing factors in LEA prevention.
A new species of Castilleja (Orobanchaceae) from central Hidalgo, Mexico

Castilleja hidalgensis is described from several collections from xeric limestone sites in central Hidalgo, Mexico. The new species belongs to a small complex of poorly known and uncommon species within sect. Euchroma, sharing important characteristics with C. macrostigma, the first-described taxon in this assemblage. The new species appears to be rare and highly restricted both geographically and ecologically. A key to the species of the C. macrostigma group is provided.
Global Social Movement(s) at the Crossroads: Some Observations on the Trajectory of the Anti-Corporate Globalization Movement¹

This paper examines the major structural characteristics of the anti-corporate globalization movement, its key bases and antecedents, its relationship with other global social movements (GSMs) and the key challenges it faces in the post-9/11 period. We suggest that despite the potential of the anti-corporate globalization movement to usher in major social changes, the movement faces a number of major crossroads in terms of ideology, discursive approach, and overall strategy. We argue that there has been coalescence of a good many GSMs, including the international environmental movement, under the banner of the anti-corporate globalization movement. We focus primarily on the interrelations of these two GSMs, noting that over the past decade there have been trends toward both the environmentalization and de-environmentalization of the anti-corporate globalization movement. While the defection of many mainstream environmental groups fromthe Washington consensus and the resulting environmentalization of the trade and globalization issue were critical to the Seattle coalition, there has been a signi?cant decline in the movements embrace of environmental claims and discourses, and a corresponding increase in its use of social justice discourses. One implication of our analysis is the hypothesis that while the current vitality of the anti-corporate globalization movement can be gauged by its having adopted an increasingly coherent ideological stance in which international inequality and global corporate dominance are targeted, to be successful the movement will need to coherently ideologically integrate social justice with environmental and sustainability agendas. The amenability of the environmental GSM to such ideological integration will have important rami?cations for the future trajectory of the anti-corporate globalization movement.
Cardiac allograft vasculopathy in heart transplant patients: pathologic and clinical aspects for angioplasty/stenting.

The paper by Jonas et al. ([1][1]) in this issue of the Journal illustrates the inflammatory nature of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in heart transplant recipients. The authors report that heart transplant patients who undergo coronary artery angioplasty/stent and subsequently develop in-
Effect of perfusion pressure on regional myocardial oxygen consumption and end-diastolic segment length in swine myocardium.

Increases in coronary perfusion pressure cause both myocardial oxygen consumption and force of contraction to increase (Gregg’s phenomenon) (Gregg 1963). Although the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon is unclear, several have been proposed. One proposal is that Gregg’s phenomenon is largely artifactual, and is found primarily when isolated coronary perfusion causes mild ischemia (Schulz, Guth et al. 1991). Increasing flow then relieves ischemia and improves contractile function. Another mechanism which has been proposed to explain the Gregg phenomenon is that increased coronary flow increases the delivery of oxygen, calcium, or metabolic substrates, which are rate-limiting under normal conditions, even though there is no resting ischemia. Increased substrate delivery improves contractility. A third hypothesized mechanism is the “garden hose effect”: increased perfusion pressure may distend arterioles and increase resting stretch to adjacent sarcomeres, thus increasing the force of contraction by the Frank-Starling mechanism (Arnold, Kosche et al. 1969; Arnold, Morgenstern et al. 1970; Scharf and Bromberger-Barnea 1973). Although work in isolated papillary muscles suggests that the “garden hose effect” does not play a significant role in the Gregg phenomenon (Schouten, Allaart et al. 1992), this has not been studied in vivo. In order to determine whether the “garden-hose effect” plays a significant role in Gregg’s phenomenon in vivo, we used a swine model of isolated coronary perfusion to study the relationship between perfusion pressure, myocardial oxygen consumption and end-diastolic segment length.
The Sociocognitive Imperative of L2 Pedagogy.

As a new century begins for The Modern Language Journal, we argue that highly effective pedagogy requires viewing language and language learning as both cognitive and social phenomena, and that teachers who seek to truly understand the nature of their responsibilities do not have the luxury of choosing one perspective over the other. We first identify what we consider to be theory-neutral nonnegotiable boundaries within which pedagogical decision making takes place, including (a) participants' background knowledge, (b) the nature of the object of instruction, (c) the nature of human cognition and social interaction, and (d) available time. Then we discuss learning goals, learning means, and instructional support as the negotiable elements that teachers may manipulate through their instructional decisions. At the heart of the article, we describe in greater detail cognitive versus social perspectives on the dynamic relationship between teaching and learning, and we identify ways in which they diverge and converge in characterizing linguistic development. We then synthesize these perspectives in a holistic, sociocognitive view of pedagogy, which we define as 'a meeting of minds within social worlds.' We conclude by outlining current pedagogical proposals that exemplify sociocognitive pedagogy by engaging learners in iterative cycles of modeling, guidance, and handover to independent language use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Linear Free Energy Relationships between Aqueous phase Hydroxyl Radical Reaction Rate Constants and Free Energy of Activation

The hydroxyl radical (HO•) is a strong oxidant that reacts with electron-rich sites on organic compounds and initiates complex radical chain reactions in aqueous phase advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Computer based kinetic modeling requires a reaction pathway generator and predictions of associated reaction rate constants. Previously, we reported a reaction pathway generator that can enumerate the most important elementary reactions for aliphatic compounds. For the reaction rate constant predictor, we develop linear free energy relationships (LFERs) between aqueous phase literature-reported HO• reaction rate constants and theoretically calculated free energies of activation for H-atom abstraction from a C—H bond and HO• addition to alkenes. The theoretical method uses ab initio quantum mechanical calculations, Gaussian 1−3, for gas phase reactions and a solvation method, COSMO-RS theory, to estimate the impact of water. Theoretically calculated free energies of activation are found to be within appro...
Microorganisms adhered to a river bed

Microorganisms adhered to river bed were investigated during the spring and the summer seasons. In the spring season, investigation of the water quality was carried out with chemical methods. At the same time, the dominant species of the microorganisms adhered to the river bed were also investigated separately The saprobity in the surface water in terms of saprobic index of the species was following;Points (1) - (4), (6) and (7) : oligo-saprobity, S=1.0±0.5Points (5), (8) - (10) : β-meso-saprobity, S=2.0±0.5Points (11), (12) : α-meso-saprobity, S=3.0±0.5During the summers, the microorganisms adhered to the river bed at the same points was investigated. About 10 species were observed at every point. This method of deciding the quality of the water with respect to species is quicker and more economical than the chemical method; Microorganisms indicate the past career of water quality for a fairly long time. But because of the differences in temperature, environment of a river bed and the water current, the dominant species assume a different aspect. So a deeper understanding of the water environment is the best measure to prevent water pollution. Needless to say, the origin of water pollution should be managed and controlled. By avoiding disposal of scrap materials into a river side and burning of plants, which thickly grow up in a dry river in winters, we can probably attain our purpose by reducing water pollution more than 10 %
The Effect of Hemodialysis on Whole Blood, Plasma and Erythrocyte Viscosity:

The effect of hemodialysis (HD) on blood viscosity has not been adequately investigated. We studied blood viscosity during HD employing coneplate viscometry. Ten patients with end-stage renal disease were studied before and immediately after HD. To dissect the possible effects of HD on plasma and red blood cell (RBC) determinants, we measured whole blood, plasma, and reconstituted erythrocyte viscosities. The latter consisted of RBC's suspended in a buffered saline solution (pH = 7.4 units). In addition, serum, electrolytes and hematocrit (HCT) were measured. The results revealed a significant rise in whole blood viscosity after dialysis. Likewise, plasma viscosity rose considerably with dialysis. However, when the RBC's were reconstituted to a constant HCT, no significant difference was noted before and after HD. As expected, body weight, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine concentrations fell while HCT and protein concentration rose with HD. A significant correlation was found between the observed rise in HCT, and dialysis-induced rise in whole blood viscosity. Likewise, the observed rises in plasma viscosity after dialysis significantly correlated with the rise in protein concentration. In addition, the change in whole blood and plasma viscosity values correlated with the degree of ultrafiltration (weight loss). In conclusion, whole blood and plasma viscosity rises with hemodialysis. The observed rise in viscosity is primarily due to hemoconcentration.
Lack of correlation between patient reported location and severity of facial pain and radiographic burden of disease in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Background Facial pain is a cardinal symptom of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with significant impacts on patient treatment selection, quality of life, and outcomes. The association between facial pain and CRS disease severity has not been systematically evaluated with validated, facial pain-specific questionnaires. Our objective was to measure pain location, severity, and interference in patients with CRS, and correlate these to the location and severity of radiographic evidence of disease. Methods Patients with CRS were enrolled into a prospective, cross-sectional study. Patients completed the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form, which is a validated and widely used tool that measures pain location, severity, and interference with daily activities of living. The Lund-Mackay (L-M) computed tomography (CT) scoring system was used to operationalize the radiographic location and severity of inflammation. Facial pain location, severity, and interference scores were correlated to paranasal sinus opacification scores. Results Consecutive patients with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP; n = 37) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP; n = 46) were enrolled. No significant relationship was found between the location and severity of reported facial pain and radiographic findings of disease for patients with either CRSwNP or CRSsNP. There was no difference in pain location between patients with and without radiographic disease in a given sinus. Conclusion Facial pain in CRS is not predicted by the radiographic extent of disease. The location and severity of facial pain reported by the patient is not a reliable marker of the anatomic location and severity of sinonasal inflammation. Pain location should not necessarily be relied upon for guiding targeted therapy.
Job Strain as a Risk Factor for Incident Diabetes Mellitus in Middle and Older Age U.S. Workers

Objectives The current study examined the relationship between the 4 quadrants of the job strain model and incident diabetes in U.S. working adults 50 years and older. Methods This study used longitudinal data from the 2006-2012 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (n = 1,396). Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to examine whether job strain significantly predicted diabetes incidence. Results Participants in high strain and passive jobs had significantly higher risk of diabetes relative to those in low strain jobs. In the univariate survival curves, significantly higher risk of diabetes was observed in men working in passive jobs. After adjustment for relevant covariates, participants in high strain (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-2.75) and passive (HR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.01-2.73) jobs had a significantly increased risk of diabetes. Among adults 65 years and older, high strain and passive jobs were associated with an approximately fourfold increased risk of incident diabetes. Discussion High strain and passive occupations which represent low control over work are associated with increased risk of diabetes incidence among older workers. More research is required to better understand how psychosocial work factors impact health in aging workers. Further, research should continue to explore gender differences in effects of job strain on diabetes.
The Impact of Advocacy on Congressional Action

How strongly does advocacy affect policy change? Very strongly, say some. That interest groups strongly affect policy is conventional wisdom, and it is now seemingly taken for granted that social movement organizations, formerly seen as powerless because they represent political outsiders, often have substantial policy impact as well (e.g., McAdam and Su 2002:716). There are many reasons for this: interest organizations control resources useful to politicians; their members care intensely about their issues, in contrast to the generally indifferent public; they are often able to manipulate the information available to politicians; and so on (see, e.g., Dahl 1956; Jones 1994; Kollman 1998; Lohmann 1993; Wright 1996). The image of lobbyists dominating the legislative process is a staple of American political discourse (Leech 2010). Not strongly at all, argue others. We wouldn’t expect advocacy to have much impact because in key approaches to democratic theory, the most important determinant of policy change will be public opinion. Politicians need votes to win elections, so the public has the ultimate authority over policy. Making this point especially strongly, Lohmann (1993:319) has written that “it is puzzling that rational political leaders with majoritarian incentives would ever respond to political action” by interest organizations.
The Bismarckian elections

The basic procedure used in Part 1 of this book, averaging out the results of elections over the course of a decade, has the advantage of bringing longer term trends into relief. However, it has a number of weaknesses as well, so that by itself it is inadequate for understanding the movements of voters in the general elections of Wilhelmine Germany. For one thing, averaging neglects the importance of swings in the vote from one election to the next. While in all the elections of the 1890s, for instance, the proportion of the electorate consisting of conservative voters switching to the liberals and of liberals switching to the conservatives was about equal, this was not true for each election: in 1890, there was a very sharp swing from conservatives to liberals; three years later, an even sharper swing back to the conservatives. Averaging over a decade also minimizes the significance of individual elections that stand out sharply from preceding and subsequent ones – 1878, for instance, 1907, or, above all, 1887 (a general election, I would argue, that proved to be a crucial turning point in the political history of Imperial Germany). Consequently, in this and the following chapter, I will discuss the individual general elections. The focus will be on the specific circumstances of each election – the attitude and actions of the state authorities, the campaigns of the parties, and the issues presented to the voters, both by the parties and the government. I will compare these aspects of the elections with the results of the ecological analysis, allowing us to evaluate the effects of the campaigning on the voters.