cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chinese farmers’ cooperatives and smallholder farmers

The general objective of this research is to obtain a better understanding of the characteristics and the development path of Chinese cooperatives and the effect of cooperatives on Chinese smallholder farmers. This objective is realized by identifying and assessing economic and non-economic factors affecting Chinese farmers’ choice of participating in cooperatives, evaluating the impact of cooperatives on farmers’ choice of production behaviour and marketing channels, and discussing the possibility for cooperatives to sustainably develop. The objective is achieved by answering four specific research questions from Chapter 2 to Chapter 5. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods have been used to answer these questions. In Chapter 2, a comparative literature research is conducted to answer the 1st research question. Chapters 3 to 5 are based on field survey data collected among apple farmer households and apple farmer cooperatives and employ endogenous switching probit models, ndogenous treatment regression models and structural equation models, respectively. The main conclusions are as follows. (1) Chinese cooperatives distinguish themselves from their counterparts in Western Europe mainly from six key aspects ranging from the initiation to the government’s role played in the cooperative development. (2) Cooperative membership has a significantly positive effect on the choice of wholesalers as marketing channels, along with a negative effect on choosing small dealers and an insignificant effect on choosing cooperatives as a marketing outlet. (3) Cooperative membership has a significantly positive effect on yields, but no significant effect on profits per unit area.(4) Both trust and social pressure are positively associated with affective commitment, continuance commitment and normative commitment in a direct way. Furthermore, trust positively influences affective member commitment indirectly via the partial mediator of member participation. The results and conclusions from this study provide insights into ways in which the government can enhance its support for cooperatives to help smallholder farmers cope with the challenges of China’s modern food markets.
The Future of Lattice-Gas and Lattice Boltzmann Methods

Although the lattice-gas automata (LGA) or lattice-gas cellular automata (LGCA) and the lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) have a rather short history extending only over a decade or so, they have attracted much attention among physicists in various disciplines. The reason is that the methods of LGA and LBE have demonstrated their great potentials to study various complex systems such as the hydrodynamics of multi-phase and multi-component fluids (Luo, 1998), magneto-hydrodynamics (Chen and Matthaeus, 1987; Chen et al., 1988; Chen et al., 1991), chemical reactive flows (Chen et al., 1995; Boon et al., 1996), where the application of other methods would be difficult or impractical.
Release of Catecholamines by Electrical Stimulation of the Cat Carotid Sinus Nerve In Vitro

In 1967, Biscoe and Sampson first reported that spontaneous centrifugal (efferent) activity could be recorded from the central cut end of the cat carotid sinus nerve (CSN). Shortly thereafter, Neil and O’Regan (1969, 1971) observed that electrical stimulation of the peripheral cut end of the CSN increased carotid body blood flow and depressed chemosensory discharges recorded from a small filament split off from the nerve. At about this same time, Fidone and Sato (1970) established that the efferent inhibition of chemosensory discharge was largely mediated by unmyelinated fibres, and could be distinguished from a separate depressive phenomenon caused by antidromic firing of the sensory fibres. Collectively, these early studies provided the first description of the so-called efferent pathwayy to the carotid body (see the excellent recent review by O’Regan and Majcherczyk, 1983).
Automatically generating online social network messages to combat social isolation of people with disabilities

We investigate the use of social networks for people with disabilities and their family and caregivers. Loneliness and isolation are problems people with limited communication abilities may experience. Online social networks may help overcome such communication barriers, but there are still many challenges. One challenge encountered by users of assistive technology is a learning curve not only of the user, but of family and caregivers. Our system automatically generates messages that would help answer the question "What did I do today?" and posts some of the user's daily activities with the software to online social networks. The users of our software would be able to post these messages to social networking websites to better enhance their communication with family and caregivers. We report qualitative feedback from a small preliminary user study.
Comparing variances of several measurement methods using a randomized block design with repeat measurements: A case study

In this chapter we consider the problem of comparing variances of several measurement methods in a randomized block design with repeat measurement methods. The analysis is presented in the context of an actual consulting study, which motivated this chapter. We demonstrate how in a practical data analysis, a combination of informal graphical methods and formal inferential methods (multiple comparison methods) are employed to detect outliers, identify patterns and draw conclusions with confidence.
The Varieties of Mathematical Explanation

Nous vous presentons ici le colloque "Fondements et Justification des Pratiques en Mathematiques" qui s'est deroule a l'issu du groupe : Les fondations des mathematiques au XIXe siecle : entre histoire, philosophie, epistemologie et cognition (avril-juin 2004). Le Programme international d’etudes avancees de la FMSH offre des invitations de moyenne duree a des groupes travaillant sur un projet commun. Les groupes selectionnes sont invites a developper les relations qu’ils peuvent avoir avec des chercheurs bases en France, et que leur projet interesse. Ils sont egalement en mesure de nouer des liens privilegies avec les invites de notre partenaire, le Columbia University Institute for Scholars at Reid Hall.
Pyroxsulam: Sulfonamide Herbicide for Weed Control in Wheat in Brazil

ABSTRACT: Few herbicides are currently registered in Brazil for weed control in wheat. The objective of this research was to determine the wheat crop selectivity and the response of Lolium multiflorum to pyroxsulam. Field experiments were conducted at two locations in Parana, Brazil. At the proposed commercial rates of 15 and 18 g a.i. ha-1 pyroxsulam did not cause visual injury above 10% in wheat. Pyroxsulam caused >10% injury in wheat at one location (Cascavel) when applied at 21, 30, 36 and 42 g a.i. ha-1; however, the crop fully recovered from the injury by 28 days after application and did not have an adverse effect on wheat grain yield, regardless of the rate applied. Pyroxsulam applied at 15 or 18 g a.i. ha-1 provided excellent control (>85%) of Lolium multiflorum in both trials.
Long-term outcome of custom triflange outrigger ulnar component in revision total elbow arthroplasty.

Background Patients missing the distal humeral condyles are prone to premature bushing wear after total elbow arthroplasty. A midterm study has demonstrated that a custom triflange outrigger ulnar component was successful in preventing this. The aim of this study was to determine whether these results remained stable over time. Materials and methods The outcomes of 6 patients who underwent revision of a loose ulnar component using a custom triflange outrigger component were reviewed in this retrospective case study. The average patient age at the time of revision was 51. The average number of prior operations was 2 (range, 1-3). The mean follow-up was 15 years (range, 10-18 years). Results At final follow-up, the mean range of extension-flexion was 35° to 135°, and pronation-supination was 65° to 63°. The average Mayo Elbow Performance Score improved to 75 of 100. Four implants were still in place with no radiolucencies or osteolysis. Three patients required revision surgery for broken humeral stems. Two required conversion to another total elbow arthroplasty system after 18 and 14 years for humeral component loosening. Conclusions These components lasted an average of 4 times longer than the original ulnar components. In our experience, periarticular osteolysis caused by polyethylene wear creates a region of unsupported stem and a stress riser at the junction with the remaining well-supported stem and causes component stem fractures. The concept of an outrigger type of hinge might be useful for active patients requiring an elbow prosthesis in the setting of deficient condyles.
Early outcomes with durable left ventricular assist device replacement using the HeartMate 3

Abstract Background The HeartMate 3 (HM3) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) (Abbott, Inc, Chicago, Ill) is a fully magnetically levitated centrifugal implantable pump used to treat patients with chronic heart failure. The MOMENTUM (Multicenter Study of MagLev Technology in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Circulatory Support Therapy With HeartMate 3) trial demonstrated that patients treated with the HM3 experienced reduced need for reoperation for LVAD replacement compared with a control group receiving an axial flow design, Heartmate II (Abbott, Inc). However, there are few reports of using HM3 as the replacement pump in patients who already are supported by a durable LVAD and experience a device-related complication necessitating replacement. Methods An institutional LVAD database was used to identify 19 consecutive patients who underwent pump replacement to HM3 (group 1) versus 85 consecutive control patients who underwent pump replacement to either Heartmate II or HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, Minn) (group 2), at a single institution from January 2010 to August 2018. Patient baseline characteristic and outcomes were obtained from a prospectively maintained database. The primary endpoint was a composite of freedom from death or need for another replacement surgery. Results There was no difference between the groups in heart failure etiology, indication for replacement, as well as the average days on the previous pump or the type of previous pump. The HM3 group did have a significantly greater body mass index (37 vs 31.6 P = .01), a greater number of previous LVAD implants (36.8% vs 5.9%, had 2 previous LVADs, P Conclusions LVAD replacement with HM3 can be performed safely and may be considered as the pump of choice in patients requiring LVAD replacement.
Studying up: reorienting the study of algorithmic fairness around issues of power

Research within the social sciences and humanities has long characterized the work of data science as a sociotechnical process, comprised of a set of logics and techniques that are inseparable from specific social norms, expectations and contexts of development and use. Yet all too often the assumptions and premises underlying data analysis remain unexamined, even in contemporary debates about the fairness of algorithmic systems. This blindspot exists in part because the methodological toolkit used to evaluate the fairness of algorithmic systems remains limited to a narrow set of computational and legal modes of analysis. In this paper, we expand on Elish and Boyd's [17] call for data scientists to develop more robust frameworks for understanding their work as situated practice by examining a specific methodological debate within the field of anthropology, frequently referred to as the practice of "studying up". We reflect on the contributions that the call to "study up" has made in the field of anthropology before making the case that the field of algorithmic fairness would similarly benefit from a reorientation "upward". A case study from our own work illustrates what it looks like to reorient one's research questions "up" in a high-profile debate regarding the fairness of an algorithmic system - namely, pretrial risk assessment in American criminal law. We discuss the limitations of contemporary fairness discourse with regard to pretrial risk assessment before highlighting the insights gained when we reframe our research questions to focus on those who inhabit positions of power and authority within the U.S. court system. Finally, we reflect on the challenges we have encountered in implementing data science projects that "study up". In the process, we surface new insights and questions about what it means to ethically engage in data science work that directly confronts issues of power and authority.
Decision diagram-based integer programming for the paired job scheduling problem

The paired job scheduling problem seeks to schedule n jobs on a single machine, each job consisting of two tasks for which there is a mandatory minimum waiting time between the completion of the fi...
The role of open borders and cross-border cooperation in regional growth across Europe

This paper estimates the impacts of opening of borders and intensity of cross-border cooperation (CBC) on regional growth across European border regions. The difference-in-difference estimations sh...
Anxiety sensitivity, pain severity and co-use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes among adults with chronic pain

Anxiety sensitivity (fear of potential negative consequences of anxiety-related symptoms/sensations) has been identified as a transdiagnostic factor in comorbid pain and nicotine dependence and evidence suggests that anxiety sensitivity may be indirectly associated with nicotine use via greater pain severity. Therefore, this study tested the hypothesis that anxiety sensitivity is associated with cigarette and e-cigarette use/co-use directly and indirectly via greater pain severity. Participants included 273 online survey respondents with chronic musculoskeletal pain (34% female; Mage = 32.9). Anxiety sensitivity was positively associated with cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use and cigarette/e-cigarette co-use (ps < .05). Furthermore, anxiety sensitivity was indirectly and positively associated with cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use and co-use via greater chronic pain severity. Pain severity may play an important role in associations between anxiety sensitivity and nicotine dependence and prospective research should examine temporal/causal effects of anxiety sensitivity in relation to pain severity and nicotine/tobacco use.
Design, Fabrication and Characterization of Active Atomic Force Microscope Cantilever Arrays

In this paper, we demonstrate an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) cantilever array featuring three active microcantilevers for parallel imaging in tapping mode (TM). The cantilevers are equipped with on-chip piezoelectric actuation/sensing elements in addition to an electrothermal actuator to enable z-axis positioning. To minimize vibrational coupling in the array, the cantilevers are designed with different dimensions to have distinct resonant frequencies. The measured resonant frequencies of the cantilevers are 29.9 kHz, 35.6 kHz, and 35.08 kHz. The electrical cross-coupling is successfully mitigated. Three tapping mode AFM images are obtained through subsequent use of the cantilevers in the array.
Apgar score at 10 minutes and adverse outcomes among low-risk pregnancies.

Among low-risk pregnancies, we ascertained the association between 10-minute Apgar score and adverse outcomes of newborn infants.We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the U.S. vital stati...
Nuclear assembly of polyomavirus capsids in insect cells expressing the major capsid protein VP1.

Abstract Polyomavirus normally assembles in the nucleus of infected mouse cells. Sf9 insect cells expressing the polyomavirus major capsid protein VP1 were examined by electron microscopy. Capsidlike particles of apparently uniform size were found in the nucleus. Immunogold electron microscopy demonstrated abundant VP1 in the cytoplasm which was not assembled into any recognizable higher-order structure. Cytoplasmic VP1 assembled after the cells were treated with the calcium ionophore ionomycin. Purified VP1 aggregates were shown by negative staining and cryoelectron microscopy to consist predominantly of particles similar to the empty T = 7 viral capsid. Thus, polyomavirus VP1 can assemble in vivo into capsids independent of other viral proteins or DNA. Nuclear assembly may result from increased available calcium in this subcellular compartment.
Selective nodal irradiation of regionally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with proton therapy and IMRT: A dosimetric comparison.

Objectives: Evaluate the dosimetric impact of selective/elective nodal treatment with dose-escalated radiotherapy for regionally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using proton therapy (PT) or intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Methods: Five consecutive patients with regionally advanced NSCLC underwent treatment planning for high-dose involved-field (IF) treatment (positron emission tomography-positive gross disease) with or without selective/elective nodal irradiation, defined as the extended field (EF). Four treatment plans were developed for each patient: i) IMRT to treat IF to 74 Gy (IFrT); ii) IMRT to treat high-risk nodes to 44 Gy and IF to 74 Gy (EFrT); iii) PT to treat IF to 74CGE (IFpT); and iv) PT to treat high-risk nodes to 44CGE and IF to 74CGE (EFpT). High-risk nodes were defined as mediastinal, hilar, and supraclavicular lymph node stations adjacent to foci of PET-positive gross disease. The IMRT and PT plans were isoeffective. Dose to organs at risk (OARs), including the lung, esophagus, heart and spinal cord, were evaluated. Results: The average IF clinical target volume (CTV) was 397 cc (344–428), while the average EF CTV was 642 cc (530–753 cc). Comparing IMRT with PT, mean lung dose reduced 3.4 Gy/CGE and 3.7 Gy/CGE; lung V20 reduced 4% and 5% for EF and IF, respectively. Conclusions: Selective/elective nodal irradiation with protons reduces normal-lung exposure compared to selective/elective nodal irradiation with IMRT.
FcαRI (CD89) Alleles Determine the Proinflammatory Potential of Serum IgA

The human IgA FcR (FcαRI; CD89) mediates a variety of immune system functions including degranulation, endocytosis, phagocytosis, cytokine synthesis, and cytokine release. We have identified a common, nonsynonymous, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the coding region of CD89 (844A→G) (rs16986050), which changes codon 248 from AGC (Ser 248 ) to GGC (Gly 248 ) in the cytoplasmic domain of the receptor. The two different alleles demonstrate significantly different FcαRI-mediated intracellular calcium mobilization and degranulation in rat basophilic leukemia cells and cytokine production (IL-6 and TNF-α) in murine macrophage P388D1 cells. In the absence of FcR γ-chain association in P388D1 cells, the Ser 248 -FcαRI allele does not mediate cytokine production, but the Gly 248 -FcαRI allele retains the capacity to mediate a robust production of proinflammatory cytokine. This allele-dependent difference is also seen with FcαRI-mediated IL-6 cytokine release by human neutrophils ex vivo. These findings and the enrichment of the proinflammatory Gly 248 -FcαRI allele in systemic lupus erythematosus populations in two ethnic groups compared with their respective non-systemic lupus erythematosus controls suggest that FcαRI (CD89) α-chain alleles may affect receptor-mediated signaling and play an important role in the modulation of immune responses in inflammatory diseases.
Supreme Court Justices and Supreme Court Nominations: Do Nomination Battles Affect the Decisions of Sitting Justices?

While the President and the Senate select a new Supreme Court justice, the Court often continues to announce decisions. These decisions are noteworthy because they come while an extraordinary amount of public and political attention is focused on the Court. If justices are concerned about approbation, then the extra attention raises the relative price they pay for unpopular decisions and may encourage them to accommodate public opinions in their voting. Using three measures of judicial output, I assess the impact of an announced retirement or death of a U.S. Supreme Court justice on the voting patterns of sitting members of the Court. I find that following an announced retirement or death, liberal justices are more likely to adopt positions which are unusual given their voting record. Additionally, conservative justices are more likely to find themselves in the majority. Vacancies also seem to make justices more reluctant to declare actions unconstitutional.
Dynamic rupture models of earthquakes on the Bartlett Springs Fault, Northern California

The Bartlett Springs Fault (BSF), the easternmost branch of the northern San Andreas Fault system, creeps along much of its length. Geodetic data for the BSF are sparse, and surface creep rates are generally poorly constrained. The two existing geodetic slip rate inversions resolve at least one locked patch within the creeping zones. We use the 3-D finite element code FaultMod to conduct dynamic rupture models based on both geodetic inversions, in order to determine the ability of rupture to propagate into the creeping regions, as well as to assess possible magnitudes for BSF ruptures. For both sets of models, we find that the distribution of aseismic creep limits the extent of coseismic rupture, due to the contrast in frictional properties between the locked and creeping regions.
Seeing People, Seeing Things: Individual Differences in Selective Attention

Individuals differ in how they deploy attention to their physical and social environments. These differences have been recognized in various forms as orientations, interests, and preferences, but empirical work examining these differences at a cognitive level is scarce. To address this gap, we conducted two studies to explore the links among attentional processes and interests in people and things. The first study measured selective visual attention toward person- and thing-related image content. In the second study, participants were randomly assigned to describe visually presented scenes using either an observational or narrative story format. Linguistic analyses were conducted to assess attentional bias toward interest-congruent content. Outcomes from both studies suggest that attention and motivational processes are linked to differential interests in physical and social environments.
Shocking Results: Assessing the Rates of Fish Injury from Pulsed-DC Electrofishing

AbstractElectrofishing is one of the more commonly used techniques for sampling fish in freshwater ecosystems. In the present study, four native fish species (Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus, Freshwater Drum Aplodinotus grunniens, and Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum) and two invasive species (Common Carp Cyprinus carpio and Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) that were captured in the Mississippi and Illinois rivers were assessed for evidence of vertebral injuries from pulsed-DC (PDC) boat electrofishing. Fish were collected by electrofishing crews conducting routine standardized sampling for two long-term monitoring programs. Fifty percent of Silver Carp and 27% of Channel Catfish were injured; no injuries were observed for the other species examined. Injury rates for Silver Carp were 71% in the Illinois River and 30% in the Mississippi River. The Silver Carp injury rate was positively correlated with conductivity, temperature, and pulse frequency and negatively co...
The mud sleeper Butis koilomatodon (Pisces: Eleotridae): first record from the Western Central Atlantic

In December, 2002, two specimens of B. koilomatodon (Bleeker, 1879) were collected in Delta of the Orinoco River which forms the eastern coast of Venezuela. New records: MHNLS 15473, (54.6 mm SL), Cano Pedernales (9o58’03” N, 62o15’04” W) and MHNLS 15474, (51,6 mm SL), Cano Venado (10o01’51” N, 62o26’03” W). Previous records: Indian Ocean and Western Pacific (Mozambique. South Africa, Madagascar, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnan, China, The Philippines), Eastern Central Pacific (Panama) and the Eastern Central Atlantic (Nigeria). Gratefulnesses: Conservation International y ConocoPhillips Venezuela, they supported the expedition AquaRAP (December 2002) to Gulf of Paria and Delta of the Orinoco river. Ref.: Miller, P. & P. Wongrat. 1990. Eleotridae, p. 952-957. In J. Hureau, C. Karrer, A. Post & L. Saldanha (eds.). Check-list of the fishes of the eastern tropical Atlantic (CLOFETA). JNICT, Lisbon; SEI and UNESCO, Paris. Vol. 2.
Unstable fields and the recollapse of an open universe

Abstract The effects of classically unstable fields upon the evolution of an open universe are considered. It is shown that such fields can cause an open universe to cease expanding and recollapse to a final singularity, even if the total mass density is less than the critical density at the present time.
Regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics by Arf-family GTPases

Small GTPases of the Arf family are best known for their role in vesicular transport, wherein they nucleate the assembly of coat proteins at sites of carrier vesicle formation. However, accumulating evidence indicates that the Arfs are also important regulators of actin cytoskeleton dynamics and are involved in a variety of actin-based processes, including cell adhesion, migration and neurite outgrowth. The mechanisms of this regulation are remarkably diverse, ranging from the integration of vesicular transport with cytoskeleton assembly to the direct regulation of Rho-family GTPase function. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of how Arfs and their interacting proteins function to integrate membrane and cytoskeletal dynamics.
Production of delayed ataxia by carbamate acid esters

Abstract Thirty-eight carbamates and thiocarbamates were evaluated for the production of delayed neurotoxicity in the mature White Leghorn hen. Several thiocarbamates including phenyl- N -ethylthiocarbamate and s-2,3-dichloroallyl diisopropylthiocarbamate (diallate) produced symptoms of severe delayed neurotoxicity following repeated oral administration. The results of these experiments do not preclude the possibility that neurotoxic carbamates and organophosphorous compounds may share a common site of action.
ECR plasma-assisted deposition of Al2O3 and dispersion-strengthened AlOx

Abstract Electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) O 2 plasmas, in conjunction with electron-beam evaporation of Al, were used to grow thick AlO x films with varying but controlled composition and microstructure. The ion energy was varied from 30 to 190 eV, and growth temperatures varied from 35°C to 400°C. The ECR-film compositions were varied from AlO 0.1 to Al 2 O 3 by controlling the plasma parameters and Al deposition rate. The Al-rich alloys exhibited a fine-grain (10–100 nm) fcc Al microstructure with γ-Al 2 O 3 precipitates (∼ 1 nm), similar to those reported previously in gigapascal-strength O-implanted Al. The measured hardness of the ECR AlO alloys (∼ 3 GPa) was also comparable to that of the ion-implanted alloys which implies that the yield strength of the ECR material is ∼ 1 GPa. Moreover, the AlO alloys retain much of the elasticity of the Al metal matrix.
Effect of general relativity on a near-Earth satellite in the geocentric and barycentric reference frames.

Whether one uses a solar-system barycentric frame or a geocentric frame when including the general theory of relativity in orbit determinations for near-Earth satellites, the results should be equivalent to some limiting accuracy. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the effects of relativity in each frame and to demonstrate their equivalence through the analysis of real laser-tracking data. A correction to the conventional barycentric equations of motion is shown to be required.
Building the Administrative State

Books reviewed in this article: Daniel P. Carpenter, The Forging of Bureaucratic Autonomy: Reputations, Networks, and Policy Innovation in Executive Agencies, 1862–1928 David E. Lewis, Presidents and the Politics of Agency: Design Political Insulation in the United States Government Bureaucracy, 1946–1997
Automated fluorometric amino acid analysis: the determination of nonprotein cyclic imino acids.

Abstract The fluorometric detection of eight previously unstudied cyclic imino acids of plant origin following automated ion-exchange fractionation is reported. cis -4-Hydroxyproline, trans -4- and cis - and trans -5-hydroxypipecolic acids, acetylaminopipecolic acid, and 2,4- trans -4,5- rans - and 2,4- trans -4,5- cis -4,5,-dihydroxypipecolic acids are resolved with a pH 3.1 buffer. Pipecolic acid is subsequently eluted by increasing the pH to 3.5. Detection involves a post-column oxidation of the secondary amines by chloramine-T prior to the introduction of the fluorogenic agent o -phthalaldehyde. The characteristic optima each compound shows with respect to the pH of the chloramine-T solution, the concentration of chloramine-T, and the temperature at which the oxidation step is carried out are reported. The method establishes the usefulness of o -phthalaldehyde for the detection of non-protein amino acids in plant material.
Toward a feminist model for the political empowerment of nurses.

Shifts in power within the nursing profession and the health care system raise questions as to how nursing will develop and use its power. As a model for political action, empowerment involves the development of three dimensions; (a) raising the conscious of sociopolitical realities; (b) positive self-esteem; and (c) political skills needed to negotiate and change the health care system. This paper discusses these dimensions as they relate to nurses within a feminist context.
Transfer of new learning in memory-impaired patients

Abstract Previous research has produced conflicting evidence concerning transfer of new learning by amnesic patients. The present experiment investigated the hypothesis that different numbers of learning trials account for differences in transfer, such that the greater the number of repetitions of material in identical stimulus contexts the poorer the transfer. Six memory-impaired patients and six control subjects attempted to learn the names of business-related documents in response to descriptive definitions. Learning continued until one of the following criteria was reached: 50% correct, 100% correct, 100% correct plus 10 trials. In a transfer task, subjects were then asked to produce the target responses to altered definitional cues. The results of the experiment demonstrated that, contrary to prediction, transfer improved with numbers of learning trials. Results are consistent with the view that continued study of information allows better integration of new learning with prior knowledge and correspo...
The cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 does not modify methamphetamine reinstatement of responding

Abstract Cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists can decrease methamphetamine self-administration. This study examined whether the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 [N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-indophonyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide] modifies reinstatement in rats that previously self-administered methamphetamine. Rats (n = 10) self-administered methamphetamine (0.1 mg/kg/infusion) under a fixed ratio 2 schedule. Non-contingent methamphetamine (0.01–1.78 mg/kg, i.v.) yielded responding for saline (reinstatement) that was similar to responding for self-administered methamphetamine. AM251 (0.032–0.32, i.v.) did not affect methamphetamine-induced reinstatement but significantly attenuated ▵9-tetrahydrocannabinol (2.0 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced hypothermia. These data fail to support a role for endogenous cannabinoids or cannabinoid CB1 receptors in reinstatement and, therefore, relapse to stimulant abuse.
An Analysis of Computer Center Operation

Abstract The operation of a computer center presents an interesting setting for interaction between industrial engineering and computing. Services offered within and outside of the computer should receive, process, and return customers' jobs as rapidly as possible. If the turn-around times for various job types are predictable, the user may utilize this information to decide whether or not to wait at the center to receive his output. Relatively simple models are used to assess the efficiency of various complex computer center operations and the results point to areas where significant service improvements are possible.
Complementary nature of heat production and heat intake during behavioral thermoregulation in the rat

Rats were trained to work for radiant heat in a cold environment in an apparatus that permitted the simultaneous measurement of metabolic heat production. Reductions in behavioral efficacy produced either by a decrease in reward duration or intensity or by an increase in response effort resulted in a reduction in behavioral heat intake, an increase in metabolic heat production, and no change in body temperature. Thus, autonomic and behavioral temperature regulation interact to produce a constant body temperature.
Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas in childhood—Report of a case and a review of the english language literature

A case of adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas in a 13-year-old girl is reported. Some areas simulated an islet cell tumor by light microscopy, but contained numerous eosinophilic granules which were PAS-positive and diastase resistant. Ultrastructurally, the granules were large (960 mum-3000 mum in diameter) and electron-dense, resembling zymogen granules. These granules often showed focal to complete degeneration, occassionally being continuous with a myelin figure. The granules of true islet cell tumors are ultrastructurally distinctive and it is urged, therefore, that all pancreatic neoplasms in children be studied by histochemistry and electron microscopy. Carcinoma of the pancreas in childhood is a rare tumor, often with a rapid clinical course resulting in death. Morphologic separation of cases reported in the English language literature can be made on the basis of acinar differentiation. This feature has been suggested as a peculiarity of childhood pancreatic carcinoma. However, there is a suggestion that this phenomenon occurs in a small percentage of adult tumours as well. More extensive morphologic studies in adult pancreatic cancer may be warranted.
Solubility and speciation of atmospheric iron in buffer systems simulating cloud conditions

Abstract The solubility of iron (Fe) in atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is important to understand its chemistry and potential bioavailability to ocean phytoplankton. However, current studies on Fe solubility and its speciation are highly uncertain partly due to inconsistencies in analytical protocols. In this study, cloud-processing of atmospheric PM was simulated in acetate, formate, and oxalate buffers (pH = 4.30 ± 0.05) at 0.5, 1, 5, and 20 mM. Colorimetric analysis of Fe(II)–ferrozine complex showed that Fe solubility increased by an order of magnitude when acetate and formate concentrations increased from 0.5 mM to 5 mM, with a higher fraction of soluble Fe in acetate than in formate at lower buffer concentration (0.5 mM). Measured pH of sample extracts revealed that weak buffers are unable to maintain pH, presumably due to acidic or alkaline components of PM, requiring an optimum concentration (5 mM in this study) of acetate and formate for Fe solubility measurements. Similar extraction procedures revealed that oxalate buffer inhibits the formation of Fe(II)–ferrozine complex, especially with Fe(III)-containing solutions, rendering it unsuitable for Fe solubility measurements by Ferrozine method. Application of the optimized analytical method to PM samples from different environments showed quite variable Fe solubility, with the lowest (
Diapers to Car Keys: The State of Spirituality, Religion and Work Research

The a priori “newness” of research in the spirituality, religion and work (SRW) field has been generally accepted, even though the domain of SRW credibly overlaps with well-established inquiry traditions, such as education, psychology, and theology. Because of this multi-disciplinary nature of SRW, we asked: How truly new is research work in this domain? Following the philosophy of science literature, this paper explores five hypotheses related to the research methodologies in all peer-reviewed empirical work published within the SRW domain during the initial years of its popular emergence, 1996–2000. Chi-square and text analysis (N=26) revealed mixed results with respect to hypothesized norms, and that many dynamic and varied empirical approaches are already in use within more established fields. Findings also suggest that work in the SRW domain may be further along than generally thought in the literature. Detailed discussion and implications for SRW research methodologies conclude the paper.
Serum Haloperidol Levels in Older Psychotic Patients

The authors measured serum levels of haloperidol (HL) in outpatients ages 45–83 years with psychosis treated with HL for at least 1 month. Blood was collected from 32 patients with either schizophrenia ( n = 23 ) or Alzheimer's disease (AD) ( n = 9). HL daily dose was greater in patients with schizophrenia (median age, 59) than in AD patients (median age, 80) ( P P P P
Quantitative cytochemistry of the organ of corti. Dissection, weight determination and analysis of single outer hair cells.

A method is described for the dissection of single outer hair cells in the freeze-dried state. The average dry weight of outer hair cells from the third and fourth cochlear turn in the guinea pig is of the order of one nanogram, with variations depending upon the precise location. The measured dry weight is in line with the wet weight estimated from the volume of living outer hair cells maintained under iso-osmotic conditions. The lipid fraction of outer hair cells amounts to about 21 percent of the dry weight. Average ATP levels in outer hair cells of the upper two turns range between 12–15 mmoles/kg dry weight, with no significant difference between rows or turns.
Abelʼs summation formula in partially ordered groups

Abstract Abelʼs partial summation formula has been used classically to obtain convergence tests for certain types of series of real or complex numbers. We generalize the formula and convergence tests to the setting of directed partially ordered topological groups, where the notion of a convergent series is replaced by that of a Cauchy multipliable sequence.
The 'Court', the 'Country' and the Northamptonshire Connection: Watching the 'Puritan Opposition' Think (Historically) about Politics on the Eve of the English Civil War

AbstractThis article is about how the puritan opposition thought about politics. It reads Thomas Ball's Life of John Preston not merely as a godly life but as a politick history — a political tract which uses an account of Preston's conduct during the late teens and twenties as a guide to how the puritan opposition should behave in the late 1630s. The local (Northamptonshire) milieu in which the life was both produced and read is reconstructed and the immediate political and polemical questions to which the life was addressed are delineated. The article addresses the use of history (here of the very recent past) to think about the present and immediate future; the connection between religion and politics, and in particular between politique and providential modes of political analysis in puritan political thinking; the valence of 'court' and 'country' as immediately contemporary categories of analysis; and the origins of English Presbyterianism as a 'moderate puritan' reaction against the populist (indeed...
Pediatric renal transplantation in Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome

Two cases of renal transplantation in pediatric patients with Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome are reported. Immunosuppressive therapy consisted of cyclosporine, prednisone and azathioprine. Renal function has been good but both patients developed morbid obesity.
Are there gender differences in the use of peak flow meters

To determine if there are gender differences in correct use of peak flow meters (PEM), third-year doctor of pharmacy students (n = 83; 52 females, 31 males) were instructed in a classroom on correct use of a PFM, including demonstrations. Students were then immediately divided into five groups, given a PFM, and assessed for three attempts in private individual sessions. Males had superior performance on the first attempt for total score (p < 0.05) and for "inhale fully" (p < 0.05). On the second attempt, the total score was not different, but males scored higher on "exhale as fast and as hard as you can" (p < 0.05). Controlled gender studies examining use of PFM in adult and pediatric patients with asthma are warranted.
On the Absolutely Continuous Spectrum of the Perturbed Hill's Equation

On considere l'equation de Hill −y″+q(x)y=λy, avec −∞<x<∞ et λ complexe, ou q(x) est reel continu par morceaux et periodique de periode 1, et l'equation augmentee perturbee par une fonction L 1 (−∞,∞):−y″+[q(x)+p(x)]y=λy, ou p(x) est reel et absolument integrable le long de l'axe reel
Rbm20 regulates titin alternative splicing as a splicing repressor

Titin, a sarcomeric protein expressed primarily in striated muscles, is responsible for maintaining the structure and biomechanical properties of muscle cells. Cardiac titin undergoes developmental size reduction from 3.7 megadaltons in neonates to primarily 2.97 megadaltons in the adult. This size reduction results from gradually increased exon skipping between exons 50 and 219 of titin mRNA. Our previous study reported that Rbm20 is the splicing factor responsible for this process. In this work, we investigated its molecular mechanism. We demonstrate that Rbm20 mediates exon skipping by binding to titin pre-mRNA to repress the splicing of some regions; the exons/introns in these Rbm20-repressed regions are ultimately skipped. Rbm20 was also found to mediate intron retention and exon shuffling. The two Rbm20 speckles found in nuclei from muscle tissues were identified as aggregates of Rbm20 protein on the partially processed titin pre-mRNAs. Cooperative repression and alternative 3' splice site selection were found to be used by Rbm20 to skip different subsets of titin exons, and the splicing pathway selected depended on the ratio of Rbm20 to other splicing factors that vary with tissue type and developmental age.
First-principles study of a carbon nanobud.

Carbon nanobuds (CNBs), a novel carbon nanostructure, have been synthesized recently via covalently bonding C60 buckyballs to the sidewall of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) through cycloaddition reaction [Nasibulin, A. G. et al., Nat. Nanotechnol. 2007, 2, 156]. We perform a first-principles study of structural, electronic, chemical, and field-emission properties of CNBs. It is found that relative stabilities of CNBs depend on the type of carbon−carbon bond dissociated in the cycloaddition reaction. All CNBs are semiconducting regardless of the original SWCNT base being metallic or semiconducting. Chemical attachment of C60 to SWCNTs can either open up the band gap (e.g., for armchair SWCNT) or introduce impurity states within the band gap, thereby reducing the band gap (for semiconducting SWCNT). In addition, the band gap of CNBs can be modified by changing the density of C60 attached to the sidewall of the SWCNT. The work function of CNBs can be either slightly higher or lower than that of the ...
Hearing loss and cognition in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Objective To determine the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive function as assessed with a standardized neurocognitive battery. We hypothesized a priori that greater hearing loss is associated with lower cognitive test scores on tests of memory and executive function.
Correlation of phenotype with genotype in inherited retinal degeneration

Diseases causing inherited retinal degeneration in humans, such as retinitis pigmentosa and macular dystrophy, are genetically heterogeneous and clinically diverse. More than 40 genes causing retinal degeneration have been mapped to specific chromosomal sites; of these, at least 10 have been cloned and characterized. Mutations in two proteins, rhodopsin and peripherin/RDS, account for approximately 35% of all cases of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa and a lesser fraction of other retinal conditions. This target article reviews the genes and mutations causing retinal degeneration and proposes mechanisms whereby specific mutations lead to particular clinical consequences, that is, the relationship between genotype and phenotype. Retinitis pigmentosa and macular dystrophy are genetically heterogeneous diseases that cause retinal degeneration in humans and often result in severe visual impairment or blindness. Although many of the genes causing these diseases have not been identified, three photoreceptor-specific proteins have been implicated: rhodopsin, peripherin/RDS, and the P-subunit of rod phosphodiesterase. Mutations in the genes for these three proteins can cause either dominant retinitis pigmentosa, recessive retinitis pigmentosa, dominant congenital stationary night blindness, or dominant macular degeneration. Why this multiplicity of clinical phenotypes? Our target article summarizes the genetic and biochemical background to this question and proposes a number of possible explanations. Discussion focuses mainly on 73 distinct disease-causing mutations of rhodopsin. We feel that rhodopsin and other photoreceptor proteins can serve as model systems for unraveling the connection between genotype and phenotype, not only for inherited retinal diseases but for other degenerative disorders as well.
Single-molecule detection of DNA separations in microfabricated capillary electrophoresis chips employing focused molecular streams.

DNA separations have been performed using microfabricated capillary electrophoresis chips and detected using a single-molecule fluorescence burst counting technique. We enhanced the percentage of electromigrating DNA molecules that were detected by focusing the sample through the 1-μm-diameter focused laser beam. The sample was focused by introducing a taper in the separation channel and by a sheath flow delivered from cross channels. The sample stream width, single-molecule velocities, and single-molecule count rates varied linearly with the current density ratio as expected. The optimal laser power for each focusing condition was investigated using dilute solutions of pBluescript DNA. Although fluorescence burst heights and background varied with laser power, the signal-to-noise ratio was only weakly dependent on this parameter using our single-molecule counting technique. Focused single-molecule counting was used to detect separations of a 100−1000-bp DNA sizing ladder. The increase in molecular detect...