cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chinese American Immigrant Mothers’ Discussion of Emotion With Children Relations to Cultural Orientations

This study examined the unique relations of American and Chinese cultural orientations to the content and quality of first-generation Chinese American immigrant mothers’ emotion discussion with their school-aged children (age = 5 to 9 years). Mother-child dyads (n = 187) were videotaped during a storytelling task, and various aspects of mothers’ emotion talk were coded. Mothers self-reported on their cultural orientations in language proficiency and behaviors (i.e., media use and social affiliations). Controlling for socioeconomic status, mother’s age, child age, gender, and generation status, as well as the length, elaborateness, and language (English and/or Chinese) of storytelling, mothers’ Chinese orientation was uniquely associated with their lower use of emotion questions and explanations and a lower quality of emotion discussion. Although mothers’ American orientation was positively correlated with their use of positive emotion words and emotion explanations, it did not uniquely predict emotion dis...
Deletion of the Central Proline-Rich Repeat Domain Results in Altered Antigenicity and Lack of Surface Expression of the Streptococcus mutans P1 Adhesin Molecule

Members of the family of surface adhesins of oral streptococci, including P1 of Streptococcus mutans, contain two highly conserved repeat domains, one rich in alanine (A region) and the other rich in proline (P region). To assess the contribution of the P region to the biological properties of P1, an internal deletion in spaP was engineered. In addition, the P region was subcloned and expressed as a fusion partner with the maltose binding protein of Escherichia coli and liberated by digestion with factor Xa. Results of Western blot experiments in which recombinant polypeptides were probed with a panel of 11 monoclonal antibodies indicated that the P region is a necessary component of conformational epitopes within the central portion of P1. Antibodies reactive with the P region were detected in a polyclonal rabbit antiserum generated against whole S. mutans cells but not in two rabbit antisera generated against purified P1 (Mr ; 185,000), suggesting that this domain is immunogenic on the surface of intact bacteria but not as part of a soluble full-length molecule. Finally, transformation of a spaP-negative mutant with a shuttle vector containing an internally deleted spaP lacking P-region DNA resulted in a complete absence of surface-localized P1 and substantially less P1 in sonicated cells compared to the case for the mutant complemented with the full-length gene. These results suggest that the P region is an integral component contributing to the conformation of the central region of P1 and indicate that its presence is necessary for surface expression of the molecule on S. mutans.
Nanostructured Bi2Se3 Films and Their Thermoelectric Transport Properties

Since the discovery of the thermoelectric effect by Thomas Johann Seebeck in 1821, solid-state thermoelectric materials have long held the promise of becoming the next generation of energy converters thanks to their small size, light weight, reliability, and potential for higher conversion efficiencies. [1] However, bulk thermoelectric materials seem to have reached their performance limit; most materials exhibit an optimum thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of about 1 at room temperature, which equates to only around 10 % of the Carnot efficiency.Since the 1960s, the efficiencies of bulk thermoelectric materials have been improved only marginally.To promote the economic potential of these materials and to support the full development of the associated technological applications, improvements in thermoelectric efficiencies leading to ZT 3 at room temperature are required.It was not until the early 1990s that Dresselhaus and co-workers demonstrated theoretically that it is possible to increase the ZT values drastically by decreasing the size of thermoelectric materials. [2–5] However, the practical difficulties in synthesizing, testing, and utilizing structures smaller than 100 nm make the production of nanoscale thermoelectric materials a real challenge.Therefore, methods that provide reproducible and stable nanostructured thermoelectric films and reliable thermoelectric measurements are of great importance.We have developed chemically grown nanostructured thermoelectric films, the building and testing of which is a significant step towards better thermoelectric
Psychometric Properties of IRT Proficiency Estimates

Psychometric properties of item response theory proficiency estimates are considered in this paper. Proficiency estimators based on summed scores and pattern scores include non-Bayes maximum likelihood and test characteristic curve estimators and Bayesian estimators. The psychometric properties investigated include reliability, conditional standard errors of measurement, and score distributions. Four real-data examples include (a) effects of choice of estimator on score distributions and percent proficient, (b) effects of the prior distribution on score distributions and percent proficient, (c) effects of test length on score distributions and percent proficient, and (d) effects of proficiency estimator on growth-related statistics for a vertical scale. The examples illustrate that the choice of estimator influences score distributions and the assignment of examinee to proficiency levels. In particular, for the examples studied, the choice of Bayes versus non-Bayes estimators had a more serious practical effect than the choice of summed versus pattern scoring.
An experimental study of electrostatic sprays of bio-butanol at low flow rates

Butanol produced from agricultural sources is emerging as a potentially renewable bio-fuel. In this work, butanol electrostatic sprays were established within a narrow region of low flow rates. Spray phenomenology was investigated through high-speed visualization for the low flow conditions and at the lowest voltage where the electrospray could sustain itself. Spray structure was studied through average droplet diameter as well as with velocity measurements, using Phase Doppler Anemometry, for a combination of conditions that included additional applied voltages. Imaging and structure results revealed stable e-spray operation, accompanied with narrow droplet size and velocity distributions, which revealed spray behavior close to monodisperse. In addition, a non-dimensional analysis was performed in order to develop an empirical expression correlating the dimensionless average diameter d*, flow rate Q* and applied voltage V*.
Neuroaesthetics and the Trouble with Beauty

Neuroscience is increasingly being called upon to address issues within the humanities. We discuss challenges that arise, relating to art and beauty, and provide ideas for a way forward.
Thioredoxin Promotes ASK1 Ubiquitination and Degradation to Inhibit ASK1-Mediated Apoptosis in a Redox Activity-Independent Manner

It has been shown that thioredoxin (Trx) in a reduced form binds to and inhibits apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1). Apoptotic stimuli such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activate ASK1 in part by oxidizing Trx (forming intramolecular disulfide between C32 and C35) to release Trx from ASK1. In the present study, we examined if Trx affects ASK1 protein stability and whether the redox activity of Trx is critical in regulating ASK1 activity. First, we showed that overexpression of the wild-type Trx (Trx-WT) in endothelial cells induced ASK1 ubiquitination and degradation. Trx-induced ASK1 ubiquitination/degradation could be blocked by ASK1 activators TNF and TRAF2. We then tested the single-mutation of Trx at the catalytic site C32 or C35 (Trx-C32S or Trx-C35S) and the double-mutation (Trx-CS). The results showed that the single mutants (but not Trx-CS) retained the binding activity for ASK1 and the ability to induce ASK1 ubiquitination/degradation. Unlike Trx-WT, Trx-C32S and Trx-C35S mutants constitutively bind to ASK1 even in the presence of hydrogen peroxide in vitro and TNF in vivo. Finally, we showed that the single mutants (not Trx-WT) significantly (n=4 and P<0.05) inhibited ASK1-induced JNK activation, caspase 3 activity, and apoptosis in TNF/ROS-resistant manner. Our data suggest that association of Trx with ASK1 through a single Cysteine (C32 or C35) is necessary and sufficient for Trx activity in inducing ASK1 ubiquitination/degradation leading to inhibition of ASK1-induced apoptosis.
Mid-Pliocene sea level and continental ice volume based on coupled benthic Mg/Ca palaeotemperatures and oxygen isotopes.

Ostracode magnesium/calcium (Mg/Ca)-based bottom-water temperatures were combined with benthic foraminiferal oxygen isotopes in order to quantify the oxygen isotopic composition of seawater, and estimate continental ice volume and sea-level variability during the Mid-Pliocene warm period, ca 3.3–3.0 Ma. Results indicate that, following a low stand of approximately 65 m below present at marine isotope stage (MIS) M2 ( ca 3.3 Ma), sea level generally fluctuated by 20–30 m above and below a mean value similar to present-day sea level. In addition to the low-stand event at MIS M2, significant low stands occurred at MIS KM2 (−40 m), G22 (−40 m) and G16 (−60 m). Six high stands of +10 m or more above present day were also observed; four events (+10, +25,+15 and +30 m) from MIS M1 to KM3, a high stand of +15 m at MIS K1, and a high stand of +25 m at MIS G17. These results indicate that continental ice volume varied significantly during the Mid-Pliocene warm period and that at times there were considerable reductions of Antarctic ice.
The Natural History Conundrum Revisited: Mammalogy Begins at Home

This commentary is the text of an oral presentation delivered at the 88th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists in Brookings, South Dakota, on 22 June 2008 to recognize receipt of the Joseph Grinnell Award for Excellence in Education in Mammalogy. Much has been written by previous recipients of the Joseph Grinnell Award about the declining interest in natural history and organismic biology in academia and in society in general. In the course of 40 years of university teaching and student advising, as well as field research with students on 5 continents, I too have witnessed this increasing abandonment of the natural world. This phenomenon seems to stem from changes in the early experiences of children and young people over the past 40 years and, thus, I would advance the premise that mammalogy and other branches of natural history begin at home. Three types of learning seem important to the developing mind. First is the time and opportunity for unstructured, unforced exploration of the local environment—time to develop from the inside out rather than merely as a shell coated with a number of intellectual veneers. Second is learning from the example and caring instruction of enthusiastic parents, teachers, and mentors. Third is the transfer of information—from personal experience, reading, teaching, and selectively from a vast array of electronic sources—once again with time for synthesis and contemplation. All 3 types of learning appear to be critical to an appreciation of the natural world. Unfortunately, these processes have been grossly distorted by the loss of outdoor experience, by parental fears and ambitions, and by a kind of electronic idolatry associated with constant entertainment, instant gratification, and virtual relationships. Such an upbringing may affect not only a child’s physical and mental health, but his or her future commitment to preserving the natural world as an adult. Published studies of ‘‘nature deficit disorder’’ and ‘‘videophilia’’ now describe this phenomenon and challenge families, schools, and scientific organizations to respond in a timely way.
Thickness dependence of Weibull slopes of HfO 2 gate dielectrics

Breakdown voltage distribution, Weibull slopes, and area scaling factors have been investigated for HfO/sub 2/ gate dielectrics in order to gain a better understanding of the breakdown mechanism. Weibull slope of thick HfO/sub 2/ (e.g., /spl beta//spl ap/4 for EOT=2.5 nm) is smaller than that of SiO/sub 2/ with similar physical thickness, whereas /spl beta/ of the thinner HfO/sub 2/ (e.g., /spl beta//spl ap/2 for EOT=1.4 nm) is similar to that of SiO/sub 2/. The implication of the thickness dependence of /spl beta/ is discussed.
Robust topology control for indoor wireless sensor networks

Topology control can reduce power consumption and channel contention in wireless sensor networks by adjusting the transmission power. However, topology control for wireless sensor networks faces significant challenges, especially in indoor environments where wireless characteristics are extremely complex and dynamic. We first provide insights on the design of robust topology control schemes based on an empirical study in an office building. For example, our analysis shows that Received Signal Strength Indicator and Link Quality Indicator are not always robust indicators of Packet Reception Rate in indoor environments due to significant multi-path effects. We then present Adaptive and Robust Topology control (ART), a novel and practical topology control algorithm with several salient features: (1) ART is robust in indoor environments as it does not rely on simplifying assumptions about the wireless properties; (2) ART can adapt to variations in both link quality and contention; (3) ART introduces zero communication overhead for applications which already use acknowledgements. We have implemented ART as a topology layer in TinyOS 2.x. Our topology layer only adds 12 bytes of RAM per neighbor and 1.5 kilobytes of ROM, and requires minimal changes to upper-layer routing protocols. The advantages of ART have been demonstrated through empirical results on a 28-node indoor testbed.
Genome-wide expression profiling of human blood reveals biomarkers for Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by an expansion of glutamine repeats in ubiquitously distributed huntingtin protein. Recent studies have shown that mutant huntingtin interferes with the function of widely expressed transcription factors, suggesting that gene expression may be altered in a variety of tissues in HD, including peripheral blood. Affymetrix and Amersham Biosciences oligonucleotide microarrays were used to analyze global gene expression in blood samples of HD patients and matched controls. We identified 322 mRNAs that showed significantly altered expression in HD blood samples, compared with controls (P < 0.0005), on two different microarray platforms. A subset of up-regulated mRNAs selected from this group was able to distinguish controls, presymptomatic individuals carrying the HD mutation, and symptomatic HD patients. In addition, early presymptomatic subjects showed gene expression profiles similar to those of controls, whereas late presymptomatic subjects showed altered expression that resembled that of symptomatic HD patients. These elevated mRNAs were significantly reduced in HD patients involved in a dose-finding study of the histone deacetylase inhibitor sodium phenylbutyrate. Furthermore, expression of the marker genes was significantly up-regulated in postmortem HD caudate, suggesting that alterations in blood mRNAs may reflect disease mechanisms observed in HD brain. In conclusion, we identified changes in blood mRNAs that clearly distinguish HD patients from controls. These alterations in mRNA expression correlate with disease progression and response to experimental treatment. Such markers may provide clues to the state of HD and may be of predictive value in clinical trials.
An investigation of a human material handler on part flow in automated manufacturing systems

This paper presents a formal approach to resolve an important question concerning changes in the control of computerized manufacturing systems when a human operator is involved as a task-performing agent. It requires building a model of human functional specifications used in executing tasks and integrating it into a control scheme for the model. More importantly, analysis of control complexity needs to be conducted to build an effective control mechanism. In this paper, a human material handler is considered, and an assessment of part flow complexity affected by human tasks in a highly automated manufacturing system is presented. For this purpose, a formal model of human task-performing processes is proposed in terms of a part and location(s) of a task. A classification for human material handling tasks is presented based on the proposed model. Furthermore, human errors and the impact of human errors on part flow are considered. Part flow complexity of a manufacturing system from the control perspective is then investigated in terms of the human tasks and errors. A shop floor control example where a human operator performs material handling tasks is provided to illustrate the proposed model.
Graphics processing unit implementations of relative expression analysis algorithms enable dramatic computational speedup

Summary: The top-scoring pair (TSP) and top-scoring triplet (TST) algorithms are powerful methods for classification from expression data, but analysis of all combinations across thousands of human transcriptome samples is computationally intensive, and has not yet been achieved for TST. Implementation of these algorithms for the graphics processing unit results in dramatic speedup of two orders of magnitude, greatly increasing the searchable combinations and accelerating the pace of discovery. Availability: http://www.igb.illinois.edu/labs/price/downloads/. Contact: ndprice@illinois.edu Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Spectrum off electrophysiologic and electropharmacologic characteristics of verapamil-sensitive ventricular tachycardia in patients without structural heart disease

Verapamil-sensitive ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a well-recognized clinical entity that some authorities believe may result from triggered activity. Despite its uniform response to verapamil, however, there is evidence that this uncommon form of VT may not be as homogeneous as first believed. Standard intracardiac electrophysiologic techniques were used to study verapamil-sensitive VT in 32 patients (aged 38 years +/- 20 years) without evidence of structural heart disease. More than half of these patients (69%) exhibited VT with a right bundle branch block-type QRS pattern, with the remainder (31%) displaying VT with a left bundle branch block pattern. In 31% of the patients the VT could be induced by fixed-cycle length atrial pacing, whereas in 59% of patients fixed-cycle length ventricular pacing was necessary. A critical range of cycle lengths for VT induction was required in 66% of the patients. Ventricular tachycardia was initiated with single atrial premature extrastimuli in 16% of patients, single ventricular extrastimuli in 50% of patients, and double ventricular premature extrastimuli in 9% of patients. Ventricular tachycardia displaying cycle-length alternans was observed in 28% of patients. In only 19% of patients was it possible to entrain VT during pacing from the right ventricular apex. Isoproterenol infusion was required for tachycardia induction in 50% of patients, 44% of whom had VT with a left bundle branch block QRS pattern, with the remaining 56% exhibiting VT with a right bundle branch block pattern. Beta-adrenergic blockers suppressed 53% of verapamil-sensitive VT in patients tested, whereas adenosine terminated VT in 50% of patients, with 81% of these patients exhibiting either a left bundle branch block QRS pattern or isoproterenol dependence. Ventricular tachycardia exhibiting a left bundle branch block pattern was more likely to be isoproterenol dependent (p 0.5). Verapamil-sensitive VT exhibits properties expected of both a reentrant and triggered arrhythmia, and it is inconsistently dependent on both exogenous catecholamines for induction and intravenous adenosine for termination. Verapamil-sensitive VT encompasses a heterogeneous group of tachycardias that may result from multiple cellular electrophysiologic mechanisms.
Patterns of Hair Cell Loss in Chick Basilar Papilla After Intense Auditory Stimulation1:Frequency Organization

Ten-day-old chicks were continuously exposed to pure tones (500, 1500, or 3 000 Hz) at 125 dB SPL for 12 hours and sacrificed 10 days after exposure. The basilar papillae were embedded in plastic, sectioned and hair cells were counted at 100-mum intervals throughout the length of the papilla. The position of hair cell loss along the basilar membrane varied systematically as a log-linear function with the frequency of stimulation. This systematic relationship was used to predict the frequency organization of the chick basilar papilla. It is concluded that although the avian basilar papilla differs greatly in morphological detail from the mammalian cochlea, its response to intense acoustic stimulation is quite similar.Es wurde festgestellt, dasz sich die Partes basilares der Vougel, obwoohl morphologisch bei Sauugetieren gaunzlich andersartig, bei intensiven akustischen Anregungen auhnlich verhalten.
Cytochrome P450 1B1 Contributes to the Development of Atherosclerosis and Hypertension in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1B1 contributes to vascular smooth muscle cell growth and hypertension in male mice. This study was conducted to determine the contribution of CYP1B1 to the development of atherosclerosis and hypertension and associated pathogenesis in 8-week-old male apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)/Cyp1b1(+/+)), and ApoE- and CYP1B1-deficient (ApoE(-/-)/Cyp1b1(-/-)) mice fed a normal or atherogenic diet for 12 weeks. A separate group of ApoE(-/-)/Cyp1b1(+/+) mice on an atherogenic diet was injected every third day with the CYP1B1 inhibitor, 2,3',4,5'-tetramethoxystilbene (300 μg/kg), or its vehicle, dimethyl sulfoxide (30 μL, IP); systolic blood pressure was measured by the tail cuff method. After 12 weeks, mice were euthanized, blood collected for lipid analysis, and aortas harvested for measuring lesions and remodeling, and for infiltration of inflammatory cells by histological and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively, and for reactive oxygen species production. Blood pressure, areas of lipids and collagen deposition, elastin breaks, infiltration of macrophages and T lymphocytes, reactive oxygen species generation in the aorta, and plasma lipid levels were increased in ApoE(-/-)/Cyp1b1(+/+) mice on an atherogenic diet; these changes were minimized in mice given 2,3',4,5'-tetramethoxystilbene, and in ApoE(-/-)/Cyp1b1(-/-) mice on an atherogenic diet; absorption/production of lipids remained unaltered in these mice. These data suggest that aortic lesions, hypertension, and associated pathogenesis in ApoE(-/-)/Cyp1b1(+/+) mice on an atherogenic diet are most likely dependent on CYP1B1-generated oxidative stress and increased plasma lipid levels independent of blood pressure and absorption of lipids. CYP1B1 could serve as a novel target for developing drugs to treat atherosclerosis and hypertension caused by hypercholesterolemia.
Persistent variation in spatial behavior affects the structure and function of interaction networks

The function of a network is affected by its structure. For example, the presence of highly interactive individuals, or hubs, influences the extent and rate of information spread across a network. In a network of interactions, the duration over which individual variation in interactions persists may affect how the network operates. Individuals may persist in their behavior over time and across situations, often referred to as personality. Colonies of social insects are an example of a biological system in which the structure of the coordinated networks of interacting workers may greatly influence information flow within the colony, and therefore its collective behavior. Here I investigate the effects of persistence in walking patterns on interaction networks us- ing computer simulations that are parameterized using observed behavior of harvester ants. I examine how the duration of persis- tence in spatial behavior influences network structure. Furthermore, I explore how spatial features of the environment affect the relationship between persistent behavior and network structure. I show that as persistence increases, the skewness of the weighted degree distribution of the interaction network increases. However, this relationship holds only when ants are confined in a space with boundaries, but not when physical barriers are absent. These findings suggest that the influence of animal personalities on network structure and function depends on the environment in which the animals reside (Current Zoology 61 (1): 98-106, 2015).
Reproductive Diapause in Hylobius pales

Examination of internal reproductive systems of pales weevil, Hylobius pales (Herbst), collected in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina from mid-August to mid-May, revealed that this species has a reproductive diapause characterized by agametogenesis, high fat content, and gonadal atrophy. A progressive reduction in reproduction was initiated in September and reached a maximum (near 100%) in December. Recovery of gametogenetic activity was complete by early February. Oogenetic changes were more uniform than spermatogenetic changes. Fluctuations in relative age and fat content coincided with this overwintering period. Reproducing females contained an average of 5.7 ova and 21.9 oocytes. The relative fat content in the reproducing population fluctuated in both sexes but that of the females decreased drastically with oogenesis. Severe endoparasitism affected both the reproductive organs and gametogenesis.
Quantum Imaging and Precision Measurements with N00N States

I discuss quantum lithography and Heisenberg-limited metrology with optical N00N states. I show how the enhanced accuracy in measurements and the increased resolution in lithography follow from the use of entanglement, and review recent experiments.
Photoinduced Magnetic Nanoprobe Excited by an Azimuthally Polarized Vector Beam

The concept of magnetic nanoprobes (or magnetic nanoantennas), their excitation, and the capability of providing a magnetic near-field enhancement and vanishing electric field is presented and investigated. It is established that a particular type of cylindrical vector beam called an azimuthally electric polarized vector beam yields a strong longitudinal magnetic field on the beam axis where the electric field is ideally null. These beams, with an electric polarization vortex and cylindrical symmetry, are important in generating high magnetic to electric field contrast, i.e., large local field admittance, and in allowing selective excitation of magnetic transitions in matter located on the beam axis. We demonstrate that azimuthally polarized vector beam excitation of a photoinduced magnetic nanoprobe made of a magnetically polarizable nanocluster leads to an enhanced magnetic near field with resolution beyond the diffraction limit. We introduce two figures of merit, magnetic field enhancement and local fi...
Vicarious extinction of avoidance behavior through films: an initial test.

In a recent study, Bandura, Grusec, and Menlove (1967) provided evidence that children's phobias may be vicariously extinguished through the direct observation of a fearless peer model. Groups of preschool children who displayed a considerable fear of dogs observed another child make progressively longer and more active advances to a live dog during eight modeling sessions. Control groups met for an equal number of sessions but were not exposed to the model's performance. The modeIing procedures proved to be highly effective in increasing these children's willingness to approach dogs when compared to the controls. The present study was designed to explore the possibiliry that a similar effect can be produced with filmed rather than live models. Assessment of avoidance behavior, both before and after the presentation of modeling films, was made by asking the children to stand at the distal end of an 18-ft. runway which led to a play pen containing a large German shepherd. The children were asked to "walk toward the dog as close as you want to go" and, if they approached to zero feet, were asked to pet the dog and feed him a piece of frankfurter. Of 40 preschool boys thus tested, 18 did not initially approach to zero feet. These children were divided into two groups, matched for initial avoidance, and used for the remainder of the experiment. The nine male Ss in the film-modeling group saw an 11-min. color film sequence depicting a series of interactions between a large German shepherd and another child of their age and sex. The control group, matched for initial avoidance of dogs, was not exposed to this manipulation. The film, which was accompanied by a sound-track, was analogous to the procedures used by Bandura, et al., in that the modeled aversive stimuli gradually increased in intensity. Thus, the first scene of the film shows Peter, who is 10-yr.-old, playing with the dog, "Champie." Then Eric, aged 4, gradually approaches Champie and is only later shown interacting vigorously with him. The final scenes show Eric and Peter playing together with Champie. The subsequent post-test revealed that eight of the nine boys in the film group were now willing to approach, pet, and feed the live dog. Only three of the nine boys in the control group approached to zero feet during this post-test. A Fisher's Exact Test reveals a probability of .03 for this difference between groups (or one more suggestive) occurring by chance. These findings are, of course, no more than an initial demonstration. An extensive research program is planned to provide a detailed examination of the possibilities and limitation of "film-therapy" of the rype described in this report.'
Design on the combination of double evaluation reports for the manuscripts in sci-tech periodicals

It is intended to emphasize the combination of the evaluation reports both from the editor’s initial evaluation and the reviewer’s. The combination, on one hand, guides the editor and the reviewers in their work separately; on the other hand it is helpful for them to show the editorial and scholar opinions from their different aspects. Meanwhile the editors and reviewers can take advantage of their professions and have the complementary benefits so that they will provide an overall and more professional commentary for the editor in chief to form the scientific evaluation on the manuscript.
BREAST CANCER PRACTICE GUIDELINES : EVALUATION AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

The utility of practice guidelines in breast cancer management remains unproved. This paper examines the scope and goals of published guidelines and their utility in the process of breast cancer treatment quality improvement. Although existing breast cancer guidelines vary widely in scope and intent, they provide a framework for meaningful quality-of-care evaluation. Among the few comprehensive breast cancer guideline programs are those developed by the Ontario Cancer Treatment Practice Guidelines Initiative, the Revlon/UCLA Breast Center, the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC), the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO), and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Ultimately, guidelines will prove useful only if they are utilized as part of a comprehensive program to improve quality, cost-effectiveness, and outcomes. To accomplish this, they must include mechanisms for revision and evaluation. The evaluation of guideline utility in quality improvement, particularly in breast cancer care, is a complex long-term process, which should include input from practitioners, institutions, payors, and government.
Effect of Oregano Essential Oil (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum) on the Storage Stability and Quality Parameters of Ground Chicken Breast Meat.

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of oregano essential oil on the oxidative stability and color of raw and cooked chicken breast meats. Five treatments, including (1) control (none added); (2) 100 ppm oregano essential oil; (3) 300 ppm oregano essential oil; (4) 400 ppm oregano essential oil; and (5) 5 ppm butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), were prepared with ground boneless, skinless chicken breast meat and used for both raw and cooked meat studies. For raw meat study, samples were individually packaged in oxygen-permeable bags and stored in a cold room (4 °C) for 7 days. For cooked meat study, the raw meat samples were vacuum-packaged in oxygen-impermeable vacuum bags and then cooked in-bag to an internal temperature of 75 °C. After cooling to room temperature, the cooked meats were repackaged in new oxygen-permeable bags and then stored at 4 °C for 7 days. Both raw and cooked meats were analyzed for lipid and protein oxidation, volatiles, and color at 0, 3, and 7 days of storage. Oregano essential oil significantly reduced (p < 0.05) lipid and protein oxidation, and improved color stability of raw and cooked meat. However, oregano oil at 400 ppm showed the strongest effect for all these parameters. Hexanal was the major aldehyde, which was decreased significantly (p < 0.05) by oregano oil treatment, in cooked meat. Overall, oregano essential oil at 100–400 ppm levels could be a good preservative that can replace the synthetic antioxidant in chicken meat.
Mouse Xenograft Model for Intraperitoneal Administration of NK Cell Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer

Natural killer (NK) cells are an attractive cell population for immunotherapy. Adoptive transfer of NK cells has been tested in multiple clinical trials including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and ovarian cancer, although limitations do exist especially for treatment of solid tumors. In order to overcome these limitations, mouse xenograft models are needed for evaluation of various NK cell populations, as well as routes of NK cell administration. Here, we describe the methods used for the establishment of an intraperitoneal (ip) ovarian cancer mouse xenograft model with ip delivery of NK cells. This model has been successfully employed with multiple ovarian cell lines and could be applied to other tumor models where the tumor's primary location is in the peritoneal cavity. It is also compatible with multiple routes of NK cell administration. Bioluminescent imaging for monitoring tumor formation and response provides for easy visualization of NK cell tumor inhibition. This xenograft model is superior to other models because the tumor is implanted into the same physiological space where ovarian cancer is found, which allows for improved mimicking of actual disease.
NOBEL LECTURE: The Molecular Biology of Memory Storage: A Dialog Between Genes and Synapses

The biology of learning, and short-term and long-term memory, as revealed by Aplysia and other organisms, is reviewed.
SIZE DECLINE IN LARREA TRIDENTATA (CREOSOTEBUSH)

This study documents a dramatic decline in size of individuals within a Larrea triden- tata population in southern New Mexico over a decade long period. It is most likely that the decline in size represents individual plants shrinking in size resulting from the death of shoot systems, especially the larger branches within these multi-stemmed shrubs. We suggest that the decline in size observed in our study area may be the initial stages of a more widespread phenomenon, driven by the desertifica- tion process that accompanies the conversion of grasslands into shrublands. In the northern Chihuahuan desert of New Mexico and west Texas, shrublands dominated by Prosopis glandulosa (mesquite) and Larrea tridentata (creosotebush) have replaced former perennial grasslands over the last century. The importance of this conversion of shrublands into grasslands is now widely recognized (Schlesinger et al., 1990). However, less atten- tion has been directed towards the possibility that these shrub dominated communities may be a temporary stage in this dramatic transfor- mation process. One approach toward understanding plant community dynamics is to focus on the popula- tion dynamics of a dominant species within the community. Larrea tridentata is a dominant spe- cies and forms the basic structure of ecosystems in many areas in the desert southwest. This study
Abstract 3845: A novel selectivity determinant informs the development of next-generation stapled peptide inhibitors of anti-apoptotic BFL-1/A1

The development of selective inhibitors for the individual anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins implicated in oncogenesis and chemoresistance remains a formidable but pressing challenge. Precisely tailored compounds would serve as ideal molecular probes and targeted therapies to respectively study and treat human cancers driven by discrete apoptotic blockades. The remarkable potential of this strategy is exemplified by ABT-199, a potent and selective small molecule BCL-2 inhibitor that is proving effective at reactivating apoptosis in BCL-2-dependent cancers. The BCL-2 protein homologue, BFL-1/A1, has emerged as a resistance factor in a series of human cancers, including melanoma, leukemia, and lymphoma, but remains undrugged. To identify binding and specificity determinants for targeting BFL-1/A1, we screened a library of hydrocarbon-stapled BH3 domain helices and identified a subclass of compounds that engage BFL-1/A1 with exquisite selectivity in vitro and in situ. The mechanistic basis for this specificity revealed a unique topographic feature of the BFL-1/A1 binding groove. Leveraging this natural BFL-1/A1 selectivity factor, we designed next-generation stapled peptide inhibitors that block BFL-1/A19s capacity to both bind BH3 domains and suppress BAX-mediated membrane poration. Our studies inform a new pharmacologic strategy for potent and selective inhibition of anti-apoptotic BFL-1/A1 in human cancer. Citation Format: Annissa J. Huhn, Rachel M. Guerra, Gregory H. Bird, Loren D. Walensky. A novel selectivity determinant informs the development of next-generation stapled peptide inhibitors of anti-apoptotic BFL-1/A1. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3845.
Inequality and the Inherent Dignity of Persons

In this chapter I set out to do two things. One is to discuss certain concepts and claims that are foundational to the arguments in the subsequent chapters. Another is to set some expectations about arguments that will come later in the book. The chapter serves as an introduction in both respects but I do not summarize all the major claims or systematically list the most important arguments that I promise to make later in the book. That, I think, would make for pretty dreary fare. Instead, I hope to tantalize by simply starting with a discussion of the basic features of my approach to global inequality and the reasons that I have for thinking that it is unjust, and from time to time noting where certain ideas will be developed later.
Auction guarantees for works of art

Abstract This paper addresses the question of whether auction guarantees change the bidding environment and whether they cause a change in price once the value of an item is taken into account. We analyze both the cases of third-party guarantees and in-house guarantees. We use two datasets: one of Christie’s and Sotheby’s Contemporary and Impressionist Evening Sales from January 2010 to February 2012 and another larger dataset consisting of all items auctioned at Christie's from 2001 to May 2011. While more expensive items are more likely to have guarantees, we find little empirical evidence to suggest an effect on price from the guarantee itself once the value of the item is taken into account.
5.05 – Sex Differences in and Hormone Effects on Mammalian Pheromonal Communication

A consensus is emerging that both the accessory and main olfactory systems (only the main olfactory in Old World primates and man) mediate the effects of chemosignals (often referred to as ‘pheromones’) on social interaction in numerous mammalian species. We review evidence showing that morphological and functional sex differences occur at each level of the accessory olfactory system, beginning with the vomeronasal organ and extending to the subdivisions of the medial amygdala and hypothalamus that receive inputs from the vomeronasal organ–accessory olfactory bulb. We argue that the best available evidence suggests that in both sexes accessory olfactory inputs control subjects' motivation to approach opposite-sex pheromones, whereas sex discrimination, such as individual recognition, depends on the processing of pheromones by the main olfactory system. Whereas there is little evidence of morphological sexual dimorphism in the main olfactory system, there is evidence that the function of this system in detecting and processing pheromones is sexually differentiated in numerous mammalian species including man. Finally, evidence is reviewed suggesting that inputs from the medial amygdala to the medial olfactory tubercle augment the motivation of estrous female mice to seek out opposite-sex pheromones.
Beyond the Glial Scar: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms by which Glial Cells Contribute to CNS Regenerative Failure

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the cellular as well as molecular responses of oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglial cells to traumatic injury and their proposed roles in the failure of functional regeneration of the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Astrocyte cellular hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and increased production of intermediate filaments characterize astrocyte gliosis, and cells responding in these ways to injury are often referred to as “reactive astrocytes.” Astocytes are easily identified by immunocytochemical methods directed toward the astrocyte specific glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and astrocyte hypertrophy and increased GFAP following injury have been demonstrated using these techniques to label reactive astrocytes. The inflammatory response in the CNS following injury is composed primarily of two components: activation of intrinsic microglial cells and recruitment of bone marrow-derived inflammatory cells from the peripheral bloodstream. Chemical injuries to the brain lead to a predominantly microglial cell inflammatory response, whereas direct stab wounds and injections are composed mostly of peripheral monocytes. Microglial cytokines are the possible sources of nervous system impairment following injury, and neutrophilic leukocytes may augment necrosis and inflammation following a CNS wound. Microgial cells are capable of releasing cytotoxic factors that can kill neurons, and play a role in disconnecting existing neuronal connections and destroying neurons surrounding areas of injury.
Glycemic Response to Black Beans and Chickpeas as Part of a Rice Meal: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial

Legumes, such as black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.), have a low glycemic index, and may reduce the glycemic load of meals in which they are included. Although the low glycemic response of beans consumed alone has been documented, few studies have examined the glycemic response to traditional food combinations such as black beans and rice or chickpeas and rice. This randomized cross-over study examined the glycemic and insulinemic impact of 50 grams of available carbohydrate from three test meals: plain white rice (control), black beans with rice, and chickpeas with rice among healthy adult women (n = 12, 18–65 years). Treatments were consumed on different mornings, a minimum of 7 days apart. Blood samples were collected at time 0 (fasting), and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min postprandial, and were subsequently analyzed for glucose and insulin concentrations. Glucose response based on the incremental area under the curve showed a significant difference by treatment (p = 0.027). Changes in blood glucose concentrations were significantly different for the black bean meal and the chickpea meal in comparison to rice alone at 60 min (p = 0.026 and p = 0.024), 90 min (p = 0.001 and p = 0.012) and 120 min post prandial (p = 0.024; black bean meal). Findings indicate that combinations of black beans and chickpeas with white rice improve glycemic response, providing evidence that has promising implications for dietary guidance to reduce postprandial glucose and related health risks through traditional food patterns.
Does Self-esteem Negatively Impact Crime and Delinquency? A Meta-analytic Review of 25 Years of Evidence

Self-esteem has been deemed an important variable in many theories over the past 100 years, and several interventions are aimed at improving self-esteem in order to prevent criminal and delinquent ...
Economic impact of epilepsy and the cost of nonadherence to antiepileptic drugs in older Medicare beneficiaries

Epilepsy is most prevalent among older individuals, and its economic impact is substantial. The development of economic burden estimates that account for known confounders, and using percent incremental costs may provide meaningful comparison across time and different health systems. The first objective of the current study was to estimate the percent incremental healthcare costs and the odds ratio (OR) for inpatient utilization for older Medicare beneficiaries with epilepsy and without epilepsy. The second objective was to estimate the percent incremental healthcare costs and the OR for inpatient utilization associated with antiepileptic drug (AED) nonadherence among Medicare beneficiaries with epilepsy. The OR of inpatient utilization for cases compared with controls (i.e., non-cases) were 2.4 (95% CI 2.3 to 2.6, p-value<0.0001) for prevalent epilepsy and 3.6 (95% CI 3.2 to 4.0, p-value<0.0001) for incident epilepsy. With respect to total health care costs, prevalent cases incurred 61.8% (95% CI 56.6 to 67.1%, p-value<0.0001) higher costs than controls while incident cases incurred 71.2% (95% CI 63.2 to 79.5%, p-value <0.0001) higher costs than controls. The nonadherence rates were 33.6 and 32.9% for prevalent and incident cases, respectively. Compared to nonadherent cases, the OR of inpatient utilization for adherent prevalent cases was 0.66 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.81, p-value <0.0001). The cost saving for a prevalent case adherent to AEDs was 13.2% (95% CI 6.6 to 19.4%, p-value=0.0001) compared to a nonadherent case. An incident case adherent to AEDs spent 16.4% (95% CI 6.5 to 25.2%, p-value=0.002) less than a nonadherent incident case on health care. Epilepsy is associated with higher health care costs and utilization. Older Medicare beneficiaries with epilepsy incur higher total health care spending and have higher inpatient utilization than those without epilepsy. Total health care spending is less for older Medicare beneficiaries who have prevalent or incident epilepsy if they are adherent to AEDs.
3D IC Heterogeneous Integration by FOWLP

Two 3D IC heterogeneous integrations by Fan-Out Wafer-Level Packaging (FOWLP) technology are presented in this chapter. The emphasis of the first such method is on the design, and of the other method, the emphasis is on the manufacturing process. The heterogeneous integration versus SoC (system-on-chip) will be briefly discussed. Some examples on the TSV (Through-Silicon Via)-less heterogeneous integration by FOWLP will also be presented. Since MCM (Multichip Module) is the frontier of heterogeneous integration and thus it will be briefly mentioned first.