cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developing a Global Cancer Stigma Index

Despite increasing recognition about the stigma associated with cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment-seeking behaviors, there has been relatively little attention paid to how to assess and intervene to reduce that stigma. An index to measure cancer stigma could empower health program developers and policymakers by identifying the key areas in which a population could benefit from education to change perceptions and address misinformation. The index also could be used to rank countries and communities based on their level of cancer stigma to assess where interventions are needed. We used structured literature review and expert review to generate a cancer stigma item pool. The item pool was subject to cognitive interviews for cultural appropriateness and comprehension; and data from initial pilot testing were used to reduce the pool of items for translation and field testing. The field test was conducted using a web-based survey in four samples representing two regions and three languages—English and Arabic speakers in Jordan and Egypt, and English and Mandarin Chinese speakers in China. Factor analyses and item response theory were applied to finalize the index. The analyses resulted in a 12-item cancer stigma index (CSI) that was reliable across all four samples. The CSI scores were highly correlated with a general illness stigma scale, and operated as expected noting higher cancer stigma among men and those with lower income. The CSI can be used to inform initial cancer education efforts, identifying overall stigma levels in a country or community and particular issue areas requiring intervention.
Multifaceted Modes of Action for the Glutarimide‐Containing Polyketides Revealed

The glutarimide-containing polyketides represent a fascinating class of natural products that exhibit a multitude of biological activities whose modes of action have remained unknown, until now. The 14-membered macrolide migrastatin (MGS, 1), was first isolated from Streptomyces sp. MK929-43F1 by Imoto and co-workers in 2000 [1,2] and represents one of the three subclasses of the glutarimide-containing polyketides. Its structure was revealed to be a 14-membered macrolide with a glutarimide side chain on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses [2]. A second class of these natural products is represented by the linearized MGS congeners dorrigocin A (DGN A, 2a), 13-epi-dorrigocin A (2b), and dorrigocin B (DGN B, 3). The acyclic DGNs were first isolated from Streptomyces platensis by McAlpine and co-workers in 1994 [3,4], with DGN A (2a) and DGN B (3) being regioisomers. Recognizing that 2a is an acyclic isomer of 1, Licari and co-workers reasoned that 1–3 might be biosynthesized by the same pathway. They re-cultured S. platensis, which was previously only known as a DGN producer, and carefully analyzed all metabolites produced. Indeed, they not only confirmed the production of 2a and 3 but also isolated 1 as well as a new MGS analog, iso-migrastatin (iso-MGS, 4) which, represents the third class of the glutarimide-containing polyketides, the 12-membered macrolides [5]. Consistent with the structural relationship between 2a and 1, 3 is an acyclic isomer of 4. Finally, three additional representatives of the 12-membered macrolide class of glutarimide-containing polyketides are lactimidomycin (LTM, 5), which was isolated from Streptomyces amphibiosporus by Sugawara and co-workers in 1992 [6], and NK30424 A/B (6), which were isolated from Streptomyces sp. NA30424 by Takayasu and co-workers in 2001 [7] Interestingly, 6, a mixture of stereoisomers at the thioether junction, displays structural elements characteristic of both 4 and 5. In all, the glutarimide-containing polyketides are characterized by a bipartate structure composed of a macrolactone or hydrolyzed product thereof bearing a pendant glutarimide side chain.
Physical Order Produces Healthy Choices, Generosity, and Conventionality, Whereas Disorder Produces Creativity:

Order and disorder are prevalent in both nature and culture, which suggests that each environ confers advantages for different outcomes. Three experiments tested the novel hypotheses that orderly environments lead people toward tradition and convention, whereas disorderly environments encourage breaking with tradition and convention-and that both settings can alter preferences, choice, and behavior. Experiment 1 showed that relative to participants in a disorderly room, participants in an orderly room chose healthier snacks and donated more money. Experiment 2 showed that participants in a disorderly room were more creative than participants in an orderly room. Experiment 3 showed a predicted crossover effect: Participants in an orderly room preferred an option labeled as classic, but those in a disorderly room preferred an option labeled as new. Whereas prior research on physical settings has shown that orderly settings encourage better behavior than disorderly ones, the current research tells a nuanced story of how different environments suit different outcomes.
HIERARCHY AMONG MULTIPLE H-2B-RESTRICTED CYTOTOXIC T-LYMPHOCYTE EPITOPES WITHIN SIMIAN VIRUS 40 T ANTIGEN

Simian virus 40 large tumor (T) antigen contains three H-2Db-restricted (I, II/III, and V) and one H-2Kb-restricted (IV) cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes. We demonstrate that a hierarchy exists among these CTL epitopes, since vigorous CTL responses against epitopes I, II/III, and IV are detected following immunization of H-2b mice with syngeneic, T-antigen-expressing cells. By contrast, a weak CTL response against the H-2Db-restricted epitope V was detected only following immunization of H-2b mice with epitope loss variant B6/K-3,1,4 cells, which have lost expression of CTL epitopes I, II/III, and IV. Limiting-dilution analysis confirmed that the lack of epitope V-specific CTL activity in bulk culture splenocytes correlated with inefficient expansion and priming of epitope V-specific CTL precursors in vivo. We examined whether defined genetic alterations of T antigen might improve processing and presentation of epitope V to the epitope V-specific CTL clone Y-5 in vitro and/or overcome the recessive nature of epitope V in vivo. Deletion of the H-2Db-restricted epitopes I and II/III from T antigen did not increase target cell lysis by epitope V-specific CTL clones in vitro. The amino acid sequence SMIKNLEYM, which species an optimized H-2Db binding motif and was found to induce CTL in H-2b mice, did not further reduce epitope V presentation in vitro when inserted within T antigen. Epitope V-containing T-antigen derivatives which retained epitopes I and II/III or epitope IV did not induce epitope V-specific CTL in vivo: T-antigen derivatives in which epitope V replaced epitope I failed to induce epitope V-specific CTL. Recognition of epitope V-H-2Db complexes by multiple independently derived epitope V-specific CTL clones was rapidly and dramatically reduced by incubation of target cells in the presence of brefeldin A compared with the recognition of the other T-antigen CTL epitopes by epitope specific CTL, suggesting that the epitope V-H-2Db complexes either are labile or are present at the cell surface at reduced levels. Our results suggest that processing and presentation of epitope V is not dramatically altered (reduced) by the presence of immunodominant CTL epitopes in T antigen and that the immunorecessive nature of epitope V is not determined by amino acids which flank its native location within simian virus 40 T antigen.
Atherosclerosis Is Attenuated by Limiting Superoxide Generation in Both Macrophages and Vessel Wall Cells

Objective— We previously showed that NAD(P)H oxidase deficiency significantly reduces atherosclerosis in apoE−/− mice. The present study was designed to determine the relative contribution of monocyte/macrophage versus vascular wall cell NAD(P)H oxidase to atherogenesis in this model. Methods and Results— Cell-specific NAD(P)H oxidase inhibition was achieved via allogenic, sex-mismatched bone marrow transplantation. Aortic atherosclerosis and superoxide production in apoE−/− mice (Control) with functional NAD(P)H oxidase in both monocytes/macrophages and vascular wall cells was compared with that in apoE−/− mice with nonfunctional monocyte/macrophage NAD(P)H oxidase (BMO) or nonfunctional vessel wall NAD(P)H oxidase (VWO). A significant decrease in superoxide production and atherosclerotic lesions was observed in BMO and VWO mice compared with control mice. Interestingly, BMO mice had significantly lower plasma oxidized LDL levels compared with control and VWO mice, whereas aortic sections of VWO mice sho...
On characterization of the optimal biorthogonal window functions for Gabor transform

Gabor transforms have been recognized as useful tools in signal analysis. It is known that the solutions for the biorthogonal analysis window function /spl gamma/(t) given a synthesis window function h(t) in Gabor transforms are not unique in general. Among these solutions, the minimum norm solution has already been given by Wexler and Raz (1990) in the discrete-time case and has been studied by Janssen, Ron and Shen, and Daubechies et al. (1995), in the continuous-time case. The minimum norm solution in the discrete-time case was also proved to be equal to the most orthogonal-like solution by Qian and Chen (1993). In this note, we consider a general optimal-solution problem, where the minimum norm and the most orthogonal-like solutions are two special cases. We prove that these optimal solutions in many cases are equal. We also prove that it remains true in the continuous-time case.
Conformational stability from rare gas solutions, r0 structural parameters, barriers to internal rotation, and ab initio calculations for vinyl silyl fluoride.

The Raman (3300-10 cm(-1)) and infrared (3300-40 cm(-1)) spectra of gaseous and solid vinyl silyl fluoride, CH(2)=CHSiH(2)F, have been recorded. Raman spectrum of the liquid has also been recorded and depolarization values obtained. Variable-temperature studies of the infrared spectra of the sample dissolved in liquid krypton (-110 to -150 degrees C) and liquid xenon (-60 to -100 degrees C) have been carried out. From these studies, the enthalpy difference has been determined to be 76 +/- 7 cm(-1) (0.91 +/- 0.08 kJ/mol) from the krypton solutions and 69 +/- 7 cm(-1) (0.82 +/- 0.08 kJ/mol) from the xenon solutions, with the gauche conformer the more stable form. From the far-infrared spectrum of the gas, the asymmetric torsional fundamentals for the cis and gauche conformers have been observed at 102.34 and 86.56 cm(-1), respectively, with each having several "hot bands" falling to lower frequencies. From these frequencies along with the experimentally determined conformational enthalpy difference, as well as the gauche skeletal dihedral angle, the potential function governing the conformational interchange has been determined with the following Fourier cosine potential coefficients: V(1) = -80 +/- 11, V(2) = -42 +/- 15, V(3) = 622 +/- 5, V(4) = 34 +/- 5, and V(6) = -31 +/- 2 cm(-1). The gauche-to-cis and gauche-to-gauche barriers are 664 cm(-1) (7.94 kJ/mol) and 608 cm(-1) (7.27 kJ/mol), respectively. Complete vibrational assignments are provided for both conformers. In addition, equilibrium geometries and electronic energies have been determined for both rotamers from ab initio calculations using restricted Hartree-Fock and Moller-Plesset perturbation method to the second order (MP2), as well as density functional theory by the B3LYP methods, employing a number of basis sets up to 6-311+G(2df,2pd). All levels of calculation predict the gauche conformer to be the more stable form. By systematically adjusting the ab initio predicted structural values to fit the previously reported microwave rotational constants, adjusted r(0) parameters have been obtained for both conformers. These values are compared to those for the corresponding chloride and methyl compounds. The spectroscopic and theoretical results are discussed and compared to the corresponding quantities for some similar molecules.
Arthroscopic image distortion-part I: the effect of lens and viewing angles in a 2-dimensional in vitro model.

Arthroscopic images are subject to distortion, which may increase when using arthroscope lenses with greater reflecting angles and/or viewing structures at oblique angles. The purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude of image distortion experienced when using arthroscopes with different lens angles and when the line-of-sight (i.e., viewing angle) is not directly perpendicular to the target. A dot calibration target was captured through 0°, 30°, and 70° arthroscopes from straight (i.e., directly perpendicular) and 30° oblique viewing angles. Distortions in horizontal and vertical distances in deep (located at 87.5 % length of arthroscopic image diameter) or shallow (12.5 % diameter length) regions were calculated, from which a deformity ratio (horizontal/vertical distance) was determined. From the straight viewing angle (0°), both horizontal and vertical distances were artificially reduced (i.e., <100 % magnification) in the shallow and deep regions. The deformity ratio was ~100 % in the central region, declining to ~80 % peripherally. From the oblique viewing angle (30°), magnification was below 100 % in the deep area but exceeded 100 % in the shallow area, with increasing distortion associated with increasing lens angle (0° < 30° < 70°). For all lens angles, the deformity ratio was ~50 % in the deep area but neared 100 % in the shallow region. Arthroscopic image distortion in peripheral regions should be considered when using angled-lens arthroscopes, especially when the viewing angle is not straight. As viewing the femoral ACL footprint through the anterolateral portal involves using an oblique viewing angle, visualization through the anteromedial portal is recommended.
Odors elicit three different oscillations in the turtle olfactory bulb.

We measured the spatiotemporal aspects of the odor-induced population response in the turtle olfactory bulb using a voltage-sensitive dye, RH414, and a 464-element photodiode array. In contrast with previous studies of population activity using local field potential recordings, we distinguished four signals in the response. The one called DC covered almost the entire area of the olfactory bulb; in addition, three oscillations, named rostral, middle, and caudal according to their locations, occurred over broad regions of the bulb. In a typical odor-induced response, the DC signal appeared almost immediately after the start of the stimulus, followed by the middle oscillation, the rostral oscillation, and last, the caudal oscillation. The initial frequencies of the three oscillations were 14.1, 13.0, and 6.6 Hz, respectively. When the rostral and caudal oscillations occurred together, their frequencies differed by a factor of 1.99 ± 0.01. The following evidence suggests that the four signals are functionally independent: (1) in different animals some signals could be easily detected whereas others were undetectable; (2) the four signals had different latencies and frequencies; (3) the signals occurred in different locations and propagated in different directions; (4) the signals responded differently to changes in odor concentration; (5) the signals had different shapes; and (6) the rostral and caudal signals added in a simple, linear manner in regions where the location of the two signals overlapped. However, the finding that the frequency of the rostral oscillation is precisely two times that of the caudal oscillation suggests a significant relationship between the two. The location of the caudal oscillation in the bulb changed from cycle to cycle, implying that different groups of neurons are active in different cycles. This result is consistent with the earlier findings in the olfactory system of the locust (Wehr and Laurent, 1996). Our results suggest an additional complexity of parallel processing of olfactory input by multiple functional population domains.
Repeated doses of porcine secretin did not improve symptoms, language, or cognitive functioning in children with autism or autism spectrum disorder.

(2001) Pediatrics 107, E71. Roberts W, Weaver L, Brian J . , et al. . Repeated doses of porcine secretin in the treatment of autism: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. . May; . : . . . [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2] QUESTION: In children with autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), are repeated doses of porcine secretin more effective than placebo for improving symptoms, language, and cognitive functioning? Randomised {allocation concealed*}†, blinded (patients, parents, and outcome assessors)*, placebo controlled trial with up to 10 weeks of follow up. Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Canada. 68 children (age range 2–7y, 84% boys) who had autism or ASD according to the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale-Generic (ADOS-G) and had previously received a diagnosis of autism or pervasive developmental disorder based on DSM-IV . 94% of children completed the study. 34 children were allocated to each of the porcine secretin (2 ml/kg) and placebo … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DPediatrics%26rft.volume%253D107%26rft.spage%253D71E%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1542%252Fpeds.107.5.e71%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1542/peds.107.5.e71&link_type=DOI
Full-dimensional quantum calculation of the vibrational energy / levels of hydrogen peroxide HOOH

Abstract Vibrational levels of HOOH up to 6000 cm −1 are accurately determined on a newly developed ab initio potential using the Lanczos algorithm. The six-dimensional Hamiltonian is discretized in terms of a direct-product potential optimized discrete variable representation (DVR) for the radial coordinates and a non-direct product finite basis representation (FBR) comprised of uncoupled spherical harmonics for the angular coordinates. The action of the potential energy operator is calculated on a direct-product grid via a factorized FBR-DVR transformation. All energy levels below 3000 cm −1 are assigned and compared with existing theoretical and experimental data.
Towards clarification of convergent concepts: sense of coherence, will to meaning, locus of control, learned helplessness and hardiness

The multidisciplinary field of stress and stress-related health outcomes has generated theoretical and practical knowledge which is of interest to nurses. Theoretical developments which have assumed a prominent role in the study of stress, health and coping include the identification of various 'stress buffers' several of which bear a strong conceptual resemblance to one another. Antonovsky has developed a Salutogenic Model of stress and resistance, which is presented in this paper. The model's central concept, the sense of coherence, is described and analysed. The sense of coherence, with its three components (meaningfulness, comprehensibility and manageability), is then compared and contrasted with similar concepts. The convergent theoretical notions which are distinguished from Antonovsky's coherence are: will to meaning, locus of control, learned helplessness and hardiness. It is hoped that this analysis will provide greater conceptual clarity for nurses who study and use these concepts in education, practice or research.
Vascular inflammation and activation: new targets for lipid lowering

Inflammatory cells, including macrophages, in atheroma overexpress matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue factor which contribute to plaque rupture and thrombosis. Activated smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the plaque’s fibrous cap also express MMPs and tissue factor. Lipid lowering appears to reduce the incidence of acute coronary events in patients by stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques. To improve mechanistic understanding, we tested the hypothesis that experimental manipulation of cholesterol level improves features of atheroma related to their propensity to provoke acute thrombotic complications. In rabbits with established atheroma, dietary lipid lowering reduced accumulation of macrophages expressing MMPs and increased collagen, a key determinant of plaque stability. Lipid lowering also decreased expression of tissue factor and its inducer, CD40 ligand. SMCs in the fibrous cap of rabbit atheroma expressed less MMP and tissue factor after lipid lowering. We have recently found that treatment with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, cerivastatin, retards macrophage accumulation in atheroma of Watanabe heritable hyperlipidaemic (WHHL) rabbits, probably in part by suppressing proliferation. Macrophage expression of MMPs and tissue factor also decreased with cerivastatin treatment in vivo and in vitro. These results support the view that lipid lowering reduces acute thrombotic complications of atherosclerosis in patients by attenuating vascular inflammation. (Eur Heart J Supplements 2001; 3 (Suppl B): B3‐B11)
On Methods for Reliability Growth Assessment During Development

The need for highly reliable military systems is obvious and this need is generally reflected in high reliability requirements to be attained during development. The early prototypes for complex, military systems will invariably have significant reliability and performance deficiencies and, consequently, these systems are subjected to a development testing program to find problems and take corrective action. The improvement in reliability and performance which occurs will depend on the number and the effectiveness of the fixes that are incorporated into the system.
Binding, activation, and solubilization of the Ca2+-ATPase from sarcoplasmic reticulum by nonionic detergents.

Interactions between delipidated Ca2+-ATPase from sarcoplasmic reticulum and four nonionic detergents—dodecyl octaoxyethyleneglycol monoether (C12E8), Triton X-100, Brij 58, and Brij 35—were characterized with respect to activation of ATPase activity, binding, and solubilization. C12E8 and Triton X-100 activated the delipidated ATPase to at least 80% of the original activity at the critical micelle concentrations (CMCs), whereas Brij 58 and Brij 35 activated no more than 10% of the original activity. The inability of Brij 58 and Brij 35 to activate the delipidated enzyme was probably a result of reduced binding of these detergents below the CMCs; both detergents exhibited a sixteenfold reduction in binding at the CMC compared with C12E8. The two Brij detergents were also unable to solubilize the delipidated enzyme and form monomers, as determined by sedimentation experiments. Thus the reduced binding levels of these detergents may result from an inability to overcome protein/protein interactions in the de...
Insider Purchases after Short Interest Spikes: A False Signaling Device?

We study the information contents of the purchases by corporate insiders when their firms experience sharp increases in short interest. The cumulative abnormal returns associated with these insider purchases increase in the short run but fall back to zero afterwards. This hump-shaped pattern in the cumulative abnormal returns is more pronounced in various situations when insiders have more incentive to engage in false signaling. Insiders incur some trading losses from their purchases. However, these losses are largely outweighed by the benefits they gain from increased compensation and extended tenure. Our results suggest corporate insiders, provided with the right incentive, can strategically use open market purchases to boost stock prices, which may lead to disruption of market efficiency.
Porous microsphere of magnesium oxide as an effective sorbent for removal of volatile iodine from off-gas stream

Porous microspheres of magnesium oxide were synthesized by calcination of precursor obtained via hydrothermal method. A sample of microsphere was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersion spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, and BET surface area. The average pore size and surface area of the microsphere were found to be 9.0 nm and 83.1 m2 g−1, respectively. The performance of sorbent was investigated in a continuous adsorption system. Iodine adsorption on sorbent was studied by varying temperature of adsorption column, sorbent calcination temperature and initial concentration of iodine. The capacity of sorbent increased by ~25 % when calcination temperature was raised from 350 to 500 °C. The maximum iodine adsorption capacity of sorbent was found to be 196 mg g−1 using Langmuir isotherm. These results indicate the microspherical form of MgO to be effective sorbent to capture iodine vapor from off-gas stream.
Morphogenesis of Filobasidiella neoformans, the sexual state of Cryptococcus neoformans.

Morphogenesis of Filobasidiella neoformans (= Cryptococcus neoformans) has been studied. A dikaryotic mycelium with clamp connections is formed after conjugation of two yeast cells of opposite mati...
Polarization-based perturbations to thermopower and electronic conductivity in highly conductive tungsten bronze structured ( Sr , Ba ) Nb 2 O 6 : Relaxors vs normal ferroelectrics

Electrical conductivity, thermopower, and lattice strain were investigated in the tetragonal tungsten bronze structured $({\mathrm{Sr}}_{x},{\mathrm{Ba}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}){\mathrm{Nb}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{6\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\delta}}$ system for $0.7gxg0.4$ with large values of \ensuremath{\delta}. These materials show attractive thermoelectric characteristics, especially in single-crystal form. Here, the Sr/Ba ratio was changed in order to vary the material between a normal ferroelectric with long-range polarization to relaxor behavior with short-range order and dynamic polarization. The influence of this on the electrical conduction mechanisms was then investigated. The temperature dependence of both the thermopower and differential activation energy for conduction suggests that the electronic conduction is controlled by an impurity band with a mobility edge separating localized and delocalized states. Conduction is controlled via hopping at low temperatures, and as temperature rises electrons are activated above the mobility edge, resulting in a large increase in electrical conductivity. For relaxor ferroelectric-based compositions, when dynamic short-range order polarization is present in the system, trends in the differential activation energy and thermopower show deviations from this conduction mechanism. The results are consistent with the polarization acting as a source of disorder that affects the location of the mobility edge and, therefore, the activation energy for conduction.
Heritage Language Education Without Inheriting Hegemonic Ideologies: Shifting Perspectives on “Korea” in a Weekend Japanese-Language School in the United States

ABSTRACTLearning a heritage language can be celebrated to enhance marginalized groups’ self-esteem, but a heritage can also encompass ideologies prevalent in the groups’ original homeland. Based on ethnographic fieldwork (2007–2011) at a weekend Japanese-language school in the United States, this article investigates how ideologies on race politics within a heritage language community’s homeland are reproduced or subverted through heritage language education. We analyze treatment of Korea–Japan power relations at school by focusing on the practice of guiding students (not) to shift their perspectives in three cases involving (a) discrimination against Resident Koreans in Japan, (b) gender-specific abortion in South Korea, and (c) South Korea and Japan’s dispute over possession of Tokdo/Takeshima. While social analyses of heritage language education tend to focus on a minority group’s place in mainstream society, this article suggests investigating the reproduction of ideologies from its homeland via herit...
FURTHER EVIDENCE OF GENETIC AND INCREASED DEVELOPMENTAL HOMEOSTASIS IN A DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER NATURAL POPULATION DURING A MINOR CLIMATIC SHIFT.

Populations or species inhabiting more variable climates possess greater developmental homeostasis than those in more equable conditions (Tantawy and Mallah, 1961; Dawson, 1968). Experiments have also shown that populations maintained in fluctuating temperatures develop greater homeostasis than those in constant temperatures although all populations were initiated by the same founders (Beardmore and Levine, 1963). A population in an area undergoing a shift to a more adverse climate may likewise be expected to develop greater developmental homeostasis. Band (1964) found that the South Amherst, Mass. Drosophila melanogaster natural population seemed to possess such increased homeostasis in 1962 in comparison with the level expressed in 1960 or 1961. At that time the onset of a minor climatic shift in the area was unknown. A more adverse climate should also favor a reduction in lethal and semilethal (le + sle) frequencies in the population. However, the frequencies of these recessive drastic genetic variants in the population remained unchanged from their 1947-1961 average of 33.7%, suggesting the operation of genetic homeostasis. Genetic homeostasis, according to Lerner (1954), is the tendency of a Mendelian population to retain its genetic composition arrived at in its evolutionary past and may arise from selection for developmental homeostasis if the latter leads to the retention of heterozygosity. It may also contribute to a delay in gene frequency shifts.
Acute abdominal trauma. Fundamentals of management.

Penetrating abdominal trauma calls for surgical exploration. Ina case of nonpenetrating injury, a decision concerning the need for surgical intervention is based on a careful clinical assessment of...
Effects of HIV /AIDS education among Tibet students in Qinghai

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS education in Tibet college students in Qinghai,and to offer empirical basis for prevention HIV / AIDS more effectively.Method Three months HIV / AIDS education was implemented among 403 Tibet college students.Questionnaire survey was conducted before and after the education to compare knowledge,attitude and behaviors about AIDS.Results After health education,more than 84% in all students have correct knowledge on the epidemiology and adverse health implications of HIV / AIDS.The correct rate of National Eight Questions about HIV / AIDS increased significantly.The rate of discrimination to HIV / AIDS patients and infected people decreased.The rate of approval with premarital sex declined 20.6%(P 0.01).The rate of supports for the safe sex was increased by 39.5%.Conclusion Multi-faceted HIV / AIDS education program could increase the KAP on HIV / AIDS among Tibet students,and it should be applied to other minority areas in Qinghai province.
Abstract B18: Intratumor lysophosphatidylinositol metabolites in a treatment naïve patient-derived bone metastatic prostate cancer xenograft

A patient-derived bone metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) xenograft (MDA-PCa-183) was used to investigate early resistance mechanisms after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The patient-derived xenograft (PDX) expresses wild-type androgen receptor (AR), TMPRSS2-ERG and was found to have homozygous loss of PTEN [1]. MDA-PCa-183 PDX was established as described by Li et al. [2] using a bone biopsy procured from a patient with metastatic PCa prior to ADT. Tumors were grown in intact male immunodeficient mice (n=23) with a subset of mice (n=16) castrated when they reached a size of approximately 900 mm3. At day 11 after castration tumors from 6 mice were harvested and these were considered at maximal androgen ablation (MAA). Of the remaining ten castrated mice, seven responded to androgen ablation by tumor shrinkage or detention of tumor growth (responsive tumors). Tumors of three mice demonstrated sustained growth after castration (relapsed tumors), were harvested between 30 to 40 days after castration and prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood levels were measured. The androgen signaling biomarkers, AR, cytochrome P450 17-alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17) and TMPSSR2-ERG protein expression were determined using immunohistochemistry. A biochemical profile consisting of lipid, amino acid, bioenergy, nucleotide (Metabolon, Inc.) and steroid were measured. The levels of testosterone, androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone and 17-alpha-hydroxy-progestone were Our data supports a possible mechanism of AR independent cell proliferation in relapsed MDA-PCa-183 PDX by LL activation of G protein-coupled receptor-55 (GPR55) signaling. The intracellular LL together with ABCC1 and GPR55 generate an autocrine loop that promotes epithelial cell growth [3] after ADT. LL signaling may also support endothelial cell proliferation within the PDX during ADT. I1P levels, a metabolite of LL, indicate that GPIs may act as a paracrine regulator of osteoblast differentiation. Overall, LL biosynthesis and metabolic metabolites may support early resistance to ADT. References: 1) Roychowdhury, S., et al., Personalized oncology through integrative high-throughput sequencing: a pilot study. Sci Transl Med. 2011. 3(111):p.111ra121. 2) Li, Z.G., et al., Androgen Receptor-Negative Human Prostate Cancer Cells Induce Osteogenesis in Mice Through FGF9-Mediated Mechanisms. J Clin Invest. 2008. 118(8);p.2697-710. 3) Pineiro, R., et al., The putative cannabinoid receptor GPR55 defines a novel autocrine loop in cancer cell proliferation. Oncogene. 2011. 30(2);p.142-52. Citation Format: Mark Titus, John Araujo, Jun Yang, Sumankalai Ramachandran, Eleni Efstathiou, Patricia Troncoso, Christopher Logothetis, Nora Navone. Intratumor lysophosphatidylinositol metabolites in a treatment naive patient-derived bone metastatic prostate cancer xenograft. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Metabolism and Cancer; Jun 7-10, 2015; Bellevue, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(1_Suppl):Abstract nr B18.
Transitioning CE Technology to Industry

The American Industrial productivity growth rate touched a new low recently when it fell to nearly 1%, the lowest among industrial nations. The situation is alarming, and demands revolutionary changes to enable US industries to retain their competitiveness. On the other hand, the Japanese have established an unbeatable hegemony over the world market. The wellspring of the impressive performance of Japanese industries is their management style and product development methodology. Using the Concurrent Engineering approach, the Japanese have succeeded in introducing high quality, inexpensive products faster and consistently in the market.
Editorial Commentary: Are statins a solution to reduce the risk of cognitive decline or lower the risk of dementia?

Dementia is a chronic, progressive syndrome resulting in deterioration of memory, cognition, thinking, and function that significantly impacts quality of life. The World Health Organization estimates that 47.5 million people suffer from dementia and 7.7 million new cases develop annually. Alzheimers disease comprises nearly 60–70% of dementia cases [1]. Epidemiologic evidence supports many risk factors that continue to increase in the community that raise risk of dementia such as aging, diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, mid-life and late-life dementia and social isolation, vascular disease, poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, and physical inactivity [2]. As a consequence of these community trends, dementia is a health trouble that progressively burdens physicianʼs practices and intimately impacts people throughout the world. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are most often used to lower cholesterol, in particular LDL cholesterol, for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, the benefit of statin therapy in regard to cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment extends beyond lipid lowering alone. These benefits include antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory effects, and improved endothelial function. Since cerebral vascular disease as well as dementia shares many common risk factors with cardiovascular
The recruitment and retention of disadvantaged and underrepresented groups in optometry

The recruitment and retention of disadvantaged students represents a formidable challenge to optometric educators. Referrals by optometrists and counsellors, visits to minority campuses, and information through the news media can help the recruitment process. Academic achievement and retention rates can be enhanced by tutorial programs, development of learning centers, learning modules, self-paced materials, and computer software. The most important element is the sensitivity of faculty and administrators to the educational needs of the students and the health care needs of disenfranchised populations.
Confocal laser scanning microscopy of morphology and apoptosis in organogenesis-stage mouse embryos.

Background After fluorochromes are incorporated into cells, tissues, and organisms, confocal microscopy can be used to observe three-dimensional structures. LysoTracker Red (LT) is a paraformaldehyde-fixable probe that concentrates into acidic compartments of cells and indicates regions of high lysosomal activity and phagocytosis, both of which correlate to apoptotic activity. Thus, LT is a good indicator of apoptosis visualized by confocal microscopy. Results of LT staining of apoptotic cell death correlate well with other whole mount apoptosis vital dyes such as Nile blue sulfate and neutral red, with the added benefit of being fixable in situ. Nile blue sulfate can also be used as a non-vital, nonspecific dye to visualize general morphology. Stains such as acridine orange can be used for surface staining of fixed embryos to yield confocal images that are similar to scanning electron micrographs. Methods Mouse embryos were stained with LT, fixed with paraformaldehyde/glutaraldehyde, dehydrated with methanol (MEOH), and cleared with benzyl alcohol/benzyl benzoate (BABB). Following this treatment, the tissues were nearly transparent. Embryos are mounted on depression slides, and serial sections are imaged by confocal microscopy, followed by 3-D reconstruction. Results Embryos or tissues as thick as 500 microns (μm) can be visualized after clearing with BABB. LysoTracker staining reveals apoptotic regions in organogenesis-stage mouse embryos. Morphological observation of tissue was facilitated by combining autofluorescence with Nile blue sulfate staining of fixed embryos or opaque surface staining with acridine orange staining. Conclusions The use of BABB for clearing LT vital-stained and fixed embryos matches the refractive index of the tissue to the suspending medium, allowing increased penetration of laser light in a confocal microscope. Nile blue sulfate used as a non-vital dye provides a nonspecific staining of fixed embryos that can then be cleared with methyl salicylate for confocal observation. Sample preparation and staining procedures described here, with optimization of confocal laser scanning microscopy, allow for the detection and visualization of morphological structure and apoptosis in embryos up to 500 μm thick, and stained specimens can be fixed and mounted on depression slides.
Identification of drought-responsive genes in a drought-tolerant cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivar under reduced irrigation field conditions and development of candidate gene markers for drought tolerance

Cotton productivity is affected by water deficit, and little is known about the molecular basis of drought tolerance in cotton. In this study, microarray analysis was conducted to identify drought-responsive genes in the third topmost leaves of the field-grown drought-tolerant cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivar Acala 1517-99 under drought stress conditions. Water stress was imposed by withholding irrigation for 9 days in the early squaring stage, which resulted in 10–15 % reduction in plant growth compared to the well-watered plants. A total of 110 drought-responsive genes (0.5 % of the total genes) were identified, 79 % (88 genes) of which were drought-repressed and 21 % (22 genes) were drought-induced. The drought-induced genes were grouped into six functional categories including stress-related (ten genes, nine of which encode heat shock proteins), metabolism (three genes) and one gene each for transcription factor, proline biosynthesis and cellular transport. The drought-repressed genes were classified into 14 functional categories, comprising metabolism (20 genes), cellular transport (12 genes), stress-related (12 genes), regulation of gene expression (nine genes), transcription factor (four genes), signal transduction (seven genes) and two genes each for biosynthesis of secondary compounds, cell wall, fatty acids/lipids and chlorophyll, and protein degradation. Most of the genes have been reported in other plants as drought-tolerant/responsive. The responsiveness of 19 selected drought-responsive genes was validated by quantitative RT-PCR. Furthermore, primers were developed and assayed for all the drought-responsive genes to develop single-strand conformation polymorphic markers, many of which were found to be correlated with drought tolerance. This report represents the first study on integration of a transcriptome analysis to develop molecular markers that are associated with drought tolerance in cotton.
The hypnotic effects of ethchlorvynol and secobarbital in man

Findings in a controlled double-blind crossover clinical study in which secobarbital and ethchlorvynol were studied each at two dose levels are reported. The hypnotic relative potency was calculated from the patients' subjective reports of onset, duration, and quality of sleep. It is estimated in this way that 770 mg. of ethchlorvynol is equivalent to 100 mg. of secobarbital.
Co-administration of St. John's wort and hormonal contraceptives: a systematic review.

Abstract Objectives St. John's wort (SJW) is a known strong inducer of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3 A4 enzyme, and both the ethinyl estradiol and progestin components of hormonal contraceptives are substrates of CYP3A4. This systematic review examined whether the co-administration of SJW and hormonal contraceptives leads to significant safety or efficacy concerns. Study design Systematic review. Methods PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles of any comparative study design (clinical or pharmacokinetic) that examined potential interactions between SJW and hormonal contraceptives in women of reproductive age. Results Of the 48 identified articles, four studies met inclusion criteria and compared use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) alone to the use of COCs co-administered with SJW. Two studies demonstrated no change in markers of ovulation, but one study demonstrated increased follicular growth and probable ovulation when COCs were co-administered with SJW. Three studies demonstrated an increased risk of breakthrough bleeding with COCs and SJW. Three studies showed changes in at least one pharmacokinetic parameter that suggested a significantly decreased exposure to hormone concentrations when COCs were co-administered with SJW. The only study that did not demonstrate any significant pharmacokinetic differences examined a SJW product containing a low amount of hypericin. Conclusion Limited evidence showing increased risk of ovulation and breakthrough bleeding raises concern for decreased contraceptive efficacy when COCs are co-administered with SJW. The pharmacokinetic evidence is mixed but suggests that SJW administration may be associated with weak to moderate induction of the metabolism of COCs.
Onset of Flow-Induced Crystallization Kinetics of Highly Isotactic Polypropylene

Brief intervals of shear prior to a temperature quench accelerate crystallization, resulting in much smaller spherulites. Crystallization kinetics of five commercial linear isotactic polypropylenes...
CONSIDERATIONS FOR A VISUAL ARCHITECTURE

Many aspects of the visual process are beginning to be understood, through the efforts of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, psychophysics and computer vision. What is needed now is the integration of all components into one coherent functional whole: the definition of a visual architecture. It is argued here that this problem is nearing a threshold. We are able to define it with greater and greater clarity; most of the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle are on the table, they only have to be put together; many misconceptions have been identified and are being put out of the way; massively parallel machines promise to soon give us the necessary processing power; and the motivation and man-power directed at the issue are rapidly increasing. My paper intends to focus attention on the problem.
Review: The Los Angeles Central Library: Building an Architectural Icon, 1872–1933, by Kenneth A. Breisch, and Los Angeles Central Library: A History of Its Art and Architecture, by Arnold Schwartzman and Stephen Gee

Kenneth A. Breisch The Los Angeles Central Library: Building an Architectural Icon, 1872–1933 Los Angeles: Getty Research Institute, 2016, 220 pp., 2 maps, 36 color and 125 b/w illus. $45 (cloth), ISBN 9781606064900 Arnold Schwartzman and Stephen Gee Los Angeles Central Library: A History of Its Art and Architecture Los Angeles: Angel City Press, 2016, 240 pp., 150+ illus. $45 (cloth), ISBN 9781626400368; $30 (paper), ISBN 9781626400375 The Los Angeles Central Library opened to the public on 6 July 1926. Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue's acclaimed design features echoes of ancient Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Mayan, and Mediterranean revival architecture, yet, more than a mere expression of eclecticism, it represents a masterful amalgamation of historical sources. Once the object of neglect and threatened with demolition, its architect disregarded, the Central Library is now renowned for its rich decorative programs of sculpture, painting, and mosaic inside and out, and deserves to be considered one of the most significant American buildings of the twentieth century. Two new books mark its ninetieth anniversary. Although they necessarily overlap in their discussion, their subtitles are telling: one, featuring photos by Arnold Schwartzman and text by Stephen Gee, provides a thorough documentary history of the building, including its preservation and restoration, while the other, authored by Kenneth A. Breisch, emphasizes the library's genesis and early development and also provides a penetrating analysis of its sophisticated design. As suggested here, the two books offer effectively complementary considerations that reevaluate a sometimes overlooked architect and his endeavor. To follow the history of Los Angeles's library is to come to grips with the contentious development of the city itself. Through the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a loose coalition of social reformers and business leaders known as Progressives sought to rationalize government's management of society and the economy. In Southern California, Progressives campaigned to end the machine politics they had left “back east” and instead put decision making into the hands of nonpartisan experts, a strategy that resulted in the cumbersome and contentious process marking the Central Library's formation and development. The library building project originated and grew amid competing ambitions and interests among the city's leaders, contests of will and conflicting motivations that played out in a distinctively …
Emotion and Vigilance

The amygdala is responsive to fear-inducing stimuli as well as to stimuli that predict frightening events. Most of our interactions with the environment however do not call for acute emotional responses such as a full-blown state of horror. Instead, fear states live on a continuum, beginning with subtle fluctuations in vigilance and culminating in extreme fear. Research suggests that the amygdala plays a fundamental role in initiating these state changes as well as in orchestrating extreme fear responses. The efferent and afferent connectivity of the amygdala underscores its role in the modulation of vigilance states, which are modified when predictive contingencies are ambiguous. This article reviews data from both humans and other animals demonstrating the amygdala’s role in modulating vigilance states to resolve predictive ambiguity.