Can we consume our way out of climate change? A call for analysis.

The problem of climate change is analyzed as a manifestation of economic growth, and the steady-state economy of ecological economics is proposed as a system-wide solution. Four classes of more specific solutions are described. In the absence of analysis, cultural inertia will bias solutions in favor of green consumption as a generalized solution strategy. By itself, green consumption is a flawed solution to climate change because it perpetuates or even accelerates economic growth that is incompatible with a sustainable culture. Addressing climate change requires an integration of regulatory, energy efficiency, skill-based, and dissemination solutions. Behavioral scientists are encouraged to work with others in ecological economics and other social sciences who recognize cultural reinvention as a means of achieving sustainability.

The veils of clio: dimensions of a behavioral narratology.

This paper outlines a behavior-analysis approach to the field of narratology, the study of the narrative or story, with emphasis on nonfiction stories and the processes by which such stories distort the world they describe. Stories are described in terms of (a) a behavior-analysis adaptation of Todorov's (1977) analysis of the plots of stories in terms of states of equilibrium/disequilibrium and (b) Grant's (2005) analysis of the structure of stories in terms of establishing operations and escape contingencies. These two sets of concepts are applied to understanding how and why stories lead to distortions of the events they report.

The secrets of scheherazade: toward a functional analysis of imaginative literature.

A functional analysis of selected aspects of imaginative literature is presented. Reading imaginative literature is described as a process in which the reader makes indirect contact with the contingencies operating on the behavior of story characters. A functional story grammar is proposed in which the reader's experience with a story is interpreted in terms of escape contingencies in which the author initially introduces an establishing operation consisting of a source of tension, which is resolved in some way by the outcome of the story. Although escape contingencies represent the functional basis for the structure of stories, they are to be understood in a context of many other reinforcers for reading fiction. Other contingencies that maintain reading are discussed. Functional analyses of imaginative literature have much to offer, both in improving literary education and in understanding the behavioral processes that occur on the part of the reader.

Elevated potassium intake inhibits neointimal proliferation in the swine coronary artery.

BACKGROUND: Previously, we reported that elevated extracellular potassium concentration in vitro inhibited proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, formation of free radical compounds by macrophages, and reduced platelet sensitivity to agonists. More recently, we described a reduction in neointimal proliferation after balloon angioplasty injury in the carotid arteries of rats associated with an elevation of dietary potassium intake during a 4-week experiment. In the present study we conducted a similar investigation in the swine coronary artery balloon angioplasty model. PROCEDURES: Two groups of seven castrated male swine were studied; for 28 days the normal potassium group consumed a diet containing 0.25% potassium and the high potassium group ate diet containing 2.0% potassium. After 14 days on the diet, balloon angioplasty was performed. After an additional 14 days on the same diets the hearts were removed, and normal and lesioned sections of the artery were analyzed histologically. RESULTS: The neointimal area was markedly less in the high potassium group than in the normal potassium group, 0.33+/-0.04 mm2 v 0.74+/-0.10 mm2 (P < .004). Neointimal area-to-total wall area ratio in the normal potassium group averaged 0.199+/-0.018, significantly greater than the ratio computed for the elevated potassium group, 0.120+/-0.015 (P < .006). CONCLUSION: These results support the hypothesis that a high level of dietary potassium intake inhibits neointimal proliferation after balloon angioplasty in the swine coronary artery.

A comparison of tactile spatial sensitivity on the palm and fingerpad.

Studies of tactile spatial pattern perception have, for the most part, been carried out using the fingerpad. On the basis of these studies, models have been developed linking spatial pattern identification and resolution with underlying neural structures. It has been suggested that with appropriate scaling, these models would apply to the processing of spatial patterns presented to other sites on the body. Spatial sensitivity was examined on another site on the body, the palm, using two measures, letter identification and grating orientation. The results from these measures were compared with results from similar studies conducted on the fingerpad and with estimates of the density of innervation of the fingerpad and palm. To produce levels of performance similar to those on the fingerpad required letters on the palm 50 mm in height, seven to nine times larger than those used on the fingerpad. Gratings had to be six to more than seven times larger on the palm to produce the same levels of performance achieved on the fingerpad. For the two types of receptor systems sensitive to spatial information, the ratio of density of innervation between the fingerpad and the palm is estimated to be 5.7:1 and 8.8:1. Performance of spatial tasks on the palm can be predicted quantitatively from fingerpad data with a moderate degree of accuracy. Qualitative comparisons between the palm and fingerpad data indicate that spatial patterns are processed similarly at the two sites.

Perception and preference in short-term word priming.

Responding optimally with unknown sources of evidence (ROUSE) is a theory of short-term priming applied to associative, orthographic-phonemic, and repetition priming. In our studies, perceptual identification is measured with two-alternative forced-choice testing. ROUSE assumes features activated by primes are confused with those activated by the target. A near-optimal decision discounts evidence arising from such shared features. Too little discounting explains the finding that primed words were preferred after passive viewing of primes. Too much discounting explains the findings of reverse preference after active processing of primes. These preference changes highlight the need to use paradigms (like the present ones) capable of separating preferential and perceptual components of priming. Evidence of enhanced perception was found only with associative priming and was very small in magnitude compared with preference effects.

Resonance Raman studies of the stoichiometric catalytic turnover of a substrate-stearoyl-acyl carrier protein delta(9) desaturase complex.

Resonance Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the effects of substrate binding (stearoyl-acyl carrier protein, 18:0-ACP) on the diferric centers of Ricinus communis 18:0-ACP Delta(9) desaturase. These studies show that complex formation produces changes in the frequencies of nu(s)(Fe-O-Fe) and nu(as)(Fe-O-Fe) consistent with a decrease in the Fe-O-Fe angle from approximately 123 degrees in the oxo-bridged diferric centers of the as-isolated enzyme to approximately 120 degrees in oxo-bridged diferric centers of the complex. Analysis of the shifts in nu(s)(Fe-O-Fe) and nu(as)(Fe-O-Fe) as a function of 18:0-ACP concentration also suggests that 4e(-)-reduced Delta9D containing two diferrous centers has a higher affinity for 18:0-ACP than resting Delta9D containing two diferric centers. Catalytic turnover of a stoichiometric complex of 18:0-ACP and Delta9D was used to investigate whether an O-atom from O(2) would be incorporated into a bridging position of the resultant mu-oxo-bridged diferric centers during the desaturation reaction. Upon formation of approximately 70% yield of 18:1-ACP product in the presence of (18)O(2), no incorporation of an (18)O atom into the mu-oxo bridge position was detected. The result with 18:0-ACP Delta(9) desaturase differs from that obtained during the tyrosyl radical formation reaction of the diiron enzyme ribonucleotide reductase R2 component, which proceeds with incorporation of an O-atom from O(2) into the mu-oxo bridge of the resting diferric site. The possible implications of these results for the O-O bond cleavage reaction and the nature of intermediates formed during Delta9D catalysis are discussed.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair via percutaneous endovascular stenting in the swine model.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are the 13th leading cause of death in the United States. Endovascular stent grafts are currently being investigated in clinical trials as an alternative method for treatment of AAA. Twelve pigs underwent creation of AAA using the abdominus rectus fascia. Postoperatively, all 12 animals underwent angiography, which demonstrated turbulent flow within the created aneurysms. Four of the animals were not stented and served as controls. Eight animals underwent subsequent percutaneous placement of a covered endovascular stent via a right femoral sheath, and the stents were deployed between the renal arteries and the aortic bifurcation. The animals were maintained for 120 days before sacrifice and necropsy. Unstented animals (4) died within 6 days, 3 from rupture. Eight animals underwent endovascular stenting: 5 survived without complications, 3 deaths within 2 days were related to technical complications. The 5 surviving animals were sacrificed at 120 days, and necropsy was conducted with in situ dissections of the aorta and intact stent: 3 experimental animals had correct anatomic positioning of the stent, and 2 had inexact stent placement but survived 120 days with AAA thrombosis. Treatment of AAA in this swine model has been demonstrated via placement of a percutaneous covered stent.

Attention deficit disorder in childhood.

Attention deficit disorder refers to a syndrome of pervasive inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that is found in between 3 and 6 per cent of the population. It is commonly associated with conduct disorders and learning disabilities. The etiology of ADD is unknown, but family and adoption studies demonstrate an important role for genetic transmission. Pre- or postnatal central nervous system damage is suggested in only a few cases. Animal models as well as pharmacologic and clinical studies point to abnormalities in the catecholamine system, particularly dopamine function. Although certain psychometric tests are suggestive, no single laboratory marker is specific to ADD, and information from several sources is usually necessary before reaching the diagnosis. These sources may include parents, teachers, and pediatric psychology consultation, as well as clinical interview and physical examination. Children with ADD often suffer ridicule or rejection from family members, teachers, and peers. Treatment may interrupt the cycle of negative reinforcement that can have devastating effects on the self and public image of the child. Educational and behavioral management are the first line of intervention. Pharmacotherapy is also often helpful with stimulants considered the drugs of choice. Methylphenidate may be administered at a dose of 0.3 to 0.6 mg/kg in the morning. This dose may be repeated at noon. D-amphetamine at approximately half this dose is usually equally effective. Other medications such as the antidepressants and clonidine have proven to be effective in the treatment of ADD and may play a role in the management of some children.

Experiences with gossypol as a male pill.

In 1981 to 1983 we performed a clinical study with gossypol involving 152 participants, and in 1983 to 1985 we conducted another study of 120 participants. The first study was aimed at confirming gossypol's antifertility efficacy and determining the existence of side effects. The objective of the latter study was to find out whether the addition of a potassium salt supplement or a potassium-sparing agent could alleviate the side effect of hypokalemia. In both studies, the participants took a gossypol pill, 20 mg/day for 60 to 75 days for loading, and 50 mg/wk for maintenance. All participants were followed up for a year. The antifertility efficacy was found to be more than 90%, and the chief side effect was lowered serum potassium. In our 1983 to 1985 study, we concluded that since neither potassium supplementation nor triamterene solved the problem, it is very likely that gossypol is a nephrotoxic agent. With 1 year of gossypol treatment, serum testosterone and serum luteinizing hormone showed no change, whereas serum follicle-stimulating hormone showed some elevation after 6 months. The Shanghai researchers found that in their gossypol users, plasma and urinary beta 2-microglobulin levels were elevated to a certain extent. However, 25 subjects in our 1983 to 1985 study showed no appreciable change. Our volunteers had stopped taking gossypol for more than 1 year. In 1986 we started a third study, which was aimed at finding the lowest antifertility dose to minimize possible renal toxicity.

PIP: In 1981 to 1983 we performed a clinical study with gossypol involving 152 participants, and in 1983 to 1985 we conducted another study of 120 participants. The 1st study was aimed at confirming gossypol's antifertility efficacy and determining the existence of side effects. The objective of the latter study was to find out whether the addition of a potassium salt supplement or a potassium-sparing agent could alleviate the side effect of hypokalemia. In both studies, the participants took a gossypol pill, 20 mg/ day for 60-75 days for loading, and 50 mg/wk for maintenance. All participants were followed up for a year. The antifertility efficacy was found to be more than 90%, and the chief side effect was lowered serum potassium. In our 2nd study, we concluded that since neither potassium supplementation nor triamterene solved the problem, it is very likely that gossypol is a nephrotoxic agent. With 1 year of gossypol treatment, serum testosterone and serum luteinizing hormone showed no change, whereas serum follicle-stimulating hormone showed some elevation after 6 months. The Shanghai researchers found that in their gossypol users, plasma and urinary beta-2 microglobulin levels were elevated to a certain extent. However 25 subjects in our 2nd study showed no appreciable change. Our volunteers had stopped taking gossypol for more than 1 year. In 1986 we started a 3rd study, which was aimed at finding the lowest antifertility dose to minimize possible renal toxicity.

Clinical trial of gossypol as a male contraceptive drug. Part I. Efficacy study.

The main objective of the research is to study the effectiveness and safety of gossypol as a male contraceptive drug. Using a double-blind, randomized, controlled study design, gossypol was found to be an effective male antifertility drug, with no adverse effects on libido nor appetite. In terms of serum potassium levels, there were no statistical differences between gossypol and placebo groups at the end of the loading phase. However, through the ensuing 12 months of maintenance phase, a statistically significant trend toward reduced serum potassium level was evident.

PIP: The contraceptive efficacy of gossypol was investigated in a double-blind, randomized, control study. 75 male volunteers were placed on a regimen of 20 mg of gossypol per day, while the 77 controls received a placebo. Each of the volunteers continued use of gossypol for at least 14 1/2 months. Of the 64 gossypol-treated participants who completed the study, 31% achieved azoospermia and 61% had a sperm count less than 4 x 10 6. A 92% efficacy rate was achieved at the end of the loading phase. Incidence rates for fatigue, decrease of libido, and appetite did not differ significantly between subjects and controls, nor were there any differences in terms of body weight, hemoglobin, serum potassium, or blood pressure. Efficacy rates of 87%, 97%, 95%, 92%, and 98% were achieved at the end of loading, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of maintenance, respectively. The only significant side effect appeared to be a lowering of serum potassium levels during the maintenance phase. The attrition rate was 26% at 6 months and 39% at 12 months. There were no pregnancies among the wives of the volunteers. At present, gossypol research in China is aimed at the supplementation of gossypol contraception with potassium salt or with a potassium blocker to ameliorate gossypol-related hypokalemia.

Clinical trial of gossypol as a male contraceptive drug. Part II. Hypokalemia study.

A randomized controlled study was designed to evaluate the merit of whether ingesting potassium salt or potassium (K) blocking agent while using gossypol contraceptive drug could alleviate the symptom of hypokalemia. Results indicate that K salt supplementation did not reverse the gossypol-related hypokalemia and that the blocking agent triamterene did not prevent loss of or enhance the retention of serum K.

PIP: A randomized, controlled study was designed to determine whether ingestion of potassium salt or a potassium blocking agent in conjunction with use of the male contraceptive gossypol could alleviate the symptom of hypokalemia noted in an earlier study. The 120 male volunteers were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: gossypol 20 mg/day, gossypol 20 mg/day with potassium chloride 1.5 gm, gossypol 20 mg/day with triamterene 50 mg, and a control group. No pregnancies occurred among the wives of volunteers in the 3 gossypol-treated groups during the 12-month study period. A general trend of declining blood pressure by the end of the treatment period was noted in the 3 gossypol-treated groups. The serum potassium decline persisted until the end of the 1st treatment year for the 3 study groups but not for controls. Gossypol itself produced the least decline in serum potassium, followed by the gossypol-potassium chloride group and finally by the gossypol-triamterene regimen. This may be an indication that gossypol alone causes renal impairment, and therefore potassium supplementation and a blocking agent may have no effect on the restoration of potassium to normal levels.

Female breast cancer: distribution, risk factors, and effect of steroid contraception.

PIP: The 3 common diseases of the female breast are cystic hyperplasia, fibroadenoma and carcinoma. In discussing the 3rd and the most common forms of malignant disease, attention is directed to the following: criteria for source data selection (source data for distribution and for risk and etiological factors); distribution of female characteristics, environmental attributes, temporal variation, and a summary of major variables on breast cancer distribution); risk factors (pregnancy, ovarian activity, international variation, benign breast disease, familial aggregation); etiologic hypotheses (effect of contraceptive pill use on benign breast disease and effect of oral contraceptive (OC) use on breast cancer risk); and further hypotheses research. The most common cancer in women, breast cancer usually occurs in the years before the menopause. Factors favoring the development of breast cancer frequently are present early in life. Among women, breast cancer accounts for more than 1 out of very 4 cancers. The age-specific mortality and incidence rates of female cancer increase with age. This pattern is consistently present in both white and black groups. Age-adjusted mortality rates for female breast cancer by place of residence and race for the United States and for each geographic division and state for the 1959-1961 period are presented in table form. An elevated risk of breast cancer associated with long-term OC use has been reported among women with a biopsy diagnosis of benign breast neoplasia prior to the development of breast cancer.^ieng

China's health system: determinants.

This paper seeks to examine and explain the changes in China's health policy since 1949. It attempts to clarify the role of various determinants in the health policy-making process in various stages of China's development and discover what forces propelled the shifts in health policies and campaigns. Various social, economic and political forces are discussed as they bear on the evolution of China's health policies, and the fate of Maoist vs. pragmatic tendencies is assessed.

Perinatal study in Tientsin: 1978.

Clinical records of a total of 3320 singleton births, representing the year 1978, at the two Tientsin Medical College Hospitals, Tientsin, People's Republic of China, were studied to ascertain (a) reproductive parameters such as the average age of the mothers at first and successive births and (b) the relationships between perinatal deaths, prematurity and birth weight and the mothers's age, number of previous pregnancies, parity, maternal conditions in the prenatal and delivery period and operative procedures of delivery.

PIP: This study examines perinatal mortality in Tientsin, China to determine certain reproductive parameters, such as maternal age, and to ascertain the relationship between perinatal death, prematurity and birth weight, and such factors as mother's age, number of previous pregnancies, parity, and general maternal conditions. Data concerning 3320 single births were analyzed from the clinical records of the obstetric departments of 3 large Tientsin hospitals. Mean age of mothers was 29.5; mean parity was 1.4. 96.4% of mothers had received prenatal care, and 54.4% had 8 years of education. 65% of births were first parity births, and 52% were males. Mean birth weight was 3211.6 gm.; there were 88 perinatal deaths, of which 51 were stillbirths. Mothers older than 35 and younger than 24 were at higher risk of delivering infants who died during the perinatal period, and so did mothers who received no prenatal care or who had parity over 3. Also, perinatal deaths were associated with breech extraction 5.8 times more often than were live births. Age and prenatal care were not significantly different among the low-birth weight and the normal birth weight infants.