cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavioral, psychological, and historical correlates of MacAndrew scale scores among male alcoholics

Male alcoholic veterans (N=194) were divided into four groups on the basis of their scores on the MacAndrew scale (MAC) of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and compared on psychological and sociodemographic measures and self-reported alcohol, drug, and legal histories. Nineteen subjects scored in the “nonalcoholic” (NA) range of the MAC (i.e., false negatives, MAC≤23). Remaining subjects, scoring in the “alcoholic” range of the MAC, were divided into thirds by MAC scores (lowest third, L-MAC=24–28,n=53; middle third, M-MAC=29–31,n=63; highest third, H-MAC>31,n=59). Groups did not differ on age, any important sociodemographic variables, or scores on the Profile of Mood States, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Symptom Checklist-90, or Rod and Frame Test. Significant group differences were obtained on several MMPI scales. Lower MAC scores were associated with higher scores onL, K, D, andR, and lower scores onMa. There was also a tendency for subjects with lower MAC scores to score higher onSi. NA subjects began drinking and heavy drinking later than other subjects, although groups did not differ on duration, quantity, or frequency of drinking. Subjects with higher MAC scores more often reported drinking in bars, drinking liquor straight, alcohol-related job disruptions, and previous use of marijuana, hallucinogens, and barbiturates. Subjects with higher MAC scores had more often been arrested, convicted, fined, and jailed for alcohol-related offenses but not for other offenses. Results are examined with respect to MacAndrew's distinction between primary and secondary alcoholics and with respect to the possible relations of MAC to important person variables such as sensation seeking.
Identification of two HSP70-related Xenopus oocyte proteins that are capable of recycling across the nuclear envelope

Two 70-kD polypeptides, B3 and B4, are present in equivalent concentrations in the nucleus and cytoplasm of Xenopus oocytes. The objectives of this study were to determine if they (a) are members of the 70-kD family of heat shock proteins, and (b) recycle between the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments. Evidence based on high-affinity binding to ATP, cross-reactivity of B3/B4-specific antibodies with rat hsc70, and a comparison of cyanogen bromide cleavage peptide maps with hsc70, verified that B3 and B4 are members of the 70-kD family of heat-shock proteins. Nuclear uptake studies were performed by microinjecting 125I-labeled B3/B4, rat hsc70, and BSA into the cytoplasm of oocytes, and examining their subsequent intracellular distributions. By 6 h postinjection, the nuclear concentration of B3/B4 and hsc70 were approximately 24-fold greater than BSA controls. It was also found that B3/B4-coated gold particles as large as 120A in diameter were able to enter the nucleus by passing through the pores. Nuclear efflux was analyzed by microinjecting the iodinated proteins directly into the oocyte nuclei. 2 h after nuclear injection, at least 46% of the B3/B4 and 60% of the hsc70 were found in the cytoplasmic fractions, compared with less than 10% for the BSA controls. Cell fusion experiments, in which labeled, anucleate oocyte vegetal hemispheres were fused, under oil, with nucleate unlabeled animal hemispheres, demonstrated that cytoplasmic B3 and B4 could enter the nucleus after equilibration was reached, arguing against the existence of separate nuclear and cytoplasmic populations. Collectively, these results show that B3, B4, and rat hsc70 are transported across the nuclear envelope and recycle between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
A structural model for gas—solid reactions with a moving boundary

Abstract Gas—solid reactions involving a moving boundary are generally described in terms of the shrinking core model, where structural parameters are incorporated into an empirical reaction rate constant. ln the paper an alternative representation is proposed by describing the progress of the reaction in terms of the porosity, grain size, gas phase and solid state diffusivities and a heterogeneous reaction rate constant, which is now independent of structure. By taking “reasonable values” for these parameters the model was found to reproduce the general trends exhibited by the experimental data of other investigators.
Demographic and epidemiologic transition among the Navajo indians

Abstract The theories of demographic transition and epidemiologic transition provide vehicles for the examination of Navajo fertility, mortality, and growth patterns. The Navajo population is found to be growing rapidly due to decreased mortality and fertility rates which have declined but remain twice as high as U.S. rates. Infectious diseases are now less important as a factor in mortality, but remain a problem larger than that in the overall United States. Rates of death from degenerative diseases have not yet become a great problem among the Navajo, but mortality from social pathology (accidents, alcoholism, suicide, homicide, and cirrhosis of the liver) is considerably higher than that in the general United States. Discussion of each of these specific behaviors and possible etiological factors are presented. In general, it can be said that the Navajo Indians represent a group which is in the transitional stage of both the demographic and epidemiologic transition, although some exceptions are noted.
ADHESION AND HYDRODYNAMIC REMOVAL OF COLLOIDAL PARTICLES FROM SUFACES

(1995). ADHESION AND HYDRODYNAMIC REMOVAL OF COLLOIDAL PARTICLES FROM SUFACES. Particulate Science and Technology: Vol. 13, No. 3-4, pp. 227-247.
Selective thrombolysis of central retinal artery occlusion without long- term systemic heparinization

Abstract Background A central retinal artery occlusion is a potentially blinding retinal vascular event with no effective treatment regimen available. Recently, a few reports have described improved vision in eyes with central retinal artery occlusions after selective fibrinolytic therapy followed by long-term systemic anticoagulation. Acceptance of this treatment, however, has been hampered by a paucity of confirmatory reports and its potential for producing serious hemorrhagic complications. Our report independently confirms the beneficial effects of selective thrombolysis, even with the use of only short-term, post-procedure systemic heparinization. Methods A case report of selective fibrinolysis of an occluded central retinal artery using urokinase infusion into the ophthalmic artery followed with only 12 h of systemic heparinization is described. Results A 65-year-old man presenting with a central retinal artery occlusion of less than 4-h duration enjoyed an improvement of vision from counting-fingers acuity to 20/20 after selective fibrinolysis with urokinase and only 12 h of systemic heparinization. No hemorrhagic or thrombotic complications occurred. Conclusions Selective thrombolysis with urokinase followed by short-term systemic heparinization can effectively treat a central retinal artery occlusion. Whereas the authors acknowledge that a single case does not prove that short-term heparinization is better than long-term heparinization, it does show that the latter is not always required.
Strontium-89–-precursor targeted therapy for pain relief of blastic metastatic disease

Strontium-89 is a radioactive calcium analog that provides an energetic beta particle for radiation therapy of osteoblastic disease. Strontium-89 is used as palliative therapy with the primary goal being pain relief. More than 500 patients with painful blastic metastatic disease were treated at University of Kansas Medical Center since the initiation of the first clinical trial there 15 years ago. Most patients have had metastatic prostate cancer to bone or breast cancer, as these tumors are commonly associated with bone pain as their primary clinical management problem. Improvement (decrease in pain, increase in physical activity level) was noted in 80% of patients with prostate carcinoma and 81% of patients with metastatic breast cancer to bone. Marrow toxicity levels were acceptable. The therapy can be repeated at 3-month intervals. Strontium-89 is a safe and effective systemic therapy for painful blastic metastatic disease. There is no longer any reason why the vast majority of persons with painful blastic metastatic disease should continue to hurt.
Radiolysis, racemization and the origin of molecular asymmetry in the biosphere

An investigation has been undertaken to determine whether ionizing radiation might engender racemization of optically active amino acids, along with their usual radiolysis. As prototypes, crystalline Dand L-leucine, as well as aqueous solutions of their sodium salts were exposed to the radiation from a 3000 Ci Co-60 gamma-ray source. Gamma-ray doses which caused about 68% radiolysis of solid leucine left a residue which was about 5% racemized, while racemization proved even greater at lower doses for the dissolved sodium salts. In aqueous solution both percent degradation and percent racemization of the sodium salts were proportional to gamma-ray dosage within the range employed (1,000,000-27,000,000 rads). Implications of these observations for the origin of molecular asymmetry by the beta-decay parity violation mechanism are discussed.
Extent of lumpectomy for breast cancer after diagnosis by stereotactic core versus wire localization biopsy

Background: Stereotactic core biopsy of mammographically defined breast abnormalities is an alternative to wire localization biopsy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent of lumpectomy in patients diagnosed by stereotactic core versus wire localization biopsy. Methods: A total of 67 consecutive patients diagnosed with invasive cancers or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-four were diagnosed by core biopsy and the remaining 33 by wire localization biopsy. Results: Approximately 65% of patients subsequently had breast-conserving surgical therapy. Seventy-nine percent of patients undergoing wire localization biopsies had positive surgical margins. Achievement of negative surgical margins for lumpectomies performed after wire localization or stereotactic core biopsies was 100% and 89%, respectively, which was not significantly different. However, the total volume of breast tissue removed for breast conservation in patients undergoing lumpectomy after wire localization versus core biopsies was 183 cm3 and 104 cm3, respectively, which was significantly different (P = .003). Conclusions: Diagnosis by stereotactic core biopsies resulted in less tissue removal to achieve margin-negative lumpectomies for breast conservation. Stereotactic core biopsy is the method of choice for biopsying nonpalpable, suspicious breast lesions.
Hierarchical multi-level image mosaicing for autonomous navigation of UAV

A novel algorithm for hierarchical multi-level image mosaicing for autonomous navigation of UAV is proposed. The main contribution of the proposed system is the blocking of the error accumulation propagated along the frames, by incrementally building a long-duration mosaic on the fly which is hierarchically composed of short-duration mosaics. The proposed algorithm fulfills the real-time processing requirements in autonomous navigation as follows. 1) Causality: the current output of the mosaicing system depends only on the current and/or previous input frames, contrary to existing offline mosaic algorithms that depend on future input frames as well. 2) Learnability: the algorithm autonomously analyzes/learns the scene characteristics. 3) Adaptability: the system automatically adapts itself to the scene change and chooses the proper methods for feature selection (i.e., the fast but unreliable LKT vs. the slow but robust SIFT). The evaluation of our algorithm with the extensive field test data involving several thousand airborne images shows the significant improvement in processing time, robustness and accuracy of the proposed algorithm.
Asymptotically consistent reflection boundary conditions for diffusion theory

Abstract It is well known that the classic diffusion equation is an asymptotic limit of the one-speed linear transport equation. In this paper, we carry out the analysis required to obtain an asymptotically consistent boundary condition for this diffusion equation in the case of partial surface reflection. The specification of this boundary condition requires the transport theory solution to a purely scattering halfspace problem. A variational treatment is used to obtain explicit results for this halfspace problem in the general case. In the special case of purely diffuse reflection, simple considerations give exact halfspace results, and a more involved exact halfspace analysis is presented in the case of specular reflection. These exact results are used to assess the accuracy of the variational treatment.
Design of stabilizing state feedback for delay systems via convex optimization

For linear systems with delays, the authors define a new class of Lyapunov-like functionals that can be used to prove stability. They also show how one can design a stabilizing (delayed) state feedback for delay systems using these functionals and convex optimization techniques. It is shown how the problem of the design of a stabilizing (delayed) state-feedback can be posed as a convex feasibility problem. >
Hypohalous acids contribute to renal extracellular matrix damage in experimental diabetes.

In diabetes, toxic oxidative pathways are triggered by persistent hyperglycemia and contribute to diabetes complications. A major proposed pathogenic mechanism is the accumulation of protein modifications that are called advanced glycation end products. However, other nonenzymatic post-translational modifications may also contribute to pathogenic protein damage in diabetes. We demonstrate that hypohalous acid–derived modifications of renal tissues and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are significantly elevated in experimental diabetic nephropathy. Moreover, diabetic renal ECM shows diminished binding of α1β1 integrin consistent with the modification of collagen IV by hypochlorous (HOCl) and hypobromous acids. Noncollagenous (NC1) hexamers, key connection modules of collagen IV networks, are modified via oxidation and chlorination of tryptophan and bromination of tyrosine residues. Chlorotryptophan, a relatively minor modification, has not been previously found in proteins. In the NC1 hexamers isolated from diabetic kidneys, levels of HOCl-derived oxidized and chlorinated tryptophan residues W28 and W192 are significantly elevated compared with nondiabetic controls. Molecular dynamics simulations predicted a more relaxed NC1 hexamer tertiary structure and diminished assembly competence in diabetes; this was confirmed using limited proteolysis and denaturation/refolding. Our results suggest that hypohalous acid–derived modifications of renal ECM, and specifically collagen IV networks, contribute to functional protein damage in diabetes.
Contribution of the education phase to stress-inoculation training.

This study compared the relative effectiveness of full Stress-inoculation Training, including the education phase, with a procedure which included only the rehearsal and application phases of Stress Inoculation, in treating 18 speech-anxious college students (11 females, 7 males; M = 22 yr.). A repeated-measures analysis of variance and multiple comparisons of two self-report indices of anxiety, a measure of ‘state’ anxiety, behavioral observations and a pulse-rate measure, indicated that by a 4-wk. follow-up, the full stress-inoculation training group improved significantly more than the group receiving stress-inoculation without the education phase, on the behavioral observations and both self-report indices. These findings support the assertion that the initial conceptualization phase is an effective component in this cognitive-learning therapy.
Connectivity in Wireless Underground Sensor Networks

This paper investigates the probabilistic connectivity of the Wireless Underground Sensor Networks (WUSNs). Due to the unique channel characteristics and the heterogeneous network architecture of the WUSNs, the connectivity analysis is much more complicated than in the terrestrial wireless sensor networks and ad hoc networks. To our knowledge, this connectivity problem in WUSNs was not addressed before. In this paper, a mathematical model is developed to analyze the probabilistic connectivity in WUSNs, which captures the effects of environmental parameters such as the soil moisture and soil composition, and system parameters such as the operating frequency, the sensor burial depth, the sink antenna height, the density of the sensor devices, the tolerable latency of the networks, and the number and the mobility of the above- ground sinks. The lower and upper bounds for the connectivity probability are derived analytically. Simulation studies are performed, where the theoretical bounds are validated, and the effects of several environmental and system parameters on the performance of these networks are investigated.
Gene Therapy, Ethics, and International Perspectives

Introduction Gene Therapy in Individual Nations Restrictive Policies Permissive Policies Summary Gene Therapy and International Organizations European Regional Organizations Organizations and Associations Beyond Europe Summary The United States and International Perspectives Keywords: gene therapy
The Effects of Recombinant Human Leptin on Visceral Fat, Dyslipidemia, and Insulin Resistance in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Lipoatrophy and Hypoleptinemia

Context: Leptin deficiency is associated with dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in animals and humans with lipoatrophy; leptin replacement ameliorates these abnormalities. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of leptin therapy in lipoatrophic HIV-infected patients with dyslipidemia and hypoleptinemia. Design: This was a 6-month, open-label, proof-of-principle pilot study. Setting: Metabolic ward studies were performed before and 3 and 6 months after leptin treatment. Participants: Participants included eight HIV-infected men with lipoatrophy, fasting triglycerides greater than 300 mg/dl, and serum leptin less than 3 ng/ml. Intervention: Recombinant human leptin was given by sc injection (0.01 mg/kg and 0.03 mg/kg twice daily for successive 3 month periods). Outcome Measures: Measures included fat distribution by magnetic resonance imaging and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; fasting lipids; insulin sensitivity by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp; endogenous glucose production, gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, and whole-body lipolysis by stable isotope tracer studies; oral glucose tolerance testing; liver fat by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy; and safety. Results: Visceral fat decreased by 32% (P = 0.001) with no changes in peripheral fat. There were significant decreases in fasting total (15%, P = 0.012), direct low-density lipoprotein (20%, P = 0.002), and non-high-density lipoprotein (19%, P = 0.005) cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased. Triglycerides, whole-body lipolysis, and free fatty acids decreased during fasting and hyperinsulinemia. Fasting insulin decreased. Endogenous glucose production decreased during fasting and hyperinsulinemia, providing evidence of improved hepatic insulin sensitivity. Leptin was well tolerated but decreased lean mass. Conclusions: Leptin treatment was associated with marked improvement in dyslipidemia. Hepatic insulin sensitivity improved and lipolysis decreased. Visceral fat decreased with no exacerbation of peripheral lipoatrophy. Results from this pilot study suggest that leptin warrants further study in patients with HIV-associated lipoatrophy.
Applied Pharmacogenomics in Cardiovascular Medicine

Interindividual heterogeneity in drug response is a central feature of all drug therapies. Studies in individual patients, families, and populations over the past several decades have identified variants in genes encoding drug elimination or drug target pathways that in some cases contribute substantially to variable efficacy and toxicity. Important associations of pharmacogenomics in cardiovascular medicine include clopidogrel and risk for in-stent thrombosis, steady-state warfarin dose, myotoxicity with simvastatin, and certain drug-induced arrhythmias. This review describes methods used to accumulate and validate these findings and points to approaches—now being put in place at some centers—to implementing them in clinical care.
Professor Quine and real classes.

Symbolic logic was committed by its founders to the theory of real classes, but nominalism, which at the time prevailed in other philosophical enterprises, soon reasserted itself in logic. The result was that the theory of real classes was difficult to maintain. This difficulty is best exemplified by the work of Professor Quine, and I propose to show it. Quine early on had the advantage of study with Whitehead, the realist, but it was not easy for a thinker trained in the tradition of nominalism to hold to the recognition of the reality of classes, since such a concept is the very contradictory of the nominalistic notion of their unreality. Frege had signalled a change from the nominalistic tradition in a return to realism, but Russell and Whitehead working together had difficulty in holding to it. Professor Quine’s early work therefore is nominalistic despite the influence on him of the realism of his teacher, Whitehead.
Cache Conscious Indexing for Decision-Support in Main Memory

We study indexing techniques for main memory, including hash indexes, binary search trees, T-trees, B+-trees, interpolation search, and binary search on arrays. In a decision-support context, our primary concerns are the lookup time, and the space occupied by the index structure. Our goal is to provide faster lookup times than binary search by paying attention to reference locality and cache behavior, without using substantial extra space. We propose a new indexing technique called \Cache-Sensitive Search Trees" (CSS-trees). Our technique stores a directory structure on top of a sorted array. Nodes in this directory have size matching the cache-line size of the machine. We store the directory in an array and do not store internal-node pointers; child nodes can be found by performing arithmetic on array osets. We compare the algorithms based on their time and space requirements. We have implemented all of the techniques, and present a performance study on two popular modern machines. We demonstrate that with This research was supported by a David and Lucile Packard Foundation Fellowship in Science and Engineering, by an NSF Young Investigator Award, by NSF grant number IIS-98-12014, and by NSF CISE award CDA-9625374.
Early onset of drinking as a risk factor for lifetime alcohol-related problems.

The Data Note Series is edited by Dr Bridget Grant, Chief of Biometry at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), USA Abstract Heavy drinking among students has been a major public health concern over the past decade. A nationally representative 1988 survey on drinking practices and related problems examined the effect of age of onset of drinking on lifetime alcohol-related problems. Prevalence estimates were obtained for major demographic subgroups of the population. Results and implications are discussed in the context of minimum legal drinking age.
Pan-Bcl-2 Inhibitor, GX15-070 (Obatoclax), Decreases Human T Regulatory Lymphocytes while Preserving Effector T Lymphocytes: A Rationale for Its Use in Combination Immunotherapy

Bcl-2 inhibitors are currently being evaluated in clinical studies for treatment of patients with solid tumors and hematopoietic malignancies. In this study we explored the potential for combining the pan-Bcl-2 inhibitor GX15-070 (GX15; obatoclax) with immunotherapeutic modalities. We evaluated the in vitro effects of GX15 on human T cell subsets obtained from PBMCs in terms of activation, memory, and suppressive function. Our results indicated that in healthy-donor PBMCs, mature-activated T cells were more resistant to GX15 than early-activated T cells, and that GX15 preserved memory but not non-memory T cell populations. Furthermore, GX15 increased the apoptosis of regulatory T cells (Tregs), profoundly downregulated FOXP3 and CTLA-4 in a dose-dependent manner, and decreased their suppressive function. Treating PBMCs obtained from ovarian cancer patients with GX15 also resulted in increased CD8(+):Treg and CD4(+):Treg ratios. These results support preclinical studies in which mice vaccinated before treatment with GX15 showed the greatest reduction in metastatic lung tumors as a result of increased apoptotic resistance of mature CD8(+) T cells and decreased Treg function brought about by GX15. Taken together, these findings suggest that when a Bcl-2 inhibitor is combined with active immunotherapy in humans, such as the use of a vaccine or immune checkpoint inhibitor, immunotherapy should precede administration of the Bcl-2 inhibitor to allow T cells to become mature, and thus resistant to the cytotoxic effects of the Bcl-2 inhibitor.
A distributed computing approach to rapid prototyping for embedded controllers

A system has been developed at Ford that allows a control engineer to use Control System Design packages, such as MatrixX or MATLAB SIMULINK, to design a controller in graphical form, and generate C code which is then executed in synchronization with a pre-existing embedded controller to allow rapid evaluation of novel control ideas. No hardware modifications are required, as all the work is done in software using a shared memory interface between the embedded system and a PC/AT clone computer. The technical details are reviewed here. >
Are clouds ready for large distributed applications

Cloud computing carries the promise of providing powerful new models and abstractions that could transform the way IT services are delivered today. In order to establish the readiness of clouds to deliver meaningful enterprise-class IT services, we identify three key issues that ought to be addressed as first priority from the perspective of potential cloud users: how to deploy large-scale distributed services, how to deliver high availability services, and how to perform problem resolution on the cloud. We analyze multiple sources of publicly available data to establish cloud user expectations and compare against the current state of cloud offerings, with a focus on contrasting the different requirements from two classes of users -- the individual and the enterprise. Through this process, our initial findings indicate that while clouds are ready to support usage scenarios for individual users, there are still rich areas of future research to be explored to enable clouds to support large distributed applications such as those found in enterprise.
Other Colorectal Diseases

Numerous combinations of radiation therapy and chemotherapy with surgery for cancer of the colorectum have been proposed.1,12,17,23,28,29 No clear protocol has evolved at the present time; the remarks presented here undoubtedly will have to be modified after further investigations.
Experimental Evaluation Of Mangin Mirror Performance For Optical Processing With Feedback

We have studied the performances of Mangin mirrors and simple spherical mirrors for optical processing with feedback by using the mirrors in a confocal Fabry-Perot system. It has been found that the mirror sets behave experimentally as predicted theoretically; i.e., both the space-bandwidth product and the imaging characteristics of the confocal Fabry-Perot system obtained by using Mangin mirrors are better than those obtained by using simple spherical mirrors. Taking advantage of these improvements, the optical processor with feedback will be able to process more information in parallel with greater accuracy.
Eccrine porocarcinoma treated with Mohs micrographic surgery: A report of five cases.

Background.Eccrine porocarcinoma is a rare, locally aggressive, potentially fatal neoplasm. While wide local excision has traditionally been the treatment of choice, recurrences following excision are common.Objective.The purpose of this study was to review the traditional treatments of eccrine poro
CRYOFIXATION, CRYOSUBSTITUTION, AND IMMUNOELECTRON MICROSCOPY : POTENTIAL ROLE IN DIAGNOSTIC PATHOLOGY

In immunoelectron microscopic investigations, retention of antigenic sites is crucial. Methods for preparing samples for conventional electron microscopy involve chemical fixatives followed by dehydration in organic solvents and embedding in plastic resins, all procedures potentially detrimental to antigenicity. Cryomethods provide a physical fixation alternative for the preparation of biological samples for ultrastructural, immunocytochemical, and microanalysis studies without the use of any chemicals. This can be particularly useful in diagnostic pathology, providing an alternative to conventional fixation methods which sometimes destroy the antigen in question. The recent development of a portable cryofixation device, the PS1000 Portable Metal Mirror Ultra-Rapid Cryofixation Unit (Delaware Diamond Knives, Inc., Wilmington, DE, USA), provides an opportunity to freeze tissue immediately after procurement for use in diagnostic immunocytochemistry studies. This feasibility study examined the quality of tis...
Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1997

Abstract The 1997 Atlantic hurricane season is summarized and the year’s tropical storms, hurricanes, and one subtropical storm are described. The tropical cyclones were relatively few in number, short lived, and weak compared to long-term climatology. Most systems originated outside the deep Tropics. Hurricane Danny was the only system to make landfall. It produced rainfall totals to near 1 m in southern Alabama and is blamed for five deaths. Hurricane Erika was responsible for the season’s two other fatalities, in the coastal waters of Puerto Rico.
Revisiting the Deciduous Forests of Eastern North America

Abstract Deciduous Forests of Eastern North America, written by E. Lucy Braun and published in 1950, included a map depicting “original” (virgin) forest pattern. Her classification of forest regions remains an influential reference, though it was shaped by ecological assumptions that researchers consider outdated today. In this article, I present a new map of forest regions, using a data set from an extensive network of contemporary forest plots. Although there are differences between the two maps, including the homogenization of forests in the central section of the deciduous forest formation, the geography of Braun's forest regions is largely maintained. The similarities between the maps are noteworthy, considering the methodological differences in their creation and the intensive land use changes, fire suppression, introduction of exotic species, and changes in atmospheric chemistry that have occurred since Braun's work.
Sterility and use patterns of multiple-dose vials

The viability of microorganisms in multiple-dose vials (MDVs) and the use and in-use contamination rate of MDVs were investigated. Serial tenfold dilutions of stationary cultures of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were injected into 30-ml MDVs containing bacteriostatic agents, and samples were removed at 1, 16, 24, and 48 hours, and at seven days to test for viable organisms. All opened MDVs were removed from each patient-care area and the pharmacy in a hospital and tested for microbial contamination using an aliquot-sampling method. One nursing unit was visited each day, in random order, until all opened MDVs from all units and the pharmacy were collected. The day following collection, all newly opened MDVs at each unit were marked inconspicuously and tallied. On the first, sixth, and thirteenth day after marking, all marked MDVs remaining on the unit were tallied. Bacteria were isolated from deliberately contaminated MDVs when inoculated with 1-100 colony-forming units/ml or greater when the sample was tested within one hour after contamination. Only one product was positive in 16 hours, and none was positive beyond that time. A total of 928 opened MDVs was collected from 31 nursing units and the pharmacy; none was positive for microbial contamination, indicating that the contamination rate was probably less than 4 per 1000. Lidocaine, insulin, diluents, and heparin constituted 57% of collected vials. The length of time that opened vials remained on a unit and the number of opened vials per unit varied considerably between units. The cost, feasibility, and effectiveness of control policies regarding use of MDVs should be weighed objectively against potential benefits.
Hormonal Modulation of Aggression: With a Focus on Teleost Studies

Aggression is one of the important emotional behaviors displayed by animals while acquiring and/or defending resources. Recent studies have revealed that peptide hormones modulate various social behaviors, including aggression, among vertebrates. Comparison among teleosts, birds, and rodents shows marked species differences in effects of peptides on aggression. A correlation between peptide function and social structure has been suggested to explain these differences; however, the species differences reported in part might also be due to the methodological differences among the studies. In teleosts, the action sites for peptide ­hormones in modulating aggression are unclear, because in most behavioral studies these peptide hormones were administered systemically rather than locally. This chapter reviews the modulatory actions of peptide hormones, with particular emphasis on the known action sites for peptide hormones in teleosts. Further studies are necessary to precisely determine localized peptide modulation of aggression in teleosts, as well as to compare its modulatory effects among vertebrates.
Transport and deposition of uranium in hydrothermal systems at temperatures up to 300°C: geological implications

Many geologists accept that certain uranium deposits may have formed at elevated temperatures in the presence of aqueous fluids. Such deposits may range in nature from typical veins and fracture fillings to deposits in metamorphic terrains that exhibit a variety of structural controls. Fluid inclusion studies and mineral stability relationships from a variety of occurrences indicate that these deposits form at temperatures up to 300°C. The purpose of this paper is to outline the physicochemical conditions under which uranium is mobile and how it is transported, and also the conditions under which uranium is deposited, and to determine possible mechanisms of precipitation. Existing thermodynamic data were used to evaluate the relative stability of various uranium complexes in hydrothermal solutions up to 300°C. Subsequently, the conditions under which various aqueous uranium species and solids are stable were calculated in terms of oxidation potential (fugacity of oxygen,fo2) and pH. The stabilities of uranium species and minerals are compared against those of alteration and gangue minerals commonly associated with uranium mineralization. These natural assemblages are then used to determine the conditions of ore deposition, and possible mechanisms of deposition are proposed.
Probing Molecular Photoexcited Dynamics by Soft X-Rays

This chapter presents a short introduction into probing photoexcited dynamics of isolated molecules by ultrashort x-ray pulses. It describes the basic concepts of electronic and nuclear dynamics in a molecule after optical excitation and shows basic concepts like element and site specific probing associated with x-rays. It discusses ultrafast x-ray sources for molecular spectroscopy and presents some of the very first gas phase molecular dynamics results that this young field has produced.
89Zr-Labeled liposomes as theranostic agents

1383 Objectives Liposomal drug-delivery system based nanomaterials hold great promise in the treatment of cancer. However, due to tumor heterogeneity and variable vascular permeability, their potential benefits may vary immensely between patients. Therefore, a companion imaging agent based approach which would allow screening nanoparticle uptake on a patient-to-patient basis represents an unmet clinical need. Our aim was to develop a 89Zr-labeled liposome as a diagnostic tool and to ultimately screen subjects for nanotherapy amenability and biodistribution. Methods A DFO-conjugated lipid was synthesized by reacting DFO-p-NCS and DSPE in DMSO/chloroform at 40 C for 3 days. Liposomes made of DPPC, cholesterol, DSPE-PEG2000 (1.85:1:0.15) and the new conjugate DSPE-DFO (0.3 mol %) were prepared by the sonication method. The DFO-bearing liposomes were labeled by incubation with [89Zr]Zr(C2O4)2 in PBS at 40 C for 4 h and subsequent purification by spin filtration; preliminary biological evaluation was carried out on female NCr nude mice bearing 4T1 breast tumors. Results DSPE-DFO was prepared in 85 % yield and the sonication method afforded liposomes of 120.7 ± 2.0 nm (PDI: 0.15 ± 0.02, n = 7). Radiolabeling was achieved in 73 ± 10 % yield (n = 7) and radiochemical purity was >99 %. The labeled liposomes proved to be long-circulating and biodistribution studies revealed high tumor accumulation, peaking at 24 h p.i. (13.7 ± 1.8 % ID/g, n = 3). Bone uptake was moderate (3.8 % and 5.1 % ID/g at 24 and 48 h post-injection, respectively). PET/CT imaging results were in agreement with these observations. Conclusions We have developed a stable liposome platform efficiently labeled with 89Zr. These liposomes accumulate in vascularized tumor areas via the EPR effect and could ultimately be used as companion imaging agents to stratify patients into their appropriate treatment groups. Research Support Supported by the Nanotechnology Center and the Imaging and Radiation Sciences Program of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (TR), and the CNIC CardioImage Program (CPM).
Nonadditive Hard-Sphere Reference Model for Ionic Liquids

A nonadditive hard-sphere (NAHS) reference model for ionic liquids with truncated ion−ion pair interaction potentials represented by collision diameters defined as σij=σ(1+δije)(using the Kroneckerδ) is investigated. In a reference 1:1 ionic salt (e.g., AB = NaCl), the nonadditivity parameter (e) is positive; hence, like ions interact with a larger diameter than unlike ions; that is, σAA=σBB=(1+e)σAB The NAHS model is found to show remarkable similarity of structure to the full-Hamiltonian for electrostatic charged ion models of ionic liquids, their crystalline phases, and freezing properties. Molecular dynamics computations are used to show that the structures of ionic liquids and crystals are determined mainly by short-range geometric and symmetry effects rather than the long-range electrostatic potentials. A preliminary phase diagram for nonadditive hard spheres has been determined for the range of positive nonadditivity for stable cubic lattices CsCl (body-centered), rock salt, NaCl (simple cubic), an...
Immune Complex-Induced Inflammation as a Mechanism of Inhibition of Peripheral Nerve Regeneration (IN1-2.002)

Objective: To investigate if immune complex formation and Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) participate in anti-ganglioside antibody-mediated inhibition of axon regeneration. Background Anti-ganglioside antibodies (Abs) are the most commonly recognized autoimmune markers in all forms of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and these Abs are associated with poor recovery. Extent of axonal injury and failure of axonal regeneration are critical determinants of recovery after GBS. In this clinical context, we have shown that anti-ganglioside Abs adversely affect axon regeneration after peripheral nerve injury in an animal model, in complement-independent fashion. Therefore, we asked whether immune complexe formation and Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs)-induced inflammation participates in this Ab-mediated inhibition of axon regeneration. Design/Methods: A well characterized antibody passive transfer and sciatic nerve crush model was used to study the anti-ganglioside Ab-mediated inhibition of axon regeneration in wild type and various transgenic mice lacking specific FcγRs. Outcome measures included electrophysiology, morphometry, immunocytochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blotting. Results: We found that there was a highly significant upregualtion of FcγRs with nerve crush/injury. Notably, anti-ganglioside Ab-mediated inhibition of axon regeneration was entirely dependent on the expression of specific activating FcγRs as transgenic mice lacking specific FcγRs were completely immune to Ab-mediated inhibition of axon regeneration. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that immune complex formation and engagement of specific FcγRs leads to inhibition of peripheral nerve regeneration. The current studies are relevant not only to acute and chronic immune neuropathies but to other neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis and traumatic spinal cord and brain injuries as recent studies have emphasized the role of anti-neural Abs and FcγRs in secondary central nervous system injury in experimental models. Supported by: NIH/NINDS (NS42888 and NS54962) and GBS/CIDP Foundation. Disclosure: Dr. Sheikh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zhang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bogdanova has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gao has nothing to disclose. Dr. Guo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Massaad has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kotha has nothing to disclose.
Infectious Disease: Retrospect and Reminiscence

many years I have lived and worked in Boston. First as a student and then as a house officer, I became well acquainted with his work in microbiology and infectious disease. Over the ensuing years, from the time I first began to study infectious disease, I had the opportunity not only to learn what Dr. Finland had accomplished in the past but also to keep abreast of what he was doing in the present. I need not detail for you his many noteworthy contributions to our field. It is enough to say that he has been a pioneer in many areas and continues to make important observations. His studies of pneumonia and influenza are still classics. One of the earliest workers in the
Twenty years of performance-based fire protection design: challenges faced and a look ahead

A review of two decades of worldwide experience using standards, codes and guidelines related to performance-based fire protection design for buildings has identified shortcomings in the interpretation, application and implementation of the performance-based design process, apparent inconsistency in the resulting levels of performance achieved and several opportunities to enhance the process. In a constantly evolving building environment, technical challenges have to be overcome because fire safety engineering still depends greatly on knowledge gained from scientific and engineering research across a broad range of disciplines (e.g., better understanding of the fire phenomena, the behavior and response of the building occupants/contents/structure to the fire, tools for engineering analysis and all the necessary data needed to support tool application). Political challenges also need to be considered as performance-based fire protection design requires the approval of the authority having jurisdiction and ...
Coxiella Burnetii Acute Cerebellitis

A 9-year-old boy presenting with headache and fever, followed after 10 days by drowsiness, conjugate ocular deviation, and subsequently, cerebellar ataxia, is reported from Akita University, Japan.
Mass-flow-rate-controlled fluid flow in nanochannels by particle insertion and deletion

A nonequilibrium molecular dynamics method to induce fluid flow in nanochannels, the insertion-deletion method (IDM), is introduced. IDM inserts and deletes particles within distinct regions in the domain, creating locally high and low pressures. The benefits of IDM are that it directly controls a physically meaningful quantity, the mass flow rate, allows for pressure and density gradients to develop in the direction of flow, and permits treatment of complex aperiodic geometries. Validation of IDM is performed, yielding good agreement with the analytical solution of Poiseuille flow in a planar channel. Comparison of IDM to existing methods indicates that it is best suited for gases, both because it intrinsically accounts for compressibility effects on the flow and because the computational cost of particle insertion is lowest for low-density fluids.
Relationships between Minority Students Online Learning Experiences and Academic Performance.

The study investigated the relationship between minority students’ use of technology, social media, the number of online courses, program of study, satisfaction, and academic performance. Participants in the study were a diverse student body regarding age, gender, and educational level, and functioned at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-square tests were used to find the relationship between participants’ online learning experiences and academic performance. Results showed that satisfaction and use of social media had no relationship with the academic performance of participants. However, a relationship existed between the use of technology, the number of courses in online, program of study, and academic performance. Categories that emerged from the open-ended questions were flexibility and time convenience, self-confidence, lack of support, self-regulated learning skills, and language and linguistic differences. The authors concluded that varying factors such as cultural, language, personal, and efficacy skills facilitated the academic performance of minority students in an online learning environment. This study reiterates the importance of establishing multicultural presence in an online course and suggests best pedagogical methods for teaching minority students in an online course.
Efficient Monte Carlo methods for estimating failure probabilities

Abstract We develop efficient Monte Carlo methods for estimating the failure probability of a system. An example of the problem comes from an approach for probabilistic safety assessment of nuclear power plants known as risk-informed safety-margin characterization, but it also arises in other contexts, e.g., structural reliability, catastrophe modeling, and finance. We estimate the failure probability using different combinations of simulation methodologies, including stratified sampling (SS), (replicated) Latin hypercube sampling (LHS), and conditional Monte Carlo (CMC). We prove theorems establishing that the combination SS+LHS (resp., SS+CMC+LHS) has smaller asymptotic variance than SS (resp., SS+LHS). We also devise asymptotically valid (as the overall sample size grows large) upper confidence bounds for the failure probability for the methods considered. The confidence bounds may be employed to perform an asymptotically valid probabilistic safety assessment. We present numerical results demonstrating that the combination SS+CMC+LHS can result in substantial variance reductions compared to stratified sampling alone.
Prompt fission neutron and γ ray properties as a function of incident neutron energy

The CGMF code provides a complete description of the properties of the prompt neutrons and γ rays, emitted before beta decays. It is based on a Monte Carlo implementation of the Hauser-Feshbach statistical model, which provides an accurate phenomenological description of the de-excitation of the fission fragments toward stable configurations via neutron and γ-ray emissions. This approach allows a detailed description of a large number of observables, such as multiplicity probabilities and correlations between the emitted particles. In this contribution, we briefly review the approach and present selected examples of neutron and γ-ray observables for neutron incident energies from thermal to 20 MeV, and compare against available data for 235 U(n,f) reaction.
The Making of the Oxford English Dictionary: Gilliver, Peter Oxford: Oxford University Press 625 pp., $65.00, ISBN 978–0199283620 Publication Date: October 2016

Peter Gilliver's meticulous account of the “making” of the Oxford English Dictionary is essential reading for historians, linguists, and literary scholars who are interested in Anglophone lexicogra...