cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Why a Symposium on Biology at Johns Hopkins

From its inception in 1876, Johns Hopkins University has stood out as an institution where the laboratory and experimentation have been accorded the highest respect and priority, and where the most capable people have been chosen to occupy positions of authority. The first president of the University, Daniel Gilman, was able to guide and shape the university unencumbered by outside influences and began the tradition of hiring the best men to work with him. H. N. Martin and W. K. Brooks in biology were two of these leaders in the early period of the university (1876–1908). During the middle years (1909–1939), expansion diluted faculty and diverted them away from research and toward teaching. Herbert Spencer Jennings headed the Zoology Department during this middle period and in spite of the general trend away from quality research activities, maintained a standard of excellence in his department. Another leader during this period and one whom some consider more influential than Jennings was Burton E. Livingston, chairman ofthe Plant Physiology Department. The modern period began in 1939 and saw some rebuilding of the biological sciences after World War II, combining of the Zoology, Botany, and Plant Physiology Departments into one Biology Department, the building of the Mergenthaler Laboratory for Biology, the modernization of the department into one oriented toward molecular biology, and a host of quality appointments. Most of these accomplishments can be attributed to H. B. Willier who headed the department from 1940 to 1955. Presently the Department of Biology at Johns Hopkins University is one of this country's leading centers of molecular biology.
Catalytic Disproportionation of Hydrogen Peroxide by the Tetranuclear Manganese Complex [Mn(ll)(2-OHpicpn)](4).

The tetranuclear complex [MnII(2-OH-picpn)]44+ catalytically disproportionates H2O2 to give H2O and O2. Saturation kinetics are observed as well as a significant deuterium isotope effect when D2O2 is used as substrate. While this compound exhibits one of the largest Vmax values for a manganese catalase mimic, the kcat/KM values are similar to those of other highly reactive manganese models. A speculative model based on iron chemistry may explain the low binding affinity of peroxide for the compound.
Forward Genetic Screening Identifies a Small Molecule That Blocks Toxoplasma gondii Growth by Inhibiting Both Host- and Parasite-Encoded Kinases

The simultaneous targeting of host and pathogen processes represents an untapped approach for the treatment of intracellular infections. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a host cell transcription factor that is activated by and required for the growth of the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii at physiological oxygen levels. Parasite activation of HIF-1 is blocked by inhibiting the family of closely related Activin-Like Kinase (ALK) host cell receptors ALK4, ALK5, and ALK7, which was determined in part by use of an ALK4,5,7 inhibitor named SB505124. Besides inhibiting HIF-1 activation, SB505124 also potently blocks parasite replication under normoxic conditions. To determine whether SB505124 inhibition of parasite growth was exclusively due to inhibition of ALK4,5,7 or because the drug inhibited a second kinase, SB505124-resistant parasites were isolated by chemical mutagenesis. Whole-genome sequencing of these mutants revealed mutations in the Toxoplasma MAP kinase, TgMAPK1. Allelic replacement of mutant TgMAPK1 alleles into wild-type parasites was sufficient to confer SB505124 resistance. SB505124 independently impacts TgMAPK1 and ALK4,5,7 signaling since drug resistant parasites could not activate HIF-1 in the presence of SB505124 or grow in HIF-1 deficient cells. In addition, TgMAPK1 kinase activity is inhibited by SB505124. Finally, mice treated with SB505124 had significantly lower tissue burdens following Toxoplasma infection. These data therefore identify SB505124 as a novel small molecule inhibitor that acts by inhibiting two distinct targets, host HIF-1 and TgMAPK1.
Effects of tubing length and coupling method on hearing threshold and real-ear to coupler difference measures.

Purpose This tutorial demonstrates the effects of tubing length and coupling type (i.e., foam tip or personal earmold) on hearing threshold and real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD) measures. Metho...
Load Pickup by a Group of Ignitron Rectifiers

One of the advantages of the application of mercury-arc rectifiers to large electrochemical loads, such as aluminum cell lines, is that, if all the rectifiers are excited simultaneously, they will pick up and share the load together. This eliminates need for large d-c cell-line circuit breakers. The conventional method of starting simultaneously several ignitron mercury-arc rectifiers, widely used in large electrochemical plants, has been to energize the individual ignitor firing circuits from a master starting switch. Differences in closing time of the control contactors were reflected in proportional irregularity of load pickup between the ignitron rectifiers. Recent tests, described in this paper, show that the grids usually employed in the ignitrons for anode shielding can be used as an alternative method to energize cell lines. If all the grids are biased negatively, they will prevent current flowing from the rectifiers while the firing circuits are all energized and the switches closed in the power circuits. Then, by operating one switch or a plurality of accurately timed switches, all grids can be made positive at the same instant with the result that all the rectifiers pick up load at the same instant and share it equally.
Head and neck osteosarcoma.

Abstract Objective The objective of the study was to discuss the optimal management and treatment outcomes for patients with head and neck osteosarcomas. Study Design Review article. Methods Review of the pertinent literature. Results Osteosarcomas account for approximately 1% or less of all head and neck cancers. The vast majority occur in the mandible and maxilla. The median age is in the fourth decade, with a wide range. They are more likely to recur locally after treatment and distant metastases are observed less often than with the more common osteosarcomas arising in the long bones. The optimal treatment is complete resection. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy is ill-defined. The vast majority of recurrences are observed within 5 years. The 5-year disease-specific and overall survival rates are approximately 60% to 70%. Conclusions Osteosarcoma of the head and neck is a rare entity that occurs primarily in the mandible and maxilla. The optimal treatment is surgery. Adjuvant radiotherapy should be considered for those with close or positive margins. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy is ill-defined. The likelihood of cure is approximately 60% to 70%.
Effect of tremorogenic and antitumor agents on enzymes regulating a minor metabolic pathway of biogenic amines: an hypothesis for the underlying mechanism.

Abstract The effects of some tremor-producing and antitremor agents on the enzymes sequentially metabolizing ethanol and acetaldehyde in addition to biogenic-amine-derived aldehyde intermediates were studied in mouse liver preparations. Aldehyde but not alcohol dehydrogenase was differentially stimulated by the compounds studied in vitro. This effect was confined to the mitochondrial enzyme and was isoenzyme-dependent. The results indicate differences between in vitro and in vivo effects and suggest a role for mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase in metabolic detoxification of endogenous biogenic aldehydes in the presence of alcohol which may explain the worsening of drug-induced tremor by ethanol.
Managing business processes as an information resource

The relevance of business processes as a major asset of an enterprise is more and more accepted: Business processes prescribe the way in which the resources of an enterprise are used, i.e., they describe how an enterprise will achieve its business goals. Organizations typically prescribe how business processes have to be performed, and they seek information technology that supports these processes. We describe a system that supports the two fundamental aspects of business process management, namely the modeling of processes and their execution. The meta-model of our system deals with models of business processes as weighted, colored, directed graphs of activities; execution is performed by navigation through the graphs according to a well-defined set of rules. The architecture consists of a distributed system with a client/server structure, and stores its data in an object-oriented database system.
Oxygen concentration measurement with a phosphorescence lifetime based micro-sensor array using a digital light modulation microscope

A digital light modulation microscope (DLMM) using a digital micro-mirror device (DMD, Texas Instruments) has been developed to enable detection of O 2 concentration in micro-bioreactors using O 2 -quenching porphyrin phosphorescent dyes. The emission intensity and phosphorescence lifetime of such dyes are both a function of O 2 concentration. While emission intensity can vary in these dye systems as a function of concentration and illumination intensity, phosphorescence lifetime is primarily sensitive to only O 2 concentration. In contrast to conventional phosphorescence lifetime imaging, the DLMM eliminates the need for a pulsed light source, scanning mirrors, or a high-speed camera for time-gated imaging. This technique can selectively address structured light illumination to each sensor location, which is a beneficial feature for analysis of large micro-sensor arrays within lab-on-a-chip devices. The mirrors on the DMD perform as electronically addressable optical switches, each having a ~15 μs switching time, shorter than the phosphorescence lifetimes of potential O 2 sensing dyes (~25-100 μs). The structured light pattern of the DMD and the switching rate of the mirrors are controlled by a PC. An arc lamp illuminates the DMD uniformly and then projects to the specimen through a filter cube for the selected phosphorescent sensor compound. The emitted light returns to the filter cube and is detected by a photo multiplier tube (PMT). An oscilloscope is used to record the emission signal waveform from the PMT. To demonstrate O 2 sensing with lab-on-a-chip devices, an array of 150-μm-diameter micro-wells coated with phosphorescent porphyrin were observed using the DLMM. The goal of this platform is to measure the O 2 consumption of individual cells trapped in the microwells.
B cell acute lymphocytic leukemia in pregnancy.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a rare occurrence in pregnancy and can be rapidly fatal if left untreated. The need for immediate treatment of ALL, coupled with the maternal–fetal risks from the chemotherapy regimen render a therapeutic dilemma in pregnant women with ALL. We report a case of ALL diagnosed in the 24th week of pregnancy to outline our management strategy, to demonstrate the feasibility of treatment with multi-agent chemotherapy, and to provide a review of the literature.
Design and rationale of studies of neurohormonal blockade and outcomes in diastolic heart failure using OPTIMIZE-HF registry linked to Medicare data

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalization for Medicare beneficiaries. Nearly half of all HF patients have diastolic HF or HF with preserved ejection fraction (HF–PEF). Because these patients were excluded from major randomized clinical trials of neurohormonal blockade in HF there is little evidence about their role in HF–PEF. Methods The aims of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act-funded National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-sponsored "Neurohormonal Blockade and Outcomes in Diastolic Heart Failure" are to study the long-term effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers, and aldosterone antagonists in four separate propensity-matched populations of HF–PEF patients in the OPTIMIZE-HF (Organized Program to Initiate Life-Saving Treatment in Hospitalized Patients with Heart Failure) registry. Of the 48,612 OPTIMIZE-HF hospitalizations occurring during 2003–2004 in 259 U.S. hospitals, 20,839 were due to HF–PEF (EF ≥40%). For mortality and hospitalization we used Medicare national claims data through December 31, 2008. Results Using a two-step (hospital-level and hospitalization-level) probabilistic linking approach, we assembled a cohort of 11,997 HF–PEF patients from 238 OPTIMIZE-HF hospitals. These patients had a mean age of 75years, mean EF of 55%, were 62% women, 15% African American, and were comparable with community-based HF–PEF cohorts in key baseline characteristics. Conclusions The assembled Medicare-linked OPTIMIZE-HF cohort of Medicare beneficiaries with HF–PEF with long-term outcomes data will provide unique opportunities to study clinical effectivenss of various neurohormonal antagonists with outcomes in HF–PEF using propensity-matched designs that allow outcome-blinded assembly of balanced cohorts, a key feature of randomized clinical trials.
Simultaneous determination of acrolein, malonaldehyde and 4-Hydroxy-2-Nonenal produced from lipids oxidized with fenton's reagent

Abstract Ethyl linoleate, ethyl linolenate, ethyl arachidonate and cod liver oil were oxidized with Fenton's reagent. Acrolein, malonaldehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal formed were derivatized to N -methylpyrazoline, N -methylpyrazole and 5-(1′-hydroxyhexyl)-l-methyl-2-pyrazoline with N -methylhydrazine, respectively. The derivatives were simultaneously analysed by gas chromatograph equipped with a fused silica capillary column and a nitrogen-phosphorus detector. The maximum amounts of acrolein (9.7 ± 2.11 nmol/ml) and malonaldehyde (61.18 ± 6.51 nmol/ml) were formed from cod liver oil. The highest amount of 4-hydroxynonenal (6.83 ± 0.53 nmol/ml) was produced from ethyl arathidonate.
Deoxy Derivatives of L-like 5'-Noraristeromycin.

Abstract Several base variations of 2′- and 3′-deoxy derivatives of (+)-4′-deoxy-5′-noraristeromycin have been prepared from enantiomerically pure precursors following standard purine nucleoside construction. These carbocyclic nucleosides were evaluated against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and found to be inactive. No cytotoxicity to the cell line was observed.
Site-specific genetic divergence in parallel hybrid zones suggests nonallopatric evolution of reproductive barriers.

The evolution of reproductive isolation in the presence of gene flow is supported by theoretical models but rarely by data. Empirical support might be gained from studies of parallel hybrid zones between interbreeding taxa. We analysed gene flow over two hybrid zones separating ecotypes of Littorina saxatilis to test the expectation that neutral genetic markers will show site-specific differences if barriers have evolved in situ. Distinct ecotypes found in contrasting shore habitats are separated by divergent selection and poor dispersal, but hybrid zones appear between them. Swedish islands formed by postglacial uplift 5000 years ago provide opportunities to assess genetic structure in a recently evolved system. Each island houses a discrete population containing subpopulations of different ecotypes. Hybrid zones between ecotypes may be a product of ecological divergence occurring on each island or a consequence of secondary overlap of ecotypes of allopatric origin that have spread among the islands. We used six microsatellite loci to assess gene flow and genetic profiles of hybrid zones on two islands. We found reduced gene flow over both hybrid zones, indicating the presence of local reproductive barriers between ecotypes. Nevertheless, subpopulations of different ecotypes from the same island were genetically more similar to each other than were subpopulations of the same ecotype from different islands. Moreover, neutral genetic traits separating the two ecotypes across hybrid zones were site-specific. This supports a scenario of in situ origin of ecotypes by ecological divergence and nonallopatric evolution of reproductive barriers. (Less)
Applying social cognitive learning theory to the application of group support systems (GSSs) in classroom settings

This paper utilizes social cognitive learning theory to guide (and explain) the development of prototype educational experimenters information systems concepts. The paper applies the major framework of social cognitive learning theory, its recognition of the reciprocity and interaction among cognitive, behavioral, environmental, and physiological/affective influences. In this learning process, it is argued that people learn from a variety of experiences and from the observation of the actions of others. This paper utilizes social cognitive learning theory to explain the structure for an MIS educational experience, and applies the GSS in a course module with specific learning objectives. Finally, the paper describes an MIS classroom experience (a module covering systems analysis [SA] methodology) which has been used to apply the GSS to prototype MIS problems (working scenarios with questions and organizational data). >
Genetic stability of equine arteritis virus during horizontal and vertical transmission in an outbreak of equine viral arteritis

An imported carrier stallion (A) from Europe was implicated in causing an extensive outbreak of equine viral arteritis (EVA) on a Warmblood breeding farm in Pennsylvania, USA. Strains of equine arteritis virus (EAV) present in the semen of two carrier stallions (A and G) on the farm were compared to those in tissues of foals born during the outbreak, as well as viruses present in the semen of two other stallions that became persistently infected carriers of EAV following infection during the outbreak. The 2822 bp segment encompassing ORFs 2-7 (nt 9807-12628; which encode the G(S), GP3, GP4, G(L), M and N proteins, respectively) was directly amplified by RT-PCR from semen samples and foal tissues. Nucleotide and phylogenetic analyses confirmed that virus present in the semen of stallion A initiated the outbreak. The genomes of viruses present in most foal tissues (10/11) and serum from an acutely infected mare collected during the outbreak were identical to that of virus present in the lung of the first foal that died of EVA. Virus in the placenta of one foal differed by one nucleotide (99.9% identity) from the predominant outbreak virus. The relative genetic stability of viruses that circulated during the outbreak contrasts markedly with the heterogeneous virus populations variously present in the semen of persistently infected stallions on the farm. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the carrier stallion can be a source of genetic diversity of EAV, and that outbreaks of EVA can be initiated by the horizontal aerosol transmission of specific viral variants that occur in the semen of particular carrier stallions.
A Student Portfolio Approach to Conducting Doctoral Social Work Comprehensive Examinations

ABSTRACT This report describes using a student portfolio approach to the structure and conduct of doctoral-level comprehensive examinations in the field of social work. Portfolios have been used as the primary method (one exception in over 40 students) to conducting social work comprehensive examinations at the author's former university, and this doctoral program appears to be unique in this regard among North American social work programs. The approach to organizing the written and oral components of comprehensive examinations using a portfolio is described, along with some of the advantages and disadvantages of this technique. Other doctoral programs are encouraged to include this method as one option in evaluating student readiness to conduct dissertation research and attainment of pedagogical objectives.
Effective Linear Two-Body Method for Many-Body Problems in Atomic and Nuclear Physics

We present an equivalent linear two-body method for the many body problem, which is based on an approximate reduction of the many-body Schrodinger equation by the use of a variational principle. The method is applied to several problems in atomic and nuclear physics.
Immunity against tularemia: passive protection of mice by transfer of immune tissues.

Acquired resistance to fully virulent strains of P. tularensis was passively transferred to normal mice by viable spleen cells or peritoneal leucocytes from donors that recovered from infection with an attenuated strain of P. tularensis . This passively transferred resistance was reflected in survival or delayed death after challenge of the recipients. The degree of passively transferred resistance was dependent upon the immune status of the donors and the number of viable immune cells transferred. There were indications that this resistance persisted only as long as the transferred tissues were compatible with the tissues of the recipient. The results support the hypothesis that immunity of mice against fully virulent strains of P. tularensis is associated with an altered state of the tissues.
Cohort mortality study of seattle fire fighters: 1945-1983

Fire fighters are known to be occupationally exposed to many toxic substances. However, the limited number of previous studies has not demonstrated any consistent excess mortality from diseases of a priori concern, such as lung cancer, non-malignant respiratory disease, and cardiovascular disease. We studied 2,289 Seattle fire fighters from 1945 through 1983, and observed 383 deaths. Excess mortality from leukemia (SMR = 503, n = 3) and multiple myeloma (SMR = 989, n = 2) was observed among fire fighters with 30 years or more fire combat duty. Lung cancer mortality was elevated (SMR = 177, n = 18) among fire fighters 65 years old or older. We also analyzed the data by considering fire fighters at risk only after 30 years from first exposure. In this analysis, a trend of increasing risk with increasing exposure was observed for diseases of the circulatory system. For this cause of death, fire fighters with 30 years or more fire combat duty had a relative risk of 1.84 compared to those with less than 15 years of fire combat duty.
Identification of a Chitin-Induced Small RNA That Regulates Translation of the tfoX Gene, Encoding a Positive Regulator of Natural Competence in Vibrio cholerae

The tfoX (also called sxy) gene product is the central regulator of DNA uptake in the naturally competent bacteria Haemophilus influenzae and Vibrio cholerae. However, the mechanisms regulating tfoX gene expression in both organisms are poorly understood. Our previous studies revealed that in V. cholerae, chitin disaccharide (GlcNAc)2 is needed to activate the transcription and translation of V. cholerae tfoX (tfoXVC) to induce natural competence. In this study, we screened a multicopy library of V. cholerae DNA fragments necessary for translational regulation of tfoXVC. A clone carrying the VC2078-VC2079 intergenic region, designated tfoR, increased the expression of a tfoXVC::lacZ translational fusion constructed in Escherichia coli. Using a tfoXVC::lacZ reporter system in V. cholerae, we confirmed that tfoR positively regulated tfoXVC expression at the translational level. Deletion of tfoR abolished competence for exogenous DNA even when (GlcNAc)2 was provided. The introduction of a plasmid clone carrying the tfoR+ gene into the tfoR deletion mutant complemented the competence deficiency. We also found that the tfoR gene encodes a 102-nucleotide small RNA (sRNA), which was transcriptionally activated in the presence of (GlcNAc)2. Finally, we showed that this sRNA activated translation from tfoXVC mRNA in a highly purified in vitro translation system. Taking these results together, we propose that in the presence of (GlcNAc)2, TfoR sRNA is expressed to activate the translation of tfoXVC, which leads to the induction of natural competence.
Scientific contributions of A. V. Hill: exercise physiology pioneer.

Beginning in 1910, A. V. Hill performed careful experiments on the time course of heat production in isolated frog muscle. His research paralleled that of the German biochemist Otto Meyerhof, who m...
A Deterministic Photon and Electron Transport Algorithm for Radiation Dosimetry

The dose calculation algorithm is fundamental to many advances in radiation therapy physics. From simple correction based methods to sophisticated transport methods, the dose calculation algorithm is critical to accurate dose estimation. More sophisticated algorithms also represent a challenge to the speed and memory requirements of even the most modern of computers. For these reasons, the continual development and refinement of the dose calculation algorithm is a necessity.
Occupational asthma incidence: findings from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system asthma call-back survey--United States, 2006-2009

Background. Occupational asthma (OA) is new-onset asthma or the recurrence of previously quiescent asthma caused by workplace exposures. Objective. To estimate the incidence of population-based new...
Prostate Abscess in an Adolescent With AIDS.

Widespread use of antibiotics and a decrease in incidence of gonococcal urethritis has resulted in a decrease in prostate abscesses.1,2 However, chronic prostatitis, underlying immune suppression (including diabetes and AIDS), and urological procedures remain important risk factors. Because prostate abscess is also associated with benign prostate hypertrophy, they usually present in the fifth or sixth decades of life.1,2 However, our adolescent patient described here presented with an acute febrile illness accompanied by lower urinary tract symptoms consistent with prostate abscess.
Effects of fire on the demography of the endangered, geophytic herb Silene spaldingii (Caryophyllaceae)

Understanding the effects of disturbances such as fire on plant demography helps elucidate the mechanisms that cause changes in community composition. I studied the effects of spring and fall fires on Silene spaldingii, an endangered perennial herb of grasslands in northwest Montana. Individual S. spaldingii plants were mapped, and size and flowering were recorded for 1 yr prior and 5 yr subsequent to the burn treatments. Enhanced seedling recruitment (70-410%) and a 22% increase in population size were the principal effects of fire on S. spaldingii, and fall burn plots had lower recruitment than spring burn plots. These effects were apparent for 2-3 yr following the treatments. Fire had no detectable effect on the survival of adults or recruits of S. spaldingii. Silene spaldingii exhibits prolonged dormancy in which plants do not produce aboveground vegetation for one to several consecutive years. Results suggest that fire has a positive effect on the population dynamics of S. spaldingii by removing litter and creating safe sites for recruitment. Prescribed fire should be an important tool for managing populations of this rare plant.
Gestational, pathologic and biochemical differences between very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency and long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency in the mouse

Although many patients have been found to have very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency, none have been documented with long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCAD) deficiency. In order to understand the metabolic pathogenesis of long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders, we generated mice with VLCAD deficiency (VLCAD(-/-)) and compared their pathologic and biochemical phenotypes of mice with LCAD deficiency (LCAD(-/-)) and wild-type mice. VLCAD(-/-) mice had milder fatty change in liver and heart. Dehydrogenation of various acyl-CoA substrates by liver, heart and skeletal muscle mitochondria differed among the three genotypes. The results for liver were most informative as VLCAD(-/-) mice had a reduction in activity toward palmitoyl-CoA and oleoyl-CoA (58 and 64% of wild-type, respectively), whereas LCAD(-/-) mice showed a more profoundly reduced activity toward these substrates (35 and 32% of wild-type, respectively), with a significant reduction of activity toward the branched chain substrate 2,6-dimethylheptanoyl-CoA. C(16) and C(18) acylcarnitines were elevated in bile, blood and serum of fasted VLCAD(-/-) mice, whereas abnormally elevated C(12) and C(14) acylcarnitines were prominent in LCAD(-/-) mice. Progeny with the combined LCAD(+/+)//VLCAD(+/-) genotype were over-represented in offspring from sires and dams heterozygous for both LCAD and VLCAD mutations. In contrast, no live mice with a compound LCAD(-/-)//VLCAD(-/-) genotype were detected.
Palivizumab in the prophylaxis of respiratory syncytial virus infection.

Respiratory syncytial virus infection continues to be one of the most important health problems in infancy. Active prophylaxis against this infection (i.e., vaccination) is not available. Therefore, protection of high-risk infants is possible only by passive prophylaxis with specific antibodies. Palivizumab (Synagis®) and respiratory syncytial virus intravenous immune globulin are licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of severe lower respiratory tract infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, infants with a history of premature birth (≤35 weeks gestational age) and children with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease. Palivizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody produced by recombinant DNA technology, directed to an epitope in the A antigenic side of the F-protein of the respiratory syncytial virus. This review discusses the characteristics of this drug in detail.
The current status of robotic oncologic surgery

The use of robotic assistance facilitates minimally invasive surgery and has been widely adopted across multiple specialties. This article reviews the published literature on use of this technology for treatment of oncologic conditions. PubMed searches were performed for articles published between 2000 and 2012 using the keywords "robotic" or "robotic surgery" in conjunction with "oncology" or "cancer." Although the most common use for robotics was to treat urologic oncologic conditions, it has also been widely adopted for gynecologic, general, thoracic, and head and neck surgeries. For several procedures, there is evidence that robotics offers short-term benefits such as shorter lengths of stay and lower intraoperative blood loss, with safety profiles and oncologic outcomes comparable to open or conventional laparoscopic approaches. However, long-term oncologic outcomes are generally lacking, and robotic surgeries are more costly than open or laparoscopic surgeries. Robotic technology is widely used in oncologic surgery with demonstrated short-term advantages. However, whether the benefits of robotics justify the higher costs warrant large comparative effectiveness studies with long-term outcomes.
A Surge of Maritime Tropical Air—Gulf of California to the Southwestern United States

Abstract This synoptic study, for the period 13–16 July 1972, involved the use of surface, radiosonde, and radar observations, as well as satellite pictures. Isentropic analysis indicated that the depth of the moisture with this surge of tropical air was of the order of 8000 to 12,000 ft. A unique feature of this type of surge is its resemblance to a giant sea-breeze effect, where the main advective forces result from the low-level pressure gradient between the desert thermal low and the relatively higher pressures over the cooler Gulf of California. This effect is emphasized by the lack of upper-air support, as shown in the mean vector winds from 10,000 to 20,000 ft for the period of concern. Satellite photographs and film loops give a dramatic picture of the movement of the cloud mass initially associated with the surge. They also suggest that one of the mechanisms that may be a factor in the development of the cloudy, showery area at the mouth of the Gulf of California is an easterly wave. These extens...
Energetically optimal travel across terrain: visualizations and a new metric of geographic distance with anthropological applications

We present a visualization and computation tool for modeling the caloric cost of pedestrian travel across three dimensional terrains. This tool is being used in ongoing archaeological research that analyzes how costs of locomotion affect the spatial distribution of trails and artifacts across archaeological landscapes. Throughout human history, traveling by foot has been the most common form of transportation, and therefore analyses of pedestrian travel costs are important for understanding prehistoric patterns of resource acquisition, migration, trade, and political interaction. Traditionally, archaeologists have measured geographic proximity based on "as the crow flies" distance. We propose new methods for terrain visualization and analysis based on measuring paths of least caloric expense, calculated using well established metabolic equations. Our approach provides a human centered metric of geographic closeness, and overcomes significant limitations of available Geographic Information System (GIS) software. We demonstrate such path computations and visualizations applied to archaeological research questions. Our system includes tools to visualize: energetic cost surfaces, comparisons of the elevation profiles of shortest paths versus least cost paths, and the display of paths of least caloric effort on Digital Elevation Models (DEMs). These analysis tools can be applied to calculate and visualize 1) likely locations of prehistoric trails and 2) expected ratios of raw material types to be recovered at archaeological sites.
Automatic Programming for Automatic Computers

Anyone who attempts to process data or perform computations with an automatic digital computer encounters the obstacle of preparing a detailed program in computer code and checking this program out on the computer. Automatic programming techniques help reduce the magnitude and cost of this task. Complex statistical and data processing problems can be programmed with little or no knowledge of the computer code. An example is given of an automatically programmed one way analysis of variance F computation.
Dual-phase helical CT of nonfunctioning islet cell tumors

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of dual-phase imaging in the assessment of nonfunctioning islet cell tumors (NFITs). METHOD Six patients with histologically and biochemically proven NFIT were evaluated by arterial and portal venous dual-phase helical CT. Scan delay was 20 s for the arterial phase and 70 s for the portal phase. Each phase was assessed by consensus reading and specifically evaluated for tumor conspicuity, hepatic metastases, vascular encasement by tumor, and presence of lymphadenopathy. RESULTS Overall, tumor conspicuity was greater in the arterial phase (5/6) than in the portal venous phase (1/6) with a mean tumor/normal pancreas attenuation difference of 31.8 HU in the arterial phase compared with 19.2 HU in the portal venous phase. The arterial phase detected a total of 17 liver metastases compared with 9 seen in the portal phase. Lymph node enlargement was noted in three patients, which, although visible in both phases, was more easily discernible in the arterial phase. Venous encasement by tumor was better evaluated on the delayed portal venous phase than the arterial phase. CONCLUSION Dual-phase helical CT scanning leads to improvement in the detection and staging of NFITs.
The time for low-dose computed tomography screening is now: a medical oncologist perspective.

The NLST is a landmark trial demonstrating that implementation of low-dose CT screening lowers lung cancer–related mortality. We must put the study results and cost-effectiveness analyses in the context of the staggering statistics: up to 65% of lung cancer patients present with advanced-stage disease where treatments are often costly, toxic, and only palliative in nature.
The Immune Response and Performance of Calves Supplemented with Zinc from an Organic and an Inorganic Source11Published with the approval of the director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, manuscript no. 00075.

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of supplemental zinc (Zn) from an organic and an inorganic source on growth performance, serum Zn concentrations, and immune response of beef calves. Treatments consisted of: i) control (no supplemental Zn), ii) Zn sulfate, or iii) Zn-amino acid complex. Zinc sources were supplemented to provide 360 mg of Zn/d. Experiment 1 was a 28-d study using 84 steers (240 ± 1.5 kg) fed bermudagrass hay (21 mg Zn/kg DM) with 1.8 kg/d of the appropriate corn-based supplement. In Exp. 2, 75 heifers (176 ± 2.5 kg) were fed bermudagrass hay (38 mg Zn/kg DM) and the supplements for 140 d. In Exp. 1, ADG was greater (P 0.10) among treatments for the entire 28-d study. In Exp. 2, there was no effect (P>0.10) on ADG as a result of Zn supplementation. In Exp. 2, Zn-supplemented heifers had a greater response (P=0.06) tophytohemagglutinin 24 h after an intradermal injection. In Exp. 2, calves supplemented with Zn-amino acid complex had a greater antibody response to a second vaccination for bovine respiratory syncytial virus than did control or Zn sulfate-supplemented calves (treatment by day interaction, P=0.06). There was not a consistent benefit of supplemental Zn on growth of calves, but there was a positive impact of supplemental Zn on some immune response measurements.
Ultrafast Photoisomerization of Retinal in Bacteriorhodopsin: A New Twist

Time-resolved visible/near-IR absorbance spectra of photoexcited bacteriorhodopsin reveal features and dynamics that require a reinterpretation of the primary processes for photoisomerization.
Rapid Quantification of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA) in Human Plasma by LC-MS/MS

Background: Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is a common contraceptive agent taken both orally and as a subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Current LC-MS/MS methods for MPA quantification require large sample volumes and low-throughput analytical run times. Therefore, there are opportunities to improve upon existing methods for MPA quantification. Methods: MPA was extracted from 600 μL plasma, evaporated to dryness, and the reconstituted solution was injected onto a Waters Acquity liquid chromatography (LC) system via an Agilent Zorbax Eclipse-Plus C18 2.1 × 50 mm (5.0 μm) column. MPA and its internal standard were monitored on a QTRAP® 5500 mass analyzer operated in positive ionization mode. The method was validated according to the Food and Drug Administration Bioanalytical Method Validation guidelines. Results: The analytical measuring range of the assay was 200–10 000 pg/mL. QC samples prepared at the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ; 200 pg/mL) and low (600 pg/mL), mid (1750 pg/mL), and high (8500 pg/mL) levels showed interassay precision and accuracy ≤15.2% and ≤±9.6%, respectively. Stability-challenged samples yielded ≤15% from freshly prepared samples. Dilutional and matrix effects studies were also acceptable. The assay was also assessed in participants prescribed depot medroxyprogesterone acetate; observed concentrations were within the dynamic range of the assay. Conclusions: An LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of MPA in plasma has been developed and validated. The described method is sufficiently sensitive and robust to quantify MPA in plasma and meets the criteria to support clinical trials.
The impact of surgical hand antisepsis technique on surgical site infection.

Abstract Background Limited evidence exists regarding the effect on superficial and deep incisional surgical site infections (SDSSIs) of alcohol-based hand rubs (ABR) versus traditional aqueous surgical scrubs (TSS). User preferences and practice are unknown. Methods A retrospective cohort study examining SDSSIs using VA Surgical Quality Improvement Program cases before ABR implementation (2007-2009, TSS group) and after (2013-2014, ABR group). A descriptive survey. Results SDSSI rates were 1.8% and 1.5% for TSS (n=4051) and ABR (n=2293), respectively (p=0.31). The adjusted odds of SDSSI using ABR was not significant (OR 0.82; 95% CI, 0.51-1.32). Greatest SDSSI risk was from preoperative radiotherapy (OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.14-6.78), general surgery (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.30-4.39) and preoperative smoking (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.02-2.44). Of 95 surveys included, 52% favored ABR. Although 95% self-reported correct product application, improper duration was revealed in both groups (TSS 18% and ABR 10%). Conclusions Implementation of an ABR for use in surgical hand antisepsis did not alter SDSSI rates. Improving product knowledge and compliance may improve SSI rates.
None of the Above: What Desirism Isn’t (and Is)

In this chapter desirism, an ethics proposed by Joel Marks, is distinguished from various moralistic forms of ethics, with which it is almost irresistibly confused by laypersons and ethicists alike because it goes against a conception that is so familiar to us. The chapter describes in detail the ways in which desirism is and is not like ethical egoism, moral relativism, moral fictionalism, and morality as such. Morality is characterized as an excess or overlay on our desires, with which desirism dispenses. However, desirism has the capacity to offer much of the ethical guidance we normally rely on morality to provide. But desirism does not command us to abide by any dictates but offers only recommendations about how to live.
S. cerevisiae Trm140 has two recognition modes for 3-methylcytidine modification of the anticodon loop of tRNA substrates

The 3-methylcytidine (m3C) modification is ubiquitous in eukaryotic tRNA, widely found at C32 in the anticodon loop of tRNAThr, tRNASer, and some tRNAArg species, as well as in the variable loop (V-loop) of certain tRNASer species. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, formation of m3C32 requires Trm140 for six tRNA substrates, including three tRNAThr species and three tRNASer species, whereas in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, two Trm140 homologs are used, one for tRNAThr and one for tRNASer The occurrence of a single Trm140 homolog is conserved broadly among Ascomycota, whereas multiple Trm140-related homologs are found in metazoans and other fungi. We investigate here how S. cerevisiae Trm140 protein recognizes its six tRNA substrates. We show that Trm140 has two modes of tRNA substrate recognition. Trm140 recognizes G35-U36-t6A37 of the anticodon loop of tRNAThr substrates, and this sequence is an identity element because it can be used to direct m3C modification of tRNAPhe However, Trm140 recognition of tRNASer substrates is different, since their anticodons do not share G35-U36 and do not have any nucleotides in common. Rather, specificity of Trm140 for tRNASer is achieved by seryl-tRNA synthetase and the distinctive tRNASer V-loop, as well as by t6A37 and i6A37 We provide evidence that all of these components are important in vivo and that seryl-tRNA synthetase greatly stimulates m3C modification of tRNASer(CGA) and tRNASer(UGA) in vitro. In addition, our results show that Trm140 binding is a significant driving force for tRNA modification and suggest separate contributions from each recognition element for the modification.
The Concept of Romantic Love

What are the key features of romantic love? How is romantic love similar and different from other types of love? This chapter distinguishes various kinds of love within the context of a cross-cultural comparison of romantic love. A theoretical background for the cultural study of romantic love sets the scene in this chapter.
Eye-safe near-infrared trace explosives detection and imaging

We report the development of a non-contact no-reagents system operating in the eye-safe 1560-1800 nm wavelength range for standoff trace detection of explosives and high-speed imaging. Experimental results are provided for a number of chemicals including explosives on a variety of surfaces at sub-microgram per cm2 concentration. Chemically specific images were collected at 0.06 ms per pixel. Results from this effort indicate that the combination of modern industrial fiber lasers and nonlinear optical spectroscopy can address next generation eye-safe trace detection of chemicals including explosives.
Depression in Parkinson's disease: An update

Depression is the most common psychological disturbance that affects people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Despite an increasing amount of research devoted to this topic, uncertainty still exists concerning many aspects of depression in PD. Significant questions remain regarding some very basic issues, including how best to diagnose depression in PD, how frequently depression complicates PD, the risk factors for developing depression, and how best to treat depression. This chapter provides a current perspective on what is known about depression in PD, reviewing its epidemiology, etiology, and treatment. Rather than providing a comprehensive overview, the focus here is on updating the major themes of research in this field.
Uncovering Subtle Ligand Effects of Phosphines Using Gold(I) Catalysis

Herein, we report the integration of simple linear regressions with gold(I) catalysis to interrogate the influence of phosphine structure on metal-catalyzed organic transformations. We demonstrate that observed product ratios in [4 + 3]/[4 + 2] cycloisomerization processes are influenced by both steric and electronic properties of the phosphine, which can be represented by the Au–Cl distance. In contrast, the observed selectivity of a similar [2 + 3]/[2 + 2] cycloisomerization is governed by L/B1, a steric parameter. Using this correlation, we were able to accurately predict the selectivity of a previously untested, Buchwald-type ligand to enhance selectivity for the same transformation. This ligand found further utility in increasing the selectivity of a previously reported gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization/arylation of 1,6-enynes by ∼1 kcal/mol.
Cardiovascular Disease in American Indian and Alaska Native Youth: Unique Risk Factors and Areas of Scholarly Need.

In August 2016, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened a scientific forum with 18 investigators active in the field of population health disparities. The purpose was to discuss heart, lung, and sleep disorders in children and adolescents of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN)
The importance of the computer simulation archive

This paper discusses the importance, historical significance, and prestige of the Computer Simulation Archive (https://d.lib.ncsu.edu/computer-simulation/) at North Carolina State University Libraries, including its importance to the field of simulation and its place in the broader context of esearch library archival collections.
Developing Dynamic Intersections Between Collection Development and Information Literacy Instruction: Amanda Scull. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2017, 159pp., $39.00, ISBN-13: 978-1-4422-7212-5

Amanda Scull's first monograph on this topic describes itself as aiming to “bridge the divide between information literacy and collectors, allowing both areas of concentration, and the library as a...
Smart healthcare

The Internet-of-Things (IoT) era promises hundreds of billions of devices or physical objects connected to the Internet. These objects include sensors, actuators, and processing elements that help us gather data, make intelligent decisions, and optimize processes. IoT is expected to have a potential economic impact of $3–6 trillion per year by 2025, with $1–2.5 trillion of this economic impact (its largest fraction) coming from smart healthcare applications. These applications will be enabled by wearable medical sensors (WMSs) that will transmit their information to a personal health hub, such as a smartphone or smartwatch. The sensors and the health hub form a body-area network (BAN). The BAN will communicate with a health server over the Internet, making a complete personal healthcare system possible. The doctors can communicate with the health server to keep track of an individual's health. However, many challenges remain in making this vision a reality.