bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flame Photometric and Atomic Absorption Determination of Calcium, Potassium, and Sodium in Ringer’s Solution and Injection and in Lactated Ringer’s Solution
Authors: Weeks John F
Published: February 2020

Authentic and commercial counterparts of Ringer’s solution and lactated Ringer’s solution were analyzed by 14 collaborators. Calcium, potassium, and sodium were to be determined by any flame emission or atomic absorption instrument operated at prescribed performance levels, and basic procedures for comparing samples and standards were also given. Recoveries of the cations from authentic and commercial solutions were as follows: calcium 95.6–102.1 and 95.6–103.6%, respectively; potassium 97.9– 101.7 and 98.4-102.4%; sodium 98.2-103.1 and 97.3–103.7%. The results indicate that the method yields acceptable precision for the determination of the 3 cations in fluid and electrolyte replenishers. The method has been adopted as official first action.
Glucosinolates and Derived Products in Cruciferous Vegetables: Total Glucosinolates by Retention on Anion Exchange Resin and Enzymatic Hydrolysis to Measure Released Glucose
Authors: VanEtten Cecil H , Daxenbichler Melvin E
Published: February 2020

Details are given for determining total glucoginolates in Cruciferae plants by a procedure measuring released glucose. The glucosinolates are separated from about 90% of other material in the plant extract by adsorption on an anion exchange resin. Then, by a selective thioglucosidase hydrolysis of the glucosinolates retained on the exchange resin, the glucose and aglucons are separated from other substances retained by the resin. Glucose is released into an aqueous medium and is equivalent to the total glucosinolates. The aglucons formed by the hydrolysis are extracted into methylene chloride and determined by gas-liquid chromatography. Based on 29 determinations of the glucose from sinigrin, analyzed under different conditions, accuracy of the total glucosinolate determination was 94.8 ± 7.3%. The coefficient of variation, determined by duplicate analyses on extracts from 58 cabbage samples, was 4.6%.
Colorimetric Determination of Cyanide Liberated from Apricot Kernels
Authors: Egli Keith L
Published: February 2020

A simple colorimetric method is described for determining the quantity of hydrogen cyanide produced by the spontaneous decomposition of amygdalin in apricot kernels. The evolved cyanide is collected in sodium hydroxide solution and assayed colorimetrically by reaction with picric acid. Results for duplicate assays, 3.02 and 3.06 mg CN-/g, compare well with those obtained by AOAC method 26.115 which specifies steam distillation and silver nitrate titration; results for triplicate assays were 3.02, 3.03, and 3.08 mg CN-/g by the latter. Recovery of cyanide from potassium cyanide at a level equivalent to 243 μg CN-/g was 101.0%.
Analysis of Fat-Soluble Vitamins. XVI. Antirachitic Activity of 5,6-trans-Vitamin D3 Alone and in the Presence of 5,6-cis-Vitamin D3 Resin, Using Chick Bioassays
Authors: Borsje Ben , Heyting Arend , Roborgh Jan R , Ross David B , Shillam Kenneth W G
Published: February 2020

Two biological assays were conducted in which the antirachitic activity in chicks of 5,6-trans-vitamin D3 added to feed is compared with that of 5,6-cis-vitamin D3. On the basis of the results obtained it is concluded that the relative potency of the trans isomer is, at the most, 5% and that the antirachitic activity of the trans isomer is not markedly enhanced (an increase to a relative potency of 16%, at the most) if the cis isomer is also included in the diet. The results are not conclusive on the inhibition or lack of inhibition of the antirachitic activity of 5,6-cis-vitamin D3 by the presence of 5,6-trans-vitamin D3 in the feed.
Flameless Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry of Selenium in Fish and Food Products
Authors: Shum Gerald T C , Freeman Harry C , Uthe John F
Published: February 2020

A method is described for determining selenium in fish tissues, meat, cereals, milk powder, and other materials by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Samples are solubilized in HNO3 and atomized in a graphite furnace in the presence of nickel nitrate. Recoveries of 0.500 and 1.000 μg selenium added to several fish samples averaged 99.0 and 98.3%, respectively, with standard deviations of 5.3 and 4.0. Results agreed with those obtained for samples previously analyzed by fluorometry, and with results for NBS Standard Reference Material. The detection limit was 3 ng/ml solution and 50 ng/g sample.
Collaborative Study of a Spectrofluorometric Assay for Rauwolfia serpentina Tablets and Powdered Root, Using a Vanadium Pentoxide-Phosphoric Acid Determinative Step
Authors: Smith William M
Published: February 2020

Reserpine-rescinnamine group alkaloids are extracted from Rauwolfia serpentina preparations into dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)-methanol and diluted with 0.5N H2SO4. The chloroform extract of this solution is passed through a 0.1N NaOH-Celite column and then through a silica gel column. The weakly basic alkaloids trapped on the latter column are eluted with chloroform-methanol; a portion of the eluate is treated with a vanadium pentoxide-phosphoric acid solution, and the reserpine-rescinnamine content is determined by measuring the intensity of the resulting fluorescence. The following means and standard deviations (11 collaborators) were obtained for the determination of reserpine-rescinnamine group alkaloids in 4 samples of Rauwolfia serpentina (NF reference powder, 100 and 50 mg commercial tablets, and 45 mg synthetic tablet formulation) : 0.173%, 0.0050; 0.128%, 0.0030; 0.150%, 0.0069; and 0.142%, 0.0032; respectively. The method has been adopted as official first action.
Ruggedness of Official Colorimetric Method for Sorbic Acid in Wine
Authors: Caputi Arthur , Stafford Paul A
Published: February 2020

Two methods for determining sorbic acid in wine were studied collaboratively in 1974 and both methods were adopted as official first action. The ultraviolet absorption method gave excellent results, but the method using colorimetric measurement of a thiobarbituric acid complex yielded some erratic results. To isolate the source of this problem, the effects of various parameters in the analysis were investigated further. The method of cooling the sample after heating to develop the color complex was the most important variable found, and a slight modification in the wording of the method is proposed. With this change in the thiobarbituric acid procedure, both methods were adopted as official final action.
Colorimetric Method for Carbadox in Feeds: Collaborative Study
Authors: Goras John T
Published: February 2020

A colorimetric method for determining carbadox in complete swine feeds and feed supplements was collaboratively studied. Carbadox is separated from feed with CHCl3-methanol (3+1) and then separated from interfering materials by a series of solvent-solvent extractions. The drug is isolated as a dry residue, reconstituted, and reacted with stannous chloride to form a colored complex that is measured at 520 nm. The method of standard additions is used to compensate for a feed or feed supplement matrix effect. Twenty-seven laboratories assayed feeds containing 0.0013, 0.0053, and 0.0242% carbadox. The repeatability standard deviation (σ0) and reproducibility standard deviation (σx) were σ0 = 0.00014%, σx = 0.00035% (29% of grand mean) for 0.0013% carbadox in feed; σ0 = 0.00025%, σx = 0.00037% (6.7% of grand mean) for 0.0053% carbadox in feed; and σ0 = 0.0019%, σx = 0.0024% (9.6% of grand mean) for 0.0242% carbadox in feed. The between-laboratory variance ratio was not significant for feeds containing 0.0013 and 0.0053% carbadox, but was significant for feeds containing 0.0242% carbadox. The mean recovery values for feeds containing 0.0013, 0.0053, and 0.0242% carbadox were 92, 104, and 103%, respectively. The method was adopted as official first action for feeds having a guaranteed potency of 0.0055% carbadox or higher.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Methomyl Residues in Selected Vegetables, Crains, and Soil
Authors: Rangaswamy Jois R , Prakash Shimoga R , Vijayashankar Yadathora N
Published: February 2020

Methomyl (S-methyl-N-[(methylcarbamoyl) oxy] thioacetimidate) is converted to oxime and hydroxylamine by alkali and acid treatment, respectively. Hydroxylamine is oxidized with iodine in the presence of sulfanilic acid to yield p-diazoniumbenzenesulfonic acid which is coupled with α-naphthylamine to form a crimson p-benzenesulfonic acid-azo-α-naphthylamine with an absorption maximum at 520 nm. The relationship between absorbance and concentration of methomyl is linear in the range 0.5–10 μg. The method is sensitive and specific; 0.625 ppm methomyl can be determined in a 40 g sample of selected vegetables, grains, and soil.
Interlaboratory Quality Control Study of the Analysis of Water for Pesticides
Authors: Aspila Keijo I , Carron John M , Chau Alfred S Y
Published: February 2020

An interlaboratory quality control study was conducted to provide information to 5 participating Canadian laboratories on their capability in analyzing natural waters for 10 pesticides. The study was designed to identify the quality of each laboratory’s working standards for 15 organochlorine pesticides, and the accuracy and precision of each laboratory’s analytical procedures. Fifteen samples were provided, of which 3 were standards prepared for direct injection into an electron capture gas chromatograph. Instructions were provided to use these 3 standards for quantitating the pesticide content (8–150 ng/L) in 5 pairs of 1 L water samples. These paired samples contained 10 organochlorine pesticides approaching natural levels. Results of the study indicated that participants were fairly precise and achieved the designed ratio 1.5 for concentrations in the paired samples.
Fluorometric Determination of Histamine in Tuna: Development of Method
Authors: Staruszkiewicz Walter F , Waldron Ellen M , Bond John F
Published: February 2020

Tuna extracts are treated with an anion exchange resin to remove interfering materials, histamine is derivatized with o-phthalaldehyde, and the fluorescence of the resulting compound is measured fluorometrically. Replicate analyses of acceptable and decomposed tuna packed in oil or water agreed within 1 mg at a level of 10 mg/100 g and within 12 mg at a level of 100 mg/100 g. Recoveries of histamine added to fish were >90 and >83% at levels of 10 and 100 mg/100 g, respectively. The new method is more rapid and specific and is simpler than previous methods because no liquid-liquid extractions or chromatographic separations of histamine are required. The sensitivity of the method allows quantitation of <10 mg histamine/100 g sample. The accuracy and precision of the fluorometric method are comparable to those of the official AOAC colorimetric method.
Determination of Dimethylpolysiloxane in Instant Coffee
Authors: Kacprzak Jurgen L
Published: February 2020

A method is described for determining dimethylpolysiloxane in instant coffee. The siloxane is extracted with chloroform in a Soxhlet apparatus and then converted to silica which is estimated by a heteropoly blue method. The method is interference-free, and 5 μg dimethylpolysiloxane can be easily detected.
Gas-Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Fluchloralin in Formulations
Authors: Grimes Gregory S
Published: February 2020

A gas-liquid chromatographic (GLC) method has been developed that is precise, rapid, simple, and specific for fluchloralin in emulsifiable liquid formulation. Sample and reference standard are weighed, internal standard solution is added, and an aliquot of the mixture is injected onto the chromatographic column. Fluchloralin gives a sharp symmetrical peak at about 5.4 min. The internal standard has a broader symmetrical peak at about 6.9 min. The relative standard deviation for 21 consecutive injections of the standard solution was 0.3773%. The method was compared with the official GLC method, 6.210–6.215, for the structurally similar trifluralin. Fluchloralin gave a sharp symmetrical peak at about 8.5 min; the internal standard had a sharp symmetrical peak at about 9.2 min. The relative standard deviation of 21 consecutive injections of reference standard solution was 0.6988%. Comparison of the variances of the 2 methods by the F-test at the 99% confidence level showed that the proposed method demonstrated substantially better precision.
Nonaqueous Copper Colorimetric and Silver Titrimetric Methods for Determining Malathion in Technical Grade Malathion and Malathion Formulations from Domestic and Foreign Sources: Interlaboratory Study
Authors: Stiles Alan R , Miles James W , Wayne Richard S , Newton Ladene H
Published: February 2020

The nonaqueous copper colorimetric and the silver titrimetric methods for determining malathion were studied. Samples of technical grade malathion and emulsifiable concentrates from 4 countries and samples of water-dispersible powders from 3 countries were used in the study. Nineteen participants in 15 laboratories representing 11 countries took part in the study. The precision obtained within laboratories was excellent. Agreement between laboratories was also quite good with coefficients of variation ranging from 1.05 to 5.31 for the silver method and from 0.65 to 3.52 for the copper method. Results by both methods were high when compared with results obtained by gas-liquid chromatography. This was particularly true for poor quality samples.
Filter Flame Photometer for Determination of Boron in Plants
Authors: Pickett Edward E , Franklin Michael L
Published: February 2020

A filter photometer employing a manually tilted interference filter provides intensity readings at a maximum and adjacent minimum in the BO2 emission spectrum in the air-hydrogen flame, thus eliminating the need for a separate background intensity reading. Diol chelate-extracted boron of plant samples measured by this flame method is compared with that measured by fluoroborate-methylene blue colorimetry.
Rapid High Pressure Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Carbohydrates in Milk Chocolate Products
Authors: Hurst W Jeffrey , Martin Robert A
Published: February 2020

A high pressure liquid chromatographic method is described for determining 4 carbohydrates in milk chocolate products. The carbohydrates are extracted with water, chromatographed on a small particle packing with acetonitrile-water (80+20) mobile phase, and quantitated by a refractive index detector and digital integrator. The relationship between peak area and concentration was linear. Retention times and peak areas were reproducible. This procedure was successfully applied to several milk chocolate samples and is rapid and more accurate and precise than the official methods.
Comparison of Official AOAC Method and Indirect Atomic Absorption Spectroscopic Method for Determining Biuret in Fertilizers: Collaborative Study
Authors: Corominas Luis F
Published: February 2020

A collaborative study was carried out to compare the official first action method, 2.072—2.074, for determining biuret in urea and mixed fertilizers with the indirect atomic absorption spectrophotometric (AAS) method. Six urea samples (0.3–3.0% biuret) and 6 mixed fertilizer samples (0.1–0.6% biuret) were sent to 14 collaborators; results from 10 collaborators were received and evaluated. Results analyzed by the technique of closely matched pairs indicated the AAS indirect method was better for mixed fertilizer samples, but the 2 methods did not differ greatly for the urea samples. The indirect AAS method was adopted as official first action for determining biuret in urea and mixed fertilizers; the present AOAC method, with modifications, was retained as an alternative method for determining biuret in urea.
Automated Analysis of Thiamine, Ascorbic Acid, and Vitamin A
Authors: Kirk James R
Published: February 2020

Methods currently used in most nutrient analysis laboratories are the classical AOAC methods. One of the major challenges facing the analytical chemist is the need for new or modified quantitative and reliable nutrient assay methods, which are rapid and less labor intensive. Recently, numerous vitamin assays have been published which use continuous flow and high pressure liquid chromatographic techniques. This paper deals with some of the recent methods reported for analysis of thiamine and ascorbic acid, using continuous flow wet chemistry, and high pressure liquid chromatography for vitamin A in food products.
Devil’s Advocate—The AOAC Manual Methods
Authors: Thornburg Wayne
Published: February 2020

Automation in food analysis is a reality. Before an investment is made in automated equipment and dedicated computers, the AOAC manual methods should be considered. These methods are reliable, inexpensive, and, with proper scheduling, quite rapid. Use of modern laboratory equipment further simplifies these procedures.
Infrared Studies of the Effects of Acid, Base, Heat, and Pressure on Asbestos and Structurally Related Substances
Authors: Chen Jo-Yun T
Published: February 2020

Reference infrared (IR) spectra of 5 asbestos fibers (amosite, anthophyllite, chrysotile, crocidolite, and tremolite), talc, and sea sand are presented. These reference spectra were recorded using microgram amounts of commercial samples, and the observed characteristic frequencies were tabulated. Some chemical properties of asbestos were investigated by IR spectroscopy. In acid, chrysotile is rapidly hydrolyzed to silicic acid at room temperature; amphibolic asbestos and talc are degraded under heat and pressure ; sea sand is most stable in acid. The asbestos fibers, talc, and sea sand are stable in saturated aqueous sodium hydroxide at room temperature for 1 day or potassium hydroxidemethanol (10+90) at 65°C for 3 hr. All of the samples except sea sand degrade to sodium silicate under heat and pressure in alkali.
Effects of Threonine Supplementation on the Slope Assay for Protein Quality
Authors: McLaughlan John M , Keith Murray O
Published: February 2020

Several diets considered to be marginally deficient in threonine were fed to young male rats at protein levels ranging from 3 to 9%. Protein sources included lactalbumin (reference standard), soy protein with added methionine, pea protein with added methionine, rice-casein, and peanut-sesame-fish. Chemical scores and plasma amino acid scores indicated that these diets were limiting in threonine at the 3–4% protein level; increased growth resulted from supplementation with threonine. After threonine supplementation, all protein sources except pea were limiting in lysine. Increased growth at low protein levels with little or no extra growth at high protein levels due to threonine supplementation resulted in decreased slopes in the relative protein value (RPV) assay. Consequently, threonine supplementation apparently decreased RPV values for these samples but the protein efficiency ratio was not affected. It was concluded that the RPV assay underestimates the protein quality of lysine-deficient proteins.
Simultaneous Determination of Captan and Captafol in Apples and Potatoes by Thin Layer Chromatography and in situ Fluorometry
Authors: Francoeur Yves , Mallet Victorin
Published: February 2020

A simple method is described for the simultaneous quantitative determination of captan [N-(trichloromethylthio)-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydrophthalimide] and captafol [N-(1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethylthio)-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydrophthalimide] in apples and potatoes. The fungicide residues are extracted with acetonitrile, partitioned into a solution of methylene chloride in petroleum ether, separated from each other and the co-extractives on a thin layer chromatographic plate impregnated with aluminum chloride, sprayed with sodium chlorate, and heated. The fluorescence is then measured directly from the chromatogram. Recoveries were greater than 90% in the test crops at the 0.2 ppm level.
Collaborative Study of a Spectrophotometric Determination of Ferric, Ferrous, and Total Iron in Drugs by Reaction with α,α′-Dipyridyl
Authors: Sullivan Daniel J
Published: February 2020

A spectrophotometric method for determining Fe2+, Fe3+, and total Fe in drugs has been developed, using α, α′-dipyridyl as the colorimetric reagent. The method is applicable to tablets, elixirs, injectables, and bulk powders. Eight collaborators analyzed a synthetic iron preparation and 7 commercial samples. For the synthetic iron preparation, the average recovery was 100.3% and the coefficient of variation was 1.02%. For 7 commercial samples, the average coefficient of variation was 1.44%. The method has been adopted as official first action.
The Variability of AOAC Methods of Analysis as Used in Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Authors: Horwitz William
Published: February 2020

Pharmaceutical analytical chemistry, which ordinarily deals with the analysis of formulations containing from 0.1 to 100% of active ingredient, uses methods with a reproducibility (between-laboratory variability) of about 2.5% and a repeatability (within-laboratory variability) of about half that amount. The best between-laboratory precision attainable appears to be about 1.0% and within-laboratory precision, about 0.5%. On the basis of the results available, automated methods do not appear to be any more precise than manual methods, although the studies show fewer outlying data points. Replicates (preferably blind ones) should always be conducted in a collaborative interlaboratory study in order to obtain the important information as to whether efforts should be concentrated on improving the method itself or on the performance of laboratories and analysts in applying it.
High Pressure Liquid Chromatographic Determination of N-3-Pyridylmethyl-N′-p-nitrophenylurea in Rodenticides
Authors: Sims Carl W , Gard Richard K
Published: February 2020

A simple and rapid method is described for determining N′-3-pyridylmethyl-N′-p-nitrophenylurea (RH-787) in Vacor Ratkiller rodenticide. The bait is extracted with acetone, the extract is evaporated to dryness, an internal standard is added, and the solution is injected into a high pressure liquid chromatograph. The sample is analyzed by normal phase chromatography on a Partisil 10 column with a mobile phase of methanol-methylene chloride (10+90). An 8 μl injection containing 4 μg pyridine internal standard and 8 μg RH-787 produces half-scale peaks at 254 nm with a full scale absorbance of 0.5 absorbance unit. In an alternative procedure, the active ingredient is extracted from the bait with acetone and titrated to a methyl red end point with 0.1N perchloric acid dissolved in acetic acid. Two samples of Vacor Ratkiller and a spiked blank were analyzed by both procedures.
Leaching of Pewterware by Organic Acids
Authors: Gould John H
Published: February 2020

Three pewter goblets were repeatedly leached by acetic, citric, lactic, malonic, and tartaric acid solutions. The leach solutions were periodically analyzed for Pb, Cd, Cu, Bi, Sb, and Sn by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Analysis of the leach solutions showed that, without the addition of nitric or perchloric acid to the acetic and malonic acid leach solutions, Pb precipitated from the solutions on standing. Addition of the mineral acids redissolved the precipitate. Pb, Cd, and Bi were found in higher concentrations in the leach solution than in the metal; Cu and Sb were less concentrated in the leach, while the amount of Sn was approximately equal in both. Tartaric acid solution dissolved about 9 times as much metal from the pewter as the other organic acids but removed less Pb than acetic or malonic acids. None of these samples tested exceeded the Food and Drug Administration standards for Pb or Cd release.
Acid Digestion, Hydride Evolution Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric Method for Determining Arsenic and Selenium in Foods: Collaborative Study. Part I
Authors: Ihnat Milan , Miller Hanford J
Published: February 2020

The hydride evolution atomic absorption spectrophotometric (AAS) method for determining As and Se in foods developed and evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and Agriculture Canada laboratories was subjected to collaborative study. Twenty-four laboratories provided results for As and 23 provided results for Se levels in 13 different samples consisting of tuna, swordfish, flounder, oyster, liver, flour, skim milk powder, spinach, kale, and apple containing natural levels of As and Se in the ranges 0–15,000 and 0–4000 ng/g, respectively. Reference materials formed a substantial segment of samples, and a number of other laboratories using fluorometry, colorimetry, neutron activation, spark source mass spectrometry, and graphite furnace AAS provided confirmative reference values for the remaining samples. A variety of hydride generation instruments were used, ranging from commercially available devices to semiautomated and fully automated custom-made instruments. Although the accuracy of the method was fairly good, between-laboratory and between-determination (hydride evolution AAS measurement) precisions were not favorable. The main advantage of the hydride AAS method is the rapidity of the determinative step.
Factors regulating axon regeneration via JNK MAP kinase in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Shimizu Tatsuhiro , Hisamoto Naoki
Published: February 2020

Axon regeneration following nerve injury is a highly conserved process in animals. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an excellent model for investigating the molecular mechanisms of axon regeneration. Recent studies using C. elegans have shown that the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) plays the important role in axon regeneration. Furthermore, many factors have been identified that act upstream of the JNK cascade after axotomy. This review introduces these factors and describes their roles during the regulation of axon regeneration.
Why Political Appointments to Truth Commissions Cause Difficulties for these Institutions: Using the Crisis in the Transitional Justice Process in Nepal to Understand How Matters of Legitimacy and Credibility Undermine Such Commissions
Authors: Sarkin Jeremy , Bhandari Ram Kumar
Published: February 2020

Over five decades and with dozens of examples of truth commissions to look back on, an undeniable aspect of their legacy is that the world has become far more focused on dealing with the past and uncovering the truth about past atrocities. While there is typically a focus in the literature on the more widely publicized and famous truth commissions, scores of other processes have taken place, especially since the 1990s. Post-conflict or divided societies have designed institutions in ways that achieve specific objectives but at the same time conform to international standards, creating a reputation of being both democratic and accountable. Using the prism of Nepal, this article examines why the process to establish transitional justice mechanisms, and specifically truth commissions, needs to be legitimate and credible for them to be effective and be impactful. It specifically examines issues relating to appointments to such institutions and why such appointments need to be done independently and not overtly politically. It scrutinizes why appointment mechanisms and processes are so important to enhancing the legitimacy and independence of such bodies. The case of Nepal is used as an example to extrapolate conclusions about the problems that affected its processes, and the various crises that have emerged in those processes. The article argues that commissioners ought to be chosen on the basis of their impartiality, moral integrity, and known commitment to human rights and disclosure of the truth. This is essential to ensure that the process is seen to be independent and credible.
THE CASE FOR LIMITING PRIVATE EXCESSIVE PRICING LITIGATION
Authors: Gal Michal S
Published: February 2020

In the European Union, private litigation of competition law violations is in its nascence. As this article shows, excessive pricing raises strong concerns for such litigation, for three reasons: (1) the inherent difficulty of defining what constitutes an unfair price; (2) additional challenges inherent to private excessive pricing litigation, such as the need to pinpoint when exactly a price becomes unfair; and (3) the institutional features of general courts in EU member states, which are ill-suited to the required tasks. We elaborate on these concerns, pointing to four specific challenges inherent to private litigation and to three instances where a lack of sufficient economic understanding could entrap general courts (a cost trap, a fairness trap, and a monopolistic competition trap). Together, these factors create a risk of error costs much higher than any experienced so far, which could potentially reduce welfare. The article suggests some measures that can be taken to ensure that welfare is served.
Advocacy Coalitions and Foreign Policy Change: Understanding US Responses to the Syrian Civil War
Authors: Lantis Jeffrey S
Published: February 2020

Insights from the public policy advocacy coalition framework (ACF) may offer richer explanations of the scope and timing of US foreign policy changes toward the Syrian civil war (2011–present) than traditional approaches in foreign policy analysis (FPA). This article surveys the existing FPA literature and then probes the plausibility of a new ACF model of change through case studies of the reluctant engagement of the United States in Syria. Cases shed light on how, despite pronouncements of restraint by Presidents Obama and Trump, the government has armed and trained rebel fighters, deployed thousands of troops to the country, conducted airstrikes against the Islamic State, and moved to counterbalance Iranian influence in the region. This study helps draw connections between competition among rival advocacy coalitions and strategic drift in US foreign policy, including patterns of change and “purposive non-change.” The article concludes with a discussion of the added value of the ACF model and details its promise for application in other comparative cross-national contexts.
Psychosocial Risk Profiles Among American and Dutch Families Affected by Pediatric Cancer
Authors: Sharkey Christina M , Schepers Sasja A , Drake Sarah , Pai Ahna L H , Mullins Larry L , Grootenhuis Martha A
Published: February 2020

Objective

Little is known about relations between domains of psychosocial risk among pediatric cancer populations. The Psychosocial Assessment Tool 2.0 (PAT2.0) is one internationally validated screening measure that can examine these relations. This study aimed to examine risk profiles and predictors of these patterns exhibited by American and Dutch families.

Methods

Caregivers of children newly diagnosed with cancer (N = 262; nUSA=145, nNL=117) completed the PAT2.0 as part of larger studies conducted in the United States and the Netherlands. Latent profile analysis and multinomial logistic regression examined differences in demographic and medical variables across risk profiles. Domains assessed included Family Structure/Resources, Child Problems, Sibling Problems, Family Problems, Caregiver Stress Reactions, and Family Beliefs.

Results

Four groups were identified: “Low-Risk” (n = 162) defined by generally low risk across domains; “Moderate-Caregiver” (n = 55) defined by elevated Caregiver Stress Reactions domain; “Moderate-Children” (n = 25) defined by elevated Child Problems and/or Sibling Problems, and “Elevated-Risk” (n = 20) marked by generally high overall risk. Dutch families had higher odds of being in the Elevated-Risk group, compared to the Low-Risk group. Caregiver age, gender, and educational attainment predicted group membership. Families classified as Targeted or Clinical had higher odds of being in the Moderate or Elevated risk groups.

Conclusion

The PAT2.0 appears to identify largely similar patterns of risk, suggesting that families experience common psychosocial difficulties in both American and Dutch societies. The two Moderate groups demonstrated specific risk sources, suggesting that evaluation of domain patterns, rather than reliance on PAT2.0 risk level, could be of clinical benefit.
MADX – a simple technique for source detection and measurement using multiband imaging from the Herschel–ATLAS survey
Authors: Maddox S J , Dunne L
Published: February 2020

We describe the method used to detect sources for the Herschel–ATLAS (Herschel Astrophysical Terahertz Large Area Survey) survey. The method is to filter the individual bands using a matched filter, based on the point spread function (PSF) and confusion noise, and then form the inverse variance-weighted sum of the individual bands, including weights determined by a chosen spectral energy distribution. Peaks in this combined image are used to estimate the source positions. The fluxes for each source are estimated from the filtered single-band images, interpolated to the exact subpixel position. We test the method by creating simulated maps in three bands with PSFs, pixel sizes, and Gaussian instrumental noise that match the 250, 350, and 500 μm bands of Herschel–ATLAS. We use our method to detect sources and compare the measured positions and fluxes to the input sources. The multiband approach allows reliable source detection a factor 1.2–3 lower in flux compared to single-band source detection, depending on the source colours. The false detection rate is reduced by a factor between 4 and 10, and the variance of the source position errors is reduced by about a factor 1.5. We also consider the effect of confusion noise and find that the appropriate matched filter gives a further improvement in completeness and noise over the standard PSF filter approach. Overall the two modifications give a factor of 1.5–3 improvement in the depth of the recovered catalogues compared to a single-band PSF filter approach.
GO: a functional reporter system to identify and enrich base editing activity
Authors: Katti Alyna , Foronda Miguel , Zimmerman Jill , Diaz Bianca , Zafra Maria Paz , Goswami Sukanya , Dow Lukas E
Published: February 2020

Base editing (BE) is a powerful tool for engineering single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and has been used to create targeted mutations in cell lines, organoids and animal models. Recent development of new BE enzymes has provided an extensive toolkit for genome modification; however, identifying and isolating edited cells for analysis has proven challenging. Here we report a ‘Gene On’ (GO) reporter system that indicates precise cytosine or adenine base editing in situ with high sensitivity and specificity. We test GO using an activatable GFP and use it to measure the kinetics, efficiency and PAM specificity of a range of new BE variants. Further, GO is flexible and can be easily adapted to induce expression of numerous genetically encoded markers, antibiotic resistance genes or enzymes, such as Cre recombinase. With these tools, GO can be exploited to functionally link BE events at endogenous genomic loci to cellular enzymatic activities in human and mouse cell lines and organoids. Thus, GO provides a powerful approach to increase the practicality and feasibility of implementing CRISPR BE in biomedical research.
Combined cytotoxic chemotherapy and immunotherapy of cancer: modern times
Authors: Bailly Christian , Thuru Xavier , Quesnel Bruno
Published: February 2020

Monoclonal antibodies targeting programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) immune checkpoints have improved the treatments of cancers. However, not all patients equally benefit from immunotherapy. The use of cytotoxic drugs is practically inevitable to treat advanced cancers and metastases. The repertoire of cytotoxics includes 80 products that principally target nucleic acids or the microtubule network in rapidly proliferating tumor cells. Paradoxically, many of these compounds tend to become essential to promote the activity of immunotherapy and to offer a sustained therapeutic effect. We have analyzed each cytotoxic drug with respect to effect on expression and function of PD-(L)1. The major cytotoxic drugs—carboplatin, cisplatin, cytarabine, dacarbazine, docetaxel, doxorubicin, ecteinascidin, etoposide, fluorouracil, gemcitabine, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, paclitaxel and pemetrexed—all have the capacity to upregulate PD-L1 expression on cancer cells (via the generation of danger signals) and to promote antitumor immunogenicity, via activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, maturation of antigen-presenting cells, depletion of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and/or expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The use of ‘immunocompatible’ cytotoxic drugs combined with anti-PD-(L)1 antibodies is a modern approach, not only for increasing the direct killing of cancer cells, but also as a strategy to minimize the activation of immunosuppressive and cancer cell prosurvival program responses.
The Case Against the Theories of Rights
Authors: Frydrych David
Published: February 2020

There is a long-standing debate about how best to explain rights—one dominated by two rivals, the Interest and Will theories. This article argues that, not only is each theory irredeemably flawed, the entire debate ought to be abandoned. Section two explains the debate and its constituent theories as a dispute over the criteria for the concept of a right, or for some subset of rights. Section three argues that each theory contains fatal idiosyncratic defects—ones that mostly differ from the canonical criticisms found throughout the literature. Section four then argues that the theories also suffer from graver common defects that have hitherto gone undetected. First, their criteria are unmotivated, unjustified, and of questionable accuracy. Secondly, rights theorists’ own commitments to different kinds of accounts (i.e. models) of rights and theories of law (eg legal positivism) show why any theory of this sort is unnecessary for understanding rights.
Diagnostic value of axillary artery ultrasound in patients with suspected giant cell arteritis
Authors: Hop Hilde , Mulder Douwe J , Sandovici Maria , Glaudemans Andor W J M , van Roon Arie M , Slart Riemer H J A , Brouwer Elisabeth
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To compare colour duplex ultrasonography (CDU) findings with axillary 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT findings and to compare the diagnostic performance of temporal and axillary artery CDU with temporal artery CDU alone.

Methods

Patients suspected of GCA were retrospectively included. Presence of a halo or occlusion was considered a positive CDU finding. FDG-PET/CT-assessed axillary artery involvement was defined as axillary artery FDG uptake higher than liver uptake. The reference was the clinical diagnosis after 6 months, which was based on symptomatology and additional diagnostic tests, with the exception of CDU.

Results

Of the 113 included patients, GCA was diagnosed in 41. Twenty-eight out of 41 GCA patients underwent a FDG-PET/CT. FDG-PET-assessed extra-cranial GCA was present in 20/41 patients, of which 13 showed axillary involvement on FDG-PET/CT. An axillary halo was found in eight of these 13 patients. Six out of the 20 patients with FDG-PET-assessed GCA showed no axillary involvement on CDU or FDG-PET/CT. Five of them had single artery involvement on FDG-PET/CT (two aorta; three vertebral artery). One patient had an axillary occlusion on CDU, consistent with FDG-PET/CT results. Overall, sensitivity and specificity of temporal artery CDU was 52% (95% CI: 35, 67) and 93% (95% CI: 84, 97), respectively. Adding axillary artery results improved sensitivity to 71% (95% CI: 55, 84), while specificity did not change.

Conclusion

Presence of an axillary halo or occlusion on CDU is consistent with axillary artery FDG-PET/CT results, but a negative CDU does not rule out axillary involvement. Adding axillary artery assessment to temporal artery assessment may substantially increase the diagnostic performance of CDU.
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of REM sleep behavior disorder in Japanese elderly people
Authors: Sasai-Sakuma Taeko , Takeuchi Noboru , Asai Yasuhiro , Inoue Yuichi , Inoue Yosuke
Published: February 2020

Study Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) among a general population of elderly Japanese people.

Methods

This epidemiological study targeted 2714 elderly residents (76.0 ± 8.0 years, 52.9% female) of a rural community. Questionnaires including the REM sleep behavior disorder single question and demographic information were distributed. All respondents with the question positive were interviewed by telephone. Respondents suspected of having iRBD proceeded to face-to-face interviews and underwent video-polysomnography and neurological/neuropsychological examination. These results were compared to those of previously diagnosed clinical iRBD patients in our sleep clinic.

Results

Of 1464 respondents to the questionnaire, 18 respondents were diagnosed as iRBD (1.23 [0.66–1.79]%), including eight respondents who satisfied diagnostic criteria with REM sleep without atonia (RWA) above the cut-off value (0.54 [0.17–0.92]%) and 10 respondents who had clear dream enactment behaviors but not RWA above the cut-off (provisionally diagnosed iRBD; p-iRBD) (0.69 [0.26–1.11]%). Severity of RBD and RWA of the population-based iRBD were compatible with those of the clinical iRBD. Half of the population-based iRBD showed orthostatic hypotension and they showed lower olfactory function than population-based p-iRBD and non-RBD. However, their olfactory and cognitive functions were higher than those in the clinical iRBD patients.

Conclusions

Prevalence of iRBD in Japanese elderly people was comparable with the rate reported from other countries. Population-based iRBD/p-iRBD showed lower neurodegenerative loading than clinical iRBD in spite of comparable disease duration of RBD, that may indicate their lower risk of future neurodegeneration.
Insurance- and medical provider-related barriers and facilitators to staying on PrEP: results from a qualitative study
Authors: D’Angelo Alexa B , Lopez-Rios Javier , Flynn Anthony W P , Holloway Ian W , Pantalone David W , Grov Christian
Published: February 2020

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective biobehavioral strategy for preventing HIV acquisition. Although PrEP uptake has increased steadily, discontinuation rates are high among members of key populations like gay and bisexual men (GBM). Understanding the challenges that arise for PrEP users is key to better PrEP implementation and sustained use over time. We report on barriers that arose for PrEP-using GBM, as well as facilitating factors that aided PrEP persistence, with the goal of informing PrEP implementation efforts. In 2015–2016, 103 PrEP-using GBM in NYC completed qualitative interviews about their engagement with PrEP, including their experiences navigating PrEP-related medical care. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed thematically. Over half of participants (53%) received their PrEP-related care from their primary care provider (PCP), one-third (33%) from a community-based health clinic, and 13% from multiple medical providers. Emergent themes regarding the barriers and facilitators to PrEP persistence fell into two categories: insurance- and medical appointment-related barriers and facilitators to continued PrEP use. The experiences of PrEP-using GBM can provide useful insights for providers, program developers, and policymakers aiming to improve the implementation of PrEP. To support PrEP persistence, reliable insurance coverage, cost-assistance, and easy appointment scheduling are key to maintenance. Removing insurance- and appointment-related barriers to persistence may prove essential for sustaining use among GBM.
The Arabidopsis SENESCENCE-ASSOCIATED GENE 13 Regulates Dark-Induced Senescence and Plays Contrasting Roles in Defense Against Bacterial and Fungal Pathogens
Authors: Dhar Nikhilesh , Caruana Julie , Erdem Irmak , Subbarao Krishna V. , Klosterman Steven J. , Raina Ramesh
Published: February 2020

SENESCENCE-ASSOCIATED GENE 13 (SAG13) of Arabidopsis is a widely conserved gene of unknown function that has been extensively used as a marker of plant senescence. SAG13 induction occurs during plant cell death processes, including senescence and hypersensitive response, a type of programmed cell death that occurs in response to pathogens. This implies that SAG13 expression is regulated through at least two different signaling pathways affecting these two different processes. Our work highlights a contrasting role for SAG13 in regulating resistance against disease-causing biotrophic bacterial and necrotrophic fungal pathogens with contrasting infection strategies. We provide further evidence that SAG13 is not only induced during oxidative stress but also plays a role in protecting the plant against other stresses. SAG13 is also required for normal seed germination, seedling growth, and anthocyanin accumulation. The work presented here provides evidence for the role of SAG13 in regulating multiple plant processes including senescence, defense, seed germination, and abiotic stress responses. SAG13 is a valuable molecular marker for these processes and is conserved in multiple plant species, and this knowledge has important implications for crop improvement.
Compassion fatigue and the ART model
Authors: Fleming Kathryn , Mazzatta Grace Reilly , Matarese Kathryn , Eberle Jennifer
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To understand perceptions of compassion fatigue (CF), including compassion satisfaction, burnout, and work-related secondary traumatic stress in a random sampling of nurses from the authors' healthcare facility.

Methods:

The Professional Quality-of-Life (ProQOL) nurse survey was used to measure the positive and negative aspects of caring and to identify elements of CF. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and statistical software, as well as a thematic analysis to identify themes in the interview transcripts.

Results:

The level of compassion satisfaction was considered “average” by 76% of participants, suggesting that they were likely to derive pleasure from their work. Conversely, burnout and secondary traumatic stress were reported as average-to-low in more than 90% of the nurses. ProQOL scores reflected positive participant feelings about their ability to be effective in their work and indicated that they do not consider their work environment frightening.

Conclusion:

Providing nurses the tools, education, and support to implement self-care practices on the unit can help reduce CF.
Validating Invalidation
Authors: Molzof Hylton E. , Newman Andrea K. , Barnett Michael D. , Guck Adam , Scott Whitney , Sturgeon John A. , Trost Zina
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

The Illness Invalidation Inventory (3*I) was designed to assess individuals’ perceived invalidation regarding chronic pain experiences. However, no study has yet investigated the psychometric properties of the 3*I among individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Given the personal and societal impact of CLBP and the potential for invalidation associated with this condition, the current study sought to examine the psychometric properties of the 3*I among individuals with CLBP.

Materials and Methods:

Community-dwelling adults with CLBP living in the Southwestern United States (N=134) completed the 3*I. In line with previous literature, current analyses focused on the 3*I “family members” subscale. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was performed on participant responses. Hierarchical linear regression analyses examined the relationship between the identified factors and participant self-reported pain severity, disability, and depression.

Results:

Exploratory factor analysis conducted on the 3*I “family members” subscale found 2 factors with high internal consistency (α>0.70) that cumulatively accounted for 49.04% of the variance in scores. Consistent with previous findings, factor loadings suggested that these factors correspond to “discounting” and “lack of understanding.” Subsequent confirmatory factor analysis found that this 2-factor model demonstrated a good fit with the data. Greater perceived discounting by family members was associated with greater pain severity, disability, and depression.

Discussion:

The 2-factor model of the 3*I “family members” subscale identified in the current study reflects previous findings and extends the psychometric validity of the 3*I to a US multiethnic sample of individuals with CLBP.