cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
[Determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in edible oils by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction].

Objective To establish a method for determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons( PAHs) in edible oils by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry( GC/MS) combined with molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction( MISPE-GC/MS). Methods Oil samples were diluted with n-hexane, purified by SPE cartridges based on molecularly imprinted polymer. The cartridges were washed by n-hexane to remove impurities, then eluted with dichloromethane. After being concentrated to a volume of 200μL, the analytes were separated by capillary column( 30 m×0. 25 mm×0. 25 μm) and analyzed by GC/MS with selected ion monitoring( SIM) mode. Isotope internal standard method was adopted for quantification. Results The 16 kinds of PAHs showed good linearity in the range of 2-20 μg/L( r > 0. 998). The detection limits ranged from 0. 1 to0. 6 μg/kg. The recoveries of spiked samples at the level of 2 μg/kg and 10 μg/kg were in the range of 75. 5%-125. 2%( n = 6), the relative standard deviations( RSD) were all less than 15%. Conclusion The proposed method is selective, fast, and presentsexcellent purification effect as well as high sensitivity, which makes it capable for rapid determination of 16 PAHs in edible oils with satisfactory accuracy.
Recent therapeutic prospects for Machado-Joseph disease.

Purpose of review Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), also known as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), is a fatal, dominantly inherited, neurodegenerative disease caused by expansion of a CAG repeat in the coding region of the ATXN3 gene. No disease-modifying treatment is yet available for MJD/SCA3. This review discusses recently developed therapeutic strategies that hold promise as future effective treatments for this incurable disease. Recent findings As a result of the exploration of multiple therapeutic approaches over the last decade, the MJD/SCA3 field is finally starting to see options for disease-modifying treatments for this disease come into view on the horizon. Recently developed strategies include DNA-targeted and RNA-targeted therapies, and approaches targeting protein quality control pathways and cellular homeostasis. Summary While still in preclinical testing stages, antisense oligonucleotides, short hairpin RNAs and citalopram all show promise to reaching testing in clinical trials for MJD/SCA3. Two pharmacological approaches in early stages of development, the slipped-CAG DNA binding compound naphthyridine-azaquinolone and autophagosome-tethering compounds, also show potential therapeutic capacity for MJD/SCA3. Overall, a handful of therapeutic options are currently showing potential as future successful treatments for fatal MJD/SCA3.
Chemistry perspectives of reversible covalent drugs

Abstract Reversible covalent drugs present a novel concept in the development of covalent drugs. The reversibility of the drug–protein target conjugation avoids permanently modified proteins, and hence holds promise in reducing the off-target effect as well as the potential immunogenicity of covalent drugs. This chapter presents a quick overview of the currently available reversible covalent drugs, and then focuses on the physical organic chemistry principles underlying the action of reversible covalent drugs. In particular, we rationalize the design and functions of reversible covalent drugs using the terms of binding free energies and the reaction kinetics in forward and backward directions. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future perspectives of reversible covalent drug design. The chemistry perspectives and principles presented in this chapter provide a conceptual framework to guide future efforts to develop novel reversible covalent drugs for a wider collection of proteins.
Lung toxicity and gene expression changes in response to whole-body inhalation exposure to cellulose nanocrystal in rats.

Human exposure to cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) is possible during the production and/or use of products containing CNC. The objectives of the current study were to determine the lung toxicity of CNC...
Implementation science should give higher priority to health equity.

There is growing urgency to tackle issues of equity and justice in the USA and worldwide. Health equity, a framing that moves away from a deficit mindset of what society is doing poorly (disparities) to one that is positive about what society can achieve, is becoming more prominent in health research that uses implementation science approaches. Equity begins with justice—health differences often reflect societal injustices. Applying the perspectives and tools of implementation science has potential for immediate impact to improve health equity. We propose a vision and set of action steps for making health equity a more prominent and central aim of implementation science, thus committing to conduct implementation science through equity-focused principles to achieve this vision in U.S. research and practice. We identify and discuss challenges in current health disparities approaches that do not fully consider social determinants. Implementation research challenges are outlined in three areas: limitations of the evidence base, underdeveloped measures and methods, and inadequate attention to context. To address these challenges, we offer recommendations that seek to (1) link social determinants with health outcomes, (2) build equity into all policies, (3) use equity-relevant metrics, (4) study what is already happening, (5) integrate equity into implementation models, (6) design and tailor implementation strategies, (7) connect to systems and sectors outside of health, (8) engage organizations in internal and external equity efforts, (9) build capacity for equity in implementation science, and (10) focus on equity in dissemination efforts. Every project in implementation science should include an equity focus. For some studies, equity is the main goal of the project and a central feature of all aspects of the project. In other studies, equity is part of a project but not the singular focus. In these studies, we should, at a minimum, ensure that we “leave no one behind” and that existing disparities are not widened. With a stronger commitment to health equity from funders, researchers, practitioners, advocates, evaluators, and policy makers, we can harvest the rewards of the resources being invested in health-related research to eliminate disparities, resulting in health equity.
The Impacts of Salmonell a Infection on Human Cancer

Non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica is the leading cause of foodborne illnesses resulting over 153 million of incidence per year worldwide, while typhoidal Salmonella infection disproportionally affects low- to middle-income countries. Sufficient epidemiological data support causal association between typhoidal Salmonella infection and gallbladder cancer. The accumulated evidence suggests that the risk associated with this infection disproportionally affects individuals who are also susceptible to cholelithiasis. On the other hand, clinical and epidemiological evidence to support a causal association between non-typhoidal Salmonella infection and colorectal cancer has been modest. However, there have been several recent intriguing findings indicative of carcinogenicity in humans, along with rather strong biological data from experimental studies to support mechanistic pathways to colorectal cancer. Due to greater burden of non-typhoidal Salmonella infection, further studies are urgently needed to identify molecular signatures of potentially oncogenic bacterial proteins in the carcinogenic pathway in human tissues as well as to develop physiologically relevant experimental animal models and 3D in vitro cultures, which can reflect the changes of chronic infection and bacterial-host interactions in vivo.
Model Eoq dengan Mempertimbangkan Faktor Kedaluwarsa dan All Unit Discount Pada Produk Frozen Food

Persediaan berkaitan dengan penyimpanan bahan baku/barang setengah jadi/barang jadi untuk dapat memastikan lancarnya suatu sistem produksi atau kegiatan bisnis bagi suatu perusahaan/industri. Bagi perusahaan/industri yang bergerak dalam menghasilkan produk perishable (penurunan nilai setelah waktu tertentu), seperti pada perusahaan/industri makanan dan bahan kimia, masa kedaluwarsa bahan baku/barang merupakan faktor penting yang tidak dapat dilepaskan dalam perencanaan model persediaan. Model EOQ ( Economic Order Quantity ) adalah sebuah metode persediaan barang yang dapat digunakan untuk mengetahui berapa jumlah persediaan terbaik yang dibutuhkan perusahaan untuk menjaga kelancaran proses produksinya. PT. X merupakan perusahaan distributor produk frozen food . PT. X memiliki 64 jenis produk yang disimpan didalam gudang sebagai persediaan. Dalam prakteknya, perusahaan seringkali menerima penawaran diskon dari supplier dalam pembelian barang dalam jumlah yang banyak. Sehingga persediaan menjadi menumpuk, tidak habis terjual dan menjadi barang kedaluwarsa. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan waktu dan jumlah pemesanan yang optimum untuk meminimumkan total biaya persediaan. Dari hasil perhitungan terlihat bahwa dengan menggunakan metode Economic Order Quantity maka akan terjadi penghematan biaya sebesar Rp 92.434.773 atau sebesar 21% dibandingkan dengan kondisi perusahaan yang sekarang. Kata kunci: all unit discount, EOQ, masa kedaluwarsa, meminimumkan biaya, produk perishable
Targeting Rearranged during Transfection in Cancer: A Perspective on Small-Molecule Inhibitors and Their Clinical Development

Rearranged during transfection (RET) is a receptor tyrosine kinase essential for the normal development and maturation of a diverse range of tissues. Aberrant RET signaling in cancers, due to RET mutations, gene fusions, and overexpression, results in the activation of downstream pathways promoting survival, growth, and metastasis. Pharmacological manipulation of RET is effective in treating RET-driven cancers, and efforts toward developing RET-specific therapies have increased over the last 5 years. In 2020, RET-selective inhibitors pralsetinib and selpercatinib achieved clinical approval, which marked the first approvals for kinase inhibitors specifically developed to target the RET oncoprotein. This Perspective discusses current development and clinical applications for RET precision medicine by providing an overview of the incremental improvement of kinase inhibitors for use in RET-driven malignancies.
Should Daily Online Adaptive Replanning be Utilized for Every Treatment in MRI-Guided Radiotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer?

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Linear accelerators with onboard MRI caused a paradigm shift in radiotherapy by allowing for daily online MRI guided adaptive radiotherapy (MRgART). Customized plans can be generated and delivered using the acquired daily images while the patient is on the treatment table. However, online adaptive radiotherapy re-planning (OLAR) is labor intensive and time consuming. In this study, we investigate whether adapting the radiotherapy plan daily, accounting for interfractional organ motion, is necessary for every fraction during hypofractionated RT for pancreatic cancer. MATERIALS/METHODS Data from 70 fractions collected for pancreatic cancer patients treated with 30-35 Gy in 5 fractions using OLAR on a 1.5T MR-Linac were analyzed. For each daily MRI scan, a reposition (non-adaptive) plan was generated by re-calculating the initial undelivered reference plan based on the daily anatomy via rigid registration of the planning and daily images. The daily images were re-contoured during the OLAR process. Data for the non-adaptive plans was analyzed using the daily contours. The daily OLAR and non-adaptive plans were then compared to determine whether the non-adaptive plans would have been clinically acceptable and equivalent to the OLAR plan quality. Plan quality was defined by first prioritizing the dose constraints of the organs at risk (OAR) and second by the planning target volume (PTV) coverage. Statistical significance was determined by using a one-tailed t-test (p < 0.05). RESULTS Dose constraints for the kidneys, spinal cord, liver, and skin were met for all OLAR and non-adaptive plans. For the OLAR plans, only 5.7% and 8.6% did not meet duodenum and small bowel dose constrains, respectively. For the non-adaptive plans, 45.7%, 5.7%, 28.6%, and 11.4% did not meet duodenum, small bowel, stomach, and colon dose constraints, respectively. The dose difference (17.5-1050 cGy) beyond what's clinically acceptable for the duodenum was the most statistically significant (p < 0.05). In addition, 32 OLAR plans and 12 non-adaptive plans met all planning objectives. From the 12 criteria-met non-adaptive plans, 4 had a significant (p < 0.05) increase in PTV coverage over the OLAR plans. Among all the 70 fractions, the non-adaptive plans were equivalent to the OLAR plans in 25 fractions (36%), i.e., OLAR was necessary in 45 treatment fractions (64%) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION OLAR can significantly reduce GI OAR dose leading to an improvement in delivered plan quality in MRgART for pancreatic cancer. This study shows that the plan quality differences between the OLAR and non-adaptive plans justify the use of daily online adaptive re-planning for the majority (64%) of the treatments. To increase OLAR efficiency, a focus in online contouring and contour evaluation primarily on GI OAR structures may be warranted. With more automation for OLAR process being developed, the argument for not using OLAR for every fraction may become obsolete.
FORMAL ORGANIZATION OF DECISION-MAKING

This chapter discusses the formal organization of decision-making. Authority gives the controlling individual freedom to choose the activities of the supervised individual. The specification of the job is a description of the tasks that are to be performed and the frequency with which they must be executed. The chapter also reviews the concept of collective choice rules used for constitutionally aggregating the views, judgements, or interests of a group of individuals. An organization wants its collective choice rule to perform well in varied circumstances. Most organizations explicitly or implicitly have a constitutional method for aggregating preference orderings or resolving differences in choices. A collective choice rule is a mapping that produces one organizational preference relation from a preference profile of preference orderings of members. The organization's collective choice rule should be able to resolve conflicting opinions even if the members change their preferences over alternatives. It is highly desirable for a collective choice rule to be operable irrespective of the opinions held by the organization's membership.
Tunneling decay rate in quantum cosmology

In canonical quantum cosmology, the wave function of the Universe lacks explicit time dependence. However, time evolution may be present implicitly through the semiclassical superspace variables, which themselves depend on time in classical dynamics. In this paper, we apply this approach to an oscillating universe model recently introduced by Graham et al. [A simple harmonic universe, J. High Energy Phys. 02 (2014) 029.] By extending the model to include a massless, minimally coupled scalar field $\ensuremath{\phi}$ which has little effect on the dynamics but can play the role of a ``clock,'' we determine the decay rate of the oscillating universe.
Wayne School of Engineering: Case Study of a Rural Inclusive STEM-Focused High School

Rural schools face challenges that are often different than nonrural schools. Resource constraints are particularly acute in rural schools, and they struggle to offer advanced courses and extracurricular programs. The purpose of this paper is to present a descriptive, instrumental case study of an inclusive rural science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school that has successfully dealt with challenges and offers an innovative and productive learning environment, despite limited resources. For this study, a variety of on-site and off-site data collection techniques were used such as focus groups, classroom observation protocols, and surveys. Wayne School of Engineering (WSE) overcomes resource barriers by matching their schedule to the local community college, upgrading the rigor of their high school classes and facilitating student transition to college. WSE also requires extracurricular research projects that help students see the relevance of their in class learning, build 21st century skills, and connect to partners outside of the school. Faced with limited budgetary, technological, and logistical resources, WSE administrators, teachers, and students work collectively to overcome these barriers and provide high-quality education by finding ways to blur the lines of traditional secondary schools.
Incrementally scheduling with qualitative temporal information

Scheduling is typically a quantitative engineering problem involving tasks and constraints. However, there are many real life situations where the input is qualitative in nature and any quantitative information is neither available nor cared for. We address here such a qualitative scheduling problem with disjunctive temporal constraints between the tasks. The problem we address is incremental in nature, where a new task is added to a committed schedule. We not only find a valid schedule when it exists, but also analyze the causes of inconsistency otherwise. This is new direction of research.
Estimation and Simulation of Slow Crack Growth Parameters from Constant Stress Rate Data

Closed form, approximate functions for estimating the variances and degrees-of-freedom associated with the slow crack growth parameters n, D, B, and A(sup *) as measured using constant stress rate ('dynamic fatigue') testing were derived by using propagation of errors. Estimates made with the resulting functions and slow crack growth data for a sapphire window were compared to the results of Monte Carlo simulations. The functions for estimation of the variances of the parameters were derived both with and without logarithmic transformation of the initial slow crack growth equations. The transformation was performed to make the functions both more linear and more normal. Comparison of the Monte Carlo results and the closed form expressions derived with propagation of errors indicated that linearization is not required for good estimates of the variances of parameters n and D by the propagation of errors method. However, good estimates variances of the parameters B and A(sup *) could only be made when the starting slow crack growth equation was transformed and the coefficients of variation of the input parameters were not too large. This was partially a result of the skewered distributions of B and A(sup *). Parametric variation of the input parameters was used to determine an acceptable range for using closed form approximate equations derived from propagation of errors.
Lyapunov Based Control of Multiple Flexible Joint Robots

In this paper, we address the problem of controlling multiple flexible joint robots manipulating a common load cooperatively. The load position and velocity tracking errors are shown to converge to zero. The internal forces exerted on the load are also shown to converge to their desired trajectories. Asymptotic stability of the system is insured regardless of the joint flexibility and despite the fact that force sensors mounted on the robot wrist are not employed.
Changes in sex chromatin pattern during the menstrual cycle.

Abstract The oral mucosa of 17 women having regular menstrual cycles was examined four times weekly for approximately 3½, months to determine the frequency of sex chromatin positive cells for each day of the menstrual cycle. It was found that the frequency of sex chromatin positive cells was least during days 9 through 12, and that this difference was significant at beyond the 1 per cent level.
ATP-sensitive potassium channels and insulin secretion diseases

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on ATP-sensitive potassium channels and insulin secretion diseases. Regulated secretion of insulin from pancreatic β-cells and the actions of this peptide hormone on its target tissues maintain glucose homeostasis. In response to elevated glucose levels, the currently best understood metabolic coupling event is a change in the intracellular [ATP]/[ADP] ratio, which induces the closure of ATP-sensitive K + (K ATP ) channels), leading to membrane depolarization and the opening of voltage-dependent calcium channels. The subsequent increase in cytolic free Ca 2+ then triggers exocytosis. Although the role of the K ATP channel in the coupling of metabolism to insulin release is the essential topic of the chapter, it is important to realize that important regulatory steps also occur distally and that insulin release may be induced by glucose through a mechanism distinct from the closure of K ATP channels or alterations in Ca 2+ , which may imply metabolic coupling factors other than intracellular nucleotides. The chapter discusses the molecular regulation of K ATP channel activity and elaborates K ATP genetic defects underlying PHHI.
Identification of a novel factor that interacts with an immunoglobulin heavy-chain promoter and stimulates transcription in conjunction with the lymphoid cell-specific factor OTF2.

Abstract The tissue-specific expression of the MOPC 141 immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene was studied by using in vitro transcription. B-cell-specific transcription of this gene was dependent on the octamer element 5'-ATGCAAAG-3', located in the upstream region of this promoter and in the promoters of all other immunoglobulin heavy- and light-chain genes. The interaction of purified octamer transcription factors 1 and 2 (OTF1 and OTF2) with the MOPC 141 promoter was studied by using electrophoretic mobility shift assays and DNase I footprinting. Purified OTF1 from HeLa cells and OTF1 and OTF2 from B cells bound to identical sequences within the heavy-chain promoter. The OTF interactions we observed extended over the heptamer element 5'-CTCAGGA-3', and it seems likely that the binding of the purified factors involves cooperation between octamer and heptamer sites in this promoter. In addition to these elements, we identified a second regulatory element, the N element with the sequence 5'-GGAACCTCCCCC-3'. The N element could independently mediate low levels of transcription in both B-cell and HeLa-cell extracts, and, in conjunction with the octamer element, it can promote high levels of transcription in B-cell extracts. The N element bound a transcription factor, NTF, that is ubiquitous in cell-type distribution, and NTF was distinct from any of the previously described proteins that bind to similar sequences. Based on these results, we propose that NTF and OTF2 interactions (both with their cognate DNA elements and possibly at the protein-protein level) may be critical to B-cell-specific expression and that these interactions provide additional pathways for regulating gene expression.
Crystallographic Determination of Titanite from Smilevski Dol in Selečka Mountain, Macedonia

On 30 crystal s of titani tc, goniometrically measured, the appearance of faces of 25 forms was determined. Crystallographic elements were calculated and morphology and paragenesis of minerals were described. The shape of the crystals was represented by ten parallel perspec· tive figures. Two types of crystal s were separated.
CLIMATE AS A POTENTIAL FACTOR IN THE ETIOLOGY OF EXOPHTHALMIC GOITER AND THE OTHER METABOLIC DISEASES

Intensive studies of the past several decades as to the basic cause for exophthalmic goiter have not been very successful. The use of animal experimentation and study of individual patients have yielded considerable knowledge of the disease, but very little insight into its etiology. There remains, however, another avenue of approach to the problem, an avenue not exhaustively used thus far. This new method of attack consists, not in any form of animal work or individual case study, but in viewing the disease in its broader biological aspects, determining where it is most prevalent and most severe in the human race as a whole, and then attempting to find the specific factors of those localities which might act as etiological agents. In such an attack on the problem it is also important that the study be not restricted to exophthalmic goiter alone but be made to include dysfunction of the other endocrine glands closely related to the thyroid. Such diseases as diabetes, Addison’s disease and pernicious anemi...
Psychiatry and the death penalty: dilemma for mental health professionals

The arguments for and against mental health professionals' participation in death penalty proceedings are presented against the background of U.S. Supreme Court decisions which have had a bearing on this issue. It is concluded that the possibility of presenting mitigating psychologic testimony in such proceedings necessitates the possibility of exacerbating psychiatric testimony and that hence, mental health professionals who testify for the prosecution in such cases do not, on a wider view, violate their hippocratic oaths or other ethical codes. A number of safeguards, however, should be instituted with respect to such testimony. Psychiatrists, psychologists or other qualified mental health professionals should (1) testify with medical "possibility" or "probability," (2) not be permitted to address ultimate legal issues and (3) be permitted, in fact encouraged, to present alternative interpretations of forensic psychiatric findings. It is further argued that in addition to being justified in testifying for the prosecution on death penalty cases, mental health professionals may have a moral rationale for treating death row prisoners and restoring them to competency.
Minimal-energy clusters of hard spheres

What is the tightest packing ofN equal nonoverlapping spheres, in the sense of having minimal energy, i.e., smallest second moment about the centroid? The putatively optimal arrangements are described forN≤32. A number of new and interesting polyhedra arise.
Universal correlations, pseudo‐gaps and condensation mechanisms in high‐Tc superconductors

We combine universal correlations between Tc and ns/m* (superconducting carrier density/effective mass) found by μSR with the pseudo gap behavior found in the underdoped region by various techniques to develop a picture for explaining doping dependence of high‐Tc superconductivity in terms of a crossover from Bose–Einstein to BCS condensation. μSR results in overdoped and Zn‐substituted systems suggest that behavior on the high‐density side is more complicated than expected in a simple BCS model.
Olfactory impairment increases as a function of age in persons with Down syndrome

Neuropathology similar to that found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) has consistently been observed in older individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and this neuropathology is particularly prevalent in areas involved in olfaction. The present study investigated the effects of age on the expression of olfactory impairment in Down syndrome to address the hypothesis that older adults with DS show greater deficits in olfactory function compared with younger persons with DS and compared with age and IQ matched control groups. Between group differences showed that persons with DS had significant deficits in olfactory functioning compared to the two control groups. Further, within the DS group, older adults performed more poorly than the young adults or children. Results support the hypothesis that in a group of persons at risk for AD because of DS, olfactory impairment is greater in older individuals, suggesting progressive impairment over time. Deficits in olfactory function may be useful in signalling incipient dementia in DS.
Entrapment and escape from fruitless insecticide use: lessons from the banana sector of Costa Rica

This article analyzes the consequences and causes of the “pesticide treadmill”—i.e. the cycle of resistance and secondary pest resurgence—from heavy use of insecticides in banana plantations of Costa Rica. It summarizes the background of intensive pesticide use in the large‐scale banana production, the consequent agroecological upsets, and the economic losses from this problem. In the examination of the causes, it is argued that the main contributing factors are not only biological factors (such as genetic selection) and technical factors (such as the high amounts used and the methods of application), but most importantly, are economic and social forces which determine the ways that pesticides are used. In the final section, lessons and policy implications are drawn, suggesting the need to implement major changes and to address the underlying roots of the pesticide‐use problems to achieve sustainable forms of agricultural development.
The interaction of monatomic inert gas molecules with a continuous elastic solid

Abstract A calculation of the energy exchange between inert gases and a wide variety of alkaline and non-alkaline metals is presented under the assumption that the solid is a semi-infinite elastic continuuum. For choices of interaction well-depth consistent with those used in lattice calculations and in lobular scattering calculations, the agreement between this calculcation and experiment in the thermal range is excellent.
Identification of boys at high risk for delinquency.

A three-step screening procedure identified from a sample of 1224 grade school boys a subsample of 60 subjects at increased risk for delinquency. Peer status, childhood aggression, and predelinquent behavior were used in a sequential set of predictive tables. Relative improvement over chance provided a measure of predictive efficiency. Additional family variables isolated a small group with even higher risk.
Social Welfare in a Managerial Society

Managerialism is a dominant ideology in the institution of social welfare and the profession of social work. Managerialism includes the tools and traditions of modern management. It is also a way of viewing the social world. Managerialism is a useful but limited ideology in social work and social welfare. The benefits of this perspective include the ordering and sanctioning of professional social workers and the application of sophisticated management tools in the institution of social welfare. Managerialism threatens the historic mission and identity of social work and social welfare. The field is challenged to find an institutional niche for those aspects that are outside the mainstream of the commercial culture.
High-dose corticosteroid therapy for bronchiolitis obliterans after bone marrow transplantation in children

Bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is a rare but serious complication of paediatric allogenic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Currently, there is no clear evidence that therapeutic interventions have a positive impact on the course of the disease. We here report our experience with high-dose pulse methylprednisolone therapy in children after BMT. Nine patients fulfilling clinical and radiologic signs of BO were included in this analysis. The total amount of treatment cycles with pulse methylprednisolone therapy ranged from 1 to 6 cycles (median four cycles). Oxygen saturation increased significantly with normalization of oxygen saturation at the end of therapy in all individuals. Normal oxygen saturation was maintained in all but one patient during follow-up (mean follow-up period 42 {plus/minus} 20 months, range 19–67 months). Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was within the normal range prior BMT and significantly diminished at the time of BO diagnosis. Treatment led to stabilization of lung function, with a significant improvement of FEV1 after 2 months. In all, 7/9 patients remained in clinically stable condition without further deterioration of lung function during follow-up. These data would suggest that anti-inflammatory therapy may be a valuable treatment option in paediatric patients with bronchiolitis obliterans after BMT.
The strength of Mg0.9Fe0.1SiO3 perovskite at high pressure and temperature

The Earth's lower mantle consists mainly of (Mg,Fe)SiO3 perovskite and (Mg,Fe)O magnesiowustite, with the perovskite taking up at least 70 per cent of the total volume1. Although the rheology of olivine, the dominant upper-mantle mineral, has been extensively studied, knowledge about the rheological behaviour of perovskite is limited. Seismological studies indicate that slabs of subducting oceanic lithosphere are often deflected horizontally at the perovskite-forming depth, and changes in the Earth's shape and gravity field during glacial rebound indicate that viscosity increases in the lower part of the mantle. The rheological properties of the perovskite may be important in governing these phenomena. But (Mg,Fe)SiO3 perovskite is not stable at high temperatures under ambient pressure, and therefore mechanical tests on (Mg,Fe)SiO3 perovskite are difficult. Most rheological studies of perovskite have been performed on analogous materials2,3,4,5,6,7, and the experimental data on (Mg,Fe)SiO3 perovskite are limited to strength measurements at room temperature in a diamond-anvil cell8 and microhardness tests at ambient conditions9. Here we report results of strength and stress relaxation measurements of (Mg0.9Fe0.1)SiO3 perovskite at high pressure and temperature. Compared with the transition-zone mineral ringwoodite10 at the same pressure and temperature, we found that perovskite is weaker at room temperature, which is consistent with a previous diamond-anvil-cell experiment8, but that perovskite is stronger than ringwoodite at high temperature.
Genetic Susceptibility to Normal Tension Glaucoma (NTG)

Aims: The Purpose of this short article is to summarize the recent developments in the genetics of normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Background: Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common type of glaucoma in most populations and is frequently associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). However, patients with POAG can also have IOP within the normal range and they are classified as having normal tension glaucoma (NTG) – most likely an independent entity. In NTG, the optic nerve head is just susceptible to normal IOP. Therefore, factors other than elevated IOP are likely to play a role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Although factors such as myopia, older age, vasospasm, ischemia and vascular insufficiency are indicated to be associated with the development of NTG, substantial percentage of NTG patients (21%) have a family history of glaucoma suggesting that these patients may have a genetic predisposition for developing NTG. Methodology: Using the keywords or phrases such as glaucoma, genetics, normal tension glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma and retinal ganglion cell, the literature search was carried out. Results: NTG is a genetically complex disorder and many genes have been reported to be associated with the development of glaucoma. However, none of them account for a substantial portion of patient population. A complex glaucoma pathogenesis may include interplay among several factors such as genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. Therefore, an understanding of IOP independent mechanisms of development Review Article
Myelin Po protein mutated at Cys21 has a dominant-negative effect on adhesion of wild type Po.

The homophilic adhesion of the peripheral nervous system myelin protein, Po, holds myelin compact at the extracellular leaflets. Po carries a single immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domain that is stabilized by a disulfide bond between Cys21 and Cys98. We showed previously that Po mutated at Cys21 to Ala (C21A Po), unlike wild type Po, when it was expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells after transfection, was not adhesive. To determine whether C21A Po could influence the adhesion of wild type Po, cells that already expressed wild type Po and that were shown to be adhesive were retransfected with plasmids containing C21A Po. After selection in hygromycin, clones that coexpressed wild type Po and Cys21-mutated Po were identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence and absence of β-mercaptoethanol, because only in coexpressors will there be two forms of Po of different apparent molecular weights under nonreducing conditions. Two clones that coexpressed wild type Po and C21A Po and a third clone, which, although it was resistant to hygromycin, expressed only wild type Po, were chosen for further study. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of fixed, unpermeabilized cells showed that all of these clones expressed approximately equivalent amounts of Po at the cell surface. However, in an aggregation adhesion assay, only the cells that expressed wild type Po alone formed large aggregates and dropped in total particle number with time. The cells that coexpressed wild type and C21A Po did not form aggregates, and their adhesive properties were indistinguishable from the control transfected cells, which did not express Po. These results suggest that C21A Po has a dominant-negative effect on adhesion of wild type Po. J. Neurosci. Res. 53:1–6, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The antiferromagnetism in YBa2Cu3O6+δ studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy

Abstract A small amount of 57 Fe (about 0.3%) was used to substitute for Cu in the Y-Ba-Cu-O 1-2-3 compounds. With this small amount of Fe, the possibility of Fe-Fe interactions can be ignored and the 57 Fe ions serve only as a probe to study the magnetic structure of the high T c superconductor compounds. As a result of annealing samples in flowing Ar gas at 750°C for 10 h, about 30% of the iron ions migrate from Cu(1) sites to Cu(2) sites. The Mossbauer spectrum of the Fe at the Cu(2) site shows that the Cu(2)-O 2 is antiferromagnetically ordered which agrees with the neutron diffraction result. The temperature dependence of the hyperfine field of the magnetic component follows a T 3/2 law, indicating a 3 dimensional spin wave excitation. This is consistent with the magnetic ordering of the Fe probe at the Cu(1) site which we observe at 4.2 K. The analysis of the Mossbauer spectra at different temperatures and with different oxygen deficiencies are also discussed.
The comparative efficiency of ad valorem and specific taxes under monopoly and monopsony

Abstract It is well known that ad valorem taxes welfare-dominate specific taxes under monopoly. This paper demonstrates that the comparative welfare ranking of the two instruments reverses under monopsony. The relative performance of alternative tax forms is thus highly sensitive to whether the buyer or seller has market power.
Bovine Longissimus dorsi muscle glycogen and color response as affected by dietary regimen and post-mortem electrical stimulation in young bulls

Eighty bulls were assigned to one of two groups and fed a dietary regimen to defer or accelerate growth until slaughter. Bulls fed at an accelerated rate of growth (or high energy regimen) had higher post-mortem pH, and lower muscle glycogen stores, with darker lean color, and improved shear and palatability traits compared to deferred fed animals. Bulls fed at an accelerated rate of growth also had a higher degree of marbling and USDA quality grade. Electrical stimulation did not affect (P > 0·05) ultimate pH, but reduced (P < 0·05) glycogen values at 0 and 2 h post mortem. Electrical stimulation also improved muscle color, lowered cooking losses and improved the palatability of cooked longissimus dorsi steaks.
The Dual of a Hyperbolic Approximation to the Generalized Constrained Multi-Facility Location Problem with lp, Distances

This article develops the dual program corresponding to a hyperbolic approximation, of the constrained multi-facility location model using lp distances. The dual program is original and is a contribution to the theory of facilities location as well as providing a new efficient method of computing optimal facilities location in certain cases where linear constraints are present. Some properties of the dual are developed as the hyperbolic approximation model converges to the actual location model. Computation results using a decomposition programming method are given and discussed.
Current Algebra Theorems for the U(1) Goldstone Boson

Abstract The U(1) problem is reconsidered from the point of view of the 1 N expansion. It is argued that various heuristic ideas about the η′ are valid from this point of view. Current algebra theorems, similar to soft π theorems, are derived for the η′. They are valid to lowest order in 1 N .
Comparison of azithromycin and co-amoxiclav in the treatment of otitis media in children

An open randomized trial was conducted in 159 children (aged 1 to 8 years) with acute otitis media to compare the clinical efficacy of azithromycin (n = 105) and co-amoxiclav (n = 54). Azithromycin (10 mg/kg/day) was administered as a single dose for three days and co-amoxiclav was given tid for ten days at a dosage according to the manufacturer's instructions for the country. Of 103 evaluable azithromycin patients on day 3 to 5 after the start of therapy, 31 (30%) were considered cured, 67 (65%) improved and five (5%) failed compared with eight (15%) cured, 45 (83%) improved and one (2%) failed among the 54 evaluable co-amoxiclav treated patients. There was a higher number of azithromycin patients with complete resolution of symptoms at this first visit (P = 0.056). By day 10 to 12, clinical equivalence between the two treatment groups was observed with clinical cure in 86 (88%), improvement in 11 (11%) and failure in one (1%) of the 98 azithromycin patients, and in the 54 patients treated with co-amoxiclav, clinical cure was observed in 45 (83%), and improvement in nine (17%) patients. Both drugs were well tolerated and treatment related side-effects were reported in 8/105 (8%) azithromycin and 2/54 (4%) co-amoxiclav patients. In the azithromycin treatment group, these were predominantly mild to moderate gastrointestinal effects, whilst in the co-amoxiclav treatment group, both reports were of mild erythematous rash. One patient from each treatment group was withdrawn due to side-effects (azithromycin--diarrhoea and vomiting; co-amoxiclav--erythematous pruritic rash).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Milton Window, The Americans, And Matthew Arnold

“The New World honors him,“ states the verse on the stained glass panels that embellish the entrance archway at St. Margaret's Church in London. The brilliantly wrought window was given by an American, journalist George William Childs, then Editor-in-Chief of the Philadelphia Public Ledger,1 commemorating the Englishman who had spoken out for liberty in his own country at the same time the American colonists were just beginning their long approach to the eventual Declaration. Herein lies not only our claim to kinship with Milton, but as well a pew reserved “in perpetuity” (p. 186) for Americans at St. Margaret's. At the ceremony for unveiling the gift, however, Matthew Arnold emphasized Milton's poetic excellence, not his libertarianism.
Examining the dimensions of technology

The meaning of technology seems simple. Most people have little difficulty expressing some notion of what it is. Technology is machine, automobile, computer, tool ... the list goes on and on.
Current-induced non-linear dynamics of voids in metallic thin films: morphological transition and surface wave propagation

A theoretical non-linear analysis based on self-consistent numerical simulations is presented of current-induced morphological evolution of void surfaces in metallic thin films. The analysis focuses on cases of low symmetry of surface diffusional anisotropy. Our simulations predict a surface morphological transition and the onset of oscillatory dynamics at a critical strength of the applied electric field. Voids migrate along the film at constant speed with surface morphologies that are either steady or time-periodic, characterized by wave propagation along the surface in the direction of the electric field, for electric fields weaker or stronger than critical, respectively. Both of these types of void surface morphology are stable and do not lead to failure of the metallic thin film.
Genetic Aspects of Mouse Leukemia

In the study of malignancy, biologists and pathologists are being drawn closer and closer together. It is a commonplace that knowledge of normal processes is largely increased by comparison with abnormal processes. Whether greater contributions will eventually be made by pathologists to the problem of living matter, or by biologists to the cancer problem is an interesting question. In scientific analysis the establishment of units is an important step. Biologists recognize three units: the organism, the cell, and the gene. The organism is the major unit;, the cell is the architectural unit of the organism; the gene is a self-perpetuating unit of living matter. It is possible that the greatest contribution of biologists to the problem of malignancy will prove to be the concept of the gene, which at present is the only objectively defined unit of living matter. By the control of genes, experimental animals of virtually uniform constitution can be produced and the baffling variability of results greatly reduced. Further, differences in genes have such significant influence in various phases of the study of malignant growth that the possibility of their playing a leading role has not been eliminated.
Effects of methodological variables on insulin radioimmunoassay

Abstract The effects of methodological variables on the quality of insulin radioimmunoassay were studied, including: (a) the individual characteristics of antiserum and tracer preparations; (b) the incubation modality (non-equilibrium, delayed addition of tracer); (c) the procedure of separation of free from bound antigen (adsorbents and immunoprecipitation); (d) the non-identity of sample and standard solutions as for the protein content. A number of experimental factors were expectedly found to influence the sensitivity of response. Conversely, important effects on assay accuracy were found to be associated only with the double-antibody method used and with non-identity of samples and standards. The results of investigations on the possible sources of the systematic errors involved and on their relevance in routine measurements are reported and discussed.