cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Conventional Body Surface Area (BSA) Method of Calculating the Dose of Melphalan (MEL) Results in Widely Variable MEL Exposure and Mucositis Risk in Myeloma (MM) Patients Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT).

Abstract Background : The importance of MEL dose intensity for patients (pts) with MM is supported by a survival benefit when MEL-ASCT is utilized. This survival advantage is further enhanced when tandem ASCT are applied, suggesting that higher MEL doses would be desirable if gastrointestinal mucositis, the dose limiting toxicity of MEL is not excessive. Objective : To identify the predictors of severe mucositis in MM pts undergoing MEL - ASCT. Patients and methods : 382 consecutive MM pts enrolled in our Total Therapy 2 protocol, who received their first MEL - ASCT between 10/1998 and 12/2002. A MEL dose of 200 mg/m2 BSA was utilized when serum creatinine was 3 mg/dl). BSA was based on actual weight if 60 kg. Mucositis peak was graded 0–4 (NCI Common Toxicity Criteria). Potential covariates included among others age, sex, MM remission status, time period between last chemotherapy and MEL-ASCT, MEL dose in mg/kg, CMV serostatus, DLCO, creatinine clearance (CrCl). Results : BSA dosing of MEL resulted in a wide range of MEL,when calculated based on actual weight (2.5–6.4 mg/kg). Mucositis developed in 83 % of pts and was severe (Grades 3 & 4) in 23 %. By univariate analysis, the following pre-ASCT risk factors for mucositis were identified: lower BSA (OR 0.31/m2; 95% CI 0.111 – 0.881; p=0.027), lower platelet counts (OR 0.998/1000 platelets / mL; 95% CI 0.996 – 1; p=0.025), lower CrCl (OR 0.991/ml/min; 95% CI 0.985 – 0.998; p= 0.011), higher LDH (OR 1.007U/L, 95% CI 1.002 – 1.011; p=0.005), lower DLCO (OR 0.989/unit; 95% CI 0.978 – 1; p= 0.04) and CMV seropositivity (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.002 – 2.29; p= 0.04). Multivariate analysis identified higher mg/kg MEL dose as the most important risk factor for mucositis (OR=1.58/mg/Kg; 95% CI 1.148 – 2.177; p= 0.005). Additional pre-ASCT risk factors included higher LDH (OR 1.006; 95% CI 1.001 – 1.012; p= 0.007), lower CrCl (OR= 0.991/ml/mn; 95% CI 0.984 – 0.999; p= 0.02), and lower DLCO (OR 0.989; 95% CI 0.978 – 1; p = 0.04). Using the intended mg/kg MEL dose, pre-ASCT CrCl, LDH and DLCO a predictive model for severe mucositis (grade 3 and 4) was developed based on ordinal logistic regression analysis: p= exp(−2.1527−0.00248*PLT−0.00894* CrCl + 0.00646*LDH−0.0114*DLCO + 0.4578* Mel) / [1+exp (−2.1527−0.00248*PLT−0.00894*CrCl + 0.00646*LDH − 0.0114* DLCO + 0.4578* Mel)] This model will be prospectively validated. Conclusions : Dosing MEL on the basis of BSA results in widely variable MEL exposure and risk for severe mucositis following MEL-ASCT. MM pts scheduled to receive MEL-ASCT using a high mg/kg MEL dose and whose pre-ASCT variables include low CrCl, high LDH and /or low DLCO should be considered at greater risk for severe mucositis following ASCT.
P-253 Driving improvement within the hospice. Impact of the patient led assessment of the care environment (PLACE)

Background PLACE is an NHS Improvement Initiative which was introduced in 2013. It assesses the quality of an organisation’s environment, putting patients’ views at the forefront to assess how the environment supports the provision of care. PLACE assesses privacy and dignity, food and hydration, cleanliness and building maintenance. It looks at the extent to which the environment can support the provision of care for those with dementia or those with a disability. Aim The aim of undertaking PLACE is to provide a snap-shot of how Saint Francis Hospice (SFH) is performing in relation to a variety of non-clinical activities which impact on the person’s experience of their care. Method A Steering Group was established in 2015 to provide leadership and oversee annual implementation of PLACE. Patient assessors are recruited in consultation with clinical teams. NHS Digital (2018) stipulates that ‘the number of staff should not exceed the number of patient assessors’. Training for the assessors is provided. PLACE is undertaken using specified criteria. Scorecards are completed and agreed by the assessors. Data collected is inputted into a central NHS Digital database. On receipt of results the Steering Group agree and own an action plan. The outcome of the PLACE assessment is communicated to the organisation. Progress of the action plan is monitored by the Steering Group and reported accordingly. Results By making relevant changes results have improved year on year. 2018: Cleanliness: 100% Food: 95.98% Organisation food: 93.29% Ward food: 98.59% Privacy dignity and wellbeing: 100% Condition appearance and maintenance: 99.68% Dementia: 98.24% Disability: 97.12% NHS Digital publish all results to demonstrate how hospices are performing in relation to each other. Conclusion All people using a service should be cared for with dignity and respect in a safe and clean environment. Striving to maintain and improve our standards via PLACE will continue to enhance the quality of our service being provided.
Association between postoperative complications and lingering post-surgical pain: an observational cohort study

Abstract Background Post-surgical pain that lingers beyond the initial few-week period of tissue healing is a major predictor of pain chronification, which leads to substantial disability and new persistent opioid analgesic use. We investigated whether postoperative medical complications increase the risk of lingering post-surgical pain. Methods The study population consisted of patients undergoing diverse elective surgical procedures in an academic referral centre in the USA, between September 2013 and May 2017. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for confounding variables and patient-specific risk factors, was used to test for an independent association between any major postoperative complication and functionally limiting lingering pain 1–3 months after surgery, as obtained from patient self-reports. Results The cohort included 11 986 adult surgical patients; 10 562 with complete data. At least one complication (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal/gastrointestinal, wound, thrombotic, or neural) was reported by 13.3% (95% confidence interval: 12.7–14.0) of patients, and 19.7% (19.0–20.5%) reported functionally limiting lingering post-surgical pain. After adjusting for known risk factors, the patients were twice as likely (odds ratio: 2.04; 1.78–2.35) to report lingering post-surgical pain if they also self-reported a postoperative complication. Experiencing a complication was also independently predictive of lingering post-surgical pain (odds ratio: 1.95; 1.26–3.04) when complication data were extracted from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry, instead of being obtained from patient self-report. Conclusions Medical complications were associated with a two-fold increase in functionally limiting pain 1–3 months after surgery. Understanding the mechanisms that link complications to pathological persistence of pain could help develop future approaches to prevent persistent post-surgical pain.
A Study of Rural and Native-American College Students’ Military Identities, Military Family History, and Reading Interests

This study addresses college students in a Southwestern, economically depressed, rural area, with their state of residence having a high number, per capita, of service-members and veterans of recent wars. Additionally, some students identified as Native American. The study’s purpose was to investigate within this sociocultural dynamic to what extent students with a military identity, a military family history, and/or no military-related affiliation associate with this background and also enjoy reading and writing about military topics, especially within the composition classroom. The students sampled enrolled in a first-year-composition class based upon an experimental course model formulated to be military-friendly and military-theme focused, which assisted them in reading about military topics connected to their personal family background and writing about their military-related identity. The article discusses a three-year, mixed-methods study and involves the following student types: seven service-members/veterans and 57 nonveterans, with 15 being the child of a parent(s) with military service. As instruments, the author utilized surveys, interviews, and course papers. The study resulted in several findings. A majority of students reported having strong connections to their personal and/or family military history as factors correlating with their enjoyment of reading about military topics and writing about their military-related backgrounds, including those who served as role models. The study’s results have implications for teaching students who are service-members/veterans, have a military-affiliated identity, and/or possess a recent military family history within a first-year-writing classroom featuring military-themed readings and writings. Furthermore, in addressing the call to identify and accommodate student groups and their academic needs, this article has implications for instructing Native American students of the geographical area.
Next-generation sequencing to identify candidate gene for hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome.

1515 Background: Rare monogenic disorders are often due to mutations that are highly penetrant, extremely rare, and strongly disrupt normal biology. Hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome (HMPS, OMIM ...
Review of Gender and Equality in Muslim Family Law: Justice and Ethics in the Islamic Legal Tradition, ed. Ziba Mir-Hosseini, Kari Vogt, Lena Larsen, and Christian Moe

The conflict addressed by the book Gender and Equity in Muslim Family Law centres on how religious authority in Islam is understood. The authors charge that the classical position within Islam, with its adherence to the fiqh tradition as immutable, employs a patriarchal understanding of gender. This understanding of inequality is taken for granted by the authors of early Islamic jurisprudence and reflects the values of their day. The authors challenge the classical Islamic jurisprudence that said women were created for men, are defective in reason and faith, and are destined to live in a world where men are superior to women. The book analyses the political and hermeneutical obstacles to gender equality in Islam. It begins with an introduction by the four editors, Ziba Mir-Hosseini, Kari Vogt, Lena Larsen, and Christian Moe, who define the book’s purpose. They set out to provide a forum for diverse scholarly voices who address the problems for women in Islam that stem from the traditional understanding of the Arabic terms qiwāma and wilāya. These terms connote a form of guardianship that places men as heads over women as men are to serve as guardians and breadwinners in their respective homes. The guardian role, according to the traditional understanding, puts much power in men’s hands to supervise the decisions of women, especially when it comes to marriage. The authors of this book assume that classical jurists believed that women were incapable of making those decisions independently. In response, the authors of each chapter make their argument for various strategies of reform.
Hedgehog signaling promotes medulloblastoma survival via Bcl2

4080 Deregulation of the Hedgehog pathway has been implicated in the development of medulloblastoma (MB), the most frequent malignant brain tumor in children. Transcriptional induction of antiapoptotic factors such as Bcl2 is a major mechanism for apoptosis avoidance in cancer cells. We investigated whether Hedgehog might regulate survival in MB via upregulation of Bcl2. We found that the Hedgehog pathway effectors Gli1 and Gli2 colocalize with Bcl2 in regions of decreased apoptosis in a subset of nodular MB. In addition, Gli1 expression in primary MB significantly correlated with Bcl2 expression (Pearson r=0.75, P=0.01). Transient overexpression of Gli1 and Gli2 induced a Bcl2 transcriptional reporter and increased Bcl2 protein levels, while stable overexpression of Gli1 was associated with increased Bcl2 mRNA. The Hedgehog antagonist cyclopamine blocked expression of the Hh pathway targets PTCH1 and Gli1 and increased apoptosis in DAOY and UW228 MB cells. Apoptotic induction caused by cyclopamine could be rescued in part by enforced expression of Gli1 or Bcl2. Hh pathway blockade also sensitized medulloblastoma to the effects of the pro-apoptotic agent lovastatin. These data demonstrate that Bcl2 is an important mediator of Hh activity in medulloblastoma, and suggest new strategies for combined chemotherapeutic regimens.
Water Conflict Management between Agriculture and Wetland under Climate Change: Application of Economic-Hydrological-Behavioral Modelling

Water resources at the basin level are affected by climate change in the form of available water scarcity and multiple droughts leading to conflicts among different water users, especially between the agricultural sector and wetland services. However, owing to the multidimensional and multi-scalar nature of water management and climate change, it is needed to integrate tools to analyze impacts and adaptation. Accordingly, the current study presents an economic-hydrological-behavioral modeling to evaluate potential effects of climate change and adaptation strategies on irrigated agriculture and to manage water resources conflicts among different water users and uses in basins. This model has an iterative framework between a farm-based multi-objectives optimization model, a water evaluating and planning model (WEAP), and an agent-based model, which can represent socio-economic, hydrologic, agronomic and behavioral systems covering all dimensions and scales related to climate change. For this purpose, the economic-hydrological-behavioral modelling was applied in a case study in the Halilrud Basin in Kerman Province, Iran. Results revealed that adoption of suitable adaptive strategies and measures could mitigate the effects of climate change and provide more water to restore the Jazmourian Wetland in this basin. Additionally, the results indicated that different forms of rigidity in the individual behavior of farmers slowed down the adaptation of the agricultural sector, so that implementation of adaptive strategies led to only 14% less water consumption.
Clinical utility of Gafchromic film in an MRI-guided linear accelerator

The purpose of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the suitability of Gafchromic EBT3 and EBT-XD film for dosimetric quality assurance in 0.35 T MR-guided radiotherapy. A 0.35 T magnetic field strength was utilized to evaluate magnetic field effects on EBT3 and EBT-XD Gafchromic films by studying the effect of film exposure time within the magnetic field using two timing sequences and film not exposed to MR, the effect of magnetic field exposure on the crystalline structure of the film, and the effect of orientation of the film with respect to the bore within the magnetic field. The orientation of the monomer crystal was qualitatively evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) compared to unirradiated film. Additionally, dosimetric impact was evaluated through measurements of a series of open field irradiations (0.83 × 0.83-cm2 to 19.92 × 19.92-cm2) and patient specific quality assurance measurements. Open fields were compared to planned dose and an independent dosimeter. Film dosimetry was applied to twenty conventional and twenty stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) patient specific quality assurance cases. No visual changes in crystal orientation were observed in any evaluated SEM images nor were any optical density differences observed between films irradiated inside or outside the magnetic field for both EBT3 and EBT-XD film. At small field sizes, the average difference along dose profiles measured in film compared to the same points measured using an independent dosimeter and to predicted treatment planning system values was 1.23% and 1.56%, respectively. For large field sizes, the average differences were 1.91% and 1.21%, respectively. In open field tests, the average gamma pass rates were 99.8% and 97.2%, for 3%/3 mm and 3%/1 mm, respectively. The median (interquartile range) 3%/3 mm gamma pass rates in conventional QA cases were 98.4% (96.3 to 99.2%), and 3%/1 mm in SBRT QA cases were 95.8% (95.0 to 97.3%). MR exposure at 0.35 T had negligible effects on EBT3 and EBT-XD Gafchromic film. Dosimetric film results were comparable to planned dose, ion chamber and diode measurements.
Poxvirus Vectors: Mammalian Cytoplasmic-Based Expression Systems

The unique biological characteristics of poxviruses have been exploited for the development of vaccinia virus into a powerful and versatile expression vector with applicability to many areas of research and biotechnology (Moss, 1991). The poxviruses comprise a group of genetically related DNA viruses that are unusual in their ability to propagate in the cytoplasm, rather than in the nucleus, of infected cells. Electron microscopic and autoradiographic examinations have revealed cytoplasmic factories of viral DNA replication and particle assembly. The enzymes and factors required for transcription and replication are encoded within the poxvirus genome, which may contain 200 or more genes. The previous use of vaccinia virus as a live vaccine for the eradication of smallpox, and the potential for recombinant vaccinia viruses containing genes from other microorganisms to serve as live vaccines against current diseases, contributed to the interest in this vector. For these reasons, recombinant vaccinia viruses have been extensively used by immunologists and virologists to determine the targets of humoral and cell mediated immune responses to microbial infections and candidate human and veterinary live recombinant vaccines are currently being tested. Poxviruses encode their own DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and high levels of expression of foreign genes have been obtained by optimizing poxvirus promoter function. Thus, recombinant vaccinia viruses are particularly useful for protein production in cultured mammalian cells. A modified system has been made by importing the bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase gene into vaccinia virus and using bacteriophage promoters for high level expression. With both systems, the recombinant proteins appear to be properly processed and transported within the mammalian cell.
SYSTEM-OPTIMAL TRIP SCHEDULING AND ROUTING IN COMMUTING NETWORKS

A time-space network formulation is presented for the system-optimal assignment to departure times and routes of traffic flows from multiple origins to a common destination. Time is discretized, and congestion is represented using simplified deterministic queuing stations. The solution minimizes total travel time in the system subject to arrivals at the destination taking place within a specified time interval. Alternatively, a formulation is presented for the minimization of a total cost measure consisting of a weighted sum of the users' travel time and schedule delay. The solution can be obtained using efficient and widely available pure network optimization algorithms. A numerical application is presented to illustrate the methodology, including a network generator developed for this purpose.
Separation of Powers in Crisis: September 11, Jose Padilla, and the Fundamental Change in the United States

This Article introduces the principles of constitutional separation of powers at play when a United States citizen is detained indefinitely in military custody by Presidential order. It then explains why the application of these principles are a mandate to release the citizen involved, because the constitutional separation of powers must be respected, even during times of great national crisis such as the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attack on this country and the ensuing War on Terror.
Applicability of Floquet-type Solutions to Bounded Layered Composites

It is shown that certain Floquet-type solutions describing the propagation of horizontally polarized shear waves in an infinite, periodically layered, elastic composite can be considered applicable to composites with boundaries. In particular, this is the case for layered plates with traction-free and rigidly constrained bounding planes, as well as for a layered half-space in which different novel types of surface waves can propagate.
Acid phosphatase isozymes of Xenopus laevis tadpole toils: I. Separation and partial characterization☆

Four isozymes of acid phosphatase were found in the tail of the Xenopus laevis tadpole. The enzymes were separated preparatively by gel filtration on Sephadex G-75 and G-200, and were partially characterized. Molecular weight estimates of phosphatases AP-1, -2, -3, and -4 are >200,000, 109,000, 40,900, and 18,700, respectively. AP-1, -2, and -3 have maximal activity in the pH range 4.5–5.5, and AP-4 in the pH range 5.5–6.5. While none of the phosphatases is activated by metal ions, they are differentially inhibited by Hg2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Co2+, sodium fluoride, tartrate, inorganic phosphate, and urea. EDTA activates AP-4 twofold. Triton X-100 inhibits AP-1 and activates AP-4. Determination of relative velocities of the phosphatases for 35 substrates revealed that AP-1 and 2 hydrolyze nearly all of them to some extent; AP-3 hydrolyzes significantly only p-nitrophenylphosphate, α-naphthylphosphate, phosphoenolypyruvate, and nucleoside di- and triphosphates; and AP-4 hydrolyzes significantly only p-nitrophenylphosphate and riboflavin-5′-phosphate. The Kms of the isozymes for p-nitrophenylphosphate range from 0.25 mm to 1.22 mm. Triton X-100 lowers both the Km and V of AP-1.
Authentic assessment through electronic portfolios

Portfolios are quickly winning favor as a form of authentic assessment at all levels of education. This paper discusses efforts to develop an electronic portfolio assessment strategy as a graduation requirement for all undergraduate students at Northwest Missouri State University. The author explains early efforts of an electronic portfolio pilot project and presents data analysis in the form of student responses to an opinion survey. The conclusions include projections about full implementation of an electronic portfolio assessment strategy at the university level.
Facilitating Workflow Interoperation Using Artifact-Centric Hubs

Enabling interoperation between workflows, and between web services, continues to be a fundamental challenge. This paper proposes a new approach to interoperation based on hubs that are designed using "business artifacts", a data-centric paradigm for workflow and business process specification. The artifact-centric interoperation hubs are focused primarily on facilitating communication and business-level synchronization between relatively autonomous stakeholders (and stakeholder organizations). Interoperation hubs provide a centralized, computerized rendezvous point, where stakeholders can read or write data of common interest and check the current status of an aggregate process, and from which they can receive notifications about events of interest. The paper describes the approach, including an extended example, access restrictions that can be placed on stakeholders, some preliminary theoretical results, and a discussion of work towards a prototype system that supports interoperation hubs.
Development and use of localized arc filament plasma actuators for high-speed flow control

The paper discusses recent results on the development of localized arc filament plasma actuators and their use in controlling high-speed and high Reynolds number jet flows. Multiple plasma actuators (up to 8) are controlled using a custom-built 8-channel high-voltage pulsed plasma generator. The plasma generator independently controls pulse repetition rate (0–200 kHz), duty cycle and phase for each individual actuator. Current and voltage measurements demonstrated the power consumption of each actuator to be quite low (20 W at 20% duty cycle). Emission spectroscopy temperature measurements in the pulsed arc filament showed rapid temperature increase over the first 10–20 µs of arc operation, from below 1000 °C to up to about 2000 °C. At longer discharge pulse durations, 20–100 µs, the plasma temperature levels off at approximately 2000 °C.Modelling calculations using an unsteady, quasi-one-dimensional arc filament model showed that rapid localized heating in the arc filament on a microsecond time scale generates strong compression waves. The results of the calculations also suggest that flow forcing is most efficient at low actuator duty cycles, with short heating periods and sufficiently long delays between the pulses to allow for convective cooling of high-temperature filaments. The model predictions are consistent with laser sheet scattering flow visualization results and particle imaging velocimetry measurements. These measurements show large-scale coherent structure formation and considerable mixing enhancement in an ideally expanded Mach 1.3 jet forced by eight repetitively pulsed plasma actuators. The effects of forcing are most significant near the jet preferred mode frequency (ν = 5 kHz). The results also show a substantial reduction in the jet potential core length and a significant increase in the jet Mach number decay rate beyond the end of potential core, especially at low actuator duty cycles.
Fungal Endophyte Infection and Host Genetic Background Jointly Modulate Host Response to an Aphid-Transmitted Viral Pathogen

Summary Despite their ubiquitous nature, interactions between multiple micro-organisms and their effects on host growth and each other's success have received limited scientific attention. In particular, grasses can be commonly infected by both endophytic fungi and viruses, which are typically transmitted by aphids. In this study, we investigated how an aphid-transmitted viral pathogen and a symbiotic endophytic fungus altered host growth and allocation. We hypothesized that, by reducing aphid feeding, endophyte infection would lower viral titre and consequently decrease the negative effects of virus infection on host biomass production. In a greenhouse experiment, we manipulated fungal endophyte status and virus infection (Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus – PAV) of two tall fescue cultivars with different genetic backgrounds [KY 31 and pasture demonstration farm (PDF)]. In one cultivar (PDF), we also manipulated endophyte strain, using two strains that had been selected for differences in alkaloid production. We assessed host, virus and vector responses. As hypothesized, endophyte infection decreased reproduction and abundance of aphid vectors; however, in contrast to our hypothesis, this response by aphids did not impact viral titre. For both tall fescue cultivars, endophyte infection alleviated the negative effect of virus infection on the proportion of total plant biomass allocated to roots. On the other hand, for the KY 31 cultivar only, virus infection decreased tillering in endophyte-infected individuals, but not endophyte-free individuals. Within the PDF cultivar, both endophyte strains produced similar effects on host, virus and vector responses. Synthesis These results indicate that some of the beneficial effects provided by endophyte infection, particularly alleviating the negative effect of virus infection on the proportion of total plant biomass allocated to roots, do not arise strictly from altering host interactions with herbivores (aphids), but also occur by changing host responses to viral infection. Furthermore, these results emphasize the importance of exploring multispecies microbial interactions and genetic controls on these interactions in order to more fully understand their role in community- and ecosystem-level dynamics.
Renal cell carcinoma: Correlation of CT findings with nuclear morphologic grading in 100 tumors

The contrast-enhanced preoperative computed tomographic (CT) scans and microscopic slides of 94 patients with 100 surgically resected renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) were retrospectively and independently reviewed in order to correlate the CT imaging findings of RCC with nuclear grading. As nuclear grade increased, RCCs were more likely to be of higher stage and greater size at presentation, and appeared more heterogeneous and less marginated. Of the features analyzed, tumor margination most closely correlated with nuclear grade. Overlap in the CT appearance of individual tumors limited the potential of CT to differentiate RCCs of varying grade. Small, well-marginated, homogeneous tumors, however, were either grade I or II, and were distinguishable from the more aggressive grade III lesions, which generally displayed irregular margins and greater inhomogeneity.
Nanocrystalline structure and nanopore formation in modified thermal TiO2 films

Abstract The anodic TiO 2 films on Ti 0 substrates were synthesized using different electrochemical techniques including potential step, potentiodynamic, and galvanostatic technique, from a 1 M Na 2 SO 4 + 10 mM NaF solution. The AFM imaging of film surfaces revealed that thin films ( h 20 nm ) are composed of small spherical-shaped nanocrystals, up to 20 nm in size. In thicker TiO 2 films ( h > 20 nm ) , cylindrical nanopores with diameter of ca. 30 nm, are formed. In contrast to the nanocrystalline nature of anodic TiO 2 films, thermally grown TiO 2 films at 850 °C are composed of oriented large pyramidal crystallites (200–500 nm in size), which are transformed into even larger moulds (2– 3 μ m in size) at 1050 °C. Thermal films of this type have been known to show inferior surface properties leading to large reflectance losses and the presence of surface states, which promote the electron–hole recombination. In this paper, we propose a new way to remedy these disadvantages of thermal films by special low temperature electrochemical anodic treatment. We have found that by the anodic treatment of thermally grown TiO 2 films, it is possible to control the surface properties, such as the nanocrystalline structure and nanopore formation. These features are desirable for solar energy conversion devices and solar hydrogen production, where the enhancement of electrocatalytic activity by increasing real surface area, reduction of reflectance losses, and removal of surface states created by thermal growth, are of primary importance. The tested electrochemical treatment included program waveforms inducing nanocrystallinity and nanopore formation. The pulse-voltammetric procedures are proposed to control surface non-stoichiometry of TiO 2 films and surface-states density of the photoelectrodes.
MESENCHYMAL CHONDROSARCOMA OF THE JAWS

Abstract Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is a rare malignant tumor with distinctive clinical and pathologic features. A thorough analysis of twenty-two cases of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma of the jaws in the world literature and of a current case reveals the following distinguishing features: (1) a dramatic predilection for occurrence in the second and third decades; (2) a high relative incidence in facial bones and ribs; (3) a distinct histology; and (4) poor prognosis. Reporting of this entity separately from ordinary chondrosarcomas of the jaws is encouraged, and reasons for inconsistency in the literature are discussed.
Atrophic gastritis as a cause of hyperhomocysteinaemia

Summary Background : Hyperhomocysteinaemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. It is often related to low levels of vitamin B12 and/or folate, enzymatic co-factors of methionine metabolism. Atrophic gastritis, often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, may impair vitamin absorption. Aim : To assess whether the presence of atrophic gastritis is associated with hyperhomocysteinaemia via deficiency of its vitamin co-factors. Methods : Thirty-one patients with atrophic gastritis were recruited. The control group consisted of 28 patients with non-atrophic gastritis, matched with patients for sex, age and body mass index. The presence and degree of gastric atrophy were assessed by histology. H. pylori infection was assessed by histology/serology. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folates. Results : Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that atrophic gastritis (odds ratio, 5.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.23–25.26; χ2 = 5.2; P = 0.01) and low vitamin B12 (odds ratio, 3.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–22.08; χ2 = 3.6; P < 0.05) were both predictors of hyperhomocysteinaemia. None of the other variables considered in the analysis, including H. pylori status, showed a significant association with hyperhomocysteinaemia. Conclusions : The present study suggests that atrophic gastritis, rather than H. pylori infection per se, may be a contributing factor to hyperhomocysteinaemia, possibly via vitamin B12 malabsorption.
All-semiconducting nanotube devices for RF and microwave applications

Purified, all-semiconducting nanotubes offer great promise for a variety of applications in RF and microwave electronics. In this work, we present device performance of thin-film transistors fabricated using a spin-coating method that is economical and lends itself to mass manufacturing of nanotube electronics.
Salmonella Inactivation in Liquid Whole Egg by Thermoradiation

Salmonella enteritidis in liquid whole egg (LWE) was inactivated using heat, radiation and thermoradiation (combined heat and radiation). Rates of Salmonella inactivation were determined as a function of radiation dose, temperature, initial cell number and pH. Thermoradiation caused a greater reduction in viable cell number than either heat or radiation alone. This effect was more pronounced at pH 6.5 than at pH 7.0, and more so at 60°C than at 50°C. The lower the initial cell number, the faster the rate of Salmonella inactivation. Physical denaturation of LWE was not apparent after thermoradiation below 60°C, and endogenous egg white lysozyme was not affected by thermoradiation (19.5 krad, 60°C) treatment.
Trifluoroethanol stabilizes the pH 4 folding intermediate of sperm whale apomyoglobin

2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol (TFE) is known to stabilize peptide helices by strengthening hydrogen bonds. On the other hand, TFE destabilizes native proteins, as we confirm here, presumably by weakening the hydrophobic interaction. The stability of the pH 4 folding intermediate of apomyoglobin is known to depend both on the strength of the individual A, G, and H helices and on hydrophobic interactions between helices. We ask which effect of TFE dominates in this case: strengthening helices or weakening hydrophobic interactions between helices? Protein stability is measured by denaturant-induced unfolding curves, and two-state unfolding is tested by monitoring both far-UV CD and tryptophan fluorescence emission. Low concentrations of TFE strongly stabilize the pH 4 folding intermediate. Moreover, low concentrations of TFE compensate for helix-destabilizing mutations in the A and G helices. Consequently, enhancing helix propensity, rather than weakening the hydrophobic interaction, is the dominant effect of TFE on the folding intermediate. This result agrees with earlier mutational evidence that helix propensities are very important in determining the stability of the pH 4 intermediate. Although TFE destabilizes native holomyoglobin, as well as native lysozyme and ribonuclease A, nevertheless, TFE stabilizes native apomyoglobin.
Effects of token reinforcement and response cost on the accuracy of spelling performance with middle‐school special education students with behavior disorders

The effects of token reinforcement and response cost on the accuracy of spelling performance with three adolescent special education students were examined. A multiple-baseline design across students was used to evaluate the effects of token reinforcement and response cost intervention. A greater percent of accuracy on daily spelling exams was obtained during the token reinforcement plus response cost condition than during the baseline condition. This was replicated for each student. Follow-up data collection indicated maintenance of behavior change over time. The benefits of implementing a token economy with a response cost component with middle-school students with behavior disorders were discussed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Localization phenomena in disordered optical fiber arrays

Arrays of nonlinear optical fibers have an intrinsic disorder that accounts for random variations in coupling coefficients and propagation constants. In this paper we study the effects of disorder in enhancing or inhibiting light localization.
Acquired bleeding diathesis in a patient taking PC-SPES

To the Editor: PC-SPES is a commercially available nutritional supplement containing eight herbs that is used by many patients with prostate cancer. It has potent estrogenic activity and substantia...
Solid-particle erosion of an anodized Mg alloy

Abstract Solid-particle erosion studies were conducted on a hardened Mg alloy (WE43A-T6) and the same alloy that had been anodized to produce a ≈12 μm oxide layer. Angular alumina particles of nominal diameter 63 or 143 μm traveling at 60 or 120 m/s impacted the targets at 20° or 90°. Steady-state erosion rates were determined as weight loss of a sample per weight of impacting particles. Under these erosive conditions, the oxide coating on the WE43A-T6 alloy was removed quickly. Weight-loss data indicated that the alloy underlying the anodized layer eroded measurably faster than the as-heat-treated alloy, but that below depths greater than ≈80 μm, the two alloys eroded at nearly equal rates. The near-surface more rapid erosion rates for the anodized alloy were attributed to loss of ductility due to internal oxidation from the anodizing process.
Assessing the managerial relevance of contemporary supply chain management research

Purpose – Discussions about the managerial relevance of scholarly research have been taking place for decades and the topic continues to be a source of debate in a number of business disciplines. The purpose of this paper is to make an initial attempt to empirically assess the relevance of supply chain management research.Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative methods were utilized to provide some initial evidence that can help validate or refute assumptions about perceived relevance in contemporary supply chain management research.Findings – Findings of this research indicate that the most impactful supply chain management issues for managers are internal supply chain organizational structure, communication and information exchange, information technology, forecasting and sales and operations planning, and strategic leadership. Some of these managerial issues appear to be well aligned with recent research trends, but other issues are not frequently researched.Research limitations/implications – Future...
Reconstitution of Structure and Cell Function in Human Skin Grafts Derived from Cryopreserved Allogeneic Dermis and Autologous Cultured Keratinocytes

Grafts of allogeneic dermis plus autologous epidermal cell cultures were used to replace extensively burned skin. Cryo-preserved split-thickness cadaveric skin was grafted onto debrided burn wounds, and autologous keratinocytes were cultured from uninjured donor sites. Several weeks later, allograft epidermis was abraded and replaced with the keratinocyte cultures. The final grafts were thus composites of autologous cultured epidermis and allogeneic dermis. In a case with 28 months follow-up, reconstitution of the dermal-epidermal (BMZ.1) and microvascular (BMZ.2) basement membrane zones was studied immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally. Immediately before grafting, thawed cryo-preserved skin reacted with antibodies against laminin and type IV collagen in normal patterns. Twenty-nine days after grafting, BMZ.1 reacted weakly with both antibodies, and anticollagen type IV reactivity was absent from BMZ.2. Antilaminin reactivity of BMZ.2, however, was moderately intense, consistent with recent neovascularization. On day 29, the allograft epidermis was replaced with autologous keratinocyte cultures. Twenty-five days later (54 d after allografting), staining of both BMZs was intense with both antibodies. Ultrastructurally, at day 76 (47 d after culture placement) BMZ.1 revealed only small hemidesmosomes, few incipient anchoring fibrils, and a discontinuous lamina densa. BMZ.2, however, was fully reconstituted. By 124 d, both BMZs appeared normal. Observations in the dermis at 76 d included the presence of lymphocytes, organellar debris, and hyperactive collagen fibrillogenesis, all indicative of dermal remodelling. The microvasculature was well differentiated, but no elastic fibers or nerves were found. In the epidermis, melanocytes and evidence of melanosome transfer were seen at 5, 47, and 95 d after grafting of keratinocyte cultures. We conclude that the composite procedure reconstitutes skin with excellent textural and histologic qualities.
Tumorigenesis, Metabolism, Speciation, Bioavailability, and Tissue Deposition of Selenium in Selenium-Enriched Ramps (Allium tricoccum)

Ramps (Allium tricoccum) were grown either in a mixture of vermiculite and peat moss or hydroponically with various concentrations of selenium as sodium selenate. The concentrations used were from 30 to 300 mg of selenium/kg of vermiculite−peat moss or from 10 to 120 mg/L in the hydroponic solutions. Levels as high as 784 mg of selenium/kg were obtained in the ramp bulbs when grown with high levels of selenium in the vermiculite−peat moss, and up to 600 mg of selenium/kg was obtained hydroponically. The predominant form of selenium in the ramp bulbs at all concentrations of selenium was Se-methylselenocysteine, with lower amounts of selenate, Se-cystathionine, and glutamyl-Se-methylselenocysteine. There was a ∼43% reduction in chemically induced mammary tumors when rats were fed a diet with Se-enriched ramps. Dietary Se-enriched ramps for rats did not result in excessive tissue selenium accumulation or undesirable side effects. Bioavailability studies with rats indicated that selenium in ramps was 15−28% ...
Lets Keep the Con out of Experimental Econ.: A Methodological Note

When Edward Learner (1983) wrote the well known critique of econometric practice whose title I have adapted and adopted, he was concerned that the credibility and utility of econometric research had suffered because of differences between the way econometric research was conducted and the way it was reported1. He wrote (p36–37): “The econometric art as it is practiced at the computer terminal involves fitting many, perhaps thousands, of statistical models. One or several that the researcher finds pleasing are selected for reporting purposes. This searching for a model is often well intentioned, but there can be no doubt that such a specification search invalidates the traditional theories of inference. The concepts of unbiasedness, consistency, efficiency, maximum-likelihood estimation, in fact, all the concepts of traditional theory, utterly lose their meaning by the time an applied researcher pulls from the bramble of computer output the one thorn of a model he likes best, the one he chooses to portray as a rose. The consuming public is hardly fooled by this chicanery.”
Beginning and end of lunar mare volcanism

The distribution and characteristics of the early phases of mare vulcanism on the moon are discussed. Breccias have been observed that indicate the presence of magma flows before 3900 Myr BP. A mafic feature has been identified in more than 100 craters at least 1 km across. The absence of buried mare surfaces on the nearside and western hemispheres is attributed to ejecta deposits, and farside basins with no mare fill are suggested to have experienced early mare flooding. Photographs of the bright-rayed Lichtenberg crater have revealed that mare volcanism occurred within the time frame 1700-2000 Myr BP. It is concluded that the moon featured two periods of igneous activity, the last happening at 1000 Myr BP, and beginning 4300 BP.
Ties that bind: John F. Kennedy and the foundations of the American–Israeli alliance

In August 1962, John F. Kennedy became the first American President to sell a major weapon system, the Hawk anti-aircraft missile, to Israel. The Hawk sale was part of a much larger shift in thinking about the role of the bilateral relationship with Israel in achieving America's regional objectives. This article analyses the motives for President Kennedy's decision, which represented a decisive break from the arms control and diplomatic policies pursued by Presidents Truman and, especially, Eisenhower. The article ultimately concludes that President Kennedy's new orientation was driven primarily by his affinity for the Jewish state and his more receptive attitude towards Israel's security needs, whose accommodation he thought necessary to achieve stability in the Middle East.
The Importance of Pronator Quadratus Repair in the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures with Volar Plating

Background Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of distal radius fractures via a volar approach involves surgical release of the overlying pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle. Complete repair of the PQ, defined as full and stable replacement of the periphery of the PQ back to its original anatomic location, is not always possible upon conclusion of the operation. Postoperative consequences of incomplete PQ repair with regards to range of motion (ROM), grip strength, and complications are not well documented. It was hypothesized that the completeness of PQ repair would yield no significant difference in the postoperative ROM, grip strength, and incidence of complications.
Lay advice on alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy.

Little is known about lay advice on prenatal alcohol and cigarette use and how this advice may complement or counteract advice from health professionals. In this study we examine the advice-giving role of female friends and relatives (“confidantes”). Survey data were collected from 105 low-income pregnant women about prenatal alcohol and cigarette use and confidante advice about these behaviors. Focus groups with 9 confidantes of pregnant smokers examined the advice they offered about substance use, their perceptions of these behaviors, and their roles as advice-givers. The rate of prenatal drinking was low among pregnant smokers, consistent with confidantes' high risk perceptions and zero tolerance for drinking, but low risk perceptions and high tolerance for smoking. Confidantes described barriers to providing advice about smoking cessation. Because confidantes perceived their role to be distinct from, and in some ways more influential than, that of doctors their advice should be considered in the devel...