Potentiation of a three drug chemotherapy regimen by radiation

The combination of N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartate, 6-methylmercaptopurine, and 6-aminonicotinamide has been shown to be an effective antineoplastic regimen and also to enhance the effects of other chemotherapeutic agents. The mechanism of action of this combination of drugs is not known definitively, but one possible mechanism is biochemical modulation of energy metabolism and inhibition of production of tumor ATP. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartate, followed 17 h later by 6-methylmercaptopurine and 6-aminonicotinamide. 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies demonstrated a significant depletion of high energy phosphates at 10 h post-6-methylmercaptopurine and 6-aminonicotinamide. The addition of radiation at this time was shown to induce a significantly longer tumor growth delay and a greater number of regressions (including durable complete regressions) than either chemotherapy or radiation alone. The combination of chemotherapy and radiation was found to be supra-additive compared to the antineoplastic effects of either modality administered separately, without a measurable increase in host toxicity.     

Biapenem versus imipenem/cilastatin in the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections: report from a Swedish Study Group

The objective of this study is to describe usual medical management and costs associated with recurrent respiratory infections in subjects with chronic obstructive bronchitis in France. A prospective survey was performed in Autumn 1994 on a national sample of private practice pulmonologists (N = 71). Two hundred forty-four patients, presenting at least one infection of the lower respiratory tract, were included. Bronchitis was the most frequent acute exacerbation observed (94%). Pneumonia concerned 9% of the patients. Biological tests, X-rays and pulmonary function tests were prescribed for, respectively, 59, 65 and 45% of the patients. Following the visit, 15 patients were hospitalized (6%). The direct medical cost per acute exacerbation was estimated 3,289 francs (1994 value) of which 60% were hospital-related. An average 10.4 day sick-leave was prescribed to 21% of patients in employment. For those patients, this sick-leave was associated to an extra-cost of 1,264-1,876 francs for Social Security and of 0-2,553 francs out of pocket per episode varying according to their Benefit Regimen.     

Software architecture-centric methods and agile development

The agile software development paradigm and plan-driven approaches each have their strengths and shortcomings. The former emphasizes rapid, flexible development, while the latter emphasizes project and process infrastructure. Many practitioners, particularly of agile methods, tend-to view software architecture in light of the plan-driven side of the spectrum. They think that architecture-centric methods are too much work, equating them with high-ceremony processes emphasizing document production. But many elements make up a successful development approach, including process, product, technology, people, and tools. Software architecture is part of product quality and isn't tied to a particular process, technology, culture, or tool. This article explores the relationship and synergies between architecture-centric design and analysis methods and the extreme programming framework. We chose to focus on XP because it's one of the most mature and best-known agile practices.     

A Study of Surface Deformation during Wire‐Rod Rolling of High Speed Steels using Experimental and Computational Techniques

The evolution of surface defects during shape rolling of high‐speed steel billets is studied using longitudinal surface defects prepared by machining and welding. The reduction of the defects during rolling in a production mill is compared to the total area reduction of the billets. Samples are collected after pass 4, 6, 8, 14, 19 and the final pass, 28, representing the finished 5.5mm wire. By inspecting the cross sections, the rotation of the billets from pass to pass is evaluated. Results from FE simulations on solid billets are compared to the experimental results. Generally, simulations predict less reduction than observed experimentally. In most cases cracks reduce most effectively followed by carbon steel welds and stainless steel welds.     

Design according to the law: juridical dimensions of architecture for assisted living in Sweden

This paper presents an analysis of the Swedish laws concerning care to older people and the architectural design of housing for them in assisted living. There is one predominant model of assisted-living facilities in Sweden, which the author argues is the result of a norm, rather than the requirements stated in the Social Services Act, which is the over-arching law. This Act states that care to the old person should be individualised. The predominant assisted-living model offers small and identical bed-sitting rooms to each resident where they spend more than 15 h per day. It is suggested that these rooms do not accommodate the wishes and needs of each and every individual. Assisted living in Sweden is legally ranked in the same category as ordinary housing. However, medical and institutional mind-sets from the past are embedded in a normative way of thinking that take precedence in the production of these facilities. This norm is nurtured by lower level legislation and rules, such as standards.     

Crystal chemistry of γ-(Zn, Me)3(PO4)2 solid solutions

A number of γ-(Zn,$\text{Me}$)₃(PO₄)₂ solid solutions with the “γ-Zn₃(PO₄)₂” structure have been prepared and equilibrated at about 1070 K ($\text{Me}\text{= Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Cd}$). Approximate homogeneity ranges are given. The monoclinic unit cell dimensions have been accurately determined from Guinier-Hägg photographs. The structure contains five- and six-coordinated cations. Correlations between homogeneity ranges, unit cell dimensions, cation radii and cation distributions are pointed out, and the phases are also compared with isotypic (Mg,$\text{Me}$₃(PO₄)₂ and (Co,$\text{Me}$)₃(PO₄)₂ solid solutions.