SCUBA and Spitzer observations of the Taurus molecular cloud - pulling the bull's tail

We present continuum data from the Submillimetre Common-User Bolometer Array (SCUBA) on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), and the Mid-Infrared Photometer for Spitzer (MIPS) on the Spitzer Space Telescope, at submillimetre and infrared wavelengths respectively. We study the Taurus molecular cloud 1 (TMC1), and in particular the region of the Taurus Molecular Ring (TMR). In the continuum data we see no real evidence for a ring, but rather we see one side of it only, appearing as a filament. We name the filament `the bull's tail'. The filament is seen in emission at 850, 450 and 160um, and in absorption at 70um. We compare the data with archive data from the Infra-Red Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) at 12, 25, 60, 100um, in which the filament is also seen in absorption. We find that the emission from the filament consists of two components: a narrow, cold (~8K), central core; and a broader, slightly warmer (~12K), shoulder of emission. We use a radiative transfer code to model the filament's appearance, either in emission or absorption, simultaneously at each of the different wavelengths. Our best fit model uses a Plummer-like density profile and a homogeneous interstellar dust grain population. Unlike previous work on a similar, but different filament in Taurus, we require no grain coagulation to explain our data.Comment: 10 pages, 9 Figures, Accepted by MNRA

PCNA levels in neuroblastoma are increased in tumors with an amplified N- myc gene and in metastatic stage tumors

N- myc oncogene amplification in neuroblastoma has been found to be significantly associated with advanced stage disease and tumor progression. However, there is a lack of data on tumors, regarding the relationship between N- myc gene amplification and proliferation activity. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a proliferation-induced 36 kD nuclear protein that is the auxiliary component of DNA polymerase δ. PCNA levels in tissues have been found to correlate with proliferative activity. We have examined PCNA levels in neuroblastomas in relation to N- myc gene amplification and tumor stage. Statistically, significantly higher levels of PCNA were observed in tumors with an amplified N- myc gene relative to tumors with a single gene copy. The highest levels of PCNA were observed in advanced stage tumors with an amplified N- myc gene. Treatment of neuroblastoma cells in culture with retinoic acid, which induces differentiation, resulted in a substantial decrease in PCNA. Our results suggest that PCNA levels may reflect differences in proliferative activity between neuroblastomas, related to stage of the disease and to N- myc gene copy number.[/p ]Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/42581/1/10585_2004_Article_BF00880069.pd

Belt and Road Initiative in Central Asia: Anticipating socioecological challenges from large‐scale infrastructure in a global biodiversity hotspot

Until recently, China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has overlooked many of the social and environmental dimensions of its projects and actions in favor of more immediate economic and sociopolitical considerations. The main focus of investments under BRI has largely been to improve transport, telecommunication, and energy infrastructures. However, in Central Asia, biodiversity is not only foundational for the livelihoods and socioeconomic wellbeing of communities, it also shapes people's culture and identities. Furthermore, ecosystem services derived from functioning landscapes bring enormous benefit for millions of people downstream through integrated and transboundary water systems. Already under pressure from climate-induced melting of glaciers, the fate of ecologically important areas is considered in light of the potential harm arising from large-scale linear infrastructure projects and related investments under China-led BRI. Following review of some of the anticipated impacts of BRI on mountain environments and societies in the region, we highlight several emerging opportunities and then offer recommendations for development programs—aiming fundamentally to enhance the sustainability of BRI investments. Leveraging new opportunities to strengthen partner countries’ priority Sustainable Development Goals and enhancing their agency in the selection of collaborations and the standards to use in environmental impact and risk assessments are recommended

The management of oesophageal soft food bolus obstruction: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION: Oesophageal soft food bolus obstruction (OSFBO) is a surgical emergency. However, no national guidelines exist regarding its management. This paper systematically reviews the literature with respect to the management of OSFBO. METHODS: Relevant studies included were identified from the the Cochrane Library, the National Center for Biotechnology Information and the US National Library of Medicine resources. A systematic review was performed on 8 November 2010. RESULTS: This systematic review of the management of OSFBO shows no evidence that any medical intervention is more effective than a ‘watch and wait’ policy in enabling spontaneous disimpaction. Furthermore, the use of hyoscine butylbromide for OSFBO probably stems from a misquoted textbook. Surgical removal of an OSFBO is effective but not without potential risk. There is some evidence to support surgical intervention within 24 hours to prevent complications deriving from the initial obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for large double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled trials of drugs used in the medical management of OSFBO. Until the results from such trials are available, the treatment of OSFBO will remain based on inconsistent clinical judgement

The management of oesophageal soft food bolus obstruction: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION: Oesophageal soft food bolus obstruction (OSFBO) is a surgical emergency. However, no national guidelines exist regarding its management. This paper systematically reviews the literature with respect to the management of OSFBO. METHODS: Relevant studies included were identified from the the Cochrane Library, the National Center for Biotechnology Information and the US National Library of Medicine resources. A systematic review was performed on 8 November 2010. RESULTS: This systematic review of the management of OSFBO shows no evidence that any medical intervention is more effective than a ‘watch and wait’ policy in enabling spontaneous disimpaction. Furthermore, the use of hyoscine butylbromide for OSFBO probably stems from a misquoted textbook. Surgical removal of an OSFBO is effective but not without potential risk. There is some evidence to support surgical intervention within 24 hours to prevent complications deriving from the initial obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for large double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled trials of drugs used in the medical management of OSFBO. Until the results from such trials are available, the treatment of OSFBO will remain based on inconsistent clinical judgement