The "1"3"1I-labelled monoclonal antibodies 791T/36 and 79IT/36 Fab fragments have been evaluated in the imaging of patients with colorectal cancer, with benign colorectal tumours, and with malignant tumours of other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. The results of clinical imaging have been carefully correlated with clinical findings and direct measurement of the preferential uptake of antibody by the tumours. (UK).
For charged particle irradiations, the response of an imaging plate (IP) changes around the Bragg peak. Therefore, an appropriate compensation is necessary for the evaluation of dose distribution formed by charged particles such as protons. In this paper, the response of IPs to clinical proton beams is investigated. An experimentally-obtained depth-dose distribution (an ordinary Bragg curve) by a silicon semiconductor detector (SSD) is employed to evaluate the compensation factors as a function of proton penetrating depth, i.e. residual range. A typical dose distribution in a water phantom formed by an L-shaped bolus is measured by IPs and corrected by using the information of those compensation factors; the residual proton range is successfully calculated by the pencil beam algorithm at an arbitrary point. The results show a good agreement with the measurements by the SSD within the rms error of 3.0%.
The planned spallation source can be of considerable significance for biomedical basic research and for clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The following gives a brief description and explanations for its possible use in clinical medicine: I. Treatment of Malignant Tumors II. Production of Isotopes for Biochemical Investigations in Living Organisms for Diagnostic Purposes.
To determine the diagnostic accuracy of iofetamine hydrochloride I 123 (IMP) with single photon emission computed tomography in Alzheimer's disease, we studied 58 patients with AD and 15 age-matched healthy control subjects. We used a qualitative method to assess regional IMP uptake in the entire brain and to rate image data sets as normal or abnormal without knowledge of subjects'clinical classification. The sensitivity and specificity of IMP with single photon emission computed tomography in AD were 88% and 87%, respectively. In 15 patients with mild cognitive deficits (Blessed Dementia Scale score, less than or equal to 10), sensitivity was 80%. With the use of a semiquantitative measure of regional cortical IMP uptake, the parietal lobes were the most functionally impaired in AD and the most strongly associated with the patients' Blessed Dementia Scale scores. These results indicated that IMP ...
A new three-dimensional treatment planning system (TPS) based on convolution/superposition algorithms (TMS-Radix from HELAX AB, Uppsala, Sweden) was recently installed at the University Hospital in Lund. The purpose of the present study was to design a quality assurance and acceptance testing programme to meet the specific characteristics of this convolution model. The model is based on parametrization of a non-measurable quantity - the polyenergetic pencil beam. However, the verification of the treatment planning model is still dependent on numerous comparisons of measured depth-doses and dose profiles. The test programme was divided in two basic parts: (i) model implementation and beam data consistency and (ii) model performance and limitations in special situations. The first part was scheduled for all photon beam qualities available before they could be used for clinical treatment planning. The ...
To determine clinical predictors and accuracy of {sup 123}I-FP-CIT SPECT imaging in the differentiation of drug-induced parkinsonism (DIP) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Several clinical features and {sup 123}I-FP-CIT SPECT images in 32 patients with DIP, 25 patients with PD unmasked by antidopaminergic drugs (PDu) and 22 patients with PD without a previous history of antidopaminergic treatment (PDc) were retrospectively evaluated. DIP and PD shared all clinical features except symmetry of parkinsonian signs which was more frequently observed in patients with DIP (46.9%) than in patients with PDu (16.0%, p<0.05) or PDc (4.5%, p<0.01). Qualitatively {sup 123}I-FP-CIT SPECT images were normal in 29 patients with DIP (90.6%) and abnormal in all patients with PD, and this imaging technique showed high levels of accuracy. DIP and PD are ...
PurposeTo report the clinical, ophthalmic, and genetic characteristics for lattice corneal dystrophy type I (LCDI) in a Chilean family.MethodsSix...Full Text Available
Iodized oil has been used as a contrast agent in lymphangiography. One of the commercially available compounds is Lipidol Ultra-fluid(LUF) which contains 38% iodine by weight. Nakakuma et al(1979) reported that LUF was selectively retained in the hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma when injected directly into the ligated hepatic artery. Since that time, it has been widely utilized in the detection as well as the therapeutic attempts of hepatocellular carcinoma, where it has been mixed with chemotherapeutic agents or labeled with radioactive I-131. Like all significant advances, the mechanism of lipid retention within the hepatocellular carcinoma is not clearly understood, and also there is a lack of information about the biodistribution and kinetics of I-131 Lipiodol. The apparent safety of this technique require confirmation. The present study was aimed to assess the biodistribution and kinetics of intraarterially injected ...
Abstract Background Despite the undeniable impact of systemic sclerosis (SS) on quality of life, only a few studies so far have focused on its psychiatric or psychological aspects. We aimed at assessing psychiatric symptoms and self-image in inpatients with SS and comparing them with patients with either a very mild skin condition or a serious skin condition. Methods Three groups were recruited: (i) 38 consecutive female inpatients with SS; (ii) 38 age-matched female outpatients with melanocytic naevi; (iii) 35 age-matched female inpatients with melanoma. All participants completed the Zung Anxiety Scale, the Zung Depression Scale and a self-report questionnaire measuring self-perceived personal qualities. Patients with SS were also clinically interviewed by a psychologist. Results The cli...
The uptake of sup(99m)Tc-methylenediphosphonate (MDP) in different parts of rat femur was simulated using a local three-space model for tracer transfer. The model consisted of bone blood, bone ECF-space and space for tracer deposition. The measured sup(99m)Tc-MDP concentration in the systemic blood and the local bone blood flow measured by /sup 131/I-macroaggregated albumin microspheres were used as input parameters. The measured blood flow values were 6.3, 3.1 and 15.3 ml/100 g/min for proximal, middle and distal femur, respectively. the model parameters that gave the best fit to measured sup(99m)Tc-MDP uptake curves in computer simulation showed that bone blood flow, volume of ECF-space, permeability surface area product and accretion constant from ECF-space to space for tracer deposition were highest in distal and lowest in middle femur. The values corresponded to peak extraction ...
The uptake of sup(99m)Tc-methylenediphosphonate (MDP) in different parts of rat femur was simulated using a local three-space model for tracer transfer. The model consisted of bone blood, bone ECF-space and space for tracer deposition. The measured sup(99m)Tc-MDP concentration in the systemic blood and the local bone blood flow measured by "1"3"1I-macroaggregated albumin microspheres were used as input parameters. The measured blood flow values were 6.3, 3.1 and 15.3 ml/100 g/min for proximal, middle and distal femur, respectively. the model parameters that gave the best fit to measured sup(99m)Tc-MDP uptake curves in computer simulation showed that bone blood flow, volume of ECF-space, permeability surface area product and accretion constant from ECF-space to space for tracer deposition were highest in distal and lowest in middle femur. The values corresponded to peak extraction ...
Within the past decade two important groups of radiopharmaceuticals labelled with /sup 123/I were introduced into the clinical application opening new areas of metabolic studies in nuclear medicine: radioiodinated fatty acids were developed for metabolic studies of the myocardium and radioiodinated amphetamine derivatives were prepared for studying brain diseases by means of SPECT. It must be emphasized that the radiochemical problems with both groups of compounds are practically the same since both are radioiodinated by a nucleophilic substitution mechanism using /sup 123/I directly in its anionic form. The clinical application of brain imaging agents, particularly the one of p-/sup 123/I-iodo-N-isopropylamphetamine, is important and will presumably increase as soon as the details of the individual biochemical steps, which are involved in brain uptake mechanisms, are evaluated. It ...
Purpose/Objective: With the advent of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, the three dimensional representation of the patient anatomy has become an invaluable resource for better diagnosis and delineation of the target volume and sensitive structures in radiation therapy. Although the therapeutic linear accelerator industry has made available highly sophisticated equipment, the aggressiveness in dose prescription and delivery has to be complimented by accurate dose computation methods. We have adopted a convolution/superposition algorithm for the calculation of absolute dose that fully accounts for the external shape and internal structure of the patient for photon treatment radiotherapy. In this paper, we will discuss the principles of the convolution algorithm and we will show how the computed dose compares to clinically relevant treatment techniques. Materials and Methods: A computer controlled data acquisition system and a water tank where used ...
The relationship between malaria transmission intensity and clinical disease is important for predicting the outcome of control measures that reduce transmission. Comparisons of hospital data...Full Text Available
IntroductionThe goal of this study was to identify serum markers that are modulated by treatment with golimumab with or without methotrexate (MTX) and are associated with clinical...Full Text Available
Purpose:The goal of this study was to use two separate databases to evaluate the clinical outcomes and the economic impact of adherence to Level I Pathways, an evidence-based oncology...Full Text Available
The variations of measurements were estimated for microamounts SO_4"2"-, Br"-, I"- ions in samples of carnallite by ionchromatography method. The composition of carbonate eluent was verified. The investigated minima were about 0,004 %, 0,001 %, 0,01 % for SO_4"2"-, Br"-, I"- completively correspondingly. It was shown that the limit of ion-chromatography measurement would be decreased when Br"- and I"- ions were concentrated by extraction before. Besides the determination of I"- ion in carnallite was preformed by potentiometry with I"--ionselective electrode. 6 refs.; 3 tabs.
Immunoassays are versatile analytical techniques that had a leading role in various clinical applications, during the last four decades. The studies carried out by Rosalyn Yalow, Solomon Berson and Roger Ekins in the 1960s gave a breakthrough in the development of this novel analytical method. Sensitivity up to femtomolar concentrations, high specificity and universal application to different classes of molecular species made immunoassay a very useful tool in analytical investigation. The expertise acquired by immunochemists in producing antibodies against any antigen and the ability of radiochemists in labeling the antigens with "1"2"5I without affecting the active site are the two main factors responsible for the above development. There are concerns about the safety and health of humans due to the high-level contamination of environment by pesticides, industrial compounds and metals, anabolic steroids in milk and meat products, and presence ...
BackgroundAlthough self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) insertion is widely used for relief of malignant colorectal obstructions, the immediate technical and clinical failure rates of SEMSs and the associated risk factors remain largely unknown. ObjectiveTo identify rates and factors predictive of technical and clinical failure of SEMSs when their use is attempted for the decompression of malignant colorectal obstruction. DesignRetrospective chart review. SettingA tertiary-care academic medical center in South Korea. PatientsThis study involved a total of 412 patients with malignant colorectal obstruction in whom SEMS insertion was attempted. InterventionPlacement of colonic SEMSs. Main Outcome MeasurementsTechnical success and immediate and long-term clinical success rates. ResultsTechnical...
BackgroundThe use of measurement tools is an essential part of good evidence-based practice; however, physiotherapists (PTs) are not always confident when selecting, administering,...Full Text Available
BackgroundControversy exists about how to effectively measure patient reported outcomes in IBS clinical trials. Pain numeric rating scales (NRS) are widely used in...Full Text Available
BackgroundProspective measures of high knee abduction moment during landing identify female athletes at high risk for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury....Full Text Available
BackgroundKinematic and kinetic measurements used in laboratory settings can quantify upper extremity movement impairment following stroke, but their relationship...Full Text Available
The measurements of the L X-ray intensity ratio I(L?)/I(L?), I(L?)/I(L?), I(L?)/I(L?), I(L?)/I(L?) and I(L?)/I(L?) for elements Dy, Ho, Yb, W, Hg, Tl and Pb were experimentally determined both by photon excitation, in which 59.5 keV ?-rays from a filtered radioisotope 241Am was used, and by the radioactive decay of 160Tb, 160Er, 173Lu, 182Re, 201Tl, 203Pb and 207Bi. L X-rays emitted by samples were counted by a Si(Li) detector with resolution 160 eV at 5.9 keV. Obtained values were compared with the calculated theoretical values. Theoretical values of the I(L?/L?), I(L?/L?), I(L?/L?), I(L?/L?) and I(L?/L?) intensity ratios were calculated using theoretically tabulated values of subshell photoionization cross-section, fluorescence yield, fractional X-ray ...
In this article is reviewed the role of Computed Tomography (CT) in thoracic complications following ortho topic liver transplantation (OLT). In a post-OLT population of 567 patients transplanted in the Italian institutions, 100 patients (17.6%) were examined with chest CT. It was reviewed data relative to the total number of examinations, clinical and/or radiographic indications, the CT technique-i.e., conventional (with (out) intravenous, i.v., contrast material) or high-resolution (HRCT). It also reviewed the radiologic patterns and their correlation with the other clinical, bronchoscopic and/or laboratory results. Of 152 chest CT examinations, 45 (29.6%) were performed because of clinical indications, 31 (20.4%) because of a radiographic abnormality, 64 (42.1%) because of clinical and radiographic abnormality, 64 (42.1%) because of ...
In consistency with the increasing requests from Member States for establishing radiotherapy programmes, an IAEA Technical Co-operation project was initiated in Latin America aimed at improving the physical aspects (as a complement to the clinical issues) of quality assurance in radiotherapy; this ARCAL XXX project (RLA/6/032) was classified as a Model Project of the IAEA. Among the important outcomes of the project were (i) the training of a considerable number of medical physicists in hospitals of the region, (ii) the development of a protocol for quality control procedures, and (iii) the organization of quality audit site visits (to the participant countries) where the implementation in hospitals of the developed quality control procedures is verified. The present publication is the protocol for quality control of the physical aspects of radiotherapy. It contains detailed procedures on what should be measured by a ...
We investigated a method of analyzing the hemodynamics of the lung mass by contrast enhanced dynamic computed tomography (dynamic CT) to determine the difference in vascular supply between the pulmonary artery and bronchial artery using an experimental model. Our experimental model consisted of two injectors connected to two tubes, representing the pulmonary artery and bronchial artery, which were further connected to a chamber representing the lung mass. Following infusion of contrast medium into each tube with some delay time, dynamic CT scans were performed to obtain time density curves of the two tubes and the chamber. Using the time-density curve of contrast passage, flow rates from the two tubes into the chamber were calculated by the curve fitting method. Calculated values correlated well with the adopted flow rates of fluid from the injectors (r=0.893) in the experiment. The results indicate our method of individually measuring flow rates of dual-input ...
We investigated a method of analyzing the hemodynamics of the lung mass by contrast enhanced dynamic computed tomography (dynamic CT) to determine the difference in vascular supply between the pulmonary artery and bronchial artery using an experimental model. Our experimental model consisted of two injectors connected to two tubes, representing the pulmonary artery and bronchial artery, which were further connected to a chamber representing the lung mass. Following infusion of contrast medium into each tube with some delay time, dynamic CT scans were performed to obtain time density curves of the two tubes and the chamber. Using the time-density curve of contrast passage, flow rates from the two tubes into the chamber were calculated by the curve fitting method. Calculated values correlated well with the adopted flow rates of fluid from the injectors (r=0.893) in the experiment. The results indicate our method of individually measuring flow rates of dual-input ...
Bone radiotracer uptake in renal osteodystrophy was investigated in 35 dialysis patients by correlating the results of quantitative bone scintigraphy with those of biochemical and bone morphometric studies. There were highly significant correlations (P < 0.001) between the total skeletal activity and the biochemical (iPTH and alkaline phosphatase), and histologic parameters of hyperparathyroidism. These clinical results strongly suggest that increased bone turnover i.e. hyperparathyroidism, rather than osteomalacia is the major cause of increased skeletal uptake in renal osteodystrophy.
... i3a. ... gives performance measurements for various benchmarks, and compares the performance of Harp with the standard implementation of NFS in ...
Pionier-I is a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) of the Darrieus-type with a diameter of 15 m. In the month of September 1983 performance and efficiency were measured. Measurements were done with constant rotational speed and with constant tip speed ratio. For the calculation of the possible (theoretical) output of electric power an anemometer was present. Measurement results are conditioned to one digital signal and processed by a microcomputer (Apple II). It becomes evident that the yearly energy output of the Pionier-I is quite well comparable with that of a horizontal axis turbine with the same diameter.
The accuracy of dose computation within the lungs depends strongly on the performance of the calculation algorithm in regions of electronic disequilibrium that arise near tissue inhomogeneities with large density variations. There is a lack of data evaluating the performance of highly developed analytical dose calculation algorithms compared to Monte Carlo computations in a clinical setting. We compared full Monte Carlo calculations (performed by our Monte Carlo dose engine MCDE) with two different commercial convolution/superposition (CS) implementations (Pinnacle-CS and Helax-TMS's collapsed cone model Helax-CC) and one pencil beam algorithm (Helax-TMS's pencil beam model Helax-PB) for 10 intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) lung cancer patients. Treatment plans were created for two photon beam qualities (6 and 18 MV). For each dose calculation algorithm, patient, and beam quality, the following set of clinically relevant dose-volume ...
HT-29 human colon tumor cells growing as spheroids have been evaluated as a model system for measuring the response of human colon tumor cell to antineoplastic agents. HT-29 cells have been capacity to form spheroids up to 1 mm or more in diameter when grown in spinner culture. The multicellular HT-29 spheroids develop hypoxic centers reflecting the cellular conditions found in human cancer treatment, i.e., nutritionally deficient hypoxic cells that are felt to be a significant source of both radiation and chemotherapy clinical treatment failures. Spheroids of increasing size were radiated and then dispersed into single cells for colony survival assay. Compared with irradiated single cell suspensions, the spheroid cells demonstrated a significant increase in radioresistance. Growing spheroids developed a complex radiation survival curve which was variable with respect to size of the spheroid. The drug 5-Fu was studied to ...
The Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA) is a new pencil beam convolution/superposition algorithm proposed by Varian for photon dose calculations. The configuration of AAA depends on linear accelerator design and specifications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of AAA for an Elekta SL25 linear accelerator for small fields and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatments in inhomogeneous media. The accuracy of AAA was evaluated in two studies. First, AAA was compared both with Monte Carlo (MC) and the measurements in an inhomogeneous phantom simulating lung equivalent tissues and bone ribs. The algorithm was tested under lateral electronic disequilibrium conditions, using small fields (2x2 cm"2). Good agreement was generally achieved for depth dose and profiles, with deviations generally below 3% in lung inhomogeneities and below 5% at interfaces. However, the effects of attenuation and scattering close to the bone ribs were not ...
Purpose: To evaluate MR imaging of the hip in patients with a clinically suspected impacted fracture of the femoral neck in cases where conventional plain films show negative or equivocal findings. Material and Methods: Twenty-seven such patients were prospectively examined by MR imaging with a 1.0 T unit, within 24 hours of admittance to hospital. A coronal T1-weighted turbo spin-echo sequence (n=27), and a coronal STIR sequence (n=25) or a coronal T2-weighted turbo spin-echo fast saturation sequence (n=2) were used. The evaluations were made by 2 radiologists with experience in musculoskeletal radiology. Results: There were 6 patients with a petrochanteric fracture, 2 without and 4 with slight displacement. Five patients had an impacted fracture of the femoral neck, and 3 had a fracture of the superior pubic bone. Of 2 patients with advanced arthrosis, i had an impacted femoral neck fracture and the other a nondisplaced intertrochanteric ...
The usefulness and clinical applicability of computed radiography(FCR) in X-ray examination of the stomach were evaluated in comparison with film-screen (FS) radiography by both phantom experiments and clinical studies. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis consisting of 25 normal and 25 artificially created simulated lesions on an orginally created Styrofoam phantom showed no difference in lesion detectability between FCR and FS radiography. Both were also equal in evaluation of the internal structure and margin of the 25 lesions by visual ranking. ROC curve analysis of clinical cases was performed in 30 cases, 20 normal and 10 abnormal, while evaluation by visual ranking was performed on 18 lesions. There was no significant difference between FCR and FS radiography either with ROC curve analysis or visual ranking, although the variations were somewhat greater in the clinical cases ...
The usefulness and clinical applicability of computed radiography(FCR) in X-ray examination of the stomach were evaluated in comparison with film-screen (FS) radiography by both phantom experiments and clinical studies. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis consisting of 25 normal and 25 artificially created simulated lesions on an orginally created Styrofoam phantom showed no difference in lesion detectability between FCR and FS radiography. Both were also equal in evaluation of the internal structure and margin of the 25 lesions by visual ranking. ROC curve analysis of clinical cases was performed in 30 cases, 20 normal and 10 abnormal, while evaluation by visual ranking was performed on 18 lesions. There was no significant difference between FCR and FS radiography either with ROC curve analysis or visual ranking, although the variations were somewhat greater in the clinical cases ...
Iofetamine HCI {sup 123}I is the generic name for the hydrochloride salt of N-isopropyl-p-iodoamphetamine labeled with {sup 123}I, commonly called IMP. Iofetamine HCI {sup 123}I is prepared by isotopic exchange with [{sup 123}I]Nal and is formulated in isotonic aqueous NaCl solution containing 1 mCi/ml iofetamine HCI I 123, 0.15 mg/ml iofetamine HCI carrier, and phosphate buffer for pH control. The radiochemical purity is >97%, and the product is stable for more than 24 hours; the commercial product distributed today is prepared with high purity {sup 123}I with >98% radionuclidic purity. Two radioiodinated agents have seen significant clinical application for functional brain imaging: iofetamine HCI (IMP) (1) and N,N,N{prime}-trimethyl-N{prime}-(2-hydroxy-3-methyl-5-iodobenzyl)-1,3-propanediamine HIPDM (2). lofetamine HCI {sup ...
Calculations of dose per monitor unit (D∕MU) are required in addition to measurements to increase patient safety in the clinical practice of proton radiotherapy. As in conventional photon and...Full Text Available
ObjectiveTo measure self-reported physical and mental functioning and associated clinical features at study entry in 3 ethnic groups with systemic sclerosis (SSc).Full Text Available
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the leading cause of lower urinary tract symptoms among the aging male population. Epidemiological, pathophysiological and clinical studies indicate that...Full Text Available
Brachytherapy refers to short distance treatment of cancer with radiation from small, encapsulated radionuclide sources. This type of treatment is given by placing sources directly into or near the volume to be treated. The dose is then delivered continuously, either over a short period of time (temporary implants) or over the lifetime of the source to a complete decay (permanent implants). This technique is extensively used in the treatments of gynecological, breast, prostate, head and neck, and other soft tissue cancers. The clinical outcomes of this treatment depend on accurate dosimetry and dose delivery. The patient is generally considered to be water equivalent. So the treatment planning system software generally is based on measured or calculated dose distributions in homogenous water medium. In real situation, the treatment volume is not homogenous water medium, but it is a heterogeneous medium consisting of bone, soft tissue, lung, air ...
Macrocephaly was defined as a head measuring larger than 98th percentile. We have evaluated CT findings and head growth curves in 25 infants with large heads. Ten (40%) of 25 infants with large heads were normal developmentally and neurologically. Five (20%) of those were mentally retarded. The other 10 infants (40%) included hydrocephalus (4 cases), malformation syndrome (3 cases), brain tumor (1 case), metabolic disorder (1 case) and degenerative disorder (1 case). Their head growth curves were typed as (I), (II) and (III): Type (I) (excessive head growth curve to 2 SDs above normal); Type (II) (head growth curve gradually approached to 2 SDs above normal); Type (III) (head growth curve parallel to 2 SDs above normal). Ten of macrocephaly with normal psychomotor development were studied clinically and radiologically in details. They were all male. CT pictures of those showed normal or various abnormal ...
Lebers hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), the most frequent mitochondrial disorder, is mostly due to three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in respiratory chain complex I subunit genes: 3460/ND1, 11778/ND4 and 14484/ND6. Despite considerable clinical evidences, a genetic modifying role of the mtDNA haplogroup background in the clinical expression of LHON remains experimentally unproven. We investigated the effect of mtDNA haplogroups on the assembly of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes in transmitochondrial hybrids (cybrids) harboring the three common LHON mutations. The steady-state levels of respiratory chain complexes appeared normal in mutant cybrids. However, an accumulation of low molecular weight subcomplexes suggested a complex I assembly/stability defect, which was ...
The main facets of professor N.I. Pirogov's professional activity are outlined. Forensic medicine (in the first place its organizational and practical aspects) was an integral component of his scientific and clinical work, along with applied anatomy and surgery. Landmark publications of N.I. Pirogov are listed with special reference to those concerned with forensic medical expertise of medical malpractice cases, postmortem inspection and intravital examination procedures, wound ballistics studies, the atlas of forensic pathology, etc. The surgeon and anatomist N.I. Pirogov can be justly regarded as a founder of forensic medicine in this country. PMID:21866839
The photoelectric absorption index, I/sub Pe/, is accepted as an accurate measurement for the description of formation lithology. The measuredI/sub Pe/ has been shown to deviate slightly for a given lithology because of the effects of porosity. Properly calibrated and measuredI/sub Pe/'s, however, have been observed to deviate from predicted values in practice, even considering the influence of porosity. Such departures were traced to variations in borehole size and tool standoff. The nature of the physical method of recording an I/sub Pe/ does not ensure independence from the influence of the borehole environment. A series of laboratory experiments has been conducted in test formations to verify and to characterize the influence of borehole size, mudcake, and standoff on I/sub Pe/ ...
We describe the architecture of LifeCode® (A-Life Medical, Inc.), a natural language processing system for free-text clinical information extraction, our methodology in applying LifeCode®...Full Text Available
PurposeTo describe clinical data and to characterize mutations in the transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFBI) gene in patients from three unrelated Chilean...Full Text Available
This book contains 18 selections. Some of the titles are: Labelling of amphetamines with /sup 123/I: Receptors for amphetamines; New amphetamine derivatives; Potential new approaches for the development of brain imaging agents for single-photon applications; and IM SPECT with the pinhole collimator.
This book contains 18 selections. Some of the titles are: Labelling of amphetamines with /sup 123/I: Receptors for amphetamines; New amphetamine derivatives; Potential new approaches for the development of brain imaging agents for single-photon applications; and IM SPECT with the pinhole collimator.
Measurement results are interpreted as (sets of) values attributed to measurands, i.e., quantities (intended to be measured), i.e., properties (having a magnitude that can be expressed as a number and a reference). This relatively simple conceptual structure hides some important issues for measurement science, that the lecture will tentatively explore with a systematic reference to the International vocabulary of metrology - Basic and general concepts and associated terms (VIM) and its possible future developments.
Nov 8, 2010 ... Ihring Mission 11, the radiation dosimetry measurement system functioned normally and provided data on the Earth's trapped radiation belts ...
... of a secondary standard (VCO) locally available. ... phase of the local secondary standards to the 10-min average of the phase of ... I3a - - \\.-e-~--. ...
... 1 I3a TYPE OF REPORT 1 3b TIME COVERED ... Measured by this standard the system provides good results; it ... did not fully meet all the standards or ...
The longest range weak pion-nucleon coupling constant, h1/<i>n> is important for nuclear parity violation. However, after considerable effort in the past two decades, its value is still poorly known largely due to many-body theoretical uncertainties. Prospects of a new measurement of h1/<i>n> in a theoretically clean process are presented. A measurement of the parity-violating asymmetry in pion photoproduction off the proton is related to h1/<i>n> in a low-energy theorem for the photon polarization asymmetry at threshold in the chiral limit. At present two completed experiments - photon circular polarization for 18F and the anapole moment of 133Cs - have ...
The tissue distribution of "1"3"1I-transferrin ("1"3"1I-Tf) was studied in athymic nude mice having s.c. human colonic adenocarcinoma HT-29 xenografts. Four days after "1"3"1I-Tf injection, the "1"3"1I specific activity measured in the HT-29 tumor, i.e. amount of radioactivity per gram of fresh tissue, represented 0.31 #+-# 0.09% of the injected radioactivity and was 1.90 fold more than that measured in the murine colon (P < 0.05). After correction for intravascular "1"3"1I-Tf as estimated by mean of "9"9"mTc-Sn in vivo labeling of red blood cells, the "1"3"1I specific activity observed in the HT-29 tumor was 7.21 fold more than that observed in the murine colon. This subtracting method enabled us to localize a HT-29 tumor xenograft by #gamma# scintigraphy of the entire animal and demonstrated ...
The measurement of thyroidal uptake of radioiodine using a gamma camera and computer is described. In 12 children there was good agreement with simultaneous measurements using a probe, while in a further 14 patients the uptake values were consistent with the clinical diagnosis. The technique should be especially useful for infants and small children.
The measurements of the L X-ray intensity ratio I(L{alpha})/I(L{beta}), I(L{alpha})/I(L{gamma}), I(L{alpha})/I(L{iota}), I(L{beta})/I(L{gamma}) and I(L{iota})/I(L{gamma}) for elements Dy, Ho, Yb, W, Hg, Tl and Pb were experimentally determined both by photon excitation, in which 59.5 keV {gamma}-rays from a filtered radioisotope {sup 241}Am was used, and by the radioactive decay of {sup 160}Tb, {sup 160}Er, {sup 173}Lu, {sup 182}Re, {sup 201}Tl, {sup 203}Pb and {sup 207}Bi. L X-rays emitted by samples were counted by a Si(Li) detector with resolution 160 eV at 5.9 keV. Obtained values were compared with the calculated theoretical values. Theoretical values of the I(L{alpha}/L{beta}), I(L{alpha}/L{gamma}), I(L{alpha}/L{iota}), I(L{beta}/L{gamma}) and ...
Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic QDR-1000) was used to quantitatively analyze the diagnosis and prevention of osteoporosis. The peak bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine appeared in normal men in their twenties and in normal women in their thirties. There was acceleration of bone loss in the 50 to 60 year age bracket (premenopause and postmenopause) in normal women. On the contrary, the peak BMD of the femoral neck in normal men and women appeared in their twenties after which it decreased slightly with age. Comparison showed that the femoral neck BMD of normal women was lower than that of men throughout all ages. The fracture threshold, 0.756 g/cm[sup 2] for the spine, was obtained by scanning 73 females with spinal fractures, the mean BMDs for L2-L4 at the 90th percentile level were used as the fracture threshold. The fracture threshold of femoral neck fracture was the femoral proximal BMD of the 9th decile. Classification by the Public Welfare Silver Science ...
Radioiodinated 15-(p-iodophenyl)-3,3-dimethylpentadecanoic acid (DMIPP) has been prepared as a new terminal iodophenyl-substituted fatty acid containing dimethyl-branching at the beta-position. Iodine-125-labeled DMIPP showed rapid, high myocardial uptake (min, mean % injected dose/g) in fasted rats (5, 4.67; 30, 5.06; 60, 4.79; 120, 4.37), and also exhibited high heart:blood ratios (min, ratio) 5, 3:1; 30, 12:1; 60, 12:1; 120, 13:1. These data demonstrate an unanticipated much longer myocardial residence time with DMIPP (+/sub 1/2/ 7-8 h) than observed with either the 3-monomethyl (BMIPP) analogue (+/sub 1/2/ 30-45 min) or the rapidly metabolized straight-chain (IPP) analogue (+/sub 1/2/ 10-15 min). The (/sup 123/I)DMIPP is thus an excellent candidate for clinical evaluation of regional fatty acid metabolism under conditions where the uptake of energy substrates can be assessed independent of regional blood delivery. Studies with the new ...
In clinical applications, it is very important to accurately determine the range of a proton beam in a patient. Recently, a prototype prompt-gamma scanning system, called a prompt-gamma scanner (PGS), has been constructed at Hanyang University in Korea with the collaboration of the Korean national cancer center (NCC), based on a series of Monte Carlo simulations. The PGS system is composed of a prompt-gamma collimator, a CsI(Tl) scintillation detector, a multi-channel analyzer (MCA), a precision movement system, and an integrated readout system. The prompt-gamma collimator is designed to effectively shield high-energy neutrons from the proton beam passage and subsequent capture gammas. The PGS system can be used to scan the distribution of the prompt gammas in the patient from the proton beam passage. The distribution of the prompt gammas can then be used to determine the proton beam range or the distal dose edge in the patient. In this study, ...
Involvement of the dopaminergic system has been suggested in patients suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) since the symptoms can be successfully treated with methylphenidate, a potent blocker of the dopamine transporter (DAT). This study reports the findings on the status of the DAT in adults with ADHD before and after commencement of treatment with methylphenidate, as measured using [{sup 99m}Tc]TRODAT-1. Seventeen patients (seven males, ten females, aged 21-64 years, mean 38 years) were examined before and after the initiation of methylphenidate treatment (3 x 5 mg/day). All subjects were injected with 800 MBq [{sup 99m}Tc]TRODAT-1 and imaged 3 h p.i. Single-photon emission tomography (SPET) scans were acquired using a triple-headed gamma camera. For semi-quantitative evaluation of the DAT, transverse slices corrected for attenuation were used to calculate specific binding in the striatum, with the cerebellum used ...
The spectre of exclusionary medical service provision, restricted clinic access and physician targeting in sectarian-divided Iraq underscores the crucial and timely need for qualitative research into the inter-relationship between conflict, identity and health. In response, this paper provides a critical ethnography of obstetric service provision and patient access during Shia-Sunni hostilities in Gilgit Town, capital of Pakistans Northern Areas (2005). I analyse how services were embedded in and constrained by sectarian affiliation in ways that detrimentally impacted Sunni women patients and hospital staff, resulting in profoundly diminished clinic access, reduced physician coverage and a higher observed incidence of maternal morbidity and mortality. The paper first situates obstetric med...
BACKGROUNDLifestyle modifications are successfully employed to treat obese and overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aims of the current pilot study were (i) to compare the efficacy on reproductive functions of a structured exercise training (SET) programme with a diet programme in obese PCOS patients and (ii) to study their clinical, hormonal and metabolic effects to elucidate potentially different mechanisms of action.METHODSForty obese PCOS patients with anovulatory infertility underwent a SET programme (SET group, n = 20) and a hypocaloric hyperproteic diet (diet group, n = 20). Clinical, hormonal and metabolic data were assessed at baseline, and at 12- and 24-week follow-ups. Primary endpoint was cumulative pregnancy rate.RESULTSThe two groups had similar demogra...
Spondylarthritides (SpA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are idiopathic, chronic inflammatory disorders. Although they are very distinct and well-defined entities, there is clinical and genetic evidence supporting some degree of overlap between the pathogenesis of the two. Subclinical gut inflammation is present in up to two thirds of all SpA patients and can evolve into IBD. This subclinical gut inflammation has been shown to be strongly associated with joint inflammation, providing a clue for a common pathophysiologic background. Despite extensive research progress in the field over the past few years, many questions remain unanswered. In this paper, we focus on the clinical, genetic, and pathophysiologic overlap of SpA and IBD. Furthermore, we discuss some of the targets that may i...
SummaryBackgroundCandida albicans is one of the most important etiologic agents causing superficial and deep fungal infections. For prevention of candidiasis, it is important to develop a rapid system that discriminates C. albicans at the strain level.ObjectiveTo develop a system that can identify C. albicans at the strain level.MethodsGenomic DNAs were purified from 179 clinical isolates of C. albicans, and were used as templates for PCR amplification of 25S rDNA and ALT repeats in repetitive sequences (RPSs). PCR products generated from ALT repeats were digested with EcoRI and/or ClaI in order to study the relationships between restriction profiles and amplification profiles.ResultsOne hundred and seventy nine clinical isolates were grouped into genotypes A (92 isolates), B (38 isolates)...
Without administrative terminologies there is no revenue to manage. The use of healthcare IT to capture the codes for administrative and financial support functions will impact the revenue cycle and the management of it. This is presumed to occur because clinical data coded at the point of care becomes the source for claims data. Thus, as electronic health record system applications utilizing terminologies are implemented, healthcare providers need to systematically consider the effect on the coding function and management of the revenue cycle. A key factor is the sequence of events changes, i.e., instead of a health information management professional selecting billing codes at the conclusion of an encounter based on the review of the record, clinical data generates the claims data via mapping. Efficiencies and management challenges result. PMID:19267004
Absorption spectra of the visible I_2 band of I_2 complexes with Et_2O, Et_2S, and Et_2Se in heptane have been measured up to 3300 bar at 25"0C. The equilibrium constants and volume changes accompanying complex formation, the molar extinction coefficients and the absorption maxima have been estimated. The volume changes were found comparable with those estimated from the X-ray data of the I_2 complexes in the crystalline state. The enhancement of the molar extinction coefficient and the blue shift of the visible I_2 band with increasing pressure have been established. The results suggest a decrease in the bond distance between an n-donor and I_2, compared with the spectroscopic properties of the I_2 complex at 1 bar. The decrease has been estimated as 0.008 nm with increasing pressure up to 3300 bar. (author).
The ion mobilities of |"2"1"1At|At(I) in dependence on thiourea (tu) concentration, iodide concentration and a mixture of both ligands were measured by the electromigration method in free electrolytes. An equilibrium model was developed for the characterization of electromigration curves which permitted the calculation of stability constants and ion mobilities of the complexes |AtI|, |AtI_2|"-, |Attu|"+, |Attu_2|"+ and |AtItu| existing in these solutions. Ethanol and water served as solvents. The temperature was 298 K and the ionic strength was about 0.05 mol/dm"3. (author) 16 refs.; 2 figs.
Additional results using a calorimetric technique for measuring the total hemispherical emittance of pipe surfaces from 400 to 600 K are described. Two different Pyrex pipe enclosures were used, one of 15 cm i.d. and the other of 30 cm i.d. An error analysis showed that the larger diameter Pyrex pipe should have a smaller error, but the difference was negligible for the 4.4-cm test pipe diameter used. Measurements on a short length of a previously-measured pipe agreed with earlier measurements, but only over the temperature range of the measurements. While the technique normally uses a vacuum to minimize nonradiative heat transfer, measurements were done succesfully with an argon atmosphere in a closed system. A nickel-plated pipe, measured first in a vacuum and then in an argon atmosphere, allowed ...
In the case of total skin electron therapy without the beam guide, the electron beam is scattered just outside the gantry exit, dose uniformity in the field is broken, and dose is spread outside the light field. The aims of this study were to measure the mean energy of the off-axis incident electron beam without the beam guide and to establish a reference for the clinical situation. For the measurement, a 4 MeV electron beam was selected among several energies from the linear accelerator. A scintillating fiber beam energy monitor measured the mean energy of the incident electron beam. This energy monitor is a small, light-weight piece of equipment composed of a wedge absorber, scintillation fiber, and photodiode. We found the relationship between electron energy and the indicated value of the energy monitor by means of the estimation of correction factors for five different kinds of electron energy. The ...
The diffusion of ion beam injected self-interstitials (I) and their interaction with impurities in crystalline Si has been investigated and modeled. In particular, the I-substitutional carbon (C) interactions have been studied, using a molecular-beam-epitaxy grown Si{sub 1-y}C{sub y} layer interposed between the shallow I-source and a deeper B-spike (marker for I-concentration). Substitutional C atoms are shown to trap I's, to be removed from their substitutional sites, and to form stable precipitates into the C-rich region. The I-trapping mechanism was quantitatively studied by a simulation code. The reactions causing trapping and deactivation are described. In addition, the boron markers approach was extended to the two dimensional (2D) diffusion. High resolution scanning capacitance microscopy was used for quantitative ...
The diffusion of ion beam injected self-interstitials (I) and their interaction with impurities in crystalline Si has been investigated and modeled. In particular, the I-substitutional carbon (C) interactions have been studied, using a molecular-beam-epitaxy grown Si_1_-_yC_y layer interposed between the shallow I-source and a deeper B-spike (marker for I-concentration). Substitutional C atoms are shown to trap I's, to be removed from their substitutional sites, and to form stable precipitates into the C-rich region. The I-trapping mechanism was quantitatively studied by a simulation code. The reactions causing trapping and deactivation are described. In addition, the boron markers approach was extended to the two dimensional (2D) diffusion. High resolution scanning capacitance microscopy was used for quantitative measurements of the 2D ...
The quality insurance in radiotherapy in the frame of highly complex technical process as Intensity modulated radiotherapy (I.M.R.T.) needs independent control of the delivered dose to the patient. Actually, up to now, most of the radiotherapy treatments rely only on computed dosimetry through a rather complicated series of linked simulation tool. This dosimetry approach requires also qualified treatment means based on cautious quality insurance procedures. However, erroneous parameters could be difficult to detect and systematical errors could happen leading to radiotherapy accidents. In this context, in vivo dosimetry has a critical role of final control of the delivered dose. As many beam incidences and ports are used for any photon therapy treatment, external control could be very tedious and time consuming. Therefore, innovations are needed for in vivo dosimetry to provide ergonomic and efficient tools for these controls. This paper presents a review of ...
Eighty-seven subtraction images of FCR were compared with subtraction images of conventional angiography. Although FCR images with reduced exposure dose (25 % of regular dose) and with diluted contrast material (150 mgI/ml, 50 % of usual concentration) were slightly inferior to the images of conventional angiography, most clinically important vessels were adequately visualized. As FCR has wider dynamic range and higher contrast resolution than conventional angiography, FCR may take over conventional angiography. (author).
Purpose. To evaluate injection-associated pain, safety, and efficacy with the isotonic contrast medium iodixanol (Visipaque 270 mg I/ml) compared with iopromide (Ultravist 300 mg I/ml) in femoral arteriography. Methods. A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group clinical investigation was carried out in 54 hospitals in Europe. Of the patients evaluated, 1225 received iodixanol and 1227 iopromide in conventional and/or digital subtraction angiography. Results. The iodixanol group reported statistically significantly less injection-associated pain (0.9%) than the iopromide group (9.5%) (p<0.001). Further, 4.1% in the iodixanol group experienced pain and/or severe heat sensation vs 19.8% in the iopromide group (p<0.001). In the iodixanol group, 1.8% of the patients experienced contrast-related adverse events vs 2.4% in the iopromide group (p=NS). Overall diagnostic information was optimal for 94.1% in the ...
Iopentol (350 mg I/ml) has been compared with iohixol (350 mg I/ml) in a double-blind randomized parallel group trial with 32 and 35 patients receiving iopentol and iohexol, respectively. Coronary angiography and left ventriculography were performed, and the mean total volume injected was 124 ml of iopentol and 135 ml of iohexol . There were no statistically significant differences regarding changes in heart rate and frequency of adverse advents, which were the primary parameters, between the two groups of patients. Blood pressure and ECG parameters revealed only minor fluctuations which were of no clinical relevance. The visualization of the coronary arteries and the left ventricle were the same with both contrast media, as was the diagnostic quality. The results support the use of iopentol in cardioangiography. (author). 1 ref.; 5 tabs.
This three-part article describes the early years of one of the mother-baby-children groups of the Project for Mothers, Infants, and Young Children of September 11, 2001. The goal of the group was to help prevent the effects of trauma and loss from disrupting the relationships among the mothers, their infants, and growing children. View I by Anni Bergman describes the mothers' states of minds as the group began, when they felt that their worlds had collapsed under them. View II by Sally Moskowitz focuses on the clinical experience of working in the group, transference and countertransference themes, helping the mothers and children with their mourning process, and helping the mothers' relationships to each other, their babies, older children, family, and friends. The evolution of a casual,...
[sup 123]I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy was performed in 20 diabetic patients (NIDDM) and 8 control subjects to investigate the association between clinical autonomic nerve dysfunction and myocardial accumulation of MIBG. We used coefficient variance of R-R interval (CV[sub R-R]) as a index of the autonomic neuropathy and categorized diabetes into two groups (CV[sub R-R][>=]2.0: non-autonomic neuropathy. CV[sub R-R]<2.0: autonomic neuropathy). In planar imaging studies, heart to mediastinum MIBG uptake ratio (H/M) was calculated on both early and delayed images. The washout ratio of [sup 123]I-MIBG in the heart (%WR) was also obtained using myocardial tracer activity on the both images. Mean value of these indices in diabetic group did not reveal any significant difference with the value in the control group. On the SPECT images, low uptake was observed in the posterior-inferior wall with ...
The L-shell x-ray intensity ratios I(L_#beta#)/I(L_#alpha#) and I(L_#gamma#)/I(L_a_l_p_h_a) for elements with 73 #<=# Z #<=# 83 have been measured at photon incident energies of 17.8, 25.8 and 46.9 keV. The emitted x-rays were measured with a Si(Li) detector system. The results for Re, Pt and Tl are being reported for the first time. A comparison is made of the experimental results with the calculated values obtained by using the theoretical x-ray emission rates, subshell ionisation cross sections, subshell fluorescence yields and Coster-Kronig transition probabilities. The experimental results are in reasonable agreement with the theoretical values. (author).
Antibodies to human native and denatured types I, II, III, IV, and V collagens were measured using 125I-radioimmunoassay. Mean levels of binding by sera from 30 rheumatoid arthritis patients were significantly higher than those from 20 normal subjects against all of the collagens tested. The relative antibody concentration was higher in synovial fluid than in simultaneously obtained serum. Many patients with gout or various other rheumatic diseases also had detectable anticollagen antibodies. With a few notable exceptions, the majority of the reactivity detected in all patient groups was directed against covalent structural determinants present on all of the denatured collagens, suggesting a secondary reaction to tissue injury.
Molar excess volumes, VE and molar excess enthalpies, HE of 1,3-dioxolane (D) (i) + propan-1-ol, 1,3-dioxolane (i) + butan-1-ol and 1,3-dioxolane (i) + butan-2-ol (j) binary mixtures have been measured as a function of composition at 308.15 K. The analysis of VE data by graph, theoretical approach reveals that while propan-1-ol, butan-1-ol exist as associated entities in the pure state; 1,3-dioxolane and butanol exist as monomers in their pure state. These (i+j) binary mixtures are characterized by interactions between ethereal oxygen atom of D(i) and hydrogen atom of alkanols. The IR studies lend additional support to the proposed structure of molecular entitles in these mixtures. The energetics of the mixtures have also been studied.
The most common causes of omental sac collections (OSC) are necrotic pancreatitis (90%) and pancreatic trauma (10%). Acute OSC is a form of local peritonitis in acute pancreatitis, subacute OSC are caused by internal pancreatic fistulas. The clinical and radiological signs, enzymatic activity of the exudate, morphological features of peritonitis were investigated. Treatment of acute OSC included conservative measures, of subacute OSC-surgical procedures. PMID:9163152
The radiation dose to a series of adult and paediatric patients undergoing cardiac catheterisations and adults having percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty has been measured/determined directly using lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosemeters and indirectly using an air ionisation chamber which indicated exposure-area product. Somatic and genetic risks are estimated from the dosimetry results. It is suggested that the magnitude of the radiation hazard is negligible compared with other clinical hazards associated with these procedures. (author).
Helical tomotherapy presented many unique dosimetric challenges and solutions during the initial commissioning process, and some of them are presented. The dose calculation algorithm is convolution/superposition based. This requires that the energy fluence spectrum and magnitude be quantified. The methodology for doing so is described. Aspects of the energy fluence characterization that are unique to tomotherapy are highlighted. Many beam characteristics can be measured automatically by an included megavoltage computed tomography imaging system. This greatly improves data collection efficiency.
The additional error in measurement of the thickness of Kh18N10T steel for possible changes in composition with an energy of the photons of ionizing radiation of 10-80 keV was evaluated. The desirability of use of a type REIS-I x-ray emitter in measurement of the thickness of steel up to 1 mm is shown. The instrument provides measurement of the thickness of steel in the 0.1-1.0 mm range with a reproducibility of the results with an error not exceeding 0.5-1.0%. The measurement error with corrugations characteristic of bellows does not exceed 5%.
The normal-incommensurate phase transition in K2ZnCl4 was studied by neutron scattering measurements. A well-defined soft phonon behavior was not observed above the normal-incommensurate transition temperature of Tsub(i)=288C. Diffuse scattering develops around(h,0,1 +- 0.3) as temperature approaches Tsub(i) from above, and the peak intensity obeys a Curie-Weiss law above Tsub(i). The results indicate that the normal-incommensurate phase transition in K2ZnCl4 can be interpreted as an order-disorder process.
Lifetimes have been measured in the {pi}h{sub 9/2} (yrast) and {pi}i{sub 13/2} (excited) bands in the nuclei {sup 181}Ir and {sup 187}Au using the Recoil Distance Method (RDM). The results clearly indicate that the {pi}i{sub 13/2} band exhibits an increased deformation over the {pi}h{sub 9/2} band, in keeping with the premise that the delayed crossing in this band is due to enhanced quadrupole deformation. (author). 3 refs, 1 fig, 2 tab.
Lifetimes have been measured in the #pi#h_9_/_2 (yrast) and #pi#i_1_3_/_2 (excited) bands in the nuclei "1"8"1Ir and "1"8"7Au using the Recoil Distance Method (RDM). The results clearly indicate that the #pi#i_1_3_/_2 band exhibits an increased deformation over the #pi#h_9_/_2 band, in keeping with the premise that the delayed crossing in this band is due to enhanced quadrupole deformation. (author). 3 refs, 1 fig, 2 tab.
Objective: There are few safe and effective biological treatments for major depression in adolescents. We aimed to report the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a treatment for adolescents with this condition. Methods: The first two subjects in a double-blind, sham-controlled trial of rTMS that is evaluating the efficacy and safety of rTMS in depressed adolescents are described. Clinical response was assessed at baseline and at the end of each week. The following scales were used: Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Centre for Epidemiological Studies - Depression - Child Scale. A battery of cognitive tests was also used at several intervals to measure potential change in neuropsycholo...
A computer method that calculates tracheal cross-sectional area by compensating for partial volume averaging was developed and validated in a study with phantoms. The program was then used to determine the tracheal cross-sectional area of 30 normal children who ranged in age from four months to 18 years. CT-derived cross sections were correlated with age, height, weight, and body-surface area, and they were compared with findings of published clinical and post-mortem studies. CT cross-sectional areas ranged from 20 to 275 mm/sup 2/, varied by as much as 22% at the three different tracheal levels studied, and appeared to correlate most closely with body height. CT-derived tracheal cross-sectional areas are quite similar to those in published reports of postmortem and clinical studies. Measurements of tracheal cross section by CT may prove useful in quantitating tracheal compromise by intrinsic or extrinsic causes.
Lung cancer staging according to the TNM system is based on morphological assessment of the primary cancer, lymph nodes and metastases. All aspects of this important oncological classification are measurable with MRI. Pulmonary nodules can be detected at the clinically relevant size of 4-5 mm in diameter. The extent of mediastinal, hilar and supraclavicular lymph node affection can be assessed at the same time. The predominant metastatic spread to the adrenal glands and spine can be detected in coronal orientation during dedicated MRI of the lungs. Search focused whole body MRI completes the staging. Various additional MR imaging techniques provide further functional and clinically relevant information during a single examination. In the oncological context the most important techniques are imaging of perfusion and tumor motion. Functional MRI of the lungs complements the pure staging and improves surgical approaches and ...
The gastrointestinal transit was studied in 20 patients with loop transverse colostomies and previously normal colons. This analysis was performed through radiological observation of progression of 20 radiopaque pellets and measurements of its transit time in the various segments of the digestive tract. An evaluation of other related clinical and radiological events was carried out sentimentality's. In order to better understand the influence of the surgical procedure, the study was performed under similar dietary and supportive care conditions and standard radiological studies before and after the re-establishment of transit, thus enabling a comparison with the same individual. (author)
Abstract The fit of patient coping style and psychotherapy focus has been suggested as improving treatment outcome. This article reviews the definitions, measures, and previous research surrounding this hypothesis. An original meta-analysis of 12 carefully selected studies (N = 1,291 patients) resulted in a weighted, mean effect size (d) of .55 in favor of a fit between externalizing patients and symptom-focused treatment or, alternatively, internalizing patients and insight-focused treatment. This medium-size effect indicates that nondiagnostic patient factors, like coping style, are important considerations in the selection of effective therapies. Clinical examples and clinical recommendations are provided. 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 67:176-183, 2011.
Abstract A 3-month, open-label, single-center study was conducted to determine whether a uniquely formulated and physiologically balanced topical treatment serum containing multiple growth factors, cytokines, peptides, antioxidants and depigmenting agents could improve the visible signs of facial photodamage. Thirty-seven females, aged 32-55 years, with mild to severe, fine and coarse peri-ocular wrinkles were enrolled and completed the study. Subjects applied the treatment serum to the face twice daily for 3 months in conjunction with a basic skincare regimen. Clinical evaluations of photodamage were performed at baseline and months 1, 2 and 3. Cutometer measurements and subject self-assessment questionnaires were also conducted during the study. Clinical evaluations showed statistically ...
SummaryBackground Persistent Lyme Disease Symptoms (PLDS) have included fatigue, headaches, poor concentration and memory, lightheadedness, joint pain, and mood disturbances. Evidence-based guidelines committees disagree over the severity of PLDS. The 2004 International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) concluded that PLDS are severe. The 2006 Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) guidelines committee concluded that PLDS are nothing more than the "aches and pains of daily living" and an ad hoc International Lyme group concluded that PLDS are "symptoms common in persons who have never had Lyme disease." Hypothesis Clinical trials validate the severity of persistent Lyme disease symptoms. Evaluation of the Hypothesis There are 22 standardized instruments used to measure the...
This review briefly discusses the clinical and basic science rationale for vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). As the number of treatment failures for depression increases, the likelihood of achieving remission during acute treatment decreases, and the risk of relapse increases with the number of treatment failures. Two open trials of adjunctive VNS for TRD showed positive acute results and a growing benefit over time. The results of the acute randomized controlled trial were not significant for the primary outcome (response by HRSD-24), but the secondary measure (IDS-SR-30) was significant for VNS. A 12-month nonrandomized comparative analysis of patients receiving adjunctive VNS with TRD patients receiving treatment as usual showed significant results f...
In everyday radiotherapy we must carry out the determination of absorbed dose measurement according to JARP's protocol. We explained an outline of JARP's 1974 and 1986 protocol in electron beam therapy, and mentioned it about the matter that should examined. To use it easily in clinic, a simplified procedure based on precisely to JARP's 1986 protocol is practical, the character of this procedure settles briefly the determination of mean incident energy of electron beams and get ready to table of ionization to absorbed dose conversion factor for various ionization chamber. Also, this procedure almost not influence on the accuracy of determination. We described systematically practical procedure for requisite absorbed dose calculation in a patient in electron beam therapy. (author).
Objective: To investigate the predictive value of ADC value in grading of neuroepithelial tumors. Methods: The clinical data and images of 70 patients with neuroepithelial tumors pathologically proven were collected and analyzed retrospectively. All the patients were classified into low (WHO I or II) and high (WHO III or IV) grade groups which included 40 and 30 cases respectively according to the 2007 WHO classification of tumours of the central nervous system. All the patients underwent plain and contrast-enhanced MR scan and DWI before surgery. The minimum ADC (MinADC) value was measured postoperatively on ADC maps. The Ki-67 labeling index (Ki-67 LI) of tumor tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. MinADC values for two groups were analyzed using student t test, while the age and Ki-67 LI for the two groups was analyzed using Mann-Whitney test (P<0.05 considered to be significant). Also the MinADC value and ...
Absorption spectra of the CT bands of I_2 complexes with Et_2O, Et_2S, and Et_2Se in heptane have been measured up to 4400 bar at 25"0C. The equilibrium constants and the volume changes accompanying complex formation, and the molar extinction coefficients and absorption maxima have been estimated. The volume changes were comparable with those estimated by the visible I_2 bands and by the X-ray data of the I_2 complexes in the crystalline state. In the CT bands of Et_2S-I_2 and Et_2Se-I_2 complexes inversion of shift from red to blue has been observed with increasing pressure though the CT band of Et_2O-I_2 complex shifted only through red. This inversion appears to be characteristic of the strong CT complex. Enhancement of the molar extinction coefficient of the CT band has been found with increasing pressure suggesting enhancement of the CT ...
I discuss several examples of critical phenomena in O(N) models where topological excitations play an important role at criticality. I focus particular attention on the O(2) model in 3D, where recent measurements of the vortex string length distribution in equilibrium suggest the existence of a quantitative picture of the critical behavior in terms of defects. The compatibility of this perspective with renormalization group predictions is examined.
The inhibitor action of unbranched polyamines on corrosion of low-carbon steel in 0.5 M sulfuric acid is studied through potentiostatic polarization curves. It is shown that the inhibitor efficiency I depends on the polyamine concentration and molecular structure. The quantum-mechanical calculations of molecular properties are accomplished through the MNDO method. Correlation between the measuredI and physicochemical properties of the polyamine inhibitors in protonized and nonprotonized form is found with application of the general perturbation theory
An e.p.r. spectrum of the reduced form of the electron-transport component (X), thought to be the primary electron acceptor of Photosystem I, was obtained. By using line-shape simulations of this component...Full Text Available
Monte Carlo calculations performed to validate observed capture reaction rates of "1"2"9I and "2"3"7Np were in a reasonable agreement with experimental data obtained by the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. The most significant discrepancy between the measurements and calculations (within a factor of 3) was observed for the NpO_2 sample and Pb target at 3.7 GeV proton energy
The gamma-ray spectrum following neutron capture on /sup 87/Sr was measured at 3 neutron energies: E/sub n/ = thermal, 2 keV, and 24 keV. Gamma rays were detected in a three-crystal Ge(Li)-NaI-NaI pair spectrometer. Gamma-ray intensities deduced from these spectra by spectral unfolding are presented.
... F.; Murray, R. W. J. Am. Chem. ... 14. Thackeray, J. W.; White, H. S.; Wrighton, M. SJ Phys. ... Dr. James S. Murday (1) Dr. Harold H. Singerman (i) ...
1 An in vitro technique is described for measuring the uptake of 86Rb by human erythrocytes. 2 Fifteen patients were treated with digoxin for atrial fibrillation and other fast arrhythmias. 3 86Rb uptake...Full Text Available
Two measurement methods to determine the rate of neutral free radical production by the photo-deionization of negative ion beams (PDINIB) are introduced. These methods, namely, photoelectron-current measurement by low-frequency electro-modulation probe (PMMP) and measurement of decrease in the negative-ion beam current (DNIC) were employed to evaluate the production rate in a trial surface-processing apparatus developed in the author's laboratory utilizing a steady-flux refined beam of neutral free radicals (RBNR) produced by the PDINIB procedure. A {sup 63}Cu{sup -} negative ion beam of kinetic energy E{sub i} varied up to 15 keV was irradiated with a 514.5 nm visible light beam from a 25 W CW Ar{sup +} ion laser. The detection limit of the production rate by the PMMP setup was as high as 6 x 10{sup 9} s{sup -1} under the condition that E{sub i}=15 keV, the negative-ion ...
Lanthanum halide (LaBr_3:Ce) scintillators offer significantly better resolution (< 3% at 662 keV) relative to NaI(Tl) and have recently become commercially available in sizes large enough for the handheld, Radio-Isotope Identification Device (RIID) market. Drawbacks to lanthanum halide detectors, however, include internal radioactivity contributing to spectral counts, and a low-energy response which can cause detector resolution to be worse than that of NaI(Tl) below 100 keV. To study the potential of this new material for RIIDs we performed a series of measurements comparing a 1.5 x 1.5-inch LaBr_3:Ce detector with an Exploranium GR-135 RIID, which contains a 1.5 x 2.2-inch NaI(Tl) detector. Measurements were taken for short timeframes, as typifies RIID usage. Measurements included examples of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), typically found ...
In this article is reviewed the role of Computed Tomography (CT) in thoracic complications following ortho topic liver transplantation (OLT). In a post-OLT population of 567 patients transplanted in the Italian institutions, 100 patients (17.6%) were examined with chest CT. It was reviewed data relative to the total number of examinations, clinical and/or radiographic indications, the CT technique-i.e., conventional (with (out) intravenous, i.v., contrast material) or high-resolution (HRCT). It also reviewed the radiologic patterns and their correlation with the other clinical, bronchoscopic and/or laboratory results. Of 152 chest CT examinations, 45 (29.6%) were performed because of clinical indications, 31 (20.4%) because of a radiographic abnormality, 64 (42.1%) because of clinical and radiographic abnormality, 64 (42.1%) because of ...
Despite its great usefulness in the performance of the recording procedures prescribed by the X-Ray Ordinance the dose-area product is much less frequently measured for X-ray exposures than during fluorscopic examinations. The great multitude of measuring units, mainly on account of different scales of the measuring equipments themselves, is a cause of uncertainty in clinical routine and should be eliminated as far as the circumstances would permit. As the determination of the organ dose is relevant only in very few cases and does not necessarily require previous measurements of the dose-area product, these are of limited practical value in the assessment of individual radiation exposures during radiographic examinations. The measurements may, however, be very helpful in determinations of the radiation dose to the total population, if the future retrievability ...
An overview of the past, present and future research activities at the CERN neutron time of flight facility n_TOF is given, with special focus on the astrophysical aspects. During the first campaign (Phase I), neutron capture cross sections of relevance for several aspects of the s-process nucleosynthesis have been measured. A second campaign has recently started (Phase II), aiming at the study of the weak s-process component via accurate (n,#gamma#) measurements of the Fe and Ni isotopes. Some changes in the facility will allow us to perform these measurements with improved experimental conditions.
In this updated second edition, the order of contents of the textbook has been reorganized. It has been divided into main parts: Basic Science and Clinical Nuclear Medicine. Basic Science, Part I, encompasses basic physics, radiation protection, interaction of radiation with matter and radiation detection, imaging, nuclear pharmacy, and radiation biology. Part II, Clinical Nuclear Medicine, covers the central nervous system, bone, gastroenterology (liver/spleen), cardiovascular system, pulmonary system, genitourinary system, thyroid and endocrine systems, gallium studies, radioassay, hematology, and therapy. The total number of pages of the current edition is increased to 250 from the 213 of the first edition but there are fewer questions because those in the basic science area have been carefully selected to 60 of the original 98 questions. Compared with the previous edition, there are two advantages in the current one: ...
With the advent of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), the inclusion of heterogeneity corrections is further complicated by the conformal delivery of many small beams forming steep dose gradients. Radiation treatment planning has evolved to take into account even small changes in tissue density so that the dose to tumor can be further optimized. However, different treatment planning systems incorporate different heterogeneity correction algorithms, and it is unclear whether any of these algorithms are superior to others in terms of accurately predicting delivered radiation doses relative to measurement in a clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of heterogeneity dose calculations from two widely used IMRT treatment planning systems (Pinnacle and Corvus) against measurement. These two systems handle heterogeneity dose corrections by means of a collapsed-cone convolution ...
The objective of this study is to test the validity of sex determination in children and adolescents using lateral radiographic cephalometry and discriminant function analysis. Fifty male and 50 female cephalograms of Taiwanese children were used (males and females with mean age of 15.52???1.38 and 15.67???1.54?years, respectively). Twenty-two cephalometric measurements were performed using computerized cephalometry. Statistical analysis shows that all measurements were sexually dimorphic (p?0.05). Nine measurements, statistically validated and clinically relevant, were used for discriminant function analysis. A stepwise discriminant procedure selected seven of the nine variables, producing 95% accuracy in sex determination. Resubstitution classification reveals the same discriminant rat...
A Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) method, simplifying the well-known technique proposed by Genant (1982) and applied to a standard third generation whole body CT scanner is described. This technique was applied in the measurement of the trabecular bone which has high sensitivity for metabolic changes. The BMC (Bone Mineral Content) measured in different groups of subjects (healthy postmenopausal patients versus women with postmenopausal osteoporosis) showed a highly significant difference (p<0.001). The precision of repositioning (coefficient of variation 1.8% to 2.3%, obtained in healty male patients) and the good, linear relationship computed from the phantom values, minimize measurement errors. Since this method is quickly applied and involves low-dose radiation-exposure, it could be introduced in the clinical study of metabolic bone diseases.
Background: Superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap has a great advantage over other flaps of the area, that is, readily non-existent donor-site problems. The main reason why the SIEA flap has never been extensively used in breast reconstruction is the small diameter and variable anatomy of its donor artery. This study presents a possibility of enlarging the SIEA diameter using the delay-phenomenon mechanism. Methods: A prospective clinical study of 26 patients was undertaken. Prior to surgery, ultrasound examinations were performed, measuring the diameter of SIEA and the velocity of blood flow in SIEA. The ipsilateral deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) was then ligated in all patients who had a measurable SIEA preoperatively. Two weeks later, measurements were repeated. The...
Introduction. This study used Item-Response Theory (IRT) to model the psychometric properties of a false belief picture sequencing task. Consistent with the mental time travel hypothesis of paranoia, we anticipated that performance on this deductive theory of mind (ToM) task would not be associated with the presence of persecutory delusions but would be related to other clinical, cognitive, and demographic factors. Method. A large (N=237) and diverse clinical and nonclinical sample differing in levels of depression and paranoid ideation performed 2 ToM tasks: the false belief sequencing task and a ToM stories task that was used to assess the validity of the false belief sequencing task as a measure of ToM. Results. A unidimensional IRT model was found to fit the data well. Latent ToM ability as measured by the false belief sequencing task was negatively related with age and positively with IQ. In ...
The relationship between serum PG I, PG II levels and extent of atrophic gastritis was examined. The subjects were 64 patients (male: 32, female: 32, 51.9 years old on average) with established diagnosis of either atrophic gastritis or normal. In the X-ray gastric examination, Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) was used to obtain clear-cut images of the gastric area. Concerning the serum PG I level, patients in the group with atrophic gastritis showed lower levels than those of the people in the group with no atrophic change, but the variation was wide, and no definite tendency was seen in the relationship between the atrophic change and the serum PG I levels. Concerning the serum PG II level, as the atrophic change progresses, the serum PG II level tended to increase gradually. A significant reduction in the PG I/II ratio was seen in the group with atrophic changes (p<0.01) in comparison with the group ...
The relationship between serum PG I, PG II levels and extent of atrophic gastritis was examined. The subjects were 64 patients (male: 32, female: 32, 51.9 years old on average) with established diagnosis of either atrophic gastritis or normal. In the X-ray gastric examination, Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) was used to obtain clear-cut images of the gastric area. Concerning the serum PG I level, patients in the group with atrophic gastritis showed lower levels than those of the people in the group with no atrophic change, but the variation was wide, and no definite tendency was seen in the relationship between the atrophic change and the serum PG I levels. Concerning the serum PG II level, as the atrophic change progresses, the serum PG II level tended to increase gradually. A significant reduction in the PG I/II ratio was seen in the group with atrophic changes (p<0.01) in comparison with the group ...
'Within 15 years the energy consumption bottleneck has shifted from the supply side to emissions, i.e. to the waste side.' Reflecting this statement one may realize the importance of lending more weight to energy conservation but may also be induced to critically analyze the corresponding measures. First results of such reflections are given with regard to the payback periods of air pollution abatement measures relative to the additional emissions they cause. (orig.).
In this article, we describe the development and preliminary psychometric properties of the Structured Interview of Personality Organization (STIPO), a semistructured interview designed for the dimensional assessment of identity, primitive defenses, and reality testing, the three primary content domains in the model of personality health and disorder elaborated by Kernberg (1984; Kernberg & Caligor, 2005). Results of this investigation, conducted in a clinical sample representing a broad range of personality pathology, indicate that identity and primitive defenses as operationalized in the STIPO are internally consistent and that interrater reliability for all 3 content domains is adequate. Validity findings suggest that the assessment of one's sense of self and significant others (Identity) is predictive of measures of positive and negative affect, whereas the maladaptive ways in which the subject uses his or her objects for purposes of ...
Perforated thermoplastic masks are used to provide patients immobilization. This procedure inserts a material in the path of the radiation beam, that attenuates and modifies the beam fluence and flatness. The present study evaluates the increase in skin dose as a result of using thermoplastic masks. Relative doses were measured on the surface of a solid water phantom, in the presence and absence of masks. These masks were stretched according to deformation patterns observed in clinical routine. The measurements were obtained with a plane-parallel chamber (Markus type 23343) and radiochromic film (EBT Gafchromic) for 6MV X-rays from a linear accelerator, and for a radiation beam from a cobalt therapy unit. The results showed that thermoplastic masks, whose thickness varied between 2 and 3 mm, increased the dose on the surface by a factor of 3. Due to the variations in the skin dose distribution, clinical ...
Perforated thermoplastic masks are used to provide patients immobilization. This procedure inserts a material in the path of the radiation beam, that attenuates and modifies the beam fluence and flatness. The present study evaluates the increase in skin dose as a result of using thermoplastic masks. Relative doses were measured on the surface of a solid water phantom, in the presence and absence of masks. These masks were stretched according to deformation patterns observed in clinical routine. The measurements were obtained with a plane-parallel chamber (Markus type 23343) and radiochromic film (EBT Gafchromic) for 6MV X-rays from a linear accelerator, and for a radiation beam from a cobalt therapy unit. The results showed that thermoplastic masks, whose thickness varied between 2 and 3 mm, increased the dose on the surface by a factor of 3. Due to the variations in the skin dose distribution, clinical ...
Heat production in biological materials due to absorption of radiowaves and microwaves can be used in applications as diverse as cancer treatment and cooking. However, the hazards of overexposure range from hyperthermia to cataracts and internal burns. To maximize the clinical benefits and minimize potential hazards, the biological effects of radiowaves and microwaves must be understood. Dielectric measurements can be used to determine the extent of such effects in various applications and at various levels of exposure. The values of maximum permissible exposure levels that are likely to be recommended aeat production in biological materials due to absorption of radiowaves and microwaves can be used in applications as diverse as cancer treatment and cooking. However, the hazards of overexposure range from hyperthermia to cataracts and internal burns. To maximize the clinical benefits and minimize potential hazards, the ...
Objective: The paper describes and evaluates the use of Clinical Digital Libraries Project (CDLP) digital library collections in terms of their facilitation of timely clinical information...Full Text Available
PurposeThe behavior of trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) during maxillofacial surgeries has not yet been sufficiently studied and knowledge of its behavior is limited to some case reports. The present study aimed to assess the occurrence of TCR in bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy and to determine the possible effect of Gow-Gates block on its incidence. Materials and MethodsTwenty candidates for bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (included were American Society of Anesthesiologists I Class III patients with a prognathism of 3 to 5 mm) were given routine general anesthesia after at least 12 hours of fasting. All patients received Gow-Gates mandibular nerve block on 1 random side (case ramus; the other side was used as the control) after induction of general anesthesia before surger...
Summary Penile injury is common as an emergency and should be accurately diagnosed and treated. We analysed 22 patients with penile injury admitted to the emergency unit of Dubrava University Hospital during a 4-year period. According to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma five-grade classification of penile injuries, there were 14 grade I, 6 grade II and 2 grade III cases. Diagnosis was mainly based on clinical and ultrasonography findings, and in some cases on cavernosography. Nineteen patients underwent immediate surgery and three patients received conservative therapy. On outpatient follow up, sexual function was assessed by use of the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) test at 3 and 12-months of injury. At 3-month follow up, moderate, mild and no e...
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative disease. The vast majority cases of AD are sporadic, without clear cause, and a combination of environmental and genetic factors has been implicated. The hypothesis that homocysteine (Hcy) is a risk factor for AD was initially prompted by the observation that patients with histologically confirmed AD had higher plasma levels of Hcy, termed hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), than age-matched controls. Most evidence accumulated so far implicates HHcy as a risk factor for AD onset, but there are also conflicting results. In this review we summarize reports on the relationship between HHcy and AD from epidemiological investigations, including observational studies and randomized controlled clinical trials. We also examine recent i...
Recent legislative changes in both Europe and the USA have increased the responsibility of drug developers to purposefully study the agents they market in children so that specific dosing recommendations can be made to assist clinicians in their use. Typically, clinicians use empirical- or experiential-based rationales for selecting the dose to use in children, generally in a manner that attempts to achieve the same dose-exposure or pharmacokinetic profile in children as in adults. However, whether this approach achieves the necessary dose exposure or exposure effect needed may not be systematically explored during off-label use. This creates the opportunity for under- or over-exposure in children, particularly in very young children (i.e., less than 2 years old) where a combination of fac...
Bowel infarction is a rare and typical condition of the elderly; despite improvements in diagnostic imaging and vascular surgery, bowel infarction remains a major cause of acute abdomen, with mortality rates ranging 70-80%. Diagnosis on often late because clinical sings, laboratory data and radiologic findings are a specific. The authors investigated radiographic and particular CT patterns of intestinal infraction in 56 patients submitted to surgery within 12 hours of admission. We also report the CT findings of 5 of these patients who had reversible mesenteric ischemia. CT is more sensitive than radiography and does not exhibit the limitations of angiography (i.e., invasiveness, radiation exposure an complex organization. Therefore CT can presently be considered the method of choice in patients with suspected bowel infarction.
The types of investigations undertaken to test for possible biological effects of extremely low frequency electric fields have been numerous. However, neither animal and plant experimentation nor clinical studies nor experience with operating extremely high voltage transmission lines have to date provided convincing evidence of a harmful effect from exposure to electric fields associated with transmission lines in spite of numerous attempts to find such effects. Analysis of internal fields and currents supports these observations as the levels appear to be too low to affect mammalian cells. Thus, while one can never prove the negative (i.e. that there is no effect), the overwhelming body of evidence indicates that the electric fields associated with high-voltage lines have no deleterious biological effects. (author).
Two neutrino mixing angles have been measured, and much of the neutrino community is turning its attention to the unmeasured mixing angle, $\\quq$, whose best limit comes from the reactor neutrino experiment CHOOZ.\\cite{bib:chooz} New two detector reactor neutrino experiments are being planned, along with more ambitious accelerator experiments, to measure or further limit $\\quq$. Here I will overview how to measure $\\quq$ using reactor neutrinos, mention some experiments that were considered and are not going forward, and review the current status of four projects: Double Chooz in France, Daya Bay in China, RENO in South Korea and Angra in Brazil. Finally I will mention how the neutrino observer can gauge progress in these projects two years from now as we approach the times corresponding to early estimates for new results.
The experimental details for measurements of the single event burnout (SEB) cross section of power MOSFET are described in case of ions irradiation of "1"6O, "3"5Cl, "7"9Br, and highly stripped charge state ion "1"2"7I, therefore the curves of the SEB cross section vs. linear energy transfer (LET) values were obtained. The measurements of the SEB cross section for 10 pieces devices of two types were carried out. The laws of the SEB at the different drain-source voltage V_D_S and different grid-source voltage V_G_S were demonstrated. The SEB cross section for "1"2"7I is higher than for "7"9Br by two orders of magnitude nearly at same condition. (authors)
The synthesis and brain uptake in mice of the radioidinated derivatives of N,N-dimethyl-N'-(idodimethoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanediamine, as well as the N-substituted derivatives of (iodoalkylphenyl)isopropyl, iodoalkylphenylethylamine and 3,4-(methylenedioxy)phenyl-amphetamine (MDA) are described. These compounds contain structural features of both IMP and HIPDM, the cerebral perfusion agents currently in clinical use. The radiolabeled analogs were obtained via the [{sup 125}I]I exchange method, or by [{sup 125}I]NaI treatment of the iodo-free precursor in the presence of an oxidant. Following intravenous injection in mice, all compounds showed important radioactivity concentrations in the lungs and kidneys. The N-substituted (iodoalkylphenyl)isopropyl and iodoalkylphenyl-ethylamine derivatives displayed a high initial brain uptake (>10%IDg{sup -1}) followed by a rapid clearance phase, resulting in lower ...
The synthesis and brain uptake in mice of the radioidinated derivatives of N,N-dimethyl-N'-(idodimethoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanediamine, as well as the N-substituted derivatives of (iodoalkylphenyl)isopropyl, iodoalkylphenylethylamine and 3,4-(methylenedioxy)phenyl-amphetamine (MDA) are described. These compounds contain structural features of both IMP and HIPDM, the cerebral perfusion agents currently in clinical use. The radiolabeled analogs were obtained via the ["1"2"5I]I exchange method, or by ["1"2"5I]NaI treatment of the iodo-free precursor in the presence of an oxidant. Following intravenous injection in mice, all compounds showed important radioactivity concentrations in the lungs and kidneys. The N-substituted (iodoalkylphenyl)isopropyl and iodoalkylphenyl-ethylamine derivatives displayed a high initial brain uptake (>10%IDg"-"1) followed by a rapid clearance phase, resulting in lower brain-to-blood ratios as those ...
Evaluation of the tolerance limits of X-ray image density accepted by the radiologist shows that for different kinds of examinations, deviations of more than 50% from optimal density lead to images which cannot be used diagnostically. Within this range diagnostic accuracy shows a distinct maximum and diminishes to the limits by 20%. These figures are related to differences in the intensifying factor of screens, sensitivity of films, sensitometric parameters of film processing as well as the doses employed with automatic exposure control devices, measured in clinical conditions. Maximum permissible tolerance limits of the whole imaging system and of its constituents are discussed using the Gaussian law of error addition. (author).
Snapping or grating scapula is a condition of the shoulder girdle in which the patient complains of pain and an audible snapping sound which may be associated with pain. We evaluated the diagnostic value of the computed tomography (CT) scans using the clinical diagnosis of a grating scapula as the gold standard. This retrospective study reports the sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio and receiver operator characteristic curve for the CT scans and the k value as a measure of the interobserver agreement. None of the parameters validated the examination. We therefore concluded that CT scans are inappropriate for differentiation between a grating scapula and a normally functioning shoulder except in cases where bony abnormalities are present. (orig.)
For over 50 years, electron beams have been an important modality for providing an accurate dose of radiation to superficial cancers and disease and for limiting the dose to underlying normal tissues and structures. This review looks at many of the important contributions of physics and dosimetry to the development and utilization of electron beam therapy, including electron treatment machines, dose specification and calibration, dose measurement, electron transport calculations, treatment and treatment-planning tools, and clinical utilization, including special procedures. Also, future changes in the practice of electron therapy resulting from challenges to its utilization and from potential future technology are discussed. (review)
Oral mucositis associated with head and neck radiotherapy can substantially hinder completion of cancer therapy. Alleviation of this often severe stomatitis can provide enhanced patient comfort and facilitate appropriate care. A double-blind format was used in a pilot project to measure, against a control rinse, the effectiveness of an oral rinse consisting of hydrocortisone, nystatin, tetracycline, and diphenhydramine in controlling radiation-related mucositis. A combination of clinical evaluation and patient responses to a questionnaire was used to judge the results of the topical medications. Patients using the experimental medication developed less mucositis than did patients in the control group.
Building on the concepts of MIRD methods described by Webber, Watson and others at this Symposium on the Dosimetry of Administered Radionuclides, we will now consider how to apply these principles to several experimentally based open-quote macroclose quotes and multicellular models. Specifically, methods to calculate absorbed dose using different types of particulate emission (alpha, beta) with a variety of antibody carriers (IgG, F(ab')_2, Fab) for radioimmunotherapy (RIT) will be reviewed. Additionally, a discussion of direct measurement methods at the multicellular level will reveal the problems of tumor absorbed dose heterogeneity when applied to animal and clinical studies.
Over a 5-year period (1976-1980) 499 patients with non-seminomatous testicular germ cell tumours were included in the Danish Testicular Carcinoma Study (DATECA). The 3-year crude survival for patients in clinical stages I, II and III was 91, 77 and 45 per cent, respectively. In stage I the relapse-free survival for patients given radiation combined with bleomycin and vincristine was significantly higher than that for patients given radiation alone. No difference in the crude survival for patients given radiation combined with bleomycin and vincristine was significantly higher than that for patients given radiation alone. No difference in the crude survival was observed. For stage II patients maintenance chemotherapy following radiation combined with bleomycin and vincristine did not improve relapse-free or crude survival. The survival of patients with non-seminomatous tumours improved significantly during the 5-year period. ...
Over a 5-year period (1976-1980) 499 patients with non-seminomatous testicular germ cell tumours were included in the Danish Testicular Carcinoma Study (DATECA). The 3-year crude survival for patients in clinical stages I, II and III was 91, 77 and 45 per cent, respectively. In stage I the relapse-free survival for patients given radiation combined with bleomycin and vincristine was significantly higher than that for patients given radiation alone. No difference in the crude survival for patients given radiation combined with bleomycin and vincristine was significantly higher than that for patients given radiation alone. No difference in the crude survival was observed. For stage II patients maintenance chemotherapy following radiation combined with bleomycin and vincristine did not improve relapse-free or crude survival. The survival of patients with non-seminomatous tumours improved significantly during the 5-year period. ...
Iodixanol is a new nonionic dimer, isotonic with blood at all clinically relevant concentrations. Iodixanol (270 mg I/ml) was compared in a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, phase-III study to the monomeric nonionic iohexol (300 mg I/ml) for evaluation of safety, tolerability and radiographic efficacy during cerebral CT. One hundred adult patients scheduled to undergo contrast-enhanced cerebral CT were randomly allocated to receive either iodixanol or iohexol. All completed the trial. Safety was evaluated by recording discomfort and other adverse events, tolerance by assessing intensity and incidence of discomfort. Radiographic efficacy was assessed from the diagnostic information and the radiographic density. No serious adverse events occurred. One patient (2 %) in the iodixanol group and one patient (2 %) in the iohexol group experienced a transient reddening at the neck and lower neck-line, respectively. Both ...
The present study answers at the request of the Inspection of the classified installations to see the operator of the G.I.P. Cyceron setting up a plan of environmental radiological surveillance around its installations and including, at a minimal level, the following data: Measures of radioactivity on representative biological indicators and measures of dose rate in the environment close to installations in functioning. Further to the radiological assessment of the terrestrial environment of the G.I.P. Cyceron installations realized at the end of 2003, within the framework of a project of the installations extension, the A.C.R.O. was again required for the implementation of this radiological surveillance for year 2005. The first purpose is to supply elements of appreciation about the impact of these installations on environment and persons. This evaluation participates in radiation protection and allows ...
The measurements of the K X-ray intensity ratio I(K{alpha} {sub 2}/K{alpha} {sub 1}), I(K{beta} {sub 1}/K{alpha} {sub 1}) and I(K{beta}/K{alpha}) for elements V, Mn, Zn, Tc, Ru, Cd, Xe, Ba, Cs, Hg and Rn were experimentally determined both by photon excitation, in which 59.5 keV {gamma}-rays from a {sup 241}Am and 123.6 keV {gamma}-rays from a {sup 60}Co were used, and following the radioactive decay of {sup 51}Cr, {sup 55}Fe, {sup 67}Ga, {sup 99}Tc, {sup 111}In, {sup 131}I, {sup 133}Ba, {sup 133}Xe, {sup 137}Cs, {sup 201}Tl and {sup 226}Ra. K X-rays emitted by samples were counted by a Si(Li) detector with resolution 160 eV at 5.9 keV. Obtained values were compared with the theoretical values. It was observed that present values agree with the previous theoretical and other experimental results.
The measurements of the K X-ray intensity ratio I(K#alpha# _2/K#alpha# _1), I(K#beta# _1/K#alpha# _1) and I(K#beta#/K#alpha#) for elements V, Mn, Zn, Tc, Ru, Cd, Xe, Ba, Cs, Hg and Rn were experimentally determined both by photon excitation, in which 59.5 keV #gamma#-rays from a "2"4"1Am and 123.6 keV #gamma#-rays from a "6"0Co were used, and following the radioactive decay of "5"1Cr, "5"5Fe, "6"7Ga, "9"9Tc, "1"1"1In, "1"3"1I, "1"3"3Ba, "1"3"3Xe, "1"3"7Cs, "2"0"1Tl and "2"2"6Ra. K X-rays emitted by samples were counted by a Si(Li) detector with resolution 160 eV at 5.9 keV. Obtained values were compared with the theoretical values. It was observed that present values agree with the previous theoretical and other experimental results.
The authors assess the role of Computed Topography in the diagnosis and management of multiple myeloma (MM) and investigate if Computed Tomography findings can influence the clinical approach, prognosis and treatment. 273 multiple myeloma patients submitted to Computed Tomography June 1994, to December, 1996. The patients were 143 men and 130 women (mean age: 65 years): 143 were stage I, 38 stage II and 92 stage III according to Durie and Salomon's clinical classification. All patients were submitted to blood tests, spinal radiography and Computed Tomography, the latter with serial 5-mm scans on several vertebral bodies. Computed Tomography despicted vertebral arch and process involvement in 3 cases with the vertebral pedicle sign. Moreover, Computed Tomography proved superior to radiography in showing the spread of myelomatous masses into the soft tissues in a case with solitary permeative lesion in the left public bone, ...
To date, no single passive detector has been found that measures dose equivalent from ionizing radiation exposure in low-Earth orbit. We have developed the I.S.S. Passive Dosimetry System (P.D.S.), utilizing a combination of TLD in the form of the self-contained Pille TLD system and stacks of CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector (P.N.T.D.) oriented in three mutually orthogonal directions, to measure total dose and dose equivalent aboard the International Space Station (I.S.S.). The Pille TLD system, consisting on an on board reader and a large number of Ca{sub 2}SO{sub 4}:Dy TLD cells, is used to measure absorbed dose. The Pille TLD cells are read out and annealed by the I.S.S. crew on orbit, such that dose information for any time period or condition, e.g. for E.V.A. or following a solar particle event, is immediately available. Near-tissue equivalent CR-39 ...
Molar excess volumes, V{sup E} and molar excess enthalpies, H{sup E} of 1,3-dioxolane (D) (i) + propan-1-ol, 1,3-dioxolane (i) + butan-1-ol and 1,3-dioxolane (i) + butan-2-ol (j) binary mixtures have been measured as a function of composition at 308.15 K. The analysis of V{sup E} data by graph, theoretical approach reveals that while propan-1-ol, butan-1-ol exist as associated entities in the pure state; 1,3-dioxolane and butanol exist as monomers in their pure state. These (i+j) binary mixtures are characterized by interactions between ethereal oxygen atom of D(i) and hydrogen atom of alkanols. The IR studies lend additional support to the proposed structure of molecular entitles in these mixtures. The energetics of the mixtures have also been studied.
The dosimetric characteristics for a new brachytherapy seed source (I-Plant"T"M model 3600) were measured using LiF thermoluminescent dosimeters and appropriate phantom materials in conformance with the methodology and guidance provided by the AAPM Task Group 43. The I-Plant"T"M model 3600 is the successor to the I-Plant"T"M model 3500. The major difference between these sources is that the model 3600 contains a leaded-glass core to provide radio-opacity (while the model 3500 contains a silver core), which does not produce spectral contamination upon neutron activation. The dose rate constant #LAMBDA# for the model 3600 was determined to be 1.00 Gy h"-"1 U"-"1 (with a 6% overall relative standard deviation), compared to 1.01 cGy h"-"1 U"-"1 reported for the model 3500 in previous studies. The remaining dosimetric characteristics also are similar for both sources.
Full text: A method to measure noise power spectrum of a full field digital mammography system is presented. The effect of X-ray radiation dose, size and configuration of region of interest on normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS) was investigated. Flat field images were acquired using RQA-M2 beam quality technique (Mo/Mo anode-filter, 28 kV, 2 mm Al) with different clinical radiation doses. The images were cropped at about 4 cm from the edge of the breast wall and then divided into different size of non-overlapping or overlapping segments. NNPS was determined through de trending, 2-D fast Fourier transformation and normalization. Our measurement shows that high radiation dose gave lower NNPS at a specific beam quality. (author)
A method to measure noise power spectrum of a full field digital mammography system is presented. The effect of X-ray radiation dose, size and configuration of region of interest on normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS) was investigated. Flat field images were acquired using RQA-M2 beam quality technique (Mo/Mo anode-filter, 28 kV, 2 mm Al) with different clinical radiation doses. The images were cropped at about 4 cm from the edge of the breast wall and then divided into different size of non-overlapping or overlapping segments. NNPS was determined through detrending, 2-D fast Fourier transformation and normalization. Our measurement shows that high radiation dose gave lower NNPS at a specific beam quality.
A newly developed method to support tissue characterization in routine MR imaging is presented. It represents a compromise between the practical requirements of clinical routine (short measurement time, multisection imaging) and the necessary accuracy of the relaxation parameter evaluation. The sequence employed is a modification of the PHAPS technique and works with two excitation pulses. It allows the simultaneous acquisition of all measurement data for the subsequent T1, T2, and rho evaluations. T1 is determined with a specially designed computation formula based on four signal ratios. A multiexponential T2 analysis is performed with use of 28 echoes. From these parameters, relative proton density can be computed.
Major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence are common and serious mental illnesses. There is a great interest in discovering useful treatments for both mood symptoms and alcohol abuse in those patients with depressive disorders and comorbid alcohol dependence. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of mirtazapine for the treatment of patients with alcohol dependence comorbid with a depressive disorder in an open label, naturalistic multicentre treatment setting. The 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) scale were measured at baseline and at weeks 4 and 8 for the assessment of treatment effectiveness. Alcohol craving was measured using ...
The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) plaster for knee osteoarthritis among Japanese patients. An open-labeled, randomized, controlled, multiclinic trial was performed involving outpatient clinic groups. Two comparative groups?plaster NSAIDs and oral NSAIDs?were randomly allocated. The drugs used were limited to the current top three in both groups in Japan. Treatments were assessed after four?weeks and compared with the baseline scores. Outcomes were evaluated by two psychometric measures: Japanese knee osteoarthritis measure, and pain with the visual analogue scale. The total number of patients included in the final evaluation was 165 (87 for the plaster group and 78 for the oral group). Between these two groups there were ...
This study investigated dose to bone tissue in electron beam therapy. Measurements were made using films and thermoluminescent dosimeters in a polystyrene phantom containing bone inhomogeneity for 15-MeV, 12-MeV, and 9-MeV electron beams. An increase in dose of approximately 18%, 12%, and 11%, for the three electron energies respectively, relative to the dose in polystyrene, was found for bone material having an electron density (relative to water) of 1.73. Measurements were also made using films for 15- and 9-Mev electrons in a phantom with a mandibular bone and teeth. A dose enhancement in bone of approximately 10% and 7%, respectively, for the two energies was found in the phantom where the electron density of bone was about 1.60. These results suggest that injury to bone is possible in those clinical situations where high doses of electrons are used for therapy.
This study investigated dose to bone tissue in electron beam therapy. Measurements were made using films and thermoluminescent dosimeters in a polystyrene phantom containing bone inhomogeneity for 15-MeV, 12-MeV, and 9-MeV electron beams. An increase in dose of approximately 18%, 12%, and 11%, for the three electron energies respectively, relative to the dose in polystyrene, was found for bone material having an electron density (relative to water) of 1.73. Measurements were also made using films for 15- and 9-Mev electrons in a phantom with a mandibular bone and teeth. A dose enhancement in bone of approximately 10% and 7%, respectively, for the two energies was found in the phantom where the electron density of bone was about 1.60. These results suggest that injury to bone is possible in those clinical situations where high doses of electrons are used for therapy.
Iodine-131 MIBG, a radiolabeled adrenergic neuron-blocking agent, decreased rapidly from the heart and liver of patients with adrenergic dysfunction and pheochromocytoma when compared with eight controls. However, there was no significant difference in the rate of (/sup 131/I)MIBG decrease in these organs between controls and patients in the intervals subsequent to 4 hr. These findings suggest that adrenergic neuronal uptake of (/sup 131/I)MIBG in these organs is smaller in the patients than in the controls. Measurements of time-activity relationships of radioiodinated MIBG may be useful for assessment of adrenergic function of these organs and thus of generalized disorders of adrenergic innervation.
multi-parton interactions and underlying event structure, $\\gamma$-mediated processes and luminosity determination, Monte Carlo tuning and even MSSM Higgs discovery in central exclusive production. In this article, the forward detector instrumentation around the CMS interaction point is described and the prospects for diffractive and forward physics using the CMS forward detectors are summarized. In addition, first observation of forward jets as well as early measurements of the forward energy flow in the pseudorapidity range $3.15<I\\etaI<4.9$ at $\\sqrt{s}=0.9$~TeV, $2.36$~TeV and $7$~TeV are presented.
The objective of this study was to simplify the opacifying mixing process of the bone cement and contrast used for percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). We performed a biomechanical study of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (Corinplast 3) using three different mixtures of PMMA, monomer, and contrast: group I, 2:1; group II, 3:2; group III, 3:2:1 ratio of powder/monomer/iodinated contrast (Omnipaque). In vitro biomechanical testing of ultimate compressive strength was carried out in all samples. Following the conclusion of a proper bone cement mixture regimen drawn from the in vitro study, PVP was performed in 125 patients: 58 with cancer, 12 with hemangioma, and 54 with osteoporotic fracture. The ultimate compressive strength in group III was decreased by 38% compared to groups II and I. Proper fluoroscopic visualization was achieved in all PVP procedures using this mixture. There were no major complications associated with injection of the cement ...
The objective of this study was to simplify the opacifying mixing process of the bone cement and contrast used for percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). We performed a biomechanical study of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (Corinplast{sup TM} 3) using three different mixtures of PMMA, monomer, and contrast: group I, 2:1; group II, 3:2; group III, 3:2:1 ratio of powder/monomer/iodinated contrast (Omnipaque). In vitro biomechanical testing of ultimate compressive strength was carried out in all samples. Following the conclusion of a proper bone cement mixture regimen drawn from the in vitro study, PVP was performed in 125 patients: 58 with cancer, 12 with hemangioma, and 54 with osteoporotic fracture. The ultimate compressive strength in group III was decreased by 38% compared to groups II and I. Proper fluoroscopic visualization was achieved in all PVP procedures using this mixture. There were no major complications associated with injection of the ...
We define {\\em predictive information} $I_{\\rm pred} (T)$ as the mutual information between the past and the future of a time series. Three qualitatively different behaviors are found in the limit of large observation times $T$: $I_{\\rm pred} (T)$ can remain finite, grow logarithmically, or grow as a fractional power law. If the time series allows us to learn a model with a finite number of parameters, then $I_{\\rm pred} (T)$ grows logarithmically with a coefficient that counts the dimensionality of the model space. While logarithmic growth of related information theoretic quantities has been found in previous work on learning, power law growth has not been seen in this context. We find that it is associated, for example, with the learning of infinite parameter (or nonparametric) models such as continuous functions with smoothness constraints. There are connections between the predictive information and ...
The experimental densities, {rho} for binary mixtures of (N-acetylmorpholine + benzene, +toluene, +ethylbenzene, and +mesitylene) have been measured at temperatures from (293.15 to 343.15) K and atmospheric pressure over the whole mole fraction range. From these results, excess molar volumes V{sup E} have been calculated and fitted to the Redlich-Kister polynomial equation. The V{sup E} values are negative over the whole mole fraction range and at all temperatures. Thermal expansion coefficients {alpha}{sub i}, apparent molar volumes V{phi}{sub i}, and partial molar volumes at infinite dilution V{sub i}{sup {infinity}} have been calculated. The variation of these properties with composition and temperature of the binary mixtures are discussed in terms of molecular interactions.
A great deal of current research is directed to finding a way to minimize thermal injury in the esophagus during radiofrequency catheter ablation of the atrium. A recent clinical study employing a cooling intraesophageal balloon reported a reduction of the temperature in the esophageal lumen. However, it could not be determined whether the deeper muscular layer of the esophagus was cooled enough to prevent injury. We built a model based on an agar phantom in order to experimentally study the thermal behavior of this balloon by measuring the temperature not only on the balloon, but also at a hypothetical point between the esophageal lumen and myocardium (2 mm distant). Controlled temperature (55 {sup 0}C) ablations were conducted for 120 s. The results showed that (1) the cooling balloon provides a reduction in the final temperature reached, both on the balloon surface and at a distance of 2 mm; (2) coolant temperature has a significant effect ...
The energy resolution of small NaI(Tl), CsI(Tl), BGO, GSO, YAP and LSO crystals has been studied using 16 mm diameter large area avalanche photodiodes (LAAPD) and a 52 mm diameter photomultiplier. The best result of 4.8% for 662 keV #gamma#-rays from a "1"3"7Cs source was obtained with a 9 mm in diameter by 9 mm high CsI(Tl) scintillator coupled to an LAAPD. Measuring the number of primary electron-hole pairs produced in the LAAPD and photoelectrons in the photomultiplier, as well as the noise contribution of the LAAPD, allowed a quantitative discussion of the results. The energy resolutions measured with LAAPDs are comparable to, or significantly better (at certain emission wavelengths) than, those obtained with the photomultiplier. At energies above 100 keV the energy resolution measured with the majority of crystals and the LAAPD was weakly affected by the ...
Purpose: To assess long-term outcomes following percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of congenital aortic coarctation in adults.Methods: Seventeen patients underwent PTA for symptomatic adult coarctation of the aorta. Sixteen patients, with a mean age of 28 years (range 15-60 years), were reviewed at a mean interval after angioplasty of 7.3 years (range 1.5-11 years). Assessment included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Doppler echocardiography, and clinical examination. Current clinicalmeasurements were compared with pre- and immediate post-angioplasty measurements.Results: At follow-up 16 patients were alive and well. The patient not included in follow-up had undergone surgical repair and excision of the coarctation segment following PTA. Mean brachial systolic blood pressure for the group decreased from 174 mmHg before angioplasty to 130 mmHg at follow-up (p 0.0001). The mean gradient had ...
A set of advanced models implemented into the simulator Sentaurus Process was applied to simulate ultra shallow junction formation by flash lamp annealing (FLA). The full path transient enhanced diffusion model includes equations for small interstitial clusters (I_2, I_3, I_4), #left brace#3 1 1#right brace# defects and dislocation loops. A dopant-point defect clustering model is used for dopant activation simulation. Several cluster types are considered: B_2, B_2I, B_2I_2, B_3I, B_3I_2, B_3I_3 for boron and As_2, As_2V, As_3, As_3V, As_4, As_4V for arsenic. Different point defect and dopant-point defect pair charge states are taken into account to obtain accurate results in the high doping level region. The flux expressions in the three-phase segregation model include a dependence on the doping level and point defect ...
We present in this article a detailed quantitative discussion of the measurement of the leptonic mixing angle theta_13 through currently scheduled reactor neutrino oscillation experiments. We thus focus on Double Chooz (Phase I & II), Daya Bay (Phase I & II) and RENO experiments. We perform a unified analysis, including systematics, backgrounds and accurate experimental setup in each case. Each identified systematic error and background impact has been assessed on experimental setups following published data when available and extrapolating from Double Chooz acquired knowledge otherwise. After reviewing the experiments, we present a new analysis of their sensitivities to sin^2(2 theta_13) and study the impact of the different systematics based on the pulls approach. Through this generic statistical analysis we discuss the advantages and drawbacks of each experimental setup.
The fundamental recommendations of the ICRP issued in its publication of 1990 stipulate the general principle of performance of dose measurements at regular intervals in the field of diagnostic radiology, for the purpose of equipment performance checking and optimization of radiological protection. In response to this requirement, the Federal Ministry, in cooperation with experts and the competent supervising authorities, has issued an order to install dose-area-product meters in angiographic examination systems, imaging systems and fluoroscopic screen devices primarily used for examining infants and children up to the age of 12. This is done in response to reported cases of adverse effects of radiation exposure and the high priority given to radiological protection in the examination of infants and children. In 1992, an expert group was convened to discuss and elaborate instructions for including dose-area product measurement in the dosimetry ...
A patient with a totally edentulous maxilla and a seVere Class III intermaxillary relationship in the anterior region was treated by implants. In the mandible, there were 10 teeth between the second premolars. The inclination and width of the maxillary anterior residual bone were measured on cephalometric X-ray film obtained before treatment. The results of cephalometric analysis did not support clockwise rotation of the mandible or lingual angling of the maxillary anterior teeth by use of prosthesis to improve the Class III relationship. Ten implants were simultaneously placed in the maxilla. Then, a maxillary temporary full bridge was seated after reduction of the crown lengths of the mandibular anterior teeth. An apically positioned flap operation was performed to eliminate periodontal pockets and to obtain clinically suitable crown lengths of the mandibular anterior teeth. A noncemented, screw-retained maxillary full bridge and a ...
Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an important tool in the radiologic diagnosis of diseases of the brain as it measures molecular motion of water that characterizes the microstructure of tissues. Its most important clinical use to date is the early detection of cerebral ischemia by revealing the ischemic injury shortly after vessel occlusion and simultaneously providing therapy-relevant information on the tissue at risk. Furthermore, diffusion MRI is diagnostically promising in other diseases of the brain and is thus increasingly becoming part of routine clinical protocols in the diagnosis of tumors, inflammation, trauma, demyelination, dysmyelination and neurodegeneration. Although abnormalities of diffusion are generally not pathognomonic, diffusion MRI affords information about tissue changes for specific disorders that complements information obtained with standard MR techniques and frequently shows ...
Authors developed a C-arm type radiosurgery system of the linear accelerator suitable for stereotactic radiation therapy and a software for arranging 3-dimensional therapy in the system. In this system, the gantry far conical irradiation of 4 MV (0.6-3 Gy/min) and 6 MV (0.9-4.5 Gy/min) X ray or electron beam for the therapy was connected to a newly designed C-arm and was made capable of rotating around either of the axes crossing vertically. With this system, it became unnecessary to move the bed table of the patient for getting suitable distribution of radiation dose. The local accuracy which was measured by the CCD videocamera on the gantry, was within 0.5 mm from the radiation center. The system made it possible to shorten the irradiation time and to improve the local accuracy of irradiating site. The clinical trial was begun from June, 1996. (K.H.)
The new SUERC AMS Laboratory was described at AMS-9. Since then there have been technological developments, added and improved analysis capability, the formation of additional complementary groups, the purchase of another instrument, and many samples measured. Be, C, Al, Cl, Ca and I-AMS are established with measured species changing weekly. Full-terminal potential running is now routine and 5MV is proving sufficient for all species. Ion detection and evaluation has also been improved by the use of even thinner detector windows as necessary and a more powerful on-line data analysis system. Routine radiocarbon measurement is to 4permil reproducibility at middling current and graphite samples of as little as 100mg C can be accommodated. Even smaller samples can be measured as CO2 using He ca...
I present an overview of the measurement of the proton form factors in the time-like regiun. BABAR has recently measured with great accuracy the e{sup +} e{sup -} {yields} p p-bar reaction from productiun threshold up to an energy of {approx} 4.5 GeV; finding evidence for a ratio of the electric to magnetic form factur greater than unity, contrary to expectation. In agreement with previous measurements. BABAR confirmed the steep rise uf the magnetic form factor close to the p p-bar mass threshold, suggesting the possible presence of an under-threshuld N N-bar vector state. These and uther open questiuns related to the nucleon furm factors both in the time-like and space-like region, wait for more data with different experimental techniques to be possibly solved.
In the paper presented, an attempt is made to describe quantitatively the room air motion by diffuse air distribution. Since solving the problem theoretically, seems to be hopeless at present, only an experimental solution seems to promise success. Experiments with diffuse air distribution offer suitable preconditions. With this kind of air introduction into the room, a relatively regular distribution of room air motion can be expected. A further simplification will be achieved by isotherme flow conditions. The first goal of the experiments was to establish whether the velocities measured are reproducible to demonstrate, and can be brought into a functional connection. The room air motion is a measured value which changes temporarily and locally quite largely, far more than is customary with technical measurements. From there, a second task arises, i.e. to evaluate the fluctuation of the velocity ...
Measurements of the statistical characteristics of channel wall static pressure fluctuations in parallel one-component boiling flow are reported. The measurements span a wide range of local subcooling and vapor volume fraction, and correspond to flow regimes ranging from highly subcooled bubbly to saturated slug-annular. Vapor volume fraction measurements at the pressure measurement station are also reported in conjunction with visual observation of the flow structure. Variation of static pressure fluctuation intensity and spectral content with local thermal-hydraulic condition is demonstrated. Finally, it is suggested that diagnosis of local two-phase flow regime on the basis of (i) statistical characteristics of the pressure data, and (ii) time trace of pressure signal, may be possible. 15 refs.
A simple and rapid method is described for the determination of major and trace elements in rock and sediment samples by wavelength dispersive XRF. Sample measured were made from cellulose powder pressed into 4 cm diameter aluminium ring 0.4 t cm/sup -2/, and then 1 g of powdered sample (0.08 g cm/sup -2/) was placed on the disk and repressed at 1.6 t cm/sup -2/. X-ray measurements were performed for total XRF intensity (I/sub p/) at the characteristic line of each element and background intensity (I/sub b/) in vicinity of the line. The correction of matrix effect was achieved by X-ray intensity ratio of peak to background for each element. Eight standard rock samples from Geological Survey of Japan were used as standard materials, and linear calibration curves were obtained by the plot of I/sub p/ - I/sub b/ vs. concentration for Ca, Na and Pb and by the plot ...
A simple and rapid method is described for the determination of major and trace elements in rock and sediment samples by wavelength dispersive XRF. Sample measured were made from cellulose powder pressed into 4 cm diameter aluminium ring 0.4 t cm"-"2, and then 1 g of powdered sample (0.08 g cm"-"2) was placed on the disk and repressed at 1.6 t cm"-"2. X-ray measurements were performed for total XRF intensity (I_p) at the characteristic line of each element and background intensity (I_b) in vicinity of the line. The correction of matrix effect was achieved by X-ray intensity ratio of peak to background for each element. Eight standard rock samples from Geological Survey of Japan were used as standard materials, and linear calibration curves were obtained by the plot of I_p - I_b vs. concentration for Ca, Na and Pb and by the plot of I_p/I_b ...
A cryogenic separation method of chloromethane (CH{sub 3}Cl) from methyl iodide (CH{sub 3}I) for {delta}{sup 37}Cl measurement with isotope ratio mass spectrometer is described. A cold trap with sealed 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (TMP) as the cryogen is used in this method. CH{sub 3}Cl can be separated from CH{sub 3}I at the TMP melting point (-107 deg. C) based on the difference in the vapor pressure between CH{sub 3}Cl (322.6 Pa) and CH{sub 3}I (lower than 1.3 Pa) at -107 deg. C. After two-step separation processes, the yields of CH{sub 3}Cl purified from CH{sub 3}Cl-CH{sub 3}I mixture are 96-101%, and the difference between the {delta}{sup 37}Cl{sub original} and {delta}{sup 37}Cl{sub Afterseparation} is from -0.06 to +0.06 per mille (0.01 {+-} 0.04 per mille ). These results suggest that CH{sub 3}Cl is completely separated from CH{sub 3}I with no change of ...
The state vector evolution in the interaction of initial measured pure state with collective quantum system or the field with a very large number of degrees of freedom N is analysed in a nonperturbative QED formalism. As the example the measurement of the electron final state scattered on nucleus or neutrino is considered.In the nonperturbative field theory the complete manifold of the system states is nonseparable i.e. is described by tensor product of infinitely many independent Hilbert spaces. The interaction of this system with the measured state can result in the final states which belong to different Hilbert spaces which corresponds to different values of some classical observables,i.e. spontaneous symmetry breaking occurs. Interference terms (IT) between such states in the measurement of any Hermitian observable are infinitely small and due to it the ...
Measurement of redshifted 21-cm emission from neutral hydrogen promises to be the most effective method for studying the reionisation history of hydrogen and, indirectly, the first galaxies. These studies will be limited not by raw sensitivity to the signal, but rather, by bright foreground radiation from Galactic and extragalactic radio sources and the Galactic continuum. In addition, leakage due to gain errors and non-ideal feeds conspire to further contaminate low-frequency radio obsevations. This leakage leads to a portion of the complex linear polarisation signal finding its way into Stokes I, and inhibits the detection of the non-polarised cosmological signal from the epoch of reionisation. In this work, we show that rotation measure synthesis can be used to recover the signature of cosmic hydrogen reionisation in the presence of contamination by polarised foregrounds. To achieve this, we apply the rotation ...
Safety studies related to the disposal of low- and intermediate waste indicate that the long term risk is determined by the presence of long-lived nuclides such as "1"4C, "5"9Ni, "6"3Ni, "9"9Tc, "1"2"9I and the transuranium elements. As most of these nuclides are difficult to measure, the correlation between these critical nuclides and some other easily measurable key nuclides such as "6"0Co and "1"3"7Cs has been investigated for typical waste streams of Paks Nuclear Power Plant (Hungary) and scaling factors have been proposed. An automated gamma-scanning monitor has been purchased and calibrated to determine the gamma-emitting radionuclides. Radiochemical methods have been developed to determine significant difficult-to-measure radionuclides. The radionuclides of interest have been "3H, "1"4C, "9"0Sr, "5"5Fe, "5"9Ni, "9"9Tc, "1"2"9I and TRUs. The measurements ...
The Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment is designed to determine the yet unknown neutrino mixing angle theta_13 by measuring the disappearance of electron antineutrinos from several nuclear reactor cores, using multiple underground detectors at different baselines to minimize systematic errors and to suppress the cosmogenic background. The civil construction has begun since October 2007, enabling first commissioning data in 2009, and full data taking will begin in late 2010. The planned sensitivity in sin^2 (2theta_13) of better than 0.01 at 90% CL will be achieved in three years of data-taking. I will present an overview and current status of the experiment.
We show that a stationary IDp process (i.e., an infinitely divisible stationary process without Gaussian part) can be written as the independent sum of four stationary IDp processes, each of them belonging to a different class characterized by its L\\'{e}vy measure. The ergodic properties of each class are, respectively, nonergodicity, weak mixing, mixing of all order and Bernoullicity. To obtain these results, we use the representation of an IDp process as an integral with respect to a Poisson measure, which, more generally, has led us to study basic ergodic properties of these objects.
Here I provide a brief overview of recent experimental gas-phase measurements using the Selected-Ion Flow Tube or SIFT technique at 294#+-#2 K with helium buffer gas at 0.35 Torr for reactions which remove electrons from the C_6_0 molecule or donate electrons to singly and multiply-charged C_6_0 cations. The results of these measurements have provided new insight into physicochemical aspects of electron transfer and have revealed the occurrence of unprecedented electron transfer reactions at thermal energies. (author).
For the determination of top dead center (TDC) of a running engine a measuring system using microwaves was developed by AEG and Volkswagen AG. The measuring method utilizes the Doppler shift of the microwaves, which were reflected at the up and down moving piston, and the varying resonance properties of the combustion chamber. The system works with a frequency of 61.4 GHz and can be used as well for spark ignition as form compression ignition engines, particularly for direct injection engines. The output signal is symmetrical to TDC. For data acquisition and data processing, i.e. the calculation of the point of symmetry, the computer system FARES is used in a special assembly.
Localized corrosion has a stochastic character by nature. This character leads to an observed random behavior: fluctuations of the free potential, fluctuations of the current when a constant potential is maintained. This random signal, which is similar to an electric noise, can be analyzed either in the time domain by counting the events or in the frequency domain by measuring the power spectral density of the electrochemical noise. The experimental techniques developed for investigating the localized corrosion on the probabilistic point of view, i.e., statistical counting and power spectral density measurements, are discussed. Then the experimental results reported in the literature are reviewed in order to see what kind of parameters are accessible and how they can be related to the localized corrosion processes.
In this paper the authors present the first emitter efficiency results for the thin film 40 percent Er-1.5 percent Ho YAG (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet, Y3Al5O12) and 25 percent Ho YAG selective emitter at 1500 K with a platinum substrate. Spectral emittance and emissive power measurements were made (1.2 less than lambda less than 3.2 microns). Emitter efficiency and power density are significantly improved with the addition of multiple rare earth dopants. Predicted efficiency results are presented for an optimized (equal power density in the Er, (4)I[sub 15/2]-(4)I[sub 13/2] at 1.5 microns, and Ho, (5)I[sub 7]-(5)I[sub 8] at 2.0 micron emission bands) Er-Ho YAG thin film selective emitter.
Context. The I(15.01 A)/I(16.78 A) emission line intensity ratio in Fe XVII has been reported to deviate from its theoretical value in solar and stellar X-ray spectra. This is attributed to opacity in the 15.01 A line, leading to a reduction in its intensity, and was interpreted in terms of a geometry in which the emitters and absorbers are spatially distinct. Aims. We study the I(15.01 A)/I(16.78 A) intensity ratio for the active cool dwarf EV Lac, in both flare and quiescent spectra. Methods. The observations were obtained with the Reflection Grating Spectrometer on the XMM-Newton satellite. The emission measure distribution versus temperature reconstruction technique is used for our analysis. Results. We find that the 15.01 A line exhibits a significant enhancement in intensity over the optically thin value. To our knowledge, this is the first time that such an enhancement has ...
The transport and partitioning of {sup 129}I has been examined for a shallow groundwater flow system at Sturgeon Falls in northeastern Ontario. Recharge into a sandy surficial postglacial deltaic aquifer occurs in the vicinity of a seasonally-wet boreal forest. Concentrations of stable iodine, {sup 129}I, tritium, radiocarbon, stable isotopes and major ions were measured on samples of groundwater and precipitation. The present-day tritium profile delineates the position of the early 1960's above-ground nuclear weapons pulse at a depth of approximately 12 m. The concentrations of stable iodine for groundwaters above, near and below the above-ground nuclear weapons pulse range from 0.07 to 1.7 ppb. Over that same interval {sup 129}I concentrations decreased from 1.9 x 10{sup 6} atoms/L at 9 m, to approximately 1.9 x 10{sup 5} atoms/L in tritium-depleted waters at 35 m, below the present-day depth ...
The main purpose of this work is to report the personal experience with addition of contrast-enhanced multiphase helical CT to unenhanced CT (Lipiodol CT) in the evaluation of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with chemoembolization and to analyze the present role of oily agent CT. It has been retrospectively reviewed the examinations of 42 consecutive patients submitted to globla chemoembolization over a 2-year period. CT was performed 18-30 days after the treatment. The Lipiodol CT study was carried out with volume acquisitions. It has been considered as nodules all well-defined areas with dense oily agent uptake; uptake itself was classified as: 0=absent, I=lower tha 10% of the tumor volume; II=lower than 50%, III=50%, IV=homogeneous. Contrast-enhanced helical CT was performed with the 2-phase technique in 28 patients and with the 3-phase technique in 14; it has been considered as nodules all well-defined and relatively homogeneous areas with ...
With recent and archival Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) X-ray measurements of the heavily obscured X-ray pulsar EXO 1722-363 (IGR J17252-3616), we carried out a pulse timing analysis to determine the orbital solution for the first time. The binary system is characterized by a_x sin(i) = 101 +/- 3 lt-s and P_orb = 9.7403 +/- 0.0004 days (90% confidence), with the precision of the orbital period being obtained by connecting datasets separated by more than 7 years (272 orbital cycles). The orbit is consistent with circular, and e 61 degrees at the 99% confidence level, the radius of the primary is between 21 R_sun and 37 R_sun, and its mass is less than about 22 M_sun. The acceptable range of radius and mass shows that the primary is probably a supergiant of spectral type B0I-B5I. Photometric measurements of its likely counterpart are consistent with the spectral type and ...
Ion bombardment during deposition can significantly modify the film properties. In the partially ionized beam deposition, ions derived from the depositing material, i.e., the self-ions, are used during deposition. Cu films were deposited on SiO_2 substrates at room temperature using 1% Cu self-ions with an energy ranging between 0--4 keV. We studied the microstructures of the Cu films using x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, measured the impurity level inside the films using secondary ion mass spectrometry, and performed the resistivity measurements using a four point probe. The results indicate that there is an optimum ion energy around 2 keV at which, the integrated x-ray intensity ratio I(111)/I(200) reaches its maximum value indicating a strong left-angle 111 right-angle texture, while the impurity concentration and resisitivity are minimum. The correlation ...
Ion bombardment during deposition can significantly modify the film properties. In the partially ionized beam deposition, ions derived from the depositing material, i.e., the self-ions, are used during deposition. Cu films were deposited on SiO{sub 2} substrates at room temperature using 1% Cu self-ions with an energy ranging between 0--4 keV. We studied the microstructures of the Cu films using x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, measured the impurity level inside the films using secondary ion mass spectrometry, and performed the resistivity measurements using a four point probe. The results indicate that there is an optimum ion energy around 2 keV at which, the integrated x-ray intensity ratio {ital I}(111)/{ital I}(200) reaches its maximum value indicating a strong {l angle}111{r angle} texture, while the impurity concentration and resisitivity are minimum. ...
Ion bombardment during deposition can significantly modify the film properties. In the partially ionized beam deposition, ions derived from the depositing material, i.e., the self-ions, are used during deposition. Cu films were deposited on SiO{sub 2} substrates at room temperature using 1% Cu self-ions with an energy ranging between 0--4 keV. We studied the microstructures of the Cu films using x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, measured the impurity level inside the films using secondary ion mass spectrometry, and performed the resistivity measurements using a four point probe. The results indicate that there is an optimum ion energy around 2 keV at which, the integrated x-ray intensity ratio {ital I}(111)/{ital I}(200) reaches its maximum value indicating a strong {l angle}111{r angle} texture, while the impurity concentration and resisitivity are minimum. ...
The expression levels of many thousands of genes can be measured simultaneously by DNA microarrays (chips). This novel experimental tool has revolutionized research in molecular biology and generated considerable excitement. A typical experiment uses a few tens of such chips, each dedicated to a single sample - such as tissue extracted from a particular tumor. The results of such an experiment contain several hundred thousand numbers, that come in the form of a table, of several thousand rows (one for each gene) and 50 - 100 columns (one for each sample). We developed a clustering methodology to mine such data. In this review I provide a very basic introduction to the subject, aimed at a physics audience with no prior knowledge of either gene expression or clustering methods. I explain what genes are, what is gene expression and how it is measured by DNA chips. Next I explain what ...
Patients who fail to attend initial appointments reduce clinic efficiency. To maximize attendance by newly referred outpatients, we introduced a mandatory group orientation clinic for all new patients...Full Text Available
Study DesignThis is a retrospective study that was done according to clinical and radiological evaluation.PurposeWe analyzed the clinical and radiological...Full Text Available
The likelihood that past experience will produce correct guides to current practice depends on the signal-to-noise ratio for the clinical problem of interest. If the signal-to-noise ratio is high, the...Full Text Available
The Clinical Summary is a Web-based application for accessing the clinical database at the Massachusetts General Hospital. The application has been developed to give physicians in our health care community...Full Text Available
In 2008, a clinical information tool was developed and embedded in the electronic health record system of an academic medical center. In 2009, the initial information tool, Clinical-e, was superseded...Full Text Available
PURPOSE The Wells rule is widely used for clinical assessment of patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT), especially in the secondary care setting. Recently a new clinical decision...Full Text Available
The clinical signs and postmortem findings in sheep from two flocks accidentally poisoned with monensin are described. Clinical signs began within 24 hours of exposure to monensin. In the acute stages...Full Text Available
The top quark has been discovered in 1995 at the CDF and DO experiments located in the Tevatron ring at the Fermilab laboratory. After more than a decade the Tevatron collider, with its center-of-mass energy collisions of 1.96 TeV, is still the only machine capable of producing such exceptionally heavy particle. Here I present a selection of the most recent CDF and DO measurements performed analyzing {approx} 1 fb{sup -1} of integrated luminosity.
Halide complexes of astatine cations At"+ and AtO"+ were prepared and their rate of migration was measured. The complexes are of the type AtX_2"- and AtOX_2"- (X = Cl"-, Br"-, I"-). The bromo complexes, AtBr_2"- and AtOBr_2"-, have a higher stability than the chloro complexes. The hydrolysis in weakly alkaline solution of AtX_2"- resulted At"-, and that of AtOX_2"- AtO_2"-. (author).
Energy sector is relatively easy to evaluate economically. There have existed reliable statistics on energy systems and consumption and the planning has been based on them. However the environmental factors have been integrated into the Danish energy policy first in the nineties, and the new socio-economic evaluations have to take the pollution abatement measures into account. (EG)
The Si L/sub 2/ /sub 3/VV Auger Lineshape for Pd/sub 4/Si was measured and found to be in good agreement with the self-fold of the Si partial density of states model calculated by Riley et al. Oxygen chemisorption altered both the Auger lineshape and the HeI photoemission spectrum, especially near the Fermi energy.
Airborne lead particulates collected on a membrane filter were determined by the nondestructive X-ray fluorescence method. The gamma/X radionuclide source "2"4"1Am/Ag and a scintillation detector with a NaI/Tl crystal were used for the excitation and detection, respectively, of L X-rays of Pb. One can say, with reference to the obtained results, that the sensitivity and accuracy of the measurement is more than adequate for monitoring the Pb level in air. (author).
In 2000, a network of twenty-three piezometers was used to measure hydraulic head in the water-table aquifer (Upper Aquifer Zone of the Upper Three Runs Aquifer, or UAZ of the UTRA) along the ground water outcrops (i.e. seeplines) near the F- and H-Areas.
In a theory where the local observables are determined by local field algebras as the fixed points under a (a priori noncommutative) group of gauge transformations of the first kind, we show that, if the field algebras possess intermediate type I factors, we can construct observables having the meaning of local charge measurements, and local current algebras in the field algebras.
We prove that Formula Not Shown surface diffeomorphisms have symbolic extensions, i.e. topological extensions which are subshifts over a finite alphabet. Following the strategy of Downarowicz and Maass (Invent. Math. 176:617?636, 2009) we bound the local entropy of ergodic measures in terms of Lyapunov exponents. This is done by reparametrizing Bowen balls by contracting maps in a approach combining hyperbolic theory and Yomdin?s theory.
Measurements of the double-electron-capture process in which a positive ion of iodine becomes a negative ion in a single collision with a magnesium atom are reported between 20 and 90 keV. The cross section is comparable to that for the rare gases and not as large as might be expected from a two-valence-electron atom. This process is probably insignificant in the production of negative ion beams using a magnesium-vapor target.
Magnesium alloys and composites are potentially highly attractive materials for lightweight design in the automotive industry - if common forming technologies, i.e., deep drawing and cold extrusion, are applicable to them; so far, this is seldom the case. The authors have tested some candidate Mg alloys and discuss the results of their measurements in detail. The Figure shows a typical workpiece part obtained by a deep-drawing technique. (Abstract Copyright [2003], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)
We studied the solvent extraction behavior of astatine and found the anomalous behavior of this element similar to radioiodine. Astatine was extracted into CS_2 from acidic solution over a wide range of carrier iodine concentration. The distribution ratios of astatine were determined by measuring the #gamma#-ray from 210 At with a NaI(Tl) detector. A drastic change was observed around at 10"-"4 mol/l as in the case of 131 l. This tendency is well explained by the kinematics of the chemical reactions concerned. (author).
The NCRP Wound Model, which describes the retention of selected radionuclides at the site of a contaminated wound and their uptake into the transfer compartment, has been combined with the ICRP element-specific systemic models for those radionuclides to derive dose coefficients for intakes via contaminated wounds. These coefficients can be used to generate derived regulatory guidance (i.e., the activity in a wound that would result in an effective dose of 20 or 50 mSv, or in some cases, a organ-equivalent dose of 500 mSv) and clinical decision guidance (i.e., activity levels that would indicate the need for consideration of medical intervention to remove activity from the wound site, administration of decorporation therapy or both). Data are provided for 38 radionuclides commonly encountered in various activities such as nuclear weapons, fuel fabrication or recycling, waste disposal, medicine, research, and nuclear power. ...
We wanted to evaluate the correlation of mild renal pelvic dilatation (RPD) that is observed to be less than 10 mm on ultrasound (US) with urinary tract infection (UTI) and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in neonates. We reviewed 137 kidneys of 107 neonates who had RPD less than 10 mm on US. All the kidneys were divided into two groups: Group I (RPD <= 5.0 mm) and Group II (RPD > 5.0 mm), and we statistically analyzed the RPD change according to UTI and VUR. Seven neonates had VUR (5.1%), and there was no statistical significance between Group I (6 neonates, 5.6%) and Group II (1 neonate, 3.3%). Thirty seven cases (27%) had UTI and there was no statistical significance between Group I (30 cases, 28.0%) and Group II (7 cases, 23.3%). The RPD did not change in 81.8% of the cases, it increased in 4.4% of the cases and it decreased in 13.9% of the cases on follow up US. The incidence of VUR and UTI were not different ...
Purpose: Measurement of the oscillating CSF flow in the spinal canal (SC) of healthy volunteers and in patients with post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS) using an optimized MRI protocol as well as to determine whether stenosis induced velocity changes are detectable using MRI. Methods: In 68 healthy volunteers quantitative studies of CSF flow in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions were performed. First, an optimized sequence was developed and tested in 19 volunteers using four different flow-encoding velocities (4, 8, 12, 16 cm/s). Secondly, the optimized sequence was employed in 49 volunteers to measure the different CSF patterns in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal canals (CSC, TSC, LSC). Part three of the study, in which patients with PTS are being examined is still underway. We measured the maximum velocity (cm/s), the pixel area (mm{sup 2}), and the stroke volume (ml/s). Using a flow model the velocities ...
As part of a U.S. multi-regional pilot study conducted by the six Centers for Radiological Physics, 12-mm-diameter by 0.4-mm-thick CaSO/sub 4/:Dy Teflon-embedded discs were evaluated and used to measure patient entrance exposure on 60 average patients at 12 clinical centers. The discs were found to have adequate sensitivity, reproducibility and linearity up to 69.7 microC kg-1 (270 mR). The minimum measurable exposure was estimated as 0.4 microC kg-1 (1.5 mR). All responses were corrected for energy dependence, which varied +/- 20% from 1.7 to 6.5 mm Al half-value layer. Patient entrance exposure values ranged from 1.3 to 28 microC kg-1 (5 to 110 mR), with a median value of 5.2 microC kg-1 (20 mR). This value agreed with exposure measurements made on the chest radiography equipment using an ionization chamber and a phantom which simulated an average patient, and with published Nationwide Evaluation of ...
A thermoluminescence (TL) sheet and its spatial readout system for in vivo measurement of spatial dose distribution around sources has been newly developed for intracavitary high dose-rate radiation therapy. The TL sheet (40 cm x 50 cm x 200 {mu}m), which is composed of teflon mixed with BaSO{sub 4} (Eu doped) powder, has a linear response with a very wide dynamic range from at least 0.002 cGy to 5000 cGy for {sup 60}Co sources. Phantom test of the TL sheet readout system demonstrated that absorbed dose with TL sheet and that with ionization chamber as standard dosimeter agreed well. For clinical application, TL sheet was attached on an applicator of intracavitary radiation therapy for rectal cancer. After irradiation with high dose-rate {sup 60}Co sources, the in vivo dose distribution on the surface of the rectum was determined. The TL sheet was suggested to provide a convenient means of measuring the dose distribution ...
Many otolaryngologists perform septoplasty with or without turbinate surgery and the surgical method relies largely on the surgeon's clinical judgment. This study used computed tomography (CT) of the sinuses of 20 patients to examine the correlation between a unilateral deviated nasal septum and compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral inferior turbinate to suggest guidelines for septal and turbinate surgery. The thickness of the mucosa and conchal bone, the projection angle of the conchal bone, and the distances between the conchal bone, and lateral nasal line and median line were measured. The volume of the inferior turbinate was measured from the three-dimensional reconstruction. Each measurement was compared with those of the nasal cavity on the contralateral and of normal control subjects. The inferior turbinate on the concave side had a significantly greater volume, including the thickness of ...
The purpose of this study was to clarify the benefits of digital lateral chest radiogram. In the basic study, the modulation transfer factor (MTF) and the wiener spectra (WS) of conventional screen film (CSF) and Fuji computed radiography (FCR) were measured. The visibility of the simulated nodules on FCR using 3 human bodies was subjectively compared with that on CSF by 13 observers. In the clinical study, the visibility of the normal structures on FCR was subjectively compared with that on CSF using 50 lateral chest radiograms by 10 observers. The diagnostic performance to detect pulmonary nodules on FCR was also compared with that on CSF using each 30 positive and negative cases by 8 observers. In the basic study, the MTF of FCR was superior to that of CSF, and the WS of FCR displayed in half size was superior to that of CSF. In all exposure conditions, the visibility of the nodules on FCR in the pulmonary apex was inferior to that on CSF, ...
The purpose of this study was to clarify the benefits of digital lateral chest radiogram. In the basic study, the modulation transfer factor (MTF) and the wiener spectra (WS) of conventional screen film (CSF) and Fuji computed radiography (FCR) were measured. The visibility of the simulated nodules on FCR using 3 human bodies was subjectively compared with that on CSF by 13 observers. In the clinical study, the visibility of the normal structures on FCR was subjectively compared with that on CSF using 50 lateral chest radiograms by 10 observers. The diagnostic performance to detect pulmonary nodules on FCR was also compared with that on CSF using each 30 positive and negative cases by 8 observers. In the basic study, the MTF of FCR was superior to that of CSF, and the WS of FCR displayed in half size was superior to that of CSF. In all exposure conditions, the visibility of the nodules on FCR in the pulmonary apex was inferior to that on CSF, ...
Tc-MDP 10mCi was intravenously given preoperatively to 20 patients with primary bone tumors and 1 with a metastatic bone tumor. Preoperative and postoperative scintigraphs of resected tumor and scintigraphs of sliced tumor were compared. Tissue fragments were collected from the sliced tumor, and RI measured to compare concentration rates at different areas. Histological investigations were also done. Localization of Tc-MDP was increased at sites of tumorous bone formation, of reactive bone formation at tumor edges, and of cartilage calcification, with little concentration at tumor cells or necrotic tissue. VX/sub 2/ carcinoma was transplanted into the rabbit tibia, Tc-MDP was intravenously injected when bone destruction was radiologically evident, and investigations were done as in the clinical cases. In experimental bone tumor, increased uptake localization of Tc-MDP was much the same as in clinical cases. Tetracycline was ...
Aim: Rheumatoid arthritis is a limiting disease having, among its pathological features, the inflammation of synovial tissue with progressive and later destruction of the articulation. This leads to joint deformation and loss of its function, generating pain and reducing the mobility of the affected articulation. The aim was to evaluate "1"6"6Ho-Hydroxyapatite ("1"6"6 Ho-HA) as potential radiopharmaceutical for the symptomatic treatment of chronic and acute arthritis. Materials and Methods: Holmiun-166 was produced by irradiation of Ho_2O_3 at La Reina Research Reactor, Nuclear Chilean Energy Commission. Hydroxyapatite was in-house synthesized. Its labelling and quality controls follows the internationally accepted procedures. An antigen's arthritis was induced to eight New Zealand rabbits with the "1"6"6 Ho-HA radiochemical being administered thereafter in two dosage modalities (single and double). The compound therapeutic efficiency was evaluated based upon ...
Objectives Clinical PET/MR requires the use of patient positioning aids to immobilize and support patients for the duration of the combined examination. Ancillary immobilization devices contribute to overall attenuation of the PET signal, but are not detected with conventional MR sequences and, hence, are ignored in standard MR-based attenuation correction (MR-AC). We report on the quantitative effect of not accounting for the attenuation of patient positioning aids in combined PET/MR imaging. Methods We used phantom and patient data acquired with positioning aids on a PET/CT scanner (Biograph 16, HI-REZ) to mimic PET/MR imaging conditions. Reference CT-based attenuation maps were generated from measured (original) CT transmission images (origCT-AC). We also created MR-like attenuation map...
Biomarkers are biometric measurements that provide critical quantitative information about the biological condition of the animal or individual being tested. In drug safety studies, established toxicity biomarkers are used along with other conventional study data to determine dose-limiting organ toxicity, and to define species sensitivity for new chemical entities intended for possible use as human medicines. A continuing goal of drug safety scientists in the pharmaceutical industry is to discover and develop better trans-species biomarkers that can be used to determine target organ toxicities for preclinical species in short-term studies at dose levels that are some multiple of the intended human dose and again later in full development for monitoring clinical trials at lower therapeutic ...
Translating experimental findings into clinically effective therapies is one of the major bottlenecks of modern medicine. As this has been particularly true for cerebrovascular research, attention has turned to the quality and validity of experimental cerebrovascular studies. We set out to assess the study design, statistical analyses, and reporting of cerebrovascular research. We assessed all original articles published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism during the year 2008 against a checklist designed to capture the key attributes relating to study design, statistical analyses, and reporting. A total of 156 original publications were included (animal, in vitro, human). Few studies reported a primary research hypothesis, statement of purpose, or measures to safeguard in...
PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to compare the effect of submucosal versus intramuscular administration of dexamethasone sodium phosphate on patients' quality of life after surgical removal of impacted lower third molars. Patients and MethodsA randomized, non-blind, clinical trial was planned. The sample was composed of patients requiring extraction under local anesthesia of a single partial bony impacted mandibular third molar with Class II or III and position B or C, according to the Pell and Gregory classification. The patients were randomly distributed into 1 of 3 groups: submucosal dexamethasone, intramuscular dexamethasone, and a control group that received no steroid. A modified translated questionnaire was used to assess the patients' perception regarding different qual...
Abstract:- Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, -3 and -9 has been demonstrated in Crohn-s disease fistulas, but it is unknown whether these enzymes are biologically active and represent a therapeutic target. Therefore, we investigated the proteolytic activity of MMPs in fistula tissue and examined the effect of inhibitors, including clinically available drugs that beside their main action also suppress MMPs. Fistula specimens were obtained by surgical excision from 22 patients with Crohn-s disease and from 10 patients with fistulas resulting from other causes. Colonic endoscopic biopsies from six controls were also included. Total functional MMP activity was measured by a high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based, fluorogenic MMP-substrate cleavage assay, and t...
Fifteen quantitative bone scintigraphies were performed in an adolescent girl during the follow-up of a femoral osteogenic sarcoma treated by chemotherapy and massive allograft. Three hours after injection of the radiopharmaceutical (7.4 MBq/kg of 99mTc-MDP) bone activity was measured in the inferior limbs at several regions of interest centered on the hips, femurs (proximal, middle, distal) and proximal tibias. The variations of relative bone activities A/S (ratio of corresponding counting rates between two homologous regions in the affected A and in the healthy S limb) and of absolute bone activities (expressed in counts/pixel-second) are interpreted as a function of times during treatment. The quantitative results are discussed with regard to main phenomena influencing bone activity in this particular clinical case: bone growth, chemotherapy and neo-osteogenesis in allograft.
Objectives Vietnamese patients? views on healthcare are changing as surgical interventions become more commonplace, but their views on perioperative care have remained largely unstudied during this period of rapid change. This study assesses Vietnamese patients? impression of anesthesia safety and postoperative pain in relation to clinical outcomes with the aim of improving patient-centered perioperative care. Methods The study cohort consisted of 180 hospitalized patients who were followed for 24?h following abdominal surgery. The assessments of these patients on the use of anesthesia and postoperative pain were measured by means of a 5-point Likert scale survey. Perioperative events were recorded on standardized forms by medical staff. The relationship between relevant factors affecting ...
ABSTRACT Introduction. Postprostatectomy erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a serious quality-of-life issue. Recent advances in the understanding of the mechanism of postprostatectomy ED have stimulated great attention toward penile rehabilitation. Aim. This review presents and analyzes a contemporary series of the recent medical literature pertaining to penile rehabilitation therapy after radical prostatectomy (RP). Main Outcome Measures. The laboratory and clinical studies related to penile rehabilitation are analyzed. The validity of the methodology and the conclusion of the findings from each study are determined. Methods. The published and presented reports dealing with penile rehabilitation following RP in human and cavernous nerve injury in animal models are reviewed. Results. Exciti...
Ozone is a principal component of photochemical air pollution endogenous to numerous metropolitan areas. It is primarily formed by the oxidation of NOx in the presence of sunlight and reactive organic compounds. Ozone is a highly active oxidizing agent capable of causing injury to the lung. Lung injury may take the form of irritant effects on the respiratory tract that impair pulmonary function and result in subjective symptoms of respiratory discomfort. These symptoms include, but are not limited to, cough and shortness of breath, and they can limit exercise performance. The effects of ozone observed in humans have been primarily limited to alterations in respiratory function, and a range of respiratory physiological parameters have been measured as a function of ozone exposure in adults and children. These affects have been observed under widely varying (clinical experimental and environmental settings) conditions
Details of the interaction of photons with tissue phantoms are elucidated using Monte Carlo simulations. In particular, photon sampling volumes and photon pathlengths are determined for a variety of scattering and absorption parameters. The Monte Carlo simulations are specifically designed to model light delivery and collection geometries relevant to clinical applications of optical biopsy techniques. The Monte Carlo simulations assume that light is delivered and collected by two, nearly-adjacent optical fibers and take into account the numerical aperture of the fibers as well as reflectance and refraction at interfaces between different media. To determine the validity of the Monte Carlo simulations for modeling the interactions between the photons and the tissue phantom in these geometries, the simulations were compared to measurements of aqueous suspensions of polystyrene microspheres in the wavelength range 450-750 nm.
Since the fluoroscopic image during nasoenteral tube placements is used for guidance and not for diagnosis, a lower contrast image with increased quantum mottle can be easily tolerated. The three methods to reduce the radiation dose rate investigated consisted of removing camera from the image intensifier output phosphor, and setting the fluoroscopic mA to the minimum value so that the kVp could be maximized. Fluoroscopic frozen video frames of a clinical tube insertion comparing the images with and without the dose-saving techniques are presented. Measurements of the radiation dose rates using a Plexiglas phantom show that the dose for patient and staff during fluoroscopic-guided nasoenteral tube placements can be reduced by over a factor of 10 without significantly adversely affecting the actual placement procedure. (author).
Objective: A growing body of data from genetic, immunological and clinical studies indicates an involvement of the immune system in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and suggests that the modulation of the cytokine system by antipsychotics may be one cause for the improvement of psychotic symptoms. However, the influence of the typical antipsychotics chlorpromazine and haloperidol, and the effect of typical and atypical antipsychotics on the TSST-1-stimulated blood cell secretion of cytokines, and specifically the interleukin (IL)-17 production have not been studied so far, although IL-17 is a leading pro-inflammatory cytokine. Method: We measured levels of IL-1@b, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor-@a (TNF-@a) in stimulated blood of 10 healthy female subjects in a whole ...
ABSTRACT Introduction. Significant progress has been made in the understanding of physiological and pharmacological mechanisms of human sexual functioning through preclinical research in animal models. Aim. To provide an evidence-based documentation of the experimental models evaluating male and female sexual function for useful clinical translation. Methods. Consensus discussion over the past 18 months leading to summarized views of seven experts from six countries. Main Outcome Measure. Report was based on the critical analysis of scientific information available in literature and subcommittee presentations, discussions, and exchanges of ideas and feedback. Results. Fundamental research in animal models has led to considerable understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying desi...
Objective: To develop a method for RIA of transferrin without dilution of the serum sample. Methods: The measurable range was broadened through: Lowering of the specific radioactivity of the labelled antigen, increasing the concentration of the anti-serum and improve the curve fitting method. Results: The antiserum affinity was 3.82 x 10"-"1"0 mol/L, the specific radioactivity of the labelled antigen was 15.3 mg/mic, inter-assay error CV 5.38%, intra-assay error CV = 3.5% and the shape of the curve was good. For 30 normal control specimens, the mean TF content was 2.81 +- 0.972 mg/ml. Conclusion: Development of a method for RIA of TF without previous dilution of the test serum was of clinical value
AbstractBackground: So far, infliximab (IFX) therapy for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) has generally been guided by clinical symptoms. Data on treatment response as ascertained by endoscopy in IFX therapy are scarce. The aims of this study were to measure the endoscopic response rate during IFX induction and maintenance therapy in luminal CD, and also evaluate the role of endoscopy in monitoring IFX therapy. Methods: Data obtained from 71 patients with active luminal CD and treated with IFX were analyzed retrospectively. The endoscopy findings were scored according to mucosal activity as: 0 (remission), 1-2 (mild), 3-4 (moderate), and 5-6 (severe). A positive endoscopic response was determined by a decrease in score of at least two points and mucosal healing was assigned a score of...
There are no specific diagnostic tests or a gold standard method for measuring disease activity and outcome in spondyloarthropathies (SpA). Many different methods have been developed to assess the signs and symptoms in SpA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of scintigraphy, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and Bath Ankilosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) in the evaluation of disease activity in early axial SpA diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty early MRI-positive axial SpA patients (23 males, 7 females) with a median age of 35 (18?55) years and a median duration of inflammatory low back pain of 24 (8?60) months were included in the study. In the patients with sacroiliitis, the sensitivity, specificity, and pos...
First, absorbed dose at entrance surface was measured in routine mammography. Secondly, a possibility of dose reduction after introduction of Fuji computed radiography (FCR) system was examined. In a total of 350 mammographic studies including craniocaudal and medilateral projections, average thickness of compressed breast was less than 4 cm and most frequently recorded absorbed dose was 0.2-0.3 cGy (200-300 mrad). Minimum dose to obtain clinically acceptable mammograms in FCR system was estimated by comparing image quality of routine versus reduced dose studies. It was concluded that absorbed dose could be reduced to 1/4 of routine dose without creating significant drawback in diagnosis. (author).
Although clinic environments are a primary location for exchanging information with clinicians, patients experience these spaces as harsh environments to access, use, exchange, and manage information....Full Text Available
A questionnaire on the development of specialist clinics was distributed to the members of the Association of British Neurologists and completed by 104 members (85 consultants). Half of the respondents...Full Text Available
As controlled clinical vocabularies assume an increasing role in modern clinical information systems, so the issue of their quality demands greater attention. In order to meet the resulting stringent...Full Text Available
PURPOSE: To determine the risk factors and clinical signs of Curvularia keratitis and to evaluate the management and outcome of this corneal phaeohyphomycosis. METHODS: We reviewed clinical and laboratory...Full Text Available
A tunable diode laser is used to obtain infrared spectra of carbon dioxide in biological materials. The spectral resolution is sufficient to readily distinguish differing isotopic species. The technique may prove useful in clinical tests.
Although coagulase-negative staphylococci (C-NS) have been implicated in certain human infections, they are generally regarded as contaminants, and their clinical significance is questioned. To assess...Full Text Available
In 2005, the American Medical Informatics Association undertook a set of activities relating to clinical decision support (CDS), with support from the office of the national coordinator and the Agency...Full Text Available
Introduction: Generally agreed outcome criteria in psychosis are required to evaluate the effectiveness of new treatment strategies. The aim of this study is to explore clinical recovery...Full Text Available
PurposeTo evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of cataract surgery in highly myopic Korean subjects.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed...Full Text Available
AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms and their association with clinical and functional characteristics in elderly outpatients.METHODS: The study involved 3238 outpatients...Full Text Available
In a three-phase tri-axial cable, the magnetic interaction between the phases makes the loss measurement by an electromagnetic method very complex. We developed the theoretical background showing that three-phase AC loss measurements by the electromagnetic method are, in principle, possible. We then implemented this theory in practical measurements on a 3 m long, tri-axial cable fabricated from RABiTS (rolling-assisted biaxially textured substrate) coated conductor. Initially, the proposed measurement technique was implemented in the simpler cases when the three cable phases are 180"0 out of phase, i.e. (0"0, 180"0, 360"0) or (0"0, 360"0, 180"0) rather than (0"0, 120"0, 240"0) as in a traditional three-phase system. For these cases, the currents in the phases are either in phase (360"0 phase difference) or anti-phase (180"0 phase difference). These are essentially single-phase ...
The half-life of "1"0"9Cd was measured by following the decay of sources from a radiochemically pure solution with two different measuring systems: an ionisation chamber and a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The measurements were performed over a period of 3.6 years, i.e. about 2.8 half-lives of "1"0"9Cd. The resulting half-life values and detailed uncertainty budgets (k=1) are presented for both systems. The result obtained with the ionisation chamber, 462.36 (33) days, and the one obtained with the HPGe detector, 461.92 (76) days, are mutually consistent. The weighted mean of our measured values, T_1_/_2("1"0"9Cd)=462.29 (30) days, is consistent with the currently recommended values of 461.4 (12) days and 462.0 (3) days. From a set of selected experimental values published after 1970, a 'partially weighted mean' of T_1_/_2("1"0"9Cd)=462.36 (39) days was calculated. More ...
Pitting corrosion measuring method for almunum alloys sold on the market was studied. By addition of a little quantity of Cu {sup ++} ion, corrosion potential of alminum alloys rapidly approachs to pitting corrosion potential in the solution including chloride. After Cu {sup ++} ion of 5ppm is added in advance into the solution including chrolide to measure the pitting corrosion potential, alminum alloy test pieces are imersed into the solution in the atmospheric air, then the stable corrosion potential is shown after three-minite imersion, and this potential is defined to the pitting corrosion potential. The pitting corrosion potential can be easily measured by this method stated above (copper ion method). The values measured by copper ion method is comparatively agreed with that measured by the existing potentio dynamic method. The pitting corrosion potential have a straight lined ...
The MonoPrep Pap Test (MPPT; MonoGen, Lincolnshire, IL) is a novel, liquid-based specimen collection and processing technology for cytologic and molecular testing. Its usefulness in the detection of cervical cancer and its precursors was evaluated in a multicenter, masked, adjudicated, split-sample study of 10,739 samples. After preparation of a conventional smear, the residuum on the collection device was rinsed into a collection vial from which an MPPT slide was prepared. Accuracy was assessed by masked reference interpretation by an independent pathologist. Slides prepared by MPPT, compared with smears, yielded statistically significant increases in relative sensitivity for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and worse, atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion/atypical glandular cells and worse, and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and worse. There was no significant difference in relative specificity. MPPT provided ...
The development and evaluation of a post-column reaction detector sensitive to platinum(II) complexes is presented in which sodium bisulfite is used as the derivatizing agent with potassium dichromate as an activating agent. The influences of mobile phase changes (i.e., pH, organic modifiers, electrolytes), oxygen, metal ions, and order of reagent addition on reaction kinetics and product yield are defined and used in optimization of detector response. Detection at lambda/sub max/ 290 nm results in an on-line post-column sensitivity of 40-60 ng/mL for selected cis-dichloroplatinum complexes and a sensitivity of 300-1200 ng/mL for four (substituted)-malonato-platinum complexes. The reaction detector is used to monitor the kinetics of aquation of cisplatin (CDDP) and to quantitate CDDP degradation in plasma. As the sensitivity for CDDP in plasma is comparable to that achieved from high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) effluent fractionation/off-line flameless ...
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has rapidly attained a major position among the examinations used in the diagnostic approach of multiple sclerosis because it is highly sensitive in demonstrating lesions. However, these lesional images may have several meanings, and there is the problem of distinguishing between oedema, which is said to reflect recent lesions, and gliosis which is thought to betray old lesions. The intrinsic MRI parameters studied (i.e. relaxation times) are unable to make this distinction, whereas it is provided by paramagnetic contrast media such as gadolinium. There is no correlation between the changes observed at MRI and the severity of the disease. Another problem is the accuracy of lesion localization, since visualization is predominantly macroscopic. This raises several questions about the demonstration of correlations between clinical signs and site of the lesion(s). At the moment, several teams of neuroradiologists ...
The diagnosis of dialysis-related amyloid (AB-amyloid) has been based usually on clinical and radiological criteria. Following the discovery that beta 2-microglobulin was the major protein of this amyloid, we isolated and radiolabelled uremic plasma beta 2-microglobulin. After intravenous injection, gamma-camera images of selected joint areas were obtained from 42 patients who were on regular hemodialysis therapy. Positive scans involving the shoulder, hip, knee and carpal regions were found in 13 of 14 patients treated for more than 10 years and 10 of 16 patients treated for 5 to 10 years. Patients treated for less time had negative scans. Specificity was indicated by negative scans in non-amyloid inflammatory lesions in control hemodialysis patients. Up to 48-fold tracer enrichment was detected in excised AB-amyloid containing tissue as compared to amyloid-free tissue. These findings suggest that circulating radiolabelled beta 2-microglobulin is taken up by the ...
Quantitative hepatic scintiangiography was previously used for evaluating the relative contribution of hepatic arterial and portal venous blood flows to the hepatic circulation. The present study compares 3 different procedures (automatic and manual integration, and slope fitting methods) for analyzing the hepatic time activity curves obtained after bolus i.v. injection of 370 MBq /sup 99m/Tc-diethylentriaminopentacetic acid. Twenty five subjects were studied: Five controls, ten cirrhotics, and ten portal hypertensive patients previously submitted to side to side portacaval anastomosis. The correspondence between results given by the different methods was satisfactory only in shunted patients, and the reproducibility of computed parameters was quite poor for all procedures. Accordingly, none of the methods can be considered as supporting reliable quantitative pathophysiological evaluations. However, the hepatic arterial/portal venous flow ratio was found to be ...
Structural instability of wild-type fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1 and its dependence on exogenous heparin for optimal activity diminishes its potential utility as a therapeutic agent. Here we evaluated FGFC, an FGF1:FGF2 chimeric protein, for its receptor affinity, absolute heparin-dependence, stability and potential clinical applicability. Using BaF3 transfectants overexpressing each FGF receptor (FGFR) subtype, we found that, like FGF1, FGFC activates all of the FGFR subtypes (i.e., FGFR1c, FGFR1b, FGFR2c, FGFR2b, FGFR3c, FGFR3b and FGFR4) in the presence of heparin. Moreover, FGFC activates FGFRs even in the absence of heparin. FGFC stimulated keratinocytes proliferation much more strongly than FGF2, as would be expected from its ability to activate FGFR2b. FGFC showed greater struct...
IMRT with inverse planning allows simultaneous integrated boost strategies that exploit the heterogeneous dose distribution within the planning target volumes (PTVs). In this scenario, the location of cold spots within the target becomes a crucial issue and has to be related to the distribution of the clonogenic cell density (CCD). The main aim of this work is to provide the means to calculate the optimal prescription dose in a relative inhomogeneous dose distribution. To achieve this, the prescription dose has to be assigned to obtain the same tumor control probability (TCP) as the ideal homogeneous distribution, taking into account different CCDs in different PTVs (i.e. visible and subclinical regions). An adapted formulation of the linear-quadratic model, within the F-factor formalism, has been derived to preserve a chosen TCP value for the whole target volume. The F-factor has been investigated to show its potential applications in clinical ...
Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical results of our adaptive radiation therapy scheme of a two-step intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) method for nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) at Kinki University Hospital. Methods Between 2000 and 2007, 35 patients with Stage I-IVB NPC treated by IMRT were included. For all patients, treatment-planning computed tomography was done twice before and during IMRT to a total dose of 60-70 Gy/28-35 fractions (median 68 Gy). Chemotherapy (cisplatin 80 mg/m2/3 weeks x 1-3 courses) was given concurrently with IMRT for 31 patients. Results The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates for the 31 patients treated with concurrent chemotherapy were 88% and 83%, respectively. The 3- and 5-year loco-regional control rates for the 31 patients were 93%...
Cinnabar, a naturally occurring mercuric sulfide (HgS), has long been used in combination with traditional Chinese medicine as a sedative for more than 2000 years. Up to date, its pharmacological and toxicological effects are still unclear, especially in clinical low-dose and long-term use. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the effects of cinnabar on the time course of changes in locomotor activities, pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, motor equilibrium performance and neurobiochemical activities in mice during 3- to 11-week administration at a clinical dose of 10 mg/kg/day. The results showed that cinnabar was significantly absorbed by gastrointestinal (G-I) tract and transported to brain tissues. The spontaneous locomotor activities of male mice but not female mice were preferentially suppressed. Moreover, frequencies of jump and stereotype-1 episodes were progressively decreased after 3-week oral administration ...
Background: EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) inhibitors confer clinical benefit in metastatic colorectal cancer when combined with chemotherapy. An emerging strategy to improve outcomes in rectal cancer is to integrate biologically active, targeted agents as triple therapy into chemoradiation protocols. Material and methods: cetuximab and bevacizumab have now been incorporated into phase I-II studies of preoperative chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for rectal cancer. The rationale of these combinations, early efficacy and toxicity data, and possible molecular predictors for tumor response are reviewed. Computerized bibliographic searches of Pubmed were supplemented with hand searches of reference lists and abstracts of ASCO and ASTRO meetings. Results: the combination of cetuximab and CRT can be safely applied without dose compromises of the respective treatment components. Disappointingly low ...
Thirty-nine previously untreated patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were treated by irradiation or a combination of irradiation and surgery, with or without chemotherapy, between January 1971 and December 1980. All of the patients had a follow-up period of at least nine years. Twenty-two patients were men and 17 were women. The average age was 50.1 years, with a range of 30 to 74 years. The absolute five-year survival rate was 82.1% and the cumulative ten-year survival rate 76.9% for these 39 patients. Cervical node metastases were clinically found on admission in 14 patients whose five-year survival rate was 64.3%, whereas it was 92.0% for 25 patients without metastasis. The absolute five-year survival rate decreased from 92.3% for patients with stage I lesions to 90.9%, 87.5% and 42.9% for those with stage II, stage III and stage IV lesions, respectively. Most of the patients received external irradiation and intraoral ...
Purpose: To report our clinical experiences with on-board imager (OBI) kV image verification for cranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and radiotherapy (SRT) treatments. Methods and Materials: Between January 2007 and May 2008, 42 patients (57 lesions) were treated with SRS with head frame immobilization and 13 patients (14 lesions) were treated with SRT with face mask immobilization at our institution. No margin was added to the gross tumor for SRS patients, and a 3-mm three-dimensional margin was added to the gross tumor to create the planning target volume for SRT patients. After localizing the patient with stereotactic target positioner (TaPo), orthogonal kV images using OBI were taken and fused to planning digital reconstructed radiographs. Suggested couch shifts in vertical, longitudinal, and lateral directions were recorded. kV images were also taken immediately after treatment for 21 SRS patients and on a weekly basis for 6 SRT patients to assess any ...
The refrigerant two-phase flows in a capillary tube and a distributor used in a compression-type refrigerator were visualized by real-time neutron radiography. The thermal neutron radiography system of JRR-3M at the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute was used. In the visualization experiments of the two-phase flow in the capillary tube of 2 mm I.D., a cooled CCD camera was used, and the axial one-dimensional distributions of void fraction were measured. For the distributor, a high sensitivity video camera with a silicone intensified target tube was used. From the visualized images, the refrigerant behaviors in the distributor were clearly shown, and the liquid fraction in each tube was measured. As a result, it was shown that the refrigerant behaviors in the distributor effected the distributing performance of the refrigerant flow.
Contamination of certain areas of Europe with radiocaesium from the Chernobyl accident led to a higher {sup 137}Cs accumulation (i.e. 300-600 Bq kg{sup -1}) in grain and to potential post-accident contamination of broiler chickens. In future, such contamination may require a simple determination of the {sup 137}Cs activity concentration in broiler chicken meat which would lead to measures for preventing the recommended limits of radionuclide contamination of the meat for human consumption from being exceeded. This paper describes the development of a rapid method for the in vivo monitoring of the broiler chicken using a lead-shielded sodium iodide detector. The method enables simply fixed live chicken to be monitored, the results showing a good correlation (R{sup 2}=0.98) with measurements of meat from chicken previously monitored in vivo prior to slaughter.
This study is an attempt to measure the quantities of elements in a composite by irradiating that composite with #gamma#-rays of various energies and detecting the transmitted radiation through the composite. A previous knowledge of the number of the elements and their attenuation coefficients is required. The quantities are calculated by solving the matrix of a linear system of equations. A computer program was developed to select the best combinations of the available energies. Five criteria were established to determine these energy combinations: (i) the determinant of the attenuation coefficient matrix; (ii) the condition number, (iii) the number of times the solution of the matrix leads to acceptable results; (iv) the indicator, (a new concept); (v) the standard deviations of the results. The intended application of this technique in medicine is to measure the bone mineral content of the skeleton. An examination of the ...
Two experiments used the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) to examine the affective dimension of pain in patients whose pain was secondary to malignancy. In experiment I, segregating groups of cancer patients on the basis of extreme scores (high versus low) on the MPQ failed to produce segregation on independent measures of affect and infirmity. This outcome contrasts with earlier work with chronic benign pain patients. Experiment II compared cancer pain patients matched with benign pain patients on intensity of pain report on the affective dimension of the MPQ. Cancer pain patients reported a reliably higher affective loading to their pain. These data suggest that cancer pain patients employ different criteria than benign pain patients in selecting affective pain descriptors. Possible explanations for this difference are discussed. PMID:7070825
Apart from presenting the marginal legal conditions the research program contains a brief description of current pollution abatement measures, representative heating systems and individually suitable pollution abatement technologies and an account of the determination of the concentration of major pollutants. The comparative evaluation of heating systems assesses their environmental effects, i.e. air pollution caused by heating systems. The determination of the costs of available heat is followed by an overall evaluation of the results obtained with special regard to the costs involved by pollution abatement measures.
Certain actively filling plant sucrose sinks such as a seed, a tuber, or a root can be identified by measuring the uridine diphosphate and pyrophosphate-dependent metabolism of sucrose. Sucrolysis in both active and quiescent sucrose sinks was tested and sucrose synthase was found to be the predominant sucrose breakdown activity. Sucrolysis via invertases was low and secondary in both types of sinks. Sucrose synthase activity dropped markedly, greater than fivefold, in quiescent sinks. The test are consistent with the hypothesis that the sucrose filling activity, i.e. the sink strength, of these plant sinks can be measured by testing the uridine diphosphate and pyrophosphate-dependent breakdown of sucrose. Measuring the initial reactions of sucrolysis shows much promise for use in agriculture crop and tree improvement research as a biochemical test for sink strength.
The progression of hip dysplasia was investigated in 116 military working dogs. Serial pelvic radiographs were graded for degree of dysplasia and degenerative joint disease (DJD). Norberg angles, angles of inclination, and joint space widths were measured. There was a significant correlation between the Norberg angle and the degree of dysplasia (p less than 0.0001). Angles of inclination and joint space width measurements did not demonstrate a correlation to canine hip dysplasia. Dysplastic dogs had a significant estimated risk for development of DJD compared to normal dogs (p less than 0.0001; odds ratio of 70.2). Dogs with normal hip conformation at 24 months of age or older did not develop moderate nor severe DJD. PMID:8875357
The {rvec n} + p {yields} d + {gamma} experiment under construction at LANSCE studies the weak interaction between neutrons and protons. The experiments will measure the directional dependence of the parity-violating {gamma}-ray asymmetry, A{sub {gamma}}, in the polarized cold neutron capture by para-hydrogen. The goal is to measure A{sub {gamma}} with uncertainty of 0.5 x 10{sup -8}, 10% of its predicted value. A{sub {gamma}} primarily isolates the {Delta}I = 1 component of the hadronic weak interaction and thus will determine the long-range weak pion-nucleon coupling constant H{sub {pi}}{sup 1}. The experiment is carefully designed for the LANSCE pulsed spallation neutron source to achieve the proposed statistical precision and to control systematic errors. We discuss the experiment and its status.
Very often in many textbooks the formalism of the general theory of relativity is applied to gravitational problems. We think that it would be didactically useful to show how it can be adopted also for describing physical situations in accelerated frames of reference by working out in detail a particular case. This choice will also offer an opportunity to discuss a classical topic of relativistic physics. Indeed, we deal analytically with a version of the so-called clock paradox in which the moving clock performs a circular motion. The rest clock is denoted as (1), the rotating clock is (2), the inertial frame in which (1) is at rest and (2) moves is I and, finally, the accelerated frame in which (2) is at rest and (1) rotates is A. By using the general theory of relativity in order to describe the motion of (1) as seen in A we will show the following features. (I) A differential ageing between (1) and (2) occurs at their reunion and it has an ...
The thermal-neutron capture cross section (#sigma#_0_,_g) and the resonance integral (I_0_,_g) leading to the ground state of "2"4"2Am were measured by an activation method for neutron capture by "2"4"1Am. A method with gadolinium, which was similar to the cadmium difference method, was used to measure the cross section #sigma#_0_,_g with attention to resonances of "2"4"1Am. Americium chloride samples containing "2"4"1Am radioisotope were irradiated for 68 h in the long-irradiation plug of the Kyoto University Research Reactor, KUR. Wires of Co/Al and Au/Al alloys were used as monitors to determine thermal-neutron fluxes and epithermal Westcott's indexes at the irradiation positions. An #alpha#-ray spectrometer was used to measure the activity ratios of "2"4"2Cm to "2"4"1Am. On the basis of Westcott's convention, the #sigma#_0_,_g and I_0_,_g values were determined as 628#+-#22 b ...
The L shell fluorescence cross-sections of the elements in range 45Z50 have been determined at 8keV using Synchrotron radiation. The individual L X-ray photons, Ll, La, LbI, LbII, LgI and LgII produced in the target were measured with high resolution Si(Li) detector. The experimental set-up provided a low background by using linearly polarized monoenergetic photon beam, improving the signal-to-noise ratio. The experimental cross-sections obtained in this work were compared with available experimental data from Scofield [1,2] Krause [3,4] and Scofield and Puri et al. [5,6]. These experimental values closely agree with the theoretical values calculated using Scofield and Krause data, except for the case of Lg, where values measured of this work are slighter higher.
The goal of this work is to present a systematic Monte Carlo validation study on the clinical implementation of the enhanced dynamic wedges (EDWs) into the Pinnacle"3 (Philips Medical Systems, Fitchburg, WI) treatment planning system (TPS) and QA procedures for patient plan verification treated with EDWs. Modeling of EDW beams in the Pinnacle"3 TPS, which employs a collapsed-cone convolution superposition (CCCS) dose model, was based on a combination of measured open-beam data and the 'Golden Segmented Treatment Table' (GSTT) provided by Varian for each photon beam energy. To validate EDW models, dose profiles of 6 and 10 MV photon beams from a Clinac 2100 C/D were measured in virtual water at depths from near-surface to 30 cm for a wide range of field sizes and wedge angles using the Profiler 2 (Sun Nuclear Corporation, Melbourne, FL) diode array system. The EDW output factors (EDWOFs) for square fields from 4 to 20 cm ...
Studies of various established human bladder and renal carcinoma cell lines cultured in vitro demonstrated the presence of specific, saturable, high affinity binding sites for /sup 125/I-labeled human interferon Beta ser IFN-beta ser). This recombinant produced interferon labeled with approximately one atom of /sup 125/I/molecule of IFN expressed minimal or no loss of antiviral activity. A single class of binding sites (1000-2000/cell) with an affinity constant of 10(10)-10(11) L/M was measured at 4 degrees C for cells exhibiting widely different sensitivity to the antiproliferative effect of IFN-beta ser. Major fluctuations in the binding of /sup 125/I-labeled IFN-beta ser to cellular receptors were observed during in vitro proliferation of four of five cell lines examined. A significant decrease (P less than 0.001) in specific binding was observed 48 h after cultures were established. Cell cycle ...
In order to discuss effects of lithium iodide (LiI) doping on condensation structure of brown coals during heating, spectral changes were measured by using an in-situ FT-IR. It was found that the LiI doping accelerates weight reduction due to heating, and the doping effect is affected by coal structure. Both of Loy Yang (LY) coal and its LiI doped coal (DLY) had absorption intensity of the FT-IR spectra decreased with rising temperature, and the absorption center belonging to an OH group shows different shifts between the LY and DLY coals. This indicates that the LiI doping has affected the change in hydrogen bonding patterns associated with heating. Both of South Banko (SB) and LY coals had the absorption spectral intensity in the OH group decreased as the weight reduction (conversion) rate increased. Reduction in the OH groups associated with heating is caused by volatilization ...
The computer program is developed based on Visual C++, which is equipped with a user-friendly interface of the input/output(I/O) and a display function for the measuring conditions. This program consists of three parts which are the port communication, PLC(Programmable Logic Controller) and the MCA(Multi Channel Analyzer) control parts. The communication type between the CPU of the PLC module box and the computer is selected as be the Rs-232 asynchronous type and the thread method is adapted in the development of the first part of the program. The PLC-related program has been developed so that the data communication between the PLC CPU and the computer could be harmonized with the unique commands which have already been defined in the PLC. The measuring space and time intervals, the start and end ROI(region of interest) values, and the allowable error limitation are input at each measurement in this ...
The traffic flow information guidance can improve the operating efficiency of regional traffic. On the basis of the information guidance model and survey data, this paper takes advantage of the VISSIM software to simulate the traffic in a region within the Southwest Second Ring of Beijing constructed by six roads and six intersections and makes a comparative evaluation on the operation of the regional road traffic flow before and after the implementation of the traffic flow information guidance measures. The analysis of five different guided flow cases shows that if the guided left-turn traffic flows in southbound I.A increases from 10% to 30%, the travel time of the left-turn traffic flow in southbound I.A has a reduction from 18% to 42%, and its delay also reduces from 234 s to 164 s. In...
This paper proves that it is practicable to build a new power model which can work efficiently at night by using a type of fluorescence material. The utilization efficiency of photovoltaic cell is improved by prolonging the actual working hours of the cell within 24 hours. Both theoretical analysis and experiment on this model are carried out, and base on which the current-time curve (I-t curve) is depicted. It shows that the model which applies the fluorescence material to photovoltaic system is available. According to the analysis and comparison between the attenuating curve of the material and I-t curve of the power system, we can conclude that the weak illumination and the mismatch on wavelength are primary reasons for the low current. Finally, several improved measures of this power model for practical application are given, and it is expected to provide a new thought for photovoltaic study. (orig.)
The general objective of this workshop is to investigate and discuss methods by which uncertainties in mass balance models for toxics in the Great Lakes may be reduced. As described by the workshop prospectus, this paper is focused on problems of reducing (and quantifying) uncertainty as they relate to in situ field observations/system response measurements for the establishment of initial conditions, boundary conditions, calibration/confirmation data sets, and model post-audit data sets.'' I have taken this description to refer not only to the evaluation of uncertainty in the field observations themselves, but also to the uncertainty associated the analyses of in situ observations as they interact in the overall modeling process. Thus, I will be concerned here with quantification and reduction of uncertainty both (1) as they may be applied to descriptions of the system that is being modeled and (2) as ...
We report on the improvement of Critical Dimension (CD) linearity on a photomask by applying the concept of process proximity correction to a laser lithographic process used for fabrication of photomasks. Rule-based Laser Process proximity Correction (LPC) was performed using an automated optical proximity correction tool and we obtained dramatic improvement of CD linearity on a photomask. A study on model-based LPC was executed using a two-Gaussian kernel function and we extracted model parameters for the laser lithographic process by fitting the model-predicted CD linearity data with measured ones. Model-predicted bias values of isolated space (I/S), Arrayed Contact (A/C) and Isolated Contact (I/C) were in good agreement with those obtained by the nonlinear curve-fitting method used for the rule-based LPC.
We report on the improvement of Critical Dimension (CD) linearity on a photomask by applying the concept of process proximity correction to a laser lithographic process used for fabrication of photomasks. Rule-based Laser Process proximity Correction (LPC) was performed using an automated optical proximity correction tool and we obtained dramatic improvement of CD linearity on a photomask. A study on model-based LPC was executed using a two-Gaussian kernel function and we extracted model parameters for the laser lithographic process by fitting the model-predicted CD linearity data with measured ones. Model-predicted bias values of isolated space (I/S), Arrayed Contact (A/C) and Isolated Contact (I/C) were in good agreement with those obtained by the nonlinear curve-fitting method used for the rule-based LPC.
The full theory and the semiclassical description of loop quantum cosmology (LQC) have been studied in the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker and Bianchi I models. As an extension to include both anisotropy and intrinsic curvature, this paper investigates the cosmological model of Kantowski-Sachs spacetime with a free massless scalar field at the level of phenomenological dynamics with the LQC discreteness corrections. The LQC corrections are implemented in two different improved quantization schemes. In both schemes, the big bang and big crunch singularities of the classical solution are resolved and replaced by the big bounces when the area or volume scale factor approaches the critical values in the Planck regime measured by the reference of the scalar field momentum. Symmetries of scaling are also noted and suggest that the fundamental spatial scale (area gap) may give rise to a temporal scale. The bouncing scenarios are in an analogous fashion of ...
Background vibration in a CANDU plant can be used to determine the dynamic characteristics of major items of equipment, such as calandria, the fuelling machines and the primary heat transport pumps. These dynamic characteristics can then be used to verify the seismic response of the equipment which, at present, is based on theoretical models only. The feasibility and basic theory of this new approach (which uses accelerations measured at several points on a structure and does not require knowledge of the source of excitation) was established in Phase I of the study. This report is based on Phase II in which the methods of analysis developed in Phase I were improved and verified experimentally. A Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm was incorporated and an interactive curve fitting technique was developed to obtain the dynamic characteristics in the form of natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping ratios. The method is ...
In this work, we present results of a systematic study of optical properties of Er{sup 3+} ions in 6H SiC. The role of N-donors played in activation of photoluminescence (PL) of erbium at 1.5 {mu}m was investigated. We have confirmed that N-donors are necessary for activation of the Er PL on one hand, whereas on the other we present evidence that N-donors compete for excitation with Er centres. The high-resolution measurements of the Er{sup 3+} PL were performed aiming at determination of crystal field split levels of the {sup 4}I{sub 15/2} ground and {sup 4}I{sub 13/2} first excited multiplet of Er{sup 3+} ions. Careful analysis of temperature evolution of individual PL lines allowed proposing energy level schemes for the ground and first excited states.
In this work, we present results of a systematic study of optical properties of Er"3"+ ions in 6H SiC. The role of N-donors played in activation of photoluminescence (PL) of erbium at 1.5 #mu#m was investigated. We have confirmed that N-donors are necessary for activation of the Er PL on one hand, whereas on the other we present evidence that N-donors compete for excitation with Er centres. The high-resolution measurements of the Er"3"+ PL were performed aiming at determination of crystal field split levels of the "4I_1_5_/_2 ground and "4I_1_3_/_2 first excited multiplet of Er"3"+ ions. Careful analysis of temperature evolution of individual PL lines allowed proposing energy level schemes for the ground and first excited states.
Heart cells from the clam Ruditapes decussatus were routinely cultured with a high level of reproducibility in sea water based medium. Three cell types attached to the plastic after 2?days and could be maintained in vitro for at least 1?month: epithelial-like cells, round cells and fibroblastic cells. Fibroblastic cells were identified as functional cardiomyocytes due to their spontaneous beating, their ultrastructural characteristics and their reactivity with antibodies against sarcomeric ?-actinin, sarcomeric tropomyosin, myosin and troponin T-C. Patch clamp measurements allowed the identification of ionic currents characteristic of cardiomyocytes: a delayed potassium current (I K?slow) strongly suppressed (95%) by tetraethylammonium (1?mM), a fast inactivating potassium current (I K?fas...
We have measured the isotope shifts of some dipole transitions between excited states of the even strontium isotopes 88 and 86 by applying the technique of Doppler-free intermodulated optogalvanic spectrocopy to a heat-pipe discharge. We were also able to investigate the isotope shift of the Sr II resonance line at 4216.6 A optogalvanically in the mentioned pair of isotopes. Because the 5 snf"1F_3 series appear to have zero level isotope shifts for n>=6, we can give residual level isotope shifts (RLIS) of several odd-parity states of sup(88,86) Sr I. The RLIS of the 5 snp "1P_1 series show pronounced configuration mixing around n=7. (orig.).
The energy, angular momentum, and distance (measured from the center of mass of the nucleus) distributions of the effective number of 6q-fluctons are investigated and it is shown that many of the characteristics of these distributions are universal, i.e., independent of the flucton size. ''Saturation'' of the flucton density in nuclei with mass A approx > 80 and certain other features that determine the difference between the behaviors of the effective numbers of fluctons and deuterons are reported. This is used to explain the well known underestimation (by a factor of 1.5--6) of the cross section for the hard inclusive (p, p'd) process on nuclei calculated in the quasielastic formalism. See S. G. Kadmenskii and V. I. Furman, Alpha decay and elated nuclear reactions (in Russian), Energoatomizdat, Moscow, 1985.
The energy, angular momentum, and distance (measured from the center of mass of the nucleus) distributions of the effective number of 6/ital q/-fluctons are investigated and it is shown that many of the characteristics of these distributions are universal, i.e., independent of the flucton size. ''Saturation'' of the flucton density in nuclei with mass /ital A//approx gt/80 and certain other features that determine the difference between the behaviors of the effective numbers of fluctons and deuterons are reported. This is used to explain the well known underestimation (by a factor of 1.5--6) of the cross section for the hard inclusive (/ital p/, /ital p/'/ital d/) process on nuclei calculated in the quasielastic formalism. See S. G. Kadmenskii and V. I. Furman, /ital Alpha/ /ital decay/ /ital and elated/ /ital nuclear/ /reactions/ (in Russian), Energoatomizdat, Moscow, 1985.
The present work focuses on investigations of a highly selective ligand for Am(III)/Ln(III) separation: bis-triazinyl-pyridine (BTP). By means of nano-electro-spray mass spectrometry, complex formation of BTP with selected elements of the lanthanide series is investigated. We show that the diluent drastically influences complex speciation. Measurements obtained in the extraction-relevant diluent 1-octanol show the occurrence of Ln(BTP){sub i} (i 1-3) species in different relative abundances, depending on the lanthanide used. Here, the relative abundances of the Ln(BTP){sub 3} complexes correlate with the distribution ratios for extraction to the organic phase of the respective lanthanide. (authors)
The measurements of the K X-ray intensity ratio I(K{sub {beta}})/I(K{sub {alpha}}) for the 17 elements Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb and Mo have been done following ionization by 59.5keV {gamma}-rays from a {sup 241}Am point source. Ratios of emission probabilities of Auger electrons and the vacancy transfer coefficients have been extracted in terms of the intensity ratios. It is found that the present results agree well with earlier fitted values and the semi-empirical values.
When backward time travel through wormholes is taken into account, classical physics loses its determinism and allows simulation of some quantum behaviours. We show how it is possible to simulate a non-local wavefunction reduction-type effect, i.e. we present a mechanical analogy for the collapse of the wavefunction of an entangled state of two removed particles. This situation can be seen as the simplest EPR situation, i.e. the situation where there is just one direction to measure along the spin (or the correlated properties). We present no rigorous results here, just a different point of view about something that is generally thought to be impossible: modelling a quantum indeterministic and non-local behaviour with a mechanical system.
This study follows previous experimental work showing that the shrinking-core model applies to the pyrolysis (i.e., heating in the absence of oxygen) of particles (diam.{approx}14 mm) of a bituminous coal or a lignite in a fluidized bed at 700-950 {sup o}C. These experimental facts are in accord with the production of volatile matter being endothermic and not thermoneutral, as often assumed. Also, the rate at which volatile matter is produced in the presence of oxygen (i.e., devolatilization) or in its absence (pyrolysis) is demonstrated here to be controlled not at all by mass transfer, but by heat conduction to a moving reaction front inside a coal particle, provided its diameter exceeds {approx}3 mm. The resulting steady-state model of devolatilization indicates that six dimensionless groups are required to describe the rate of(I)coal->char+volatile matter for a nonfragmenting and nonswelling coal. This reaction ...
The proton beam has a unique advantage over the electron and photon beams in that it can give very high radiation dose to the tumor volume, while effectively sparing the neighboring healthy tissue and organs. For the clinical application of the proton beam, it is very important to confirm the location of the proton beam in the patient, preferentially during the treatment. It has been suggested that the range of the proton beam in the patient can be determined by measuring prompt gammas from the proton beam passage. Recently, a prototype prompt-gamma scanning system has been constructed and tested using experimental and therapeutic proton beams. The measurement results for the proton beams of 70 . 230 MeV showed that a clear correlation exists between the distribution of the prompt gammas and the proton beam range. The scanning method, however, is not suitable for the upcoming 'spot scanning' technique. The ...
Objectives: To investigate optical coherence tomography consistency on foveal thickness, foveal volume, and macular volume measurements in patients with and without diffuse diabetic macular edema. Introduction: Optical coherence tomography represents an objective technique that provides cross-sectional tomographs of retinal structure in vivo. However, it is expected that poor fixation ability, as seen in diabetic macular edema, could alter its results. Several authors have discussed the reproducibility of optical coherence tomography, but only a few have addressed the topic with respect to diabetic maculopathy. Methods: The study recruited diabetic patients without clinically evident retinopathy (control group) and with diffuse macular edema (case group). Only one eye of each patient was evaluated. Five consecutive fast macular scans were taken using Ocular Coherence Tomography 3; the 6 mm macular map was chosen. The consistency in ...
This work describes an experimental verification of the two-photon dose calculation engines available on the Helax-TMS (version 6.1) commercial radiotherapy treatment planning system. The performance of the pencil beam convolution and the collapsed cone superposition algorithms was examined for 4, 6, 15 MV beams, under a range of clinically relevant irradiation geometries. Comparisons against measurements were carried out in terms of absolute dose, thus assessment of the accuracy of monitor unit (MU) calculations was also carried out. Results show that both algorithms agree with measurement to acceptable tolerance levels in most cases in homogeneous water-equivalent media irradiated under full scatter conditions. The collapsed cone algorithm slightly overestimates the penumbra width and this is mainly due to discretization effects of the fluence matrix. The accuracy of this algorithm strongly depends on the resolution of ...
... The effectiveness of immune suppression with both 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate was insufficient to permit induction of a clinically useful ...
A comparative study by Eu-L_I_I_I X-ray absorption and "1"5"1Eu-Moessbauer spectroscopy is presented for the EuPd_2_-_xAu_x Si_2 series. Possible ways to distinguish between mixed-valent behaviour and final-state effects in the L_I_I_I-edge spectra are discussed.
A method has been developed for the adsorption of Sc"I"I"I employing inorganic ion exchanger zirconium phosphosilicate by batch method. Effects of various parameters have been evaluated on the percentage adsorption of Sc"I"I"I. Separation of Sc"I"I"I from various other elements is standardized. (author)
CORAL-I was an experimental, zero-power, fast-spectrum, high-enriched metal uranium reactor that operated from 1968 until 1988 at the former Junta de Energia Nuclear (JEN), CIEMAT at present. The critical measurements performed at the startup of the reactor are being evaluated as part of the International Critical Safety Benchmark Evaluation Program (ICSBEP) and proposed to be included in its 2001 edition. Additionally, the measurement of the mass reactivity coefficient is compared with MCNP4B calculations. This measurement allows one to perform the approach to critical without the need of a previous control rod calibration, thus enhancing the safety of such an approach. This technique can also be applied to other reactor types. CORAL-I (Ref. 1) is a 90% enriched metal uranium reactor domestically designed and manufactured in the experimental facilities of JEN, now CIEMAT, in ...
Amperostatic coulometry was applied for the thickness measurement of Sn-Ag hot dip coatings, which comprise an extended Sn-Cu interdiffusion layer. Complementary measurements, notably weight loss, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and dynamic secondary ion mass spectroscopy were performed in order to obtain a better interpretation of the coulometry results. Based on the experimental results presented in this article, the three potential changes observed during coulometry measurements are ascribed to (i) the entire dissolution of pure Sn, (ii) the formation of a CuCl salt layer, and (iii) the surface passivation. The measurement of the pure Sn mass is well reproducible despite strong coating thickness variations detected by XRF. Several experimental problems, in particular, a coating undercutting, hamper the ...
France has committed herself to keep in 2010 the same levels of greenhouse gas emissions as those of 1990, i.e. 144 millions of tons of carbon equivalent (MtCe). However, taking into account the existing pollution abatement measures and the measurements performed so far, the greenhouse gases level should reach 160 MtCe in 2010. Therefore, the inter-ministry commission on greenhouse effect decided on November 27, 1998 to elaborate a new national plan of fight against greenhouse effect. The elaboration of the new plan has fallen under the responsibility of the inter-ministry mission of greenhouse effect (MIES). The new plan was presented by the prime minister, L. Jospin, on January 19, 2000. This document summarises the content of the new plan: architecture (modalities of elaboration, content), measures for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (industry, transportation sector, buildings, ...
The NPDGamma Experiment measures the parity-violating correlation A{sub {Gamma}Y} between neutron spin and photon momentum in the reaction {rvec n} + p {yields} d + {gamma}. Knowledge of A{sub {Gamma}Y} and other parity-violating observables in few-body nuclear systems will provide constraints for a parameterized description of {Delta}S = 0 parity-violating phenomena free from complications of nuclear structure. The NPDGamma experiment uses a polarized cold pulsed neutron beam, a liquid parahydrogen target, and a cylindrical array of 48 CsI(Tl) scintillation detectors operated in current mode to search for the asymmetry. NPDGamma recently completed the first phase of the program to measure A{sub {Gamma}Y} at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center with the preliminary result A{sub {Gamma}Y} = (-1.2 {+-} 2.1(stat.) {+-} 0.1(sys.)) x 10{sup -7}, reproducing the previous upper limit from a measurement at a ...
The family of natriuretic peptides consists of the atria natriuretic peptide (ANP), the cerebral natriuretic peptide (BNP), the type C natriuretic peptide (CNP) and the peptide isolated from the dendroaspis snakes' poison (DNP), whose presence in humans has not been confirmed. The physiological function of ANP is in the control of arterial blood pressure by regulation of systemic vascular resistance of blood vessels. BNP is produced as one of the factors in the acute response to inflammatory tissue damage, mainly in coronary vessels. Increased serum concentrations of natriuretic peptides have been found in stress situations, such as trauma or major surgery, systemic hypotension, and in intrinsic myocardial dysfunction. High concentrations of natriuretic peptides were observed in severe sepsis, septic shock and in multiple organ failure, probably due to increased secretion by mediators of the inflammatory process.The highest concentrations of ANP and BNP were found in lethal conditions. ...
Bone scintigraphy was performed in 16 men with newly diagnosed prostatic carcinoma before orchiectomy as well as 2 weeks and 2 months after operation. The uptake in the lower thoracic and lumbar vertebrae was registered up to 240 min after injection of /sup 99m/Tc-MDP and was then calculated for each patient and vertebra. The relative standard deviation in measured uptake due to measuring technique was estimated to be +-7%. In eight patients, who had normal bone scintigraphies before orchiectomy, there were no changes in the uptake values after operation. The remaining eight patients had widespread metastatic involvement prior to treatment, six of these patients showed a so-called 'flare phenomenon' in the abnormal vertebrae which means an initial increase in uptake after operation followed by a decreased uptake in response to therapy. One patient had a continuously increased uptake in all the abnormal vertebrae which ...
Bone scintigraphy was performed in 16 men with newly diagnosed prostatic carcinoma before orchiectomy as well as 2 weeks and 2 months after operation. The uptake in the lower thoracic and lumbar vertebrae was registered up to 240 min after injection of "9"9"mTc-MDP and was then calculated for each patient and vertebra. The relative standard deviation in measured uptake due to measuring technique was estimated to be #+-#7%. In eight patients, who had normal bone scintigraphies before orchiectomy, there were no changes in the uptake values after operation. The remaining eight patients had widespread metastatic involvement prior to treatment, six of these patients showed a so-called 'flare phenomenon' in the abnormal vertebrae which means an initial increase in uptake after operation followed by a decreased uptake in response to therapy. One patient had a continuously increased uptake in all the abnormal vertebrae which correlated well with the ...
A first-principles task-based approach to the design of medical ultrasonic imaging systems for breast lesion discrimination is described. This study explores a new approximation to the ideal Bayesian observer strategy that allows for object heterogeneity. The new method, called iterative Wiener filtering, is implemented using echo data simulations and a phantom study. We studied five lesion features closely associated with visual discrimination for clinical diagnosis. A series of human observer measurements for the same image data allowed us to quantitatively compare alternative beamforming strategies through measurements of visual discrimination efficiency. Employing the Smith-Wagner model observer, we were able to breakdown efficiency estimates and identify the processing stage at which performance losses occur. The methods were implemented using a commercial scanner and a cyst phantom to explore development of spatial ...
Preliminary psychometric properties of a new instrument, Angie/Andy Cartoon Trauma Scales (ACTS), are presented. Angie/Andy features a cartoon-based methodology, measuring trauma-related sequelae of prolonged, repeated abuse. A sample of 208 children comprised intrafamilial trauma, extrafamilial trauma, combined trauma, and nontrauma groups. Angie/Andy demonstrated high internal consistency, with coefficient alphas from 0.70 to 0.95. The three trauma groups scored significantly higher than the nontrauma group on all scales (p's < 0.0001). Generally, the most severely traumatized group scored significantly higher than the less severely traumatized groups. The number of types of violence exposures correlated with Angie/Andy scores from 0.55 to 0.74. The frequency and severity of trauma exposure correlated with Angie/Andy scores from 0.44 to 0.56. The Angie/Andy parent version correlated with a standardized parent scale from 0.71 to 0.81. Parent/child agreement was ...
Accurate dose calculation in radiation treatment planning is most important for successful treatment. Since human body is composed of various materials and not an ideal shape, it is not easy to calculate the accurate effective dose in the patients. Many methods have been proposed to solve inhomogeneity and surface contour problems. Monte Carlo simulations are regarded as the most accurate method, but it is not appropriate for routine planning because it takes so much time. Pencil beam kernel based convolution/superposition methods were also proposed to correct those effects. Nowadays, many commercial treatment planning systems have adopted this algorithm as a dose calculation engine. The purpose of this study is to verify the accuracy of the dose calculated from pencil beam kernel based treatment planning system comparing to Monte Carlo simulations and measurements especially in inhomogeneous region. Home-made inhomogeneous phantom, Helax-TMS ver. 6.0 and Monte ...
The densities for binary mixtures of dichloromethane with aniline, or nitrobenzene, respectively, including those of pure liquids, were measured over the entire composition range at T = (288.15, 293.15, 298.15, and 303.15) K and atmospheric pressure using a vibrating-tube densimeter. From the experimental results, the excess molar volumes, V{sub m}{sup E}, partial molar volumes, V{sub i}-bar, the apparent molar volume, V{sub {phi}}{sub i}, and the partial molar excess volumes at infinite dilution, (V{sub i}{sup E}-bar){sup {infinity}}, were calculated over whole composition range. Negative values of V{sub m}{sup E} for (dichloromethane + aniline) attributed to the formation of the charge transfer complex, while for (dichloromethane + nitrobenzene) system, the free volume effect played a dominant role. The extent of negative deviations in V{sub m}{sup E} values follows the order: nitrobenzene > ...
Several series of pyrimidine nucleosides were evaluated as part of a larger program to develop non-invasive brain imaging agents. The interaction of these antitumor/antiviral nucleosides with an NBMPR-sensitive murine erythroctye nucleoside transporter was evaluated by determining their inhibitory effect (K_i) on zero-trans influx of thymidine. Within each series of compounds, which had F, Cl, Br or I as halogen substituents, an increase in size of the halogen atom or a decrease in electronegativity decreased affinity for the transporter. Partition coefficients (P) of these pyrimidine nucleosides were measured to determine their potential to diffuse across the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). Most of the pyrimidine nucleosides had lower P values (log P < 0.9), and were considered to be poor candidates for simple diffusion across the BBB, although an active BBB transport mechanism for some nucleosides could be operative. For a ...
Structure and magnetic properties of the thermal decomposition products of Fe(III(Co(II) acrylate complex were analysed. The crystalline phases, which were found in the fully processed material, at 643 K, were Fe_3O_4, CoFe_2O_4 and CoO and had a mean particle size of about 30 nm. In the intermediate stages of the thermolysis iron was present in a form of Fe"I"I"I (trivalent low-spin iron), Fe"2"+ (divalent high-spin iron), and Fe_3O_4. The coercivity and remanence were measured versus temperature in the range of 5-300 K, in 1.1 T applied field. Both _MH_c and M_r, decreased showing room temperature values of 0.038 T and 7.49 mT, for coercivity and remanence, respectively. At temperatures below 200 K the hysteresis loops were asymmetrical, opened and shifted towards negative field values. (author)
The radioiodine-labeled amines currently available as brain-imaging agents, based on our previous work and that of others, are prepared either by exchange labeling or by direct iodination of a protected intermediate. The intrinsic slowness of these processes limits their potential for use with the positron-emitting 122I, as it has a half-life of only 3.6 min. This isotope has advantages of a low dose to the patient and availability from a generator containing the parent 20-h 122Xe. To develop a radiopharmaceutical in which 122I could be utilized, we prepared a number of secondary and tertiary amines (maintaining the 2,5-dimethoxy substitution pattern which allows direct iodination at the 4-position) with 131I. The organ distributions of these compounds were studied, and the best properties were found in the N,N-dimethyl homologue (2,5-dimethoxy-N,N-dimethyl-4-iodoamphetamine). This compound was successfully synthesized in a ...
The radioiodine-labeled amines currently available as brain-imaging agents, based on our previous work and that of others, are prepared either by exchange labeling or by direct iodination of a protected intermediate. The intrinsic slowness of these processes limits their potential for use with the positron-emitting 122I, as it has a half-life of only 3.6 min. This isotope has advantages of a low dose to the patient and availability from a generator containing the parent 20-h 122Xe. To develop a radiopharmaceutical in which 122I could be utilized, we prepared a number of secondary and tertiary amines (maintaining the 2,5-dimethoxy substitution pattern which allows direct iodination at the 4-position) with 131I. The organ distributions of these compounds were studied, and the best properties were found in the N,N-dimethyl homologue (2,5-dimethoxy-N,N-dimethyl-4-iodoamphetamine). This compound was successfully synthesized in a ...
OBJECTIVEThis study describes the development and preliminary psychometric properties of an assessment to quantify the magnitude of an environmental barrier's influence on occupational performance.METHODThe assessment was developed then piloted on a group of 77 older adults before and after an occupational therapy intervention focused on environmental barrier removal. Refinements were made to the assessment before it was evaluated for interrater reliability in a sample of 10 older adults using two raters.RESULTSThe In-Home Occupational Performance Evaluation (I-HOPE) is a performance based measure that evaluates 44 activities in the home. The four subscales of activity participation, client's rating of performance, client's satisfaction with performance, and severity of environmental barriers are sensitive to change in the environment. The internal consistency of the subscales ranged from .77-.85 and ICCs ranged from .99 to 1.0.CONCLUSIONThis ...
The surface layer optimized in resistance of corrosion and wear has been obtained by W + C dual implantation on H13 steel. The electrochemical polarization measurements show that the peak current density I_D is increased and then saturated with increasing of voltage scanning loops. The I_D is 100 times smaller than that of H13 steel, and 2-3 times smaller than that of tungsten. Then influence of dual implantation order on corrosion resistance is also studied. The I_D for W_5C_8 implanted first with W is half of that for C_5W_5 implanted first with C. The corrosion resistance structure of the samples after corrosion is observed by SEM. The X-ray analysis indicates that the structure consists of disperse phases of WC, W_2C, FeW, Fe_2W, FeW_2C and iron carbides. It is shown from Auger analysis that the optimum complex layer for corrosion resistance consists of thin carbon film on surface, disperse phases ...
Iodixanol is a new nonionic dimer, isotonic with blood at all clinically relevant concentrations. Iodixanol (270 mg I/ml) was compared in a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, phase-III study to the monomeric nonionic iohexol (300 mg I/ml) for evaluation of safety, tolerability and radiographic efficacy during cerebral CT. One hundred adult patients scheduled to undergo contrast-enhanced cerebral CT were randomly allocated to receive either iodixanol or iohexol. All completed the trial. Safety was evaluated by recording discomfort and other adverse events, tolerance by assessing intensity and incidence of discomfort. Radiographic efficacy was assessed from the diagnostic information and the radiographic density. No serious adverse events occurred. One patient (2 %) in the iodixanol group and one patient (2 %) in the iohexol group experienced a transient reddening at the neck and lower neck-line, respectively. Both ...
Background and purpose: A series of phase I/II clinical trials are being initiated in several UK centres to explore the use of dose-escalated schedules for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Among them the IDEAL-CRT trial (ISRCTN12155469) will investigate the introduction of individualised 'isotoxic' treatment schedules based on the relative mean lung normalised total dose (rNTDmean), an estimator related to lung toxicity. Since treatment planning will be performed using different treatment planning systems (TPSs), for the quality assurance of the trial we have carried out work to quantify the influence of dose calculation algorithms based on the determination of rNTDmean and on the choice of individualised prescription doses. Material and methods: Twenty-five patient plans with stage I, II and III NSCLC were calculated, with the same prescription dose, using the Adaptive Convolve (AC) and Collapsed Cone ...
The accurate measurement of a stress level is one of the most important issues in a stress diagnosis and its measurement could be of great value in clinical medicine. Stress has a potent effect on the spirit and physical condition of an individual. There are various methods available for its measurement. Some of the commonly used techniques for the diagnosis of a stress level include analysis of the body fluids, questionnaire assessments, psychophysiological evaluations and by determining heart rate variability (HRV) of subjects. However, the existing diagnostic methods have several defects like, a low sensitivity, inaccuracy and long of operation time. In this report, we present a diagnostic technology to detect a stress level which is the origin of various diseases. This method can be of great help in providing an early diagnosis through a biosensor and might play a vital role in preventing diseases ...
Purpose: To assess the prognostic value of biologic (p53, Ki-67) and clinical factors in squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx after radical surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (RT). Methods and Materials: Between 1985 and 1995, a total of 102 patients with 104 tumor sites were entered onto the study. Fifty-five primary tumors (53%) involved the tonsils, 26 (25%) the soft palate, and 23 (22%) the base of the tongue. Median age was 53 years (range 36-80 years). The clinical T- and N-categories (UICC 1997) were: T1 (30), T2 (47), T3 (22), T4 (5), N0 (33), N1 (28), N2 (42), and N3 (1). Histologically-clear margins were achieved in all patients by initial surgery. Postoperative RT to the primary and regional lymphatics was given, to a total of 60 Gy in 6 weeks, and single daily fractions of 2 Gy. The expression of the nuclear p53- and Ki-67-labeling index (LI) was investigated by immunostaining using the monoclonal antibodies DO-7 and MIB 1. ...
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of replication-competent adenovirus-mediated double suicide gene therapy in an adjuvant setting with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in an experimental prostate cancer model in preparation for a Phase Iclinical study in humans. Methods: For efficacy studies, i.m. DU145 and intraprostatic LNCaP C4-2 tumors were established in immune-deficient mice. Tumors were injected with the lytic, replication-competent Ad5-CD/TKrep adenovirus containing a cytosine deaminase (CD)/herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-1 TK) fusion gene. Two days later, mice were administered 1 week of 5-fluorocytosine + ganciclovir (GCV) prodrug therapy and fractionated doses of EBRT (trimodal therapy). Tumor control rate of trimodal therapy was compared to that of EBRT alone. For toxicology studies, immune-competent male mice received a single intraprostatic ...
Automatic segmentation of anatomical structures in medical images is a valuable tool for efficient computer-aided radiotherapy and surgery planning and an enabling technology for dynamic adaptive radiotherapy. This paper presents the design, algorithms and validation of new software for the automatic segmentation of CT images used for radiotherapy treatment planning. A coarse to fine approach is followed that consists of presegmentation, anatomic orientation and structure segmentation. No user input or a priori information about the image content is required. In presegmentation, the body outline, the bones and lung equivalent tissue are detected. Anatomic orientation recognizes the patient's position, orientation and gender and creates an elastic mapping of the slice positions to a reference scale. Structure segmentation is divided into localization, outlining and refinement, performed by procedures with implicit anatomic knowledge using standard image processing operations. ...
Nitroaromatic radiosensitizers become metabolically bound preferentially to hypoxic cells and at least 10/sup 9/ adducts/cell can be tolerated as non-toxic. EMT-6 tumor cells have been incubated in hypoxia in the presence of /sup 3/H-Misonidazole and /sup 125/I-Azomycin Riboside for various times and the amount of /sup 3/H or /sup 125/I bound/cell was determined. Cells were stored as monolayers at 25"0C for up to 96 hr to accumulate radioactive decays and transferred at various times to 37"0C for colony-forming assays. No radiation inactivation was measured in cells which had incorporated at least 10/sup 6/ /sup 3/H or 10/sup 5/ /sup 125/I atoms. Previous studies had shown that -- 1% of MISO adducts to EMT-6 cells was associated with cellular DNA. These data indicate that the radiation-induced damage produced by these quantities of bound /sup 3/H or /sup 125/I causes little or not ...
A series of OSL properties of fragments from split feldspar grains have been investigated. These are (1) the response to a radiation dose, (2) the recycling of corrected induced luminescence (L{sub i}/T{sub i}), (3) the corrected natural luminescence (L{sub N}/T{sub N}), (4) the corrected thermal transfer luminescence (termed herein L{sub tt}/T{sub tt}) and, (5) the rate of anomalous fading ('g'). It was found that the parameters of different parts of the same grain are the same. The relative uncertainty, at the 2 sigma level, at which we can claim that the measured parameters are correlated, is generally less than 5% but is ca 40% for the anomalous fading rate due to measurement uncertainty. For young partially bleached sediments, the result is that one could use one fragment to evaluate the equivalent dose and another to assess the contribution of thermal transfer resulting from ...
A thermal-resistant radiation sensing system using optical fiber has been developed. The system is for monitoring progress of chemical decontamination and able to measure the gamma-ray level in a hot solution of decontamination chemicals in situ. Our sensor head makes use of thermal-resistant NaI (T1) and it is connected to an optical fiber bundle. Scintillation photons pass from the NaI (T1) into the end of the bundle. This part of the system can withstand temperatures of over 100degC. At the far end of the optical fiber bundle, the scintillation photons are converted into fluorescent photons using a wavelength-shifting fiber. These photons are transferred to a distant photomultiplier tube through two thin transparent optical fibers. Furthermore, we propose a self-compensation technique for the dependence of scintillator sensitivity on. This compensation method is based on the correlation between temperature, sensitivity, ...
Within the framework of a Dutch research program on the environmental effects of coal combustion 15 measuring campaigns were carried out in the eighties. All the relevant ingoing and outgoing flows of electric power plants were sampled and the heavy metals composition was determined. An overview is given of these fifteen measuring campaigns. It is concluded that between 99.7% and 99.9% of the fly ash can be separated by electrofilters. The removal of solid elements is higher than 99%, except for those elements, which are enriched in the fly ash, f.e. Cd and Se (>90% removal is possible). Additional separation of the emissions of fly ash and elements in the fly ash takes place in a flue gas desulfurization (FGD) installation. Some elements are emitted as gaseous wastes. After the electrofilter Cl, F and I can be found for almost 100%, Br and Hg for 50% on average, and only small amounts of As and Se in the gaseous phase. ...
The large uranium fission cross section leading to iodine and the behaviour of this element in the cladding tube during energy production and afterwards during waste storage is a crucial problem, especially for {sup 129}I which is a very long half-life isotope (T=1.59 x 10{sup 7} yr). Since a combined external and internal oxidation of the zircaloy cladding tube occurs during the reactor processing, iodine diffusion parameters in zirconia are needed. In order to obtain these data, stable iodine atoms were first introduced by ion implantation into zirconia with an energy of 200 keV and a dose equal to 8 x 10{sup 15} at cm{sup -2}. Diffusion profiles were measured using 3 MeV alpha-particle Rutherford backscattering spectrometry at each step of the annealing procedure between 700 C and 900 C. In such experiments a reduced iodine concentration was observed, which correlated to a diffusion-like process. Similar analysis has been performed using ...
On 30th September 1985, the Federal Government licensed site suitability investigations in three areas with a view to disposal of low-and intermediate-level radioactive waste. This report gives a summary overview of the corresponding research programme at the potential site Oberbauenstock. The first part of the report begins with some comments on the concept of radioactive waste disposal and on some basic aspects of site-specific exploration and investigation. The governmental decision of 30th September and Nagra's two-phase investigation concept are then briefly considered. To close, the objectives of investigation phase I are outlined and possible results are briefly discussed. The research programme developed for investigation of the potential site at Oberbauenstock is presented in the second part of the report. Besides geological and hydrogeological investigations at the surface, the programme mainly comprises investigations and ...
The Moderator Temperature Coefficient of reactivity (MTC) was earlier proven to be properly determined via noise analysis when the neutron noise is measured locally and when the radial average of the moderator temperature noise is used. Nevertheless, measurements revealed that the MTC was correctly estimated on a much narrower frequency band (0.6 - 0.7 Hz) than expected (0.1 - 1.0 Hz). The present paper investigates the effect of the feedback on the MTC determination using this new MTC noise estimator (which could explain the deviation at low frequencies, i.e. between 0.1 - 0.5 Hz) and the effect of the detector time constants (which could explain the deviation at high frequencies, i.e. between 0.7 - 1.0 Hz). For that purpose, a coupled neutronic/thermalhydraulic model of the Ringhals-3 PWR is developed in the frequency-domain, based on a radial 2-dimensional heterogeneous representation of the core. ...
The oxidation conditions were investigated for obtaining a higher productivity in the production of high strength carbon fiber from polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The effect of incorporation of 2 % comonomer such as methyl acrylate (MA), acrylate containing carboxylate (SA), acrylamide (AAm), and hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) on the oxidation conditions was also investigated. The measurement of DSC and bonded oxygen content revealed that the most effective comonomer for promoting the cyclization of nitril group and the bonding of oxygen was found to be SA, and the second best was AAm. The measurement of tensile strength of carbon fiber showed that the copolymer of SA, HEA, and MA gave a high strength fiber. It took a long time to oxidize the carbon fiber when it was oxidized at a temperature on which double layer structure was not formed. To shorten the production time, a method of combining the upper limit oxidation in which the double layer structure ...
Production of ozone and OH radical is required to advance the plasma chemical reactions in the NOx removal processes for combustion gas treatment. The corona discharge to the water surface is expected to induce the good conditions for the proceeding of the NO oxidation and the NO_2 dissolution removal into water. In order to get the fundamental data of the corona discharge over the water surface, the positive and negative V-I characteristics and the ozone production were measured with the multi needle and the saw-edge type of the discharge electrodes. The pulse corona characteristics were also measured with some different waveforms of the applied pulse voltage. The experiments were carried out under the atmospheric pressure and room temperature. Both the DC and the pulse corona to the water surface showed a stable and almost the same V-I characteristics as to plate electrodes though the surface of water ...
The APMP/TCRI Dosimetry Working Group performed the APMP.RI(I)-K3 key comparison of measurement of air kerma for medium-energy x-rays (100 kV to 250 kV) between 2000 and 2003. In total, 11 institutes took part in the comparison, among which 8 were APMP member laboratories. Two commercial cavity ionization chambers were used as transfer instruments and circulated among the participants. All the participants established the 100 kV, 135 kV, 180 kV and 250 kV x-ray beam qualities equivalent to those of the BIPM. The results showed that the maximum difference between the participants and the BIPM in the medium-energy x-ray range, evaluated using the comparison data of the linking laboratories ARPANSA and PTB, is less than 1.4%. The degrees of equivalence between the participants are presented and this comparison confirms the calibration capabilities of the participating laboratories. (authors)
In the early period after the Chernobyl accident, analysis of patterns of "1"3"1I exposure of the human thyroid showed that contaminated milk was the basic source of "1"3"1I intake among the inhabitants of Russia. The equipment and techniques used for measurement of the "1"3"1I content in the thyroids of these individuals are described in this work. A model of the "1"3"1I intake, taking into account protective actions, and a method of thyroid dose calculation are discussed. The mean thyroid dose and frequency distributions of the thyroid doses to inhabitants of towns and villages of the Bryansk, Tula and Orel regions of Russia are presented. The mean dose to the thyroids of children living in the villages was 2 to 5 times higher than the dose to adult thyroids; for children living in the towns, the mean dose was 1.5 to 12 times higher. The mean thyroid mass in adult inhabitants of ...
Perinatal exposure to cadmium (Cd) or methylmercury (MeHg) results in impaired neurodevelopment. Thyroid hormone is essential for normal brain development. However, the issue whether Cd or MeHg, especially at low doses, interrupts thyroid hormone action remains to be investigated. In the present study, effects of perinatal exposure to low levels of Cd or MeHg on thyroid hormone metabolism were examined using metallothionein I and II (MT-I/II) null or wild-type neonatal mice. Dams were exposed to 10 mg/L water of Cd or 5 mg/kg chow of MeHg from gestational day 0 to post-natal day 10 (PND 10). Sera, livers and brains were collected from neonates on PND 10. Iodothyronine deiodinase activities and serum thyroxine (T4) concentrations were measured. MeHg exposure failed to induce changes in serum T4 levels and liver type 1 deiodinase (D1) and brain type 2 deiodinase (D2) activities regardless of the MT genotype. However, exposure ...
The reliability of an electrical power system is influenced by the operation of circuit-breaker (CB). A good indicator of circuit-breaker condition is its switching time. Based on it some of the critical circuit-breaker irregularities can be detected and removed before they develop to a failure. In this paper, the evaluation of time measurements (timings) in case of different failures will be carried out for two circuit-breaker solutions, i.e. with spring and hydraulic drive. Moreover, the relationships between switching time and failure type/location will be derived. Thereby, the influence of failure trend will also be taken into account. (author)
Abstract in english We consider the three dimensional electromagnetic inverse scattering problem of determining information about a buried coated object from a knowledge of the electric and magnetic fields measured on the surface of the earth corresponding to time harmonic electric dipoles as incident fields. We assume that the buried object is a perfect conductor that is (possibly) partially coated by a thin dielectric layer. No a priori assumption is made on the extent of the coating, i.e. (more) the object can be fully coated, partially coated or not coated at all. We present an algorithm based on the linear sampling method and reciprocity gap functional for reconstructing the shape of the scattering obstacle together with an estimate of the surface impedance of the coating.
Water-soluble, ethanol-insoluble extracts prepared from several medicinal herbs of the Araliaceae and other families were tested for their radioprotective activity by either measuring 30 days survival rates (a commonly applied method) or counting the thrombocytes 14 days after irradiation (an improved method) in mice. The extracts were i.p. injected once within 4 min after the whole body X-ray irradiation. Of 12 materials examined, Aralia elata, Angelica acutiloba and Morus bombysis seemed to be good starting materials for preparing radioprotective substance(s) because of their relatively high specific activity and high yields of the extracts. (author).
We study quantum Darwinism -- the redundant recording of information about a decohering system by its environment -- in zero-temperature quantum Brownian motion. An initially nonlocal quantum state leaves a record whose redundancy increases rapidly with its spatial extent. Significant delocalization (e.g., a Schroedinger's Cat state) causes high redundancy: many observers can measure the system's position without perturbing it. This explains the objective (i.e. classical) existence of einselected, decoherence-resistant pointer states of macroscopic objects.
The polarized triple-axis spectrometer TASP at SINQ has been optimized for measuring magnetic cross sections in condensed matter. The neutrons are polarized or analyzed either by means of benders or Heusler monochromators. The beam divergence, i.e. the intensity, and the spectral range of the neutrons is rather large because of the supermirror coatings of the feeding neutron guide. The intensity can be further increased at the sample position by means of a focussing monochromator and a focussing anti-trumpet. The end position of TASP allows the tailoring of the neutron beam already before the monochromator and to scatter neutrons over very wide ranges of angles. (author) 6 figs., 1 tab., 8 refs.
The initiation and inhibition of pitting corrosion on zirconium and hafnium in aqueous solutions have been investigated by potentiodynamic, potentiostatic and galvanostatic measurements at 25/sup 0/C. Effects of Cl/sup -/, Br/sup -/and I/sup -/ have been examined over a range of salt concentrations and pH. All three halide ions cause pitting attack on the two metals, but this may be inhibited by other anions. The results show that hafnium is more easily protected against pitting than is zirconium. The data are treated by the Butler-Volmer equation to yield more information about the mechanisms of the pitting corrosion.
The shot peening of the outer surface of Alloy 800 is proposed by the steam generator supplier in order to increase the stress corrosion cracking resistance of the tubes. The benefits and drawbacks of such a treatment are evaluated, focusing on the main concern i.e. a possible enhanced tendency of stress corrosion cracking at the transition of the expanded tube-to-tubesheet joint. Stress corrosion tests as well as residual stresses measurements demonstrate no significant difference between peened and unpeened tubes at that location. The other concerns such as stability of the compressive stresses, increased risk of pitting or intergranular attack and pollution of the secondary circuit by fragmented beads appear the as minor concerns.
The entrainment flow rate distribution, the gas velocity profile, and the concentration profile of droplets across the channel cross section in fully developed region of a horizontal rectangular channel of 150mm width and 50mm height were measured. The concentration profile of droplets was expressed by a simple equation based on a constant diffusion coefficient model. From this equation the effects of gravity and turbulent diffusion of droplets on the concentration profile were evaluated. The characteristic mean settling velocity of a group of droplets with various diameters was derived, and using this value the mean diffusion coefficient of the group of droplets was obtained
Energy level data are given for the atom and all positive ions of phosphorus (Z = 15). These data have been critically compiled, mainly from published and unpublished material on measurements and analyses of the optical spectra. We have derived or recalculated the levels for a number of the ions. In addition to the level values in cm/sup -1/ and the parity, the J value and the configuration and term assignments are listed if known. Leading percentages from the calculated eigenvectors are tabulated or quoted wherever available. Ionization energies are given for all spectra.
A nanoparticle generator based on the principle of electrical discharge (PALAS GFG-1000) was used to produce nanoparticles of different chemical natures. The fractions of electrically neutral particles were then measured by means of a Spectrometre de Mobilite Electrique Circulaire (SMEC, i.e. radial-flow mobility analyzer) for different operating conditions. The experimental results were compared with the theoretical values calculated from the Fuchs extended charge equilibrium model for spherical particles and agglomerates. For the smallest particles (below 20 nm), the deviations observed remain below 10%, and tend towards 20% for larger particles (over 35 nm).
Total photon attenuation coefficients near absorption edges are determined in certain suitable elements and compounds. Photoelectric cross sections for elements are deduced from these by subtracting the coherent and incoherent scattering cross sections as well as other elemental cross sections in the cases of compounds. Certain deviations are observed on comparison with the available theoretical and experimental compilations. The I/sub L//sub ..cap alpha..//Il x-ray intensity ratio measured by photon excitation near threshold is found to agree better with the theory than the other available experimental data.
Total photon attenuation coefficients near absorption edges are determined in certain suitable elements and compounds. Photoelectric cross sections for elements are deduced from these by subtracting the coherent and incoherent scattering cross sections as well as other elemental cross sections in the cases of compounds. Certain deviations are observed on comparison with the available theoretical and experimental compilations. The I/sub L//sub #alpha#//Il x-ray intensity ratio measured by photon excitation near threshold is found to agree better with the theory than the other available experimental data.
Measurements of the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity and correlations observed with T/sub c/ for V_3Si, V_3Ge, and A-15 Nb-Ge show (i) the existence of a universal defect in the A-15 superconductors which is not nonstoichiometry, (ii) a normal state anomaly also strongly influenced by the defects, and (iii) evidence that T/sub c/ and the electron-phonon interactions for transport processes are approx.100 times more sensitive to defect producing sample modifications in the A-15 compounds than in Nb.
The major inquiry of the political party 'Die Gruenen' touches all problems connected with air pollution. The Federal Government states that an extensive air pollution abatement program, i.e. the revision of existing regulations and implementation of new ones has been allowing the realization of all essential environmental aims originally headed for three years ago in the field of air pollution abatement. Achievements such as these will bring about another obvious improvement of the air quality of the Federal Republic of Germany in the coming years. The recent development of energy economy has also proved to be having an obivously positive effect on the environment and pollution abatement. (HSCH).
The detection of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus from various kinds of field samples (tissue extract and cell culture isolate) was studied using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The gene selected for diagnosis was the polymerase gene and an amplification target product of 454 bp in length was produced using AP5/AP6 primer sets. The PCR product was further examined by NcoI endonuclease digestion. The presence of the internal restriction site was confirmed by demonstration of two small fragments of 330 bp and 124 bp in length. Forty-nine samples that gave positive and negative results by ELISA typing and were positive by the PCR test were tested by NcoI digestion to confirm the results. About 10% of PCR products could not be confirmed by the method. Furthermore the FMD RNA polymerase gene could be detected by the PCR method in samples negative in both ELISA typing and the virus isolation test. A total of 23 samples were examined ...
Recently we have made measurements of thermonuclear burst energetics and recurrence times which are unprecedented in their precision, largely thanks to the sensitivity of the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer. In the "Clocked Burster", GS 1826-24, hydrogen burns during the burst via the rapid-proton (rp) process, which has received particular attention in recent years through theoretical and modelling studies. The burst energies and the measured variation of alpha (the ratio of persistent to burst flux) with accretion rate strongly suggests solar metallicity in the neutron star atmosphere, although this is not consistent with the corresponding variation of the recurrence time. Possible explanations include extra heating between the bursts, or a change in the fraction of the neutron star over which accretion takes place. I also present results from 4U 1746-37, which exhibits regular burst trains which are interrupted by "out of ...
We report here results of an application of single-nucleon stripping reactions at high energies (65 MeV/u) in inverse kinematics to obtain spectroscopic factors. From measurements of the partial cross-sections for ground and excited states in residual nuclei formed in one-proton stripping reactions, single particle orbits and occupancies of light nuclei have been studied in the s-d shell. Single proton stripping cross-sections of {sup 25}Al and {sup 26,27,28}P on a Be target have been measured using the S800 spectrograph and the NaI(Tl) array at the NSCL. These results indicate that this technique may provide a general tool for the intermediate energy range analogous to transfer (pick-up) reactions at low-energy.
We report here results of an application of single-nucleon stripping reactions at high energies (65 MeV/u) in inverse kinematics to obtain spectroscopic factors. From measurements of the partial cross-sections for ground and excited states in residual nuclei formed in one-proton stripping reactions, single particle orbits and occupancies of light nuclei have been studied in the s-d shell. Single proton stripping cross-sections of "2"5Al and "2"6","2"7","2"8P on a Be target have been measured using the S800 spectrograph and the NaI(Tl) array at the NSCL. These results indicate that this technique may provide a general tool for the intermediate energy range analogous to transfer (pick-up) reactions at low-energy.
All measurements were made with the NBS high-pressure photoionization mass spectrometer. The fractional of C/sub 5/H/sub 10//sup +/ions in a cyclopentane-cyclohexane mixture were determined as a function of pressure in order to define the fraction of the ions which did charge exchange with cyclohexane; i.e. the fraction which remained cyclic after ionization. The data for mixtures of various compositions (2.5 to 10% cyclohexane) are summarized for measurements performed at 10.62 eV: (a) 292K, > 96% cyclic; 347 K, greater than or equal to 94% cyclic; 386 K, 84 +- 4% cyclic; and 412 K, 78 +- 6% cyclic; entropy, enthalpy, and activation energy were determined; 10.49 eV was obtained as the ionization potential of cyclopentane. 1 figure.
SUMMARY Spontaneous potentials associated with volcanic activity are often interpreted by means of the electrokinetic potential, which is usually positive in the flow direction (i.e. Zeta potential of the rock is negative). The water-rock interactions in hydrothermal zones alter the primary minerals leading to the formation of secondary minerals. This work addresses the study of calcite precipitation in a sand composed of 98 per cent quartz and 2 per cent calcite using streaming potential measurements. The precipitation of calcite as a secondary mineral phase, inferred by high calcite saturation indices and by a fall in permeability, has a significant effect on the electrokinetic behaviour, leading to a significant reduction in the Zeta potential (in absolute value) and even a change in si...
The half-value thicknesses, linear and mass attenuation coefficients of biological samples such as bone, muscle, fat and water have been measured at 140, 364 and 662keV ?-ray energies by using the ATOMLABTM-930 medical spectrometer. The ?-rays were obtained from 99mTc, 131I and 137Cs ?-ray point sources. Also theoretical calculations have been performed in order to obtain the half-value thicknesses and, mass and linear attenuation coefficients at photon energies 0.001keV-20MeV for bone, muscle and water samples. The calculated value and the experimental results of this work and the other results in literature are found to be in good agreement.
New market based approaches are becoming increasingly important as instruments of environmental policy. The two main market approaches, i.e., transferable pollution permits (experimented in America), and 'green' energy surcharges (European philosophy), are described and discussed. An analysis of information on their state of implementation shows that, in the case of the former method, the greatest sources of difficulty arise in the determination of acceptable ceiling levels of emissions, in the distribution of permits among the various polluting firms, and in the legality of granting rights to pollute. Instead, the European experience has evidenced that energy surcharges motivated by environmental policy cannot have an appreciable positive impact on consumers or the economic system in general unless they are accompanied by well defined measures geared towards the promotion or creation of alternative solutions such as to ...
Abstract The Eiffel Tower edifice is situated in the Lucky Strike hydrothermal vent field at a mean depth of 1690-m on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). At this 11-m-high hydrothermal structure, different faunal assemblages, varying in visibly dominant species (mussels and shrimp), in mussel size and in density of mussel coverage, were sampled biologically and chemically. Temperature and sulphide (-S) were measured on the different types of mussel-based assemblages and on a shrimp-dominated assemblage. Temperature was used as a proxy for calculating total concentrations of CH4. Based on the physico-chemical measurements, two microhabitats were identified, corresponding to (i) a more variable habitat featuring the greatest fluctuations in environmental variables and (ii) a second, more stable, ...
The difference between the two nonclassical lights, i.e., the squeezed state and number-phase minimum uncertainty state (NUS) is discussed. The four different generation principles for NUS are described. They are: unitary evolution using self-phase modulation; nonunitary state reduction by the first kind measurement; controlled state reduction by quantum correlation measurement-feedback, and high saturated laser oscillation with suppressed-pump-noise. The constant current-driven semiconductor laser based on the last principle generated the NUS with photon number noise reduced below the standard quantum limit by 40 percent in the entire frequency region from dc to 1.1 GHz. Several applications of NUS including quantum communication, quantum mechanical computers and interferometric gravitational detection are discussed briefly. This presentation is represented by viewgraphs only.
The formaldehyde surface emission monitor (FSEM) has been developed for passive non-destructive measurement of formaldehyde (CH/sub 2/O) emission rates from CH/sub 2/O resin-containing materials. It is envisaged as a potential quality control and in-situ monitoring technique. For quality control applications to pressed-wood products, strong correlations between the results of the FSEM and environmentally controlled (small scale) chamber tests were observed. The FSEM is used to measure the cumulative CH/sub 2/O emission from a finite area of pressed-wood product during a fixed test period. The final result is reported as an average CH/sub 2/O emission rate (mg CH/sub 2/O/m/sup 2/h).
Introduction The objective of this study was to investigate the in-vitro fluoride release from a glass ionomer orthodontic bonding system (Fuji I, GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) over a 2-month period and the in-vivo enamel fluoride uptake after 6 months. Methods Ten metal brackets were bonded with either glass ionomer or composite resin (Transbond XT, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif; Light Cure), which served as controls, to recently extracted molars. The bonded teeth, cut at the level of their roots, were stored in distilled water that was renewed after every fluoride measurement at 1, 3, 7, 30, and 60 days. The in-vitro fluoride release was measured by using a fluoride ion-selective electrode, connected to an ion analyzer. Fifteen pairs of premolars were bonded with metal brackets with either ...
The Warm-Hot Intergalactic Medium (WHIM) arises from shock-heated gas collapsing in large-scale filaments and probably harbours a substantial fraction of the baryons in the local Universe. Absorption-line measurements in the ultraviolet (UV) and in the X-ray band currently represent the best method to study the WHIM at low redshifts. We here describe the physical properties of the WHIM and the concepts behind WHIM absorption line measurements of H I and high ions such as O VI, O VII, and O VIII in the far-ultraviolet and X-ray band. We review results of recent WHIM absorption line studies carried out with UV and X-ray satellites such as FUSE, HST, Chandra, and XMM-Newton and discuss their implications for our knowledge of the WHIM.
Typically, point forecasting methods are compared and assessed by means of an error measure or scoring function, such as the absolute error or the squared error. The individual scores are then averaged over forecast cases, to result in a summary measure of the predictive performance, such as the mean absolute error or the (root) mean squared error. I demonstrate that this common practice can lead to grossly misguided inferences, unless the scoring function and the forecasting task are carefully matched. Effective point forecasting requires that the scoring function be specified ex ante, or that the forecaster receives a directive in the form of a statistical functional, such as the mean or a quantile of the predictive distribution. If the scoring function is specified ex ante, the forecaster can issue the optimal point forecast, namely, the Bayes rule. If the forecaster receives a directive in the form of a functional, it ...
The paper discusses a number of recent studies investigating into the energy conservation and environmental impacts of electric heating systems (off-peak storage systems). In future, i.e. in and after 1993, off-peak storage systems will be evaluated through comparative analyses of oil-fired heating systems, pollutant emission analyses, the eventual success of pollution abatement measures designed for power plant emissions to keep within the legal limiting values, and the possible abandonment of pollution abatement measures abroad. Opposing the electric heating studies submitted by the electric power industry the author refutes their favourable results referring to the palliative selection of inadequate or vague parameters. Assuming average power plant pollutant emissions of 180 mg/standard/sup 3/ the nitrogen oxide emissions of oil-fired heating systems (134.1 kg/Tj) are found to be below those of off-peak storage systems ...
Abstract Mammalian teeth exhibit incremental structures representing successive forming fronts of enamel at varying time scales, including a short daily increment called a cross striation and a long period called a stria of Retzius, the latter of which, in humans, occurs on average every 8-9 days. The number of daily increments between striae is called the repeat interval, which is the same period as that required to form one increment of bone, i.e. the lamella, the fundamental - if not archetypal - unit of bone. Lamellae of known formation time nevertheless vary in width, and thus their measures provide time-calibrated growth rate variability. We measured growth rate variability for as many as 6 years of continuously forming primary incremental lamellar bone from midshaft femur histologic...
The emission of air pollutants from road vehicles is the most significant source of air pollution in towns. The chemical composition of these pollutive substances is dependent on the fuel, the type of vehicle and the character of the traffic system. The pollution concentration was measured, (nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide) in relation to each type of vehicle, in four streets in the Copenhagen area. The system of measurement used was the ''Operational Street Pollution Model'' (OSPM). Results are presented in the form of tables and charts. (AB) 11 refs.
Bone mineral content as determined by computerized tomography (CT) and mechanical strength on axial loading were compared in 36 cadaveric femur specimens. Based on the CT measurements of density and area, the mass of a transverse slice of the femur was estimated. Highly significant correlations were demonstrated between strength and cancellous bone density. Even higher correlations were revealed when the bone masses of the proximal and distal femoral areas were calculated. Based on these findings, an equal distribution of the effective mass of the femur was postulated. This hypothesis was confirmed in an experimental rotational model. The CT attenuation values were also correlated to direct measurements of bone mineral content, i.e. calcium. Moreover, the strength of different metal implants, commonly used in femoral neck fractures, were assessed in cadaver specimens. 134 refs., 13 figs., 12 tabs.
Abstract: We used socioeconomic models that included economic inequality to predict biodiversity loss, measured as the proportion of threatened plant and vertebrate species, across 50 countries. Our main goal was to evaluate whether economic inequality, measured as the Gini index of income distribution, improved the explanatory power of our statistical models. We compared four models that included the following: only population density, economic footprint (i.e., the size of the economy relative to the country area), economic footprint and income inequality (Gini index), and an index of environmental governance. We also tested the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis, but it was not supported by the data. Statistical comparisons of the models revealed that the model including both economi...
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the resin-dentin interfacial morphology and shear bond strength of several new and experimental dentin bonding systems classified as single-bottle/total etch, multi-step/total etch, and self-etching. Class 1 and 5 cavities were prepared from freshly extracted permanent molars and restored with composite resin. Each bonded sample was cross sectioned and one-half was completely demineralized and deproteinized, while the other half was polished along the cut surface to permit measurement of the thickness of resin-infiltrated dentin layer (RIDL) within intertubular dentin (iRIDL) and around the peritubular walls (pRIDL) of resin tags by SEM. Shear bond strength was measured for all the systems 2 minutes after photocuring. SEM showed iRIDL and resin tags of different morphology depending on material and dentin location. The iRIDL was thinner in ...
Full text: Based on experience with nuclear material confiscated in Hungary from illicit trafficking activities in the nineties it has been decided that traditional gamma-spectrometry should be complemented by destructive analytical techniques. The 17/1996 (I. 31.) Korm. Governmental Decree delegated the identification, categorization and characterization tasks to the Institute of Isotopes, Budapest. Routine gamma-spectrometric methods have been further developed aiming at the i) age (production date) determination of seized samples and complete (nondismountable) uranium-bearing items (such as fresh fuel bundles and fission chambers) by HRGS technique, ii) improvement of measurement accuracy and reliability. Starting in 2005 mass spectrometry (ICP-SFMS) and scanning electron microscopy have been implemented to characterize nuclear samples in more detail and to analyze environmental samples both for isotopic and elemental ...
The purpose of this study was to use high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging combined with image analysis to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) trabecular structure, anisotropy, and connectivity of human vertebral, femoral, and calcaneal specimens. The goal was to determine whether: (a) MR-derived measures depict known skeletal-site-specific differences in architecture and orientation of trabeculae; (b) 3D architectural parameters combined with bone mineral density (BMD) improve the prediction of the elastic modulus using a fabric tensor formulation; (c) MR-derived 3D architectural parameters combined with BMD improve the prediction of strength using a multiple regression model, and whether these results corresponded to the results obtained using higher resolution depictions of trabecular architecture. A total of 94 specimens (12 x 12 x 12 mm cubes) consisting of trabecular bone only were obtained, of which there were 7 from the calcaneus, 15 from ...
A review of the status of integral measurements is presented for "2"4"0Pu, "2"4"1Pu, "2"4"2Pu, "2"4"1Am and "2"4"3Am. This review includes integral measurements pertinent to thermal reactor systems, i.e., thermal cross sections and resonance integrals, as well as measurements for fast reactor systems. It appears that for these nuclides the data for thermal reactors are in good shape; however, more work is recommended in defining the branching ratio of the capture cross section of "2"4"1Am to the isomeric and ground states of "2"4"2Am. Also, benchmark irradiation data are needed for cross section data testing using depletion/production codes. For fast reactors, experiments are in progress, in the UK, in France, and also in the US, with partial results available at this time. Fast integral data obtained from these measurements will be very beneficial. The recommendation pertaining to ...
We review the progress on experimental studies of the non-$D\\bar D$ decays of the $\\psi(3770)$ resonance. With the world average of the observed cross sections for $D\\bar D$ production measured at 3.773 GeV by the MARK-I, MARK-II, BES and CLEO Collaborations, combined together with the cross section for $\\psi(3770)$ production at its peak as well as initial state radiative correction factor, we find that the non-$D\\bar D$ branching fraction of $\\psi(3770)$ decays is $B[\\psi(3770)\\to {\\rm non}-D\\bar D]=(19.8\\pm 1.8 \\pm 5.6)%$, which is consistent within error with $B[\\psi(3770)\\to {\\rm non}-D\\bar D]=(14.7\\pm 3.2)%$ measured previously by the BES Collaboration. In addition, a global amplitude analysis of the cross sections for $e^+e^- \\to {\\rm LH}$ (LH= light hadron) measured by the CLEO Collaboration shows that the light hadron branching fraction of $\\psi(3770)$ decays can be as large ...
Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis and fast neutron activation analysis were used for the determination of chromium. The excitation source for X-ray fluorescence analysis was a ring-shaped "2"4"1Am source with an activity of 18.5x10"9 Bq. SYNPOR filters of 35 mm in diameter were used for the measurement. The 5.414 keV Cr peak was measured with a Si(Li) detector. The sensitivity was 0.05 mg for a period of measurement of 1000 s. A neutron generator with an emission of 10"9 s"-"1 was used as the source of fast neutrons. "5"2V and "5"3V, the products of nuclear reaction with Cr, were measured gamma spectrometrically with a Ge(Li) detector. The sensitivity for Cr is 0.015 mg, in the presence of Mn which causes interference the sensitivity is a mere 0.075 mg. The mentioned methods were used to determine total Cr and Cr(VI) in welding aerosols. It was found that the most toxic form, ...
Ozone production by synchrotron radiation as a function of power density in air was investigated using a white beam at the BNL National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) x-ray ring. Power densities were calculated from the energy spectrum at 2.52 GeV. Ozone concentrations in small beam pipes were measured for power densities between I = 10"1"2 and 10"1"5 eV . cm"-"3 . sec"-"1. The measured ozone half-life was 37 +- 2 min. The measured G-value was 2.69 +- 0.14 mol/100 eV and the ozone destruction factor k was less than 7 x 10"-"1"9 cm"3 . eV"-"1. The random uncertainties stated are approximately one standard error. The large departure of the values for G and k from previous values suggest that some undiscovered systematic error may exist in the experiment. Ozone concentration in excess of the 0.1 ppM ACGIH TLV can be generated in the experimental hutches but can readily be controlled. Industrial hygiene ...
Ozone production by synchrotron radiation as a function of power density in air was investigated using a white beam at the BNL National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) x-ray ring. Power densities were calculated from the energy spectrum at 2.52 GeV. Ozone concentrations in small beam pipes were measured for power densities between I = 10/sup 12/ and 10/sup 15/ eV/sup . /cm/sup -3 . /sec/sup -1/. The measured ozone half-life was 37+-2 min. The measured G-value was 2.69+-0.14 mol/100 eV and the ozone destruction factor k was less than 5 x 10/sup -19/cm/sup 3//eV. The random uncertainties stated are approximately one standard error. The large departure of the values for G and k from previous values suggest that some undiscovered systematic error may exist in the experiment. Ozone concentration in excess of the 0.1 ppm ACGIH TLV can be generated in the experimental hutches but can readily be controlled. ...
The problems of the thermal stress in concrete structures are roughly divided into the initial stress due to setting heat and the stress due to external temperature after hardening. The initial stress exists in every concrete structure, and it is usually neglected in beams and columns, but it must be taken into account in case of the foundation mat structures in nuclear power stations, for example. In this paper, (1) the results of measurement of temperature, strain and stress in each lift at the time of and after placing concrete in the foundation mat of a nuclear power station and the comparison of them with the results of analysis, (2) the results of measurement of the temperature and stress in a foundation mat, which was carried out to rationalize the design method for the raft type foundation mats in thermal power stations, and (3) the results of examination on the analysis model, external force conditions and boundary conditions used for ...
Radio interference and TV interference are being a problem in urban and rural areas. This interference is generated by high voltage transmission lines as well as distribution lines. The radio noise can be produced by polluted or damaged insulators, and by metal parts of the distribution lines. The corona effect on the surface of the dielectric material produces high frequency electromagnetic fields during the ionization and during the recombination period. Fields of different intensity are produced by positive voltage and negative voltage. The insulator flashover (leaking current) also produces electromagnetic fields. A new technique to measure these fields was developed. This technique measures the radiated fields on time domain and on frequency domain. This permits us to characterize the radiated field and thus identify the type of the source. Several measurements were done varying the type of the RF generator, ...
The BESS detector is a new type of balloon-borne spectrometer which utilizes various technologies recently developed for collider experiments. The principal scientific objectives include a measurement of cosmic-ray antiproton spectrum, search for anti-nuclei in cosmic radiation, and precise measurements of cosmic-ray primaries. A thin superconducting solenoidal coil produces a uniform magnetic field of 1 T. Cylindrical drift chambers are located inside and outside the coil and perform continuous tracking. The momentum resolution is 0.5% at 1 GeV/c. i.e., the maximum detectable rigidity is 200 GV. Scintillation counter hodoscopes, placed above and below the solenoid, provide timing and dE/dx measurements and trigger generation. The timing resolution is 80 ps/counter. This cylindrical configuration achieves a large geometrical acceptance of 0.35 m{sup 2} sr which is essential to detect rare cosmic-ray ...
In the investigations reported here, a helium-jet/tape-transport system was used for the rapid transfer of fission products to a low-background environment where their aggregate beta and gamma-ray spectra were measured as a function of delay time after neutron induced fission of {sup 235}U, {sup 238}U and {sup 239}Pu. Beta and gamma-ray energy distributions have been deduced for delay times as short as 0.2 s and extending out to 100,000s. Instrumentation development during the initial phase of the project included: (1) assembly and characterization of a NaI(Tl) spectrometer for determining aggregate gamma-ray energy distributions, (2) development and characterization of a beta spectrometer (having excellent gamma-ray rejection) for measuring aggregate beta-particle energy distributions, (3) assembly and characterization of a Compton-suppressed HPGe spectrometer for determining gamma-ray intensities of individual fission ...
An American Society of Mechanical Engineers task group on stainless steel weld materials was organized to determine the need for ferrite measurements of production welds required by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulatory Guide 1.31 (Rev. 1). The task group studied paired ferrite measurements (i.e., calculated and measured ferrite numbers (FNs) for the material qualifications versus measured ferrite numbers for corresponding production welds (PWs)). Our purpose was to compare delta-ferrite content as measured in the filler metal weld qualification pad with that in the resultant PW. Welds made predominantly by three common processes (submerged arc, shielded metal arc, and gas tungsten arc) were included in the study. Weld metals investigated included types 308, 308L, 316, and 316L stainless steel. An initial evaluation of the paired ferrite ...
Purpose/Objective: At present, treatment verification between portal and reference images is performed based on manually-identified features by radiation oncologist, which is both time-consuming and potentially error-prone. There is a demand for the computerized verification procedure in clinical application. The purpose of this study is to develop a computerized portal verification scheme for pelvic treatment fields. Materials/Methods: The automated verification system involves image acquisition, image feature extraction, feature matching between reference and portal images and quantitative evaluation of patient setup. Electronic portal images with a matrix size of 256 x 256 and 12 bit gray levels were acquired using a liquid matrix electronic portal imaging device. Simulation images were acquired by digitizing simulation films using a TV camera into images with 256 x 256 matrix and 8 bit gray levels. Initially a Canny edge detector is applied to identify the ...
In radiotherapy treatment planning, convolution/superposition algorithms currently represent the best practical approach for accurate photon dose calculation in heterogeneous tissues. In this work, the implementation, accuracy and performance of the FFT convolution (FFTC) and multigrid superposition (MGS) algorithms are presented. The FFTC and MGS models use the same 'TERMA' calculation and are commissioned using the same parameters. Both models use the same spectra, incorporate the same off-axis softening and base incident lateral fluence on the same measurements. In addition, corrections are explicitly applied to the polyenergetic and parallel kernel approximations, and electron contamination is modelled. Spectra generated by Monte Carlo (MC) modelling of treatment heads are used. Calculations using the MC spectra were in excellent agreement with measurements for many linear accelerator types. To speed up the calculations, a number of ...
Currently daily quality control (QC) tests for mammography systems are generally evaluated by using visual analysis phantoms, which of course means subjective measurement. In our study, however, we evaluated a novel digital phantom, the 1Shot Phantom M plus (1Shot Phantom), together with automatic analysis software dedicated for mammography systems using Fuji computed radiography (FCR). The digital phantom enables objective evaluation by providing for actual physical measurement rather than subjective visual assessment. We measured contrast to noise ratio (CNR), image receptor homogeneity, missed tissue at chest wall side, modulation transfer function (MTF), and geometric distortion utilizing the 1Shot Phantom. We then compared the values obtained using the 1Shot Phantom with values obtained from the European guidelines and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. In addition, we evaluated the convenience ...
High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy for treating a cervix carcinoma has become popular, because it eliminates many of the problems associated with conventional brachytherapy. In order to improve the clinical effectiveness with HDR brachytherapy, a dose calculation algorithm, optimization procedures, and image registrations need to be verified by comparing the dose distributions from a planning computer and those from a humanoid phantom. In this study, the humanoid phantom was fabricated in order to verify the absolute doses and the relative dose distributions. The measured doses from the humanoid phantom were then compared with the treatment planning system for the dose verification. The humanoid phantom needs to be designed such that the dose distributions can be quantitatively evaluated thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) chips with a dimension of 1/8 and film dosimetry with a spatial resolution of <1 mm used to ...
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a fully quantitative technology for imaging metabolic pathways and dynamic processes in vivo. Attenuation correction of raw PET data is a prerequisite for quantification and is typically based on separate transmission measurements. In PET/CT attenuation correction, however, is performed routinely based on the available CT transmission data. Recently, combined PET/magnetic resonance (MR) has been proposed as a viable alternative to PET/CT. Current concepts of PET/MRI do not include CT-like transmission sources and, therefore, alternative methods of PET attenuation correction must be found. This article reviews existing approaches to MR-based attenuation correction (MR-AC). Most groups have proposed MR-AC algorithms for brain PET studies and more recently also for torso PET/MR imaging. Most MR-AC strategies require the use of complementary MR and transmission images, or morphology templates generated from transmission images. We ...
We wanted to determine the technical and clinical efficacy of placing a self-expandable PTFE-covered nitinol stent for the management of inoperable malignant biliary obstruction. Thirty six patients with inoperable malignant biliary obstructions were treated by placement of self-expandable PTFE-covered nitinol stents (S and G Biotech Corporation, Seongnam, Korea). Clinical evaluation was done with assessment of the serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels, which were measured before and after stent placement within 1 week, at 1 month and at 3 months. The patient survival rate and stent patency rate were calculated with performing Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Successful stent placement was achieved in all the patients without procedure-related complication. Pancreatitis as an early complication occurred in two cases. The serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly decreased after the ...
Purpose: To evaluate the initial and mid-term results of a new self-expanding low strut profile nitinol stent for treatment of atherosclerotic lesions stenoses and occlusions in the superficial femoral artery (SFA). Materials and Methods: In 8 patients (4 male, 4 female, mean age 74.8 {+-} 8.8 years) with SFA lesions and non-satisfying results after PTA treatment alone, 10 self-expanding nitinol Xpert stents were deployed via a 4 F sheath. Stent characteristics and handling were graded by the interventionalist. Fontaine classification, duplex flow measurements and ankle brachial index (ABI) at rest and stress were taken prior and one day after stent placement. Patients were followed 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure obtaining the same parameters at each appointment. Results: Initial stent treatment was successful in all patients. Stent handling and positioning were rated very good and safe. All patients improved clinically by at least one ...
The aim of this work was to develop several strategies and software-packages for the evaluation of in-vivo-data of the human brain, which were acquired with high-resolution 1H-MRSI at 1.5 and 3 T. Several studies involving phantoms, volunteers and patients were performed. Quality assurance studies were conducted in order to evaluate the reproducibility of the applied MR-techniques at both field strengths. A qualitative comparison-study between MRSI-data from a 1.5 T clinical MR-scanner and a 3 T research MR-scanner showed the advantages of the more advanced MRSI sequences and higher field strength (3 T). A study involving patients with primary brain tumours (gliomas) was performed in cooperation with the Department of Neurosurgery (University of Erlangen-Nuremberg). The methods developed in the course of this study, such as the integration of MRS-data into a stereotactic-system, the segmentation of metabolic maps and the correlation with histopathological findings ...
This study compared rCBF pattern in normal adult and normal children using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). The purpose of this study was to determine distribution pattern not seen visual analysis in both groups. Tc-99m ECD brain SPECT was performed in 12 normal adults (M:F=11:1, average age 35 year old) and 6 normal control children (M:F=4:2, 10.5{+-}3.1y) who visited psychiatry clinic to evaluate ADHD. Their brain SPECT revealed normal rCBF pattern in visual analysis and they were diagnosed clinically normal. Using SPM method, we compared normal adult group's SPECT images with those of 6 normal children subjects and measured the extent of the area with significant hypoperfusion and hyperperfusion (p<0.001, extent threshold=16). The areas of both angnlar gyrus, both postcentral gyrus, both superior frontal gyrus, and both superior parietal lobe showed significant hyperperfusion in normal adult group ...
Bacterial attachment-effacement (att-eff) is emerging as an important virulence characteristic common to both enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). The contribution of the plasmid-encoded EPEC adherence factor to the production of mucosal lesions and diarrhea was investigated in gnotobiotic piglets. Bacterial att-aff in the intestinal mucosa of piglets infected with plasmid-cured EPEC strain E2348/69 (O127) was indistinguishable from that in piglets infected with the parent strain, but the distribution of lesions was different; it occurred in the small intestines of 6 of 7 piglets infected with the parent strain compared with only 2 of 11 (P = 0.006) infected with the plasmid-cured strain. Plasmid-encoded factors in EPEC and EHEC strains did not appear to contribute to bacterial competition with normal gut microflora. Of 13 strains belonging to five EPEC serogroups, O55, O142, O26, O119, and O111, 3 fulfilled the criteria for EHEC (2 O26 and 1 ...
The decays of Ta/sup 177/ and Lu/sup 177/ to levels in vestigated with beta spectrometers, NaI(Tl) gamma spectrometers, and fast coincidence and angular correlation techniques. Energy levels in Hf/sup 177/ were characterized according to their energy (kev), the Nilsson asymptotic quantum numbers (Nn/sub 2/ LAMBDA ), the total angular momentum and its component along the symmetry axis (I,K), and the parity ( pi ) as follows: 0STA5I4 7/2, 7/2-!; 112.97STA514 9/2, 7/ 2-!; 249.7STA5I4 11/2, 7/1-!; 32l.34STA624 9/2, 9/2+1; 447.9STA624 11/2, 585.8STA642 7/2, 3/2+1; 509.0STA5I2 5/2, 5/1-1; 605.5STA512 7/2, 5/2-!; 746.04STA633 7/2, 7/2+1; 848.2STA 633 9/2, 7/2+1; and 1058.38STA503 7/2, 7/2-!. The levels at 447.9, 488.8, and 585.8 kev are tentative. The spins and parities were uniquely determined by angular correlation and internal conversion data for the levels at ...
Real-time neutron radiography is being evaluated for studying the dynamic behavior of two phase flow and for measuring void fraction in vertical and inclined water ducts. This technique provides a unique means of visualizing the behavior of fluid flow inside thick metal enclosures. To simulate vapor conditions encountered in a fluid flow duct, an air-water flow system was constructed. Air was injected into the bottom of the duct at flow rates up to 0.47 I/s (1 cfm). The water flow rate was varied between 0--3.78 I/m (0--1 gpm). The experiments were performed at the Pennsylvania State University nuclear reactor facility using a real-time neutron radiography camera. With a thermal neutron flux on the order of 10{sup 6}n/cm{sup 2}/s directed through the thin duct dimension, the dynamic behavior of the air bubbles was clearly visible through 5 cm (2 in.) thick aluminum support plates placed on both sides of the duct wall. Image ...
The work of this association is cut according to 6 axes. Three publications: radiological quality of marine and continental waters of the Normandy coast (synthesis 1997 and 1998); preliminary study of the iodine 129 distribution in the environment of the reprocessing plant of La Hague with terrestrial moss (Homalotecium sericeum); radiological surveillance of the aquatic environment of the nuclear facilities on the area of La Hague (1997 and 1998). The second axis concerns the radiation protection with a campaign of radon measures in a school of the Vire rural district (june 1999). The third part is devoted to the radioecology with the surveillance of radioactivity in the aquatic continental environment of nuclear facilities and the radioecological surveillance (1999) of the building site of Cogema la Hague in the area of tidal range of the Moulinets cove. The fourth part concerns the radioactive waste and environment, with the study of the distribution of the ...
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common problem in the female population. Women with diabetes mellitus are possibly at a higher risk. The usual medical therapy for UTI is antibiotic treatment. The aim of this study is to explore strategies employed by diabetic women for prevention and self-treatment of UTI. Forty-two women with diabetes mellitus who had experienced at least one episode of UTI in the last six months were included. Data collection included background information, questions about prevention and self-treatment strategies and a clinical examination to measure maximal urine flow, residual urine, a blood test evaluating diabetic control (HbA1c) and a urine test strip for determination of glucose, leucocytes, nitrite, blood, protein and pH. Thirty-five participants (83.3%) reported changes in daily routines like 'always keeping warm', 'increased fluid intake', 'good personal hygiene' as prevention strategies. Different herb and plant ...
The choice of treatment in adult skeletal Class III occlusions often poses a particularly tricky problem for the orthodontist. Faced with the option of either orthodontic camouflage or orthognathic surgery, the clinician's clinical experience is of paramount importance, especially in borderline cases. The aim of our study was to uncover a guide model enabling the practitioner to distinguish between skeletal Class III cases which can be suitably treated with orthodontics and those requiring orthognathic surgery. The lateral headfilms of 47 adult patients exhibiting skeletal Class III occlusions were analyzed. The orthodontic group comprised 22 patients and the surgical group 25. Twenty-seven linear, proportional and angular measurements were scrutinized. Stepwise discriminant analysis was used to identify the dentoskeletal and esthetic variables which most distinguished the two groups. The Holdaway angle was chosen to differentiate between ...
Homogeneity for highly asymmetric fields has been studied for a Siemens PRIMUS linear accelerator. The flattening filter has a radius smaller than the primary collimator one, creating inhomogeneities that affect large fields in areas far from the collimator axis, and asymmetric fields with large offset. Profiles and absolute dose have been measured in fields with two jaws at maximal position (20 cm) and the other two at maximal overtravel (10 cm.), corresponding to 10 x 10 fields with extreme offset. Profiles have a remarkable gradient decreasing towards the beam edge, making these fields unsuitable for treatments. Results show that the design of the primary collimator and flattening filter assembly has direct consequences in homogeneity. This can have clinical consequences for treatments involving fields that include these inhomogeneous areas. Comparisons with the treatment planning system (Philips Pinnacle) calculations, that computes under ...
The aims of the study were to develop and test the psychometric properties of the Thai Family Health Routines (TFHR) scale, a 70-item self-report questionnaire used to measure the health of Thai families through their routine behaviors in daily life. Development of the TFHR was based on the structural domains of Denham's Family Health Model. The TFHR scale was initially composed of 85 items and tested on 1,040 families living in the central region of Thailand. The confirmatory factor analysis, with an acceptable factor structure model, yielded 70 items aligned with six factors: self-care, safety and prevention, mental health behavior, family care, family caregiving, and illness care routines. The preliminary psychometric properties demonstrated that the TFHR scale had satisfactory internal consistency, criterion validity, and construct validity. The test results suggested that the TFHR scale has potential benefits for family and community nurses to assess Thai ...
Purpose: calculation of conversion coefficients for the reconstruction of organ doses from entrance doses for abdomen radiographs of 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, and 30-year-old patients in conventional pediatric radiology for the radiographic settings recommended by the German and European guidelines for quality management in diagnostic radiology. Materials und method: using the commercially available personal computer program PCXMC developed by the Finnish Center for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (Saeteilyturvakeskus STUK), conversion coefficients for conventional abdomen radiographs were calculated performing Monte Carlo simulations in mathematical hermaphrodite phantom models describing patients of different ages. The possible clinical variation of beam collimation was taken into consideration by defining optimal and suboptimal radiation fields on the phantoms' surfaces. Results: conversion coefficients for the reconstruction of organ does in about 40 organs and ...
A book has been written to introduce the physical aspects of the radiotherapy electron beam by presenting a summary of the developments in this field. The first chapter is a brief introduction to the technology of medical accelerators with emphasis on the electron beam production facilities. Chapter 2 describes the interaction processes at the atomic level once the electron beam enters the medium. Chapter 3 is concerned with the various properties of the electron beam purely from the clinical point of view. The electron beam algorithms and models for distribution calculations are covered in Chapter 4 with inclusion of age diffusion and multiple scattering approaches. The factors affecting the beam distribution in a patient, with inhomogeneities, surface irregularities, backscattering etc. are discussed in Chapter 5. The last two chapters are devoted to electron beam dosimetry including various dosimetric methods, specification and measurement ...
The purpose of the study was to optimise the technique employed for AP shoulder and lateral cervical spine examinations following an investigation into image quality, based on clinical assessment, and effective dose, calculated from patient entrance surface dose measurements. A study was therefore conducted in an attempt to determine whether the increased radiation dose to the patient following the introduction of an anti-scatter grid was justified by the level of improvement in image quality. The study, involving 100 patients, was able to demonstrate that the increase in radiation dose to the patient when using an anti-scatter grid for AP shoulder examinations is not justified by the improved image quality. A poor level of inter-rater reliability between the consultants scoring the lateral cervical spine images prevented a firm conclusion from being reached. The fact that all images were of diagnostic quality, however, suggested that the use ...
The purpose of the study was to optimise the technique employed for AP shoulder and lateral cervical spine examinations following an investigation into image quality, based on clinical assessment, and effective dose, calculated from patient entrance surface dose measurements. A study was therefore conducted in an attempt to determine whether the increased radiation dose to the patient following the introduction of an anti-scatter grid was justified by the level of improvement in image quality. The study, involving 100 patients, was able to demonstrate that the increase in radiation dose to the patient when using an anti-scatter grid for AP shoulder examinations is not justified by the improved image quality. A poor level of inter-rater reliability between the consultants scoring the lateral cervical spine images prevented a firm conclusion from being reached. The fact that all images were of diagnostic quality, however, suggested that the use ...
Eribulin is a new anticancer agent currently in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. In the current studies, we have investigated the effects of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) on the in vivo disposition of eribulin using CF-1 abcb1a-deficient mice, and the influence of eribulin on P-gp-mediated efflux of digoxin in Caco-2 cells. Eribulin was administered intravenously and orally in both CF-1 wild-type and CF-1 abcb1a-deficient mice. P-gp-mediated efflux of digoxin in Caco-2 cell monolayers was measured in the presence of eribulin. The plasma exposure to eribulin was higher in CF-1 abcb1a-deficient mice than that in CF-1 wild-type mice after intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) administrations. The oral bioavailability of eribulin was 62.3% in CF-1 abcb1a-deficient mice...
Serum ferritin levels were measured in 72 normal subjects and in 214 cases with various diseases by an immunoradiometric assay. In normal subjects, the serum ferritin levels were 27-230 ng/ml. Elevated serum ferritins were observed in most cases with iron excess and acute hepatitis. Markedly elevated levels were found in the majority of cases with acute leukemia, malignant lymphoma, hepatoma, and pancreatic cancer. High ferritin levels were also found in other malignant diseases. However, the range overlapped broadly with that of nonmalignant diseases. The serum ferritin correlated significantly with serum iron in normals and in those with iron deficiency anemia. In most nonmalignant cases, the serum ferritin and iron levels distributed on a regression line obtained from levels in normals and those with iron deficiency anemia. However, 92% of the malignant cases showed a serum ferritin to iron ratio higher than that of normal subjects. The estimation of the serum ...
In 2000, the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) laid out a definition of competence that included six specific areas of focus: patient care (including clinical reasoning), medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice. The ACGME's intention was to mandate increasingly reliable and valid assessment measures to be used by all training programs over the next decade, with the goal of providing "more credible, accurate, reliable and useful educational outcome data." In this article, the authors will review definitions of competency according to the new ACGME standards and examine the assessment tools currently available, including global evaluations, 360-degree evaluations, checklists, standardized examinations and direct observations. The authors will provide an overview of critical considerations in different assessment ...
Studies of the effectiveness of operant, relaxation, cognitive, and multimodal behavioural approaches to the treatment of chronic benign pain other than headache were evaluated. In general, the quality of the studies was poor, and most investigations lacked appropriate and adequate control conditions, outcome measures, and/or follow-ups. While outcome reports for all four behavioural treatments have been mainly positive, few data were found which conclusively demonstrate that any of the approaches are effective or that they are the treatment of choice. The data do, however, imply that behavioural approaches may help patients lead more normal and productive lives. Specifically, the literature suggests that: (1) the operant method leads to increased activity levels and decreased pain and drug intake, (2) the relaxation approach results in decreased EMG levels and some pain reductions, (3) the cognitive techniques are speculative at this time, and (4) the multimodal ...
Background When assessing the function of the cardiovascular system, cardiac output (CO) is a substantial parameter. For its determination, numerous non-invasive techniques have been proposed in the recent years including inert gas rebreathing (IGR) and impedance cardiography (ICG). The aim of our study was to evaluate whether a novel ICG algorithm (electrical velocimetry) and IGR can be used interchangeably in the clinical setting. Methods A total of 120 consecutive stable patients were included resulting in two pairs of repeated non-invasive cardiac output measurements. Results The mean CO was 5.0???1.2?l/min (range 2.6?8.6?l/min) using IGR and 4.4???1.1?l/min (1.7?7.4?l/min) using ICG, respectively. Bland?Altman analysis revealed an acceptable agreement with a mean bias of 0.6???1.2?l/m...
Because toxicity with the use of 3000 centiGray (cGy) of total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) was observed in an earlier study, 2000-cGy treatments were delivered in a 2-portal format to 7 patients and in a modified 3-portal fashion to 6 patients, as part of a randomized, investigator-blinded trial of TLI treatment for refractory rheumatoid arthritis. Analysis of combined data from the 13 patients revealed statistically significant improvement in 5 clinical indicators of disease activity at the end of TLI and 6 and 12 months later, accompanied by T4-specific immunosuppression. Management considerations resulted in the introduction of prednisone therapy in 5 patients, methotrexate in 4, and azathioprine in 1 during the interval of 8-12 months post-TLI. Herpes zoster occurred in 5 patients prior to the initiation of this additional therapy. These data indicate that, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a TLI dose of 2000 cGy is sufficient to produce ...
PurposeWe conducted a comparative study of Clinical Target Volume (CTV) definition of pelvic lymph nodes by multiple GU radiation oncologists looking at the levels...Full Text Available
This report describes a case of toxic myopathy in a two year old sheltie dog with clinical signs of profound weakness, myoglobinuria, and muscle enzyme elevations. The clinical signs were likely related...Full Text Available
The clinical management of adults with low-grade gliomas (LGGs) remains a challenge. There is no curative treatment, and management of individual patients is a matter of deciding optimal timing as well...Full Text Available
Objective. Cervical cancer patients who had an abandoned radical hysterectomy were evaluated for preoperative clinical predictors, complication rates, and outcomes. Study...Full Text Available
Randomized clinical trials are designed with stopping boundaries to guide data monitoring committees with their decision making concerning ongoing trials. In particular, when extremely positive results...Full Text Available
Sex-related influences on pain and analgesia have become a topic of tremendous scientific and clinical interest, especially in the last 10 to 15 years. Members of our research group published...Full Text Available
This paper discusses the clinical application and main objective of testicular imaging. The authors present cases that represent a spectrum of the abnormalities which might be detected by testicular imaging, with special attention given to testicular torsion and the acute diseases which may mimic it clinically. Accuracy of the test is noted.
AbstractQuantities and types of ceramides and their relationships to physical properties of the horn covering the claws of clinically normal cows and cows with subclinical laminitis were...Full Text Available
The ubiquity and ease of use of the Web have made it an increasingly popular medium for communication of health-related information. Web interfaces to commercially available clinical information systems...Full Text Available
BackgroundPercutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a relatively new technique. Very few studies have reported the clinical outcome of percutaneous endoscopic discectomy in terms...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe aim of this study is to examine how clinicians and patients negotiate clinical need and treatment decisions within a context of finite resources. Dental implant treatment...Full Text Available
Over the past 10 years, the original partnership of clinician and statistician for the running of clinical research projects, especially clinical trials, has come to be supplemented by the data manager...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe lack of adequate randomized clinical trials (RCT) has hindered identification of new therapies that are safe and effective for patients with primary focal segmental...Full Text Available
A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of a homeopathic treatment of neonatal calf diarrhoea was performed using 44 calves in 12 dairy herds. Calves with spontaneously derived diarrhoea were...Full Text Available
BackgroundHepatitis A virus (HAV) strains detected in environmental and clinical samples were analysed to characterize the genotypes of HAV circulating in Greece. Fifty (50) sewage...Full Text Available
Objectives: The authors designed and implemented a clinical data mart composed of an integrated information retrieval (IR) and relational database management system (RDBMS).Design:...Full Text Available
Policies and regulations in the current health care environment have impacted the manner in which patient data - especially protected health information (PHI) - are handled in the clinical and...Full Text Available
We sought to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients with acute myocardial infarction and its effect on clinical outcomes. Employing data from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction...Full Text Available
PURPOSE We wanted to assess the impact of an electronic health record–based diabetes clinical decision support system on control of hemoglobin A1c (glycated hemoglobin),...Full Text Available
Purpose:The oral chemotherapy cycle management program (CMP) provides clinical management support to patients receiving certain oral chemotherapies. The CMP includes a dose-monitoring...Full Text Available
Membranous dysmenorrhea is an unusual clinical entity. It is characterized by the expulsion of huge fragments of endometrium during the menses, favored by hormonal abnormality or drug intake. This report describes a case with clinical, US, and MRI findings before the expulsion. Differential diagnoses are discussed. (orig.)
SummaryObjective:Formalizing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for a subsequent computer-supported processing is a challenging, but burdensome and...Full Text Available
This paper presents HEARTVIEW - a knowledge base (KB) that offers aid for clinical research in cardiology. This KB is an essential component of the medical workstation MW2000, now under development...Full Text Available
The effect of growth phase on expression of virulence-associated factors was studied by Northern hybridization in an M1T1 clinical isolate of Streptococcus pyogenes. Expression of M...Full Text Available
Glossitis among U.S. military working dogs in South Vietnam was characterized by variable redness and loss of papillae on the anterodorsal third of the tongue; salivation, drooling, and inappetence were the principal clinical signs. Symptomatic treatment ...
The clinical significance, Gram stain reaction, and genus affiliation of Gardnerella vaginalis have been controversial since Gardner and Dukes described the organism as the cause of "nonspecific vaginitis,"...Full Text Available
IntroductionIntrarenal pseudoaneurysm is a rare, yet clinically significant, complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy. A high index of clinical suspicion is necessary in order...Full Text Available
Objective:To investigate the combined effect of both pioglitazone and methotrexate on disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis in a biphasic study; experimental and clinical.Methods:Experimentally:...Full Text Available
The definitive clinical trial which demonstrated the beneficial effects of photocoagulation in treating diabetic retinopathy was reported in 1976 in the American Journal of Ophthalmology by the Diabetic...Full Text Available
Real-time PCR has the potential to streamline detection and identification of Cryptosporidium spp. in human clinical samples. In the present...Full Text Available
Coryneform isolates from clinical specimens frequently cannot be identified by either reference laboratories or research laboratories. Many of these organisms are skin flora that belong to a large number...Full Text Available
Patients with adhesive capsulitis were clinically evaluated to establish whether pain elicited by pressure on the coracoid area may be considered a pathognomonic sign of this condition. The study group...Full Text Available
In support of a new clinical trial designed to compare the effects of crushed fresh garlic and two types of garlic supplement tablets (enteric-coated dried fresh garlic and dried aged garlic...Full Text Available
BackgroundIn cancer research, most clinical variables have already been investigated and are now well established. The use of transcriptomic variables has raised two problems: restricting...Full Text Available
Clinical-HINTS (Health Intelligence System) is a horizontally integrated decision support system (DSS) designed to meet the requirements for intelligent real-time clinical information management in critical care medical environments and to lay the foundation for the development of the next generation of intelligent medical instrumentation. The system presented was developed to refine and complement the information yielded by clinical laboratory investigations, thereby benefiting the management of the intensive care unit (ICU) patient. More specifically, Clinical-HINTS was developed to provide computer-based assistance with the acquisition, organisation and display, storage and retrieval, communication and generation of real-time patient-specific clinical information in an ICU. Clinical-HINTS is an object-oriented system developed in C+2 to run under Microsoft ...
BackgroundThe purpose of our study was to evaluate the clinical value of hybrid SPECT/CT for the assessment of patients with painful total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsTwenty-three...Full Text Available
This article describes a new set of revised standards for the medical laboratory, which have been produced by Clinical Pathology Accreditation (UK) Ltd (CPA). The original standards have been in use...Full Text Available
In a combined clinical, radiological, and laboratory study of 77 patients throughout the leprosy spectrum, 10 patients had an enthesitis which has not been described previously as far as is known and...Full Text Available
Background/AimsThe findings of several recent studies suggest that antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are frequently detected in patients with acute hepatitis A (AHA). However, the clinical...Full Text Available
The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical significance of nodal micrometastasis detected by immunohistochemistry in patients that had undergone curative surgery for pancreatic cancer....Full Text Available
ObjectiveDisc herniations at the L1-L2 and L2-L3 levels are different from those at lower levels of the lumbar spine with regard to clinical characteristics and surgical outcome....Full Text Available
Clinical features and treatment outcome were compared in depressed outpatients with and without a history of emotional and physical abuse (EPA), including childhood maltreatment. Patients were...Full Text Available
The prevalence of chlamydial infection of the urethra was studied in 172 consecutive male patients attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic in Teheran. Chlamydia trachomatis was isolated in 8.8%...Full Text Available
Metastases to the cerebellopontine angles (CPAs) are rare. Typically, the clinical course is one of rapid onset and progression of crarial nerve deficits. The clinical presentation and course of carcinoma...Full Text Available
A methodology and toolkit are described which enable the automated metadata-driven creation of datamarts from clinical data warehouses. The software uses schema-to-schema transformation driven by an...Full Text Available
The level of total extracellular neuraminidase produced by 74 clinical isolates of group B streptococci isolated from diseased or asymptomatically colonized infants was assayed. Extracellular neuraminidase...Full Text Available
Objectives:The aim of this study was to analyze clinical records of dental patients attending the Dental Department at the University of Jordan Hospital: a teaching hospital in Jordan....Full Text Available
The question of whether storage of red blood cells (RBCs) alters their capacity to deliver oxygen and affects patient outcomes remains in a state of clinical equipoise. Studies of the changes...Full Text Available
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical problem with significant clinical and economic consequences. A number of studies point to a rising incidence of AKI in the hospital and in the intensive...Full Text Available
ObjectiveCompare occlusal contacts calculated from 3D virtual models created from clinical records to contacts identified clinically using shimstock and transillumination.Full Text Available
BackgroundHealth-Related Quality of Life assessment is widely used in clinical research, but rarely in clinical practice. Barriers including practical difficulties administering...Full Text Available
Recent health care policies and regulations have impacted the manner in which patient data – especially protected health information (PHI) – are handled in both the clinical...Full Text Available
A form for the clinical evaluation of bovine digital disease was developed. In this article, each section of the resulting Digit Evaluation Form is discussed and justified. By following the...Full Text Available
Incorporation of clinical decision support (CDS) capabilities is required to realize the greatest benefits from computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems. Discussions at a conference on CDS in...Full Text Available
Clinical questionWhat is the best treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis?ResultsTopical antibiotics expedite recovery from bacterial conjunctivitis....Full Text Available