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Highly-transparent V-doped TiO2thin films were prepared by sol-gel processing, spin coated on fused silica glass substrates, and annealed in air at 450 °C for 2 h. All of the films were comprised of anatase as the sole crystalline phase. The XPS data suggested that V formed an interstitial solid solution with anatase. The formation of an unsaturated solid solution at the lowest doping level of 0.05 mol% resulted in the formation of lattice defect sites, which enhanced anatase recrystallisation, grain growth, and crystallinity. In contrast, the formation of supersaturated/oversaturated solid solutions at the higher doping levels of 0.10–1.00 mol% resulted in lattice deformation, partial amorphisation, precipitation, and liquid formation. The coexistence of multiple valence states, viz., Ti4+/3+, V4+/3+, and possibly V5+in the doped TiO2films was attributed to intervalence charge transfer. Dye degradation tests revealed that the 0.05 mol% V-doped films showed the best photocatalyic performance and this was attributed to the combined effects of greater anatase crystallinity and reduced band gap. In contrast, increasing V-doping levels resulted in gradual decreases in the photocatalytic performance, which are attributed principally to the decrease in areal density of the surface-active sites owing to liquid-phase densification. The greater degradation of MB solution relative to that of RhB solution is attributed principally to the cationic nature of MB, which allows greater adsorption on the photocatalyst surface in comparison to the anionic RhB.

In a recent past C.K. Jen et al. have shown that "spurious echoes" caused by diffraction effects and finite rod radius may exist in a bar, when it is axially insonified. In this paper, the phenomenon is further investigated and the use of these echoes for investigation of bond quality between two materials is suggested.

This study was undertaken with the objective to demonstrate clinical equivalence of a standard 400 μg/d dose of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) given via a new HFA-134a propellant (Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Parma, Italy), in two dose-units of 50 μg and 100 μg or with the conventional chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) (Becotide™, 50 μg unit dose, Allen & Hanburys, U.K.). A total of 218 children, ages 6-16, with mild to moderate persistent asthma in a stable phase, entered a 2-week run-in period and were then assigned to a 12-week treatment with one of the three treatment tests, following a double-blind, double-dummy (100 μg-dose strength as open arm), multicenter, parallel groups design. Two hundred seven patients entered the intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis and 181 completed the study period. The following efficacy variables were daily recorded by children on a diary card: morning and evening PEFR, number of daytime and nighttime asthma attacks, number of nocturnal awakenings because of asthma, symptoms' scores and intake of salbutamol. Pulmonary function tests (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV₁], forced vital capacity [FVC], peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR], forced expiratory flow between 25%-75% of vital capacity [FEV_25-75], midexpiratory flow [MEF₅₀], forced expiratory flow at 25% of vital capacity [FEF₂₅] were measured at the clinic visits at -2, 0, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. A blood sample for the measurement of morning cortisol was taken between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM at the start and at the end of the treatment. Equivalence between the three treatment groups was demonstrated for the primary outcome measure morning PEFR as well as for the evening PEFR. No significant differences among the groups were observed for the other efficacy variables, except for FEV₁ and FVC (significantly higher increase in the two HFA groups than in the CFC group) and for the intake of salbutamol (non-significantly higher decrease of consumption in the CFC group). The three treatments also gave comparable results in terms of adverse drug reactions and of mean values of morning serum cortisol. No signs of marked cortisol decrease were reported in any of the three groups. The results of the present study therefore show that the new HFA-134a propellant can represent an alternative to the traditional CFCs in the delivery of 400 μg/d BDP in mild to moderate asthmatic children.

This study was undertaken with the objective to demonstrate clinical equivalence of a standard 400 μg/d dose of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) given via a new HFA-134a propellant (Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Parma, Italy), in two dose-units of 50 μg and 100 μg or with the conventional chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) (Becotide™, 50 μg unit dose, Allen & Hanburys, U.K.). A total of 218 children, ages 6-16, with mild to moderate persistent asthma in a stable phase, entered a 2-week run-in period and were then assigned to a 12-week treatment with one of the three treatment tests, following a double-blind, double-dummy (100 μg-dose strength as open arm), multicenter, parallel groups design. Two hundred seven patients entered the intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis and 181 completed the study period. The following efficacy variables were daily recorded by children on a diary card: morning and evening PEFR, number of daytime and nighttime asthma attacks, number of nocturnal awakenings because of asthma, symptoms' scores and intake of salbutamol. Pulmonary function tests (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR], forced expiratory flow between 25%-75% of vital capacity [FEV25-75], midexpiratory flow [MEF50], forced expiratory flow at 25% of vital capacity [FEF25] were measured at the clinic visits at -2, 0, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. A blood sample for the measurement of morning cortisol was taken between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM at the start and at the end of the treatment. Equivalence between the three treatment groups was demonstrated for the primary outcome measure morning PEFR as well as for the evening PEFR. No significant differences among the groups were observed for the other efficacy variables, except for FEV1and FVC (significantly higher increase in the two HFA groups than in the CFC group) and for the intake of salbutamol (non-significantly higher decrease of consumption in the CFC group). The three treatments also gave comparable results in terms of adverse drug reactions and of mean values of morning serum cortisol. No signs of marked cortisol decrease were reported in any of the three groups. The results of the present study therefore show that the new HFA-134a propellant can represent an alternative to the traditional CFCs in the delivery of 400 μg/d BDP in mild to moderate asthmatic children.

Uterine artery embolisation has been described as successful only when both arteries are embolised. However, results in patients with one congenitally absent or previously ligated artery are unknown. Women suffering from symptomatic uterine myomata were treated at a university teaching hospital, a community hospital and an outpatient surgery centre. Retrospective review of patient response to embolisation was assessed by chart review and questionnaire. Uterine and dominant fibroid size response was assessed by comparing pre- and post-embolisation ultrasound examinations. This study analysed three patient groups within the general population: those who underwent unilateral embolisation because of technical failure, those who ultimately underwent bilateral embolisation after initial technical failure and those who underwent unilateral embolisation because of an absent uterine artery. 12 patients underwent unilateral embolisation, 4 of whom underwent this procedure because of an absent uterine artery. Three of these four patients had a congenitally absent uterine artery arising from the internal iliac artery and all three experienced successful outcomes. The fourth patient had a previously ligated internal iliac artery and her symptoms worsened after the procedure. Eight patients had unilateral embolisation due to technical failure. Five of these patients underwent a subsequent procedure during which the contralateral uterine artery was embolised. Four of these five patients had successful outcomes and one was lost to follow-up. Another of the eight patients suffered an arterial injury leading to technical failure, and was lost to follow-up. Of the two remaining patients with unilateral technical failure, only one had a successful outcome. This study concluded that patients who undergo unilateral embolisation for technical reasons should be offered a second embolisation procedure shortly after the initial procedure. Patients with a congenitally absent uterine artery may respond with similar success to those who underwent bilateral embolisation. In contrast, the patient with a previously ligated internal iliac artery failed. The numbers in this study are too small for statistical analysis and subsequent studies should be performed to confirm these findings.

Objective:This paper seeks to evaluate the ability to deliver term pregnancies following uterine fibroid embolization, and to identify impediments to pregnancy in the embolization procedure. Study design:Four physicians performed embolization procedures at various facilities. Patients were asked if fertility was an issue prior to embolization. We measured follicle-stimulating hormone levels before and after embolization. Clinical follow-up, six months following embolization was obtained by interview. Patients were questioned regarding attempts to conceive, menstrual history, and subsequent pregnancy. Main outcome measures:Complications were calculated upon the entire patient population, whether or not fertility was identified as a goal. Fertility risks from embolization were identified. We measured radiation exposure in a random consecutive group of 50 women undergoing embolization. All patients who conceived were asked the details of the pregnancy. Results:Four hundred women underwent uterine fibroid embolization between 1996 and 1999. One hundred and thirty nine patients stated a desire for fertility after embolization. Of these, 52 were <40 years old. Seventeen pregnancies have been reported in 14 women. Five spontaneous abortions were observed. Ten women have had normal term deliveries and two women are currently pregnant. No perfusion problems, either during the pregnancy or labor, were reported. The average radiation dosage calculated for 50 women undergoing embolization was 14 rads. Four women under 45 years old suffered premature menopause (10/1000). Two women underwent hysterectomy as a complication of embolization (5/1000). Conclusion:The risks of infertility following embolization, premature menopause, and hysterectomy are small, as is the radiation exposure during embolization. These risks compare favorably with those associated with myomectomy. Fertility rates appear similar to patients undergoing myomectomy. No problems, either during pregnancy or delivery, have been observed after embolization. The course of pregnancy and delivery was normal after embolization with no maternal or fetal complications reported. These findings confirm results from other centers. Desire for future pregnancy is not a contraindication to fibroid embolization.

Anatomic variants of the uterine arteries may be encountered during arteriography for embolotherapy of uterine fibroids. These variants may be a significant factor in therapeutic failures of uterine embolotherapy We report four patterns of such variation.

A search of patient and procedural variables is performed to better understand the 10% failure rate of uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) and what factors may contribute to decreased success in UFE Statistical analysis of demographic and procedural factors associated with UFE was performed at two separate centres 300 women were treated in approximately equal numbers for menorrhagia or post-menopausal bleeding at two Los Angeles hospitals, a university centre and a community hospital We did a comparison of success and failure groups by all demographic and procedural variables recorded Both groups were statistically analysed No demographic factors were predictive of success for UFE Both centres had similar success rates The pre-procedural total uterine volume was not associated with failure However, pre-procedural diameter of the largest fibroid >8 5 cm was predicative of failure.

By complementation of a salt-sensitive mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we cloned the SOP1 gene, encoding a 114.5-kDa protein of 1033 amino acids. Cells deleted for SOP1 exhibited sensitivity to sodium stress, but showed no sensitivity to general osmotic stress. Following exposure of sop1Delta cells to NaCl stress, the intracellular Na+ level and the Na+/K+ ratio rose to values significantly higher than in wild type cells. Deletion of SOP2, encoding a protein sharing 54% amino acid identity with Sop1p, produced only slight Na+ sensitivity. Cells carrying a sop1Deltasop2Delta double deletion became, however, hypersensitive to Na+ and exhibited increased sensitivity also to Li+ and K+, suggesting involvement of both SOP1 and SOP2 in cation homeostasis. The predicted amino acid sequences of Sop1p and Sop2p show significant homologies with the cytoskeletal-associated protein encoded by the Drosophila lethal(2)giant larvae tumor suppressor gene. Immunolocalization of Sop1p revealed a cytoplasmic distribution and cell fractionation studies showed that a significant fraction of Sop1p was recovered in a sedimentable fraction of the cytosolic material. Expression of a Drosophila l(2)gl cDNA in the sop1Deltasop2Delta strain partially restored the Na+ tolerance of the cells, indicating a functional relationship between the Sop proteins and the tumor suppressor protein, and a novel function in cell homeostasis for this family of proteins extending from yeast to human.

Resting immune [WBC and differential cell counts, lymphocyte phenotyping (CD2, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD20, and CD56), and NK activity] and endocrine (cortisol, prolactin, growth hormone, and DHEA-SO4) parameters were measured in 10 male, Vietnam combat veterans diagnosed with long-term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 9 control Vietnam combat veterans without a PTSD diagnosis but with a comparable history of alcohol abuse. Subjects completed a battery of psychological questionnaires. We report on preliminary observations of the relationship between PTSD and physiological and psychological parameters. With some important exceptions, PTSD patients did not differ from the age-matched control group with regard to hormone levels or lymphocyte phenotypes. However, NK activity was higher in the PTSD population than in the controls. Beck, Mississippi, and Combat Exposure scores were significantly elevated in the PTSD population. In contrast to previous observations in depressed populations, depression (indicated by elevated Beck scores), comorbid with PTSD, was associated withincreasednatural cytotoxicity.

Immunocytochemical staining has been used to detect putative autoimmune B-cells in rabbits undergoing chronic allotype suppression. This condition is seen in heterozygous rabbits exposed perinatally to antibody against the paternal immunoglobulin allotype. Such animals develop lifelong suppression for this allotype and have been used as models for study of antibody-induced disturbance of immune regulation. Normal rabbits deliberately immunized against a heterologous allotype were used to establish the feasibility of identifying cells forming anti-allotypic antibodies in cryostat sections of rabbit lymphoid tissues. Incubation and staining of tissue sections from suppressed rabbits then revealed the presence of autoimmune B-cells, with antibody specificity for the suppressed allotype, in all chronically suppressed adult rabbits tested. Sequential incubation and staining with allotype- and anti-allotype-enzyme conjugates established that such cells were of non-suppressed origin. Auto-anti-allotype antibody-forming cells were not found in normal heterozygotes or in chimeric rabbits. The immunocytochemical techniques described here permitted simultaneous detection of specificity (i.e., anti-allotype) and origin (allotype) of antibody-forming cells involved in an autoimmune response, as well as their anatomical correlation with other B-cells of suppressed or non-suppressed origin. Since the method described can be adapted to detection of alternate cell markers, we believe it to have potential application to the study of other autoimmune phenomena.

Changes in polyol production and the intracellular amino acid pool were followed during the growth cycle of Debaryomyces hansenii in 4 mM and 2.7 M NaCl media. The intracellular levels of polyols were markedly enhanced by high salinity, the dominant solutes being glycerol in log phase cells and arabinitol in stationary phase cells. At low salinity arabinitol was the most prominent intracellular solute throughout the growth cycle. There were no major changes in the composition of the total amino acid pool with changes in cultural salinity. The amount of total free amino acids related to cell dry weight was 15–50% lower in cells cultured in 2.7 M NaCl as compared to 4 mM NaCl media.

Abstract: The elastic modulus (Cii) of the cortical bones of 19 individuals (14 femurs and 16 tibias, fixed in formalin) was determined ultrasonically. Elastic moduli were measured at four anatomical positions (anterior, posterior, medial and lateral) and in all three planes of orientation (transverse, longitudinal and radial). The mean tibial Cii (34.11 GPa) was greater than that obtained for femurs (32.52 GPa). The tibial longitudinal plane Cii (34.1 GPa) was significantly greater than the femoral longitudinal plane Cii (32.5 GPa). Cii was significantly higher in the tibia than the femur in both the medial and posterior anatomical positions. The anterior tibia had a significantly lower C11 compared to other positions. Cii was significantly higher in the longitudinal plane than the transverse or radial planes in both the femur and the tibia. There was no consistent difference in modulus between left and right sides. No age effects were observed. There were no significant differences between males and females, or between African Americans and European Americans.

Silicone elastomer particles (Silastic silicone elastomer, Dow Corning, Midland, MI), polymethylmethacrylate particles, and monosodium urate particles smaller than 10 @mm were injected into a rat subcutaneous air pouch lined with synovial membranelike cells. Inflammatory exudate from the air pouch was retrieved at 6 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after injection. White blood cell count, tumor necrosis factor, and prostaglandin E"2 were measured in the exudate. White blood cell and tumor necrosis factor levels in the exudate were the highest for the silicone group at 6 and 24 hours. Prostaglandin E"2 was also significantly higher in the silicone group at 24 hours. We conclude that acute inflammation is particle-type specific and that Silicone elastomer particles are acutely inflammatory.

After incubation of tissue sections with anti-allotype-enzyme conjugates, the localization of immunoglobulin-allotype-bearing cells in the lymphoid tissues of conventional and chimeric rabbits could be established. The use of anti-allotype sera bearing distinct enzyme labels allowed simultaneous recognition of B cells producing immunoglobulin of one or the other parental types in heterozygous rabbits, or of B cells from the donor and recipient in chimeras. After immunization of chimeric rabbits with trinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin, anti-trinitrophenyl antibody-forming cells could be demonstrated through the use of a trinitrophenyl-alkaline phosphatase conjugate. Simultaneous incubation of sections with this reagent and with horseradish peroxidase coupled to (donor or recipient) anti-allotype sera made possible the determination of the origin (donor or recipient) of the antibody-forming cells. In agreement with the results of plaque assays and analyses of serum antibodies, all the anti-TNP producing cells were of donor origin when the chimeras had been created through injection of spleen or lymph node cells from trinitrophenyl primed donors. With this study we introduce a simple, direct method for the simultaneous identification of cells that produce antibody of a given allotype and a given specificity, applicable to appropriate studies in heterozygous or chimeric rabbits. The procedure has various advantages over previously reported methods.

Energy and angular correlations between α particles and heavier products of the reactions of 310 MeV 16O with Ti reveal two non-equilibrium components in the particle emission observed in coincidence with heavy products.

The energetics and accumulation of solutes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae were investigated for cells grown aerobically in a chemostat under NaCl stress and glucose limitation. Changed energy requirements in relation to external salinity were examined by energy balance determinations performed by substrate and product analyses, with the latter including heat measurements by microcalorimetry. In both 0 and 0.9 M NaCl cultures, the catabolism was entirely respiratory at the lowest dilution rates tested but shifted to a mixed respiratory-fermentative metabolism at higher dilution rates. This shift occurred at a considerably lower dilution rate for salt-grown cells. The intracellular solute concentrations, as calculated on the basis of intracellular soluble space determinations, showed that the internal Na+ concentration increased from about 0.02 molal in basal medium to about 0.18 molal in 0.9 M NaCl medium, while intracellular K+ was maintained around 0.29 molal despite the variation in external salinity. The intracellular glycerol concentration increased from below 0.05 molal at low salinity to about 1.2 molal at 0.9 M NaCl. The concentrations of the internal solutes, however, changed insignificantly with growth rate and energy metabolism. The additional maintenance energy expenditure for growth at 0.9 M NaCl was, depending on the growth rate, 14 to 31% of the total energy requirement for growth at 0 M NaCl. Including the energy conserved in glycerol, the total additional energy demand for growth at 0.9 M NaCl corresponded to 28 to 51% of the energy required for growth at 0 M NaCl.

Elimination of nitrogen from diaryl substituted 2H-tetrazoles during the first step of thermal decomposition yields diphenylnitrileimines. In spite of the. drastic reaction conditions of the melt, they react relatively selective, giving two main products, the 1,2,4,5-tetrazines and 1,2,4-triazoles (together more than 70%). The triazoles are formed if the separation of nitrenes from the nitrileimine is favoured. Therefore, the mass losses found for the first step exceed the values calculated for N2 only. The product mixture after the first TG step was investigated by the title methods, and especially by means of computer-aided MS analysis.

An imperfect interface between two dissimilar materials is modeled by a random interface profile. A theoretical study of the interaction of ultrasonic waves with the rough solid-solid interface is presented. The reflection and transmission coefficients for longitudinal and shear coherent waves are calculated as a function of the angle of incidence within the framework of a second order perturbation theory. The effects of the statistical interface parameters, as well as the interface spectral density on the scattered fields, are investigated. These results are used to determine the roughness-induced attenuation of the coherent fields as a function of the above parameters. In addition, the relation between the incoherent part of the scattering cross-section, and interface roughness is examined.