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To assess the frequency of clinically significant incidental CT findings on PET/CT. Reports of 345 cases of baseline standard skull base to thighs PET/CT exams done over the course of a 6 month period at an outpatient facility affiliated with a large tertiary care level 1 trauma medical center were retrospectively reviewed. Incidental CT findings were assigned a level of clinical significance on a scale of 1–5, from doubtful significance to very significant. CT findings already known from prior CT reports were not included. CT findings corresponding to PET findings were also excluded. A score of 3 or greater was considered significant and reportable. Out of 345 cases, 171 (50%) had a least one CT finding rated at or above a score of 3 on our scale of significance, while 96 (28%) were found to have at least one CT finding with score at or above 4, and 25 cases (7%) showed at least one CT finding rated 5. A substantial percentage of baseline PET/CT studies contain previously undiagnosed, significant incidental findings on the CT images.

To determine if protogynous species are, as a result of fishing, more likely to suffer reproductive failure than are gonochoristic species, we modeled the production of fertilized eggs in simulated populations of graysby Epinephelus cruentatus. Additionally, we examined the effect of various compensatory mechanisms on maintaining fertilized-egg production despite increasing fishing mortality. These mechanisms included accelerated maturation, accelerated transition to malehood, accelerated growth, and combinations thereof. Protogynous stocks may be far more vulnerable to fishing than are comparable gonochoristic stocks. Stocks exhibiting uncompensated protogyny lost reproductive capacity as fishing mortality increased and failed reproductively (egg production less than 1% of that under natural mortality alone) at a lower fishing mortality rate than did gonochoristic stocks. Compensation through conservation of the numerical sex ratio somewhat reduced the impact of protogyny, and compensation throu...

Russian buildings, Russian buildings sector energy consumption. Russian government has made R&D investment a priority again. The government and private sector both invest in a range of building energy technologies. In particular, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, district heating, building envelope, and lighting have active technology research projects and programs in Russia.

Genioglossus advancement, an operation to pull the tongue anteriorly, is a treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to glossoptosis. MRI predictors to identify which children will benefit from genioglossus advancement would be helpful for planning. We reviewed imaging findings on MR sleep studies as biomarkers to predict success or failure of genioglossus advancement in the treatment of OSA in children and young adults.Twenty-eight patients who had undergone genioglossus advancement and preoperative MRI were identified. For each subject, genioglossus advancement, which was performed to treat OSA, was categorized as a success or failure on the basis of polysomnography and clinical criteria. Static and dynamic cine MR sequences were retrospectively evaluated for multiple parameters including measurements of the size of the tongue and of the bony confines of the supraglottic airway, the ratio of tongue size to bony confines size, static size and dynamic changes of the retroglossal airway, tonsil size, and soft palate thickness. Radiologists were blinded to the outcome of genioglossus advancement (i.e., success or failure category). Numeric biomarkers were compared in an analysis-of-covariance model adjusting for patient age.Genioglossus advancement was successful for the treatment of OSA in 17 patients and failed in 11 patients. The relative size of the tongue (tongue-bony confines ratio) was larger in patients with a successful surgical outcome than in those for whom the procedure failed (mean ratio, 0.51 vs 0.46; p = 0.023). Smaller adenoids were associated with a successful outcome (mean size of adenoids, 9.1 vs 12.4 mm; p = 0.049). No other biomarker-including absolute tongue size and airway size or dynamic airway motion-was significant.The relative (not absolute) tongue size and small size of the adenoid tonsils on MRI were predictors of success of genioglossus advancement for the treatment of glossoptosis causing OSA. These findings may be helpful in guiding surgical decision making in children with OSA.

A synthesis of information describing the trophic basis for production of marine fishery yield along the east coast of the USA from New York through Georgia is presented. It includes a documentation of the species composition and magnitude of fishery harvest, a delineation of the major food chains, and an estimate of the flow rates of organic matter through populations of yield species. In order to place the information on fishery food webs inappropriate context, we related it to primary production within the system and trophic structure of other systems that have been described. We conclude that (1) algal production is inadequate to support the existing system, and vascular plant production is required; (2) detritus, a frequent dietary constituent, retains at least 42% of the organic material from which it was derived, when it is ingested; (3) the system efficiently converts available organic matter to harvested species through direct paths; and (4) evaluations of fish production in this system ...

The shrinkage of copolyesters from terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and butanediol during injection molding and the after-shrinkage during annealing exhibits a minimum at 20 mole-% isophthalic acid. Polyesters of this composition have proved to be new outstanding materials for secondary coating of quartz glass optical fibres. They allow the production of optical fibre constructions without any increase in optical damping down to − 50°C. Die Schwindung beim Spritzgus und Nachschwindung beim Tempern von Copolyestern aus Terephthalsaure und Isophthalsaure mit Butandiol-1,4 weist bei einem Isophthalsauregehalt von 20 Mol-% ein Minimum auf. Polyester dieser Zusammensetzung sind neue hervorragende Materialien fur die Sekundarbeschichtung von Festader-Lichtwellenleitern. Sie erlauben die Herstellung von Festaderkonstruktionen ohne Veranderung der optischen Dampfung bis − 50°C.

Pollution effects on fish populations were estimated with a simulation model, using Leslie matrices. Results from changing only first-year survival rate (So) have already been published (Schaaf et al. 1987). This paper explores the effects of perturbing both So and the adult survival rate (Si) for 12 spatial-temporal stocks. Most stocks examined are more sensitive to permanent change in Si than to changes in So. The relative importance of these two rates in determining the population growth rate (λ) depends upon the age distribution of the expected lifetime egg production of age i females (Vi). In turn, the vector Vi, as measured by its mean and standard deviation, is shown to vary among geographic or temporal stocks of a single species. Hence, we quantify the impact on population size of destroying a fixed percentage of habitat, relative to where and when it occurs (i.e., relative impact on Si and So). For example, destroying 1% of the Atlantic menhaden habitat would reduce λ by 0.8% and the population by 8.0% in 10 yr, if the impact affected only adults (e.g., offshore in winter). If the 1% habitat destruction all occurred in the estuaries, affecting juveniles as well, λ would be reduced by almost 5%, and in 10 yr drive the population down to 58% of its former equilibrium. We show that knowledge of the mean and variance of the age distribution of Vi permits prediction of relative sensitivity among species to pollution. Within species, this knowledge of Vi permits comparison of the effects of impacting different life stages and at different times and places.

Injuries secondary to lateral hyperflexion forces are an unusual and commonly unrecognized entity. Patients demonstrate a wide range of symptoms and physical findings and may incur years of chronic pain if the lesion is not appreciated. Careful evaluation of historical evidence, mechanism of injury, and physical examination supplements interpretation of frontal and oblique radiographs of the entire cervical spine. Because the majority of patients reviewed sustained more than one fracture, careful scrutiny, especially of the vertebral arch, is recommended.

The two most common groups of combined traumatic conditions of the cervical spine are hyperextension and hyperflexion fracture-dislocations. In a series of 400 patients with fractures and/or dislocations of the cervical spine, 25% had hyperextension and 19% hyperflexion fracture-dislocations. A computer analysis of the cases revealed that there are five distinct types of hyperextension and four types of hyperflexion fracture-dislocations. Each of the types is considered as to incidence, causes, mechanism of injury, and roentgen and differential diagnosis.

Die Festphasennachpolykondensation von Polyethylenterephthalat im Stickstoffstrom wurde unter Variation der Reaktionstemperatur und der Stromungsgeschwindigkeit des Tragergases durchgefuhrt. Der Einflus der Endgruppenkonzentrationen auf die Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit konnte durch ein kinetisches Modell beschrieben werden. Ein Maximum der Geschwindigkeit der Brutto-Reaktion wird bei einem Endgruppenverhaltnis OH/COOH = 2 erreicht. Vor- und Nachteile der Festphasennachpolykondensation und der Schmelzepolykondensation bei der Herstellung von hochmolekularem Polyethylenterephthalat werden miteinander verglichen. Solid state polycondensation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) was performed in flowing nitrogen, varying reaction temperature and flow rate of purge gas. The effect of concentration of end groups on the rate of reactions is be described by a kinetic model. Maximum of the rate of overall reaction is achieved at a ratio of end-groups OH/COOH = 2. The advantages of solid state polycondensation and melt polycondensation in producing high molecular weight poly(ethylene terephthalate) are compared.

An einer Reihe statistischer Copolyester des Polytetramethylenterephthalats mit Sebacinsaure, Adipinsaure und Isophthalsaure konnte gezeigt werden, das die Gleichung eine gute Beschreibung der Beziehungen zwischen der Gleichgewichtsschmelztemperatur (Tm) und dem molaren Anteil der kristallisationsfahigen Komponente (xA) erlaubt. Das extrapolierte Ende der DTA-Schmelzpeaks entspricht der Gleichgewichtsschmelztemperatur, die nach der Methode von Hoffman und Weeks bestimmt wurde, mit Abweichungen von 1 bis 2 K. With a series of random copolyesters of poly(tetramethylene terephthalate) with sebacic, adipic and isophthalic acid the equation was found to describe very well the relationship between the equilibrium melting temperature (Tm) and the molar fraction of the crystallizable component (xA). The extrapolated end of the DTA melting peaks corresponds to the equilibrium melting temperature established by the method of Hoffman and Weeks with a deviation of 1 to 2 K.

Investigations on the thermal degradation of polyphenylene in air show that the combined kinetic analysis of isothermal and non-isothermal thermogravimetric measurements is an effective method for determining the most probable formal kinetic mechanism of a decomposition process of a polymer. On the other hand, the correct formulation of this mechanism is a presumption to obtain identical values for the kinetic parameters (activation energy and frequency factor) from isothermal as well as non-isothermal investigations.

Crystallisation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) in dependence on different crystallisation promotors has been studied by non-isothermal DTA runs with several heating and cooling rates. Using an evaluation method, proposed by Kissinger, activation parameters have been evaluated for crystallisation from the amorphous state and from the melt. Calculated rate constants and half time values of crystallisation, respectively, are in good agreement with crystallisation behaviour of different samples observed under technical conditions.

Larvae of seven species of estuarine fishes (Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrranus; pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides; flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, P. albigutta, P. lethostigma; spot, Leiostomus xanthurus and Atlantic croaker, Micropogon undulatus) were exposed to sea water extracts of sediments from Charleston Harbor, S.C., for periods of time up to 14 days. Survival of the larvae in various concentrations of the extracts was measured. Survival of the larvae was affected at the highest concentrations of extract tested and indications are that different species of fish have different survival rates. In the selection of disposal areas for dredged material, consideration should be given to its relative toxicity to organisms.

Eine formalkinetische Auswertung nichtisothermer TG-Kurven des Polyphenylens ist mit Hilfe der Methode von Flynn und Wall und der von Zsako durchgefuhrt worden. Die Auswertung nach diesen Methoden fuhrt zunachst zu unrealen Ergebnissen, da festgestellt werden konnte, das der thermooxidative Abbau des Polyphenylens durch das System zweier sich uberlagernder, unabhangig verlaufender Reaktionen bestimmt wird. Durch die Anwendung einer speziellen Beziehung zwischen dem Umsatzgrad der Bruttoreaktion und dem der beiden Komponenten gelingt es, die formalkinetischen Parameter beider Teilreaktionen mit Hilfe der Methode von Zsako zu bestimmen.

The role of juvenile Atlantic menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus in the energetics of the estuarine and nearshore ecosystem along the Atlantic coast of the United States is unknown, though hypothesized to be significant. Our objectives were to summarize existing data on feeding rates of individual fish and on population size, and to combine them to produce a preliminary estimate of the food required by the population of juveniles. Estimates of the total food consumed by each fish during its residency in the estuary ranged from 21.5 to 32.7 g dry weight of organic matter. Three population estimates ranged from 4.4 × 109 to 11.2 × 109 fish present in the autumn. An assumed average of 8.5 × 109 Atlantic menhaden would consume from 183 × 106 to 278 × 106 kg of organic matter, which is 6–9% of estimated phytoplankton production. The population's estimated daily consumption in the autumn ranges from 0.6 to 1.0 g/m2, which equals the average daily phytoplankton production of 0.8 g/m2. We conclude that the pop...

Der Chemismus metallionenkatalysierter Umesterungsreaktionen — ein Reaktionstyp, der bei der Herstellung von Polyathylenterephthalat Anwendung findet — wurde in Modellreaktionen untersucht. Die Ergebnisse von Umesterungsversuchen in Gegenwart von Mn(CH3COO)2 bei 220° und von Methanolyse- bzw. Hydrolyseversuchen bei Raumtemperatur lassen den Schlus zu, das die Metallionenkatalyse im Sinne einer Supersaurewirkung der Metalle zu deuten ist. Die reaktionsbeschleunigende Wirkung der Hydroxylgruppe in 2-Hydroxyalkylestern kann durch die intermediare Bildung eines Wasserstoff- bzw. Metallchelates erklart werden, durch die der Angriff des zur Umesterung eingesetzten Alkohols erleichtert wird.

To determine the effect of purse-seine fishing on the Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) population, we analyzed data from 1955–69 on fishing activity and catches. Changes in fishing efficiency necessitated establishment of an abstract effort unit, the 1965 vessel-week. Catch per unit of effective effort in 1965 was one-fifth that of 1955. Our instantaneous natural mortality rate (M) estimate was 0.37. At the current recruitment age, 1.5 years, reducing F, instantaneous fishing mortality, to about 0.8 would slightly decrease the yield per recruit, but would increase the spawning stock and ultimately allow annual catches of 400,000–500,000 metric tons, the maximum sustained yield.

Because of the threat of hematogenous spread of infection arising from invasive dental procedures, preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered for patients who are endoprostheses recipients. No universally accepted protocol exists to guide practitioners in determining indications or treatment methods for such patients. To ascertain their recommendations, 264 Indiana orthopaedic surgeons were surveyed and 121, 46%, responded. A high percentage of respondents always or usually recommend preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis for oral surgery, extraction and in the case of acute dental infection for hip arthroplasty patients. A slightly lesser percentage of respondents would premedicate for dental restorations for patients with lesser joint arthroplasties. Eighty-four percent of the respondents chose oral cephalosporin as the preferred antibiotic, but the recommended dosage and duration varied. In the absence of universally accepted protocol, it is recommended that dentists contact their patient's surgeon to determine what the most appropriate measures are for that particular person.

Coagulation changes and increased risk of thromboembolic disease may occur in association with estrogen administration. The puerperium is also a high-risk period for thromboembolism, and estrogen administration at this time may increase this risk. Patients with congenital deficiency of antithrombin III have recurrent venous thromboembolic disease, suggesting that low levels of this factor may be associated with "hypercoagulability" states. We studied 50 postpartum patients who received chlorotrianisene (Tace) or placebo for lactation suppression in a prospective, double-blind, randomized fashion. Antithrombin III values were significantly lower on the third day post partum in the treated group compared to the placebo group (p less than 0.05). In addition, our clinical data from a total of 99 patients support the previous evidence that estrogens delay rather than prevent breast engorgement. Thus, with questionable benefit and a possible increased thromboembolic risk, it would appear prudent to discontinue the practice of estrogen administration for lactation suppression.

Six patients with Clostridium septicum sepsis seen at Duke University Medical Center over a two-year period also had other abnormalities, consisting of hematologic disorders in 3 and colon tumors in 3. Three patients died of sepsis; 2 survived following disarticulation of the arm to control gas gangrene, while the sixth patient survived the sepsis but died of metastatic disease. When anaerobic cultures are positive for C. septicum, antibiotics should be given immediately. The high incidence of underlying colon tumor, especially in the cecum, should prompt consideration of a barium-enema examination.

We have developed a simulation model to estimate pollution effects on economically important estuarine-dependent fish populations. Traditionally, pollution studies have focused upon impacts on individual organisms; however, wise management of marine resources depends upon an understanding of dynamics at the population level. As a required first step toward conducting relevant pollution studies, we have compiled available life history data on eight species (14 spatial-temporal stocks), concentrating on age-specific rates of growth, survival, and fecundity. Leslie matrix models of species population dynamics were used to predict pollutant impacts—mediate through changes in 1st-year survival. On average, and without compensation, these modelled stocks respond to a one-time-50% reduction in first-year survival by taking ten years to equilibrate at 88% of their preimpact abundance. Our synthesis of the data included a search for derived (standardized) population parameters to evaluate differences in susceptibility among and within fish populations to pollutant stresses. We demonstrated that knowledge of a species’ age-specific fecundity pattern provides additional predictive power of its response to pollution perturbation.