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U.S. healthcare costs have increased exponentially to almost $4 trillion. Despite increased costs, patient outcomes remain suboptimal. It is imperative that primary care providers are intentional with testing and medical technology to improve effective care.Preintervention chart audits showed average overspending of $79.41 per provider per day. Despite overspending, outcomes are not optimal. Only 48% of persons with hypertension and 38% of persons with diabetes at Orange Blossom Family Health (OBFH) are controlled. The aim of this 8-week quality improvement (QI) project was to decrease lab spending by 20% for adult primary care patients at OBFH.A rapid cycle QI initiative of four Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, 2 weeks each, was completed to implement four interventions concurrently. The data was assessed every 2 weeks with iterative tests of change as indicated.The primary care quality metrics chart audit and preclinical care coordination tools were developed, and the My Life, My Healthcare tool and medical assistant (MA)-provider huddles were initiated with the focus on effective patient care.A savings of $3406.43 on overordering of labs by one provider in 8 weeks was identified. The average provider compliance to national guidelines was found to be 54.1%. There was a 19.3% increase in referrals. MA-provider huddles were balanced for this initiative.The initiative addressed effective care through awareness of resource allocation, patient engagement, and team communication. Continued application of these core interventions will ensure consistent and quality healthcare.

The tokamak à configuration variable (TCV) continues to leverage its unique shaping capabilities, flexible heating systems and modern control system to address critical issues in preparation for ITER and a fusion power plant. For the 2019–20 campaign its configurational flexibility has been enhanced with the installation of removable divertor gas baffles, its diagnostic capabilities with an extensive set of upgrades and its heating systems with new dual frequency gyrotrons. The gas baffles reduce coupling between the divertor and the main chamber and allow for detailed investigations on the role of fuelling in general and, together with upgraded boundary diagnostics, test divertor and edge models in particular. The increased heating capabilities broaden the operational regime to include T e/T i ∼ 1 and have stimulated refocussing studies from L-mode to H-mode across a range of research topics. ITER baseline parameters were reached in type-I ELMy H-modes and alternative regimes with ‘small’ (or no) ELMs explored. Most prominently, negative triangularity was investigated in detail and confirmed as an attractive scenario with H-mode level core confinement but an L-mode edge. Emphasis was also placed on control, where an increased number of observers, actuators and control solutions became available and are now integrated into a generic control framework as will be needed in future devices. The quantity and quality of results of the 2019–20 TCV campaign are a testament to its successful integration within the European research effort alongside a vibrant domestic programme and international collaborations.

The beams of fast runaway electrons (RE), which are often produced during tokamak discharges, are particularly dangerous and can induce serious damages of the vacuum vessel and internal components of the machine. The proper and fast diagnostics of RE beams is essential for controlling the discharge, e.g., by early mitigation of disruptions and potentially dangerous RE beams. The diagnostics of RE beams is usually based on measurements of the radiation emitted either by these electrons, or as a result of their interactions with plasma and/or vessel walls. Such a radiation is usually recorded by the means of probes placed outside the vacuum vessel. The method developed by our team is based on the probe located inside the vacuum vessel. The probe can be used to detect highly localized RE bunches and to determine their spatial and temporal characteristics. During last few years, the NCBJ team have developed and used the RE diagnostics based on the Cherenkov effect observed in diamond radiators coupled with fast photomultipliers. During the investigated discharges, the probe was inserted into the vacuum vessel, and its head was placed at the plasma edge, where fast RE are expected. A correlation between signals recorded using our probes and other diagnostics, e.g., hard x-ray signals, was also studied. In this paper, we present recent results of the RE measurements by means of Cherenkov probes, which were performed in the COMPASS and TCV tokamaks.

The development of a general, nickel-catalyzed alkyl-Mizoroki-Heck reaction of unactivated alkyl bromides is described. The mild reaction proceeds efficiently using a wide range of primary and secondary alkyl bromides, and examples of intermolecular cross-couplings are provided. Reaction alkene regioselectivity is significantly enhanced over prior carbocyclizations using palladium catalysis. Mechanistic investigations are consistent with a direct carbocyclization in contrast to the auto-tandem atom-transfer cyclization and halide elimination previously observed with palladium catalysis.

This paper reports on applicability of a polyallyl-diglycol-carbonate (PADC) detectors of the CR-39 TASTRAK type as integrated neutron fluence sensors for monitoring of neutrons emitted from 14 MeV neutron generator. Neutron generators such as SODERN Model: GENIE 16 D are powerful emitters of fusion neutrons from DT reactions with yields up to 2 × 108 n·s−1. The presented generator is now available worldwide as a source of neutrons with a rather wide range of applications in medicine, industry and in the detection of hazardous materials. Before using in those measurements, the CR-39 TASTRAK type detector was precisely calibrated. Rectangular track detector samples prepared for neutron flux measurements are in the form of “sandwiches” consisting of a detector plate covered by a thick polythene (PE) radiator and in some part by a Cu-filter. In order to estimate how many neutrons could be converted into recoil-protons we have performed computer calculations by means of MC methods.

The decarbonylative coupling of phthalimides with aryl boronic acids provides ready access to a broad range of

Introduction/Background Radiotherapy is mainly adjuvant treatment in patients with vulvar cancer after surgery and risk factors of recurrence. Due to high toxicity of adjuvant radiotherapy and risk of developing severe injuries of vulvar and groin skin, brachytherapy as a local treatment of the highest risk area, seems a good option. In asessment of gynaecological cancer MR is recommended. Methodology In Radiotherapy Department of KCO in 2017–2019 were admitted 63 patients with vulvar cancer after surgery. 24 patients were recognized recurrence tumour in surgical scars. MR was performed in all of those. 30 patients were treated by interstitial brachytherapy. In patients with tumour after insertion of needles MR and CT were performed. Image fusion was done. 3D brachytherapy treatment plan was prepared using Oncentra Brachy TPS. Parameters V100 and V150 were controlled. Dose range was 18-24Gy/6-8fr delivered twice a day. Results All patients after brachytherapy treatment were controlled in our Department. In our observation we performed physical examination and MR or CT in every 3 months. In all patients we observed complete regression of recurrent tumour, but in the bed of tumour radiation necrosis was developed. 4 patients were severe injuries of vulvar tissues due to radiation necrosis and required intensive care, included narcotic drugs. 3 patients were developed another recurrent. Conclusion MR based interstitial brachytherapy allow reduced margins of volume of high dose in recurrence tumour of vulva. in the same, it allow reduced volume of tissue necrosis and improve treatment results. Disclosure Nothing to disclose.

The catalytic construction of C-C bonds between organohalide or pseudohalide electrophiles and fundamental building blocks such as alkenes, arenes, or CO are widely utilized metal-catalyzed processes. The use of simple, widely available unactivated alkyl halides in these catalytic transformations has significantly lagged behind the use of aryl or vinyl electrophiles. This difference is primarily due to the relative difficulty of activating alkyl halides with transition metals under mild conditions. This Account details our group's work toward developing a general catalytic manifold for the construction of C-C bonds using unactivated alkyl halides and a range of simple chemical feedstocks. Critical to the strategy was the implementation of new modes of hybrid organometallic-radical reactivity in catalysis. Generation of carbon-centered radicals from alkyl halides using transition metals offers a solution to challenges associated with the application of alkyl electrophiles in classical two-electron reaction modes. A major focus of this work was the development of general palladium-catalyzed carbocyclizations and intermolecular cross-couplings of unactivated alkyl halides (alkyl-Mizoroki-Heck-type reactions). Initial studies centered on the use of alkyl iodides in these processes, but subsequent studies determined that the use of an electron-rich ferrocenyl bisphosphine (dtbpf) enables the palladium-catalyzed carbocyclizations of unactivated alkyl bromides. Mechanistic studies of these reactions revealed interesting details regarding a difference in mechanism between reactions of alkyl iodides and alkyl bromides in carbocyclizations. These studies were consistent with alkyl bromides reacting via an autotandem catalytic process involving atom-transfer radical cyclization (ATRC) followed by catalytic dehydrohalogenation. Reactions of alkyl iodides, on the other hand, involved metal-initiated radical chain pathways. Recent studies have expanded the scope of alkyl-Mizoroki-Heck-type reactions to the use of a first-row transition metal. Inexpensive nickel precatalysts, in combination with the bisphosphine ligand Xantphos, efficiently activate alkyl bromides for both intra- and intermolecular C-C bond-forming reactions. The reaction scope is similar to the palladium-catalyzed system, but in addition, alkene regioisomeric ratios are dramatically improved over those in reactions with palladium, solving one of the drawbacks of our previous work. Initial mechanistic studies were consistent with a hybrid organometallic-radical mechanism for the nickel-catalyzed reactions. The novel reactivity of the palladium catalysts in the alkyl-Mizoroki-Heck-type reactions have also paved the way for the development of other C-C bond-forming processes of unactivated alkyl halides, including aromatic C-H alkylations as well as low-pressure alkoxycarbonylations. Related hybrid organometallic-radical reactivity of manganese has led to an alkene dicarbofunctionalization using alkyl iodides.

Background Improvements in local control are required when using preoperative chemoradiation for cT4 or advanced cT3 rectal cancer. There is therefore a need to explore more effective schedules. Patients and methods Patients with fixed cT3 or cT4 cancer were randomized either to 5 × 5 Gy and three cycles of FOLFOX4 (group A) or to 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions combined with two 5-day cycles of bolus 5-Fu 325 mg/m2/day and leucovorin 20 mg/m2/day during the first and fifth week of irradiation along with five infusions of oxaliplatin 50 mg/m2 once weekly (group B). The protocol was amended in 2012 to allow oxaliplatin to be then foregone in both groups. Results Of 541 entered patients, 515 were eligible for analysis; 261 in group A and 254 in group B. Preoperative treatment acute toxicity was lower in group A than group B, P = 0.006; any toxicity being, respectively, 75% versus 83%, grade III–IV 23% versus 21% and toxic deaths 1% versus 3%. R0 resection rates (primary end point) and pathological complete response rates in groups A and B were, respectively, 77% versus 71%, P = 0.07, and 16% versus 12%, P = 0.17. The median follow-up was 35 months. At 3 years, the rates of overall survival and disease-free survival in groups A and B were, respectively, 73% versus 65%, P = 0.046, and 53% versus 52%, P = 0.85, together with the cumulative incidence of local failure and distant metastases being, respectively, 22% versus 21%, P = 0.82, and 30% versus 27%, P = 0.26. Postoperative and late complications rates in group A and group B were, respectively, 29% versus 25%, P = 0.18, and 20% versus 22%, P = 0.54. Conclusions No differences were observed in local efficacy between 5 × 5 Gy with consolidation chemotherapy and long-course chemoradiation. Nevertheless, an improved overall survival and lower acute toxicity favours the 5 × 5 Gy schedule with consolidation chemotherapy. Clinical trial number The trial is registered as ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00833131.

The main aim of the presented paper was to perform neutron measurements using Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors and to compare obtained results with those obtained on the basis of Monte Carlo simulations of the experimental setup. The CR-39 type track detectors coupled with various radiators were used to measure neutrons emitted from a DT neutron generator. The detectors were also shielded with various filters made of materials characterized by low cross sections for reactions with fast neutrons. The filters were used to block charged particles with energies lower than certain threshold. The track detectors after exposure to neutrons were etched in steps, and examined using an optical microscope equipped with automatic image acquisition system. The recorded images were analyzed using a specialized software. Based on the recorded track parameters, it is also possible to calculate linear energy transfer (LET) of the registered particles, and determine the radiation dose of the emitted neutrons.

The development of a general catalytic system for the palladium-catalyzed carbocyclization of unactivated alkyl bromides with alkenes is described. This approach uses a commercially available bisphosphine ligand, and avoids the use of carbon monoxide atmosphere present in prior studies involving alkyl iodides. Detailed mechanistic studies of the transformation are performed, which are consistent with auto-tandem catalysis involving atom-transfer radical cyclization followed by catalytic dehydrohalogenation. These studies also suggest that reactions involving alkyl iodides may proceed through a metal-initiated, rather than metal-catalyzed, radical chain process.

The article concern on the considerations regarding the influence of support points during measurement using coordinate measuring technique. The object of research, slide of the X axis of a five-axis numerically controlled machine CMX 70U from the portfolio of DMG MORI, produced at FAMOT Pleszew Sp. z o.o., set on the coordinate table of the measuring machine, using three- and four-point fixing. The aim of the research is to determine the optimal method of supporting the bodies, which in effect will reduce the measurement time and increase the efficiency of the process. The MES analysis available in the Creo software was used to calculate and graphically present the results.

The identification and prioritization of chemically tractable therapeutic targets is a significant challenge in the discovery of new medicines. We have developed a novel method that rapidly screens multiple proteins in parallel using DNA-encoded library technology (ELT). Initial efforts were focused on the efficient discovery of antibacterial leads against 119 targets from Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus. The success of this effort led to the hypothesis that the relative number of ELT binders alone could be used to assess the ligandability of large sets of proteins. This concept was further explored by screening 42 targets from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Active chemical series for six targets from our initial effort as well as three chemotypes for DHFR from M. tuberculosis are reported. The findings demonstrate that parallel ELT selections can be used to assess ligandability and highlight opportunities for successful lead and tool discovery., Encoded Library Technology (ELT) has streamlined the identification of chemical ligands for protein targets in drug discovery. Here, the authors optimize the ELT approach to screen multiple proteins in parallel and identify promising targets and antibacterial compounds for S. aureus, A. baumannii and M. tuberculosis.

Adsorption of proteins on the surface of smectites (e.g. montmorillonite—MMT) is a well established method for selective removal of some proteins from mucosal fluids. In this paper we report on an investigation of structural aspects of the adsorption of proteins occurring in normal human serum (NHS) on montmorillonites. Extensive structural studies, involving X-ray scattering (WAXS and SAXS) and electron microscopy (TEM) techniques, revealed that adsorption of proteins from normal human serum (NHS) causes montmorillonite to exfoliate, in a similar manner as in exfoliated polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites. Although the mechanism of exfoliation was not finally explained, the results indicate that it relies on synergistic adsorption of proteins on the surface of the clay. Apart from exfoliated, SAXS and TEM revealed occurrence of intercalated particles with extremely large distance between subsequent platelets (approx. 10–14 nm). As confirmed by tests of bacterial growth kinetics (with six Salmonella strains), after treatment with MMT, the serum loses its bactericidal properties due to removal of lysozyme. On the other hand, preliminary results indicate that adsorption of lysozyme on the clay surface imparts antibacterial properties to the obtained nanohybrids. The results reported in the paper clearly indicate that adsorption of proteins from natural systems can be considered as a facile route of obtaining exfoliated montmorillonite–protein systems.

The corn dry-grind process is the most widely used method in the U.S. for generating fuel ethanol by fermentation of grain. Increasing demand for domestically produced fuel and changes in the regulations on fuel oxygenates have led to increased production of ethanol mainly by the dry-grind process. Fuel ethanol plants are being commissioned and constructed at an unprecedented rate based on this demand, though a need for a more efficient and cost-effective plant still exists. A process and cost model for a conventional corn dry-grind processing facility producing 119 million kg/year (40 million gal/year) of ethanol was developed as a research tool for use in evaluating new processing technologies and products from starch-based commodities. The models were developed using SuperPro Designer ® software and they handle the composition of raw materials and products, sizing of unit operations, utility consumptions, estimation of capital and operating costs, and the revenues from products and coproducts. The model is based on data gathered from ethanol producers, technology suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and engineers working in the industry. Intended applications of this model include: evaluating existing and new grain conversion technologies, determining the impact of alternate feedstocks, and sensitivity analysis of key economic factors. In one sensitivity analysis, the cost of producing ethanol increased from US$ 0.235 l −1 to US$ 0.365 l −1 (US$ 0.89 gal −1 to US$ 1.38 gal −1 ) as the price of corn increased from US$ 0.071 kg −1 to US$ 0.125 kg −1 (US$ 1.80 bu −1 to US$ 3.20 bu −1 ). Another example gave a reduction

The infra-red absorption of recrystallized samples of the polyhexa-, polyhepta-, polyocta-, polynona-, polydeca- and polydodecamethylenephosphate was measured during the heating, from the room temperature to the temperature higher than the melting temperature of the polymer examined. The heating induced changes of FTIR spectra proved, that the spatially arranged polyphosphate chains are cross-linked by the PO⋯H–O hydrogen bonds, whose properties consist with the properties of the theoretically predicted hydrogen bonds. Moreover, the strong crystal field splitting of the rocking vibrations of the polyphosphate monomer unit methylene chain and of the (P)– O–C stretching vibrations has been observed. As was founded, the dispersion curves of rocking vibrations of the polyphosphate chain (CH2)ntrans sequences may be approximated by the exponential function: ν=ν∞ exp (C/n). The crystal field splitting effects proved, that the unit cell of polyphosphate crystals contain two polyphosphate monomer unit, and that the conformation of the polyphosphate extended chains is close to the conformation of the modeled polyphosphate extended chains.

Few studies have examined indoor air quality in First Nations communities and its impact on cardiorespiratory health. To address this need, we conducted a crossover study on a First Nations reserve in Manitoba, Canada, including 37 residents in 20 homes. Each home received an electrostatic air filter and a placebo filter for 1 week in random order, and lung function, blood pressure, and endothelial function measures were collected at the beginning and end of each week. Indoor air pollutants were monitored throughout the study period. Indoor PM2.5 decreased substantially during air filter weeks relative to placebo (mean difference: 37 μg/m(3) , 95% CI: 10, 64) but remained approximately five times greater than outdoor concentrations owing to a high prevalence of indoor smoking. On average, air filter use was associated with a 217-ml (95% CI: 23, 410) increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 s, a 7.9-mm Hg (95% CI: -17, 0.82) decrease in systolic blood pressure, and a 4.5-mm Hg (95% CI: -11, 2.4) decrease in diastolic blood pressure. Consistent inverse associations were also observed between indoor PM2.5 and lung function. In general, our findings suggest that reducing indoor PM2.5 may contribute to improved lung function in First Nations communities.Indoor air quality is known to contribute to adverse cardiorespiratory health, but few studies have examined indoor air quality in First Nations communities. Our findings suggest that indoor PM2.5 may contribute to reduced lung function and that portable air filters may help to alleviate these effects by effectively reducing indoor levels of particulate matter.

In recent years, the number of scientific papers regarding the use of quantum dots (QDs) has increased almost exponentially, especially emphasizing their use for new applications and describing new approaches. One of the future trends in the development of new methods of analysis is the use of automated methodologies. Among them, Multicommutated Flow Injection Analysis has been here selected in order to show its potentiality in pharmaceutical and food analysis. Using water-soluble CdTe QDs modified by mercaptopropionic acid, a flow system was developed for the determination of ascorbic acid. The system was based on the quenching effect produced by ascorbic acid on the fluorescence of QDs. Under the optimized conditions, the relationship between the fluorescence intensity of the QDs and ascorbic acid concentration was linear in the range of 12-250 μg mL(-1), obtaining a sample throughput of 68 determinations per hour. The proposed method was applied to the determination of ascorbic acid in pharmaceutical formulations, goji capsules and fruit juices. The results obtained were in good agreement with those showed by a reference method, so indicating the utility of the proposed method in the clinical and alimentary fields.

Vaginal cytology and vulva size were used to characterize the reproductive cycle of female black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes), Siberian polecats (M. eversmanni), and domestic ferrets (M. putorius furo). Emphasis was on black-footed ferrets because of the need to breed these critically endangered animals and on Siberian polecats because of the close taxonomic relationship to black-footed ferrets. Vaginal cytology of the 3 species of ferret is similar. Proestrus was characterized by an increasing percentage of superficial epithelial cells and enlargement of the vulva. During estrus, superficial cells were usually greater than or equal to 90% of epithelial cells in the vaginal lavage and after several days were fully keratinized. Neutrophils were more common during all stages of the estrous cycle in domestic ferrets than they were in the other species. Following copulation, percentage of superficial calls in the vagina declined and vulva swelling subsided. Large cells, probably of uterine symplasma origin, were observed in vaginal lavages following whelping or pseudopregnancy. Vaginal cytology is extremely useful in the reproductive management of black-footed ferrets and Siberian polecats. Knowledge of normal vaginal cytology could be applied to the diagnosis of female reproductive abnormalities in all 3 species.

A captive breeding program is being conducted with black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes), an endangered species. Results of 5 years of study are reported. Simple, but specialized, nontraumatic handling techniques allowed assessment of reproductive status with minimal stress, which was important in breeding management. Black-footed ferrets are sexually mature and may successfully reproduce in their 1st year. Proestrus lasts approximately 2-3 weeks. Duration of estrus in unbred females was 32–42 days; females usually bred within 20 days. Most breeding activity occurred during April. Mean gestation length was 42.7 days (±0.7, range 42–45 days), litter size averaged 3.0 kits (±1.4, range 1–6 kits), and weaned kits/litter averaged 2.4 (±1.7, range 1–6 kits). Weaning rate of kits was 80%. Sex ratio of kits was essentially 1:1. Productivity was greatest among females ⩽3 years of age. Rapid expansion of the captive population is possible and will be important for genetic management of the species and for achieving the primary goal of the recovery program, which is to return black-footed ferrets to the wild.

The tunneling conduction effect across the electrical contacts of coaxial microwave electromechanical switches can be a major source of non-linearity in the current-voltage characteristics. This is similar to the case of coaxial cables, where the nonlinearity is attributed to the contact resistance at the RF connectors' interface. The current non-linearity occurs as an effect of the tunnel conduction, usually type II as classified by R. Holm, and it can be described both analytically and experimentally. The paper uses a quasi-experimental method to assess the non-linearity in the current-voltage characteristic of the switch microcontacts and, based on this, predicts the expected passive intermodulation levels for the switch. The interference phenomenon called passive intermodulation (PIM), in high power, multichannel systems, presents an important challenge in communication satellites as well as in the wireless industry. The non-linearities generate harmonics of the fundamental frequency, which 'mix' together to generate a predictable set of new frequencies that may interfere with the receive portion of the communication system. Historically, a number of models have been developed for coaxial cables, which assume the intermodulation sources are located in the RF connectors. The paper proposes a model for the intermodulation characteristics of the switch path that is based on a previously developed contact resistance model. A 5th order source point model is used because of the potential for a significant power content in the 3rd through 5th order equations, should these frequencies fall within the receive band. The results are compared with measured data for some typical RF coaxial electro-mechanical switches used in space applications; the measurement techniques are also discussed.

The development of vascular disease involves the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Because vascular disease is a major contributor to mortality in Western societies, we hypothesized that deleterious polymorphisms associated with hemostasis decrease in frequency among a healthy population as a function of age.The frequencies of factor V G1691A Leiden (FVL), factor II (FII) G20210A, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T, glycoprotein Ia (GPIa) C807T, glycoprotein IIIa (Pl(A1)/Pl(A2)) T1565C, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) intron 16 insertion/deletion (I/D) alleles were determined among 2689 healthy Caucasian whole-blood donors. For analysis, participants were divided into three age groups: 17-39 years (n = 979; 505 males and 474 females), 40-59 years (n = 900; 526 males and 374 females), and 60-85 years (n = 810; 530 males and 280 females).The Pl(A2) allele frequency decreased from 17.5% to 15.7% and 14.1% in the 17-39 years, 40-59 years, and 60-85 years age groups, respectively (n = 5094 alleles; P = 0.025). Among ACE DD males, the Pl(A2) allele frequency decreased from 20.8% to 16.1% and 9.1% in the same groups, respectively (n = 810 alleles; P = 0.001). No statistically significant decrease in genotype or allele frequency was observed among carriers of FVL, FII 20210A, MTHFR 677T, GPIa 807T, or ACE D.These data suggest that Pl(A2) carriers, especially those who are ACE DD, are statistically less prevalent among older healthy blood donors compared with their younger counterparts. These observations suggest an important, deleterious, time-dependent impact of the Pl(A2) allele, as well as the ACE DD/Pl(A2) allelic combination, on overall health and longevity.

Cel pracy Wznowy miejscowe są wraz z przerzutami glowną przyczyną niepowodzen w leczeniu raka szyjki macicy. Szczegolnie trudne jest podjecie decyzji terapeutycznej w przypadku wznowy w miednicy mniejszej – po uprzednim leczeniu napromienianiem. 75-letnia chora byla leczona w Zakladzie Radioterapii z powodu raka szyjki macicy od 12.06.2002 do 08.08.2002 r. Chora byla napromieniana radykalnie na obszar miednicy malej fotonami 15 MV techniką box do dawki 45 Gy/25 fr. Nastepnie otrzymala 30 Gy/4 aplikacje/7.5 Gy – specyfikacja dawkowa w pkt. A. Uzyskano calkowitą remisje zmiany. W październiku 2003 r. stwierdzono guz pochwy w gornej 1/2 dlugości prawej ściany – z owrzodzeniem. Średnica zmiany ok. 3 cm grubośc ok. 0.5 cm. Nie stwierdzono innych ognisk nowotworu. Ze wzgledu na odstep 14 miesiecy od przeprowadzonego leczenia i wystąpienie obecnej zmiany w okolicy uprzednio napromienianej – zadecydowano o leczeniu radykalnym brachyterapią HDR 45 Gy/15 fr /3 razy w tygodniu. Napromieniano 1/2 obwodu pochwy (prawą ściane) z marginesem 2 cm pochwy. Dlugośc aktywna 5 cm. Dawke specyfikowano na glebokości 0.5 cm. Ze wzgledu na odczyn popromienny w postaci zlewnej epiteliolizy chora nie zglosila sie na termin jednej z aplikacji co wydluzylo leczenie o 2 tygodnie. Po otrzymaniu zaplanowanej dawki – w trakcie kontroli stwierdzono calkowitą regresje nacieku w pochwie i wygojenie sie odczynu popromiennego. Obecnie 18 miesiecy od zakonczenia leczenia bez cech wznowy nowotworu. Wnioski Brachyterapia HDR jest stosunkowo prostym sposobem umozliwiającym podanie wysokiej dawki w ściśle zdefiniowanym obszarze. Nowoczesne systemy planowania leczenia umozliwiają powtorne napromienienie techniką HDR – w polu uprzednio napromienianym przy pelnej kontroli dawki w obszarach tarczowych i narządach krytycznych przy dobrej tolerancji leczenia.

The construction of rhizobial strains which increase plant biomass under controlled conditions has been previously reported. However, there is no evidence that these newly constructed strains increase legume yield under agricultural conditions. This work tested the hypothesis that carefully manipulating expression of additional copies of nifA and dctABD in strains of Rhizobium meliloti would increase alfalfa yield in the field. The rationale for this hypothesis is based on the positive regulatory role that nifA plays in the expression of the nif regulon and the fact that a supply of dicarboxylic acids from the plant is required as a carbon and energy source for nitrogen fixation by the Rhizobium bacteroids in the nodule. These recombinant strains, as well as the wild-type strains from which they were derived, are ideal tools to examine the effects of modifying or increasing the expression of these genes on alfalfa biomass. The experimental design comprised seven recombinant strains, two wild-type strains, and an uninoculated control. Each treatment was replicated eight times and was conducted at four field sites in Wisconsin. Recombinant strain RMBPC-2, which has an additional copy of both nifA and dctABD, increased alfalfa biomass by 12.9% compared with the yield with the wild-type strain RMBPC and 17.9% over that in the uninoculated control plot at the site where soil nitrogen and organic matter content was lowest. These increases were statistically significant at the 5% confidence interval for each of the three harvests made during the growing season. Strain RMBPC-2 did increase alfalfa biomass at the Hancock site; however, no other significant increases or decreases in alfalfa biomass were observed with the seven other recombinant strains at that site. At three sites where this experiment was conducted, either native rhizobial populations or soil nitrogen concentrations were high. At these sites, none of the recombinant strains affected yield. We conclude that RMBPC -2 can increase alfalfa yields under field conditions of nitrogen limitation, low endogenous rhizobial competitors, and sufficient moisture.

Diagnosis of sylvatic plague in a captive black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) was based on gross and microscopic lesions, fluorescent antibody tests, culture of Yersinia pestis, and immunohistochemistry. Gross lesions consisted of acute hemorrhage and necrosis associated with cervical and mesenteric lymph nodes, subcutaneous hemorrhages, and pulmonary edema. Acute edema, hemorrhage, and necrosis with numerous bacteria in blood vessels and sinusoids characterized microscopic lesions. Occurrence of fatal plague in a black-footed ferret potentially has significant implications for recovery of this endangered species due to the widespread distribution of plague in prairie dog colonies throughout historic black-footed ferret range.

The influence of the number of CH2 groups and the evennes of this number on the lamellar arrangement of macromolecules of poly(alkylene phosphates) PPhn were investigated by SAXS method. The results indicate that deviations from the ideal lamellar model for the polyphosphates with asymmetric mers (n-odd number) are generally larger and qualitatively different as compared with that for the polyphosphates with symmetric mers (n- even number). The heterogeneity of phases were measured by the ratio of the mean square electron density fluctuations calculated from the SAXS curves before and after background subtraction. It was found that the heterogeneity of the PPh8 polyphosphate is smallest. Besides, a linear relationship between the weight average long period Lw and the molecular mass of the PPhn polyphosphates was confirmed.

The objectives of BioTechnica International’s research and development program in nitrogen fixation are to develop seed-coating products for alfalfa and soybean that improve crop productivity. The seed coatings will contain genetically engineered strains of Rhizobium meliloti or Bradyrhizobium japonicum, respectively, with improved nitrogen-fixing and competitive abilities. To accomplish these objectives, several technical and regulatory hurdles must be overcome. Strategies to improve nitrogen fixation and competitive ability must be devised and implemented, the resultant strains must be tested under greenhouse and field conditions, and an appropriate delivery system developed.

A total of one hundred and twenty six species of macroinvertebrates were collected from five major Ontario rivers (Moose, Albany, Attawapiskat, Winisk and Severn) of the Hudson Bay Lowland. Benthic communities in all rivers were dominated primarily by chironomids and oligochaetes except in the East channel of the Moose River where gastropods were also a common taxon. Diversity, as measured by both species richness and the Shannon-Weiner index, was not significantly different in each river. Species distribution was related to substrate composition, river velocity and depth at each station. Community similarity analysis showed that rivers geographically closest together, sharing common flow directions and similar drainage basins resembled each other most in terms of benthic communities. The exception to this was the East channel of the Moose River which showed little resemblance to the other Lowland rivers studies. This was attributed to the highly channelized nature of the Moose River and the origin of the East channel itself which is fed by waters draining the Clay Belt, a unique subprovince of the Canadian shield.