002; n = 52) The specificity of our measurements was confirmed b

002; n = 52). The specificity of our measurements was confirmed by measuring IgA antibodies developed against the CWH peptide 365-VNTSNQTAAVSAS-377.

IBD patients appeared to have different immune response to food bacteria. This paper sets the basis for developing systems for early detection of IBD, based on the association of high levels of antibodies developed against extracellular proteins from food and probiotic bacteria.”
“This study aimed to add to prospective data on the possible inverse association between coffee consumption and endometrial cancer risk, already supported by several case-control studies. Coffee and tea consumption and possible confounding factors were assessed among 42,270 women aged 30-49years at enrollment in 1991-1992 P5091 clinical trial in the Swedish Women’s Lifestyle and Health cohort study, with complete follow-up through 2009. We calculated caffeine intake per day; Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate multivariable relative risks (mRR) for endometrial cancer with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). One hundred Cl-amidine cost forty-four endometrial cancers were diagnosed during follow-up. Women with and without endometrial cancer had a similar mean daily coffee consumption (549vs. 547g), tea consumption (104vs. 115g), and caffeine intake (405vs. 406mg). Compared to those consuming smaller than 2 cups of

coffee per day, women consuming bigger than 3 cups had a mRR of 1.56 (95% CI: 0.94-2.59; P for trend = 0.17). Compared with the lowest tertile of caffeine intake, the highest tertile had a mRR of 1.32 (95% CI: 0.87-1.99; P for trend = 0.27). Our study provides no convincing evidence of an association between coffee consumption, tea consumption, or caffeine intake and endometrial cancer risk among middle-aged women.”
“Background:

Cases of primary gastric adenocarcinoma with metastasis to the breast are extremely rare. Till now, only 38 cases have been reported in PubMed since 1908. Case presentation: We herein reported a race case of gastric adenocarcinoma with metastasis to the right breast. Breast biopsy showed invasive PD173074 signet-ring cell breast carcinoma in the right breast. She was given a TEC regimen (docetaxel 75 mg/m(2), epirubicin 75 mg/m(2), and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks) for one cycle but showed no objective response. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy demonstrated an ulcerative mass in the gastric body. Biopsy demonstrated low-grade gastric adenocarcinoma with signet-ring features. In immunohistochemistry, mammary malignant cells were positive for cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin 20, villin, and ErbB2/HER2, but negative for gross cystic disease fluid protein-15, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor. The diagnosis of metastatic poorly differentiated signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma of the right breast identical to gastric primary was confirmed finally. Conclusions: Gastric cancer with metastasis to the breast can be diagnosed by clinical history, histological findings, and immunohistochemical markers.

Dieters were more likely to order salad when the salad was labele

Dieters were more likely to order salad when the salad was labeled as low in calories and more likely to order pasta, even high-calorie pasta, when the salad was labeled as high in calories. Participants who chose high-calorie foods over low-calorie foods did not eat less in response to calorie information, although non-dieters reduced their intake somewhat when calorie labels were put in the context of recommended daily calories.\n\nCONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the rush to provide calorie information

may not prove to be the best approach to fighting the obesity epidemic.”
“Purpose: Digital PCR is a highly accurate method of determining DNA concentration. We adapted digital PCR to determine the presence of oncogenic amplification through noninvasive analysis of circulating free plasma DNA and exemplify BX-795 ic50 this approach by find more developing a plasma DNA digital PCR assay for HER2 copy number.\n\nExperimental Design: The reference gene for copy number assessment was assessed experimentally and bioinformatically. Chromosome 17

pericentromeric probes were shown to be suboptimal, and EFTUD2 at chromosome position 17q21.31 was selected for analysis. Digital PCR assay parameters were determined on plasma samples from a development cohort of 65 patients and assessed in an independent validation cohort of plasma samples from 58 patients with metastatic breast cancer. The sequential probability ratio test was used to assign the plasma DNA digital PCR test as being HER2-positive or -negative in the validation cohort.\n\nResults: In the development Selleckchem LY2835219 cohort, the HER2:EFTUD2 plasma DNA copy number ratio had a receiver operator area under the curve (AUC) = 0.92 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.86-0.99, P = 0.0003]. In the independent validation

cohort, 64% (7 of 11) of patients with HER2-amplified cancers were classified as plasma digital PCR HER2-positive and 94% (44 of 47) of patients with HER2-nonamplified cancers were classified as digital PCR HER2-negative, with a positive and negative predictive value of 70% and 92%, respectively.\n\nConclusion: Analysis of plasma DNA with digital PCR has the potential to screen for the acquisition of HER2 amplification in metastatic breast cancer. This approach could potentially be adapted to the analysis of any locus amplified in cancer. (C)2013 AACR.”
“The study is a prospective case-series analysis to demonstrate a new double bundle technique for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with the use of hamstring tendons through a single tibial tunnel, a double femoral socket with implant-free femoral fixation and interference screw for tibial fixation.\n\nTwenty-one patients were treated with the same technique. Hamstring tendons were not removed from the tibial side, and using a single tibial and a double femoral tunnel of 8 and 6 mm, respectively, anatomic ACL reconstruction was performed.

The spouses of 177 of these women following the same diet were al

The spouses of 177 of these women following the same diet were also studied. Determinations included serum FT4, TSH and aTPO and urinary iodine excretion (UIE). RESULTS: No difference

was found either in median UIE throughout pregnancy or between the UIE of the pregnant women and their spouses during the trimesters. Throughout pregnancy, mild iodine deficiency was noted and was classified as mild in 60%, moderate in 30% and severe in 10% of the women studied. Users of iodized salt had significantly selleck screening library higher median UIE compared with non-users. Serum FT4 levels decreased and TSH increased as pregnancy progressed. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that renal iodine excretion is not increased during pregnancy. This finding needs to be confirmed by further investigation in other populations with different iodine intakes. Thus, increased iodine requirements in pregnancy are possibly due to extra-renal causes. The population of pregnant women in Greek urban areas is mildly-and often moderately and severely-iodopenic and needs to be treated accordingly.”
“A 61-year-old woman who had undergone total hysterectomy 16 years previously exhibited a pelvic tumor on computed tomography (CT). F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) combined positron emission

tomography (PET)/CT imaging revealed a solitary small focus of increased FDG activity in the pelvis. A gastrointestinal stromal tumor originating in the small intestine or another type of tumor originating in the mesentery (desmoid, schwannoma, or foreign Metabolism inhibitor body granuloma) was suspected; therefore, laparoscopic resection was conducted. A white, hard tumor was found to originate from the mesentery of the sigmoid colon and adhered slightly

to the small intestine. The tumor was resected with a negative margin, and the pathologic diagnosis was suture granuloma. The possibility of suture granuloma should be kept in mind in cases of tumors with positive PET findings and a history of surgery Daporinad close to the lesion. However, it is difficult to preoperatively diagnose pelvic tumors using a biopsy. Therefore, considering the possibility of malignancy, it is necessary to achieve complete resection without exposing the tumor.”
“The tailbud is a population of stem cells in the posterior embryonic tail. During zebrafish development, these stem cells give rise to the main structures of the embryo’s posterior body, including the tail somites. Progenitor cells reside in the tailbud for variable amounts of time before they exit and begin to differentiate. There must be a careful balance between cells that leave the tailbud and cells that are held back in order to give rise to later somites. However, this meticulous process is not well understood. A gene that has shed some light on this area is the t-box transcription factor spadetail(spt). When spt is mutated, embryos develop an enlarged tailbud and are only able to form roughly half of their somites.

All ocular manifestations increased with time after transplantati

All ocular manifestations increased with time after transplantation. Eight patients (36%) developed vitreous opacities and 4 patients (18%) developed glaucoma during follow-up. Mean time from FAP onset to

vitreous opacities onset was significantly selleck chemical shorter in patients with early-onset disease who underwent liver transplantation than in those who did not.\n\nConclusions: Patients with FAP who undergo liver transplantation continue to have a long-term risk of severe ocular manifestations, especially vitreous opacities and glaucoma, which can restrict their daily lives, even after liver transplantation.”
“Identification of current food sources of energy and nutrients among US adults is needed to help with public health efforts to implement feasible and appropriate dietary recommendations. To determine the food sources of energy and 26 nutrients consumed by US adults the

2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 24-h recall (Day 1) dietary intake data from a nationally representative sample of adults 19+ years of age (y) (n = 9490) were analyzed. An updated USDA Dietary Source Nutrient Database was developed for NHANES 2003-2006 using current food composition databases. Food grouping included ingredients from disaggregated mixtures. Mean energy and nutrient intakes from food sources were sample-weighted. Percentages of total dietary intake contributed SN-38 price from food sources were ranked. The highest LY2606368 purchase ranked sources of energy and nutrients among adults more than 19 years old were: energy-yeast bread/rolls (7.2%) and cake/cookies/quick bread/pastry/pie (7.2%); protein-poultry (14.4%) and beef (14.0%); total fat-other fats and oils (9.8%);

saturated fatty acids-cheese (16.5%) and beef (9.1%); carbohydrate-soft drinks/soda (11.4%) and yeast breads/rolls (10.9%); dietary fiber-yeast breads/rolls (10.9%) and fruit (10.2%); calcium-milk (22.5%) and cheese (21.6%); vitamin D-milk (45.1%) and fish/shellfish (14.4%); and potassium-milk (9.6%) and coffee/tea/other non-alcoholic beverages (8.4%). Knowledge of primary food sources of energy and nutrients can help health professionals design effective strategies to reduce excess energy consumed by US adults and increase the nutrient adequacy of their diets.”
“Objective: To examine differences in maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes between women with ovulatory dysfunction (OD) and women with tubal obstruction (TO) who underwent assisted reproductive technology (ART). Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Patient(s): Exposed and nonexposed groups were selected from the 2000-2006 National ART Surveillance System linked with livebirth certificates from three states: Florida, Massachusetts, and Michigan. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes, including newborn’s health status right after delivery (Apgar score, smaller than 7 vs.


“Cancer cells demonstrate multiple drug resistance phenoty


“Cancer cells demonstrate multiple drug resistance phenotype frequently after chemotherapy. The resistance of cancer cells to various chemotherapeutic agents is defined as multiple drug resistance.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential reversal effects of active agents, that are found high amount in plants, on resistant MCF-7 cell lines. The effects of potential MDR modulators combined with anticancer drugs were also evaluated. Flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and checkerboard combination assays were performed to study the reversal of drug resistance and for investigation of the antiproliferative Selisistat in vivo effects of the combination of anticancer drugs with the modulators. Paclitaxel and potential MDR modulators (verapamil, saikosaponin A, D and isoquercitrin) were applied to the sublines in combination. Fluorescence accumulation levels and fractional inhibitory indices show that saikosaponin A and

D are effective MDR reversal agents that may be used together with paclitaxel in drug resistant mammary carcinoma subline. In conclusion this report represents saikosaponin A and D from natural resources are valuable reagents that may improve the success of chemotherapy.”
“Well-developed, idiomorphic one-dimensional (1D) crystals of fluorapatite (FAp) were successfully grown for the first time oil a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate at 150 degrees C by the cooling of the KNO(3)-LiNO(3) flux. The grown 1D FAp crystals were transparent-colorless, hexagonal prisms bounded by well-developed six-sided 10 (1) over bar0 and flat 0001 end faces and buy FK228 elongated in the < 0001 > directions. Their average size was relatively large, reaching about 5.2 x 0.5 mu m. In addtion, the 1D FAp crystal was of very good crystallinity because no defects were observed in its lattice image by transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, high-quality, idiomorphic 1D crystals of FAp were tried to be grown directly on a PET substrate by the flux method. The PET surface was completely covered with aggregated FAp crystals,

which were flowerlike in shape (hemisphere) with FAp rods radiating from a central nucleus.”
“CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Taking the outcome of mortality into consideration, there is controversy about the beneficial effects of neuraxial anesthesia for orthopedic surgery. The aim of this GSK1838705A order study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of neuraxial anesthesia versus general anesthesia for orthopedic surgery.\n\nDESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review at Universidade Federal de Alagoas.\n\nMETHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 10, 2012), PubMed (1966 to November 2012), Lilacs (1982 to November 2012), SciELO, EMBASE (1974 to November 2012) and reference lists of the studies included. Only randomized controlled trials were included.\n\nRESULTS: Out of 5,032 titles and abstracts, 17 studies were included.

All rights reserved “
“ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporte

All rights reserved.”
“ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters represent an important family of membrane proteins involved in drug resistance and other biological activities. The present study reports on the characterization of a P-glycoprotein (Pgp), TgABC.B1, in the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The protein encoded by the TgABC.B1 gene displays the typical (TMD-NBD)(2) Structural organization of the “full” ABC transporter and shows significant identity

and similarity with two apicomplexan Pgps; Pgh1 in Plasmodium falciparum and CpABC3 in Cryptosporidium parvum. The TgABC.B1 gene is a single copy gene transcribed into a full-length mRNA of 4.3 kb and expressed as a protein of approximately 150 kDa. which check details cellular localization revealed a membrane-associated labelling in tachyzoites. The TgABC.B1 gene is constitutively expressed in the three major T gondii genotypes but demonstrated a higher expression in virulent type 1, at both transcriptional and translational levels. Further characterization of this Pgp-like protein will increase our knowledge

of the membrane transport system in this parasite and could result in the identification of a new therapeutic target in Toxoplasma. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Background CYP2C19 is a polymorphic enzyme that plays a pivotal role in the metabolism of 10% of clinically used drugs worldwide. The CYP2C19*3 allele is characterized by a premature stop codon that leads to a truncated BMN 673 solubility dmso nonfunctional protein and consequently a poor metabolizer phenotype. Aminoglycoside antibiotics have been shown to induce readthrough of premature stop codons and partial restoration of protein function. We investigated the ability of the aminoglycosides gentamicin and G418 to induce readthrough of CYP2C19*3 premature stop codon in human cells.\n\nMethods A CYP2C19*3 expression model in HeLa cells was used in all experiments. CYP2C19-EGFP expression was assessed by flow cytometry, immunoblotting, and fluorescence microscopy, whereas CYP2C19 enzymatic activity was

quantified by hydroxylation of 3-cyano-7-ethoxycoumarin.\n\nResults G418 and gentamicin promoted readthrough of the CYP2C19*3 premature stop codon in a concentration-dependent manner. Flow cytometry revealed a maximum 23% protein restoration with the highest aminoglycoside concentrations tested, namely 300 mg/ml G418 and 1000 mg/ml gentamicin. At these ARN-509 concentrations, G418 was more effective than gentamicin in restoring CYP2C19 expression in immunoblotting and fluorescence microscopy assays, as well as in restoring CYP2C19 enzymatic activity.\n\nConclusion This is the first demonstration of readthrough of a stop codon in a pharmacogenetic target of clinical relevance, namely CYP2C19*3. The experimental models may be adapted to explore readthrough of stop codons in other genes of pharmacogenetic interest. Pharmacogenetics and Genomics 21: 694-700 (C) 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Although the pericardium was opened, left ventricular function re

Although the pericardium was opened, left ventricular function remained depressed, necessitating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, which was withdrawn after

48 h of assistance when left ventricular function had recovered. The patient was extubated on the seventh postoperative day but died of multiorgan failure on the 64th postoperative day.”
“The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a recommendation (Technical Consultation: Paris 2006, Luxembourg 2007) that salt consumption, as a risk factor for hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, and select cancers, should be restricted. The European Commission looked to adhere to this recommendation by creating the High Level Croup on Nutrition and Physical Activity. According to WHO\n\nrecommendations, a daily allowance of High Content Screening 5 g NaCl (i.e., selleck chemicals llc 2 g Na) for individual salt consumption should not be exceeded. At present, mean individual salt consumption in Poland totals 13.5 g, of which salt used in household constitutes 8.8 g. In some regions of Poland, this number reaches upwards of 15.0 g/person. The Position Paper on Initiatives

Aimed at Decreasing Salt Consumption in Poland, developed by an expert group at the National Food and Nutrition Institute, set the course for intervention, including changing recipes for mass-produced food products and large-scale catering, improving oversight by food control agencies, and continuing legislative changes. These interventions should also include education directed towards consumers, food producers, public health professionals, healthcare workers, and media representatives. The Position Paper of the Polish

Hypertension Society also sets the course for promoting restricted salt consumption and controlling hypertension on a population level. However, household GM6001 solubility dmso salt is the main carrier of iodine in the Polish model of iodine prophylaxis. Thus, any interventions also require synchronized action with the Polish Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders. Current efforts aimed at preventing iodine-deficiency look to increase consumption of other iodine-rich products (e.g., milk, mineral water) with standardized levels of iodine. Once they achieve an iodine concentration of 0.1-0.2 mg, these products can easily supplement any decrease in physiological iodine levels resulting from reduced salt consumption. Also required are wide-ranging educational campaigns which will be coordinated by the new designated WHO Collaborating Centre for Nutrition at the Chair of Endocrinology at Jagiellonian University, Collegium Medicum in Krakow.

Am J Clin Nutr 2011; 94: 1485-95 “
“Chitosan was graft copol

Am J Clin Nutr 2011; 94: 1485-95.”
“Chitosan was graft copolymerized with

vinyl acetate using ceric ammonium nitrate as the initiator. The chitosan-g-poly(vinyl acetate) (chitosan-g-PVAc) membranes were found to be blood compatible, noncytotoxic, and biodegradable. The physicochemical characterization of the membranes revealed that the membranes possess the synergistic effect of the natural-synthetic hybrids of chitosan and PVAc with excellent mechanical stability and tunable hydrophilic/hydrophobic characteristics. The permeation characteristics of chitosan-g-PVAc membranes for four different solutes creatinine, urea, glucose, and albumin was studied in vitro at 37 degrees C for assessment of the suitability of them as hemodialysis GANT61 Natural Product Library mouse membranes. The studies showed that the membranes exhibit higher permeability to creatinine, urea, and glucose compared with the commercial cellulose membrane and are impermeable to the essential nutrient albumin. Hence, the need for the development of biocompatible, mechanically strong dialysis membranes could be addressed with the modification of chitosan through grafting with PVAc. Potential applications like artificial

kidney, artificial pancreas, and so forth, are envisaged from these membranes. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012″
“The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of daily pasture allowance and grass silage supplementation on milk production performance, grazing

behaviour, rumen function, and blood and urinary metabolites in early lactation of dairy cows grazing on low herbage mass pastures. The study was conducted with 32 Holstein-Friesian cows over a time period of 63 days. Prior to experimental treatment, milk production, body weight, and days in milk averaged 23.8 +/- 0.70 kg/day, 537 +/- 9.6 kg, and 37.1 +/- 1.02, respectively. Four dietary treatments resulted from the combination of two pasture allowances above ground level (low 17 vs. high 25 kg of dry matter (DM)/cow/day) and grass silage supplementation offered at levels of 4.5 and 9.0 kg DM/cow/day. All of the cows received 2.6 kg DM of concentrate supplementation. Amino acid transport inhibitor Total DM intake was determined using the controlled-release chromium capsules method and milk composition was analysed weekly using infrared spectroscopy (Foss 4300 Milko-scan). Pasture allowance and grass silage supplementation had no significant effect on milk production (average 23.4 kg/day) or on milk composition. Grazing time and ruminating time were not significantly affected by pasture allowance. The rate of intake was significantly reduced (P < 0.001) from 32.0 to 19.1 g DM/min by increasing grass silage supplementation. Increasing pasture allowance increased (P < 0.001) daily live weight change (-0.061 and 0.


“Treatment of patients with unresectable liver metastases


“Treatment of patients with unresectable liver metastases is challenging. Regional therapies to the liver have been developed that maximize treatment of the localized disease process without systemic toxic adverse effects. We discuss the procedural aspects of liver chemosaturation with percutaneous hepatic perfusion (CS-PHP).\n\nWe present as an illustration of this technique a case report of the treatment of unresectable metastatic leiomyosarcoma of the liver.\n\nA randomized phase ML323 manufacturer III trial for unresectable liver metastases from melanoma was recently completed comparing CS-PHP with melphalan vs.

best alternative care (BAC). When compared with BAC, CS-PHP was associated with a significant improvement in hepatic progression-free survival (8.0 months CS-PHP vs. 1.6 months BAC, p < 0.0001) and overall progression-free survival (6.7 months CS-PHP vs. 1.6 months BAC, p < 0.0001), respectively. On the basis of these results, and given

our experience as one of the treating institutions for this phase III trial, we appealed for compassionate use of CS-PHP in a patient with check details isolated bilobar unresectable hepatic metastases from leiomyosarcoma. Four target lesions were identified and monitored to assess treatment response. A total of 4 CS-PHP procedures were performed, with a 25 % reduction in size of the largest lesion observed Microtubule Associat inhibitor and 16 month hepatic progression-free survival. Toxicity was mild (neutropenia) and manageable on an outpatient basis.\n\nCS-PHP offers several advantages for unresectable hepatic sarcoma metastases. CS-PHP is minimally invasive and repeatable, and it has a predictable and manageable systemic toxicity profile. For appropriately selected patients, CS-PHP can delay tumor progression and could potentially improve survival.”
“While charge-ordering transition is well established in the oxygen-deficient layered cobaltite YBaCo2O5, there has been no evidence for the transition in the analogous compound GdBaCo2O5 either from neutron diffraction or from magnetic susceptibility

experiments. In this paper, we present comparative studies on the electron spin resonance (ESR) of Gd3+ ions in Y1-xGdxBaCo2O5 (x = 0.01, 0.25, and 1) polycrystalline samples. Magnetic susceptibility was also performed for comparison with the ESR results. It was found that charge-ordering transition for Y0.75Gd0.25BaCo2O5 revealed by the susceptibility is also manifested in the characters of the ESR data. The similar temperature-evolution of the ESR parameters for GdBaCo2O5 provides a support for the existence of charge-ordering transition, although no characteristic of the transition is evidenced from susceptibility experiments, which can be understood as being hidden by dominant paramagnetism of Gd3+ ions in this compound.

The results show that customers of the commercial restaurant are

The results show that customers of the commercial restaurant are directly benefitted since the nutritional quality of the

fruits was preserved during all of the handling and distribution find more periods.”
“Men are different from women, and patients with epilepsy are different in many aspects from healthy control subjects. Quantitative or semiquantitative analysis of neuroimaging data depends on the comparison between either a single patient against a group of healthy or unaffected controls, or comparisons between groups of patients and controls. Matching for gender is desired, but is sometimes not possible, for example, in the case of nuclear medicine with women in childbearing age usually not being recruited as healthy controls. Antiepileptic drug treatment is the other major confounder for comparisons of cognitive functioning between patients and healthy control subjects. Whether these two covariates, gender and drug effects, are

of interest or nuisance variables depends on the question and design of the neuroimaging study.”
“In this work, a semi-analytical model was developed to determine the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and the normalized average glandular dose ((D) over bar (gN)) in digital mammography, taking into account interactions Staurosporine up to second order. The optimal x-ray spectra were investigated using a Figure of Merit (FOM), for different breast thicknesses (3 cm <= L <= 7 cm) and glandularities (20% and 50%), anti-scatter grids types, considering a-Se and CsI image receptors. The anode/filter combinations evaluated were: Mo/Mo, Mo/Rh, Rh/Rh, and a W anode combined with k-edge filters (Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, In and Sn), for tube potential between 23 and 35 kVp. Results demonstrate that the W-anode

spectra ERK pathway inhibitor combined with k-edge filters show a superior performance compared to the Mo/Mo combination traditionally employed in mammography, for all conditions analyzed. The optimum general x-ray spectra for 3 cm, 5 cm and 7 cm breasts are, respectively, W/Mo at 23 kVp, W/Pd at 28 kVp and W/Ag at 30 kVp. For the a-Se receptor, the optimum filter atomic number is one unit higher than that obtained for the CsI, while the optimal tube potentials are the same. The optimal tube potential was up to 1-2 kVp greater for a linear grid than that obtained without grid or with a cellular grid. For breast thicker than 7 cm, the optimum filter atomic number also increases by one unit for a linear grid. Compared to standard technique, the performance improvement of a W anode with proper k-edge filters is more noticeable for thicker and denser breasts, for a a-Se receptor and a linear grid. Finally, it was verified that the semi-analytical model implemented provided results of optimum x-ray spectra in a fast and simple way, with a good agreement with those obtained experimentally or by Monte Carlo simulation.”
“We examined lifetime clutch production and size at maturity for blue crabs Callinectes sapidus Rathbun in North Carolina, USA.