Composite infrared spectrometer (CIRS) on Cassini.

The Cassini spacecraft orbiting Saturn carries the composite infrared spectrometer (CIRS) designed to study thermal emission from Saturn and its rings and moons. CIRS, a Fourier transform spectrometer, is an indispensable part of the payload providing unique measurements and important synergies with the other instruments. It takes full advantage of Cassini's 13-year-long mission and surpasses the capabilities of previous spectrometers on Voyager 1 and 2. The instrument, consisting of two interferometers sharing a telescope and a scan mechanism, covers over a factor of 100 in wavelength in the mid and far infrared. It is used to study temperature, composition, structure, and dynamics of the atmospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, and Titan, the rings of Saturn, and surfaces of the icy moons. CIRS has returned a large volume of scientific results, the culmination of over 30 years of instrument development, operation, data calibration, and analysis. As Cassini and CIRS reach the end of their mission in 2017, we expect that archived spectra will be used by scientists for many years to come.

Composite infrared spectrometer (CIRS) on Cassini: publisher's note.

This publisher's note renumbers the reference list in Appl. Opt.56, 5274 (2017)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.56.005274.

Radiological risks of neutron interrogation of food.

In recent years there has been growing interest in the use of neutron scanning techniques for security. Neutron techniques with a range of energy spectra including thermal, white and fast neutrons have been shown to work in different scenarios. As international interest in neutron scanning increases the risk of activating cargo, especially foodstuffs must be considered. There has been a limited amount of research into the activation of foods by neutron beams and we have sought to improve the amount of information available. In this paper we show that for three important metrics; activity, ingestion dose and Time to Background there is a strong dependence on the food being irradiated and a weak dependence on the energy of irradiation. Previous studies into activation used results based on irradiation of pharmaceuticals as the basis for research into activation of food. The earlier work reports that (24)Na production is the dominant threat which motivated the search for (24)Na(n,γ)(24)Na in highly salted foods. We show that (42)K can be more significant than (24)Na in low sodium foods such as Bananas and Potatoes.

Requirement of tissue-selective TBP-associated factor TAFII105 in ovarian development.

Transcription factor TFIID, composed of TBP and TAFII subunits, is a central component of the RNA polymerase II machinery. Here, we report that the tissue-selective TAFII105 subunit of TFIID is essential for proper development and function of the mouse ovary. Female mice lacking TAFII105 are viable but infertile because of a defect in folliculogenesis correlating with restricted expression of TAFII105 in the granulosa cells of the ovarian follicle. Gene expression profiling has uncovered a defective inhibin-activin signaling pathway in TAFII105-deficient ovaries. Together, these studies suggest that TAFII105 mediates the transcription of a subset of genes required for proper folliculogenesis in the ovary and establishes TAFII105 as a cell type-specific component of the mammalian transcriptional machinery.

Radioisotopes produced by neutron irradiation of food.

The use of neutrons for cargo interrogation has the potential to drastically improve threat detection. Previous research has focussed on the production of (24)Na, based on the isotopes produced in pharmaceuticals and medical devices. For both the total activity and the ingestion dose we show that a variety of isotopes contribute and that (24)Na is only dominant under certain conditions. The composition of the foods has a strong influence on the resulting activity and ingestion dose suggesting that the pharmaceuticals and medical devices considered initially are not a viable analogue for foodstuffs. There is an energy dependence to the isotopes produced due to the cross-sections of different reactions varying with neutron energy. We show that this results in different isotopes dominating the ingestion dose at different energies, which has not been considered in the previous literature.

TAFs revisited: more data reveal new twists and confirm old ideas.

Synthesis of messenger RNA by RNA polymerase II requires the combined activities of more than 70 polypeptides. Coordinating the interaction of these proteins is the basal transcription factor TFIID, which recognizes the core promoter and supplies a scaffolding upon which the rest of the transcriptional machinery can assemble. A multisubunit complex, TFIID consists of the TATA-binding protein (TBP) and several TBP-associated factors (TAFs), whose primary sequences are well-conserved from yeast to humans. Data from reconstituted cell-free transcription systems and binary interaction assays suggest that the TAF subunits can function as promoter-recognition factors, as coactivators capable of transducing signals from enhancer-bound activators to the basal machinery, and even as enzymatic modifiers of other proteins. Whether TAFs function similarly in vivo, however, has been an open question. Initial characterization of yeast bearing mutations in particular TAFs seemingly indicated that, unlike the situation in vitro, TAFs played only a minor role in transcriptional regulation in vivo. However, reconsideration of this data in light of more recent results from yeast and other organisms reveals considerable convergence between the models derived from in vitro experiments and those derived from in vivo studies. In particular, there is an emerging consensus that TAFs represent one of several classes of coactivators that participate in transcriptional activation in vivo.

The mouse Wnt-10B gene isolated from helper T cells is widely expressed and a possible oncogene in BR6 mouse mammary tumorigenesis.

From libraries made from activated mouse T lymphocytes, we have isolated cDNAs encoding Wnt-10B, a new member of the Wnt family of developmental control genes. This protein appears to be the mammalian orthologue of Wnt-10B, first identified in several non-mammalian vertebrates and recently in mouse. The mRNA expression pattern of mouse Wnt-10B indicates that it is induced following activation of helper T cells, but is also expressed in a variety of other tissues and cells of fetal or adult origin. 93 bp at the 5' end of the cDNA clone are identical to sequences previously reported as 3' flanking genomic DNA adjacent to a mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) provirus in the MMTV-induced BR6 mammary tumor, W26. Sequence analysis of tumor-derived genomic DNA confirms that the entire Wnt-10B gene is immediately adjacent to the provirus, suggesting that MMTV integration drives transcription of Wnt-10B, possibly contributing to the oncogenic process. Consistent with this idea is the detection of hybrid MMTV-Wnt-10B transcripts in BR6 tumor cells. T cells which produce abundant Wnt-10B mRNA were also found to produce protein.

Cytokines in the central nervous system: expression of macrophage colony stimulating factor and its receptor during development.

To investigate the potential role of cytokines in the development of the central nervous system, we analyzed the production of cytokine mRNA transcripts by S1-nuclease protection analysis in the brains of Swiss-Webster mice during fetal development and after birth. Cytokines studied were interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Only mRNA transcripts for M-CSF were found to be produced constitutively in normal brain tissue. These transcripts were detected continuously from embryonic day (ED) 13 through adulthood. Transcripts encoding the M-CSF receptor (c-fms) were also detected at all of these time points. Despite identification of M-CSF transcripts in the brains of normal mice during development and M-CSF protein in cell cultures, neuropathological examination of the brains of op/op mice, a naturally occurring mouse mutant defective in the production of functional M-CSF, showed no cytoarchitectural abnormalities.

Fragile X phenotype in a patient with a large de novo deletion in Xq27-q28.

A 2-year-old boy with manifestations of the fragile X syndrome was found to have a cytogenetically visible deletion of Xq27-q28 including deletion of FMR-1. Molecular analysis of the patient was recently described in Tarleton et al. [1993: Hum Mol Genet 2(11): 1973-1974] and the deletion was estimated to be at least 3 megabases (Mb). His mother had 2 FMR-1 alleles with normal numbers of CGG repeats, 20 and 32, respectively. Thus, the deletion occurred as a de novo event. The patient does not appear to have clinical or laboratory findings other than those typically associated with fragile X syndrome, suggesting that the deletion does not remove other contiguous genes. This report describes the phenotype of the patient, including psychological studies.

Congenital nephrosis as a cause of elevated alpha-fetoprotein.

Two cases of congenital nephrosis were detected through routine maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening of 95,135 patients. No other cases of congenital nephrosis from this group were reported, resulting in an incidence of approximately one in 47,500 in this low-risk population. In both of these cases, similar to other reported cases of congenital nephrosis having MSAFP screening, the protein concentrations were greater than or equal to 10 multiples of the median (MOM). Therefore, in the case of an MSAFP over 10 MOM and a normal ultrasound examination, congenital nephrosis should be included in counseling regarding the possibility of undetected malformations. Furthermore, in the case of a pregnancy with elevated amniotic fluid AFP with negative acetylcholinesterase and normal ultrasound, the possibility of congenital nephrosis should be mentioned, regardless of family history or ancestry. When a pregnancy is terminated because of these biochemical findings, special and immediate attention to the fetal kidneys using electron microscopy is necessary to evaluate properly the possibility of congenital nephrosis.

Monozygotic twins discordant for partial trisomy 1.

A 25-year-old primigravida delivered monozygotic twins discordant for multiple anomalies and partial trisomy 1 mosaicism. The phenotype of partial trisomy 1 includes craniofacial, central nervous system, and ocular anomalies. The most likely explanation for these findings is that the translocation occurred after twinning occurred. This observation emphasizes that monozygotic twins are not necessarily genetically identical. They are identical at conception, but subsequent mutation and rearrangement of the genome may cause substantial phenotypic differences.

Elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein with oligohydramnios: ultrasound evaluation and outcome.

Nineteen pregnancies evaluated for elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels were found to have moderate to severe oligohydramnios. There were no survivors among six fetuses with ultrasound-diagnosed urinary tract anomalies. We followed 11 of the remaining 13 pregnancies with serial ultrasound examinations. When the second ultrasound examination demonstrated severely decreased amniotic fluid, the outcome was always poor (intrauterine death, perinatal death, or fetal deformations). Of the five cases in which the second ultrasound showed normal to moderately decreased fluid, there were four surviving infants. When no primary malformations are seen on the initial ultrasound examination, serial ultrasound evaluations of amniotic fluid volume help predict the pregnancy outcome.

Elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein with normal ultrasound: is amniocentesis always appropriate? A review of 26,069 screened patients.

We reviewed our experience with a policy of revising the estimated probability of an open neural tube defect for those cases in which maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) was elevated and the ultrasound examination was normal. Assuming a sensitivity for the ultrasound diagnosis of neural tube defects of 90%, the risk estimate derived from the MSAFP was reduced by that amount when ultrasound was adequate and normal. When counseled regarding this revised risk estimate, 67% of our patients declined amniocentesis. The sensitivity for the ultrasound diagnosis of anencephaly in our series was 100%; for open spine defects, 80%; and for all open neural tube defects, 91%. The two patients in whom an open spine defect was not detected with ultrasound had elevated revised risk estimates. When appropriate criteria are met, the estimated sensitivity of ultrasound in diagnosing open neural tube defects may be used for counseling patients at risk for a fetus with an open neural tube defect.

Analysis of position and isometric joysticks for powered wheelchair driving.

The control interface is one of the most critical components of the electric-powered wheelchair (EPW). The control interface must accommodate the user's limitations and maximize the user's abilities. This study extended Fitts' Law for target-acquisition to a continuously updated target. The extended Fitts' Law was used to examine EPW driving with a standard position sensing joystick and a prototype isometric joystick (IJ). The extended Fitts' Law provides insight into the difficulty of performing target-acquisition tasks with an EPW. The test results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among the two types of joysticks for selected measures of information processing capacity, movement time, root-mean-square-error, and average velocity while performing turning maneuvers. The mean values indicate that the IJ may provide superior turning performance.

Power wheelchair range testing and energy consumption during fatigue testing.

The range of a power wheelchair depends on many factors including: battery type, battery state, wheelchair/rider weight, terrain, the efficiency of the drive train, and driving behavior. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of three methods of estimating power wheelchair range. Another significant purpose was to compare the current draw on pavement to current draw on an International Standards Organization (ISO) Double Drum tester at one m/sec. Tests were performed on seven different power wheelchairs unloaded, and loaded with an ISO 100 kg test dummy. Each chair was configured according to the manufacturer's specifications, and tires were properly inflated. Experienced test technicians were used for the tennis court tests, and treadmill tests. An ISO 100 kg test dummy was used for the ISO Double Drum test. Energy consumption was measured over a distance of 1500 m for each of the three test conditions. The rolling surface was level in all cases. Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant difference (p = 0.0001) between the predicted range at maximum speed for the three tests. Post hoc analysis demonstrated a significant difference (p < 0.01) in estimated range at maximum speed between the Double Drum test and the treadmill test, as well as between the Double Drum test and the tennis court test. Our results indicate no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the predicted range at maximal speed between the treadmill and tennis court tests. A simple relationship does not exist between the results of range testing with the Double Drum tester and the tennis court. An alternative would be to permit the use of a treadmill for range testing as simple relationships between all pertinent treadmill and tennis court range data were found. For the Double Drum tester used, the current demand is higher than under normal usage. This presents a problem as current is related to load torque in a power wheelchair. Hence, the Double Drum tester friction must be reduced. The predicted range for the tennis court test at maximum speed ranges from a low of 23.6 km to a high of 57.7 km. The range of the power wheelchair can be improved by the use of wet lead acid batteries in place of gel lead acid batteries.

Life-cycle analysis of depot versus rehabilitation manual wheelchairs.

The proper selection of a wheelchair requires making several critical decisions, not the least of which is what type of wheelchair is appropriate. The International Organization for Standards (ISO) continues to develop and refine wheelchair standards. Standards allow the objective comparison of products from various sources, permitting consumers or clinicians to assess wheelchairs with which they are not familiar by comparing test results. This study consisted of three components: 1) the comparison of fatigue test results with a planar ANSI/RESNA test dummy to a HERL contoured test dummy; 2) the comparison of fatigue test results for common depot versus common rehabilitation manual wheelchairs; and 3) the comparison of fatigue test results for manual rehabilitation wheelchairs with solid 8-inch casters versus those with pneumatic 8-inch casters. Rehabilitation wheelchairs lasted on average 13.2 times longer than the depot wheelchairs. Both types, tested with the standard ISO-ANSI/RESNA dummy, lasted on average 2.1 times longer than those wheelchairs tested using the contoured dummy. The three rehabilitation wheelchairs equipped with 8-inch pneumatic casters lasted on average 3.2 times longer than the 6 rehabilitation wheelchairs equipped with solid 8-inch casters. The depot wheelchairs cost about 3.4 times as much to operate per cycle or per meter than the rehabilitation wheelchairs. The rehabilitation wheelchairs tended to experience component failures, while the depot wheelchairs tended to experience frame failures. Our testing indicates that the tests in the ISO-ANSI/RESNA standards can relate design features to fatigue test results and durability. Rehabilitation wheelchairs tend to use higher quality materials and better manufacturing practices, and they provide greater mobility for wheelchair users. Purchasers and prescribers of wheelchairs should consider the life-cycle cost and not just the purchase price for wheelchairs.

Treatment of skin cancer using multiple modalities.

Physicians concerned with modern treatment of skin cancer should be knowledgeable about the indications and contraindications of the five major modalities available for the treatment of skin cancer: electrosurgery, excision and suture closure surgery, radiation therapy, cryosurgery, and Mohs' chemosurgery. Flexibility in the application of these modalities is important if physicians are to offer patients the best method for the treatment of each skin cancer. Selection of the proper treatment method must take into consideration factors of cell type, size and depth, specific anatomic location, duration, primary or recurrent, single or multiple, degree of sun damage to surrounding skin, and age and general health of the patient. This review seeks to define the relative advantages and disadvantages, as well as indications and contraindications, of these five major modalities. This review also seeks to present relative guidelines for choosing treatment methods, including discussions of the previously mentioned factors.