Long-Axis Spinning of an Optically Levitated Particle: A Levitated Spinning Top.

An elongated object can be rotated around one of its short axes, like a propeller, or around its long axis, like a spinning top. Using optically levitated nanoparticles, short-axis rotation and libration have been systematically investigated in several recent studies. Notably, short-axis rotational degrees of freedom have been cooled to millikelvin temperatures and driven into gigahertz rotational speeds. However, controlled long-axis spinning has so far remained an unrealized goal. Here, we demonstrate controlled long-axis spinning of an optically levitated nanodumbbell with spinning rates exceeding 1 GHz. We show that the damping rate in high vacuum can be as low as a few millihertz. Our results open up applications in inertial torque sensing and studies of rotational quantum interference.

Controlling Optomechanical Libration with the Degree of Polarization.

Control of the potential energy and free evolution lie at the heart of levitodynamics as key requirements for sensing, wave function expansion, and mechanical squeezing protocols. Here, we experimentally demonstrate versatile control over the optical potential governing the libration motion of a levitated anisotropic nanoparticle. This control is achieved by introducing the degree of polarization as a new tool for rotational levitodynamics. We demonstrate thermally driven free rotation of a levitated anisotropic scatterer around its short axis and we use the rotational degrees of freedom to probe the local spin of a strongly focused laser beam.

Tritium Beta Spectrum Measurement and Neutrino Mass Limit from Cyclotron Radiation Emission Spectroscopy.

The absolute scale of the neutrino mass plays a critical role in physics at every scale, from the subatomic to the cosmological. Measurements of the tritium end-point spectrum have provided the most precise direct limit on the neutrino mass scale. In this Letter, we present advances by Project 8 to the cyclotron radiation emission spectroscopy (CRES) technique culminating in the first frequency-based neutrino mass limit. With only a cm^{3}-scale physical detection volume, a limit of m_{ß}<155 eV/c^{2} (152 eV/c^{2}) is extracted from the background-free measurement of the continuous tritium beta spectrum in a Bayesian (frequentist) analysis. Using ^{83m}Kr calibration data, a resolution of 1.66±0.19 eV (FWHM) is measured, the detector response model is validated, and the efficiency is characterized over the multi-keV tritium analysis window. These measurements establish the potential of CRES for a high-sensitivity next-generation direct neutrino mass experiment featuring low background and high resolution.

Characterization of histological subtypes of clear cell renal cell carcinoma using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze the histological subtypes of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) examined by means of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and a second generation blood pool agent (SonoVue®, Bracco, Milan, Italy) during the pre-operative phase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 29 patients with histologically proven subtypes of clear cell RCC were examined. A total of three patients were diagnosed with highly differentiated clear cell RCC, 21 out of 29 cases with moderately differentiated clear cell RCC and five out of 29 patients had insufficiently differentiated clear cell RCC. An experienced radiologist examined the patients with CEUS. The following parameters were analyzed: maximum signal intensity (PEAK), time elapsed until PEAK is reached (MTT), local blood flow (RBF), area under the time intensity curve (AUC) and the signal intensity (SI) during the course of time. For the groups all comparisons are made based on healthy renal parenchyma. RESULTS: In the clear cell RCC significant differences (significance level p < 0.05) between cancerous tissue and the healthy renal parenchyma were noticed in all four parameters. Therefore, the clear cell RCC stands out due to its reduced blood volume. However, it reached the PEAK reading relatively rapidly and its signal intensity was always lower than that of the healthy renal parenchyma. In the arterial phase retarded absorption of the contrast agent was observed, followed by fast washing out of the contrast agent bubbles.In all three histological subgroups no significant differences were noticed in PEAK and SI. However, the diagrams showed the possible bias, that the group of the insufficiently differentiated clear cell RCC had the highest PEAK-value and the highest signal intensity when compared with highly and moderately differentiated clear cell RCC. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that CEUS may be an additional tool for non-invasive characterisation and differentiation of the three histological subtypes of clear cell RCC. Furthermore, it seems to have an additional diagnostic value in daily clinical.

Parametric imaging of clear cell and papillary renal cell carcinoma using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyse clear cell and papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) examined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and a second generation blood pool agent (SonoVue®, Bracco, Milan, Italy) before clinical intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 41 patients with histologically proven subtypes of RCC were examined. 29 patients had a clear cell RCC and 12 patients showed a papillary RCC. Average size in the clear cell RCC group was 6.07 cm and 1.88 cm in the papillary RCC group. An experienced radiologist examined all patients with CEUS. The following parameters were analysed: maximum signal intensity (PEAK), time elapsed until PEAK is reached (MTT), local blood flow (RBF), area under the time intensity curve (AUC) and the signal intensity (SI) during the course of time. For both groups all comparisons were made based on healthy renal parenchyma. RESULTS: In the clear cell RCC significant differences (significance level p < 0.05) between cancerous tissue and the healthy renal parenchyma were noticed in all four parameters. The clear cell RCC showed a significant reduced blood volume. It reached the PEAK reading relatively rapidly and its signal intensity was always lower than that of the healthy renal parenchyma. In the arterial phase retarded absorption of the contrast agent was observed, followed by fast washing out of the contrast agent bubbles.In the papillary RCC group, significant findings as to PEAK and RBF as well as a slightly significant difference as to AUC were recorded. The papillary RCC had a lower blood supply and reached its PEAK reading later. Its signal intensity was also reduced. The signal intensity of papillary NCC was significantly lower compared with clear cell RCC; absorption and washing out of the contrast agent was delayed. CONCLUSION: CEUS seems to be an useful additional method to clinically differentiate between clear cell and papillary RCC. In daily clinical use, patients with contraindication for other imaging methods, especially the magnetic resonance imaging, might particularly benefit from this method.

Comparison of portable ultrasound system and high end ultrasound system in detection of endoleaks.

PURPOSE: To compare the value of a portable ultrasound system and a high end ultrasound system in detection of endoleaks after EVAR. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, a cohort of 25 patients underwent both standard examination using a portable ultrasound system (Philips VISIQ) and a second examination using a high end ultrasound system (Philips EPIQ 7). The examination included B-mode and color Doppler in detection of endoleaks. Additional the maximum diameter of the aneurysm was measured in two planes (right-left and ventral-dorsal). The gold standard was contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in detection of endoleaks. RESULTS: 25 patients were included in the study. Patients were predominantly male (n = 23) with an average age of 73,30±7.82 years (range 54-85). Diameters of the treated aneurysms were in the right-left plane 5,32±1.88 cm and ventral-dorsal 4,99±1.78 cm using the high end system. Diameters of the treated aneurysms were in the right-left plane 5,30±1.82 cm and ventral-dorsal 4,87±1.74 cm using portable ultrasound system. In 80% of the cases CEUS could detect an endoleak. Whereas the high end system could detect in B-mode 40% and color Doppler 45% of the cases an endoleak. The portable system could detect in B-mode 30% and in color Doppler 35% of the cases an endoleak. On both systems in B-mode a false positive endoleak was found on the same patient. All high flow endoleaks, which needed intervention, could be detected on all systems. CONCLUSION: The high end ultrasound system does not seem to have an additional advantage in the measurement of the aneurysm diameter. Due to a higher resolution, more endoleaks could be detected in B-mode and color Doppler by using the high end system. The presence of small endoleaks could only be detected by using contrast enhanced ultrasound on an high end ultrasound system. High flow endoleaks could be reliable seen on both systems.

Studies for a genotoxic potential of some endogenous and exogenous sex steroids. I. Communication: examination for the induction of gene mutations using the Ames Salmonella/microsome test and the HGPRT test in V79 cells.

The mutagenicity results and data of nine progestins (cyproterone acetate, dehydrospirorenone, gestodene, gestonorone caproate, levonorgestrel, norethisterone, norethisterone acetate, norethisterone enanthate, norethynodrel), one hypothetical metabolite (6,7-epoxy-cyproterone acetate), four estrogens (estradiol, ethinylestradiol, cyclodiol, cyclotriol), and four other sex steroids (atamestane, lilopristone, onapristone, propylmesterolone) are reported. All 17 sex steroids were investigated using the Ames salmonella/microsome direct plate incorporation protocol, and seven were additionally tested using the preincubation modification. Seven sex steroids were also studied in the HG-PRT test with V79 cells for the induction of gene mutations in mammalian cells. The metabolite was examined in the Ames salmonella/microsome assay using the standard protocol and the preincubation modification. In all assays the test compounds were investigated up to concentration levels where cytotoxicity and/or visible precipitation occurred or at least the solubility limit of the test compound was reached. For all assays, evaluation of the data indicates that neither any of the sex steroids nor the hypothetical metabolite was able to induce gene mutations whether in the absence or the presence of an extrinsic metabolizing system (S9 mix).

Studies for a genotoxic potential of some endogenous and exogenous sex steroids. II. Communication: examination for the induction of cytogenetic damage using the chromosomal aberration assay on human lymphocytes in vitro and the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test in vivo.

The cytogenetic potential of 10 sex steroids (cyproterone acetate, drospirenone, gestodene, cyclodiol, cyclotriol, ethinylestradiol, atamestane, lilopristone, onapristone and propylmesterolone) with various medical indications was determined using the chromosomal aberration test in human lymphocytes in vitro and the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test in vivo. Nine of these sex steroids (gestodene was omitted) were investigated in the human lymphocyte assay and found to be negative with respect to the induction of chromosomal aberrations either with or without metabolic activation. In all assays the highest concentration evaluated was either clearly cytotoxic or, in case of noncytotoxicity, resulted in visible precipitates in the culture medium. Evaluation of the data from the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test indicated that the seven steroids (cyproterone acetate, drospirenone, gestodene, ethinylestradiol, atamestane, onapristone and propylmesterolone) investigated failed to induce enhanced frequencies of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in male and female mice. The steroids were tested up to dose levels which induced signs of toxicity in the experimental animals or, in the case of non toxic compounds, the animals were treated up to the maximum recommended dose of 2 g/kg body weight. Evaluation of all data indicates that the investigated estrogens, progestins and other sex steroids had no genotoxic potential detectable with the chromosomal aberration assay on cultured human lymphocytes or the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test.

Assessment of the performance of the Ames II assay: a collaborative study with 19 coded compounds.

Nineteen coded chemicals were tested in an international collaborative study for their mutagenic activity. The assay system employed was the Ames II Mutagenicity Assay, using the tester strains TA98 and TAMix (TA7001-7006). The test compounds were selected from a published study with a large data set from the standard Ames plate-incorporation test. The following test compounds including matched pairs were investigated: cyclophoshamide, 2-naphthylamine, benzo(a)pyrene, pyrene, 2-acetylaminofluorene, 4,4'-methylene-bis(2-chloroaniline), 9,10-dimethylanthracene, anthracene, 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide, diphenylnitrosamine, urethane, isopropyl-N(3-chlorophenyl)carbamate, benzidine, 3,3'-5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine, azoxybenzene, 3-aminotriazole, diethylstilbestrol, sucrose and methionine. The results of both assay systems were compared, and the inter-laboratory consistency of the Ames II test was assessed. Of the eight mutagens selected, six were correctly identified with the Ames II assay by all laboratories, one compound was judged positive by five of six investigators and one by four of six laboratories. All seven non-mutagenic samples were consistently negative in the Ames II assay. Of the four chemicals that gave inconsistent results in the traditional Ames test, three were uniformly classified as either positive or negative in the present study, whereas one compound gave equivocal results. A comparison of the test outcome of the different investigators resulted in an inter-laboratory consistency of 89.5%. Owing to the high concordance between the two test systems, and the low inter-laboratory variability in the Ames II assay results, the Ames II is an effective screening alternative to the standard Ames test, requiring less test material and labor.

[Controversial rotation function of certain muscles in the hip joint]. / Die umstrittene Rotationswirkung ausgewählter Muskeln im Hüftgelenk.

The disputed rotating function of certain muscles in the hip joint. A device constructed for that study allows to determine the rotating function of the iliopsoas muscle as well as of the uniarticular adductor muscles of the thigh in every position of the hip joint by the method of threads. The iliac muscle rotates the thigh inward in every position of flexion/extension or abduction/adduction of the hip joint. The adductor magnus muscle always is a lateral rotator by those fibres which are inserted into the medical edge of the linea aspera, while the fibres attached to the adductor tubercle rotate the thigh inward. The psoas major, pectineus, adductor longus and adductor brevis muscles are able to rotate the thigh inward as well as outward. Their rotating function depends on the specific position of flexion/extension and abduction/adduction of the hip joint: Flexion and abduction intensify the lateral rotating function of these muscles, extension and adduction intensify the medial rotating function.

Formation of DNA-adducts by selected sex steroids in rat liver.

1. We are reporting investigations into the potential of the steroid hormones chlormadinone acetate (CMA), cyproterone acetate (CPA), ethinylestradiol (EE2) gestodene (GEST), megestrol acetate (MGA), norethisterone acetate (NET-Ac), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P) to form DNA-adducts in rat liver in vivo. 2. Compound-related DNA-adduct spots were detected in male and female rat liver following CMA, CPA, and MGA using the 32P-postlabeling-technique. Substance-specific DNA-adducts were also observed in male rats after administration of E2. The other compounds showed no DNA-adduct formation. After treatment with CMA, CPA or MGA, the relative adduct labeling (RAL) differed sex- and substance-specifically.

[Margins and torsion of the human fibula]. / Kanten und Torsion der menschlichen Fibula.

The borders and ridges of the fibula show a difficult aspect caused by the bone-forming musculature. These structures are an occasion for misunderstanding and mistaken denominations, which even had a noticeable effect on the PNA. Two thirds of all human fibulae exhibit a clearly prominent 'crista musculi tibialia posterioris', giving tendinuous attachment to the tibialis posterior muscle. In diagnosis of borders this crista may lead to errors, because it branches off from the interosseous border underneath the upper fourth of the fibula and reaches the medial crest in the middle of the bone. Most of the borders of the fibula show a twisted course corresponding to the direction of the shaping musculature and effecting a fictitious torsion of the shaft. The proper torsion of the fibula, however, is substantiated by the difference between the absolute torsion (= twist of the two ends of the bone) and the accompanying torsion (= twist enforced by the torsion of the tibia).

[Variable extensor apparatus of the small toe. Opposing muscle groups in competition for extensor function of the fifth involutional metacarpal ray of the lower extremity]. / Der variable Streckapparat der kleinen Zehe. Konkurrierende Muskelgruppen im Wettbewerb um die Streckfunktion an dem in Rückbildung begriffenen fünften Strahl der unteren Extremität.

In 200 human feet 37 differently formed extensor apparatus of the fifth toe were found. This great variability is obviously caused by several independent phylogenetic processes related with the acquisition of the upright gait. In primitive tetrapods three extensor muscles exist for the toes, whereas in mammals two of these muscles are in a rivalling but not vicarious relationship: While the long extensor muscles (M. extensor digitorum longus) remain in all trinomial toes, the fibular extensor muscles (Mm. peronaei digitorum) are laterally displaced by the short extensor muscles (M. extensor digitorum brevis). Although in man the fibular extensor muscles are largely suppressed, the short extensor muscles hardly often reach the fifth toe because this involuting toe is only of limited motor importance with regard to the entire function of the human foot. The ontogenetic involution of the fibular extensor muscles - which in the human embryo are regularly developed as M. peronaeus digiti IV and M. peronaeus digiti V - usually remains at an intermediate stage, i.e. a tendon of the M. peronaeus brevis branches off towards the dorsum pedis. In the anthropoids this involution is associated with the evolution and acquisition of the M. peronaeus III. To obtain strong effects for pronation and dorsiflexion necessary for the upright gait the M. peronaeus III inserts at the stable metatarsus instead of the mobile fifth toe by which an earlier phylogenetic stage is achieved. In the metatarsus the peronaeus tertius muscle inserts in different positions with regard to the remnants of the fibular extensor muscles. In this paper the two processes - both involution of the peronaei digitorum muscles and evolution of the peronaeus tertius muscle - are illustrated by several intermediate links found in dissected feet.

[Accessory peroneal nerves in the human]. / Uberzählige Nervi peronei beim Menschen.

The Nervus peroneus profundus accessorius was described by Ruge (1878) in the lower mammals and for the first time identified by Bryce (1897) in man. It is an accessory terminal branch of the superficial peroneal (musculocutaneous) nerve which winds round the lateral malleolus beneath the tendons of the peronei muscles and reaches the dorsum of the foot; there it often supplies the lateral portion of the extensor digitorum brevis muscle. In further investigations this nerve has been traced in 21.2% of subjects resp. in 13.5% of legs. This nerve, however, is not the only accessory branch of the common peroneal nerve: In 14 out of 140 subjects (10%) resp. in 22 out of 280 legs (7.9%) a Nervus peroneus superficialis accessorius has been found. This nerve pierces the anterior crural intermuscular septum either in common with deep peroneal (anterior tibial) nerve or at a lower point. Then it descends in front of the septum rarely giving off muscular branches to the extensor digitorum longus and peroneus tertius muscles; in the lower half of the leg it pierces the crural fascia, passes in front of the ankle joint and becomes the medial cutaneous nerve of the dorsum of the foot. This accessory superficial peroneal nerve may be of importance in surgery of the leg and foot.

Nucleoside phosphorylation: a feasible step in the prebiotic pathway to RNA.

Plausible prebiotic conditions for the phosphorylation of nucleosides by inorganic phosphate were reported by Lohrmann and Orgel in 1971. This reaction was carried out on heated dry films and promoted by urea. The major products formed were nucleoside-2:3 cyclicPs;5-NMPs and other derivatives were also formed. Minor modifications of the Lohrmann and Orgel system have resulted in the preferential formation of 5-NMPs. In this modified system a 2-fold preference for phosphorylation of the 5-OH group over the 3(2)-OH group was observed and the formation of other derivatives was minimized. The small amounts of bis compounds that were formed in this system could be quantitatively removed by selective binding to the mineral hydroxylapatite at moderate ionic strengths. It was also discovered that under hydrolytic conditions there was a 3:1 preference for removal of phosphates attached to the 3-OH group over the 5-OH group. A recycling procedure for obtaining additonal 5-NMPs from bis compounds and 3-NMPs is proposed.

[The basic human thumb joint--an egg-shaped joint]. / Das menschliche Daumengrundgelenk--ein Eigelenk.

The metacarpophalangeal joint of the human thumb (Articulatio metacarpophalangea pollicis) is an ellipsoidal (condyloid) joint. The head of the first metacarpal bone is shaped like a spindle polled at either end. Its form relevant to the mobility is determined by the correlation of two flexures, expressed by the quotient R/r, where R = semi-diameter of the radio-ulnar flexure and r = semi-diameter of the dorso-palmar flexure in the middle of the head. Only the substantial kind of motion (flexion-extension) maintains the perfect contiguity of the articular surfaces. Owing to the deformability of the articular cartilage, the actual littleness of the articular surfaces as well as the relative smallness of the cavity with respect to the head permits both transverse motions (adduction-abduction) and axial motions (rotation inward and outward). The amplitude of the transverse motion unexpectedly does not correlate to the intensity of the radio-ulnar flexure of the head.

[Compensatory movements of the fibula necessitated by the wedge shape of the trochlea tali]. / Kompensationsbewegungen der Fibula, die durch die Keilform der Trochlea tali erzwungen werden.

The lateral articular facet of the talus (Facies malleolaris lateralis) is slanting and irregularly shaped; therefore, the fibula shows compensative motions in transverse, sagittal, vertical and rotational directions when the ankle joint is moved. There are contradictory statements concerning the course of this compensative rotation, because the fibula shows individually different reactions. The fibula is not rotated during dorsiflexion in nearly 25% of legs; approximately one half of the remaining fibulae is rotated outward, the other half inward. The matter of fact is not surprising, when the shape of the lateral articular facet is inspected exactly: it resembles a flat saddle, the anterior part of which is screw-shaped. The fibula rotates outward during dorsiflexion, if the furrow of this screw-shaped area increases forward; it rotates inward, if the furrow diminishes forward; and it does not rotate at all, if the furrow is constant.

[Pneumothorax after mediastinal emphysema. The site and mechanism of pleural rupture]. / Pneumothorax nach Mediastinalemphysem. Uber den Ort und den Mechanisms der Pleuraruptur.

By rupture of the mediastinal pleura a mediastinal emphysema may lead to a pneumothorax. An experiment imitating this process is able to point out two spots where the pleura is most likely to tear: An area as large as a thumb tip above the root of the left lung; there mediastinal pleura covers a space the width of which changes most in respirating. The border of a fatty fold based on the pericardium and covered by mediastinal pleura; it is there that maxima of tension occur by emphysematic inflation. In general, air from the mediastinum far more often enters the left pleural cavity than the right one.