Branching ratio measurements for vacuum ultraviolet photodissociation of 12C16O

The branching ratios for the spin-forbidden photodissociation channels of (12)C(16)O in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photon energy region from 102,500 (12.709 eV) to 106,300 cm(-1) (13.180 eV) have been investigated using the VUV laser time-slice velocity-map imaging photoion technique. The excitations to three (1)Σ(+) and six (1)Π Rydberg-type states, including the progression of W(3sσ) (1)Π(v' = 0, 1, and 2) vibrational levels of CO, have been identified and investigated. The branching ratios for the product channels C((3)P) + O((3)P), C((1)D) + O((3)P), and C((3)P) + O((1)D) of these predissociative states are found to depend on the electronic, vibrational, and rotational states of CO being excited. Rotation and e/f-symmetry dependences of the branching ratios into the spin-forbidden channels have been confirmed for several of the (1)Π states, which can be explained using the heterogeneous interaction with the repulsive D'(1)Σ(+) state. The percentage of the photodissociation into the spin-forbidden channels is found to increase with increasing the rotational quantum number for the K(4pσ) (1)Σ(+) (v' = 0) state. This has been rationalized using a (1)Σ(+) to (1)Π to (3)Π coupling scheme, where the final (3)Π state is a repulsive valence state correlating to the spin-forbidden channel.

The use of non-vascularised osteochondral autograft for reconstruction of articular surfaces in the hand and wrist

Bone loss involving articular surface is a challenging problem faced by the orthopaedic surgeon. In the hand and wrist, there are articular defects that are amenable to autograft reconstruction when primary fixation is not possible. In this article, the surgical techniques and clinical outcomes of articular reconstructions in the hand and wrist using non-vascularised osteochondral autografts are reviewed.

Communication: A vibrational study of titanium dioxide cation using the vacuum ultraviolet laser pulsed field ionization-photoelectron method

We have successfully measured the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) laser photoionization efficiency and pulsed field ionization-photoelectron (PFI-PE) spectra of cold titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) prepared by a supersonically cooled laser ablation source. The VUV-PFI-PE spectrum thus obtained exhibits long progressions of the v(2)(+)(a(1)) bending and the combination of v(1)(+)(a(1)) stretching and v(2)(+)(a(1)) bending vibrational modes of the TiO(2)(+)(X(2)B(2)) ion. The pattern of Franck-Condon factors observed indicates that the O-Ti-O bond angle of the TiO(2)(+)(X(2)B(2)) ion is significantly different from that of the TiO(2)(X(1)A(1)) neutral, whereas the change of the Ti-O bond distance is very minor upon the photoionization transition. The analysis of the PFI-PE bands has made possible the determination of the adiabatic ionization energy for TiO(2), IE(TiO(2)) = 77215.9 ± 1.2 cm(-1) (9.57355 ± 0.00015 eV), the harmonic vibrational frequencies, ω(1)(+) = 829.1 ± 2.0 cm(-1) and ω(2)(+) = 248.7 ± 0.6 cm(-1), and the anharmonic coefficients, χ(11)(+) = 5.57 ± 0.65 cm(-1), χ(22)(+) = 0.08 ± 0.06 cm(-1), and χ(12)(+) = -4.51 ± 0.30 cm(-1) for the TiO(2)(+)(X(2)B(2)) ground state.

Communication: A vibrational study of propargyl cation using the vacuum ultraviolet laser velocity-map imaging photoelectron method

By employing the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) laser velocity-map imaging photoelectron (VUV-VMI-PE) method, we have obtained a vibrationally resolved photoelectron spectrum of gaseous propargyl radical [C(3)H(3)(X(2)B(1))] in the energy range of 0-4600 cm(-1) above its ionization energy. The cold C(3)H(3) radicals were produced from a supersonically cooled radical beam source based on 193 nm ArF photodissociation of C(3)H(3)Cl. The VUV-VMI-PE spectrum of C(3)H(3) thus obtained reveals a Franck-Condon factor (FCF) pattern with a highly dominant origin band along with weak vibrational progressions associated with excitations of the C-C ν(5)(+)(a(1)) and C≡C ν(3)(+)(a(1)) symmetric stretching modes and the CCH ν(7)(+)(b(1)) out-of-plane bending mode of C(3)H(3)(+)(X(1)A(1)). The ν(5)(+)(a(1)) vibrational frequency of 1120 cm(-1) determined in the present study is lower than the value deduced from the recent Ar-tagged infrared photodissociation study by 102 cm(-1), confirming the highly accurate vibrational frequency predictions obtained by the most recent state-of-the-art ab initio quantum calculations. The observation of the FCF disallowed ν(7)(+)(b(1)) mode is indicative of vibronic interactions. The discrepancy observed between the FCF pattern determined in the present study and that predicted by a recent high-level quantum theoretical investigation can be taken as evidence that the potential energy surfaces used in the latter theoretical study are in need of improvement in order to provide a reliable FCF prediction for the C(3)H(3)/C(3)H(3)(+) photoionization system.

Branching ratio measurements of the predissociation of 12C16O by time-slice velocity-map ion imaging in the energy region from 108,000 to 110,500 cm(-1)

Direct branching ratio measurements of the three lowest dissociation channels of (12)C(16)O that produce C((3)P) + O((3)P), C((1)D) + O((3)P), and C((3)P) + O((1)D) are reported in the vacuum ultraviolet region from 108,000 cm(-1) (92.59 nm) to 110,500 cm(-1) (90.50 nm) using the time-slice velocity-map ion imaging and nonlinear resonant four-wave mixing techniques. Rotationally, resolved carbon ion yield spectra for both (1)Σ(+) and (1)Π bands of CO in this region have been obtained. Our measurements using this technique show that the branching ratio in this energy region, especially the relative percentages of the two spin-forbidden channels, is strongly dependent on the particular electronic and vibrational energy levels of CO that are excited.

Communication: branching ratio measurements in the predissociation of 12C16O by time-slice velocity-map ion imaging in the vacuum ultraviolet region

The first direct branching ratio measurement of the three lowest energy dissociation channels of CO that produce C((3)P) + O((3)P), C((1)D) + O((3)P), and C((3)P) + O((1)D) is reported. Rotational resolved carbon ion yield spectra for two Π bands (W(3sσ)(1)Π (v(') = 3) at 108,012.6 cm(-1) and (1)Π(v(') = 2) at 109,017 cm(-1)) and two Σ bands ((4sσ)(1)Σ(+)(v(') = 4) at 109,452 cm(-1) and (4pσ)(1)Σ(+)(v(') = 3) at 109,485 cm(-1)) of CO were obtained. Our measurements show that the branching ratio in this energy region is strongly dependent on the electronic and vibrational energy but it is independent or just weakly dependent on the parity and rotational energy levels. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the triplet channel producing O((1)D) has been experimentally observed and this is also the first time that a direct measurement of the branching ratio for the different channels in the predissociation of CO in this energy region has been made.

Time-sliced velocity-mapped imaging studies of the predissociation of single ro-vibronic energy levels of N2 in the extreme ultraviolet region using vacuum ultraviolet photoionization

The predissociation of N(2) from the rotational levels in the o(1)∏(u) (v(') = 2) and b(') (1)Σ(u) (v(') = 8) bands has been studied in the wavenumber (or energy) range from 109 350 cm(-1) (13.5577 eV) to 109 580 cm(-1) (13.5862 eV) by time-sliced velocity-mapped imaging technique with VUV photoionization detection of the fragments. These levels were excited from the ground state of N(2) (X(1)Σ(g) (+), v(") = 0) levels using an unfocused vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) laser via a one-photon process. The same VUV laser is used to ionize the metastable N ((2)D(o)) produced from the predissociation process and the time-sliced velocity-mapped imaging technique is used to determine their velocity and angular distributions. Two different theoretical methods developed, respectively, by Kim et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 125, 133316 (2006) and Zande [J. Chem. Phys. 107, 9447 (1997)] were used to calculate the anisotropic parameters for the predissociation to the channel N((4)S(o)) + N((2)D(o)) to compare with the observed value for each of the rotational levels. Very good agreement with the experimental results was obtained for both methods. Possible predissociation mechanisms were predicted from the measurements and calculations.

What are the radiological predictors of functional outcome following fractures of the distal radius?

The fracture most commonly treated by orthopaedic surgeons is that of the distal radius. However, as yet there is no consensus on what constitutes an 'acceptable' radiological position before or after treatment. This should be defined as the position that will predict good function in the majority of cases. In this paper we review the radiological indices that can be measured in fractures of the distal radius and try to identify potential predictors of functional outcome. In patients likely to have high functional demands, we recommend that the articular reconstruction be achieved with less than 2 mm of gap or step-off, the radius be restored to within 2 mm of its normal length, and that carpal alignment be restored. The ultimate aim of treatment is a pain-free, mobile wrist joint without functional limitation.

Si-based light-emitting structure synthesized with low-energy ion implantation at a low dosage

In this work, Si-based light-emitting structures were synthesized by Si+ implantation into 30 nm thermally grown SiO2 films with a low dosage (< or =1 x 10(16)/cm2). The emission band of electroluminescence (EL) extends from 300 nm to 700 nm with a peak at around 500 nm. The onset voltage for the EL is around 5 V for the 8 keV implanted sample which is low enough for many device applications. The light emission mechanism is studied in this work. It is believed that the defects in the Si+ implanted SiO2 films are the luminescent centers responsible for the EL. In addition, it is found the light emission intensity can be affected by charge trapping in nc-Si.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized phase II pilot study to investigate the potential efficacy of the traditional chinese medicine Neuroaid (MLC 601) in enhancing recovery after stroke (TIERS)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Previous clinical studies have shown that Neuroaid (MLC 601) may be beneficial in post-stroke rehabilitation. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy of Neuroaid on motor recovery in ischemic stroke patients using rehabilitation endpoints in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonization/Good Clinical Practice guidelines, in order to provide predictive information for further larger trials.

METHODS

This is a phase II double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of 40 subjects admitted with a recent (less than 1 month) ischemic stroke. All subjects were given either Neuroaid or placebo, 4 capsules 3 times a day for 4 weeks. Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and Functional Independence Measure scores were measured at initiation of the treatment, and at 4 and 8 weeks.

RESULTS

None of the outcomes was statistically significant between the two groups. However, FMA scores showed a positive trend for improvement with Neuroaid treatment over time. Subgroup analysis of subjects with posterior circulation infarction and severe stroke both showed a tendency for better recovery.

CONCLUSION

Some positive trends were observed in the Neuroaid group. A larger multicenter trial focusing on severe stroke patients is needed to better evaluate the role of Neuroaid in aiding stroke recovery in rehabilitation.

Manipulation Under Anaesthesia and Early Physiotherapy Facilitate Recovery of Patients with Frozen Shoulder Syndrome

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) followed by early physiotherapy in treating frozen shoulder syndrome.

Methods

In a prospective trial conducted between 26th August 2002 and 25th June 2004 in 86 patients with frozen shoulder syndrome, MUA was performed as a day procedure. Main outcomes were Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, a visual analogue score (VAS) for pain and range of movement, which were measured preoperatively and at six weeks postprocedure.

Results

Fifty (58.1%) patients had complete data. The average age was 54.5 years. The mean duration of symptoms until MUA was 13 months. The mean DASH score decreased from 48.07 to 15.84 (p<0.0005). The mean VAS reduced from 6.07 to 1.88 (p<0.0005). Flexion improved from 104.18 to 157.56 (p<0.0005); abduction from 70.48 to 150.00 (p<0.0005); and external rotation from 13.88 to 45.62 (p<0.0005).

Conclusion

MUA combined with early physiotherapy alleviates pain and facilitates recovery of function in patients with frozen shoulder syndrome.

High-resolution Rydberg tagging time-of-flight measurements of atomic photofragments by single-photon vacuum ultraviolet laser excitation

By coupling a comprehensive tunable vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) laser system to a velocity-mapped ion imaging apparatus, we show that high-resolution high-n Rydberg tagging time-of-flight (TOF) measurements of nascent atomic photofragments formed by laser photodissociation can be made using single-photon VUV laser photoexcitation. To illustrate this single-photon Rydberg tagging TOF method, we present here the results of the VUV laser high-n Rydberg tagging TOF measurements of O((3)P(2)) and S((3)P(2)) formed in the photodissociation of SO(2) and CS(2) at 193.3 and 202.3 nm, respectively. These results are compared to those obtained by employing the VUV laser photoionization time-sliced velocity-mapped ion imaging technique. The fact that the kinetic energy resolutions achieved in the VUV laser high-n Rydberg tagging TOF measurements of O and S atoms are found to be higher than those observed in the VUV laser photoionization, time-sliced velocity-mapped ion imaging studies show that the single-photon VUV laser high-n Rydberg tagging TOF method is useful and complementary to state-of-the-art time-sliced velocity-mapped ion imaging measurements of heavier atomic photofragments, such as O and S atoms. Furthermore, the general agreement observed between the VUV laser high-n Rydberg tagging TOF and velocity-mapped ion imaging experiments supports the conclusion that the lifetimes of the tagged Rydberg states of O and S atoms are sufficiently long to allow the reliable determination of state-resolved UV photodissociation cross sections of SO(2) and CS(2) by using the VUV laser high-n Rydberg tagging TOF method.

Amyloidoma: A Rare Cause of Soft Tissue Swelling in the Thigh

Soft tissue amyloidoma of the extremities is extremely rare and there are only 12 reported cases in the English literature to date. We present a case of soft tissue amyloidoma of the thigh in a 74-year-old lady.

Evolution of photoluminescence mechanisms of Si(+)-implanted SiO2 films with thermal annealing

The information of band structure of silicon nanocrystal (nc-Si) embedded in SiO2 thin films synthesized by Si ion implantation and subsequent thermal annealing at various temperatures has been obtained from spectroscopy ellipsometric (SE) analysis. The indirect band structure and the energy gap of the nc-Si are not affected by the annealing. In contrast, the photoluminescence (PL) spectra show a continuous evolution with the annealing. Six PL bands located at 415, 460, 520, 630, 760, and 845 nm, respectively, have been observed depending on the annealing temperature. The annealing at 1100 degrees C yields the strongest PL band at 760 nm (approximately 1.63 eV) with the intensity much higher than that of all the other PL bands. Based on the knowledge of the band structure, the 760 nm-PL band could be attributed to the indirect band-to-band transition of the nc-Si assisted by the Si-O vibration of the nc-Si/SiO2 interface with the stretching frequency of approximately 1083 cm(-1) (approximately 0.13 eV). On the other hand, the first four PL bands mentioned above could originate from different extended defects in the oxide matrix, while the 845-nm PL band could be related to the interface luminescent centers.

Quality of life and functional outcome after primary total hip replacement. A five-year follow-up

We have evaluated the quality of life and functional outcome after unilateral primary total hip replacement (THR). Between 5 January 1998 and 31 July 2000, we recruited a consecutive series of 627 patients undergoing this procedure and investigated them prospectively. Each was assessed before operation and reviewed after six months, 18 months, three years and five years. The Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) and Harris Hip scores were evaluated at each appointment. All dimensions of the SF-36 except for mental health and general health perception, improved significantly after operation and this was maintained throughout the follow-up. The greatest improvement was seen at the six-month assessment. On average, women reported lower SF-36 scores pre-operatively, but the gender difference did not continue post-operatively. The Harris Hip scores improved significantly after operation, reaching a plateau after 18 months. The improved quality of life was sustained five years after THR.

Assignment of rovibrational transitions of propyne in the region of 2934–2952cm−1 measured by two-color IR–vacuum ultraviolet laser photoion-photoelectron methods

The infrared (IR) spectrum of propyne in the region of 2934-2952 cm(-1) has been recorded by the IR-vacuum ultraviolet (VUV)-photoion method. The spectrum is shown to consist of two near-resonant, but noncoupled vibrational bands: the nu2 symmetric methyl C-H stretching vibrational band and a combination vibrational band nucs. The previously unobserved Q line of the nucs band is observed. The rotational transition lines of the nu2=1 band produces IR-VUV-pulsed field ionization-photoelectron (IR-VUV-PFI-PE) signal at the C3H4+ (nu2+=1) photoionization threshold. The rotational transition lines associated with the nucs band do not produce IR-VUV-PFI-PE signal. Rotational transition lines of both vibrational bands are assigned and simulated; and ab initio calculations further confirm the assignment.

Direct identification of propargyl radical in combustion flames by vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectrometry

We have developed an effusive laser photodissociation radical source, aiming for the production of vibrationally relaxed radicals. Employing this radical source, we have measured the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoionization efficiency (PIE) spectrum of the propargyl radical (C(3)H(3)) formed by the 193 nm excimer laser photodissociation of propargyl chloride in the energy range of 8.5-9.9 eV using high-resolution (energy bandwidth = 1 meV) multibunch synchrotron radiation. The VUV-PIE spectrum of C(3)H(3) thus obtained is found to exhibit pronounced autoionization features, which are tentatively assigned as members of two vibrational progressions of C(3)H(3) in excited autoionizing Rydberg states. The ionization energy (IE = 8.674 +/- 0.001 eV) of C(3)H(3) determined by a small steplike feature resolved at the photoionization onset of the VUV-PIE spectrum is in excellent agreement with the IE value reported in a previous pulsed field ionization-photoelectron study. We have also calculated the Franck-Condon factors (FCFs) for the photoionization transitions C(3)H(3) (+)(X;nu(i),i = 1-12)<--C(3)H(3)(X). The comparison between the pattern of FCFs and the autoionization peaks resolved in the VUV-PIE spectrum of C(3)H(3) points to the conclusion that the resonance-enhanced autoionization mechanism is most likely responsible for the observation of pronounced autoionization features. We also present here the VUV-PIE spectra for the mass 39 ions observed in the VUV synchrotron-based photoionization mass spectrometric sampling of several premixed flames. The excellent agreement of the IE value and the pattern of autoionizing features of the VUV-PIE spectra observed in the photodissociation and flames studies has provided an unambiguous identification of the propargyl radical as an important intermediate in the premixed combustion flames. The discrepancy found between the PIE spectra obtained in flames and photodissociation at energies above the IE(C(3)H(3)) suggests that the PIE spectra obtained in flames might have contributions from the photoionization of vibrationally excited C(3)H(3) and/or the dissociative photoionization processes involving larger hydrocarbon species formed in flames.

An experimental and quasiclassical trajectory study of the rovibrationally state-selected reactions: HD+(v=0–15,j=1)+He→HeH+(HeD+)+D(H)

The absolute integral cross sections for the formation of HeH+ and HeD+ from the collisions of HD+(v,j=1)+He have been examined over a broad range of vibrational energy levels v=0-13 at the center-of-mass collision energies (ET) of 0.6 and 1.4 eV using the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) pulsed field ionization photoelectron secondary ion coincidence method. The ET dependencies of the integral cross sections for products HeH+ and HeD+ from HD+(v=0-4)+He collisions in the ET range of 0-3 eV have also been measured using the VUV photoionization guided ion beam mass spectrometric technique, in which vibrationally selected HD+(v) reactant ions were prepared via excitation of selected autoionization resonances of HD. At low total energies, a pronounced isotope effect is observed in absolute integral cross sections for the HeH++D and HeD++H channels with significant favoring of the deuteron transfer channel. As v is increased in the range of v=0-9, the integral cross sections of the HeH++D channel are found to approach those of HeD++H. The observed velocity distributions of products HeD+ and HeH+ are consistent with an impulsive or spectator-stripping mechanism. Detailed quasiclassical trajectory (QCT) calculations are also presented for HD+(v,j=1)+He collisions at the same energies of the experiment. The QCT calculations were performed on the most accurate ab initio potential energy surface available. If the zero-point energy of the reaction products is taken into account, the QCT cross sections for products HeH+ and HeD+ from HD+(v)+He are found to be significantly lower than the experimental results at ET values near the reaction thresholds. The agreement between the experimental and QCT cross sections improves with translational energy. Except for prethreshold reactivity, QCT calculations ignoring the zero-point energy in the products are generally in good agreement with experimental absolute cross sections. The experimental HeH+/HeD+ branching ratios for the HD+(v=0-9)+He collisions are generally consistent with QCT predictions. The observed isotope effects can be rationalized on the basis of differences in thermochemical thresholds and angular momentum conservation constraints.

Combined vacuum ultraviolet laser and synchrotron pulsed field ionization study of CH2BrCl

The pulsed field ionization-photoelectron (PFI-PE) spectrum of bromochloromethane (CH2BrCl) in the region of 85,320-88,200 cm-1 has been measured using vacuum ultraviolet laser. The vibrational structure resolved in the PFI-PE spectrum was assigned based on ab initio quantum chemical calculations and Franck-Condon factor predictions. At energies 0-1400 cm-1 above the adiabatic ionization energy (IE) of CH2BrCl, the Br-C-Cl bending vibration progression (nu1+=0-8) of CH2BrCl+ is well resolved and constitutes the major structure in the PFI-PE spectrum, whereas the spectrum at energies 1400-2600 cm-1 above the IE(CH2BrCl) is found to exhibit complex vibrational features, suggesting perturbation by the low lying excited CH2BrCl+(A 2A") state. The assignment of the PFI-PE vibrational bands gives the IE(CH2BrCl)=85,612.4+/-2.0 cm-1 (10.6146+/-0.0003 eV) and the bending frequencies nu1+(a1')=209.7+/-2.0 cm-1 for CH2BrCl+(X2A'). We have also examined the dissociative photoionization process, CH2BrCl+hnu-->CH2Cl++Br+e-, in the energy range of 11.36-11.57 eV using the synchrotron based PFI-PE-photoion coincidence method, yielding the 0 K threshold or appearance energy AE(CH2Cl+)=11.509+/-0.002 eV. Combining the 0 K AE(CH2Cl+) and IE(CH2BrCl) values obtained in this study, together with the known IE(CH2Cl), we have determined the 0 K bond dissociation energies (D0) for CH2Cl+-Br (0.894+/-0.002 eV) and CH2Cl-Br (2.76+/-0.01 eV). We have also performed CCSD(T, full)/complete basis set (CBS) calculations with high-level corrections for the predictions of the IE(CH2BrCl), AE(CH2Cl+), IE(CH2Cl), D0(CH2Cl+-Br), and D0(CH2Cl-Br). The comparison between the theoretical predictions and experimental determinations indicates that the CCSD(T, full)/CBS calculations with high-level corrections are highly reliable with estimated error limits of <17 meV.

Vacuum ultraviolet laser pulsed field ionization-photoelectron study of allyl radical CH2CHCH2

The pulsed field ionization-photoelectron (PFI-PE) spectrum of allyl radical CH2CHCH2 (C3H5) in the energy range of 65 200-66 600 cm-1 has been measured using vacuum ultraviolet laser. Based on the simulation of the rotational structures resolved in the vibrational PFI-PE bands of C3H5+(X 1A1;0(0+) and nu7+=1), the ionization energies (IEs) of C3H5(X 2A2;0(0)) to form C3H5+(X 1A1;0(0+) and nu7+=1) are determined to be 65 584.6+/-2.0 cm-1 (8.131 46+/-0.000 25 eV) and 66 020.9+/-2.0 cm-1 (8.185 56+/-0.000 25 eV), respectively, where nu7+(a1) is the symmetric C-C-C bending mode of C3H5+(X 1A1). These values are compared to IE(C3H5) values obtained in previous experimental and high-level ab initio quantum theoretical studies.

Thymectomy does not abrogate long-term acceptance of MHC class I-disparate lung allografts in miniature Swine

We have previously reported that tolerance to class I disparate lung allografts in miniature swine could be induced using an intensive 12-day course of tacrolimus and that pretransplant sensitization with immunogenic MHC class I allopeptides failed to block the induction of tolerance. We also have previously reported the importance of the presence of the thymus in the induction of tolerance to isolated heart, kidney, and combined heart-kidney transplants. In this study, we examined the impact of thymectomy on tolerance induction in lung transplantation.

METHODS

Orthotopic left lung transplantation was performed using MHC class I-disparate donors. The recipients received a 12-day course of high-dose tacrolimus (n = 6). Total thymectomies were performed in three of the swine 21 days prior to transplantation. Lung grafts were monitored by chest radiography and serial open lung biopsy.

RESULTS

All euthymic recipients maintained their grafts for over 1 year. None of the thymectomized recipients has experienced graft loss in the 6 to 10 months following transplantation. Although isolated lesions of obliterative bronchiolitis were occasionally seen in one thymectomized animal on biopsy, donor-specific unresponsiveness has been observed on assays of cell-mediated lymphocytotoxicity in all recipients. Moreover, co-culture assays have shown that recipient lymphocytes can strongly inhibit the normally robust response of naïve recipient-matched lymphocytes to donor antigen. This inhibition was not seen when using stimulators primed with third-party antigens against appropriate targets.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that thymus-independent peripheral regulatory mechanisms may be sufficient to induce and maintain long-term acceptance of the lung allografts.

The role of indirect recognition of MHC class I and II allopeptides in a fully mismatched miniature swine model of lung transplantation

Considerable evidence suggests that indirect recognition of MHC allopeptides plays an important role in solid-organ rejection. Here, we examine whether immunization with class I or class II allopeptides accelerates rejection in a fully MHC-mismatched lung transplant model in miniature swine.

METHODS

Recipients were immunized with either donor-derived class I or class II peptides. Sensitization to the peptides was confirmed by DTH testing and in vitro proliferation assays. Nonimmunized control (n = 6), class I peptide-immunized (n = 3), and class II peptide-immunized (n = 3) swine were transplanted with fully mismatched lungs using only a 12-day course of tacrolimus.

RESULTS

One control animal rejected its graft on postoperative day 103, while the others maintained their grafts for over 1 year. In the class I peptide-immunized group, two recipients rejected their grafts (days 14 and 52). The third animal has not rejected the graft (day 120, experiment is ongoing). In contrast, in the class II-peptide immunized group, only one animal rejected its graft on day 52, while the others maintained their grafts over 1 year. Both anti-donor IgM and IgG antibodies were detectable in all acute rejectors, although no alloantibody was detectable in long-term acceptors. Regardless of the fate of the graft, all animals have maintained their proliferative responses to the peptides. However, only acceptors maintained donor-specific hyporesponsiveness in cell-mediated lymphocytotoxity and mixed lymphocyte reaction assays.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretransplant sensitization of lung allograft recipients to donor allopeptides accelerates graft rejection. This appears particularly true for class I-derived allopeptides, suggesting that class II molecules may be less antigenic when presented indirectly.

Rotationally resolved vacuum ultraviolet pulsed field ionization-photoelectron vibrational bands for HD+(X 2Sigmag+,v+=0-20)

The authors have obtained rotationally resolved vacuum ultraviolet pulsed field ionization-photoelectron (vuv-PFI-PE) spectrum of HD in the photon energy range of 15.29-18.11 eV, covering the ionization transitions HD+(X 2Sigmag+,v+=0-21,N+)<--HD(X 1Sigmag+,v"=0,J"). The assignment of rotational transitions resolved in the vuv-PFI-PE vibrational bands for HD+(X 2Sigmag+,v+=0-20) and their simulation using the Buckingham-Orr-Sichel (BOS) model are presented. Rotational branches corresponding to the DeltaN=N+-J"=0, +/-1, +/-2, +/-3, and +/-4 transitions are observed in the vuv-PFI-PE spectrum of HD. The BOS simulation shows that the perturbation of vuv-PFI-PE rotational line intensities due to near resonance autoionization is very minor at v+>or=5 and decreases as v+ is increased. Thus, the rotationally resolved PFI-PE bands for HD+(v+>or=5) presented here provide reliable estimates of state-to-state cross sections for direct photoionization of HD, while the rotationally resolved PFI-PE bands for HD+(v+<5) are useful data for fundamental understanding of the near resonance autoionizing mechanism. On the basis of the rovibrational assignment of the vuv-PFI-PE bands, the ionization energies for the formation of HD+(X 2Sigmag+,v+=0-20,N+) from HD(X 1Sigmag+,v"=0,J") and the vibrational constants (omegae, omegaechie, omegaeye, and omegaeze), the rotational constants (Be and alphae), the vibrational energy spacings, and the dissociation energy for HD+(X 2Sigmag+) are determined. As expected, these values are found to be in excellent agreement with high level theoretical predictions.

Acute abdomen as a cause of death in sudden, unexpected deaths in the elderly

AIMS

This study profiles patients aged 70 years or above dying suddenly of an 'acute abdomen' and investigates the specific features associated with the conditions and their diagnoses.

METHODS

A retrospective study using data obtained from autopsy and police reports held in the Forensic Medicine Section of the University of Edinburgh.

RESULTS

From 1997 to 2000, out of 2121 autopsies of patients aged 70 or above, an 'acute abdomen' was considered as a primary cause of death in 111 cases. The number of cases increased over the period of study. Peptic ulcer disease was the commonest underlying cause of death. Twenty-nine (26.1%) cases were due to its complications, namely gastrointestinal haemorrhage and perforation. Sixty-nine (62.2%) patients were seen by a medical practitioner in circumstances arising from the onset of acute abdomen. In 27 (39.1%) cases a provisional diagnosis was recorded.

CONCLUSION

The 'acute abdomen' is still an appreciably frequent cause of death in sudden, unexpected deaths in the older age group. Some of the deaths may have been preventable with an early diagnosis. A high level of vigilance and early attention to an 'acute abdomen' by medical practitioners is therefore advocated.