Developing an Experimental Basis for Understanding Transport in NIF Hohlraum Plasmas

We report on the first multilocation electron temperature (T_{e}) and flow measurements in an ignition hohlraum at the National Ignition Facility using the novel technique of mid-Z spectroscopic tracer "dots." The measurements define a low resolution "map" of hohlraum plasma conditions and provide a basis for the first multilocation tests of particle and energy transport physics in a laser-driven x-ray cavity. The data set is consistent with classical heat flow near the capsule but reduced heat flow near the laser entrance hole. We evaluate the role of kinetic effects, self-generated magnetic fields, and instabilities in causing spatially dependent heat transport in the hohlraum.

Lack of predictive value of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale in patients after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) has been recognized as a valid measure of sleep propensity. Statistically significant correlations between ESS scores, the respiratory disturbance index (RDI), and the lowest arterial oxygen saturation (LSAT) have been described in patients with surgically untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We investigated whether the same relationships hold true after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). Forty-two adults with documented OSA treated by UPPP were reevaluated with the ESS questionnaire and 8-hour diagnostic nocturnal polysomnography (nPSG). We found no significant correlation between the ESS scores and the RDI or LSAT in patients after UPPP. Because postoperative ESS scores do not correlate with the RDI or LSAT, we conclude that the ESS is not a reliable surrogate for nPSG testing.

A new class of mechanism-based inhibitors of transglutaminase enzymes inhibits the formation of cross-linked envelopes by human malignant keratinocytes

A series of tyrosinamidomethyl dihydrohaloisoxazole compounds, designed as mechanism-based inhibitors of bovine epidermal transglutaminase enzyme, was examined for effects on the formation of cross-linked envelopes by human SCC-9 malignant keratinocytes. Compounds inhibited ionophore-induced envelope formation in a manner that reflected their capacity to inhibit transglutaminase activity. Preincubation and inhibitor wash-out studies indicated that the inhibitor must be present at the time of cell activation by ionophore in order to inhibit envelope formation. The stereospecific nature of the inhibitory activity of these compounds on both transglutaminase activity and cross-linked envelope formation makes this class of compounds an important tool in the study of transglutaminase-mediated events at the cellular level.

Acute and chronic effects of fire fighting on pulmonary function

The acute and chronic effects of fire fighting on pulmonary function were studied in 54 fire fighters from Connecticut, 32 smokers and 22 nonsmokers. Baseline studies of maximum expiratory flow-volume curves while breathing air and a mixture of 80 percent helium and 20 percent oxygen revealed obstruction of the small airways in 35 percent (nine) of 26 smokers and 13 percent (two) of 15 nonsmokers. Cigarette smoking appears to be a major contributor to obstruction of the airways in fire fighters. In the nonsmoking group, disease of the small airways was present only in fire fighters with at least 25 years of fire fighting, and none of them had respiratory complaints. In seven fire fighters retested immediately following mild exposure to a fire in a building, no significant changes in pulmonary function were noted. One fire fighter trapped in a fire in a basement had a high level of carboxyhemoglobin (42 percent) and developed a severe obstructive ventilatory defect which persists 2 1/2 years after the fire. The significance of disease of the small airways in fire fighters with chronic exposure remains to be elucidated with long-term studies; however, acute significant exposure may be associated with irreversible pulmonary injury in fire fighters.

Assessment of therapy of upper airway obstruction

Five patients with fixed upper airway obstruction were evaluated with maximum expiratory and inspiratory flow-volume curves before and after surgical repair of the obstruction. Flow-volume curves improved notably in two patients, improved moderately in two, and deteriorated in one. Symptoms and direct visualization of the obstruction before and after surgery correlated well with the changes seen in the flow-volume curves. None of the peak expiratory flow rates returned to predicted values after surgery, indicating at least some residual obstruction in all patients. It is concluded that flow-volume curves are an accurate, noninvasive technique for the diagnosis and subsequent assessment of therapy in patients with fixed upper airway obstruction.

Hyperlucent lung after radiation therapy

A 63-year-old woman was demonstrated to have a hyperlucent lung in a hemithorax irradiated 9 years previously for carcinoma of the breast. This is the second reported concurrence of these events.