We demonstrate a further advantage of PPM emerging from the fact that the very low energy electrons employed experience a large elastic scattering cross section relative to many-kV electrons. Moreover, the variation of scattering factors as a function of atom type allows for enhanced elemental contrast. The idea that one can obtain chemical information about a sample whereas imaging it by PPM is worth pursuing in more detail, and here

we undertake simulations of this scheme to assess its feasibility to first order. Model results for small GSK1838705A mouse molecules and adatoms on graphene substrates, where very small damage is expected, indicate that a phase contrast is obtainable between elements with significantly different Z-numbers. For example, for typical setup parameters, atoms such as C and P are discernible, whereas C and N are not. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3658250]“
“A wide spectrum of quality exists among deceased donor organs available for liver transplantation. It is unknown whether some transplant centers systematically use more low quality organs, and what factors might influence these decisions. We used hierarchical regression to measure variation in donor risk index (DRI) in the United States by

region, organ procurement organization (OPO) and transplant center. The sample included all adults who underwent selleck kinase inhibitor deceased donor liver transplantation between January 12, 2005 and February 1, 2009 (n = 23 810). Despite adjusting for the geographic region and OPO, transplant centers’ mean DRI ranged from 1.27 to 1.74, and could not be explained by differences in patient

populations such as disease severity. Larger volume centers and those having competing centers within their OPO were more likely to use higher risk organs, particularly among recipients with lower model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores. Centers using higher risk organs had equivalent waiting list mortality rates, but tended to have higher post-transplant mortality ZD1839 (hazard ratio 1.10 per 0.1 increase in mean DRI). In conclusion, the quality of deceased donor organ patients receive is variable and depends in part on the characteristics of the transplant center they visit.”
“A new spiro heterocycle, decarboxyportentol acetate (1) was isolated from the barks of Laumoniera bruceadelpha Nooteboom (Simaroubaceae), together with 3,4-dehydrotheaspirone (2), and their structures were elucidated by 2D NMR analysis. 3,4-Dehydrotheaspirone (2) showed potent antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7.”
“Skull base chordomas are challenging to treat because of their invasive nature, critical location, and aggressive recurrence. We report the effectiveness of combined radical skull base surgery with carbon ion radiotherapy for treating skull base chordomas.

Between November 1996 and August 2007, 32 patients (12 males and 20 females; mean age at initial presentation 41.