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Evaluation of a heat vulnerability index on abnormally hot days: an environmental public health tracking study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:715-20. [PMID: 22538066 PMCID: PMC3346770 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1103766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extreme hot weather conditions have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality, but risks are not evenly distributed throughout the population. Previously, a heat vulnerability index (HVI) was created to geographically locate populations with increased vulnerability to heat in metropolitan areas throughout the United States. OBJECTIVES We sought to determine whether areas with higher heat vulnerability, as characterized by the HVI, experienced higher rates of morbidity and mortality on abnormally hot days. METHODS We used Poisson regression to model the interaction of HVI and deviant days (days whose deviation of maximum temperature from the 30-year normal maximum temperature is at or above the 95th percentile) on hospitalization and mortality counts in five states participating in the Environmental Public Health Tracking Network for the years 2000 through 2007. RESULTS The HVI was associated with higher hospitalization and mortality rates in all states on both normal days and deviant days. However, associations were significantly stronger (interaction p-value < 0.05) on deviant days for heat-related illness, acute renal failure, electrolyte imbalance, and nephritis in California, heat-related illness in Washington, all-cause mortality in New Mexico, and respiratory hospitalizations in Massachusetts. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the HVI may be a marker of health vulnerability in general, although it may indicate greater vulnerability to heat in some cases.
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Conventional 3D conformal versus intensity-modulated radiotherapy for the adjuvant treatment of gynecologic malignancies: a comparative dosimetric study of dose–volume histograms☆. Gynecol Oncol 2003; 91:39-45. [PMID: 14529660 DOI: 10.1016/s0090-8258(03)00461-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goals of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of pelvic intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in the adjuvant treatment of gynecologic malignancies and to compare the dose-volume histograms (DVHs) and determine the potential impact on acute and long-term toxicity based on the dose to target and nontarget tissues for both planning techniques. METHODS Ten consecutive patients referred for adjuvant radiotherapy for gynecologic malignancies at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Magee-Womens Hospital were selected for CT-based treatment planning using the ADAC 3D version 4.2g and the NOMOS Corvus IMRT version 4.0. Normal tissues and critical structures were contoured on axial CT slices by both systems in conjunction with a gynecologic radiologist. These regions included internal, external, and common iliac nodal groups, rectum, upper 4 cm of vagina, bladder, and small bowel. Conventional treatment planning included 3D four-field box using 18-MV photons designed to treat a volume from the L(5)/S(1) border superiorly to the bottom of the ischial tuberosity on the AP/PA field and shaped blocks on the lateral fields to minimize the dose to the rectum and small bowel. A seven-field technique using 6-MV photons was used for IMRT. Restraints on small bowel for IMRT were set at 23.0 Gy +/- 5% and 35.0 Gy+/- 5% for the rectum and 37.5 Gy +/- 5% for the bladder while simultaneously delivering full dose (45.0 Gy) to the intrapelvic nodal groups in 1.8-Gy daily fractions. The dose-volume histograms where then compared for both treatment delivery systems. RESULTS The volume of each organ of interest (small bowel, bladder, and rectum) receiving doses in excess of 30 Gy was compared in the 3D and IMRT treatment plans. The mean volume of small bowel receiving doses in excess of 30 Gy was reduced by 52% with IMRT compared with 3D. A similar advantage was noted for the rectum (66% reduction) and the bladder (36% reduction). The nodal regions at risk and the upper vagina all received the prescribed dose of 45.0 Gy. CONCLUSIONS Intensity-modulated radiotherapy appears to offer several advantages over conventional 3D radiotherapy (3D CRT) planning for adjuvant radiotherapy for gynecologic malignancies. These include a significant reduction in treatment volume for bladder, rectum, and small bowel. It is anticipated that this reduction in volume of normal tissue irradiated would translate into overall reduction in acute and potentially late treatment-related toxicity. Prospective trials are necessary to better evaluate the advantages in a larger group of patients.
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An accurate determination of the lifetime of the 63P state in mercury using a new electron-photon delayed coincidence apparatus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/7/13/016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Abstract
In traditional brachytherapy for carcinoma of the cervix, doses are often prescribed to specifically chosen points (A and B) and the normal tissue tolerance calculated at specific reference points in the bladder and rectum. These tolerance doses are often used to modify the brachytherapy treatment plan. It is inherently assumed that the position of the brachytherapy applicator does not change in relation to the relevant anatomical structures over the time-course of an implant. To assess the accuracy of this assumption, 2 sets of localization films were obtained for each implant in 28 patients, 1 prior to loading and another after the removal of the radioactive sources. Significant applicator movement and, consequently, significant dose variations were ob: served. Therefore, isolated one-time dose measurements to normal critical structures should not be used as the sole basis for making therapeutic decisions. The magnitude of dose variations and their clinical significant are discussed.
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An efficient atomic beam oven for use in low energy electron scattering experiments. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3735/8/10/002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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An investigation of the structure near the L2,3edges of argon, the M4,5edges of krypton and the N4,5edges of xenon, using electron impact with high resolution. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/10/12/026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 445] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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A study of resonance structure in helium using metastable excitation by electron impact with high energy resolution. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/10/3/012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Measured lifetimes of excited levels in krypton II, xenon II and molecular hydrogen by the photon-photon delayed-coincidence technique. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/12/17/011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Lifetime measurements in cadmium II using the electron-photon delayed coincidence technique. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/8/15/008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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The measurement of molecular lifetimes by the photon-photon delayed coincidence method. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/8/4/027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Near-threshold electron impact excitation of ultraviolet-emitting levels of neon, argon, krypton and xenon atoms. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/10/18/032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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A study of resonance structure in neon, argon, krypton and xenon using metastable excitation by electron impact with high energy resolution. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/9/13/008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Radiative lifetime measurements of NH and CH using the electron-photon delayed coincidence method. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/11/9/018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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The classification of resonances in electron impact on neon, argon, krypton and xenon. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/9/13/009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Structure near autoionizing energies in the excitation of bound states of helium, neon and argon by electron impact. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/8/13/013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Measured lifetimes in mercury using the electron-photon delayed coincidence technique. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/8/3/007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Excitation of carbon monoxide and nitrogen molecules by electron impact at energies below 16 eV: studies of resonances in the excitation functions of metastable and ultraviolet-emitting levels. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/11/1/020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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A high resolution threshold electron spectrometer for use in photoionisation studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2000. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3735/20/4/021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Design and performance of a high-resolution electron energy analyser for angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2000. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3735/22/1/009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Ion-pair formation observed in a pulsed-field ionization photoelectron spectroscopic study of HF. Faraday Discuss 2000:355-62; discussion 407-29. [PMID: 11040518 DOI: 10.1039/a909277c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The pulsed-field ionization (PFI) photoelectron (PE) spectrum of HF has been recorded at the chemical dynamics beamline of the advanced light source over the photon energy range 15.9-16.5 eV using a time-of-flight selection scheme at a resolution of 0.6 meV. Rotationally-resolved structure in the HF+(X 2 pi 3/2, 1/2, v+ = 0, 1) band systems are assigned. The spectral appearance of these systems agrees with a previous VUV laser PFI-PE study. Importantly, extensive rotationally-resolved structure between these two vibrational band systems is also observed. This is attributed to ion-pair formation via Rydberg states converging on the v+ = 1 vibrational levels of the HF+(X 2 pi 3/2, 1/2) spin-orbit states. These Rydberg states are assigned to the 1 sigma+ part of the nd-complexes (sigma, pi, and delta). Ion-pair formation is observed in this study by the detection of F- ions. Some partially rotationally-resolved structure in a previously published threshold photoelectron spectrum is similarly attributed to ion-pair formation (F- detection) through a combination of the v+ = 17 level of the (A 2 sigma+) 3s sigma Rydberg state and the (X 2 pi 3/2, 1/2, v+ = 1) 7d Rydberg states. On the basis of the present study, an accurate experimental value for the dissociation energy of the ground state of HF has been obtained, D0(HF) = 5.8650(5) eV.
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Observation and characterization of the fluorescence decay of the 2s2p(6)np 1P(o) excited states of Ne. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2000; 84:431-434. [PMID: 11015931 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.84.431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/1999] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescence decay of the 2s2p(6)np (1)P(o) excited states of neon has been observed directly for the first time. This process has also been observed indirectly by threshold photoelectron spectroscopy and in electron/photon coincidences. The measurements have allowed this weak decay channel to be characterized and branching ratios derived. The fluorescence excitation spectrum is well described by a simple Rydberg model that highlights the interplay and competition between the decay channels of autoionization and fluorescence.
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The crystal structure of plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 at 2.0 A resolution: implications for serpin function. Structure 1999; 7:43-54. [PMID: 10368272 DOI: 10.1016/s0969-2126(99)80008-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 (PAI-2) is a member of the serpin family of protease inhibitors that function via a dramatic structural change from a native, stressed state to a relaxed form. This transition is mediated by a segment of the serpin termed the reactive centre loop (RCL); the RCL is cleaved on interaction with the protease and becomes inserted into betasheet A of the serpin. Major questions remain as to what factors facilitate this transition and how they relate to protease inhibition. RESULTS The crystal structure of a mutant form of human PAI-2 in the stressed state has been determined at 2.0 A resolution. The RCL is completely disordered in the structure. An examination of polar residues that are highly conserved across all serpins identifies functionally important regions. A buried polar cluster beneath betasheet A (the so-called 'shutter' region) is found to stabilise both the stressed and relaxed forms via a rearrangement of hydrogen bonds. CONCLUSIONS A statistical analysis of interstrand interactions indicated that the shutter region can be used to discriminate between inhibitory and non-inhibitory serpins. This analysis implied that insertion of the RCL into betasheet A up to residue P8 is important for protease inhibition and hence the structure of the complex formed between the serpin and the target protease.
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Metastable excitation measurements in CO and N2by high-resolution electron impact, using a low work function detector. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/16/12/019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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The observation, identification and classification of resonances in Ne, Ar and Kr in the doubly excited states region. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/16/8/021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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High-resolution electron impact excitation functions of metastable states of neon, argon, krypton and xenon. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/16/22/012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Inner-shell and outer-shell excitation of HCl, HBr and Br2by electron impact with high resolution. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/17/6/026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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A laser-induced fluorescence study of resonance structure in the electron impact excitation functions of metastable neon and helium. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/19/24/021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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An investigation of inner-shell excited states near the L2,3edges of Cl2using electron impact excitation with high resolution. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/13/23/009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Nitrogen K-shell excitation in N2, NO and N2O by high-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/13/5/025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Near-threshold electron impact excitation functions of high-n states of Ar, Kr, Xe, H2, N2and CO. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/17/14/020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Energy partitioning in near-threshold excitation and ionisation of helium by electron impact. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/18/5/005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Negative-ion resonances associated with inner-shell excited states of N2, NO, N2O, CO and CO2. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/13/21/023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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The observation of electric-dipole-forbidden inner-shell transitions in N2and Ar by the electron energy-loss technique. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/15/11/023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Lifetime measurements of VUV emitting levels in He, Ne, Ar and CO using the inelastic electron-photon delayed coincidence technique. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1088/0022-3700/17/15/028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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