Influence of equation of state on interpretation of electrical conductivity measurements in strongly coupled tungsten plasma

We study the influence of equation-of-state (EOS) model on the interpretation of electrical conductivity measurements in strongly coupled plasma of tungsten by Korobenko et al. (2002 Plasma Physics Reports 28(12) 1008--1016). Three different semiempirical EOS models for tungsten are used. Discrepancies in obtained thermodynamic parameters and specific resistivity values as compared with calculation results of Korobenko et al. are analysed.Comment: 11 pages, 5 Postscript figures, accepted for publication in J. Phys. A: Math. Ge

Clinical and laboratory experience of vorinostat (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid) in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

The most common cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) – mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary Syndrome – are characterised by the presence of clonally expanded, skin-homing helper-memory T cells exhibiting abnormal apoptotic control mechanisms. Epigenetic modulation of genes that induce apoptosis and differentiation of malignant T cells may therefore represent an attractive new strategy for targeted therapy for T-cell lymphomas. In vitro studies show that vorinostat (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid or SAHA), an oral inhibitor of class I and II histone deacetylases, induces selective apoptosis of malignant CTCL cell lines and peripheral blood lymphocytes from CTCL patients at clinically achievable doses. In a Phase IIa clinical trial, vorinostat therapy achieved a meaningful partial response (>50% reduction in disease burden) in eight out of 33 (24%) patients with heavily pretreated, advanced refractory CTCL. The most common major toxicities of oral vorinostat therapy were fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhoea, altered taste, nausea, and dehydration from not eating). Thrombocytopenia was dose limiting in patients receiving oral vorinostat at the higher dose induction levels of 300 mg twice daily for 14 days. These studies suggest that vorinostat represents a promising new agent in the treatment of CTCL patients. Additional studies are underway to define the exact mechanism (s) of by which vorinostat induces selective apoptosis in CTCL cells and to further evaluate the antitumour efficacy of vorinostat in a Phase IIb study in CTCL patients

Meet the Maximally Exposed Member of the Public: The Service Station Attendant for Spent Nuclear Fuel Going to Yucca Mountain

According to the 1999 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed Yucca Mountain repository site, members of the public along transportation routes by which spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive waste (HLW) is shipped will receive annual radiation doses less than 100 mrem/yr, the international (ICRP) and national (Department of Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission) radiation limit for members of the public. For the ''Mostly Truck'' national transportation scenario, the DEIS specifically concludes that the maximally exposed member of the public, a service station attendant along the primary shipping route will receive no more than 100 mrem/yr, or 2.4 rem over 24 years. Based on the assumptions in the DEIS scenarios, however, it is highly likely that service station attendants along shipping routes will be called upon to fuel and service the rigs carrying SNF and HLW to Yucca Mountain. After reevaluating the DEIS, and making realistic alternative assumptions where necessary, the authors conclude that these attendants are likely to receive substantially more than 100 mrem/yr external dose, and perhaps several times that dose (up to 500 mrem/yr), unless mitigating measures are adopted. This is particularly true in Western states where refueling opportunities are limited, and the distances between fuel sources in rural areas may be up to 100 miles

Hugoniot Measurements in Vanadium Using the LNL Two-Stage Light-Gas Gun

Hugoniot measurements on vanadium have been made using the LLNL two-stage light-gas gun. The direct collision method with electrical pins and a tantalum flyer accelerated to 6.28 km/s was used. Alt'shuler, et. al., have reported Hugoniot measurements in vanadium using explosives and the impedance match method. They reported a kink in the U/sub s/ - U/sub p/ relationship at 183 GPa, and attribute it to electronic transitions. The upper portion of their curve is based on a single point at 339 GPa. The present work was performed to further investigate the equation-of-state in the high-pressure range

Skin cancer awareness and sunscreen use among outpatients of a South African hospital: need for vigorous public education

Background: Melanoma incidence among white South Africans is increasing. Among black individuals, melanoma is associated with advanced stage at presentation and significant mortality. Objectives: A study was undertaken to assess the perception of skin cancer risk, knowledge of skin cancer, and understanding of the importance and use of sunscreens among South Africans. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in general outpatients over four months at a large central hospital in Durban, South Africa. Results: Only half the white respondents reported regular use of a sunscreen. Among black and Indian respondents, the number was substantially lower. Less than 20% of white respondents had ever checked their skin for suspicious moles. Most black patients were not aware that they are at risk of skin cancer, and only 10% were aware of the risk of developing skin cancers on acral sites and nails. Conclusions: There is a worrying lack of knowledge about skin cancer and sun protection behaviours among all South Africans. Given the increase in melanoma incidence and racial disparities in survival rates, it is imperative to target each population with effective, culturally sensitive educational programmes

Skin cancer awareness and sunscreen use among outpatients of a South African hospital: need for vigorous public education

Background: Melanoma incidence among white South Africans is increasing. Among black individuals, melanoma is associated with advanced stage at presentation and significant mortality.Objectives: A study was undertaken to assess the perception of skin cancer risk, knowledge of skin cancer, and understanding of the importance and use of sunscreens among South Africans.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in general outpatients over four months at a large central hospital in Durban, South Africa.Results: Only half the white respondents reported regular use of a sunscreen. Among black and Indian respondents, the number was substantially lower. Less than 20% of white respondents had ever checked their skin for suspicious moles. Most black patients were not aware that they are at risk of skin cancer, and only 10% were aware of the risk of developing skin cancers on acral sites and nails.Conclusions: There is a worrying lack of knowledge about skin cancer and sun protection behaviours among all South Africans. Given the increase in melanoma incidence and racial disparities in survival rates, it is imperative to target each population with effective, culturally sensitive educational programmes