Legacy data and cosmological constraints from the angular-size/redshift relation for ultra-compact radio sources

We have re-examined an ancient VLBI survey of ultra-comact radio sources at 2.29 GHz, which gave fringe amplitudes for 917 such objects with total flux density >0.5 Jy approximately. A number of cosmological investigations based upon this survey have been published in recent years. We have updated the sample with respect to both redshift and radio information, and now have full data for 613 objects, significantly larger than the number (337) used in earlier investigations. The corresponding angular-size/redshift diagram gives Omega_m=0.25+0.04/-0.03, Omega_\Lambda=0.97+0.09/-0.13 and K=0.22+0.07/-0.10. In combination with supernova data, and a simple-minded approach to CMB data based upon the angular size of the acoustic horizon, our best figures are Omega_m=0.298+0.025/-0.024, Omega_\Lambda=0.702+0.035/-0.036 and K= 0.000+0.021/-0.019. We have examined simple models of dynamical vacuum energy; the first, based upon a scalar potential V(phi)=omega_C^2 phi^2/2, gives w(0)=-1.00+0.06/-0.00, (dw/dz)_0=+0.00/-0.08; in this case conditions at z=0 require particular attention, to preclude behaviour in which phi becomes singular as z -->infinity. For fixed w limits are w=-1.20+0.15/-0.14. The above error bars are 68% confidence limits.Comment: 24 pages, 9 figure

Arthritis of the base of the thumb

The purpose of this article is to outline the pathophysiology and epidemiology of arthritis of the base of the thumb. The usual presentation and diagnosis will be discussed along with the current conservative treatment options. Surgical treatment options are determined by the stage of the arthritis as well as the demands of the patient. The current standard surgical treatment options will be reviewed along with their results in the literature

Tatiana Riabouchinska (centre middle), Vera Nelidova (centre right), and artists of the company, in Les sylphides, The Original Ballet Russe, Australian tour, His Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne, 1940 [picture] /

Condition: Poor, silvering.; From: Les sylphides : a romantic reverie in one act / by Michel Fokine ; music by Frédéric Chopin, orchestrated by Vittorio Rieti.; Inscription: "3G/18".; Part of the collection: Hugh P. Hall collection of photographs, 1938-1940.; Performed March - June 1940.; Choreography by Michel Fokine ; scenery by Prince A. Schervachidze, after Jean Corot ; costumes executed by O. Larose.; Also available in an electronic version via the Internet at: http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-vn4180303. One of a collection of photographs taken by Hugh P. Hall of 28 ballet productions performed by the Covent Garden Russian Ballet (toured Australia 1938-1939) and the Original Ballet Russe (toured Australia 1939-1940). These are the second and third of the three Ballets Russes companies which toured Australasia between 1936 and 1940. The photographs were taken from the auditorium during a live performance in His Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne and mounted on cardboard for display purposes. For conservation and storage, the photographs have been demounted. The original arrangement of the photographs has been recorded, and details are available from the Pictures Branch of the National Library

Diagnostic efficacy of MnDPDP in MR imaging of the liver. A phase III multicentre study

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic efficacy, safety and tolerability of mangafodipir trisodium (MnDPDP, Teslascan) in MR imaging of the liver. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-two patients from 4 centres underwent MR imaging with pre-contrast sequences including T1-weighted SE and GRE, and T2-weighted turbo SE sequences. MnDPDP at a dose of 5 mumol/kg b.w. was administered by slow i.v. infusion, and 20-60 min after infusion the T1-weighted SE and GRE sequences were repeated. Diagnostic efficacy was evaluated by counting the number of lesions and by evaluating whether more information for lesion characterisation was available in post-contrast images. Safety and tolerability were assessed by recording adverse events and infusion-related discomfort. RESULTS: Significantly more lesions were found in MnDPDP-enhanced T1-weighted SE and GRE images than in unenhanced images of the same sequences. More lesions were also found in these images compared with T2-weighted images at a level of marginal significance. More information was obtained from MnDPDP-enhanced images in 40 cases. Mild to moderate adverse events were experienced by 17% of the patients. CONCLUSION: MnDPDP-enhanced images can improve lesion detection in the liver and are helpful for lesion characterisation. To obtain optimal diagnostic information of liver lesions T2-weighted images are also valuable. MnDPDP is a safe contrast agent for MR imaging of liver lesions

IgG subclasses determine pathways of anaphylaxis in mice

Background: Animal models have demonstrated that allergen-specific IgG confers sensitivity to systemic anaphylaxis that relies on IgG Fc receptors (Fc?Rs). Mouse IgG2a and IgG2b bind activating Fc?RI, Fc?RIII, and Fc?RIV and inhibitory Fc?RIIB; mouse IgG1 binds only Fc?RIII and Fc?RIIB. Although these interactions are of strikingly different affinities, these 3 IgG subclasses have been shown to enable induction of systemic anaphylaxis.Objective: We sought to determine which pathways control the induction of IgG1-, IgG2a-, and IgG2b-dependent passive systemic anaphylaxis.Methods: Mice were sensitized with IgG1, IgG2a, or IgG2b anti-trinitrophenyl mAbs and challenged with trinitrophenyl-BSA intravenously to induce systemic anaphylaxis that was monitored by using rectal temperature. Anaphylaxis was evaluated in mice deficient for Fc?Rs injected with mediator antagonists or in which basophils, monocytes/macrophages, or neutrophils had been depleted. Fc?R expression was evaluated on these cells before and after anaphylaxis.Results: Activating Fc?RIII is the receptor primarily responsible for all 3 models of anaphylaxis, and subsequent downregulation of this receptor was observed. These models differentially relied on histamine release and the contribution of mast cells, basophils, macrophages, and neutrophils. Strikingly, basophil contribution and histamine predominance in mice with IgG1- and IgG2b-induced anaphylaxis correlated with the ability of inhibitory Fc?RIIB to negatively regulate these models of anaphylaxis.Conclusion: We propose that the differential expression of inhibitory Fc?RIIB on myeloid cells and its differential binding of IgG subclasses controls the contributions of mast cells, basophils, neutrophils, and macrophages to IgG subclass–dependent anaphylaxis. Collectively, our results unravel novel complexities in the involvement and regulation of cell populations in IgG-dependent reactions in vivo