Experimental demonstration of novel beam characterization using a polarizable X-band transverse deflection structure.

The PolariX TDS (Polarizable X-Band Transverse Deflection Structure) is an innovative TDS-design operating in the X-band frequency-range. The design gives full control of the streaking plane, which can be tuned in order to characterize the projections of the beam distribution onto arbitrary transverse axes. This novel feature opens up new opportunities for detailed characterization of the electron beam.

Fine-needle aspiration of fibrous dysplasia of bone: a worthwhile endeavor or not?

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive technique which is enjoying ever-increasing popularity in the initial diagnosis of many pathologic processes. However, FNA diagnosis of neoplasms occurring within bones is less commonly employed and is not the preferred method in some types of bony lesions. Fibrous dysplasia is a primary neoplasm of bone for which it is not yet clear whether FNA can reliably yield adequate diagnostic material.

Molecular diagnostic testing as an adjunct to morphologic evaluation of pancreatic ductal system brushings: potential augmentation for diagnostic sensitivity.

Malignancies arising from the pancreatic and biliary ductal systems present the gastroenterologist and pathologist with diagnostic challenges. Tumors of the pancreatic and/or biliary ductal system may present as either duct strictures or mass lesions. When lesions present as strictures without associated demonstrable masses, brushing cytology may represent the only reasonable diagnostic technique aside from open biopsy.

Enhanced expression of Runx2/PEBP2alphaA/CBFA1/AML3 during fracture healing.

The cause of the dramatic increase in expression of the osteopontin gene during fracture healing was studied in a mouse experimental model. Semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Northern blotting, and in situ hybridization analysis showed that the enhanced expression took place prior to callus formation. The change in the expression pattern of collagenous and noncollagenous bone matrix proteins in addition to Ets-1 and Runx2, major transcription factors of osteopontin, were examined and compared to that of osteopontin.

Vitamin D target proteins: function and regulation.

Recent findings have indicated that calbindin-D(28k), the first known target of vitamin D action, is present in osteoblasts and protects against TNF and glucocorticoid induced apoptosis of osteoblastic cells. Cytokine mediated destruction of pancreatic beta cells, a cause of insulin dependent diabetes, is also inhibited by calbindin-D(28k). In calbindin-D(28k) transfected pancreatic beta cells free radical formation by cytokines is inhibited by calbindin.