PI(4,5)P2 controls slit diaphragm formation and endocytosis in Drosophila nephrocytes.

Drosophila nephrocytes are an emerging model system for mammalian podocytes and proximal tubules as well as for the investigation of kidney diseases. Like podocytes, nephrocytes exhibit characteristics of epithelial cells, but the role of phospholipids in polarization of these cells is yet unclear. In epithelia, phosphatidylinositol(4,5)bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) and phosphatidylinositol(3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P3) are asymmetrically distributed in the plasma membrane and determine apical-basal polarity.

Apical-basal polarity regulators are essential for slit diaphragm assembly and endocytosis in Drosophila nephrocytes.

Apical-basal polarity is a key feature of most epithelial cells and it is regulated by highly conserved protein complexes. In mammalian podocytes, which emerge from columnar epithelial cells, this polarity is preserved and the tight junctions are converted to the slit diaphragms, establishing the filtration barrier. In Drosophila, nephrocytes show several structural and functional similarities with mammalian podocytes and proximal tubular cells.

A control method for a nonlinear multivariable system: application to interstitial laser hyperthermia.

An original adaptive control method is presented for controlling a nonlinear multivariable system. The method, which could be described as a modified quasi-linear approach, involves dividing the source excitation into a series of pulsing rounds and is implemented as a control algorithm on a computer. The theory underlying the method is developed with reference to an application involving temperature control in interstitial laser hyperthermia.

Shielding effects of Selectron applicator and pellets on isodose distributions.

The Selectron is a mobile remote afterloading device which was developed specifically to reduce the radiation exposure to hospital personnel during intracavitary brachytherapy. Applicators for these devices contain source trains of 48 spherical pellets per channel, composed of both active and inactive pellets which have an external diameter of 2.5 mm.

Measurements in high-intensity beams from medical linear accelerators.

There is a potential to produce very high doses and dose rates on dual mode (electron and x-ray capability) medical electron accelerators [C. J. Karzmark, Br.