New IR imaging modalities for cancer detection and for intra-cell chemical mapping with a sub-diffraction mid-IR s-SNOM.

We present two new modalities for generating chemical maps. Both are mid-IR based and aimed at the biomedical community, but they differ substantially in their technological readiness. The first, so-called "Digistain", is a technologically mature "locked down" way of acquiring diffraction-limited chemical images of human cancer biopsy tissue. Although it is less flexible than conventional methods of acquiring IR images, this is an intentional, and key, design feature. It allows it to be used, on a routine basis, by clinical personnel themselves. It is in the process of a full clinical evaluation and the philosophy behind the approach is discussed. The second modality is a very new, probe-based "s-SNOM", which we are developing in conjunction with a new family of tunable "Quantum Cascade Laser" (QCL) diode lasers. Although in its infancy, this instrument can already deliver ultra-detailed chemical images whose spatial resolutions beat the normal diffraction limit by a factor of ∼1000. This is easily enough to generate chemical maps of the insides of single cells for the first time, and a range of new possible scientific applications are explored.

ac Stark splitting and quantum interference with intersubband transitions in quantum wells.

Resonant optical coupling experiments have demonstrated coherent quantum interference between the Stark-split "dressed states" of a synthesized 3-level electronic system in a semiconductor quantum well. Analysis of the dephasing mechanisms reveals dipole selection rules closely analogous to those seen in atomic spectroscopy experiments. In this respect, these systems behave as "artificial atoms" for the purposes of observing a range of nonclassical coherent optical effects. The prospects for exploiting them for scalable quantum information processing applications are more promising than previous dephasing models would have predicted.

Laser-induced quantum coherence in a semiconductor quantum well.

The phenomenon of electromagnetically induced quantum coherence is demonstrated between three confined electron subband levels in a quantum well which are almost equally spaced in energy. Applying a strong coupling field, two-photon resonant with the 1-3 intersubband transition, produces a pronounced narrow transparency feature in the 1-2 absorption line. This result can be understood in terms of all three states being simultaneously driven into "phase-locked" quantum coherence by a single coupling field. We describe the effect theoretically with a density matrix method and an adapted linear response theory.

Returning perchlorate-contaminated fume hood systems to service. Part II. Disassembly, decontamination, disposal, and analytical procedures.

Part I presented work leading up to and including a pilot study for remediation of laboratory fume hood systems contaminated with residues from processes that used fuming perchloric acid. Since publication of Part I, three incidents involving explosions and fires related to perchlorates have come to the attention of the authors. Experience has been gained through decontamination/remediation of 41 additional systems. This article expands on previous one and includes (1) administrative details that need to be addressed before and during the execution of the decontamination itself, (2) a seven-step procedure for decontamination-remediation/disposal, (3) some precautions associated with the use of methylene blue as a diagnostic tool for perchlorates, and-specific electrode to augment or replace the methylene blue test.

Adapting the MMPI for use in assessing late adolescents in Trinidad and Tobago.

In this study, the original Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was modified slightly by rewording ten items to fit the vernacular of English employed by young men and women in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The response alternatives were extended to include a "don't understand" answer in addition to "true" and "false." To determine the effectiveness of the MMPI for use in this cultural setting, 202 male and 246 female high school students between the ages of 15 and 20 years were examined. Two clinical groups also were studied: 26 male and 32 female adolescents in psychiatric treatment, as well as 49 male and 14 female juvenile offenders incarcerated for various delinquent acts. The retest stability of the basic MMPI scores was evaluated by readministering the MMPI one week later to samples of normal males and females. Validity scale data indicated that these late adolescents were responding to the MMPI in ways comparable to normal and clinical groups in the United States. The results of this investigation support the use of the MMPI in the appraisal of emotional problems of adolescents seen in both the mental health and criminal justice systems in Trinidad and Tobago.

Adapting the MMPI for use in assessing late adolescents in Trinidad and Tobago

In this study, the original Minnesota Multiphasic Personality inventory (MMPI) was modified slightly by rewording ten items to fit the vernacular of English employed by young men and women in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The response alternatives were extended to include a don't understand answer in addition to true and false. To determine the effectiveness of the MMPI for use in this cultural setting, 202 male and 246 female high school student between the ages of 15 and 20 years were examined. Two clinical groups also were studied: 26 male and 32 female adolescents in psychiatric treatment, as well as 49 male and 14 female juvenile offenders incarcerated for various delinquent acts. The retest stability of the basic MMPI scores was evaluated by readministering the MMPI one week later to samples of normal males and females. Validity scale data indicated that these late adolescents were responding to the MMPI in ways comparable to normal and clinical groups in the United States. The results of this investigation support the use of the MMPI in the appraisal of emotional problems of adolescents seen in both the mental health and criminal justice systems in Trinidad and Tobago(AU)

Plasma cell leukemia presenting as a pancreatic mass.

A 62-year-old woman presented with a 3-week history of obstructive jaundice. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed marked enlargement of the head of the pancreas and a prominent pancreatic body, suggestive of a neoplasm with associated pancreatitis. The peripheral blood showed an increased number of plasma cells accounting for 50% of the leukocytes. Biopsy specimens of the pancreas, liver, and a peritoneal lymph node showed a diffuse infiltrate of typical and atypical plasma cells (50% of which had cytoplasmic IgG-lambda). Serum and urine protein electrophoresis revealed a monoclonal IgG-lambda spike and Bence Jones-lambda protein, respectively. The bone marrow was diffusely infiltrated by plasma cells. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a plasma cell leukemia presenting as a pancreatic mass producing extrahepatic biliary obstruction.