These experimental results can be explained by analytically calculating

the anisotropic magnetoresistance effect induced by the motion of the vortex core. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3536390]“
“During investigations conducted within two years (2007 – 2009) 30 natural cenopopulations that were found, confirmed medicinal plants that can be used in the treatment of pediatric diseases. It was systematically studied life forms and distribution of 50 families, 94 genera and 97 species MK-2206 price of medicinal plants widely spread in Azerbaijan flora which are used in the treatment of pediatric diseases. It was determined that the majority of medicinal plants contains grasses (71%, 69 species). Among them, perennials are characterized with the highest number (48 species, 49.5%), annuals with medium BAY 80-6946 inhibitor (12 species, 12.4%) and biennials with the least number (9 species, 9.3%). Profoundly described plant resources and role in the medicine of species such as, Berberis vulgaris, Crataegus pentagyna, Althaea officinalis, Hippophae rhamnoides, Inula helenium, Vaccinium myrtillis and Vaccinium vitis idaea detected and confirmed the area of distribution of medicinal plants, their vegetation phase and collected parts with priorities used in the treatment of pediatric diseases.”
“The present

article endeavors to synthesize new polyamides via direct polycondensation of various diamines [hexamethylene diamine, rho-phenylene diamine, 2,5-bis(m-aminobenzylidene) cyclopentanone, and 2,6-bis (m-aminobenzylidene) cyclohexanone] with different bis (carboxy-substituted) hydrazines such as [1,2-bis(3-carboxy acrylyl) hydrazine and 1,2-bis(3-carboxybenzoyl) hydrazine]. The polycondensation reaction of 1,2-bis(3-p-hydroxyanilide acrylyl) hydrazine with the same bis(carboxy-substituted) hydrazines gave polyester amides. The poly-condensation process was run in the presence of CaCl(2), triethylphosphite,

EX 527 supplier and pyridine as a catalyst. These polymers were characterized by FTIR, (1)H-NMR, solubility, TGA, DSC, X-ray, mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity measurements showed that all new polymers show promise as insulators. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 1152-1161, 2011″
“We present a new type of electro- and magneto-optical spatial light modulators (e-MOSLMs) utilizing the concept of photonic crystals (PCs) – such e-MOSLMs have a microcavity structure. They comprise a magneto-optical (MO) and electro-optical (EO) constituents that can control the direction of the polarization plane, when applying voltage and/or external magnetic fields. Optical spectra of e-MOSLMs were analyzed by using the matrix approach.

100% of Pseudomonas isolates showed susceptibility to ceftazidime and a high sensitivity (92% of isolates) to ciprofloxacin and 88% isolates were sensitive to amikacin. 100% of P. mirabilis isolated from inoculates showed sensitivity to ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin. It also showed 87-97% sensitivity to ceftriaxone, amikacin and ampicillin. All (100%) Selleck JNK inhibitor of the Staphylococcus isolates were sensitive to vancomycin and 84-86% were sensitive to ciprofloxacin

and erythromycin. In general, gram negative organisms showed increased sensitivity to ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin and amikacin, while gram positive organisms to vancomycin, erythromycin and ciprofoxacin.

Conclusion: Continuous and periodic evaluation of microbiological pattern and antibiotic sensitivity of cholesteatomatous CSOM is necessary to decrease the potential risks of complications by early institution of appropriate systemic and topical antibiotic alongside mastoid exploration. We believe that our data may contribute to an effective medical management of chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma. Since the most common organisms in our clinical set up DMXAA manufacturer being P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis and S. aureus, which showed a percentage susceptibility of 100% to ceftazidime and vancomycin, thus making it an empirical antibiotic

combination therapy of choice in the recent times. Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Screening Library Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Many efforts are still devoted to the discovery of genes involved with specific phenotypes, in particular, diseases. High-throughput techniques are thus applied frequently to detect dozens or even hundreds of candidate genes. However, the experimental validation of many candidates is often an expensive and time-consuming task. Therefore, a great variety of computational approaches

has been developed to support the identification of the most promising candidates for follow-up studies. The biomedical knowledge already available about the disease of interest and related genes is commonly exploited to find new genedisease associations and to prioritize candidates. In this review, we highlight recent methodological advances in this research field of candidate gene prioritization. We focus on approaches that use network information and integrate heterogeneous data sources. Furthermore, we discuss current benchmarking procedures for evaluating and comparing different prioritization methods. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2012. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1177 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.”
“OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of a single bout of resistance exercise on cardiac autonomic modulation in patients with peripheral artery disease.

METHODS: Fifteen patients with peripheral artery disease (age: 58.3 +/- 4.

2%) were HR HPV DNA negative. 68 cases (50.7%) were positive for HPV DNA 16/18/31/33/45 and of them 50 cases were E6/E7 positive, and 18 were E6/E7 negative. 47 cases (35.1%) were positive for high risk types other than 16/18/31/33/45. HPV 16 is the most frequent genotype found in histologically confirmed high grade cervical lesions in our series; HPV 31 is the second most frequent type, contributing significantly to the proportion of women with CIN 2+ lesions in our population and shows a higher prevalence than HPV 18. Out of the 979 women with lesions less than CIN 2, 588 cases AZD1390 datasheet tested positive by PCR to high risk HPV DNA types (60.1%), and 98 cases were E6/E7 positive from HPV 16/18/31/33/45

(10.1%). Although HPV DNA and mRNA negative results should be evaluated with caution, since they could represent “”false negatives”", high risk HPV DNA positivity should be assessed carefully with colposcopy before performing excisional treatments, particularly in adolescents but also in patients who want child, since they may

reflect transient situations.”
“Background and Objectives A number of DNA-based methods to genotype the alleles coding for HNA have been described, but all require the separate amplification and analysis of each allele. The aim was to develop a DNA-based method for simultaneous detection of HNA-1, HNA-3, HNA-4 and HNA-5 alleles. Materials and Methods An allele-specific primer extension method LEE011 nmr was used in combination

with magnetic beads from Luminex technology. PCR-sequence-specific primers (SSP) was used to resolve the presence of the HNA-1b allele in samples assigned by the Luminex bead assay as HNA-1a/-1b/-1c or HNA-1b/-1c. HNA allele frequencies were determined in a panel of 140 randomly selected English Caucasoid blood donors. Results HNA allelic types were compared with historical results, and 100% concordance was found. Only eight of the 97 samples used in the validation required additional testing by PCR-SSP. Allele frequencies were determined in the blood donor population as follows: 0 center dot 318 for HNA-1a, 0 center dot 668 for HNA-1b, 0 center dot 014 for HNA-1c, 0 center JNK-IN-8 order dot 768 for HNA-3a, 0 center dot 232 for HNA-3b, 0 center dot 882 for HNA-4a, 0 center dot 118 for HNA-4b, 0 center dot 736 for HNA-5a and 0 center dot 264 for HNA-5b. Conclusion A multiplex Luminex bead assay for the simultaneous detection of HNA-1, HNA-3, HNA-4 and HNA-5 alleles is described that enables rapid typing of donors to support HNA alloimmunized patients who require HNA-compatible blood products.”
“Osteoarthritis (OA) is no longer viewed as a passive, degenerative disorder, but rather an active disease process driven primarily by mechanical factors. OA should also be conceptualized as a disease of a whole joint organ, and therefore imaging of OA requires techniques which enable us to visualize the whole joint organ.

We review the clinical features of these cases and literature concerning myelomatous pleural effusion.”
“OBJECTIVE Pityriasis alba

(PA) is the most common cause of facial hypopigmentation presenting to the dermatologist. The objective of the current study was to study the effect of the 308-nm excimer laser in the treatment of PA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve patients with 37 PA patches were enrolled in this study. The lesions were treated using the 308-nm excimer laser twice a week for 12 weeks. The hypopigmented areas were evaluated at baseline and at weeks selleck chemical 0, 3, 6, and 12 for scaling, hypopigmentation, and pruritus on a 4-point scale (0= none to 3= severe). All adverse effects were recorded.

RESULTS There were seven male and five female participants in (aged 5-21 years), with skin type III to V. After 1 month of laser therapy, the clinical scores were significantly lower than at baseline. Similar decreases were observed for the scaling and pruritus scores. Uneven skin color improved by the third week, and near-complete resolution was noticed by the end of 3 months. No serious or unpleasant side-effects were observed, and all patients completed the 12-week treatment. Patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment.

CONCLUSION

The 308-nm excimer laser is an effective therapeutic option for PA.”
“Electroencephalogram spectral power was estimated at 30 scalp locations in 28 neuroleptic-naive, recent-onset schizophrenia (NRS) patients Screening Library research buy and 25 healthy comparison subjects in the resting eyes closed condition. Weighted relative power values in the CX-6258 mw various bandwidths were initially compared between NRS subjects and comparison subjects and subsequently between the positive symptom subgroup, negative symptom subgroup, and comparison subjects, to look for characteristic spectral power profiles of the homogeneous symptom subgroups. Significant differences were noted especially in alpha2, delta, and theta bands between NRS patients and healthy comparison subjects, while the positive symptom and negative symptom subgroups showed characteristic spectral power profiles in alpha1, alpha2, delta, and theta bands.”
“BACKGROUND

Ablative and fractional lasers are used for periorbital rejuvenation, with different downtime, side effects, and efficacy.

OBJECTIVES To compare effects of fractional 1,550-nm ytterbium-and erbium-doped (Yb/Er) fiber laser and variable square pulse (VSP) 2,940-nm erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser treatment for periorbital wrinkles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS This side-by-side comparison study randomized 22 women with mild to moderate periorbital rhytides to receive three treatments with fractional 1,550-nm Yb/Er fiber laser or 2,940-nm Er:YAG laser treatment on either side at 4-week intervals. A video camera was used for objective assessment of wrinkles. Standardized photographs, patient satisfaction, side effects, and pain score were recorded.

(C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3651510]“
“The Earth’s rotation and its orbit around the Sun leads to continual changes in the environment. Many organisms, including plants and animals, have evolved circadian clocks that Nocodazole concentration anticipate these changes in light, temperature, and

seasons in order to optimize growth and physiology. Circadian timing is thought to derive from a molecular oscillator that is present in every plant cell. A central aspect of the circadian oscillator is the presence of transcription translation loops (TTLs) that provide negative feedback to generate circadian rhythms. This review examines the evidence that the 24 h circadian clocks of plants regulate the fluxes of solutes and how changes in solute concentrations can also provide feedback to modulate the behaviour of the molecular oscillator. It highlights recent advances that demonstrate interactions between components of TTLs and regulation of solute concentration and transport. How rhythmic control of water fluxes, ions

such as K+, metabolic solutes such as sucrose, micronutrients, and signalling molecules, including Ca2+, might contribute to optimizing the physiology of the plant is discussed.”
“Compared with the more traditional sciences of nutrition, physiology, and reproduction, the acceptance of animal welfare science in its own right is still relatively new. Seven colleagues, who had an average CX-6258 cell line of 10 yr experience with beef (n = 5), swine (n = 5), dairy (n = 2), poultry (n = 1), and sheep (n = 1) were asked several questions on the opportunities and challenges facing the field. The information collected was pooled for anonymity. General challenges identified by the group were (1) are we making progress and how can this be defined, (2) demand for information has outpaced the science, and (3) pressures from stake-holders. Solutions were (1) to continue providing sound science that has been validated, measured objectively, and is reliable; and (2) to continue to have animal science and veterinary

medicine departments BVD-523 employ faculty trained in farm animal welfare. Highlights for the future were willingness for animal welfare scientists to work across disciplines and across departments, within the same institution, and enthusiastically across state lines, and expansion of new teaching models. In conclusion, new and innovative tools, personalities, and dedication to the field of animal welfare will continue to provide scientific information and direction for farm animal welfare science.”
“Polyhedral oligomeric azido-octaphenylsilsesquioxane (N3-OPS) was synthesized from octaaminophenylsilsesquioxane (OAPS) via its diazonium salt. The synthesis included nitration of octaphenylsilsesquioxane (OPS) to octanitrophenylsilsesquioxane (ONPS), conversion of ONPS into octaaminophenylsilsesquioxane (OAPS), and conversion of OAPS into N3-OPS.

Fat reduction resulted in poor texture and binding, but this was overcome by binder addition. Use selleck chemicals llc of pea starch and fibre restored texture profile values of low fat samples to HE levels, All pea ingredients lowered cooking and purge losses, and increased water holding capacity compared to LF. Consumer acceptance of low fat bolognas extended with pea starch and fibre fractions was equivalent to HE. Pea flour samples were rated lowest texture and flavor were substantial issues. In general, pea starch and fiber performed as well as wheat flour in low fat bologna, with little change in functionality and without compromising consumer acceptability. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“It

remains to be determined whether the evidence in Western countries for blockade of the renin-angiotensin System in cardiovascular diseases could be directly applied to East Asian races including the Japanese population as a long-term strategy. The KYOTO HEART Study (KHS) is designed to investigate the add-on effect of valsartan versus conventional anti-hypertensive treatment on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Japanese hypertensive patients with uncontrolled blood pressure and with high cardiovascular risk. Over 3000 high-risk Japanese patients with uncontrolled hypertension were randomised check details to receive either additional treatment with valsartan

or conventional non-angiotensin receptor blocker therapies, and the follow-up period will be at least 3 years. The primary end point is a composite of defined cardio- or cerebro-vascular events. Secondary end points include all causes of mortality, worsening of cardiac function, new onset or worsening of arrhythmias or diabetes mellitus. The KHS will provide new evidence for the management of blood pressure

in hypertensive patients with high risk.”
“Objective Informal caregivers of people with advanced cancer experience many negative impacts as a result of their role. There is a lack of suitable measures specifically designed to assess their experience. This study aimed to develop a new measure to assess self-efficacy in caregivers of people with advanced cancer. Methods The development and testing of the new measure consisted of four separate, sequential phases: 5-Fluoracil clinical trial generation of issues, development of issues into items, pilot testing and field testing. In the generation of issues, 17 caregivers were interviewed to generate data. These data were analysed to generate codes, which were then systematically developed into items to construct the instrument. The instrument was pilot tested with 14 health professionals and five caregivers. It was then administered to a large sample for field testing to establish the psychometric properties, with established measures including the Brief Cope and the Family Appraisals for Caregiving Questionnaire for Palliative Care. Results Ninety-four caregivers completed the questionnaire booklet to establish the factor structure, reliability and validity.

However,

much less information has been forthcoming describing the 3D structure and conformation of LCAT required to catalyze two separate reactions within a single monomeric peptide.”
“Plasma and surface diagnostics of Cl-2/O-2 mixed-gas inductively coupled plasmas are reported. Using trace rare gas optical emission spectroscopy and Langmuir probe analysis, electron temperatures (T-e) and number densities for Cl atoms (n(Cl)), electrons (n(e)), and positive ions were measured HDAC inhibitor as a function of percent O-2 in the feed gas and position in the plasma chamber. Adsorbates on and products desorbing from a rotating anodized aluminum substrate exposed to the plasma were detected with an Auger electron spectrometer and a quadrupole mass spectrometer. T-e and n(e) increased with increasing percent O-2 in the plasma, while nCl fell off with O-2 addition in a manner reflecting simple dilution. Cl atom LDC000067 research buy recombination probabilities (gamma(Cl)) were measured and were found to be a nearly constant 0.036 +/- 0.007 over the range of Cl-2/O-2 mixing ratios and Cl coverage. Large yields of ClO and ClO2 were found to desorb

from the surface during exposure to the plasma, ascribed predominantly to Langmuir-Hinshelwood reactions between adsorbed O and Cl. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.3129543]“
“Background: The current study aimed to compare the effects 10058-F4 purchase of different cholinesterase inhibitors on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities and protein levels, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of Alzheimer disease (AD) patients.

Methods and Findings: AD patients aged 50-85 years were randomized

to open-label treatment with oral rivastigmine, donepezil or galantamine for 13 weeks. AChE and BuChE activities were assayed by Ellman’s colorimetric method. Protein levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Primary analyses were based on the Completer population (randomized patients who completed Week 13 assessments). 63 patients were randomized to treatment. Rivastigmine was associated with decreased AChE activity by 42.6% and decreased AChE protein levels by 9.3%, and decreased BuChE activity by 45.6% and decreased BuChE protein levels by 21.8%. Galantamine decreased AChE activity by 2.1% and BuChE activity by 0.5%, but increased AChE protein levels by 51.2% and BuChE protein levels by 10.5%. Donepezil increased AChE and BuChE activities by 11.8% and 2.8%, respectively. Donepezil caused a 215.2% increase in AChE and 0.4% increase in BuChE protein levels. Changes in mean AChE-Readthrough/Synaptic ratios, which might reflect underlying neurodegenerative processes, were 1.4, 0.6, and 0.4 for rivastigmine, donepezil and galantamine, respectively.

Conclusion: The findings suggest pharmacologically-induced differences between rivastigmine, donepezil and galantamine.

Preliminary phytochemical tests

were done. The ALE showed presence of alkaloids, flavonoides, carbohydrates, tannins and steroids, while carbohydrates, flavonoides, alkaloids were present with AQE. The PEE, CHE, ALE did not produce any mortality. Carbon tetrachloride produced significant changes in biochemical parameters (increases in serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alanine phosphatase (ALP) and serum bilirubin.) and histological (damage to hepatocytes) using Standard drug Liv-52. Pretreatment with ALE and AQE extracts significantly prevented the biochemical and histological changes induced by CCl(4) in the liver. The present study shows that the ALE and AQE Selleckchem YH25448 extracts possessed hepatoprotective activity.”
“Study Design. Prospective observational cohort study.

Objective. To define the utility of the revised Tokuhashi score in relation to predicting survival in patients with spinal metastases regardless of the treatment

pathway.

Summary of Background Data. The revised Tokuhashi score has been used for the prediction of survival. In this scoring system, however, all the patients were sourced by orthopedic surgeons, and asymptomatic patients were excluded. That might present a significant source of patient selection bias. The treatment plan was also affected by the predicted survival in their system.

Methods. All patients within 2 years of diagnosis of spinal metastases, whether symptomatic were recruited. Minimum 1-year follow-up

was required. During the study period, see more a total of 85 patients were analyzed including 44 patients who died within 1 year. The relation between the revised Tokuhashi score and survival were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazard model and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

Results. The mean age was 60.3 years (range: 35-84) and the median survival was 11.6 months. On multivariate analysis, lower performance status (Karnofsky performance status, 50%-70%) and unresectable organ metastases were significantly Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Library datasheet associated with poor survival, with hazard ratios of 2.92 and 4.44, respectively. In primary cancer type, lung and kidney cancer were also significantly associated with poor survival, with hazard ratios of 4.25 and 2.60, respectively. The revised Tokuhashi score groups were significantly correlated with the survival groups (rho = 0.530, P < 0.001). In 67 (79%) of 85 patients, actual survival matched the predicted survival.

Conclusion. Lower score on performance status, the existence of organ metastases, and primary cancer of the lung and the kidney were significantly associated with poor survival. The revised Tokuhashi score was found to be very useful to predict survival regardless of the treatment pathway.

Results: APP751 was found to form significantly more homodimers than APP695. Mutation of dimerization motifs in the TM domain of APP or C99 did not significantly affect fluorescence complementation. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the KPI domain plays a major role in APP dimerization. They set the basis for further

investigation of the relation between dimerization, metabolism and function of APP. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“To evaluate the heat effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on normal bone by mechanical testing, MRI, and histology.

The institutional animal care and use committee approved the animal study. Thirty-two adult Japanese white rabbits were included in our study. Bone biopsy needles were inserted from the distal end of the right (RFA side) and the left (control side) femurs selleck products using a fluoroscopic guide. A 17-gauge internally cooled RFA electrode selleck with a 2-cm active tip was inserted through the needle to the right femur, and RFA was performed for 12 min using a 200-W generator. Animals were divided into four groups and 8 animals from each group were euthanized on day 1, day 7, day 30, and day 60 after RFA. MRI was performed prior to euthanasia. Three-point bending test was performed to measure flexural strength. Student’s t test was used to evaluate for significant

differences between RFA and control side for each group. Femurs underwent histological examination by hematoxylin and eosin

staining after the bending test.

MRI showed a high-intensity rim around the bone on T2WI. Three-point bending test showed no statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the RFA and the control side in any of the groups. Histologically, osteocytes of cortical bone showed cell death, but the lamellar structure was preserved in all groups and bone Pitavastatin remodeling was observed.

Heat by RFA did not change normal bone strength within 2 months, despite the heat effects in the cortical bone and cell death.”
“Background: We aim to analyze clinical features of patients with craniocerebral trauma after 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China.

Methods: Medical records of patients with craniocerebral trauma admitted to Department of Neurosurgery in West China Hospital within 30 days after earthquake were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis were reviewed. Patients’ data from peripheral hospitals were also analyzed.

Results: Two hundred forty-two patients with craniocerebral injuries were included in the study. The male to female ratio was 1.3:1, and more than half of the patients were between 20 and 60 years. Majority of patients suffered from mild to moderate injuries (88.4%). Scalp wound was the leading type, followed by skull fractures and brain contusion and laceration. Fifty patients (20.7%) underwent craniotomy. Overall mortality was 5.

Results CVD risk factors were common (hypertension or use of blood pressure (BP) lowering medication in 92%, borderline or elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or use of lipid-lowering agent in 66%, history of diabetes mellitus in 41%, and obesity in 38%); prevalent CVD was reported in 20% of study participants. National Kidney Foundation BP guidelines (BP <130/80 mmHg) were not met by 69% of participants. Uncontrolled hypertension (BP of 140/90 mmHg or higher) was present in 44% of those taking antihypertension medication; 18% of participants had borderline or elevated LDL, of which 60% were untreated, and

31% of the participants with prevalent CVD were not using an antiplatelet agent. Conclusion There is opportunity to improve treatment and control of traditional CVD risk factors in kidney transplant recipients.”
“The

aim of selleck chemicals llc this study was to test the protective effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on cardiomyocytes in vitro and to investigate click here the anti-apoptotic signaling pathway.

MSCs from Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were separated and cultured. MSC medium was collected from MSCs cultured in serum-free Dulbecco’s modified eagle medium (DMEM) under hypoxia. Cultured cardiomyocytes from neonatal SD rats were exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) and treated with MSC medium. The apoptotic cardiomyocytes were stained with Annexin-V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), Hoechst 33342 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). The mitochondrial

transmembrane potential of cardiomyocytes was assessed using a fluorescence microscope. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, cytochrome C, apoptosis-induced factor (AIF), and caspase-3 was tested by Western blot analysis.

Our data demonstrated that MSC medium reduced H/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and reduced the release of cytochrome C and AIF from mitochondria into the cytosol.

MSCs protected GW3965 molecular weight the cardiomyocytes from H/R-induced apoptosis through a mitochondrial pathway in a paracrine manner.”
“The dynamic response of VO2-coated silicon microcantilevers thermally driven over the film’s insulator-to-metal transition was studied using laser light pulses directly incident on the cantilevers. The measured photothermal response revealed very high curvature changes of approximately 2500m(-1) up to pulse frequencies greater than 100 Hz and readily observable vibrations up to frequencies of a few kHz with no amplitude degradation after tens of thousands of pulses. Maximum tip amplitudes for 300-mu m-long, 1-mu m-thick cantilevers used in these experiments were nearly 120 mu m and correspondingly less for 2-mu m-thick cantilevers.