Use of Reagent Grade Versus Industrial Grade Trichlorethylene in Asphalt Recoveries, MLR-83-05, 1983

This is a continuation of a project initiated a year ago to determine any differences in test results on recovered asphalt cements caused by the use of industrial grade of solvent as compared with the reagent grade. AASHTO specifies the use of reagent grade of trichlorethylene, but the Laboratory uses industrial grade which costs much less. Last year this objective of the project was aborted when it was found that a larger difference in test results was obtained between the two distillation apparatuses than between the two solvents, Then all efforts were directed toward obtaining uniformity in test results between the apparatuses under the east hood as compared with that under the west hood. Considerable progress was made toward this end. (See report under this same title dated April 1982). The objective this year was to again evaluate the results when using both variables (apparatuses and solvents). Another objective developed later in this investigation; this was to determine any differences in test results on recovered asphalt cements caused by the use of reclaimed trichlorethylene (from the distillation process) as compared with the use of industrial grade of solvent. At the present time the reclaimed trichlorethylene is discarded. If the reclaimed solvent could be used for further recoveries, a considerable savings in solvent costs would result.

Evaluation of High-Slump Concrete for Bridge Deck Overlays, TR-427, 2005

The Iowa Method for bridge deck overlays has been very successful in Iowa since its adoption in the 1970s. This method involves removal of deteriorated portions of a bridge deck followed by placement of a layer of dense (Type O) Portland Cement Concrete (PCC). The challenge encountered with this type of bridge deck overlay is that the PCC must be mixed on-site, brought to the placement area and placed with specialized equipment. This adds considerably to the cost and limits contractor selection, because not all contractors have the capability or equipment required. If it is possible for a ready-mix supplier to manufacture and deliver a dense PCC to the grade, then any competent bridge deck contractor would be able to complete the job. However, Type O concrete mixes are very stiff and generally cannot be transported and placed with ready-mix type trucks. This is where a “super-plasticizer” comes in to use. Addition of this admixture provides a substantial increase in the workability of the concrete – to the extent that it can be delivered to the site and placed on the deck directly out of a ready-mix truck. The objective of this research was to determine the feasibility of placing a deck overly of this type on county bridges within the limits of county budgets and workforce/contractor availability.

Amplification of 16S rRNA gene sequences to differentiate two highly related bradyrhizobia species

A 16S rRNA gene PCR-based assay was developed aiming at a fast molecular diagnostic method to differentiate the two phylogenetically closely related species Bradyrhizobium japonicum and B. elkanii, isolated from soybean nodules, in order to identify those more competitive and comprising greater nitrogen fixation ability for use in the formulation of commercial inoculants. The assay used was able to discriminate ten reference strains belonging to these two Bradyrhizobium species, as well as to efficiently identify 37 strains isolated from fields cultivated with soybean.

Selecting highly affine and well-expressed TCRs for gene therapy of melanoma.

A recent phase 1 trial has demonstrated that the generation of tumor-reactive T lymphocytes by transfer of specific T-cell receptor (TCR) genes into autologous lymphocytes is feasible. However, compared with results obtained by infusion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, the response rate observed in this first TCR gene therapy trial is low. One strategy that is likely to enhance the success rate of TCR gene therapy is the use of tumor-reactive TCRs with a higher capacity for tumor cell recognition. We therefore sought to develop standardized procedures for the selection of well-expressed, high-affinity, and safe human TCRs. Here we show that TCR surface expression can be improved by modification of TCR alpha and beta sequences and that such improvement has a marked effect on the in vivo function of TCR gene-modified T cells. From a panel of human, melanoma-reactive TCRs we subsequently selected the TCR with the highest affinity. Furthermore, a generally applicable assay was used to assess the lack of alloreactivity of this TCR against a large series of common human leukocyte antigen alleles. The procedures described in this study should be of general value for the selection of well- and stably expressed, high-affinity, and safe human TCRs for subsequent clinical testing.

Zinc adsorption in highly weathered soils

The objective of this work was to assess the effects of pH and ionic strength upon zinc adsorption, in three highly weathered variable charge soils. Adsorption isotherms were elaborated from batch adsorption experiments, with increasing Zn concentrations (0-80 mg L-1), and adsorption envelopes were constructed through soil samples reactions with 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mol L-1 Ca(NO3)2 solutions containing 5 mg L-1 of Zn, with an increasing pH value from 3 to 8. Driving force of reaction was quantified by Gibbs free energy and separation factor. Isotherms were C-, H- and L-type and experimental results were fitted to nonlinear Langmuir model. Maximum adsorption ranged from 59-810 mg kg-1, and Zn affinity was greater in subsoil (0.13-0.81 L kg-1) than in the topsoil samples (0.01-0.34 L kg-1). Zinc adsorption was favorable and spontaneous, and showed sharply increase (20-90%) in the 4-6 pH range. No effect of ionic strength was observed at pH values below 5, because specific adsorption mechanisms predominated in the 3-5 pH range. Above pH 5, and in subsoil samples, Zn was adsorbed by electrostatic mechanisms, since ionic strength effect was observed. Despite depth and ionic strength effects, Zn adsorption depends mainly on the pH.

Pressão de insuflagem dos pneus no desempenho do conjunto trator-grade de discos

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da pressão de insuflagem dos pneus nos parâmetros de desempenho do conjunto trator-grade de discos. As pressões avaliadas foram: 100 kPa nos pneus da frente e 70 kPa nos pneus atrás; 140 kPa nos quatro pneus; 190 kPa nos quatro pneus. Os testes de um trator com grades de discos foram desenvolvidos em condições de campo, em solos de textura franca, mobilizados e secos. Os parâmetros de avaliação foram: o patinamento, a velocidade, a capacidade de trabalho, a eficiência energética global e o consumo de combustível por hectare. Entre as situações de pressão de insuflagem dos pneus indicadas pelo fabricante do trator e a pressão de insuflagem indicada pelo fabricante dos pneus, não se verificam diferenças significativas, tanto na capacidade de trabalho como no consumo de combustível por hectare. A utilização de elevadas pressões de insuflagem dos pneus conduz a uma redução da ordem de 3 a 5% na capacidade de trabalho e um aumento significativo entre 10 e 25% do consumo de combustível por hectare, mesmo em condições de boa aderência dos pneus, refletidas no intervalo de 7 a 15% de patinamento registrados.

Signalling pathways in skin homeostasis

SUMMARY The results presented here contribute to a better understanding of the crucial molecular relationships and signalling cues exchanged by several fundamental cell types (epidermal keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts, immune and endothelial cells) of the skin. Importantly we provide evidence to directly implicate Wnt/ß-catenin signalling as a putative player in different cell types (keratinocytes and neutrophils) in mediation of the cutaneous inflammatory response (Fart A). Finally we highlight the importance of several molecules, specifically expressed in the hair follicle stem cell niche to the morphogenesis and homeostasis of the hair follicle (Part B). PART A Currently the body of work pertaining to Wnt signalling and immune cells largely focuses on Wnt signalling in the development of these cells. The data presented here suggests a novel mechanism in which Wnt signalling appears to modulate immune cell recruitment to the skin. Keratinocytes are major contributors to early inflammatory responses by the release of chemokines which recruit immune cells. The resultant inflammatory response is a dynamic process of sequentially infiltrating immune cells governed by a network of growth factors, chemokines and cytokines. In wild type mice the response is typified by a rapid and substantial infiltration of neutrophils followed at later time points by macrophages and Tcells. The expression of the canonical Wnt pathway activating ligand, Wnt3a, is able to induce a strong neutrophil infiltration in the dermis. This response originates in keratinocytes, as it is abrogated upon keratinocyte-specific ablation of ß-catenin. Notably, this suggests that the crucial cross talk between these resident cells and recruited immune cells is, in part, mediated by Wnt signalling. In corroboration of this role of Wnt-mediated recruitment of neutrophils, expression of the Wnt inhibitory ligand sFRPI during acute inflammation results in a dramatic 'dampening' of immune cell infiltration in particular of neutrophil chemoattraction. Importantly, an intrinsic Wnt signalling pathway is essential for neutrophil chemoattraction in response to inflammatory stimuli. There is a marked reduction of neutrophil infiltration in mice grafted with a ß-catenin deficient bone marrow upon TPA induced cutaneous inflammation. Additionally, neutrophils lacking Wnt/ß-catenin fail to respond to IFNγ, an early inflammatory cue, in vitro. In combination, these data indicate a potent function of Wnt signalling in immune cell recruitment and the modulation of the inflammatory response. PART B Tissue specific stem cells form the cellular base on which tissue homeostasis and repair of adult tissue relies. The maintenance of this stem cell pool is highly dependent on the immediate environment or niche. We have identified three genes, the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), serpin protease inhibitor (serpin F1) and the haematopoietic cell phosphatase (Hcph) to be specifically expressed in a small population of stromal cells which are in close contact to bulge stem cells. These specialized stromal cells might represent an essential mesenchymal component of the skin stem cell niche and may regulate stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Multiple FGFR1 isoforms are generated through alternate transcript splicing and are able to interact with both FGFs and cell adhesion molecules. Two predominant forms of the receptor are FGFR1-α and FGFR1-ß. Expression of a dominant negative form of the alpha isoform prevents hair follicle morphogenesis altogether. Given that FGFR1-ß signals principally through the FGF ligands, this data indicates that FGF signalling is dispensable for follicle morphogenesis. Moreover the loss of follicular morphogenesis upon suggests a requirement for signalling via cell adhesion molecule association with the receptor as FGFR1 α has a greater affinity for these molecules. The expression of the second candidate niche gene serpin f1, lead to the complete ablation of hair follicle morphogenesis. The serpin f1 product, pigment-epithelial derived factor (PEDF) has potent anti-angiogenic effects. Immunohistochemical analysis using CD31, a endothelial cell marker, revealed that although these cells are present, they have are disorganised and do not form vessels. Interestingly, endothelial cells have been found to contribute to the neuronal stem cell niche and our results suggest a similar mechanism in the skin. SHP1, the Hcph gene product, is a phosphatase which acts in the haematopoetic system. Motheaten mice carrying spontaneous mutations in the Hcph gene have patchy alopecia in their skin and severe defects in their haematopoietic system. However the haematopoietic rescue of the mouse does not result in normal follicular homeostasis. Additionally, ablation of Hcph in either the dermal or keratinocyte compartments of the skin produces hair follicles with abberant morphologies. This data indicates that although SHP1 is not essential for hair follicle morphogenesis it is required in both epidermal and dermal compartments to maintain follicular morphology. RÉSUMÉ PARTIE A Jusqu'à présent, les travaux dédiés à l'étude de la voie de signalisation Wnt dans le système immunitaire se sont essentiellement concentrés sur son rôle dans le développement des cellules immunitaires. Les données présentées ici suggèrent fortement et de manière nouvelle, l'existence d'un mécanisme par lequel la voie de signalisation Wnt/ß-caténine module le recrutement de cellules immunitaires dans un tissu périphérique, la peau, et ainsi la réponse inflammatoire cutanée. La réponse inflammatoire cutanée est un processus dynamique d'infiltration séquentielle de diverses cellules immunitaires, orchestré par un réseau de facteurs de croissance, chémokines et cytokines. Les kératinocytes sont des contributeurs majeurs à la réponse inflammatoire précoce par la libération de chémokines qui permettent ensuite de recruter les cellules immunitaires. Dans des souris sauvages, la réponse est d'abord caractérisée par une infiltration rapide et substantielle de neutrophiles, suivie par celle des macrophages et des lymphocytes T. L'expression d'un ligand activateur de le voie canonique de signalisation Wnt (après injection infra-dermique de fibroblastes sur-exprimant Wnt-3a) induit une infiltration dermique très marquée de neutrophiles. De plus, la réponse est éliminée en l'absence de ß-caténine spécifiquement dans les kératinocytes, indiquant que ces cellules sont à l'origine de la réponse. De manière remarquable, ceci suggère qu'une signalisation cruciale entre ces cellules résidentes de la peau et les cellules immunitaires recrutées est, au moins en partie, médiée par la voie Wnt. Corroborant ce rôle de la voie Wnt/ß-caténine dans le recrutement des neutrophiles, l'expression d'un ligand inhibiteur de la voie (sFRP1) résulte au cours d'une inflammation aigüe en une réduction spectaculaire de l'infiltration des cellules immunitaires en général, et des neutrophiles en particulier. De manière importante, la voie de signalisation Wnt est intrinsèquement requise pour la chémoattraction des neutrophiles en réponse à un stimulus inflammatoire. En effet, suite à une inflammation cutanée induite par un ester de phorbol (TPA), une réduction notable de l'infiltration des neutrophiles est observée dans des souris préalablement greffées avec de la moelle osseuse constituée de cellules déficientes en ß-caténine. De plus, in vitro, les neutrophiles sans ß-caténine ne répondent pas à une stimulation par l'interféron γ, qui est pourtant un signal inflammatoire établi in vivo. En conclusion, nos données indiquent que la voie de signalisation Wnt/ß-caténine joue une fonction active dans le recrutement des cellules immunitaires vers un organe périphérique, la peau, ainsi que dans la modulation, à plusieurs niveaux, de la réponse inflammatoire cutanée. PARTIE B Les cellules souches tissu-spécifiques forment la base cellulaire sur laquelle repose l'homéostase et la réparation tissulaires chez l'adulte. La maintenance de ce réservoir de cellules souches est hautement dépendante de leur environnement cellulaire immédiat, encore appelé «niche des cellules souches». Dans la peau, ces cellules stromales spécialisées représentent un compartiment mésenchymateux essentiel de la niche des cellules souches en régulant leurs prolifération et différentiation. Nous avons identifié trois gènes, le «récepteur 1 àux facteurs de croissance des fibroblastes » (Fgfr1 ), l' «inhibiteur de protéase à sérine » (serpinf1 ou pedf) et la « phosphatase des cellules hématopoiétiques » (Hcph ou Ptpn6), comme spécifiquement exprimés par une petite population de cellules stromales qui sont étroitement associées aux cellules souches de la peau (localisées au niveau du bombement du follicule pileux). Pour analyser leur fonction dans ce contexte, nous avons utilisé un test de reconstitution complète de peau murine en combinaison à des. transductions géniques basées sur l'utilisation de lentivirus. Ce test repose sur le mélange de deux compartiments cellulaires, épidermique (kératinocytes) et dermique (fibroblastes), greffés sur une zone ouverte de peau du dos d'une souris pour ensemble reconstituer la peau. Des isoformes multiples de FGFR1 sont générées par épissage alternatif de transcrits et sont capables d'interagir à la fois avec les FGFs (facteurs de croissance des fibroblastes) et les molécules d'adhésion cellulaires. Les deux formes prédominantes du récepteur, FGFR1-α et FGFR1-ß, ne différent que par le «domaine ressemblant aux immunoglobulines 1 » (immunoglobulin-like 1 domain), absent de FGFR1-ß. De plus, FGFR1-ß a une affinité plus grande pour les FGFs et plus faible pour les molécules d'adhésion cellulaires telles que la Ncadhérine (connue pour activer FGFR). La sur-expression de l'une ou l'autre des formes n'empêche pas la morphogenèse folliculaire mais conduit à la formation de follicules aberrants. Toutefois, une différence phénotypique majeure est observée lorsqu'une forme «Dominant-Négatif » (DN) est exprimée dans le compartiment dermique. La sur-expression de FGFR1-ß DN conduit en effet à la formation de follicules petits et tronqués, avec des gaines épithéliales et un bulbe élargis ainsi qu'une petite papille dermique. Par contre, l'expression de FGFR1-α DN abolit complètement la morphogenèse folliculaire. Etant donné que la signalisation par FGFR1-ß est principalement dépendante des ligands FGFs, ces données indiquent que la signalisation par ceux-cì est non-nécessaire à la morphogenèse folliculaire. De plus, l'abolition du processus par la sur-expression de FGFR1-a DN suggëre une signalisation nécessaire entre le récepteur FGFR1 et une ou des molécules d'adhésion cellulaire. L'expression de notre second candidat comme gène spécifique de la niche des cellules souches de la peau, serpinf1, prévient la morphogenèse folliculaire. Seules de petites structures ressemblant à des cystes sont observées après reconstitution de la peau. De plus, dans ces transplants, aucune cellule CD34-positive (marqueur des cellules souches) n'est retrouvée associé à ces cystes. Le produit du gène serpin f1, le «facteur dérivé d'épithélium pigmentaire » (PEDF) est un puissant facteur anti-angiogénique. Nous avons donc analysé la vascularisation des transplants par immunohistochirnies utilisant CD31, un marqueur des cellules endothéliales. Nos résultats révèlent que les cellules endothéliales sont bien présentes, mais de manière désorganisée et ne formant pas de vaisseaux. De manière intéressante, les cellules endothéliales contribuent activement à la niche des cellules souches neuronales, et nos résultats suggèrent donc l'existence possible d'un mécanisme similaire dans la peau. SHP1, le produit du gène Hcph, est une phosphatase quì agit dans le système hématopoiétique. Les souris « motheaten »qui portent des mutations spontanées du gène ont une alopécie inégale au niveau de la peau et de sévères troubles du système hématopoiétique. Pour s'assurer que le phénotype observé au niveau de la peau n'est pas une conséquence d'un défaut du système hématopoiétique, nous avons transplanté des souris Hcph -/- avec de la moelle osseuse sauvage afin de restaurer la fonction de SHP 1 dans le système hématopoiétique. Toutefois, le défaut de morphologie folliculaire est maintenu. De plus, l'ablation d'Hcph dans le compartiment dermique ou épidermique d'essais de reconstitution de peau conduit à la production de follicules pileux avec des morphologies aberrantes. Ces données indiquent que SHP1 n'est pas essentiel à la morphogenèse folliculaire mais est toutefois requis à la fois dans les compartiments épidermiques et dermiques pour la maintenance de la forme du follicule.

Anti-HLA antibody repertoire after IVIg infusion in highly sensitized patients waiting for kidney transplantation.

Polyclonal intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment reduces crossmatch positivity and increases rates of transplantation in highly sensitised patients (HS). We quantified the panel reactive antibody (PRA) by microlymphocytotoxicity (MLCC), and we analysed anti-HLA class I and class II IgG specific antibody repertoire by Luminex before and after IVIg infusion alone in HS patients awaiting kidney transplantation. Five patients received three monthly infusions of 1 g/kg of IVIg. Serum samples collected pre and post IVIg treatment were submitted for PRA analysis by MLCC. Anti-class I and anti-class II antibody specificities were then tested by Luminex. We focused on the anti-HLA class I and class II antibodies directed against HLA expressed by a previous graft. We also analysed the anti-HLA antibody repertoire in three patients who had not received IVIg infusion. The PRA level determined by MLCC decreased significantly in one of the five patients, dropping from 40% to 17%. The Luminex assay showed fluctuations of the anti-HLA antibody levels over time, but no significant longterm modifications of the anti-HLA antibody repertoire were observed, even in the patient with a strong and prolonged reduction of the PRA determined by MLCC. Our results show that IVIg at 1 g/kg is not sufficient to reduce PRA and does not modify the repertoire of specific anti-HLA antibody determined by Luminex.

Specialized home palliative care for adults and children: differences and similarities.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the provision of specialized home palliative care (SHPC) by the adult and pediatric SHPC teams at the Munich University Hospital. METHODS: All patients treated by one of the SHPC teams and their primary caregivers were eligible for the prospective nonrandomized survey. We analyzed the demographics, the underlying diseases, duration and impact of SHPC on symptom control and quality of life (QOL) as well as the caregivers' burden and QOL. RESULTS: Between April 2011 and June 2012, 100 adult and 43 pediatric patients were treated consecutively; 60 adults (median age, 67.5 years; 55% male) and 40 children (median age, 6 years, 57% male) were included in the study. Oncologic diseases were dominant only in the adult cohort (87 versus 25%, p<0.001). The median period of care was higher in the pediatric sample (11.8 versus 4.3 weeks; NS). Ninety-five percent of adult and 45% of pediatric patients died by the end of the study (p<0.001), 75% and 90% of them at home, respectively. The numbers of significant others directly affected by the patient's disease was higher in children (mean 3.4 versus 1.2; p<0.001). The QOL of adult patients and children (p<0.05 for both), as well as of their primary caregivers (p<0.001 for both) improved during SHPC, while the caregivers' burden was lowered (p<0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show important differences in several clinically relevant parameters between adults and children receiving SHPC. This should assist in the development of age-group specific SHPC concepts that effectively address the specific needs of each patient population.

Grade and Cross Slope Estimation from LIDAR-based Surface Models, 2003

Many transportation agencies maintain grade as an attribute in roadway inventory databases; however, the information is often in an aggregated format. Cross slope is rarely included in large roadway inventories. Accurate methods available to collect grade and cross slope include global positioning systems, traditional surveying, and mobile mapping systems. However, most agencies do not have the resources to utilize these methods to collect grade and cross slope on a large scale. This report discusses the use of LIDAR to extract roadway grade and cross slope for large-scale inventories. Current data collection methods and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. A pilot study to extract grade and cross slope from a LIDAR data set, including methodology, results, and conclusions, is presented. This report describes the regression methodology used to extract and evaluate the accuracy of grade and cross slope from three dimensional surfaces created from LIDAR data. The use of LIDAR data to extract grade and cross slope on tangent highway segments was evaluated and compared against grade and cross slope collected using an automatic level for 10 test segments along Iowa Highway 1. Grade and cross slope were measured from a surface model created from LIDAR data points collected for the study area. While grade could be estimated to within 1%, study results indicate that cross slope cannot practically be estimated using a LIDAR derived surface model.

Identifying the unmet health needs of patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism using a web-based needs assessment: implications for online interventions and peer-to-peer support.

BACKGROUND: Patients with rare diseases such as congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) are dispersed, often challenged to find specialized care and face other health disparities. The internet has the potential to reach a wide audience of rare disease patients and can help connect patients and specialists. Therefore, this study aimed to: (i) determine if web-based platforms could be effectively used to conduct an online needs assessment of dispersed CHH patients; (ii) identify the unmet health and informational needs of CHH patients and (iii) assess patient acceptability regarding patient-centered, web-based interventions to bridge shortfalls in care. METHODS: A sequential mixed-methods design was used: first, an online survey was conducted to evaluate health promoting behavior and identify unmet health and informational needs of CHH men. Subsequently, patient focus groups were held to explore specific patient-identified targets for care and to examine the acceptability of possible online interventions. Descriptive statistics and thematic qualitative analyses were used. RESULTS: 105 male participants completed the online survey (mean age 37 ± 11, range 19-66 years) representing a spectrum of patients across a broad socioeconomic range and all but one subject had adequate healthcare literacy. The survey revealed periods of non-adherence to treatment (34/93, 37%) and gaps in healthcare (36/87, 41%) exceeding one year. Patient focus groups identified lasting psychological effects related to feelings of isolation, shame and body-image concerns. Survey respondents were active internet users, nearly all had sought CHH information online (101/105, 96%), and they rated the internet, healthcare providers, and online community as equally important CHH information sources. Focus group participants were overwhelmingly positive regarding online interventions/support with links to reach expert healthcare providers and for peer-to-peer support. CONCLUSION: The web-based needs assessment was an effective way to reach dispersed CHH patients. These individuals often have long gaps in care and struggle with the psychosocial sequelae of CHH. They are highly motivated internet users seeking information and tapping into online communities and are receptive to novel web-based interventions addressing their unmet needs.

Should Koos grade I vestibular schwannomas be treated early with gamma knife surgery? A subgroup analysis in a series of 190 consecutive patients.

INTRODUCTION: Gamma knife surgery (GKS) for vestibular schwannomas (VS) has a long-term clinical and scientific track record. After a period of de-escalation of dose prescription, results show a high rate of tumor control with improvement of clinical outcome (less than 1% facial palsy, 50-70% hearing preservation). Régis et al. (J Neurosurg 2013;119 Suppl.:105-11) suggested recently that proactive GKS management in intracanalicular tumors is better than a « wait and see » strategy when hearing is still useful at the time of diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on these previous findings, we prospectively analyzed 190 vestibular schwannomas (VS), treated with GKS as first intention over a period of 4 years (2010-2014). We concentrated on patient, tumor and dosimetric characteristics. Special attention was given on the dose to the cochlea and its impact in maintaining serviceable hearing. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 1.3years (range 0.6-3.6). Preoperative serviceable hearing was present in 63.11% patients. The mean maximal diameter was 15.1mm (range 5-29.5). The size and volume of the tumor corresponded to Koos grade I, II, III and IV in 15.9%, 34.8%, 45.4% and 3.8% of the cases, respectively. The mean target volume was 1.24cm(3) (0.017-7.8). The mean prescription isodose volume was 1.6 cc (0.032-8.5). The mean marginal dose was 12Gy (11-12). The mean maximal dose received by the cochlea in patients with GR class 1 and 2 was 4.1Gy (1.5-7.6). Our preliminary neuroradiological follow-up shows 97% tumor control, with 45% shrinkage. Patients presenting with GR class 1 and class 2 at baseline retained serviceable hearing in 85% of cases. Among the patients with a follow-up of at least one year, those with Koos I tumors had the highest probability to maintain identical level of hearing after GKS. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary data suggest that Koos I patients should be treated early with GKS, before tumor growth and/or hearing deterioration, as they have the highest probability of hearing preservation.

1011-006 Competine Creek Watershed Final Report

The Competine Creek watershed is a 24,956 acre sub-watershed of Cedar Creek. The creek traverses portions of three counties, slicing through rich and highly productive Southern lowa Drift Plain soils. The watershed is suffering from excessive sediment delivery and frequent flash floods that have been exacerbated by recent high rainfall events. Assessment data reveals soil erosion estimated to be 38,435 tons/year and sediment delivery to the creek at 15,847 tons/year. The Competine Creek Partnership Project is seeking WIRB funds to merge with IDALS-DSC funds and local funds, all targeted for structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) within the 2,760 acres of High Priority Areas (HPAs) identified by the assessment process. The BMPs will include grade stabilization structures, water and sediment basins, tile-outlet terraces, CRP, and urban storm water conservation practices. In addition, Iowa State University Extension-Iowa Learning Farm is investing in the project by facilitating a crop sampling program utilizing fall stalk nitrate, phosphorous index, and soil conditioning index testing. These tests will be used by producers as measures of performance to refine nutrient and soil loss management and to determine effective alternatives to reduce sediment and nutrient delivery to Competine Creek.