H infections with avian influenza A(H10N8) virus were reported in China during the 2013–14 winter influenza season. The first patient, a 73-year old woman, became ill in November 2013 a few days after visiting a live poultry market in Jiangxi Province (1). Two additional patients, a 55-year-old woman and a 75-year-old man, were admitted to hospitals in the same province in January 2014 (2). Severe pneumonia and subsequent acute respiratory distress syndrome developed in all 3 patients; 2 of the patients died, 5 and 6 days after admission (2). Epithelial cells of the human upper respiratory tract contain mostly α2,6-linked sialic acids (SAα2,6) and low levels of α2,3-linked sialic acids (SAα2,3) (3). Hemagglutinin (HA) of avian influenza virus strains shows preferential binding to SAα2,3 receptors, which partially accounts for the reduced ability of avian influenza strains to establish infections in humans (3). Interaction with SAα2,6 receptors is one of the requirements for efficient replication in the human upper respiratory tract. In addition, reduced binding to SAα2,3 facilitates respiratory droplet-based transmission in ferrets (4). Therefore, emerging avian influenza viruses with increased binding to SAα2,6 and reduced binding to SAα2,3 pose a major pandemic threat, and active research and surveillance to detect animal viruses with modified receptor binding are warranted.


ABSTRACT This article offers an original empirical and theoretically grounded examination of the English Football League's (EFL) Voluntary Recruitment Code (VRC): a positive action intervention designed to establish inclusive practices of coach recruitment and increase the representation of minoritised coaches in first team coaching operations at men's professional football clubs in England. In doing so, it draws on semi-structured interviews with Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) at clubs (n = 5), football stakeholder representatives (n = 14) and minoritised coaches (n = 26) to ascertain their perceptions, experiences, and reflections in relation to three inter-connected areas of focus. Firstly, the operational and attitudinal implementation of the VRC at clubs. Secondly, the effectiveness of the VRC in engendering its intended operational and representational impacts at clubs. Thirdly, critical reflections as to the ways in which the VRC might be reformulated and reimplemented to stimulate the conditions through which equality of opportunities, experiences, and outcomes for minoritised coaches might be realised. Finally, the article will conclude from a Critical Race Theory (CRT) perspective that racial equality measures of this kind should be strongly interventionist and transformational in their policy intentions and ideological scope, and seek to challenge and disrupt dominant liberal discourses of meritocracy, race-neutrality, colour-blindness, and the normativity of Whiteness in professional football coaching contexts. In doing so, the article calls on the EFL to work consultatively with member clubs, football stakeholders, and minoritised coaches to develop a holistic legislative and pedagogical approach to tackling racialised inequities in football coaching, which incorporate strongly regulated and reformatory positive actions.


Abstract This study has set out to identify, quantify, typify, and exemplify the discourse functions of canonical antonymy in Arabic paremiography by comparing two manually collected datasets from Egyptian and Saudi (Najdi) dialects. Building upon Jones's (2002) most extensive and often-cited classification of the discourse functions of antonyms as they co-occur within syntactic frames in news discourse, the study has substantially revised this classification and developed a provisional and dynamic typology thereof. Two major textual functions are found to be quantitatively significant and qualitatively preponderant: ancillarity (wherein an A-pair of canonical antonyms project their antonymicity onto a more important B-pair) and coordination (wherein one antonym holds an inclusive or exhaustive relation to another antonym). Three new functions have been developed and added to the retrieved classification: subordination (wherein one antonym occurs in a subordinate clause while the other occurs in a main clause), case-marking (wherein two opposite cases are served by two antonyms), and replacement (wherein one antonym is substituted with another). Semicanonical and noncanonical guises of antonymy are left and recommended for future research.


Infliximab (Remicade), a chimeric monoclonal antibody to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti–TNF-α), is being used with increasing frequency in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Infliximab's safety profile to date has been good with reported adverse events being mild to moderate. We report a case of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage after the second infliximab infusion in a patient with Crohn's disease. The mechanism by which infliximab may have caused the observed pulmonary insult remains unknown. Physicians should be aware of the possible association between infliximab treatment and the development of alveolar hemorrhage. Future cases should be reported.


Goldstuck reviews some technical problems associated with insertion and removal of the IUD. Equipment used for insertion should include the least traumatic type of instruments rather than the types currently in use. Although most manuals suggest IUD insertion should occur during menstruation the author contends that the genital tract is least likely to resist infection at this time. Consequently timing of insertion should be reconsidered. Anatomical problems encountered when inserting IUDs include cervical muscle spasms and a small uterine cavity. Particular care must be taken when inserting the Progestasert device to assure the device will remain sterile until it has entered the external os.


In order to improve the robot's abilities of bearing heavy burdens and transporting in complex terrains,the multi-objective optimization design for leg mechanism of the quadruped robot with hydraulic actuated is studied in this paper. The kinematics and dynamics of the robot are analyzed and the two-dimensional linear inverted pendulum model is adopted in planning the trajectories of joints. Then the mathematical model of valve-controlled asymmetric cylinder and control model of single leg are proposed respectively. In the end,NSGA-II algorithm is used to achieve the multi-objective optimization design of parameters concerning single leg mechanism and PD torque control. The results prove that the optimized leg mechanism can significantly reduce the required maximum power of hydraulic system,thus decrease its own weight and lead to the obtaining of good dynamic performance.


A high-linearity CMOS feedforward power amplifier has been proposed. The class-C and class-AB amplifiers were combined to perform a differential circuit, which was utilized as the error amplifier to cancel the third-order nonlinear signal with the main amplifier. Therefore, the linearity of the feedforward power amplifier was improved. At the operation frequency of 2.6 GHz, the measured output IP3 and ACPR are 33.2 dBm and -59 dBc, respectively. Thus, the feedforward architecture is very suitable for high linear power amplifier design.


There is no proven body of fact that establishes an increase in human cancer after low doses of x or gamma radiation such as those received environmentally, occupationally, or from medical diagnostic procedures; that is, radiation levels below about 10 rad (0.1 Gy). This paper reviews the principal low dose epidemiologic studies that have investigated possible cancer increases. The results of these studies are negative, equivocal, or, when positive, invalidated by methodologic defects or by inconsistency with the feasible carcinogenic effect of background radiation. Despite the lack of direct evidence however, it will never be possible to exclude a very small cancer risk from even the lowest radiation levels, primarily because of statistical limitations in the design of epidemiologic studies. Estimates of cancer risk from low levels of x or gamma ray exposure are therefore based on assumptions regarding the relation between cancer increases and radiation dose. The statistical uncertainties of the meager human data at low doses do not permit unique relations to be established. Nevertheless recent radiobiologic investigations of dose/effect relations for neoplasms in animal populations, for chromosomal damage in human cells, and for malignant transformation in cultured mammalian cell lines suggest that a linear-quadratic relation, when fitted to the human data, provides a reasonable and conservative basis for risk estimation.


Bulk intrinsically selective absorbers are interesting for solar energy applications as a replacement for more complex thickness sensitive coatings. However, research in this field has not been very fruitful so far. Only ZrB2 has proven to be a good candidate material. For this reason, the development of bulk intrinsic absorbers has received relatively little attention during the last decade. Materials which have hardly been studied so far in relation to solar energy conversion are the transition metal (TM) alloys. In this paper, we will show that some of these alloys have interesting optical properties, which makes them potential candidates for application as intrinsic absorbers.


The author examines the unique contributions of exclusivism to the Christian theological discussion of religious diversity. Exclusivist theologians develop epistemologically oriented approaches while inclusivist and pluralist theologians tend to work from soteriological orientations. The epistemological orientation leads exclusivists to regard religions as foundational for truth claims and believers as their agents. As such, exclusivists are more able to address how ordinary believers encounter and understand religious diversity, whereas inclusivists and pluralists are less able to do this.


The 21st-century learning paradigm emphasizes the use of information and communication technology (ICT) that supports the students ability to think critically in order to solve the problem. In other words, ICT bridges science with the real world. Scratch, as one of the project's web-based multimedia products, allows students to develop their creativity in an interactive and fun way. Scratch is used not only to create games but also to make projects such as story animations. Hence, the researchers intend to conduct a research and development with ADDIE approach to answer the challenges of the technological disruption era for young learners. Based on the research results, scratch is declared valid and suitable for use in learning to optimize young learners to increase their creativity.
Keywords: scratch, ICT, development, young learners, optimize


OBJECTIVES
To highlight demographic pattern of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and determine mode and stage of presentation.

DESIGN
Prospective analytical study.

SETTING
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)/University of Nairobi, Kenya.

SUBJECTS
One hundred and twenty five patients seen at the ENT department of KNH. These were either referred from other peripheral hospitals or first seen at KNH and satisfied the inclusion criteria. Patients with open neck biopsy were excluded (among other criteria).

RESULTS
Age range of the patients was 13-85 years. Male: Female ratio was 2.2:1 with the highest frequency in the 31-40 years. Most patients presented in late disease (stages III and IV) which carry a poor prognosis. Majority of the patients had neck swelling as the first symptom followed by nose blockage. Several patients referred from peripheral major hospitals and open neck biopsy. Majority of the patients seen were from poor social-economic background.

CONCLUSION
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a common malignancy at KNH. Diagnosis is usually made in late stages of the disease when prognosis after full treatment is poor. There is need to make early diagnosis by heightening the index of suspicion among health professionals and probably health education in the community on the need to seek treatment for persistent neck masses.


Bound by 'ties of singular intimacy', 1950s Miami and Havana indulged tourists' fantasy and vanity, living up to North American consumers' dreams shaped by advertisers, Hollywood and television. With his Fontainebleau Hotel, the Eden Roc and the Americana, Morris Lapidus restyled the Miami Beach hotel as a complete Technicolor fantasy experience, with theatrical interiors devised as ephemeral consumer goods for mid-century 'Mr and Mrs America'. Agents of the 'American way of life', lavish, multimillion dollar casino-hotels were also rising in 1950s Havana, supported by Fulgencio Batista's authoritarian government, property speculators and notorious US mafia investors, such as Meyer Lansky. The latter's own luxury Hotel Riviera was designed by Miami architect Igor B. Polevitzky. The last of the series, the Habana Hilton, Los Angeles' Welton Becket & Associates created the 'icon of American economic authority'. Cuban architect Max Borges Recio's Cabaret Tropicana crowned contemporary Havana's large-scale nightlife and architectural scene. KeyWoRds: Miami, Havana, tourism, 1950s, Morris Lapidus, Habana Hilton Hotel, hotel Riviera, cabaret


INTRODUCTION
Aortic stenosis is a valvular lesion that poses several haemodynamic challenges for the anaesthesiologist. The use of central regional anaesthesia is traditionally regarded as contraindicated in patients with severe aortic stenosis due to its sympatholytic effect, potentially causing loss of vascular tone and ultimately diminished cardiac output. The aim of this paper was to review current literature to find evidence for or against the use of neuroaxial blockade in patients with aortic stenosis.

METHODS
We searched PubMed for relevant articles, using the following MeSH terms: "aortic valve stenosis", "epidural anesthesia", "spinal anesthesia" and "epidural analgesia". Only English language literature was included. Papers concerning aortic stenosis and obstetrical anaesthesia were excluded.

RESULTS
There are no randomised clinical trials on the subject, and existing literature is extremely sparse. Four retrospective studies and eight case reports counting a total of ten patients were found. All report successful use of neuroaxial blockade in patients with aortic stenosis, without severe haemodynamic alterations. In addition, data indicate that postepidural analgesia improves outcome compared with conventional analgesia.

CONCLUSIONS
To the best of our knowledge, there is no clinical evidence supporting the notion that central regional anaesthesia has any adverse effects on patients with aortic stenosis. Carefully managed neuroaxial blockade could become a useful alternative to general anaesthesia in this patient group. However, evidence is sparse and of questionable quality. Large prospective randomised clinical trials are required to establish best practise.


YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO) films with BaGeO3 (BGeO), BaSiO3 (BSiO) second phase additions were processed by pulsed laser deposition. Sectored targets with BGO or BSiO wedges as well as pre-mixed targets of YBCO, BGeO or BSiO with appropriate compositions were used to deposit YBCO+BGeO and YBCO+BSiO films on (100) single crystal LaAlO3 substrates. The cross-sectional transmission electron micrographs showed the presence of 20 nm diameter nanocolumns in the YBCO films of both the compositions. However, the critical transition temperature (Tc) of the films was found to significantly decrease. As a result, the critical current density (Jc) in applied magnetic fields was suppressed. The YBCO+BGeO and YBCO+BSiO films made with lower concentrations of additions showed slight improvement in Tc indicating that the substitution of Ge and Si in the lattice is possibly responsible for the Tc depression. This study shows that in addition to the ability to form nanocolumns, the chemical compatibility of BaSnO3 (BSO) and BaZrO3 (BZO) as observed in YBCO+BSO and YBCO+BZO is critical to process high Jc YBCO films


The examined material consisted of 71 examinees from both genders at the age of 12, from which the experimental group consisted of 40 children and the control group consisted of 31 examinees.A survey was carried out in order to assess the socio-economic status of the families, to assess the nutritional status (BMI) of the examinees, to verify the dental health while noting the DMFS, DMFT and the intensity of dental caries. The data that presented the socio-economic status of the examinees in both groups showed a significant statistical correlation (p<0,001).The examined relation between the socio-economical status of the children with permanent dentition and the intensity of dental caries showed a weak and insignificant correlation. Notably with the increase of the socio economical status of the children the presence of dental caries also increased.The distribution of the data, which presented the diet in the children in correlation to the presence of dental caries, showed no significant difference in both groups (p>0,05).As a conclusion we would like to indicate that the association of the socio-economical conditions and the body mass index can be one of the many factors responsible for the onset of dental caries but they can also be used as serious screening factors and can participate as an instrument in the assessment of the dental caries risk. The results suggest promotion of oral health in children from all age groups.


There is persuasive epidemiological and experimental evidence that dietary polyphenols have anti-inflammatory activity. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have long been used to combat inflammation. Recently, cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors have been developed and recommended for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). However, two COX inhibitors have been withdrawn from the market due to unexpected side effects. Because conventional therapeutic and surgical approaches have not been able to fully control the incidence and outcome of many inflammatory diseases, there is an urgent need to find safer compounds and to develop mechanism-based approaches for the management of these diseases. Polyphenols are found in many dietary plant products, including fruits, vegetables, beverages, herbs, and spices. Several of these compounds have been found to inhibit the inflammation process as well as tumorigenesis in experimental animals; they can also exhibit potent biological properties. In addition, epidemiological studies have indicated that populations who consume foods rich in specific polyphenols have lower incidences of inflammatory disease. This paper provides an overview of the research approaches that can be used to unravel the biology and health effects of polyphenols. Polyphenols have diverse biological effects, however, this review will focus on some of the pivotal molecular targets that directly affect the inflammation process.


Visit the Natural History Museum - 100 years ago. Featuring a wealth of stunning black-and-white photographs from the Museum's archives, this book offers a real flavour of life at one of London's oldest and most famous visitor attractions, from Victorian times until just after the Second World War. The photographs go back as far as the 1880s, to the earliest years of the Museum, when only a few horsedrawn carriages plied the streets of South Kensington and elephants and gorillas from distant parts of the British Empire were exhibited for the first time. In later years the Museum gardens were to be dug over for vegetable production during the Second World War and whale carcasses were buried in the grounds to allow the flesh to rot away. The book focuses on the unusual events that have taken place over the years, the characters working at and visiting the Museum, and of course the awe-inspiring specimens. Ranging from the amazing to the amusing, the images are evocative and brimming with period detail. The authors are senior archivists and well placed to share their knowledge of the stories that lie behind the silver-nitrate surface of the old photographic prints.


A description is given of the design, implementation, and experimental evaluation of a multiprocessor scheduler used with robotics applications and other real-time programs. The scheduler makes decisions concerning both the assignment of processes and the scheduling of these processes on each processor such that a near-optimal numer of processor deadlines is satisfied. It assumes that process execution times, deadlines, and earliest possible start times are known. >


Motor neuron death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is considered a "non-cell autonomous" process, with astrocytes playing a critical role in disease progression. Glial cells are activated early in transgenic mice expressing mutant SOD1, suggesting that neuroinflammation has a relevant role in the cascade of events that trigger the death of motor neurons. An inflammatory cascade including COX2 expression, secretion of cytokines and release of NO from astrocytes may descend from activation of a NF-κB-mediated pathway observed in astrocytes from ALS patients and in experimental models. We have attempted rescue of transgenic mutant SOD1 mice through the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway selectively in astrocytes. Here we show that despite efficient inhibition of this major pathway, double transgenic mice expressing the mutant SOD1G93A ubiquitously and the dominant negative form of IκBα (IκBαAA) in astrocytes under control of the GFAP promoter show no benefit in terms of onset and progression of disease. Our data indicate that motor neuron death in ALS cannot be prevented by inhibition of a single inflammatory pathway because alternative pathways are activated in the presence of a persistent toxic stimulus.


Earth-sized planets in the habitable zones of M dwarfs are good candidates for the study of habitability and detection of biosignatures. To search for these planets, we analyze all available radial velocity data and apply four signal detection criteria to select the optimal candidates. We find 10 strong candidates satisfying these criteria and three weak candidates showing inconsistency over time due to data samplings. We also confirm three previous planet candidates and improve their orbital solutions through combined analyses of updated data sets. Among the strong planet candidates, HIP 38594 b is a temperate super-Earth with a mass of 8.2 ± 1.7 M ⊕ and an orbital period of 60.7 ± 0.1 days, orbiting around an early-type M dwarf. Early-type M dwarfs are less active and thus are better hosts for habitable planets than mid-type and late-type M dwarfs. Moreover, we report the detection of five two-planet systems, including two systems made up of a warm or cold Neptune and a cold Jupiter, consistent with a positive correlation between these two types of planets. We also detect three temperate Neptunes, four cold Neptunes, and four cold Jupiters, contributing to a rarely explored planet population. Due to their proximity to the Sun, these planets on wide orbits are appropriate targets for direct imaging by future facilities such as the Habitable Exoplanet Observatory and the Extremely Large Telescope.


A field experiment in which main-crop potatoes were grown every other year was conducted on a sandy soil from 1994 to 1999. The aim of the experiment was to control soil-borne pathogens of potato with ecologically sound methods. Potato grown as a trap crop from the end of April to the end of June (8 wk) was used to control potato cyst nematodes (PCN) (Globodera pallida), and its effects on other important soil pathogens and on the growth of a subsequent potato crop were also assessed. Additional experimental treatments were a potato crop from which the haulm was removed and a green manure crop. Three potato cultivars with different degrees of resistance to PCN were grown as the main crop. Duplicate sets of the experiment were run concurrently. The PCN were effectively controlled by the potato trap crop. When a highly resistant potato cultivar was grown as a main crop after the trap crop, the post-harvest soil infestation was very low. When a moderately resistant cultivar was grown after the trap crop the soil infestation also remained low. When the trap crop was alternated with a susceptible potato cultivar as a main crop, soil infestation increased slightly, but the degree of control when compared with no trap crop averaged 96%. Soil infestation with root-knot nematodes (mainly Meloidogyne hapla) increased when potato was grown as a trap crop, but soil infestation with the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus crenatus was not affected. Stem canker caused by Rhizoctonia solani was not affected by the trap crop but black scurf (sclerotia of R. solani) on tubers was reduced. Soil infestation with Verticillium dahliae declined in one of the duplicate sets of the experiment but not in the other. However, stem infections by V. dahliae were significantly decreased in both sets, although the effect depended on the PCN-resistance level of the potato cultivar. When a highly resistant potato cultivar was grown Verticillium stem infections were not significantly affected, they were decreased with a moderately resistant cultivar but the decrease was most pronounced with a PCN-susceptible cultivar. Senescence of a following potato crop was not influenced by the trap crop when a highly PCN- resistant cultivar was grown, but it was delayed in the case of a moderately resistant or a susceptible cultivar, resulting in higher tuber yields for those cultivars. The experiment proved that a trap crop can be an alternative to chemical soil disinfection but, for several reasons, the potato itself is not an ideal crop for this purpose; a trap crop other than potato must be developed.


OBJECTIVE
To obtain hydroxyectoine-producing strain with tolerance to osmotic shock and improve hydroxyectoine productivity by adopting "bacteria milking" process.

METHODS
We isolated a strain from salt lake, and then carried out the identifications of morphology, physiological and biochemical characteristics of the strain. We also investigated the effects of the medium and its NaCl concentration on the hydroxyectoine synthesis of this strain. Under optimal condition, hydroxyectoine was produced by adopting "bacteria milking" process.

RESULTS
A hydroxyectoine-producing strain was obtained and identified as Cobetia marina CICC10367 (C. marina CICC10367). It could enhance hydroxyeceoine synthesis when the medium adopting monosodium glutamate as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen at 90 g/L NaCl. The highest synthesized hydroxyectoine concentration was 694.5 mg/L in the above described medium. After the "bacteria milking" process of six osmotic shock, the total concentration of hydroxyectoine was 4179.0 mg/L, the productivity was 597.0 mg/L/d, and the conversion rate of hydroxyectoine on substrate was 80.2 mg/g.

CONCLUSION
C. marina CICC10367 was able to synthesize hydroxyectoine under NaCl induction and tolerant to osmotic stress. The hydroxyectoine productivity and conversion rate of hydroxyectoine on substrate were both significantly improved by adopting "bacteria milking" process.


Abstract:This essay traces how the transoceanic traffics of early blackface minstrelsy forged entanglements among the early blackface figure "Jim Crow," the US American racial formation of "Jim Crow," and the Anglophone imperial formations of the Global South. Although blackface minstrel scholarship has taken the form to be axiomatically US American and national in origin, the essay maps the popularity of minstrel performances across the nineteenth-century Anglophone empire and the intimacies by which popular culture and imperial policies combined in transnational formations of global white supremacy. Early blackface minstrelsy inundated Anglophone popular culture not only in global northern metropoles of the United States and Britain, but also throughout colonial worlds in Australia, Canada, India, Jamaica, and South Africa. Through these imperial circulations, the minstrel figuration of "Jim Crow" shaped popular white Anglophone racial imaginaries and therefore informed colonial systems of racial rule that structured the imperial world along the Global North/South axis. Focusing on the circulations of Thomas Dartmouth Rice's blackface figure "Jim Crow" as well as the proliferation of related blackface songs, playlets, and visual artifacts, the essay posits that the enduring salience of "Jim Crow" as a transnational signifier of racial control and imperial politics derived not only from US American imperialism, but also from the transoceanic circulations of the minstrel figure of "Jim Crow" as a representation and mechanism of transnational Anglophone imperial politics.


BACKGROUND
Crisaborole is a novel, boron-based, small-molecule, topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor in development for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD).

METHODS
In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, dose-ranging, phase 2 study, adolescent patients 12 to 17 years of age with mild to moderate AD and 2 distinct target AD lesions were randomized to once-daily (QD) or twice-daily (BID) treatment with crisaborole topical ointment. For each patient, 2 target lesions were randomized to receive 29 days of treatment with 0.5% or 2% crisaborole topical ointment. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in AD severity index (ADSI) score for each lesion. Exploratory efficacy endpoints and safety were also assessed.

RESULTS
A total of 86 patients were enrolled and received crisaborole topical ointment 0.5% or 2% QD (n=44) or BID (n=42). All dosing regimens produced dose-related improvements in ADSI as well as in all 5 component signs and symptoms of AD (erythema, excoriation, exudation, lichenification, and pruritus). The greatest improvements were consistently observed with crisaborole topical ointment, 2% applied BID. With this regimen, ADSI improved from baseline by 71%, and total or partial clearance of target lesions (ADSI ≤ 2) was achieved by 62% of patients after 29 days of treatment. Both doses of crisaborole topical ointment were well tolerated; mild application site reactions were the only treatment-related adverse events (QD, n=3; BID, n=1).

CONCLUSION
These results provide preliminary evidence of the efficacy and safety of crisaborole topical ointment, 2% applied topically BID in adolescents with mild to moderate AD.


Software intensive systems are becoming more complex, driven by the need to integrate across multiple aspects. Consequently, the development of such systems requires the integration of different concerns and skills. These concerns are usually covered by different domain-specific modeling languages, with specific concepts, technologies and abstraction levels. This multiplication of languages eases the development related to one specific concern but raises language and technology integration problems at the different stages of the software life cycle (e.g., it is necessary to explicitly describe the different kinds of relationships that exist between the different languages used in software development).


Mud acid is regularly applied to recover or increase permeability of sandstone reservoir. However, due to its rapid reacting rate and heterogeneous displacement, the stimulation effect of conventional mud acid is relatively limited in sandstone formations. For mud acid, it is important to choose proper chemical additives to retard reaction rate and make it distributed homogenereously in formation. To overcome these shortcomings of mud acid, a new proprietary mud acid system has been developed for sandstone formations stimulation. The new system is composed of 2.0% multichemical solutions (MCS) +6.5%HCl+1.5% HF, and the combined solution contains nonionic surfactant, clay stabilizer, and dispersant which were specifically formulated. Core flooding experiments were conducted with the high effective mud acid; meanwhile, XRD and SEM analysis were performed before/after the core flooding tests. Retarded tests were also conducted for the new mud acid reacting with sandstone samples. Treatments with ten pores volume of the new high effective mud acid system were found to increase permeability of sandstone core approximately three times of its initial permeability. From the results of SEM and XRD analysis, most of clays were dissolved, and permeability was increased after core flooding by this new mud acid solution. On the basis of acidizing theory, the reaction retarded mechanism was explained about the new composite mud acid. Other properties of the new composite mud acid were also discussed. In comparison of conventional mud acid, the new composite mud acid can retard acidizing reaction rate and distribute evenly in formation; therefore, it can extend acidizing penetration and stimulate sandstone formation thoroughly. The new composite mud acid is more compatible and desirable than conventional mud acid, and it will be applied extensively for sandstone matrix stimulation.


The present study comprises of steady two dimensional magnetohydrodynamic heat and mass transfer forced convection flow along a vertical stretching sheet in the presence of magnetic field with radiation and viscous dissipation. The problem has been analyzed by applying Nachtsheim-Swigert shooting iteration technique with sixth order Runge-Kutta integration scheme. The nonlinear partial differential equations governing the flow field occurring in the problem have been transformed to dimensionless nonlinear ordinary differential equations by introducing suitably selected similarity variables. The ensuing equations are simultaneously solved by applying numerical iteration scheme for velocity, temperature and concentration fields. The results are displayed graphically in the form of velocity, temperature and concentration profiles. The corresponding skin-friction coefficient, Nusselt number and Sherwood number are displayed in tabular form. Several important parameters such as the Prandtl number (Pr), radiation parameter (N), magnetic field parameter (M), heat source parameter (Q), Schmidt number (Sc), suction parameter (fw) and Eckert number (Ec) are confronted. The effects of these parameters on the velocity, temperature and concentration profiles are investigated.


Hunting inspired some of the greatest songs and stories of Gaelic literature and tradition—a theme which runs from the earliest Old Irish sources down to the literature of Modern Scottish Gaelic. This thesis examines the cultural history of hunting in the Scottish Highlands stemming from the late-medieval period through to the early modern. The three main areas covered are the iconography, literature and tradition of the chase. Many hunting topoi appear upon late-medieval west Highland sculptures, remarkably similar to those on earlier Pictish sculpture, which are complimented by the Gaelic literature and lore of hunting contained within Fenian ballads and narrative stories. The apogee of Gaelic hunting motifs are contained within panegyric poetry and verse of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, sustained in the main by a late manifestation of an heroic age. Such imagery reinforced and perpetuated the identity of the chief as the paragon of pre-modern Gaelic society, who was always seen as a hunter-warrior. Hunting themes and motifs are also prevalent within Gaelic folksong tradition. Although this overlaps in terms of content with the bardic imagery of professional poets, the vernacular folksongs offer a more emotive and direct response to moments of crisis or celebration. The scale of these great hunts in the Highlands, borne out by the literary evidence, from the medieval period onwards, reflects a complex matrix of power, patronage, politics and ultimately propaganda. As well as being a surrogate for war the tinchel, in Gaelic terms, was a seasonal mobilising of the sluagh, or host, who followed the fine, the Gaelic nobility. This enhanced their status while reinforcing clan solidarity in a shared symbol of sporting endeavour, by chasing the noble quarry of the deer. Notable, also, is illegal, or covert hunting which masked a complex deer-culture, and marked the familiar tension of exploiting natural resources by the many against the privileged few who tried to implement their inherited rights to hunt. Inevitably, superstition pervades much of the traditions of the hunt, as it would in any given belief system centred upon age-old customs. Hunting was an integral part of European culture, and it was a theme reflected in Gaelic literature, song, and tradition more evidently than in many other European cultures of a comparable period. This was because it reinforced strongly and perpetuated the idealised image of a warrior-hunter, the archetypal leader engendered within Gaelic cultural identity.


Higher-order sensory thalamic nuclei are densely connected with multiple cortical and subcortical areas, yet the role of these nuclei remains elusive. The posteromedial (POm) thalamic nucleus, the higher-order thalamic nucleus in the rodent somatosensory system, is an anatomical hub broadly connected with multiple sensory and motor brain areas, yet weakly responds to passive sensory stimulation and whisker movements. To understand the role of POm in sensory perception, we developed a self-initiated, two-alternative forced-choice task in freely moving mice during active sensing. Using optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulation, we show that POm thalamic nucleus plays a significant role in sensory perception and the projection from the primary somatosensory cortex to POm is critical for the contribution of POm in sensory perception during active sensing.


Rapid climate change represents one of the top threats to biodiversity, causing declines and extinctions of many species. Range shifts are a key response, but in many cases are incompatible with the current extent of protected areas. In this study we used ensemble species distribution models to identify range changes for 21 reptile and 16 amphibian species in Romania for the 2020s and 2050s time horizons under three emission scenarios (A1B = integrated world, rapid economic growth, A2A = divided world, rapid economic growth [realistic scenario], B2A = regional development, environmentally-friendly scenario) and no- and limited-dispersal assumptions. We then used irreplaceability analysis to test the efficacy of the Natura 2000 network to meet conservation targets. Under all scenarios and time horizons, 90% of the species suffered range contractions (greatest loses under scenarios B2A for 2020s, and A1B for 2050s), and four reptile species expanded their ranges. Two reptile and two amphibian species are predicted to completely lose climate space by 2050s. Currently, 35 species do not meet conservation targets (>40% representation in protected areas), but the target is predicted to be met for 4 - 14 species under future climate conditions, with higher representation under the limited-dispersal scenario. The Alpine and Steppic-Black Sea biogeographic regions have the highest irreplaceability value, and act as climate refugia for many reptiles and amphibians. The Natura 2000 network performs better for achieving herpetofauna conservation goals in the future, owing to the interaction between drastic range contractions, and range shifts towards existing protected areas. Thus, conservation actions for herpetofauna in Romania need to focus on: (1) building institutional capacity of protected areas in the Alpine and Steppic-Black Sea biogeographic regions, and (2) facilitating natural range shifts by improving the conservation status of herpetofauna outside protected areas, specifically in traditionally-managed landscapes and abandoned cropland.


In recent years, flip chip technology becomes more and more important with benefits of thin package profile, reduction of package outline, and excellent electrical and thermal performance by connection of copper pillar bumps (CuP) or C4 solder bumps. In order to fill the die gap to prevent voids problem, two encapsulated solutions could be applied: capillary underfill (CUF) and molded underfill (MUF). In general comparison, CUF means to dispense underfill first to fill in die gap then proceed over-molding afterward; and MUF is directly fill under and above die by mold compound. The advantages of MUF solution are low cost and high throughput, however, it will suffer other assembly issues such as solder extrusion and solder crack, and might result in potential function failure. To form these kinds of defects, we suspected that solder will plastically deform under thermal stress treatment, which comes from unbalance mold transfer pressure and material expansion stress during thermal process. In this article, we have tried to investigate the mechanism of solder crack through molding recipe DOE (Design of Experiment) and mold flow simulation. The test vehicle is 12 × 12 mm2 FCCSP, with 6 × 5 mm2 die size. The bump type is copper pillar bump and pitch/size are 126 um and 35 × 60 um2, respectively. The molding recipe has been evaluated by cross section, and it revealed that molding transfer time and molding temperature are directions toward improvement of solder crack issue.


The cellular material studied in the urinary sediment mainly obtained from exfoliated cells of the bladder trigone was submitted to hormonal stimulation. The urocytogram has proved a useful and even necessary examination to establish the hormonal check-up of a child suffering from early puberty. This simple, painless method, without any psychological consequences is also indicated in pediatric gynecology, and in certain sexual ambiguity cases. This examination, undergone by a child premature or not, contributes to the early diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In the course of childhood, it helps to investigate pseudohermaphroditisms and various malformations. This examination has proved an important help in the diagnosis of all the cases of sexual ambiguity.


In general, the speed of internal communication on a single-machine is faster than the other communication.(e.g. communication between remote PCs through the local network) Therefore, we expected that the internal communication between guest domains on a single-machine of virtual machine monitor (VMM)[1] was also fast. However, in the experiment, it showed that rather the speed was slower than the other communication because each guest domain was not well considered to be executed on VMM. In other words, the guest domain has some problems in the architecture of communication and data transmission on VMM. In this paper, we find the causes of those problems and suggest a new design for internal communication to improve its performance. It is well considered to be executed on VMM and shows the performance improvement of bandwidth up to 8 times in comparison with existing internal communication. And it also reduced the latency to 25%.


Increasing dependency on digital technologies introduces queries related to well-being–when and how digital technology poses a threat, or when it is the most appreciated by users? People have some expectations before using technology, which sometimes may be met, but there might be a mismatch at other times. Nevertheless, the digitalization of services advances and companies modify existing or produce new technologies that do not satisfy users' demands, putting their well-being at risk. Through an empirical inquiry, the present research explores experiences with technologies to shed more light on the main factors that enrich or diminish technology value and influence well-being. Exploiting the circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic that fast-forwarded technology use and development, an online inquiry was conducted to assess positive and negative experiences of technologies, focusing on the contexts of work, learning, entertainment, information-seeking, and health. The findings from 578 participants indicate that depending on the role of technologybeing a substitute for certain activities or an opportunity to perform them differently–consequences on well-being can more or less follow expectations. The results are discussed in the context of past research and practical implications for, e.g. technology design or managerial changes that could help overcome users' current challenges. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.


Supercritical CO2 Brayton cycles are considered by some as the next evolution in power generation. The question of cooling effectiveness for hot gas path components arises for this topic. In this work, a stage one vane was designed with an internal cooling scheme which consisted of a turbulated three-pass serpentine which fed a trailing-edge pin fin bank with pressure-side cutback trailing-edge slot extraction. A conjugate heat transfer analysis, with practical supercritical CO2 boundary conditions, was performed on the design with Rene 80 as the metal. The conjugate heat transfer model had a thermal barrier coating which consisted of 0.1 mm of NiCrAlY bond coat and 0.3 mm of YSZ. The investigation consisted of a construction of a relationship between cooling effectiveness and heat load parameter, internal cooling turn losses, external airfoil temperature profiles and a thermal boundary layer analysis at areas of interest. A recommendation for internal turn inlet-apex-outlet area ratios is provided for minimizing the dynamic pressure loss associated with the turn. The study concluded that heat transfer not only depends on buffer zone temperature, but also viscous sublayer thickness.


Introduction: Physical activity in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients improve aerobic capacity and pulmonary function, but the two factors that seem associated with survival in CF are resting pulmonary function and nutritional status.Is little known the relationship between airways obstruction and physical fitness.

Aim of the study: was to evaluate the influence of physical activity (hours/week) and airway obstruction on the aerobic capacity, exercise tolerance and ventilatory pattern in CF patients compared to a control group.

Material and methods: we enrolled 20 CF patients,mean age 13.8 ±2.4 divided in two Groups in relation to hours of physical activity: trained (T) ≥3 hours/week (n=12); untrained(U) <3 hours/week (n=10) and 18 healthy trained controls (C) matched for age.All underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing and spirometry.

Results: the figure shows the mean values of all functional parameters measured.

![Figure][1]

Conclusions: trained CF patients have a better BMI, aerobic capacity, ventilatory pattern (significative higher VE and VT and a lower RF) respect untrained FC. These data support the hypothesis that a poor physical activity can determine lower VO2 max and a worse ventilatory pattern in CF subjects. Safe exercise programs must be designed for CF patients and it should become an essential part of the treatment.

 [1]: pending:yes


The single-vortex dynamics in ladders of overdamped Josephson junctions is investigated by means of numerical simulations. We derive the velocity (v), the coefficient of viscosity and the height of the dynamical barrier for the cell-to-cell vortex motion as functions of the bias current , the magnetic field penetration depth and the vortex position (x). The vortex dynamics can be satisfactorily described in terms of the motion of a particle subjected to a potential , the form of which is analysed.


SIGNIFICANCE Clinicians commonly either recommend patients begin contact lens (CL) wear full time or suggest that patients should gradually increase their wear times during the first few days of wear. This study found no differences between these two wear schedules, suggesting that patient preference may be the best schedule. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine if there are any clinical differences in neophyte, 2-week, reusable soft CL wearers who were randomized to either a full-time or a gradually increasing wear time schedule. METHODS This was an investigator-masked, three-visit, randomized, clinical trial. Participants were randomized to wear their CLs full time starting on the first day or gradually starting with 2 hours of wear on the first day and increasing wear by 2 hours each day until 8 hours or more of wear per day was achieved. Symptoms (Ocular Surface Disease Index and visual analog scale) and ocular surface signs (tear breakup time, extent of corneal staining, and Schirmer test I) were evaluated at each visit. RESULTS A total of 25 participants were randomized, with 21 participants completing at least 1 week of follow-up. Completed participants had a mean ± standard deviation age of 23.5 ± 3.0 years, and 48% were female. No significant between-group differences were found when comparing the full-time and gradual wear time schedule groups at 2 weeks (all, P > .32): Ocular Surface Disease Index (10.8 ± 8.5 vs. 16.3 ± 18.8), visual analog scale (89.0 ± 9.7 vs. 81.8 ± 18.7), tear breakup time (11.7 ± 7.0 vs. 9.8 ± 2.7), extent of corneal staining (0.0 ± 0.1 vs. 0.3 ± 0.5), or Schirmer test I (15.9 ± 8.8 vs. 21.2 ± 12.5). CONCLUSIONS No between-group differences were found for any metric evaluated, which suggests that the best wear schedule may be the one that best suits the neophyte CL wearer's lifestyle.


Access control and ensuring availability are important tasks for securing Web Services. Both requirements are not well studied on Web Services and especially not their interactions. However, considering this interaction is crucial. On one hand, access control is an established mechanism for protecting services from attacks targeting the service's availability. On the other hand, enforcing access control on Web Services is a complex task and therefore access control implementations potentially offer new possibilities for attacks. In this paper a solution for Web Service access control enforcement is presented using an event-based processing model focusing on ensuring Web Service availability.


In March 2017, a patient became febrile within 4 days after visiting a rustic conference center in Austin, Texas, USA, where Austin Public Health suspected an outbreak of tickborne relapsing fever a month earlier. Evaluation of a patient blood smear and molecular diagnostic assays identified Borrelia turicatae as the causative agent. We could not gain access to the property to collect ticks. Thus, we focused efforts at a nearby public park, <1 mile from the suspected exposure site. We trapped Ornithodoros turicata ticks from 2 locations in the park, and laboratory evaluation resulted in cultivation of 3 B. turicatae isolates. Multilocus sequencing of 3 chromosomal loci (flaB, rrs, and gyrB) indicated that the isolates were identical to those of B. turicatae 91E135 (a tick isolate) and BTE5EL (a human isolate). We identified the endemicity of O. turicata ticks and likely emergence of B. turicatae in this city.


Ethical issues pertaining to treating pediatric rehabilitation patients stem from at least three sources: the fact that children are not morally autonomous persons and must depend on the values and moral beliefs of others in ethically complex decision-making situations; the extent of parental authority in asserting problematic beliefs or imposing questionable demands affecting treatment decisions; and the way clinical uncertainty affects moral uncertainty in determining treatment approaches or alternatives. Although these problems are pervasive among all age groups of children with disabilities, this article will primarily examine their impact on the rehabilitation of children and adolescents. Principles and strategies for managing value-laden conflicts will be discussed along with how various ethical, social, and clinical constraints may nevertheless compromise a straightforward resolution of an ethically vexing situation.


Since most disturbance observer (DOB) approaches have been limited to minimum-phase systems (or systems having no zero dynamics), we propose a new DOB structure that can be applied to non-minimum phase systems. The new structure features an additional system, which is called as V-filter, whose role is to yield a minimum phase system when connected with the plant in parallel. In order to design the V-filter systematically we first consider a class of linear systems that can be stabilized via PID controller. By inverting the controller's transfer function, we can simply construct the filter. A convenient way of designing V-filter is presented by using an iterative linear matrix inequality (LMI) algorithm. With an illustrative example the simulation result shows that substantial improvement in the performance has been achieved compared with the control system without the DOB.


Although Parkinson disease (PD) is primarily considered a movement disorder, the high prevalence of psychiatric complications suggests that it is more accurately conceptualized as a neuropsychiatric disease. Affective disorders, cognitive impairment, and psychosis are particularly common in PD and are associated with excess disability, worse quality of life, poorer outcomes, and caregiver distress. Yet, in spite of this and their frequent occurrence, there is incomplete understanding of the epidemiology, phenomenology, risk factors, neuropathophysiology, and optimal treatment strategies for these disorders. Psychiatric complications are typically comorbid, and there is great intra- and inter-individual variability in presentation. The hallmark neuropathophysiological changes that occur in PD plus the association between exposure to dopaminergic medications and certain psychiatric disorders suggest a neurobiological basis for most psychiatric symptoms, although psychological factors are probably involved in the development of affective disorders. Although antidepressants, antipsychotics, and cognition-enhancing agents are commonly prescribed in PD, controlled studies demonstrating efficacy and tolerability of these drugs are virtually nonexistent. Because of the high prevalence and complexity of psychiatric complications in PD, geriatric psychiatrists are in a position to offer valuable consultation and clinical care to this population. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of the most common psychiatric complications in PD.


CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2008 Abstracts

Abstract #1094

Rationale: Genetic testing for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes has enabled clinicians to provide contralateral breast cancer (CBC) risk estimates for women with breast cancer. Carriers of BRCA1 or BRCA2 deleterious mutations (BRCA+) have an increased risk of developing CBC compared to women without deleterious mutations (BRCA-). Guidelines for screening, including MRI and mammogram, and risk management options, such as contralateral prophylactic mastectomies (CPM), have been developed for BRCA+ women. However, many who undergo genetic testing are BRCA-. This result is often termed "uninformative negative" and can be interpreted as reassuring if the woman has little or no family history of breast and ovarian cancer or as not reassuring if the woman has a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer. The uninformative nature of a BRCA- result makes clinicians' assessment of CBC risk for BRCA- women difficult, with less defined screening guidelines. We evaluated current CBC risk reduction strategies used by women under the age of 50 with reassuring or non-reassuring BRCA- test results. Methods: 634 breast cancer patients diagnosed under 50 were seen for genetic testing at MDACC between 1997-2008. 368 tested negative for BRCA mutations. Medical records were reviewed to determine age of cancer diagnosis, interpretation of the BRCA- result (i.e., reassuring vs. non-reassuring), and risk reduction choices made including CPM and prophylactic total abdominal hysterectomy-bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy (TAH/BSO). Interpretation of the BRCA- result was determined by a genetic counselor and was based on family history information provided by the patient. Fisher's exact test was used to detect differences between groups. Results: 34% of the women engaged in at least one preventative measure. Risk reduction choices made depended on the interpretation of the test result and the age of breast cancer diagnosis. In women diagnosed after 40, CBC risk reduction behaviors were similar regardless of having a reassuring or non-reassuring BRCA- result. In women diagnosed under 40, there was a higher uptake of prophylactic surgeries in women with non-reassuring negative results compared to reassuring negative results (CPM: 39.5% vs. 20.4%, p < 0.05; TAH/BSO: 18.4% vs. 2%, p < 0.01). Among women with reassuring negative results, CPM uptake after genetic counseling was higher in younger women compared to older women (11.2% vs. 5.6%, p < 0.05). CBC risk reduction choices were similar between younger and older women with non-reassuring negative results. Discussion: Although definitive screening guidelines are not provided for BRCA- women, many women with a negative result engage in risk reduction procedures. The interpretation of the negative test result and the age of breast cancer diagnosis appear to play a role in this decision making process. Because interpretation of a negative test result is used in CBC risk management decisions, this study highlights the importance of post-genetic testing counseling by professionals who can provide an accurate interpretation of genetic testing results.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 1094.


In this paper, we propose an embedding technique for univariate single-channel biomedical signals to apply projective subspace techniques. Biomedical signals are often recorded as 1-D time series; hence, they need to be transformed to multidimensional signal vectors for subspace techniques to be applicable. The transformation can be achieved by embedding an observed signal in its delayed coordinates. We propose the application of two nonlinear subspace techniques to embedded multidimensional signals and discuss their relation. The techniques consist of modified versions of singular-spectrum analysis (SSA) and kernel principal component analysis (KPCA). For illustrative purposes, both nonlinear subspace projection techniques are applied to an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal recorded in the frontal channel to extract its dominant electrooculogram (EOG) interference. Furthermore, to evaluate the performance of the algorithms, an experimental study with artificially mixed signals is presented and discussed.


"It is the purpose of this article to bring together information regarding old Fort Colville from its inception in 1825 to the final abandonment of it by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1871."


Though refineries and petrochemical industries meet society's energy demands and produce a range of useful chemicals, they can also affect air quality. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified polluted air as the single largest environmental risk, and hence it is necessary to strive for and maintain good air quality. To manage potential health impacts, it is important to implement proper air quality management by understanding the link between specific pollutant sources and resulting population exposures. These industries release pollutants such as Volatile Organic Compounds, greenhouse gases and particulate matter, from various parts of their operations. Air quality should be monitored and controlled more meticulously in developing nations where increased energy demands, industrialization and overpopulation has led to more emissions and lower air quality. This paper presents a review of findings and highlights from various studies on air quality impacts of petroleum refining and petrochemical plants in many regions in the world.


In mechanical engineering educations, simulating fluid thermodynamics is rather helpful for students to understand the fluid's natural behaviors. However, rendering both high-quality and realtime simulations for fluid dynamics are rather challenging tasks due to their intensive computations. So, in order to speed up the simulations, we have taken advantage of GPU acceleration techniques to simulate interactive fluid thermodynamics in real-time. In this paper, we present an elegant, basic, but practical OpenGL/SL framework for fluid simulation with a heat map rendering. By solving Navier-Stokes equations coupled with the heat diffusion equation, we validate our framework through some real-case studies of the smoke-like fluid rendering such as their interactions with moving obstacles and their heat diffusion effects. As shown in Fig. 1, a group of experimental results demonstrates that our GPU-accelerated solver of Navier-Stokes equations with heat transfer could give the observers impressive real-time and realistic rendering results.


This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention to reduce bicycle injuries among rural middle school students in China. A one-year cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted with seventh grade students from six middle schools in two towns in rural Chaoshan, China. The two towns were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Road safety education materials, two lectures on road safety, and a series of health education activities were delivered to 1312 students in the intervention group over one year, and the content of the intervention included traffic safety knowledge, methods of preventing bicycle injury and management of bicycle injuries. Questionnaires weere administered to the two groups before and after the intervention to measure the incidence, cognitions, and behaviors related to bicycle injuries. The pre-intervention incidence of bicycle injuries exhibited no significant difference between the two groups, while the difference reached significance after the intervention (χ2 = 13.409, p < 0.001). In the intervention group, the incidence decreased significantly after the intervention (χ2 = 8.137, p = 0.004), while no significant change was observed in the control group. Publicity and education intervention measures have certain short-term effects on the prevention of bicycle injuries among rural middle school students; we should approach intervention measures according to the characteristics of traffic injuries in different areas.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of risk management combined with intraoperative precision care on the efficacy and safety of interventional embolization therapy for elderly patients with cerebral aneurysms.

METHODS
In this prospective randomized controlled study, we included 60 elderly patients with cerebral aneurysm treated with interventional embolization. The patients were randomly divided into an experiment group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). The control group received conventional care during the interventional procedure, while the experiment group received risk management combined with precision care. The outcome of the procedure, time to disappearance of clinical symptoms, length of hospitalization, incidence of complications, neurological function and quality of life before and 3 months after the procedure in both groups were assessed and compared.

RESULTS
Compared with the control group, the experiment group had significantly less intraoperative bleeding, shorter operative time (all P<0.001), shorter time to disappearance of clinical symptoms and shorter hospitalization (all P<0.001), and a lower rate of surgical complications (P<0.05). Three months after the operation, the experiment group had better neurological function and quality of life, with significantly lower mRs scores (modified Rankin scale), NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale) and higher SF-36 scores (MOS item short from health survey) than those of the control group (both P<0.001).

CONCLUSION
Risk management combined with precision care can effectively improve the surgical safety of interventional embolization in elderly patients with cerebral aneurysm, reduce the incidence of surgical complications, and thus improve the prognosis.


The discovery of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) revolutionized organometallic chemistry due to their strong metal-ligand bonds. These strong bonds also lend enhanced stability to gold surfaces and nanoparticles. This stability and high degree of synthetic tunability has allowed NHCs to supplant thiols as the ligand of choice when functionalizing gold surfaces. This review article summarizes the basic science and applications of NHCs on gold surfaces and gold nanoparticles. Additionally, scientific questions that are unique to gold-NHC systems are discussed, such as the NHC adatom binding motif and the NHC surface mobility. Finally, new applications for NHCs on gold are covered with particular attention to biomedicine, catalysis, and microelectronics.


Alumina reinforced aluminum is one of metal matrix composite (MMC) systems that can maintain its properties although at high temperature. Among various processes to produce MMC, powder metallurgy is the best method because of its efficiency dispersion of fine alumina particles. In this study, alumina powders were synthesized through sol gel method which is known as one of the ideal method to produce good properties of powders. The performances of synthesized alumina powders were then observed through the fabrication of composite. The percentage of alumina (0wt%, 10wt%, 20wt% and 30wt %) and sintering temperature (500°C and 550°C) were varied in order to observed their effects on the produced composite. Result shows that by increasing the percentage of alumina and sintering temperature, mechanical properties were increased where 30wt% alumina and 550°C sintering temperature give the optimum results. Comparison study by using 30wt% alumina and 550°C sintering temperature on the composite using synthesize and commercial alumina shows similar/comparable properties of composite.


Multicomponent monooxygenases, which carry out a variety of highly specific hydroxylation reactions, are of great interest as potential biocatalysts in a number of applications. These proteins share many similarities in structure and show a marked increase in O2 reactivity upon addition of an effector component. In this study, circular dichroism (CD), magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), and variable-temperature, variable-field (VTVH) MCD have been used to gain spectroscopic insight into the Fe(II)Fe(II) active site in the hydroxylase component of Toluene-4 monoxygenase (T4moH) and the complex of T4moH bound by its effector protein, T4moD. These results have been correlated to spectroscopic data and density functional theory (DFT) calculations on MmoH and its interaction with MmoB. Together, these data provide further insight into the geometric and electronic structure of these biferrous active sites and, in particular, the perturbation associated with component B/D binding. It is found that binding of the effector protein changes the geometry of one iron center and orientation of its redox active orbital to accommodate the binding of O2 in a bridged structure for efficient 2-electron transfer that can form a peroxo intermediate.


At the moment the underground economy of the Mezzogiorno is widely debated. Studies commissioned by Bruxelles and an official document of the European Union estimate that the percentage of the Italian income produced by the underground section of the economy is "above 20%". This finding looks largerly consistent with a new wave of field research carried out in the Italian South: evidence on non registered labor - together with production, profits, wages, number of enterprises and even exports - looks often much higher that the ones officially recorded. Finally, first hand witnesses of the Mezzogiorno scene - as small firm organizations and local trade unions - produced evidence which work in the same direction. This essay focusses on the "measurement problem" of the underground economy and proposes a tentative picture of it and a few measures of political economy which seem to emerge from the debate.


Since either aspirin or phenacetin might be causative in the nephropathy of analgesic abuse, studies were designed to examine the renal accumulation and distribution of the major metabolic products of these compounds, salicylate and N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP) respectively, in dogs. Nineteen hydropenic animals were studied, of which seven were given phenacetin, nine received acetyl salicylic acid, two were given both aspirin and phenacetin, and one received APAP directly. Two of three hydrated animals were given phenacetin and one was given aspirin. During peak blood levels of salicylate and (or) APAP, the kidneys were rapidly removed, frozen, sliced from cortex to papillary tip, and analyzed for water, urea, APAP, and salicylate. No renal medullary gradient for salicylate was demonstrable during both hydropenic and hydrated states. In contrast, both free and conjugated APAP concentrations rose sharply in the inner medulla during hydropenia, reaching a mean maximal value at the papillary tip exceeding 10 times the cortical concentration (P < 0.001), a distribution similar to that of urea. Salicylate had no effect on the APAP gradient, but hydration markedly reduced both the APAP and urea gradients in the medulla. The data indicate that APAP probably shares the same renal mechanisms of transport and accumulation as urea and acetamide, and that papillary necrosis from excessive phenacetin may be related to high papillary concentration of APAP.


The effect of bidispersity on the isotropic-nematic transition is discussed within the framework of Onsager's second-virial theory. The behaviour of bidisperse hard rods beyond the nematic phase is investigated by simulating binary mixtures of hard parallel spherocylinders with different lengths. The behaviour of these mixtures differs markedly, quantitatively as well as qualitatively, from the phase behaviour of the separate monodisperse components. In particular, it is observed that bidispersity favours columnar order over smectic order.


Ectopic ion channels developed locally at the injury site after nerve damage by light ligation around common sciatic nerve of the rats. Different channel types have different processes of formation, accumulation and degeneration. During the first three days after injury, mechanically activated channels that are modulated by CA++ channel activities first appeared. As the nerve fibers begin to be excited by TEA, a blocker of K+ channels, suggesting that the accumulation of K+ channels, the responsibility of mechanically activated channels was declining. Onset of K+ channels was from the 3rd postoperative day and lasted up to the fiftieth day. This time course of K+ channel development was closely related to allodynia and hyperalgesia of neuropathic animal behaviour. The results suggest that chronic contraction injury induces a dynamic change in the ectopic mechanically activated channels and K+ channels at the injury site of nerve and there is an interchange in the development time courses of the mechanically activated channels and K+ channels.


This paper reports the successful fabrication of softening polymer (SP)-based devices with inter-layer coatings for neural interface applications. SPs are flexible biocompatible polymers that soften upon implantation into the body, thus capable of reducing mechanical stress on the surrounding tissue and increasing the conformability of the implant. The softening process relies on water uptake into the polymer that can affect its electrical insulation capabilities. Employing an amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC) thin film inter-layer between the metal traces and the SP is expected to provide a reliable water-barrier while allowing the SP plasticization once the device is implanted. We report the electrochemical properties and leakage current characteristics of various structures with a-SiC and polyimide inter-layer coatings under simulated physiological conditions. The fabricated structures demonstrated appropriate electrical properties and were found to be reliable up to a 2.5 mm radius of curvature when bending in compression. Graphical abstract


Twenty–seven patients with severe anaphylactic reactions were treated by two anesthesiologist–staffed ambulance helicopters during a 5–year period. All patients had signs of respiratory and/or circulatory failure. Cutaneous symptoms were described in 70% of the patients, gastrointestinal symptoms in 30% and central nervous symptoms in 85%. Wasp sting and drugs were the most common causes. Other etiologies were bee sting, snakebite, nuts and exercise. All patients were provided with advanced pre–hospital medical care. Epinephrine was employed in 78% of the patients. I.v. fluid therapy was started in 77%. Three patients (11%) needed endotracheal intubation. The time–span from onset of symptoms to medical attendance exceeded 45 min in two patients; both died. Of the surviving patients, 23 were hospitalized. The majority had no signs of respiratory or circulatory failure on arrival in the emergency room and needed only observation in the hospital.


Online learning in the context of the network has fundamentally changed the learning way of the educatee. Compared with traditional classroom of face-to-face learning styles, the learning method, learning environment and other factors of learners in online learning have changed, and the changes will inevitably lead to the conversion of learner roles. Online learners must move from a relatively passive classroom role to an active participant to improve their self-learning level and self-management ability. Meanwhile, online learners should also increase the network technology of knowledge acquisition, selection and test, and establish a large number of new network models of the information communication with teachers, managers and other learners, thus completing the role identity and construction.


.......................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................................... v Table of contents ........................................................................................................................... vii List of tables .................................................................................................................................... x List of illustrations ......................................................................................................................... xi Chapter


Downhole annular pressure is becoming a standard measurement in all drilling environments. When monitored in the context of other drilling parameters, and with a fundamental understanding of hydraulics principles it is possible to identify undesirable drilling conditions, suggest remedial procedures, and help prevent serious problems from developing. For wells with only a small difference between fracture gradient and pore pressure, drilling without realtime downhole annular pressure information may not be possible. Indeed, this is particularly true for extended reach wells, for high temperature / high pressure (HTHP) wells, and in deep water environments where large flowing friction pressure losses or very narrow pressure margins can exist. Previous publications {1,2,3,4} have discussed how with realtime downhole annular pressure measurements a driller can more effectively maintain the equivalent circulating density (ECD) and equivalent static density (ESD - when not circulating) within a desired range in order to prevent lost circulation and maintain borehole integrity (including managing swab, surge and gel breakdown effects). Annular pressure data are used to evaluate the effects of flow and pipe rotation on the ECD, and to evaluate formation integrity tests. With accurate downhole data the driller can apply conventional drilling practices more effectively to reduce both rig time and potentially also the number of required casing strings. In order to interpret annular pressure measurements it is important to first understand the physical hydrodynamic principles. It is also important to analyze pressure data in the context of all downhole and surface drilling parameters. Recent experiences with downhole pressure data have demonstrated how ECD trends can be used to anticipate drilling problems before they develop into serious events. Even with the ECD within its desired range, drilling problems not apparent from conventional procedures can be anticipated. We present three case histories. The first is from an extended reach drilling project where the annular pressure data gave advanced warning of high cuttings loading, and helped avoid a potential lost circulation or stuck pipe event. This example also illustrates the significant flowing pressure losses that can occur along an extended reach wellbore. A second case history demonstrates the importance of using annular pressure measurements in deep water environments both to establish and maintain safe pressure margins. Downhole pressure data can also be used to evaluate kill procedures. The final example was from an extended reach well where the drilling fluid had sagged during a bit trip, and shows how by evaluating downhole annular pressure measurements, safer and more efficient tripping practices can be developed.


BACKGROUND/AIM
For almost two decades extremity amputation has not been the only viable option for patients with from bone cancer in the region of the hip and knee. Remarkable advances in implant technology, surgical reconstructive technique and adoption of new chemotherapy protocols provide a new option for surgeons who diagnose and treat bone tumors. Megaendoprosthesis has become widely accepted alternative in limb salvage surgery of the extremities. The aim of this study was to present an outcome of the treatment of bone tumors in the knee and hip region by the use of custom made megaendoprothesis.

METHODS
In the period 2006-2008 we adopted new clinical practice protocols for preoperative management in candidates for tumor megaprostheses of the hip and knee including: surgical tumor staging, histopathological verification, determinants of anatomical-mechanical defect, status of soft tissues, CT evaluation of the referent measures of pelvis, femur and tibia necessary for creation of custom made endoprosthesis and surgery plan, as well as modern, less invasive surgical approach. The patients were monitored during > or =24 months after the surgery for detecting possible complications.

RESULTS
All procedures were performed without complications during and immediately after the surgery. During the follow-up period not less than 24 months we failed to record any significant complications.

CONCLUSION
Custom made megaendoprosthesis are the method of choice in the treatment of bone tumors in the region of the hip and knee at the Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade. The greatest challenge--ensuring longevity of a prosthesis can be achieved not only by prevention of common complications of arthroplasty procedures but, certainly, with the introduction of new methods for preoperative planning--computer-assisted technique of measuring referent sizes and software solutions for the selection and design of custom-made components of an endoprosthesis.


Two lipid-solid dispersion loading Norcantharidin sustained-released microspheres of alginate-chitosan (NCTD/LSD-ACMs) were prepared via the emulsification-gelation method. The effects of microspheres for transarterial hepatic chemoembolization were evaluated in VX2 rabbit liver cancer model. The VX2 animal model was established by biopsy needle, divided randomly into four groups, and disposed with three preparations including NCTD/LSD-ACMs (60-120 μm), NCTD/LSD-ACMs(120-200 μm), and NCTD solution through the hepatic arteries compared with the untreated group (control group). The serum of all rabbits before and at 3, 7, and 14 days after embolization was collected to determine the level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The AST level increased in the three treated groups on the first day compared with the control group (p < 0.05), and was higher in the two embolization groups (with no significant difference, p >0.05) than that in the NCTD group (p < 0.05). The tumor growth rates, which were significantly decreased in the two embolization groups compared with that in the control group, and the degree of liver cell necrosis assessed by the histopathological specimens, were used to evaluate the embolization effect. Liquefactive necrosis and coagulative necrosis were observed in the two embolization groups. The results showed that NCTD/LSD-ACMs are a potential candidate for embolization of liver cancer.


Web technologies are gaining increased importance in automation and control systems. The choice of appropriate Web technologies depends on the use cases in the application environment. However, it is important not only to focus on one single technology, but also to combine and to integrate different Web technologies within a portal. The paper discusses such a Web portal for maintenance purposes, which uses several Web technologies. It is based on a content model, describing the relations between topological and functional entities of the application system and the single Web technologies used. This hierarchical description model is defined in XML. The structure of this model is described and the use of description information for the realization of different functionality is shown. Special attention is paid to the security features of the solution. This requires specific description elements; ensuring access to description elements is limited to functional roles or user personalization. Different implementation aspects, and experiences derived from two prototype implementations are discussed. Finally, conclusions and an outlook for future developments are given.


A case is presented of fenestration of the vertebral artery in a 36-year-old woman who had various neurological symptoms with Basedow's disease. We also review 7 cases from the literature. Our patient had had occipital neuralgia and numbness of the left side of the neck and left upper limb several weeks before admission. On admission she had hyperthyroidism. MRI, left vertebral angiography, and 3D-CT scans demonstrated a fenestrated vertebral artery compressing the upper cervical cord. The patient's symptoms gradually improved as her thyroid function was controlled. A possible explanation is that the fenestrated vertebral artery might have compressed the neural structures, resulting in her various symptoms. Occipital neuralgia was apparently caused by the fenestrated artery compressing the C1 and C2 sensory roots. A fenestrated vertebral artery is usually of no clinical significance. The reason for the late onset of symptoms in the present case is unknown, but it may have been due to hemodynamic stress caused by her hyperthyroidism. After her thyroid function was controlled, the hemodynamic stress presumably decreased and the symptoms resolved spontaneously.


The selective 5-HT(1A) antagonist WAY-100635 was employed to further clarify the respective contributions of 5-HT(1A) receptors to the effects of the 5-HT(1A) agonist 8-OH-DPAT, the 5-HT(2) agonist DOI, and the mixed 5-HT(1A/2) agonist LSD on exploratory locomotion in rats. In nocturnal studies of well-handled rats during their first exposure to the Behavioral Pattern Monitor, which enables analyses of quantitative and qualitative changes in locomotor activity, locomotor and investigatory responses were reduced by treatment with either 8-OH-DPAT, DOI, or LSD. The hypoactivity produced by 8-OH-DPAT, but not that produced by DOI, was antagonized by pretreatment with WAY-100635. These results substantiate the effectiveness and functional specificity of WAY-100635 as a 5-HT(1A) antagonist. Furthermore, these results are inconsistent with a functional interaction between 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2) receptors in the control of locomotor behavior. The decreases in locomotion produced by LSD were attenuated by pretreatment with WAY-100635, indicating that the effects of LSD in this paradigm are due partly to agonist actions at 5-HT(1A) receptors. Therefore, 5-HT(1A) receptors appear to play a direct role in mediating the effects of LSD on rodent locomotion.


Introduction 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-dioxin (TCDD) is released into the environment from different activities and industrial sources, with a higher incidence of gastric exposure. This work aimed to study the histological and biochemical changes induced by TCDD in the fundic mucosa and the possible protective role of curcumin against these changes. Materials and methods Thirty adult female albino rats were classified into three groups: the control group (group I); the TCDD group (group II), in which rats received 100 &mgr;g/kg TCDD orally for 3 months; and the curcumin+TCDD group (group III), in which rats received an oral dose of 80 mg/kg curcumin in concurrence with TCDD for 3 months. The serum level of the gastrin hormone was measured. Samples from the fundus of the stomach were stained with H&E, Van Gieson, and PAS/alcian blue and for immunohistochemical detection of aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AHR) and chromogranin A. Morphometric and electron microscopic studies were also carried out. Results Hyperplasia and metaplastic mucosal changes, together with enteroendocrine cell hyperplasia, were evident. Moreover, glandular degeneration, areas of atrophic gastritis, cellular apoptosis, and gastric ulcers were detected. The previous results could be explained by both TCDD-induced hypergastrinemia and increased AHR expression. In contrast, curcumin appeared to have a propitious protective effect against TCDD-induced gastric affection. Most of the TCDD-induced gastric changes were not observed in group III. Conclusions It was concluded that the gastric mucosa is sensitive to the toxic effects of TCDD and curcumin can be used to avoid TCDD-induced gastric complications.


A case of localized amyloidosis of the ureter is reported. The patient was a 49-year-old female whose chief complaint was macrohematuria. Roentogenographic examination showed left hydronephrosis due to stenosis of left middle ureter. Left nephrouretectomy with cuff was performed with a diagnosis of the left ureteral tumor, and pathological examination revealed localized amyloidosis of the left ureter. Localized amyloidosis of the ureter is a rare lesion, and this is the twenty-first case reported in the Japanese literature. Review of the literature revealed that it is difficult to differentiate this lesion from other ureteral tumors by roentgenographic examination, and it is important to perform preoperative or intraoperative biopsy of ureteral tumors if benign diseases cannot be ruled out.


Purpose To report the clinical course, microbiologic findings, treatment, and outcomes of overnight orthokeratology associated microbial keratitis. Methods Four cases of overnight orthokeratology associated microbial keratitis are reported. Results Four patients aged 14–23 years (mean 18 years) who had central or paracentral corneal ulcers were included. Visual acuity at presentation ranged from 20/30 to hand motion. In all cases Pseudomonas aeruginosa was cultured from corneal scrapings or storage solution. In all patients the infection resolved with intensive topical antimicrobial treatment. Final best-corrected visual acuity ranged from 20/25 to 20/200 according to the location, size, and density of the corneal scar, which complicated all cases. Conclusions Infectious keratitis is a significant, visual threatening complication of overnight orthokeratology. Eye care practitioners should be aware of this complication and educate their patients of the importance of lens hygiene and prompt medical care when symptoms or signs of keratitis appear.


Spectrum fragmentation limits the efficiency of spectrum utilization in elastic optical networks (EONs). This paper studies how to take advantage of the centralized network control and management provided by software-defined EONs (SD-EONs) for realizing OpenFlow-assisted implementation of online defragmentation (DF). We first discuss the overall system design and OpenFlow protocol extensions to support efficient online DF and conduct DF experiments with routing and spectrum assignment (RSA) reconfigurations in a single-domain SD-EON. Then, we propose to realize fragmentation-aware RSA (FA-RSA) in multi-domain SD-EONs with the cooperation of multiple OpenFlow controllers. In order to provision inter-domain lightpaths with restricted domain visibility on intradomain resource utilization, we design and implement an inter-domain protocol to facilitate FA-RSA in multi-domain SD-EONs and demonstrate controlling the spectrum fragmentation on inter-domain links with FA-RSA. Our experimental results indicate that the OpenFlow-controlled DF systems perform well and can improve the performance of SD-EONs effectively.


Epistemological and ethical debates on human
nature date back to the dawn of philosophy
itself. Throughout the nineteenth century
however, increasing emphasis was laid
on sex as the most natural, yet also the most
mysterious thing about us. The notion that
the truth about sex and the sexed body would
resolve the ancient question of identity, divided
society and its researchers along political
lines. Once sex emanated as a fully-fledged
part of general debate, (identity-based) sex
politics polarized with adapted evolutionist
rhetoric gaining ascendancy in liberal opinion
and common beliefs. In the academic arena
the disagreements between essentialists and
social constructionists – especially on the
'nature' of homosexuality – have spawned
a considerable body of militant literature
in recent years. When trying to surmount
the sometimes one-sided politicization of
(homo)sexuality, only a critical approach
of both traditions can prove successful. By
queering our own assertions on the social
functioning and finality of (knowledge of) sex,
we might put an end to what seems to have
become an outworn standoff.


Electrodialytic remediation is a process that uses a low current density to remove heavy metals from different waste matrixes such as sewage sludge ash (SSA). The SSA is suspended in water and separated from the anolyte and catholyte compartments by ion exchange membranes. The heavy metal cations are separated from the ash and electromigrate into the catholyte, where they can electrodeposit on the cathode. Despite this electrodeposition, the catholyte contains heavy metals after the remediation process. Newly developed water-soluble polycarbobetaines (PCBets) have shown potential for selective removal of metal ions and especially Cu in synthetic solutions. In this study, it was investigated for the first time if the PCBets can remove Cu from the catholytes generated by electrodialytic remediation. Four electrodialytic separation experiments were made, treating SSA in slurries at liquid to solid ratios 3.5:21. The Cu removal from the SSA was between 6–30%, resulting in catholyte concentrations between 0.18–4.34 mg Cu/l. The Cu selective PCBet, PCEAC was added to the four different catholytes for Cu extraction after a pH adjustment to around five of the catholytes. The removal of Cu was almost negligible by the PCEAC, regardless of the initial Cu concentration. Thus, the samples were spiked with Cu to concentrations between 77–319 mg/l and then the removal of Cu was tested by the addition of PCEAC or PCEAMC from the catholyte solution, resulting in Cu removals up to 70% and 40% respectively. However, a significant co-adsorption of Al, Ca and Zn was also seen. Based on the results, there is a potential in combining the use of PCBets to electrodialytic treatment, however the metal concentration in the catholyte should be increased and the PCBets should be further developed to avoid co-adsorption.


A total of 22 patients with a tibial avulsion fracture involving the insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) with grade II or III posterior laxity were reduced and fixed arthroscopically using routine anterior and double posteromedial portals. A double-strand Ethibond suture was inserted into the joint and wrapped around the PCL from anterior to posterior to secure the ligament above the avulsed bony fragment. Two tibial bone tunnels were created using the PCL reconstruction guide, aiming at the medial and lateral borders of the tibial bed. The ends of the suture were pulled out through the bone tunnels and tied over the tibial cortex between the openings of the tunnels to reduce and secure the bony fragment. Satisfactory reduction of the fracture was checked arthroscopically and radiographically. The patients were followed-up for a mean of 24.5 months (19 to 28). Bone union occurred six weeks post-operatively. At final follow-up, all patients had a negative posterior drawer test and a full range of movement. KT-1000 arthrometer examination showed that the mean post-operative side-to-side difference improved from 10.9 mm (standard deviation (sd) 0.7) pre-operatively to 1.5 mm (sd 0.6) (p = 0.001). The mean Tegner and the International Knee Documentation Committee scores improved significantly (p = 0.001). The mean Lysholm score at final follow-up was 92.0 (85 to 96). We conclude that this technique is convenient, reliable and minimally invasive and successfully restores the stability and function of the knee.


Recently, the plasma Bragg gratings induced by two intersecting laser pulses has been predicted theoretically. The dispersion relation of uniform plasma gratings under the oblique incidence of a light wave is investigated with the transfer-matrix method and the coupled-mode theory. Both approaches show that such plasma gratings exhibit a photonic band gap, near which strong dispersion appears. The photonic band gap has different polarization characteristics when the light wave is obliquely incident on the plasma grating. With the increase of the incident angle, the band gap for an S-polarized wave increases gradually, while that for a P-polarized wave decreases first rapidly, then vanishes when it approaches the Brewster angle, and finally becomes wide with the further increase of the incident angle. Since the plasma grating has an ultrabroad photonic band gap and can support an ultrahigh damage threshold of incident light waves, it has the potential to be a novel photonic device to manipulate extremely intense laser pulses.


Background: Few reports have longitudinally investigated seasonal influenza epidemiological surveillance data of pediatric populations in the metropolitan areas of Japan. We aimed to provide descriptive characteristics of circulating influenza and to investigate the usefulness of setting thresholds for influenza in children (0–15 years old) in two satellite cities of a metropolitan area of Tokyo, Japan, for five consecutive seasons of the influenza epidemic.Methods: The survey was conducted annually during the influenza season, from 2014 to 2018 (ending March 2019), at preschools (kindergartens and nursery schools), elementary schools, and junior high schools located in Toda and Warabi cities, Saitama prefecture. We investigated the epidemiological characteristics and established thresholds using the World Health Organization method.Results: Of the 108,362 children (21,024 to 22,088 throughout five seasons) who received the questionnaire, 76,753 (70.8%; 14,652 to 15,808) responded. After exclusion of responses without basic information, 64,586 children were included in the analysis, of which 13,754 (21.3%) had tested positive for influenza. Influenza type A was generally dominant, whereas type B was responsible for a substantial share of all influenza cases (>40% in seasons 2015 and 2017, when type A circulated with low incidence). The weeks when the influenza epidemic peaked had no clear seasonal pattern among the surveyed years, i.e., the peaks appeared at week 51 (mid-December) or later, whereas the World Health Organization methods reported that the median period when a peak was observed was at 3 weeks (mid-January), regardless of school age group.Conclusions: The present information obtained from the epidemiological survey regarding seasonal influenza in children would be useful for general practitioners, health policymakers, and planners who establish prevention and control methods against influenza.


Changing the traditional teaching mode of instrumental analysis experiment, and the inquiry teaching mode is applied to the experimental course of instrumental analysis. The cognitive objectives of each experimental project are determined, and the content discussed by students is determined according to the cognitive objectives of each experimental project, and this overcomes the randomness of the content discussed, and a set of scientific and operable experimental teaching mode is established. And this is of great significance to cultivate the practical ability, innovative ability and scientific literacy of college students


We consider thin fluid films placed on thermally conductive substrates and exposed to time-dependent spatially uniform heat source. The evolution of the films is considered within the long-wave framework in the regime such that both fluid/substrate interaction, modeled via disjoining pressure, and Marangoni forces, are relevant. We analyze the problem by the means of linear stability analysis as well as by time-dependent nonlinear simulations. The main finding is that when self-consistent computation of the temperature field is performed, a complex interplay of different instability mechanisms results. This includes either monotonous or oscillatory dynamics of the free surface. In particular, we find that the oscillatory behavior is absent if the film temperature is assumed to be slaved to the current value of the film thickness. The results are discussed within the context of liquid metal films, but are of relevance to dynamics of any thin film involving variable temperature of the free surface, such that the temperature and the film interface itself evolve on comparable time scales.