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We present a novel 2D oscillator with an asymmetric design and investigate its stable vibration utilizing the Ms-DTM method. Initially, we obtain the equations of motion for the proposed system. Subsequently, by employing Taylor expansion of s i n h z and c o s h z , the derived nonlinear equations are transformed into linear ones, which we solve analytically using the eigenvalues-eigenfunctions technique. Additionally, we solve the obtained nonlinear system using the Ms-DTM method. Lastly, we examine the stability of the nonlinear system by visualizing the closed nature of the phase portrait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reliable algorithm based on an adaptation of the standard differential transform method (DTM) is presented, which is the multi-step differential transform method (Ms-DTM) since it may be difficult to directly apply differential transform method (DTM) to obtain the series solutions for the present two- dimensional coupled asymmetric van der Pol oscillator. The solutions of a two- dimensional coupled asymmetric van der Pol oscillator were obtained by MsDTM. Figurative comparisons between the Ms-DTM and the classical fourth order Runge-Kutta method (RK4) are given. The obtained results reveal that the proposed technique is a promising tool to solve the considered van der Pol oscillator and yield same information on the phase portrait confirming the stability of the system, effectively. It can be said that the considered approach can be easily extended to other nonlinear van der Pol oscillator systems and therefore is widely applicable in engineering and other sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles, submicron-diameter tubes, and rods of Si3N4 were synthesized from the thermal treatment of wheat and rice husks at temperatures at and above 1300°C in a nitrogen atmosphere. The whole pattern Rietveld analysis of the observed diffraction data from treatments at 1300°C showed the formation of only hexagonal α-phase of Si3N4 with an R-factor of 1%, whereas samples treated at 1400°C and above showed both α- and β-phases with an R-factor of 2%. Transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of tubes, rods, and nanoparticles of Si3N4. In a two-step process, where pure SiC was produced first from rice or wheat husk in an argon atmosphere and subsequently treated in a nitrogen atmosphere at 1450°C, a nanostructured composite material having α- and β-phases of Si3N4 combined with cubic phase of SiC was formed. The thermodynamics of the formation of silicon nitride is discussed in terms of the solid state reaction between organic matter (silica content), which is inherently present in the wheat and rice husks, with the nitrogen from the furnace atmosphere. Nanostructures of silicon nitride formed by a single direct reaction or their composites with SiC formed in a two-step process of agricultural byproducts provide an uncomplicated sustainable synthesis route for silicon nitride used in mechanical, biotechnology, and electro-optic nanotechnology applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotubes, nanowires, nanobelts, and nanorods of SiC were synthesized from the thermal treatment of wheat husks at temperatures in excess of 1450 °C. From the analysis based on x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, it has been found that the processed samples of wheat husk consisted of 2H and 3C polytypes of SiC exhibiting the nanostructure shapes. These nanostructures of silicon carbide formed from wheat husks are of technological importance for designing advance composites, applications in biotechnology, and electro-optics. The thermodynamics of the formation of SiC is discussed in terms of the rapid solid state reaction between hydrocarbons and silica on the molecular scale, which is inherently present in the wheat husks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with a study which determined the measurement of polycapillary optics to investigate the feasibility of using Kumakhov capillary x-ray optics for high energy x-ray application. Basic principle of capillary x-ray optics; Methodology of the study; Results and discussion.

The effect of five nutrient management practices on the yield and yield attributes, nutrient uptake and rain water use efficiency in four greengram varieties (Dhauli, Pusa-9531, OBGG-52 and Nayagarh Local) in rainfed upland inceptisol with sandy- loam soil was studied in factorial RBD with three replications during Kharif 2009 to 2012. Significant variety x nutrient interaction was observed with respect to seed yield, nodulation and other yield attributing characters. Based on the mean data over four years (2009-2012), highest seed yield of 5.84 q ha-1 was observed in Pusa 9531 with lime+50% organic+ 50% inorganic treatment followed by Dhauli (5.53 q ha-1) with the same nutrient treatment. Highest RWUE was found in Lime + 50% organic + 50% inorganic treatment in all the varieties followed by 100% organic treatment in Dhauli, Pusa-9531 and OBGG-52 but in 50% organic + 50% inorganic treatment in case of Nayagarh Local. The uptake of N, P and K was also observed to be the highest in Lime + 50% organic + 50% inorganic treatment in all the varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted to study the yield performance of 10 important turmeric genotypes, and the effect of five different nutrient management practices on four outstanding varieties in order to address the problem of low rhizome yield and curcumin content of the zone. Based on yield data of 10 turmeric varieties over two years (2007 and 2008), highest rhizome yield of 21.7 t ha-1 was observed in Lakdong followed by Rajendra Sonia (16.0 t ha-1). The second experiment involved four varieties and five nutrient treatments. The yield data over five years (2009-10 to 2012-13 and 2014-15) shows Lakdong (9.14 t ha-1) to be the best among varieties and lime @10% LR + 50% organic + 50% inorganic (9.15 t ha-1) among nutrient treatments. Significant variety × nutrient interaction was observed with respect to rhizome yield. Highest rhizome yield was obtained from turmeric variety Lakdong with 100% organic treatment (11.1 t ha-1). While two varieties, Lakdong and Phulbani Local exhibited highest yield with 100% organic treatment, performance of Rajendra Sonia was the best with 50% organic + 50% inorganic + lime @10% LR and Roma with 50% organic + 50% inorganic. Significant variation was observed among nutrient treatments of all four turmeric varieties for NPK content in shoot and rhizome. The interaction between varieties and nutrient management practices for curcumin content was significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotubes and nanoparticles of SiC and Si3N4 were produced from the thermal treatment of peanut shells in argon and nitrogen atmospheres respectively, at temperatures in excess of 1350°C. Using x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis, the processed samples in argon atmosphere were shown to consist of 2H and 3C polytypes of SiC nanoparticles and nanotubes. Whereas the samples prepared in nitrogen atmosphere consisted of α-phase of Si3N4. Nanostructures formed by a single direct reaction provide a sustainable synthesis route for nanostructured SiC and Si3N4, for potential engineering applications due to their exceptional mechanical and electro-optic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To support the development of the recently invented capillary-based x-ray optics technology, it is necessary to have quick and repeatable precision measurements of x-ray transmission. A novel fully automated measurement system has been built for this purpose. Measurements are reproducible within hail a percent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the thermally induced transformation of various residues of the corn plant into nanoparticles and nanorods of different silicon carbide (SiC) polytypes. This has been accomplished by both microwave-induced and conventional furnace pyrolysis in excess of 1450 °C in an inert atmosphere. This simple process of producing nanoparticles of different polytypes of SiC from the corn plant opens a new method of utilizing agricultural waste to produce viable industrial products that are technologically important for nanoelectronics, molecular sensors, nanophotonics, biotechnology, and other mechanical applications. Using x-ray and Raman scattering characterization, we have demonstrated that the processed samples of corn husk, leaves, stalks, and cob consist of SiC nanostructures of the 2H, 3C, 4H, and 6H polytypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles of aluminum nitride were produced from a thermal treatment of a mixture of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and shells of almond, cashew, coconuts, pistachio, and walnuts in a nitrogen atmosphere at temperatures in excess of 1450 ° C. By selecting the appropriate ratios of each nut powder to Al2O3, it is shown that stoichiometric aluminum nitride can be produced by carbo-thermal reduction in nitrogen atmosphere. Using x-ray diffraction analysis, Raman scattering and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, it is demonstrated that aluminum nitride consists of pure wurtzite phase. Transmission electron microscopy showed the formation of nanoparticles and in some cases nanotubes of AlN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Computer-assisted knee surgery has become established in routine clinical practice. Still, there is no study investigating midterm clinical outcome after five to seven years postoperatively. We aimed to test the hypothesis that there is no difference either for subjective [Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) scores] or for objective (Knee Society Score, degree of flexion) criteria between computer-assisted total knee replacement (TKR) and freehand TKR after 5.6-7.3 years.Methods: We performed a matched-pair analysis; 100 patients who received a primary TKR were investigated after a median follow-up of 6.25 years. Group A was operated on with the support of a computer system, while surgery on patients in group B was performed with the freehand technique. We determined WOMAC Score, Knee Society Score and degree of flexion.Results: Overall we found similar results for WOMAC Score [group A: 42.98 (SD 13.80); group B: 41.54 (SD 15.01; p = 0.62)], Knee Society Score [group A: 168.20 (SD 21.94); group B: 166.60 (SD 21.44; p = 0.71)] and range of motion [group A: 106° (SD 9.19); group B 107° (SD 7.44; p = 0.62)].Conclusions: No significant differences in midterm clinical outcome were found after TKR performed in the freehand vs computer-assisted technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a prospective, hospital based study over a period of one year, to examine the clinical profile of nephrotic children not on glucocorticoid therapy, but presenting with infection. Sixty-eight children with 76 episodes of nephrotic syndrome were enrolled during the study year. They were examined for evidence of infection using clinical and investigative criteria. The children were monitored daily for proteinuria and improvement of infection. After the infection was controlled, prednisolone therapy was started in those who were not already in remission. Of the 76 episodes, eight were excluded from analysis as they had developed infection while they were on glucocorticoid therapy. Of the remaining 68 nephrotic episodes in 60 children, there was evidence of infection in 57 episodes (83.8%). Upper respiratory infection was the most common (28.0%) followed by urinary tract infection (22.8%), peritonitis (15.8%), pneumonia (14.0%), acute invasive diarrhoea (10.5%) and empyema (5.3%). Children with infection had significantly lower serum albumin and higher serum cholesterol compared to non-infected children. Of the 57 episodes with infection, remission occurred with control of infection alone in nine episodes (15.8%) and glucocorticoid therapy was not required. Infection is widely prevalent among Indian children presenting with episodes of nephrotic syndrome, even when they are not on glucocorticoid therapy. Some children may go into remission by control of infection alone. Among the infections, upper respiratory and urinary tract infections are the most common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The goal of the present meta-analysis was to compare bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) versus four-strands hamstring tendon (4SHT) autografts for primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods. The present meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was performed in July 2019. All the randomized clinical trials comparing BPTB versus 4SHT autografts for primary ACL reconstruction were considered for inclusion. The statistical analysis was performed through the Review Manager Software. Results. The BPTB detected lower values of pivot-shift test ≥ 3 mm (p = 0.0009), Lachman test ≥ 5 mm (p = 0.03), arthrometer displacement ≥ 3 mm (p = 0.001), mean arthrometer displacement (p = 0.50), higher rate of kneeling pain (p = 0.01), anterior knee pain (p <0.0001) and graft failures (p = 0.03). Concerning the clinical scores (IKCD and Lysholm score), any statistically significant results were detected. Conclusions. Providing more stability, we hypothesize that young and demanding patients may gain more benefits from BPTB graft. In the case of treating patients with reduced performances, it may be more reasonable to use a 4SHT because of the lower incidence of graft rupture, kneeling, and anterior knee pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: With the growing interest in resurfacing procedures, several new implants have been recently introduced for isolated patello-femoral joint arthroplasty (PFA). However, not much data are available for these new techniques or about the right indications for each type of implant.Methods: Out of a retrospective cohort of 20 inlay PFA, 11 PFA with an elevated Insall-Salvati index and an increased patello-femoral congruence angle showed an initial satisfactory result, but presented thereafter with recurrent pain and "clunk" phenomena. They were all revised after a median time of 25 months (range 8-28 months) into an onlay technique PFA and analyzed for their failure mode and revision technique.Results: Clinical symptoms such as clunking, as well as abraded areas craniolateral of the inlay implant found intraoperatively, were the main observations of this study. The modified Insall-Salvati index (mISI) was significantly higher in the revised knees compared to the unrevised (median 1.8 versus 1.6; p = 0.041). VAS and KSS significantly improved after revision (median VAS reduction in pain of 4.0 points, median KSS improvement of 20.0 points; p < 0.05).Conclusion: Patients with high-normal patellar height index or patella alta, as well as a craniolateral type of arthritis with additional lateralization, should be considered contra-indicated for an inlay technique PFA. They could be considered for a PFA system reaching further proximal into the distal femur. An onlay PFA can be an option for early revision of failed inlay implants. The clinical relevance of this study is that patella alta and patellar subluxation are more difficult to adjust for with an inlay PFJ component.Level Of Evidence: Level IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Little is known about the psychological trauma experienced by children and young adults (CYAs) following displacement after natural disasters vs migration from conflict zones. In both instances, the decision to leave is usually cast by the family, and the life of CYAs is suddenly disrupted by external circumstances. Study design An anonymous survey. Methods The same survey instrument, provided by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), was used to survey self-reported health needs among CYAs during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (Health Survey for Children and Adolescents After Katrina) in October 2005-February 2006 and again during the peak of refugee arrivals in Berlin between October 2015 and March 2016. A weighted index to measure cumulative exposure to traumatic stresses during migration was developed along with an unweighted psychological impact score based on the 22-item NCTS psychological impact questionnaire. Spearman's correlation coefficient (rho) was used to assess the correlation between age and the two psychological impact indices. The two-tailed t-test was used to investigate differences in trauma experienced and psychological impact by gender. Logistic regression was used to investigate differences in types of traumatic stress experienced and psychological impact among CYAs displaced because of Hurricane Katrina and those seeking asylum in Berlin. Results The Katrina cohort included a total of 1133 CYAs, the Berlin cohort, a total of 405 CYAs. The median age in the Katrina cohort was 6.73 years (standard deviation [SD] 5.67, range 0-24; 50.13% males) compared with 17.64 years (SD, range 0-24; 83% males) in the Berlin cohort. Comparative analyses were adjusted to age and gender and revealed significant differences between the two cohorts, both with regards to the amount of trauma experienced and the psychological impact. A statistically significant and moderate positive correlation was observed between trauma experienced and psychological impact of migration in the refugee population (rho = 0.4955, P < 0.001); the correlation was less pronounced but still significant in the Katrina cohort (rho = 0.0942, P = 0.0015). Free-text responses revealed that in addition to common concerns about health, housing and safety, refugees were also pre-occupied with language acquisition and the adaptation to a new culture. Conclusions The observed differences in the experience and the consequences of trauma in displaced CYAs warrant additional investigation. It was replicated that human-made disaster seems to show more traumatising potential than natural disaster. Stakeholders need to be aware of the potential medium and long-term consequences of migration/evacuation and allocate resources accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferric oxide (Fe2O3) was directly reduced to metallic Fe using the carbon source from the coconut shells at temperatures above 1400 °C in argon gas atmospheres. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the presence of α-, γ- phases of Fe in addition to the presence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). By selecting the appropriate ratios of coconut shell powder to Fe2O3, it is demonstrated that pure Fe is produced without any residual ferric oxide. The quantitative analysis of each of the Fe phases and carbon nanotubes was dependent on the temperature and the duration of processing at high temperature. Transmission electron microcopy results showed copious amount of carbon nanotubes in the samples. Magnetic property measurements suggested that, the average magnetic moment is consistent with presence of α-phase and the ferromagnetic γ-phase of Fe. This novel method of producing pure α- and γ-Fe in the presence of carbon nanotubes using coconut shells has potential applications as nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cathepsin S is a cysteine protease and regulator of autophagy with possible involvement in periodontitis. The objective of this study was to investigate whether cathepsin S is involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. Human periodontal fibroblasts were cultured under inflammatory and infectious conditions elicited by interleukin-1β and Fusobacterium nucleatum, respectively. An array-based approach was used to analyze differential expression of autophagy-associated genes. Cathepsin S was upregulated most strongly and thus further studied in vitro at gene and protein levels. In vivo, gingival tissue biopsies from rats with ligature-induced periodontitis and from periodontitis patients were also analyzed at transcriptional and protein levels. Multiple gene expression changes due to interleukin-1β and F. nucleatum were observed in vitro. Both stimulants caused a significant cathepsin S upregulation. A significantly elevated cathepsin S expression in gingival biopsies from rats with experimental periodontitis was found in vivo, as compared to that from control. Gingival biopsies from periodontitis patients showed a significantly higher cathepsin S expression than those from healthy gingiva. Our findings provide original evidence that cathepsin S is increased in periodontal cells and tissues under inflammatory and infectious conditions, suggesting a critical role of this autophagy-associated molecule in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted to assess the effect of nutrients management practices on yield and rainwater use efficiency of green gram (Vigna radiata), and soil fertility under moist sub-humid Alfisols at Phulbani, India, during 2005–2008. Ten treatment combinations of lime @ 10% and 20% of lime requirement (LR) @ 8.3 t ha−1, farmyard manure (FYM) @ 5 t ha−1, green leaf manure @ 5 t ha−1, and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N–P–K) (20–40–20 kg ha−1) were tested. The analysis of variance indicated that treatments differed significantly from each other in influencing yield and rainwater use efficiency. Application of lime @ 20% LR + FYM @ 5 t/ha + 40 kg P + 20 kg K ha−1was superior with maximum mean yield of 531 kg ha−1, while lime @ 10% LR + FYM @ 5 t ha−1+ 40 kg P + 20 kg K ha−1was the second best with 405 kg ha−1and maintained maximum soil fertility of nutrients. The superior treatment gave maximum sustainability yield index of 67.5%, rainwater use efficiency of 0.49 kg ha−1mm−1, improved soil pH, electrical conductivity, and soil nutrients over years. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A long-term field experiment was conducted at the research farm of the All-India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture, Phulbani, Orissa, India, from 2001 to 2006 to identify the best integrated nutrient-use treatments for ensuring greater productivity, profitability, sustainability, and improved soil quality in pigeon pea + rice (two rows of pigeon pea followed by five rows of rice alternately) intercropping system. In all, nine treatments, eight comprising integrated nutrient-use practices, chemical fertilizer (CF), farmyard manure (FYM), and green leaf manure (GLM) to supply nitrogen (N) at 45 kg N ha–1 and one farmer's practice equivalent to 25 kg N ha–1 (FYM 5 t ha–1), were tested on a long-term basis. Results of the study revealed that 20 kg N ha–1 (FYM) + 25 kg N (CF) gave maximum mean rice grain yield of 1.52 t ha–1, followed by 20 kg N (GLM) + 25 kg N (urea) with grain yield of 1.51 t ha–1. In the case of pigeon pea, 30 kg N (FYM) +15 kg N (urea) gave maximum pigeon pea grain yield of 0.94 t ha–1, which was 34% greater than the sole application of chemical fertilizer. Pigeon pea grain yield tended to increase with increasing proportion of organic N in FYM + CF or GLM + CF combinations. Application of 20 kg N (FYM) + 25 kg N (urea) recorded maximum mean rice equivalent yield of 3.59 t ha–1 and sustainability yield index of 59%. While studying profitability, application of 20 kg N (FYM) + 25 kg N (CF) gave maximum net returns of US$168.94 ha–1. Impact of treatments on soil quality as assessed in terms of relative soil quality indices (RSQI) increased with increasing proportion of organic sources of N. Using an innovative and new approach, an index of integrated productivity–sustainability–profitability–soil quality performance index (I P,S,Pr,SQ) was computed to make a precise evaluation of the treatments. Based on this index, the order of performance of the treatments was T6 [20 N (FYM) + 25 N (CF)] (7.7) > T7 [30 N (FYM) + 15 N (CF) (6.9)] > T3 [20 N (GL) + 25 N (CF)] (6.8) > T5 [10 N (FYM) + 35 N (CF) (6.6)] > T9 [GL] (6.5) > T8 [CF] (6.2) > T4 [30 N (GL) + 15 N (CF)] (6.0) > T2 [10 N (GL) + 35 N (CF)] (5.7) > T1 [FYM at 5 t ha–1] (4.1). Thus, the results and the methodology adopted in this study using long-term data would be very useful to researchers, farmers, land managers, and other stakeholders not only in India but also across the world under similar climatic and edaphic situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Computer-assisted knee surgery has become established in routine clinical practice. Still, there is no study investigating midterm clinical outcome after five to seven years postoperatively. We aimed to test the hypothesis that there is no difference either for subjective [Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) scores] or for objective (Knee Society Score, degree of flexion) criteria between computer-assisted total knee replacement (TKR) and freehand TKR after 5.6-7.3 years. Methods: We performed a matched-pair analysis; 100 patients who received a primary TKR were investigated after a median follow-up of 6.25 years. Group A was operated on with the support of a computer system, while surgery on patients in group B was performed with the freehand technique. We determined WOMAC Score, Knee Society Score and degree of flexion. Results: Overall we found similar results for WOMAC Score [group A: 42.98 (SD 13.80); group B: 41.54 (SD 15.01; p = 0.62)], Knee Society Score [group A: 168.20 (SD 21.94); group B: 166.60 (SD 21.44; p = 0.71)] and range of motion [group A: 106° (SD 9.19); group B 107° (SD 7.44; p = 0.62)]. Conclusions: No significant differences in midterm clinical outcome were found after TKR performed in the freehand vs computer-assisted technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In recent years, it has been proposed that nephrotic syndrome is a consequence of an imbalance between oxidant and anti-oxidant activity. In the present study, the levels of micronutrient anti-oxidant vitamins (vitamin E, vitamin C, carotene and riboflavin) in Indian children with steroid responsive nephrotic syndrome were investigated. Their levels were measured during the acute proteinuric phase of the disease, as well as during clinical recovery (remission), in order to understand the possible role of nutritionally modifiable anti-oxidants in the aetiopathogenesis of the disease.Methods: The study was a hospital based, prospective cohort study. Serum and erythrocyte vitamin E, leucocyte vitamin C, serum carotene, erythrocyte riboflavin activity and serum malonyldialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in 30 consecutive cases of children with nephrotic syndrome (International Study of Kidney Diseases in Children (ISKDC) criteria) during the proteinuric phase of the disease and at 4 weeks after remission was induced by steroid therapy. The same biochemical parameters were measured in healthy siblings (controls) of the 30 patients.Results: Mean vitamin E (serum and erythrocyte), vitamin C and carotene were significantly lower during the proteinuric phase of the disease, and there was decreased erythrocyte riboflavin activity. There was significant elevation in the serum level of MDA during this phase. In addition, all these parameters tended to improve during remission, although complete normalization did not occur.Conclusion: These vitamins were active in performing their anti-oxidant function, as indicated by significant depression in their levels during the acute (proteinuric) phase, followed by partial recovery during remission. It may be concluded that steroid responsive nephrotic syndrome in children is associated with oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of rice husks were transformed to β (3C)-SiC by microwave processing in controlled conditions of temperature and vacuum. This simple and fast way of producing powdered samples of silicon carbide is technologically important if this material is to be used for electronics, sensors, biotechnology, and other applications. Using x-ray diffraction it was found that the microwave processed sample at 1900 °C consists of β (3C)-SiC phase. Raman scattering measurements confirmed the formation of β (3C)-SiC phase. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of stacking faults along the [111] direction. The presence of 6H/4H stacking faults in 3C phase is explained in terms of their total energies. The presence of these stacking faults with a ∼1 eV band offset between the host 3C and hexagonal stacking faults implies that these stacking faults provide a conduction barrier, and the interfaces between the stacking faults and host lattice act as a heterojunction that may provide potential utility for various optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles and nanorods of SiC were synthesized using arc-plasma processing of coarse particles. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic studies showed the presence of β-SiC and carbon nanotubes in the starting coarse particles and SiC nanorods in the ultrafine particles produced by plasma processing. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of carbon nanotubes in the starting material and nanorods of SiC in the plasma-processed samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives Hospital-based surveillance of influenza and acute respiratory infections relies on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes and hospital laboratory reports (Standard-of-Care). It is unclear how many cases are missed with either method, i.e. remain undiagnosed/coded as influenza and other respiratory virus infections. Various influenza-like illness (ILI) definitions co-exist with little guidance on how to use them. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of standard surveillance methods with a prospective quality management (QM) programme at a Berlin children's hospital with the Robert Koch Institute. Methods Independent from routine care, all patients fulfilling pre-defined ILI-criteria (QM-ILI) participated in the QM programme. A separate QM team conducted standardized clinical assessments and collected nasopharyngeal specimens for blinded real-time quantitative PCR for influenza A/B viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus. Results Among 6073 individuals with ILI qualifying for the QM programme, only 8.7% (528/6073) would have undergone virus diagnostics during Standard-of-Care. Surveillance based on ICD codes would have missed 61% (359/587) of influenza diagnoses. Of baseline ICD codes, 53.2% (2811/5282) were non-specific, most commonly J06 ('acute upper respiratory infection'). Comparison of stakeholder case definitions revealed that QM-ILI and the WHO ILI case definition showed the highest overall sensitivities (84%–97% and 45%–68%, respectively) and the CDC ILI definition had the highest sensitivity for influenza infections (36%, 95% CI 31.4–40.8 for influenza A and 48%, 95% CI 40.5–54.7 for influenza B). Conclusions Disease-burden estimates and surveillance should account for the underreporting of cases in routine care. Future studies should explore the effect of ILI screening and surveillance in various age groups and settings. Diagnostic algorithms should be based on the WHO ILI case definition combined with targeted testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft tissues are commonly applied in surgery to replace the injured articular cartilage. Many biological researches were carried out through mechanical and histological experiments. They focus on the function, degeneration and regeneration of the articular cartilage and fibrocartilage. The aim of the presented work is to develop a method to characterize the mechanical properties of different kinds of soft tissues and to trace the evolution of elastic properties in implants during the remodeling process. (© 2012 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much has been written about the patient–physician relationship over the years. This relationship is essential in maintaining trust in the complex arena of modern diagnostic techniques, treatment and prevention, including vaccines and vaccine safety. However, a great deal of this material was written from the viewpoint of clinicians and academics. The patient voice may be positive or negative, fragmented or complex. Information sources are weighed and treated differently, according to the value system and risk perceptions of the individual. In post-trust societies, when people have less confidence in health authorities, communication needs to be more than a paternalistic top–down process. Notions of empowerment and individual patient choice are becoming crucial in medical care. The ‘voice of the patient’, which includes healthy individuals receiving vaccines, needs to be heard, considered and addressed. With respect to childhood immunizations, this will be the voice of the parent or caregiver. The key to addressing any concerns could be to listen more and to develop a communication style that is trust-based and science-informed. Regulatory agencies are encouraging clinical and patient-reported outcomes research under the umbrella of personalized medicine, and this is an important step forward. This paper attempts to reflect the paradigm shift towards increasing attention to the patient voice in vaccination and vaccine safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]