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The investigation of tectonic controls on CH4 and CO2 emissions was conducted by measuring the fluxes of the gases in the different tectonic units along the northwestern margin of the Ordos Block in China, a region renowned for its intricate tectonic configuration. The mean fluxes of CH4 ranged from −1.5 to 1.1 mg m−2 d−1, while CO2 fluxes spanned from 2.0 to 29.2 g m−2 d−1. Notably, the Minqin, Ordos, and Haiyuan blocks primarily exhibited absorption characteristics for CH4. In contrast, within the Hetao and Yinchuan grabens, both degassing and absorption processes coexist. A striking observation was that blocks with high internal deformation exhibited significantly higher CH4 and CO2 fluxes compared to those in the stable blocks. Additionally, regions experiencing extensional deformation demonstrated greater gas emission than those undergoing compressional deformation. The spatial distribution of CH4 and CO2 fluxes at the study points exhibited a similar trend to faults in the Yinchuan Graben. Our findings revealed that CH4 and CO2 are mainly of biogenic origin, accompanied by abiotic emissions from underground. And the gas source, migration pathway, and tectonic stress were the primary factors influencing gas emission, with tectonic stress playing a pivotal role. This stress controlled the formation of tectonic structures, changed the degassing pathway, and served as the driving force for gas migration. The results of this study offer valuable insights into the mechanisms governing CH4 and CO2 emission in faulted regions. Furthermore, our results may contribute to future assessments aimed at quantifying the contribution of geological sources to greenhouse gas emissions. Key Points: Tectonic controls on CH4 and CO2 emissions were investigated along the western margin of the Ordos Block in ChinaExtensional deformation regions demonstrated greater gas degassing than compressional deformation regionsSpatial distribution of gas fluxes mirrored fault patterns in the Yinchuan Graben [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data videos, a storytelling genre that visualizes data facts with motion graphics, are gaining increasing popularity among data journalists, non‐profits, and marketers to communicate data to broad audiences. However, crafting a data video is often time‐consuming and asks for various domain knowledge such as data visualization, animation design, and screenwriting. Existing authoring tools usually enable users to edit and compose a set of templates manually, which still cost a lot of human effort. To further lower the barrier of creating data videos, this work introduces a new approach, AutoClips, which can automatically generate data videos given the input of a sequence of data facts. We built AutoClips through two stages. First, we constructed a fact‐driven clip library where we mapped ten data facts to potential animated visualizations respectively by analyzing 230 online data videos and conducting interviews. Next, we constructed an algorithm that generates data videos from data facts through three steps: selecting and identifying the optimal clip for each of the data facts, arranging the clips into a coherent video, and optimizing the duration of the video. The results from two user studies indicated that the data videos generated by AutoClips are comprehensible, engaging, and have comparable quality with human‐made videos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encore Abstract - previously submitted to ASCO 2023 and EHA 2023 The research was funded by: The research was funded by: Kite, a Gilead Company. The following pts were excluded: no consent, prior non-transplant cellular therapy, and FL grade 3b or 3a/3b unspecified. B Background: b Axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) is an autologous CAR T-cell therapy approved for adult patients (pts) with R/R FL after >=2 lines of systemic therapy. [Extracted from the article]

The prevention of Botrytis cinerea infection and the study of grape seedlessness are very important for grape industries. Finding correlated regulatory genes is an important approach towards understanding their molecular mechanisms.Ethylene responsive factor (ERF) gene family play critical roles in defence networks and the growth of plants. To date, no large‐scale study of the ERF proteins associated with pathogen defence and ovule development has been performed in grape (Vitis vinifera L.). In the present study, we identified 113 ERF genes (VvERF) and named them based on their chromosome locations. The ERF genes could be divided into 11 groups based on a multiple sequence alignment and a phylogenetic comparison with homologues from Arabidopsis thaliana. Synteny analysis and Ka/Ks ratio calculation suggested that segmental and tandem duplications contributed to the expansion of the ERF gene family. The evolutionary relationships between the VvERF genes were investigated by exon–intron structure characterisation, and an analysis of the cis‐acting regulatory elements in their promoters suggested potential regulation after stress or hormone treatments.Expression profiling after infection with the fungus, B. cinerea, indicated that ERF genes function in responses to pathogen attack. In addition, the expression levels of most ERF genes were much higher during ovule development in seedless grapes, suggesting a role in ovule abortion related to seedlessness.Taken together, these results indicate that VvERF proteins are involved in responses to Botrytis cinerea infection and in grape ovule development. This information may help guide strategies to improve grape production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a crystal plasticity model to predict the tensile response and crack initiation in a mixed ferrite‐martensite material with a low volume fraction of pro‐eutectoid ferrite, representative of a welding‐induced intercritical heat‐affected zone. It is shown that small volume fractions of ferrite can have a significant effect on material strength and ductility depending on the ferrite grain orientation. For relatively “soft” ferrite grains, microcracks can grow across interferrite ligaments with damage accumulating in the ferrite, leading to a reduction in strength and strain hardening, but with little influence on ductility; in contrast, relatively “hard” ferrite grains act to accelerate microcrack initiation, leading to reduced ductility, with negligible influence on strain hardening up to the maximum load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graves' disease ( GD) is a complex autoimmune disorder in which genetic and environmental factors are both involved in the pathogenesis. Early-onset patients have a shorter exposure time to environmental factors and are, therefore, good models to help understand the genetic architecture of GD. Based on previous studies of early-onset GD, 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNPs) and their related SNPs ( R2 > .6), SNPs located within a ±1-Mb region of the FOXP3 gene, and 20 validated GD-risk SNPs were selected and screened for genotyping in 3735 GD and 4893 control patients to investigate whether early-onset GD is a subtype of GD with distinct susceptibility genes. Ultimately, we did not confirm the reported genetic markers of early-onset GD in our Chinese Han population but found that a GD-risk SNP located in the human leukocyte antigen class I region-rs4947296-was more strongly correlated with early-onset GD than non-early-onset GD. In addition, heterogeneity analysis of GD patients suggests that it may be more reasonable to define early-onset GD as an onset age ≤20 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pharmacokinetic characteristics of valnemulin in layer chickens were studied after single intravenous, intramuscular, and oral administration at a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight. Plasma samples at certain time points were collected and the drug concentrations in them by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry ( UHPLC- MS). The concentration-time data for each individual were plotted by noncompartmental analysis for the whole three routes. Following intravenous administration, the plasma concentration showed tiny fluctuation. The elimination half-life ( [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently we elucidated that tobacco TTG2 cooperates with ARF8 to regulate the vegetative growth and seed production., Here we show that TTG2 and ARF8 control flower colouring by regulating expression of ANS and DFR genes, which function in anthocyanin biosynthesis., Genetic modifications that substantially altered expression levels of the TTG2 gene and production quantities of TTG2 protein were correlated with flower development and colouring. Degrees of flower colour were increased by TTG2 overexpression but decreased through TTG2 silencing, in coincidence with high and low concentrations of anthocyanins in flowers. Of five genes involved in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway, only ANS and DFR were TTG2-regulated and displayed enhancement and diminution of expression with TTG2 overexpression and silencing, respectively. The floral expression of ANS and DFR also needed a functional ARF8 gene, as ANS and DFR expression were attenuated by ARF8 silencing, which concomitantly diminished the role of TTG2 in anthocyanin production. While ARF8 required TTG2 to be expressed by itself and to regulate ANS and DFR expression, the concurrent presence of normally functional TTG2 and ARF8 was critical for floral production of anthocyanins and also for flower colouration., Our data suggest that TTG2 functions concomitantly with ARF8 to control degrees of flower colour by regulating expression of ANS and DFR, which are involved in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. ARF8 depends on TTG2 to regulate floral expression of ANS and DFR with positive effects on anthocyanin production and flower colour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar has attracted global attention because of its widespread application to improve soil quality and enhance soil productivity. Five types of biochar were prepared from peanut shells at 200-600°C by slow pyrolysis, and their physicochemical properties were investigated. Biochar was produced at 300 and 400°C, PBC300 and PBC400, respectively. The two forms of biochar were evaluated as soil amendments with an incubation and a pot experiment in a soil that had become acidified because of excessive use of nitrogen ( N) fertilizers. The PBC300 and PBC400 additions significantly decreased the soil bulk density and increased the pH, cation exchange capacity ( CEC) and soil organic matter ( SOM) content. Both types of biochar significantly decreased NH4+- N and NO3−- N contents as a result of N immobilization, reduced nitrification because of the enhanced microbial activity (determined by the fluorescein diacetate method) and reduced the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria ( AOB). The growth of maize ( Zea mays L .) was stimulated and, compared with the unamended soil, the biomass increased by 15.2-32.7% following the addition of PBC300 or PBC400. Maize root morphology (e.g. length and tips) and the properties of the rhizosphere soil (e.g. CEC and pH) were improved by the addition of biochar, leading to enhance N bioavailability by decreasing NAE ( N accumulation efficiency) and increasing NUE ( N utilization efficiency). In general, the ameliorating effects of PBC400 on the acidic soil were superior to those of PBC300. These results indicate that producing a specific type of biochar based on pyrolytic temperature might be an alternative strategy for selecting the most appropriate biochar for a specific soil. Highlights Biochar was selected for an acidic soil based on the pyrolytic temperature., Biochar decreased the soil bulk density and increased the soil pH, CEC and SOM., Biochar slowed nitrification by decreasing the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria ( AOB)., Adding biochar stimulated maize growth and improved N bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Transient elastography is a non-invasive method for staging liver fibrosis. The meta-analysis using the hierarchical models to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of transient elastography for the staging of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B was rarely reported. Aim A meta-analysis using the hierarchical models was performed to assess transient elastography for diagnosing and stage liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Methods Electronic databases were searched and studies were identified to assess the diagnostic accuracy of transient elastography in CHB patients for staging fibrosis F ≥ 2, F ≥ 3 and F = 4 with liver biopsy as a reference standard. The hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve and the bivariate models were performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of transient elastography, and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore the heterogeneity. The quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool was used to assess the quality of studies. Results Twenty-seven studies with a total of 4386 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The summary sensitivity of transient elastography for staging fibrosis F ≥ 2, F ≥ 3 and F = 4 was 0.806 (95% CI, 0.756-0.847), 0.819 (95% CI, 0.748-0.874) and 0.863 (95% CI, 0.818-0.898), respectively, and the summary specificity was 0.824 (95% CI, 0.761-0.873), 0.866 (95% CI, 0.824-0.899) and 0.875 (95% CI, 0.840-0.903), respectively. The corresponding area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.85-0.91), 0.91 (95% CI, 0.88-0.93) and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.91-0.95), respectively. Meta-regression showed that patient age contributed to heterogeneity. Conclusions Transient elastography performs well to diagnose liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B, which may reduce the use of liver biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Glutathione-S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) methylation has been demonstrated to be associated with oxidative stress induced liver damage in acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF). Aim To evaluate the methylation level of GSTP1 promoter in acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure and determine its predictive value for prognosis. Methods One hundred and five patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure, 86 with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 30 healthy controls (HC) were retrospectively enrolled. GSTP1 methylation level in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC) was detected by MethyLight. Clinical and laboratory parameters were obtained. Results GSTP1 methylation levels were significantly higher in patients with acute-onchronic hepatitis B liver failure (median 16.84%, interquartile range 1.83-59.05%) than those with CHB (median 1.25%, interquartile range 0.48-2.47%; P < 0.01) and HC (median 0.80%, interquartile range 0.67-1.27%; P < 0.01). In acute-onchronic hepatitis B liver failure group, nonsurvivors showed significantly higher GSTP1 methylation levels (P < 0.05) than survivors. GSTP1 methylation level was significantly correlated with total bilirubin (r = 0.29, P < 0.01), prothrombin time activity (r = -0.24, P = 0.01) and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (r = 0.26, P = 0.01). When used to predict 1- or 2-month mortality of acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure, GSTP1 methylation showed significantly better predictive value than MELD score [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) 0.89 vs. 0.72, P < 0.01; AUC 0.83 vs. 0.70, P < 0.05 respectively]. Meanwhile, patients with GSTP1 methylation levels above the cutoff points showed significantly poorer survival than those below (P < 0.05). Conclusions Aberrant GSTP1 promoter methylation exists in acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure and shows high predictive value for short-term mortality. It might serve as a potential prognostic marker for acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suppressor of cytokine signalling 1 ( SOCS1) was demonstrated to play an important negative role in fulminant hepatitis and might be involved in acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF). This study was therefore to identify the potential role of SOCS1 and its promoter methylation pattern in ACHBLF patients. Sixty ACHBLF patients, 60 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and 30 healthy controls were investigated in this study. We found that expression of SOCS1 mRNA in CHB and ACHBLF patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls. The serum level of IL-6, IFN- γ and TNF- α was significantly higher in ACHBLF than CHB. Increased serum level of IL-6, IFN- γ and TNF- α was correlated with total bilirubin, ALT, PTA and MELD scores in ACHBLF. The degree of methylation of the SOCS1 in ACHBLF patients (35.0%, 21/60) was significantly higher than that in CHB patients (16.7%, 10/60). Furthermore, methylated group showed lower level of SOCS1, and higher MELD scores and mortality rate when compared with unmethylated group of ACHBLF. These results suggested that SOCS1 might contribute to immune-related liver damage in ACHBLF, and its aberrant methylation may be a key event for the prognosis of ACHBLF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor Gpbar1 (TGR5) has been demonstrated to be able to negatively regulate hepatic inflammatory response. In this study, we aimed to determine the methylation status of TGR5 promoter in patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure ( ACHBLF) and its predictive value for prognosis. We enrolled 76 consecutive ACHBLF patients, 80 chronic hepatitis B ( CHB) patients and 30 healthy controls ( HCs). Methylation status of TGR5 promoter in peripheral mononuclear cell ( PBMC) was detected by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction ( MSP). The mRNA level of TGR5 was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT- qPCR). We found that the frequency of TGR5 promoter methylation was significantly higher in ACHBLF (35/76, 46.05%) than CHB patients (5/80, 6.25%; χ2 = 32.38, P < 0.01) and HCs (1/30, 3.33%; χ2 = 17.50, P < 0.01). TGR5 mRNA level was significantly lower ( Z = −9.12, P < 0.01) in participants with aberrant methylation than those without. TGR5 methylation showed a sensitivity of 46.05% (35/76), specificity of 93.75% (75/80), positive predictive value ( PPV) of 87.5% (35/40) and negative predictive value ( NPV) of 64.66% (75/116) in discriminating ACHBLF from CHB patients. ACHBLF patients with methylated TGR5 showed significantly poor survival than those without ( P < 0.01). When used to predict 3-month mortality of ACHBLF, TGR5 methylation [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ( AUC) = 0.75] performed significantly better than model for end-stage liver diseases ( MELD) score ( AUC = 0.65; P < 0.05). Therefore, our study demonstrated that aberrant TGR5 promoter methylation occurred in ACHBLF and might be a potential prognostic marker for the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of butafosfan in piglets were investigated following intravenous and intramuscular administration at a single dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. Plasma concentration-time data and relevant parameters were best described by noncompartmental analysis after intravenous and intramuscular injection. The data were analyzed through WinNolin 6.3 software. After intravenous administration, the mean pharmacokinetic parameters were determined as T1/2 λz of 3.30 h, Cl of 0.16 L kg/h, AUC of 64.49 ± 15.07 μg h/mL, Vss of 0.81 ± 0.44/kg, and MRT of 1.51 ± 0.27 h. Following intramuscular administration, the Cmax (28.11 μg/mL) was achieved at Tmax (0.31 h) with an absolute availability of 74.69%. Other major parameters including AUC and MRT were 48.29 ± 21.67 μg h/mL and 1.74 ± 0.29 h, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The characteristics of dislocation configurations under thermo-mechanical fatigue cycling were investigated in [001] oriented nickel-based single-crystal superalloys. Thermo-mechanical fatigue tests were performed on TMS-75 (without hold time) and TMS-82 (with hold time) superalloys. The specimens were subsequently studied by transmission electron microscopy under two-beam conditions. In TMS-75 superalloy, cross-slipping is the main characteristic for the low number of dislocations. In TMS-82 superalloy, more complex process of dislocation configurations has been demonstrated in detail, involving five stages: after the first stress relaxation, after the first tensile plastic deformation, after the second stress relaxation, after 30 cycles and after rupture. In addition, for TMS-82 superalloy, there is a reversible movement behaviour of stacking faults that occur in compression and disappear in tension. After rupture, the number of dislocation is related to the hold time. Longer hold time could generate a higher degree of stress relaxation and produce more dislocations with climbing characteristic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exportin 4 ( XPO4) is a novel identified candidate tumour-suppressor gene involved in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC). This study was aimed to determine the clinical features of XPO4 m RNA expression and promoter methylation status in peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PBMCs) of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus ( HBV) infection. PBMCs were isolated from 44 HCC, 38 liver cirrhosis ( LC), 34 chronic hepatitis B ( CHB) patients and 17 healthy controls ( HCs). The m RNA level and promoter methylation status of XPO4 were determined by quantitative real-time RT- PCR and methylation-specific PCR, respectively. XPO4 m RNA level of HCC patients was significantly lower compared with LC and CHB patients as well as HCs (all P < 0.01, respectively), and significant differences of the XPO4 m RNA level were found in LC and CHB group than in HCs ( LC vs HCs, P < 0.01; CHB vs HCs, P < 0.05). Methylation rate of XPO4 promoter was significantly increased in patients with HCC than in patients with CHB and HCs (both P < 0.05). DNA methylation pattern was responsible for the suppression of XPO4 transcription in the progression of HBV infection ( P = 0.000). Furthermore, AFP level was significantly higher in HCC patients with XPO4 methylation than in those without methylation ((8702 ± 15635) μ m vs (1052 ± 5370) μ m, P < 0.05). In conclusion, transcription of XPO4 gene was gradually decreased and methylation rate of XPO4 promoter was increased with the progression of HBV infection. Methylation status of XPO4 in PBMCs tended to be a noninvasive biomarker to predict HCC and the progression of HBV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aberrant immunity response contributes to the pathogenesis of acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure. Tumour necrosis factor-α-induced protein-8 like-2 ( TIPE2) is a recently identified molecular to maintain immune homoeostasis, but its role in acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure ( ACHBLF) is unknown. We detected TIPE2 m RNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PBMCs) from 56 patients with ACHBLF, 60 chronic hepatitis B patients, 24 healthy controls and analysed its role in disease severity and prognosis. TIPE2 m RNA expression in patients with ACHBLF was higher than that of patients with chronic infection or healthy controls. In patients with ACHBLF, TIPE2 m RNA level was positively correlated with serum total bilirubin, international normalized ratio and model for end-stage liver disease scores. Furthermore, the level of TIPE2 m RNA was significantly higher in nonsurvivors than survivors in patients with ACHBLF. The m RNA level of TIPE2 gradually decreased week by week in survivors accompanied by recovery from patients with ACHBLF, while its expression sustained at high levels in nonsurvivors. TIPE2 m RNA level after lipopolysaccharide ( LPS) stimulation ex vivo in patients with ACHBLF was higher compared with controls and patients with chronic infection. Meanwhile, cytokines ex vivo secreted were measured as a marker of immune activation. After LPS stimulation, interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α m RNA expression were reduced in patients with ACHBLF, and a significantly negative correlation was found between TIPE2 and TNF-α m RNA levels. In conclusion, our results identified the potential role of TIPE2 in predicting disease progression and prognosis in patients with ACHBLF by negative regulating of cell-mediated immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The domain configurations and local piezoresponse property of the [720]-cut BaTiO3 single crystal and [001]-oriented BaTiO3 crystal were investigated by high-resolution piezoresponse force microscopy. Large differences in their surface topography features, domain configurations and local piezoresponse were found between [720]-cut and [001]-oriented BaTiO3 crystals. The large surface bending angle due to ferroelastic domain walls leads to a high strain energy appearing in the [720]-cut BaTiO3, further resulting in unique band-like topographic features, needle domains for stress compensation and locally ultrahigh piezoelectric response as well. (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four yearling goats (31.2 ± 2.5 kg), surgically fitted with common bile duct reentrant and duodenal catheter, were used in two 4 × 4 Latin square design experiments to investigate the effects of duodenal infusion of phenylalanine for different times on pancreatic exocrine secretion (PES). In experiment 1 (the long-term experiment), goats were duodenally infused with 0, 2, 4 or 8 g/day phenylalanine for 14 day. Pancreatic juice and jugular blood samples were collected over 1-h intervals for 6 h daily from day 11 to day 14 to encompass a 24-h day. In experiment 2 (the short-term experiment), goats were infused with phenylalanine for 10 h continuously at the same infusion rate as experiment 1 after feed deprivation for 24 h repeated every 10 day. Pancreatic juice and blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 h of infusion. The volume and pH of pancreatic juice were measured, and a 5% subsample was composited and frozen until analysis of enzyme activities. Plasma was frozen until analysis of insulin and cholecystokinin (CCK). In experiment 1, pancreatic juice, α-amylase secretion and plasma CCK concentration responded quadratically (p < 0.05), with the top value observed at the 2 g/day phenylalanine. Trypsin secretion had a quadratic response (p < 0.05), with secretion increasing up to 4 g/day phenylalanine and decreasing thereafter. Phenylalanine linearly decreased pancreatic protein and lipase secretion (p < 0.05). The results of correlation analysis showed significant correlations (p < 0.05) between plasma CCK concentration and secretion of α-amylase and trypsin. However, the short-term phenylalanine infusion did not influence (p > 0.05) pancreatic juice, protein, α-amylase, lipase, trypsin secretion and plasma CCK concentration. These results indicate PES of ruminants is stimulated by phenylalanine and is potentially mediated by CCK in the long-term duodenal infusion treatment, but is not influenced by phenylalanine in the short-term duodenal infusion treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, new steels (1#, 2#, and 3#) were developed for low-temperature sulfuric acid dew point corrosion. The mass loss rate, macro- and micro-morphologies and compositions of corrosion products of new steels in 10, 30, and 50% H2SO4 solutions at its corresponding dew points were investigated by immersion test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The results indicated that mass loss rate of all the tested steels first strongly increased and then decreased as H2SO4 concentration increased, which reached maximum at 30%. Corrosion resistance of 2# steel is the best among all specimens due to its fine and homogeneous morphologies of corrosion products. The electrochemical corrosion properties of new steels in 10 and 30% H2SO4 solutions at its corresponding dew points were studied by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The results demonstrated that corrosion resistance of 2# steel is the best among all the experimental samples due to its lowest corrosion current density and highest charge transfer resistance, which is consistent with the results obtained from immersion tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to generate a substantive theory of hospital-based home care for people with severe mental illness in Taiwan. BACKGROUND: Despite the documented advantages of hospital-based home care services, there is a lack of information and understanding regarding the practices, functions and limitations. Currently, there is no model for how those services are to be provided and what factors will affect these services. DESIGN: The grounded theory method of Strauss and Corbin (Basics of Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory Procedures and Techniques, SAGE Publications, 1990) was used to develop a substantive theory through a paradigm model, including causal conditions, context, intervening conditions, action/interaction strategies and consequences. METHODS: This study was conducted in six different hospital areas in Central Taiwan in 2007-2008. Data were collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Constant comparative analysis continued during the open, axial and selective coding process until data saturation occurred. Participants were selected by theoretical sampling. When theoretical saturation was achieved, 21 clients with mental illness, 19 carers and 25 professionals were interviewed. RESULTS: A substantive theory of hospital-based home care for people with severe mental illness in Taiwan was developed. The core category was the process of hospital-based home care in helping people with severe mental illness, with 15 categories and 33 sub-categories of the substantive theory. CONCLUSION: The substantive theory is the first to emerge from hospital-based home care services in Taiwan. Results showed those services had several effective functions for helping people with severe mental illness and their families. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The recommendations based on the findings of this research can be used as a guide to improve the delivery of hospital-based home care services to community-dwelling people with severe mental illness and their carers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. The aim of this study was to explore family members' and ex-patients' perceptions of caring for people who had previously attempted suicide. Background. Suicide is a major public health problem in Taiwan. Official figures demonstrate that suicide was one of the top 10 causes of death in the last eight years, with 18·8 per 100,000 people taking their own lives in 2005. The Taiwanese Government has set targets to reduce this rate. All members of the population play a role in the prevention of suicide, including families and carers of those at risk. Evidence is sparse on the role that families take in caring for members who have been discharged from hospital following a suicide attempt. Methods. Grounded theory using one-to-one tape-recorded interviews were conducted with patients who had just been discharged from hospitals following a suicide attempt ( n = 15) and family members ( n = 15). Data were analysed using open, axial and selective coding. Results. The core category that emerged was 'Impending burnout', depicting family members' experience of caring for people who had attempted suicide. Other key categories linked to and embraced within this core category were: on guard day and night, maintaining activities of daily living and creating a nurturing environment. Conclusion. Families and carers could use the emergent theory as a guide to caring for people at risk of suicide. Psychiatric nurses could use the theory as a framework to educate family members on enhancing the quality of care provided to this group of people. The theory could go some way towards reducing suicidal attempts and decreasing re-hospitalisation rates. Relevance to clinical practice. The finding indicated that family members experienced difficulties when caring for those who had previously attempted suicide. Consequently, nurses have a pivotal role in educating families and carers on preventive strategies before suicidal patients are discharged from hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymorphisms in CYP2C9 and VKORC1 have been shown to be associated with warfarin dose requirements and could be used to predict warfarin dose. We conducted a prospective study in which warfarin dose was prescribed based on CYP2C9 and VKORC1 polymorphisms in 108 Han-Chinese patients without prior warfarin treatments. Using the genotype-based dosing, 83% of patients reached stable, therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) within 2 weeks of treatment initiation and none of the patients developed clinical bleeding or thromboembolic event. Ten percent (11) of patients with INR >4 and no clinical bleeding were detected during this study. At 12 weeks, 69% of the patients' maintenance doses matched the prediction. Dosing algorithms incorporating genetic factors, age, and body surface area were developed, which could explain up to 62% of the total variation (R2 of 0.62). This study demonstrated that pharmacogenetics-based dosing could improve time to stable, therapeutic INR, reduce adverse events, and achieve high sensitivity.Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2008); 84, 1, 83–89 doi:10.1038/sj.clpt.6100453 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: This paper is a report of a study to explore family carers' and suicidal ex-patients' perceptions of the home environment and the provision of care in the home. BACKGROUND: Worldwide, in 2000 approximately one million people died from suicide, which is among the three leading causes of death among those aged 15-44 years. Internationally, epidemiological trends show that there has been a rapid increase in suicide rates in many countries, including Taiwan. Families have an important role in caring for a member who is at risk of suicide. METHODS: Using a grounded theory approach, data were collected in 2006-2007 in two Taiwanese hospitals. Interviews were conducted with suicidal patients who had just been discharged (n = 15) and family members (n = 15). Data were analysed using open, axial and selective coding. FINDINGS: For the purpose of a larger study a substantive theory was formulated, which families could use to guide them in the care of a member who is at risk of suicide. Here we report the findings related to the 'context' and 'intervening conditions' of the grounded theory. Two categories emerged in the 'context' element, namely 'the family environment' and 'the Chinese culture'. One category surfaced in the 'intervening condition' namely, 'The provision of care in the home'. This category included three sub-categories: support systems; coping mechanisms and helping skills. CONCLUSION: Family carers experienced difficulties when caring for a member who had previously attempted suicide. Before patients are discharged from hospital, nurses should educate families on the preventive and caring approaches that they could use in their homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives. The purpose of this study was to understand the coping experiences of carers living with a schizophrenic family member. Our research may be a valuable reference for mental health professionals seeking to improve the quality of care for people with schizophrenia and their carers. Design. We employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenological research methodology to understand the coping experiences of carers living with a schizophrenic family member. Methods. Purposive sampling and in-depth, face-to-face interviews were used to collect data. When data saturation was reached, the sample size comprised 10 carers (five men and five women). The interview focused on the carer's coping experience. During the process of data collection and data analyis we established epoches (bracketing) and returned to the reality of the carers' experience to keep the data objective. Narratives were analysed according to Colaizzi's seven steps method. Results. The two most commonly used coping mechanisms that emerged from this study were psychological coping strategies (cognitive, behavioural and emotional) and social coping strategies (religious, social and professional support). Furthermore, three factors were found in the study, including low social status, traditional help-seeking behaviours and feelings of shame. Conclusion. Findings from this study demonstrate the importance of understanding the coping experiences of carers who have a family member with schizophrenia. Further research is needed to identify more important detailed factors that affect the coping strategies of carers. Relevance to clinical practice. Community mental health care professionals need to improve the quality of care for helping carers living with a family member who has schizophrenia. It is important to develop effective coping intervention strategies that help carers cope with the stress and strain of caring for a family member with schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives. The aims of this study were to investigate a sample group of casualty nurses' attitudes towards patients who have attempted suicide in the middle of Taiwan and to identify factors contributing to their attitudes towards attempted suicide. Design. A quantitative study using a questionnaire containing 22 statements with a five-point Likert-type scale was developed from the Domino's Suicide Opinion Questionnaire, and from a comprehensive analysis of research literature on the area of attitudes towards suicide. Methods. The questionnaire was distributed to casualty nurses (n = 155) to investigate their attitudes toward patients who have attempted suicide. Seven large hospitals in the middle of Taiwan were targeted. Results. This sample group of casualty nurses from the middle of Taiwan held positive attitudes toward patients who have attempted suicide. In addition, three statistically significant differences were identified: (i) The higher the level of nursing education the more positive the nurses' attitudes towards patients who had attempted suicide. (ii) The casualty nurses who did not have a religion held more positive attitudes towards suicidal behaviour than those who followed a religion. (3) Casualty nurses who had suicide care experience with 1-10 patients had more positive attitudes towards suicidal patients than nurses who had nursed above 10 patients who had attempted suicide. Conclusions. The results indicated that casualty nurses in Taiwan require further education on and training in all aspects of suicide to foster more positive attitudes towards patients who attempt suicide. Relevance to clinical practice. The role of casualty nurses is pivotal to the front-line care of people who are suicidal and their attitudes play a major part in the provision of effective care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper presents a nursing care theory developed to guide the care given to people with suicidal ideas and those with a previous suicide attempt. Background. Suicide is a major public health problem. According to the World Health Organization, international suicide rates range from highs of more than 20 per 100 000 people in Hungary (1997 figures), to fewer than 10 per 100 000 in the United Kingdom (2002 figures). In 2002, the number of completed suicides in Taiwan increased by nearly 10% over the previous year, and the Taiwanese Government has set targets to reduce this rate. Psychiatric nurses play a vital role in helping reduce the suicide rate through prevention, education and by providing care that promotes the healing of patients who attempt suicide. Methods. A grounded theory approach was used. Fifteen patients who had either suicidal ideas or had attempted suicide and 15 psychiatric nurses working on acute wards were interviewed and observed using an observer-as-participant strategy. Data were collected through field notes and by tape-recorded interviews during 2003, and analysed using open, axial and selective coding and the qualitative software program QRS NUD*IST. Findings. The core category that emerged from the data collected was the provision of 'safe and compassionate care via the channel of the therapeutic relationship'. Other key categories linked to and embraced within this core category were: providing holistic assessments; providing protection; providing basic care; and promoting healing through advanced care. Conclusion. The theory generated from the findings could be used by nurses as a guide as they initiate and maintain therapeutic relationships with patients who are at risk of suicide. The theory could advance the quality of care provided by nurses. In addition, it holds potential for instilling hope in patients who have lost their ability to cope with life events and perhaps life itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS: The aims of this paper are to present and discuss the findings that emerged from a qualitative study exploring nurses and patients' views of the acute psychiatric ward (the context) and the type of care received (the intervening conditions). BACKGROUND: The phenomenon of suicide and the nursing care of people who are suicidal have previously been investigated. However, literature demonstrates that there is a dearth of information exploring the importance of the ward context in the care of suicidal patients and the intervening conditions that are used by professionals in the care of suicidal patients. METHOD: Qualitative research using the grounded theory approach. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Fifteen patients who had either suicidal ideas or had attempted suicide and 15 psychiatric nurses were interviewed and observed. Data were analysed using open, axial and selective coding. FINDINGS: A substantive theory of suicide-nursing care was developed. For the purpose of this paper, the two categories that emerged in the 'context' element of the paradigm model are explored. They were: team working and the psychiatric ward environment. In addition, the four categories from the 'intervening conditions' are discussed. They were: nurses' attitudes and beliefs have an effect on caring, barriers to caring, patients' negative thoughts and feelings about the care provided and support systems. CONCLUSION: The findings indicated that the context of the ward environment and the intervening conditions used by nurses in the nursing care of suicidal patients helped to define some of the complex dynamics that impacted on the development of a therapeutic relationship within the practice of suicide-nursing care. Relevance to clinical practice. Environmental factors as well as the nurses' knowledge and skills and the type of support patients receive impact on the care of suicidal patients. These findings could help to enhance and advance suicide-nursing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Widespread use of pesticides has caused serious environmental concern. In order to evaluate the fate of organic pesticides in the atmosphere, rate constants for gas phase reactions of OH radicals with dichlorvos, carbaryl, chlordimeform, and 2,4-D butyl ester were measured using the relative rate method at ambient temperature and 101 kPa total pressure. On-line FTIR spectroscopy was used to monitor the concentrations of pesticides as a function of time. The reaction rate constants with OH radicals (in units of cm3 molecule-1 s-1) have been determined as (2.0 ± 0.4) × 10-11 for dichlorvos, (3.3 ± 0.5) × 10-11 for carbaryl, (3.0 ± 0.7) × 10-10 for chlordimeform, and (1.5 ± 0.2) × 10-11 for 2,4-D butyl ester. These rate constants agree well with those estimated based on the structure–activity relationship. The group rate constant for N&dbond;C group (k(N&dbond;C)) was estimated as 2.7 × 10-10 cm3 molecule-1 s-1. Dimethyl phosphite has been tentatively identified as a product of the reaction of dichlorvos with OH radicals. Atmospheric lifetimes due to the reactions with OH radicals were also estimated (in units of h): 14 ± 3 for dichlorvos, 8 ± 1 for carbaryl, 1.0 ± 0.3 for chlordimeform, and 19 ± 3 for 2,4-D butyl ester. These short atmospheric lifetimes indicate that the four organic pesticides degrade rapidly in the atmosphere, and they themselves are unlikely to cause persistent pollution. Further studies are needed to identify the potential hazard of their degradation products. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 755–762, 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years the suicide rates have been increasing gradually in many countries. In order to reduce the number of suicides, further research on suicide and the nursing care of suicidal people is required to enhance and advance the quality of suicide nursing care provided. Statistical evidence shows that the most common method of completing suicide in many countries is hanging. Other evidence demonstrates that some suicides could be prevented if all patients were assessed for suicide risk and if psychiatric nurses provided effective nursing care, which centres on therapeutic communication skills. This paper explores the literature on suicide and on the nursing care of people who are suicidal, and also on the importance of integrating theory with practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide is a major mental health problem in Taiwan. Estimations revealed that approximately 41% of people who committed suicide had a previous history of psychiatric inpatient care. To date, a suicide nursing care theory has not been developed. Consequently, the aim of this study was to formulate a suicide nursing care theory with the aim of enhancing and advancing the nursing care provided to people who attempt suicide or have suicidal thoughts. A qualitative approach using grounded theory was adopted. A total of 15 peoples who had either suicidal ideas or had attempted suicide and 15 psychiatric nurses were interviewed and observed. Data were analysed using open, axial and selective coding and the NUD*IST software program. A substantive theory of suicide nursing care was developed from the emergent findings. Four categories surfaced in the nursing care theory relating to the nurses' 'action/interaction strategies'. They were: the holistic assessment of people who are suicidal; providing protection; providing basic care; and providing advanced care. The findings from this study could be used to influence and advance nurse education and training, clinical practice, management and further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was examined among 707 red snapper Lutjanus campechanus representing 16 samples taken during 3 years from localities in the northern and western Gulf of Mexico. Ninety-two composite mtDNA haplotypes were revealed by 13 restriction enzymes (representing 93 inferred restriction sites). Significant heterogeneity ( P = 0.042) in mtDNA haplotype frequencies was detected among the 16 samples; however, homogeneity tests of mtDNA haplotype frequencies between or among samples taken in different years at the same locality and among samples at different localities within the same year, were not significant. No phylogeographic structure of haplotypes was evident, nor were rare haplotypes clustered geographically. Spatial autocorrelations did not differ significantly from those expected when no correlation exists. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that a single breeding population of red snapper inhabits the northern Gulf of Mexico. Intrapopulational mtDNA diversities, however, differed significantly among samples, suggesting that red snapper in the Gulf may not be drawn from a single population. Red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico may possibly include recently derived populations for which there has been insufficient time for accumulation of significant differences in mtDNA haplotype frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BSTRACT: Landsat satellite Thematic Mapper (TM) data were used to assess regional soil moisture conditions. The mid-infrared (MIR) data of TM band 7 were overlain onto four principal land-use categories (Agricultural/Irrigated, Urban/Clearings, Forest/ Wetlands, Water) using a geographic information system (GIS). M data were used to assess four qualitative surface soil-moisture conditions (water/very wet, wet, moist, and dry) within each land-use category of a 208,354 ha southwestern Florida study area. The MIR response was inversely related to the qualitative surface soil-moisture content. Integration of Landsat TM MIR data with land use through GIS appears to be a useful technique for high-resolution regional soil moisture assessment, and further research to reline this technique is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A technique to emulate 3D geometry‐based channel models in a multi‐probe over the air test setup is presented. The proposed technique provides a general emulation framework for any spherical incoming power spectrum. The emulation method results in two optimisation objectives, which are both convex. They give optimal emulation accuracy and allow relatively low computational complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perturbation method is used to calculate the resonance wavelength shift and the sensitivity of fiber surface plasma resonance sensor. We show that the resonance wavelength always shifts to long wavelength direction as the sensed medium dielectric index increases. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 2425–2427, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21956 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) effect on monitoring optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) by polarization-nulling technique has been investigated. Without PMD, the maximum and minimum optical power is measured using the polarization-nulling method to provide accurate OSNR. Due to the difference in arrival time for the two component pulses, it is impossible to transfer the pulse to a linear polarization state. The output power after the polarizer will depend on both OSNR and differential group delay (DGD). It is shown that the accuracy of the polarization-nulling method can be reduced significantly by PMD. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 44: 558–560, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20696 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel L-band fiber amplifier comprised of two sections of erbium-doped fiber (EDF) and an optical reflector is used to enhance power-conversion efficiency (PCE). We also examine how an optical amplifier can be used without an optical reflector while nonetheless making effective use of amplified spontaneous emission in order to increase the gain. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 41: 96–98, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20059 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]