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Objective: To investigate the technique and effectiveness of modified laminoplasty for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and to explore the application value of modified laminoplasty in maintaining the stability of the spine by comparing with the conventional laminectomy., Methods: Fifty-six patients with LSS were included between June 2012 and July 2013, and they were divided into 2 groups: 27 patients underwent modified laminoplasty in group A, and 29 patients received conventional laminectomy in group B. There was no significant difference in sex, age, disease duration, narrow segment, visual analogue scale (VAS) score of low back pain and leg pain, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and walking tolerance between 2 groups ( P > 0.05). The postoperative VAS score of low back pain and leg pain, JOA score, walking tolerance, X-ray film, and CT were used to evaluate the clinical results., Results: Dural tear occurred in 2?cases of group A and 1 case of group B and were repaired during operation. All incisions primarily healed without infection. The patients were followed up 24-31 months (mean, 24.7 months) in group A, and 24-37 months (mean, 26.2 months) in group B. The bone healing time was 6-12 months (mean, 9 months) in group A. CT showed healing at the junction of spinous process and vertebral plate in group A at 12 months after operation; new scar in varying degre es was observed in group B. At last follow-up, lumbar spondylolisthesis and instability occurred in 4?and 2 cases of group B respectively, and received re-operation. The change value of slip distance was (0.27±0.23) mm in group A and was (0.83±1.22) mm in group B, showing significant difference ( t =-2.405, P =0.023). The postoperative JOA score, VAS score, and walking tolerance were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones in 2 groups ( P < 0.05).?At?last follow-up, group A was better than group B in VAS score of low back pain ( P < 0.05), but no significant?difference?was?found in the other indexes between 2 groups ( P > 0.05)., Conclusions: The modified laminoplasty?is better than the conventional laminectomy in relieving low back pain and maintaining the stability of the lumbar spine.

Paleogeological events and Pleistocene climatic fluctuations have had profound influences on the genetic patterns and phylogeographic structure of species in southern China. In this study, we investigated the population genetic structure and Phylogeography of the Odorrana schmackeri species complex, mountain stream-dwelling odorous frogs, endemic to southern China. We obtained mitochondrial sequences (1,151bp) of the complete ND2 gene and two flanking tRNAs of 511 individuals from 25 sites for phylogeographic analyses. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed seven divergent evolutionary lineages, with mean pairwise (K2P) sequence distances from 7.8% to 21.1%, except for a closer ND2 distance (3.4%). The complex geological history of southern China drove matrilineal divergence in the O. schmackeri species complex into highly structured geographical units. The first divergence between lineage A+B and other lineages (C-G) had likely been influenced by the uplift of coastal mountains of Southeast China during the Mio-Pliocene period. The subsequent divergences between the lineages C-G may have followed the formation of the Three Gorges and the intensification of the East Asian summer monsoon during the late Pliocene and early Pleistocene. Demographic analyses indicated that major lineages A and C have been experienced recent population expansion (c. 0.045-0.245 Ma) from multiple refugia prior to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Molecular analysis suggest that these seven lineages may represent seven different species, three described species and four cryptic species and should at least be separated into seven management units corresponding to these seven geographic lineages for conservation.

We demonstrate experimentally the quantum frequency down-conversion of a bright amplitude-squeezed optical field via a high efficiency difference frequency generation process. 532 nm amplitude-squeezed light with squeezing of 1.0 dB is successfully translated to 810 nm amplitude-squeezed light with squeezing of 0.8 dB. The effects of amplitude and phase fluctuations of the pump field on the frequency conversion are investigated both theoretically and experimentally. It is shown that the quantum frequency down-conversion is insensitive to small amplitude fluctuations of the pump field at the optimal conversion point. However, the phase fluctuations of the pump field can lead to increase of noise in the phase quadrature of the down-converted field. To eliminate the additive phase noise, a dual frequency down-converter which utilizing common pump field is proposed and demonstrated.

The analysis of retinal blood vessels plays an important role in detecting and treating retinal diseases. In this review, we present an automated method to segment blood vessels of fundus retinal image. The proposed method could be used to support a non-intrusive diagnosis in modern ophthalmology for early detection of retinal diseases, treatment evaluation or clinical study. This study combines the bias correction and an adaptive histogram equalisation to enhance the appearance of the blood vessels. Then the blood vessels are extracted using probabilistic modelling that is optimised by the expectation maximisation algorithm. The method is evaluated on fundus retinal images of STARE and DRIVE datasets. The experimental results are compared with some recently published methods of retinal blood vessels segmentation. The experimental results show that our method achieved the best overall performance and it is comparable to the performance of human experts.

This paper is concerned with the set-membership filtering (SMF) problem for discrete-time nonlinear systems. We employ the Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model to approximate the nonlinear systems over the true value of state and to overcome the difficulty with the linearization over a state estimate set rather than a state estimate point in the set-membership framework. Based on the T-S fuzzy model, we develop a new nonlinear SMF estimation method by using the fuzzy modeling approach and the S-procedure technique to determine a state estimation ellipsoid that is a set of states compatible with the measurements, the unknown-but-bounded process and measurement noises, and the modeling approximation errors. A recursive algorithm is derived for computing the ellipsoid that guarantees to contain the true state. A smallest possible estimate set is recursively computed by solving the semidefinite programming problem. An illustrative example shows the effectiveness of the proposed method for a class of discrete-time nonlinear systems via fuzzy switch.

We describe continuous wave single-frequency operation of an intracavity frequency-doubled Nd:YLF ring laser end-pumped by a fiber-coupled laser diode. Output power of 770 mW has been achieved at 526.5 nm. The amplitude noise of the laser reaches the quantum noise limit for frequencies above 5 MHz, and the phase noise reaches the quantum noise limit for frequencies above 10 MHz. The laser's emission frequency can be tuned over 12 GHz by using an intracavity LiTaO3 electro-optic crystal based Fabry-Perot etalon.

Objective: To study the effects of total saponins of Panax ginseng combined with berberine on hemodynamics, Plasma brain natriuretic peptide and Ca2+ concentration in cardiac cells of chronic congestive heart failure rats., Method: Animal models of heart failure were induced by subcutaneously injecting a large dose of ISO (80 mg x kg(-1)) for 12 days Rat and then were randomly divided into four groups: model group was given distilled water by gavage; total saponins of P. ginseng combined with berberine group was treated with total saponins of P. ginseng and berberine (each 20 mg x kg(-1); once per day) taken orally; captopril group was given captopril (45 mg x kg(-1); once per day) orally; shenmai injection group was injected intraperitoneally with shenmai injection (5 mL x kg(-1), once per day). The normal control group was given distilled water by gavage. After 4 weeks of drug treatment, rat To determine the contents of hemodynamics and plasma brain natriuretic peptide were determined and rat Ca2+ concentration in cardiomyocytes was measured by flow cytometer of each group., Result: Compared with normal control group, in model group can decrease the contents of LVSP, +dp/dtmax, and -dp/dtmax were decreased, but increase the contents of LVEDP, plasma brain natriuretic peptide and Ca2+ concentration were increased. The difference between two groups was significant meaning (P<0.01). Compared with model group, in total saponins of P. ginseng combined with berberine group can increase the contents of LVSP, +dp/dtmax, -dp/dtmax were increased, but were increased contents of LVEDP, plasma brain natriuretic peptide and Ca2+ concentration were decreased. The difference between two groups was significant was (P<0.01, P<0.05). Moreover, Total saponins of P. ginseng combined with berberine group had an efficacy similar to that of captopril group but superior to that of shenmai injection group., Conclusion: Total saponins of P. ginseng combined with berberine has a good effect on hemodynamics, plasma brain natriuretic peptide concentration and calcium overload in experimental rats with chronic congestive heart failure.

Objective: To investigate the clinical outcomes of lumbar spondylolisthesis associated with lumbar spinal stenosis through decompressive laminectomy, spondylolithesis reduction system (SRS) internal fixation, single posterolateral Vigor Spacer threaded fusion cages and intertransverse process arthrodesis bone grafting., Methods: From June 2002 to June 2006, 58 cases of lumbar spondylolisthesis were treated with decompressive laminectomy, fixed by SRS instrumentation, posterior installed with interbody Vigor Spacer Cage and bone grafted between intertransverse process arthrodesis. There were 47 males and 11 females, aged 32-66 years old (45.8 on average). The course of disease was 3 months to 7 years, with an medium course of 25 months. According to the Meyerding standard, 38 cases were classified as degree I and 20 as degree II. Spondylolisthesis between L4 and L5 covered 21 cases and between L5 and S1 covered 37 cases. There were 44 cases of lumbar spondylolisthesis and 14 of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. The intervertebral height was 1.5-10.5 mm with the average of 5.1 mm., Results: All patients' incisions obtained healing by first intension after operation. The operation time was 50-90 minutes with an average of 65 minutes. The blood loss was 200-500 mL with an average of 250 mL. The patients were followed up for 10-38 months with an average of 23.6 months. According to the Macnab criteria, 54 cases were excellent, 3 good, 1 fair and the choiceness rate was 98.3%. According to the Meyerding classification, 38 cases of degree I and 19 out of 20 cases of degree II obtained complete reduction, and the rate of complete reduction was 98.3%. There were 57 (98.3%) cases which fused well 3-6 months after operation. The intervertebral height resumed to 9.6-12.5 mm with an average of 11.6 mm, and no intervertebral height loss was found., Conclusion: The treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis with decompressive laminectomy, SRS internal fixation, single posterior lateral Vigor Spacer threaded fusion cage and bone grafting has excellent clinical results and stable reduction.

We have demonstrated a 2 W cw single frequency 1.56 microm laser using a diode laser seeded Erbium doped fiber power amplifier, and a 715 mW cw single-frequency 780 nm laser by an external cavity enhanced second-harmonic-generation. The performance of the system was improved greatly by the seed diode laser optical locked to the resonant frequency of confocal F-P cavity. The linewidth of the 1.56 microm laser was narrowed from 2 MHz to 200 kHz, meanwhile, the intensity and phase noises were suppressed by 10 dB and 12 dB, respectively. The linewidth of the 780 nm laser was narrowed from 2 MHz to 300 kHz, meanwhile, the intensity and phase noises were suppressed by 11 dB and 13 dB, respectively.

Two types of novel reversed-phase packing materials were made by adding TiO2/ SiO2 (or ZrO2/SiO2) and octadecyltrichlorosilane into toluene with stirring and refluxing for 36 h. TiO2/SiO2 and ZrO2/SiO2 particles were prepared by a layer-by-layer self-assemble technique and consist of micrometer-sized silica spheres as cores and nanometer-sized zirconia or titania as surface coating. The carbon loading of C18-bonded TiO2/SiO2 was 11.51% and that of C18-bonded ZrO2/SiO2 was 9.62%. The hydrophobic selectivity and sensitivity were studied respectively and compared in details; the results showed that the packing supports both acted as true reversed chromatographic stationary phase with similar hydrophobic selectivity. The chromatographic behaviors of the two types of novel reversed-phase packing material were evaluated with nine aromatic compounds. The chromatographic studies showed that either of the packing materials would be a good choice to separate aromatic compounds, however, the selectivity of C18-bonded TiO2/SiO2 was a little better than that of C18-bonded ZrO2/SiO2.

A microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC) method for the determination of andrographolide and dehydroandrographolide in Xiaoyanlidan Tablets was established. The MEEKC method involved the use of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as surfactant, ethyl acetate as organic solvent and 1-butanol as co-surfactant. The effects of several factors such as the acidity and concentration of borate buffer, SDS and 1-butanol contents were investigated. The optimized composition (by mass) of microemulsion system are 0.5% ethyl acetate--0.6% SDS--6.0% 1-butanol--92.9% 30 mmol/L sodium tetraborate buffer (pH 9.5). This system allowed a useful and reproducible separation of the analytes to be achieved in less than 6 min. The proposed method is a simple, fast and sensitive method for the determination of andrographolide and dehydroandrographolide in Xiaoyanlidan Tablets.

The composition of fatty acids (FA) in Gymnocypris przewalskii oil was identified and quantified by gas chromatography (GC)/electron impact (EI) mass spectrometry (MS). A base-catalyzed transesterification method was used to convert fatty acids to methyl esters. The lipids were extracted using petroleum ether and the total lipids in dried meat and skin of Gymnocypris przewalskii were about 25%. Forty-seven fatty acids were identified in the current study. Main types of fatty acids found in the oils were normal saturated, mono-branched, multi-branched, cyclopropane, furanoid, normal monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids were approximately 25. 7% of the total, and the main components were C(14:0) (3.4%), C(16:0) (19.4%) and C(18:0) (1.1%). Unsaturated fatty acids were totally 73.6%, and the major components of monounsaturated fatty acids were C(16:1 (9)) (19.8%), C(18:1) (9)) (18. 6%) and C(18:1 (11)) (7.3%); polyunsaturated fatty acids were mainly composed of C(18:2 (9,12)) (4.8%), C(18:3 (9, 12, 15)) (3.1%), C(20:4 (5, 8, 1, 14)) (1.2%), C(20:5 (5, 8, 11, 14, 17)) (EPA, 9.4%) and C(22:6 (4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19)) (DHA, 6.7%). Especially, furyl-, cyclopropane- and several odd and branched chain fatty acids were found in Gymnocypris przewalskii oil. It is thus an important dietary resource of functional fatty acids.

From May 2004 to February 2005, an investigation was made on the avian communities in four typical habitats, i.e., village and farmland, urban woodlot, floodplain, and riverine wetland in Wuhu City, with the related diversity indices analyzed. A total of 117 species belonging to 15 orders and 31 families was recorded. The avian species and G-F index in village and farmland, urban woodlot, and floodplain were higher in summer than in winter, while the species number, Shannon-Wiener index and Pielou index in riverine wetland were significantly higher in winter than in summer. The avian species and G-F index in urban woodlot were the highest, and the Shannon-Wiener index and Pielou index in floodplain were higher than those in other three habitats. The highest density was observed in village and farmland in summer and in urban woodlot in winter, being 31.1140 and 42.9160 ind x hm(-2), respectively. The avian species, density, Shannon-Wiener index and G-F index in riverine wetland were the lowest. Avian diversity could be enhanced by increasing spatial heterogeneity and reducing human disturbance.

We propose and demonstrate a new scheme of high-efficiency generation of the three-photon polarization-entangled W state, which is a typical three-qubit entangled state. The high efficiency has enabled the first full characterization of the state by quantum state tomography. We have analyzed the obtained state and observed its nature of tripartite entanglement and robustness of entanglement.

Urban avian diversity is an important part of city biodiversity, which plays an important role in ecological balance of cities. During the summertime in 2004, we studied three typical avian communities at the habitats of village and farmland, urban woodlot, and floodplain in the urban and suburban areas of Wuhu City. A total of 71 species were recorded, which belonged to 12 orders, 27 families. The analysis of diversity index showed that urban woodlot had the greatest avian species number and G-F index, village and farmland had the highest avian density, and floodplain had the highest Shannon-Wiener and Pielou indices due to low human disturbance and dense vegetation. It is important to keep the avian diversity of floodplain in Wuhu City.

A novel zirconia-based HPLC packing material, ZrO2/SiO2, which consists of micrometer-sized silica spheres as core and nanometer-sized zirconia particles as surface coating, was prepared by a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique. The material exhibits favorable characteristics for HPLC applications, including high surface area and pore volume, good pore structure, narrow particle size, and pore size distribution. Not only the support ZrO2/SiO2 but also the stationary-phase C18 bonded ZrO2/SiO2 exhibits excellent chemical stability. In addition, good permeability was observed for both of them. High specific area surface and good permeability of ZrO2/SiO2 permit a high loading amount of chiral polymer on it and greatly improved the enantioselectivity and resolution for some chiral separations., (Copyright 2004 American Chemical Society)

A chiral stationary phase (CSP) was prepared by coating amylose-tris(3,5-dimethylphenyl carbamate) (ADMPC) onto aminopropylated spherical silica gel. Albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO) was directly resolved on the ADMPC-CSP by normal-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a series of binary and ternary mobile phases. The results indicated that the retention and stereoselectivity of ABZSO on ADMPC-CSP were significantly influenced by the kinds and the contents of the alcohols in mobile phases. The use of methanol and/or ethanol as alcoholic modifier achieved better separation of ABZSO. Effective and efficient chiral resolution was obtained by using ternary mobile phases: hexane/2-propanol/methanol or hexane/ethanol/methanol.

The enantioseparation of seven novel chiral transition metal tetrahedral clusters has been achieved for the first time on cellulose derivatized with tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (CDMPC) as chiral stationary phase (CSP) and hexane containing different alcohols as modifiers as mobile phases. The effect of mobile-phase composition on enantioselectivity was studied, and the effect of structural variation of the solutes on their enantioseparation was also investigated. It was found that both the metal in the tetrahedral core and the ligand coordinated to the atom in the tetrahedral core had significant effects on the chromatographic behavior of the analytes.

The chemical characteristics of groundwaters containing anomalous arsenic were summarized and the factors influencing arsenic enrichment in groundwater were discussed in this paper, based on chemical data of general compositions, trace elements and organic matters of sixty-six groundwaters and mineral analysis of thirty aquifer matrix. The main factors inducing anomalous arsenic in groundwaters included high pH (8.09), high concentrations of phosphate (0.71 mg/L) and organic matters (5.14 mg/L), and anoxic environment. High pH, high phosphate content and anoxic environment made against adsorption of As into aquifer which contains clay minerals. And high concentration of organic matters promoted the activity of As in groundwater system. These factors contribute to desorption and transportation of As in aquifers.