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A tangential CO2 laser collective scattering system has been first installed on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) to measure short-scale turbulent fluctuations in EAST plasmas. The system can measure fluctuations with up to four distinct wavenumbers simultaneously ranging from 10 cm−1 to 26 cm−1, and correspondingly k ⊥ ρ s ∼ 1.5 − 4.3 . The system is designed based on the oblique propagation of the probe beam with respect to the magnetic field, and thus the enhanced spatial localization can be achieved by taking full advantage of turbulence anisotropy and magnetic field inhomogeneity. The simultaneous measurements of turbulent fluctuations in different regions can be taken by special optical setup. Initial measurements indicate rich short-scale turbulent dynamics in both core and outer regions of EAST plasmas. The system will be a powerful tool for investigating the features of short-scale turbulent fluctuations in EAST plasmas.

Various surface probe techniques were applied to investigate the decomposition of methanol on partially alumina-encapsulated Pt nanoclusters on an ordered thin film of Al2O3/NiAl(1 0 0). The alumina-encapsulated Pt clusters were prepared on annealing Pt clusters (grown by vapor deposition onto the Al2O3/NiAl(1 0 0) at 300 K) to 650 K under UHV conditions. The annealed cluster became a Pt1+–Pt2+ state and partially encapsulated with inert alumina. Methanol on the partially encapsulated Pt clusters decomposed only on the uncovered Pt sites, and through both dehydrogenation to CO and scission of the C–O bond. In comparison to the reactions on Pt clusters, the C–O bond scission was altered little on the partially encapsulated clusters whereas the dehydrogenation was hindered to a certain extent. The quantities of CO and hydrogen produced from the dehydrogenation per surface Pt on the partially encapsulated clusters amounted to only half those on Pt clusters. The altered methanol decomposition was correlated to both electronic and ensemble effects.

Obstructed decomposition of methanol by CO on Pt nanoclusters deposited from the vapor onto thin-film Al 2 O 3 /NiAl(1 0 0) was studied with various surface probe techniques. The Pt clusters had mean diameter about 2.3 nm and height about 0.4 nm, and grew with phase fcc and primarily in the (1 1 1) orientation. CO adsorbed molecularly on the Pt clusters to saturate the sites atop Pt, and methanol was subsequently adsorbed for the reactions. The probability of dehydrogenation of methanol co-adsorbed with CO on the clusters was about half that of methanol not so co-adsorbed; CO molecules produced from dehydrogenated methanol adsorbed in a conformation with the C O bond nearly parallel to the surface. In contrast, the CO obstructed less effectively the scission of the C O bond of methanol: the probability of that scission was decreased only 20–30%. CO with atomic hydrogen produced from dehydrogenated methanol on the clusters exhibited a comparable obstructive effect, even though the produced CO occupied only the reactive sites on the clusters. The comparison indicates also that the inactive sites of the clusters comprise primarily terrace Pt.

The crack growth process in GBF of high strength bearing steel JIS SUJ2 is qualitatively investigated by low–high two-step variable amplitude loading (TSAL) tests. It is demonstrated that the GBF size reduces with the increase in applied stress amplitude, and that the GBF size at a given stress amplitude is a constant which is independent of inclusion size at the crack origin. The fatigue life at a given stress amplitude, which is proportional to −8 power of the inclusion size, reduces with increasing inclusion size. It was shown by TSAL tests that GBF was formed at the earlier stage (approximate 105 cycles corresponding to less than 1% total fatigue life in the regime Nf≧107 cycles) and propagated hardly until near to the final life (more than 90% total fatigue life). After that the GBF crack will propagate rapidly to the ultimate size in a short time.

In order to analyse the effect of hydrogen on very high cycle fatigue properties, hydrogen was precharged into two high strength steels. The applied stress intensity factor range at the periphery of inclusions before and after being precharged is approximately proportional to the cubic root of inclusion size. In addition, the applied stress intensity factor range at the periphery of inclusions after being precharged was lower compared with uncharged specimens. The additional stress intensity factor range generated by hydrogen ΔKH is raised after the hydrogen was precharged. A simple prediction equation of S–N curve was proposed by introducing the hydrogen influence factor. The proposed prediction equation can reasonably describe the S–N curves for precharged specimens.

To reduce the biocorrosion rate and enhance the biocompatibility by surface modification, MgF2 coatings were prepared on Mg–1Ca alloy using vacuum evaporation deposition method. The average thickness of the coating was about 0.95 µm. The results of immersion test and electrochemical test indicated that the corrosion rate of Mg–1Ca alloy was effectively decreased after coating with MgF2. The MgF2 coating induced calcium phosphate deposition on Mg–1Ca alloy. After 72 h culture, MG63 cells and MC3T3-E1 cells were well spread on the surface of the MgF2-coated Mg–1Ca alloy, while few cells were observed on uncoated Mg–1Ca alloy samples. In summary, MgF2 coating showed beneficial effects on the corrosion resistance and thus improved cell response of the Mg–1Ca alloy effectively and should be a good surface modification method for other biomedical magnesium alloys. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The ecological adaptability of four typical plants (two grasses: Thysanolaena maxima and Miscanthus floridulus; two shrubs: Melastoma candidum and Melastoma sanguineum) in the early successional stage of a tropical rainforest in Hainan Island of China was studied. Our purpose was to test the difference of the adaptive modes and ecological functions for four different functional groups. We measured the physiological parameters and morphological indexes to define the adaptability of the plants at this stage. Results showed that T. maxima possessed stronger water use ability, whose adaptation was mainly by the morphological architecture regulation strategy (by higher leaf self-shading). M. floridulus had greater water regulation ability and its adaptation was mainly through the physiological regulation strategy (by higher net photosynthetic rate (A) and water use efficiency). However, M. candidum and M. sanguineum integrated the morphological architecture and physiological strategies (by high A and leaf self-shading). According to the ecophysiological characteristics and adaptation modes, the plants in the early successional stage of the tropical rainforest in Hainan Island can be categorized into three functional groups: (1) physiological adaptation group, (2) morphological adaptation group, and (3) physiological and morphological integrated adaptation group.

In this study, we compared the impact of two main strategies of intervention against multivessel coronary disease (MVD), complete revascularization (CR) and incomplete revascularization (IR), on patients' quality of life.210 patients with multivessel disease were selected for this study. The diagnosis was confirmed by coronary angiography, and patients were divided in two different groups according to the type of revascularization method they received: (1) the complete revascularization (CR) group and (2) the incomplete revascularization (IR) group. Patients were asked to fill out SF-36 life quality questionnaire in three-time points: (1) before the operation; (2) one month after the operation; and (3) one year after the operation.Baseline conditions showed no significant intergroup differences. Scores obtained from different sections in the questionnaire were compared between two groups and results revealed that scores in every section were significantly different (p0.05) except for the general health condition section. Patients in the CR group scored higher in physical functioning, physical role, body pain, vitality, social role, emotional role and mental health. Scores obtained from different time points also varied significantly (p0.05), with those of one month and one year after operation being noticeably higher than the preoperative ones.Both complete and incomplete revascularization methods can effectively improve the short- and long-term quality of life in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. However, complete revascularization can produce better results.

To evaluate the current status of anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation(AF)in Xinjiang, and compare the two scoring systems(CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores) in determining the risk of strokes in AF patients in Xinjiang.Subjects with AF were collected by searching the electronic and paper medical records from 35 hospitals in Xinjiang area during October 2013 to October 2014, and followed up for the incident strokes after 10 to 12 months.Totally, 5 953 AF patients were enrolled in the study with the age of (67.9±12.0) years old, and men to women ratio of 1.44. Most patients were in age groups of 60-69 (23.92%) and 70-79 years (37.81%). Among patients with a CHADS2 score of 1 or less, the CHA2DS2-VASc scores of these subjects ranged from 0 to 3. After 10 to 12 months of follow-up, 22 patients developed new strokes. Only 30.79% patients ( n=1 460) received the anticoagulation treatment among those (n=4 742) who need to be treated with anticoagulation drugs. In patients receiving anticoagulant therapy, 1 162 patients were treated with warfarin, and 298 patients with new oral anticoagulant drugs.Totally 1 110 patients treated with warfarin were monitored with international normalized ratio (INR). The median INR was 1.14 with only 97 cases meeting the recommended INR ranging of 2.0-3.0 in the guidelines. The compliance rate was 8.74%.The current status of anticoagulation for AF in Xinjiang area is characterized by "low anticoagulation rate" and "low compliance rate". The CHA2DS2-VASc score is more suitable for predicting the risk of strokes in patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation in Xinjiang area.

With the aim to improve the impact initiation capability of a rod-like jet, this paper presents the influence of an axially asymmetric shaped charge on the jet studied by means of numerical simulations. According to Held’s initiation criterion, the impact initiation capability of the jet is affected by the jet tip velocity and diameter. The detonation radius over the longitudinal axis, restricted by the charge radius over the same axis, affects the detonation wave in the charge, the force acting on the liner, and, therefore, the jet velocity and shape. Based on these laws, the structure of the axially asymmetric charge is optimized. Compared with axisymmetric jets, axially asymmetric rod-like jets possess a higher impact initiation capability.

Zhu YM, Li YD, Colbach N, Ma KP, Wei W & Mi XC (2012). Seed losses at harvest and seed persistence of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in different cultural conditions in Chinese farming systems. Weed Research52, 317–326. Summary This article reports experiments that explore the critical factors for gene flow in oilseed rape (Brassica napus) via the soil seedbank under Chinese farming systems. Research was carried out on 16 farmer’s fields to estimate harvest seed losses after different planting methods and harvest timings, during the four components of the harvest operations. An additional field experiment was set up to estimate the potential germination proportion of seeds in flood-irrigated and un-irrigated fields, as a function of seed burial depth over time. Seed losses were largest during the sun-drying of harvested plants in the field, accounting for about three quarters of the total seed losses. The number of intact seeds declined quickly after they entered the soil, particularly in un-irrigated fields, and no volunteers germinated in the irrigated field after 3 months. Burial depth did not affect the potential for germination and emergence of volunteers in the flood-irrigated field. However, the potential germination declined with increasing burial depth in the un-irrigated field. No viable seeds remained in the soil after 16 months. Seed losses during harvest could be limited to 0.7–1.1% by weight of total seed production by placing a plastic membrane under the cut plants during drying and no rape seeds could germinate after 3 months in water-logged condition. Thus, the risk of gene flow via the soil seedbank is probably small in Chinese oilseed rape farming systems.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent tumor types and the third most common form of morbidity in cancer-related deaths worldwide. Lentinan isolated from Lentinus edodes, is known to be a biologically active macromolecule with extremely strong activation of the human immune system such as host-mediated anti-cancer activity. The aim of this study is to investigate the immunoprophylaxis effect of the antigens induced by lentinan on murine hepatocellular carcinoma.The antigens were prepared by a co-culture method (HCL) and purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation precipitation (Z1, Z2, Z3). The effects of antigens on murine hepatocellular carcinoma immunoprophylaxis were determined in vivo. The cellular immunity of the immunized mice was tested by spleen lymphocyte proliferation tests and peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis assays. The tumor-specific antigen was confirmed by Western blot analysis.Results in vivo revealed that the antigens (HCL/Z1) activated immunoprophylaxis against hepatocellular carcinoma with a better survival status. The survival rates (60%, 100%) of the HCL/Z1 group were better than the model group (p0.01). The quantity of lymphocytes in the spleen in the HCL or Z1 groups treated with ConA or LPS were higher than that of the model group (p0.01). The phagocytosis ability of macrophages in the HCL or Z1 groups was better than that of the control group or model group (p0.01). The characterization of Western blot analysis showed that about 59.6 kDa tumor specific antigen combined with antiserum of immunized mice specifically appeared in antigens.The newly generated tumor-specific antigen played a key role in the anti-tumor immune response and in activating the immune system. Our results suggest that this protein could serve as a tumor vaccine, and it could generate new ideas for tumor immunoprophylaxis.

Objective: We prospectively investigated the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-free 3-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (3D-TOF-MRA) with volume rendering (VR) at 3.0 T to detect intracranial aneurysms in a large cohort of patients. Methods: We conducted a prospective clinical study including 411 patients with suspected aneurysms and other cerebral vascular diseases who were referred for contrast-free 3D-TOF-MRA at 3.0 T prior to digital subtraction angiography (DSA). 2D-DSA and VR-DSA were regarded as the gold standard. Forty-two patients were excluded. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) as measures to detect or rule out intracranial aneurysms were determined by patient-, aneurysm-, vessel-, and aneurysm size–based evaluations. Results: In all 369 patients investigated, VR-DSA revealed 307 aneurysms in 246 patients (66.7%) and no aneurysm in 123 patients. The patient-based evaluation by VR 3D-TOF-MRA at 3.0 T yielded an accuracy of 97.6%, a sensitivity of 99.2%, specificity of 94.4%, PPV of 97.2%, and NPV of 98.3% in the detection of intracranial aneurysms. The aneurysm-based evaluation yielded an accuracy of 98.3%, sensitivity of 99.3%, specificity of 96.9%, PPV of 97.8%, and NPV of 99.1%. The vessel-based evaluation yielded accuracy of 98.8%, sensitivity of 99.2%, specificity of 98.5%, PPV of 97.5%, and NPV of 99.6%. The evaluation based on aneurysm sizes yielded similar results. Conclusions: VR 3D-TOF-MRA at 3.0 T accurately identified the presence of intracranial aneurysms. High PPV and NPV indicated that VR 3D-TOF-MRA at 3.0 T may replace DSA as a contrast-free, noninvasive, and non-radiation-based modality for the diagnosis and screening of intracranial aneurysms.

We describe the output performances of the 1030 nm transition in Yb:YAG under in-band pumping with diode laser at the 968 nm wavelength. An end-pumped Yb:YAG crystal yielded 1.93 W of continuous-wave (CW) output power for 9.1 W of absorbed pump power. The slope efficiency with respect to the absorbed pump power was 23.6%. Furthermore, 205 mW 515 nm green light was acquired by frequency doubling, resulting in an optical-to-optical efficiency with respect to the absorbed pump power of 2.7%. Comparative results obtained for the pump with diode laser at 940 nm are given in order to prove the advantages of the in-band pumping.

AM60B alloy has been refined by SiC particles and the corresponding refining mechanism has been mainly discussed. The results indicate that the addition of 0.2 wt% SiC particles in form of mixture with Mg powder decreases the grain size from 317 μm of the not refined alloy to 46 μm. The decrease of β phase and formation of Mg2Si and Al4C3 phases well demonstrate that the reactions of 3SiC + 4Al = Al4C3 + 3Si and 2Si + Mg = Mg2Si occur during refining treatment. In addition, the crystal nuclei are composed of two kinds of elements, Al and C. All of these imply that the formed Al4C3 particles are the actual heterogeneous nucleation substrates.

All piezoelectric actuators are of finite dimension. The effect of finite geometry on the electro-elastic responses is of significance to the design of practical actuators. Electromechanical model is established for an interface electrode in a piezoelectric actuator with finite dimension. The methods of infinite series and Cauchy singular integral equation are employed to perform the electro-elastic analysis. The accuracy of numerical calculation is analyzed and the suitability of the present methods is discussed. Parametric studies on the electro-elastic intensity factors yield three conclusions. (a) A central electrode rather than an off-center one can help to enhance the structural reliability. (b) For an actuator with central electrode, it is better to make the interface twice as long as the electrode. For an actuator with periodical interface electrodes, the optimal allocation of electrodes is to make the space identical to the electrode length. (c) The thickness of the piezoelectric layer should be at least a quarter of the electrode length.

The Pearl River Delta (PRD) is one of the most industrialized and urbanized regions in China. With rapid growth of the economy, it is suffering from deteriorating air quality. Non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) were investigated at urban and suburban sites in Guangzhou (GZ), a rural site in PRD and a clean remote site in South China, in April 2005. Additional roadside samples in GZ and Qingxi (QX, a small industrial town in PRD), ambient air samples at the rooftop of a printing factory in QX and exhaust samples from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)—fueled taxis in GZ were collected to help identify the source signatures of NMHCs. A large fraction of propane (47%) was found in exhaust samples from LPG-fueled taxis in GZ and extremely high levels of toluene (2.0–3.1 ppmv) were found at the rooftop of the printing factory in QX. Vehicular and industrial emissions were the main sources of NMHCs. The effect of vehicular emission on the ambient air varied among the three PRD sites. The impact of industrial emissions was widespread and they contributed greatly to the high levels of aromatic hydrocarbons, especially toluene, at the three PRD sites investigated. Leakage from vehicles fueled by LPG contributed mainly to the high levels of propane and n-butane at the urban GZ site. Ethane and ethyne from long-range transport and isoprene from local biogenic emission were the main contributors to the total hydrocarbons at the remote site. Diurnal variations of NMHCs showed that the contribution from vehicular emissions varied with traffic conditions and were more influenced by fresh emissions at the urban site and by aged air at the suburban and rural sites. Isoprene from biogenic emission contributed largely to the ozone formation potential (OFP) at the remote site. Ethene, toluene and m/p-xylene were the main contributors to the OFP at the three PRD sites. r 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The management of intracranial pseudoaneurysms is controversial. The purpose of this study was to provide a preliminary evaluation of the clinical efficacy of a Willis covered stent specially designed for the intracranial vasculature in the management of a pseudoaneurysm of the cranial internal carotid artery (CICA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients with pseudoaneurysms of the CICA were treated with use of the Willis covered stent. The flexibility of the entire stent system was gauged from the resistance met when reaching the target lesion and was categorized as no resistance, no apparent resistance, or resistance that could be overcome. The apposition of the Willis stent after deployment was scored as excellent with no endoleak, good with a small endoleak, or bad with an apparent endoleak. Follow-up angiography was performed 3 to 12 months after placement of the stent, and angiographic assessments were categorized as endoleak, stenosis of the covered segment of vessel, or occlusion of parent arteries. Follow-up clinical evaluations were also performed, and outcomes were graded as full recovery, improvement, unchanged, and aggravation. RESULTS: Endovascular treatment was technically successful in all aneurysms without procedural-related complications, and all of the stents were easily navigated to the targeted lesions in the CICA. Complete resolution of the pseudoaneurysm was observed in 6 patients immediately after the procedure, and a minimal endoleak into the aneurysm persisted in 2 patients. No morbidity or mortality and no technical adverse event occurred. A follow-up angiogram confirmed complete reconstruction of the internal carotid artery, with no recurrent aneurysmal filling and no occurrence of stenosis in the area of the stent. By the final follow-up visit, 4 patients had fully recovered, 3 had improved, and 1 patient9s condition was unchanged. CONCLUSION: On the basis of our preliminary experience, the Willis covered stent specially designed for the intracranial vasculature can manage a CICA pseudoaneurysm safely and effectively, but longer follow-up and expanded clinical trials are needed.

The first plasma discharges were successfully achieved on the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST) in 2006. The sawteeth behaviours were observed by means of soft x-ray diagnostics and ECE signals in the EAST. The displacement and radius of the q = 1 surface was studied and compared with the result of equilibrium calculation. The density sawtooth oscillation was also observed by the HCN laser interferometer diagnostics. The structure of the EAST operational region was studied in detail. Plasma performance was obviously improved by the boronization and wall conditioning. It was observed that lower qa and a wider stable operating region is extended by the GDC boronization.

In this article, a new method for the production of nondendritic semisolid ZA27 alloy available for thixoforming was developed. The results indicated that a semisolid microstructure with small and spherical primary particles could be obtained when the alloy had been treated for 3 h at 370 � C and then partially remelted at semisolid temperature of 460 � C. This method could not only overcome some inevitable shortcomings resulting from using some present popular approaches but also simplify the procedure of thixoforming. The coarsening of dendritic arms through merging during solid solution treatment and then separating from the dendrites during partial remelting were the main methods by which such a microstructure was formed.

The size effect on strength of alumina agglomerates was examined, and the applicability of the often used size effect laws was discussed. It is concluded that there is a significant energetic size effect, which shows that the Weibull statistical size effect does not apply. However, the size effect on the tensile strength of the agglomerates examined can be addressed well by the energetic–statistical size effect law.

This paper presents a load impedance estimation and iterative-learning control for a three-phase four-wire inverter. The topology of a three-phase four wire inverter is adopted to uninterruptible power supply (UPS) applications, which can supply unbalanced load, linear load and rectified load. The proposed load impedance estimation scheme employs an RLC equivalent circuit concept to determine the load parameters. The inverter can track the sinusoidal reference voltage precisely and it is allowed to have wide inductance variation, reducing core size significantly. With the proposed iterative learning control, the steady-state error can be reduced significantly cycle by cycle. In the design and implementation, the inverter inductances corresponding to various inductor currents are measured off-line and tabulated into a single-chip microcontroller for tuning loop gain every switching cycle, while the RLC load parameters are estimated on-line to determine control (duty ratio), ensuring system stability. Experimental results measured from A 10 kVA system have verified the analysis and discussion.

This paper presents an iterative learning control with filter-capacitor current compensation for a three-phase four-wire inverter, which is adopted to uninterruptible power supply (UPS) applications. It can supply unbalanced, linear and rectified loads. With the proposed iterative learning control, the steady-state error can be reduced significantly cycle by cycle, and it is allowed to have wide inductance variation, reducing core size significantly. Additionally, the compensation for the filter-capacitor current is also considered in the control, which can help to shape output voltage waveform more accurately. In the design and implementation, the inverter inductances corresponding to various inductor currents are measured off-line and tabulated into a single-chip microcontroller for tuning loop gain every switching cycle, ensuring system stability. Experimental results measured from a 10 kVA inverter have verified the analysis and discussion.

The mechanism for producing slow, target associated particles in high energy heavy ion collisions is investigated. It is shown that the same mechanism which was proposed for hadron induced interactions is likely to appear also for heavy-ion reactions. The results indicate however a much weaker correlation between impact parameter and yield of slow particles.

The fragmentation topology of28Si at 3.7A GeV and 14.6A GeV and32S at 200A GeV in reactions with emulsion nuclei is presented. The fragmentation cross sections are very similar at all three energies. A statistical percolation model can qualitatively describe the data forZ≥ 6. The He production is underestimated and the 3 ≤Z ≤ 5 fragments overestimated by this model.

Charged particle pseudorapidity density distributions in Au induced reactions in nuclear emulsion at 10.7 A GeV have been measured. In peripheral events the shower particle distribution exhibits a two peak structure while in central collisions it has a Gaussian shape. The spectator protons appear in the second peak in the pseudorapidity spectra and exhibits a broader momentum distribution than expected from Fermi motion. The produced particle yield in central collisions is not substantially different from phenomenological descriptions based on data from O and S induced reactions.

Angular distributions of projectile-associated He fragments from Au induced reactions in nuclear emulsions at 10.7 A GeV have been measured with a precision of ±0.1 mrad. Two emission components are indubitably appearing, one representing fragmentation of a fermionic system while the other one exhibits large transverse momentum transfer. Possible explanations for the latter component are discussed.

One of six wells drilled into the crystalline rock of the Black Forest basement during the German Continental Deep Drilling Project (KTB) site survey has been used to detect hydraulically active fractures and to identify their character by a variety of logging tools such as caliper and televiewer logging, vertical seismic profiling (VSP) and electrical and thermal measurements in addition to standard logging recordings. In the 265 m Moosengrund well drilled into the Triberg granite body these methods were applied successfully to discriminate between fractures and breakouts and to identify open and closed fractures and water-consuming or water-expelling fractures, respectively. Fracture strike, dip and width were determined from televiewer data. VSP measurements were used to determine the seismic velocities in the unfractured rock and the fracture zones. Estimates of permeability (10–55 Darcy) and transmissivity (0.1–1.0cm 2 s −1 ) of the fracture zones were obtained by the analysis of P waves and tube waves in the VSP records. The summed values of the transmissivity yield an upper estimate of the overall transmissivity determined by a pumping test.

The first rapidity density distributions from relativistic collisions between truly heavy nuclei are presented. The distributions are compared with expectations from a linear extrapolation of results obtained from collisions with lighter nuclei. Fluctuations are essentially described by a simple scenario with stochastic emission.

The 280 isolates of Phytophthora colocasiae obtained from Hainan Island consisted of 136 A1, 102 A2 and 42 A0 mating types. The three mating types tested were all pathogenic to taro leaves and simi...

A modified Wang-Landau density-of-states sampling approach has been performed to calculate the excess entropy of liquid metals, Lennard-Jones (LJ) system and liquid Si under NVT conditions; and it is then the residual multiparticle entropy (S(RMPE)) is obtained by subtraction of the pair correlation entropy. The temperature dependence of S(RMPE) has been investigated along with the temperature dependence of the local atomic-level pressure and the pair correlation functions. Our results suggest that the temperature dependence of the pair correlation entropy is well described by T(-1) scaling while T(-0.4) scaling well describes the relationship between the excess entropy and temperature. For liquid metals and LJ system, the -S(RMPE) versus temperature curves show positive correlations and the -S(RMPE) of liquid Si is shown to have a negative correlation with temperature, the phase-ordering criterion (based on the S(RMPE)) for predicting freezing transition works in liquid metals and LJ but fails in liquid Si. The local atomic-level pressure scaled with the virial pressure (σ(al)/σ(av)) exhibits the much similar temperature dependence as -S(RMPE) for all studied systems, even though simple liquid metals and liquid Si exhibit opposite temperature dependence in both σ(al)/σ(av) and -S(RMPE). The further analysis shows that the competing properties of the two effects due to localization and free volume on the S(RMPE) exist in simple liquid metals and LJ system but disappear in liquid Si, which may be the critical reason of the failure of the phase-ordering criterion in liquid Si.

To investigate whether there are preferential VJC gene rearrangements of the gamma-chain of the human T-cell antigen receptor (TCR), we amplified and sequenced gamma-chain TCR transcripts from peripheral blood lymphocytes from adult normal donors. cDNA was synthesized from total RNA and amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using 5' primers specific for either the V gamma I or the V gamma II subgroups of the gamma-chain of the TCR. The amplified cDNAs were then cloned and sequenced. The majority (approximately 83%) of the cDNAs employing V-I subgroup gene segments rearranged to J gamma 2 (J gamma 2.1 or J gamma 2.3) C gamma 2 gene segments. This was in contrast to the predominant rearrangement of the V gamma II subgroup (V gamma 9) to J gamma 1.2C gamma 1. The remaining 13% of the cDNAs employing V gamma I subgroup gene segments rearranged to J gamma 1.1C gamma 1 or J gamma 1.3C gamma 1. There was significant N diversity as well as imprecise joining at the VJ junction. gamma delta TCR utilizing the C gamma 1 gene segment are disulfide-linked, whereas those utilizing the C gamma 2 gene segment are non-disulfide-linked. These results demonstrate that peripheral blood gamma-chain transcripts exhibit preferential rearrangements of V gamma I subgroup gene segments to J gamma 2(2.1,2.3)C gamma 2 gene segments. By contrast, V gamma II subgroup (V gamma 9) transcripts exhibit rearrangements to J gamma 1.2C gamma 1.

To improve a commercially used strain for gellan production by exogenous Vitreoscilla haemoglobin (VHb).VHb gene was expressed in Sphingomonas elodea under the control of constitutive bla promoter. Biochemical activity of expressed VHb was confirmed by CO-difference spectra analysis that exhibited a characteristic absorption maximum at 419 nm. During cultivation, not only enhanced cell growth was detected, but also 20% improvement in gellan production was observed after 48 h of incubation, with a maximum yield of 16·82 g l(-1). Moreover, maximum sucrose conversion efficiency (g gellan per g sucrose) was 57·8, 20% higher than that of the parental strain. We further examined the polysaccharide production of VHb-expressing strain at different aeration levels in Erlenmeyer flasks. Again, in all cases, a significant enhancement of gellan production was observed, and the enhancement was more significant under oxygen-limiting conditions (up to 26·8%).VHb exhibited positive effect on cell growth and gellan yield of S. elodea, especially under hypoxic conditions.This is the first application of VHb as an effective metabolic engineering strategy in S. elodea to regulate cell growth and optimize gellan yield.

SUMMARY The present study compares the efficacy of a self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS, diameter of 30 mm) and pneumatic dilation for the long-term clinical treatment of achalasia. A total of 155 patients diagnosed with achalasia were allocated for pneumatic dilation (n= 80, group A) or a temporary, 30-mm diameter SEMS (n= 75, group B). The SEMSs were placed under fluoroscopic guidance and removed by gastroscopy 4–5 days after placement. Data on clinical symptoms, complications, and long-term clinical outcomes were collected, and follow-up observations were performed at 6 months and at 1, 3–5, 5–8, 8–10, and >10 years, postoperatively. Pneumatic dilation and stent placement were technically successful in all of the patients. There were no significant differences in technique success, 30-day mortality, or complications between the two groups. The clinical remission rate in group A was significantly lower than that in group B at 1, 1–3, 3–5, 5–8 and, >10 years (P < 0.05), while the cumulative clinical failure rate in group A (66%, 53/80) was higher than that in group B (92%, 6/75). The mean primary patency in group B was significantly longer than that in group A (4.2 vs 2.1 years, respectively; P < 0.001). A temporary, 30-mm diameter SEMS was associated with a better long-term clinical efficacy in the treatment of patients with achalasia as compared with treatment with pneumatic dilation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The carotid siphon is a natural barrier to intracranial interventions. Our aim was to make a model of the human intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) and to test the navigability of covered stents for intracranial applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A digital tube was made on the basis of raw MR images of the human ICA. It was transferred into 10 physical models and then coated with silicone by using a 3D rapid prototyping (RP) machine. Ten dogs then underwent surgery. Their common carotid arteries (CCAs) were exposed, cut, and passed through 1 of the tubes. Finally, the vascular models were made by reanastomosis of their CCAs. Eight expended polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) covered stents (two 3.5 × 16 mm, two 3.5 × 13 mm, two 3.5 × 10 mm, and two 3.5 × 7 mm) were implanted 1 week later. Two dogs remained as controls. The performance of the device was evaluated by angiography and histopathologic examination. RESULTS: Ten animal models were successfully constructed. There was no vascular spasm or thrombosis when assessed by angiography. Destruction of the tunica intima and media was found in the 3.5 × 16 mm stent group. Destruction of the endothelium was found in the 3.5 × 13 mm stent group, and only flattening of the endothelium was found in the 3.5 × 10 mm and 3.5 × 7 mm stent groups. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental model was thought to simulate adequately the geometry of the human ICA and, thus, would be an effective tool for the research and testing of neurovascular devices. The length of the stent is 1 factor influencing the navigability in tortuous vessels.

The topological force and torque are investigated in the systems with spin-orbit coupling. Our results show that the topological force and torque appears as a pure relativistic quantum effect in an electromagnetic field. The origin of both topological force and torque is the Zitterbewegung effect. Considering nonlinear behaviors of spin-orbit coupling, we address possible phenomena driven by the topological forces., 4 pages

Beta-induced Alfven eigenmodes (BAEs) during strong tearing modes (TMs) have been frequently observed in fast-electron plasmas of EAST tokamak. The dynamics of the short-scale ( density fluctuations during the activity of BAEs with strong TMs has been preliminarily investigated by a tangential CO2 laser collective scattering system. The results suggest the active, but different, response of short-scale density fluctuations to the TMs and BAEs. In the low-frequency (0–10 kHz) part of density fluctuations, there are harmonic oscillations totally corresponding to those of TMs. In the medium-high frequency (10–250 kHz) part of density fluctuations, with the appearance of the BAEs, the medium-high frequency density fluctuations begin to be dominated by several quasi-coherent (QC) modes, and the frequencies of the QC modes seem to be related to the changes of both TMs and BAEs. These results would shed some light on the understanding of the multi-scale interaction physics.

Two different confinement transition discharges, the low-intermediate-high (L-I-H) and the low-intermediate-low (L-I-L) confinement transitions, respectively, have been obtained by lower hybrid current drive with lithium wall conditioning in the EAST superconducting tokamak. The dynamic features of short-scale turbulent fluctuations in the two discharges are investigated by a tangential CO2 laser collective scattering system. It is found that the great changes of broadband fluctuations in amplitude and structure characteristics are closely related to the choice of the final transition to H-mode. These results could shed light on the understanding of the L-H transition mechanism.

The core microturbulence (, ) provided by a tangential CO2 laser collective scattering system on the EAST tokamak, in low (L) and high (H) confinement mode regimes respectively, are presented. We report the change of core microturbulence characteristics from L-mode to H-mode: firstly, the spectrograms of the core microturbulence show the redistribution of microturbulence in the frequency domain after the L–H transition; secondly, the time evolution of the integrated spectral power displays that the amplitude of the core microturbulence in H-mode is much larger than that in L-mode; thirdly, the cross-correlation time-frequency spectrum analysis indicates that the structural characteristics of the core microturbulence in L-mode and H-mode are very different. These results suggest that both the amplitude and the structural characteristics of the core microturbulence change significantly from L-mode to H-mode, although the spatial extent of the transport barrier in H-mode is at the edge, which could be closely related to the changes of the profiles of basic plasma parameters.

As EDM is a rather slow process, mould makers are forced to look for alternative processes in order to stay competitive. With the emerging technology, high speed machining (HSM) is a much faster process compared to EDM. Recently, HSM is being considered as a replacement for EDM in the manufacturing of moulds. However, HSM may not be appropriate for machining all types of moulds. In this study, an algorithm has been proposed to select the most appropriate process whether HSM or EDM, or a combination of both for the manufacture of a particular mould. Several case studies have been conducted and the economics of different processes have been analysed to justify the suitability of the algorithm. From the case studies, it is concluded that, for the machining of a particular mould, HSM is preferred if found to be suitable. But the decision for the selection may depend on the setup of the organization and constraints.

Aims: To investigate the early pattern of longitudinal change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) among new Chinese coal miners, and the relation between coal mine dust exposure and the decline of lung function. Methods: The early pattern of lung function changes in 317 newly hired Chinese underground coal miners was compared to 132 referents. This three year prospective cohort study involved a pre-employment and 15 follow up health surveys, including a questionnaire and spirometry tests. Twice a month, total and respirable dust area sampling was done. The authors used a two stage analysis and a linear mixed effects model approach to analyse the longitudinal spirometry data, and to investigate the changes in FEV1 over time, controlling for age, height, pack years of smoking, mean respirable dust concentration, the room temperature during testing, and the groupxtime interaction terms. Results: FEV1 change over time in new miners is non-linear. New miners experience initial rapid FEV1 declines, primarily during the first year of mining, little change during the second year, and partial recovery during the third year. Both linear and quadratic time trends in FEV1 change are highly significant. Smoking miners lost more FEV1 than non-smokers. Referents, all age less than 20 years, showed continued lung growth, whereas the miners who were under age 20 exhibited a decline in FEV1. Conclusion: Dust and smoking affect lung function in young, newly hired Chinese coal miners. FEV1 change over the first three years of employment is non-linear. The findings have implications for both methods and interpretation of medical screening in coal mining and other dusty work: during the first several years of employment more frequent testing may be desirable, and caution is required in interpreting early FEV1 declines.