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Near-threshold ultraviolet-laser (355 nm) ablation of 125-μm thick Kapton films was investigated in detail using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Different from the irradiation at higher fluences, the contents of the oxygen, amide group, and C–O group on the ablated surface increased with an increase in the pulse number, whereas the carbon contents decreased, although the contents of the nitrogen and the carbonyl group (C = O) decreased slightly. This implied that there was no carbon-rich residue on the ablated surface. Near the ablation threshold, only photolysis of the C–N bond in the imide rings and the diaryl ether group (C–O) took place due to a low surface temperature rise, and the amide structure and many unstable free radical groups were created. Sequentially, the oxidation reaction occurred to stabilize the free radical groups. The decomposition and oxidation mechanism could explain the intriguing changes of the chemical composition and characteristics of the ablated surface. In addition, the content of the C–O group depended on the opposite factors: the thermally induced decomposition of the ether groups and the pyrolysis of the Caryl–C bond. Upon further irradiation, the cumulative heating may induce the breakage of the Caryl–C bond and enhance the oxidation reaction, resulting in an increase of the content of the C–O group.

An iterative approach to working with a community's environmental concerns, at the interface between science and society, is presented. We call this adaptive community learning, within which the principles of adaptive environmental assessment and management are embedded. Handling uncertainty - indeed, gross uncertainty - is integral to our approach. We place our discussion in the context of the evolving foundations of the kind of science needed to address contemporary issues of the environment and sustainability. We then illustrate development and application of our approach in a prototypical case study of managing the quality of Lake Lanier, Georgia (USA), in the face of potentially significant suburbanisation of its watershed. Our primary purpose is to communicate the entirety of the approach as succinctly as possible, without the clutter of the specific results emerging in the several disciplines keyed into the project as a whole.

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was applied to investigate the chemical and structural modification of Upilex-S polyimide films ablated by a 355 nm pulsed Nd:YAG laser at different high repetition rates. The changes in the chemical characteristics and composition of the ablated area were found to be markedly dependent on the repetition rate. With every increase in the repetition rate, the relative carbon content of the ablated area increased, while the nitrogen and oxygen contents were reduced. After being irradiated by the UV laser, a new component was detected at 287.4 eV, assigned to be the amide structure, as a result of a breakage of the imide ring occurring between the nitrogen and carbonyl carbon atoms. The peak area of the CC group also increased, while the peak areas of CO and the amide group decreased with each increase in the repetition rate. These results are attributed to both the cumulative heat and the increase of the input energy.

A novel expression for the evaluation of L/sub 2/-sensitivity is developed for the cases of linear discrete-time systems, linear continuous-time systems, and two-dimensional (2-D) state-space digital filters. This is accomplished by introducing the concept of general controllability and observability Gramians in each case. Moreover, the L/sub 2/-sensitivity measures obtained here contain the conventional L/sub 1//L/sub 2/-sensitivity measures as a special case. An iterative procedure for constructing the optimal coordinate transformation matrix that minimizes the L/sub 2/-sensitivity measure is then presented in each case. This procedure is advantageous since the initial estimate and the estimate at each iteration can be calculated analytically. Finally, three numerical examples are given to illustrate the utility of the proposed techniques.

We investigated the treatment effect of non-invasive infiltration on early caries caused by different degrees of enamel demineralization. Forty specimens of early enamel caries were prepared and divided into low and high demineralization groups. After treatment with non-invasive infiltration, the specimens were placed under cariogenic conditions. Color measurements were determined using a spectrophotometer 4 times to obtain chromatism values (ΔE1-ΔE4), including before and after production of artificial caries, and after infiltration treatment and re-demineralization. The effects of color change on early caries using non-invasive infiltration were compared between the 2 demineralization groups. Color differences before the production of artificial caries and after infiltration treatment and re-demineralization could not be distinguished by direct observation. Color differences after the production of artificial caries and after infiltration treatment and re-demineralization could be distinguished by direct observation. There were no significant differences in the 4 chromatism values (ΔE1-ΔE4) between the 2 groups. Non-invasive infiltration showed an excellent ability to mask white spot lesions and maintained high color stability. Treatment of high and low demineralization of enamel had the same masking effect.

Laser ultrasonic techniques can be used to study the ultrasonic properties of nuclear graphites and can serve as tools in establishing relationships between materials microstructure and the macroscopic stiffnesses of graphite. Establishing structure-property relationships permits improved ultrasonic sensing of graphite microstructural changes related to service-induced degradation. Laser ultrasonic measurements were made using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser source and detection was performed using a Michelson-type interferometer. This source-receiver combination provides for non-contacting, highly linear transduction of broadbanded, ultrasonic pulses permitting simultaneous determination of longitudinal and shear stiffnesses. Measurements show that among the graphites examined, a change in density of 0.21 g/cm3 (average 1.8 g/cm3) results in a change in the longitudinal elastic stiffness of 7.1 GPa (average 12.2 GPa) and 3.2 GPa (average 4.3 GPa) for the shear stiffness. Larger variations in density were produced by controlled oxidation of IG-110 and NBG-18. Shear wave birefringence measurements using laser line sources in IG-110 and PCEA indicate that IG-110 behaves isotropically while PCEA displays texture characteristic of transversely isotropic materials.

We assessed the economic impact of Joint Commission International hospital accreditation on 5 structural and outcome hospital performance measures in Jordan. We conducted a 4-year retrospective study comparing 2 private accredited acute general hospitals with matched non-accredited hospitals, using difference-in-differences and adjusted covariance analyses to test the impact and value of accreditation on hospital performance measures. Of the 5 selected measures, 3 showed statistically significant effects (all improvements) associated with accreditation: reduction in return to intensive care unit (ICU) within 24 hours of ICU discharge; reduction in staff turnover; and completeness of medical records. The net impact of accreditation was a 1.2 percentage point reduction in patients who returned to the ICU, 12.8% reduction in annual staff turnover and 20.0% improvement in the completeness of medical records. Pooling both hospitals over 3 years, these improvements translated into total savings of US$ 593 000 in Jordan's health-care system.قيمة وتأثير الاعتماد الدولي للمستشفيات: دراسة حالة من الأردن.يارا هلسة، و. زنج، إدوارد تشابي، دونالد شبرد.قام الباحثون بتقييم الأثر الاقتصادي لاعتماد اللجنة الدولية المشتركة للمستشفيات على خمسة مقاييس لأداء المستشفيات تتعلق بالبنى والنتائج في الأردن. فأجروا دراسة استعادية لمدة أربع سنوات تقارن بين مجموعتين من المستشفيات الخاصة المعتمدة المعنية بالأمراض الحادة العامة وبين مستشفيات غير معتمدة مطابقة لها، مستخدمين الاختلاف في الفوارق وتحليلات التباين المشترك المعدَّلة لاختبار تأثير وقيمة الاعتماد على مقاييس أداء المستشفى. وقد أظهرت ثلاثة من المقاييس الخمسة المختارة تأثيرات ذات دلائل إحصائية (كلها تحسينات) مرتبطة بالاعتماد هي: انخفاض معدل العودة إلى وحدة العناية المركزة خلال 24 ساعة من الخروج من الوحدة، وانخفاض معدل تبديل الموظفين، واستكمال السجلات الطبية. وكان الأثر النهائي للاعتماد انخفاض دد المرضى الذين يعودون إلى وحدة العناية المركزة بمقدار 1.2 %، وانخفاض التبديل السنوي للموظفين بمقدار 12.8 %، وتحسن استكمال السجلات الطبية بمقدار 20.0 %. وبالجمع بين نتائج كلا المستشفيين على مدى ثلاث سنوات، تُرجمت هذه التحسينات إلى توفير إجمالي قدره 000 593 دولار أمريكي في نظام الرعاية الصحية الأردني.Valeur et impact d'une accréditation internationale des hôpitaux : étude de cas en Jordanie.Nous avons évalué l'impact économique d’une accréditation internationale des hôpitaux attribuée par une commission conjointe sur cinq mesures de la performance des hôpitaux en termes de structure et de résultats en Jordanie. Nous avons mené une étude rétrospective sur quatre ans, comparant deux hôpitaux généraux de soins aigus privés et accrédités avec des hôpitaux appariés sans accréditation. Nous avons utilisé des analyses de la covariance ajustée et de l'écart des différences pour évaluer l'impact et la valeur d’une accréditation sur les mesures de la performance des hôpitaux. Sur les cinq mesures sélectionnées, trois ont eu des effets positifs statistiquement significatifs associés à l'accréditation : la réduction des retours en service de soins intensifs dans les 24 heures suivant la sortie du patient de ce service ; la réduction de la rotation du personnel ; et l’exhaustivité des dossiers médicaux. L'impact net de l'accréditation était une réduction de 1,2 point de pourcentage du retour des patients en soins intensifs, une baisse de 12,8 % de la rotation annuelle du personnel et une amélioration de 20 % de l'exhaustivité des dossiers médicaux. Le cumul sur trois ans des améliorations dans ces deux hôpitaux s’est traduit par des économies totales s'élevant à USD 593 000 pour le système de soins de santé jordanien.

As a result of fundamental changes in the International Code of Nomenclature on the use of separate names for sexual and asexual stages of fungi, generic names of many groups should be reconsidered. Members of the ECMM/ISHAM working group on Pseudallescheria/Scedosporium infections herein advocate a novel nomenclature for genera and species in Pseudallescheria, Scedosporium and allied taxa. The generic names Parascedosporium, Lomentospora, Petriella, Petriellopsis, and Scedosporium are proposed for a lineage within Microascaceae with mostly Scedosporium anamorphs producing slimy, annellidic conidia. Considering that Scedosporium has priority over Pseudallescheria and that Scedosporium prolificans is phylogenetically distinct from the other Scedosporium species, some name changes are proposed. Pseudallescheria minutispora and Petriellidium desertorum are renamed as Scedosporium minutisporum and S. desertorum, respectively. Scedosporium prolificans is renamed as Lomentospora prolificans. © 2014, Mushroom Research Foundation.

Near-simultaneous observations of topside 0' parallel flows are presented for four periods of measurement by POLAR and DMSP satellites during April 1996. The POLAR measurements are from Southern perigee measurements near 5000 km altitude, while the DMSP measurements were from 840 km altitude. These observations provide a view of wide-spread upward/downward ionospheric O(+) flows over the broad polar region along extended and multiple distinct satellite tracks. In general, the velocities are upward toward expected cleft and auroral latitudes, typically about a 2-10 km/s at 5000 km altitude, and 0-2 km/s at 840 km altitudes. At the highest, polar cap latitudes, downward velocities are more frequent at both altitudes, but especially at the lower 840 km altitude. The downward velocities were typically a few hundred d s at 840 altitude, and 0-1 km/s at 5000 km altitude. In some instances, apparently downward velocities were observed at 840 km altitudes while upward 0' flows were observed at 5000 km altitude on the same flux tube. The O+ density were characteristically 1-10 O(+)/cu cm at 5000 km altitude and 10(exp 3) - 10(exp 40 O(+)/cu cm at 840 km altitude, while the O(+) flux were characteristically 1 10(exp 5) - 10(exp 7) O(+)+/sq cm -sec at 5000 km altitudes and characteristically 10(exp 7) - 10(exp 9) O(+)/sq cm -sec at 840 km altitude. We have also examined the dual altitude parameter measurements for a polar cap field line, the POLAR and DMSP measurements approximately 30 minutes apart, and compared them with results from a transport simulation in which a flux tube was subjected to a brief pulse of soft electron precipitation and topside transverse ion heating. The simulated density and velocity altitude profiles for 5 minutes later generally matched the observations, except that the observed downward velocities (500 - 600 m/s) at 840 km altitude were much larger than those simulated.

Many vibration problems and blower failures in small furnaces and air handlers can be eliminated in the design stage by a thorough analysis of incompatibilities in the dynamic properties of the blower assemblies. A theoretical prediction of torsional resonances is developed and design guidelines are presented.

Blind craters (diameter 200 μm) on Upilex-S polyimide films (80-μm thick) were drilled by irradiation with three different laser systems [KrF excimer: wavelength λ=248 nm (UV); acoustic optical Q-switch Nd:YAG: λ=355 nm (UV); and TEA CO 2 : λ≈9.3 μm (IR)] in air. Modifications of chemical structure and surface morphology in both the ablated area and halo were examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In the halo, nano-particles were observed with UV lasers, but submicro-particles were observed with the IR laser. The results of XPS analysis show that the C content increased, while the O content and N content decreased in the ablated area at all wavelengths, due to photo-thermal or photochemical decomposition of polyimide. These are substantiated by decreases of the carbonyl groups (CO) at 288.2 eV and an increase of CC groups at 284.8 eV. However, the N content in the ablated area with TEA CO 2 laser is higher than that with UV lasers. Also, amide groups were detected in the ablated area with TEA CO 2 laser and 355-nm Nd:YAG laser, but few with 248-nm excimer laser. Furthermore, in the halo, the O content with the 355-nm laser is higher than that of the 248-nm laser. Also, the shoulder of C 1s peak was observed at 288.5 eV in the halo due to oxidation of fragments erupted from the plume in air, but did not occur at the 248-nm wavelength. These findings indicate that the chemical structure and composition are highly dependent on laser wavelength.

Laser ablation of Upilex-S polyimide films 80 μm thick was performed in air using a pulse TEA CO 2 laser with wavelength 9.3 μm. A halo surrounding the hole was observed, which is covered with sub-micro particles. Pieces of ablation products protrude from the ablated surface, leading to considerable roughness of the ablated area. Chemical and structural changes of Upilex-S polyimide film surface irradiated by the pulse TEA CO 2 laser in air were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Relative C content in the ablated area was found to be higher, whilst both O and N contents were lower than in the untreated area. This means that TEA CO 2 laser ablation released both the O and N atoms. Also, the peak areas corresponding with carbonyl group (CO) in the imide system were reduced much more and a new component at 287.0 eV assigned to the amide structure (NCO) was detected after laser ablation. These suggest that the pyrolysis of the Upilex-S polyimide was the decomposition of the imide ring between the nitrogen/aromatic carbon atom and carbonyl carbon atom. In addition, another new component arising from >CO groups was also detected for higher fluence (7.83 J/cm 2 ), and its peak areas is very small. This result indicates that the slight oxidation may take place with higher fluence during laser ablation in air. Based on above-mentioned experimental results, a possible thermally-induced decomposition path of Upilex-S polyimide ablated by TEA CO 2 laser is presented.

A mathematical model (Sediment-Transport-Associated Nutrient Dynamics - STAND) has been developed for the study of sediment-associated water quality issues. The model is intended to simulate changes of water composition associated with sediment behavior. It has a 3-level structure. The first level accounts for the hydraulics of open-channel flow. The second computes sediment transport potential and actual rates based on the information provided by the first level. A non-equilibrium approach is used. In the third level, changes of nutrient concentrations along a studied river are computed with the consideration of nutrient transport, adsorption/desorption, and release. In order to calibrate the model, field data were collected from the Oconee River, a major tributary of the Altamaha River in Georgia, USA. Two stations, approximately 17 km distant from each other, were established along the river for the purpose of data collection. Observations of the river's hydraulics, suspended sediment, and water quality (mainly ortho-phosphate, nitrate, temperature, specific conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential, dissolved oxygen, and pH) were collected at the two stations. Another data set collected along a major tributary of the Yellow River in China was also used for calibration of the model's hydraulics and sediment transport parts. Calibration and validation results are encouraging, which suggests STAND may be a useful tool for the thorough study and understanding of nutrient dynamics associated with sediment behaviour.

Laser ablation of Upilex-S polyimide films 80 μm thick was performed using a 355 nm pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Nanoparticles redeposited at the ablated zone and at the edge of the hole were observed. Chemical and structural changes of the Upilex-S polyimide surface after 355 nm laser irradiation in air were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Relative C content in the ablated zone was found to be higher, while both O and N contents were lower than in the untreated area. This indicates that laser irradiation released O and N atoms, and that the nanoparticles formed in the ablated zone consist mainly of carbon clusters. After deconvoluting the C 1s and O 1s spectra, three new components related to the carboxylate (OCO), ether (CO), and CO groups were detected in and around the ablated zone. In addition, one new component was found for O 1s spectra, and the peak at 288.2 eV related to the imide carbonyl groups was shifted by 0.2–0.6 eV. These effects are probably due to the oxidation and formation of a non-imide carbonyl group. At the edge of the hole enhanced oxidation was found: the C content was considerably lower than that in the ablated zone, and the C 1s peak was at 288.6±0.2 eV. This suggests the formation of oxidized nano-particles, which carry the non-imide carbonyl groups. Based on these results, the decomposition of Upilex-S polyimide irradiated by UV light occurs via a photothermal ablation process.

The inhibitory profile of several known and suspected ecto-ATPase inhibitors was compared on ecto-ATPase activity in rat parotid plasma membranes. Those chemicals with high IC50 (above 130 microM) were the nucleotides alpha,beta-methylene ATP, beta,gamma-methylene ATP, 2-methylthio ATP, inosine triphosphate, 5'-p-fluorosulphonylbenzoyladenosine, the sulphonates, 1-amino-2-naphthol-4-sulphonic acid, Coomassie brilliant blue G, and the stilbene disulphonates, DIDS and SITS. Those agents with low IC50 were: Coomassie brilliant blue R (114 microM), ATPgammaS (49 microM), suramin (72 microM) and Reactive blue 2 (28 microM). The last three inhibitors have similar potencies as inhibitors of ATP hydrolysis by whole parotid acinar cells. ARL67156, a selective inhibitor of ecto-ATPase, had an IC50 of approx. 120 microM. Suramin displayed non-competitive inhibition of ecto-ATPase whereas the inhibitory effects of ATPgammaS and Reactive blue 2 were curvilinear on Dixon plots. These results define the effects of various agents on ecto-ATPase in an exocrine tissue that has been shown to respond to extracellular ATP.

The induction of an immune response or tolerance is mediated by corresponding subsets of dendritic cells (DC). However, the property of tolerogenic DC is not clear. Recently, we have characterized a population of CD11c+ splenic DC derived from long-term mixed leucocyte culture (LT-MLC), which are able to proliferate upon stimulation and have a strong primary mixed leucocyte reaction (MLR)-stimulating activity in conventional MLR. In this study, we show that, in contrast to the irradiated ones, non-irradiated LT-MLC-derived DC induce polyclonal antigen-specific T-cell hyporesponsiveness when cocultured with allogeneic splenocytes for 3–11 days. The degree of the hyporesponsiveness increased with the length of coculture. Although these DC expressed major histocompatibility complex class II and B7 costimulatory molecules, which are down-regulated during coculture, they expressed very low or undetectable CD40 before and after coculture, respectively. The CD40-deficient DC spontaneously produce interleukin-10 (IL-10), but not IL-12. The skewed balance between IL-10 and IL-12 is associated with their capability to induce T-cell hyporesponsiveness, because a neutralizing antibody to IL-10, exogenous recombinant IL-12 or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly blocked the hyporesponsiveness. Accordingly, infusion of a small number of non-irradiated LT-MLC-derived DC (5×105) significantly prolonged the survival of a vascularized heterotopic murine heart transplant, whereas irradiated DC accelerated graft rejection. These data suggest that CD40-deficient DC producing IL-10, but not IL-12 can induce T-cell hyporesponsiveness in vitro and in vivo.

Purpose: To design and develop a new mobile cone-beam CT (CBCT) system for head imaging with good soft-tissue visibility, to be used bedside in ICU and neurosurgery department to monitor treatment and operation outcome in brain patients. Methods: The imaging chain consists of a 30cmx25cm amorphous silicon flat panel detector and a pulsed, stationary anode monoblock x-ray source of 100kVp at a maximal tube current of 10mA. The detector and source are supported on motorized mechanisms to provide detector lateral shift and source angular tilt, enabling a centered digital radiographic imaging mode and half-fan CBCT, while maximizing the use of the x-ray field and keep the source to detector distance short. A focused linear anti-scatter grid is mounted on the detector, and commercial software with scatter and other corrective algorithms is used for data processing and image reconstruction. The gantry rotates around a horizontal axis, and is able to adjust its height for different patient table positions. Cables are routed through a custom protective sleeve over a large bore with an in-plane twister band, facilitating single 360-degree rotation without a slip-ring at a speed up to 5 seconds per rotation. A UPS provides about 10 minutes of operation off themore » battery when unplugged. The gantry is on locked casters, whose brake is control by two push handles on both sides for easy reposition. The entire system is designed to have a light weight and a compact size for excellent maneuverability. Results: System design is complete and main imaging components are tested. Initial results will be presented and discussed later in the presentation. Conclusion: A new mobile CBCT system for head imaging is being developed. With its compact size, a large bore, and quality design, it is expected to be a useful imaging tool for bedside uses. The work is supported by a grant from Chinese Academy of Sciences.« less

This paper reports properties of carbon nanoparticles used as anode of lithium-ion battery. It shows that carbon nanoparticles have a high first-charge capacity and good potential for cycling and, if properly modified, are a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries.

The (110)-oriented misfit dislocation density reduction in the growth of Inx Gal−xAs (x-0.06) heterostructure on GaAs (001) substrate patterned with circular mesas has been observed with X-ray double-crystal topography. It has been found that, depending on the InGaAs thickness on the mesa sidewall, there is athreshold which inhibits the glide of threading dislocations through the mesas. No misfit dislocations are observed terminating on the top of the mesas. The experimental results obtained here are explained by the resistant effect of mesas from the point of view of the elastic strain energy of thepatterned region.

In regions such as west Texas where water is scarce, changes in the water balance may have a significant impact on agricultural production and management of water resources. We used the mechanistic soil-plant-atmosphere simulation model ENWATBAL to evaluate changes in soil water evaporation (E) and transpiration (T) in cotton and grain sorghum that may occur due to climate change and elevated CO2 in west Texas. Climatic and plant factors were varied individually, and in combination, to determine their impact onE andT. Of the climatic factors,E was most sensitive to changes in vapor pressure, andT to changes in irradiance. Simulations suggest that if warming is accompanied by higher humidity, the impact of climate change may be minimal. However, if the climate becomes warmer and less humid,ET may increase substantially. Simulations also suggest that enhanced growth due to elevated CO2 may have a greater impact onET than climatic change.

Nd x Y 1-x Al 3 (BO 3 ) 4 (NYAB) single crystal was grown by the flux method using K 2 CO 3 -MoO 3 as a solvent. By x-ray projection topography, the defects on a (0001) slice of the NYAB crystal are investigated. It is found that the main grown-in defects in NYAB crystal are growth bands, growth sector boundaries and inclusions. The formation of defects is discussed and methods to reduce the defects are proposed.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pretreatment of donor splenocytes and grafts with mitomycin C (MMC) on heart allograft survival, as well as to demonstrate the mechanism of function.Donor splenocytes from Balb/C mice were incubated with MMC (40 μg/mL) in vitro and then transfused into recipients (C57BL/6 mice). The heart allograft was perfused with MMC before harvest. Graft survival and histopathology were examined. Lymphocyte activation, regulatory T cells, and donor splenocyte apoptosis were examined with the use of flow cytometry.MMC incubation in vitro induced apoptosis of donor splenocytes (15.5 ± 2.3% vs 23.2 ± 4.2%; P.01). Either intravenous injection of MMC-treated donor splenocytes or transplantation of allograft pretreated with MMC prolonged heart allograft mean survival time from 7 ± 0.8 days to 20.5 ± 1.9 days or 10 ± 0.9 days, respectively (both P.01). A combination of MMC-pretreated donor splenocyte transfusion and allografts showed the best effect on prolongation of graft survival (28.5 ± 1.8 days). Activation of CD4(+) T cells in spleen and peripheral lymph nodes of recipients was significantly inhibited by either MMC-splenocyte transfusion or the combination treatment. Meanwhile, the percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells in the spleen was increased in the MMC-splenocyte transfusion group (15.5 ± 1.1% vs 18.2 ± 0.9%; P.05).Both injection of MMC-conditioned donor splenocytes and MMC-conditioned allograft have effects on prolongation of heart allograft survival in mice, and MMC-conditioned donor splenocytes might play an essential role. MMC pretreatment induced regulatory T cells likely through induction of donor splenocyte apoptosis, and thus it inhibited T-cell activation.

Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Increasing the protein expression of intracellular Cu/Zn SOD, which is the major endogenous antioxidant enzyme, may attenuate or prevent hypoxia-reoxygenation injury (HRI) in cultured cardiomyocytes. However, ectogenic Cu/Zn-SOD can hardly be transferred into cells to exert biological effects. In this study, we constructed PTD-Cu/Zn SOD plasmid with a kind of translocation structure-Protein transduction domain (PTD) and detected its transmembrane ability and antioxidant effects in H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation injury (HRI).We constructed the pET-PTD-Cu/Zn SOD (CDs) prokaryotic expression vectors in plasmid that were inserted into E. coli BL21 to induce the protein expression of PTD-Cu/Zn SOD. H9c2 cardiomyocyte HRI was achieved by exposing cardiomyocytes to 12 h hypoxia followed by 2 h reoxygenation. Protein expression of PTD-Cu/Zn SOD in cardiomyocytes was assayed by Western blot and their enzyme activities were investigated by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.In cultured cardiomyocytes hypoxia-reoxygenation injury model, exogenous PTD-Cu/Zn SOD could penetrate cell membrane to clear superoxide anion and decrease hydrogen peroxide level in H9c2 cardiomyocytes subjected to HRI. The level of mitochondrial membrane potential was restored to normal, and the cell apoptosis was reduced in cardiomyocytes with PTD-Cu/Zn SOD treatment during HRI.Recombinant PTD-Cu/Zn SOD could scavenge intracellular-free superoxide anion, protect mitochondria from damages, and attenuate the hypoxia-reoxygenation injury in cultured cardiomyocytes.

The growth striations, growth sector boundaries and grown-in dislocations in flux-grown Nb-doped KTiOPO 4 crystals have been investigated by white-beam synchrotron radiation topography. The distribution of growth sectors, which mainly consists of {011} and {201} sectors, is clearly shown and characterized, and the effects of growth striations on the non-critical phase matching along the [100] direction are discussed.

〈100〉 oriented misfit dislocations in In0.06Ga0.94As/GaAs heterostructures with relatively low misfit f (f=0.0043) have been observed by synchrotron radiation topography. InGaAs samples consist of 2500, 4000, and 6500 A thick In0.06Ga0.94As layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy at 580 °C. All the topographs were taken by synchrotron radiation double crystal topography. The panchromatic cathodoluminescence complementary technique in the scanning electron microscope was also applied. Misfit dislocations lying along both 〈100〉 and 〈110〉 directions have been observed. The dislocations parallel to 〈100〉 directions have much lower density and extension in length than those aligned along the 〈110〉 directions. The climb mechanism of the generation of dislocations, probably due to the high density of point defects during the high temperature growth, is discussed.

Dislocations and negative crystals in LiB3O5(LBO) single crystals were investigated by white-beam synchrotron radiation topography (WBSRT) and birefringence image. The WBSRT revealed that the grown-in dislocations are mainly pure screw or edge types with the Burgers vectors in the low index directions on the (010) lattice plane. Based on the structure analysis, the cause of the formation of dislocations can be interpreted in terms of the loose packing of B-O rings on the (010) lattice plane. In addition, the negative crystals, which were observed by the birefringence image, tend to present at regular shapes which are similar to that of the host crystal, It is proposed that the negative crystals result from the formation of liquid parent inclusions and the following inward growth.

It is reported that a normal InGaAs laser diode (LD) operating at 980 nm possesses a second harmonic at 490 nm and a strong deep-UV emission at room temperature. By comparing with the radiation from cadmium sulphide (CdS) nanoparticles and nanowires, it is found that the UV emission from the LD can be attributed to a characterized radiation of nanoscaled semiconductors. By doping different semiconductor nanomaterials into the active layers of the LD and taking some effective techniques, such as cavity optimization, the wavelength, and the power output of the UV emission could be adjusted.

The syntheses of several new derivatives of PnAO and their chloronitroso precursors are described. The PnAOs were prepared by an improvement of the reported general procedure. An unexpected product, an isooxalone, was formed while attempting to prepare 1-carbomethoxyl-PnAO.

Objective To assess the safety and efficacy of bladder irrigation for reducing the morbidity of bladder stones in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. Methods From December 2011 to July 2013, SCI patients were prospectively randomized and assigned to either a bladder irrigation group or a no bladder irrigation group. Bladder irrigations were performed twice a week by urologists. The primary outcomes were incidences of bladder stones and Incontinence-Specific Quality-of-Life Instrument (I-QoL). Secondary outcomes were related adverse events. Results A total of 80 eligible patients participated and 78 (97.5%) patients (bladder irrigation, n=39; no bladder irrigation, n=39) completed 24 weeks of follow-up. Out of the 78 patients, 19 (24.3%) developed bladder stones. All occurred in no bladder irrigation group. In 8 of the 19 patients (42.1%), stones were only detected by cystoscopy .The bladder stones were mostly thin with an eggshell appearance (78.95% for diameter of stone

Objective To compare laparoscopic prostatectomy with open prostatectomy for benign prostatic hyperplasia with large volume. Methods The literature was identified systematically using Medline, Embase. Meta-analysis was performed by Review Manager 5.0. Results Three CCTs were included. There was no difference between LP and OP in terms of IPSS, Qmax. LP was associated with significantly less blood loss, a shorter irrigation, catheterization and hospital stay time except longer operating time. LP and OP were similar in terms of urethral stricture, incontinence, transfusion requirement and rate of reintervention. Conclusions LP served a significant improvement in IPSS, Qmax as well as OP. Although more operating time and less resected tissue, LP has several advantages over OP. It was as safe as OP in terms of adverse events.

Objective: To assess effective outcomes following repeated treatment with intradetrusor botulinum toxin type an in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). Methods: Patients with NDO secondary to spinal cord injury (SCI) were enrolled. Botulinum toxin type A 200 U detrusor injections by a rigid cystoscope were repeated. Primary outcomes were urodynamic variables including maximum detrusor pressure during first involuntary detrusor contraction (P detmaxIDC) filling cystometry, detrusor compliance (DC). Secondary outcomes were improvement of the patient’s QoL measured by Incontinence-Specific Qualityof-Life Instrument (I-QoL), the validated short forms of Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7). Related adverse events were recorded. Results: From 2012 to 2014, 159 injections were performed in 52 patients (44 male, 8 female). The mean age was 36.67 years. The maximum number of repeated injections was five. BC increased from (4.03-7.45) to (6.96-10.86) ml/cm H2O, Pdetmax in bladder storage decreased from (42.80-79.52) to (26.40-43.33) cm H 2 O, respectively. The I-QoL, UDI-6 and IIQ-7 showed a consistent improvement after repeated injections. Conclusion: Repeated intradetrusor botulinum toxin type A injections remain improve Quality of Life in patients with NDO secondary to spinal cord injury.

The Resolvosil BSA-7, Chiracel OD, and Chiralpak AD columns were examined to determine whether one might be suitable for the separation of enatiomers of the ligand hexamethyl-propyleneamine oxime (HM-PAO) and/or its technetium-99m complex. Using hexane/IPA as eluent, partial separation (Rs = 0.96) of the d- and l-ligand enantiomers was achieved on the OD column, but as the meso-form of the ligand was eluted midway between the d- and l-enantiomers. There was excellent separation of the technetium-99m complexes of d- and 1-HM-PAO on the OD column, and partial separation (Rs = 0.90) of the meso- and d-complexes. Only partial resolution of the Tc-99m complexes of d,l- and meso-diastereoisomers was achieved on the AD column, but this column provided baseline resolution of all three stereoisomeric forms of the ligand. Thus, the OD column could be used for HPLC analysis of Tc-99m complexes of HM-PAO stereoisomers, while the AD column is suitable for analysis of the ligand stereoisomers.

A non-contact laser ultrasonic imaging technique was proposed to detect austenitic stainless steel weld with artificial defects. Austenitic stainless steel weld was scanned by a pulsed laser, and the ultrasonic waves were received by the interferometer. The vibration images of ultrasonic waves at different locations were analyzed in detail. In order to detect the size of the damage, we use the Hilbert transform method to transform ultrasonic time-domain signals into the envelope of ultrasonic wave, and find this method can improve the effects of detection the flaw. By comparing the propagation images based on the Hilbert transform method, with the result based on the anomalous wave propagation imaging method which demonstrated that the non-contact laser ultrasonic imaging technique based on the Hilbert transform method, we can evaluate the sizes of the weld damages. Hence, we proposed the ultrasonic propagation imaging approach for automatic inspection in manufacturing.

The SLon vertical ring and pulsating high-gradient magnetic separator (SLon VPHGMS) utilizes the combined force field of magnetism, pulsating fluid and gravity to continuously beneficiate fine weakly magnetic minerals. It is equipped with a unique pulsating mechanism and possesses the advantages of a large beneficiation ratio, high recovery, and a matrix that does not easily clog. The latest industrial application of the SLon VPHGMS is described in this paper.

(+)-2-(1-hydroxyl-4-oxocyclohexyl) ethyl caffeate (HOEC) was isolated from Incarvillea mairei var. granditlora (Wehrhahn) Grierson. The plants of the Incarvillea genus have long been used as folk medicines for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases in China. 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX), a key enzyme in the arachidonic acid (AA) cascade, was identified as a potential target of HOEC by a pulldown assay, and then extensively validated by biosensor-based affinity detection, enzyme-based activity assays, cell-based AA metabolite analysis and computer-aided AA network simulation. Further in vivo studies of AA-induced ear oedema, ovalbumin (OVA)-induced lung inflammation and collagen-induced arthritis demonstrated the anti-inflammatory potency and validated the therapeutic target of HOEC. This work revealed that HOEC acted as an anti-inflammatory agent targeting 5-LOX, which not only confirmed the key role of 5-LOX in inflammation but also provided a paradigm for the exploration of natural product mechanisms of action.

To document the rates of abortion among women diagnosed with HIV during pregnancy in two regions of China, and to investigate the sociodemographic factors associated with women's decisions to terminate their pregnancy. Prospective cohort study. Three central Chinese provinces (Hubei, Hebei and Shanxi) and Yining, Xinjiang.Women diagnosed with HIV during pregnancy, 2004-2010. Of 798 HIV-infected pregnant women identified through routine screening of pregnant women via antenatal care between 2004 and 2010, 499 women made decisions about the outcome of pregnancy. Chi-squared test was used to describe the characteristics of women who chose to terminate their pregnancies. Logistic regression models were used to identify potential predictors for pregnancy outcome for one cohort of women in central China and a second cohort of women in Yining, Xinjiang. Pregnancy outcome, trends of elective pregnancy termination. In the central China cohort, 76 of 161 pregnancies (47.2%) were terminated. In Yining, the proportion was significantly less, at only 61 of 338 (18.0%). Factors associated with pregnancy termination included unmarried marital status, already having one or more children and earlier trimester of pregnancy at the time of diagnosis. The rate of pregnancy termination in these cohorts of HIV-infected women appears to be higher than the rate in the general population of women in China. More work needs to be carried out to decrease the social stigma related to HIV and to convey clear messages about the effectiveness of prevention of mother to child transmission to women and their families. The significantly lower rate of pregnancy termination in Yining relative to central China is probably a result of the cultural and religious reservations towards pregnancy termination. Healthcare workers providing services to HIV-infected pregnant women need to be sensitive to cultural factors influencing women's decisions with regard to pregnancy termination.

Cancer stem cells have recently been isolated from several different solid tumors. In breast cancer, the CD44(+)CD24(-/low) population is considered to comprise stem-like cells. The identification of cancer stem cells has provided new targets for the development of therapeutics. Oncolytic herpes simplex viruses (oHSVs) are an effective strategy for killing breast cancer cells and treating breast tumors in preclinical models. Here, we examined the efficacy of the oHSV G47Δ in killing breast cancer stem cells. Human breast cancer cell line SK-BR-3 and human primary breast cancer cells were cultured in suspension under conditions conducive to the growth of stem cells. They generated mammospheres, which had cancer stem cell properties. The proportion of CD44(+)CD24(-/low) cells in these mammospheres exceeded 95%, as determined by flow cytometry. The mammospheres were found to be highly tumorigenic when implanted subcutaneously in nude BALB/c mice. G47Δ contains the LacZ gene, and X-gal staining of infected cells in vitro and in vivo showed the replication and spread of the virus. G47Δ was found to be highly cytotoxic to the CD44(+)CD24(-/low) population in vitro, even when injected at low multiplicities of infection, and G47Δ treatment in vivo significantly inhibited tumor growth compared with mock treatment. This study demonstrates that oHSV is effective against breast cancer stem cells and could be a beneficial strategy for treating breast cancer patients.

Six reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) primers designed against conserved regions of segment 6 (s6) gene were used for the detection of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella reovirus (GCRV) HZ08 subtype. The entire amplification could be completed within 40 min at 62·3° C. The RT-LAMP showed higher sensitivity than reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The RNA detection limit was 10 copies µl⁻¹ for RT-LAMP assay and 100 copies µl⁻¹ for conventional RT-PCR. In specificity tests, no cross-reactivity was detected in other viruses from common aquatic animals. In addition, the reaction results can be visualized by using calcein fluorescent dye. Furthermore, a total of 86 samples were tested by RT-LAMP, RT-PCR and virus isolation. The results demonstrated that all 54 specimens identified as positive by virus isolation were also positive when detected by RT-LAMP. Seven out of 54 samples, however, were misidentified by RT-PCR. The RT-LAMP method is more accurate than conventional RT-PCR. The results indicate that RT-LAMP has potential as a simple and rapid diagnosis technique for the detection of GCRV HZ08 subtype infection.

This paper deals with egg output of Paramphistomata in dairy cattle. Six dairy cattle, four Chinese Holstein and two Simental cows whose ages were 4.1, 6.4, 6.8, 7.3, 7.8, 9.1 years, were examined. Total egg amounts of Paramphistomata were calculated in total fecal quantity of a cow per day. The results were 1.8×10 6