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Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a malignant and aggressive skin cancer that is the leading cause of skin cancer-related deaths. Increasing evidence shows that immunity plays a vital role in the prognosis of CM. In this study, we developed an immune-related gene pair (IRGP) signature to predict the clinical prognosis of patients with CM. Immune-related genes from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were selected to construct the IRGPs, and patients with CM in these two cohorts were assigned to low- and high-risk subgroups. Moreover, we investigated the IRGPs and their individualized prognostic signatures using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox analyses, and analysis of immune cell infiltration in CM. A 41-IRGP signature was constructed from 2498 immune genes that could significantly predict the overall survival of patients with CM in both the TCGA and GEO cohorts. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that several immune cells, especially M1 macrophages and activated CD4 T cells, were significantly associated with the prognostic effect of the IRGP signature in patients with CM. Overall, the IRGP signature constructed in this study was useful for determining the prognosis of patients with CM and for providing further understanding of CM immunotherapy., Graphical abstract

Background: A substantial proportion of arteriovenous fistulas fail to function adequately for hemodialysis. Existing studies on arteriovenous fistula failure prediction assess patency rather than the more clinically relevant outcome of arteriovenous fistula function. We hypothesized that preoperative demographic and ultrasound characteristics, and postoperative assessment by an experienced vascular access nurse would predict which arteriovenous fistulas will not function adequately for hemodialysis. Methods: Prospective cohort study of chronic kidney disease patients at a tertiary care center in Vancouver, Canada, with arteriovenous fistula creation between 2009 and 2013. Pre and postoperative clinical assessment and ultrasound blood vessel mapping were performed by an experienced vascular access nurse. The primary outcome was failure to achieve a fistula used successfully for hemodialysis (FUSH). Results: Outcomes were assessed in 200 patients; 123 (61.5%) arteriovenous fistulas were radiocephalic. Overall, 26.5% of arteriovenous fistulas had FUSH failure (34.1% of lower arm vs 14.3% of upper arm, p = 0.002). Univariate predictors of FUSH failure included older age (p = 0.03), female sex (p = 0.05), smaller arterial diameter (p ⩽ 0.001), lower artery volume flow (p = 0.04), and smaller vein diameter (p = 0.01). In multivariable analysis, artery diameter (odds ratio: 0.44, 95% confidence interval: 0.28–0.68) most significantly predicted FUSH failure. Vascular access nurse assessment 6 weeks postoperatively correctly predicted outcome in 83.8% of FUSH and 65.0% of FUSH failure. Conclusion: Smaller artery diameter most strongly predicted FUSH failure. Early postoperative nursing assessment was more useful to predict FUSH than FUSH failure, and as such was insufficient in determining which arteriovenous fistulas should be abandoned as many predicted to fail could be salvaged with further intervention.

The tea geometrid is a destructive insect pest on tea plants, which seriously affects tea production in terms of both yield and quality and causes severe economic losses. The tea geometrid also provides an important study system to address the ecological adaptive mechanisms underlying its unique host plant adaptation and protective resemblance. In this study, we fully sequenced and de novo assembled the reference genome of the tea geometrid, Ectropis grisescens, using long sequencing reads. We presented a highly continuous, near-complete genome reference (787.4 Mb; scaffold N50: 26.9 Mb), along with the annotation of 18,746 protein-coding genes and 53.3% repeat contents. Importantly, we successfully placed 97.8% of the assembly in 31 chromosomes based on Hi-C interactions and characterized the sex chromosome based on sex-biased sequencing coverage. Multiple quality-control assays and chromosome-scale synteny with the model species all supported the high quality of the presented genome reference. We focused biological annotations on gene families related to the host plant adaptation and camouflage in the tea geometrid and performed comparisons with other representative lepidopteran species. Important findings include the E. grisescens-specific expansion of CYP6 P450 genes that might be involved in metabolism of tea defensive chemicals and unexpected massive expansion of gustatory receptor gene families that suggests potential polyphagy for this tea pest. Furthermore, we developed an efficient genome editing system based on CRISPR/Cas9 technology and successfully implement mutagenesis of a Hox gene in the tea geometrid. Our study provides key genomic resources both for exploring unique mechanisms underlying the ecological adaptation of tea geometrids and for developing environment-friendly strategies for tea pest management.

Intraspecific competition is a major force in mediating population dynamics, fuelling adaptation, and potentially leading to evolutionary diversification. Among the evolutionary arms races between parasites, one of the most fundamental and intriguing behavioural adaptations and counter-adaptations are superparasitism and superparasitism avoidance. However, the underlying mechanisms and ecological contexts of these phenomena remain underexplored. Here, we apply the Drosophila parasite Leptopilina boulardi as a study system and find that this solitary endoparasitic wasp provokes a host escape response for superparasitism avoidance. We combine multi-omics and in vivo functional studies to characterize a small set of RhoGAP domain-containing genes that mediate the parasite’s manipulation of host escape behaviour by inducing reactive oxygen species in the host central nervous system. We further uncover an evolutionary scenario in which neofunctionalization and specialization gave rise to the novel role of RhoGAP domain in avoiding superparasitism, with an ancestral origin prior to the divergence between Leptopilina specialist and generalist species. Our study suggests that superparasitism avoidance is adaptive for a parasite and adds to our understanding of how the molecular manipulation of host behaviour has evolved in this system., Evolutionary arms races can drive adaptations in hosts and parasites as well as among competing parasites. A combination of multi-omics and functional tests identifies a set of genes that allow a parasitic wasp to minimize intraspecific competition by inducing hosts to escape before more wasps can parasitize them.

The simultaneous measurement of retardance and fast axis azimuth based on liquid crystal wave plate group (LCWPG) is presented. The laser beam propagates through an aperture and then splits into two beams by a non-polarizing beam splitter (NPBS). The intensity of the reflected beam is detected by a photomultiplier tube (PMT) as the reference light intensity. The transmitted beam, which passes through a polarizer, a quarter-wave plate, a retarder sample to be measured and the LCWPG successively, is finally detected by another PMT. The LCWPG is composed of four liquid crystal wave plates (LCWPs). In addition, the LCWPG works in six different polarized modulation modes dependent on the voltages applied on each LCWP. The six corresponding sets of light intensity are then measured by the two PMTs. By calculating and deriving from the six sets of light intensity, the retardance and fast axis azimuth of the measured sample can be obtained, respectively. In the experiment, the retardance of a quarter wave plate as the sample is measured when its fast axis is at different angles. The standard deviations of the retardance and the fast axis azimuth of the measured sample are 0.67˚ and 0.85˚, respectively. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified.

In order to accurately obtain the birefringence dispersion of liquid crystal variable retarder (LCVR) with wavelength ranges from 414nm to 702nm. Here, we propose an improved fitting method of birefringence dispersion by using the theory of polarized light interference. The birefringence of LCVR in 478nm is 0.3863 based on the improved method. The experimental result is 0.3862 and the percentage error is 0.026%, compared to the 1.761% of the original fitting method. This work provides an improved way to character the birefringence dispersion of LCVR.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to 1) describe the implementation of the “Testing is Healthy” campaign in four locations in British Columbia (BC) and 2) report process evaluation indicators for the campaign. PARTICIPANTS: Young adults ages 20–29 years, the age group with the highest reported rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea in BC. SETTINGS: Movie theatres located in Langley, Burnaby, Coquitlam and Surrey, which are communities served by the Fraser Health Authority (FHA) in BC. INTERVENTION: The FHA launched the campaign in 2014 and 2015 to bring down the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV in the region. The campaign used the Cineplex TimePlay platform to engage moviegoers in answering STI/HIV-related questions, and to connect them to a clinic finder on the BC Centre for Disease Control Sex Smart Resource (SSR) website. TimePlay includes elements of gaming, is technology-based, and has been a successful advertisement platform for consumer products and services. However, this is the first time it has been used for sexual health promotion. The campaign was evaluated for 1) reach, based on theatre attendance and TimePlay participation, and 2) the effectiveness of connecting people to sexual health information using SSR web analytics. OUTCOMES: In total, the campaign received 548 410 views and 77 149 plays. SSR web analytics showed a significant increase in unique page views of the Clinic Finder page between the first and the second campaign. IMPLICATIONS: The campaign reached a large population at a low cost and was correlated with spikes in the unique page views for the Clinic Finder page.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of a small dose of aspirin on a quantitative test of 24-h urinary protein in patients with hypertension in pregnancy. In total, 224 patients with hypertension in pregnancy were continuously selected and were randomly divided into the control group (50 cases with conventional therapy), aspirin 50 mg/day group (60 cases), aspirin 75 mg/day group (58 cases), and aspirin 100 mg/day group (56 cases). Clinical effects were compared from 16 gestational weeks to childbirth. According to the comparison in the four groups, there was no statistical difference in the mean arterial pressure, pre-eclampsia rate, gestational weeks, and caesarean section rate (p>0.05). The 24-h urinary protein and endothelin-1 (ET-1) level were significantly decreased following treatment, and were less than the control and 50 mg/day groups. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) level was significantly increased, and higher than the control and 50 mg/day groups. In terms of the 75 and 100 mg/day, control and 50 mg/day groups, there was no statistical difference (p>0.05). A comparison of the complication rate in the four groups of fetuses during the perinatal period, no statistical difference was observed (p>0.05). Thus, the results show that, regarding patients with hypertension in pregnancy, 75 mg/day aspirin can decrease the 24-h urinary protein, SOD, and ET-1 level. However, the results remain to be confirmed to improve maternal and infant outcome in delivery.

The wave plate is an indispensable optical element for transforming polarization state in various optical fields. In the retarder’s applications, precise measurement of the retardance is necessary. However, there is no common and effective way to analyze resolution of the retardance measuring instrument. For ensuring the retardance measurement accuracy, an analysis method involving a wedge wave plate with a tiny angle between two planes is proposed to characterize the resolution. The retardance of the wedge wave plate varies linearly and slightly due to its linear and diminutive variation of thickness. The diminutive variation of retardance versus displacement can be measured when the instrument has enough resolution. And the instrument demonstrates higher resolution when it can measure smaller retardance variation. In the experiment, a wedge wave plate is mounted on a two dimensions stage and its one surface is normal to the detecting light of the instrument. And then the retardance is measured along one certain direction and the results are fitted linearly. The method can be used to evaluate the resolution differences of retardance measurement instruments. The gained resolution of both two instruments is superior to 0.1nm. Through several experiments, it can be demonstrated that the proposed analysis method has the advantages of easy operation, high efficiency and simple configuration.

Background: Antibiotic-impregnated bone cement spacer (ACS) with tobramycin ± vancomycin is commonly used in a 2-stage replacement of infected prosthetic joints. This procedure has been associated with development of acute kidney injury (AKI). Objective: To determine the incidence and risk factors for AKI after implantation of tobramycin-impregnated ACS. Methods: This prospective, observational study evaluated 50 consecutive patients who received tobramycin ACS for first-stage revision of an infected hip or knee arthroplasty from August 2011 to February 2013. AKI was defined as 50% or greater rise in serum creatinine (SCr) from baseline within the first 7 postoperative days (PODs). Results: The incidence of AKI was 20%, with median onset occurring at POD 2 (interquartile range [IQR] = 1-3); patients with AKI had a longer median duration of hospital stay (16 days, IQR = 12-17, vs 10 days, IQR = 8-10; P = 0.03). Serum tobramycin concentrations were significantly higher in the AKI group, peaking on POD 1 (median 1.9 vs 0.9 µg/mL, P = 0.01). Risk factors for nephrotoxicity identified by multivariate analysis were use of bone cement premanufactured with gentamicin (OR = 8.2; 95% CI = 1.1-60; P = 0.04), administration of blood transfusions intraoperatively (OR = 32.5; 95% CI = 2.3-454.3; P = 0.01) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs postoperatively (OR = 23.0; 95% CI = 1.3-397.7; P = 0.03). Conclusions: Tobramycin ACS is associated with a high risk of AKI. Measures to minimize AKI risk in the perioperative period include early detection through close monitoring of SCr, avoiding use of premanufactured bone cement containing gentamicin, and avoiding potential nephrotoxins within the first 72 hours postoperatively.

Natural small-molecule phenols (NSMPs) share some bioactivities. The anxiolytic activity of NSMPs is attracting attention in the scientific community. This paper provides data supporting the hypothesis that NSMPs are generally anxiolytic. The anxiolytic activities of seven simple phenols, including phloroglucinol, eugenol, protocatechuic aldehyde, vanillin, thymol, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid, were assayed with the elevated plus maze (EPM) test in mice. The oral doses were 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, except for phloroglucinol for which the doses were 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg. All tested phenols had anxiolytic activity in mice. The phenolic hydroxyl group in 4-hydroxycinnamic acid (4-OH CA) was essential for the anxiolytic activity in the EPM test in mice and rats compared to 4-chlorocinnamic acid (4-Cl CA). The in vivo spike recording of rats’ hippocampal neurons also showed significant differences between 4-OH CA and 4-Cl CA. Behavioral and neuronal spike recording results converged to indicate the hippocampal CA1 region might be a part of the anxiolytic pathways of 4-OH CA. Therefore, our study provides further experimental data supporting NSMPs sharing anxiolytic activity, which may have general implications for phytotherapy because small phenols occur extensively in herbal medicines.

Anxiety is a common psychological disorder, often occurring in combination with depression, but therapeutic drugs with high efficacy and safety are lacking. Orcinol glucoside (OG) was recently found to have an antidepressive action.To study the therapeutic potential of OG and orcinol monohydrate (OM) as anxiolytic agents.Anxiolytic effects in mice were measured using the elevated plus-maze, hole-board, and open-field tests. Eight groups of mice were included in each test. Thirty minutes before each test, mice in each group received one oral administration of OG (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg), OM (2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg), the positive control diazepam (1 or 5 mg/kg), or control vehicle. Each mouse underwent only one test. Uptake of orcinol (5 mg/kg) in the brain was qualitatively detected using the HPLC-MS method.OG (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) and OM (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) increased the time spent in open arms and the number of entries into open arms in the elevated plus-maze test. OG (5 and 10 mg/kg) and OM (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) increased the number of head-dips in the hole-board test. At all tested doses, OG and OM did not significantly affect the locomotion of mice in the open-field test. Orcinol could be detected in the mouse brain homogenates 30 min after oral OM administration, having confirmed that OM is centrally active.The results demonstrated that OG and OM are anxiolytic agents without sedative effects, indicating their therapeutic potential for anxiety.

To understand the epidemic resurgence of influenza due to the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) strain (A[H1N1]pdm09) during the 2013-2014 influenza season, we compared age-related cross-sectional estimates of seroprotection before the pandemic (during 2009) and after the pandemic (during 2010 and 2013) to subsequent surveillance-based, laboratory-confirmed incidence of influenza due to A(H1N1)pdm09 in British Columbia, Canada. Prepandemic seroprotection was negligible except for very old adults (defined as adults aged ≥ 80 years), among whom 80% had seroprotection. Conversely, postpandemic seroprotection followed a U-shaped distribution, with detection in approximately 35%-45% of working-aged adults but in ≥ 70% of very old adults and young children, excluding children aged

Background. Cases of infection due to a novel swine-origin variant of influenza A virus subtype H3N2 (H3N2v) have recently been identified in the United States, primarily among children. We estimate levels of cross-reactive antibody to H3N2v by age and assess whether seasonal trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV), with or without adjuvant, may increase seroprotection. Methods. Antibody to H3N2v was assessed by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay and, for a subset, also by microneutralization assay. Seroprevalence and seroprotection were defined as an HI titer of ≥40, and levels were compared with those for ancestral and contemporary human strains. The analysis included 1116 sera collected during fall 2010, corresponding to approximately 100 sera per decade of life. Vaccine-induced antibody levels were also assessed in sera from 136 children aged

Background To reduce the risk of patient handling-related musculoskeletal injury, overhead ceiling lifts have been installed in health care facilities. To increase ceiling lift usage for a variety of patient handling tasks, a peer coaching and mentoring program was implemented among the direct care staff in the long-term care subsector in British Columbia, Canada. They received a 4-day training program on body mechanics, ergonomics, patient-handling techniques, ceiling lift usage, in addition to coaching skills. Methods A questionnaire was administered among staff before and after the intervention to evaluate the program's effectiveness. Results There were 403 and 200 respondents to the pre-intervention and post-intervention questionnaires. In general, staff perceived the peer-coaching program to be effective. The number of staff who reported to be using ceiling lifts “often and always” went higher from 64.5% to 80.5% (

Single layer lattice graphene deposited on the metal substrate can hardly be imaged by the optical microscope. In this Letter, a large field-of-view imaging ellipsometer is introduced to image single layer graphene which is deposited on a metal substrate. By adjusting the polarizer and the analyzer of imaging ellipsometer, the light reflected from surfaces of either single layer graphene or a Au film substrate can be extinguished, respectively. Thus, single layer graphene can be imaged correspondingly under brightfield or darkfield imaging modes. The method can be applied to imaging large-area graphene on a metal substrate.

Haemodialysis (HD) initiation is unplanned in up to 50% of patients, mainly due to late diagnosis and/or late nephrology referral. In these patients, time does not permit the multidisciplinary predialysis care that is associated with increased independent renal replacement therapy (RRT) modality choice and better access to kidney transplantation. We established a Renal Triage Nurse (RTN) position to educate suboptimal HD starts and to facilitate transition to independent modalities of RRT.Adult patients starting HD from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2008 with180 days nephrology follow-up and surviving at least 180 days were included (suboptimal HD starts). The RTN educated suboptimal HD starts beginning in December 2006. Patients initiating RRT via the multidisciplinary predialysis clinic (MPC) were included for comparison. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between being seen by the RTN and achieving independent modalities of RRT.There were 176 patients: 78 suboptimal HD starts (38 of these were educated by the RTN) and 98 patients initiated RRT after a minimum 180-day follow-up at the MPC. Of the RTN patients, 27.8% switched to independent RRT modalities (peritoneal dialysis n = 7, home haemodialysis n = 1, transplant n = 2). RTN patients were more likely to live alone (33.3% versus 10.8%, P = 0.02) and to have cerebrovascular disease (25.0% versus 7.1%, P = 0.03); however, adjusting for these variables, suboptimal HD starts seen by the RTN were more likely to transition to independent RRT (OR 3.75, 95% CI 1.08-13.05) than those not seen. The proportion starting on an independent modality via the MPC was 39.8%. The RTN achieved a rate of independent RRT not statistically different to that observed in patients starting RRT via the MPC (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.19-2.94 in multivariable analysis).Addition of the RTN to the HD care team facilitated transition to independent modalities of RRT in suboptimal HD starts. This standardized approach to the care of such patients should be considered in HD units where suboptimal HD starts are common.

Objective.To assess healthcare workers' attitudes and concerns regarding seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines in order to improve vaccination campaign communications.Design.Cross-sectional survey.Setting.All 6 health authorities in British Columbia, Canada.Methods.An anonymous, self-administered online survey was conducted from August 30 through September 30, 2009. Question topics included demographic characteristics, factors influencing acceptance of seasonal influenza vaccine, factors influencing intentions to accept pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine, and knowledge and concerns regarding the effect of the influenza pandemic.Participants.All 96,217 British Columbia healthcare workers were eligible to participate.Results.A volunteer sample of 4,046 healthcare workers returned the survey; 3,563 (88%) were women, 58% were under 50 years old (mean age ± standard deviation, 45.3 ± 10.9 years), 3,152 of 4,023 (79%) had 5 or more years of experience in their profession, 1,853 of 4,023 (46%) were nurses, and 2,833 (70%) had been vaccinated against seasonal influenza the previous year. Two thousand eight hundred (69%) respondents reported intending to receive the pandemic H1N1 vaccine. The most important predictor of this intention was having received the seasonal vaccine the previous year (odds ratio [OR], 6.25 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 5.39-7.26]). Worry about making loved ones ill was the only attitude associated with intention to receive the pandemic H1N1 vaccine (adjusted OR, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.27-1.50]). Concerns with vaccine safety (adjusted OR, 0.31 [95% CI, 0.25-0.39]) and belief “that H1N1 is not severe enough” (adjusted OR, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.26-0.32]) were independently associated with the intention to reject the pandemic H1N1 vaccine.Conclusions.Vaccination campaigns for pandemic H1N1 vaccine should use messages that emphasize the risk of illness among younger people and the opportunity to protect loved ones by getting the vaccine and should address concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

A variety of 2-arylbenzothiazoles are co-produced with hydroquinone in the absence of additional reagents and catalysts under mild conditions. When this inherently waste-free process is employed, none of the reactions require the use of additional redox reagents, and all of them are environmentally friendly with excellent atom economy (≥95%).

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease among recipients of renal transplants. Because modern immunosuppressive regimens have reduced the incidence of rejection-related graft loss, the probability and clinical significance of posttransplantation GN (PTGN) requires reevaluation. In this Canadian epidemiologic study, we monitored 2026 sequential renal transplant recipients whose original renal disease resulted from biopsy-proven GN (36%), from presumed GN (7.8%), or from disorders other than GN (56%) for 15 yr without loss to follow-up. Kaplan-Meier estimates of PTGN in the whole population were 5.5% at 5 yr, 10.1% at 10 yr, and 15.7% at 15 yr. PTGN was diagnosed in 24.3% of patients whose original renal disease resulted from biopsy-proven GN, compared with 11.8% of those with presumed GN and 10.5% of those with disorders other than GN. Biopsy-proven GN in the native kidney, male gender, younger age, and nonwhite ethnicity predicted PTGN. Current immunosuppressive regimens did not associate with a reduced frequency of PTGN. Patients who developed PTGN had significantly reduced graft survival (10.2 versus 69.7%; P < 0.0001). In summary, in the Canadian population, PTGN is a common and serious complication that causes accelerated graft failure, despite the use of modern immunosuppressive regimens.

Background. This longitudinal, sequential, matched closed-cohort design pharmacoepidemiological analysis examined the influence of maintenance steroid therapy in 380 first graft recipients after renal transplantation under conditions of normal clinical practice. Methods. Nonexposed (steroid avoidance, n= 190) and exposed (steroid treated, n= 190) cohorts were matched 1:1 for key demographic factors, including donor source (living or deceased), diabetic status, panel reactive antibody level, recipient age (by decade), and sex. Results. Cohorts were comparable for all variables except median human leukocyte antigen mismatch (4 vs. 3, P=0.03), use oftacrolimus (90.0% vs. 59.5%, P≤0.0001), and ofbasiliximab (94.7% vs. 57.4%, P≤0.0001), which were higher in the nonexposed cohort. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) was comparable at 1 year (median: 58.1 vs. 58.3, P=0.92) and 2 years (median: 55.5 vs. 58.0, P=0.97) in nonexposed and in exposed cohorts (P=0.97). There was no difference in Kaplan-Meier estimates of biopsy-proven acute rejection (14.8% vs. 17.0%; hazard ratio: 0.88, P=0.60) or of 2-year death censored graft failure (4.7% vs. 3.2%; P=0.44) between nonexposed or exposed cohorts. Median total cholesterol (4.6 vs. 5.0 mmol/L, P=0.0002), low-density lipoprotein (2.6 vs. 2.8 mmol/L, P=0.005), high-density lipoprotein levels (1.1 vs. 1.3, P=0.0001), and median weight change from baseline (-1.7 vs. +1.0 kg, P=0.001) were significantly lower in the nonexposed cohort. Forty-five patients (29%) in the nonexposed cohort commenced steroid therapy, principally for graft dysfunction or acute rejection. Conclusion. In summary, steroid avoidance did not negatively impact 2-year graft function, biopsy-proven acute rejection rate, or short-term graft survival and offers clinical benefits, which weigh in the decision regarding maintenance therapy.

To determine the optimal cut-off value of critical-care pain observation tool (CPOT) in assessing degree of pain in patients undergone craniotomy, and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of CPOT with this cut-off value.A prospective observational study was conducted in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. A total of 118 patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) after craniotomy was consecutively enrolled during August 2014 to August 2015. CPOT and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to assess the pain before, during and 20 minutes after the removal of central venous catheters, and the difference was compared between two scores at three time points. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off values for evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of CPOT. Patients' complaint of pain was considered the "gold-standard".CPOT values (inter-quartile range) before, during and after the procedure were 0 (0-3), 0 (0-6) and 0 (0-2), respectively; while VAS values were 4 (1, 6), 3 (1, 6) and 4 (1, 6), respectively. CPOT value during the procedure was significantly higher than CPOT values before and after the procedure (both P0.01). When the optimal cut-off value of CPOT was 1, CPOT showed the highest Youden index before, during and after the procedure (1.183, 1.515, and 1.438, respectively), and showed high specificity (all 100%) and low sensitivity (18.3% and 43.8%, respectively) when assessing the pain before and after the removal of the catheter. The sensitivity and the specificity were high when assessing the pain during the procedure, the sensitivity was 69.4%, and the specificity was 82.1%. When the optimal cut-off value of VAS was 2 before and during the procedure, and was 4 after the procedure, VAS showed the highest Youden index, 1.568, 1.452, and 1.509, respectively. VAS demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity before, during and after the procedure (sensitivity was 97.2%, 95.2% and 75.0%, respectively; specificity was 59.6%, 50.0% and 75.9%, respectively). The area under ROC curve (AUC) of CPOT before, during and after the procedure were 0.592 [95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 0.490-0.693], 0.778 (95%CI = 0.693-0.863) and 0.719 (95%CI = 0.627-0.811), respectively; the AUC of VAS before, during and after the procedure were 0.846 (95%CI = 0.771-0.920), 0.767 (95%CI = 0.681-0.854) and 0.838 (95%CI = 0.767-0.909), respectively. The AUC of VAS before and after the procedure was significantly higher than the AUC of CPOT (P0.001 and P = 0.006), while there was no significant difference between the AUC of VAS and CPOT during the procedure (P = 0.826).CPOT can be used to assess the pain during painful procedure, and it shows high accuracy, but with poor evaluation effect on pain in rest.

We presented a proof-of-concept investigation upon an end-pumped and vortex Nd:YAG laser. In this laser, for the first time, the conical refraction (CR) ring of a biaxial KGd(WO4)2 crystal was used for annular pumping. Owing to nearly 100% conversion efficiency in forming the CR ring, the Nd:YAG laser was highly efficient and emitted LG01-mode vortex light with 177.5 mW beam power and 65% slope efficiency. This study showed the CR ring pumping would favor the production of a compact, simple and efficient vortex laser. It is expected that, in future, the CR ring pumping technique would also facilitate the high-power vortex solid-state laser where a long gain medium is required.

Hydroxide ionic liquids, such as 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium hydroxides, undergo smooth anion metathesis with ammonium salts to produce a variety of ionic liquids in excellent yields. It is a practical supplement of traditional neutralization method due to the broader range of starting materials containing desired anions.

By introducing a circular Dammann grating (CDG) into the pump unit, we demonstrated an end-pumped Nd:YAG laser that emitted a vortex and first-order LG mode with high laser efficiency and high power. In our scheme, the CDG was used to reshape the pumping light into an annular profile, and the adaptation of it was realized easily by inserting it into the pump unit of a conventional end-pumped solid-state laser; the laser cavity was simple, compact, and consisted of only a laser crystal and an output coupler. The beam power of this laser reached 1.86 W at an absorbed pump power of 6.38 W with a slope efficiency of 34.5%.

The anti-oxidation and fuel efficiency properties of both fresh and aged oils were evaluated using a modificatory Rotary Bomb Oxidation Test (RBOT) and Pressurized Differential Scanning Calorimetry (PDSC). The fuel efficiency properties of a set of engine oils were investigated before and after the aging process. Results of PDSC and SRV indicate that the type of antioxidants, their concentrations, and the ratio of phenol to amine have great effects on the anti-oxidation capability and fuel efficiency retention of the oils. The results show that the use of molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC) in combination with ash-less antioxidants can lead to pass the Sequence VIB test for fuel efficiency and durability as defined by the ILSAC GF-4 specification.

The Thermo-oxidation engine Oil Simulation Test (TEOST 33C), one request of the new ILSAC GF-5 specification for passenger car, has been developed as a simulation test to evaluate the “coking” of engine oil in turbocharger. Generally, molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC) is added into engine oil as an effective friction modifier to improve fuel economy. Zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZnDDP) has also been used as a multifunction additive in engine oils for more than 50 years. However, the results of this study showed that the coexistence of MoDTC and ZnDDP in engine oil could cause deposits accretion of the oil in the TEOST 33C. Pressurized Differential Scanning Calorimetry (PDSC) revealed that excess MoDTC led to the oxidative degradation of engine oil and there was no obvious relationship between oxidation stability and “coking” of engine oil. In addition, the elemental analysis of deposits demonstrated that deposits accretion was not caused by the increase ash of MoDTC. In summary, the MoDTC coexisted with ZnDDP might be acted as a “coking” catalyst under high temperature.