Search

We report on detailed multi-wavelength observations and analysis of the very bright and long GRB 210619B, detected by the Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) installed on the International Space Station (ISS) and the Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) on-board the Fermi mission. Our main goal is to understand the radiation mechanisms and jet composition of GRB 210619B. With a measured redshift of $z$ = 1.937, we find that GRB 210619B falls within the 10 most luminous bursts observed by Fermi so far. The energy-resolved prompt emission light curve of GRB 210619B exhibits an extremely bright hard emission pulse followed by softer/longer emission pulses. The low-energy photon indices ($\alpha_{\rm pt}$) values obtained using the time-resolved spectral analysis of the burst suggest a transition between the thermal (during harder pulse) to non-thermal (during softer pulse) outflow. We examine the correlation between spectral parameters and find that both peak energy and $\alpha_{\rm pt}$ exhibit the flux tracking pattern. The late time broadband photometric dataset can be explained within the framework of the external forward shock model with $\nu_m$ $< \nu_c$ $< \nu_{x}$ (where $\nu_m$, $\nu_c$, and $\nu_{x}$ are the synchrotron peak, cooling-break, and X-ray frequencies, respectively) spectral regime supporting a rarely observed hard electron energy index ($p, Comment: 24 pages, 18 figures, 10 tables, accepted for publication in MNRAS

Objective To investigate the safety, efficacy and long-term prognosis of pediatric patients after percutaneous ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure. Method A total of 1024 children with VSD in were enrolled. All children underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), electrocardiogram (ECG) and chest roentgenogram before and after the treatment. Follow-up evaluation was done at 1, 3, 6, 12 months. Results 1. 40 of 1024 patients gave up TC after angiography. Successful closure of VSD was achieved in 94.9% (934/984). 2. The defect were successfully occluded in 934 children. 939 VSD devices were implanted, 5 patients received 2 occluders. The average diameter of occluder was 6.40±2.13mm (3.00–18.00mm), and the mean operation time was 86.81±41.85min (30.00–360.00min). 3. Short postoperative complications were as follows: diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage (1/934, 0.11%), high or complete atrioventricular block (1/934, 0.32%), mechanical hemolysis occurred (18/934, 1.93%). Moreover, the conduction disturbances included complete left bundle branch block (15/934, 1.61%), incomplete right bundle branch block (144/934, 15.42%), borderline rhythm (48/93, 45.14%), and complete right bundle branch block (44/934, 4.71%), left anterior branch block (27/934, 2.89%), premature contraction (21/934, 2.36%), ST-T segment changes (12/934, 1.28%). 4. The follow-up time ranged from1 to 192 months with the median time 36 months (12, 60) and the follow-up rate was 84.1% (795/934). There was no difference of mean left ventricular size between normal outpatients and patients accepted TC for more than 10 years (4.50±0.30cm V.S. 4.57±0.35cm, t=1.171, P=0.251). 5. New complications included III°AVB (1 case), CLBBB (1 case), ARs (27 cases) and residual shunt (12 cases). The operation age, the distance from defect to valve, the occluder diameter, the asymmetrical occluder and follow-up duration were associated risk factors of AR (OR= 4.107, 5.30, 3.824, 6.750, 9.625, P=0.033, 0.015, 0.045, 0.020, 0.000, respectively). The difference of occluder diameter, defect size and follow-up time were related risk factors of residual shunt (OR=7.000, 5.417, 11.333, 29.250, P=0.012, 0.037, 0.031, 0.000, respectively). 6. The patients were divided into 4 groups (∼3 years group, 3 ∼ 4 years group, 4∼ 6 years group, and 6∼ 18 years group. No significant differences of the success rate, defect size, operation time, incidence rate of short- and long-term complications rate. There was significantly difference of short complications incidence rate in 4 groups (c2=23.431 P=0.000). Conclusions The TC has a high successful rate in the pediatric patients with VSD. Patients with CLBBB or III°AVB can return to normal in the early stage after operation, but may recur during follow-up period. There is no significant difference in the successful rate and the incidence rate of long-term complications between patients Acknowledgement/Funding Taishan scholars (no. ts201511099)

From June to November 2016, 5 patients with severe burns were admitted to our unit. Broad-spectrum antibiotic and fluconazole were used on patients as earlier empirical anti-infection therapy of bacteria and fungi. Seven to twenty-one days after injury, 5 patients developed fungal infection. Antifungal agents of caspofungin, voriconazole, and amphotericin B liposomewere were used according to the results of fungal culture, and the infected wounds were also treated with repeated debridement and dressing change. Multiple autologous skin grafts were performed after infection control of wounds. With the above antifungal infection treatment for 5 to 11 days, 2 patients' condition tended to be stable, and no fungus was found in wound secretion after cultured for many times. The patients were discharged with wounds healed after 52 to 54 days' hospital stay. Due to severe burns degree and or elder age, fungal infection aggravated and expanded to the trunk in the other 3 patients, then developed into burn sepsis, resulting in patients died of multiple organ failure secondary to sepsis.2016年6—11月，笔者单位收治5例特重度烧伤患者，入院早期经验性应用广谱抗生素抗细菌感染和氟康唑抗真菌感染。伤后7～21 d，5例患者均发生真菌感染，根据真菌培养结果选用卡泊芬净、伏立康唑或两性霉素B脂质体，并对感染创面行多次清创及换药处理，待创面感染控制后，多次行自体皮移植术。经5～11 d积极的抗真菌感染治疗及创面处理后，2例患者病情趋于稳定，创面分泌物多次培养未见真菌，入院后52～54 d创面愈合出院；3例患者因烧伤程度重和/或年龄偏大，真菌感染由四肢创面迅速扩大至躯干，后续发展成烧伤脓毒症导致多脏器功能衰竭而死亡。.

The effect of nano-kaolinite clay (NKC) on the early age cracking behavior of cement mortar was investigated. The restrained ring-test method was used to detect shrinkage crack tendency of cement mortar specimen. The cracking and strain on the surface of mortar ring for the ordinary and NKC mortar were monitored. The development of crack width and strain during the drying process were obtained. Finite element analysis is carried out to simulate the evolution of the crack in restrained concrete rings subject to circumferential drying. The results demonstrate that the addition of NKC increases the shrinkage cracking tendency of mortar at early age. It is found that the crack width is significantly increased in the mortar specimen added with 3% NKC replacement.

1. The objective of this study was to determine the origin and evolution of chickens from 5 native breeds that are traditionally raised in Jiangsu Province. 2. To address this question, the complete mitochondrial DNA D-loop sequence of 149 chickens from 5 native breeds of Jiangsu Province was analysed. 3. Sequence read lengths of the native breeds were 1231 to 1232 bp, with a single-base deletion from the 859 bp site in the 1231 bp haplotype. A total of 33 variable sites that defined 19 haplotypes were identified. The average haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity were 0.862 ± 0.017 and 0.00591 ± 0.00135. 4. Phylogenetic analysis showed that genetic structure of the mtDNA haplotypes of Jiangsu chickens are distributed across 5 clades (haplogroups): Clades A, B, C, D, and E. However, most of the individuals characterised in this study belonged to clades A and B. 5. The results of this study indicate that Jiangsu chicken populations have relatively low nucleotide and haplotype diversity and likely share 5 common maternal lineages.

To explore the construction and clinical efficacy of three-dimensional(3D) visualization platform about diagnosis and treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.From January 2009 to December 2015, a total of 32 patients with hilarcholangiocarcinoma treated in Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University were analyzed.There were 20 male and 12 female patients aged from 40 to 85 years. Bismuth-Corlette 3D visualization type: 2 cases with type Ⅰ, 5 cases with type Ⅱ, 10 cases with type Ⅲa, 11 cases with type Ⅲb, 4 cases with type Ⅳ.Among 32 cases, there were 5 cases who were established liver 3D printing models to guide intraoperative real-time navigation.The clinical effect of this platform was evaluated by the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, laboratory test and postoperative complications.The 3D visualization platform consists of the preoperative surgical planning with the aid of virtual 3D reconstruction technology and intraoperative real-time navigation with 3D printing models.The liver 3D models for all patients were constructed successfully, they could clearly show intrahepatic pipeline, size and location of tumors, relationship between tumor and intrahepatic pipeline.The 3D printing models could accomplish real-time intraoperative navigation surgery with strong stereoscopic sense.According to Bismuth classification 3D visualization type, 2 patients with type Ⅰ received local excision of tumor and choledochojejunostomy; 5 patients with type Ⅱ received resection of segment Ⅰ, Ⅳb and partial Ⅴ combined with choledochojejunostomy; 10 patients with type Ⅲa received right semi-hepatectomy combined with resection of segment Ⅰ and choledochojejunostomy; 11 cases with type Ⅲb received left semi-hepatectomy combined with resection of segment Ⅰ and choledochojejunostomy; 4 cases with type Ⅳ received resection of segment Ⅳb and Ⅴ combined with choledochojejunostomy.The operation time was 270-660 minutes; the mean intraoperative blood loss was 588 ml; the mean postoperative hospital stay was 25 days.The bilirubin level three day after operation was 233 μmol/L.There was 1 case presented biliary fistula and cured by conservative treatment; there was no incision infection, no liver failure and no perioperative deaths occurred.The 3D visualization is valuable for optimizing the operation scheme preoperatively and navigating surgery accurately intraoperatively in real-time which may improve the precision of the operation and achieve better the recovery.

To study the regulative effects and mechanism of A2aAR on expression of suppressor of cytokinesignaling-3(SOCS-3) in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension rats.Sprague-Daeley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: a normal control group, a hypoxia group, and a hypoxia with selective agonists of A2aAR group. Animals in the hypoxia groups were housed in a chamber with 8%- 11% O2 and 1%-3% CO2 for 8 hours (8: 00 AM to 4: 00 PM) daily for 28 days. They were treated intraperitoneally with either 4 ml/kg weight of normal saline or 0.2 mg/kg weight of CGS-21680 30 minutes before exposure to hypoxia. Four weeks later, mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), mean carotid arterial pressure (mCAP) and right ventricular rate [RV/(LV+ S)] were measured. The expression of A2aAR and SOCS-3 in pulmonary arterioles was measured by immunohistochemistry. The expression of A2aAR mRNA and SOCS-3 mRNA in lung tissues were measured by real time RT-PCR. The expression of A2aAR protein and SOCS-3 protein in lung tissues were measured by Western blot.The mPAP in the hypoxia group was [(20.9±3.9)mmHg, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa], significantly higher than the normal control group [(12.6±6.6)mmHg](P0.01). The mPAP in CGS-21680 group was [ (14.8±3.8)mmHg], significantly lower than the hypoxia group(P0.01). RV/(LV+ S) in the hypoxia group was [(35.2±2.0)%] , significantly higher than the normal control group [(29.6±2.7)%] (P0.01). RV/(LV+ S) in the CGS-21680 group was [(28.3±8.8)%], significantly lower than the hypoxia group(P0.01). WA/TA in the hypoxia group was (73±5, P0.01), significantly higher than the normal control group. WA/TA in CGS21680 group was (54±3, P0.01), significantly lower than the hypoxia group. A2aAR and SOCS-3 expressions on pulmonary arterioles in the hypoxia group were (0.134±0.034) and (0.119±0.011), both significantly higher than the normal group(P0.01); and CGS-21680 treatment further increased their expressions. The mRNA expression of both molecules showed a 1.5-fold increase after 28-day hypoxia exposure. A2aAR activation by CGS-21680 treatment in hypoxia-exposed rats further increased the expression levels of A2aAR and SOCS-3 to about 2-fold higher than the normal controls. Furthermore, protein levels of A2aAR and SOCS-3 in the lung tissue were determined using Western blot. A similar increase was observed in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension, and CGS-21680 treatment group showed the highest levels of these 2 proteins.A2aAR activation prevents hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension, and its mechanisms are related to the activation of A2aAR SOCS-3 signaling pathway.

To investigate the clinical value of the intrahepatic Glisson's sheath vascular disconnection approach for anatomical hepatectomy by three-dimensional(3D) laparoscope.Twenty-two patients(11 liver cancer and 11 benign diseases)underwent hepatectomy in Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University from November 2013 to March 2015 were involved. All patients were performed anatomical hepatectomy by 3D laparoscope with the intrahepatic Glisson's sheath vascular disconnection approach.The anatomical time of first hepatic portal, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperation hospitalization and the complication incidences were observed.All the 22 cases were performed successfully with the intrahepatic Glisson's sheath vascular disconnection and the anatomic hepatectomy. The anatomical time of first hepatic portal, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, the postoperation hospitalization duration and complication incidence rate were(43±14) minutes(22-74 minutes), (295±89) minutes(105-480 minutes), (546±390) ml (50-1 500 ml), (9.8±2.8) days(5-16 days) and 18.2%(4/22)in 22 patients, respectively. There was no death.With the help of 3D laparoscope, the anatomy of Glisson pedicle could perform precisely and the dissection of vessels would be easy and accuracy. The 3D laparoscope is feasible for performing the anatomical hepatectomy.

The structural behaviour of an old six-span reinforced concrete arch bridge, which has been in service for about 43 years, is investigated. Static and dynamic response of the bridge were obtained from the field monitoring. Based on the similarity theory of model design, a scaled one-span bridge model was fabricated by organic-glasses. To simulate different damages on the arch ribs, seven notches were introduced to the bridge by gradually cutting the arch ribs with saw cutting. Mechanical responses (e.g. strain distribution, deflection, frequency, mode shape, etc.) of the damaged bridge models are achieved. Since the laboratory experimental results shows agreement with the field monitoring results, it can be derived that the scaled bridge model can represent the actual structural behaviour. Effects of the damage location, damage extent on the structural response were discussed in detail. Numerical simulation was performed as well, and the numerical results show in good agreement with the experimental results. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

5.0–50.0 vt% of cyclohexane was mixed with 95.0–50.0 vt% of n-octadecane as the oil-phase during the emulsion process in the in situ polymerization of melamine-formaldehyde. By heat-treating the microcapsules in an oven at 100°C, the cyclohexane was removed and expansion space was formed inside the microcapsules. The microcapsules were characterized by using FTIR, SEM, DSC, TGA, and gas chromatography. When the microcapsules are heat-treated at temperatures higher than 180°C, Tm, ΔHm, Tc, and ΔHc of the microcapsules decrease. The attenuation of enthalpy of the microcapsules containing expansion space is obviously lower than that of the control sample, however. The permeability of the microcapsule shell decreases with the increase of cyclohexane content. There is a maximum between the thermal stabilities of the microcapsules and the cyclohexane contents. The microcapsules synthesized with 30.0–40.0 vt% of cyclohexane have the highest thermal stabilities, with 230°C and 289°C in air and nitrogen atmosphere, respectively. The thermal stable temperatures are approximately 67°C and 102°C higher than that of the control sample, respectively. The expansion space inside the microcapsules allows the n-octadecane to expand in the temperature rising process and exert lower pressure to the shell, therefore keeping the shell intact and increasing the thermal stabilities of the microcapsules. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 390–396, 2005

Microcapsules and nanocapsules containing n-octadecane with melamine-formaldehyde shell were fabricated by in situ polymerization. The effects of stirring rate, contents of emulsifier and contents of cyclohexane on diameters, morphology, phase change properties and thermal stabilities of the capsules were studied by using FT-IR, SEM, DSC and TG. The diameters of the microcapsules decreased with the increase of stirring rate, emulsifier content and cyclohexane content. The relationship between stirring rate and number-average diameters or weight-average diameters of the microcapsules is an exponent. The relationship between emulsifier content and number-average diameters or weight-average diameters of the microcapsules is an exponent, too. The diameters had less effects on the melting behaviour of microcapsules, however, they had significant effects on the crystallization behaviour. As the diameters of the microcapsules decreased, two crystallization peaks were observed from the DSC cooling curves. The ratio of the integrated area of the peak in the lower temperature increased with the decrease in diameters of microcapsules. The thermal stability of micro/nanocapsule rises with the increase of stirring rates and TA content. The cyclohexane content has no significantly effect on thermal stability of the nanocapsule.

The carotid space and the last four cranial nerves are at risk when nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) recurs or spreads posterolaterally. The objective of this study is to document the features of hypoglossal nerve infiltration and the appearance of the paralysed tongue. We reviewed hypoglossal nerve palsy in 16 patients with NPC. The following features were analysed: tumour morphology (submucosal spread), hypoglossal canal erosion, perineural infiltration or intracranial spread, other lower cranial nerve palsies, and appearance of the tongue. These findings were correlated with clinical records. All 16 patients had tumour recurrence following radiation therapy. In 7 patients (44 %), recurrence was submucosal. Hypoglossal canal involvement was seen in 12 patients (75 %). Isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy was noted in 5 patients (31 %) and 7 patients (44 %) had posterior cranial fossa tumour spread. Posterior displacement of the tongue was consistently well seen. In conclusion, tumour recurrence should be suspected in the presence of hypoglossal nerve palsy even when endoscopic findings are negative. Posterior displacement of the tongue, which has not been emphasised in the literature, is an easily recognisable sign and may indicate early hypoglossal nerve palsy.

To compare the use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computed tomography (CT) in detection of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Forty-five sets of CT and MR images were obtained in 34 patients. The images were placed in three categories: (a) clinically or radiologically abnormal findings in patients who underwent biopsy (n = 16), (b) clinically normal and radiologically borderline findings in patients who were followed up clinically and radiologically (n = 10), and (c) clinically and radiologically normal findings in patients who were monitored only clinically (n = 19). All images were read by two observers independently.There were nine positive and seven negative biopsy results. All patients in the latter two categories had normal findings at followup. CT had a sensitivity of 45% and 67% and a specificity of 64% and 70% for each of the two observers. MR imaging had a sensitivity of 56% (for both observers) and a specificity of 78% and 83%. The kappa test for interobserver concordance was 0.53 for CT and 0.66 for MR imaging.Both modalities have relatively low sensitivity and moderate specificity in detection of tumor recurrence and in distinguishing recurrence from post-radiation therapy changes.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) may spread posterolaterally with infiltration of the jugular foramen, jugular vein and the cranial nerves IX-XI. Cranial nerve palsies may be evident clinically but the extent of skull base infiltration is best assessed radiologically. Denervation atrophy is well demonstrated by both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Accurate delineation of the lesion is important in prognosis and radiotherapy planning.

Civil engineering is a discipline with very strong practicality. “Principle of Reinforced Concrete Structures” is one of the major courses of civil engineering discipline, which has close connection with the practical engineering. With the hasty improvement of the computer technique, and with the rapid development of civil engineering structural scale, structural style, structural system, most reinforced concrete structures are designed by the special engineering softwares. According to the course characteristic of “Principle of Reinforced Concrete Structures”, it is proposed that the engineering software can be introduced into the process of course teaching. Based on the personal teaching experience in the course teaching of “Principle of Reinforced Concrete Structures”, objectives of education reform on the course-education of “Principle of Reinforced Concrete Structures” are analyzed and discussed in detail as well.

Stochastic finite element method (FEM) was applied to analyze the mechanical property of the corroded pipeline. Firstly, mechanical properties of the corroded steel were studied. Then, dynamic properties of the corroded pipeline were investigated; sensitivity analyses were performed on the effective factors respectively. Considering the distribution characters of the defects on the pipe surface as stochastic variables, a series of numerical investigations were executed on the corroded pipeline. Relation between the dynamic property of the submarine pipeline and the corrosion state of the material is achieved.

A 75m 10.5kV/1.5kA three‐phase AC high‐temperature superconducting (HTS) power cable was installed in a live power grid in China in January of 2005. A liquid nitrogen decompression (LND) cooling system was adopted for the 75m cable facility for two reasons: one is that the LND method is simple and reliable; the other reason is that we have successfully used this method with a 10 m cable prototype since 2003. The 75m HTS power cable facility with LND cooling was commissioned at the end of 2004. By August 21, 2005, the total running time of the cable in the live power grid was more than 4000 hours. In this paper we will discuss the design and running data of the cryogenic system and present some analytical results.

PCR technique was employed to isolate gene homologous to the MS2Bnap (X99922.1) from two rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) dominant digenic male sterile lines, namely 220A (male sterile) and 220B (male fertile), 6A (male sterile) and 6C (male fertile). The isolated 2,581 bp sequences from 220A (named 220A-gDNA, GenBank accession number AY288778), 220B (220B-gDNA, AY257490), 6A (6A-gDNA, DQ060318) and 6C (6C-gDNA, DQ060319) all contained six introns. Forty-one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites were detected by alignment of these four sequences, seven of them dispersed in the exon regions. Two SNPs (1247, 1656) were detected between 220A-gDNA and 220B-gDNA, and the one at nucleotide 1247 of 220A-gDNA with A replaced by C was a missense mutation, which may be the putative male sterility site in 220A. All eight SNPs identified between 6A-gDNA and 6C-gDNA were located in the third intron, so the proteins encoded by them are the same. The one SNP between 6A-/6C-gDNA and 220A-/220B-gDNA at nucleotide 2474 of 220A-/220B-gDNA with C replaced by G was a missense mutation. Mutation site of BNMS2PROT (CAA68190.1) encoded by MS2Bnap in 220A(254) and 6A/6C(584) is different, which indicated dominant digenic male sterile line 220AB and 6CA have some difference in the molecular level. Comparison of structure of MS2Bnap in B. napus with that of MS2 in Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that the similarity of exons between these two genes is higher than that of introns.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents and analyzes the test results of the cryogenic system for cooling HTS cables and the next stage plan. A 10-m long 10.5 kV/1.5 kA three-phase alternating current high-temperature superconducting power cables prototype was developed and tested in China in August 2003. The sub-cooled liquid nitrogen was used to cool HTS cables and their terminations in this prototype. The cryogenic system comprised two parts: the sub-cooled liquid nitrogen cycle and the refrigeration station. The results include the distribution for the temperature and pressure of LN2 during the HTS cables running, the influence of electrical currents on the heat load and LN2 consumption, and the influence of LN2 flow rate on the temperature difference and the pressure difference. Besides, some helpful experience has been summarized through results analysis and is the basis of design and manufacture of the cryogenic system for the 75-m HTS power cables. Finally, the next stage plan: development of the cryogenic system for the 75-m HTS power cables installation has been introduced.

This paper reports the determination of trace levels of 5 types of fluorinated quinolone drugs, i.e., ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, enoxacin, pefloxacin, and ofloxacin, by thin-layer chromatography (TLC)/fluorescence densitometry. The new analytical method uses 2-step TLC development, selective separation, and simultaneous determination of the 5 drugs. The method was also applied to the determination of recoveries of standards of the 5 drugs in plasma and urine samples. The results show that the method has a wide linear range, high repeatability, and good stability.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) may spread to the paranasal sinuses. This retrospective study describes the features of paranasal sinus involvement in NPC on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). One hundred and fourteen patients with histologically proven NPC underwent staging with both CT and MRI. Maxillary sinus infiltration was demonstrated on MRI in 10 patients; sphenoid sinus infiltration in 24 patients; and, ethmoid sinus involvement in 4 patients. CT could separate inflammatory changes from tumour in all maxillary sinuses but is less helpful in the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses. Contrast-enhanced MRI could differentiate tumour from inflammatory changes in all sinuses. Using MRI as the standard, the rates of CT separating tumour from inflammation are: maxillary sinus (100%), sphenoid sinus (43%) and ethmoid sinus (25%). Histological confirmation of tumour involvement in the paranasal sinuses is not available. It is important to separate sinusitis from tumour infiltration as prognosis and treatment planning may be affected.

The sphenoid bone is located in the central skull base and forms part of the floor of the anterior and middle cranial fossae. The optic foramen, superior orbital fissure, foramen rotundum, foramen ovale and foramen spinosum are found within this complex bone. These foramina form important transition zones between intracranial and extracranial structures. Imaging plays a central role in delineating lesions within the sphenoid bone and the associated fissures and neural foramina. The purpose of this pictorial review is to highlight the pertinent normal and pathological anatomy of the sphenoid bone.

The jugular foramen, a complex bony canal, transmits vessels and nerves from the posterior cranial fossa through the skull base into the carotid space. It is inaccessible to clinical examination and radiology plays a central role in evaluating this region. Familiarity with the normal anatomy of this area will help in the formulation of differential diagnosis and the assessment of disease extent. Both intracranial and extracranial lesions may affect the jugular foramen in addition to intrinsic abnormalities. Normal variants and artefacts seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should not be mistaken for pathological processes.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) shows a high frequency of skull base erosion and intracranial spread. This tumour is usually treated with radiation therapy. The medial and inferior portions of both temporal lobes are included within the radiation portals. These areas are therefore potential sites of radiation-induced necrosis. It is important to recognize this complication and separate it from intracranial tumour recurrence because the treatments of these entities are different.

The theory that middle-ear effusion (MEE) associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is merely the result of tensor veli palatinus destruction is deficient because recent studies have shown that many patients with NPC have MEE but no tensor veli palatinus dysfunction. The present study evaluates the relationship between MEE and Eustachian cartilage erosion by NPC and examines the pathogenesis of NPC-associated MEE from a new perspective.Thirty-five patients with NPC were studied by magnetic resonance scans taken along the lengths of the Eustachian tubes. Twenty-four patients had tumour involvementof both sides of the nasopharynx so that 59 ears were available for study. Eighteen ears had MEE of which 12 had Eustachian cartilage erosion (pWe postulate that altered Eustachian tubal compliance as a result of cartilage erosion by tumour is an important reason why middle-eareffusions develop in patients with NPC.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) may infiltrate the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and the maxillary nerve. This study illustrates involvement of the maxillary nerve in the PPF with perineural spread to the cavernous sinus.One hundred and fourteen patients with proven NPC were studied using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). The images were retrospectively reviewed for PPF infiltration and maxillary nerve involvement.Seventeen (15%) patients showed infiltration of the PPF. Four patients had maxillary nerve involvement and a perineural spread to the cavernous sinus. Of the 17 patients with PPF infiltration, 8 (47%) patients showed hypoesthesia in the distribution of the infraorbital nerve. All 4 patients with contrast-enhancement of the maxillary nerve exhibited infraorbital neuropathy.Infiltration of the maxillary nerve in the PPF with intracranial spread is uncommon but should be suspected in patients with infraorbital neuropathy. This is important as it affects both prognosis and radiation treatment planning.

The complete nucleotide sequence (1,851 bp) was determined for the Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria plasmid pXV64. Sequence analysis revealed an intergenic region (IG) of 355 bp and two oppositely running open reading frames, ORF1 and ORF2, encoding polypeptides of 39 and 16 kDa, respectively. While the function of ORF2 is not known, ORF1 is suggested to be the gene encoding Rep protein based on (i) similarity in amino acid sequence to that of the gene II protein (gIIP) of filamentous phage 12-2, (ii) presence of a sequence in the ori-containing region which is similar to the sequence around the Rep nicking site in some rolling circle-replicating replicons, and (iii) ability to support replication in trans of the region containing pXV64 ori (392 bp) which is located within the region including IG and a short stretch in the N-terminus of ORF2.

Center of pressure is commonly used to evaluate standing balance. Even though it is incomplete, no better evaluation method has been presented. We designed our experiment with three standing postures: standing with feet together, standing with feet shoulder width apart, and standing with feet slightly wider than shoulder width. Our platform-based pressure system collected the instantaneous plantar pressure (standing footprint). A physical quantity of instantaneous standing footprint principal axis was defined, and it was used to construct an index to evaluate standing balance. Comparison between results from our newly established index and those from the center of pressure index to evaluate the stability of different standing postures revealed that the standing footprint principal axis index could better respond to the standing posture change than the existing one. Analysis indicated that the insensitive response to the relative position between feet and to the standing posture change from the center of pressure could be better detected by the standing footprint principal axis index. This predicts a wide application of standing footprint principal axis index when evaluating standing balance.

In a prospective study comparing computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the staging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), 17 (15%) patients were noted to have infiltration of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF). The recognition of PPF abnormalities depends on the familiarity of the normal anatomy. CT and MRI appearances of the normal PPF in the remaining 97 (85%) patients were reviewed. The fossae were symmetrical and fat was seen in all MRI and in 95% of the CT scans. There was destruction of the pterygoid process in 10 (9%) patients and a further 10 patients showed erosion of the maxillary sinus. Superior infiltration from the PPF into the inferior orbital fissure was demonstrated in 7 (6%) patients. Lateral spread via the pterygopalatine fissure into the infratemporal fossa could be seen in 10 (9%) patients. The earliest indication of tumour infiltration of the PPF is the replacement of the normal fat content. Widening of the fossa and erosion of the bony margins are late signs. As expected, bony abnormality is best seen on CT. However, direct visualisation of tumour or replacement of fat is more elegantly demonstrated on T1-weighted MRI.

The failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a difficult diagnostic problem. Two of the more common causes of FBSS are epidural fibrosis and recurrent disc prolapse. Forty-five gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA) enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) scans were performed on 43 patients to evaluate the effectiveness in differentiating recurrent disc prolapse from epidural fibrosis. Operative findings were available in 11 patients and they confirmed the pre-operative radiological diagnosis of recurrent disc prolapse in 6, epidural fibrosis in 4 and facet joint hypertrophy in 1 patient. Although the number of surgically verified cases is small, our initial experience of 100% diagnostic accuracy reflects the tremendous potential of this investigative tool. Separating epidural fibrosis from recurrent disc prolapse is crucial as patients with the former are expected to benefit from further surgery. Patients with epidural fibrosis, on the other hand, generally do not gain relief from another operation.