The Max Planck Society and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have been cooperating very successfully for 30 years. With their innovative collaboration, they have contributed considerably to intensifying bilateral relati...The Max Planck Society and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have been cooperating very successfully for 30 years. With their innovative collaboration, they have contributed considerably to intensifying bilateral relations and to the progress of science in both countries. An essential aspect of such efficient cooperation is creativity. In this context creativity means now and then following paths which deviate from the norm, departing from established patterns. Individual scientists who achieve creative results fulfil these essential criteria: They command a profound knowledge of their own discipline as well as possessing enormous curiosity.展开更多
The sunflower has the potential to be a highly competitive crop owing to its diversity market and the valuable oil it produces.Nevertheless,the amount of sunflower seed oil-a key factor for the crushing industry-is af...The sunflower has the potential to be a highly competitive crop owing to its diversity market and the valuable oil it produces.Nevertheless,the amount of sunflower seed oil-a key factor for the crushing industry-is affected by genotype and environment,which sometimes is difficult to predict.The paper analyzes the theoretical principles of sunflower growth in Ukraine,highlights the current trends in the sowing of this crop,the influence of climatic factors of the environment on the prospects of the oilseed sunflower yield.The results of the research are presented for 3 years(2014-2016),during the authors conducted a grain quality observatory at the regional level,taking into account the climatic conditions of sunflower growth in different natural zones of Ukraine(from 45to 51north latitude and from 22to 37east longitude).Additionally,the research includes the coefficient of significance of the deviation from long-term climatic indicators,which makes it possible to forecast sunflower yield in the future.The analyzed data was obtained from the commercial fields with a minimum area of 40 ha in all Ukrainian regions except Crimea peninsula,Donetsk and Luhansk regions.The results obtained in research show the great diversity of oil content index as per both latitude and longitude meaning.If we consider the entire country,this survey shows that the seed oil content can change dramatically from year to year:e.g.47.5%in one year versus 45.7%in another year.Regionally,these changes have a completely different dynamic with a gradual decrease in seed oil content in the southern part of the country.The main goal of the research was to identify the best sunflower growing areas in Ukraine according to the oil content index.展开更多
Raoiella indica Hirst, 1924 (Prostigmata: Tenuipalpidae), is one of the leading pest mites in palm and banana trees, however, there are few control methods available for this pest species. Therefore, this work aimed t...Raoiella indica Hirst, 1924 (Prostigmata: Tenuipalpidae), is one of the leading pest mites in palm and banana trees, however, there are few control methods available for this pest species. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the acaricidal effect of soursop seed extract (Annona muricata L.) on R. indica adults. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design using soursop seed extract with 7 replicates and 12 individuals of R. indica per replicate. The experimental units consisted of discs of coconut palm leaves (4 cm in diameter), with cotton moistened at the bottom of the Petri dish (10.0 × 1.2 cm) and around the disc to maintain turgor and prevent mites from escaping. The application was performed using an airbrush, connected to a calibrated compressor with a constant pressure of 1.3 psi and 1 mL of solution per repeat plate. The acaricidal effect was evaluated 24, 48, and 72 hours after spraying. Mortality data were corrected and submitted to Probit analysis (p ≤ 0.05) using the statistical program R, with the LC50 and LC<sub>90</sub> calculated for the extract. At the maximum concentration (15%), the soursop seed extract showed mortality of 70% of individuals of R. indica, and the LC50 was 6.58%. It was concluded that the soursop seed extract showed acaricidal potential on R. indica in the laboratory.展开更多
The municipality of Boa Nova,in northeastern Brazil,is in an ecotone zone between the Caatinga and Atlantic Forest phytogeographic domains.The transition phytophysiognomy is seasonal forest and known locally as mata d...The municipality of Boa Nova,in northeastern Brazil,is in an ecotone zone between the Caatinga and Atlantic Forest phytogeographic domains.The transition phytophysiognomy is seasonal forest and known locally as mata de cipó.In these phytophysiognomies there are lajedos,which are rock outcrops colonized by vegetation welladapted to extreme microclimatic variation and vegetation diversity is affected by the vegetation types of the surrounding areas.Due to the singularity of these environments and the relevance of floristic studies for conservation,this work aimed to identify the species richness and compare the similarity of the flora on four rock outcrops in Boa Nova.The flora was surveyed during exploratory walks along lajedos between 2016 and 2019.In total,162 species were identified on the Boa Nova outcrops.The flora has a composition and structure similar to semiarid outcrops,as well as endemic species that also occur in surrounding phytophysiomies.Despite the proximity,a similarity index revealed there is floristic dissimilarity between the areas.Nine new occurrences were recorded for the region,five species are threatened with extinction(Aosa gilgiana,Ficus cyclophylla,Hippeastrum stigmovittatum,Pleroma caatingae and Trixis pruskii),and 43 species are common in anthropogenic areas.This reinforces the importance of actions to conserve these areas.展开更多
Echocardiography is the most common diagnostic method for assessing atrial function but the technique has some limitations. Traditionally, assessment of left atrial function has been performed by measuring volumes wit...Echocardiography is the most common diagnostic method for assessing atrial function but the technique has some limitations. Traditionally, assessment of left atrial function has been performed by measuring volumes with 2D echocardiography. Additionally, it can be assessed with transmitral Doppler and pulmonary vein Doppler. Recently, an alternative method has been incorporated, namely, measurement of myocardial deformation with color tissue Doppler-derived strain. However, this method has several limitations, such as suboptimal reproducibility, angle-dependence, signal artifacts and the fact that it only measures regional strain and does not obtain information about the curved portion of the atrial roof. To overcome these limitations in the quantification of atrial function, the use of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) strain has been proposed. This technique is not derived from Doppler but rather from 2D echocardiography; it is angle-independent and allows one to measure global as well as regional atrial strain. In this editorial, we describe the physical and pathophysiological concepts of STE and underline the clinical usefulness of this new technique.展开更多
Congenital pulmonary airway malformation(CPAM), previously known as congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation is a congenital disorder of the lung similar to bronchopulmonary sequestration. In CPAM, usually an entire...Congenital pulmonary airway malformation(CPAM), previously known as congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation is a congenital disorder of the lung similar to bronchopulmonary sequestration. In CPAM, usually an entire lobe of lung is replaced by a non-working cystic piece of abnormal lung tissue. This abnormal tissue will never function as normal lung tissue. The underlying cause for CPAM is not known. It occurs in approximately 1 in every 30000 pregnancies. The association between CPAM and malignancy has been well documented. There is a small risk(0.7%) of malignant transformation within the cyst. So early diagnosis and surgical resection is important to prevent the grave complications. Herein, we are reporting two interesting cases of CPAM and one belonged to Type Ⅱ and other belonged to Type Ⅲ of Stocker's classification.展开更多
Increasing production and disposal of coal fly ash （CFA） is a matter of serious environment concern. However, CFA contains various beneficial metals and mineral matters whose demand is increasing in the industrializ...Increasing production and disposal of coal fly ash （CFA） is a matter of serious environment concern. However, CFA contains various beneficial metals and mineral matters whose demand is increasing in the industrialized world, while natural supplies are diminishing. Therefore, recovery of these potential resources from CFA can be an alternative way to save mineral resources, as well as to reduce the environmental burden of CFA disposal. There are numerous methods developed for the recovery of beneficial products from CFA. Based on the US patents and journal literatures, the present review describes the recovery status and technologies of major elements such as Al, Si, Fe and Ti, and trace elements such as V, Ga, Ge, Se, Li, Mo, U, Au, Ag, Pt groups and rare earth elements （REEs） and other beneficial products such as magnetic materials, cenospheres, and unburned carbon from CFA. It also highlights the recovery efficiency and drawbacks for their extraction, and suggests future research to develop satisfactory results in terms of selective recovery and purification.展开更多
Indirect traumatic optic neuropathy(ITON) refers to optic nerve injury resulting from impact remote to the optic nerve. The mechanism of injury is not understood, and there are no confirmed protocols for prevention, m...Indirect traumatic optic neuropathy(ITON) refers to optic nerve injury resulting from impact remote to the optic nerve. The mechanism of injury is not understood, and there are no confirmed protocols for prevention, mitigation or treatment. Most data concerning this condition comes from case series of civilian patients suffering blunt injury, such as from sports- or motor vehicle-related concussion, rather than military-related ballistic or blast damage. Research in this field will likely require the development of robust databases to identify patients with ITON and follow related outcomes, in addition to both in-vivo animal and virtual human models to study the mechanisms of damage and potential therapies.展开更多
Trichobezoars(hair ball) are usually located in the stomach, but may extend through the pylorus into the duodenum and small bowel(Rapunzel syndrome). Rapunzel syndrome remains uncommon; with fewer than 40 cases report...Trichobezoars(hair ball) are usually located in the stomach, but may extend through the pylorus into the duodenum and small bowel(Rapunzel syndrome). Rapunzel syndrome remains uncommon; with fewer than 40 cases reported. To the best of our knowledge, this case may be the first well-documented case with a length of 75 cm. They are almost always associated with trichotillomania and trichophagia or other psychiatric disorders. In the literature several treatment options are proposed, including removal by conventional laparotomy, laparoscopy and endoscopy. Herein, we are reporting an interesting case of an 18-year mentally retarded girl with history of trichotillomania and trichophagia who presented to our emergency department with a history of central abdominal pain associated with vomiting and constipation for five days. An examination showed a trichobezoar requiring emergent surgical intervention, and indicating the need for psychiatric treatment. The trichobezoar was treated successfully by laparoscopy.展开更多
A 16-year-old man had aswelling over the anterior aspect of the proximal third of the tibia for 1 year, which was peanut size initially and progressively increased to its present size of 10 cm × 8 cm. He underwen...A 16-year-old man had aswelling over the anterior aspect of the proximal third of the tibia for 1 year, which was peanut size initially and progressively increased to its present size of 10 cm × 8 cm. He underwent fine needle aspiration cytology(FNAC) twice during this period and reported aspindle cell sarcoma. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor(MPNST) is a malignancy of the connective tissue surrounding the nerves. Previously, MPNST was also known as neurofibrosarcoma, malignant schwannoma, andneurogenic sarcoma. We are reporting this case for its rarity and peculiar mode of presentation. FNAC/core biopsy can be used as an effective tool to achievethe correct pathological diagnosis.展开更多
<strong>Background:</strong><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The diagnosis of unexplained infertility may be very frustrating for inferti...<strong>Background:</strong><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The diagnosis of unexplained infertility may be very frustrating for infertile couples and they show higher depression levels when compared to fertile couples. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Aim: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">To assess the psychiatric aspects of Egyptian women with unexplained infertility. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methods: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">220 infertile women were included in this study (110 with unexplained infertility and 110 with explained infertility).</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The psychiatric aspect of these women was evaluated using the translated and validated Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Findings: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">number of women with mild depression was significantly higher in </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">unexplained infertility group (47/110 (42.7%)) versus (22/110 (20%)) in </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">explained infertility group (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family:""> </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">=</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">0.007). The number of women with moderate anxiety was significantly higher in </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">unexplained infertility group (26/110 (23.6%)) versus (8/110 (7.3%)) in </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">explained infertility group (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family:""> </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">=</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">0.003). </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The current study concluded that mild depression and moderate anxiety were significantly higher in </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">unexplained infertility group. It is crucial to identify infertility women who are in need of psychological support and counseling during infertility treatment, because the psychological disturbance of the infertile women may affect the outcome of infertility treatment.</span>展开更多
It has been a privilege to have the opportunity to serve as guest editor for this special issue of the Asian Journal of Urology(AJU)on the topic of urolithiasis.Similarly it has been an honor to serve on the editorial...It has been a privilege to have the opportunity to serve as guest editor for this special issue of the Asian Journal of Urology(AJU)on the topic of urolithiasis.Similarly it has been an honor to serve on the editorial board of AJU since its inception and to see the positive evolution of this relatively new urology journal under the leadership of Professor Yinghao Sun.展开更多
The International Subcomission on Cambrian Stratigraphy （ISCS） of the International Commission on Stratigraphy （ICS） held its Fourth International Symposium on the Cambrian System in Nanjing, the capital city of J...The International Subcomission on Cambrian Stratigraphy （ISCS） of the International Commission on Stratigraphy （ICS） held its Fourth International Symposium on the Cambrian System in Nanjing, the capital city of Jiangsu Province, China, on 18-24 August, 2005. The Symposium was held in conjunction with the Tenth Field Conference of the Cambrian Stage Subdivision Working Group of the ISCS. Technical sessions were held in the conference center of Southeast University, and hosted by the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Geological Institute, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, and Guizhou University. Associated with the meeting were five field excursions to classical Cambrian localities in North China and South China.展开更多
Worldwide, there is a growing demand for products made by technologies that contribute to environmental preservation and to sustainable rural development. In Brazil, organic farming is one of the most established init...Worldwide, there is a growing demand for products made by technologies that contribute to environmental preservation and to sustainable rural development. In Brazil, organic farming is one of the most established initiatives in this area. Therefore, it is important to subsidize the decision-making regarding policies for organic coffee production. Thereby, this study analyzed the socio-economic sustainability of this production system in relation to conventional. We applied a semi-structured questionnaire on coffee farms in the Brazilian coffee producers states and analyzed the coffee production cost structure. We identified the reasons that led the producers to organic management, implications of certification on the management, and prices received by organic coffee and the market mechanism. Results showed that there is no standard for organic coffee production and marketing in Brazil. Among the producers, there are different levels of access to technical information and the main limitation of the organic coffee chain is not the technology of production, but the difficulty of coffee marketing. Another important limitation, for medium and large farms, is the cost of manpower, mainly in areas dominated by mountain, where machines operations are not viable. Moreover, the yield of organic coffee system is generally lower than the conventional. Furthermore, soil and climatic differences lead to different regional behavior. Finally, we could conclude that the production of organic coffee can be sustainable in Brazil mainly in two structural conditions： 1） family farmers; and 2） small producers, who employ only one or two workers, preferably only in the harvest time.展开更多
The aim of this study is to identify the variables affecting land value. Examined land was selected from the village in Vientiane capital city Laos. Data was collected from 100 villages in center of Vientiane capital ...The aim of this study is to identify the variables affecting land value. Examined land was selected from the village in Vientiane capital city Laos. Data was collected from 100 villages in center of Vientiane capital city by using survey methods. A hedonic price analysis was conducted to determine the marginal return to different land characteristics using an econometric model corrected for correlation. Parcel characteristics such as distance to public park, village income, distance of population, number of the school within 500 meters buffer, distance to the temple, distance to the major market and distance to the business center （CBD）. Arc GIS 9.2 was applied to calculate the distance of the factors, after that SPSS 15.0 was used to calculate the land price characteristic based on hedonic price model. The results showed that the distance to the center of population was the main factor influencing to the land price, and followed by school and village income. Map of the land price before and after hedonic price analysis were produced. The land price valuation approaches based on hedonic price model for Vientiane capital city were developed and land price map were predicted. Hedonic price model and GIS were very useful for this research, and finally the policy of the land valuation based on GIS was developed.展开更多
Staphylococcus aureus is a dangerous gram positive bacterial pathogen which, not only evades the host’s immune system but also can destroy the leucocytes especially neutrophils. It has an embodiment of virulence fact...Staphylococcus aureus is a dangerous gram positive bacterial pathogen which, not only evades the host’s immune system but also can destroy the leucocytes especially neutrophils. It has an embodiment of virulence factors most of which are secreted. Staphylococcus aureus secretes a number of toxins which cause tissue damage and facilitate spreading and nutrients uptake. Among the toxins, hemolysins α, β, γ, δ and Panton Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) are unique that they drill pores in the membrane, leading to the efflux of vital molecules and metabolites. Hemolysins also help in the scavenging of iron, although many of them also have leucolytic properties. α-hemolysin, also known as α-toxin, is the most prominent cytotoxin which damages a wide range of host cells including epithelial cells, endothelial cells, erythrocytes, monocytes, keratinocytes and it damages cell membrane and induces apoptosis. β-Hemolysin significantly affects human immune cell function. It has Mg2+ dependent sphingomyelinase activity and degrades sphingomyelin of plasma membrane into phosphorylcholine and ceramides. The bi-component leukocidins, which include γ-hemolysin and PVL, attack human phagocytic cells and greatly contribute to immune evasion. Delta toxin is a low molecular weight exotoxin with a broad cytolytic activity. Virulence determinants, quorum sensing and biofilm synthesis provide some attractive targets for design and development of a new group of antimicrobial compounds. This review provides an update on the structure, biological functions of hemolysins and their role in quorum sensing/biofilm synthesis (if any) and as effective therapeutic targets for anti-virulence drug development. We have tried to bring together information available on various aspects of hemolysins and highlighted their distribution among all species of Staphylococcus and other bacteria. We have updated the status of development of candidate drugs targeting the hemolysins for anti-virulence therapy as it offers an additional strategy to reduce the severity of infection and which would, through quorum quenching, delay the development biofilms leading to drug resistance.展开更多
Meteorological balloon is made of natural rubber latex with a special process. On natural conditions, it carries the air sounding instrument into the high air to detect the meteorological elements in the air. As a mea...Meteorological balloon is made of natural rubber latex with a special process. On natural conditions, it carries the air sounding instrument into the high air to detect the meteorological elements in the air. As a means of delivery used in the aerological sounding, it is widely used in the meteorological, sailing, aeronautical, aerospace and other fields, and plays an extremely important role in the weather report, disaster prevention, disaster relief,展开更多
In an era governed by economic crisis, deep recession and lack of funds, the perspective of sustainable development drives local government to a more focused and constant effort to adapt to their daily requirements no...In an era governed by economic crisis, deep recession and lack of funds, the perspective of sustainable development drives local government to a more focused and constant effort to adapt to their daily requirements not only in respect to the central state but also towards the growing needs of the local society. As the need for planning actions in accordance with the principles of sustainable energy remains urgent, municipalities continue to envision and to respond to their role in helping to create a better future for generations to come. Thereupon the vision of the Municipality of Hersonissos, as firstly recorded in its Business Plan for 2011-2014, was, and still is, its＇ development in an Economic, Tourist and Cultural pole by adopting and applying the basic principles of sustainable development. At the same time the Municipality＇s rigid vision, planning, and evaluation, oriented by environmental protection, highlighted the need for networking on European level as although cities are different, their problems are often common. Thus on April 18, 2011, the Municipality of Hersonissos, joined the European Union initiative ＂Covenant of Mayors＂ [1] with the common aim of the fight against climate change. This article presents the significant initiatives taken in this direction in the last decade and their results not only on economical level but also along their social impact. It also aims to point out a municipality＇s vital role in knowledge and technology diffusion within the local society as sustainable energy development can be deployed not only by the private sector but also by the public.展开更多
This special issue consists of 12 invited reviews on the frontier areas of as- tronomy and astrophysics, and is aimed at a timely, in-depth evaluation of the current status and key progress, with suggestions for futur...This special issue consists of 12 invited reviews on the frontier areas of as- tronomy and astrophysics, and is aimed at a timely, in-depth evaluation of the current status and key progress, with suggestions for future directions. This special issue is particularly dedicated to the IAU XXVIIIth General Assembly （GA） and is complementary to the IAU GA Invited Discourses during the conference.展开更多
文摘The Max Planck Society and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have been cooperating very successfully for 30 years. With their innovative collaboration, they have contributed considerably to intensifying bilateral relations and to the progress of science in both countries. An essential aspect of such efficient cooperation is creativity. In this context creativity means now and then following paths which deviate from the norm, departing from established patterns. Individual scientists who achieve creative results fulfil these essential criteria: They command a profound knowledge of their own discipline as well as possessing enormous curiosity.
文摘The sunflower has the potential to be a highly competitive crop owing to its diversity market and the valuable oil it produces.Nevertheless,the amount of sunflower seed oil-a key factor for the crushing industry-is affected by genotype and environment,which sometimes is difficult to predict.The paper analyzes the theoretical principles of sunflower growth in Ukraine,highlights the current trends in the sowing of this crop,the influence of climatic factors of the environment on the prospects of the oilseed sunflower yield.The results of the research are presented for 3 years(2014-2016),during the authors conducted a grain quality observatory at the regional level,taking into account the climatic conditions of sunflower growth in different natural zones of Ukraine(from 45to 51north latitude and from 22to 37east longitude).Additionally,the research includes the coefficient of significance of the deviation from long-term climatic indicators,which makes it possible to forecast sunflower yield in the future.The analyzed data was obtained from the commercial fields with a minimum area of 40 ha in all Ukrainian regions except Crimea peninsula,Donetsk and Luhansk regions.The results obtained in research show the great diversity of oil content index as per both latitude and longitude meaning.If we consider the entire country,this survey shows that the seed oil content can change dramatically from year to year:e.g.47.5%in one year versus 45.7%in another year.Regionally,these changes have a completely different dynamic with a gradual decrease in seed oil content in the southern part of the country.The main goal of the research was to identify the best sunflower growing areas in Ukraine according to the oil content index.
文摘Raoiella indica Hirst, 1924 (Prostigmata: Tenuipalpidae), is one of the leading pest mites in palm and banana trees, however, there are few control methods available for this pest species. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the acaricidal effect of soursop seed extract (Annona muricata L.) on R. indica adults. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design using soursop seed extract with 7 replicates and 12 individuals of R. indica per replicate. The experimental units consisted of discs of coconut palm leaves (4 cm in diameter), with cotton moistened at the bottom of the Petri dish (10.0 × 1.2 cm) and around the disc to maintain turgor and prevent mites from escaping. The application was performed using an airbrush, connected to a calibrated compressor with a constant pressure of 1.3 psi and 1 mL of solution per repeat plate. The acaricidal effect was evaluated 24, 48, and 72 hours after spraying. Mortality data were corrected and submitted to Probit analysis (p ≤ 0.05) using the statistical program R, with the LC50 and LC<sub>90</sub> calculated for the extract. At the maximum concentration (15%), the soursop seed extract showed mortality of 70% of individuals of R. indica, and the LC50 was 6.58%. It was concluded that the soursop seed extract showed acaricidal potential on R. indica in the laboratory.
基金the Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior(CAPES)(process number 88882.451229/2019-01)for the scholarship granted to the first authorto Programa de ApoioàPós-Gradua??o(PROAP)for the financial support provided for data collection。
文摘The municipality of Boa Nova,in northeastern Brazil,is in an ecotone zone between the Caatinga and Atlantic Forest phytogeographic domains.The transition phytophysiognomy is seasonal forest and known locally as mata de cipó.In these phytophysiognomies there are lajedos,which are rock outcrops colonized by vegetation welladapted to extreme microclimatic variation and vegetation diversity is affected by the vegetation types of the surrounding areas.Due to the singularity of these environments and the relevance of floristic studies for conservation,this work aimed to identify the species richness and compare the similarity of the flora on four rock outcrops in Boa Nova.The flora was surveyed during exploratory walks along lajedos between 2016 and 2019.In total,162 species were identified on the Boa Nova outcrops.The flora has a composition and structure similar to semiarid outcrops,as well as endemic species that also occur in surrounding phytophysiomies.Despite the proximity,a similarity index revealed there is floristic dissimilarity between the areas.Nine new occurrences were recorded for the region,five species are threatened with extinction(Aosa gilgiana,Ficus cyclophylla,Hippeastrum stigmovittatum,Pleroma caatingae and Trixis pruskii),and 43 species are common in anthropogenic areas.This reinforces the importance of actions to conserve these areas.
文摘Echocardiography is the most common diagnostic method for assessing atrial function but the technique has some limitations. Traditionally, assessment of left atrial function has been performed by measuring volumes with 2D echocardiography. Additionally, it can be assessed with transmitral Doppler and pulmonary vein Doppler. Recently, an alternative method has been incorporated, namely, measurement of myocardial deformation with color tissue Doppler-derived strain. However, this method has several limitations, such as suboptimal reproducibility, angle-dependence, signal artifacts and the fact that it only measures regional strain and does not obtain information about the curved portion of the atrial roof. To overcome these limitations in the quantification of atrial function, the use of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) strain has been proposed. This technique is not derived from Doppler but rather from 2D echocardiography; it is angle-independent and allows one to measure global as well as regional atrial strain. In this editorial, we describe the physical and pathophysiological concepts of STE and underline the clinical usefulness of this new technique.
文摘Congenital pulmonary airway malformation(CPAM), previously known as congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation is a congenital disorder of the lung similar to bronchopulmonary sequestration. In CPAM, usually an entire lobe of lung is replaced by a non-working cystic piece of abnormal lung tissue. This abnormal tissue will never function as normal lung tissue. The underlying cause for CPAM is not known. It occurs in approximately 1 in every 30000 pregnancies. The association between CPAM and malignancy has been well documented. There is a small risk(0.7%) of malignant transformation within the cyst. So early diagnosis and surgical resection is important to prevent the grave complications. Herein, we are reporting two interesting cases of CPAM and one belonged to Type Ⅱ and other belonged to Type Ⅲ of Stocker's classification.
文摘Increasing production and disposal of coal fly ash （CFA） is a matter of serious environment concern. However, CFA contains various beneficial metals and mineral matters whose demand is increasing in the industrialized world, while natural supplies are diminishing. Therefore, recovery of these potential resources from CFA can be an alternative way to save mineral resources, as well as to reduce the environmental burden of CFA disposal. There are numerous methods developed for the recovery of beneficial products from CFA. Based on the US patents and journal literatures, the present review describes the recovery status and technologies of major elements such as Al, Si, Fe and Ti, and trace elements such as V, Ga, Ge, Se, Li, Mo, U, Au, Ag, Pt groups and rare earth elements （REEs） and other beneficial products such as magnetic materials, cenospheres, and unburned carbon from CFA. It also highlights the recovery efficiency and drawbacks for their extraction, and suggests future research to develop satisfactory results in terms of selective recovery and purification.
文摘Indirect traumatic optic neuropathy(ITON) refers to optic nerve injury resulting from impact remote to the optic nerve. The mechanism of injury is not understood, and there are no confirmed protocols for prevention, mitigation or treatment. Most data concerning this condition comes from case series of civilian patients suffering blunt injury, such as from sports- or motor vehicle-related concussion, rather than military-related ballistic or blast damage. Research in this field will likely require the development of robust databases to identify patients with ITON and follow related outcomes, in addition to both in-vivo animal and virtual human models to study the mechanisms of damage and potential therapies.
文摘Trichobezoars(hair ball) are usually located in the stomach, but may extend through the pylorus into the duodenum and small bowel(Rapunzel syndrome). Rapunzel syndrome remains uncommon; with fewer than 40 cases reported. To the best of our knowledge, this case may be the first well-documented case with a length of 75 cm. They are almost always associated with trichotillomania and trichophagia or other psychiatric disorders. In the literature several treatment options are proposed, including removal by conventional laparotomy, laparoscopy and endoscopy. Herein, we are reporting an interesting case of an 18-year mentally retarded girl with history of trichotillomania and trichophagia who presented to our emergency department with a history of central abdominal pain associated with vomiting and constipation for five days. An examination showed a trichobezoar requiring emergent surgical intervention, and indicating the need for psychiatric treatment. The trichobezoar was treated successfully by laparoscopy.
文摘A 16-year-old man had aswelling over the anterior aspect of the proximal third of the tibia for 1 year, which was peanut size initially and progressively increased to its present size of 10 cm × 8 cm. He underwent fine needle aspiration cytology(FNAC) twice during this period and reported aspindle cell sarcoma. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor(MPNST) is a malignancy of the connective tissue surrounding the nerves. Previously, MPNST was also known as neurofibrosarcoma, malignant schwannoma, andneurogenic sarcoma. We are reporting this case for its rarity and peculiar mode of presentation. FNAC/core biopsy can be used as an effective tool to achievethe correct pathological diagnosis.
文摘<strong>Background:</strong><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The diagnosis of unexplained infertility may be very frustrating for infertile couples and they show higher depression levels when compared to fertile couples. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Aim: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">To assess the psychiatric aspects of Egyptian women with unexplained infertility. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methods: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">220 infertile women were included in this study (110 with unexplained infertility and 110 with explained infertility).</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The psychiatric aspect of these women was evaluated using the translated and validated Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Findings: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The</span><b> </b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">number of women with mild depression was significantly higher in </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">unexplained infertility group (47/110 (42.7%)) versus (22/110 (20%)) in </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">explained infertility group (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family:""> </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">=</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">0.007). The number of women with moderate anxiety was significantly higher in </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">unexplained infertility group (26/110 (23.6%)) versus (8/110 (7.3%)) in </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">explained infertility group (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">P</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family:""> </span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">=</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">0.003). </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The current study concluded that mild depression and moderate anxiety were significantly higher in </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">unexplained infertility group. It is crucial to identify infertility women who are in need of psychological support and counseling during infertility treatment, because the psychological disturbance of the infertile women may affect the outcome of infertility treatment.</span>
文摘It has been a privilege to have the opportunity to serve as guest editor for this special issue of the Asian Journal of Urology(AJU)on the topic of urolithiasis.Similarly it has been an honor to serve on the editorial board of AJU since its inception and to see the positive evolution of this relatively new urology journal under the leadership of Professor Yinghao Sun.
文摘The International Subcomission on Cambrian Stratigraphy （ISCS） of the International Commission on Stratigraphy （ICS） held its Fourth International Symposium on the Cambrian System in Nanjing, the capital city of Jiangsu Province, China, on 18-24 August, 2005. The Symposium was held in conjunction with the Tenth Field Conference of the Cambrian Stage Subdivision Working Group of the ISCS. Technical sessions were held in the conference center of Southeast University, and hosted by the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Geological Institute, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, and Guizhou University. Associated with the meeting were five field excursions to classical Cambrian localities in North China and South China.
文摘Worldwide, there is a growing demand for products made by technologies that contribute to environmental preservation and to sustainable rural development. In Brazil, organic farming is one of the most established initiatives in this area. Therefore, it is important to subsidize the decision-making regarding policies for organic coffee production. Thereby, this study analyzed the socio-economic sustainability of this production system in relation to conventional. We applied a semi-structured questionnaire on coffee farms in the Brazilian coffee producers states and analyzed the coffee production cost structure. We identified the reasons that led the producers to organic management, implications of certification on the management, and prices received by organic coffee and the market mechanism. Results showed that there is no standard for organic coffee production and marketing in Brazil. Among the producers, there are different levels of access to technical information and the main limitation of the organic coffee chain is not the technology of production, but the difficulty of coffee marketing. Another important limitation, for medium and large farms, is the cost of manpower, mainly in areas dominated by mountain, where machines operations are not viable. Moreover, the yield of organic coffee system is generally lower than the conventional. Furthermore, soil and climatic differences lead to different regional behavior. Finally, we could conclude that the production of organic coffee can be sustainable in Brazil mainly in two structural conditions： 1） family farmers; and 2） small producers, who employ only one or two workers, preferably only in the harvest time.
文摘The aim of this study is to identify the variables affecting land value. Examined land was selected from the village in Vientiane capital city Laos. Data was collected from 100 villages in center of Vientiane capital city by using survey methods. A hedonic price analysis was conducted to determine the marginal return to different land characteristics using an econometric model corrected for correlation. Parcel characteristics such as distance to public park, village income, distance of population, number of the school within 500 meters buffer, distance to the temple, distance to the major market and distance to the business center （CBD）. Arc GIS 9.2 was applied to calculate the distance of the factors, after that SPSS 15.0 was used to calculate the land price characteristic based on hedonic price model. The results showed that the distance to the center of population was the main factor influencing to the land price, and followed by school and village income. Map of the land price before and after hedonic price analysis were produced. The land price valuation approaches based on hedonic price model for Vientiane capital city were developed and land price map were predicted. Hedonic price model and GIS were very useful for this research, and finally the policy of the land valuation based on GIS was developed.
文摘Staphylococcus aureus is a dangerous gram positive bacterial pathogen which, not only evades the host’s immune system but also can destroy the leucocytes especially neutrophils. It has an embodiment of virulence factors most of which are secreted. Staphylococcus aureus secretes a number of toxins which cause tissue damage and facilitate spreading and nutrients uptake. Among the toxins, hemolysins α, β, γ, δ and Panton Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) are unique that they drill pores in the membrane, leading to the efflux of vital molecules and metabolites. Hemolysins also help in the scavenging of iron, although many of them also have leucolytic properties. α-hemolysin, also known as α-toxin, is the most prominent cytotoxin which damages a wide range of host cells including epithelial cells, endothelial cells, erythrocytes, monocytes, keratinocytes and it damages cell membrane and induces apoptosis. β-Hemolysin significantly affects human immune cell function. It has Mg2+ dependent sphingomyelinase activity and degrades sphingomyelin of plasma membrane into phosphorylcholine and ceramides. The bi-component leukocidins, which include γ-hemolysin and PVL, attack human phagocytic cells and greatly contribute to immune evasion. Delta toxin is a low molecular weight exotoxin with a broad cytolytic activity. Virulence determinants, quorum sensing and biofilm synthesis provide some attractive targets for design and development of a new group of antimicrobial compounds. This review provides an update on the structure, biological functions of hemolysins and their role in quorum sensing/biofilm synthesis (if any) and as effective therapeutic targets for anti-virulence drug development. We have tried to bring together information available on various aspects of hemolysins and highlighted their distribution among all species of Staphylococcus and other bacteria. We have updated the status of development of candidate drugs targeting the hemolysins for anti-virulence therapy as it offers an additional strategy to reduce the severity of infection and which would, through quorum quenching, delay the development biofilms leading to drug resistance.
文摘Meteorological balloon is made of natural rubber latex with a special process. On natural conditions, it carries the air sounding instrument into the high air to detect the meteorological elements in the air. As a means of delivery used in the aerological sounding, it is widely used in the meteorological, sailing, aeronautical, aerospace and other fields, and plays an extremely important role in the weather report, disaster prevention, disaster relief,
文摘In an era governed by economic crisis, deep recession and lack of funds, the perspective of sustainable development drives local government to a more focused and constant effort to adapt to their daily requirements not only in respect to the central state but also towards the growing needs of the local society. As the need for planning actions in accordance with the principles of sustainable energy remains urgent, municipalities continue to envision and to respond to their role in helping to create a better future for generations to come. Thereupon the vision of the Municipality of Hersonissos, as firstly recorded in its Business Plan for 2011-2014, was, and still is, its＇ development in an Economic, Tourist and Cultural pole by adopting and applying the basic principles of sustainable development. At the same time the Municipality＇s rigid vision, planning, and evaluation, oriented by environmental protection, highlighted the need for networking on European level as although cities are different, their problems are often common. Thus on April 18, 2011, the Municipality of Hersonissos, joined the European Union initiative ＂Covenant of Mayors＂ [1] with the common aim of the fight against climate change. This article presents the significant initiatives taken in this direction in the last decade and their results not only on economical level but also along their social impact. It also aims to point out a municipality＇s vital role in knowledge and technology diffusion within the local society as sustainable energy development can be deployed not only by the private sector but also by the public.
文摘This special issue consists of 12 invited reviews on the frontier areas of as- tronomy and astrophysics, and is aimed at a timely, in-depth evaluation of the current status and key progress, with suggestions for future directions. This special issue is particularly dedicated to the IAU XXVIIIth General Assembly （GA） and is complementary to the IAU GA Invited Discourses during the conference.
