Influence of pH Value on Photocatalytic Activity of Bi4Ti3O12 Crystals Obtained by Hydrothermal Method

Bi4Ti3O12 （BIT） crystals were controllably synthesized via a facile hydrothermal process without adding any surfactant or template. The morphologies of BIT with nanosphere, nanoplate, nanobelt, and nanosheet can be selectively obtained by adjusting the pH value of the reactant. The formation mechanisms of these distinctive morphologies were then discussed based on the structural analysis of samples obtained at different pH values. BIT sample prepared at pH=1 showed the highest photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activities difference for the BIT samples synthesized at different pH values was studied based on their shape, size, and the variation of local structure.

Population Distribution and Dynamics of Quercus liaotungensis, Fraxinus rhynchophylla and Acer mono in Dongling Mountain, Beijing

The spatial distribution and population dynamics of Quercus liaotungensis Koidz., Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance and Acer mono Maxim. were studied in three warm temperate deciduous forests in Dongling Mountain, Beijing. Clumped distributions appeared in most seedlings (≤0.4 m), short saplings (0.4-1 m) and tall saplings (1-2 m). Random distributions appeared in adults of Q. liaotungensis in Plot 1, F. rhynchophylla in Plot 3. The LSD method was used to discern the differences of different aged population. The class distribution of Q. liaotungensis was nearly a reverse-J shape for Plot 1 and Plot 3, suggesting that the population regenerates continuously. The age-structures of F. rhynchophylla and A. mono in Plot 1 and the test results indicated that they would increase continuously. In Plot 2, the class distribution and the test results showed that all populations would not regenerate continuously.

An Efficient Partitioning Method in Quadratic Placement

A method of combining the MFFC clustering and hMETIS partitioning based quadratic placement algorithm is proposed. Experimental results show that it can gain good results but consume long running time.In order to cut down the running time,an improved MFFC clustering method (IMFFC) based Q-place algorithm is proposed.Comparing with the combining clustering and partitioning based method,it is much faster but with a little increase in total wire length.

Ab initio Study on Spectral Properties of Charge-Compensated Ce^3＋ in NaF

We report an ab initio〉/I〉 study of spectral properties of Ce^3＋ doped at Na＋ site of the NaF crys-tal, with the charge imbalance compensated by two oxygen substitutions for fluoride （OF＇） in the first coordination shell or two sodium vacancies （VNa＇） in the second coordination sphere. Density functional theory calculations within the supercell model are first performed to op-timize the local structures of the charge-compensated Ce^3＋, based on which Ce-centered embedded clusters are constructed and wave function-based CASSCF/CASPT2/RASSI-SO calculations are carried out to obtain the energies of 4f1 and 5d1 levels. By comparing the calculated 4f→5d transition energies with experimental excitation spectra at low temper-atures, the lowest 4f→5d transition band peaked at 390 nm is assigned to the Ce^3＋ with charge compensation by two coordinating OF＇ substitutions, rather than to the Ce^3＋ with compensation by two VNa0 vacancies, as proposed earlier. The electronic reason for the large redshift （by -8000 cm-1） of the lowest 4f→5d transition as induced by the two nearby OF＇ substitutions is analyzed in terms of the changes in the centroid shift and crystal-field splitting.

Data-Path Placement Based on Regularity Extraction and Implementation

An algorithm named DPP is addressed.In it,a new model based on the concept of irregularity degree is founded to evaluate the regularity of cells.It generates the structure regularity of cells by exploiting the signal flow of circuit.Then,it converts the bit slice structure to parallel constraints to enable Q place algorithm.The design flow and the main algorithms are introduced.Finally,the satisfied experimental result of the tool compared with the Cadence placement tool SE is discussed.

A New Clustering-Based Partitioning Method for VLSI Mixed-Mode Placement

An efficient partitioning algorithm for mixed-mode placement,extended-MFFC-based partitioning,is presented.It combines the bottom-up clustering and the top-down partitioning together.To do this,designers can not only cluster cells considering logic dependency but also partition them aiming at min-cut.Experimental results show that extended-MFFC-based partitioning performs well in mixed-mode placement with big pre-designed blocks.By comparison with the famous partitioning package HMETIS,this partitioning proves its remarkable function in mixed-mode placement.

Generation of scale-free knowledge network with local world mechanism

In order to simulate the real growing process, a new type of knowledge network growth mechanism based on local world connectivity is constructed. By the mean-field method, theoretical prediction of the degree distribution of the knowledge network is given, which is verified by Matlab simulations. When the new added node＇s local world size is very small, the degree distribution of the knowledge network approximately has the property of scale-free. When the new added node＇s local world size is not very small, the degree distribution transforms from pure power-law to the power-law with an exponential tailing. And the scale-free index increases as the number of new added edges decreases and the tunable parameters increase. Finally, comparisons of some knowledge indices in knowledge networks generated by the local world mechanism and the global mechanism are given. In the long run, compared with the global mechanism, the local world mechanism leads the average knowledge levels to slower growth and brings homogenous phenomena.

Evaluation of diagnostic findings and scoring systems in outcome prediction in acute pancreatitis

AIM： To determine factors related to disease severity, mortality and morbidity in acute pancreatitis.METHODS： One hundred and ninety-nine consecutive patients were admitted with the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis （AP） in a 5-year period （1998-2002）. In a prospective design, demographic data, etiology, mean hospital admission time, clinical, radiological, biochemical findings, treatment modalities, mortality and morbidity were recorded. Endocrine insufficiency was investigated with oral glucose tolerance test. The relations between these parameters, scoring systems （Ranson, Imrie and APACHE Ⅱ） and patients＇ outcome were determined by using invariable tests and the receiver operating characteristics curve.RESULTS： One hundred patients were men and 99 were women; the mean age was 55 years. Biliary pancreatitis was the most common form, followed by idiopathic pancreatitis （53% and 26%, respectively）. Sixty-three patients had severe pancreatitis and 136 had mild disease. Respiratory rate 〉 20/min, pulse rate 〉 90min, increased C-reactive protein （CRP）, lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） levels, organ necrosis 〉 30% on computed tornography （CT） and leukocytosis were associated with severe disease. The rate of glucose intolerance, morbidity and mortality were 24.1%, 24.8% and 13.6%, respectively. CRP 〉 142 mg/L, BUN 〉 22 mg/dL, LDH 〉 667 U/L, base excess 〉 -5, CT severity index 〉 3 and APACHE score 〉 8 were related to morbidity and mortality.CONCLUSION： APACHE Ⅱ score, LDH, base excess and CT severity index have prognostic value and CRP is a reliable marker for predicting both mortality and morbidity.

Long-term results of subtotal colectomy with cecorectal anastomosis for isolated colonic inertia

AIM： To evaluate the results of sub total colectomy withI cecorectal anastomosis （STC-CRA） for isolated colonicinertia （CI）. METHODS： Fourteen patients （mean age 57.5±16.5 year） underwent surgery for isolated CI between January 1986 and December 2002. The mean frequency of bowel motions with the aid of laxatives was 1.2±0.6 per week. All subjects underwent colonoscopy, anorectal manometry, cinedefaecography and colonic transit time （CTF）. CI was defined as diffuse markers delay on CTF without evidence of pelvic floor dysfunction. All patients underwent STC-CRA. Long-term follow-up was obtained prospectively by clinical visits between October 2005 and February 2006 at a mean of 10.5 ＋ 3.6 years （range 5-16 years） during which we considered the number of stool emissions, the presence of abdominal pain or digitations, the use of pain killers, laxatives and/or fibers. Patients were also asked if they were satisfied with the surgery. RESULTS： There was no postoperative mortality Postoperative complications occurred in 21.4% （3/14）. At the end of follow-up, bowel frequency was significantly （P〈0.05）increased to a mean of 4.8±7.5 per day （range 1-30）. One patient reported disabling diarrhea. Two patients used laxatives less than three times per month without complaining of what they called constipation Overall, 78.5% of patients would have chosen surgery again if necessary. CONCLUSION： STC-CRA is feasible and safe in patients with CI achieving 79% of success at a mean follow-up of 10.5 years. A prospective controlled evaluation is warranted to verify the advantages of this surgical approach in patients with CI.

Effect of preoperative biliary drainage on outcome of classical pancreaticoduodenectomy

AIM: To investigate the role of preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) in the outcome of classical pancreaticodu odenectomy. METHODS: A 10-year retrospective data analysis was performed on patients (n = 48) undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy from March 1994 to March 2004 in department of surgery at SMS medical college, Jaipur, India. Demographic variables, details of preoperative stenting, operative procedure and post operative complications were noted. RESULTS: Preoperative biliary drainage was performed in 21 patients (43.5%). The incidence of septic complications was significantly higher in patients with biliary stent placement (P < 0.05, 0 vs 4). This group of patients also had a significantly higher minor biliary leak rate. Mortality and hospital stay in each group was comparable. CONCLUSION: Within this study population the use of PBD by endoscopic stenting was associated with a high incidence of infective complications. These findings do not support the routine use of biliary stenting in patients prior to pancreatico-duodenectomy.

Portal hypertension due to portal venous thrombosis:Etiology, clinical outcomes

The thrombophilia in adult life has major implications in the hepatic vessels. The resulting portal vein thrombosis has various outcomes and complications. Esophageal varices, portal gastropathy, ascites, severe hypersplenism and liver failure needing liver transplantation are known well. The newly formed collateral venous circulation showing itself as pseudocholangicarcinoma sign and its possible clinical reflection as cholestasis are also known from a long time. The management strategies for these complications of portal vein thrombosis are not different from their counterpart which is cirrhotic portal hypertension, but the prognosis is unquestionably better in former cases. In this review we present and discuss the portal vein thrombosis, etiology and the resulting dinical pictures. There are controversial issues in nomenclature, management （including anticoagulation problems）, follow up strategies and liver transplantation. In the light of the current knowledge, we discuss some controversial issues in literature and present our experience and our proposals about this group of patients.

Small sphincterotomy combined with endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation versus sphincterotomy

AIM： To compare small sphincterotomy combined with endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation （SES ＋ ELBD） and endoscopic sphincterotomy （EST） for large bile duct stones. METHODS： We compared prospectively SES ＋ ELBD （group A, n = 27） with conventional EST （group B, n = 28） for the treatment of large bile duct stones （≥ 15 mm）. When the stone could not be removed with a normal basket, mechanical lithotripsy was performed. We compared the rates of complete stone removal with one session and application of mechanical lithotripsy. RESULTS： No significant differences were observed in the mean largest stone size （A： 20.8 mm, B： 21.3 mm）, bile duct diameter （A： 21.4 turn, B： 20.5 ram）, number of stones （A： 2.2, B： 2.3）, or procedure time （A： 18 min, B： 19 rain） between the two groups. The rates of complete stone removal with one session was 85% in group A and 86% in group B （P = 0.473）. Mechanical lithotripsy was required for stone removal in nine of 27 patients （33%） in group A and nine of 28 patients （32%, P = 0.527） in group B.CONCLUSION： SES ＋ ELBD did not show significant benefits compared to conventional EST, especially for the removal of large （≥ 15 mm） bile duct stones.

Long-term results of endosurgical and open surgical approach for Zenker diverticulum

AIM: To assess the effectiveness of minimally invasive versus traditional open surgical approach in the treatment of Zenker diverticulum. METHODS: Between 1976 and 2006, 297 patients underwent transoral stapling (n = 181) or stapled diverticulectomy and cricopharyngeal myotomy (n = 116). Subjective and objective evaluations of the outcome of the two procedures were made at 1 and 6 mo after operation, and then every year. Long-term follow-up data were available for a subgroup of patients at a minimum of 5 and 10 years. RESULTS: The operative time and hospital stay were markedly reduced in patients undergoing the endosurgical approach. Overall, 92% of patients undergoing the endosurgical approach and 94% of those undergoing the open approach were symptom-free or were significantly improved after a median follow-up of 27 and 48 mo, respectively. At a minimum follow-up of 5 and 10 years, most patients were asymptomatic after both procedures, except for those individuals undergoing an endosurgical procedure for a small diverticulum (< 3 cm). CONCLUSION: Both operations relieve the outflow obstruction at the pharyngoesophageal junction, indicating that cricopharyngeal myotomy has an important therapeutic role in this disease independent of the resection of the pouch and of the surgical approach. Diverticula smaller than 3 cm represent a formal contraindication to the endosurgical approach because the common wall is too short to accommodate one cartridge of staples and to allow complete division of the sphincter.

The developmental fate of green fluorescent mouse embryonic germ cells in chimeric embryos

Primordial germ cells (PGCs), as precursors of mam-malian germ lineage, have been gaining more attention as anew resource of pluripotent stem cells, which bring a greatpossibility to study developmental events of germ cell invitro and at animal level. EG4 cells derived from 10.5 dayspost coitum (dpc) PGCs of l29/svJ strain mouse wereestablished and maintained in an undifferentiated state.With an attempt to study the differentiation capability ofEG4 cells with a reporter protein: green fluorescence pro-tein, and the possible application of EG4 cells in the re-search of germ cell development, we have generated severalEG4-GFP cell lines expressing enhanced green fluorescenceprotein (EGFP) and still maintaining typicaI characteris-tics of pluripotent stem cells. Then, the differentiation ofEG4-GFP cells in vitro as well as their developmental fatein chimeric embryos which were produced by aggregatingEG4-GFP cells to 8-cell stage embryos were studied. Theresults showed that EG4 cells carrying green fluorescencehave a potential use in the research of germ cell develop-ment and other related studies.

The effect of health literacy level on health outcomes in patients with diabetes at a type v health centre in Western Jamaica

Objective:To identify the effects of health literacy levels on health outcomes in patients with diabetes in a type V health center in Western Jamaica.Method:A correlational survey design with a random sampling technique was used.An 18-item questionnaire and the Newest Vital Sign tool were administered to 88 consenting adults with diabetes to assess their health literacy levels.Their health outcomes were evaluated with docket review.Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18.Results:The participants were predominantly female(77.3%),aged 51-70 years,married(44%),employed(46%),and diagnosed with diabetes>10 years(42%).Only 13.6%of the study population was adequately health literate.The health literacy scores for gender were not significant(P=0.84).The health literacy scores of the patients with different ages and educational levels were significant(P<0.001).Pearson's correlations revealed no linear relationship between health literacy scores and health outcome(r=0.185,P=0.084).Conclusion:Limited health literacy and high likelihood of limited health literacy are predominant in the study population.Age and educational level are significantly associated with health literacy levels.However,these findings suggest no association between health literacy level and diabetic health outcomes.

Origin and fate of the nucleolar channel system of normal human endometrium^1

Human normal endometrium was examined in ultrathin sections. Nucleolar channel system (NCS) appeared in the endometrial epithelial cells during the early and mid secretory phase of menstrual cycle. The NCS was a hollow ball like structure of different sizes and was composed of 2 to 5 rows of tubules embedded in an amorphous matrix. On its surface there were numerous electron dense particles resembling ribosonies. It was usually located within or associated with the nucleolus. Sometimes, it was close to the nuclear envelope or protruding out from the nucleus. On occasion, NCS with simplified structure was found in the perinuclear cytoplasm. Concepts concerning the genesis, involution and function(s) of the NCS were discussed.

Combined therapy with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and percutaneous microwave coagulation for small hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To assess the efficacy of combined transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)and percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy(PMCT)for small hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS:Thirty-five patients with a total of 41 HCC nodules(≤3 cm in diameter)were treated with TACE followed by computed tomograghy(CT)-guided percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy(PMCT) within 1-3 wk. RESULTS:By biopsies and enhanced CT scans, complete necrosis of the tumor and 3-5 mm of the surrounding non-cancerous area were observed in 34 foci.In seven foci,incomplete necrosis of the surrounding parenchyma was observed.Serum alpha- fetoprotein(AFP)levels returned to normal 10 d after treatment in 25 patients who originally had high serum AFP levels.The follow-up period was 6-31 mo,and all patients remained alive.One patient had a recurrence in the subsegments of the liver,and another patient had a recurrence near the original lesion. CONCLUSION:Combined therapy with TACE and PMCT is a safe and effective treatment without severe complications for small HCC.

Anesthesia Management at Fuwai Hospital:Practice,Evidence and Outcomes

Fuwai Hospital was established in 1956 and the Anesthesia Department of Fuwai Hospital was one of the earliest anesthesia departments then in China.Under the leadership of several department directors and with the concerted efforts of all generations of colleagues,the Anesthesia Department of Fuwai Hospital has dramatically transformed,upgraded and modernized.For more than six decades,the Anesthesia Department has been providing high-quality peri-operative anesthesia care for cardiovascular surgeries,conducting innovative experimental and clinical researches,and offering comprehensive training on cardiovascular anesthesiology for professionals across China.Currently,Fuwai Hospital is the National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases of China and one of the largest cardiovascular centers in the world.The present review introduces the Anesthesia Department of Fuwai Hospital,summarizes its current practice of anesthesia management,the outcomes of cardiovascular surgeries at Fuwai Hospital,accumulates relevant evidence,and provides prospects for future development of cardiovascular anesthesiology.

PROSPECTIVE COMPARISON OF ENDOSCOPIC AND OPEN SURGICAL METHODS FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Objective To compare outcomes of patients undergoing either open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release for the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods A prospective, randomized study was performed on 70 hands in 62 patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome from April 2000 to April 2004. Either open (36 hands in 30 patients) or endoscopic (34 hands in 32 patients) carpal tunnel release was performed randomly. Symptom improvement, complications, and the time of operation, in-hospital stay, and return to work between the two groups were assessed with average 2 years of follow-up. The electromyography was tested pre- and 3 months post-operation. Results There were no significant differences between the two surgical groups with regard to postoperative improvements of symptom, electromyography tests, and the incidence of complications. But it was statistically less in the rate of scar tenderness, the time of operation, in-hospital stay, and return to work in the endoscopic group compared with the open group (P<0.05). Conclusions The endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a reliable method in the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. And it has the advantages of slight scar tenderness, less operation time, less in-hospital stay, early functional recovery, safety, and high satisfaction rate compared with open methods.

PREGNANCY AND ITS OUTCOME IN WOMEN WITH MALFORMED UTERUS

Objective. To analyze the clinical characteristics of fertility and pregnancy in women with congenital uterine malformations and explore optimal treatments to improve the prognosis.Methods. A retrospective study was conducted on the fertility and obstetric outcome in 153 patients with uterine malformations treated in our hospital from January 1984 to December 1998. Twenty - seven cases with other kinds of genital and/or urinary anomalies but with normal uterus during the same period were enrolled as the control group.Results. The infertility rate was 26.6% (34/128), the miscarriage rate 44.3% (86/194), premature birth rate 9.3% (18/194), abnormal fetal presentation rate 28.4% (29/102), the cesarean section rate 61.8% (63/102), and the perinatal mortality rate 11.8% (12/102).Conclusion. Women with congenital uterine malformation usually have higher incidence of infertility and complications during pregnancy and delivery. Bicornuate and septate uterus can be associated with poor obstetric outcome.