Surgery for inflammatory bowel disease

Despite the new and ever expanding array of medications for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), there are still clear indications for operative management of IBD and its complications. We present an overview of indications, procedures, considerations, and controversies in the surgical therapy of IBD.

Timing of surgery in Crohn’s disease: A key issue in the management

The timing of the decision for operation in Crohn’s disease is based on an evaluation of the several factors such as the failure of medical treatment, complications due to the Crohn’s disease or to the farmacological therapy, development of dysplasia or cancer and growth retardation. A complete evaluation of these factors should result in operation timed to the patient’s best advantage, achieving maximal relief of symptoms with improvement of quality of life. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of the disease and the different options for treatment, is difficult to systematize when the optimal moment for the surgery is arrived. A very important factor in the management of Crohn’s disease is the multidisciplinary approach and the patient preference should be a significant factor in determining the choice of therapy. The surgery should be considered such another option in the sequential treatment of Crohn’s disease. We have analyzed the factors that are involved in the decision taking of the surgical treatment regarding to the experience and the published literature. When did the medical therapy fail? when is the appropriate moment to operate on the patient? Or which complications of Crohn’s disease need a surgery? These are some of the questions we will try to answer.

Peculiarities of Calculating Bridges with Seismic Isolation Including Spherical Bearings and Hydraulic Dampers in Russia

The peculiarities of calculating isolated structures with spherical bearings are analyzed in this paper. Some of peculiarities are caused by the lack of data at the moment when engineering solutions had to be made, Other peculiarities are connected with physical peculiarities of the device behaviour. To provide the analysis of structure hehaviour under the condition of the lack of input information, two types of design models of seismic protection devices were considered. They are the dampers linearization and the modelling of real dampers by dry friction ones. The dampers linearization makes it possible to use the existing software for calculating linear strongly-damped systems. To calculate structures with dry friction dampers, a new software was worked out. In this case, the structure is described as a piecewise-linear system of a relay-type. The investigations of the structure oscillations take into account both horizontal and vertical components of earthquake input. Under this condition, horizontal oscillation equations of structures are the MaRie-Hill ones. The input and structure parameters which caused the structure instability are estimated. To exclude the structure instability, high damping devices should be used. These methods were used for seismic resistant analysis of bridges with spherical bearings and hydraulic dampers applied in Sochi.

Comparison of 1.5% lidocaine and 0.5% ropivacaine epidural anesthesia combined with propofol general anesthesia guided by bispectral index

Objective： To compare the effects of epidural anesthesia with 1.5% lidocaine and 0.5% ropivacaine on propofol requirements, the time to loss of consciousness （LOC）, effect-site propofol concentrations, and the hemodynamic variables during induction of general anesthesia guided by bispectral index （BIS） were studied. Methods： Forty-five patients were divided into three groups to receive epidurally administered saline （Group S）, 1.5% （w/w） lidocaine （Group L）, or 0,5% （w/w） ropivacaine （Group R） Propofol infusion was started to produce blood concentration of 4 lag/ml. Once the BIS value reached 40-50, endotracheal intubation was facilitated by 0.1 mg/kg vecuronium. Measurements included the time to LOC, effect-site propofol concentrations, total propofol dose, mean arterial blood pressure （MABP）, and heart rate （HR） at different study time points. Results： During induction of anesthesia, both Groups L and R were similar for the time to LOC, effect-site propofol concentrations, total propofol dose, MABP, HR, and BIS. The total doses of propofol administered until 1 min post-intubation were significantly less in patients of Groups R and L compared with Group S. MABP and HR were significantly lower following propofol induction compared with baseline values in the three groups, or MABP was significantly increased following intubation as compared with that prior to intubation in Group S but not in Groups R and L while HR was significantly increased following intubation in the three groups. Conclusion： Epidural anesthesia with 1.5% lidocaine and 0.5% ropivacaine has similar effects on the time to LOC, effect-site propofol concentrations, total propofol dose, and the hemodynamic variables during induction of general anesthesia.

Application of the Method of Students＇ Presentations in Foreign Language Teaching

This paper presents the results of the research conducted at the English language course of the students of Polytechnic of Medimurje in Cakovec, Croatia. The purpose of the research was to introduce the method of students＇ presentations in foreign language teaching, as well as the topics related to the culture and civilization of the English-speaking countries. After the introductory lectures on how the presentation on the given topic in the English language should be prepared, and after the presentations were delivered by the students during one semester, the results of the questionnaires which the students had to solve at the beginning and the end of the semester, were compared. The goal of the research was to examine the extent in which the students acquired the contents presented to them in such a way. The obtained results are satisfactory, although they have not fully met the expectations. However, if the problems and flaws are identified and addressed, the method can be further improved and better results achieved, both regarding the foreign language competencies, as well as multicultural awareness of young people.

The Influence of the Foreign Companies in Developing the Technological Absorption Capacity of the Romanian Economy During the Current Financial Crisis

Creating companies abroad, in ex-socialist countries of Central and Eastern Europe, has experienced a strong progression, following the amplification process of globalization of world markets, intensification of international trade and technological development. We are witnessing a regional disparity regarding the volume of foreign investments in this area, which is due to the difference of attractiveness of host countries economy. The attractiveness of these economies is conditioned, in its turn, by the importance of economic factors and the quality of existing infrastructures, which is at their turn facing an increasing complexity of technology. Business relocation of foreign investors is influenced also by the institutional environment, because foreign investors hope to capitalize on the collateral effects offered by the investment environment in the host country, such as research laboratories and existing infrastructure, without neglecting the benefits of a highly qualified workforce at reduced costs, some geopolitical advantages, etc.. After EU accession, the attractiveness index of business environment in Romania has increased from （-59%） in 2005 to 66% （2008）, and Romania was considered among the most attractive economies in Central and Eastern Europe, along with Russia where the attractiveness index increased from 63% （2007） to 72% （2008） and Ukraine which has seen an increase in the attractiveness index of the business environment from 56% （2007） to 67% （2008）. This paper aims to highlight the positive effects induced by international business companies in assessing technological absorption capacity of the Romanian economy and to provide economic analysis of the ＂cause-effect＂ link between the attractiveness of the Romanian economy-governance--the intake of foreign investment straight to the active processing export of Romania under the impact of the overall effects of international financial crisis.

Ecologically Based Strategies for Pest Control in Grassland Ecosystems

The researches were carried out in 2007, 2008 and 2009 at Cluj-Napoca （Romania）, in laboratory and field conditions （grassland ecosystems）, in four experiments. Our purpose was to study and use some ecological pest control methods based on indirect and direct strategies： （1） the harmful fauna monitoring in grassland ecosystems and useful fauna identification （by visual control, manually collecting, striking method on a tarpaulin）; （2） the use of some physico-mechanical and biotechnical methods （use of barriers-vessels, repellents, attractant traps-alimentary, visual） to control the pests. The researches concerning the indirect strategies, carried out from Mars 2007 to September 2009. There were identified 28 pest species and 29 useful ones. The direct strategies to control the pests consisted of 3 experiments. The use of colored traps with water （August 2008） on a meadow with ryegrass and clover, in 6 variants （white, silver, orange, green, blue and red） ＋ control （yellow）, recorded a very good efficacy at all variants excepting the red trap （variant 6）. The use of repellents （August 2008）, absinth decoction （against aphids and ants）, bracken extract （against aphids and snails）, common tansy decoction （against ants and soil pests） and kaolinite （against a large amount of pests）, recorded good results removing the pests. The attractant traps with alimentary baits （beer）, meant the use of 10 vessels on a 1000 m2 area, which captured 200 slugs （August 2009）. All three methods recorded a good efficacy against the pests.

Geometry model construction in infrared image theory simulation of buildings

Geometric model construction is the basis of infrared image theory simulation. Taking the construction of the geometric model of one building in Harbin as an example, this paper analyzes the theoretical groundings of simplification and principles of geometric model construction of buildings. It then discusses some particular treatment methods in calculating the radiation transfer coefficient in geometric model construction using the Monte Carlo Method.

Are China and Russia Axis or Partners?

Grounded in an analysis of the unique advantages of China-Russia relations, the paper argues that the two countries have established a high level of political trust and will continue to work in concert on all fronts. It also looks back at how China entered into alliances throughout its history and the lessons it has learned from those experiences. It emphasizes that China does not deem the establishment of exclusive alliances or political blocs as a foreign policy option.

Successful use of adalimumab for treating fistulizing Crohn's disease with pyoderma gangrenosum:Two birds with one stone

Crohn＇s disease （CD） is a chronic relapsing and remitting autoinflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that has many intestinal and extraintestinal complications. The purpose of treatment is long-term remission, reduction of complications, and improvement of patients＇ quality of life. In many cases, this can be quite challenging and it is necessary to have a well thought out management strategy. We present the case of a 38-year-old woman with fistulizing CD that manifested as diffuse abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea accompanied by arthralgia. In addition, there were ulcerative lesions surrounded by cutaneous inflammation and erythema on her extremities, indicative of pyoderma gangrenosum. The patient was treated with high doses of parenteral methylprednisolone without any improvement and was started on adalimumab. A positive response to adalimumab therapy was observed： after 2 mo of therapy, the ulcerative skin lesion healed completely and the enterogastric fistula was closed affcer 5 mo adalimumab treatment. Adalimumab might be a suitable initial as well as maintenance therapy in patients with complicated CD.

Anxiety and Motivation in Foreign Language Achievement

Language anxiety and language motivation have been studied extensively by experts in foreign language （FL） learning. Both of these constructs have been found to be closely correlated to FL achievement. In this article, the author has reviewed foreign language anxiety, language motivation and the relationship between language motivation and language anxiety.

Understanding Everyday Homes of Urban Communities： The Case of Local Streets （Hawari） of Old Cairo

This paper aims at investigating architectural and urban heritage from the sociocultural point of view, which stands on the human asset of traditional sites such as the hawari of old Cairo. It analyzes the social practice of everyday life in one of the oldest Cairene hawari, Haret al Darb al Asfar. The focus is on architectural and spatial organization of outdoor and indoor spaces that coordinate the spatial practices of local community. A daily monitoring of people＇s activities and interviews was conducted in an investigation of how local people perceive their built environment between the house＇s interior and the outdoor shared space. It emerges that people construct their own field of private spheres according to complex patterns of daily activities that are not in line with the classical segregation between private and public in Islamic cities. This paper reports that the harah is basically a construct of social spheres that are organized spatially by the flexible development of individual buildings over time and in response to changes in individuals＇ needs and capabilities. In order to achieve sustainability in old urban quarters, the paper concludes, the focus should be directed towards the local organization of activities and a comprehensive upgrading of deteriorating buildings to match the changing needs of current population.

Green synthesis of nickel nanoparticles using Ocimum sanctum and their application in dye and pollutant adsorption

Nickel nanoparticles as an eco-friendly adsorbent was biosynthesized using Ocimum sanctum leaf extract. The physiochemical properties of green synthesized nickel nanoparticles(Ni Gs) were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy(UV–Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR), X-ray diffraction(XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope(TEM). Ni Gs were used as adsorbent for the removal of dyes such as crystal violet(CV), eosin Y(EY), orange II(OR) and anionic pollutant nitrate(NO3-), sulfate(SO42-) from aqueous solution. Adsorption capacity of Ni Gs was examined in batch modes at different p H, contact time, Ni G dosage, initial dye and pollutant concentration. The adsorption process was p H dependent and the adsorption capacity increased with increase in contact time and with that of Ni G dosage, whereas the adsorption capacity decreased at higher concentrations of dyes and pollutants. Maximum percentage removal of dyes and pollutants were observed at 40, 20,30, 10 and 10 mg·L-1initial concentration of CV, EY, OR, NO3-and SO42-respectively. The maximum adsorption capacities in Langmuir isotherm were found to be 0.454, 0.615, 0.273, 0.795 and 0.645 mg·g-1at p H 8, 3, 3, 7and 7 for CV, EY, OR, NO3-and SO42-respectively. The higher coef ficients of correlation in Langmuir isotherm suggested monolayer adsorption. The mean energies(E), 2.23, 3.53, 2.50, 5.00 and 3.16 k J·mol-1for CV, EY, OR, NO3-and SO42-respectively, calculated from the Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm showed physical adsorption of adsorbate onto Ni Gs. Adsorption kinetics data was better fitted to pseudo-second-order kinetics with R2 N 0.870 for all dyes and pollutants. Ni Gs were found to be an effective adsorbent for the removal of dyes and pollutants from aqueous solution and can be applied to treat textile and tannery ef fluents.

The Risk Management of Companies From Timis County Involved in International Business

Rapid internationalization of economic activities following the Second World War has generated an unprecedented increase in international trade and capital flows. For example, only during 1963-1993, exports rose from 157 billion to 3.774 billion dollars. Also the flows of foreign direct investment （FDI） have grown exponentially. Although FDI flows are concentrated on developing countries, 80% being targeted towards 10 countries, capital flows towards the Third World have quadrupled only between 1990 and 1993. This trend towards a truly international economy influences also on how companies do business. International business environment provides many opportunities, as well as threats. Romanian companies need to align to this trend. In addition to identifying new opportunities to do business in foreign markets, they have to deal with specific risks, which they did not have to face when working internally. In this context, we consider necessary to launch an investigation, whose main objective would be analyzing the manner in which Romanian companies manage risks specific to international economic affairs. As the complexity of these businesses is great, and the majority of Romanian companies, in their attempt to internationalize, use classical forms of export-import, the analysis took into account only the export activity undertaken by Romanian companies. We mention that we did not take into account the determination of the exposure to these risks of the companies concerned, but an analysis of the management of those risks. For this analysis, data were collected based on the administration of a questionnaire, and these data were used to develop an econometric model analysis. The specific methods of risk analysis of specific export transactions are then interpreted using the GLOBE model.

The Latvian Road to the Euro

The article presents the situation in Latvia ahead of the country＇s adoption of the euro by offering an analysis of the extent to which the country is prepared for the move and of general economic difficulties as well as indicating possible threats to its future development. The article talks about difficulties caused by the great unemployment connected with the specific economy of the country, political problems of the post-socialistic multinational country and steps done towards the fulfilling of all the convergence criteria. Its aim is to present the moments around the change of the currency which is done by the material＇s analysis because there are not enough statistical data for the mathematical analysis. It can be concluded that the adoption of the euro will probably be beneficial in the long run for Latvia＇s economy. The conclusions may be done by comparison with the situation of Estonia and its foreign trade with Poland which is shown in the article because there are a lot of similarities between the two Baltic countries.

The Manchurian Plague and the International Plague Conference:Revisiting Wu Lien-Teh

The Manchurian plague from the winter of 1910 to the spring of 1911 was the worst epidemic in modern China, and the ensuing International Plague Conference marked the first international medical conference hosted by China. There was a close connection between these two historical events, and Wu Lien-Teh 伍连德, later extolled as the "pioneer of modern medicine in China," played a significant role in each. Despite a multitude of treatises discussing the Manchurian plague and the International Plague Conference, as well as biographical articles on the undertakings of Wu, there remains a gap in the research of Wu’s relation with these two historical events, which is worth further exploration. In addition to the key role and significance of Wu in the entire epidemic fight, the first section of this article analyzes whether the common portrayal of Wu as an obscure, local doctor transformed overnight into a Manchurian plague fighter is accurate. Through an analysis of the conference minutes, the second section focuses on how Wu used "conference diplomacy" to mitigate the neighboring powers’ attempts to achieve their political goals by leveraging this international conference.

The impact of financial sector development on the economic growth of emerging countries： An empirical study for E-7 countries

Globalization, financial liberalization, financial integration, financial sector, and economic growth have been significant issues for many researchers. The studies have investigated the effects of the above issues to the economic growth of countries both theoretically and empirically. Since there has been conducted an enormous body of work, each of them may be grouped and studied separately. This paper focuses on the impact of financial sector development to economic growth and empirically studies the potential effect on the emerging E-7 countries, consisting of Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, the Russian Federation, and Turkey. The study employs panel regression methodology and the data set for modeling Gross Domestic Product （GDP） comprises annual data over 2001-2007, using basic variables which resemble financial sector development, namely market capitalization of listed companies （stock market capitalization）, bank capital to asset ratio, stocks traded, total debt service, foreign direct investments, portfolio investments, real interest rates, and claims on private sector. The analysis indicates that the GDP may be modeled using the above stated macroeconomic variables with considerably high explanatory power, except for the real interest rates and bank capital to asset ratios.

可连续调谐的窄线宽外腔半导体激光器

可快速连续调谐的小尺寸窄线宽外腔半导体激光器是调频连续波(FMCW)激光雷达、量子技术等领域的核心器件。通过紧凑的反馈光路设计,采用腔长为2.5 mm的法布里-珀罗腔(FP腔)反馈压窄线宽,并结合压电陶瓷(PZT)进行腔长扫描,组装了波长为1550 nm的小型化可调频的激光样机。采用光纤长度为1 m的马赫-曾德尔干涉仪,在重复频率为0.1、1.0、10.0、100.0 kHz下分别测得激光器无跳模的连续调谐范围为25.0、21.6、18.0、10.0 GHz。基于20 km长光纤的延时自外差法,测得3 dB线宽约为10 kHz。未来通过更加紧凑的光路设计,可以获得更大调频范围的超窄线宽激光。

Temperature-dependent THz vibrational spectra of clenbuterol hydrochloride

Using the high-resolution Terahertz Time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and the standard sample pellet technique, the far-infrared vibrational spectra of clenbuterol hydrochloride (CH), a 2 -adrenergic agonist for decreasing fat deposition and enhancing protein accretion, were measured in temperature range of 77-295 K. Between 0.2 and 3.6 THz (6.6-120.0 cm-1 ), seven highly resolved spectral features, strong line-narrowing and a frequency blue-shift were observed with cooling. However, ractopamine hydrochloride, with some structural and pharmacological similarities to clenbuterol hydrochloride, showed no spectral features, indicating high sensitivity and strong specificity of THz-TDS. These results could be used for the rapid and nondestructive CH residual detection in food safety control.