The monitoring data is undoubtedly important to the water quality monitor- ing department. The proficiency testing is an important way to improve the monitor- ing capacity and enhance the quality management of laborat...The monitoring data is undoubtedly important to the water quality monitor- ing department. The proficiency testing is an important way to improve the monitor- ing capacity and enhance the quality management of laboratories. It plays an impor- tant role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity and comparability of monitoring data. In this paper, the positive role of proficiency testing in the water quality monitoring was analyzed. In addition, how to improve the water quality monitoring capacity and the quality management level of laboratories through the proficiency testing was also discussed.展开更多
In this paper, a novel admission scheme is proposed which provides high degrees of quality of service (QoS) guarantees for multimedia traffic carried in mobile networks. The proposed scheme combines the admission cont...In this paper, a novel admission scheme is proposed which provides high degrees of quality of service (QoS) guarantees for multimedia traffic carried in mobile networks. The proposed scheme combines the admission control and bandwidth reservation to guarantee QoS requirements. It considers both local information and remote information to determine whether to accept or reject a connection. In order to embody the characteristics of the algorithms proposed in the article, two traditional algorithms of admission control are used for comparison. In the end of the paper the simulation analyses are given and the results show that the proposed algorithm can adjust the bandwidth according to the current status of networks and decrease the probability of connections forcibly dropped. The most important thing is that the algorithm is based on the multimedia communications and can guarantee the QoS of real time connections through decreasing the bandwidth of non real time connections.展开更多
The customer driven dynamic global market and geographical distribution of collaborating partners bring new challenges to the development of quality assurance information system (QAIS) for agile manufacturing. With re...The customer driven dynamic global market and geographical distribution of collaborating partners bring new challenges to the development of quality assurance information system (QAIS) for agile manufacturing. With recent dramatic advances in information technology, firstly the requirements of QAIS are examined in agile manufacturing environment, then a new implementation framework of a distributed QAIS is presented, where a deve loping environment of QAIS is established and some critical techniques are studied. Finally a prototype system based on world wide web (WWW) is accomplished.展开更多
Security vulnerability of denial of service (DoS) in time out-medium access control (T-MAC) protocol was discussed and analysis of power consumption at each stage of T-MAC protocol was carried out. For power efficient...Security vulnerability of denial of service (DoS) in time out-medium access control (T-MAC) protocol was discussed and analysis of power consumption at each stage of T-MAC protocol was carried out. For power efficient authentication scheme which can provide reliability, efficiency, and security for a general T-MAC communication, a novel synchronization and authentication scheme using authentication masking code was proposed. Authentication data were repeated and masked by PN sequence. The simulation results show that the proposed approach can provide synchronization and authentication simultaneously for nodes in wireless sensor network (WSN). 63 bits AMC code gives above 99.97% synchronization detection and 93.98% authentication data detection probability in BER 0.031 7.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effect and mechanism of electro-acupuncture lEA) at ST25 and ST37 on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of rats. METHODS: A total of 21 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into norm...AIM: To investigate the effect and mechanism of electro-acupuncture lEA) at ST25 and ST37 on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of rats. METHODS: A total of 21 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group and EA group. A rat model of IBS was established by constraining the limbs and distending the colorectum of rats. Rats in EA group received bilateral EA at ST25 and ST37 with a sparse and intense waveform at a frequency of 2/50 Hz for 15 min, once a day for 7 d as a course. Rats in normal and model groups were stimulated by distending colorectum (CR). An abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scoring system was used to evaluate improvements in visceral hypersensitivity. Toluidine blue-improved method, immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay were used to observe mucosal mast cells (MC), changes of substance P (SP) and substance P receptor (SPR) in colon and change of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in hypothalamus. RESULTS: The threshold of visceral sense was significantly lower in model group than in normal group,and significantly higher in EA group than in model group. The number of mucosal MC was greater in model group than in normal group and significantly smaller in EA group than in model group. The CRH level in hypothalamus of rats was significantly higher in model group than in normal group, which was remarkably decreased after electro-acupuncture treatment. The SP and SPR expression in colon of rats in model group was decreased after electro-acupuncture treatment. CONCLUSION: EA at ST25 and ST37 can decrease the number of mucosal MC and down-regulate the expression of CRH in hypothalamus, and the expression of SP and SPR in colon of rats with IBS.展开更多
OBJECTIVE The current retrospective study aims to evaluate the management of non-functioning the assessment of experience on pituitary macroadenoma through clinical, biochemical, radiological features, and treatment o...OBJECTIVE The current retrospective study aims to evaluate the management of non-functioning the assessment of experience on pituitary macroadenoma through clinical, biochemical, radiological features, and treatment outcome of patients, and to identify prognostic factors affecting progression-free survival (PFS). METHODS Data of 55 patients macroadenoma presented to the with non-functioning pituitary Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine department between 1998 and 2009 were investigated. RESULTS The most common symptom was visual disturbance (38.2%) followed by headache (27.3%). The presence of male predominance was observed (1.4:1). Ten patients received radio-therapy (RT) only. Extrasellar extension was the more common treatment. The overall response rate was 72.8% with completed response at 16.4%. Memory and intellectual sequelae were the most common late complications of treatment (14%). The ten-year PFS was at 84.6%. PFS was found to be significantly better with higher dose of RT (up to 54 Gy), treatment by both surgery and RT, absence of visual field defect, and tumor localized to sella, whereas it was not significantly affected by age and sex. CONCLUSION The data confirmed that the prevalence of mass effect and hypopituitarism in patients with non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma is elevated. Conventional external RT up to 54 Gy is safe and effective in controlling non-functioning pituitary macro- adenoma with tolerable and acceptable morbidity.展开更多
Objective:The main purpose of this work was to present a Z-phantom manufactured in home (at National Cancer Institute Cairo University) and it's use in a simple way to check the accuracy of the computed-tomography...Objective:The main purpose of this work was to present a Z-phantom manufactured in home (at National Cancer Institute Cairo University) and it's use in a simple way to check the accuracy of the computed-tomography (CT) table movement and CT gantry tilt, also the other general quality control (QC) tests of the CT simulator used at radiotherapy department. Methods:The laser phantom was used to check the external mobile laser position accuracy, for internal image indicator laser beam (light field) the coincidence between light field and radiation exposure at CT simulator was checked using X-Omat ready back film. The Z-phantom was used to check the slice thickness and the table movement and so the gantry tilts. The image quality testes were checked using the CT image quality phantom. TLDs were inserted to the Cicil phantom at the center of each scan volume to estimate the patient dose. Results:The results showed that the difference in the fixed distance between the external mobile laser and the internal image indicator laser beam was less than ± 1 mm; the orientation of the two mobile lateral lasers was coincident. The mechanical movement and the image quality of the CT simulator were within the tolerances and the results were 0.5 mm, 0.2% and 0.6% for the mechanical movement, noise and image uniformity respectively. Conclusion:A CT simulator with a good performance is important for the radiotherapy treatment planning specially with the extremely revolution in radiotherapy techniques, also a rotten quality assurance (QA) program is very important to be shore about the reproducibility of the CT performance. The use of Z-phantom to check the gantry tilt and the table movement is faster than the use of ready back films in these tests.展开更多
The Hong Kong housing authority houses a half po pulation of Hong Kong. It constructs and manages pro perty on a massive scale. In 1989, the housing authority makes the decision that by 1993, its construction proj...The Hong Kong housing authority houses a half po pulation of Hong Kong. It constructs and manages pro perty on a massive scale. In 1989, the housing authority makes the decision that by 1993, its construction project management arm, and all construction companies working for the Housing Authority would be certified to the ISO 9000 standard. This decision is to have a profound and lasting impact on the construction industry in Hong Kong. In 1996, a management enhancement programme is launched. Targeting all 15 000 staff in the housing department, the programme aims at changing the culture of the organization and its partners in delivering high calibre services to customers. This paper examines the motivation and reasons behind the initiatives. It outlines the approach and framework used as the authority changes the mindset of a large department of the civil service.展开更多
This paper describes the development and challenge of HIV/AIDS testing laboratory network and quality assurance system in China. At present,the HIV/AIDS testing laboratories includes three classes,the National AIDS Re...This paper describes the development and challenge of HIV/AIDS testing laboratory network and quality assurance system in China. At present,the HIV/AIDS testing laboratories includes three classes,the National AIDS Reference Laboratory,HIV/AIDS confirmatory laboratories and HIV/AIDS screening laboratories. All of them are accredited by the health authorities,and each class of laboratories take charge of their function strictly according to the "National Management of HIV/AIDS Detection (2006)". A complete quality assurance and quality control system for HIV/AIDS testing has been developed,which includes technical training,strict laboratory monitoring and approval,examination or proficiency testing on HIV/AIDS detection,and quality evaluation and supervision of HIV/AIDS diagnostic kits. Besides conduct the routine anti-HIV antibody test,more and more laboratories began to conduct other tests,such as CD4+ T lymphocyte cell counting,HIV viral load,HIV DNA PCR,genotyping,drug resistance,and HIV-1 recent infection test. The primary challenges faced by the HIV/AIDS testing laboratory network are in the areas of laboratory management and quality control. For example,the provincial PT program is inefficient,the internal quality control is conducted perfunctorily,personnel training can not met the needs of the workplace,which need to be improved.展开更多
RIO(RED with IN and OUT) is the primary queue management mechanism proposed for assured forwarding in the DiffServ (Differentiated Service) framework. Although RIO can generally provide bandwidth guarantees, its queui...RIO(RED with IN and OUT) is the primary queue management mechanism proposed for assured forwarding in the DiffServ (Differentiated Service) framework. Although RIO can generally provide bandwidth guarantees, its queuing delay is sensitive to the traffic load. This paper presents a qualitative explanation for its origin. As a solution, an Adaptive RIO for Delay (ARIO-D) is proposed to provide guaranteed delay for multimedia traffic. Simulation results show that by trading loss for delay, ARIO-D can effectively improve the robustness of RIO under different and dynamic traffic, and provide stable and differentiated performance of queuing delay without any degradation in performance of throughput.展开更多
Glial cells in the gut represent the morphological and functional equivalent of astrocytes and microglia in the central nervous system (CNS). In recent years, the role of enteric glial cells (EGCs) has extended fr...Glial cells in the gut represent the morphological and functional equivalent of astrocytes and microglia in the central nervous system (CNS). In recent years, the role of enteric glial cells (EGCs) has extended from that of simple nutritive support for enteric neurons to that of being pivotal participants in the regulation of inflammatory events in the gut. Similar to the CNS astrocytes, the EGCs physiologically express the SIOOB protein that exerts either trophic or toxic effects depending on its concentration in the extracellular milieu. In the CNS, SIOOB overexpression is responsible for the initiation of a gliotic reaction by the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, which may have a deleterious effect on neighboring cells. SlOOB-mediated pro-inflammatory effects are not limited to the brain: SIOOB overexpression is associated with the onset and maintenance of inflammation in the human gut too. In this review we describe the major features of EGCs and SIOOB protein occurring in intestinal inflammation deriving from such.展开更多
As the most influential strike-slip fault in East China,the Tancheng-Lujiang fault zone draws scholars attention for its strong seismic activity. Nevertheless,most research has been conducted along segments in Shandon...As the most influential strike-slip fault in East China,the Tancheng-Lujiang fault zone draws scholars attention for its strong seismic activity. Nevertheless,most research has been conducted along segments in Shandong Province and Bohai Bay where huge earthquakes occur frequently. Meanwhile,it is generally believed that segments lying to the south of Huaihe River have been inactive since the late Quaternary and thus it is incapable of generating moderate or strong earthquakes. However,these understandings about the Tancheng-Lujiang fault have been questioned by our recent work for part of the fault south to the Huaihe River. Based on interpretation of high-resolution satellite images,detailed field investigations near Wuhe county and Mingguang City in northern Anhui Province and elaborate microstructure analysis, we come to the conclusion that the Tancheng-Lujiang fault zone mainly consists of four branches and at least one should be active since the late Pleistocene for the Wuhe-Mingguang section. This segment is monopolized by dextral strike-slip motion in late Quaternary. Different from obvious faults in bed rocks or consolidated sediments,the latest activity trace in Quaternary loose sediment revealed by trench excavation is not obvious or even invisible to visual observation. According to our recent work and previous studies, we call for more attention to be paid to invisible faults in young sediment and also suggest that more research be conducted along this seemingly placid segment.展开更多
基金Supported by Special Scientific Research Fund of Public Welfare Profession of Ministry of Water Resources(201101007)~~
文摘The monitoring data is undoubtedly important to the water quality monitor- ing department. The proficiency testing is an important way to improve the monitor- ing capacity and enhance the quality management of laboratories. It plays an impor- tant role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity and comparability of monitoring data. In this paper, the positive role of proficiency testing in the water quality monitoring was analyzed. In addition, how to improve the water quality monitoring capacity and the quality management level of laboratories through the proficiency testing was also discussed.
文摘In this paper, a novel admission scheme is proposed which provides high degrees of quality of service (QoS) guarantees for multimedia traffic carried in mobile networks. The proposed scheme combines the admission control and bandwidth reservation to guarantee QoS requirements. It considers both local information and remote information to determine whether to accept or reject a connection. In order to embody the characteristics of the algorithms proposed in the article, two traditional algorithms of admission control are used for comparison. In the end of the paper the simulation analyses are given and the results show that the proposed algorithm can adjust the bandwidth according to the current status of networks and decrease the probability of connections forcibly dropped. The most important thing is that the algorithm is based on the multimedia communications and can guarantee the QoS of real time connections through decreasing the bandwidth of non real time connections.
文摘The customer driven dynamic global market and geographical distribution of collaborating partners bring new challenges to the development of quality assurance information system (QAIS) for agile manufacturing. With recent dramatic advances in information technology, firstly the requirements of QAIS are examined in agile manufacturing environment, then a new implementation framework of a distributed QAIS is presented, where a deve loping environment of QAIS is established and some critical techniques are studied. Finally a prototype system based on world wide web (WWW) is accomplished.
文摘Security vulnerability of denial of service (DoS) in time out-medium access control (T-MAC) protocol was discussed and analysis of power consumption at each stage of T-MAC protocol was carried out. For power efficient authentication scheme which can provide reliability, efficiency, and security for a general T-MAC communication, a novel synchronization and authentication scheme using authentication masking code was proposed. Authentication data were repeated and masked by PN sequence. The simulation results show that the proposed approach can provide synchronization and authentication simultaneously for nodes in wireless sensor network (WSN). 63 bits AMC code gives above 99.97% synchronization detection and 93.98% authentication data detection probability in BER 0.031 7.
基金Supported by Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Combined with Medication (Nanjing University of TCM), Ministry of Education, No. KJA200809Shanghai Rising-Star Program, No. 08QA14064Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project, No. S30304
文摘AIM: To investigate the effect and mechanism of electro-acupuncture lEA) at ST25 and ST37 on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of rats. METHODS: A total of 21 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group and EA group. A rat model of IBS was established by constraining the limbs and distending the colorectum of rats. Rats in EA group received bilateral EA at ST25 and ST37 with a sparse and intense waveform at a frequency of 2/50 Hz for 15 min, once a day for 7 d as a course. Rats in normal and model groups were stimulated by distending colorectum (CR). An abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scoring system was used to evaluate improvements in visceral hypersensitivity. Toluidine blue-improved method, immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay were used to observe mucosal mast cells (MC), changes of substance P (SP) and substance P receptor (SPR) in colon and change of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in hypothalamus. RESULTS: The threshold of visceral sense was significantly lower in model group than in normal group,and significantly higher in EA group than in model group. The number of mucosal MC was greater in model group than in normal group and significantly smaller in EA group than in model group. The CRH level in hypothalamus of rats was significantly higher in model group than in normal group, which was remarkably decreased after electro-acupuncture treatment. The SP and SPR expression in colon of rats in model group was decreased after electro-acupuncture treatment. CONCLUSION: EA at ST25 and ST37 can decrease the number of mucosal MC and down-regulate the expression of CRH in hypothalamus, and the expression of SP and SPR in colon of rats with IBS.
文摘OBJECTIVE The current retrospective study aims to evaluate the management of non-functioning the assessment of experience on pituitary macroadenoma through clinical, biochemical, radiological features, and treatment outcome of patients, and to identify prognostic factors affecting progression-free survival (PFS). METHODS Data of 55 patients macroadenoma presented to the with non-functioning pituitary Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine department between 1998 and 2009 were investigated. RESULTS The most common symptom was visual disturbance (38.2%) followed by headache (27.3%). The presence of male predominance was observed (1.4:1). Ten patients received radio-therapy (RT) only. Extrasellar extension was the more common treatment. The overall response rate was 72.8% with completed response at 16.4%. Memory and intellectual sequelae were the most common late complications of treatment (14%). The ten-year PFS was at 84.6%. PFS was found to be significantly better with higher dose of RT (up to 54 Gy), treatment by both surgery and RT, absence of visual field defect, and tumor localized to sella, whereas it was not significantly affected by age and sex. CONCLUSION The data confirmed that the prevalence of mass effect and hypopituitarism in patients with non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma is elevated. Conventional external RT up to 54 Gy is safe and effective in controlling non-functioning pituitary macro- adenoma with tolerable and acceptable morbidity.
文摘Objective:The main purpose of this work was to present a Z-phantom manufactured in home (at National Cancer Institute Cairo University) and it's use in a simple way to check the accuracy of the computed-tomography (CT) table movement and CT gantry tilt, also the other general quality control (QC) tests of the CT simulator used at radiotherapy department. Methods:The laser phantom was used to check the external mobile laser position accuracy, for internal image indicator laser beam (light field) the coincidence between light field and radiation exposure at CT simulator was checked using X-Omat ready back film. The Z-phantom was used to check the slice thickness and the table movement and so the gantry tilts. The image quality testes were checked using the CT image quality phantom. TLDs were inserted to the Cicil phantom at the center of each scan volume to estimate the patient dose. Results:The results showed that the difference in the fixed distance between the external mobile laser and the internal image indicator laser beam was less than ± 1 mm; the orientation of the two mobile lateral lasers was coincident. The mechanical movement and the image quality of the CT simulator were within the tolerances and the results were 0.5 mm, 0.2% and 0.6% for the mechanical movement, noise and image uniformity respectively. Conclusion:A CT simulator with a good performance is important for the radiotherapy treatment planning specially with the extremely revolution in radiotherapy techniques, also a rotten quality assurance (QA) program is very important to be shore about the reproducibility of the CT performance. The use of Z-phantom to check the gantry tilt and the table movement is faster than the use of ready back films in these tests.
文摘The Hong Kong housing authority houses a half po pulation of Hong Kong. It constructs and manages pro perty on a massive scale. In 1989, the housing authority makes the decision that by 1993, its construction project management arm, and all construction companies working for the Housing Authority would be certified to the ISO 9000 standard. This decision is to have a profound and lasting impact on the construction industry in Hong Kong. In 1996, a management enhancement programme is launched. Targeting all 15 000 staff in the housing department, the programme aims at changing the culture of the organization and its partners in delivering high calibre services to customers. This paper examines the motivation and reasons behind the initiatives. It outlines the approach and framework used as the authority changes the mindset of a large department of the civil service.
基金MOH Program on Applied Research in the Prevention and Treatment of AIDS (WA 2003-17)
文摘This paper describes the development and challenge of HIV/AIDS testing laboratory network and quality assurance system in China. At present,the HIV/AIDS testing laboratories includes three classes,the National AIDS Reference Laboratory,HIV/AIDS confirmatory laboratories and HIV/AIDS screening laboratories. All of them are accredited by the health authorities,and each class of laboratories take charge of their function strictly according to the "National Management of HIV/AIDS Detection (2006)". A complete quality assurance and quality control system for HIV/AIDS testing has been developed,which includes technical training,strict laboratory monitoring and approval,examination or proficiency testing on HIV/AIDS detection,and quality evaluation and supervision of HIV/AIDS diagnostic kits. Besides conduct the routine anti-HIV antibody test,more and more laboratories began to conduct other tests,such as CD4+ T lymphocyte cell counting,HIV viral load,HIV DNA PCR,genotyping,drug resistance,and HIV-1 recent infection test. The primary challenges faced by the HIV/AIDS testing laboratory network are in the areas of laboratory management and quality control. For example,the provincial PT program is inefficient,the internal quality control is conducted perfunctorily,personnel training can not met the needs of the workplace,which need to be improved.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.60202005) theFoundation for University Key Teacher by the Ministry of Education in P.R.Chinaalso supported in part by the Australian Research Council (No.LX0240468).
文摘RIO(RED with IN and OUT) is the primary queue management mechanism proposed for assured forwarding in the DiffServ (Differentiated Service) framework. Although RIO can generally provide bandwidth guarantees, its queuing delay is sensitive to the traffic load. This paper presents a qualitative explanation for its origin. As a solution, an Adaptive RIO for Delay (ARIO-D) is proposed to provide guaranteed delay for multimedia traffic. Simulation results show that by trading loss for delay, ARIO-D can effectively improve the robustness of RIO under different and dynamic traffic, and provide stable and differentiated performance of queuing delay without any degradation in performance of throughput.
基金Supported by research funds from the Italian Ministry of University and Research (COFIN Projects No. 2004062155 to GS and RC)
文摘Glial cells in the gut represent the morphological and functional equivalent of astrocytes and microglia in the central nervous system (CNS). In recent years, the role of enteric glial cells (EGCs) has extended from that of simple nutritive support for enteric neurons to that of being pivotal participants in the regulation of inflammatory events in the gut. Similar to the CNS astrocytes, the EGCs physiologically express the SIOOB protein that exerts either trophic or toxic effects depending on its concentration in the extracellular milieu. In the CNS, SIOOB overexpression is responsible for the initiation of a gliotic reaction by the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, which may have a deleterious effect on neighboring cells. SlOOB-mediated pro-inflammatory effects are not limited to the brain: SIOOB overexpression is associated with the onset and maintenance of inflammation in the human gut too. In this review we describe the major features of EGCs and SIOOB protein occurring in intestinal inflammation deriving from such.
基金funded by the program of Active Faults Detection and Seismic Hazard Assessment in Hefei City,Anhui Province
文摘As the most influential strike-slip fault in East China,the Tancheng-Lujiang fault zone draws scholars attention for its strong seismic activity. Nevertheless,most research has been conducted along segments in Shandong Province and Bohai Bay where huge earthquakes occur frequently. Meanwhile,it is generally believed that segments lying to the south of Huaihe River have been inactive since the late Quaternary and thus it is incapable of generating moderate or strong earthquakes. However,these understandings about the Tancheng-Lujiang fault have been questioned by our recent work for part of the fault south to the Huaihe River. Based on interpretation of high-resolution satellite images,detailed field investigations near Wuhe county and Mingguang City in northern Anhui Province and elaborate microstructure analysis, we come to the conclusion that the Tancheng-Lujiang fault zone mainly consists of four branches and at least one should be active since the late Pleistocene for the Wuhe-Mingguang section. This segment is monopolized by dextral strike-slip motion in late Quaternary. Different from obvious faults in bed rocks or consolidated sediments,the latest activity trace in Quaternary loose sediment revealed by trench excavation is not obvious or even invisible to visual observation. According to our recent work and previous studies, we call for more attention to be paid to invisible faults in young sediment and also suggest that more research be conducted along this seemingly placid segment.