Measurement of conversion efficiency of soft X-ray from 0.35μm laser-irradiated aluminum planar targets

Conversion efficiency of soft X-ray from 0.35 μm pulse laser-irradiated aluminium planar target at laser intensities 10¹³–10¹⁵ W/cm² on the Xingguang-II facility (laser energy 5–90 J, focal spot ⊃ Ф 200 μm full width of half maximun (FWHM) 400–800 ps) was measured. A simple model was given to explain soft X-ray conversion efficiency. In this model, because of the heat conduction from the laser-heated spot, the conversion was very small at lower irradiance limit, while at higher limit it was bounded by the energy lost in blow off plasma. Consequently, at the laser intensity around 2×10¹⁴ W/cm², the X-ray conversion efficiency reaches a maximum. Project suppoted by Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Foundation (Grant No. T0104), and Science Foundation of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Education (Grant No. 214680)     

Screening for hearing loss in early childhood programs

This study assessed the feasibility of doing hearing screening in Migrant, American Indian and Early Head Start programs using otoacoustic emissions (OAE) technology. Staff members were trained to screen 0–3-year-old children for hearing loss using hand-held OAE equipment and a multi-step screening and referral protocol. Of the 3486 children screened as a part of the study, 77% passed an OAE screening at the first step, 18% more passed an OAE screening at the second step, and 5% were ultimately referred for medical or audiological follow-up. Eighty children were identified as having a hearing loss or disorder of the outer, middle or inner ear requiring treatment. Of these 80, six had permanent bilateral or unilateral hearing loss. Although the protocol suggested that the multi-step screening procedure should be completed within a 4-week time period or less, analysis of the data showed that for children requiring more than an initial OAE screening, the length of time over which the screening was completed ranged from 7 to 12 weeks. The median time required to complete a single OAE screening session was 4 minutes per child. The results demonstrate that OAE screening of young children using this protocol is practical and effective. The implications for conducting periodic hearing screening throughout early childhood are discussed.     

Wandel in der Fremdsprachenpolitik der DDR

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Activity of metalloproteinases and adiponectin in obese patients— a possible factor of incisional hernias after bariatric procedures

Purpose

Metalloproteinases are a key component of the pathogenesis of abdominal hernias. Obesity is considered a risk factor in herniogenesis and hernia recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum concentrations of metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, MMP-13, and adiponectin in morbidly obese and nonoverweight controls.

Materials and methods

The participants were recruited from among patients undergoing bariatric and non-bariatric surgery and divided into two groups: I (body mass index (BMI)≥35 kg/m², n=40) and II (BMI<25 kg/m², n=30). Serum concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, and adiponectin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

A statistically significant difference between groups was observed for MMP-2 concentration. The median MMP-9 concentration was higher in the obese group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Median MMP-13 concentrations did not differ between groups. Serum adiponectin concentration was insignificantly higher in the non-obese group.

Conclusions

The elevated serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 concentrations in obese individuals may be related to the higher incidence of incisional hernias in this population.