Subwavelength coherent imaging of periodic samples using a 13.5 nm tabletop high-harmonic light source

Coherent diffractive imaging is unique, being the only route for achieving high spatial resolution in the extreme ultraviolet and X-ray regions, limited only by the wavelength of the light. Recently, advances in coherent short-wavelength light sources, coupled with progress in algorithm development, have significantly enhanced the power of X-ray imaging. However, so far, high-fidelity diffraction imaging of periodic objects has been a challenge because the scattered light is concentrated in isolated peaks. Here, we use tabletop 13.5 nm high-harmonic beams to make two significant advances. First, we demonstrate high-quality imaging of an extended, nearly periodic sample for the first time. Second, we achieve subwavelength spatial resolution (12.6 nm) imaging at short wavelengths, also for the first time. The key to both advances is a novel technique called 'modulus enforced probe', which enables robust and quantitative reconstructions of periodic objects. This work is important for imaging next-generation nano-engineered devices

Journey to the East : intercultural adaptation of international students in China

The number of international students studying in Mainland China was comparatively small three decades ago. However, more international students have chosen to study Chinese language and culture in Mainland China due to its booming economy and flourishing employment opportunities in the last ten years. Bevis (2014) informs that the number of American students choosing to study in colleges and universities across Mainland China is quickly rising. Many international students have become interested in studying and living in Mainland China especially after the 2008 Beijing Olympic

Immediate versus deferred treatment for advanced prostatic cancer: Initial results of the Medical Research Council trial

Objective To compare the effect on the course of advanced prostate cancer of hormone treatment commenced on diagnosis with that deferred until clinically significant progression occurs. Patients and methods Nine hundred and thirty-eight patients with locally advanced or asymptomatic metastatic prostate cancer were randomized either to immediate treatment (orchidectomy or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue) or to the same treatment deferred until an indication occurred, Follow-up and management were otherwise according to the participating clinician's normal practice. Information was collected annually on survival, local and distant progression, and major complications (pathological fracture, spinal cord compression, ureteric obstruction and extra-skeletal metastases). Results Follow-up data were returned on 934 patients; 51 deferred patients died from causes other than prostate cancer before treatment was started (but only five of these presented at age <70 years) and 29 died from prostate cancer before treatment could be started, Treatment was commenced for local progression almost as frequently as for metastatic disease, Progression from M0 to M1 disease (P<0.001, two-tailed) and development of metastatic pain occurred more rapidly in deferred patients; 141 deferred patients needed transurethral resection for local progression compared with 65 treated immediately (P<0.001, two-tailed). Pathological fracture, spinal cord compression, ureteric obstruction and development of extra-skeletal metastases were twice as common in deferred patients. Of the patients who died, 67% did so from prostate cancer; 361 patients died in the deferred arm compared with 328 in the immediate arm (P=0.02, two-tailed), where 257 and 203 were deaths from prostate cancer, respectively (P=0.001 two-tailed). This difference was seen largely in M0 patients, with 119 and 81 deaths from prostate cancer, respectively (P<0.001 two-tailed). Conclusions The results consistently favour immediate treatment, although some of the data, especially on M0 patients, are immature. The implications for management of advanced prostate cancer are discussed

Effects of Atmospheric Rivers

This book is intended to summarize the state of the science of atmospheric rivers (ARs) and itsapplication to practical decision-making and broader policy topics. It is the first book on thesubject and is intended to be a learning resource for professionals, students, and indeed anyonenew to the field, as well as a reference source for all.We first envisioned the book during the heady days of 2013 when the Center for WesternWeather and Water Extremes was being planned and established. However, right from the start,we recognized that the effort required would exceed that of any single or couple of authors, andthat the book would surely benefit from a broad range of perspectives and knowledge from avariety of leaders of atmospheric-river science from around the world. Consequently, the firststep toward this book was to organize workshops addressing various aspects of AR science thatwe were able to co-opt, in part, for recruitment of, and discussions among, possible contributingauthors. This led to the diverse authorship team that ultimately wrote this book, as well asour engagement of an experienced publication and book editing team. Among the strategiesagreed to by the contributing authors, one key decision was that the book would focus mostlyon results that have already been published and would emphasize figures and references fromthose formal publications. Where vital, new information has been developed and incorporated.Each chapter was led by a few expert lead authors recruited by the four of us, and those chapterleads recruited contributions from other experts on the chapter topic. Each chapter wasreviewed by other specialists who were not part of its authorship team, generally including onehighly technical expert and one reviewer intended to represent members of a broader audience.This helped ensure the accuracy of interpretations as well as high standards and accessibilityof presentation. We, the editors of the book, reviewed all chapters at various stages of compositionand layout.Given currently high levels of interest in ARs in the scientific community as well as by thepublic, we hope that the book will be a useful starting place for many readers. Writing a bookabout a topic that is as new and that is advancing as quickly as AR science is today (in 2018)poses many difficult challenges but, with the help of the large team of expert authors who havecontributed, we believe that, with this book, we are providing a firm foundation for futureexpansion and advances in this important field.Fil: Dettinger, Michael D.. United States Geological Survey; Estados UnidosFil: Lavers, David A.. No especifíca;Fil: Compo, Gilbert P.. State University of Colorado at Boulder; Estados UnidosFil: Gorodetskaya, Irina V.. Universidade de Aveiro; PortugalFil: Neff, William. State University of Colorado at Boulder; Estados UnidosFil: Neiman, Paul J.. National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration; Estados UnidosFil: Ramos, Alexandre M.. Universidade Nova de Lisboa; PortugalFil: Rutz, Jonathan J.. National Weather Service; Estados UnidosFil: Viale, Maximiliano. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Nivología, Glaciología y Ciencias Ambientales. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Nivología, Glaciología y Ciencias Ambientales. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Nivología, Glaciología y Ciencias Ambientales; ArgentinaFil: Wade, Andrew J.. University of Reading; Reino UnidoFil: White, Allen B.. National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration; Estados Unido

European Hernia Society guidelines on the closure of abdominal wall incisions

Background: The material and the surgical technique used to close an abdominal wall incision are important determinants of the risk of developing an incisional hernia. Optimising closure of abdominal wall incisions holds a potential to prevent patients suffering from incisional hernias and for important costs savings in health care. Methods: The European Hernia Society formed a Guidelines Development Group to provide guidelines for all surgical specialists who perform abdominal incisions in adult patients on the materials and methods used to close the abdominal wall. The guidelines were developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and methodological guidance was taken from Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). The literature search included publications up to April 2014. The guidelines were written using the AGREE II instrument. An update of these guidelines is planned for 2017. Results: For many of the Key Questions that were studied no high quality data was detected. Therefore, some strong recommendations could be made but, for many Key Questions only weak recommendations or no recommendation could be made due to lack of sufficient evidence. Recommendations: To decrease the incidence of incisional hernias it is strongly recommended to utilise a non-midline approach to a laparotomy whenever possible. For elective midline incisions, it is strongly recommended to perform a continuous suturing technique and to avoid the use of rapidly absorbable sutures. It is suggested using a slowly absorbable monofilament suture in a single layer aponeurotic closure technique without separate closure of the peritoneum. A small bites technique with a suture to wound length (SL/WL) ratio at least 4/1 is the current recommended method of fascial closure. Currently, no recommendations can be given on the optimal technique to close emergency laparotomy incisions. Prophylactic mesh augmentation appears effective and safe and can be suggested in high-risk patients, like aortic aneurysm surgery and obese patients. For laparoscopic surgery, it is suggested using the smallest trocar size adequate for the procedure and closure of the fascial defect if trocars larger or equal to 10 mm are used. For single incision laparoscopic surgery, we suggest meticulous closure of the fascial incision to avoid an increased risk of incisional hernias