Solar extreme ultraviolet variability of the quiet Sun

The last solar minimum has been unusually quiet compared to the previous minima (since space-based radiometric measurements are available). The Sun's magnetic flux was substantially lower during this minimum. Some studies also show that the total solar irradiance during the minimum after cycle 23 may have dropped below the values known from the two minima prior to that. For chromospheric and coronal radiation, the situation is less clear-cut. The Sun's 10.7\,cm flux shows a decrease of $\sim4\%$ during the solar minimum in 2008 compared to the previous minimum, but \ion{Ca}{II} K does not. Here we consider additional wavelengths in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV), specifically transitions of \ion{He}{I} at 584.3\,\AA\ and \ion{O}{V} at 629.7\,\AA , of which the CDS spectrometer aboard SOHO has been taking regular scans along the solar central meridian since 1996. We analysed this unique dataset to verify if and how the radiance distribution undergoes measurable variations between cycle minima. To achieve this aim we determined the radiance distribution of quiet areas around the Sun centre. Concentrating on the last two solar minima, we found out that there is very little variation in the radiance distribution of the chromospheric spectral line \ion{He}{I} between these minima. The same analysis shows a modest, although significant, 4\% variation in the radiance distribution of the transition region spectral line \ion{O}{V}. These results are comparable to those obtained by earlier studies employing other spectral features, and they confirm that chromospheric indices display a small variation, whereas in the TR a more significant reduction of the brighter features is visible

SecConNet:Smart and secure container networks for trusted big data sharing

There are many organizations interested in sharing data with others. However, they can do this only if a secure platform is available. Digital Data Marketplaces (DDMs) are emerging as a framework for organizations to share their data. To increase trust among participating organizations multiple agreements should be established to determine policies about who has access to what. Translating these high-level sharing policies to actionable code and setting up an infrastructure that implements and enforces the policies is still a big challenge.In SecConNet, we research novel container network architectures, which utilize programmable infrastructures and virtualization technologies across multiple administrative domains whilst maintaining the security and quality requirements of requesting parties for both private sector and scientific use cases. Containers are lightweight alternatives to full-fledged virtual machines. A container can operate as a secure, isolated, and individual entity that on behalf of its owner manages and processes the data it is given. However, for multi-organization (chain) applications groups of containers need access to the same data and/or need to exchange data among them. Technologies to connect containers are developed with primary attention to their performance, but the greatest challenge is the creation of secure and reliable multi-domain container networks. We first investigate different technologies to evaluate their capabilities to support the network infrastructure requirements in secure data sharing. We then proposed a P4-based network to be able to build a multi-domain DDM. Finally, we use the capabilities of the P4-based network to monitor the transactions in the DDM

SecConNet:Smart and secure container networks for trusted big data sharing

There are many organizations interested in sharing data with others. However, they can do this only if a secure platform is available. Digital Data Marketplaces (DDMs) are emerging as a framework for organizations to share their data. To increase trust among participating organizations multiple agreements should be established to determine policies about who has access to what. Translating these high-level sharing policies to actionable code and setting up an infrastructure that implements and enforces the policies is still a big challenge.In SecConNet, we research novel container network architectures, which utilize programmable infrastructures and virtualization technologies across multiple administrative domains whilst maintaining the security and quality requirements of requesting parties for both private sector and scientific use cases. Containers are lightweight alternatives to full-fledged virtual machines. A container can operate as a secure, isolated, and individual entity that on behalf of its owner manages and processes the data it is given. However, for multi-organization (chain) applications groups of containers need access to the same data and/or need to exchange data among them. Technologies to connect containers are developed with primary attention to their performance, but the greatest challenge is the creation of secure and reliable multi-domain container networks. We first investigate different technologies to evaluate their capabilities to support the network infrastructure requirements in secure data sharing. We then proposed a P4-based network to be able to build a multi-domain DDM. Finally, we use the capabilities of the P4-based network to monitor the transactions in the DDM

The diagnostic value of the resistivity index of the common carotid arteries in severe internal carotid artery stenosis

Duplex ultrasound is currently used both for screening and for preoperative assessment of the carotid arteries and has completely replaced carotid angiography for the latter purpose in many institutions. The study aimed to identify resistivity index abnormalities in the common carotid arteries in patients with occluded or severely stenosed internal carotid arteries. Sixteen patients with severe internal carotid artery stenosis or occlusion over a twelve-month period were studied by duplex ultrasonography. The resistivity index in the common carotid artery was 0.85 &#177; 0.03 on the stenotic side compared to 0.74 &#177; 0.04 on the opposite side (p < 0.05). There was no side difference regarding flow velocity. In patients with occluded or severely stenosed internal carotid arteries compensatory vasodilation occurs in cerebral vessels on the same side, and this is also significant, resulting in a decrease in the resistivity index in the common carotid artery of the opposite side

Effect of acupressure on cervical ripening

Background: Cervical ripening is one of the main stages of initiation labor. Acupressure in Chinese medicine is considered as an invasive technique, which through reliving oxytocin ripens the cervix. Acupoint Sanyinjiao (SP6) was selected in this study because it is the acupoint selected in gynecology and it is easy for women to locate and apply pressure without medical assistance. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of acupressure on cervical ripening. Patients and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 150 primigravida with term pregnancy who had referred to Deziani hospital in Gorgan were chosen and divided to three groups: in the first group acupressure was done by the researcher while in the second groups this was performed by the mother her self, and the third group served as a control and only received routine care. For both intervention groups the pressure was applied on Sp6 for about 20 minutes during one to five days. Elements were checked from cervical ripening at 48 and 96 hours after intervention and at the time of hospitalization. The tools for gathering information included demographic characteristics and midwifery history questionnaire, daily records and follow up forms. Content validity was used for validity of tools. Reliability of the observation check-list and physical examination was confirmed by inter-rater scores (inter observer), and daily records by test-re-test. Data was analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-squared tests (P ≤ 0.05). Results: There was a significant difference between mothers’ educations in the three groups. Most of the mothers (59.5%) in the researcher-performed acupressure group had secondary education. Cervical ripening was significantly different between the three groups after 48 hours (P ≤ 0.05), yet there was no significant difference after 96 hours and at the time of admission. Mean Bishop score was enhanced after 48 hours in the researcher-performed acupressure group (P ≤ 0.021) and the self-performed acupressure group (P ≤ 0.007) in comparison to the control group. Conclusions: The results showed that acupressure is a safe technique and leads to cervical ripening. Thus, regarding the desired results that were achieved when mothers applied acupressure themselves, it could be suggested that it is beneficial for mothers to be trained to apply this method at home. © 2015, Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal

Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning in Animals

Several articles have showed the effect of ALP toxicity on different organs. Toxicity mechanisms are not clearly understood yet. Due to the potential increased use of ALP as a fumigant and the lack of adequate toxicity data, previous studies were re-evaluated to characterize the epidemiological, toxicological, and clinical/ pathological aspects of ALP poisoning and its management. Related terms were looked up in bibliographical databases such as the Tehran University Medical Science Digital Library, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and British library. The studies suggest that phosphine targets the mitochondria and inhibits respiration in rat liver mitochondria, insect mitochondria, and intact nematodes. On the other hand, glutathione (GSH) levels are reduced in various tissues of ALP-poisoned rats, while remaining unchanged in insects and mammalian cells. Also, acetylcholine signaling is an important component of phosphine toxicity. Phosphine (PH3) induces oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in insects, mammalian cells, and other animals. There is no known antidote for ALP intoxication; but, melatonin as an effective antidote protects against oxidative damage in the brain, lung, and liver of the rats and suggests the involvement of ROS in the genotoxicity of PH3. Cholinesterase inhibition responds to treatment with atropine, pralidoxime, and oral sweet almond oil, especially if used immediately after ALP poisoning. Several treatments have been used in animals some of which have not been tested in human-beings yet. Such treatments should be given in controlled situations with the hope they may be helpful in treating these patients

3D printing of PEEK-based medical devices

open access articlePolyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) is an excellent thermoplastic alternative to metallic biomaterials which is used for loadbearing applications due to its high strength and stiffness, and biocompatibility with no cytotoxic effects. However, a potential clinical concern is that PEEK alone is not bioactive enough, and thus has limited fixation to bone. To overcome this problem, bioactive materials and/or porosity are incorporated into PEEK medical devices. The latest developments in these two strategies are presented. in this paper. Bioactive PEEK/hydroxyapatite (HA) prepared by integration of 3D printing and compression molding is presented in this paper. In addition, nozzle and build plate temperatures for 3D printing of porous PEEK were optimized using genetic algorithm (GA) to achieve the highest mechanical strength for load bearing applications such as spinal fusion cages