Energy efficient engine sector combustor rig test program

Under the NASA-sponsored Energy Efficient Engine program, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft has successfully completed a comprehensive combustor rig test using a 90-degree sector of an advanced two-stage combustor with a segmented liner. Initial testing utilized a combustor with a conventional louvered liner and demonstrated that the Energy Efficient Engine two-stage combustor configuration is a viable system for controlling exhaust emissions, with the capability to meet all aerothermal performance goals. Goals for both carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons were surpassed and the goal for oxides of nitrogen was closely approached. In another series of tests, an advanced segmented liner configuration with a unique counter-parallel FINWALL cooling system was evaluated at engine sea level takeoff pressure and temperature levels. These tests verified the structural integrity of this liner design. Overall, the results from the program have provided a high level of confidence to proceed with the scheduled Combustor Component Rig Test Program

Assessing China's Hegemonic Ambitions Amidst the Eastward Shift of Global Power: An Analysis of Offensive Realism and Economic Growth

Rising of China and gradual decline of United States (US) influence, coupled with the eastward shift of power has led some scholars to suggest that China will replace hegemonic position of the US. China-U. S rivalry is not a new scholarly topic. This study contributes to the existing scholarship on China-US competition by providing a comparative analysis of hegemonic pathways, comparing its current economic and geopolitical situation with the historical trajectory of US hegemony and offering insights into the limitations of China's protentional to be regional hegemon. Anchored on Mearsheimer’s hypothesis, which posits that regional hegemony is a prerequisite for global hegemony, and the analysis of the relations between economic superiority and hegemony, this study seeks to answer whether China can become a regional hegemon amidst eastward shift of power and the ongoing rivalry with the US. It frames China's challenge to US hegemony as an attempt to take a hegemonic position within the existing order, rather than advocating for the new. Through qualitative and quantitative analyses this research suggests that while China may lessen US influence but won't replace US hegemony. Key reasons include are:1) The US, along with its allies, aims to limit China's influence, and China’s inability to exclude US influence in Asia; 2) The highest GDP does not guarantee hegemony; 3) Asia’s traditional multipolarity

Mao Zedong and Legalism: A Lifelong Defense of a Classical Chinese Philosophy

The purpose of this study is to investigate a lesser-known facet of Mao Zedong's political ideology-legalism- and examine the effects it had on his leadership. Mao, the founder of the People's Republic of China (PRC), is widely known for his communist ideology and autocratic governance style. However, a lesser-known aspect of his political life is his fervent support for Legalism and his criticism of Confucianism, which has not been sufficiently examined in academic studies. Legalism, one of the four main traditional Chinese philosophies-along with Confucianism, Daoism, and Mohism-has had a profound influence on Chinese governance. By employing a qualitative analysis of historical texts and research articles, this study focuses on Legalist effect on Mao life from the childhood, his debate surrounding Legalism and Confucianism, and the application of Legalist principles in his political practices. Findings on this paper indicates that Mao was a fanatic defender of Legalism despite he officially embraced communism as the guiding doctrine of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). His quasi-academic debate over Legalism highlights how research objectivity could be compromised under an autocratic regime. Furthermore, the study reveals Mao’s despotic leadership formed by Legalism and Leninist-Stalinist Communism during the Great Leap Forward, showcasing the risks associated with his governance style. This article adds to the existing scholarship by providing a subtle understanding of Mao's ideology, highlighting his engagement with Legalism. It challenges the conventional view of Mao solely as a communist leader, revealing the impact of traditional Chinese philosophy on his governance and modern political practices

Protective Role of DNA Repair XRCC3 Thr241Met Polymorphism on Development of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

9th International Meeting of the International-Society-for-the-Study-of-Xenobiotics(ISSX) -- SEP 04-08, 2010 -- Istanbul, TURKEY[Anstract Not Available]Int Soc Study Xenobio

Retrospektivna analiza graničnih tumora jajnika: ishodi u jednom centru

We wanted to discuss our experiences in the approach to borderline ovarian tumors, which constitute a group different from epithelial ovarian tumors with respect to their biological structure in line with retrospective information gathered from our cases. A total of 25 patients operated on for the indication of adnexal masses diagnosed as borderline ovarian tumors based on frozen section results were included in our study. Patient age, tumor diameter, tumor markers and surgeries performed were discussed in the light of the literature. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software. The patient mean age was 43.84±11.34 years. The mass was localized in the right (n=13), left (n=11) or both (n=1) adnexal regions. The mean tumor diameter was 12.9±5.84 cm. Histopathologic examination established the diagnosis of serous borderline (n=14 patients) and mucinous borderline (n=11) ovarian tumors. Although the results of our study are consistent with current literature data, a greater number of current studies should be performed on borderline ovarian tumors, which are defined as a class of tumors different from epithelial ovarian tumors.Želja nam je opisati naša iskustva u pristupu graničnim tumorima jajnika kao skupini tumora koji se razlikuju od epitelnih tumora jajnika prema biološkoj strukturi, sukladno retrospektivnim podacima prikupljenim iz naših slučajeva. U istraživanje je bilo uključeno 25 bolesnica operiranih pod indikacijom adneksnih tvorevina dijagnosticiranih kao granični tumori jajnika na osnovi rezultata dobivenih iz zamrznutih uzoraka. Prikazani su sljedeći podaci bolesnica: dob, promjer tumora, tumorski biljezi i izvedeni operativni zahvati, u odnosu na literaturne podatke. Statistička analiza je provedena primjenom programa SPSS. Srednja dob bolesnica bila je 43,84±11,34 godine. Tumorska masa bila je smještena u desnoj (n=13) ili lijevoj (n=11) adneksnoj regiji, a kod jedne bolesnice u objema adneksnim regijama. Srednji promjer tumora bio je 12,9±5,84 cm. Histopatološkom analizom postavljena je dijagnoza seroznog graničnog (n=14) i mucinoznog graničnog (n=11) tumora jajnika. Iako su rezultati ovoga istraživanja sukladni literaturnim podacima, potrebno je provesti veći broj studija graničnih tumora jajnika, koji se definiraju kao vrsta tumora različita od epitelnih tumora jajnika

Surgical management of nonobstructive azoospermia

Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is characterized by the complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate due to testicular failure. The evaluation and management of patients with NOA offer a challenge to the reproductive urologist. In the era of in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection, surgical sperm extraction techniques can afford men with NOA biologic paternity. To provide a comprehensive review of surgical sperm retrieval approaches in the patient with NOA emphasizing complications, success rates and outcome optimization, a Medline search was conducted querying surgical approaches used to manage NOA. Four sperm extraction techniques are described including: testicular sperm aspiration, testicular sperm extraction, fine needle aspiration mapping and microdissection testicular sperm extraction. In addition, the roles for pre-extraction varicocelectomy and sperm cryopreservation are discussed. The management of NOA continues to evolve as newer tools become available. Several modalities of sperm acquisition exist. An understanding of their complications and success rates is fundamental to the treatment of NOA

EPHX1 GENE TYR113HIS VARIANT ALONE, or in COMBINATION with XRCC1 ARG399GLN POLYMORPHISM SIGNIFICANTLY and CONSIDERABLY INCREASED THE RISK of CHILDHOOD ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LUKEMIA

9th International Meeting of the International-Society-for-the-Study-of-Xenobiotics(ISSX) -- SEP 04-08, 2010 -- Istanbul, TURKEY[Anstract Not Available]Int Soc Study Xenobio

Severe male infertility after failed ICSI treatment-a phenomenological study of men's experiences

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Male-factor infertility underlies approximately 30% of infertility in couples seeking treatment; of which 10% is due to azoospermia. The development of assisted reproductive technology (ART), enabling the use of epididymal or testicular sperm for fertilization of the partner's oocytes, has made biological fatherhood possible for men with obstructive azoospermia. There is limited knowledge of men's experience of their own infertility. The aim of this study was to describe men's experiences of obstructive azoospermia infertility.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Eight men with obstructive azoospermia, who had terminated Swedish public health system ART treatment two years previously without subsequent childbirth, were interviewed using a descriptive phenomenological method.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The essence of the phenomenon is expressed with a metaphor: climbing a mountain step by step with the aim of reaching the top, i.e. having a child and thus a family with a child. Four constituents are included (1) inadequacy followed by a feeling of redress (2) marginalisation, (3) chivalry (4) extension of life and starting a family as driving forces.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Knowledge of men's experiences of their own infertility is important as a supporting measure to increase the quality of care of infertile couples. By adopting this facet of gender perspective in fertility treatment guidelines, care can hopefully be optimized.</p

Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline PART II

Purpose: The summary presented herein represents Part II of the two-part series dedicated to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline. Part II outlines the appropriate management of the male in an infertile couple. Medical therapies, surgical techniques, as well as use of intrauterine insemination (IUI)/in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are covered to allow for optimal patient management. Please refer to Part I for discussion on evaluation of the infertile male and discussion of relevant health conditions that are associated with male infertility. Materials/methods: The Emergency Care Research Institute Evidence-based Practice Center team searched PubMed®, Embase®, and Medline from January 2000 through May 2019. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, additional information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions (table[Table: see text]). This summary is being simultaneously published in Fertility and Sterility and The Journal of Urology. Results: This Guideline provides updated, evidence-based recommendations regarding management of male infertility. Such recommendations are summarized in the associated algorithm (figure[Figure: see text]). Conclusion: Male contributions to infertility are prevalent, and specific treatment as well as assisted reproductive techniques are effective at managing male infertility. This document will undergo additional literature reviews and updating as the knowledge regarding current treatments and future treatment options continues to expand