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The utilization of renewable energy as a future energy resource is drawing significant attention worldwide. The contribution of solar energy (including concentrating solar power (CSP) and solar photovoltaic (PV) power) to global electricity production, as one form of renewable energy sources, is generally still low, at 3.6%. However, it has firmly established itself among other renewable energy technologies, comprising nearly 31% of the total installed renewable energy capacity in 2022, making it the second most installed renewable energy resource behind hydropower energy. The present review study, through a detailed and systematic literature survey, summarizes the world solar energy status along with the published solar energy potential assessment articles for 235 countries and territories as the first step toward developing solar energy in these regions. A comparison of the solar power status among countries and territories has been provided, considering their concentrated solar power and PV installed capacities for each continent. Although there has been a significant increase of approximately 22% in global solar energy installed capacity between 2021 and 2022, the literature survey reveals that clear gaps still exist in the field of solar energy. In the next three decades, the solar PV field can advance to become the second prominent generation source by constructing more solar farms, allowing countries to generate approximately 25% of the world's total electricity needs by 2050.

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Friction stir processing is one of the solid-state processes which can be used to modify the structure and properties of alloys. In addition, it has become one of the most promising techniques for the preparation of the surface layer composites. To pursue cost savings and a time-efficient design, the mathematical model and optimization of the process can represent a valid choice for engineers. Friction stir processing was employed to generate an Al 6061/Al2O3-TiB2hybrid composite layer, and mechanical properties such as the hardness and wear behavior were also measured. The relationship between the hardness and wear behavior, process parameters of friction stir processing were evaluated using an artificial neural network and response surface methodology. The rotational speed (1500–1800 rpm), traverse speeds (25, 50, 100 mm/min), and the number of passes (1–4) with constant axial force (2.61 kN) were used as the input, while the hardness and weight loss values were the output. Experimentally, the results showed that the process parameters have significant effect on hardness and wear behavior of Al 6061/Al2O3-TiB2. In addition, the developed artificial neural network and response surface methodology models can be employed as alternative methods to compute the hardness and weight loss for given process parameters. The results of both models showed that the estimated values for the hardness and wear behavior of the processed zone had an error less than 0.60%, which indicated reliability, and an evaluation of the estimated values of both models and the experimental values confirmed that the artificial neural network is a better model than response surface methodology.

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the reason(s) behind the ongoing fadedness of the traditional architectural identity of Basra city. This is because, Basra has long been known for its traditional architectural identity over the last centuries. However, this traditional identity has significantly faded given the modernisation process that happened and is continuing to happen, especially, after the 2003 war which prompted an increase in investment projects in the city. This observation has led the researchers to hypothesise that one of the main reasons behind the continuing fadedness of this traditional identity is the lack of effective design approval process (DAP) that evaluates submitted investment projects design for its inclusion for the heritage of the city. Thus, the aim of this paper is to test this hypothesis. Design/methodology/approach: The case study research methodology is used to solicit the relevant data necessary for effectively testing this hypothesis. Four key organisations are studied and semi-structured interview, observations and documentation analysis are used as main data collection methods. Findings: The result has revealed a clear lack in the current DAP. It has been evident that the technical evaluation guidelines lack the necessary criteria that can be used to check if Basra's traditional architectural identity is reflected in the submitted design for proposed investment projects in the city. Originality/value: This finding can help relevant governmental agencies understand the reason behind the disappearance of Basra architectural identity and build on efforts to improve their technical evaluation guideline to address this issue.

The proliferation of smart grids (SG) has facilitated the seamless integration of Renewable Energy Sources (REs), such as photovoltaic (PV) systems, into traditional grid infrastructure. As governments strive to mitigate the negative impacts of global warming, investment in these transparent energy sources has surged. This work aims to develop a real-time management system utilizing MATLAB/Simulink for the optimization of charging and discharging of Electrical Vehicle (EV) batteries, thereby enhancing their role as auxiliary power sources. The key objectives are power consumption reduction, grid stability improvement, and bidirectional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and grid-to-vehicle (G2V) power flow. The proposed simulation addresses critical challenges such as voltage and frequency regulations, power loss, and harmonic distortion. By the usage of commercial data, the model considers flexibility for EV owners based on their preferences and represents the power consumption of four EV batteries and four households. Key findings demonstrate that the system effectively maximized the utilization of EV batteries, and voltage regulation, leading to a significant enhancement in grid efficiency and stability besides the significant amount of total power consumption reduction in comparison to uncontrolled condition charging. Moreover, the modified system supports the integration of other distributed energy sources, such as energy storage systems and demand-side management strategies. This paper provides a robust solution for enhancing grid performance with better sustainability through advanced EV battery management.

Background: This study was conducted to determine the effects of vitamin D supplementation on some of the gene expressions related to insulin and lipid metabolism in diabetic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 55 patients with diabetic HD. The current project used two groups in which each subject received vitamin D supplements (50,000 IU, n=28) or placebo (50,000 IU, n=27) every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. Gene expression analyses (RT-PCR) were included to obtain the rate of gene expression of the related insulin and lipid metabolism genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with diabetic HD. Results: Our data revealed that consumption of vitamin D supplementation enables to overexpress the peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) (P=0.001), AKT (P=0.04), PI3K (P=0.02), insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS1) (P0.008) and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT-4) (P=0.01) and downregulate the expression of protein kinase C (PKC) (P=0.001) in patients with diabetic HD than control group following the 12-week intervention. In addition, vitamin D supplementation downregulated low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) (P=0.03) expression in the subjects with diabetic HD than the control group. Vitamin D supplementation did not show any effects on the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) (P=0.37), IRS2 (P=0.90) and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] (P=0.05). Conclusion: Our findings confirmed that diabetic HD subjects who received the vitamin D supplementation (for 12 weeks), showed a significant overexpression in the PPAR-γ, AKT, PI3K, IRS1 and GLUT4 genes, and also showed a significant downregulation in the PKC and LDLR genes. Moreover, no effects on PDK1, IRS2 and Lp(a) expression were observed.

The new methodology of energy labeling and rating for window fenestration, which are produced in Iran, has been explained in this study. Iran has been divided into 10 regions using climatic conditions and solar radiation similarity in different geographic areas. According to different heat transfer mechanisms through windows and with consideration of gain and loss utilization factors of the reference building, the energy performance index of different types of windows has been determined in each regions and allowable range of changes in energy performance index of window fenestrations has been divided into 7 energy grades. In this regard, the allowable energy performance index of windows in cold region should be less than 367 KWh/m2·Yr and if energy performance index of window is less 89 kwh/m2·Yr, window energy grade will be equal to A. The National standardization organization has forced all window Manufacturers to specify the energy performance index and energy label of produced windows in accordance with introduced method in this research.

The Al6061/Al2O3–TiB2surface hybrid composites were produced using friction stir processing. The effect of the tool pin profile was investigated on the microstructure and mechanical properties including hardness and wear resistance. For this purpose, simple cylindrical, threaded cylindrical, taper, square, and triangular pin profiles were used. X-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the used powder. Light and scanning electron microscopes were utilized for the microstructural observations of the processed samples. The results showed that the distribution of Al2O3–TiB2particles in the specimens produced using square and triangular tool pin profiles was more uniform due to their tool geometry, which results in better stirring of the material and good material flow. Consequently, a greater reduction of particle clustering was observed, and hence the mechanical properties were enhanced. Moreover, the samples produced using square and triangular pin profiles exhibited more grain refinement than the other samples. More uniform structure, less clustering, and finer grains produced by square and triangular pin profiles caused higher hardness and wear resistance of the samples.

Friction stir welding was used to join two aluminum 6061-T6 plates with an insert of a pure copper plate (Al/Cu/Al), and then the influence of the copper insert on the joint performance was studied. The dissimilar welding results were also compared with AA 6061 friction stir welds produced without copper insert (Al/Al). Optical and scanning electron microscopes were used for the microstructural observations of the welded samples. X-ray diffraction analysis was used to analyze phase component of the Al/Cu/Al specimen. A defect-free joint was observed for the Al/Cu/Al joint at a rotational speed of 950 r/min and a welding speed of 50 mm/min. Microstructural observation of the weld nugget zone (WNZ) demonstrates the formation of composite-like structure which promotes metallurgical bonding of aluminum and copper. XRD results show the formation of intermetallic compounds (IMCs), such as Al4Cu9and Al2Cu. Furthermore, it was observed that the hardness of the weld with the Cu insert plate is higher than that of other samples due to more dislocation density and a distinct rise in hardness values was observed due to the presence of IMCs. The ultimate tensile strength of the joint with copper insert plate is higher than that of the other sample due to the strong metallurgical bonding between Al and Cu.

The Hermite-Hadamard inequality is regarded as one of the most favorable inequalities from the research point of view. Currently, mathematicians are working on extending, improving, and generalizing this inequality. This article presents conticrete inequalities of the Hermite-Hadamard-Jensen-Mercer type in weighted and unweighted forms by using the idea of majorization and convexity together with generalized conformable fractional integral operators. They not only represent continuous and discrete inequalities in compact form but also produce generalized inequalities connecting various fractional operators such as Hadamard, Katugampola, Riemann-Liouville, conformable, and Rieman integrals into one single form. Also, two new integral identities have been investigated pertaining a differentiable function and three tuples. By using these identities and assuming ∣f′∣| f^{\prime} | and ∣f′∣q(q>1)| f^{\prime} {| }^{q}\hspace{0.33em}\left(q\gt 1)as convex, we deduce bounds concerning the discrepancy of the terms of the main inequalities.

Management recommendations for differentiated thyroid cancer are evolving. Total thyroidectomy is the backbone of curative-intent therapy, with radioiodine ablation (RAI) of the thyroid remnant routinely performed, in order to facilitate serologic surveillance and reduce recurrence risk. Several single-institution series have identified patient subsets for whom recurrence risk is sufficiently low that RAI may not be indicated. Further, the appropriate dose of RAI specific to variable clinicopathologic presentations remains poorly defined. While recent randomized trials demonstrated equivalent thyroid remnant ablation rates between low- and high-dose RAI, long-term oncologic endpoints remain unreported. While RAI may be employed to facilitate surveillance following total thyroidectomy, cancer recurrence risk reduction is not demonstrated in favorable-risk patients with tumor size =1 cm without high-risk pathologic features. When RAI is indicated, in patients without macroscopic residual disease or metastasis, the evidence suggests that the rate of successful remnant ablation following total thyroidectomy is equivalent between doses of 30–50 mCi and doses =100 mCi, with fewer acute side effects; however, in the setting of subtotal thyroidectomy or when preablation diagnostic scan uptake is >2%, higher doses are associated with improved ablation rates. Historical series demonstrate conflicting findings of long-term cancer control rates between dose levels; long-term results from modern series have yet to be reported. For high-risk patients, including those with positive surgical margins, gross extrathyroidal extension, lymph node involvement, subtotal thyroidectomy, or >5% uptake, higher-dose RAI therapy appears to provide superior rates of ablation and cancer control.

Management recommendations for differentiated thyroid cancer are evolving. Total thyroidectomy is the backbone of curative-intent therapy, with radioiodine ablation (RAI) of the thyroid remnant routinely performed, in order to facilitate serologic surveillance and reduce recurrence risk. Several single-institution series have identified patient subsets for whom recurrence risk is sufficiently low that RAI may not be indicated. Further, the appropriate dose of RAI specific to variable clinicopathologic presentations remains poorly defined. While recent randomized trials demonstrated equivalent thyroid remnant ablation rates between low- and high-dose RAI, long-term oncologic endpoints remain unreported. While RAI may be employed to facilitate surveillance following total thyroidectomy, cancer recurrence risk reduction is not demonstrated in favorable-risk patients with tumor size ≤1 cm without high-risk pathologic features. When RAI is indicated, in patients without macroscopic residual disease or metastasis, the evidence suggests that the rate of successful remnant ablation following total thyroidectomy is equivalent between doses of 30–50 mCi and doses ≥100 mCi, with fewer acute side effects; however, in the setting of subtotal thyroidectomy or when preablation diagnostic scan uptake is >2%, higher doses are associated with improved ablation rates. Historical series demonstrate conflicting findings of long-term cancer control rates between dose levels; long-term results from modern series have yet to be reported. For high-risk patients, including those with positive surgical margins, gross extrathyroidal extension, lymph node involvement, subtotal thyroidectomy, or >5% uptake, higher-dose RAI therapy appears to provide superior rates of ablation and cancer control.

AbstractPunching shear failure is a major problem encountered in the design of reinforced concrete flat plates. The utilization of shear reinforcement via shear studs or other means has become a choice for improving the punching shear capacity. In this study, a new alternative of reinforcement, the introduction of rebar mesh at the middle of flat plate thickness covering the punching zone and anchored outside this zone, is proposed. Nevertheless, in this investigation, the proposed reinforcement system is examined for interior columns only.An experimental work consisting of eight specimens, of normal and high strength concrete, and an expanded analytical work using the finite element method had been carried out in order to investigate the effect of this additional reinforcement for both normal strength and high strength concrete. The computer program ANSYS-V12.0 has been utilized in the finite element analysis.The obtained results indicate that, the proposed shear reinforcement system has a positive effect in the enhancement of both the punching shear capacity and the strain energy of interior slab–column connection of both normal and high strength concrete. The general finite element software ANSYS can be used successfully to simulate the punching shear behavior of reinforced concrete flat plates.

Punching shear failure is a major problem encountered in the design of reinforced concrete flat plates. The utilization of shear reinforcement via shear studs or other means has become a choice for improving the punching shear capacity. In this study, a new alternative of reinforcement, the introduction of rebar mesh at the middle of flat plate thickness covering the punching zone and anchored outside this zone, is proposed. Nevertheless, in this investigation, the proposed reinforcement system is examined for interior columns only.

Radiation therapy indications in the postprostatectomy setting are evolving. Several retrospective series have identified a number of “high-risk” pathologic features associated with an elevated risk of disease recurrence after radical prostatectomy. More recently, several randomized phase III trials demonstrated superior biochemical relapse-free survival for adjuvant radiation therapy after prostatectomy for patients with these high-risk pathologic features, including positive margin status, extraprostatic extension, and/or seminal vesicle invasion. These series further suggested improvement in distant metastasis control and overall survival after 15 years. However, not all patients with high-risk features experience disease recurrence after surgery alone, and some subsets of patients experience suboptimal disease control and survival despite immediate postoperative radiotherapy. Furthermore, some patients without high-risk features will develop recurrence. The present review discusses the current data and potential future directions to improve individualization of therapy after prostatectomy.

This article describes the synthesis of few‐layer MoSe2granular films in arbitrary shapes and patterns by rapid thermal processing and Raman laser annealing of stacked elemental layers deposited using electron beam evaporation with the sequence Mo/Se/Mo. Following the optimization of the thickness of the stacked elemental layers, rapid thermal processing conditions (growth temperature, time and heating‐cooling rates) and laser parameters (wavelength, power and exposure time) have been studied. The method described can also be implemented for the synthesis of other types of dichalcogenide materials.

The chemical vapor deposition technique is used to form niobium deposits on Armco iron or copper substrate. A thermodynamic study confirms the possibility of reducing pentachloride of niobium (NbCl5) by hydrogen (at a temperature superior to 750°C) or by vapor of zinc (at approximately 500°C). The influence of the substrates on the reaction is shown. The kinetics of the deposit is studied. The resulting coatings are very adherent. A folding (superior to 90°C) does not cause any cracking. Microhardness tests, X-ray diffraction, Glow discharge analysis, SIMS, ..., as well as observations by light or scanning microscopy have made it possible to characterize the formed layers (their nature, composition, thickness, continuity and porosity). The coatings obtained by hydrogenous reduction are thick (deposition rate : 22µm/hr on copper, 50µm/hr on iron). They are constituted of pure niobium, with only a few traces of copper or iron. This technique requires a high temperature treatment (950°C). The reduction treatment by vapor of zinc, made on copper substrate, leads to a deposition rate which does not exceed 5µm/hr. In this case, the layer is composed of a solid solution Nb-Zn (Zn : 8% wt, Cu : 2% wt). On the other hand, this method makes it possible to work at a lower temperature (520°C), which is an asset both on a technical and on an economical point of view.

Empathy is the cornerstone of the patient–physician relationship and is consistently ranked by patients as one of the most important factors in the quality of their care. In this paper we examine the degree to which perceived physician empathy is associated with the characteristics of the caregiver (parent or legal guardian) and physician in pediatric orthopedic surgery. This was a cross-sectional survey study of 200 English-speaking caregivers of pediatric patients at a large children's hospital. The Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) Measure was used to measure perceived physician empathy. Only if the caregiver felt carefully listened to by the physician (p-value < 0.001), and if the physician showed respect for what the caregiver had to say (p-value = 0.007) were statistically significant and positively associated with perceived physician empathy. The most significant determinant of perceived physician empathy is whether the caregiver felt listened to during the encounter. Other factors such as caregiver demographics, health literacy, self-rated mental health, wait time, and time spent with the physician do not significantly affect perceived physician empathy.

The spatial and temporal distribution of seismicity around the northern part of Lake Nasser in Aswan has been continuously monitored by a short-period seismograph network since 1982. Data of this network, which consists of 13 field stations distributed around the Kalabsha fault, has demonstrated occurrences of three swarm sequences during the past 26 years. The first swarm occurred in June 1987 on a fault segment about 8 km in length beneath the lake water. The largest magnitude of this swarm was 3.7. Its hypocenters were located within the shallow depth’s interval (i.e., 2 to 5 km from the ground surface). The estimated b-value for this swarm was 0.63. The second swarm sequence took place at the intersection of the Seiyal fault with Kurkur fault about 10 km to the north of the June 1987 sequence. This swarm occurred during the period from August to December 2004 with largest magnitude of 4.1. The focal depths of this swarm also ranged from 2 to 5 km. The b-value of this swarm was found to be 0.69. The third swarm occurred recently in April 2007 with largest magnitude of 4.2 at the same location of 1987 sequence but its focal depths ranged from 6 to 8 km and has the b-value of 0.58. The composite focal mechanism study of these three swarm sequences revealed right-lateral strike slip faults with horizontal stress axes pattern. The relationship between the lake water level and the swarm sequences showed that both 1987 swarm and 2007 swarm occurred during the decreasing of water level, whereas the 2004 swarm occurred during the increasing of the water level. The study of these three swarm sequences illustrates an interesting phenomena, that there is a seismic quiescence preceding each swarm sequence. The duration period of the seismic quiescence ranges from 3 to 5 months.

The spatial and temporal distribution of seismicity around the northern part of Lake Nasser in Aswan has been continuously monitored by a short-period seismograph network since 1982. Data of this network, which consists of 13 field stations distributed around the Kalabsha fault, has demonstrated occurrences of three swarm sequences during the past 26 years. The first swarm occurred in June 1987 on a fault segment about 8 km in length beneath the lake water. The largest magnitude of this swarm was 3.7. Its hypocenters were located within the shallow depth’s interval (i.e., 2 to 5 km from the ground surface). The estimated b-value for this swarm was 0.63. The second swarm sequence took place at the intersection of the Seiyal fault with Kurkur fault about 10 km to the north of the June 1987 sequence. This swarm occurred during the period from August to December 2004 with largest magnitude of 4.1. The focal depths of this swarm also ranged from 2 to 5 km. The b-value of this swarm was found to be 0.69. The third swarm occurred recently in April 2007 with largest magnitude of 4.2 at the same location of 1987 sequence but its focal depths ranged from 6 to 8 km and has the b-value of 0.58. The composite focal mechanism study of these three swarm sequences revealed right-lateral strike slip faults with horizontal stress axes pattern. The relationship between the lake water level and the swarm sequences showed that both 1987 swarm and 2007 swarm occurred during the decreasing of water level, whereas the 2004 swarm occurred during the increasing of the water level. The study of these three swarm sequences illustrates an interesting phenomena, that there is a seismic quiescence preceding each swarm sequence. The duration period of the seismic quiescence ranges from 3 to 5 months.

Abstract: A method for application of an adherent platinum (Pt) and platinum-rhodium (Pt-Rh) alloy plate to a titanium (Ti) substrate includes steps of surface pretreatment, anodization, and electrodeposition of Pt and Pt-Rh alloy from their electrolytic baths consisting of H2Pt2Cl6�6H2O (20 gL−1), and HCl (300 gL−1) for a Pt bath. The Pt-Rh bath consists of H2Pt2Cl6�6H2O (20 gL−1), and HCl (300 gL−1) and Rh2 (SO4)3 (2 gL−1). At the optimum conditions of electroplating, the Pt and Pt-Rh deposits were formed over the anodized Ti substrates with high adhesion, brightness, and high current efficiency (35.33% for Pt and 70.38% for the Pt-Rh alloy).

Benign breast disorders (BBD), classified by the ANDI system (aberrations of normal development and involution), constitute the major workload in breast clinics. Breast pain (mastalgia) is classified as cyclical, and non‐cyclical extramammary causes such as ribcage pain have to be identified. Most patients need reassurance alone but those with moderate/severe pain present for >6 months may need treatment: randomised trials have shown danazol, bromocriptine and tamoxifen to be effective. Fibroadenoma is the commonest benign solid lump in women aged 15–30 years. The diagnosis must be confirmed by triple assessment. Cysts occur usually in women of middle to late reproductive life. After ultrasound has confirmed the lump as cystic, it can be aspriated. Nipple discharge should be tested for the presence of haemoglobin (Hb). Those with HB+ discharge may require microdochectomy for treatment and diagnosis, common causes being duct papilloma and duct ectasia. Breast abscesses may occur during lactation or in women with duct ectasia and are treated by incision or aspiration together with antibiotics.

Gels produced by crosslinking polyacrylamide solutions with chromium (III) have been characterized by dynamic rheology studies. To vary the gel strength, different polymer concentrations were used, while keeping the temperature, salinity, and crosslinker concentration constant. Both the loss and storage moduli increased with the polymer concentration for this gel system. The storage modulus at the end of the gelation was used to characterize the gel strength. Steady-state water flow experiments through gel-filled capillary tubes were performed, with the aim of linking the gel strength and flow behavior. The permeability was found to be a function of the water flow rate (velocity) and polymer concentration. Two parameters were used to characterize the flow behavior, intrinsic gel permeability and elasticity index, which are each functions of the polymer concentration. However, only one parameter is needed to fully identify the flow and rheological gel properties, as the elasticity index and storage modulus are linked by a power-law relationship. The loss modulus and intrinsic permeability are correlated with the storage modulus and elasticity index, respectively. A theoretical model for this behavior linking both gel properties based on the dual domain structure was used to demonstrate that the flow and rheological behavior of the gel are indeed related and that the gel strength controls the water permeability. Implications for prediction of flow of water through gels emplaced in a porous medium are discussed.

AbstractRecent experiments have shown that radio-frequency (rf) plasma glow discharge using NF3gas is an effective technique for the removal of uranium oxide from metal surfaces. The results of these experiments are analyzed to explain the measured dependence of the UO2removal or etch rate on the NF3gas pressure and the absorbed power in the plasma. The NF3gas pressure in the experiments was varied from 10.8 to 40 Pa, and the deposited power in the plasma was varied from 25 to 210 W. The UO2etch rate was strongly dependent on the absorbed power and, to a lesser extent, on the NF3pressure and decreased exponentially with immersion time. At 210 W and 17 Pa, all detectable UO2in the samples (~10.6 mg each) was removed at the endpoint, whereas the initial etch rate was ~3.11 μm/min. When the absorbed power was ≤50 W, however, the etch rate was initially ~0.5 μg/min and almost zero at the endpoint, with UO2only partially etched. This self-limiting etching of UO2at low power is attributed to the formation of nonvolatile intermediates UF2, UF3, UF4, UF5, UO2F, and UO2F2on the surface. Analysis indicated that the accumulation of UF6and, to a lesser extent, O2near the surface partially contributed to the exponential decrease in the UO2etch rate with immersion time. Unlike fluorination with F2gas, etching of UO2using rf glow discharge is possible below 663 K. The average etch rates of the amorphous UO2in the NF3experiments are comparable to the peak values reported in other studies for crystalline UO2using CF4/O2glow discharge performed at ~150 to 250 K higher sample temperatures.

Analysis was performed of the results of UO2etching experiments, which used NF3RF glow discharge. In the experiments, the gas pressure was varied from ?10 - 40 Pa and the absorbed power was varied from 24 - 210 W. The UO2etch reactions to form volatile UF6were strongly dependent on the absorbed power and, to a lesser extent, on pressure. At and below 50 W absorbed power, UO2etching increased with pressure up to ? 23 Pa, then decreased with further increase in pressure. At higher power, however, UO2etching increased monotonically with pressure. The UO2etching process was self-limiting, due to the formation of non-volatile products UF2-5, UO2F, and UO2F2. The accumulation of UF6and O2in the plasma sheath also reduced the diffusion coefficient of atomic fluorine radicals to the UO2surface thereby contributing to the decrease in etch rate with immersion time.

In recent studies we found that the topical effectiveness of acyclovir (ACV) formulations was a single‐valued function of C*— the target site free drug concentration. The topical efficacy was the same when the therapy was initiated 0, 1, or 2 days after intracutaneous herpes simplex virus type‐1 (HSV‐1) inoculation in hairless mice. The purpose of the present study was to examine the hypothesis that the topical effectiveness of cidofovir (HPMPC) would not be a single valued function of C* and that it would be dependent upon when the therapy was initiated relative to the time of viral infection. Formulations of HPMPC and ACV in 95% DMSO as a vehicle were used. Hairless mice intracutaneously infected with HSV‐1 were used, and 20 µL of the test formulation was topically applied twice a day. In protocol A, the treatment was continued until the fourth day after virus inoculation, whereas in protocol B the treatment was terminated on the day of virus inoculation. Treatment was initiated on various days ranging from day −6 to day 4, and the lesions were scored on day 5. Treatment of ACV according to protocol A proved efficacious whether started as early as 6 days before virus inoculation or later, whereas the efficacy of ACV was annihilated if applied following protocol B. For HPMPC, on the other hand, the in vivo efficacies were found to be strongly dependent on how early the therapy was initiated, and significant efficacy was observed even when the treatment was terminated on the day of virus inoculation. This difference was attributed to the virus‐independent intracellular phos‐phorylation of HPMPC and slow clearance of its metabolites from the cell. It was also noted that, similar to ACV, for HPMPC the topical efficacy is likely to be a function of C* for a fixed protocol. However, unlike for ACV, for HPMPC the efficacy was not a single‐valued function of C*.

In recent studies we found that the topical effectiveness of acyclovir (ACV) formulations was a single-valued function of C*— the target site free drug concentration. The topical efficacy was the same when the therapy was initiated 0, 1, or 2 days after intracutaneous herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) inoculation in hairless mice. The purpose of the present study was to examine the hypothesis that the topical effectiveness of cidofovir (HPMPC) would not be a single valued function of C* and that it would be dependent upon when the therapy was initiated relative to the time of viral infection. Formulations of HPMPC and ACV in 95% DMSO as a vehicle were used. Hairless mice intracutaneously infected with HSV-1 were used, and 20 µL of the test formulation was topically applied twice a day. In protocol A, the treatment was continued until the fourth day after virus inoculation, whereas in protocol B the treatment was terminated on the day of virus inoculation. Treatment was initiated on various days ranging from day −6 to day 4, and the lesions were scored on day 5. Treatment of ACV according to protocol A proved efficacious whether started as early as 6 days before virus inoculation or later, whereas the efficacy of ACV was annihilated if applied following protocol B. For HPMPC, on the other hand, the in vivo efficacies were found to be strongly dependent on how early the therapy was initiated, and significant efficacy was observed even when the treatment was terminated on the day of virus inoculation. This difference was attributed to the virus-independent intracellular phos-phorylation of HPMPC and slow clearance of its metabolites from the cell. It was also noted that, similar to ACV, for HPMPC the topical efficacy is likely to be a function of C* for a fixed protocol. However, unlike for ACV, for HPMPC the efficacy was not a single-valued function of C*.

Cerebellar atrophy subsequent to irradiation of the brain has not been previously reported in the computed tomography literature. We report such a case and discuss causes for the relative infrequency of this occurrence.