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Background:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) predominantly affects women and has a significant impact on childbearing. Several population-based studies identifying incidence, prevalence, and medication use of RA have been reported, yet epidemiological studies focusing on women with RA in childbearing years are missing.Objectives:We aimed to identify the incidence, prevalence and medication use of RA among Korean women in childbearing years.Methods:From National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) data (2009-2016), containing inpatient and outpatient claim information for approximately 97% of the Korean population, we identified 9,217,139 women aged between 20-44 years. Incidence and prevalence of RA in the specific sociodemographic group of women in childbearing age were analyzed, and the prevalence of medication prescription were compared between women with RA and controls without rheumatic diseases such as RA, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis. Individuals with RA were defined by the presence of International Classification of Disease, 10th revision code, M05. The medication use was defined as receiving > 90days prescriptions of NSAIDs, corticosteroids (CSs), and conventional synthetic (cs) disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or > 1day prescription of biologic (b) DMARDs.Results:Total 24,590 women with RA were identified. The average incidence of RA during 2011-2016 among women in childbearing years was 24.1/100,000 person-years (PYs) (95% CI 20.91-27.31) with a yearly increase from 20.99/100,000 PYs in 2011 to 28.38/100,000 PYs in 2016. The average prevalence of RA during 2009-2016 among women in childbearing years was 105.2/100,000 PYs (95% CI 99.0-111.5) with a minimum of 95.7/100,000 PYs in 2009 and a maximum of 110.5/100,000 PYs in 2016. There were increasing trends in both incidence and prevalence of RA according to age among women in childbearing years peaking in the age group of 40-44 years. The prescriptions of NSAIDs, CSs, csDMARDs and bDMARDs were more frequent in women with RA than controls (NSAIDs; 94.21% vs 21.79%, CSs; 83.65% vs 4.28%, csDMARDs; 91.23% vs 0.41%, bDMARDs; 0.11% vs 0%, pConclusion:The incidence and prevalence of RA are high among Korean women in childbearing years, and medication use was significantly more frequent in this specific population than controls. High disease burden is imposed upon women in childbearing years.References:[1] Won S, Cho SK, Kim D, Han M, Lee J, Jang EJ, Sung YK, Bae SC: Update on the prevalence and incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in Korea and an analysis of medical care and drug utilization. Rheumatol Int 2018, 38(4):649-656.[2] Smeele HTW, Dolhain R: Current perspectives on fertility, pregnancy and childbirth in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism 2019, 49(3s):S32-s35.Table 1.Medication use among women with RA and controls in childbearing age between 20-44 years during 2009-2016Control(n=155,486)RA(n=23,756)n(%)n(%)PNSAIDs33,887(21.79)22,380(94.21)Steroids6,653(4.28)19,871(83.65)csDMARDs634(0.41)21,673(91.23)bDMARDs0(0.00)27(0.11)RA, rheumatoid arthritis; NSAID, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; cs, conventional synthetic; b, biologic; DMARDs, disease modifying antirheumatic drugsDisclosure of Interests:None declared

Background:Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease known to be associated with many comorbidities. Many women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are diagnosed with the disease before completing childbearing, but the risk of comorbidities associated with RA among women in childbearing years is not known.Objectives:We aimed to investigate the risk of comorbidities among Korean women with RA in childbearing years.Methods:From National Health Insurance Service data of 2009-2016, containing inpatient and outpatient claim information for approximately 97% of the Korean population, we identified 20-44 year aged-women with RA and controls without rheumatic diseases such as RA, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis. Prevalence of comorbidities including cancer (Ca), hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia (HLD), and diabetes mellitus (DM) were analyzed. The rheumatic diseases and comorbidities were defined by International Classification of Disease (ICD)-10 codes for disease classifications. The comorbidities associated with RA were defined by the ICD-10 codes presented after the RA diagnosis.Results:Total 23,756 women with RA and 208,941 controls were identified. Women with RA had significantly higher prevalence of all comorbidities analyzed compared with the controls (49.92% vs 25.58%, pConclusion:During childbearing years, women with RA are more susceptible to comorbidities leading to a significant burden in this specific population of Korean women in childbearing years.References:[1]Dougados M: Comorbidities in rheumatoid arthritis. Current opinion in rheumatology 2016, 28(3):282-288.[2]Choi IA, Park SH, Cha HS, Park W, Kim HA, Yoo DH, Baek HJ, Lee SG, Lee YJ, Park YB et al: Prevalence of co-morbidities and evaluation of their monitoring in Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis: comparison with the results of an international, cross-sectional study (COMORA). International journal of rheumatic diseases 2018, 21(7):1414-1422.Table 1.Risk of comorbidities associated with RA among Korean women in childbearing years during 2009-2016RA(n=23,756)Controls(n=208,941)p-valueOR95% CIn(%)n(%)Any comorbidities10,859(45.71)53,423(25.57)2.302.234-2.367 Ca1,235(5.20)8,845(4.23)1.141.072-1.217 DM1,885(7.93)12,606(6.03)1.221.155-1.285 HTN3,274(13.78)17,052(8.16)1.561.495-1.628 HLD8,046(33.87)34,672(16.60)2.442.367-2.516RA, rheumatoid arthritis; Ca, cancer; DM, diabetes mellitus; HTN, hypertension; HLD, hyperlipidemia; OR, odds ratio; CI, confidence intervalDisclosure of Interests:None declared

Background: Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) are rare. Some anomalies are associated with myocardial ischaemia, heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of CAAs detected on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and their clinical relevance. Methods: We reviewed our center’s MDCT database from January 2005 to December 2015. Results: 76 out of 5677 (incidence 0.01%) patients were reported to have CAAs. They consisted of 44 patients (57.9%) with anomalous origin of right coronary artery (RCA), 7 (9.2%) with anomalous origin of left coronary artery (LCA), 3 (3.9%) with anomalous origin of the left circumflex artery (LCX), 1 (1.3%) with abnormal course of LCX, 15 (19.7%) with coronary artery fistulas, 3 (3.9%) with single coronary artery, 3 (3.9%) with anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA).We were able to retrieved 26 patients’ (mean age 49 ± 13 years, 17 male) case folder. They consisted of 11 patients with anomalous origin of the RCA (10 from left coronary sinus), 4 with anomalous origin of LCA from right coronary sinus (3 interarterial course), 7 with coronary fistulas (2 large fistulas), 1 with single coronary artery (Lipton LII, anterior course) , 3 with ALCAPA. Out of the 26 patients, 24 (92.3%) were alive and 2 were lost to follow-up. The commonest presenting symptom was chest pain (65.4%), followed by dyspnea (34.6%) and heart failure (11.5%). 3 patients underwent surgery and 1 underwent transcatheter coiling of fistula. 4 patients had positive functional test (2 anomalous origin of RCA, 1 anomalous origin of LCA from right coronary sinus and 1 ALCAPA). Only 1 patient who had positive functional test underwent surgery. The remaining 3 who did not undergo surgery were still alive. The patient with single coronary artery presented with heart failure and remained alive with pharmacotherapy. All 3 ALCAPA patients were alive, with the oldest patient survived to age 71 years. None of them had surgery performed. Conclusions: CAAs are rare. Majority of cases may be benign. Largescale studies are needed to better define the prognosis and optimal treatment of individual forms of CAAs.

Efficient manufacture of dimensionally accurate optical surface on hard and brittle materials is a major concern for optoelectronic industry. Electrolytic in process dressing (ELID) grinding is proved as a reliable process to achieve this optical quality nano-surface finish on hard and brittle materials. Besides surface finish it is important to ensure dimensional accuracy by improving profile and form accuracy of the ground aspheric surface. Kinematic factors are commonly considered the reasons for the dimensional inaccuracy in a machined part. Software compensation is a direct and economical method to overcome several kinematic factors and improve the dimensional accuracy. Last, but most important, is the monitoring of achieved surface profile to ensure more accurate profile radius in the finished part. So an on-machine profile measurement system based on coordinate measuring machine (CMM) principle has been developed to check the profile radius of the ground surface. In this study software compensation was applied in ELID grinding of an aspheric surface in order to compensate the wheel wear until the measured surface profile machined on BK7 glass reaches within tolerable limit.

There is a growing demand for industrial products not only with increased number of functions but also of reduced dimensions. Micro-machining is the most basic technology for the production of such miniaturized parts and components. Since miniaturization of industrial products had been the trend of technological development, micro-machining is expected to play increasingly important roles in today's manufacturing technology. Micro-machining based on lithography has many disadvantages unlike tool-based micro-machining technology such as micro-turning, micro-grinding, micro-EDM and micro-ECM have many advantages in productivity, efficiency, flexibility and cost effectiveness. However, difficulties, as the machining unit reduced, are still remained to be solved to utilize the tool-based machining technology for micro-machining. In this paper, recent achievements at NUS in the area of tool-based micro-machining are introduced. Micro-electro-discharge machining (micro-EDM) and micro-Turning technology are developed to produce miniaturized parts and features using a multi-purpose miniature machine tool for hybrid processes which is developed at NUS.

ELID grinding is drawing more and more attention by the researchers for its smart method of in-process dressing of the grinding wheel. A number of studies have been done by many people to investigate the mechanism and application of the process, though no significant effort has been made so far to develop an intelligent machinetool especially dedicated for ELID grinding. This paper aims to present the development and performance evaluation of an ultra precision intelligent ELID grinding machine. The machine is a five-axis machine, which includes three conventional linear axes (X, Y and Z) and a spindle axis. On top, another rotational axis has been included to assist the aspheric/spherical lens grinding. In order to introduce intelligence to the machine two on machine measuring system have been developed and incorporated. Experiments have been carried out on BK7 optical glass for evaluating the performance of the machine. A nano-level surface finish has been achieved, using #4000 series wheel.

Demand for fabricating micro-features such as fine holes, micro-cavity for injection moulding, and micro-pin using both conventional (turning, milling, etc.) and non-conventional edge detection method (EDM), wire cut EDM, etc.) processes is increasing significantly. To successfully achieve micro-machining, development of a miniature machine tool, process technology, and on-machine measurement is essential. However, in such tool-based micro-machining processes, proper tool shape monitoring, precision processing, and dimensional control require significant attention. Since these are tool-based machining processes, tool shape monitoring and control are also important technologies to be established. In this study, an on-machine measuring device was developed based on non-contact optical method to inspect dimensions of the fabricated tools (e.g. electrodes for EDM) as well as the wear of tools used for the respective processes. The developed inspection system uses a laser light source and a photo-electronic device. To minimize errors due to the change of tool measurement position and the Fresnel diffraction of laser light, an edge detection algorithm using a linear discrimination function is proposed in this study. Furthermore, an intensity measuring method was added for specimen with a smaller diameter. The experimental results show that the developed on-machine optical inspection system has the accuracy and stability to effectively monitor the fine dimensions of tools and their wear.

Micromachining is the basic technology of microengineering for the production of miniature components. One group of tool based micromachining technology is CNC microturning. It is a conventional material removal process that has been miniaturized. The objective of this study is to asses the machinability of brass, aluminium alloy and stainless steel during external cylindrical longitudinal microturning process for different workpiece–tool combinations. Experiments were carried out by varying the depth of cut, feed rate and spindle speed. One parameter was varied while the other two were kept constant in order to identify the best combination of cutting parameters. Machinability assessment was done by force analysis, chip analysis and tool wear criterion. Microshafts were fabricated with brass, aluminium alloy and stainless steel. Finally, microturning process was successfully applied to fabricate compound shaped micropins of diameter less than 0.5 mm.

A micropin fabrication process has been developed based on micromachining technology. One group of micromachining technology is microturning. It has the capability to produce three dimensional features on the micro scale. This paper deals with the CNC microturning process. Basically two types of microturning processes are used: straight microturning and taper microturning. Experiments were performed using a programmable multi-purpose miniature machine tool developed for tool based micromachining. NC codes were generated using Borland C++ Builder 6.0. Brass bars of 6 mm diameter have been machined to fabricate the micropin with carbide cutting tools. Work materials were clamped on the spindle which has the facility of three-axis movements. Unlike the conventional processes, the cutting tool has no movement. A step cutting process was applied to eliminate workpiece deflection in the microturning process. Finally a micropin was fabricated with 2 mm length. The larger and smaller diameter of the pin are 475 μm and 276 μm, respectively.

The present paper reports on the demonstration of wide optical bandwidth electro-absorption waveguide modulator arrays fabricated on a single InGaAs/InGaAsP wafer chip using a gray-mask-based quantum well intermixing. Both micro-Raman and photoluminescence measurements have shown that the quality of the material concerning is maintained after the ion implantation-induced process. Multiple energy bandgap sections for absorbing at different wavelengths with a large modulation depth have been achieved in modulator arrays, with around 60 nm as the modulating bandwidth. An intensity modulation depth of about −16 dB has been obtained at −5 V bias for these modulator arrays.

Micro-electro-discharge machining (micro-EDM or -EDM) has been gaining popularity as a new alternative method to fabricate micro-structures. The main advantages of the micro-EDM method are its low set-up cost, high accuracy and large design freedom. Compared to etching or deposition techniques, micro-EDM has the advantage of being able to fabricate complex three-dimensional shapes with high-aspect ratio. However, there are many operating parameters that affect the micro-EDM process. The fabrication of micro-electrodes on the machine is also an important process to remove the clamping error to maintain high accuracy in the machined micro-structures. In this paper, the machining of micro-structures is divided into two basic processes. One is the on-machine fabrication of the microelectrodes with high-aspect ratio, and the other is the EDM of the workpiece in micrometer range. An optical sensor has been developed to measure and control the dimension of the thin electrode during the tool fabrication process. Different methods have been investigated to fabricate a thin electrode into the desired dimension without deflection. The performance of the micro-EDM process is evaluated in terms of the material removal rate (MRR), tool wear ratio (TWR), and the stability of the machining. Influences of the various operating parameters of the micro-EDM process, such as the operating voltage, gap control algorithm, and resistance and capacitance values in the R–C spark control circuit, are discussed. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In this paper, we present the attractive characteristics of low-energy ion-implantation-induced quantum-well intermixing of InP-based heterostructures. We demonstrate that this method can fulfil a list of requirements related to the fabrication of complex optoelectronic devices with a spatial control of the bandgap profile. First, we have fabricated high-quality discrete blueshifted laser diodes to verify the capability of low-energy ion implantation for the controlled modification of bandgap profiles in the absence of thermal shift. Based on this result, intracavity electroabsorption modulators monolithically integrated with laser devices were fabricated, for the first time, using this postgrowth technique. We have also fabricated monolithic six-channel multiple-wavelength laser diode chips using a novel one-step ion implantation masking process. Finally, we also present the results obtained with very low-energy (below 20 keV) ion implantation for the development of one-dimensional and zero-dimensional quantum confined structures.

Background: High sensitivity troponin (hsTn) has better sensitivity for myocardial tissue injury detection compared to standard troponin assays, despite lower diagnostic specificity and lack of hsTn assay standardization. Objectives: To examine implications of introducing hsTnI in clinical practice. Methods: We retrospectively collected information of patients presented to a single tertiary cardiac referral centre with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS), who had ≥1 hsTnI sample (Abbott ARCHITECT STAT), from 1st June 2016-17th August 2016. Upper range limit (URL), i.e. 99th percentile, was defined as 34.2 ng/L, 15.6 ng/L and 26.2 ng/L for male, female and both gender (“overall”) respectively. Patients were divided into 4 groups - Group 1: hsTnURL but b3 times URL, Group 3: hsTn between 3-5 times URL and Group 4: hsTnN5 times URL. Results: Data from 366 patients was analysed: 227(62.0%), 34(9.3%), 13(3.6%), 92(25.1%) in Group 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. In Group 1 to 4, the proportion of ACS was 8.8%, 38.0%, 53.8%, 82.6% and proportion of MI were 0.8%, 29.4%, 53.8%. 82.6%. By using N5 times URL as cut-off, hsTnI has higher specificity and PPV, but lower sensitivity and NPV in diagnosis of ACS {(sensitivity:0.66, specificity:0.0.94, PPV0.83, NPV0.85), with ROC curve AUC:0.896, pb0.001, 95% CI:0.861-0.931}. Our analysis showed serial paired hsTn samples increase the PPV of hsTn to detect ACS. There was no significant difference between using hsTn URL “overall” or “gender-specific” for ACS diagnosis. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed 30-day all-cause mortality in the group with maximal hsTn value NURL is significant higher (pb0.001). Multiple-logistic regression showed that URL of hsTn was an independent variable for 30-day all-cause mortality (p

We report a technique for generation of multiple energy bandgaps using a combination of one-step gray mask lithography and low-energy arsenic ion implantation induced disordering. Using this technique, we have successfully integrated 12-section with variable energy bandgaps on a single InGaAs/InGaAsP laser heterostructure. When compared to conventional processes, this novel technique is simple, promising and cost effective.

Objectives: The long-term behavior of the pulmonary autograft in the aortic position (Ross procedure) remains uncertain. Using threedimensional (3D) sonomicrometry (200 Hz) we compared the dynamics of the aortic and pulmonary roots. Methods: Twenty-four crystals were implanted in each aortic (eight sheep) and pulmonary roots (six sheep) at: base (3 £ 2), commissures (3 £ 2), sinotubular junction (3 £ 2), ascending aorta (3) and pulmonary trunk (3). Under stable hemodynamic conditions, geometric changes were time-related to left ventricular pressure (LV) and aortic pressure. Results: The expansion of the aortic root is twice that of the pulmonary root. During the cardiac cycle, the aortic root volume increased by 37:7 ^ 2:7% (mean ^ SEM) versus 20:9 ^ 1:0% for the pulmonary root. Both were cone-shaped at end diastole. Because expansion at commissures was twice that of the base, both roots became more cylindrical during ejection. Although both roots started to expand prior to ejection and reached maximal expansion during the first third of ejection, the commissural and sinotubular junction dynamics were different in each root. While in the aortic root, expansion at commissural and sinotubular junction levels was significantly different (63:7 ^ 3:6% versus 37:0 ^ 2:1%), in the pulmonary root, they were similar (29:0 ^ 1:3% versus 27:7 ^ 1:4%). Expansion of the three sinuses was also different ðP , 0:001Þ. In the aortic root: the right expanded more than the left and more than the non-coronary sinus. In the pulmonary root: the right sinus expanded more than the anterior more than the left. Conclusions: Dynamic differences might explain the global pulmonary root dilatation when subjected to systemic pressure, particularly at the level of the sinotubular junction which might result in the autograft failure. Differences in the asymmetrical expansion of the aortic and pulmonary roots should be considered for the implantation of the pulmonary autograft in the most physiological position. q 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Aims: To determine the effects of micronised fenofibrate on lipids and low density lipoprotein (LDL) subfraction in well-controlled diabetic subjects with mild elevations in cholesterol levels. Methods: Thirty-five male type 2 diabetic subjects with LDL 3 greater than 100 mg/dl and good glycemic control (mean HbA1c 6.7%) were treated with micronised fenofibrate in an open labeled study for 6 months. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, insulin, apolipoprotein A-I and B, and LDL subfraction by density ultracentrifugation were obtained after an overnight fast of 10 h, at the beginning and end of the 6 months treatment period. Results: The blood pressure, waist to hip ratio, body mass index and glycemic control remained unchanged throughout the 6 months study period. Mean serum triglyceride fell from 2.49 to 1.72 mmol/l (33%) whilst HDL cholesterol increased from 0.88 to 0.96 mmol/l (10.8%). There were no significant changes in total or LDL cholesterol. Both LDL 1 and LDL 2 rose significantly whilst the dense LDL 3 fell from a mean of 148 to 85 mg/dl (43% reduction). Fenofibrate changed the LDL subfraction distribution from dense LDL 3 particles towards buoyant LDL 1 and LDL 2 particles in 63% of the subjects. No subjects had elevations in transaminases greater than three-fold or creatine kinase greater than ten-fold from pre-treatment levels. Conclusion: Diabetic subjects with mild hypercholesterolemia and good glycemic control may benefit from therapy with micronised fenofibrate because of the reduction in serum triglyceride, elevation in HDL cholesterol and a shift in LDL subfraction towards a non-atherogenic form.

The Korean Next Generation Reactor (KNGR) adopted an advanced design feature, a safety depressurization system (SDS) to rapidly depressurize the primary system in case of events beyond the design basis. Two design approaches are considered for the SDS design. The use of bleed valves similar to the ABB-CE System 80+ is design option 1, while in design option 2, the French Sebim valve is considered to provide the combined function of overpressure protection and rapid depressurization. In this paper, thermal hydraulic analysis using a best-estimate version of CEFLASH-4AS/REM is performed for a total loss of feedwater (TLOFW) event to investigate the feasibility of those two design options. For each design option, various feed and bleed (F and B) procedures are investigated for a TLOFW event. For design option 1, the required bleed capacity is determined from the CEFLASH-4AS/REM simulation according to the EPRI Advanced Light Water Reactor (ALWR) requirements. The analysis results demonstrate that the TLOFW event can be mitigated in a proper manner with a sufficient margin using design option 1. For design option 2, the operator action times for initiating the F and B are investigated by varying the number of Sebim valves and high pressure safety injection (HPSI) pumps. If the operator opens two out of the three Sebim valves in conjunction with the four HPSI pumps before a hot leg saturation condition, the decay heat removal and core inventory make-up function can be successfully accomplished. The results of the present investigation demonstrate that the two design options are both feasible.

Multiple-wavelength selective channel electroabsorption intensity modulators have been fabricated on a single InGaAs/InGaAsP chip using a one-step quantum well intermixing process. This technique was demonstrated for tailoring the intensity modulator operating wavelength by incorporating low-energy (360 keV) phosphorus ions implantation induced disordering process with gray-mask lithography technology. A modulation depth of −15 dB has been measured from these devices with a voltage swing of −4.5 V.

We report the fabrication of multiple wavelength chips in InGaAs-InGaAsP laser structure using a novel ion implantation induced quantum-well (QW) intermixing technique. This technique first consists of using a gray mask photolithography and reactive ion etching process to create a SiO/sub 2/ implant mask with variable thickness on the sample. This is followed by a single 360-keV phosphorus ion implantation at a dose of 1/spl times/10/sup 14/ cm/sup -2/ at 200/spl deg/C, which creates different amounts of point defects in the sample depending on the local thickness of the SiO/sub 2/ mask. A subsequent thermal annealing step induces QW intermixing through the diffusion of the point defects across the structure. With this technique, we have successfully fabricated 10-channel multiple wavelength laser diodes, with lasing wavelength spreading over 85 nm (between 1.47 and 1.55 /spl mu/m), monolithically integrated on a single chip. Only a limited increase of threshold current density of 17% (i.e., from 1.2 to 1.4 kA/cm/sup 2/), has been observed between the least intermixed and the most intermixed lasers.

The average age of onset for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is between 20 and 25 years old [1], with only 8.6% of OCD occurring after age of 40, which is termed as late onset OCD [2]. Significant association has been found between OCD and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) [3] in which the age of onset of OCD is earlier [4] and OCD symptoms are more prominent and more severe [5,6].

Visual information of outdoor scenery portrays some important messages of atmospheric effects caused by light scattering, absorption and refractive-index fluctuations. These atmospheric effects are well related to some weather conditions such as air pollution, mist, haze, fog, rain and snow. In this digital age, images of outdo or scenes captured by digital camera can be processed digitally to determine these weather conditions. In the last decade, the digital technologies have evolved at a continuously accelerating pace. This has fostered an incredible amount of research and development work on image processing technique. A number of image processing techniques are key elements of applied visual information research. In particular, image registration is a fundamental image processing technique, which has numerous applications to visual information research, in addition the more traditional application domains such as remote sensing. Other image processing techniques, such as image compression, are also relevant to the handling of large numbers of images for visual information research. Image Understanding refers to automated extraction of information from images. In this study, we would like to develop a state-of-art image processing technique to enhance the capability of an internet video surveillance (IVS) camera for real time air quality monitoring. This technique is able to detect particulate matter with diameter less than 10 micrometers (PM10). An empirical algorithm was developed and tested based on the atmospheric characteristic to determine PM10 concentrations using multispectral data obtained from the IVS camera. A program is developed by using this algorithm to determine the real-time air quality information automatically. This development showed that the modern Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) and digital image processing technology could monitor air quality at multi location simultaneously from a central monitoring station.

It has been reported that hypertension carries a greater risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in South Asians living in the UK than in the indigenous British population. This has been attributed to some specifically Asian susceptibility factor.Using a longitudinal approach, we investigated the relationship between coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors amongst hypertension patients attending Sandwell and City Hospitals, and the onset of cardiovascular events over a 5-year follow-up period.A total of 350 Caucasian (83.7% male) and 104 South Asian (66.3% male) patients with hypertension [age 63.7 (7.6) years and 57.1 (11.1) years respectively, P0.001] were followed-up for a mean (SD) period of 64.7(12.1) months. There were 11 (6.4/1000 patient years) cases of MI in Caucasian patients vs. 11 (17.8/1000 patient years) in South Asians, with event-free survival times being significantly lower amongst South Asians (log-rank test P = 0.04). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 22.9% higher amongst South Asians (P0.001), whilst mean serum cholesterol and fasting triglyceride levels were higher amongst Caucasians (P = 0.001). There were no ethnic differences in HDL cholesterol concentrations, the use of tobacco, statin therapy or anti-platelet therapies (all P = NS), or in composite endpoint (MI, angina, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, revascularization or death; P = 0.74). On Cox regression analysis of all independent cardiovascular risk variables, associated treatments and ethnicity, MI risk was associated with diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 3.77, 95%CI 1.55-9.15, P = 0.003) but not ethnicity per se (P = 0.26).Increased risk of MI in hypertensive South Asians in the United Kingdom appears to be the result of a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Further work is required to understand the pathophysiological basis with which diabetes increases CHD risk in this ethnic group.

There is a growing demand for industrial products with not only increased number of functions, but also of reduced dimensions, higher dimensional accuracy and better surface finish. Micro/nano-machining is the most promising technology for the production of such miniaturized parts and components. Components for MEMS are basically produced using processes from semiconductor technology which impels the fabrication process to be limited to a few semiconductor materials like silicon and their compounds, or requires expensive facilities. Hybrid micromachining processes that combine conventional and non-conventional micromachining have the capability to fabricate high-aspect ratio microstructures with paramount dimensional accuracy. In order to achieve meaningful implementation of micro/nano machining techniques, our research efforts seek to address three important areas; namely (a) development of machine tool capable of hybrid micromachining, (b) process control and (c) process development to achieve necessary accuracy and quality. An integrated effort in these areas has resulted in successful fabrication of micro structures that is able to meet the miniaturization demands of the industry. This paper presents a few tool-based approaches integrating micro-EDM, micro EDG, micro-turning and micro-grinding to produce miniature components. This paper also describes the features and aspects of miniaturized multi-process machine tool that provides the capability of hybrid micromachining.Copyright © 2007 by ASME

Background Farming activity is burdened work with excessive use of hands. Thus, farmers are expected to have high prevalence of hand osteoarthritis (HOA). However, there is a lack of studies investigating prevalence and characteristics of HOA in Korean farmers. Objectives To estimate the prevalence of HOA among farmers in rural areas of Korea and assess whether HOA is related to farming activity. Methods The study was carried out from June 2013 to Dec 2014 with 700 farmers in Gyeong-nam Province of Korea. Clinical evaluation for hand joints was performed by rheumatologists and the plain radiographs of both hands were taken. The Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN) was used to assess symptoms and function of hand joints. Radiographic HOA was defined as Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade≥2 on plain radiographs and symptomatic HOA as KL grade≥2 with pain/aching/stiffness at the same joints. Severe HOA was defined KL grade≥3. Presence of HOA at individual level was defined as ≥1 affected joint. Results Participants comprised of 53% female and 47% male with mean age of 59.7±8.6 years. As divided types of growing crops, persimmon growers, strawberry growers, rice growers, and persimmon plus rice growers were 28.6%, 27.0%, 11.7%, 23.0%, respectively. The prevalence of radiographic, symptomatic, and severe HOA was 59.1%, 13.9%, and 24.4%, respectively. Finger joints were affected in 51.4% and thumb joints in 34.1%. Interestingly, male farmers showed high prevalence of radiographic HOA (55.9%) and symptomatic HOA (13.0%). The prevalence of HOA was similar in both hands and increased with longer duration of farming. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant association of age, female sex, and body mass index with radiographic HOA. As adjusted for determinants above, rice growers were associated with an increased risk of HOA (odds ratio 3.5; 95% confidence interval 1.71 to 7.21). AUSCAN score was high in female and increased according to the severity of HOA. Conclusions The prevalence of HOA in male is high, and related to types of growing crops. Therefore, this study suggests that development of HOA is associated with farming activity. References Zhang Y, Niu J, Kelly-Hayes M, Chaisson CE, Aliabadi P, Felson DT. Prevalence of symptomatic hand osteoarthritis and its impact on functional status among the elderly: The Framingham Study. Am J Epidemiol. 2002;156(11):1021-7. Cho NH, Kim SH, Kim HA, Seo YI. The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Knee and Hand Osteoarthritis in Korea. Journal of Rheumatic Diseases. 2007;14(4):354-362. Acknowledgements This study was supported by a grant of the Center for Farmer9s Safety and Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Republic of Korea. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background Orchardists are expected to show high prevalence of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to their heavy works and working postures. However, there are no systematic studies relating upper limb MSDs in Korean orchardists. Objectives To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of upper limb MSDs among orchardists in rural areas of Korea. Methods The study was carried out from June 2013 to May 2014 in a tertiary medical center. The physical examinations of upper extremities were performed by rheumatologists, orthopedists, and rehabilitation medicine specialists. The plain radiographs of shoulder, elbow, and hand, nerve conduction examination of upper extremities, and MRI of both shoulder were taken. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire was used to assess symptoms and function of upper extremities. Results Five hundred and fifty orchardists were included. Participants comprised of 49.5% female and 50.5% male with mean age of 59.5±8.1 years. The mean farming duration was 31.3±13.2 years. A total of 34 different types of upper limb MSDs were detected. The most frequent disorder was myofascial pain syndrome (80.5%) followed by rotator cuff syndrome (58.9%), hand osteoarthritis (58.0%), carpal tunnel syndrome (42.9%), and lateral epicondylitis (39.5%). Prevalence of any form of MSD was 98.5% and of three and more of MSDs was 77.3%. Participants with longer duration of farming had higher numbers of MSDs. Almost part of pruning and harvesting postures in orchard farming were loaded works for musculoskeletal systems. Total DASH score was relatively high (14.9±14.4). Conclusions Almost orchardists have upper limb MSDs. Our results suggest the need to implement interventions in orchardists to prevent MSDs. References Gomez MI, Hwang S, Stark AD, May JJ, Hallman EM, Pantea CI. An analysis of self-reported joint pain among New York farmers. J Agric Saf Health. 2003;9:143–157. Holmberg S, Stiernstrom EL, Thelin A, Svardsudd K. Musculoskeletal symptoms among farmers and non-farmers: A population based study. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2002;8:339–345. Osborne A, Blake C, Fullen BM, Meredith D, Phelan J, McNamara J, Cunningham C. Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among farmers: A systematic review. Am J Ind Med. 2012;55(2):143-58. Acknowledgements This study was supported by a grant of the Center for Farmer9s Safety and Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Republic of Korea. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Adiponectin and hypertension: a putative link between adipocyte function and atherosclerotic risk?

Quantum well intermixing (QWI) using a neutral impurity induced disordering technique is of great interest in producing photonic integrated circuits (PICs). We report a high selectivity QWI process using a low energy arsenic implantation induced disordering technique. Since it is known that free electrons from impurities result in high optical absorption and degrade the quality of the material after intermixing, arsenic, an electrically neutral species in the InGaAs/InGaAsP system, was chosen for the process development. The relatively low implantation energy, 360 keV, reduces the damage generation and results in a shallow implantation depth far away from the active region. We have successfully blue shifted quantum well laser material with a control on the amount of intermixing by varying the dose of As implantation at 200/spl deg/C. A wide range of differential bandgap shifts going up to 60 meV are reported. PICs such as extended cavity lasers and monolithic multiple wavelength laser sources are currently being investigated using this technique.

The effect of exercise on optical properties of the limb is of interest when the optical properties can be related to changes at depth within the limb. Such information may suggest ways in which noninvasive optical methods can be used to monitor exercise. In the present study, a source-detector arrangement was connected to a computer for collection of data at approximately 7-s intervals during sitting, standing, walking, and jogging. Repeatable changes with exercise were observed, and an oxygen index was calculated for subdermal optical data. The data obtained were consistent with a flow-limited system in which exercise had the effect of increasing oxygen availability at the measurement site. >

We have demonstrated that a novel masking technique for low energy quantum well intermixing (QWI), comparable to selective area epitaxy, can be used for the realization of multiple bandgaps in the production of WDM quantum well laser sources, as well as other photonic integrated circuits for use in 1.55 /spl mu/m optical fibre communications applications.

We report the fabrication of 10-channel electro-absorption (EA) modulator arrays using a lattice-matched InGaAs/InGaAsP MQW structure. The fabrication method is based on the combination of using gray mask lithography and a low-energy arsenic (As) ion-implantation induced disordering (IIID) process. To understand how the QWI process may affect polarisation performance, a theoretical model based on different rates of group III and group V interdiffusion has also been developed.

10-channel monolithic multiple wavelength electro-absorption (EA) modulators have been fabricated onto a single chip using a one-step quantum well intermixing technique based on As/sup 2+/ ion implantation through a graded thickness silicon dioxide mask. Each individual modulator has a dimension of 400/spl times/500 /spl mu/m/sup 2/, 50 /spl mu/m width of active window, 500 /spl mu/m cavity length and 20 /spl mu/m width of isolation trench. The EA intensity modulators were characterized at room temperature using end-fire-coupling technique. Samples used in this study had a InGaAs/InGaAsP MQW (five quantum wells) laser structure grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy and were of the form of a stepped graded index heterostructure.

Objectives The type III histone deacetylase SIRT1 is a critical molecule in the modulation of immune and inflammatory response through the deacetylation of various histones and non-histone proteins. However, there are limited and controversial data regarding the roles of SIRT1 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its role in dendritic cells (DCs) remains unknown. Thus, this study sought to assess the role of SIRT1 in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) using a myeloid cell-specific SIRT1 knockout (mSIRT1 KO) mouse. Methods mSIRT1 KO mice were generated using the loxP/Cre recombinase system. CIA was induced in mSIRT1 KO mice and age-matched littermate loxP control mice. Arthritis severity was assessed by clinical, radiological, and pathological scoring. The levels of various cytokines in the joints, serum, lymph nodes were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ELISA. T cells and DCs were quantified using flow-cytometry and in vitro T cell cytokines and DCs markers were also measured. Results The mSIRT1 KO mice showed significantly lower arthritis severity and joint destruction compared with control mice. The expression of inflammatory cytokines, MMPs, and ROR-γT was also reduced in mSIRT1 KO mice. These effects were paralleled by reduction of Th1, Th17, CD69-positive T cells, CD80, and CD86 positive DCs in mSIRT1 KO mice. In addition, in vitro studies showed that interferon-γ and IL-17 production by T cells and the maturation of DCs were significantly decreased in mSIRT1 KO mice. Conclusions Unlike passive K/BxN serum transfer arthritis, myeloid cell-specific deletion of SIRT1 was associated with lower arthritis severity in CIA by modulating DCs maturation and Th1 and Th17 responses. The data suggest that SIRT1 plays a complex role in RA and careful investigation of cell-specific effects is necessary to delineate possible therapeutic uses of agents targeting SIRT1. Disclosure of Interest : None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.4188

Background Periostin is a matricellular protein that expressed in bone, periodontal ligament, heart valve, tendon and skin. Previous study indicated that periostinis linked with several inflammatory diseases such as airway hypersensitivity, periodontal inflammation, and pulmonary fibrosis. However, there is no study to investigate the role of periostin in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Objectives This study was performed to assess the function of periostin in K/BxN serum transfer arthritic mice. Methods Synovial tissues, serum, joint fluid, and fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) were obtained from patients with RA and osteoarthritis (OA). The expression of periostin in synovial tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The levels of periostin were checked by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). K/BxN serum transfer arthritis was induced in periostin knockout (KO) and age-matched wild type (WT) mice. Arthritis severity was assessed by clinical and histopathologic scoring. The levels of inflammatory cytokines in ankles and serum were measured by quantitative PCR and ELISA. The osteoclastogenesis was assessed by using bone marrow monocytes (BMM) from periostin KO or WT mice. Results Periostin was highly expressed in the synovium of RA patient than OA. The periostin levels were increased in the presence of IL-1β and TNF-α in RA-FLS. The periostin KO mice showed more severe arthritis from day 4 to day 10. The peak clinical scores were: 5.0±0.6 in WT, 7.36±0.5 in periostin KO mice; p Conclusions This study suggests that regulation of periostin contributes to pathogenesis of RA and periostin has a potential protective role in RA. Disclosure of Interest None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.4201

Objectives: To compare cardiovascular risk factors and LDL particle size in well-controlled Type 2 diabetes mellitus and normal subjects. Methods: Ninety-three Type 2 diabetic males and 186 age-matched, male controls were studied. Glycaemic control was stable for at least 3 months prior to recruitment. None were on insulin or lipid lowering therapy. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, insulin, apolipoprotein A1 and B, LDL subfraction by density ultracentrifugation were obtained after an overnight fast of 10 h. Results: Diabetic subjects (mean HbA1c 6.6%±0.10) did not differ from controls in total cholesterol levels (5.04±0.08 vs. 5.16±0.05 mmol/l, respectively) but had lower serum HDL cholesterol (0.98±0.03 vs. 1.12±0.02 mmol/l, P

Summary form only given. Quantum well intermixing (QWI) is a key technology for the fabrication of advanced photonic integrated components (PICs) requiring integration of multiple bandgap values over a 150 nm range on a single substrate. Standard MOCVD-grown, 1.55 /spl mu/m heterostructures with five quantum wells were used for this work.

In this paper we show that low energy ion implantation of lnP based heterostructures for quantum well intermixing is a promising technique for photonic integrated devices. In order to fabricate complex optoelectronic devices with a control of the bandgap profile of the heterostructure there is a list of requirements that have to be fulfilled. We have fhhricatcd high quality discrete blueshifted laser diodes to verify the capability of low energy ion implantation induced intermixing fbr integration. We also fabricated extended cavity lasers with this technique, which demonstrated a reduction of the propagation losses down to 5.3 cm' within the integrated passive waveguides.

A new quantum-well intermixing process in InGaAs-InGaAsP structures, based on controlled low energy phosphorus (P) ion implantation, has been employed in the fabrication of multiple wavelength selective channel electroabsorption (EA) intensity modulators. These modulators, fabricated on a single chip, have an intensity modulation depth as high as -1 1 dB for voltage swings as low as -6 V.

Low energy ion implantation induced intermixing has been used to selectively blueshift 1.55μm InP/lnGaAs/InGaAsP material. Intra-cavity electro-absorption modulators have been fabricated using this method. Integrated laser-modulator device parameters show no indication of degradation following the intermixing process.

InGaAs/InGaAsP quantum well structures have wide applications, such as the integration of optoelectronic devices and low threshold current density lasers, as well as low loss waveguides and optical switching elements. In many cases, high temperature operations (such as during selective area epitaxy or regrowth) are necessary during the course of processing a wafer. Here, we report the influence of low and high etch pit densities (EPD) InP substrates on the thermal stability of InGaAs/InGaAsP quantum well laser structure. Both the n-type of S-doped (EPD

Neutral impurity induced quantum well intermixing (QWI) is an attractive and promising postgrowth bandgap engineeringprocess for the fabrication of photonic integrated circuits (PICs), as it introduces no additional electrical active dopants intothe material system after intermixing. Here, we report the development of neutral impurity induced QWI processes inInGaAs-InGaAsP laser structure using low energy, i.e. 36OkeV, arsenic and phosphorous ion implantation. The samples wereimplanted at room temperature and 200 °C, with a dose range between 1012 and 1014 ions/cm2. The QWI stage was carried outby annealing the implanted samples at 650 °C for 120 s. Samples implanted at 200 °C give higher degree ofQWI. Comparedto P implanted samples, larger bandgap shift was observed from As implanted samples after annealing. A differential PLbandgap shift as large as 93 nm (60 meV) was observed from samples implanted with iO' ions/cm2 of As. Bandgap tunedlasers fabricated from intermixed samples; the current threshold density of the intermixed lasers slowly increases with theamount of blueshift and is kept below 20% for the most blueshifted devices. The attractive device characteristics of thebandgap tuned lasers show that damage induced by the ion implantation can be almost fully treated after annealing. Thisimplies that the material remains in good quality after QWI.Keywords: Low energy ion implantation, quantum well Intermixing, InGaAs-InGaAsP, quantum well laser.

Cloud computing is an undeniable shift paradigm due to the rapid advancement in processors, distributed grid computing, disk storage and performance, Internet networking and virtualization techniques. Adoption of cloud computing in business creates some considerable business values. So basically this paper will concentrate on the study of the cloud adoption in business. Besides, this paper also aims to investigate the business benefit gained by adopting cloud computing in the business as well as the key challenges of cloud adoption in business.

Microfabrication technology is perceived by many as the critical requirement for the future technological development in manufacturing industry. Among many technologies utilised in microfabrication micro- Electro Discharge Machining (EDM) holds great prospect which is yet to be explored completely. Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM) is one of the variants of EDM technology that can be very well adapted for the microfabrication applications. Attempts have been made to identify the major issues of micro-WEDM technology and how they can be addressed for efficient microfabrication applications. Effect of the parameter on the existing challenges of micro-WEDM for microfabrication are studied and discussed. This paper explores the critical requirement areas in microfabrication. It is found that improving the gap width, efficient removal of debris produced during machining are the major challenges which if improved can greatly contribute to microfabrication technology.