BD System Research Articles

Advanced neurological activity status of athletes based on big data technology

Currently, the application scope of big data (BD for short here) technology is relatively narrow, mostly used in the medical field, and the degree of application is relatively superficial, mostly for data statistical record analysis. Therefore, By combining the literature review, this article has decided to construct a system based on BD technology for analyzing the advanced neural activity status of athletes. The system is mainly divided into two parts, one is the biological information collection part. As an important source of system data, it is necessary to use professional equipment to collect ECG and EEG data and ensure the accuracy of the data through signal filtering, Gaussian noise elimination, salt and pepper noise, and exponential noise de-noising technology. The other is the algorithm problem of BD systems. Considering that the traditional algorithm can not deal with a large amount of data effectively, this paper chooses the BD spectral clustering algorithm based on core points as the main algorithm to cluster the data. By evaluating the efficiency of system learning, data collection and classification, system scheme construction, and error rate, this article ultimately determined the practical feasibility and effectiveness of the system. After completing the construction of the system, considering the gap between the system's performance and traditional data, this article analyzed the improvement data of various aspects of sports training. This paper compares the performance differences between the system based on BD technology and the traditional data analysis method under different indicators. In terms of data collection and classification, the accuracy of the system based on BD technology in the collection and classification of ECG and EEG data reached 100 % and 90 %, respectively, which was significantly higher than 60 % and 30 % of the traditional methods. By comparing the data from five training courses, it is found that the training efficiency of the conventional method has increased by 60 % in the first course, while the efficiency of the training method based on the BD system has increased by 85 % in the fifth course. For the activation efficiency of nerve function, the activation efficiency of brain nerve function reached 60 % and 90 % respectively in the two nerve function activation training based on the BD system, which was much higher than 30 % and 45 % of the traditional methods. Through a series of tests and comparative analysis of data, the effectiveness of the BD system is finally determined, which can achieve the goal of improving athletes' training efficiency.

Cropping system typologies perform differently under climate stress in Manitoba, Canada: multi-criteria assessment

Information is required to understand how novel biodiversity strategies can improve cropping system resilience to climate change. A “business as usual” (BAU) rotation (wheat–canola–wheat–soybean) was compared with a “warm-season crop” (WS) rotation (corn–sunflower–dry bean–canola); a “biodiverse” (BD) rotation (fall rye with cover crop– corn/soybean intercrop—pea/canola intercrop–green fallow mixture); a “perennial grain” (Kernza) rotation (Kernza grain intermediate wheatgrass); and an organic (ORG) rotation (millet-green fallow mixture-wheat). Drought conditions prevailed in both study years. The BAU rotation had the lowest average yield (1821 kg ha−1 compared with 2533 and 3083 kg ha−1 for the BD and WS rotations, respectively), less post-harvest residual biomass, and a lower net return than the WS rotation. The WS rotation was limited by herbicide-resistant weeds in dry beans. Kernza seed yield was five times lower than for spring wheat. ORG wheat yielded the same as other wheat and had a higher net return. Live roots days, a measure of soil health potential, were 95 for the BAU rotation and 174 and 113 for the BD and WS rotations, respectively; the most were recorded for Kernza (365). Seasonal crop growth duration was increased by including Kernza and fall rye for early season growth, and corn, sunflower, a corn–soybean intercrop, a cover crop, and fall-seeded rye for late season growth. WS and BD rotations outperformed the BAU rotation and the BD system accomplished this with half the N fertilizer. Results demonstrate the potential of biodiverse rotations; barriers to their adoption should be addressed.

Mechanical and 1st Chemical Cleaning of NEK Steam Generators

Sludge removal is performed on two steam generators (SG’s) at the Krško Nuclear Power Plant (NEK) during every outage. SG’s are a meeting point of five major plant systems: Reactor Coolant System (RC) on the primary side and four systems on the secondary side – Auxiliary Feedwater System (AF), Blowdown System (BD), Main Feedwater System (FW), and Main Steam System (MS). Sludge removal activities take place on the secondary side of the SG’s on the top of the tube sheet. It always consists of classical Sludge Lancing (SL) which is done by spraying water at different angles (30°, 90°, 150°) between the tube gaps in the steam generator tube bundle with a pressure of around 220 bars. Another method is Inner Bundle Lancing (IBL) which means spraying water directly inside the tube bundle with a traveling lance tape with a spraying nozzle at the end. Water is sprayed at an angle or directly on the top of the tube sheet with a robot-guided manipulator which is placed inside a steam generator. The manipulator and therefore the spraying action is controlled by an operator and at times it is fully autonomous to provide the highest protection measures possible. Another method of sludge removal which was for the first time utilized in 2019 at the Krško site was Chemical Cleaning (CC) of both SG’s. During this process, a chemical was injected into the SG’s through the BD system and periodically pumped between the two SG’s to create a dynamic flow and maximize the cleaning effect. To achieve the best results, a constant temperature of the chemicals had to be maintained at all times. Upon completion of chemical cleaning, a rinsing phase was followed to remove any post-treatment chemicals. After all sludge removal activities, a televisual inspection (TVI) of the top of the tube sheet was performed to access the hard sludge area and to search for potential foreign objects in the SG’s. If for instance an object of importance during TV inspection is found, an attempt to retrieve it would usually take place. Other methods of sludge removal such as upper bundle flushing or ultrasonic cleaning have not been implemented in NEK thus far.
 Since the power plant uprate in May 2000, NEK conducted SL on both SG’s every outage also starting with IBL in 2013 and 2015, and the same method was used in the 2018 outage. During the outage in 2019, all three methods (SL, IBL, and CC) have been utilized with the main purpose to extend the full load operation of the plant, preventing and/or stopping denting processes in the SG’s from occurring, reducing and stopping the build-up of hard sludge area to increase/sustain efficiency and remove foreign objects found in the SG’s. SG’s U-tubes are a barrier between the primary side coolant and the secondary side of NEK and the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the highest level of integrity of the U-tubes because any leak could potentially mean a release of radioactive material into the atmosphere. This paper describes the purpose and workflow of sludge removal activities in the outage of 2019 in NEK.

A large gain variable range, high linearity, lownoise, low DC offset VGAs used in BD system

In this paper, a large gain variable range, high linearity, low noise, low DC offset VGAs with a simple gain-dB variable circuit are introduced. In the VGAs chain, the last and the first VGAs employ Bipolar transistors, to improve the linearity and noise characteristics. And the middle three stages VGAs employ MOS transistors. The whole circuitry is designed in 0.35um BiCMOS process, including variable gain amplifiers (VGAs) , fixed gain amplifiers , gain control and DC offset cancellation parts. The automatic gain control loop (AGC) provides a process independent gain variable range of 60dB (including 50dB gain-dB-linearity variable range), with a 200us loop lock time, the VGAs provide a 73dB largest gain, the THD is less than 1% at a 1V(P-P) output level; the equivalent output integral noise is 0.011v/√hz@20MHz bandwidth. The whole area is 1173um*494 um, and the power is 7.1mA at 3.3V signal supply voltage.

A quantitative in-depth analysis of the prototype sdB+BD system SDSS J08205+0008 revisited in the Gaia era

ABSTRACT Subdwarf B stars are core-helium-burning stars located on the extreme horizontal branch (EHB). Extensive mass loss on the red giant branch is necessary to form them. It has been proposed that substellar companions could lead to the required mass loss when they are engulfed in the envelope of the red giant star. J08205+0008 was the first example of a hot subdwarf star with a close, substellar companion candidate to be found. Here, we perform an in-depth re-analysis of this important system with much higher quality data allowing additional analysis methods. From the higher resolution spectra obtained with ESO-VLT/XSHOOTER, we derive the chemical abundances of the hot subdwarf as well as its rotational velocity. Using the Gaia parallax and a fit to the spectral energy distribution in the secondary eclipse, tight constraints to the radius of the hot subdwarf are derived. From a long-term photometric campaign, we detected a significant period decrease of $-3.2(8)\times 10^{-12} \, \rm dd^{-1}$. This can be explained by the non-synchronized hot subdwarf star being spun up by tidal interactions forcing it to become synchronized. From the rate of period decrease we could derive the synchronization time-scale to be 4 Myr, much smaller than the lifetime on EHB. By combining all different methods, we could constrain the hot subdwarf to a mass of $0.39\!-\!0.50\, \rm M_\odot$ and a radius of $R_{\rm sdB}=0.194\pm 0.008\, \rm R_\odot$, and the companion to $0.061\!-\!0.071\rm \, M_\odot$ with a radius of $R_{\rm comp}=0.092 \pm 0.005\, \rm R_\odot$, below the hydrogen-burning limit. We therefore confirm that the companion is most likely a massive brown dwarf.

3D Printing the Future of Healthcare

3D Printing the Future of Healthcare

Bs mixing observables and |Vtd/Vts| from sum rules

We consider the effects of a non-vanishing strange-quark mass in the determination of the full basis of dimension six matrix elements for Bs mixing, in particular we get for the ratio of the V − A Bag parameter in the Bs and Bd system: {overline{B}}_{Q_1}^s/{overline{B}}_{Q_1}^d={0.987}_{-0.009}^{+0.007} . Combining these results with the most recent lattice values for the ratio of decay constants {f}_{B_s}/{f}_{B_d} we obtain the most precise determination of the ratio xi ={f}_{B_s}sqrt{{overline{B}}_{Q_1}^s}/{f}_{B_d}sqrt{{overline{B}}_{Q_1}^d}={1.2014}_{-0.0072}^{+0.0065} in agreement with recent lattice determinations. We find ΔMs = (18.5− 1.5+ 1.2)ps− 1 and ΔMd = (0.547− 0.046+ 0.035)ps− 1 to be consistent with experiments at below one sigma. Assuming the validity of the SM, our calculation can be used to directly determine the ratio of CKM elements |Vtd/Vts| = 0.2045− 0.0013+ 0.0012, which is compatible with the results from the CKM fitting groups, but again more precise.

Dimension-six matrix elements for meson mixing and lifetimes from sum rules

The hadronic matrix elements of dimension-six ∆F = 0, 2 operators are crucial inputs for the theory predictions of mixing observables and lifetime ratios in the B and D system. We determine them using HQET sum rules for three-point correlators. The results of the required three-loop computation of the correlators and the one-loop computation of the QCD-HQET matching are given in analytic form. For mixing matrix elements we find very good agreement with recent lattice results and comparable theoretical uncertainties. For lifetime matrix elements we present the first ever determination in the D meson sector and the first determination of ∆B = 0 matrix elements with uncertainties under control — superseeding preliminary lattice studies stemming from 2001 and earlier. With our state-of-the-art determination of the bag parameters we predict: τ(B+)/τ(Bd0) = 1.082− 0.026+ 0.022, τ(Bs0)/τ(Bd0) = 0.9994 ± 0.0025, τ(D+)/τ(D0) = 2. 7− 0.8+ 0.7 and the mixing-observables in the Bs and Bd system, in good agreement with the most recent experimental averages.

Cryptic disease-induced mortality may cause host extinction in an apparently stable host-parasite system.

The decline of wildlife populations due to emerging infectious disease often shows a common pattern: the parasite invades a naive host population, producing epidemic disease and a population decline, sometimes with extirpation. Some susceptible host populations can survive the epidemic phase and persist with endemic parasitic infection. Understanding host-parasite dynamics leading to persistence of the system is imperative to adequately inform conservation practice. Here we combine field data, statistical and mathematical modelling to explore the dynamics of the apparently stable Rhinoderma darwinii-Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) system. Our results indicate that Bd-induced population extirpation may occur even in the absence of epidemics and where parasite prevalence is relatively low. These empirical findings are consistent with previous theoretical predictions showing that highly pathogenic parasites are able to regulate host populations even at extremely low prevalence, highlighting that disease threats should be investigated as a cause of population declines even in the absence of an overt increase in mortality.

Identifying Species Conservation Strategies to Reduce Disease‐Associated Declines

AbstractEmerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are a salient threat to many animal taxa, causing local and global extinctions, altering communities and ecosystem function. The EID chytridiomycosis is a prominent driver of amphibian declines, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). To guide conservation policy, we developed a predictive decision‐analytic model that combines empirical knowledge of host‐pathogen metapopulation dynamics with expert judgment regarding effects of management actions, to select from potential conservation strategies. We apply our approach to a boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas boreas) and Bd system, identifying optimal strategies that balance tradeoffs in maximizing toad population persistence and landscape‐level distribution, while considering costs. The most robust strategy is expected to reduce the decline of toad breeding sites from 53% to 21% over 50 years. Our findings are incorporated into management policy to guide conservation planning. Our online modeling application provides a template for managers of other systems challenged by EIDs.

Caracterización y perfil de susceptibilidad de uropatógenos asociados a la presencia de bacteriuria asintomática en gestantes del departamento del Atlántico, Colombia, 2014-2015. Estudio de corte transversal

Objetivo: la bacteriuria asintomática con manejo inadecuado en el embarazo se asocia con pielonefritis que puede llevar a complicaciones maternas y fetales. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar los uropatógenos y su perfil de susceptibilidad, asociados a la presencia de bacteriuria asintomática en una muestra de mujeres gestantes.Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, en gestantes atendidas en el programa de control prenatal en una institución de primer nivel en el departamento del Atlántico, Colombia. Se realizó un muestreo por conveniencia a partir del universo de pacientes atendidas en el programa. Se hizo el diagnóstico de bacteriuria asintomática por la presencia de recuentos ≥ 105 colonias / mL de un solo germen. Para la identificación y determinación del perfil de susceptibilidad de las bacterias aisladas se utilizó el sistema automatizado Phoenix® BD. Se describe la prevalencia de bacteriuria asintomática, y la frecuencia y susceptibilidad por tipo de germen.Resultados: ingresaron 226 gestantes.La frecuencia de bacteriuria asintomática fue del 10,6 %. El uropatógeno más frecuentemente aislado fue la Escherichia coli en un 25 % de los casos, seguida por Enterococcus faecalis en un 20,8 %. La resistencia a la ampicilina fue del 33,3 y 20 % respectivamente; el resto de enterobacterias identificadas presenta una resistencia natural a dicho antibiótico. La resistencia de la E. coli y el E. faecalis a la nitrofurantoína fue del 16,6 y 20 % respectivamente.Conclusiones: se encuentra resistencia importante en el nivel de atención de los gérmenes más frecuentemente aislados en gestantes con bacteriuria asintomática a la ampicilina: en trimetoprim sulfametoxazol fue del 66 %. La nitrofurantoína sigue siendo una buena opción para el tratamiento en la primera mitad del embarazo.

Linking Ecology and Epidemiology to Understand Predictors of Multi-Host Responses to an Emerging Pathogen, the Amphibian Chytrid Fungus.

Variation in host responses to pathogens can have cascading effects on populations and communities when some individuals or groups of individuals display disproportionate vulnerability to infection or differ in their competence to transmit infection. The fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has been detected in almost 700 different amphibian species and is implicated in numerous global amphibian population declines. Identifying key hosts in the amphibian-Bd system–those who are at greatest risk or who pose the greatest risk for others–is challenging due in part to many extrinsic environmental factors driving spatiotemporal Bd distribution and context-dependent host responses to Bd in the wild. One way to improve predictive risk models and generate testable mechanistic hypotheses about vulnerability is to complement what we know about the spatial epidemiology of Bd with data collected through comparative experimental studies. We used standardized pathogen challenges to quantify amphibian survival and infection trajectories across 20 post-metamorphic North American species raised from eggs. We then incorporated trait-based models to investigate the predictive power of phylogenetic history, habitat use, and ecological and life history traits in explaining responses to Bd. True frogs (Ranidae) displayed the lowest infection intensities, whereas toads (Bufonidae) generally displayed the greatest levels of mortality after Bd exposure. Affiliation with ephemeral aquatic habitat and breadth of habitat use were strong predictors of vulnerability to and intensity of infection and several other traits including body size, lifespan, age at sexual maturity, and geographic range also appeared in top models explaining host responses to Bd. Several of the species examined are highly understudied with respect to Bd such that this study represents the first experimental susceptibility data. Combining insights gained from experimental studies with observations of landscape-level disease prevalence may help explain current and predict future pathogen dynamics in the Bd system.

Insights From Genomics Into Spatial and Temporal Variation in Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.

Advances in genetics and genomics have provided new tools for the study of emerging infectious diseases. Researchers can now move quickly from simple hypotheses to complex explanations for pathogen origin, spread, and mechanisms of virulence. Here we focus on the application of genomics to understanding the biology of the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a novel and deadly pathogen of amphibians. We provide a brief history of the system, then focus on key insights into Bd variation garnered from genomics approaches, and finally, highlight new frontiers for future discoveries. Genomic tools have revealed unexpected complexity and variation in the Bd system suggesting that the history and biology of emerging pathogens may not be as simple as they initially seem.

Diagnosis of lymph node tuberculosis using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF in Tunisia

IntroductionGeneXpert MTB/RIF is a fully-automated diagnostic molecular test which simultaneously detects tuberculosis (TB) and rifampicin (RIF) drug resistance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF test for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in lymph node specimens and to show the place of Mycobacterium bovis as a major cause of TB lymphadenitis. Material and methodsThis study was conducted simultaneously in the National Reference Laboratory for Mycobacteria of Ariana and the Central Laboratory of Sfax, from January to December 2013. In total, 174 lymph node specimens were processed simultaneously for Ziehl–Neelsen, auramine and immuno-histochemical staining. Conventional culture on both Lowenstein–Jensen and liquid medium (Bactec MGIT 960 BD system) and the new molecular-based GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay system were performed. Positive cultures were confirmed using molecular identification (Genotype MTBC Hain Lifescience). ResultsAmong the 174 samples tested, the GeneXpert detected the DNA of MTBC in 134 samples (77%). Standard bacteriological assays, including AFB microscopy and culture, were positive, respectively, in 41 (23.6%) and 79 (45.4%) specimens. M. bovis was isolated in 76% of positive cultures. GeneXpert sensitivity and specificity results were assessed according to smear and culture results, clinical and histological findings. The sensitivity and specificity of the Xpert assay were 87.5% (126/144) and 73.3%, respectively. ConclusionThe implementation of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay may dramatically improve the rapid diagnosis of lymph node TB.

Head-to-head comparison of the diagnostic accuracies of BD Veritor™ System RSV and Quidel® Sofia® RSV FIA systems for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) diagnosis

BackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of severe lower respiratory tract disease among infants and young children. BD Veritor™ System RSV (BD) and Quidel® Sofia® RSV FIA (QD) are the new generation lateral flow digital immunoassay (DIA) tests with an instrumented read for the qualitative detection of RSV viral antigens. ObjectiveTo compare the diagnostic accuracies of BD and QD for RSV detection using fresh nasopharyngeal aspirates and nasopharyngeal swab specimens collected in universal transport media during 2013–2014 respiratory season. Study designThe two DIA tests were performed simultaneously on randomly selected specimens on a weekly basis during the RSV season until 200 fresh remnant specimens were enrolled. Real-time RT-PCR assay results were used to compare and evaluate the performance of both RSV DIA assays. ResultsAmong 200 specimens tested, RSV real-time RT-PCR assay detected RSV in 104 samples, while QD detected 84 samples and BD detected 74 samples as positive. The overall sensitivity for detection of RSV in comparison to PCR was 71.15% (61.3–79.4) for BD and 80.77% (71.6–87.6) for QD system (P=0.36). The specificity was 100% (95.2–100) for both systems. The work flow analysis revealed that the overall specimen processing time was significantly lower for BD as compared with the QD assay. ConclusionsIn comparison with the real-time PCR, the QD system showed a higher sensitivity than that of the BD system, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P=0.36). Both BD and QD systems were found comparable in terms of specificity.

Diagnosis of lymph node tuberculosis using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF in Tunisia

IntroductionGeneXpert MTB/RIF is a fully-automated diagnostic molecular test which simultaneously detects tuberculosis (TB) and Rifampicin (RIF) drug resistance.The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF test for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in lymph node specimens. Materials and methodsThis study was conducted simultaneously in Abderrahmen Mami hospital, the National Reference Laboratory for Mycobacteria in Tunisia and Hedi Chaker Bacteriological Laboratory of Sfax, from January to December 2013. In total, 160 lymph node specimens (tissues and aspirates) were split and processed simultaneously for auramine fluorescent staining and immunohistochemical staining. In addition, conventional culture on both Lowenstein–Jensen and liquid medium (Bactec MGIT 960 BD system) and the new molecular-based GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay system were performed. Positive cultures were confirmed after the detection of the MPT64 antigen (SD BiolineTBAg MPT64 Rapid) and molecular identification (Genotype MTBC Hain Lifescience). ResultsAmong the 160 samples tested, the GeneXpert detected the DNA of MTC in 120 samples (75%). Standard bacteriological assays including AFB microscopy and culture were positive, respectively, in 37 (23.13%) and 74 (46.25%) specimens. Mycobacterium bovis was isolated in 67.4% of positive cultures. No Rifampicin resistance was detected.GeneXpert sensitivity and specificity results were assessed according to smear and culture results, clinical and histological findings.The sensitivity and specificity of the Xpert assay was 91.5% (118/129) and 70.4% (19/27), respectively.When compared with bacteriological findings, the concordance between the GeneXpert and bacteriological results was 69.4%. ConclusionThe implementation of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay may dramatically improve the rapid diagnosis of lymph node TB. This rapid TB test may complete usual methods (conventional microscopy, culture and histopathology).

Nation, Space, and Exception

Pakistan’s first military dictatorship launched the Basic Democracies scheme in 1960, after a bloodless coup that dissolved political parties and legislative institutions. Naqvi’s essay considers how the architects of the “BD system” reconceived the Pakistani nation in response to the ends of martial rule, namely, the permanent empowerment of the postcolonial executive. Naqvi theorizes the BD scheme as an extraconstitutional system of governmentality that produced the Pakistani citizen ambivalently—as an authentic yet nontranscendent subject of the nation. He further shows how the Basic Democracies scheme rationalized the state’s negation of wider channels of democratic participation by nationalizing the parochial as an expression of the true “genius” of the Pakistani people. Such attempts to fragment and reassign the experience of national solidarity, he contends, drew inspiration from the racial assumptions of the colonial state in a postcolonial context marked by uncertainty about the form of Muslim national solidarity. Moving between programmatic literature on Basic Democracies and nineteenth-century colonial debates on the reform of local self-government, the essay traces the genealogical and comparative significance of the following question: Can a nation in which democratic participation is confined exclusively to the local level continue to feel and act as a nation?

Linking manipulative experiments to field data to test the dilution effect

The dilution effect, the hypothesis that biodiversity reduces disease risk, has received support in many systems. However, few dilution effect studies have linked mechanistic experiments to field patterns to establish both causality and ecological relevance. We conducted a series of laboratory experiments and tested the dilution effect hypothesis in an amphibian-Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) system and tested for consistency between our laboratory experiments and field patterns of amphibian species richness, host identity and Bd prevalence. In our laboratory experiments, we show that tadpoles can filter feed Bd zoospores and that the degree of suspension feeding was positively associated with their dilution potential. The obligate suspension feeder, Gastrophryne carolinensis, generally diluted the risk of chytridiomycosis for tadpoles of Bufo terrestris and Hyla cinerea, whereas tadpoles of B. terrestris (an obligate benthos feeder) generally amplified infections for the other species. In addition, G. carolinensis reduced Bd abundance on H. cinerea more so in the presence than absence of B. terrestris and B. terrestris amplified Bd abundance on H. cinerea more so in the absence than presence of G. carolinensis. Also, when ignoring species identity, species richness was a significant negative predictor of Bd abundance. In our analysis of field data, the presence of Bufo spp. and Gastrophryne spp. were significant positive and negative predictors of Bd prevalence, respectively, even after controlling for climate, vegetation, anthropogenic factors (human footprint), species richness and sampling effort. These patterns of dilution and amplification supported our laboratory findings, demonstrating that the results are likely ecologically relevant. The results from our laboratory and field data support the dilution effect hypothesis and also suggest that dilution and amplification are predictable based on host traits. Our study is among the first to link manipulative experiments, in which a potential dilution mechanism is supported, with analyses of field data on species richness, host identity, spatial autocorrelation and disease prevalence.

Research on the Positioning Algorithm of BD/GPS Integrated Navigation System

The BD satellite navigation and positioning system (BDS) is a new generation of satellite navigation and positioning system developed by China independently. In order to get rid of the long-term reliance on the GPS system, research on the BD/GPS integrated navigation positioning algorithm is both inevitable and necessary, and analysis of the BD/GPS integrated navigation positioning accuracy is of great significance for the navigation and positioning applications. In this paper, the basic principles of the integrated navigation and positioning, observation equations and positioning algorithms were expounded, and the least squares algorithm was used to accomplish the positioning calculation. Base on the analysis of Positioning results, the integrated navigation and positioning accuracy of BD/GPS was given. The research results are importance to the application of the BD system.

Pathological and Immunological Developments in Behcet's Disease

Behcet's disease is a rare form of vasculitis that may have systemic multiorgan involvement. Behcet's disease was first defined by Hulusi Behcet, a Turkish Professor of Dermatology, in 1937 as a triad of recurrent aphthous stomatitis, genital aphthae, and relapsing uveitis. As this disease can be fatal, an immediate medical treatment is mandatory. So far there is no specific pathological testing or technique available for the diagnosis of the disease, although the International Study Group criteria for the disease are of good sensitivity and specificity. However, quite a portion of patients are misdiagnosed or have been delayed diagnosis. During the ensuing 65 years, multiple systemic associations of the disease including articular, vascular, gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary, and neurologic involvement have become increasingly apparent. Although the etiology and pathogenesis is not clearly defined, genetic predisposition, infections, and immunological dysfunctions have been implicated. Behcet's disease has been reported worldwide but has a distinct geographic distribution, with highest prevalences in countries along with the ancient silk route. Although much has been learned during recent years on the pathogenesis and treatment of the disease, it is still an important cause of morbidity and mortality in areas where it is prevalent. The entitled “Musculoskeletal findings in Behcet's disease” addresses the musculoskeletal findings of Behcet's disease, the relationship between Behcet's disease and spondyloarthropathy disease complex, and the status of bone metabolism in patients with Behcet's disease. Professor Fereydoun Davatchi presents us the new diagnosis/classification criteria for Behcet's disease. The author finds that ICBD criteria have better sensitivity and accuracy than ISG. In the paper is entitled “Pathophysiology of Behcet's disease”, and we think that there is some clinical evidence suggesting that emotional stress and hormonal alterations can influence the course and disease activity of BD. Professor Erkan Alpsoy presents that the new evidence-based treatment is mainly based on the suppression of inflammatory attacks of the disease using immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive agents. In this paper, current state of knowledge regarding the therapeutic approaches is outlined. To provide a rational framework for selecting the appropriate therapy along with the various treatment choices, a stepwise, symptom-based, evidence-based algorithmic approach was developed. The fifth paper entitled “Genetics of Behcet's disease” describes HLA and non-HLA genetic association studies in BD. In recent years, several genomewide association studies and genetic polymorphism studies have also found new genetic associations with BD, which may have a supplementary role in disease susceptibility and/or severity. The paper entitled “Histopathological evaluation of Behcet's disease and identification of new different skin lesions” proposes that there has been an increase in the studies focusing on the histopathological aspects of Behcet's disease diagnostic mucocutaneous lesions. Their results emphasize the value of histopathology and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) in the differential diagnosis of Behcet's disease. Tuba Kara and Duygu Dusmez Apa discuss the pathologic features of BD in the tubuler gut. Professor Aysin Kokturk describes that the differential diagnosis depends on a careful evaluation of the medical history and meticulous physical examination to detect concomitant systemic manifestations. Sometimes, some laboratory test may help establish the diagnosis. Subspecialty referral to ophthalmology, rheumatology, neurology, and gastroenterology should be considered when indicated. The paper about BD and endocrine system shows that the avaliable data suggest that there is an increased susceptibility to insulin resistance in patients with BD. And also the authors indicate that not only anterior hypophysis functions but also posterior hypophysis functions can be affected. As BD is a disease of autoimmune process, it may be possible that adrenal insufficiency or alterations in the cortisol levels could be expected. The article entitled “Potential infectious etiology of Behcet's disease” indicates that an infectious agent could operate through molecular mimicry, and subsequently the disease could be perpetuated by an abnormal immune response to an autoantigen in the absence of ongoing infection. Potentia bacteria are Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mycobacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycoplasma fermentans, but the most commonly investigated microorganism is Streptococcus sanguinis. The relationship between streptococcal infections and Behcet's disease is suggested by clinical observations that an unhygienic oral condition is frequently noted in the oral cavity of Behcet's disease patients. Several viral agents, including herpes simplex virus-1, hepatitis C virus, parvovirus B19, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and varicella zoster virus, may also have some role. Professor Ozlem Yildirim shows that animal models allow for a more effective investigations into BD. The paper entitled “Development of immunopathogenesis strategies to treat Behcet's disease” finds that understanding of the new pathogenic mechanisms based on molecular structure of the disease helps us in improving the novel therapeutic modalities. Umit Tursen Gamze Piskin Torello Lotti Fereydoum Davatchi