Optical Packet Switching (OPS) and Optical Burst Switching (OBS) are optical networking concepts based on fully exploiting fast dynamic allocation of (D)WDM channels. Compared to more static approaches focusing on providing endto-end optical channels, OPS and OBS aim at providing greater bandwidth efficiency, granularity and flexibility. In this paper we give an overview of the issues arising w...

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare the catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) prevalence and its determinants between empty-nest and non-empty-nest elderly households. SETTING Shandong province of China. PARTICIPANTS A total of 2761 elderly households are included in the analysis. RESULTS CHE incidence among elderly households was 44.9%. The CHE incidence of empty-nest singles ...

Anti-cholinesterase insecticides constitute a major portion of modern synthetic pesticides and the assessment of cholinesterase (ChE) inhibition is widely used as a specific biomarker for evaluating the exposure of non-target organisms to these pollutants. However, most studies on this biomarker were developed on vertebrates and among invertebrates, gastropod mollusks are rarely used. Gastropod...

BACKGROUND Polarised trafficking of proteins is critical for normal expression of the epithelial phenotype, but its genetic control is not understood. The regulatory gene lin-26 is essential for normal epithelial differentiation in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. To identify potential effectors of lin-26, we characterised mutations that result in lin-26-like phenotypes. Here, we report the...

In California, regulatory agencies are concerned about organophosphate (OP) contamination of surface water. OPs originate in part from applications on dormant almond and stone fruit orchards that are washed off during winter rainstorms. Programs conducted by the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Project, University of California Cooperative Extension, and the Biologi...

Do leaks of hydraulic fluids and jet engine lubricating oils cause potentially toxic fumes to be released into the cabins of commercial airliners? If so, do those fumes cause acute and chronic health problems such as headache, nausea, fatigue, memory loss, and neuromuscular damage in airline crew members and passengers? Those simple questions are at the heart of a brewing controversy. Advocacy ...

Optical Packet Switching (OPS) and Optical Burst Switching (OBS) are optical networking concepts based on fully exploiting fast dynamic allocation of (D)WDM channels. Compared to more static approaches focussing on providing end-toend optical channels, OPS and OBS aim at providing greater bandwidth efficiency, granularity and flexibility. In this paper we give an overview of the issues arising ...