Search

This study explores the synthesis and characterization of Fe-doped CaTiO3 compounds via the Pechini method, focusing on their structural, magnetic, and electrical properties. Notably, a previously unreported magnetic property is observed in the Fe-doped CaTiO3 compound. Despite significant structural distortions, ferroelectric polarization is identified using the Geometrical Polarization Approach (GPA), indicating its emergent nature. These distortions are attributed to robust chemical bonds between ionic O1−2 and Ti+4 sites, as evidenced by electronic density maps. This research sheds light on the potential of these materials for various technological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observation of dynamic processes by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an attractive technique to experimentally analyze materials' nanoscale phenomena and understand the microstructure-properties relationships in nanoscale. Even if spatial and temporal resolutions of real-time TEM increase significantly, it is still difficult to say that the researchers quantitatively evaluate the dynamic behavior of defects. Images in TEM video are a two-dimensional projection of three-dimensional space phenomena, thus missing information must be existed that makes image's uniquely accurate interpretation challenging. Therefore, even though they are still a clustering high-dimensional data and can be compressed to two-dimensional, conventional statistical methods for analyzing images may not be powerful enough to track nanoscale behavior by removing various artifacts associated with experiment; and automated and unbiased processing tools for such big-data are becoming mission-critical to discover knowledge about unforeseen behavior. We have developed a method to quantitative image analysis framework to resolve these problems, in which machine learning and particle filter estimation are uniquely combined. The quantitative and automated measurement of the dislocation velocity in an Fe-31Mn-3Al-3Si autunitic steel subjected to the tensile deformation was performed to validate the framework, and an intermittent motion of the dislocations was quantitatively analyzed. The framework is successfully classifying, identifying and tracking nanoscale objects; these are not able to be accurately implemented by the conventional mean-path based analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which measured the critical current densities J[subc] in as-deposited, c-axis-oriented Bi[sub2]Sr[sub2]Ca[sub2]Cu[sub3]O[subx] thin films. Materials and methods; Details on the current-voltage traces for the tansport critical currents I[subc] measurements in one of the J[subc] samples; Description of the critical current densities measured for many samples in magnetic fields.

Presents a study that examined internal stress in 3C-silicon carbide (SiC) epilayers grown on Si substrates by chemical vapor deposition using Raman scattering. Characteristic of the stress in the epilayers grown on Si; Magnitude of the stress in terms of elastic deformation theory.

We have found the ferroelectric-like characteristics in atomic layer deposition (ALD) La2O3 films with thermal budget lower than 300°C in polarization-electric field (P-E) and capacitance-gate voltage (C-V) measurements on W/La2O3/W and W/La2O3/InGaAs capacitors. The observed hysteresis and saturation of polarization in the P-E characteristics of the W/La2O3/W and the W/La2O3/InGaAs capacitors, and the counter-clockwise C-V hysteresis in the C-V curves of the W/La2O3/InGaAs capacitors suggest a possibility of ferroelectricity in the present La2O3 films. By using this gate stack, W/La2O3/InGaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) were fabricated in order to examine the negative capacitance (NC) effect due to La2O3. It is found that the sub-threshold swing (SS) of W/La2O3/InGaAs MOSFETs is lower at low temperature than the theoretical limit of MOSFETs. This result strongly suggests that the W/La2O3/InGaAs MOSFETs can work as a steep-slope III-V negative capacitance field-effect transistor (NCFET). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the influence of double-bag storage with air bubbles or foam and single-bag storage without air bubbles or foam on the quality of double-dose apheresis platelets. Topics include detecting expression of the conformational epitope on the glycoprotein (GPIIb), use of fluorescein isothiocyanate to activated PLTs, and measuring lactate concentrations, swirling, and hypotonic shock response for testing.

Summary: This study showed that autoimmune arthritis induces especially severe osteoporosis in the periarticular region adjacent to inflamed joints, suggesting that arthritis increases the fragility fracture risk near inflamed joints, which is frequently observed in patients with RA. Introduction: Periarticular osteoporosis near inflamed joints is a hallmark of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here we show that rheumatic inflammation deteriorates the bone quality and bone quantity of periarticular bone, thereby decreasing bone strength and toughness in a mouse model of RA. Methods: Female BALB/c mice and SKG mice, a mutant mouse model of autoimmune arthritis on the BALB/c background, were used. At 12 weeks of age, BALB/c mice underwent either Sham surgery or bilateral ovariectomy (OVX), and SKG mice underwent intraperitoneal injection of mannan to induce arthritis. Eight weeks later, the mice were killed and the femurs and tibias were subjected to micro-computed tomography, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic imaging, X-ray diffraction, histology, and mechanical testing. Results: SKG mice developed significant trabecular bone loss in both the distal metaphysis of the femur and the lumbar vertebral body, but the extent of the bone loss was more severe in the distal metaphysis. Neither SKG nor OVX mice exhibited changes in the geometry and matrix properties of the diaphysis of the femur, whereas SKG mice, but not OVX mice, did exhibit changes in these properties in the distal metaphysis of the femur. Bone strength and fracture toughness of the distal metaphysis of the tibia adjacent to the inflamed ankle joint were significantly decreased in SKG mice. Conclusions: Autoimmune arthritis induces periarticular osteoporosis, characterized by deterioration of cortical bone geometry and quality as well as by trabecular bone loss, leading to severe bone fragility in periarticular bone adjacent to inflamed joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the in vitro properties of platelets ( PLTs) washed with BRS-A additive solution in the Haemonetics ACP215 automated processing system. Two washing modes, 'manually/automatically adding ACD-A to BRS before/during the washing process', represented the control and test groups, respectively. Outcomes were compared over 7 days of storage ( n = 7, for both). PLT recovery following washing processing (26-27 min) was 86·2 ± 1·7% and 86·0 ± 2·2% and plasma protein removal was 98·8 ± 0·3% and 99·0 ± 0·2% in the control and test groups, respectively (not significant). Both groups exhibited comparable in vitro properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that examined heteroepitaxial growth of silicon-carbon (SiC) polytypes, 3C- and 6hydrogen-SiC by chemical vapor deposition. Use of Raman spectra; Identification of the polytypes; Characteristic of the surfaces of 3C-SiC epilayers grown at high temperatures.

Investigates heteroepitaxial growth of 3C and 6H-silicon carbide using Raman scattering. Details of the experiment; Growth of 3C-silicon carbide on 6H-silicon carbide by chemical vapor deposition; Identification of heterostructure of thin layers using Raman spectra.

Reports on the fabrication of Schottky-barrier field-effect transistors (FET) of 3C-SiC grown by chemical vapor deposition. Use of triethylaluminum as a doping gas; Configuration of electrodes; Drain current-voltage characteristics of a 3C-SiC metal semiconductor FET (MESFET); Device structures of the MESFET.

Background and Objectives Volume-reduced washed platelet ( PLT) concentrates ( PCs) can prevent circulatory overload and allergic reactions in patients undergoing PLT transfusions. For these reasons, they are in demand for paediatric settings and for patients at risk of circulatory overload. Here, we evaluated the quality of volume-reduced washed PCs stored for 5 days in a novel acetate-free PLT additive solution ( PAS) containing glucose and bicarbonate ( BRS-A) with <5% residual plasma protein. Materials and Methods PCs from two apheresis donations were mixed and divided equally into control and test units. For the test unit (volume-reduced washed PCs), PLTs were washed and stored in 90 ml BRS-A with <5% plasma protein. PLTs in the control unit were stored in 200 ml 100% plasma without any washing manipulations. The in vitro properties of PLTs in both units were compared over a 5-day storage period. Results The procedure for volume-reduced washed PCs effectively removed >98% plasma protein in 100% plasma PCs and yielded an approximately twofold lower mean volume (91 ml) compared to that observed with the control units. Immediately after washing, the mean PLT concentration of the test units was 20·5 × 1011/l, twofold higher than that of the control units. The pH (37°C) levels in the test unit remained above 7·0 for 5 days. Glucose consumption and lactate production rates of the test units on days 1-3 were higher than those of the control units, leading to glucose exhaustion in the test unit by Day 3. Hypotonic shock responses and CD62P and CD42b expression levels in both units were comparable during 5-day storage. Conclusion Considering the pH buffering capacity of BRS-A, a 90-ml volume may be acceptable for maintaining the in vitro quality of washed PLTs for at least 2 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(Li, O, F)-Auger electron, and X-ray photoelectron spectra (AES, VXPS) of solid lithium compounds (Li metal, LiCl, LiF, LiO) are simulated by deMon density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the model molecules of the unit cell. Calculated valence XPS, core-electron binding energies (CEBE)s, and Li-, O-, and F-KVV AES for the substances correspond considerably well to experimental results. For the calculation of VXPS, the observed spectra of LiO pellet with chemisorbed CO almost show agreement with simulation curve of the valence XPS according to the model for the 1/1 ratio of LiO/LiCO. In the case of AES calculation, we analyze the experimental AES with our modified Auger electron kinetic energy calculation method which corresponds to the two final-state holes at the ground state and at the transition-state in DFT calculation by removing 1 and 2 electrons, respectively. Experimental KVV AES of the Li atom, and (O, F) KVV AES of (LiO and LiF) in the substances almost agree well to the AES calculated with maximum kinetic energies at the ground state, and at the transition-state, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose Washing the face with a mild cleanser is generally recommended for acne care. Occasionally, the general public has the misconception that acne is exacerbated by cleansers and furthermore it has concerns about inducing skin irritation and xerosis by intensive washing. Recently, we developed a new cleanser based on sodium laureth carboxylate and alkyl carboxylates ( AEC/soap) that cleans sebum well without penetrating the stratum corneum. Methods We designed a controlled clinical trial conducted on adult Japanese males with moderate or less acne. Twenty subjects washed their faces with AEC/soap base cleanser twice a day for 4 weeks. Assessment of the efficacy was conducted prior to the start of the study, and at the end of weeks 2 and 4. Results Significant improvement of the acne was observed within 2 weeks, and acne lesions were not detectable in 25% of the subjects at week 4. Sebum secretion levels on the skin significantly increased on the forehead, but significantly decreased on the cheek which correlated with the improvement. No complaints of dryness or irritation occurred during the study. Conclusion Washing the face twice a day with facial cleanser based on AEC/soap is an effective care for moderate or less grade facial acne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This retrospective study evaluates the clinical course and outcomes of patients who underwent surgery for strangulated hernias. Methods: Among 520 groin hernias from 2001 to 2012, 51 inguinal and 42 femoral hernias were strangulated and operated emergently at a tertiary referral center. Perioperative factors, patient profiles, and time interval to surgery ( T = time from onset to surgery, T = time from onset to initial evaluation, T = time from the first hospital to the tertiary center, T = time from admission at the tertiary center to surgery, T = T + T + T) were analyzed in patients with strangulation, then compared between two groups, the bowel resection (BR) group and the non-bowel resection (NBR) group. Results: T, T and T in the bowel resection group were significantly longer than those in the non-bowel resection group ( P < 0.05). Patients who presented initially to the tertiary center ( T = 0) had a significantly lower resection rate than patients transported from other hospitals (24 vs. 44 %, P = 0.048). There was no significant difference in morbidity between the BR and NBR groups (35 vs. 24 %, P = 0.231). Conclusions: The elapsed time from onset to surgery, especially T and T, is the most important prognostic factor in patients with strangulated groin hernias. Early diagnosis and transportation are essential for good outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]