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The influence of annealing on the constitutive stress-strain response of nanocrystalline (nc) CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) was investigated through a series of nanoindentation experiments using five different three-sided pyramidal indenters. The nc HEA, produced by high-pressure torsion (HPT), was subjected to annealing at 450 °C for 1 and 10 h. Microstructural analysis using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that three different nano-scale precipitates (NiMn-, FeCo-, and Co-rich phases) form in the primary single-phase matrix of nc HEA after annealing. The strain-dependent plastic flow response of nc HEA pre- and post-annealing was estimated using the indentation strain and constraint factor, revealing a significant strain softening in nc HEA, which becomes pronounced after annealing. TEM analysis of the deformed material underneath the indenter suggests that the plastic deformation aids in the dissolution of the annealing-induced intermetallic precipitates, which could be the mechanism for the pronounced softening. The dissolution mechanism was rationalized by the destabilization of precipitates during plastic deformation due to the increase in interface energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of cyclic load, with the maximum stress well within the elastic regime, on the strength of nanocrystalline (nc) nickel was investigated through quasi-static compression experiments on cyclic-loaded sub-μm-sized pillars, fabricated through electron beam lithography and electroplating. Results show that prior-cycling enhances both yield and flow strengths of nc Ni without significant loss in plasticity. Changes in strain-rate sensitivity and activation volume for deformation upon cycling were measured and utilized to discuss possible mechanisms responsible for the observed strengthening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine hydrodynamic characteristics of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) agglomerates and examine their sizes. The bed collapsing process of MWCNTs agglomerates was found to be closer to that of Geldart group C particles than group A particles. Median diameters of MWCNTs agglomerates determined by sedimentation method at initial superficial gas velocity of 0.120 and 0.190 m/s were 157 and 221 μm, respectively. The size of these MWCNTs agglomerates in fluidization state was measured by image analysis using a high speed camera. Median diameters of these MWCNTs agglomerates in freeboard were increased from 138 to 189 μm as superficial gas velocity was increased from 0.088 to 0.190 m/s at static bed height of 0.16 m. Median diameter and size distribution determined by sedimentation method fitted well with those measured using image analysis. Results were reasonable at superficial gas velocity up to 0.190 m/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reduction-oxidation characteristics and proper kinetic models of three different iron ores having respective main phases of FeOOH, Fe 3 O 4 , and Fe 2 O 3 were investigated using an isothermal method. A proposed kinetic model was well satisfied to explain the experimental data for CO 2 activation to CO with a high accuracy. The kinetic data of the different phases of iron ores for its reduction by H 2 and for the oxidation by CO 2 were relatively well described by a simple three-dimensional diffusion model of Jander equation. Activation energies of three different iron ores with the phase of FeOOH, Fe 2 O 3 , and Fe 3 O 4 for the oxidation by CO 2 were found to be 42, 25, and 12 kJ/mol, respectively. Iron ore having a FeOOH phase exhibited a higher redox property by showing a large amount of CO generation through CO 2 activation with an activation energy of 42 kJ/mol and a rate constant of 0.0065 min –1 . The superior activities on the FeOOH were mainly attributed to a large surface area with medium grain size of FeOOH crystallites by forming a thermodynamically stable Fe 3 O 4 phase on the outer surfaces even under the reduction-oxidation reaction cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogen embrittlement behavior of CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) fabricated by laser-powder bed fusion (L -PBF) under ex-situ and in-situ hydrogen charging conditions was investigated. The ex-situ hydrogen pre-charged sample showed excellent resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, whereas in-situ hydrogen charging during tensile testing led to a substantial loss in ductility and prevailing hydrogen-assisted cracking. Such discrepancy was attributed to the enhanced apparent solubility and diffusivity especially at grain boundaries in the in-situ condition. The underlying hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms for the current L -PBF HEA are discussed, through which the critical role of the synergy between mechanical and environmental conditions is highlighted. • In-situ vs. ex-situ hydrogen effect on laser-powder bed fusion CoCrFeNi was studied. • In-situ condition leads to severer hydrogen embrittlement compared to ex-situ one. • Hydrogen atoms at the cell boundary could be easily transported by mobile dislocations. • In-situ condition promotes hydrogen absorption and diffusion along grain boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of hydrogen on the mechanical behavior of the CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) was examined through tensile and nanoindentation experiments on specimens hydrogenated via gaseous and electrochemical methods. Results show that the HEA's resistance to gaseous hydrogen embrittlement is better than that of two representative austenitic stainless steels, in spite of the fact that it absorbs a larger amount of hydrogen than the two steels. Reasons for this were discussed in terms of hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity mechanism and the critical amount of hydrogen required for it. These were further substantiated by additional experiments on electrochemically charged specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of electrochemically charged hydrogen (H) on the hardness ( H N ) of a CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) was investigated with nanoindentation. Upon charging, H N of HEA increases by ∼60%, which decreases gradually during subsequent aging at room temperature, and on prolonged aging, the alloy softens to an extent that H N falls below that of the uncharged HEA. These H-induced mechanical property variations are rationalized in terms of the competition between solid solution hardening caused by H and excess vacancy creation due to deeply trapped H. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While nanoindentation is a very useful tool to examine the mechanical properties of ion irradiated materials, there are some issues that should be considered in evaluating the properties of irradiated layer. In this study, in order to properly extract the hardness of only-irradiated layer from nanoindentation data, a new procedure is suggested in consideration of the geometry of indentation-induced plastic zone. By applying the procedure to an ion irradiated Fe-12Cr alloy, the reasonable results were obtained, validating its usefulness in the investigation of practical effect of irradiation on the mechanical behavior of future nuclear materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this case report is to show the potential benefit of Korean medicine therapy for treating multiple metastatic breast cancer. A 45-year-old Korean woman was diagnosed with right breast invasive ductal carcinoma in August 2012 but did not receive any treatment until October 2015 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 right breast cancer with multiple liver, bone, mesentery, retroperitoneum, and axillary lymph node metastases. After chemoport insertion, she was treated with palliative chemotherapy and the first line of trastuzumab and paclitaxel, and the port was removed due to port infection. To treat sepsis, vancomycin and tazoperan were administered, before the third line of trastuzumab and paclitaxel was carried out. However, the patient gave up chemotherapy due to vancomycin-resistant enterococci and general weakness. Later, she received Korean medicine therapy with wild ginseng pharmacopuncture, distilled Soramdan S, Hae, and Jeobgoldan for 8 months, which led to a significant decrease of the multiple metastases. The patient was able to start walking again with the help of a walking stick. However, a new metastatic lesion was found on the right adrenal gland. This case suggests that the combination of chemotherapy and Korean medicine therapy may be valuable. Further research is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We performed a retrospective, prognostic analysis of a cohort of patients with epilepsy according to time of relapse after four seizure-free years. Methods Planned withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs ( AEDs) and at least 3 years of follow-up after AED discontinuation were performed. The following two groups were assessed: (1) an early relapse ( ER) group of patients who experienced recurrence during AED withdrawal and (2) a late relapse ( LR) group of patients who experienced recurrence after completion of the AED discontinuation process. After dichotomization, the relapse rate, prognostic factors, and their impacts for each group were compared with those of a group of patients who continued to be seizure-free after AED withdrawal ( SF group) using multiple logistic regression analysis. The AED intake mode was also analyzed. Results Two hundred seventeen (64.6%) of the 336 total patients experienced relapse. One hundred thirty-nine patients (41.4%) and 78 patients (23.2%) were included in the LR and ER groups, respectively. Symptom duration >120 months showed the strongest negative prognostic impact as demonstrated by the 4.7-fold higher risk of recurrence in the ER group compared with the SF group. Additional factors with a negative prognostic impact included an age at epilepsy onset of ≤20 years and the presence of localization-related epilepsy. No reliable predictor between the SF and LR groups was revealed. After exclusion of the SF group, post hoc analysis according to age at epilepsy onset and symptom duration showed that the above-mentioned negative prognostic factors significantly affected the relapse patterns of the LR and ER groups. Significance The results suggest that longer symptom duration, which could be associated with intrinsic reactivation of epilepsy, is the strongest negative prognostic factor for relapse. Relapse after AED withdrawal in prolonged follow-up of seizure-free patients is one aspect of the natural history of epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intuitive joystick-based mobile robot operations are critical in terms of work efficiency in tasks where humans and robots work closely, such as in smart factories or electric wheelchairs. An operator-centric joystick mapping algorithm, based on a questionnaire study of 101 respondents, was proposed to determine the expected movement direction of a differential drive robot according to the joystick direction of the operator. The proposed approach considers the kinematic constraints of differential drive robots and maps the operator's joystick control input to the robot velocity command by efficiently conveying the intention of the operator. This method generates a smooth robot velocity command from the continuous movement of the joystick without a sudden change in acceleration. The proposed algorithm was evaluated by 22 test subjects maneuvering a two-dimensional joystick module to control a virtual robot in a simulated environment visiting waypoints, and demonstrated superior performance when compared with two standard algorithms. The proposed algorithm was also implemented as a hardware system with a physical differential drive robot for testing in a real environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroelectric materials are known to be ideal materials for nonvolatile memory devices, owing to their two electrically switchable spontaneous polarization states. However, difficulties in scaling down devices with ferroelectric materials have hindered their practical applications and research. The discovery of ferroelectricity in fluorite-structured ferroelectrics has revived research on semiconductor devices based on ferroelectrics. With their scalability and established fabrication techniques, the performance of nanoscale electronic devices with fluorite-structured ferroelectrics is being rapidly developed. However, the fundamental physics behind the superior ferroelectricity is yet to be elucidated. From this Perspective, the status of research on fluorite-structured ferroelectrics and state-of-the-art semiconductor devices based on them are comprehensively reviewed. In particular, the fundamental physics of fluorite-structured oxides is critically reviewed based on a newly developed theory as well as on the classical theory on ferroelectrics. A perspective on the establishment of emerging semiconductor devices based on fluorite-structured ferroelectrics is provided from the viewpoint of materials science and engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time-dependent plastic deformation behavior of nanocrystalline (nc) and coarse-grained (cg) CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloys (HEAs) was systematically explored through a series of spherical nanoindentation creep experiments. High-pressure torsion (HPT) processing was performed for achieving nc microstructure in the HEA, leading to a reduction in grain size from ∼46 μm for the as-cast state to ∼ 33 nm at the edge of the HPT disk after 2 turns. Indentation creep tests revealed that creep deformation indeed occurs in both cg and nc HEAs even at room temperature and it is more pronounced with an increase in strain. The creep stress exponent, n , was estimated as ∼3 for cg HEA and ∼1 for nc HEA and the predominant creep mechanisms were investigated in terms of the values of n and the activation volumes. Through theoretical calculations and comparison of the creep strain rates for nc HEA and a conventional face-centered-cubic nc metal (Ni), the influence of sluggish diffusion on the creep resistance of nc HEA was analyzed. In addition, sharp indentation creep tests were performed for comparison purposes and the results confirmed that the use of a spherical indenter is clearly more appropriate for investigating the creep behavior of this HEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Despite advances in modern anti-platelet strategies, clopidogrel still remains the cornerstone of dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). There is some inconclusive evidence that response after clopidogrel may be impacted by concomitant medications, potentially affecting clinical outcomes. Sustained released nitrates (SRN) are commonly used together with clopidogrel in post-PCI setting for mild vasodilatation and nitric oxide-induced platelet inhibition. Methods We prospectively enrolled 458 patients (64.5 ± 9.6 years old, and 73.4% males) following PCI undergoing DAPT with clopidogrel and aspirin. Platelet reactivity was assessed by the VerifyNow™ P 2 Y12 assay at the maintenance outpatient setting. Results Concomitant SRN (n = 266) significantly (p = 0.008) enhanced platelet inhibition after DAPT (251.6 ± 80.9 PRU) when compared (232.1 ± 73.5 PRU) to the SRN-free (n = 192) patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with the cut-off value of 253 PRU for defining heightened platelet reactivity confirmed independent correlation of more potent platelet inhibition during DAPT and use of SRN (Relative risk = 1.675; Odds ratio [1.059–2.648]; p = 0.027). In contrast, statins, calcium-channel blockers, beta blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE-inhibitors, diuretics, and anti-diabetic agents did not significantly impact platelet inhibition following DAPT. Conclusion The synergic ability of SRN to enhance response during DAPT may have important clinical implications with regard to better cardiovascular protection, but extra bleeding risks, requiring further confirmation in a large randomized study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a resource-oriented, decentralized auction algorithm (RODAA) for multirobot task allocation considering multiple resources of the robots and limited robot communication range. The resources that this paper focuses on are the expendable supplies that a robot consumes and recharges while performing tasks, such as energy. In the proposed algorithm, each robot generates its cost for the task in a probabilistic manner considering multiple paths that visit none or different combinations of refill stations for performing the task based on the robot's residual resources. For robust and time-efficient task allocation with limited robot communication range in a dynamic network, a multihop-based auction algorithm is proposed. This paper also introduces a solar panel cleaning mission as a new application for multirobot systems and the proposed algorithm is implemented in the simulation of the mission. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is capable of completing the panel cleaning mission faster than other auction-based task allocation algorithms and has lower overall resource consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate regional changes in choroidal thickness in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) patients with macular edema. Methods: Choroidal thickness in the subfoveal, occlusive, and nonocclusive areas in BRVO eyes was measured using enhanced depth imaging by spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The choroidal thickness was compared with the corresponding values both in the fellow eye and in normal controls at baseline. Regional changes in choroidal thickness were then evaluated in the BRVO eyes after intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections. Results: Regional choroidal thickness was measured in 57 eyes at baseline. The mean choroidal thickness of the occlusive area was significantly higher than that of the nonocclusive, subfoveal, and corresponding areas in the fellow eyes and normal controls (p < 0.001). The choroidal thickness in the occlusive area correlated with the retinal thickness in both the central and occlusive areas (rho = 0.590, p < 0.001, and rho = 0.351, p = 0.011, respectively), but not with visual acuity. After IVB, the choroidal thickness in the occlusive area had decreased significantly (p = 0.004), but remained higher than that of other areas (p < 0.001 and p = 0.026). Conclusion: In acute BRVO eyes, the choroid is thicker in the occlusive area. This difference is correlated with the severity of macular edema, but not with visual acuity. Bevacizumab reduces choroidal thickness, but does not restore normal values. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Although left atrium ( LA) has played an important role in diastole, ischemic insult of atrium in acute myocardial infarction ( AMI) has not been clearly evaluated. Methods We hypothesized that LA function would be further decreased in AMI patients with a culprit lesion in the left circumflex branch ( LCX). This was an observational cohort study in a single university hospital. Echocardiography was performed to evaluate left ventricular diastolic function, LA volume, and LA function. Systolic ( LAS) and late diastolic ( LAA) LA strain were measured using speckle tracking echocardiography. Results Sixty-eight AMI patients treated with emergent or urgent percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. Global LAS strain was significantly lower in patients with a culprit lesion in the LCX than culprit lesions in other vessels (left anterior descending, 27.3 ± 6.8%; left circumflex, 20.1 ± 8.9%; right coronary artery, 23.3 ± 6.5%; P = 0.007). LA volume index did not differ significantly (P = 0.093). Other clinical and conventional echocardiographic parameters, including Doppler measurements, did not differ significantly. Conclusions Global LAS strain was lower in AMI patients with a culprit lesion in the LCX than those with culprit lesions in other vessels, without any significant difference in LA volume index. The lower global LAS strain might suggest decreased LA function resulting from ischemic insult by AMI with culprit lesions in the LCX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Insulin resistance (IR) is a distinct and early feature of type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. IR is thought to play a vital role in cognitive impairment. We conducted this study to understand the early characteristics of cognitive dysfunctions attributable to IR. Methods This study included 85 consecutive non-diabetic elderly participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). IR was estimated with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Cognitive performances were analyzed as a function of scores on the HOMA-IR. Results The group analysis those with and without IR did not show any differences in the cognitive performance although higher HOMA-IR was closely associated with lower performances in immediate recall on the Seoul Verbal Learning Test (SVLT-I) ( r = −0.244, p = 0.026) and Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) ( r = −0.270, p = 0.013). In subgroup analysis by APOE status, SVLT-delayed ( p = 0.027) and COWAT ( p = 0.016) scores were found to be significantly lower in the IR than the non-IR among those with APOE ε4 allele. In multiple regression analysis, impairment on the COWAT remained significantly correlated with scores on HOMA-IR ( β = −0.271, t = −2.340, p = 0.022). However, IR status was identified to interact with APOE ε4 carriership toward poor performances in the COWAT ( β = −0.335, t = −2.285, p = 0.026). Conclusion This study found a domain-specific impact of HOMA-IR scores on cognitive performances in non-diabetic patients with MCI. This association was profound only in APOE ε4carriers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Tracheal intubation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a high-risk procedure. Here, we investigated the efficacy of video laryngoscopy for tracheal intubation during CPR. Methods Data regarding tracheal intubation during CPR from in-hospital cardiac arrests occurring between January 2011 and December 2013 ( n = 229) were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Results The initial laryngoscopy method was video laryngoscopy in 121 patients (52.8%) and direct laryngoscopy in 108 patients (47.2%). The rate of successful intubation at the first attempt was higher with video laryngoscopy (71.9%; 87/121) than with direct laryngoscopy (52.8%; 57/108; p = 0.003). The rate of success at the first attempt was higher for experienced (73.0%; 84/115) than inexperienced operators, including residents (52.6%; 60/114; p = 0.001). Mortality at day 28 after CPR was not significantly different between patients with successful tracheal intubation at the first attempt and without (68.1% [98/144] vs. 67.1% [57/85]; p = 0.876). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, a predicted difficult airway (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.22 [0.10–0.49]; p < 0.001), intubation by an experienced operator (2.63 [1.42–4.87]; p = 0.002), and use of video laryngoscopy rather than direct laryngoscopy (2.42 [1.30–4.45]; p = 0.005) were independently associated with a successful tracheal intubation at the first attempt. Conclusion Use of video laryngoscopy during CPR from in-hospital cardiac arrest is independently associated with successful tracheal intubation at the first attempt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The redox properties and kinetic parameters of three different phases of as-received iron ores such as γ-FeOOH, Fe 2 O 3 , and Fe 3 O 4 were investigated using isothermal experiments for reduction and oxidation reaction using hydrogen and H 2 O, respectively, to investigate the possibility for chemical looping process to produce pure hydrogen. Among the selected kinetic equations of three different iron oxide ores for the reduction at 800 °C and oxidation in the temperature ranges 700–850 °C, three-dimensional diffusion kinetic model such as Jander equation was well fitted with the experimental redox reactions of the three different iron ores. The calculated activation energies of iron ores with a main phase of γ-FeOOH, Fe 2 O 3 , and Fe 3 O 4 , for the oxidation reaction with H 2 O, were found to be around 21.5, 48.9, and 11.0 kJ/mol, respectively. The smaller activation energy and larger oxidation rate were observed on the Fe 3 O 4 –phase iron ore owing to its large reduction rate and stable particle size maintenance even under high temperature redox reactions, and it is suitable for the further application to chemical looping process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How the applied strain can affect the plasticity evolution of window glass was systematically explored through a series of nanoindentations with various sharp indenters. It was revealed that, as the strain increases, the contribution of shear flow to total plasticity becomes larger, whereas that of densification gets smaller. The results are discussed in terms of the sequence in which each mechanism plays and the detailed mechanism of shear flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Mg–Zn–Zr alloy was processed by high-pressure torsion for up to 2 turns at room temperature to produce significant grain refinement together with enhanced plasticity and strength. Measurements were performed to determine the strain-rate sensitivity, shear yield strength and activation volume as a function of the processing conditions. The results suggest there is a significant contribution from grain boundary sliding to the flow process and the onset of plasticity is associated with heterogeneous dislocation nucleation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of multirobot task allocation (MRTA) is to assign tasks to robots to minimize the overall cost of task performance. This paper proposes a decentralized MRTA approach considering the robots' residual expendable resources and their limited communication ranges. The proposed approach consists of two algorithms, namely, resource-aware cost generation (RCG) and ad hoc network-based task allocation (ANTA). The RCG algorithm allows each robot to generate a credible cost of task performance considering its residual resources in task planning. The ANTA algorithm constructs the minimal spanning tree network among the robots and determines the robot with the lowest cost for the task through multihop communication in a decentralized manner. The advantages of the proposed approach are minimization of unnecessary task performance cost caused by resource shortage of robots during task execution and the use of an ad hoc network among the robots to allow more robots to participate in the task allocation process. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through computer simulations for multirobot foraging as a test problem. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background Protein phosphatase 4 (PP4) has been known to have critical functions in DNA double strand break (DSB) repair and cell cycle by the regulation of phosphorylation of its target proteins, such as H2AX, RPA2, KAP-1, 53BP1. However, it is largely unknown how PP4 itself is regulated. Methods We examined the PP4C methylation on L307 at C-terminal by using methylated-leucine specific antibody. Then with PP4C L307A mutant, we explored that how nonmethylated form of PP4C affects its known cellular functions by immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and DNA DSB repair assays. Results Here we show that PP4C is methylated on its C-terminal leucine residue in vivo and this methylation is important for cellular functions mediated by PP4. In the cells PP4C L307A mutant has significantly low activity of dephosphorylation against its known target proteins, and the loss of interaction between L307A PP4 mutant and regulatory subunits, R1, R2, or R3α/β causes the dissociation from its target proteins. Moreover, PP4C L307A mutant loses its role in both DSB repair pathways, HR (homologous recombination) and NHEJ (non-homologous end joining), which phenocopies PP4C depletion. Conclusion Our results demonstrate the key site of PP4C methylation and establish the physiological importance of this regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: We compared the diagnostic and prognostic performance of serum amyloid A (SAA), procalcitonin (PCT), delta neutrophil index (DNI), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with hematologic diseases; (2) Methods: We retrospectively collected the remaining serum samples from patients with hematologic diseases, analyzed their clinical data, and measured the levels of PCT, DNI, CRP, and SAA. Performances for infection diagnosis were evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and 90-day mortality was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier estimation; (3) Results: The levels of all markers were significantly higher in the infected group (N = 27) than those in the uninfected group (N = 100) (p < 0.0001 for all markers). The areas under the curve for diagnosing infection for PCT, DNI, CRP, and SAA were 0.770, 0.817, 0.870, and 0.904, respectively. Increased PCT levels were associated with higher mortality (p = 0.0250); this association was not observed with other examined markers; (4) Conclusions: CRP and SAA exhibited greater discriminative power for infection than PCT. However, only PCT levels were positively associated with 90-day mortality. Herein, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of the four markers. Additional studies are needed to confirm the findings of the present study and validate the potential of these markers in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resin three‐dimensional (3D) printing is potentially attractive for the rapid fabrication of micropatterning tools such as stamps, molds, masks, or substrates. Although the horizontal surface finish of a resin 3D printed part is generally considered to be very smooth, it is strongly influenced by the microscale interaction of the printer light source with the photopolymerizable resin. This study demonstrates how a glossy surface can be created on an elastic 3D printed component by extreme overexposure of the cap layer and how this can be analyzed. The average roughness (Ra) values of the surface in the X and Y directions could be reduced by a factor of 4.5 (X) to 5.0 (Y) from initially 0.182/0.343 to 0.041/0.069 μm (X/Y), and geometric accuracy was ensured by undersizing the features in the cap layer. The practical relevance of controlling the horizontal surface properties was demonstrated using a 3D printed stamp to transfer a micropattern of light‐emitting quantum dots. The insights gained will be useful in the fabrication of 3D‐printed tools for creating high‐resolution patterns from quantum dots, semiconductors, and organometallic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The significant strengthening of selectively laser melted (SLM) 304L stainless steel that occurs due to high-pressure torsion (HPT) is examined by recourse to detailed nanomechanical and microstructural characterization. In the as-built alloy, dislocation hardening is the main strengthening mechanism. After HPT, however, the synergistic combination grain refinement and martensitic transformation dominate the strength of the alloy. In the nanocrystalline regime, the dominance of the grain boundary-mediated plasticity retards the martensite-induced hardening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Excluding 53BP1 from chromatin is required to attenuate the DNA damage response during mitosis, yet the functional relevance and regulation of this exclusion are unclear. Here we show that 53BP1 is phosphorylated during mitosis on two residues, T1609 and S1618, located in its well-conserved ubiquitination-dependent recruitment (UDR) motif. Phosphorylating these sites blocks the interaction of the UDR motif with mononuclesomes containing ubiquitinated histone H2A and impedes binding of 53BP1 to mitotic chromatin. Ectopic recruitment of 53BP1-T1609A/S1618A to mitotic DNA lesions was associated with significant mitotic defects that could be reversed by inhibiting nonhomologous end-joining. We also reveal that protein phosphatase complex PP4C/R3β dephosphorylates T1609 and S1618 to allow the recruitment of 53BP1 to chromatin in G1 phase. Our results identify key sites of 53BP1 phosphorylation during mitosis, identify the counteracting phosphatase complex that restores the potential for DDR during interphase, and establish the physiological importance of this regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We explored the influences of hydrogen on small-scale strength of a linepipe steel through nanoindentation experiments with four pyramidal indenters. Interestingly, a transition from hydrogen-induced hardening to softening was observed as indenter sharpness increases. The transition was analyzed based on the enhancement in hydrogen's elastic shielding effects for a sharper indenter, which could be indirectly evidenced by the stress effects on indentation pile-up, dislocation density, and rate dependency of hardness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] AFRWC was more effective than lovastatin for decreasing total cholesterol in vitro. [•] Both total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol are decreased in vivo model using ICR-mice. [•] Cholesterol biosynthesis and esterification were affected by AFRWC at a transcriptional level. [•] Reverse cholesterol transport was not affected by AFRWC at a transcriptional level. [•] 2–3 glasses of wine per day for a 60kg human could influence cholesterol metabolism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

New fluorene based light emitting polymer, poly[(4-(9,9-didecyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl) phenyl)dimethyl(phenyl)silane] (PFDPS), was synthesized by palladium-catalzed Suzuki coupling reaction. The obtained copolymer was characterized by1H-NMR, and IR-spectroscopy. The polymer showed good solubility in common organic solvents and weight average molecular weight of 16,300 with polydispersity index of 1.4. The maximum photoluminescence of the solution and film of the polymer was observed at 392 nm and 410 nm, respectively. The double-layered device with the configuration, ITO/PEDOT/PFDPS/LiF/Al structure has a turn-on voltage at about 5.5 V and maximum brightness of 9.40 cd/m2, and emitted violet light at 414 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: In this study, hydrogen effects on the impact toughness of simulated coarse-grained heat-affected zones (CGHAZs) in a linepipe steel were investigated in search of the possible “local brittle zone phenomenon” in hydrogen pipeline welds. After hydrogen charging, the inter-critically reheated and unaltered CGHAZ exhibited very low impact energies as well as occurrence of splitting. This hydrogen-induced toughness drop is discussed in terms of combined effects of brittle microstructures and hydrogen trapping. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The influence of hydrogen on the mechanical behavior of Inconel 718 fabricated by laser powder-bed-fusion was investigated through a series of tensile experiments. Samples subjected to two different post-fabrication heat treatments, viz. direct aging (DA) and homogenization plus aging (HA), were tested. Detailed microstructural characterization showed that a solidification substructure including a high density of dislocations and precipitates prevails in the DA sample while the HA sample is free from such a substructure. The DA sample exhibited a comparatively higher strength, but a lower resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. By recourse to a statistical analysis of the hydrogen-assisted cracks, the severe hydrogen embrittlement of the DA sample was proven to be due to the significant portion of hydrogen-assisted intergranular cracks that occurred without the aid of slip localization. These results are discussed in terms of the changes in microstructure upon heat treatments, and their influences on the hydrogen trapping sites. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ferroelectricity in fluorite-structured ferroelectrics such as HfO 2 and ZrO 2 has attracted increasing interest in both academia and industry. Although the polarization switching kinetics is one of the research topics which critically requires further study for the novel ferroelectric material, various factors affecting the polarization switching kinetics have not been rarely examined to date. Especially in atomic-layer-deposited films, the defects including residual impurities are expected to strongly influence the polarization switching kinetics. In this study, therefore, the effect of deposition temperature (T dep) and impurity concentration on the physical/electrical properties and polarization switching kinetics of atomic-layer-deposited Hf 0.5 Zr 0.5 O 2 thin films is reported based on physical/chemical/electrical analyses. With decreasing T dep , the concentration of residual impurities, including carbon increased, resulting in decreased grain size. The increased defect concentration decreased the median switching time and increased the deviation of the switching time distribution. This can be attributed to the lowered energy barrier for the nucleation of oppositely polarized domains and increased spatial inhomogeneities, respectively. This result suggests that T dep is a key process parameter for optimizing the polarization reversal behavior of fluorite-structured ferroelectrics as it has a considerable influence on the ferroelectric properties and polarization switching kinetics, which are strongly correlated to the defect concentrations and microstructure. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: To analyze changes in treatment patterns for advanced retinoblastoma over time and differences in globe salvage rates; (2) Methods: Retrospective, observational case-control study of 97 eyes of 91 patients with advanced retinoblastoma (Group D and E).; (3) Results: Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they were treated before or after intraarterial chemotherapy (IAC) was introduced in our center in 2010. Before 2010, primary treatment pattern was enucleation, which was performed in 57.6% of cases, whereas primary treatment pattern after 2010 was IAC combined with intravenous chemotherapy (IVC), which was performed in 78.1%. Intravitreal chemotherapy (IVitC) has been performed to treat vitreous and subretinal seeding since 2015. The 5-year globe salvage rate of IVC alone was 24.0% for Group D and 0% for Group E, whereas that of IVC–IAC was 50.4% for Group D and 49.7% for Group E. Whether IVitC was performed or not did not significantly contribute to globe salvage rate. There was one metastatic death in the IVC alone group.; (4) Conclusions: Primary treatment pattern changed from enucleation to IAC-based treatment, which can now save nearly half of eyes with advanced retinoblastoma with excellent safety profile and survival rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) with a riser 2.6m in height and 0.009m in ID, the solid circulation rate and pressure drop of Geldart A and B particles in an L-valve 0.016m-ID×0.22m-horizontal length were investigated as a function of the change in aeration rate through the L-valve. The gas velocity in the riser was maintained at 2.1m/s to circulate particles transported from the L-valve. The bubbling bed was maintained above the minimum fluidizing velocity, Umf . As a result, it was found that the solid circulation rate of KR40 (dp =70μm, ρp =1730kg/m3), located in the middle region of Geldart A, increased gradually with increasing aeration rate up to Umf in the L-valve and then increased sharply with increasing aeration rate. Therefore, the solid circulation rate of KR40 could not be controlled at velocities greater than Umf . On the other hand, in the case of FCC (dp =85μm, ρp =1880kg/m3), another set of Geldart A particles that are similar in size and density to KR40 is located at the boundary of Geldart A and B particles. These particles allowed the solid circulation rate to be controlled normally until the aeration rate in the L-valve reached the value of 3.5 Umf . The bubbling bed of KR40 exhibited a sharp increase in solid circulation rate at Umf and expanded by a factor of 1.05 as soon as the aeration rate reached the value of Umf . This phenomenon was not observed for the other particles in this study. At the moment of the sharp increase in the solid circulation rate of KR40, the pressure in the L-valve and standpipe drastically changed, indicating that the solid circulation rate was intimately related to the pressure drop in the L-valve. The correlation equation between the solid circulation rate and gas aeration in the L-valve was derived for Geldart A particles ranging from 70≤dp ≤148μm in particle size and 1,350≤ρp ≤1880kg/m3 in particle density. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Time to market is a crucial factor in increasing market share in consumer electronics. Furthermore, fierce market competition tends to sharply lower the prices of new consumer electronics products as soon as they're released. Researchers have studied software-intensive embedded system design methods, such as hardware/software co-design, with the goal of reducing development lead time by designing hardware and software simultaneously. However, most studies concentrate on static design methods, in which a design remains unchanged once it's determined. To survive the market competition in consumer electronics requires a dynamic design strategy that takes various market conditions into account for software-intensive embedded systems. This article proposes a sustainable embedded software life-cycle planning (SeSLP) process based on the evolution of embedded software. The SeSLP process provides a dynamic method for both selecting product life-cycle design alternatives and generating a profit-maximizing transition plan that covers the entire product life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Background: High serum phosphorus and the calcium–phosphorus product concentration has been associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease. Objective: This study was designed to determine the relationship between calcium–phosphorus product concentration and the presence of coronary artery calcification in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 2056 general subjects with a mean age of 55.1 ± 9.9 years and a glomerular filtration rate of 88.9 ± 16.2 mL/min/1.73 m2. The enrolled subjects consisted of 384 (18.7%) subjects with MetS and 1672 (81.3%) subjects without MetS. The severity of coronary artery calcification was assessed by the coronary artery calcification score (CACS) using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). Results: The CACS correlated with calcium–phosphorus product concentration in subjects with MetS (r = 0.184, P < 0.01). The odds ratio of calcium–phosphorus product concentration having CACS >50 was 1.053 in subjects with MetS (P < 0.05). After adjustment for age, sex, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, calcium–phosphorus product concentrations had a positive correlation with CACS in subjects with MetS. In single regression analysis, calcium–phosphorus product concentration as independent variable was the significant predictor of CACS in subjects with MetS. Using a multivariate analysis, calcium–phosphorus product concentration remained a significant factor associated with CACS in subjects with MetS. Conclusions: Calcium–phosphorus product concentration was weakly associated with CACS and an independent factor predicting for CACS by MDCT in subjects with MetS. These results suggest that calcium–phosphorus product concentration might be considered as a risk factor of coronary artery disease in subjects with MetS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Patients with reduced responsiveness to clopidogrel often have diminished platelet inhibition, a factor associated with increased rates of major adverse cardiovascular events. Clinical trials that have focused on reducing high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) with an additional loading dose of clopidogrel have reported varying effects. Prasugrel, a newer thienopyridine, exhibits a more consistent antiplatelet effect and more rapid onset time when compared to clopidogrel. We hypothesize that prasugrel reloading would be more effective than clopidogrel reloading in patients with HPR after an initial loading dose of clopidogrel. Method/Design: Comparison of Prasugrel and Clopidogrel Reloading on High Platelet Reactivity in Clopidogrelloaded Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PRAISE-HPR) is a prospective, randomized, openlabel, active controlled study. A total of 76 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with HPR after administration of a loading dose of clopidogrel will be randomly assigned to either prasugrel or clopidogrel groups, and patients in each group will be reloaded with 20 mg of prasugrel or 300 mg of clopidogrel. The primary endpoint will be HPR at 24 hours after PCI, as determined by the VerifyNow assay during the study period. The rate of sustained high platelet reactivity and 30-day clinical outcomes will also be measured. Discussion: PRAISE-HPR is a randomized controlled clinical trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of reloading prasugrel and clopidogrel in suppressing residual high platelet reactivity. The results will be made publicly available in the year 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Morphologies of polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) copolymer (S2VP) thin films, which are forming poly(2-vinylpyridine) cylinders in bulk phase, were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to account for their ordering behavior induced by solvent annealing. Initially, when the copolymer was dissolved in toluene, which is selective solvent for majority polystyrene (PS) blocks, and was spin-coated on Si substrates, dimple-type micellar structures of S2VP were formed. After the film was placed in a solvent-annealing chamber covered with a lid under the existence of chloroform, surface morphologies of S2VP were measured as a function of annealing time. In this study, it was found that the morphologies of S2VP thin film repeated the cycle of the creation and extinction of various morphologies on ordering process. Namely, S2VP exhibited the various transformations between different morphologies, including highly disordered state, cylinders normal to the plane, and cylinders parallel to the plane. Each of the morphologies observed here was employed as a template to synthesize gold (Au) nanoparticles or nanowires. The arrays of Au nano-objects were used to tune a surface plasmon resonance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article reports a study which compared the clinical results of early and delayed weightbearing after microfracture of small to midsized osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT). During the study early and delayed weightbearing produced good clinical results and similar outcomes in terms of AOFAS, VAS, and AAS. Therefore, early weightbearing postoperative regimens can be recommended to patients undergoing arthroscopic microfracture for small to midsized OLT.

Abstract: Objective: The ankle-brachial blood pressure index (ABI) is an established clinical test for assessment of peripheral arterial disease and an indicator of generalized atherosclerosis. We investigated whether low ABI is associated with long-term functional outcome in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Methods: We included 775 patients with acute cerebral infarction who were admitted within 7 days from stroke onset and had completed an ABI measurement during admission. Poor functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale of more than 2 at three months from stroke onset. The association between low ABI and poor functional outcome was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results: A low ABI (<0.9) was present in 10.1% of patients. At three months from stroke onset, 16.9% of patients showed poor functional outcome (mRS > 2). After adjusting for conventional cardiovascular risk factors and the presence of cerebral atherosclerosis, a low ABI was independently associated with poor functional outcome (odds ratio 2.523, 95% CI 1.330–4.785, p = 0.005). Conclusions: The presence of a low ABI was associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcome in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Screening for low ABI among stroke patients may be necessary to identify individuals at increased risk of poor functional outcome. Proper and individualized treatment for patients with a low ABI may improve long-term functional outcome following acute cerebral infarction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Protein phosphatase PP4C has been implicated in the DNA damage response (DDR), but its substrates in DDR remain largely unknown. We devised a novel proteomic strategy for systematic identification of proteins dephosphorylated by PP4C and identified KRAB-domain-associated protein 1 (KAP-1) as a substrate. Ionizing radiation leads to phosphorylation of KAP-1 at S824 (via ATM) and at S473 (via CHK2). A PP4C/R3? complex interacts with KAP-1 and silencing this complex leads to persistence of phospho-S824 and phospho-S473. We identify a new role for KAP-1 in DDR by showing that phosphorylation of S473 impacts the G2/M checkpoint. Depletion of PP4R3? or expression of the phosphomimetic KAP-1 S473 mutant (S473D) leads to a prolonged G2/M checkpoint. Phosphorylation of S824 is necessary for repair of heterochromatic DNA lesions and similar to cells expressing phosphomimetic KAP-1 S824 mutant (S824D), or PP4R3?-silenced cells, display prolonged relaxation of chromatin with release of chromatin remodelling protein CHD3. Our results define a new role for PP4-mediated dephosphorylation in the DDR, including the regulation of a previously undescribed function of KAP-1 in checkpoint response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Alkylating agents modify DNA and RNA forming adducts that disrupt replication and transcription, trigger cell cycle checkpoints and/or initiate apoptosis. If left unrepaired, some of the damage can be cytotoxic and/or mutagenic. In Escherichia coli, the alkylation repair protein B (AlkB) provides one form of resistance to alkylating agents by eliminating mainly 1-methyladenine and 3-methylcytosine, thereby increasing survival and preventing mutation. To examine the biological role of the mammalian AlkB homologs Alkbh2 and Alkbh3, which both have similar enzymatic activities to that of AlkB, we evaluated the survival and mutagenesis of primary Big Blue mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) that had targeted deletions in the Alkbh2 or Alkbh3 genes. Both Alkbh2- and Alkbh3-deficient MEFs were ∼2-fold more sensitive to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) induced cytotoxicity compared to the wild type control cells. Spontaneous mutant frequencies were similar for the wild type, Alkbh2 −/− and Alkbh3 −/− MEFs (average – 1.3×10−5). However, despite the similar survival of the two mutant MEFs after MMS treatment, only the Alkbh2-deficient MEFs showed a statistically significant increase in mutant frequency compared to wild type MEFs after MMS treatment. Therefore, although both Alkbh2 and Alkbh3 can protect against MMS-induced cell death, only Alkbh2 shows statistically significant protection of MEF DNA against mutations following treatment with this exogenous methylating agent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A wideband uniplanar compact electromagnetic bandgap structure with diagonal connecting elements (UC-DEBG) is proposed. Compared with a conventional uniplanar compact electromagnetic bandgap (UC-EBG) structure of similar dimensions with horizontal and vertical connecting elements, the UC-DEBG structure significantly increases the equivalent inductance while decreases the equivalent capacitance, resulting in a much wider bandgap. Dispersion diagram method was used to calculate and compare bandgaps of both structures. Bandstop filters using each structure were simulated and fabricated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed structure. Larger bandgap (31%) was achieved from the UC-DEBG structure over the conventional UC-EBG structure. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:979-983, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26736 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigates enhanced electrophosphorescence and its mechanism in poly(N-vinyl carbazole) (PVK): N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-bis(3-methylphenyl)-[1,1-biphenyl]-4,4′-diamine (TPD)/2-(4-biphenylyl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (PBD): fac-tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium [Ir(ppy)3] concentration graded bilayer electroluminescence devices. The two layers are partially intermixed at the bilayer interface because the upper layer (composed of Ir(ppy)3 and PBD) was spun cast from a solvent that slightly swells the bottom layer (composed of PVK and TPD). Moreover, PBD in the upper layer can act as an efficient electron transport layer as well as a hole blocking layer, resulting in greatly enhanced electron–hole recombination. An indium tin oxide (ITO)/3,4-polyethylenedioxythiophene–polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT)/[PVK:TPD/Ir(ppy)3:PBD] bilayer/LiF/Al device showed dramatically decreased turn-on and driving voltages, enhanced luminescence efficiency, and narrower emission spectra compared to those of conventional ITO/PEDOT:PSS/[PVK:TPD:Ir(ppy)3:PBD] blend/LiF/Al devices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]