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The present study was conducted to evaluate the total cooling effectiveness in combined full-coverage film cooling and impingement jet using an infrared thermographic technique. The effect of film cooling hole angle, blowing ratio, and height to diameter ratio between the film cooling and impingement jet plates was discussed. The total cooling effectiveness increased as impingement jet cooling was added. The angled film cooling holes had approximately 4.6% higher total cooling effectiveness than the normal film cooling holes. The total cooling effectiveness was almost constant regardless of height to diameter ratio, but enhanced as the blowing ratio was increased. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Patients with cervical myelopathy may experience symptoms of radiculopathy, and it is not easy to determine whether these symptoms are caused by the myelopathy itself or by a radiculopathy accompanied by root compression. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of radiculopathy combined with cervical myelopathy and to evaluate the characteristics of cervical myelopathy with or without radiculopathy. We enrolled 127 patients with cervical myelopathy in this retrospective study and reviewed their medical records and magnetic resonance imaging findings. They were divided into two groups according to the presence of cervical radiculopathy, and their age, sex, involved spinal segment, cord signal change, surgical method, clinical status were compared, and postsurgical recovery was compared using four clinical questionnaires. The incidence and level of radiculopathy combined with myelopathy were investigated. Combined cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy was diagnosed in 66 patients (51.9%, group 1), whereas 61 patients did not have radiculopathy (group 2). There was no difference in sex, age, cord signal change, preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association score, neck disability index, and neck visual analogue scale (VAS) between the two groups, but group 1 showed higher preoperative arm VAS score ( p = 0.001). Postoperative arm and neck VAS scores were significantly improved in group 1 ( p = 0.001 and 0.009). Half of the patients had combined cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy. A high preoperative arm VAS score was a characteristic of radiculopathy combined with myelopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypothesis of autoimmune involvement in asthma has received much recent interest. Autoantibodies, such as anti-cytokeratin (CK) 18, anti-CK19, and anti-α-enolase antibodies, react with self-antigens and are found at high levels in the sera of patients with severe asthma (SA). However, the mechanisms underlying autoantibody production in SA have not been fully determined. The present study was conducted to demonstrate that neutrophil extracellular DNA traps (NETs), cytotoxic molecules released from neutrophils, are a key player in the stimulation of airway epithelial cells (AECs) to produce autoantigens. This study showed that NETs significantly increased the intracellular expression of tissue transglutaminase (tTG) but did not affect that of CK18 in AECs. NETs induced the extracellular release of both tTG and CK18 in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, NETs directly degraded intracellular α-enolase into small fragments. However, antibodies against neutrophil elastase (NE) or myeloperoxidase (MPO) attenuated the effects of NETs on AECs. Furthermore, each NET isolated from healthy controls (HC), nonsevere asthma (NSA), and SA had different characteristics. Taken together, these findings suggest that AECs exposed to NETs may exhibit higher autoantigen production, especially in SA. Therefore, targeting of NETs may represent a new therapy for neutrophilic asthma with a high level of autoantigens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alien invasive species are posing conservation challenges worldwide. Pet trade, one of the many ways, is worsening the situation. Especially, pet turtles have been released into nature due to their longer life span and peoples' religious and traditional beliefs. In addition, unwanted and undesired pets are also released. While information on the successful local establishment and subsequent dispersal into new habitats is required to designate an invasive and ecosystem-disturbing species, alien freshwater turtle nests have always been hard to find and identify in nature. Because one should identify nests by the eggs, which do not always guide properly, as adults abandon the sites quickly. We thought the recent advancement in DNA technology may help improve the situation. We studied Pseudemys peninsularis, one of the most traded freshwater turtle pet species, which has already been reported from a wide range of wild areas in South Korea. Yet, it is not designated as ecosystem-disturbing species due to a lack of adequate information on their local reproduction and establishment. We conducted surveys and found two nests in Jeonpyeongje Neighborhood Park, Maewol-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju. We developed the methodology for extracting DNA from the eggshells and successfully identified the nests by phylogenetic analysis and verified through egg characteristics and morphological features of artificially hatched juveniles. This was the first successful initiative to extract DNA from freshwater turtle eggshells. We believe it will help future researchers identify the alien invasive turtle nests and develop their control and management policies. In addition, our study also included comparative descriptions and schematic diagrams of the eggs of eight freshwater turtles, including a native and three ecosystem-disturbing species, from South Korea. We urged an immediate designation of P. peninsularis as an ecosystem-disturbing species considering its local establishment, distribution range, and potential negative impact on native ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This present study was conducted to determine the structural-mechanical stability of various fixation constructs through finite element (FE) analysis following simulation of a basicervical fracture and to introduce the clinical implications. We simulated fracture models by using a right synthetic femur (SAWBONES®). We imported the implant models into ANSYS® for placement in an optimal position. Five assembly models were constructed: (1) multiple cancellous screws (MCS), (2) FNS (femoral neck system®), (3) dynamic hip screw (DHS), (4) DHS with anti-rotation 7.0 screw (DHS + screw), and PFNA-II (Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation-II®). The femur model's distal end was completely fixed and 7° abducted. We set the force vector at a 3° angle laterally and 15° posteriorly from the vertical ground. Analysis was done using Ansys® software with von Mises stress (VMS) in megapascals (MPa) and displacement (mm) The displacements of the proximal femur were 10.25 mm for MCS, 9.66 mm for DHS, 9.44 mm for DHS + screw, 9.86 mm for FNS, and 9.31 mm for PFNA-II. The maximum implant VMS was 148.94 MPa for MCS, 414.66 MPa for DHS, 385.59 MPa for DSH + screw, 464.07 MPa for FNS, and 505.07 MPa for PFNA-II. The maximum VMS at the fracture site was 621.13 MPa for MCS, 464.14 MPa for DHS, 64.51 MPa for DHS + screw, 344.54 MPa for FNS, and 647.49 MPa for PFNA-II. The maximum VMS at the fracture site was in the superior area with the high point around the posterior screw in the MCS, anterosuperior corner in the DHS, the posteroinferior site of the FNS, and posterosuperior site around the entry point in the PFNA-II. In the DHS + screw, the stresses were distributed evenly and disappeared at the maximum VMS fracture site. Based on the fracture site and implant's stress distribution, the model receiving the optimal load was a DHS + screw construct, and the FNS implant could be applied to anatomically reduced fractures without comminution. Considering the high-stress concentration around the entry point, a PFNA-II fixation has a high probability of head-neck fragment rotational instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) fabricated via solution processing are an attractive way to realize low cost solar energy harvesting. Bulk heterojunction (BHJ) devices are the most successful design, but their morphology is less controllable. In this manuscript, we describe a simple approach to realize ‘ordered’ BHJ morphology using two immiscible solvents with different boiling point and a quasi-bilayer approach. Tunable fine structures were demonstrated in poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-Phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) model systems, and the devices with optimized fine structure showed a 33% efficiency enhancement compared to those with a planar bilayer structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A previous study has shown that two-thirds of patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae experience recurrence with the same bacteria on subsequent UTI episodes. However, little is known about which patients suffer from UTI due to ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae repeatedly. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for recurrent UTI due to repeated ESBL-producing organism infections. This retrospective, single-center, observational cohort study screened all patients with UTI caused by ESBL-producing strains between January 2012 and April 2019. Among the patients who were followed up, patients who experienced UTI recurrence were enrolled and divided into two groups: ESBL recurrence group and non-ESBL recurrence group. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between patient characteristics and the development of recurrent UTI caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. A total of 330 patients were followed up after the diagnosis of UTI caused by ESBL-producing organisms. Among the patients, 115 (34.8%) experienced UTI recurrence, and 71 (61.7%) of them experienced subsequent recurrent UTI due to ESBL-producing organisms. Patient's age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.04; P = 0.046) and recurrent UTI history (HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.05–2.72; P = 0.031) were significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. These findings showed that a history of previous frequent UTI recurrence is the risk factor for recurrence of UTI due to repeated ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of superficial gas velocity (U g = 1.25–3.00 m/s) and distributor hole size (8.0–12.4 mm) on the attrition rate of iron ore in a gas-solid fluidized bed with 0.076 m ID × 3.7 m height with or without solid circulation have been determined. The particle density and the Sauter mean diameter of fresh iron ore were 3705 kg/m 3 and 357 μm, respectively. When the kinetic energy rate from the orifice was equal or > 180 J/s, we could determine an attrition rate trend by measuring the fractional mass of fine particle formation (under 500 μm fraction) during 30 min without solids circulation. In the experiments with solids circulation, the attrition rate was determined by measuring the fractional mass of fine particle formation (under 63 μm fraction; variation of threshold size). The attrition rate increases with increasing kinetic energy rate from the orifice (180 J/s < E K < 608 J/s). The kinetic energy rate from the orifice was calculated using the mass flow rate and orifice nozzle velocity. The correlation of the attrition rate with the kinetic energy rate from the orifice is Φ/N = 0.1214E K − 1.3587 above the jet length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-layered steel (MLS) consisting of alternating soft/ductile austenitic and hard/brittle martensitic stainless steel layers is a new class of hybrid material for structural application as it offers excellent combinations of strength and ductility. In this study, the contributions of each of the constituent layers to the overall strength and ductility of an MLS (having tensile strength > 1.4 GPa and ductility > 20%) were examined by recourse to nanoindentation experiments on each of them. By adapting two different indenter tip radii for the spherical nanoindentation experiments, constituent layers' stress-strain responses within the plastic regime were obtained and then compared with the macroscopic flow curve of the MLS that was obtained through tensile tests, to show that the strength contributions of the constituent steels to the global strength of MLS is as per the rule of mixtures. In order to examine the sources of tensile ductility of the MLS, sharp tip nanoindentation experiments were conducted on specimens extracted from tensile coupons that were subjected to predetermined plastic strains a priori . Results of these experiments show that the tensile failure occurs at a strain at which hardness of the austenitic layer, which is found to be dependent on the prior-plastic strain, is almost equal to the strain-independent hardness of the martensitic layer. The results are discussed in terms of martensitic transformation within austenitic layer and the role of the mechanical environment change imposed by the neighboring martensite layers on it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of hydrogen on the plastic deformation of nanocrystalline nickel was analysed by recourse to nanoindentation on the uncharged and hydrogen-charged samples. It was revealed that, in nanocrystalline Ni, hydrogen significantly decreases hardness but does not alter the strain rate sensitivity. Through thermal desorption spectroscopy measurement, charged hydrogen was expected to reside in face-centred cubic lattice, grain boundaries (GBs) and vacancies rather than dislocations. The hydrogen-induced softening behaviour is discussed in terms of the possible roles of hydrogen in GB-assisted dislocation flow mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 Clopidogrel-loaded Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PRAISE-HPR) is a prospective, randomized, open-label, 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.Trial Registration: NCT01609647. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate is associated with several types of cancer. However, there are controversies regarding such an association between the estimated glomerular filtration rate and head and neck cancer. This is an observational cohort study using data from the Korean national health claims database. Elevated estimated glomerular filtration rate was associated with a risk of head and neck cancer incidence. In this study, through a cohort study of 10 million people, we investigated the association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and head and neck cancer (HNC) incidence. This is an observational cohort study using data from the national health claims database established by the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). We selected 9,598,085 participants older than 20 years who had undergone health checkups in 2009. A health checkup involves the history of any diseases, current health status, and results of several physical and blood exams including eGFR. We investigated the presence of HNC diagnosis in their national health insurance data from 2010 to 2018. Of the 9,598,085 participants, 10,732 had been newly diagnosed with HNC in the 9-year follow-up. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, participants with elevated eGFR were associated with a risk of HNC incidence (HR = 1.129; 95% CI = 1.075–1.186 for eGFR = 90–104 mL/min/1.73 m2 and HR = 1.129; 95% CI = 1.076–1.194 for eGFR ≥ 105 mL/min/1.73 m2) compared with those with eGFR 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2. Among HNC, the incidences of oral cavity, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers were significantly increased in the elevated eGFR group. According to the subgroup analysis, participants with eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were correlated with risk of HNC incidence in middle age, non/mild drinker, low BMI, no diabetes, and no hypertension patients compared with those with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Elevated eGFR was associated with the risk of some type of HNC, even in individuals with adjusted hypertension and diabetes without chronic diseases. The results of this study have implications for etiological investigations and preventive strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A high body mass index is positively associated with multiple cancer types. However, there are controversies regarding such an association with head and neck cancer. This population-based study is the first report of association of body mass index and waist circumference with the risk of head and neck cancer. Low body mass index and low waist circumference were related to a risk of head and neck cancer. These findings highlight the importance of preventing and reversing body mass index to reduce head and neck cancer incidence. Background: We investigated the association between BMI and HNC subtype incidence in a cohort study of ten million people, adjusting for the effect of smoking and drinking. We also investigated the relationship between waist circumference (WC) and HNC subtype. Methods: All data used in this study originated from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. We analysed subjects who had undergone health check-ups in 2009 and monitored subjects until 2018 (n = 10,585,852). Finally, 9,598,085 subjects were included after exclusions. We collected variables that could affect the risk of HNC. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The overall incidence of HNC was higher in the low BMI category (BMI < 18.5 according to WHO recommendations for Asian people) (HR: 1.322; 95% CI: 1.195–1.464) compared with the normal BMI category. Among the HNC cases, the incidence rates of laryngeal (HR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.085–1.558), oral cavity (HR: 1.277; 95% CI: 1.011–1.611), and oropharyngeal (HR: 1.584; 95% CI: 1.25–2.008) cancers were higher in the low BMI category compared with the normal BMI category. No significant association was detected between low BMI and sinus cancer, salivary gland cancer, or nasopharyngeal cancer. The low WC category (<80 cm in men and <75 cm in women) was related to a risk of hypopharyngeal (HR: 1.268; 95% CI: 1.061–1.514) and laryngeal (HR: 1.118; 95% CI: 1.007–1.241) cancers. The HR for occurrence of HNC was high in underweight participants according to smoking status (1.219 for never smoker vs. 1.448 for ever smoker, p for interaction = 0.0015) and drinking status (1.193 for never drinker vs. 1.448 for ever drinker, p for interaction = 0.0044). Conclusions: Low BMI was associated with the risk of some types of HNC. The results of this study could assist etiological investigations and prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• DME carbonylation is conducted in fluidized bed reactor to enhance the methyl acetate productivity. • Parametric studies on operating conditions were conducted for process optimization. • Optimized MA production can effectively bring economic and environmental benefits through the TEA and LCA. The carbonylation of bio-based dimethyl ether (DME) using ferrierite offers a renewable approach to methyl acetate (MA) production with a potential reduction in carbon emissions. This work showcases the feasibility of employing fluidized-bed reactors in this process, leveraging benefits such as effective solid mixing, uniform temperature distribution, and facile catalyst purge and makeup. Through parametric studies, the impact of operating conditions on the reaction kinetics and reactor hydrodynamics was elucidated. Both physical and chemical catalyst deactivation were found to be dependent on the fluidization regime. Numerical models based on experimental results enabled the prediction of reaction yield and selectivity in the process simulation and optimization. Preliminary techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) showed the potential for a 40% reduction in production costs and an 8% reduction in the global warming potential compared to the fossil-based benchmark. Overall, this study highlights the operation simplicity, cost competitiveness, and environmental benefit of MA production from DME carbonylation in a fluidized-bed reactor, providing insights for process scale-up and feedstock sourcing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents an experimental investigation of a small scale (1 kW range) organic Rankine cycle system for net electrical power output ability, using low-grade waste heat from steam. The system was designed for waste steam in the range of 1–3 bar. After the organic Rankine cycle system was designed and thermodynamic simulation was performed, equipment selection and construction of test rig was carried out. R245fa was used as working fluid, a scroll type expansion directly coupled with electrical generator produced a maximum electrical power output of 1.016 kW with 0.838 kW of net electrical power output. The thermal efficiency of the system was 5.64%, net efficiency was 4.66% and expander isentropic efficiency was 58.3% at maximum power output operation point. Maximum thermal efficiency was 5.75% and maximum expander isentropic efficiency obtained was 77.74% during the experiment. Effect of superheating of working fluid at expander inlet was also investigated which show that an increase in the degree of superheating by 1 °C reduces thermal efficiency of system by 0.021% for current system. The results indicated that the measured electric power output and enthalpy determined power output (after accounting for isentropic efficiency) differed by 40%. Similarly, the screw pump converted 42.25% of electric power to the enthalpy determined pumping power delivered to the working fluid. Both expander and screw pump were losing power in electric and mechanical losses (generator/motor) presenting a need of further development of these components for better efficiency. Heat loss in piping is also a factor for improving efficiency along with the ability of heat exchangers and control system to maintain the least possible degree of superheat of working fluid at expander inlet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of operating variables (reaction temperature, space velocity, and partial pressure of the carbon source) on carbon yield was determined for synthesizing MWCNTs by catalytic chemical vapor deposition using ethylene as the carbon source in a batch type fluidized bed reactor. Stable fluidization was maintained using the MWCNT agglomerate as the initial bed material and MWCNTs with high selectivity were synthesized. The optimal reaction temperature for the maximum carbon yield was 983 K and the apparent activation energy was 102 kJ/mol. The maximum carbon yield occurred at the space velocity of 136 h −1 . The carbon yield increased with increasing partial pressure of ethylene. However, the synthesis reaction of MWCNTs did not proceed at partial pressures above 0.63. A correlation is proposed to predict the yield of MWCNTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DHX38 is a DEAH-box RNA helicase involved in RNA splicing. Recently, there was a report that DHX38 interacts with protein phosphatase 4 (PP4) as a subunit of PP4 complex. However, the role of DHX38 in connection with the function of PP4 has not been elucidated. Here, we demonstrated a functional role of DHX38 as an inhibitor of PP4 complex. We observed that DHX38 interacts with PP4 subunits (PP4R2, PP4R3α, PP4R3β, and PP4C), except PP4R1, and there is no significant change in the interaction between DHX38 and PP4 after DNA damage, suggesting that interaction is damage-independent. Furthermore, DHX38 has no detectable association with other Seine/Threonine phosphatases, implying that DHX38 interacts with PP4 in a phosphatase-specific manner. Interestingly, we observed that the amount of PP4R2 is substantially elevated when DHX38 is absent, but there is no effect on other subunits. Consequently, the stabilization of PP4R2 enhances PP4C/PP4R2-mediated dephosphorylation of target proteins, RPA2, and KAP1. In contrast, overexpressing DHX38 inhibits dephosphorylational activity of PP4, which is compatible with PP4C or PP4R2 depletion. Consistent with previous observations that PP4R2 is essential for DNA replication and double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) repairs, the inhibition of PP4R2 by DHX38 expression significantly impairs these processes and the depletion of DHX38 expectedly promotes them. Defects in the efficiency of DNA replication and DSB repairs would be expected to be biologically relevant and indeed, cells expressing DHX38 have lower viability than control cells. Together, our results suggest that DHX38 functions as an endogenous inhibitor of PP4 by disrupting PP4C/PP4R2-mediated functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Males are much more susceptible to head and neck cancers than females regardless of whether they drink alcohol or smoke tobacco. Sex differences in the incidence of head and neck cancer are most evident in the lower part of the upper aerodigestive tract. Our results suggest a direction for future research on head and neck cancer epidemiology. Background: Descriptive epidemiologists have repeatedly reported that males are more susceptible to head and neck cancers. However, most published data are those of cross-sectional studies, and no population-based cohort study has yet been published. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of head and neck cancers in healthy males with females. Methods: A retrospective cohort study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database on 9,598,085 individuals who underwent regular health checkups from 1 January to 31 December 2009. We sought head and neck cancers developed during the 10-year follow-up. Results: A total of 10,732 (incidence rate (IR) per 1000 person-years 0.25) individuals were newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer among the 9,598,085 individuals during the 10-year follow-up. The IR was 0.19 in males (8500 affected) and 0.06 in females (2232 affected). Notably, the male–female ratio increased with age below 70 years but decreased thereafter. The male–female difference was most apparent for laryngeal cancer; the male IR was 11-fold higher in the 40 s and 20-fold higher in the 60 s, followed by hypopharyngeal cancer (6.8- and 24.2-fold). Males smoked more and drank more alcohol than females (p < 0.0001 *, p < 0.0001 *). When never-smokers/-drinkers (only) were compared, males remained at a 2.9-fold higher risk of head and neck cancer than females. The hazard ratios for head and neck cancers in males tended to increase in the lower part of the upper aerodigestive tract: larynx (13.9) > hypopharynx (10.9) > oropharynx (4.4) > nasopharynx (2.9) > sinonasal region (1.8) > oral (1.6). Only the salivary gland cancer incidence did not differ between the sexes; the gland is not in the upper aerodigestive tract. Conclusion: Males are much more susceptible to head and neck cancers than females regardless of whether they drink alcohol or smoke tobacco. Sex differences in the incidence of head and neck cancer are most evident in the 60 s in the lower part of the upper aerodigestive tract, such as the larynx and hypopharynx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The latest International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) guideline recommends low-dose whole-body (WB) computed tomography (CT) as the first-line imaging technique for the initial diagnosis of plasma cell disorders. Purpose: To evaluate diagnostic performances of CT and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) as the first-line imaging modalities and assess misclassification rates obtained following the guideline. Material and Methods: Two independent radiologists analyzed CT (acquired as PET/CT) and DWI (3-T; b-values = 50 and 900 s/mm2) of patients newly diagnosed with plasma cell disorder, categorizing the number of bone lesions. Diagnostic performance of CT and DWI was compared using the McNemar test, and misclassification rates were calculated with a consensus WB-MRI reading as the reference standard. Differences in lesion number categories were assessed using marginal homogeneity and kappa statistics. Results: Of 56 patients (36 men; mean age = 63.5 years), 39 had myeloma lesions. DWI showed slightly higher sensitivity for detecting myeloma lesions (97.4%) than CT (84.6%–92.3%; P > 0.05). CT showed significantly higher specificity (88.2%) than DWI (52.9%–58.8%; P <0.05). CT had a higher additional study requirement rate than DWI (7.7%–15.4% vs. 2.6%), but a lower unnecessary treatment rate (11.8% vs. 41.2%–47.1%). Both readers showed significant differences in categorization of the number of lesions on CT compared with the reference standard (P < 0.001), and one reader showed a significant difference on DWI (P = 0.006 and 0.098). Conclusion: CT interpreted according to the IMWG guideline is a diagnostically effective first-line modality with relatively high sensitivity and specificity. DWI alone may not be an acceptable first-line imaging modality because of low specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells such as human adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (hADSCs) have been used as a representative therapeutic agent for tissue regeneration because of their high proliferation and paracrine factor‐secreting abilities. However, certain points regarding conventional ADSC delivery systems, such as low cell density, secreted cytokine levels, and cell viability, still need to be addressed for treating severe wounds. In this study, we developed a three‐dimensional (3D) cavity‐structured stem cell‐laden system for overdense delivery of cells into severe wound sites. Our system includes a hydrophobic surface and cavities that can enhance the efficiency of cell delivery to the wound site. In particular, the cavities in the system facilitate hADSC spheroid formation, increasing therapeutic growth factor expression compared with 2D cultured cells. Our hADSC spheroid‐loaded patch exhibited remarkably improved cell localization at the wound site and dramatic therapeutic efficacy compared to the conventional cell injection method. Taken together, the hADSC spheroid delivery system focused on cell delivery, and stem cell homing effect at the wound site showed a significantly enhanced wound healing effect. By overcoming the limitations of conventional cell delivery methods, our overdense cell delivery system can contribute to biomedical and clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field-induced transition, which is useful for converting between electrical and thermal energy, was induced in artificially designed complementary-metal–oxide–semiconductor-compatible HfO 2 /ZrO 2 nanolaminates. The electrocaloric effect in HfO 2 /ZrO 2 nanolaminates was affected by the stacking order, attributed to differences in the relative fraction of the nonferroelectric monoclinic phase, and by the aspect ratio, reflecting crystallographic similarities to the tetragonal or orthorhombic phase. An adiabatic temperature change of up to 12.25 K was achieved using a HfO 2 /ZrO 2 bilayer sample. Furthermore, as an electrostatic supercapacitor, the energy storage density reached 49.90 J/cm3. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blood volume may profoundly affect the isolation of microorganisms in blood cultures. The effect of blood volume in standard anaerobic bottles of the BacT/ALERT 3D system was investigated. Methods: Adult patients who visited the emergency department and referred for blood culture (n = 824) were enrolled from June to September 2013. Two sets of blood cultures were obtained from each patient. One set consisted of 5 mL that was collected in a standard aerobic bottle (SA5), 5 mL that was collected in a standard anaerobic bottle (SN5), and 10 mL that was collected in a standard anaerobic bottle (SN10). The growth of clinically significant pathogens and the time to detection (TTD) were compared between the SN5 and SN10 samples. Results: Increasing the volume of blood collected from 5 to 10 mL yielded a 14.7% improvement in the isolation of microorganisms. There was a statistically significant difference in the isolation of pathogens (14 vs. 30, P = 0.023) between the SN5 and SN10 samples. Gram-positive microorganisms were detected earlier in the SN10 samples than the SN5 samples (P = 0.052). The mean TTD of all pathogens was 13.5 h for the SN5 samples and 12.9 h for the SN10 samples (P = 0.099). Conclusion: Increased blood volume in the SN bottle yielded a significantly higher pathogen detection rate. However, there was no difference in the frequency of earlier detection or TTD between the SN5 and SN10 samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The isolated body lateropulsion has been well recognized in caudal lateral medullary infarction and postulated to result from the involvement of ipsilateral dorsal spinocerebellar tract which is known to convey proprioception of trunk and legs. However, there has been no case accompanied by the tilt of the subjective visual vertical in caudal lateral medullary infarction. Recently, it has been suggested that a lesion in the ipsilateral graviceptive vestibulothalamic pathway can lead to alteration of subjective visual vertical without ocular tilt reaction in various brainstem lesions. Here we describe two cases of caudal lateral medullary infarction with ipsilesional body lateropulsion and subjective visual vertical tilt but without limb ataxia or ocular tilt reaction. It could be hypothesized that the ascending graviceptive information from the spinal cord may run adjacent to the dorsal spinocerebellar tract or perception of the visual vertical can be influenced by ascending spinal proprioception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical deterioration of the catalyst layer (CL) in contact with the porous transport layer (PTL) can disconnect it from the electrical network and deactivate it during proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). This study presents a method for visual identification of the electrically connected region in the CL using in situ electrochemical reduction of iridium oxide to iridium, coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping and environmental scanning electron microscopy (E-SEM) analyses. Because the iridium oxides in the catalyst layer can be electrochemically reduced to iridium only when they are in both ionic and electronic connection, the reduced portion corresponds to electrically connected region. Our results revealed that the region under the rib not in contact with porous transport layer (PTL) (non-PTL-contact region) is the most prone to electric disconnection because of the cracks formed by PTL compression. Finer CL fragmentation at lower catalyst loadings aggravates such disconnection. Cell polarization of a low catalyst-loaded CL is greatly reduced when the electrical connection at the non-PTL-contact region under the rib is improved with the addition of carbon nano-fibers to the CL. These results emphasize the importance of the electrical connection in the non-PTL-contact region for achieving high-performance low-catalyst-loaded PEMWE. • The utilization of the catalyst layer in polymer electrolyte water electrolysis is studied. • Electrically-connected region is identified using electrochemical reduction of iridium oxide. • The portion of catalyst layer not in contact with porous transport layer under rib is less utilized. • Cracking behavior is responsible for the electric-disconnection of the catalyst layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrocarbon-based membranes can extend the operating current range of a polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) because of their low gas permeability and high proton conductivity. However, increasing the ion exchange capacity for sufficiently high proton conductivity leads to poor mechanical stability and increased gas permeability for hydrocarbon-based membranes. This study presents a poly(p -phenylene)-based multiblock polymer with an oligomeric chain extender (CE-sPP-PPES) for improved mechanical stability and extended operating current range. With the introduction of a chain extender, the mechanical and chemical stability were notably enhanced. The effects of ion exchange capacity on mechanical properties, proton conductivity, and hydrogen crossover were investigated compared to a Nafion membrane. The CE-sPP-PPES-based PEMWE has a 2.1 times wider operating current range than a Nafion-based PEMWE because of its smaller ohmic overvoltage and lower gas crossover at an optimal ion exchange capacity, demonstrating the possibility of a new hydrocarbon-based membrane for PEMWE. • A hydrocarbon-based membrane with improved mechanical stability was synthesized. • Membrane properties were evaluated according to various ion exchange capacity. • The membranes exhibited lower hydrogen crossover and higher proton conductivity. • Maximum operating current density rage was achieved by controlling IEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the interaction between nanoparticles and immune cells is essential for the evaluation of nanotoxicity and development of nanomedicines. However, to date, there is little data on the membrane microstructure and biochemical changes in nanoparticle-loaded immune cells. In this study, we observed the microstructure of nanoparticle-loaded macrophages and changes in lipid droplets using holotomography analysis. Quantitatively analyzing the refractive index distribution of nanoparticle-loaded macrophages, we identified the interactions between nanoparticles and macrophages. The results showed that, when nanoparticles were phagocytized by macrophages, the number of lipid droplets and cell volume increased. The volume and mass of the lipid droplets slightly increased, owing to the absorption of nanoparticles. Meanwhile, the number of lipid droplets increased more conspicuously than the other factors. Furthermore, alveolar macrophages are involved in the development and progression of asthma. Studies have shown that macrophages play an essential role in the maintenance of asthma-related inflammation and tissue damage, suggesting that macrophage cells may be applied to asthma target delivery strategies. Therefore, we investigated the target delivery efficiency of gold nanoparticle-loaded macrophages at the biodistribution level, using an ovalbumin-induced asthma mouse model. Normal and severe asthma models were selected to determine the difference in the level of inflammation in the lung. Consequently, macrophages had increased mobility in models of severe asthma, compared to those of normal asthma disease. In this regard, the detection of observable differences in nanoparticle-loaded macrophages may be of primary interest, as an essential endpoint analysis for investigating nanomedical applications and immunotheragnostic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Pyrolysis of Scenedesmus and Jatropha waste was compared under similar condition. [•] Microalgae bio-oil was featured by higher H/C and O/C molar ratios compared to JSC. [•] Microalgae bio-oil has high fractions of aliphatics, FAAE, alcohols and nitriles. [•] Microalgae showed potentials for alternative feedstock for green fuel and chemicals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of the mass ratio of binary solids with fine and coarse particles on solid mixing and segregation were investigated in a gas–solid circulating fluidised bed with 0.1-m inner diameter and 3.7-m height. A sampling valve at the bottom of the bed was used to confirm the composition of the bed, and an extraction probe at the top of the bed was used to distinguish between the upward and downward flows. Iron ore (41-μm average particle size) of Geldart group A was used for the fine particles, and iron ore (130-μm average particle size) of Geldart group B was used for the large particles. The fluidisation regions of the riser were classified according to differential pressure into a dense bottom zone , a dense transition zone , and a dilute zone . In the dilute zone, a typical core-annulus flow structure appeared, while the mixing of coarse particles positively correlated with the mass ratio of fine particles to the total amount of particles in the dense phase zone. Coarse particles were not easily entrained, and several entrained particles re-circulated through the downflow. This recirculation affected the dense phase flow. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We investigated the effects of thermal annealing of graphene on its electrical properties with the aim of improving the electrical contacts between graphene and the p-GaN layer. Compared with pristine graphene which shows ambipolar characteristics, graphene thermally annealed under NH3 atmosphere exhibited obvious p-type characteristics and increased conductance, representing the hole doping effect in the graphene. This result is contrary to the expectation for substitutional doping of nitrogen in graphene, and can be attributed to the physisorption of gas molecules on the graphene surface. Due to the lowering of the Fermi level and the enhancement in the conductivity of annealed graphene, electrical contact to the p-type GaN has been improved, with the specific contact resistance decrease from 1.02Ω∙cm2 to 0.49Ω∙cm2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study systematically investigated the influence of stress levels on hydrogen-induced hardening in CoCrNi medium-entropy alloys using nanoindentation rate jump experiments. Two different pyramidal indenters of varying sharpness, namely Berkovich and cube-corner indenters, were employed. With the Berkovich indenter, noticeable hydrogen-induced hardening was observed, demonstrating a considerable increase in hardening as the strain rate increased. In contrast, the cube-corner indenter revealed a comparatively subdued hydrogen effect on hardness. Through finite element simulations, it was found that the underlying mechanism responsible for these distinctive indenter sharpness-related effects was related to the hydrostatic pressure and stress-induced redistribution of hydrogen beneath the indenter. We expect that our study will provide insights into the complex interplay among hydrogen concentration, stress levels, strain rates, and dislocation motion in metallic materials. • Influence of the stress state on the hydrogen-induced change studied. • triangular pyramidal indenters with two different centerline-to-face angles used. • Hydrogen-induced hardening less in cube-corner indentation than Berkovich indentation. • FE analysis to simulate stress-assisted redistribution of hydrogen underneath indenter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Decellularized larynges could be used as scaffolds to regenerate the larynx. The purpose of this study was to establish a perfusion decellularization protocol to produce a 3-dimensional whole laryngeal extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold in a rabbit model. Methods: The larynges of 20 rabbits assigned to the study group were harvested and decellularized using a perfusion decellularization protocol, while the larynges of 10 rabbits in the control group were harvested and untreated. Macroscopic and microscopic morphological analyses, a molecular analysis, a cellular content analysis, and scanning electron microscopy were performed. Results: A histological analysis showed the absence of cellular components, the presence of the ECM, and an intact cartilage structure filled with chondrocytes. The mean total DNA amounts of the native larynx, decellularized larynx, and decellularized cartilage-free larynx were 1,826.40, 434.70, and 41.40 μg/µL, respectively; those for the decellularized larynx and decellularized cartilage-free larynx were significantly lower (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The total amount of DNA in the decellularized sample was significantly lower compared to that in the native sample, at 57.2% in cartilage (p < 0.001), 2.4% in the thyroid gland (p < 0.001), 2.7% in muscle (p < 0.001), 1.6% in vessels (p < 0.001), and 4.8% in the vocal cords (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our perfusion decellularization protocol is feasible and reproducible to produce a 3-dimensional whole laryngeal ECM scaffold in a rabbit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An antiferroelectric Mo/Hf0.3Zr0.7O2/SIO x /Si capacitor was engineered using the direct scavenging effect of a sputtered Ti sacrificial layer. Charge trapping could be mitigated with the oxidized TiO2 layer, and the endurance could be enhanced beyond 109 cycles, which is higher than that of the gate stack of ferroelectric field-effect-transistors by 3–4 orders of magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: According to the rapid response system's team composition, responding teams were named as rapid response team (RRT), medical emergency team (MET), and critical care outreach. A RRT is often a nurse-led team, whereas a MET is a physician-led team that mainly plays the role of an efferent limb. As few multicenter studies have focused on physician-led METs, we comprehensively analyzed cases for which physician-led METs were activated. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed cases for which METs were activated. The study population consisted of subjects over 18 years of age who were admitted in the general ward from January 2016 to December 2017 in 9 tertiary teaching hospitals in Korea. The data on subjects' characteristics, activation causes, activation methods, performed interventions, in-hospital mortality, and intensive care unit (ICU) transfer after MET activation were collected and analyzed. Results: In this study, 12,767 cases were analyzed, excluding those without in-hospital mortality data. The subjects' median age was 67 years, and 70.4% of them were admitted to the medical department. The most common cause of MET activation was respiratory distress (35.1%), followed by shock (11.8%), and the most common underlying disease was solid cancer (39%). In 7,561 subjects (59.2%), the MET was activated using the screening system. The commonly performed procedures were arterial line insertion (17.9%), intubation (13.3%), and portable ultrasonography (13.0%). Subsequently, 29.4% of the subjects were transferred to the ICU, and 27.2% died during hospitalization. Conclusions: This physician-led MET cohort showed relatively high rates of intervention, including arterial line insertion and portable ultrasonography, and low ICU transfer rates. We presume that MET detects deteriorating patients earlier using a screening system and begins ICU-level management at the patient's bedside without delay, eventually preventing the patient's condition from worsening and transfer to the ICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapid response systems (RRSs) improve patients' safety, but the role of dedicated doctors within these systems remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate patient survival rates and differences in types of interventions performed depending on the presence of dedicated doctors in the RRS.Methods: Patients managed by the RRSs of 9 centers in South Korea from January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2017, were included retrospectively. We used propensity score-matched analysis to balance patients according to the presence of dedicated doctors in the RRS. The primary outcome was in-hospital survival. The secondary outcomes were the incidence of interventions performed. A sensitivity analysis was performed with the subgroup of patients diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock.Results: After propensity score matching, 2981 patients were included per group according to the presence of dedicated doctors in the RRS. The presence of the dedicated doctors was not associated with patients' overall likelihood of survival (hazard ratio for death 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93‒1.20). Interventions, such as arterial line insertion (odds ratio [OR] 25.33, 95% CI 15.12‒42.44) and kidney replacement therapy (OR 10.77, 95% CI 6.10‒19.01), were more commonly performed for patients detected using RRS with dedicated doctors. The presence of dedicated doctors in the RRS was associated with better survival of patients with sepsis or septic shock (hazard ratio for death 0.62, 95% CI 0.39‒0.98) and lower intensive care unit admission rates (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.37‒0.75).Conclusions: The presence of dedicated doctors within the RRS was not associated with better survival in the overall population but with better survival and lower intensive care unit admission rates for patients with sepsis or septic shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pronator drift test is widely used to detect mild arm weakness. We developed an application that runs on a handheld device to objectify the pronator drift test and investigated its feasibility in stroke patients. Methods: The iPronator application, which uses the built-in accelerometer in handheld devices, was developed. We enrolled acute ischemic stroke patients (n = 10) with mild arm weakness and healthy controls (n = 10) to validate the iPronator. In addition to conventional neurological examinations, the degree of average, maximum, and oscillation in drift and pronation were measured and compared using the iPronator. Follow-up tests using the iPronator were also conducted in the patient group one week later. Results: There was a strong correlation between the average degree of pronation and drift measured by the iPronator (r = 0.741, p<0.001). The degrees of average and maximum in pronation were greater in the patient group than in the control group [in average, 28.9u, interquartile range (IQR) 18.7-40.3 vs. 3.8u (IQR 0.3-7.5), p<0.001], in maximum, 33.0u (IQR 24.0-52.1) vs. 6.2u (IQR 1.4-9.4), p<0.001]. The degree of oscillation in pronation was not different between the groups (p = 0.166). In drift, the degrees of average, maximum, and oscillation were greater in the patient group. In stroke patients, a follow-up study at one week revealed improvements in the degrees of pronation and drift compared with baseline parameters. Conclusions: The iPronator can reliably detect mild arm weakness of stroke patients and was also useful in detecting functional recovery for one week in patients with acute stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Arm elevation is composed of glenohumeral and scapulothoracic motion. Many reports have addressed changes of scapular position across a spectrum of shoulder disease. However, no study has examined changes in scapular position after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in scapular position after RTSA compared to patients' contralateral, nonoperated shoulder. Methods: Seven patients that underwent RTSA for cuff tear arthropathy from July 2007 to October 2008 were enrolled. The distance between the long axis of the thoracic spine and the inferior pole of the scapula(lateralization of the scapula) was measured on shoulder A-P radiographs at 0 degrees (the neutral position) and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 degrees of shoulder abduction. In addition, the angle between the long axis of the thoracic spine and medial border of the scapula was measured and compared with the patients' contralateral shoulder. Results: Scapulohumeral rhythm was 2.4:1 on the operated shoulder and 4.1:1 on the nonoperated, contralateral shoulder at 120 degrees of abduction. The distance between the line of the interspinous process of upper thoracic vertebra and the inferior pole of the scapula showed a negative slope at 0 to 30 degrees abduction on the operated side, but beyond 30 degrees of abduction, this distance showed a more sudden increase than in the contralateral shoulder. The angle between the vertical vertebral line and the scapular medial border also showed greater increase beyond 30 degrees abduction on the operated limb. Conclusions: The pattern of scapular position after RTSA, was found to differ from that of the contralateral shoulder, and showed a more scapular upward rotation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study investigates numerical calculations of temperature and thermal stress distributions near a normal cooling hole. A normal injection cooling hole was applied to evaluate TBC delamination using the local heat transfer data, which were obtained by the previous experiments. Experimental results were converted into the surface heat transfer coefficients and the adiabatic wall temperature for surface boundary conditions. Calculated results reveal that the de-bonding stresses, which yield the TBC delamination, really depends on the main stream temperature and the TBC material properties. To predict the maximum de-bonding stress near the normal cooling hole, we obtained a single correlation consisting of the TBC material properties and the main stream temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: Arterial stiffness is associated with cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis. Measurement of pulse wave velocity (PWV) is one of the most representative and noninvasive techniques for assessing arterial stiffness. We investigated the association of cerebral atherosclerosis with brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) in acute ischemic stroke patients. If present, we sought to determine whether the relationship differed between atherosclerosis in the intracranial artery and atherosclerosis in the extracranial artery. Methods: We included 801 patients with acute ischemic stroke who had undergone angiographic study and baPWV measurement between January 2007 and May 2010. Patients with cerebral artery atherosclerosis were categorized into those with intracranial atherosclerosis, those with extracranial atherosclerosis and those with both intracranial and extracranial atherosclerosis. We determined factors that were associated with baPWV. Results: Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that high baPWV was significantly associated with older age, lower body mass index, higher brachial systolic pressure, and diabetes mellitus. Increased baPWV was associated with the presence of atherosclerosis (≥50% stenosis) in the intracranial cerebral artery as well as in both the intracranial and extracranial arteries, but not with atherosclerosis in the extracranial cerebral artery. The burden of intracranial cerebral atherosclerosis, which was assessed based on the number of arteries with atherosclerosis, was also closely associated with baPWV. Conclusion: Arterial stiffness was associated with the presence and burden of intracranial cerebral atherosclerosis in stroke patients, but was not associated with the extracranial cerebral atherosclerosis. These findings suggest a potential pathophysiological association between increased arterial stiffness and intracranial cerebral atherosclerosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Prediction of heat transfer coefficients and stresses on blade surfaces keys a role in thermal design of a gas turbine blade. The present study investigates heat transfer and stress in a gas turbine blade with 10 circular internal cooling passages. 3D-numerical conjugated simulations using a FVM and FEM commercial codes, CFX and ANSYS are performed to calculate distributions of the heat transfer coefficients and the stresses, respectively. The heat transfer coefficient is the highest on the stagnation point of leading edge due to impingement of incoming gas flow. It is the lowest at the trailing edge on both pressure and suction sides due to development of thermal boundary layer. However, the maximum material temperature and the maximum thermal stress occur at the trailing edge near the mid-span. Therefore, the failure of turbine blade should be predicted by total stress resulted from the combination of thermal load and cooling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We conducted an optimization using the second-order response surface method to determine the transverse rib geometry required to achieve the highest cooling performance in a circular channel. The best rib geometry was based on three design variables; rib height, rib width, and rib pitch. The turbulent heat transfer coefficients and friction losses were first calculated and then used to determine the thermal performance. We constructed the response surfaces of the three design variables as functions of the average Nusselt number ratio, friction loss, and thermal performance. These functions led to the optimum design point at the highest heat transfer rate in the special case of an actual turbine cooling passage with a constant friction loss. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of the metal loading (30–70wt.%), metal molar ratio (Co/Fe, 1–5) and mass ratio of citric acid to the catalyst (0–0.6) on the productivity and mean diameter of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a gas–solid fluidized bed reactor (with an inner diameter of 0.056m and a height of 1.0m) were determined. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) was used as the carbon source. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to characterize the catalysts synthesized using a combustion method. MWCNTs synthesized in the fluidized bed reactor were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) to observe their morphologies and measure their diameters. Productivity was increased by increasing both the metal loading and the mass ratio of citric acid to the catalyst. A high productivity, up to 2000%, was obtained. The catalyst transition metal particle grain size decreased in the range of 8–17nm with an increasing citric acid mass ratio to the catalyst and the mean diameter of the MWCNTs decreased with increasing the metal molar ratio, however the correlation between the grain size in the catalyst and the mean diameter of MWCNTs remains unclear. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) synthesized at various reaction conditions (reaction temperature, gas environment, and the ratio of mixture gas) using catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) in a fluidized bed reactor have quite different properties according to their tube diameter and crystallinity. Macroscopic field emission properties of the CNT film have been determined by a vacuum field emission system that displays the integrated field emission using a phosphor ITO-glass screen. Field emission properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) depend on their electrical conductivity and structural quality such as the tube diameter and crystallinity (ID /IG ). The smaller the mean diameter and the higher the crystallinity of the CNTs, the better the field emission properties could be achieved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effects of the ejector geometry (nozzle diameter and mixing chamber) and the operating conditions (liquid circulating rate, liquid level in column) on the hydraulic characteristics in a rectangular bubble column with a horizontal flow ejector were determined. The gas phase holdup increases with increasing liquid circulating rate but decreases with increasing liquid level in the column. In the multiphase CFD simulation with the mixture model and the experiments, the gas suction rate increases with increasing liquid circulating rate. However, the gas suction rate decreases with increasing the liquid level in the column and nozzle diameter. The predicted values from the CFD simulation are well accord to the experimental data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The combined effects of duct aspect ratio and rotation on heat/mass transfer characteristics are investigated. Mass transfer experiments are conducted to obtain detailed local heat/mass transfer coefficients on the leading and trailing surfaces in rotating two-pass ducts with a pair of opposite rib-roughened walls. The ducts of three different aspect ratios (W/H =0.5, 1.0, and 2.0) are employed with a fixed hydraulic diameter (D h) of 26.7mm. In all duct cases, the rib height-to-hydraulic diameter ratio (e/D h) is 0.056 and the rib pitch-to-rib height (p/e) is 10. The rotation number ranges from 0.0 to 0.20 while the Reynolds number is fixed at 10,000. To verify the heat/mass transfer augmentation, internal flow structures are calculated for a smooth two-pass square duct using numerical simulations. The results show that Sherwood number ratios are approximately 2.5 times higher than the fully developed value in a stationary smooth pipe due to the flow reattachment near ribbed surfaces. The overall heat/mass transfer coefficient increases as the duct aspect ratio increases. It is because the core flow is highly disturbed and accelerated in the midsections of the ribs, as the rib height-to-duct height ratio (e/H) increases. Dean vortices generated due to 180°-turn augment heat/mass transfer in the turning region and in the upstream region of the second pass. The rotation of duct produces heat/mass transfer discrepancy between leading and trailing surfaces, having higher Sherwood number on the trailing surface in the first pass and on the leading surface in the second pass. However, the effects of duct turning curvature and rotation on heat/mass transfer become less significant for the higher aspect ratio. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Carbon black has recently been reported to act as an effective catalyst for methane decomposition and to exhibit stable catalytic behavior despite carbon deposition, and thus it can be used for CO2-free production of hydrogen from natural gas. In this work, various carbon blacks with different primary particle size were investigated with respect to methane decomposition under atmospheric pressure from 1123 to 1223K. Catalytic characteristics, such as activity, activation energy and reaction order, were investigated and compared. It was observed that with decreasing primary particle size (or increasing specific surface area), the specific activity increased and the activation energy decreased. The reaction orders for various pelletized, rubber-reinforcing carbon blacks were 0.6–0.7, about the same regardless of the primary particle size, while they were near 1 for fluffy carbon blacks. Fluffy carbon black showed higher activity and activation energy than the pelletized carbon black of the same primary particle size. Changes of the surface morphology during carbon deposition were observed by TEM. Variations of the number of active sites were discussed in regard of the primary particle size, carbon deposition and binder. The presence of different types of active sites was also suggested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: UVB (280–320nm) and UVC (200–280nm) irradiation generate predominantly cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and (6-4) photoproducts in DNA. CPDs are thought to be responsible for most of the UV-induced mutations. Thymine–thymine CPDs, and probably also CPDs containing cytosine, are replicated in vivo in a largely accurate manner by a DNA polymerase η (Pol η) dependent process. Pol η is a DNA damage-tolerant and error-prone DNA polymerase encoded by the POLH (XPV) gene in humans. Another member of the Y family of error-prone DNA polymerases is POLI encoding DNA polymerase iota (Pol ι). In order to clarify the specific role of Pol ι in UV mutagenesis, we have used an siRNA knockdown approach in combination with a supF shuttle vector which replicates in mammalian cells, similar as we have previously done for Pol η. Synthetic RNA duplexes were used to efficiently inhibit Pol ι expression in 293T cells. The supF shuttle vector was irradiated with 254nm UVC and replicated in 293T cells in presence of anti-Pol ι siRNA. Surprisingly, there was a consistent reduction of recovered plasmid from cells with Pol ι knockdown and this was independent of UV irradiation of the plasmid. The supF mutant frequency was unchanged in the siRNA knockdown cells relative to control cells confirming that Pol ι does not play an important role in UV mutagenesis. UV-induced supF mutants were sequenced from siRNA-treated cells and controls. Neither the type of mutations nor their distribution along the supF gene were significantly different between controls and siRNA knockdown cells and were predominantly C to T and CC to TT transitions at dipyrimidine sites. These results show that Pol ι has no significant role in UV lesion bypass and mutagenesis in vivo and provides some initial data suggesting that this polymerase may be involved in replication of extrachromosomal DNA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The RAS association domain family 1A (RASSF1A) gene is silenced by DNA methylation in over 50% of all solid tumors of different histological types. However, the biochemical function of the RASSF1A protein is unknown. We show that RASSF1A colocalizes with microtubules in interphase and decorates spindles and centrosomes during mitosis. RASSF1A has a strong cytoprotective activity against the microtubule-destabilizing drug nocodazole, and against cold-treatment in vivo. Conversely, loss of RASSF1 in RASSF1-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts renders the cells more sensitive to nocodazole-induced depolymerization of microtubules. The domain required for both microtubule association and stabilization was mapped to a 169 amino-acid fragment that contains the RAS association domain. Overexpression of RASSF1A induces mitotic arrest at metaphase with aberrant mitotic cells reminiscent of such produced by the microtubule-stabilizing drug paclitaxel (taxol), including monopolar spindles, or complete lack of a mitotic spindle. Altered microtubule stability in cells lacking RASSF1A is likely to affect spindle assembly and chromosome attachment, processes that need to be carefully controlled to protect cells from genomic instability and transformation. In addition, knowledge of the microtubule-targeting function of RASSF1 may aid in the development of new anticancer drugs.Oncogene (2003) 22, 8125-8136. doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1206984 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methylation of cytosines at CpG dinucleotides is essential for mammalian development. MeCP2, MBD1, MBD2, MBD3, and MBD4 comprise a family of proteins that contain a methyl-CpG binding domain (MBD). Except for MBD4, these proteins are involved in gene silencing imposed by methylated DNA. We have identified a human gene that codes for a protein that is 42% identical to MBD3 and 38% identical to MBD2 but lacks the methyl-CpG binding domain. The recombinant protein does not bind to methylated DNA in vitro. The corresponding mouse Mbd3L1 gene was also cloned. The MBD3L1 gene is expressed specifically in testis. During spermatogenesis, expression of MBD3L1 is observed only in round spermatids, suggesting a role for the gene product in the postmeiotic stages of male germ cell development. The MBD3L1 protein is localized to discrete areas in the nucleus and contains an N-terminal transcriptional repression domain. This repression is independent of histone deacetylase inhibition. A homologue of MBD3L1, MBD3L2, was also identified and cloned. Expression of MBD3L2 was found in germ cell tumors and some somatic tissues. These novel proteins may function as counterparts of MBD2 and/or MBD3 in developmental stage-specific transcriptional repression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The peel and tack properties of mixtures of polystyrene[hyphen]block[hyphen]polybutadiene[hyphen]block[hyphen]polystyrene (SBS) and a tackifier were investigated after these were crosslinked by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation at various amounts of benzophenone (BP) as a photoinitiator and trimethylolpropane mercaptopropionate (TRIS) as a crosslinking agent.The degree of crosslinking of polybutadiene (PB) block in the SBS mixture was qualitatively estimated from the amount of gel fraction as well as the change in the glass transition temperature of the PB block. The crosslinking of the PB block was done within 3 min after UV irradiation and the peel strength of crosslinked specimens was as low as 45[percnt] of specimens without crosslinking. Nano[hyphen]tack and bulk tack properties as well as the surface tension of mixtures were measured depending upon amounts of BP and TRIS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effects of devolatilization temperature (750–900 °C), coal size (2–12 mm) and coal properties (carbon content, Hardgrove index (HGI), pore volume) of anthracite coals on the primary fragmentation and particle size reduction during devolatilization have been determined in a thermobalance reactor. The fragmentation index increases with increasing devolatilization temperature and particle size. The fragmentation index is also influenced by coal properties, such as carbon content, HGI, pore volume, etc. Thus, the reduction ratio of particle size before and after devolatilization increases with increasing devolatilization temperature and particle size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]