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The influence of magnesium hydroxide (MH), expandable graphite (EG), and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) on the kinetic property and degradation mechanisms of wood flour/polypropylene composites (WPPC) was investigated using thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The kinetic parameters were determined using Kissinger and Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (F-W-O) methods. Criado method was used to investigate the probable degradation mechanisms. Thermogravimetric results indicated that EG and APP accelerated the degradation process of wood flour and promoted an increase in the conversion value at low temperatures. The activation energy values obtained through Kissinger and F-W-O methods were 161-178 kJ mol (wood flour degradation stage) and 234-305 kJ mol (polypropylene degradation stage) for WPPC with or without fire retardants. The degradation mechanism of wood flour occurred by diffusion in three-dimensional processes when the conversion value was below 0.8. Polypropylene and fire retardants had no direct influence on the degradation mechanism of wood flour. In the polypropylene decomposition stage, the degradation of WPPC without fire retardant followed phase-boundary-controlled reaction mechanism. However, the behavior of WPPC incorporation of MH, EG, or APP was governed by nucleation and growth mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tamoxifen resistance is often observed in the majority of estrogen receptor–positive breast cancers and it remains as a serious clinical problem in breast cancer management. Increased aerobic glycolysis has been proposed as one of the mechanisms for acquired resistance to chemotherapeutic agents in breast cancer cells such as adriamycin. Herein, we report that the glycolysis rates in LCC2 and LCC9—tamoxifen-resistant human breast cancer cell lines derived from MCF7— are higher than those in MCF7S, which is the parent MCF7 subline. Inhibition of key glycolytic enzyme such as hexokinase-2 resulted in cell growth retardation at higher degree in LCC2 and LCC9 than that in MCF7S. This implies that increased aerobic glycolysis even under O2-rich conditions, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect, is closely associated with tamoxifen resistance. We found that HIF-1α is activated via an Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in LCC2 and LCC9 cells without hypoxic condition. Importantly, specific inhibition of hexokinase-2 suppressed the activity of Akt/mTOR/HIF-1α axis in LCC2 and LCC9 cells. In addition, the phosphorylated AMPK which is a negative regulator of mTOR was decreased in LCC2 and LCC9 cells compared to MCF7S. Interestingly, either the inhibition of mTOR activity or increase in AMPK activity induced a reduction in lactate accumulation and cell survival in the LCC2 and LCC9 cells. Taken together, our data provide evidence that development of tamoxifen resistance may be driven by HIF-1α hyperactivation via modulation of Akt/mTOR and/or AMPK signaling pathways. Therefore, we suggest that the HIF-1α hyperactivation is a critical marker of increased aerobic glycolysis in accordance with tamoxifen resistance and thus restoration of aerobic glycolysis may be novel therapeutic target for treatment of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autocrine VEGF is necessary for endothelial survival, although the cellular mechanisms supporting this function are unknown. Here, we show that -- even after full differentiation and maturation -- continuous expression of VEGF by endothelial cells is needed to sustain vascular integrity and cellular viability. Depletion of VEGF from the endothelium results in mitochondria fragmentation and suppression of glucose metabolism, leading to increased autophagy that contributes to cell death. Gene-expression profiling showed that endothelial VEGF contributes to the regulation of cell cycle and mitochondrial gene clusters, as well as several -- but not all -- targets of the transcription factor FOXO1. Indeed, VEGF-deficient endothelium in vitro and in vivo showed increased levels of FOXO1 protein in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Silencing of FOXO1 in VEGF-depleted cells reversed expression profiles of several of the gene clusters that were de-regulated in VEGF knockdown, and rescued both cell death and autophagy phenotypes. Our data suggest that endothelial VEGF maintains vascular homeostasis through regulation of FOXO1 levels, thereby ensuring physiological metabolism and endothelial cell survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method of quantitative compositional analysis by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) was established for Si 1− x Ge x binary crystals at atomic resolution. The relationship between the HAADF intensity I and the scattering cross section was investigated as a function of the Ge concentration. We showed experimentally that the atomic column intensity in a HAADF image of the Si 1− x Ge x binary crystals obeys the power law I ∝ Z γ without considering the static displacement of the atoms. The exponent γ was quantitatively measured and found to vary from 1.5 to 1.9 as the collection angle increased up to 140 mrad, indicating that Rutherford scattering becomes dominant with increasing collection angle. These experimental results were discussed by comparison with a calculation of the differential cross section of electron scattering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To gain insight into liver and pancreas development, we investigated the target of 2F11, a monoclonal antibody of unknown antigen, widely used in zebrafish studies for labeling hepatopancreatic ducts. Utilizing mass spectrometry and in vivo assays, we determined the molecular target of 2F11 to be Annexin A4 (Anxa4), a calcium binding protein. We further found that in both zebrafish and mouse endoderm, Anxa4 is broadly expressed in the developing liver and pancreas, and later becomes more restricted to the hepatopancreatic ducts and pancreatic islets, including the insulin producing ß-cells. Although Anxa4 is a known target of several monogenic diabetes genes and its elevated expression is associated with chemoresistance in malignancy, its in vivo role is largely unexplored. Knockdown of Anxa4 in zebrafish leads to elevated expression of caspase 8 and Δ113p53 , and liver bud specific activation of Caspase 3 and apoptosis. Mosaic knockdown reveal that Anxa4 is required cell-autonomously in the liver bud for cell survival. This finding is further corroborated with mosaic anxa4 knockout studies using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Collectively, we identify Anxa4 as a new, evolutionarily conserved hepatopancreatic factor that is required in zebrafish for liver progenitor viability, through inhibition of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. A role for Anxa4 in cell survival may have implications for the mechanism of diabetic ß-cell apoptosis and cancer cell chemoresistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spherical aberration correction in high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) allows us to form an electron probe with reduced depth of field. Using through-focal HAADF imaging, we experimentally demonstrated 3D strain measurement in a strained-channel transistor. The strain field distribution in the channel region was obtained by scanning an electron beam over a plan-view specimen. Furthermore, the decrease in the strain fields toward the silicon substrate was revealed at different focal planes with a 5-nm focal step. These results demonstrate that it is possible to reconstruct the 3D strain field in electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The use of basalt fibers (BFs) in HDPE led to enhanced composite properties. [•] Micromechanical modeling showed a good fit to the experimental data. [•] Co-extruded wood plastic composites with BF filled shells were manufactured. [•] The core–shell structured material had well-balanced composite properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common human genetic disease characterized by the formation of multiple fluid-filled cysts in bilateral kidneys. Although mutations in polycystic kidney disease 1 ( PKD1) are predominantly responsible for ADPKD, the focal and sporadic property of individual cystogenesis suggests another molecular mechanism such as epigenetic alterations. To determine the epigenomic alterations in ADPKD and their functional relevance, ADPKD and non-ADPKD individuals were analyzed by unbiased methylation profiling genome-wide and compared with their expression data. Intriguingly, PKD1 and other genes related to ion transport and cell adhesion were hypermethylated in gene-body regions, and their expressions were downregulated in ADPKD, implicating epigenetic silencing as the key mechanism underlying cystogenesis. Especially, in patients with ADPKD, PKD1 was hypermethylated in gene-body region and it was associated with recruitment of methyl-CpG-binding domain 2 proteins. Moreover, treatment with DNA methylation inhibitors retarded cyst formation of Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells, accompanied with the upregulation of Pkd1 expression. These results are consistent with previous studies that knock-down of PKD1 was sufficient for cystogenesis. Therefore, our results reveal a critical role for hypermethylation of PKD1 and cystogenesis-related regulatory genes in cyst development, suggesting epigenetic therapy as a potential treatment for ADPKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microfibrillar composites from high-density polyethylene (HDPE-75 wt%) and polyamide-6 (PA6-25 wt%) were made through a reactive extrusion at the processing temperature of PA6 in combination with hot stretching to form microfibrillar composites, and injection molding at the melt temperature of HDPE to form final composites. The scanning electron microscope observations demonstrated the formation of the PA6 microfibers during extrusion. Incorporation of PA6 microfibers led to an improvement in both flexural and tensile properties as compared to the neat HDPE. Use of ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymers (E-GMA) in the composites gave the highest tensile modulus, while ethylene, butyl acrylate and maleic anhydride terpolymer (E-BA-MA) led to the highest tensile strength and elongation. The maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) was the most efficient among three coupling agents in improving impact strength. With the addition of 5 wt% E-GMA, E-BA-MA and MAPE, the HDPE/PA6 composites exhibited an improvement of 87, 116, and 387 %, respectively, compared to the uncoupled controls. The PA6 microfibers exhibited a regular orientation along the stretching direction in the presence of 2.5 wt% coupling agents; increasing the loading level of coupling agents caused a reduction in the diameter of PA6 microfibers. FT-IR analyses showed the reactions between PA6 and the coupling agents used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 3D CFD analysis of PEM water electrolyser. • Developed model were validated with in-house experiment data. • Evaluate temperature, pressure, membrane thickness, PTL porosity and feed rate. • Key characteristics were quantified, and optimum conditions were suggested. Hydrogen produced by the electrochemical water splitting is essential for expanding and utilizing renewable power sources and establishing a sustainable energy society. As renewable energy network widely established, the produced hydrogen can be utilized by connecting the energy demand and energy supply. The proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyser technology is one of the ideal candidates for direct coupling with renewable energy sources. In recent years, bench-scale experiments, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation-based approaches are used to accelerate the advances in performance and cost of the technology. We studied the influence of the key performance parameter of a PEM water electrolyser, and a single channel-based three-dimensional CFD model was developed. The PEM water electrolyser CFD model is validated against in-house experiments, where the developed model successfully predicts the current–voltage polarization curve. The developed CFD model is then used to analyze the influence of temperature, cathode pressure, membrane thickness, porous transport layer porosity and water feed rate. The main observation from the numerical study was discussed to provide insight into the factors affecting the PEM water electrolyser performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously shown that ablative radiotherapy (A-RT) with a biologically effective dose (BED10) ≥ 80.5 Gy for patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is associated with longer survival. Despite recent large-scale sequencing efforts in ICC, outcomes following RT based on genetic alterations have not been described. We reviewed records of 156 consecutive patients treated with A-RT for unresectable ICC from 2008 to 2020. For 114 patients (73%), next-generation sequencing provided molecular profiles. The overall survival (OS), local control (LC), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariable Cox analyses were used to determine the associations with the outcomes. The median tumor size was 7.3 (range: 2.2–18.2) cm. The portal vein thrombus (PVT) was present in 10%. The RT median BED10 was 98 Gy (range: 81–144 Gy). The median (95% confidence interval) follow-up was 58 (42–104) months from diagnosis and 39 (33–74) months from RT. The median OS was 32 (29–35) months after diagnosis and 20 (16–24) months after RT. The one-year OS, LC, and intrahepatic DMFS were 73% (65–80%), 81% (73–87%), and 34% (26–42%). The most common mutations were in IDH1 (25%), TP53 (22%), ARID1A (19%), and FGFR2 (13%). Upon multivariable analysis, the factors associated with death included worse performance status, larger tumor, metastatic disease, higher CA 19-9, PVT, satellitosis, and IDH1 and PIK3CA mutations. TP53 mutation was associated with local failure. Further investigation into the prognostic value of individual mutations and combinations thereof is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chitooligosaccharides with degrees of polymerization (DPs) 2–12 were successfully separated and characterized using LC–MS/MS analysis with an amine column and a quadrupole ion trap analyzer. Major MS peaks for each chromatographic peak originated from deacetylated chitooligosaccharides while N-acetylated chitooligosaccharides were observed as minor peaks. The ratio of acetylation per glucosamine unit for each chitooligomer was higher for oligomers with higher DPs. The MS/MS spectra of chitooligosaccharides were used to characterize the chitooligosaccharide fragmentation patterns. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of on-line LC–MS/MS analysis of chitooligosaccharides with DP higher than 6. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a C-type lectin produced by the liver and involved in the innate immune response. We have analyzed six SNPs of MBL2 gene—three at promoter (−550, −435, and −221), one at 5′-untranslational region (UTR) (+4), and two at coding (Gly54Asp and Leu126Leu) regions—in the Korean population (N =129), and have correlated genotypes with the serum concentration and functional characteristics. Of those, the Asp54 allele (P <10−15), L allele at −550 (P <10−7), and P allele at +4 (P =0.012) were correlated with low MBL levels. The effect of the X allele at −221 on MBL levels in the Korean population appeared to be less profound than that of other populations. The highest MBL producing promoter haplotype in the Korean population was HYP, followed by LYQ and LYP, and then LXP. From functional analysis of MBL, low MBL levels were correlated with low mannan-binding, low C4 complement activation, and lack of high ordered oligomers. Our results support that the promoter and coding polymorphisms of MBL are correlated with its functional activity as well as circulating levels, and the association patterns are quite similar to those of other populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: Liver cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer worldwide, but unfortunately, current technology has a limited ability to detect it early in high-risk patients. This study investigates a machine learning algorithm based on protein levels in the blood that can be used to help with diagnosis. The test shows promising results, especially in patients with smaller tumors and compared to current blood detection tests. This research suggests an important role in the future for machine learning algorithm-based blood detection tests. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the fastest growing causes of cancer-related death. Guidelines recommend obtaining a screening ultrasound with or without alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) every 6 months in at-risk adults. AFP as a screening biomarker is plagued by low sensitivity/specificity, prompting interest in discovering alternatives. Mass spectrometry-based techniques are promising in their ability to identify potential biomarkers. This study aimed to use machine learning utilizing spectral data and AFP to create a model for early detection. Serum samples were collected from three separate cohorts, and data were compiled to make Development, Internal Validation, and Independent Validation sets. AFP levels were measured, and Deep MALDI® analysis was used to generate mass spectra. Spectral data were input into the VeriStrat® classification algorithm. Machine learning techniques then classified each sample as "Cancer" or "No Cancer". Sensitivity and specificity of the test were >80% to detect HCC. High specificity of the test was independent of cause and severity of underlying disease. When compared to AFP, there was improved cancer detection for all tumor sizes, especially small lesions. Overall, a machine learning algorithm incorporating mass spectral data and AFP values from serum samples offers a novel approach to diagnose HCC. Given the small sample size of the Independent Validation set, a further independent, prospective study is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abrasive-free slurries which control polysilicon removal and surface roughness are highly desirable for polysilicon buffing chemical mechanical planarization (CMP). Here, we show that the addition of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) solutions inhibits adsorption of PDADMAC on polysilicon films. The effects of PEG additive on polysilicon static etching and removal behavior during CMP were investigated as a function of PEG concentration. Polysilicon static etching and removal amounts were suppressed with an increase in PEG concentration, and surface roughness was improved by 19.2% and 55.3% compared to those obtained with 250 ppm PDADMAC and 1 wt% silica slurry, respectively, within a certain range of PEG concentrations. The adsorption mechanism of PEG on polysilicon films was investigated using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and zeta potential measurements. Our results suggest that PEG adsorbs on the surface of polysilicon films and forms a passivation layer that interferes with the approach of PDADMAC. A possible mechanism for improvement in surface roughness was also proposed based on the inhibition effect of PEG during the CMP process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical method was developed for the accurate determination of eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in extruded high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) as a higher-order reference method. Uncleaned HIPS matrix rendered the accurate quantitation impossible and hampered the repeatability of the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) measurement. This led to a bias in the results and increased the measurement uncertainty. Extracts were sufficiently purified through a two-step process: (i) dissolution and precipitation and (ii) molecularly imprinted polymers-solid phase extraction for clean-up. Co-elution of indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (IP), dibenz(a,h)anthracene (DBahA), and their 13C 6 -labeled isotopes resulted in a bias in the area ratios of IP/13C 6 -IP and DBahA/13C 6 -DBahA, thus increasing the measurement uncertainty. An optimized GC condition using an Rxi-PAH column improved the peak separation of IP and DBahA and their isotopes, thus improving the quality of the measurement. The optimized method was validated using PAH (0.36–0.45 mg/kg)-containing HIPS pellets. The optimized method had excellent repeatability (<2%) and reproducibility (<3%) for concentrations less than 0.5 mg/kg of the eight PAHs in HIPS. Using the optimized method, the relative expanded uncertainties for all the target PAHs were below 5% (with a 95% level of confidence). • An analytical method was developed to accurately determine eight PAHs in extruded high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) as a reference method. • Molecularly imprinted polymer-solid phase extraction cartridge for clean-up and 40 m Rxi-PAH column for GC/MS improved the quality of analysis. • The optimized method had good repeatability and reproducibility even for concentrations less than 0.5 mg/kg of the eight PAHs in HIPS. • Using the optimized method, the relative expanded uncertainties (with 95% confidence level) for all the eight PAHs were below 5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF8) concept was introduced in the fabrication of li-ion battery (LIB) separator for the first time. The ZIF8 crystals were synthesized on the surface of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) by mixing 2-methylimidazole (Hmim) with zinc nitrate hexahydrate (Zn) in methanol. ZIF8- or Zn (mim)2-CNF composite membrane was fabricated and the effect of ZIF8 on the pore structure of CNF network was investigated. The pores of the ZIF8-CNF membrane distributed more homogeneously than that of the pure CNF membrane. The porosity increased from 42% (pure CNF membrane) to 55% (composite membrane). The successful synthesis of ZIF8 crystals on CNF surface was confirmed through elemental composition and crystalline structure analysis of the composite. Compared with polymer based separator, the ZIF8-2-CNF membrane exhibited better thermal stability, mechanical property (isotropic vs. anisotropic), thermal expansion behavior (15.53 vs. 178.90 ppm/k), and surface wettability (13.31° vs. 96.18°). The LIB fabricated with ZIF8-CNF membrane had a comparable cycling stability and a better discharge retention stability (88.3% vs 80.2%) in comparison with these of a tri-layer commercial polymer membrane. The environmentally friendly ZIF8-CNF nanocomposite membrane can be considered as a good alternative for manufacturing LIBs. Image 1 • ZIF8-CNF membrane synthesized and used as lithium-ion battery (LIB) separator. • More homogeneously distributed pores in the manufactured membrane. • Better thermal, mechanical and surface wetting property of the membrane. • LIB's discharge retention stability, cycling performance and rate capacity improved. • ZIF8-CNF nanocomposite membrane as a future sustainable LIB separator material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filament fused fabrication (FFF) is an extrusion-based 3D printing technology for manufacturing thermoplastic components. One major obstacle facing 3D printed thermoplastic material is the reduced crystallinity resulting from a fast quench when material exiting the 3D printer hot nozzle solidifies quickly at the low-temperature platform, leading to weak mechanical performance. Here, we report an accelerated annealing strategy with the assistance of microwave heating, aiming to enhance crystallinity and mechanical performance of FFF 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) composite. We selected naturally abundant cellulose fibers as precursors for producing carbonized cellulose nanofibers (CCNFs), and compounded CCNFs with PLA to produce bi-component filament for 3D printing final composite. After being irradiated with microwave, the embedded CCNFs in composite selectively absorbed microwave energy and generated heat. Subsequently, the localized heat transferred to the adjacent PLA regions, triggering amorphous PLA chains to repack and convert to new crystallites. In this work, annealing conditions, including heating method (i.e., oven annealing vs. microwave annealing), time (0–120 min), and temperature (80 vs. 120 °C), were systematically studied to understand the relevant effects on the resulting parameters including composite crystallinity and tensile strength. Microwave annealing method was also compared with conventional oven annealing method and results shows that microwave annealing significantly reduced the required annealing time to reach the maximum crystallinity and tensile strength. Notably, microwave annealing performed below cold crystallization temperature was exceptionally suitable to develop an optimized crystallinity and tensile strength for 3D printed PLA composite. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colitis is a frequent, clinically-significant immune-related adverse event caused by anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1). The clinical features, timing, and management of colitis with anti-PD-1-based regimens are not well-characterized. Patients with advanced melanoma that received either anti-PD-1 monotherapy ("monotherapy") or combined with ipilimumab ("combination therapy") were screened from 8 academic medical centers, to identify those with clinically-relevant colitis (colitis requiring systemic steroids). Of 1261 patients who received anti-PD-1-based therapy, 109 experienced colitis. The incidence was 3.2% (30/937) and 24.4% (79/324) in the monotherapy and combination therapy cohorts, respectively. Patients with colitis from combination therapy had significantly earlier symptom onset (7.2 weeks vs 25.4 weeks, p < 0.0001), received higher steroid doses (median prednisone equivalent 1.5 mg/kg vs 1.0 mg/kg, p = 0.0015) and experienced longer steroid tapers (median 6.0 vs 4.0 weeks, p = 0.0065) compared to monotherapy. Infliximab use and steroid-dose escalation occurred more frequently in the combination therapy cohort compared to monotherapy. Nearly all patients had resolution of their symptoms although one patient died from complications. Anti-PD-1 associated colitis has a variable clinical presentation, and is more frequent and severe when associated with combination therapy. This variability in checkpoint-inhibitor associated colitis suggests that further optimization of treatment algorithms is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Considerable evidence suggests loss-of-function mutations in the chromatin remodeler CHD2 contribute to a broad spectrum of human neurodevelopmental disorders. However, it is unknown how CHD2 mutations lead to impaired brain function. Here we report mice with heterozygous mutations in Chd2 exhibit deficits in neuron proliferation and a shift in neuronal excitability that included divergent changes in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic function. Further in vivo experiments show that Chd2 +/− mice displayed aberrant cortical rhythmogenesis and severe deficits in long-term memory, consistent with phenotypes observed in humans. We identified broad, age-dependent transcriptional changes in Chd2 +/− mice, including alterations in neurogenesis, synaptic transmission, and disease-related genes. Deficits in interneuron density and memory caused by Chd2 +/− were reproduced by Chd2 mutation restricted to a subset of inhibitory neurons and corrected by interneuron transplantation. Our results provide initial insight into how Chd2 haploinsufficiency leads to aberrant cortical network function and impaired memory. Highlights • CHD2 is widely expressed in the embryonic and mature brain • Gene expression is broadly altered by Chd2 +/− • Chd2 +/− mice have deficits in neuron proliferation, synaptic function and memory • Interneuron transplantation rescues memory problems in Chd2 +/− mice Kim et al. show that loss-of-function mutation of the chromatin regulator gene Chd2 produces deficits in neuron proliferation, synaptic function, and memory in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the value of contrast-enhanced and diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI for differentiating metastatic mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas from simple cysts of the liver. 29 patients with 47 metastatic mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas and/or 19 simple cysts of the liver who underwent contrast-enhanced and DW MRI were included in this retrospective study. Two radiologists assessed the MRI findings by consensus. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted. Significant MRI findings on univariate and multivariate analyses were assessed, and their diagnostic performances for predicting metastatic mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas were analyzed. The presence of rim enhancement (odds ratio, 28.43; p = 0.008) and intracystic enhancement (oddsratio, 180.15; p = 0.001) were independently significant factors for predicting metastatic mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas. The sensitivity and specificity of rim enhancement, intracystic enhancement, and their combination for detecting metastatic mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas were 83% (39/47) and 63.2% (12/19), 87.2% (41/47) and 89.5% (17/19), and 72.3% (34/47) and 94.7% (18/19), respectively. Compared to simple cysts, metastatic mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas showed significantly lower mean apparent diffusion coefficient (1.92 ± 0.81 vs 2.99 ± 0.75 × 10−3 mm2 s−1; p = 0.001) and lesion-to-liver apparent diffusion coefficient ratio (1.66 ± 0.75 vs 2.44 ± 0.56 × 10−3 mm2 s−1; p = 0.004) and higher mean signal intensity (400.3 ± 216.3 vs 222.4 ± 99.3; p = 0.039) and lesion-to-liver signal intensity ratio on hepatobiliary-phase images (0.58 ± 0.16 vs 0.30 ± 0.14; p < 0.001). Contrast-enhanced and DW MRI may be helpful for differentiating metastatic mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas from simple cysts of the liver. On contrast-enhanced and DW MRI, rim and intracystic enhancement can be helpful for differentiating metastatic mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas from simple cysts of the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information about Doppler ultrasonography in liver transplant recipients with hepatic artery dissection (HAD). Topics discussed include importance of liver transplant in liver diseases with high risk of vascular complications; Doppler ultrasonography is screening method used to detect hepatic artery complications; and talks about the discussion which presents hepatic artery dissection as uncommon complication of liver transplant.

We have applied scanning moiré fringe (SMF) imaging in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) to the quantitative measurement of a strain field introduced in p-type channels of transistors with an embedded Si1-xGex source and drain. The compressive strain field parallel to the channels was revealed by the SMF image. We showed that the quantitative strain profile extracted from the SMF image was coincident with the independent measurement by a high-resolution STEM image. In addition, we demonstrated that the strain measurement by SMF imaging can be performed for an extended field of view that is larger than half a micrometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a method for the precise measurement of strain fields in semiconductor devices has become a critical requirement because the electrical performances of the devices are greatly influenced by the strain induced in their structures. We applied scanning moiré fringe imaging to demonstrate the quantitative strain mapping of a Si/Si1-xGex interfacial layer. The strain field was measured at a nano-meter scale spatial resolution, with a detection precision of 0.1%. The maximum value of the strain was measured to be 1.1% ± 0.1%, which is consistent with the direct measurement by high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]