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Biomimetic apatite coatings on chemically modified titanium powder have been processed and the resulting coating layers evaluated in terms of morphology, composition and structure, using TF-XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM and FTIR analysis. After 7 days immersion in a simulated body fluid (SBF), nanometer-sized fine precipitates with an amorphous whisker-like phase and a Ca/P atomic ratio of 1.94 were obtained on the external surface of the titanium particles. When the immersion time in SBF was extended to 16 days, the coating layer consisted of the whisker-like nanostructured crystals of carbonated hydroxyapatite with a atomic ratio of 3; in such a case, a double coating layer was developed. The double layer could be divided into two regions and could be clearly distinguished: an inner dense region (~200 nm in thickness) which may include hard agglomerated crystals and an outer less dense region (> 500 nm in thickness) in which crystals are loosely distributed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dolomite-type borate ceramics consisting of CaZrB2O6 were synthesized via a conventional solid-state reaction route; low-temperature sintering was explored using Bi2O3–CuO additives of 1–7 wt% for low-temperature co-fired ceramics applications. For several sintering temperatures, the microwave dielectric properties and chemical resistance of the ceramics were investigated. The CaZrB2O6 ceramics with 3 wt% Bi2O3–CuO addition could be sintered below 925°C, and the microwave dielectric properties of the low-temperature samples were ℇr=10.55, Q× f=87,350 GHz, and τf=+2 ppm/°C. The chemical resistance test result showed that both CaZrB2O6- and Bi2O3–CuO-added CaZrB2O6 ceramics were durable in basic solution but were degraded in acid solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn-doped Bi4Ti2O12 (M-B4T3) films were well formed on a TiN/SiO2/Si substrate at 200 °C without buckling using RF magnetron sputtering. The leakage current density these films was considerably influenced by the oxygen partial pressure (OPP), which was attributed to the presence of oxygen vacancies or oxygen interstitial ions. The film grown under 2.8-mtorr OPP showed the lowest leakage current density. The M-B4T3 films grown at 200 °C showed a high dielectric constant of 38 with a loss in both kilohertz and gigahertz ranges. The 39-nm-thick film showed a high capacitance density of 8.47 IF/ µm² at 100 kHz, its temperature and quadratic voltage coefficients of capacitance were low at approximately 370 ppm/°C and 667 ppm/V², respectively, with a low leakage current density of 7.8 c 10-8 A/cm² V. Therefore, the M-B4T3thin film grown on a TiN/SiO2/ substrate is a good candidate material for high performance, radio frequency metal-insulator-metal capacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the stress response to heat and exercise is limited in the heart with progressive aging, recent data indicate that acute or short-term exercise upregulates the Mn isoform of superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), which may provide protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury and cell death by reducing oxidative stress. Growing evidence indicates that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) contributes to age-indiced increases in oxidative stress and risk of heart failure. We postulated that oxidative stress and iNOS levels would be related to the ability of the aging heart to upregulate MnSOD in response to long-term exercise training. Six- and twenty-seven-mo-old Fischer- 344 rats had been assigned to young sedentary (YS), young exercise (YE), old sedentary (OS), or old exercise (OE) groups. ET groups ran on a treadmill for 60 mm/day, 5 days/wk for a total of 12 wk. MnSOD protein xpression in the left ventricle was increased (+43%) by 12 wk of exercise training in the old age group, with no changes in Cu,ZnSOD. Exercise training also increased MnSOD activity in left ventricles from old and young rats. HSP7O was inducible by exercise training in hearts exclusively from the young age group. iNOS protein expression increased markedly with aging (+548%), while exercise training: decreased iNOS levels by-73% in OE compared with OS. In addition, 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts in the left ventricle increasd by 237% with aging, while 12 wk of exercise training resulted in attenuation (-55%). These data indicate that inducibility of MnSOD is preserved with long-term exercise training in the aging rat heart. Moreover, upregulation of MnSOD in the aging heart was directly associated with attenuated levels of oxidative stress, including iNOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of exercise training on the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoform profile in aging fast-twitch (white gastrocnemius [WG]) and slow-twitch (soleus [SOL]) muscle have not been investigated. Six-month and 27-month male Fischer- 344 rats were divided into the following groups: young sedentary (YS), young treadmill exercise trained for 12 weeks, old sedentary (OS), and old exercise trained (OE). Inducible NOS (iNOS) protein expression and activity were significantly higher in OS compared with YS, whereas exercise training significantly reduced iNOS protein and activity levels in the WG. Neuronal NOS protein expression decreased with aging in WG but was upregulated significantly with exercise training in OE for both WG and SOL. Endothelial NOS (eNOS) protein levels were depressed in WG of old rats but were higher in OE than in OS. eNOS was unaffected by aging or exercise in the SOL. Our results indicate that endurance exercise training attenuates age-induced alterations of NOS isoforms with a greater response in fast-twitch compared with slow-twitch muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Te ions existed as Te[sub6+] in the Bi[sub6]Ti[sub5]TeO[sub22] (BIT) film grown at 300°C under a high oxygen pressure (OP) of 80.0 Pa and contributed to the formation of the crystalline BTT phase after subsequent annealing at 600°C. However, for the BTT film grown under a low OP of 53.3 Pa (or 9.33 Pa), Te[sub6+] ions, were converted to Te[sup4+] ions, which induced the phase transition of the BTT phase to the pseudo-Bi[sub4]Ti[sub3]O[sub12] and pseudo-Bi[sub2]Ti[sub2]O[sub7] phases after annealing at 600°C. The leakage current density decreased with increasing OP during the growth due to the decreased number of oxygen vacancies. The breakdown voltage also improved with increasing OP during the deposition. The Mn ions introduced in the BIT films by Mn doping existed as Mn[sup2+] or Mn[sup4+] and acted as the acceptors. This Mn doping to 10 mol % also reduced the leakage current density and increased the breakdown voltage by decreasing the number of intrinsic oxygen vacancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi5Nb3O15 (B5N3) films grown under a low oxygen partial pressure (OP) of 1.7 mtorr showed a high leakage cur- rent density of 0.1 A/cm2 at 1.0 MV/cm. However, the leakage current density decreased with increasing OP to a minimum of 5.8 x 10° A/cm2 for the film grown under 5.1 mtorr due to the decreased number of oxygen vacancies. This film also showed an improved breakdown field of 2.2 MV/cm and a large capacitance density of 24.9 fF/μm2. The electrical properties of the film, however, deteriorated with a further increase in OP, which is probably due to the formation of oxygen interstitial ions. Therefore, superior electrical properties for the B5N3 film can be obtained by careful control of OP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B2O3 was added to nominal composition Zn1.8SiO3.8 (ZS) ceramics to decrease their sintering temperature for application to low-temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) devices. B2O3 reacted with SiO2 to form a liquid phase containing SiO2 and B2O3. The composition and melting temperature of the liquid phase depended on the sintering temperature and the B2O3 content. The specimen containing 20.0 mol% of B2O3 sintered at 900°C exhibited high microwave dielectric properties of Q× f=53 000 GHz, ℇr=5.7, and τf=−16 ppm/°C, confirming the promising potential of the B2O3-added ZS ceramics as candidate materials for the LTCC devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sgtR1 and sgtR2 genes encoding putative regulators similar to the Aha1 and ArsR families, respectively, were identified downstream from the sprT gene. To investigate their function, expression vectors containing various combinations of sprT, sgtR1, and sgtR2 were transformed into Streptomyces lividans and Streptomyces griseus. The trypsin activity levels produced by S. lividans harboring pWHM3-TR2 ( sprT and sgtR2) or pWHM3-TR1R2 ( sprT, sgtR2, and sgtR2) were, respectively, 6.6 or 8.9 times that of S. lividans transformed with pWHM3-T ( sprT). In the pWHM3-TR1R2 transformant, the transcription of sprT consistently occurred during the earlier stages of growth and was maintained at a higher level throughout the 6 days of cultivation. Streptomyces griseus IFO13350 harboring pWHM3-TR1R2 also produced trypsin activity 2.1 times that of the pWHM3-T transformant. However, all S. griseusΔ adpA transformants produced lower SGT activity than the wild-type strain, and none could overcome the deficiency in AdpA transcriptional activator, suggesting that AdpA is an absolute prerequisite for sprT expression. The sprT transcript was detected at a high level only in the wild-type strain, but the sgtR1 and sgtR2 transcript levels were very similar between the S. griseus IFO13350 and Δ adpA strains. This clearly demonstrates that the transcription of the sgtR1 and sgtR2 genes is not dependent on AdpA and that they are therefore not members of the AdpA regulon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn2SiO4 ceramics synthesized by the conventional solid-state method exhibited a low Q× f value, possibly due to the formation of a ZnO second phase. However, with a small ZnO reduction from the Zn2SiO4 ceramics, the ZnO second phase disappeared and grain growth occurred due to the formation of a Si-rich liquid phase. Specimens with a large grain size exhibited an improved Q× f value. In particular, the ceramics with nominal composition Zn1.8SiO3.8 sintered at 1300°C exhibited improved microwave dielectric properties of ℇr=6.6, Q× f=147 000 GHz, and τf=−22 ppm/°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel, microchanneled tubular solid oxide fuel cell was fabricated using a multipass extrusion process, with an outside diameter of 2.7 mm that contained 61 cells. Cell materials used in this work were 8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ), La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSM), and NiO–8YSZ (50:50 vol%) as electrolyte, cathode, and anode, respectively. Three stages of heat-treatment processes were applied, at 700°C in N2 condition, at 1000°C in air, and then sintered at 1300°C for 2 h, respectively. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that no reaction phases appeared after sintering. The microstructures of anode and cathode were fairly porous while the electrolyte had a dense microstructure (relative density >96%). The thickness of electrolyte, anode, and cathode were 20, 30, and 40 μm, respectively, and the diameter of the continuous channels was 150 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Re3Ga5O12 (Re: Nd, Sm, Eu, Dy, Yb, and Y) garnet ceramics were synthesized and their microwave dielectric properties were investigated for advanced substrate materials in microwave integrated circuits. The Re3Ga5O12 ceramics sintered at 1350°–1500°C had a high-quality factor ( Q× f) ranging from 40 000 to 192 173 GHz and a low-dielectric constant (ℇr) of between 11.5 and 12.5. They also exhibited a relatively stable temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) in the range of −33.7 to −12.4 ppm/°C. In particular, the Sm3Ga5O12 ceramics sintered at 1450°C exhibited good microwave dielectric properties of ℇr=12.4, Q× f=192 173 GHz, and τf=−19.2 ppm/°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BaCu(B2O5) ceramics were synthesized and their microwave dielectric properties were investigated. BaCu(B2O5) phase was formed at 700°C and melted above 850°C. The BaCu(B2O5) ceramic sintered at 810°C had a dielectric constant (ℇr) of 7.4, a quality factor ( Q× f) of 50 000 GHz and a temperature coefficient of resonance frequency (τf) of −32 ppm/°C. As the BaCu(B2O5) ceramic had a low melting temperature and good microwave dielectric properties, it can be used as a low-temperature sintering aid for microwave dielectric materials for low temperature co-fired ceramic application. When BaCu(B2O5) was added to the Ba(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 (BZN) ceramic, BZN ceramics were well sintered even at 850°C. BaCu(B2O5) existed as a liquid phase during the sintering and assisted the densification of the BZN ceramic. Good microwave dielectric properties of Q× f=16 000 GHz, ℇr=35, and τf=22.1 ppm/°C were obtained for the BZN+6.0 mol% BaCu(B2O5) ceramic sintered at 875°C for 2 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline Ba0.4Sr0.6TiO3 (BST) thin films grown at 350°C with UV-assisted rapidly thermal annealing (RTA) showed a high-k value of 183 at 100 kHz. The 100 nm thick BST film with UV-assisted RTA exhibited a high capacitance density of 16.2 W/μm² and a low dissipation factor of 0.48% at 100 kHz with a low leakage current density of 1 × 10-8 A/cm² at 0.5 MV/cm. The quadratic and linear voltage coefficients of capacitances of the BST film with UV-assisted RTA were -155 ppm/V² and 231 ppm/V, respectively. All these make the BST decoupling capacitor very suitable for use in radio-frequency circuits and mixed-signal integrated circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buckling was observed in Bi5Nb3O15 (BiNbO) films grown on TiN/SiO2/Si at 300 °C but not in films grown at room temperature and annealed at 350 °C. The 45-nm-thick films showed a high capacitance density and a low dissipation factor of 8.81 fF/μm2 and 0.97% at 100 kHz, respectively, with a low leakage current density of 3.46 nA/cm2 at 2 V. The quadratic and linear voltage coefficients of capacitance of this film were 846 ppm/V2 and 137 ppm/V, respectively, with a low temperature coefficient of capacitance of 226 ppm/°C at 100 kHz. This suggests that a BiNbO film grown on a TiN/SiO2/Si substrate is a good candidate material for high-performance metal-insulator-metal capacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterizes thermal conductivities, hardness and dielectric constants of spin-coated boron nitride (BN) films. Determination of physical properties such as film strength, thermal conductivity and dielectrics; Preparation of films on substrates by the vacuum pyrolysis of spin-coated polyborazine films.

Background: Pure frailty and obese frailty are common types of frailty syndrome. However, the overlapping and distinct characteristics between pure frailty and obese frailty remain unclear. This study aims to reveal the overlapping/distinct physical and biological phenotypes of pure frailty and obese frailty, providing theoretical support for their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Method: Mice were fed either a normal or high-fat diet and assessed at 20 months of age. They were assigned to one of the four groups: control, obesity, pure frailty, and obese frailty. Grip strength, walking speed, physical activity, endurance, and body weight were measured to determine pure frailty and obese frailty. Physical and biological phenotypes were assessed. Results: Distinct physical phenotypes were observed between pure frailty and obese frailty in terms of body weight, lean mass, fat mass, fat mass in tissue, grip strength, endurance, and physical activity, while walking speed overlapped. In biological phenotypes, levels of Smad2/3, FoxO3a, P62, LAMP-2, and cathepsin L expression were distinct, while AKT, p-AKT, mTOR, p-mTOR, p-Smad2/3, p-FoxO3a, Beclin-1, ATG7, and LC3 overlapped. Conclusion: Distinct physical phenotypes observed in obese frailty are primarily attributable to the effect of obesity, with further impairment of muscle function resulting from the combined effects of frailty syndromes and obesity. Pure frailty and obese frailty share overlapping biological phenotypes, particularly in the regulation of muscle protein synthesis. Moreover, the interaction between obesity and frailty syndromes gives rise to both overlapping and distinct biological phenotypes, especially in the regulation of specific degradation signaling proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND In clinical practice, one of the most important issues regarding the use of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) is the proper storage conditions and the change in potency and quality over time after reconstitution. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the change in potency and quality of reconstituted prabotulinumtoxin A (PraBoNT-A) over time when stored at different storage temperatures. MATERIALS AND METHODS ICR/CD-1 mice and PraBoNT-A were used for the mouse intraperitoneal lethal dose 50% (LD50) test. A thorough quality evaluation of the product was performed. RESULTS All of the reconstituted PraBoNT-A stored at different temperatures met the evaluation criteria for the suggested limits of estimated potency and for the quality assessment at every evaluated time point. When the stability of reconstituted PraBoNT-A was evaluated by regression analysis, the shelf life of reconstituted PraBoNT-A was found to be 99.24, 73.80, and 16.34 weeks in the case of PraBoNT-A stored at freezing, refrigeration, or room temperatures, respectively. CONCLUSION Based on the results, the authors conclude that the efficacy and quality of the reconstituted PraBoNT-A product are not compromised at least for a certain period of time and that the shelf life of reconstituted PraBoNT-A is longest when stored at the freezing temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

InAlGaAs/InP-based all-monolithic 1.3 µm VCSELs operating continuous wave up to 18°C are demonstrated. The whole structure is grown by a single step of MOCVD. Selective wet etching of an InP layer is used to form an air-gap aperture for the current confinement. The threshold current of an 8 µm device at 15°C is ∼2.8 mA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Reducing transmission loss via composites with pores has emerged as a breakthrough method for information and communications technology applications. The super/extremely high‐frequency signals used in the technologies result in significant transmission loss. Demand for low‐loss materials with low dielectric constant (Dk) and low dissipation factor (Df) has increased in recent years. Here, it is demonstrated that the pore in composites can be reduced Dk and Df of composites with pores (air). In fabrication of composites, a drop‐on‐demand (DOD) inkjet printing method to fabricate composites with pores (air) for use in wireless communications technologies. The DOD method is a simple but versatile manufacturing process at low cost. Its versatile process makes it possible to control the amount of resin and pore in fabrication of the composites and moreover to distribute all their components isotopically and homogeneously. It is possible to fabricate the composites with a lower Dk and Df value by increasing pore amount in the composites. This strategy enabled us to inexpensively manufacture dielectric substrates with low Dk and Df values, greatly contributing to the communications technology industry.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is characterized by progressive pathological changes that require timely and accurate diagnosis. The early detection and progression assessment of ILD are important for effective management. This study introduces a novel quantitative evaluation method utilizing chest radiographs to analyze pixel-wise changes in ILD. Using a weakly supervised learning framework, the approach incorporates the contrastive unpaired translation model and a newly developed ILD extent scoring algorithm for more precise and objective quantification of disease changes than conventional visual assessments. The ILD extent score calculated through this method demonstrated a classification accuracy of 92.98% between ILD and normal classes. Additionally, using an ILD follow-up dataset for interval change analysis, this method assessed disease progression with an accuracy of 85.29%. These findings validate the reliability of the ILD extent score as a tool for ILD monitoring. The results of this study suggest that the proposed quantitative method may improve the monitoring and management of ILD.

A major characteristic of aging skeletal muscle is reduction of muscle mass called sarcopenia caused by reductions in fiber number and cross-sectional area. Increased oxidative stress and impaired stress-response may contribute to sarcopenia with aging. Insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and heat shock proteins (HSPs) are important anti-atrophy agents involved in regulating cell growth, differentiation, and cell survival. Our purpose was to identify the effect of 8%CR and lifelong exercise on IGF-1 and HSP signaling (HSP90, HSP70, HSF-1 HSP25, phosphorylated HSP25 [p-HSP25]) in the Fischer-344 rat plantaris. We divided male Fischer-344 rats at 11 weeks into four groups: young fed ad libitum until 6 mo. old (YAL, n=12); fed ad libitum until 24 mo. old (OAL, n=11); 8% caloric restriction to 24 mo of age (OCR, n=12); wheel running 24 mo. with 8% caloric restriction (OExCR, n=12). IGF-1 protein expression decreased (-57%) in OAL as compared to 6AL. Lifelong exercise but not 8%CR resulted in a significant increase (+51%) in IGF-1 compared with 24AL. Age, 8%CR, and lifelong exercise had no effect on HSP90, HSP70, and HSF-1 levels. However, HSP25 (-46%) and p-HSP25 (-25%) levels were lower in OAL compared to YAL rats, while 8%CR and OExCR resulted in significantly greater for both HSP25 (123%, 50%) and p-HSP25 (50%, 108%), respectively. Our results indicate that lifelong wheel running exercise combined with mild caloric restriction could confer protection against muscle sarcopenia via IGF-1 and HSP25 signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disuse with hindlimb unloading (HU) elicits substantial muscle atrophy, weakness, and inflammation upon reloading. Unloaded skeletal muscle is characterized by oxidative stress and impairment of key stress-response proteins including insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and heat shock proteins (HSPs). Recovery of muscle mass following prolonged (28 day) unloading is delayed. The purpose of this study was to determine if IGF-1 and HSP70 signaling were likewise delayed during short-term (7 days) and long-term (28 days) of reloading following long-term unloading in the rat soleus. Twenty-four 6 mo. old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: controls, 28 days of HU, HU + 7 days of reloading (HU-R7), and HU + 28 days of reloading (HU-R28). Protein levels of IGF-1, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), heat shock factor-1 (HSF-1), HSP70, and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) were assessed by Western immunoblot. IGF-1 protein levels significantly decreased with HU (-62%) and HU-R7 (-67%), and recovered with HU-R28. p-Akt protein levels was markedly increased in HU-R7 (+530%) following HU (+74%) and then recovered after HU-R28. Both HSF-1 and HSP70 levels significantly decreased with HU-R7 (-75% and -71%) and recovered with HU-R28. Our data indicate 2 distinct phases of signaling during reloading: (1) an early phase of reloading characterized by high 3-NT and p-Akt without elevation in IGF-1 and HSP70, and (2) a delayed phase where IGF-1 and HSP70 signaling are elevated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, we showed that (a) exercise training reduces age-induced apoptosis and remodeling of the heart, (b) exercise training upregulates the cell protective Mn isoform of superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and reduces oxidative stress, (c) old mice overexpressing MnSOD reduced pro-apoptotic signaling and oxidative stress. We hypothesized that left ventricles from transgenic mice overexpressing MnSOD would show an attenuation of age-induced remodeling in the left ventricle. Hearts were extracted from young (8 mo) wild type (YWT), young MnSOD transgenic (YTg), old (28 mo) wild-type (OWT), & old MnSOD transgenic (OTg) mice. Superoxide dismutase activity was higher (33%) in young and old transgenic mice compared with wild-types. MnSOD protein expression was upregulated by 36% in OTg compared to OWT. No significant age or Tg related changes were found for Cu,ZnSOD. Hematoxylin-stained left ventricles revealed significantly less remodeling in the endocardial region in OTg than OWT. MnSOD overexpression also attenuated age-induced increases in % connective tissue and myocyte hypertrophy in left ventricle. These data indicate that MnSOD overexpression ameliorates age-induced remodeling in the mouse heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-stage micro-channel forming by stamping, as a method for cost effective and efficient for mass production, was performed for ultra-thin ferritic stainless steel sheets with thicknesses of 0.1 and 0.075 mm, as a good substitute for traditional graphite bipolar plates of proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Attention was directed to enhance the final forming depth and minimize localized thinning, extremely important aspects of the micro-channel on bipolar plate, by the proposed forming process. A forming depth at the first forming stage was chosen as a process variable, and its effect on the formability of the micro-channel at the second forming stage was experimentally investigated. Finite element simulations for the two-stage forming process were conducted to optimize the punch radius and forming depth at the first stage for improving the formability. The comparative study between the simulations and the experimental results could validate improvements in the formability by the proposed approach. In particular, this study could support the existence of an optimum forming depth at the first forming stage. Based on the simulation results, a mathematical model was established to identify the dominant factor needed for formability improvement and to propose a methodology for the process optimization of the multi-stage forming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ni-stanogermanides were formed via an interfacial reaction between Ni film and a Ge1−xSnx (x = 0.083) epilayer grown on a Si substrate driven by thermal treatment, and their microstructural and chemical features were investigated as a function of a rapid thermal annealing (RTA) temperature. The Ni3(Ge1−xSnx) phase was formed at the RTA temperature of 300 °C, above which Ni(Ge1−xSnx) was the only phase formed. The fairly uniform Ni(Ge1−xSnx) film was formed without unreactive Ni remaining after annealing at 400 °C. However, the Ni(Ge1−xSnx) film formed at 500 °C exhibited large surface and interface roughening, followed by the formation of Ni(Ge1−xSnx) islands eventually at 600 °C. The Sn concentration in Ni(Ge1−xSnx) gradually decreased with increasing RTA temperature, implying the enhancement of Sn out-diffusion from Ni(Ge1−xSnx) grains during the Ni-stanogermanidation process at higher temperature. The out-diffused Sn atoms were accumulated on the surface of Ni(Ge1−xSnx), which could be associated with the low melting temperature of Sn. On the other hand, the out-diffusion of Sn atoms from Ni(Ge1−xSnx) along its interface was dominant during the Ni/Ge1−xSnx interfacial reaction, which could be responsible for the segregation of metallic Sn grains that were spatially confined near the edge of Ni(Ge1−xSnx) islands.

The goal of the 8th edition of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Obesity is to help primary care physician provide safe, effective care to patients with obesity by offering evidence-based recommendations to improve the quality of treatment. The Committee for Clinical Practice Guidelines comprised individuals with multidisciplinary expertise in obesity management. A steering board of seven experts oversaw the entire project. Recommendations were developed as the answers to key questions formulated in patient/problem, intervention, comparison, outcomes (PICO) format. Guidelines underwent multi-level review and cross-checking and received endorsement from relevant scientific societies. This edition of the guidelines includes criteria for diagnosing obesity, abdominal obesity, and metabolic syndrome; evaluation of obesity and its complications; weight loss goals; and treatment options such as diet, exercise, behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric and metabolic surgery for Korean people with obesity. Compared to the previous edition of the guidelines, the current edition includes five new topics to keep up with the constantly evolving field of obesity: diagnosis of obesity, obesity in women, obesity in patients with mental illness, weight maintenance after weight loss, and the use of information and communication technology-based interventions for obesity treatment. This edition of the guidelines features has improved organization, more clearly linking key questions in PICO format to recommendations and key references. We are confident that these new Clinical Practice Guidelines for Obesity will be a valuable resource for all healthcare professionals as they describe the most current and evidence-based treatment options for obesity in a well-organized format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An epidermoid cyst is a benign tumor found anywhere in the body. However, the occurrence of epidermoid cysts in the thymus is extremely rare, with only six cases reported worldwide. The correct diagnosis of thymic epidermoid cysts is often difficult due to the unusual location and nonspecific imaging findings. Herein, we present a case of a thymic epidermoid cyst in a 37-year-old female with clinical information and chest CT findings. Further, we have reviewed previous literature reports describing imaging findings of thymic epidermoid cysts.

Polyacrylamide gel (PAAG) has been used for augmentation mammoplasty in certain countries, such as China or Eastern European countries. However, owing to various complications, its use is currently banned in most countries. Nevertheless, because of the migratory stream of female from these countries, we also encounter patients with PAAG mammoplasty in Korea. Owing to the various imaging features of PAAG mammoplasty, it may interfere with the identification of malignancy or other pathologic conditions. Therefore, it is important to identify the imaging findings related to PAAG mammoplasty. However, there is limited literature on the radiologic findings of complications related to PAAG mammoplasty in Korea. Herein we report four cases of PAAG mammoplasty, the complications faced, and depict various radiologic features through multimodality imaging.

Axillary lymph node (ALN) status is one of the most critical prognostic factors in patients with breast cancer. However, ALN evaluation with contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) has been challenging. Machine learning (ML) is known to show excellent performance in image recognition tasks. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the performance of the ML algorithm for predicting ALN metastasis by combining preoperative CECT features of both ALN and primary tumor. This was a retrospective single-institutional study of a total of 266 patients with breast cancer who underwent preoperative chest CECT. Random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and neural network (NN) algorithms were used. Statistical analysis and recursive feature elimination (RFE) were adopted as feature selection for ML. The best ML-based ALN prediction model for breast cancer was NN with RFE, which achieved an AUROC of 0.76 ± 0.11 and an accuracy of 0.74 ± 0.12. By comparing NN with RFE model performance with and without ALN features from CECT, NN with RFE model with ALN features showed better performance at all performance evaluations, which indicated the effect of ALN features. Through our study, we were able to demonstrate that the ML algorithm could effectively predict the final diagnosis of ALN metastases from CECT images of the primary tumor and ALN. This suggests that ML has the potential to differentiate between benign and malignant ALNs.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the volume of the pulmonary nodules and masses on serial chest X-rays (CXRs) from deep-learning-based automatic detection algorithm (DLAD)-based parameters. Methods: In a retrospective single-institutional study, 72 patients, who obtained serial CXRs (n = 147) for pulmonary nodules or masses with corresponding chest CT images as the reference standards, were included. A pre-trained DLAD based on a convolutional neural network was developed to detect and localize nodules using 13,710 radiographs and to calculate a localization map and the derived parameters (e.g., the area and mean probability value of pulmonary nodules) for each CXR, including serial follow-ups. For validation, reference 3D CT volumes were measured semi-automatically. Volume prediction models for pulmonary nodules were established through univariable or multivariable, and linear or non-linear regression analyses with the parameters. A polynomial regression analysis was performed as a method of a non-linear regression model. Results: Of the 147 CXRs and 208 nodules of 72 patients, the mean volume of nodules or masses was measured as 9.37 ± 11.69 cm3 (mean ± standard deviation). The area and CT volume demonstrated a linear correlation of moderate strength (i.e., R = 0.58, RMSE: 9449.9 mm3 m3 in a linear regression analysis). The area and mean probability values exhibited a strong linear correlation (R = 0.73). The volume prediction performance based on a multivariable regression model was best with a mean probability and unit-adjusted area (i.e., RMSE: 7975.6 mm3, the smallest among the other variable parameters). Conclusions: The prediction model with the area and the mean probability based on the DLAD showed a rather accurate quantitative estimation of pulmonary nodule or mass volume and the change in serial CXRs.

We generated an orange-colored (OC) rice callus line by targeted mutagenesis of the orange gene (OsOr) using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. The OC line accumulated more lutein, β-carotene, and two β-carotene isomers compared to the WT callus line. We also analyzed the expression levels of carotenoid biosynthesis genes by qRT-PCR. Among the genes encoding carotenoid metabolic pathway enzymes, the number of transcripts of the PSY2, PSY3, PDS, ZDS and β-LCY genes were higher in the OC line than in the WT line. In contrast, transcription of the ε-LCY gene was downregulated in the OC line compared to the WT line. In addition, we detected increases in the transcript levels of two genes involved in carotenoid oxidation in the OC lines. The developed OC lines also showed increased tolerance to salt stress. Collectively, these findings indicate that targeted mutagenesis of the OsOr gene via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing results in β-carotene accumulation in rice calli. Accordingly, we believe that this type of genome-editing technology could represent an effective alternative approach for enhancing the β-carotene content of plants.

A gastroretentive in situ oral gel containing metformin hydrochloride (Met HCl) was prepared based on sodium alginate (Sod ALG), calcium carbonate, and hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC). The optimal composition of the formulation was explored based on the design of experiments (DoE). First, a 32 full factorial design was used for formulation E1 to determine proper composition of Sod ALG and calcium carbonate. Second, a circumscribed central composite design was employed to add HEC as a thickening agent (formulation E2). The dissolution rates at 15, 30, 60, 120, and 240 min were used as responses. Partial least squares regression analysis indicated the effect of each component in delaying the release of Met HCl in the oral gel formulation. The optimized formulation E2-08 consisting of 1.88% Sod ALG, 0.63% HEC, and 1.00% calcium carbonate and two more formulations, E2-10 and E2-12 conformed to USP monograph for extended release. Other physicochemical properties, including floating lag time and duration, viscosity, and pH, measured for each batch and FT-IR spectrometry analysis showed no unexpected interaction between Met HCl and excipients. The current study suggests the potential use of a gastroretentive in situ oral gel for Met HCl helping patient compliance. This study highlights that a systematic approach based on DoE allows the formulation optimization.

Exercise has been suggested as a powerful intervention for health care and fitness management in humans; however, few studies have demonstrated the benefits of exercise training in dogs. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise training on heart rate (HR), bone mineral density (BMD), muscle volume (MV), and hematological and serum biomarkers in dogs. Six healthy beagles completed the interval treadmill exercise, developed on the basis of the FITT principle, two times a week for 12 weeks. To evaluate the physiological parameters, the HR values were analyzed using the Polar H10 system during the entire exercise period. At pre-and post-exercise, quantitative computed tomography and hematological and serum biochemical parameters were analyzed. The interval exercise resulted in a normal HR response and no adverse behavioral or physiological effects on the dogs. We showed that exercise improved BMD in the femur (541.6 ± 16.7 vs. 610.2 ± 27.8 HA, p < 0.01) and increased serum total alkaline phosphatase (TALP; 68.6 ± 9.2 vs. 81.3 ± 17.2, p < 0.01), aspartate aminotransferase (23.5 ± 1.0 vs. 33.5 ± 1.6, p < 0.01), and creatine kinase (114.8 ± 5.3 vs. 214.0 ± 20.8, p < 0.01) levels. There was a positive relationship between BMD and TALP (femur: r = 0.760, p = 0.004; vertebrae: r = 0.637; p = 0.025). Our findings suggest that interval exercise training is beneficial to increase BMD in the femur, and an increased TALP level would be a concomitant mechanism for enhancing BMD with exercise in dogs.

The spectral quality and intensity of light, photoperiodism, and other environmental factors have profound impacts on the metabolic composition of light-dependent higher plants. Hence, we investigate the effects of fluorescent light (96 μmol m−2s−1) and white (100 μmol m−2s−1), blue (100 μmol m−2s−1), and red (93 μmol m−2s−1) light-emitting diode (LED) light irradiation on the C-glycosylflavone and policosanol contents in young seedlings of wheat and barley. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analyses of C-glycosylflavone contents in barley reveal that the saponarin content is significantly enhanced under blue LED light irradiation. Under similar conditions, isoorientin and isoschaftoside contents are improved in wheat seedlings. The contents of these C-glycosylflavones differed along with the light quality and growth period. The highest accumulation was observed in sprouts after three days under blue LED light irradiation. GC/MS analyses of policosanol contents showed that 1-hexacosanol (C26:o–OH) in barley and 1-octacosanol (C28:o–OH) in wheat seedlings were reduced under LED light irradiation, compared to seedlings under fluorescent light conditions. Nonetheless, the policosanol contents gradually improved with the extension of growth times and treatments, irrespective of the light quality. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between the expression pattern of biosynthesis-related genes and the respective metabolite content in barley. This study demonstrates that blue LED light irradiation is useful in maximizing the C-glycosylflavone content in barley and wheat sprouts.