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Discusses the utilities of corrugated quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIP) in detector material characterization. Capability of the characterization technique of providing accurate and detailed information on the intrinsic properties of QWIP materials under actual operating conditions.

Presents a method for the calculation of the deformation profiles in chiral nematic liquid crystal cells. Illustration of the method in cases of an asymmetric twisted nematic cell; Applicability of the method to the study on the stability of ultraviolet type two-domain twisted nematic.

Factors influencing the morbidity and mortality associated with viremic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection change over time and place, making it difficult to compare reported estimates. Models were developed for 17 countries (Bahrain, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Colombia, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Hong Kong, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Qatar and Taiwan) to quantify and characterize the viremic population as well as forecast the changes in the infected population and the corresponding disease burden from 2015 to 2030. Model inputs were agreed upon through expert consensus, and a standardized methodology was followed to allow for comparison across countries. The viremic prevalence is expected to remain constant or decline in all but four countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Jordan and Oman); however, HCV-related morbidity and mortality will increase in all countries except Qatar and Taiwan. In Qatar, the high-treatment rate will contribute to a reduction in total cases and HCV-related morbidity by 2030. In the remaining countries, however, the current treatment paradigm will be insufficient to achieve large reductions in HCV-related morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors influencing the morbidity and mortality associated with viremic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection change over time and place, making it difficult to compare reported estimates. Models were developed for 17 countries (Bahrain, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Colombia, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Hong Kong, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Qatar and Taiwan) to quantify and characterize the viremic population as well as forecast the changes in the infected population and the corresponding disease burden from 2015 to 2030. Model inputs were agreed upon through expert consensus, and a standardized methodology was followed to allow for comparison across countries. The viremic prevalence is expected to remain constant or decline in all but four countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Jordan and Oman); however, HCV-related morbidity and mortality will increase in all countries except Qatar and Taiwan. In Qatar, the high-treatment rate will contribute to a reduction in total cases and HCV-related morbidity by 2030. In the remaining countries, however, the current treatment paradigm will be insufficient to achieve large reductions in HCV-related morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetoresistance (MR) ratio is enhanced by 35% by inserting the nano-oxide layer (NOL) at the Ta/Co interface in the FeMn-based top spin valves (Ta/NOL/Co/Cu/Co/FeMn/Ta). The enhancement is attributed to specular reflection, resulting in a large resistance change and small sheet resistance. However, the formation of NOL at the interface of Ta/Co suppresses the (111) texture, resulting in small exchange fields. Top spin valves with NOLs show good thermal stability up to 200 °C annealing. The MR ratio is further increased after annealing at temperatures below 200 °C. Enhancement of the MR ratio by 61% can be achieved by annealing at 150 °C. For bottom spin valves (Ta/NiFe/FeMn/Co/Cu/NiFe/Ta), NOLs formed at FeMn/Co and NiFe/Ta interfaces increase MR ratios, but NOLs at Co/Cu or Cu/NiFe deteriorate the differential spin scattering and significantly reduce MR ratios. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the effect of partial substitution neodymium-fluorine or chlorine for neodymium-oxygen on the reduction-diffusion process of neodymium-iron-boron powders. Reaction of neodymium-fluorine or chlorine with calcium; Distribution of calcium-chlorine around neodymium-iron-boron grains after reaction; Reaction of calcium-chlorine with water.

Investigates the effect of alloying concentration of dysprosium and the absorption amount of hydrogen on the magnetic properties of PrFeB magnets. Preparation of the sintered magnets; Demagnetization curves of the magnets; Information on the alloying effect of hydrogen.

Presents a novel low-temperature preparation of Ni-Zn ferrite and the properties of the ultrafine particles formed. Saturation magnetization of the ferrites; Outcome of an increase in hydrazine concentrations; Variations of the magnetic properties and lattice parameters as a function of preparation conditions.

Camera imaging systems are used widely. However, the resulting images may show unequal light distributions due to backlight. In this paper, an adaptive backlight compensation algorithm is presented for fixing the brightness and contrast in regions of interest, particularly for human faces. The framework is implemented in two stages. The first stage is the light compensation algorithm, which depends on face detection and focuses on the intensities of pixels in ‘face’ regions only. The second stage uses a distance weighting approach to address artificial light effects created by the first stage. This algorithm can adjust the imaging light distribution adaptively in order to solve the problem of backlight and achieve natural-looking pictures. For face recognition systems, this approach can improve the success rate for face recognition by 35% on average when images are backlit. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Accessible summary The process of nursing professional training may cause emotional stress on nursing students, potentially resulting in depressive symptoms., As the problems of nurse shortage and increase of nursing student graduates who tend not to pursue nursing career continue to exist, it is important for nursing educators to investigate the factors causing depressive symptoms, and further develop strategies to manage their stress and depressive problems., The prevalence of depressive symptoms among junior college nursing students in Taiwan is high. Grade point average, interest in nursing, interest in clinical placement, career planning after graduation, relieving stress by overeating, sleep quality, stress, and anxiety were correlated with depressive symptoms. Sleep quality, stress, and the degree of anxiety can predict the degree of depressive symptoms among young nursing students in Taiwan., Development of proper strategies to help young nursing students manage stress, anxiety, and facilitate better learning experiences tailored to their problems and needs may be helpful for alleviation or prevention of depressive symptoms., Abstract Nursing students have particularly experienced stressful lives during nursing education. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate depressive symptoms and related factors in junior college nursing students. A total of 625 nursing students from a junior college in Taiwan were assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Adolescent Depression Inventory, Situational Anxiety Scale and the Taiwanese-Chinese version of Stress in Nursing Students Scale. The results showed that (1) the prevalence of depressive symptoms among junior college nursing students was 32.6%; (2) depressive symptoms are significantly related to grade point average, interest in nursing, interest in their clinical placement, career planning after graduation, overeating as a stress-relief strategy, sleep problems, stress, and anxiety; and (3) anxiety, sleep quality, and stress are three major variables that can significantly predict depressive symptoms. Psychological factors may influence young nursing students' willingness to seek assistance from teachers. These factors should be considered when designing strategies to promote their emotional health and well-being. Nursing educators can plan appropriate strategies tailored to junior college nursing students' problems and needs, which thereby may facilitate learning experience and prevent depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive efforts have been made to develop metallic-glasses with large casting diameter. Such efforts were hindered by the poor understanding of glass formation mechanisms and the origin of the glass-forming ability (GFA) in metallic glass-forming systems. In this work, we have investigated relaxation dynamics of a model bulk glass-forming alloy system that shows the enhanced at first and then diminished GFA on increasing the percentage of micro-alloying. The micro-alloying did not have any significant impact on the thermodynamic properties. The GFA increasing on micro-alloying in this system cannot be explained by the present theoretical knowledge. Our results indicate that atomic caging is the primary factor that influences the GFA. The composition dependence of the atomic caging time or residence time is found to be well correlated with GFA of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Windmill palm ( Trachycarpus fortunei ) fibre was obtained from different parts of windmill-palm trunk sheath and then treated by sodium hydroxide solution and hydrogen peroxide to obtain the treated palm fibril. The appearance of raw windmill palm fibre and treated palm fibril, morphological characteristics, and statistical analysis of fibril length, diameter, and degree of hollowness were studied. The results indicate that the cylindrical windmill palm fibre has a sharp end. Silica-bodies attach themselves uniformly over the fibre, forming a rough surface. Spindly treated palm fibril without convolution has an ellipse cross-section and a larger lumen. Where we obtain the palm fibre has little effect on the characteristics of the fibril. The average length of treated palm fibril is 643.60 μm and the average long diameter is 10.35 μm. The degree of hollowness by elliptic model and paper-cut method correspond well and the difference between them is only 0.36 %. Windmill palm fibril is a natural hollow fibre with a degree of hollowness of about 47.21 % [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Inflammation and hyperuricaemia, which are the major characteristics of gout disease, are thought to be associated with carcinogenesis and anti-carcinogenesis, respectively. Therefore, we aimed to explore the causal effect on cancers from those with gout disease. Method: New gout patients without a history of cancer were included from 1998 to 2000, and they had been followed up from 2001 to 2008 to observe the incidence of cancers from national outpatient records in Taiwan. Results: A total of 8408 male gout patients and 25 010 male controls were included by matching gout patients' age and year and month of first diagnosis during the including period. The mean ages at diagnosis were 51.03 ± 14.52 and 50.90 ± 14.45 years for gout patients and controls, respectively. The overall incidence of all cancers was 9.82 cases per 1000 person-years among gout patients compared to 4.35 cases per 1000 person-years among controls after 8 years of follow-up. The age-adjusted standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were 2.26 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.06-2.49], 3.31 (95% CI 2.55-4.31), 3.14 (95% CI 2.12-4.64), and 2.18 (95% CI 1.34-3.56) for all cancers, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and renal cancer, respectively. The cumulative hazard ratios (HRs) were significantly higher in gout patients than in controls with regard to developing prostate, bladder, and renal cancers (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study shows that gout patients are more likely to develop most cancers, especially the urological cancers: prostate, bladder, and renal cancers. The data also support the hypothesis of a link between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cancer disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of laser cladding on the corrosion resistance of ZM5 magnesium alloy has been studied. Mg-Cu powders were ejected onto ZM5 magnesium alloy and then remelted by an continuous wave (CW) CO2 laser. As a result, a good metallurgical bond interface was obtained. The microstructure and phase constituent of the coating were investigated. The corrosion resistance of the coatings was also measured by means of potentiodynamic anodic polarization plots. The experimental results showed that the corrosion potential of the laser treated samples was about 185 mV higher than that of the untreated ZM5 sample. The immersion tests confirmed the corrosion resistance was enhanced after laser cladding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Not only is Asia the most populous region in the world, but inappropriate therapy, including self-medication with over-the-counter antimicrobial agents, is a common response to infectious diseases. The high antibiotic selective pressure among the overcrowded inhabitants creates an environment that is suitable for the rapid development and efficient spread of numerous multidrug-resistant pathogens. Indeed, Asia is among the regions with the highest prevalence rates of healthcare-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( HA- MRSA) and community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus ( CA- MRSA) in the world. Most hospitals in Asia are endemic for multidrug-resistant methicillin-resistant S. aureus ( MRSA), with an estimated proportion from 28% (in Hong Kong and Indonesia) to >70% (in Korea) among all clinical S. aureus isolates in the early 2010s. Isolates with reduced susceptibility or a high level of resistance to glycopeptides have also been increasingly identified in the past few years. In contrast, the proportion of MRSA among community-associated S. aureus infections in Asian countries varies markedly, from <5% to >35%. Two pandemic HA- MRSA clones, namely multilocus sequence type ( ST) 239 and ST5, are disseminated internationally in Asia, whereas the molecular epidemiology of CA- MRSA in Asia is characterized by clonal heterogeneity, similar to that in Europe. In this review, the epidemiology of S. aureus in both healthcare facilities and communities in Asia is addressed, with an emphasis on the prevalence, clonal structure and antibiotic resistant profiles of the MRSA strains. The novel MRSA strains from livestock animals have been considered to constitute a public health threat in western countries. The emerging livestock-associated MRSA strains in Asia are also included in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer patients with terminal stage peritoneal carcinomatosis are often unable to eat, rendering total parenteral nutrition ( TPN) as the only option to avoid starvation. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of 46 patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis and compared them to the records of 51 patients who had gastrointestinal malignancy without evidence of peritoneal carcinomatosis. The factors evaluated include demographic data, cause of primary malignancy, ascites formation, anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests, and outcome measurements as well as factors associated with greater than 90-day survival. In-hospital mortality was observed in 31 of the 46 patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, with a median survival time of 40 days (4-148 days) for all 46 patients. The median duration of TPN administration in the peritoneal carcinomatosis group was 24.1 ± 27.4 days (3-68 days). Severe infection related to TPN application was seen in 5/46 (10.7%) patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis and 6/51 (9.8%) patients without peritoneal carcinomatosis. The length of survival varied widely among terminal patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. The average survival time in peritoneal carcinomatosis patients receiving TPN was short, indicating that the nutrition support of TPN was relatively suboptimal. Ascites was not a prognostic factor for peritoneal carcinomatosis, while body mass index was a predictor for 90-day survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and Objective: Spontaneous Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems (ADRRS) provide early warnings or 'signals' for adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Our aim was to survey reports of ADRs made through our teaching-hospital-based pharmacovigilance system to identify the drugs most commonly associated with allergies and the types of immunological reactions reported. Methods: Adverse drug reactions records were retrieved from our network-based electronic notification system. Results and Discussion: Four hundred and seventy four reports of adverse drug effects were studied. 37·3% of the reactions were immune-mediated drug hypersensitivity reactions. True drug hypersensitivity reactions involving IgE-mediated drug allergies accounted for 15% of all reactions. Of the drug hypersensitivity reactions, more than half (67%) were morbilliform skin eruptions, whereas cases of urticaria accounted for 20%. Antibiotics (33% of cases) were the most commonly reported drug allergies, followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (13%) and anti-epileptic agents (10%). What is new and Conclusions: A hospital-based ADR reporting system can generate useful data. In our study, antibiotics accounted for the majority of drug allergies, particularly anaphylactic reactions. More cases of drug allergies were owing to cephalosporin allergies than penicillins. Anti-epileptic agents caused most of the severe drug hypersensitivity syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkylation of coker diesel produced by PetroChina Fushun Petrochemical Company No. 1 Refinery was investigated in this article. Complex of aluminum trichloride and trichloromethane was used as a catalyst. Effects of catalyst amount, reaction temperature, and time on the distribution and quality of the product were studied. The results showed that when the reaction temperature was 60°C, ratio of benzene to alkene was 8:1, reactive time was 6 h, the ratio of catalyst quantity in the reactive liquid was 5% (wt), and yield of heavy alky benzene could reach 19.6%. The quality of coker diesel had been significantly improved through this method. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Sulfides in oils are harmful in many ways, in particular, deterioration of the environment resulting from sulfur dioxide. A novel desulfurization process for light oil has been investigated. A mixture consisting of benzothiophene (BT), dibenzothiophene (DBT), and oil fractions (235°C–270°C) refined by acid–alkali treatment was employed for alkylation desulfurization tests in a nitrogen atmosphere. The results showed that at a reaction temperature of 30°C, ratio of bromoethane (CH3CH2Br) to sulfur of 30:1 (mol/mol), ratio of silver tetrafluoroborate (AgBF4) to sulfur of 6:1 (mol/mol), and reaction time of 16 hr, the desulfurization yield could reach 76.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

M-J. Lee, C. J. Chen, W-C. Huang, M-C. Huang, W-C. Chang, H-S. Kuo, M-J. Tsai, Y-L. Lin and H. Cheng (2011) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology 37, 585-599 Regulation of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan and reactive gliosis after spinal cord transection: effects of peripheral nerve graft and fibroblast growth factor 1 Aims: The combined treatment of peripheral nerve (PN) graft and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1 for spinal cord injury produces functional recovery, but how it affects injury events is still unknown. This project studied the effect of PN graft and FGF-1 on white matter degeneration following spinal cord injury. Methods: Rats were divided into four groups: (i) complete spinal cord transection and T8 segment removed; the remaining three groups underwent transection followed by (ii) PN grafting; (iii) supply of exogenous FGF-1; and (iv) PN grafting plus FGF-1 treatment. Chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG) deposition, astrocytes and macrophage activation, cavity size, and calcitonin gene-related peptide and synaptophysin immunoreactivity were compared. Results: Peripheral nerve grafting increased CSPG levels compared to transection surgery alone. This CSPG was associated with the proximity to the PN graft. FGF-1 reduced CSPG deposition in grafted animals regardless of the proximity to the graft. The CSPG reduction was accompanied by reduced GFAP expression and macrophage activation. The amount of CSPG with dissociated glycosaminoglycan did not differ between groups. FGF-1 in Schwann cell-astrocyte coculture did not reduce CSPG deposition. Furthermore, the PN graft increased the calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactivity and altered the distribution of synaptophysin-positive axons. Conclusion: Peripheral nerve graft supported sensory re-innervation and partial protection of the grey matter, but up-regulated CSPG in the graft-stump junction compared to non-grafted rats. The reduction of CSPG was caused by FGF-1-PN synergy, and did not involve dissociation of CSPG or the suppression of a general immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nuclear plant the protection of the H2BO4 solution seal areas of AISI 316L austenitic steel is accomplished by Stellite 6 plasma cladding layer. Wear defects created in service required the part to be replaced or repaired. No existing repair technologies were practical. Electrospark deposition (ESD) was to repair defects, enabling the parts to be placed back in service. In this paper the authors report the results obtained depositing directly a layer of Stellite 6 alloy onto a 316L austenitic stainless and Stellite 6 plasma cladding layer by using ESD technique. Electrospark deposition can apply metallurgical bonded coatings without the need of post-heat treatment. Structure, hardness, chemical composition and morphology of the ESD coating have been analysed. By electrochemical measurements it is inferred that the corrosion resistance of the ESD coating is comparable to that of the 316L and Stellite 6 plasma cladding layer. The hardness improvement was ascribed to the refine microstructure and the rapid solidification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation has studied the influence of the various casting variables on the quality of indirect squeeze castings primarily of aluminium alloys. The variables studied include gating design, filling velocity and squeezing pressure. The quality of the die casting was assessed by an analysis of both their surface condition and internal soundness. The cavity filling patterns with fanned gates and straight gate are compared. Straight gates are prone to cause jetting of the metal stream even at low velocities while fanned gates allow use of higher fill velocity without excessive jetting. A higher metal pressure provides a more complete fill of the die including improved compensation for solidification shrinkage. The gate velocity for cavity filling process is one of the most important factors for attaining a sound casting. Either too slow velocity or too rapid gate velocity can cause such defects as misrun, indications, jetting vortex, air entrapment, etc. Furthermore, the computer models using the UES ProCast software are conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungicide JS399-19 is a novel cyanoacrylate fungicide active against Gibberella zeae, and has been marketed in China for control of fusarium head blight (FHB) on wheat. Forty-three isolates sensitive to fungicide JS399-19 were collected from three commercial wheat fields in China. Forty-five isolates resistant to JS399-19, obtained from five sensitive isolates by selection for resistance to JS399-19, were selected. Three sensitivity levels were identified: sensitive (S), moderately resistant (MR) and highly resistant (HR) to JS399-19, based on a previous study. Eight isolates representing the three sensitivity-level phenotypes were randomly selected for a study on the inheritance of JS399-19 resistance by analysing the sensitivity of hybrid F1 progeny. A nitrate-non-utilizing mutant ( nit) was used as a genetic marker to confirm that individual perithecia were the result of outcrossing. Five crosses were assessed: S × S, S × HR, MR × HR, HR × HR and MR × S. In crosses between parents with different sensitivity levels, such as S × HR, MR × HR and MR × S, the progeny fitted a 1:1 segregation ratio of the two parental phenotypes. No segregation was observed in the crosses S × S and HR × HR. It was concluded that the MR and HR phenotypes in G. zeae were conferred by different allelic mutations within the same locus. In these isolates, resistance to JS399-19 was not affected by modifying genes or cytoplasmic components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Chromium is an essential nutrient required for glucose and lipid metabolism. Laboratory and clinical evidences indicate that chromium supplementation may improve insulin sensitivity by enhancing intracellular signalling. Considerable evidence suggests that serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) at 307 residue (IRS1-Ser307) inhibits insulin signalling and results in peripheral insulin resistance. Therefore, we investigated whether chromium-associated insulin action was mediated by modulation of IRS1-Ser307 phosphorylation. Methods: Male KK/HlJ mice (genetically obese and insulin resistant) were supplemented daily with chromium-containing milk powder or placebo for 7 weeks. In analysing functionally characterized insulin resistance, the changes of blood biochemicals, inflammatory factors and insulin signalling molecules in skeletal muscle were analysed. Results: Using KK mice model, we demonstrated that daily supplementation of trivalent chromium-containing milk powder reduced serum levels of glucose, insulin and triglycerides, and improved glucose and insulin tolerance. Mechanistic study showed that chromium supplementation activated postreceptor insulin signalling such as increasing IRS1, IRS1 tyrosine phosphorylation, p85α regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and glucose transporter 4 expression, stimulating Akt activity, downregulating c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity and decreasing IRS1 ubiquitinization and insulin resistance-associated IRS1 phosphorylation (IRS1-Ser307) in skeletal muscle. In addition, chromium supplementation attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in both blood circulation and skeletal muscle. Conclusion: Our data suggest that chromium-containing milk powder supplementation can provide a beneficial effect in diabetic subjects by enhancing insulin signalling in skeletal muscle. The improvement in insulin signalling by chromium was associated with the decreased IRS1-Ser307 phosphorylation, JNK activity and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is the report on the Ninth International Symposium on Fluid Control, Measurement and Visualization. The symposium was scheduled on September 17–19, 2007 in Florida State University Center, Tallahassee Florida, USA. Topics for FLUCOME 2007 included fluid processes across a wide range of scales in multiple disciplines: from micro-scale fluid flows in micro biomechanical devices, small-scale machine flows to large-scale civil and environmental fluid flows, and global scale geophysical and meteorological fluid flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CEACAM1 (carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in epithelial cells with three or four extracellular domains (ECDs) and either long or short cytoplasmic domain isoforms. We have previously shown that the four extracellular domains, short cytoplasmic domain isoform, CEACAM1-4S, plays an essential role in lumen formation in an in vitro model of mammary morphogenesis. In this study, we transfected MCF-7 cells with either the long or short cytoplasmic domain isoforms of CEACAM1, and grew the cells in humanized mammary mouse fat pads in NOD/SCID mice. In this in vivo model, only the long cytoplasmic domain isoform, CEACAM1-4L, formed glands with lumen. On the basis of other studies that revealed phosphorylation of key Thr and Ser residues in the short cytoplasmic domain, we introduced phosphorylation mimic (for example, Thr or Ser to Asp) or null (Thr or Ser to Ala) mutations into the cytoplasmic domain of CEACAM1-4S and tested them in the in vivo model. Mutation of either Thr or Ser to Asp or the double mutant Thr+Ser to Asp, but not the null mutants, induced gland formation with a central lumen-containing apoptotic cells. Moreover, the phosphorylation mimic mutants of CEACAM1-4S induced downregulation of β1-integrin, overexpression of β2-integrin, inhibited phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (pTyr-397) and resulted in myofibroblast differentiation as characterized by expression of vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin and β2-integrin, as well as the production of abundant extracellular matrix.Oncogene (2007) 26, 7637–7646; doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1210577; published online 4 June 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium and its alloys are susceptible to corrosion, which has limited their use in automotive and aerospace industries. In the present study, ZM2 electrode was coated on ZM2 magnesium alloy using high energy microarc alloying (HEMAA) technique, and the influence of the coatings on the corrosion behaviour of the ZM2 alloy was examined. A potentiostat for electrochemical corrosion tests, X-ray diffractometer (XRD) for phase analysis, energy dispersive analysis (EDX) for compositional analysis of coating, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for cross-section and a microhardness tester for microhardness were used. It was found that the material transfer depended on the voltage and the effective output power. It was determined that ZM2 HEMAA coatings on ZM2 magnesium alloy increased the corrosion resistance of the alloy. However, it was observed that, in the coating layers, small structural defects, e.g. pores, pinholes and cracks that could arise from the coating process or substrate and get the ability of protection from corrosion worsened were present. Microhardness of the alloyed layer was improved to 130 HV as compared with 100 HV of the as received ZM2. The phases in the coating layers were the same as those in the ZM2 alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser surface engineering can be used to alter the surface of alloys and produce a fine microstructure, usually improving the corrosion resistance and wear resistance. In the present paper, a CO2 laser was used to melt preplaced Mg20Al80 powder with the objective of improving the corrosion resistance of ZM5 magnesium alloy in sea water solution. The corrosion behaviour of the ZM5 substrate and the laser cladding Mg20Al80 sample was studied with relating to their microstructures. Corrosion was studied in a 3·5 wt-%NaCl solution at pH 7 by observing the corrosion morphology. The results showed that the Mg17Al12 acted as galvanic cathode in both the ZM5 substrate and the cladding layer. The enhanced corrosion resistance was attributed to the fine dispersion of intermetallic phases and extended Al solid solutions by laser rapid solidification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:We aimed to assess the association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and hepatitis B/C virus infection using a large population-based study.Design and methods:A population-based cross-sectional study design was adopted with a total of 53 528 subjects being enrolled from the integrated multiple diseases screening program in Keelung, Taiwan. Evidence of past hepatitis B/C infection, acquired during childhood or as a young adult, was identified during the two-stage liver cancer screening part of the process. Information on biochemical markers and anthropometric measures related to MS, such as fasting blood sugar, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), abdominal circumference and blood pressure (BP), were collected routinely while screening for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and related 95% confidence intervals for the associations between MS and hepatitis B/C infection.Results:High blood pressure (SBP135 mmHg or DBP85 mmHg) (adjusted odd ratio: 0.89 (0.83–0.94)) and high triglyceride (150 mg/dl) (adjusted odds ratio: 0.65 (0.60–0.69)) were, after adjusting for gender and age, inversely associated with being HBsAg positive (P<0.05). The likelihood of developing MS was lower in the HBsAg positive than the HBsAg negative (adjusted odds ratio: 0.84 (0.76–0.93)). A positive association between being anti-HCV positive and having low serum HDL (male <40 mg/dl, female <50 mg/dl) was also noted (adjusted odds ratio: 1.61 (1.37–1.88) after controlling for gender and age). High triglyceride was inversely associated with being anti-HCV positive (adjusted odds ratio: 0.63 (0.55–0.71).Conclusions:There is an inverse association between MS and hepatitis B virus infection whereas the association was heterogeneous for HCV infection with a positive association with abnormal serum HDL but an inverse association with hypertriglyceridemia.International Journal of Obesity (2006) 30, 794–799. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803204; published online 10 January 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PID and LQR/LQG controllers have are known to be ineffective for systems suffering from parameter variations and broadband excitations. This paper presents a neural-network design for system identification and vibration suppression in a building structure with an active mass-damper. It is shown both numerically and experimentally that the neural-network controller can reliably identify system dynamics and effectively suppress vibration. For the experimental model, which has a fundamental frequency of about 0.96 Hz, the steady-state vibration amplitude under resonance and random excitation are reduced by 80% and 70%, respectively. In addition, the peak-to-peak displacement under the 7.1 Richer scale Ji-Ji earthquake, Taiwan (Sep. 21, 1999) is effectively reduced by 80%. The controller is also shown to be robust to variations in system parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffuse cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) enhancement following gadolinium administration is a rarely recognized phenomenon, and its mechanism is not fully understood. We report two cases of diffuse CSF enhancement following gadolinium administration and review the literature. We conclude that the contributing factors of this phenomenon include blood‐CSF barrier disruption, increased dosage, impair renal clearance, delayed imaging after contrast administration, and use of different pulse sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To reveal the factors associated with renal dysfunction among gout patients in Taiwan aborigines. Methods: Social demographic data, alcohol consumption data, anthropometric measurements, blood samples, and 24-h urine samples were collected from 128 aboriginals (101 men, 27 women) suffering from gout. Results: The men displayed higher mean creatinine clearance (Ccr) values than women. Twenty-two post-menopausal women had significantly lower Ccr values compared to the five pre-menopausal women [probability (p)<0.001]. The males displayed higher 24-h urinary creatinine value than females (8.60±5.39 versus 5.58±2.14 mmol/L; p<0.05), and showed a significantly higher positive relationship between 24-h urinary creatinine and uric acid excretion [correlation coefficient (r)=0.7304; p<0.001], whereas the females did not (r=0.1144; p=0.5691). Overall, those who were older members of the Tsou tribe, or had excreted less uric acid from urine in 24 h tended to suffer renal dysfunction. Conclusions: Gout patients displayed diversity in renal function. An exogenous source of creatinine in men was more likely than in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the interaction between biological fluids and steady magnetic field in biomagnetic fluid dynamics. Use of magnetic labeling of specific cells and targeted drug delivery using magnets; Application of numerical simulations in the presence of thrombus; Cause of drastic change in fluid behavior and friction coefficient of magnetic field strength.

The use of interdigitated electrodes and binding with Cibacron blue F3GA by self-assembly technology, which has high affinity for human serum albumin (HSA), and serves as a receptor for HSA detection, is reported. In preliminary tests, the interdigitated chip measured the impedance of HSA by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and this result indicated the characteristic frequency of impedance change below 1.1 kHz. However, a portable capacitance measurement system made using a standard operational amplifier circuit and AC excitation was applied at 1 kHz. The detection result showed a significant linear correlation between HSA concentration (0.1 to 1 mg/ml) and output voltage. The regression equation was Y=17.91+323.72X with R2=0.999. This reported study has successfully demonstrated that the capacitive sensor has great potential for applications in HSA detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The electronic structures of five polycrystalline YNi2− x Co x B2C (x =0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2) borocarbide superconductors were studied by photoemission and photoabsorption spectroscopy. The resonant photoemission spectroscopy around the Ni 2p3/2 absorption edge is used to study the 6-eV valence-band satellite of Ni. The Ni and Co K-edge X-ray absorption near edge spectra for these intermetallic compounds are compared with those of Ni and Co powder and foil, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Studies the optimization of blazed quantum-grid infrared photodetectors. Purposes of the grid; Optimization of the grid parameters; Numerical simulation using the modal transmission-line theory.

Studies the capacitance-voltage characteristics of liquid crystal displays with periodic interdigital electrodes. Extreme capacitances at high and low driving voltages; Technique of conformal mapping.

In quantum well infrared photodetectors, the detector dark current usually is composed of a wide range of energies originated from thermionic emission as well as thermally assisted tunneling. Yet, it is a common practice to assign a single noise gain to all electrons irrespective of their energies. This assigned value can only represent the mean since both the hot-electron lifetime and the transit time, whose ratio determines the gain, are energy dependent. In this work, we have resolved the energy dependence of the noise gain using an electron energy filter. We find that although the noise gain increases initially with energy as expected, it reaches a maximum at 0.27 eV above the GaAs conduction band edge, and then decreases and forms a minimum at 0.31 eV. We attribute this decrease to the Γ-L intervalley scattering, which increases the transit time of the electrons. © 1998 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Studies have shown that 48.59% of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is combined with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The mainstream view supports the correlation between MetS and BPH, but the pathogenesis of MetS‐BPH is not fully understood. Four hundred and seventy‐four men, aged 47 years or older, were recruited into this study by consecutive routine physical examination programs, and several parameters were obtained from each participant. Based on the diagnosis of BPH, MetS, and MetS‐BPH, the participants were divided into BPH and Non‐BPH groups, MetS and Non‐MetS groups, as well as MetS‐BPH and Non‐MetS‐BPH groups. The values of the obtained parameters were evaluated using Student's t‐test, chi‐square test, and logistic regression analysis. The value of estradiol (E2) was higher in the diseased groups (BPH, MetS, and MetS‐BPH groups) compared with the corresponding control groups (Non‐BPH, Non‐MetS, and Non‐MetS‐BPH groups), and the differences were statistically significant. Also, E2 had an independent association with BPH (OR = 2.286, 95% CI: 1.723–3.593, p < 0.001), MetS (OR = 1.406, 95% CI: 0.585–2.315, p < 0.001), and MetS‐BPH (OR = 1.249, 95% CI: 0.795–1.962, p < 0.001). Regarding SNPs of CYP19A1 gene, both the rs4646 genotypes (CC, CA, and AA) and the rs700518 genotypes (CC, CT, and TT) were present in every group, and all genotypes had statistically significant differences between the diseased and corresponding control groups. However, only the TT genotype of rs700518 was independently associated with BPH, MetS, and MetS‐BPH after adjusting for age. The TT genotype of rs700518 is an independent risk factor for the MetS‐BPH populations, and the CYP19A1 gene regulation of estrogen leads to MetS‐BPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 30-g xenon bubble chamber, operated at Northwestern University in June and November 2016, has for the first time observed simultaneous bubble nucleation and scintillation by nuclear recoils in a superheated liquid. This chamber is instrumented with a CCD camera for near-IR bubble imaging, a solar-blind photomultiplier tube to detect 175-nm xenon scintillation light, and a piezoelectric acoustic transducer to detect the ultrasonic emission from a growing bubble. The time of nucleation determined from the acoustic signal is used to correlate specific scintillation pulses with bubble-nucleating events. We report on data from this chamber for thermodynamic "Seitz" thresholds from 4.2 to 15.0 keV. The observed single- and multiple-bubble rates when exposed to a 252Cf neutron source indicate that, for an 8.3-keV thermodynamic threshold, the minimum nuclear recoil energy required to nucleate a bubble is 19±6 keV (1σ uncertainty). This is consistent with the observed scintillation spectrum for bubble-nucleating events. We see no evidence for bubble nucleation by gamma rays at any of the thresholds studied, setting a 90% C.L. upper limit of 6.3×10-7 bubbles per gamma interaction at a 4.2-keV thermodynamic threshold. This indicates stronger gamma discrimination than in CF3I bubble chambers, supporting the hypothesis that scintillation production suppresses bubble nucleation by electron recoils, while nuclear recoils nucleate bubbles as usual. These measurements establish the noble-liquid bubble chamber as a promising new technology for the detection of weakly interacting massive particle dark matter and coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study that investigated the effect of the addition of Er[sub2]O[sub3] on the microstructure and physical properties of manganese-zinc ferrites for high-power use. Experimental procedure; Results and discussion on the study; Conclusions.

Investigates the peak value of switching field distribution, coercivity and saturation magnetization as functions of temperature in Co-δ-Fe[sub2]O[sub3] and δ-Fe[sub2]O[sub3] powders. Correlation of the coercivity of the powders with temperature; Formula for studying the temperature dependence of magnetization.

Aims: Diseases caused by pathogenic fungi was a major constrain in increasing productivity and improving quality of Panax notoginseng. The aim of this research was to evaluate the inhibitory activity of essential oils (EOs) from Asteraceae family, Chrysanthemum indicum and Laggera pterodonta, against pathogenic fungi of P. notoginseng. Methods and Results: The antifungal activity was investigated using multiple methods, disclosing that the EOs from C. indicum and L. pterodonta are active against hypha growth of different fungi but with different degrees of potency. Checkerboard testing indicated that the combination of EOs with hymexazol had synergistic effect against Pythium aphanidermatum, and exhibited additive effects against bulk of targeted pathogenic fungi. Besides, we found that the baseline sensitivity of Fusarium oxysporum to L. pterodonta EOs was higher than those of C. indicum by means of mycelium growth rate method. Finally, the practicability of those EOs as plant pesticide was confirmed by in vivo model showing that EOs can significantly inhibit the occurrence of root rot of P. notoginseng caused by F. oxysporum. Conclusion: Those studies suggest that the EOs from C. indicum and L. pterodonta had the potential to develop into new pollution‐free pesticides for the protection of precious Chinese herbal medicines. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study provided a new way of biological control for overcoming the frequent diseases occurrence of P. notoginseng. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huang R-Y, Cheng W-C, Chen C-J, Lin C-D, Lai T-M, Shen E-C, Chiang C-Y, Chiu H-C, Fu E. Three-dimensional analysis of the root morphology of mandibular first molars with distolingual roots. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 478–484, 2010. Aim To determine the prevalence of distolingual roots in mandibular first molar teeth in Taiwanese Han Chinese, and its impact on root morphology. Methodology The presence of distolingual roots in 375 subjects (521 molars) were assessed from 624 patients attending the dental clinics of medical centres around Taiwan island from August 2004 to April 2007 using computed tomography. The following observations were made: (i) numbers of roots and canals, (ii) mesial and distal root types and (iii) levels of furca in the molars presence or absence of distolingual root. Results The mean age of the subject was 45; 43% were women. Among all the examined molars, 56%, 27% and 18% were two-, three- and four-rooted, respectively. Two per cent, 72% and 26% of molars had two, three and four canals, respectively. All of the four-rooted molars had four canals, but all of the molars with four canals varied in the number of roots. All molars with distolingual roots had two mesial canals. Bilateral consistency in terms of distolingual root, root canal number, root number and root type was observed in subjects with bilateral molars. In molars with distolingual roots, a higher prevalence of two mesial roots and a shorter mesial root trunk were observed than in teeth without distolingual roots. Conclusions A distolingual root was found in 22% of molars and in 24% of the subjects examined. Most subjects with a distolingual root had them bilaterally. The presence of a distolingual root was associated with variation in the root morphology, including the furcation level, the root type and the number of roots and canals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 1,3-Di-alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazolium iodide () has been used to prepare iodocuprate(I) and iodoargentate(I) complexes. The structural confirmation has been carried out by single crystal X-ray diffraction study in representative cases. Iodo bridged anion, [Cu2(μ-I)2I2]2−, serves as charge support to dialkylazoimidazolium ion (). Silver(I) compound is a trimeric iodo-bridged [Ag3I5]2− that forms 1D chain while imidazolium ion, , is penetrating into the network. Electrostatic interaction between organic cation and inorganic anion and supramolecular interactions viz. hydrogen bonding, D–H–π, π–π interactions contribute to the crystal packing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: To establish a pigmentation spot model on human skin and to assess whitening efficacy for whitening products by this established pigmentation spot model. Methods: Twenty subjects between 20 and 45 years old with skin phototype III or IV were selected. Three consecutive daily UV exposures were performed on buttocks of the subjects as follows: Day 1=1 minimal erythema dose (MED), Day 2=0.5 MED and Day 3=0.5 MED. After the first UV exposure, a selected whitening product was applied to the subjects twice a day on UV exposure area. The application of the whitening product to subjects on the exposed areas was continued till Day 27. CM2500d chromameter, Maxmeter MX18 and visual evaluation were used to assess changes of skin color. Results: A pigmentation spot model after UV exposure was established. The measurement of the pigment spot showed that value declined abruptly at Day 3 and then slowly reached to a lowest point at Day 6. value of the pigment spot almost remained at the same level until Day 20, thereafter increased slowly. The value showed an abrupt increase at Day 3 and slowly reached to a maximal level at Day 6. The value slowly declined toward its baseline level. Likewise, the erythema index also increased significantly at Day 3, and reached to a maximal level at Day 6 and then slowly declined. However, , and erythema indices did not return to their baseline levels during the 27-day period of this study. On the other hand, value started to increase from Day 3 and such increase was observed continuously to Day 27. Melanin index also showed a slow increase during the first 3 days. It started to increase rapidly from Day 3 and a to maximal level at Day 9 and maintain at a plateau till Day 27 (with an exception at Day 13). To assess the whitening product by this pigmentation spot model, Δ L, , and Δ M values were analyzed. It showed that absolute Δ L value and value of whitening products were lower than those values of the vehicle of the whitening product at each checkpoint, while Δ M value of the whitening product was lower only at Day 9 and Day 20, although no statistically significant differences was found. The visual results also strongly supported that the whitening product enhanced the decrease of pigmentation. Conclusion: This study showed that repeated UV exposure was able to induce a long extensive period of pigment formation. The resulted pigmentation spot was able to maintain at an elevated level till Day 20. Clinical subjective evaluations together with combined objective instrument measurements were still important to assess whitening and spot-removing ability of a material due to the instrument limitation for color differentiations. This kind of pigmentation spot model can be used to assess whitening efficacy for whitening or spot-removing products. In addition, the combinations of subjective and objective methods were able to serve as advisable references to assess the whitening efficacy of products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]