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• Based on the QT model, a modified FFR model, which has power conservation and relocation limitation, is developed in SPACE code. • To verify the newly developed FFR model, simple balloon problems are calculated. • To validate the newly developed FFR model, Halden IFA650 test No.4 is calculated. • The modified FFR model has good prediction for the clad temperature change by fuel relocation for higher burnup condition. Ballooning of cladding, which can happen during a loss of coolant accident (LOCA), causes relocation of fragmented fuel. Recently, consideration of fuel fragmentation, relocation, and dispersal (FFRD) phenomena for safety analyses has been requested by a regulatory body. Therefore, new models related to the fuel fragmentation, relocation, and dispersal (FFRD) in SPACE code have been developed. In this study, the FFR model, excluding dispersal, will be discussed. The fuel fragmentation and relocation models, which were developed by Quantum Technology (QT), are modified and developed in SPACE code. In particular, the fuel relocation limitation threshold parameter and the fuel power distribution during relocation are newly developed. The FFR models are also verified with simple known problems. The newly developed and implemented FFR models in SPACE are validated with calculations using Halden IFA-650 test data. The newly developed FFR model in SPACE can reasonably predict the fuel relocation and axial rod temperature distribution due to fuel mass redistribution. However, intensive validation tests including various conditions are necessary to validate the new FFR model in SPACE code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the spatio-temporal characteristics of the minimum rest time for the safety of South Korean outdoor workers during hot summer months (June to August) are examined based on the hourly wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) across 27 weather stations in South Korea. The WBGT thresholds in the work-rest recommendation of the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA 2017) for the quantification of the minimum rest time are evaluated through a comparison of the given thresholds with the occurrences of occupational heat-related illness patients due to outdoor work during hot summer months in South Korea. The long-term (2009–2018) average of the hourly WBGT values during summer months shows that outdoor workers with a moderate workload are exposed to heat stress during approximately 30% of the entire daytime working hours (06:00–18:00). According to the WBGT thresholds modified from the KOSHA (2017) guidelines, the daily minimum rest time for a moderate workload noticeably increases up to 18% (11 min/h) in mid-summer (late July and early August). During mid-summer, the minimum rest time for a continuous moderate outdoor workload even increases up to 31% (18 min/h) between 12:00 and 13:00 and is regionally higher in the southwestern than in the southeastern regions of the Korean Peninsula. These results suggest that in summertime high-heat environments, a mandatory rest time must be provided according to appropriate heat management programs for the safety of workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metal water reaction between the fuel clad and the coolant has been deemed important to safety analyses for transients for several decades. A Loss-of-coolant accident would cause the overheating of fuel clad which might involve a vigorously exothermic chemical reaction. The zirconium is widely used as a clad material and the element reacts remarkably with steam at high temperature of above 1000 K. The results of this reaction are the heat generation of level of fuel decay power, oxidized metal, and hydrogen generation. The system transient analysis code SPACE (Safety and Performance Analysis Code) which has been developed at the Korea nuclear industry has the correlation set modeling the metal-water oxidation, but the hydrogen generated by the reaction is not considered in the governing equations of the code. The governing equations were modified to model the hydrogen influx and steam extinction due to the reaction. The verification calculations for the code modification were performed using two conceptual problems. First, the modification of governing equations about the steam extinction corresponding to an inflow of hydrogen gas was reviewed by the forced hydrogen injection without a fuel model. Second, the hydrogen generation and temperature excursion due to the reaction were examined by the simulation of fuel without a nuclear heat source to investigate the validity of the redistribution of the reaction heat. Finally, the hypothetical accident of LBLOCA (Large break loss-of-coolant-accident) for the APR-1400 and the LOFT L2-5 test were calculated for a comparison with the calculation results by the original and modified codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the potential impact of heat stress on labor productivity in South Korea; as such, stress is expected to increase due to climate change. To quantify the future loss of labor productivity, we used the relationship between the wet-bulb globe temperature and work-rest cycles with representative concentration pathways (RCPs) 4.5 and 8.5 as the climate change scenarios. If only climate factors are considered, then future labor productivity is expected to decline in most regions from the middle of the twenty-first century onwards (2041-2070). From the late twenty-first century onwards, the productivity of heavy outdoor work could decline by 26.1% from current levels under the RCP 8.5 climate scenario. Further analysis showed that regional differences in labor characteristics and the working population had noteworthy impacts on future labor productivity losses. The heat stress caused by climate change thus has a potentially substantial negative impact on outdoor labor productivity in South Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The single-transistor latch in vertical pillar-type FETs with asymmetric source and drain (S/D) was investigated for capacitorless one transistor dynamic random access memory (1T-DRAM). The asymmetric S/D is produced by the different energies of ion implantation at different depths of the pillar. The window of latch voltage ($\Delta {V}_{L}$), which is the difference between the latch-up voltage (${V}_{\textit {LU}}$) and latch-down voltage (${V}_{\textit {LD}}$), was dominantly governed by ${V}_{\textit {LD}}$. Fluctuation in the $\Delta {V}_{L}{(}{=}{V}_{\textit {LU}} - {V}_{\textit {LD}}$) is mainly induced by different series resistances (${R}_{\textit {SD}}$). The variation in ${R}_{\textit {SD}}$ becomes increasingly fatal to the stable operation of a 1T-DRAM with a smaller diameter; therefore, uniform control of ${R}_{\textit {SD}}$ is very important for the read operation in 1T-DRAM. In addition, the doping concentration of the source should be high for wide $\Delta {V}_{L}$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• To validate the newly implemented FFR model in the SPACE code, the Halden IFA-650 test is calculated. • Overall prediction with the FFR model in SPACE is well matched with experimental results. • For some tests, the best estimated clad deformation model is necessary to validate the FFR model better. • Sensitivity analyses are conducted for fragmentation, packing fraction, and threshold gap to better understand the FFR model in SPACE. The new ECCS regulations were recently considered in South Korea. One of the major concerns in this revision is the consideration of fuel fragmentation, relocation, and dispersal (FFRD) phenomena during a loss of coolant accident (LOCA). In response, the FFR model was newly implemented in the SPACE code, which is a safety analysis code. The FFR model based on the QT model, which was developed by Quantum Technology Corporation, was developed with a threshold size of fuel fragments for fuel relocation, fuel power distribution, and so on. In this study, to validate the newly developed FFR model in SPACE code, calculations using Halden IFA-650 tests are conducted. Overall, the results show that the newly developed FFR model yields results that are consistent with experimental results in terms of fuel relocation and their effects on cladding temperature. However, when the cladding deformation is not well predicted, the fuel relocation prediction is poor. Thus, the cladding deformation is the most critical parameter for the FFR phenomena. In addition, for a fresh fuel condition, the threshold fragment size is additionally proposed in the fuel relocation model. For a better understanding of the FFR model behavior during a LOCA, some sensitivity tests for major FFR model parameters are conducted. This can give valuable information to develop FFR modeling in safety analysis methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes the multi-material topology optimization for the simultaneous design of segmented permanent magnet (PM) arrays, coil, and iron materials in magnetic actuators. Specifically, the proposed approach can find the optimal layout and shape of PM, coil, and iron materials, as well as the optimal border and magnetization direction of segmented PM arrays. For designing the layout and shape of actuator components, the discrete material optimization-type material interpolation scheme is employed in this paper. To attain the design of segmented PM arrays, an orientation design variable in Cartesian coordinate is utilized with the penalization scheme for the discrete PM magnetization directions. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed actuator design approach, two numerical examples are presented. In the examples, the actuator components (i.e., segmented PM arrays, coil winding, and back iron) are designed aiming for maximizing the magnetic force magnitude acting on the actuator plunger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A practical process that includes a simple four-step procedure for the preparation of gefitinib (1), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor, is described. Dramatic improvements over previously reported conventional synthetic procedures were achieved. We found effective coupling conditions to minimize the inevitable production of anN-alkylated side product,N-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-7-methoxy-6-(3-morpholinopropoxy)-N-(3-morpholinopropyl)-quinazoline-4-amine (3) using a transient trimethylsilyl protecting group. We synthesized gefitinib in an 81.1% overall yield from a commercially available starting material on a multigram scale using a route that did not require work-up of any of the reaction steps. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background. Obesity is a main cause of insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome, and fatty liver diseases. This study evaluated Euphorbia kansui radix (Euphorbia) as a potential treatment option for obesity and obesity-induced IR in obese human and high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced obese mice. Methods. In the human study, we analyzed the body weight change of 14 patients who took a single dose of 6 g of Euphorbia powder. In the animal study, male mice were divided into three groups: normal chow, HFD, and Euphorbia (high-fat diet and 100 mg/Kg Euphorbia once per week). Body weight, epididymal fat pad weight, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and oral glucose tolerance test were measured. Also, macrophage infiltration and expression of CD68, tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, interferon- (IFN-) γ, and interleukin- (IL-) 6 genes in the liver and adipose tissue were analyzed. Results. The human study showed that Euphorbia has a potential effect on body weight loss. In the in vivo study, body weight, epididymal fat weight, glucose level, IR, expression of CD68, TNF-α, IFN-r, and IL-6 genes, and macrophages in liver and adipose tissue were significantly reduced by Euphorbia. Conclusions. These results suggest that Euphorbia attenuates obesity and insulin resistance via anti-inflammatory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We fabricated highly conductive and stable silver nanocrystal (Ag NC) thin film electrodes with tunable work functions using an all-solution-based method involving sequential ligand exchange and gold (Au) coating processes. We studied the effect of the Au coating process on the ligand-exchanged Ag NC thin films and successfully demonstrated the formation of a thin Au layer on the surface of the Ag NCs. We investigated the morphological, structural, optical, chemical, and electrical properties of the Ag NC thin films before and after Au coating. The work function of the electrodes was precisely controlled by varying the treatment time and concentration of gold chloride trihydrate (HAuCl 4 ·3H 2 O) solutions. The thermal stability of the Au coated Ag NC thin films in air was greatly enhanced, and an extremely low resistivity of 3.4 μΩcm was achieved. Taking advantage of this solution-based low-temperature process and using a minimal amount of Au for cost reduction, we fabricated all-NC-based high-performance flexible photodetectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An isogeometric topological shape optimization method is developed, using a dual evolution of NURBS curves and level sets; the NURBS curves feature the exact representation of geometry and the level sets help to detect and guide the topological variation of NURBS curves. The implicit geometry by the level sets is transformed into the parametric NURBS curves by minimizing the difference of velocity fields in both representations. A gradient-based optimization problem is formulated, based on the evolution of the NURBS curves. The control points of NURBS curves are taken as design variables. The necessary response and design sensitivity are computed by an isogeometric boundary integral equation method (BIEM) using the NURBS curves. The design sensitivity is obtained on fixed grids and utilized as the velocity to update the Hamilton–Jacobi equation for the level sets. To obtain the whole velocity field on the fixed grids, an interpolation and velocity extension scheme are employed. The developed method provides accurate response and enhanced sensitivity using isogeometric BIEM. Also, additional post-processing is not required to communicate with CAD systems since the optimal design is represented as NURBS curves. Numerical examples demonstrate the accuracy of design sensitivity on fixed grids and the feasibility of shape and topological optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an isogeometric shape optimization method for the design of magnetic actuators. The objective is to maximize the magnetic force of actuators, which tends to be highly dependent on the geometry around air gap. The isogeometric shape optimization is known to be robust for the actuator design, since it can preserve the exact geometry during the design optimization. Using the Maxwell stress tensor method, the magnetic force is calculated through the isogeometric analysis. The analytical design sensitivity provides geometric exactness due to the use of non-uniform rational B-splines basis functions. The optimization problem is solved using a gradient-based algorithm of modified method of feasible directions. To demonstrate the robustness of the isogeometric method, the geometric dependence of magnetic forces is investigated. In addition, the isogeometric optimization method is applied to the design problems of linear and rotating actuators, which yields the optimal shape of the ferromagnetic materials around the air gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We derive the isogeometric configuration sensitivity of the Mindlin plates by using the material derivative and adjoint approaches. This is utilized in the shape design optimization that includes a variation of design components in its shape and orientation. By the isogeometric approach, the NURBS basis function in CAD system is directly utilized in the response analysis, which enables the seamless incorporation of higher continuity and exact geometry such as curvature and normal vector into the computational framework. The impact of exact curvature in the bending problem of Mindlin plates on the configuration design sensitivity is demonstrated through numerical examples. The obtained design sensitivity is further utilized in the shape design optimization of built-up structures. Due to the non-interpolatory property of the NURBS basis functions, a mismatch of patches in the built-up structures could occur during the isogeometric design optimization, which can be easily resolved using transformed basis functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visibility evaluation of neutron gratings for a polychromatic thermal neutron beam was performed for a neutron grating interferometer. Four sets of neutron gratings designed for neutron wavelengths of 2.0Å, 2.7Å, 3.5Å, and 4.4Å were fabricated and tested to find the neutron grating interferometer setup with maximum visibility. The measurements were carried out at the thermal neutron beamline of the Ex-core Neutron irradiation Facility (ENF) of the High-flux Advanced Neutron Application Reactor. The maximum visibility was obtained at the neutron grating set designed for a neutron wavelength of 2.7Å among the four sets, and the visibility was 9.7%. The experimental data can be the basis for an optimization of the neutron grating interferometer at the thermal neutron beamline, and can be further optimized for neutron dark-field imaging with high spatial resolution and a shorter data acquisition time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the safety of en bloc stapler ligation of the renal vascular pedicle during laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. Subjects and Methods: Clinical data were collected prospectively from 70 patients who underwent either en bloc stapling of the renal hilum ( n=35) (Group A) or the separate ligation method ( n=35) (Group B) to treat renal cell carcinoma. To evaluate the incidence of arteriovenous fistula (AVF), blood pressure and heart rate were measured, and abdominal auscultation was performed at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-surgery. Abdominal computed tomography was also performed at 6 and 12 months post-surgery. In addition, preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes (such as operation time and estimated blood loss [EBL]) were examined. Results: Both operation time and EBL were lower for Group A: operative time, Group A versus Group B, 60.26±10.94 minutes versus 67.51±10.49 minutes ( P=.007); EBL, Group A versus Group B, 33.53±13.46 mL versus 49.14±32.21 mL ( P=.011). No statistically significant differences were noted in either of the postoperative variables (blood pressure and heart rate), and there was no clinical evidence of bruit or AVF at 12 months post-surgery. Conclusions: No AVF was observed after en bloc ligation upon clinical follow-up or on radiological evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carbon fibers (CFs) were prepared by the plasma-assisted stabilization (PAS) of polyacronitrile (PAN) fibers. PAS was found to be an efficient treatment for stabilizing the precursor fibers in terms of the time, cost and mechanical properties compared to conventional thermal stabilization (CTS). The efficient stabilization of PAN by a radio-frequency capacitive plasma discharge was confirmed using FT-IR and DSC. The tensile strength and modulus of CFs from PAS were superior to those of CFs from CTS. These results suggest that PAS is an efficient treatment for the manufacture of CFs, which can save time and energy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: In patients with a renal cyst and concurrent symptoms, we examined the effectiveness and safety of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) for renal cyst marsupialization using a homemade single-port device (HSPD) by a single surgeon (S.W.L.). Patients and Methods: The present study was conducted on a total of 31 patients with a renal cyst. A LESS renal cyst marsupialization was performed using a HSPD based on the Alexis® wound retractor and a powder-free surgical glove. In our study, the mean age was 55.29 ± 10.86 (range 31-73) years and the mean size of the renal cyst was 6.83 ± 1.09 cm. Results: All the surgical procedures were successfully performed. The mean operative time was 101.35 ± 16.04 min. Of the patients who underwent the procedure, none presented with major complications. In 7 patients who had pain preoperatively, there was a significant difference in the visual analogue pain scale score at 6.86 ± 0.69 preoperatively and 1.71 ± 0.49 at postoperative week 4 (p < 0.001). The number of patients who were satisfied with the postoperative outcome was 29 (93.5%). Conclusions: In patients with a simple renal cyst, LESS renal cyst marsupialization using a HSPD might be considered as a feasible, safe surgical treatment option. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A coupled system thermal-hydraulics (T-H) and three-dimensional reactor kinetics code, MARS/MASTER, was developed to attain more accurate predictions for nuclear system transients that involve strong interactions between neutronic and T-H phenomena. In this paper, a 12-finger control element assembly (CEA) drop event in a two-loop pressurized water reactor (PWR) plant under a full power condition was analyzed, where the 12-finger CEA that is nearest to the hot leg of Loop 2 is assumed to incidentally drop. This instantaneously results in an asymmetric radial power distribution and, in turn, asymmetric loop behavior, which may lead to a reactor trip due to a low departure from nucleate boiling (DNB) ratio at the intact side of the core or an excessive difference between the cold leg coolant temperatures. This event clearly requires a coupled calculation of system T-H and three-dimensional reactor kinetics to realistically investigate the thermal-hydraulic behavior of the reactor core. A simple theoretical modeling is also devised to evaluate the cold leg temperature difference under a quasi-steady state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Oxidative stability of sesame oil (SO) prepared from sesame seeds roasted at 213, 230, and 247°C for each 14, 21, or 28min was determined at 180°C heating condition by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), conjugated dienoic acid (CDA) value, headspace oxygen analysis, and profile changes of sesamol and sesamolin. As sesame seeds were roasted with longer time and higher temperature, more sesamol was found in SO. SO from sesame seeds roasted at 247°C for 28min had the highest oxidative stability based on the results of CDA and headspace oxygen. Absorbance of DPPH from SO roasted at 230 and 247°C showed different patterns compared to those from SO at 213°C during thermal oxidation. Sesamol was continuously generated with the decrease of sesamolin in SO from 230 to 247°C while sesamol in SO from 213°C did not increase during 180°C heating. Higher oxidative stability of SO may be related with the continuous generation of sesamol from the degradation of sesamolin during thermal oxidation rather than the initial antioxidant content. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Frictionally excited thermoelastic instability (TEI) is investigated in the system of a layer of finite thickness which is composed of functionally graded material (FGM), sliding against two homogeneous frictional materials of half-planes at speed V. Results show that ceramic-based FGM, which is composed of ceramic at the sliding interface and steel at the middle of the layer, reduces the susceptibility towards TEI. The effect of nonhomogeneous parameters of FGM on critical speed is investigated for the several combinations of FGM such as steel- or ceramic-based FGM with positive and negative nonhomogeneous parameters, respectively. The material sensitivity to the critical speed for the nonhomogeneous parameter of FGM shows that the nonhomogeneous parameters of the thermal expansion coefficient are strong influential factors in ceramic- or steel-based FGM. The transient evolution of temperature perturbation is also obtained to determine the susceptibility towards hot spotting, showing that the ceramic-based FGM with negative nonhomogeneous parameters has the lowest temperature perturbation amplitude during engagement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recently, it has been demonstrated that a shearing type interferometer, using precision silicon gratings, enables one to image the gradient of neutron phase shift through an object and retrieve the phase via a simple one-dimensional integration of the gradient. To fully explore this new technique for potential future cold neutron imaging stations at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, we have developed a prototype phase imaging station at a monochromatic cold neutron beamline in the NCNR neutron guide hall. We have designed the silicon gratings for a neutron wavelength of 0.44nm and fabricated them using the state-of-the-art nanofabrication facility at the NIST Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology. Here we will discuss the experimental apparatus, as well as the recent experimental results obtained with this prototype apparatus. We will also present the data analysis method used for the phase retrieval, and discuss the accuracy of the method as well as the measurement sensitivity obtained using this method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thermoelastic instability (TEI) is investigated focusing on the effect of functionally graded materials (FGM) where the FGM half plane slides against a homogeneous conducting or rigid non-conducting body at speed V. Results confirm analytically that there is maximum critical speeds occurring at a certain value of non-homogeneous parameter of FGM within a range of thermal conductivity, which was reported previously in the simulation model [Y.H. Jang, S.-H. Ahn, Frictionally-excited thermoelastic instability on functionally graded material, Wear 262 (2007) 1102–1112]. The effect of non-homogeneous parameters for FGM on thermoelastic instability shows that the non-homogeneous parameters of the elastic modulus and thermal expansion coefficient are strong influential factors. It is also found that when the non-homogeneous parameters of FGM range between two positive bounded values, unconditionally stable behavior is shown for a range of thermal conductivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the past decade neutron dark-field contrast imaging has developed from a qualitative tool depicting microstructural inhomogeneities in bulk samples on a macroscopic scale of tens to hundreds of micrometers to a quantitative spatial resolved small-angle scattering instrument. While the direct macroscopic image resolution around tens of micrometers remains untouched microscopic structures have become assessable quantitatively from the nanometer to the micrometer range. Although it was found that magnetic structures provide remarkable contrast we could only recently introduce polarized neutron grating interferometric imaging. Here we present a polarized and polarization analyzed dark-field contrast method for spatially resolved small-angle scattering studies of magnetic microstructures. It is demonstrated how a polarization analyzer added to a polarized neutron grating interferometer does not disturb the interferometric measurements but allows to separate and measure spin-flip and non-spin-flip small-angle scattering and thus also the potential for a distinction of nuclear and different magnetic contributions in the analyzed small-angle scattering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Two-fluid equations considering spatial/temporal variation in flow area are developed. • These equations are verified via conceptual problems using the SPACE code. • The simulations show physically valid results in terms of mass balance and velocity. Abstract During loss-of-coolant accidents, nuclear fuels may undergo swelling and ballooning owing to fuel deformation. This can affect the cooling performance because of change in the flow area. In this regard, numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the cooling performance of partially blocked rod bundles. However, the cases in which the coolant flow areas vary with time have not been considered. In this regard, the purpose of this study is to develop and verify the two-fluid equations applicable to a channel whose flow area varies spatially and temporally. Toward this end, we derive volume-averaged two-fluid equations including volume porosity, which may vary spatially and temporally. To verify the developed equations, we perform one-dimensional simulations of simple conceptual problems for single-phase and two-phase flows using the SPACE code. Our simulation results exhibit an improvement over the conventional approach in terms of the mass conservation and velocity aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents model parameter estimation conducted by data assimilation and associated uncertainty quantification for predictive engineering with specific application to reflood phenomena in PWR rod bundles. The uncertainties in the prediction of engineering systems are known to be originated from various non-input parameters, e.g., numerics, scaling effects, etc., as well as modeling parameters such as initial and boundary conditions, and physical models. Since the physical models are usually developed by small scale experiments and the experiments used for validation and uncertainty evaluation may not cover the real plant scale, the up-scaling capabilities of a best-estimate safety analysis code must be evaluated. The objective of this work is thus first of all, to refine the model parameters based on the Bayes’ theorem and subsequently estimate the uncertainties on parameters/responses during reflood phase. To illustrate this, reflood experiment data were collected and utilized to complete model calibration for the thermal–hydraulic parameters. The second goal of this study is to suggest optimum parameter distributions for the simulation of the multiple reflood tests performed at different facilities with different scales and dimensions. Since existing experimental data and physical models/correlations were produced from several tests performed at the small scale with limited initial and boundary conditions, scaling considerations must be addressed when simulating larger scale tests for the uncertainty analysis. Blind calculations were carried out to observe whether the a posteriori parameter samples obtained via the model calibration against a basis test, i.e., a small scale test, which was performed by compensating the scaling distortions properly simulate scaled up tests. Simulations were performed using Safety and Performance Analysis Code (SPACE) developed by multiple research institutes in Republic of Korea to predict the thermal hydraulic system behaviors of nuclear power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and α-adrenergic blocking agents (α-blockers) are widely used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Aims To assess the efficacy and safety of fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of tamsulosin and tadalafil compared with tadalafil monotherapy in patients with comorbid BPH-associated LUTS and ED. Methods A randomized, double-blinded, active-controlled trial was conducted of 510 men with BPH-associated LUTS and ED. Patients were treated with FDCs of tamsulosin 0.4 mg plus tadalafil 5 mg (FDC 0.4/5 mg), tamsulosin 0.2 mg plus tadalafil 5 mg (FDC 0.2/5 mg), or tadalafil 5 mg for a 12-week treatment period. For a subsequent 12-week extension period, the patients were administered FDC 0.4/5 mg. Outcomes The primary outcomes were changes from baseline in total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain (IIEF-EF) score at week 12 to prove superiority and non-inferiority of FDCs compared with tadalafil 5 mg. The safety assessments were adverse reactions, laboratory test results, and vital signs at week 24. Results The mean changes in total IPSS and IIEF-EF scores were −9.46 and 9.17 for FDC 0.4/5 mg and −8.14 and 9.49 for tadalafil 5 mg, respectively, which indicated superiority in LUTS improvement ( P = .0320) and non-inferiority in ED treatment with FDC 0.4/5 mg compared with tadalafil 5 mg. However, the results from FDC 0.2/5 mg failed to demonstrate superiority in LUTS improvement. No clinically significant adverse events regarding the investigational products were observed during the 24-week period. Clinical Implications The FDC 0.4/5 mg is the first combined formulation of an α-blocker and a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor that offers benefits in patient compliance and as add-on therapy in patients with comorbid BPH-associated LUTS and ED. Strengths and Limitations The study clearly demonstrated the advantage of FDC 0.4/5 mg. The main advantage of FDC 0.4/5 mg was the enhanced efficacy on BPH-associated LUTS comorbidity with ED, the lower incidence of side effects, and the simplification and convenience of therapy, which led to better overall patient compliance. However, the lack of a tamsulosin monotherapy control group was a limitation of this study. Conclusion The FDC 0.4/5 mg therapy was safe, well tolerated, and efficacious, indicating that combination therapy could provide clinical benefits for patients with BPH-associated LUTS complaints and ameliorate the comorbidity of ED. Kim SW, Park NC, Lee SW, et al. Efficacy and Safety of a Fixed-Dose Combination Therapy of Tamsulosin and Tadalafil for Patients With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Erectile Dysfunction: Results of a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Active-Controlled Trial. J Sex Med 2017;14:1018–1027. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response from the author of the article "The Effects of Hyaluronic Acid and Carboxymethylcellulose in Preventing Recurrence of Urethral Stricture After Endoscopic Internal Urethrotomy: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled, Single-Blinded Study" in a 2013 issue is presented.

Objectives We aimed to examine the treatment patterns, and patient-reported outcomes ( PROs) in benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH) patients with overactive bladder ( OAB) symptoms. Methods Seven hundred and forty seven patients were included in this prospective observational study. The primary endpoint was to describe the medical treatment patterns for BPH patients with OAB symptoms. The secondary endpoint was to determine the PROs of these patients. Clinical outcome was assessed using International prostate symptom score ( IPSS), and PROs were measured using BPH-Related QoL Questionnaire Korea 1 ( BPH QoL K1) and Euroqol-5 Dimension ( EQ-5D). Results When starting the study, 391 patients (52.3%) received α-blocker monotherapy, whereas 356 (47.7%) received combination therapy with anticholinergics. Of the 369 patients who completed the 6-month treatment, 139 patients (37.7%) still received α-blocker monotherapy, 122 (33.1%) still received combination therapy with anticholinergics, and 108 (29.3%) received subsequent anticholinergics in addition to α-blocker. When the patients were stratified, storage subscore was higher (9.5 vs. 8.8, P = 0.034) and voiding subscore (9.7 vs. 11.6, P = 0.001) was lower in patients with anticholinergics than those without it. Although all treatment groups reported a significant improvement from baseline, no significant between-group differences in changes in IPSS, EQ-5D and BPH QoL K1 was found. Conclusions About one-third of patients received α-blocker monotherapy, one-third received combination therapy with anticholinergics, and another one-third received subsequent anticholinergics in addition to α-blocker. Storage subscore was higher in patients with anticholinergics than those without it, but vice-versa for voiding subscore. Similar improvement on clinical outcomes and PROs was observed in all treatment groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grating interferometry is a promising technique to obtain differential phase contrast images with illumination source of low intrinsic transverse coherence. However, retrieving the phase contrast image from the differential phase contrast image is difficult due to the accumulated noise and artifacts from the differential phase contrast image (DPCI) reconstruction. In this paper, we implemented a deep learning-based phase retrieval method to suppress these artifacts. Conventional deep learning based denoising requires noise/clean image pair, but it is not feasible to obtain sufficient number of clean images for grating interferometry. In this paper, we apply a recently developed neural network called Noise2Noise (N2N) that uses noise/noise image pairs for training. We obtained many DPCIs through combination of phase stepping images, and these were used as input/target pairs for N2N training. The application of the N2N network to simulated and measured DPCI showed that the phase contrast images were retrieved with strongly suppressed phase retrieval artifacts. These results can be used in grating interferometer applications which uses phase stepping method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe an inverse Talbot–Lau neutron grating interferometer that provides an extended autocorrelation length range for quantitative dark-field imaging. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a Talbot–Lau neutron grating interferometer (nTLI) with inverse geometry. We demonstrate a range of autocorrelation lengths (ACL) starting at low tens of nanometers, which is significantly extended compared to the ranges of conventional and symmetric setups. ACLs from a minimum of 44 nm to the maximum of 3.5 μm were presented for the designed wavelength of 4.4 Å in experiments. Additionally, the inverse nTLI has neutron-absorbing gratings with an optically thick gadolinium oxysulfide (Gadox) structure, allowing it to provide a visibility of up to 52% while maintaining a large field of view of approximately 100 mm × 100 mm. We demonstrate the application of our interferometer to quantitative dark-field imaging by using diluted polystyrene particles in an aqueous solution and silicon comb structures. We obtain quantitative structural information of the sphere size and concentration of diluted polystyrene particles and the period, height, and duty cycle of the silicon comb structures. The optically thick Gadox structure of the analyzer grating also provides improved characteristics for the correction of incoherent neutron scattering in an aqueous solution compared to the symmetric nTLI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dark-field image (DFI) in a grating interferometer involves the small-angle scattering properties of a material. The microstructure of the material can be characterized by an analysis of the auto-correlation length and the DFI. The feasibility of a DFI in a laboratory x-ray source with grating interferometry has been reported, but a follow-up study is needed. In this study, the random stress distribution was measured in the laboratory environment as an applied study. SiO2 mono-spheres as a cohesive powder with a 0.5 µm particle size were used as the sample. The microstructural changes according to the stresses on the particles were observed by acquiring a DFI along the auto-correlation length. In x-rays, a random two-phase media model was first used to analyze the characteristics of cohesive powder. This study showed that the microstructure of materials and x-ray images could be analyzed in a laboratory environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Talbot-Lau interferometry, the sample position yielding the highest phase sensitivity suffers from strong geometric blur. This trade-off between phase-sensitivity and spatial resolution is a fundamental challenge in such interferometric imaging applications with either neutron or conventional x-ray sources due to their relatively large beam-defining apertures or focal spots. In this study, a deep learning method is introduced to estimate a high phase-sensitive and high spatial resolution image from a trained neural network to attempt to avoid the trade-off for both high phase-sensitivity and high resolution. To realize this, the training data sets of the differential phase contrast images at a pair of sample positions, one of which is close to the phase grating and the other close to the detector, are numerically generated and are used as the inputs for the training data set of a generative adversarial network. The trained network has been applied to the real experimental data sets from a neutron grating interferometer and we have obtained improved images both in phase-sensitivity and spatial resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology of vortex lattice domains in bulk type-II/1 superconductors is of central interest for many areas such as fundamental condensed matter physics, engineering science, and the optimization of materials for high transport current superconductivity applications. Here, we present a comprehensive experimental study of a single crystal niobium in the intermediate mixed state and Shubnikov phase with two complementary neutron techniques: high resolution polarized neutron imaging and small-angle neutron scattering. In this way, we were able to identify and visualize the occurrence of compensating currents, the flux line closure, and the freezing of the vortex spacing during the process of field cooling and high field cooling. With the combination of complementary neutron techniques, it was possible to add insights into the quest for the understanding of the flux pinning and nucleation of vortices in type-II/1 superconductors during the process of field cooling and high field cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of poloxamer‐based thermo‐sensitive sol–gel instillation, after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), for preventing urethral stricture. Patients and Methods: In all, 198 patients underwent TURP for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Recruited patients were randomly divided into two groups: groups A and B. Patients in Group A (100 patients, experimental group) received poloxamer‐based thermo‐sensitive sol–gel instillation and patients in the Group B (98 patients, control group) received lubricant instillation after TURP. Each patient was evaluated at 4 (V1), 12 (V2), and 24 weeks (V3) after TURP. The effectiveness of poloxamer‐based thermo‐sensitive sol–gel instillation was evaluated based on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS‐Quality of Life (QoL), Overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB‐q), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), post‐void residual urine volume (PVR), and cystoscopy. Results: Amongst the initial 198 participants, 80 patients in Group A and 83 in Group B completed the study. There were no significant differences in IPSS‐QoL and OAB‐q between the groups. However, Qmax was significantly different between groups A and B, at a mean (SD) of 18.92 (9.98) vs 15.58 (9.24) mL/s (P = 0.028) at 24 weeks after TURP. On cystoscopic examination, urethral stricture after TURP was found in two of the 80 patients in Group A and 10 of 83 in Group B (P = 0.023). Conclusions: Poloxamer‐based thermo‐sensitive sol–gel instillation after TURP lowered the incidence of urethral stricture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce the application of a symmetric Talbot-Lau neutron grating interferometer which provides a significantly extended autocorrelation length range essential for quantitative dark-field contrast imaging. The highly efficient set-up overcomes the limitation of the conventional Talbot-Lau technique to a severely limited micrometer range as well as the limitation of the other advanced dark-field imaging techniques in the nanometer regime. The novel set-up enables efficient and continuous dark-field contrast imaging providing quantitative small-angle neutron scattering information for structures in a regime from some tens of nanometers to several tens of micrometers. The quantitative analysis enabled in and by such an extended range is demonstrated through application to reference sample systems of the diluted polystyrene particle in aqueous solutions. Here we additionally demonstrate and successfully discuss the correction for incoherent scattering. This correction results to be necessary to achieve meaningful quantitative structural results. Furthermore, we present the measurements, data modelling and analysis of the two distinct kinds of cohesive powders enabled by the novel approach, revealing the significant structural differences of their fractal nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A symmetric Talbot-Lau neutron grating interferometer has been developed for achieving high phase sensitivity. The gratings for the interferometer have been designed by maximizing the intergrating distances available at the experimental facility and optimizing the period of the gratings. The phase sensitivity in a Talbot-Lau grating interferometer has been mathematically modeled and analyzed and compared with experimental data. Evaluation experiments have been performed at the cold neutron imaging facility of the NIST Center for Neutron Research. The symmetric Talbot-Lau neutron grating interferometer exhibits distinct advantages in terms of high sensitivity and wide range for dark-field contrast imaging. Also, the fabrication of gratings is made easier, simpler, and more economical by the Gadox powder filling method, which gives them excellent phase contrast compared with other geometric Talbot-Lau neutron grating interferometers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To avoid an additional scar, our novel single-port laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair technique that utilizes the previous prostatectomy scar was conducted. Inguinal hernia is one of the most common complications of radical prostatectomy that require surgical repair. At present, such surgical repair inevitably leaves additional scars on the abdominal wall. This case series study was performed to determine the safety and feasibility of this procedure in patients with inguinal hernia after radical prostatectomy. Subjects and Methods: All patients who underwent retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) in 2012-2016 and developed an inguinal hernia as a complication of RRP agreed to undergo single-port laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair of the inguinal hernia through the RRP scar. TAPP repair was performed using a homemade glove single port through a 2 cm wide incision into the upper part of the RRP scar. The duration between RRP and the development of inguinal hernia, TAPP repair operative time, follow-up duration, TAPP repair-related complications, and rate of inguinal hernia recurrence were recorded. Results: Of the 131 patients who underwent RRP in the study period, 12 (mean age, 67.58 ± 5.73 years) developed inguinal hernia during an average follow-up duration of 33.58 ± 16.49 months. None had a previous history of inguinal hernia. The inguinal hernias developed on average 3.83 ± 1.70 months after RRP. The mean operative time was 64.58 ± 6.20 minutes. There were no surgical complications or recurrence of inguinal hernia during follow-up. Conclusions: Single-port laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair through the previous prostatectomy scar is safe and feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of instilling highly concentrated hyaluronic acid (HA)/chondroitin sulphate (CS) on ureteric stent‐related pain, urinary symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) of patients who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy for ureteric stones followed by ureteric stent placement. Patients and Methods: Eligible patients were randomly allocated to receive intravesical instillation with HA/CS or normal saline just after ureteric stent placement. Just before stent removal on postoperative day 7, the patients completed the Ureteric Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) QoL question, and a pain visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: In total, 92 patients (46 each in the treatment and control arms) completed the study. The groups did not differ in terms of age or stent indwelling time. Compared with the control group, the treatment group had significantly lower USSQ urinary symptom domain scores (24.6 vs 32.5; P < 0.001), better IPSS QoL scores (3.5 vs 4.4, P = 0.018), and lower VAS pain scores (2.0 vs 3.2; P < 0.001). They also had lower total body pain subscores (16.7 vs 22.0; P = 0.01) and lower additional pain subscores due to urinary tract infections (2.1 vs. 3.2; P = 0.01) in the USSQ. Conclusions: Highly concentrated HA/CS effectively improved urinary symptoms and pain, and reduced the need for additional medication or procedures after ureteric stent placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To verify the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin 0.4 mg and tamsulosin 0.2 mg compared with those of placebo in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Methods: A total of 494 patients from multiple centers participated in this double-blind, randomized, phase 3 trial. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to the tamsulosin 0.4 mg group, tamsulosin 0.2 mg group or placebo group. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual (PVR) urine volume, blood pressure, heart rate and adverse events were compared among the three groups at 4, 8 and 12 weeks.Results: A total of 494 BPH patients were analyzed. There were no differences in the baseline characteristics among the three groups. After 12 weeks of treatment, total IPSS was improved in the 0.2 mg and 0.4 mg tamsulosin groups; however, the extent of improvement was greater in the 0.4 mg group than in the 0.2 mg group (0.4 mg: -9.59 vs. 0.2 mg: -5.61; least-squares mean difference [95% confidence interval]: -3.95 [-5.01, -2.89], p < .0001). In addition, in the patients with severe symptoms (IPSS ≥20), total IPSS was improved the most in the 0.4 mg group (-11.27 ± 5.00, p < .0001). Qmax and PVR were improved in the 0.4 mg and 0.2 mg groups; however, the differences were not statistically significant between treatment groups. No patients experienced any serious adverse effects in any of the three groups.Conclusions: Tamsulosin 0.4 mg and 0.2 mg appear to be superior to placebo treatment, and tamsulosin 0.4 mg is more effective than 0.2 mg in terms of total IPSS improvement. Tamsulosin 0.4 mg has favorable efficacy and tolerability in Asian men with symptomatic BPH. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02390882. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide the best quality clinical evidence. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of RCTs published by the International Urogynecology Journal (IUJ) in 2007-2016.Methods: RCTs in original articles were extracted from PubMed and IUJ homepage. Change in RCT quality over time was assessed with Jadad and van Tulder scales and Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool (CCRBT). Jadad scores of 3-5 or van Tulder scores of >5 indicated high-quality RCTs. The effect on RCT quality of including funding source and institutional review board (IRB) approval statements and describing the intervention was assessed. In addition, changes in RCT topics over time were assessed.Results: Annual RCT frequencies did not change significantly (6.7-15.7%): 36.1% and 25.7% described blinding and allocation concealment, respectively. Both tended to increase between 2013 and 2016, particularly 2013 and 2014. Funding statement inclusion (39.1% overall) and intervention description (78.2% overall) tended to increase steadily. IRB statement inclusion (60.4% overall) increased significantly (p < 0.01). Jadad scores and van Tulder rose significantly until 2014 (p < 0.01). Frequencies of high-quality RCTs tended to rise. CCRBT indicated that RCTs with a low risk of bias tended to increase until 2014. However, from 2015, Jadad scores, van Tulder, and CCRBT the low risk tended to decreased. RCTs with funding and IRB approval statements had higher Jadad and van Tulder scores than unfunded RCTs (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). Intervention description did not associate with better quality.Conclusions: RCT quality improved over time, but a dip in quality was observed in 2015-2016 because of decreased blinding and allocation concealment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) in the repair of intraperitoneal bladder rupture. Patients and Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent LESS for intraperitoneal bladder rupture in three hospitals in Korea were included prospectively in this study. LESS was performed using a homemade single-port device composed of an Alexis wound retractor and a surgical glove. Results: Of the 22 patients, 18 were male. The mean age was 40.50 ± 11.83 years. The mean body mass index was 24.19 ± 2.61 kg/m2. The cause of rupture was trauma (n = 21) or iatrogenic injury (n = 1). The mean bladder rupture diameter was 3.41 ± 1.01 cm. LESS bladder rupture repair was completed effectively in all patients. The mean operative time was 89.05 ± 11.29 minutes. The mean length of hospital stay was 2.91 ± 0.53 days. Postoperatively, none of the patients required patient-controlled analgesia, and none developed major complications. The urethral Foley catheter was removed 7.68 ± 2.08 days after surgery. Conclusions: LESS repair of intraperitoneal bladder rupture, which involves a homemade single-port device, was a feasible and safe alternative to conventional laparoscopy in this case series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to recent developments in nanotechnology, nanomaterials (NMs) such as graphene oxide (GO) may enter the soil environment with mostly unknown consequences. We investigated the effects of GO on soil microbial activity in a 59-day soil incubation study. For this, high-purity GO was prepared and characterized. Soils were treated with up to 1 mg GO g − 1 soil, and the changes in the activities of 1,4-β-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, xylosidase, 1,4-β-N-acetyl glucosaminidase, and phosphatase and microbial biomass were determined. 0.5–1 mg GO g − 1 soil lowered the activity of xylosidase, 1,4-β-N-acetyl glucosaminidase, and phosphatase by up to 50% when compared to that in the control soils up to 21 days of incubation. Microbial biomass in soils treated with GO was not significantly different from that in control soils throughout the incubation period, and the soil enzyme activity and microbial biomass were not significantly correlated in this study. Our results indicate that soil enzyme activity can be lowered by the entry of GO into soils in short term but it can be recovered afterwards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Quality assessment of randomized controlled trials ( RCTs) is important to prevent the adoption of findings of low-quality trials into clinical practice. Aim The aim of this study was to analyze the quality of studies reporting RCTs in andrology journals ( The Journal of Sexual Medicine [ JSM], the Asian Journal of Andrology [ AJA], the Journal of Andrology [ JOA], the International Journal of Andrology [ IJA]). Methods A quality assessment was conducted on all studies identified as RCTs published in andrology journals ( JSM, AJA, JOA, IJA) until 2011. The review period was divided into three terms: early, mid, and late each journal. Main Outcome Measures The Jadad scale, van Tulder scale, and the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool ( CCRBT) were employed. The RCTs were also categorized by country of origin, the inclusion of institutional review board ( IRB) approval, funding, and blindness. Results There were1,954 original articles published in the JSM, 893 articles in the AJA, 2,527 articles in the JOA, and 2,086 articles in the IJA for the review period. There were 172 studies reporting on RCTs in the JSM, 33 RCTs in the AJA, 63 RCTs in the JOA, and 29 RCTs in the IJA. No significant increase in Jadad or van Tulder scale scores were found over time, nor were there any significant changes in the number of high-quality articles as assessed by CCRBT. However, significant differences in quality analysis were found according to blinding, funding, and IRB approval. Conclusion The number of original articles and RCTs in andrology increased over time. However, the ratio of RCTs to original articles as well as RCT quality was statistically insignificant. It would be required for the researchers to focus efforts in performing high-quality studies to ensure appropriate randomization, reviews by IRB, financial support, and inclusion of allocation concealment during study performance. Jo JK, Chung JH, Kim KS, Song SH, and Lee SW. Reporting of randomized controlled trials in andrology journals: A quality assessment. J Sex Med 2015;12:350-357. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KAERI (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute) will launch an OECD/NEA project by utilizing a thermal-hydraulic integral effect test facility, ATLAS (Advanced Thermal-hydraulic Test Loop for Accident Simulation) from April, 2014. In the OECD-ATLAS project, design extension conditions (DECs) such as a station blackout (SBO) and a total loss of feed water (TLOFW) will be experimentally investigated to identify the major thermal-hydraulic phenomena of high risk multiple failure accidents considering magnified safety concerns after the Fukushima accident. A SBO is one of the most important DECs in that without any proper operator actions, a total loss of heat sink leads to core uncover, to core damage, and ultimately a core melt-down scenario under high pressure. Due to this safety importance, a SBO is considered to be a base test item of the OECD-ATLAS project. In this study, a phenomena identification ranking table (PIRT) has been developed for identifying the major parameters affecting the thermal-hydraulic phenomena in SBO transients. Development of a PIRT for the SBO transients is expected to contribute to making strategy for performing a thermal-hydraulic integral effect test with ATLAS which includes determination of proper test conditions and improvement of measurements. The primary safety criterion (PSC) was determined to be the core mixture level from the expert panel discussion. As for the major components of the nuclear power plant, the rank of the importance and the knowledge level were summarized for each of the three temporal phases. Taking into account the important phenomena from the PIRT result, it can be confirmed that ATLAS has a capability of simulating the major thermal-hydraulic phenomena during a SBO transient as realistically as possible. The present PIRT will be directly used to make strategy for performing a thermal-hydraulic integral effect test with ATLAS in the framework of the OECD-ATLAS project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Quality assessment of randomized clinical trials ( RCTs) is important to prevent the adoption of findings of low-quality trials into clinical practice. Aim The aim if this study was to analyze the quality of studies reporting RCTs in the Journal of Sexual Medicine ( JSM) and to find relevant clinical impact. Methods A quality assessment was conducted in all studies identified as RCTs published in the JSM from 2004 to 2012. The review period was divided into three periods: early (2004-2006), mid (2007-2009), and late (2010-2012). Main Outcome Measures The Jadad scale, van Tulder scale, and the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool ( CCRBT) quality scoring instruments were used. The RCTs were also categorized by country of origin, topic, the inclusion of institutional review board ( IRB) approval, funding, citation rate, and impact factor. Results A total of 2,418 original articles were published in the JSM during the review period, and 188 were reports of RCTs. There were 39 (14.89%), 70 (7.77%), and 76 (6.29%) RCTs published during the early, mid, and late terms, respectively ( P < 0.001). No significant increases in Jadad or van Tulder scale scores were found over time nor were there any significant changes in the number of low-risk articles as assessed by the CCRBT. However, significant differences in quality analysis were found in funding and IRB approval. Citation rates and impact factor were not correlated with RCT quality using any of the tools. Conclusions The number of original articles and RCTs published in the JSM increased over time. However, the ratio of RCTs to original articles did not increase significantly. Adequate randomization and blinding methods, IRB review, and financial support are required for the conduct of high-quality RCTs. Jo JK, Chung JH, Kim KS, Lee JW, Lee SW, and International Evidence-Based Medicine Research (IEMR) Group. Randomized controlled trials in the Journal of Sexual Medicine: A quality assessment and relevant clinical impact. J Sex Med 2014;11:894-900. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence and patterns of lifestyle risk behaviors in Korean adults. Methods: We utilized data from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 14,833 adults (>20 years of age). We used association rule mining to analyze patterns of lifestyle risk behaviors by characterizing non-adherence to public health recommendations related to the Alameda 7 health behaviors. The study variables were current smoking, heavy drinking, physical inactivity, obesity, inadequate sleep, breakfast skipping, and frequent snacking. Results: Approximately 72% of Korean adults exhibited two or more lifestyle risk behaviors. Among women, current smoking, obesity, and breakfast skipping were associated with inadequate sleep. Among men, breakfast skipping with additional risk behaviors such as physical inactivity, obesity, and inadequate sleep was associated with current smoking. Current smoking with additional risk behaviors such as inadequate sleep or breakfast skipping was associated with physical inactivity. Conclusion: Lifestyle risk behaviors are intercorrelated in Korea. Information on patterns of lifestyle risk behaviors could assist in planning interventions targeted at multiple behaviors simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Randomized controlled trials are one of the most reliable resources for assessing the effectiveness and safety of medical treatments. Low quality randomized controlled trials carry a large bias that can ultimately impair the reliability of their conclusions. The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of randomized controlled trials published in International Journal of Urology by using multiple quality assessment tools. Methods Randomized controlled trials articles published in International Journal of Urology were found using the Pub Med MEDLINE database, and qualitative analysis was carried out with three distinct assessment tools: the Jadad scale, the van Tulder scale and the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. The quality of randomized controlled trials was analyzed by publication year, type of subjects, intervention, presence of funding and whether an institutional review board reviewed the study. Results A total of 68 randomized controlled trial articles were published among a total of 1399 original articles in International Journal of Urology. Among these randomized controlled trials, 10 (2.70%) were from 1994 to 1999, 23 (4.10%) were from 2000 to 2005 and 35 (4.00%) were from 2006 to 2011 ( P = 0.494). On the assessment with the Jadad and van Tulder scale, the numbers and percentage of high quality randomized controlled trials increased over time. The studies that had institutional review board reviews, funding resources or that were carried out in multiple institutions had an increased percentage of high quality articles. Conclusions The numbers and percentage of high-quality randomized controlled trials published in International Journal of Urology have increased over time. Furthermore, randomized controlled trials with funding resources, institutional review board reviews or carried out in multiple institutions have been found to be of higher quality compared with others not presenting these features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with maximal urine flow rate ( Qmax) ≥ 25 ml/s complaining of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), using propensity score-matching analysis to compare with the control group. Methods: Medical records from a prospectively maintained database for first visit male patients with LUTS/benign prostatic hyperplasia between 2010 and 2012 were used to select 818 patients. Of these patients, 68 men with Qmax ≥ 25 ml/s were defined as the supervoider group, and 68 patients were selected for the control group using propensity scores, which were calculated for each patient using multivariable logistic regression model based on the following covariates: age, prostate volume, voided urine volume, and post-voided residual volume. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life score, and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) were also analyzed. Results: Mean Qmax was 30.82 ± 5.13 in supervoiders and 15.95 ± 4.88 ml/s in controls ( p < 0.001). There were statistical differences in IPSS between supervoiders and controls (12.63 ± 5.81 vs. 16.13 ± 6.90; p = 0.002). Although the IPSS voiding symptom sub-score in supervoiders was lower than controls (5.09 ± 3.35 vs. 7.40 ± 4.00; p < 0.001), there were no significant differences in storage symptom and post-micturitional symptom sub-scores. In OABSS and subdomain scores for frequency, nocturia, and urgency, there were no significant differences between the groups. However, the urge incontinence subdomain score was significantly higher in supervoiders versus controls (0.69 ± 1.26 vs. 0.18 ± 0.52; p = 0.003). Conclusions: Supervoiders experience comparable levels of storage and post-micturition symptoms, but display more severe urge incontinence despite milder voiding symptoms and better uroflowmetric measurements than propensity score-matched controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with objective outcomes after shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopic surgery (URS) for ureteral calculi (UC). Methods: We prospectively evaluated 160 consecutive patients who underwent SWL ( n = 65) or URS ( n = 95) for a single radiopaque UC ranging from 4 to 15 mm. For patients who underwent URS, a 6-Fr double-J stent was routinely placed for 2 weeks after surgery. To examine PRO, we used a self-administered nonvalidated questionnaire evaluating overall satisfaction and PRO in four domains (pain, hematuria, voiding symptom, and time to return to routine activity) and willingness to undergo the treatment procedure again. Propensity-score matching analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounding by discrepancy of pretreatment parameters between groups. Stone-free rates (SFRs) and complications were also compared. Results: SFRs after the first, second, and third sessions of SWL were 61.5, 81.0, and 93.5 %, respectively. SFR after URS was 100 %, which was significantly better than SFRs for third-session SWL ( p = 0.023). Complications were comparable. By propensity-score matching analysis, overall satisfaction was similar between groups, whereas PRO for voiding symptom and time to return to routine activity were significantly better in the SWL group (all p < 0.05). The two groups were not different in willingness to undergo the same procedure again. Conclusions: Despite significantly higher SFR after URS for UC, overall patient satisfaction was comparable after SWL and URS, meanwhile PRO of the SWL group was better than URS for voiding symptom and time to return to routine activity. In addition of objective treatment outcomes, PROs should be considered in counseling treatment methods for UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? LESS-NU may be an alternative minimally-invasive treatment option for patients eligible to undergo laparoscopic surgery for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma., The true benefits of LESS-NU remain to be determined and require randomized control trials in the future. Despite encouraging early findings, clinical trials still are warranted before this procedure is adopted widely, and longer follow-up is needed to determine its oncological durability., Objective To report a large multi-institutional series of laparoendoscopic single-site ( LESS) nephroureterectomy ( NU)., Materials and Methods Data on all cases of LESS-NU performed between 2008 and 2012 at 15 institutions were retrospectively gathered., The main demographic data and perioperative outcomes were analysed., Results The study included 101 patients whose mean ( sd) age was 66.4 (9.9) years and mean ( sd) body mass index was 24.8 (4) kg/m2, and of whom 29.7% had undergone previous abdominal/pelvic surgery., The mean ( sd) operating time was 221.4 (73.7) min, estimated blood loss 231.7 (348.0) mL., A robot-assisted LESS technique was applied in 25.7% of cases. An extra trocar was inserted in 28.7% of cases to complete the procedure. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in three cases (3.0%). There was no bladder cuff excision in 20.8% of cases, and excision was carried out using a variety of techniques in the remaining cases., Six intra-operative complications occurred (5.9%). The mean ( sd) length of hospital stay was 6.3 (3.5) days. The overall postoperative complication rate was 10.0%, and most of the complications were low grade ( Clavien grades 1 and 2)., The mean tumour size was 3.1 (1.9) cm. Pathological staging was pTis in two patients, pTa in 12 patients, pT1 in 42 patients, pT2 in 20 patients, pT3 in 23 patients and pT4 in two patients. Pathological grade was high in 71 and low in 30 patients., At a mean follow-up of 14 months, six patients (5.9%) had died. Disease recurrence (including distant and bladder recurrence) was detected in 22.8% of patients, with a mean time to recurrence of 11.5 months., Conclusions This study reports the largest multi-institutional experience of LESS-NU to date., Peri-operative outcomes mirror those of published standard laparoscopy series., Despite encouraging early findings, longer follow-up is needed to determine the oncological efficacy of the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]