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In drainage and sewerage systems, vertical dropshafts are commonly used to convey water flow from high to low elevations. When the underground tunnel is surcharged, the lower part of the shaft is submerged. The impact of falling water on the free surface in the dropshaft entrains a vast amount of air, leading to the transport or entrapment of air in the tunnel, causing undesirable effects such as the reduction in flow conveyance capacity or air blowback. In this study, a comprehensive series of experiments was performed to study the influence of flow variables on the flow regimes in a submerged dropshaft connected to a horizontal tunnel. The air-water flow in the dropshaft was recorded using high-speed imaging, with air concentration and high-frequency pressure measurements. The experiments showed that the flow in the dropshaft-tunnel system can be classified into four regimes: (I) bubbly column flow, (II) rising slugs, (III) instability and surging, and (IV) net air transport in the tunnel, based on the dropshaft Froude number and the ratio of dropshaft diameter to tunnel diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A-plane InxGa1-xN/GaN (x=0.09, 0.14, 0.24, and 0.3) multiple-quantum-wells (MQWs) samples, with a well width of about 4.5 nm, were achieved by utilizing r-plane sapphire substrates. Optical quality was investigated by means of photoluminescence (PL), cathodoluminescence, and time resolved PL measurements (TRPL). Two distinguishable emission peaks were examined from the low temperature PL spectra, where the high- and low-energy peaks were ascribed to quantum wells and localized states, respectively. Due to an increase in the localized energy states and absence of quantum confined Stark effect, the quantum efficiency was increased with increasing indium composition up to 24%. As the indium composition reached 30%, however, pronounced deterioration in luminescence efficiency was observed. The phenomenon could be attributed to the high defect densities in the MQWs resulted from the increased accumulation of strain between the InGaN well and GaN barrier. This argument was verified from the much shorter carrier lifetime at 15 K and smaller activation energy for In0.3Ga0.7N/GaN MQWs. In addition, the polarization-dependent PL revealed that the degree of polarization decreased with increasing indium compositions because of the enhancement of zero-dimensional nature of the localizing centers. Our detailed investigations indicate that the indium content in a-plane InGaN/GaN MQWs not only has an influence on optical performance, but is also important for further application of nitride semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vibrational, electronic, and crystalline properties of n-type chlorine-doped ZnSe (ZnSe:Cl) layers with a carrier concentration from 8.2×1015 to 1.8×1018 cm-3 are studied by Raman spectroscopy. The spectral line shapes of the longitudinal-optical-phonon and plasmon coupling mode are analyzed using the Raman scattering efficiency and the dielectric function to obtain the electron densities and mobility. The splitting of the transverse-optical (TO) phonon and the redshift of the chlorine-related impurity vibration mode are clearly observed when pressure is applied. The semiconductor-to-metal phase transition pressure of ZnSe:Cl layers declines as the carrier concentration increases, indicating that n-type doping reduces crystal stability. Additionally, the pressure-induced weakening of the longitudinal-optical-phonon-plasmon coupling efficiency suggests that pressure tends to degrade the n-type characteristic of ZnSe:Cl because of the emergence of the new deep donorlike state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanostructure formation of the Stranski–Krastanow (SK) systems is investigated by simulating the surface undulation of the systems driven by the surface diffusion mechanism. Of particular interest is how the surface undulation leads to the development of faceted nanostructures and wetting layers. The results reveal that the development exhibits three common features in the coarsening SK systems, while the development also results in distinct film morphologies, controlled by the maximum surface coverage of faceted islands. The maximum surface coverage depends on the film thickness, the ratio between the two characteristic lengths of the SK system, and the effective surface energy density of flat film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raman and photoluminescence spectra of cubic Zn1-xCdxSe (0≦x≦0.32) epilayers were obtained at high pressure. The impurity mode I observed in the phonon Raman spectra at low temperature confirms the intermediate phonon mode behavior. A split transverse optical phonon mode was found in the down-stroke high-pressure Raman scattering. Additionally, the pressure-dependent longitudinal optical (LO) phonon frequencies and the Grüneisen parameter (γLO) were obtained by quadratic polynomial fitting. Pressure-driven resonant Raman scattering effect was observed in samples with a high Cd concentration (x≧0.18). The critical pressure of semiconductor-to-metal phase transition (Pt) decreases as the Cd content increases. As the Cd concentration increases from 0 to 0.32, Pt falls from 13.6 to 9.4 GPa, according to Pt (GPa)=13.6-6.8x-20.3x2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the first-order perturbation solutions to the two-dimensional elasticity problems of strained wires embedded in a multilayered film-substrate system with homogeneous elastic properties. The solutions are accurate to the first order of the characteristic slope of the wires; the expressions of the solutions are concise for wires containing multiple facets; and the solutions are valid for single wire, multiple wires with different shapes, and a periodic array of identical wires. The perturbation solutions provide an efficient scheme for studying the effects of embedded wires on the stresses in the multilayered system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and magnetic properties of Pr9+xFe73-x-yTiyCo10B4C4 (x=0,0.5,1,1.5; y=0,2) melt-spun ribbons have been investigated. All these ribbons consist mainly of three phases, namely, 2:14:1, α-(Fe,Co), and 2:17 phases. It was found that the grain size of these phases decreases with increasing Pr content. A small substitution of Ti for Fe suppresses the grain growth of α-(Fe,Co) phase. The intergranular exchange coupling remarkably increases with increasing Pr and Ti substitution. For Ti-free Pr9+xFe73-xCo10B4C4 ribbons, the iHc increases, and Br decreases, but (BH)max nearly keeps invariable up to x=1.0, then slightly increases, with increasing x. A Br of 9.1 kG, iHc of 10.0 kOe, and (BH)max of 12.5 MG Oe were obtained in Pr10.5Fe71.5Co10B4C4. The coercivity and demagnetization-curve shape are substantially improved with Ti substitution, without a sacrifice of remanence (except for x=0). The (BH)max increases by a large amount (∼5 MG Oe) with a small substitution (2 at. %) of titanium. A Br of 9.6 kG, iHc of 10.2 kOe, and (BH)max of 17.4 MG Oe have been achieved in Pr10.5Fe69.5Ti2Co10B4C4 ribbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which investigated the roughness evolution of the copper-tin intermetallic compound during the soldering reaction of lead-tin alloy on copper substrate. Experimental procedure; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

Abstract: This study proposed a computerized inquiry‐stage‐dependent argumentation assistance and investigated whether this can help improve elementary students' performance in science processes and the construction of quality arguments. Various argumentation assistances were developed and incorporated into each stage of scientific inquiry in a computer‐supported scientific inquiry system. A nonequivalent quasi‐experimental design was adopted to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach. Two intact sixth grade classes (N = 55) participated in this study, and each student used a tablet computer to accomplish the designated inquiry activities. One class of students was arranged to use the stage‐dependent argumentation assistance, and the other used a generic text‐based interface. The findings indicate that students who used the stage‐dependent argumentation assistance could acquire significantly better science process and argument construction skills than those using the generic text‐based interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase evolution, microstructure, and magnetic properties of melt-spun Pr9FebalTixB11-yCy (x=0, 2.5, and 4, y=0–11) ribbons have been investigated. For Pr9FebalTixB11-yCy series ribbons, addition of Ti suppresses the formation of metastable Pr2Fe23B3 phase and ensures the existence of a large amount of magnetically hard Pr2Fe14B phase in the ribbons. However, the increase of C substitution in the Pr9FebalTi2.5B11-yCy (y=0–5.5) ribbons diminishes the Br, iHc, and (BH)max monotonically, which comes from the increase of volume fraction of Pr2Fe17Cz and α-Fe phases and the rapid decrease of the 2:14:1 phase. Only in the higher Ti content Pr9FebalTi4B11-yCy ribbons, a slight C addition cannot only form the Pr2Fe14(B,C) phase but also refine the grain size, giving rise to the improvement of magnetic properties. The optimal properties of Br=9.4 kG, iHc=11.1 kOe, (BH)max=18.0 MGOe, α=-0.207%/°C, and β=-0.612%/°C are achieved in Pr9FebalTi4B10.5C0.5 nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic properties, microstructure, and phase evolution of (Ce1-xPrx)9.5Febal.CoyTi2B10 (x=0–1 and y=0, 2.5) nanocomposites have been investigated. A progressive substitution of Pr for Ce enhances the remanence (Br), intrinsic coercivity (iHc), and maximum energy product [(BH)max] of the ribbons effectively. In addition, the Curie temperature of 2:14:1 phase also increases with increasing Pr concentration. For Co-free (Ce1-xPrx)9.5Febal.Ti2B10 ribbons, magnetically hard 2:14:1 phase and two soft phases, α-Fe and Fe3B, are found in the ribbons with x=0, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.7, while Fe3B phase disappears in the ribbons with x=1. On the other hand, the value of Br, (BH)max, temperature coefficient α, and Curie temperature of 2:14:1 and α-Fe are improved with a slight substitution of 2.5 at. % Co for Fe. The magnetic properties of Br=8.5 kG, iHc=7.5 kOe, (BH)max=13.5 MGOe, α=-0.185%/°C, and β=-0.54%/°C can be achieved in (Ce0.5Pr0.5)9.5Febal.Co2.5Ti2B10 nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase evolution, microstructure, and magnetic properties of melt-spun Pr11Febal.B8-xCx (x =0-8d and Pr11Febal.Co10B6C2 nanocomposites have been investigated. Summarizing the results of x-ray diffraction and thermal magnetic analysis for Pr11Febal.B8-xCx series ribbons, magnetically soft Fe3B and α-Fe phases are found to coexist with magnetically hard 2:14:1 phase for carbon-free (x=0) ribbons; three phases, namely, 2:14:1, Pr2Fe17Cy, and α-Fe, appear for x=2-6, while 2:14:1 phase is almost not formed in Pr11Febal.C8 ribbons. The optimal magnetic properties of Br =9.4 kG, iHc=9.3 kOe, and (BH)max=17.3 MGOe are obtained in Pr11Febal.B6C2. Substitution of 10 at. % Co for Fe in Pr11Febal.B6C2 ribbons refines the grain size of the existing 2:14:1, Pr2Fe17Cy, and α-(Fe,Co) phases and enhances the magnetic properties of the ribbons to Br=9.8 kG, iHc =10.4 kOe, (BH)max=19.0 MGOe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider adsorbates on metallic armchair-graphene nanoribbons (AGNRs). An adsorbed atom on a nodal site of the gapless subband in the AGNR is found to induce a bound state. The nodal-adsorbate bound state alone does not cause reflection in the AGNR quantum transport in the one propagating-channel regime. Yet its manifestation, as a Fano resonance in G, is brought forth by the presence of a non-nodal adsorbate (or a scatterer) located on a longitudinally separated site. Both the adsorbate-dependent nature and the significantly enhanced energy resolution of the Fano structure in G invite adsorbate recognition. The Fano peak is shown to be robust against weak disorder such as from edge vacancies, due to the localized nature of the Fano resonant state. Adsorbates F and OH, described within an extended Hiickel model, are considered as examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study incorporates the 5E learning cycle strategy to design and develop Sharable Content Object Reference Model-conformant materials for elementary science education. The 5E learning cycle that supports the constructivist approach has been widely applied in science education. The strategy consists of five phases: engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration and evaluation. It has potential value for creating effective science e-learning materials. This study implemented the participatory design (PD) method to investigate the possibility of applying the 5E model to science e-learning materials. PD is an approach that understands knowledge by doing and focuses on collaborating with the intended users rather than designing 'for' them. In this study, researchers, designers and elementary science teachers cooperated at all stages of the design process (including explanation, analysis and decision making). The issues to be dealt with in this study included instructional designs based on the 5E model, techniques or specifications of e-learning, learning objects, metadata and procedures. The results of this study provided concrete recommendations for how to incorporate the 5E learning cycle and how to develop effective e-learning materials for elementary science instruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors report the case of a 46-year-old woman with cerebral sparganosis resulting from infection with a larva of Spirometra. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass lesion with prominent perifocal oedema in the left parietal lobe. Advanced imaging pulse sequences, including MR spectroscopy and MR perfusion, were performed. During surgery for the removal of a granuloma, the parasite was discovered and excised. Following treatment, the patient's neurological deficits markedly improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of lactoferrin concentration on the antioxidative and antimicrobial activities of hot-boned (4–5 h after death) ground pork during storage at 4C for 9 days was examined. The total iron content increased with the addition of lactoferrin. Meat samples with added lactoferrin (40 or 80 mg/kg) had lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) than controls at 3, 6 and 9 days; however, the differences in TBARS between the 40- and 80-mg lactoferrin/kg treatments were not significant. With the addition of lactoferrin (40 or 80 mg/kg), ground pork had lower (P < 0.05) total plate counts than controls at 3, 6 and 9 days of storage. However, the differences in total plate counts between the 40- and 80-mg lactoferrin/kg treatments were only significant (P < 0.05) at days 3 and 6. The addition of lactoferrin (80 mg/kg) decreased lactic acid bacterial counts at days 0, 3 and 9. The pH values of hot-boned ground pork were unaffected by the addition of lactoferrin, but slightly increased with storage time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel hydroxide powder was modified by the method of ball milling, and the physical properties of both the ball-milled and un-milled nickel hydroxide were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, specific surface area, particle size distribution and X-ray diffraction. It was found that the ball milling processing could obviously increase the surface area, decrease the particle and crystallite size, and reduce the crystallinity of β-Ni(OH)2, which was advantageous to the improvement of the electrochemical activity of nickel hydroxide powder. Electrochemical performances of pasted nickel electrodes using the ball-milled nickel hydroxide as an active material were investigated, and were compared with those of the electrodes prepared with the un-milled nickel hydroxide. Charge/discharge tests showed that the ball-milled nickel hydroxide electrodes exhibited better performances in the charging efficiency, specific discharge capacity, active material utilization and discharge voltage. The improvement of the performances of β-Ni(OH)2 through ball milling could be attributed to the better reaction reversibility, higher coulombic efficiency, higher oxygen evolution potential and lower electrochemical impedance, as indicated by the cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies. Thus, ball milling was an effective method to modify the physical properties and enhance the electrochemical performances of nickel hydroxide powder for the active material of rechargeable alkaline nickel batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic properties and phase evolution of Pr-lean and boron-enriched Pr8.5Feγ9.5M2B10 (M = Cr, Nb, V, Ti, and Zr) melt-spun ribbons have been studied. Based on thermal magnetic analysis (TMA), a slight substitution of the selected refractory elements (Cr, Nb, V, TI, and Zr) for Fe in Pr8.5Feγ9.5M2B10 not only suppresses the formation of metastable Pr2Fe23B3 and Fe3B phases but also leads to the presence of large amount of Pr2 Fe14B and α-Fe phases of fine grain size (<30 nm). Exchange coupling effect is found to exist in all nanocomposites, which is attributed to their finer grain size if suitable crystallization treatment is employed. As a result, the magnetic properties of the ribbons are Improved remarkably. The optlmum magnetic properties of Br = 9.6 kG, iHc = 8.5 kOe, and (BH)max = 17.8 MGOe are achieved in Pr8.5Feγ9.5Tl2B10, while the highest coercivity of iHc = 9.9 kOe (Br = 9.2 kG and (BH)max = 16.9 MGOe) is obtained in Pr8.5Feγ9.5Nb2B10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary. Based on the model of surface renew and penetration the local cumulative sub-micron particle deposition from a turbulent flow onto a tube wall has been theoretically predicted. The conjoint effects of eddy diffusion, Brownian diffusion, and thermophoresis are considered in the deposition process. The quantitative predictions of mean particle deposition velocity coupled with appropriate estimates of the mean residence time are evaluated by comparison with previous models and experimental measurements. The thermophoretic effect can decrease particle transfer by about two orders of magnitude and fluctuates with particle size, Reynolds number and temperature gradient. Results show similar trends to the previous predictions and good agreement for the percentage change in deposition relative to that obtained under the isothermal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the influence of various conflict management mechanisms embedded into computer-supported collaborative concept mapping systems on the behaviour and learning of elementary students. Four conflict management mechanisms were compared: an assign design, in which the mapping control was designated to a particular group member; a rotate design, in which the mapping control was rotated among the group members; a give design, in which the child with mapping control could relinquish control to another group member; and an open design, in which every group member simultaneously had mapping control. Ninety-six fifth and sixth grade Taiwanese students participated in this study. They were arranged into assign, rotate, give, or open three-member groups to generate collaboratively shared concept maps. Student interactions, attitudes, and achievement were analysed. The results suggest that each conflict management mechanism has a different effect on the elementary students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stress-field of a perfect elastic isotropic circular fin with variable thermal conductivity is obtained. The thermal conductivity is considered temperature dependent. The nonlinear conduction-convection-radiation heat transfer equation of the circular fins subjected to the nonlinear boundary conditions is solved by Adomian's double decomposition method. The thermal stress distribution is obtained by direct integration of the temperature distribution. For low temperature difference between the fin base and the ambiance, the effect of thermal conductivity on pure convection and convection-radiation is important and can be negligible in pure radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the clinical characteristics of childhood and adolescent tuberculosis (TB) at the end of the twentieth century in a referral children's hospital in northern Taiwan. The hospital charts were reviewed retrospectively of children/adolescents aged less than 18 y who were seen in a children's hospital in northern Taiwan between 1994 and 1999 and diagnosed with TB. A total of 62 individuals was diagnosed during this period. The patients' demographic data, presenting symptoms, clinical features, bacteriological results, drug susceptibility and tuberculin skin-test results were analysed. Most diagnosed cases lay in one of two main age ranges, younger than 5 y and adolescents. The presenting symptoms of study subjects were typically non-specific. Bone involvement occurred for 21 patients (33.9%) and was the most common extrapulmonary manifestation. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from 47 patients (75.8%). Five isolates were resistant to pyrazinamide, three to streptomycin and one to isoniazid, but no multidrug resistant isolates of TB were detected from culture-proven cases. Seventeen of 47 (36.2%) cultureproven patients revealed negative acid-fast staining initially but, subsequently, M. tuberculosis was isolated from various clinical specimens using a standard method at a later date. The tuberculin skin test was positive for 24 of 32 patients (75%) who received such an examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to elucidate whether molecular signalling involved in upper airway remodelling is enhanced in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Method: Twenty patients with mild obstructive sleep apnoea (control group) and 40 patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (obstructive sleep apnoea group) who desired uvulopalatopharyngoplasty were recruited for the study. After uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, surgical specimens of the uvula were subjected to haematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome and immunohistochemical staining. Western blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the protein and messenger RNA expressions. Results: The obstructive sleep apnoea group showed more severe inflammation, increased collagen deposition and higher immunohistochemical staining intensity for TGF-ß and MMP-9 as well as higher protein and messenger RNA expression of MMP-9, VEGF, TGF-ß, p38 MAPK, SMAD 2/3, AKT and JNK in the uvula than control group. Conclusion: Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea demonstrated more severe inflammation, increased airway remodelling, and increased protein and messenger RNA expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines in the uvula than control participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work proposes a method for fabricating 2 in. freestanding GaN substrates of high crystallographic quality and low residual strain. Arrays of GaN nanorods with sidewalls coated with silicon dioxide (SiO2) were randomly arranged on the sapphire substrate as a growth template for subsequent hydride vapor-phase epitaxy (HVPE). The passivation of the sidewalls coated with SiO2 prevents the coalescence of GaN grains in spaces between the rods, causing them to grow preferentially on the top of individual rods. The proposed method significantly improves GaN crystal quality and results in self-separation from the underlying host sapphire substrate due to the relaxation of thermal strains in the HVPE cooling-down process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A freestanding nanopillar with a diameter of 300 nm and a height of 2 μm is demonstrated by focused ion beam milling. The measured microphotoluminescence (μ-PL) from the embedded InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells shows a blueshift of 68 meV in energy with a broadened full width at half maximum, ∼200 meV. Calculations based on the valence force field method suggest that the spatial variation of the strain tensors in the nanopillar results in the observed energy shift and spectrum broadening. Moreover, the power-dependent μ-PL measurement suggests that the strain-relaxed emission region exhibits a higher radiative recombination rate than that of the strained region, indicating potential for realizing high-efficiency nanodevices in the UV/blue wavelength range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High efficiency GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are demonstrated by a nanoscale epitaxial lateral overgrowth (NELO) method on a SiO2 nanorod-array patterned sapphire substrate (NAPSS). The transmission electron microscopy images suggest that the voids between SiO2 nanorods and the stacking faults introduced during the NELO of GaN can effectively suppress the threading dislocation density. The output power and external quantum efficiency of the fabricated LED were enhanced by 52% and 56%, respectively, compared to those of a conventional LED. The improvements originated from both the enhanced light extraction assisted by the NAPSS and the reduced dislocation densities using the NELO method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanostructure formation effected by the surface undulation on the Stranski-Krastanow (SK) systems during the annealing process is investigated by simulating the morphological evolution of the systems driven by surface diffusion. The results reveal three common features in the formation process. First, the essence of the nanostructure formation is the transformation of the film material above the wetting layer into faceted islands. Second, the wetting layer thickness is given by the first critical thickness for the SK transition. Third, the width of the nanostructures measured at the average film height is close to a constant during the formation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological stability of the Stranski-Krastanow (SK) system against surface undulation is investigated for the case where the SK system consists of a conductor film and a thick substrate and it is under the influence of an electric field induced by an electrode above the film. It is shown that a flat electrode reduces the critical thickness below which the SK system is completely stable against surface undulation. Applying a wavy electrode to the completely stable system, on the other hand, causes the flat film surface to develop into an equilibrium ripple profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Leptomeningeal metastases (LM) remain challenging for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. EGFR mutation shows a higher incidence rate of LM with poor prognosis. 3rd generation TKI has better cerebral-spinal fluid(CSF) penetration and may be a promising treatment. Here we collected LM clinical features and outcome in EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma in high EGFR mutation prevalence area. Methods This is a retrospective observational cohort study, conducted in a tertiary medical center in Taiwan. Patients with newly diagnosed advanced lung adenocarcinoma with common EGFR mutation were enrolled. LM were diagnosed by brain imaging study or cytology study of CSF analysis. Patients without initial brain MRI imaging or patients who underwent CNS surgery initially were excluded. All the data is valid up to Dec 31, 2017. Results From 2013 to 2015, a total of 283 patients was included. All patients were treated with first-line TKIs as systemic treatment initially. Thirty-four patients had LM, accounting for 12.0% (34/283) of this cohort. Only four patients in the LM group (11.7%) received CSF study, and three of them showed malignant cells in their CSF. Patients with LM had median overall survival(OS) 26.2 months, whereas patients with brain tumor progression had median OS 42.3 months. (p = 0.002) For patients with LM, the median OS after LM is 5.1 months. Patients with younger age(HR0.63[0.45-0.90], p = 0.01) and initial M1b(HR 2.86[1.81-4.53], p < 0.001) were associated with higher risk or intracranial progression. Among 34 patients, 6 patients received 3rd generation TKI and revealed significant better OS than those without 3rd TKI. (OS 15.3 months vs 3.7 months, p = 0.03). Conclusions LM show poor prognosis for patients with EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma, compared with other types of brain metastases. Younger age and initial M1b associated with higher risk. Patients with 3rd generation TKI may bring benefit to these patients. Legal entity responsible for the study The authors. Funding Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Disclosure C-H. Chiu: Honoraria (self): AstraZeneca; Honoraria (self): Boehringer Ingelheim; Honoraria (self): Roche. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic properties, phase evolution, and microstructure of melt-spun Pr9Fe88.5-xTi2.5Bx(x = 7 to 15) nanocomposites have been investigated. From thermal magnetic analysis (TMA), the volume fraction of Pr2Fe14B phase increases and α-Fe phase decreases with increasing x, giving rise to the increment of iHc and the decrement of Br. But the average grain size of the ribbons is slightly decreased with the increment of boron content x, from 15-30 nm for x = 7 to 10-20 nm for x = 15. As a result, the optimum magnetic properties of Br = 9.5 kG, iHc = 10.8 kOe, and (BH)max = 17.8 MGOe can be achieved in Pr9Febal. Ti2.5B11. In addition, further substituting Co for Fe in Pr9Fe77.5-yCoyTi2.5B11 ribbons not only increases the Curie temperature of magnetic phases 2:14:1 and α-Fe, but also improves the thermal stability of the ribbons. Higher magnetic properties of Br = 9.7 kG, iHc= 11.3 kOe, and (BH)max = 18.5 MGOe are obtained in Pr9Fe67.5Co10Ti2.5B11 ribbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase evolution and magnetic properties of Pr[SUB2]Fe[SUB23]B[SUB3] and Pr[SUB2](Fe[SUB0.975]Ti[SUB0.025])[SUB23]B[SUB3] melt-spun ribbons have been investigated. For Pr[SUB2]Fe[SUB23]B[SUB3] spun at 25 m/s, the magnetically hard Pr[SUB2]Fe[SUB14]B phase coexists with α-Fe, Pr[SUB2]Fe[SUB23]B[SUB3], and Fe[SUB3]B when annealed at temperatures above 700 °C, while merely two phases, namely, Pr[SUB2]Fe[SUB14]B and α-Fe, coexist if annealed above 800 °C. Because of the excessive annealing, these ribbons exhibit large grain sizes that lead to low B[SUBr] and [SUBi]H[SUBc] values. A slight substitution of Ti for Fe in (Pr[SUB2]Fe[SUB0.975]Ti[SUB0.025])[SUB23]B[SUB3] suppresses the formation of metastable Pr[SUB2]Fe[SUB23]B[SUB3] phase and leads to the presence of large amount of Pr[SUB2]Fe[SUB14] B and α-Fe phases of fine grain sizes in the matrix even at low annealing temperature (i.e., T[SUBH] = 650 °C). As a result, the magnetic properties improve remarkably from (B)r = 6.7 kG, [SUBi]H[SUBc] = 1.5 kOe and (BH)[SUBmax] = 1.7 MG Oe of the ternary Pr[SUB2]Fe[SUB23]B[SUB3] to B[SUBr] = 9.9 kG, [SUBi]H[SUBc] = 5.7 kOe and (BH)[SUBmax] = 15.0 MGOe of the Pr[SUB2]Fe[SUB0.975]Ti[SUB0.025])[SUB23]B[SUB3]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the interdiffusion of high-Sn/high-Pb solders in low-temperature flip chip joints during reflow. Experimental and simulation results; Acceleration of the homogenization process of the composite solder joint.

Pressure-induced resonant Raman scattering is adopted to analyze the zone-center optical phonon modes and crystal characteristics of Zn1-xMnxTe (0≤x≤0.26) thin films. The pressure (Pt) at which the semiconducting undergoes a transition to the metallic phase declines as a function of Mn concentration (x) according to the formula Pt(x)=15.7-25.4x+19.0x2 (GPa). Pressure-dependent longitudinal and transverse optical phonon frequencies and the calculated mode Grüneisen parameters were adopted to investigate the influence of Mn2+ ions on the iconicity. The experimental results indicate that the manganese ions tend to increase the iconicity of ZnTe under ambient conditions, whereas an external hydrostatic pressure tends to reduce the iconicity and the bond length of Zn1-xMnxTe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: A case of a pyoderma complicated with splenic abscess and bacteraemia caused by group A streptococcus was treated successfully with antibiotics alone for 4 weeks. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of splenic abscess associated with group A streptococcal bacteraemia. Advances in antibiotic therapy and imaging techniques have improved the management and outcomes of splenic abscesses. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of splenic abscess after a pyoderma or a sepsis-like episode.Conclusion: Splenic abscesses can be diagnosed by serial ultrasound or CT scan examinations and should be treated with antibiotics for 4-6 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase evolution, microstructure, and magnetic properties of PrxFe80-xTi2Co10B4C4 (x=9,10.5) melt-spun ribbons were studied. All these ribbons consist mainly of three phases, namely, 2:14:1, α-(Fe,Co), and 2:17 phases. The iHc significantly increases and Br slightly decreases with increasing Pr content. It was found that increasing Pr content from 9 to 10.5 at. % leads to marked grain refinement in the ribbons. Increasing Pr content also helps suppress the formation of metastable 2:17 phase and the grain growth of the α-(Fe,Co) phase during the annealing treatment, thus avoiding the formation of extensive soft magnetic regions. The refined and uniform structure tends to enhance the exchange-coupling interaction between magnetic grains, which results in a significant improvement of the demagnetization-curve shape and magnetic properties accordingly. High coercivity iHc of 10.2 kOe, remanence Br of 9.6 kG, and maximum energy product (BH)max of 17.4 MG Oe have been achieved in Pr10.5Fe69.5Ti2Co10B4C4 ribbons after optimal annealing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of Co content on the magnetic properties and microstructure of melt-spun [(Fe1-xCox)0.675Pt0.325]84B16 (x=0–0.5) and [(Fe1-yCoy)0.725Pt0.275]85B15 (y=0 and 0.3) nanocomposite ribbons have been investigated. The substitution of Co for Fe in [(Fe1-xCox)0.675Pt0.325]84B16 ribbons enhances the coercivity (iHc) from 7.5 kOe for x=0 to 10 kOe for x=0.3, due to the formation of ordered L10-(Fe,Co)Pt phase with higher anisotropy field. The effect of Co substitution for Fe in [(Fe1-yCoy)0.725Pt0.275]85B15 series ribbons is similar to that in [(Fe1-xCox)0.675Pt0.325]84B16 system. Interestingly, larger magnetization could be obtained by decreasing the boron and Pt content simultaneously. Moreover, L10-(Fe,Co)Pt phase provides [(Fe0.7Co0.3)0.725Pt0.275]85B15 ribbons sufficient high coercivity iHc=5.4 kOe, resulting in a remarkable enhancement of energy product from 10.0 MG Oe for Co-free ribbons to 15.7 MG Oe for ribbons with y=0.3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Au content on the magnetic properties and microstructure of melt spun (FePt)100-xAux (x=0–40) ribbons have been investigated. X-ray diffraction and thermal magnetic analysis results indicate that Au-rich phase coexists with ordered L10-FePt(Au) phase in ternary FePtAu ribbons after an isothermal annealing. Meanwhile, the Curie temperature of L10-FePt(Au) phase in annealed (FePt)100-xAux (x=0–40) ribbons is almost unchanged, revealing that higher volume fraction of Au addition does not modify the composition of the L10-FePt(Au) phase. All the Au containing ribbons exhibit a completely isolated L10-FePt(Au) granular structure, and the grain size is effectively decreased with the increase of Au content. As a result, the intrinsic coercivity (iHc) of the ribbons increases substantially from 2.1 kOe for binary FePt to 19.5 kOe for (FePt)60Au40. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic aftereffect and surface magnetic domain structure of (Fe0.675Pt0.325)100-xBx(x=12–20) nanocomposites have been investigated for correlating with their corresponding phases and magnetic properties. Exchange-coupling effect between grains is present for all the studied ribbons as evidenced by Henkel plot. The volume fraction of magnetically soft phases decreases with increasing B concentration from x=12 to x=18. It leads to the reduction in the activation volume of the reverse domain. Among all samples, the (Fe0.675Pt0.325)82B18 ribbon having the highest intrinsic coercivity (iHc) exhibits minimum value in activation volume V=1.1×10-18 cm3, because it possesses the least volume fraction of the magnetic soft phases, i.e., Fe2B or Fe3B phases. Magnetic force microscopy studies reveal the magnetic domain structures of the ribbons, confirming the existence of strong exchange coupling between magnetic grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase evolution and magnetic properties of melt-spun (Fe0.675Pt0.325)100-xBx (x=12-20) nanocomposite ribbons are investigated. For those ribbons spun at 45 m/s, followed with a 500 °C isothermal annealing for 1-6 h, the boron addition not only promotes disorder to order (γ!γ1) transformation but also leads to the formation of different kinds of Fe-borides. Pt exhibits a strong affinity to Fe during thermal processes in forming magnetically hard γ1(FePt) phase, leaving excess Fe to interact with B in forming Fe2B, Fe3B, or FeB. For x=12-18, all ribbons are composed of one hard phase, γ1-FePt, and three soft phases, γ-FePt, Fe2B, and Fe3B. But FeB also coexists for x =20. Through the exchange-coupling interaction between nanoscale γ1-FePt and multiple soft phases, record of magnetic properties of Br=9.4 kG, iHc=7.5 kOe, and (BH)max=14.0 MGOe has been successfully developed in isotropic (Fe0.675Pt0.325)84B16 ribbons, where the reduced remanence ratio (σr/σ12 kOe) is as high as 0.86. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic properties, phase evolution, and coercivity mechanism of melt-spun CoxZr98-xB2 (74⩽x⩽86) nanocomposites were studied systematically. From x-ray diffraction analysis, nearly single magnetic phase, Co23Zr6, is found in Co74Zr24B2 ribbon (x=74). With increasing Co content x, an additional phase, Co5Zr, is found for x=76; two phases, namely, fcc Co and Co5Zr, are found for x=78-84, but fcc Co is the only phase that can be detected in ribbon with x=86. The optimal magnetic properties of Br=5.13 kG (sr=49 emu/g), iHc=4.1 kOe, and (BH)max=5.1 MG Oe are obtained in Co80Zr18B2 ribbons quenched at Vs=45 m/s, which possesses Co5Zr and minor fcc-Co phases with nanoscale grain size (~50 and ~20 nm, respectively). Strong exchange-coupling effect occurred between grains as evidenced by the Henkel plot, giving rise to the improvement of remanence and magnetic energy product. The coercivity of CoxZr98-xB2 nanocomposites is mainly governed by reverse domain nucleation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Directional growth effect on magneto-mechanical properties of Fe81Al19 alloy is studied. The ideal model of heat flux for directional solidification (DS) technique is proposed, and the tuned A/L (the ratio of cross-sectional area and length for the ingot) and ΔT (temperature difference) are adopted to increase heat flux (q). The experimental result shows that the increase of q effectively promotes the degree of (011)[100] Goss texture and therefore helps to form an oriented stripe domain structure. Large λ100 of 93.8 ppm attained for this optimized Fe81Al19 alloy prepared by DS method is very close to that of the Fe81Al19 single crystal (95.0 ppm). For the optimized DS prepared Fe81Al19 alloy, high magnetostriction sensitivity (dλ/dH) of 0.45 ppm/Oe leads to huge ΔEs/E0 of ∼10% and attractive ΔE/E0 of 8.2% at small H = 0.25 kOe. The above remarkable magneto-mechanical properties, low cost of Fe81Al19, and simple process of DS favor for applications. This work proposes an ideal model to emphasize the importance of heat flux in DS, and experimentally attains the remarkable magneto-mechanical properties for Fe81Al19 alloy prepared by DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional NdFeB sintered magnets with coercivity larger than 20 kOe, called super-high (SH) level, usually contains considerable amount of high-cost heavy rare earth (HRE), such as Dy or Tb. In this work, high coercivity of 21.4 kOe, which corresponds to SH level, is achieved for HRE-free NdFeB magnet by doping with Ce85Al15 (CeAl) alloy and grain boundary diffusion (GBD) with Pr70Cu15Al15 (PrCuAl) alloy powders, where Ce/RE ratio is about 15% within the magnet. After GBD treatment with PrCuAl on Ce-containing NdFeB magnets, the formation of Pr-containing shell at 2:14:1 grain surface can increase the local magnetic anisotropy filed and therefore enhance the coercivity. Most of Cu and Al, and parts of Ce and Pr appear at grain boundary and triple junction, which can reduce the magnetization of grain boundary phase, strengthen the decoupling effect between grains and thus contribute to high coercivity. This study provides a cost-effective way to obtain high coercivity for HRE-free NdFeB sintered magnet via doping Ce85Al15 and then GBD with Pr70Cu15Al15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To track penicillin susceptibility among Streptococcus pneumoniae causing invasive diseases and to evaluate risk factors for antibiotic resistance. Methods A retrospective study was performed in a medical center of all patients with invasive pneumococcal infections based on positive microbiological findings, confirmed by appropriate clinical and laboratory findings. MICs of penicillin and ceftriaxone were determined and interpreted by NCCLS methodology. Results Fifty-three episodes of invasive S. pneumoniae infections (ISPI) among 22 children and 31 adults were identified. The disease patterns of ISPI were similar between children and adults, and the most common modes were pneumonia (70%) and primary bacteremia (23%). The rate of penicillin-nonsusceptible S. pneumoniae (PNSP) isolated from pediatric patients was higher than that in adult patients (95.5% vs. 54.8%, P < 0.001). This finding was correlated to prior antibiotic use that was more common in children (36.4%) than in adults (18.9%). The rate of penicillin-resistance among S. pneumoniae isolates (PRSP) was extremely high in this area: 45.5% from pediatric patients and 41.9% from adult patients. More adults (90.3%) with ISPI had major underlying diseases than children (4.5%). This may explain why adult patients tended to run an unfavorable outcome (mortality rate, 51.6% and 4.5% in adults and children, respectively), although most of the cases with empyema were children. None of the patients enrolled in this study received pneumococcal vaccination. Conclusion We suggest that vaccines be administered for young children and the elderly with major underlying diseases to prevent ISPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]