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This study investigated the incidence, progression and clinical course of myocardial injury-related snake envenomation in South Korea. In addition, this study evaluated whether antivenom guidelines are appropriate to control envenomation in patients with myocardial injury. The study included 198 patients who received antivenom after a snakebite, and they were divided into two groups according to evidence of myocardial injury (defined as elevated troponin I or ischemic change on electrocardiogram) at presentation. Data including serial troponin I, echocardiogram/coronary angiogram findings, the clinical course, and treatment were collected and analyzed. The incidence of myocardial injury at presentation was 15.2%. The troponin I level was 0.11 (0.07–0.56) ng/ml at presentation and tended to decrease over 24 h. Echocardiograms revealed neither regional wall motion abnormalities nor left ventricular dysfunction in 15 of 17 patients, while two patients showed signs of coronary artery stenosis on echocardiograms and coronary angiograms. However, compared with patients without myocardial injury, patients with myocardial injury had a higher frequency of systemic envenomation complications, including bleeding, respiratory failure, hypotension, acute kidney injury, thrombocytopenia and venom-induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC). The patients with myocardial injury at presentation needed significantly more frequent and larger doses of antivenom than indicated by the initial severity of envenomation. Multivariate analysis showed that myocardial injury was associated with the need for additional antivenom administration after initial administration. Myocardial injury is not uncommon after snake envenomation in Korea. Although myocardial injury itself seems to be benign, the clinical course of patients with myocardial injury is complicated, and myocardial injury is associated with the need for additional antivenom administration. The optimal use of antivenom to control envenomation in patents with myocardial injury after snake envenomation in South Korea should be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural, dielectric, magnetic, and magnetodielectric properties were systematically investigated for (1-x)BaTiO3-(x)LaMnO3 composites in wide temperatures, frequencies, and mole percent (x). Dielectric anomaly around 410 K and magnetic hysteresis at 293 K were clearly observed, which might imply the coexistence of ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism at room temperature. The values of magnetodielectric effect were well scaled with M2, i.e., ([[variant_greek_epsilon](H)-[variant_greek_epsilon](0)]/[variant_greek_epsilon](0))∼M2, and were increased with x. The observed magnetodielectric effect were discussed in conjunction with the formation of a magnetoresistive (La,Ba)MnO3 phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Co/Pt multilayer with strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy was prepared by electron beam evaporation. Using polarized extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements at the Co K edge, the interface structure of the Co/Pt multilayer was investigated. In quantitative analysis, the EXAFS data measured with in-plane polarization showed considerable intermixing at the Co/Pt interfaces, while those measured with out-of-plane polarization indicated an abrupt interface structure. More detailed atomic configurations of the Co/Pt interface were simulated using the measured coordination numbers. The results of the computer simulation showed that the Pt clusters in Co layers and the Co clusters in Pt layers were interfacing. With the obtained structural information and a symmetry-based Ne´el model, the magnetic anisotropy of the multilayer was estimated. The estimated magnetic anisotropy was consistent with the measured one. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unmanned rotorcraft represents a new paradigm in agricultural activities. Rotor-blade design to improve lift performance was necessitated because payload-mounted flights suffer from a lack of lift. A prototype of rotor blade, comprising the V2008B airfoil, was assessed on an agricultural rotorcraft. The lift corresponding to the collective pitch angle (CPA) and rotor speed was measured on field and compared with a base-line blade. Measurements demonstrated that the prototype blade could sustain a maximum payload of 589 N, resulting in a total lift of 1256 N. Thus, an increase of 10.5 % in total lift was accomplished, compared with a base-line of 1137 N. Simulation also indicated that total lift equals 1269 N at CPA = 10°, approximately 1.0 % greater than the experimental lift. However, a practical spray payload would be reduced due to the ground effect and uncertainty, existing during an anchored field experiment. The ground effect from the experimental operation close to the ground would reduce 10 % of the total lift, resulting in 1138 N for hovering. Furthermore, uncertainty existed in stick control inputs and local wind conditions, resulting in fluctuations of rotor speed and payload. The standard deviation of net lift was ±45.33 N; therefore, the minimum net lift of the low envelope assessed from the uncertainty analysis would be 426 N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision making in nursing is one of the most important skills nurses must apply and utilize in their nursing practice. The aim of this study was to determinethe perception of clinical decision making ability among nursing students. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital. A total of 54 nursing students were recruited using a modified version of Clinical Decision Making in Nursing Scale (CDMNS) adapted from Jenkins (1985). The findings showed good CDMNS score with mean and standard deviation of (124.24±12.713). The four sub-scales of CDMNS were: searching for alternative (33.24±4.821), canvassing (28.74±3.514), evaluation and re-evaluation (31.43±3.922), searching for information (30.83±4.765). Nineteen (35%) of the participants chose nursing as their first choice, whereas 35 participants (65%) did not. Thirthy seven (69%) participants were satisfied with their nursing competency, 17 (31%) were unsatisfied. There were significant differences between searching for alternatives, evaluation and re-evaluation, and nursing as their first choice (p=<0.05). There were also significant differences between searching for alternatives and satisfaction with nursing competency (p=<0.05). There was significant difference between education level and searching for alternatives and information (p=<0.05). The nursing students possessed adequate clinical decision making ability. Although most of the nursing students did not choose nursing as their first choice, they sought for alternatives and evaluated-reevaluated during their decision making process. Nursing students' satisfaction also contributed to appropriate clinical decision making in the critical care setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance and clinical characteristics of a novel hyperthermia antenna operating at 434 MHz were evaluated for the adjuvant treatment of locally advanced superficial tumours in cats, dogs and horses. Electromagnetic simulations were performed to determine electric field characteristics and compared to simulations for a flat microwave antenna with similar dimensions. Simulation results show a reduced skin surface and backfield irradiation and improved directional irradiation (at broadside) compared to a flat antenna. Radiated power and penetration is notably increased with a penetration depth of 4.59 cm compared to 2.74 cm for the flat antenna. Clinical use of the antenna was then evaluated in six animals with locoregionally advanced solid tumours receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. During clinical applications, therapeutic temperatures were achieved at depths ≥4 cm. Objective responses were seen in all patients; tissue toxicity in one case limited further therapy. This antenna provides compact, efficient, focused and deep-penetrating clinical hyperthermia for the treatment of solid tumours in veterinary patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the role of the grain boundary on the resistive magnetodielectric property of polycrystalline γ-Fe2O3 through impedance spectroscopy measurements. Depending on the sample preparation temperature, the dielectric constant of γ-Fe2O3 is significantly different especially at low frequencies (<104 Hz) and high temperatures (>200 K). The value of the magnetodielectric effect at a specific frequency and the resonance frequency for the maximized magnetodielectric effect are different, although polycrystalline γ-Fe2O3 samples show a quite similar magnetoresistance. Through the experimentally obtained resistance ratio between the grain and the grain boundary, we can reproduce the magnetodielectric curves based on the Maxwell–Wagner model and the measured magnetoresistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects are capable of readjusting their digestive regimes in response to dietary challenge. Cowpea bruchids ( Callosobruchus maculatus) strongly induce C. maculatus cathepsin B-like cysteine protease 1 ( CmCatB1) transcripts when fed diet containing a soybean cysteine protease inhibitor soyacystatin N (scN). CmCatB1 shares significant sequence similarity with cathepsin B-like cysteine proteases. In this study, we isolated another cDNA, namely CmCatB2 that encodes a protein sequence otherwise identical to CmCatB1, but lacking a 70-amino-acid internal section. CmCatB1 and CmCatB2 probably resulted from alternate splicing events. Only the CmCatB1 transcript, however, exhibited differential expression in response to dietary scN. Further, this expression was only detectable in larvae, which is the developmental stage associated with food ingestion. The scN-activated and developmentally regulated CmCatB1 expression pattern suggests it may have a unique function in insect counter-defence against antinutritional factors. Heterologously expressed recombinant CmCatB1 protein exhibited enzymatic activity in a pH-dependent manner. Activity of the protein was inhibited by both the cysteine protease inhibitor E-64 and the cathepsin B-specific inhibitor CA-074, verifying its cathepsin B-like cysteine protease nature. Interestingly, the enzymatic activity was unaffected by the presence of scN. Together, we have provided functional evidence suggesting that CmCatB1 confers inhibitor-insensitive enzymatic activity to cowpea bruchids, which is crucial for insect survival when challenged by dietary protease inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypyrrole(PPy)nanotubes and nanowires were synthesized through electrochemical polymerization method in nanoporous anodisc aluminum oxide(Al 2 O 3 )template. The electrolyte consisted of pyrrole monomer, solvent, and ionic liquid dopant such as BMIMBF 4 (1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate)or BMIMPF 6 (1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate), which is stable in air and moisture. The length and diameter of PPy nanotubes and nanowires were determined by the synthetic conditions such as polymerization time, current, and dopant. The formation of nanotube and nanowire of PPy sample was confirmed by using field emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The UV/Vis and Raman spectra have been investigated for structural properties of the systems. We compare electrical properties of nano size PPy materials with bulky PPy ones prepared in the same chemical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The broadening of X-ray peak profiles and movements of tensile axes were obtained simultaneously in single-slip-conditioned copper single crystals. Two types of sample showed different tensile axis movements and slip system activities. These results are in accord with the observation of slip lines with scanning electron microscopy. The broadening of the X-ray peak profiles is highly dependent on the absolute value of g b despite the same amount of deformation. The slope between shear stress and beta obtained from disorder broadening generally shows similar trends for samples A and B. As soon as the tensile axis leaves its original stereographic triangle, beta stops increasing in disorder sample B. This phenomenon indicates the change of activation of (111)\[101] and (111)\[011] slip systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a strain-induced magnetoelectric coupling in BaTiO3/Fe3O4 ferroelectric core/ferrimagnetic shell nanoparticles. The temperature-dependent magnetoresistance and magnetization clearly show several jumps near the structural phase transition temperatures of BaTiO3. Below the Verwey transition temperature of Fe3O4, i.e., at 20 K, the dielectric constant of BaTiO3/Fe3O4 decreases continuously upon application of an external magnetic field, and the observed magnetodielectric curve does not follow the square of the magnetization. We discuss the effect of strain on the electric field-dependent magnetic anisotropy near the core/shell interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an intriguing magnetodielectric coupling in BaTiO3/γ-Fe2O3 dielectric core/ferrimagnetic shell nanoparticles. The dielectric constant steeply increases with magnetic field, and the frequency dependent magnetodielectric curve shows a resonancelike peak at high temperatures, while it decreases smoothly with field and no peak appears in the frequency dependent magnetodielectric curve at low temperatures. We attribute the observed magnetodielectric coupling to the Maxwell-Wagner effect combined with magnetoresistance at high temperatures and to possible spin-lattice coupling and its modification near interfaces at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have systematically investigated the magnetodielectric property of polycrystalline γ-Fe2O3. The dielectric constants of γ-Fe2O3 seem to follow the Maxwell-Wagner model, i.e., their large enhancement and strong temperature and frequency dependences. Positive magnetodielectric property is observed with negative magnetoresistance, at least above 180 K. The value of magnetodielectric effect is maximized at the specific frequency, which is inversely proportional to resistivity. Based on the Maxwell-Wagner model and the magnetoresistance, we can reproduce the magnetodielectric effect of γ-Fe2O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the effect of Dy3+ substitution on the structural and magnetic properties of CoFe2-xDyxO4 (x = 0.00 to 0.1 in step of 0.025) system synthesized by solution combustion method were investigated. The thermal decomposition process was investigated by means of differential and thermal gravimetric analysis that showed that the precursor could yield the final product after calcination above 600 °C. The phase purity and crystal lattice symmetry were estimated from X-ray diffraction studies. The microstructural features were observed by scanning electron microscopy that demonstrates the fine clustered particles with an increase of average grain size with Dy3+ content. The existence of constituent's, i.e., Co, Fe, and Dy were authenticated by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. An infrared spectroscopy study shows the presence of two absorption bands in the frequency range around 590 cm-1 (ν1) and around 480 cm-1 (ν2); which indicate the presence of tetrahedral and octahedral group complexes, respectively, within the spinel lattice. Room temperature magnetization measurements showed that the saturation magnetization and hysteresis losses (coercivity) decreases with Dy3+ addition, which implies that these materials may be applicable for magnetic data storage and recording media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been increasing interest in using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to reduce the labor required for pest control and to protect farmers from exposure to pesticides. Unmanned aerial application has become a new paradigm in pesticide application; however, a uniform speed must be maintained within a short accelerating distance when spraying small plots, and this depends on the skill of the operator, which is difficult to rely on. In this study, the agility of a direct head system mounted on an unmanned agricultural helicopter was compared with that of a conventional stabilizer head system by using a pitch sweep test in CIFER, a dynamic analysis software program. The controllable frequency range of the unmanned agricultural helicopter with the direct head was analyzed to range between 0.06 and 5 Hz, and the responsiveness of the helicopter with the conventional stabilizer head was observed in a relatively low frequency range of 0.06 to 1.6 Hz. In addition, in comparing the equivalent time delay between the representative transfer functions from the pitch direction input to the surge acceleration obtained using NAVFIT analysis, the time delay of the direct head was shorter than that of the stabilizer head, although the extent of the enhancement was not satisfactory because of the tail gyroscope used for intrinsic attitude stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although excessive artificial light at night is known to cause circadian disruption or nocturnal melatonin suppression, there was no systemic study which examined the association of light at night (LAN) and sleep disturbance. The aim of this study was performed to investigate how exposure to LAN can affect sleep in a population level. Materials and methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study using the data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, which began in 2001 as an ongoing population-based study of Korean adults aged 39–70years in Ansan and Ansung, South Korea. Using NOAA (national oceanic and atmospheric administration) satellite images, levels of LAN (0–63W/cm2 steradian) were dichotomized (high vs. low intensity) in both regions. The relationships between LAN exposure and sleep disturbances such as insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), insufficiency of sleep, snoring, irregularity of sleep, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and nap were investigated using multiple logistic regression. We estimated odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of LAN exposure parameter in each sleep disturbance using multiple logistic regression models adjusting for various clinical variables. Results: The sample consisted of 8531 participants (4015 men and 4516 women) with mean age of 52.9±9.0years. The participants complained of insomnia (9.6%), EDS (13.7%), insufficiency of sleep (34.2%), snoring (62.7%), irregularity of sleep (26.3%), RLS (12.5%), and nap (37.8%). High LAN exposure was positively associated with insomnia (OR=1.73, 95% CI [1.40, 2.14]) and snoring (OR=1.20, 95% CI [1.06, 1.37]), but was negatively associated with EDS (OR=0.73, 95% CI [0.61, 0.88]) and irregularity of sleep (OR=0.65, 95% CI [0.57, 0.75]). On the other hand, LAN exposure was not associated with RLS, nap, or insufficiency of sleep. Conclusion: We concluded that high LAN exposure contributed to sleep disturbance such as insomnia and snoring. Acknowledgements: This study was supported by the KEITI of the Ministry of Environment of Korea (RQ201205099). This study was provided with biospecimens and data from the Korean Genome Analysis Project (4845–301), the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (4851–302), and Korea Biobank Project (4851–307, KBP- 2013–05) that were supported by the Korea Center for Disease Control, Republic of Korea. The light at night data was provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a study regarding the medulla compression caused by vertebral artery dolichoectasia. It discusses that medulla compression caused by vertebral artery dolichoectasia in the case of chronic ataxia with combined medullar sings needs to be included in the differential diagnosis encompassing cerebellar atrophy, drug overdose or stroke.

The binding energy of metals shows a universal feature which can be described by an equation of state. We explore the scaling behavior of the surface energy in face-centered cubic metals and propose the concept of equivalent structures. The surface energies were calculated on various orientations using the modified embedded-atom method. A strong linear correlation was observed between the surface energies of different metals. Based on the results, we established a scaled surface energy-to-element relationship. This scalability suggests an efficient scheme to estimate the orientation dependency of the surface energy by two characteristic parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six pine species or hybrids were tested for susceptibility to pitch canker caused by Fusarium  circinatum. Pinus  densiflora, Pinus  thunbergii, Pinus  x rigitaeda ( Pinus  rigida × Pinus  taeda), P. rigida × P. x rigitaeda, Pinus  echinata and Pinus  virginiana were inoculated with three spore loads (50, 500 and 5000 per tree) of F.  circinatum. External symptoms, lesion length, and the frequency of reisolation of the fungus were investigated. External symptoms were greatest in P.  echinata, followed by P.  virginiana, however, P.  densiflora was not susceptible to F. circinatum. Based on mean lesion lengths, the six pine species or hybrids differed significantly (p < 0.01) in susceptibility to pitch canker. Pinus  echinata sustained the longest lesions, whereas P.  densiflora sustained the shortest lesions. The effect of inoculum density was not significant among three spore treatments within species (p = 0.17), although lesion length was slightly greater at higher spore loads over all pine species. The fungus was reisolated from inoculated stems of all pine species tested, even on trees showing little or no damage from the disease. Additional studies are needed to further explore the basis for resistance to pitch canker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study investigated the nature and severity of venom-induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC) and determined the clotting factors involved in VICC in patients after envenomation by South Korea's snakes. Additionally, we studied the effectiveness of antivenom for the treatment of VICC after envenomation. Included patients were divided into three groups according to the severity of VICC (no VICC, partial VICC, and complete VICC). Data, including changes in coagulation parameters during hospitalization and clotting factors at presentation, were collected and analyzed. One hundred nineteen patients who presented at our emergency department within 3 h after snake envenomation were included. VICC developed in 34 patients (27 patients with partial VICC and 7 patients with complete VICC). Two of 34 patients with VICC required blood transfusions. Five patients with complete VICC had an undetectable fibrinogen concentration at presentation. Three patients with complete VICC had an unmeasurable INR and aPTT within 24 h. The median times of the most extreme values were 10 h for INR, 12 h for aPTT, and 16 h for fibrinogen after presentation in the VICC group. The D-dimer concentration peaked at a median of 63.5 h after presentation. The activities of factors II and X were significantly reduced in the complete VICC group (factor II: 88 (84-99.3)% in the non-VICC group vs. 69 (49.5–83.5)% in the complete VICC group; factor X:94 (83–102) in the non-VICC group vs. 70 (66.5–79.8)% in the complete VICC group), while there was no difference in factor V activity at presentation. The time from bite to first antivenom administration did not correlate with the time course and most extreme concentrations for fibrinogen and D-dimer within the VICC groups. VICC occurs in approximately one-quarter of snakebite patients in South Korea; however, VICC itself does not appear to lead to clinical deterioration. Fibrinogen is an early diagnostic maker for complete VICC. Clotting factors II and X are involved in VICC. Future investigations should explore the mechanism of VICC from Korean snakebites and the effect of antivenom on VICC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deformation behaviour of pure copper single crystals has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron radiation using the in situ reflection Laue method. Two types of sample with the same orientation of tensile axes, but with different crystallographic orientations in the directions of the width and thickness of the samples, have been studied. They showed different characteristics of deformation behaviour, such as the activated slip systems, the movement of the tensile axis, and the mode of fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing interest in unmanned aerial pesticide application, which is a new farming paradigm aimed at reducing labor and improving production stability. To alleviate the difficulties being experienced by operators and pilots, researchers are focusing on the lack of lift and are trying to enhance lift by improving rotor airfoil. In this study, with the objective of enhancing the rotor performance of agricultural unmanned helicopters, the performance of basic airfoils was evaluated in a wind tunnel and via computational fluid dynamics simulation. The lift and power characteristics of rotor blades were also evaluated. As airfoil design steps to improve the lift of unmanned helicopter, the characteristics of lift, drag, and power were analyzed via wind tunnel tests for the 400 mm section models of two airfoils, specifically a thick airfoil (V1505A) with blunt nose and a thin airfoil (V2008B) with drooping nose. The V1505A airfoil is appropriate for the inboard region, which requires stable aerodynamics at a high angle of attack. On the other hand, the V2008B airfoil is ideal for the outboard region of the rotor because it has a relatively high dynamic efficiency. Therefore, it is expected that a transitional airfoil blade with a negative twist angle can solve the problems of unmanned aerial pesticide application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of using Agriculture unmanned helicopters (AUHs), especially for spraying pesticides and fertilizers on any terrain type to ensure crop yields, has been recently acknowledged. Apart from flying these helicopters at a super-low altitude and low speed, using an efficient and optimum rotor blade ensures a uniform and deep penetration of pesticide and fertilizers over a specified area. Accordingly, this work attempts to optimize the rotor blade of an AUH by using coupling statistics and several numerical techniques, including design of experiments, response surface method, and computational fluid dynamics. The experiments are designed using the central composite design method and by selecting the geometric variables that affect the aerodynamic performance of the rotor blade, including the root chord, tip chord, and angle of attack. The angle at the root and tip is optimized in order for the resulting twist to produce a uniform blade loading, achieve maximum lift, and minimize the required hover power. The required aerodynamic forces and limited availability of engine power are identified as constraints. The blade is optimized only when the helicopter is hovering at a persistent rotational speed, and the hover efficiency of the rotor blade with an optimal twist distribution is significantly higher than the baseline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that identified the origin unknown x-ray diffraction peaks from incommensurate superlattices. Equation used to calculate the x-ray diffraction profile of the internal structures of the incommensurate superlattices; Diffraction patterns of two different kinds of structures; Factors to which the changes in the positions and intensities of the satellite peaks are attributed.

Presents information on a study which examined the dependence of cobalt/palladium multilayered films' magnetic properties on the structural parameters estimated by x-ray diffraction. Factors attributed to the research on transition-metal/noble metal multilayered thin films with the development of shorter wavelength lasers; Methodology of the study; Results and discussion.

Genetic parameters associated with yearling weight, carcass traits, and primal-cut yields of male Hanwoo cattle were investigated using univariate and bivariate animal models. The mean yearling weight (YWT), carcass weight (CWT), longissimus muscle area (LMA), backfat thickness (BFT), and marbling score (MS) were 352.47 ± 0.40 kg, 337.39 ± 0.64 kg, 78.28 ± 0.13 cm2, 8.45 ± 0.05 mm, and 3.25 ± 0.03, respectively. Total primal-cut yield (TPC) was 78.95 ± 0.10% of CWT, of which 42.3% was contributed by the forequarters (chuck, CHK; shoulder, SLD; ribs, RIB; and brisket and flank, BAF). Loins, top round (TRND), and round (RND) were associated with yields of 13.57%, 5.45 ± 0.01%, and 8.87 ± 0.02%, respectively. The largest cut studied was ribs (15.67 ± 0.03%). The estimated heritabilities (h2) of YWT, CWT, LMA, BFT, and MS were 0.18 ± 0.02, 0.29 ± 0.04, 0.38 ± 0.05, 0.45 ± 0.05, and 0.62 ± 0.07, respectively. Shoulder yield was highly heritable in Hanwoo steers (0.83 ± 0.13), followed by the yields of round (0.66 ± 0.12), striploin (0.64 ± 0.12), top round (0.62 ± 0.12), sirloin (0.60 ± 0.12), and total primal-cut yield (0.52 ± 0.11). The h2 values of CHK, BAF, RIB, and tenderloin (TLN) ranged from 0.19 ± 0.09 to 0.41 ± 0.11. Generally, the genetic CV was low for most traits (2.33%-6.15%), except for CHK, BFT, and MS. The genetic correlation (rg) was strong between YWT and CWT (0.77 ± 0.06). The greatest positive and negative rg among carcass traits were those between LMA and CWT (0.52 ± 0.08) and between LMA and BFT (-0.30 ± 0.09), respectively. The correlation between CHK and SLD (0.81 ± 0.14), and those between SLD, TLN, TRND, and RND, were mostly strong (0.77-0.87), but the rg between RIB and other traits were strongly negative. The TPC yield showed moderate to high rg with most primal cuts. The YWT, CWT, and LMA correlated notably with CHK, SLD, and loin yields, especially LMA. However, BFT and MS were negatively correlated with many primal cuts but RIB. Those rg estimates were also opposite of that of LMA and CWT with primal cuts. Phenotypic correlations (rp) were generally weaker than rg estimates. The rp of YWT, CWT, and LMA were either zero or moderately negative compared to those of the BFT and MS with primal cuts. Most primal cuts yielded positive rp estimates among them, except for RIB. Our results suggest that direct selection for YWT, various carcass traits, and primal-cut yields may increase the carcass value of Hanwoo males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mono-dispersed copper nanoparticles with various sizes are prepared to control the electron beam energy, beam currents, and absorbed doses. This method is a simple, quick, single step, and green process because no chemical reduction agent is used and no by product is produced. The copper particles were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis spectrometer, and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Copper nanoparticles have unique properties with a surface plasmon resonance effect. The size of the nanoparticles can influence their optical properties. The positions of plasmon absorption in these copper nanoparticles can be various owing to the different sizes. It has been recognized that the plasmon position of copper nanoparticles is shifted to a long wavelength according to the increased size. The size control of the copper particles can be achieved by adjusting the electron beam irradiation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central nervous system (CNS)-directed prophylactic intrathecal (IT) therapy is indicated in patients with Burkitt and acute lymphoblastic lymphoma. Its role in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a heterogeneous subtype, is less well defined. While addition of rituximab to standard cyclophosphamide-hydroxydaunorubicin-oncovin-prednisone (CHOP) chemotherapy (R-CHOP) has improved the outcomes of DLBCL patients, its role in reducing CNS relapse is unclear. We aim to (1) evaluate the clinical risk factors predictive of CNS relapse, (2) the role of rituximab in influencing CNS relapse, and (3) role of intrathecal prophylaxis. Four hundred ninety-nine patients with DLBCL from 2000 to 2008 were included (CHOP 179 vs. R-CHOP 320). IT prophylaxis was administered to 82 patients based on our institution's guidelines. Baseline characteristics between CHOP- and R-CHOP-treated patients were similar. Although R-CHOP significantly increased the complete remission rate from 71% to 81% ( P < 0.01), CNS relapse rates remained unchanged (R-CHOP 6% vs. CHOP 5.1%). On multivariate analysis, poor performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group >1; hazard ratio (HR) = 2.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-3.14), failure to attain remission (non-complete response (CR) vs. CR: HR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.03 to 5.51), testicular (HR = 6.67, 95% CI = 1.62 to 27.53), kidney (HR = 20.14, 95% CI = 5.23 to 77.46), and breast involvement (HR = 6.14, 95% CI = 1.61 to 23.37) were each independently predictive of CNS relapse. Use of IT prophylaxis did not appear to decrease CNS relapse. Median survival after CNS relapse was 3.2 months. CNS relapse, a fatal event, remains a challenge in R-CHOP-treated patients. IT prophylaxis may not be sufficient to reduce CNS relapse, and strategies including systemic agents with high CNS penetration should be evaluated in high-risk patients identified in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Diabetes mellitus (DM) is frequently observed in patients with cirrhosis, particularly that due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, no studies have focused on the clinical significance of glycaemic control in cirrhotic patients because of their short life expectancy and poor hepatic function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of glycaemic control in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV-related cirrhosis and DM. Methods A total of 434 patients with HCV-related (HCV group, n = 88) or HBV-related (HBV group, n = 346) cirrhosis were studied retrospectively. We determined the prevalence of DM and treatment methods for hyperglycaemia and status of glycaemic control, and the patients’ outcome. Results The prevalence of DM was 43.2% (38/88) in the HCV group and 19.7% (68/346) in the HBV group. Patients in the HCV group were older with a female preponderance. DM was detected before the diagnosis of cirrhosis or simultaneously in 92% and 79% in the HCV and HBV groups, respectively. Most patients were treated with insulin or oral hypoglycaemic agents. However, blood glucose levels were maintained within the normal range in 34.2% of the HCV group and in 23.5% of the HBV group. Forty-six patients died during the observation period in both groups. Hepatic failure was the most common cause of death, and sepsis and variceal bleeding were more frequent in the HCV group than in the HBV group. Multivariate analysis showed that Child–Pugh class was the most important factor for survival in both groups. In the HCV group, the status of glycaemic control was a significant independent factor of survival ( P = 0.018). In the HBV group, age and the development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis were significant. Conclusion DM is more frequent in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis than in patients with HBV. Strict control of blood glucose levels could improve survival in HCV patients. A precise assessment of the risks and benefits of glycaemic control is required to reduce the mortality and morbidity of patients with cirrhosis and DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A floating body electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit positioned between and coupled to an I/O pad and an internal circuit is presented. A small NMOS transistor is used to control the body of a main NMOS transistor. When the small NMOS transistor is triggered, the body of the main NMOS transistor remains grounded. If the small NMOS transistor has not been triggered, the body of the main NMOS transistor remains in a floating state, lowering the range of the snapback voltage. As a consequence the ESD protection circuit is able to function more rapidly. The proposed ESD protection circuit is designed in 65 nm CMOS technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]