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This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of using optimized parameters obtained by computer simulation for ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of uterine adenomyosis in comparison with conventional parameters. We retrospectively assessed a single-institution, prospective study that was registered at Clinical Research Information Service (CRiS) of Republic of Korea (KCT0003586). Sixty-six female participants (median age: 44 years) with focal uterine adenomyosis were prospectively enrolled. All participants were treated with a HIFU system by using treatment parameters either for treating uterine fibroids (Group A, first 20 participants) or obtained via computer simulation (Group B, later 46 participants). To assess the treatment efficacy of HIFU, qualitative indices, including the clinically effective dysmenorrhea improvement index (DII), were evaluated up to 3 years after treatment, whereas quantitative indices, such as the nonperfused volume ratio and adenomyosis volume shrinkage ratio (AVSR), on MRI were evaluated up to 3 months after treatment. Quantitative/qualitative indices were compared between Groups A and B by using generalized linear mixed effect model. A safety assessment was also performed. Results showed that clinically effective DII was more frequently observed in Group B than in Group A (odds ratio, 3.69; P = 0.025), and AVSR were higher in Group B than in Group A (least-squares means, 21.61; P = 0.001). However, two participants in Group B developed skin burns at the buttock and sciatic nerve pain and required treatment. In conclusion, parameters obtained by computer simulation were more effective than the conventional parameters for treating uterine adenomyosis by using HIFU in terms of clinically effective DII and AVSR. However, care should be taken because of the risk of adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hepatobiliary phase (HBP) hypointense nodules without arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI (GA-MRI) may be nonmalignant cirrhosis-associated nodules or hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). We aimed to characterize HBP hypointense nodules without APHE on GA-MRI by performing contrast-enhanced ultrasound using perfluorobutane (PFB-CEUS). Methods: In this prospective, single-center study, participants at high-risk of HCC having HBP hypointense nodules without APHE at GA-MRI were enrolled. All participants underwent PFB-CEUS; if APHE and late, mild washout or washout in the Kupffer phase were present, the diagnosis of HCC was established according to the v2022 Korean guidelines. The reference standard consisted of histopathology or imaging. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive values of PFB-CEUS for detecting HCC were calculated. Associations between clinical/imaging features and the diagnosis of HCC were evaluated with logistic regression analyses. Results: In total, 67 participants (age, 67.0 years ± 8.4; 56 men) with 67 HBP hypointense nodules without APHE (median size, 1.5 cm [range, 1.0–3.0 cm]) were included. The prevalence of HCC was 11.9% (8/67). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of PFB-CEUS for detecting HCC were 12.5%(1/8), 96.6%(57/59), 33.3%(1/3) and 89.1%(57/64), respectively. Mild-moderate T2 hyperintensity on GA-MRI (odds ratio, 5.756; P = 0.042) and washout in the Kupffer phase on PFB-CEUS (odds ratio, 5.828; P = 0.048) were independently associated with HCC. Conclusion: Among HBP hypointense nodules without APHE, PFB-CEUS was specific for detecting HCC, which had a low prevalence. Mild-moderate T2 hyperintensity on GA-MRI and washout in the Kupffer phase on PFB-CEUS may be useful to detect HCC in those nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• For depth from light field, a framework based on the foreground-background separation with deep learning is presented. • A method of the multi-scale foreground-background separation is proposed. • To further improve around occlusion boundary, a loss function matching gradient magnitude is proposed. There are three viewpoints to divide the depth from light field (DFLF) methods: light field (LF) representation, signal processing, and learning viewpoints. In the signal processing viewpoint in details, the DFLF methods can be divided into three groups: cost-based, foreground-background separation (FBS)-based, and depth model-based methods. Although the deep learning techniques are widely implemented in the cost-based and depth model-based methods for the DFLF, they are not implemented in the FBS-based method, yet. In this paper, we propose a DFLF method based on the FBS with the deep learning techniques. Based on an observation that the angular aliasing artifacts are reduced in the resulting disparity maps obtained from spatially low-scale LF images, multi-scale (MS) FBS score maps are used in the proposed methods. To combine the MS FBS score maps into a single FBS score maps, four directional LF gradients, features from the 4-D LF, and features from the center view images are utilized. Based on the sensitivity and specificity loss, the gradient matching loss between the predicted and ground truth disparity maps is used to improve the performance around the occlusion boundary in the resulting disparity maps. The experimental results show that the proposed method performs reasonably in both the synthetic and real LF datasets. Especially, in the texture-less region in the real dataset, the resulting disparity maps obtained by the proposed method show that the artifacts are reduced compared to those by the existing DFLF methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the safety and preliminary efficacy of the combined treatment of focused ultrasound (FUS) and chemotherapy (nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine, nPac/Gem) for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. Methods: Patients pathologically diagnosed with unresectable pancreatic cancer were included. Low (Isppa = 1.5 kW/cm2), intermediate (2.0 kW/cm2), and high (2.5 kW/cm2) FUS intensity treatment groups were predefined. A 1% duty cycle and the 3+3 scheme were used. Six combined treatments were performed, and adverse events were assessed. Changes in tumor size and tumor response, CA 19-9 level, and patient-reported outcomes at the immediate follow-up (F/U) and/or at the 3-month F/U and survival were evaluated. Results: Three participants were enrolled in each intensity group. No adverse device effect or dose-limiting toxicity occurred in any of the participants. Seven of the nine participants experienced a >15% tumor size decrease at the immediate F/U CT and at the 3-month F/U CT. The CA 19-9 level decreased in all of the participants at the immediate F/U. All participants in the intermediate-intensity treatment group showed a > 30% tumor size decrease, partial response, and a significant decrease in the CA 19-9 level at 3-month F/U and longer survival (p < 0.05). Conclusion: FUS with an intensity of 1.5 to 2.5 kW/cm2 was safe in the combined treatment of FUS and nPac/Gem. Considering the results of the change in tumor size, the change in CA 19-9 level, tumor response, and survival, these FUS parameters can be used for subsequent clinical trials. Key Points: • No adverse device effect or dose-limiting toxicity occurred in any of the participants when focused ultrasound with an intensity of 1.5–2.5 kW/cm2and a low duty cycle of 1% was combined with chemotherapy. • The intermediate-intensity group showed a >30% tumor size decrease, partial response, and a significant decrease in CA 19-9 in all of the participants at the 3-month follow-up and the longest survival. • Any focused ultrasound setting used in this study could be safe and optimal for subsequent clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility rate and the mid-term outcomes of fusion imaging-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with artificial ascites or pleural effusion of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) based on tumor locations. Materials and Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, 456 patients with single HCCs ≤4 cm were referred for RFA from April 2019 to April 2020. The tumor locations were classified into a conventional location (CL) and difficult location (DL, close to the diaphragm/heart/major vessels/bile ducts/gastrointestinal tract/kidneys). This study assessed the feasibility rate of CT/MRI-US fusion system-guided RFA with artificial ascites or pleural effusion and the therapeutic outcomes including technical success, technique efficacy, and local tumor progression (LTP) according to tumor location. Cumulative LTP rates were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: 235 of 456 (51.5%) patients had HCCs in DL. Ablation was feasible in 431 of 456 (94.5%) patients. The feasibility rate was significantly lower in DL group than in CL group (89.8% [211/235] vs. 99.5% [220/221], p < 0.001). The technical success and technique efficacy rates were 100% [211/211] vs. 99.5% [219/220] and 98.6% [208/211] vs. 100% [220/220] in DL and CL groups, respectively (p > 0.05). The estimated 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative LTP rates in DL group were 1.0%, 2.5%, and 2.5%, respectively, and were not significantly different from the 2.3%, 3.9%, and 3.9% observed in CL group (p = 0.456). Conclusion: Fusion imaging-guided RFA with artificial ascites or pleural effusion could decrease technically infeasible cases and provide comparable LTP rates for HCCs in DL to HCCs in CL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To estimate the association between the use of interdental cleaning devices and proximal caries experience. Methods: This study used a cross‐sectional data from the Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013‐2015). A total of 13 525 adults aged 19‐64 years who participated in both the nutrition survey and the health examination survey were included. Data on sociodemographic factors (age and sex), socioeconomic factors (level of education and household income) and personal health practices (frequency of toothbrushing, visits to dental clinic, frequency of snacking and self‐rated oral health status), and number of proximal caries were collected. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using the multivariable Poisson generalized linear model according to use of dental floss or an interdental brush. The risk of proximal caries for dental floss following the stratification of participants into various subgroups related to oral health was assessed. Results: While nonflossers had 1.46 times (PR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.16‐1.84) higher risk for proximal caries than flossers, the use of an interdental brush was not associated with proximal caries. In the nonflossers, the association for proximal caries was the strongest in those in their 40s (PR 2.28, 95% CI: 1.29‐4.03), followed by those in their 30s (PR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.18‐2.90). Although nonflossers with middle‐low household income had a 59% higher risk (PR 1.59, 95% CI: 1.24‐2.03) for proximal caries than those with high household income, there were no significant differences in household income in flossers. Conclusions: The findings of the study suggest that flossing at home along with toothbrushing is one of the easiest ways to prevent proximal caries. Therefore, dental floss should not be excluded from oral healthcare products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes an advanced, efficient numerical solution involving the use of the mixed Lagrangian-Eulerian (LE) method and the finite element method (FEM) for producing 3D simulations of variably saturated subsurface flow as described by Richards' equation. The LE approach with its particle tracking algorithm was selected for the resolution of numerical problems resulting from the penetration of a sharp front through flux boundaries during the infiltration process. In this new approach, the LE method is applied to interior nodes, and the FEM is applied to incoming-flux-boundary nodes. The proposed numerical scheme is implemented by first obtaining proper matrix equations for the boundary nodes in order to analyze flow behaviors in saturated/unsaturated porous media. In order to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm, four examples are provided; the one-dimensional single- and multi-layered soil column problem, a three-dimensional drainage problem and a three-dimensional pumping well problem. In the four examples, the mixed LE and FEM method (MLE) using relatively large time steps obtained superior results in terms of the accuracy and computational efficiency in comparison with the conventional FEM. The outcome of the proposed study will contribute to efficient numerical solution for subsurface flow problems involving critical boundary conditions in real watershed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Lack of studies on thermosyphon charged with non-condensable gas. • Thermal hydraulic behavior of thermosyphon charged with non-condensable gas was investigated. • The necessity for new model is presented. • A new model along with framework of calculation is proposed. • The new model and the framework are being demonstrated to design thermosyphon, and the results are being compared with experimental data. Thermosyphon or wickless heat pipe has been applied in many fields of industry due to its high thermal conductance and passive working principle. Many studies have been done to elucidate the complex thermal hydraulic phenomena inside thermosyphon. Parameters such as geometry, type of working fluid, inclination angle of operation, confinement and entrainment have been major focal points in discussion related to thermosyphon research. However, in recent experimental studies, it has been reported that adding non-condensable gas along with working fluid during the initial charging of thermosyphon increase its entrainment limitation. This finding is important, considering some previous studies regard the presence of non-condensable gas as a hinderance on thermosyphon's condenser performance. In this study, experiments were conducted on a pressurized thermosyphon charged with water and argon gas as a non-condensable substance. Observations have been made especially on the case where cooling temperature on the outside of the condenser is far below operation temperature inside thermosyphon. It was found that low thermal conductivity of non-condensable gas causes large temperature gradient along the condenser. For this condition, currently available correlations cannot be applied. Therefore, experiments were required to prove this hypothesis, involving varying amounts of non-condensable gas. These amounts were expressed by the initial pressure values, ranging from 13 kPa to 160 kPa. The analysis of heat transfer in the evaporator and the condenser was conducted using correlations available in the literature. It was found that a new model is required to describe thermal-hydraulic phenomena in the condenser. The model is currently being validated with experimental data and good agreement has been achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this case/non‐case study was to detect rebamipide‐related pulmonary adverse events (AE) compared with other drugs for acid‐related disorders based on population‐level data. Methods: From 2009 to 2018, AE reports on drugs for acid‐related disorders, which are anatomical therapeutic chemical code A02B drugs, in the Korea Adverse Events Reporting System (KAERS) database were examined. The reporting odds ratio (ROR) was calculated, and the odds of reporting pulmonary AE for rebamipide and all other A02B drugs were compared. Furthermore, a stratified analysis according to patients' age and sex was conducted. Results: Altogether 13 (0.05%) and 157 (0.11%) cases of pulmonary AE were reported for rebamipide and all other A02B drugs, respectively. The risk of reporting pulmonary AE was significantly lower for rebamipide than for all other A02B drugs (ROR 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28–0.87). The number of reports of pulmonary AE for rebamipide was significantly higher among patients aged ≥65 years than those aged <65 years (ROR 19.36, 95% CI 2.50–149.97). Conclusions: Rebamipide was less often reported for pulmonary AE. However, healthcare professionals need to be aware of the risk of pulmonary AE in elderly patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxyapatite-binding albumin nanoclusters (NCs) were developed for improving the anticancer agent accumulation in bone tumors. Human serum albumin (HSA) was decorated with alendronate (AD), and doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded NCs (HSA-AD/DOX) were fabricated via the ball-milling technology, an innovative nano-fabrication method by which more than 90% of the secondary structures of albumin can be preserved. The targeting ability of NCs was confirmed using a novel in vitro bone cancer model, wherein hydroxyapatite and collagen, the major components of the bone matrix representing the highly mineralized bone tumor microenvironment, were co-cultured with HOS/MNNG, a human osteosarcoma cell line. The binding affinity of HSA-AD/DOX to hydroxyapatite was evaluated based on the DOX binding efficiency. HSA-AD/DOX showed a 5.04-fold higher affinity than HSA/DOX. The enhanced distribution of HSA-AD/DOX to bone tumors was verified using a newly developed mouse model bearing HOS/MNNG tumors with hydroxyapatite beads. HSA-AD/DOX led to a 52.0% increase in tumor accumulation compared to that of the unmodified HSA/DOX. This is mainly due to the hydroxyapatite-binding affinity of the AD moiety, which is supported by histological analyses performed on the dissected tumors. Furthermore, HSA-AD/DOX changed the protein expression patterns of the tumors, implying the enhanced apoptotic process. Overall, the targeting ability of HSA-AD/DOX are effectively translated into improved therapeutic efficacy in bone tumor-xenografted mice, suggesting that the developed NCs are a promising delivery system for bone tumor treatment. [Display omitted] • Alendronate-decorated albumin nanoclusters successfully targeted hydroxyapatites in bone tumor microenvironment. • Doxorubicin adsoption was performed by innovative ball-milling technology, preserving more than 90% of the secondary structures of albumin. • Bone tumor homing ability and therapeutic efficacy of nanoclusters were verified in newly established in vitro and in vivo bone tumor models. • Our investigation presents potential clinical benefits of albumin nanoclusters in bone cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The robotic gripper is an essential component for handling, manipulating, and transporting objects. However, the parallel rigid gripper, which is one of the most widely used grippers in robotics, has limitations in handling fragile objects with a proper gripping force. We present a shape-adaptive universal soft gripper that can grip complex-shaped fragile objects with a high holding force. The shape-adaptive skin of the gripper has extremely low stiffness ($\sim$ 46 kPa), even lower than that of tofu ($\sim$ 57 kPa); hence, it can inherently prevent damage to the object. In addition, only the area pressed by the object is selectively deformed, so the contact surface of the gripper can be deformed to match the target object contour. A stiffness transition in the gripper from a soft to hard state follows to achieve effective holding of the object, not just weak object hanging as the previous soft gripper. These characteristics are enabled by a sheet-shaped shape retention layer, a honeycomb-shaped soft supporting layer, and a four-sided wall structure to increase shear modulus. We present applications to show the performance of the gripper, including gripping tofu, preparing a cocktail with a squeezed lemon, and whole chicken soup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the relationship between resource abundance and the feeding activity of phytophagous insects on three common island plants. The aim was to investigate the correlation between phytophagous insects' abundance and availability of food and island geography. We collected 30,835 leaves from three tree species groups (Mallotus japonicus, Prunus species, and Quercus species) on 18 islands in southwest Korea. The number of plant resources for herbivores varied: the number of leaves per shoot was the highest in Mallotus, leaf weight and the water content per leaf was significantly lower in Quercus species. External feeding was higher for Prunus and Quercus species, whereas the internal feeding type was significantly higher for Quercus species. Geography (area and distance), elevation and food resource (elevation, number of plant species, and the forest cover rate) had a variable effect on phytophagous insects feeding activities: distance and the number of plant species were more explainable to the external feeding guild. In contrast, area and forest cover were more to the internal feeding guild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transvaginal high-intensity focused ultrasound (vHIFU) therapy in women with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas.Methods: This first-in-human, two-center, prospective, unblinded, single-arm trial was performed in the Republic of Korea from December 2017 to February 2019. Premenopausal women with symptomatic, contrast-enhanced uterine leiomyomas with a diameter ≤5 cm were eligible. Under sedation or monitored anesthesia, leiomyomas were ablated with vHIFU under ultrasound guidance. The primary endpoint was the non-perfused volume (NPV) ratio measured immediately after therapy. Secondary endpoints were changes in Uterine Fibroid Symptom-Quality of Life (UFS-QOL) scores, dysmenorrhea visual analog scale (VAS), uterine leiomyoma volume, rate of subsequent therapy, and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE).Results: Thirty-five women were screened; 13 women were enrolled and underwent vHIFU therapy for 33 uterine leiomyomas. NPV ratios were 0.76 ± 0.27 (mean ± SD); the lower limit of a one-sided 97.5 % confidence interval was 0.67, surpassing the non-inferiority cut-off of 0.50. UFS-QOL scores (symptom severity score, median, baseline: 66.60, 3-month follow-up: 32.85; p = 0.0010; health related quality of life score, median, baseline: 41.40, 3-month follow-up: 73.30; p = 0.0010) and dysmenorrhea VAS (mean, baseline: 50.92, 3-month follow-up: 20.67; p = 0.0019) improved significantly. Volume of uterine leiomyoma was reduced (median, baseline: 8.10 cm3, 3-month follow=-up: 5.30 cm3; p < 0.0001), and none received subsequent therapy. Twenty-six TEAEs from 8 participants were observed, and all TEAEs were resolved without sequelae.Conclusion: vHIFU therapy exhibited promising efficacy and safety and might be considered as a treatment option for women with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. Registration: This trial was registered at: www.clinicaltrial.gov (NCT03328260). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic effects of a doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded microparticle-microbubble complex (DMMC) and focused ultrasound (FUS) with a short duty cycle (5%) were evaluated in a pancreatic cancer xenograft model established by inoculating immunodeficient mice with CFPAC-1 cells. The efficacy of the DMMC with FUS (study 1), the effect of conjugating the particles as opposed to mixing them (study 2) and the levels of tumor apoptosis and intracellular Dox (study 3) were evaluated. The DMMC with FUS exhibited the lowest tumor growth rate (30.8 mm3/wk) and the highest intracellular Dox uptake (8.8%) and tumor cell apoptosis rate (58.7%) among all treatments. DMMC had a significantly lower growth rate than the mixture of Dox-loaded microparticles and microbubbles (44.2 mm3/wk, p < 0.01) when they were combined with FUS. In conclusion, DMMC with short-duty-cycle FUS holds promise for tumor growth suppression, which may be attributed to high intracellular Dox uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the predicting value of 99mTc-hydroxydiphosphonate (HDP) pinhole bone scan in development of osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) in patients with femoral neck fracture after cannulated screw fixation. Methods: Pinhole bone scan of patients with metallically fixed femoral neck fracture from 2001 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Initial pinhole bone scan was obtained within 2–3 weeks after surgery. Findings of initial pinhole bone scan were divided in to 4 groups. Group CU included cold defect in affected femoral head, group HU with no cold defect. Group PP with increased uptake along the inserted screws and group PN with no increased uptake along the inserted screws. More than 6 months of follow-up with pinhole bone scan and clinico-radiological evidence for ONFH was reviewed. Results: 72 patients (mean age 54.01 years, male 22, female 50) were included. 19 patients were in group CU, 53 in group HU. 60 patients were in group PP, 12 in group PN. During the follow-up, 13 patients were diagnosed as ONFH. 9 (47.36%) patients in group CU developed ONFH and 4 (7.5%) in group HU. 4 (6.66%) patients in group PP developed ONFH and 9 (75%) in group PN. Conclusions: To predict ONFH of femoral head followed by neck fracture, many imaging techniques with variable results were known. In this study, cold defect in early postoperative pinhole bone scans could predict ONFH, and loss of increased uptake along screw inserted site could be a strong indicative sign of ONFH. Further evaluation with a larger population is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fifth generation of mobile broadband (BB) networks, popularly known as 5G, aims to revolutionize different vertical industries, including media broadcasting. Although it remains to be seen the real impact and timescale of the 5G revolution, 5G may represent an opportunity rather than a threat for broadcast (BC), especially when considering new approaches for BC and BB evolving into new converged platforms inter-connecting terrestrial BC and cellular/wired BB systems together [item 1) in the Appendix]. Hybrid BC-BB platforms are already a success in several countries, based, e.g., on HbbTV in EU, hybridcast in Japan and Ginga in Brazil. But the increasing importance of fixed and mobile BB IP delivery for television services, well-illustrated by the new IP-based ATSC 3.0 standard [item 2) in the Appendix] and the on-going DVB-I (Internet) specification, and the fact that the 5G system will support and be interoperable with non-3GPP access technologies, potentially allowing multiple access technologies to be used simultaneously for one or more services, opens the door to new convergence scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents Internet protocol (IP)-based convergence of broadcast and broadband networks using Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) 3.0–the next generation terrestrial broadcasting standard. In the broadcast network, the combination of Layered Division Multiplexing (LDM) and Scalable High Efficiency Video Codec (SHVC) is used, enabling efficient use of spectrum when mobile and fixed services are intended in a single radio frequency (RF) channel. The proposed use case of IP-based convergence is that a service is largely consumed through the high power high tower (HPHT) based broadcast network, and then alternative streams are requested via unicast for areas where broadcast signals are not receivable. The implementation details of broadcast and broadband convergence include MPEG Media Transport (MMT)/Real-time Objective delivery over Unidirectional Transport (ROUTE) description for broadcast useand Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) for broadband use. To achieve seamless convergence between broadcast and broadband, transmission and reception systems based on ATSC 3.0 are hardware-developed and their implementation details are described. The proposed IP-based convergence use case of ATSC 3.0 broadcast and broadband is verified in a real-field environment using a public cellular network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy and safety of a new portable ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound system (USgHIFU) with advanced targeting and beam steering technology for the treatment of uterine fibroids.Methods: Fifty-nine uterine fibroids from 36 participants (mean age, 44.9 ± 4.1 years) were included from November 2013 to November 2015. All participants were treated with HIFU, with 3D electronic steering. MR imaging studies were performed before HIFU, immediately after HIFU, and 1 month and 3 (or 5) months after the HIFU treatment. The non-perfused volume ratio (NPVR), fibroid volume shrinkage (FVS), symptom improvement, quantified life quality assessment, and safety were analyzed. A long-term follow-up was conducted in July to December 2017 (mean, 32.2 months).Results: The volume of the treated uterine fibroids ranged from 7.5 to 274.4 cm3 (mean, 69.8 cm3; SD, 64.3 cm3). The mean NPVR on the immediate post-HIFU MR imaging was 74.8 ± 25.2%. The mean FVS was 17.3% at 1 month, 33.3% at 3 months, and 45.1% at 5 months after HIFU treatment. The mean treatment time was 44.6 ± 28.2 min per fibroid and 72.9 ± 31.4 min per participant. Uterine fibroid-related symptoms and quality of life showed statistically significant improvement after the HIFU treatment. No significant symptoms related to safety or complications occurred. In the long-term follow-up, 78.8% of those surveyed were satisfied with their HIFU treatment.Conclusion: This clinical trial showed that a portable USgHIFU with advanced functions may safely and effectively treat uterine fibroids.Key Points: • A portable compact ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can effectively and safely treat uterine fibroids. • Advanced functions, such as portability, targeted forecasting, electronic beam steering, and interleaved scanning, might be helpful in enhancing the clinical applicability of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound. • In the long-term follow-up of more than 2 years, approximately 80% of those surveyed were satisfied with their HIFU treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents implementation and memory use aspects for layered division multiplexing (LDM) technology defined in the next generation terrestrial broadcast standard, called advanced television systems committee (ATSC) 3.0. As LDM becomes a new method that combines multiple broadcast contents, its practical considerations on transmitter and receiver implementations as well as memory usages are described in this paper. When multiple physical layer pipes are used, the feasibility of the implementation and memory use aspects are discussed, and the performance analysis in comparison with other multiplexing techniques that ATSC 3.0 offers is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical value of the reliability measurement index (RMI), newly added to point shear wave elastography (pSWE), was investigated. Forty-nine patients underwent both pSWE providing RMI (range: 0.0-1.0) and transient elastography (TE) before hepatic surgery. Interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between the median of the first two to nine measurements (as categorized by RMI values ≥0.0 (liver stiffness-reliability measurement index [LS-RMI] 0.0), ≥0.4 (LS-RMI 0.4) and ≥0.7 (LS-RMI 0.7) and the median of 10 consecutive measurements (LS-REF) were obtained. Compared with LS-REF, minimums of 7 LS-RMI 0.0, 5 LS-RMI 0.4 and 3 LS-RMI 0.7 measurements were required to obtain an ICC ≥0.95 with high inter-observer agreement (ICC ≥0.90). Diagnostic performance did not differ (p values >0.05) using these reduced numbers of LS measurements. Significant correlations were found between the reduced number of LS measurements and TE or METAVIR (p values <0.001). Therefore, RMI helped to improve reliability and reduce the number of LS measurements while maintaining the diagnostic performance of pSWE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the advanced television systems committee (ATSC) 3.0 physical layer system performances with different modulation and channel coding combinations. Numerous computer simulations, laboratory tests, and field trials are conducted under additive white Gaussian noise, RC20, and RL20 channels. Analysis of the results shows that the measured values in laboratory and field are less than 1 dB away from computer simulation results. This confirms that the ATSC 3.0 physical layer is capable of providing services ranging from ultra-robust reception (negative SNR operation with QPSK and 2/15 low density parity check (LDPC) code) to very high-throughput (over 50 Mb/s with 4096-non-uniform constellation and 13/15 LDPC code) in real field environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are many types of disabilities, and each type has a variety related to socioeconomic factors. Such factors affect to many health problems of the disabled. However, surveys of the oral health status of the disabled in Korea are rare. Objective: The purpose of this study was to estimate oral health disparity through comparing oral health status of the disabled to the non-disabled, adjusted for the net effect of the disability on oral health status. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the disabled in urban and suburban areas in Korea from June to September 2016. People with physical, mental, and multiple disabilities took part in this survey. The clinical examinations were carried out by trained dentists. Statistical analysis was performed to quantify the association between oral health and socioeconomic status after restricting the analysis using a propensity score matching method. Results: The disabled had more DMFT, DT, and MT, fewer FT, and fewer teeth than the non-disabled based on entire groups (P<0.01). No difference in the ratio of periodontitis was observed. The subjects with mental disabilities (MD) scored 3.09 (95% CI, 1.07–8.97), and those with multiple disabilities scored 4.37 (95% CI, 1.16–16.37) for edentulous status. The MD had an odds ratio of 1.34 (95% CI, 1.03–1.74), and those with multiple disabilities had an odds ratio of 1.75 (95% CI, 1.11–2.76) for the DMFT index. Conclusions: These results represent poor oral health status of the disabled compared to the non-disabled. Consequentially, we can verify that not only the existence of disability but also the type of disability has a decisive effect on oral health condition. This comparison is necessary to widen our approach to evaluate the actual status condition of the disabled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Pre-administration of physostigmine can prevent poisoning against nerve agent exposure by reversibly binding to cholinesterase. However, its cholinesterase protection-based prophylactic effect can be eliminated rapidly due to short biological half-life. Liposomes are useful for encapsulating hydrophilic drugs like physostigmine, and can be used for sustained release after parenteral injection. Thus, physostigmine liposomes were prepared by the pH-gradient condition-based remote-loading method for subcutaneous injection. In addition, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-lipid was applied to further extend the release of physostigmine and its prophylactic action. In vitro release of physostigmine, pharmacokinetics and duration of prophylactic effect were then evaluated. Physostigmine was dissolved in distilled water and used as a solution group for comparison. The prepared liposomes showed spherical shape and their particle size was around 130 μm. Addition of PEG-lipid in liposomes significantly increased the entrapment efficiency of physostigmine. Both control and PEG liposomes exhibited sustained release pattern compared to the solution. Moreover, the release of PEG liposomes was relatively slower than that of the control liposomes. Pharmacokinetic study in rats revealed that physostigmine liposomes exhibited lower maximum plasma concentration and longer half-life compared to the solution. Plasma cholinesterase inhibition ratio in the liposomal group decreased more gradually compared to the solution. Moreover, PEG liposomes showed higher plasma concentration of physostigmine and cholinesterase inhibition ratio compared to the control liposomes. These results suggest that PEG liposomes have potential to enhance the duration of cholinesterase-protecting effect of physostigmine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a noninvasive thermodestructive procedure targeting internal organs with concentrated sonification energy that may cause pain. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of epidural analgesia (EA) and monitored anesthesia care (MAC) in HIFU treatment of uterine adenomyosis. Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight patients were included in this case-control study. Thirty-seven patients underwent MAC; 31 patients underwent fluoroscope-guided epidural analgesia. The primary outcome was a frequency of patients reporting severe or very severe intraoperative pain. Secondary outcomes were differences in dosages of analgesics, ablation ratio, and other clinical factors. Results: The EA group reported a significantly lower frequency of severe or very severe intraoperative pain than did the MAC group (41.9% vs. 75.7%; p = .006). Consumption of remifentanil during treatment was significantly lower in the EA group (173 ± 189 µg vs. 426 ± 380 µg; p = .001), as was the use of fentanyl in the recovery room (52 ± 38 µg vs. 75 ± 44 µg; p = .030). Multivariable analysis revealed EA to be the largest contributing factor to increased nonperfused volume ratio (B = 0.41; 95% confidence interval = 0.29 to 0.53; p < .001). The frequency of thermal injury after HIFU was significantly lower in the EA group (22.6% vs. 54.1%; p = .008). Conclusions: EA during HIFU treatment of uterine adenomyosis improved quality of pain control and ablation ratio over MAC without increasing risk of treatment-related complications. EA also reduced consumption of opioid analgesics during and after HIFU treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy holds significant promises to treat or potentially cure various human diseases. Although AAV holds promise for their significant therapeutic potential, batch-to-batch differences can exist from manufacturing; and therefore, a potency assay is required for clinical development of AAV. Among different serotypes, due to its ability to cross blood–brain barrier and wide-spread transduction capability in vivo upon systemic administration, AAV9 has been widely utilized for the development of treatment of neurological disorders. However, as AAV9 is known to show poor transduction in vitro, establishing a robust in vitro potency assay have been difficult. To this end, we engineered HEK293T and Schwann-like cell lines to express previously identified common AAV receptor, AAVR or endogenous host factor involved in AAV endosomal escapes, GPR108 that can increase infectivity of AAVs in an attempt to increase transduction capability of AAV9. We found that AAVR overexpressed Schwann-like cell line showed significant increase in AAV9 transduction; whereas, GPR108 overexpression showed no effect on AAV9 transduction. On the other hand, GPR108 engineered HEK293T showed increase in AAV9 transduction; whereas, AAVR overexpressed HEK293T cell line showed modest increase in AAV9 transduction. Gene expression analysis showed that AAVR is highly expressed in HEK293T compared to Schwann-like cell line; whereas, GPR108 is highly expressed in Schwann-like cell line when compared to HEK293T. These results indicate that different cell lines may require different gene engineering to increase AAV9 infectivity and analysis of endogenous expression of AAV entry factors for cell line to be engineered can improve efficiency of cell line engineering for AAV transduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • GHG saving effect of the eco-concrete in railway was calculated with LCA analysis. • Concrete deterioration preventive agent were applied and physical performance tested. • Life cycle GHG reduction by eco-concrete and anti-deterioration agent was calculated. Abstract This study investigated the life cycle greenhouse gases (GHG) mitigation effect of railway infrastructure through the application of an eco-concrete, using ground granulated blast furnace (GGBF) slag and electric arc furnace (EAF) slag as alternative materials in railway sleeper, and a concrete surface protection agent in railway track. A simplified life cycle assessment method was applied to compare GHG emissions and an instrumental analysis as well as a physical performance test were carried out to identify the protection mechanism between the agent and concrete along with field tests. From this study, it was found that two different approaches might contribute substantially to mitigate GHG emissions from railway infrastructure. The surface protection agent with an anti-deterioration function showed high possibility of increasing lifespan of the concrete structure and the use of alternative materials, such as furnace slag, reduced the concrete consumption by more than 20% (w/w). It was estimated that the potential GHG mitigation effects from the surface protection agent and eco-concrete technology applied to a railway concrete track were at least 27 ton CO 2 eq. per km a year and 11.1 kg of CO 2 eq. per 1 sleeper, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the risk posed by a toxic chemical to human health, it is essential to quantify its uptake in a living subject. This study aims to investigate the biological distribution of inhaled polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) aerosol particle, which is known to cause severe pulmonary damage. By labeling with indium-111 ( 111 In), we quantified the uptake of PHMG for up to 7 days after inhalation exposure in rats. The data demonstrate that PHMG is only slowly cleared, with approximately 74% of inhaled particles persisting in the lungs after 168 h. Approximately 5.3% of inhaled particles were also translocated to the liver after 168 h, although the level of redistribution to other tissues, including the kidneys and spleen, was minimal. These observations suggest that large uptake and slow clearance may underlie the fatal inhalation toxicity of PHMG in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present laboratory and field test results of layered division multiplexing (LDM) and time division multiplexing (TDM) technologies based on Advanced Television Systems Committee 3.0. The presented field test results include analysis in several scenarios such as rooftop, indoor, and mobile receptions. In order to provide performance comparison of the LDM and TDM technologies, reception power (field strength) and successful reception rate are measured for all the considered scenarios. For in-depth analysis in real field environment, further field measurements such as threshold of visibility, marginal (minimal) reception power, and erroneous second ratio are used for rooftop, indoor, and mobile receptions, respectively. The laboratory and field test results show that the LDM technology not only shows superior performance compared to the TDM technology in all the considered scenarios (rooftop, indoor, and mobile receptions), but also enables broadcaster to efficiently provide a variety of services (e.g., mobile, pedestrian, indoor, and stationary services) with different robustness within a single radio frequency channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present an efficient transmission method of multiple broadcasting services using layered division multiplexing (LDM) and scalable high efficiency video coding (SHVC) based on the next generation terrestrial digital broadcasting standard, advanced television systems committee 3.0. In a two-layer LDM system, each layer forms a physical layer pipe that carries base layer and enhancement layer video streams of SHVC, respectively. This combination of physical and presentation layers technologies can maximize channel utilization when multiple broadcasting services are delivered in a single radio frequency channel with different robustness and reception conditions. An intensive performance analysis is provided when the proposed combination of LDM and SHVC is compared with other approaches, such as time division multiplexing and/or high efficiency video coding simulcast broadcasting. Several performance measurements are also introduced, such as constant data rate measurement and constant quality measurement, which are used to evaluate the performance of video codecs in conjunction with different physical layer system parameters. A prototype hardware system with LDM and SHVC capable of selecting different parameter combinations is tested in the laboratory and in real field environments to verify the performance and feasibility of the proposed LDM and SHVC combination. Results show that the proposed LDM and SHVC combination provides significant gains on video service quality as well as reception robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose two multirate generalised policy iteration (GPI) algorithms applied to discrete-time linear quadratic regulation problems. The proposed algorithms are extensions of the existing GPI algorithm that consists of the approximate policy evaluation and policy improvement steps. The two proposed schemes, named heuristic dynamic programming (HDP) and dual HDP (DHP), based on multirate GPI, use multi-step estimation (M-step Bellman equation) at the approximate policy evaluation step for estimating the value function and its gradient called costate, respectively. Then, we show that these two methods with the same update horizon can be considered equivalent in the iteration domain. Furthermore, monotonically increasing and decreasing convergences, so called value iteration (VI)-mode and policy iteration (PI)-mode convergences, are proved to hold for the proposed multirate GPIs. Further, general convergence properties in terms of eigenvalues are also studied. The data-driven online implementation methods for the proposed HDP and DHP are demonstrated and finally, we present the results of numerical simulations performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heterogeneity among previous studies of future mortality projections due to climate change has often hindered comparisons and syntheses of resulting impacts. To address this challenge, the present study introduced a novel method to normalize the results from projection studies according to different baseline and projection periods and climate scenarios, thereby facilitating comparison and synthesis. This study reviewed the 15 previous studies involving projected climate change-related mortality under Representative Concentration Pathways. To synthesize their results, we first reviewed the important study design elements that affected the reported results in previous studies. Then, we normalized the reported results by CO 2 concentration in order to eliminate the effects of the baseline period, projection period, and climate scenario choices. For twenty-five locations worldwide, the normalized percentage changes in temperature-attributable mortality per 100 ppm increase in global CO 2 concentrations ranged between 41.9% and 330%, whereas those of total mortality ranged between 0.3% and 4.8%. The normalization methods presented in this work will guide future studies to provide their results in a normalized format and facilitate research synthesis to reinforce our understanding on the risk of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BN 2‐vinylnaphthalene, a BN aromatic vinyl monomer, is copolymerized with styrene under free radical conditions. Oxidation yields styrene–vinyl alcohol (SVA) statistical copolymers with tunable hydroxy group content. Comprehensive spectroscopic investigation provides proof of structure. Physical properties that vary systematically with hydroxy content include solubility and glass transition temperature. BN aromatic polymers represent a platform for the preparation of diverse functional polymeric architectures via the remarkable reaction chemistry of C−B bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BN 2‐vinylnaphthalene, a BN aromatic vinyl monomer, is copolymerized with styrene under free radical conditions. Oxidation yields styrene–vinyl alcohol (SVA) statistical copolymers with tunable hydroxy group content. Comprehensive spectroscopic investigation provides proof of structure. Physical properties that vary systematically with hydroxy content include solubility and glass transition temperature. BN aromatic polymers represent a platform for the preparation of diverse functional polymeric architectures via the remarkable reaction chemistry of C−B bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber was metallized by nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) in an electroless plating process. Firstly, the surface of PAN fiber was activated by palladium (Pd) nanocatalysts by using a drying process in which palladium(II) bis(acetylacetonate), Pd(acac) 2 was spontaneously reduced to Pd nanocatalysts in180 °C N 2 atmosphere without using any reducing agent. And then Ni-P alloy was coated on the Pd activated PAN fiber in an electroless Ni-P plating solution without using SnCl 2 -sensitizing solution. The morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental analyses were carried out by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The composition ratio of Ni: P was 85.3: 14.7 atomic % and the growth rate of Ni-P layer decreased with increasing plating time. The thickness of Ni-P plating layers for 10, 30 and 60 min were 0.64, 1.03 and 1.22 μm, respectively. Electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI-SE) of Ni-P plated PAN fiber (50 wt%)/epoxy composite was more than 30 dB in the frequency range from 30 MHz to 1500 MHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To report the effects of a novel syringic-acid derivative, ( R )-ethyl-2-acetamido-3-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoylthio)propanoate (EABTO), on melanin synthesis and to identify its mechanism of action in B16F1 melanoma cells. Methods The effects of EABTO on melanin synthesis in B16F1 cells and human epidermal melanocytes and the influence on cell-free tyrosinase activity were evaluated. EABTO-induced cellular signaling cascades were studied by western blotting. Key findings EABTO effectively decreased melanin synthesis in a dose-dependent manner but had no effect on cell-free tyrosinase activity. EABTO significantly decreased the expression of melanogenic enzymes such as tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1), and TRP-2. EABTO decreased the amounts of phosphorylated cAMP response element–binding protein (CREB) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), thereby inhibiting expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). Moreover, EABTO upregulated phosphorylated ERK. A specific ERK pathway inhibitor, PD98059, reduced EABTO-induced ERK phosphorylation and restored the expression of MITF and melanin content. Significance EABTO inhibits melanogenesis in B16F1 melanoma cells via suppression of the cAMP–CREB pathway and activation of ERK, thus decreasing expression of MITF and of melanogenic enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study developed the country-specific greenhouse gas emission factors as the Tier 3 level defined by IPCC guideline for the diesel-electric locomotives that have been currently being operated as line-haul railway traffic in the domestic transport sector of Korea. In order to apply the operating conditions as more specific data for the Tier 3 approach, the concentrations of CO 2 , N 2 O, and CH 4 were investigated using the notch changes of diesel-electric locomotive under load tests. The measurement results found, for the greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the power generated from diesel consumption, that the CO 2 were 282 g/kWh while idling and 701 g/kWh at the maximum output (notch 8), respectively. In addition, CH 4 were 0.0394 g/kWh while idling and 0.0103 g/kWh at the maximum output (notch 8), and N 2 O were 0.0181 g/kWh while idling and 0.0107 g/kWh at the maximum output (notch 8), respectively. The country-specific greenhouse gas emission factors were calculated through analyzing the activity data for the use frequency percentage of notch according to the operation mode at the travel service section of the main domestic routes using the diesel-electric locomotives. Finally, the greenhouse gas emission factors were proposed to be CO 2 = 442 g/kWh, CH 4 = 0.0241 g/kWh, and N 2 O = 0.0136 g/kWh. This study is the first attempt to develop the country-specific greenhouse gas emission factors considering of the operation conditions of railcars in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heat exchangers used in thermoelectric power generation are required to achieve an optimal efficiency by comparing heat transfer that is related to the power generation into the consumption of pump power. The main objective of this study is to enhance heat transfer at a lower flow rate using a tangled channel. The newly introduced channel was designed to increase heat transfer through the entangled shape despite the low Reynolds numbers. Both experimental and numerical analyses were used to investigate the thermal–hydraulic characteristics of the present printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE). The computational fluid dynamics analysis using ANSYS CFX 15.0 successfully predicted the experimental data with average errors of 1.25% and 4.51% for temperature and pressure differences between the inlet and the outlet, respectively. The present PCHE with a tangled channel showed the improvement of heat transfer when the Reynolds number ranges from 1000 to 3000. Based on the numerical calculation, the geometric effect was investigated by using the concept of temperature uniformity. The temperature uniformity in mixing zones might be a reason for the improvement in heat transfer at a relatively low range of Reynolds number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface of micro-silica and nano-silica was modified with epoxy-modified silicone and their effect on the electrical breakdown strength was evaluated in epoxy/micro-/nano-silica composites (EMNCs). Firstly, the surface of micro- and nano-silica was treated with hydroxyl silane and then the hydroxyl group of the silane was reacted with epoxy-modified silicone. The surface-treated micro- and nano-silicas were mixed with epoxy resin and polyester-modified polydimethylsiloxane (PEM-PDMS) by using an ultrasonicator. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to observe the even dispersion of nano-silica in an epoxy/micro-silica composite and it was found that the nano-silicas were well dispersed. The electrical breakdown strength of the epoxy/micro-silica (60 wt%)/nano-silica (1 phr)/PEM-PDMS (0.5 phr) system was 60.0 kV / 2 mm, which was 13.6% higher than that of epoxy/micro-silica (60 wt%)/PEM-PDMS (0.5 phr) system, 52.8 kV / 2 mm. The contact angle of neat epoxy was 77°, which was 132% higher than that of epoxy/micro-silica (60 wt%)/nano-silica (1 phr)/PEM-PDMS (0.5 phr) system, 101.6°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have revealed an association between particulate matter (PM) and emergency room (ER) visits, although few studies have investigated the association between health and PM components. The present study evaluated the associations of ER visits for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases with PM2.5 components, including organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and ion species (SO42-, NO3-, and NH4+). Statistical analyses were performed using the time-series approach, and generalized linear models with natural spline functions were used to adjust for the non-linear relationship between the confounders and ER visits. Our single-pollutant models revealed that the greatest increase in cardiovascular ER visits was associated with NH4+ (relative risk: 1.05; 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.09), which was followed by OC, SO42-, NO3-, and EC. The associations of cardiovascular ER visits with EC and OC varied according to age and sex, with elderly and female patients exhibiting stronger associations. Lagged SO42- was associated with respiratory ER visits. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the associations between ER visits and PM components in South Korea. As PM components are related to traffic and industrial sources, and exhibited positive associations with ER visits, our results may help improve air pollution regulation and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gram-scale polymerization of a novel azaborine vinyl monomer is reported. We describe an efficient and high-yielding synthesis of B-vinyl-2,1-borazanaphthalene. Homopolymers and co-polymers with 2-vinylnaphthalene are characterized by heteronuclear NMR and absorbance spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is known to affect the human health both directly by increased heat stress and indirectly by altering environments, particularly by altering the rate of ambient ozone formation in the atmosphere. Thus, the risks of climate change may be underestimated if the effects of both future temperature and ambient ozone concentrations are not considered. This study presents a projection of future summer non-accidental mortality in seven major cities of South Korea during the 2020s (2016–2025) and 2050s (2046–2055) considering changes in temperature and ozone concentration, which were predicted by using the HadGEM3-RA model and Integrated Climate and Air Quality Modeling System, respectively. Four Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios (RCP 2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5) were considered. The result shows that non-accidental summer mortality will increase by 0.5%, 0.0%, 0.4%, and 0.4% in the 2020s, 1.9%, 1.5%, 1.2%, and 4.4% in the 2050s due to temperature change compared to the baseline mortality during 2001–2010, under RCP 2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5, respectively, whereas the mortality will increase by 0.0%, 0.5%, 0.0%, and 0.5% in the 2020s, and 0.2%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% in the 2050s due to ozone concentration change. The projection result shows that the future summer morality in South Korea is increased due to changes in both temperature and ozone, and the magnitude of ozone-related increase is much smaller than that of temperature-related increase, especially in the 2050s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coupling between iso(thio)cyanates and amines, alcohols, and thiols to yield (thio)urea/urethane in the gas phase is important for the vacuum deposition processes of functional organic thin films such as molecular layer deposition or chemical vapor deposition. In this study, the kinetics and thermodynamics of 12 reactions between bifunctional reactants containing NCO/NCS and NH2/OH/SH moieties were calculated using double-hybrid density functional theory to find systematic structure-reactivity relationships. The activation energy for the proton-transfer step was correlated with the basicity of the nucleophile/Brønsted acid reactants, while the exothermicity of the coupling reaction depends on whether the other functionality is NCO or NCS. Analysis of the transition states revealed that the location of the transition state is affected by the basicity of the reactants. Vibrational and electronic spectra of the product were obtained to help future experimental investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present multiple service configurations based on layered division multiplexing (LDM), which is adopted as a baseline technology of the Advanced Television Systems Committee 3.0 standard. Based on a two-layer LDM technology, a variety of multiple-physical layer pipe (PLP) configurations as well as physical layer framing is introduced depending on the choices of service scenario, time interleaving, and cell addressing. A performance analysis is provided when three different broadcasting services—robust audio, indoor/mobile, and high data rate services—are delivered through different PLPs when a number of broadcasting service scenarios is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present field test results of a layered division multiplexing (LDM) technology for the next generation digital television system, and analyze the results in several scenarios such as rooftop, indoor, and mobile receptions. In order to evaluate performance of the LDM technology, the field strength or the reception power is measured for all considered scenarios. Furthermore, the threshold of visibility, the marginal reception power, and the erroneous second ratio are measured for fixed, indoor, and mobile receptions, respectively. The field test results show that LDM technology enables broadcaster not only to efficiently provide a variety of services (e.g., mobile, indoor, and stationary services) with different robustness within a single radio frequency (RF) channel but also to increase flexible usage of the RF channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective study investigated the usefulness of contrast (perfluorobutane-containing microbubbles)-enhanced ultrasound in the non-invasive assessment of liver allograft damage. Forty-one liver recipients underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasound followed by a liver biopsy. The hepatic filling rate (time between the arrival of contrast agent in the right hepatic artery and the maximum intensity of hepatic parenchyma) and parenchymal intensity difference before and after instantaneous high-power emission in the Kupffer phase were measured. Patients with allograft damage had higher hepatic filling rates and lower parenchymal intensity differences than those without damage (42.0 ± 16.9 vs. 30.5 ± 7.7 s, p = 0.005; 6.1 ± 7.4 vs. 16.6 ± 16.1 dB, p = 0.047, respectively). In the diagnosis of liver allograft damage, hepatic filling rate and parenchymal intensity difference had sensitivities of 61.5% and 90.9% and specificities of 92.6% and 63.6% using cutoffs of >38.5 s and ≤10.3 dB, respectively. In conclusion, contrast-enhanced ultrasound may be a promising tool in the detection of liver allograft damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NOD-like receptor family protein 3 (NLRP3)-mediated inflammasome activation promotes caspase-1-dependent production of interleukin-1β ( IL-1β) and requires the adaptor protein ASC. Compared with the priming and activation mechanisms of the inflammasome signaling pathway, post-translational ubiquitination/deubiquitination mechanisms controlling inflammasome activation have not been clearly addressed. We here demonstrate that the deubiquitinating enzyme USP50 binds to the ASC protein and subsequently regulates the inflammasome signaling pathway by deubiquitinating the lysine 63-linked polyubiquitination of ASC. USP50 knockdown in human THP-1 cells and mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages shows a significant decrease in procaspase-1 cleavage, resulting in a reduced secretion of IL-1β and interleukin-18 ( IL-18) upon treatment with NLRP3 stimuli and a reduction in ASC speck formation and oligomerization. Thus, we elucidate a novel regulatory mechanism of the inflammasome signaling pathway mediated by the USP50 deubiquitinating enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore whether superb microvascular imaging (SMI) technology could be helpful for the evaluation of hepatic tumors.Materials and Methods: Our institutional review board approved this study, and informed consent was obtained from all of the patients. Twenty-three patients with 29 hepatic tumors were enrolled in our study. The tumors consisted of hemangiomas (n=15), focal nodular hyperplasias (FNHs) (n=7), and hepatocellular carcinomas (n=7). All lesions were pathologically (n=2) or radiologically (n=27) confirmed. The mean tumor diameter was 1.9cm (range, 0.9cm to 5.0cm). Using SMI technology, all lesions were scanned and categorized into subgroups according to the flow pattern on the SMI.Results: The hemangiomas exhibited nodular rim patterns (33%) and spotty dot-like patterns (20%), and both of these findings were very specific for the diagnosis of hemangioma. The FNHs exhibited spoke-wheel patterns (43%) and radiating vessel patterns (29%) that were very specific findings for the diagnosis of FNH. The other tumors did not exhibit any specific patterns on SMI.Conclusion: Evaluations of the inner vascularities of hepatic tumors with the SMI technique were feasible, and the SMI features were significantly different between the different types of hepatic tumors. These differences could aid the diagnoses of hepatic tumors with US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-decorated chondroitin sulfate A-deoxycholic acid (CSD) nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated for the selective delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) to ovarian cancer. CSD-PEG was synthesized via amide bond formation between the NH 2 group of methoxypolyethylene glycol amine and the COOH group of CSD. CSD-PEG/DOX NPs with a 247 nm mean diameter, negative zeta potential, and >90% drug encapsulation efficiency were prepared. Sustained and pH-dependent DOX release profiles from CSD-PEG NPs were observed in dissolution tests. Endocytosis of NPs by SKOV-3 cells (CD44 receptor-positive human ovarian cancer cells), based on the CSA-CD44 receptor interaction, was determined by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) studies. PEGylation of NPs also resulted in reduced drug clearance (CL) in vivo and improved relative bioavailability, compared to non-PEGylated NPs, as determined by the pharmacokinetic study performed after intravenous administration in rats. Developed CSD-PEG NPs can be a promising delivery vehicle for the therapy of CD44 receptor-expressing ovarian cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, single-cell molecular analysis has been leveraged to achieve unprecedented levels of biological investigation. However, a lack of simple, high-throughput single-cell methods has hindered in-depth population-wide studies with single-cell resolution. We report a microwell-based cytometric method for simultaneous measurements of gene and protein expression dynamics in thousands of single cells. We quantified the regulatory effects of transcriptional and translational inhibitors on cMET mRNA and cMET protein in cell populations. We studied the dynamic responses of individual cells to drug treatments, by measuring cMET overexpression levels in individual non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells with induced drug resistance. Across NSCLC cell lines with a given protein expression, distinct patterns of transcript–protein correlation emerged. We believe this platform is applicable for interrogating the dynamics of gene expression, protein expression, and translational kinetics at the single-cell level – a paradigm shift in life science and medicine toward discovering vital cell regulatory mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat pipes, which are heat transfer devices with high thermal conductance, have been studied extensively because of their applicability and efficiency. However, only a small number of studies have been conducted on relatively long heat pipes. Here, the thermal hydraulic characteristics of a long heat pipe are studied. In particular, the entrainment limit—an important design parameter—is examined to determine its sensitivity to the length-to-inner-diameter ( L / D ) ratio. Experiments are performed to measure the entrainment limits of heat pipes with various length scales. It is found that the entrainment limit points are affected by the L / D value of the heat pipe; this effect has not been considered in former correlations. Thus, a new modifying factor that includes the effect of L / D is formulated from experimental results. The correlation with the modifying factor showed good agreement with experimental results obtained in both former researches and the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]