Search

The surface treatment for a polymer‐ceramic composite is additionally performed in advanced material industries. To prepare the composite without a surface treatment, the simplest way to manufacture an advanced ceramic‐particle is devised. The method is the formation of a nanocrystalline composite layer through the simple liquid‐phase sintering. Using magnesia (MgO) which shows hydrophilicity, a nanocrystalline surface layer is realized by liquid‐phase sintering. The amorphous matrix of nanocrystalline composite layer makes MgO hydrophobic and ensures miscibility with polymers, and the nanocrystalline MgO ensures high thermal conductivity. In addition, the liquid phase removes the open pores and makes the surface morphology smooth MgO with smooth surface (MgO‐SM). Thermal interface materials (TIM) prepared with MgO‐SM and epoxy show a high thermal conductivity of ≈7.5 W m−1K−1, which is significantly higher than 4.5 W m−1K−1 of pure MgO TIM. Consequently, the formation process of a nanocrystalline surface layer utilizing simple liquid‐phase sintering is proposed as a fabrication method for a next‐generation ceramic‐filler. In addition, it is fundamentally identified that the thermal conductivity of MgO depends on the Mg deficiency, and therefore a poly‐crystal MgO‐SM (produced at a low temperature) has a higher thermal conductivity than a single‐crystal MgO (produced at a high temperature). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Liver transplant (LT) recipients have an increased risk of tuberculosis (TB), which is associated with higher mortality rates. This retrospective cohort study assessed the outcome and tolerability of screening and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in LT recipients. Methods: Between March 2020 and February 2022, all adult LT candidates at our institution were screened for LTBI. The candidates who tested positive for interferon-γ-releasing assay or met epidemiological or clinical-radiological criteria for LTBI were treated and monitored. Results: Among the 857 LT recipients, 199 (23.2%) were diagnosed with LTBI, of which 171 (85.9%) initiated LTBI treatment. The median duration of follow-up was 677 days. Adequate LTBI treatment occurred in 141/171 (82.5%) patients and was discontinued prematurely in 30/171 (17.5%) patients. The most common reason for discontinuation was liver enzyme elevation (11/30, 36.7%), although only five discontinued treatment due to suspicion of isoniazid-associated hepatotoxicity. None of the LTBI-treated patients developed active TB during the follow-up period, while 3.6% (1/28) of untreated LTBI patients and 0.6% (4/658) of patients without LTBI developed TB. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that LTBI screening and treatment is a safe and effective strategy to prevent TB in LT recipients. However, monitoring for adverse events and liver enzyme elevation is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intertidal macroinvertebrates, such as crabs and mud shrimps, are invertebrates inhabiting the intertidal zone that are sufficiently large to be identified with the naked eye. Most intertidal macroinvertebrates typically construct burrows of various shapes in sediment to protect themselves from environmental extremes, with surface openings that reflect features of their species and body size. Especially circular burrow openings correlate with an organism's body size; thus, measuring these openings can provide estimates of the organism's size, weight, growth rate, and biomass. Traditional studies of these organisms have relied on field surveys, which are constrained by time, cost, and logistical limitations. This study introduces an innovative method for measuring the burrow opening diameters of intertidal macroinvertebrates using high-resolution optical images from a portable drone system. By leveraging the reflectance disparity between the sediment and burrow openings, this method facilitates the extraction and sizing of burrow openings. Our methodology was applied to three crab species known for their circular burrow opening: the red-clawed fiddler, the milky fiddler, and the ghost crab. Validation was confirmed through field data from the Mageumri and Sinduri tidal flats, South Korea. The method achieved a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.94 and a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.68 mm across a diameter range of 6.21–33.59 mm. These findings suggest the potential of drone remote sensing systems as a non-invasive and efficacious approach for quantifying burrow sizes over extensive intertidal areas, thereby facilitating more accurate biomass estimations and surmounting the limitations of conventional field surveys. Future research could extend this method to additional species and further refine its precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke is rarely accompanied with peripheral facial paralysis and supranuclear palsy of the hypoglossal nerve. Both sides of the motor cortex innervate the hypoglossal nucleus; therefore, unilateral lesions of the upper motor neurons rarely result in contralateral lingual paresis. We report a rare case of crossed syndrome with associated hyperacute peripheral hemifacial paralysis and contralateral lingual paresis after a lower pontine tegmentum ischemic stroke. Case presentation: : A 73-year-old man presented with symptoms of hyperacute peripheral hemifacial paralysis. Upon protrusion, the patient's tongue deviated to the contralateral side, without fasciculation or atrophy. Brain imaging showed focal ischemic stroke in the pontine tegmentum. However, lingual hemiparesis and multimodal neuroimaging findings differed. Conclusions: We suggest that cortico-hypoglossal fibers pass through the dorsal pontine. This case of crossed syndrome is a rare report of a lower pontine tegmentum ischemic stroke resembling an upper motor neuron lesion of the contralateral hypoglossal nerve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop a prediction model incorporating clinicopathological information, US, and MRI to diagnose axillary lymph node (LN) metastasis with acceptable false negative rate (FNR) in patients with early stage, clinically node-negative breast cancers. Methods: In this single center retrospective study, the inclusion criteria comprised women with clinical T1 or T2 and N0 breast cancers who underwent preoperative US and MRI between January 2017 and July 2018. Patients were temporally divided into the development and validation cohorts. Clinicopathological information, US, and MRI findings were collected. Two prediction models (US model and combined US and MRI model) were created using logistic regression analysis from the development cohort. FNRs of the two models were compared using the McNemar test. Results: A total of 964 women comprised the development (603 women, 54 ± 11 years) and validation (361 women, 53 ± 10 years) cohorts with 107 (18%) and 77 (21%) axillary LN metastases in each cohort, respectively. The US model consisted of tumor size and morphology of LN on US. The combined US and MRI model consisted of asymmetry of LN number, long diameter of LN, tumor type, and multiplicity of breast cancers on MRI, in addition to tumor size and morphology of LN on US. The combined model showed significantly lower FNR than the US model in both development (5% vs. 32%, P <.001) and validation (9% vs. 35%, P <.001) cohorts. Conclusion: Our prediction model combining US and MRI characteristics of index cancer and LN lowered FNR compared to using US alone, and could potentially lead to avoid unnecessary SLNB in early stage, clinically node-negative breast cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice cultivars with floury endosperm provide a useful raw material for producing dry-milled rice flour, helping to enhance the processed rice food industry. To expand the genetic resources for breeding floury endosperm rice cultivars, we developed Samkwang(SA)-flo3 (SK-flo3), a floury endosperm mutant line derived from the chemical mutagenesis of Samkwang, an elite Korean japonica rice cultivar. Compared with Samkwang, SK-flo3 showed significantly lower grain hardness, which is suitable for producing dry-milled flour without the soaking and drying processes required in regular wet rice milling. The dry-milled flour of SK-flo3 exhibited excellent physicochemical properties with less damaged starch and finer flour particles relative to Samkwang. Genetic analyses revealed a G-to-A point mutation in exon 7 of cyOsPPDKB, substituting glycine with aspartic acid as a causative mutation for the floury endosperm of SK-flo3. We named this allele flo4-6 and developed a molecular marker to efficiently transfer it to commercial rice cultivars. Our results provide useful genetic resources and information for developing specialty rice cultivars for high-quality rice flour production with reduced milling costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-environment trials (METs) are essential in plant breeding programs to evaluate crop productivity and adaptability in diverse environments. In this study, we demonstrated the practical use of METs to evaluate grain yield and yield-related traits using 276 Korean rice cultivars, divided into three maturity groups (81 early-, 90 medium-, and 105 medium–late-maturing cultivars) grown in three regions (Jeonju, Suwon, and Miryang) and two planting seasons (early and regular planting) for two years. Due to the narrow genetic variability of the commercial cultivars, which are cultivated in relatively similar environmental conditions, genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) effects were not statistically significant. However, genotype and environment evaluation using GGE biplot analysis exhibited distinct patterns of mega-environment formation, winning genotypes, ranking genotypes, discriminating power, and representativeness according to the differences in planting seasons and regions. Moreover, the simultaneous selection of stable high-performance genotypes using a weighted average of absolute scores from the singular-value decomposition of the matrix of BLUPs (WAASB) and a multi-trait stability index (MTSI) revealed six recommended genotypes each for early-maturing (Manho, Namil, Unkwang, Odae 1ho, Sinunbong 1ho, and Jonong) and medium-maturing (Sobi, Cheongdam, Shinbaeg, Boramchal, Mimyeon, and Saemimyeon) cultivars, and four genotypes for medium–late-maturing cultivars (Hanmauem, Dami, Baegseolchal, and Hangangchalbyeo). The winning genotypes of each trait can be used as parents to develop regional specialty cultivars by fine-tuning favorable traits, and recommended genotypes can be utilized as elite climate-resilient parents that can aid breeders in improving yield potential and stability across the planting seasons and regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LiOH‐based cathode chemistry has demonstrated potential for high‐energy Li−O2 batteries. However, the understanding of such complex chemistry remains incomplete. Herein, we use the combined experimental methods with ab initio calculations to study LiOH chemistry. We provide a unified reaction mechanism for LiOH formation during discharge via net 4 e− oxygen reduction, in which Li2O2 acts as intermediate in low water‐content electrolyte but LiHO2 as intermediate in high water‐content electrolyte. Besides, LiOH decomposes via 1 e− oxidation during charge, generating surface‐reactive hydroxyl species that degrade organic electrolytes and generate protons. These protons lead to early removal of LiOH, followed by a new high‐potential charge plateau (1 e− water oxidation). At following cycles, these accumulated protons lead to a new high‐potential discharge plateau, corresponding to water formation. Our findings shed light on understanding of 4 e− cathode chemistries in metal–air batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LiOH‐based cathode chemistry has demonstrated potential for high‐energy Li−O2 batteries. However, the understanding of such complex chemistry remains incomplete. Herein, we use the combined experimental methods with ab initio calculations to study LiOH chemistry. We provide a unified reaction mechanism for LiOH formation during discharge via net 4 e− oxygen reduction, in which Li2O2 acts as intermediate in low water‐content electrolyte but LiHO2 as intermediate in high water‐content electrolyte. Besides, LiOH decomposes via 1 e− oxidation during charge, generating surface‐reactive hydroxyl species that degrade organic electrolytes and generate protons. These protons lead to early removal of LiOH, followed by a new high‐potential charge plateau (1 e− water oxidation). At following cycles, these accumulated protons lead to a new high‐potential discharge plateau, corresponding to water formation. Our findings shed light on understanding of 4 e− cathode chemistries in metal–air batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanoluminescence (ML), a novel process that converts mechanical momentum to light emission, has shown potential for sustainable future technologies. However, the lights emitted from classical ML materials have shown broad emission spectra and a limitation in the choice of colors so far, constraining the full‐color implementation of ML. Herein, a quantum dot (QD)‐in‐mechanoluminescent matrix (QMM) architecture is introduced by simply incorporating QDs with the classical ML‐active matrices, designed to utilize the sharp emission spectra of the QDs. The QMMs demonstrate distinctive green and red lights identical to the emissions from the QDs through mechanical stimuli, achieving the purest ML reported to date. Furthermore, the deployments of the QDs allow the full‐color implementation of ML covering a wide color gamut, as well as the demonstration of the purest white reported to date. Systematic investigations reveal that the ML operation in the QMM is governed according to the ML‐stimulated photoluminescence (PL) mechanism, preventing energy or charge transfer processes. Moreover, the QMMs exhibit excellent stabilities upon environmental stresses and the patterned system is readily prepared, guaranteeing both robustness and easy processability of the system. This simple QMM strategy suggests practical insights for the development of powerless ML display and lighting systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 4-year prospective cohort study on patients with lung, gastric, hepatic, colorectal, breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer was conducted at the East-West Cancer Center (EWCC) of Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital in Daejeon, Korea. We divided patients into 2 groups based on how long they had been receiving TKM oncotherapy and compared event-free survival (EFS), telomere length change, and quality of life (QoL). The study collected data on 83 patients from October 2016 to June 2020 and discovered no statistical differences in EFS based on the duration of TKM oncotherapy. In the analysis of changes in QoL outcomes, there were no statistically significant group differences between the groups. After controlling for covariates that could affect telomere length, the long-term TKM oncotherapy group had a higher daily telomere attrition rate. The study of the relationship between telomere length and prognostic factors discovered that patients with advanced N stage at the time of diagnosis and who had previously received radiotherapy had shorter telomere length. When examining associations between SNP genotype and percentile score of telomere length, this study was able to confirm an association between telomere length and rs4387287. This study is significant because it is the first to assess the effects of TKM oncotherapy and investigate telomere length-related factors. To assess the effects of TKM oncotherapy on cancer patients' survival and QoL, a longer-term observational study with a larger sample size is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal halide based perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are promising candidates for next generation commercial display products due to their excellent high color-purity and recent dramatic improvements in their device efficiencies. However, the performance of blue PeLEDs falls far short of the requirements of commercialization, for which one of the main reasons is the wide band gap of blue-emitting perovskites, resulting in inferior hole injection and imbalanced charge transport in the emissive layer. Here, we introduce a facile method for overcoming the charge balance issue by developing a polymer/small-molecule binary-blend hole transport layer (HTL) with poly(9-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) and 2-(4-biphenyl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (PBD). The binary-blend HTL allows a systematic modulation of the hole injection barrier that enabled balanced charge transport between electrons and holes for an effective recombination within the perovskite emissive layer. In particular, the PeLED based on our optimal blended HTL exhibits one of the highest external quantum efficiency (EQE) values of 5.30% for blue PeLEDs with an emission peak at 478 nm. Our work provides a simple and effective concept for forming an energy ladder for efficient charge transport which will contribute towards developing high performance blue PeLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ginsenoside Rg-1 (Rg-1), a triterpenoid saponin abundantly present in Panax ginseng, is a type of naturally occurring steroid with known anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we sought to confirm the effects and mechanisms of action of Rg-1 on store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in human vascular endothelial cell line (EA) and murine aortic vascular smooth muscle cell line (MOVAS) cells exposed to high glucose. Methods: Cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations in EA and MOVAS cells were measured by monitoring fluorescence of the ratiometric Ca2+-indicator, Fura-2 AM. Results: High glucose significantly increased Ca2+ influx by abnormally activating SOCE in EA and MOVAS cells. Notably, this high glucose-induced increase in SOCE was restored to normal levels in EA and MOVAS cells by Rg-1. Moreover, Rg-1 induced reductions in SOCE in cells exposed to high glucose were significantly inhibited by the plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase (PMCA) blocker lanthanum, the Na+/K+-ATPase blocker ouabain, or the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) blockers Ni2+ and KB-R7943. These observations suggest that the mechanism of action of Rg-1 inhibition of SOCE involves PMCA and Na+/K+-ATPase, and an increase in Ca2+ efflux via NCXs in both EA and MOVAS cells exposed to high glucose. Conclusions: These findings indicate that Rg-1 may protect vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells from Ca2+ increases following exposure to hyperglycemic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the combined use of blood-based 3-protein signature and breast ultrasound (US) for validating US-detected lesions. Methods: From July 2011 to April 2020, women who underwent whole-breast US within at least 6 months from sampling period were retrospectively included. Blood-based 3-protein signature (Mastocheck®) value and US findings were evaluated. Following outcome measures were compared between US alone and the combination of Mastocheck® value with US: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and biopsy rate. Results: Among the 237 women included, 59 (24.9%) were healthy individuals and 178 (75.1%) cancer patients. Mean size of cancers was 1.2 ± 0.8 cm. Median value of Mastocheck® was significantly different between nonmalignant (− 0.24, interquartile range [IQR] − 0.48, − 0.03) and malignant lesions (0.55, IQR − 0.03, 1.42) (P <.001). Utilizing Mastocheck® value with US increased the AUC from 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61, 0.73) to 0.81 (95% CI 0.75, 0.88; P <.001), and specificity from 35.6 (95% CI 23.4, 47.8) to 64.4% (95% CI 52.2, 76.6; P <.001) without loss in sensitivity. PPV was increased from 82.2 (95% CI 77.1, 87.3) to 89.3% (95% CI 85.0, 93.6; P <.001), and biopsy rate was significantly decreased from 79.3 (188/237) to 72.1% (171/237) (P <.001). Consistent improvements in specificity, PPV, and AUC were observed in asymptomatic women, in women with dense breast, and in those with normal/benign mammographic findings. Conclusion: Mastocheck® is an effective tool that can be used with US to improve diagnostic specificity and reduce false-positive findings and unnecessary biopsies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming and climate change enhanced by the high atmospheric CO2 concentration have been correlated to the frequency of extreme weather causing a significant amount of property damage and loss of human lives. Among current atmospheric CO2 concentration control strategies, the electrochemical reduction of CO2 (eCO2R) process is a promising technology that can utilize CO2 gas as a feedstock to produce valuable C1 and C2 compounds at room temperature. Since the eCO2R reaction is limited by high activation energy and mass transfer, the choice of the electrocatalyst and the configuration of the CO2 electrolyzer have a significant impact on the activity and selectivity of the eCO2R process. This review discusses current technological advancements of electrocatalytic materials and the design of the gas diffusion electrodes that increase energy efficiency and reduce the mass transfer resistance of the CO2 conversion into C1 with a focus on formate and C2 chemical compounds. A techno-economic analysis is briefly provided, and future and technical challenges of the CO2 conversion at the industrial scale into formate and C2 products are also addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The primary goal was to evaluate the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities and changes in psychological distress levels among breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy (RT). The secondary goal was to determine risk and protective factors for psychiatric comorbidities of these patients. Methods: From June 2018 to November 2019, patients were recruited from the hospital, Department of Psychiatry. Patients completed baseline surveys after seeing their radiation oncologist and prior to the first treatment, which was scheduled to take place within 7 days (visit 1, baseline); visit 2 occurred within 7 days after RT completion, and visit 3 occurred at 6 weeks after RT completion. A total of 99 patients participated in the study at visit 1; 56 patients completed the study through visit 3. Results: Although changes in psychiatric comorbidities and overall quality of life were observed in patients with breast cancer prior to, during, and after RT, the differences were not significant among visits. Patients diagnosed with psychiatric comorbidities after RT had exhibited risk factors at previous visits, including preexisting psychiatric comorbidities, functional deterioration, and more severe symptoms related to breast cancer. Based on the results, the psychological characteristics of optimism and resilience can be considered as protective factors for psychiatric comorbidities. Conclusions: The results suggest that early detection and follow-up of psychological distress and poor quality of life at the onset of RT are of paramount importance, and that psychosocial interventions to enhance protective factors (optimism and resilience) may be helpful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Next-generation electroluminescent displays require efficient and stable red, green and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with low cost, excellent color purity and flexibility, for which perovskite-based LEDs (PeLEDs) are a promising candidate. Among the three primary colors, the low efficiencies and poor stability of blue PeLEDs is the major hurdle to their commercialization. Here, we report an in situ surface engineering strategy incorporating a simple hot injection method with one pot synthesis for surface passivation of cadmium ions (Cd2+) into blue-emissive all-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs). The optimized PNCs containing 0.2% Cd show improved photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY; 66.8%) and ambient stability compared to the neat PNCs (25.5%) at an emission wavelength of 475 nm. PeLEDs with the PNCs show a luminance of 51 cd m−2 and EQE of 3.71%. Through a series of ab initio calculations and comprehensive XPS analysis, we show that Cd incorporation into systems with reduced dimensionality such as PNCs likely takes place via surface inclusion in the perovskite B-site, which effectively suppresses the formation of halide defects and yields enhanced device efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, strong electron-withdrawing fluorine (F) and cyano (CN) substituents are selectively incorporated into the quinoxaline unit of two-dimensional (2D) D–A-type polymers to investigate their effects on the photovoltaic properties of the polymers. To construct the 2D polymeric structure, electron-donating benzodithiophene and methoxy-substituted triphenylamine are directly linked to the horizontal and vertical directions of the quinoxaline acceptor, respectively. After analyzing the structural, optical, and electrochemical properties of the resultant F- and CN-substituted polymers, labeled as PBCl-MTQF and PBCl-MTQCN, respectively, inverted-type polymer solar cells with a non-fullerene Y6 acceptor are fabricated to investigate the photovoltaic performances of the polymers. It is discovered that the maximum power conversion efficiency of PBCl-MTQF is 7.48%, whereas that of PBCl-MTQCN is limited to 3.52%. This significantly reduced PCE of the device based on PBCl-MTQCN is ascribed to the formation of irregular, large aggregates in the active layer, which can readily aggravate the charge recombination and charge transport kinetics of the device. Therefore, the photovoltaic performance of 2D quinoxaline-based D–A-type polymers is significantly affected by the type of electron-withdrawing substituent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is increasing interest in noncontrast‐enhanced MRI due to safety concerns for gadolinium contrast agents. Purpose: To investigate the clinical feasibility of MR‐based conductivity imaging for breast cancer detection and lesion differentiation. Study Type: Prospective. Subjects: One hundred and ten women, with 112 known cancers and 17 benign lesions (biopsy‐proven), scheduled for preoperative MRI. Field Strength/Sequence: Non‐fat‐suppressed T2‐weighted turbo spin‐echo sequence (T2WI), dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) at 3T. Assessment: Cancer detectability on each imaging modality was qualitatively evaluated on a per‐breast basis: the conductivity maps derived from T2WI were independently reviewed by three radiologists (R1–R3). T2WI, DWI, and pre‐operative digital mammography were independently reviewed by three other radiologists (R4–R6). Conductivity and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements (mean, minimum, and maximum) were performed for 112 cancers and 17 benign lesions independently by two radiologists (R1 and R2). Tumor size was measured from surgical specimens. Statistical Tests: Cancer detection rates were compared using generalized estimating equations. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with cancer detectability. Discriminating ability of conductivity and ADC was evaluated by using the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: Conductivity imaging showed lower cancer detection rates (20%–32%) compared to T2WI (62%–71%), DWI (85%–90%), and mammography (79%–88%) (all P < 0.05). Fatty breast on MRI (odds ratio = 11.8, P < 0.05) and invasive tumor size (odds ratio = 1.7, P < 0.05) were associated with cancer detectability of conductivity imaging. The maximum conductivity showed comparable ability to the mean ADC in discriminating between cancers and benign lesions (AUC = 0.67 [95% CI: 0.59, 0.75] vs. 0.84 [0.76, 0.90], P = 0.06 (R1); 0.65 [0.56, 0.73] vs. 0.82 [0.74, 0.88], P = 0.07 (R2)). Data Conclusion: Although conductivity imaging showed suboptimal performance in breast cancer detection, the quantitative measurement of conductivity showed the potential for lesion differentiation. Evidence Level: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous work, nickel–molybdenum (NiMo) nanoparticles supported on cerium–zirconium oxide (CZ) catalyst showed excellent catalytic activity and stability for liquid fuel reforming with an improved coking resistance compared with Ni/CZ. Lowering the temperature of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) below 700 °C is vital, because they can reduce the material costs and thermal stresses of SOFCs. However, the performance of NiMo/CZ is insufficient when operated at temperatures below 750 °C. This work aims to improve the activity and coking resistance of NiMo/CZ at a temperature of 700 °C by adding a minimal amount (0.1 wt%) of Ru. The Ru‐promoted sample shows a high reforming activity for partial oxidation of isooctane at 700 °C. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and STEM indicate a smaller Ni crystallite size for NiMoRu/CZ catalyst, which would decrease its tendency to facilitate coke formation. The tubular SOFC with the NiMoRu/CZ as its internal reforming catalyst displays good power density output and performance stability at 200 mA cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate clinical and imaging features associated with a high nodal burden (≥ 3 metastatic lymph nodes [LNs]) and compare diagnostic performance of US and MRI in patients with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Methods: Retrospective search revealed 239 patients with ILC and 999 with IDC who underwent preoperative US and MRI between January 2016 and June 2019. Patients with ILC were propensity-score-matched with patients with IDC. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with ≥ 3 metastatic LNs. Results: 412 patients (206 ILC and 206 IDC) were evaluated. Of all patients with ILC, 27.2% (56/206) were node-positive and 7.8% (16/206) showed a high nodal burden. In multivariate analysis, the clinical N stage was the only independent factor associated with a high nodal burden in patients with IDC (odds ratio [OR] 6.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.57–24.73; P = 0.009), but not in patients with ILC. Increased cortical thickness with loss of fatty hilum on US was associated with a high nodal burden in patients with ILC (OR 58.40; 95% CI 5.09–669.71; P = 0.001) and IDC (OR 24.14; 95% CI 3.52–165.37; P = 0.001), while suspicious LN findings at MRI were independently associated with a high nodal burden in ILC only (OR 13.94; 95% CI 2.61–74.39; P = 0.002). Conclusion: In patients with ILC, MRI findings of suspicious LNs were helpful to predict a high nodal disease burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early recurrence in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a decisive factor in determining a patient's prognosis. We determined in our current study whether circulating tumour cells (CTCs) exist in the blood of PDAC patients and can be used as a predictor of recurrence patterns (i.e. time and site) after surgical resection. Between December 2017 and November 2018, the mononuclear cell layer was obtained from the peripheral blood of 36 patients diagnosed with PDAC. CTCs were then isolated using the CD-PRIME™ platform and detected via immunostaining. The patient records were analyzed to correlate these data with survival and recurrence patterns. Twelve patients were CTC-positive (33.3%) and showed a significantly frequent rate of systemic recurrence (distant metastases and peritoneal dissemination) (p = 0.025). On multi-variable logistic regression analysis, CTC positivity was an independent risk factor for early recurrence (p = 0.027) and for systemic recurrence (p = 0.033). In summary, the presence or absence of CTC in the blood of the patients with PDAC could help predict the recurrence pattern after surgery. PDAC patients with CTC positivity at tumour diagnosis should therefore undergo a comprehensive strategy for systemic therapy and active monitoring to detect possible early recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study is both to estimate the efficacy and the safety of Yukgunja-tang (YGJT) and to establish evidence for the use of herbal medicines in the management of patients with cancer-related anorexia. Methods: We enrolled 40 patients with cancer-related anorexia. The enrolled participants were randomly allocated to 2 groups: the control group (n = 20), which received nutrition counseling, and the treatment group (n = 20), which received nutrition counseling and was administered YGJT at twice a day for 4 weeks (a total of 56 times @ 3.0 g each time). The primary outcome of this study was the score on the anorexia/cachexia subscale (ACS) of the Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy (FAACT). The secondary outcomes were the FAACT score with the ACS score excluded, the score on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for appetite, and the results on laboratory tests regarding appetite, such as leptin, tumor necrosis factors (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and ghrelin. All variables related to the safety assessment, such as vital signs, electrocardiography results, laboratory test results (complete blood cell count, chemistry, urine test), and adverse events, were documented on the case report form (CRF) at every visit. Result: The difference in the primary outcome, that is, the score on the anorexia/cachexia subscale (ACS) of the Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy (FAACT), between the control and the treatment groups was statistically significant (P =.023) as was the difference in the FAACT scores with the ACS score excluded, a secondary outcome, between the 2 groups; however, no statistically significant differences were noted in the scores on the VAS or the levels of leptin, TNF-α, IL-6, and ghrelin. In addition, no significant differences in the numbers and the types of adverse events or in the results on the laboratory tests between the control and the treatment groups were recorded. Conclusion: These results obtained in this research confirmed the efficacy and the safety of using YGJT as a herb-medicine treatment option for patients with cancer-related anorexia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A button‐typed single solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with an internal catalytic reforming layer is tested for direct‐fed ethanol SOFC technology. This catalytic functional layer consists of 5 wt% Rh/CeZrO2 catalyst and is applied in front of conventional nickel–yttria–stabilized zirconia (Ni–YSZ) anode to convert the ethanol fuel (35 vol%) into a hydrogen‐rich gas stream via the ethanol steam reforming reaction under harsh operating conditions for 24 h (steam‐to‐carbon [S/C] ratio = 3.1, 600 °C, and weight hourly space velocity [WHSV] of 176 h−1). The X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images reveal highly dispersed Rh nanoparticles with an average size of 2 nm over CeZrO2 support. Unlike the button cell without the catalytic functional layer, the electrochemical performance of the button cell with the catalytic functional layer illustrates a high coking resistance while maintaining a good power density output. The proposed SOFC with the catalytic functional layer is a viable solution for future electric cars with bioethanol‐fed SOFC technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) offers unenhanced method to detect breast cancer without cost and safety concerns associated with dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI. Our purpose was to evaluate the performance of DW-MRI at 3.0T in detection of clinically and mammographically occult contralateral breast cancer in patients with unilateral breast cancer. Methods: Between 2017 and 2018, 1130 patients (mean age 53.3 years; range 26–84 years) with newly diagnosed unilateral breast cancer who underwent breast MRI and had no abnormalities on clinical and mammographic examinations of contralateral breast were included. Three experienced radiologists independently reviewed DW-MRI (b = 0 and 1000 s/mm2) and DCE-MRI and assigned a BI-RADS category. Using histopathology or 1-year clinical follow-up, performance measures of DW-MRI were compared with DCE-MRI. Results: A total of 21 (1.9%, 21/1130) cancers were identified (12 ductal carcinoma in situ and 9 invasive ductal carcinoma; mean invasive tumor size, 8.0 mm) in the contralateral breast. Cancer detection rate of DW-MRI was 13–15 with mean of 14 per 1000 examinations (95% confidence interval [CI] 9–23 per 1000 examinations), which was lower than that of DCE-MRI (18–19 with mean of 18 per 1000 examinations, P = 0.01). A lower abnormal interpretation rate (14.0% versus 17.0%, respectively, P < 0.001) with higher specificity (87.3% versus 84.6%, respectively, P < 0.001) but lower sensitivity (77.8% versus 96.8%, respectively, P < 0.001) was noted for DW-MRI compared to DCE-MRI. Conclusions: DW-MRI at 3.0T has the potential as a cost-effective tool for evaluation of contralateral breast in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The steam reforming of a complex hydrocarbon, tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene (JP‐10), is investigated in strong electric fields using a modified coaxial capacitor reactor without bulk plasma generation over socketed Ni nanoparticle catalysts. Bulk plasma is suppressed in the reactor system by applying the fields as short‐duration, high‐frequency pulses (200 ns pulses of 3.0 kV at 50 kHz). Field strengths generated in this system are estimated using a reactive formic acid probe measurement and found to be on the order of 0.16 V nm−1 at the active site. Analysis of the JP‐10 reaction behavior by mass spectrometry shows that the applied high electric field decreases its reaction temperature, increases its hydrogen production rate, and enhances its catalyst lifetime. Although a complete model of this complex system is still lacking, a coarse thermodynamic analysis is provided which shows a strong linear dependence of the key reforming performances (e.g., JP‐10 conversion, water conversion, hydrogen yield, and hydrogen production rate) on field strength and direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Protein arginine methylation reaction is catalyzed by protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) and the modification is implicated in various diseases including cancer. Currently, thousands of arginine methylation sites have been identified using high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomics technology. However, identification of arginine methylation using clinical samples at proteome level has not been reported yet. The objective of the present study was to identify, monomethyl-arginine (MMA) and asymmetric dimethyl-arginine (ADMA) sites in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues at proteome level. Methods: Pooled CRC tissue samples from 10 patients with stage II and III were digested by trypsin and these digests were further processed and lyophilized. Using monomethyl- or asymmetric dimethyl arginine (MMA or ADMA, respectively) motif kits, methylarginine-containing peptides were enriched and subsequently analyzed by high-resolution LC-MS/MS. DLD1 and HCT116 colon cancer cells were treated with type I PRMTs inhibitor (MS023) alone or combined with SN-38, and the effect of the drugs on CRC cell proliferation and apoptosis was measured by water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1) assay and FACS analysis, respectively. Results: In the present study, 455 MMA sites of 272 proteins and 314 ADMA sites of 155 proteins were identified from CRC tissues acquired from patients. In addition, 216 methylation sites and 75 substrates for PRMTs were newly identified. These results reveal the significant presence of MMA and ADMA sites on nucleic acid binding proteins and protein complexes involved in transcription. To investigate the effect of protein arginine methylation in CRC proliferation and apoptosis, MS023 was treated to two CRC cell lines. After 48 h treatment with various concentrations of MS023, CRC cell proliferation was significantly suppressed, with concomitant apoptosis induction. Furthermore, MS023 treatment significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of SN-38 on CRC cell proliferation. Conclusion: This work reports the first comprehensive analysis of arginine methylation with clinical sample and suggests that type I PRMTs are potential therapeutic targets for drug discovery in CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging does not usually assess axillary lymph nodes -using dedicated axillary sequence. The additional utility of dedicated axillary sequence is poorly understood. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of dedicated axillary imaging sequence for evaluation of axillary lymph node. Methods: In this retrospective study from January 2018 to March 2018, 750 consecutive women underwent breast MR imaging. 263 patients were excluded, due to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 235), incomplete histopathological information (n = 14) and follow-up loss (n = 14), 487 women were included. Two radiologists scored lymph node on confidence level scale from 0 (definitely benign) to 4 (definitely malignant), −using standard MR and dedicated axillary imaging sequences. Diagnostic performance parameters were compared and calculated correlation coefficient of quantitative features (largest dimension, cortical thickness, and the ratio of cortical thickness to largest dimension of lymph node). Results: 68 (14.0%) were node-positive and 419 (86.0%) were node-negative. The sensitivity, specificity, positive, negative predictive values and accuracy were respectively, 66.2, 93.3, 61.6, 94.4, and 89.5% for dedicated axillary sequence and 64.7, 94.0, 63.8, 94.3, 89.9% for standard MR sequence The dedicated axillary and standard sequences s did not exhibit significant differences in detection of positive lymph nodes (AUC, 0.794 for standard and 0.798 for dedicated axillary sequence, P = 0.825). The cortical thickness appeared to be the most discriminative quantitative measurement using both axillary (AUC, 0.846) and standard sequences (AUC, 0.823), with high correlation coefficient (0.947). Conclusion: Evaluation of axillary nodal status using standard breast MR imaging is comparable to dedicated axillary MR imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report morphological control with phenyl-C60-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) molecular aggregation for perovskite–PCBM bulk heterostructure (Pe–PCBM BHS) solar cells. Solar cells prepared via the Pe–PCBM BHS method exhibited a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18% than 11% from a device with a conventional planar heterojunction structure. The Pe–PCBM BHS can enhance device efficiency by improving electron transfer, shortening the electron transport length required for collection, and reducing the charge transfer resistance at the interface between the perovskite and PCBM through an increase of the perovskite crystal size and construction of a vertical perovskite–PCBM intermixing zone. To the best of our knowledge, the high PCE achieved by our Pe–PCBM BHS is the highest value to be reported in an inverted perovskite solar cell without buffer layers, such as metal oxides or low work function metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) show variable malignancy risk. We validated the web‐based predictive models and the scoring system by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for AUS/FLUS nodules to stratify the malignancy risk. Methods: From January 2011 to November 2014, 275 consecutive nodules diagnosed as AUS/FLUS were enrolled. The discrimination and calibration ability of a web‐based scoring with inclusion of biopsy result and sonographic features, old web‐based scoring model without biopsy result, and ACR models were assessed. Results: The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the validation set were 0.670 for the new web‐based model, 0.710 for the old web‐based model, and 0.732 for the ACR scoring risk‐stratification model. All models were well calibrated. Conclusion: The web‐based scoring risk‐stratification model using the combined information of ultrasonography features and biopsy result for AUS/FLUS nodules to stratify malignancy risk presents an acceptable predictive accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to psychological problems. The purpose of the present study was to compare differences in psychological difficulties, including depression and anxiety, between cancer patients and noncancer patients. This study assessed the differences in depressive and anxiety symptoms between patients with and without cancer. Materials and Methods: Participants included 219 patients at The Cancer Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Busan, Korea, who reported depressive or anxiety symptoms between April 2014 and April 2016. Patients were categorized into cancer and noncancer groups based on medical histories showing a diagnosis of any type of cancer. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to evaluate psychological distress at each patient's first visit. Patients' charts were reviewed for clinical data, including BDI and BAI scores and duration of cancer treatment, and for demographic data such as age and sex. Results: The results showed that patients in the cancer group experienced greater discomfort related to somatic symptoms; higher BDI subscale scores were related to work difficulties, insomnia, loss of appetite, somatic worries (fatigue), and loss of libido compared with patients in the noncancer group. The BAI subscale scores for fear of the worst happening, feeling unsteady, feeling terrified or afraid, a sense of choking, fear of dying, and feeling scared were higher in patients with than in those without cancer. Conclusion: High levels of depressive symptoms related to somatic discomfort and anxiety symptoms related to fear of cancer were associated with considerable psychological distress in patients with cancer diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To facilitate the exact diagnosis of multiple influenza virus types that are reported each year, the quantitative, sandwich-format enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is widely used. In this method, enzyme-linked secondary antibodies or aptamers serve as detection reagents for signal amplification or colorimetric analysis. Aptamers have similar target affinities and specificities to antibodies, and they are relatively easy to label and can be applied to a variety of methods. For this reason, many quantitative analysis methods have recently been proposed that have a heterogeneous sandwich format and use an antibody with high specificity for a target and an aptamer that can be easily labeled for signal amplification. Aptamers obtained through the conventional systematic evolution of ligands by the exponential enrichment (SELEX) method have a limitation in the heterogeneous sandwich format assay because they often bind the antibody that acts as the capturing agent. In this paper, we introduce an effective method for selecting aptamers that increases the signal-to-noise ratio in a heterogenous sandwich-type immunosensor and confirms the efficiency of the selected aptamer candidates in the colorimetric assay. Using the proposed method, four aptamer candidates with Kd values ranging from 77.6 to 125.7 nM were obtained. Of them, INFA-apt4 showed the strongest binding affinity, with quantitative detection of nucleoprotein ranging from 1 ng mL−1 to 300 ng mL−1 and a minimum detection limit of 1.02 ng mL−1, which was 10-fold more sensitive than the values offered by conventional antibody-based methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Simultaneous splenectomy (SSPX) in adult living donor liver transplantation (ALDLT) has definitely beneficial roles such as portal flow modulation in small‐for‐size graft and correction of hypersplenism‐related pancytopenia, and so on, but disastrous complications after SSPX often occur. For the first time, we devised unique and innovative splenic devascularization (SDV) procedure to alleviated untoward effects of SSPX but to maintain its benefits for the indicated patients. From April 2013 to December 2014, 520 recipients underwent ALDLT, and the SSPX and SDV were simultaneously performed in 62 (11.9%) and 61 (11.7%) patients, respectively. The most common indication was hypersplenism‐related pancytopenia (n = 101), small‐for‐size graft (n = 14), hepatitis C virus (HCV) (n = 7), and splenic artery aneurysm (n = 1). Postoperative small‐for‐size graft syndrome (SFSS) was absent in both SSPX and SDV, and preoperative pancytopenia was improved in both groups since postoperative 1 week, although SSPX was more substantial than SDV. Preoperative splenic volume (706.2 ± 282.9 ml) after SDV significantly decreased to 425.5 ± 204.4 ml on 1 month, respectively. In contrast to SDV, SSPX resulted in longer operation time and higher incidence of postoperative complications including mortality. In conclusion, SDV can replace SSPX during ALDLT without hampering its beneficial roles seriously, but get rid of splenectomy‐related lethal complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate and compare the effect of preoperative breast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes among patients with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).Methods: A total of 287 ILC patients between January 2005 and December 2012 were included. One hundred twenty (41.8%) had undergone preoperative breast MR imaging (MR group) and 167 (58.2%) had not (no MR group). Two groups were matched for 21 covariates in terms of patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and clinical features. We compared unmatched variables between the patients with and without breast MR imaging using the chi-square or Student's t test. Comparisons of matched data were performed with McNemar's test or test of symmetry for categorical variables and paired t test for continuous variables. The RFS and OS outcomes were compared using the Kaplan-Meier estimates. MR effects were estimated after adjusting for significant potential confounders of specific outcomes in the multivariable modeling.Results: In the matched cohort, no statistically significant association was observed between MR imaging and total recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 1.096; p = 0.821), loco-regional recurrence (HR, 1.204; p = 0.796), contralateral breast recurrence (HR, 0.945; p = 0.952), or distant recurrence (HR, 1.020; p = 0.973). MR imaging was associated with improved OS with 51% reduction, but not significantly (HR, 0.485; p = 0.231). Analysis with multivariable Cox regression model indicated that MR imaging was not significant independent factor for better RFS (HR, 0.823; p = 0.586) or improved OS (HR, 0.478; p = 0.168).Conclusion: Preoperative MR imaging is not significant prognostic factor and produces no apparent recurrence or survival outcome benefits in ILC patients.Key Points: • Preoperative breast MR imaging in invasive lobular carcinoma was associated with a better overall survival with 51% reduction, but not statistically significant. • Preoperative breast MR imaging does not show significant prognostic value in invasive lobular carcinoma as there is no apparent benefit in terms of recurrence or survival outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Some authors have found little or no diagnostic benefit from repeated biopsy of benign thyroid nodules. However, to our knowledge, integration of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) guidelines with one biopsy for sufficient benign thyroid nodule diagnosis has not been previously described. We investigated malignancy rate and probability by using various malignancy stratification systems in initially biopsy-proven benign nodules and sought to determine their clinical relevance in management of benign thyroid nodules.Methods: This retrospective study collected 6762 thyroid nodules from 6493 consecutive patients who underwent biopsy between January 2013 and December 2013. The initial biopsy with ≥1 year of follow-up was used as the gold standard for benign diagnosis. For our study purpose, we analyzed 2747 (57.0%, 2747 of 4822, 532 women, 2111 men; 229 malignant and 2518 benign) thyroid nodules diagnosed by initial biopsy with 28.2 ± 9.1 (range, 12-41) months of follow-up. We calculated the malignancy probability of thyroid nodules by using various malignancy risk stratification systems.Results: The overall calculated thyroid malignancy rate was 8.3% (229 of 2747). Initially biopsy-proven benign nodules exhibited a ≤3.0% malignancy probability when assessed as "low suspicion" by Korean-TIRADS (K-TIRADS), "low suspicion" by the ATA guideline, and "very probably benign" by the French TIRADS guideline and gave a score of ≤3 by the web-based TIRADS.Conclusion: When initially biopsy-proven benign nodules exhibit a "low suspicion" US pattern and low malignancy probability, as stratified by various TIRADS guidelines, imaging surveillance instead of second biopsy is warranted.Key Points: • One biopsy is sufficient for initially biopsy-proven benign nodules. • Repetitive biopsy is necessary for imaging-pathology mismatched nodules. • Scoring risk stratification permits personalized management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A NiMo‐ceria‐zirconia catalyst was developed for an inert‐substrate‐supported tubular single cell running on isooctane fuel. The tubular single cell consisted of an inert porous yttira‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) supporter, Ni‐Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 (Ni‐SDC) anode, YSZ/SDC bilayer electrolyte and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) cathode. The NiMo‐ceria‐zirconia catalyst was packed in the tubular channel of the single cell as a reforming unit. With application of the catalyst in the tubular cell, the mixture of isooctane and air can be efficiently reformed to simple syngas (a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) at 750 °C. Compared to electrochemical performance of the single cell without the catalyst, applying the catalyst increased maximum power density of the single cell from 240 to 306 mW cm−2, and the single cell exhibited significantly improved stability during the 18 h performance test. The results suggest the feasibility of applying the NiMo‐ceria‐zirconia catalyst for operating the tubular single cell using isooctane fuel. Heterogenous Catalysis in Fuel Cells: A liquid‐fuel solid oxide fuel cell has been successfully demonstrated. By applying a novel NiMo‐ceria‐zirconia reforming catalyst in the tubular cell, complex liquid fuels can be efficiently reformed into synthesis gas before electrochemical oxidation. The internal reforming unit acts as a fuel‐cleaning filter, which significantly suppresses carbon deposition and improves the cell lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the diagnostic efficacy, complication rate, and core needle biopsy (CNB) specimen yield in 18‐ versus 20‐gauge ultrasound (US)‐guided CNB for diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Methods: We included 81 consecutive thyroid nodules with US‐guided biopsy by a 20‐gauge core needle and 86 consecutive thyroid nodules with US‐guided biopsy by an 18‐gauge core needle during 2 years. The rate of inconclusive results, including nondiagnostic or atypia/follicular lesion of undetermined significance, was compared. The diagnostic performance for malignancy was assessed in nodules with a final diagnosis. The complication rate and CNB specimen yield were also compared. Results: Eighteen‐gauge CNB showed a lower rate of nondiagnostic results (1.2% versus 8.6%; P = .024) than 20‐gauge CNB; however, the rates of atypia/follicular lesion of undetermined significance and inconclusive results were not significantly different between the groups (P > .05). In addition, 18‐gauge CNB showed higher sensitivity (75.0% versus 66.7%), a higher negative predictive value (83.9% versus 75.9%), and higher accuracy (78.3% versus 74.4%) for detecting malignancy than 20‐gauge CNB, although the results did not achieve statistical significance. No major complications occurred in either of the CNB groups. The 18‐gauge needle group had significantly fewer CNBs and larger specimen diameters (P < .001). Conclusions: Core needle biopsy with an 18‐gauge needle could be more effective for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules than CNB with a 20‐gauge needle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molybdenum carbide (Mo2C), an interstitial transition metal carbide, has been used in a myriad of industrial applications due to its refractory nature, extreme hardness and strength, and high electrical and thermal conductivity. It also possesses catalytic activity for many chemical processes such as hydrodeoxygenation, reforming, water-gas shift, and the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. Among the current synthesis methods available to produce β-Mo2C, temperature-programmed reduction yields materials with the highest specific surface areas. The objective of the present work is to perform a detailed investigation of the carburization process and to determine the key intermediate phases that are formed during reduction. To achieve this objective, we performed the carburization process under pulse conditions wherein a small amount of CH4 in each pulse was reacted with a packed bed of MoO2. Our XRD and TEM results demonstrate that the solid-phase transformation from MoO2 to β-Mo2C follows a “plum-pudding” mechanism where Mo metal crystallites are constantly formed as the key intermediate phase throughout the matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake (Mw 9.0, 11 March 2011) occurred more than 1,000 km from South Korea, it significantly changed the magnitudes and orientations of Global Positioning System (GPS) velocity vectors in the country, which took two years to return to preearthquake values. Then, areas with relatively thick crust show contractional surface deformation, whereas areas with thinner crust show dilatation, suggesting that the deformation pattern is long‐term. Although there is no one‐to‐one correlation between earthquakes and surface deformation, earthquakes tend to be concentrated in areas with higher shear strain rates. In South Korea, the stress field inferred from earthquake data is inconsistent with surface deformation calculated from GPS data. This may arise because stress orientations at earthquake focal depths are different from those at the surface, or surface deformation measured by GPS may represent interseismic elastic deformation leading to future large earthquakes, while recent earthquakes without surface ruptures might not contribute to the surface deformation. Some effects of crustal thickness on surface deformation and inconsistency between surface deformation from GPS data and kinematics from earthquake data may be a common feature of intraplate regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 are representative markers for skin inflammation and photoaging, respectively. To evaluate compounds that may counteract the effects of UVB-induced skin damage, we developed an immortalized human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell line with an MMP-1 reporter construct. Among the 30 botanical extracts screened, we selected Ephedra sinica extract (ESE) as a promising candidate and confirmed that ESE significantly suppresses UVB-induced COX-2 and MMP-1 expression in HaCaT cells. Treatment with ESE also potently suppressed UVB-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, as well as UVB-induced MEK1/2 and Raf phosphorylation in HaCaT cells. These findings suggest that our MMP-1 reporter system can be used to evaluate compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-photoaging effects. We also report that ESE has potent suppressive effects against COX-2 and MMP-1 expression, which occurs via downregulation of Raf/MEK1/2/ERK1/2 phosphorylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:In thyroid gland, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been applied to both recurrent cancers and benign nodules, although, according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) guidelines, surgery is the first-line treatment for follicular neoplasm. However, it has been argued that follicular neoplasm with lower risk of malignancy can be managed by close follow-up. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of RFA of small follicular neoplasms, examining reductions in volume and related clinical problems, and making observations over long-term follow-up. Methods:We evaluated 10 follicular neoplasms in 10 patients who were treated with RF ablation between 2009 and 2011. A RF generator and an 18-gauge internally cooled electrode were used to perform complete ablation of the whole nodules. Changes in nodules or ablated zones on follow-up ultrasound, and complications during and after RF ablation were evaluated. Results:The mean follow-up period was 66.4 ± 5.1 months (range: 60–76 months). In eight patients, single session of RF ablation was sufficient, while two patients required two sessions. There was a significant reduction in the mean volume (99.5 ± 1.0%) of lesions, with eight ablated lesions (8/10, 80%) disappearing completely on follow-up. No recurrences were found in any ablated zones at last follow-up. Transient mild neck pain (n = 6) occurred during the procedure without requiring any medication. Conclusion:In addition to active surveillance, RF ablation may be an effective and safe alternative for the management of patients with small (<2 cm) follicular neoplasm suspected on thyroid biopsy and who strongly refuse surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]