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We present a high image quality head up display (HUD) based on the local dimming liquid crystal display (LCD). The proposed HUD provides high white luminance to improve day-time visibility and low black luminance to cope with the postcard effect during the night by the local dimming technique. To reduce the computational complexity, the pixel-based boosting values for the pixel compensation are computed by simple bi-linear interpolation, complex power functions are implemented by look-up tables, some multiplications are replaced with the sums of shifted values, and the numbers of look-up tables and multipliers are reduced by sequential process. The simulation results of the proposed local dimming algorithm for 640×1280 LCD panel and 10×22 LED backlight ensure higher peak signal-to-noise ratio than 40 dB and larger power reduction performance than 73% over 7 HUD images. In addition, the postcard effect improvement is verified over images on LCD panel as well as windshield. Maximum luminance and contrast ratio on the windshield of the prototype HUD system are measured as 16,088 cd/m $ ^2 $ 2and $ 342\times {10^6} $ 342×106:1.

An experimental study of film formation and structure development of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) in single and double bubble tubular film extrusion processes is presented. PBT was found largely stable in the first stage. In the second stage, the bubble was unstable and biaxial inflation was achieved only with a blow-up ratio of one. The sources of second bubble instabilities were related to the crystalline nature of the first bubble being inflated in the second stage. The structure and properties in the films varied substantially with processing conditions. While the first bubble had poorly ordered α-structure, the double bubble possessed oriented polymorphic texture. The second deformation that induced high film-line stress favored the formation of a stable β phase. The mechanical behavior of the films reflected the crystal perfection as well as orientation in the films.

The random amplitude and phase fluctuations observed in trans‐ionospheric radio signals are caused by the presence of electron density irregularities in the ionosphere. Ground‐based measurements of radio wave signals provide information about the medium through which these signals propagate. The Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Network (CHAIN) Global Position System (GPS) receivers record radio signals emitted by the GPS satellites, enabling the study of their spectral characteristics. This study presents examples of phase spectra with two power‐law components. These components exhibit steeper spectral slopes at higher frequencies and shallower ones at lower frequencies. To be more specific, we conducted a spectral characterization of sixty one (61) events recorded by the CHAIN Churchill GPS receiver, which is located in the auroral oval. When fluctuations above the background level are only observed in the phase, the spectra tend to be systematically steeper. Conversely, the power increase in higher frequency fluctuations accompanying amplitude scintillation tends to result in shallower spectra. A basic yet powerful model of radio wave propagation through a turbulent ionosphere, characterized by a power law electron density spectrum, can help to explain the two power laws observed in the scintillation events presented in this study by identifying the role played by small‐scale ionospheric irregularities in diffraction. This study discusses the impact electron density irregularities in the ionosphere have on radio wave propagation. Ground‐based measurements of Global Navigation Satellite System signals provide insights into their spectral characteristics. The study presents examples of phase spectra with two power‐law components, showing steeper slopes at higher frequencies and shallower ones at lower frequencies. Phase fluctuations tend to result in steeper spectra, while amplitude scintillations lead to shallower spectra. The study suggests a simple model of radio wave propagation through a turbulent ionosphere to explain these observations. Dual power‐law spectra observed in phase scintillation in the auroral regionResolving the distinction between refractive and diffractive effects on dual power‐law phase spectraIonospheric irregularities and their connection to amplitude and phase scintillation Dual power‐law spectra observed in phase scintillation in the auroral region Resolving the distinction between refractive and diffractive effects on dual power‐law phase spectra Ionospheric irregularities and their connection to amplitude and phase scintillation

In this study, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) was introduced in polyphenylene ether (PPE) blend to improve the processability of PPE and to secure the flame retardancy of the blend without deteriorating physical properties. Through the study of the binary blend of PPE/PPS, it was found that the shear thinning behavior and the external lubrication effect of PPS can improve the processability of PPE. Thermal analysis of the blend showed that the glass transition temperature of the PPS component decreases by the plasticization while that of the PPE component increases by the anti-plasticization effect. The modulus of the binary blend increased with the PPS content, and the tensile strength decreased but followed the additive rule. The change in tensile properties can be explained by the synergy effect of partial miscibility between PPE and PPS due to structural similarity, and non-isotropic morphology formation. Impact strength increased sharply in PPE60 due to the mechanical grafting effect by co-continuous phase formation. In the ternary blend with SEBS-MAH applied to PPE60, the impact strength steep increased at a content of 10 wt% or more due to the dramatic morphology change based on the compatibilization effect. Flame retardancy of V0 was also observed in all compositions where SEBS-MAH was applied within 20 phr.

The dynamic mechanical relaxation behavior of Ti36.2Zr30.3Cu8.3Fe4Be21.2bulk metallic glass with good glass-forming ability was investigated by mechanical spectroscopy. The mechanical relaxation behavior was analyzed in the framework of quasi-point defects model. The experimental results demonstrate that the atomic mobility of the metallic glass is closely associated with the correlation factor χ. The physical aging below the glass transition temperature Tgshows a non-Debye relaxation behavior, which could be well described by stretched Kohlrausch exponential equation. The Kohlrausch exponent $$\beta_{\text{aging}}$$βagingreflects the dynamic heterogeneities of the metallic glass. Both concentration of “defects” and atomic mobility decrease caused by the in situ successive heating during the mechanical spectroscopy experiments.

Using multivariate statistical techniques, this VCM operator raised productivity by more than 10% without revamping cracking furnaces Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the core plastics manufactured in the Asia-Pacific [...]

It has long been established that ionospheric electron density irregularities cause random rapid amplitude and phase fluctuations in trans‐ionospheric radio signals. Various types of ground‐based measurements, including radar and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, have been utilized to gain insights into the plasma mechanisms that could lead to the development of these ionospheric irregularities. The spectral characteristics of radio wave signals emitted by GNSSs and detected by the Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Network Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers are analyzed to try and identify the spectral signatures of the ionospheric plasma irregularities. In the polar region, we have confirmed that phase fluctuations in the GPS signal are not always accompanied by amplitude fluctuations. For the first time, a systematic comparison is conducted on the spectral properties of phase‐fluctuation events in the absence and presence of amplitude scintillations, respectively. More specifically, a spectral characterization is performed on 41 events recorded by three receivers positioned within the auroral oval. When fluctuations above the background level are solely observed in the signal's phase, the spectrum of phase variations exhibits a consistent steepness. Conversely, the presence of amplitude scintillation is accompanied by an increase in power at higher frequencies, resulting in shallower spectra. This analysis provides yet another physical element suggesting that the rapid fluctuations observed in the signal's amplitude may be caused by Fresnel‐scale irregularities arising from a gradient‐drift‐like instability while the phase variations seem to be consistent with a refractive mechanism caused by large‐scale ionospheric structures. Forty one phase and amplitude scintillation events in the high‐latitude region were analyzed to study the properties of the spectraIn the presence of amplitude‐scintillation, all spectra exhibited a shallower slopeFresnel‐scale structures are found at the edge of large‐scale ionospheric density gradients Forty one phase and amplitude scintillation events in the high‐latitude region were analyzed to study the properties of the spectra In the presence of amplitude‐scintillation, all spectra exhibited a shallower slope Fresnel‐scale structures are found at the edge of large‐scale ionospheric density gradients

The influence of various ratios of copper (Cu), titanium (Ti) and magnesium (Mg) elements on the properties of the deformed zinc (Zn)–copper–titanium alloy was investigated by the orthogonal design experiment in this work. The results show that copper has a significant impact on the microhardness of the alloy, while titanium has an effect on the elongation, and both copper and titanium have equal influence on the tensile strength. Within the range of experiments, 2·0, 0·05 and 0·001% are the most optimal concentrations of copper, titanium and magnesium, respectively, which makes the alloy have high tensile strength, microhardness and elongation. The optimum ratio of the alloy was Zn–2·0Cu–0·05Ti–0·001 Mg, which was verified; the microhardness of the alloy attained a value of 88 HV, the tensile strength reached 255 MPa, and the elongation was 63% after extrusion.

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a standard treatment for eligible multiple myeloma (MM) patients, but many patients will relapse after ASCT and require subsequent therapy. The proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib is approved for relapsed or refractory MM (RRMM). In phase 3 trials, carfilzomib-based regimens (ASPIRE, carfilzomib–lenalidomide–dexamethasone; ENDEAVOR, carfilzomib–dexamethasone) demonstrated superior progression-free survival (PFS) compared with standard therapies for RRMM (ASPIRE: lenalidomide–dexamethasone; ENDEAVOR, bortezomib–dexamethasone). This subgroup analysis of ASPIRE and ENDEAVOR evaluated outcomes according to prior ASCT status. In total, 446 patients in ASPIRE and 538 in ENDEAVOR had prior ASCT. Median PFS was longer for carfilzomib-based regimens vs non-carfilzomib-based regimens for patients with prior ASCT (ASPIRE: 26.3 vs 17.8 months (hazard ratio (HR)=0.68); ENDEAVOR: not estimable vs 10.2 months (HR=0.61)), those with one prior line of therapy that included ASCT (ASPIRE: 29.7 vs 17.8 months (HR=0.70); ENDEAVOR: not estimable vs 11.2 months (HR=0.46)), and those without prior ASCT (ASPIRE: 26.4 vs 16.6 months (HR=0.76); ENDEAVOR: 17.7 vs 8.5 months (HR=0.43)). Overall response rates also favored the carfilzomib-based regimens. No new safety signals were detected. This analysis suggests that carfilzomib-based treatment may lead to improvement in PFS and response rates regardless of prior transplant status. Further evaluation is warranted.

Micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) have received a lot of attention with the rapid development of wearable, highly integrated, and flexible electronics due to their high power density and long cycle life. Among the preparation methods, screen printing is widely used due to its simplicity, low cost, integratability, and ease of industrial production. However, the conductivity, rheology, and printability of the ink are still required to be further optimized in order to improve the resolution and electrochemical properties of the printed patterns. And combining a high energy capacity and wearability of MSCs is also a big challenge. Therefore, a green and environmentally friendly water-based conductive ink is prepared herein to develop a CO-CNT-MnO2-based micro-electrode on stretchable cotton/spandex fabric by screen printing. The CO-CNT-MnO2/F-based MSCs with a forked finger structure are further assembled combined with PVA/LiCl, and high electrochemical performance of the assembled device due to the synergy of double layer capacitance and pseudocapacitor capacitance storage could be achieved as an area capacitance of 8.479 mF/cm2at 10 mV/s and reach maximum energy density of 0.132 mWh/cm2at power density of 0.176 mW/cm2. In addition, the assembled MSCs still have high capacitance retention under stretching/folding/bending/friction conditions. This work highlights the great potential of the new water-based conductive ink for the application of stretchable MSCs based on screen printing.

Entering into the ninth year of the Anti-Monopoly Law of the People’s Republic of China (AML) in force, China has tackled high-profile cases, promulgated and implemented relevant rules and interpretations in regard to the interface between anti-monopoly and intellectual property rights, while relevant guidelines are in process at the same time. On one hand, the competition authorities in the tripartite system of antitrust enforcement have respectively shown their attitudes towards relevant issues concerning intellectual property rights (IPR)–related anticompetitive conducts by initiating investigations and drafting guidelines. On the other hand, judicial remedies tend to be applied for in parallel, when enterprises who suffered anticompetitive treatment filed complaints to courts.

Although the prevalence of prehypertension is rapidly increasing in China, the medical community has paid little attention to its prevention. Prior studies have demonstrated that uric acid directly contributes to vascular remodelling and endothelial dysfunction. However, few prospective studies have assessed the relationship between serum uric acid and prehypertension. We therefore designed a larger-scale cohort study to examine whether uric acid level is a predictive factor for developing prehypertension in adults. Participants were recruited from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital-Health Management Centre. A prospective assessment (n=15 143) was performed. Participants without a history of hypertension or prehypertension were followed up for 2 to 6 years with a median follow-up duration of 2.8 years. Serum uric acid levels and blood pressure were assessed yearly during the follow-up. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess relationships between the quintiles of uric acid levels and the incidence of prehypertension. The incidence of prehypertension was 191 per 1000 person-years. In the final multivariate models, the hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for prehypertension across uric acid quintiles were 1.00 (reference), 0.98 (0.90–1.07), 1.01 (0.93–1.10), 1.09 (1.001–1.20) and 1.17 (1.06–1.29) (Pfor trend <0.001), respectively. This population-based prospective cohort study has demonstrated that uric acid level is an independent predictor for developing prehypertension.

This paper investigated the effect of coupling of direct current (DC) and pulling rate on dendrites and cooling behaviours of directionally solidified Pb–50Sn alloy. Experimental results indicated that the secondary dendritic arm spacing (SDAS) decreased and temperature gradient increased as increasing current densities. Moreover, temperature rise and SDAS under positive DC were higher than those under negative DC. It was speculated that Joule heating and electromigration were obviously induced by the present DC. The effect of DC on the microstructure and solidification parameters was weakened as the pulling rate increases. The coarsening rate reduced from tf1/3toward a value of tf0.29when DC of ±200 A cm–2were applied. The refinement mechanism of SDAS was discussed.

Jeju horse (Natural Monument number 347) is a breed of horse that has experienced long-term isolation and domestication in Jeju Island, South Korea. We evaluated genetic features of this breed, including SNP, by whole-genome resequencing using an Illumina HiSeq 2000. A total of 5,986,852 SNP were identified in 4 Jeju horses and were divided into homozygous and heterozygous SNP (2,357,099 and 3,629,753 SNP, respectively). It revealed that 63.8% of these SNP resided in intergenic regions. Immune response genes with nonsynonymous SNP were overrepresented in Jeju horses as evidenced by Gene Ontology clustering. Among these genes, Toll-like receptors (TLR) are highly enriched. Comparing TLR genes between Jeju horses and the Przewalski's horse, TLR2and TLR4genes showed “possibly damaging” mutations in several regions by analysis with PolyPhen-2. These results provide a framework for further genetic studies in Jeju horse by domestication. Furthermore, research on functions of SNP-associated genes would aid in understanding the molecular genetic variation of horse breeds.

Cardiac disease in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has previously been studied but not in patients with a kyphosis or in those who have undergone an operation to correct it. The aim of this study was to measure the post-operative changes in cardiac function of patients with an AS kyphosis after pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO).The original cohort consisted of 39 patients (33 men, six women). Of these, four patients (two men, two women) were lost to follow-up leaving 35 patients (31 men, four women) to study. The mean age of the remaining patients was 37.4 years (22.3 to 47.8) and their mean duration of AS was 17.0 years (4.6 to 26.4). Echocardiographic measurements, resting heart rate (RHR), physical function score (PFS), and full-length standing spinal radiographs were obtained before surgery and at the two-year follow-up.The mean pre-operative RHR was 80.2 bpm (60.6 to 112.3) which dropped to a mean of 73.7 bpm (60.7 to 90.6) at the two-year follow-up (p = 0.0000). Of 15 patients with normal ventricular function pre-operatively, two developed mild left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) at the two-year follow-up. Of 20 patients with mild LVDD pre-operatively only five had this post-operatively. Overall, 15 patients had normal LV diastolic function before their operation and 28 patients had normal LV function at the two-year follow-up.The clinical improvement was 15 out of 20 (75.0%): cardiac function in patients with AS whose kyphosis was treated by PSO was significantly improved.Cite this article: Bone JointJ 2015;97-B:1405–10.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in the capsule and synovial fluid of patients with frozen shoulder. Capsular tissue and synovial fluid were obtained from 18 patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder (FS group) and 18 patients with instability of the shoulder (control group). The expressions of ASIC1, ASIC2, and ASIC3 in the capsule were determined using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, immunoblot analysis, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The concentrations in synovial fluid were evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expression of ASIC1, ASIC2 and ASIC3 in the capsule were significantly increased in the FS group compared with the control group. The protein levels of these three ASICs were also increased. The increased expressions were confirmed by IHC. Of the ASICs, ASIC3 showed the greatest increase in both mRNA and levels of expression compared with the control group. The levels of ASIC1 and ASIC3 in synovial fluid were significantly increased in the FS group. This study suggests that ASICs may play a role as mediators of inflammatory pain and be involved in the pathogenesis of frozen shoulder.Cite this article: Bone Joint J2015;97-B:824–9.

In order to accelerate bainite transformation during regeneration treatment following nanostructured bainite steel welding, static recrystallisation mechanism is adopted to refine the coarse grain size during two-pass welding. Large mechanical deformation was introduced into the coarse grain zone of the first weld pass, where static recrystallisation would occur with thermal effect of the second weld pass. Static recrystallisation kinetics of nanostructure bainite was studied by two-pass hot deformation experiments. The explicit temperature function of two-pass welding was presented, and effect of welding parameters on static recrystallisation of the deformed coarse grain zone was analysed. Experimental results showed that grains in original coarse grain zone were greatly refined and that nanostructured bainite regeneration was remarkably accelerated.

AbstractITER Storage and delivery system (SDS) is a complex assembly system. Lots of individual components including tens of storage beds, a few reactors, multiple transfer pumps, vessels, umpteen instruments & sensors which are interconnected with tubing and fittings in a confined glovebox system are to be installed in the given Tritium Plant area. The most important SDS getter bed will be utilized for absorbing and desorbing of hydrogen isotopes in accordance with the fusion fuel cycle scenario. This paper deals with R&D activities on SDS bed design, especially thermal hydraulic analysis in heat loss aspect, the real-time gas analysis in He-3 collection system, and introductory experimental plans using depleted uranium (DU) getter material for storage of hydrogen isotopes, especially of tritium.

Microstructure evolution of nanostructured bainite in tempered zone during welding and regeneration has been analysed. The effect of welding heat input on microstructure and mechanical properties is investigated. Results show that cementite precipitation and nanostructured bainite regeneration occur in tempered zone. When heat input is reduced, the size and amount of cementite decrease, while the volume per cent of retained austenite increases. At the same time, the tensile strength in tempered zone increases with welding heat input decreasing. A welded joint of nanostructured bainitic steel with tensile performance almost the same as base metal is obtained by laser beam welding with regeneration.

In the present work, thermal and electrical conductivity measurement was conducted on the cast Mg–Zn–Al alloys (ZA alloys) in the wide composition range (1–6 wt-Zn, 1–10 wt-Al). For alloys with the same content of Zn, the thermal/electrical conductivity of ZA alloys decreased exponentially with Al composition without exception. For alloys with same Al content, variation of thermal/electrical conductivity showed a similar trend for most of the alloys except the case for 6 wt-Al, which followed ZA26>ZA36>ZA16>ZA56>ZA66. The microstructures of the selected alloy systems were investigated in detail, and the mechanism of thermal/electrical conductivity variation was thus proposed. The phase transformation with composition and the different effects of Zn and Al on the thermal/electrical conductivity of Mg alloys were believed as two controlling factors.

In the present work, electrical conductivity (EC) and Vickers hardness of Mg–Zn–xCu (x?=?0, 0·5, 1·0 and 1·5) alloys in as cast, as solution and aged states have been investigated. The result shows that the EC of both as cast and as solution samples increases with Cu content, and Cu addition would have remarkably enhanced effect on EC and age hardening response during subsequent aging treatment. The 1·0Cu alloy aged at 160°C for 16 h after solution treatment had the optimal combined properties of high microhardness (94 HV) and high EC value (19·1, 106S m-1), noting that the EC of pure Mg is 22·8 (106S m-1). It is believed that the accelerated precipitation process for Cu containing alloy is attributed to the favourable interactions between Zn, Cu and vacancies. The microstructure associated with the improvement of EC and microhardness for Cu containing alloy is also discussed in detail.

Three different Cu-Zr-Co alloys, namely Cu40Zr37.5Co22.5, Cu42.5Zr45Co12.5 and Cu49Zr49Co2, were obtained by rapid cooling. The microstructure and phase formation of as-cast rods with diameters of 2 mm are compared with those of the respective ingots. An increasing Co content stabilises the B2 CuZr phase and leads to the precipitation of a ternary Cu-Zr-Co phase. The variation of the cooling rate affects the size of the B2 dendrites as well as the volume fraction and the morphology of the interdendritic phases. The mechanical properties were determined in compression and all alloys show a certain plastic deformability despite the presence of several binary and ternary intermetallic phases. The deformation mechanisms are discussed on the basis of the microstructures and the constituent phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is of great importance to study how the process parameters influence the continuum flow properties and mesomicrostructural features during friction stir welding (FSW) of titanium alloys. In the present paper, microstructure evolution of dynamic recrystallisation (DRX) was simulated by cellular automaton method based on metal plastic flow analysis. The established model can accomplish multiscale modelling of macroscopical plastic flow behaviour, mesostructural dislocation activities, microstructural grain growth dynamics and finally mechanical property of the FSW joint. The predicted flow stress curves are similar with that experimentally measured. Influences of strain rate and temperature on the evolution of the average dislocation density (equivalent to flow stress) as well as the final grain size are analysed, which are in good agreement with classic DRX theories. Final grain size results from the contrary effect of strain rate and temperature, while the strain rate with higher gradient in the welded joint has greater influence. According to the prediction result, a lot of options can be made on matching of marching speed and rotation speed to maintain refined microstructure.

Copper–matrix composites reinforced with Al2O3, SiO2, SiC and MgO nanoparticles were fabricated using powder metallurgy. The effects of the different nanoparticles on the thermal expansion behaviour of the composites were examined. The thermal expansion properties of the composites were evaluated using the coefficient of thermal expansion from 50 to 500°C. The relationship between interface stress and coefficient of thermal expansion of the copper–matrix composites with various reinforced phases was determined using theoretical models and experimental data. The results show that introducing dispersed nanoparticles into the copper matrix can significantly reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion. By contrast, increasing the temperature increases the thermal expansion coefficient of the copper–matrix composites and the interfacial pressure between the reinforcements and the copper matrix. The calculated pressure values at the nanoparticle–copper matrix interface suggest that plastic deformation occurred in the temperature range from 200 to 250°C for the SiO2/Cu and SiC/Cu composites and at 350°C for the MgO/Cu and Al2O3/Cu composites. These values are consistent with the variations observed in the measured coefficient of thermal expansion.

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquas)has been used as a folk remedy for several illnesses including gastrointestinal disorders. We recently reported the potent anti-inflammatory effect of chaga extract in experimental colitis. However, its effects on colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been clearly elucidated. We investigated the effects of an aqueous extract of Inonotus obliquus(IOAE) in vitroin HCT116 and DLD1 cell lines and in vivofor adenoma in APCMin/+mice and colitis-associated colon cancer in AOM/DSS-treated mice. Results show that IOAE suppressed the proliferation of both cell lines, and inhibited the growth of intestinal polyps in APCMin/+and colon tumors in AOM/DSS-treated mice. IOAE induced mitochondrial intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, autophagy, and S phase cell cycle arrest. IOAE suppressed the expression levels of iNOS and Cox-2 and mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-a and IFN-?) in the intestine of mice models. IOAE suppressed the nuclear levels of ß-catenin and inhibited its downstream targets (cyclin D1 and c-Myc) along with CRC oncogene CDK8. IOAE inhibited the expression of NF-?B at cytoplasmic and nuclear levels. Our results demonstrate that IOAE possess potent anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties through downregulation of Wnt/ß-catenin and NF-?B pathways. Considering recent anticancer approaches involving natural products with minimal side effects, we advocate that Inonotus obliquuscould be a beneficial supplement in prevention of colorectal cancer.

This study evaluates factors related to myelopathic symptoms in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). A total of 87 patients with OPLL were included. Of these, 53 (Group I) had no symptoms or presented with neck pain and radiculopathy and 34 (Group II) had myelopathic symptoms. Gender, age, and history of trauma were evaluated in the two groups. The range of movement of the cervical spine was measured using plain radiographs. The number of involved segments, type of OPLL, and maximal compression ratio were analysed using CT and signal change in the spinal cord was evaluated using MRI.The patients’ age was found to be significant (p = 0.001). No difference was found between gender and the range of movement in the two groups. The maximum compression of the spinal canal showed a difference (p = 0.03). The signal change of the spinal cord was different between the two groups. In patients with OPLL of the cervical spine, myelopathic symptoms are not related to the range of movement or the number of involved segments.

AbstractThis study investigates multiple equilibria related to the formation of the U(VI)-salicylate complex in a pH range of 3.0–5.5 using UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence measurement techniques. The absorbance changes at the characteristic charge-transfer bands of the complex were monitored, and the results indicated the presence of multiple equilibria and the formation of both 1:1 and 1:2 (U(VI):salicylate) complexes possessing bi-dentate chelate structures. The determined step-wise formation constants (log K1:1and log K1:2) are as follows: 12.5 ± 0.1 and 11.4 ± 0.2 for salicylate, 11.2 ± 0.1 and 10.1 ± 0.2 for 5-sulfosalicylate, and 12.4 ± 0.1 and 11.4 ± 0.1 for 2,6-dihydroxybenzoate, respectively. The molar absorptivities of the complexes are also provided. Furthermore, time-resolved laser-induced luminescence spectra of U(VI) species demonstrate the presence of both a dynamic and static quenching process upon the addition of a salicylate ligand. Particularly for the luminescent hydroxouranyl species, a strong static quenching effect is observed. The results suggest that both the UO2(HSal)+and the U(VI)–Sal chelate complexes serve as ground-state complexes that induce static quenching. The Stern–Volmer parameters were derived based on the measured luminescent intensity and lifetime data. The static quenching constants (log KS) obtained are 3.3 ± 0.1, 4.9 ± 0.1, and 4.4 ± 0.1 for UO22+, (UO2)2(OH)22+and (UO2)3(OH)5+, respectively.

AbstractThe tritium metering, assay, recovery and storage (TriMARS) facility of KEPCO Research Institute has been installed to develop expertise in the tritium handling technology and to support the tritium control system in Korea. The major systems and equipment of the facility consisted of a tritium assaying and dispensing system, a tritium recovery system, a purge gas recombiner system, a tritium calorimeter, a gas chromatograph, tritium monitors, a high integrity glove box and air purged enclosures. The annual tritium usage is restricted below 11.5 PBq of tritium. The tritium dispensing and loading would be carried out by batch transfers. Tritium metering is based on accurate pressure-volume-temperature measurements and GC analysis. Three metering tanks were provided to measure 0.37 TBq to 185 TBq of T2gas at sub-atmospheric pressure. Three uranium beds were installed to store tritium from outside and to recover the tritium residual of process equipment in the facility. Tritium recovery systems, secondary enclosures and tritium monitors were provided to protect workers from tritium exposure. For tritium accountancy for all shipments in and out at the facility, a dedicated twin cell tritium calorimeter was installed and demonstrated.

AbstractR&D activities on the tritium storage and delivery system include the development of getter beds to increase tritium recovery and delivery performance, the investigation of tritium reaction characteristics with ZrCo metal-hydride, in-bed calorimetry as tritium measurement techniques, and the development of process design technologies for the storage and delivery system such as pump performance test and bed simulator. The current status of the R&D activities on these subjects is addressed in this paper.

AbstractA calorimeter was integrated in KEPTL (KEPCO Research Institute Tritium Laboratory) and the various performance tests were performed. The inventory of tritium transport vessels delivered to the ITER tritium plant will be measured by calorimetry. For calorimetry measurement the tritium transport vessel will be inserted in an aluminum secondary container for the tritium leak prevention. The heat capacity and geometry of measuring objects, however, can affect the performance of the calorimeter such as measuring time, sensitivity, etc. In this study, the effect of the heat capacity of the tritium vessel on the performance of the twin cell calorimeter is studied by using JEC and aluminum container which are dummy vessels simulating the tritium decay heat with electric heaters. The average sensitivity in the test with aluminum containers is measured to be 96 μV/mW which is similar that with JEC so it does not depend directly on the heat capacity of the tritium vessel. The aluminum container, however, makes the measuring time increase and the heat flow signal could be unstable in the range of low tritium and high heat capacity like a waste vessel after tritium loading out.

AbstractITER is trying to develop destructive and non-destructive methods of tritium measurement for discarded radwaste components. The ITER Type B(medium activity with long life) metallic radwastes that need tritium measurement are mainly Divertor Cassette Body, Blanket Modules, Test Blanket Module Port Plug, Torus Cryopump, etc. It has been known that 107Bq/g of tritium is distributed within 1 mm depth from the surface of the metallic radwastes. The metallic radwastes generated from maintenance period of ITER facility will be transferred to the Hot Cell Facility (HCF) for treatment including cutting, tritium removal and pre-packaging, followed by being shipped to the disposal facility after interim storage at ITER site.In this study, the radiochemical analysis methods of tritium measurement for ITER type B metallic radwastes were reviewed. Especially, two experimental methods, chemical acid leaching method (CALM) and heating method (HM,) were compared with each others to suggest the most suitable method for tritium measurement. The recovery yield of tritium standards for CALM and HM showed excellent results of 98 and 90 %, respectively. Since HM requires post treatment of extracted tritium species due to impurities, as shown in the analysis of sample from Nuclear Power Plant, CALM was considered more efficient method than HM for tritium analysis of Type B metallic radwastes.

This study presents a quantitative sequential radiochemical separation method for the Pu, U, Sr and Am/Cm isotopes with an anion exchange resin, UTEVA resin, Sr resin and DGA resin in environmental samples. After the radionuclides were leached from samples with 8 M HNO3, the Pu, U, Sr and Am/Cm isotopes were sequentially adsorbed on the anion exchange column, UTEVA column connected with Sr Spec column and DGA column. The Pu isotopes were purified from other nuclides through the anion exchange column, and the uranium isotopes were separated from other nuclides through the UTEVA column. Also, 90Sr was separated from other hindrance elements such as Ca2+, Ba2+and Y3+with the Sr Spec column. Finally, Am/Cm fractions were purified with the DGA and anion exchange resins. After αsource preparation for the purified Pu, U and Am/Cm isotopes with the micro-coprecipitation method, the Pu, U and Am/Cm isotopes were measured by an alpha spectrometry. Strontium-90 was measured by a low level liquid scintillation counter. The radiochemical procedure for Pu, U and Am nuclides investigated in this study has been validated by application to IAEA Reference soils.

This paper proposes a design methodology for conceptual design of microchannel systems by applying axiomatic design theory (ADT). The microchannel system concerned, as an example, in this paper is for the purpose of preparing uniform microspheres based on the phase separation principle. There are two general design goals for this system: controllability of the size of microspheres and uniformity or narrow size distribution of microspheres. The conventional microchannel system designs in literature are found to be the so-called ‘coupled design’, which is regarded as a poor design, according to ADT. This paper proposes a ‘decoupled design’ process, which is considered better than a ‘coupled design’ process according to ADT. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of such a ‘decoupled design’ process with a new microchannel system with an embedded liquid chopper utilizing a PZT actuator by simulation.

AbstractThe formation constants of mononuclear hydrolysis species of Pu(VI) were determined by absorption spectroscopy under carefully designed experimental conditions. In order to exclude the formation of polynuclear hydrolysis species, the concentration of plutonium was diluted below 50 μM. To maintain the oxidation state of Pu(VI), NaOCl was applied as an oxidant. The trace amount of Pu(V) was monitored by the measurement of redox potential and absorption spectroscopy by using a liquid waveguide capillary cell with the optical path length of 100 cm. The determined molar absorption coefficients (ε, M−1cm−1) were 272±26 and 436±33 for PuO2(OH)+and PuO2(OH)2(aq) species, respectively. The formation constants of mononuclear hydrolysis species of Pu(VI) at ionic strength of 0.01 M NaClO4were determined as follows: logߙ*β′1ߙ(for PuO2(OH)+) = −5.8±0.3,logߙ*β′2ߙ(for PuO2(OH)2(aq)) = −13.4±0.2andlogߙ*β′3ߙ(for PuO2(OH)3−) = −24.3±0.8.

The purpose of the discussion is to enhance the understanding of importance of sustainable development in the industry and to expand the international relation on the technology of sustainable architecture. The theme of SB10 SEOUL conference, “Sustainable Building Assessment Technology and Strategies for Higher Education” is selected to expand the knowledge of the current condition and the direction of sustainable building assessment technology in the future.

AbstractThe chemical speciation of aqueous plutonium species has been performed by spectrophotometry. The main focus was concentrated on the effect of Pu(V) produced by the reduction of Pu(VI) on the stability of the Pu(VI) hydrolysis species. In order to detect the trace amounts of PuO2+ions, a liquid waveguide capillary cell with an optical path length of 100 cm was connected to a spectrophotometer. As a consequence of the improved detection sensitivity, an absorption band at 569 nm being indicative of Pu(V) was observed within one day after the sample preparation from the pure Pu(VI) solution. The first hydrolysis species was (PuO2)2(OH)22+, at plutonium concentrations of 0.1–0.12 mM and at weak acidic conditions (pH 5–6). The formation constant of (PuO2)2(OH)22+was determined to be log*β′22=−7.34±0.22 at 0.01 M NaClO4. This dinuclear hydroxide species was unstable and disappeared within one month after the sample preparation at the present experimental condition. In the neutral pH range, the second hydrolysis species was formed and remained for over one year. The samples showed different behavior for the reduction of Pu(VI). The time dependent distribution of plutonium species and their characteristic features in the absorption spectra are reported.

We evaluated the efficacy of anterior fusion alone compared with combined anterior and posterior fusion for the treatment of degenerative cervical kyphosis. Anterior fusion alone was undertaken in 15 patients (group A) and combined anterior and posterior fusion was carried out in a further 15 (group B). The degree and maintenance of the angle of correction, the incidence of graft subsidence, degeneration at adjacent levels and the rate of fusion were assessed radiologically and clinically and the rate of complications recorded. The mean angle of correction in group B was significantly higher than in group A (p = 0.0009). The mean visual analogue scale and the neck disability index in group B was better than in group A (p = 0.043, 0.0006). The mean operation time and the blood loss in B were greater than in group A (p < 0.0001, 0.037). Pseudarthrosis, subsidence of the cage, and problems related to the hardware were more prevalent in group A than in group B (p = 0.034, 0.025, 0.013).Although the combined procedure resulted in a longer operating time and greater blood loss than with anterior fusion alone, our results suggest that for the treatment of degenerative cervical kyphosis the combined approach leads to better maintenance of sagittal alignment, a higher rate of fusion, a lower incidence of complications and a better clinical outcome.

We have investigated whether early anatomical open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) reduces the incidence of complications of fracture of the femoral neck in children, including avascular necrosis, compared with closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF). We retrospectively reviewed 27 such fractures (15 type-II and 12 type-III displaced fractures) in children younger than 16 years of age seen in our hospital between February 1989 and March 2007. We divided the patients into three groups according to the quality of the reduction (anatomical, acceptable, and unacceptable) and the clinical results into two groups (satisfactory and unsatisfactory). Of the 15 fractures treated by ORIF, 14 (93.3%) had anatomical reduction and reduction was acceptable in one. Of the 12 treated by CRIF, three (25.0%) had anatomical reduction, eight had acceptable reduction (66.7%), and one (8.3%) unacceptable reduction. Of the 15 fractures treated by ORIF, 14 (93.3%) had a good result and one a fair result. Of the 12 treated by CRIF, seven (58.3%) had a good result, two (16.7%) a fair result and three (25.0%) a poor result. There were seven complications in five patients.ORIF gives better reduction with fewer complications, including avascular necrosis, than does CRIF in fractures of the femoral neck in children.

Abstract: Background: Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) with lymph node dissection for advanced gastric cancer is still controversial. To evaluate the technical and oncologic feasibility and advantage of LADG with D2 lymph node dissection, the authors compared the surgical outcomes of LADG with D2 dissection and those of conventional open distal gastrectomy (ODG) for patients with early gastric cancer (EGC). Methods: Between September 2004 and August 2005, the study enrolled 75 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of EGC. Of these 75 patients, 44 underwent LADG, and remaining 31 underwent ODG. All the patients received D2 lymph node dissection. Their clinicopathologic characteristics, postoperative outcomes, and retrieved lymph nodes were compared at each station. Results: Although the operative time was significantly longer for the LADG group than for the ODG group, the perioperative recovery was shorter and, consequently, the postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter for the LADG group (7.7 vs 9.4 days, respectively; p = 0.003). No significant differences were found in the total number of retrieved lymph nodes (37.2 vs 42.4; p > 0.05) or node stations (p > 0.05) between the two groups. Conclusions: LADG with D2 lymph node dissection is a safe and feasible procedure, and it is oncologically compatible with open gastrectomy. A large-scaled prospective randomized trial with advanced gastric cancer patients should be conducted to confirm the benefit of LADG.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel rod support grid is an important structural part of a nuclear fuel assembly which is used in a pressurized light water reactor. It provides a flexible support for the nuclear fuel rods which experience a severe thermal expansion and a contraction caused by the harsh operational conditions in the core of a reactor. Diverse design requirements should be set for the performances of the multidisciplinary natures such as an impact resistance, spring characteristics, possible amount of a fretting wear on the fuel rods, the coolant flow and heat transfer around it, and so on. In this paper, an effort is reported to improve the impact resistance of an OPT-H type support grid, a high performance spacer grid developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. A systematic approach by using an axiomatic design and optimization is utilized for this purpose.

Polypropylene membranes were modified by the plasma etching of SO2, SO2&bond;O2, or SO2&bond;H2O, followed by the plasma polymerization coating of SO2/acetylene. The conditions for SO2 plasma etching were optimized by the measurement of the ion‐exchange capacity (IEC) as a function of the plasma‐etching power (10–30 W), gas pressure (40–60 mTorr), and treatment time (15–120 s). For the plasma etching of SO2&bond;O2 and SO2&bond;H2O, only the pressure ratio (SO2/O2 and SO2/H2O) was optimized under the optimized conditions determined from SO2 plasma etching. Plasma etching was then combined with the plasma polymerization coating of SO2/acetylene, for which the conditions were again optimized by the measurement of the IEC as a function of the plasma power (10–40 W), chamber pressure (50–200 mTorr), SO2/acetylene ratio (15/135–60/90), and treatment time (0–10 min). Next, the electrical resistance and water uptake were evaluated. The modified membranes were also analyzed with scanning electron microscopy, whereas plasma polymer coatings were characterized with Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflection. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 3692–3699, 2006

Thermal expansions of UO2and a simulated fuel with fission products forming a solid solution were studied using a dilatometer in the temperature range from 298 to 1800 K. The densities of the UO2and the simulated fuel used in the measurements were 10.43 g · cm−3(95.2% of theoretical density (TD)) and 10.35 g · cm−3(95.6% of TD), respectively. The linear thermal expansion of the simulated fuel is higher than that of UO2, and the difference between this fuel and UO2increases monotonically with temperature. The average linear thermal expansion coefficients of UO2and the simulated fuel are 1.09× 10−5and 1.23×10−5K−1, respectively. As the temperature increases to 1800 K, the relative densities of UO2and the simulated fuel decrease to 95.1 and 94.7% of their initial densities at 298 K.Thermal expansions of UO2and a simulated fuel with fission products forming a solid solution were studied using a dilatometer in the temperature range from 298 to 1800 K. The densities of the UO2and the simulated fuel used in the measurements were 10.43 g · cm−3(95.2% of theoretical density (TD)) and 10.35 g · cm−3(95.6% of TD), respectively. The linear thermal expansion of the simulated fuel is higher than that of UO2, and the difference between this fuel and UO2increases monotonically with temperature. The average linear thermal expansion coefficients of UO2and the simulated fuel are 1.09× 10−5and 1.23×10−5K−1, respectively. As the temperature increases to 1800 K, the relative densities of UO2and the simulated fuel decrease to 95.1 and 94.7% of their initial densities at 298 K.

A new biaxially textured composite tape of Ni-4.5% Mn/Ni-1.5% Cr was used as a substrate for a YBCO coated conductor through the RABiTS approach. Multi-layer CeO2/YSZ/Y2O3buffer layers and YBCO film were deposited on the substrate by pulsed laser deposition. The deposition conditions of the buffer layers and the YBCO were studied and compared. Good biaxial textures have been obtained for buffer layers on composite Ni-4.5% Mn/Ni-1.5% Cr substrates. Scanning electron microscopy on sample cross-sections was used to examine the interface and diffusion of oxygen. The uniform formation of an Ni-Mn-O layer between NiO and the Ni-4.5% Mn layer was observed, and the Ni-Mn-O layer restricted the further growth of NiO layer, which was thin and not continuous, within the coated conductor during YBCO deposition at higher temperature and higher oxygen pressure. The Jcof YBCO films on these metal substrates was 1.5 × 106A cm?2at 77 K, 0 T.