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We present the development of a dual-detector system designed for investigating the spectral shape of forbidden non-unique beta decays. Two PbMoO 4 scintillating crystals were carefully prepared for heat and light detection at milli-Kelvin (mK) temperatures. Notably, one crystal was synthesized using archaeological lead, while the other was composed of natural modern lead. The significance of employing two crystals lies in their identical dimensions and proximity, resulting in similar environmental background exposure. Their distinct internal radioactivities, particularly associated with 210 Pb, introduce a distinguishing factor between the spectra measured in the two detectors. Our detection method includes achieving clear particle identification through the relative amplitudes of light and heat signals for both crystals. This report compares the electron-induced spectra within energy regions both below and above the endpoint of 210 Bi beta decay. This comparative study provides valuable insights into an exact measurement of the 210 Bi decay spectrum, forbidden non-unique beta decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have modified the fabrication processes of metallic magnetic calorimeters (MMCs) to improve production yield. Key modifications include (i) the stress mitigation of the sputtered Nb film by optimizing the Argon deposition gas pressure, (ii) an optimized SiO x insulator layer fabrication by switching from a lift-off to a wet-etching method and controlling the optimizing the temperature, (iii) the joint electroplating of thick gold structures for persistent current switch leads and a thermalization layer, and (iv) a reduced sputter-deposition time of the Ag:Er sensor material by introducing a new wafer holder. These modifications contribute to increased production yield, reduced fabrication time, and enhanced overall performance. Tests on MMCs fabricated with these modifications demonstrated uniformly improved critical current of the Nb meander coils, enhanced SiO x insulation properties, strengthened persistent current switch systems, and reduced probability of Ag:Er oxidation. These modified MMC detectors also functioned well in tests for alpha spectrometry measurements, demonstrating good performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present advancements in a finite element method for computing the physical properties of magnetic microcalorimeters (MMCs). Utilizing the COMSOL package, we conducted 3D simulations of a meander-shaped Nb coil with a realistic geometry. The resulting magnetic field distribution showed good agreement with a previous 2D simulation and revealed non-negligible differences at the side edge of the sensor material. Employing the simulation results, we calculated the MMC properties and compared them with previous measurements. Our calculated values closely align with the measured values for the sensor magnetization, the pulse heights from alpha detection, and the coil inductance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a comprehensive study of the nonproportionality of NaI(Tl) scintillation detectors within the context of dark matter search experiments. Our investigation, which integrates COSINE-100 data with supplementary γ spectroscopy, measures light yields across diverse energy levels from full-energy γ peaks produced by the decays of various isotopes. These γ peaks of interest were produced by decays supported by both long and short-lived isotopes. Analyzing peaks from decays supported only by short-lived isotopes presented a unique challenge due to their limited statistics and overlapping energies, which was overcome by long-term data collection and a time-dependent analysis. A key achievement is the direct measurement of the 0.87 keV light yield, resulting from the cascade following electron capture decay of 22 Na from internal contamination. This measurement, previously accessible only indirectly, deepens our understanding of NaI(Tl) scintillator behavior in the region of interest for dark matter searches. This study holds substantial implications for background modeling and the interpretation of dark matter signals in NaI(Tl) experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the development of a heat flow model utilizing a scintillating crystal for heat and light detection. By analyzing the measured light signals from α - and β / γ -induced events in a CaMoO 4 crystal, we describe the time-dependent behavior of the scintillation emission and the subsequent generation of delayed phonons in the crystal. The phonon detection channel model incorporates both prompt and delayed generation of a thermal phonons; these are absorbed in a phonon collector film on the crystal surface or converted into a thermal phonon distribution in the crystal. A reasonable agreement is observed in the comparison between the measured signals and the simulated signals derived from the model study. We attribute the observed pulse shape discrimination to the presence of the delayed phonons associated with the scintillation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the present report wasto describe a novel technique of robotic abdominoperineal resection (APR) for the treatment of T4b low rectal cancer using the da Vinci® Single-Port (SP) system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). Methods: A 3-cm transverse incision was made in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen, in the area designated for permanent colostomy. A Uniport® (Dalim Medical, Seoul, Korea) was introduced and a 25 mm multichannel SP trocar was inserted into the Uniport. A 5-mm laparoscopic assistant port was introduced on the upper midline. A video showing each step of the technique is attached. Results: Two consecutive female patients (70 and 74 years old) underwent SP robotic APR with partial resection of the vagina 8 weeks after preoperative chemoradiotherapy. In both cases, rectal cancer was located 1 cm above the anal verge and invaded the vagina (initial stage and ymrT stage T4b). Operative time was 150 and 180 min, respectively. Estimated blood loss was 10 and 25 ml, respectively. No postoperative complications occurred. The length of postoperative hospital stay was 5 days in both cases. The final pathological stage was ypT4bN0 and ypT3N0 respectively. Conclusions: In this first experience, SP robotic APR appears to be a safe and feasible procedure for locally advanced low rectal cancer. In addition, the invasiveness of the procedure is reduced by means of the SP system, which only requires a single incision in the area designated for colostomy. Prospective studies on a larger number of patients are necessary to confirm the outcomes of this technique compared to other minimally invasive approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Dietary fiber intake is associated with a lower risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. However, it is unknown whether dietary fiber has a beneficial effect on preventing the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Design, Setting, Participants and Measurements: Using the UK Biobank prospective cohort, 110,412 participants who completed at least one dietary questionnaire and had an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio <30 mg/g, and no history of CKD were included. The primary exposure was total dietary fiber density, calculated by dividing the absolute amount of daily total fiber intake by total energy intake (g/1,000 kcal). We separately examined soluble and insoluble fiber densities as additional predictors. The primary outcome was incident CKD based on diagnosis codes. Results: A total of 3,507 (3.2%) participants developed incident CKD during a median follow-up of 9.9 years. In a multivariable cause-specific model, the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for incident CKD were 0.85 (0.77–0.94), 0.78 (0.70–0.86), and 0.76 (0.68–0.86), respectively, for the second, third, and highest quartiles of dietary fiber density (reference: lowest quartile). In a continuous model, the aHR for each +Δ1.0g/1,000 kcal increase in dietary fiber density was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95–0.99). This pattern of associations was similar for both soluble and insoluble fiber densities and did not differ across subgroups of sex, age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and inflammation. Conclusion: Increased fiber intake was associated with a lower risk of CKD in this large well-characterized cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Thermal Model Improvement in Phonon Detection Channels Using a Scintillating Crystal" published in the Journal of Low Temperature Physics. The correction addresses several errors in the original article, including incorrect terms and subscripts. The corrected version of the article can be found online. The document also includes contact information for the author. [Extracted from the article]

The feeding ecology of red seabream, Pagrus major was studied using 1046 specimens collected by danish seine and bottom trawl from January to December 2018 in the Korea Strait. The size of the individuals ranged from 18.4 to 70.4 cm in fork length. Red seabream was a carnivore that consumed mainly anthozoans, brachyurans, and cephalopods. Its diets included also small quantities of amphipods, anomurans, ophiurids, gastropods, polychaetas, etc. We calculated the trophic level as 3.57 for red seabream. As red seabream grows, the proportion of relatively small prey items such as anomurans and ophiuroids decreases, while that of large prey items such as anthozoans, brachyurans, and cephalopods increases. In the largest size class (≥45 cm FL), cephalopods and pisces are its main prey. Alsoe, the body size of red seabream increased the mean weight of prey per stomach tended to increase significantly (One-way ANOVA: p < 0.05). The diet composition of red seabream showed seasonal changes. The cephalopods were the dominant prey items for all seasons. The weight proportion of brachyurans was higher in summer and autumn, whereas anthozoans feeding rate was the highest in winter. PERMANOVA analysis showed significant variations among size classes and seasons. The feeding intensity by size class and season observed no significant difference (One-way ANOVA: p > 0.05). As a result of the feeding strategy analysis, red seabream was a generalized feeder, with a wide niche width. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advanced Mo-based rare process experiment (AMoRE) is an international project searching for the neutrinoless double beta ( 0 ν β β ) decay of 100 Mo using low-temperature calorimetric detection of heat and light signals based on magnetic microcalorimeter (MMC) readouts. Li 2 MoO 4 crystals have been considered as the main target crystals for the second phase of the AMoRE project, which aims to use 100 kg of 100 Mo. However, the hygroscopicity of Li 2 MoO 4 requires moistureless processes during surface treatment, storage, detector assembly, and installation. PbMoO 4 crystals are nonhygroscopic and exhibit high scintillation efficiency, often leading to high particle discrimination power in the phonon channel via pulse-shape analysis and light/heat ratio variation. A low-temperature detector setup with a 1 cm 3 cubic crystal of PbMoO 4 was prepared for simultaneous heat and light detection based on MMC readouts. After study of internal background control using archeological Pb, PbMoO 4 crystal can be a promising candidate crystal. We present a feasibility study of PbMoO 4 crystals for a 0 ν β β experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of heavy elements to build a stable system increases the effective atomic number, making it useful in a variety of applications such as radiation detection and shielding. This study reports the density functional theory (DFT) based investigations on new Thallium based heavy fluoroperovskites TlAF3 (A = Ge, Sn and Pb). These compounds have a cubic perovskite structure with optimal lattice constants ranging from 4.49 to 4.85 Å. Electronic behaviors of the compounds is found to be insulating with the maximum band gap of up to 1.90 eV, having indirect band nature. In all investigated compounds, the fluorine atom provides a significant number of electronic states to the valence and conduction bands. The optical activity is evaluated by determining the refractive index, extinction coefficient, optical conductivity, reflectivity, and absorption coefficients up to photon energies of 20 eV. The properties of present compounds are being reported for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of CeF3 concentration and γ-irradiation on the physical, optical and luminescence properties of Gd2O3–B2O3–CeF3 glasses were studied in this work. Before irradiation, the addition of CeF3 in glass degraded the network connectivity observed from FTIR and possibly created the non-bridging oxygen (NBO) in glass structure. This NBO caused the reduction of Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio in XANES, the red-shift in transmission spectra and the raise of refractive index with addition of CeF3 content. Such red-shift also was influenced by 4f–5d transition of Ce3+ dopant. This ion generated the strongest photoluminescence (PL) and radioluminescence (RL) in 0.3 mol% CeF3-doped glass with nanoseconds decay time. The irradiation with γ-rays damaged the glass structure, broke the chemical bonds, and created color center in the glass network. The non-bridging oxygen hole center (NBOHC), that absorbed photons in the visible light region, caused the darkening, color change and increment of refractive index. These irradiation effects on glass were mitigated by the addition of CeF3 that the electron donation of Ce3+ decreased the number of NBOHC. The Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio in most glasses after irradiation then reduced compared to them before irradiation, resulting to the decrease in PL and RL intensity. Our results confirm that CeF3 can enhance the radiation hardness of glass and the 0.3 mol% CeF3-doped glass is a promising glass scintillator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We developed a novel suprapubic single-port robotic right hemicolectomy (spRHC) procedure for patients with right colon cancer using a da Vinci SP Surgical System. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of this technique. Methods: We performed the spRHC procedure on five patients with right colon cancers between July and September 2020. All procedures including colon mobilization, D3 lymphadenectomy, and intracorporeal anastomosis were completed using the single-port robotic platform through a mini-transverse suprapubic incision and an additional assistant port. Data regarding patient characteristics, perioperative outcomes and pathologic results were analyzed. Results: Four of the five patients were males. The median age was 69 years (range, 58–77 years).Two patients received preoperative chemotherapy for advanced colon cancer. The median total operative time was 160 min (range, 150–240 min). The median docking time was 4 min 40 s (range, 2 min 10 s–5 min 10 s). The median console time was 105 min (range, 100–120 min). There were no conversions to multiport or open surgeries. The median hospital stay was 7 days (range, 5–12 days). One patient experienced a wound infection. The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 41 (range, 39–50 lymph nodes). Conclusions: SpRHC is safe and feasible. However, further comparative studies are needed to assess whether this procedure can provide patients with significant benefits compared with multiport robotic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The da Vinci single-port (SP) system is designed to facilitate single-incision robotic surgery in a narrow space. We developed a new procedure of rectal resection using this system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of SP robotic rectal resection for rectal cancer patients based on our initial experience. Methods: A study was conducted on consecutive patients with mid or low rectal cancer who had SP robotic resection at our institution between July and September 2020. The demographic characteristics, perioperative data, and pathology results of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. Results: There were 5 patients (3 males, 2 females, median age 57 years (range 36–73 years). The median tumor height from the anal verge was 4 cm (range 3−5 cm). Two patients received preoperative chemoradiotherapy for advanced rectal cancer. A single docking was conducted, and the median docking time was 4 min 20 s (range 3 min 30 s to 5 min). The median total operation time was 195 min (range 155−240 min), and the median time of pelvic dissection was 45 min (range 36−62 min). All patients had circumferential and distal tumor-free resection margins. One patient experienced an anastomosis-related complication. The median duration of hospital stay was 7 days (range 7−8 days). Conclusions: Our initial experience suggests that SP robotic rectal resection is safe and feasible. Further clinical trials comparing SP and multiport robotic rectal resection should be conducted to verify the superior aspects of this new system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The long-term outcomes of minimally invasive lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPND) are not completely known. The aim of this study was to compare long-term outcomes between robotic and laparoscopic LPND in low rectal cancer patients with suspected lymph node metastasis in the pelvic sidewall. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all rectal cancer patients who had laparoscopic or robotic total mesorectal excision (TME) with LPND between March 2006 and June 2016. Stage IV patients were excluded. The outcomes of patients who had laparoscopic and robotic TME with LPND were compared. Results: Twenty-nine patients had laparoscopic LPND and 70 had robotic LPND. No significant differences in patient characteristics were observed between the two groups. The urinary retention rate was lower in the robotic group than in the laparoscopic group (7.1% vs. 24.1%; p = 0.043). During a median follow-up of 44.3 months, the overall recurrence rates were 48.3% and 31.4% in the laparoscopic and robotic groups, respectively (p = 0.175). The 5-year disease-free survival rates were 50.4% and 67.0% in the laparoscopic and robotic groups, respectively (p = 0.227). The 5-year overall survival rates were 65.0% and 92.2% in the laparoscopic and robotic groups, respectively (p = 0.017). Conclusions: Robotic TME with LPND is safe and feasible. In particular, it is associated with lower urinary retention. Robotic TME with LPND might yield a similar local recurrence rate and 5-year disease-free survival, but favorable long-term overall survival as compared to the laparoscopic approach. However, considering the retrospective nature and both major variables of TME and LPND involved together, this should be cautiously interpreted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dy2O3 doped phosphate glasses of chemical composition 10ZnO · 10BaO · 10Gd2O3 · 70P2O5, 10ZnO · 10BaO · 10Gd2O3 · 69P2O5 · 1Dy2O3 and 10ZnO · 10BaO · 10GdF3 · 69P2O5 · 1Dy2O3 were prepared by melt quench technique. The prepared glass samples were characterized through physical and luminescence properties such as density, molar volume, refractive index, FTIR, UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectra, photoluminescence excitation and emissions, radio-luminescence and life time. The J–O theory were analyzed to calculate the radiative properties such as radiative transition probabilities (AR), stimulated emission cross section (σR) and branching ratio (βR). Total nine characteristics absorption peaks belong to Dy3+ ion at the 347, 386, 454, 750, 800, 896, 1089 and1674 nm respectively corresponding to transition from ground state 6H15/2 to excited state 4M15/2+4I15/2, 4F7/2+4I13/2, 4I15/2, 6F3/2, 6F5/2, 6F7/2, 6F9/2 and 6H11/2 are observed in absorption spectra in the 300–1900 nm region. The photoluminescence and radio-luminescence emission spectra of the present glasses were recorded and found in good agreement with one another. The CIE 1931 chromaticity color coordinates were evaluated and it is found that these coordinates positioned in the white region with (x, y) = (0.39, 0.44) values for both oxide and oxyfluoride glasses. The florescence decay time from 4F9/2 level was measured by monitoring the intense 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 (573 nm) transition. The decay time is found to be non-exponential so the non-exponential curve was well fitted to Inokuti–Hirayama (IH) model for S = 6. The results obtained in present work demonstrate that the present glasses could be a good choice for use in white light solid state lighting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) was related to a 1.28 times higher risk of osteoporosis. In addition, osteoporosis was associated with a 1.34 times higher risk of BPPV. This bidirectional relation was maintained after adjusting past medical histories and lifestyle factors, including obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the reciprocal association between BPPV and osteoporosis. In subgroup analyses, only women showed a reciprocal association between BPPV and osteoporosis. Introduction: A previous population cohort study suggested an association between osteoporosis and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This study aimed to investigate the bidirectional association between BPPV and osteoporosis. Methods: The Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort data from 2002 to 2013 were used. In study I, the 50,897 osteoporosis patients were 1:1 matched with control I participants for age, sex, income, and region of residence. The previous histories of BPPV were analyzed in both groups using conditional logistic regression analysis. In study II, 9621 BPPV patients were 1:4 matched with control II participants. The previous histories of osteoporosis were analyzed in both groups using conditional logistic regression analysis. According to age and sex, subgroup analyses were achieved in both studies I and II. Results: A total of 1.6% (822/50,897) of osteoporosis patients and 1.3% (644/50,897) of control I participants had BPPV. The osteoporosis patients demonstrated a 1.28 times higher chance of developing BPPV (95% confidence intervals [95% CI] = 1.16–1.42, P < 0.001). In study II, 21.2% (2040/9621) of BPPV patients and 17.6% (6790/38,484) of control II participants had osteoporosis. The BPPV patients showed 1.34 times higher chance of having osteoporosis (95% CI = 1.26–1.43, P < 0.001). In the analysis of the women subgroup, these relations were reliable. Conclusion: Osteoporosis patients had increased odds of having BPPV. On the other hand, BPPV patients had increased odds of having osteoporosis. This bidirectional relation was consistent only in the women subgroup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Seroma is a commonly encountered sequela after hernia repair. Tremendous effort has been spent to investigate the effective way to prevent this "complication" including the modification of surgical technique, use of per-peritoneal drainage, etc. There were debates about the use of monopolar diathermy versus blunt dissection in laparoscopic TEP in the prevention of seroma formation. This randomized study aims to compare the effects of using 2 techniques in laparoscopic TEP on pre-peritoneal drain output and seroma formation. Method: From 1.9.2018 to 30.9.2019, all male and female patients presented with the first occurrence, unilateral inguinal hernia anticipated for laparoscopic TEP were enrolled into the study after informed consent. Patients were randomized into "monopolar dissection preferred" (MDP) group and "blunt dissection-preferred" (BDP) group just before commencing of operation after general anesthesia. Surgeons were instructed to use monopolar energy as main dissection method for the whole operation if possible (MDP), whereas blunt dissection is the preferred choice in BDP group, but the use of monopolar energy was allowed if needed. Total energy time was measured by a specially designed homemade device attaching to the monopolar pedals as accurate as to millisecond (ms). Pre-peritoneal drains were inserted for drainage and removed 23 h after operation. Drainage output, total operating time, energy time, clinical and ultrasonic seroma sizes at day 1, day 6, 1-month post operations, recurrence are compared between 2 groups. Results: A total of 103 patients where included. There was no significant difference in age, gender, co-morbidities, side of hernia, mean defect size, operating time, fixation adjuncts, or postoperative stay. The drain volume in BDP group is 71.13 ± 31.42 mL while it in MDP group is 56.36 ± 21.46 mL. The MDP group had significantly fewer drain output at 23 h post operation (p = 0.007) and lower seroma incidence on days 6 (p = 0.036). Overall incidence of seroma formation was 12% on postoperative day 1, 11% on postoperative day 7. No statistically differences in postoperative pain score or complications were observed at the first week, 1- and 3-months' post operation. There was no correlation with energy time to the drain output. No recurrence was found in subsequent follow-up. Conclusion: Pre-peritoneal drainage is clinically safe in laparoscopic totally extra-peritoneal hernioplasty and can effectively reduce the size and incidence of seroma. The seroma formation can be further reduced by appropriate use of monopolar energy as preferred dissection approach in lap TEP. Due to limitation in measuring the actual energy time, the result should be further validated by randomized multi-centers trial on its potential benefit in hernia repair by a more accurate measuring device on energy used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly efficient scintillation crystals with short decay times are indispensable for improving the performance of numerous detection and imaging instruments that use- X-rays, gamma-quanta, ionising particles or neutrons. Halide perovskites emerged recently as very promising materials for detection of ionising radiation that motivated further exploration of the materials. In this work, we report on excellent scintillation properties of CsPbBr3 crystals when cooled to cryogenic temperatures. The temperature dependence of luminescence spectra, decay kinetics and light yield under excitation with X-rays and α-particles was investigated. It is shown that the observed changes of spectral and kinetic characteristics of the crystal with temperature can be consistently explained by radiative decay of free excitons, bound and trapped excitons as well as electron-hole pairs originating from their disintegration. It has been found that the crystal exhibits a fast decay time constant of 1 ns at 7 K. The scintillation light yield of CsPbBr3 at 7 K is assessed to be 50,000 ± 10,000 ph/MeV at excitation with 12 keV X-rays and 109,000 ± 22,000 ph/MeV at excitation with α-particles of 241Am. This finding places CsPbBr3 in an excellent position for the development of a new generation of cryogenic, efficient scintillation detectors with nanosecond response time, marking a step-change in opportunities for scintillator-based applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed measurement systems for the simultaneous detection of phonon and scintillation signals from Li 2 MoO 4 crystals based on the metallic magnetic calorimeter (MMC) technology. Two measurements were carried out using Li 2 MoO 4 crystals of different sizes. The first measurement was conducted with a compact detection system designed for a 1 × 1 × 1 cm 3 crystal. An advanced light detector with Neganov–Luke phonon amplification was adopted in the compact setup. Later, the second experiment was carried out using a cylindrical Li 2 MoO 4 crystal of 5 cm in diameter and 5 cm in height. Another light detector was implemented with a 2-in. Ge wafer and an MMC sensor. Both measurements resulted in simultaneous detection of heat and light signals. Clear particle discriminations between α - and β / γ -induced events were demonstrated by comparing amplitudes of the heat and light signals in both measurements. The heat signals in the larger setup showed an energy resolution of 18 keV FWHM for 2615 keV γ -rays. The energy linearity of the detector response was investigated for a suitable calibration near 3.034 MeV, the Q value of 100 Mo double-beta decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study aims to investigate lumbar spine (LS) volumetric bone density (vBMD) as a risk factor for complications (pseudoarthrosis, instrumentation failure, adjacent fractures), re-operation, and time to complication after fusion. Introduction: Lumbar spine (LS) fusion surgery is increasingly performed worldwide. Complications after fusion result in significant morbidity and healthcare costs. Multiple factors, including osteoporosis, have been suggested to contribute to risk of complications and re-operation. However, most studies have used DXA, which is subject to artifact in patients with spine pathology, and none have investigated the relationship between BMD and timing of post-operative complications. This study aims to investigate LS volumetric bone density (vBMD) as a risk factor for complications (pseudoarthrosis, instrumentation failure, adjacent fractures), re-operation, and time to complication after fusion. Methods: We evaluated a cohort of 359 patients who had initial LS fusion surgery at our institution, had pre-operative LS CTs and post-operative imaging available for review. Demographic factors, smoking status, vBMD, and details of surgical procedure were related to likelihood and timing of post-operative complications. Results: Mean age was 60 ± 14 years, vBMD 122 ± 37 g/cm3. Median follow-up was 11 months. Skeletal complications occurred in 47 patients (13%); 34 patients (10%) required re-operation. Low vBMD (directly measured and estimated using HU) and smoking were associated with increased risk of skeletal complications. Each increase in baseline vBMD of 10 g/cm3 decreased the complication hazard and increased the complication-free duration in time-to-event analysis (hazard ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.83–0.98, p < 0.02). Conclusions: Low vBMD was a significant risk factor for early post-operative complications in patients undergoing LS fusion. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the optimal timing for follow-up and strategies for prevention of post-operative complications in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adoption of thermal barrier coatings (TBC) will help to improve the durability and thermal efficiency of turbine engines. Delamination of TBC owing to thermally grown metal oxides is a critical issue that needs periodical evaluation to ensure safety and effective maintenance for the financial benefits of industry. In this paper, a methodical approach using ultrasonic C-scan technique for quantitative evaluation of partial delamination area in TBC specimens was investigated. Preliminary studies were conducted using acoustic simulations and the experiments were carried out on a set of coin shaped TBC specimens prepared using plasma spray technique and isothermally degraded at 1100 °C for 25 h, 50 h, 100 h, and 150 h. Ultrasonic C-scans were performed using pulse echo technique with incident ultra sound radiation inclined normal to the surface of base metal of TBC system. Delamination maps of respective specimens were formulated from ultrasonic signals through proper signal processing and analysis techniques and the degree of delamination was evaluated with the help of existed mathematical model. The simulation results shows good agreement with the experimental data and this approach shows ability to estimate the degree of delamination from base metal surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and characterization of Dy-doped Lu 1 Gd 2 Ga 2 Al 3 O 12 are reported in this article. Solid-state reaction method is used to synthesize the material. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy characterization techniques are used to study the phase and structure of the synthesized material. Luminescence, which is the main property of the phosphor material, is characterized by UV- and X-ray-induced luminescence spectroscopy. Lu 1 Gd 2 Ga 2 Al 3 O 12 : Dy 3 + phosphor shows its highest emission spectra in blue and yellow regions. A combination of yellow and blue gives us white light, displayed by chromaticity diagram for this phosphor. Hence, this phosphor may be used in white-light-emitting diodes. The absorption spectra of our material match well with spectral curve of LEDs. Therefore, it may be used in LEDs applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass samples with formula as Li2O–BaO–GdF3–SiO2:Sm2O3 were fabricated by melt quenching method. Their optical, physical and luminescence properties were studied, for their potential applications in photonic device working in visible region. The Sm3+ ions and nearby ligands bonding nature were determined from bonding parameters (δ) that in turn were calculated from LGF absorption spectra. Oscillator strength of different absorption bands and Judd–Ofelt (JO) parameters (Ωλ (λ = 2, 4, 6)) were measured. JO-parameters and refractive index have been used to valuate various radiative properties of Sm3+ ions emission transitions in prepared glasses to explore their potential application as visible lasers. Furthermore, the emission was studied by exciting the LGF glass samples with different wavelengths (λex = 275, 402 nm). The orange to red ratios at different wavelengths (λex = 275 nm and X-ray) were evaluated to measure the Sm3+-ions local disorder in the glass network. The decreasing trend in experimental decay time (τexp) with Sm3+-ion concentration increasing was observed due to energy transfer. Best fit for the prepared glass, when studied in the light of Inokuti–Hirayama model was obtained for S = 6 indicating dipole–dipole type of energy transfer. The intense visible (orange) emission, high stimulated emission cross-section (σe), branching ratios (βR), radiative transition probability (AR), and reasonable quantum efficiency were determined for transition from 4G5/2 to 6H7/2 in glass. This suggests Sm3+ doped glass shows potential use for development of devices (laser and photonic) working in visible (orange) region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dy2O3-doped lithium lead gadolinium silicate glass was prepared for physical, optical, structural, X-ray induced luminescence and PL-luminescence properties for various potential applications in solid state lighting applications. JO parameters were estimated using JO theory. For the developed samples using emission spectra, CIE color coordinates and yellow/blue ratio are measured for white light emission. The transition 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 has higher value of stimulated emission cross section and radiative transition probability for all concentration showing its potential for laser emission. This transition has calculated and experimental branching ratio (βR) more than 0.50. The CCT value for developed glass samples is 4264 K which is more than warm CCT (CCT > 4000 K). The allowed indirect (n = 2) and direct (n = 1/2) band gaps were determined and found to be decreasing with increasing Dy2O3 concentration. The lifetime non-exponential nature is fitted well to IH model for S = 6. The energy transfer parameter (Q) increases and experimental lifetime decreases for concentration increase of Dy3+ ions in LPDy glasses. The investigation shows the potential of LPDy glasses for the laser and white light generation application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LGFDy glasses doped with Dy2O3 (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mol %) were synthesised by conventional melt quenching method and various properties are studied by absorption, Judd–Ofelt analysis, photoluminescence, X-ray excited luminescence, decay curve and CIE color chromaticity measurement. Judd-Ofelt parameters (Ω2, Ω4 and Ω6) are valuated form JO theory in order to estimate the radiative parameters of the Dy3+ ion excited states. For white light emission, Yellow/Blue (Y/B) ratio and CIE color coordinates for glasses under study are measured from the emission spectra. The energy transfer from Gd3+ to Dy3+ ions has been studied by exciting the glass with 275 nm photon. The higher value of σ (λp) and βR for 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 transition indicates its more potential use in laser application in yellow region. The correlated color temperature for LGFDy glasses is found to be 4264 K. The decay profile of fluorescent level 4F9/2 for different concentration of Dy3+ ions in the present glasses changes to non-exponential from single-exponential for higher concentration (≥0.5 mol %) of Dy3+ ions. Thus the chemical composition of glass and dopant (Dy3+ ions) concentration strongly influence the energy transfer mechanism. The lifetime non-exponential behavior is well fitted to IH-model for S = 6. The quantum efficiency for LBGFDy05 glass is found to be 86%. The systematic investigation signifies the potential of the studied LGFDy glasses for the laser and white light generation application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, using eddy current technique (ECT), we explored two kinds of defects commonly found in railroad monitoring. The first one is cracks initiated on the surface of rail head which slowly progresses into vertical rail plane, the second one is squat type of defects grown on the running head surface. A reliable ECT system equipped with plus point ECT probe was developed and experiments were conducted on a 10 mm thick medium carbon steel plate with two kinds of machined defects varying on their dimensions. An optimized plus point probe was fabricated for the experimental purpose and a Lab VIEW based program was developed to interactively collect and analyze the obtained data. Predefined defects (slit, squat) with changing defect depth and length for both the cases machined on S45C medium carbon steel plate were examined. Prior to the experiments, simulation studies were conducted to fully understand the defect dimensions and optimized the experimental parameters. Response signal parameters, amplitude and phase were analyzed to characterize the defect features. The designed system shows better performance to detect the deepest defect up to 5 mm approximately, and it can be extended further with moderate signal to noise ratio. Two kinds of defects can be categorized according to the obtained signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lateral position is known to be advantageous for maintaining airway patency. This study compared the lateral and supine positions for tracheal extubation in pediatric patients when performing deep extubation.Objective: The hypothesis was that tracheal extubation in the lateral position would improve airway obstruction that often occurs immediately after extubation and can be a practical method.Material and Methods: This prospective randomized trial was performed in operating rooms in a tertiary care hospital and included 92 patients (3-12 years old) undergoing elective strabismus surgery. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: deep extubation in the supine position (group S) and deep extubation in the lateral position (group L). Oxygen saturation (SpO2) and the incidence of stridor, laryngospasm, and coughing after tracheal extubation were assessed.Results: The mean ± standard deviation of the lowest SpO2 values within 5 min after extubation was significantly higher in group L (98.3 ± 2.1%) than in group S (96.8 ± 2.5%, mean difference 1.5, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.5-2.5, p = 0.003). The incidences of stridor and laryngospasm of group L were significantly lower than those of group S (1/45, 2% vs. 8/45, 18%, respectively; relative risk 1.9, 95% CI 1.4-2.7, p = 0.03). The incidence of desaturation and coughing were not significantly different between groups.Conclusion: In pediatric patients deep extubation in the lateral position improved SpO2 and reduced the incidence of stridor and laryngospasm in the early emergence period when compared to extubation in the supine position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the Advanced Mo-based Rare process Experiment (AMoRE) is to search for the neutrinoless double beta decay of 100Mo using low-temperature detectors consisting of Mo-based scintillating crystals read out via metallic magnetic calorimeters. Heat and light signals are measured simultaneously at millikelvin temperatures, which are reached using a cryogen-free dilution refrigerator. The AMoRE-Pilot experiment, using six 100Mo-enriched, 48Ca-depleted calcium molybdate crystals with a total mass of about 1.9 kg, has been running in the 700-m-deep Yangyang underground laboratory as the pilot phase of the AMoRE project. Several setup improvements through different runs allowed us to achieve a high energy resolution and an efficient particle discrimination. This article briefly presents the status of the AMoRE-Pilot experiment, as well as the plans for the next, larger-scale, experimental stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the cutoff value and efficacy of the EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) for predicting frailty.Design: The EQ-VAS medians (Interquartile Range) were compared and analyzed against the FFI.Participants: The subjects were 1471 older adults aged 70 to 84 years who had completed both EQ-VAS and Fried Frailty index (FFI) in the first baseline year (2016) of the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study.Results: Of the 1471 subjects,600 were classified as robust, 716 as pre-frail, and 155 as frail. The median EQ-VAS scores were 80.00 (20.00) for robust, 75.00 (25.00) for pre-frail, and 60.00 (25.00) for frail subjects.The medians of all five components of the FFI, weight loss (70.00 vs. 80.00), grip strength (70.00 vs. 80.00), exhaustion (70.00 vs. 80.00), walking velocity (70.00 vs. 80.00), and physical activity (70.00 vs. 80.00), were lower in the abnormal groups. We tested the efficacy of EQ-VAS as a diagnostic tool to predict frailty, and the area under the curve of EQ-VAS was 0.71 withthe optimal cut-off value of 72.Conclusion: EQ-VAS presented negative correlation with FFI, and the optimal cut off value for frailty was 72. These results suggest that EQ-VAS is a valuable tool for assessing frailty andmay be a good predictor of frailty in Korean elderly population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correction to: A Study on PbMoO4 Phonon-Scintillation Detection with MMC Readouts for a Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay Search Correction to: Journal of Low Temperature Physics https://doi.org/10.1007/s10909-022-02824-7 The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The vertical dotted red and dashed blue lines show the times of 90% rising and falling and 50% falling positions for the two types of signals. [Extracted from the article]

Currently, in high-performance applications, the vector control (VC) scheme of induction motor (IM) is widely employed in industry. The VC scheme has significant features of decoupling torque and flux; also, its hardware implementation is easier. Conventionally, PID control schemes are frequently used for variable speed operation. However, the performance of the VC scheme is limited over a wide range of speed operation because of de-tuning caused by parameter uncertainties. To address the aforementioned challenging problem, adaptive and robust control strategies are mostly implemented. This paper presents various novel, adaptive, and robust control strategies, namely (a) fuzzy logic controller (FLC) based on Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (LMA), (b) FLC based on steepest descent algorithm (SDA), (c) FLC based on Newton algorithm (NA), and (d) FLC based on Gauss-Newton algorithm (GNA) for the indirect vector control (IVC) three-phase IM. The focal motive is to accomplish fast dynamic response with fault-tolerant capability, load disturbance rejection qualities, insensitivity to the parameter uncertainties, robustness to speed variation, and to acquire maximum efficiency as well as torque. The d-q modeling of the IVC IM in the synchronous reference frame and space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) employed in inverter are designed in MATLAB/Simulink. Our work also presents critical, analytical, and comparative assessment of the proposed controllers with traditional tuned PI control strategy for the electrical faults perturbation, load disturbances, speed variations, and parameter uncertainties. Furthermore, the simulation results of the above-mentioned designed control strategies validated robust, smooth, and faster response with permissible overshoot, undershoot, settling time, and rise time for the IVC IM drive system, compared to prior works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study is to compare the efficacy between repetition of Epley maneuver and switch to alternate Semont maneuver in treating posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC-BPPV) that does not respond to the initial Epley maneuver. In the nationwide, seven dizziness clinics of Korea, 506 consecutive patients (303 women, age range 22-87, mean age ± SD = 64 ± 12, median = 61) with idiopathic PC-BPPV were initially treated with a single Epley maneuver. Of those, 144 (28.5%) patients, who did not respond to the therapy, were randomized to the repetition of Epley maneuver ( n = 70) or switch to Semont maneuver ( n = 74). The therapeutic efficacy was determined within 1 h by a blinded examiner after the trial of each second maneuver. The efficacy did not differ between the repetition of Epley maneuver and switch to Semont maneuver groups (38.6 vs. 27.0%, p = 0.14, Chi-square test). However, the patients with a long duration ( p < 0.001, linear regression) and latency ( p = 0.01) of the positional nystagmus during Dix-Hallpike maneuver showed a higher rate of the initial and second treatment failures. Either Epley or Semont maneuver may be applied as a second treatment to the patients with PC-BPPV refractory to the initial Epley maneuver. This study provides Class I evidence that repeated Epley and switch to Semont maneuver shows a similar efficacy in treating PC-BPPV that does not respond to the initial Epley maneuver. Clinical trial registration: NCT01822002. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to differentiate hemangioblastomas from metastatic brain tumors using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and compare the diagnostic performances with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging (DSC-MRI). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 7 patients with hemangioblastoma and 15 patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including DWI, DSC-MRI, and DCE-MRI. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), and DCE-MRI parameters ( K , k , v , and v ) were compared between the two groups. The diagnostic performance of each parameter was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: v , k , and rCBV were significantly different between patients with hemangioblastoma and those with metastatic brain tumor ( p < 0.001, p = 0.005, and p = 0.017, respectively). A v cutoff value of 0.012 and a rCBV cutoff value of 8.0 showed the highest accuracy for differentiating hemangioblastoma from metastasis. The area under the ROC curve for v and rCBV was 0.99 and 0.89, respectively. A v > 0.012 showed 100 % sensitivity, 93.3 % specificity, and 95.5 % accuracy and a rCBV > 8.0 showed 85.7 % sensitivity, 93.3 % specificity, and 90.9 % accuracy for differentiating hemangioblastoma from metastatic brain tumor. Conclusion: DCE-MRI was useful for differentiating hemangioblastoma from metastatic brain tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]