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NaNbO3‐based (NN) energy storage ceramics are known for exhibiting high maximum polarization (Pmax) and large recoverable energy density (Wrec). However, the huge energy loss density (Wloss) has been a limiting factor in improving energy storage performance. Therefore, a ternary system was designed to achieve both huge Wrec and efficiency (η). The combination of 0.35Bi(Zn0.5Ti0.5)O3–0.65BaTiO3 (BZTBT) was chosen to reduce grain size and disrupt the long‐range ordered domains, thereby inducing the polar‐nano‐regions to mitigate Wloss. The optimal performance was achieved with the 0.75NaNbO3–0.25(0.35Bi(Zn0.5Ti0.5)O3–0.65BaTiO3) (0.75NN–0.25BZTBT) ceramic, which exhibited a high Wrec = 2.68 J/cm3 and superior η = 82.7% under 310 kV/cm. Remarkably, the 0.75NN–0.25BZTBT ceramic displayed an exceptionally fast discharge time to 90%, t0.9 = 88 ns, coupled with a huge energy density Wd = 0.95 J/cm3. This study demonstrates the significant potential of 0.75NN–0.25BZTBT ceramic in the realm of energy storage and rapid charge–discharge applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilayer ceramic actuators find extensive utility in applications requiring precise displacement control or force output, due to their advantages of high precision control, rapid response, low driving voltage, low power consumption, and so on. For practical applications, there is a need for high‐performance multilayer ceramic actuators (MLAs) that combine cost‐effectiveness, efficiency, and temperature stability. In this work, 1.5 mol%Sm‐doped 0.25 Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.36PbZrO3–0.39PbTiO3 piezoelectric ceramics with PbO–CuO as sintering aid were fabricated. The addition of PbO–CuO significantly reduced the sintering temperature by 300°C, while having minimal impact on the piezoelectric properties. The optimized sintering condition, achieved at a low sintering temperature of 950°C with the introduction of a tiny 0.4 wt% sintering aid, yields impressive piezoelectric strain coefficient d33* = 690 pm/V. This substantiates the viability of employing low‐cost Ag/Pd (90/10) as inner electrode, which can be co‐fired with ceramic layer to fabricate MLA. This innovation enables a remarkable displacement of 1 µm at a low driving voltage of 200 V across a 9‐layers piezoelectric actuator, accompanied by high‐temperature stability, exhibiting <20% variation over the temperature range of 30–250°C. These results underscore a great potential for high‐performance piezoelectric actuators over a broad temperature range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of DYRK1a regulating ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes during myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI). H9c2 cells treated with oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) were used as MIRI cell models and transfected with sh‐DYRK1a or/and erastin. Cell viability, apoptosis, and DYRK1a mRNA/protein expression were measured accordingly. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), iron, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) were determined. The expression of ferroptosis‐related proteins (GPX4, SLC7A11, ACSL4, and TFR1) was detected using western blotting. The MIRI rat model was established to explore the possible role of DYRK1a suppression in cell injury and ferroptosis. OGD/R cells showed elevated mRNA and protein expression for DYRK1a. OGD/R cells transfected with sh‐DYRK1a showed elevated cell viability, GSH content, increased GPX4 and SLC7A11 expression, suppressed iron content, MDA, ROS, ACSL4, and TFR1 expression, and reduced apoptosis rate, whereas co‐transfection of sh‐DYRK1a with erastin reversed the attenuation of sh‐DYRK1a on MIRI. The suppressive effect of sh‐DYRK1a on MI/R injury was confirmed in an MIRI rat model. DYRK1a mediates ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes to deteriorate MIRI progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric capacitors play a vital role in advanced electronics and power systems as a medium of energy storage and conversion. Achieving ultrahigh energy density at low electric field/voltage, however, remains a challenge for insulating dielectric materials. Taking advantage of the phase transition in antiferroelectric (AFE) film PbZrO3 (PZO), a small amount of isovalent (Sr2+) / aliovalent (La3+) dopants are introduced to form a hierarchical domain structure to increase the polarization and enhance the backward switching field EA simultaneously, while maintaining a stable forward switching field EF. An ultrahigh energy density of 50 J cm−3 is achieved for the nominal Pb0.925La0.05ZrO3 (PLZ5) films at low electric fields of 1 MV cm−1, exceeding the current dielectric energy storage films at similar electric field. This study opens a new avenue to enhance energy density of AFE materials at low field/voltage based on a gradient‐relaxor AFE strategy, which has significant implications for the development of new dielectric materials that can operate at low field/voltage while still delivering high energy density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diradicaloid molecule with high semiconducting performance is synthesized based on the quinoidal benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene structure. The diradical character is investigated by quantum chemical calculations and variable temperature electron spin resonance. The diode devices based on this molecule show a large change in electric current in magnetic fields below 100 mT with a strong dependence on the measurement temperatures; as the population of the triplet diradicals increases at high temperatures, the magnetoconductance (MC) values increase. As a result, a MC of −19.4% is achieved at 120 °C, which is the largest negative MC observed for organic molecules to date. In contrast, a smaller diradicaloid molecule based on quinoidal thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene without thermally accessible triplet state shows no MC, indicating the essential role of the triplet diradicals. The strong correlation between the MC and the triplet diradical concentrations suggests that the charge conduction in the diradicaloid is suppressed through a spin‐blocking mechanism, which can be controlled through the magnetic modulation of the hyperfine fields. The compound forms high‐crystallinity thin films and has high monopolar electron transport in organic field‐effect transistors, with an average mobility of 1.01 cm2 V−1 s−1 for edge‐cast films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the dielectric properties of SrTiO3 ceramics prepared by plasma‐activated sintering (PAS) were investigated. One of the striking findings is that the material exhibits giant room temperature permittivity (k∼3.5 × 104) and low dielectric loss (∼0.05) at 1 kHz, with the permittivity exceeding that of the conventionally prepared SrTiO3（ST） ceramics (k∼300) by two orders of magnitude. The enhancement of the polarizability was caused by the high concentration of defect dipoles. In this paper, two dielectric relaxation modes of the PAS ceramics below 0°C have been mainly discussed. One dielectric relaxation mode showed higher activation energy than that of the dielectric peak in the same temperature range for the conventional SrTiO3‐based ceramics. This mode was sensitive to humidity, and the strength of this mode was associated with the oxygen vacancies concentration in the ceramics. The other mode exhibited abnormal slowing down of relaxation rate with increasing temperature, which is contrary to the typical dielectric relaxation behavior, and the anomaly persisted over a narrow temperature range. Both modes were observed at the same interface between the grain and grain boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric film capacitors are considered as potential candidates for advanced power electronics technology due to their extremely high‐power densities and outstanding mechanical and thermal stability, but the further improvement of energy storage density is still needed. Here, a strategy is proposed to enhance the energy storage properties by introducing nanoscale polarization regions into amorphous films, which can significantly improve the maximum polarization and maintain a high breakdown strength. The (1−x)BaTiO3‐xBi(Ni0.5Zr0.5)O3 ((1−x)BT‐xBNZ) thin films are fabricated by the sol–gel method and the amorphous films with nanoscale polarization regions are obtained by adjusting the preparation process. Consistent with the conjecture, amorphous phase and nanoscale polarization regions in the (1−x)BT‐xBNZ films are clearly observed by electron diffraction. Results show that giant recoverable energy density of 103.7 J cm−3 with high energy efficiency of 88.3% are simultaneously achieved at 8.3 MV cm−1 in 0.92BT‐0.08BNZ thin films. Furthermore, the 0.92BT‐0.08BNZ thin film exhibits excellent thermal stability in a wide temperature range of 20–200 °C, ∆Wrec/Wrec20 °C < 2.2%. This work provides a novel method for dielectric thin film capacitors applied in high temperature and electric field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was to define the clinical significance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs)/circulating tumor endothelial cells (CTECs) and their subtypes in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients. Methods: CTCs/CTECs and their subtypes were determined using SE‐iFISH technology in 33 SCLC patients before initial treatment (B1), after two cycles of chemotherapy (B2), at the completion of chemotherapy (B3), and disease progression (B4). The correlations with clinical characteristics, progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Results: CTCs and CTECs were detected in 96.6% and 65.5% of patients, respectively. Patients had higher levels of CTCs compared with CTECs in circulation (p < 0.05). Extensive‐stage SCLC patients tended to have higher CTEC counts (p = 0.035), and the detection of CTC‐white blood cell (CTC‐WBC) clusters was associated with a worse response to treatment (p = 0.030). Patients with CTC‐WBC clusters at B1 (17.3 vs. 22.6 months, p = 0.041) and B2 (19.9 vs. 25.2 months, p = 0.018) had significantly shorter OS than those with no detection. Additionally, their presence was revealed as independent predictors for a worse OS in multivariable analyses (B1: HR 9.3, 95% CI: 1.4–48, p = 0.0079; B2: HR 4.4, 95% CI: 1.1–18, p = 0.041). A high CTC level at B4 was an adverse prognostic factor for SCLC patients (PFS: 8.7 vs. 22.5 months, p = 0.0026; OS: 19 months vs. not reached, p = 0.0086). CTC clusters and CTECs also showed prognostic values. Conclusions: The presence of CTC‐WBC clusters at baseline and after two‐cycle chemotherapy and the total CTC counts at the completion of chemotherapy are strong predictors for the prognostic survival of SCLC patients receiving first‐line treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a great demand to develop ferroelectric ceramics with both high piezoelectric coefficient and broad temperature usage range for emerging electromechanical applications. Herein, a series of Sm3+‐doped 0.25Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐(0.75−x)PbZrO3‐xPbTiO3 ceramics were fabricated by solid‐state reaction method. The phase structure, dielectric and piezoelectric properties were investigated, where the optimum piezoelectric coefficient d33 = 745 pC/N and electromechanical coupling factor k33 = 0.79 were obtained at the morphotropic phase boundary composition x = 0.39, with good Curie temperature TC of 242°C. Of particular importance is that high‐temperature stability of the piezoelectric and field‐induced strain was obtained over the temperature range up to 230°C for the tetragonal compositions of x = 0.40. The underlying mechanism responsible for the high piezoelectricity and temperature stability is the synergistic contribution of the MPB and local structural heterogeneity, providing a good paradigm for the design of high‐performance piezoelectric materials to meet the challenge of piezoelectric applications at elevated temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Small-fiber sensory and autonomic symptoms are early presentations of familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) with transthyretin (TTR) mutations. This study aimed to explore the potential of skin nerve pathologies as early and disease-progression biomarkers and their relationship with skin amyloid deposits.Methods: Skin biopsies were performed in patients and carriers to measure intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) density, sweat gland innervation index of structural protein gene product 9.5 (SGII[PGP9.5]) and peptidergic vasoactive intestinal peptide (SGII[VIP]), and cutaneous amyloid index. These skin pathologies were analyzed with clinical disability assessed by FAP stage score (stage 0-4) and compared to neurophysiological and psychophysical tests.Results: There were 70 TTR-mutant subjects (22 carriers and 48 patients), and 66 cases were TTR-A97S. Skin nerve pathologies were distinct according to stage. In carriers, both skin denervation and peptidergic sudomotor denervation were evident: (1) IENF density was gradually reduced from stage 0 through 4, and (2) SGII(VIP) was markedly reduced from stage 1 to 2. In contrast, SGII(PGP9.5) was similar between carriers and controls, but it declined in patients from stage 2. Skin amyloids were absent in carriers and became detectable from stage 1. Cutaneous amyloid index was correlated with SGII(PGP9.5) and stage in a multivariate mixed-effect model. When all tests were compared, only IENF density, SGII(PGP9.5), and cutaneous amyloid index were correlated with stage, and IENF density had the highest abnormal rate in carriers.Interpretation: Biomarkers of sensory and sudomotor innervation exhibited a stage-dependent progression pattern, with sensory nerve degeneration as the early skin nerve pathology. Ann Neurol 2019;85:560-573. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defect chemistry of Sr site nonstoichiometry in SrxTi0.985(Nb2/3Zn1/3)0.015O3 ceramics and the resulting effects on the structure and dielectric behavior are systematically investigated by experiment and density functional theory (DFT) methods. The results indicate that, appropriate Sr deficiency benefits the dielectric properties and grain growth due to the creation of Sr vacancy. While Sr excess deteriorates the dielectric properties and inhibits the grain growth by forming a Ruddlesden‐Popper structure. In Sr‐deficient sample, more point defects arise and aggregate into defect clusters, resulting in great changes in local structures and the enhancement of dielectric properties. The Sr vacancy benefits the generation of oxygen vacancy, thus facilitating the localization of electrons and the decrease in dielectric loss. Besides, the electronic polarization and structural polarization are also improved by Sr vacancy and the resultant oxygen vacancy, leading to the further enhanced dielectric properties. These findings may facilitate the development of defect engineering towards novel multifunctional electronic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relaxor perovskite ferroelectric 0.1Bi(Zn1/2Zr1/2)O3‐0.9BaTiO3(0.1BZZ‐0.9BT) ceramics were successfully prepared, whose powders synthesized by the sol‐gel process, with average grain size about 1.29 μm. 1.75 J/cm3 discharge energy density and good dielectric stability were obtained over a wide temperature range from 25°C to 140°C. The pulse discharge capability of 0.1BZZ‐0.9BT ceramics was tested under different electric fields. The discharge time was 2.13 μs, which proved its ability to charge and discharge quickly. Complex impedance analysis and thermally stimulated depolarization current tests were applied to investigate the defect types and activation of 0.1BZZ‐0.9BT ceramics. The evolution process of composite defects and oxygen vacancies profoundly affects the dielectric temperature stability of 0.1BZZ‐0.9BT ceramics' energy storage property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the influence of starting particle size and sintering conditions on the microstructures and dielectric properties of BaTiO3‐based ceramics coated with 0.3Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3‐0.7BaTiO3 were investigated to reveal the core‐shell structure by using high resolution transmission electron microscopy technique coupled with energy‐dispersive spectrometer analysis. The ion‐diffusion behavior plays a critical role in the formation and evolution of the core‐shell structure and, therefore, significantly influences the dielectric properties. When using starting powders containing BaTiO3 particles larger than 100 nm in size and sintering for shorter dwelling times (0.5‐2.0 hours), a core‐shell structure could be formed and retained owing to the limited diffusion behavior, enabling BaTiO3‐based ceramics to meet the X8R specification for multilayer ceramic capacitors applications at high temperatures. However, when using 80 nm BaTiO3 nanopowders and further extending the dwelling time to 6.0 hours, more driving energy was provided to prompt ion diffusion, which led to the compositional inhomogeneity becoming homogenized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth (Eu3+)‐modified Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐PbTiO3 (PMN‐PT) polycrystalline ferroelectric ceramics were fabricated by high‐temperature solid‐state sintering, the phase structure, dielectric and piezoelectric properties were investigated. Eu3+ addition was found to significantly improve dielectric and piezoelectric properties of PMN‐PT, where the optimized properties were achieved for the composition of 2.5 mol%Eu: 0.72PMN‐0.28PT, with the piezoelectric d33 = 1420 pC/N, dielectric εr = 12 200 and electromechanical k33 = 0.78, respectively. All these results indicate that the Eu3+‐doped PMN‐PT ceramics are promising candidates for high‐performance room‐temperature piezoelectric devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abrupt drought–flood alternation (T1) is a meteorological disaster that frequently occurs during summer in southern China and the Yangtze river basin, often causing a significant loss of rice production. In this study, the response mechanism of yield decline under abrupt drought–flood alternation stress at the panicle differentiation stage was analyzed by looking at the metabolome, proteome as well as yield and physiological and biochemical indexes. The results showed that drought and flood stress caused a decrease in the yield of rice at the panicle differentiation stage, and abrupt drought–flood alternation stress created a synergistic effect for the reduction of yield. The main reason for the decrease of yield per plant under abrupt drought–flood alternation was the decrease of seed setting rate. Compared with CK0 (no drought and no flood), the net photosynthetic rate and soluble sugar content of T1 decreased significantly and its hydrogen peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase activity increased significantly. The identified differential metabolites and differentially expressed proteins indicated that photosynthesis metabolism, energy metabolism pathway and reactive oxygen species response have changed strongly under abrupt drought–flood alteration stress, which are factors that leads to the rice grain yield reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The site‐selective functionalization of carbohydrates is an active area of research. Reported here is the surprising observation that the sterically encumbered adamantyl group directed site‐selective acylation at the C2 position of S‐glycosides through dispersion interactions between the adamantyl C−H bonds and the π system of the cationic acylated catalyst, which may have broad implications in many other chemical reactions. Because of their stability, chemical orthogonality, and ease of activation for glycosylation, the site‐selective acylation of S‐glycosides streamlines oligosaccharide synthesis and will have wide applications in complex carbohydrate synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth magnesium titanate thin films were prepared on platinized silicon wafers via modified sol‐gel deposition method. Highly dense samples with pseudo‐cubic structure were obtained under proper thermal treatment technique. Electric breakdown strength was dependent on annealing temperature which resulted in the variation of energy storage performances. The optimal charged energy storage density Wc~ 47.8J/cm3 and recoverable energy storage density Wreco ~26.0 J/cm3 of the 640°C annealed films at 100 Hz were achieved, respectively. This dielectric film can be a promising candidate for high voltage lead‐free energy storage applications due to their excellent performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In many low- and middle-income countries, non-surgical management of femoral shaft fractures using skeletal traction is common because intramedullary (IM) nailing is perceived to be expensive. This study assessed the cost of IM nailing and skeletal traction for treatment of femoral shaft fractures in Malawi.Methods: We used micro-costing methods to quantify the costs associated with IM nailing and skeletal traction. Adult patients who sustained an isolated closed femur shaft fracture and managed at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Malawi were followed from admission to discharge. Resource utilization and time data were collected through direct observation. Costs were quantified for procedures and ward personnel, medications, investigations, surgical implants, disposable supplies, procedures instruments and overhead.Results: We followed 38 nailing and 27 traction patients admitted between April 2016 and November 2017. Nailing patient's average length of stay (LOS) was 36.35 days (SD 21.19), compared to 61 (SD 18.16) for traction (p = 0.0003). The total cost per patient was $596.97 ($168.81) for nailing and $678.02 (SD $144.25) for traction (p = 0.02). Major cost drivers were ward personnel and overhead; both are directly proportional to LOS. Converting patients from traction to nailing is cost-saving up to day 23 post-admission.Conclusion: Savings from IM nailing as compared with skeletal traction were achieved by shortened LOS. Although this study did not assess the effectiveness of either intervention, the literature suggests that traction carries a higher rate of complications than nailing. Investment in IM nailing capacity may yield substantial net savings to health systems, as well as improved clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Magnetic compression anastomosis (magnamosis, MCA) has been verified safe and effective by us and others in animal bilioenteric anastomosis (BEA). The objective of the present study was to introduce clinical application of magnetic compression bilioenteric anastomosis (MC-BEA) with a unique device in series of patients.Methods: Patients with obstructive jaundice with an indication of BEA were prospectively enrolled from 2012 to 2015. After dissection of bile ducts, the mother ring and drainage tube were placed in the proximal bile duct and the purse-string suture was tightened over the drainage tube. The drainage tube was introduced into the jejunal lumen at the anastomotic site and used to guide the daughter ring to assemble with the mother ring. All the patients were routinely followed up for magnets discharge or any complications associated.Results: Forty-one patients were included. Thirty-four (82.9%) patients had a malignant primary disease, while seven (17.1%) had benign disease. The median time for MC-BEA was 10.5 min (interquartile range [IQR] 8.3-13.0 min). No perioperative morbidity or mortality associated with MC-BEA was observed. The median time for a patent bilioenteric anastomosis formation was 19.0 days (IQR 14.5-23.0 days), and the magnets were discharged with a median postoperative duration of 35.0 days (IQR 28.0-43.0 days). With a median follow-up of 547.5 days (range 223-1042 days), no patients had biliary fistula, while two (4.9%) developed anastomotic stricture at 4 months and 14 months after surgery, and underwent reoperation for reconstruction of BEA. Conclusions: MCA is a safe, effective, and time-saving modality for biliojejunostomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: (Nb+Al) co‐doped SrTiO3 ceramics with a nominal composition of Sr(Nb0.5Al0.5)xTi1‐xO3 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06) were fabricated using the conventional solid‐state reaction method; giant permittivity (10500) and low dielectric loss (0.03) were obtained at x = 0.06. Dielectric and impedance spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, were employed to study why the dielectric property improved. The results indicate that the giant dielectric response occurs because of the combined effects of the off‐center Ti3+ reorientation and conduction of electrons with the polar ordering structure Ti3+/Ti4+. In contrast, the low dielectric loss can be attributed to electron localization that occurs because of the defect dipole Ti 4 + · e − V o · · − Ti 4 + · e. These fundamental understandings will benefit the design of doped SrTiO3 ceramics with desired performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ca0.6Sr0.4TiO3 ( CST) ceramics with different amounts of Mn dopant (0-2.0 mol%) were prepared by solid-state reaction method. The electric field and temperature stability of energy storage performance was found to be greatly enhanced with moderate doped level of 0.5 mol%. The dielectric loss-frequency spectra revealed the existence and evolution of defect dipoles at elevated temperature, which was confirmed directly by electron paramagnetic resonance ( EPR) spectra. The response of defect dipoles was characterized by thermally stimulated depolarization current ( TSDC), where the activation energy and the concentration evolution of defect dipoles were calculated, with the highest values observed for 0.5% doped samples. The dissociation of defect dipoles and the movement of free [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal annealing treatments with different atmospheres (air, oxygen, and reducing atmospheres, respectively) were employed for the conventionally sintered (Ba0.4Sr0.6)TiO3 (BST) ceramics. The effect of thermal annealing on the energy storage properties of BST ceramics was investigated, where oxygen vacancies played an important role. The dielectric loss, bulk resistivity and dielectric breakdown strength (BDS) were found to be sensitive to the annealing process, leading to the different energy densities in the range of 0.30-0.80 J/cm3. Temperature-dependent dielectric measurement and thermally stimulated depolarization current analysis were conducted to understand the impacts of oxygen vacancies on the macroscopic properties, which were found to be closely associated with the annealing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we reported a new BaTiO3-Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-Nb2O5-Mn2O3/Fe2O3/Co3O4/In2O3 X8R system with high dielectric constant (>2100) at room temperature. The impacts of oxygen vacancy ( [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the effects of surgery and rehabilitation on patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty ( TKA). Methods Twelve patients and 12 healthy controls were enrolled and their clinical scores evaluated by a doctor. Gait data, including walking velocity, stride length, single support time, foot fall and swing power, were collected using a portable gait analyzer from 12 patients before and 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery and from 12 healthy controls. The gait data and clinical scores at selected time points were compared and correlations between gait characteristics and clinical scores assessed. Results Clinical knee and knee function scores increased significantly from before surgery to 6 weeks to 6 months after surgery ( P < 0.001). The only significant differences identified were for single support time on the diseased side between before surgery and 6 months after surgery ( P = 0.031) and for foot fall with the diseased side between 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery ( P = 0.016). Foot fall and speed of the healthy or diseased sides were significantly different in patients at all time points from those of the healthy subjects ( P < 0.05). Single support time on the diseased side was significantly different 6 months after surgery ( P = 0.035) in patients than in healthy controls. Single support time on the healthy side before surgery was significantly different from that of healthy controls ( P = 0.048) and 6 weeks after surgery ( P = 0.042). Stride lengths differed significantly between patients and healthy subjects before surgery (healthy side: P = 0.007; diseased side: P = 0.008) and 6 weeks after surgery (healthy side: P = 0.001; diseased side: P = 0.001), but were not different at 6 months after surgery (healthy side: P = 0.088; diseased side: P = 0.077). The only significant correlations identified were between single support time with the diseased side of patients and their knee ( r = 0.43, P = 0.032) and knee function scores ( r = 0.493, P = 0.012). Conclusions A portable gait analyzer appears to be suitable for evaluating the effects of TKA. Single support time on the diseased side may be a sensitive quantitative index for determining the effect of TKA and rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bulk BiFeO3-BaTiO3 system has been studied as a potential lead-free high-temperature piezoelectric material. It is found that the multivalency manganese-doped 0.8BiFeO3-0.2BaTiO3 ceramics exhibit the coexistence of tetragonal and rhombohedral phases, whereas Mn doping improves the resistivity and exhibits hard characteristic. The optimal properties were obtained at 0.12 wt% Mn addition exhibiting Tc ˜ 637°C. The increase of Tc in Mn-modified compositions can be ascribed to the appearance of internal electric bias field by acceptor doping. The combination of good electrical properties and high Tc makes these ceramics suitable for elevated temperature piezoelectric devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computed tomography ( CT) is increasingly applied as an aid to clinical decision making in congenital heart disease ( CHD) with regard to surgery, interventional catheterizations, and follow-up. It is particularly useful for the assessment of vascular and airway abnormalities. Updated knowledge of CT imaging techniques is mandatory not only for the optimization of image acquisition protocols, but also for the postprocessing reconstruction and interpretation of CT findings. The purpose of this article was to review the clinical indications, techniques, and dose reduction methods for CT imaging in children and adults with CHD. Relevant discussion and illustrations of common forms of CHD evaluated by CT are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microstructural effects on the microwave dielectric properties of (Ba0.4Sr0.6)TiO3 ( BST) polycrystalline ceramics were investigated, focusing on the grain size. Sintering temperatures between 1350°C and 1500°C have a strong effect on the permittivity (880 < ε r < 990), quality factor (570 GHz < Q× f < 1150 GHz), and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (3920 ppm/°C < τ f < 4560 ppm/°C) at microwave frequency (≈1.4 GHz). The tunable permittivity characteristics (measured at 10 kHz), were also found to be sensitive to the sintering process, demonstrating the possibility of tailoring material property by designed processing. In addition, the effect of the sintering process on grain structure was investigated by XRD calculation and Raman scattering characterization. Less confined phonons were believed to contribute to the enhanced microwave performance as an intrinsic effect (grain size effect), for samples with higher sintering temperature and longer dwell time. On the contrary, the macroscopic properties tend to saturate (or deteriorate), for samples at intensified sintering condition, being thought to be dominated by the extrinsic factors (such as the abundant defects in large grains), as confirmed by the SEM observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure, phase structure, ferroelectric, and dielectric properties of (1− x)Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3- xNaNbO3 [(1− x) BNT- xNN] ceramics conventionally sintered in the temperature range of 1080°C-1120°C were investigated as a candidate for capacitor dielectrics with wide temperature stability. Perovskite phase with no secondary impurity was observed by XRD measurement. With increasing NN content, (1− x) BNT- xNN was found to gradually transform from ferroelectric ( x = 0-0.05) to relaxor ( x = 0.10-0.20) and then to paraelectric state ( x = 0.25-0.35) at room temperature, indicated by P- I- E loops analysis, associated with greatly enhanced dielectric temperature stability. For the samples with x = 0.25-0.35, the temperature coefficient of capacitance ( TCC) was found <11% in an ultra-wide temperature range of −60°C-400°C with moderate dielectric constant and low dielectric loss, promising for temperature stable capacitor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave-sintering (MWS) technique was employed to fabricate dense (Ba0.4Sr0.6)TiO3 (BST) ceramics. With respect to the high dielectric loss at room temperature, induced by the formation of oxygen defects during the MWS under vacuum atmosphere (−60 kPa), the as-sintered samples were thermally annealed in air to reduce tanδ and recover the insulating performance. Accompanied by the decreased tanδ, the energy storage properties for annealed MWS BST were optimized, with increasing energy density (γ) from 0.77 to 1.15 J/cm3 and energy efficiency (η) from 60% to 82%. The lower oxygen vacancy concentrations were believed to account for the enhanced insulating characteristics of grain boundaries and contribute to the improved properties after annealing. Electrical characterization of grain and grain boundary by impedance spectroscopy demonstrated that the annealing preferentially modified the grain boundary. In addition, resistances extracted from the high temperature impedance analysis were found to be inadequate for evaluating the electrical characteristics of materials affected by extrinsic mechanisms, such as the interfacial polarization. For comparison, annealing effect on energy storage properties were also discussed for conventionally sintered BST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Autonomic neuropathy is a major component of familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) due to mutated transthyretin, with sudomotor failure as a common manifestation. This study aimed to investigate the pathology and clinical significance of sudomotor denervation. Methods Skin biopsies were performed on the distal leg of FAP patients with a follow-up duration of 3.8 ± 1.6 years. Sudomotor innervation was stained with 2 markers: protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), a general neuronal marker, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a sudomotor nerve functional marker, followed by quantitation according to sweat gland innervation index (SGII) for PGP 9.5 (SGIIPGP 9.5) and VIP (SGIIVIP). Results There were 28 patients (25 men) with Ala97Ser transthyretin and late onset (59.9 ± 6.0 years) disabling neuropathy. Autonomic symptoms were present in 22 patients (78.6%) at the time of skin biopsy. The SGIIPGP 9.5 and SGIIVIP of FAP patients were significantly lower than those of age- and gender-matched controls. The reduction of SGIIVIP was more severe than that of SGIIPGP 9.5 ( p = 0.002). Patients with orthostatic hypotension or absent sympathetic skin response at palms were associated with lower SGIIPGP 9.5 ( p = 0.019 and 0.002, respectively). SGIIPGP 9.5 was negatively correlated with the disability grade at the time of skin biopsy ( p = 0.004), and was positively correlated with the interval from the time of skin biopsy to the time of wheelchair usage ( p = 0.029). Interpretation This study documented the pathological evidence of sudomotor denervation in FAP. SGIIPGP 9.5 was functionally correlated with autonomic symptoms, autonomic tests, ambulation status, and progression of disability. Ann Neurol 2015;78:272℃283 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel BaTiO3-Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-Nb2O5-NiO ( BT- NBT-Nb-Ni) system that meets the X8R specification (−55°C-150°C, Δ C/ C≤±15%) of multilayer ceramic capacitors ( MLCCs) was fabricated, with a maximum dielectric constant of 2350 at room temperature (25°C). Core-shell microstructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy ( TEM), accounting for the good dielectric temperature stability. The role of Ni on the formation of core-shell structure and phase structure, and the subsequent relationship between structure and dielectric/ionic conduction properties were investigated. It was observed that the addition of Ni could adjust the ratio of core/shell, and significantly reduces the dielectric loss over the studied temperature range. A new Ba11(Ni, Ti)28O66+ x phase with a 10-layer close-packed structure was identified by X-ray diffraction ( XRD), serving as a source of oxygen vacancies for ionic conduction in addition to Ba(Ni,Ti)O3. Furthermore, the impedance spectroscopy measurements demonstrated the remarkable impact of these Ni-induced oxygen vacancies on both the grain and grain-boundary conductivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modified polymer-network gel route has been developed to prepare a multilayer core-shell structure of BaTiO3-based dielectric ceramics. The core of particle was BaTiO3, whereas 0.7BaTiO3-0.3Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 (0.7BT-0.3BZT) and Nb oxides were coated as the multilayer shell compositions, which were confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy testing. The dielectric properties of BaTiO3-based samples with multilayer core-shell structure were found to meet the X9R specification. The dielectric constant was 1190 and the dielectric loss was 1.3% at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SrTiZr x O3 ( x = 0, 0.002, 0.006, 0.01, and 0.014) ceramics with a weak temperature-dependent giant permittivity (>104) and a very low dielectric loss (<0.01) were fabricated using the conventional solid-state reaction method by sintering them in N2 at 1500°C. With increasing Zr content, the permittivity decreased from approximately 48 000 to 18 000 and the dielectric loss decreased from approximately 0.005 to 0.003. According to the XRD, XPS, and ac conductivity analysis, the dielectric properties of pure SrTiO3 ceramics sintered in N2 were due to the existence of the giant defect dipoles [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1− x) BaTiO3- x BiYO3 [(1− x) BT- x BY] polycrystalline ceramics were prepared by solid-state reaction method. The ceramics are in tetragonal phase when x ≤ 0.04, transform to pseudocubic at x ≥ 0.06, showing a classic ferroelectric to relaxor transition at x = 0.06, where the phase transition temperature was found to shift to higher temperature with increasing frequency. The dielectric permittivity peaks were analyzed by the modified Curie-Weiss law. Both parameters ΔTdiffuse and ΔTrelaxor were found to increase with increasing BY content, demonstrating a stronger relaxor characteristic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green approach is proposed for the synthesis of Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) in the bovine serum albumin (BSA) scaffold through biomineralization. The resulting BSA-PtNPs have been proved to function as peroxidase mimics that can catalyze the reaction of various peroxidase substrates in the presence of H2O2. Kinetic studies indicate that BSA-PtNPs have a much higher affinity for H2O2 than the NPs of other Pt-based peroxidase mimics. Furthermore, the BSA shell plays an important role in promoting the robust stability of PtNPs. Even in high ionic strength environment (2 M NaCl), the catalytic activity can be well preserved. These excellent properties make the BSA-PtNPs an ideal candidate for a wide range of potential applications as peroxidase mimics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High permittivity La-doped Ba0.67Sr0.33TiO3 ceramics (BSTL) with cubic perovskite structure, i.e., Ba xSr1− xTiO3 (BST) + x at.% La, where x = 0-1, were prepared by conventional ceramic processing techniques. Dielectric characteristics, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and J- V (leakage current density-voltage) behaviors were measured. Doping with the La in the BST host lattice resulted in a large-grained (1-3 µm) and fine-grained (0.3-1 µm) microstructure, marked raising, and broadening of the Curie peak. The temperature of dielectric peak ( Tm) at 10 kHz decreased rapidly with a doping concentration of <0.7 at.% La. By means of doping with La, high dielectric constant ceramics (BSTL: 0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) with permittivity at room temperature ( εRT) > 110 000 at 10 kHz have been achieved. The plots of leakage current density versus voltage show the different electrical conduction mechanism in different voltage ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new octahydronaphthalene derivatives, trichodermic acid A ( 1) and trichodermic acid B ( 2), along with a known analog, trichodermic acid ( 3), and a known modified dipeptide, trichodermamide A ( 4), were isolated from the extract of Trichoderma spirale, an endophytic fungus present in the medicinal plant Aquilaria sinensis. The structures of these compounds were established by extensive analysis of their spectroscopic data including 1D- and 2D-NMR and MS data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1− x)BaTiO3- xBi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3 [(1− x)BT- xBMT] polycrystalline ceramics were obtained via solid-state processing techniques. The solubility limit for (1− x)BT- xBMT was determined to be about x=0.07. A systematic structural change from the ferroelectric tetragonal phase to pseudocubic phase was observed at about x≥0.05 at room temperature. Dielectric measurements revealed a gradual change from normal ferroelectric of pure BaTiO3 to highly dispersive relaxor-like characteristics in the solid solution with 30-60 mol% Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3, showing low-temperature coefficients of capacitance over a wide temperature range. The properties of Nb2O5-doped 0.85BT-0.15BMT ceramics were investigated to better understand the formation mechanism of core-shell structure, for further improving the temperature stability of the dielectric behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of niobium-doped SrBiTiO was calculated by using density function and discrete variation method (DFT-DVM). By comparing the total energy of different doping sites, the total energy is found to be lower when Nb ion was substituted into the Ti site in the upper perovskite layer, which is far from the two bismuth (Bi) ions in the perovskite layer. The bonding strength of Nb (3)-O increases and the electronic conductivity of the SBT decreases after Nb doping. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pools of short synthetic oligonucleotides (oligos) are required in the multiplex and parallel DNA construction. Microarray technology provides a fast and economical mean for massive parallel synthesis of oligos. The method of oligo synthesis with the programmable microfluidic PicoArray could simultaneously synthesize the designed oligos for multiple riboswitch genes. The synthetic oligos were recovered and purified as a pool of oligo mixture (OligoMix). Three temperature steps were employed to denature, anneal and extend the designed OligoMix until, after multiple rounds of thermocycling, the riboswitches with the desired length are obtained. The OligoMix was amplified using this PCR-based technique and the flanking adapter segments were cleaved for following assembly. Based on these oligos derived from 197 riboswitch sequences, the method of simultaneous assembling multiplex riboswitches (SAMRs) showed high fidelity by sequence identification. The resultant error rate was determined to be 2.78‰. With the templates from SAMRs, in vitro transcription was applied to produce milligram amounts of biologically active riboswitches. With the verification of biological activity based on the high specificity of recognizing small-molecule metabolites as well as the DNA sequence redivivus by RT-PCR, the assembled riboswitches can be used for further gene operation and biological application. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the microwave-assisted molten salt method (MAMSS) and molten salt method (MSS) were used to synthesize SrBi4Ti4O15 (SBT). The phase constitution was determined by powder X-ray diffraction and the microstructure of powder was examined by scanning electron microscopy. In contrast to the conventional MSS method, MAMSS produces more distinct plate-like grains and synthesizes both SBT and Bi4Ti3O12 (BTO) at 600°C with a 30-min soaking time. The increase of temperature and soaking time can make the plate-like grains of BTO more distinct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on continuing medical education activity in echocardiography. Topics discussed include accreditation and designation statement of the education, advantages to participants after completion of the course, peer review in line with the standards of editorial integrity and publication ethics, and need for participants to complete the activity during the valid credit period.