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Crop production in arid regions is characterized with high temperature, drought and salinity which decrease water and nutrient use efficiency. This study was conducted to investigate the ef...

Essential tremor is an involuntary trembling of body limbs in people without tremor-related disease. In previous study, suppression of tremor by sensory electrical stimulation was confirmed on the index finger. This study investigates the effect of sensory stimulation on multiple segments and joints of the upper limb. It denotes the observation regarding the effect's continuity after halting the stimulation. 18 patients with essential tremor (8 men and 10 women) participated in this study. The task, "arms stretched forward", was performed and sensory electrical stimulation was applied on four muscles of the upper limb (Flexor Carpi Radialis, Extensor Carpi Radialis, Biceps Brachii, and Triceps Brachii) for 15 seconds. Three 3-D gyro sensors were used to measure the angular velocities of segments (finger, hand, and forearm) and joints (metacarpophalangeal and wrist joints) for three phases of pre-stimulation (Pre), during-stimulation (On), and 5 minute post-stimulation (P5). Three characteristic variables of root-mean-squared angular velocity, peak power, and peak power frequency were derived from the vector sum of the sensor signals. At On phase, RMS velocity was reduced from Pre in all segments and joints while peak power was reduced from Pre in all segments and joints except for forearm segment. Sensory stimulation showed no effect on peak power frequency. All variables at P5 were similar to those at On at all segments and joints. The decrease of peak power of the index finger was noted by 90% during stimulation from that of On phase, which was maintained even after 5 min. The results indicate that sensory stimulation may be an effective clinical method to treat the essential tremor.

The transistor reliability characterization of a 14nm System-on-Chip (SoC) node optimized for low power operation is described. In-depth assessments of reliability and performance for Core and I/O devices are performed on Logic and SoC nodes, and clear trends with scaling are identified. Insight is provided into hot carrier and off-state aging, and self-heat effects. Technological advancements across process nodes demonstrate the ability to achieve matched or improved reliability in conjunction with robust generational performance gains. The 14nm SoC node is shown to be robust for all transistor reliability modes. Process monitor data are used to demonstrate the stability of the production line in high-volume manufacturing.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The method of treating an HIVD in the lumbar spine may depend on the integrity of the PLL. The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the MR imaging findings of extraligamentous and subligamentous HIVDs in the lumbar spine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred seventeen patients (M/F = 71:46; mean age, 47 years; age range, 15–79 years) underwent lumbar spine MR imaging and disk surgery (extraligamentous/subligamentous = 66:51) from May 2003 to November 2006. Two radiologists in consensus retrospectively reviewed all MR images, focusing on 10 criteria. RESULTS: The following 5 criteria are suggestive of extraligamentous HIVD in the lumbar spine: 1) spinal canal compromised for more than half its dimension, 2) internal signal difference in the HIVD, 3) an ill-defined margin of the HIVD, 4) disruption of the continuous low-signal-intensity line covering the HIVD, and 5) the presence of an internal dark line in the HIVD (P < .05). When we combined these 5 MR imaging criteria, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and odds ratio were 77.3%, 74.5%, 76.1%, and 9.93 (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our proposed 5 MR imaging criteria will be helpful in differentiating extraligamentous and subligamentous HIVDs in the lumbar spine.

Since Chang et al. reported the pioneering concept of micro-column, researches on the micro-column have been devoted to its application to low energy electron beam lithography with high throughput capabilities using arrayed micro-column structure [E. Kratschmer, H.S. Kim, M.G.R. Thomson, K.Y. Lee, S.A. Rishton, M.L. Yu, S. Zolgharnain, B.W. Hussey, T.H.P. Chang, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B 14(6) (1996) 3792; T.H.P. Chang, M.G.R. Thomson, E. Kratschmer, H.S. Kim, M.L. Yu, K.Y. Lee, S.A. Rishton, B.W. Hussey, S. Zolgharnian, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B 18(6) (1996) 3774; L.P. Muray, J.P. Spallas, C. Stebler, K. Lee, M. Mankos, Y. Hsu, M. Gmur, T.H.H. Chang, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B 18(6) (2000) 3099; H.S. Kim, D.W. Kim, S. Ahn, Y.C. Kim, J. Cho, S.K. Choi, D.Y. Kim, Microelectron. Eng. 55 (2005) 78-79]. Also, developing inspection systems using micro-columns can be a promising technology for the production of next generation devices with narrow line-width since the low energy (

Midgut volvulus with or without intestinal malrotation can occur in fetal life. Several reports have described congenital midgut volvulus showing non-specific sonographic findings of intestinal obstruction and perforation in utero. None of the previously reported cases, however, were definitively diagnosed as midgut volvulus by fetal sonography. We report two cases both exhibiting the sonographic 'whirlpool' sign, in utero. Color Doppler interrogation provided a clue to the viability of the involved intestinal segment.

Essential tremor (ET) is the most common movement disorder that includes postural tremor and action tremor. This study investigates whether sensory electrical stimulation (SES) is effective on the action tremor in patients with ET. One task in the clinical testing of action tremor, “Archimedes spiral drawing”, was performed in 18 patients for three sessions, which were named as pre-stimulation (PRE), stimulation on (ON), and 5[Formula: see text]min after stimulation (POST). SES (sub-motor threshold) was applied on the muscles of the elbow and wrist only at ON session. Three-dimensional (3D) angular velocities were measured on three segments (index finger, hand, and forearm) from which movements of metacarpophalangeal (MP) and wrist joints were derived. Average tremor intensity in each session was represented by root mean square of the vector sum of 3D angular velocities. Tremor intensities in ON session were smaller than in PRE session in one segment (finger) and two joints (MP and wrist) ([Formula: see text]). Tremor intensities in POST session were even smaller than in ON session in all segments and one joint (wrist) ([Formula: see text]). The results indicate that SES suppresses action tremor and the effect continues and even improves 5[Formula: see text]min after the termination of stimulation. The findings of this study may contribute to the improvement of the quality of life in patients with ET.

The analysis of electro-optical properties of 635 nm InGaP/InGaAlP resonant-cavity light-emitting diodes (RCLED) with AlGaAs mirrors is presented. We show that including the periodic gain medium with slightly p-doped electron stop layer in both side of active layer improves the efficiency of such device due to increasing the electron capture efficiency in the quantum wells and decreasing the electrical field across the active layer.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Oral sodium phosphate (NaP) solution is widely used for colonoscopy bowel preparation and it may cause aphthous ulcers in the colon. Our aim was to evaluate whether oral NaP solution is associated with gastric mucosal lesions. METHODS: A total of 20 070 individuals underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with colonoscopy, and 4271 individuals underwent EGD without colonoscopy, for cancer screening. Oral NaP solutions were used for bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy. Hemorrhagic gastropathy was graded using a five-point scale for erosive mucosal injury. The effect of NaP bowel preparation on hemorrhagic gastropathy was estimated using multiple logistic regression analysis with odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The incidence of hemorrhagic gastropathy was 1.6 % (70/4271) in the EGD only group and 4.0 % (809/20 070) in the EGD with colonoscopy group ( P < 0.001, unadjusted OR 2.55, 95 %CI 1.99 - 3.27). The ORs for mild (grade 1 - 2), moderate (grade 3), and severe (grade 4) hemorrhagic gastropathy according to NaP use were 1.92 (95 %CI 1.45 - 2.54), 4.72 (95 %CI 2.65 - 8.47), and 5.99 (95 %CI 1.46 - 24.63), respectively. After adjustment for confounding factors, NaP solution was a significant risk factor for acute hemorrhagic gastropathy in the multivariate analysis (OR 1.92, 95 %CI 1.34-2.74). In addition, male sex, a body mass index (kg/m 2 ) of less than 20, concurrent use of antihypertensive or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and duodenal ulcers were independently associated with the development of hemorrhagic gastropathy. HELICOBACTER PYLORI infection and atrophic gastritis were negatively associated with hemorrhagic gastropathy. CONCLUSION: Oral NaP bowel preparation for colonoscopy was associated with hemorrhagic gastropathy.

The reactor vessel internals (RVI) of a pressurized water reactor (PWR) must be installed precisely in the reactor vessel (RV) according to the requirements for levelness, orientation and vertical alignments for its proper functions and structural integrity. For the precise installation, deformation of the RV should be controlled during the RVI installation. Traditionally, the RVI has been installed in the RV after the completion of welding work for large bore pipings in the reactor coolant system (RCS). To reduce installation time, the concurrent installation of the RVI and RCS pipings is investigated. This paper describes the feasibility study on the concurrent installation including the Finite Element Method (FEM) analyses of the RV deformation due to the welding and heat treatment of the pipings. Based on the feasibility study results, the optimum schedule of the RVI installation in parallel with the installation of the cross-over leg pipings (reactor coolant pump inlet pipings) and confirmation measurement locations are developed. Thereby the concurrent installation will be applied to the nuclear power plants under construction in Korea, and it is expected to reduce installation period of 2 months compared to the traditional sequential installation method.Copyright © 2010 by ASME

Summary Background Although obesity and weight gain increase the risk for symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, their association with erosive oesophagitis is still unclear in the male population. Aim To evaluate, in men, the association of body mass index (BMI) and weight gain with endoscopically proven erosive oesophagitis. Methods A total of 8571 Korean men in a comprehensive screening cohort were enrolled. Effects of BMI and abdominal obesity on erosive oesophagitis were estimated with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using logistic regression analysis. We also evaluated the association between erosive oesophagitis and BMI change after 1–3 years. Results The prevalence of erosive oesophagitis was 6.4% (552/8571). In univariate analysis, the ORs for erosive oesophagitis increased as BMI or waist circumference increased (P for trend

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although diagnostic lumbar selective nerve root blocks are often used to confirm the pain-generating nerve root level, the reported accuracy of these blocks has been variable and their usefulness is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic lumbar selective nerve root blocks to analyze potential causes of false results in a prospective, controlled, single-blinded manner. Materials and METHODS: A total of 105 block anesthetics were performed under fluoroscopic guidance in 47 consecutive patients with pure radiculopathy from a single confirmed level: 47 blocks were performed at the symptomatic level, and 58 were performed at the adjacent asymptomatic “control” level. Contrast and local anesthetics were injected, and spot radiographs were taken in all cases. We calculated the diagnostic value of the block anesthetics using concordance with the injected level. We analyzed the potential causes of false results using spot radiographs. RESULTS: On the basis of a definition of a positive block as 70% pain relief, determined by receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, diagnostic lumbar selective nerve root block anesthetics had a sensitivity of 57%, a specificity of 86%, an accuracy of 73%, a positive predictive value of 77%, and a negative predictive value of 71%. False-negatives were due to the following causes identifiable on spot radiographs: insufficient infiltration, insufficient passage of the injectate, and intraepineural injections. On the other hand, false-positives resulted from overflow of the injectate from the injected asymptomatic level into either the epidural space or symptomatic level. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of diagnostic lumbar selective nerve root blocks is only moderate. To improve the accuracy, great care should be taken to avoid inadequate blocks and overflow, and to precisely interpret spot radiographs.

We present the sonographic findings of a fetus with a vesicoallantoic cyst. The cyst was first identified at 17 weeks of gestation; it was associated with an omphalocele, and disappeared spontaneously at 29 weeks. The fetal urinary bladder was not visualized thereafter. An omphalocele and exstrophia of the urachus were found at birth and repaired. Non-visualization of the fetal urinary bladder suggested rupture of the covering membrane of the omphalocele and allantois during fetal life. A defect in the wall of the omphalocele supported our hypothesis.

An attempt was made to implement a Pavement Management System (PMS) for the Town of West Warwick, Rhode Island as an initial step to develop an infrastructure asset management system. The MicroPAVER 3.2 was utilized to provide decision makers with a practical tool for the prioritization of roads and streets for cost-effective Maintenance and Repair (M&R) alternatives. A set of preliminary M&R criteria was developed based on pavement rank, minimum Pavement Condition Index (PCI) values, which are computed by MicroPAVER program using visual inspection data of roads in the network, and construction constraints. Using these criteria, optimal M&R strategies were selected and a preliminary budget analysis was performed. Two alternatives of five year M&R plans were developed for the town council's consideration.

We have made nanoscale fabrication for HgCdTe-based Coulomb blockade type quantum devices. Using e-beam lithography and lift-off technique with ZEP resist, multi-lines with 0.1/0.3 nm width and space were nano-patterned on ZnS/HgCdTe surface. SEM and AFM images for the lines display well-splitted patterning result with a little roughing ZnS surface. Split- gate of 200 nm radius was also fabricated on ZnS/MCT for defining nanosize quantum dot. All the work will provide a fundamental basis for the nanofabrication process of HgCdTe- based narrow-gap quantum devices.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of green tea by-product (GTB) and green tea plus probiotics (GT+P) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, blood parameters and immunity of growing–finishing pigs. In total, 80 crossbreed growing pigs were assigned to receive four dietary treatments for a period of 8 weeks. The dietary treatments were a basal diet (control), basal diet supplemented with 0.003% chlortetracycline (antibiotic), basal diet with 0.5% GTB (GTB) and basal diet containing 0.5% GT+P (GT+P). The results of our study indicated that bodyweight gain increased (P < 0.05) in response to the addition of GT+P to the basal diet. Crude protein and crude ash content, and shear values of loin meat were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the GT+P group, although moisture and juiciness were decreased (P < 0.05). The GTB group had higher (P < 0.05) serum glucose concentrations, whereas the GT+P exhibited lower (P < 0.05) insulin concentrations. The values of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances of fresh loin meat and meat that had been preserved for 1 week were lower (P < 0.05) in the GT+P group than those of the control and GTB groups. The growth of spleen cells incubated in concanavalin A (Con A) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) medium was statistically higher (P < 0.05) for the GT+P group than for the GTB or antibiotic group. IL-6 and TNF-α production by spleen cells induced by Con A and LPS was increased in the GTB and GT+P group (P < 0.05) compared with the antibiotic group. Taken together, the results of the present study indicated that GT+P exerts positive effects on weight gain, meat composition, blood parameters and immunity in pigs, and could be used as an alternative to antibiotics for growing–finishing pig feeds.

Proposed is a new selective negative word line scheme that yields almost 2.7% of the fail bit count (FBC) in a DRAM chip with a conventional negative word line scheme in the pause refresh state. It has a superior dynamic refresh characteristic, which is almost 0.3% of the FBC in a DRAM chip using the ground word line scheme. This scheme leads to a very low cell VTH (threshold voltage).

Seo et al.1 provide a useful image of facial self-injury after lateral medullary infarct and correctly note that few neurologists know that Wallenberg syndrome can include neuropathic itch. Additional information may be indicated. Understanding the pathophysiology of TTS, and of neuropathic itch in general, is rudimentary. This syndrome of unilateral, self-induced facial ulcers from neuropathic itch is known as trigeminal trophic syndrome (TTS). All patients with lateral medullary lesions should be questioned about itching and scratching to prevent self-injury and to prevent unnecessary and potentially harmful tests and treatments for wrong diagnoses.2 Dermatologists biopsy these lesions to exclude carcinoma, infection, and granulomatous disorders, but they do not send their biopsies for labeling of cutaneous axons (e.g., against PGP9.5) which would reveal the true cause: loss of small-fiber innervation.3 Lateral medullary infarction remains a major cause of TTS. Central lesions reportedly cause 21% of TTS, usually from vertebrobasilar strokes. Uncommon central causes include cerebellopontine-angle tumors and Sjogren disease.4 Development of lesions in all trigeminal divisions, as here, suggests a central process. Pontine trigeminal lesions cause weakened chewing or reduced facial touch with preserved pain sensation, but never TTS. Only …

설문 문항에 따라 심도 있는 토의가 진행된 내용을 요약 하면 다음과 같다. 문항 1의 영아 황달 환자의 감별진단을 위한 검사에 대한 토론에서 복부초음파검사가 과거에는 담즙정체 환자에서 선별검사 목적으로 시행되었으나 1992년 부터 일부에서는 좀 더 확실한 진단 방법으로 이용하려는 견해가 있음이 소개되었다. 또한...

Thirty three members of the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons were surveyed to determine the clinical manifestations and current management of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). The members completed a registration form and a questionnaire that indicated their treatment preferenc...