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Lithium polymer batteries are an improvement from the existing lithium ion batteries in terms of the risks of electrolyte leakage and explosion. Demand for lithium polymer batteries is rapidly increasing because of their advantages such as stability, light, and higher degree of freedom of shape. Accordingly, the demand for aluminum pouches, which are the exterior material of lithium polymer batteries, is increasing and research and development of aluminum pouches are actively being conducted. In the case of aluminum pouches, the forming area and depth that can accommodate the battery cell are increased according to the capacity of the battery, and stable formability is essential for aluminum pouches. In this study, manufacturing processes were changed to examine ways to improve formability. First, by changing the process order so that the surface treatment coatings on both sides of the aluminum foil were carried out simultaneously, the number of times when there was contact of the nylon film with the work roll was reduced. As a result, formability was improved because damage to the surface of the nylon film was reduced and the slipperiness was maintained. In addition, with regard to the drying temperature of the adhesive that constitutes the innermost layer, as the drying temperature increased (120 °C), solvent volatility increased, leading to stronger adhesion between the interfaces and resulting in improved formability.

Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis among children younger than 5 years in South Korea. Two rotavirus vaccines (RVs), pentavalent human-bovine reassortant vaccine (Rotateq®; RV5) and attenuated human strain originated monovalent vaccine (Rotarix®; RV1), have been available for voluntary vaccination using out-of-pocket payment since 2007 and 2008, respectively. Yet, RVs are not included in the National Immunization Program (NIP), partly because of the low associated mortality rate. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of RVs to assist the evidence-based decision-making process for NIP implementation in South Korea. Using a transparent age-structured static cohort model, we simulated the experience of ten annual birth cohorts of South Korean children from 2018 to 2027. Model inputs included rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) incidence and mortality rates, RVGE treatment costs, vaccine coverage and timeliness, and vaccine effectiveness and price. The incremental costs of including RVs in the NIP compared to no vaccination were 59,662,738 USD and 152,444,379 USD for RV1 and RV5, respectively. The introduction of RV1 and RV5 can prevent 4799 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and 5068 DALYs. From the societal perspective, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for adopting RV into the NIP versus no vaccination were 12,432 USD per DALY averted for RV1 and 30,081 USD per DALY averted for RV 5. The weighted average for the ICERs of the two vaccines computed using the market share of each vaccine in the current voluntary use as a weight, was 21,698 USD per DALY averted. The estimated ICER was below 1 × gross domestic product per capita (30,000 USD), which has been a commonly used willingness-to-pay threshold for health care technology assessment in South Korea, suggesting that introducing RVs into the NIP would be cost-effective.

Conventional simplified analysis methods for seismic design of gravity-type quay wall are based on providing capacity to resist a design seismic force, but they do not provide information on the performance of a structure when the limit of the force-balance is exceeded. In order to overcome the limitation of conventional seismic design methods, a performance-based seismic coefficient (khk) concept which can verify the performance of port structures exceeding the limit of force-balance was proposed in the technical standards and commentaries for port and harbour facilities in Japan, published in 2007. The khk concept considers the deformation of the quay wall, the wall height, the effect of frequency characteristics and duration of the ground motions, and the natural period of the ground. This paper proposes a performance verification method for the gravity-type quay wall during earthquakes through dynamic centrifuge model tests. The centrifuge tests were used in the present study to validate the proposed khk concept for evaluating the seismic performance of the quay wall under various conditions. The reliability of the khk concept was evaluated for different wall heights, earthquake motions and the thickness of subsoil, which are the primary variables in the khk equation. In addition, some improvements that should be considered in the future revision of the khk equation are discussed in this research.

Introduction. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) is an emerging disease marker in rheumatic diseases. This is a meta-analysis aimed at systematically reviewing association between serum MMP-3 levels and systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) activity, which sought to raise interest in MMP-3 as a putative biomarker. Methods. We conducted a meta-analysis of serum MMP-3 levels in patients with SLE and controls. We performed a PubMed search, EMBASE search, and forward search of the retrieved articles published until Oct. 1, 2018. In addition to this, we included data from a case-control study on a national pediatric SLE cohort, in which serum MMP-3 levels were measured in 11 SLE patients and 9 controls (unpublished). Subgroup analyses based on gender and disease activity were performed. Results. A total of 662 cases and 771 controls including 651 patients and 762 controls from 11 publications were studied. We observed significantly higher MMP-3 levels in SLE patients compared to healthy controls (P<0.001, Hedges’ g: 2.104, 95% CI 1.426-2.782). In subgroup analyses, we found a significant elevation of MMP-3 in the patients with nephritis compared to those without (P=0.006, Hedges’ g: 0.611, 95% CI 0.611-1.704). This finding was consistent between patients with persistent proteinuria and those without (P=0.023, Hedges’ g: 1.535, 95% CI 0.207-2.862). Meta-analysis showed no association between MMP-3 levels and gender or anti-double strand DNA antibody titer. Conclusions. Our meta-analysis demonstrated significantly higher MMP-3 levels in SLE patients than in controls and in patients with renal involvement than in those without.

Gas-atomized Nd-Fe-B magnetic powders were subjected to magnetic pulse compaction, which is very high-energy compaction method, can be densified in a short time with various binder contents at different compaction pressures. The powders were rapidly forced together with in an abbreviated period, and formed a well-packed dense sample with full density during the magnetic pulse compaction process. The influence of density on the magnetic properties of the Nd-Fe- B magnet was investigated. The relative density increased with pressure and highest density of 6.9 g/cm3 was achieved at a consolidation pressure of 3 GPa. The optimized binder content and pressure were found to be 1 wt% and 3 GPa, respectively, for achieving the highest density. The remanence and maximum energy product of the Nd-Fe-B magnets gradually increased with increasing density. The significant improvement in density can effectively offers high remanence of 6.635 kG and maximum energy product of 8.5 MGOe.

Skin cancer should be excised with sufficient margin to reduce recurrence rate. However, the surgeon always has to worry about the reconstruction method of skin defects after excision. In particular, defects in the plantar surface of the foot are difficult to reconstruct due to their position and structure, and various methods are applied by each surgeon. Surgeons think which methods are easier to apply to patients and less morbidity. To alleviate these concerns, we applied artificial dermal substitute to skin defects after skin cancer. Bowen's disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ) and melanoma in situ on the plantar surface of the foot were subjected to wide excision with sufficient margin. After excision, a skin defect with exposed plantar fascia was applied with a matrix defect and vacuum. A granulation tissue (dermal matrix) was formed and a split-thickness skin graft was performed. Both patients had good functional results and no problems with skin donor sites. Thus, we report a skin graft method that is relatively easy to apply after skin cancer excision on the plantar surface of the foot.

A lot of efforts being invested into producing efficient thermoelectric devices based on Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 materials for room temperature applications. Key research achievements of these efforts that incorporation of oxide nanoparticles into Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 materials exhibit higher thermoelectric performance in nano-composite form. Here, we prepared Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 nanocomposite incorporated with TeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) by high energy ball milling and spark plasma sintering, where in-situ Sb2O3 phase and triple functional interfaces were developed. The formation mechanism of in-situ Sb2O3 phase in the Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3/TeO2 composites was explored by the thermodynamic calculations; microstructural features and material composition in the bulk samples were investigated using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The formation of interfaces between in situ senarmontite Sb2O3 nanophase and Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 matrix causes an enhanced Seebeck coefficient by ∼20% due to increase of carrier energy filtering and significant reduction of thermal conductivity by ∼77% ascribed to intensified phonon scattering or trapping at 350 K. As a result, an improved dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) of 1.07 at 350 K was achieved in a Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3/3 wt%TeO2 composites. The proposed in-situ reaction and interface formation mechanisms are expected to open the possibility of further increases in ZT.

Understanding of the soil-foundation-structure interaction (SFSI) is crucial for seismic design. The period-lengthening ratio (PLR) has been studied using both analytical and experimental methods. ...

The decoupling between the electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity is a crucial challenge to elevate the figure of merit of a given thermoelectric material. In this research, thermoelectric properties of the rare-earths sesquioxides added Bi-Sb-Te material has been investigated systematically. The electrical conductivity (σ) is increased by increase in carrier concentration due to progressive movement of reduced Fermi level deeper into the valance band. Meanwhile, an effective mass of the rare earth added BiSbTe composites has been increased and contributed to the resonant distortion in density of states (DOS), that gives rises to the enhancement of Seebeck coefficient (α). Owing to the increment of both factors (σ & α), a considerable enhancement in power factor of 14% was achieved for the 2 wt% added BiSbTe/(x-wt%) Nd2O3 composites. The low content addition of rare earth oxide particles are potentially acts as scattering centers for mid to long wavelength phonons and reduced the thermal conductivity by 7%. The effective decoupling of the electrical and thermal properties by rare earths sesquioxides (Nd2O3) provides a 15% enhancement in thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT for 2 wt% added BiSbTe/(x-wt%)Nd2O3 composites.

Since clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with multi-vessel vasospastic angina (VSA) are not clear, we investigated the nature and prognosis of multi-vessel VSA in Koreans.Among 2960 patients enrolled in the VA-KOREA (Vasospastic Angina in Korea) registry, 104 definite multi-vessel VSA patients, 163 single vessel VSA patients and 737 non-VSA patients were identified using the intracoronary ergonovine provocation test.Multi-vessel VSA and single vessel VSA groups showed similar baseline characteristics and medical treatment on discharge, but different from the non-VSA group. The primary composite endpoint (cardiac death, acute coronary syndrome, and symptomatic new onset arrhythmia) over a 36-month follow-up period was significantly higher in the multi-vessel VSA group than in the single vessel VSA and non-VSA groups (8.7% vs. 1.8% and 1.1%, each log-rank p 0.05, respectively). The rate of death and acute coronary syndrome of the multi-vessel VSA group was higher than in the single vessel VSA and non-VSA groups (5.8% vs. 1.2% and 0.9%, each log-rank p 0.05, respectively). In addition, multi-vessel VSA was an independent predictor of the primary composite endpoint at 36 months (HR 8.5, 95% CI [2.6-27.2], p0.0001).Patients with multi-vessel VSA had worse clinical outcomes than single vessel VSA and non-VSA groups, suggesting that the existence of multi-vessel VSA itself is highly prognostic.

In this study, we investigated the preventive effects of emamectin benzoate 9.7% SL, which was newly developed to reduce the injection volume and number of injection holes required to protect against pine wood nematode. None of the Pinus thunbergii trees injected with emamectin benzoate 9.7% SL at 0.3 mL/cm diameter at breast height (DBH) died within 2 years of inoculation with pine wood nematodes. Emamectin benzoate 9.7% SL injected at 0.6 mL/cm DBH resulted in no tree mortality for 3 years. Mean residue of emamectin benzoate 9.7% SL in pine twigs injected with 0.3 mL/cm DBH was 0.490 μg/g at 1 year after injection and 0.303 μg/g after 2 years. These residues values are greater than 0.031 μg/g, previously determined IC95 value for emamectin benzoate against the pine wood nematode. Our field experiment and residue analysis showed that emamectin benzoate 9.7% SL could be a substitute agent for emamectin benzoate 2.15% EC, which is widely used to prevent pine wood nematode in the field and that injection volume and number of injection holes can be greatly educed using this new formulation, which will reduce injury to the cambium, interruption of water movement, and infection of inoculation wounds by wood-decay or blue stain fungi.

To evaluate the product quality of leg meat from red snow crab (Chionoecetes japonicus) prepared with a novel freeze-thaw-pressing muscle separation (FTPS), the biochemical properties were compared with those of two thermal muscle separations (boiling; BS or steaming; SS). Among the muscle separations, the yield from merus part was the highest with the FTPS (22.0 ± 2.1 g), followed by SS (20.3 ± 1.4 g) and BS (17.5 ± 1.8 g). The proximate compositions in the three leg meats were similar, but the quantitative analyses for the water extractive components (free amino acids, minerals, organic acids and ATP-related compounds) revealed that all the contents were notably higher in the leg meat with FTPS (LM-FTPS) than that with BS or SS. The sensorial acceptability test demonstrated the storable day limits of the LM-FTPS at −20 °C, 0 °C or 10 °C, but it was suggested only in storage either at 0 °C (3 days) or 10 °C (1 day), the day limits corresponded to 30 mg% of the VBN value and 5 log CFU g−1 of the total viable cell count. In the case of −20 °C storage, the storable day limit suggested within 5 days, based on the VBN value.

The occurrence of soil-plug heave during bucket installation is one of the major problems in successful installation of bucket foundation at a desired depth. It is usually caused by the upward seepage flow created by continuous pumping out of water from inside the bucket as well as due to shear failure of the soil along the skirt wall during skirt penetration. This soil-plug heave eventually hinders the bucket to be installed at a targeted depth and hence affects its performance. This paper, therefore, presents the result of a series of bucket installation tests using half-bucket foundation performed in a box equipped with a transparent window for directly observing the soil movement around the bucket during installation. Continuous images were captured simultaneously during the entire suction installation process and subsequently analysed by particle image velocimetry to quantify the soil movement. The results provide: (a) the trend of suction pressure with wall embedment; (b) soil-displacement pattern and (c) the effects of penetration rate (i.e. water-pumping rate) and wall thickness on the soil displacement. The results also provide comprehensive insights into the mechanism of soil disturbance, including soil-heave formation, during suction installation.

Most gas barrier films produce cracks that lead to a significant loss of gas barrier integrity when strain is applied. In order to fabricate stretchable gas barrier films with low water permeability and high endurance after stretching, we used polydiallydimethylammonium (PDDA) mixed with graphene oxide (GO) and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) mixed with montmorillonite (MMT). These films were manufactured by layer-by-layer assembly on an Ecoflex/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate with pre-strain applied. A total of 30 layers of PDDA (GO)/PVA (MMT) coated on the substrate exhibited a low water vapor transmission rate of 2.5 × 10−2 g/m2 day after 100 cycles of stretching (30% strain). In addition, they exhibited a high light transmittance of 86.54%. Thus, the prepared stretchable gas barrier film has potential applications as a barrier film in transparent and stretchable electronic devices.

Three types of In2O3 nanoparticles decorated with Au, Pd and Pt nanoparticles, respectively, were synthesized by thermal decomposition method, and the effects of metal nanoparticles on their phase, microstructure, chemical state, carrier types were investigated with XRD, SEM/TEM, and XPS. Additionally, sensing properties to CO gas, such as sensitivity, etc., were examined with sensing apparatus. Au-decorated In2O3 nanoparticles exhibited the highest sensitivity to CO gas, with S = 5.59 at a 10 ppm CO gas concentration at 50 °C compared to Pd or Pt-decorated In2O3 nanoparticles. This can be interpreted as a much higher adsorption of oxygen molecules on the In2O3 surface due to the high oxygen vacancies in the In2O3 lattice, which generates an electron depletion region in the outer layer of In2O3 to sharply increase the resistance or the spill-over effect due to Au nanoparticles on In2O3. Au nanoparticles were observed in the TEM images and confirmed by XPS analysis.

Background and Objectives: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) have become essential tools for prostate cancer evaluation. We evaluated the ability of PI-RADS scores in identifying significant prostate cancer, which would help avoid unnecessary prostate biopsies. Materials and Methods: Patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels ≤ 20 ng/mL, who underwent prostate MRI for evaluation from January 2018 to November 2019, were analyzed. Among them, 105 patients who received transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided biopsy were included. PSA, PI-RADS scores (low 1–2, high 3–5), biopsy results, and Gleason scores (GS) were evaluated. Biopsies with GS higher than 3 + 4 were considered as significant cancers and biopsies with no cancer or Gleason 3 + 3 were considered insignificant or no cancers. Results: Among the 105 patients, 45 patients had low PI-RADS and 60 had high PI-RADS scores. There were no patients with significant prostate cancer in the low PI-RADS groups. For the high PI-RADS group, 28 (46.7%) patients had significant cancer and 32 (53.3%) had insignificant or no cancer. The sensitivity and specificity of high PI-RADS to detect significant cancer was 100% and 58.4%, respectively. Positive predictive value was 46.7% and negative predictive value was 100%. Conclusions: Low PI-RADS scores on MRI did not show significant prostate cancer and surveillance should be considered in selected cases to prevent unnecessary invasive procedures and overdiagnosis.

Nd2Fe14B and Nd2 − xDyxFe14B (x = 0.25,0.50) particles were prepared by the modified co-precipitation followed by reduction-diffusion process. Bright field scanning transmission electron microscope (BF-STEM) image revealed the formation of Nd-Fe-B trigonal prisms in [-101] viewing zone axis, confirming the formation of Nd2Fe14B/Nd2 − xDyxFe14B. Accurate site for the Dy substitution in Nd2Fe14B crystal structure was determined as “f” site by using high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscope (HAADF-STEM). It was found that all the “g” sites are occupied by the Nd, where’s and Dy occupied only the “f” site. Anti-ferromagnetic coupling at “f” site decreased the magnetic moment values for Nd1.75Dy0.25Fe14B (23.48 µB) and Nd1.5Dy0.5Fe14B (21.03 µB) as compared to Nd2Fe14B (25.50 µB). Reduction of magnetic moment increased the squareness ratio, coercivity and energy product. Analysis of magnetic anisotropy at constant magnetic field confirmed that “f” site substitution did not change the patterns of the anisotropy. Furthermore, magnetic moment of Nd2Fe14B, Nd2 − xDyxFe14B, Nd (“f” site), Nd (“g” site) and Dy (“f” site) was recorded for all angles between 0-180o.

Complete mitochondrial genomes of two Pleuronectid species, Clidoderma asperrimum and Verasper variegatus (Teleostei: Pleuronectiformes: Pleuronectidae) were analysed using the primer walking method. Their mitogenomes were 17,632 and 17,273 bp in total length, respectively and comprised 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. Their gene contents and orders were similar to those of typical vertebrates. All Pleuronectid species were subdivided into three clades in the phylogenetic tree, and the two Pleuronectid species analysed in this study formed a strong monophyletic group comprising species belonging to three genera, Hippoglossus, Reinhardtius, and Verasper.

To predict successful dusting of kidney stones during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) using stone density parameters and histograms measured with non-contrast computed tomography imaging. Medical records of 49 patients who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery between January 2018 and January 2019 at Kyung Hee University Hospital were reviewed, and the data of 55 stones were evaluated. Patient age, sex, mean stone density, the highest and lowest measured Hounsfield unit (HU), standard deviation and range of the measured HUs, volume of the most measured HU, and success of dusting were evaluated. Histograms of the measured HUs were created and cutoff values for successful dusting were analyzed. Thirty-two stones were successfully dusted during surgery. Dusted stones had a wider range of HU and higher standard deviation. The volume of the most measured HU was smaller in the dusted stones. Successful dusting could be predicted when the volume of the most measured HU was

This study presents a simplified analysis technique capable of predicting the dynamic behavior of a tripod suction pile subjected to a horizontal load. The first natural frequency of the system, horizontal displacement, and allowable rotation angle at the pile head were set as target physical quantities in accordance with substructure design requirements. In consideration of the physical characteristics of the tripod suction pile, the analysis was extended to the single pile-multi-pile-tripod-tower part to derive the influence factors. A possible displacement response function that could be applied to the intermediate pile range was also proposed. Thereafter, a detailed design was determined using an integrated load analysis, which included a turbine based on the basic design of simplified analysis method. Furthermore, the dynamic behavior of the offshore wind turbine at each installation stage was predicted using a numerical analysis and measured via field tests. The displacement at the pile head and the predicted value of the first natural frequency of the system were compared using the field-measured and numerical analysis values. The first natural frequency value produced by the simple analysis method showed an error range within 1%, and the displacement at the pile head also satisfied the structural design requirements. Therefore, this method provides a quick and accurate solution to the lateral response of tripod suction piles as foundations for offshore wind turbines.

This paper presents an offset-free global tracking control algorithm for the input-constrained plants modeled as controllable and open-loop strictly stable linear time invariant (LTI) systems. The contribution of this study is two-fold: First, a global tracking control law is devised in such a way that it not only leads to offset-free reference tracking but also handles the input constraints using the invariance property of a projection operator embedded in the proposed disturbance observer (DOB). Second, the offset-free tracking property is guaranteed against uncertainties caused by plant-model mismatch using the DOB’s integral action for the state estimation error. Simulation results are given in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method by applying it to a DC/DC buck converter.

The response of the structure subjected to an earthquake load is greatly affected by the properties of the structure and soil so it is very important to accurately determine the characteristics of the structure and soil for analysis. However, studies on the effective profile depth where soil properties are determined, have been conducted in the presence of restricted conditions (i.e., surface foundation, linear soil properties), and without any considerations on damping. In case of the effective height of structure that affects its rocking behavior, it was only theoretically or empirically determined. In addition, most previously published studies on soil&ndash, structure interaction (SSI) focused on limited effects and parameters (e.g., rocking behavior, embedment effect, effective profile depth, spring constant, and damping coefficient) and not on comprehensive SSI parameters. Furthermore, no detailed validation procedure has been set in place which made it difficult to validate the SSI parameters. Since the effective height of structure and effective profile depth are the basis of all the input parameters of SSI analysis, it is important to validate and determine them. Therefore, in this study, the procedure used to optimize the two SSI parameters was established based on an analytical approach that considered all the possible SSI parameters that were investigated from conventional codes and studies and physical model tests. As a result of this study, the optimum values of the effective height of the structure and effective profile depth were respectively determined according to (a) the height from the bottom part of the foundation to the center of the mass of the superstructure, and according to (b) the depth at values equal to four times the radius of the foundation.

We characterize spheres and the tori, the product of the two plane circles immersed in the three-dimensional unit sphere, which are associated with the Laplace operator and the Gauss map defined by the elliptic linear Weingarten metric defined on closed surfaces in the three-dimensional sphere.

This study aimed to investigate the predictive factors of concomitant bacteremia occurring in febrile infants who initially presented with pyuria and fever, and were subsequently diagnosed with culture-proven urinary tract infection (UTI). We conducted a retrospective cohort study for January 2010–October 2018 that included infants younger than six months with febrile UTI at a tertiary hospital. The study included 463 patients, of whom 34 had a concomitant bacteremic UTI. Compared to those in the non-bacteremic urinary tract infection (UTI) group, the bacteremic UTI group had a lower mean age; higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), delta neutrophil index (DNI, reflects the fraction of immature granulocytes) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN); lower levels of hemoglobin (Hb) and albumin; and a lower platelet count. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was detected nearly twice as often in patients with bacteremic UTI compared to those with non-bacteremic UTI (59.3% vs. 30.6%; P = 0.003). Univariate logistic analyses showed that age ≤90 days; higher DNI, CRP, and creatinine levels; lower Hb and albumin levels; and the presence of VUR were predictors for bacteremic UTI. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, age ≤90 days, higher DNI and CRP levels, and the presence of VUR were independent predictors of bacteremic UTI. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the multivariate model was 0.859 (95% CI, 0.779–0.939; P

BACKGROUND Since the introduction of 2 rotavirus (RV) vaccines in Korea, the vaccination rate has reached over 80% with out-of-pocket spending in the private market. We investigated the socioeconomic impact of RV vaccines in Korea to assess their value and public health contribution. METHODS By using National Health Insurance Service claims data, we compared the epidemiologic and economic characteristics of rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) before and after the introduction of RV vaccines. For each year of the study period, the annual prevalence and national costs of RVGE were estimated based on children under 5 years with at least 1 National Health Insurance Service claims record with a diagnosis of RVGE. RESULTS Compared with the prevaccination period, the prevalence of RVGE decreased in the postvaccination period by 48.9% from 2097 per 100,000 children in 2006 to 1072 per 100,000 children in 2015, implying an increase in the vaccination rate and the prevention effect of the vaccines. The highest reduction was observed among those 12 to

Background The Xpert® MTB/RIF assay (Xpert; Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) is a cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification assay for rapidly diagnosing tuberculosis and assessing antibiotic sensitivity. Although previous evidence supports the use of Xpert for diagnosing extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in adults, information regarding the accuracy of Xpert for EPTB only in children is lacking. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the accuracy of Xpert for detecting EPTB in children. Methods We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register from January 1, 2010 to July 16, 2019 for studies of the diagnostic performance wherein Xpert was analyzed against cultures or composite reference standards for Results In only pediatric studies, 8 studies including 652 samples were selected. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of Xpert for all samples were 71% (95% CI 0.63–0.79) and 97% (95% CI 0.95–0.99), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curve was 0.89. For lymph node tissues or aspirates, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of Xpert were 80% (95% CI 0.70–0.88) and 94% (95% CI 0.89–0.97), respectively; for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), these values were 42% (95% CI 0.22–0.63) and 99% (95% CI 0.95–1.00), respectively. Conclusion Overall, Xpert displayed high specificity but modest sensitivity across various samples for diagnosing pediatric EPTB compared to the composite reference standard. Xpert sensitivity varied with the sampling site and was especially lower in CSF samples. Positive Xpert results may be considered to indicate a presumptive case of pediatric EPTB, whereas negative test results indicate that the possibility of pediatric EPTB should not be excluded.

There have been more than necessary casualties due to a lack of intelligence in emergency evacuation mechanisms such as exit signs. Although large or complex buildings and facilities have many exit doors, in case of emergency, people may not be able to escape quickly enough due to sudden loss of directions and difficulty in finding safe routes to exit doors. If you were ever in such a situation, you would wish that if there were ever smart escape route assistance mechanisms available or at least smart exit signs available that safely and quickly guide you to a safe haven. It is what we try to make such a wish come true. In this paper, we propose a graph mapping scheme and a new safe evacuation route algorithm for safe emergency evacuation assistance, with the aid of recent technology called Internet of Things (IoT). The gist of our approach is that people are not allowed to pass through or even go towards any area where fire or toxic gas is detected by controlling the direction signals installed on exit signs. The experiments performed with our methodology shows that the proposed technology may be able to save more lives.

An unconnected pile foundation allows separation between the lower pile and the pile cap, and it has been proposed as an effective foundation type for reducing the seismic load during strong earthquakes. However, previous quantitative evaluations of unconnected piles with various foundation types and earthquake intensities are inadequate. In this study, the influence of base shaking level and the material of the interposed layer between pile and pile cap on the seismic behaviour of unconnected piles were evaluated using a centrifuge model test to reproduce the field stress conditions. A dynamic centrifuge model test was completed on an experimental model consisting of dry sandy soil, a foundation and a single degree-of-freedom structure. The acceleration of the structure and the settlement of the foundation system were measured during base shaking. For the unconnected pile system, the structural seismic load reduction effect due to rocking behaviour was confirmed, and the unconnected pile foundation with the interposed layer with large stiffness had less vertical settlement than the conventional shallow foundation. Finally, the rotational stiffness and damping ratio for the foundation system used in the centrifuge model tests were derived and discussed.

Minimum latency scheduling has arisen as one of the most crucial problems for broadcasting in duty-cycled Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). Typical solutions for the broadcast scheduling iteratively search for nodes able to transmit a message simultaneously. Other nodes are prevented from transmissions to ensure that there is no collision in a network. Such collision-preventions result in extra delays for a broadcast and may increase overall latency if the delays occur along critical paths of the network. To facilitate the broadcast latency minimization, we propose a novel approach, critical-path aware scheduling (CAS), which schedules transmissions with a preference of nodes in critical paths of a duty-cycled WSN. This paper presents two schemes employing CAS which produce collision-free and collision-tolerant broadcast schedules, respectively. The collision-free CAS scheme guarantees an approximation ratio of (Δ-1)T in terms of latency, where Δ denotes the maximum node degree in a network. By allowing collision at noncritical nodes, the collision-tolerant CAS scheme reduces up to 10.2 percent broadcast latency compared with the collision-free ones while requiring additional transmissions for the noncritical nodes experiencing collisions. Simulation results show that broadcast latencies of the two proposed schemes are significantly shorter than those of the existing methods.

p-Type (Bi2Te3)x − (Sb2Te3)1−x alloys with high thermoelectric properties were fabricated for waste heat energy recovery by mechanical alloying followed by spark plasma sintering. The samples’ diffraction peaks, such as the (015) positions, were slightly shifted from high to low 2θ angles with decreasing Sb2Te3 content due to the occupation of Sb sites by Bi atoms in the crystal lattice. The electrical conductivity increased with (Sb2Te3) content due to an increase in carrier concentration. The sample with the nominal composition of (Bi2Te3)0.15 + (Sb2Te3)0.85 exhibited a maximum thermoelectric figure of merit, ZT of 1.3 ± 0.06 at 400 K, and 1.07 ± 0.06 at 300 K. This enhanced ZT was successfully achieved by increasing (Sb2Te3) content, which reduces intrinsic conduction at higher temperatures by increasing carrier concentration and band gaps. The enhanced thermoelectric performance of the (Bi2Te3)0.15 + (Sb2Te3)0.85 TE materials can provide exceptional benefits for power generation and cooling applications around 400 K.

This paper deals with a high-voltage pulse power supply for a 1.5 MW klystron. The precision pulse power supply can guarantee stable output power and safety of klystron. The proposed hardtube type high voltage pulse power supply can produced pulses flat-top voltage −90 [kV], pulse width 1.7 [ms], 120 [Hz]. And using auxiliary system called DRC (DRoop Compensator) can improved pulse flatness. The validity of the pulse power supply for klystron has been verified by PSIM simulation and experiment.

Changes in microbial community and physicochemical traits of chicken summer sausage made from spent layer thigh added with different level (0%, 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% w/w) of ground chopi (Zanthoxylum piperitum) during manufacture were analyzed. The microbial community was profiled and analyzed by sequencing 16S rRNA gene using Illumina MiSeq. Samples were taken from raw sausage batter, after 15 h of fermentation, 8 h of cooking including cooling down, and 7 d of drying. The final pH of the sausage was reduced by the addition of ground chopi. However, no clear effect on water activity was observed. Ground chopi inhibited the development of red curing color after fermentation as it exhibited antimicrobial effect. However, the effect on species richness and microbial composition after cooking was unclear. Ground chopi delayed lipid oxidation during manufacture and the effect was dependent on the addition level. Fermentation reduced the species richness with a dominancy of lactic acid bacteria. The profile of microbiota in the raw batter was different from other stages, while the closest relationship was observed after cooking and drying. Proteobacteria was predominant, followed by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in raw samples. Firmicutes became dominating after fermentation and so forth, whereas other predominant phylum decreased. At genus level, unclassified Lactobacillales was the most abundant group found after fermentation and so forth. Therefore, the overall microbial composition aspects were mainly controlled during fermentation by the abundance of lactic acid bacteria, while bacterial counts and lipid oxidation were controlled by cooking and the addition of ground chopi.

This article exhibits a nonlinear proportional-type position tracking controller for DC motors, taking the parameter and load variations into account. The proposed method makes two contributions. First, a first-order disturbance observer (DOB) is devised in order to exponentially estimate the disturbances caused by parameter and load uncertainties. Secondly, a proportional-type nonlinear position tracking controller is constructed by incorporating the resulting DOB in order to ensure two useful closed-loop properties; namely, performance recovery and offset-free properties without the tracking error integral actions. The experimental result confirms the efficacy of the proposed method where a 30-W DC motor is used with an half bridge inverter.

Designs allowing the rocking behavior of the foundation during earthquake have been introduced to reduce the seismic load on the superstructure and the ductility demand on the structural column. In addition, several studies have been conducted on rocking foundation based on the slow cyclic and dynamic tests by assuming the structure as a rigid oscillator. However, when structural bending is included, the rocking behaviors of the foundation for the slow cyclic and dynamic tests are different. Therefore, a clear description of each method and how each behavior is different should be investigated by considering structural bending motion. To fill the gap between cyclic and dynamic rocking behaviors, embedded foundation models with various slenderness ratios of the systems were investigated using horizontal slow cyclic tests and dynamic tests in a centrifuge. Test results show that the rocking foundation was affected by structural bending. The overturning moment in the dynamic test determined by the conventional method was different compared with results obtained from the slow cyclic test due to the structural bending motion. Finally, the overturning moment was re-evaluated by considering structural net displacement, and the re-evaluated dynamic overturning moment matched the results from the slow cyclic tests.

The aim of study is to contribute to this knowledge-base by investigating the respiratory function, the metabolic rate and the difference of physiological responses un-der low water temperature (20℃→15℃) stress be-tween diploid and triploid far eastern catfish, Silurus asotus. During the 48 hrs of water temperature stress exposure time, the respiratory frequencies, CO2 and NH4+ concentrations of diploid had higher values than those of triploid (p 0.05). The level of plasma cortisol and plasma glucose of triploid was lower than those of the diploid (p 0.05). These results suggest that diploid was more sensitive for low water temperature stress response than triploid in this species.

Background Understanding the population genetics of pneumococci will allow detection of changes in the prevalence of circulating genotypes and evidence for capsular switching. We aimed to analyze the genetic structure of invasive pneumococcal isolates obtained from children before and after the use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) in Korea. Methods A total of 285 invasive pneumococcal isolates were analyzed using serotyping, multilocus sequence typing, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. We classified the isolation year to pre-PCV7 (1995–2003; n = 70), post-PCV7 (2004–2010; n = 142), and post-PCV13 (2011–2013; n = 73) periods. Results Of the 10 clonal complexes (CCs), antibiotic-resistant international clones, CC320 (31.6%), CC81 (14.7%), and CC166 (6.7%) were the main complexes. Serotype 19A was the main serotype of CC320 throughout the periods. Serotypes of CC81 mainly comprised of 23F (53.3%) in pre-PCV7 period and replaced by non-vaccine types (NVTs; 6C [10%], 13 [30%], 15A [40%], and 15B/C [20%]) in post-PCV13 period. The main serotype responsible for CC166 also changed from 9 V (80%) in pre-PCV7 to NVT 11A (50%) in post-PCV13 periods. Non-susceptibility to penicillin (42.3%) was the highest in CC320, increasing from 0 to 76%. Conclusion The genetic structures of invasive pneumococcal isolates in Korean children have changed concomitantly with serotype after the implementation of PCVs.

Hyun-Chul Shon, Ji-Kang Park, Dong-Soo Kim, Sang-Woo Kang, Kook-Jong Kim, Seok-Hyun Hong Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea Abstract: The supracondylar process is a beak-shaped bony process on the anteromedial aspect of the distal humerus. The ligament of Struthers is a fibrous band extending from the tip of the process to the medial epicondyle. The median nerve and brachial artery pass under the ligament of Struthers and consequently can be compressed, causing supracondylar process syndrome. As a rare cause of proximal median nerve entrapment, supracondylar process syndrome is triggered when the median nerve is located in the superficial or deep layer of the ligament of Struthers as a result of anatomical variation. The supracondylar process can be easily detected on X-ray images obtained in oblique views but may not be identified in only anteroposterior or lateral views. In this article, we present 2 cases of supracondylar process syndrome and describe the process of diagnosis and treatment and results of a literature review. Keywords: supracondylar process syndrome, ligament of Struthers, median nerve, nerve entrapment&nbsp

In this study, we intend to find the laminate condition for improvement of the chemical resistance of the aluminum pouch film widely used as the coating material of the secondary battery. Here, we investigated the properties including the initial adhesive strength and electrolyte resistance between the metal film layer aluminum and the sealant layer cast polypropylene (CPP) film. As for the laminating condition, we changed the temperature and line speed and maintained the identical pressure conditions. A roll-to-roll dry laminate coating system was used in surface treatment agent coating, adhesive coating, and film laminate. As for the laminate condition of the surface treated aluminum and CPP film, the initial adhesive strength of the laminated pouch film manufactured with 110 °C temperature and 30 m/min line speed was 1300 gf/15 mm. The adhesive strength of the 85 °C electrolyte resistance measured after being immersed for 7 days was found to be 800 gf/15 mm. The initial adhesive strength of CPP film laminated to aluminum without surface treatment showed 900 gf/15 mm and decreased sharply to 150 gf/15 mm in the electrolyte at 85 °C after an hour. The initial adhesive strength and electrolyte resistance of the aluminum and CPP were measured by using the universal testing machine.

The objective of this study was to determine the mitotic intervals (τ0) of two consecutive cell divisions and synchronous embryonic cleavage in grass puffer, Takifugu niphobles at different water temperatures (18, 20, 22, and 24℃). The color of the fertilized egg was light yellowish. The egg type was demersal and unadhesive. Egg weight was 0.09±0.002 mg. The sizes of unfertilized eggs were smaller than fertilized eggs in major axis and minor axis at 20℃ (p0.05). The first cleavage stages at 18, 20, 22, and 24℃ were at 75, 90, 105, and 120 mins, respectively. As water temperature was increased, embryonic development and formation time of the first cleavage furrow were accelerated. There were negative correlation between τ0 and water temperature for grass puffer (Y=–1.225X+70.05, R2=0.988, n=10, where Y was τ0 and X was temperature). This study confirmed that successful hatching of grass puffer was related to water temperature. Chromosome manipulation will be helpful for this species using cleavage frequency and τ0.