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Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Korean Society of Cardiology Background Anticoagulation with warfarin in Korean patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) often has been decreased as an international normalized ratio (INR) of prothrombin time between 1.6 to 2.6 for the fear of bleeding, although universal criteria recommends to adjust it between 2.0 to 3.0. Methods In this randomized, open-label trial, we compared low intensity anticoagulation (INR 1.6 to 2.6) with standard intensity anticoagulation (INR 2.0 to 3.0) with warfarin in 616 patients with AF and at least 1 risk factor for stroke. The per-protocol, intension-to-treatment analysis was designed to determine whether low-intensity anticoagulation (n=308) was non-inferior to standard-intensity anticoagulation (n=308) with warfarin for the primary end point of net clinical outcomes defined as the sum of stroke, systemic embolism, major bleeding and death. Results The median follow-up duration was 1.8 years. Baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable. Median value of INR was significantly higher in standard-intensity group than low-intensity group (2.19 vs. 2.07, p=0.002), whereas that of time in the therapeutic range was comparable between the 2 groups. The rate of primary outcome was 1.55% per year in low-intensity anticoagulation, as compared with 2.46% per year in standard-intensity anticoagulation (hazard ratio [HR] 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22 to 1.74, p for non-inferiority Conclusion In Korean patients with AF, low-intensity anticoagulation with warfarin as INR 1.6 to 2.6 was non-inferior to standard-intensity anticoagulation with warfarin as INR 2.0 to 3.0 for the prevention of net-clinical outcome, and stroke or systemic embolism. There was no significant difference for the risk reduction of major bleeding.

Disinfection is one of the most effective ways to block the rapid transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Due to the prolonged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, disinfectants have become crucial to prevent person-to-person transmission and decontaminate hands, clothes, facilities and equipment. However, there is a lack of accurate information on the virucidal activity of commercial disinfectants.To evaluate the virucidal efficacy of 72 commercially available disinfectants constituting 16 types of ingredients against SARS-CoV-2.SARS-CoV-2 was tested with various concentrations of disinfectants at indicated exposure time points as recommended by the manufacturers. The 50% tissue culture infectious dose assay was used to calculate virus titre, and trypan blue staining and CCK-8 were used to assess cell viability after 3-5 days of SARS-CoV-2 infection.This study found that disinfectants based on 83% ethanol, 60% propanol/ethanol, 0.00108-0.0011% sodium dichloroisocyanurate and 0.497% potassium peroxymonosulfate inactivated SARS-CoV-2 effectively and safely. Although disinfectants based on 0.05-0.4% benzalkonium chloride (BAC), 0.02-0.07% quaternary ammonium compound (QAC; 1:1), 0.4% BAC/didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), 0.28% benzethonium chloride concentrate/2-propanol, 0.0205-0.14% DDAC/polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB) and 0.5% hydrogen peroxide inactivated SARS-CoV-2 effectively, they exhibited cytotoxicity. Conversely, disinfectants based on 0.04-4% QAC (2:3), 0.00625% BAC/DDAC/PHMB, and 0.0205-0.14% and 0.0173% peracetic acid showed approximately 50% virucidal efficacy with no cytotoxicity. Citric acid (0.4%) did not inactivate SARS-CoV-2.These results indicate that most commercially available disinfectants exert a disinfectant effect against SARS-CoV-2. However, re-evaluation of the effective concentration and exposure time of certain disinfectants is needed, especially citric acid and peracetic acid.

The semiconductor biochip is advantageous of point-of-care without space or time constraints. To give the insight of interface design guide between a sensor device and a system level, we propose a gain-controllable amplifier readout (GcAR) circuit as module type considering the trade-offs between dynamic range (DR), linearity, and resolution. The proposed circuit can be effectively applied to the interface part of a sensor device and the AFE in the biosensor chip in terms of DR, resolution, and linearity regardless a sensor type.

HST is step-less speed changer that exploits fluids, the neutral valve controlling the pressure in the circuit of the HST is installed inside the transmission to supply or to cut-off power to the vehicle. A ‘jerk’ occurred in tractors, this was possibly triggered by the neutral valve reacting sensitively to external loads or disturbansces attributable to the working environment. To examine the cause, type, pressure, and range of frequency the ‘jerk’ experiments were carried out under various conditions. To suppress the ‘jerk’ caused by the sensitivity of the neutral valve, commercial software ‘SimulationX’ was employed to develop an analytic model so a neutral valve that could suppress the ‘jerk’ caused by the sensiticity of the neutral valve that could suppress the ‘jerk’ in the range of frequency that preciously triggered the ‘jerk’ could be developed. Based on results obtained from the analyses, the neutral valve was tuned and it was experimentally that the ‘jerk’ had disappeared.

A seismic risk assessment is conducted for cultural heritage sites in Gyeongju, the capital of Korea's ancient Silla Kingdom. Gyeongju, home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, contains remarkable artifacts of Korean Buddhist art. An extensive geotechnical survey including a series of in situ tests is presented, providing pertinent soil profiles for site response analyses on thirty cultural heritage sites. After the shear wave velocity profiles and dynamic material properties were obtained, site response analyses were carried out at each historical site and the amplification characteristics, site period, and response spectrum of the site were determined for the earthquake levels of 2400 yr and 1000 yr return periods based on the Korean seismic hazard map. Response spectrum and corresponding site coefficients obtained from site response analyses considering geologic conditions differ significantly from the current Korean seismic code. This study confirms the importance of site-specific ground response analyses considering local geological conditions. Results are given in the form of the spatial distribution of bedrock depth, site period, and site amplification coefficients, which are particularly valuable in the context of a seismic vulnerability study. This study presents the potential amplification of hazard maps and provides primary data on the seismic risk assessment of each cultural heritage.

The interface trap density in single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) network thin-film transistors (TFTs) is a fundamental and important parameter for assessing the electronic performance of TFTs. However, the number of studies on the extraction of interface trap densities, particularly in SWNT TFTs, has been insufficient. In this work, we propose an efficient technique for extracting the energy-dependent interface traps in SWNT TFTs. From the measured dispersive, frequency-dependent capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics, the dispersive-free, frequency-independent C-V curve was obtained, thus enabling the extraction and analysis of the interface trap density, which was found to be approximately 8.2 × 10(11) eV(-1) cm(-2) at the valence band edge. The frequency-independent C-V curve also allows further extraction of the quantum capacitance in the SWNT network without introducing any additional fitting process or parameters. We found that the extracted value of the quantum capacitance in SWNT networks is lower than the theoretical value in aligned SWNTs due to the cross point of SWNTs on the SWNT network. Therefore, the method proposed in this work indicates that the C-V measurement is a powerful tool for obtaining deep physical insights regarding the electrical performance of SWNT TFTs.

Sulfonated cardo poly(arylene ether sulfone)s (SPPA-PES) with various degrees of sulfonation (DS) were prepared by post-sulfonation of synthesized phenolphthalein anilide (PPA; N-phenyl-3,3′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-isobenzopyrolidone) poly(arylene ether sulfone)s (PPA-PES) by using concentrated sulfuric acid. PPA-PES copolymers were synthesized by direct polycondensation of PPA with bis-(4-fluorophenyl)-sulfone and 4,4′-sulfonyldiphenol. The DS was varied with different mole ratios of PPA (24, 30, 40, 50 mol.%) in the polymer. The structure of the resulting SPPA-PES copolymers and the different contents of the sulfonated unit were studied by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Sorption experiments were conducted to observe the interaction of sulfonated polymer with water. The ion exchange capacity (IEC) and proton conductivity of SPPA-PES were evaluated according to the increase of DS. The water uptake (WU) of the resulting SPPA-PES membranes was in the range of 20–72%, compared with 28% for Nafion 211®. The SPPA-PES membranes showed proton conductivities of 23–82 mS cm–1, compared with 194 mS cm–1 for Nafion 211®, under 100% relative humidity (RH) at 80 °C.

Probing the piezoelectricity and ferroelectricity of thin film devices and nanostructures quantitatively has proven to be challenging because the appropriate experimental tools have had a limited range of usefulness. We show here that the piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of epitaxial thin films can be measured quantitatively using time-resolved synchrotron x-ray microdiffraction. Microdiffraction combines structural specificity with the appropriate spatial resolution and ability to probe structures with electrical contacts. Our measurements of piezoelectric coefficients and coercive electric fields for Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 capacitors using this approach are in excellent quantitative agreement with results obtained electrically and mechanically. The time and spatial resolution of microdiffraction probes are well-defined and decoupled from electrical and mechanical resonances of the ferroelectric capacitor.

To determine the frequency distribution of false-positive Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT) results of healthy eyes in terms of peripapillary location.One eye of each of 137 healthy Korean subjects was included. The false-positive rates (FPRs) relating to retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness parameters were determined.Of the 12 clock-hour positions, the 2 and 4 o'clock positions showed the highest FPRs of 5.1% and 4.4%, respectively, and 7, 8 and 11 o'clock had the lowest FPRs of 0% at5% level. At1% level, 2 and 6 o'clock had an FPR of 0.7%, while the FPR was 0% for all other clock-hours. The FPRs for quadrant thicknesses at5% level were: 0.7% for temporal; 0% for superior; 5.1% for nasal; and 2.2% for inferior. At1% level, the inferior showed the highest FPR of 0.7%, and the other three quadrants 0%. According to line graph analysis, the 80-120 test point sections had FPRs of 4.4-6.6%, while the 0-40 and 210-256 sections were 0-0.7% at5% level. At1% level, the 40-60, 90-110 and 200-210 sections had 0.7%, 190-200 section 1.5%, and all other sections 0%.The FPR for the non-nasal region was much lower than expected at5% level. Given that the current OCT normative database is based on a largely non-Asian population, these findings suggest that RNFL thickness profiles may differ according to ethnicity.

Substrate clamping and inter-domain pinning limit movement of non-180° domain walls in ferroelectric epitaxial films thereby reducing the resulting piezoelectric response of ferroelectric layers. Our theoretical calculations and experimental studies of the epitaxial PbZrxTi1–xO3 films grown on single crystal SrTiO3 demonstrate that for film compositions near the morphotropic phase boundary it is possible to obtain mobile two-domain architectures by selecting the appropriate substrate orientation. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and piezoelectric force microscopy revealed that the PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 films grown on (101) SrTiO3 substrates feature self-assembled two-domain structures, consisting of two tetragonal domain variants. For these films, the low-field piezoelectric coefficient measured in the direction normal to the film surface (d33) is 200 pm V–1, which agrees well with the theoretical predictions. Under external AC electric fields of about 30 kV cm–1, the (101) films exhibit reversible longitudinal strains as high as 0.35 %, which correspond to the effective piezoelectric coefficients in the order of 1000 pm V–1 and can be explained by elastic softening of the PbZrxTi1–xO3 ferroelectrics near the morphotropic phase boundary.

The tumor-suppressor RUNX3 has a critical role in a lineage determination, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Lozenge (Lz), a Drosophila homolog of mammalian RUNX family members, has integral roles in these processes and specifically in eye cell fate determination. To elucidate the genetic modifiers of Lz/RUNX3, we performed a large-scale functional screen in a fly mutant library. The screen revealed genetic interactions between the Lz, Rac and Hippo pathways. Analysis of interactions among these genes revealed that the defective phenotype resulting from activation of Yki, an end point effector of the Hippo pathway, was suppressed by Lz and enhanced by Rac-Trio. Molecular biological analysis using mammalian homologs reveled that LATS1/2-mediated YAP phosphorylation-facilitated dissociation of the YAP-TEAD4 complex and association of the YAP-RUNX3 complex. When cells were stimulated to proliferate, activated RAC-TRIO signaling inhibited LATS1/2-mediated YAP phosphorylation; consequently, YAP dissociated from RUNX3 and associated with TEAD, thereby replacing the YAP-RUNX3 complex with YAP-TEAD. RUNX3 contributed to both association and dissociation of YAP-TEAD complex, most likely through the formation of the YAP-TEAD-RUNX3 ternary complex. Ectopic expression of RUNX3 in MKN28 gastric cancer cells reduced tumorigenicity, and the tumor-suppressive activity of RUNX3 was associated with its ability to interact with YAP. These results identify a novel regulatory mechanism, mediated by the Hippo and RAC-TRIO pathways, that changes the binding partner of YAP.

As the polarization of a ferroelectric thin film reverses in response to an applied electric field, concomitant structural changes can be visualized using time-resolved x-ray microdiffraction. We report the details of this visualization approach and discuss the structural signature of polarization switching measured by time-resolved x-ray diffraction.

Multiferroic materials, which offer the possibility of manipulating the magnetic state by an electric field or vice versa, are of great current interest. In this work, we demonstrate the first observation of electrical control of antiferromagnetic domain structure in a single-phase multiferroic material at room temperature. High-resolution images of both antiferromagnetic and ferroelectric domain structures of (001)-oriented multiferroic BiFeO3 films revealed a clear domain correlation, indicating a strong coupling between the two types of order. The ferroelectric structure was measured using piezo force microscopy, whereas X-ray photoemission electron microscopy as well as its temperature dependence was used to detect the antiferromagnetic configuration. Antiferromagnetic domain switching induced by ferroelectric polarization switching was observed, in agreement with theoretical predictions.

We study the effect of 100 MeV Silicon and 200 MeV Gold ion irradiation on the inter and intra grain properties of superconducting thin films of Magnesium Diboride. Substantial decrease in inter-grain connectivity is observed, depending on irradiation dose and type of ions used. We establish that modification of sigma band scattering mechanism, and consequently the upper critical field and anisotropy, depends on the size and directional properties of the extrinsic defects. Post heavy ion irradiation, the upper critical field shows enhancement at a defect density that is five orders of magnitude less compared to neutron irradiation. The critical current density however is best improved through light ion irradiation., Comment: 18 pages, 4 figures, submitted

Idealized structural unit method (ISUM) is now well recognized as one of the most efficient methods to analyze nonlinear behavior of large-sized structures under extreme or even accidental actions. This paper presents some techniques of ISUM modeling and surveys the literature on the ultimate limit state assessment of ship structures using ISUM. Theoretical formulations of ISUM elements for the progressive hull girder collapse analysis of ships that were implemented into ALPS/HULL computer code are outlined. Some benchmark studies are made by a comparison with physical test data and ALPS/HULL analyses on a frigate ship hull model under sagging moment tested by UK Royal Navy and on two double-skin tanker hull models under sagging or hogging moments tested by US Navy. Some ALPS/HULL application examples to progressive collapse analysis of a double-skin shuttle tanker hull under combined vertical and horizontal bending moments are then demonstrated. It is concluded that ISUM is very useful for the p...

The safety of passengers is important during an automobile collision. Because a collision event involves high speed deformation, it is necessary to develop property data and understand the applicable deformation mechanisms to aid in the selection of proper materials for crash-related automotive components. Therefore, dynamic mechanical properties of low carbon TRIP steels with varying retained austenite stabilities were evaluated over a wide range of strain rates using a high-velocity hydraulic tensile testing machine. Tensile tests were performed at strain rates ranging from 102 to 6×102 s1 using standard ASTM E-8 specimens with an elastic strain gage attached to the sample grip end to measure load, and a plastic strain gage mounted onto the gage section to measure strain. Ultimate tensile strengths (UTS), strain rate sensitivities, and strain hardening behaviors are reported. TRIP steel with high stability retained austenite exhibited higher yield stress, lower UTS and lower strain hardening than TRIP steel with low stability retained austenite.

Precise arrays of sub-100 nm diameter nanodots are fabricated from magnetic oxide perovskites with the total coverage area up to 5 mm2. Epitaxial single crystal structure of the nanodots is demonstrated by cross-sectional TEM. Low temperature MFM study confirmed the ferromagnetism of the produced particles.

The general orientation dependence of the intrinsic converse longitudinal piezoelectric constant dnnf in an epitaxial rhombohedral film is calculated by taking into account the effect of substrate clamping. Theoretical predictions are made for dnnf of epitaxial 0.67Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.33PbTiO3 rhombohedral films, which are compared with experimental results on pseudo-cubic (001), (110) and (111) orientations.

Summary During the past decade, obesity has substantially increased in Korea, and this is leading to dramatic increases in complications such as type 2 diabetes. In this review, we discuss the past and the current situation of obesity in Korea based on the national health and nutrition surveys of 1995, 1998, and 2001. Because Korea is geographically isolated with relatively few migrants and has a low level of genetic heterogeneity, this report demonstrates the impact of environmental factors on the development of obesity beyond epidemiological information about one of the Asian countries. The third national health and nutrition survey reported in 2001 announced that the overall prevalence of obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25.0 kg m−2] in Korean adults is 30.6% (32.4% in men and 29.4% in women). The prevalence of obesity in adults and children has increased rapidly from 1990s through the beginning of the new millennium and is steadily increasing in parallel with our rapid socio-economic progress. In particular, special attention should be paid to two groups in hormonal transition: first, middle-aged men and women who experience a great increase in body weight, BMI and waist circumference because of andropause or menopause, and second, adolescents in middle to high school who are preparing for qualification or entrance examinations and are prone to overnutrition or nutritional imbalance and physical inactivity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sibutramine on body composition and fat distribution, insulin resistance, and serum adiponectin levels in obese women. A total of 28 obese, premenopausal women (mean age, 34.5 +/- 13.7 years; BMI, 31.00 +/- 4.10 kg/m2) was studied before and after 12-week-course of sibutramine (10mg/day). Sibutramine treatment reduced body mass index (P < 0.05) and total body fat (P < 0.05). Abdominal subcutaneous and visceral fat areas (ASFA and AVFA) and mid-thigh low density muscle areas (LDMA) measured by computed-tomography decreased significantly (all, P < 0.05). Insulin resistance (IR) calculated from the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) method decreased (P < 0.05) and serum adiponectin levels increased significantly (P < 0.05). In our sequential data, the changes of fasting serum insulin levels and the HOMA-IR scores, serum free fatty acids and triglyceride levels, serum adiponectin levels and the mid-thigh LDMA preceded significant changes of body weight, total body fat, and abdominal fat distribution, suggesting sibutramine might improve insulin sensitivity directly by alterations of fatty acid metabolism or secondarily by increasing serum adiponectin levels. Conclusively, sibutramine improved fat distribution and insulin resistance, and increased serum adiponectin levels in Korean obese nondiabetic premenopausal women.

This study was undertaken to investigate diverse risk factors affecting the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN) by observing the changes of 24 h urinary albumin excretion (24 h UAE) in 90 abdominally obese, normal weight, type 2 diabetic patients with normo- or micro-albuminuria. Patients were divided into three groups according to the 24h UAE; normo-, micro-, and macro-albuminuria group. After 4 years of follow-up, patients were divided into either progression or non-progression group according to the changes of 24 h UAE. About 37% of the normo-albuminuria group and 18% of the micro-albumiuria group were classified into the progression group. The initial serum creatinine levels and the initial and follow-up post-prandial plasma glucose levels were significantly higher in the progression group than in the non-progression group. Most remarkably, the initial and follow-up serum triglyceride (TG) levels (190 +/- 132 versus 132 +/- 49 mg/dl and 191 +/- 124 versus 133 +/- 41 mg/dl, P0.01 in both) were significantly higher in the progression group than in the non-progression group, suggesting hypertriglyceridemia might be included in the progression factors of DN. The increases in 24-hour UAE were positively associated with the initial and follow-up post-prandial plasma glucose levels (P0.05 in both), the initial and follow-up serum creatinine levels (P0.05 in both), and the initial serum TG levels (P0.05). Whereas, insulin users or patients with retinopathy at follow-up (P0.05 in both) showed more rapid progression of albuminuria, ACE inhibitors or acarbose (P0.05 in both) use turned out to protect against it.

A failure analysis, based on fracture mechanics, may be useful for predicting the lifetime of a cord-reinforced rubber composite pneumatic tire. This paper presents a new three-dimensional Finite Element (FE) local model to calculate the energy release rate at the belt edge region. The new local model uses a three-dimensional (3D) Finite Element Modeling (FEM) fracture analysis based on a steady-state rolling assumption, in conjunction with a global-local technique in ABAQUS. Within the local model, a J-integral variation study is performed in the crack region. This consists of a prediction of the crack propagation direction and a mesh density analysis of the crack model. Furthermore, the study is used to determine the crack growth rate analysis. This study assumes that a flaw exists inside the tire, in the local model, due to a mechanical inhomogeneity introduced in the manufacturing of the tire. This paper also considers how different driving conditions, such as free-rolling, braking and traction, contribute to the detrimental effects of belt separation in tire failure.

We report scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS) measurements of the gap properties of both ceramic MgB2 and c-axis oriented epitaxial MgB2 thin films. Both show a temperature dependent zero bias conductance peak and evidence for two superconducting gaps. We report tunnelling spectroscopy of superconductor-insulator-superconductor (S-I-S) junctions formed in two ways in addition to normal metal-insulator-superconductor (N-I-S) junctions. We find a gap Δ = 2.2-2.8 meV, with spectral features and temperature dependence that are consistent between S-I-S junction types. In addition, we observe evidence of a second, larger gap, Δ = 7.2 meV, consistent with a proposed two-hand model.

OBJECTIVE—We investigated the link between lipid-rich skeletal muscle, namely low-density muscle, and insulin resistance in Korea. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Abdominal adipose tissue areas and midthigh skeletal muscle areas of 75 obese nondiabetic subjects (23 men, 52 women; mean age ± SD, 41.9 ± 14.1 years) were measured by computed tomography (CT). The midthigh skeletal muscle areas were subdivided into low-density muscle (0 to +30 Hounsfield units) and normal-density muscle (+31 to +100 Hounsfield units). The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) score was calculated to assess whole-body insulin sensitivity. RESULTS—The abdominal visceral fat area and the midthigh low-density muscle area were found to be well correlated with the HOMA score (r = 0.471, P < 0.01 and r = 0.513, P < 0.01, respectively). The correlation between low-density muscle area and insulin resistance persisted after adjusting for BMI or total body fat mass (r = 0.451, P < 0.01 and r = 0.522, P < 0.01, respectively) and even after adjusting for abdominal visceral fat area (r = 0.399, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS—The midthigh low-density muscle area seems to be a reliable determinant of insulin resistance in Korean obese nondiabetic patients.

The tread rubber block of tire in contact with the roadway plays an important role of holding the frictional forces between the tire and the road in driving and braking. In this paper, a theoretical study based on the energy method is presented on the contact pressure of the tread block under the compressive forces with the slip between the tread block and the contact surfaces, by using a 2-D model of tread rubber block. Then, the slip-starting position is obtained by the theoretical analysis together with experimental results for the compressive force and deflection, which depends on the contact surface conditions. The experimental studies are conducted to verify the predicted results. Good agreement is obtained between these theoretical and experimental results for contact pressure and slip-starting position of the tread rubber block.

We demonstrated that ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy is an effective technique to measure the transition temperature ( T c ) in ferroelectric ultrathin films and superlattices. We showed that one-unit-cell-thick BaTiO 3 layers in BaTiO 3 /SrTiO 3 superlattices are not only ferroelectric (with T c as high as 250 kelvin) but also polarize the quantum paraelectric SrTiO 3 layers adjacent to them. T c was tuned by ∼500 kelvin by varying the thicknesses of the BaTiO 3 and SrTiO 3 layers, revealing the essential roles of electrical and mechanical boundary conditions for nanoscale ferroelectricity.

This study intended to compare the productive performance of three different layer raising systems; conventional cage (CC), barn (BR) and aviary (AV). The AV is welfare bestowed housing that allows free locomotion for birds within the BR. The BR allows bird’s free locomotion inside BR but without multilevel structures. Both pullets and cockerels were housed together in both AV and BR, but only pullets in CC. Seventeen weeks old Lohmann Brown Lite (n = 800) pullets were housed in AV during this study. The same age layer pullets were simultaneously assigned to either at CC or BR to compare egg production performance with AV. The duration of experiment was 40 weeks (from 21st to 60th week). There were no remarkable differences in egg production, hen day egg production (HDEP) and average egg weight among three rearing systems. First 20 weeks (phase-1) average HDEP (%) of AV, CC, and BR were 85.9, 88.8, 87.1 and average egg weights (g) were 57.5, 59.9, and 56.9 respectively. Those of the remaining 20 weeks (phase-2) were 87.1, 87.9, 85.5 and 64.2, 63.0 62.1, respectively. Daily feed intakes (122 g, 110 g, 125 g); feed conversion ratio (2.4, 2.1, 2.5) and daily egg mass (53.9 g, 54.4 g, 52.8 g) data from AV, CC, and BR were not influenced significantly by the respective raising systems. Daily feed intake of layers in both AV (124 g) and BR (127 g) tended to be higher than that in CC (113 g) during phase-2. Overall, exterior egg quality (dirty and cracked eggs) in both phases was superior in BR compared with AV and CC, whereas CC generated intermediate results. This study indicated that the HDEP per se in AV and BR were not significantly different from that in CC. The study implied that the facility depreciation cost for AV and cost for increased feed intake in AV compared to CC are believed to be critical to evaluate the cost effectiveness of egg production in AV.

Low resistance ohmic contacts have been successfully fabr icated on n-GaSb layers grown by MBE on semi-insulating (SI) GaAs substrates using the Interfacial Misfit Dislocation (IMF) technique. Although intended for photovoltaic applications, the results are applicable to many antimonide-based devices. The IMF technique enables the growth of epitaxial GaSb layers on semi-insulating GaAs substrates resulting in vertical current confinement not possible on unintentionally doped ~ 1e17 cm -3 p-doped bulk GaSb. Results for low resistance ohmic contacts using NiGeAu, PdGeAu, GeAuNi and GeAuPd metallizations for various temp eratures are reported. Specifi c transfer resistances down to 0.12 Ÿ -mm and specific contact resistances of < 2e-6 Ÿ -cm 2 have been observed. Keywords: Ohmic contacts, GaSb, GaAs, Interfacial Misfit Di slocation, TLM pattern, Sp ecific contact resistance 1. INTRODUCTION Antimonide semiconductors such as GaSb and InSb have a great potential to provide heterojunction structures that absorb or emit light in the longer wavelength IR regime. The GaSb lattice parameter is matched with various ternary and quaternary III-V compounds covering bandgaps from 0.3 eV to 1.58 eV

1. Since 1986, the AIDS dementia complex has been recognized increasingly as a significant sequela of HIV infection. Though the pathogenesis remains poorly characterized and the diagnosis is one of exclusion, research utilizing various imaging techniques has resulted in greater understanding of the progressive character of ADC. 2. CT and MR studies have revealed general atrophy, atrophy of the basal ganglia, and white matter lesions that appear to increase in severity with progression of HIV infection. 3. CT and MR are relatively insensitive to the presence of clinical dementia, neurological signs, or positive findings on neuropsychological tests. In addition, they show poor correlation with histopathologic findings. 4. PET, SPECT, and MRS show the greatest sensitivity to changes wrought by primary HIV infection of the CNS and thus the greatest potential for early diagnosis of ADC. 5. PET, SPECT, and MRS show involvement of the basal ganglia, bloodflow abnormalities, and metabolite disturbances in HIV-seropositive subjects without findings on examination or neuropsychological tests.

We report a method for bonding silicon-on-insulator wafers onto glass wafers. After pre-cleaning the wafers by an ozone and ultraviolet exposure, followed by mega-sonic water rinse, the SOI wafers are bonded to glass wafers in a vacuum chamber. This is performed at a temperature of 400 °C under an applied voltage of 700 V. The interface between the glass and SOI wafer is tested mechanically and inspected by electron beam microscopy. Furthermore, we demonstrate removal of the silicon bulk layer after wafer bonding. The quality of the single crystalline Si thin film on the glass wafers has been verified by four-circle x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. This process will allow us the integration of thin-film electronics in biological sensor applications.

The influence of interlaminar shear stress on mode II free-edge delamination at the free-edge in composite laminate is studied experimentally and analytically. Delamination tests are conducted under uniaxial compressive load to eliminate transverse cracking. Test laminates are designed to have compressive interlaminar normal stress and various ratios of interlaminar shear stresses at the interfaces of interest. The laminates treated in this paper are [θ4/-θ4/904] s, [(±θ2)2/904] s, and [(±θ)4/904] s, where θ is 30 and 45 degrees. The experimental results are discussed with the analyzed results obtained by the finite element method. The fracture surface of delamination is further examined for the determination of the predominant mode of delamination using a scanning electron microscope. It is found that some laminates can be delaminated only by the effect of mode II interlaminar shear stress even though it is zero at the free-edge.

One of the features of X-rays is the penetration power into matter, revealing the invisible interior of complex objects. Moreover, X-rays are a critical tool to investigate material structures and properties because of the electromagnetic radiation that is able to interact with matter having an electromagnetic nature. In particular, X-ray reflectivity (XR) and grazing incidence X-ray scattering (GIXS) are powerful, nondestructive techniques for examining the structure and properties of materials including various kinds of polymers and their nanostructures and nanosize specimens. These techniques have become more powerful for understanding nanostructures and objects in nanosize by using synchrotron radiation sources. Their fundamental theories and applications in polymer science are given and discussed.

The microstructure and interfacial atomic structure of MgB2 thin films fabricated on the (0001) Al2O3 substrate were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the MgB2 films grow epitaxially on the substrate with an orientation relationship with respect to the substrate as: (0001)MgB2∥(0001)Al2O3 and [1120]MgB2∥[1010]Al2O3. At the film/substrate interface, both MgO and MgAl2O4 phases were observed, which also grow epitaxially on the (0001) Al2O3 substrate. The formation of these intermediate phases is ascribed to the existence of oxygen during the annealing.

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) incorporating active piezoelectric layers offer integrated actuation, sensing, and transduction. The broad implementation of such active MEMS has long been constrained by the inability to integrate materials with giant piezoelectric response, such as Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))O(3)-PbTiO(3) (PMN-PT). We synthesized high-quality PMN-PT epitaxial thin films on vicinal (001) Si wafers with the use of an epitaxial (001) SrTiO(3) template layer with superior piezoelectric coefficients (e(31,f) = -27 ± 3 coulombs per square meter) and figures of merit for piezoelectric energy-harvesting systems. We have incorporated these heterostructures into microcantilevers that are actuated with extremely low drive voltage due to thin-film piezoelectric properties that rival bulk PMN-PT single crystals. These epitaxial heterostructures exhibit very large electromechanical coupling for ultrasound medical imaging, microfluidic control, mechanical sensing, and energy harvesting.

In this study, oil-in-water nanoemulsions of astaxanthin were prepared by high-pressure homogenization. The influence of emulsifying conditions including emulsifier type, concentration, passing time, astaxanthin concentration and coantioxidants were optimized. The stabilities of nanoemulsions were measured using zetasizer, FF-SEM, TEM, colorimeter and particle size analyzer. The mean diameter of the dispersed particles containing astaxanthin ranged from 160 to 190 nm. The size distribution was unimodal and extended from 100 to 200 nm. The nanoemulsions prepared with glyceryl citrate/lactate/linoleate/oleate (glyceryl ester) had smaller particle size and narrower size distribution than the emulsion prepared with hydrogenated lecithin. Stable incorporation of astaxanthin in nanoemulsion was performed and checked using HPLC, FF-SEM and TEM. The nanoemulsion was not significantly affected during storage under light and thermal condition for one month indicating that the nanoemulsion had a zeta potential of less than -41 mV, indicating a stable colloid.

We propose a novel SiGe superlattice band-gap engineered (SBE) capacitorless dynamic random access memory (DRAM) cell with the 30 nm channel by the 2D TCAD simulation. The SBE capacitorless DRAM cell used a common source structure and different metal layers for the top gate word line from the bottom gate word line to realize the 4F2 (0.0036 µm2) feature size. From the 2D TCAD simulation of the SBE capacitorless DRAM cell, thanks to both the Si 0.8 Ge 0.2 quantum well and SiO 2 physical energy barrier, we obtained the sensing margin of 6.4 µA and the retention time of 15 msec.

A simple stacking method is presented for the suppression of the free-edge delamination in balanced symmetrical laminates subjected to a uniaxial load. The stacking method is determined by analyzing various laminates with different fiber orientations and stacking sequences. The method is that one half of a thin laminate is disposed to be symmetrical with respect to the value of the effective Poisson's ratio, and thick laminates are constructed by the repetition of sublaminates in which the value of the effective Poisson's ratio is symmetrical. Delamination tests have been performed on (35/-35/90) and (90/45/-45) laminate families consisting of 24 plies with different stacking sequences in order to examine the stacking method. The (35/-35/90) laminate family were tested under static tension and the (90/45/-45) family under static compression to eliminate the effect of transverse cracking on free-edge delamination. The experimental results are discussed together with the results of the analysis.

Optoelectronic responses in a pseudomorphic p-channel modulation-doped field-effect transistor (p-MODFET) on GaAs have been characterized. Semiempirical models are provided and verified with experimental data. Significantly suppressed drain photoresponse and reduced gate photoresponse have been observed in p-MODFET due to the low hole mobility and high Schottky barrier on the InGaP layer. The drain photoresponse is predominantly modulated by the photoconductive effect of excess majority carriers while the photovoltage and photonic gate response are governed by the photovoltaic effect caused by excess minority carriers and energy barriers between the channel and dopant layers.

Ectopic Cushing's syndrome due to various malignancies is not uncommon. However, a few cases of ectopic Cushing's syndrome caused by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), or CRH with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) have been reported. A 28-year-old woman presented with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by an active ulcer, located atypically in the 2 nd portion of duodenum. Further work-up revealed high gastrin levels and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans showed a large pancreatic head mass with multiple liver metastases. The serum cortisol and ACTH levels were checked due to hypokalemia with metabolic alkalosis and recent amenorrhea. Cortisol and ACTH were both highly elevated with pituitary hyperplasia and elevated CRH. The existence of ectopic ACTH and CRH in the liver biopsy was also demonstrated immunohistochemically. Since an operation was not feasible, chemotherapy was conducted using paclitaxel and etoposide. These two drugs were chosen according to the in vitro chemotherapy response assay to maximize the treatment. This report demonstrates concurrent ACTH- and CRH-related ectopic Cushing's syndrome caused by malignant gastrinoma with multiple liver metastases that was treated with marginal success using a multidisciplinary medical approach.

We present measurements of the low-frequency optical conductivity of epitaxial thin films of $\mathrm{Ca}\mathrm{Ru}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, obtained with time-domain terahertz spectroscopy. We resolve a narrow conductivity peak near $\ensuremath{\omega}=0$ that deviates from Drude dynamics down to very low frequencies. By determining the spectral weight of this feature we estimate that the carrier kinetic energy changes by $0.2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ per site upon cooling from room temperature and, where measurements are available, the strength of this change correlates well with magnetism in three-dimensional ruthenium oxides. We show that the time-domain terahertz technique provides a precise measure of the optical mass renormalization in extended Drude analysis and we show that this turns up sharply as the temperature is reduced below $50\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. We express our results in terms of a distribution of scattering rates and show how this description relates to other approaches in the literature. Our measurements are consistent with an anomalous power law description over a narrow range of frequencies and temperatures but significant deviations are observed and discussed. We show that our results are not described by a $\ensuremath{\omega}∕T$ scaling form.