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In this work, bismuth sodium titanate, Bi0.5±xNa0.5±yTiO₃ (BNT, x, y = -0.05-0.08) nanopowders were produced using the low-temperature sol-gel technique. The effects of deficient and excess amounts of Bi and Na on BNT structure were systemically examined through X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive analysis (EDS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The optimized composition of the BNT nanopowder was pelletized and sintered at different temperatures (950°C-1150 °C). Highly dense ceramics possessing pure perovskite phase was observed for the sample sintered at an optimum sintering temperature (1100 °C). The ferroelectric properties were found to increase with an increase in sintering temperature up to 1100 °C and then decrease. This study justifies that Bi and Na non-stoichiometry (proper excess), processing and sintering temperatures play important role in the successful synthesis of BNT ceramics.

Cu doped CeO2 nanopowder was synthesized by hydrothermal process at 180°C for 2~10h. The average size and distribution of the synthesized Cu doped CeO2 nanopowder was controlled by reaction times. The crystallinity of the synthesized Cu doped CeO2 nanoparticles was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology of the synthesized Cu doped CeO2 nanoparticles was observed by FE-SEM. The specific surface area of the synthesized Cu doped CeO2 nanoparticles was measured by BET. The crystal size of the synthesized Cu doped CeO2 nanoparticles decreased with decreasing reaction times. The average size of the synthesized Cu doped CeO2 nanoparticles was below 10nm and narrow, respectively. The shape of the synthesized Cu doped CeO2 nanoparticles was spherical type. The specific surface area of the synthesized Cu doped CeO2 nanoparticles increased with decreasing reaction times. Antibacterial properties of Cu doped CeO2 were analyzed by MIC method. The synthesized Cu doped CeO2 nanopowders showed antibacterial properties against E.coli and B.sub bacteria.

The bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) for robot-assisted thyroidectomy has some advantages over other minimally invasive thyroidectomies. However, some people do not consider this as a minimally invasive thyroidectomy because of the wider surgical skin flap. Thus, we devised mini-flap BABA robot-assisted thyroidectomy and analyzed the postoperative outcomes. The clinical records of 44 patients undergoing BABA robot-assisted thyroidectomy using a conventional flap or mini-flap were evaluated retrospectively. There were no significant group differences in clinicopathological characteristics. The operating and flap making times were shorter in the mini-flap group (206.18 ± 31.09 vs. 178.90 ± 34.43 min, p = 0.009; 38.85 ± 2.73 vs. 32.21 ± 8.62 min, p = 0.003, respectively). The total drainage amount was smaller in the mini-flap group (196.57 ± 81.40 vs. 150.74 ± 40.80 mL, p = 0.027). The numeric rating scale score and number of analgesics were lower at 2 h postoperatively in the mini-flap group (5.52 ± 0.87 vs. 4.57 ± 1.31, p = 0.006; 0.95 ± 0.22 vs. 0.65 ± 0.49, p = 0.012, respectively). There was no significant group difference in immediate oncological outcomes (p = 1.000). Mini-flap BABA robot-assisted thyroidectomy minimized the surgical flap and improved surgical outcomes. Therefore, it is a form of minimally invasive thyroidectomy. However, long-term follow-up of oncological outcomes is needed.

Objective The primary goal was to evaluate the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities and changes in psychological distress levels among breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy (RT). The secondary goal was to determine risk and protective factors for psychiatric comorbidities of these patients. Methods From June 2018 to November 2019, patients were recruited from the hospital, Department of Psychiatry. Patients completed baseline surveys after seeing their radiation oncologist and prior to the first treatment, which was scheduled to take place within 7 days (visit 1, baseline); visit 2 occurred within 7 days after RT completion, and visit 3 occurred at 6 weeks after RT completion. A total of 99 patients participated in the study at visit 1; 56 patients completed the study through visit 3. Results Although changes in psychiatric comorbidities and overall quality of life were observed in patients with breast cancer prior to, during, and after RT, the differences were not significant among visits. Patients diagnosed with psychiatric comorbidities after RT had exhibited risk factors at previous visits, including preexisting psychiatric comorbidities, functional deterioration, and more severe symptoms related to breast cancer. Based on the results, the psychological characteristics of optimism and resilience can be considered as protective factors for psychiatric comorbidities. Conclusions The results suggest that early detection and follow-up of psychological distress and poor quality of life at the onset of RT are of paramount importance, and that psychosocial interventions to enhance protective factors (optimism and resilience) may be helpful.

Background We compared cosmetic outcomes, pain intensity, and costs between dermal stapling and intradermal suturing in patients who underwent thyroidectomy through cervical incision. Patients and methods In total, 40 patients were randomly assigned to undergo thyroidectomy through a low cervical incision and dermal closure using either absorbable staples (n = 20, staple group) or interrupted intradermal sutures (n = 20, suture group). Wound complications, cosmetic outcomes (modified Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale [SBSES] and Manchester Scar Scale [MSS]), and pain intensity (visual analog scale) were assessed at 1, 4, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. The difference in total “wound-closure cost” between the two groups was also analyzed. Results There were no wound-related complications and no significant differences in SBSES or MSS scores between the two groups (P = 0.609 and P = 0.141, respectively). However, the staple group had significantly higher SBSES scores, compared to the suture group, at 24 wk postoperatively (4.06 ± 0.94 versus 3.26 ± 1.24; P = 0.030, respectively); MSS scores were significantly lower in the staple group than in the suture group at 24 wk postoperatively (6.72 ± 1.27 versus 8.16 ± 2.17, respectively; P = 0.028). Visual analog scale scores were significantly lower in the suture group than in the staple group (P = 0.038). The total wound-closure cost was significantly higher in the staple group than in the suture group (137.10 ± 8.39 versus 81.79 ± 19.95 USD; P Conclusions When dermal staples were used, wound complications were absent and long-term cosmetic outcomes were superior; however, pain intensity was higher and the cost was greater, although healing was significantly more rapid, compared to intradermal sutures. Closure using absorbable dermal staples may be safe and effective for cervical incisions during thyroid surgery. Further studies with larger number of participants are needed to confirm our findings.

Traditional surgical training methods to teach young doctors have changed because of the emergence of animal models. The present article summarizes a protocol for bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) endoscopic thyroidectomy in a pig model. All procedures were approved by the local ethics committee and the pigs were anesthetized by a veterinarian. Formation of the flap involved skin marking, hydrodissection, blunt dissection and, finally, trocar insertion. BABA endoscopic thyroidectomy is performed by midline division, identification of the thyroid, thyroidectomy and, finally, surveillance of bleeding. Four cases of endoscopic thyroidectomy using porcine models were performed using the BABA approach. The mean weight of the pigs was 60 kg, and the mean operation time was 74.3 minutes. All surgeries were completed without complications. Surgical training for BABA endoscopic thyroidectomy using a porcine model is a valuable education method for young surgeons who need practice before performing surgery on human patients.

We have suggested that a facile synthesis of CoFe2O4/Ag composite material as an antibacterial agent for substitution of a chlorination agent for microbial infected wastewater treatment. The CoFe2O4/Ag was synthesized by an impregnation method in assistance with trisodium citrate as a reducing agent. The as-prepared uncalcined CoFe2O4 (CFG), calcined CoFe2O4 (CFG600), and calcined CoFe2O4/Ag (CFG600/Ag) composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. Antibacterial activities were also determined in liquid culture by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) bacteria in vitro. Results showed that CFG600/Ag composites had an excellent antibacterial activity in comparison with CFG and CFG600 composites. The CFG600/Ag composites have completely inhibited the growth of both E. coli and B. subtilis bacteria from concentrations of more than 0.25 mg/ml. Furthermore, the FE-SEM study demonstrated the physical damage of bacteria when treated with CFG600/Ag composite material at a concentration of 0.10 mg/ml.

Y2Ti2O7nanoparticles have been synthesized by co-precipitation. Y2Ti2O7was coated on a glass substrate. The average size of the synthesized Y2Ti2O7particles and thickness of the coating layer can be controlled by manipulating the relative conditions. The average size of synthesized Y2Ti2O7nanoparticles was about in the size range of 20 to 30nm with calcination temperature. The effects of synthesis parameters, such as solution pH and calcination temperature, are discussed. The synthesized Y2Ti2O7nanoparticles were coated on glass substrates by a dip coating process.

CeO2 nanoparticles were synthesized through the solvothermal process. It is observed that the water/ethanol mixed solvents were strongly influenced on the agglomeration. The average size of CeO2 nanoparticles was about in the range of 11-13nm and its distribution was narrow. With the increase of the ethanol composition, the surface area of CeO2 was increased from 65.384m2/g to 84.649m2/g. The synthesized nanoparticles components, particle size, morphology and surface area were characterized by EDS, XRD, FE-SEM, FE-TEM and BET.

YCrxAl1-xO3 nanoparticles were synthesized by a reverse micelle processing for inorganic pigment. Y(NO3)2·6H2O, Cr (NO3)2·6H2O and Al (NO3)3·9H2O are used for precursors in order to synthesis YCrxAl1-xO3 nanoparticles. The aqueous solution consists of mixing the molar ratio of Y/Cr/Al at 1:x:1-x and heat treated at 900~1300°C for 2h. The average size and distribution of synthesized YCrxAl1-xO3 powders was in the range of 10-20nm and narrow, respectively. The average size of the synthesized YCrxAl1-xO3 powders increased with increasing water to surfactant molar ratio and heating temperature. The crystallinity of synthesized YCrxAl1-xO3 powder increased with increasing heating temperature. The synthesized YCrxAl1-xO3 powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and color spectrophotometer. The properties of the synthesized powders were affected by such variables as molar ratio, heating temperature etc.

Hydrothermal processes have the potential for the direct preparation of crystalline ceramic powders and offer a low-temperature alternative to conventional powder synthesis techniques in the production of oxide powders. These processes can produce fine, high-purity, stoichiometric particles of single and multi-component metal oxides. Furthermore, if process conditions such as solute concentration, reaction temperature, reaction time and the type of solvent are carefully controlled, the desired shape and size of particles can be produced. Uniform distribution of the particles is key for optimal control of grain size and microstructure in order to maintain high reliability. It has been demonstrated that such powders are composed of much softer agglomerates and sinter much better than those prepared by calcination decomposition of the same oxides. These powders could be sintered at low temperature without calcination and milling steps. The objective of this study was to synthesis TiO2-CeO2 nanosized crystalline particles by a hydrothermal process.TiO2-CeO2 nanosized powders were prepared under high temperature and pressure conditions by precipitation from metal nitrates with aqueous potassium hydroxide. The TiO2-CeO2 nanosized powder was obtained at 185°C and 6 h. The average size and size distribution of the synthesized particles were below 10±5 nm and narrow, respectively. The XRD diffraction pattern shows that the synthesized particles were crystalline. This study has shown that the synthesis of TiO2-CeO2 nanosized crystalline particles is possible under hydrothermal conditions in aqueous solution.

Novel inorganic sky-blue pigments, Ca6Ba(P1-xMnx)4O17 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.13) were synthesized in a single phase form by a conventional solid-state reaction method and their color properties were investigated in the detail. The pigments exhibited strong optical absorption in the UV and the yellow-red light regions due to the CT transition in MnO4 tetrahedra and the DMSO-d6 transitions of Mn5+, which is the origin of the sky-blue color. The optimization of the composition resulted in the attainment of the highest sky-blue hue for the Ca6Ba(P0.99Mn0.01)4O17, where the L*, a*, b*, C, and H° values are 75.47, −11.67, −10.29, 15.6, and 221.4°, respectively. These pigments showed a low chemical stability of color for acid/alkali solution, whereas the pigments showed an excellent color durability for heat and light. Although they are required to improve the chemical stability of color, the present pigment could be an attractive candidate as a novel environment friendly inorganic sky-blue pigment.

The Ru core SiO2 shell nano size particles have been synthesized within reverse micelle via metal alkoxide hydrolysis and condensation. The size of the particles and the thickness of the coating can be controlled by manipulating the relative rates of the hydrolysis and condensation reactions of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) within the micro-emulsion. The average size of synthesized Ru core SiO2 shell particles was about in the size range of 15-40 nm. The average size and distribution of the synthesized Ru core SiO2 shell particles increased and narrow with R value increased. Otherwise, the average size and distribution of the synthesized Ru core SiO2 shell particles decreased and narrow with H value increased. TEM studies of particle formation indicate that the reaction process in the complex system containing reverse micelles and TEOS is governed by a diffusion-controlled process. The effects of synthesis parameters, such as the molar ratio of water to TEOS, and the molar ratio of water to surfactant, are discussed.

Simultaneous laparoscopy-assisted resection for synchronous stomach and colon cancers has been reported frequently; however, robot-assisted gastrectomy and colectomy for these conditions are rarely reported. We report the successful use of robotic surgery for synchronous cancers of the stomach and colon. A 71-year-old woman with no specific medical history was diagnosed with early gastric cancer at the gastric angle and right colon cancer after undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonofiberoscopy. Abdomino-pelvic computed tomography revealed that the stomach and colon lesions were limited to the mucosa without any lymph nodes or distant metastasis, which suggested the clinical stage for both cancers as T1N0M0. We performed robot-assisted radical subtotal gastrectomy and simultaneous right hemicolectomy through six ports. All procedures were successful without any perioperative complications. A 36-month postoperative follow-up of the patient at the outpatient department revealed no evidence of recurrence. We consider that concurrent robot-assisted subtotal gastrectomy and colectomy are technically feasible and safe.

Polycrystalline tetragonal and cubic with garnet related type structured Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 (LLZO) has been successfully synthesized at 700 °C (tetragonal) and 1100 °C (cubic), respectively by modified polymer complex synthesis. Citric acid was used for a chelating agent and ethylene glycol was applied for polymer complex agent. Thermal analysis indicated that the crystallization has been completed at the low temperature in case of applying high energy ball-milling process. It is presumed that applied mechano-chemical energy promotes the earlier crystallization at lower temperature, which induces the reduction of particle size effectively. LLZOs with tetragonal and cubic phase showed ionic conductivities of 6.2 × 10 −7 Scm −1 and 1.4 × 10 −4 Scm −1 , respectively. Prepared LLZO powders, having relatively small size, are expected to provide the large surface area for Li-ion conducting path in the design of all solid electrodes.

Ba doped CeO2 nanopowders were prepared under mild temperature and pressure conditions by precipitation from metal nitrates with aqueous ammonium hydroxide. Spherical Ba doped CeO2 nanopowders were obtained with reaction at the temperature range of 210°C to 230°C for 6 h. The average size of the synthesized Ba doped CeO2 powders were below 10 nm and its distribution was narrow. The XRD pattern showed that the synthesized Ba doped CeO2 powders were crystalline with cubic phase of CeO2. This study has shown that the synthesis of Ba doped CeO2 nanopowders is possible under mild temperature and pressure conditions in ethylene gylcol solution. The effects of synthesis parameters, such as the solvent ratio of starting solution, pH of starting solution, reaction temperature and time, are discussed.

CoMn2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by reverse micelle processing from the mixed precursor (consisting of Co (NO3)2 ·6H2O and MnCl2·4H2O). The CoMn2O4 was prepared by mixing the aqueous solution at a molar ratio of Co : Mn = 1 : 2. The synthesized powders were calcined at 600°C for 2h. The average size and distribution of synthesized powders were in the range of 10-20nm and narrow, respectively. The average size of the synthesized powders increased with increasing water to surfactant molar ratio. The XRD diffraction patterns show that the phase of CoMn2O4 was spinel (JCPDS no.77-0471). The synthesized and calcined powders were characterized by thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimeter (TG-DSC), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The magnetic property of the powder was measured by Vibrating Sample Magneto-meter (VSM) at 298K. The effect of synthesis parameter, such as the molar ratio of water to surfactant, is discussed.

This study involves enhancing the performance of the Na(Li,Ti)O₂ system as an Na-ion battery anode with the addition of Mg, which partially replaces Li ions. We perform both computational and experimental approaches to achieve a higher reversible capacity and a faster transport of Na ions for the devised system. Computational results indicate that the Na(Li,Mg,Ti)O₂ system can provide a lower-barrier path for Na-ion diffusion than can a system without the addition of Mg. Experimentally, we synthesize various Na z (Liy,Mgx,Ti)O₂ systems and evaluate their electrochemical characteristics. In agreement with the theoretical study, Mg addition to such systems improves general cell performance. For example, the prepared Na 0.646 (Li 0.207 Mg 0.013 Ti 0.78 )O₂ system displays an increase in reversible capacity of 8.5% and in rate performance of 13.5%, compared to those characteristics of a system without the addition of Mg. Computational results indicate that these improvements can be attributed to the slight widening of the Na-O 6 layer in the presence of Mg in the (Li,Ti)O 6 layer.

Nickel powders were prepared under solvothermal condition by precipitation from metal nitrates with aqueous ammonium hydroxide. The powders were obtained at in a temperature range of 190-250 oC for 6h. The morphology and size of nickel powders were studied as a function of reaction temperature. The synthesis of nickel crystalline particles is possible under a solvothermal conditions in ethylene glycol solution. Characterization of the synthesized nickel powders were studied by XRD, SEM(FE-SEM) and TG/DSC. X-ray diffraction analysis of the synthesized powders indicated the formation of nickel structure after reaction. The average crystalline sizes of the synthesized nickel powders were in the range of 200-1000 nm; and the distribution of the powders was broad. The shape of the synthesized nickel particles was almost spherical. The morphology of synthesized nickel powders changed with reaction condition. It was possible to synthesize nickel powders directly in ethylene glycol without reducing agent.

Silver nanoparticles were prepared by chemical reduction-protection method using 1-decanoic acid and tri-n-octylphosphine as surfactants, and using as a reducing agent. The silver nanoparticles were also studied for their formation, structure, morphology and size using UV-Visible spectroscopy, XRD, TEM and SEM. Further the viscosity of the silver paste and the surface resistance of the silver metal film produced by screen coating onto a PET film were investigated. Well dispersed and quasispherical silver nanoparticles with the size of 10-200 nm were obtained under the optimal molar ratio of $NaBH_4/AgNO_3

The persistence of neck scarring is a common concern among patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Botulinum toxin A (BTA (Botox)) has been shown to suppress scar enlargement at the incision site. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of intraoperative Botox administration on neck scarring after thyroidectomy. A prospective double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed in patients undergoing conventional thyroidectomy. Forty patients were randomly allocated to a Botox or a control group (both, n = 20). The wound was closed after injection into the platysma muscle of 50 U of Botox diluted in 1 mL of normal saline or 1 mL of saline alone. Skin scars were assessed using the modified Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES) and Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) at 1, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. The SBSES and MSS scores of the Botox group were significantly better than those of the control group (p = 0.034 and p = 0.039). At 24 weeks postoperatively, the SBSES and MSS scores were significantly better in the Botox group (p = 0.006 and p = 0.030). BTA injected into the incision site can suppress postoperative scar formation and thereby improve the cosmetic outcome.

In this work, bismuth sodium titanate, Bi

The aim of this study, from a surgical, oncological, and functional perspective, was to identify whether bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic total thyroidectomy (RTT) for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has different surgical outcomes compared to open total thyroidectomy (OTT). Initially, 796 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy were primarily reviewed and 178 who were ineligible for analysis were excluded. Propensity score matching analysis adjusted for clinicopathological characteristics (sex, age, body mass index, extent of central node dissection, tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, and thyroiditis) was conducted, with 246 patients in the OTT group matched with 123 patients in the RTT group. There were no significant differences in surgical outcomes in terms of surgical safety and oncological safety between the OTT and RTT groups, except in mean operation times (123.51 ± 32.63 vs. 198.39 ± 37.93 min, respectively; P

We have suggested that a facile synthesis of CoFe2O4/Ag composite material as an antibacterial agent for substitution of a chlorination agent for microbial infected wastewater treatment. The CoFe2O4/Ag was synthesized by an impregnation method in assistance with trisodium citrate as a reducing agent. The as-prepared uncalcined CoFe2O4 (CFG), calcined CoFe2O4 (CFG600), and calcined CoFe2O4/Ag (CFG600/Ag) composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. Antibacterial activities were also determined in liquid culture by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) bacteria in vitro. Results showed that CFG600/Ag composites had an excellent antibacterial activity in comparison with CFG and CFG600 composites. The CFG600/Ag composites have completely inhibited the growth of both E. coli and B. subtilis bacteria from concentrations of more than 0.25 mg/ml. Furthermore, the FE-SEM study demonstrated the physical damage of bacteria when treated with CFG600/Ag composite material at a concentration of 0.10 mg/ml.

As the quality of human skin has improved, interest in antibacterial activity is increasing rapidly. Until now, silver is an antibacterial material widely used throughout life. It is known that the antimicrobial material has an increased specific surface area per unit volume as the particle size of the antibacterial material becomes smaller, thereby increasing the activation energy and improving the antibacterial property. In this study, Ag - doped YSZ nano powders of different sizes were synthesized by co-precipitation and hydrothermal synthesis. The synthesized Ag - doped YSZ was mixed with the prepared organic / inorganic hybrid coating solution to prepare an antimicrobial thin film. The microstructures of the Ag / YSZ thin films were observed using FE-SEM, and the surface hardness and adhesion of the YSZ thin films were evaluated. Antibacterial properties of E. coli were evaluated by particle size of Ag - doped YSZ. The smaller the particle size of the synthesized Ag - doped YSZ, the better the antimicrobial properties of the prepared films.As the quality of human skin has improved, interest in antibacterial activity is increasing rapidly. Until now, silver is an antibacterial material widely used throughout life. It is known that the antimicrobial material has an increased specific surface area per unit volume as the particle size of the antibacterial material becomes smaller, thereby increasing the activation energy and improving the antibacterial property. In this study, Ag - doped YSZ nano powders of different sizes were synthesized by co-precipitation and hydrothermal synthesis. The synthesized Ag - doped YSZ was mixed with the prepared organic / inorganic hybrid coating solution to prepare an antimicrobial thin film. The microstructures of the Ag / YSZ thin films were observed using FE-SEM, and the surface hardness and adhesion of the YSZ thin films were evaluated. Antibacterial properties of E. coli were evaluated by particle size of Ag - doped YSZ. The smaller the particle size of the synthesized Ag - doped YSZ, the better the antimi...

Au doped TiO2 nanoparticles have been synthesized using a reverse micelle technique combined with metal alkoxide hydrolysis and condensation. Au doped TiO2 was coated with glass substrate. The size of the particles and thickness of the coating can be controlled by manipulating the relative rates of the hydrolysis and condensation reaction of TTIP within the micro-emulsion. The average size of synthesized Au doped TiO2 nanoparticle was about in the size range of 15 to 25 nm and the Au particles formed mainly the range of 2 to 10 nm in diameter. The effect of synthesis parameters, such as the molar ratio of water to TTIP and the molar ratio of water to surfactant, are discussed. The synthesized nanopaticles were coated on glass substrate by a spin coating process. The thickness of thin film was about 80 nm. The degradation of MB on a TiO2 thin film was enhanced over 20 % efficiency by the incorporation of Au.

Anti-reflective (AR) thin film was fabricated on a glass substrate by sol-gel method. The coating solution was synthesized with TEOS (tetraethlyorthosilicate) and poly ethylene glycol (PEG, 4.0 wt%). As the withdrawal speed of coating was changed from 0.1 mm/sec to 0.3 mm/sec, the thickness and refractive index of prepared thin films were changed. The reflectance and transmittance of coating glass fabricated by the withdrawal speed of 0.1 mm/sec were 0.62% and 95.0% in visible light range. The refractive index and thickness of single layer thin film were n= 1.29 and ca. 99.0 nm.

Background We evaluated the effects of ropivacaine for pain relief after robotic thyroid surgery. Methods One hundred eight patients scheduled for robotic thyroid surgery were randomized into ropivacaine (n = 54) or control (n = 54) groups. After surgery, 40 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine or 0.9% saline (control) was instilled into the skin flap. Postoperative pain intensity (visual analog scale [VAS]), analgesic requirements (fentanyl), and adverse events were assessed at 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours postoperatively. Results One hundred three patients completed the study protocol. VAS scores were lower in the ropivacaine group than the control group (p = .010); however, VAS scores were not significantly different after 8 hours postoperatively. Total analgesic consumption was higher in controls than ropivacaine-treated patients (p = .01). Adverse events did not differ between the 2 groups. Conclusion Ropivacaine instillation after robotic thyroid surgery reduces acute postoperative pain and analgesic requirements without adverse events. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2015

This study evaluated the technical feasibility and efficacy of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) to aid its identification and preservation during robotic thyroidectomy (RoT). IONM of the RLN was evaluated in 30 consecutive patients undergoing RoT. All patients underwent an indirect laryngoscope examination to objectively assess vocal cord function. Their Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) was measured to subjectively assess vocal cord function preoperatively and at postoperative months 1 and 3. Of the 56 RLNs at risk in 30 patients undergoing RoT, all were visualized and identified by IONM. The IONM sensitivity for postoperative permanent RLN palsy was 100%, with a positive predictive value of 100%. The mean VHI-10 scores preoperatively and at postoperative months 1 and 3 were 0.20±0.66, 3.47±5.04, and 1.53±2.47, respectively (P

We investigated the relationship between the microstructure and magnetic properties of a Cu–10 at% Ni–5 at% Co alloy by using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), a SQUID magnetometer and a magnetic thermo–balance. TEM observations were performed to examine the microstructures of the Cu–Ni–Co specimens annealed at four temperatures between 873 K and 1073 K below and above the Curie point (983 K).Particles with cubic shapes were linearly arranged along the direction of the copper matrix in specimens prepared by isothermal annealing at temperatures below the Curie point, while octahedral precipitates were sparsely formed by annealing above the Curie point. The TEM observations confirmed that the microstructural evolution in the Cu–Ni–Co specimens isothermally annealed at 1023 K. Although coherent cubic particles appeared at the initial stage of annealing, incoherent precipitates were finally formed with increased annealing time at 1023 K. The present SQUID measurements indicated that the curve of coercive force vs. annealing time had a peak at a short annealing period.

The corrosion resistance of submerged entry nozzle (SEN) materials were investigated for high-class steel manufacturing. Composite samples were fabricated by mixing ZrO2, Al2O3, MgO, mullite, spinel, and carbon. The raw materials were mixed with attrition milling, compacted in a uniaxial pressure of 200MPa and calcined at 1000 o C for 3 h in N2 atmosphere. The bulk density and apparent porosity of the calcined samples were measured by the liquid displacement method in water using Archimedes's principle. The corrosion resistance of the samples were measured by cup test with mold powder at 1550 o C for 2 h. The microstructure and elemental analysis of samples were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), and X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD). The XRD result shows that the starting raw materials were crystalline phase. The microstructure of fabricated specimen was investigated before and after corrosion tests at 1000 o C and 1550 o C for 2h. ZrO2-C composite showed good resistance in the slag corrosion test. Among the composite oxide materials, ZrO2-Al2O3-C and ZrO2-MgO-C showed better resistance than ZrO2-C in the slag corrosion test. The diameter variation index of ZrO2-C refractory was 16.1 at 1000 o C for 2 h. The diameter variation index of the ZrO2-Al2O3-C refractory was larger than that of the ZrO2-C refractory at 1550 o C for 2 h.

The Mg-enriched magnesium aluminum silicate (MAS) glass is known for its higher mechanical strength and chemical resistance. Among such glasses, cordierite (Mg2Al4Si5O18) is well known to have a low thermal expansion and low melting point. Polycrystalline engineering ceramics such as alumina can be strengthened by a surface modification with low thermal expansion materials. The present study involves the synthesis of cordierite by a sol-gel process and investigates the effect of glass penetration on the surface of alumina. The cordierite powders were prepared from Al(OC3H7)3, Mg(OC2H5)2 and tetraethyl orthosilicate by hydrolysis and condensation reaction. The cordierite powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD, Rigaku), scanning electron microscope (SEM, JEOL: JSM-5610), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS, JEOL: JSM- 5610), and universal testing machine (UTM, INSTRON). The X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the synthesized particles were µ-cordierite calcined at 1100 o C for 1 h. The shape of synthesized cordierite was changed from µ-cordierite to α-cordierite with increasing calcination temperature. Synthesized cordierite was used for surface modification of alumina. Cordierite powders penetrated deeply into the alumina sample along grain boundaries with increasing temperature. The results of surface modification tests showed that the strength of the prepared alumina sample increased after surface modification. The strength of a surface modified with synthesized cordierite increased the most, to about 134.6 MPa.

Background: Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to psychological problems. The purpose of the present study was to compare differences in psychological difficulties, including depression and anxiety, between cancer patients and noncancer patients. This study assessed the differences in depressive and anxiety symptoms between patients with and without cancer. Materials and Methods: Participants included 219 patients at The Cancer Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Busan, Korea, who reported depressive or anxiety symptoms between April 2014 and April 2016. Patients were categorized into cancer and noncancer groups based on medical histories showing a diagnosis of any type of cancer. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to evaluate psychological distress at each patient's first visit. Patients' charts were reviewed for clinical data, including BDI and BAI scores and duration of cancer treatment, and for demographic data such as age and sex. Results: The results showed that patients in the cancer group experienced greater discomfort related to somatic symptoms; higher BDI subscale scores were related to work difficulties, insomnia, loss of appetite, somatic worries (fatigue), and loss of libido compared with patients in the noncancer group. The BAI subscale scores for fear of the worst happening, feeling unsteady, feeling terrified or afraid, a sense of choking, fear of dying, and feeling scared were higher in patients with than in those without cancer. Conclusion: High levels of depressive symptoms related to somatic discomfort and anxiety symptoms related to fear of cancer were associated with considerable psychological distress in patients with cancer diagnosis and treatment.

We compared the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with bipolar disorder with and without mixed features by measuring of thyroid function test. We reviewed the medical charts between 2005 and 2013. These results did not show a significant difference in the association between thyroid dysfunction and the mixed features.

In this paper, the electrochemical performance of doped-LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 is reviewed. The rate capability, rate performance, and cyclic life of the doped-LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 materials with various elements are reported. The Fe, Scsubstituted materials exhibited remarkably superior cycling performance and rate capabilities than pristine LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4.

Chalcogenide glass has superior property of optical transmittance in the infrared region. Glass made using Ge-Se how many important optical applications. We have determined the composite formular of to be the GeSe chalcogenide glass composition appropriate for IR lenses. Also, the optical, thermal and physical characteristics of chalcogenide glass depended on the composition ratio. GeSe bulk sample is produced using the traditional melt-quenching method. The optical, structural, thermal and physical properties of the compound were measured by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) respectively.

Cu-10 at% Ni-5 at% Co specimens containing nano-scale magnetic particles were investigated with respect to the relationship between the microstructure and the magnetic properties, by using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), a SQUID magnetometer and a magnetic thermobalance. The present TEM observations revealed that small magnetic precipitates were formed in a copper matrix in a specific manner that has never been reported in conventional precipitation alloys consisting of non-magnetic elements. The SQUID measurements indicated that a specimen annealed for a short period had a large coercive force, although the force decreased for longer annealing treatments. The magnetic thermogravity scan in the temperature range of 300–1223 K showed that the alloy specimen had a paramagnetic state between two ferromagnetic regions.

Chalcogenide glass has superior optical properties in term of its transmittance in the infrared (IR) region transmittance. We have determined the composite formular of Ge0.19Sb0.23Se0.58 to be the GeSbSe chalcogenide glass composition appropriate for IR lenses. The optical, structural, thermal and physical properties of the compound were measured by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) respectively. We recommend that a chalcogenide glass lens for infrared optics applications be fabricated by using diamond turning machining technology in order to lower the production cost and to provide accurate control over the fabrication process.

LiMn0.6Fe0.4PO4/C cathode material is synthesized via a modified-solid state reaction method. The calcination temperature is adjusted in the range of 500-700 degrees C for 10 h. The crystal structure, morphology, and carbon coating layer of the synthesized LiMn0.6Fe0.4PO4/C are analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. The electrochemical performance of LiMn0.6Fe0.4PO4/C, such as initial capacity, rate capability, cycling performance and EIS is also evaluated. The synthesized cathode material shows around 100-200 nm of primary particle size with no impurities. The highest initial discharge capacity of 162.1 mA h g(-1) and columbic efficiency of 98.5% are obtained at a heat treatment temperature of 600 degrees C. In addition, LiMn0.6Fe0.4PO4/C active material shows the high capacity retention of 85% at 5 C compared to 0.2 C. It also shows the excellent capacity retention of 97.5% after the 50th charge/discharge.

The diagnostic validity of mixed features, excluding anxiety or psychomotor agitation in mood disorders, has not yet been fully examined.PubMed and relevant English-language literature (regardless of year) were searched. Keywords were mixed or mixed state or mixed features or mixed episode and anxious or anxiety or agitation and bipolar disorder or depressive disorder or mood disorder or affective disorder.Most studies on anxiety or psychomotor agitation have included a significant correlation relevant to the "with mixed features" specifier, although it is common in both poles of mood episodes regardless of the predominant polarity. There is some confusion between the characteristic of classical mixed states and the definition of the mixed features specifier with the newly added anxious distress specifier in DSM-5, specifically, whether to include anxiety and agitation as significant characteristics. This change is of concern because a large proportion of patients with mixed features are now unspecified, and this may influence treatment planning and prognosis.The findings of our review suggest that anxiety and psychomotor agitation can be core symptoms in mood episodes with mixed features and important clinical clues for prediction of treatment effects and disease course.

A series of Fe and Mn co-doped Li3V2−2xFexMnx(PO4)3/graphene (x = 0, 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, 0.020, and 0.025) samples have been fabricated via a sol-gel assisted microwave synthesis method. The crystal structure and morphology of the synthesized Li3V2−2xFexMnx(PO4)3/graphene was investigated using XRD and SEM systematically. Electrochemical measurement results prove that the Li3V1.98Fe0.01Mn0.01(PO4)3/graphene sample presents the best electrochemical performance among the as-prepared samples. The resulting Li3V1.98Fe0.01Mn0.01(PO4)3/graphene cathode has an excellent specific capacity of 184.4 mAh g−1 at 0.1C rate, and even at 10C rate, it still delivers the specific capacity of 110.5 mAh g−1. The substitution of V3+ with an appropriate amount of Fe2+ and Mn4+ increases the Li+ diffusion coefficient assuming from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results, which is mainly responsible for the excellent electrochemical performance.