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We investigated the ferroelectric switching dynamics as well as the multiferroic and piezoelectric properties of highly a‐oriented epitaxial Bi5Ti3FeO15 (BTFO) thin films on Nb‐doped SrTiO3 single crystal substrates. The BTFO thin films favored highly a‐oriented crystallinity because c‐oriented crystallinity decreased under deposition conditions in which substrate temperature and thin film deposition rate were simultaneously lowered. The highly a‐oriented epitaxial BTFO thin films showed the best ferroelectric properties, whereas the highly c‐oriented epitaxial BTFO thin films showed the best ferromagnetic properties. In particular, the BTFO thin films in which a‐ and c‐oriented crystallinity were properly mixed showed the best piezoelectric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray diffraction studies showed that the molecular structures of cis-mer-MoOCl2(PMe3)3 and its blue and green forms did not exhibit any bond-stretch or distortional isomerism. The results revealed that the long Mo=O bond lengths observed in the structures were due to the compositional disorder arising from the isostructural mer-MoCl3(PR3)3.

Endoscopic bariatric therapy may be a useful alternative to pharmacological treatment for obesity, and it provides greater efficacy with lower risks than do conventional surgical procedures. Among the various endoscopic treatments for obesity, the intragastric balloon is associated with significant efficacy in body weight reduction and relief of comorbid disease symptoms. Anatomically, this treatment is based on gastric space-occupying effects that increase the feeling of satiety and may also affect gut neuroendocrine signaling. The simplicity of the intragastric balloon procedure may account for its widespread role in obesity treatment and its applicability to various degrees of obesity. However, advances in device properties and procedural techniques are still needed in order to improve its safety and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, verification of the physiological outcomes of intragastric balloon treatment and the clinical predictive factors for treatment responses should be considered. In this article, we discuss the types, efficacy, safety, and future directions of intragastric balloon treatment.

Here, we report the first successful endoscopic resection of an exophytic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) using a novel perforation-free suction excavation technique. A 49-year-old woman presented for further management of a gastric subepithelial tumor on the lesser curvature of the lower body, originally detected via routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Abdominal computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound showed a 4-cm extraluminally protruding mass originating from the muscularis propria layer. The patient firmly refused surgical resection owing to potential cardiac problems, and informed consent was obtained for endoscopic removal. Careful dissection and suction of the tumor was repeated until successful extraction was achieved without serosal injury. We named this procedure the suction excavation technique. The tumor's dimensions were 3.5 cm × 2.8 cm × 2.5 cm. The tumor was positive for C-KIT and CD34 by immunohistochemical staining. The mitotic count was 6/50 high-power fields. The patient was followed for 5 years without tumor recurrence. This case demonstrated the use of endoscopic resection of an exophytic GIST using the suction excavation technique as a potential therapy without surgical resection.