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Evidence suggests that the neuroprotective effects of melatonin involve both receptor‐dependent and ‐independent actions. However, little is known about the effects of melatonin receptor activation on the kainate (KA) neurotoxicity. This study examined the effects of repeated post‐KA treatment with ramelteon, a selective agonist of melatonin receptors, on neuronal loss, cognitive impairment, and depression‐like behaviors following KA‐induced seizures. The expression of melatonin receptors decreased in neurons, whereas it was induced in astrocytes 3 and 7 days after seizures elicited by KA (0.12 μg/μL) in the hippocampus of mice. Ramelteon (3 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) and melatonin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) mitigated KA‐induced oxidative stress and impairment of glutathione homeostasis and promoted the nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of Nrf2 in the hippocampus after KA treatment. Ramelteon and melatonin also attenuated microglial activation but did not significantly affect astroglial activation induced by KA, despite the astroglial induction of melatonin receptors after KA treatment. However, ramelteon attenuated KA‐induced proinflammatory phenotypic changes in astrocytes. Considering the reciprocal regulation of astroglial and microglial activation, these results suggest ramelteon inhibits microglial activation by regulating astrocyte phenotypic changes. These effects were accompanied by the attenuation of the nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) induced by KA. Consequently, ramelteon attenuated the KA‐induced hippocampal neuronal loss, memory impairment, and depression‐like behaviors; the effects were comparable to those of melatonin. These results suggest that ramelteon‐mediated activation of melatonin receptors provides neuroprotection against KA‐induced neurotoxicity in the mouse hippocampus by activating Nrf2 signaling to attenuate oxidative stress and restore glutathione homeostasis and by inhibiting NFκB signaling to attenuate neuroinflammatory changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What explains the regionally varying electoral outcomes of Islamist parties in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim democracy? By employing a three-stage approach inspired by Evan Lieberman's nested analysis, this article aims to gain a better understanding of how adaptability to local political contexts matters in determining the vote share of the Islamist Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) at the sub-provincial level. It uncovers that PKS' electoral mobilisation in non-Javanese regions depends more on whether the party leverages a strong predisposition towards personal votes underpinned by pre-existing clientelistic ties. In contrast, the PKS support base in Java tends to be embedded in specific milieus shaped by deep-seated sociocultural cleavages. The findings thus not only demonstrate the limitations of programmatic, institutionalised parties like PKS in the Indonesian context, but also resonate with a larger body of broader literature on politics in the Muslim world, indicating strategic considerations of local political conditions as an important factor in electoral support for political Islam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intelligent houses and skyscrapers require many electronic devices for the smart control of building conditions. These devices make the power distribution system of buildings too complicated and expensive. Wireless power transfer (WPT) systems are one of the more promising candidates that simplifies power distribution systems. WPT systems via magnetic resonance coupling (MRC) can transmit power further and broader than WPT systems via inductive coupling. Moreover, recent architectures use an H-beam structure due to its durability and recyclability. Since the H-beam structure can be used as a guidance for WPT systems, the performance of the WPT system can be improved. Thus, this paper proposes a WPT system via MRC with aligned two transmitters (2-Txs) and one receiver to simplify the power distribution systems in smart buildings and to improve the power capability of WPT systems. The characteristics of a WPT system with 2-Txs according to variation of coil arrangement, coil size, and distance imbalance are investigated and verified by mathematical analysis and experimental results. In addition, a phase-shift control method is adopted and experimentally verified to control the output power without an additional power conversion circuit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What caused the surprising electoral success of an Islamist party in one of Indonesia's most Catholic regions, and why was this success short-lived? This article argues that in Ngada district on Flores Island in 2014 the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) deftly mobilised local voters not because of its own organisational and programmatic discipline but because of its "project of commonness", or adaptation to prevailing local patterns of personalistic local electoral competition. The party's growing popularity in Ngada, however, paradoxically fell after it sought to build solid and coherent relations with the electorate in preparation for the subsequent election. The case of the PKS in Flores thus suggests that under certain conditions, in which voter–party linkages are highly fragmented and cleavage-based politics remain undeveloped, party institutionalisation can harm electoral performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanistic polymerization shrinkage and stress behaviors of dental composite resins Filtek P90 (3M ESPE, USA) and Clearfil AP-X (Kuraray, Japan) were investigated using CCD camera and digital image correlation (DIC) method during and after light irradiation. For both resins, the interior of the resin part exhibited greater radial shrinkage strain (εr) due to more mobility than the resin margin near the interface of the substrate ring, where a non-symmetric distribution of εr was observed with a peak away from the center. DIC experiments on the specimen surface showed that the maximum principal stresses obtained along the margin were 1.5–8.4 times larger than the corresponding values by FEM. The non-symmetric shrinkage and the large shrinkage rate during light irradiation caused a significant increase in the principal tensile stress along the interface at cured state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the case of the Indonesian Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), I seek to measure the actual impact of Islamist parties' moderation on their electoral performances and voter bases. Statistical analyses find that although PKS has experienced an influx of diverse voters since the early 2000s, the influx was offset by a gradual withdrawal of educated Islamist voters, who had been loyal to the party since its establishment. I further claim that this change in PKS's voter profile was attributable not to moderation per se but to normalization, manifesting in an adaptation of the party elites' behaviors to the existing patterns in Indonesian politics. The party's recent policy shift with a conservative tone was insufficient to regain votes from its original supporters, who already saw PKS as a run-of-the-mill party. PKS's case implies that it is necessary for Islamist parties to maintain their distinctiveness as an alternative voice in the party system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postoperative pancreatic fistula at the early stage can lead to auto-digestion, which may delay the recovery of the pancreaticojejunal (PJ) anastomosis. The efficacy and safety of an acetazolamide-eluting biodegradable tubular stent (AZ-BTS) for the prevention of self-digestion and intra-abdominal inflammatory diseases caused by pancreatic juice leakage after PJ anastomosis in a porcine model were investigated. The AZ-BTS was successfully fabricated using a multiple dip-coating process. Then, the drug amount and release profile were analyzed. The therapeutic effects of AZ were examined in vitro using two kinds of pancreatic cancer cell lines, AsPC-1 and PANC-1. The efficacy of AZ-BTS was assessed in a porcine PJ leakage model, with animals were each assigned to a leakage group, a BTS group and an AZ-BTS group. The overall mortality rates in these three groups were 44.4%, 16.6%, and 0%, respectively. Mean α-amylase concentrations were significantly higher in the leakage and BTS groups than in the AZ-BTS group on day 2–5 (p < 0.05 each all). The luminal diameters and areas of the pancreatic duct were significantly larger in the leakage group than in the BTS and AZ-BTS groups (p < 0.05 each all). These findings indicate that AZ-BTS can significantly suppress intra-abdominal inflammatory diseases caused by pancreatic juice leakage and also prevent late stricture formation at the PJ anastomotic site in a porcine model. [Display omitted] • AZ-BTS effectively suppresses self-digestion caused by pancreatic juice leakage. • BTS with or without AZ has inhibitory effect of anastomotic stricture formation. • AZ-BTS was fabricated by a multiple dip-coating technique with reliable release. • The releases AZ, targets carbonic anhydrase, protects tisssues from pancreatic juice. • Animal model induced a reproducible incidence of anastomotic leakage and symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To characterize the impact of add-on dexmedetomidine therapy on baseline continuous infusion sedative use. Methods A retrospective, single-center, chart review–based study was conducted to assess outcomes of and potential predictors of response to add-on dexmedetomidine therapy in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients who were already receiving continuous infusions of sedatives. Patients were defined as complete, partial, or nonresponders to add-on dexmedetomidine therapy if initial sedative infusion rates were reduced by 100%, by 50% to 99%, and by less than 50%, respectively, at 6 and 24 hours after initiation of dexmedetomidine. Results Among the 100 patients included in the study sample, there were 54 complete responders, 21 partial responders, and 25 nonresponders to dexmedetomidine add-on therapy at 6 hours after dexmedetomidine initiation; at 24 hours, there were 65 complete and 12 partial responders and 23 nonresponders. Of the variables tested (ie, baseline characteristics, opioid and antipsychotic use, hemodynamic parameters), none differentiated between complete or partial responders and nonresponders. Ventilator time, ICU length of stay (LOS), and hospital LOS after add-on dexmedetomidine therapy initiation were shorter among both partial responders and complete responders vs nonresponders (median, 1.1 days vs 4.1 days [ P = 0.01], 7.0 days vs 14.1 days [ P = 0.20], and 11.0 vs 17.0 days [ P = 0.58], respectively), with only ventilator time being significantly different. Conclusion Add-on dexmedetomidine therapy can obviate or reduce the need for alternate sedation in as many as 75% of mechanically ventilated ICU patients. However, the addition of dexmedetomidine does not allow the reduction of alternate sedation in a substantial minority of patients, and failure to respond to dexmedetomidine can be identified as early at 6 hours after add-on therapy initiation. In the absence of clear predictors of response to dexmedetomidine, these data suggest empiric trials of dexmedetomidine can be considered but should be time-limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Neighborhood destinations play important roles in daily activity levels of older adults. However, little is known about how specific destinations are associated with these activities and/or sedentary behaviors, especially in Asia. This study investigated how neighborhood destinations were associated with physical activity recommendations and excessive sedentary time among older adults. Methods. A telephone-based survey was conducted to collect cross-sectional data on the sociodemographic variables, residential neighborhoods, physical activities, and sedentary behaviors of 1,040 adults aged 65 years and above. Using data derived from Geographic Information Systems (GIS), an adjusted logistic regression was performed to examine the relationships between five neighborhood destination types (i.e., recreational facilities, utilitarian destinations, transit stops, temples, and schools) and both overall physical activity level and sedentary behavior. Results. Significant interactions related to physical activity and sedentary behavior were observed based on both gender and neighborhood destinations. After adjusting for potential confounders, older men living in neighborhoods containing higher numbers of temples were more likely to achieve physical activity recommendations (OR = 1.85 ; 95% CI: 1.16–2.96). On the other hand, older women living in neighborhoods containing higher numbers of utilitarian destinations were more likely to engage in excessive sedentary time (OR = 1.70 ; 95% CI: 1.12–2.56). Conclusions. In Asia, the presence of favorable local neighborhood temples may support physical activity levels for older men, while utilitarian destinations (which have previously been found to support activeness) may be related to excessive sedentary behaviors in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fracture of ductile materials such as Al6061-T6 usually starts from void nucleation. In this study, we investigated strengthening effect and stress triaxiality behavior in notched Al alloy specimens. Various specimens, one un-notched and two with different U-types of notch, one with large diameter (L-notched) and another with small diameter (S-notched), having the same width were selected. The distribution of strain in the full-field was examined using the digital image correlation (DIC) method. Under the tensile test, S-notched specimens showed a more pronounced strengthening effect than the L-notched specimens. The results of DIC confirmed that the notch tip of the S-notched specimen experienced high strain, while the L-notched specimen experienced high strain at the center. The maximum stress triaxiality moved rapidly from the notch tip to the center with the increase in notch radius over 10 mm. The results of the stress triaxiality analysis by finite element method were in good agreement with the above DIC measurement results and predicted the void generation and fracture sites in L-notched and S-notched specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To expand the processing options for low-temperature-operating solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs), the hybridization of powder processing and vacuum deposition is attempted. Nanostructured nickel-yttria-stabilized zirconia (Ni-YSZ) anode functional layer (AFL) and YSZ/gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) bi-layer electrolyte are fabricated over a sintered anode support by pulsed laser deposition (PLD), a physical vapor deposition technology. The most common powder-processed (screen-printed and sintered) La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co 0.2 Fe 0.8 O 3-δ -Gd 0.1 Ce 0.9 O 1.95 (LSCF-GDC) composite cathode is applied over vacuum-deposited thin-film components. When LSCF-GDC is sintered at a general sintering temperature of 1050 °C then the continuity of the GDC buffer is lost and excessive interdiffusion between the cathode and the electrolyte has occurred at the interface. On the other hand, if the sintering temperature is lowered to 950 °C, peak power density more than 1.7 W cm−2 at 650 °C is obtained. Moreover, the operation stability of the hybrid SOFC (degradation rate ∼8%/100 h) is superior to that of the SOFC with a vacuum-processed nanostructure cathode (degradation rate ∼21%/100 h) when exposed to 0.7 A cm−2 at 650 °C, which is a significantly harsh degradation test condition for LT-SOFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Balloon dilation is safe and effective for the treatment of radiation-induced esophageal stricture (RIES), with favorable short-term and mid-term outcomes; however, few reports of long-term outcomes exist. Few studies have evaluated factors associated with recurrence after balloon dilation. Purpose To evaluate the long-term outcome of balloon dilation in patients with RIES and to identify factors associated with stricture recurrence. Material and Methods The medical records of 62 consecutive patients who had undergone fluoroscopic balloon dilation for RIES at our institution between December 1998 and June 2016 were reviewed. Results One hundred and twenty balloon dilation sessions were performed in 62 patients (mean = 1.9 sessions per patient). Clinical success was achieved in 53 (86%) patients after single (n = 37) or multiple (n = 16) dilation sessions. Complications occurred in 27% of the dilation sessions. The primary patency rates at one, two, three, and five years were 60%, 56%, 52%, and 52%, respectively. Secondary patency rates at one, two, three, and five years were 87%, 85%, 85%, and 80%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified an interval from radiation therapy (RT) to stricture of ≥6 months (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.205; P < 0.001), strictures located at the cervical esophagus (HR = 5.846; P < 0.001), and stricture length of ≥2 cm (HR = 2.923; P = 0.006) as significant predictors of recurrence. Conclusion Despite the high incidence of ruptures and recurrences, fluoroscopic balloon dilation is valuable as an initial therapeutic option for patients with RIES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate an EW-7197-eluting nanofiber-covered stent (NFCS) for suppressing granulation tissue formation after stent placement in a canine urethral model. Materials and methods: All experiments were approved by the committee of animal research. A total of 12 NFCSs were placed in the proximal and distal urethras of six dogs. Dogs were divided into two groups with 3 dogs each. The control stent (CS) group received NFCSs and the drug stent (DS) group received EW-7197 (1000 μg)-eluting NFCSs. All dogs were sacrificed 8 weeks after stent placement Histologic findings of the stented urethra were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Stent placement was technically successful in all dogs without procedure-related complications. On urethrographic analysis, the mean luminal diameter was significantly larger in the DS group than in the CS group at 4 and 8 weeks after stent placement (all p < 0.001). On histological examination, mean thicknesses of the papillary projection, thickness of submucosal fibrosis, number of epithelial layers, and degree of collagen deposition were significantly lower in the DS group than in the CS group (all p < 0.001), whereas the mean degree of inflammatory cell infiltration was not significantly different (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The EW-7197-eluting NFCS is effective and safe for suppressing granulation tissue formation after stent placement in a canine urethral model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustic emission (AE) characteristics according to a variety of Configuration factor (C-factor) of methacrylate-based composite resin (Clearfil AP-X, Kuraray) and silorane-based composite resin (Filtek P90, 3M ESPE) during dental restoration were investigated in combination with the Finite element stress analysis (FESA). AE measurement results showed that most micro-cracks occurred within 1 min after the light irradiation started. As the C-factor increased, average cumulative AE hits and average cumulative AE energy increased. Those AE parameters for AP-X with high shrinkage strain were higher than P90 with low shrinkage strain. FESA results showed that the maximum shrinkage stress appeared at the resin/tooth interface on the specimen surface. The stress of AP-X was bigger than that of P90, which coincided with the AE behaviors with increasing C-factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insertion and deletion (INDEL) mutations, the most common type of structural variance, are associated with several human diseases. The detection of INDELs through next-generation sequencing (NGS) is becoming more common due to the decrease in costs, the increase in efficiency, and sensitivity improvements demonstrated by the various sequencing platforms and analytical tools. However, there are still many errors associated with INDEL variant calling, and distinguishing INDELs from errors in NGS remains challenging. To evaluate INDEL calling from whole-exome sequencing (WES) data, we performed Sanger sequencing for all INDELs called from the several calling algorithm. We compared the performance of the four algorithms (i.e. GATK, SAMtools, Dindel, and Freebayes) for INDEL detection from the same sample. We examined the sensitivity and PPV of GATK (90.2 and 89.5%, respectively), SAMtools (75.3 and 94.4%, respectively), Dindel (90.1 and 88.6%, respectively), and Freebayes (80.1 and 94.4%, respectively). GATK had the highest sensitivity. Furthermore, we identified INDELs with high PPV (4 algorithms intersection: 98.7%, 3 algorithms intersection: 97.6%, and GATK and SAMtools intersection INDELs: 97.6%). We presented two key sources of difficulties in accurate INDEL detection: 1) the presence of repeat, and 2) heterozygous INDELs. Herein we could suggest the accessible algorithms that selectively reduce error rates and thereby facilitate INDEL detection. Our study may also serve as a basis for understanding the accuracy and completeness of INDEL detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the effect of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) B receptor activation on astrocyte phenotype changes induced by trimethyltin (TMT) in the dentate gyrus of mice. Male C57BL/6N mice received TMT (2.6 mg/kg, i.p.), and the expression of GABA B receptors was evaluated in the hippocampus. The GABA B receptor agonist baclofen (2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg, i.p. × 5 at 12-h intervals) was administered 3–5 days after TMT treatment, and the expression of Iba-1, GFAP, and astrocyte phenotype markers was evaluated 6 days after TMT. SL327 (30 mg/kg, i.p.), an extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) inhibitor, was administered 1 h after each baclofen treatment. TMT insult significantly induced the astroglial expression of GABA B receptors in the dentate molecular layer. Baclofen significantly promoted the expression of S100A10, EMP1, and CD109, but not that of C3, GGTA1, and MX1 induced by TMT. In addition, baclofen significantly increased the TMT-induced expression of p-ERK in the dentate molecular layer. Interestingly, p-ERK was more colocalized with S100A10 than with C3 after TMT insult, and a significant positive correlation was found between the expression of p-ERK and S100A10. Consistently, SL327 reversed the effect of baclofen on astrocyte phenotype changes. Baclofen also enhanced the TMT-induced astroglial expression of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), an anti-inflammatory astrocytes-to-microglia mediator, and consequently attenuated Iba-1 expression and delayed apoptotic neuronal death. Our results suggest that GABA B receptor activation increases S100A10-positive anti-inflammatory astrocytes and astroglial GDNF expression via ERK signaling after TMT excitotoxicity in the dentate molecular layer of mice. [Display omitted] • TMT induces astroglial GABA B receptor expression in the dentate molecular layer of mice. • Baclofen enhances TMT-induced anti-inflammatory phenotype changes of astrocytes. • Baclofen increases astroglial GDNF expression by activating ERK signaling. • Baclofen-mediated astroglial changes subsequently attenuate microglial activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the outcomes of over-the-wire (OTW) and through-the-scope (TTS) partially covered stents in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO).Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 306 patients who had either OTW (n = 125) or TTS (n = 181) stents placed. Outcomes analysed included technical and clinical success, procedure time, complications, re-intervention, stent patency and survival.Results: One hundred and ninety-three patients met our inclusion criteria, including 125 patients in the OTW group and 68 patients in the TTS group. Technical and clinical outcomes were similar in the two groups. Stent migration rate was higher in the TTS than in the OTW group (P = 0.002) and was associated with straight stent and subsequent chemotherapy in the TTS group. Stent collapse was lower in the TTS than in the OTW group (P = 0.021). Six-month stent patency rate was higher in the OTW than in the TTS group (P = 0.044).Conclusions: TTS and OTW stents for the palliation of malignant GOO resulted in similar technical and clinical outcomes, stent patency and survival. TTS stents were associated with a higher migration rate, especially use of straight stents and subsequent chemotherapy, but a lower stent collapse rate than OTW stents.Key Points: • OTW and TTS stents are equally effective in palliating GOO symptoms. • Six-month stent patency was higher for OTW than for TTS. • The straight stent and subsequent chemotherapy could increase stent migration. • Complication rates were lower for flared than for straight stents. • It is necessary to develop a multidisciplinary approach to integrate clinical experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) hollow fiber membranes were successfully prepared using phase inversion spinning and sintering technique. Hydrophilic surface of porous Al 2 O 3 hollow fiber membrane was modified with a fluoroalkylsilane (FAS) solution that was used as hydrophobic agent for treating the surface of Al 2 O 3 hollow fiber membranes. The unmodified and modified porous Al 2 O 3 membranes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, mercury porosimetry, gas permeation testing equipment, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and the contact angle analyzer. The hydrophobicity of the porous Al 2 O 3 hollow fiber membrane increased with increasing FAS coating time. The effect of the FAS coating on the CO 2 absorption performance was also investigated. As a result, the CO 2 absorption flux decreased with increasing FAS coating time. In particular, these experiments revealed that 2 h coating was sufficient to obtain an optimal hydrophobic protection against the wetting process of the Al 2 O 3 hollow fiber membrane pores. In addition, the best performance for CO 2 absorption flux was achieved with the Al 2 O 3 hollow fiber membrane modified for 2 h coating. The maximum CO 2 absorption flux of surface modified Al 2 O 3 hollow fiber membrane was 6.022×10 −3 mol/m 2 s with a liquid flow rate of 50 ml/min at room temperature. Finally, a 50-hours-long stability test demonstrates that the modified porous Al 2 O 3 hollow fiber membranes are stable and promising for membrane contactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the outcomes between stent placement and surgical gastrojejunostomy (GJ) for the palliation of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) in patients with unresectable gastric cancer.Methods: A retrospective study was performed in a single university hospital in 224 patients with GOO, and who were treated either by stent placement (n = 124) or surgical GJ (n = 100). The outcomes were assessed with reference to the following variables with the use of propensity-score matching: success rates; complications; dysphagia scores, albumin, and body mass index; survival; symptom-free duration; and hospitalization.Results: We identified a well-balanced cohort of 74 pairs of patients, matched on the basis of propensity score. The dysphagia score 7 days after treatment was significantly better in the stent group (P < 0.001). Albumin level 1 month after treatment was significantly lower in the stent group (P < 0.001). Symptom-free duration and hospitalization were significantly longer in the surgery group (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, respectively). The recurrence rate was significantly higher in the stent group (P = 0.032).Conclusions: Stent placement can provide faster symptom relief and shorter hospitalization, while surgical GJ can provide longer symptom-free duration, less recurrent obstruction symptoms and better nutritional status.Key Points: • The two methods are equally effective in palliating gastric outlet obstruction symptoms • The stent group showed rapid and efficient palliation of symptoms • Recurrent symptoms were more frequent in the stent group • Surgical gastrojejunostomy provides a longer symptom-free duration and better nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of a nanostructured Ni–yttria-stabilized zirconia (Ni–YSZ) anode on low-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (LT-SOFC) performance is investigated. By modifying processing techniques for the anode support, anode-supported SOFCs based on thin-film (∼1 μm) electrolytes (TF-SOFCs) with and without the nanostructured Ni–YSZ (grain size ∼100 nm) anode are fabricated and a direct comparison of the TF-SOFCs to reveal the role of the nanostructured anode at low temperature is made. The cell performance of the nanostructured Ni–YSZ anode significantly increases as compared to that of the cell without it, especially at low temperatures (500 °C). The electrochemical analyses confirm that increasing the triple-phase boundary (TPB) density near the electrolyte and anode interface by the particle-size reduction of the anode increases the number of sites available for charge transfer. Thus, the nanostructured anode not only secures the structural integrity of the thin-film components over it, it is also essential for lowering the operating temperature of the TF-SOFC. Although it is widely considered that the cathode is the main factor that determines the performance of LT-SOFCs, this study directly proves that anode performance also significantly affects the low-temperature performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PCCR (Pupil Center Corneal Reflection) method became dominant for finding human's diverse eye gaze directions through the research on the eye tracking technology that has been done for a very long period of time. The initial studies on the eye tracking technology were related to the general human interface for operating equipment and devices, then it has been promoted to the field of various purposes such as a market research in a recent study analyzing customer's behaviors. In particular, a real time eye gaze tracking system is most important for many HCI applications including stereoscopic synthesis, intend extraction, behavior analysis and etc. In order to make an eye gaze tracking system to be real time, the system must have an efficient pupil detection algorithm and ambience-independent image processing as well as reduced complexity, small size and number of circuit components. This paper proposes a method for getting clean images compared to the previous systems to reduce image processing overhead. Because it also helps reducing the number of image frames to be dropped during the image processing, the proposed method can provide a sufficient performance even on a low cost hardware system by reducing the transmission traffic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the measurement of a large optical reflection matrix (RM) of a highly disordered medium. Incident optical fields onto a turbid sample are controlled by a spatial light modulator, and the corresponding fields reflected from the sample are measured using full-field Michelson interferometry. The number of modes in the measured RM is set to exceed the number of resolvable modes in the scattering media. We successfully study the subtle intrinsic correlations in the RM which agrees with the theoretical prediction by the random-matrix theory when the effect of the limited numerical aperture on the eigenvalue distribution of the RM is taken into account. The possibility of the enhanced delivery of incident energy into scattering media is also examined from the eigenvalue distribution which promises efficient light therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cytochrome P450, family 17, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (CYP17A1) is a key regulatory enzyme in the steroidogenic pathway. The functional and clinical relevance of novel CYP17A1 promoter single nucleotide polymorphism (-600 C>A, rs17115149) was investigated with male infertility. Case-control association study of CYP17A1 from 456 infertile men performed with 465 normal fertile men. The rs17115149 at the promoter region of CYP17A1 was significantly associated with Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT, P =0.0015, n =265). 5-aza-dC treatment to B lymphocyte cells increased the CYP17A1 expression. Direct bisulfite sequencing of five human tissues showed that the rs17115149 is located at -600bp (-600C>A) before transcription start site within the CpG islands of CYP17A1 promoter. This −600 Cytosine of CpG site was highly methylated in colon and stomach tissues, but low methylated in adrenal gland, kidney and testis with higher CYP17A1 RNA expression. Especially, this polymorphism is statistically significant associated with testosterone levels from infertile males (n =197, P <0.05). CYP17A1 promoter polymorphism (rs17115149, −600C>A) is a functional regulatory SNP which associated with its expression possibly by epigenetic pathway, which may signify a genetic risk factor for male infertility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Influence of the waveguide attenuation was investigated on acoustic emission (AE) estimation for the marginal disintegration states of dental composite restorations. For the AE measurement, a human molar tooth substrate with an artificial class 1 cavity was made. A bonding agent was applied and a composite resin was tightly packed in the hole of the substrate. Under the light exposure to the composite resin the polymerization shrinkage occurred and the marginal failure generated AE waves. It was ascertained that the waveguide attachment brought about a great decrease in AE hits and amplitudes. Compensation for the attenuation loss of the AE parameters could offer some equivalency to the AE measurements by the direct attachment of the sensor on the substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the influence of the timing of stent removal on the outcome of temporary stent placement with concurrent chemoradiation therapy in patients with unresectable oesophageal carcinoma. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on 52 patients undergoing temporary stent placement. Stents were electively removed within 4 weeks in 15 patients (group A), 4-6 weeks in 17 patients (group B) and after 6 weeks in 20 patients (group C). Recurrent symptoms after stent removal, dysphagia score and overall survival periods were compared among the groups. Results: Stent placement and removal were technically successful in all patients. The dysphagia score was significantly improved in all groups ( P < 0.001). In 19 patients (36 %), recurrent symptoms occurred 15-441 days after stent removal. In group A, recurrent obstruction was significantly higher than in groups B ( P = 0.049) and C ( P = 0.019). Incidence of oesophago-respiratory fistulas in group C was significantly higher than in group A ( P = 0.027). There was no significant difference in survival periods. Conclusion: The ideal time for stent removal likely falls between 4 and 6 weeks following the start of palliative CCRT allowing the temporary stents to relieve dysphagia effectively in patients with unresectable oesophageal carcinoma. Key Points: • Stents are usually required for unresectable oesophageal carcinoma • Optimal timing of stent removal is 4-6 weeks after starting palliative CCRT. • Early stent removal (<4 weeks) is associated with higher recurrence rates. • Delayed stent removal (>6 weeks) is associated with greater oesophago-respiratory fistula development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, as the information industry and mobile communication technology develop, their study is conducted on the new concept of intelligent structures and maintenance techniques that apply wireless sensor network, USN (Ubiquitous Sensor Network), to social infrastructures such as civil and architectural structures on the basis of the concept of Ubiquitous Computing, which invisibly provides human life with computing, along with mutually cooperating, compromising, and connecting networks to each other by having computers within all objects around us. The purpose of this study is to investigate the capability of wireless communication of sensor node embedded in reinforced concrete structure with a basic experiment on electric wave permeability of sensor node by fabricating molding with variables of concrete thickness and steel bars that are mostly used in constructing structures to determine the feasibility of application to constructing structures with USN. By installing wireless communication module inside the structures, it is possible to communicate to measure the pitch of steel bars and permeability of concrete, by measuring in both directions horizontally and vertically. The magnitude of an electric wave in the range of used frequencies was measured by using Spectrum Analyzer. This electric wave was numerically analyzed and the effective wavelength of frequencies was analyzed by the properties of a frequency band area. As a result of constructing structures with wireless sensors, Plain concrete showed 45 cm for depth of permeability. Reinforced concretes that has pitches of 5 cm showed 37 cm and pitches of 15 cm showed 45 cm for the depth of permeability. This suggests that if the pitch of steel bars was more than 15 cm, it would not affect wireless communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been an escalation in interest in developing methods to control the near field because of its role in subwavelength optics. Many novel ideas have emerged in the field of plasmonics, super-resolution optical imaging and lithography, among others. However, the near field generated in plasmonic metamaterials is fundamentally restricted by their predesigned structure, and super-resolution optical techniques do not directly control the near field. Here, we achieve direct control of the optical near field by shaping the wavefront impinging on turbid media consisting of random nanoparticles. The linear relation between input far field and scattered output near fields allows us to coherently control the near field at arbitrary positions. Direct control of the near field through scattering control offers novel approaches for subwavelength optics and may have direct applications in bio- and nanophotonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The influence of co-existing gases on the hydrogen permeation was studied through a Pd-coated V89.8Cr10Y0.2 alloy membrane. Preliminary hydrogen permeation experiments have been confirmed that hydrogen flux was 6.26 ml/min/cm2 for a Pd-coated V89.8Cr10Y0.2 alloy membrane (thick: 0.5 mm) using pure hydrogen as feed gas. Also, the hydrogen permeation flux decreased with decrease of hydrogen partial pressure at constant pressure when H2/CO2 and H2/CO2/H2S mixture applied as feed gas respectively and permeation fluxes were satisfied with Sievert's law in different feed conditions. It was found from XRD and SEM results after permeation test that the Pd-coated V89.8Cr10Y0.2 alloy membrane had good stability and durability for various mixture feeding conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Shot-peening effects on the fatigue life behavior of bearing steel (JIS SUJ2) have been investigated. Hourglass-shaped test specimens were heat-treated and then surface-treated using a shot-peening machine. Results of a rotary bending fatigue test showed that shotpeening suppressed not only much of the surface-originated fracture but also the scattering error of the probabilistic stress-life data, and improved the fatigue life by about 6 times through the load levels of the cyclic tests. Such large increase in fatigue life was driven by the following reasons: The increase of hardness in the skin caused the predicted fatigue limit stress to increase by 15%; fracture-initiating inclusions were distributed at deeper locations, experiencing low nominal stresses; and the increase in the fish-eye fracture size by an average of 180%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The hydrogen permeation characteristics of alloy membranes based on Pd-coated V90Al10 alloy membrane have been investigated in the pressure range 1–3 atm under pure hydrogen and hydrogen–carbon dioxide gas mixture at 450 °C. Hydrogen permeation experiments have been confirmed that hydrogen flux was 21.1 ml/min/cm2 for a Pd-coated V90Al10 alloy membrane (thickness: 0.5 mm) using pure hydrogen as the feed gas. It has been found that Pd-coated V90Al10 alloy membranes exhibit good resistance to hydrogen embrittlement in pure hydrogen atmosphere. After different hydrogen permeation flux tests under different pressure condition in presence of hydrogen–carbon dioxide gas mixture, the characteristics of the Pd-coated V90Al10 alloy membranes were examined by ex-situ analysis techniques. The loss of cell performance observed in the presence of hydrogen–carbon dioxide gas mixture is mainly attributed to both physical and chemical degradations of membrane, which led to structural changes in the Pd-coated V90Al10 alloy membrane. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this experimental work vanadium/Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 composite membrane was successfully fabricated by a two-step sintering process. The formation of a well-defined ceramic metal composite membrane was confirmed under high vacuum sintering conditions. Their surface morphology, stability and structural properties were studied as a function of temperature up to 1100°C by thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Significant differences were observed in the crystalline structure of the vanadium/Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 composite membranes when they were treated at high temperature in different atmospheres (vacuum, air, hydrogen, nitrogen, and helium). The first hydrogen permeation investigation of vanadium/Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 composite membrane is reported. Preliminary hydrogen permeation experiments have been confirmed that hydrogen flux was 1.08mlmin−1 cm2 for a dense vanadium/Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 composite membrane (thick: 380μm) at 300°C using 100% H2 as the feed gas. Both high temperature XRD and ex situ study showed deterioration of membranes and the formation of a small amount of vanadium nitride (VN x ) and vanadium hydride (VH x ) solid solutions under nitrogen and hydrogen gas conditions, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An oxygen transport ceramic membrane was prepared with La0.6Sr0.4Ti x Fe1−x O3−δ (x = 0.2 and 0.3) oxides which was synthesized by polymerized complex method. In order to investigate the effects of Ti substitutions into lanthanum–strontium ferrites, material property, thermal expansion coefficient, oxygen permeation, electrical conductivity and phase stability were examined according to Ti contents. The thermal expansion coefficients of LSTF6428 and LSTF6437 were 25.76 × 10−6 K−1 and 21.32 × 10−6 K−1 in the temperature range of 973−1273 K, respectively. The oxygen permeation fluxes through a disk type dense membrane of LSTF6428 and LSTF6437 with 1.6 mm thickness increased exponentially with increasing temperature and were 0.17 mL min−1cm–2 and 0.13 mL min−1cm−2 with P h = 0.21 atm (O2 rich side) and P l = 10−5 atm (lean side) at 1223 K, respectively. In the result of phase stability test with various conditions such as He, H2/N2 and CO2 atmosphere, La0.6Sr0.4Ti x Fe1−x O3−δ was confirmed to be more stable than La0.6Sr0.4Ti0.2Fe0.8O3−δ through XRD and SEM analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A typical dense membrane of perovskite La0.8Sr0.2Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ have been successfully prepared by citrate method using nitrate salts as cation source and citrate as an organic agent. Precursor of La0.8Sr0.2Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ was analyzed by thermal gravimetric analysis and XRD to investigate optimum calcination temperature. Organic compound and nitrate burned out below 400°C. Weight loss observed over 700°C is due to decomposition of SrCO3. The recommended temperature for calcination of precursor is over 900°C at which single perovskite powder is obtained without impurities. The electrical property, oxygen permeation and stability of membrane were investigated in the range of 700 to 950°C. The electrical conductivity increased with increasing temperature but then decreased over 850°C (20% O2) and 750°C (1% O2) due to oxygen loss from the crystal lattice. The oxygen flux of La0.8Sr0.2Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ membrane increased with the increasing temperature. Themaximum oxygen permeation was measured to be 0.19 mL/min cm2 at 950°C. The activation energy for oxygen permeation was calculated to be 78 kJ/mol. Perovskite structure and phase did not change even after permeation test of 40 h. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To investigate the association between three polymorphism sites of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS; −786T>C, 4a4b, and 894G>T) with nonobstructive male infertility. Design: Prospective case-control study. Setting: University-based hospital. Patient(s): Three hundred seventy-one nonobstructive infertile men in azoospermia (n = 184) or ejaculate semen (n = 187) group were enrolled in this study. Two hundred twenty fertile men who had at least one child without any history of requiring assisted reproductive technology were included as the nationwide control group. Intervention(s): Semen analysis according to the World Health Organization guidelines and cytogenetic and Y chromosome microdeletion assay. Main Outcome Measure(s): Three eNOS polymorphisms were investigated to assess its association with male infertility by pyrosequencing and gel electrophoresis. Result(s): The statistical analysis of three eNOS polymorphisms showed no significant association between the polymorphisms of the control and infertile group. We investigated the sperm parameters depending on the genotypes of the ejaculate semen group. The sperm morphology was found to be significantly associated with the 4a4b polymorphism of eNOS. Conclusion(s): Endothelial nitric oxide synthase may be important to sperm morphology in infertile men. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sulfur-containing conjugated polymer was synthesized by the polymerization of phenyl propargyl sulfide by transition metal catalysts such as PdCl2, RuCl3, (NBD)PdCl2, WCl6, and MoCl5. The polymerization proceeded well in homogeneous manner to give a moderate yield of polymer. The chemical structure of poly(phenyl propargyl sulfide) was characterized by NMR (1H–, 13C–), IR, and UV–visible spectroscopy, and elemental analysis to have the conjugated polymer backbone with the designed moieties. The FT-IR spectra of the polymer did not show the acetylenic Cretching (2119cm−1) and acetylenic H bond stretching (3293cm−1) frequencies of the monomer. The thin polymer film exhibited reversible electrochemical behaviors between the doping and undoping peaks. Poly(phenyl propargyl sulfide) showed the characteristic UV–visible absorption band at 360nm and blue PL spectrum at 460nm, corresponding to the photon energy of 2.70eV. The energy band gap of poly(PPS) was estimated to be 2.77eV from the analysis of the absorption edge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The epigenetic regulation of viral genes may be important for the life cycle of EBV. We determined the methylation status of three viral promoters (Wp, Cp, Qp) from EBV B-lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) by pyrosequencing. Our pyrosequencing data showed that the CpG region of Wp was methylated, but the others were not. Interestingly, Wp methylation was increased with proliferation of LCLs. Wp methylation was as high as 74.9% in late-passage LCLs, but 25.6% in early-passage LCLs. From two Burkitt’s lymphoma cell lines, Wp specific hypermethylation was also found (>80%). Interestingly, the expression of EBNA2 gene which located directly next to Wp was associated with its methylation. Our data suggested that Wp specific methylation may be important for the indicator of the proliferation status of LCLs, and the epigenetic viral gene regulation of EBNA2 gene by Wp should be further defined possibly with other biological processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Chromatin remodeling by histone and DNA modification is important for the initiation of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI). In this study, a thorough transcriptional analysis of five XCI-related genes was performed by single cell reverse-transcribed PCR. An analysis of the XCI-related gene (Xist, Tsix, SUV39H1, SET7, and DNMT1) expression was performed to investigate the initiation process of XCI from early mouse single embryo (1-cell, 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, and blastocyst). Detection of the expression of Xist and Tsix from single 2-cell embryo was feasible, although the expression of those genes was very low in single 1-cell embryo. Transcription of those genes may be activated from single 2-cell embryo. After determining the sex of single embryo by Y-chromosome-specific Zfy expression, we found that Tsix could be detected from both male and female single embryos, but it was only possible to detect Xist from female single embryo. XCI chromatin-remodeling genes, such as histone H3 methylation enzymes (SUV39H1 and SET7) and DNA methylation enzyme (DNMT1), were expressed during all early phases of embryogenesis. The expression of those genes in single embryo was not dependent on sex. Our study illustrated that the expression of these chromatin-remodeling genes, SUV39H1, DNMT1, and SET7, may be originated from germ cells, which were not dependent on zygotic activation of Xist from female single embryo. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mammalian NAD-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase is an allosteric enzyme, activated by ADP and composed of 3 distinct subunits in the ratio 2α:1β:1γ. Based on the crystal structure of NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenases from Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and pig heart, and a comparison of their amino acid sequences, α-Arg[sup 88], β-Arg[sup 99], and γ-Arg[sup 97] of human NADdependent isocitrate dehydrogenase were chosen as candidates for mutagenesis to test their roles in catalytic activity and ADP activation. A plasmid harboring cDNA that encodes α, β, and γ subunits of the human isocitrate dehydrogenase (Kim, Y. O., Koh, H. J., Kim, S. H., Jo, S. H., Huh, J. W., Jeong, K. S., Lee, I. J., Song, B. J., and Huh, T. L. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 3686636875) was used to express the enzyme in isocitrate dehydrogenase-deficient E. coli. Wild type (WT) and mutant enzymes (each containing 2 normal subunits plus a mutant subunit with α-R88Q, β-R99Q, or γ-R97Q) were purified to homogeneity yielding enzymes with 2α:1β:1γ subunit composition and a native molecular mass of 315 kDa. Specific activities of 22, 14, and 2 µmol of NADH/ min/mg were measured, respectively, for WT, β-R99Q, and γ-R97Q enzymes. In contrast, mutant enzymes with normal β and γ subunits and α-R88Q mutant subunit has no detectable activity, demonstrating that, although β-Arg[sup 99] and γ-Arg[sup 97] contribute to activity, α-Arg[sup 88] is essential for catalysis. For WT enzyme, the K[sub m] for isocitrate is 2.2 mM, decreasing to 0.3 mM with added ADP. In contrast, for β-R99Q and γ-R97Q enzymes, the K[sub m] for isocitrate is the same in the absence or presence of ADP, although all the enzymes bind ADP. These results suggest that β-Arg[sup 99] and γ-Arg[sup 97] are needed for normal ADP activation. In addition, the γ-R97Q enzyme has a K[sub m] for NAD 10 times that of WT enzyme. This study indicates that a normal α subunit is required for catalytic activity and α-Arg[sup 88] likely participates in the isocitrate site, whereas the β and γ subunits have roles in the nucleotide functions of this allosteric enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce vehicle occupants’ exposures to aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), it is necessary to develop control strategies for in-vehicle VOCs. This study evaluated the technical feasibility of the application of TiO2 photocatalysis for the removal of VOCs present in air at low parts per billion (ppb) concentrations commonly associated with in-vehicle air quality issues. The photocatalytic removal of five target VOCs was investigated: benzene, ethyl benzene, and o-, m-, p-xylenes. Variables tested for the current study included relative humidity (RH), hydraulic diameter (HD) and flow rate (FW). The fixed parameters included contaminant concentration, UV light source, photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) reactor material and the weight of TiO2. Under the experimental conditions, the PCO destruction efficiencies were close to 100% for four different RH ranges that cover typical ambient air humidity ranges. The efficiency of PCO was dependent on the HD of the reactor and the stream FW. Some carbon monoxide was formed as a by-product in the oxidation albeit at low levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Under supercritical conditions, the effects of the microporous zeolite-coated macroporous supports (i.e., ceramic-supported ZSM-5 catalysts and metal-supported ZSM-5 catalysts) on the endothermic pyrolysis process of methylcyclohexane (MCH, CH 3 C 6 H 11) were examined. The micro-macroporous composite materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and NH 3 temperature-programmed desorption (NH 3 -TPD) analysis. ZSM-5-coated Al 2 O 3 hollow fiber and ZSM-5-coated NiCrFeAl metal foam were both tested using an isothermal constant-pressure continuous-flow heterogeneous catalytic reactor at high temperature (550 °C) and pressure (50 bar) that simulate supersonic jet engines. The MCH pyrolysis conversions and post-pyrolysis products were determined by gas chromatography, while the deposited coke on the microporous zeolite catalysts was quantified using thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. ZSM-5-coated NiCrFeAl metal foam catalyst showed a slightly higher MCH pyrolysis conversion (%) than ZSM-5-coated Al 2 O 3 hollow fiber catalyst. On the other hand, the ZSM-5-coated Al 2 O 3 hollow fiber produces fewer aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, and xylene, BTX), as well as cyclic or polycyclic hydrocarbons (naphthalene). Additionally, the coke deposition was approximately 2 times lower on the ZSM-5-coated Al 2 O 3 hollow fiber catalyst compared to the ZSM-5-coated NiCrFeAl metal foam. Furthermore, due to the endothermic nature of the catalytic pyrolysis of MCH under supercritical jet conditions over the studied microporous zeolite-coated macroporous supports, a temperature decrease of approximately 15–20 °C was observed. [Display omitted] • Micro-macroporous composite materials impact the zeolite catalytic properties. • Catalytic pyrolysis of MCH was studied under supercritical conditions. • Pyrolysis over hierarchical zeolite-coated Al 2 O 3 hollow fiber is less endothermic. • Pyrolysis over hierarchical zeolite-coated NiCrFeAl metal foam is more endothermic. • Hierarchical zeolite-coated NiCrFeAl metal foam produces more coke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to modify the surface characteristics of cerium oxide (ceria, CeO 2) nanoparticles using different surface modification strategies for improved CeO 2 nanoparticle dispersion and suspension stability. Analysis and discussion were conducted on the two surface modification processes used by a cationic surfactant like hexadecyl cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and a silane agent like tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Untreated CeO 2 was used as reference material. The dispersion effect of surface-modified CeO 2 nanoparticles at different pHs was determined by zeta potential measurements. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Particle size analysis (PSA), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis (BET), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to confirm the efficacy of the surface modification of CeO 2 nanoparticles. First, the results obtained in this experimental work demonstrate that both advanced modifications greatly enhance the dispersion and suspension stability of surface-modified CeO 2 nanoparticles in comparison with untreated CeO 2 nanoparticles. Second, it is also shown that the surface-modified CeO 2 nanoparticles obtained through a silanization surface process with TEOS silane agent had a better dispersion effect and dispersion stability than the surface-modified CeO 2 nanoparticles obtained by surface modification with CTAB cationic surfactant. These results can help better understand how advanced surface modifications can assist the application of well-dispersed CeO 2 nanoparticles in technological applications. [Display omitted] • Surface modification significantly improved the aqueous dispersion and stability of CeO 2 nanoparticles. • The modification improved the CeO 2 dispersion by increasing the spacing and negative charge. • CeO2 dispersion was optimal at a specific pH, with a significant effect of pH. • The modification strategy is crucial for the performance of CeO 2 in technological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing concerns regarding cancer recurrence, unpredictable bone deficiencies, and postoperative bacterial infections subsequent to the surgical removal of bone tumors have highlighted the need for multifaceted bone scaffolds that afford tumor therapy, bacterial therapy, and effective vascularized bone reconstruction. However, challenging trilemma has emerged in the realm of bone scaffolds regarding the balance between achieving appropriate mechanical strength, ensuring biocompatibility, and optimizing a degradation rate that aligns with bone‐regenerative rate. Considering these challenges, innovative theragenerative platform is developed by utilizing 3D printing‐based nanospikes for the first time. This platform comprises tissue‐specific nanospiked hydroxyapatite decorated with magnesium (nMg) and adhesive DNA (aDNA). The incorporation of nMg within polylactic acid (PLA) matrix confers photothermal capabilities and helps to modulate mechanical and degradation properties and improve the biocompatibility of theragenerative platform. Simultaneously, the immobilized aDNA contributed to the enhancement of vascularized bone healing. These 3D‐printed tissue‐adhesive theragenerative platforms exhibit superior mechanical properties and offer controlled degradability. Moreover, they enable the eradication of bacteria and osteosarcoma through hyperthermia and promote angiogenesis and osteogenesis, both in vitro and in vivo. This groundbreaking approach is poised to pave the way for the fabrication and design of novel implantable biomaterials that integrate therapeutic and regenerative functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining EW-7197 with irreversible electroporation (IRE) for improving wound healing, 16 male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups of four rats each after dorsal excisional wound induction: sham control group; oral administration of EW-7197 for 7 days group; one-time application of IRE group; and one-time application of IRE followed by oral administration of EW-7197 for 7 days group. Measurement of wound closure rate, laser Doppler scanning, histological staining (hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome), and immunohistochemical analyses (Ki-67 and α-SMA) were performed to evaluate the efficacy. Fifteen of 16 rats survived throughout the study. Statistically significant differences in wound closure rates were observed between the combination therapy group and the other three groups (all P < 0.05). The degrees of inflammation, α-SMA, and Ki-67 were reduced in the EW-7197 and IRE monotherapy groups; however, not statistically significant. The fibrosis score exhibited significant reduction in all three treatment groups, with the most prominent being in the combination therapy group. This study concludes that oral administration of EW-7197 combined with IRE demonstrated effectiveness in improving skin wound in a rat excisional model and may serve as a potential alternative for promoting healing outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strategy for improving the stability of nickel-based solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes via compositional and microstructural engineering is presented. Ni content was reduced to 2 vol%, and nanosized Ni particles were uniformly dispersed in a mixed ionic-electronic conducting matrix comprising gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) using a thin-film technique. Remarkable stability with no performance deterioration even after 100 reduction-oxidation cycles could be observed for the optimized nanostructured anodes. Cell performance at 500°C was enhanced, exceeding 650 mW/cm2. This study offers valuable insights for enhancing the durability, performance, and productivity of SOFCs. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of total substitution of Cobalt (Co) by Titanium (Ti) on the oxygen uptake capacities and oxygen adsorption kinetics of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−d (LSCoF) perovskite-type oxides were investigated by thermal analysis. The novel La0.6Sr0.4Ti0.2Fe0.8O3−d (LSTiF) perovskite-type oxides were studied in attempts to obtain higher oxygen sorption capacities. The nature of the transition metals clearly affects the oxygen uptake capacities. In both perovskite-type oxides, an increase of temperature from 700°C to 900°C increases the oxygen update capacity but with a substitution of Cobalt by Titanium in LSCoF, the oxygen adsorption capacity decreases to about ~2ml/g at 900°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present a new method to improve the oxygen flux properties and stability of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ tube membrane using a thin layer of La0.6Sr0.4Ti0.3Fe0.7O3−δ as protective coatings. The first relevant result is that the La0.6Sr0.4Ti0.3Fe0.7O3−δ protective layer had an extraordinary positive effect on improving the oxygen permeation flux of the tubular Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ membranes. La0.6Sr0.4Ti0.3Fe0.7O3−δ-coated Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ tubular membrane showed the highest oxygen permeability with the flux reaching ~3mlcm−2 min−1 (oxygen purity>99%) at 950°C in static atmospheric pressure through a 1.0mm thick membrane. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In spite of various advantages of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) over various types of fuel cells, SOFCs are yet far from commercial applicability due to their high manufacturing costs. The challenges mainly stem from the ceramic processing defects, particularly for large-scale SOFCs, thereby resulting in high cost in quality control step. Here we present a simple and cost-effective roll calendering process for a lamination of NiO – yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) composite anode tapes with size of 13 × 13 cm2, which can effectively suppress the defect generation and reduce the residual stress inhomogeneity compared to a conventional uniaxial press. The condition of roll calendering for the successful lamination is optimized based on the analyses of interfacial structure, relative density, and elongation length of the laminated tape against number of roll calendering cycles. X-ray diffraction residual stress and microstructure analyses are carried out for the laminated green anode bodies via the roll calendering and the uniaxial press, respectively. After sintering of each sample, the effect of microstructural feature on electrical property is also examined. The roll calendering process not only suppress the processing defects owing to the shearing, but also induce the evenly-distributed residual stresses with lower magnitude owing to the uniformly-applied pressure during lamination even for large-size sample. In addition, the processing defects are reduced by roll calendering, thereby exhibiting the superior electrical conductivity in practical operating condition. • NiO-YSZ anode tapes of SOFCs with size of 13 × 13 cm2 were successfully laminated by roll calendering process. • NiO-YSZ anode by roll calendering exhibits uniform residual stress distribution and no processing defects. • Roll calendering is effective to obtain better microstructural and electrical features of NiO-YSZ anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the clinical outcomes of fully covered self-expanding metal stent (FCSEMS) placement in patients with malignant esophageal obstruction who survived longer than 6 months. From January 2002 to January 2018, 88 FCSEMS were placed in 64 patients (mean age 62.9 ± 11.6 years; 58 males) with inoperable malignant esophageal obstruction with or without esophago-respiratory fistula. Only patients who survived more than 6 months with FCSEMS in place were included. Data regarding technical and clinical success, complications, reinterventions, stent patency, and patient survival were obtained from a prospectively maintained hospital database. The technical and clinical success rates were 100 % (64/64). During follow-up, the median dysphagia score significantly improved (3.09 ± 0.68 to 1.05 ± 0.60, p < 0.001). The complication rate was 48.8 %. Multivariate analysis revealed that only longer stenting duration was associated with complications [hazard ratio = 1.220, 95 % confidence interval (CI) (1.074–2.760), p = 0.039]. The median follow-up duration was 257 days (range, 181–969). The median stent patency duration was 289 days [95% CI (209.9–368.1)]. The median survival was 254 days [95% CI (219.7–288.3)]. Our data suggest that esophageal FCSEMS placement is an effective option for patients with malignant dysphagia when survival longer than 6 months is expected. The rate of complications increases with time, and SEMS development is needed to keep up with the advancement in oncological treatment. Fully covered esophageal self-expandable stent placement is effective in patients surviving more than 6 months, however, the rate of complications also increases. SEMS development is needed to cope with the advancement in oncological treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]